2012


Monday 2 January

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Ian Bevitt

Happy New Year!

Tonight's episode will full of "Ooops" and diversions as you will see.

Sophie's not having a happy new year. Sian is maintaining radio silence and Sophie is making the sofa soggy with all her tears. Sophie's blaming Kevin for ruining things. Sally defends Kevin and Sophie thinks the world is against her. Sally passes on Sophie's resignation to Dev via the phone and Dev wants Amber to try to talk Sophie round. Not gonna happen and Sunita tries to divert his attention too. Sunita volunteers Amber to cover Sophie's shifts.

But Amber does go to see Sophie and puts up with Sophie screaming at her. She doesn't want Sophie blaming it all on her and points out that Sophie did say she loved Amber. I was just confused, Sophie stutters. Amber wants to know what Sophie would have done if she'd said it back. Sophie doesn't have an answer to that so Amber makes the mistake of saying Sophie should be glad Sian's gone because marrying her would have been a mistake. Sophie tears into Amber and the argument spills out loudly into the street where, naturally, half the neighbours overhear including Kevin who tries to break it up and Dev who runs over to defend his precious darling who is called names by a newly-arrived Rosie. Dev has no idea what's going on , Rosie follows Sophie into the house and Kevin, big gob in high gear yet again, tells Dev that Amber was the one that interfered between Sophie and Sian by kissing Sophie. Amber denies it but Kevin says Sunita knows, too and the secret is out. Dev looks heartbroken that his little precious could have been kissing a girl and liking it.

Julie had a lovely New Year's complete with symbolic burning of the old (bad habits written on paper) and making way for the new. She's going to find Eileen a new man this year. Apparently Sean is in London taking care of Dylan due to further back trouble Violet's having (in reality, Antony Cotton was participating in I'm A Celebrity etc) Rosie has a new agent and an audition. The new agent, Vivian, is insufferable, right up Rosie's street, actually. Rosie drags Jason along with her. Jason impresses the agent who thinks he could be a model too, much to Rosie's chagrin. After the meeting, Rosie and Jason go to see Sophie who's still moping around in her dressing gown. Rosie makes excuses because she's got that modeling job to do but has brought a dvd and Maltesers and Sophie tells her to go for it but practically throws the dvd back in her face when she looks at it to see it's "The Breakup". Ooops! Meanwhile Frank invites Sally to a drinks evening with clients. Sophie thinks she should go to that as well. Sally decides to go while the going's good and gets tarted up. Meeting Kevin outside later, she has to divert him from going to talk to Sophie. Kevin feels very bad but Sally advises him to wait for Sophie to cool down a bit. Sally tells Kevin she's going to Frank's but it's none of his business when he asks where she's going. Normally, she would never have told him but Carla has come out of the factory so she has to tell him so that Carla can overhear and be spiteful and the two can cross swords. Carla can clearly see that Sally is on his side and Sally is goaded into telling Carla that the party is to woo the clients, Yes, Carla's ex-clients. Red Rag.. Bull... Oops! Carla goes inside and tries to contact some of the clients but it's no good, they're all indeed going to Frank's. Rats! Carla's back is really up now.

Peter's stealing minutes away from his day to see Carla, who's seething about Anne Foster's emotional blackmail. She thinks Frank put her up to it and she's livid. Peter diverts her attention with a kiss.

Rosie is horrified when her glamour job turns out to have her dressed in a bicycling outfit, with no cleavage, a helmet and a bright ugly day-glo yellow jacket. It's a bike safety campaign and Rosie is feeling very unglamourous and disappointed in her hot new agent who knows all the right things to say to smooth over unhappy models, telling her Kate Moss started the same way, rolling her eyes when she turns her back.

Frank's mother pushes Frank at all the clients when Sally arrives. Frank asks Sally how Sophie is and brings her a drink of her own. Later on we see clients coming in and out and Frank acting Mein Host on the door step. Carla is watching from her car, parked across the road, gripping the steering wheel in anger.

There's a speed dating event at the Bistro. Nick doesn't think anyone is going to show up. They might not if they've seen the poster, probably designed by Eva whose idea it was. The date on the poster says Monday, January 5. Ooops. Eva tries to pass out posters advertising the speed dating in the pub. Stella hollers at her for pimping the competition but Eileen thinks it's a great idea for Eileen. Eileen's not too sure but Julie is relentless and talks her into going to the Bistro without telling her why.

Tommy and Tyrone are making a big, greasy fry-up. Tina invites Tommy to go into town shopping but he begs off, saying Kirsty might go. Kirsty decides to make the effort but as you might expect, Tina mouths off about her to Tommy and it's overheard so the girly shopping trip is off. Tina goes on her own. Meanwhile, Kirsty encounters Fiz in the corner shop and she's cool to her though Fiz doesn't seem to take it in as she expresses her gratitude to her close personal mate, Tyrone who helped keep her sane when she was in the nick. Kirsty, of course, lowers the temperature into Arctic levels but even that doesn't stop Fiz in her tracks for more than a few minutes and she invites Kirsty and Tyrone to the pub later for drinks. Kirsty blows her off and it seems to sink in.

When Tyrone later thinks about calling Fiz and Kirk for drinks in the Rovers, she diverts him with an offer of a snuggle under the duvet with a movie and he likes that idea. But Tommy comes downstairs and suddenly there's three for the movie instead of two. Kirsty's face tightens. Later on, in the department store, the store detective stops Tina and asks to see her bags, to make sure she's got receipts for everything. He admits they'd got a tip from the police and a description of a potential shoplifter and she resembles the description. Tina immediately connects all the dots. There's going to be hell to pay in the second half.

Tvor

This evening's second episode was written by Mark Burt and directed by Ian Bevitt

The first scene opens in Frank's living room where the drinks party for his clients is in full swing. Sally is promising Mr. "call me Mike" Layton that they can reach his targets when the doorbell rings and, ever the helpful assistant, she goes to answer it. The new arrival turns out to be Carla who marches in before Sally can stop her, pausing only long enough to dump her coat on Sally and tell her to make herself useful. "Surprise" she says to Frank who stares at her with a mixture of shock and loathing.

Meanwhile, Amber barges into the corner shop, accusing Dev of totally embarrassing her. Sunita asks what's going on, Amber gives her the evils and Dev is almost shaking as he asks her if it's true that she kissed Sophie and whether she's gay. Amber tells him she only did it as a joke but Dev points out he isn't laughing. His day gets worse when it comes out that Sunita knows all about what's been going on and Amber takes this as her cue to leave the two of them to sort it out between them.

Things are frosty at the Fosters as Carla wanders amongst the guests. Frank asks her to leave and his mother declares she's going to throw her out. Frank dissuades Anne from doing anything as she'll only cause a scene and Sally points out that's exactly what Carla wants. All the guests are reduced to silence as Carla starts to name them one by one, observing that they all used to do business with her and now they are consorting with the enemy or, as she puts it, "the host with the most, the respectable rapist." This final comment prompts a mass exodus and suddenly everyone comes up with a reason as to why they suddenly have to leave.

As Anne tries to speak, Frank tells her not to get involved. "That's right, get sunshine to do his own dirty work for once," spits Carla. Frank asks his mother what Carla is talking about and Carla replies that it's just a little thing called blackmail. The expression on Anne's face is enough to tell Frank that his mother has been up to something.

In the corner shop, Dev is laying into Sunita for keeping him in the dark about all the goings-on between Amber and Sophie. Sunita tries to defend her actions and tells Dev that Amber is not as innocent as she tries to make out. Dev comes back with an accusation that Sunita has been gunning for Amber since the word go and that, because she had issues with Dev's past, Sunita has taken it out on Amber. Sunita brings the argument to an end by saying she can't listen to any more of Dev's ranting and leaves the shop with a final parting shot: she says that Dev should ask himself why Amber couldn't tell him herself what had been going on.

Julie, Marcus and Eileen arrive at the Bistro and before Eileen's even had time to say "mine's a large one" she's spotted a sign on the bar advertising the Speed Dating evening. Julie explains that she thought Eileen could do with a pick-me-up and Eileen asks her whether she thinks she's really that desperate. However, before she has a chance to argue any more, Eva has plonked a sticker onto Eileen's chest and is instructing her that it's five minutes per fella and that she should fill her boots. As a whistle blows for the off, Eileen tells Julie that she is "so dead" and that she shouldn't expect her to enjoy it. We get the sense that she will remain true her word as Hank, a would-be Don Johnson look-alike with a spray tan to match his bright orange t-shirt, settles down in the seat opposite Eileen.

At Frank's the final guests have left, leaving only Sally, Carla and Anne remaining. Frank asks his mother about what she's done and she admits that she went round to the factory to see Carla. Whilst Anne protests that nothing of any consequence was said, Carla retorts that it was nothing apart from Anne's suggestion that if she drops the charges she can keep the factory. Anne denies this, Carla says she can prove it, Anne tells her to do so and Carla - who obviously doesn't actually have any way of proving what was said - responds that she doesn't have to answer to her. Sally then steps in and suggests that perhaps Carla should leave, Carla shouts back and her and Frank jumps to Sally's defence. He tells Carla to leave and says, if she doesn't he'll call the police and when Carla questions whether they would believe him he points out that he has nothing to lose, especially after her latest performance. Carla's parting shot is to tell Frank to enjoy his little soiree as it will be the last one he'll be having for some while.

Back at the Bistro Eva is trying to convince Nick that the Speed Dating evening is a success on the basis that everyone there has bought a drink and telling him that they are creating the customers of the future. Looking around at the motley crowd in front of him we get the feeling that, if that's his future clientele, Nick would quite happily do without them. "Babe, from this day forward," points out Eva, "Nick's Bistro will be known as 'The Luuuuv Central'." Hmmmm.

Julie is excited that Eileen and Hank are still talking four minutes into their five minute slot but, as Marcus observes, he feels like he needs to have a shower just looking at him. At the table we hear Hank telling Eileen that's enough about him and what about her? Eileen gets up and tells Hank that she's out of there but he takes it to mean she wants to leave with him. "Blimey, you're keen," he says, grabbing his coat. "Are you serious?" asks Eileen. "Have you looked in the mirror recently?" Eileen then continues to tell Hank exactly what she thinks of him and finishes by suggesting that he should go back to the eighties where he belongs. "Look love . " he begins, stepping forward, so Eileen gives him a large push, straight against the emergency fire alarm button on the wall.

Over at Tyrone's, he, Kirsty and Tommy are enjoying a jolly game of Sorry when Tina bursts through the front door, demanding to know where Kirsty is. She's on the warpath after her run-in with the store detective and, as she points an accusing finger dangerously close to Kirsty's face, she tells her she needs some serious help. Tyrone wants to know what Tina is going on about and, as she tells them what happened, we see the smirk on Kirsty's face which Tyrone conveniently manages to miss. Tyrone says Kirsty couldn't be involved as she has been there all afternoon and then Kirsty goes to town making sarcastic suggestions about how she could have set up a surveillance team, involving helicopters. The row escalates and Kirsty and Tyrone get up to go to the pub. Tyrone, still believing Kirsty to be the innocent party, tells Tina to back off. Kirsty's parting shot takes the form of another smirk directed straight at Tina and which, once again, Tyrone doesn't see.

Out on the street everyone has gathered outside the Bistro as the fire alarm bell rings in the background. For some reason Nick hasn't been able to reset it so the fire brigade turns up. "This just gets better and better," says Marcus. "Kill me now," responds Nick. Stella walks past and points out to the assembled crowd that there's a lovely pub just down the road for anyone who's interested.

However, one person's evening has taken a turn for the better because guess who's on duty that evening? As the firemen get off the truck, Paul comes up to Eileen and tells her that they've got to stop meeting like this. Eileen just has time to flutter her eyelashes before Paul apologises and goes into the Bistro to check out the fire alarm.

Back at Frank's, he's telling his mother in no uncertain terms that she's gone too far with her interfering and he's not a happy bunny. He points out that his defence depends on him taking the high ground and that, by her actions, his mother has dragged him into the gutter with Carla. Anne knows when her presence isn't wanted and she walks out, leaving Sally and Frank alone in the house. Frank apologises and Sally makes it very clear she's on his side.

At the Bistro the firemen have sorted out the alarm and everyone has moved back inside although it hasn't exactly enhanced the success of Eva's Speed Dating evening. "Thanks a pigging bunch," she snarls at Eileen and then, smiling at Paul, tells him that firemen are all heroes in her book. Eileen looks more than a trifle embarrassed as Julie explains to Paul the purpose of the evening before leaving with Marcus.

"How was the rest of your Christmas?" asks Eileen. "All the better for seeing you," replies Paul. They continue their rather awkward conversation until Paul has to leave but it doesn't take a genius to work out that they both still have feelings for each other.

Outside in the back alley, Peter and Carla are having a furtive assignation. Peter points out they'd agreed not to meet like that but Carla wants to tell Peter what she's done. "Please tell me you haven't been to see Frank?" he asks, already guessing the answer.

Over at Tyrone's, Tina is telling Tommy about the tip-off the store detective received from the police (is it just me or has anyone else noticed how your name needs to begin with the letter T to live in that house?). Tina knows Kirsty is responsible and can't understand why nobody else can see it too.

In the Rovers Kirsty is moaning to Ty about Tina while Eileen is having a drink with Julie and Marcus. Julie tries to reassure her sister that there's a fella out there for her but we know that Eileen has already found the man of her dreams.

Maria, Fiz and Kirk come into the pub just as Ty is at the bar ordering more drinks and, in the background, we can see Kirsty is not amused. "So you've decided to take me up on me invite then," says Fiz. "What invite?" asks Tyrone, confused. Fiz tells him that she'd spoken to Kirsty earlier who'd informed her that she and Ty had plans that evening. As he takes the drinks back to their table, Tyrone is now the one who looks less than happy.

Back at the bar, Sunita tells Stella she needs a whole bottle of wine rather than just a glass and, in her role as the street's self-appointed agony aunt, Stella invites her to go into the back with her to share her troubles, along with the wine.

Carla and Peter are still talking about Carla's visit to Frank but they've moved from the back alley to Carla's flat. Peter is admonishing her for pulling a stunt which might jeopardise the outcome of the trial. Carla knows he's talking sense but she tells him how hard it is to cope with the situation and that Frank has taken so much from her and it feels like he's still taking. So Peter says that that is all the more reason she should see the whole thing through and that they've got forever to look forward to. As they fall into each other's arms we sense that Peter is being just a touch optimistic.

In the back room of the pub Stella is telling Sunita that inheriting kids is never easy but Sunita tells her that her problem isn't really about Amber. She says it's not so much what Dev said to her in the heat of the moment but the way that he said it. Right on cue, Karl knocks on the door and tells them that Dev is looking for Sunita. Dev comes in looking like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Listen babe .. " he begins. "Don't call me babe," snaps back Sunita. We're then treated to a brief, grovelling apology from Dev before he leads a very reluctant-looking Sunita off by the hand.

Out in the bar, Fiz, Kirk and Maria are discussing New Year resolutions. Fiz says she would start by forgetting the last 12 months. Kirk's resolution is to eat less white bread. As he points out, he's more likely to achieve it than the one he made for the previous year which was to get a pilot's licence. It results in laughter amongst the three of them, prompting Tyrone to glance wistfully at his friends. Seeing his face, Kirsty asks him if he's O.K. and he tells her that he was a bit surprised that she didn't mention Fiz's invite. Kirsty laughs it off and then gets shirty with him and reminds Ty that he'd promised her that he would give Fiz a wide berth and therefore wouldn't have accepted the invitation anyway, even if he'd known about it. Tyrone just looks more confused than ever.

Back at Frank's, he and Sally are clutching large glasses of red wine as he tells her that the waiting is the worst part of his impending trial. He says that he has to accept the possibility of going to prison but Sally doesn't want to believe that, protesting that he is innocent. As they continue to discuss it, Sally tells Frank that Carla is to blame and Frank tells Sally how much he admires the way she manages to remain so positive about everything despite all that she's been through with Kevin. The discussion moves on to the wine they're drinking. "It's strong yet still processing strong and delicate undertones," comments Frank. "I could be describing you," he continues as we almost hear the crackle of anticipation sparking between them. He goes on to tell Sally that without her support and belief in him he thinks he'd be begging for a guilty verdict and, with that Sally puts down her glass of wine, sinks down next to him on the sofa and the inevitable finally happens. But, no sooner do their lips make contact than Frank jumps back as though he's received an electric shock.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he gushes. "I'll get you a cab." But, as we can see from Sally's face, he's not nearly as sorry as she is that their near moment of passion has been curtailed so abruptly.

Karen Jankel


Thursday 5 January

Sophie comes downstairs with her wedding dress and tells Sally that she's going to take it back to the shop. She now wants to get another job and asks Sally to find her a job at Frank's place. Sally says she doesn't want her working in a factory, and hurries off to work there herself.

Outside the garage, Tyrone hails Maria with a cheery 'Good morning!' Maria however, is huffy with him. "Speaking to us now are you? That's good of you!" Tyrone looks puzzled.

Kevin comes out of the shop as Sally comes along. He asks how Sophie is. She tells him she's up, and busy looking for a job. Kevin wonders if she'll see him. "How should I know?" says Sally, adding that she's not a mind reader. "Oh yes, seeing as you're hardly ever there," he snipes. Sally coldly informs him it's called earning a living. He makes a snide comment about her being at a party on a bank holiday, and Sally snaps that she's setting an example. It's working too, Sophie asked Sally to help her find a job. What's she asked from Kevin? Oh yes, steer well clear, Dad!

Tyrone sees Maria walking back in the other direction and rushes over, asking what she meant earlier. Maria asks why he avoided her and Fiz in the pub yesterday. Tyrone says it's because Kirsty is shy. Maria scoffs, but Tyrone insists that's the case.

A dejected Eileen is sitting with Jason and Rosie in her living room. She feels like giving work a miss and going back to bed. Rosie says she mustn't let one bad night defeat her, and starts quoting from her little book of life. Eileen suddenly remembers that she's needed at work as they have a massive order, and rushes off.

In the cafe, Tommy tells Tyrone that Maria has a point, Tyrone has dumped Fiz. Tyrone says he's been busy and so has she. Tommy guesses that Kirsty is behind it. He tells Tyrone that Fiz is down on her luck and he, who is supposed to be her mate, has dropped her.

Leanne and Peter are at another table, talking about his new (non-existant) therapist. He tells her that he'll probably be seeing him a couple of times a week. Leanne immediately worries about the cost, but Peter says it's nothing, it's through the health service. Leanne asks if she can meet him, to show that she's offering support. Of course, Peter tells her that he doesn't think it will be possible, the therapist wouldn't like it. Leanne asks her to ask him.

Beth, the new employee, has arrived at Frank's factory. Sally asks Eileen to show Beth the ropes, and then Frank calls Sally into the office. Once there, he starts to apologise for the night before, saying he was a fool. She tells him that nothing's changed, he's still the boss, they should just forget about it and get on with their work. He's worried that there may not be work, there were a lot of influential people at the party, and thanks to Carla his name is now mud. Sally says he needs to get everyone back on side, starting with Mike Laydon, their biggest customer. She suggests he invites him for drinks that evening.

Back in the Street, Rosie is horrified to find that her road safety advert is now appearing in the local paper, on the internet, and is also in the form of a huge poster in the bus shelter. She wails that she's supposed to be glamour model – her credibility is shot to pieces.

Back at Frank's factory, Beth discovers that Eileen is also single and suggests they go out together. Eileen seems less than enthusiastic.

Anne arrives at the factory and tries to get Frank to go out to lunch. He says he's got too much work and isn't hungry. Sally tells him he should at least have the courtesy to listen to his mother, so he gives in and listens, but he's cross, she tried to nobble a witness and that could cost him the case. He tells her to take a couple of weeks off, spend them with his dad, and come back with recharged batteries. She agrees, and they hug, and he nods a thank-you to Sally, through the glass partition.

Eileen and Beth bump into Rosie and Jason in the Street. Eileen is annoyed because it's Jason's turn to cook tea for them all but he and Rosie have arranged to take Sophie to the cinema.

Frank is entertaining Mike Laydon at home. Sally arrives to offer her support.

In the pub, Tyrone is talking to Kirsty about Fiz and Maria. She's still of the opinion that they are after him and says they have to learn to let go, she is his future.

Frank and Sally wave goodbye to Mike. Frank then thanks her for her support, and she tells him she's been round the block a few times, she a good judge of character and knows he no rapist.

Tommy comes into the pub. On realising that the house is empty, Tyrone and Kirsty rush off home. When they've gone, Tina comments that one by one, Kirsty is taking Tyrone away from his mates. Tommy tells her it's her fault, she kicked the whole thing off and made it a case of taking sides.

Leanne and Peter are in the pub, and he lies to her that he spoke to his therapist who wants to keep their sessions one-to-one. (Don't think it's quite the therapy Leanne is imagining!) She is disappointed, but says she's glad he's making progress.

Eileen opens her front door to Paul, who comes in and asks why she's called him round. She tells him she's sick of being noble, she wants him. She has really strong feelings for him and thinks they could work it out so no-one gets humiliated. He asks how having an affair with her would not be humiliating to Lesley. He's completely taken aback but she tells him she's not expecting an answer on the spot. He looks stunned and leaves.

Sally's taking her leave of Frank. She gives him a peck on the cheek, then a small kiss on the lips. He draws back, but she tells him she knows what she's doing, and then they kiss properly. He asks her not to go, but she says she must, for Sophie, but she'll see him in the morning. She walks off down the path, smiling.

Anne Logan


Friday 6 January

Hello and welcome to Friday.

We begin in the street where Eileen's on her way to work looking quite glum. Paul suddenly appears. She thinks he could have sent a text to dump her but he's not come for that. He tells her he's glad she laid everything on the line for him. It was brave and ballsy. "So what are you doing tonight?" Awwww. I like Eileen and I like Paul so I hope she gets to be happy.

Nearby, Tina and Tommy leave the house at the same time. Tina tells him she can't stand back and watch Tyrone turn into Billy No-mates. Tommy says he's tried to talk to Tyrone but it was no use. Tina has an idea. She suggests Tommy organise a lads' night out - that'll get Ty out without Kirsty.

In the Kabin, Rita admires the smoky effect of Sally's eye make-up. Sally buys chewing gum, which comes as a big shock to Norris because she never does. He can't believe Frank Foster would approve of chewing gum at work. Norris always thought Frank would run a tight ship. Sally says he does. And a happy one. She tells Norris and Rita that anything else is just malicious gossip spread by Carla Connor.

In Frank's factory they're wondering why Sally is late. Beth can't believe that Sally and Eileen both live in Coronation Street. That street's like a magnet to her, drawing her back to the ex- that got away. When she reveals who her ex- is, Eileen seems most entertained.

Sally arrives and Frank admits he wasn't sure she'd be there today. Without letting her get a word in, he tells her that he's got the message. Work and pleasure are like oil and water, so it's over.

Back in the Kabin, Rita and Norris argue over the need for a trip to the wholesalers. Rita says she has to check that Tina doesn't want the car this afternoon - she's having it for a couple of hours over lunchtime. Norris is appalled that Rita's letting her own use of her own car be dictated by Tina. Kirsty is in the Kabin and hears the whole argument.

Kevin's at the garage when he sees Sophie and races after her. His reception is not good. She doesn't want his apologies because she'll never forgive him. She can't understand why he spent her childhood keeping her safe from harm only to smash up her life now because he wouldn't listen. Kevin protests that he only ever wanted her to be happy but it's no use. Sophie refuses to forgive him.

In the bookies' premises, Stella asks Leanne if she can come shopping for the afternoon but Leanne can't - she has to work because Peter's got an appointment with his therapist.

Beth's going on about her Christmas dinner disaster while she and Sally are in the tea-making area. Sally makes a cup of tea for Frank and Beth asks her to have a word with Frank about a new fabric which isn't up to standard and keeps catching.

Sally takes the fabric in and tells Frank she's going to wave the fabric at him and give it to him but she's just come in to say that if he's only calling a halt to things because he thinks she's got cold feet, then he's wrong. She thinks he's lovely. They both manage to look as if they're having a bit of an argument about the fabric while they do this. Frank tells her this is very good news indeed and he'll see her at close of play. As she leaves the office he flings the fabric after her, saying something about ineptitude and causing Beth to hurriedly go back to her work. Sally has a smile on her face as she settles down.

The police have stopped Rita in her car, though she can't think what for.

In Carla's factory, Michelle wants to talk about the shortlist for the machinists they'll be interviewing on Monday. But Carla's not really listening. She's paying more attention to her make-up for the appointment she has with her bank and then with some designers in the Northern Quarter.

Rita is getting a ticket for doing 33mph in a 30mph zone. She can't believe she's been stopped for being so little over the limit. The constable who stopped her says the computer system's down at the moment so he can't check her details. He asks her to present her documents at a police station within seven days.

Peter and Carla snog in her flat.

In the Kabin, Norris reminisces about "lads' nights out" with Derek, to the amusement of Tina and Garry. Rita come in, furious. She tells them about her ticket. She's been fined and will have three points on her licence. She's so angry she weeps and Garry puts his arm around her. He and Norris are appalled that burglaries and muggings go unsolved while the police stop folk for such minor transgressions. Tina asks to see the ticket.

As Eileen and Beth get ready to leave work, Beth fixes her make-up - it seems she's setting her sights on Steve again. Sally refuses an invitation to go to the pub with them and once they've gone she and Frank smile at each other.

Peter sings to Carla as they snuggle up on the sofa. Yuck! She won't let him mention Leanne - she wants them to be guilt-free and in their own world when they're together. Peter assures her that he will never ever give her up.

In the pub, Beth's flirting with an uncomfortable Steve. She says they went to see Billy Eliot and she had to fight him off. He pestered her afterwards but she refused to go out with him again because she was too traumatised. She assures him she's much more broadminded now. Eileen suddenly realises she's left her purse at work and Beth offers to walk back with her to fetch it.

Kirsty comes in and finds Tyrone sitting with the lads. She's a bit put out when they say it wouldn't be right for her to buy a round and anyway, they're going off on a pub crawl once they've finished their drinks. Tina takes Kirsty to one side and accuses her of organising Rita's ticket because she thought Tina would be driving. Kirsty, of course, denies everything.

In Frank's factory, thanks Sally for standing by him and kisses her. Of course, just at that moment, Eileen and Beth come in. Their mouths drop open. Eileen grabs her purse and they tiptoe out again.

Rita's in the Kabin when Tina comes to tell her what she's done. Rita's annoyed. She tells Tina she's been caught in the crossfire of this silly feud between Tina and Kirsty. Tina insists that she's going to go with Rita to the police station to show her documents.

In the pub, Kirsty's feeling left out by Ty's plan to spend the evening with the lads. At the bar, Eileen tries to shut Beth up but that's impossible. Beth can't resist telling Kevin what they've just seen. He's shocked and now it's his mouth hanging open.

The End of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by Peter Whalley

Kevin is on the warpath! He arrives at No. 4 demanding to know where Sally is. Sophie, who is doing her best to keep up the 'Not talking to Dad' routine tells him she is at work. He asks her if she knew about 'this'? Sophie responds that she not only doesn't know what he is talking about, but doesn't want to know because she is not talking to him, due to him ruining her entire life.

He apologises for that, but is quickly back to the subject upsetting him far more than his daughter's ruined life, and cannot wait to tell her that her mother is going out with 'that Frank'. Sophie is visibly taken aback, but calmly tells him that she is not married to him anymore, and can go out with whoever she likes. The truth then comes out of Kevin's mouth in the next sentence. He is not concerned that she is going out with a possible rapist, oh no, he is more upset that she would go out with anybody except him. Sophie agrees that it is indeed probably the reason. Sophie then reminds him that she is not talking to him, so he leaves, at the same time reminding her to tell her mother to "think on".

In the Rovers, my newest favourite character, Beth is talking to Eileen and Gail about the scene they were just witness to in their workplace, namely Sally and Frank engaging in tonsil hockey. They are telling Gail with relish that they had felt it their duty to tell Kevin. Gail is shocked, but at the same time, kind of enjoying this piece of juicy gossip. To me, Beth is a mixture of Cilla Brown and Shelley Unwin, both in looks and mannerisms, and has the makings of a classic character.

Tyrone is trying to explain to Kirsty the concept of a 'Lad's Night Out'. Oh she is good this one, she has mastered the ability of telling him she quite understands and to go off with him mates and have a good time, but at the same time manages to make him feel so guilty she knows full well he will not have a good time at all! Danny, Kirk and Tommy do their level best to get him away from her and tell him that if he doesn't join in their game of darts, the next round will be on him as it's a case of the lowest score buys. Poor whipped Tyrone tells them that it's OK, he will buy the next round, but has to continue talking to Kirsty right now. Just then Leanne comes in bemoaning the fact that she is alone, and has been for most of the day.

Back at No. 4, Sally bustles in from work apologising to Sophie for being late, giving the excuse that when you have been promoted you can no longer leave a job right on the dot, but have to wait until the work is done. Sophie asks who promoted her, so Sally replies that Frank did. She then asks if Sophie has heard from Sian, and is told that she had received a text telling her to stop texting her. "Well, that's a start" chirps Sally brightly, obviously in a much better mood than Sophie is. Sophie is about to ask her mother exactly what her relationship is with Frank, when Sally's mobile rings, and on seeing it is from Frank, the conversation with her daughter is forgotten and she moves away to answer it, her face beaming like a beacon.

In the police station, Tina is beside herself with anger, as she knows in her mind that Rita has been set up somehow by Kirsty. Rita begs her to calm down, because she has had enough, just wants to get it over with and go home.

Tyrone is busy paying for the round he owes in the Rovers, Kirsty declines to join them in another one for herself. The lads are still trying to get Tyrone out for the night, and remark that they are all moving on into town shortly, and ask Tyrone if he is joining them. "Deffo" says our lad, but if looks could kill, we would be planning his funeral about now. With her face dragging on the floor, she tells Tyrone that she might as well go home then, he tells her, apologetically, that he won't be late, but the guilt seed has been firmly planted in his brain.

Leanne gets a call from Simon's mate's parents, asking if he can sleep over. She calls Peter on her new mobile and asks if he will take Simon some clothes round there, she is planning to have a night off. Eileen leaves for a dinner date with a gentleman, Beth goes home to rescue the food from her fridge before her son eats it all, and Gail wanders over to check with Kevin if what she has been hearing about Sally is true. Kevin tells her that it sounds as if it is true, and says she is probably only going with Frank to get back at him. Typical of Kevin to make it all about him isn't it?

Rosie arrives at No. 4, having been summoned there by Sophie. When she is told about Sally and Frank, she hits the roof, and promptly decides that she and Jason have to go to Frank's place - now! Jason tries his best not to get involved, but needless to say, our Rosie is not having any of it, she looks up the address and they are on their way.

Back in the police station, Rita has handed over her documents, and while the officer is looking them over, Tina is demanding to know why she is being made to go through all this for going a mere three miles over the speed limit. Obviously tuning Tina out, the officer asks Rita if her birthdate is correct on the documents, and when she tells him it is, he asks when she last renewed her license. On being told it was some time ago, he leaves, saying he had to check on something. Tina is more sure than ever that it is a big set-up, and tells Rita that as soon as she has her license back, they are walking out!

The four lads are just leaving the Rovers with the intention of heading down to the King's Head. All that is with the exception of Tyrone. The little guilt seed that Kirsty planted is flourishing nicely inside his brain, and he tells them he is going home instead. They beg and plead with him, but don't have the same power of persuasion that Kirsty has, and he heads off down the street with Tommy's "Don't forget to wipe your feet before you go in" ringing in his ears.

Peter is loading his car with the stuff Simon needs for his overnight stay, just as Carla and Michelle come by. A little banter takes place, most of which goes over Michelle's head, but those of us who know what Peter & Carla were up to earlier know only full well what they are talking about. They are obviously enjoying the skullduggery that goes along with having an illicit affair. When the women get into the Rovers, and Carla removes her coat, Stella immediately recognizes the necklace she is wearing and admires it, asking if someone special had bought it for her. Carla replies that it was nobody she would know. With Stella out of earshot, Michelle questions her response, as she had told her she bought it for herself. Carla replies that she doesn't want to appear that sad.

Now we are in No. 9, which like everywhere else on the street, is still fully decorated for Christmas. My mother always told us that if we didn't have the decorations down by 12th night we would have bad luck all year. I don't know if this was true, or if it was just a way of getting us to agree to get rid of them, but today is January 6th, 12th night - if you lived on Coronation Street, would you take the chance of inviting any more bad luck? I don't think I would! Anyway, Kirsty is putting a meal in front of Tyrone, and telling him that she would never try to keep him from his friends, and he tells her that he would never let his friends keep him from her. Don't worry Ty, pretty soon you will have none left to worry about. He asks her if she would like a beer with her meal, and she tells him that she doesn't, and neither does he as he has had enough. He looks at her to see if she is joking, and can see by her face that she is deadly serious, so tells her she is absolutely right.

At the police station, the officer is telling Rita that because of her age, her license has to be renewed every three years. Rita says she didn't know that, but he goes on to say that she was sent a reminder in December, 2010, which Rita says she didn't get. Tina interjects that Rita had been unconscious under a pile of rubble for some considerable period at the time in question, and quite possibly there was no mail delivery either as a tram had gone through the viaduct into her living quarters. The officer tells her that regardless, she has been driving for some time illegally without valid insurance, and therefore could be facing a possible ban and a considerable fine. Rita is horrified and breaks down in tears.

In Nick's Bistro Eileen is enjoying a meal and a bottle of wine with Paul. She asks him how things are at home, and he starts to tell her, but then says that he doesn't want to be always talking about Leslie to her, or she will soon tire of seeing him. She tells him it is natural to want to talk about her, but he insists that he is not going to.

Jason and Rosie pull up outside Frank's house in Didsbury. A very nice looking house he has too. They ring the bell and immediately tackle Sally about what she is doing there. Sally takes the wind right out of their sails by telling them that she is there because Frank's father had died of a heart attack earlier in the day, and she was there to help him sort things out, as his parents had been abroad when it happened, and there was a lot of arrangements to be made. Jason immediately gives Frank his condolences and wants to leave, but Rosie is not going without first asking Sally about her relationship with Frank. Sally is shocked to hear that Kevin knows about it, and is further shocked to hear that Eileen and Beth had seen them kissing earlier. They have no choice but to admit it, which sends Rosie into a tirade about everyone talking about her mother dating a rapist. Sally protests that Frank has been wrongly accused, and Rosie counters that she is the only one who thinks so. As Frank leaves the room to take a phone call, Sally agrees to talk about it to Rosie as long as she keeps calm.

Paul is now speaking to someone called Margaret on the phone, and is asking how long Leslie has been doing it. He tells her that he won't be much longer, but to please stay with her. After he hangs up, Eileen asks what is going on, and he tells her that Leslie has been constantly asking where he is, and has been going from room to room looking for him. She asks if he needs to go home, and he tells her he doesn't, that she is not in any danger, and he really can't run to her every time she calls his name. Eileen tells him that she doesn't want him to stay just because of her, because then she would feel guilty. He doesn't want to go, but the evening has been ruined, Leslie is there between them and won't go away, so finally an apologetic Paul decides to pay the bill and go, with Eileen reassuring him that it is perfectly fine, but is it?

Sally is busy defending her relationship with Frank. She tries to reassure Rosie that she was skeptical about him at first, but now she knows him better she knows he is not a rapist. Rosie is not convinced, and is even more worried that the bad publicity will affect her in some way - so selfless is our Rosie! After they leave, Sally vents to Frank about Kevin, why he would turn her daughters against her instead of coming to her first.

Tina is now buying a sobbing Rita a drink in the Rovers, and is vowing to kill Kirsty for what she has done. Rita is blaming herself though, and is mortified that she is going to be prosecuted. Peter joins Leanne at the bar after dropping off Simon's clothes. After Leanne takes off to the loo, Stella doesn't miss the tender smiles that are exchanged between Carla and Peter, and doesn't look happy - oh no she doesn't!

Kevin is just coming out of the Rovers when Sally arrives home and has a go at him for telling Sophie about her and Frank. She tells him it has nothing to do with him, and he had no right to interfere. He reminds her that it has everything to do with him, as he is still her husband. She tells him in no uncertain terms that he won't be for much longer, because first thing in the morning she plans to contact her lawyer and put the divorce back in motion again.

The episode ends with Kevin looking aghast - this is not what he wants at all!

See you next week
Christine Warren


Monday 9 January

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Griff Rowland

Rita cancels her weekend away in the Lakes, a visit to Mavis because of her driving ban. Norris asks if she'll have to retake her driving test, a though which adds to Rita's dismay. Norris doesn't help matters by observing that she's probably collected massive amounts of bad habits and will probably have to take the written theory test as well. Rita is nearly in tears as Tina comes in to find out if there's been any news. Tina offers to drive her to the Lakes but Rita declines the offer. Tina mutters about Kirsty but Rita takes some responsibility since she *was* speeding and hadn't renewed her license. She also points out that if Tina hadn't been winding Kirsty up, it probably wouldn't have happened either.

In the pub, Karl and Steve are helping to set up the pub and chatting about something and nothing. Stella isn't saying much and when Karl asks her, she just says she's got something on her mind. Steve heads into the cellar and Karl asks Stella what she meant. She describes the necklace that Peter bought being the same one Carla was wearing and she's making the connections. She doesn't know whether to tell Leanne her suspicions or not. Karl thinks she's imagining things but Stella isn't so sure. He advises her not to do anything until she's sure. Leanne arrives and the two of them go off for a shopping trip.

In Fosterworld, Eileen and Beth are giggling together, much to Sally's chagrin. She scolds them for spilling the beans. Frank arrives and doesn't say anything so Sally heads into the office. She asks Frank if there's any news. He says his mother is flying his father's body home today and he hasn't been able to help because his passport has been taken by the authorities. He praises Sally for being there for him.

Kirsty comes downstairs, dressed for work and Tina lays right into her. She describes what happened and Kirsty is pulled up short when she hears it was Rita who was stopped, not Tina. She blusters but denies her involvement, trying to place the blame on Rita for not renewing. Her face falls a bit though, when Tina reminds her that Rita was buried under the rubble when the renewal was due. Tina describes Rita as an old woman that's got caught in their cross-fire. Kirsty continues to deny.

In Underworld, things are buzzing with productivity. Michelle chats to Julie who lets slip about Frank and Sally. Michelle is sure that Carla doesn't know about that little tid bit of gossip yet. Julie reckons someone ought to tell Carla, looking pointedly at Michelle. Carla is interviewing machinists at the time so Michelle can't tell her yet and is upset she has to be the one to spring the news on her.

It's Amber's 21st birthday. In the shop, Dev and Sunita are singing 21 Today with a candle-lit cupcake for her. Sunita hands over a card from her and the kids. Dev hands over a wrapped gift meant to help her in her quest for a new job...a log book to keep a record of all the places she applies. Oh. Amber's less than impressed. That's it? Well, it *is* leather bound! Amber leaves, clearly disappointed. Apparently Amber had been nagging for a car for weeks. Dev chuckles that the log book is just a little joke and Sunita utters the phrase of doom, glad that he didn't actually buy her a car. Dev whistles as Sunita moves away with a calculating look on his face.

Michelle has made it into Carla's office. Carla is still looking over resumes and wonders if Fiz is employed. Michelle says that Fiz did ask for a job while Carla was away and she'd had to put her off. (I guess Fiz didn't go work for Frank after all. I was wondering.) Michelle takes a seat and tells Carla about Frank and Sally being an item. Carla's shocked and quietly thanks her for the information. She changes the subject back to work and Michelle leaves the office.

Leanne and Stella are sat in a restaurant after not quite as successful a shopping trip as they'd hoped for. Stella asks how things are going and how Peter is. She tactfully probes to find out if things are well between them and is glad to hear that Leanne is of the opinion that it's going really well. She mentions Peter's one-on-one counseling as well. That's going well, too. Peter always comes back filled with the joys of spring (yes, and we know why!) Leanne looks forward to when they can start thinking about IVF and a bright and happy future. How nice for you. Stella clearly still has her suspicions.

After the break, Becky finds Kylie and David in the cafe. She asks how Max is doing in school and gushes over a photo of him in his uniform that Kylie has on her phone. Steve is at the counter, taking all this in. Becky tells Kylie it's very slow in the cab office. Steve interjects that it's always quiet in January and is rather rude to her. Becky suggests they find ways to drum up business. Steve scorns and leaves. Becky keeps her temper. Over at another table, Julie has told Eileen and Beth that she'd told Michelle about Sally and Frank. Anna passes two plates of cottage pie to Sylvia to deliver. We are treated to the reason that cottage pie was named thus: they should have sliced potato on top, to resemble the tiles on a cottage roof. Shepherd's Pie (lamb not beef) has mashed potato to resemble fluffy sheep. Now you know. And these cottage pies are improperly topped with mash. Owen has come in for a bacon butty. David makes a snide remark about a net over the pond to keep it safe from Max. It descends to squabbling.

Dev greets Amber out on the street. Her face still looks like thunder but as they walk towards the shop, he gestures to a little car outside it and tells her it's for her. You knew that was coming. He tosses her the key as Sunita emerges with flowers. Sunita is incensed and slams back into the shop.

Sylvia sits down beside Becky and observes that if any man spoke to her like Steve did to Becky, she'd prove him wrong. Becky looks at her and agrees. She's already on it. Norris has come in and is not happy to see Sylvia. He thought she was off on Mondays. They exchange a sarcastic barbs. Becky makes a phone call to the man at the hotel where she had that meeting. He seems to be quite complimentary to her. He's quite happy to meet up with her to discuss more business.

Owen brings two more fish outside. Faye still wants her shed back. Faye is given the privilege to name the fish but Owen isn't happy with any of her choices because they aren't fishy enough. David and Kylie hurl some insults from the upstairs window. The fish are put into the pond. Anna offers a dvd night for her and Faye, just the two of them.

Over to the pub where Tina is in full accusatory mode over the bar to Tyrone and Tommy, slagging off Kirsty's recent campaign that Rita got caught in. Tommy is keeping quiet and Tyrone defends Kirsty. Stella returns from her shopping trip. She tells Karl things were fine and he warns her again to stay out of it all.

Danny has come to the cab office to see Becky. Coffee is offered. It turns out Steve has told Danny that business dealings should be with him not Becky. She's not happy and he's caught in the middle but says they do own it together. Danny says there has been no deal yet with Steve and she reckons he probably doesn't want to deal with either one of them now. He is actually rather keen, and is quite happy to work with Becky.

In the Kabin, Dennis wonders why Mavis doesn't come to Weatherfield for a visit. Rita says there's too many memories for her here. Tina comes in. Rita's a bit cool but then Kirsty and Tyrone arrive. Kirsty apologizes for what happened and says she's sorted it out. She pleaded extenuating circumstances on Rita's behalf, there will be no repercussions and she can renew her license online. Easy Peasy. Rita is chuffed, Tina is sour, especially after a smug look from Kirsty before she leaves.

In the pub, a surly Kevin is talking to Carla, apparently about Sally but it's of no consequence. Stella brings Carla's drink to her, eyeing the necklace again. Peter arrives. Carla talks to him about Frank and Sally. While they chat, Stella gives them the evil eye from across the bar. Carla's upset, thinking that Frank having a respectable woman as a girlfriend will sway the jury to his favour. Peter tries to comfort her with a squeeze to the arm but she pulls back. Just then, Becky comes in howling for Steve's blood. Shout, shout, squabble, squabble. She's determined to stay in the business, more than ever. Norris sticks his two pennies in, uncalled for. Stella can't hold it in anymore and asks Peter into the back room. When he gets there, she confronts him. What's going on with him and Carla? She knows about the necklace. He plays dumb. She lays out the whole case about the necklace as the first half ends. Stay tuned to see if Peter can wriggle out of this one.

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Griff Rowland

We begin in the back room of the Rovers where Stella is interrogating Peter about the necklace which he bought for Carla. He tries to get out of it by telling Stella that it's none of her business but when she says she's making it her business he quickly comes up with a story about how he'd bought it for Leanne but the following day he saw Carla wearing the same one so he took it back as he knew Leanne wouldn't be happy if she saw Carla wearing the identical necklace. Stella gives him the benefit of the doubt but tells Peter that if she ever finds out he's been lying he's going to wish he'd never been born.

Back in the bar Carla asks Peter where he's been but he rushes past her, pausing only long enough to tell her he can't talk now. Carla can see he's stressed about something. Fiz arrives to talk to Carla.

In the Kabin, a relieved Rita is making a cup of tea and telling Dennis and Tina that she's glad her run in with the police is all over. Tina is more suspicious of Kirsty than ever because, as she says, there's no way Kirsty could have fixed it that easily unless she was involved in the first place. Rita tries telling Tina that she just got off on the wrong foot with Kirsty and Dennis's take on the whole situation is that it's just a clash of two strong personalities. Tina insists that Kirsty hates her but Rita suggests Kirsty might be intimidated by her and that Tina should try taking her for a drink so that they can talk.

We return to the Rovers where Tommy, Kirk, Kirsty and Tyrone are talking about what sort of person is right for the police force. Kirsty is deliberately turning on the charm and, as Tina scowls in the background, Stella observes that Kirsty certainly has a way with men. Tyrone offers Tina a drink but she turns it down. "Don't be like that" Tyrone says sadly to Tina. "Yeah, don't be like that" repeats Kirsty in an entirely different tone of voice.

Tracy arrives in the Rovers to find Steve and Becky arguing over Street Cars. Steve, who is trying to persuade Becky to give up her share of the business, asks her to make things easy for them for once in her life but she flatly refuses. As Tracy sticks her oar in, Becky observes that this must be what they call a hostile take-over bid. "Oh, it'll be hostile all right," retorts Tracy as Stella steps in to break up the argument. Becky agrees to go, with the parting shot that she has to go back to the cab office to check on her investment.

Over in Anna's back garden, Faye is watching from the back door as Owen peers at his fish with the aid of a torch. "What's he still doing here?" Faye demands as she goes back inside to Anna who is selecting a DVD for them to watch together. There's nothing less than a 15 certificate that meets with Faye's approval - and Anna isn't about to be taken in by Faye's insistence that all of her friends are allowed to watch 18s - so Anna suggests they go off to the video shop to choose something they'll both enjoy. As they're getting their coats on, Owen comes in to tell them how much the fish seem to be enjoying the torchlight and Anna jokes that they probably think it's a nightclub and they could play them some drum and bass to go with it. Faye's response is to suggest that they should choose a DVD of Jaws or Piranha. "Don't rise to the bait," quips Anna, catching sight of Owen's face. Anna and Owen's relationship appears to be getting closer by the minute, whilst Faye's jealousy is increasing at the same rate.

At Frank's house, Sally is giving a cup of tea to Anne who has arrived back in England following the death of her husband. Frank thanks Sally for "dropping those papers off" as a way of explaining to his mother what Sally is doing there. Sally says she has to go but when Frank asks "so soon?" she agrees to stay for a bit longer. As Sally asks if there's anything she can get her, Anne starts to get more and more distraught and says that Carla killed her husband through the stress caused by her "filthy lies". "She should have this pain," she sobs, rushing upstairs for a lie-down. "How am I going to get through this, Sally?" asks Frank. Well, I think we all know the answer to that one .

Now we go over to Leanne and Peter's where Leanne is on her way out to a PTA meeting. Peter appears to have forgotten, due to the fact that his "head is all over the place". As are his hands over Carla's body, but of course he doesn't tell Leanne that bit. Peter apologises and says he's just a bit knackered - too right! Leanne asks if he's still going to go to his meeting and is pleased when he confirms that he is because, as she tells him, it's very important. If only she knew. No sooner is Leanne out of the door than Peter is dialing Carla's number.

In the Rovers we see Carla's phone ringing but she's in a meeting with Fiz so, when she sees who's calling, she switches it off without answering it. They are discussing Fiz going back to work for Carla but there's the problem of childcare for Hope. Carla is desperate for a good machinist so Fiz says she'll manage to work something out and they seal the arrangement with a hug.

We see the ever-watchful Stella observing the goings-on in the pub as Kirsty goes up to a wistful-looking Tyrone to ask him for a penny for his thoughts. Kirsty seems concerned for him until she learns that he's gutted about what's happened with Tina. Suddenly Kirsty becomes all frosty. As Tyrone says he can't understand what's gone wrong because Tina is a "top girl" Kirsty gets all shirty and says "it must be me, then." Tyrone asks Kirsty if she could have said anything to provoke the situation but gets very short shrift in return. She states quite categorically that she never had anything to do with Rita's car being stopped or the tip-off to the store detective. Tyrone seems satisfied and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

In the corner shop Dev is delighted by the fact that Amber now thinks he's the best dad in the world for buying her a car. Sunita doesn't share Amber's view of her father and accuses Dev of trying to bankrupt them. He insists they can afford it but Sunita says it should have been a joint decision and points out that she's working a 60 hour week to keep a roof over their heads. Dev starts wheedling to Sunita and points out that it's meant to be a happy day so Sunita says she'll leave him to it as she's taking a night off. As she goes off her parting shot is that, considering he's the best dad in the world, he's pretty average in most other departments. Over at Underworld, Carla is working late and is on the phone to a supplier as Peter walks in. She thinks it's a nice surprise to see him until Peter tells her that they've got a problem: he thinks Stella is on to them.

Carla and Peter continue to discuss their situation. Carla offers to stop wearing the necklace but Peter says the problem is much worse than that. Carla points out that Stella only suspects something is going on, she doesn't know for certain.

Meanwhile, in the street outside the factory, Sally is on the phone to Frank telling him that his mother has just pulled up outside in a taxi. Sally tells Frank she'll take care of the situation as she hurries off to follow Anne into the factory. Anne then bursts in on Carla and Peter who, by this time are talking about how their affair could affect the outcome of the trial. Fortunately Anne doesn't appear to notice what they've been talking about as she's too intent on telling Carla how she's just brought home her husband's dead body and how, as far as she's concerned, Carla as good as killed him. By this time Sally is hovering in the background and Peter tells her to get out. Anne continues her tirade until Peter has the final word, telling her that the only person going to hell is her precious son. It's enough to leave Anne speechless, giving Sally the opportunity to lead her out of the office. Carla asks Peter whether he thinks Anne heard any of their conversation.

Anna and Faye arrive back from the video shop to find that Katy has called round for a surprise visit and has established herself on the sofa with the baby and while Owen sits looking on adoringly. Faye is not amused, especially when Anna starts cooing over the baby. Faye asks to put on the DVD and then wants to know how long the popcorn will take to cook but Anna is far too busy cuddling Joseph and asking how Katie is getting on and keeps telling Faye to wait "just a sec". When Anna tells Katy that she will look after the baby while Katy goes upstairs for a bath and a bit of "me time", Faye looks ready to explode with anger and jealousy.

Over at Tyrone's, Tina is enjoying something on the telly when Tyrone and Kirsty arrive back from the pub. The bickering between the two girls picked up where it left off and Ty, too tired to even care, says he's going upstairs for a bath. No sooner has he left the room then the argument moves up by several notches. Tina starts to have a go at Kirsty about how she doesn't think she's a very good cop - all mouth and no truncheon as she puts it. So Kirsty responds that the store detective and the set up with Rita were just warnings and that if Tina keeps pushing she'll have to turn her attention to something that matters. However what Kirsty hasn't noticed is that the door has swung open and while they were arguing Tyrone has come down the stairs. When Kirsty turns round she is totally shocked and unusually lost for words. Tyrone has heard every word.

In the Rovers Sally is plying Anne with a large brandy and Anne is telling her that she didn't know what came over her and what made her go to the factory. She thanks Sally for stopping her from doing something really stupid. As Stella listens to their conversation from the other side of the bar, Sally reassures Anne that nothing would have happened because Peter would have intervened before it did. We can almost see the cogs whirring inside Stella's head as she works out that it means that Peter must have been in the factory with Carla. However, just to make really sure she goes and interrupts their conversation to ask if that was the case. Sally confirms this but wonders why Stella would be interested.

Back at Tyrone's he is giving Kirsty the third degree over what he has just heard. Kirsty tries to wriggle out of what she's done by claiming that she was only pretending to Tina about the things she said she'd done in order to wind her up but Tyrone obviously doesn't believe her. In the course of Tyrone's interrogation Kirsty tells him that nobody's perfect and he responds by saying he doesn't expect her to be perfect but he expects her to tell him the truth. Kirsty comes back at him by saying that it's all about Tina trying to break them up and she gives Tyrone an ultimatum: either Tina leaves the house or she will.

At the Bistro, Becky arrives for her meeting with Danny. After some very friendly banter in which Becky reassures him everything has been sorted with Steve, Becky is delighted to learn that they still have a deal with the cab contract. The attraction between them is palpable and, it's only a matter of a few sentences before the meeting has transformed into a date. However, not before Becky has told Danny: "I should warn you, I'm extremely hard work". Never was a truer word spoken.

Meanwhile, Tyrone has made his decision. As he stands in the front room looking miserable, Kirsty clunks down the stairs with her bags. "I hate goodbyes," states Tyrone. "Then don't say it," begs Kirsty. But Tyrone tells her it's too late. Tina comes downstairs and sits at the bottom, listening to the end of their conversation as Tyrone tells Kirsty how hard it was for him to learn to trust again after what happened with Molly. Kirsty ends by telling Tyrone that she never meant to hurt him and how she'd waited all her life for someone like him to come along. "No hard feelings," are her final words as she walks out of the front door. Tina gets up from her seat on the stairs and tells Tyrone how sorry she is. "I should have believed you," he says and Tina envelopes him in a hug.

At Frank's he and Sally are getting stuck into the red wine as Anne is upstairs having another lie down. Frank's worried about his mother as he tells Sally he's never seen her like this before but Sally tries to reassure him that she's a tough woman and it's not surprising she's in a state because she's just lost her husband. As they continue the conversation about what happened in the factory, Sally mentions that Peter was there and Frank suddenly becomes very interested, especially when he realises that Peter and Carla were alone together. Sally asks if he thinks something is going on. "I'm not sure," replies Frank. "But I'm going to find out."

Karen Jankel


Thursday 12 January

Tina and Tommy are in the kitchen. Tina's worried that Tyrone is avoiding her. Just then he comes downstairs looking rough. He tells them it's not the first time he's fallen for someone who's a liar, and he's not going to work, he's going back to bed.

Carla and Michelle are in the cafe, waiting for their bacon sarnies to be ready. Just then Peter walks in, so Carla suggests that Michelle goes over to the factory and she'll bring the breakfast when it's done. When Michelle has gone, Carla and Peter have a hurried, whispered conversation. She says they need to talk. He says he might be able to get away for half an hour later on.

At Frank's house, he and his mother are dressed and ready for the funeral. Frank's on the phone to Sally, saying he'll see her at the church. When he hangs up, his mother comments that she would never have thought that Sally, being mid-forties with grown-up children, would be his type, but it probably does no harm for him to be seen with someone respectable. He tells her he's with Sally because he likes her, not because of what people might think.

In the corner shop, things are frosty between Sunita and Dev, she's still cross with him for buying Amber a car, and even crosser when she learns that he's given her the day off to take that car for a spin! He says it will give the two of them a chance to have quality time together. Sunita, however, doesn't think that a day behind the counter with Dev is quality time, and, taking a handful of notes from the till says that she quits and is going shopping!

Tina's folding washing when Tyrone comes downstairs, dressed this time. She suggests they do something together - go to town or see a film. He's not in the mood for doing anything, and then spots Kirsty's t-shirt amongst the washing. He wants to call her to arrange to give it back, but Tina grabs his phone and tells him it's just a t-shirt, Kirsty can live without it. Then he crumples and says he misses her, he wants her back. Tina reminds him how she lied, she tells him he can't be with someone he doesn't trust. She tells him to do himself a favour and forget her. She hands him his phone and he deletes Kirsty's number.

Becky breezes in the cafe, chirpy and happy. She tells Roy and Sylvia how her business meeting with Danny turned into a very enjoyable couple of hours in the bistro, and how he made her feel normal again and forget about Steve and everything else. They're really pleased for her.

In the Street, Tina spots Kirsty heading towards Tyrone's front door. She stops her and tells her that he doesn't want to see her. Kirsty thinks Tina is being very protective for someone who just professes to be a mate, and says she thinks Tina wants Tyrone for herself. Tina stands in front of the door to stop Kirsty knocking on it. They start to wrestle until Tommy rushes over from the garage and stops them. Tommy says that if Tyrone wants to see Kirsty he'll phone her. "No he won't," says Tina triumphantly, "because he's deleted your number!" Kirsty goes off saying it's not over.

In the pub, Karl and Stella are dismayed to have been turned down for a mortgage on the pub. Steve says he's gutted too, he's in a hurry to sell. Stella says they'll try another bank. Just then Tracy comes in and Stella talks to her about her hen night, saying she'll give her an expensive bottle of wine. Tracy says she'll be glad if she'll join her, because the way things are, it will probably be just her and her mum. Tracy then takes Steve to one side and tells him she wants Becky out of Streetcars, not next week or next month but now. Steve says he's sorting it, he's off to see a solicitor. He's told him about the deal Becky did with Lloyd and the solicitor thinks they can get out of it. Tracy says she'll come too.

The wake for Frank's dad is taking place at Frank's house. Anne snaps at Sally and then apologises, she's not finding things easy. Sally says she thinks Anne is coping very well. She tells Anne that she cares a lot for Frank and just wants to make him happy. They both look round and see Frank talking to a woman neither of them have seen before.

Tina goes home and finds Tyrone watching tv. She drags him off to town for a curry, her treat. She drives, because he's had a drink. They get in the car, unaware that Kirsty is watching them from her police car parked just across the Street.

As Karl goes off to do a night shift on the taxis, Sunita comes in, laden with shopping bags, and orders a drink. She gets chatting to Stella who tells her they're looking for part time bar staff. Just then Dev comes in and asks if they can talk. She says she's still waiting for an apology. "For what? Spoiling my daughter?" says Dev, adding that she's the one who walked out, threatened to quit. She tells him it wasn't a threat, and then turns to Stella and says she'll take the job. Dev is horrified, he's such a snob, and tells Stella he's not having the mother of his children working in a pub. Stella turns to Sunita and tells her she can start tomorrow.

Frank is still talking to the mystery woman. It turns out she's a private investigator who charges Ł60 per hour. He says he hopes she's good because he really needs a result. She says if there's something going on between Carla and Peter, she'll get the proof.

Tina and Tyrone are driving along when suddenly a police car comes up behind them flashing its lights. Tyrone tells her to pull over, but Tina realises that it's Kirsty driving and refuses, saying she's going to drive to the police station and get it sorted out once and for all.

Peter and Carla meanwhile, are having a secret assignation in the ginnel. They decide that for now they'll keep their relationship quiet, but after the trial they'll tell everybody.

The guests have gone, and Frank tells Sally about the private investigator. It's a long shot, but he needs all the help he can get.

Tina and Tyrone are still being followed by Kirsty. Tina pulls up sharply at a red traffic light, and Kirsty smashes right into the back of their car.

Becky's on the phone to Danny when Steve and Tracy walk into the taxi office. Steve puts a cheque down on the desk and tells Becky that he's been told by the solicitor there is something in his contract called a shareholders' agreement, which means that his partner (Lloyd) could not sell his share of the business without Steve's agreement. Therefore his deal with Becky is not worth the paper it's written on. He urges her to take the money and go. Becky however, will not be moved. She says the business is all she has left, Steve can keep his money. She gets up to leave, and Tracy makes a snide remark. Becky turns and tells Tracy she's going to wipe the smile off her face before she's finished, she promises her that.

At the scene of the road accident, the paramedics are in attendance. Tina and Tyrone have minor injuries but Kirsty is unconscious.

Anne Logan


Friday 13 January

It's morning and Tina and Tommy are downstairs. Tina's quite bright. Tyrone comes in and he's not at all bright. He's worried about Kirsty and the hospital won't tell him anything. Tina's angry at him. Kirsty could have killed them, she says. Rita arrives to ask how Tina and Tyrone are and is pleased to find they're not in hospital.

In their backyard, Anna and Owen discuss work he's doing on the pond but they're slagged off by their neighbours - David and Kylie.

Tina tells Rita how the crash happened. Rita knew it would all end in tears. Tina tries to blame the whole thing on Kirsty but Rita tells her it was six of one and half a dozen of the other. They were both to blame. Tyrone's very upset - he promised himself after Molly that he'd never be taken in by a woman again. He's determined to go to the hospital.

It's busy at the Barlows' place. Amy's reminded she has a fitting for her bridesmaid dress tonight and Tracy has an important job for Steve: "Get shut of Becky." She urges him to be masterful. "Everybody hates her for what she put me through. You'd think she'd get the message."

Frank's Mum isn't ready to get rid of his Dad's things. As long as his book is still where he left it, with the page corner turned down [No wonder he was struck dead - horrific behaviour!], she can pretend he's still coming back. Ann is startled to discover that Sally stayed the night. Sally refuses Frank's offer of breakfast and dashes off. Ann gives Frank his father's watch, which his father wore every day of his life. Frank promises to do the same.

Tina's up and about the house and is told off by Tommy. She's hurt her ribs and got a bang on the head and has been told to rest. He explains to her how panicked he was when he was told she'd been in a crash. The police arrive to take a statement. Tina sort of regurgitates all this stuff about Kirsty being a mad cow and the whole thing being her fault. She tells the constable she wants to make a formal complaint against Kirsty.

In the salon, Tracy's talking to David about how to do her hair for the wedding. Kylie's reading a magazine and chipping in with nasty comments about Tracy's hair. She gets a call on her mobile phone and leaps into action. She's got a job at a wedding where someone's been left in the lurch. It's at Oldham so she'll have to pay for a cab to get there, but they're paying over the odds so it'll be worth it.

Somehow the security measures at the hospital mean Tyrone's been allowed in to wander around and find Kirsty. She's wearing one of those oxygen-up-the-nose tube things (yes, I know it's probably got a proper name, but I don't know what that is) and is in the standard in-hospital-in-a-TV-show pose - lying flat but with her head propped up on two pillows so she probably can't breathe! Tyrone asks her why she chased them. KIrsty says she was desperate to see him. He wasn't answering his phone and Tina wouldn't let her into the house. Tyrone explains that he didn't want to see her because she lied to him. Kirsty pleads with him to stay and talk. "I know it's over. Please, just sit with me." She weeps and Tyrone hugs her.

In the Kabin, Rita tells Emily about the crash. They're distracted by Mary and Norris humming in unison as they dust. Emily cries out for them to stop and Rita says they sound like a pair of demented wasps. Their happy mood changes as Sylvia comes into the shop. She's very surprised they aren't getting in some keyboard practice. She, of course, is being coached by her friend Milton. He might live in the US but they speak every day. Mary boasts about Norris's keyboard skills and Rita pleads for them to go and practice!

Back at the hospital, Kirsty explains to Tyrone that she was driven mad by the strength of her feelings for him. She's never loved anyone that much. Tyrone is puzzled. He knows he's not the sort of bloke women fall for in that way. Kirsty says she did and her feelings overwhelmed her. The doctor comes in to see her and Kirsty says she wants Tyrone to stay with her. That's how he finds out she's pregnant!

The doctor tells Kirsty there are no internal injuries and she'll be discharged later today. Kirsty asks if she's absolutely sure she's pregnant and the doctor says there's no doubt. She'll arrange for Kirsty to have a scan before going home to make sure everything's OK. Kirsty asks Tyrone: "Where does this leave us?"

In Frank's factory, Beth keeps an entertained eye on Sally, giving Eileen a running commentary. Frank calls Sally into the office and she tells him that what's between them is private and special and it's upsetting her having the workers winding her up about it. Frank says he doesn't care who knows because they're both free and single and there's no need to hide it.

In the taxi office, Steve tries to give Becky a cheque but she screws it up. He wants her to get out of his face but she reminds him she owns half of Streetcars.

Kylie's fuming. The Oldham job was a hoax and the address she gave the taxi meant she was dropped off by an abattoir. David's sure Owen must be behind it.

Tyrone stomps into the garage, determined to do some work over Tommy's protests that he's been told to rest.

Nearby, there are some horrible noises coming from the camper van. Sylvia stops to listen and is very pleased with what she hears. We can hear Norris pleading to be allowed to stop and Mary bullying him into continuing.

David and Kylie burst into Anna's to confront Owen. Anna offers them a cuppa and in the kitchen Owen admits he got Jason to put on a funny voice and call Kylie about the Oldham job. Anna goes through to the living room and tells Kylie and David that Owen's not admitting anything but will pay them the 25-pound taxi fare as a goodwill gesture.

At the garage, Tommy and Kevin chat and Kevin tells Tommy how thrilled he was that little Jack said "Daddy" for the first time today. This enrages Tyrone, who comes out swinging, accusing Kevin of deliberately rubbing his nose in it. Tommy has to drag Tyrone away.

In the cafe, Becky moans about Steve and Tracy. Sylvia tells her there comes a time when she must admit defeat. Danny comes in to see Becky and she tells him she has to cancel their date. She'd be rotten company. Sylvia's quite taken by Danny. She makes him a drink while Becky sits down and tells him about her day. He suggests she just walk away from the whole Steve situation. "Stuff him. Come out with me tonight."

In the pub, Tyrone tells Tommy that Kirsty is pregnant. He says he should go back to the hospital because he just legged it and he can't leave things like that. Maybe he's been given another chance to be happy. Tommy looks worried.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Friday, January 13/2011 2nd Episode - 8:30 p.m. Friday the 13th, an unlucky day, and no doubt it will continue unlucky for some Coronation Street residents.

Written by Julie Jones, directed by Griff Rowland

Owen tells Anna he is about to take the temperature of the water in the pond, because when it is colder, you feed the fish less. Anna is surprised as she figured it would be the other way around. They both head out into the garden, where they find all the fish floating motionless on the surface of the water. Pulling a dirty looking tin out of the water, Owen deduces that someone has killed all his fish on purpose.

That scene of course automatically leads us over to Gail's kitchen where David is showing her that he has found his Kerplunk game up in the loft. She smiles and refers to it as an old friend, to which Kylie mutters that they need to get out more.

As expected, Owen bursts through the back door just then and lunges at David, pinning him up against the wall. Gail & Kylie scream at him to let him go, and Anna pleads with him to take it easy, but Owen has him by the throat, and accuses him of killing all his fish. David protests that he hasn't touched them, but Owen is not believing that for one minute.

Over in No. 9, Tommy Duckworth has broken the news to Tina about Kirsty's pregnancy. Tina is horrified, and says that she has to be lying, as she has lied about everything else. Tommy assures her it has to be true as Tyrone was there when the doctor gave them the news. She is convinced that she will use it to destroy Tyrone's life, and wants to get to the hospital now to get him away from her. Obviously still in pain herself she struggles to get up off the sofa, but Tommy stops her, saying that there is no way that Tyrone will fall for that now that he knows what she is like.

Owen is still ranting at David, telling him that the tin had contained creosote, and the whole pond will have to be cleaned and even the plants will have to be replaced, Anna chimes in that she has no idea how to get rid of creosote. David and Kylie are still protesting that they haven't gone anywhere near the pond, but Owen isn't listening. He gives them until tomorrow to come up with an apology and enough money to reimburse him for the expense. David tells him there is no way, because they didn't do it. Sure they would play pranks, but to actually kill something is not their style. I have just noticed that Kylie appears to be wearing what looks like fish lures as earrings, don't know if this was deliberate or coincidence, but thought it to be a nice touch. Anna finally persuades Owen to leave, and his parting words were "Tomorrow - an apology and the money or I will go to the police and the RSPCA".

Becky walks into Streetcars, and Steve braces himself for another big fight, but she tells him she is not there to fight, she admits defeat, and just wants a cheque from him and will leave. Steve tells her that she had her chance and now it's too late, and if she wants any more money from him she will have to fight him for it in court.

Tyrone is looking for Kirsty at the hospital having found her bed empty, he is looking far more anxious than he should be for someone who has recently broken up with her. Just then she is wheeled back to bed by an orderly, telling him she had just been for more tests. She tells him she is surprised to see him as he had legged it last time she saw him. He apologises for that, and explains that it was just the shock of hearing that she was pregnant. She tells him that it was a shock for her too. He goes on to say that he has always wanted a family of his own, and she tells him that she understands that the last person he would want a family with is her. However, she goes on to say that she has decided that there is no way she can get rid of the baby as it is his, and if it turns out half as lovely as he is, and ends the sentence with a sob. Oh she is SO good, this one! Ty then reaches over and holds her hand....oh dear.

Sylvia is giving Becky the benefit of her wisdom by telling her that her miserable face is putting the customers off their food. Roy asks her what is wrong, and she assures him it is nothing, she is just thinking. Sylvia interjects that instead of thinking about all her problems, she should be concentrating on the delightful Danny who has everything going for him, including lovely teeth, and is rather sweet on her. Becky agrees that she should definitely go out with him.

Tina is still fretting about not being able to reach Tyrone and talk him out of being sucked back into Kirsty's evil web. She is still all for heading over to the hospital to find him. Tommy makes a deal with her that if she will just get some rest and sleep, he will go to the hospital himself and find him.

Tyrone is still talking things over with Kirsty, it still bothers him that she could look him in the eye and lie to him like Molly did. Kirsty begs him not to compare her to Molly, as she would never cheat on him, that her biggest fault is that she loves him too much and lets her jealousy get the better of her. She assures him that if they have a child together, it would make her more secure, problem solved.

Ty is confused and makes to leave, so Kirsty plays her trump card, she pulls out a scan of their baby and gives it to him, saying it's too soon to tell yet if it's a boy or girl. This stops Tyrone in his tracks, and you can see him visibly melting as he looks at it.

While Steve is in the Rovers describing Becky as a monster who comes to rip your head off to Karl, the object of his conversation is arriving at Danny's house unannounced. He looks taken aback to see her, and she is just explaining that she wanted to surprise him when a little boy comes into view behind him, and calls him Daddy. A woman comes out into the hallway and pulls the child back into the room as Becky turns heel and marches away, yelling that she flippin' knew he was too good to be true.

Sylvia meets up with Norris and Mary in the Rovers and asks them how the practice is coming along. Mary waxes lyrical about how wonderful it is, and tells her that Norris has channeled the spirit of Franz Liszt, Sylvia counters that it sounded more like Les Dawson to her. Our dynamic duo are horrified to realise that Sylvia has actually heard what has been going on inside the motor home, and try to pass it off as just warming up. Sylvia is too busy bragging about her secret weapon in the guise of the wonderful Milton, who will see that she emerges from the competition with flying colours. Norris mutters that he is hardly a secret weapon since she never shuts up about him, but goes on to say that if she would like to call the contest off, they would quite understand. "Au Contraire" says our Sylvia, who is looking forward to trouncing them enormously!

Danny has caught up with Becky, who is waiting for a cab to take her home. He explains that the woman is his sister, and the boy is his son, and invites her to come back to the house to meet him.

Tommy has found Tyrone at the hospital, and the latter is telling him how being in the hospital brings back all the bad memories of the night of the tram crash. How ecstatic he had been that he still had Jack after Molly died. He tells Tommy how thrilled he had been to find Kirsty, that he really thought he had a future again. He points out that Kirsty really loves him - Tyrone - and now they were having a baby together, and that she had promised to change. Tommy tells him that if she is what he wants, he should go for it.

Becky is in her element, on the floor playing with Danny's son. The two have hit it off immediately and are busy playing video games. She asks Danny why he hadn't mentioned him before, and he tells her that he wanted to get to know her first. He tells her that the boy's mother is not around.

Beth asks Eileen at the Underworld lockers who she would like to have shut up in her cupboard if she could pick anyone. Eileen replies that she would have Bamber Gascoigne, who for those who don't know, was the original host of the show University Challenge - cute in an academic kind of way. Beth is too young or too thick to know who he is though, and opts for Jason Isaacs, (I had to look this one up and turns out he was Lucien Malfoy in Harry Potter), she goes on to say dreamily that she could never get bored with looking at his tattoos. A surprised Eileen asks if he really has tattoos, and Beth responds that he does in her fantasy, along with piercings. Just then Sally appears and tells them to hurry up and go home. Beth asks her if she is in a hurry to get rid of them so she can get Frank alone in the stock room. Instead of getting indignant, Sally takes the wind right out of her sails by telling her she just might do that. Frank looks on with amusement. As soon as they leave, Frank kisses Sally, telling her he has wanted to do that all day. He invites her to his place that evening, but she turns him down, telling him she should spend some time with Sophie. Then she has a bit of a change of heart, and tells him that she will see how she is after she has spent a little time with her, and if everything is OK, she will drop by later on.

Roy comes into the Rovers and Sylvia tackles him about underpaying her in her wages. Roy explains that he has made a deduction to offset the once a day calls she has been making to Milton in America. She responds with a tear jerking sob story about being a pensioner who can't afford phone calls, and has obviously outstayed her welcome, and will move out and set up camp in a wigwam on the Red Rec. Roy tells her she is getting things out of proportion, but she refuses his offer of a drink. Mary and Norris are of course loving this exchange, and gloat as Roy leaves that Sylvia's secret weapon has now been annihilated, and the contest is definitely back on.

Anna is trying to be the voice of reason, telling Owen that David and Kylie had seemed sincere in their denial of the fish murders. Owen is convinced it has to be them, as it has been them all along in the pond wars. Just then Faye comes in and Anna breaks the bad news to her about the pond. She asks who would do such a horrible thing, and she tells her they don't know yet. She looks at Owen and tells him she is sorry to hear that, with just a trace of a smirk playing around her lips.

Tina hears the front door go, and calls to see if it's Tommy. Tyrone tells her that it is him. Tina tells him "I left you a gazillion messages, please tell me that that crazy cow hasn't talked....." she is cut off there as the door opens wider and she sees that Kirsty is with him. She tells Tyrone that he is making a huge mistake, but he tells her that they have talked it through, and have decided to give it another go, what with the baby and everything. Kirsty apologises to Tina, and tells her she knows what she did was wrong. Tina tells her to save it for the investigation, which shocks Kirsty, she wasn't expecting that. Tina spits that Tyrone might be a pushover, but she isn't, and has reported her for harassment. Kirsty and Tyrone look at each other in disbelief.

Becky and Danny are alone at last, and Becky is telling him that she enjoyed every minute of playing with little Billy. She says that she is shocked that his mother could stay away from a gorgeous little lad like that, but Danny tells her that Billy's mother Vicky died in a car accident over three years ago. Becky apologises for what she said, and gives him her condolences. He then asks why she has never had any children, so she comes clean and explains all. These two are so good together, I think Becky might have finally fallen on her feet.

Back at Tyrone's, Kirsty is gob smacked that Tina has reported her antics to the police. She is worried about her career. Tina is unrepentant though, and Tyrone immediately takes Kirsty's side, bringing all the problems they have had down on Tina's shoulders, including the fact that she could have killed their unborn baby by not pulling over when they were being chased. Tina retorts that the baby is probably not even his. She accuses Tyrone of being so desperate to get everything back that he had with Molly that he would put up with anything. Kirsty offers to leave, but Tyrone tells her that she is home now, and is staying. Tina tells him that she has trapped him and he can't even see it, and is leaving. Tyrone feels bad that she can barely walk yet, and suggests she wait a few days until she is better, but Tina is leaving, much to the delight of Kirsty, who can't help but smirk a little bit as the credits roll.

Til next Friday..

Christine


Monday 16 January

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Alan Grint

Becky stayed over at Danny's. She's thoroughly enjoying breakfast with little Billy. Danny approves. Danny also seems as smitten as Billy is with Becky. Danny persuades her to stay a bit longer and asks her out for that evening.

Tracy's hen night is tonight. Her, Deirdre and Emily. Big Whoop. Ken says Leanne might come too. Under duress, Tracy points out. Steve doesn't have anything planned so Tracy talks her father into taking Steve out for a drink along with Peter. Steve does not look impressed. Everyone hopes Becky doesn't turn up and spoil things. Deirdre observes that if Becky did take a payout for her share of Streetcars she just might leave. Steve looks thoughtful.

Frank's mother is having breakfast alone but is very shaky when Sally comes down and tries to be gentle but Anne snaps at her. Frank chides his mother but Sally understands.

Becky returns to the cafe. Roy has been worried but Sylvia reckoned Becky was with Danny. Becky is all smiles. She describes Danny as normal, kind, dead fit and has a lovely little boy. Roy fears she's jumping into something too soon. Becky knows in her heart he's a good man. Roy observes that she's smiling a smile he's missed. She pulls them both close for a hug.

Kirsty tells Tyrone that Tina's complaint has caused her to be suspended while it's investigated. Kirsty blames her self but Tyrone thinks Tina is as much to blame. Kirsty reckons she should have been more in control. Tyrone cuddles her as Tina watches from across the road. She frowns and walk away. Kirsty apologizes for being a mad cow.

Dennis is perusing the job ads. Tina has come in and looks over his shoulder. Rita advises that Tina talks to Tyrone to make up their differences. Rita knows that Kirsty's pregnancy is going to change everything.

At Fosterworld now...Sally rejects Beth's work. She later confers with Frank about work but he thinks they should go out later. Sally wants to spend more time with Sophie. Beth moans about spending her nights alone with her son. Eileen identifies with her, insisting she and Paul are just mates. Beth invites Eileen to go out on the pull but Eileen says Deirdre invited her to the hen do.

Becky is gushing about Danny and little Billy to Kylie and David and she and Kylie are acting like real sisters these days. Even Sylvia seems to be quite fond of Becky and orders Becky not to mess things up. Kylie even agrees that she and Becky can take Billy and Max out together some day. Owen comes in and hollers that he wants David to pay for the fish he poisoned. The usual arguing ensues. I didn't do it. You did. We didn't. Owen threatens to go to the police and leaves. David and Kylie leave and it turns out David thought Kylie killed the fish. She thought David did but he is offended. "I used to have a rabbit you know!" Hmm. If neither of them did it, who did?

Steve comes in and wants a word with Becky. They can't even look each other in the eye. He passes her a cheque for her half of Streetcars. Becky thinks Tracy's changed her tune but Steve denies it. He lets slip that it was Deirdre's idea. He wants her to take the money and run. There's nothing left for her. After he leaves, she tells Sylvia there's something suspicious going on.

Owen comes into Anna's hollering. She's on the phone and when she hangs up she tells Owen her brother has cut off his finger in an accident and her sister-in-law has fainted and banged her head and she's in the hospital bed next to him. Someone has to look after their little fella, Rory (that darling little boy that got paints all over the Windass sofa a couple of years back). Owen says he'll look after Faye for the night since Gary is off away overnight.

Tyrone has been telling Tommy about Tina's complaint as Kevin returns with the breakdown truck. He sends Tommy to make a brew. Kevin apologizes to Tyrone about going on about Jack the other day. Tyrone is not bothered. After the long list of Kevin's complaints, Tyrone says there's only one way to go once you hit bottom. He knows all too well. Kevin asks after Kirsty and is chuffed when Tyrone says she's pregnant and the two former friends actually shake hands.

Faye isn't too impressed to see Owen in the kitchen and even less so when she finds out Owen is minding her for the night. She glares at Owen and if looks really could kill, he'd be splattered over the back wall. Anna leaves in a taxi and promises to ring her. Faye stomps up the stairs.

Kevin is in the Kabin but when Dennis asks him for a job valeting, Kevin says that's Tommy's expertise at the moment. I don't think Dennis was serious anyway. Sophie comes in and gives Kevin the cold shoulder, telling Rita she needs a phone number for a plumber because the sink is leaking and her mother's not going to be back for ages. Kevin offers to do it but Sophie coldly refuses him. Rita tries to persuade her but Sophie is adamant. Her mother is right, Kevin wrecks lives. Dennis offers to try and gets her out of there. Rita sympathetically tells Kevin that Sophie will come around. Kevin doesn't think there is any chance of that.

Tracy arrives in the pub for the hen do. Leanne puts a veil on her. Emily offers to buy the first round. Sunita arrives for her first shift and she's sporting a low neckline and wearing a very heavy duty push up bra, judging from the amount of cleavage running over them cups. Sunita has never dressed like that in her life, even when she was dating gorgeous fellas or trying to snare Dev!

Dennis seems to have sorted the kitchen sink. He thanks her for making him feel useful. Sally comes home just then and thanks Dennis for fixing the sink. Sally offers to pay him but he just tells her to buy him a pint next time. After he leaves, Sally tells Sophie that the divorce papers arrived and it will be final soon. She asks if her dad had said anything to her but of course he didn't (though he did mention it to Tyrone). Sophie says Good, but it seems to have thrown her a bit.

Back to the pub, the hens are popping corks. Tommy comes in and is joined by Kevin. The girls get a tray of tequila shots. Eileen teases Deirdre for not wanting one of them by guessing she's pregnant and then, after taking her foot out of her mouth, apologizes to Tracy sincerely. Tracy, just as sincerely, says it's ok. Leanne hisses a few drunken words against Becky but Tracy actually diffuses the situation, calling for a toast to her future. Deirdre stays mute but Emily does the honours. Down the hatch. Tracy glares at her mother's turned head (and guilty face).

Meanwhile, Becky is looking at the cheque and trying to figure out why Deirdre seems to have been involved in persuading Steve to pay her off. She's at the Platts' and Kylie reckons Becky should just ask Deirdre. Becky goes off. David and Kylie talk about Owen. What do they do if he does go to the police. Kylie says they didn't poison the fish and she's not going to admit that she did.

Outside, Becky is sitting on a bench and looking across at the pub where there's music coming out and people going in. She lights a fag, thoughtfully. Inside the pub, rounds are being consumed. Beth, dolled up like a dog's breakfast, has arrived, hitching her skirt down out of her knickers outside the door. She's invited herself as one of Steve's exes but no hard feelings, right? She grabs someone else's drink to get caught up as Eileen introduces her. At the bar, Tommy and Kevin are talking about Tyrone's news. They go to the bar for another round. Tommy tells Tina that Ty and Kevin kind of made up and put the past in the past. Tina is more worried about Ty's future. He tries to reason with her. She's pregnant but Tina doesn't think it's likely to be his. Tommy isn't really getting through to her though. She's single minded about it all.

Paul arrives and offers to buy a round but Leanne's already at the bar. He turns to get himself one and Beth admires his bum. Emily pipes up that it's probably due to climbing so many ladders which sends them all into a gaggle of giggles. Deirdre excuses herself to go and have a smoke. Tracy jokes that they'll kill her but Deirdre drolly snaps that fretting about her will do her in first. They all tease Paul and Eileen and because Eileen has insisted they're just mates, Beth reckons he's fair game!

Deirdre is walking through a cloud of smoke in the back. Becky is already there lighting up, which startles Deirdre like a deer in the headlights. Becky looks her right in the eye and asks her to admit that she knows Becky didn't make Tracy lose the babies.

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley and directed Alan Grint

Becky has waylaid Deirdre in Smokers' Corner in the backyard of the Rovers and is giving her the third degree about how Tracy really lost the twins but Deirdre refuses to tell the truth. Becky knows Deirdre is lying and asks her why she went to the hospital to visit Becky and why she persuaded Steve to give Becky the money from Street Cars but still Deirdre refuses to give in and pushes past Becky and goes back into the pub. Becky's mobile rings and it's Danny to tell her that he's waiting outside for her as arranged.

Back inside the pub, Tracy is in her element at her hen party. Emily tells her that such events in her day were a lot quieter and that they were more a time for reflection. "You don't get much chance for that nowadays," observes Eileen. Emily concludes it may have had more to do with the friends she'd had and says she often wishes she'd led more of a wild life which is somehow hard to imagine. At that moment, Paul comes over to rescue Eileen from all the excitement just as a worried-looking Deirdre comes back in and tells Tracy she needs to have a word with her. Elsewhere in the Rovers, Sunita is putting her new skills as a barmaid into practice as Rita and Dennis come in for a drink. Rita is surprised to see her on the other side of the bar and Dennis nearly catches her out when he says that's it's the local tradition for a new barmaid to buy everyone a drink. Luckily Stella is on hand to put her straight.

Tina comes over to ask Stella if she can end her shift. "Going anywhere nice?" asks Stella. "Not really. Just back to the house where I've been kicked out of," replies Tina.

Meanwhile, a distraught Deirdre is telling Tracy about her conversation with Becky. They're discussing this in the middle of the pub so you might think someone would overhear but miraculously nobody seems to notice as Tracy tells her mum to stick to the story and that, if she does, Becky can't do anything about it. Outside in the street, Becky gets into Danny's car. They're both clearly pleased to see each other as they set off together on their date.

Tina arrives at Tyrone's to collect some belongings just as Kirsty is going out to get a takeaway and they have more words with each other on the doorstep. Tina goes into the kitchen where Tommy and Tyrone are laying the table. Tommy has another go at trying to get Tina to agree to change her story with the police in order to get Kirsty off the hook but Tina doesn't want to know. (N.B. I'll be glad to get to the end of this storyline as I'm in danger of wearing out the letter T on my keyboard). At Anna's, Owen is doing his best to look after Faye but she's being as awkward as can be. She says doesn't like what he's cooked for her tea, tells him she doesn't have any homework and her bedtime is at 10 o'clock but Owen, who has brought up two daughters single-handedly, can see right through her.

At the Bistro, it looks as though stag should be short for stagnation at Steve's pre-nuptial celebrations. Dinner with Karl, Ken and Peter, hardly constitutes a wild night out and when Karl manages to make his escape, Steve is driven to playing tricks with a fork and a napkin in order to inject some excitement into the evening. Steve asks Peter if he's got any advice on how to keep his sister happy. Peter claims he's not qualified so Steve replies that he must be since he, Leanne and Simon are a model family. "No we're not," says Peter and then tries to cover his tracks when Steve gives him a bit of a look.

Over at Eileen's she and Paul are enjoying dinner together but talk, as always, is about Paul's home life. Paul tells Eileen that Lesley's carer, Margaret, is moving away and now he's going to have to cope with looking after her himself. Eileen asks if he can get someone else to help and he says he'll have to try.

At Tyrone's Tommy is still trying to convince Tina to change her story and points out that Kirsty is pregnant and that Tyrone is the dad. Kirsty returns with the takeaway, Tina leaves and Kirsty asks what they were talking about. The boys don't say anything and Kirsty gets all matter of fact and says "she's got her life, I've got mine; let's just try to keep them separate in future."

Back at Tracy's hen party, a few more drinks have been downed and the merriment has moved up a notch. Beth offers to step in if Tracy gets cold feet because Steve does it for her and always has. Tracy declines her offer and Beth replies that she'll be there on the subs' bench.

Dev arrives in the pub and is mortified to see Sunita standing behind the bar. He tells her she's proved her point and asks if she's coming home now. When she says no, Dev orders a large brandy and Sunita suggests he should have a small one and asks if he always has a large one. Dev calls over Karl and says he's being refused service so Karl gets it for him. Dev then tries telling Sunita that she'll go home smelling of booze and will have drunks leering at her. "Really?" asks Sunita. "Is that how you behave in a pub?" Touché!

At one of the tables, Kevin tells Rita, Dennis and Gail that he's just received his final divorce papers. He's feeling very bitter and tells them that, whilst he's very upset that the end has come, he's sure Sally is out somewhere celebrating. Kevin leaves and the other three continue discussing what Sally's up to with Frank. "Happen we should ask her," suggests Gail.

Meanwhile, back at Sally's house, she and Sophie are having a cosy chat on the sofa over a bowl of crisps (a.k.a. potato chips). We can just about make out over the sound of crunching that Sophie is asking her mother whether she'll be going to Frank's trial. Sally says she might and says that people will be talking about her, whether or not she does and Sophie says that she, of all people, understands what it's like to have people talking about you.

In another part of town, Danny and Becky are enjoying a romantic dinner. Danny tells Becky how much Billy likes her and we can see that he feels exactly the same way about her. But, since nothing in Becky's life ever seems to go right for her, we shouldn't be surprised when Danny drops a bombshell: that morning he learned that his job is about to take him away from Manchester and that he will be moving to become the manager of a hotel in Barbados.

Back in the Bistro, Steve finally makes his escape from the dullest stag party in the history of stag parties, leaving Ken and Peter behind. Ken remarks to Peter that he hopes Tracy knows how lucky she is to be marrying Steve and then says that perhaps he might finally see the pair of them (as in Peter and Tracy) happily married. Peter declines to comment. We return to the restaurant where Becky is asking Danny whether he has any choice in his job move and he tries to reassure her that it may only be a six month posting. "That long?!" wails Becky. "I know, it's lousy timing," replies Danny. Becky perks up when she hears Danny isn't going just yet but is instantly deflated again when Danny tells he tells her that ‘not just yet' actually means next week.

In the Rovers Dev has finished his large brandy and pointedly tells Sunita he's going home to read their children a bed time story. Sunita retorts that Amber will already have done it because they don't like the way Dev reads to them. She says they hate the way he acts out the stories and tries to overdo everything. As he's leaving, Sunita tells him not to wait up but Dev replies he might do as he wants to find out from her what kind of point she's trying to make.

Meanwhile, everyone at Tracy's hen do is getting decidedly tipsy and the conversation has moved on to men. "Hey, Deirdre, are you going to tell us all your secrets?" asks Stella. "No she's not," replies Tracy, very quick off the mark. "Don't you think women are much better liars?" asks Leanne. When Stella asks whether Leanne thinks that's something to be proud of she replies that she doesn't but that it can be very useful, which provokes much hilarity. Emily then tells the assembled group that she once married a man who turned out to be already married. "You can't tell a much bigger lie than that," she observes.

Elsewhere in the Rovers, Dennis is still talking to Rita and Gail about Sally. The two women have decided that they're going to talk to Sally and ask her if she knows what people are saying about her. Dennis tells them he thinks they're taking their lives in their hands by doing such a thing.

At Owen's he is still working hard at looking after Faye. He tells her she has to do her homework before she can watch television and she looks suitably unimpressed.

Gail and Rita arrive at Sally's for their "little chat" and Sophie very sensibly goes upstairs to leave them to it. As Dennis predicted, Sally is not at all happy that Gail and Rita have decided to stick their noses in where they're not wanted and tells them, in no uncertain terms, that it's her business whether or not she decides to see Frank. They try to explain their concerns about him being up on a rape charge and what everyone is saying but Sally wants to know why everyone is so quick to believe Carla and not Frank. She tells Rita and Gail that she is sticking by Frank and asks them to leave.

Back at Anna's Faye is continuing to be a right little madam. She tells Owen that she needs clean clothes for school the next day so he obligingly goes to put a wash on. The fact that he allows Faye to watch the television finally puts a smile on her face.

Over at Eileen's, Paul is about to leave and, once again, they are discussing what will happen to Lesley now that she no longer has a carer. Paul tries to tell Eileen that he still wants there to be time for the two of them but he is wracked with guilt. Eileen is trying to be as sympathetic as possible but asks him not to forget about her in amongst all of his worries about his wife. Paul gives her a kiss and thanks her for understanding. "I know - I'm wonderful," says Eileen with a sigh. "You are," agrees Paul as he leaves.

Meanwhile, at Anna's, Owen has found something suspicious in the laundry basket. He is sniffing one of Faye's school tops. He is extremely angry and marches over to the sofa where he demands Faye to tell him why her sweater smells of creosote which is what someone used to kill all of his fish. She tries to say she doesn't know but can't conceal a smirk. However, he soon wipes the smile off her face as his anger gets the better of him. He grabs her by the arm and gives her a couple of whacks on the backside, telling her that there's plenty more where that came from. "Go on, get out of my sight," he shouts as Faye rushes past him and up the stairs to her room where we hear the door slam shut.

In the Rovers, Tracy's hen night is coming to an end. They've moved past the raucous drunk stage and have reached the point of tearful reflection. Leanne observes that it's not just Tracy and Steve getting married, it's really three of them if you include Amy. This leads her on to talk about her own marriage. She says that although Simon isn't her son, she can't imagine life without him.

Behind the bar Sunita is about to finish her shift and Stella asks her if she's found her life's vocation. She tells Sunita that she'll put her on the rota and see how she gets on. "See how Dev gets on, more like," comments Karl.

Rita and Gail have returned to the Rovers and Dennis says that he did try to warn them what would happen if they went to see Sally. When Rita asks him whether he thinks it would have been better to have carried on talking about Sally behind her back, Dennis replies that, as a matter of fact, he does. We go back to Owen who is on the phone to Anna. He admits that Faye tried it on a bit but manages to avoid telling her what actually happened and says that Faye's in her room and he thinks she's gone to bed.

Out in the street, Becky and Danny have returned from their date and are talking in his car. Suddenly Danny spots Tracy coming out of the Rovers and tells Becky that he's seen her somewhere before. "I wish I hadn't," replies Becky. Danny goes on to say that he saw her at the hotel and the reason he remembers is that she was carted off in an ambulance. Becky suddenly becomes very interested and wants to know when it was. Danny recalls that it was the same evening that he had the meeting with Becky and Steve. Becky is euphoric when she realises the implication - that must have been the night that Tracy lost her babies, not the evening she fell down the stairs. Although he's really not sure why at this point, Becky showers Danny with kisses in gratitude for sharing this vital piece of information with her. Suddenly, life is looking up again for Becky.

Karen Jankel


Thursday 19 January

Becky sees Kylie in the Street and rushes over to tell her the good news and the bad. The good news is that Danny has told her that Tracy collapsed in his hotel and was carted off to hospital the day before she claimed Becky pushed her down the stairs, but the bad news is that Danny is emigrating to Barbados. "You must be one rubbish kisser!" says Kylie, and the two sisters go off arm in arm for a cuppa.

In Anna's house, Owen is trying to get Faye to come downstairs. Her porridge is going cold, he's going to call her teacher, he's missing work.....the only response is loud pop music that gets louder.

In Tyrone's house, Kirsty has had a phone call from the station. Tina has changed her statement and Kirsty is no longer suspended. She's still being investigated over the crash, and she'll have to do a desk job for now, but she can go back to work. Tyrone asks Tommy if this had anything to do with him, and Tommy confesses that he had a word with Tina. Tyrone thanks him.

In the cafe, Kylie tells Becky she should tell Steve what she knows. Becky is despondent, she knows Steve will just think she's lying because she has no proof. Kylie tells her that the miscarriage will be on Tracy's medical records. If she could just get her hands on them, that would prove that Tracy is the liar.

Owen is still trying to get Faye to come out of her room. He knocks on the door and says he's sorry for hitting her, but she made him angry and he's only human. Faye's response is to call through the door to him, telling him to leave her and her mother alone.

In the cafe, Becky sits staring gloomily into space. Roy and Hayley are concerned about her, when Sally comes in. Hayley tries to share her concerns with Sally, but she's dismissive, and starts sniping at Becky, saying she pushed a pregnant woman down the stairs. Becky mutters that Tracy wasn't even pregnant. Sally tells Roy to forget the coffee and starts to walk out. She stops at Becky's table. "Clutching at straws is such a bad look," she says. "Oh, go sleep with a rapist!" retorts Becky. Dumbstruck, Sally walks out.

Anna returns home and learns from Owen what Faye did to his fish. He explains that they had words and that she hasn't been to school. At that moment Faye comes downstairs to say hello, but Anna shouts at her and walks off into the kitchen. Faye stands and glares at Owen.

Becky is telling Kylie all about her confrontation in the cafe. She says she has a plan that will silence the likes of Sally Webster for good. She's going to break into the medical centre and steal Tracy's record. Kylie is horrified and asks if she isn't in enough trouble as it is, and tries to dissuade her, but Becky won't be moved and walks out.

Out in the Street, she stands and stares at the medical centre for a few moments. Then, looking around, she sees Ty or Kevin (we only see his legs) under a car at the garage, with an open tool box beside him. Quietly she walks up and takes a crowbar from the tool box and then walks off down the Street.

In Anna's house, she's suffering a crisis of confidence. Whatever made her think she could bring up a child on her own? Owen tells her she's an amazing woman and an amazing mother, and she must never think any different. He has to go off and do some work, but when he comes back he wants her frown gone. They'll get through this together.

A very worried Kylie goes to see Roy and Hayley and tells them that she hates being a grass but she thinks Becky is about to do something really mental. They all dash off outside.

Eileen comes into the cafe and greets Paul and Lesley who are already there. Lesley nods and smiles and asks if Margaret is coming. Paul tells her that Margaret isn't coming back, and says quietly to Eileen that he's going to see the care people tomorrow, but he doesn't know what he's going to do with Lesley, so Eileen offers to look after her while he's at the meeting.

Becky is trying to force open the fire door at the medical centre when Roy, Hayley and Kylie come running up. They beg her not to do it, but she goes ahead and opens it. The alarm starts immediately and Roy grabs her and begs her not to do it. He implores her to leave now while they have the chance, otherwise she's playing right into the hands of those who believe the worst of her. Becky shouts that she needs those records, but eventually gives in and they all run away.

Tyrone and Kirsty go into the pub. As Tina serves them, Kirsty thanks her for changing her story with the police, she's very grateful. Tina snaps that she didn't do it for Kirsty, she did it for Tyrone. Kirsty suggests they let bygones be bygones and start afresh. Tina replies that she doesn't like Kirsty, she never has and she never will.

Faye comes downstairs. Anna tells her that she's in a very bad mood with her. Faye asks if Owen is in. Anna says he's over at the builder's yard, he missed a whole day's work because of Faye. Faye says that she hates Owen's guts. Anna says she knows, but that Owen is a good man who has only ever been decent and civil with Faye, and look how she has repaid him. "He hit me," blurts out Faye, and runs back upstairs.

Deirdre is over at the medical centre with the police. The alarm is still blaring, but they've checked the premises and found nothing.

Paul has taken Lesley to Eileen's house, but she's not happy and keeps saying she wants to go home. He asks how she'd feel about coming back tomorrow. "Where am I?" asks Lesley. Paul has a quiet word with Eileen in the kitchen, telling her he's going out of his mind, he's had two weeks off work so far and misses the lads. She's sure he'll find a carer soon.

Owen comes home and Anna asks him if it's true. He starts to say she has no idea what Faye was like. Anna shouts at him that no matter what she was like, he had no right to come into her house and hit her kid. She tells him that Faye was in the care system because her mother and her mother's boyfriend used to knock ten bells out of her. She asks how he'd like it if she went round and hit Izzy or Katy. Yelling that he disgusts her, she throws him out.

In the cafe, a tearful Becky tells Roy and Hayley that Tracy lost the twins the day before she was supposed to have pushed her down the stairs. Roy feels that there must be something more pro-active that they can do. Becky says she knows she shouldn't have broken into the medical centre, but she has nothing left to lose, and everything to gain. Hayley tells her that the truth is out there now, and the truth will eventually come home to roost. Becky, however, is sure that Tracy is going to win, and sobbing, says she's never going to be able to clear her name.

Anne Logan


Friday 20 January

It's morning at Eileen's and she's tidying ready for Paul and Lesley. She urges Marcus not to say anything to Jason. When Jason comes down with Rosie, he's in trouble for using her thirty-pound firming day cream. But from the look on Eileen's face it might not have been Jason using it.

Roy seeks out Becky to ask whether she's heard anything about the medical centre burglary. She hasn't but she thanks him for pulling her back from the brink. "A knight in a blue pinny," that's what he is. Roy worried what will happen if he's not around next time but Becky assures him there won't be a next time. She's done fighting Tracy.

That very woman is at breakfast with her parents and Steve, discussing wedding vows. Strangely, it's this-will-be-my-fifth-marriage Steve who is worried about choosing the right ones and Tracy (one marriage, unless being married to Roy counts) who makes jokes. She asks Deirdre what she thinks is important in a vow and Deirdre says she thinks honesty is important. When Deirdre goes into the kitchen, Tracy follows her and hisses nastily that Deirdre has to keep her mouth shut. Back at the table, Steve tells Tracy he's got a surprise for her later. As they leave, Deirdre looks stricken and worried.

Anna's packing Fay's lunchbox and Fay seems very quiet. Anna asks if it's true that she killed the fish and explains they were living things and can't be repaired like a broken toy. A tearful Fay says she didn't think of that. Owen took away the shed that she loved and he's going to take Anna away from Fay. "I just wanted him to know how it felt losing something that you really loved. That's all." Anna hugs her and promises she's not going anywhere.

Paul and Lesley arrive at Eileen's and when Jason finds out what's happening he and Eileen start to shout at each other. This upsets Lesley. Eileen insists that it's her house and she decides what happens in it. Once Jason's left the room Lesley is a little calmer and Paul says she'll be fine.

David and Owen meet in the street and Owen sort of apologises to David but refuses to say who did kill the fish.

Steve's surprise is a house! Yes, he's settled the deal on Lloyd and Cheryl's house and has the keys. Tracy can't believe she's got a place of her own and doesn't think she's ever been this happy. Blanche bought No 7 for Tracy, didn't she, though that came with strings (and rent) attached . . .

In the cafe, Owen wants to talk to Anna but she won't talk to him. She tells him it's her place to discipline Fay, not his. He thought that discipline would be down to him if he was left to look after Fay. He tells Anna that children need boundaries and she lets Fay walk all over her.

Kylie and Becky talk on Maxine's bench. Kylie thinks Becky should tell Steve what Danny said about Tracy. But Becky doesn't think she'll be believed. Half the street thinks she's a murderer. What she needs is a computer hacker so she can get Tracy's medical records. Kylie suddenly has an idea. She knows someone who can help - someone who hates Tracy Barlow almost as much as Becky does.

Lesley and Marcus have a good chat while listening to The Police's Message In A Bottle. Lesley chats away about going to see the band and she remembers all the words to the song. When Marcus leaves, Eileen prepares to serve lunch, telling Marcus she'll be fine without him there.

Gail's washing windows when Nick arrives to tell her that the flat he looked at was far too small. "It made this place look like Tatton Park," he says (I love it when they refer to Tatton Park - I live close to the park gates and it reminds me that I now live quite close to Corrie instead of 12,000 miles away!). Kylie and Becky come over to ask a favour of Gail.

Lesley's quite agitated and instead of eating her lunch she turns on the TV and starts manically channel surfing with the volume at Horrendous.

Gail realises who broke into the surgery last night. Nick's angry that Becky and Kylie would think of putting Gail at risk of being arrested and sent to jail again. "It'll be her head on the block." David arrives home and demands to know what they're talking about.

Fay's back home and Anna tells her she's grounded for a month for killing the fish. Fay doesn't think this is fair because she's already been punished by Owen. Anna is adamant, though, and sends Fay to her room.

Izzy and Katie (with pram) meet Owen outside his yard. He tells them he's had a falling out with Anna and admits he smacked Fay. "Did I ever treat you badly?" he asks.

Deirdre and Tracy measure up No 13. These two women have clearly never measured up anywhere ever! They're measuring from the ceiling down to a random spot halfway down the wall! Then writing down the measurements. Tracy tells her mother that perhaps she lost the twins for a reason. It's brought her and Steve closer and got rid of Becky forever. Deirdre doesn't think this is a very healthy way to think but Tracy insists that when she marries Steve her life will begin properly, the way it's meant to be.

David thinks Gail should help Becky. After all, he would have done anything to get his mother out of jail and Tracy almost made sure she stayed there. "She nearly finished you, Gail. And she drove lovely Claire away," Becky says.

Lesley is very agitated until she notices the dress Eileen's got out ready for the drycleaner so she can wear it to the wedding next week. Lesley remembers her own wedding but then suddenly realises she doesn't know Eileen. They struggle as Lesley tries to flee the house and Lesley ends up grabbing something and chucking it straight through the TV screen.

Gail agrees to help Becky. She wants to see Tracy suffer the way she had to. She's sick of watching Tracy wreck other people's lives and walk away. "Not any more. This time she pays the price." Yay! Go, Gail!

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by Chris Fewtrell

We open with Leslie sobbing her heart out on the floor. Eileen speaks gently to her, and tells her that Paul is on his way to collect her. She looks at Eileen blankly and asks her who she is, and why she is there. Eileen takes her in her arms and tells her everything will be alright, that she is there to help her, but Leslie just sobs into Eileen's chest.

The conference at No. 8 is still going on between the Platts and the McDonald - Becky that is. Gail is saying that her user name and password will now be invalid over at the medical centre. Nick doesn't like the idea at all, and wants to know how Becky plans to get in there, she tells him she has a plan, but it's better he doesn't know what it is. Gail then goes into a long explanation as to how Becky can gain access to Tracy's medical records via the computer in the doctor's office. Why Gail knows Dr. Matt's user name and password I don't know, but she does, and it's MattC and his password is sculls, which Kylie exclaims is sick, thinking it is skulls, but apparently our doctor used to row in university.

The two sisters leave with a warning from Nick to keep Gail's name out of it if they should get caught, but he promises them that he is on their side regardless and wishes them luck.

In the cafe, Owen is sitting at a table with Izzy and Katy, who is holding little Joseph. He is explaining to them his reasons for slapping Faye, telling them that she murdered his fish, she is out of control and needs discipline just like they did when they were growing up. Izzy tells him that was different, they are his daughters, Faye isn't and it wasn't his responsibility. Katy tells him that even if Faye was his daughter she wouldn't agree he did the right thing, because she and Ches don't believe in smacking and don't ever plan to smack Joseph. Owen is peeved at this, and tells her that when he is about two and a half years old and screaming in Freshco's he will remind her she said that. He went on to say that in the meantime he apologises for scarring them for life, and would pay for all their therapy! He apologises for slapping their legs when they ran across a busy road, even though they never did it again. That he should have just let them be flattened by a bread van, then at least they would have been spared all these issues. Oh how good is Owen when he gets his sarcastic mode on!

Izzy interjects that parenting is different these days, and Owen agrees and tells her that is why you see 12 year old lads running down Deansgate in nicked trainers carrying TV plasma screens on top of their heads! Roy overhears this and can't resist having his say on the subject. He tells Roy that it has been proven that positive reinforcement has better results than punishment. Owen puts his sarcastic mode on again and replies that he should have given Faye a lollipop for killing his fish, or even better, an AK47 so she can practice for her adolescent killing spree. Roy decides he can't answer that so moves away from the table. Katy tells him that she doesn't want Joseph growing up scared of his parents. Owen states that they were never scared of him, but the look they have between them tells him otherwise. He explains to them that he only ever wanted the best for them, and would never have harmed them. Izzy tells him that they know that now, but it's not always that clear cut when you are a kid. Katy tells him they are his daughters, Faye isn't, and she hardly knows him. Same with Anna, she has a big enough job on her hands handling that damaged kid, and he is not helping. Izzy tells him straight that if he makes Anna choose he will lose. Judging by the look on Owen's face, something seems to be sinking in. This is a very interesting storyline though, because it is a subject that will have the viewers very divided. Those of us who are - shall we say - a little long in the tooth, will not disagree with Owen's argument. He hasn't come across as a wicked violent person who has beaten a child to within inches of it's life, the child did a horrible thing, she killed some living creatures deliberately, and got a slap on the legs for it. Trust Corrie to present it so we can see both sides. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Over in the medical centre Becky & Kylie interrupt Deirdre's drooling over a hunk in a magazine by telling her that Kylie is in dreadful pain and needs immediate attention. Deirdre tells them she can't get them in until Monday, but Kylie wails that her head is spinning like the girl in the Exorcist, and Becky tells her that they will just wait.

Paul arrives at No. 11, and is horrified to see the state of Eileen's television. Leslie recognizes him and reaches out to him, asking where she is and what happened. He gently tells her that she just got herself in a bit of a state, and would be fine when he gets her home. She is so relieved to hear that she is going home. He apologises over and over to Eileen, and tells her he will pay for all the damage. He says she has never done anything like this before. Eileen tells him to stop apologising, and that the main thing is that nobody got hurt. As they leave, he tells Eileen he will call her later.

Tracy is in number 13 with Amy, who is telling her mother that she really likes her new room, except for the Star Wars wallpaper. Tracy tells her she can change it to anything she wants. Amy asks her mother if Daddy is going to be living there with them all the time, and Tracy tells her that for the first time, they will all be living there as a proper family. "You promise?" says Amy. "Cross my Heart" says Tracy. (Good job she doesn't have one isn't it?)

Still waiting in the - er - waiting room of the medical centre, Kylie is reading Becky's horoscope in a magazine from last summer. According to it, Becky was supposed to have had the time of her life since then. Becky mutters that they could hardly print the truth because it would really put the horror into horoscope.

Just then Dr. Carter comes out of his office with a patient, and Becky tells Kylie that it's 'Showtime. They approach the doctor, with Kylie groaning that she really needs to see him, as Deirdre is telling him that she has already told her that she needs to make an appointment. With full thespian mode on, Kylie slumps to the floor, apparently unconscious. As the doctor and everyone else gather around her prone body, Becky backs away and disappears inside Dr. Matt's office. She wastes no time in following Gail's instructions and while she is frantically pulling up Tracy's medical records she can hear Dr. Matt instruct Deirdre to help him get her into his office. Kylie comes around just then, and starts screaming with the pain, which has now moved to her leg, giving Becky just enough time to hit 'Print'. Dr. Carter is still trying to get a diagnosis on Kylie when Becky appears with a paper cup of water, and instructs Kylie to take a sip. It's a miracle!! Kylie is cured, and they walk out of the centre hearing Deirdre calling after them "Where the 'eck did you get this water from, Lourdes?" Dr. Carter still wants to check Kylie over, but she refuses, saying she will make an appointment sometime, as she doesn't want to jump the queue. The sisters leave grinning from ear to ear - mission accomplished!

The second half opens with Becky and Kylie back in Gail's, and they are discussing the Evil One's medical records. Kylie is shocked that she would have used her dead babies to get what she wanted, but Becky is not surprised at all. Becky tells them she is not sure exactly what she is going to do with the information yet, and Gail tells her to be sure to let her know when she has decided, because she wants a front row seat after what she did to her.

Eileen is picking up the glass from the television just as Jason and Rosie come home. He immediately thinks they have had a break-in, and is absolutely furious when she tells him that Leslie did it. He tells her that Paul knows she has feelings for him and is using her, and making a fool out of her. She tearfully tells him that he's right that she has feelings for him, and if that makes her a fool, why change a habit of a lifetime. Jason backs down and tells her she is not a fool, but he can't bear to see him take advantage of her. She protests that he is not, he is just someone who needs all the friends he can get right now, and she won't let him down.

In the evening, Owen bumps into Anna in the street and apologises to her. He tells her he knows he was wrong to hit Faye, and begs her to let them talk about it. She tells him he can have five minutes.

Still out in the street, Becky is almost hit by a car, that turns out to be Danny. He tells her he just had to see her one more time before he leaves. She is obviously pleased to see him, but tells him it just makes it harder to have to say goodbye all over again.

Owen tells Anna that he realises now that he must have really scared Faye, and he really understands that it wasn't his place to discipline her, that it is her job and he apologises. Anna agrees that he was wrong, and tells him she couldn't have reacted to his actions any other way. Owen tells her he understands. She says that it's not that she doesn't understand where he was coming from, that she knows that what Faye did was awful, and she feels like a total failure. He assures her it is not her fault, but she says that it's not what he said this morning, that he had as good as blamed her. He apologises and tells her that he had been angry, just as he was when he hit Faye, and tries to explain it away by reiterating what it was that Faye did. Anna tells him that it doesn't matter what she did, it doesn't justify hitting her, especially not in anger, and if he can do it once he could do it again. Owen tries to explain that he has had his eyes opened, and that it won't happen again, but she says that she has been put in charge of a vulnerable fragile little girl, and she can't take that chance. Owen is crying now, he tells Anna he loves her, and he can't let this happen, but Anna is adamant, it's over.

Paul answers his front door to a worried Eileen, who wants to check how things are with both Leslie and him. He tells her she is resting on the sofa, and can't invite her in for fear of upsetting her. They both go outside to talk, and it is obvious Paul is nearly at the end of his rope. He tells Eileen he has spoken to the social workers, who have recommended residential respite care, which he has always turned down in the past. Eileen tells him he really needs a break, and that he should accept it. He tells her he feels like he would be dipping in and out of the problem, which Leslie can never do. But Eileen assures him he is not doing that, he is just getting a needed rest. He tells her, while struggling to keep the tears at bay, that he has booked her in for two weeks, and breaks down and says "See, I am washing my hands of her" Eileen holds him close, and begs him to stop beating himself up. Just then Leslie's voice calls his name and he is immediately back on duty and goes inside.

In Roy's Rolls Becky is explaining to Danny that she can't offer him tea as Roy has already cleaned the urn out. Danny responds that he didn't come for tea, but to see her. He says that he has been agonizing over his decision to take the job in Barbados as he doesn't want to leave her, but feels he has to go for the sake of his son. Becky agrees that he has to go for it, that it is a great opportunity. Then he pulls something from his pocket, it's a plane ticket to Barbados, and he asks her to go with him. He explains that he knows they haven't known each other very long, but feels they could have something really special, and if not, and it doesn't work out - she could have one fabulous holiday. Becky is overwhelmed, and although she can list all the reasons why she should go, she turns him down, saying she just can't take a gamble on a 'might'. She tries to give him the ticket back, but he refuses to take it, stating that all the time she has it, she can change her mind. She kisses him, and asks if he will send her a postcard. He tells her he will send one every day until she steps on that plane. Danny leaves and Becky stands there clutching the ticket, sobbing. My goodness there are a lot of tears in this episode!

Over in No. 1, the talk is of wedding plans. Steve is asking Tracy not to oversleep on the day, leaving him standing at the altar like a mug. Deirdre reassures him that it will be no problem as Ken beats the paperboy every morning. "Why" japes Steve, "Does he deliver the wrong papers?", this is met with groans from Deirdre and Tracy, and the latter remarks that it's a good job she is not marrying him for his sense of humour. He tells her that his wedding speech is more of the same, but she reminds him that he is not the best man, but the groom, and his speech is supposed to be full of praise for his blushing bride. Can you buy cheek pinchers? It will take a pretty large pair to put any kind of blush into the cheeks of that bride! She goes on to instruct him to go next door and get busy re-writing his speech, he protests that it is his last weekend of freedom, and has wild oats to sew. Absolutely not Stevie boy, he is told to go - write the speech - then let her know when it is done as she has a list of jobs for him. Deirdre asks which of them is going to promise to obey in their vows, and Tracy tells her that neither of them will, that it is a partnership of equals. The look on Steve's face says it all.

Becky is showing Kylie the plane ticket, and the latter cannot believe she has turned Danny down. She suggests that she should go even if it's just for a holiday, but Becky says she can't do that to Danny. Becky's mind is too much on Tracy to even consider emigrating, so Kylie asks if she has decided what to do yet. Becky tells her that right now she is going home to try to get a cider stain out of her best party frock. Kylie asks her why she needs a party frock, to which Becky replies "Haven't you heard, there is going to be a wedding, and I wouldn't miss it for the world......and neither should you."

And neither should you ladies and gentlemen - you are all invited to the wedding of Tracy Barlow and Steve McDonald taking place over the next two updates - don't miss them!

Christine


Monday 23 January

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by David Kester

Tracy takes her wedding dress down off the door where it was hanging. Deirdre tells her she's going to look beautiful and she hands Tracy a locket that belonged to Blanche. Amy comes bouncing in, already wearing her pretty dress. Her mother and Deirdre ask her to take it off before it gets dirty. A sleepy Ken is told to go straight back up and shave before all the women need the bathroom and Leanne arrives with Simon. Simon seems grumpy about having to dress up.

Becky has come to sort out the arrangements with Kylie, Church... Time... Synchronize watches. David has to work but wishes he could be t here to see it all hit the fan. Gail reminds them they are just making sure justice is done. Becky isn't sure how she's going to break the bad news. Kylie reads out the note as if a solicitor in court and is scolded by Gail, who fears that people are going to wonder where Becky got the information. Becky assures her nobody will know she helped.

Steve is trying to iron a shirt in the back room of the pub. He admits he's not told Liz about the wedding since she and Tracy hate each other's guts. Stella shoos him away from the iron and takes over. Karl goes to get a drink for Steve as Lloyd texts good luck (you'll need it). Karl and Stella get a notice from the bank. It's opened up and it turns out that they have had their mortgage application accepted and will now be the new pub owners!

In Fosterworld, Sally comes in late due to traffic to find Frank all out of sorts. The trial has been put forward to next week! He is nowhere near ready because he still can't prove a thing about Peter and Carla. He growls about the incompetent detective.

Karl and Stella cuddle out front of the pub, soon to be theirs officially. Peter whizzes by on his way to get flowers but when he gets in his car, we see the detective in her car across the road. Frank is summoning her and never mind Mr. Barlow at the moment. Peter gets ready to drive away but takes a panicked called from Carla about the trial date. She's in a state and needs him. He promises to come after a couple of errands.

Sunita can't find Amber who has to look after the shop because she's going to help Stella set up the pub for the reception. Dev is sulking outside the shop because Stevie didn't ask him to be best man (would that have something to do with you disowning him because of the shop looting episode I wonder?) Oddly enough, Sunita doesn't tell him to grow up. She chivvies him off to wake up Amber and orders him to come to the wedding with her.

Sylvia has discovered that Roy has barred Milton's phone number from their line. He's received an enormous phone bill, far over the cost he's been deducting from Sylvia's wages. He's horrified and has taken action which, as you can well imagine, has her in a hissy fit. He suggests using her mobile but of course that would cost too much.. and... and ... she rushes to cover her tracks, it would wear down the battery! (plug it in and use it!) Lesley and Paul come into the cafe, meeting up with Eileen. Paul hands Eileen a cheque to cover the cost of the television while Lesley goes to choose a cake, or two, or five. Paul is feeling guilty about taking her to stay in a care home for a 2 week break which he badly needs. Eileen invites him to the wedding reception later on and Paul goes over to help Lesley. He lets her buy all 5 cakes but gets Roy to box up most of them to take out. She tells Roy they're going on holiday to the seaside.

Sophie is out of the "forgotten character cupboard" and in the shop and she's telling Sunita that she does hear about Sian via mates. She mentions Skype (internet video "telephone") just as Sylvia comes in. All this interests her greatly and she interrupts to ask about "Spike".

Becky runs into Steve who's outside the Kabin. She recognizes the suit as the one he wore at their wedding. He's struck silent and she takes a deep breath and comments that she thought they were "forever". He can't look her in the eye, hardly. She wants to know what went wrong, in their hearts. They loved each other no matter how bad things got. She's upset that he could believe Tracy over her, pointing out that Tracy lied about being abused so she could justify killing Charlie. Ah. Yes. Steve has now deluded himself into believing Tracy's lies about that and all, shocking Becky. She accuses him of being brainwashed or just doesn't want to believe the truth. He walks away and she chases after him, forcing him to look her in the eye and tell her he believes she deliberately caused the miscarriage. He side steps and points out what she did to keep Max, exaggerating it, and thinks she did this to pay him back for losing Max out of anger and jealousy. Her heart breaks some more. She thanks him for making things clearer for her. If she might have had second thoughts about what she's going to do, I reckon she's determined now.

After the break, Sylvia is giving Roy the cold shoulder. Becky comes in and sees Hayley there on the cake run. Roy tells Becky that Sylvia is sulking. Before she can go ring Milton on her mobile, Becky says she wants to catch up with them all. Sylvia curtly asks who the new man is and when Becky says that's over, Sylvia leaves. Becky smiles and tells Roy Sylvia isn't as bad as she would have everyone believe. They both can see that Becky is a bit out of sorts but are shocked when she says she's going to the wedding to show Steve she's moved on and she invites them to the pub after where she'll be smiling.

Frank snaps at the detective who's finally arrived. She says there's nothing to tell. Frank nearly bites her head off (And I think she's crap too. He can discover Peter and Carla meeting up by accident when she's supposed to have been following them!) Frank fires her. She promises to send him the bill. He even snaps at Sally but apologizes, admitting if there really isn't anything going on then he's bound to be convicted. She tries to reassure him that the jury will see he's a decent, honest man (snort!)

Peter is comforting a tearful Carla. She's freaking out about having to testify and relive the whole upsetting incident.

Steve is wondering where best man Peter is. They are all ready to go. Mary is grouching about Norris missing rehearsal time. (why are they invited, again?) Kylie, Becky and Gail are watching from across the road and Norris is suspicious that there's a plot afoot. Sunita and Dev emerge, he's still sulking. Tracy comes out and to be fair, she does look very nice. The neighbours and enemies have a gawp at the bride. Becky and Kylie get ready to leave for the wedding.

Peter is still with Carla, with his jacket and tie off. Carla is considering dropping the charges. Peter's phone rings but he turns it off and puts her kettle on.

At the venue, still no best man. He gets a text from Peter who has lied and says his car has broken down and he can't make it. Sunita offers Dev's services as Best Man. Dev hesitates, pride under one arm. Steve asks, hands over the rings but Dev's pride nearly costs him the duties when Steve gives up and asks Karl so Dev jumps in and accepts, as a favour you understand. (Prat) Becky and Kylie arrive. Steve is not happy to see that double trouble and asks Dev to get rid. Outside, the bride's car has arrived. Tracy is anticipating the day, something she's always wanted. Her parents are wishing her the best. Deirdre still seems to have second thoughts but puts a smile on them anyway.

Inside, Dev isn't having very much luck persuading Becks and Kylie to leave. Deirdre comes in and glares at the pair. Dev takes his place at the front of the aisle, not able to do his first duty. Tracy and Ken come in to the traditional music. She's stunned to see Becky who looks her up and down and mouths that she looks great! Ken and Tracy walk up the aisle, Tracy looking quizzical and confused. She asks Steve what Becky and Kylie are doing there. Becky throws her two thumbs up and the wedding couple turn to the minister nervously.

In the cafe, Sophie is showing Sylvia how to use Skype on a laptop. She tells Roy and Hayley all about it and now she can talk and see Milton as long as Roy is ok with her using his computer. Hayley hurriedly says of course! Sylvia thanks Sophie very much for her help.

The wedding is under way. Anyone present know any reason why???? Becky clears her throat. Everyone is silent. Kylie whispers for her to go for it but in the end, Becky doesn't, she says she was only standing up to smooth her dress. Kylie looks confused as Becky sits back down with an evil grin on her face.

In the cafe, Sylvia is glammed up for a video date with Milton, telling Roy and Hayley they can't "meet" Milton yet, it would be like crashing a real date! She insists on absolute privacy during her chat. Roy thinks his mother is hiding something, maybe Milton is a younger scam artist after Sylvia's money. Hayley points out that Sylvia doesn't have any but of course Milton might not realize that, having met her on a cruise.

Tracy and Steve make their vows and are pronounced husband and wife while Becky looks on tearfully. She tells Kylie she hasn't changed her mind. Dev leads the congregation in applause. Kylie questions Becky who reckons revenge will be so much sweeter now he's "chained to the cow". Ahhhh. Bring on the party, Becky hisses.

That's going to be some party! Stay tuned for it in part 2.

Tvor

Written by Debbie Oates and directed by David Kester.

The first scene opens with Stella admiring the display of pink and white balloons outside the Rovers. Peter rushes across the street towards her, doing up his tie. He asks if his non-appearance was the only set-back and asks if Steve was furious. "Steve's happy" replies Stella curtly. We can tell by her attitude she knows Peter has been up to no good.

At that moment the guests start arriving back from the service. Dev is chuffed at his new role of best man, Ken is concerned about what happened to Peter, Deirdre is busy admiring the balloons and Leanne wants to know why Peter didn't just jump in a cab. Peter explains it was too late by then but at least the repairman managed to fix the car at the roadside. "Oh, so you finally remembered to renew the breakdown cover, then?" asks Leanne.

Further along the street, Gail is in a panic about her part in helping Becky check out Tracy's medical records but David reminds her that she didn't go anywhere near the medical centre. Kylie and Becky join them and Gail asks what happened at the wedding. "They're married," states Kylie. "And what God has put together, let no man tear asunder," adds Becky meaningfully as she takes a deep drag on her fag. Gail can't believe the wedding went ahead once Steve had heard about Tracy's lies. Kylie tells her that Steve doesn't know yet and Becky adds that the night is still young and gives Gail a wink.

Gail suggests to David that they should stay away until it's over. They watch Becky who enters the Rovers, pausing just long enough to burst one of the pink balloons over the door with her cigarette end as she goes.

Over at Eileen's Marcus is on the phone to Sean when she comes in to the room. (This is to establish that Sean is still away visiting Violet and Dylan, as opposed to eating Kangaroos' unmentionables in the Australian jungle which is what his alter ego is actually doing.) Marcus tells Eileen that he would have been enjoying a DVD of Dylan's highlights but for the fact that there's no telly to watch it on and he hopes that doesn't mean the bailiffs have been round. At this point Jason comes in and says it shouldn't be the bailiffs they're worried about but the men in white coats. Eileen explains that Lesley smashed it up but that Paul is going to pay for a new one. In an attempt to smooth things over, Marcus helpfully suggests he can watch the DVD on his laptop. Jason is far less forgiving and says that they don't need crazy people in the house, messing things up.

In the Rovers the wedding reception is starting. Tina asks Stella if she's allowed to serve Kylie and Becky. Stella agrees and Becky quips that she would have shown them her I.D. to prove she's over 18 but it's in her married name. Stella says she doesn't want any trouble to which Becky responds that she has a wedding present to give the bride and groom.

Ken tries to get Deirdre to have a word with Becky and Kylie to ask them to leave as it's unsettling for the other guests. Then we see Dev asking Peter for his best man's speech. Peter looks confused and Leanne is irritated when they realise that, having taken over from him in the church, Dev is now intending to make the speech on Peter's behalf.

The assembled guests break into a round of applause as the happy couple arrive but we sense they won't be feeling that way for long. Karl asks Sunita to give him a hand behind the bar but she's reluctant to help out as she's there as a guest.

Peter goes up to Steve and apologises for missing the service. They shake hands and all seems to be forgiven.

Deirdre tells Tracy that she looks as though she's positively glowing and says she's glad that it all worked out for her. Tracy replies that she knew she'd get what she wanted in the end and that nobody deserves happiness as much as she does. We see Becky in the background, hanging on her every word.

In the Kabin, Norris and Mary have arrived back from the wedding service and Rita asks how it went. Norris looks positively disappointed that, despite Becky and Kylie turning up uninvited, there's no excitement to report. As he puts it, it was like booking tickets to see Psycho and then having to sit through some schmaltzy rom com with Hugh Grant. Rita says that, in that case, she wishes she'd gone after all but she couldn't face it after the drama at Sophie and Sian's wedding so Norris suggests she should go to the reception in his place as he's had enough soppiness for one day.

A comment from Norris about feeling like a schoolboy whose fireworks have gone damp prompts Mary to recite the lyrics from "Relight My Fire" which then leads her on to suggest that Norris should do some more practising on the keyboard for the music competition.

Back at the reception, Dev is in his element as the new best man and calls everyone to attention for Ken's speech. Dev spots Becky in the centre of the room and catches Tracy's eye but Tracy says it's alright for her to stay and even goes so far as to tell Becky that she's welcome and raises her glass to a new start. Of course this is only because Tracy believes she's rubbing Becky's nose in it, as we hear her comment in an aside to Steve.

Ken begins his speech and we see Becky, envelope in hand, about to step forward and interrupt. But then he gets to the part about the recent heartbreaking events and Becky suddenly looks distraught and rushes off. Kylie follows her into the ladies'. She wants to know why Becky didn't say anything as it was the perfect time but all Becky can think about is how upset Steve must have been when they lost the babies because she knows how much he wants more children. She tells Kylie that she can't do it to him and so Kylie tries to get Becky to understand that it's not about Steve but about the lies which Tracy told and the fact that half the street think that Becky's a murderer.

At that moment Tracy comes in and tells Becky and Kylie that they're missing the speeches. And then she continues, in true Tracy style, to be as vile as she possibly can. She suggests Becky should change her middle name to Ex so that she can call herself Becky Ex MacDonald. Her final parting shot is to tell Becky that the cherry on top for her is the fact that Steve now hates her even more.

Back in the pub, Steve asks Sunita to go and check if Tracy's O.K.

Becky comes back in with Kylie. Mindful of what she's about to do, Becky checks with Leanne where the kids are and is told that they're upstairs watching telly. Dev bangs on a glass to announce that the groom is going to make his speech.

Steve talks about how he and Tracy have known each other since they were at school and how he's been up a lot of dead ends. We see Becky's face darken. Then as Steve starts to say that if he'd been a bit more honest with himself, as honest as his beautiful wife, Becky gets the cue she's been waiting for and steps forward. She starts to interrupt but Steve tells her she's already done enough damage and asks her to leave.

"Oh, I'm gone," says Becky and Steve gives a look as if to say he can't believe it was that easy. "But not until you've opened my wedding present," continues Becky, handing him the envelope. Tracy tries to take it from her but Becky puts it into Steve's hand.

As Steve opens the envelope and starts to read the contents, Becky chatters away to the guests who are all sitting there in rapt attention and tells them that this is the moment they should all talk amongst themselves. Tracy starts to look very concerned and then reacts when Becky says you can take the girl out of the gutter but you can't take the gutter out of the girl.

At this point Steve asks Becky to explain exactly what it is that he's reading in the letter and so she explains to everyone in the room that he's looking at a copy of Tracy's medical records which show that when she fell down Becky's stairs there were no babies. "That's right," Becky confirms for the benefit of her audience. "That's fell, not pushed." Becky continues that, whatever Tracy's been through, she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy but that it was nothing to do with her.

Becky then turns to Steve and repeats that Tracy had already lost the babies when she fell down the stairs and asks him to check the dates. She tells him that his shiny new wife is a filthy liar.

Tracy grabs the piece of paper and tries to claim that it's been forged but it's clear nobody believes her and Ken asks how she could have stooped so low. Steve tries asking Becky where she got the medical records but she ignores him and turns to Ken and tells him that Deirdre already knew about it. "Isn't that right, Dreary?" asks Becky.

Tracy screams at Steve that he's got to believe her because it's all lies. "But it's not, is it?" asks Steve as Becky raises a glass of Champagne and says that she hopes they'll both be very happy together as they deserve each other.

In the pub Tracy is now hysterical and trying to get Deirdre to stick up for her. Ken is incredulous. Gail is busy telling Steve she didn't know anything about it and he's saying that all he wants her to do is look at the paper and verify it's a genuine medical record. Tracy then thinks that Gail must be in on it as she hates her and Gail says "what, you think I helped access the medical records?" at which point Tracy tries to attack Gail and has to be pulled off. Steve then shouts at Tracy that she disgusts him and asks Ken and Deirdre to keep her away from him.

Next Steve starts on Peter and asks him if that's why he avoided the wedding because he knew something. Leanne joins in and says that the car broke down and Steve can phone the breakdown company if he doesn't believe him and Peter quickly says there's no need to do that.

We now move over to Roy's Rolls where Kylie is waiting in the closed café and Becky walks in from the flat upstairs, carrying a bag. Kylie is still full of what's just happened but Becky seems very subdued. She hands Kylie and bank book and tells her that there's five grand in her account following the divorce and she's going to transfer everything into Kylie's name. She tells Kylie it's for Max and Kylie tries telling Becky he's not for sale. But Becky explains that's not what she meant. She says that Kylie has changed and, as Becky gives her sister a tearful hug she says the money is for them both when she's gone.

Becky walks out onto the street as Kylie runs behind, wanting to know where Becky's going. As Becky climbs into a cab she spots Hayley and Roy coming out of the Rovers. She tells Kylie that she can't bear to say goodbye to them and asks Kylie to do it for her.

The cab pulls away but as it drives past the Rovers and Hayley and Roy see her, Becky gets the driver to stop. She jumps out and runs back, flinging her arms around Hayley and Roy. Through her sobs she tells them that they are the best people on the planet and that she's going to love them forever. Hayley is crying too much to speak and even Roy manages to show some emotion and tells Becky that they love her very much. Becky's final words are to her sister as she asks Kylie to promise to look after Roy and Hayley and there isn't a dry eye on the street as she gets back into the cab and leaves the cobbles.

In the back room of the Kabin Norris is lying exhausted over the top of Mary's keyboard following yet more relentless practising. Mary tells him that they're going to have to do something which she was hoping to avoid: cheat. It turns out that the keyboard has an automatic function on it so that it will play by itself. Just as Mary is demonstrating it to Norris, Rita comes in. Luckily she thinks it's Mary playing. She certainly knows it's not Norris because, as she says, she knew it couldn't be him as it sounded tuneful.

Emily comes into the Kabin and starts to tell Rita about what happened at the reception. Norris's ears prick up when he hears her say it was awful and rushes out to the front of the shop to find out what happened. Mary follows him and Norris takes the opportunity to escape out of the front.

Hayley, Kylie and Roy have gone back to the Kabin and, just as Hayley is asking Kylie why Becky felt she couldn't talk to them first, Steve comes in looking for Becky. Roy tells Steve that he chased her away and Hayley asks him why he couldn't believe her. Kylie tells Steve that Becky left in a cab. He asks whether it was a Streetcars cab and then leaves the café.

Outside the Rovers, Ken and Deirdre are arguing and Tracy is running up and down the street looking for Steve. Tracy sees Steve getting into a cab and calls out to him. She looks pleading and he returns her look with a grimace. Steve drives off with smoking tyres while Tracy collapses onto the pavement and into her mother's arms.

At Eileen's, Jason is watching a film on Marcus's laptop and Marcus is trying to talk to him about Eileen's relationship with Paul. He asks Jason whether he's heartless or stupid. Marcus explains to Jason in words of one syllable that Paul is in a really difficult situation and that Eileen has chosen to get involved with him because she cares about him and because Paul's heart is breaking. He finishes by telling Jason that it makes Eileen a much nicer person than Jason will ever be. We can almost see the cogs turning in Jason's brain as the truth of what Marcus is saying begins to sink in.

The action now moves to Manchester airport where Steve has gone to look for Becky who, of course, he manages to spot instantly, possibly thanks to her very noticeable outfit of a sparkly gold mini skirt and leopard print jacket. He tells her he's been an idiot and she smiles and says that she could have saved him a journey because she knows that already. He tells Becky that he just couldn't believe that Tracy could lie about something like that and says that he is so, so sorry. Becky replies that all he had to do was know her. Steve tries to say that he's going to make a promise on his life but Becky stops him. She tells Steve that until he came along she didn't believe anyone could ever love her and then she thanks him and gives him a tender hug and a kiss on the cheek. At that moment Danny and Billy walk up to them and Danny asks Becky if she's ready. Becky takes Billy by the hand and the three of them go through to departures, leaving Steve behind.

We now return to Eileen's where she and Paul are chatting away happily as they come into the house. They stop talking when they go into the sitting room and see Jason is there. Jason offers to leave them to it so Paul suggests he should leave instead but, to their amazement Jason then tells them that they should stay and that he's bought them a bottle of wine. He even goes as far as telling Paul he shouldn't have given him a hard time, which is tantamount to an apology. Jason leaves, Paul suggests he should open the wine and Eileen suggests he should stay over.

Steve has returned to the street. It is now night time and we see him looking sadly at the front of the Rovers which is still decked out with the wedding banner and balloons.

On the flight to Barbados, Becky is settling Billy down for a sleep. She joins Danny at the bar for a drink where she asks him if he's in the mile high club. "What's that?" he asks, with feigned innocence before kissing Becky and telling her he loves her. Danny asks for another drink and Becky tells him to save his cash as she has her duty free up in the luggage rack. She is then delighted when Danny explains to her that when you travel first class, all the drinks are free. He asks whether Becky has any regrets and she replies that regrets are for people that stop on the ground whereas they are heading for the stars.

Steve is still standing dejectedly on the street outside the pub. As we hear the sound of a plane going overhead he looks poignantly up at the night sky and the titles roll.

Karen Jankel


Thursday 26 January

A tight-lipped Deirdre is sipping tea, the atmosphere is decidedly frosty. Ken has taken Amy to school, but hasn't finished with Deirdre yet. Tracy's excuse for lying her head off is that she lost her babies and was about to lose Steve. Does no one care how she feels? She just wanted Amy to have a father.

Frank sees Sally off to work, saying he'll be in later. His mother asks if he's happy. He tells her he's happier with Sally in his life than he would be without.

Carla's working at her dining table. She asks Michelle to cancel a business meeting she has next week - she's in court instead. She's not looking forward to the trial, but is looking forward to seeing Frank sent down for six years.

Nick is about to move to Victoria Court. Gail is already fretting about meals, and tells him he can come for Sunday lunch. She then turns her attention to Max, Kylie remarks that he was asking after Becky. Gail thinks the poor love must be very confused and asks David why he doesn't let him have the day off school. David points out that he and Kylie both have jobs, so Gail offers to look after him for the day, she'll take him to the park and make a fuss of him.

With furtive looks up the stairs, Paul quietly says goodbye to Eileen with a kiss or two, and heads off to work. A moment later Jason comes down the stairs. "Who was that at the door?" he demands to know. Eileen waves post that has just arrived. "Postman!" she says.

A miserable looking Tracy knocks at Steve's front door, but she gets a frosty reception. She begs to be allowed in - they need to talk. He tells her to say what she's got to say and get out of his sight. She says she knows she did a terrible thing, but he has to understand what she went through when she lost the babies. However, Steve's furious that she lied to him, he could have slept with Becky but he didn't because he'd made a commitment to her. He goes back inside, slamming the door in her face. Tracy walks off sobbing.

Michelle sees Peter sitting in the cafe and sits down with him for a few minutes. She tells him that Carla has gone into super-efficient mode, getting as much sorted as she can before the trial next week. He asks how it is, the two of them living together. Michelle admits that it isn't always easy, living and working together, so as soon as she can find the deposit, she's going to get her own place.

Gail is in the Kabin, moaning to Rita and Dennis about Tracy, when Norris comes in with his electronic keyboard under his arm. He's delighted to find he has a ready made audience, and goes out the back to set up. Gail takes Max and leaves quickly, but moments later Dennis and Rita hear a perfect rendition of 'Ain't She Sweet' wafting through the shop. They hurry out to the back, but quickly realise that Norris isn't actually playing - it's the keyboard doing it all by itself!

Carla nips into the bookies and begs Peter to meet her later at a restaurant on the other side of town. She really needs to talk to him. He says he'll do his best.

Back at the Kabin, the keyboard seems to have a mind of its own and nothing Norris can do will stop it playing. Even pulling the plug out doesn't work. Just then Sylvia comes into the shop and Rita and Dennis rush out the front to serve her. Not knowing, of course, that it's not really Norris playing, she comments that he's coming on and asks to be able to watch. They fob her off, saying he's shy. She wonders how he'll manage to perform in front of everybody, and is sure he'll crack. When she's left, Rita and Dennis go back to Norris. Rita implores him to turn it off and in desperation Norris bangs the keyboard down on the stand. It makes some bizarre noises and then stops. "Peace at last!" says Rita.

Leanne is round at the Barlows', trying to help, but Tracy is in no mood to be gracious. Ken comes in, saying he's still trying to work out what Deirdre and Tracy thought they were playing at. Deirdre says she was just trying to help. Just then there's a bang on the door. It's Steve, he says he's off to see his solicitor to get the marriage annulled, he and Tracy are over - forever!

Peter and Leanne are chatting. He tells her that a mate of his is going to the dog track this evening and asks if she'd like to go. As he obviously knows, she can't go - there's a meeting at the school and also she doesn't think Deirdre and Ken are up to babysitting right now. She tells him to go, she doesn't mind.

At the Barlow's, Deirdre begs Ken to be supportive, but he can't. He says he feels sorry for Steve and Becky, and besides, it would never have lasted, nothing with Tracy ever does. Eventually Ken says he'll go before he says something he regrets.

David and Kylie are in the cafe. Sylvia asks Kylie if she's heard from Becky, but denies that she's missing her. "You can get attached to a bunion, but you don't miss it when it's gone!"

Jason apologises to Eileen, he thinks he's been a bit hard on her over Paul, but promises to be more supportive from now on. Just then there's a knock on the door. It's Paul with flowers. He wants to thank Eileen for last night, he couldn't have faced going home to an empty house. Jason does a double-take. "He stayed here last night? As soon as his wife's in a home he's straight into your bed?" He outraged, and storms out.

Steve's in the shop, buying a large bottle of whisky. Ken comes in, stares at the bottle on the counter and then asks Dev: "Got another one of those?"

Carla is waiting in the restaurant for Peter when a previous customer comes along. He sits down at the table and then, to her horror, tells her that he's meeting Frank there shortly. He assumes they've sorted out their differences and are working together again. Carla asks him not to tell Frank he's seen her, and makes a quick getaway. She rushes out onto the pavement just as Peter happens to be passing. He pulls up sharply and she jumps into the car. "Drive!" she says, desperately. As they pull away we see Frank watching from his car across the road.

David and Kylie arrive at the primary school and meet Brian in the hall. He remarks that he didn't see Max today, and Kylie tells him that Max was sick. Brian wonders if they're giving him a healthy, balanced diet. Kylie bristles. "Very healthy," she says. Brian says he's seen a lot of crisps but not seen any fruit in Max's lunchbox. They then argue about the packed lunch and Kylie and David walk out.

Ken has gone to Steve's house and the two of them are drinking the scotch and having a maudlin conversation. Steve wonders how he's going to explain the situation to Amy, she's not going to be able to understand it. Ken says he can't look Tracy or Deirdre in the eye. Steve says he's lost the only woman he's ever loved - she's now in Barbados with Prince Charming.

Peter and Carla are parked up, wondering what to do now. They can't go back to Carla's flat because Michelle is there. Peter says that she told him she only needs a deposit to get a place of her own. Carla says that's easily sorted, but doesn't help them right now. Peter can't wait until all the skulking around is over.

Frank returns home and tells Sally what he saw. He's not got the private detective back on the case, he wants them watched, every second of every day until the trial. His future suddenly looks a whole lot brighter. He kisses her and says he'll see her tomorrow.

Anne Logan


Friday 27 January

Right, before we begin, I'd just like to make a special award for Best New Comedy Partnership. And the award goes to: Ken and Steve! Last night's drinking scenes and the follow-up in this first Friday episode gave Ken a chance to be seen in an entirely new light and I hope we get many many more scenes of these two as buddies.

OK, on with the show.

We open with Paul and Eileen snogging in the street as he leaves the house. This isn't the sort of thing Norris likes to see early in the morning. Not far away, Peter's on the phone to Carla, who warns him how risky it is to even think of seeing each other. "Do you know how close we came to Frank seeing us?" she demands. Well, it was closer than even she thought and the detective is still watching Peter.

In Carla's flat, Michelle comes from the bathroom and reveals that she's talked to Dev and her old flat is available. If she can scrape together the deposit, she plans to move there. Carla offers to pay the deposit for her.

Ken is spark out on Steve's settee until woken by a hot cuppa being waved under his nose. Steve's amazed that Ken still looks good even after a night drinking and then a night on the sofa. "Got any paracetamol?" croaks Ken, who obviously isn't feeling as good as he looks. Steve tells him how much he enjoyed the night and the company. He says at least they got one thing established after the Ouzo. "Ouzo?" asks Ken. He doesn't remember any Ouzo. Steve says they established that Ken can't go on blaming Deirdre for all this. Ken says he just thinks there should be some sort of retribution. "Tracy can't keep doing thing without any consequences."

Kylie's annoyed at Brian Packham criticizing Max's lunch. She tells Gail she'd packed a lunch of cheese dippers, a chocolate bar and a packet of prawn-cocktail crisps. Gail rolls her eyes but is careful not to say anything about this choice, though she does say Brian is just trying to improve the nutrition standards. Nick comes downstairs and it seems he's moved most of his stuff out. Gail regrets that he won't be living there any more. Kylie thinks she'll pack Max a sandwich, a pot of yoghurt and an apple just so Brian can't criticize. "You know what?" she says. "I blame Jamie Oliver."

At the bookies' Leanne asks how Peter's evening went and he gives her ten pounds which he says is her share of his winnings at the dog track.

Frank and Sally are at work, discussing Peter and Carla. Frank tells Sally the information is his trump card because Peter and Carla didn't see him.

In the Kabin, Mary calls in to see how Norris is bearing up in preparation for his big moment. He tells her he can't go through with it because the keyboard is broken. This gives Mary an idea. She tells Norris to pretend he doesn't know the instrument is broken. When it won't work at the Rovers it'll buy them some time to get it fixed.

Hayley's on the phone to Becky, who seems to be having a lovely time. After she hangs up, Sylvia comes down, very depressed. It seems she can't Skype Milton. He hasn't contacted her or answered her calls for several days she thinks she's been dumped.

At Underworld, Carla says goodbye to a client and Michelle tells her Dev's given her the key and she can move into her old flat today if she wants. Carla gets a phone call from Peter.

Tracy tries to explain to Amy that Steve is annoyed with her, not with Amy, because Tracy's done something wrong. She won't tell Amy what it is and Amy wonders why Steve can't just put Tracy on the naughty step or ban her from watching TV. When Amy goes to wash her hands, Tracy attacks Deirdre for not helping with the conversation. "It's your mess," says Deirdre. Tracy says people should remember she only did what she did to keep her family together. "No, you did what you did because you're selfish and spiteful," says a voice from the doorway. Ken's home. Tracy asks how Steve is and Ken says he's taking comfort from the finality of it. Tracy tells Ken he could have used his influence to persuade Steve to forgive her. Ken replies that Steve's had enough. "And so have I. I want you to move out."

Peter's in the pub and pretends not to notice Carla at first, then goes to chat with her at the bar. Carla's wary but he assures her it will look like two mates having a drink and a conversation. He asks if she can get away for the night. They'll go somewhere where nobody knows them - Liverpool or Chester.

Tracy tells Ken he can't turf them out on the street. Ken says Amy's welcome to stay but Tracy has a week to find somewhere else. At the end of the week, if Tracy's still there then he'll go. "I can't change who you are but that doesn't mean I have to live with you." Deirdre tells Tracy she understands why Ken is saying it. "But I can't go along with it."

Peter's talking to Leanne about the benefits of owning a racing greyhound. She's very skeptical but he says it would just be a bit of fun. She worries about the money involved and that he might be using dog racing as a drink substitute.

The private detective reports to Frank that she saw Peter and Carla in the pub. She doubts they'd do anything so close to the trial. Frank doesn't care how much it costs - he wants them followed 24/7.

Max didn't touch his healthy lunch. Gail says it's a phase but Kylie can't see the point of making him a lunch he won't eat.

Peter reckons his mate Phil has just called and someone's dropped out of the racing syndicate. He tries to persuade Leanne to support his plan to buy shares in a dog and tells her they can see it race tonight - at Sunderland. He plays the martyr card when she refuses and she tells him to go, even though it means paying for a B&B in Sunderland for the night.

Deirdre tries to persuade Ken not to evict Tracy but he refuses to change his mind. Tracy's face crumples and Deirdre attacks her, saying Tracy's put her in an impossible position. "If you ever put me in a position like that again I will disown you, and that's a promise!"

In the pub, Norris is setting up with much interest from the patrons, including Julie, Eileen and Paul. Rita explains to Paul that it's going to be a battle to the death. Norris says something to Paul about being less demonstrative in public and it's clear that Julie doesn't approve of Eileen and Paul being an item. Eileen wants to leave but Paul says he likes the sound of the banjo-uke versus keyboard battle.

Peter rings Carla and tells her to pack a bag.

In his factory, Frank thanks Sally for her support and says he has to put contingency plans into place in case he doesn't come back from court next week.

Norris and Julie condemn Eileen and Paul's relationship, though Rita tells them they shouldn't judge without all the facts. Eileen knows they're talking about her and comes across to the bar. "You've crossed the line now," Julie tells her, but Eileen says it's none of her business. She goes back to Paul, who wants to leave. He doesn't want "us" to come between Eileen and her friends.

Mary announces the contest and that the winner will be decided by the loudest applause. Without a clapometer handy, Julie is appointed adjudicator. She tosses a coin and Sylvia begins to play and sing. She stops suddenly when a mysterious stranger (he looks like Napoleon Solo's grandfather) puts his bag on the bar. "Milton!"

Carla crosses a car park to a hotel and Peter comes out to greet her. Handily, they kiss on the front steps of the hotel so the detective can get some really good pictures!

The end of the first episode.

It was lovely to see Robert Vaughan as Milton. Now if we could only get Ilya Kuryakin to call in at the Kabin . . .

Margaret Carr

Written by Jan McVerry Directed by David Kester

Sylvia is in good voice in the Rovers, belting out 'Ain't She Sweet' while being strongly aided and abetted by Milton. Marcus tells Eileen that his is a pint, but she miserably tells him to get his own. He asks what he has done, and she replies that it's not him, and stares directly at the object of her animosity, namely Julie, who is looking extremely unhappy too.

As Sylvia comes to the end of her rendition, her captive audience burst into applause with the exception of Norris, who is looking decidedly uncomfortable. Sylvia is all of a flutter having the object of her affections right there beside her. Karl approaches and Milton immediately mistakes him for Roy, shaking him by the hand and telling him what a pleasure it is to meet him and introduces himself as 'Milton Fenshaw the Third'. Before Karl has a chance to put him straight, Roy pushes his way through and tells him that he is actually Roy - Roy Cropper the First that is! With a flourish of the hand, Milton the wealthy then buys a round for the whole pub.

At the end of the bar Stella, Michelle and Marcus are having a giggle about Milton mistaking Karl for Roy. Then Michelle spreads the good news that she is moving back into her old flat come Monday and can't wait. She tells Stella that it wouldn't be happening if it hadn't been for Carla's help with the deposit.

Roy and Hayley are discussing Sylvia's new beau, and are pleasantly surprised. Hayley is pleased because he seems so genuine, and Roy is flabbergasted that he actually seems to genuinely like his mother! Just then Leanne arrives and in conversation it comes out that Peter is away for the night in Sunderland, buying the leg of a greyhound. While Leanne is off to the loo, Stella has a chance to quiz Michelle a little more about Carla, saying it must be difficult both living and working together. Michelle tells her that it's not that bad as she hardly sees her, then tells her that she has flitted off to Derby for the night tonight to visit some long lost mate. You can almost see the cogs snapping into place in Stella's brain.

Peter and Carla have obviously not wasted their time away by sightseeing. They are in bed, basking in the afterglow. I have seen Peter's tattoos before, but never before noticed the one he has on full display this time. It's on the back of his upper arm, so is upside down to the viewer, but looks to be a full colour picture of a woman's head inside an upside down horse collar. How peculiar! I was so distracted I didn't notice what they were saying and had to rewind. Anyway, the subject uppermost on Carla's mind is Frank and the impending trial

Talking of the devil, we then switch to Frank and Sally walking into Frank's house to find his mother with a meal and wine all prepared for them, and she is more than a little peeved that they are so late, and have been to the pub prior to coming home too, but they assure her that the meal looks delicious.

Tracy and Deirdre are discussing recent events, and Tracy is accusing Deirdre of telling Becky that she lost the twins the day before she had the run-in with Becky. Deirdre of course is denying this, just as Ken arrives home, overhears the conversation and comes to Deirdre's defense. Tracy tells him it is none of his business, but he puts her straight immediately and tells her that in his house it is most definitely his business. He tells her that no matter what happens, she learns nothing, that each lesson slides off her like radiation off a cockroach, and goes on to call her 'The Teflon Kid' Yay Ken!! Deirdre is getting upset at the arguing, and feels she is being blamed for everything. Ken tells her she has to face it, she can't keep running away forever as she knows where it is heading. Tracy remarks that it is heading towards her being out on the street, and Ken does nothing to contradict her. Yay Ken again!

A hush is descending on the crowd in the Rovers in anticipation of Norris playing his party piece. He raises his hands above the keyboard, and brings them down with a flourish to meet with a dull thud when they land. "Oh dear", says Norris, "It seems we have a problem and will have to postpone". Sylvia smirks that no doubt they will admit defeat, but Norris is not having that. He tells the crowd that his performance will be rescheduled once the keyboard has been repaired. Hayley leads the crowd in a round of applause for a good effort.

Milton makes a suggestion to Sylvia that they 'mosey' (mosey? Now I know Milton is supposed to be American, but really!) over to her son's restaurant for some of the haute cuisine she has been telling him about. Methinks our Sylvia may have been exaggerating just a tad. Visibly flustered she tells him she doubts they would get a table at that short notice, which surprises Milton, as he thinks they would find one for the owner's mother. Clutching at straws, she calls out to Norris that he could use the piano - the piano we haven't seen for years inside the Rovers. Rita thinks this is an inspired idea, unlike Norris who looks positively horrified.

Stella, like a dog with a bone is asking Leanne if she didn't think of going to Sunderland with Peter, as she would have had Simon. Leanne replies that there was no way she wanted to go, because she knows it is just a cover, that Peter has really gone for a night on the tiles with the lads. But assures Stella that she knows he won't be tempted to drink. Stella's face tells us that it is not the drinking temptation she is concerned about.

Norris is sitting at the piano and panicking now. He is protesting that he is used to a keyboard not a piano, but it is falling on deaf ears. Mary suddenly accidentally (on purpose) slams the lid down hard on his hands - desperate times call for desperate measures it seems.

David and Kylie are relaxing with a can of beer on the sofa of No. 8. Kylie is telling David it's taken her a while to get Max to settle in bed, as his stomach was gurgling so much. David remarks that he's not surprised with the amount he ate at tea time. Kylie blames all this healthy eating stuff at school, the poor lamb is starving by the time he gets home. David's philosophy is that 'salad is for saddos' and both settle down with a bag of crisps each to go down with their beer. Kylie remarks that she saw a 'pretty fit older bird' on the telly who had lived off nothing but crisps for ten years, and David figures someone should tell fatty Packham about that.

Still in bed, Peter and Carla are discussing their future together. Peter is saying that he wants to take things slowly for Simon's sake, and Carla agrees that they can go as slowly as he wishes, but both agree it is going to be a nightmare when they have to come clean about their relationship. Peter tells her that the reason they came away was so they could be themselves and go out as a couple, and they laugh at the idea that they might go clubbing at their age. But no, Peter just wants to take her to a nice restaurant and show her off.

Stella goes out into the yard of the Rovers to find Deirdre in the smoking area. She explains that it had been a toss up between a Shiraz and a cigarette, and the fag won. Not being up on my wines I had to look that one up, and discovered it is an Australian one. Will have to try it sometime. Stella invites her through to the back to unload all her problems, she just has to get her Superwoman cape and tights out of the dryer first. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

Rita and Dennis are enjoying a conversation with Milton and Sylvia. Milton is telling them that the endless sunshine of Palm Springs can get to be a drag after a while, and that he needs cut and thrust in his life. Sylvia interjects that he is big in property. Our American friend asks Dennis what he is into, and our Weatherfield friend replies "Well, I'm in 'ere mostly" as he sips his beer. LOL!! Rita explains that Dennis is retired.

Marcus has been called upon to tend to Norris' battered hands. They don't look broken, as he can move his fingers thankfully, but Marcus suggests he goes to the hospital to have them x-rayed to make sure. Kirk comes over to the fruit machine and tosses a coin to see whether he should play or not. The coin tells him to play and hey presto, he hits the jackpot! Karl looks on with envy and makes a remark to lead us to believe he has been putting more than his fair share of money into that machine, and it's now Kirk who has taken it out. Mary gushes her thanks to Marcus for his Florence Nightingale services, and Norris mutters to her not to get her hopes up as he rides the other bus. An amused Marcus looks on mouth agape.

Milton declares to Sylvia that she now must be the winner of the contest as Norris is out of the running. She is still overwhelmed that he would come all that way for so little. He suggests he stick around for a while as she has told him how much there is to amuse oneself in Weatherfield. Oh dear...

Marcus goes home to find Eileen sitting on the sofa in the dark. He presses her to unburden herself, and she tells him that it upsets her that people don't trust Paul, which she feels is much worse than not liking him. Just then Paul arrives at the door and Marcus makes himself scarce. She invites him in, but immediately lays into him for not sticking up for her when her friends and family were having a go at her because of their relationship. He explains that he doesn't want to fall out with them, and that Julie is her sister. Eileen is very angry now, and asks him if he thinks Julie is right, he answers in the negative. "So say something!" she yells. He tells her he will in the future, if they have a future. He is worried now that Eileen might dump him over it, but she assures him she is not going to do that, but their relationship cannot be a one way street. Paul agrees.

Steve has arrived in the pub now, and is wallowing in self pity over what Tracy has done to him. He likens himself to the kid who keeps moving from school to school but still keeps getting bullied. Maybe if you grew a spine Steve, it wouldn't keep happening. Trouble with Steve is that he is always attracted to women like his mother. He loves them domineering and edgy, he would be bored stiff with someone like Claire Peacock, and that's why his marriage to Vicky Arden didn't last five minutes. Mind you, none of his other marriages lasted much longer than that either, so maybe there's no hope for Steve at all!

He is asking Michelle what's wrong with him, and she's probably not the best person to ask. She tells him that he comes across as kind of weak. He is horrified to hear this, and asks if he comes across to everyone that way. The look on Michelle and Karl's faces tell him that not many people are likely to mistake him for Bronte's Heathcliff.

In the back, Deirdre is unloading her troubles onto Stella who is asking if Tracy feels bad over what she has done. Deirdre tells her that Tracy doesn't do remorse, but she does think she feels it, unlike Ken who wants the 'Teflon kid' out. Stella asks her why she keeps sticking up for Tracy, and she replies that she is still her baby, and she has to consider Amy. Stella points out that Amy has never wanted for anything from her father, and no matter what happens to her mother, Steve will always look out for her. Stella goes on to tell Deirdre that if she continues defending Tracy no matter what, she will end up losing Ken and asks if that is what she wants. I think someone is finally getting through to Deirdre, good on ya Super Woman!

David and Kylie are walking down the street in the evening and see Brian and Julie leaving the chippie stuffing their faces with the yummy vinegar soaked morsels. Kylie tells Brian that they tried his new healthy eating plan and as it bombed, our Maxy will be going back to his usual routine tomorrow. Brian tells her (with his mouth full of chips) that Rome wasn't built in a day, but Kylie retorts that Max was starved in a day. Brian replies that come Monday the new policy is going into place at Bessie Street, and that the teachers would be checking all lunch boxes. Kylie asks if they would be checking the teachers too, obviously not his, judging by his choice of food at the moment. She then tries to snatch a chip from Julie, who is not about to part with any of them. David tells him that when he can give up his chippy tea and bitter, Max will give up his crisps and chocolate. He then takes a photo of Mr. Packham and his chips for evidence.

The atmosphere in No. 1 between Ken and Tracy is very strained when Deirdre arrives home fresh from having her eyes opened by Stella. She announces that Ken is right, and that she needs to pay for her actions and should leave. Ken interjects that Amy is more than welcome to stay, but Tracy knows how to turn things around so they feel guilty, and calls Amy to tell her they are leaving immediately.

Eileen and Paul are calmer now and sharing a bottle of wine. She asks him how Leslie is, and he tells her that she is calmer now, and that as care homes go, that one is not bad. He is still feeling very guilty for putting her in there though, and Eileen points out that it is only two weeks out of years and years that he has been coping alone. He tells her that it is made that much harder because he always had such a good marriage, if it hadn't been, it would be easier to get her out of his life for a couple of weeks, he would then be able to come round to Eileen's without a second thought, and enjoy falling in love with her without feeling so guilty. She asks if that is what he is doing, and he tells her he thinks he is. She pulls him into her arms, kisses him and asks him not to stop.

Peter comes out of the bathroom planning to get dressed to go out on the town, but finds Carla has fallen asleep while she waited for her turn. So much for that idea then.

Steve comes home to Number 13 to find Tracy slaving over a hot microwave for their dinner. He hits the roof and asks what she is doing there. Telling him to keep his voice down in order to not wake Amy, she explains that she is his wife, has nowhere else to go, so she and Amy are staying put. "Get used to it Steve" she tells him as she offers him a poppadom.

The detective hired by Frank is at his place showing them all the photos she has taken of Peter. They are not very interested until finally a couple pop onto the screen showing Peter and Carla kissing. "Bingo!" Shouts Frank's mother, and it's rejoicing all round. Frank says that he always had a gut feeling, but until now couldn't prove it. But come Monday, in that courtroom, for his dead father, he plans to blow Carla and her stinking boyfriend right out of the water!

Christine


Monday 30 January

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Noreen Kershaw

Frank's trial starts today and it may be as much of a trial for Carla to get through as well. Michelle and Maria are propping her up as she's getting ready. She sends a text to Peter who replies that he loves her. Peter tries to keep Leanne from going to court because it's going to be brutal with all the mud slinging, accusing Peter and Carla of an affair. Leanne is confident and she trusts him. She's knows it's not true. (uh oh).

Steve has slept the night on the sofa in the little seen front room of Number 13 (So why did Cheryl and Lloyd have a big sofa in the other room?) Amy wakes her daddy up and they have a playful cuddle. He tells her that Mummy and Daddy aren't getting along at the moment. Tracy overhears and assures Amy it will all work out. Steve grunts. After Amy goes to another room, he tells Tracy he's got an appointment with the solicitor.

At Eileen's, Rosie is wittering on about a spot that's popped up on her face, disaster! Jason struggles to get the door open, you know, the door that all of a sudden has started to stick. Jason has promised to fix it but it sounds like that's not the first time he's said it and it's still not done. Eileen is also worried about the rape trial. If Frank goes down, she may lose her job. Paul comes downstairs, and Jason realizes he's spent the night. He glares as Paul makes fun of Eileen's cooking, just like a real couple teasing each other.

Team Connor arrive at the courthouse to be confronted by Team Foster. Frank intimidates Carla, backed by Smug Sally while Carla cowers behind Michelle and Maria. Peter and Leanne are there to support Team Carla. Leanne goes inside because Peter says he wants a cig but he's really trying to give Carla a few words of needed support.

Number 1 is quiet without Tracy but she comes in to get some things. She makes a few harsh remarks at her father's expense for throwing her out but admits she stayed in Number 13 but also admits that Steve wasn't happy. She intends to win him around.

The trial begins. Sally and Anne bitch about Carla in the gallery while the opening statements are presented. Frank is portrayed as a sexual predator, a real hard core, cruel and brutal criminal likely to fly into a rage at the least provocation. He's a dirtbag, and scum, and a rapist, yes, but they're really pushing the envelope, but that's what they do, portraying Carla as an innocent.

Milton arrives in the Kabin, greeted by Julie who gushes over his American accent. Sylvia arrives soon after and when he says he wants to see Roy's "restaurant" she makes excuses. (exaggerate much, Sylv?) Outside, Milton is still talking about the restaurant and spies Nick's Bistro and assumes that's the right restaurant because Sylvia must have told him it's in the neighbourhood. She pales and ends up having to go in with him.

Carla waits in the lobby. Peter has come out for a coffee and sits with her, with more words of support, telling her they can be together once Frank is convicted, promising he will break the news to Leanne. Carla is called for her testimony. Here we go. Deep breath.

Her testimony begins after the break. She describes the beginning of their relationship. Frank's face is stony and cold looking and he doesn't look at her until she starts saying how she began to feel controlled by him. She then tells the story of the night of the rape, faltering a few times. She's very emotional but gets through it. When she testifies that she felt in fear for her life, it almost looks like Frank's face cracks a bit, like there's a flicker of remorse, a pang of guilt. If he was to admit it to himself, you think he probably does know what he's done was wrong. It's subtle, but it's there, along with the idea that he probably still does love her down deep. That doesn't last long. It's an excellent performance by both actors.

Milton is enjoying his meal at Nick's. Meanwhile Eva has all kinds of ideas for decoration Nick's new flat. Milton calls Nick over and asks if Roy will be in today. During the conversation, Nick's confusion is not lost on Milton.

Steve is moaning to Karl about Tracy. Apparently he can't get an annulment because Tracy still wants the marriage. Both parties have to want the annulment for it to be granted and a divorce can't happen for a year. A 12 month sentence for stupidity. He'd even put her name on the deeds to the house. Prat!

Back to the court, the prosecution cross examines Carla. She makes it sound like Carla used Frank to invest in a failing business and used her sexuality to lead him on, basically implying she was prostituting herself. We can see Anne and Sally smirking in the background. The prosecutor continues to rake Carla over the coals and this shores up Frank and you can see him develop a major righteous.

Deirdre, Ken and Tracy come in and Tracy is triumphant to see Steve looking miserable. It couldn't have gone well. Eileen and Paul are cuddling and chatting in a booth. Paul starts to feel a bit guilty for having a good time. Julie comes in and gives them a critical glance. Paul is worried that everyone is against them and falling out with Eileen because of him but she kisses him and tells him it's her decision.

Tracy approaches Steve but Karl is the one that says it didn't go well. Steve tells Tracy the result. Result, indeed, Tracy gurns. In the ladies', Julie confronts Eileen, worried her affair will end in tears. Eileen is unrepentant. Julie hugs her from behind, causing her lippy to be put on crooked and the two of them laugh. I guess they've made up. Agree to disagree.

In the Bistro, Milton asks Eva what it's like to work for "him". Of course she thinks he means Nick and it comes out that they're dating, causing an eyebrow or two to be raised. Sylvia looks increasingly uncomfortable, unable to give Eva the high sign. Milton has already figured it out anyway, he admits when she apologizes. She says she got carried away on the cruise with everyone bragging up their accomplished children when all she's got is a middle aged man in a tatty cardigan running a back street cafe. Milton says Roy must have good points and Sylvia touts Roy's kindness and loyalty and great big heart. All good things, Milton says.

Back to the courtroom, the prosecution brings up Peter's name. She prods and pokes about Carla's relationship with Peter, saying she wanted Frank out of the way so she could have a clear run at Peter. Carla insists Peter has been a good friend and hollers at the barrister for making her sound like the criminal when it's Frank. He's the one who raped her!

Tracy arrives home with bags from Freshcos. Steve is creeped out by all their pretending in front of Amy. Tracy tries to use Amy's prior incident making herself sick to get Steve on side but he's not having it. He insists he'll never forgive her and she ought to just walk away and let him get on with his life.

Outside the court, Anne can't understand why Frank's barrister hasn't brought the photographic evidence in. He commends the barrister and is very calm while his mother rants. Patience, mother. The barrister hasn't seen the photos and he points out that the legal way isn't necessarily the best way. Anne twigs that he's got a plan which he admits and says when he puts it into place, the jury will see Carla for the liar she is.

Tvor

Written by Jayne Hollinson and directed by Noreen Kershaw

This episode opens in Steve and Tracy's house where Steve joins Tracy in the kitchen after their first night under the same roof as a married couple, albeit in separate bedrooms we assume. Tracy is trying to convince Steve that he must still love her, despite what she's done, but Steve is still hoping for an annulment. He tells Tracy that he never loved her, that it was always Becky he loved and if he could, he'd be with her now. Tracy actually manages to look genuinely upset and bewildered. At the court Frank is pacing up and down while he waits his turn to take the stand. Sally and Anne are keeping him company in the corridor outside. Frank asks Sally to go and fetch him a coffee which gives Frank time to have a quiet word with his mother. He has a plan which he knows Sally wouldn't approve of. Anne, however, has no such qualms and is more than willing to do whatever it takes to help her son.

In the Rovers, Brian has just received a text from Meredith McGuire, the Chair of Governors, who wants to see him. Julie explains to Eileen and Paul that she's a right cow as she thinks Brian is a rubbish Headmaster. "Think of your worst nightmare," chips in Brian, by way of explanation, which then leads on to a discussion on the topic. We learn that Paul's idea of a nightmare is being trapped in a room full of rats, Eileen's is being naked on stage and Julie's involves something very strange to do with climbing up a pile of coloured cubes. Enough said.

Stella joins the group and asks if anyone knows how the trial's going. Julie thinks it must be awful for Carla having to relive it all again but Eileen says that she's not so sure that Carla is telling the truth and that she thinks Frank actually seems like quite a decent bloke. Stella springs to Carla's defense and finishes by saying that she hopes Frank rots in hell.

In the cafe Owen is being served by Anna who is very business-like to the point of being frosty when Milton and Sylvia come in. Milton envelopes Roy in a bear-like hug, much to Roy's discomfiture, before introductions are made. Milton admires his surroundings and sees a retro 70s-themed diner. Roy insists it's just a cafe but Milton isn't to be dissuaded, even when Anna is unable to fulfil his order for waffles and blueberries with sour cream. Milton settles instead for an All Day Breakfast which he tells Roy would be known as brunch back in the States. Ever the pedant, Roy starts to argue that brunch isn't the correct term before Sylvia steps in to diffuse the situation.

We now move to the courtroom where Maria is giving her evidence as a witness for the prosecution. She explains what happened the night she went round to Frank's house when she was first working for Underworld and tells the court how he tried to kiss her. We see Frank listening to her evidence and gently shaking his head when she tells the part about trying to get him to stop. Maria explains how he tried to put his hand up her dress and that, after that, she managed to make her escape.

Deirdre calls round to see her daughter and a tearful Tracy tells her mother that Steve hates her. Deirdre tries to say that it's only because Steve's angry but then Tracy tells her exactly what Steve said. Deirdre gives Tracy a comforting hug obviously forgetting, once again, what an evil witch her daughter really is.

Back in court, Maria is now being cross-examined by the defense lawyer. She asks all the questions which most of us would like to know, such as why someone who was only a hairdresser the week before was sent round to negotiate an important business deal a few days into her new job. After more questions about the way Maria was dressed and how she accepted Frank's offer of a drink the barrister then asks why she didn't report his attempted rape to the police. The questioning continues until she gets on to the fact that Maria apologises to Frank two weeks after the assault took place. Maria tries to explain that it was because Frank was going to cancel his order with Underworld so the barrister asks why, another month later, Maria decided to report Frank to the police after all. Maria's asked why the police didn't arrest him at this point and, when she replies that it's because they couldn't find any evidence, Frank's barrister says she has no further questions.

In his office at the school, Brian is defending himself to the Chair of Governors. Until the camera pans back and we see that he's actually only speaking to a chair; and an empty one, at that. As he's telling the chair to keep its nose out, the real Chair (of governors, that is) walks in and Brian suddenly changes his tone completely and becomes very obsequious. Meredith asks him if he's given any more thought to what was discussed at the meeting and clearly he hasn't. The school is failing miserably and it is down to Brian to come up with a way of improving things. Meredith asks him if he has a plan and Brian replies that he has several plans but tries buying himself some time by saying he'd like to wait to discuss them at the next Governors' meeting. Meredith tells him they'd better be good because the Governors are baying for his blood.

Now we move to the Streetcars office where Deirdre has called in to speak to Steve. She tells him Tracy is in bits and, when it's clear he doesn't care, reminds Steve that Tracy did lose the babies. Steve responds sarcastically that Tracy was so grief-stricken she even found time to frame Becky for it. Deirdre defends her daughter's actions by saying she only did it because she was scared of losing Steve and tells him that Tracy genuinely loves him. Then she plays the Amy card: she asks Steve to try and find a way through, if not for Tracy's sake then for their daughter. She tells Steve that the reason she covered up for Tracy's lies is because Tracy's her child and when your child needs help you don't even think about it, you just do what it takes. Her parting shot is to tell Steve to get his act together because Amy is the real casualty in all of this.

Back in the courtroom Peter has now taken the witness stand and is being questioned by the prosecution. He tells him that he and Carla are just friends and mentions Carla's drink problem and how, as a recovering alcoholic himself, he was helping her. He's then asked about what happened on the day of the alleged rape. Next the barrister asks him whether he saw Frank after this and Peter confirms that he did, the following day. Peter says that Frank told him that he'd given Carla what she deserved. After a bit of hesitation he then tells the court that Frank said "she likes it rough, so that's what I gave her".

At Eileen's Paul is about to do some D.I.Y. on her sitting room door when Jason comes in wanting to know what he's up to. Jason is put out because he doesn't think it's Paul's place to be doing it and besides he was supposed to have done the job for his mum. Paul realises that Jason's attitude goes deeper than the door. He raises this with Jason who tells Paul he's never going to trust him so Paul then explains to Jason how much his wife means to him, how she was his lover, his best friend and his wife for 23 years and how he really, really misses her. "But she's still your wife, isn't she?" responds Jason, after mulling over what Paul's just told him.

At Steve's house, Tracy is dishing up Amy's tea and is about to tell her that Steve won't be coming round when to her surprise and Amy's delight, he walks through the door and sits down to eat with them. He says he can't stay long because he's got some stuff to sort out but Tracy just seems grateful that he's there at all.

We return to the courtroom where Peter is now being cross-examined by Frank's barrister. She asks him how he reacted to what Frank had said to him after the alleged rape and Peter admits that he hit him. The barrister reminds him that he did a lot more than just hit him once and how he ended up being arrested. She then starts to question him about whether anyone else heard what Frank said and suggests that Peter might have made it up to give him an excuse to beat up Frank because he never liked him being with Carla.

At Eileen's Jason is now working on the door. He can't manage on his own so Paul steps in to lend a hand. He uses the opportunity to resume their conversation about Lesley and explains to Jason that it feels as though his wife is walking away from him and, no matter how many times he calls after her, she doesn't turn around. He continues that he never meant to fall for Eileen but, now that he has, he promises Jason that he'll never let her down. Eileen comes in with Brian and Julie and is very pleased to see Jason and Paul fixing her door. Jason thanks Paul for his help and we see Eileen's look of delight as she realises that this means they've fixed more than the door and must have mended a few bridges, too. Eileen demonstrates her pleasure by giving Paul several kisses.

In the kitchen Brian is telling Julie about his meeting with Meredith. As he hacks into a packet of ginger nuts with the aid of a kitchen knife, he tells Julie that he's going to have to come up with some plans to sort out the poor SATs results at the school because, if he doesn't, he knows he's for the chop.

As Stella pours a pint for Owen in the Rovers they discuss the trial. Stella says that if there's any justice in this world, Frank will be locked up by the end of it.

Elsewhere in the pub, Milton is telling Sylvia that Roy is a great cook and that he thinks his cafe has loads of potential. He says that he started out small and now has a big empire but, as Sylvia observes, Roy is hardly an entrepreneur. However, Milton isn't going to be put off that easily and says that anyone can be an entrepreneur with a little guidance and he's going to chew on a few ideas and then talk to Roy. Sylvia and Milton raise their glasses and drink to Roy.

Steve come in, puts his arm round Owen and offers to buy him a drink. "What are you after?" asks Owen, seeing straight through him. It turns out Steve has a job which needs doing immediately. Owen says he's snowed under but offers to squeeze him in for a price. Steve agrees straight away and Owen is intrigued to know what needs doing so urgently that Steve doesn't even want to haggle.

Back in the courtroom, Frank's barrister is questioning Peter about the last time he claimed to have seen Frank after he left the factory and it comes out that Peter went round to their flat to see Carla on the night of the alleged rape. In the gallery, Leanne is looking concerned at this revelation. We then see Frank turn round, catch his mother's eye and then nod in her direction. Meanwhile, Peter is trying to explain that his reason for going to see Carla was that she's a friend and he was concerned about her.

In the gallery, Anne taps Leanne on the shoulder and then hands her a large, brown envelope. As the barrister continues questioning Peter, Leanne pulls out some photographs and, as Michelle and Carla look on in concern, Leanne's expression turns from puzzlement to horror as she studies the pictures in her hand which quite clearly show Peter kissing Carla.

Just as the barrister is trying to get Peter to admit he was in a relationship with Carla, Leanne leaps to her feet. The judge calls out order but not before Leanne shouts out that Peter has been lying all along about Carla and asks why else would he have been kissing her? The judge asks the jury to ignore the outburst from the gallery but of course the damage has now been done. The barrister repeats her question to Peter and, reminding him he's still under oath, asks him if he's in a relationship with Carla. Peter looks up at Leanne in the gallery. She returns the look, eyes brimming with tears, as Peter admits that yes, he is in a relationship with Carla. Leanne drops the photos on the floor and rushes out of the courtroom as Peter is left in the witness box looking shamefaced, Carla is visibly shocked and we see Frank's final, smug expression.

Karen Jankel



Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen,Duncan Lindsay, Christine Warren, Ann Logan, Margaret Carr, Tvor, Karen Jankel.