2012


Friday 1 June

Bang! Bang! Bang! That's Norris hammering on Gail's door, almost giving her a heart attack. He's furious that she's got third place in the Weatherfield in Bloom competition. She's furious that he's banging on her door and banging on about it.

Over the way, the workers gossip about Eileen being sacked and it's all news to Kirsty. Eileen comes out of her house and they are all sympathetic to her, but she's philosophical. She says she doesn't want any help.

Tommy's on the phone with Rick, arranging to meet him at 2pm. Tina asks him to meet her for lunch but he says he's arranged to pick up a customer's car then. She's overheard him on the phone and isn't fooled.

Fay's in the cafe getting a drink to take to school. She pleads with Anna not to tell anyone she took the flowers from the baskets. Anna promises - but only because she's going to make Fay confess when she gets home from school.

Leanne comes into the cafe and tells Anna she has a meeting with the Cafcass officer today. Anna's very sympathetic because of all the meetings like that she had to attend when trying to adopt Fay. Leanne doesn't realise Peter's behind her. As she turns to leave he says he's talked to his solicitor about her accusation that Carla tried to give her money. The solicitor says this would just be an advance on the divorce settlement and Peter says they might just have to bring up Leanne's past if necessary.

At the factory, the workers discuss the jubilee party and plan their costumes. They burst into a bit of Girls Aloud but Carla shouts at them. They're a machinist down and have an order to get out. If they don't knuckle down they'll all be following Eileen to the job centre. Kirsty's appalled and indignant at Carla's attitude.

Tina takes Tommy a sandwich. Sunita comes past collecting money for the jubilee celebrations and Tommy very shortly tells her he's skint. Tina tells him off and he says he's worried about all the money he owes Tyrone. He says he's got work to do and Tina goes away, though she gives him a hard stare as she's going.

Norris expounds his theories about the flower theft. He wouldn't be surprised if it was Kylie or David or both. Rita's very relieved to see Tina. Tina asks to borrow the car but can't tell Rita what for. Rita hands over the keys anyway.

Eileen's in the cafe chatting to Anna when Steve comes in. She tells him her troubles and seems hopeful that he might be able to help (Job on the switch, anyone?) and he will - he'll buy her lunch.

Tommy meets Rick at an outdoor cafe. He doesn't see Tina parked across the road watching.

Carla's very demanding and wants to know if the workers are on a go-slow. Kirsty speaks up and says it's not fair to sack someone and then expect the same volume of production. Carla sneers that Kirsty should leave business to the grown-ups. Kirsty's just pointing out the obvious. Behind her, production has ground to a halt as the others listen, mouths agape. Carla says it's her job to run the factory and Kirsty's job to put knickers in boxes. "So let's stick to what we're good at, hmm? Is that obvious enough for you?"

Steve asks whether Eileen's big gob got the better of her and she tells him why she was sacked. Carla's done her a favour, she says, because she didn't like working there anyway. She's got Paul and the boys to look after her.

In the pub, Stella, who won't let Karl anywhere near the till, leaves a big bucket of charity cash right in front of him.

The factory workers are in the bar. Kirsty's amazed that she was the only person to speak up. She reckons Carla's under pressure and needs the workers as much as they need her. She thinks they should walk out.

Tommy goes home, telling Tina he's been at the garage all day and has just broken for a late lunch. She says she's going to get ready for work and slams the bedroom door on her way.

Nick's with Stella in the back room of the Rovers. They plan to talk about the street party for the jubilee. But Leanne comes in. She's annoyed that Nick's there and he takes the hint and leaves. She tells Stella what Peter threatened.

Tina slams back into the kitchen. She's been crying. "How can you just lie and lie and lie?" she demands, telling Tommy she saw him with Rick. "He killed my Dad and you're meeting him for lunch!"

Nasty Norris accuses Gail of sabotage, vandalism and theft. Anna and Fay have come into the Kabin during this and Anna has to shout to interrupt him, saying it was Fay. Norris turns his ire on to Fay while Rita tries to tell Fay she's done the right thing by owning up. Norris is furious that Rita should say anything nice to her.

Stella sends Sunita off to a warehouse to buy more decorations for the party. But when Sunita goes to get the cash from the collection bucket there's just five quid and a few pennies left. She grabs her coat and hurries out.

Tommy tries to tell Tina he didn't want to get involved but he didn't want to put her in any danger. He confesses that Terry ran away with the money and now Rick's trying to get it from Tommy. He says he didn't want to upset Tina by telling her this when she was in hospital. When Tina hears Tommy's working for Rick she orders him out of the flat.

Stella and Leanne sort out the existing decorations, some of which Stella reckons must date from the Silver Jubilee. Leanne thinks maybe they're from Queen Victoria's jubilee. Stella sends Leanne to the pub with some bunting for Nick.

Dev comes in and demands to know where Sunita is. Sophie's called in sick and he needs Sunita to pick up the kids. Stella realises Sunita's been gone a long time. Dev shouts that wherever she is, Sunita better have a good reason for being there.

Sunita's in the casino. She finds Karl sitting at the roulette table. He's won a lot and Sunita has to stop him putting the money on another number. "You have to walk away, Karl."

Tommy goes back home. Tina wants to know what he's doing for Rick. When she finds out she's furious. Tommy protests that he didn't have a choice. "Yeah, that's what my Dad said," she says. A week later she was identifying his body. She tells Tommy that she does have a choice. "Me and you are done!"

The end
Margaret Carr

Written by: Chris Fewtrell
Directed by: Laurence Moody

Tommy is begging Tina to reconsider ending their relationship. He pleads that he loves her so much, but she tells him that his love won't do her much good when he is in Strangeways, and he will only end up in there if he is lucky.

Rita is at the door, anxious to show Tina their wedding outfits that have just arrived. Bad timing, but Tina tells her to come up. Tommy offers to leave, but Tina tells him they are not finished by a long way, and he should stay until after Rita leaves.

In the casino, Karl is offering an angry Sunita a drink. She declines, telling him she would choke on a drink bought with that kind of money. He apologises, but she is not convinced he is sorry. She points out that when she came in she could see that nothing mattered to him but that table, never mind the friends and neighbours he stole from. She tells him to look around at the gamblers, and ask himself if that is who he wants to be. He protests that it was a weak moment, that he was having a hard time, excuse after excuse. She tells him he was lucky this time, and has a chance to put things right if he leaves with her now. He protests that he can't leave now that he is winning. "Are you? Really?" She walks away, and Karl takes a couple of steps back towards the table with his chips, but then tears himself away and follows Sunita.

Back at the flat the tea's been made, and Tina is telling Rita that she loves the dress she will be wearing as her chief bridesmaid. Rita asks if she would mind if she modeled hers for her, as she would value her opinion. After she leaves to get changed in the bedroom, Tommy asks her why she is encouraging her to stay. Tina snaps that Rita is excited for her upcoming wedding, and so was she until Tommy ruined everything. She goes on to tell Tommy that he must contact Rick and tell him to meet them at the garage to give him back his car keys and to tell him he is getting no more jobs out of Tommy. In a blind panic now, Tommy points out to Tina that he is quite attached to his kneecaps, and would like them to stay where they are. However, Tina will not be moved, and tells him that if he loves her he will do it. She points out that it was never his debt in the first place, and that Rick has to be told to go after Terry, she insists that he is only leaning on Tommy because he is letting him. "Call his bluff and he will fold", she insists.

Topic of conversation in the factory is Eileen's sacking for taking off for Leslie's funeral without permission. Kirsty surprisingly is down on Eileen's side, and is rallying the workers to make a stand for justice with her. After a bit of argument, they decide they are with her, and are going to make a stand against Carla for Eileen's sake.

Rita has the dress all packed up again now, so I guess we are not going to see it until the big day. However, Tina has seen it, and is telling her that she looked absolutely gorgeous in it. Then tells her that she hates to be rude, but she has to go out in a bit. Rita takes the hint and gathers herself together ready to leave. Not quick enough though, Rick arrives just then, and sweet talks Rita into thinking he is a nice friend of Tommy's.

The factory workers have marched into Carla's office and are demanding to talk about Eileen. Carla is not getting into this, and tells them to get back to work. Sean tries the reasonable approach, which gets them all threatened with the sack if they don't get back to work. Kirsty takes over with a much more aggressive tone, and tells Carla they are not stitching another pair of knickers until Eileen gets her job back. Beth then finds her courage and backs her up, telling Carla that they are walking out if Eileen isn't reinstated. (well, she didn't exactly use the word reinstated, much too long a word for Beth - but you get the picture!). Michelle tries reasoning with them, and gets nowhere, but Carla is in no mood to negotiate, and tells them to leave if that's the way they feel, but to think on - there will be no coming back. As they turn to leave, Kirsty has the last word by saying "Good luck with the order".

Karl and Sunita are sitting in the car parked on the street, and she is praising him for having the courage to walk away, saying she knows how hard it was for him to do that when he was winning. He replies that it was, but that it shouldn't have been. He doesn't understand why he gets like that. He thanks her for being there and for talking sense into him. He tells her he owes her one. She laughs and says "Actually, you owe the pub £200." He agrees that she has saved him from Stella's wrath too, and gives her £250 to make up for it. She tells him however that it doesn't end his problems, that he still has the rest of the money burning a hole in his back pocket. She suggests looking after it for him, giving him a little to spend at a time. His face darkens, and he snaps that he is not having her treating him like a child as well as Stella. She protests that she was only trying to help. "Thanks, but no thanks!" he says, getting out of the car.

Rita, having enjoyed another cup of tea with Tina, Tommy and new friend Rick, decides it's time to leave. She bids a fond farewell to Rick, who kisses her hand and wishes her luck for her big day. The minute she's gone however, he is no more Mr. Nice Guy, and makes a remark about Rita being too old to get married, and asks if they will be honeymooning in the cemetery. Next minute though it's down to the business at hand, and he wants to know why he was brought there. Tina can't wait to tell him that Tommy has done his last job for him, and tells him in no uncertain terms that he is to follow her to the garage right now to collect his flamin' car and never come back. Tommy is saying nothing, with his head down I have a feeling his underwear might be a little uncomfortable about now.

After the break we are now in the garage, and Tina is still full of bravado, handing Rick the keys, she points to the car and tells him to 'Do one'. He nods to one of his henchmen, and the garage doors are slid shut. Still Tina is brave, and threatens to call the coppers. Rick is peeved now, and tells them menacingly that they owe him money, and when Tina opens her mouth to protest, he shouts her down by saying that he doesn't care who has his money, he wants it back, Terry's not here and Tommy is, and in his book that means he owns him body and soul. Tommy tries very hard to be as brave as Tina, and in a shaking voice tells him that he doesn't own him, and that he is not doing any more jobs for him. Rick draws himself up with anger, and gives the nod to Tweedledum and Tweedledee, at the same time grabbing and holding Tina, and forces her to watch as her boyfriend gets a good kicking.

In the middle of this, we break to Aadi and Asha who are also in the middle of some fisticuffs of their own in the Corner Shop while Dev is trying to do his paperwork. He finally snaps and yells at them to be quiet. He is in the middle of giving them a rollicking when Sunita breezes in. He turns his anger on her, telling her that Sophie is sick, Anna is unavailable and she was nowhere to be found. She innocently replies that she doesn't work there any more. He yells back that the shop is the family business, and asks if she is part of the family or not. She assures him she is, and is told to start acting like it. He complains that she didn't answer her phone, and he had no idea where she was, and that he had to shut the shop to pick the kids up, and they have been going out of their minds with boredom. She explains that her battery died, and that she had bumped into a mate and had a coffee in town.

Dev is trying to put a lid on the blood pressure that you can almost see spewing out of his ears, and he says through gritted teeth that she seems to have an awful lot of mates lately. Sunita tries the calming and understanding approach, and she takes the children home, saying she will make it up to him. He can't bear to look at her.

Peter arrives at the factory and is filled in on the news that they have no staff left. Peter tries to persuade Carla that perhaps she overreacted, and that maybe she could climb down and rehire Eileen, as she needs them more than they need her. Michelle is of the same opinion. Carla is thinking carefully about this.

Rick's thugs have given Tommy a final kick, and Rick tells them that "There endeth the lesson". Before he leaves, he tells Tommy that next time he will end up a vegetable, and threatens Tina with the same treatment as Tommy. Still trying to put a brave face on it though, she tells Rick to get out. As soon as their backs are turned however, she breaks down in tears, she is horrified that her actions have caused this, and she cradles Tommy's head, kisses him and tells him how sorry she is.

Leanne walks into a very quiet Bistro with a box of flags and bunting, saying that Stella had asked her to drop them off. She apologises to Nick for the way she spoke to him earlier, and he accepts graciously, saying he had no right to stick his nose in her business, it's just that he cares about her, and hates to see her hurt. She tells him she should be grateful, as there are precious few people around at the moment who care how she is feeling. He persuades her to sit down and have a drink with him, as he would like her to unload her troubles. She half heartedly protests, but doesn't need much persuading.

Peter and Carla arrive in the Rovers, where they knew they would find their errant employees. Peter offers them all a drink, and of course Beth is the first to accept. Carla steps in, this is still not sitting right with her, and tells them she is not about to reward them for stabbing her in the back. Kirsty replies that they can't be bought for a lousy drink anyway.

Peter the peacemaker tries again, and tells them that they are really needed back at the factory if that order is going to be filled. In unison they let them know that the deal has to include Eileen. Carla, still having a bit of trouble climbing down, says that Eileen is no good to her if she is not sitting at her machine, but is willing to reconsider if they come back to work. Just at that point, who should walk in but Eileen. She is gobsmacked that they have gone out on strike for her, and tells them there is no need to put their jobs on the line for her. Kirsty replies that there is every need, and they are not going back until she is reinstated. Eileen tells them that while she is very touched that they would do that for her, she really doesn't want to be reinstated because Steve has offered her old job back, and she bit his hand off, as she has had a belly full of working for Carla. Carla just looks very smug, and tells them she will expect them back at work tomorrow morning, 8:30 sharp, and sweeps out the door, with Beth calling after her "What about our drink?" Eileen steps up and buys them all a drink, saying she really appreciates the gesture, even if it was redundant. Fiz tells her that it was all down to Kirsty, and they all agree that in a way they won, as Carla will think twice in the future before sacking someone without good reason. Beth hugs a shocked Kirsty, and it looks as if she has finally been accepted into the fold.

Leanne is unloading her troubles on Nick, and he is lending an extremely sympathetic ear. She tells him that her main concern is Simon, that Peter has let him down too many times, and doesn't deserve him. She is afraid the courts won't see it that way though. Nick tells her that as far as he is concerned it should be an open and shut case. Leanne then asks how he is, and tells him she was sorry to hear he had split up with Eva. He replies that he is not sure that he is sorry about it. She asks why, as she had thought they were good together. He replies "Why have good, when you have had so much better". She blushes and looks at him a little coyly. Methinks a little spark is flickering here. She smiles and thanks him for listening as she makes to leave. He tells her she knows where he is - always. Yes, definitely a little spark - again.

Sunita is coming down the stairs after putting the twins to bed, telling them they could have twenty minutes quiet time, then it's lights out. Just then there is a knock on the door, and it's Karl. He tells her the money is driving him insane, and wants to go to the casino. He asks her to look after it for him. She tells him he is doing the right thing. (No he's not! Stella should look after it and he should be getting counseling!) He asks her not to say anything, and she promises she will hide it, and give it to him in installments to pay Stella back. She tells him to go, and thankfully he does, so we are spared the groping in this episode at least!

Tina is cleaning up Tommy's battered face in the flat, and is continuing to apologise to him. He gets up and tells her he has to leave her and go away, he goes on to say that he has brought her nothing but trouble, and loves her too much for that. She tells him that he is not going anywhere, that it is not his decision to make. She loves him, and whatever the problems, they are going to face them together. Yes Tina, just like 10 minutes ago in the garage, we didn't see your face getting beaten to a pulp! Anyway, like always, Tommy does as he is told and the credits roll as they are hugging each other.

No episode next Friday because of the Jubilee celebrations, but there is an extra one on Wednesday, so you will see me then!

Christine


Sunday 3 June

Surprise! Yes, it's a Sunday episode. Expect the schedules to be all over the place from now on, first because of the Queen's Jubilee, then Euro2012 (some sort of ball game, apparently), Wimbledon and then the Olympics. Now, on with the show:

Jason's off to work but on his way tells Tommy he should go to the police about his mugging. Tommy says there's no point because they'll never catch the mugger. When Jason's gone, Tommy tells Tina they should pack up and leave. Tina's not convinced. She gets a text from Rita asking her to the hen do tonight. Tommy says he'll go to the pub as well. Rick can't do anything to him there. They're startled by violent banging on the door but it's just Jason. He's forgotten his keys.

Kirsty and Tyrone discuss the cost of things for the baby. Kirsty doesn't think they should worry about the cost because they've got the money. Tina and Tommy arrive at their door.

Ken's in the Kabin organising a stag do for Dennis - a meal at the bistro. Norris sneers that it'll be a table for three, because Dennis doesn't have any pals. They're interrupted by Dennis getting a text message on his phone. He tells Rita it's a mate wishing him luck. He says he has to go and pick up his suit. Yes, he did pick it up last week but the fit still wasn't right and he took it back. Rita looks very thoughtful and when Dennis has gone asks Norris whether Dennis seems a little distracted to him. But when Norris dares to suggest Dennis is up to something, she orders him out to sweep the pavement.

Outside, there are new flowers in the hanging baskets. Fay seems just as surprised as Norris is.

Tina confesses that they need Kirsty and Tyrone's help. Kirsty's appalled and says Tina's crazy if she thinks they'd lend Tina and Tommy any money. They explain about Rick and the drugs. Tyrone is furious Tommy's had drugs in the garage. Kirsty's calling the police. No, not to report Rick - to report Tommy.

Ken's recruited Roy and Lewis to the stag party guest list, though Roy only agrees to go when he finds out Ken plans to finish in time to get home and watch a documentary on TV.

In the cafe, Fay tells Owen about the mysterious appearance of flowers in the baskets. She thinks maybe it's someone trying to get back into Anna's good books. Owen suggests it might just be someone who could afford it and knew Anna could not. "Anyway, she'll be well chuffed," says Fay. Owen promises to pass on the message if he ever finds out who did it.

Kirsty says she has to report Tommy so Tyrone won't get into trouble if it all comes out about the drugs. Tommy tells them about Terry running off with their loan. It's the first Kirsty's heard of the loan. "That was everything we had!" she says. Tina says that because Kirsty was in the police they thought she might have advice on how to deal with Rick. Kirsty's appalled they're even asking. She lost her job because of Tommy and Terry. Tyrone tries to calm her down but Kirsty tells Tina she's not a pushover like Tyrone. Tina argues that Tyrone's a mate and he did what mates do - they help each other out, but Kirsty wouldn't know that because she's never had any mates.

Rita's off to pamper herself and tells Mary she'll see her at the Rovers. Dennis returns with his suit and while he's talking to Norris and Mary his phone goes. He claims it's nobody important, rejects the call and puts his phone down. Norris takes his chance and says it's Dennis's turn to make the tea. As soon as Dennis is out the back he snatches up the phone and sees the rejected call was from Norma, Dennis's ex. And here's the text Dennis sent to her this morning: "Thinking of you." And there's a kiss, an overexcited Norris tells Mary.

Kirsty's getting very angry with Tyrone, calling him spineless. But Tyrone stands his ground and calms her down. If helping his mates makes him spineless and pathetic "then that's who I am." But Kirsty says it makes him kind and decent and that's why she loves him.

As they go their separate ways in the street, Mary urges Norris to tell Rita about Dennis. Norris tells her to go to the hen night but urges her to say nothing to Rita.

Anna sees the baskets and Fay tells her it was Owen's work. At first, Anna is annoyed because she doesn't need charity but Fay says, "It was dead nice of him. You should be pleased."

As the hen party gets going down one end of the pub, Tommy, Owen and Garry chat at the other end about Tommy's mugging.

The hens discuss what a catch Dennis is and Mary looks awkward.

In the bistro, Ken reminds Dennis that he and Rita were sweet on each other in their 20s. Dennis says they were just pals but Ken reminds him that Rita spent the night at Dennis's house, to the fury of Elsie. Roy's at the bar trying to order a dandelion and burdock. Dennis gets a text message and says he'll have to go out for a few minutes. As soon as he's out of earshot, Norris remembers the oven might be on and follows him. Through the corner windows of the Kabin he sees Dennis greet Norma and let her into Rita's flat.

In the Rovers, Tina checks with Tommy that he's all right and suggests they go home since neither of them is enjoying it. Norris comes in and tells Mary what he's seen. She urges him to tell Rita. "She'll be heartbroken," he says. "She'll be heartbroken if you don't tell her," she says.

At the bar, Sunita tells Stella she'll be coming to the jubilee dressed as Beyonce, though she's worried about the skimpy outfit. Stella tells her not to worry. Eva's coming as Madonna so will probably be wearing even less.

Rita's tearful at the news and hurries home. Mary has a job to stop Norris going with her.

Karl accuses Sunita of trying to torment him with her planned Beyonce outfit. Sunita gives him 50 pounds of his winnings, saying she thought he could give it to Stella and pass it off as money from tips. Karl grabs her and pushes her against the door as they kiss.

Dennis and Norma chat on the sofa. She's thanking him for something. "I couldn't have got through it without you." Rita comes in. "How could you?" she asks Dennis. She wonders if he planned to jilt her like he did Norma. Norma is surprised Dennis hasn't told Rita what's going on. Dennis explains that Norma's son was badly injured in a car crash and she had no other family to turn to. "That's why we've been in touch."

Tommy tells Tina he's sunk because he's confessed to hiding drugs and he's done it in front of witnesses. His phone buzzes. It's Rick.

Norma tells Rita she just came round to tell Dennis the good news that it seems her son will be OK. When she's gone, Rita wants to know why Dennis kept it a secret and he says it's because he didn't know how she'd react. "I would have understood if you'd just tried me," she says. He admits he's been stupid. But now Rita's beginning to wonder what sort of man she's marrying. Dennis has lied to her about where he was and what the texts were about. They've got to be able to trust each other. Dennis says he's been an idiot and asks if Rita can forgive him. "Just go. I don't feel like talking to you now," she says. Dennis sighs and goes.

Tommy tells Tina that Rick wants him to do one last job to pay off the debt for once and all - he's to put drugs into a car as before but this time he'll be driving the car to Amsterdam. Tina shouts at him but Tommy points out that if he says No he'll be dead. "I just have to do what I'm told and hope this is the end of it."

The end.
Margaret Carr


Monday 4 June

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Kay Patrick

Wedding/Jubilee day dawns. The bunting flags flap in the wind across the road and Stella puts more up on the front of the pub. Everyone is busy carrying boxes of decorations and smiling. Sunita glances at Karl as she passes and Chesney takes a photo of Katy and Joseph. Rita looks out her door with a worried look on her face as Audrey and Emily arrive while, across the road, Dennis looks equally dismal.

In the garage, Tommy looks even more ill. Rick has come to Tommy and is warning him not to mess it up. He's go to take a shipment to Amsterdam and then their debt will be settled.

Anna, dressed like Dolly Parton is singing in the kitchen. Faye isn't dressed up because she wasn't allowed to go as her favourites. Anna makes her go put on an outfit that will make her look like Sporty Spice. This does not impress Faye.

Tommy goes into the flat. Tina's dressed in her bridesmaid dress and looks nice but she's determined to talk Tommy out of doing the job. She points out that Rick never gets his hands dirty and it'll be Tommy that goes down for it. He is desperate and asks her to trust him, he can do it. She mutters that her father said that and all. She leaves to go to Rita's. Tommy tells her not to worry.

In the cafe, Mary is wittering on. She asks after Sylvia who has been nowhere to be seen. Roy says she's a lifelong republican and curmudgeon and isn't coming to either celebration. Sean comes in with rattling pots and pans and he begs Roy for help. The Bistro oven has packed in and he wants to use Roy's ovens for a tray of 60 hotpots for the party. Mary surmises Betty's ghost is plaguing him for taking the hotpot out of the pub. Sean begs and Hayley agrees over Roy's potential objection. Sean sets Jason to help.

Audrey teases Tina that she's too pretty to be the bridesmaid. Rita asks her friends if she's making a fool of herself. She is upset that Dennis lied to her but Emily and Audrey remind her that Dennis loves her very much. Tina glances out the window and sees Rick's thug handing Tommy a carryall case. We know what's in that. Rita wonders if Dennis is going to make mistake after mistake. They reassure her but she asks Tina for her opinion. Tina is distracted and asks how you know when you're doing the right thing. Exactly Rita's point and she doesn't know. Tina doesn't either. Audrey reckons the champagne should be opened and that will help. Can't hurt!

In the pub, Stella and Karl have a snog. She's dressed as Dusty Springfield and he as Tom Jones. Sunita (Beyonce) and Dev (Adam Ant) come in and show off their costumes. Dev has a voucher for a five star hotel night as a prize. Eva struts out, wearing a corset and very definitely Madonna-ish.

Outside lots of people are costumed up. Tracy arrives at the pub looking like they are Sonny and Cher but Steve insists he is John Lennon. Tracy is delighted that they "match" however much Steve objects. (Steve looks more like a young Elton John to me) Outside, Maria finds out that Marcus didn't go to London to see Dylan after all and he's quite down about it. Maria endeavors to cheer him up.

Tyrone finds Tommy in the garage. Tommy lies that he's only waiting for the car to be picked up and he's not doing any more jobs. Tyrone believes him and leaves Tommy to worry some more.

Rita is dressed in a peachy chiffon dress and looks very nice. She tells Audrey and Emily that she's decided to go through with the wedding. Guess the champagne did make the difference. Tina has disappeared but Rita reckons she'll be back soon.

Norris arrives at Number 1 to see Dennis. Norris wants an explanation for what went on the night before. He's determined to find out why Norma was at the flat and declares he has every right to know because he was the one that told Rita all about it. Dennis is infuriated! Norris wants Dennis' side of the story and the nasty little oik is glad if he's made Rita see sense. Ken gets between them before Dennis can do Norris harm and Norris gets out safely. Ken tells Dennis not to take any notice but Dennis is clearly worried.

Tina arrives at the garage to try again to talk Tommy out of it. Tommy was in the process of starting to put the drugs in the car. She threatens to phone the police and he won't hear of it. She locks him in the garage office and impulsively drives off in the car, determined to sort it out herself. She's not letting Rick win this time.

After the break, Anna and Faye come outside. Faye looks glum as always. Owen comes up, he's dressed as a country singer complete with stetson. Anna assumes he's Kenny Rogers though he jokes that he's actually Willie Nelson.

Tina drives the car up along a canal and stops. She takes the carry all from the back seat of the car and then pulls out her mobile.

Back to the street, there are games being played and drinks being supped (mobile pumps out in front of the pub) and a puppet show on for the kids. Tracy is following Steve around, much to his chagrin. Dennis and Ken emerge to go to the registry office. Dennis fusses over his suit and wonders if he should go see Rita. Ken puts him off and assures him Rita will show up. He says he knows Rita well enough to know she wouldn't leave him standing at the registry office, she'd tell him if she wasn't going through with the wedding. Hayley comes by and wishes them luck. Across the road Norris is moaning to Mary about taking the camper van to the wedding rather than travel with Rita who didn't want him with her. He tells Mary that Rita thinks he witters. Really?? No!

Tommy bangs on Tyrone's door desperately. Karl follows Sunita to the shop where she's unlocking the door.

Tina has called Rick, oddly having Rick's number in her phone. Rick orders her back to the garage to Tommy but she's refusing. She tells him he's got to come get his stuff. Rick makes a death threat against Tommy and against her. She doesn't care and tells him she'll throw it all in the water if he doesn't come.

Tyrone can't get hold of Kirsty who's gone to see some mates. Tommy is desperate for help. His phone buzzes and Tina tells him to stay with Tyrone and not to go out anywhere and not to answer the phone if Rick calls. She makes him promise not to call the police and to stay there. He's begging her to come back but she's determined. She hangs up and Tyrone tries to get Kirsty again. Tommy sees Rick's number flashing on the phone and takes a deep breath and cuts it off.

Sean and Jason come to the cafe. Sean is dressed like Freddie Mercury and Jason makes a great Elvis! Sean is horrified to see his hotpots haven't been put in the oven yet. Roy's had too many other things in the oven (his own little revenge?). Sean freaks out and says they need an oven and they need one now! "uHUH" Jason quips (ha!). Where else are they going to get an oven on short notice, I wonder?

The bride is ready and sends Audrey and Emily off ahead of her. She's still waiting for Tina and she is confident Tina will be there. She tells them she's not been late for a wedding yet. They wish her good luck and take off. Rita tries calling Tina again.

Maria and Liam have come to Number 11 to find Marcus moping. She's brought a costume for him to wear and she insists.

Outside the office, Julie is fussing over Dennis who isn't sure Rita is going to show up. Norris sends Mary inside, intent on a last minute rant hoping to deter Rita from going through with the wedding. Everyone does wonder where Rita is, she should be there by now. Lewis charms the women. Norris asks Audrey how Rita was and if she had cold feet. Nothing, he's told. Sally, Kevin and Sophie arrive. Sophie warns her father not to embarrass her at this wedding (her outfit of short shorts, matching jacket and big, ugly, fake flower on the side of her head will do a good job of that with out Kevin's help) Dennis frets, Julie tries to keep him calm.

Rick is pounding on the garage door. Rita comes down and recognizes him from the other day. She wonders if he's heard from Tina and he takes the opportunity for a new plan. He says Tina sent him to pick her up and ushers her into his car, a big, black, beast of a Land Rover. She says she's not quite ready so he hustles her back into the flat for the last minute earrings and things.

In the shop, Karl and Sunita are going at it against the counter. She tells him the office, the inner sanctum might be a bit more romantic. Outside, Dev is looking for Sunita. Karl is also missing. Marcus is now dressed as Donny Osmond to Maria's Marie and Liam is little Jimmy O. Dev does a little Adam Ant pose with the crossed wrists, making them all chuckle.

Rick ushers Rita into the back of the vehicle. Rita is a bit confused about it all but goes with him as the episode ends.

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Kay Patrick

Tommy is round at Tyrone's, tearing his hair out with worry about what Tina has got herself into. Meanwhile, Rita is in the back of Rick's car, wondering whether he has much experience of being a cab driver. When she points out he's going the wrong way, he tells her they're taking the scenic route.

At the register office, Dennis getting twitchy. Ken tries to reassure him that Rita's just fashionably late but there are mutterings amongst the guests. Mary wonders whether Rita's having second thoughts and Norris admits he almost feels sorry for Dennis. Sally is more concerned whether Kevin's bothered to clean his shoes properly and Lewis reveals that he's managed to get a red wine stain out of his shirt with bicarbonate of soda which, for some reason best known to Audrey, prompts her to give him a loving kiss.

On the street, the Jubilee party is in full swing both outside and in the corner shop where Karl and Sunita are getting frisky in the back office. Their fun is brought to an abrupt end when they hear the door being unlocked. Karl just has time to lie on the floor behind the counter before Dev walks in. Sunita explains her lengthy absence by a wardrobe malfunction. Dev tells her she looks perfect before leading her out of the shop and locking the door behind him.

Marcus and Sean run out of Roy's Rolls with a batch of hotpots while Chesney and Katy wander past. Chesney comments that he wishes he'd dressed up after all. He thinks he should have gone as Mick Hucknell from Simply Red while for some bizarre reason Katy reckons she'd have made a good Jarvis Cocker.

In the Rovers, Dusty Springfield, a.k.a. Stella, is telling Madonna a.k.a. Eva that it's typical that Karl has disappeared when there's work to be done. Elvis, a.k.a. Jason, comes in to ask her a favour on behalf of Sean; he has 60 uncooked hotpots in need of an oven. "Sean the traitor, you mean?" asks Stella who looks rather pleased at the thought that she now has the definite advantage in the war of the hotpots.

Tina has arrived at her destination. She's sitting in the driver's seat of Rita's car with the bag of drugs in the passenger seat beside her. She looks at her mobile phone, sees that Tommy has been desperately trying to contact her and shakes her head.

Sunita is trying to rescue Karl from the corner shop but just as she's discreetly trying to unlock the door, she's pounced upon by John Lennon, Britney Spears and Cher (Steve, Beth and Tracy) who are in need of fags, chewy and tea bags respectively. They're most put out when Sunita refuses to let them in to make a quick purchase.

Down at the docks, Rick has arrived for his rendezvous with Tina. He parks his car and the two of them face each other fifty yards apart. Tina tells him that he can have his drugs if he promises to leave her and Tommy alone but Rick doesn't want to play ball. But she's a tough one, that Tina, and she reminds Rick that it's Terry that owes him the money so he should go after him and leave her and Tommy alone. "And what if I say no?" asks Rick. "Then this bag is going in the water," replies Tina, dangling it over the dockside. So Rick goes back to his car and brings out his passenger. "What on earth's going on?" asks Rita as Tina stands there, open mouthed.

Fred Mercury (Sean) and Elvis (Jason) stagger into the Rovers under the weight of 60 hotpots. Stella points out that an apology might be in order. So Sean grudgingly obliges and then says that as it's the Jubilee as well as Rita's big day it should be an occasion to put their differences aside. Telling Sean that she's taking advantage of his misfortune to score cheap, political points, Stella ushers the boys in the direction of her oven.

Back at the docks, Rick is holding onto Rita. She's completely bewildered and says that Rick told her this was Tina's surprise. "You really are scum, aren't you?" says Tina before giving Rita a potted version of the whole, sorry saga. With that, Rita twists round and gives Rick a quick kick in the shins with her stilettos, Tina screams for Rick to let go and Rick drags Rita towards the edge of the dock. Tina is dangling the bag of drugs, threatening to toss it in while Rick says that, if she does, he'll throw Rita in after it.

At the register office, concern for Rita's whereabouts is mounting. Dennis is blaming himself and Mary accuses Norris of looking smug. Audrey tells Ken that they left Rita at the flat to wait for Tina. Lewis asks if anyone's tried phoning the flat; it seems that he's the first person to come up with this inspired idea and Audrey says she'll do it straight away.

We return to the docks where Rita is shouting to Tina to drop the bag in the water but there's no way Tina will risk it. Finally Tina agrees to give Rick the bag if he'll let Rita go. She throws the bag of drugs towards Rick and he releases Rita who runs to Tina's arms. Rick tells them that if he doesn't make it to the ferry on time he'll be back to wreak his revenge. At that moment we hear the welcome sound of sirens and, before Rick has a chance to make his escape, he's surrounded by police cars. As a couple of officers grab hold of him, Kirsty comes wandering into the scene. She catches Tina's eye and they give each other a knowing smile.

Back at the street party, Owen is buying a burger from Roy. He asks him if his burgers have a theme to fit with the Jubilee celebrations. They don't. Roy then asks Owen exactly what his Kenny Rodgers outfit has to do with 60 years of the British Monarchy. This is a question I was also keen to ask although, sadly, we don't get an answer. Stella Springfield then moves over to the microphone to announce that they are about to draw the raffle.

At the docks, life if looking up for Rita and Tina. Rick's been arrested and Kirsty informs them that he's going to go down for a very long time. Tina tells Kirsty that she owes her big time. Rita then points out that she's dressed in her finery for a reason. Tina looks as though she's forgotten all about the wedding but Kirsty's on the case and, with the help of her ex-colleagues, she says she'll sort everything out.

The first of the prizes for the raffle is being announced and Faye is very excited to learn that she's won a break for two at a luxury five star spa.

We go back to Ty's where he and Tommy are still in a panic about Tina's whereabouts when Kirsty walks in to announce that all's well that ends well. Tina and Rita are safe, Rick's been arrested and she has a car waiting outside if Tommy still wants to go to the wedding.

Faye is talking to Anna and Owen about her prize. She points out that it includes a romantic dinner for two with Champagne. Anna says she's sure they would have other fizzy drinks but Faye thinks it would be a much better idea if Anna and Owen made use of her prize. She says it's her way of saying sorry for stealing the flowers and, just in case they need further convincing, tells Owen to give Anna a kiss. He seems happy to oblige.

In the Rovers, Jason and Sean have emerged from the kitchen with 60, now hot, hotpots. They come face to face with Stella and Nick who inform them that Stella has taken out on injunction and their hotpots are going to be impounded. Sean is horrified, especially when he learns that he is going to have to go out and inform the hungry masses that they won't have anything else to eat. But it turns out to be a wind-up. Nick has reached an agreement with Stella, he's cut a deal and Sean, along with his hotpot recipe, is being transferred back to the Rovers.

Dennis is on the steps of the Register Office. He is now convinced the Rita isn't coming and believes she's giving him a taste of his own medicine. He stood up Norma on their wedding day so now he thinks Rita has done the same thing to him. Norris offers to go and tell everyone that the ceremony's been cancelled. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" asks Dennis, on the point of starting a fight with Norris. Ken steps in between the two of them as we hear the sound of a siren. Dennis is overjoyed when a police car draws up and Rita steps out. Tina is alongside her, looking as though she's just come from a morning in the beauty salon, despite the fact that ten minutes earlier she was completely disheveled. "Am I too late for my wedding?" asks Rita. Ken assures her that she's just in time before hauling Dennis back into the building. Norris tries asking Rita if she still wants to go through with it but Rita tells him to shut up and takes his and Tina's arms before following the others inside.

At long last the registrar is able to begin the wedding ceremony and Rita walks in on Norris's arm, to the strains of the very appropriate: "I Have Often Walked Down This Street Before".

We return to the street party where Stella is announcing the winners of the fancy dress competition. In third place is Dev as Adam Ant. Sean comes second as Freddie Mercury. But in first place, and winning the prize of dinner for two at the Bistro, are Maria and Marcus as Donny and Marie Osmond. Sean was robbed, in my opinion, as his costume was far superior but then of course that would spoil the plot line which you will learn more about next week.

Rita and Dennis have finally reached the part of the ceremony where they make their vows. As Rita tells Dennis that she offers him not the summer of her life but the autumn, warm and mellow, we see the various expressions on the faces of the assembled guests. Kevin looks wistfully at Sally, Julie is bursting with happiness at the romance of it all, Audrey looks thrilled, Tommy looks hopefully at Tina and she mouths back "not now".

On the street, Sunita is finally rescuing Karl from the corner shop. They both agree that things are getting too close for comfort and Karl suggests he should use some of his winnings for them to spend a night away in a hotel somewhere.

Most of the guests are now seated at the tables. Just as they're wondering where Rita and Dennis have got to, Stella announces that the guests of honour are about to arrive and Dennis and Rita drive into the street in the back of a vintage Rolls Royce. They get out and Rita gives a short speech in which she says that she's finally got the title which she always wanted but thought she would never have: Mrs. Dennis Tanner.

While all this is going on, Tommy and Tina have moved to the back of the crowd. Tommy goes to put his arm around her but she moves away. With tears in her eyes Tina tells Tommy that she loves him more than anything. However, he lied to her meaning she can't trust him and so, because of that, it's over between them.

Karen



And for those of you that haven't seen the wedding, here's a blog post with photos http://corrie-on-weatherfield.blogspot.ca/2012/06/congratulations-rita-and-dennis.html
Here's another blog post with lots of photos from the Jubilee party. http://corrie-on-weatherfield.blogspot.ca/2012/05/corrie-jubilee-street-party-in-pictures.html

Tvor


Wednesday 6 June

Written by: Mark Burt
Directed by: Kay Patrick

In Mr & Mrs. Tanner's flat, Tina is sitting at the breakfast table with them, apologising for almost ruining their wedding. They both assure her that she didn't ruin anything, in fact she made it more memorable. Tina still can't help feeling guilty that Rita was put in harms way, but nothing can spoil the euphoria that Dennis and Rita are feeling this morning. Tina tells Rita that she would love to find the kind of relationship that she and Dennis have, Rita replies that she thought she already had with Tommy. Tina doesn't think so, so Reet tells her she can stay with them for as long as she needs to.

Aadi and Asha are having fun playing 'Corner Shop', and Asha is trying to prove to her father that she will soon be ready to be used as cheap labour in the family business. She is offering Aadi a 'three for one' deal on sweets, which pulls Dev's attention away from his computer to tell her that she can't give the merchandise away, even in play. So she reduces it to 'two for one', and he looks on proudly. However, when she charges Aadi £100 for a bottle of ketchup and the two packets of sweets, he gets up and comes over to explain to her that even in his shop, you can't get away with ripping customers off that badly. He explains that in his shop, he offers VFM, which Asha reckons probably stands for Very Fat Men, but apparently it means Value for Money. He calls out to Sunita in the kitchen, asking her what she has been teaching the children about finances, but Sunita is very preoccupied reading a text from Karl which says "Can't wait for tonight". When he comes into the kitchen and asks her again, she reminds him that they are only playing a game. He replies that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing properly.

He then asks her if she is OK, as she seems a little distant this morning. Sunita tells him that her friend Lara is having a rough time of it at the moment. Her phone rings in another text, and she tells him that it's probably her again. Of course we all know that Lara spells her name K A R L don't we?

She reminds Dev that he is taking the kids to that 'do' on the Red Rec later, and then tells Aadi to switch places with his sister, as she is too young to be chained to a cash register.

Marcus is feeling decidedly hung over, and pulls a face when Roy puts a full English in front of him. Sean has no sympathy, and tells him it serves him right for getting trollied without him. Maria joins them, and is also feeling rather delicate herself. Sean makes a sarcastic remark to the effect that he is not privy to their little club, and is therefore not hung over this morning. Maria tries to make him feel better by handing over the voucher for a meal for two at the Bistro that Liam won in the fancy dress competition the day before. Marcus tries to protest, much to Sean's disappointment, but Maria tells them to use it, as she doesn't have anyone to go with anyway. She heads back to work leaving Marcus feeling very sorry for her, but Sean is very excited at the thought of a date for a free meal with Marcus.

Rita, Dennis and Tina are leaving the flat, and Rita is giving Dennis instructions about picking up currency for their honeymoon, and also to pick up a get-well card for Norma's son. They have a little banter about Dennis being under the thumb already, but he obviously likes it. Just then Ken is passing by, and wishes them a wonderful honeymoon, and reminds Dennis to take care of Rita. Kirsty comes along and gives the little group the good news that Rick has been formally charged and has been denied bail. Tina anxiously asks about the rest of the thugs, and she assures her they are being rounded up as of now. Tina is visibly relieved, but is worried that they might be let out in the next couple of days. Kirsty tells her there is no chance, that with the evidence they have, they will be going down for at least eight years.

As Kirsty wishes the happy couple a fab honeymoon and starts to walk away, Tina calls her back and thanks her, telling her they couldn't have done it without her help. Kirsty looks very pleased, but not half as pleased as Rita, who is thrilled to see the girls mending some fences. She tells Tina that if she and Kirsty can make up, maybe there is hope for someone else. Tina looks thoughtful.

Tracy and Amy are walking past the Bookie's arguing over whether the money missing from Amy's piggy bank was stolen or whether Amy had spent it. Peter, who is outside having a smoke overhears, and remarks that it's a case of 'like mother like daughter'. Tracy retorts that Simon is hardly a perfect son, and we know who he gets it from. Peter replies that it's just a phase. Tracy remarks as she moves on that he should just keep telling himself that.

Stella is totting up the takings and muses that she wishes they could have a street party every week as the takings are up. Karl tells her that he told her things would turn around. "No thanks to you, skiving off all afternoon", she playfully tells Karl, as Sunita and Karl exchange a little hidden smirk.

Tina arrives, and tells Stella that she and Tommy have broken up. When asked, she replies that it is a very long story, and would rather not talk about it, instead she would like to be kept busy. Stella tells her that it's fine, and that she could use some help in the cellar. Off they go, leaving the way clear for a quick grope and fumble behind the bar for the other two. Karl is obviously enjoying the thrill of playing things close to the wire.

Owen arrives in the Corner Shop, and Anna is obviously pleased to see him. He is riding high because he has just landed a lucrative job in Didsbury, so is buying some of Jason's favourite choccie biscuits to celebrate. He tells her he is also on top of the world because he is looking forward to their luxury spa break away. Anna's face falls, and she tells him she is worried about leaving Faye. Just then the object of her worries comes in with Gary. She asks Anna for a couple of quid to go to the Red Rec, and before Anna can get to her purse, Owen has whipped out a fiver for her. Faye is certainly not going to turn that down, and thanks him. Owen tells them that Anna is worried about leaving Faye while they are away, so Faye assures her that she will be absolutely fine, as she, Izzy and Gary have loads planned. It looks as if Anna is finally convinced.

Tyrone is trying to convince Tommy that Tina will be back when she has had a chance to get her head together, but Tommy is not so sure, and is totally miserable without her. Dennis arrives and Tommy is expecting a rollicking from him. However he is pleasantly surprised when Dennis tells him there are no hard feelings, he has his bride and that's all that counts. Dennis goes on to give Tommy some relationship advice, he suggests that he grovel, as few women can resist a groveling man. However Tommy is feeling that Tina would be better off without him, as he is a complete loser and everything he touches disintegrates. Out of Tommy's earshot, Tyrone tells Dennis that they have to do something to fix this, Dennis agrees.

After the break, Dev is questioning Sunita why she has to stay overnight with Lara in Liverpool. She explains that she doesn't want to be alone, and although he is suspicious, he tells her to go. When she is out of earshot, he complains to Tyrone about this Lara, whom he has never heard about before, and who is now Sunita's bosom friend. Ty tells him that women are like that, they feed off each other's misery.

Tyrone tries talking to Tina about the possibility of forgiving Tommy and taking him back, but gets nowhere, as Tina is nowhere near ready to take him back into the fold just yet.

Marcus is having a go at Sean for accepting the meal vouchers. Sean points out that they both accepted them, and that Maria had wanted them to have them. Marcus remarks that all he could see was a woman in distress. Sean points out that all she did was give them a meal voucher, not one of her kidneys, but Marcus is still feeling they have done the wrong thing by accepting. He points out that what she was actually doing was saying to the world that she is sad and lonely.

Sean sees his point, and tells Marcus he should take Maria for the meal instead. Marcus is worried that it might look as if they are feeling sorry for her. Sean points out that it is better that than to give them back and look totally ungrateful. Marcus is pleased, and tells Sean he is wonderful, and that he'll make it up to him. Sean is OK with it, and tells him that if he treats him to a fish supper, they can call it equal.

Dev has brought the children home from the Red Rec early because Aadi has lost his DS, Peter, walking by asks what is wrong, and Dev tells him that he has had it stolen. Peter commiserates with him, and they agree that the kid who stole it should be strangled.

Rita and Dennis are having a drink in the Rovers before they leave. Dennis tries persuading Tina to take Tommy back, and she gets upset, thinking that Tommy has put both Tyrone and Dennis up to it. Dennis tells her that on the contrary, Tommy has already given up. She thanks them for trying to help, but tells them she can't take him back because every time she looks at him, she sees his father. Rita joins in now, and remarks that Tommy just made an error in judgement. They both spend a little longer trying to talk Tina round, and she is looking thoughtful again.

Karl is bringing Stella a cup of tea in the back room where she is doing the books. She can tell he is after something, so asks what it is. He tells her a cock and bull story about being invited to an end of season booze up with some of his football friends. She questions him on who, and where (Blackpool), and suggests he invites them to the Rovers instead. He tells her that it would defeat the purpose of a boys' night away if they stayed home. Trying a different tactic, he pretends to be hurt and tells her to forget it. She relents, as we knew she would and tells him he can go on two conditions. One that he promises to stay away from any and all casinos, and two that he doesn't repeat the incident at Scarborough. It appears that at some point in Scarborough a donkey had been stolen, and had been found in Karl's room. Kissing her on the cheek, he tells Stella she is the best. Walking back through the bar, he swats Sunita on the backside and tells her "Good to go". She is obviously thrilled about that.

Plans are being made in Number 6 that don't include Anna and Owen. The girls, Izzy, Katy and Faye are going to have a girlie night with chick flicks while Gary erects the tent in the back garden, then Katy and Faye are going to sleep out there, and Gary has promised he will be close by and will keep an eye on things.

Anna and Owen are feeling rather redundant, but agree that it is rather a good thing.

In the flat above the Bookie's, Peter is questioning a very sulky Simon on what he has been up to today. Getting information out of him is like pulling teeth, and he only volunteers nothing until he is specifically asked. Peter tells him that Aadi had had his DS stolen, and is surprised that Simon hadn't heard about it. Si tells Peter that he hadn't played with Aadi, so wouldn't have known.

Carla suggests they all go out for their tea, her treat. Simon immediately says "No thanks", which gets Peter's back up. He tells him that he wants to go, which means he (Simon) has been outvoted, so no arguments, and to get in the shower - now! Simon looks at him, and sees by his face that it would be in his best interests not to argue, so takes off to shower. While they are waiting, Carla decides to throw Simon's P.E. kit in the washing machine, and opens his bag to remove the smelly clothes. Her face suddenly falls when she pulls out a DS with Aadi's name on it. Peter looks on in shock.

Dev is looking after the children, who are back to playing shop again. Aadi is behind the counter this time, and Dev hears him tell his sister that she owes £100. The shopkeeper in him can't resist, so he goes over to explain that absolutely nothing in their shop costs that kind of money. Aadi explains that it is an electrical shop, and Asha hands over a wad of money. Dev is totally gobsmacked to see that the money she is handing over is real. He takes it from her and asks where she got it. They explain that they found it in the cupboard, and there is loads more too. They then hand over the whole wad of cash that Sunita had been holding for Karl. Rita and Dennis are getting into the cab and are off on their honeymoon. I have to say that Rita looks fabulous, and about ten years younger. If getting remarried does that for you, maybe I will have to have a rethink - OK, I've rethought, maybe plastic surgery would be less painful! She kisses Tina goodbye, and tells her to think on about what they have been talking about regarding Tommy, Tina agrees that she will.

Sunita arrives home, and Dev has obviously been sitting stewing about the money. She has a moan at him about not putting the tea on, and he tells her he got distracted. The children are upstairs out of the way, so the coast is clear for the altercation that is bound to be imminent. She tells him to put the water on for the pasta, as she has to get ready to leave by 6:30 p.m. Dev tells her to wait as he wants to give her some money. She replies that she doesn't need him to do that, as she is earning her own money. He tells her that the money he wants to give her isn't his, and he pulls out the envelope containing Karl's winnings. Looking like a sick parrot, she tries brazening it out, and asks whose it is. Dev explains that the kids found it in a cupboard, and he was hoping she could tell him whose it is. He is frighteningly quiet, and looks at her with cold eyes, and asks "What's going on?" Christine Warren


Thursday 7 June

Dev continues to question Sunita about the large wad of money. She tells him she's been saving for ages, but he isn't convinced. To take the pressure off, she calls the kids down for their tea and refuses to discuss it with him any further.

In the flat, Peter and Carla are quietly wondering about the best way to handle Simon over Aadi's missing games console which has turned up in Simon's bag. Peter calls him over and waves it in front of him. "How did this get in your bag?" he asks. Simon shrugs and says he doesn't know. Peter starts to say how Carla found it in his bag. "She says she did," interrupts Simon, and goes on to say that Carla must've put it there because she hates him. "You both do!" he shouts, and runs to his room.

Tommy sees Tina coming out of her flat and asks if she's working tonight. She snaps that yes, she is, and walks off.

Marcus knocks on Maria's door and invites her out to the bistro for dinner with the voucher that she gave to him and Sean, explaining that they thought it would be nice to take her and he won the toss. She smiles and says she'd love to.

Back at Dev and Sunita's, Dev is starting to add two and two together, thinking about the fact that she wouldn't go to Majorca with him and the kids, and now she has an arrangement to meet a 'friend' and has to stay overnight. "Are you saying you don't want me to go?" asks Sunita. Dev replies that he thinks he probably is, yes. She asks for a reason and he says he thinks there are things they need to talk about. She says they've already talked about them and she doesn't want to spend all night talking about them over and over again.

Over at the Rovers, Stella is bidding Karl goodbye as he goes of to supposedly spend the night with his pals.

There's more trouble over at Peter's flat. He's just found a stash of cash under Simon's bed, and it seems likely that it's the money that was stolen from Amy's piggy bank. Peter starts shouting at Simon so Carla decides to make herself scarce. Once they're alone Peter demands to know why he did it. Simon stares back, sullenly. Peter thinks that Simon is angling to be handed over to Leanne. "I tell you now, son, that is not going to happen!"

Over at Anna's, Izzy and Gary are there to look after Faye, while Anna rushes about getting ready to leave for her weekend away with Owen, who's trying to be patient. Katy arrives with Joseph.

Sunita comes downstairs with her bag and announces it's time she got going. Dev is incredulous that she's just going to walk out, and asks her to tell him the truth. She says she has told him, but he still doesn't believe her. Just then there's a knock on the door, and although he tells her to ignore it, she opens it. Peter is standing there with Simon, they've come to return the DS, and Peter makes Simon apologise, saying that there won't be any more of that kind of behaviour. Sunita says that these things happen. "Yes," says Dev, "we all do things that we wish we hadn't, but what's important is that we own up and wipe the slate clean." He stares at Sunita, who looks away. Peter then leaves and Dev sends the children upstairs, there are things for him and Mummy to talk about.

Back at Peter's flat, Carla is in the kitchen with bags of shopping. On hearing Peter and Simon coming up the stairs, she pulls a bottle of wine from a bag and hides it quickly in the broom cupboard. When they get into the flat, Peter tells Simon to get his games console, he took Aadi's so his is being confiscated for two weeks.

Dev pours himself a drink. "Are you saying I can't go?" asks Sunita. Dev wonders why it's so important. She says it didn't matter until he started. He points out that she's been hiding a lot of money, and now she has this all important assignation. "All right," says Sunita, "if you don't want me to go, then I won't go, but I won't forget this next time you want to go anywhere." She moves to go out of the room to phone her 'friend' and explain that she's not going. Dev tells her to stay in the room and make the call, he can't see why she needs to go elsewhere. Sunita says she prefers to talk to her friends in private, and slams her phone down on a cupboard, she won't phone at all then. Dev remarks that it doesn't matter, if Sunita doesn't turn up, her friend will phone her to find out where she is. Obviously worried by this, Sunita throws her phone to the floor, smashing it. Now no one will be calling anybody!

Karl is sitting in a hotel bar with a drink, and keeps watching the door.

Anna and Owen finally leave, and Katy and Faye go out into the back garden with their camping gear, leaving Gary and Izzy to look after Joseph.

Marcus and Maria have arrived at the Bistro with their 'meal for two' voucher, looking forward to their evening.

Tommy goes into the Rovers where Tina is serving. He apologises again for getting everything wrong and for screwing everything up with her. Then he tells her that he loves her and wants them to get back together, he thinks that if she's honest that's what she wants too.

Back at Dev's, he asks her to put herself in his shoes, so she can see it's no use carrying on with the lies about the money, the friend whose voice she doesn't want him to hear, he knows that's why she smashed the phone. Also, the way she's been distant lately, he knows she's been having an affair. Maybe she was thinking of leaving him, is that what the money was for? She shouts that he's wrong, and then tells him that he bullies her and tries to control her whole life. He says he hasn't been very successful, because she's been leading this other life with another man. He keeps asking who it is, what's his name, is it someone he knows? "Yes," says Sunita, and for a minute we think she's going to spill the beans, but then she goes on to say it's someone he knows because he's made him up.

In the bar, Karl is still watching the door. Eventually he picks up his phone to make a call.

Marcus and Maria are finishing their meal. He tells her that he loves Sean, but they are like chalk and cheese. He's the rational one, and Sean isn't.

In the Rovers, Tommy is still pleading for another chance with Tina. He promises to have nothing more to do with his criminal dad, and promises there will be no more drug runs. She softens and tells him that he doesn't deserve her. "I know," he says, and kisses her hand. Stella comes in then and asks Tina if Sunita said anything about getting a new phone, she can't contact her.

Back at Dev and Sunita's, the interrogation is still going on. Eventually Dev tells her to go, she has her bag packed, he doesn't want her there pining for her boyfriend. She then points out that that is his decision and not hers, yet again. Just then there's a knock on the door. They both stop still, and Sunita looks shocked. Dev asks if it's her boyfriend come to get her, and opens the door - it's Stella, asking to speak to Sunita. Dev shouts that Sunita is waiting for her boyfriend to come and pick her up, she has her bag packed and everything. Stella quickly weighs up the situation and asks Sunita if she'd like to come with her now. Sunita says she would, and Dev snarls that anyone's company is better than his. "Right now it is," says Sunita, and heads for the stairs. He stops her and tells her that he'll explain to the children about their mother's secret life, so she heads off out of the door with Stella.

Tina is telling Tommy that this is his absolute last chance, when Stella and Sunita come in the door and go through to the back.

Faye and Katy are in the tent in the garden, and Gary checks they're ok.

The next person to come through the door of the Rovers is Karl, much to Tina's surprise. He tells her not to ask and goes through to the back room where he's shocked to see Sunita talking to Stella. He says that his friend had to cancel. Stella tells him that Sunita will be staying until things blow over at home. Sunita explains that she had an almighty row with Dev. "What about?" asks Karl nervously, and Stella tells him it's nothing to do with him. Sunita says it was relationship stuff, but no one else was involved. Looking visibly relieved, Karl says he hopes it sorts itself out. Sunita says she's not sure she does, there comes a point when you reach the end of the road and realise that it's over. Karl looks horrified and says he's going back to the bar. Outside the door he looks really worried.

Anne Logan


Monday 11 June

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Graeme Harper

Simon is determined to be a contrary little boy. He's playing on his hand held game which Peter had hidden from him as punishment, he's refusing to get further ready for school while Peter rushes around gathering his school things and he's being rude and smart-alecky with his dad. He wants to stay home from school but that's not happening. Peter's temper reaches the end of its tether when Simon calls him a loser and he goes outside to wait. Simon grabs a set of keys from a hook on the wall as his father hollers at him to get a move on.

Stella is still sympathetic to Sunita and Karl isn't. Sunita kept her up for another night unburdening on Stella's broad shoulders. Stella wonders if maybe Karl should talk to Sunita and give her a man's point of view. Yeah, like that's going to happen. Sunita arrives in the room, having realized she'd missed the kids going to school. Stella goes to the kitchen to make tea and Sunita whispers to Karl that Dev's figured out she's having an affair. He's a bit freaked out to say the least.

Dev is late getting the kids to school. He's discovered Aadi's undone holiday homework and requests for dinner money. The lad points out his mother usually takes care of things like that and wonders where his mother is. Dev insists she's gone to an early dentist appointment. Asha confesses that she's broken 3 of her mother's bottles of perfume. The kids bicker, there's a knock on the door. Sophie is at the door wondering why the shop isn't opening and we can hear the children warring behind Dev.

Maria is at the builders' yard looking for Jason but it's all locked up. Marcus comes across the road and she tells him her key broke in the lock when she went back to get a teddy bear that Liam needed for a picnic at school. Marcus takes over and offers to take Liam to nursery and will even buy a bear on the way so Maria can get to work where a client is waiting. He'll also call Jason for her. What a star!

Simon has been brought to Brian's office. He'd been crying in assembly. Brian tries to find out what's wrong but Simon is not forthcoming. Brian starts to witter on about the joys of being 8 years old. He stands up and turns his back to look out the window as he talks and when he turns around, Simon is gone and he's closed the office door behind him.

Leanne greets Dev in the shop and comments that he looks frazzled. Dev tries to say that Sunita is just busy but of course Leanne living at the pub knows Sunita stayed there and pretty much figures what the problem is. Dev insists Sunita will be back later. Gary arrives and says he's been looking after Faye and can hardly wait for his mother to get back. I don't think it went that badly but it opened his eyes a bit! He leaves, Nick arrives. He asks Leanne why Peter looked a bit overwhelmed getting Simon to school this morning. Dev mentions the broken perfume and both say it's just first day back to school after half term.

In the pub, Sunita is helping get the pub ready for opening. Stella is offering her the day off but she declines. She goes back to wake Eva. Sunita quietly tells Karl that Dev had found the money and she's left him and it's probably for the best anyway. They can't finish the conversation because Eva and Stella return.

Ken comes into the betting shop to talk about Simon. Peter can see a lecture coming his way. Ken says they miss Simon and reckon Simon is acting out from all the tension he's living under. Peter is sarcastic back. His phone starts ringing and he isn't inclined to answer it as he gives his father grief for trying to tell him what to do. Ken takes it in stride and says they want to be there for Simon.

In the cafe, Marcus has come to let Maria know that Jason can fix the locks for 25 quid. Audrey is cooing to Lewis on the phone. Lewis is apparently ill with a summer cold. Maria tells Marcus she'll take him for a drink to thank him. David teases her after Marcus leaves. "My hero!" he twitters.

Peter is still arguing with Ken about Simon and who he sees. Ken accuses Peter of using Simon like an "emotional commodity". Peter scoffs. Ken starts to whinge about having bought Simon a book on weather and he can't give it to him. Carla interrupts with the news from the school that Simon's gone missing. That was probably the phone call Peter didn't answer.

After the break, we're in the pub where Peter has come to ask if anyone has seen Simon. Leanne is told that Simon has disappeared.

Sophie, who has probably been listening to Dev cry about Sunita all morning, asks if he's spoken to Sunita today. No, and Dev, nearly in tears, tries to finish an unrelated conversation he was having. She asks what happened. Dev sobs the whole story out, about the fictional friend and the obvious conclusion about the affair. Dev asks Sophie if Sunita has said anything to her. Sophie, knowing what she knows or suspects, avoids a direct answer and thinks he should be strong and work on his marriage a bit harder. Sunita must be going through a crisis and really needs Dev. She says the kids are so young and shouldn't have to watch their parents split up. Sophie thinks there's always a way and he should fight for her if he loves her. If he just gives up it says he's not bothered.

Leanne follows Peter out of the pub, screaming at him and blaming him. Carla runs over, and they try to figure out a plan. Simon comes strolling along and hides behind a car when he sees them all talking about finding him. Carla thinks someone should stay at the flat and wait for the police but they all go off in different directions to look for him. Simon crawls out from behind the car and lets himself into the flat with the keys he'd taken.

Up in the flat he looks around. Now what? He goes to the table and picks up his game console but he's looking very sad and near to tears.

In the Bistro, Nick has heard from Audrey who's calling Lewis in sick. Eva realizes it's just the two of them to mind the Bistro. Gail comes in from the back having finished her cleaning. Nick asks her to fill in as a waitress. She says she will for a price!

In the salon, Maria has spent all morning singing Marcus' praises. David makes fun of her. Audrey hushes them with their teasing. Audrey says Lewis will be missed at the Bistro, particularly since they have a party of 13 in for lunch.

Dev has brought flowers to Sunita at the pub. She asks after the kids and he explains the excuse he made. He says they all need her and he admits he got the kids away late. She points out that usually when he has the kids, something gets broken. Dev laughs and thinks Leanne has been telling tales and Sunita immediately realizes Asha has been playing with the hair dryer again (which she uses as a gun which had been what happened to the perfume bottles). Dev implores her. If she says there's nobody else then he believes her and asks her to come home.

Dev hears Peter coming up the stairs and hides in the utility cupboard. Peter and Carla come in with a police officer. They get a photo. Peter is standing right beside the cupboard which appears to have venting holes in it but fails to hear Simon who seems to be breathing very hard and audibly.

Sunita tells Dev she's not coming back. She going to come and pack and take the kids with her. He hollers that she's not taking her kids away from him again. He gets angry and hisses that maybe she wanted to be worshipped? She snipes that might have helped. He's very sarcastic and a bit nasty to her for rejecting him and it all feels very realistic, this conversation. He wonders if she's just after looks and thrills and if that's the case, whatever man it is will only let her down sooner than later. She looks defiant but it also looks like his remarks have hit home. He asks if any man would dote on his children or love her like he does. She fires back that if he did love her, he'd pay her more attention and respect her opinions. She thinks he likes having her around because it's convenient. She does admit he's a good father but it's not enough. He looks crestfallen.

Peter first tries to fool the police officer that Simon was just acting up on first day back to school after mid term holidays. The officer wonders if there has been any bullying at school and Peter slowly admits to the police officer that Simon has been having a hard time at home with the upheaval. Carla tells all, that Simon doesn't like her and the divorce is taking its toll. Peter wonders why they're talking instead of looking. He's defensive about things and starts ranting on about Simon's recent behaviour. Simon squeezes his eyes shut trying not to cry out loud while listening to his father. It probably sounds to him like Peter is blaming him for everything. Carla tries to placate him. The police officer thinks Peter should stay home and wait while others are out looking. He leaves and Peter leaves right after, shouting that it's all got to stop. Simon lives *there* and where is he anyway! Carla shakes her head and decides to go with him.

They leave and Simon comes out of the cupboard, with a small rubbish bin or box clanking out of it behind him. He turns and sees a wine bottle in it. He picks it up and looks thoughtful.

Tvor

Here is the second half of the hour long episode, sent with apologies that you have had to wait for it. With football, tennis and soon the Olympics disrupting Corrie's scheduling, it was too much for my simple brain to handle! After a prod from Margaret, I got to work…I hope you weren't on too many tenterhooks to discover Simon's fate…

We return to the Rovers smack bang in the middle of a very public slanging match between Dev and Sunita in the bar. Dev is begging his wife for another chance, insisting that he doesn't care if there's another man. Sunita snaps at him to have some self respect and he retorts that he can't, being with her. Sunita tells him she doesn't love him and that he should have tried harder before storming through to the back.

Peter and Carla return to the flat to find Simon unconscious on the settee. Peter tries to stir him and Carla finds an empty bottle of wine on the floor beside him, noticing that a stain on the carpet means he can't have had it all. Peter snaps that he has had enough to knock himself out. As he picks his son up in his arms, he demands to know where the wine was and Carla is forced to admit that it was stored in the utility cupboard. As Peter piles Simon into the car and speeds off, Nick watches with concern. Ken is passing by and Nick asks if everything is okay. Ken fills him in on Simon's disappearance and Nick informs him that he has just seen Peter carrying Simon into his car…

In the pub Leanne and Stella remain panicking about Simon as Ken and Nick come in. As Nick fills Leanne in, Ken finally gets through to Peter on the phone and finds out that Simon is at hospital. Leanne looks horrified.

David and Audrey exchange exasperated looks as Maria continues to talk about Marcus in the Salon. Subject then turns to Gail waitressing in the Bistro. David pokes fun at her but Audrey tells her that she will be trying her best. David rolls his eyes as Maria turns the subject back to Marcus.

The nurse at the hospital is asking Peter and Carla how much wine Simon has had to drink. Peter is explaining that Simon ran away from school and that there isn't normally drink in the house. Carla asks if Simon will be okay but the nurse says they may need to put him on a drip.

The Bistro is busy and Gail's inept waitressing is causing havoc. Nick is grateful as Eva clears up the situations Gail causes, which includes making cringe worthy puns about the duck being ‘quacking' and spilling wine on the laps of businessmen.

Ken and Leanne arrive at the hospital and ask the receptionist about Simon.

Sunita asks Stella if she can stay another night and apologises for being a bother. Stella asks how things are with Dev and Sunita replies that he thinks there is someone else. Stella asks if there is and Sunita replies that she wishes there was but doesn't divulge that person's identity. Stella says that she feels for Dev but Sunita likens the thought of spending the rest of her life with Dev to staring down the barrel of a gun…

Peter and Leanne meet in the waiting room and Leanne wants to know what is going on. She is disgusted to discover that he has drank some wine and suggests to Ken that they contact social services. Peter argues that it isn't their fault that he ran away from school but Leanne points out that it's their fault they had wine in the house. When she demands to know where it was, Carla reluctantly admits the truth, leaving Leanne even more furious.

Simon has come round and Simon is asking him which pyjamas he wants. Ken is busy talking to Simon about a book he has bought for him as Carla offers to go and pick up the things that he needs.

The busy night at the Bistro comes to and end and Nick and Eva thank a delighted Gail for her help. Nick thanks Eva for taking the reigns and she also looks pleased with herself. She then phones Stella for news on Simon.

Karl is alone in the cab office and Sunita saunters in and sits on his knee, making him uncomfortable. She tells him that she has left Dev and he says that's all well and good so long as she isn't under any illusion that she did it for him. She looks confused and says that it will make things easier in the future as there'll be no sneaking around. Karl makes it clear that he has no intention of leaving Stella to be with Sunita and she looks crushed.

Gary is in the Salon (which is open later than the Bistro for some reason) having his hair done and is talking about his relief that his mum is home and he no longer having to look after Faye. David comments that he is lucky that Max is so well behaved and Maria is impressed at how proud he sounds. She then tells Gary he has all this to come

Leanne is making digs at Peter over his care for Simon and reminds him of the fire in his flat a few years back. Peter is angry and tells her Simon is perfectly safe but Leanne says the reason he drank wine is that he was copying Peter and Carla's behaviour. At this point Brian comes in to check on Simon and Peter launches into a tirade about the school needing to keep an eye on children. Brian suggests the blame could lie elsewhere making Peter snap and ordering him to get out.

Dev is serving dinner and Asha and Aadi are asking where Sunita is. Dev looks tired and Aadi asks if he has been crying. Dev tells them that grown ups don't cry but Asha says that mummy cries all the time…

Peter is asking Simon why he did it and Simon says that he is sorry. Peter tells him he's not in trouble but he must never do anything like that again. Leanne comes in with a comic for him. Simon says that he wishes that they were still a family and Peter says that isn't possible. Leanne says it is because Peter wants to be with Carla now. Peter takes her aside and asks her not to make digs at this time, before reminding her that she is not Simon's mother...his mum is dead.

Eva is telling Stella about work and comments that she saw nick looking at her. She is positive that he wants to get back with her but Stella doesn't seem convinced.

Leanne is in the waiting room and Nick comes in to ask how Simon is doing. Leanne says she is worried about his safety with peter but Nick comments that kids survive all sorts... just look at Max. Leanne says she doesn't want Simon to have the life that Max has had. Nick says that he is sure Leanne is a brilliant mum. Peter comes through and demands to know what Nick is doing there before warning him not to go near his son.

Sunita is waiting outside the cab office and follows Karl after he finishes work. She reminds him of everything she has done for him, such as hiding money but he tells her that he never signed up for any of this and she can't suddenly change the rules. Sunita says she won't let him abandon her and warns him that she will tell Stella. Karl tells her to do what she wants... but nothing will change the fact that he will never look her way again.

Peter is looking troubled and Carla is apologising for everything she caused. Peter snaps that he can do without her self pity and she decides to stay with Michelle. He doesn't argue with her. As she goes to leave, she says sorry again but Peter snaps at her again. After she leaves, Peter sits in silence, pondering the day's events…

Duncan Lindsay


Wednesday 13 June

It's morning and Ken meets Carla in the street. He asks after Simon and Carla admits she spent the night at Michelle's. They both agree the current situation is bad for Simon and the fighting has to stop.

Peter's with Simon at the hospital. He looks up and sees Leanne looking through the window. He goes out to argue with her and she introduces him to Claire, from Social Services. Peter turns nasty and has a go at Leanne for calling Social Services and they argue until Claire manages to get a word in to say that it was the hospital who notified her. Leanne says it was only a matter of time before someone did. "Two alcoholics in charge of a child? Like that was ever going to end well!" she sneers.

Stella and Karl discuss Simon over breakfast. Stella asks Sunita if she's well, because she doesn't look it, but Sunita says she'll be out from under their feet as soon as possible. Stella tells her to stay as long as she likes. Once she's left the room, Karl snaps at Sunita, saying he doesn't know what she hopes to gain by hanging around. She says she has nowhere else to go and Karl tells her to go home to her family. Sunita thinks he's worried she's going to confess all to Stella and says she just might do that.

Leanne, Peter and Claire sit in what looks like a playroom for a chat. Leanne's very nasty. Though it might not be a crime to have wine in the house, it was utterly stupid when Simon's got a role model like Peter, she says. Claire from Social Services listens, her lips pursed, until there is a brief pause in the nastiness. She tells them that all Social Services cares about is Simon's welfare. "Me too," say Peter and Leanne almost together. "Well, at least you agree on something," Claire says.

Maria wants to leave early because she's going out for a drink with Marcus. She goes on about how wonderful he is.

Simon's sitting up in bed, laughing with Peter. The doctor comes in and says there seems to be no long-term damage so Simon can go home. She makes Simon promise he'll never do anything like this again. Simon promises. "Wine tastes horrible anyway!"

Back at the Rovers, Leanne tells Stella the story of the morning. She's starting to think maybe Peter was right and if she hadn't been around Simon would have come to like Carla. Stella says it doesn't work like that. "That little lad loves you with all his heart. You're his Mum." Leanne hates to think how unhappy Simon must have been to drink the wine. Stella urges her to stay and fight for him. "What? Like you did?" asks Leanne, apologising almost immediately. But Stella says that's why she knows what Leanne must do. "If you don't, you'll regret it every single day of your life."

Jason's bringing in a new sink bench for the bistro. Eva eyes up his muscles at the same time as he eyes up her very low cut dress.

Simon's home and when he hears feet on the stairs he races towards it, thinking it will be Leanne. But it's just Carla. He goes to his room. Carla asks Peter if she should keep on packing up her stuff but Peter apologises and says of course she must stay because he loves her. Peter worries that alcoholism is hereditary but Carla tells him not to be silly. Peter insists he's bad for Simon. "I'm a danger to my own son." He wants to help Simon but he doesn't know how.

Eva's made Jason a steak sandwich and she's not just admiring his muscles but squeezing his biceps. He asks her out. Eva says she's working in the evenings but Nick overhears and tells her to take Monday off.

Carla's gone to work. Peter's on the couch and Simon comes out to lie beside him. They chat and Peter assures Simon he's not in trouble. Peter just wants to understand. Simon explains that Peter doesn't listen to him and doesn't care about what he wants. Peter stopped him from seeing Leanne, "but she's my Mum. All kids get to see their Mums. It's just normal!" And he wants to see Grandad and Grandma, but Peter won't let him. "And you're always shouting and it makes me sad and I totally hate my life. Simon says he knows Peter hates himself too and when he does he drinks. "I thought maybe if I had a drink all my problems would go away."

Maria and Marcus are in the Rovers. Maria's made a real effort and is all dressed-up and made-up. She and Marcus are going on a pub crawl down Canal Street. Peter comes in and Leanne is furious with him for not telling her what was happening, when Simon was coming home and for ignoring her text messages. Ken tries to find out when he can see Simon but Peter brushes him off. Stella snaps at him too, but Peter just wants to talk to Lorraine. She takes him through to the back. While nobody's look at them, Karl has some more nasty remarks for Sunita.

In the back, Peter assures Leanne she can see Simon and says he's desperate to see her. He asks if they can stop sniping for a minute. It's not helping. Simon is eight years old and has already had too much pain in his life. Leanne points out that Peter didn't have to cut her out of Simon's life. He can't force Simon to love Carla. Peter says he thought he was doing the right thing and that he thought he had to be cruel to be kind. "All you've done is shown him his feelings count for nothing," Leanne says. Peter agrees and says Simon's already pointed that out. He asks Leanne to come and see Simon. Leanne says she will if he asks Carla to do the decent thing and make herself scarce during the visit.

In the bar, Sunita thanks Stella for being so understanding. Karl hears this and as soon as Sunita's out of earshot he tells Stella he's stick of the sight of Sunita's miserable gob.

While Marcus is at the bar, Audrey goes to talk to Maria. She agrees that Marcus is a lovely man but says she thinks Maria's falling for him, even though she knows nothing is going to come of it. Maria denies it and when Marcus returns Audrey makes her excuses and moves away.

Leanne arrives at the flat and is annoyed to find Carla there but Carla says she's part of this family too. Peter tells Simon that sometimes adults get it wrong. He did, but now he's going to do his best to put it right. How would Simon like to live with Leanne? Simon points out that Peter won't let him. Peter replies that he will if that's what will make Simon happy.

Marcus is ready to make a night of it but Maria suddenly doesn't feel well. She just wants to go home and refuses Marcus's offer to look after her.

Simon's packing his alien blasters and other essentials. Peter is close to tears but he tells Carla he's made hi decision and this is what will make Simon happy.

In the pub, Karl tells Stella to put her feet up. Then he puts the paper down in front of Sunita and tells her to start looking for somewhere else to live. He says she's had her fling and now should move on. This is his home where he lives with the woman he loves and he wants Sunita out of it. Tears well up in Sunita's eyes but Karl just snaps that she should have a bit of pride.

Leanne's carrying the alien blasters and Simon's other luggage. "I'm not making you sad, am I, Dad?" he asks Peter. Peter says he's got a touch of hay fever. All the adults are near tears. As the door shuts behind Simon, Peter collapses to the floor weeping, Carla at his side.

The End.
Margaret Carr


Monday 18 June

Written by Carmel Morgan Directed by Graeme Harper

Simon's first day back at school after being handed over to Leanne. Peter comes along and makes arrangements to bring Simon's things to him after school and take Simon out for his tea. Simon cheers and Leanne feels backed into a corner so she agrees. Ken has now come out of Number 1. Peter ruffles Simon's hair and leaves. Ken ascertains things are ok and offers his services if needed. She sighs about Peter still calling all the shots but goes off with Simon in the direction of school.

Eva has come into the living quarters, moaning about Sunita hogging the bathroom. She's further dismayed when she finds out that Sunita isn't paying any rent for staying there. Stella points out Sunita is a guest and it's temporary. Stella goes into the bar and Karl shows support for Eva's side of the argument.

Peter's packing up some of Simon's toys. Carla is congratulating him on doing the right thing and never mind what anyone else would say. Peter sighs and admits it's quiet in the flat without Simon. She agrees quietly. He consoles himself that Simon will be smiling when he picks him up and Carla reminds him of the few hours of one on one time they'll have.

Beth and Tracy emerge, bickering over Beth's kippers that are stinking the house out. They both turn around and notice an Estate Agent sign attached to the brickwork above their heads (didn't hear any of that knocking and hammering?? they must have been screaming at each other about kippers!) Tracy doesn't think Steve can sell the house without her say so (and I think she's right since her name is apparently on the deeds). Beth tries to take the sign down and Tracy assures her the sale is not going to happen.

In the pub, Sunita is dismayed to walk in on Karl and Stella giggling and cuddling as he tries to help her put on a necklace. Sunita says she didn't sleep well. Eva shoots off a few nasty remarks and after the two Price women leave the room, Sunita asks Karl if he's been dripping poison in Eva's ear. He's kind of nasty too, saying Eva recognizes a sponger when she sees one. He's clearly anxious to get her out from under, too.

Leanne comes out of the Kabin and Nick catches up with her. She says things are settling down and tells him that Simon is with her now. Leanne wants to get things formalized and in writing. Nick agrees that's a good thing to do. She's happy, it shows and he smiles at her. She smiles back. (Are you thinking what I'm thinking?)

Sunita's busy serving in the pub while Eva, St. Ella and Karl are huddled over a newspaper and getting people to guess the ages of celebrities. Lewis and Audrey are participating. Stella asks Sunita if she's got a guess but Sunita's short with her. Lewis and Audrey go to a table. Karl whispers to Eva that Tina is a better barmaid than Sunita and casts aspersions on Sunita's suitability as a parent since she walked out on her children.

Beth comes in to the taxi office to give Steve a hard time about the sign. He says she might be able to stay on as a sitting tenant depending on the buyer. That doesn't satisfy her. Steve tells her it's a financial decision. Tracy joins her and points out her legal ownership. He doesn't think she's got a leg to stand on. She plays the Amy card, Beth points out her son will suffer as well. Steve says there's a viewing that evening and he's selling the house. End of. He answers the phone. Tracy doesn't look quite so confident.

Sunita sits down with a plate of lunch. Eva snarks at her for having a cushy deal staying there. Stella comes through. Eva points out there really isn't enough room for her with Leanne and Simon staying. Stella whips back through to the bar, telling them to play nice. Which they don't. Karl enters with nice things to say about Stella. Eva remarks that Stella has enough to worry about with her own family to be worried about Sunita's problems on top of it. Looks like she's touching a few nerves there. Sunita asks Karl what he thinks and he says Stella has been a true friend. Sunita agrees and says she's going to do something about it. She goes out into the bar where Stella tells Sunita to ignore Eva. Sunita says she's going to go back to Dev and the kids. She reckons she's been focusing on the wrong things. He may be rubbish around the house but he's a good man and a good father, not vindictive or cruel and doesn't play mind games (with a glance at Karl). She says he'd never play mind games and is kind and honourable. Stella is pleased she's made the decision and knows Dev has been missing her. Sunita makes another pointed remark about there being a lot of scum bags "out there". Stella asks if she's sure? Karl interjects that Sunita knows her own mind. Sunita says if she didn't before, she does now, exchanging a bitter look with Karl and retreats to the back.

After the break, Steve is seen getting into a cab by Beth and Tracy. Beth is really annoyed at the probability of losing the nicest place she's ever lived. Tracy pulls her across the road and tells her they must stick together and come up with a plan. She talks solidarity.

Leanne has brought Simon back after school. Stella tells Leanne that Sunita has gone back to Dev. When Leanne tells Stella that Peter is taking Simon out, Simon is sent upstairs to change and Stella pours her own version of poison into Leanne's ear, calling Peter drunk and manipulative. She thinks it's a bad idea and Simon needs to set a routine. Peter is calling the shots! Leanne doesn't think she can do that to Simon but Stella warns her she's setting a precedent and Peter will be calling all the shots and leaving her with the hard stuff, with him getting all the easy bits. Leanne reluctantly agrees she's probably right.

In Number 13, Tracy knows that Steve can't sell the house if she doesn't sign on the dotted line. Beth makes a catty remark about Tracy bashing Steve over the head. Three words, Beth.. Miscarriage. Of. Justice! Tracy asks Beth if she's got any more kippers!

Sunita is all packed and ready to leave. She tells Stella it might not work but she's going to try. Sunita offers to work the end of her shift, giving Karl a dirty look.

Peter's brought Simon's things and Leanne tells him the visit is off. He gets angry and doesn't understand why she's changing her mind. Why is she playing games? She says she wants him to get used to a new routine and says burgers are weekend treats. Peter even begs but Leanne stands firm (and to be fair, I think she's in the wrong here. She complained about wanting Simon to be happy and she's doing the same thing Peter was). She hurls back at him that it's his fault they're broken up and throws him out. He storms through the bar, noticed by Karl and Sunita. He makes a few comments to her but she's very cool to him. Stella comes through and reckons Sunita should have warned Dev she was coming so he could put out the red carpet.

Tracy and Beth have strewn junk around the room and it looks a tip. They let in the estate agent and client in. The estate agent, Shirley, looks dismayed at the mess in the room. The client asks what the awful smell is. Tracy and Beth play up that it's always there and you get used to it after awhile. They also pretend there's dodgey electrics as the client is taken upstairs for a look.

In the pub, Simon is near tears that Leanne has not allowed him to see his dad. She tries to pretend it's because it's a school night and she's making the rules now. She admits Peter was disappointed but will work out all the times he can see his dad. She hugs Simon but he doesn't look too happy.

Peter is in the flat, smoking and when Carla comes in he tells her the news. He didn't even get to see Simon at all. She's sympathetic. He figures she's starting as she means to go on. He's really upset. Carla suggests that she move out. She's not sure she's worth the sacrifice he's made for her and is worried he will hate her after awhile. He won't hear of it and says he can't imagine life without her in it. He promises they'll be happy. All this aggro is just making them stronger.

Sunita is ready to leave the pub and is in tears. Karl slips into the room and catches her. She says she's not decided if she's going to tell Stella or not (about them). He says he didn't mean to hurt her. She figures it was all meaningless on his part. Out in the bar, Eva thinks a little jealousy will be good for Nick. Leanne comes in and says Simon is upset but is ok. Leanne overhears Eva's plan to use Jason to make Nick jealous and she rolls her eyes. Stella thinks Jason isn't such a bad catch and lo and behold, he appears. He confirms their date tomorrow night. Stella asks her to remind Karl he's going to be late for his shift at Streetcars. Eva goes back and overhears Karl and Sunita arguing. For some reason Sunita has all Karl's gambling cash in her hand though where she got that from, I don't know unless she had it in her rucksack all this time. She throws it at him and hollers that she's not keeping his grubby secret anymore. Eva bursts through the door. Sunita rushes out and Eva grabs the money and wants to know what's going on. He tells her to mind his own business and exits.

Tvor


Wednesday 20 June

Karl accosts Eva in the back room of the Rovers and asks why she's had a face like a bull dog chewing a wasp, he wants to know what her problem is. She tells him she knows that there's something going on between him and Sunita. When he tries to say that he doesn't know what she's talking about, she tells him not to treat her like a mug, and the only reason she hasn't told Stella is because she doesn't want to upset her. "What do you take me for?" asks Karl, acting all innocent, "I love your mum. Me and Sunita? Credit me with some taste!"

Sunita arrives home with her bags. Dev tells her he went looking for her last night, Stella thought she was there with him. He'd tried to ring her, sent texts. She tells him she stayed in a hotel, alone, and has the bill to prove it. "I'm back," she says.

In the bar of the Rovers, Eva is thinking of backing out of her date with Jason, she tells her mum she's not in the mood. They go out to the back for a talk.

A morose Peter is deep in thought. Carla tries desperately to cheer him up and suggests they go out to the bistro.

In the back room of the Rovers, Eva tells Stella how she walked in on something between Karl and Sunita, but can't figure out what's going on. She's sure they were having an argument and she heard Sunita say that she wasn't going to keep his grubby little secrets any more, and there was a lot of money there. Stella is really upset, this shows her that Karl is gambling again. She goes off upstairs to find proof.

Jason is in the bistro, waiting for Eva to show up. Nick tells him she's probably deciding what to wear, picking out the right shoes for the dress. Jason is a bit worried because Nick, obviously, is Eva's ex, but Nick assures him it's not a problem. Just then Peter and Carla arrive and Nick goes off to seat them.

In the pub, Stella comes down with the wad of notes and tells Eva and Leanne that she found it on Karl's side of the wardrobe.

Just along the Street, Sunita is trying to make it up with Dev. He's reluctant, he doesn't want his heart broken again. She says she wants to spend the rest of her life with him, she'll even marry him! "Was that a proposal?" asks Dev.

Meanwhile, Stella has bagged up all Karl's clothes into bin bags and is rushing out of the Rovers with them. She sees him coming along in his taxi and throws them onto the bonnet. He jumps out of the car and she throws the money at him, shouting that it's obvious he won it gambling. He tries to say that he won it ages ago, but she doesn't believe him and shouts that she loved and trusted him, but now it's over. She storms back into the pub.

In the back room, she persuades a reluctant Eva to go on her date with Jason. When she's gone, Stella confides to Leanne that Eva is only going out with Jason to make Nick jealous, and Leanne says she feels sorry for him.

In the bistro, Jason is about to leave when Eva walks in and apologises for being late. He says it's fine, and they sit down to look at the menu, he's starving. However, after a glance at the menu, Eva says she's had a bad day, feels stressed and can't eat anything. Poor Jason! He suggests they just order drinks.

Over at another table, Peter tells Carla how he got sent up to Glasgow to live with grandparents when his mother died, and how he thought his dad hated him. Now he's done the same thing to Simon. Carla leans over to him and points out that over the road is not Glasgow. Peter thinks it might as well be, history is repeating itself and he's such a fool for letting it happen.

Karl is having a heart to heart with Steve in the taxi office. Steve tells him that if he wants Stella back he must show her that he can change, and seek professional help.

Back at the bistro, Jason notices that Eva and Nick keep looking at each other, and says he knew it was a bad idea to go there. "You're not into me," he tells her, adding that she's just trying to make her ex jealous. Then he tells her she can get the bill, and walks out. Nick comes over to see if everything is all right. She tells him she's had a really bad day and could do with a hug. "Well, I'm sure Jason will oblige," he says, and goes off to get the bill.

Steve leads Karl back into the pub. Stella shouts at him to get out, he's barred. Steve persuades her that Karl is there to say sorry. "Has he not got a tongue in his head?" asks Stella. Karl tells her he's eating humble pie, and Leanne urges her to hear him out. Stella asks Leanne to come into the back with them, she doesn't want to be on her own, out the back they go, with Steve tagging along too for moral support.

Once in the back room, Stella says she can't take him back because he'll just keep on lying. Egged on by Steve, Karl says he'll get help. Leanne tells Stella that if Karl has a problem, maybe he needs her help to confront it. Leanne and Steve leave, and Stella sits down. She says she loves him, but he has to stop lying. He promises never to lie to her again. She tells him to get on the phone tomorrow to get help, that way she'll know he's telling the truth.

Back at Dev's, he's whinging that he needs to know who it was that Sunita was with. If he doesn't he'll imagine it's every man who walks into the shop or passes in the street. Sunita says she doesn't want to tell him. If he exists, who he is is irrelevant. What is more important is why she left, it was more about where her head was than him. He's history. Dev starts to say that it will eat away at him. "Why should it? You won," says Sunita. Tearfully, Dev admits she's right, and hugs her. Then he says they should go for a celebratory drink.

In the bistro, Peter tells Carla that he thinks they should have a child of their own. She bursts out laughing, and then asks if he'd be saying that if Simon was sitting there with them. She asks if he really thinks it's the best solution, and he admits that it isn't.

A glum Eva walks back into the pub, and tells Tina and Leanne that Jason worked out that she was trying to make Nick jealous, and how he walked out and made her pay the bill. Just then Karl and Stella come out from the back with their arms round each other, and at the same moment Dev and Sunita come in through the door with their arms around each other. Dev says he has an announcement to make. Then he tells them that Sunita asked him to marry her and he said yes! There are cheers and applause, but Karl's smile looks a little forced, and Eva just looks furious. She catches a quiet moment with Sunita and tells her that she's not daft, she knows there was something going on with her and Karl, but now she reckons it's over. Sunita says she doesn't know what she's talking about. Eva takes a step closer. "Keep away from my mum's fella," she hisses. Then she puts on a smile and proposes the toast. "To Dev and Sunita," she says to everyone.

Anne Logan


Monday 25 June

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Duncan Foster

Leanne has dropped Simon off to school early and as she's returning, she runs into Carla and Peter. They argue about Peter not being able to see the boy. He says he'll make his side clear in court. She agrees, there will be no misunderstandings once it's all legal. She storms off. Peter's fed up and rants about Leanne a bit. Carla tries to tell him he's got to stop this. He did the right thing for Simon and he needs to give himself credit. She holds him close and kisses him. From across the road, Leanne watches, and it's clear that seeing them together still hurts. Nick approaches her, concerned. She admits she's still not over it all. He sympathises, knowing how she feels.

Sean has made a nice breakfast for Marcus and he's late getting home. Eileen compliments him on his efforts. Paul comes home (they both must have been working a night shift) and smiles at Sean's romantic gesture. When Marcus does get home he has to disappoint Sean, he's already eaten with one of his colleagues. Paul and Eileen are the grateful recipients of the cooked breakfast. Marcus apologizes but is perked up when Sean tells him that Dylan and Violet are coming for a visit.

Leanne is in the back of the pub with Stella and Eva having tea and toast. Stella congratulates Karl on his decision to contact some gambling support groups. He says, rather unconvincingly, that he's going to ring round later. Eva remarks that she's glad Sunita is gone and thinks it's weird that she and Dev are now engaged after she previously couldn't even stand to be in the same room. Karl scolds them all for their gossip. He and Stella have a cuddle before he heads out of the room. Stella tells the girls she's optimistic he's going to knock this on the head.

The twins are glad their mum is back. Dev decides to tell the kids now that they are getting married again. The kids cheer and Asha asks to be bridesmaid. Dev continues as he means to go on by making decisions without consulting Sunita and says of course she can. Sunita just smiles and tells Asha the tiara may have to wait. Dev is bubbling over and even Sunita looks a bit happy.

Mary and Norris are discussing a postcard Rita has sent from her honeymoon. Spain, it sounds like. Hayley comes in asking for a particular magazine on ballroom dancing, one they don't have but Norris offers to order it. Mary didn't know Hayley was a dancer (but she's been taking salsa lessons for a couple of years and even had a Latin dancer at her hen night so where has Mary been?) Hayley talks about her dance classes and mentions that Norris has had a dance history, too. She recalls that Norris had even won a competition. After she leaves, Mary is nearly faint with excitement at the fantasy of Norris tripping the light fantastic twirling her around the dance floor.

Eva warns off Karl and tries to get to the bottom of what she saw between he and Sunita. He warns her not to say anything to Stella and she's jumping to conclusions again. It's the reason she's not with Nick anymore. Sunita arrives for her shift and Eva makes a really witchy remark about the cleavage on display. In the back, Leanne is ironing furiously. She tells Stella that she saw Peter and Carla kissing on the street. It's obvious she still hurts over the whole affair. Leanne moans that Peter is the one that behaved badly but he's happy and she's got nobody. Stella tries to placate her, telling her she's young and will find someone and be happy again. Leanne admits she's happy she's got Simon but wants him to have a proper family.

Gail is moaning about the cleaning chemicals having an affect on her hands. She's sucking back wine at the Bistro bar and wittering on. Lewis makes nondescript noises. Nick wonders if the daily glass of wine is becoming a habit. She then asks Lewis for a "virtuous" glass of water. "Sparkling or still?" he asks. "Still...." says she, "I'm sparkling enough" (lovely!) Nick asks her how things are going with Jason and when she says it didn't work out, he hints that someone closer to home probably has their eye on her. She perks up and it's clear she thinks he means him. Gail observes the goings on and asks if Nick and Eva are reuniting. He says he's just being polite. Gail takes another sip of wine and comments that someone ought to tell Eva that.

In the bar, Karl apologizes to Sunita for Eva's nasty demeanor. Sunita admits that Eva confronted her and thinks she knows there's something going on between them. Karl is horrified and demands that they make sure to keep apart so Stella doesn't find out. Sunita is cool and says it's not her problem anymore. Stella comes out with some print outs of local gambling support groups. Oh. Great.

In the Bistro, Eva sits down at a table where Nick is. She broaches the topic she's been working up to. She thinks they shouldn't be messing about and they should put everything behind them. She apologizes for the Kylie incident and admits she knows she can be jealous. Eva wants to go back to how they were but he says that though what they had was nice but it's run its course. She objects but he stammers that there's no point prolonging the agony. Ouch. She realizes he's seeing someone else and though he says he's not, she's sure. He admits there's someone but nobody she knows. She's betrayed and hurt and rejected and feeling humiliated. (I don't think that's what he was doing)

After the break, she's in the bar crying on her mother's shoulder. She feels like Nick strung her along, knowing she wanted back with him. Leanne sits down quietly and takes it all in. Stella says all the right things to her heartbroken daughter who feels dejected that she's got no man and no job because she quit that too. She couldn't possibly work with Nick now. She sobs and wonders what she's going to do now. Leanne looks concerned and tells her she must forget Nick and they'll both help her through it. Eva appreciates the support.

Marcus is on the phone to Aiden when he runs into Sean. Sean is snarky about Aiden who has just finished a night shift with Marcus and is back on the phone with him already. Marcus says Aiden has just come out to his family and needed someone to talk to because it's not going well. Sean is sarcastic and jealous. Marcus assures him there's nothing there and offers to take him out to the Bistro tonight. Sean grudgingly accepts.

In the Kabin, Norris is perusing the obituaries and admits he's been feeling his age lately. Mary thinks he needs a hobby. He ruminates on bee keeping but she suggests dancing. He objects straight away. She begs. No way. That's end of it for now.

Leanne is off to get Simon and tells Eva to keep her chin up. After she leaves, Stella mentions how nice it is to see them acting like proper sisters. Eva remarks that Karl has led Stella a merry dance over the years. She agrees but also says that she'd probably have been bored to tears if he'd been a saint. Eva realizes her mother really loves Karl. She looks concerned when Stella says Karl is her world.

Audrey arrives at the Bistro to see Lewis on a break from the salon. She orders a glass of red and notices that Nick looks dejected. He tells her about the conversation he had with Eva and that he'd admitted there's someone else....

Mary is badgering Norris to take her dancing tonight. She follows him around the shop like a puppy, complimenting, flattering, but he's still reluctant. She has fantasies of them reenacting Hollywood musicals and points out that it would be good for his blood pressure and joints. He finally agrees. Just the once.

Sunita pops into the back to ask about the supply of cheese and onion crisps. Stella jumps up to go get some from the cellar and Eva immediately grabs Sunita and pushes her against the door. She warns her to keep away from Karl. Sunita tells her she's totally wrong. Eva orders her not to break Stella's heart. Grow up, Sunita hisses. Eva, having said her piece, leaves.

Audrey is interrogating Nick but he's still not told her who the other woman is. Finally he does admit that it's Leanne. Audrey is shocked. Nick compares him and Leanne to her and Lewis. He says it feels right. Audrey cautions him though she admits she doesn't regret getting back with Lewis. She councils him to tell Leanne how he feels, what has he got to lose? He agrees. He'll do it.

Paul and Eileen are cuddling in the kitchen while Sean irons. He tells them that he's got a date with Marcus tonight. Paul and Eileen go out the back door to do some shopping as Marcus comes in the front, with Aiden. Sean's smile becomes pasted on and tells Aiden they're getting ready for a date. Marcus says there's time for a cuppa.

Nick comes to the pub and tells Leanne he wants to talk to her. She closes the door and he takes a deep breath and goes for it. I love you, Leanne. Wha??? Eva comes into the bar and Sunita tells her that Nick is in the back, seemingly all fired up about something, in a good way. In the back, Leanne is angry that he could break up with her sister and come to her and say that. He promises he's never stopped loving her. Eva walks in on Nick telling her he loves her SO much. Uh oh...

Tvor

Here's part two and we are thrust right back into the awkward scene in the Rover's backroom. Eva has just heard Nick declare his love to Leanne and has jumped to the conclusion that they have been having an affair all this time. Leanne tries to assure her that that is not the case, but Eva is not in a listening mood as she rants at her sister over betrayal. As voices and tempers raise, Stella bursts in and demands to know what is going on.

Marcus is offering a listening to his friend Aiden, whilst Sean watches impatiently, wearing a pout. As Marcus passes him to turn the kettle on, Sean urges him to get shot of him but Marcus refuses, saying that Aiden needs support right now.

Eva is accusing Leanne of playing her along all of this time. Leanne yells at her to grow up and Stella is forced to intervene as they bicker. Nick says that nothing has been going on, he has always loved Leanne. Eva asks him what she meant to him and he awkwardly says that he liked her. Leanne tells Nick that he's making things worse and tells him to go.

Hayley is nervous as she prepares to head to her dance class. She has an exam coming up. Norris and Mary are going too, with Mary sporting a pair of high heeled shoes which Norris disapproves of.

Audrey is relaxing in the Bistro while Lewis works. Nick comes back in and tells Audrey that he has just made matters worse. Audrey tells him to give things time to settle down.

Stella is telling Leanne that it is an unwritten rule not to sleep with your sister's boyfriends. Leanne argues once again that she hasn't slept with him. Eva tells her that she must have known how Nick felt. Leanne snaps and says Eva should take a look at herself. It's her own fault that she can't hold onto a man because of the way she behaves. Leanne storms out, and Eva looks distraught.

Marcus is advising Aiden to give his dad some space. He recalls how his own dad was upset at first but they have a great relationship now. Sean interjects by commenting that Aiden looks exhausted and perhaps should get himself home. Aiden replies that he could do with a pint and Sean looks enraged.

In the pub, Tracy warns Beth that Steve has arranged another viewing and they will have to come up with a new plan to put potential buyers off as she can't bear using kippers again.

Eva is hitting the bottle, despite Stella warning her that it won't help. Eva says that she is going to have nothing more to do with Leanne. Eva says she has lost everything including her job and mentions working at the Rovers. Stella says she can't afford to pay her and Eva snaps that she should show some loyalty and sack Sunita.

Leanne is sitting on a bench with Simon, eating chips. Nick comes over. After Leanne sends Simon to get a comic, Nick apologises for everything but refuses to take back what he said as he meant every word. Leanne says he hasn't considered that she has Simon now but Nick replies that he knows that they come as a package. Leanne looks thoughtful.

Nick has taken Simon and Leanne to the Bistro. Nick offers an excited Simon some ice cream and Leanne watches as they get on well.

Sunita accidentally drops a glass and Eva drunkenly calls her a clumsy cow. Dev comes in, eager to show Sunita the wedding venue he has found in a catalogue. When he comments about making an honest woman of Sunita, Eva snorts. Karl comes over and tries to escort Eva out of the bar. As she walks past Sunita, she hisses that she makes her sick. Dev asks what is going on but Karl and Sunita put it down to Eva having had a bad day. It only takes a whisky to put Dev's suspicions at bay.

Hayley, Mary and Norris come back from their dance class and Norris' feet are in agony. Nevertheless, Mary is under the illusion that she was queen of the dance floor, much to Hayley's amusement.

As Aiden as it the toilet in the Rovers, Sean is bitching about how late they are for their date. When Aiden comes back and offers to get another round, Marcus says he and Sean are quite hungry. Much to Sean's horror, Aiden says that he is too and offers to accompany them to The Bistro.

Stella is quizzing Leanne over Nick. Leanne wonders why it would be so bad if she did make a go of things with Nick, she believes she deserves happiness. Stella tells her that she won't get her blessing, not while Eva is so upset.

There is awkwardness at The Bistro as Sean, Marcus and Aiden sit quietly. Marcus goes to ask where dessert is and Sean comments that he and Marcus were meant to be on a date. Aiden looks mortified and leaves, leaving Marcus wondering what Sean said.

Leanne is telling Stella that Nick was her first love and she thinks that they would make a good team. Stella says that Leanne would just be settling for Nick but Leanne retorts that she owes it to Simon to give him a stable home life.

Sean and Marcus arrive home arguing. Marcus is texting an apology to Sean but Sean can't see what he's done wrong. He is angry at Marcus for spending so much time helping people with problems. Marcus calls Sean childish and shouts that he doesn't know why he even bothers with him before storming out, leaving Sean in tears.

Karl is trying to persuade a drunk Eva to go to bed. Eva snidely says to Sunita that they will pick up where they left off tomorrow before stumbling upstairs.

Nick and Leanne meet up in a back alley. Leanne asks Nick to reaffirm that he meant what he said. Nick assures her that he is ready to commit to her and Simon. Leanne kisses him before saying she wants him, and doesn't care what her family thinks. Nick gasps that he loves her before they start kissing again.

Duncan Lindsay


Wednesday 27 June

Sean is busy doing housework in preparation for Violet's visit with Dylan. Marcus gets a text and tells Sean it's from one of the girls at work, about a drinks get-together at the weekend. "Is Aiden going?" asks Sean. Just then, Sean's phone rings. It's Violet, she's not coming after all, her gran is ill and she has to go to Brighton to look after her instead. Hurt and angry, Sean snipes that now Marcus can spend time with Aiden.

In the back room of the Rovers, Stella is pouring tea for a devastated Eva, who thinks that Leanne and Nick were carrying on behind her back. Just then Leanne comes in, and Eva is horrified when Stella suggests she sits down and has a cup of tea. "She's been carrying on with my fella!" she cries. Leanne points out that Eva was with Nick for all of five minutes, but she has actually been married to him. Then she tells Eva that although there wasn't anything going on before, last night they got together and decided to make a go of it.

Sean and Marcus step out of the front door, squabbling about Aiden. In the end Marcus snaps that he thinks he'll see if Aiden is free for a drink tonight

Back at the pub, the quarrel between Eva and Leanne is still going on. Stella tells Leanne to take a couple of hours off, while she talks to Eva. Eva is then furious, accusing Stella of taking Leanne's side because she's given her the morning off. "If you think I'm staying here while she's living here, you want your head read," she shouts.

Mary is waltzing a rather bewildered Maria round the Kabin, and enthusing about dancing. Letting Maria go, she then crashes into a display of cards and knocks them over. Norris rushes out to pick them all up as Maria makes a hasty exit. Norris then tells Mary he doesn't think he can go to any more dance classes.

Leanne has gone to see Nick and told him about the quarrel with Eva. She then starts worrying about Simon, and what this new situation will do to him. After all he didn't like it when Peter took up with Carla. Nick assures her that he's good with kids, he mentions Bethany and Max, and how they all love him. He tells her if it gets difficult living over at the pub, she and Simon can always stay with him.

In the factory, Sean is moaning to Julie about his argument with Marcus, and worrying about Marcus's friendship with Aiden. Julie tries to reassure him, and points out that Marcus is allowed to have gay friends. She suggests he rings him and apologises. Just then Sean gets a text message from Marcus, saying he's definitely going out with Marcus later, he thinks a night apart will do them good.

Leanne goes into the pub and asks Eva and Stella if they can talk. They sit down, Eva looking sulky, and Leanne says that she would never have got into this situation with Nick if she thought that he and Eva were still together. Eva is still upset though, and tells Stella that either Leanne goes or she does.

After the break, we see Leanne and Stella in the back room. Stella asks if Leanne can move in with Nick. "But I only got back together with him yesterday!" says Leanne. Stella can't see any other way. Leanne is upset and storms off towards the stairs, telling Stella she turned her back on her once, she might have known she would do it again. Stella runs after her, saying she knows it's not like that, but Eva has nowhere else to go. She asks if Leanne is sure that Nick is right for her. "Why wouldn't he be?" snaps Leanne, adding that Nick is kind and caring. "What about love?" asks Stella. "Believe me," says Leanne, "it's overrated!"

Emily is in the shop, talking to Norris and Mary about the dance classes. Mary starts doing the cha-cha round the shop with coffee cup in hand, and spills it. When she goes out to get a mop, Emily remarks it's nice to see her so animated. "Animated?" scoffs Norris, "the woman is deranged!" He goes on to say that Mary has all the grace and rhythm of a fridge-freezer. Unfortunately, Mary comes up behind him, mop in hand, and hears all this. She flings the mop to the floor and runs out, sobbing.

Leanne is with Simon in the cafe. She tells him they may be going to stay with Nick for a bit. She reminds him how they used to be married a long time ago, and now they've decided to get back together. "Will I have to call him Dad?" asks Simon. Leanne assures him that he won't, his dad will always be his only dad. "Will I have my own room?" asks Simon. Leanne tells him that he will, and he'll be able to put up posters. "Come on then, what are we waiting for?" says Simon. Leanne remarks how he's full of surprises, he's had so many moves lately. "As long as we're together it doesn't matter where we are, does it?" says Simon. They get up to leave, just as Eva comes in. Simon is quick to tell her that they're moving to Nick's. "I'll miss you Curly," says Eva, kindly, but then glares at Leanne.

Paul and Eileen are cuddled up on the sofa watching TV when Sean comes in with Julie, and she announces that Marcus has gone for a drink with Aiden. Paul laughs. "The man he works with?" he says. Sean wonders if that is all they'll be doing together, and while Julie goes off to the shop to get wine, Sean sits himself down between Eileen and Paul.

Marcus is waiting in a gay bar when Aiden comes in. He asks what's up, and Marcus tells him he's had a massive row with Sean.

Eva sees Peter letting himself into the flat. She goes across and tells him how Nick and Leanne are back together, and how she and Simon have moved into Nick's flat.

Sean, Eileen and Julie are mulling over the situation with Marcus. Sean is sure Marcus will sleep with Aiden just to spite him. In the end he tells Julie to go home to Brian, and Eileen to go to the pub with Paul. He just wants to sit alone and feel sorry for himself and forget that today ever happened.

Back in the bar, Marcus is talking to Aiden about Sean. He doesn't think Sean realises how much he's given up to be with Sean. He moved from London, he gave up his home and his friends. Suddenly, Aiden lunges forward and kisses him. "What are you doing?" asks Marcus. Aiden tells him it was the only thing he could think of to shut him up, and suggests they go back to his place. Marcus tells him he's got a boyfriend, he loves Sean. Aiden thought he was about to be his ex, but Marcus says he's got the wrong end of the stick. Aiden is pretty upset and leaves.

Peter marches into the Bistro to confront Leanne and Nick and asks where his son is living. Leanne says she was about to come and tell him, but was having a drink first to prepare herself. Nick hopes he's not there to cause trouble. Peter says he's a tiny bit ticked off that his son is living with a bloke that he, Peter, doesn't like, and who was sleeping with Leanne behind his back not so long ago. Leanne comments that now she's getting a lesson on morality from Peter - that would be funny if it wasn't so sick. She tells him to go. Peter smirks at both of them, and leaves.

Marcus calls on Maria to talk about his problems with Sean and Aiden, and asks if he can sleep on her sofa. He can't face going home and getting the third degree.

Back at Eileen's, a miserable Sean is sitting up waiting for Marcus. Eileen says he's probably just stayed at a mate's house, and suggests he goes to bed.

Outside in the dark Street, Nick is hurrying along when Peter suddenly leaps out and grabs him, pushing him up against the wall. Twisting Nick's arm behind his back, he hisses that if Nick thinks he can take his son away, he's got another think coming. "Of course I don't think that," says Nick. Peter hisses more venom into Nick's ear, and repeats that if he thinks he can take his son away, the two of them will have a big problem. "Do you understand," he snarls, hurting Nick some more. "Yes!" gasps Nick, and then Peter lets him go and runs off.

Anne Logan


Friday 29 June

Hello and welcome to Friday's first episode, which is full of moping and glaring before it turns to menace and laughing.

It's morning and Sean mopes in the kitchen.

Not so far away, Marcus and Elmo lie awake on Maria's couch. Well, Marcus is awake. It's hard to tell with Tickle-Me-Elmo.

Eileen seems to have been out and she comes in and sympathises with Sean. He says the worst thing is that he's driven Marcus to stay out all night.

Peter's awake and seething. He's appalled that Leanne's gone back to Nick. He says he's Simon's father, not Nick. Leanne's making a mockery of the whole thing. Simon's his son, not Nick's . . . If you're fed up, think how Carla feels. She tries to change the subject by saying there's nothing in and they'll have to go to the cafe for breakfast. Peter's suddenly furious that there's no food, but just as quickly he apologises to her.

Deirdre's welcome for Nick is quite amazing. I assume Ken is on Leanne's side so you'd normally expect Deirdre to oppose him. But no, she tells Leanne he's more than welcome to come in.

As Nick, Leanne and Simon walk towards the cafe, Leanne feels invincible and certain her job centre interview is going to go really well. Nick's taking Simon to the cafe for breakfast and will drive him to school in his convertible.

Stella's off to a Newton and Ridley training day. Sunita's reading a magazine story about phobias. Whatever Eva's phobia is, she refuses to name it for fear of getting a picture of it in her head. She's more forthcoming when she hears that she and Sunita will be left to run the pub. After all, as the landlady's daughter she must have seniority. As the door closes behind Stella, Eva and Sunita glare at each other.

Hayley's very perky, mainly because Norris has agreed to stand in as her dance partner.

Simon and Nick come into the cafe and Simon begins to put Nick through a sort of step-dad job interview. If Leanne was out, what time would Nick make Simon go to bed? Cunning Simon manages to make Nick say he'd let him stay up until 10pm.

Peter comes in and spots Simon breakfasting with Nick. "Well, well, well . . ." He goes over to talk and is very very menacing indeed. Simon doesn't notice and cheerily tells his dad that Nick would let him stay up until 10. Carla comes in and Peter moves away but he's still glaring at Nick.

Marcus is up and moping now. Maria advises him to tell Sean how he feels. Marcus says he's got to get to work. He's wasted too much time and energy on his relationship already.

As Tracy empties rubbish around the flat, Beth tries to persuade Craig to go to school. Craig manages to sneeze all over his laptop and Tracy suddenly sees that having a sick Craig hanging around the house might be just the thing to help make the right impression on potential buyers. Though she's not so certain about Beth's new furry mobile phone cover.

Sean's still at home and still moping. Marcus comes in and Sean demands to know where he was all night. Marcus tells him but he needn't have bothered because Sean doesn't believe him.

Hayley greets Norris in the street and they natter about the dancing. Mary is at the pillar box outside the shop, glaring at them, and Hayley calls a cheery hello. "Mrs Cropper," says Mary, dipping her head slightly. Hmmm. . . I think she might be harbouring a grudge!

Eva's had a phone call from someone at the Flying Horse. They've just had the council health inspector call in and it's likely the Rovers is next. Eva wastes no time ordering Sunita to get the stain remover, a bucket and a cloth and to start getting hotpot stains out of a banquette. As for Eva, she's going upstairs to change. "If some bloke's coming round, I was to show him we . . . I can scrub up well." Sunita glares at her.

Sean sees Maria going to the salon and asks her about Marcus. She confirms that Marcus slept on her sofa with just Elmo for company. All that does is prompt Sean to start cross-examining her. Maria avoids answering and tells him he has to talk to Marcus.

Sean's at work now and his anger shows. Julie takes him aside and he tells her Marcus didn't come home because he's having an affair. Julie tries to calm him down. "You're not behaving in a rational manner." Sean's determined that everyone is in cahoots to keep the truth from him. He makes up his mind to go to the hospital and off he goes. When Michelle asks where Sean is, Julie says he's in the toilet.

Tracy makes a perfect first impression by calling the potential buyer Simoney instead of Simone. Twice. Craig lies on the sofa stroking his pet rat, Darryl, and coughing loudly. Beth, stroking his fevered brow, pleads with Tracy not to evict them. She tells Simone the place is infested with rats but they're quite tame. Simone has suddenly decided not to bother with the upstairs. The place isn't really what she was looking for. When she's gone, Beth gets up to go to work, startling Darryl, who runs off somewhere - nobody sees where. Tracy insists Craig start to hunt for the rat.

Emily visits the Kabin to get her knitting magazine but falls right into the middle of a stand-off between Norris and Mary. Mary is in full flow about feeling humiliated and she waves Emily's money about to make her point and has to be asked for the change.

At the hospital, Marcus's boss suggests he apply for a more senior job. After all, he has an unblemished record. As he greets a patient, Louisa, and heads for the examination room, Sean comes in. Marcus tells him firmly to wait.

Carla's miles away in thought. Michelle tells her it's totally normal for a man to be jealous of another man spending time with his son. But Carla thinks it goes much deeper than that. She thinks Peter resents Leanne being back with Nick.

While Sean waits, he sees Aiden and furiously accuses him of being there because he's having an affair with Marcus behind Sean's back. Aiden tries to point out that he does work at the hospital but Sean doesn't even pause in his tirade. Marcus comes out and tries to get Sean to go home. "Get out, Sean! This is completely inappropriate!" Marcus goes back to the examination room and Sean demands to know who he's got in there. He bursts into the room and stops dead at the sight of a semi-undressed pregnant woman, lying waiting for her examination. Back in the waiting room he's stopped by Marcus's boss who wants to know who he is and what he's doing. They're interrupted by Marcus pursuing the fleeing patient. "Louisa! Wait!"

Beth's on her way back to work and sees nothing wrong in stopping in at the Rovers for a drink. I mean, it's not as if she has to use scissors or sharp needles in her work, is it? Eva's behind the counter shouting at a scrubbing Sunita to put her back into it. Eileen's at the bar with a drink. A mobile phone rings and they all check whose it is. Beth puts her hand into her bag for her fur-covered phone and, of course, ends up holding Darryl to her ear. She squeaks. He squeaks and she drops him. Suddenly we know what Eva's phobia is. Sunita's half on a table. Eva's screeching and panicking, Beth's chasing poor Darryl and Eileen's laughing hysterically. The door opens. Mr Brownlow from the council introduces himself to Sunita. "I'm here to do an inspection." Luckily Beth's out of sight and Eva's screeched her way out of the bar. Sunita calmly greets the inspector and asks him through to the back.

Marcus finds Sean sitting in the waiting area and tells him he has to go. He reiterates that he's not having an affair, though Sean thinks Marcus, Maria and Aiden are all plotting to keep the truth from him. Marcus asks if they can talk about it later. He could lose his job if Sean keeps disrupting his work. "I am not lying to you," he tells Sean. "Aiden's not lying. Maria's not lying. You are the one lying to yourself. Now go home!" He tells Sean he's too angry to talk to him right now. That's when Marcus's boss comes to ask him into her office to explain what's been going on. "I need to know what the hell you are playing at!"

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Jonathan Harvey
Directed by: Duncan Foster

Marcus is in trouble. His supervisor has him in her office, and is giving him a good dressing down for bringing his relationship problems to work. He is in the process of assuring her it won't happen again when who should poke his head round the door but Sean, pleading for her to be lenient with Marcus, telling her the whole thing is his fault. Marcus covers his eyes with embarrassment, obviously wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. Marcus' boss sternly asks Sean to leave - immediately! A defeated Marcus shakes his head and says "Go home Sean".

Sunita is in the back room of the Rovers with the Health Inspector. She tells him she is in charge as Stella is away at the moment. He explains that he will need to see everything from the kitchens to the toilets and everything in-between. She asks him if he has the power to shut them down if he finds anything untoward, "Not that I expect you to find anything", she hastily adds. He assures her they should be safe unless they have half the contents of Chester zoo nestling in their freezers, and suggests they start in the bar.

Not wanting him to hit the bar until they have had a chance to catch Craig's rat, she eagerly guides him towards the kitchen instead, as it is closer. Making her excuses that she has to check on something, she leaves him there for a minute, and goes out into the hallway to find Eva cowering upstairs in a blind panic about the rodent running loose. Sunita tells her to pull herself together, because if the inspector sees her like that he will know immediately that something is wrong.

Eva explains that Beth has gone home to fetch Craig, as he has a magic touch with his rat, and will be able to catch it. Sunita tells her that she will keep the inspector in the kitchen for as long as she can.

Sean arrives back in Coronation Street and is met by Julie and Maria, who want to know how it went. Sean tells them that he has make things ten times worse. It comes out in conversation that Marcus stayed the night at Maria's, which is a relief to Sean and Julie.

Steve comes into the Rovers, and Eileen is glad to see him. She tells him that Mickey from Premier Cars has been on the phone asking if there is a job going at Street Cars. Steve is surprised because apparently Mickey has been with Premier Cars for years. He is speculating that something is going on with them. Eileen tells him that he will probably be calling him again later. She then tells him that there is a rat loose somewhere in the Rovers, which explains why he has seen Eva hopping from one foot to the other behind the bar, and why Sunita is trying to help her breath through her panic attack.

Craig bursts into the bar yelling "Where's Darryl?" Eva can't believe that that thing actually has a name. Steve wants to know where it was seen last, and when Sunita tells him it was about where he is now standing, he immediately jumps up onto one of the seats. It's pretty apparent that our Steve is about as brave as Eva when it comes to rodents. The inspector now appears from the back wanting to know from Sunita if they have records on when the freezer was last defrosted. She is about to answer when she spots Darryl behind him on one of the shelves, and the words stick in her throat. She quickly pulls herself together and guides him through to the back room to look for the records, with him asking her if the boy in the bar is old enough to be there. "He's older than he looks," she responds as she hustles him out.

Craig starts looking behind the bottles on the shelf for Darryl, but Eva has had enough, and rushes into the toilets where hopefully she will be safe from four legged furry creatures with long tails. Brian has just come out, so she should be OK.

Leanne and Nick are talking on the corner of the street. She is bemoaning the fact that there are no jobs going at the job centre, but has put her CV around lots of bars and restaurants, so is hoping to hear from one of them. Nick offers her a job at the Bistro just as Peter stops at the corner to listen in on the conversation. Leanne isn't sure, she thinks it might be too much too soon, but Nick tells her she has done it before, and it would be perfect for her. Peter can't resist then, and shouts that they have both done a lot of things before. Leanne tells him to grow up, and Nick tells him it is none of his business. Carla appears in the nick of time to stop Peter getting physical. Peter shouts at Leanne that he doesn't care who she sees, but she had just better not parade a string of men in front of his son. Leanne retorts that he should of thought of that before he started running off with his tart. Things just go from bad to worse then, with everyone screaming at everyone else, and Peter is about to land one on Nick, but Carla drags him away and shoves him into the bookies.

The inspector and Sunita emerge from the back, and he is shocked to see Craig and Beth searching behind the bottles on the shelves. He points out that members of the public should not be allowed behind the bar, and Sunita agrees with him, shooing them back to the other side. Curious to find out what they were looking for, he looks through the shelves himself just as Sunita hears a little squeak behind her. There on the bar, as bold as brass sits Darryl. She immediately grabs him and holds him behind her back, much to Eileen's delight who is standing on the other side of the bar watching the events unfold. He possibly bites Sunita, because she suddenly yells "Ow Ow!!" The inspector asks her what is wrong, and she explains that she has lumbago in her back, and it catches her suddenly. The inspector understands this perfectly, as his wife is also a martyr to it. The minute he turns his back, she quickly hands Darryl over to Craig, who is delighted to see him, and holds him triumphantly up in the air, just as Steve comes back in. He shrieks "Oh My God!", startling Craig, who drops Darryl, and the rat is off on another little jaunt. Steve makes a hasty exit out the front door, yelling goodbye to an extremely amused Eileen, who is not going anywhere, she is enjoying the entertainment far too much.

The inspector sees Sunita's stricken face and is sympathetic about her back. She asks if he has finished yet, and he tells her he just needs to see the cellar. She escorts him down there, whispering menacingly to Craig to find it - NOW!

Hayley and Norris are leaving Roy's Rolls together, animatedly discussing their dancing strategy. Mary looks on from across the street, and is obviously feeling very left out and jealous.

Sean arrives at the Rovers, and Sunita begs him to help them get out of the dilemma they are in. She wants him to distract the inspector, giving them time to find the rat. Just then however, Marcus arrives, so Sean tells her he has far more important things to sort out of his own. Marcus immediately sets into Sean about drinking, and Sean tells him that he isn't, that he has only just arrived. Eileen comes over and tells them that she doesn't know what is going on between the two of them, but packs them off home to sort out their differences.

The inspector comes up from the cellar, telling them that he is extremely pleased with what he has found, that everything is bordering on spotless. Then he almost gives the girls a heart attack when he stares off past them and says "Oh no!" Relief, he has only left his clip board down the cellar, and scuttles back down to get it.

Carla and Peter are having a row in the bookies. She is accusing him of being jealous of Nick having Leanne. He angrily tells her that it's not that, but he did sleep with his wife behind his back, of course he hates him. She warns him that if he continues in this way, he will end up losing contact with Simon.

Sean and Marcus are having a heart to heart. Sean apologises for coming close to losing Marcus his job, which the latter hopes he can still put right with his boss. Sean tries to explain that he feels Marcus has withdrawn his affection for him, that he doesn't put kisses on his texts any more. Marcus explains that it is because he constantly texts him at work, when he really doesn't have time for them. Sean goes on to explain that it's not just the texts, he has been feeling less and less loved, and when he didn't come home the night before, it felt like the ultimate removal of affection.

Marcus apologises for that, and tells Sean that he doesn't enjoy hurting him, but that he is confused about the way he feels towards him. Sean counters that he thought Marcus loved him. Marcus replies that it's not as simple as that. He tries to explain that he had never looked at another man all the time they had been together, and couldn't deal with all the 'Aidan stuff' being rubbed in his face all the time. He goes on that Aidan is just a bloke going through a hard time, and he had been trying to help him, which he had thought was a good thing to do. He tells Sean that he didn't fancy Aidan, and even if he had, he would never have two timed Sean, because he is not that sort of bloke. Hearing that, Sean figures that everything is OK then, and they can go back to how it was before, but Marcus feels there is something seriously wrong with their relationship, and doesn't feel it can be fixed. As we head into the break, there are tears in both of their eyes.

Going back where we left off, Sean is asking Marcus if he is feeling this way because he wants a family. Marcus tells him that he doesn't really know, but possibly - probably. He tells him that spending time with Maria and Liam has made him realise that they have the kind of life he wants. Sean points out that they already have that kind of life with Dillon, but Marcus explains that he wants it full time, not just the odd time that Violet sees fit to allow them to see him. He begs him to reconsider adoption or surrogacy. Sean points out that when they first discussed this, he had told Marcus to leave him and find someone who also wanted a child, and he had told him he was being daft. Marcus quietly tells him he is far from daft.

The inspector is delighted with his findings, and hands them a clean bill of health, telling them that their standard of cleanliness would knock spots off the Flying Horse. Leaving, Sunita spies his coat folded on the bar and rushes over to get it. Lifting it up, our little rodent is crouching on the bar underneath it. Craig shouts "Darryl!" and runs over to get him. Eva lets out a piercing scream and rushes back into the loo. Sunita keeps calmly pushing the inspector out the back door, so he can take the scenic route, explaining that Eva is just prone to hysterics, and not to worry about her.

Going back into the bar, Beth is pleased with the fact that they got away with it, and is expecting free drinks. Sunita is furious, and tells her she is lucky she isn't barred for life, and will be if she ever breaths a word of any of it to Stella. Eva creeps out of the toilet, and Sunita turns her wrath onto her, telling her she was a fat lot of good throughout the whole ordeal.

Peter walks into the Bistro, and Nick immediately tells him that he wants no trouble in there. Peter assures him that he is not there to cause trouble, but goes on to tell him that he doesn't like him, never has liked him and never will like him. Nick wants to know what he has come for if that is what he considers not causing trouble. Peter tells him that he doesn't like the fact that he is with Leanne, and he doesn't like the fact that he is practically raising his son, but for Simon's sake, he is willing to call a truce, and holds out his hand. Nick points out that he wasn't the one at war in the first place, but shakes his hand anyway. Peter turns and leaves without another word, leaving Nick looking decidedly puzzled.

Sean is crying now, and asking Marcus if he is dumping him. Marcus tells him that they are not in the playground, that surely he can see that it isn't working between them. Sean sobs that he thought Marcus was his future, that he thought they would marry and spend the rest of their lives together. He goes on to say that he doesn't want to be alone, he is scared to be alone. Marcus points out that he really loves him, but they are stopping each other from being themselves, that they both have to compromise too much to be together. Sean, having trouble speaking through his tears tells him that he doesn't mind compromising.

Marcus, also crying now tells him that he can see them despising each other if they stay together, that familiarity will breed contempt, and if he will only put aside the feeling of being scared to be alone, he surely can see that. Sean agrees that they shouldn't be together just because they don't want to be alone, that they should be together because it is exciting, wonderful and amazing - and it's not. Marcus agrees that it's not. Sean tells him that he will always love him, and Marcus takes him into his arms, and they cry together. And so did I.

Stella is back, and wants to know how the day went from Eva and Sunita. Sunita tells her that things have been pretty uneventful, and Eva, looking visibly relieved that Sunita is not going to tell on her, laughs and says "You know how it is, when the cat's away, the mice have a really boring time". (I think she could have picked a better metaphor than that! LOL!!) Sunita then goes on to tell her about the inspector, and has Eva looking worried again, in case she is going to give her away, but instead she just tells Stella that they passed with flying colours. Eva is relieved, and tells them she is glad she wasn't there for the inspection, as she would have had her heart in her mouth. She tells them she is really pleased with both of them for the job they did, and leaves to have a soak in the bath.

After she leaves, Eva thanks Sunita for not dropping her in it with Stella, and apologises for not being very nice to her lately. Sunita accepts her apology, and suggests they turn a new page. Eva is glad to do this, and they bump fists in agreement.

Mary is trying to make her cup of tea last as long as possible in Roy's Rolls, as she is reluctant to go back to her trailer alone. She is still feeling very neglected while Norris is off gallivanting with Hayley. Roy, for once in his life picks up on her feelings and invites her to stay for a bite to eat with him, even though he is closing. Mary jumps at this, and tells him she would be more than happy to share the offered cheese on toast with him.

She tells Roy that while she doesn't begrudge Norris his hobby, she only wishes she could share it with him, as she had always wanted to be a dancer when she was a little girl. She goes on to say that she did do country dancing as a child, and starts to tell Roy a tale of getting a little over enthusiastic while doing a dosey doe which involved the Bishop's wife, but couldn't finish the story as it was too painful.

Roy asks her if there was anything she excelled at as a child. She tells him that she was always pretty good at chess, so he suggests that they should have a game next time, as he enjoys the mental of challenge of chess also. Mary brightens up at this, and suggests they play next time Hayley and Norris go dancing. Roy agrees, and Mary is thrilled.

Maria is very concerned to see a visibly upset Marcus land on her doorstep. He blurts out that he has left Sean, and asks if he can stay with her until he can decide what to do. She tells him of course, that he can have Kirk's room actually as he has gone to Cyprus to see their parents. He is torn apart, and tells her it was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. Over in No. 11, Sean is the same, he is crumpled on the floor leaning up against the wall. Eileen and Julie arrive and are shocked to see him down there. He explains what has transpired, and tells them he has been such a fool. That Marcus is the only bloke that had looked at him in ages, and that he will never find another one as good as him.

He is probably right, and I do hope this doesn't mean we are going to lose Marcus, because I for one would miss him.

Christine



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