2011


Friday 1 July

It's Leanne's birthday and Peter and Simon make a fuss of her. Peter plans a drink in the Rovers later and then he's taking her out for a meal. Les has sent a card but there's no word from Toyah or Janice.

In the Rovers, Stella's issuing instructions to Eva and Karl. She wants the birthday celebrations to go well. Karl tells her about Peter quizzing him about Stella yesterday. When Stella leaves the room, Eva asks Karl if he's had a row with Stella. Stella's tense and Eva knows something is up, she says.

Fiz tries to put on a brave face as she leaves Hope with Chesney. Ches tells her she should go to the party later.

Leanne's in the cafe with Simon and Peter when Stella comes in. Leanne tells her off for getting the flowers. They have a discussion about Leanne's 30th birthday. Stella says 30's a great age - "You're old enough to know who you are and young enough to enjoy it." When Leanne's gone off to take Simon to school, Peter tells Stella he doesn't want to ruin Leanne's day so he's not told her anything.

In the Kabin, Dennis tries to negotiate a discount and Sophie asks Norris ("Noz") if she can leave some fliers about the charity auction. "It's Norris and we don't usually allow pamphleteering." Dennis says Norris doesn't have a compassionate bone in his body and Norris agrees she can leave them. Sophie asks Dennis if he can speak at the auction about his time on the street. Norris is very sarcastic about it, clearly not believing there could ever be any excuse for homelessness. Dennis relents on condition Norris bids for something at the auction. Under pressure from the two of them, Norris agrees.

They're busy in the Rovers setting up for opening. Stella asks Steve how Becky is and Steve says he doesn't know and doesn't care. Becky's on the stairs and hears everything. Stella sees her but Becky slams the door and goes out.

Anna's on the phone in the cafe. She asks Roy if she can have this afternoon off and a pay rise. Roy agrees to the first. Anna says Jerry's putting her house on the market and she needs to put in an offer. The detective inspector comes in, shows Roy his warrant card and asks to talk to him about Fiona Stape.

Fiona Stape is in the factory, in the middle of a discussion with the others about tonight's party. She doesn't even know if her party dress will still fit her after having the baby. Hayley's phone rings. It's Roy. She glances at Fiz, ends the call and heads off, telling the others there's an emergency at the cafe.

Steve's behind the bar in the Rovers. At the bar are Norris, Dennis and Owen. Norris mutters about taking his custom elsewhere if Becky was there. Dennis points out that since he only has a half pint of mild a day, that would be all of a tenner a week. Norris insists he's not a tightfisted, ungenerous person. "Mine's a pint, then," says Dennis and Owen says he'll take a drink from Norris too. Stella comes in with Leanne's birthday cake and reminisces about one of Eva's childhood birthdays. "I do love you, you know. And whatever happens I'll always be your mum." Eva says Stella's been acting really weird but Stella denies anything's going on.

Becky comes in and asks to see Steve in private.

In the back room she apologises. She's been to see a solicitor and agrees to a divorce on whatever terms Steve wants. "I finally saw myself through other people's eyes and didn't like what I saw. So, I shall go and pack my stuff . . ." Steve stops her but just to say thanks.

The detective wants to talk about Chesney's 16th birthday party. He asks if Fiz was there the whole time. Hayley says Fiz arrived about six and left when it finished. Roy doesn't remember much because he was inebriated. "Accidentally, I hasten to add." Hayley remembers that Fiz popped out to look for John but wasn't gone for long. The DI asks for more details. He says they have reason to believe that was the night Colin Fishwick died. Hayley's upset. She wants to know why they can't leave Fiz alone after everything that's happened to her.

There's a lot of food on the bar at the Rovers and word comes that Leanne's on her way. "Surprise!" Leanne's thrilled.

It's gift time. Deirdre presents a commemorative plaque. Cheryl's taking Leanne on a spa day. Peter says Toyah's on her way up by train. Eva takes Cheryl to one side and asks if it's true Leanne and Peter's marriage isn't very solid because of Peter's roving eye. Cheryl realises immediately that Eva's been listening to Norris and warns her against doing so. She says all that was in the past when Peter was drinking and he's not now.

Sophie, Sian and James sort out the lots for the auction. Sian has flirted with footballers to get a signed shirt. James is jealous that she got to go into the changing room. They're aiming for two or three thousand pounds towards the twenty thousand needed.

Stella tells Eva to cheer up just as Peter makes a speech about Leanne. He mentions that her life hasn't always been easy but she's warm, generous and always gives people a second chance. "Lee, you're my rock." He toasts Leanne and everyone drinks to her. Tears come to Stella's eyes and Eva questions Karl about why they've moved there. He doesn't know. The music starts and so does the dancing. Deirdre takes Simon home.

On the stairs, Becky listens, then opens the door and leaves.

Hayley and Roy worry they might have dropped Fiz in it.

Outside her house, Anna's trying to wrench the For Sale sign out of the ground. She can't get a mortgage but doesn't want Faye to see the sign. She's tearful and Owen lends an ear. He asks if she's in tonight but won't say why he wants to know.

Hayley can't eat her dinner and wants to go and see Fiz. There's a knock at the door. It's Becky and her luggage. "I've agreed to a divorce." She asks if she can stop there. When Roy goes to fetch the bedding she breaks down.

Leanne's phone chimes. Toyah's missed her train and won't be coming now because the next one will be too late (Silly! Trains leave from London for Manchester every 15 or 20 minutes! Why can't they check these things?). She looks at Peter talking to Ken and tells Stella that Peter's family is always there for him. Not one of her lot has bothered to turn up. Stella puts her arm around Leanne. Peter sees and comes over. Leanne flees to the loos and Peter warns Stella to pull herself together. "I just can't bear to see her so upset like that," she says. Eva watches, grim-faced, as Stella and Peter go to the back room. She listens at the door as Peter urges Stella not to say anything because this isn't the time or place. Eva opens the door. "Now it all makes sense," she says.

There's rowdy dancing in the bar as Leanne returns, looking for Peter. Ken says Peter and Stella went out the back but she should be careful because he thinks they're organising a cake.

Julie tries to flirt with Karl.

Eva thinks Stella and Peter are having an affair. She's a good mind to tell Leanne herself. Peter asks Stella to tell Eva what this is about. He tells Eva to sit down. Leanne gets to the door just in time to interrupt. "What's going on?" Peter orders Stella to tell her. "Leanne . . . I'm . . . sniff . . . this is so much harder than I thought it was going to be. Leanne. I'm your mum." Leanne's jaw drops.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

The festivities in The Rovers continue but Fiz is forced to end her fun and come away when Hayley warns her that the DCI is snooping around for her again.

In the back room, both Leanne and Eva are struggling to digest Stella's news. Stella assures them both that it's true. Leanne isn't willing to listen to anything Stella has to say... as far as she is concerned, she forfeited her chance of a relationship when she walked out on her. She storms out and is followed by a desperate Stella. Leanne shouts at her in full view of everyone and pushes her back, causing some glasses to bleed and Stella to cut her hand.

Chesney is playing a game when Fiz comes home looking distressed. A few seconds later, the DCI calls round.

Peter asks Stella why she isn't looking for Leanne. Stella tells him that she just wants to give Leanne some time to get her head round everything. Peter is incredulous but when he turns confrontational, Karl warns him to back off. Ken advises peter not to get drawn into a fight but it's a close call.

Fiz is telling the DCI to stop harassing her as he doesn't have enough evidence to charge her with murder. He knowingly tells her that it's not her who is in charge of the investigation and witness statements contradict what she has said in the past.

Stella tries to comfort Eva but Eva can't bear to be near her and refuses to listen to any apologies.

The charity auction is underway and Dennis makes a heartfelt speech about how the charity saved his life. It's clear that he's got through to the likes of Carla, who pops out to the cashpoint.

Stella is worried that Eva has lost respect for her. Eva tells her that her whole childhood was a lie but Stella gets angry that she is feeling sorry for herself when Leanne had a much worse upbringing. Eva calls Stella a lying bitch and Stella slaps her hard. Karl intervenes and Stella feels awful.

Sophie and Sian are collecting for the charity but a stingey Norris only hands over 50p

Peter is worried about Leanne as he can't find her. Ken and Deirdre assure him that she will just need some space but they wonder whether she will ever hear Stella out. Ken comments that she should listen to Stella's side of the story as not everything is always as it seems

Faye is asking Anna if she can have a sleepover when Owen comes round and tells Anna that he has decided to buy the house and keep her on as a tenant.

James is telling Kevin and Sally how much work Sophie has put into organising the evening and they are very proud. The auction starts with a month's worth of brunches at Roy's Rolls and Mary is eager for this prize. However, as Norris bats away a fly, he ends up in a bidding war with her!

Owen is trying to convince Anna that he isn't taking charity on her but she tells him that she can't accept his kind offer.

Fiz is upset after her interrogation. Chesney hugs her as she wails that Hope will grow up without parents just like she had to.

Leanne is on the phone to Janice when Peter comes in. He advises her to hear Stella out but she says that Janice will always be her mum. She says that Stella dumped her as a baby but peter tries to get across that it isn't that simple. Stella calls round and begs Leanne for five minutes to explain.

Norris reluctantly hands over the money for the brunches he has won. A handbag comes out and Carla's eyes light up. Everyone is amazed when Frank forks out £500 to buy her it.

Stella is telling Leanne that Les wasn't easy to live with but after she left him, his mum stopped her seeing Leanne. Leanne refuses to believe her story and says that if she was determined enough she would have sought her out. Stella assures her that she tried to get in touch but Les and his mum wouldn't let her. She hands over a jewelry box containing a lock of Leanne's hair but even this gesture doesn't thaw her and she tells Stella to get out... she doesn't want her in her life!

So what have we learned tonight?
-Karl's a rubbish liar
-Policing is a 24 hour job
-It doesn't take long to get from Roy's Rolls to Fiz's house

-Faye includes the following things in a sleepover: a midnight feast, candles, fairy lights and a shed location
-Nick practically gave wine away to Sophie's cause
-Anna has the following things to ‘think on': Faye having a sleepover in a shed, Owen buying her house
-Fiddling a few quid is miles away from offing someone
-Carla's wardrobe is handbag central
-Carla's birthday is in January
-Les wanted to call Leanne Betty
-Stella did the following things to keep in touch with Leanne: sent cards, sent toys, sent letters, sent dresses, stood for hours at playground railings, got a lad from the estate to threaten Les
-Leanne had the following things as a young child: pumps instead of shoes, missing buttons from her jacket, a wonky fringe

Dubious Awards
Question nobody wants to hear the answer to: "What happened then? With Les?" Leanne to Stella
Speak for yourself award: "We've all made mistakes" No one moreso than you, Ken!
Most difficult thought: "Marriage ...to Les Battersby!?" Ken
Understatement of the evening: "Les liked a drink." Stella
Financier of the year: "I've proven I'm no good with money!" You and every other woman, Fiz!!

Bye for now!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 4 July

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Duncan Foster

Stella is looking at the photo of Leanne that she still has and sadly compares it to a well creased baby photo.

Leanne is violently slicing sandwiches for Simon's lunch. Peter apologizes and sort of tries to stick up for Stella. Perhaps she could talk to Stella, get to know her? No way. Not in a million years. Simon wants to know what's going on and they feel they should be honest so Peter tells Simon that Stella is Leanne's real mum. Leanne insists that Janice is the only other grandma he's got.

The Websters are gazing in horror at a wobbly plant pot. Sally bought it because she felt sorry for Deirdre who'd made it and it wasn't getting any bids. No wonder! Sally chides Kevin for not buying anything at the auction. He protests that he does things for charity! Sian and Sophie are happy with the end result of the charity.

Chesney is livid that the police are harassing Fiz. He thinks she should lodge a complaint but she just wants to stop talking about it, she's near the end of her tether. She apologizes for snapping at them.

Sally has Jack in the pushchair. Tyrone wonders why she bothers and why she hasn't kicked Kevin out yet. She says it's not the baby's fault and is waiting for Kevin to get the all clear after an X-ray today. Sally says she'll make sure Kevin goes as soon as he's able. Tyrone admires baby Jack with affection but there's a bit of awkwardness too.

In the pub, Eva is giving Stella the silent treatment. She apologizes for slapping her and insists nothing between them has changed. Eva is angry that her mother lied to her all her life. Stella admits to being scared of the fallout. Karl wanders in as well and seems to be on Eva's side, at least to the point where he agrees it should never have been kept a secret all these years. Eva turns her back on Stella as does Karl.

The factory is bubbling with the gossip about Stella being Leanne's mother. Carla runs down the stairs in a tizzy about Kirk and Julie offers to go sort him out. Carla continues to scream about her coffee gone missing and orders Eileen to go fetch some. Hayley sees Fiz is upset and over to one side, Fiz tells her that Redfern is still sniffing around. Hayley blames herself but Fiz says he's doing his job and she was just being honest. The others see them talking but can't hear what they are talking about though it's clear Fiz is very upset. Fiz tearfully tells Hayley that the police think she helped John kill Colin and hide the body.

In the salon, Gail has brought David a bacon butty as she'd noticed he'd not had any breakfast. Kylie immediately gets her hackles up and assumes Gail's having a shot at her for not being a proper wife. Actually, Gail admits she is. Kylie and Gail trade off shots and it ends with Kylie promising to make the tea tonight. Gail corners her with the prospect that she was going to make David's favourite. Lasagna but Kylie insists she'll doing the cooking. Gail figures Kylie doesn't know how to cook or even shop!

The factory bees are back to gossiping about Stella and Leanne and that big secret. Fiz overhears the last of it and thinks they're all talking about her and blows up. They all try to explain she wasn't the topic of conversation but Fiz won't have it. Carla comes out and tries to diffuse the situation. Even so, Sally reckons Fiz must be guilty to be so paranoid and Fiz flies at her. The two women are pulled apart just as Redfearn and a coworker arrive and sees it. He wants a word with Fiz and Carla offers up the office.

In they go, with concerned faces gazing on, including Carla's. Carla can't wait and bursts into the office. The police are arresting Fiz who starts hollering NO! Hayley runs off to find Chesney and the police are bent on dragging her out. Carla intervenes and says she'll get Fiz to the car and is quite gentle. Hayley runs down the street banging on the door of Number 5. Tyrone and the factory workers all watch, with Sally approving of the arrest pointedly. Katie comes to the door with the baby and Hayley asks after Chesney. Katie gives Hayley Hope and she runs off to get to the market to fetch Ches. The police drive away while Gail watches, reminding everyone that people are innocent until proven guilty. (she ought to know!) Sean vehemently agrees but Sally can hardly wait to say I told you so!

After the break, Fiz is being questioned with her solicitor in attendance. They are told that there's new evidence. The coroner has said that Colin had a fractured skull though could have actually died of heart failure. Fiz insists that she only knows what John told her but remembers that Colin was beaten up by a bloke for the affair with the bloke's wife. He'd been to their house looking for him and she told the guy that Colin was working in one of the large bookshops in town. (And didn't Chesney witness that encounter? He did meet the guy at one point because he came round several times. That should back up Fiz's story?) One police officer is sent off to check at the bookshops while the questioning continues. Fiz says she didn't say anything before because it didn't seem relevant then. She insists she's not a violent person so he throws the attack on Sally back at her.

Sally is holding court at the factory telling people they must have more evidence. They're all wondering what is going on but Julie and Sean are stout Fiz defenders. Carla says that Hayley is waiting for Chesney at the police station and they need to get back to work but she's not sharp about it. She's obviously concerned as well.

At the police station, Chesney arrives and is very upset and angry. He feels helpless and Hayley tries to calm him down for Fiz's sake.

Stella comes to the betting shop to apologize. Leanne folds her arms across her chest and will not accept the apology and declares that she doesn't want Stella in her life. Stella turns tail and leaves.

Redfearn wants to talk about Charlotte. He wonders if John wasn't in love with Charlotte but Fiz insists he loved her, his wife. She infers that Charlotte stalked her, broke into her house, sent letters and cards. The other officer returns with the news that nobody at the bookshop can remember the violent incident.

At the shelter, James arrives. He says "Bob" is pleased with the auction but there's a problem. He tells the girls that the extra funding won't come through until next month but they need the money now because the auction is in a few days. The girls are upset and even more so when James says the amount was 20,000 and they won't be able to raise it time.

In the pub, everyone is gossiping about Fiz of course. Most people don't think she could have had anything to do with it. Kevin, on the other hand, surmises that she might have, not that she'd actually killed anyone but could have conspired. (Sally's theories rubbing off?) and must have known about it. Tyrone points out that Sally knew nothing of Kevin's antics and can't wait for him to move out. That takes Kevin up short. Gail tells Audrey that she has to get the lasagna ingredients but Audrey says that Kylie has already gone for supplies. Gail isn't having that, her son's health is at stake!

Stella tells Steve that she's leaving. There's no chance Leanne will accept her and she can't bear being there if Leanne won't have anything to do with her. Stella says she thought she'd leave today and Steve accepts. Stella goes to the back and tells Karl they're leaving.

Back to the police, Redfearn lays out all the circumstantial evidence that's mounting up in addition to the crimes she's admitted to. Fiz insists she's innocent but Redfearn knows she's lied about some things and probably lied about everything. He badgers her and badgers her and she cries and protests. Typical of Corrie solicitors, hers says nothing and allows the harassment to continue. Redfearn tries another tact. He reasons that John has left her holding the bag and she doesn't have to lie for him anymore. No more secrets. She can tell the truth. She cries that she is. They terminate the interview.

Back on Coronation Street, it's high noon at the Platt corral. Kylie at one end of the cobbles with her shopping bags and Gail at the other with hers. They glare at each other, and look to the salon and then break into a gallop across the road to see who gets there first. Why they don't go to their own house, I don't know unless it's to prove to David that each is prepared to do battle in the kitchen. Kylie gets there first and declares she's got fixings for a barbeque. (Hardly a lasagna, now is it?) Gail has scathing insults about that. Audrey tries to keep the peace. It's like shopping bags at dawn, she declares. Let Kylie do the barbie and the lasagna ingredients will keep. She takes Gail into the back for a cuppa and Kylie admits to a tickled David that it's just a one off.

Fiz is still in the interview room, and she's crying.

In true Corrie tradition, Stella has carried all her belongings down into the Rovers' back room to pack there. Karl doesn't know why they have to leave. There's a knock on the door and it's Peter. He's not surprised she's running away again, abandoning her daughter again. Peter implies that Leanne might say she wants Stella to go but really doesn't. Peter figures she could stay and take the hard road and face up to it or take the easy way out. He knows which one he'd pick.

At the station, Fiz is formally arrested for the murder of Colin Fishwick. She cries and hollers and protests her innocence. After all that, they only charge her with the one murder, not with Joy's or Charlotte's?

Tvor

And part two from Richard....

Off we go to Weatherfield, copyright remains with ITV Productions, written tonight by Mark Burt and directed by Duncan Foster.

We are inside prison where a warder is showing Fiz to her cell. As you might expect it is less than welcoming. She is in the cell by herself and her expected companion tried to top herself and is currently in the hospital block. Fiz does not expect to be staying.

Katie is struggling with Hope and Owen comes to assist and immediately Hope stops crying. Ches phones Katie and reports that Fiz is being locked up and he will not be back for a while. Katie is left holding the baby.

Stella, Karl and the other daughter Eva are bickering. I don't like all this bickering. Stella is sure that she loves both of them and that she cannot run away again.

The solicitor turns up and Fiz is protesting her innocence. She says John is responsible - not her.

Sophie has decided that Kev can lend the money to cover the funding shortfall until next month and is off to ask him for the money.

Inside Gail and Sal are discussing Kylie and the need for her to pull some weight. Sal suggests they crack open a bottle and spend the evening having a chat seeing that Gail has no better plans. Kev is told that he does not get to participate - three's a crowd. Sophie and Sian arrive and say the funding has fallen through. She asks Kev if she can loan twenty thousand pounds. Kev laughs, not merely at the poor English but at the sheer preposterous idea. It is only a loan but Kev says she is off her head. Sophie trusts them - but Kev is not prepared to advance the cash. And another argument.

In prison it is visiting and Hayley, Roy and Ches get to see the murderer's moll. Fiz does not know what she would do without them. Ches assures here that Katie has everything under control. Fiz is convinced she will be walking out. Fiz wants Ches and Katie to move into the house and be a family, they will come out of this stronger than ever. Fiz says she is not going to let John destroy her future. The solicitor, Mr Westmoor, returns - bail denied. Fiz collapses in tears. More arguing. Fiz cannot live without Hope. Fiz wants to know what she has done!

Kylie and David are discussing dinner - it looks as though she is trying to do a barbecue - after all Kylie has no trouble getting David hot. They snog, at least the alcohol is cooling and will be ready for later.

After the break David is watching Kylie is short hot pants at the barbecue and the two are snogging with Gail and Sal watching from the latter's conservatory. They agree that Kylie's charms are easy to identify.

Katie is taking instructions from Owen on how to feed Hope. It seems to work.

Fiz is very angry and the solicitor wants to talk about Hope. Fiz wants Hope to join her in the prison. There is a good mother and baby unit at this particular problem. It should happen within two weeks with access visits in the meantime. What should happen to Hope in the interim?

Sophie is upset that she was unable to convince Kevin and cannot be consoled.

The solicitor leaves Fiz and talks to Roy, Hayley and Chesney. Fiz would like the Croppers to assume parental responsibility - it is simply too much for Katie and Ches. Roy asks - but it is only for two weeks until the baby joins Fiz in the prison. Ches is upset that he is not trusted by Fiz.

Kylie's food is rank. So they give up on the food and start snogging again, then undressing at which point Gail coughs and asks for the volume and hemline to be dropped. Gail asks for a spick and span garden on her return - and David promises she will be able to eat food off of it. A few more insults are traded, Gail and Sal retreat indoors and Kylie climbs off David as the mood has been broken.

Stella meets Peter in the Street and he tells her that he will not go against his wife. Leanne sees them talking and in a bad temper stomps off. As Peter observes like mother like daughter.

Kylie is sounding off about Gail and David tries to calm her down. Kylie insists it is personal. David says he will talk to Gail - but she wants to be proper man and wife.

Stella follows Leanne into the flat. Stella says she will not apologise. She had hopes, dreams but knew it would be a nightmare. Leanne gives her a telling off - Stella cannot waltz back into her life. Stella cannot change things, Leanne says there is nothing for her. Leanne will not forgive her but Stella is hoping she will eventually be able to forgive herself. Stella leaves and Peter points out her facing up to Leanne took guts. Leanne is still not impressed.

Ches swears he will get Fiz out of prison and Roy sympathises. Owen tells Ches to calm down and Katie tells Ches to calm down - he has got her. Ches does not want to give up Hope. Owen has his say - to be a parent, to be a father Chesney has to know when to do the right thing and he hands Hope over to Hayley and he cries.

Across town on the bottom bunk Fiz is looking at a picture of Hope and is also crying. And the lights go out. Roll music and credits.

See you next week.
K Richard W


Thursday 7 July

We open with the scene of a gaunt and worried looking Fiz in her prison cell.

Then over to the Street, where Peter is walking Simon to school. Simon's moaning because he doesn't want to go to school on his birthday. Peter tells him it's the law. "The law's an arse!" states Simon, it's what he's heard his Grandad saying!

Stella comes out of the Rovers as they're passing, with a present for Simon. She wishes him a happy birthday as she hands him a small package. "You don't mind do you?" she asks Peter. He points out that it's a bit late if he did. She says she doesn't want to seem pushy, it's her way of apologising. "What for?" he asks, "the other night, or everything else you've done?"

Over at the Platt's, David and Kylie are fooling around and wrestling on the sofa when Gail comes down, bristling with disapproval. She mutters that the place was spotless last night, now it looks like a bomb's hit it. Kylie says she should get a cleaner. "I am a cleaner," says Gail. "There you go then," says Kylie. David sniggers. Gail snaps that Audrey and Marc are coming for dinner so they are going to clean up, and then she's going to give Kylie the shopping list to go to the supermarket and get the things she needs to make the meal. Kylie argues, but Gail won't be swayed. "You're doing it!" she says. "And what if I don't?" queries Kylie. Gail tells her she knows where the door is. David says they'll do it, but Kylie looks sulky. When Gail's gone out, Kylie mutters about them getting their own place. David points out that they have no money, so they're stuck there. (They're both working, so I don't see why they can't rent somewhere - look at Chesney and Katy!)

Kevin's sitting at the table when Sophie and Sian come down for breakfast. Sally picks up the mail and brings it in, remarking that Kevin is now getting his mail redirected to her house. He says it saves him going back to the flat. Sophie remarks that it seems rather greedy - having two addresses when some people can't even have one. He says if she's still on about the loan, she wasting her time. Sally agrees, it's a lot of money. "You'll get it back," mutters Sophie, but Kevin ignores her and opens his mail. There's a letter from the bank, wanting him to access his account on line. He seems to think that's going to cost him, so he doesn't want it. Sian says she thinks it's free, but Kevin doesn't think anything is free, and wanders off, moaning, putting the letter in the bin as he does so. When Sally has also gone, Sian tries to comfort Sophie, but Sophie thinks that money could be the charity's last chance. "Something else will come up," says Sian. "What if it doesn't?" says Sophie, miserably.

A guard comes into Fiz's cell and starts clearing out the stuff of the cell mate Fiz has not yet met. Fiz asks what's going on and is told she's not coming back, she's going home. After he's gone she looks down and sees a crumpled photo on the floor. She picks it up, a picture of a woman with a baby.

Hayley is sitting in the cafe with baby Hope on her knee. Sylvia wonders how long she's staying, she didn't get a wink of sleep last night. Hayley says it will be till Fiz gets a place in the mother and baby unit, or she's released, whichever comes first. "Poor little might," says Sylvia, "what a start in life. Father a raving loony and mother behind bars!"

James arrives at the soup kitchen and tells Sophie and Sian that he's been on the phone to Rob. They've found someone to lend them the £20k but the money won't be through until after the auction, so it makes no difference, the house will be lost. Sophie is upset at the thought that all the people they want to help will end up back on the streets. She resolves to ask her dad again.

Gail is in the pub, moaning to Audrey about Kylie. Just then David arrives for the shopping list, and Gail tells him that it might be better if he and Kylie found somewhere else to live. David says they have no money. "Why not? You're both working," says Gail. David asks if she knows how little his Gran pays them. After he's gone Audrey moans about his cheek. "I pay way over the minimum wage," she says.

Fiz's new cell mate arrives and sees the crumpled photo of the baby. Fiz says she thought she'd try and get it back to the previous inmate. The new woman tells Fiz she'll have job, she snuffed it during the night. As she goes out for a ciggie, Fiz sits in the cell, shocked and upset.

Norris walks into the cafe and sees baby Hope. He asks where Fiz is and is told she's been arrested. He's amazed that the police should think she's capable of killing anyone. Just then Chesney walks in, and wants to know what Norris thinks. Before Norris can answer, Chesney shouts at him that he probably thinks Fiz is guilty too. He asks what right Norris has to judge Fiz, he has no idea what she's been through. Norris mutters that he's sure it will all come out in the trial. "And you'll be there, won't you? Front row seat, hoping they find her guilty so it'll make you feel better about your pathetic little life!" Then he turns round and grabs a cream cake from the counter. Stuffing it into Norris's shocked face, he storms out!

Leanne and Peter are leaving their car at the garage for some work to be done. They chat to Kevin a while and he laughingly tells them about Sophie asking him to lend the charity £20k. "As if I'd lend that sort of money to a load of dossers and drug addicts!" he scoffs. What he doesn't know is that Sophie has come up behind him and heard it all. She storms off.

Owen sees Chesney outside the chippy. He advises him to calm down before he visits Fiz and to tell her that everything is all right, that is the best way to help her through it all.

Sophie goes into the house and fishes out from the bin the letter that Kevin got from the bank about setting up internet banking.

Audrey and Marc have arrived for dinner. Gail grumbles that Kylie didn't get everything on the shopping list, so she's had to improvise. Just then David and Kylie arrive, giggling. It turns out that Kylie didn't realise she had to read both sides of the shopping list, so didn't see half of it.

Chesney, Roy and Hayley have brought Hope in to see Fiz.

Sophie is sitting at the laptop, and has set up internet banking for Kevin's account. She phones James and asks for Rob's bank details. She tells him that her dad as agreed to the loan and will transfer the money.

Back at Gail's they're all trying to eat the meal. Gail remarks that it's horrible, although David says she's made worse. Kylie knows that Gail can't wait to see the back of her, she won't be happy until she and David have split up. "She hates my guts," says Kylie. David protests that Gail doesn't hate her, if she did why would she let them live there? Why would she give them money for a honeymoon? Kylie then reveals that the money was actually a bribe. "She gave me the money to jack in the wedding and do a runner. Ain't that right Gail?" There's a stunned silence. Then David tells Gail that Kylie had better be joking. Gail protests that she thought she was doing the right thing. David is furious and he and Kylie storm out, with David saying they're going to find a place of their own, no matter how much it costs.

Fiz tells her shocked and dismayed visitors that although there is a place coming up on the mother and baby unit she's not going to take it. She wants Hayley to carry on looking after Fiz.

Simon is playing on what looks like a Nintendo DS when Leanne comes along. She's annoyed to hear that it was a present from Stella. Peter tells her he's told Stella to back off and give her some time. "Yeah, about another 30 years ought to do it," snaps Leanne.

Sophie's in the house, just in the process of transferring the money when Kevin and Sally both arrive at the front door. They walk indoors just as she's clicked the button, and she shuts the computer up quickly.

Hayley tells Fiz that she would do anything to help, but Hope really should be with her mum. "Not in this place," says Fiz. She explains that the woman who had her cell before hung herself. "That's what this place does to you," she says, adding that she's only been there a day and can feel it getting to her. "Please say you'll do it," she sobs. "Say you'll take her." Hayley glances at Roy, who nods. The end of visiting is announced, so Fiz hands Hope back to Hayley and rushes out, sobbing.

Anne Logan


Friday 8 July

Another Friday and we begin with Sophie looking depressed while Sian goes on about the auction. Kevin comes down, all cheerful like. Sian wants to go to the shelter with Sophie. Kevin's thinking of buying himself a flat. He's still got enough money left from the scratch-card win for a deposit, he reckons.

There's classical music blaring in Roy and Hayley's flat as the two of them try to stop Sylvia from talking loudly and waking up Becky, asleep on the sofa. Roy says classical music has a calming effect on babies, but Sylvia doubts it. Becky wakes up and seems quite cheerful. She asks to hold Hope. Hayley says she's been given more time off work to look after the baby. Hope starts to cry and Sylvia says the Brahms concerto doesn't seem to be doing much good. "What that baby needs to hear is the sound of her mother's voice."

Her mother's in a prison cell discussing a magazine quiz with her cellmate. The other woman tells her she's done the right thing. It would have been wrong to bring Hope into prison. The woman says she's got two kids in care. She advises Fiz to look at the magazine and do the quiz. It's fantasy to help take her mind off it.

Gail's trying to stir up David and Kylie about why Kylie didn't reveal she'd been given money to go away. Gail admits it was a mistake and David says he's happier with Kylie than he's ever been. Kylie accuses Gail of trying to split them up but Gail says she sees no reason why they can't all put everything behind them and make things work.

Sean's got his camera out and is urging Dylan to have another piece of toast and put chocolate spread on it. Marcus tells Eileen that Sean's waiting for Dylan to do something daft, like smear it all over his face, and then Sean will film it and put it on YouTube. "Does Violet know what you're up to?" asks Eileen. There's a knock at the door and Eileen goes to answer it. Marcus tells Sean he's taking Dylan to the museum of science and industry.

Eileen opens the door and Julie walks right in. Dennis is with her and is more hesitant. He says it still feels strange coming into this house. Julie's excited because she's got some news. Before she can get it out, Marcus shouts to Sean to look out. "There's a mouse on your foot!" Sean screeches and leaps up on to a chair. Marcus has filmed it and says he'll now post it online. Sean's indignant but gets the point.

Out in the street, Sian wonders what's wrong with Sophie today. Before she can find out, James comes over, raving about how wonderful it is that Kevin changed his mind about the money. Sian looks puzzled. James asks if they're going to the auction. He can't make it because he's off to buy something for Deirdre's birthday. Sophie has to go to the refuge. When he does, Sian demands to know the truth.

Roy thinks they need a plan for Hope's future. He wants to call Social Service for advice but Becky laughs at him. They'll have Hope out of here faster than Roy can blink, she says.

Sophie and Sian come in for coffee. Once they're at a table, Sophie tells Sian what she's done, taking the money from Kevin's account. She says she's done the right thing and the money will be back in Kevin's account by next week.

Cheryl and Lloyd unload more stuff for decorating the house. Leanne comes past and Cheryl expresses sympathy over the Stella situation. Cheryl agrees to go for a coffee with Leanne.

Hope's asleep. "Has been ever since I switched off Radio Three," claims Sylvia.

Sophie's still trying to justify herself to Sian. Sian accuses her of stealing the money and proves it by asking whether Sophie told Rob and Janet what she'd done. She points out that if it was the right thing to do, Sophie would have told them about it. Sian doesn't want anything to do with it and doesn't want Kevin thinking she did.

Gail's had a hair don't at the salon. When she's gone, Kylie grumpily tells Audrey that if Gail's got a problem with them living at No 8, she should move out. David assures her they'll get their own place. Audrey suggests they knuckle down and save their pennies. Maria arrives and Audrey takes her to look at a hair products catalogue. David's very grumpy because Audrey never asks his opinion. Kylie's had a brainwave - they can have the salon flat. It doesn't matter to her that Maria already lives there.

Sian gets back to the house and sees Kevin is still there. Sophie follows her in and Kevin assumes they've had a row. He takes Jack out for a walk and Sophie thanks Sian for saying nothing. "I can't look him in the face now," Sian says. She says Sophie should have told her what she planned and then Sian could have talked her out of it. Sophie shouts that she didn't say anything because she didn't want to be talked out of it. Sian asks what they're going to do. Sophie says they should go to the auction. In a few months, when the house is up and running, they'll look back and laugh, she says. Sian doesn't believe her.

Leanne and Cheryl discuss how Cheryl's keeping the true cost of things from Lloyd. Cheryl's bought a new lounge suite but has no plans to tell Lloyd exactly how much it cost. She's put it on her credit card. They laugh and go their separate ways.

Julie's got out a family tree she's drawn up. She shows Eileen that their dad's cousin was also Elsie Tanner's cousin. Dennis remembers the cousin. Elsie went to his funeral after he died of hypothermia during the big freeze. Julie reckons this makes Dennis their uncle. I bet dozens and dozens of genealogists wrote in after this scene!

At the auction rooms they're packing up the seats. Surely the auction can't be over already. A man tells them the house they wanted was sold to a property developer for 55 thousand pounds - it'll probably be turned into luxury flats. "Your friend will have to try again." Sophie's puzzled. They had that much.

Cheryl confesses to Lloyd that she's bought the new three-piece suite. After all, Lloyd said the old one was rubbish. Lloyd points out they were only going to look at furniture, not buy straight away. He says she should have rung him. Cheryl tells him it cost 600-something on special offer and shows him a brochure. She apologises, put her arm round him and says she can cancel it if he wants. Lloyd relents and says it looks good. He's got out his old vinyl records and wants to put them by the stereo but Cheryl doesn't like the idea of them cluttering up the place. She suggests he put them in the loft for now. Lloyd doesn't think that's a fitting home for I Spy (For The FBI) by Luther Ingram (there are several versions of this on YouTube if you want to hear it). Cheryl promises they'll find a home for them.

Sophie decides to phone Rob. The call goes straight to voicemail. They decide to go to the shelter because Rob and Janet will be there.

Hayley goes to see Chesney and confesses this arrangement isn't the best for Hope. Chesney promises he and Katie will give as much help as necessary. He decides to go and see Fiz.

Kylie's set on moving in above the salon. She says if Gail can get free haircuts then they should be given the flat. David keeps bringing up obstacles ("Think what it would be like at work - unbearable.") but Kylie's having none of it. "Maria can sling her hook if she doesn't like it." Audrey overhears them talking and Kylie tells her the plan even though Maria's with Audrey. Kylie tells Maria she should ask her parents to help out. Maria suggests Kylie doe the same - if she's got any parents. Kylie's furious. Audrey stops them arguing and says Maria's staying in the flat.

Sophie's still trying to get through to Rob and Janet as she heads downstairs to the soup kitchen. There's protective sheeting at the door and builders inside. The owners are turning the soup kitchen into a new bar. The soup kitchen just had a short lease. It dawns on both girls that something is terribly wrong. Where is Rob and what's he done with the money?

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Stressful times for Sophie as we pick up where we left off. She is struggling to figure out what's going on but terrified over coming clean to Kevin when Sian suggests it. They decide that they have to get in touch with James.

Peter, Leanne and Simon arrive for Deirdre's party as Tracy moans that they should have went out. Deirdre is happier than ken when she receives a pottery annual while James takes an urgent phone call from Sophie and has to run out.

Kylie is trying to get David to take her side over her attempts to get Audrey to get rid of Maria but he is tired of being caught in the middle, especially when Audrey overhears and reminds Kylie that she has no first hand experience of family so it's no wonder she doesn't know how to behave now that she is part of one.

Sylvia and Dennis are gossiping about Fiz and Sylvia suggests that Fiz is looking for an excuse not to have to look after Fiz. Chesney overhears and shouts at her to shut up. Hayley arrives and they head out to visit Fiz. Julie comes in, much to Sylvia's annoyance and starts talking about the fate of her meeting with Dennis.

James assures Sophie and Sian that he will get to the bottom of the situation. Sophie tells Sian she won't tell Kevin until she hears back from James.

Kylie is sulking after Audrey tells her she had better change her attitude if she wants to keep her job. Marc comes in and takes Audrey out for a drink. David tells Kylie that they need two incomes if they want a place together so she should try and be more committed to her job.

Gail is commenting to nick that maybe she is being too hard on Kylie when Audrey comes in with Marc and tells her that Kylie is an absolute trouble maker and she doesn't know how David puts up with her.

As Dennis goes to the toilet, Sylvia takes Julie aside and tells her she's going fro a drink with Dennis and she is not invited. But she advises her not to tell Dennis as he will feel like he has to invite her. Sylvia finishes off by asking her to wash up some mugs, leaving her looking taken aback.

Sophie and Sian come home and are awkward around Kevin as they wait for news from James.

The meal at the Barlows is typically disorganised as everyone talks over each other but ken is quite happy and says that family is so important. Leanne points out that that only includes family that have been with you throughout and not relatives who turn up years too late.

James arrives at the Webster's and tells Sophie that something odd is definitely up...he has no idea where the money is...it looks like they have run off with it.

Sophie tearfully tells Kevin she is extremely sorry but she is too upset to elaborate so it falls to Sian to admit that she has taken £20,000 from his account. Kevin goes ballistic and demands it goes right back...until they break the really bad news to him that it's gone.

Chesney is asking Fiz why she won't have hope. She tells him that she doesn't want her baby in a place like this but he tries to persuade her that she is better off with her mum.

Sally is telling a distraught Sophie that what she did was stealing. She repeatedly apologises but Kevin is enraged and decides to confront James over it as he must know more than he is letting on.

Chesney is beginning to question whether Fiz actually wants Hope but she argues that she wants nothing more...just not in here. Chesney doesn't want to listen to it and storms out.

Audrey asks marc if he would like to come back to hers for dinner but he apologises and says he has a business meeting. She is disappointed.

Kevin storms round and interrupts the Barlow meal to demand his money from James. Ken and Peter try to calm him down but he accuses James of being indirectly involved. Peter tells him he needs to get his facts straight. Kevin warns James that he will get his money and then he'll be back. After he has gone, James assures ken and Peter that he knows nothing about it but Tracy eyes him suspiciously.

Fiz asks Hayley that if she gets sent down, would she and Roy bring hope up. She doesn't want Hope to even know about her real mother. Hayley tries to assure Fiz that it will never come to that.

Marc and Audrey bid farewell and lean in for a small kiss which turns into a more passionate moment. Audrey seems pleased.

Kevin tells a gutted Sophie that he will never trust her again. And, what's more, things are only going to get worse as he will have to get the police involved.

So what have we learned (other than it's foolish to steal £20k from a parent?)

-Deirdre is very hard to buy for
-Hope will probably be known as 'Hopeless' on the playground
-The following things were left undone at the salon: basins washed, floor swept, shelves wiped
-Kevin hasn't got many jokes
-A birthday should be the one day when people are allowed to be miserable
-Kevin was the following things thanks to Sophie: Disappointed, let down, betrayed

Dubious Awards

Age old question of the night: "What matters more? Blood or water?" Kylie
Question with most potentially traumatic answer: "You'll never guess what I've been thinking about all day?" Julie
Most interesting thought: "Might there be a force that's controlling us and bringing us together for a purpose?" Yes, Julie. They're called producers.
Best impression of a former character: "What you saying? You turning into her?" Nick to Gail about Ivy Tilsley. I've been saying this for ages!
Double take moment of the night: "For once I agree with you!" Deirdre to Ken.

And on that bombshell...

See you next time!

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 11 July

Written by Ellen Taylor Directed by David Kester

First thing this morning, Kevin is ranting at the bank over the phone while Sally cuddles baby Jack. Sounds like Kevin is getting no joy from the bank about getting his money back because the police haven't been involved. Sally defends Sophie, not to say that she wasn't wrong, but she's very sorry and she doesn't think Kevin should get the police after his own daughter. Kevin's more concerned with the money. The girls come down with a gift for Sally for her birthday. Kevin of course, has forgotten.

Leanne is in a good mood this morning. Peter wonders why but she says there are more important things to worry about than Stella. Simon has a sleep over tonight and Leanne wants to leave work this afternoon for a bit of shopping. Peter suggests a bit of afternoon delight but she's really just in the mood to be on her own. He's understanding. As she goes off, Norris stops Peter and asks about James' charity and how it seems to be a front for a criminal network. Peter defends James as being innocent but tells him it was Sophie that was the culprit in taking Kevin's money. Ooops, I've said too much! (to the wrong person, and all!)

In Platt Towers, everyone is running around getting ready for the off. Kylie snatches the toast that Gail had put on for herself. Too bad, make some more. David asks Gail to put on the kettle and Gail's pot on the stove boils dry just as David asks her to iron a shirt for him. Gail blows her stack and tells the happy couple that they can look after themselves from now own. If they are so keen on having their own place, they'll have to get used to it. She storms off to the cafe leaving two puzzled young people behind. David wonders who's going to iron his shirt. Gail snaps, "Ask yer wife!" Kylie stops that dead. "Don't even think about it!"

James is expressing his guilt to his father, he feels bad because he brought Sophie into the charity in the first place. Ken assures James it wasn't his fault. Deirdre is trying to pluck old sayings out of her head to apply to the situation and keeps getting the wrong one. Ken suggests "A fool and his money are soon parted" reminding Deirdre to ask him for 20 quid so she can go to Freshcos. Brilliant timing!

Sally is talking to Sian and Sophie and thanking them for the present. Kevin comes back in and starts in hollering again at Sophie for stealing. Sophie hollers back that she's sorry, how many times can she say it? Sally defends Sophie and says shouting isn't going to help. The baby starts crying, Kevin shouts some more and lays on the guilt on Sophie with a trowel.

Gail is moaning about David and Kylie in the salon while Audrey is doing Stella's hair. Audrey and Gail are talking about the unbreakable bond between mother and child while Stella definitely looks "knowing". She wonders if a certain bond could indeed be restored, I think. Just then David and Kylie burst through the door. Looks like David had a bit of trouble ironing that bright red shirt. I guess bad ironing also means you can't button it up correctly. Kylie points out they are a modern couple and he does all the work not her, as she's a feminist. Audrey makes a remark about Mrs. Pankhurst which goes right over Kylie's head, thinking that might be her first client? David looks a bit stunned and bickers at Kylie for not ironing his shirt. She snipes that she's a working woman. He points out he's a working man. Gail points out he's lazy and all the women agree that he can make them a cuppa.

Carla and Frank are in the cafe having a coffee break. She's kicking herself for losing the contract the other day. Frank has another really good lead but Carla can't accompany him as she has to meet her brother to talk about their mother's will or lack thereof and her possessions. She's not looking forward to it. He offers to go with her. She declines and then goes back to the factory.

Kevin and Tyrone bicker about accounts. Tommy winds up Kevin who takes the opportunity to shout some more as Tommy turns his back on the argument to approach a cute little Asian girl wheeling a suitcase up the middle of the cobbles. She's delighted to see a good looking fella and we're all delighted to see her because it's Amber! They introduce themselves. Dev spots her and runs squealing across the road to sweep her up in a hug.

Kylie is laying about doing nothing. Audrey suggests she find something to do like a stock check or something. Marc arrives and asks her out for lunch. They arrange to meet at the Rovers. He leaves and Kylie teases her but she says Marc is just a friend. David wonders if she's going out with Marc but Audrey insists he's a friend. David reckons just because she's getting older doesn't mean she has to jump on anything that comes along. Like he did, Audrey suggests, "Just because you took up with the Creature from the Black Lagoon, doesn't mean the rest of us have to!"

Sian is doing schoolwork. Sophie interrupts her, wondering why Sian is giving her the cold shoulder. Sian appears to be on Kevin's side. Sophie shouldn't have done what she did. Sophie thinks Sian should support her no matter what. Sian disagrees, gathers her books and leaves for the library.

David and Kylie are in the corner shop, bickering about who's making the tea. Kylie refuses, David doesn't understand the directions on a frozen meal so they decide to head for the chippie instead. Dev finally manages to come in off the street, dragging Amber's case with him and surprising Sunita with their guest. He's tickled to bits but Sunita is less than impressed which is weird because I remember them getting on pretty well together before Sunita left Dev. David is pleased to see Amber and they hug and exchange a few friendly words. Kylie's hackles go up and she introduces herself as David's wife, telling Amber to keep her hands to herself. Amber is a little bitchy to Sunita, telling her the extra weight suits her.

In the pub, Deirdre recognizes straight away that Stella has had her hair done. How, I can't say, it looks exactly the same. Deirdre recommends Claudia's salon as much better than Audrey's. Peter arrives and tells Stella that Leanne was in a good mood and he reckons she might be changing her attitude towards Stella. There was definitely something different. He tells Stella to hang in there. Over at a table, Norris asks James about the fraud. Ken and Deirdre warn Norris to mind his own business. Norris whines that the charity has taken his money too because he bought something at the auction as did lots of other people (who at least got something for their purchase but Norris doesn't see it that way). Ken defends James as a victim as much as anyone. Over in a booth Audrey is boring Marc with her complaints about David and Kylie. Marc offers to take her out on a proper date that night. She turns him down, saying she doesn't trust men at the moment, nothing to do with Marcia. He accepts the rejection and when Norris tries to bend their ear complaining, he makes a quick getaway leaving Audrey to Norris who wonders if it was his fault Marc left. Audrey should have said yes but admits no, it probably was her.

Sunita and Dev are talking to Amber about university. Since she is apparently going to be a lawyer, Dev grills her on various points and situations of law but she has no idea and looks distinctly uncomfortable. Sunita wants to know if it's a flying visit. Amber wants to stay the rest of the summer. Dev is delighted, Sunita is not, saying there's no room (but there was plenty when she wanted her two aunties to stay!). She insists Amber will have to stay on the camp bed or floor rather than have Aadi and Asha share.

Back to the pub, Stella serves Audrey another drink. Audrey is feeling down. Gail arrives and finds her in a mood. She admits she's been an idiot with Marc and admits she wants more than friendship with Marc who seems to want more with her too. Gail thinks Marc looks like a great catch and should go for it. What has she got to lose? Heart, dignity, savings! Gail thinks her savings are safe this time. She thinks a date might be a good idea but put a fence around her heart for awhile.

Leanne returns from shopping and tells Peter she's bought a couple of tops but will show him later. She seems distracted and says she has a headache.

Tommy and Tyrone tease Kevin about the charity scammers enjoying the high life on his money. Kevin's mood is worse than ever and when Norris goes on about James in the Rovers, and Kevin spies James and the Barlows returning from said pub, he explodes and runs across the road to grab James and shove him up against the door, screaming in his face. He wants his money back and thinks James put his daughter up to it. He shoves and hollers, until Frank comes across the road and pulls him off. Kevin has had enough! He's hoping the police will see him right!

Leanne is in the shower as Peter comes in. He sees the shopping bags and is curious to see the tops she said she bought. He looks in and pulls out, first a sexy bra but then in another bag, a pregnancy test box. She comes out and catches him.

At Webster towers, Kevin is on the phone to the police. Sophie starts crying, Sally hollers and Kevin says Sophie needs to learn a lesson.

Audrey is done up and looking lovely and has come to Marc's to surprise him. Only he answers the door in full Marcia mode, stopping her in her tracks with surprise. She turns to leave but he asks her in and she does come in. He says she looks stunning. She says she's having difficulty with the situation. She does understand, as a friend it's fine but she's not sure she can be anything more. He admits he wants more. She has doubts. He asks her to go out with him to a Trans-friendly bar and meet some friends of his. Just as friends. She decides she will.

Peter wonders why Leanne hadn't told him she suspected she's pregnant. She says she wanted to be sure first. He says he is pleased and urges her to go do the test. She's nervous and scared she might not be. She goes out to the loo to do the test.

The police have arrived. Sophie is in bits and begs her father not to go through with it. He lets the constable in and we wait for the next half to find out what happens.

Tvor

This episode was written by Mark Burt and directed by David Kester. Copyright remains with ITV productions.

Sally gives the policeman a cup of tea and tells him they may be wasting his time. Sally says it is a domestic matter and Kev and Sal argue over the way Sophie has been "managed" by the crooks. The policeman starts asking questions. Sophie explains that she made the payment on-line - but the money came out of Kev's account. To save Sophie Kev says he made the transfer. Kev says he was convinced by Sophie that he made the transfer.

Peter and Leanne are waiting for the time to pass before they know if she is pregnant. Peter is not sure how he feels and Leanne says her head is all over the place. She starts questioning him - is this what he wants. The alarm goes off and she passes him the test - he smiles and says "we have lift off". Leanne now wants a proper three bedroom house and a garden for the children. Peter tells her she has to look forward and focus on the baby - and she wants to discuss names.

The policeman goes and Sophie tries to thank her father but he starts shouting the odds. Kev says the toerag James is swanning around without a care.

Amber is telling Dev about one of her boyfriends - Toby. A good boy - she was keen tog et married - but they didn't because of his identical twin brother Theo who appeared from nowhere. Theo was incredibly fit, really funny, hard to resist twin - with great thighs. Amber suggests an update over a pint - and her mobile phone goes ending the conversation.

Kev has tried the insurance - but as there is no fraud as Kevin "did" the transfer, there is no payout.

Marcia and Audrey go into a bar and the barman who knows Marcia even knows his regular drink.

Sophie and Sian go round to the Barlows and bring James up to date - which means that the bank will not cough up. James tries to re-assure Sophie that she was just trying to make a difference - the real fault lies with Rob and Janet - or whatever their real names are. Do we trust James? Do you? Ken heads off out as well and James gets on the phone to someone and tells the other party that they need to meet.

After the break Audrey remarks that Marcia is relaxed, Another couple arrive - Christine and Aaron/Anthea.

Sally is talking to Kev trying to calm him down. She tells him that the real problem is that Kev is not being a proper father to their daughter - and she will lose as well.

In the Rovers Ken and Deirdre are talking about events with Peter and Leanne. Carla and Frank arrive and order a round. Elsewhere Amber is hyper and is pleased to see Dev and Sunita back together.

Dreary spots that Leanne is drinking orange juice and Leanne gives a nonsense excuse; Dreary declares it a pity as she had hoped she might be pregnant. Leanne looks slightly startled and smiles. And Dreary congratulates her. Well the cat was soon out of that bag. Carla is eavesdropping - Peter says it is early days. But for Dreary it is a dream come true.

James meets Rob on the top of a building and he wants his share of the money. Rob hands over £3k. James wants half - Rob points out that he has been teaching James - Rob reckons it is an apprenticeship for bigger and better things. James wants more money - and Rob says there will be another project soon in Bristol or Cardiff - he reckons there are many more suckers out there.

Sean calls Amber a model student at which she looks distinctly uncomfortable - perhaps she failed her first year.

Dreary and Leanne discuss who knows = no-one so far. Peter is getting some drinks at the bar when Carla passes by. Carla wants to know why they are celebrating. Carla semi-guesses the situation. Peter tells Carla they use to drown women like her. Carla promises to keep the little secret - it is safe with her. Quietly she congratulates him. Carla decides she wants to go into town and she and Frank leave arm in arm.

Christine is telling Audrey about her experiences - she started off by throwing her husband out on his ear. But she loves him and you learn to live with it. Aaron is a kind and giving person. Anyway the two of them share a dress size which stops it being ruinously expensive.

Dev is putting up the camp bed for Amber and she is grateful that he is putting her up - and by Christmas he will have a proper bed. Amber wants to behave as a student and not go to bed - it is 10 o'clock. But Dev and Sunita are off to bed.

Ken returns home and tells James the good news. Ken tries to re-assure James that no-one holds him responsible. Ken wants re-assurance that Kev will not drive him away. Ken says that this is his home and he supports his grandson and what is Ken's is also James'. This is a statement than Ken may come to regret.

See you all next week.
K Richard W


Thursday 14 July

It's breakfast time in the Barlow residence. Deirdre puts a very wobbly cup down, one of her pottery class creations. James asks what their plans are for the day - off to pottery perhaps? Deirdre tells him they have jobs round the house to catch up with. Tracy comes in an announces that she has a job interview at the florist in the precinct later, and asks if someone would pick Amy up from school. Ken volunteers for that, as Tracy comments that it will be nice to be able to pay her way, and stares pointedly at James.

Over in the factory, Carla tells Frank she has to meet her brother in order to sort out their mother's things. Frank offers to take her, for moral support and to save on taxi fare.

Hayley is crossing the street when she meets Frank and Carla. She explains how Fiz is still refusing to have Hope in prison with her, so asks if she can have more time off, it can come out of her holidays. They tell her to take as long as she needs, and she scurries off. As they walk to the car, Carla remarks that they're going to need another supervisor. Frank then spots Sally coming along and calls to her. "No!" cries Carla, but it's too late, Frank has already offered the job to Sally, which she accepts. Carla tells her it's only for a few days while Hayley gets things sorted out, but Sally is delighted anyway, and tells them they won't regret it.

James is sitting at the bus stop when Ken comes along with Eccles. James has bought Ken and Deirdre two theatre tickets to today's matinee, as an apology for ruining Deidre's birthday and to thank them for everything. He suggests they get an earlybird meal afterwards, to make the occasion more special. Ken is touched and thanks him, and hurries off to tell Deirdre. James then makes a phone call, confirming an appointment at 1 Coronation Street.

Audrey and Gail are in the cafe when Sylvia comes over and asks if she can be fitted in with a hair cut by Audrey herself. David did it last time and she had to get the scissors out and tidy it up when she got home.

Back at the Barlows', Tracy is furious because Ken now won't be able to pick Amy up from school. "Why get tickets for today when you knew what was happening?" she asks James, crossly. James says he was thinking of Ken and Deirdre. It's too late for her to rearrange her interview, so Ken suggests she finds someone else to pick Amy up. "What about you?" she asks James. He says he can't, Tracy isn't the only one with a future to sort out. So Tracy gets on the phone and asks Steve if he'll pick her up and take her for a burger, and he agrees.

In the salon, Audrey is just putting Sylvia under the dryer when Marc comes in. He's made an appointment as she's so busy that's the only way he can get to have coffee with her. He then invites her to dinner later, at the Bistro.

Ken and Deirdre are faffing about looking for their keys and tickets while James stands around looking at his watch. Eventually he ushers them out of the door and heaves a sigh of relief. Then the door opens and Deirdre comes back in - she's forgotten her sweets! She takes them and goes.

Frank and Carla arrive back at the factory with a box of trinkets and ornaments that were her mother's. Nothing of any great value. They start talking about her relationship with her brother when Sally comes in. She's trying to organise the new rota. Frank tells her she's supervisor, so she must go and supervise, and he hustles her out. Carla then thanks Frank for his help and suggests they go for a night in town, on her. "How can I refuse?" he says.

Simon Shaw, the surveyor, arrives at the Barlow house. James explains that Mr Barlow is his granddad and he's asked James to show the surveyor around. He asks what the situation is about the money, his granddad is quite anxious. "Not my department," answers Mr Shaw, he does his bit and then it's over to the money men, but it should take about a week or two. "But fifty thousand pounds shouldn't be a problem?" says James. "Unless I find anything serious," says Mr Shaw, "but granddad should have himself a nice little pocket full of cash."

The surveyor is still looking around, and asking questions about subsidence, when there's a knock at the door. James ignores it. The knocking persists, so eventually James has to go and answer it. It's Steve, with Amy. He tells James he was supposed to be taking Amy for tea, but has been let down at Streetcars, so he can't. Without further ado, and before James can utter a word, he bids Amy goodbye and leaves her.

Becky's crossing the street and looks wistfully at Steve as he walks towards Streetcars. She then sees Hayley and joins her, telling her how she pulled a gorgeous guy, by the name of Clarky, who she met on the bus. As they get to the cafe she looks across to Streetcars again.

At the Barlows', James is desperately trying to get Amy to go up to her room and stay there. Amy, however, wants to stay downstairs and watch tv, and she also wants to know who the man is who's walking round the house. James mutters that he's a friend and gets the biscuit jar.

In the flat above the cafe, Roy, wearing bright yellow rubber gloves, is trying to change Hope's nappy, but getting nappy cream all over the sticky tags and wondering why they won't stick. Hayley tells him the news that she can take as much time off work as she needs until Fiz comes back. Sylvia remarks dryly that the only hope Fiz has of getting off is if the jury are as gullible as they are. "Guilty as sin, you mark my words!"

Frank and Carla are coming out of the factory when Leanne walks past. Carla stops her and congratulates her. Leanne is furious and demands to know if Peter told her. Carla says he didn't call round with the news if that's what she's worried about. "The only thing that worries me is having to pass you on the street," spits Leanne.

The surveyor has been all over the house, including the loft, and the house is sound. James is anxious to know when he'll get the money, but that's up to the people who write the cheques. "Granddad moving somewhere else, or just cashing in on the equity?" asks Mr. Shaw. James says he doesn't know, and ushers the man out of the door as quickly as he can, then turns to see Amy sitting on the stairs, watching.

A very angry Leanne marches into the flat and confronts Peter about Carla's congratulations. He explains that she saw them celebrating in the pub last night and put two and two together. Was he supposed to lie? Leanne says he was supposed to protect his wife's feelings, and shakes her head in disbelief and walks off.

Carla and Frank are in the bistro. She thanks him for his support over the meeting with her brother. He suggests they go back to his place afterwards, and she smiles and agrees.

At another table are Audrey and Marc. She tells him he's so unlike all the other men around there, most of them would spell sophisticated with an 'f' and not only that, in him she has two friends for the price of one. In fact, she'd like to get to know Marcia better.

Becky is telling Roy about Clarky, while Sylvia makes scathing comments. Hayley says it's nice that she's met someone nice. Sylvia asks if he know's that Becky's using him to get back at her husband. Becky retorts that Steve's her ex husband as far as she's concerned and goes off to get ready to go out. Sylvia says she might be fooling herself, but she's not fooling her. Hayley remarks that she doesn't think Becky's even fooling herself.

Carla and Frank are at his house, and drinking red wine. She thanks him again and he says she's one of the strongest women he knows. She says it's a front, but she doesn't admit that to many people. He says he's honoured, then puts down her wine and kisses her.

James tells Amy that he'll take her for a burger if she promises not to tell anyone about the man who came round. Amy says she didn't like him, he said her granddad was moving away. James tries to bluff that he didn't mean it. "What's a surveyor?" asks Amy, and James realises that she's overheard far more than he thought. She says she's going to tell her mummy and her granddad about him. James tells her that if she tells, the man will take her mummy away, back to prison, and her grandma and granddad, and she'll be left all alone with him. Amy looks worried, and then the door opens and in walks Tracy. Amy runs to her, whimpering, and Tracy hugs her. James explains that Steve let her down, that's why she's upset. As Tracy cuddles her, Amy looks over her shoulder. James puts his finger to his lips as a warning.

Anne Logan


Friday 15 July

It's Friday and Frank makes morning coffee in his flat for Carla. He suggests going back to bed but she points out she has a high-powered job to go to and a demanding colleague...

Leanne's snapping at Simon and Peter tells her off for taking her temper out on him. He sends Simon off to get ready for school and tells Leanne he doesn't know how many times he has to say he's sorry. Leanne's furious. If there was anyone she wanted to know she was pregnant it wasn't Carla. She doesn't believe Carla guessed.

James is outside the front door and on his mobile phone. He's just giving his name as Ken Barlow when the real Ken Barlow, and Eccles, come out of the door. Oops. They chat and then Ken goes off to walk the dog.

Up the street, Sean and Jason discuss Sean's inability to catch Dylan doing something cute on camera. Marcus comes out and tells off Sean for not giving Dylan his breakfast yet. And Violet's on the phone.

James is also back on the landline phone, wanting to talk to someone about a mortgage he's applied for. The man's in a meeting. Tracy comes down and checks he's not calling Australia. Then she asks James for a loan. When he seems a little reluctant, she says that obviously all his charity is for strangers.

Sean's talking to Izzy on the steps of the factory about Violet's phone call. They're interrupted by Sean's glee when he sees Frank and Carla arrive by taxi together. Carla tells them outright that she and Frank are seeing each other - thus ruining hours of fun speculation. As the others go inside, Carla sees Leanne with Simon. Leanne's eating a packet of prawn cocktail crisps and Carla says that must be a craving. Of course, this sets off Simon with questions about what the word "craving" means . . .

In the cafe, Hayley looks wrung out and Roy says he'll see to Hope tonight. Sylvia reckons she's got the solution to the problem of sleeping through - ear plugs! "I didn't hear her once last night!" They briefly discuss whether Becky will return or not and are interrupted by the baby monitor and the sound of Hope crying. Sylvia thinks Hayley's just teaching Hope that if she cries her every need will be met.

Sean and Izzy are in the tea-break area (well, it's not a tearoom or a cafeteria, is it?) and Sean mentions that Maria won't be very pleased when she finds out about Carla and Frank. Izzy wants to know why but he won't say. Sean turns the paper over to discover an ad for a search for a child to be the new face of Freshco. He's determined Dylan is perfect for the role but realises the auditions are today - it's last week's paper. He asks Carla for time off but she just tells him to round everyone up and get them back to work. Frank suggests to Carla that he and she go away to business conference together next week - it's in Rome.

In the pub, Ken and Peter discuss Leanne's mood. Ken defends Leanne. They shut up when Stella comes over to collect glasses. When she moves away, Ken tells Peter he's going to have to be a bit more tolerant through the pregnancy. He wonders if something else is upsetting Peter but Peter denies it. He realises Peter isn't sure he's capable of being a father. Peter admits he feels a bit ambushed. He and Leanne never made an actual decision to have a child together.

James is on the phone (again) and learns that he has to send in more documents. He's just digging into the cupboard when Tracy comes in. "What the hell are you doing?"

Amber sits with Sophie at the bus stop. Sophie's waiting for Sian but doesn't want to do it at home in case her parents are there.

Leanne rings Peter demanding to know why he hasn't come back to the bookies'.

Amber suggests Sophie go back to working at the corner shop. She'll have a word with Dev.

James has told Tracy he was looking for family photographs. She's very sceptical. Why didn't he just ask? He says there was nobody there - he didn't know Amy would come home from school because she felt unwell. Amy comes in but hides behind Tracy when she sees James. He goes out and Tracy tells her she's no need to be shy of James. "I'm not shy!" she insists, running upstairs.

Ken and Peter are in the smoking area of the pub. Luckily, as usual, there are no smokers there. Peter feels he needs a couple of days away from Leanne but Ken recognises the pattern and knows that would soon become a week, then someone else would catch Peter's eye and he'd ruin his life again. They're interrupted by Stella again, bringing out an empty crate. She says you'd never know they lived next door and suggests they buy some beer from Freshco and sit in their own yard. Either that or come in and enjoy the free music - someone's put a tenner in the juke box. She goes in and Ken tells Peter he's behaving like a spoilt child. The baby already exists. "If you've got doubts, either talk to Leanne or shut up and get on with it."

Amber's trying to persuade Sunita to take Sophie back. Hayley's quite befuddled paying for her purchase. Once she's gone, Amber suggests Sunita's not able to make any decisions without running them past Dev. Amber says Sophie's just trying to get some money to pay her dad back and leads Sophie out. Her plan works and Sunita chases after them. She says Sophie can have her job back and Sunita will deal with Dev.

Carla leaves the factory. She's going home to freshen up. Frank comes out to tell her he's booked the flights to Rome.

In the cafe, Sean tells Marcus about the Freshco auditions. He says Carla's ruined Dylan's chance at stardom. Unless Marcus can take him . . . Before Marcus can react, Jason comes and sits with them.

At the counter, Hayley's horrified to discover the baby monitor has been switched off. Sylvia points out that Roy's with Hope and the whole point was to give Hayley a break. Hayley's still annoyed and wants to swap back with Roy. Sylvia offers to do a stint with the baby but Hayley refuses outright. She's turned the monitor back on and Sean picks up the sound of Roy singing. Awwwww.... He's singing Little Boy Blue to Hope, which Sean thinks is funny, Hope being a girl and all. Sylvia says she used to sing that to Roy. "That's right - me, the mother from hell, sang to a baby boy!" she tells a surprised Hayley.

Peter arrives back at the bookies' to a very annoyed Leanne, who stalks out past him muttering something about him saying there would be no harm done with Carla knowing about her pregnancy.

Tracy tells Amy she'll have to go back to school if she's feeling better. She realises there's more than Amy's saying. Amy says she doesn't want Tracy to go back to prison. Tracy wants to know why she thinks this is possible. Amy's reluctant to say anything so Tracy tells her that if you cross your fingers on both hands, then if someone's told you a secret you're allowed to tell your mummy. Amy does this and tells Tracy that the secret is a man. James said if she told then her mummy would go back to prison. Tracy tells her she's done the right thing and gives her a big hug.

Peter's followed Leanne home and Leanne says she's furious about Carla because Carla virtually told Simon about the baby. Peter says Simon will have to know sometime. "Don't you dare stick up for her!" fumes Leanne. Peter promises to have a word. "With Carla or your son?" asks Leanne. Peter is angry now. Is Leanne saying Simon's just his son - second class now there's a baby on the way? Now Leanne's on the defensive. Peter says he'll speak to Carla but Leanne says he'll stay away from her. Peter wants just one conversation with Carla to get things sorted. Leanne doesn't think Peter's capable of having just one conversation with Carla. Addicts can't stop at just one anything. "Let's just hope this baby takes after me and not you!" Has she gone too far? Peter slams the door on his way out and heads for the Rovers.

Leanne sits for a moment, thinking, then races after him. Too fast. She trips at the top of the stairs and tumbles all the way to the bottom. She lies very still, her eyes closed, in the heap at the bottom.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Peter stands outside of the Rovers looking frustrated. Ken watches from afar, concerned.

Carla and frank are discussing their upcomingholiday. Frank, in particular, seems excited.

Peter comes in and orders a drink. He is nappy with Stella. Carla asks if everything is okay. Peter tells her to back off as she has caused enough trouble. Ken comes in and asks Peter if he is okay as well, causing Peter to get frustrated by everyone's fussing. Ken worries that he is going to hit the bottle again. Peter says things would have been better if he and Leanne had stayed single.

Meanwhile, Leanne continues to lay motionless at the foot of the stairs.

Tracy confides in Deirdre that James has been threatening Amy. Tracy thinks that Amy may have gotten it wrong. Tracy is determined to confront James as soon as he gets home.

Frank worries that he is boring Carla with holiday talk. She tells him that she is very excited but she keeps looking over at Peter

Peter is telling Ken that Leanne is obsessed with Carla. Ken warns Peter that he should create some distance from Carla. Stella watches and worries that something is wrong but Karl warns her to stay out of it.

Hayley apologises to Sylvia for snapping and says that she never meant to imply that she was a bad mum. Sylvia says that Roy was a very difficult child and didn't mix well with people. Roger was her last chance at happiness but she admits that she was too hard on Roy. She says he was difficult from birth and asks how she can love a child that stiffened when she tried to hug him. Roy has overheard this.

Leanne begins to stir at the bottom of the stairs but passes out again.

Hayley is trying to persuade Roy that Sylvia meant he was hard to love as baby, not now, but Roy ignores the conversation. Hayley tells him that he and Sylvia are as stubborn as eachother.

At the Frescho auditions, Marcus bumps into Maria and she isn't best pleased by the sudden competition

Stella calls round to see Leanne and sees her slumped unconscious through the window. She sprints back to the pub and orders Karl to phone an ambulance before hurriedly ushering peter and Ken to the scene. Peter opens the door a little but Leanne is blocking the entrance. Stella tells him not to move her, the ambulance is on it's way. Peter tearfully apologises to Leanne.

At the auditions, Frescho's manager takes an interest in Dylan and is impressed when he learns that Marcus is one half of a gay couple. He says that Freschos are interested in an image revamp. Maria tries to get some attention on Liam but is unsuccessful.

Ken and Peter are sitting in the hospital. Ken says it brings back the night of the tram crash when he was waiting for news on Peter. Peter says that at least he didn't have something to feel guilty about. Ken assures him that Leanne's accident was not his fault. A nurse comes through and says Peter can see Leanne now. Leanne tearfully tells Peter that she has been bleeding. A doctor comes through and delivers the bad news that Leanne has miscarried. She bursts into tears.

Sylvia offers to help Roy clear up the café but he declines. She tells him off for sulking and says that he always did hold a grudge. Roy is furious and tells Sylvia that his memory of childhood was being ignored and isolated in his room. Sylvia tells him that he cut out everyone himself, including her. There is a moment's silence as they consider eachother's words. Sylvia offers to help again and this time Roy allows her.

James comes home and Tracy is straight down his throat. He tells her that he doesn't know what she's talking about. Deirdre agrees and says that Amy may have got it wrong. Tracy tells Deirdre that James was snooping through her things. Ken comes home and interrupts the squabble with the tragic news that Leanne has miscarried.

Maria is accusing Marcus of flirting with the manager. Sean comes over and asks how it went. Marcus gets a phone call saying that Dylan has been chosen by the company…and they want Marcus to be in the advert too.

Peter tells leanne that the main thing is she is ok. Leanne asks if he wanted the baby. Before he answers, Stella comes in and asks how she is. Peter tells Leanne that it was Stella who found her. Leanne gives her a half hearted thanks then asks her to leave her alone.

James is offering his support to Ken over Peter and Leanne's plight. Tracy can't believe her ears but Ken tells her she is being selfish. James offers to drive ken to pick up Simon but when briefly left alone with Tracy she warns him that she will prove that he is up to something.

Roy asks Sylvia to feed Hope. Sylvia takes her and soothes her. Becky comes in and announces that she is going to Crete for a fortnight tomorrow. Hayley advises against it as she has only just met the guy she's going with. Sylvia comments that that probably counts as a long courtship to Becky and Becky says 'Who asked you?" Roy asks Becky not to speak to his mother like that.

Stella is wondering what has happened, she can sense that Peter hasn't told her something. Peter tells her she is full on but he is glad or Leanne could still have been lying at the bottom of the stairs. Stella says she is full of bottled up love for Leanne that needs to flow out. Peter tells her that Leanne lost the baby and Stella looks devastated.

Sean seems jealous that Marcus is going to be in the advert. Marcus is annoyed and asks that if it's Ok to act like a dad by cooking meals and looking after him so long as he remembers that he actually isn't one. Sean tries to apologise but Marcus storms out.

Leanne is sobbing her heart out. Stella comes in and puts her hand on Leanne's arm. As Leanne is unable to stop crying, she eventually lets her defences down and allows Stella to embrace her in a very poignant close to the episode.

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 18 July

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Griff Rowland

Leanne wakes in the hospital to see Peter asleep in the chair beside her.

James is lurking outside Number 1 looking shifty as the postman comes down the row. He greets Kevin who's on the way to the creche but Kevin doesn't want to have anything to do with James. Stay away from him and his kids. End of. The postman arrives and hands James a large envelope and is full of chat about his watch. James is pleased with the envelope and goes inside to open it. He puts the contents into the sideboard and folds up the cardboard envelope (it's a larger document sized one) just before Ken comes in the room. James is breathless and looks so obviously nervous but Ken accepts that James is ok. Ken assures him everything will be ok and don't worry about Tracy. Ken says James is a good man. Now help him make Simon's breakfast.

The air is very still between Sean and Marcus. Eileen remarks on the freeze. Marcus and Sean start to bicker about the photo shoot which is today but Sean won't be there. Sean accuses Marcus of stabbing him in the back. Marcus tries to make peace by saying it will be fun but would be better if Sean could have been there. Sean backs down and admits he's jealous. They discuss what Dylan will wear and it seems all is well again.

Carla is supervising Frank who's trying to fit all her luggage in the boot. They canoodle for a bit but Carla notices Stella come out of the Kabin and asks after Leanne. Stella says she's ok and is just there for observation. Carla realizes that Leanne has lost the baby. Stella feels bad letting the secret out. Carla doesn't want her to pass on their sympathies because it would only upset Leanne. Maybe one day they'll even be friends again.

Peter is with Leanne as she wakes up. She says she's not really feeling any better. Peter says he's told Stella she could come in but if Leanne doesn't want her there... Leanne says it's ok and then starts to cry and apologizes for losing the baby. Not your fault, Peter soothes. He says it was "bad timing" but just then, Deirdre arrives with Simon.

Stella is getting ready to leave and Eva gives her a hard time, but Stella covers and remembers just in time she'd promised to go shopping with Eva. She's got something to do first and they make arrangements to meet in town at 11:30.

Owen asks Anna how the house hunting is going. She's glib but you can see she's worried. She mentions that Jerry Morton has even dropped the price further for a quick sale and as Kevin has just arrived, she suggests he look into it. It's a really good deal. That makes Owen think. Kevin takes a call that seems to upset him.

Back to the hospital, Leanne asks Peter what was "bad timing". She accuses him of not being as upset to lose the baby than she is. He defends himself and gets shirty about it and ends up admitting he wasn't ready just yet for another baby. Leanne immediately assumes that he doesn't trust her to stay with him yet with Carla waiting in the wings. She cries that he isn't as committed and probably just doesn't want to have a baby with her. He puts it down to her medication. She thinks he's leaving his options open. He insists he's never cheated on her since they've been married. He admits it's not easy to forget but insists he wants her. She is determined to push him away, convinced he doesn't really want her or trust her and is only waiting for someone better to come along. She demands he leave and before he leaves, he tells her she's wrong. On the way down the hall he sees Stella arrive and tells her Leanne kicked him out. Stella goes to Leanne's room.

After the break, Stella has put flowers in a vase. Leanne is quiet. Stella sits down and admits she saw Peter outside and looked upset. Leanne says the problem in the relationship is more her than Peter. Ken and Deirdre and Simon come back with a chocolate muffin for her. The Barlows will be leaving to take Simon to school and Stella makes to leave as well but Leanne asks her to stay. She says she will but has to make a phone call first.

In the cafe, Anna is upset about having to move. Seems the house has been sold and the buyer will be around later to measure up. She doesn't know how she's going to tell Faye. Carla tries to get served but it isn't happening just yet. Gary is trying to comfort his mother. Anna is worried about Faye being unsettled. Gary says selling houses takes time (not in Weatherfield it doesn't). Carla gives up and leaves.

Peter is outside having a cig as Carla comes along. She asks after Leanne and says she's sorry about the baby. Peter is upset she knows but Carla says she guessed, Stella didn't tell her. Peter also admits they had a row. Carla suggests they go up to the flat and she'll make coffee. Peter is in such a state that he doesn't say no.

Kevin tells Sally that the police have caught Rob and Janet, the con artists, and are questioning them now. Sally thinks that's great and hopefully he'll get his money back.

We are now at the Freshcos photo shoot. Marcus has arrived with Dylan and the manager is happy to see them. Turns out Marcus is going to be in the photos as well since the ad is aimed at the parents.

Carla puts the kettle on. Peter is craving a drink. He's restless and struggling. He tells her the row was about him. He then shouts at Carla to leave but she refuses knowing he's in a dangerous spot. She's not budging.

At the factory, Eileen accuses Sean of sulking and tells Sally why Sean is upset. Sally agrees with Sean, she hated missing out on the kids' events. Kids grow up so quickly! That settles it. Sean is determined he's not missing out and he strides out. Frank looks for Carla and is told she went out for coffee. Eileen lies and says Sean is heading out for the dentist.

In the flat, Peter is spilling his guts about how Leanne feels that he isn't committed enough to have a baby with her. Carla asks if it's true and Peter says Leanne thinks it's too soon and when he can't admit it's not true, Carla reckons he probably still does have trust issues. Understandably. Peter jumps around and wonders why he is even feeling like this with his wife in a hospital bed. Why is Carla there? Carla points out that she wouldn't have been if Anna wasn't breaking down in the cafe. Sometimes stuff just happens. Peter tells Carla to go because if Leanne found out she was there it would make things even worse.

Anna is frantically cleaning the house. Faye comes home from school. Anna nervously tells her that they are going to have to move because the landlord has sold the house. Faye isn't too happy. There's a knock on the door which is bound to be the new owner but it's Owen. She tells him it's not a good time, the new owner is coming to measure up. He pulls a measuring device out of his pocket and asks to come in.

At the photo shoot, Dylan doesn't really look like he's having all that much fun. No cheeky grins or smiles even. The manager is flirting with Marcus while the photographer works. Sean rushes in and gets into the middle of things.

Back to Carla and Peter. Carla tells him that Leanne is unsure about how he feels about her and how she feels about him and thinks Peter doesn't trust her. Carla puts her coffee down and gets ready to bare her heart. She tells him that she knows what she wants and was never sure anything could happen. She's got to tell him how she feels and she does. She loves him. He doesn't want to hear it. Carla says she knows she's sunk to new lows, coming on to another woman's husband while she's lying in hospital but it wasn't planned and she's not scheming. She is just telling him the truth. She moves closer and closer. He doesn't really back off and he looks terrified. She tells him she is too and has shown him her heart. Now what is he going to do about it.

Meanwhile, Leanne is looking at a photo of Simon and Peter in her wallet and weeping. In the flat, the same photo is on a shelf behind Peter as Carla urges him to make a leap. She whispers sweet nothings and moves in to kiss him gently. He turns to face her and she kisses him again and he returns it fully, while the family photos look on behind them. In the factory, Frank is still wondering where Carla is and leaving messages for her. In the flat, her phone rings while Peter and Carla are kissing deeply.

Tvor

Written by John Kerr and directed by Griff Rowland. So we join the Street with Carla and Peter getting a good old snog going. But Peter calls a halt - and that was not what Carla wanted to hear. Peter says he is sorry - but Carla says she threw herself at him. Peter says he is married and if things were different. Carla tells Peter to go to Leanne.

In hospital Leanne is refusing to talk to Stella. But suddenly Leanne cracks and tells Stella why they argued.

Anna is not sure what to say to Owen. He bought it at a good price and she can stay on as a tenant. She wants to thank him for his tea and she will get the rest of the family round. Faye reckons that Owen fancies Anna - but Gary does not believe it. Later Gary seems unable to get hold of Izzy. Gary also seems surprised about Owen buying the house. He makes it clear to Anna that Owen might be interested in her - but she reckons he is just the landlord!

At the photographic studio Sean is making a nuisance of himself. They just want Marcus and Dylan. The manager and photographer make their position clear - no Sean and he departs and Marcus and Dylan follow in sympathy.

James cannot read because Tracy is playing loud music. She is hostile towards him - Tracy does not like him and never has and wants him out of her face.

Carla returns to the factory and progress on the order is going slowly - ready the following afternoon. Frank and Carla are off to Rome and he reminds her that they will soon be heading for the sun, business class. She does not seem overly happy with the idea.

Stella meets Ken and Deirdre when she returns to the Street. She brings Ken up to date who then heads over to see Peter about him not wanting the baby. Peter argues with Ken and tries to explain that he was not ready. Ken tells Peter that he has to trust Leanne - which he does, but he is not sure if he trusts himself, although he has done nothing yet. Peter admits there might be someone else - but there is no affair. He does / does not want something to happen. But Ken does not know her. Peter is confused and not sure what he knows. Ken cannot tell him what to do and Peter never listens to him. Ken says he likes Leanne - and she is the best thing that has ever happened to Peter and if he has not acted on his feelings for this other woman then maybe he knows that as well.

After the break the girls are leaving Underworld and Gary stops Sal - but Izzy left earlier. Kev asks Sal if she is having a bad day - she is but it will be better if he buys her a drink. Kev will buy her a couple.

The family have assembled, Ches, Katie, Izzy, Gary, Faye, Anna and Owen.

James is on the phone chasing up a loan - all the forms are filled in. Kev speaks to James and lets him know that the crooks have been picked up in Leeds.

Stella and Eva argue - the latter is upset over the time Stella is spending on her other daughter.

In his flat Peter is cleaning and sets off the answering machine - which says that Peter, Leanne (and Simon) are not here at the moment. This reminds Peter that they are a family and he grabs his coat and heads out.

Sean and Marcus are discussing fatherhood and Marcus gives him some advice which Sean takes.

Peter arrives at the factory and wants to talk to Carla. Peter admits he has feelings for her - but this cannot happen, not now, not ever. He says that "earlier" was a mistake - she tells him he is making a mistake - but he is going back to Leanne and is going to make it work. He leaves as Frank returns. And now she is ready to go and will lock up so that they can leave. He stops to watch her - but she is not packing up that quickly.

Peter asks Ken to have Simon overnight. James returns and says he will be leaving tomorrow. Ken says he is not a burden and it is time he moved on. He wants to thank them for their help. Tracy offers to assist him with his packing.

Over the family meal Owen departs - he reckons the meal was fantastic. He reminds Anna that he will be round on the first of the month for the rent - but she hopes he will not leave it that long and finds and excuse to make it seem casual.

Frank drives Carla off on holiday - but she does not seem particularly happy about it.

In hospital Leanne wakes to find Peter by her bedside. Peter apologises - he says he is a screw up and he manages to ruin everything in his life. Peter finds it hard to talk Leanne round - she says he was not there for her. He tells her that he loves her and he wants them to try again for another baby when she feels ready. She tells him he has to mean it. Peter says that he is ready and begs for her to come back. She puts her hand out to stroke his face and he kisses her hand, they both cry and ... roll credits as he lays across the bed and hugs her.

See you next week.
K Richard W


Thursday 21 July

Breakfast time at the Barlow's, but James isn't eating. He's pacing nervously, and glancing at the letterbox. He tells Ken he's all packed and ready to leave, he won't stay around now, too many people have got it in for him, he's off to Chester. Just then Tracy comes down, and a letter comes through the door. Being nearest, Tracy walks over to pick it up, closely followed by James. She gets to the door and turns. "Expecting something?" He says he isn't, so she picks up the letter. It's for Ken, so she takes it through, leaving James looking worried. Ken opens the letter, and it looks almost as if James is holding his breath - but it's only from the gas board with notification of price rises. James breathes again, but looks perplexed.

Over at Izzy's, she's trying to guess what the surprise is that Gary says he has for her. Has he bought her something? Has he booked a holiday? Is it a new telly? He won't say.

Ken goes to the bookies to see Peter before he opens up. Peter tells his dad that he's staying with Leanne, there's nothing going on with the other woman, and they're trying for another baby. Ken is delighted, and Peter tells him that he's going to bring Leanne home from the hospital later.

Gary walks with Izzy towards the factory. She's grumpy because he won't tell her what the surprise is. "Haven't you got a job to do this morning?" she asks. He agrees that he has, and will be going to do it soon.

Izzy goes into work still grumpy, and tells her workmates how Gary has a surprise for her but won't say what it is. Just then he walks in, and she's shocked when Sally introduces him as their new man in packing!

James is on the phone trying to find out what has happened to the cheque he was expecting. (I can't really get my head round this one - it would be made out to Ken and have to be paid into Ken's bank account, surely?) Just then, Ken walks in so he hangs up hurriedly and tells his grandfather that there's been a change of plan, his friend in Chester can't put him up till tomorrow, so he'd like to stay an extra day. Ken is really pleased. Just then there's a knock on the door. It's Sophie and Sian, come to ask James if he thinks they should go to the police station and make a statement about Rob and Janet, who, they explain to Ken, have been arrested. "Did you know about this?" Ken asks James. He admits that he did and Ken looks puzzled.

In the factory, Julie and Sean think it's wonderful for Izzy to have her man working close at hand, but Izzy doesn't seem to think so and sits with a face like a wet weekend.

James shows Sophie and Sian out, and then Ken remarks that he's surprised James never told him that Rob and Janet have been arrested. James snaps that he's sick of talking about them, they're the reason he has to leave. Ken suggests James gives the police his new address in case they want to talk to him again. James mutters that he'll go and tell them later. Ken offers to go with him. "No," says James quickly, "I'll be fine."

In the back room of the Rovers, Steve finds a pile of post that came earlier that Stella had just put to one side without looking at. He finds a letter that's come to the wrong address, it's for Ken Barlow! He hands to to Stella and asks her to take it round.

Sean, Julie and Izzy are in the cafe when Gary comes in and joins them. Izzy isn't too pleased. As he sits down he remarks that he thought she would've waited for him. She says she thought he had a job to finish.

Peter and Leanne arrive back in the Street from the hospital, as Stella is taking the letter to Ken's house. She comes across and asks Leanne if she's ok and if there's anything she can do. As they're talking we see James, in the background, come out of the Barlow's front door and walk off down the pavement.

Ken is at home alone when Stella knocks on the door and gives him the letter. After a few moments chatting, she departs and Ken opens it. He pulls out a cheque for fifty thousand pounds and looks puzzled.

In the factory, Gary asks Izzy if she was pleased with her surprise. "Don't you mean shock?" she says, saying that no, she doesn't like it. They spend enough time together as it is. Just then Sally comes out of the office and orders the two of them back to work. Izzy sits with her head in her hands and tells Sean that Gary can be a bit suffocating sometimes.

James comes back and finds Ken looking thoughtful. Ken then shows him the letter and asks if he knows anything about it.

Tracy and Amy are coming along and see Steve sitting outside the fish and chip shop. He's waiting for the 'special' he ordered. Amy asks if they can have fish and chips with daddy and Tracy agrees, it'll be a nice treat.

Back at Ken's, James is denying all knowledge, until Ken tells him he rang the loan company and was told that the house was valued on the day James sent himself and Deirdre to the theatre, and the surveyor was shown round by a young man acting for his grandfather. Was he the man Amy saw? Is that why James jumps every time the mail comes? Is this why he's staying an extra day? James then admits - it was him, but he was doing it to pay Kevin back, he felt bad about it. Ken points out he didn't need fifty thousand to pay Kevin. "Where is the cheque?" asks James. Ken produces a handful of confetti from his pocket, and tells him bitterly that he believed in James, put his neck on the line for him and this is how he's repaid. Ken then starts to make the connection between James and 'the scum in the soup kitchen'. "Don't tell me you had anything to do with that? Please, God, say you didn't?" James doesn't answer, but looks down, guiltily. Ken is horrified.

Peter comes home and fusses round Leanne, and makes her a cup of tea. She asks if he's still ok about having another baby, and Simon appears in the doorway and hears it all. "Does this mean I might have a little brother or sister?" he asks.

Ken tells James sadly that he thought he was a good person, a man with a dream like himself at that age, but he's no better than a nasty little crook. James says he'd rather be a crook than a boring old hypocrite like Ken. He goes on to say that basically it's all Ken's fault and it was having his half-baked 1960s apology for a brain that started all this. Sleeping around, moving on to someone new when the old girlfriend wasn't doing it for him any more. Ken protests that he never knew James' grandmother was pregnant. James reckons he's like he is because of his lousy father, and he's like he is because of Ken. Ken tells him that's a complete abdication of moral responsibility. James doesn't want to talk any more and says he's going to get his things and go. "And do it again to someone else?" asks Ken. "Probably," is the reply. Ken reaches for the phone to call the police. James tries to wrestle the phone from him and ends up shoving Ken's head against the door frame. Ken collapses to the floor, unconscious.

Peter and Leanne are talking to Simon about the possiblity of a little brother or sister. Simon would like a brother - girls are stupid! "If you're serious you'd better hurry up and get on with it!" says Simon.

Steve, Tracy and Amy are enjoying their fish and chips on the bench. Behind them we see James come out of the front door with bag in hand, and hurry off down the Street.

Deirdre comes in through the back door and puts her shopping down, moaning about the queues in Freshco. Suddenly she notices Ken lying on the floor in the hall and rushes to him as he struggles to sit up. "What happened?" she asks. "My loving grandson," he mutters. "He did this to you?" Deirdre is aghast. "After nearly conning me out of fifty thousand pounds!"

Anne Logan


Friday 22 July

Gary tells Izzy that he'll give up the job at Underworld and won't go in today if that's what she wants. Izzy seems unimpressed. He's sarcastic and things are tense between them. Gary asks what she really wants. Does she not want him to talk to her at work? What? She thinks, then tells him: "I want us to not be like this - to stop having to keep apologising to each other."

Ken's got one heck of a shiner. Tracy's in a mood to say "I told you so!" She wants to know if they'll report James to the police. Ken doesn't think that would do any good. He tells Tracy he doesn't want her telling everyone at Amy's sports day about James. He wants it kept in the family. Deirdre asks if there are events for parents at the sports day. Tracy says she won't be joining in but Steve can. "I don't want you telling Steve about this!" says Ken. Tracy insists she won't. [Of course, as with "I promise," on Coronation Street, "I won't" means just the opposite]

In the back of the Rovers, Eva wants Tina's opinion on how she's dressed. She's after both a job and a fella and the fella's called Nick Tilsley.

Gail's cleaning the bar and wittering on about Audrey and Marc. Eva comes in to inquire about the bar needing staff. "I'm experienced. I'm available . . ." Eva manages to make that just about a quadruple entendre. Gail interrupts to say that Nick's not looking for bar staff. That doesn't mean Nick's not interested, but not necessarily in a bar-staff sort of way! Nick tells Eva he might be looking for staff in a week or two. Eva cattily says to Gail that she's sorry she's walked all over Gail's nice clean floor. "I'll get out of your way . . . so you can do it again." "Trollop!" says Gail when Eva's gone.

In the street, Eva asks Gary whether he's got any free samples of Underworld products. Gary points out that he's lose his job and his girlfriend. "I'm not as daft as you seem to think I am." "No, couldn't be," says Eva. If she was 75 she'd be Blanche!

Inside the factory, Sally tells Izzy all her seams are crooked. Izzy's not in the mood for this and challenges her. The other machinists are on Izzy's side and Sean points out that Sally's only the acting supervisor. Gary comes in and demands to know whether Sally's having a go at Izzy. This makes Izzy even more annoyed. Sally tells her she's going to tell Carla that partners shouldn't be employed. Personal relationships shouldn't be brought into the workplace. Between them, Sally and Gary leave Izzy fuming.

Ken's trying to explain his position to Deirdre. James is still his grandson. "He's a thief. He's robbed people!" Deirdre points out. Ken's not going to betray James by going to the police. He believes in condemning the sin and embracing the sinner. Tracy's off to the sports day. She promises once again to keep James' actions secret. When she's left, Ken tells Deirdre that James will be suffering enough. "Guilt, remorse, regret." Deirdre's sceptical. "You want to think that, love, you think it."

In the pub, Tracy tells Steve he'll be entering the events for fathers. Eva tells Tina about her encounter with Nick and Gail. Peter and Leanne come in and Tracy is nice to Leanne. "Oh, and have you heard about James?" She tells them all about it, with Eva and Steve listening. Peter races off and Leanne follows him.

In a booth, Izzy's trying to get her workmates to understand how creepy it is to have Gary behaving the way he is. They don't understand. Gary comes in but says he won't join them. Izzy points out to the others that he'll still be keeping an eye on her. Sure enough, Gary props himself again the bar where he can see her.

Next door, Ken's defending himself again, this time to Peter. Peter wants to find James and kill him. Nobody knows where he is. Ken says he doesn't want anyone pursuing James or trying to take revenge.

Nick comes into the pub and Eva tells him all about James.

The factory crowd plan a night in town. Izzy asks if she can come. She'll tell Gary she's going to Katy's.

In the factory, Gary ignores Sally to go over to Izzy when she calls him. Izzy tells him she's going out to Katy's tonight and thought she should tell him in case he wants to go out with his mates. Sally's determined to tell Carla that couples shouldn't work there. The machinists point out that Carla might not agree, citing Liam, Tony and Trevor as examples.

Audrey's at Gail's to get her birthday present. Nick's there too and Gail insists he tell Audrey what he's just told Gail - ie, all about James. Gail's gleeful but Audrey's just concerned for Ken. "He's older than me, you know." Marc arrives looking for Audrey. Audrey asks him if they can call on Ken.

Steve hurt himself at the sports day. He strained his groin getting into the sack for the sack race and limps in to lie on the sofa.

Audrey's at Ken's and he demands to know who told her about James. Audrey doesn't know how Nick found out. She's concerned to know whether Ken's got any broken bones. Ken insists he's fine. Deirdre says his bones are. Every time Ken says anything, she gives it a different meaning. She tells Ken he's trying to pretend it didn't happen.

Izzy tells Gary she's going to have a shower and get changed. He suggests he goes with her to Katy's but she points out they'll be talking about stuff that will bore him. He says they can talk and he'll watch telly. Izzy says Katy will just clam up if he's there. So he suggests he goes with her, then goes to see his mother. He and Izzy can go for a drink after. Izzy's just getting annoyed now.

Audrey and Marc are in the bistro telling Nick about their visit to Ken and how awkward it was. When Nick goes to get them their wine, Audrey tells Marc that Ken is such a lovely bloke but all his family seem to have turned out to be wrong 'uns.

Peter and Leanne talk about the same general subject. Peter points out how much the news will annoy Kevin Webster. "Then me Dad will just end up getting another slap." Peter wants to talk to Kevin but Leanne says this will annoy Ken. Peter says he'll talk to Ken before seeing Kevin.

Julie and Sean wait for Izzy in the Rovers. She's late and they wonder whether to go without her.

Tracy teases Steve about his injury. She thinks it's hysterical.

Izzy arrives and urges them to get going quickly before Gary finds out where she is.

There's a knock on the door and Ken's furious thinking it's another neighbour come to view the scene of the crime. It's Peter. He tells Ken that Kevin should be told. He wants to do it because Kevin can get a bit excited and he doesn't want Ken to get knocked about twice in two days. Ken says he's got a point but he says he'll go.

Gary's ringing Izzy but she's not answering. He grabs his coat and heads out.

In town, Izzy heads for a cashpoint because she forgot to get any money out before leaving. Sean and Julie wander off to wait nearby. A bloke at the hole in the wall lets Izzy go ahead of him.

Gary calls at Katy's and doesn't believe her when she says Izzy's not there. He barges past her and even checks the yard and ginnel. He's panicked that she's not there.

Izzy withdraws her money and pushes back from the machine. The bloke who let her go first then pushes the chair round to face him, grabs the cash and runs. As Izzy tries to stop him, the wheel of her chair goes over the kerb and she's thrown to the ground. Sean gives chase but can't catch the bloke. Julie crouches by the apparently unconscious Izzy.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Another episode, another character lying face flat on the ground. I wrote about Leanne at the bottom of the stairs last week, poor old Ken was clobbered in the Thursday episode and here we now have Izzy on the ground after a vicious mugging. I'm willing to take bets on who is next to be attacked! My money is on Sean…

Izzy is clambering up and Julie tries to hoist her back into her chair. Izzy is more angry than hurt, despite a massive gash on the side of her head. She is insisting that she doesn't want to go to hospital.

Owen comes into the pub and offers to buy Anna a drink.

Tracy comes through from the back and asks for a pint and a glass of red wine from Stella. Stella asks her if she will be paying for them and Tracy reminds her who owns the place. Stella tells Tracy she can see what she is trying to do but she thinks Steve may be blind enough to fall for it.

Gary comes in and asks Anna if she has seen Izzy. When she says that she hasn't, Gary grows agitated and texts furiously on his phone.

Izzy is in a taxi as Julie fusses over her. Izzy insists that she and Sean carry on their night out but they are determined to take her home.

Marc has presented Audrey with a card sporting an old photograph of her looking glamorous. She is very amused.

Nick asks Eva if Stella has mentioned whether Leanne is okay. Eva doesn't want to talk about Leanne and changes the subject to Audrey, pointing out how loved up she looks. Nick says that he envies her. Eva says that Leanne must have scarred him. Nick says that that is ancient history.

Stella is wondering whether she should do something special in the pub at weekends. Anna suggests karaoke. Stella suggests that she and Owen do a couple's duet but Anna hurriedly points out that they aren't a couple. Sean comes in looking flustered. Gary asks if he has seen Izzy. He can't lie and admits she has been mugged. Gary rushes out, followed by Owen, who grabs Dr Carter on the way.

Ken tells Deirdre that he is going out to speak to Kevin as he has a right to know what has happened. He heads over to the Websters and is invited in. he apologises deeply and tells them that James was indeed involved in the scam. Sophie is shocked but Kevin shouts that he knew all along.

Julie is clearing up Izzy's face when Gary, Owen and Dr Carter burst in and fuss over her. Izzy says that she didn't want all of this fuss and Gary agrees and sends Owen and Julie away. He asks why she was even in town but she says they will talk about that later.

Ken apologises to Sophie again but Kevin said that he knew all along. Sally says that it isn't Ken's fault but Kevin shouts that he was harbouring a criminal. Ken sets out to leave and Kevin says that Ken always thinks he's better than everyone else…except he has a blind spot where his own family is concerned. Ken says he understands why Kevin is so angry. After he has gone, Kevin phones the police.

Dr carter urges Gary to take Izzy to the hospital is she shows signs of getting worse. Gary thanks him. When he leaves, Gary has a small panic attack and sinks to the floor.

Kevin has come off of the phone and says that the police were little help; there's no chance he'll ever see his money again. Sophie apologises but Sally assures her that she shouldn't lose her trusting nature. Kevin rants that if she weren't so trusting then they wouldn't be in this mess. Sophie goes upstairs and Sally chastises Kevin for putting his money before his daughter's feelings.

Gary is asking Izzy why she went out. She tells him that he is suffocating her and lying is the easiest way to have some time to herself. Gary wonders what Sean was doing to protect her while she was out. Izzy insists that she is no more in danger than anyone else…she says to take Quinny for example. Gary snaps that Quinny knew the risks. He storms out to get something for dinner.

Marc asks Audrey if she would like a night cap. They sneak out and Nick comments to Eva that they aren't fooling anyone.

Tracy checks on Steve, who is holding a bag of peas to his groin. He complains about his life being in such a mess. Tracy tells him that he has a daughter who thinks the world of him. The moment is uninterrupted by a distinctly unimpressed Stella who needs a barrel changing.

Deirdre tells Ken that it's understandable that Kevin would lash out and Ken agrees. Tracy comes home, full of happiness as Amy has seen her mum and dad getting on so well. She practically bounces up the stairs to bed.

Owen is on the phone to Izzy and relieved that she is okay. Gary comes in and finds Julie and Sean and asks them why they didn't protect Izzy. He blames Sean and Julie for making her lie but Sean said she chose to as Gary is so insecure. Gary goes mad and punches Sean (told you!) and has to be restrained by Owen. Julie calls him a monster.

Audrey is thanking Marc for giving her the best birthday she can remember. They share a passionate kiss before heading upstairs

Gary comes home and cuddles in to izzy. He tells her that he will never ever let anything bad happen to her again. He has a troubled and almost manic look in his eyes…

Find out what drastic steps he takes next when Diane brings you Monday's episode…

What have we learned tonight?

-Ken's bones are fine
-Nick has a fantastic merlot
-Kevin can get a bit over excited
-Tracy and Steve have their ups and downs 9that's putting it mildly)
-Nobody just pops past A and E
-The film Misery is hardly relaxing
-Eva's not normally the bitchy type (not sure I believe that...)
-Anna does a good 'Lady In red' Owen does NOT do a good Tom Jones
-Steve injured himself getting into the sack so couldn't make it to the finishing line (Interpret that how you like!)

Until next time!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 25 July

ritten by Simon Crowther Directed by Laurence Moody

It's a heartbreaking show tonight, with excellent performances all around.

Gary is fussing poor Izzy to bits. He's the one that lost a night's sleep worrying about what might have happened to her in the mugging, she's just happy she survived. She wants him to take her chair to get fixed and he wants her to stay home from work, where it's safe. She apologizes for lying to him to have a night out but it's done.

Marcus is doing first aid on Sean's bruises. It's tender but he's ok. Dylan hasn't seen it yet but Sean says he'll just make something up. Marcus offers to speak to Gary but Sean wants to let it go. He doesn't want to provoke Gary any further. Even Jason and Eileen both offer to smack Gary but Sean declines.

Steve is out having a cig and hears Amy playing with Eccles in the back yard. Tracy comes out and asks after his injury, offering to give it a rub. She asks him to spend the day with she and Amy but he's got to work, even when she tries to get him to come admire Amy's new bedroom, she's got Blanche's old one which does concern Steve a bit as she's sleeping downstairs at the front. He says he'll make sure there are good bolts on the window when he has time.

Becky has sent a postcard to Roy and Hayley. The message is clear, party with Clarkey, drinking and clubbing. Sylvia has many sarcastic words but when Dennis comes in with a cheeky grin and lots of flattery, Sylvia actually blushes and smiles!! You wouldn't think she had it in her! He asks for a full English and she practically twirls around to the stove!

Back at Number 1, Ken is still in his dressing gown, hair uncombed and looking about 15 years older than his age. Deirdre is carrying Eccles around the room, looking for her lead to take her for a walk since Ken doesn't seem inclined. She has run him a bath, and he's grateful but quiet and non-committal.

Outside, Eileen is still offering to smack Gary but Sean excuses Gary as being wound up with worry. Julie accosts Sean and fusses over him. Marcus thinks Sean should have got the police involved but Sean won't, for Izzy's sake. They all walk him to work and of course the buzz is about what happened and they want details but Sally's phone rings. Gary is calling in to say neither of them is coming in. Sean is relieved.

At the flat, Izzy urges Gary to take her chair in to get fixed. He makes excuses, gotta get showered and shaved, shaving being something he doesn't often do apparently. But he is up beat and kisses her before scooting out of the room.

Tracy and Amy are in the cafe and, seeing the postcard, manages to winkle out of Sylvia that Becky is in Crete and she's with a fella. I must say Sylvia didn't take a lot of persuading. Tracy reads it out loud, and we can see it's typical Becky grammar. Sylvia comments pithily that her shopping lists are Shakespearean sonnets compared to that! Tracy is highly delighted at the tidbit of information.

Deirdre has returned with the dog and Ken hasn't moved from the table. He's not got in the bath. Forgot that she'd said she'd run it. He's clearly very down in the dumps and admits he feels very old. Deirdre assures her he's ok, just a few bruises.

Anna has come to visit Izzy. Gary is away, having taken the chair in to get repaired. Anna tells Izzy that Sean isn't going to press charges. Uh oh. Nobody told Izzy what happened. She knows now and is horrified. Meanwhile, Gary has arrived at the place where the chair fixer lives. He looks in the back of the van and then covers the chair with a tarp. Anna is trying to excuse Gary's actions as a moment of madness and Sean is willing to drop the whole matter. Izzy tells Anna that Gary had been hovering and screening her calls. She tries to explain that life gets on top of Gary. Just then, Gary comes in and isn't happy to see his mother and most definitely not happy to find out that Anna has told Izzy about Sean. He tries to defend himself and gets angry enough to order his mother to leave for interfering. Izzy tries to insist she's fine.

In the factory, Sean realizes that he and Marcus have a scheduling conflict where Dylan is concerned. Dylan has a preschool reading group at Bessie Street school and Marcus can't take him and Sean has to work. Eileen realizes Sean plans to put Dylan down to attend Bessie Street school in case he's still there in the autumn. Sally ushers them back to work.

Dennis tells Rita that Emily has talked him into volunteering. Rita thinks it's a grand idea and it will keep him there a bit longer. She confirms that it's quite allright with her if he does stay. Deirdre comes in for Ken's paper and tells Ken's old friends that he's in a blue funk. Ken feels responsible for Kevin losing his money and is ashamed of his grandson. Rita and Dennis offer to come round and cheer him up later.

Tracy arrives at the pub. Steve is perusing a bill and complaining about it. Tracy tells him about their day and, naturally, tells Steve that Becky is in Crete with another fella. Oh sorry, didn't you know? She gurns like a shark and says she's there for him when he expresses dismay. Yes, he says, and that's part of the reason she's gone! She leaves, Sean gets back, and tries to flatter Steve into letting him off his shift tonight. Nope. No chance.

Gary has had a nap and Anna has gone. Izzy asks after her chair and he tells her that it needs parts and it will be a few days. She's upset because she doesn't have a spare but he points out she'll be off work a few days anyway. Says who? She's perfectly fine, she insists. He insists strenuously that she's staying home and then goes out to shop for food.

Dennis and Rita arrive to see Ken, bringing some sweets. Ken is at least dressed now. Rita assures him it's not his fault and nobody could see it coming. Dennis expresses how betrayed he feels at it all too. He thought they were really intent on helping people like him and the others and it was all a facade. Ken remarks that Tracy disliked James from the start but James is still his grandson. What can you do? Dennis suggests a trip to the Rovers and Ken finally agrees. He's not the worst victim of the crime.

Izzy checks on her chair and finds out that Gary never showed up.

Sean is in the cafe for the cake run. Julie finds out that Sean still has to work and Eileen declined to help so Julie offers to help. She really wants to indulge in her fantasy of being a mum for an hour. Sean says he'll think about it.

Gary comes back and Izzy confronts him about the wheelchair. He lied again. She shouts at him and he shouts back, making it sound like it's to get back at her for confiding in his mother. She picks up the phone to call her dad and he loses it. He grabs the phone and, with a crazed look in his eye, assures her vehemently that he's the only one that can protect her. Oh dear.

Tvor

Good evening. Events tonight on the Street are to say the least a little unhinged. Indeed various parts of the Street appear unhinged at the moment, I can only hope that normality returns soon. Events were written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Laurence Moody, whilst copyright remains entirely with ITV Productions to whom many thanks.

We open with Izzy telling Gary that she does not need anyone to look after her. She can take care of herself and she cannot be wrapped up in cotton wool. Life has risks and that is what makes it exciting. He wants what is best for her and he closes the blinds so that no-one can see in. She is looking very scared and Gary is looking very scary.

Julie is talking to Sean about being excited about looking after Dylan and taking him to his reading group. They cross Katie and Ches in the Street but they have not been in contact with Izzy either. Katie feels guilty and she and Ches agree to go round and see if she is alright.

Karl is told by Lloyd that Luther Van Dross is dead. Karl is amazed and has exactly the same reaction that I have once I have been on holiday - who died whilst I was away. I only find out when they do the year round up of the departed and find someone important snuffed it when I was out of the country. How dare they - without permission too. Steve arrives and orders Karl out of his chair. Steve is upset because Becky is off to Crete with some bloke. Karl suggests they should go for a drink in town. But Steve is going to just hit a bottle of scotch.

Gary and Izzy are eating a ham and pineapple pizza. Izzy does not want to dependent on Gary and she would like her wheelchair bringing into the house now - and he starts lecturing her about going through a trauma.

Sean calls her Aunty Julie and hands Dylan over. And at the age of 4 he does not need nappies. He pretends to be a little shy - but he will be a chatterbox once he has got to know her. They head off to the reading class.

Steve is in the back room at the Rovers with sad music (the Smiths) and scotch. Tracy marches in and turns the music off. Tracy says she has not come to gloat and she is worried about him - she understands how he must be feeling and anyway in her shoes he would have done the same thing. He will get no sympathy from anyone. She is on his side - she is a human being and she can be nice. Steve is not used to people being caring recently and she invites him round to tea the next day and to read Amy a bed time story. And she is actually nice to him.

Julie and Dylan arrive at the reading class. Another mother (Lyndsey) starts talking and just assumes that Julie is the working mother, a single mother. And Dylan has the same blonde hair as Julie. Julie is stunned when the reader comes in - it is Brian and he is going to read from the Hat in the Cat, as he is equally stunned, The Cat in the Hat comes Back.

Katie is knocking at Izzy's door - no answer but eventually Gary answers the door and claims that Izzy is asleep. Gary says Izzy needs to rest and will call when she wants visitors.

After the break we hear Brian read the end of the story. General acclamation and they sing a song of thanks for his reading. Brian has a few words with Julie - but Kismet has struck. Brian and Julie discuss what happened and Julie explains that Dylan is not hers - Brian wishes he had trusted her a little - at which point Dylan finally needs the toilet.

Gary and Izzy argue - she does not feel safe and this is hurting them both. And he refuses to bring in her chair. Gary keeps telling her about his experiences - blood running and he is not going to let it happen. He is checking out the window and nothing will happen. He has been thinking - he needs to be with her all the time, so it makes sense for them to get married.

In the Rovers Dennis is telling stories of his wrestlers - and oddly Emily used to like watching the Saturday afternoon wrestling. Dennis says it does not matter if people are laughing at Ken - they are told to pay heed to such people.

Katie and Ches go to Owen in the pub and tell him they were sent away and it was all very odd.

Ken and Deirdre return home to find Tracy ironing a tablecloth - they are both astounded and know someone special must be coming - and she reveals that now that Lady Gaga is off the scene she can simply reel in the wonderful Steve!

Julie returns Dylan and explains that she ran into Brian. Sean has the line of the week at this point "Mr Darcy in a Littlewood's cardigan Brian?". For my overseas readers I should point out that Mr Darcy is from Jane Austen and when played by Colin Firth in a wet shirt is generally regarded as desirable by the female half of the population and that Littlewoods is now deceased trading empire (shops and catalogues) [it has become very.co.uk] and typically their cardigans have about as little sex appeal as it is possible to have. And Julie does not believe that he will ever be hers. But Julie never got around to explaining that Dylan was not hers - and Brian thinks he is. And Julie was just happy to be part of the collective. The Julie has an equally wonderful line (which I missed originally): Dylan needed a ploppy and I was caught between two stools. I am sure you can all work that one out. Julie thinks her chances with Brian are completely gone.

Gary is telling Izzy that he can look after her - it will be a great wedding - but as Izzy says he is not letting her leave the house to get married. There is a knocking at the door and Gary tells her to be quiet. But people will keep coming - and Gary decides they will have to move out tomorrow. It is Owen knocking and he sees the blinds move. Izzy wants Owen let in. Gary wants to find cover and carries her into the bedroom where Gary lies across her. Owen breaks down the front door and starts talking to Gary and says they are on the same side and he cannot leave - he is here to help. And slowly he gets Gary off of the crying Izzy. Gary realises it has all gone wrong and asks for help and collapses into Owen's arms.

Roll credits.

At least two great comedy lines tonight - things can only get better. See you next week.

K Richard W


Thursday 28 July

Izzy is still shaken and tearful, and tells her dad she doesn't think she can face going to work. Anna arrives just then, to pick up some of Gary's things. She's says that Gary's mortified and gives Izzy a hug.

Tracy's been shopping for lots of nice things for Steve's tea. Ken and Deirdre enthuse over her purchases and, much to Tracy's horror, say they can't wait for the meal!

Anna arrives back home with Gary's clothes. He asks how Izzy was, did she ask about him? How did she seem? Anna tells him she was upset and sad, and yes, she did ask about him but they didn't really talk about anything in any detail. "What have I done, Mam?" says Gary.

Tracy offers to pay for Ken and Deirdre to go and eat at the Bistro. Ken doesn't want a cheap, early bird meal, and Deirdre says she doesn't fancy it, much to Tracy's annoyance. She tells them point blank that she doesn't want them there, she wants it just to be her, Steve and Amy. Deirdre says she's getting him there under false pretences. Tracy wants to strike while the iron is hot, before Becky comes to her senses. She's sure that if they just spend some quality time together all will be well. "Three courses, coffee and liqueurs, and that's my final offer," says Ken. "Done!" says Tracy, and they're all happy.

Owen escorts Izzy into work, much to her embarrassment. The workers say they weren't expecting her, and Owen asks them to keep an eye on her, she's been through a lot. She tells him to go, and then tells them that Gary just got a bit upset, that's all. Sean reckons that's an understatement, and she says she's sorry he got caught up in it all. Then she asks if they can talk about something else.

Steve and Lloyd are in the taxi office. Lloyd is off out on the town later, with Karl. He asks Steve if he wants to come too, and Steve says he might. Just then Tracy comes in, checking that Steve's still coming to tea tonight. "Tonight?" asks Steve, blankly. Tracy reminded him that she invited him round. "A certain little lady is really looking forward to it, she'll be heartbroken if you can't make it," she says, as he hesitates. "And our Amy won't be too chuffed either!" (Many a true word spoken in jest!) She tells him to come round at 4.30, and he says he will. (Wow - they eat their evening meal early!) When she's gone, Lloyd asks if Steve's blowing him and Karl out, but Steve says he'll follow them on. Lloyd jokes that Steve and Tracy make a lovely couple, but Steve protests that he's merely being civil to his daughter's mother. Lloyd reckons there's flirty body language creeping in, and is sure Tracy fancies him.

The doctor is visiting Gary, and after a quick check says there's nothing physically wrong. He wants to refer Gary to a psychologist for an assessment, to see if there are any underlying psychological problems. Gary doesn't like the sound of that, but doesn't have an explanation for what happened.

Tracy has laid the table and set out all sorts of delicious things to eat, and Ken and Deirdre are all dressed up ready for their evening out, when Steve arrives. As Amy shows him her reward chart, Deirdre wishes Tracy good luck and off they go.

Owen calls at Anna's house, and Gary says he's sorry for what happened. Anna explains how then doctor wants to refer Gary to psychologist but Gary's not keen on going. Owen is furious to hear that, and says that anyone else would have been hospitalised by now for imprisoning his daughter, and insists that Gary goes to the assessment. Gary gulps and nods.

Brian gets out of his car and knocks on the Grimshaw's front door, he's brought Dylan's jacket round. "You must be Julie's ex-partner," he says to Marcus who opens the door. Marcus laughs. "Julie? No!" he says, and asks who Brian is. Brian explains that Dylan and his mother came to the school the other evening. "Dylan's mother, Violet, is in London," says Marcus. Brian is puzzled. "You are Dylan's father?" he asks. Marcus explains that he's Dylan's father's boyfriend. Sean is Dylan's father. Brian agrees that S. Tully was the name on the contact details for Dylan, with no mention of J. He's even more confused when Marcus thanks him for the jacket and shuts the door.

Steve, Tracy and Amy have finished their tea. Steve is full and says he's going to slide off down the street, he needs a lie down. Tracy is dismayed, and says she thought he could do bathtime. Of course he will, and Amy asks if afterwards she can have a story. He agrees to that too, but as they run off upstairs Tracy looks worried.

Julie is in the pub, telling Sean how mortified she is about what she did and how she'll probably never set eyes on Brian ever again, when he comes in through the door behind her. He calls her name and she turns, and he asks her if she makes a habit of impersonating children's mothers. While Sean tries to make out that they are all part of some wonderful extended family, Julie confesses that she got caught up in the moment.

Steve comes downstairs from putting Amy to bed to find that Tracy has put on a little black outfit, lit a candle and produced a bottle of wine. "Are you going out on the pull?" he asks. She tells him she's in on the pull. He starts to say that just because he and Becky have split up it doesn't mean he's going to jump into bed.... Tracy tells him she's not going to pounce on him, she thought they could just chill out with a drink and have a natter.

Julie and Brian are now seated and she's explaining that another mother assumed she was Dylan's mother so she went along with it. By the time Brian came in she'd backed herself into a corner, she didn't mean to deceive HIM, she just wanted to join in. Brian then establishes that she is, actually, free and single. She admits that she is. "Will you go out with me?" he asks.

Steve and Tracy are leaning towards each other over the dining table, and having a cosy chat. He says he can't believe he's messed up another marriage and his solicitor is going to give him a loyalty card. She says she's never had much success with men either. She points out that both of them have had lots of other partners since the one night stand that gave them Amy, but have never actually tried to make a go of it with each other. "You never know, Steve, you might be pleasantly surprised." She reaches for his hand across the table. There's a pause, then Steve blows out the candles and turns on the light. "That's better," he says.

Brian's gone to the gents and Julie's all excited and telling Sean how he's asked her out. He doesn't mind about the lies, he thinks they're all works in progress. Then he comes back to the table and she asks him if he's now available. What about his wife. He waves a ringless hand in the air and says he's now officially as free as a bird.

Tracy is upset that she's now spoilt things by saying all those things. He admits that alarm bells started ringing when he came downstairs. She thinks they make a great team, she doesn't just want him in her bed, she wants him in her life. He says he's not ready to get involved again. She urges him to think again, for Amy's sake. She says that the everyday stuff they do together is effortless, then they go back to their miserable lives. He thinks that now they're on some sort of even keel, they shouldn't jeopardise that. She says they're both unhappy at the moment but he doesn't think that should be the basis for a relationship. "Let's just give it a go," she begs, "I turn into the person I want to be when I'm with you." He stares at her thoughtfully for a few moments. "I can't, I'm sorry," he says and gets up and walks out.

Izzy calls round to see Gary. He thanks her for coming. "You haven't heard what I've got to say," she says. He's not sure whether she's dumping him or there's hope. "That depends on you," she says.

Steve has come out of the Barlow's and sees Becky getting out of a taxi outside Roy's Rolls. She's just returned from her holiday. He goes over and asks if she had a good time. She tells him she had a great time with Clarky, it's a good test of a relationship, going on holiday together, they passed with flying colours. He wants to know why she's giving him all the gory details, is she trying to make him jealous? She says she's just telling him she's moved on. He looks crestfallen. "Good," he mutters, "I'm pleased for you," and walks off.

Gary tells Izzy he's truly sorry for what happened and he knows he needs help. She tells him she was terrified, she thinks they need time apart. She's not abandoning him, but she needs space and he needs help. He says he'll do whatever it takes, as long as there's still a chance for them. Tearfully, she leaves.

Steve marches into the back room of the pub and pours himself a stiff drink and gulps it down. Then he sits with his head on his hand, looking anguished.

Gary tells Anna that Izzy hates him. "What am I going to do?"

Tracy downs the last of her drink when there's a knock on the door. It's Steve. "Forget something?" she asks as he walks in past her. "Yes, this," he says, and the next minute they're kissing passionately.

Anne Logan


Friday 29 July

Yep, Friday again. Are you all well? Looking forward to summer/winter/schools going back/hockey season/World Cup rugby?

We open with Steve making a run for the Barlows' front door. He's stopped in his tracks by Cruella de Barlow, who appears to have been waiting for him downstairs. If Steve bites his fingernails any more he'll be able to apply for a disability pension.

Across the road, Anna's trying to get Gary to talk about his feelings. She's not having much luck. She advises him to tell it like it is when he sees the psychologist. Faye listens to Anna's explanation of what a psychologist does and wonders who's going to fix Gary's broken heart.

Steve's not handling his breakfast very well. Tracy tries to mop him up and tells him she can't believe she still fancies him. It's clear he's embarrassed and thinks last night was a one-night mistake and she thinks it's the start of something more. Before he manages to get away, the door opens and Amy races in. Tracy manages to tell her that Daddy slept here last night but Steve says he slept on the sofa. Deirdre realises the truth and doesn't look happy.

In a yard not too far away, the twins are screaming and Amber's not happy. She needs her sleep. Dev thinks she should get out of her pit and get to work in the shop. When she's gone inside, Sunita accuses Dev of being too soft on Amber. She thinks Amber is a bad influence on the twins. "She's idle, slack and cocky and she's getting on my nerves." Dev points out there's only one of Amber but he had to put up with two of Sunita's aunts. The conversation ends with a door slamming.

Steve thinks he'd better go. Amy wants him to watch her skip. When they've gone out to the yard, Deirdre can't understand why Tracy's happy. Tracy had to work very hard to get Steve into her bed. "It's not real life - all that effort." Tracy insists that Steve changed his mind and she's happy.

Audrey feels like she's in a spy film because Marc's being very mysterious. He's patron of a charity and wants Audrey to come along to hear a speech he's making tonight. It seems it's Marcia, not Marc, who is giving the speech. Audrey refuses, saying she's not quite there yet.

Amber's in the corner shop and moaning. Sophie seems a bit fed up with her. Things are no better at her place. She's paying Kevin back but it will take years. Amber suggests she can be debt free in about three weeks. She advises Sophie to stop going out, to hand over some money to Kevin whenever she can, including coins for dramatic effect. Then he'll start to feel sorry for her, then guilty, and Sally will be in Kevin's ear the whole time. He'll then wipe the slate clean. Sophie looks thoughtful and maybe a little hopeful, too.

Tracy sets Amy a skipping challenge so she can speak to Steve inside. He asks if they can keep last night to themselves. He gives her a quick air kiss and heads for the front door but again doesn't make it. Tracy wants him to set a specific time to see her again. She moves in close and he tells her he's a mess, he doesn't want to rush into things. Tracy wants a whole string of one-night stands - anything as long as he gives them a chance. He tells her firmly that he's a mess, he's not ready and finally he gets out the door.

Audrey's miles away and not listening to David in the salon. She tells him she's going to take her full hour for lunch and leaves him to cope on his own.

Roy and Becky chat in the cafe. They talk about Becky's time away. It seems Clarky went off with someone else. She tells Roy she's a survivor. Deirdre comes in with Amy who is overjoyed to see Becky. Amy immediately tells Becky about Steve staying over. Becky suddenly seems not to be a survivor.

In the bistro, Audrey tells Marc she's changed her mind and will come with him to see him make his speech.

Owen calls round to Anna's to ask about Gary. They discuss how to handle their children. He offers to give her a ride to pick up Fay from her sports club but leaves without doing so.

Tommy's in the shop hearing about Amber's problems with Sunita. He says she obviously needs to unload and invites her out for a drink. Dev comes in and he quickly changes the subject. Tommy flees the shop and Dev warns Amber to always keep a counter between herself and Tommy because he's trouble. He suggests that Amber show a little more respect towards Sunita. Amber points out that that's a two-way street. Dev says at the moment it's a blind alley so Amber should be the first one to show some respect. When he's gone, Amber tells Sophie he'll soon drop the Captain Reasonable act once he hears what Amber has to tell him. She swears Sophie to secrecy (clearly forgetting that Sophie was trained in secret-keeping by Sally) and tells her she's been kicked out of university.

Owen's back at Anna's with Fay after apparently picking her up from sports club. So much for after-school security procedures. Anna's had a call from Gary. He's still waiting for his final assessment. Owen's bought Fay and Anna tickets for Harry Potter in 3D. Anna asks if he'd like to come too.

Lloyd asks Steve where he was last night. Stella says he copped off but it being very mysterious about it. She whacks Steve's hand away from his mouth. Steve says he wants a private conversation with Lloyd and shows him through to the back. He thanks Stella for letting him use his own space. "So long as you wash those stumps before you serve food you can do what you like," Stella tells him.

Audrey and Marcia are at the swish function. Marcia tells her how much her support means.

Steve tells Lloyd he's spelt out to Tracy that there's no future. Lloyd can't understand why Steve would go with Tracy for some TLC when there are three-and-a-quarter billion women in the world. He says when Steve told Tracy he was a mess, she heard the words Project and Challenge. He doesn't believe Tracy will keep it to herself, either.

Steve comes through to the bar to see Becky. It's clear she knows about his night with Tracy. He gets defensive and wants to know if she stayed in a convent in Crete. She races away. "Of all the people Tracy could have told!" he moans at Stella. "This is pure malice!"

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

We start with Steve hammering on Tracy's door and letting rip at her for telling Becky about what happened between them. Tracy is adamant that she hasn't even seen Becky but Steve doesn't believe her for one second and tells her she will never change. She swears on Amy's life that she never told Becky and tells him that if he won't believe her then he can get out...and he does

Audrey is talking to the wife of one of Marc's cross dressing friends. She compliments ‘Phyllis' but his wife claims that he dresses too tartily. Audrey tells her that Marc is making a speech but she corrects her by saying that it's Marcia who is.

Anna is getting ready for a night out at the cinema with Owen and Faye. Faye comments that she never normally puts make up on; it's almost like she is going out on a date. Owen sends her out to get some sweets and tells Anna not to worry about Gary as he is a strong lad and will be fine.

Marcia has made an impressive speech about ‘Crossed Wires' sticking together and everyone digging deep to help fund it. Audrey tells him how well he came across and asks him if he wants to go somewhere else for a drink. He tells her it has meant so much her being here tonight.

Amber is sitting with Tommy and Tyrone as they prepare to head out to go clubbing. Dev comes in and warns Amber to be home early but she tells him that he is embarrassing her and makes it clear that she will be home when she chooses.

Steve is complaining to Lloyd that Tracy has told Becky but Lloyd tells him that he should have expected that. He tells him he should never have got involved with Tracy again as she has form.

Tracy is telling Ken and Deirdre what happened and Deirdre tells her that it was Amy who told Becky. Tracy is upset that Steve won't believe her and says that there doesn't seem to be a future for them.

Marc and Audrey are in a bar and Marc is getting uncomfortable as two men are laughing at him from the bar. Audrey tells marc just to ignore them as she won't let them ruin her night.

Anna tries to pay Owen for the night out but he refuses. She tries to shove the money into his back pocket and they share a spark as they fight playfully. Faye interrupts their moment and he leaves for the night, after which Faye tells Anna that he totally fancies her.

As Marc and Audrey go to leave, one of the men at the bar calls Marc a freak but Audrey lets rip at him and calls him close minded. As they go, Audrey throws a glass of wine in both of their faces.

Ken is looking on the Dancing on ice website for some reason when Tracy comes in and announces that she is leaving and there is nothing that he and Deirdre can do to stop her.

Dev is waiting up for Amber but Sunita finally persuades him just to go to bed and let her have her night out.

Deirdre arrives at the cab office and informs a shocked Steve that Tracy is leaving with Amy. He runs out as she gets into a cab and apologises to her. She is about to get back out when he says that he doesn't care what she does, just Amy. She says that that is the very reason why she has nothing to stay for and gets the driver to take her away. Steve calls after her that she hadn't heard the last of this.

And here are two character descriptions that cropped up tonight:

Tommy Duckworth: a grunting, mono-syllabic, garage worker who is well buff
Tracy Barlow: Nasty, manipulative, selfish mare who is like a bloke

If I were in an inventive mood, I might try and come up with similar profiles for other characters. Any ideas!?

Until next time
Duncan Lindsay



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