Good day to you all. My colleagues have dusted off my reporters hat, put a computer in front of me and told me to write the report of the extra edition we had on Sunday 1 May.

The programme starts off with Steve sneaking down the stairs very quietly. Suddenly the voice of Becky booms out telling him to stop. She wants a snog ! (don't we all ?!!).

Amy is sorting through Deirdre's jar of coins. Deirdre tells her that she can have the 2p coins, but the rest goes to charity. Amy queries the ‘funny' coin, and Deirdre explains that it is a "threepenny bit, old money". Ken explains it is "real" money!

Deirdre suggests to Tracy that she and Ken ought to come to Blackpool as well. Tracy tells her that she wouldn't like the crowds there and Ken innocently adds that James is bringing his stuff round.

Tracy is pleased to tell them that Steve is taking them for a family day out! She tells them not to tell Becky as she doesn't know about it.

Becky arrives at the cab office, and not seeing Steve there she presumes she has missed him. He has forgotten his wallet. Becky insists that Lloyd contacts him on the radio. He says he doesn't need his wallet. When Becky says she will bring them to him, he says he will come back to the office.

Deirdre mentions to James that he may like to try pottery, just after Ken had told her, that she can have a hobby, but not an obsession ! James says he is not into ‘arty crafty' stuff but would rather go to the pub.

Steve gives Amy his mobile phone so that she can play a game on it. Tracy thinks it is quite exciting going on a trip together. Steve tells her that if it wasn't for Amy he wouldn't be there. Tracy jokes that maybe the three of them should run away together.

Amy announces she is champion at her game, but at the same time the phone rings. Despite Steve calling to her not to answer, Amy picks up Becky's call. Steve takes the phone, and Becky asks who it was (wouldn't she recognise Amy's voice?), Steve tells her it was Mrs Howitz. She just rung to see if he is okay. He tells her they are just pulling into Basingstoke.

Steve suggests to Tracy that he takes Amy and she does something else. Tracy doesn't trust him, she thinks he may have Becky waiting with a get-away car waiting. While they are arguing Amy wanders off. They look around and call for her. Police arrive and they take details of her. Tracy blames Steve because he (and Becky) have been looking after her for the past three years. The policewoman receives a message on her radio, and she tells them that they think they have found her.

Back in the Rovers, Becky tells Lloyd that Steve sounded weird on the phone. Lloyd says it is probably because he is at a funeral, and it probably ‘gets' to him.

Deirdre, Ken and James come in. James orders the drinks and Deirdre introduces him to Becky. Becky asks after Amy, and Deirdre tells her that she is in Blackpool with her Mum.

In Blackpool Steve and Tracy reunite with Tracy. She says she went off because they were too busy arguing. They take Amy to go onto a ride (obvious use of back projection technique!)

Amy persuades Steve and Tracy to have their photo taken with their heads through cartoon cut-outs.

Becky rings Steve again (can't she leave the poor guy alone ?!), as he is talking to her he suddenly realises his car has gone. He rings Becky back to say that his car has been towed away. He is going to have to stop overnight because he can't pick the car up till the morning.

They book themselves into a seedy little bed and breakfast accommodation. There is a double bed and a single bed. Tracy starts to get into the single bed, but Steve tells her to go to the big bed with her mother.

Steve comes back from buying three toothbrushes. They cost him £9 (GBP), a rip-off ! He finds that Amy has fallen asleep in the single bed. He wonders where he will sleep. Tracy indicates the double bed, as the perfect end to a perfect day. Steve thinks otherwise, first they lose Amy, then the car and now they are stuck in a one-star hotel. Hardly perfect.

Tracy believes that there has been a thaw in the relationship between her and Steve. He disagrees, he believes all she wants to do is get one-up on Becky. Tracy says that while she was in prison, she used to dream of the two of them being together. She professes her love for him. He reminds her that he is married. Steve takes Amy out of the single bed, where she has fallen asleep, and puts he in the bed with Tracy.

Steve gets into bed fully clothed. Tracy is either in a nightie that has suddenly appeared, or an undergarment!

Good night to them, and good night to you !!

Martin Rosen

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Durno Johnston

Steve wakes up and for a minute, doesn't remember where he is but he hears Tracy's voice with Amy in the bathroom and he leaps out of bed, fully clothed. Tracy comes out of the bathroom just draped in a towel. He's all for getting the car and getting on the road back to Weatherfield but she protests. Amy wants to play on the sand and he can't get back too early or it will look suspicious. She tries to persuade him he enjoyed himself and she feels closer to him after their talk. He's got real feelings if he'd only admit them, she purrs. Pah. He spins around and goes off to ring Becky.

Xin climbs under the duvet on the sofa with Graeme, bringing him some tea and offering to cook him breakfast. They have a giggle but spring up when they hear Tina's key in the door. She tells Graeme they need to talk.

Nick has found a new manager for the bar, a Spanish woman and he pronounces her name wrong "AngelEEca". She sounds perfect and he's quite chuffed. Gail doesn't have a lot on and it sounds like she's got a pretty boring life. He doesn't really pay much notice, kisses her on the cheek and toddles off to work.

Xin comes out of the bedroom, fully dressed, though Graeme is still in his dressing gown. She greets Tina and leaves to get some milk. The subject of Tommy comes up pretty quickly and he explains that his jealousy came from his being on edge over the whole situation with the interview. She assures him she would never cheat on him and he tells her the same thing. Xin returns with a letter from Immigration...She got her Visa!!!! Woohoo!! They all jump and scream and hug.

In the factory, Frank greets the workers who have come in on their Bank Holiday for triple time. They are complaining a bit but don't really mind because of the money they're getting paid. Frank goes into the office. He espouses various management theories and says employees are assets not liabilities. Carla reckons it won't help to let them know that! Hayley comes in with her clipboard. Frank asks how the order is coming and why everyone was complaining. She says they were just joking and the order will be done by the end of the day. He tells her to inform the staff to take the afternoon off and they can have the order done by noon tomorrow instead. He even offers to buy everyone a drink. She runs off to spread the news and he tells Carla he was just keeping them guessing.

The trio are talking about the Visa. Xin offers to get champagne but Tina has to go to work. Off she goes. Xin apologizes for getting under the duvet, it was spur of the moment and something cozy to do. They were glad Tina didn't see it, though. Graeme brushes it off, it meant nothing. Xin's face falls.

Steve lets Tracy and Amy out by Victoria Court so Becky doesn't see them arrive. He accuses Tracy of engineering the car being towed away so they'd have to stay over (I wouldn't put it past her either!) and gripes about how much it cost him. He asks her not to tell Becky. She smirks, why would she do that? He describes her as a scheming nasty cow, that's why and goes to kiss Amy goodbye, reminding her that the trip was a secret.

Xin and Graeme leave the flat and she asks if he wants her out straight away. He says there's no rush, she can figure out what she's doing and go from there. He's off to do more windows and she offers to help but is declined at first and then accepted for later. Tommy comes round the corner and Graeme looks him in the eye and says he believes Tina when she's said nothing happens. Tommy stirs things and says if he can't give Tina the attention she deserves, she won't be hanging around.

In the Kabin, Mary is untying the papers. Norris is complaining about how many papers she's ordered. She's distracted, wondering where her home has got to. Emily arrives and asks if there's any news. They chat about the police's seeming inaction and Norris has a bit of a rant about it. He thinks she should be on to the police and start reading the riot act and threatening the Gazette.

In the pub, Becky is clearing glasses when Steve comes in, looking "worn out" as if he'd been on the road for hours. She greets him with big hugs and he apologizes for messing up the Bank Holiday Sunday. He is forgiven and he says he'll not do a favour like that for anyone again.

Tracy comes out of the house and Lloyd gives her a hard time for her actions that caused Steve so much grief. He, too, accuses her of calling the clamping company and he's upset because it ends up being him that has to cover for Steve and lie to Becky. She says she doesn't want to spoil his happiness and only wants Amy to have a taste of normal family life. Lloyd scoffs.

In the Kabin, Mary is on the phone to the police and is being very stern with them, urged on by Norris into being even more cross with them. Gary comes in and overhears her talking about the stolen motor home. He tries to interrupt and is prevented. Finally he manages to tell them that the van is parked in Viaduct Street around the corner.

Nick finds out that AnGELica has left him high and dry. Gail has just come in and asks what happened. He figures she got a better offer and now he needs a manager post haste. Gail starts to put forth her case, saying he needs someone reliable and trustworthy, someone he can depend on, someone that can keep staff in line and organize a cleaner, and is about to say she'll do it when Cheryl comes in and Nick offers *her* the job! Gail's face falls. He completely fails to clue in, doesn't he?

Norris and Mary come outside and check. Yep, the van is right where Gary said it was. Mary accuses Gary of putting the van back but he demonstrates that the door is locked and he doesn't have a key. There is no forced entry and Mary is baffled.

Becky is having a ciggie in the back room when there's a knock on the door. It's Tracy who's brought Amy over to play with Max. Becky is astonished. Tracy says she realizes she needs to put Amy first and they should all start over, with a clean sheet. Mary is in the bar on the phone to the police to say the van is recovered. Mary is confused as to what happened. Norris thinks she forgot where she'd parked it so she could continue to stay under his roof. She starts the waterworks but says there's a mystery to be solved. She's not sleeping there until they find out what happened so Norris hasn't a choice, he asks her to stay on but will ask Emily first. Result!

Lloyd is giving Steve a hard time for having the cab away from it's money making job for so long. He's ticked off that he had to lie and is furious when he finds out that Steve put the clamping fine on the company books. Steve promises to pay it back. With what money, Lloyd sighs.

In the pub, the factory girls are all happy and drinking. Frank is propping up the bar and Julie goes for a quick drool...er... she thanks him for giving the afternoon and asks "Will you be having it off as well?" The girls behind her howl with laughter and she clarifies, will he be having the afternoon off? He says he's still going to work. Carla comes in and teases him. He asks her to have a drink later away from the rabble.

In the back, the kids are playing happily. Steve comes in and Becky pulls him to one side to tell him what happened. They're both suspicious of Tracy's motives, Steve probably even more so. Becky figures a new truce can only be a good thing. Wanna bet?

Cheryl is polishing glasses. Nick arrives with more nibbles for the wine tasting they're hosting that night for Marc. Cheryl has things well in hand but Nick's eyebrows raise when Gail comes out of the back with pinny and marigolds on. She's the new cleaner! She thinks it's worth it for the time being, needing something to do. He agrees on principle.

Steve has come to Tracy to find out what she's up to, all this truce and "clean sheet" business. She says she's not up to anything and isn't it better they're not at each other's throats all the time. She even offers to let Amy sleep over. He's still highly suspicious (and so he should be!) but says ok. Tracy goes upstairs to pack Amy's bag.

In the pub, the girls are singing now in praise of Frank. They're well on their way to being drunk and very happy. Graeme is at the bar and moaning about Tommy warning that he'll take her off him. Tina sternly says she's not tempted by Tommy but Graeme has a bad feeling about it. Tina wants him to tell Xin she's got to leave.

Tracy has Amy's pink backpack and sends Steve to pick up Amy's tshirt and jeans from a chair behind him. When his back is turned, she grabs a photo from the sideboard and puts it in Amy's backpack. Ok then, Tracy finishes packing. Steve thanks her and she wishes them a lovely evening. (yeah right.)

Tune in next half. You won't be a bit surprised!

Tvor

Events tonight were written by Joe Turner and directed by Durno Johnston. Copyright remains with ITV Productions.

We open in the Rovers where Becky gives Steve the best biscuit he has ever eaten. Apparently Amy has been learning how to cook them at school and this is her first cooking with Becky, who thought biscuits only came in packets. Indeed they are so good they are addictive. All the fat people you see walking down the Street must be baking their own biscuits. Steve puts down Amy's overnight bag - Tracy wants what is best for Amy which is spending some time with Steve and Becky. Becky does not trust Tracy, nor does Steve. Becky rushes off to tell Amy se is staying the night.

At the salon Gail comes in from her cleaning job. Audrey is not coming to the wine tasting which Mark is running at Nick's new wine bar. Claudia arrives and insists that Audrey joins the party to help her home if nothing else, but she must not wear blues as it makes her look manly. Oh Claudia if you only knew. Gail returns to cleaning the wine bar.

Dev wanders past Chris reading the poster for the wine tasting and laughs - which irks Chris who clearly knows that Dev is thinking that he has no knowledge of wine and wine tasting.

Xin turns up to help Graeme with his window cleaning. Graeme wants to tell her to move on - but she is only sunny and cheerful he cannot work out how to say it. He seems to enjoy watching her in very tight leggings working at the top of the ladder.

Lloyd is wearing a funny haircut and is also tasting the biscuits. Steve explains that peace has broken out between the warring parties and he should offer his peace keeping services to the United Nations. Steve reckons he is good at handling women - will he get away with it?

Ty tells Tina about Tommy not paying rent.

Mary has suffered a violation through the camper van going missing. Norris is finding it hard to believe here - but there are forces operating beyond their ken. Tommy comes in and suggests they might get the immobiliser checked. His offer is declined. When Norris and Mary leave the Rovers the camper van is gone - except that when they turn round it is at the other end of the Street.

Chris returns home and decides to take Maria out to taste expensive wine.

Mary was once cursed by a witch on a Scottish moor in a Ford Anglia after cutting her up at a junction. The witch had matted hair and very few teeth and then she cursed Mary. Mary drove off and the witch fell off at the first corner - but she was alright as she climbed out of the bracken.

Tina chases Tommy out of the Rovers and tells him to stop sponging off Tyrone and he also agrees not to wind up Graeme any more. Graeme has been watching this exchange and as Tina and Tommy hug having agreed their deal Graeme starts stomping towards them in the height of jealousy. He has forgotten Xin up the ladder and she promptly falls sideways to the ground and screams.

Nick congratulates Gail on the job she has done and then asks her to leave before the fun starts in case she causes embarrassment if Mrs Overall is hanging around in the background. She stomps off. Dev arrives with Sunita who for once is displaying her assets, something she should do far more often as she seems to have taken to wearing polo neck sweaters at all times. Mark offers them a New World Chardonnay. Gail is suggesting she might go and hide in the office. Nick thinks that would be great and helps her move her cleaning materials. Gail cannot believe it.

Becky opens the overnight bag and finds the photo from Blackpool photo of Steve, Tracy and Amy, which had been planted by Tracy, and went cold.

Xin is not seriously hurt and Graeme will look after her.

In the wine bar Chris and Maria are enjoying the tasting. Audrey approaches Maria and invites her back to the salon - she is still the boss and will sort out David and Kylie. Maria is very happy.

Tommy pays Tyrone some rent.

Becky has changed into something which almost but not quite covers her body. She tells Tina that Steve is to be sent into the back room as soon as he appears. Even Tina can hardly believe what Becky is wearing.

Gail has dolled herself up and Nick thanks her for her efforts - but Cheryl remains manager. Claudia tells Nick to buy some more wine from Mark. The evening seems to have gone well. And Cheryl reports that Gail appears to have had one drink too many. Audrey apologises to Mark - she thinks it is weird. But Mark is happy and Marcia has been put back in the box. Audrey agrees to be his friend and gives him a hug - which Claudia sees.

Becky gives Steve a drink and wearing her skin tight outfit she sits astride him and they discuss Basingstoke. She asks if it has trams and a beach and a Tower? Like Blackpool has a Tower? She shows him the picture whilst he has a chance to get this thoughts together and to make his explanation.

Xin says her toes itch and she wants them scratched, which Graeme is about to do when Tina arrives and hands over some chocolates. Graeme cannot throw her out - but Tina wants to be with him. He talks her round - but it is reluctant.

Becky is now ready for the explanation. Steve admits to being in Blackpool with Tracy and Amy and he did spend the night with Tracy - but it was totally innocent. He and Lloyd have lied to her so that he could spend time with Tracy. He wanted to spend time with Amy. She will not let him explain. He has had his fun and she is going to have some fun and she is going out to get hammered and this could be some man's lucky lucky night.

See you next week when I doing both Monday episodes.
K Richard W

It's morning on the Street, and Audrey and Maria wait outside the salon for David and Kylie to turn up for work.

Norris and Mary walk across the road to the Kabin. They've been watching the motor home all night, waiting for the thief to strike again, but he didn't, Mary's vehicle is still parked at the kerbside.

Around the corner comes a flashy red, open-top car with Claudia at the wheel. She pulls up outside the salon and calls to Audrey that she'd like to see her at 12, she wants to talk to her about her latest decision - she's going to ask Mark to move in!

Steve is on the phone leaving a message on Becky's voicemail. He says he's told the children she went to the gym early, and while he's sure her liver's had a workout he'd like her back. He adds that he loves her, and hangs up just as Tracy walks in. He launches into a verbal attack, saying she's got a nerve coming in, she hasn't come to work she's come to gloat. He knows she put the photo in Amy's bag because she knew Becky would find it. (Spot on, Steve!) Tracy plays innocent, saying Amy must've sneaked it. (Hardly possible as she was at the pub when Tracy went home to get her things.) She asks where Becky is, she'll explain. "Don't bother, she's gone," says Steve. "For good?" asks Tracy, hopefully. Steve tells her no, and to get behind the bar and work. "Not because I believe you, because I don't, but because I've got nobody else." He walks out to the back leaving Tracy smirking.

Ken, Deirdre and James are in the cafe, and Deirdre is raving on about her pottery teacher, although Ken's not quite as impressed. They're going to a private viewing of the teacher's work and invite James to join them. James, however, makes his excuses, he's got a lot on with his new job.

Just then, Sophie and Sian come in. Sophie is moaning about all she does for Dev and yet has been turned down for a pay rise. James stands up. "Come the revolution....." he says, and mimes shooting Roy. The girls laugh and assure him it's not Roy they're talking about, he's one of them.

In the salon, Maria is styling a client's hair when David, who doesn't seem to be doing anything, tells her to make the coffee. Maria turns and tells him to ask Kylie, who protests that she's doing a stock-take. They bicker in front of the clients for a few moments (very unprofessional) and then Kylie says she has to go out to the wholesaler's and David has to take her.

Audrey and Claudia are in a busy wine bar. Claudia asks if Audrey thinks she's mad asking Mark to move in with her. "What does Mark think?" asks Audrey. Claudia confesses that she hasn't asked him yet, but he already stays over sometimes. Claudia then goes off to the loo, and Audrey gets the shock of her life when she looks up and sees Mark walk in, in full Marcia get-up, with a couple of friends who are similarly attired. "What are you doing here?" she gasps.

Back in the Street, we see Tommy Duckworth approach the campervan, unlock the door, get in and start the engine.

In the wine bar, just as Audrey tells Mark that he can't stay as Claudia is in the loo, Claudia comes back. Hissing at Mark to keep his head down, she raises her voice. "Nice to see you Terry, and June," she says, "sorry we can't stay any longer," and she hustles Claudia out. "Who was Mrs Doubtfire?" asks Claudia as Audrey leads her away.

Hayley rushes into the cafe, late for lunch with Roy's mother. She tries to explain that Anna needed to talk. "The frumpy one with the incipient moustache?" queries Sylvia.

Deirdre, Ken and James are in the cafe. James asks Roy if he's ever troubled by the amount of unused food he throws away at the end of every day. He goes on to explain that he works for a charity that runs a shelter that feeds the homeless, they aim to provide a nutritious meal once a day. He asks if he passes at the end of the day whether Roy could consider giving him the food rather than throw it away. Sophie and Sian turn around from where they are sitting and say they think that's amazing. Sylvia however, isn't so impressed. "His mother need never cook again!" she says, nodding towards Deirdre. Deirdre retorts that she's not James' mother, and she hasn't seen Sylvia paying for her meals. "I am not a scrounger," snaps Sylvia, "but I am his mother," and looks at Roy. James then hands out some leaflets and urges them all to come to the shelter to see what they are doing there.

In the pub, Steve and Lloyd are discussing where Becky could have got to, when in she staggers, well oiled and wearing a pink kiss-me-quick hat. She's been partying. "Who with?" Steve wants to know. Becky says she didn't catch his name but he looked and sounded like Steven Gerard. She totters over to Lloyd and pinches his cheeks, good old Lloyd, always there with a smile and an alibi. Steve asks if they can talk about it out the back, and Becky is just declaring that talking does no good when she spots Tracy working there. "Are you out of your tiny mind?" she yells. Tracy comes over and, putting on her sugar sweet voice, explains that nothing happened in Blackpool. Becky doesn't believe her and a row kicks off, watched in amazement by David and Kylie who are standing at the bar. "Does that look like a fit mother to you?" mutters David as Steve grabs Becky and hustles her out to the back.

Roy's mother is cleaning silver in the cafe. (Not sure why!) Anna tries to engage her in conversation but she's very dismissive.

Steve pours a still drunk Becky some black coffee and phones Cheryl to see if she can pick Max up, but she can't. Becky overhears and protests that she can pick her boy up. "You are going nowhere!" says Steve, assertive for once, and then goes on to ask her if she's thought about what effect her behaviour is having on the kids. "Max isn't daft," he says, "he didn't buy that 'Becky's joined the gym' line for a second." He heads off out of the door, saying he'll go to the nursery himself, and telling her to get a shower so that Max doesn't see her or smell her the way she is.

Mary comes out of the Kabin and calls Norris to come and tell her she's not dreaming. They're dismayed to find the motor home has gone again!

In the salon, Maria puts the finishing touches to James' hair while David looks on with a scornful look on his face. She then reminds him and Kylie that a rep is due in soon. As Audrey is out and she's only a junior stylist she told him to see David. Smiling, she says she's now finished, and leaves.

In the pub, Mary downs a strong drink and says how all she has in the world is in that campervan. Tommy and Tyrone look on as she says how the policeman on the other end of the phone didn't seem to take her seriously, he thought she was an attention seeker. "Or fiddling the insurance," adds Norris, and leads her off for a lie down. As they go out, the penny drops with Tyrone. "It's you isn't it?" he says to Tyrone. Tina hears this and thinks it's funny. "It was only a joke," says Tommy. Tyrone is worried that if it gets out the reputation of the garage is shot. He tells him to put it back, and hustles him out, telling Tina that she never heard their conversation.

Audrey and Claudia go into the cafe for a chat about Mark. He's going to cook Claudia dinner later. Audrey suggests that before they move in together they should go on holiday, to see how it goes when they both let their guard down a little. Claudia glares at her.

Hayley, walking on egg shells, suggests to Sylvia that they have a chat, she's got some leaflets about pension credits. "They're like a top up for your pension if you're feeling the pinch," says Anna, with the equivalent of hob nail boots. As Hayley goes off to make tea, Sylvia tells Anna the leaflets are for a friend, but then bins them.

Steve is with Max, sitting on the stairs and looking at his colouring. Max then goes off upstairs to draw some more pictures, and Steve goes into the living room to see Becky. Before she can open her mouth he tells her that if she raises her voice or throws a glass, or does anything to give Max a hint that anything is wrong, then he's gone. Becky sits down.

Tommy and Tyrone arrive at the campervan and are dismayed to find that someone has written 'Don't park here' all over it with bright red paint.

Steve admits to Becky that he shouldn't have lied about Blackpool, but reckons she made him because of her jealousy. Tracy laid a trap and she fell right into it. He assures her that nothing happened between him and Tracy. "You would say that, wouldn't you!" wails Becky. Steve says he's past caring whether she believes him or not. He points out that he's given up so much to get her what she wanted - Max. "Like what?" asks Becky. Steve reminds her about his mum, his dad, his daughter. He adds how Dev now despises him and Lloyd won't speak to him. He loves Becky, but Amy has been bottom of the pile, but from now on things will be different. Amy comes first. Becky reckons that's the case until Tracy stamps her foot. "If it's not good for Amy it's not going to happen," says Steve. "But what if she picks up the phone to social services?" asks Becky. "Amy comes first," is Steve's reply.

Anne Logan

Hello from another Friday. Thanks to Duncan for stepping in to cover me last week. Now, on with the show.

We begin with David making breakfast and going on about Steve McDonald's stupidity in going away with Tracy. Gail comes down and he tells her about it. He tells Kylie that he understands why she'd want Becky to look after Max before, but there's no need for it now. Kylie tells him her main priority is making sure she and David work together. Kylie goes up to use the bathroom and Gail tells David she doesn't want Max living in her house. David protests that he's Kylie's son. "Yeah, and you know how I feel about her," says Gail. She asks if he really wants to bring up another man's child and he points out that's exactly what Martin did.

Tyrone has to break the news to Gary that the part for his van won't be there until the morning. When Gary's slumped away, Tommy asks Tyrone what they're going to do about the motor home. Tyrone says he can't do anything until lunchtime.

Sophie comes over to talk to Kevin. She's heard from Sally that she's having a good time in France. Kevin remembers what she said when the two of them were in Paris and Sophie gives him a hug.

Sophie meets James and tells him she's like to know more about the charity he works for.

In the Rovers, Tracy and Steve have words. She thinks it might be better if she found another job somewhere else. Steve suggests she take a paid day off. Tina is annoyed that she'll be on her own.

It's all go in the factory and Kirk's supposed to be taking an order to Macclesfield. Frank reckons Carla needs a PA and suggests Hayley.

In the Kabin, Norris and Mary get back from a motor home search. Mary gets tearful at the thought of losing all her precious things - photos, a lock of Norris's hair . . . "Excuse me?!" says Norris. Tommy comes in and Norris tells him where they're going to search this afternoon.

At the bus stop, Deirdre's going on about her own pottery skills and how that's why they've been invited to an extra class.

Gary asks Kirk if he can borrow Underworld's van. Kirk refuses at first and then suggests 4pm but asks Gary not to say anything.

"When's it all going to stop, Steve?" asks Becky. He says it can stop now if she wants - and that's what Tracy wants as well. Just hearing that he's spoken to Tracy sets her off again. "Stop shouting, you two," cries Max. He runs out of the room. David finds him running through the bar. Steve picks him up and Max says that he and Becky are always shouting. Steve promises it won't happen again but David is clearly livid to hear this.

Kylie comes into the Rovers and David tells her about Max. She says she's got to get off to college. He says they should go in and have it out with Steve and Becky. Max is her kid. "And this is my problem, not yours. Just steer clear," she tells him. She makes him promise.

Graeme goes to the bar and Tina asks how Xin is. Graeme says she's down about not being able to do everything for herself. Tina says she thought Xin would be gone by now.

David approaches Becky while she's clearing glasses and demands to know what she and Steve think they're doing upsetting Max. She says it's none of his business but he says it is if they're incapable of looking after Max. When he mentions Tracy, Becky demands he gets out and pushes him to the door.

At the bar, Rita comments that Xin and Graeme looks very cosy and she hopes Graeme appreciates what she's doing for him. He seems to be enjoying himself too much.

In the salon, Claudia's visiting. She says Marc's bought her a silk scarf from a very expensive boutique - she found the receipt in his jacket pocket. Audrey's phone rings and she sees it's Marc. She pretends the call is about an appointment and arranges to see him at 3.30. Claudia arranges to see Audrey at the pub after that appointment.

Tommy and Tyrone arrive at the van with some cleaning fluid but the words won't come off it. Tommy's worried Mary and Norris will be in that street very soon. Tyrone says the only thing to be done is to stump up for a new paint job.

Marc's at the salon. He confesses that he misses Marcia and the people in that bar like him are the only ones who really understand. Audrey tells him Claudia wants him to move in and she's going to find out about Marcia one way or another. She says Claudia might be fine with it but Marc says she'll be like everyone else. There's no way he can move in.

Hayley's on her way back with the cakes and Frank and Carla waylay her to ask about the PA position. He says he's sure Hayley can manage the jobs of PA and supervisor together. "Thanks, but I'm happy as supervisor," says Hayley. Frank's stunned that she'd turn down a promotion and more money. While they chat, their van drives past with Gary at the wheel.

Deirdre and Ken are back. Deirdre wants to buy a wheel and put a kiln in the outside lav. They unwrap their pieces which they got back - a wonky bowl and a lop-sided mug. The bowl is Ken's, though James thinks it's an ashtray. "We can always say Simon did it at school," says Deirdre. "Mugs are much more difficult than bowls, so I'm really rather proud of this," she says. She insists that James have his tea in it. Deirdre's too busy going on about how good she is to notice that when James lifts the mug tea pours from the underside. Ken gives a wry smile at James. She spots the tea and tells James to be careful because he's spilling it. He says it seems to be leaking. "Oh, Ken, I told you to be careful carrying it home!" Then the handle comes off. Ken's choking back his laughter.

Claudia meets Maria in the street and asks if Audrey's still in the salon.

Becky's having a drink, going on about being lectured by David. She mentions Tracy, calling her Toxic Tracy, without realising Tracy and Frank are standing at the bar. Steve tells Becky quietly that by kicking off she's just playing into Tracy's hands.

In the salon, Audrey and Marc chat when they hear the door open. It's Claudia. Oops.

Kylie gets off the bus, meets David and Becky spots them. She comes over and tells Kylie to stop hiding behind David and to stop winding him up to have a go at her. Kylie asks David what Becky's on about. Becky says Kylie must have put him up to it. He wouldn't dare say that she and Steve weren't fit parents unless Kylie'd prompted him. Kylie's furious. "It's got nowt to do with you. Do not ever go behind my back. You don't know what you're messing with. She stomps off."

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Here comes episode two and we kick off with the novelty of David and Kylie having an argument. David is still insisting that max is better off with his mum but Kylie warns him to butt out of this issue or theirs will be a very short marriage indeed.

Claudia comes round to the Salon and is unimpressed to find Marc in Audrey's company. Her jealousy subsides however when marc invites her out to dinner that night.

As Tracy sits and laughs with frank, Becky comes in and tells Steve that it's David who wants to play dad to Max…Kylie has no interest in getting the lad back. Tracy comes to the bar and says she is looking forward to a date with Frank

Norris comes out of the shop and spots the van parked nearby. Mary is ecstatic and Tommy and Tyrone make a quick getaway. Norris is confused to see how polished the van is and he notices that the brake lights are now fixed.

Carla comes into the cafe and sees Kirk. She tells him he should never have let Gary borrow the Underworld van and sacks him.

Mary and Norris are trying to get to the bottom of the psychology of the criminal who returned the van. They agree that while he or she has a conscience, a criminal is still a criminal.

Claudia and marc arrive at nick's bar and head off to sit at a table. Nearby, Frank and Tracy are sitting and Tracy is boring Frank's ear off with talk of Steve. No matter how Frank tries to change the subject, it always ends up back on Steve…something which doesn't escape his notice.

David and kylie come into the Rovers and straight into a showdown with Steve. Steve tells David that he doesn't have what it takes to be a good father but, when David makes a jibe about Amy, Steve throws him out. Becky is disappointed in Steve for creating a scene in front of so many witnesses.

Marc is asking Claudia about the rules of jewellery and accessories and she is assuming that this conversation is leading on to her being presented with the expensive scarf. Imagine her disappointment when he gives her chocolates instead!

Gary offers to buy Carla a drink but she insists that Kirk isn't being reinstated. Gary tells her that Kirk was pressured into it and he will not get another job with a sacking on his record. Carla eventually gives in and gives Kirk his job back.

Frank has asked Tracy to go away with him for a weekend break but she isn't keen. He assumes that this is because she is still in love with Steve. Tracy gets up to leave and he warns her that they will be finished if she flounces out. She tells him that that is fine by her.

Becky is going out for some fresh air. She tells Steve she understands that he loves Amy. He tells her to remember that he loves Max too...but not instead of Amy.

Claudia brings the chocolates round to the salon and quizzes Audrey over the scarf. Audrey tells Claudia that she is braking up the wrong tree and Claudia agrees that the other woman is probably younger. She assures Audrey that when she finds her, she will throttle her with the scarf.

Steve has some sympathy for Tracy as she tells him about her disastrous date. He gives her a drink on the house.

Nick asks David if he is serious about taking on Max. David is adamant that max belongs with him and Kylie and that they will be a family before long.

Mary is telling Norris that she will miss her late night tea with him and Emily and thanks him for letting her stay. Norris is more than relieved that the motor home is back.

Tracy asks Steve if he wants to go to Amy's music concert on Wednesday and he says that he does. As Tracy leaves she says that Amy and Steve are the best things to ever happen to her and she has been so blind. Steve looks awkward but Tracy seems like she has just made a big realization...she still loves Steve.

So what have we learned tonight?
-Mary eats midget Gems very noisily
-Kylie and Becky don't have the following genes: embarrassment, maternal
-Becky calls David 'Rat Boy'
-margins are tight for Norris
-A fulsome kick to the unmentionables is enough to ward off a criminal
-Kirk calls Carla 'Mrs C' and himself 'The Kirkster'
-A surprising number of roads lead to the breast
-The motor home thief has the following: a conscience, a need to play the hero, attachment issues, a twisted sense of humour, breast feeding withdrawals and a strong desire to fix society
-Anything Kylie can do, Becky can do better
-Claudia loves cobbled blue
-Norris' ex, Angela could 'put it away' I'll let you imagine what 'it' was
-Steve does an impersonation of Kirk
-Claudia goes weak at the knees for an extra accessory
-Audrey is too vintage for Marc's tastes
-Younger and firmer is Claudia's least favourite combination of qualities in a love rival
-babysitting is in the guidebook to being a good gran
-Gail means well
-Norris' bedtime attire consists of crisp, cotton pyjamas, a memory foam pillow and a tightly belted, triple knotted dressing gown

Dubious Awards
Most endearing terms: "Dear sweet harmless Kirky-poos?" Sean about Kirk
Most endearing terms take two: "It's like kicking a guide dog!" Sean referring to Kirk's sacking
-Most skewed self assessment: "Don't use decent blokes as play things" The highly un-decent Frank to Tracy
Understatement of the Evening: "I need a dose of sanity!" Becky
Most likely candidate to be permanently single: "I don't want a relationship that's hard work." Does such a thing exist, Tracy?
Person least likely to win 'Mr and Mrs' "Your confidence is shot" David to Kyle. does he even know his own wife!?
Most unlikely sentiment: "We could give Max a great life!" David to Kylie
Most understandable desire: "I'm always happy to throw a pint in your face" Becky to Tracy. Join the queue
Biggest Christmas gift hint: "I wish I had a whiteboard!" Mary
Most stomach churning thought: "Maybe they have an incredible sex life!" Frank about Steve and Becky
Biologist of the evening: "Any idiot can get pregnant!" Does that include Kirk, Steve?
Invitation of the Evening: "Take me down, Steve!" Mary

And on that thought...
I'll leave it there!
Until next time!

Duncan Lindsay

Events tonight were written by Simon Crowther and Chris Fewtrell, directed by Duncan Foster.

We open in Roy's Rolls where Roy's mother, Sylvia, is telling stories about Roy. One sided stories of course, which culminate in revealing his bedwetting at the age of 4 - does Roy really need reminding of such things? Becky rushes in and gives Roy a huge hug and is then introduced to Sylvia. (Sylvia's mother said - no I can't quite remember either). Becky congratulates Sylvia on her son being a wonderful man. Becky reveals that Steve spent the night in Blackpool with the mother of his daughter - a statement which Sylvia overhears. She buts in suggesting that she was like Tracy. Becky however decides to tell some stories about Tracy - like how she dragged Royston into bed and got everyone believing she was carrying his baby. Hayley lowers her head onto the table in despair and Anna thought it was a wind up when she had been told originally. Roy is very embarrassed again. Hayley and Becky depart rapidly.

John has arranged to donate the £72k inheritance to a charity and Fiz regrets stealing it - and they have a car and a conscience. Fiz says there is a solution to being broke. John agrees to look after Hope all day long - he will start reading her Oliver Twist and teaching her mathematics, he nearly bought an abacus in the Age Concern shop but it was 65p and he thought it might be extravagant. Fiz will go and see Carla and ask for her job back.

Ty has fixed Jason's van - £70 to anyone else, but for him £80. Ty, Jason and Tommy agree to meet for a few drinks to plan a night out - but Kev tells Jason to remember he is going out with Rosie.

Maria, David and Audrey seem to be settling into life at the salon with the normal banter. Claudia arrives and it appears that Marc is not returning her calls - she still wants to know about the scarf and invites Audrey to join her for a drink.

Katie's pregnancy is advancing - she does not feel well and when Chesney comes in she just wants him to cuddle her.

Graeme and Xin are playing twenty questions when Tina comes in - she does not think she was spotted. Turns out she knows he is being nobody!

At the Rovers Becky wants to go shopping and perhaps to have a cheeky Maccy Ds. Tracy has been earwigging and points out that would be the McDonalds in McDonalds. Anyway she cannot work through as she has a parents session at Amy's school which Steve observes she has not mentioned before. She says he did not ask and anyway he should be going as well as he must be interested in his daughter's education. Becky and Tracy argue, with Tracy managing to upset Becky yet again. Tracy is talking Steve into going to the parents' evening, Steve makes a comment about Becky's poor handwriting as she walks past and out of the front door.

Tommy tries to chat up Sian - and Jason and Ty reckon he is barking up the wrong tree - Tommy just thinks it is work in progress. Anyway Ty reaches the conclusion that he is ready to try chatting up women again.

Audrey heads to the wine bar - where she finds Marc talking to Nick and Cheryl. He is talking about popping corks. Audrey tells Marc that Claudia is in the Rovers and that she was expecting a scarf not chocolates, which he must have given to his secret floosie. At which point Claudia catches Marc and Audrey having a secret drink together and points the finger, convinced they are having an affair, with Audrey being the secret floosie and of course she knows nothing about Marcia. Claudia wants to know who has the scarf - but Marc refuses to reveal his secret and Claudia tears into both of them before storming off having terminated her friendship with Audrey.

Tracy has collected Amy from school and she has been projectile vomiting all the way home. Tracy says it was the same yesterday - so she wants Steve to take them to A&E. Becky is out and Bet cannot look after Max.

Tina is getting no time alone with Graeme.

Steve cannot find any one else to look after Max and he asks David and Kylie to look after the boy. Steve apologises for his earlier behaviour and claims Becky has approved Max being looked after in the Platt household.

Fiz is returning to work - the maternity pay is simply not enough.

David is good playing with Max - but Kylie does not seem interested.

Becky returns and is looking for Steve - Sean tells her that he went with Amy and Steve. He also reveals that Max is with David and Kylie. Becky threatens to kill Steve.

And in the next episode we join Chesney and Katie in the caff. She still does not feel like eating anything much at all - a point which Anna notes with some concern. The young couple are discussing Fiz's return to work - which Chesney is against as John is still mad. Ches is sure of nothing where John is concerned.

Audrey wants today to be a bad dread - Marc refuses to say anything because it would humiliate Claudia - but it was alright to humiliate Audrey. Nick and Audrey exchange words and Marc admits to being a coward - but Audrey refuses to let him drive and takes him home.

Ty, Jason and Tommy are in the wine bar as well eyeing up a group of women. Ty likes the look of the one in denim (blonde). The other two tell him to get stuck in - but he needs more Dutch courage.

Becky arrives at the Platt household and wants Max - but he is in bed. They tell her that Steve had said she was OK with Max being with David and Kylie. Gail faces Becky down and tells her that Max would be better off where he is. Becky says she will trust Gail - she will be round first thing.

Tina is getting more and more upset with Xin acting as a cuckoo.

From the hospital Steve tries to phone Becky who is sitting in the back room of the Rovers but she rejects the call. Amy is not well and is complaining. There is no sign of the nurse. Tracy cannot bear the waiting. She thinks it might be meningitis. A doctor arrives to see if he can find out what is wrong.

Chesney tells Fiz that she should not be leaving John in charge of Hope - but it was Charlotte's death that caused his loopiness. Fiz tells Chesney about the stalking - but they had not wanted to tell people. She makes Chesney feel bad about it.

Marc apologises to Audrey - but she feels let down - loyalty is important in friendship. They go in together for a coffee - watched by Claudia.

Ty is finally chatting up the blonde, who turns out to be called Phoebe and claims she gets mistaken for Cameron Diaz (probably in a pitch black coal house on a heavily overcast night in the middle of a forest, when the Northern Lights are not visible). Ty earlier told Tommy and Jason that he thinks Cameron Diaz has a nose like Joe Bugner and that just about kills off his chances! He tries to dig himself out, but fails. Ty was never any good at chatting up ladies and decides to go home.

Back at the hospital the doctor is certain that Amy is unwell and it is not meningitis (wrong symptoms). The doctor does not think it is serious - probably an allergic reaction - some test are needed - avoid nuts and dairy products. Amy gets a sticker for being good and is allowed to go home. The sticker is a princess and Amy observes that Daddy and Mummy are King and Queen. They leave hand in hand.

David is trying to convince Kylie and Gail that Max should live with them - David does not think that Becky should push Kylie around and he is going to put a stop to it and they are going to see Max whenever they want.

Xin finally leaves Tina and Graeme to their own devices - but Graeme suddenly seems to want to avoid the bedroom. He tells Tina that he is a married man. She thinks he is joking - but he is serious, it maybe a sham marriage - but he tells her that she has to wait. He is told that she may not be able to wait as she storms out as she has needs.

Jason, Ty and Tommy return home but Ty does not want to continue drinking. Tommy and Jason keep drinking and Tommy reckons that Sian might be receptive. Jason says £50 and the bet is on.

Marc and Audrey discuss the situation - when Claudia comes in. She was hoping to catch them at it. Claudia does not believe there is nothing going on between them. Audrey and Claudia argue over their reputations. Marc goes upstairs.

John is looking after Hope and he re-assures Fiz that it will not be a problem looking after the baby. He croons to the baby and in the background Fiz smiles.

Marc returns downstairs having hastily become Marcia. He is not hiding any longer. Claudia cannot believe her eyes. He is not gay - he loves women and he enjoys being a cross dresser - it is part of who he is. Claudia says she cannot handle it - she does not want to be a bit part in a pantomime. Claudia cannot believe what she is seeing. made fun of by the tranny and then looking at Audrey - the granny. Claudia announces she is going before she throws up.

In the back yard of the pub Becky and Steve face up to each other. Becky starts shouting at Steve for leaving Max with Kylie - it was an emergency. Steve tells here eventually that he was at the hospital and that it might have been meningitis. Amy will be the priority. Becky asks if he means Amy and Tracy - but he has already gone indoors and cannot deny it as she asks again pleadingly.

K Richard W

David and Kylie are playing tickling games with Max when Becky arrives and snatches him up in her arms, saying she's missed him, and she must get him home. He asks if he can stay a bit longer, but she tells him she has to get him home for his breakfast. But he's had it already - eggy bread, Gail's speciality. Becky then says she has to get him to nursery. David tells her they can take him, but she won't hear of it and leaves quickly. Kylie just stares at the floor.

Fiz is fussing around, about to leave Hope with John and go back to work. She wonders how she will last the whole day without Hope. (She's only working across the road, she could pop home for the lunch hour, surely?) John assures her he can cope so off she goes.

A furious Claudia arrives at the salon and asks Audrey how long she's known about Mark. Audrey is tight lipped. Claudia asks why she didn't tell her, and Audrey points out it wasn't her place, but she had been urging Marc to tell her, he genuinely cares about Claudia, that was why he couldn't bring himself to tell her. "Cares about me or hankers after what I'm wearing?" snaps Claudia. Audrey tells her that Marc just has a thing about dressing up, it doesn't make him less of a man. "Since when did you become so enlightened?" queries Claudia. Just then Marc walks through the door. "What have you come for? A leg wax?" says Claudia. Marc says he'll go, but Audrey asks him to stay, they have to sort this out.

Chesney and Katie are in their flat, discussing John. Chesney says he's a fruit cake and there's no way Fiz should be leaving Hope with him. Katie's not convinced, but anyway, she's got more important things to think about, like getting through her exams.

Back in the salon, Marc is trying to explain how he cares about Claudia and is trying to put Marcia behind him. Claudia is scornful, she's upset and both he and Audrey have lied to her and she doesn't want anything to do with either of them. "I hope you have a long and happy friendship together, sharing clothes!" she snaps, and storms out. Marc apologises to Audrey for causing trouble and also leaves hurriedly.

Becky's behind the bar when Rita comes into the pub and asks to see Betty. Becky sends her out to the kitchen. Steve comes in and Becky apologises to him, she was wound up about Max, she shouldn't have taken it out on Steve. He tells her he's about to go with Amy to the doctor. "If that's all right with you!" Becky says of course it is, she's really worried about Amy too. She'd like to go round and give her a big hug, but she's not allowed. Steve softens and says he knows, and then asks how Max is. She says it was all happy families when she went round to get him. Steve says that he panicked, he didn't know what else to do. They kiss, hug and make up, and Steve says they need a night out together to forget all the problems for a while. At that moment Rita comes back out from the kitchen and offers to babysit.

John is playing with Hope when Fiz sticks her head round the front door. She's on the cake run and wondered if there was anything he wanted from the shop. He's annoyed that she's come to check up on him. (More likely just missing her baby.) He snaps that he doesn't want anything, so she leaves again.

Amy has just had blood tests taken, and it's Steve who looks like he's going to pass out. The nurse says she'll send them off, and in the meantime Amy's not to have any milk or other dairy products. As they leave the surgery, Amy asks if Steve is coming back home with her and Tracy. Steve says he's working. Tracy suggests he calls in later, but he tells her that he and Becky are going out. "Well, we wouldn't like to disappoint Becky, would we?" snaps Tracy.

John's sorting out the washing when he hears the front door. It's Chesney, who asks where Hope is. John says she's upstairs, asleep. "Mind if I go and have a look?" says Chesney, rushing up the stairs without waiting for an answer. He's down again after a moment or two, but John is annoyed, protesting that he's perfectly capable of looking after his own daughter. Chesney argues that he can't blame them for being worried, he's hardly been acting like a balanced man lately, stuffing money through people's letterboxes. He starts questioning John, asking why he did it, how he knew where the Hoyles lived, etc. John starts to get agitated and tells him it's none of his business. Chesney says it is, John is married to his sister and that's his niece upstairs. John gets angrier and shouts at Chesney to get out. Ches says John hasn't answered his questions. "No, and I'm not going to," shouts John. "All that stuff's in the past and I just want to leave it there, so just back off, OK!" They glare at each other for a moment or two, then Chesney turns and walks out.

Sophie and Sian turn up at the garage, asking for Kevin. They want a lift to the soup kitchen. Tommy tells them Kevin's out on a job, but if he had a car he'd give them a lift himself. The conversation turns to driving, Sian says she'd like to learn but can't afford lessons. Tommy says that if she can borrow a car he'll give her lessons for free. Sophie isn't happy about that and hustles Sian away.

Fiz rushes across the road to her home and gathers Hope up in her arms. John sourly tells her to make sure she's ok after being in the care of her screwball father. Fiz tells him she's just been dying to hold Hope all day, and asks if something's happened. John says no, he's just tired from his first day in a new job.

Steve and Becky arrive at the wine bar for their night out. Cheryl is on the phone and she lets out a shriek - she and Lloyd have just been given a moving date. In two weeks time they'll be moving into number 13. Gail remarks that Cheryl shouldn't be making personal calls in work time (and not right in the midst of the customers either, I think!) "Is that the cleaner talking?" asks Cheryl, looking at Gail. "In lieu of her son who happens to be your boss," snaps Gail. "And yours," says Cheryl.

James is showing Sophie and Sian round the soup kitchen. He explains that they're fund raising too, they only rent this place and they want to buy their own house so that they can offer people beds for the night. They say they're both willing to help so he hands them their uniform T-shirts. Just then a disheveled, bearded man comes rushing in to see if he's in time for any food, but he's too late. "Sorry Dennis," says James, and offers him tea and biscuits instead.

Back at the Barlow's, they're starting their meal, and talking about James. Tracy thinks he's sad for hanging round with a bunch of do-gooders, he should be out enjoying himself. Amy isn't eating much and then tells them that she doesn't feel well, her tummy hurts. Tracy says they'll go back to the surgery in the morning if she's no better. "I want my daddy," says Amy. There's silence at the table and they exchange glances.

At the shelter, Dennis is telling Sophie and Sian how he used to be a show business agent and had all sorts of famous people on his books. However, they've never heard of any of the names he mentions. James then says they're closing, so Dennis has to go. Sophie tells him they're off to get something to eat themselves, would he like to join them, as their treat. He accepts.

Steve and Becky are having a good time in the wine bar when his phone rings. It's Tracy. Amy is being sick again and asking for Steve. Steve doesn't want to spoil their night out, but Becky tells him to go.

Sophie, Sian and Dennis arrive at Roy's Rolls. Dennis seems shocked and tells them he didn't know they were bringing him to Weatherfield. "Why, do you know it?" asks Sophie. Dennis says he's been there once or twice. Sophie asks Roy if there's anything to eat. Sylvia comes forward and says they're closed. Sophie explains how their friend hasn't had anything to eat. "Like I said, we're closed!" says Sylvia firmly. Roy says they haven't actually put the closed sign up and, bless him, says he'll be happy to rustle up a full English - on the house. Sylvia is furious. "On the house? Have you taken leave of your senses?" she hisses. Roy points out that he hasn't charged her for meals either.

Becky is back at the Rovers, moaning to Rita about Tracy. She understands that Amy is ill, but she feels that Tracy is manipulating the situation and laughing at her.

In the cafe, Dennis has finished his meal and Sophie and Sian leave. As Sylvia clears the table Dennis remarks on theirs, and Roy's, kindness. "Suckers the lot of them!" snaps Sylvia. "I bet you were a right cracker in your time," says Dennis, "before you went all Women's Institute." Sylvia freezes, and Roy hastily offers him bus fare, which he refuses.

In the Barlow household, Deirdre remarks that it was a shame Steve's evening out was spoiled. Tracy however, grins and says she thinks that was a bonus.

As time is called in the Rovers, Dennis is out in the dark street. He runs over to one of the houses and peers at the brickwork under the window. Rita comes out of the pub and sees him. She walks up to him. "Don't I know you?" she asks. "No!" says Dennis and runs off. We then see, engraved in the cement under the window frame the words Dennis Tanner 1951. Rita stares after him.

It's dark in the Barlow's house. Little Amy runs downstairs and into the kitchen. Opening the fridge she takes a large swig of milk from the bottle. Someone else is coming downstairs so she hastily puts it back. It's Tracy, wondering why she's up. Amy tells her she had a nightmare and wanted a cuddle with Eccles. Tracy suggests she cuddles her instead and gives her a hug. Over her shoulder, Amy looks at Eccles and puts her finger to her lips.

Anne Logan

We begin with John clearing the breakfast things while Fiz worries about going off to work. John is very calm and organised.

Chesney and Katy discuss her nausea and exams. She's not sure if it's morning sickness or nerves. Fay brings Chesney his sandwich and he offers to walk her to the bus. Anna asks him about Hope. Ches thinks it's too early for Fiz to go back to work. Anna offers to get Katy some food.

Deirdre's in a very upbeat mood, singing and dancing as she dries the dishes. It's pottery passion that's too blame. I think I prefer her in depressed neck-frenzy mode and definitely NOT singing! Tracy's mobile rings. It's Steve and Ken calls Tracy to answer it. She tells Steve that Amy was up being sick for half the night.

Tyrone and Tommy discuss Tyrone's inability to "pull." Tommy still thinks he can get Sian, even though Dev warns him off.

Anna goes to chat to Katy about her revision. Katy cuts short her attempt to chat and gets up to go.

Steve's round at the Barlows', watching TV with Amy. Ken's getting fed up with all the noise - Deirdre and James talking bowls, Steve pretending to be the cuddle monster. Even Tracy tells Deirdre to shut up about bowls. Steve leaves, with Amy looking daggers at him as he goes.

Ken, seeking peace and quiet, has gone to the cafe. Sian and Sophie are there and Tommy and Tyrone come in. Tommy has borrowed a car to give Sian a driving lesson. "I'm just trying to be a nice guy here," he says when Sophie worries that he's trying to make a move on Sian. Sian agrees to go for a lesson and they leave.

Ken comes over to chat to Sophie, commending her for getting involved with the shelter. Rita comes in and rushes over to Ken to say she saw Dennis Tanner last night. Ken can't believe it. "Like, scruffy looking, old, and did he have a red scarf on?" asks Sophie. She confirms his name is Dennis and that he's a regular at the shelter. Rita and Ken can't believe it.

Chesney and Gary load Chesney's van as John walks past and says Hello. Chesney cold-shoulders him and gets angry when Gary suggests maybe he should try harder to get on with John.

In an empty car park, Tommy begins the lesson though Sian is being a bit silly.

Rita arrives at the shelter with Sophie. She can't believe how cosy it is. James gives Sophie something to do. Rita offers to help with the tea and coffee.

Sian scares Tommy by accelerating too hard. She's giddy with the excitement of being behind the wheel and hugs him. Tommy moves in for a kiss, prompting Sian to leap out of the car and stomp off.

The factory workers try to convince Fiz to relax and eat lunch but she rushes off home to check on Hope.

Becky tells Steve Amy's going to be fine. He's worried it's something serious.

Rita tells Sophie she's surprised that Dennis would be down and out because he could charm the birds off the trees. Sophie says many of those who use the shelter once had jobs and houses. Rita reflects that many of use are just a couple of pay-cheques away from something similar. Dennis arrives and Rita greets him by name. Dennis denies knowing her and goes to leave.

Anna chats to Fay. Katy arrives at the door, close to tears, and Anna invites her in. She sends Fay upstairs to do her homework. Fay glares at Katy but goes. Katy tells Anna she's pregnant and sick all the time and she's worried there's something wrong with the baby.

Chesney sees John washing the windows and parts with Gary. He says he has something to do.

As the shelter empties and the clearing-up finishes, Dennis comes back to see Rita. "Blame an old man and his pride," he says.

Tracy and Deirdre are in the Rovers discussing Tracy with Lloyd. Becky tries to offer held but Tracy brushes her off every time.

The machinists arrive with Sean suggesting a night on the town.

Rita tells Dennis she's surprised to see him using the shelter. She reassures him he doesn't have to tell her anything. Sophie leaves while they continue their chat. Rita asks whatever happened to Elsie. "She's dead now. She has been six, seven years," Dennis says. Rita's sorry to hear it but Dennis says she needn't be. "She had a hell of a life, my mam." Elsie lived on the Algarve, he says. She'd kept in touch with Bill Gregory, who had bought a bar there. He begged her to come and she went to see him. Within months they were married. "And my god, did they live the high life!" Bill had a red sports car which Elsie was mad about. "Oh, yes, I can just see her," says Rita. "One night they were belting down this cliff road and they ran into a storm, apparently. They found them in the car the next morning on the rocks below. Rumour has it they were still holding hands. What a way to go, eh?" Dennis has tears in his eyes and so does Rita. "She were 81. Dying in the arms of her fella in the fanciest sports car you ever saw." He says Elsie always claimed he'd live fast and die young but she went one better and lived fast "and died flamin' ancient!" Rita raises her mug and they toast Elsie. "They don't make ‘em like that any more," he says.

This little conversation brought tears to my eyes and a very clear picture of Elsie and Dennis in the old days. Lovely stuff from writer Damon Rochefort.

Tracy tells Sean about Amy's illness. Becky tells Lloyd that Tracy's revelling in it. She feels like a glorified bystander.

Sophie arrives home to find Sian grumpy. Sian tells her about Tommy trying it on. "I'm gonna kill him!" says Sophie.

In the pub, Izzy tells Gary she's going out with the girls and because it's a girls' night out he can't come. Sean counts as one of the girls. Deirdre and Tracy go home. The machinists discuss where to go. Sean's on a mission to find the man of his dreams. At that, Marcus arrives at their booth.

Chesney's gone to see Charlotte Hoyle's parents. He knocks on the door and introduces himself as Chesney Fishwick, Colin's brother.

The End of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Here we are with Friday 13th's second episode. I hope nobody experienced any bad luck... it looks like there may be some coming John Stape's way…

Chesney has called round to see the Hoyles and Mrs Hoyle invites him in. Chesney introduces himself as Colin's brother. Mrs Hoyle invites him to stay for dinner. Chesney explains that Colin is still too fragile to come over but he sends his love.

Anna is comforting a tearful Katy who has felt sick all day. Anna comments that she is too young to cope with this on her own but Katy replies that she has Chesney. Anna suggests that she should tell Owen but Katy is adamant that this is a bad idea. Anna warns her that she will eventually show but Katy retorts that it will be too late for Owen to do anything about it then.

Sean and Marcus are reminiscing over past antics. Marcus tells Sean that he came to the bus station to see him off. Sean says he wishes he had seen him and also wishes that he and Violet hadn't fallen out. He is worried that she will stop him from seeing his son. Eileen, Julie and Izzy make room as Sean brings Marcus over. They watch eagerly, sensing a spark between them.

Rita is sitting with Dennis who is explaining that his business went downhill in the 90s as there isn't much call for that form of entertainment anymore. Rita suggests they visit the Rovers. Dennis tries to avoid it but Rita coerces him into it.

Sophie rages over to the garage and confronts Tommy over trying it on with Sian. Tommy admits that it was a bet between him and Jason and Rosie comes over to see what all the commotion is about.

The Hoyles are enjoying Chesney's company and explaining how much they miss Charlotte. They say that she died a happy woman, which is largely thanks to Colin. The more Chesney listens, the more his frown deepens as he gets an insight into John's other life.

David is telling Kylie that he wants to take Max on a day out but she tells him that Becky would never go for it. As David puts pressure on her, she snaps at him to leave it as Max is happy where he is.

Anna is asking Katy if she has thought of any names yet. As Anna's foster daughter (whose name I think is Faye) comes down and gives attitude, Anna jokingly informs Katy that she has all of this to look forward to.

Rosie is yelling at Jason over making the bet with Tommy. When he tries to brush it off as nothing, Rosie informs him that he is ‘so dumped'

The Hoyles are showing Chesney their photo album. Chesney is shocked to see that ‘Colin' was at the house on Christmas Day. The Hoyles start talking about the wedding that Charlotte was planning for her and ‘Colin'

Fiz and John see Katy leaving Anna's. Fiz is concerned that she looks ill but Anna cagily says that she should speak to Katy and Chesney about that.

Deirdre is getting ready for pottery class while Tracy sits with Amy as they wait for Steve to come over. Ken comments that it is very commendable they way they get on for Amy's sake these days. Tracy says that it is Amy who is the important one.

Jason confronts Tommy over telling Rosie about the bet. Tommy is apologetic and buys Jason a drink.

David is talking to a skeptical Gail about Max. When Gail asks for Kylie's opinion, Kylie just mutters that Max is happy with Becky.

Rosie comes into the Rovers and is horrified to see Tommy and Jason drinking together. She tells Jason he has blown all of his chances with her.

The Hoyles are talking to Chesney about having to say goodbye to Charlotte. Chesney is shocked to hear that it was John who took the final decision to turn off the life support.

Steve has read Amy a story while Tracy prepares her a sandwich. Steve warns her to be careful with what she feeds Amy but Tracy assures him she has been watching Amy like a hawk. Steve apologises and says they will get through this together. Amy smiles hopefully as she overhears.

Dennis has cleaned up at Rita's house and he scrubs up very well in comparison to his tramp attire. Sian and Sophie comment on this when they pass and Rita takes him into the Rovers where Ken and Emily are pleased to see him again. As Rita and Dennis talk over their younger days, Norris doesn't seem very impressed by the new arrival.

Eileen drops hints that she Julie Izzy and Sean are going out and Sean invites Marcus. But when Marcus can see that Sean is awkward he declines and leaves. Eileen tells Sean he is an idiot but Sean says he is happy with his life at the moment. He doesn't want to risk getting hurt.

Fiz and John are talking about Katy but John says that it is normal for a teenager to be moody. Besides, Chesney wouldn't thank Fiz for interfering. Fiz comments that she still worries about him though.

Chesney is leaving the Hoyles and Mrs Hoyle asks him to pass on her love to Colin. Chesney suggests that they visit Colin and she is taken aback to hear that he lives on the same street where Charlotte died. Chesney urges her to come and visit...the sooner the better. Mrs Hoyle looks troubled as Chesney walks away…

So What Have We Learned Tonight?

Gary's dad had read hair
-Anna used to eat tonnes of ginger snaps when she was pregnant
-Katy's morning sickness lasts all day
-Owen doesn't walk around with his eyes closed
-Three arm touches means that a person is into you
-Manchester has the following attractions: Canal Street, Museums, Art Galleries, Sean
-Rita's washer and dryer is ever so quick and her couch is ever so comfy
-Charlotte went through a holy phase
-The Hoyles saw 'Colin' as someone decent, honest and uncomplicated.
-Kylie's idea of a good weekend is a nice meal, a casino and clubbing while David's is a trip to legoland
-Chesney and Katy are considering the following baby names: Rhianna, Curtis and Diddy (after P-Diddy). They could also consider the name Snoop (after Snoop Dogg) so at least he would be in the show in name.
-Charlotte planned the following things into her wedding to john: a woodland setting, a vicar with a Derbyshire accent and game pie.
-Hoodies have bad manners

Dubious Awards
MENSA candidate of the year: "That's us academicals all over" Sean
Loneliest resident on the Street: "If it's not poked regularly, it goes out." Julie.
Understatement of the night: "I've certainly had my moments" Rita
Plot twist with best potential: "I still expect to see her walk through that door" Mrs Hoyle about Charlotte. If only!
Blissful ignorance of the Evening: "At least she died happy" Charlotte also died with her head full of claw hammer, Mrs Hoyle!
Second understatement of the evening: "She loved the bones of him" Mr Hoyle about Charlotte's feelings for Colin/John
Worst psychopath detector: "At last, a normal one!" Mrs Hoyle on her reaction to meeting ‘Colin'
Third understatement of the evening: "She was ever so far out sometimes." Mr Hoyle about Charlotte. If by far out he means, completely bonkers….
Biggest indicator of a good night for Ken: "I might try something more demanding tonight!" Oo-er Deirdre!
Fourth understatement of the evening (I'm overdoing these a bit aren't I!?): "I know she comes over as dead gobby and everything." David about Kylie.
Romantic of the evening: "I'll hold your coat while you cop off." Sean to Marcus
Longest Conversation Potential: "We have a lot of gossip to catch up on!" Rita to Dennis. Now which tram accident are you going to tell him about first, Rita?

And that's all this time
See you very soon!
Duncan Lindsay

Events tonight were written by Ellen Taylor and John Kerr, directed by David Kester.

We open with the Stapes emerging into the Street from home with John promising Fiz his spag bol for dinner tonight. Hayley approaches to see Hope who immediately starts crying but the minute John comforts her she stops.

Jason comes downstairs stinking of beer, according to Eileen it is the third night in a row and he needs to go round to her house and beg forgiveness on his knees. He claims it is not his fault he has been dumped - it is Tommy flamin' Duckworth's. Eileen tells him he has to go and apologise. Sean has a different view of the situation, but they do not want his advice and he will not be chasing after Marcus as that ship has sailed. Eileen tells Jason to get some bottle and to stop being lazy.

John apologises to Ches for the other day as he passes - but the latter is not happy and he goes off. He goes to the Stapes and searches through the drawers until he finds a press cutting about Joy Fishwick. He stuffs it in his pocket and leaves as John returns who notices the drawers have been opened.

Steve and Becky are short of bread and she grabs the last piece of toast. Tracy comes in and recounts that Amy has been sick again in the night and it is not clear what is wrong. Becky launches into one telling Tracy that she is "Milking it" (!) Lovely. After she has her shout at Tracy, Steve tells Becky to calm down as perhaps Amy is actually ill. There is an appointment with Doctor Carter at 1:30.

Katie comes into the cafe to talk to Anna about being sick and Faye hears every word as she has bunked off school.

At the food kitchen, Sian and Sophie meet the bosses who want to setup a halfway house like in Nottingham and they want to go and see it. The bosses actually met at the Nottingham project - he was a volunteer and she was a resident. Love over tomato soup. They want to buy a big house in Manchester to do something similar - they are invited to join them. Sian will skip college and Sophie will skip work.

David wants to move out - but he cannot have the flat upstairs. David and Audrey discuss Max - but Kylie is not yet convinced. David thinks Max should be with his mum.

When Fiz returns home he finds John searching the drawers - she has returned with a headache - so he will get her a drink and some headache tablets. He gives up on his search.

Kevin goes into Roy's Rolls and Sophie approaches him for £60 so they can go to the Nottingham shelter for the homeless. He gives her the money - but does not want to see her in new shoes. She says she is not Rosie and he agrees - one Rosie is enough for this world. Tommy comes in and winks at Sian so the two girls depart.

Jason tries to see Rosie and she eventually agrees to talk to him on the doorstep. He says he is sorry and wants to make up. She is lonely too - but she cannot make up if he is going to be mates with Tommy. He tries to talk her round but she starts shouting that he is a slimeball and why can't he see it. He reckons the Sian thing has been blown out of proportion - and her response is to slam the door in his face ending the conversation.

Kirk has driven Chesney to the Fishwick residence and he goes round the back - making a noise which alerts the next door neighbour. Chesney says he is here about Joy Fishwick. He tells the neighbour that Fiz has been worried about how Joy died. The neighbour retells the events around Joy's death. Joy was sitting in her own chair and had just eaten. He cannot remember anything else - but then tells him about the delivery man. The "normal" looking delivery man cleared the place up and Chesney shows him a picture of John - yes that was him.

Ken and Rita discuss Dennis Tanner and he is subject to cross examination by Norris. Dennis admits he was homeless - but he obviously does not want to discuss it. He offers to buy Sylvia a drink and pay her for the fry up the other day. She eventually recognizes him and accepts a drink.

Eileen comes into the Rovers and tells Sean she has arranged a date for him in Nick's bistro this evening at 6pm - the best looking man in there.

Sylvia and Dennis sit down for a chat at another table. Norris does not think it is a good idea for Dennis to be staying with Rita and tells her so. But Rita remembers her history, she and Dennis had never been close, but when she came back in 1964 she has nowhere to stay and Dennis took her in. (I think that original visit was brief and her residence on the Street started in 1972 but those with better memories than mine might be able to correct me). She reckons she owes him a little kindness.

Tina and Tommy discuss events. Rosie comes in, dolled up to the nines as usual, and asks Tommy if she could over and fix a leaking tap. He can hardly believe his luck and follows her out, with his tongue hanging out.

Tracy and Steve return from the doctors - he reckons Amy has been drinking milk. But Tracy has been watching her daughter like a hawk (a blind befuddled hawk who is asleep most of the night) and that cannot be the cause. Anyway Amy has to go for more tests. Steve and Tracy are both concerned and for once are not arguing with each other and Amy has their undivided attention. Guess who wins?

Under the sink, Tommy cannot see a leak and Rosie almost lies on top of him on the kitchen floor and has to admit she cannot see it either. he moves to kiss her and she suggests they go upstairs - he likes her style. She sends Tommy upstairs - but wants to ring her sister to make sure she does not walk in on them. As he hurries up the stairs she tells him to make sure he is ready for her. He will be!!

Katie is in a bad state - she had let the exam room twice to be sick and failed to answer all the questions. When Faye returns she wants attention and claims she was picked on by Mr Burton - and when Anna challenges her stomps away - Anna knows she cannot be the centre of attention all the time.

When Chesney returns to the car he tells Kirk he cannot explain what is going on.

At the Websters, Tommy comes down stairs calling for Rosie and only wearing his boxers. He looks round and sat around the table are Jason, Rosie, Sophie and Sian. Rosie reckons that this proves that Tommy is a slime ball!

John is cradling baby Hope and reckons that all his problems are over. Everything is going to be fine now. Fiz comes downstairs feeling much better and takes Hope upstairs to be changed. There is a knock at the door and he opens it to find Alan Hoyle (who has had a face lift) and Dorothy Hoyle (who hasn't and is still played by Jean Fergusson).

In the second episode this evening we open as we let with the Hoyle's asking if they have come at a bad time. Fiz is shouting downstairs asking for Hope's changing mat and who is at the front door. John claims it is a window cleaner and then re-opens the door, apologises to the Hoyle's for being rude and says yes they have come at a bad time and no it is not company - it is his girlfriend. They look stunned - and she is a jealous girlfriend. John denies being a bit peculiar - Alan asks if he would like a drink and suggests they go back to the Hoyle's.

Kev tells Ty that it is time that they should modernise as most of the kit is so old. Ty is not keen as he cannot afford his share of the investment and the arguing continues.

Tommy is trying to say that it is not what it looks like to Jason. Rosie tells him it is exactly how it looks. Jason tells Tommy he has got some nerve and Jason sends him out on to the Street in his boxers. Sophie says she saw Ty going into the Rovers earlier (a complete fabrication) and Tommy wanders off humiliated. Sophie has had it confirmed that she is a lesbian. Sylvia calls Tommy a pervert as he marches across the Street and into the Rovers.

Rosie is still waiting for an apology from Jason - she will wait a long time as what she did was out of order. Jason claims she has made him look an idiot and although it is not a difficult task it does not help his feelings. He departs and Rosie reflects.

Tommy arrives in the Rovers looking for Ty and Tina enjoys a joke at his expense. Julie can hardly believe her eyes - and so she has a large one.

Ty tells Owen that the axle needs replacing and they will need a new rig to lift the van. Kev argues with Ty - Kev reckons it can be fixed and Ty doesn't.

Chesney refuses to give Kirk an explanation for events earlier. Katie and Chesney argue because he has not been available.

Fiz comes downstairs and is talking to empty air as John has disappeared.

Sean, dressed up for his important date comes into the Bistro where he is greeted by Cheryl wanting to know why he is dressed up. He admits he has a blind date. And his date arrives - the first shot is of his midriff. But then he apologies for being late and it is Marcus! The two settle down to share a few drinks and Marcus thought this was a good gesture. Anyway friendly relations are developing.

John has shared a quiche with the Hoyle's who tell him about Chesney's recent visit as his brother and how he apologises for not having visited recently, even thought they are surprised that he is living on the Street where the tram crashed.

Gail and Audrey discuss Max's overnight stay - Gail does not want another child in the house - Kylie is bad enough and Gail does not want it turning into something permanent. Audrey reckons that David wants to look after Max.

Katie is ignoring Chesney - but he has a lot on his mind at the moment - and it is John and Katie does not understand it - Fiz is coping and he should be worrying about her and the baby, as she goes off to the toilet again.

John is trying to get away - Alan has had the basement refurbished with a bar and soundproofed so that he can play his records any time he likes, apparently Dorothy insisted on that as he likes classical music, she prefers Barry Manilow. John reckons it is a nice quiet house. John says he is likely to be moving on soon, even though he is contradicting Chesney's stories. John and Alan go off to inspect the basement and share a drink.

In the Rovers Gail asks Kylie and David to join her and Audrey for a drink. Gail agrees that Max can come and stay providing Steve and Becky are happy with it. David is - Kylie isn't.

At the bar Kev suggests to Ty that he will buy him out - but Ty is not interested.

Sean and Marcus have finished a bottle when Marcus kisses him. He still thinks about Sean and he made a mistake about leaving. Sean feels for him - but he does not want Marcus to leave. Marcus has a new job and will be coming back.

Jason comes in to the Rovers in a mood and Tommy comes in and calls him mate. Harsh words. Then Ty tells Tommy off for trying to cop off with his mate's bird.

Alan is showing his sanctuary to Colin/John - who could do with one of those at the moment. Alan asks about Colin/John's new girlfriend - she is a nice quiet person - but it is not serious - they have only been on a couple of dates and it is certainly not serious. Alan likes to think he is an honest man and he hopes people would treat him the way he treats others. And Alan does not appreciate being lied to. Upstairs Dorothy hears Colin/John's mobile ringing and then finds his wallet has fallen out of his pocket and when she opens it up she finds not papers relating to Colin Fishwick, but instead to John Stape. Alan is happy if Colin has found another woman and in particular he wants to know why Colin is wearing a wedding ring. Colin/John is struck dumb - and says there is a funny story attached to that - which Dorothy who has just come into the basement would like to hear please John.

Sean returns to Eileen's and tells her a story about meeting Marcus. Things went well until Marcus kissed him and said he wanted to return to Manchester and Sean said he did not want to repeat past mistakes and then Marcus started shouting at him, calling him a coward and Eileen asks with concern if there was anything she could do - and from the hall Marcus answers that a cup of tea would nice as he was parched. She is of course delighted and as they agree they are back together she won't throttle them. They both kiss her.

John has returned home and is spinning Fiz another lengthy story to explain his absence - which she tells him she does not believe - he has torn his shirt and she wants to know how. He has no explanation and she seems to want to believe him. But what has happened to the Hoyles? All will be revealed soon.

And to echo comments elsewhere I am not sure that I am enjoying the Street much at the moment. Perhaps it will improve soon but the three main stories: John Stape etc, Tracy / Steve / Becky / Kylie / David and Tina / Graham / Xin all fail to really ring true with me and I hope that we soon turn a corner.

See you next week when I am slimmed back down to a single update.
K Richard

John is cuddling baby Hope and wondering what she sees when she looks at him. (Psycho? Freak? - My words not his!) Although her eyesight may not yet be fully formed, Fiz assures him she just sees her daddy.

Out in the street, Chesney wonders if an ill-looking Katy should be going in to school. She tells him she'll be fine. He goes into Fiz's house and she walks on a few steps and then stops. Anna, across the road, asks if she's ok. Katy rushes inside to use her loo.

Chesney's going through the post, but there's nothing for him. Fiz says he should register his change of address, and then heads off for work. Once they're alone, John walks over and stares at Chesney. "What?" asks Ches. John says he thinks he knows, Chesney went to see Charlotte's parents and John can't understand why he would do such a thing. "Cos I don't trust you, that's why," says Chesney, adding that he knows John's hiding stuff from Fiz. "Fiz knows everything," says John. "Yeah, right!" scoffs Chesney. John tells him that contacting the Hoyles was cruel and insensitive. Chesney says he thought they'd be glad to see John, what with him being Charlotte's fiance. John stares at him. "Now tell me again how Fiz knows everything," says Chesney.

Katy is having a heart to heart with Anna who urges her to tell her headmistress at school about her condition. "But what if she says morning sickness isn't a proper excuse?" asks Katy. Just then Faye comes downstairs, ready for school. "What's morning sickness?" she asks. Neither of them answer her, and Katy says she has to go and rushes off.

Back at the house, John is protesting that he was never engaged to Charlotte, what her parents are suggesting is crazy. "Says Mr Split Personality," mutters Chesney. John points out he's married to Ches's sister. "But Colin isn't," says Chesney. John says that Mr and Mrs Hoyle are grieving, it keeps her spirit alive. Chesney says he knows John was there on Christmas Day, he's seen the photos. John keeps arguing, he says they needed a physical connection to their daughter and he was tired and exhausted, he'd just become a father himself, he was confused. "Is that why you told them to switch off her life support?" Chesney queries. John is shocked and then recovers. "I helped them make a very painful decision," he says, adding that he was just trying to ease their suffering. "And Joy Fishwick's suffering?" asks Chesney. John stops in his tracks. Chesney goes on to say that he went round there and a neighbour told him John was there when the body was found. "My God, you have been busy," says John. Chesney says he thought the delivery-man was a nice touch. "How many identities is that now?" John blusters that Fiz knows he used to visit Joy, a lonely old woman, he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. "Story of your life," says Chesney, and points out it's funny that both Charlotte and Joy ended up dead, and, if it's all so innocent, how he should share it with Fiz. "She wouldn't understand," says John. Chesney heads for the door. "That's your problem." Desperately, John calls for him to stop. "For Hope's sake!" Chesney turns and tells him not to dare to bring Hope into this. He tells John he's got till the end of the day to talk to Fiz. "Or I will."

Sean and Marcus are enjoying breakfast together. Sean wishes Marcus doesn't have to leave, but Marcus points out that the sooner he leaves, the sooner he'll be back. Just then there's a knock on the door. Eileen opens it, it's Rosie. Jason comes downstairs and Rosie graciously informs him that she's decided to give him a second chance. "Is that right?" says Jason, and then goes on to say that it's not that simple, she had Tommy Duckworth naked. Rosie says it was for revenge, but Jason says it was also an opportunity. Rosie is outraged that he could think that something happened.

Anna and Faye are walking down the street and Anna is explaining that morning sickness is a woman's problem. They pass Owen, and Faye looks back at him and then turns to Anna. "Is she pregnant?" But they've reached the bus and Anna puts her on it, telling her to have a good day, and then turns and walks off. Faye then jumps off the bus and runs after Owen. She tells him she knows something about Katy but he mustn't say who told him. He promises, so she blurts out that Katy is pregnant. At first Owen thinks it's a sick joke but then asks why she's telling him this. "Because you're her dad and it's your job to look after her."

Dennis is in the Kabin with Rita when Sean and Marcus come in to buy magazines for Marcus's train journey back to London. Rita says she's pleased that the two of them are back together.

Owen gets out of his truck as Katy walks past. He asks if she's all right, and offers to take her out for a burger and chips. Katy looks sick at the thought and declines. "Anyone would think you're suffering from morning sickness," he says. Katy looks guilty and won't meet his gaze. "So it's true, you're up the duff!" says Owen and then starts making threats of violence towards Chesney. Katy says if he touches Chesney he'll never see her again. Just then Fiz comes along and asks if Katy's all right. "Did you know about this?" shouts Owen. Fiz is puzzled and Katy tells her dad that Fiz doesn't know anything, so Owen does the honours and tells her that Katy's pregnant.

Kev is standing outside the garage when a large delivery truck pulls up outside. "I didn't know we were expecting a delivery," says Tyrone. "Who said anything about we?" says Kevin, smiling.

Chesney is at the market and has just had a phone call from Katy when John turns up, asking for 30 seconds of his time. Chesney tells him he's got his own problems, Owen knows Katy is pregnant and is gunning for him. John asks him to go with him and see the Hoyles, to get them to admit they lied about his and Charlotte's engagement. Chesney says he has to get back to Katy, she needs him. John is very persuasive, he says that an hour won't make any difference, and his marriage is on the line, his family. Eventually Chesney agrees, but says that it won't change anything between them.

Kevin's new toy, the hydraulic lift, has been set up in the garage. Tyrone frets about how much it cost, it'll use up all their profits. Kevin assures him it won't cost him a penny, he's paid for it out of his lottery winnings.

Jason arrives at the garage to have a word with Tommy. Jason tells him he's ruined his life. Tommy assures him it was a stupid bet and nothing happened, he was made to look like a complete idiot, and anyway, it's Jason that Rosie fancies, not Tommy. Jason says he's blown it now, but Tommy reckons he should apologise to her and it'll be ok.

John and Chesney have arrived at the Hoyle's house. When there's no answer to their knock on the door, John suddenly produces keys and starts to let himself in. "What are you doing?" asks Chesney, shocked. "You wanted it sorted, I'm sorting it," says John.

Back at the garage, Tommy points out that the new lift takes up almost all the room, there's barely room left to swing a cat. Kevin tells him and Tyrone that's his problem, after all, neither of them will be using it. Then he tells Tyrone it's his ramp, his jobs. Whatever he makes off it he's going to keep. "Are you talking about separating the business?" asks Tyrone, horrified, "you can't do that!" Kevin shrugs. "Watch me."

Inside the Hoyle's house, John is walking round calling for them. Chesney wants to leave but John tells him to go and look down in the cellar while he looks upstairs. Reluctantly Chesney opens the door and calls down into the dark cellar. Then he suddenly sees Mr and Mrs Hoyle sitting on the floor, tied up! He rushes down to them. John appears in the doorway at the top of the stairs. "First off, it's not what it looks like," he says. "Well, maybe it is."

Sophie goes into the Kabin, full of excitement about the half-way house she's visited in Nottingham. Then she stops, is something wrong? Dennis tells her he's grateful for all she did but would appreciate it if, in future, she didn't tell people where she found him. Rita explains that Norris let it slip in the pub. Dennis says that when they met in the soup kitchen, he'd sunk to a level he didn't think was possible. Sophie says she wouldn't want to disrespect his feelings, but he talks about being ashamed, all she ever feels for him is pride. "Hear, hear!" says Rita.

Jason and Rosie sit opposite each other in the pub. Eileen puts a drink down in front of each of them and tells them they're not moving until they've sorted it. Wrong as it sounds, they're made for each other. She then leaves them to it. Jason apologises to Rosie, he shouldn't have made the bet. She agrees, his own brother is gay, she expected more from him. "It's hard enough for Sophie and Sian without you and Tommy making them a drunken punchline," she says. He says again that he's sorry and she accepts his apology. "Sophie's lucky to have you as a sister," he says, "and I'm even luckier to have you as a girlfriend." They kiss across the table.

Tommy joins Tyrone at the bar and tells him not to let Kevin get to him. Tyrone says he shouldn't let it wind him up, but it's yet another thing that Kevin's got that he hasn't. Tommy tells him he's got plenty - self respect, mates, a business and a nice home. Tyrone says it stopped being a home when Molly died. Tommy tells him time heals, but Tyrone isn't having any. "If you're lucky you just bleed a little bit slower," he says bitterly. Tommy tries to tell him he's just having a bad day. "My whole life's a bad day," says Tyrone, and adds that he's thinking about walking away from Weatherfield.

Katy, Fiz and Owen are in the flat. Katy is desperately trying to phone Chesney but he's not answering. Just then John comes in. He tells them that he's just had a phone call from Chesney, he's upset and scared. "Where is he?" asks Fiz. John says that Chesney wouldn't say but wanted him to tell Katy he's sorry and he wishes it could be different. "Are you saying he's run away?" asks Fiz. John says it sounded like that. "Well, there's a surprise!" snaps Owen, rising to his feet. "Get out!" says Katy. Owen storms off, and Katy bursts into tears on Fiz's shoulder.

Anne Logan

Hello, all. How's your summer/winter/dry season/wet season going?

In the Street it's going better for some people than for others. Kevin's keen to show Dev his new hoist, though Dev's trying to get the shop stocked.

There's still no sign of Chesney. Fiz is worried. John tries to reassure her but Fiz weeps. "Wherever he is, he's safe and well, I'm certain of it," John says. Well, that's if you mean "safely" lashed to a radiator!

Dev fails to be impressed by garage machinery. Kevin tries to demonstrate it but it isn't working properly. "Only Kevin can spend twenty grand on a lift he can't even operate," says Tyrone.

Katy arrives to see Fiz. She's even more upset than Fiz. John tells a story about sneaking away for a few days when he was 16. He tells Fiz he has to go to the bank.

Steve arrives next door to see Amy. Deirdre's away visiting Bev, Ken says. Amy comes in and is thrilled to see her Dad. She's going for more tests later and she asks if he can come.

Owen asks Katy if Ches has turned up. She wants to know if he threatened Chesney or paid someone else to do it. Owen denies it. He says he's not thrilled about the situation but he wants the three of them, including Chesney, to sit down and work out what to do. He hugs her and says Chesney will probably be back. He's not yet 17 and it's all a big responsibility for him and he probably got scared.

Maria's at the garage to see Tyrone. She wants her tyres checked and would rather deal with someone with a bit of integrity, she says when Kevin offers help.

Owen has taken Katy home and tells her at least it's not too late. He's downloaded detail of an abortion clinic for her. Katy insists she's keeping the baby. "You don't get it, do you? This baby wasn't an accident. It was planned." That startles Owen. Then it angers him! "Now I know you really are living in a dream world. "Leave me alone, I hate you!" she shouts and runs upstairs.

Kevin accuses Tyrone of tampering with the hoist. Tommy arrives and Kevin sacks him, telling Tyrone he's the senior partner. "You want to employ him, go running after him. But it's at your expense. He's nowt to do with me."

John's prisoners worry that nobody can hear them. "I wish I hadn't soundproofed it now," says Mr Hoyle. Chesney wants to reach his bag because it's got his phone in. John arrives with sandwiches and cakes and finds Chesney's phone. He removes the battery. He tells the Hoyles that Charlotte was in on the whole Colin Fishwick thing. Mr Hoyle wants to know the whole story but John just wants to feed them and go.

Kevin's identified the problem as an RTFM fault (Read The Flaming Manual). Tyrone's still furious and claims Kevin fired Tommy only because of Sophie. Kevin's off to a breakdown. He says the pickup truck (that's "ute" to people who speak proper English ;-)) will seem as light as a feather on the new lift. He tells Maria he's sure Tyrone will be playing with the new equipment while he's away. He drives off in the breakdown wagon and Tyrone's still furious. "I saw him underneath it earlier and I just wanted to grab the remote and bring the car down on top of him!" he says. Which is odd, because Kevin hasn't been able to work the thing until just now . . . Maria tries to take Tyrone for something to eat but Ty is too angry. She goes off and Tyrone has nobody to shout at. He kicks the lift, then takes a spanner and bashes it! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! He flings the spanner away and heads for the Rovers. But he must have hit one of the hydraulic lines because fluid drips from the hoist.

In the Rovers, Tommy's thinking back to when he worked in Brisbane. Now he fancies South-East Asia.

Becky reminds Steve about a brewery appointment and he says he might have to rearrange because Amy's scared and wants him at the hospital.

Tyrone talks to Tommy about selling his share of the garage to Kevin and going travelling. He doesn't plan to go back to the garage today. He's too angry. Tommy talks to him about the cost of going to Cambodia and Vietnam.

"I'd rather starve!" is Chesney's reaction to the sandwiches. He tells John he's a psycho. John admits he's right. He says he can't let them go yet. He's going to untie them one at the time and take them upstairs for a comfort break. He promises to hit them if they try anything.

David sits around while Kylie sweeps hair from the salon floor. He says he wonders where Steve, Tracy, Amy and Max were going. Kylie can't understand why he keeps going on about Max. Max is happy where he is. She doesn't want to do anything that means upsetting Becky or Max. "I need to put his needs first." The conversation halts when clients arrive.

Kevin lifts the ute on the hoist. He stops when he sees Jeff and Sally arrive over the street.

Katy goes to the cafe and berates Anna for telling her dad about the baby. Anna denies it. Izzy comes in and attacks Katy for getting pregnant in the first place and for not telling her about it. Izzy also stunned to find the baby was planned. Katy tells her that Chesney was thrilled about the baby but did a runner when Owen found out.

John, cricket bat in hand, brings Mr Hoyle back. He keeps John talking about cricket. His wife can't believe how he can chat to John as if he's a normal human being. John insists he is, though Chesney disagrees. That makes John angry.

Sally tells Rosie about the Paris trip. Rosie asks them if love blossomed. Sally says everything was lovely but doesn't look as if love actually did bloom.

Izzy counsels Katy, telling her she has to think carefully about what might happen if Chesney doesn't come back. Izzy says she's shocked that Chesney would be the sort of boy who would run away at the first sign of trouble. Katy realises she can't have the baby on her own. "Don't rush into anything," Izzy says, but Katy says the longer she leaves the decision the worse it'll be.

In the garage, Kevin's having trouble with the lift. He's got his shoe or trouser leg stuck in it. He grabs the remote to free himself. Instead of going up the hoist comes down. Its computer display flashes a warning. As Kevin frantically pushes buttons one site of the hoist collapses, bringing the ute down on him.

Ooh! The end for now but Duncan will be along with the next episode.
Margaret Carr

Poor Kevin's in a bit of a state, with several tonnes of metal on top of him. As he calls for help, Graeme rides by, singing full pelt as he listens to his headphones. It is Tommy and Tyrone who are eventually alerted to Kev's screams. As Tommy sets about trying to free Kevin, Tyrone calls for an ambulance.

Cheryl is in a stress as one of her staff has buried a third grandmother and can't come into work. Graeme offers Xin's services although admits that she won't be healed by the next day.

Tyrone is trying to release Kevin as the emergency services arrive. Kevin is pulled out, screaming in agony and Sally comes over wondering what all the commotion is about.

John is buying lunch from the cafe but looks concerned. Anna is busy watching a conversation between Katy and Owen. Katy is having second thoughts about an abortion and when she voices this, Owen is furious. She eventually serves John, who is heading out with Fiz to see the surgeon about Hope.

The nurse is telling Sally, Sophie, Rosie and Jason that Kevin has a broken collar bone. Sally sits by Kevin as he orders Jason to get in touch with the manufacturer. He wants a full investigation and compensation for this as he almost died. Whoever is to blame for this will be sorry, he claims

In the Rovers, a nervous Tyrone is necking back drinks like there's no tomorrow. Tommy is more laid back and suggests that karma has paid a visit to Kevin but Tyrone is shaken up.

Fiz and John are being told that Hope is healing up nicely and her heart is doing fine. It is all good news...Hope will only have to come to bi-yearly appointments from now on. John and Fiz are overjoyed.

As Steve and Tracy talk to Cheryl about being no wiser on what was wrong with Amy, max darts out onto the road in the direction of Kylie. David sees Jeff's car coming and dives to the rescue, pulling Max out of danger in the nick of time. Max runs to Becky, who has emerged from the pub as Jeff gets into a state and Steve looks horrified at what almost happened.

David shouts that Steve wasn't even looking after Max as Becky cradles him. Jeff is shaken up and says that Max ran out of nowhere. As Becky takes max in, David reiterates that the near miss was Steve's fault.

Tyrone comes back to the garage to find a man from the company investigating. He is told that the machine appears to have been deliberately sabotaged. The weakest part of the mechanics has been smashed away.

Sally is trying to coax Kevin into eating but suddenly wonders what time it is.

Over at the bistro, Jeff waits for his no-show date. Claudia and Marc come in for a night and Jeff suddenly gets a phone call. Sally explains where she is and Jeff is understanding. As the call comes to an end, Jeff starts to say he loves Sally but she has already hung up.

Anna is asking Faye if she knows how Owen found out about Katy's pregnancy. When she asks Faye if it accidentally let slip, the child snaps that if Katy is stupid enough to get herself up the duff then she deserves to be in trouble, before flouncing up the stairs.

Kevin is trying to discharge himself as there is no one to pick up Jack from the childminder's. The nurse insists that he is in no fit state to care for a baby on his own. Sally eventually agrees to take Jack and says that Kevin can join them to recover. But as soon as he is okay, he will go back to his flat.

David is ranting at Kylie that Max almost died and Steve is no fit father figure. He is determined to gain custody of Max and ensure that Becky and Steve never see him again. Kylie doesn't look as enthusiastic as her suddenly maternal husband, however.

Anna is running around the Street, having lost Faye. Xin suggests that she might have gotten onto a bus but Sophie says that she saw Faye go into the shed.

Becky is furious at Steve and says that he played into David's hands. Tracy comes in and says that Amy needs a story read to her as she is having flashbacks. Tracy looks crestfallen as Steve tells his daughter that he only reads stories when she is staying there. When she is staying with her mum, she gets stories from her. At this opportune time, Becky takes Max for a story, and he boastfully shows an entertaining book to a jealous looking Amy.

Anna is knocking on the shed and asking Faye to come out. When she says there are spiders in there, Faye comes out and hugs Anna. She apologises for dropping Katy in it.

Marc and Audrey are having a fascinating conversation about wearing silk. There is really nothing more to add to this paragraph.

Cheryl comments to Xin that she can apply for a job when she is all healed up. Tina is in earshot and looks thunderous. She reminds Graeme that Xin was meant to be starting a new life away from Weatherfield.

John and Fiz arrive home but, while John is keen to celebrate the good news, Fiz says she can't settle until Chesney is home and heads out to search for him.

Amy sneaks into the kitchen and drinks from an open bottle of milk.

Sally brings some overnight things in for Kevin. He tells her he is very grateful for what she is doing. Jason comes in and tells Kevin what the investigation turnedup. Sally is horrified and insists that Kevin calls the police.

Meanwhile, back on the Street, Tyrone is very worried indeed. He knows that the finger of blame will be right in his direction-

In an episode with crushed collarbones, children running out in front of cars, babies' hearts being monitored and another child going missing, I couldn't find much ticklish so I will regretfully have to miss out any additional thoughts!

Until next week
Duncan Lindsay

Part 1

Tommy and Tyrone are at home and Ty is worrying about Kevin's accident with the new car lift, he reckons (not surprisingly) that everyone would think he'd tried to kill Kev, given events over the last year or so. Tommy tries to reassure him that people will understand - but Ty is far from sure. he might hate Kev but he hates himself more.

It rained heavily last night and Carla catches Owen outside his yard and says that as a result there is a problem with the Underworld drains, the toilets are not working and the sinks are blocked. He wonders why she is raising it with him - because if it is not sorted she may have to close down as she has already sent her workers home as they cannot work in semi-Victorian squalor. He says it will cost her - but he will take a look, an approach that Carla does not appreciate.

John asked Fiz to leave Weatherfield, they can go somewhere else and make a fresh start, but she angrily said no, she cannot even consider it with Ches still missing.

In Roy's Rolls Kylie told Becky that David wanted to go for full custody of Max, after the events of the previous day but she was trying to get him to change his mind, without it looking suspicious. But she has no idea what to do. Kylie says she will sort it but she has to be careful or David will think there is something odd going on. Becky points out that there is - Kylie sold her Max! Kylie points out that the money was a present. Becky says that if Kylie cannot control her feller that is her look out - Becky says a blow between the legs usually brings a man into line. At this point your author winces and crosses his legs in self defense.

Tommy and Tyrone are trying to fix the lift when Kevin, with an arm in a sling wanders into the garage and immediately guesses that they would only be doing this if they had damaged it first. Kevin accuses Tommy who rightly denies it and Ty chimes in supporting Tommy. Tommy cannot pull the wool over Kev's eyes and he tells them that the police will be keen to hear about this. Sophie and Sian arrive to find out what is happening. They tell Kev to rest but he is going to get Tommy done for attempted murder. Tommy and Ty argue. Ty will sort it but Tommy wants assurances that he is not going down for this. Ty says he will definitely sort it.

Amy has sneaked downstairs in her dressing gown and opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of milk - obviously the Street does not have doorstep deliveries as this is one of those nasty large plastic bottles which, being a somewhat unhygienic character she places to her mouth and drinks directly. Tracy comes in from the yard with a washing basket (seriously can you believe that Tracy knows how to do the washing, no I was surprised as well) and Amy is caught bottle upturned pouring the lovely liquid down her throat. Amy belatedly drops the bottle (milk everywhere) and makes a run for it. She runs into Blanche's old front room downstairs and amazingly manages to lock herself in and Tracy out.

Later, Tyrone visits Kevin and he admits he wanted to get his own back so he wrecked the lift but he had no intention of ever wanting to hurt Kev - just the machinery. An angry Kevin claims that Ty is insulting his intelligence and shouts at him to get out. Ty keeps trying to apologise but Kev insists on Ty's departure "OUT". Kev is left to do some thinking.

John tells Fiz that she cannot go to the police and he tears up the picture, but John insists that she must not. She keeps asking why and John thinks very quickly and decides on a new story - Colin is back in the country (like in reality did he ever leave?).

Tracy summons Steve who banishes Tracy to the other room and he talks Amy into coming out in seconds. Turns out that Amy has been self medicating milk because when she is ill she gets her parents looking after her and even more importantly they stop arguing with each other. Tracy cannot believe her ears. Steve seems equally shocked and cuddles Amy.

More next week.

K Richard W

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Peter Rose

Richard and I have swopped tonight, you've just read his summary of part 1 and here's mine for part 2.

Steve and Tracy try to find out why Amy was making herself ill. She says she did it because her daddy came around and was nice to her mummy. Even this doesn't seem to help because Steve and Tracy almost immediately begin to bicker until Amy starts to run to the kitchen. Steve stops her and hugs her and explains her actions were serious but the bickering continues and Tracy asks Steve to leave. Steve accuses Tracy of putting Amy up to it, in front of Amy, no less. They never learn, do they? He tells Amy he loves her and leaves, warning Tracy in a whisper not to turn Amy against him.

Over at Number 5, Fiz is trying to get her head around John's suggestion that they do a midnight flit out of town. He scrambles to justify it, He has been pretending that Colin has returned and could cause a lot of trouble for him. He lies that he bumped into one of their mutual friends who has spoken to Colin. He's frantic and Fiz doesn't seem to recognize the lies like she used to. The reasoning gets wilder but Fiz refuses to go without Chesney and reckons Colin will stay away because people were after him last time. She out and out refuses and orders John to go to the shops for things they need. He storms out and completely ignores Eileen who asks after Hope.

Marcus comes up the road and greets Eileen. Sean comes out, he and Marcus flirt and go inside. Eileen decides to leave them on their own.

Tommy is ironing a shirt while Tyrone fidgets and worries about his actions causing Kevin's accident. He decides he should turn himself in though Tommy tries to dissuade him. There's a knock on the door and it's Kevin.

Tracy has settled Amy down for a sleep. Ken tries to talk to her about the situation. He scolds Tracy for her behaviour as contributing to Amy's problems. Tracy calls him smug and turns to leave for awhile until Ken points out she didn't ask him to babysit, as per usual. That's her pattern. She assumes everyone will look after her child whenever she wants. Tracy is taken up short, sighs and puts her coat back up on the hook.

Kevin has come to talk about Tyrone's actions. He tells Ty that they've caused enough harm to each other. Tyrone points out that his actions were an accident, Kevin didn't accidentally sleep with Molly. Kevin thinks he kind of did! Tommy is outraged on Tyrone's behalf (as are most of us watching) but Tyrone asks Tommy to leave them alone to discuss it. Kevin points out that Tyrone would be arrested if he went to the police about it and they should put it all in the past. They are business partners and maybe, one day, mates again. (living in a dream world there!) He asks Tyrone to think about it, what would have happened if he'd died even though it was an accident.

In the dark cellar, Mr. Hoyle is humming a ditty, "I don't know what to do with myself". Chesney asks if that's a Lady Gaga song.. huh? Is it gaga, he asks (making me smirk). Mrs. Hoyle talks about similar bizarre stories of people being held in cellars and now they're one of them. They discuss John and Chesney mentions that John was around Joy Fishwick before she died and Charlotte's mother leaps to the idea that perhaps... but no, it was the tram, wasn't it? The door opens above them and John comes down with a bag of sandwiches and drinks. He witters on about Freshcos.

Steve and Becky discuss Amy. Becky had thought the same as Steve but he thinks there's no point in blaming Tracy and they need to focus on Amy now. They've all had their eye off the ball, Steve says.

John has tied up the Hoyles again after they've eaten. John says he can't let them go yet. Chesney thinks John doesn't even know himself. John tells them that he and Fiz are going to leave and he'll call the police after they leave. Chesney gets upset, what if he's in an accident and can't call? I've got airbags, John points out. I'm a father, I won't take any risks. (You know, he's just so out there, it's laughable! They must have had a great time thinking of bizarre things to write for him and Graeme Hawley is playing it so well!) Chesney hollers at him but that doesn't do any good and John scurries back up the stairs.

There is a man from the council exploring the sewer system with a snake camera from the Street. He tells Owen and Carla that the drains are clear from his side of things and thinks the blockage is happening under the factory.

Upstairs, John locks the cellar door just as the cleaning lady lets herself in. He stammers that the family isn't in. The cleaning lady looks for a note to let her know what needs doing. He tries to tell her that nothing needs doing though the money has already been left on the side table. She picks that up and thinks she'll just have a look herself but John persuades her to just take the money as compensation for the inconvenience. That suits her just find and he tells her his name is John Colins sorting the security alarm. Phew, got out of that one.

After the break, Carla is trying to negotiate with Owen. He insists that his crew did nothing that caused the sewer problem even though Carla still insists he did. (If the body has been in that pit almost a year, how come it's only causing a blockage now?) He says they have to excavate (at the market rates) and she refuses, it means her factory has to shut down. There's no agreement and he walks out.

Eileen holds the shop door as Sally negotiates the baby buggy out through it. She says she's childminding Jack. Eileen is surprised and wonders if things are softening between Sally and Kevin. Not so, Sally tells her about the romantic trip to France she's just had with Jeff. What did they do? Um... the Louvre, she saw the Mona Lisa. Eileen reckons she should have her money back. I think Sally does too!

Tyrone comes to the garage with Tommy to gaze at the scene of his crime. There's a spanner on the floor and Tyrone gripes that Kevin has left it lying around. Somehow I doubt Kevin's been able to do any work and it's the spanner Tyrone used to wallop the lift. Tommy doesn't think Tyrone should make a truce with Kevin and points out all the things Kevin has done to him. Ty isn't so sure.

Amy asks Tracy if she's cross with her. Tracy tells her she shouldn't have drank the milk but she herself should have taken more notice of how upset Amy was. She makes Amy promise to tell her if she's upset about anything, or someone else, just tell someone. She apologizes to Amy and lets her go get a biscuit. Ken has overheard this and apologizes for what he'd said. He says it's a difficult way for a child to live but she's doing her best.

Sean, Marcus and Eileen are in the pub. Eileen jokes about Sally's romantic weekend in the museum. Forget the Mona Lisa, if that had been her, it would have been the Moaning Eileen! (ha!) Marcus and Sean aren't really paying attention, more absorbed in each other. Norris comes in and asks if Carla has said anything about when the drains are being fixed and he moans to Steve about health and safety due to the sewage from the factory. Becky arrives and says Max wants to see him. Steve is waiting for Tracy to come in to talk to him about Amy and doesn't seem to be bothered. Becky thinks Tracy is the whole cause, because she managed to blag her way out of the nick. Steve rightly points out it's not to do with that, it's to do with the fact that Tracy has something over them that's caused all the problems.

Tyrone has come to see Kevin and says that the garage is important to him and he isn't giving it up. He says the atmosphere is awful and he does have cause to be bitter and angry though he doesn't want to be anymore. He is willing to try to let it go as far as work goes but they will never be mates again.

Fiz comes back, having left Hope with Julie to do her errands. They're both back now and she turns on the lights. John springs up from the sofa where he'd been moping and scurries to turn the lights off again. He tells Fiz Colin has been there and he knows about everything! He has given them a week to return all the money. She thinks they can find the money somehow but that's not good enough. John desperately says Colin will blow the lid off it all and they have to run for the sake of Hope.

Becky finds Steve in the back room, trying to organize his schedule so he can spend extra time with Amy. Becky totally agrees but asks him not to take it out on Max. They need to make it work for both kids and she'll do her best to make it work too. Tracy arrives and Becky leaves them to it without any hassle. Steve lays it down. He apologizes for accusing her and says he wants to start doing things together as a family more often and regularly. She doesn't think he'll stick to the plan. She says Amy needs more than that. Her life is fractured and she needs stability and structure. Tracy has decided she and Amy are going to move away. Decision final.

Tvor

Fiz is searching for her phone before going off to work. John thought they were leaving today. Fiz tells him they can't go, they've got no money, nowhere to go, and besides, Hope is so fragile, all the medical support is where they are now. And there's Chesney, he might have had an accident, and be somewhere, unable to tell them who he is.

Tina's at the flat, kissing Graeme and telling him she misses him. Xin looks on wistfully and brings coffee. Tina suggests to Graeme that they have a night out in town, but isn't too happy when he invites Xin along too, so, when he goes out to the kitchen she has a quiet word and tells Xin she would prefer it to be just her and Graeme. Xin says she understands.

In the factory, Julie is moaning about the fact that the toilets are out of order. (Is it legal for them to working, in that case?) Owen comes in and asks Fiz if her brother has turned up yet, and then Frank comes out and asks if he's come to start work. Owen wants to talk to Carla, but Frank says Owen can talk to him. Eventually it's agreed that Owen will bring him a start date and an estimate for the work on the drains. Carla tells Frank they are not going to pay Owen to put right his mistakes. "Too right we're not," says Franks, "he just doesn't know it yet."

Steve, Tracy and Amy are in the cafe. Tracy asks Sylvia for a soy milkshake for Amy, as she's allergic to cow's milk. Sylvia tells her they don't do soy. (Not much call for it in Weatherfield I suspect.) She also informs Tracy that allergies are nonsense, new-fangled twaddle! Tracy tells Steve she can't wait to get Amy somewhere more civilized. Steve says that he and Becky are of the opinion that it won't do Amy any good to move her right away. Tracy sniffs that she doesn't care what they think, she's surprised Becky can even think, and takes Amy off to a cafe that's in the 21st century.

Down in their basement prison, Chesney is starting to put two and two together. The deaths of both Charlotte and Joy seem to be too much of coincidence. Mr Hoyle protests that John couldn't have caused the tram crash, but Chesney points out that it would be a good time to kill someone and make it look like an accident. "I was thinking that," says Mrs Hoyle. She believes John is capable of anything.

Kevin is on the sofa nursing his shoulder and watching daytime tv, when Sally arrives home to use the loo. He says he hates daytime tv, she says she knows. "You know me inside out, don't you?" he says. Hardly in-depth psychoanalysis! He suggests they get fish and chips for dinner, but she's going out with Jeff.

David and Kylie find themselves alone in the salon. Their conversation turns to Becky and Steve. David would like to wipe the smile off their patronizing faces and thinks that the best way to do that would be to take Max off them. Kylie is reluctant, she tells him that what they've got is so good she doesn't want to spoil it. David can't understand her attitude and wonders if there's something he's missing. She assures him that he's missing nothing, and kisses him.

John arrives in the basement to take his prisoners one at a time to the bathroom. Chesney asks when he's going to let them go. "Tomorrow," he says. "You keep saying that," says Mrs Hoyle. John snaps that he's doing his best, and takes Mr Hoyle to the top of the steps. As he fumbles with the lock, Mr Hoyle tries to grab the hammer in John's hand, but John turns and pushes him backwards down the stairs, and he groans and then lies motionless, at the bottom. John rushes down to look at him, protesting that it was an accident, he never touched him. "You pushed him," accuses Mrs Hoyle, and begs him to call an ambulance. Mr Hoyle gradually starts to come round and so John pulls him up into a sitting position and says he's fine. "How could he be? He's being held prisoner by a psychopath!" says Chesney. John says all he ever wanted was a quiet life, and Mrs Hoyle says if he lets them go he can have his quiet life, they won't say anything. John however, just ties up poor Mr Hoyle again – no loo break then – and rushes off.

Owen takes his estimate in to Frank who tears it up and says they'll see him in court if they have to close because of him. In the end they make a deal. He'll do the work and if the drain problem is his fault, he'll foot the bill, if it's not, Underworld will foot the bill.

Jeff takes Sally to the wine bar for lunch, and orders champagne. She wants to know what's going on, she's got to go and operate a sewing machine. He tells her to take the afternoon off. Cheryl comes over to open the champagne, and asks Sally about number 13. Sally tells her that she, Kevin and the girls lived there, happy days mostly, but it's got no garden or conservatory. When Cheryl has left them, Jeff tells Sally that the time in France with her was special, then he gets down on one knee and, pulling a ring box out of his pocket, proposes! Sally looks horrified.

In the Rovers, Becky tells Steve that she's sure Tracy doesn't mean all this moving away stuff. She's got free board next door, free childminders, a stress free job in the Rovers, she's centre of attention and, to top it all, Amy has started playing up and Tracy wouldn't want to be on her own with a child who is becoming a liability.

Back at the wine bar, Sally points out that she and Jeff have only known each other for a few months, it's too soon. "When won't it be too soon?" he snaps. Sally says she doesn't know, he shouldn't have sprung this on her. She tells him he's put her in an impossible position, she gets up and leaves, saying she's going back to work.

David and Kylie have come into the pub, and David tells Becky that while they're grateful for all she's done for Max, now that they're married.... Becky stops him and calls Steve over. She wonders if David and Kylie have actually talked about this. Kylie looks embarrassed and tells David she thought they were just coming in for a quiet drink. David says that he thinks Max would be better off with them, his mother and his step-dad. "Well, we think he'd be 25,000 times better off with us," says Steve. David says he's prepared to take it to court and he doesn't think there's a judge anywhere who wouldn't think that Max's rightful place was with his mum. Becky wonders if Kylie really wants to wash their dirty linen in public. Kylie says this is the first she's heard of it, and looks daggers at David. Steve suggests they go away and have another talk, a long one.

Over at the factory, Carla steps out of her office to give the workers the news that the drains are going to be sorted.

Xin comes into the Rovers and tells Graeme and Tina that she has a new job. In Edinburgh. Tina is delighted but Graeme's face freezes. Edinburgh is a long way away. Joyfully, Tina suggests they throw a party to celebrate.

Sally is back at home, and Kevin is making tea, when Jeff arrives. He apologises for springing the proposal on her. She urges him to come to the conservatory but he stays put and carries on with what he's got to say, despite the fact that Kevin has come out of the kitchen to see what's going on. (Cringe! Would you really want your ex witnessing your new flame declaring undying love?) Jeff tells him he's asked Sally to marry him, so with that, Sally shoves him out to the conservatory!

Graeme and Xin join Tina in the cafe to talk about the party. She thinks that Graeme and Xin should stage a big row in front of everyone about the fact that Xin is moving so far away. Graeme should declare that he's not happy about it. They both look worried about this, but agree to go along with it.

Sally tells Jeff she can't even think about getting married again. "Can't or won't?" he says, angrily, and wonders why she's whispering. This is her house, Kevin shouldn't even be there. "Has it ever occurred to you that I might enjoy being a single woman, without some jealous, overbearing man trying to rule my life?" she snaps back.

Fiz arrives back home and John tells her he's been driving round looking for Chesney. She asks if he's heard from Colin, he says he hasn't, but it's probably because he wants them to suffer. Fiz tells him she can go looking for Chesney tomorrow, the factory will be closed while the floor is being dug up. "The factory floor?" asks John, looking aghast. Fiz tells him that where the drains were laid last year, it's all got to come up again!

Anne Logan

We begin this Friday night in the cellar where Chesney's out of breath with struggling. Mrs Hoyle is still trying to wake Alan. He's still losing blood. John arrives bearing food and coffee. He's got some ointment for Alan's head wound. He gets very angry when Mrs Hoyle tries to talk back to him.

Gary and Izzy are at breakfast. He's had a call from someone wanting to shift some stuff this morning (yeah, of course you always ring the man with a van on the very day you need the job doing and he's always available! I'm expecting to see Dorothy and Toto on the yellow-brick cobbles any day now). Izzy reaches for something and winces. She's banged her elbow in the shower and it's still a bit painful. Gary is very concerned. Izzy dismisses it but Gary says that with her condition these things can turn serious. He wants her to go to hospital but she laughs at the idea.

Owen's shouting at a big lorry and Carla's shouting back at him. As Owen tells Chris someone's called in sick, John slinks past and hears this. He offers to do a few days' work, saying they're desperate for money. Owen's skeptical but John says he worked on building sites all through the summer. Owen agrees under sufferance.

Steve finds Amy and Tracy sitting in the sun at the bus stop. They're going into town. Steve and Tracy have words and Tracy insists they're moving to London.

Fiz is angry that John disappeared as he rushes back in to tell her about his new job. He starts hunting for his boots. "We can't run away without any money," he says. Fiz insists she's not going anywhere while Chesney's still missing. John insists Chesney will be in touch once he's calmed down.

Gary's going door to door distributing flyers for his business. He sees the medical centre and looks thoughtful.

Xin and Graeme discuss the party and what they might argue about. She's in a bit of a temper. After shouting at him she apologises and says she hates arguing and she hates it even more because it's Graeme. He reminds her that it's just pretend. "Well, pretend is a dangerous game," she says. They discuss what they might say and what they might remember about each other. Graeme tells her she'll find someone.

There's a big drill cutting into the factory floor as Owen and Chris discuss how keen John seems to be.

Uh oh. Gary's back at Izzy's flat. He says he popped into the medical centre and while there he saw Dr Carter and mentioned her elbow. "You did what?" Gary seems to completely miss the absolute menace of her tone. "And while I was talking to him I booked you an appointment just to be on the safe side." Uh uh oh! "Are you deaf as well as stupid?" Izzy asks, her teeth gritted. She hands him the phone to call the medical centre to cancel the appointment. Gary says Dr Carter agreed that with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (when he said it, it sounded like Ewellers-Danos but I looked it up!) it's best to get these things checked out. Izzy calls the centre and gets quite sarcastic about Gary to the receptionist (Isn't that still Deirdre?). Izzy ends the call and has another go at Gary, telling him he's worse than Owen.

David arrives home and tells Kylie that a client who had a child taken into care reckons Kylie has every right to see Max. Kylie just wants him to stop going on about it. He's even got the number of a lawyer who specialises in custody cases. Kylie says she's put Max through enough and he's better off where he is. David insists that they're going to Becky and Steve this afternoon to tell them they're taking this further.

It's down tools in the factory as Owen and his crew stop for lunch. John is happy to work through but Owen insists he can't stay on his own because it's against health and safety rules. Once Owen's gone, John grabs the sugar from the tea-making area (which is right in the middle of the destruction zone – all that cement dust in their tea? I think not!), goes over to the generator and pours it in.

Katy and Izzy have lunch in what looks like a posh cafe. "I thought I was in love," weeps Katy. She can't understand why Chesney's run away if he loves her. She's having second thoughts about the abortion. "I can't do it on my own," she says.

Mrs Hoyle suggests Chesney save his strength. The three of them think John was more edgy than normal. He shuffles so he they can all pull together on three. . . one, two, three!

Tiny is behind the bar, chatting to Graeme over it about the proposed argument with Xin.

Izzy comes in. She's realised Gary cancelled his removal job so he could take her to the doctor. She's grumpy because it's lost money. She sits with Sean and Marcus and when Carla comes in they ask if she's any idea when they'll be back at work. Carla's very sarcastic.

Fiz arrives on the demolition site, walking right into the middle of it without any safety helmet or ear defenders or other health and safety equipment. She's brought John's lunch and while she's there the generator conks out. Owen tells someone to get on to the plant hire company to get it sorted out. Pardon me for sounding so cynical in this episode, but hasn't the factory got industrial-strength electricity? Why do they need a generator? Is this a technical high-impact drill thing? If it's a pneumatic drill, wouldn't they need a compressor, rather than a generator? Fiz thinks the rest will do John good.

Marcus talks to Gary about his business. Sean's at the bar getting details of Graeme's party. Tina tells Graeme she's asking as many people as possible so they've got lots of witnesses to the argument. Gary asks Izzy if she wants to go.

Tina doesn't understand why Graeme isn't more excited. He says he's just anxious and doesn't want to mess up. Xin comes in. Tina advises them to imagine they're arguing with the nastiest people they know.

David and Kylie talk to Betty and discover Steve's out but Becky's in the back. Kylie thinks they should wait for Steve to get back. David barges through the bar with Kylie chasing him and Betty shouting after the two of them.

They arrive in the back room where Becky and Max are watching television. She shouts at them to get out and refuses to let them take Max to the park. "That's Kylie's son and we're going nowhere," David says. "We have a right." Becky says he'll have a left in a minute. She tells him off for scaring Max. Kylie tries to get David to leave it. He won't. He asks what Becky's going to do. Call the police? He says he'll wait for them. Becky's too quick and streetwise for him – she leaps up, gets hold of him, turns him around with his arm twisted behind him and marches him back out to the bar. "But he's not yours!" shouts David. She slams the back-room door on them, locking herself in there with Max.

There's more struggling in the cellar. "Imagine it's Stape's head you're pulling off," says Chesney. Finally the pipe breaks away without any water leakage at all! Mrs Hoyle says there's a knife behind the bar and Chesney, length of pipe still attached behind him, goes to find it.

As David and Kylie hammer on the door, Becky cuddles Max and turns the TV up REALLY LOUD.

Steve's telling Lloyd about Tracy's plan to move away when he gets a call from Betty.

Chesney manages to cut Mrs Hoyle free and she returns the favour then frees her husband. Alan advises Chesney to smash the door with a bar stool. Ches goes to the top of the stairs and makes the most feeble bar-stool-tap-on-a-door I have ever seen. Honestly, you'll be laughing if you get the chance to see it.

The end of one of the less believable episodes of recent times.
Margaret Carr

Here we go with Friday's second episode and David is determined to see Max. Becky won't let him in as it will upset Max and Kylie insists that David drops it. When he refuses, Kylie storms off but David warns Becky and Steve that this isn't over.

Owen is telling John and Chris that they will need to smash through the factory floor with sledgehammers. Frank comes through to tell the men that they are working to a tight deadline. John looks worried.

Graeme and Xin are planning for their big argument later. Xin admits that it will be hard fighting with him. Graeme asks Xin if they will keep in touch after she goes.

Steve is trying to convince Becky to speak to Kylie but Becky reminds him that it's David who is the problem...and Kylie can hardly come clean to him. Tracy comes into the bar and announces to a crestfallen Steve that she has a job in London...and she is taking Amy with her.

Chesney is having no luck with breaking through the door. Mrs Hoyle worries that John will kill them all when he gets back.

Becky calls round to see Tracy and insists that she doesn't want a row. She asks Tracy to think about Steve as it will break his heart to lose Amy. When Tracy refuses to back down, Becky snaps and reminds her that Steve has rights. Tracy says that there is no way Becky will take it through court and risk losing Max...there is no way she can stop her from taking Amy away.

Tina is asking Graeme and Xin how big their performance will be. Graeme seems very reluctant. The conversation is halted as party guests start arriving.

Fiz is telling Maria that Hope is getting much stronger. John surprises them by announcing he is going back to the factory to put in some overtime. Fiz admits to Maria that she is worried about John...he is acting like he did before his breakdown.

Izzy is considering going to art school. Gary appears to scoff at the idea, which offends Izzy

Becky admits to Steve that she went round to Tracy's. Steve is furious as he expects she has made it worse. Becky storms off and Lloyd comes in, although soon wishes he hadn't as Steve is soon pouring out all of his woes to him.

Frank is impressed to see John working late, But obviously, there's a much more sinister reason for Stape's extra hours at the factory…

Xin asks Graeme when their big row is going to kick off. He tells her he needs some more drink first.

David and Kylie are still arguing over Max and kylie's response is to storm off and start dancing sexily with Tommy.

Lloyd suggests to Steve that it would be a lot easier if social services somehow found out about max as it's unlikely they'd move max when he's so settled anyway. Steve looks thoughtful.

Izzy is telling Gary that she could do better than the job she is in but Gary isn't being very forthcoming with encouragement, which upsets her.

Steve is pondering on Lloyd's suggestion and says that he could always argue that the money they gave to Kylie was a holiday present. Lloyd tries to calm Steve down as he has second thoughts about the idea. Lloyd tells Steve that it is a huge gamble but Steve tells him that sometimes the biggest gambles pay off.

John digs through and finds the rug which conceals Colin. A strong smell of decomposing flesh hits John.

Owen calls round to ask Fiz if she has heard from Chesney. He also asks where John is which confuses Fiz as John is supposed to be on the building site.

Tina indicates to Graeme that it's now or never for the row and he starts arguing with Xin over her move to Edinburgh. As the guests all turn to watch, the fake argument turns all too real as Xin weeps and tells Graeme that she has had enough of the way things are... and he knows what she means.

Fiz is suspicious of John and tells Maria that she is going to underworld to find them.

Tina is furious at Graeme for the argument which turned real and walks out on him. Xin apologises to Graeme and admits that she has to get away from him as she loves him and he doesn't love her back. He tells her that he has no idea what is going on and, before they know it, they are immersed in a passionate clinch.

John pulls Colin's body out of his makeshift grave... just in time for Fiz to come in and catch him in the act. She is confused...and then horrified by the sight which meets her eyes…

Duncan Lindsay

Well we left off as John is pulling out the body from the grave. Fiz is about to be sick. Fiz says she wants to ring the police, but she has forgotten her mobile. John insists that he doesn't want the police called.

In the Rovers Becky is certain that Tracy won't leave 'Hotel Barlow' and that she is just winding them up. She thinks the best thing would be to play along with her game.

Back in Underworld Fiz tells John that they cannot forever avoid speaking to the police. John is worried that they will ask questions, but Fiz says that all he has to do is to tell them what he knows. Fiz hasn't realised that John is responsible, and says to John to come home and let the police get on with their job. Then for one minute she thinks the body under the carpet is Chesney, but John confirms it is Colin Fishwick.

Becky is still telling Steve how they are going to deal with Tracy. She insists on playing it her way. She believes when she has to come up and down the motorways and get trains to bring or collect Amy she will see how expensive it will be. However, Steve doesn't think it will work. He believes she will stay in London with Amy, and without Ken keeping her on the straight and narrow, and no dinners from Deirdre, she will be in her element. He believes all Becky really wants is to keep Max.

The Rovers regulars are talking about the party that Graeme and Xin have invited them to. They think 7.30pm is a bit early for a party, but Julie thinks it maybe more of a soiree.

Steve comes out to the bar and rings the bell to close the pub. Becky follows behind and tells him not to and that he is making a fool of himself.

We go back to Underworld where John is trying to explain that he didn't kill Colin; he dropped down dead. He tells her that Charlotte helped him move the body. They moved him to the hole in the factory floor at Underworld while building work was going on. Fiz realises that the body was underneath her machine.

For those that have been chucked out of the Rovers, Dennis suggests they go to the off license and take it back to Rita's flat and have their own party. Rita has her own ideas, and goes home for a cup of tea! Marcus has another suggestion and tries to organise his own party.

Fiz tells John that she wants no part in what happened, however John reminds her that she spent Colin's money. She signed a document to say that she was his wife. Fiz explains that when John left her without any money, this was all she could do. John says that none of us are innocent.

Graeme goes round to Rita's to see Tina. He promises he won't be more than 5 minutes.

Fiz returns home and sees Maria John comes in, dirty because of the digging he had been doing. Maria is confused and asks to know what has been going on. John tries to cover his back, but that confuses Maria even more. For obvious reasons John doesn't want to go along with Maria suggestion that she rings Chris to help tidy things up at Underworld. Fiz asks Maria to take baby Hope for the night. Maria tells her whatever John has done it is not the end of the world.

Steve is getting his coat and despite Becky's protest is going to the casino. Max calls down from the top of the stairs for them to stop arguing. As Becky goes to comfort him, Steve leaves.

Maria tells Fiz that John should just come clean and explain to Owen that he has botched a job. John comes in and overhears the conversation and is pleased what Maria thinks is the problem. When Maria goes with Hope, Fiz tells John that she wished it was him that was rolled up in the rug. She says the baby is the only decent thing he has produced. He now wants Fiz to help get rid of the body. He tells her they are both in it together.

Graeme explains to Tina that his head is all over the place. He explains that he loves her, but he has to pretend that he loves Xin. Sometimes it doesn't work out properly. Tina thinks he was too convincing. Graeme doesn't want to go back to the flat knowing that Tina doesn't believe him. He tells her that he wished he had never met Xin. Tina then falls into his arms.

Steve is in the casino, and finds that there is no credit on his bank card. He then offers her another card. Dev meets up, and Steve offers him his own bet, but Dev declines.

Into Roy's Rolls where Roy comes home late from a meeting. Hayley announces that she has booked them a holiday on a campsite in Dorset, starting tomorrow. Roy says he can't but Hayley insists they can, because his mother will hold the fort while they are away. Roy protests that he cannot just go away, but Hayley is insistent

At the roll of the dice in the casino, Dev has lost everything, but Steve has won. Dev thinks it will put a smile on Becky's face. However, despite the protests of Dev and the croupier he wishes to gamble the lot. However, Dev picks up his chips from the board.

John asks Fiz to see whether some curtains would take the weight of Colin when they move him. Fiz thinks they will need Chesney's tent.

Back at Dev's place, he offers Steve a cup of coffee. They each wonder why the other one was at the casino. Dev explains it was to get away from Sunita's Aunts, and presumes that Steve wanted to get away from Becky. Steve insists it isn't but it is Tracy that is getting on his nerves. Steve insists they were fine until she came out of prison.

As Steve leaves Dev's, John and Fiz are about to come out from next door and go back to Underworld. Steve goes into a phone box and rings Childrens' Services. He explains that Max is living in the pub and it is not right. He suggests they check out what he is doing there. When she asks for his name, he hangs up the phone.

On that bombshell I will leave you to read Tvor's report again, and all the rest that follow.

Good night. Good morning !
Martin Rosen

Written by Jonathan Harvey Directed by Kay Patrick

Welcome to the second night of a week long Corrie extravaganza.

We start off tonight in a dark car in the middle of the night. John and Fiz have taken Colin's body somewhere to dispose of it. Fiz is shaking and horrified and can hardly believe she's in this position. John quotes poetry to the moon and witters on about the moonlight. She says she's sorry she ever met him and she can't do this. He tells her she has to help him and then it will all be over. He has to find something heavy to weigh the body down so it won't float back up to the surface. I think they're dumping it in the canal.

Chesney has been trying to get the cellar door open with a barstool to no success. John is woozy and his wife is worried about him. Chesney thinks that if John really has killed Charlotte and Joy, how many more has he killed?

It's morning now. At the pub, Becky has given Max his breakfast cereal. She asks a quiet Steve what he got up to when he disappeared last night but he isn't very forthcoming and walks back out on her.

Tracy is extolling the virtues of a nice London suburb. Ken doesn't think it's a very good idea at all. Amy doesn't seem to realize visiting London is permanent. She's off to clean her teeth and Ken scolds Tracy. This isn't in Amy's best interest and she knows it. How can it be good to uproot Amy from everyone and everything she knows. He points out that London is very expensive and she won't have childcare either. Tracy stammers about the florist job she's been offered and can find pals to look after Amy. He raises an eyebrow.

Chris has told Owen that the factory was left open and the alarm not on. John and Fiz are just arriving home (it must have been a canal or river very far away from Weatherfield!). Owen stalks across the road to holler at John for leaving it all unlocked contrary to orders. Finally, John snaps and shouts at Owen and tells him to stick his job. Chris smirks.

Graeme has creeped home after spending the rest of the night with Tina. Xin is furious with him, very hurt about the fact that he made love to her and then went to Tina straight after.

Roy insists he really doesn't want to go on holiday today, leaving the cafe in his mother and Anna's charge. Hayley insists they are going. Sylvia says she will be find and will enjoy the peace and quiet. Roy mutters about the temperamental grill so Hayley demonstrates how to work it. Steve comes in to meet a woman. She's his solicitor. He asks Roy for a coffee. Sylvia makes him say please, tells Hayley that customers are like afghans (hounds) and need training. "Sit!" she orders. Steve does. The solicitor tells him that Tracy's behaviour has been reprehensible and is confident that he and Becky would get at least partial custody if it goes to court and will put in for an order to prevent Tracy from leaving in the meantime.

Tina greets Graeme who's come into the pub. He said he didn't sleep well and refers to her gentle snoring. Really, it's a guilty conscience isn't it? Tina tries to ascertain when Xin is planning on leaving. He doesn't' know and he doesn't want to go home either. He invites himself to join Sean, Marcus and Eileen.

Tina later brings a Social Worker back to see Becky. Becky is immediately on the defense. It's just a routine check, she's told. The lady, Roberta, goes through to see Max while Becky calls Steve who is in the salon to talk to Kylie. Kylie is there on her own at the moment.

Fiz is creeped out. She can still smell the body on her skin. John tells her she was brilliant. She can't get over the awful feelings. John doesn't want her to tell Maria. Well, what on earth would she say, Fiz snaps and runs upstairs to have a shower. When she's in behind the shower curtain, we see her furiously scrubbing herself and crying in horror.

Steve tells Kylie that Social Services is checking on Max and it's her problem as much as theirs. If he and Becky are going down, she's coming with them. He's going to tell her the story and she's going to back it up. She doesn't seem adverse to the plan.

Graeme and the lads are talking about old movies and the worst jobs they've had. Tina watches suspiciously from the bar.

Steve comes back and Becky is in a panic, sure they're going to take Max away. He tries to reassure her and persuades them to be calm and be perfect parents. They go in where Roberta and Max are. She asks later about Kylie. Becky hesitates but Steve spills the beans. Kylie got married and moved out but only across the road and has full access to Max. Right. Roberta needs to speak to Kylie next and is pointed to the salon where Kylie works.

Fiz has picked up Hope from Maria, clearly on edge. Maria asks if she's ok but Fiz snaps at her that she's ok. Back home, John is back on about them leaving, maybe to Scotland. There's a nice place near Fort William in the highlands. Fiz is quiet. He witters on about how safe he felt there, in the town he'd visited years before. Hope squalls from upstairs, and Fiz jumps up to see to her, telling John she's not leaving.

In the salon, Audrey and David are stocktaking. There's a knock on the door so Kylie answers it. It's Roberta and she goes outside so the others don't hear. She tells Roberta coming to her place of work is not on and she'll meet her at home tomorrow morning instead.

Becky asks Steve why he said that Kylie was not living there. Steve figures it was better to come out now from them than having them find out by accident. He says he's got a plan and he'll tell her later.

Drunken Graeme, Sean and Marcus have brought cans of lager to Number 11. The three of them are in top form, Graeme being in the worst shape. He asks if he can sleep on their couch tonight. She's a bit confused about why he doesn't want to go home.

Tracy is looking at the high London real estate prices on Ken's laptop. Steve comes to see her and tells her he's seeking custody of Amy. He bluffs that Social Services already know Kylie is living elsewhere and Kylie will back up his and Becky's story so Tracy will have nobody to back her up if she tells them about the baby-buying bits. She's not scared and still insists she's going to London. One more thing, he's also taking legal steps to prevent her leaving as well. She doesn't believe him and looks sour when he says she's lost the battle.

Fiz's nerves are on their last edge. John points out she's used Joy's money and helped him dispose of the body, she's in it as deep as he is now. She cries that she's tried all her life to be a good person even when it was tough going. She says this is the worst thing she's ever done, very bad. She has convinced herself that she's a bad person which is why bad things keep happening to her and she's going to have to do what bad people do, run away. He jumps on that, assuring her it is the right thing. They can make it work. She didn't think she could do it, leave Chesney and her friends, especially with Ches missing. He says he understands. She says she's sure. They'll leave tomorrow.

And Corrie continues tomorrow night...

Tvor

Tuesday night for a change - all the fault of Britain's Got Talent. Events tonight were written by Peter Whalley and directed by Kay Patrick. Copyright is the property of ITV Productions.

We open at the Stape residence where Mr and Mrs Stape are discussing doing a runner. John wants to get away - but Fiz does not know why they have to run. John suggests they tell people they are going on holiday - he is going to start packing.

Eileen wants Graeme off the couch and to return to his wife - but he shows no sign of moving. Eileen and Sean go shopping. Graeme refuses to answer the phone when Xin rings. Marcus wants to help - but Graeme is not telling - he is so ashamed.

Kylie says she is not feeling well and sends him off to work without her - she does not want him around - she will phone him if she feels worse. He goes and she heaves a sigh of relief.

Katy arrives at the Stapes and announces she is having an abortion. Why - because Chesney has done a runner from his responsibilities. John realises that this is not good and says that he is positive that Ches will return - but he has not heard from him or spoken to him. They both try to tell Katy that Ches would not want her to have an abortion - but she can do nothing else. John says she must postpone it for a few days. At this point John unravels and assures Katy that Ches will be back - he wants her to have it and he (Ches) had a problem which has now been solved and Ches has spoken to John. Fiz has a few doubts but Katy does not believe him - although he claims it is true. Katy departs having made it clear that she is going ahead with the abortion. Once she has gone John tells Fiz it is complicated and does not want anyone asking questions.

Outside Katy tells Owen that Ches has not turned up - they go to find somewhere comfortable. Owen says she should forget about all of them and make a fresh start.

Becky sees a social worker going into the Platt (?) household. Becky runs into Steve because she reckons they cannot trust Kylie. Steve is sure they can trust her.

Kylie is telling her story - looking after Max during a holiday - but things went wrong and Kylie knows that Max living with Becky is the best solution. At this point David returns - and insists on telling a different story about being bullied by Becky - and Kylie sticks with the party line. David tells the social worker they want Max living with them. Kylie tries to undermine David's story - but she is not convinced. David and Kylie argue.

Fiz and John argue - because Fiz wants to avoid the abortion and John admits that he knows where Chesney is. He will not let Fiz go with him to Chesney. John goes to get some nappies for Hope. Fiz summons Maria to look after Hope.

The social worker visits the Rovers and tells Becky that Max should stay where he is for now. Steve and David discuss the arrangements and David keeps pushing on the subject. Steve tells David about the blackmail and the £25k. David departs to check the truth of the story with Kylie. Steve and Lloyd discuss the subject. Steve is convinced that social services already know. And Lloyd wants to know how they know - well Steve told them.

John arrives at the basement and threatens them - he reckons he has killed twice with Charlotte and Joy. And at the top of the stairs Fiz has heard every word and calls him a killer.

Fiz also comes down into the cellar. Fiz tells John that she loved him - but she calls him the devil. John runs out of the cellar and Fiz phones the police.

Fiz phones Maria and tells her to secure the house - and then she remembers to tell Ches about Katy and the abortion. Ches heads off without going to the hospital as the paramedics are helping everyone.

David asks Kylie if it is true and she confirms the story. David wants to know why - about Dimitri and Cyprus. David is not going to dump her. David does not think the social worker knows about the money - so David thinks they have a new hand to play.

Marcus lets Xin in and everyone else goes out so she can talk to Graeme. He does not know what to say to her - which is very childish. Graeme says there are three of them and there should only be two. He does not know how to resolve the problem.

Owen and Katy are about to drive off when Chesney is running into the Street and tells Katy that he has been locked up and does want the baby - he tells her not to have an abortion. She gets out of the car and they hug.

Graeme does not want to hurt either Tina or Xin but he cannot choose and this is terrible.

John returns to the Street and enters his house through the backdoor. John tries to take the baby from Maria - but she does not hand it over - Kirk is hammering on the front door and the police and Fiz arrive. John has vanished out the back and Maria and the baby are safe. Fiz knows that John will be coming back for her and the baby.

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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