Written by Ellen Taylor Directed by Griff Rowland

Tracy's in hospital hooked up to machines. She's got a bleeder on the brain and they don't know yet if there's any further damage. Deirdre is frantic, Ken looks slightly disturbed so he must be really worried! The doctor doesn't seem overly optimistic. Ken tries to reassure Deirdre and says it could have been an accident. (How? Blunt trauma to the back of the head? In the tram crash, yes, a flying brick could have done it but not three weeks later!) Anyway, Deirdre cries that whoever tried to kill Tracy could have succeeded.

Becky looks somewhat cheerful at the breakfast table as Claire joins her. Becky crosses her fingers and says she hopes Tracy doesn't die. Oh dear. Well, she's no hypocrite is she? Steve leaves to go to the hospital so Becky runs after him, trying to prevent him. He reminds her that Amy is the one they should be thinking about. He's going to find out of Amy can stay with them until they know what's going on. Becky is halted in her progress after him by Max calling out. She looks at Steve and asks if he did it. He stares back and asked if she did. Sorted, I guess neither of them did it if they each wonder if the other did it.

Sophie and Sian are squashed into the single bed and drowsily waking up after the night before. Sophie asks if Sian is ok with the physical side. Sian says it's ok but it feels weird but in a good way. Sophie doesn't want to rush things or push it. They confess their love for each other and Sian skips off to the other bedroom so Sally doesn't catch them. Sally is downstairs eating breakfast. She puts the radio on but the song wailing out of the speakers is "All By Myself" and is quickly turned off again but it's upset her.

Tyrone is searching for a clean cup amid a mountain of dirty dishes, takeaway containers, empty beer cans. He finds a beer stein in the kitchen and puts a teabag in it. There's not much more in the fridge when there's a knock on the door. It's the police doing a door to door check after the assault.

Eddie takes note of the police from across the road and goes back inside with the milk. He tells Anna. They hear water running in the bathroom and she realizes that Eddie thinks Gary has done something. Nope, he's not been out or about, she insists. He's been holed away. Anna asks Eddie to try to get through to him but Eddie is reluctant. Gary comes down and realizes the sudden quiet is about him. He apologizes for taking it all out on them. Eddie runs to stop the eggs from burning. Gary tells Anna he needs to get back to his unit and get back out there. She reminds him that he needs to apologize to Izzy as well.

The police are telling Ken and Deirdre that it's definitely an assault case. Deirdre automatically assumes Steve is the culprit as he was found there with blood on his hands. Ken cautions her and tells the police there have been custody issues between Tracy and Steve. Deirdre interjects that Steve and Tracy had had a loud and angry argument shortly before the assault, Murderous even! she exaggerates. Ken, ever reasonable, says there was some problems and explains the situation with Amy but also points out that Tracy has made a lot of enemies but Deirdre is adamant. It's Steve.

Sally hurries Sophie and Sian. The girls come down in their dressing gowns. Sally scolds them for drinking and lying in but Sian defends Sophie, she deserves a bit of a break after everything that's been going on doesn't she? Sally does agree and apologizes. Sophie says she and Sian are going shopping but puts Sally off coming with them. They urge Sally to give Rosie a call and take her out to lunch. Good idea.

Steve has arrived at the hospital just as Deirdre is going outside for a smoke, much to Ken's disappointment. Naturally as soon as she spies Steve, she flies into him. Peacemaker Ken tries to keep them from getting into it but as soon as Steve suggests Amy stay with him for the duration, Deirdre takes that as proof positive that he did it to get Amy back. The police drive up and observe the arguments. No proof, Ken interjects but Deirdre lays out the case for the cops, Argument, Found at the scene, now "demanding" his daughter back (no, he wasn't demanding) and then runs off at the first sight of the police.

After the break, sally, Rosie and Jason are in a booth eating. Rosie warbles on about Tracy deserving to be smacked even if just for her crimes against fashion! (I like shallow and silly Rosie much better than nasty slutty Rosie, don't you?) Tyrone comes in for a pint and, seeing Sally, buys her a glass of wine. He tells Tina that the police asked him about Tracy and says he did have an alibi. David is at the end of the bar looking worried.

Over against the wall, Owen is sat talking to Izzy about New Year's Resolutions. He takes a call that seems to annoy him and he's got to go. He's got two workers short so he has to look after it himself. Izzy is left alone again until she looks up and Gary is there. She's a bit belligerent about him being there but he apologizes for not showing up last night. He says he can't face crowds. He says he really likes her but is a mess at the moment. She hollers at him that he's not the only one fighting battles to get through each day. Izzy 1 Gary 0. He tells her she's his ideal woman and pulls her in for a kiss.

Outside, David and Gail come across Deirdre and Ken who've arrived home. They ask after Tracy. Ken tells them it was definitely assault and the police will be questioning most everyone. Deirdre snipes that maybe it's like "Death on the Nile" ... Everybody did it. Ken corrects her, "Murder on the Orient Express". She just rolls her eyes at him. They go inside and David and Gail ask each other if they did it. Another pair that obviously didn't, then, but they agree to say they were together so they'd have a proper alibi anyway since neither has one. Audrey shouts across the road for David to get in to the salon. She invites Gail to join her for lunch. Gail can't but who should arrive in a taxi but Claudia. She's got business but won't say what. They play one upmanship and Claudia hints that her salon might not be so far away for much longer. Eh? Claudia turns and goes into the pub.

Out in the smoking shelter, Becky joins Steve who tells her that Deirdre thinks he's the Weatherfield Ripper. They have a little discussion about nicotine. Becky lays the whole situation at her feet. If she'd not had a fag during the adoption hearing, they wouldn't have been turned down, she'd never have found Kylie and Max and they never would have been in this situation (where Tracy could blackmail them). Again he asks her if she did it and she denies it. They believe each other.

Sophie and Sian have returned from the shops, arms full of Sale bags. Sophie pulls a big bottle of something alcoholic out of one of her bags and they go into the house.

In the pub, Claudia is not being very forthcoming in satisfying Audrey's curiosity but Claire comes out and tells Claudia the agent will meet her at the butcher's at 5. Turns out Claudia is considering buying the butcher premises and moving her salon there, right around the corner from Audrey's! You can imagine how well that goes down! Claudia just thinks Audrey could retire and leave the way clear for her!

The police detectives arrive to talk to more people. They tell people that Tracy is seriously injured and they won't rule out the possibility of a murder inquiry. Claire looks uncomfortable. They ask for Steve and Claire takes them through. Rosie and Jason go home and Sally sits back down with Tyrone and invites him to come for his tea that evening.

Over the road, Sian has tried on a red fluffy one shouldered dress. Sophie kisses her shoulder and Sian moves away. Sophie apologizes for rushing her but Sian uses the excuse that Sally might come back. Sophie says Sally will be ages and the two giggle at each other and sink back onto the bed.

Steve tells the detectives that he had gone to try to talk to Tracy when he found her on the ground. He admits he never expected Amy to go back and live with Tracy if Tracy had got out of prison but allowed her back because he felt he couldn't say now. Why?

Owen sends the crew home. Izzy has come to ask for a job for Gary. Owen isn't too sure but Izzy pleads his case, a temporary job until Gary goes back to the army. She reminds him that he's two men down and Owen sighs.

Steve says Tracy made him feel guilty and is Amy's mother after all. He was happy to let Tracy have Amy in the short term in spite of his feeling she is an unfit mother. They suggest Tracy had something over him and he jumps past that and accuses them of thinking he did it when he didn't.

Over the road, Tyrone and Sally have come back to the house. She's going to make the tea and tells him to sit down. She shouts up the staircase for the girls. There's no answer so she goes up. In the bedroom, the music is on and the girls are in bed naked, making out. Sally comes in and they sit up, horrified! Oh dear!

Tvor

Happy New Year to my readers. (Well in the sense that this is my first update for a 2011 episode). This was written by Martin Allen and directed by Griff Rowland.

Sal finds Sophie and Sian in bed together and whilst Sophie suggests they have been trying on clothes, Sal is not swallowing that one and is very upset they have been misbehaving under her roof. She thought she could trust them and stomps downstairs where Ty asks if everything is OK. She asks him to pour her a large drink. Ty and Sal share a drink and the girls come downstairs. They shout at each other and after all they promised Sal there would be no hanky panky. Sal believes that they were acting illegally and in the background Ty keeps trying to leave. Sophie tells her it is not illegal. Eventually T manages to get out - but the girls also decide to go. Sal wants to know how long it has been going on and when Sophie tells her the previous day, Sal does not believe her. Sophie and Sal continue to argue - and Sian is sitting uneasily. Sophie tells her mother that if she had loved Kev perhaps he would not have gone with Molly. Sal loses and tells them to get out.

At the hospital Deirdre is telling Ken she is certain that Steve is responsible. The police officers are interviewing Steve in the back room of the Rovers. Steve knows it looks bad - he has no alibi and he had blood on his hands - but he did not do it.

Owen sees Gary and offers him a job as an all purpose dogs body. Gary says he is going back to the army.

The police decide to question Nick about his close relationship with Tracy - which he tries to deny. He calls it a mistake and says it will not be part of an ongoing relationship. Mick admits it does not look good.

Sophie and Sian go to the Grimshaw residence (where Rosie has already decamped) and beg somewhere to sleep - luckily the sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. I think this makes Eileen's house the most over-crowded residence on the Street (at least tonight), although normally the Barlow residence is bursting at the seams. Sophie and Sian announce they were caught "at it". Eileen pops round to Sal's to let her know where the girls are. Rosie rags Sophie about the "vow of chastity".

And back at the hospital canteen Fiz and John bump into Joy (Colin's mother). They share a drink. It appears that Joy's condition is terminal and there is nothing they can do - chronic heart failure. She gets a regular check - no idea how long - might only be weeks - and she cannot get hold of Colin to tell him. And John had his number - but it no longer seems to work. John claims he deleted the number. Joy would like to speak to Colin and make up before she goes. Joy wishes them good luck with baby Hope.

Eileen updates Sal and tries to re-assure her that she will get through this "gay business". Eileen offers to keep them for the night.

Ty returns to Sal and he still has not eaten and Sal offers him the tea he was supposed to have earlier. Sal breaks down and start crying - her whole world is falling apart. Ty tells her she is a great mum - and Sal thanks him for helping her through all her problems and gives him a huge hug.

After the break we are in Tracy's room with Ken and Deirdre at her bedside when the doctor comes and says he is cautiously optimistic - Tracy is poorly but the swelling around the brain has subsided - and the situation is looking much better.

At the Platt / Tilsley / Hillman / MacIntyre (the latter being Gail's current surname of course - I hope those at the back are keeping up with all these changes) household the police are now asking Gail how she feels about Tracy - they already know that Tracy lied to get Gail convicted but failed. Gail was disappointed when Tracy was released - Gail was not surprised to hear that Tracy has been attacked. David was angry with Tracy - but then he slept with her - as Nick has done. David admits to regret with sleeping with Tracy. He was not happy at being told he was useless in bed. Gail provides an alibi - they were both watching Gremlins and Jools Holland - she had checked with TV Times. The police go.

Eddie buys Owen a drink for giving Gary a job. Owen however does not like Gary chatting up his daughter.

Sally and Tyrone eat a meal together and talk over Sophie - she has not done anything wrong - and Tyrone tells Sally that sleeping with one partner is better than sleeping around. Sally wishes it was a boyfriend, not a girlfriend. And they are doing it somewhere safe. And it will end in disaster eventually - says Ty.

At the Rovers Steve, Sean, Becky and Claire discuss the attack on Tracy. Claire is asked where she was - watching tv with the kids in bed, but to my mind she is not being entirely honest - keeps looking out of the corner of her eyes. No-one seems to have a decent alibi.

Sophie and Sian make up the sofa bed and Eileen says to them to go and chat to Sally when it is quieter tomorrow. Sophie is not sure if she has lost her faith - which worries Sian. Sophie says she tries to follow the rules - but the events around her are cruel: Her father has been entangled with Molly and produced a child, her parents are not speaking, a tram has crashed into the Street causing death and destruction and she has fallen in love with Sian - hardly payback for good behaviour. Sian talks about testing faith as in the Book of Job. Sophie is not sure she can rely on a good.

Sal and Ty are on the sofa talking about events. Ty does not mind listening - it takes him mind off his own problems. Ty heads to put his coat on and out of the door and as he leaves he kisses her on the cheek and then kisses her on the lips. He apologises. Sally moves forward and starts kissing him on the lips and the credits roll.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Sally's drinking a cuppa in the kitchen when Tyrone comes downstairs. Somewhat awkwardly, he says he's going to get off home before Sophie and Sian come back and thanks her for last night. It's made him feel not quite so alone. "Me too," says Sally. Outside, as he crosses the street, Kevin comes around the corner and sees him, obviously realising where he's come from.

In Eileen's house, Sian is making pancakes for breakfast. Rosie asks Sophie if she's going to sort things out with Sally. Sophie supposes she'll have to. Sean comes down and Jason heads for the bathroom, much to Eileen's annoyance. She's still in her dressing gown.

The Windass family come out of their house, each one on their way to their respective jobs. Anna asks Gary if he's looking forward to it. Gary's not sure. Anna says it'll do him good, get him out of the house, a bit of banter with workmates. She knows it's not the army but he'll soon be back there. Eddie looks across at the site of the tram crash and says he wouldn't work there, not where folk have been killed like that. Anna jabs him with her elbow and tells Gary if it's too much for him he can just come home. Just then Owen drives up and tells Gary he can help Jason boarding the Kabin for the plasterer. Gary, looking panic stricken, thinks he'd rather work outside. Owen laughs and tells him he doesn't get to pick and choose.

Tyrone arrives at the garage to find Kevin already there. Kev says he's back for good, in case Tyrone was hoping for something different, and asks if there's anything been happening he should know about. "Like what?" asks Tyrone. "You tell me," says Kevin. Just then, however, Sophie comes in, delighted to see her dad, and asks where baby Jack is. Kevin tells her he's in the creche and says he wants to go to the house to pick up some more of his stuff. Sophie says he might as well come now while Sally is at work. As he goes off with her he turns and gives Tyrone a filthy look.

John is seeing the doctor. He tells him the sleeping pills he was given aren't working. The doctor says he could have something stronger but is worried they're treating the symptoms not the cause, has John considered counseling? John starts to tell him he can't see how counseling will change that fact that his baby daughter is so fragile, but then suddenly seems to want to unburden himself. He tells the doctor that it's not just Hope, he's done things he can't tell anyone about, he's carrying around so much guilt. Then he collects himself and asks to try the other tablets. The doctor agrees, but tells him he needs to resolve whatever is on his mind, find some peace, then he'd start to feel better.

Mary and Norris are in the Street when they're approached by the two detectives. They ask Norris if he could tell them the names of anyone Tracy might have clashed with. While they're talking, Mary pulls the brim of her hat down lower over her face, and looks at the ground. When Norris has finished waffling, one of the detectives suddenly remembers Mary. "I knew I recognised you from somewhere," he says. "It was a very long time ago," cries Mary, "and I haven't touched a chainsaw since!"

Kevin comes downstairs with a bundle of clothes. Sophie helps him to fold and pack them, and asks why he's taking summer stuff with him. He tells her he'll need it in the summer and he's not coming back. Then he asks if there's anything he should know about. The girls glance at each other. "Like what?" asks Sophie. "With your mum," says Kevin. "No, nothing," says Sophie. Kevin then asks if Tyrone has been hanging around. Not as far as Sophie knows, but she's more interested in finding out if Kevin is moving away. He assures her she'll have to put up with him and her half-brother for a while longer yet.

Owen sees Izzy chatting to Gary and asks Jason if he knows anything about him. Jason thinks he's ok, the army have sorted him out as he'd been a bad lad, been in prison. "Been in prison?" exclaims Owen, obviously worried now, and wonders if Izzy knows. Jason looks across at them. "If she does, it doesn't seem to be bothering her."

As Kevin loads his stuff into the car, Rita stops for a chat. He tells her he's got a one-bedroomed flat by the park and got Jack into a creche. Rita says he and Sally both needed space, but now he's back they can start talking again without arguing. Kevin can't see that happening.

Gary gets into Owen's van looking for screws. Jason comes around the corner and locks it, thinking it's been left open. Gary is locked inside, in the dark. "Oi!" he bangs on the sides of the van, "Oi!"

Taking the decorations down in the pub, Steve and Becky talk about Tracy. Becky makes a glib comment about Tracy not pulling through. Steve says she can't wish people dead, not even Tracy, especially as he's in the frame for clonking her one. Just then there's a loud knocking on the door. It's the police, they've come to talk to Becky this time, about the stand up row she had with Tracy.

Sophie and Sian go to see Rosie at Eileen's house. Sophie tells her sister how Kevin has been and collected his things, including summer clothes, which means that's it, it's all over between their parents, and how he's got a flat near the park for him and Jack. Rosie says he's still going to be around, just not with their mum. Sophie points out that Rosie is now at Eileen's, her mum's over the road, her dad's somewhere else – where does that leave her? Where does she belong? Rosie thinks Sophie's quite lucky, she'll make it up with her mum, she's always been her dad's favourite, and she'll always be welcome at Eileen's, she's got three homes!

Rita is passing Owen's van when she hears furious knocking. Just then Owen and Jason come along and Owen unlocks the door. Gary bursts out in a furious temper and throws Owen to the ground, then turns and picks up a plank. Jason shouts and leaps at him and they tussle until Eddie comes along and splits them up. Owen shouts that Gary is a head case, and Gary tells his dad that Owen locked him in the van and thought it was funny. Jason shouts that it was him, not Owen, and he didn't know Gary was there. Owen tells him to get out of his sight and stay away from Izzy too.

John goes to visit Joy Fishwick. He full of charm and concern, and says he had a couple of spare hours and thought he'd call to see if she needed anything doing.

The police are still questioning Becky, who says she can't remember what the row with Tracy was about, but Tracy is her husband's ex, she's a cow, and the police would row with her as well. Becky says she doesn't have to prove anything to them, it's up to them to do the proving – where's their evidence? While she's talking to one detective, the other gets up and picks up a framed photo of Becky and Max and asks who it is. Becky tells her it's her sister's boy, his mum's in Cyprus. "When's she back?" asks the detective. Becky says if they've done talking about Tracy, she's needed in the bar. They go, but add that she hasn't heard the last of them.

John's about to leave Mrs Fishwick to go to work. He asks if there's anything else she needs. She says she could do with a visit to the supermarket, so he arranges to come back the next day to get her. As he turns to leave she pulls at his arm and tells him he's everything she wished Colin had been.

Sally is walking down the Street when Tyrone rushes up to her. He asks if she's seen Kevin, and Sally is surprised to hear he's back. Tyrone asks if they can talk about last night and they arrange for her to go to his house soon. He runs off and Rita comes over, saying that she's seen Kevin and he seemed to be in a very strange mood. She hopes he and Sally can sit down soon and have a decent conversation. Sally can't see that happening any time soon. "That's what he said," says Rita. When she's gone, Sally runs over to Tyrone's house and knocks on the door, not realising that Kevin is sitting in his breakdown truck on the corner, watching her go inside.

Fiz comes home from the hospital to find a very cheery John setting the table. She asks what's happened and he tells her he went to see Joy Fishwick. "Whatever for?" asks Fiz. He tells her he wanted to see how she was doing and she was in a bit of state, what with her health and Colin and all. Fiz tells him it's not his problem, and thinks that Colin is a monster to desert his mum when she's old and ill. He tells her he feels he should be paying his dues for using Colin's name and adds that he's taking her to the supermarket tomorrow. Fiz sighs, but says it's ok if it makes him feel better and doesn't interfere with work or the baby.

In Tyrone's kitchen, Sally asks why he's worrying about Kevin, after all they've done nothing wrong and even if they had it would be nothing to do with him. Ty tells her that his head's been all over the place for the last couple of months and last night she was so lovely. She tells him that the last couple of months have been horrible but now it's time to move on. She thinks that Kevin has done his best to ruin both their lives, but they're so much better than that. Tyrone is a lovely, decent man who shouldn't get dragged down to Kevin's level.

In the pub, Owen tells Izzy what happened with Gary. She says she's sorry, and he tells her he's glad it was him and not her that Gary went for.

Kevin is just shutting up the garage when he sees Sally come out of Tyrone's front door and, after a quick peck on the cheek, leave. As she gets to her own door he runs across, shouting that they're a pair of hypocrites, he saw Tyrone sneaking out of their house this morning and asks if Sally's been back for round two. "Don't be so disgusting!" snaps Sally. Kevin tells her he can understand her wanting to get back at him, but this is pathetic. "You're the pathetic one," says Sally, as Kevin turns and runs across to Tyrone's door. She tells him he's making himself look ridiculous, but he ignores her and hammers on the door. Eileen and Sean come out of the house next door to see what the noise is, as Kevin grabs hold of Tyrone as he opens his door and pulls him into the Street. He tells Sally not to kid herself, Tyrone only did it to get back at him for Molly, he would never fancy her! As Kevin spells out what he thinks happened, Rosie comes out. "Mum? Tyrone? That is SO tacky!" she shrieks as Kevin has Tyrone pinned against the wall and raises his fist. He lowers it again, muttering that it isn't over, and lets Tyrone go back into his house. Sally pushes Kevin, spitting through gritted teeth that what she does and who she does it with is nothing to do with him. Then Eileen puts her arm round her and leads her into her house.

Anne Logan

We open in the street where Kevin is on his mobile phone and apparently very angry. He ignores Rita's greeting to him and storms past her.

Sally starts when she hears a thunderous knocking at the door.

Rosie, Sian and Sophie are at Eileen's discussing the whole situation. Rosie assumes Sally must have been very drunk to sleep with Tyrone and probably just wanted to wind up Kevin. Sian and Sophie agree that at least it'll take the heat off them for a while. Despite Rosie's warnings they go off to find out what's happening.

It must have been Kevin at the door because he's in the house now and he and Sally shout at each other, as they do for most of this episode! He says she's still his wife. Sally points out that she was still his wife when he was jogging with Molly Dobbs. She tells him she doesn't care what he thinks about her behaviour. She has to go upstairs to get dressed for work. As she turns her back on Kevin we see her smirk.

Steve meets Ken, Deirdre and Amy just outside their house. They're off to the hospital because Amy wants to see Tracy. Steve asks if he can provide them with a taxi, free of charge. Deirdre snaps "No!" but Ken accepts. Steve goes off to the office to organise it, leaving Deirdre in a neck frenzy, just like the old days. "Still think Steve did it?" Ken asks brightly. Her neck tightens even more.

John and Fiz are with Hope. John's looking sleepy but says he's going to see Joyce Fishwick today because he promised. Fiz says it's so sad that Joyce knows she's dying but can't see her only son.

Kevin wants to know if Sally's had some sort of emotional breakdown. "Are you still here?" she sneers as she returns from getting dressed. Not for the first time she asks him to go but Kevin's not listening. The two of them are so busy shouting that they don't see Sophie and Sian come in. Sally's a bit ashamed when she realises they've heard the arguing but she tells Kevin that the girls sleeping together is something else she's had to deal with. Of course, this starts Kevin shouting at them, too.

There's an angry man waiting outside the garage. Tyrone spots him and, toast in hand, heads across to see him. He doesn't get there, though, before Rosie flies at him, shouting about him sleeping with her mother. It's clear poor Tyrone doesn't know what she's on about. Eileen watches on with real interest. Tyrone shouts at Rosie that she must be completely mad.

The police are in the cafe questioning Roy and Hayley about where they were on New Year's Eve. Hayley points out that they stayed up "until Big Ben," had a celebratory cup of cocoa and went to bed. When the police have gone, Roy comments that the problem is they've got too many suspects.

Owen and Izzy are also in the cafe, having breakfast. She still can't understand why Gary was locked in the van in the first place and she doesn't want him to call the police about it because Gary would be kicked out of the army. Owen tries to get her to promise to give up seeing Gary. He's not sure Gary should be in the army at all. "He's unstable and trained to kill."

Kevin and Sally are still shouting. Kevin thinks everyone else has gone mad. Sophie shuts everyone up by shouting, "It's not a game!" She tells her parents to look at the mess they've made of their lives. "How can you stand there and judge me and Sian when all you are doing is just being horrible and cruel to each other?" She says they've both cheated and they're both determined to keep on being hurtful to each other. "So what have we done that's so wrong?" Kevin and Sally both look ashamed. Kevin's phone goes and he answers it. He's needed at the garage. As Sally tells Sophie she's got more common sense in her little finger than she and Kevin have in total, she realises Kevin's left and is annoyed again.

As Kevin steps into the street he sees Tyrone and races over to whack him! Ty falls to the ground with Kevin hitting him as Sally, the girls and Jason try to drag the two apart. Tyrone dusts himself off and, bleeding from his face, stomps over to deal with the annoyed customer.

In the pub, Sally tells Rita, Rosie, Eileen and Jason that she's the laughing stock of the whole street but they try to assure her she isn't. She admits that she didn't sleep with Tyrone, though she told Kevin she did. She kissed Tyrone and he stayed the night but that was it. Rosie's very relieved to hear it. Sally admits she wanted to hurt Kevin. Eileen admits she would have felt the same, only she probably would have gone further and slept with Tyrone. Jason's shocked.

John's put up a picture hook so Joyce can hang Colin's graduation photograph. John refuses a cup of tea or any money for the groceries but when Joyce starts talking about Colin as a little boy he changes his mind and stays.

Amy wants to give Amy a kiss and tell her a secret. As she's whispering in Tracy's ear and Deirdre's in tears, Tracy wakes up. This being television, she goes pretty much from "coma" to "awake and talking" in a few seconds. She'd love a drink, she says. Ken thinks this rules out brain damage.

Izzy talks to Gary and manages to get him talking about what happened in the van. He said it was the smell – he doesn't know if it was diesel, metal, sweaty men or a combination of all those smells which meant he was suddenly back in Afghanistan, trapped, under fire and Quinny was dead. He says he couldn't control his reaction. "If Jason hadn't been there I don't know what would have happened." He wants to get back to Afghanistan because everything makes sense there. "I'd be letting Quinny down if I didn't." Izzy says she worries about him but Gary says there's no need.

Owen and Jason are moving timber when Anna comes over to apologise for Gary. She thinks Gary was sacked because he physically couldn't manage the work. Owen has to tell her the real reason.

The police question Tracy. She tells them she can remember everything. She was in the kitchen and could hear the fireworks. Then there was a knock at the back door.

Sophie and Sian are apparently packed and ready to leave. They talk about relationships and are interrupted when Kevin comes in with a stranger in a suit. The man starts to explore the house.

In the back room of the pub, Claire thinks that if the police suspected Becky or Steve they would have been round by now. Steve comes in and tells Claire and Becky that Tracy's awake.

In the pub, Sally's not sure how long she should let Kevin stew before telling him the truth. It's too late for that. The stew has well and truly boiled over. The girls come in to tell her Kevin's got an estate agent in to value the house.

The police come in looking for Rebecca McDonald. Lloyd takes them through the back and knocks on the living room door. They go in and say that Tracy had identified her attacker. Claire looks up. They arrest Becky.

Sally's rushed home. Kevin tells her he's spoken to a lawyer. He's entitled to have the house valued because it's jointly owned. And he's frozen their joint bank accounts and removed her name from all the garage paperwork. He's filing for divorce on the grounds of her unreasonable behaviour.

The End of Episode One
Margaret Carr

We pick up where we left off and Sally tears the contract that Kevin handed to her. They start arguing over his right to invade the family home with a surveyor. She asks why he is doing this, why does he have to instigate all out war?

As police lead her away, Becky assures Steve that she didn't do anything wrong. Steve tells her he believes her. Becky says her goodbyes to Max. Claire insists to police that Becky is innocent but they ignore her and take her away.

Audrey is worrying about Claudia and knows she is planning on opening up a rival salon in the butcher shop. David interrupts to tell her and Gail that Becky has been arrested.

Anna is arguing with Gary over his attack on Owen. Eddie tells her that he was having flashbacks in Afghanistan but Gary tells them both to butt out.

Kevin tells Sally that she can give the word and he'll stop. Sally tells him that she never slept with Tyrone and Kevin is furious. Sally reminds him that his lies were a whole lot worse. Kevin suggests that they call it quits and give the marriage another go but Sally is incredulous. He tells her that she had a chance to stop it but she had better get a good lawyer.

Joy is talking to John about Colin. She admits that she doesn't have long left and would love to speak to Colin. John says that Colin still has his old phone and she could leave a message for him. John gives her the number but tells her she can't phone until after dark due to the time difference.

After the surveyor leaves, Sophie asks Kevin why he is doing this. He tells her that Sally won't make amends and he has to think of baby Jack. He needs a house and a stable future. He warns the girls that although he will always love them, the divorce could get messy.

Becky is in the police interview room. The police tell her she has no alibi and Becky says she didn't expect she'd need one. They comment that she seems very confident that she will get out of here and she replies that that is because she is innocent.

Audrey is having her hair done at Claudia's. Claudia tells her she has given up on the butcher shop idea and instead suggests that Audrey retires and sells her the salon. Audrey flatly tells her that there is no chance. As Claudia goes to answer the phone, the man sitting beside her strikes up conversation. Audrey warns him that the service here isn't very good.

Sally goes round to see Tyrone.

Fiz gets a phone call from Nick to say john hasn't been into work at all. Chesney comments that he is unreliable but Fiz snaps at him that it would be nice to have some support right now.

Sally is telling Tyrone all about Kevin's actions. He says that he is glad that she is sticking to her guns and asks her if a divorce is what she wants. She replies firmly that it is.

Mark and Audrey are getting on like a house on fire. Claudia returns and comments that she is a sly fox. Audrey says she isn't interested in romances with her clients to which Claudia replies that he is free for her.

Ken asks Tracy if she is 100% sure Becky attacked her and enquires if she deliberately framed her. Deirdre tells him to shut up and have some faith in her. Ken replies he had to ask but wanted to be wrong.

A message is left at the Windass' from Gary's physio saying he missed an appointment. Gary deletes it.

John arrives home as Fiz and Chesney head to the hospital. After they go, he picks up an emotional message from Joy who begs Colin to get in touch as she doesn't have much time left.

Lloyd asks Steve what is happening with Becky. Steve replies that she is being held overnight. Lloyd warns him that he could be too if the police find out that they bought Max.

Tracy sits smugly in her hospital bed and laughs at something on the television.

Becky sits in a cell. Someone next door is noisy. Becky snaps and screams for her to shut up.

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by John Anderson

Fiz and John are chatting by the incubator in the preemie ward. John espouses the "do your homework first" theory of upbringing, with a push in the direction of Oxford as a child always has the potential if pushed. Fiz just wants her to do her best. John's mobile rings and he passes it off as a marketing call. Fiz asks him to do a grocery run and he sheepishly admits he may get some shopping in for Joy. Fiz asks him not to spend too much but doesn't object and then chuckles over the names, Hope and Joy after just talking about charity.

In the back of the Rovers, Steve is seen chastising Max who's upstairs. Claire questions Steve about what the jail cell would be like and how they're treating Becky. Steve is clearly on edge about it all and is a bit sarcastic to a naive Claire.

We see the cell door opened and Becky is still sitting on the bed/bench. Doesn't look like she's slept much. The detective comes in and she points out some graffiti carved into the wall where she'd scratched her name a few years back. "Bec" plus a picture of a key. Bec-key :) The DI is mildly amused. He tells her they're letting her go for now but are making further inquiries. She reminds him of the further inquiries made by DC Hooch (which were also false accusations as this is, I think is her point.) The DI doesn't get the point, though, but says someone will drive her home.

Sally comes out of Underworld and asks Tyrone if Kevin has been around which he hasn't. They chat about the upset and agree though nothing happened between them, it was best that way anyway because they're just mates. Sally admits that the kiss did make her feel like she could have a future again. They turn around and see a white pickup truck/van pull up in front of Sally's with Kevin getting out of his car just behind it. Sally runs to the house. It's someone putting a For Sale sign up on their front lawn and Sally strenuously objects. There's a huge row between them and the poor guy with the sign is just stood there as the slurs and insults fly. Finally Kevin takes the sign and plugs it into the ground as Sophie and Sian come along. Sally pulls the sign out of the ground and turfs it across the road. Kevin apologizes to the sign guy but he just shrugs it off as if he's seen it all before. And probably has.

John has brought some groceries for Joy and she's very pleased. She calls him an angel. She says she's feeling ok today, mainly due to the tablets and having some company. He makes both of them some soup in the kitchen while she chats to him. She doesn't think he's in Canada because the dial tone of the phone number she's got isn't right. He says that the phone that matches the number might not have gone to Canada with him. She's derogatory about Colin's ability to be a good son and says she's thinking of hiring a private detective. John tries to assure her that he'll turn up. She looks at his graduation photo on the wall and says he graduated with honours.

Becky has arrived home and is cuddling Max. Claire looks uncomfortable hearing about Becky's aches and pains and reluctance to eat the slop they serve and goes into the kitchen to make her an egg and sausage sandwich, asking what the cops will do next if they've let her off. Becky makes it sound like she's completely off the hook but it's just until they get more evidence because Claire wonders at how they could keep Becky's head on the block while they wait for Tracy to tell the truth. Like that's going to happen.

Chris has a bottle of champagne in a red kids' bucket. Class. He wants Lloyd to get the Mercedes rather than one of the everyday cabs for his date with Maria (he won the chauffeur package in the raffle, remember?) I'm not sure that plastic bucket is going to go with the Merc but it does match Maria's pretty red dress. He's impressed with how great she looks.

Audrey asks Nick how it's going. He says Peter and Leanne are due back that afternoon. She thinks he's being a good sport being friends with his ex wife, knowing he probably does still hold a torch.

Lloyd comes around with the limo and a chauffeur hat on but Chris points out that he's got a flat tire.

In hospital, the doctor gives Fiz some good news. She's going to be able to hold the baby later! Fiz is thrilled!

Kevin and Sally are in the house now and still rowing. She wonders how they can manage to make it as painless as possible for all three children though he figures the girls can manage, they're grown and Jack is the one that needs him the most. He accuses her of setting the girls against him. (He's done that himself). More rowing and he finally throws a name at her that we've all been waiting for...Ian Davenport. She looks him right in the eye and lies with a straight face. "I didn't have an affair with Ian Davenport" He just looks at her and points out that neither of them are innocent over the past 25 years. She calls him a caveman and he comments that he turned a blind eye, causing her to again protest that she didn't have that affair. He just ignores it, knowing darn well she did and he insists he's selling the house. She vows to stop him.

John brings a tray with soup to Joy and then takes a call from Fiz who's told him about holding the baby. He's thrilled and then tells Joy the news. She reminisces about Colin's overdue birth and some other memories about him and his claustrophobia. Her comment about Colin preferring cremation to burial turns the soup to ashes in John's mouth. She doesn't understand why Colin doesn't call her.

Nick comes across the road as Peter and Leanne are getting out of a taxi. Peter says they had a nice time, nice hotel, nice food etc. Deirdre comes outside and Nick heads back to the shop.

Maria is sat in the car drinking champagne. Lloyd informs Chris that Tyrone can come fix the tire a bit later. Why can't he do it himself? Because the wheel gear is missing that's why.

Back to Joy's house, she's still going on about Colin and needing to speak to him about funeral arrangements. John's in the kitchen opening a tin of something. Joy picks up the phone and calls Colin's number again. John's mobile, on the table, rings. He is distracted and, probably thinking it's going to be Fiz again, picks it up and when he looks at the number, realizes the jig is up! He answers it with a tentative hello while looking at her. She says.. hello? looking at him. Busted!

We flip over to the Barlows where Peter has been told about Tracy's injuries. He's angry that nobody called to let him know and is sick to death of people tiptoeing around him. Peter is surly and doesn't answer when Leanne tries to get him to agree they did have a good time while away. Simon brings in the boat they brought for him and the subject is temporarily dropped.

Back to Chez Fishwick where Joy is confused. How did John get Colin's phone. Now the lies start again. He tells her that Colin is back in the country and he saw him yesterday. He told him everything about his mother's health and says Colin is coming to see her this afternoon as a surprise (and he'd picked up Colin's phone by mistake). She gets all excited and jumps up to get the hoover out, make up his bed and asks John to get tinned peaches in because Colin loves them. John is at a loss.

In the salon, the Renshaw twins are getting their hair done and getting the twins confused. Chris comes in finally, saying the car is ready. Maria is now tiddly with the champers and teases Chris for getting dirty and wearing brand new trousers. Lloyd ushers them out.

In the Rovers' back room, Claire comes in to see Becky who's looking down. Becky figures she's not off the hook and Tracy is going to win. Claire insists that they will know Tracy is a liar and will get found out. Becky confesses she's done a lot of bad stuff in her life but she didn't do this. Claire makes a confession of her own...she did it!

Joy checks her watch again. Colin still hasn't got there. John babbles about how Colin said he did love his mother despite everything. She says she did her share in pushing him away, too. She talks about Colin's relationship with Charlotte though doesn't think John would know her (because she doesn't know that John used to teach with Colin) She tells John about Colin and Charlotte "hiding" up in his bedroom after she'd brought her over for a meal. John comments that maybe Colin just got delayed or stopped off for flowers. Joy doesn't think so. John is starting to get more anxious and his body language is so clearly closed in. He can hardly look at her, he's slumped over in the chair and gripping his hands together. She realizes there's something wrong and something he must not be telling her. He admits it. Where is he, she asks gently. He says he's sorry and he owes her the truth. "The thing about Colin is... he's dead!" She just looks at him, not taking it all in for the moment.

But next half, she'll have to, won't she?

Tvor

This episode was written by Simon Crowther and directed by John Anderson

We start away from the Street in Joy Fishwick's where she cannot believe the story which John is telling her - he stole Colin's identity so he could teach illegally. Colin was in Canada and amused for a while - but there was a problem when Colin came to see him and Colin died and there was nothing he or Charlotte could do with it. John then explains that he killed Charlotte and put her in the tram crash - and Joy does not believe the somewhat far fetched but true story he recounts. Joy does not believe a word of it - she is getting wound up and he asks for her forgiveness and then admits he has already been to prison. She wants her spray as she is finding it hard to breathe.

Becky is in two minds over Claire's duplicity. Claire is fiery over Tracy's comments. They sit down and Claire tells Becky that she just pushed Tracy - but she stumbled and fell down and cracked her head. Claire wants to confess so that it does not hurt Becky - but Becky does not want Claire's boys going into care.

Deirdre is heading off to the hospital and Ken wants to stay home with Simon and Peter who intend to watch a Kirk Douglas movie - but Ken is browbeaten into going.

Lloyd is on driver duty for Chris and Maria - they go into the Rovers and Cheryl wanders past. Apparently it is all back on between her and Lloyd and to be honest I missed the reunion between the two of them - was this in the aftermath of the tram crash. Anyway she cannot find a job at Roy's or anywhere else at the moment. He offers to make her a kept woman but she does not want that. They kiss.

Joy calls John a madman but he says he simply made a mistake. He does not give her the spray and she is getting visibly weaker. She wants the phone - he is trying to persuade her not to call the police when there is a knock at the door. It is Clifford from next door. John puts his hand over Joy's mouth to stop her calling out.

Becky is telling Steve about Claire and he reckons she needs to tell the truth - but Becky points out she is innocent. And Tracy is an unreliable witness. So Becky says they should do nothing - it could all backfire in Tracy's face. Becky reckons that she has used her brainpower to get out of this one.

Clifford drops a talking tape through the letter box and departs. John releases his grip on Joy - to find that he has killed again. And he tries to use the spray - but she has gone and we go into the break with John realising that the death count is now up to three.

In the Rovers Leanne is telling Janice about how badly Peter behaved whilst away. Leanne is also certain she is right to have married him. Chris and Maria tell Tina about their trip - about an hour spent walking around the Red Rec trying to get Maria sober after drinking champers. They did not get far!

John's phone goes off - it is Fiz and she wants to know where he is. She gives him a list of things to bring. He simply looks as the body and does not even clear up the bowls. He removes his fingerprints from the spray - but from nothing else and it was clear that there were two people eating.

In the back room of the Rovers Tina reports to Becky and Steve that she is both barmaid and child minding. Steve and Becky realise that Claire has headed to the police station. Steve asks Sean to come in and work.

Ciaran is at the Barlows and says that Michelle feels underdressed in her new job - to which Dreary offers some of her old suits. This causes Peter some merriment - but Ciaran is the gentleman thanking Her for her kind offer. Ciaran is trying to get Peter to go out for a drink but Peter is not feeling very positive at the moment - quote depressed even.

At the police station Claire is thinking through the events before deciding to go and hand herself in.

John returns home and collects Chesney. Between them they have the list of items which Fiz wanted. John looks very troubled.

Deirdre offers chicken pie and peas to Ciaran - but Michelle is cooking and he heads off. Peter loses his temper when he runs into a box and he determines that the entire family is moving home.

Maria has decided that the day is over - and she is not taking Chris home - instead he offers to buy Lloyd a pint and walk home.

Becky and Steve arrive too late and argue about how fast Steve should have driven to the station - but she still loves him and gives him a kiss. They decide to wait. They sit next to a hoodies - whom Becky knows.

At the hospital Fiz and John are going to be allowed to hold Hope for the first time. John claims he is emotionally unprepared when Chesney calls him a zombie - but we know he has killed again.

At the station Claire confesses and she is definitive that Becky did not do it. Claire recounts the loss of her husband and the need to look after the children so Claire repeats that she pushed Tracy - with no impact - but Tracy fell when her heel broke and hit her head. Claire is a weak woman.

Fiz is holding Hope and Chesney takes a photo. Roll credits.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Peter is helped by Ken to get up the stairs and into the flat. He tells Leanne things will get better now that they're back in their own home. She urges him to take it easy. Ken offers to keep Simon at their house for one more night, and leaves them. Peter tells Leanne that for a moment, as Ken helped him up the stairs, he thought he would scoop him up in his arms like he does sometimes with Simon, and for a split second Peter wouldn't have minded. "And that's what I've got to fight," he tells her.

Claire is back at the police station. She surrenders her passport and tells them she really didn't mean to hurt Tracy, she was goaded into it. They tell her it's duly noted and let her go, pending further enquiries.

Leanne is in the office counting money when Nick comes in. "Good trip?" he asks. She doesn't answer. (Doesn't he know it's really annoying to have someone talk to you when you're counting?) He persists and asks again. "Uh huh," she responds. He starts to try and talk about Tracy but she tells him she doesn't want to know. He comments on the profits. "What do you want, employee of the month?" she snaps. He says that someone had to hold the fort while she enjoyed her romantic interlude of candlelit dinners, log fires and tete a tetes. "Or wasn't it like that, didn't things quite go to plan?" he sneers. She turns and tells him they did, it was just perfect!

Fiz is telling John and Chesney how wonderful it felt to hold little baby Hope. John sits at the table looking morose. He then gets up to go to work and as he puts on his coat a receipt falls to the floor. Chesney picks it up and, looking at all the things listed, comments that he must've been hungry, there's a 'Winter Warmer for Two' on there. As he goes off upstairs, John turns to Fiz and tells her it was the food he got for Joy Fishwick. She tells him she knows, and he's a lovely, lovely, man. She goes out to the kitchen, leaving John staring at the receipt. After a few moments, realization dawns, and a stricken-looking John turns and rushes out of the front door.

At home on the sofa, Peter looks bored. He picks up his phone and calls Nick. "I need you to do me a favour," he says.

In the Rovers, Ken puts a drink down in front of a very shaken Deirdre, who tells him that the police have rung and told her that Claire has confessed to attacking Tracy, so obviously now Becky is not implicated. Just then Claire walks into the bar. "Is it true?" Deirdre demands to know, "have you confessed to assaulting my daughter?" Claire quietly says that she has. The few locals standing around look amazed. Deirdre shouts that Claire nearly beat Tracy to death. Claire tries to say that it wasn't quite like that, but Deirdre is in no mood to listen. Gail butts in and tells Deirdre to leave Claire alone, if it is true there will be a lot more to it, she knows Tracy. Deirdre yells that Claire tried to kill her, and David mutters that it's a pity she didn't finish the job. Deirdre thinks that's a despicable thing to say, but Graeme thinks it's debatable. Deirdre is upset that they're all condemning Tracy and she's the victim. "Debatable again," murmurs Graeme. Claire rushes out to the back, and Graeme says it might be best if Tracy stays in hospital for her own good. "Oh Ken, it's like a lynch mob," weeps Deirdre. "Now you're talking!" says David, "knock some gallows up, anyone got a washing line?" Ken leads a wailing Deirdre out of the door.

A very cheery Peter is now in the betting shop, and thanks Nick for helping him down. John calls Nick over and asks for some time off, there's something he needs to do. Nick, however, tells him he can't go anywhere now, he's got to pop out himself soon and he can't rely on Peter. John looks crestfallen. Just then Leanne comes in and gets very angry when she sees Peter, saying he's supposed to be upstairs resting. "I've knackered me legs, not me brain," says Peter. Leanne turns on Nick and says she supposes he's responsible and he'll set Peter back. "How's he going to recover if he pushes himself too hard?" Nick says he thinks Peter should be the judge of that. Peter reminds them that he is still there, and flings down the pencil in his hand. He then asks Nick to help him back upstairs.

The police are at the hospital taking a revised statement from Tracy. "So your attack did not involve Rebecca MacDonald, as indicated in your earlier statement?" Tracy tells them she'd just had her head smashed in, she was dazed and frightened and didn't know what she was saying. The police tell her that because of her unreliability as a witness it will make the chances of securing a conviction against Claire a lot harder.

Upstairs in the flat, Peter is furious with Leanne and tells her she shouldn't have humiliated him in front of his customers. "Do you have any idea what this is like for me?" he shouts. She asks if he has any idea what it's like for her. He says if she can't even handle two weeks, has she thought about what would happen if he doesn't get better? He says perhaps she'd better go, now, and shouts at her to get out of his life.

In the cafe, Jason asks Chris how it went with Maria. Chris says it was good and they're seeing each other again. Just then Maria comes in and confirms with Chris that they'll see each other in the Rovers at about 7pm.

Nick asks a tight-lipped Leanne how things are. She tells him not to start, she's not in the mood. He says he can see she's unhappy, he can see she's hurting. She shouts at him to leave her alone. He persists. "Can I help?" he asks. Again she tells him to leave her alone. "I just want you to know I'm here for you," he says. She snaps that she can't cope with this, and grabs her coat. "Just say the word," he says. "The word is NO!" she shouts and storms out.

Back in the Rovers, everyone wants to buy Claire a drink. Tina tells her it shows what people think of her. Claire is surprised, she thought everyone would be against her. They all tell her she was provoked, there's a dozen people in the Street who would have done exactly the same thing. "You've not long lost your husband, you were under a lot of strain," says Tina. Claire wonders what Ashley would have thought about it all, he was such a peacemakers. Just then the phone rings and Tina goes off to answer it. She comes back saying it was Steve telling her that they've let Becky go. Claire is really happy until David points out that they'll be sending the bloodhounds out for her now, and they won't rest until they've nailed her.

John arrives at Joy Fishwick's house in the dark. He tries the front door but can't get in, and then starts trying to peer through the windows. Just then the next door neighbour appears. "Can I help you?" he asks.

Peter is struggling round his kitchen trying to make tea. Suddenly he falls to the floor as Leanne rushes in. She helps him to sit up and wraps her arms around him. He tells her he's sorry and asks her not to leave him. "Don't be daft, I'll never leave you," she sobs. "I'm scared, Lee, and I love you," he says.

Cheryl and Lloyd are in the pub and he suggests he takes her and Russ away for a short break somewhere. She says she'll think about it. They look up and see Chris glaring at them from the bar where he's standing with Maria. Just then Jason comes in and they decide to play darts, while Lloyd goes off to work. Maria sits down with Cheryl, who comments that she and Chris seem to getting on well. Maria asks if she minds. "Not at all," says Cheryl, "you're good for him, he really seems to be turning over a new leaf." Maria looks slightly puzzled but says nothing.

Joy Fishwick's neighbour is telling John how he came round with a Joanna Trollope audio book for her but she wasn't in. He put it through the letter box so she may well be engrossed in that now. He waffles on, while John looks increasingly uncomfortable. "What was it you wanted?" asks the neighbour, suddenly. John seems lost for words for a moment or two and then stammers that he's delivering a package. (Twit!) "Where is it?" asks the man, looking around. John stammers again that it's in the car, he always checks first to see that the customer is in. "Have you knocked?" asks the man. John says he has, and panicking, starts to leave, but the man goes to the front door and calls him back. "Let me try," he says, and starts shouting through the letter box, and then goes to the window and peers through the gap in the net curtains. He can see her foot, she's not moving, there's something wrong. John tries to run off, saying he has to get going, but the neighbour stops him and says they'll have to break in, then he delivers a karate kick to the door and it bursts open. Turning on the lights as he goes, he walks through to the living room with John hesitatingly following behind. They find Joy Fishwick dead in her chair, as John had left her, and as the neighbour goes off to dial 999, John picks up the two empty bowls from their lunch. Then he thinks better of it and puts one of them down again. In the kitchen he stuffs the bread rolls and the remains of the soup from his bowl into his pockets!

In the back room of the Rovers, Becky asks Claire what she's going to do, because the police will be breathing down her neck any time soon. Claire's opinion is that she's done wrong so she'll take her punishment. Steve and Graeme talk about prison. "It won't come to that!" exclaims Claire. Becky thinks it will, and prison would kill her. "You're going to have to do a runner," says Graeme. "What? I can't do that!" says Claire. They say she can, and they'll help her. She protests that she can't go on the run with two kids in tow. Steve asks what they'll do if she's in prison for a few years. "Where would I go?" she asks. Graeme says he knows someone who could come up with fake passports by tomorrow. They tell her she's got to do it and quickly.

John rushes back to the living room as the neighbour gets off the phone. He's busy wiping the table over with a tea towel when the man comes back into the room and asks what he's doing. John says if Joy was anything like his old Nan she would hate visitors to an untidy house. "You are particular, aren't you?" says the man. John then says he has to go, he's on a tight schedule, can't wait for the emergency services. He rushes out of the front door, stepping on something as he goes. "You've stood on Joanna Trollope!" says the neighbour. John gets into his car, panting.

Anne Logan.

Friday again already! For those in NZ and Australia, I hope this takes your minds off floods and storms for a while!

We open in Peter's flat where the doctor's asking about his level of pain and how the fall happened. Peter's sick of this and wants the doctor to give him something to finish him off. Ken arrives and hears about the fall.

Claire's looking at cards made by Josh and Freddy. They ask if they're ever going to school and she says she doesn't know. When they go to clean their teeth, Becky and Claire discuss the idea of her going to France. Claire says she can't because the police have asked her to stay in the country. Graeme comes in with a card for Claire and says he's also come to take passport photos of Claire and the boys. She's very reluctant but he says he can at least take the pictures and she can decide later whether to use them or not.

Dr Carter's written a prescription for painkillers. When he goes, Peter grumbles that the doctors don't have a clue. Ken tells off Peter for trying to do too much. Peter says he knows he's an invalid but he's not going to act like one. He refuses an offer to go back to Number One.

Fiz thinks John's been behaving oddly lately. For some reason Chesney's been looking at the electricity bill and asks if they always pay that much. John says that's why he's always asking people to turn off the lights. Fiz suggests selling the car and walking to the hospital. Chesney thinks nobody sells their car unless they're getting a new one. Ches offers them money. John says it's normal to be short of money when you've got a new baby.

Graeme's taking the passport pix, though the coat hook coming out of Claire's head will be a dead giveaway that they're fakes. Steve isn't sure running away is the right thing to do. Becky tells him Claire can't go through all that court stuff.

Chris comes into the salon to ask out Maria. When he goes, Audrey's lips are pressed firmly together. Maria says "Here we go," and outlines what she thinks Audrey will say about Chris. "Who are you arguing with?" Audrey asks. Maria says neither of them knows what really went on between Chris and his wife.

Carla and Leanne meet in the street. Carla asks how Peter is but Leanne asks very abruptly. She tells Carla that the sort of concern she has for Peter isn't the sort they need. Nick is nearby, listening carefully.

John arrives home. Chesney wants to talk about money. He says he has plenty and offers some. John says he's grateful but they'll manage. Fiz comes downstairs and they agree to drive to the hospital.

Nick arrives at the factory to see Carla and asks why Leanne has turned on her. Carla says Leanne's having a bad time and needed to shout at someone. Nick says he heard them talking about Peter. Carla is non-committal. Nick wonders if there was something going on between Peter and Carla. The phone rings, saving Carla from having to answer.

Graeme is back with three passports. She says she can't run away. She couldn't explain that to the boys. Graeme asks what Ashley would want her to do. "I think more than anything else he'd want you to look after Josh and Freddy, which you can't do if you're banged up." He urges her to get out of here while she still can.

Carla finishes her call. Nick says he should have guessed why she took so much interest in him and Leanne. Carla's still confessed nothing. She tells him they didn't have an affair. She says something happened that brought them together and they became close. Nick is very skeptical. Nick surmises that Carla wanted Peter but he wanted Leanne. Nick's worked out that Carla was as desperate for them not to marry as he was. Carla wants to know what he's going to do with his new-found knowledge.

Eileen and Tina talk about Claire being a widow at 30 and Tina tells Eileen that Claire's thinking of going on the run.

Nick to the betting shop to see Leanne and asks after Peter. She's very short with him. He tells her what he's talked to Carla about. Leanne doesn't want to talk about it. Nick is surprised she would believe Peter. He reckons Peter's probably still drinking behind Leanne's back.

Graeme and Becky try to persuade Claire to go. She agrees. Becky sends Graeme to Streetcars for a taxi. Tina comes in to say Eileen and others are asking after Claire, wanting to know if she'll be in tonight so they can buy her a birthday drink. Claire says she might be, to Becky's horror. Claire says she can't just go without saying goodbye to people. Graeme is also horrified. Claire says she'll stay tonight and go tomorrow morning.

As Chris knocks on Maria's door he sees Cheryl and Lloyd head into the Rovers. When Maria comes out he asks if she fancies a quick drink in the Rovers before they head into town.

Nick arrives at Peter's saying he thought Peter could do with a bit of company.

In the Rovers, Chris and Maria join Lloyd and Cheryl. Chris asks if he can see Russ at the weekend but Cheryl says they've already made plans. Chris is annoyed and demands to know where Russ is while Cheryl's in the pub. Lloyd explains that he's off to do an airport run soon and Cheryl will go to pick up Russ. Chris suddenly remembers he's forgotten to call someone. He steps aside and calls someone called Billy, offering him a bit of work.

Peter tells Nick how sick he is of all this. "I know I should be grateful I'm still alive, but being grateful has never been one of my strong points." Peter says Nick can make a cup of coffee if he wants and apologises there's nothing stronger. Nick has a bottle of wine with him. He apologises for bringing drink into the house. Peter says it's fine. Nick asks him why Carla and Leanne would be having a go at each other. Peter says if they're going to talk about women they should do it over a drink.

Tina's annoyed with Graeme but he says he's doing it for Ashley. Rosie annoys Eileen by saying Claire doesn't look big enough to bash someone over the head, but Eileen does!

Chris meets Billy outside the pub. His instructions are to follow Lloyd and see where he goes in his taxi.

The police arrive and the woman says it should be quiet enough so they'll go in the Rovers' front door and "no cuffs." The male points out that Claire put the last person she hit in hospital.

Graeme's spotted them and dashes inside to warn Claire. She panics and realises he was right and she should have gone straight away. She knows they've come to arrest her.

Peter demands that Nick pour him a glass of wine before he'll discuss Carla and Leanne. Nick does.

The End of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Peter heaves a sigh as he drinks from the glass of wine. Nick tries to prompt a conversation about Carla but peter stops him and says that he wants to savour this moment.

The police come into the rovers and ask everyone where Claire is. Tina, Graeme, Eileen and Jason all deny any knowledge of her whereabouts. The police head through to the back where Steve is sitting on the sofa. He tells them that Claire is away with the boys visiting a friend and he doesn't know when she will be back. As the female one warns Steve that they will be back at 9, the male officer heads out into the backyard and shines a torch. Luckily he doesn't spot Claire, the boys and Becky, who are hidden behind a wall.

Peter tells nick that he could manage another glass of wine. But as nick is about to pour it, Peter hears Leanne arrive home and stuffs his glass behind a cushion. Leanne is furious to see nick drinking but peter assures her that it's okay. Nick gets up to leave and Leanne gives him a frosty reception. After he goes, peter tells Leanne that Nick is a good bloke.

Claire and the boys come back through and are told that the police will be back at nine. Becky tells her she has a second chance to get away and this time, Claire readily agrees to make a break for it.

John is clearing up the dinner while Fiz looks troubled by something she reads in the newspaper. Chesney asks John when Hope will be able to come home and john replies that it should be in a few weeks.

Maria and Chris are at a restaurant and Chris is asking her if the altercation between himself, Lloyd and Cheryl earlier was his fault. Maria assures him that it wasn't and she agrees that she couldn't handle the thought of not seeing her son.

As Chesney heads out, Fiz tells John that she has read Joy Fishwick is dead. John feigns surprise but Fiz is worried as the article states that police are interviewing neighbours. John reminds her that it's not a huge shock as Joy was frail but Fiz points out that that would make her easy to murder. She tells john that he should go to the police as he could have been the last one to see her. He says he is too worried about his stealing Colin's identity being revealed to do that.

Claire is packing a bag. Becky checks with her that she is doing the right thing and doesn't feel forced. Claire tells her she is scared to death.

Outside, the police lie in hiding in their car watching the Rovers. They know she is still in there and it's only a matter of time before she comes out…

Maria is telling Chris how she thought she'd never trust another man again when his phone rings and he answers it to his mate Billy. He seems very pleased with the news he receives. Maria asks if it's good news and he says not for so me...but for him it's perfect.

Eileen and Tina are wondering what's happening with Claire. Eileen gets another round of drinks in as she wants to see what happens before the police return at nine.

Simon is reading to Peter and tells him off for not listening. Peter apologises. Leanne interrupts to say she left her phone at Ken's and she is going to get it. Peter says miserably that he'll just sit here like a vegetable, as always. Outside, Leanne phones Nick and orders him to meet her.

Graeme is telling Eileen, Jason and Tina that Claire is moving to France. Claire comes through to say goodbye to everyone. She is very tearful. Graeme tells her she has been like a sister to him. She thanks everyone for all their help since Ashley died. Tina tells an emotional Graeme that Ashley will be looking down and cheering for what he has done for Claire.

Leanne accuses nick of getting Peter to drink again. Nick assures her that peter had none but Leanne doesn't know what to believe. Nick tries to convince her that he is here for both her and Peter.

A taxi pulls up outside the Rovers. The police watch. The female officer says that it's just Claire she wants.

John tells Fiz that he last saw Joy on Monday. She is still panicking that a neighbour may say that he was there and he could end up as prime suspect.

Leanne arrives home and asks Peter if he really trusts Nick. He says he does but there is only one person in this life he trusts 100% and that's Leanne. She looks guilty and says she won't ever let him down and Peter says he won't let her down either.

Claire is looking for Freddie's toy. Graeme orders her to hurry up. She cries that she has never been more frightened. Graeme promises that he won't let anything happen to her and that he will sort everything out back in Weatherfield after she has gone.

Steve comes back out with a figure covered in a hood. As the taxi drives off, the police pull out in front and block their way. They dash out and pull open the door only to find Tina in the back. They look disappointed and order them to tell Claire to get in touch when she gets back. As they leave, Becky watches from the corner of the back exit and tells Claire the cost is clear. She weeps that she doesn't want to go as she feels like she is leaving Ashley. Becky tells her firmly that Ashley will be with her in her heart wherever she goes. She climbs into a car driven by Jason and they set off. As the drive past the butcher's, Claire holds Josh and Freddie close, kisses them and heads off for her new life…

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Mark Burt Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

Leanne is worried about Peter but he assures her he's fine. She admits she's worried about Nick and tries to use the excuse that things are slow in the shop and they can't afford three salaries. She and John can cope (I'd debate that point. John can hardly cope full stop!) Peter insists Nick can stay employed. She also mentions that Cheryl is having birthday drinks in the Rovers but he decides he doesn't want to take the chance.

Eddie has a day of slothing on the sofa and watching telly ahead but Anna has a different day planned for him and hands him a list of chores to do instead. Gary comes down and is prickly as usual when Anna gently suggests he should be getting ready for his physio appointment.

Chris is waiting outside for Russ who comes out with Cheryl and Lloyd. It's her birthday and Russ has a gift but had waited until his dad was there, too, to give it to her. It's expensive perfume so it's clear that Chris had a hand in it and Lloyd isn't happy about it. Cheryl just thanks her son and passes it off.

Eileen has had a call from Claire who is settled in France safely. Eileen gripes about Rosie hogging the bathroom but when she comes down, Sean leaps up and takes the next shift. Eileen and Rosie have a bit of a cat fight and then Eileen and Jason have a bit of a bicker. Rosie tries to defend Jason but Eileen just puts her down so she leaves, all upset. Outside she closes the door and takes a step away and a slate falls off the roof right behind her. It just missed her and she screams! Eileen and Jason come out to see what happened. Rosie is upset that she could have been killed, or worse, scarred for life! Eileen just brushes it off, more concerned about the expense of fixing the roof. Gotta say, I'm with Rosie on this one, she really could have been badly injured. Jason sends Eileen back inside and comforts Rosie.

In the cafe, Lloyd is moaning about Chris buying the perfume for Russ to give to his mother. Lloyd figures it was a ruse to buy her the gift himself with Russ as the cover and he's not happy that Cheryl seemed happy and grateful. She points out she couldn't very well blank him in front of her son. Why not? Lloyd is being a bit childish about it all and she calls him on it. She doesn't care about Chris, is more concerned that she's jobless and broke. He apologizes. She muses that she might have to go back to pole dancing if she can't find something. He doesn't want her to do that, naturally. When Anna comes by to see how the breakfast is, Cheryl quips that it's better than the conversation.

Peter is working out on gym equipment. Nick arrives to get his signature on some paperwork. He struggles up to make a brew for them both. Peter mentions that he thinks he should go to the support group as he hasn't been for awhile. Nick asks if he's waking up wanting to drink. Peter says he doesn't but he's worried. Nick assures him that he's a different person and can always talk to him.

After the break, we're in the betting shop and Janice runs in. She's been invited to Amsterdam with Toyah! Janice admits she doesn't like living on her own and Leanne apologizes that she's not been very supportive. She invites Janice to the Rovers for Cheryl's birthday drinks and maybe they can go into town after. Sorted. Janice leaves and Nick comes in. It's his day off but he explains about the paperwork. She asks him if he talked to Peter. Nick is not specific about their conversation. Leanne tells Nick that she and Peter both appreciate his help. She's clearly not comfortable around him and he's clearly still carrying a torch.

Meanwhile, Carla finds Peter in the cafe. He allows her to sit down. Anna takes her order and Carla tells him that she did ask after him to Leanne but it didn't really go that well. She seemed stressed. Peter points out Leanne's worried about him. He says he's never been fitter physically (that, too is debatable) but he snaps at her when he thinks she's asking if he wants a drink. She tries to be supportive but he's not having it. Eddie comes in looking for a snack but Anna pushes him off and asks after Gary. Eddie relates a phone call he's had and apparently Gary didn't show up for his physio and it's the third session he's missed!

Ciaran is hovering over Michelle's shoulder in the office at Underworld, being her human spell check. Carla is annoyed to find him there. Ciaran angles for a job but she says he's a walking sexual harassment claim, he's far too good looking!

Peter is outside the betting shop telling Leanne he decided to go to the birthday do after all. No, Nick wasn't the one that changed his mind, ok??

In the cab office, Eileen is also pointing out to Lloyd that his jealousy is probably not warranted. She figures he should just stay the nice guy that he is. His solution, buy her a nicer gift than Chris's. Lovely. Eileen mutters "Brains of a rocking horse" as he leaves.

There's a singles night being organized at the Rovers for later in the week, so the posters on the wall are saying. Ciaran is looking glum and holding up the bar. Michelle is trying to buck him up. Tina said she's heard that the Flying Horse needs a cook. That does make Ciaran's mood lighten and he wastes no time getting off the stool and out the door. Janice comes in and notices the poster. Tina encourages her to sign up. Janice isn't sure.

Leanne and Peter arrive but he looks uncomfortable to be there.

Eileen is in the builder's office. Owen wants a file to pull out an estimate but can't remember the client's name. Makes finding the file in an alphabetical system difficult, Eileen points out. He pulls a bunch of files out, much to her chagrin when Jason comes in and knows exactly where the estimate is, in the van! Oops is all Owen can say until Eileen pushes him into an apology which he gives grudgingly. Eileen asks Jason if he's had a chance to look at the roof but is dismayed when he hasn't. Owen says he'd help him do it tomorrow but is not really sounding all that promising as he's working full out.

In the pub, Cheryl is pleased to see Peter out and about. Lloyd puts a bottle of wine on the table and hands a glass of orange juice to Peter. Carla watches the toast from the bar and Peter is very conscious of her presence there. Eileen comes in and Carla offers to buy her a drink. Eileen gripes about having two jobs, no money and a roof caving in and she reminds Carla that she still owes Owen money for his work on the factory from awhile back.

Janice is talking about the singles night. They all tell her she should attend. Chris and Maria come in and sit down with the party. Peter steps up to get the next round in and wheels over to the bar where he stares at a pint sat on the bar with a longing look in his eyes. Cheryl notices a man who's just come in carrying a hold all. It's "Billy", a mate of Chris'. Chris gets up and takes Billy through to smoking shelter outside. Peter has ordered a vodka but before he can drink it, Carla comes out of the Ladies' and takes it from him quietly. HE realizes how close he came and she advises him to go and she'll cover for him.

Out back, Billy gives the hold all to Chris. It's full of stolen goods. Chris pays for the goods but tells Billy he'll have to hold the gear until tomorrow. Billy's not happy about that and suggests they're even for a debt long owed (Chris was instrumental in keeping Billy out of prison 5 years before). Doesn't sound like Chris is willing to let Billy off the hook. Billy doesn't understand why, since Chris has been out of the "game" for ages, why he is starting to fence stolen goods again. Chris is tight lipped about it though says that's not the plan.

Nick finds Peter on the street having a fag. Peter says that he nearly had a drink. Nick points out that he didn't actually drink so it's all good. Peter is feeling pretty low about himself and realizes he shouldn't have gone in the pub at all. Nick passes it off and thinks maybe he just needs some space from the people he knows who are all watching him. "They're allowed to have fun and you're not?" Peter agrees that could be the case. Peter then invites Nick for a pint and a chat. Nick wonders if he's sure about the pint part. No problem, Peter predicts he can handle it. Nick smiles and wheels Peter off in the direction of a different pub.

Oh dear.

Tvor

Written by John Kerr. Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones.

We open in the Rovers where the girls are getting going on a round of slammers. Janice wants to attend singles night with Maria - but she denies that she is still single. Janice also reckons that as Cheryl has legs longer than her and she is an ex pole dancer she might just find getting men is easier than it is for Janice. Cheryl offers to teach her some routines but Leanne does not want to know. Peter was supposed to be getting some drinks in - but he has left and Carla says that he was looking tired. Carla and Leanne are not getting on at all well at the moment. Chris appears to say his mate Billy has gone.

Over at the Weatherfield Arms Nick is buying Peter a drink - which he needs to take the edge off a difficult day. Peter soon downs the pint.

Jason and Rosie are arguing in the Street over the slate which missed her - she tells him she wants the roof fixed. Eileen also wants the roof fixed - but Jason says he has not had a moment - but then Eileen has not had a moment to do his washing or his cooking or his cleaning - at which point Owen comes along shouting the odds at "soft lad" who is slacking and Jason is starting to think that everyone has got it in for him. Jason claims he has done nothing - but that is the problem as Eileen points out - her builder son has not got around to fixing her roof! Owen and Jason depart having agreed to look at the roof later - and Rosie is so impressed that Eileen got her way with men without wearing anything low cut - which is a huge relief to all viewers!

Janice and Leanne have returned to the flat - but Peter is nowhere to be found. Janice invites Leanne to join her visiting Toyah - but Leanne cannot leave Peter. Janice suggests clamping the wheelchair before returning to the Rovers.

Nick and Peter are chatting. Peter is deceiving himself that he can limit himself to one. Nick talks him to having a second pint. Peter's mobile goes as he goes outside for a smoke and Nick rejects the call from Leanne.

Anna tells Gary off and he cannot face further criticism and heads out.

Lloyd has an extra present for Cheryl - a rather nice necklace and Chris is very annoyed, if looks could kill Lloyd would be six foot under.

At the Weatherfield Arms Ciaran has just got a new job and he finds Peter drinking with Nick. Ciaran knows it is dangerous and tells Peter off. There are raised voices and Ciaran gets the sack and Peter is still trying to deceive everyone by saying he can handle his drink. Peter asks Nick for help but Ciaran tells him that is not a good idea as he wheels Peter out of the pub so they can tell Leanne where Peter has been and what he has been doing.

After the break Rosie and Sean are discussing plastic surgery. Eileen wants to know who has had the last of the tea bags. There are no more. Eileen wants some changes in her house. The house is falling to pieces - she cannot afford it and she is putting the rent up and she expects Rosie to contribute. Rosie says she is never there - but if Rosie does not like it she knows where to find the door. Owen arrives and takes Jason to look at the roof.

Chris offers to look after Russ anytime - perhaps on Saturday he could take him to get some new football boots. Turns out that Lloyd has already got them. Chris is feeling cut out of his son's life even though it was clear that there had been no previous discussion. Maria tries to re-assure Chris and he smiles that he is with her.

Ciaran has brought Peter back to the Street and Peter tells him to pack it. Peter tears Ciaran's shirt. Peter then wants to stand to fight Ciaran but falls over into the Street. Peter asks to be helped up. Ciaran wants to tell Leanne and Simon about the drinking but Peter knows that cannot happen. Peter says he has stopped before and can stop again. Ciaran helps him back into his chair and departs.

Izzy finds Gary on the bench and says she is worried about him. She cares about him - and she wants to know what is bothering him. Gary is just difficult and refuses to tell her anything. He calls her boring and tells her to go back to her boring life. And then almost immediately he changes his mind - but everything is so messed up and he cannot think straight. Izzy suggests getting something to eat and he follows her to the kebab shop. Gary is missing Quinny and he owed him everything. Gary is so ashamed of himself and he does not know how long it will be before it feels better. He cannot forget it and that if had not frozen then maybe Quinny would still be around. He also reveals he has not spoken to Quinny's parents and perhaps that needs to happen.

Eileen admits she was a bit off earlier - but she needs some more money and it has to come from somewhere. The two builders return and Owen has a list of work which needs doing - new guttering, water has got in, brickwork needs repointing and the damp has got into internal walls and it just goes on and on. The total is about three grand. Eileen does not have three grand and the work needs doing.

Peter tells Leanne an elegant set of lies which are nothing like the truth. Leanne forgives me. Peter goes to brush his teeth. She asks if he is alright - which he will be once he is back on his feet.

Ciaran lies to Michelle about not getting the job and he leaves her in the Rovers.

Maria and Chris seem to have completely different musical tastes.

Cheryl and Lloyd seem to be getting on well and Lloyd hopes she is glad about all the things he does for her. Cheryl prickles up and Lloyd tries to backtrack. But she reckons he is as bad some of her punters and she storms out.

Ciaran has gone to give Nick a piece of his mind - telling Nick that Leanne has not been told. Nick argues back that Peter is his only friend - but Ciaran says allowing an alcoholic to drink is an odd way to treat a friend. Nick promises him that he will not let Peter pour his life down the drain. Ciaran departs and Nick laughs at how easy it was to get the simple Irishman to believe his lies.

See you all next week.
K Richard W

Breakfast time at Eileen's house. Everyone except Eileen is bright and chirpy, she sits looking morose, and then wonders out loud how she's going to raise the three thousand pounds needed for the roof. Rosie suggests she does a car boot sale. Eileen gives her a withering look. "I don't have a car boot," she snaps. Sean asks if the insurance would pay. Eileen isn't hopeful. She says they'll say it's wear and tear and only come up with a fraction of the cost, if that. She's going to have to find the money herself or watch the house fall down around her ears.

Gary is on the phone to Quinny's mum, arranging to see them in the afternoon. Anna comes downstairs and asks who it was, only to be told it was no one important. She assumes it was Izzy.

Over in the factory, Janice is upset because Toyah has gone down with flu and she can't go on her trip. Sean tells her to come to singles night in the pub instead, and asks if Sally is going. She says she wouldn't want the smell of desperation going through her clothes. Julie tells her not to be sniffy, she says she's single now, this would show she's serious and it would certainly show Kevin! Sally smiles amongst the laughter until Michelle comes out and snaps at them all to get on with their work. She goes back into the office and Carla remarks that could have been her talking, it's not like Michelle so she asks her what the problem is. It turns out that Ciaran has found a job - on a cruise ship, and is going away for three months - or five or six holiday romances! Carla tells her not to think like that. Just then Frank Foster, one of their most important customers arrives. Pasting on a beaming smile, Carla greets him. His eyes light up when he's introduced to Michelle, a new face.

Quinny's parents arrive at the Windass house. Gary says he's sorry he couldn't make it to Quinny's funeral, and gives them a photo of himself and their son, taken just before they were deployed. Just then Anna walks in, obviously with no idea who it is sitting in her living room, and Gary introduces them.

Leanne arrives home to find Peter lying morosely on the sofa. She chatters on but he's hardly paying attention until she mentions that Janice is going to the singles evening at the Rovers. He suggests she goes along with her, to give her moral support. Leanne tells her that morality is the last thing on Janice's mind, and urges him to come too. He declines, but tells her to go, it'll do her good to get out. As she goes off to phone Janice, Peter picks up his phone and scrolls through the numbers until he comes to Nick's.

Gary is recounting exactly what happened to Quinny, as Anna comes in with a tray of tea. He's obviously finding it difficult so she asks if he'd rather she wasn't there. Gary wants her to stay and falteringly continues to talk about the land mine exploding and Quinny radioing for help. Then the shooting started and Quinny picked him up and started to run and they were almost to the ditch when he fell and they kept on shooting at him. Tearfully he tells them that the other lads pulled him into the ditch but there was nothing anyone could do for Quinny. As Quinny's parents weep, he breaks down, sobbing, and Anna puts her arms around him.

Sally and Julie are in the pub for singles night when the Platt family arrive. Gail turns round and is about to leave when Sally rushes over and tells her they're free and single so she can stay, and buys her a drink.

Janice arrives with Leanne, and turns several heads as she's wearing a bright red, very low cut top. Leanne mutters that it's a bit daring.

Jason and Rosie are sitting down, Rosie's about to go off to do a modelling job. Eileen comes in and joins them and hopes it's going to pay well because Rosie will have to start paying rent, she needs it. Jason asks how it went with the insurance company but Eileen said it didn't go at all, they never showed up. Rosie says she's going back to the house to get ready, and Jason says he'll stay, but Rosie doesn't want him staying for singles night and murmurs that her taxi doesn't come till 8 o'clock, so he goes off with her.

Nick takes a bottle of vodka round to Peter's and leaves him with it. Left alone, Peter pours himself some and drinks it neat, and then pours another.

Quinny's parents have gone, and Anna and Gary are talking. She says she had no idea what he'd gone through, he tells her that's why he couldn't go to the funeral. She knows it meant a lot to Quinny's parents to hear that their lad was a hero. Gary feels better for having unburdened himself and says he's now ready to go back. Just then the doorbell rings, it's Hilary the social worker, she has news that they've found a little girl that would ideal for Anna and Eddie to adopt.

Rosie and Jason come downstairs, she has just a towel round her and goes into the kitchen where she sees a man looking in through the window. She screams and Jason rushes outside and punches him. However, it turns out that this man is the insurance agent! (Though if he's going to go round peering through people's back windows he deserves all he gets if you ask me!)

Carla goes into the Rovers, and Leanne snaps that she's surprised to see her at a singles night, she thought married men were more her style. She walks off, and Sean comments that he thought the two of them were mates.

Over at their table, David says he's going home and Gail says she won't be far behind him, but Sally urges her to look at the guy by the fruit machine. Julie whispers that he's a van driver from the factory and his mates call him Gaz. He comes over, and Gail smiles coyly at him, however, it's Janice he seems to have his sights set on, and he asks if he can buy her a drink. As she gets up to leave the table she smugly tells them. "If you've got it, flaunt it!" They all look down at their chests!

Eileen hands the insurance man a pack of frozen peas to put on his wounded face. He's not a happy man and brushes off Jason's apology. Nervously, Eileen asks if it will affect the assessment. "Take a wild guess!" he says furiously, and storms out. Eileen shouts at Jason and Rosie that there is no chance of a payout now, and she'll lose everything.

Janice, obviously having had more to drink than she should, is standing at the bar moaning to Gaz how she's not going away now, and how disappointed she is. He tells her that he's off to Teneriffe tomorrow and there's a ticket going as someone dropped out. She's jubilant and shouts across the bar to Lloyd to order a taxi to take her to the airport tomorrow, then she bursts into song - Viva Espana!

Lloyd isn't happy at the idea of Cheryl going back to pole dancing, so he offers her Claire's old job on the switch in the taxi office. She accepts like a shot.

A frosty-faced Leanne pulls a rowdy Janice to one side and says she can't believe she's going away with someone she only just met. Janice says she feels like she's known him years, Daz is a right laugh. "It's Gaz," snaps Leanne. Janice laughs but won't be put off.

Ciaran comes in and finds Michelle who's sitting with Carla. He tells her he got the job and they want him to fly out this weekend. Michelle is shocked, but he tells her the time will fly, they'll phone, text and email each other. He suggests they make the most of the time they've got and promises to cook her a wonderful meal tomorrow.

Simon walks into the living room and finds Peter asleep on the sofa. Then he spots the empty vodka bottle on the table and the empty glass beside it. A look sadness and disappointment crosses his face, and he leaves the room again, shaking his head. Just then the sound of a door slamming jerks Peter awake. He sees the bottle and hides it under a sofa cushion as Leanne walks into the room. He asks how the night went and she says she'll tell him in bed what Janice has done now. She goes off to the bedroom and he says he'll be through in a minute. He sits himself up and sighs.

Anne Logan

Simon looks very glum and doesn't want any breakfast, no matter how Peter and Leanne try to cheer him up. Leanne suggests he stay home from school.

Eileen's on the phone in the yard with Sean and Jason inside and frustrated because they can't hear what she's saying. Rosie comes in and is told Eileen's on the phone to the insurers. She asks how it's going and there's no need for them to answer as Eileen comes back inside shouting at the man at the insurance company. Apparently there's no chance the damage was caused by the tram crash. They all start sniping at each other. Eileen's in tears with frustration.

Eddie and Anna look at photos of Fay. Anna says that seeing Gary in such a state has broken her heart. Eddie assures her things will get better. He comes downstairs quite cheerful and says he's off to physio.

Eileen's blaming Owen for the state of the house now. "You told me that house was sound." Owen points out he just had a quick look at it as a friend. She should have had a full survey but didn't want to pay for it. Eileen says she doesn't need him and storms off.

Chris and Cheryl meet in the street and he's quite pleasant to her, wishing her well in the taxi office job. He spots Billy and goes off to have a word to him. He's annoyed at Billy coming round but has a job for him - a flat around the corner. Billy wants to give up but Chris says he can't do jobs himself on his own doorstep.

Nick arrives to see Peter and finds Simon there. He asks Peter to a poker night tomorrow. Simon refuses to speak to Nick and tells Peter there's nothing wrong.

Eddie calls at the cafe to tell Anna he's going to pick Gary up from the station. She's worried that he's not been away long enough for a full physio session.

Eileen goes to see Lloyd and offers to help him out by doing some shifts. Before he can do much more than stutter, Cheryl comes out to remind him about some jobs, including taking Janice to the airport, and tells him she's reworking the logging-in system, which is "prehistoric." "Ugh ugh ugh," says Eileen. She says she was the cavewoman who devised the system and asks if Cheryl did a lot of logging in down at the strip club. Eileen's really angry. Cheryl goes back to answer a phone while Eileen shouts at Lloyd that her employers are very grateful to her until it comes to her needing some help and then they're nowhere to be found. Or booting her in the guts. Lloyd protests that he'd help her if he could. Eileen says he's just moved in his fancy piece so he can stick his job. Oops.

Sean comes in saying he's just seen Jammy Janice in the street. He's worried Eileen's been sitting brooding the whole morning but Eileen tells him no. "I've been betrayed a number of times since then." He finds she's circled the ad for JetWonga loans in the paper. She tells him she probably wouldn't get a loan and now she's quit her job at Streetcars. Sean's appalled. He's a bit more optimistic when he realises there's still work there, but Eileen's not for turning. "Grimshaws do not grovel." Sean accuses her of stubbornness and she tells him he knows where the door is. Before you know it, Sean's told her he'll be gone first thing in the morning.

Anna talks to Julie about Gary. She likes men in uniform, except for traffic wardens. Hillary, the adoption person, comes in to tell Ann the meeting with Fay has been approved for Monday.

Leanne goes into the pub and sees Janice is still there. She and the bloke are fueling up for the flight. He's just discovered the flight has been delayed. Janice takes advantage and orders two jugs of Rovers sangria.

Owen comes in to see Izzy and tells her he's going to take her to town and treat her for her birthday. Jason looks thoughtful.

Gary arrives in the cafe. He says he'll be disciplined for missing physio but he's been given the all-clear and will rejoin his unit next week. Anna tells Eddie and Gary about the scheduled meeting with Fay. While Eddie buys Curly-Wurlies in celebration, Anna checks that Gary is OK about Fay. This annoys him - he says he's not jealous of the girl.

Jason goes to see Eileen. She's in the builders' office and is very down. Jason tells her Owen's been bragging about having spare cash. She tells him not to worry about her. Carla comes up as he leaves. She's come to pay the rest of her bill. It's for ten thousand pounds and Eileen tells her to leave it blank because she's got a stamp. As Carla leaves she looks thoughtfully at the cheque.

Peter catches Simon pouring away the cooking sherry. Peter demands to know what's wrong and Simon says he didn't want Leanne to see any drink. He doesn't want Leanne to leave. He says she will if she knows Peter's drinking again. "I saw you last night!" he wails.

Gary's in the pub telling Izzy about rejoining his unit. She admits she'll miss him. He says he'll understand if she doesn't want a long-distance relationship but he wants them to stay together.

At the bar, Anna tells Eddie she doesn't think he will be able to handle it. Unfortunately, Gary overhears. He's very annoyed. Eddie stops Anna going after him, saying Gary's annoyed because it's probably what he's been thinking himself.

Owen is in the office. Eileen doesn't tell him about Carla's cheque. She wants to talk to him and tells him she's in a really difficult situation. She's stuck in negative equity. Owen is very unsympathetic. She asks if he could do the job with her paying bit by bit but he says he doesn't work like that. "I would if I could, but I regret that I can't." Eileen tells him that what he really means is he won't.

Frank arrives in Underworld's office. He says he's still interested in discussing the order they had on the table, preferably tonight. Carla looks at her diary, noticing that Frank keeps looking at Michelle, and says she can't but Michelle could. Michelle looks startled but Frank's gone before she can say anything.

Janice just about has to be poured into the taxi. As it sweeps around the corner, Chris calls Billy and tells him: "You're on!"

Michelle's in a bad mood. Carla says Frank fancies Michelle, so what could she do. Michelle explains that it's Ciaran's last night. Carla tells her it'll only delay her by one hour.

In a bank not so far away, Eileen Grimshaw's name is on the cheque for £10,000. She pays it into her own account. She chews her lip as she leaves.

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr

We begin with a black cab pulling up and Janice getting out with her suitcase. She stumbles across the cobbles and along to her front door but is knocked to the ground by a man carrying a hold all. There's the sound of breaking glass as she falls and Hayley rushes across from the cafe. "I've been robbed!" sobs Janice.

Peter's explaining himself to Simon (That's the trouble with parents who drink too much. The children end up taking on the parenting role). "I'm scared," says Simon. "I don't want to go to hospital again." Peter tries to reassure him there won't be another fire. He gives Simon his word. Then he tells him they can't tell Leanne about this because she'll leave.

In the pub, Eddie pleads with Gary to come and sit with his mum but Gary refuses. Izzy tells him to just look at Anna's face but he refuses. Izzy tells him he's heartless but he's determined not to care and wants to know who's coming into town with him. Graeme isn't keen. He just wants a night in with Tina. Ciaran, getting maudlin, says he's going to miss nights in with his girl. David wonders where she is tonight and Ciaran tells him she's got a business meeting. Izzy doesn't want to go into town either. Gary's determined, though, and gets David to agree to come with him.

In Leanne and Peter's flat, Janice sips tea and nurses an injured wrist and explains to the Croppers, Leanne and Peter that she was just merry but they wouldn't let her on the plane. The police have already been. Janice is distraught that someone's been into her home, knocked her to the floor and smashed 38 quids' worth of Absolut. "Just when my luck had changed." Leanne gives her a lecture about drinking and calls it the root of all evil. Simon listens intently. Janice refuses to go to hospital to see about her wrist.

Michelle is in another bar with that Frank bloke. She asks if he wants to know more about Underworld but he says he wants to know more about her.

Sean comes to talk to Eileen as she watches TV. "I'm sorry if you are," he says. He sits on the sofa and kisses her on the cheek. He asks where "the kids" are and Eileen says they've borrowed his 3D glasses and gone to the pictures. Sean says only one pair was 3D and the others were just normal sunglasses. "They've taken them anyway," says Eileen. Sean picks up a piece of paper with a name on and Eileen tells him it's another builder she's got coming round to give her a quote. Sean's puzzled - why would she do that when she's got no money?

As Gary and David wait for the bus into town, David tells Gary he was a bit rough on everyone, including Izzy and his mum.

Chris and Russ chat. Chris tells him he misses being with him and gives him a big hug.

Eileen has told Sean all about the cheque she stole. "I had to do summat, Sean," she says. Sean insists that it's theft. Eileen's sure Owen won't notice because his finances are in such a mess.

The man himself chats to Carla in the kebab shop. She tells him she paid him the last of his money today - but only because Eileen gave her a nudge. Owen looks thoughtful.

Michelle's still in the bar, on the phone telling Ciaran to stop giving her a hard time. "I've never had a meeting with a client before so I don't know what the form is." She assures him she'll be with him as soon as she can.

There's no mystery about which one wore the 3D glasses and which the sunglasses when Rosie and Jason get home. Jason can't believe she didn't jump once and Rosie complains the movie was OK but a bit dark and blurry. The doorbell goes and Rosie lets in Owen. Eileen looks shocked as Owen tells Jason he's come to see Eileen about a cheque from Carla that he'd completely forgotten about. "I thought I'd just pop in and say I thought I'd been a bit hard on you. I'll do the roof for you as cheap as I can and you can pay me back whenever - in dribs and drabs if needed." Eileen looks even more stunned.

Peter and Leanne chat. Leanne has noticed how quiet Simon is. Leanne thinks Janice looked really frightened. "Booze, Peter. It's the devil."

Owen's gone and Jason and Rosie go up to bed. Sean tells Eileen he hopes she's learned her lesson. She plans to put the money in Owen's account as soon as it clears. She'll pay him in dribs and drabs. She says she feels wretched enough with Sean going on about it.

Eddie and Anna discuss Gary. To her he's still a little tot, not a grown-up. Eddie says he'll talk to Gary tomorrow. Eddie says Fay needs them and Anna points out Gary needs them too.

In the pub, Nick chats with Maria and Chris about Janice's burglary. Maria doesn't want to be unkind but thinks it must have been very disappointing for the burglar. Chris wonders whether she got a good look at him. She did, Nick says. "Medium height, medium build, indeterminate skin colour and a hoodie."

Michelle arrives back just in time for last orders. "I hope he enjoyed it," Ciaran tells her. He's very grumpy. Michelle apologises. Ciaran ridicules her job, saying she's been there two minutes and she's starting to sound like Al Pacino: "Business! You're practically a typist." They argue and Ciaran says Carla's pimping out Michelle. Michelle points out that when Ciaran announced the cruise she didn't do so much as pull a face. And he's not helping the future of the relationship. She says she's worked hard and is trying to make something of herself and she won't be bullied out of it by a 36-year-old schoolboy the night before he sets off round the world with a boat full of rich, divorced slappers! She storms out of the pub.

Peter secretly rings Nick to tell him that even if he begs for booze in the future, Nick has to refuse him. He confesses that Simon caught him out.

In town, Gary and David wander along discussing the night so far when they're stopped by the police. The police say they're looking for a couple of lads who match their description. David starts to give them cheek and Gary tries to shut him up and shows more respect. He takes David's arm and tries to move off but the police stop them going and ask if they've got any drugs on them. Gary doesn't want to take his jacket off to be searched because it's cold. One constable says they can do it down the station where it's nice and warm. "Get in the van." Gary refuses. When the police try to grab him he lashes out and is handcuffed. As David watches, mouth agape, they bundle Gary into the van as he sobs and struggles.

Anna's watching out for Gary coming home. Eddie says he'll be right as rain but Anna wants to sit up and wait for him another half hour.

In the police station, Gary apologises and tries to explain. He says if he gets a charge he'll be finished.

Ciaran goes out and finds Michelle outside the medical centre. He says he can't go away knowing that Michelle will be going out with clients again. She vows she will be faithful but he's scathing about that. She says she expected him to be a bit more mature. She's not backing down. "Fine!" says Ciaran, walking away. "Goodnight, Michelle. It's been grand."

The End
Margaret Carr

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by David Kester

Izzy's birthday is coming up and Owen suggests that he buy her a laptop. She reluctantly agrees but when she's in the shop with him later, she starts to get into it but doesn't let him buy the most expensive one he wants to. It's only when he pulls out the business debit card that she realizes he is planning to charge it to his business as a tax write off. Alas, the card is rejected and Owen is baffled. There should be at least ten grand in there because he thinks Eileen has deposited that cheque from Underworld. Hmmm....He verifies that the cheque wasn't paid in and then goes through the paperwork at the office and realizes the invoice is marked paid but where's the money? He's not entirely clueless and figures it out pretty quickly.

Ciaran is whining about Michelle having to be in a business meeting with a bloke in a bar rather than spending his last evening with him. Lloyd urges him to make it up to Michelle. Meanwhile, Michelle is determined she's not done anything wrong since it was work related and is equally determined not to be the first one to apologize.

Well, Ciaran does apologize and asks Michelle to come on the cruise with him. She could even get a job singing on the ship, probably. She'll think about it and Carla thinks she should go! Life's too short, kid, nothing like looking down the barrel of a gun to make you realize that, she tells Michelle. Carla points out that it's no fun on your own. Ciaran doesn't think she'll go but when he goes outside to get in the taxi, she's there and packed and ready to go. (Kym Marsh is going on early maternity leave, instigating the quick exit)

Anna doesn't know where Gary is. He didn't come home last night and Izzy confirms that he didn't stay at hers, either. We know he's been in a cell for kicking off and assaulting a police officer. David knows but he's not saying and covers for Gary. Gary and David are friends now apparently. Gary is being advised to plead guilty and explain extenuating circumstances. Gary gets bailed and will be back in court for sentencing later in the week. He gets home later and David finds out about the whole guilty-bailed thing. Izzy overhears them saying that Gary "lamped a copper".

Anna and Eddie are going to meet the little girl they may be able to adopt. Her name is Fay. Eddie's made her a pink cake though has spelled the name wrong.

Janice is struggling with the sprain in her wrist after being pushed over by the burglar outside her flat. Leanne tells her she can stay at theirs. Janice tries to go back home but is too nervous and ends up back at Leanne's where Peter walks in on her in the shower! The police ask Janice what cab firm she used and later they suggest to Lloyd that several homes were burgled after Streetcars took the owners to the airport with Lloyd driving each time. Coincidence? The cops think not and Lloyd is highly offended that they seem to be accusing him or one of his drivers of theft (when it's really Chris that sent his mate Billy to do the jobs). Chris lurks so he can earwig the goings on and then steal the keys to one of the cabs (to make a drop of the stolen goods). Billy, meanwhile, doesn't want to keep doing this sort of thing for Chris but Chris seems to want to keep him on the hook.

Anyway when Janice hears the connection with Streetcars, she immediately assumes guilt and brays it to all who will listen which isn't doing Streetcars' reputation any good.

John is sinking into the sofa and further into depression. He's saying troubling things like Fiz and Hope would be better off without him. He mumbles about the past coming back to haunt him. Fiz hollers at him for his lack of support and stomps out the door while John pulls out all the newspapers he's gathered that have stories about Joy's death in them.

When Fiz comes back from the hospital, John is a very bad state, huddled in the kitchen on the floor and rambling on nearly incoherently about the police coming for him. When she hears him trying to call Charlotte, forgetting that Charlotte is dead, she's even more worried. Fiz thinks it's related to the identity theft. He doesn't get to the point where he actually confesses it all because she is so alarmed that she runs to the clinic for the doctor who says he'll be over at the house as soon as he can get away.

Eileen is quivering in her boots, afraid that Owen will find out about the cheque. Owen has actually made a start on the roof and she doesn't really want him in close quarters. She's really going to panic when she finds out that Owen knows about the money! She tries to get the money back out of the bank by pretending she paid it into the wrong account but since the cheque hasn't completely cleared, and only Underworld could be the one to stop it, it's too late. She's got to wait a few more days before she can draw the money back out. Damn. She can only hope he won't have noticed yet. Ya think? Well he has, and when she comes in to the yard, he's left the paid invoice out for her to see. She freezes when she spies it and he says they have to have a little chat....

Tvor

This episode was written by Julie Jones and directed by David Kester.

We open in Owen's office with Eileen so edgy that even Owen notices and she confirms there is nothing wrong. She is not sickening and has the constitution of an ox. He assures her he cannot manage without her and was going to invite her out tonight for a few drinks. She says she just wants to get on with the work. She fancies a night in - a box set of the Sopranos to watch. He wants to thank her - and she agrees to a quick one. 6:30 at the Rovers.

In the Rovers Gary and Izzy are having a drink. He has to plead guilty and he knows the army will want him out as a result. It is the end for him.

Fiz wants to see the doctor - but Deirdre says there is no possibility. The doctor emerges and Fiz tells him that John is having a breakdown and the doctor says he will come as soon as possible.

Eddie and Anna arrive outside a house late - they are about to meet Fay - the social worker lets them in and introduces them to the foster mother Sarah. Anna is nervous and Eddie has brought one of his famous cakes. And he has bought carrot cake for the diabetic social worker. Fay is brought in and Eddie tries a joke which falls flat. They struggle to put each other at their ease. She is not impressed by the cake, especially the wrong spelling and she does not like cake. She does not like Take That, preferring JLS - and then she tries some of the cake.

Sean is eating and Eileen, has buttoned her cardie up wrong due to stress. She is worried about going to see Owen. But she wants to deal with one disaster at a time.

Owen and Eileen arrive at the Rovers and she finds a nice quiet seat. Julie and Sean watch from the other side of the pub and watch the strange body language. Owen wants to know if he is a good boss - does she have any grievances. She says not. He tells her about two former employees who had ripped him off. And then he reveals he knows that she has had the ten k. She has made the biggest mistake of her life.

John is talking a load of nonsense as he is clearly completely bonkers. The doctor arrives and asks John how he is - he is rotten to the core. He asks to be locked up. He keeps talking strangely and he is coming out with complete rubbish. The doctor will make some calls - some professional help is needed and it looks like John - who Fiz says is not there any longer, which mentally he is not - will not be around physically - a psychiatric assessment is needed plus a trip to the hospital.

After the break we are back in the Rovers where Jason buys Chris a pint of bitter.

Eileen regrets what she did and says sorry. She is not happy though and departs in a hurry. Owen follows her back to her house - and he is not happy. She offers to pay him back. He is going to go away and to think of an interesting way of punishing her which is delivered in a very threatening manner. Think Charlie Stubbs raised by a factor of ten. He leaves her to ponder her fate.

Janice arrives in the Rovers and will not set a foot in the pub again and she is going to sue them. Cheryl tells Janice to calm down but the latter storms out.

The doctor and Fiz try and explain to John that he needs to go to hospital - voluntarily if possible. John says there is no fix for evil - he needs time away to relax and get better. He tells her that she and Hope are good.

According to Peter Tracy is on the mend and will soon be home. He tells Leanne that Michelle left with Ciaran at very short notice. Peter heads to the bathroom and finds Janice who is using the bathroom. She screams and he is deeply sorry at seeing her undressed, he reckons he needs trauma counseling.

Cheryl, Steve and Lloyd try to work out which driver might be responsible for the thefts - but without electronic tagging which they are not allowed to use due to the imposition of human rights.

Maria runs into Chris in the Street - he has a hold all of stolen goods and gets rid of her before depositing it in one of the StreetCar cab boots, placing it under a cover - he wipes his prints off the boot handle.

Eddie and Anna return to the Street - the former receives a text message from Lloyd who wants a word. Chris over hears the conversation. Eddie admits to having been a bit of a lad - but he is going straight now and he wants to adopt a kid, so cannot afford to do anything wrong. Anna knows what to do - she will make them both some eggy bread (what is it - according to the Street eggy bread is the answer to all ills - it will probably cure John if they gave him some).

At Peter's Janice offers to look after Simon whilst Peter and Leanne go out. Simon says he can stay on the bottom bunk for a few days. Peter reckons she should go home sooner rather than later.

At the Windass house Gary is brought up to date on the meeting with Faye. Gary gets a big hug from Anna - but they do not yet know.

Fiz returns home and has a drink and then has to tell Ches that John has had a nervous breakdown and he has been taken to the hospital where he has been left. She starts crying.

Along the Street Eileen is also crying and she tells Sean on his return from the Rovers about the threats which Owen made.

And that is that for this week. Owen clearly does not like being owed money. John clearly has gone completely mad and Janice is clearly scared of her own flat.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Sean and Eileen are discussing her situation with Owen. Rosie and Jason come in, arguing over the purchase of a new, flat-screen tv for their bedroom. Rosie flounces off as Jason puts his boots on. Eileen tells him to tell Owen she can't come into work, she's got a migraine. He says she should be careful pulling a sickie on Owen, he's the last person to mess about. "I've got a migraine, is that all right with you?" she snaps. Just then there's a knock at the door, it's Owen. He tells he's a man of his word, the lads are working on her roof. "What are you going to do about the money?" she asks, "I can't sleep for worrying." "Good!" he replies, and walks off.

In the taxi office, Eddie is still aggrieved at being called a thief by Lloyd. Just then Cheryl arrives. Lloyd points out that no one is going to use a cab firm accused of robbing it's customers. "Or work for a firm that accuses it's drivers," mutter Eddie. Cheryl's off into town, so Lloyd says he'll take her.

Julie's at work, talking to Sean. She feels sorry for poor Fiz who has Hope in a ventilator and now John's been carted off to the looney-bin. Sean points out it's not a looney-bin, he's just in hospital for an assessment. "And what is up with Eileen?" wonders Julie, "she isn't herself either." Sean says Eileen's fine, but Julie doesn't believe him and then gasps. "She's pregnant!" Sean assures her that Eileen is not pregnant and says Julie should go and talk to her.

Two uniformed police officers visit the taxi office, they've had a report about stolen property on the premises and they show Eddie a warrant to search. They decide to start with the vehicles, and take keys off the hooks on the walls.

Lloyd and Cheryl are out in the pouring rain, collecting dry cleaning. As he answers his phone (Eddie about the police) Cheryl opens the boot to put her dress in. There's something lumpy under the floor mat and, lifting it, she finds the hold all full of stolen goods that Chris planted there. "What's this?" she asks a mystified Lloyd.

The doctor at the hospital tells Fiz that they should be able to get Hope off the ventilator tomorrow, she should be able to breathe by herself and then they can monitor her.

Gary comes out of the cafe and, seeing the police searching the taxis, smirks and walks off.

Kevin stops Sally as she walks out of the factory, and tells her he's arranged for someone to come and see the house later. "Right, I'll tell the girls, and perhaps I'll pop into town and buy a tent!" she snaps. Kevin protests that Rosie doesn't even live there any more. "No," retorts Julie, "just your distraught wife and your fragile, newly-lesbian daughter!" As they walk off, Julie says she can't believe he's selling the family home. Sally replies that she can't believe he thinks she'll make it easy for him!

Julie then goes off to see Eileen. She's shocked at how rough Eileen looks when she opens the door.

Rosie is in the pub telling everyone how good it is that John Stape has been banged up. Izzy points out he's in hospital with some psychological problems. Rosie declares that the first part of that word is psycho and that is what John is, a psycho, and everyone should have listened to her in the first place. Nick is standing at the bar and comments that she's an attention-seeking little cow. Fiz's life is falling apart and she's turning it into The Rosie Webster Show! Rosie reminds him that John locked her up in an attic. Nick says he can't blame him. Just then Rosie's phone bleeps with a message, and she's annoyed to read that Jason's going to be late meeting her for lunch. Tina suggests that Rosie goes home and makes him something to eat. Rosie is aghast, she couldn't start making food - where would it end! She decides to go off to town.

Gary comes in and sits with Izzy. He tells her he hasn't told his mum and dad about his run in with the police and the court hearing is tomorrow. They're so happy about the adoption, and he doesn't want to worry them. He knows that if he's found guilty the army will chuck him out, and his parents will be so let down, this is the first time they've ever been proud of him. Izzy urges him to tell the court exactly what happened and what he's been through. He tells her she's always a glass half full kind of girl.

Eileen and Julie are drinking tea. Julie pleads with her sister to tell her what's troubling her, she knows something's not right. Eileen breaks down and hugs her. "I've been such a fool I don't know what to do," she sobs. After telling her everything, Eileen reckons she deserves all she gets. Julie is outraged. "After what that pig did to you, leading you on so you'd cook his rotten books!" She then says she has a few grand left from when their dad died, Eileen is welcome to it. Eileen becomes all teary-eyed. "You'd do that for me?" Julie reminds her they're family. Eileen is still worried about what Owen is going to do. "There is no way he's just going to let me give him that money back, he just wants to see me suffer." Julie declares that Owen is a bully and the only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them. "How am I going to do that?" asks Eileen. "How are WE going to that," corrects Julie, then adds that she has no idea. She'll get her thinking cap on and be back after work.

Lloyd and Cheryl arrive back at the taxi office. She thinks it all seems to point towards Lloyd being guilty, he says it's all a bit too neat and someone is setting him up. "Who would do that?" asks Cheryl. "I don't know," says Lloyd, "but I'll find out."

At that very moment the guilty party, Chris, is accosting Maria outside the salon and asking her out to lunch. "What do you fancy, cafe or pub?" he says. They decide on the cafe for now and the pub for the evening. On their way round there she tells him how she had big plans for the salon when she thought Audrey would retire. She then remarks on his good mood. Glancing over at the taxi office he says that for once things seem to be going his way.

Julie rushes back to Eileen's, she's thought of a plan. Owen is holding the threat of exposure over Eileen's head, they must fight fire with fire. With all his dodgy accounts, cash in hand and tax avoidance, he's a bigger thief than she is. Julie's plan is that, under cover of darkness, they go to the office, take the incriminating documents back to Eileen's and copy them and put the originals in a safe place. When the cheque clears Eileen must give him a cheque for the 10k and the copies and tell him that's the end of it or the originals go to the fraud squad! "Do they exist?" asks Eileen, wide-eyed. "No," admits Julie, "I got that from Life on Mars. But this is the 21st century and we are strong, powerful women, and we do not let a nasty little bunny like that intimidate us!"

Kevin arrives at the house with the woman who's viewing. The place is a complete tip, clothes strewn everywhere, drawers half open with their contents spewing out, etc. Sally comes in, chewing gum, and chucks something down on the sofa. "Alright?" she says, "you're not bothered about seeing the bog are ya? I'm desperate for a bath, I'm ponging here!" She goes off upstairs leaving the woman looking bemused, and Kevin embarrassed.

Nick goes round to see Fiz and asks how John is. She tells him he's calmer, they've got him on medication. She's tearful, but Nick tells her they'll be all right, she's stronger than she gives herself credit for. He said he's had a word with Peter and they'll keep John's job open for him. He gives her an envelope with two weeks wages in it, paid holiday he says.

Dressed in black coats and hats, Julie and Eileen walk down the street together. They run into Lloyd and Cheryl and tell them they're off to a chic new bar in town. Round the corner they let themselves into the yard with Eileen's keys. The alarm starts bleeping so Eileen instructs Julie to lock the gate again while she goes to turn it off. She fits a reading light to her head and proceeds up the stairs.

Sally's in the pub, recounting to Rosie and Jason with delight what happened when Kevin brought the potential house purchaser round.

Chris comes in with Maria and they stand along the bar from Lloyd and Cheryl. Chris proceeds to stare pointedly at Lloyd. Cheryl tries to diffuse the situation but Lloyd eventually loses his temper and rushes over to Chris and grabs him by the lapels, telling everyone that he set him up, tried to get him arrested. "This scumbag has been robbing houses and trying to put me in the frame," he cries. Chris remains calm but warns him to take his hands off, all he wanted was a quiet drink. Cheryl says that's all she wanted as well, so she goes off home. Reluctantly, Lloyd follows her but as he turns for a last glare, Chris winks at him.

Out in the street, Lloyd calls after Cheryl and they start to have a shouting match. Eileen is up in the office, while Julie keeps watch at the foot of the stairs. Eileen comes to the top of the stairs to see what's going on, and shows Julie that she now has all the relevant documents in her bag. Just then Owen comes out of his front door and shouts at Lloyd and Cheryl to keep the noise down. Eileen rushes back to the shadows but knocks something that clatters. Owen hears the noise and walks round to the yard gate to investigate. Julie huddles against the wall, holding her breath, obviously terrified. Eventually Owen turns and goes back to his house. Eileen hurries down the stairs and the two of them leave the yard and walk away trying to look nonchalant.

Anne Logan

Fiz tells Hayley and Roy about John going to hospital. Roy worries that she's not looking after herself. She tells them Hope's coming off the ventilator later today. Hayley offers to go with her. Dr Carter comes into the cafe and Fiz asks if he can find out what's happening with John. She can't get any sense out of the hospital.

Cheryl's taking Russ to school and calls in to see Lloyd. Lloyd assumes she's come to apologise. She puts Russ's earphones on and tells him to listen to his ipod before telling Lloyd she's got nothing to be sorry about. Lloyd just needs to tell the truth. Lloyd says the truth is that Chris is as guilty as hell and will be going inside for a very long time. "Inside where?" asks Russ, who's taken out his earphones. "What does going inside mean?" Cheryl hustles him off to school.

It's morning at the Senior Barlows' and they're talking about air freshener. Deirdre's making a list of everything she has to do today before they welcome Tracy home. Deirdre's planning to pick up "some of those little salady things" that Tracy likes from the supermarket. Ken's surprised Deirdre's not planning to stuff a marrow. Ken's a bit worried that when Tracy gets home she's going to run amok trying to get revenge on whoever attacked her. He wants to savour the last few moments of calm.

Eileen goes into the cafe and finds the builders there. She tells Owen it would be in his best interest to go round to hers in his dinner break. She won't tell him why.

Chesney drinks milk straight from the bottle but is interrupted by someone at the door. He has to leave him standing there because the phone goes. It's the market inspector and Ches has to explain that he's overslept but he does want his pitch and will be there in 15 minutes tops. Back at the front door the visitor asks for Colin Fishwick and Ches says he's not in and he doesn't know when would be a good time. The man says he'll call back.

Maria goes to see Chris to talk about last night's row. Chris says Lloyd is making things up. Maria tells him she's going against all sorts of advice in seeing him. Chris says he doesn't like Lloyd and hates seeing him becoming a father figure to Russ. Maria appreciates his honesty and gives him a hug.

Izzy finds Gary waiting at the bus stop. He's got a suspended sentence and is now off to see his Commanding Officer, he tells her. The bus arrives and leaves just as Anna races over from the cafe to find out where he's going in uniform. Izzy doesn't tell her much.

Deirdre and Ken leave the house just as Becky is passing and Deirdre very pointedly tells her where they're going. Ken tries to stop her but Deirdre's in full rant.

At the hospital they're about to remove the ventilator to see whether Hope can breathe on her own. Fiz, Hayley and Roy watch anxiously. It's a success and little Hope breathes on her own.

Julie and Eileen wait, but Julie doesn't think Owen is coming. Julie raves about First Wives Club until Eileen shuts her up, but then she starts to sing From A Distance - this time interrupted by a hammering on the door. Owen wants to know if this is a Mothers' Union meeting. Eileen hands him the cheque for ten grand. Eileen stands tall and staunch. Julie witters and keeps having to be shut up. Eileen tells him she'll pay the going rate for the roof work, so if he thought she was going to default and he'd get his hands on her house, he's mistaken. Owen says a piece of paper changes nothing. "You might have paid me back but you've not paid for your crime." "Would you pass me the envelope, Julie?" asks Eileen, very sweetly. "With pleasure, Eileen," says Julie. Eileen passes it to Owen. He pulls out a swag of photocopies of what Eileen describes as photocopies of all his dodgy invoices, in particular those showing he siphoned off a lot of the materials for factory to do up his own flat - all paid for by Carla Connor. Julie points out the dossier also shows he's avoided paying tax and VAT all the time Eileen's worked for him. He asks about the originals and Eileen says they're safe and will remain so as long as he doesn't try to take revenge on her family, particularly Jason. "I'd say you were pretty much screwed," she says.

At the hospital, Fiz tells Hayley that Hope is staying off the ventilator. All the signs are good and it looks as if Hope's going to be OK.

Owen tells Eileen he knows what this is about - she's getting revenge because he chose Liz instead of her. He says he wouldn't go out with Eileen because she's unattractive. "And you're no oil painting, either!" he tells Julie when she tries to defend Eileen. Eileen doesn't flinch. Owen says she's the loser. "Get out of me -'ouse!" Eileen tells him. He slams the door behind him. Julie is ecstatic but Eileen doesn't want to celebrate because Owen will be plotting revenge. They decide they're a good team. "From a distance . . ." they sing.

Anna and Eddie chat and she gets annoyed because he doesn't remember every little detail of Gary's childhood. She hopes he won't forget the important things with Faye. She says it's as if he's not there - not participating, not remembering anything.

Chesney's home when Fiz arrives and he asks after Hope before telling her about the odd caller.

Tracy's home and Deirdre's fussing round her. She says she should have stuffed a marrow. Tracy thinks this is gross. She can't remember ever saying she loved Deirdre's stuffed marrow. Deirdre's annoyed. "I'm really proud of my stuffed marrow." Tracy wants to stop referring to prison as that. She prefers they talk about her brief stay in a spa. Ken and Amy arrive and Ken says they should just be thankful and not stir things up. Tracy's adamant things need sorting, though. If the police don't find "four-eyes Peacock," she will!

Chesney worries about the caller. Fiz tells him they've been stalked by Colin Fishwick. He's made their lives hell and is the reason why John's in hospital.

Becky's on the phone in the Rovers' smoking area/yard. Tracy steps outside the back door and overhears this. When she hears Becky ask how Josh and Freddie are, she storms through the ginnel and into the yard, trying to snatch the phone from Becky. Becky says it's got nothing to do with Tracy. "She tried to kill me," shrieks Tracy, lunging for the phone again. Becky says she's gutted Claire wasn't successful. She advises Tracy to leave. Tracy says she's just going to tell the police Becky knows where Claire is. Becky says she should do it and just see how popular that makes her. "Half the people in the street chipped in to help her escape because they were delighted when she did what she did." This actually looks like it's hit home with Tracy.

Gary gets a Good Luck text from Anna just before being called in to see his CO.

Russ and Cheryl are in the cafe. He wants to know if Chris is going to prison. Cheryl assures him Lloyd says things he doesn't mean sometimes. Chris isn't going to prison.

Fiz is getting ready to go and see Hope again when there's a knock at the door. It's Roy and Hayley, not the mysterious visitor. They want to take Fiz for a celebratory meal. They assure Chesney that John's in hospital so he can be made better and then Fiz's phone rings. It's the hospital. Hope's taken a turn for the worse and is back on the ventilator.

Gary tells his CO he's found it difficult coping with the circumstances of Quinny's death. He pleads for one more chance. However, after taking everything into account, given his previous convictions, "with regret I have no choice but to terminate your open engagement and discharge you from the Army. I'm sorry, Windass."

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Tracy is seething with anger over Becky. Deirdre attempts to get her to calm down and says that there are a lot of people who want Tracy to be happy. She suggests going for a few drinks.

Eddie comes to the cafe. Anna is impressed to see he has done the shopping. Eddie recalls a time he frightened Gary as a child by shouting at him. He feels guilty and says he will do a better job with Faye.

Julie and Sean are congratulating Eileen on her victory over Owen but Eileen just wants to forget about it. Julie suggests they go out to celebrate.

Kirk asks Gary if everything is all right. Gary replies ominously that he's finished. David asks Kirk what that was about but Kirk doesn't know. David follows Gary into The Rovers where Gary tells him that he has been kicked out of the army. He warns David to back off as he has nothing to lose.

Eileen, Sean and Julie come in and Owen glares at them. Eileen gets cold feet but Julie noisily orders drinks and announces that they're celebrating good triumphing over evil.

Gary comes home and admits to Anna and Eddie that he has been kicked out of the army. When he tells them that he was arrested for assaulting an officer, Anna flips and says he won't get any more chances.

Fiz comments that the fact hope is still breathing is a good thing. The nurse agrees that she is a fighter but tells Fiz she has had to carry out some tests to check her over.

She reassures her that it's not uncommon for babies in Hope's condition to have setbacks.

Anna is shouting at Gary that he can't help but kick off and that he will never hold down any job or path in life. Gary argues that he needed a release but Anna retorts that it didn't have to be a dishonourable one. Gary tells her that she just wants to feel proud to have someone in the army and wouldn't care if he came home in a wooden box. She slaps him hard across the face and storms out.

Cheryl tries to persuade Lloyd not to tell the police of Chris' involvement for Russ' sake. An officer comes over and says he has made an arrest but thinks there was an accomplice. Lloyd looks at Cheryl and reluctantly tells the officer that he can't help.

Fiz is singing to Hope then begs her not to give up.

Janice is trying to get to the bottom of Eileen's job loss. She points out that jobs aren't easy to come by. Eileen is relieved when Owen leaves. Carla comes in and Sean points out to Eileen that she knows her way round a sewing machine. Eileen looks at Carla thoughtfully.

Dr carter finds Fiz in the chapel. He tells her that john is still unwell and can't come home yet. Fiz just wants the old John back and the doctor says it is possible with therapy, patience and the love and support of his family.

Tracy and Deirdre ask to join Sally and Janice but they give them the cold shoulder. Tracy snipes that they probably were part of the crew who helped Claire escape but Sally warns her not to libel her or she'll take her to court. Meanwhile, Carla agrees to give Eileen a try at the factory.

Cheryl tells Chris that Lloyd didn't report him but she will if he tries to stir up any more trouble. She goes on to say that she wants a divorce and, when he tries to talk her out of it, she remains determined.

Tracy asks Carla about the job she was promised but Carla tells her that she couldn't keep the job open as she didn't know when Tracy was coming back. It's no longer available. Tracy rants that everyone is out to get her and flounces out.

Gary has had a sleep. He tells Eddie that he is sorry. Eddie says he is glad he doesn't have to go back. Anna comes in and Gary apologies. She tells him that she just want him to be fulfilled. Gary says that his place is in the army...if he can't go back then Quinny would have died in vain.

Cheryl brings some chips for Lloyd and apologises for ever doubting him. She squeezes his hand and tells him that Chris won't come between them anymore and they're getting a divorce. They share a kiss.

Tracy is ranting back at home about everyone taking Claire's side but ken points out that she has to earn people's respect. It's a long game and if she wants to be accepted, she needs to start showing some humility.

Fiz thanks Chesney for being supportive. The nurse comes over and tells them that Hope has a hole in her heart. It's treatable but she has to be monitored. Fiz burst into tears and Chesney holds her. He assures her that everything will be okay .Hope has come this far after all...

So what have we learned?
-ITV Player is absolute tosh.
-Working at the factory is good for making friends, money and having banter
-ITV Player never works
-Eddie classes himself as a spontaneous and thoughtful partner whereas most people would prefer to call him a smelly and scruffy one
-ITV player...yeah you get the point...it's took me TWO HOURS to watch the full episode.
-Gary's favourite meal includes potatoes, broccoli, mint sauce and Yorkshire puddings. The meat is a mystery to me...my investigations were fruitless on that one.
-Owen's top lip goes thin and his neck purples when he is angry.
-Sean and Julie will refer to the situation between Eileen and Owen as -Owengate' Subtle as a brick.
-Kirk has a radar for bad moods. No wonder, as he is Maria's brother.
-Life is best taken one minute at a time, according to Roy. And when you are watching Roy's life one minute at a time on ITV player, you're actually only seeing three seconds in each minute.
-The following people were part of the Claire Peacock fan club, according to Tracy: Janice, Carla, Sally.

Dubious Awards
Hypocrite of the night: "That is one brass neck." Deirdre, who has no leg to stand on when it comes to criticising necks, about Becky
Most misplaced optimism: "You'll make friends." Deirdre to Tracy
Most brutally honest friend: "You're at that funny age" Janice to Eileen
Most brutally honest friend take two: "You're at the foothills of the menopause" Sean to Eileen
Fair point of the night "Do we look like a welcoming committee?" Janice about herself and Sally, possibly the least welcoming double act in Weatherfield.
Kinkiest offer: "You stick me where you want." Eileen to Carla
Father of the year: "Thank god you have a criminal record" Eddie to Gary
Advice of the evening: "Bite your tongue." Ken to Tracy. Though he should have added the words -very hard'

That's all
Time to de-stress from my 'buffering, reloading, crashing, rewatching adverts, skipping, technical error laden' ordeal.

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Duncan Foster

Oh dear, the Stapemobile won't start. Kirk and Jason both have a look but neither has a clue. Ches later tells Fiz that Kirk and Jason are trying to jump start the battery. Fiz moans about the mounting expenses and Hope's new medical crisis may mean even more.

Breakfast at the Barlows starts off mundane, with a chat about bread but Peter sighs, and expresses his frustration over all and sundry. When Leanne assures him it all just takes time, that only seems to rub salt in the wound. Poor thing, she's walking on eggshells all the time. He apologizes as Janice comes out from the bedroom. Peter doesn't seem so happy she's still in residence.

Later, Dr. Carter is at the flat checking Peter over. He tries to reassure Peter but Peter admits things in the bedroom department aren't working. The doctor says again, time for the nerves to heal is the order of the day. It's just impossible to say for sure if it's permanent, given the physical and emotional trauma Peter's been through. Peter isn't happy about the doctor advising him to be patient and give it more time. He does think the odds are good but it doesn't put a smile on Peter's face.

Ches and Kirk approach Kevin to have a look at the car. Sally happens by and snarks about it being the car John kidnapped Rosie in (no, that was a cab). Kevin is busy much to Chesney's frustration. Chesney mentions Hope's recent medical crisis which brings even Sally up short as Tyrone comes out of the garage. They all express sympathy with the Stape family struggles and Tyrone offers to look at the car now. He heads across the road while Sally gives Kevin a look.

The Windasses are visiting Faye again and showing her some family photos. Things seem to be getting on quite well though little Faye gets a bit carried away telling them about a holiday of her own that involved a ballroom full of famous celebs. Eddie (looking astonishing with his hair pulled back and a SUIT AND TIE ON!) shows her photos of Gary. she's impressed that Gary has even been in a war.

Fiz moans to Ches about the overdue bills and he keeps trying to offer to pay his share. She keeps rejecting it (why? he's not in school, he's earning, he *should* pay towards the expenses!). At the bus stop, Julie comes up and is very concerned about Hope. Fiz tells Julie John won't be out of hospital soon and she may have to quit work altogether and breaks down in tears.

In the cafe, Sunita and Audrey pass the time of day. They chat about handling the aftermath of the crash and Sunita opines that you just have to get on with things. She admits Dev is getting on her nerves today as he's been in a bad mood and asks Audrey about her love life. Audrey demurs... what lovelife? She's given up men! Sunita thinks she's still got "it" but Audrey seems to think she's past it. Claudia wafts in just at that moment, come to brag about her newest fella, Marc.

Eddie and Anna are just getting ready to leave. Faye asks if she can sleep in the shed that she's seen in the photos. They put her off, thinking she's not quite old enough yet. She skips back inside, leaving the Windasses to wind things up with the social worker. The Social worker asks after Gary and when she finds out that Gary will now be living back home and why, she's concerned. They will have to update the forms and checks. Maybe things will still be ok. That gives them cause to worry.

At the factory, Julie is organizing a whip round. Janice is churlish about it, whinging that nobody gave her any money when she was off with a sore wrist. She's also surprised that Sally seems to be amenable to helping the Stapes out. Sally puts it down to her own near-brush with death (but she was snarky to Chesney earlier before she found out about the baby). Carla pops in and when she hears what's going on, she adds her cash to the kitty. Even Janice does in the end. Janice ties to play a little trick on Eileen, the new girl, but Eileen isn't falling for it. Sally asks Julie if she can take the money to Fiz as she owes her an apology. Julie acquiesces.

Peter is rolling down the pavement with shopping on his lap. He drops a bag and snaps the head of a passing woman who tries to help. He sees an off license and hesitates... Oh why not, he turns the chair and heads to the shop. Uh oh.

Back to the factory, Carla tops up the fund to make an even 100 pounds. Kevin arrives to have a word with Sally. He wants to bring a buyer in for a second viewing tonight at half six so he wants her to be home and behave herself. The girls encourage her to be creative since the dirty, messy house didn't do the trick.

In the pub, Owen and Jason are having a drink and a laugh. Gary is in the corner, staring at them laughing, looking a bit menacing. In a booth, Ches is still trying to help financially. Katy suggests that Fiz could get benefits as a full time carer of a sick child (you would think someone at the hospital would have mentioned that by now!) Tyrone arrives to give them the verdict. The car is a write off. There's a few things wrong for it and it would cost more than what the car is worth.

Owen asks Gary when he goes back to the army and Gary loses control. He grabs hold of Owen. Anna comes screaming over and pulls him off. Gary thinks Owen was laughing at him but of course he wasn't. Anna drags him out of the pub.

Over in the cafe, Claudia is bragging about her handsome Marc and all his physical charms. He's even got a good personality, it seems, and he wines and dines her but he doesn't seem to be too romantically inclined yet, much to her chagrin.

Fiz is further depressed and upset now she's heard the news about the car. There's a knock on the door and it's Sally. She implores Chesney to let her in to apologize. Fiz asks her in. Sally tells her about Julie's whip round and apologizes. She says it's best to put it all behind them when there's a sick child involved and tells her to let her know if there's anything any of them can do. Fiz thanks her quietly and Sally leaves.

Outside, Carla sees Peter and runs up to help. She wheels Peter over to the flat door. She is about to take one of the bags from him but hears the telltale rattle of bottles inside it. He gets angry and tells her to mind her own business. She tries to get him to come with her so they can talk or to go to his support group. When he calls them losers, it's clear she knows he's drinking again. He orders her not to tell Leanne or anyone else or he'll make her regret it.

Katy and Chesney are surprised Sally actually apologizes. Fiz is touched but knows it's only a drop in the ocean. She's upset that she's relying on charity, or her kid brother offering to help or even contemplating asking for a loan from Maria (I'd go with Chesney's offer first!) Chesney says it'll all get better and between her job and social services, things will look up soon.

Over the road, Anna is shouting at Gary. Eddie reckons he'll end up back in prison if he's not careful and Anna says he's got to get a grip and get a job and hold it down. Eddie, looking more like himself in his usual clothes, reckons Hillary the social worker might not have been all that honest with them. Anna admits to Gary that his changed circumstances may keep them from adopting. Gary takes that to mean that they're only angry that they're only angry at him for possibly ruining their chances of adoption. That's not true, not entirely, but it looks like it's probably part of it. Gary shouts that he'll find somewhere else to live tomorrow and storms out.

John has called Fiz from the hospital. Fiz tells him it's not been a bad day, considering. Even Sally apologized! There's a knock on the door so she finishes her call and goes to answer it. It's the investigator from the other day. He's looking for a Colin Fishwick and Fiz goes along with it and says she's Mrs. Fishwick. She invites him in.

And if you are wondering where you have seen the actor before, he's been on Heartbeat but long time Corrie viewers may recognize him, too. He played Peter Barlow in the mid 1980s around the time Susan Barlow married Mike Baldwin!

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley and directed by Duncan Foster.

Fiz lets an investigator in. He is working for Darby and Dean the solicitors dealing with Colin Fishwick's estate. Colin is the principal beneficiary under the will and she will need to see Mr Dean. Fiz lies saying that they had fallen out with Joy - she is pretending to be Colin's wife. The investigator is told they will not be in touch - but the executor needs to follow the requirements of the will. He leaves as Chesney arrives. Chesney reckons it was a debt collector - but Fiz tells him that he worked for a solicitor - but he was not a debt collector. Chesney goes to the hospital and Fiz is asked to explain further. Once they are watching over Hope Fiz explains the situation. It could be several hundreds of thousands of pounds (really, houses in Manchester must be expensive).

Peter is drinking and hides the bottle as the front door opens. It is Janice and Peter turns on her for her apparently permanent residence. She claims he is having a go - but Janice feels her welcome is outstayed. Janice is upset and goes off to pack. Peter does not want them to fall out - but Janice is upset and departs just as Leanne returns. Peter reckons that even a nuclear bomb would not upset Janice.

Anna and Eddie discuss Gary and if he should move out or not. And the impact on the adoption. Sally comes to the front door and she invites them round for the tea as she is on her own and needs a bit of company. She has a story about wanting the neighbours to come round - at half past six. She evens says they can smoke when they come round.

Nick tries to buy Carla a friendly drink in the Rovers - but he rejects it. They stand together at the bar and he niggles away to find out what the problem was. She knows he is drinking and Nick denies that he knows.

Gary tells Izzy he is moving out and he will be doing it - he just does not know where he was going. Later Anna comes in and wants to know where he is going. Izzy volunteers her place on the spur of the moment and the matter is settled.

At the Websters Sally and Sophie are laying the table. It appears that the guests are going to be there at the same time as the people coming to view the house.

Leanne joins Janice in the Rovers for a drink. Leanne has a large white wine. Leanne wants to know why Janice has moved out - but she cannot explain why Peter turned on her and Janice has her pride.

Tina and Graeme snog. Are they really matched?

After the break Fiz is discussing the articles she has been reading on the Internet concerning Hope's hole in the heart. The baby will need a lot of looking after for a long time to come. Both Chesney and Fiz now consider she might take the money.

In the Rovers Janice returns home and Nick offers to buy Leanne a drink. He sits down to chat with her - and Leanne does not sound at all happy. Leanne says it must be difficult as Peter is in so much pain. Audrey comes in and Nick says they are having a celebratory drink - Leanne says they are not but Nick reminds them (and us) that thirteen years ago today at 2pm in the afternoon they exchanged vows to be faithful to each other for the rest of their lives.

Owen comes in and Izzy tells him that Gary is moving in. Owen does not seem particularly enthusiastic.

Eddie has arrived and offers to help describe how good the neighbourhood is and Will and Gemma arrive. Sally describes it as a friendly place - in and out of each other houses. Eddie describes the train crash. Anna comes in and starts shouting at Eddie about Gary. Sally wants her to carry on when she stops shouting. Anna is offered a drink and Eddie describes the living room - a lot of living - they can hear every word through the paper thin walls.

Leanne returns home and Peter tries to dig himself out of the pit. Leanne would have preferred that he had spoken to her rather than Janice. Peter says that she should support her husband not her mother and they argue.

Will and Gemma leave the Webster residence, obviously totally unimpressed by the facilities and the neighbours as Eddie was smoking throughout. Eddie knows they were a pair of timewasters - they did not seem to like the Xmas decorations. That sale is not happening. Dinner is ready - she gave Anna a tinny - she would prefer a wine but there is none in.

Owen wants to know from Graeme about Gary - but cannot extract anything. Later Owen tells Gary to find a reason not to move in - but Owen tells him that they will be enemies. Izzy is suspicious. Owen retires and just watches Gary.

Claudia brings Mark into the Rovers where Audrey and Nick are chatting, although the latter departs. Mark offers to buy drinks. Mark asks about how long Audrey has been on her own - 12 years. Claudia points out that Audrey has rarely been a grieving widow. Claudia goes to the toilet and Mark and Audrey have a chat.

Chesney and Fiz argue about taking the money. Fiz is willing to take the risk to look after the money until Colin turns up. They need to think of the trouble John would be in - but they have no choice - Fiz has to become Mrs Fishwick.

Roll credits
So Fiz is now as guilty as John. Sorry I do not believe she would. But desperate circumstances do make us do desperate things.
What are Mark and Claudia playing at? I do not trust either of them.
Nice one Sally, but eventually the house will be sold.
And just how far will Owen go to protect his daughter?
See you next week (or sooner).

K Richard W

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

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