Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Graeme Harper

Tommy and Amber wander down Victoria street early in the morning. Roy is out brushing the pavement as they come by. He assumes they have been out for an early morning walk. Of course, the truth is, they've only just come home and are laughing and reliving the great night they've had at a party. Too bad Tyrone bailed on them early. Tommy has to work, Amber gives him a quick snog and tells him she isn't worried what her father will say. She goes in quietly, peeking around the door to see who's up. It all looks quiet but she hears the toilet upstairs and scoots to the sofa under a blanket. Sunita comes down and opens the curtains. Amber lies that she got in early but Sunita has been up for awhile already and busts Amber. Why lie? Amber explains they went to a club and a party and lied because her father treats her like a kid. She asks Sunita not to tell but Sunita points out that she's living under their house, their rules. Don't let it happen again.

In the cafe, Roy is telling Hayley about Tommy and Amber getting an early start. Hayley is feeding Hope and looking pretty tired. Becky comes downstairs, very early for her. She said Sylvia was cleaning pots and pans. She takes the baby for a few minutes while Hayley goes to make some tea. Hayley overhears Becky talking to the baby that she has to make some decisions about her uncertain life.

In Platt Towers, David and Nick are arguing because David has accused Nick of taking his phone charger. Kylie's whining about needing more milk and the phone is ringing, with nobody volunteering to answer it. David hands Kylie the milk, the others continue to argue until Gail gets the phone which is for Kylie. More bickering, Nick gets off to work, Kylie pretends the phone call was from the bank about her credit card (she has a credit card?) but she looks shifty and Gail's radar goes up. Kylie goes up for the shower and David goes out to the salon. Gail walks to the phone and dials 1471 to find out the last number called.

Steve is trying to contact Tracy who isn't answering her phone. Deirdre comes out and when asked, tells him all she knows is that Tracy is staying with mates in London and wouldn't tell him even if she did know where specifically. Hayley is wheeling Hope down the road and asks what's going on. Steve tells her and Hayley mentions that Becky is unhappy and is no longer with Clarkey. Hayley urges them to talk to each other.

Amber has gotten changed. Dev thinks she's just up early. Amber looks shattered, the lack of sleep catching up with her. Sunita is tight lipped. Dev asks her to take a 1 o'clock shift in the shop because he has things to do and Sunita has to take the kids somewhere. She agrees. Dev leaves and Amber growls at Sunita for giving her dirty looks.

In the salon, Marc is telling Audrey about a wine tasting. Maria doesn't get the concept. Down the hatch as far as she's concerned. Marc takes a call, David questions an invoice but is ordered to sort it himself as good management experience and while he's at it, get his wife's late backside in there. Gail comes in to have a word with her mam. David leaves, Maria goes to make tea and Marc's phone call was from his cleaner who's said there's a problem at home so he's off, too.Alone at last, aside from a client.

Becky is helping to clean in the cafe. Steve comes in and he tells Roy that Tracy has left for London. He and Becky glance at each other and Roy gives them both teas and gestures them to talk. They do move closer. He asks her how Clarkey is and she snipes at him for it. If he can sleep with that toxic cow, she can have a fella too. He doesn't rise to the bait. She admits they broke up. They admit they have both made mistakes and Steve does express regret for his actions with Tracy. They admit they were very happy once but Steve reckons that there's no point being together if they can't be happy together. He leaves with his bacon sarnie and Becky takes her pinnie off, intent on getting a flamin' life.

Gail and Audrey sit with cups of tea and Gail tells Audrey that the call for Kylie was from Social Services and admits how she knows. Audrey chides her, pointing out, quite rightly, that her interference has never worked out. Gail is unrepentant and is sure Kylie is keeping something from David or both of them are, from her. Audrey says it's none of her business. Blah, blah trying to protect David, blah blah. Audrey brings up many of her past mistakes with David but Gail doesn't look like she's about to back down, no matter what her mother says.

Cheryl has taken delivery of a cherry pink sofa and chair but the delivery man has left it on the pavement and with thunder rumbling overhead, isn't about to waste his time and energy to get it into the house. Maria comes along and offers to help. She takes one end of the sofa and they put their backs into it.

Becky is in the Bistro, looking through the job ads. She chats with Nick about getting work. She's anxious to make a new future for herself.

Sunita is waiting for Amber who is supposed to be in the shop by now. Hayley is picking up baby supplies. Kylie brings a packet of biscuits to the counter and is rude to Hayley, drops a pound on the counter and leaves. Sunita is annoyed waiting for Amber and keeps trying to call. We get a glimpse, the phone is on silent and Amber is sleeping on the sofa.

Back to the bistro, Becky tells Nick she probably should just leave and make a fresh start. Nick says he knows how Becky feels. He had plans with Leanne but after the tram crash and Peter's injury, he lost the only woman he ever loved. Becky figures she wins in the pity stakes, having lost her home, husband, job and Max. Nick plays his trump card. Lost Leanne who looks at him like something she stepped in, Natasha pretended she was pregnant when she wasn't and he lives with his mum. Becky says she is sleeping on a Z-bed. lonely? check. Skint? check. Becky admits she can cope with it all, really, but the Max thing is the worst. Having him made all the emptiness she ever felt vanish. Gail arrives just then. She's brought his phone charger, he did nick David's after all and she scolds him for leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor. He and Becky laugh and she gives him the winning point. Nick offers Becky a job at the bar. Gail is horrified and Becky confirms that Nick is serious. He is. Gail is jealous, she hasn't been asked and says she'd make a great addition to the bar staff. As what, Becky shoots, Mascot? (Score!) They trade a few more barbs and Nick says he'll interview both of them, his mother at 5 and Becky at 5:20.

Cheryl has come in the salon to thank Maria for helping and offering to buy her a drink. Audrey has made she and Maria a cuppa but not Kylie since Kylie never takes her turn in return. Maria accepts the offer of a drink. Audrey thinks it's dead civilized getting on with her boyfriend's ex. Marc arrives and tells Audrey his house is flooded and it'll take weeks to put right. Audrey tells him he's moving in with her for the duration. He doesn't object and leaves her grinning from ear to ear.

Gail comes home with some groceries and tells David who's sitting at the table, that she's going to be interviewed for the bar job and is all excited. She says she's a real people person and at the same time, hurls many insults at Becky's good name causing David to chuckle in irony and accuses his mother of treating Kylie badly and interfering. Of course, Gail objects. She doesn't interfere but if she does, it's only in his best interest. Anyway, she asks, why is he in such a bad mood and goes on to assume he knows about the phone call from Social Services then realizes he doesn't know so tells him. She doesn't know what it was about but wrote the number down.

Sunita is on the phone to the twins' child minder when Dev appears. She bitches about Amber not showing up. Amber runs in just then and Sunita carps at her. Sunita can't take the kids to the activity she was going to now. Amber gives an off handed apology which only angers Sunita more, when Dev seems to take Amber's side so Sunita blows the whistle.

Kylie has made tea for Audrey and Maria. David comes in, angry, and confronts Kylie about the call. He reveals that there's a hearing the next day about Max being adopted and she never said a word. He accuses her of not caring. She snaps that someone else can care for Max a lot better than she can. David is furious that she didn't tell him, her husband and why adopt him out when he's there along with his mother and Gran and even Nick. Kylie snaps that it's nothing to do with him and cuts deep, saying David isn't Max's dad. He asks her doesn't she want Max and she is very direct. No, she wants Social Services to have him adopted and if he doesn't like it, he knows what he can do...

Tvor

Good evening. Events tonight were written by Ellen Taylor and directed by Graeme Harper.

We open in the salon where Kylie and David are arguing. She makes it clear that she does not want Max and if he carries on he can get out of her life.

Owen has a problem - the bumper on his van is damaged and Chris must be responsible. Amber grabs Tommy - she needs him to explain to Dev that they did not sleep together. Tommy knows this might not go well.

David finds Becky on Maxime's bench. They discuss Kylie and Becky points out that Kylie sold Max for cash. Becky tells David that Kylie does not care if Max lives or dies.

David returns home where Gail wants advice on what to wear to an interview. Gail wants an update on social services. David brings Gail up to date. David admits that Kylie does not want Max. Gail gets an "I told you so" in and David storms off.

In the Rovers Audrey delights in telling Rita that Mark is moving in - but then admits it is because his house is flooded and not habitable. And no she is not rushing it - what about her and Dennis but as Doris points out the two cases are not comparable because Rita is not involved with Dennis.

Tommy and Amber arrive at the Alahan residence and he tells Dev just what did happen the previous night. Dev accepts it - but then turns on Amber for telling lies and abusing their hospitality. Amber fires back that a camp bed is not high on the hospitality scales. Tommy leaves and Dev and Sunita lay into Amber - under their roof it is their rules and she is to be in at 11 every night and if she does not like it she can return to her digs as many students do (although not usually in the summer). Amber says that she cannot return, she is no longer a student. Dev says "What did you say" and Amber explains she failed her exams and has been thrown out.

Kylie storms into the Platt / Tilsley / Hillman residence and puts her bag down, obviously in an enormous strop. Gail is tidying her makeup but is ignored. Gail says she is not to be ignored and tears into Kylie for lying to David and not telling him the truth. They argue. Gail doubts that Kylie has a maternal bone in her body. Kylie starts crying and says she is not going through the paid again and she collapses crying and is comforted by Gail as she says that loving her son is just too hard.

After the break we are in the club where Nick and Cheryl are waiting to start the interviews - Becky arrives early and as Gail has not shown she is seen immediately. Becky says she can do basic cocktails and she thinks she would fit in and it would be dedicated to making people take it seriously.

Gail and Kylie discuss Max and being a mother. Kylie attributes some of her problems to her relationship with her own mother who ran her down when she had Max. Gail tries to talk Kylie round - and explains that when Max used to visit he was wary because he could not be sure his mother would be there the next time around. Gail explains further and Kylie is convinced she would mess it up. But now Kylie has David he will support her - and she cannot be a single mum again. Gail says David has grown up since meeting Kylie and she could be the making of David if she believed in herself a bit more and Gail will support her as well - will she phone David and say she has changed her mind.

Dev and Sunita want to know how Amber failed. She hated it - she could not keep up with the lectures. Dev starts shouting and is very angry. Amber says she is simply not good enough.

Gail arrives at the bar where Becky's interview has ended. She is late and Nick therefore says that the job has gone even though Cheryl wants to interview her. And Becky realises she has got the job.

Dev and Sunita discuss Amber's failure. Sunita thought that she was going to be a vet until she was about 10. Dev wanted to be a fighter pilot. And despite everything they have done alright and so will Amber. And she needs to find her own place - she has grown up and now she needs to make her own mistakes. They agree it is time that Amber should move out - but Amber has been listening and is upset as she thinks they just want to get rid of her.

Cheryl and Maria are discussing the interview - Cheryl is miffed she did not have a chance to have her say as manager. Then Chris arrives and Cheryl invites Maria and Chris to the house warming party and she is sure that Lloyd will not have a problem with it. At which point Owen storms in wanting to know why Chris has not responded and even more importantly he wants to know how the van was damaged. Chris has no idea what Owen is talking about - but Chris is going to have the cost taken out of his wages. Chris has no idea what happened.

Kylie finds David in the Street - she has changed her mind about Max - she wants to go to the hearing and to put their names forward to take care of him. Kylie explains that it was Gail that managed to convince her to change her mind. Kylie says Gail was nice to her. David reassures Mrs Platt that she will be a good mother.

Rita apologises for some of her comments concerning Mark. Doris was boring Mark to death. Mark has only brought some of his wardrobe - but so far he has only brought some clothes. Chris is getting a round of drinks but the entire tray slips out of his hands and soaks Norris - who gets a free half out of it. Chris is not sure what happened at all.

Becky is walking along the Street on her phone telling Roy to break out the celebrations as she has a job - when she meets David and Kylie going in the other direction. Kylie says she has seen the light and they are going for custody of Max and when they finally convince Becky it is true she it totally distraught as they remind her that she is not Max's mum.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Maria is trying to unlock her front door when little Liam runs off down the street. He's caught by Becky who's passing. Maria thanks her and remarks that they're so hard to keep hold of at this age. "I bet," says Becky, and looks sad.

In the Platt residence, David is trying to iron a shirt, he and Kylie have the hearing about Max today. Nick wishes them luck, and Gail remarks she would have thought he was the one needing luck, considering who he's got working for him. Nick says he's quite capable of handling Becky. David is amazed to hear that Nick's employing Becky - he thinks she's mental. "Must run in the family," mutters Nick and goes off to work.

Sunita and Amber are in the shop, a sulky Amber is looking through the paper for somewhere to live. Dev comes in, all bright and cheery, which makes her worse. He tells her that 5 people in a tiny terraced house doesn't work. She says she needs a pay rise to be able to afford anything. Dev suggests she moves into the shop flat, he'll deduct the rent and bills from her wages. Amber thinks Tina might notice if she arrived at the door with all her stuff. "You just leave Tina to me," says Dev.

Marc gives Audrey a lift to work, but is urging her to take the day off and spend it with him. She's got three people working for her, why not? She points out that two of them are David and Kylie, so she kisses him goodbye.

Nick and Cheryl are behind the bar in the bistro when Becky turns up for work. Nick asks what she's doing there, and Becky assumes he doesn't have a job for her after all. She turns to go when he calls after her that she's early, she's not supposed to be in until 2 o'clock. "So I've still got a job then?" she asks, suddenly cheerful. He says he'll see her later.

Tina's walking past the shop when Dev stops her. He tells her that due to rising costs etc. he has to raise her rent by sixty pounds a month. She's shocked, and says she'll have to see if Steve and Stella can give her a pay rise, and if not she'll have to try and find somewhere else to live.

Gail comes into the bistro supposedly to collect her wages, but Nick knows it's to check on Becky. "How is she? Attacked anyone yet?" she asks. Nick says she's fine, she's great behind the bar, punters love her and she can use the till.

Amber strolls across the street and tells Tommy, with Tyrone in earshot, how she's going to be moving into the flat above the shop.

Becky and Nick are clearing up in the bistro when Kylie and David come in. Becky shows them to a table and asks how it went in court. After a pause, Kylie tells her that they're not going to put Max up for adoption, so it looks like it's Kylie one, Becky nil. Then she asks for something very alcoholic, they're celebrating. As Becky walks back to the bar, Kylie and David snigger behind their menus. Becky takes a deep breath and brushes away a tear.

In the salon, Audrey is annoyed to find that Kylie has cancelled a regular order for hairspray with one of the suppliers, until Maria tells her that Kylie found it half the price on the internet. Audrey asks Maria if she thinks David and Kylie could run the place without her. Maria looks horrified. Is Audrey thinking of retiring? Audrey reassures her, saying she's just planning on taking a few long weekends for a while. Maria is relieved, she thought she was going to be left alone with them. Audrey presses for an answer and Maria tells her that David now seems to know more about what he's doing than he did before, and Kylie is starting to mellow.

The pair in question are still in the bistro, drinking and discussing the morning's hearing. David tells Kylie that if they really want Max back they must keep their heads down for a while, turn up to work on time, no more getting trashed or getting into punch-ups. She assures him that she's going to be the best mum ever, but right now she just wants to get completely bladdered! Then she shouts loudly for Becky, who comes over. Kylie tells her that as there's a good chance she might be getting Max back, the least Becky could do is be happy for her. Becky remarks that she would be if she thought that Kylie really cared about Max. Kylie says she doesn't care what Becky thinks and orders another bottle of wine. Nick comes over and says he thinks she's had enough. "What? You're chucking us out?" exclaims Kylie, loudly. Quietly, Nick says he's asking them to leave, and David gets up and hustles her out. When they've gone, Becky apologises for her sister. Nick tells her she can't choose her family, if it was possible would he have David for a brother?

Tina is just about to broach the subject of a pay rise with Stella when Karl walks into the pub and Stella turns her attention on him, reminding him they're off to Cheryl's party. When he's gone off to get changed, she tries again. Stella says the best she can do is offer her some extra shifts. Tina tells her she'll do anything.

Tyrone comes into the pub and remarks that at least Tina will be able to save money on rent now that she has Amber moving in with her. Tina stares at him.

Cheryl and Lloyd's party is in full swing. Peter and Lloyd are out the back, smoking. Lloyd isn't happy that Chris is one of the guests, but is putting up with it to please Cheryl. Then Stella and Karl arrive. Leanne isn't too pleased, and remarks to Cheryl that she never told her they were coming. Cheryl says Lloyd invited Karl and she didn't even think about Leanne. "It's not going to be a problem is it?" she asks. Leanne gulps her drink and says she'll let her know when she's had a few more.

Becky is outside the bistro when Nick comes out and lights her cigarette for her. They get chatting and he says she handled Kylie and David very well, she's not usually known for her calm disposition. She tells him it wasn't easy, but she needs a job. He smiles. "Good," he says, "because for what it's worth, I quite like having you around."

Tina's working in the Rovers when Dev and Sunita come in. Tina immediately lets Sunita know that Dev gave her a sob story earlier, saying how he had to raise her rent by 60 pounds a month. "That's ridiculous!" says Sunita to Dev, "how can she pay that?" Tina agrees that she can't, and then says how she found out that Amber is going to be moving in. "Is this true?" Sunita demands to know. Dev whines that Amber needed somewhere to live, what was he to do? Tina tells him that, as of tonight, he can stick his flat and he can stick this month's rent. Dev starts to mutter that she has to give two weeks notice. "So sue me," says Tina. "Really good, Dev, really good," says Sunita, and walks out. Dev follows after her, leaving Tina realising that now she has nowhere to live.

At the party, Stella has engaged Leanne in a conversation about Simon. She says she'll babysit any time Leanne and Peter want a night out. Leanne thanks her, but moves over to where Peter is chatting to Karl and Lloyd. "Can we go now?" she asks. He points out that it's only 9 o'clock, but she says she's tired.

Chris gets involved in an argument with Cheryl over Russ, and storms out.

In the bistro, Nick tells Becky she can get off early and go to the party, but after what happened earlier she's not in the mood. He tells her that he thinks David has Max's best interests at heart, and maybe Kylie has too. Becky shakes her head, Kylie is only interested in one person, and it isn't Max.

Maria strides across the street and finds Chris sitting on the bench. She asks what's the matter with him, he's been acting funny all day. He tells her to leave him alone, so she does.

Tommy comes home, slightly the worse for drink, with fish and chips for him and Tyrone, and finds that Tina has moved in. She goes off to have a shower and he grins and grabs Tyrone's cheeks. "Big man, I love you!" he says, planting a big kiss on Tyrone's forehead.

Becky's washing up glasses and breaks one and cuts her finger. Nick wraps a tea towel round it, but she gets tearful. She's crying about Max, she feels useless and thinks he's probably had a lucky escape from her. Nick is really sweet and kind to her and tells her she'd make a great mum. "You don't even know me, how do you know that?" she cries. "Don't I?" he asks and leans towards her. She pulls back for a moment and then makes a decision. The next moment they're kissing passionately.

Anne Logan

I'm not entirely sure how Gail knows the words to Katy Perry's Fireworks song but she does and she's belting them out at the top of her lungs as she makes the toast. David, being a normal person (like me), is not this alert in the morning. He suggests Gail buy some of Max's favourite cereal. As Katy gives way to Adele, David and Gail's jaws drop in one choreographed movement as Becky, wearing what must be one of Nick's shirts, wanders down, grabs some juice and perches on the kitchen counter. She explains that last night after work, she and Nick had "a moment." Nick comes down, almost as cheerful as Gail was until a few moments ago, and gives Becky a passionate kiss. Gail reckons she knows now why Nick gave Becky the job and not her.

In the cafe, Cheryl and Russ have breakfast together and are joined by Chris, though Cheryl wonders why he isn't at work. He tells her he was out of order yesterday and apologises. He asks if he can spend more time with Russ. Cheryl agrees and Chris invites Russ to go up the Red Rec after breakfast. "Let's be spontaneous."

Gary comes in to see Izzy waiting for service. He tells his mother that Izzy needs serving, though Izzy's trying to back out and says she'd better get to work.

Gail's cross-examining Becky about the status of her relationship with Steve. Kylie comes downstairs and almost gets whiplash when the sight of Becky stops her in her tracks. They snipe at each other. Becky tells Gail she likes it there and could get used to it. Gail retorts that that's not a good idea because Max might be coming to live with them and they don't want him getting confused. Becky says what she thinks of Kylie as a mother. Kylie tells her that Gail's shown her more love and respect than Becky ever did. Becky points out that respect has to be earned and Kylie's never earned anything in her life. "I'm sorry, Gail, but I'm going to have to smash her face in," says Kylie. Fight! Fight! Kylie only succeeds in punching the cupboard as David grabs her and Nick moves in to protect Becky. He's cooked her breakfast.

Tommy's talking to Tyrone about the changes since Tina moved in. He's just described her as drop-dead gorgeous and is overheard by Amber. He immediately tells her that he was just talking about her. Tyrone looks on in astonishment as he moves smoothly from lusting after Tina to sweet-talking Amber. Amber suggests they have a drink tonight.

Audrey's arranged for David to go on a management course. He tells her he doesn't need one - he's learned everything he needs to know. Audrey wants to make some lifestyle changes and take more time off. David says he's ready to take over. "I don't need this course." He asks for a chance to prove it.

Anna takes Owen a brew at the yard. She has an ulterior motive and wants to talk about Izzy. Owen spots Chris with Russ and a football. "Excuse me. I've just go to sort a staff issue," he says to Anna. "OI!! WHAT DO YOU THINK you're DOING, REYNALDO? YOU SHOULD BE AT WORK!" Ah, staff issues at 973 decibels. Chris says he'll make up the time. Owen tells him to get to work immediately or he'll be out of a job. Maria happens by and Chris persuades her to take Russ round to Cheryl's. He grumpily tells Owen not to embarrass him in front of the kid. Owen orders him to get the van loaded and Chris goes to do it but very reluctantly.

Despite having a full English at home, Nick and Becky are in the cafe. Anna races in and takes their order. Becky orders a chicken salad after hearing Nick order one. "Salad? Are you sure?" asks Anna, clearly familiar with Becky's usual diet.

In the Rovers, Tina tells Tommy she's thinking of cooking a slap-up meal tonight. Tommy says Tyrone's going to be out. "He's learning Greek." He says Tyrone's taken a fancy to a Greek girl on Freshco's check-out. Tina's ready to cancel the meal but Tommy says he'll be there and he'll look forward to it. Tina has a smile on her face as she turns away.

Nick tells Becky he doesn't regret last night. "Yeah, who cares what anyone thinks!" says Becky. But as she sees Steve and Lloyd come in, she grabs Nick across the table and kisses him passionately. "Oh, ‘ey up, I didn't see you," she says. She says it was inevitable that one of them would one day meet someone special. "It is early days but I have had breakfast with his mam," she says. Nick asks Steve if it's going to be a problem. Steve assures him it's not. He says he's met someone very special himself. This is news to Lloyd. Steve says the new woman is sexy and glamorous and coming round tonight and he might take her to the bistro. Nick offers to reserve a table. As Anna arrives with the chicken salads, Lloyd takes Steve aside and, in whispers, demands to know what he's doing. "She's got a boyfriend so I need a boyfriend . . . er . . . girlfriend," Steve says. He's just got to find a girl by tonight. "I'm not having her getting one over on me."

Steve's working his way through his little black book. One girl is getting married tomorrow. The next one hangs up when she hears who it is. Three have moved away, two are married. He tells Lloyd he's going to call Beth. "Gorgeous Beth?" asks Lloyd. That's the one. Steve rings and gets Beth's mum but asks for Beth's new number. Lloyd says she's probably modelling in Milan by now. He gets Beth on the phone but has to explain who he is before she remembers him. They went out ten years ago. To Lloyd's surprise, Beth agrees.

Tommy's told Tyrone about learning Greek but says he doesn't have to actually do it - he just needs to get out of the house for a bit. Tyrone says it's a bad idea. Tina's a mate. Tommy accuses him of being selfish. Amber arrives to organise the drinks and suggests seven. Tommy asks if they can make it six.

Izzy meets Gary on the street and accuses him of stalking her. Gary steps in front of her chair and says he's lost count of the things he's sorry for. He says he's getting help. Izzy says he freaked her out. She asks him to give it more time.

Maria finds Chris at work. He finishes in about half an hour. She has to take Ozzy to the vet and asks if he can return this morning's favour and pick up Liam from the nursery. Chris agrees, saying he'll even take him for his tea.

Dr Carter sees Chris and stops his car to talk to him. Chris has missed a consultant's appointment and it's vital that he keeps the next.

In the bistro, Tommy realises that when Amber said "a drink" she meant a full meal. "There's a two-for-one offer on the steak - my treat," she tells him.

Cheryl asks Nick whether it's true he's seeing Becky. He says it is, but they'll be keeping things professional at work. Nobody's told Becky this. She waltzes in and demands a quick snog.

Tommy suggests they skip starters and go straight to the main. He asks Cheryl how long it takes to cook the steak she tells him the kitchen isn't really open yet. The chef's just setting up so the steak would be about 25 minutes. Tommy asks if there's anything that's quicker than the steak and she goes to find out.

Steve wanders in in his good shirt. He tells Becky his date's on her way. "She's gorgeous, glamorous. Used to be a model. Went out with a footballer. Ditched him." He reckons she's the best looking woman he's ever been out with. "Present company excluded, of course." "Of course," agrees Becky, wrapping herself round Nick.

Tina's hard at work preparing the dinner. She sends Tommy a text.

Tommy's shoveling food into his mouth as if he's keeping up the steam on the Flying Scotsman. When he gets the text he's alarmed. "Tyrone's in hospital," he tells Amber. "He choked on a nut in the Rovers. they're keeping him in for observation and he needs his jim-jams," he says. Amber offers to go with him but Tommy says she should stay and finish her meal. "you're such a special person," he says, kissing her on the head before racing out.

Steve's tapping his watch and assures Becky that Beth is very real.

Gail's peeling veg and chatting to David. He suggests she have a word with Audrey but Gail wants to talk about Becky and Nick. David doesn't think it will last but suggests they should keep Becky away from sledgehammers. Gail thinks Becky's up to something. "I wouldn't put it past her to be using Nick to cause trouble between you and Kylie." "In that case," says David, "keep me away from sledgehammers."

Tommy arrives back to an enormous mountain of food. "I'm starving," he lies.

Steve tells Becky he's never been stood up. Becky thinks he has now. She gets Steve to describe Beth to him. He lays on the gorgeous, blonde, glamorous bit and Becky says it can't be the woman who's just come in, then. But when the woman with missing teeth, dressed in worn denim and with scraggly hair spots Steve she recognizes him. Yes, ten years hasn't been kind to Beth. A fat ginger-headed kid comes in and Beth says she couldn't get a babysitter after Craig burnt the neighbours' house down.

The End of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Becky is having a whale of a time watching Steve's disastrous date. Meanwhile, Steve is growing uncomfortable as his date's son keeps staring at him. She says he has been told about doing that to people.

Marcus tells Maria that Liam has not been picked up from nursery. She says that Chris was meant to pick him up. Marcus offers to collect him so Maria phones the nursery and informs them that someone is on their way.

Becky sits down for a chat with Steve's date. She finds out that they only dated once and she considered that a mistake. Becky informs her that she's his wife and the woman becomes confrontational. Steve demands that Becky leaves them alone. Nick comes over and asks them to leave. Steve tells him that they have rights and Becky is in the wrong. Nick offers to waive the bill, which changes Steve's mind. Becky is satisfied but Nick takes her aside, saying that they need a word.

Maria finds Chris having a pint with Tyrone. She tells him that he was meant to pick up Liam. He has no recollection of the conversation. She assumes that his heart isn't in the relationship.

Steve is seeing off his date. He offers her money as she is in financial difficulty. She wishes him all the best and suggests they have another date in ten years time.

Becky apologises to Nick for being unprofessional and he tells her that he can't keep looking over his shoulder in case she is picking fights with someone. She reiterates that Steve was trying to wind her up but accepts the warning and plants a lingering kiss on him.

Chris apologises to Maria. She asks what is going on but he snaps that it was just one mistake. Maria collects Liam from Marcus and asks Chris to give her some space. He tells her he loves her and she says that he has a funny way of showing it.

Becky sees David outside. She starts to wind him up about Nick but he retorts by telling her that Kylie has gained a supervised visit to Max and it won't be long before he is living with her. She is crushed and David tells her that there is nothing left in Weatherfield for her.

Nick is talking to Cheryl about Becky. He is wondering if he is just a way of her getting back at Steve but she assures him that he will mean more to her than that.

Kylie is telling David that she would have loved to have seen Becky's face when she found out about Max. David tells her he would go to any lengths to protect their family. She smiles and says that they are going to have some great adventures together.

Tyrone comes in to the shop and Amber asks if he is okay. He is too late in playing along with the nut story and she figures out that Tommy has been lying. Tyrone is forced to admit that Tommy is in the flat.

Becky sees off the last customer and nick asks if she is okay. She tells him about her meeting with David and he points out that Kylie is Max's mum so she should have seen it coming. She tells him that she is sorry for being so complicated.

Tommy thanks Tina for an epic meal. She tells him that she prefers him when he isn't feeding her lines all the time. He tells her that she is gorgeous and they lean in for a kiss only to be interrupted by Amber.

Audrey is talking to David about leaving the salon in his and Kylie's hands on Mondays. He tells her that they have loads of great ideas but she tells them she just wants it in safe hands.

Becky is telling Nick that she will be better to be around when her divorce is finally settled. She says that she just needs another tram to fall onto David and Kylie. She tells Nick that she isn't really a nice person beneath the surface. He says that he doesn't believe that but asks what she wants from him. He concludes that their relationship isn't a good idea.

Tommy's lies all come undone and Tina makes him pay Amber the money he owes. Amber dumps him but he assures Tina that they were never going out. Tina asks him to clear up and he readily agrees. She proceeds to drop all the food, including peppercorn sauce, onto the floor, before shoving dessert in his face.

Becky is asking Nick why he is dumping her. He asks her to look into his eyes and say she doesn't still love Steve. She cries that she doesn't want to love Steve, she wants to love him. He tells her that she doesn't need a boyfriend right now and she comments that this is the most amicable break up she has ever had. They hug and he tells her that if she ever needs to talk, she knows where he is. She says that it's best if she doesn't return to the job. Before she goes she says that she has never hated anyone as much as she does St eve she just wishes she could erase the one part of her brain that still insists on loving him too.

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Kay Patrick

Morning in the salon flat is fraught with tension. Maria's still giving Chris grief over forgetting to pick up Liam and she knows there's something on his mind but he's not saying. It looks like he almost speaks but decides not to in the end so it looks like things remain unresolved for the moment.

Becky's hungover and Sylvia is unsympathetic and nags Becky into helping do the washing up. She accuses Becky of taking advantage of Roy and Hayley and tells her to pull herself together. Roy and Hayley have enough on their plates looking after a baby. Becky grudgingly admits to the logic in that. She decides to sort herself out.

David and Kylie are looking forward to running the salon on their own today. Nick comes down and tells Gail that he and Becky aren't seeing each other anymore. He's very cranky but when Gail susses that Becky has also quit, she insinuates herself into a job as waitress, at least for that night.

At work, Chris is still cranky. He starts to move some pipes from the truck and his coordination fails him and he smacks Jason in the face with one. Owen hollers at him.

In the salon, the music is loud and thumpy. Kylie has made a sign for her spa therapies for the window. They're both excited but Rita, who has just arrived, is not happy with the music. David doesn't inspire confidence in Rita when he starts suggesting alternate colours and pink streaks. Kylie calls her old and that's the last straw. Rita's feathers are ruffled and insists she'll be back when Audrey is. Kylie and David are unconcerned. They should bar OAPs on Mondays!

Jason has his eye seen to with Doctor Carter with Chris in tow. (did he need his hand holding?) Jason leaves but before Chris can escape, Carter tries to get him to tell Owen but Chris cuts him off and leaves.

Amber is telling Sian and Sophie about Tommy two timing her with Tina. Amber invites the girls out on the town tonight. Sensible Sophie isn't inclined as she's trying to save money to pay her father back but Sian is keen to go.

Stella sees the Barlows (Junior) getting into the car and Leanne blanks her.

Owen has another go at Chris for causing them to be late to a job and losing it, in his usual bully boy way. Chris tells Owen to stuff his job and stalks off.

Back to the salon, Kylie tells Betty over the phone that they don't do over-60s on Monday and gets hung up on. Gail comes in for a trim. Kylie is pleased for her when she hears the news about Gail's job. She tries to get Gail to have some of the spa treatments but Indian Head Massage really isn't her thing. She does, however, induce her to having a manicure.

Stella greets Deirdre outside the shop and walks down the row with her. She asks about Leanne and Peter and is told that Leanne had a follow up appointment at the hospital. Deirdre invites her in for a coffee.

Maria finds out that Chris has quit when she comes to the yard and finds only Jason.

Stella finds Simon inside the Barlow (Senior) residence. Simon ascertains that Stella is still her Gran even if he's not allowed to call her that. Stella says she can be if he wants her to and he decides you can never have too many Grans (not when you're 7, that's for sure!)

Maria finds Chris on the street and gives him grief for jacking his job in. He shouts back at her for snooping. She only wanted to make up, she says. She also tells him, more gently, that she's only at him all the time because he's been messing up. He scowls and agrees, he's a waste of space, and storms off again.

Kylie has applied false nails on Gail's fingers and she's pleased with the results. Amber comes in for an appointment with David who isn't back yet. There's an obvious slice of "I don't like you" between she and Kylie.

Stella is enjoying her visit with Deirdre and Simon. Simon asks about Leanne when she was small but Stella admits she wasn't around when Leanne was little even though she did think about her all the time. She shows Simon a baby picture of Leanne. They admit they both love her to bits.

Julie has seen the spa sign and comes in for some reflexology, making Kylie's day by Kylie clearly has no idea what that is because she doesn't see the need of Julie taking off her shoes. She has Julie lie back on the table and puts her fingers on Julie's temples. Julie points out she's likely got it confused. Oh. Right. Kylie isn't too happy when she realizes she has to deal with feet. She goes down to the other end of the table, takes a deep breath and starts to rub her feet.

Audrey is enjoying her day off, sunning on a lounge chair in the garden with Marc bringing her a cold drink. She tells him she wants to go out tonight...with Marcia for a girly night out. He asks her if she's been thinking about the salon but she figures it's getting on just fine without her.

In the salon, Amber, at least, is pleased with her hair. David has put some bright pink and blue bits in and it does look cute on someone like Amber. Kylie glares from over in the back room as she works on Julie's feet, distracted. So distracted that she's digging in with her claws and even more so when she notes Amber flirting with David. Julie screams as Kylie injures her toe but is told to stop whinging. Julie is rightly affronted, and even David is shocked. Kylie snarks at Julie much to David's chagrin and doesn't stop her when she limps out without paying. He asks his wife if she *did* go on a course and Kylie looks a bit abashed. Hmmm.

Maria is trying to soften Owen up to give Chris back his job. Even Jason backs Chris so Owen says if there's an apology, he can come back.

Leanne and Peter return to find Stella playing with Simon. Leanne isn't happy and pulls Simon out the door with apologetic looks from Peter.

Sian tries to convince Sophie to come out with her and Amber. Eventually she teases her into it.

Gail tells Rita about the waitress job and shows off her nails. She's appalled when Rita tells her she was insulted by Kylie. Julie comes in limping and Gail finds out the rest of it. Gail promises to sort it.

Simon tells Leanne he's going to call Stella 'Gran' and can't understand why Leanne is horrible to her. Leanne snaps "What else did she say about me?" but is quieted when Simon says Stella said she loves her to bits. Peter sends Simon to his room to play so he can talk to Leanne. He scolds Leanne for her behaviour. Stella has been helpful to them and it's not fair punishing Simon to punish Stella.

Maria puts a plate of food down in front of Chris. He apologizes and says he's still not sure about things. She assumes it's about her and them but he says it's not about her. She goes on at him again and admits she got his job back if he apologizes. He, predictably, blows his stack and overturns the table, scaring the wits out of her. Flashes of the old abuse? The episode ends as we have to wait a half hour to find out.

Tvor

Here we are again in the mean streets of Weatherfield and tonight's episode was written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Kay Patrick. Copyright remains with ITV Productions to whom many thanks for bringing up this important contribution to our lives.

Chris runs out of the door and straight into Cheryl (who has her assets on display this evening) and runs along the Street turning a corner and collapsing against a wall, whilst Cheryl shouts after him. He slumps to the ground in distress and Cheryl walks away in the other direction. Cheryl goes upstairs to check on Maria. Maria confirms that Chris did not touch her - just damage the room and she goes to comfort Liam.

Audrey is doing Marcia's nails. She is complimented on her steady hand. Gail rings the door bell and then calls through the door. Audrey says if they are quiet she will go away - but she phones and is persistent. Gail goes round the back and frightens Marcia (who is wearing his wig) who grabs the closed door hard and pulls the handle off trapping them in the kitchen. Mark dumps the wig in the bin and just as Mrs Doubtfire did he pushes his face into the gateaux that they were going to eat later to provide himself with an apparent face pack. Audrey lets Gail in.

Cheryl is clearing up the mess and they work on clearing up together. Maria says she was scared that he was going to hit her - but he controlled himself. Maria recounts the events from earlier. Cheryl has seen it before - normally she bore the brunt of it - Maria confirms that she has not been touched.

Gail is busy telling Audrey about the way David and Kylie are running the business into the ground and ruining the salon. Mark goes to speak and waves his hand around - until Audrey points out that he has nail varnish! Gail reckons Kylie does good nails - and Gail is reluctant to depart. Eventually Audrey managers to usher her daughter out.

In the Rovers Leanne comes in and asks for a word with Stella so they go out the back. Leanne has come to apologise - she was out of order earlier. Stella is understanding - she is practically perfect in every way. Leanne does not know what she wants - she pushed the thought of her mother out of her head and now she cannot get her head around it. They share a drink.

Amber has joined Sian and Sophie and Amber puts her arm around Sian which worries Sophie.

Cheryl asks Lloyd to collect Russ from his mates - she explains that Maria and Chris have had a fight and she is obviously worried. She goes and Lloyd explains that Chris is Cheryl's ex.

Chris is hammering on Cheryl's front door and she comes up the Street and he wants to come in and chill. The he says "I'm dying" and we go to the adverts.

Indoors Chris tells his story - he had been worrying for ages about little things and eventually decided to go and see the doctor after which he would be laughing. He is pacing around and is quite disturbed. He has been suffering headaches, blackouts - which he blamed on a surfeit of ale - losing his balance, forgetting things, mood swings -which as Cheryl points out he has always had. He sent Chris for a scan - but he has not had the bottle to find out the results - but they were looking for a brain tumour.

Gail arrives late at the wine bar and Nick says that he has a reviewer. Sadly Michael Winner has not made it to Weatherfield (if only), it is Greg from the local rag. Gail is deputed to take his order. She turns on the charm. He asks for a couple of minutes. She suggests some garlic bread or dough balls. He is happy to wait. Nick tells her to turn down the volume. Eva is watching as she is sitting at the bar.

Audrey and Mark discuss the escape. Audrey thinks it is too soon - when she wants people to know it has to be on her terms.

Chris and Cheryl discuss the situation - he does not want anyone else to know and he wants Cheryl to go with him to get the results. He refuses to tell Maria.

Gail delivers one tagliatelle milano to Greg and offers him parmesan cheese - it is the way the Italians have it and she should know because as she points out her daughter lives in Milan. He agrees, she gets the cheese and gives the plate a liberal coating. Eva continues to observe. Gail wishes him bon appetit. She returns to the bar and Eva asks her to look at her hands. She is missing the false nail on her little finger - it must have dropped into the food!

Chris returns to see Maria - he has calmed down and there is something he needs to tell her. She reluctantly lets him in. Upstairs he says he is really sorry - he is not going to hurt her.

Nick goes to recover the meal - but the false nail is in his mouth and he departs less than impressed. Nick demotes Gail to cleaner. She asks for another chance. Eva says she could do a better job and asks when she can start work.

Stella and Leanne have been talking. Stella is recalling the few months she had Leanne as a baby - she knows she should have tried harder and she knows she is in the wrong. Stella used to have a recurring dream and a moses basket containing Leanne would drift by - but she could not catch it. Stella is getting a bit tearful. Both of them sang the same rhyme. Stella says it is her birthday tomorrow and Stella invites over for another drink. Leanne appears to be warming to her mother. And they both have blonde hair. Stella had big hair when she was in the maternity unit - like Bonnie Tyler. Stella really wants to do it again tomorrow and Leanne says maybe.

Maria says she was concerned - everyone had warned her that he was violent. He scared her and she wants him to leave. He gets up to go, she keeps going on. Chris finally says that he thinks he has a brain tumour and he cannot deal with her - she only wants to consider herself and he cannot handle that - and he decrees that they are over and leaves - leaving Maria totally flabbergasted and mouth wide open.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Eileen and Julie are on their way to work, talking about the bust up between Maria and Chris and wondering what it was about, when jogging down the street comes Brian. He stops, gasping for breath, in front of them and arranges to meet Julie for a drink at teatime.

Cheryl and Chris are in the cafe when Lloyd comes in. He isn't too pleased to see them together, and Chris leaves.

Kirk and Maria are standing in the street. He's annoyed that Chris upset her, she tells him she's fine and asks him to take Liam to nursery. Just then Chris comes along and asks Maria if he can have a word, so they go up to the flat.

It's Stella's birthday and Karl and Eva have got the bar all ready. Karl wants to take Stella shopping to choose her present, but she was rather hoping to stay at the Rovers, as Leanne might come in for a drink with her. Eva protests that she has to go, and Karl agrees, he's booked the day off work. So she gives in and thanks him with a kiss.

Chris has broken the news about his tumour to Maria. She's shocked and asks what's going to happen. He says he doesn't know, he's going to see a consultant and will find out then. She says he doesn't have to face it alone, she wants to be there for him. She'll come to the hospital with him. He doesn't want her to, in fact he wants to end their relationship. She protests, but he's adamant, and asks her not to make it any harder for him.

Kylie has been giving Mary a very vigorous head massage, but she jumps up, saying she's not doing it right, and runs out of the salon just as Gail and Audrey walk in. Audrey wants to know why Kylie is wearing a white uniform. Kylie tells her that all the therapists wear them, but Audrey tells her to take it off and to take the preposterous notice out of the window.

In the bookies, Leanne tells Peter she's not sure she wants to go and have a drink with Stella for her birthday. Peter suggests she gets a card and drops it off, and then takes it from there.

Cheryl is sitting waiting with Chris in the hospital, and he's really tense and nervous. She takes his hand and says she's sure he'll be fine.

Eileen is standing at the bar in the Rovers, chatting away to Lloyd. He, however, isn't listening and then he tells her about finding Cheryl and Chris having a cosy chat in the cafe. She tells him how Chris spent the night on her sofa. Just then Kirk comes in and tells them how upset Maria is, although she's not saying why.

Back at the hospital, the consultant tells Chris that although his condition is serious, treatment is possible. It's malignant and aggressive and they're going to start with a course of radiotherapy. The size and position of the tumour makes surgery impossible at the moment, but the radiotherapy may shrink it, if so then they will be able to operate. Treatment must start as soon as possible, they can't waste any more time.

Lloyd goes into the bistro to look for Cheryl, only to have Nick tell him that she's gone for her hospital appointment. This is obviously news to Lloyd, but he thinks quickly and tells Nick he thought that was next week.

Cheryl and Lloyd have left the consultant's office. Chris is stunned, and starts asking why him? Cheryl doesn't have any answers.

Mary goes back into the salon, rubbing her neck and saying she's now suffering from whiplash. Kylie and David think she's trying it on, but Audrey apologises profusely and offers her a trim, to be paid for out of Kylie's wages. Mary accepts, as long as the appointment is with Audrey and not the Boston Strangler or her sidekick!

Leanne goes into the pub with the card for Stella, but Tina tells her she's gone out for the day. Leanne gives Tina the card and asks her to pass it on. Just then Eva comes in and also tells Leanne that Stella has gone out for the day. "We always like to do something to surprise her on her birthday, just family. See ya!" she says. Leanne turns and walks out without a word. Eva sees Tina holding the card and says she'll give it to her mother, but as she walks out to the back with it she tears it up.

Audrey is having a moan to David and Kylie. They're ruining the business, frightening customers away. She wants to know what Kylie was thinking, offering therapies, she needs to go on courses first, to the the qualifications. They're going back to basics, and the main basic is that Audrey is in charge - full time.

Cheryl has taken a very frightened Chris home, and they're discussing his illness and treatment. She urges him to stay positive, for Russ's sake. He thanks her for her support and hugs her.

Audrey and Gail are in the pub, worrying about David and Kylie's business skills.

Julie and Brian have met for their drink when Eileen comes in with Kirk. Eileen wants to keep an eye on Julie - Brian could be another one like John Stape.

Julie tells Brian to ignore them, but he turns and waves. He wonders if they should invite them to join them, but Julie points out that Kirk is her ex, and then ends up knocking Brian's drink all over him.

Stella and Karl are back at the Rovers with the new dress Stella chose. She asks Eva if Leanne came in, but Eva tells her she didn't, and then heads off for her first shift at the bistro. Stella is obviously upset and tells Karl that she really thought that this birthday would bring a card from Leanne, something she's dreamt of for a long time.

Cheryl and Chris are poring over the literature the hospital gave them when Lloyd comes in and jumps immediately to the wrong conclusion. He rants that he went to the bistro and had to play along with the fictitious hospital appointment. Cheryl said she was at the hospital. "What's wrong with you?" Lloyd demands to know, "apart from being sick in the head to actually think about getting back with him!" Chris stands up, and then, after planting a kiss on Cheryl's cheek, walks out. Cheryl turns to Lloyd. "What is wrong with you?" she says, crossly. Lloyd wants to know what the hospital appointment was all about. She tells him she had to sit with Chris while the doctor told him he has a brain tumour. Lloyd is mortified. "How was I supposed to know?" he says. She tells him he couldn't have known, but what he could have done was trust her. Poor Chris is scared stiff, just as he, Lloyd would be in that situation. Lloyd says he's sorry but Cheryl tells him it's too late, way too late.

Anne Logan

Chris is almost embarrassed to wake on Eileen's sofa. Eileen's very friendly but in the kitchen she attacks Jason, demanding to know how long Chris will be staying. "I want him out. That is my last word." Jason promises to sort it.

In the Rovers, Stella's family try to cheer her up. She thought she and Leanne were getting on OK until Leanne blanked her birthday. She tells Karl and Eva that she's been neglecting them and that's going to change.

Julie's holding court at Eileen's. She's really worried about her date with Brian. Marcus is very sympathetic. Eileen isn't very! Sean tries to give Julie some advice on what to wear. She can't relax, she says. "How can I relax? The man is gorgeous!" Sean promises they're Team Carp and they'll work out a battle plan for tonight.

Cheryl and Russ meet Chris in the cafe. When Cheryl gets him alone she tells Chris he's going to have to learn to talk about his condition. Chris says there's nothing to say - he's facing cancer and six weeks of radiotherapy with only one guarantee at the end. "I won't be winning any beauty contests." Jason comes in and relays Eileen's message. He promises to be gone by next week, though he tells Cheryl he doesn't know where he'll go.

David and Kylie are playful in the salon but Audrey calls them to order. She tells them Monday was a shambles. "Quite frankly, the two of you couldn't run a bath, let alone your own salon!" David promises they'll do better and Audrey tells him that to make sure of it, she's booked him on a course - "Small businesses, big solutions." Kylie doesn't think the hotel looks like much. "Just as well you're not going then," Audrey tells her. The course is for David, not her.

In the bookies' office, Leanne is surprised Stella didn't acknowledge her birthday card.

Lloyd meets Cheryl in the street. She tells him Chris's treatment starts next week. She wonders whether she should cancel her lunchtime shifts because she doesn't like the idea of him going on his own. Lloyd offers to share the load by taking Chris to hospital. He's already got the afternoon off. Cheryl points out that he hates Chris. "Yeah, but I love you," says Lloyd.

In the salon, Kylie's trying to persuade Audrey how sorry she is. David says Kylie was just trying to make a go of things in order to get Max back. Audrey takes full blame for not realising they weren't ready to run the salon. Kylie offers to make it up by adding lots of treatments but Audrey refuses to let her do anything she's not properly trained to do.

Carla and Frank are back from Italy and cuddling in the street. Leanne and Peter see them from a distance.

Lloyd's arrived to take Chris to the hospital. Chris is a bit annoyed that Cheryl's told him about the tumour and reluctantly he accepts the lift.

Karl sees Leanne and has a go at Leanne about ignoring Stella's birthday. He warns her to leave Stella alone.

In the hospital waiting room, Chris discovers that Lloyd doesn't have a fare to pick up at the hospital. He doesn't want pity. But as he's called into the consultant's room, Lloyd promises to wait for him. Chris is clearly more scared than he wants to let on.

Carla and Frank arrive in the office to hear Sally sorting out things with a client on the phone. The other workers are at lunch. She points out that they're not due back until tomorrow and sends them away again.

Leanne's really annoyed now. "I bought her a card. What does she expect? Flowers and balloons?" Peter tries to calm her down. Leanne is angry that Stella couldn't even do her own dirty work. She doesn't want to do anything to sort it out with Stella.

Lloyd and Chris arrive back as Cheryl and Russ walk along the street. They tell Russ that Chris is thinking of becoming a cabbie and Lloyd was showing him the job. Russ thinks Chris looks unwell and he says he got carsick. Lloyd takes Russ for an icecream and Cheryl invites Chris in for a brew.

Leanne arrives in the Rovers with Peter behind her muttering "Calm and considered." Stella appears friendly, in a stiff sort of way. Leanne's surly and Peter explains what Karl said. Leanne says she thought she and Stella were making progress. "Until you ignored my birthday," says Stella. "After what you did, you're lucky you even got a card," snaps Leanne. She tells Stella she gave the card to Tina and Tina confirms that's what happened. Stella asks why she hasn't seen it. "I think you'd better take that up with Eva," Tina tells her.

Chris tells Cheryl that at the hospital he learned about treatment and options. "Three weeks from now I'll probably be a full-on slaphead." Chris can't understand what Cheryl wants. She says anything that affects him affects Russ.

Lloyd and Russ have a kick-about in the street (what? Don't they know how many people have been knocked down and killed there?) and meet Maria. Lloyd realises she's upset and Maria asks whether Chris went to the hospital on his own. She assumes Cheryl went with him, but Lloyd explains that he went today. "So much for him going it alone," Maria says. Lloyd says they're just mucking in.

Julie arrives in the pub in full-on 50s black and red polka-dot mode. She wants to know what battle plan has been worked out by Sean, Marcus and Eileen. Sean says it's fluid and urges a drink on her. Eileen admits she hasn't given any thought at all to a plan. Julie's upset. Sean tells her she's a bold and beautiful woman and if Brian can't see that he's an idiot.

Lloyd's back home. Cheryl's on her own and a bit upset. "He's terrified. Honestly, I've never seen him like this." She tells Lloyd he did a wonderful thing today, rising above everything. Lloyd gives her a hug and tells her they're in it together. She tells him she's got a favour to ask - she wants Chris to move in with them.

Julie's decided Dutch courage is the way to go and is slamming back the vodka. Marcus suggests some water but she says if she'd wanted water she'd have worn her swimming costume. Marcus and Eileen try to slow her down. Brian comes in and is overwhelmed by the way Julie looks. She tells him she'll have a water because she's pacing herself. But Brian buys her a wine.

Cheryl and Lloyd are arguing. Lloyd doesn't think she's thought through her plan. "He's Russ's dad." Lloyd says Chris has made a brilliant job of that. Cheryl says that's why Chris wants to put things right. She thought Lloyd and Chris were getting on. Lloyd says he feels bad because Chris is the same bloke who hit Cheryl and tried to send him to jail. Cheryl realises Lloyd's worried she'll fall for Chris again. But Lloyd is adamant. "Chris is not moving in. End of."

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Episode two begins with Stella, Peter and Leanne in the back room of the pub. Stella can't understand why Eva would behave like this over a birthday card. Leanne says the simple truth is that Eva hates her guts. Eva comes in and pretends she knows nothing about the birthday card, then changes her story and says she was trying to protect Stella from getting too close to Leanne. Leanne's been nothing but grief since they moved to the Rovers.

Russ and Cheryl call for Chris so he can take Russ to play with the football. Cheryl tells Chris that Russ has been asking questions.

Back in the bar, Stella and Leanne have made up. Leanne and Peter wait for Stella to get them their drinks and Carla and Frank walk in. Peter asks Leanne if she wants to go but Leanne says she can't leave every time she sees Carla.

Brian and Julie are at the bistro. Brian's being very gallant and yet somehow Julie manages to end up on the floor when he pulls out her chair. They decide to order drinks. Julie gets the hiccups.

Back at Cheryl's, Russ asks his parents what's been going on. Chris tells him about the brain tumour. He describes the treatment and says it will fix him. Cheryl explains that Chris will be tired during the treatment. They assure him that Chris won't die. Lloyd arrives home and Chris says he has to go.

Leanne can't take her eyes off Carla though Peter doesn't see the point in staying if they're not enjoying it. "It's the principle," Leanne tells him.

At the bar, Carla and Frank discuss their holiday in Italy. Frank offers to buy Leanne and Peter a drink but they refuse so he decides he and Carla won't stay.

Cheryl's annoyed that Chris left when Lloyd arrived. Lloyd refuses to take the blame. He says Cheryl could have let him know they were going to tell Russ and then he would have stayed out of the way. Cheryl apologises. She has to go to work. Russ says he doesn't want to stay with Lloyd. He wants his dad.

At the Rovers' bar, Eva tells Leanne to stay out of her way. Leanne doesn't see why they have to fall out when Leanne's done nothing to Eva. Karl comes in and Stella takes him to one side to tell him what happened to the birthday card. Stella asks Leanne why there's some bad feeling between her and Carla. Leanne explains that Carla's only got two vices. "One of them's the booze and the other one's Peter."

Carla and Frank are in the factory office, checking up on how things have been going. He asks her about whatever's happened with Peter and Leanne. He knows something's been wrong since Peter and Leanne's wedding blessing. Know he wants to know everything, "down to the last detail."

Frank says if they can't be straight with each other there's no point in carrying on. Carla tells him that Leanne doesn't like her since she fell in love with Peter. She explains the whole background, including her boozing and what didn't happen between her and Peter. She even covers the fact that Leanne was seeing Nick at the time.

Lloyd (apparently leaving Russ alone at home!) has gone to see Chris. He asks him to move in. Chris refuses at first. Lloyd tells him he doesn't like seeing Russ worrying about his dad and not being able to see him. He urges Chris to drop his pride and put Russ first.

Julie and Brian discuss the sensual nature of offal. They're well into a bottle of red wine. She tells him they have to squeeze every last minute out of life. Eva comes over to talk to them about dessert. When Brian nips to the little boys' room, Julie warns Eva to stay away from him, accusing Eva of flirting with him. Eva says Brian's old enough to be her father and the only move she'll be making if he comes anywhere near her is to run like hell.

Maria comes in to talk to Cheryl about Chris. Cheryl assures her they won't be getting back to together but says Chris's head is all over the place.

David's reading instructions for the course he's going on. Kylie thinks he's deliberately rubbing it in. She rips the paperwork out of his hands and Gail picks it up. She thinks it looks very smart and Audrey's being generous. "She must think you're both worth it." David tells her Kylie won't be going. It hits Gail that she'll be alone with Kylie while David's away.

Eva's still fuming over Julie accusing her of coming on to "that do-do she's going out with," but Cheryl isn't interested. Eventually Eva stops wittering and realises something's upsetting Cheryl. She agrees to cover for Cheryl so she can go home.

When Cheryl gets there she finds Chris playing games with Russ. They tell her Chris is moving in. Lloyd gets a kiss for his kindness then goes off for a drink with Steve. Cheryl tells him he needs to talk to Maria. She doesn't understand why Chris accepts Cheryl's help but not hers.

In the bistro, Brian and Julie seem to have come to the end of another bottle. Eva brings the bill. Brian goes to the bar to settle up. Julie sees him talking to Eva and drains the rest of his glass of wine.

Lloyd's sitting in his car eating a take-away.

Carla wants to know Frank's verdict. He says she was a model of restraint - she could have split up Peter and Leanne by telling him about Nick but didn't. He assures her everything is fine and hugs her. Carla doesn't look reassured.

Julie goes to stand up and discovers she doesn't seem to have any working legs so sits down again. She embarrasses Brian by pulling his shirt out of his trousers and almost falls over, giving other diners a bit of a laugh. Brian says he's going to call it a night. He's a bit tired. "I'm not drunk, if that's what you're thinking," slurs Julie. She decides Brian's going to try his luck with Eva and raves at him. Eva tells her she should go. Brian offers to get her a cab. He says he'll be in touch. Julie clearly doesn't believe him. "You could have unlocked the gates to my kingdom tonight," she says. "But it is quite clear that you have your eye on other conquests." And with that she falls over sideways.

There's a cheery family scene as Cheryl, Chris and Russ settle down to eat their meal. Lloyd comes in and says he had something in the pub. He says he'll watch TV while they eat. Russ asks if they can do something this weekend, "just the three of us." Lloyd's face shows he's not happy at all.

The End
Margaret Carr

Written by Jan McVerry Directed by Ian Bevitt

Lloyd is in a good mood, dancing around the kitchen and has made breakfast with a kick, additional hot chile peppers! Russ doesn't like it. Chris comes down and is handed a plate of food that only makes him run out of the room, feeling ill. Seems his first does of radiotherapy is today. Lloyd sighs and sits down. Cheryl tries the food and from the look on her face, it's a bit too hot for her too.

Frank is perusing diamond rings online and talking to someone in the shop whose website it appears to be. He wants an expensively understated one because his lady's last husband was a Flash Harry. He ascertains they have one of the ones he likes and hangs up, flipping the laptop closed as Carla arrives. He lies saying he was talking to a client and is off to see her, fabrics in hand. Carla thinks Frank is upset about all the Peter stuff she told him the other night and promises it's all ancient history. (Oh Sure!)

Leanne and Peter have clearly been baby making and are getting to work, all giggly and loved up. Frank happens by, with a friendly word but Leanne is a bit rude to him. He makes it clear that he and Carla have been open about their pasts, something Leanne isn't too happy to hear. She flips around and goes inside quickly. So much for that happy loved-up mood.

Cheryl has made something a bit blander for Chris to eat to have something in his stomach. They talk about Russ who is noticing that there's something wrong. Chris wonders if moving in was a good thing for the lad, he'd hate to be really ill and have the boy see him like that as what could be his last memories. He also feels bad for intruding on Lloyd and Cheryl as a couple. She insists Lloyd is fine with it and they both want to be there for him. Chris promises to help out when he feels up to it. He's grateful. He also asks her to keep his illness to themselves. He thinks it was the right thing to split with Maria as she was already showing signs of fussing over him and he wants to be all manly about this. Cheryl just shakes her head. She promises she hasn't told anyone about it. Chris wants it to stay that way because he doesn't want peoples' pity.

But in the cab office, Lloyd tells Karl that Chris has moved in. As he's already told Karl what is up with Chris, he can talk about it and admits it won't be easy but what else can he do?

In a busy cafe, Sylvia has gone over the books and has seen that the profits are down from last year. She tells Roy that he's too generous in his portions. Over at a table, Becky is not happy to celebrate her second wedding anniversary with a congratulations card from the Jeweler and a notice of divorce proceedings from Steve.

In the betting shop, Peter doesn't think Frank was being snidey. I think he was and so does Leanne. She's not happy and reckons Carla gave Frank the short version. Peter thinks, so what? It's their business and they all should just move on but it still knots Leanne's stomach, just the idea of Peter and Carla together. Peter offers to take her to lunch at the Rovers with a stop at the flat for more "training".

In the Rovers, Dev mentions to Owen that he saw Chris going in to Lloyd and Cheryl's. The two men gossip and Chris is the loser in the conversation. Karl and Stella overhear but she warns him to keep his mouth shut. The insults at Chris' expense increase until Karl comments that they should get their facts straight. The rude comments continue until Karl blurts out the truth about the brain tumour and Lloyd has taken him in. That leaves the gossips sucking a thoughtful tooth.

Back to the cafe, Dennis is trying to cheer up Becky. He even offers to buy her a drink. Roy jumps in and reckons booze is not really what Becky needs today. Hayley asks him what time Katy should pick up Hope. Turns out he's forgotten that they are visiting Fiz that afternoon. Sylvia gets up to help since Roy hasn't sorted out anyone to work. Sylvia exclaims "What am I doing here? Waiting to Die?" (which is close enough to the name of the actress's former sitcom 'Waiting for God' for me!)

Carla has found out Frank's lie because the customer he was supposed to see has called to find out where he is. She tries to call him but gets his voice mail.

Maria chats to Cheryl outside the bar and is told that Chris is living with them now. Maria is overcome and cries about how much she misses him. Even Ozzy misses him and brings her Chris' trainers (wouldn't he have retrieved all his things?) Cheryl awkwardly says she'll pass on that she was asking after him. Maria offers her help if it's needed but Cheryl tells her not to push herself on Chris and gently makes it clear Chris doesn't want any more contact with her. She gets the message.

Roy grumbles about his mother trying to take over and make him feel useless. Hayley tries to contradict him, Sylvia just wants to feel useful. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Hayley doesn't see why they can't let Sylvia man the counter on her own for the afternoon. Roy reckons she'll worm her way in there permanently. The baby cries are heard over the monitor. Hayley points out they don't really have a choice.

Chris encounters Owen who offers him a lift into town tomorrow if he needs one (i.e. to the hospital though he doesn't say it outright). He then hands over a fistful of money, his outstanding wages and holiday money. Owen tries to be reasonable but Chris twigs that he knows about the tumour. He wheedles it out that Owen found out from Karl in the pub. Oh dear. Not happy. He gives the money back but Owen makes him take it, for Russ and expenses. He says they're all sorry. Oh good. Pity. Just what Chris didn't want.

In the cafe, Kirk has two buns with his cuppa. Sylvia doesn't think he should have two for the price of one even if they are on the small side (she didn't ask if he'd actually paid for two, mind you. He didn't but he could have.) Roy formally asks her to mind the cafe for the afternoon if it's not too much for her. "Too much?" she snaps "I have survived the Blitz and four Labour governments!" (I love Sylvia!) She snags a rasher of bacon off Kirk's plate of breakfast (all day) to reduce costs when Roy isn't looking.

Peter encounters Carla in the corner shop. She tells Dev that Rome was wonderful. Peter stops her on her way out with some sharp low spoken words about what she's been telling Frank about him and her. Frank has been rubbing his nose in it. (Peter didn't seem bothered earlier) She adds to the rubbing by telling him that she and Frank are in love and told each other everything. Peter doubts it. She calls their snog in the flat a furtive little fumble and wasn't worth remembering. He tells her to keep it that way. She's snarky to him and leaves, with a curious Dev looking over across the shop.

Roy is leaving Sylvia with a lengthy list of instructions which she is ignoring, chasing Becky for payment on the cup of tea she's taken. Becky won't pay it and hands the cup back.

Lloyd and Cheryl return and Chris lays into them about telling people about his treatment. He gives them some money for his board and hollers at them for Karl blabbing. Lloyd admits he had sworn Karl to secrecy and it was before he knew Chris wanted it kept quiet and anyway, with Russ knowing, it'll get around because kids talk. Cheryl is annoyed at him. It's not his secret to tell.

In the pub, Carla awkwardly asks to join Sean, Izzy and Sally. Frank pops in and tells Carla he's booked a table in town. She's annoyed at him about the client, a client she's got to go and has some serious shopping to do. He tries to divert her to the restaurant but she's adamant she's not going with him. They argue and Peter's name comes up. She snaps that she only told him so he could forget it but instead he's getting all pally with Peter and has been acting weird ever since. They argue more until he finally does what he didn't really want to do in the middle of the pub. He gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him, ring in hand. Everyone looks on with interest. Will she or won't she? Stay tuned to find out.

Tvor

Hitting the high points only tonight to save a little bit of time. Thanks to ITV for their delivery of events which were written by Peter Whalley and directed by Ian Bevitt.

We open in the Rovers with Frank on one knee and the entire pub watching as Frank proffers a ring and his heart. An embarrassed Carla asks if Frank is serious and then tells Frank to 'get up' several times which he does when he realises she means it and even he acknowledges this is not ideal. She calls his unexpected proposal a farce. She does not want to be the lunchtime cabaret and the rather full pub (including Peter and Leanne) can gawp at something else. Carla storms out of the pub. Stella wisely asks if he has kept the receipt for the ring - but Frank did not think it would be needed.

Along the Street Cheryl is assuring Chris that they want him to stay with them. Russ is even more insistent that he wants his father to stay. Even more importantly Russ wants everyone to stop shouting (or they could go and join Enders where it is the default mode of communication). Cheryl promises him they will stop shouting. Chris feels he should not be there. Cheryl says they all want him there - but Chris is not sure that Lloyd does - although he was the one who asked him to stay initially. Cheryl assures Chris that she will talk to Lloyd - they all want him there.

At the factory Carla explains to Frank that she does not want to get married. in fact it is not personal - she does not want to marry anyone ever. As Frank points out everyone knows what Carla said because they all heard her. Frank is clearly very embarrassed and even Carla thinks she might have handled it a little better.

In prison Fiz is explaining to Roy and Hayley what she is doing working as an orderly keeping everything clean and tidy - on the Mother and Baby unit! Harsh punishment indeed. It is the last place Fiz wants to be as it reminds her that she is separated from Hope. She does not want to see other mothers with their babies. After some discussion Fiz agrees they can bring Hope in for visits.

At the Rovers Lloyd is assuring Cheryl that he does not mind about Chris being there - although we can tell that he does really but cannot admit to it as it will cause upset. Lloyd cannot take responsibility for making a sick man homeless. Cheryl tells him to think about it and to let her know once he has reached a decision.

Peter had watched the whole scene unfold in the Rovers and decided to have it out with Carla, eventually tracking her down in Roy Rolls. Peter reckons she told Frank no because she is hoping he will leave Leanne. Carla denies it. Carla says that quite simply she did not want to marry Frank. Peter points out that Frank is a nice guy, he worships Carla, and he would never leave Leanne, not ever. She has to accept that. She fires back that Peter has to accept that it is not about him and she gets up to go. Peter tries to stop her as Sylvia delivers two coffees. Peter tells her it is too late and departs chasing Carla.

Dev tells Frank that he also proposed in the Rovers and got turned down initially. And he tells him how to put it right. Later Carla comes in and Dev tells Carla how much Frank loves her - the pressure is on for Carla to change her mind.

Lloyd returns home and has a discussion with Cheryl which implies that Chris is about to be homeless - but Lloyd has a change of heart and when Chris appears Lloyd says that he does not have to find somewhere else to live. He can stay with them as long as it takes. Chris tells him that he is a better man than he is - if it were reversed Chris could not do that. Lloyd reckons differently and tells him he can stay as long as it takes and holds out his hand which Chris takes and shakes saying cheers.

Back to the prison where Fiz is moaning about getting herself locked up to one of the young mothers called Ruth (who is real life is the daughter of Beverley Callard aka Liz McDonald). Fiz explains that originally she did not want to impose a prison existence on Hope. Ruth reckons there are worse places for a baby - after all the mother can hardly go out boozing leaving the baby behind. The two girls smile at each other as Fiz agrees.

At the factory Frank is telling Carla that he believes that Peter means more to her than she is willing to admit to him or to herself. Carla bristles slightly but this seems to make up her mind. She says she will marry him - if he still wants to. Frank is speechless btu eventually eh confirms that he still wants to. She tells him that he is a good and decent man and she loves him, so ok let's get married. This brings smiles to both their faces after the earlier arguments.

And for this week that is that.
K Richard W

Sylvia comes back into the cafe where Anna is working. She says the business is a sinking ship and she intends to keep it afloat. She's been to the cash and carry and bought sachets of condiments. They will now be available for sale, she informs Julie, whipping the ketchup bottle out of her hand as she's using it. "You're going to start charging people for sauces?" Anna can't believe what she's seeing. "Oh yes," says Sylvia. Her argument is that people are willing to pay for these things in the supermarket, so why not in the cafe?

A tearful Fiz is mopping the floor and having a conversation about babies with Ruth. Just then Fiz's cellmate comes along and says she needs a quick word with Ruth. The two of them move to the side and have a serious chat.

Carla and Frank arrive at the factory and he announces to the workers that he and Carla are going to get married. They haven't set a date yet, but he can't see much point in hanging around. As they walk away, Sean, Julie and Sally express their surprise. "I never saw that coming," says Julie. Sally remarks that men like Frank don't take no for an answer. "No," says Sean, "they don't."

Roy is in the cafe, trying to argue with his mother about her policy of charging for sauces, but she's not having any of it. Anna puts Owen's order of a breakfast down in front of him. He calls over to Sylvia. "What's this?" She tells him it's what he ordered, an all day breakfast. "This isn't a breakfast, it's a mouthful," he says. She tells him the 'all-day' part refers to the availability, not the duration. Hayley comes down with baby Hope in her arms and urges Roy to hurry. They're off to see Fiz and every moment is precious. Owen, after a bitter exchange with Sylvia, gets up, saying he's going elsewhere.

In the Kabin, Rita, Norris and Emily are discussing Carla's change of heart about Frank and marriage, when Dennis comes down from upstairs. Norris drops hints about him eating for free and he gets annoyed, telling Norris he will be paying full bed and board as soon as his finances are in order.

Lloyd finds Chris and Cheryl in the pub, and then Owen approaches Chris and tells him he has some work for him. He needs someone who knows the trade to sort out the paperwork in the office. Chris, however, views it as charity and turns him down. When Owen has gone Chris talks bitterly about his illness and the reasons he's got it. "It's not a punishment," says Lloyd. "What is it then? Bad luck? That would be the hardest thing to swallow of all," says Chris. Chery moves close to him and rubs his arm, much to Lloyd's dismay.

Peter's working in the bookies when Leanne comes back from the Kabin and tells him the news about Carla and Frank. "I thought that would grab your attention," she says.

Fiz is cuddling baby Hope, and tells Roy and Hayley that she has her fraud hearing tomorrow. Roy hopes they'll be lenient, she was under great pressure. Fiz looks up and sees that Ruth has a visitor, the father of her baby. He is holding the baby and Fiz sees him slip a package under the baby's clothing.

Leanne sees Carla putting something in her car and walks over. "I hear congratulations are in order," she says, adding that the wives of Weatherfield will be dancing in the street. She goes on and on, making nasty, catty remarks until Carla lunges at her and has to be restrained by Frank who has just come out of the factory. Leanne walks off saying she's going to open a book on their marriage, will it last a year?

Visiting time is drawing to a close. Fiz tells Roy that she doesn't want them to attend the court hearing, she knows the news won't be good. Tearfully, she thrusts the baby at Hayley and they say hurried goodbyes.

Peter has a phone call from someone with a Cockney accent who wants to talk business with himself and Leanne at the bistro later. They're both puzzled, but agree to go.

Julie is doing the cake run for the factory and is shocked when Sylvia charges 20p for the box the cakes are in. Dennis comes in, hopeful of cadging a free bun. (I think hell would freeze over first!) Just then Norris arrives and asks for a mug of tea and a custard tart. When the tea arrives there's no milk in it, and Norris is horrified to learn that he's expected to pay 10p for the milk. He walks out, saying he'd rather die of thirst.

Peter and Leanne are in the bistro, waiting for their mysterious business contact, when Frank and Carla come in. It turns out that Frank has arranged this meeting, (he apologises for the Dick Van Dyke accent) to try and bring peace between Leanne and Carla. Carla tries to turn and walk out, but Frank persuades her to stay. Leanne then gets up to walk out, but Peter manages to persuade her to stay.

Owen is back in the cafe, chatting to Anna about Gary, when Sylvia sees him and tells them that Anna must do her courting in her own time, so Owen walks out. Sylvia then notices Emily sitting at a table, reading the paper. She goes over and asks if Emily would like a top up of the tea she's had. Emily declines, she's finished. Sylvia takes the paper out of her hand. "Off you go then," she says firmly. Somewhat taken aback, Emily leaves.

Maria finds Chris out the back of the Rovers. She asks if he's all right, and tells him he can come round whenever he likes to pick up the rest of his stuff. He snaps that isn't his top priority right now, and walks off. Lloyd comes out then, and he and Maria commiserate with each other over Chris and Cheryl's friendship.

Back at the bistro, slowly and painfully Leanne and Carla start talking again. Leanne feels that Carla used their friendship to try and steal her husband.

Fiz is sitting miserably in her cell. Her cellmate comes in and offers her drugs - to take the edge off - but Fiz refuses.

Carla explains that she was unhappy and drinking too much. Instead of talking to a support group she spoke to Peter. He knew what it was like, he understood. She was confused, but she never loved Peter, she had a bond with him because of what they'd been through. She says she bitterly regrets what happened and hopes Leanne will forgive her. Leanne sighs and says she doesn't want to hang on it any more than Carla does. Carla comes round the table and they hug.

Anne Logan

In the prison, where Corrie once again has the remand prisoners and the already-sentenced living together in the same cells, Fiz gets ready for her court appearance. Her cellmate wishes her good luck. Fiz gives her a warning about the trouble drugs will bring but Ginny doesn't care.

Hayley's trying to get Hope to take more milk. Becky, asleep on the sofa, wakes up. She can't understand how come Hope needs so little sleep. Hayley's worn out with the sleepless nights. Becky takes the baby from her so Hayley can get some sleep.

Frank thinks Carla's been off with him this morning. She admits she's a bit annoyed with him but has a big hangover. Frank admits he might have been wrong to embarrass her.

Peter's doing a crossword and Leanne comes up with the answer to a clue about an Olympic Sport - trampolining. She asks what he and Frank will be up to today and Peter jokes about it. Leanne jokes about going shopping with Carla today. They agree the evening was a bit odd.

Tina's singing and sorting the laundry. Tommy asks what time her shift finishes but won't say why he's asked. Tyrone's running late for work.

Fiz got a suspended sentence and tells Ruth she's back inside because she's facing another charge as well. Ruth asks whether it's jaywalking. "Murder. I didn't do it, obviously," Fiz says, to Ruth's surprise. Fiz reckons Hope will be a teenager by the time she gets out. Ruth wants to hear all about the murder. (Excuse me if I'm wrong, but I was always told there was an unwritten code that prisoners did not ask each other about what they were in for - do any of you fine upstanding readers know if that's changed?)

Emily can't understand why Roy's letting Sylvia change the cafe but she'll be boycotting it until things change. Norris argues they should fight Sylvia from within the cafe. He's still angry at being charged for milk for his tea. "Where's it going to end, Emily?" Sylvia will be charging 7p for letting them breathe while they sip their tea next, he warns. "I shall bring her down, Emily. Mark my words. I shall bring her down!"

Fiz is just about finished telling Ruth about John's crimes. "You should write a book," Ruth says. Fiz sees one of the officers and goes to ask about getting transferred to the mother and baby unit. She's decided she won't be going home and wants to make the most of any time she can have with Hope. The officer almost takes pleasure in telling Fiz she's too late and the unit is full.

In the factory office, Carla and Frank exchange e-mails despite sitting opposite each other. He reckons he's too shy to talk to her. They agree Frank should contact the registry office to set a date for their wedding.

Fiz returns to her cell and finds her cellmate, Ginny, out of it on drugs again.

Tommy and Tyrone are in the cafe talking about Tina. Tommy's got a plan to get into Tina's good books - he's going to cook tea tonight.

In the background we see Karl come into the cafe, enters the toilets, emerges and he is about to leave again when Sylvia stops him to ask if he thinks the cafe is a public convenience. She says the water closet is for paying customers only and demands that he buy something. Karl's incredulous and refuses. He's got a pick-up. Roy tries to calm things down but Sylvia bans Karl until further notice. "Make that indefinitely," he says.

Fiz is upset as Ginny's wheeled away.

Eva and Leanne share sarcastic comments in the pub and Carla sticks up for Leanne. Frank comes in and Eva claims she can smell Carla and Leanne's perfumes competing. Frank tells Carla that this proves his point that they'll be bumping into Leanne and Peter all the time. Frank uses sarcasm to make Eva leave and mutters a comment to her departing back. "Please don't talk about my sister-in-law like that," says Peter, smiling.

Karl's in the Kabin telling Emily and Norris he's been banned from the cafe. Norris tells him Emily was hounded out of the cafe. "Shooed away like a pigeon!" Norris says he'll be drinking his tea black in there in future. He says he's working on a plan. "I blame Roy," says Norris. Emily thinks maybe Roy's just tired because of Hope. Norris thinks Roy's like Oedipus. Sylvia comes in for a Gazette. She looks at the group and asks if it's where they congregate to peddle their idle gossip. Norris hands her a Gazette. "That'll be five pounds, please." Sylvia's horrified but Norris says up to ten people will be reading it in the Kabin and its value increases with its readership. "Rubbish!" says Sylvia. "It's what I've decided," says Norris. "You can't just hike your prices up as and when you pl. . . mmmmph..." says Sylvia, realising the flaw in her own argument. "How petty. I shall get my Gazette elsewhere," she says huffily. When she's gone, Karl tells Norris he's his hero. "Is he your hero, Emily?" "He most certainly is not!" says Emily.

In the pub, Leanne asks how Carla's dealing with her mum's death. Carla says there's nothing to do but get on with things. They discuss Stella and Leanne says she can't just wipe away the last thirty years. Carla says she was estranged from her mother over poxy rows. She changes the subject to the wedding date. Frank says he's got a few dates from the registry office but one's in three weeks, which is too soon. "Is it?" asks Carla. "Are we doing this or not?" She tells the others she needs to snare Frank quickly. Otherwise the likes of Julie Carp and Eileen Grimshaw are circling. But she's looking directly at Peter as she talks.

Ruth already knows about Ginny and cross-examines Fiz about whether the officers found anything in the cell. "I warned her this morning how dangerous it is to fill your body up with this muck," says Fiz. Ruth's incredulous. "Are you putting it on or are you really this naive?" Ruth warns her she should keep her mouth shut, no matter what anyone asks. Fiz asks what it's got to do with Ruth and says Ruth can't tell her what to do. "I'm not telling you what to do," says Ruth. "When I tell you what to do you'll know about it!"

Tommy and Tyrone discuss what Tommy should cook. Tommy reveals that his plans don't include Tyrone. "It's not you I'm trying to get into bed, is it?"

In the pub, Tina clears the glasses from the booth where Dr Carter's sitting. She compliments him on his tie. He gets a phone call from Deirdre and tells her he's off this afternoon so if she has any more queries she should ask Deborah. Tina tells him to shout if he needs another drink and he winks at her.

Frank goes to the loo and Leanne goes back to work, leaving Peter and Carla sitting together. Peter tells her he doesn't think it's a good idea for them all to be mates. He says he doesn't trust her. "Ooh, the size of your ego," she says, assuring Peter that she doesn't want him. She wants Frank.

In the prison, Ruth leaves the area and Fiz sees her go. She takes the opportunity to go into Ruth's room and have a quick look around. She discovers drugs hidden in the baby's cot. As she picks them up, Ruth returns. "What the ‘ell do you think you're doing?"

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Fiz is confronting Ruth over using her baby to smuggle drugs. She asks how she could use her own child but Ruth protests that her boyfriend forces her to do it. She warns Fiz to keep her mouth shut. Fiz warns her that by abusing drugs she will be dead before her child even walks.

Norris is ranting to Anna about Sylvia's behaviour and Anna assures him that she will try and talk some sense into Roy.

When Anna arrives at the café, Sylvia talks her through the new system of charging customers 20p to use the toilet. Anna isn't pleased but she can't talk Sylvia out of it. Sylvia tells her to clean away a mug that is sitting on the counter. Kirk comes out of the toilet and asks for a refund as he didn't manage to go but Sylvia refuses. He also asks where his tea has gone but Sylvia tells him that she has the right to dispose of abandoned crockery.

Fiz is called to the governor's office. She looks worried.

Tommy is asking Rita's advice on what Tina likes to eat. She suggests a chicken pie and talks him through how to make one.

Tina takes a drink over to Karl and sits down opposite him. He says that he is relieved to be away from the strain of the surgery. He says he wants to go into town and asks Tina if she'd like to come. Tina says that she's had another offer but Karl's is more tempting.

Fiz is told that Jennie has come round but the governor wants to get to the bottom of the drug problem. Fiz acts as if she knows nothing but the governor says that the wet behind the ears act doesn't fool her. She warns Fiz that as soon as she hears anything, she should report it.

Anna asks Roy what he is playing at. She warns him that Sylvia will run the place down and ruin him. He tells her that he promised to let her try and he plans to stand by that.

Hayley gets off the phone from Fiz and tells Becky that she has asked her to visit too. Becky is reluctant to set foot in a prison again.

Tommy is cooking for Tina coming around. Tyrone is a bit miffed when Tommy asks him to make himself scarce. Tyrone reminds him whose house it is.

Tina is asking Stella what she thinks about Karl. Stella urges her to go for it.

Roy is asking Sylvia if she can tone down her hostility to customers as he notices that his amount of regulars is depleted. Sylvia tells him that new customers will replace them and he will thank her for it one day. Norris comes in and orders a tea and heads to the toilet. Sylvia charges him 20p which he refuses to pay as it is illegal. Sylvia doesn't back down.

Tyrone sees Tina getting into a cab with Karl.

As Hayley looks after Hope, Fiz asks for Becky's advice on whether to report the drugs. Becky tells her she is naïve and there is nothing to gain from being a grass. She will make life a whole lot worse for herself.

Tommy has a candlelit table set up but Tyrone gives him the bad news that Tina is with Karl. Tommy looks disappointed but invites Tyrone to share the dinner with him.

Norris is deliberately taking a long time to drink his tea and it is past closing time. As Hayley and Roy go up, Sylvia orders him to hand over his tea. As Sylvia disposes of it, Norris grabs the key and goes into the toilet. Sylvia orders him to come out and he refuses. She notices that he has left the key in the lock and locks him in. She tells him that unless he slides 20p under the door, she won't let him out. Norris refuses to give in so Sylvia leaves him there for the night.

Ruth asks Fiz if she is coming to watch TV. Fiz coldly tells her that she isn't. Ruth's face hardens and she says ‘good' before walking off, leaving a troubled Fiz alone.

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Carmel Morgan Directed by John Anderson

Ginny returns to the cell after her overdose. Fiz is glad she's alive but Ginny isn't.

Sylvia is happy that takings are up. Roy wonders at what cost. He didn't sleep well. Kept hearing a banging noise (Not like Roy not to investigate it!)

That banging noise was, of course, Norris trapped in the toilets. Norris is now asleep, sitting on the bowl with his head on the sink.

Julie is highly embarrassed at her drunken performance on her date with Brian. It's been 2 weeks and he's not contacted her at all. Eileen thinks all may not be lost yet. But probably.

Hayley tells Becky that Kylie is going to see Max next week and it looks like she may get Max back. Becky is sad but not surprised as she cuddles Hope. Hayley looks sympathetic.

Mary tries to sell Gail an expensive birthday card for Kylie. No joy. Gail buys a cheap one. Emily comes looking for Norris and is worried that he didn't come home last night. Mary is shocked and immediately wants to talk the police, sure he's been kidnapped. Emily wonders if Norris has just made an "alliance".

Ruth asks Fiz how Ginny is. Fiz is cool with her. Ruth thanks Fiz for not saying anything and gives her a sob story. She's just trying to survive and is afraid of her fella who's making her do it. Fiz points out everyone makes a bad choice but it doesn't mean she has to keep making them. She warns Ruth to stop and she'll keep her mouth shut. Ruth nods.

Emily and Mary are in the cafe talking about Norris. Sylvia takes great pleasure in winding them up as to his possible whereabouts, which has the desired effect on both of them as her image of Norris face down in the canal isn't very uplifting or positive. She also notes Emily has forgone her boycott. They tell her that the police won't qualify Norris as missing yet. Mary wittering on about reconstructing the crime finally gives Sylvia one pain in the backside too many and she unlocks the toilet to reveal a snoring Norris. (Hasn't anyone needed the toilet all morning up to now?)

Fiz is sorting her laundry and talking to Ginny who seems to be asleep. She is, not passed out, but it turns out she's high as a kite and says Ruth gets her through. Fiz is furious. Ginny giggles.

Norris is incensed at Sylvia and Roy is none too happy either. Emily figures the police would not be too understanding. Mary threatens Sylvia who defends herself. He wouldn't pay so she locked him in. She is unrepentant. Norris sputters, Emily chides. Roy doesn't want the police involved and offers to comply with any condition Norris chooses for compensation and tells them Sylvia is sacked. Mary grabs hold of "Name your conditions" like a rottweiller with a bone. She is going to milk as much out of this as she can. Regroup somewhere else and they'll be back with the demands.

Maria is squeaking tearfully about Chris dumping her without a word. Kylie is impatient, probably hearing this for the umpteenth time today let alone all the other days. Kylie is also pouting because nobody has mentioned her birthday and David seems to have forgot it altogether. Audrey tries to cheer her up and when she finds out about the birthday with no word from David, she figures there's plenty of time yet. Kylie isn't impressed with Gail who bought a cake. It only cost 85p, it's coconut and Gail's the only one that likes it. Audrey gives her some money and gives her the afternoon off with a hug and a birthday wish.

Marcus is laughing at a text message from Sean who seems to have taken Dylan to London to see Violet. Julie asks Marcus if he thinks Brian has forsaken her. Doesn't look good, he mutters. But then she's kept her phone off so she won't be waiting for it to ring or leave a message. She wouldn't know for certain that he hasn't tried to ring. She calls herself down and Marcus thinks she should find herself a fella online, be proactive. In the line of the night, Julie huffs "I'm a woman Marcus, not a yogurt!"

Fiz confronts Ruth about Ginny. Ruth doesn't deny it and doesn't care about Fiz's harsh words. Fiz says she pities Ruth's baby. Ruth figures that doesn't do her any good. Fiz wishes she could have her own baby there. Ruth is unsympathetic and shouts at Fiz with threats if Fiz grasses. It doesn't look like she's scared Fiz all that much. Fiz looks more determined than frightened.

Back to the cafe, Norris has come up with a schedule of compensation. Mary reads the list. She says they *were* going to insist Norris have free food and use of the "facilities" for 15 weeks, one week for each hour of confinement, Norris wonders if 15 days would be better but Emily has made them be reasonable. A nice meal would be best. A banquet, Mary interjects. Sylvia has plenty to comment on and when she hears that Mary insists that Sylvia should be their waitress, she refuses. Emily points out she's lucky the police haven't been involved. The dinner is for this evening with both Mary and Emily as guests and Sylvia to serve.

Fiz is rolling Hope around the corner. Kylie is at the bus stop and is sarcastic about Becky forgetting her birthday. No apologies gained there. Becky continues on and Eva comes along. She at least is sympathetic to Kylie's birthday plight. She pulls her up and invites her to the Rovers for a birthday drink or two. That brightens Kylie's mood up.

Julie arrives at Eileen's to find a stone-faced Brian who was convinced to come and see her by Dennis who was under orders from Eileen. Julie is touched. Brian isn't forthcoming and defensive. Julie admits her faults but isn't happy that Brian chose to insult her anyway so throws a few back at him, calling him pompous and ungracious and high-handed. Dennis and Eileen get out of Dodge. Brian fires a few more shots back, including possessive and physically threatening and gets a whack on the arm for his troubles, proving his point.

Gail and Audrey are in the pub and watching Kylie and Eva. Audrey is defending the afternoon off and criticizing David for not getting in touch while Gail spits out insults sourly, while glaring across the room. Dennis reckons Brian will storm off. Marcus tells him and Eileen he'll try to find someone nice if it doesn't work out. Kylie complains about her mother in law and the two young women are about to leave when two nice looking young men come in and they decide to stay.

Brian and Julie are almost to the cold shoulder and silent treatment. He gets up to leave, saying it's a lost cause. At the last minute, she jumps up and stops him from leaving. She says she took ages getting ready for their date but got a bad case of nerves and desperation. She knows he wasn't flirting and she was scared she was losing him. He softens immediately and before long they're playing tonsil hockey.

Fiz is in seeing the governor with her liaison officer. Fiz wants to try to get into the mother and baby unit after all but is told there are no spaces anymore. The governor thinks there's more to it and wonders if Fiz might be upset about Ginny's overdose. Fiz is circumspect. She's asks to pass on information but Fiz says she couldn't because she'll be in danger. She's assured that she'll be kept safe. Please tell, she won't let Fiz down.

Tvor

Tonight events are either in the Street or once again in prison with Fiz. They were written by Carmel Morgan and directed by John Anderson, whilst the copyright is the property of ITV Productions and I trust they will accept this mild infringement. The episode contained mild violence - you are warned that there will be paid and anguish later in this episode.

The prison governor lays it on Fiz that drugs are a real problem in prisons (so why does she [the governor] let drugs in if they are such a problem - oh yes it keeps the inmates peaceful most of the time and therefore she can employ less staff). Anyway Fiz breaks down under pressure and says that Ruth is handing drugs out like sweets. Now I know Fiz is far from the sharpest knife in the drawer, the way John hoodwinked her for months but I really do not think she has thought through dobbing in another inmate (particularly as Ruth has the surname Callard in real life and we all know gives her some very strong connections).

Back on t'Street Gail is rather put out by Kylie's shenanigans in the Rovers with David away on a course. Kylie has draped herself over some unsuitable man (well David is hardly suitable but they are married) but David has transgressed one of the many unwritten rules of a marriage - he seems to have overlooked his wife's birthday. Now I put it down to him not having known her very long and being distracted by her charms that they simply have not had a conversation about such things yet, but Kylie is convinced that he has forgotten and is looking for thrills elsewhere. Gail is with Audrey who tries to tell Gail to wind her neck in and accept that Kylie is trying to wind her up and then looks more closely at the Asian lad with whoom Kylie is flirting and pronounces him something of a dish, much to Gail's further annoyance!

Anyway although promised that her identity would not be revealed the Governor promises Fiz she will be in touch about the mother and baby unit. Then without any subtlety at all the warders go over Ruth's cell with a toothcomb and although blonde she is not stupid and immediately computes the answer 4 from the question what is 2 plus 2; and who has been to see the Governor and why am I being searched. Fiz is a snitch.

Along at Roy's Rolls the recently imprisoned Doris and his dining companions for the evening - Emily, Mary and Dennis. By the way I shall digress. Dennis has been nicely brought in a few reminders of old stories through the links with the Grimshaws, no really big story of his own, just nicely fitting in, providing another strand. Without Elsie none of the old fireworks and arguing and he just provides some nice gentle ballast and retains I suggest a slight air of mystery with reference to some of his money making and losing over the years. A complete contrast to the arrival of Stella and going into the deep end with her story line, which I felt could have been better played over a much longer period. And why are they dining foc - to repay Norris for his incarceration. So Mary starts trying to wind up Sylvia by asking for the "soup de jour" [Leek and Potato if you must know] but this is topped by Norris ever so sweetly and politely asking the same Sylvia if she could direct him to the establishment's toilet facilities. Dennis and Emily cannot keep straight faces.

Gail approaches Kylie in her booth and tells her not to make a fool out of her son. Gail calls her a nasty piece of work and says that David deserves better. Gail leaves and Kylie tells her not to wait up.

Rather than exercising any caution the social worker in the prison tells Fiz that she is on her way to the Mother and Baby unit in front of Fiz's drug consuming cell mate. The latter knows the unit is full - has someone been kicked out she asks? The social worker cannot discuss it - but we are not stupid, Ruth will have lost out as they have found the drugs in the baby's mattress.

Norris and his dinner party hold the bill up and show Sylvia that her actions have been costly although Emily does thank her and Roy for their hospitality. However I cannot see Sylvia changing.

Along the Street Kylie finds she is unable to access the Platt residence - she is locked out and she shouts up to Gail who confirms that she knows the door is locked. Kylie calls her stroppy and says that she is "knacked". Kylie tells her to open the door and Gail says "No". Kylie asks what she is playing and Gail responds that she is lucky that she has not phoned her son. Kylie asks if she is going to "open the door or what?". Gail responds, obviously, "Or What!". And shuts the window.

Ruth knows someone has grassed her up and grabs hold of Fiz at the first opportunity. Three other inmates hold Fiz and a solid punch is landed leaving Fiz with a bloody nose before the warders separate the parties.

And for this week that is that.
K Richard W

Breakfast time in the flat and Hayley, Becky are cooing over baby Hope, while Roy struggles with his camera hoping to capture the moment - but it passes while he's still taking the lens cap off.

Fiz is at that moment studying her bruised face in the mirror. Her cellmate says it serves her right for being a grass. Fiz tries to point out that she did it to protect her, she nearly died of an overdose. Just when it looks like it might turn nasty again, a prison officer arrives and tells Fiz to pack her stuff, she's moving to the mother and baby unit.

Becky isn't at all happy at the thought of Hope going to live in the prison. Hayley points out that Hope should be with her mum, and Becky agrees, but wishes that it was Fiz coming out, not Hope going in. Roy reminds her that it's Fiz's decision. Becky says she knows, but she doesn't see why they should put the baby through it, she's really happy there with them.

Marc has driven Audrey in to work. She's not very happy that although he's staying at her house every night, he hasn't brought much of his stuff. She thinks he's hedging his bets. He eventually says he'll start moving things in later, but then remembers he's meeting a couple of friends later, and invites her to join them. He'll pick her up at about 1 o'clock. As he leaves, Gail marches up and wants to know if Audrey has seen Kylie.

Kylie, as it happens, has spent the night at the Rovers as a guest of Eva. She moans that she can't believe Gail locked her out. Eva points out that she did provoke Gail by being all over the lad in the pub. She asks if Kylie has rung David yet. Kylie hasn't, she's still annoyed because he forgot her birthday. Eva urges her to go and smooth things over with Gail, but Kylie says she doesn't do smoothing over, she sticks up her herself and she fights. Just then Steve walks in and shouts at her to leave, despite Eva's protests. Kylie gets up and goes.

Roy and Hayley are getting Hope's things together. Roy feels that having the baby around has been good for Becky, she obviously has strong maternal instincts and has been able to channel them in a positive way. He feels that it would be good for Becky and Hope to have a little time alone together before they set off for the prison.

In the salon, Gail tells Audrey that she'd reached the end of her tether with Kylie and wanted to teach her a lesson. "By putting her out on the street?" says Audrey, worried that Kylie could be lying in a ditch somewhere. However, that fear is unfounded as at that moment Kylie walks in, telling Audrey that she won't be much use after the night she's had. "In the arms of that lad, no doubt," snipes Gail. Kylie tells her she was at Eva's, seeing as her mother in law locked her out. She suggests that Gail lets her go home and have a shower then they'll call it quits. That's not the apology Gail was hoping for. "Apology? You locked ME out!" says Kylie. Gail is sure something was going on between Kylie and lad in the pub, and David wouldn't see it as the laugh Kylie thinks it was. They have a bitter exchange, with Kylie tells Gail there's not a lass in the world good enough for her son, she's jealous and spiteful and can't stand to see anyone else happy. Audrey jumps up and promptly sacks her - nobody talks to her daughter like that. Kylie protests that isn't fair, but Audrey just tells her to take her to an industrial tribunal and tells her to go.

Roy and Hayley have been packing up all Hope's things and go back into the living room. Becky and Hope aren't there. Roy thinks it's odd that she didn't put her head round the door and say she was taking the baby downstairs. Becky is actually sitting out in the street, and she waves to Chesney as he passes. Steve pulls up in his taxi and asks if she's off to see Fiz. Becky tells him that a prison is no place to bring up a baby. Steve continues to try and make conversation and brings up the subject of David and Kylie possibly getting Max back. Becky doesn't want to hear it and gets up and walks off.

Katy and Chensey are in the cafe. (For a couple who are short of cash why on earth aren't they eating at home?) She's had her GCSE results and they're not good. She got five passes, but the grades are not what was expected, and she's failed three.

Roy and Hayley come downstairs looking for Becky and Hope. Chesney says he saw her a short while ago, in Rosamund Street. Roy is worried but Hayley thinks she's probably just taken the baby for a walk. He goes off to look for her, telling Hayley to stay put in case she comes back.

Some time later Roy returns, he can't find Becky and feels totally responsible. Hayley can't believe she's run off with Hope, she's taken nothing with her. Roy points out that this is a momentous day and Becky is in a fragile state. Hayley starts to get worried, should they call the police?

Tina is in the pub, waiting for Matt. Tyrone and Tommy come in, and Tommy's obviously not pleased at the situation. Kylie comes in and tells Eva it looks like she'll be staying with her again, she hasn't managed to patch it up with the mother-in-law from hell as she had the grandmother-in-law from hell putting her two penn'oth in, she's been sacked for bickering with Audrey's daughter. She thinks David will do his nut when he comes back, and in the meantime she's got the day off!

Matt arrives in the pub with a large bouquet for Tina, much to Tommy's annoyance.

Back at the flat, Hayley is getting increasingly worried, they're now getting late for visiting Fiz, she wants to call the police. Roy urges her to wait, Becky might yet come to her senses. Hayley reaches for the landline, and at that moment her mobile rings. It's Becky.

Audrey and Marc (in Marcia mode) are in a smart bar/restaurant, meeting their friends. Unknown to them, Kylie and Eva are sipping drinks in there too.

Hayley finds Becky sitting on a bench in some gardens. She takes Hope and hugs her. "What were you playing at?" she snaps, "going off and not saying a word?" Becky is sorry, she knows Hope belongs with her mum, but her view is that people move kids about like furniture. She only arrived 2 weeks ago and now she's off again. She didn't want to just stand by and let it happen, like she did with Max. Hayley says this is completely different, this is about reuniting a baby with her mum. Roy then comes out of the bushes and joins them. They tell her they'll tell Fiz they all went on a little farewell outing, and Roy gets his camera out to photograph the 'happy' scene.

Kylie and Eva scan the room and suddenly Kylie notices Audrey. At first she wants to leave, but then realises that the person she's with is not a woman, it's Audrey's bloke, Marc!

Hayley, Roy and Becky arrive with Hope to a very anxious Fiz. "Where've you been?" she says, taking hold of her baby. Becky wants to know what's happened to her face. Fiz tells her to drop it, everything is fine. Visiting time is then over, so Fiz thanks them all for all they've done.

"Audrey's going out with a tranny!" exclaims Eva, and they both giggle. Kylie then gets out her phone and starts filming.

Anne Logan.

It's morning in the pub and Kylie and Eva are both a bit under the weather. They don't get a lot of sympathy from Stella, who warns Kylie to take herself off before Steve sees her. Kylie's determined she'll be able to persuade Audrey to take her back.

Chesney and Katie arrive at the cafe with his pockets weighed down because he's raided the change tin to get the money for breakfast. Katie's worried about the electricity bill but Chesney says he'll sort it. Owen sees them having a mini-row. He comes over and asks if it's OK if he tags along when Katie has her scan today.

Dr Carter is at Tyrone's house. It seems he's making breakfast for Tina. Tyrone has no idea whether Tina likes pink grapefruit or not! Tommy's a bit worried that Dr Carter must have stayed the night but Tyrone says he's only just come round. Tommy tells the doctor (he must have a first name but I'm blowed if I can remember what it is) it's too much. He says the doctor's only been going out with Tina for five minutes and he's acting like a mad stalker. Tina comes down and is told to go back to bed so she can be served breakfast in bed.

Audrey and Marc arrive at the salon, watched from a sneaky distance by Kylie. Audrey goes on about how busy she is but Marc persuades her she can take time off to have lunch with him.

In the Kabin, Rita chats to Katie about the scan. Owen comes in and asks Katie why she and Chesney were arguing. She admits they've got a red electricity bill. Owen asks how much they need and hands over sixty pounds.

Fiz plays with Hope in the communal room of the mother-and-baby unit. She dashes into her room to get a rusk and hears a thump. One of Ruth's friends has deliberately dropped a pile of books on to the floor very close to where Hope lies on her mat. The woman tells Fiz she knows she grassed on Ruth. Fiz picks up Hope and hugs her tight. "You can hold her as close as you like but you can't watch her 24/7," the woman sneers.

In the salon, Audrey thinks Kylie's come for the last of her wages but Kylie says she wants her job back. Audrey tells her to go away. Kylie says she saw her last night. Audrey looked as if she was having a good time, but who was the friend she was with. "She looked like a right munter." Audrey tells her to go but Kylie describes the friend with six o'clock shadow. "Ring any bells?" Audrey looks at her a bit fearfully.

It's tea-break time at the garage. Tyrone's moaning about Kevin being off work because his arm's taken a turn for the worse.

Across the street, Mary tries to tell Dr Carter in a very breathy, suggestive way that she thinks she's got a lazy eye. Dr Carter says she should see an optician but he asks what makes her think she's got amblyopia. She thanks him by stroking his shoulder. Mary goes away and Tina arrives, to the dismay of Tommy. Tyrone tells him he'll have to get over her.

Audrey can't get rid of Kylie, who claims she's very open-minded. David will probably laugh about it, but what will Gail do, she asks. Audrey tells her she can't be bullied. Nobody would take Kylie's word against her. Kylie brings out her Ace - a video of Audrey and Marcia in the bar last night.

Tommy arrives to see Dr Carter in the surgery. He says he's got a pain in his backside that he just can't seem to get rid of. The doctor tells him to go if he doesn't have a real medical problem. "Let me put this another way for you," Tommy says. "You need to back off." He says Tina's still not over Graeme dumping her. Dr Carter says he can't talk about this here. Tommy accuses him of pouncing on Tina while she's vulnerable. Dr Carter says he cares about Tina.

At lunch in the bistro, Audrey's told Marc about Kylie. "Maybe this is my big wake-up call," he says. Maybe it's time to come out to everyone. Audrey's appalled. Marc thinks it might be quite liberating. Audrey accuses him of being naive. She wants him to maintain a dignified silence.

Chesney tells Katie he's just spoken to Fiz and she seemed really tense. He's got her some flowers - they didn't cost anything. He swapped them for a studded disco collar at the market flower stall. Katie tells him about Owen giving her the money for the bill but before he can argue properly, Owen arrives.

In the street, Marc and Audrey meet Gail and Sally. Audrey asks if they've seen Kylie but they haven't. Gail realises Kylie must have done something to upset her. Marc suggests they all meet in the Rovers later - he's buying. When they move off, he tells Audrey it would be the perfect opportunity to tell people the truth about himself. Audrey puts her foot down very firmly. She says she can't put him through that.

Fiz has gone to see her liaison officer. She says things are difficult because everybody knows she grassed. The woman asks if someone's threatened her but Fiz fudges it. She wants to be transferred to another prison. "Just somewhere that no-one knows me." The liaison officer tells her it'll be almost impossible. If Fiz won't tell her what's going on there's nothing she can do. Fiz pleads to be sent somewhere safe.

Katie's baby has a spine - we know that much from the scan. Chesney gets quite excited. "Look at that! It's a boy!" No, it's just the umbilical cord. They don't want to know the sex. Owen asks if everything's normal. The sonographer says it seems to be and he explains about Izzy's condition. Katie looks distressed. She's never been screened to see whether she's a carrier. The sonographer says Izzy's condition is a connective tissue disorder and won't show up on the scan, which screens for structural abnormalities only. She says Katie will have to talk to her obstetrician. She's pretty sure the condition can't be diagnosed until after birth.

Audrey's in the Kabin being bored rigid by Mary going on about whittling. Kylie comes in. She says she's got a hobby too. She likes making little films. "I can show you one if you like." Audrey shuts her up. Kylie gets her phone out and Audrey drags her out of the Kabin by one arm. Rita tells Mary to put the kettle on. "I'm tempted to have a little peekette," she says eagerly. "Kettle! Now!" insists Rita.

In the street, Audrey and Kylie struggle for possession of the phone. It falls to the cobbles and Kylie snatches it, worried that it's broken. "Sue me!" says Audrey, stalking off.

In the prison, Ruth's scary friend accuses Fiz of telling tales again. "There's no such thing as a secret in here." Fiz heads for her room, warning the woman not to touch her. "I'm not fick," the woman says. "I wouldn't do anything now. I'll just wait - bide me time." She breaks away and pushes the laundry trolley away as an officer comes to see Fiz. The police want to see her.

The scan party's back in the street. Katie leaps out of the vehicle and dashes for the loo. Chesney stops to tell Owen he could have been more sensitive. Owen tells him that he and Katie are about to bring a child into the world who might be disabled. "I'm sorry if that doesn't fit into your la-la world . . ." Chesney tells him they made the decision to have a baby and they'll deal with anything that happens. Chesney accuses him of forcing the electricity money on Katie. "You think we're a couple of clueless kids." He says there's nothing strange about worrying about bills. "Everyone worried about bills." Owen insists he was just trying to help. "You did it to prove to Katie that I'm a useless boyfriend and I'll be a useless dad, says Chesney. He says Katie's probably crying her eyes out in there. Owen opens the door to get out but Chesney pushes against it. "No. I'll be the one to comfort her. Me."

Gail, Sally, Mary and Rita are in a booth in the Rovers. Mary asks for someone to get her some crisps. Rita wants to know what her last slave died of but Mary says her condition is playing her up. The doctor diagnosed it today. "Told me I've got amblyopia." When Gail queries this, Mary says she doesn't want to talk about it. Audrey arrives in great need of a drink. They're all waiting for Marc but they're in for a bit of a surprise - here's Marcia!

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

If you recall from when Margaret's update was posted nine days ago, Marc had just walked into the Rovers in full Marcia gear and sat down beside Audrey, who was with Gail, Rita, Sally and Mary. This is where we pick up. Audrey tries to convince everyone that marc is just heading to a fancy dress party, but only Mary really buys this. There is a very awkward silence; Audrey is incredibly uncomfortable.

Anna is closing up the cafe and sits down to have a coffee with Owen. Anna asks how Katy's scan went and Owen replies that he is worried that the baby may turn out to have the same condition as Izzy. He feels pushed out by Katy and Chesney, as if he is the enemy. Anna reminds him that young people trying to be independent like to keep their pride and act as if they don't need any help.

Rita suggests that Audrey and Marc have some privacy. Marc says that Kylie saw him like this and so he thought it would be better to come clean himself. Audrey snaps that he is an idiot and she told him not to do this. Gail asks if he does this often and Marc says that he is a transvestite. Rita and Stella both agree that it is each to their own but Audrey tells Marc that he has ruined everything and storms out. Kylie and Eva come in as Marc chases Audrey and laugh in his face.

Fiz phones Chesney in tears to tell him that she has been charged with Charlotte and Joy's murders. He tries to calm her down but she is very upset but has to come off the phone. Katy hugs Chesney. Anna says goodbye to Owen and rushes over to tell Katy to take it easy on her dad as he is only looking out for her. Katy feels guilty and decides to apologise to Owen. She reminds Chesney that no matter what he thinks of him, Owen is still her dad.

Matt calls round to see Tina and tells her that Tommy has warned her off. She is angry but he finds it quite funny and they decide to wind him up by showing them how serious they are. They plan a date together.

Gail is ranting at Marc, telling him that he shouldn't be going around like that and he has hurt Audrey. Audrey shouts at him that she told him to keep it between the two of them. Gail is shocked that she knew all along. Kylie comes over and gloats but Audrey puts her in her place before storming off. Marc goes after her.

Chesney and Katy visit Owen. Katy tells him that she is sorry before presenting him with a copy of the baby scan. He is moved and invites them both out to dinner at the bistro. Chesney tells them they should have a catch up, just the two of them.

Marc and Audrey have arrived home. Marc apologises again but Audrey tells him that he has torn her whole world apart, and the worst of it is that people will now feel sorry for her.

As Tommy rants at Tyrone over how unsuitable matt is, Tina comes down, dressed to the nines and informs them that she is going out with her fella. She thanks Tommy for interfering as it has made Matt more keen.

Marc is telling Audrey that he was trying to be brave for her as she had been brave enough to accept him for who he is. He asks if she can ever forgive him. She looks at him sadly and asks why he can't be like this all the time; the man that he is supposed to be.

Rita is hoping that Audrey is okay and Gail wonders if she should go and see her. Sally says that she and Marc probably have a lot of talking to do. Mary wonders if they ever swap clothes.

Katy is telling Owen that she doesn't want to have tests on the baby as what would she do if it came back that it did have Izzy's condition? Getting rid of it would be like saying Izzy's life doesn't matter.

Audrey is angry at herself for not standing up for Marc. She calls herself spineless, but Marc agrees that he backed her into a corner. He says it will be okay, they just need to keep a low profile for a while. Audrey doesn't look so sure.

Katy is telling Owen how brilliant he was with Izzy and he said he always tried his best but it wasn't an easy road. Katy asks if it would be cruel to bring a child into the world, knowing that it had Izzy's condition. He says that whatever happens, they will tackle it together and the baby will have the best role model possible in Izzy.

Audrey is telling Marc that people's fears come from ignorance and she really hopes that one day the world catches up with his way of life. She regrets that she is not more modern and open minded; she thought she could cope with this but she can't. Marc desperately tells her that he will give up Marcia but Audrey says that he shouldn't have to. He says he will at least keep that side of him private but she says that he will start resenting her for it. He tells her that she is the love of his life and that they can work through this but Audrey says that they can't. They both look crestfallen.

Owen comes round to Anna's and thanks her for talking to Katy. He presents her with a bottle of champagne. He takes her hands and tells her that they are celebrating the fact that he is now officially her landlord. They hug and as they pull back, they almost kiss. Anna rushes to make a cup of tea in a flustered manner.

Audrey comes round to Gail's and says that she loves Marc but she's had to tell him to go. She bursts into tears and says that she has made a fool of herself once again.

So what have we learned tonight?
-The song 'Girls On Film' played as Marcia walked into the Rovers.
-Children are easily pleased (not in my experience they aren't!!)
-Folded pyjamas are the height of sophistication
-Owen lets his gob run away with itself sometimes
-Mary can pull off a very plausible Barbara Cartland at a fancy dress event
-Marcia looks like the blonde one from Charlie's Angels. The TV series not the film.
-Tommy doesn't know the meaning of the word subtle
-Tyrone struggles to choose between Mighty meaty and Hot N Spicy Stuffed crust pizzas. He should just do what I do and have both!
-Chesney doesn't do poncey food
-Tommy can be deep when he wants to be (which I assume is never)
-Marcia's top would have went well with Rita's black slacks
-If Kevin were a transvestite, he would dress in a leather miniskirt, fishnet stockings and lots of red lipstick in order to be as tarty as possible.
-Negative reactions to Marcia: Freak, weirdo, deviant, freak show, what a state, Lily Savage's ugly sister
Positive Reactions to Marcia: Good taste in blouses

Dubious Awards
Hypocrite of the evening: "How can you bear to go around looking like that?" Gail, Weatherfield's answer to Miss Universe.
Most intriguing movie title: "Tranny on the Rampage: part Two!" Kylie
Person with biggest aversion to public transport: "Don't tell me you're getting the bus!" Gail
Most ironic statement: "He's the most shallow guy I've ever seen!" Tommy, who obviously hasn't seen a mirror, on Matt.
Second most disturbing thought: "I wonder if they were ever, how shall I put it, intimate while he was in lady mode?" Mary on Marc and Audrey
Most disturbing thought: "I can't even begin to imagine Norris dressed as a woman!" Mary
Person in most dire need of an optician's appointment: "Norris is far too rugged and masculine." Mary

And I was glad to see that the latest meeting at the Kylie Platt fan club was going well:
"You poisonous little bitch" Audrey
"You're a nasty piece of work" Gail
"You're evil," Audrey
"Why you spiteful little..." Marc
"Rotten to the core" Audrey
"I'm glad that someone finally sees her for what she is" Gail
"Go to hell, right?" Audrey

That's all from me for now.

See you soon, providing no more sickness bugs come my way!

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Jonathan Harvey Directed by Duncan Foster

Kylie has spent another night at the Rovers and is sneaking out before Steve catches her. She might have made it out if she hadn't stolen Steve's toast. Steve gives her her marching orders and out she goes.

Faye wants to do something with Anna that evening. She discovers the bottle of champagne in the fridge and is curious. Anna says Owen is a friend and maybe a bit more. Faye says "as long as you're happy"

Audrey is filled with regrets and sad about yet another lost love. Gail says he just wasn't The One. Audrey sounds very down and she feels very bad about making her love for Marc conditional. She just couldn't accept his "differences" in the end and thinks of herself as a coward. Gail points out she's been a fool for love many times, you just get out there and show them you don't care.

Frank and Carla are going to check out venues for their wedding reception but end up with another dash to the bedroom first.

Fiz puts her loved ones' photos on the wall, it comforts her a bit to see their faces. There's a knock on the door and it's a guard, telling her she needs to go off for lunch. That dark haired woman is gazing at Fiz over the guard's shoulder. She's the one that's been shadowing Fiz since the grassing incident. The guard tells Fiz she needs to toughen up.

Chris sees Owen loading up his van on the street. He's now sporting a wooly cap to cover what is probably a hair loss. Anna greets Owen from across the road on the way into the cafe. Chris notices sparks between the two and tells Owen he should "go for it" (i.e. life's too short) Owen protests that he doesn't fancy Anna. Neither Chris nor I believe him.

Kylie takes a deep breath and enters the salon where Audrey is doing some bank holiday cleaning and sorting. Audrey doesn't want to talk to her. Kylie tries to apologize but it falls on deaf ears. She does seem sincere but Audrey's not having it. Audrey reckons Kylie is trying to suck up and shouts at her. Kylie says it was a joke that backfired and is getting impatient because Audrey isn't giving in as expected. Audrey explains...she loved Marc and doesn't think Kylie knows what love is. Audrey thinks Kylie sees a silly, stupid old woman but she had to fight for what she's got now, for her successes. She and Kylie probably had similar upbringings but "it's what you choose to do with what you've got that marks you out as a human being" and Kylie comes off less than favourably by comparison, at the moment at least. It hits home. Kylie leaves in tears. Audrey's close to them herself.

Tyrone asks after Fiz in the cafe. Roy says he's worried about her. He and Hayley think something is wrong but Fiz isn't saying. Tyrone is now concerned, too, and feels bad that he's not been any support. He tells Sylvia he and Fiz used to be close and he's not been there for his mate. Roy suggests he visit and gets the name of someone to call for a visiting order. Owen pokes his head in the door and asks Anna out for a drink that evening. Anna accepts, forgetting she and Faye were going to do something. When Faye later reminds her, Anna says that she and Faye can do something tomorrow. She gives Faye a couple of quid for sweets. Outside, Faye notices Owen going into the office and she nicks his mobile out of the front of the truck.

Kylie sees Gail on the street and runs after her. She has just found out that Social Services had sent her a letter and she's not got it. They're coming round tomorrow but it's going to go wrong if she can't get into the house. Gail refuses, pointing out she shouldn't have blackmailed Audrey. Kylie is frantic, it's very important to her and David. Gail is digging her heels in and threatens to tell David that she was flirting with fellas in the pub.

In the Bistro, Kylie is moaning to Eva and upset that things were on their way to finally getting better and now she has no job, no home, no son and her husband forgot her birthday! Eva makes all the right sympathetic noises until Nick voices disapproval that she's not working like she's supposed to be. He puts his keys on the table and asks Eva to get some files but Kylie snatches them.

Norris is gossiping with Sylvia about Marc, he missed the whole spectacle of the man in women's clothing! He reckons it must have been similar to Hayley and Sylvia jumps to Hayley's defense. Nice to see, that! Norris asks for a cup of tea and Anna is scowling at her mobile. Apparently Owen has sent a very rude message which basically dumps her with terrible spelling and all. Just then Faye returns, all smiles. Anna asks her to go to the pictures and says she just changed her mind about Owen. Result, I'd say.

Nick serves Frank and Carla. When Nick finds out they were looking for venues and offers his bar. They are vaguely interested and Nick says they'll make a deal and will do up a cost and menu list for them to consider. Frank and Carla discuss it.

Fiz finds a group of moms and babies giggling outside her room. She unlocks the door and goes inside to find big red letters spelling GRASS on the wall but she won't file a formal complaint when the guard asks so is expected to clean it up herself.

Eva is trying to get Kylie to bring the keys back and when Nick asks her if she's got the files, she pretends she's lost them but Gail knows exactly what probably happened and Eva admits it. Gail realizes Kylie took the keys to get into the house. All three of them stalk out the door and across to the house. Oh dear. Kylie has bolted the door and they're all locked out. Gail beats on the door and Nick and Eva argue and the end result to that is threats to fire Eva. Kylie peeks out the upstairs window, smug and determined. Nick threatens to call the police. Kylie is unrepentant.

Anna and Faye are at the bus stop. Owen asks where they're going. Anna is rude to him and says she's got the message, Mr. Cold Feet and he's nothing more than her landlord. Owen, of course, has no idea what she's on about. Eva asks Gail why she hates Kylie and Gail says Kylie has been unfaithful to David. Really? Well, Gail backs down, as good as. Nick is still threatening the cops and David comes around the corner. Kylie heaves a large pan of water out the window and it lands all over David. Whoops!

Norris, Steve, Sylvia and Owen are now on the street watching the battle at the Platt door. Kylie and Gail hurl insults back at each other, to the delight of the neighbours.

Find out if David does find out what the He..ck's going on in the next part.

Tvor

Just a short update to move us along quickly. Events tonight were written by John Kerr, directed by Duncan Foster and copyright remains the property of ITV Productions to whom many thanks for providing the raw materials.

David is back on the Street (well in Nick's wine bar actually looking very wet Kylie having poured water out of a window hoping to hit Gail and the latter is bringing him up to date on Kylie's antics with other men during his absence. David eventually extracts that Kylie has simply been chatting to other men and cannot see how that has led to the current stand off with them all locked out. Nick is with them and he brings David up to date on the planned visit of the social worker the following morning, which is rather more important than another family argument.

Owen tells Gary about his difficult day - how he made a non-date with Anna, then that his mobile phone went missing and then how Anna cancelled the non-date for no explained reason and got on a bas with Faye and went off. Norris (they are in the Kabin) tells Owen he should be grateful that he does not have his (Doris's) feet. Both Owen and Gary are mystified by this, as am I. If Doris has bad feet surely there would be a readily available stool in the Kabin for the purposes of perching on whilst serving? Gary promises to talk to his mother to see if he can find out what is going on as he is surprised as well.

Back in the Big House (so it is - oh no not with Jim McDonald) or prison as most of us call it, Ruth is heading Fizwards (who has Hope in her arms) and is being visited by Tyrone. Ruth is being visited by her troublesome other half and Fiz refuses to tell Ty about her problems and insists all is fine. Ty asks about what he is not being told. He keeps nagging her until she tells him the story. They see Ruth and Leon talking and Ty suggests he might have a word and get Leon to lay off. Fiz explains that Leon is the dealer - the one supplying the drugs which Ruth was handing out like sweeties. So Fiz does not reckon that he will give Ty a sympathetic heading. Fiz asks Ty to promise he will not get involved - this is her problem. he says alright but we can tell he does not mean it.

Whilst Anna cooks Gary listens to her side of events. Apparently Owen texted her and dumped her and if she gets hold of him he will be texting with two broken thumbs - but Gary says that she dumped him and Faye chips in saying that Owen is not good enough for her and that boys are stupid. Gary sits there thinking and he does it so rarely that you can hear the cogs grinding and turning and twisting. Will he work it out?

David manages to convince Kylie to let him into the house so that they can talk. She assaults him physically over the abandonment and neglect she suffered on her birthday (understandably) and he provides an explanation of the usual kind - faulty mobile, incompetent florist etc. I am not entirely sure that in 9 months or 9 years time we will not see an unexpected, unknown female and offspring appear on the Street, but maybe that would be unrealistic. He tells her that she needs to put her head back together so that all is well once the social worked arrives on the morrow. No need. Kylie is not going to see him. David points out that this really is last chance saloon and if she cancels the meeting she will get nowhere near Max. David tells her that it will be different - and he will always be there with her and that they can face social services.

On leaving the prison Ty tails Leon and follows him to an estate and sees him drug dealing on a street corner and I have to ask if they really go about it with that degree of openness in Manchester and if they do why all the drug dealers are not in prison? More police needed on the streets if you ask me. Ty accidentally sets off his car horn and ducks down, a passing lorry obscuring him. The druggies separate, the one is not Leon hiding his features in a hoodie.

Faye has no idea about the questions which Gary is asking and butter would not melt (as they say)! But Gary has evidence - a phobile moan hidden in her bedroom and whilst she attempts to deny all knowledge she is unable to stop Gary telling Anna that Owen's phone had been stolen and had turned up in Faye's room. Faye protests her innocence but Anna is not taken in and sends the young girl to her room promising a discussion later.

When Gail and Audrey return to the house, David tells them that he had met a man who has a number of salons and has been offered a job as a salon manager at Moston (I think), plus the flat above the shop - the entire works and he had said he would think about it, but on his return it is now clearly a no-brainer. He tells Kylie that she and Max are his family now and he does not want to put up with any of this fighting and arguing. David and Kylie get to go. When Gail asks where they are going - it is for a drink and then he will phone the new friend, accept the job and get out of Weatherfield for good.

See you soon.
K Richard W

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

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