Written by Peter Whalley, Julie Jones Directed by Laurence Moody

Here's the first half of an hour long Sunday episode:

Tina is feeling rough this morning and she's got her first scan later but tells a surly Tommy he doesn't have to go. Then they have that discussion that goes something like "Do you want me there?" "only if you want to be there" and back and forth until it's decided. He won't go. She runs off to be sick again.

Lewis gets a cooked breakfast where everyone else is eating muesli. And he gets it in bed as she's taking a tray upstairs. David complains. He suggests to Kylie that he book a hotel in town so they can have some privacy for the baby making plan. (but he can't afford new trainers for Max?) Kylie is ambivalent, wanting to ask Nick for the night off. David thinks she should just tell him she's not going in. Gail returns and is asked if she can babysit.

Tyrone has set a date with the vicar and they're getting married on January 21. Kirsty reckons that if Fiz hadn't kicked off, they wouldn't have set a date. She's glad it all happened so that everyone else knows what Fiz is like.

Julie is expressing sympathy for Fiz. Sally reckons she had it coming, believing that Fiz tried to break up the happy couple and Sean can't understand how Fiz would do that, it's not like her at all. Kirsty approaches and they all change the subject. She tells them about the date being set and Sally takes the opportunity to be snarky about getting married *after* the baby comes. Take no notice. Michelle ushers them all in as we see Fiz come out of the house across the road. She tells Chesney she's going to go ask for her job back, apologize and see what happens.

Tina comes out and heads to the cafe. Tommy is loading slats of wood into the back of a pickup truck. Owen tells him he can have the time off if he wants to go to the hospital for the scan with the others but he's not keen. Inside the cafe, Tina is sitting with Gary and Izzy. They and Anna are excited about the scan.

Fiz is waiting while Michelle has Kirsty in the office, asking her if she can work with Fiz. Kirsty reluctantly says she won't cause any trouble. Some of the workers holler for Fiz while Sally refuses to be part of a mob (not like she's done in the past, then. She led the mob against Stape!) Michelle extracts a promise of good behaviour from Fiz too and says she can start back though she'll have to talk to Rob later when he gets back. Fiz sits down at a machine to the delight of Sean and Julie and Beth. Sally just rolls her eyes and Kirsty glares.

Dennis is dressed up in a suit. He's going to a general job fair at the council. Norris is his usual nasty self with his opinions until Rita tells him to shut it. Rita is encouraging. He leaves Norris grumbling.

Tommy sees Rita outside the shops. She mentions the scan and when finding out he's not going, assures her that Tina would want him there supporting him. He'll do the right thing, she avers. Talk about guilt!

Nick promised Simon he'd go to the carol concert and tells Kylie he'll be sneaking off. She assures him she can cope with the Christmas party coming in. After he leaves she takes a call from someone confirming a reservation for 30. A reservation that Gail took and didn't write down!!!! Uh oh! She pulls up a scrap of paper with her note and realizes what she's done. Kylie tells the person on the phone it's fine and they'll see them later. Kylie's freaking out but doesn't want to call Nick back. She's in charge so she'll sort it.

In the scan room, everyone is getting ready when Tommy arrives. You can see Tina is pleased though Tommy still has that perma-scowl on his gob.

After the break we are seeing the squibbles on the screen that make up the baby on the scan. They can see the heart beating. The technician says it all looks fine and will give Tina two sets of photos which she's going to share with Izzy. Tommy's quiet.

Dennis has checked in, lots of people waiting to be seen yet. Norris makes scurrilous remarks. Mary and Emily arrive, Mary bubbling about Emily's idea about decorating the Street. Norris the Grinch has no intention of helping. Mary leads Emily back out. Norris reckons decorating might be a good job for Dennis.

At Number 9, Kirsty comes home for lunch and tells Ty that Fiz got her job back. She was asked if she minded and felt backed into a corner. Tyrone goes to the kitchen to make lunch and she picks up Ruby, musing that Fiz will have to behave and maybe she can get Fiz to be her pseudo-slave and coffee bringer.

In the Bistro, Kylie is going to audition a singer for live music for the parties that night and has decided it would be better if the food were set up as a buffet instead of menu orders. Eva comes in at Kylie's bequest. Kylie implores her to help out and work that night for double time and tips.

Jason is on a lunch break in the back room complete with newspaper. Mandy wonders why builders always have so many breaks and reckons she couldn't hire him because he's too good looking. He'd be a distraction! He chuckles. Stella chivvies Mandy on to provide food and offers Jason a pint. Later, he says. She goes back to the bar and he smiles to himself as she leaves. Mandy watches from the kitchen.

Tina and Tommy are in the Windass house as they all discuss the scan and look at the photos with excitement and interest. Tommy wants to go. Tina says they can stay a little longer and then she'll have a lie down when she goes home.

Stella has brought refreshment to Jason who's sawing stuff in the back yard. He tells her about Charlie Stubbs' belief that all builders should find a bird who owns a pub. He manages to compliment her on her looks, something Charlie didn't really include in his requirements. She teases him and he gets flustered and goes inside. Mandy comes out and calls her on it, Jason fancies her and she better be careful.

Mary asks if she can spare Norris for awhile the afternoon for a decoration reconnaissance. Dennis arrives and says he had an interview but nobody was told at that point if they'd be hired. Norris is smug and Dennis hollers at him, embarrassed because it may be that Norris was right and nobody will hire him at his age. Norris seems affronted at Dennis' attitude but Rita shuts him up quickly.

Rob arrives at the factory, having had a terrible morning. A wasted meeting and time wasted stuck in traffic. Michelle tells him she rehired Fiz and everyone promises there will be no further trouble. Rob is not happy and reckons it makes him look stupid. He's not having this!

The singer, Zach, is performing for Kylie and Gail in the Bistro when David comes in to tell Kylie he's booked the hotel. She complains that he's booked it without checking with her first and she can't go because of all the work they have on. They argue loudly while the young man is trying to sing and David goes off in a huff, ticked off because Kylie finds the job more important than him. Well duh. In this case, yes!

Rob has Fiz in the office and re-sacks her. Michelle had no right to rehire her. She goes out and tells the others what happened much to their dismay. Well, all besides Kirsty. Sean wonders if she had anything to do with it. Rob comes out of the office hollering and in his best (but not that great) imitation of Mike Baldwin tells them all to keep their gobs shut and keep on sewing unless they want to follow Fiz out the door. That's them told.

Outside, Fiz stomps across the road. Chesney meets up with her and when he hears he blames both Kirsty and Tyrone but Fiz just wants to be alone.

Mary and Emily are ushering a complaining Norris down the road when Tommy, Tina, Izzy and Gary come outside. Tina is not looking well and then promptly faints, witnessed by the gruesome threesome. Norris assumes she's drunk. Tommy wants to get Tina up but Gary is worried it might hurt her, after all, she's pregnant!!!! And yes Gob Almighty, aka Norris has heard!

Stay tuned for the second half. Will Norris be able to keep it to himself?

Tvor

And here is the second half of the hour long episode:

Dr. Carter is ministering to Tina in the street. Emily tries to persuade Norris to stop gawping but he and Mary both feel they should be neighbourly and stay to watch. Gary is keen to go with Tina to the medical centre but Tommy tells him to back off. He accuses him of not caring about Tina and only being interested in his investment.

Rita and Dennis are in the Kabin when Norris and Mary come rushing in to break the news about Tina. Norris is most upset when he discovers Rita already knew that Tina was pregnant but didn't tell him. "Unlike some people, I'm not rent-a-gas-bag" she says. Rita stresses to Norris that it's very early days and they want to keep the pregnancy a secret. While all this is going on Dennis gets a phone call and comes rushing in to announce the news that he's got a job as a Traffic Management Operative.

Over at the medical centre Dr. Carter is taking Tina's blood pressure. He offers Tina and Tommy his congratulations but can tell Tommy's not happy with the situation so Tina decides to put him straight and explains about the surrogacy. Tommy starts to sound off about the fact that Tina is really unwell and asks how she's possibly going to cope with nine months of being pregnant.

In the cabin, Norris Mary and Rita are questioning Dennis about what his new job as a Traffic Management Operative entails. Mary wants to know if he'll have white gloves and a whistle like Italian traffic policemen but Norris points out that they would never let civilians loose on directing traffic. Dennis is very evasive and tries to change the subject by offering to make a cuppa.

As Tina and Tommy are leaving the medical centre, Anna arrives. She's heard about Tina collapsing and is really concerned. Tommy tells her Tina just needs to rest but before they can stop her Anna insists Tina should go round to her house so she can cook her some tea and make a fuss of her. Tommy looks resigned.

Chesney has gone round to have words with Ty. He's furious that no sooner had Fiz got her job back, she lost it again thanks to Ty. As Ty can't explain what's really going on all he can do is tell Chesney to say to Fiz that he's truly, truly sorry. Chesney is left on the doorstep looking totally bewildered.

Eva and Kylie are in the Bistro waiting for the onslaught to begin. The first of the two large parties arrive but the organiser isn't happy. She'd had her heart set on the Beef Wellington, not a help-yourself buffet. But Kylie turns on the charm, offers her a free dinner for two in January and soon smoothes over what could have been a difficult situation.

Over at Anna's, Tina is on the phone to Rita. When she comes off she tells everyone that Norris has been sworn to secrecy. But it seems he's not the only one they need to worry about because Faye announces that she also knows what's going on. Gary and Izzy arrive and Tina tells them there's nothing to be concerned about, she's just a bit anaemic. Anna says she's going to make some lamb stew for tea so while she's doing that Tommy offers to go round to the Rovers to let Stella know Tina won't be in. Anna tells him she'll be dishing up in ten minutes so don't be late. Let's hope they all have strong teeth because the meat's going to be pretty tough with such a short cooking time!

In the Rovers, Jason's asking Stella for another pint. She thinks he's being cheeky, asking for free beer when he should be working, and marks his card. He tells her he's finished work for the day and gives her the money for his pint. Meanwhile Tommy comes in to tell Stella that Tina's not well and won't be in. He decides he might as well have a pint while he's there. Stella says shouldn't he be at home looking after her but Tommy tells Stella that Tina already has an eager team of helpers.

Over at Fiz's Chesney telling her how he went to see Ty. He still can't understand why Ty dropped Fiz in it so she says guesses that she backed him into a corner. But Chesney keeps on so Fiz loses her temper. She tells him to back off and that she can fight her own battles.

In the Rovers, Rita, Dennis and gang are have a drink and celebrating his new job. Norris is still going on about what it actually involves so Dennis says it's a high profile job as a sort of trouble-shooter. Norris says he finds it hard to understand how someone with such a chequered past could land such a high-level position. Emily tells Norris to make himself useful and go to the bar. Rita tells Dennis that she'd very proud of him and he shouldn't let that old misery guts steal his thunder. When Norris reaches the bar he asks Tommy how Tina is. He offers to buy him half a pint which immediately arouses the suspicion of everyone standing around since Norris never willingly puts his hand in his pocket. Kevin asks what the big occasion is so Norris tells him that there's going to be another little Duckworth. "Tina's never up the duff!" exclaims Jason. "She most certainly is," replies Norris. At that everyone starts to come over to congratulation Tommy who looks decidedly awkward. Stella asks why he didn't say anything to her but adds that she thinks Tommy and Tina will make great parents.

At the Bistro, everyone seems to be having a great evening. Nick walks in and is really impressed. Eva tries to point out that she helped too but Nick doesn't notice and directs all of his praise towards Kylie who he says is doing a great job.

Over at Anna's, they're all sitting round the table. Faye seems to have a bit of a crush on Tina: first she admires her beautifully white teeth and then she moves on to talk about her lovely long eyelashes. They've finished their meal but there's no sign of Tommy so Gary offers to go round to the Rovers to look for him.

In the Rovers, Tommy is distinctly tipsy. David joins him a the bar and tells him that he's really chuffed to hear the news about the baby. He adds that it took him a while to get over the abortion because he really wanted to have the baby with Tina. He realises from the look on Tommy's face that it's news to him and moves away.

Next to come and talk to Tommy is Rita who apologises for Norris spilling the beans but Tommy says it's Gary's fault for gobbing off. Rita wants to go over and see Tina but Tommy tells her she'll have to join the back of the queue because Tina's with her surrogate family and she doesn't need him. Rita says of course she does but Tommy's quite drunk by now and tells Rita that he's fed up with people giving him advice and he really doesn't want to hear it.

Then Gary arrives just as all the men in the pub raise their glasses to "Daddy Duckworth". They're making jokes about nappies and sleepless nights so Stella tells Tommy to take no notice and that being a parent is the most amazing thing in the world. Gary takes him to one side and asks him what he's done so Tommy replies that it's all down to him. "Surprise, surprise," he adds. "Norris has told everyone." Tommy announces he's going home and leaves the pub.

In the Bistro the atmosphere is far more congenial. Nick is so impressed with what Kylie has achieved that he decides to reward her by promoting her to assistant manager. She's thrilled with the news although the same probably couldn't be said for Eva.

Back at Anna's Gary comes in and tells the assembled company that everyone knows about the baby. He adds that everyone assumes it's Tommy's because they're all congratulating him. Tina asks Gary where Tommy is now but he just shrugs in reply.

In the Bistro Kylie and Eva are sitting down for a break when David comes in full of the news about Tommy getting Tina up the duff. He tells Kylie that if they go off to the hotel he booked right now they could be next. Eva wants to know if they're going somewhere nice so David explains they're trying for a baby. Kylie says never mind about that now, she has some much more exciting news, and tells him about her promotion. He's distinctly underwhelmed; all he wants to know is if it means she'll get a pay-rise. David asks if she'll go to the hotel with him but she replies she's busy. "Nice to know you've got your priorities right," says David, before leaving in a huff. After he's gone the girls talk about it some more and Kylie makes a confession. She tells Eva that David can try all he likes to make a baby but it isn't going to happen because she's still on the pill.

Tina arrives home to find Tommy lying on the sofa with a can of beer. She's furious about what happened but he's really drunk and says "apparently I'm going to be a dad." Slurring his words he says that he's had enough and that the Windasses have stolen their lives. Tina tells Tommy she can't talk to him because he's being so unreasonable. But he says he was terrified when she keeled over in the street that morning. She reminds him that she's pregnant and that they knew they'd have to cope with things like that. He asks if she's scared and she says yes, of course she us but they've made a commitment and it's too late to turn back now. Tommy says if she wanted to she could stop it all now and get rid of the baby. She asks how he could even say that. He tells her not to act all shocked. After all, he adds, it wouldn't be the first time.

Back at the Bistro Eva's asking Kylie why she doesn't just tell David that she doesn't want another baby but Kylie explains the thing about David is that he likes to get his own way. The problem is so does she. She says she likes her job at the Bistro and what David doesn't know he won't grieve over. And, in the meantime, he's enjoying trying.

We return to Tommy and Tina. She's telling him that she never realised he could be so vile. She explains that she had the abortion because she wasn't ready to be a mum. He says he's sorry but he only said it because she doesn't have to go through with it. But Tina says she does, especially now everyone knows about the baby. Tommy shouts back that he's the one who had to stand in the pub while everyone congratulated him and when the truth comes out how is it going to make him look, allowing his girlfriend to get knocked up with someone else's baby? Tina shouts back that it's not like that and he knows it. But all Tommy cares about is what other people will think of him. Tina tells him he's so selfish but he retorts that she's the selfish one, walking around like she's some sort of saint. Tina tells him not to be so ridiculous. Tommy tells her he's had enough, they're way out of their depth and it's ruining her health. He says it could affect Tina forever and it's wrecking their lives. "I want you to get rid of it. Soon as," he finishes before walking out of the room.

Karen

Tina gets up to find Tommy on the sofa with a sore head, surrounded by empty lager cans. She tells him it's too late, they can't back out now. He points out that there are lots of other flats in Manchester. She points out that they owe Owen thousands and tells him it will get better, he only has to ask anyone who's had a baby. He feels that she's just an experiment, a test tube with legs, and when her legs give way he wonders what the point is. He doesn't think she should have to go through all of it, just for the sake of a few thousand quid. She asks him to promise that no matter what happens, they will stick together. He won't answer.

Simon, Leanne and Nick are walking down the Street. Simon is excited about his forthcoming school nativity play. He then informs them that he spoke to his dad on Skype and he's coming back to see his performance. Leanne and Nick aren't very happy to hear this.

In Gail's house, David is huffy because the hotel room that was booked and paid for remains empty. Kylie says she's sorry, but they got busy, and she's not just a barmaid counting down the hours, she's assistant manageress now.

Lewis hobbles carefully down the stairs, and Gail presents him with a wheelchair that she's borrowed from the surgery.

Dennis is going off for training day for his new job, and Rita is fussing around him, ironing his shirt and tie. She tells him she's off to see what Norris is doing, then she's going to see Tina.

David is taking Max to school when Eva comes along. She stops to talk and Max tells her that Santa is bringing him a baby brother. Eva's eyebrows shoot up, and David hastily says that maybe not this Christmas, but definitely next.

Dennis, wearing a florescent coat and hat, is standing in the road with his lollipop stick, stopping the traffic for the school children, under the guidance of another, elderly gentleman in similar attire. Leanne and Simon come along, and Derek pulls his hat down and his collar up, obviously hoping not to be recognised. They pass him with hardly a glance.

Rita is chatting to Tina, who tells her that Tommy wants her to get out of the agreement, and she's worried that if she goes through with it he won't support her. Rita tells her that Tommy has been to see her, and she knows he's very upset about it. Tina confesses that she just wants it to be over. Rita scolds her, reminding her that she got her chequebook out, but no, Tina wanted to do it her way. Tina says she doesn't want to let Gary and Izzy down. Rita tells her to make her mind up quickly.

Kevin sees Tommy in the cafe and goes to have a chat. He tells him that, seeing as he's going to be a dad, he can have his job back, starting this afternoon.

In the Bistro, Leanne has received a letter from Peter, full of apologies, and is showing it to Nick. Just then Ken comes in, he's received one too, with a Californian postmark, full of contrition. Leanne says that it's obvious he's not coming back for Christmas, despite all the promises to Simon. Ken points out that Peter doesn't actually say he isn't coming, so maybe they should wait and see.

Gail is pushing Lewis down the Street in the wheelchair. They pass Steve and Lloyd who are standing outside the taxi office. They speculate on what's going on with Gail and Lewis and think it all looks very cosy.

Tina is just finishing up some work in Owen's office when Tommy arrives. He tells Owen that he won't be working for him any more, Kevin has offered him his job back. Owen jokes about a whip round and a leaving do, and drives off. When they're on their own, Tommy urges Tina to stop working for Owen, and they can move out of his flat. She points out that they will owe him £7k, on top of what they owe Tyrone. He urges her to tell them it's off, whatever is thrown at them, they can get through it together.

Eva goes to the Bistro for her wages, and tells Kylie how David has told Max about getting a baby brother from Santa. Kylie is fuming. "Wait till I get hold of that skinny little Platt!" she snaps, and marches out.

Tina is working in the Rovers when Izzy comes in, and starts giving her diet advice. She comments on how shattered Tina looks, and Tina tells her she was up half the night. She takes Izzy through to the back.

Kylie marches into the salon and has a go at David for telling Max about the possibility of a new baby. She tells him that if she gets pregnant they'll tell Max, but not before. Then, adding that she's going out with Eva this evening, she marches back out again.

In the back room of the Rovers, Tina confesses to Izzy that Tommy wants her to back out, he's worried about her health. Izzy wants to know what Tina thinks. Tina tells her that she honestly doesn't know, she's not feeling well at all, she's not enjoying it. Izzy tells her not to worry about her and Gary, she shouldn't go on with it if it's making her ill. Tina tells her that Tommy has given her a choice, the pregnancy or him. Izzy is sympathetic and supportive and says she'll go along with whatever Tina decides. Tina worries about the flat and the money they owe Owen. Izzy says she'll sort it, and tearfully says they would just try again with someone else. It will work out for them one day. As she fumbles in her bag for tissues, Tina spots the scan picture.

Dennis is still undergoing his training outside the Bessie Street school. His tutor spots a pedestrian approaching some way off, and tells Dennis to stand in the road with his arms out. As Dennis stands there a car starts hooting loudly and persistently. Eventually Dennis turns round to berate the driver, only to find that it's Steve MacDonald!

Tina gets home and tells Tommy that she spoke to Izzy, and Izzy said that if she wanted to back out she'd understand. "She didn't put one bit of pressure on me," she tells him, "unlike you!" She tells Tommy that she can do it, she can give them a baby. They squabble, until she asks him again if he's going to stand by her. She still loves him.

Kylie and Eva are off for a night out together and are sitting in the taxi office, talking to Lloyd about Mandy, and how she's an old flame and a new flame. Eva asks Kylie if she's ok, and she shouldn't feel guilty. Kylie replies that she always feels guilty, even if she's done nothing wrong.

Tommy has packed a bag, he's off to stay at Rita's. Tina tells him that in 9 months all their problems could be solved, but he says she never cared about his opinion. She's upset that at a time when she really needs him, he's going to walk out on her. All this was for him, so they could wipe the slate clean. Then she tells him to get out of her sight. "Don't spend it all at once," he says, as he goes out of the front door.

Anne Logan

Too many secrets. That's our theme tonight as we begin the first of two Friday episodes.

Dennis is brushing off his uniform but hurriedly hides it as Rita comes in. She asks him about his first day at work and the people he works with. "They're a young crowd, mostly," he tells her. She's distracted when Tommy comes into the room. Rita fusses over him and says she just wishes they'd accepted money from her when she offered - then none of this would have happened. Dennis goes off to work and Tommy and Rita talk. He can't believe Tina would choose Gary and Izzy over him.

Gary and Izzy are in the cafe, having breakfast. Gary's all stressed out in case Tina's getting rid of the baby but Izzy's more sanguine. She doesn't want to put pressure on Tina and says the only way this is going to work is if Tina wants to do this for them.

Tina comes out of her flat and meets Owen. She tells him she and Tommy have split up. Gary arrives for work and asks Owen to give them a minute. Tina reassures him that the baby is fine and she's not going back on her promise to them. Gary tells her she won't be going through it on her own.

Kylie's sitting at the breakfast table with her head in her bands when David gets back from taking Max to school. He has a go at her for getting drunk. What is she's already pregnant? "Get off my case, David," she tells him. "You're doing my head in." When he's left the room she opens her handbag and takes out her contraceptive pills and swallows one.

Lewis, seated in a wheelchair, is bravely carrying on with some of Kylie's duties at the bistro, admired by Gail. When Gail goes off to clean the office, Nick tells Lewis he can't believe they're getting on so well. "I haven't seen her this happy since they brought back Dallas!" Leanne comes in. She tells Nick that Simon's very excited because he thinks Peter's coming home to see him in his Nativity play. But Leanne thinks the tone of Peter's latest letter home is very weird and it doesn't sound as if he's going to come.

Dennis calls in to see Rita, panicking Norris into thinking he might miss his chiropodist appointment. Rita can't understand why he always has to have someone fiddling with his feet. Dennis asks whether he's ever tried a foot spa and Norris is horrified to discover the Emily's told Rita about his foot spa collection under his bed. Some of them are still in their boxes and Emily finds it difficult to vacuum around them! Steve comes in and a look of panic comes over Dennis's face. Rita tells Steve all about Dennis's new job as a TMO. Steve pointedly asks for a lollipop. Dennis makes an excuse to follow Steve out of the shop.

In the street, he pleads with Steve to keep quiet about the job. Steve points out that half the kids round here go to Bessie Street, so their parents will see Dennis at work sooner or later. Dennis apparently plans to disguise himself with the regulation issue scarf!

Stella asks Tina about Tommy leaving. She wants to know who instigated the break-up because she's angry to think Tommy has walked out on Tina and his baby. Gary and Izzy come in and Stella goes to fetch their hotpots. Izzy has a quiet word with Tina and Tina thanks her for not putting any pressure on her yesterday. She again says she'll keep her promise to them.

In the bistro, Gail tries to have a word with Kylie about laying off the booze if she's trying for a baby. As Gail reaches for her coat, she knocks Kylie's bag to the ground and the pills fall out. Kylie pleads with her not to tell David.

Stella's marched over the garage to have a go at Tommy. A decent man doesn't leave his pregnant girlfriend high and dry, she tells him. The split is news to Kevin but Tommy doesn't want to talk about it.

Malcolm supervises Dennis at the pedestrian crossing. Then he has to dash round the corner to use the loo at the Chinese restaurant. He says the owner lets them use it - she's been very civic minded since she was ram-raided in the riots. While he's gone, Dennis stops the traffic to let some children cross. The first car to stop is Steve's taxi and when the pedestrians are gone, Dennis stays holding the sign up. Steve shouts at him so Dennis puts his sign hard against Steve's windscreen and tells him he can't move until the sign is down. Steve's so angry he gets out of the car, snatches the stick from Dennis's grasp and puts it in the back of his cab. "You can have it back when you learn some manners!" he says.

Max races in from school and tells Gail he's talked to Santa and asked for a baby brother for Christmas. He's sent upstairs so Gail and Kylie can talk. Kylie says she's just had a promotion at work and doesn't want a baby right now but you know what David's like when he gets an idea in his head. Gail makes her promise to have a word with David tonight and tell him the truth.

Simon's trying to learn his lines so he'll be word perfect when Peter comes to see the play. Leanne tries to suggest Peter might not be able to get home but Simon says Peter was quite sure when they spoke via the computer the other day. Leanne says he might not be able to get there. "This is going to be the worst Christmas ever!" says Simon.

Gail's still being very solicitous towards Lewis. When she says Kylie and David need to talk, he suggests they go to a new bistro together to check out the competition.

Nick goes to the bookmaker's to see Leanne. She tells him Simon's heartbroken. Nick suggests they go on a road trip - starting in San Francisco and ending up in Las Vegas and marrying there.

Kylie tries to talk to David, which is difficult because he wants to lecture her on pre-natal health and then thinks she must want to talk because she's already pregnant. But no. She confesses she's not come off the pill.

Gary goes to see Tommy. Tommy turns on him, saying Tina was the love of his life and if she'd had an abortion they'd still be together. Tommy tries to wallop him and Kevin drags them apart. The factory machinists see this and Izzy shouts at Gary to leave it. Beth and Sally want to know what any of this has to do with Gary and loudly comment on Tommy leaving his pregnant girlfriend. They're told to mind their own business.

Kylie's trying to defend her decision. David wants to know how she could do this to him and disappoint Max. She points out he shouldn't have told Max anything about it. David is very scathing about her career, suggesting it's nothing more than waiting on tables. He also sneers at Kylie's mothering skills, saying Max has been dumped more times than Britney. He pops the top on a can of beer.

In the pub, Beth and Sally speculate and cross-examine Gary and Izzy - Izzy says Tina's a mate and Gary was just looking out for her. But when Kevin and Tommy come in, Beth and Sally keep at it until Tommy and Tina both snap. Tommy tells Beth to shut her fat mouth. Stella tells Tommy to keep it civil but Beth won't shut up. Tommy finally turns to her and shouts that if she wants to know what's going on, she should ask Tina or "the daddy over there." He points at Gary. Beth triumphantly shouts that she knew something was going on. The baby isn't Tommy's at all, it's Gary's. Stella asks if it's true. Before Tina can answer, Tommy says it's even better than that. "She's not even the mother!"

Uh oh.
The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Jan McVerry
Directed by: Laurence Moody

Tina is devastated, she absolutely cannot believe that Tommy has just told the whole pub about the surrogacy. Calling him a scumbag, she tells him to get out. Meanwhile, the punters are gossiping among themselves, trying to figure out how Tina is not only carrying another man's child, but is not the mother of it herself.

Desperately, Tina calls out to them that she didn't cheat on Tommy, causing sniggering from Sally and Beth, who mutter words like 'virgin birth' under their breaths. Izzy decides the only way to put a stop to all this is to come clean, so she shouts out that Tina is right, she didn't cheat on Tommy, because it is her baby she is carrying, hers and Gary's.

Stella turns to Tina for clarification, and is told that Tina is a surrogate Mum. "You're a mug - that's what you are!" says Tommy as he leaves. (Er Pot? Kettle? It wasn't mug Tina who gave low life Terry all their money, leaving them in debt up to their eyes!)

Leanne is paying out a lucky customer when Nick walks in. He works on her again to agree to going away for a holiday, and of course to the wedding while they are gone. She is tempted, but is still not a hundred percent certain.

Izzy takes the bull by the horns and tackles Beth head on, asking her if she has any questions. Beth tells her she doesn't, that she believes in 'live and let live'. Izzy goes on to say that if anyone has any questions about it, she would rather have them to her face. Stella suggests to Tina that they go through to the back, but she refuses, saying she has done nothing to be ashamed of.

Rita and Norris come in, and Rita demands to know what has happened, as Tommy has come back to her flat all upset. Tina tells her he blabbed everything to the whole pub, so Norris wants to know what he blabbed - he is ignored. Stella reasons that Tina has to admit it is an unusual situation, and is she sure she has thought it through? "Thought what through?" pleads Norris, but is told to shut up. Beth puts him out of his misery by telling him the whole story, well - her version of the story anyway, in which she describes it as a job share kind of deal. Angry now, Tina explains to everyone that there was no romance, and no bunk up. That the child was created in a lab, and transferred in a clinic.

Stella asks her if she has thought about how she is going to feel in eight months time, when she has felt it move inside her, and has to give it away. Tina asks her to give her some credit. Of course she has thought about it, that she is not in the same position she was when she gave away Leanne, this child is not hers, and in eight months time she will be giving it back. "Like an oversized jumper?" chimes in Norris. Tina jumps on him, and tells him to say that to Gary and Izzy, she points out that they lost their baby, and have been told this is their only option. Norris interjects that Mother Nature can be cruel, otherwise Izzy wouldn't be in that wheelchair. "But people aren't", says Tina, "Sometimes people want to do something for someone else, and I am very proud of what we are doing."

With that, Tina flounces off to the back, leaving Sally and Beth nattering over in a booth. Sally wonders if Tina is getting paid for it. Beth replies that she would hope so, that nobody would do it for nowt - when she thinks of the damage her Craig did to her undercarriage........LOL Yes, she really did say that!. They are still speculating when Kevin joins them in the booth. He points out that they moved into Owen's flat, so possibly he is bankrolling the whole thing. Sally asks what price for a life? What price for the loneliness, now she has lost Tommy? Kevin points out that she won't be alone for long with her looks. Sally agrees that she is a pretty girl, but asks what fellow would want to settle down with a girl who would sell her baby?

Can't seem to get away from baby talk tonight, we are now in No. 8 and eavesdropping on the discussion between Kylie and David on the pros and cons of having a baby of their own. David asks if she is scared he will do a runner afterwards like Max's father did. She denies this, saying she knows he will be a brilliant Dad. David then tells her about Martin, what a great young father he had been, how he used to take him everywhere with him while he was growing up. He points out that he doesn't want to be an old fart by the time he becomes a father, he wants to have the energy to go to the park and have a kick-about with the child, and take him places like camping and fishing. (I guess we can assume from this that David not only wants a baby now, but wants a boy baby now!).

He asks Kylie if she has just got cold feet? She tells him she has - kind of. So he gently tells her that they will then take things slowly, and she should come off the pill.... Kylie shouts at him, "Have you even been listening to me?" David protests that it might take a while to get pregnant. She reminds him again that she said she would one day, not now. He gets angry, and asks her when that is likely to be? "When pigs fly?" He tells her to just keep in mind that he might not be willing to wait that long, and storms out of the house.

Back in the Rovers, Rita has swapped Norris for Dennis, but is still talking the same subject to Tina. She is telling her that she is the one who stuck her head above the parapet, so must expect folk to take pot shots. Tina replies that while she expected it, she also expected better from her mates. Rita counters that she admits she has struggled with this ever since she first told her, and now she has seen Tommy struggling with it. Tina accuses Rita of being on Tommy's side, Rita tells her that sometimes the best friends are those who don't agree with them all the time. Tina then accuses Rita of being patronizing. She tries again to explain to Rita that she of all people should understand what it is like to be unable to have a child, then someone like her comes along and offers them a chance. David, who has come in, pricks up his ears at this and asks if he heard right. "Haven't your heard?" says Tina, "I'm renting me womb - join the queue!".

Steve comes in, and tells Dennis he has just remembered that he left something in his cab, but can't quite remember what it is. Dennis jumps up and offers Rita and Norris another drink, steering Steve away from their table. Out of earshot, he mutters to Steve that he had better return his stick - or else!

David is curious as to why Tina would carry a child for Gary and Izzy, as she is hardly friends with them. She snaps that he is hardly in a position to know who she is and isn't friendly with. She then has a go at him for telling Tommy about the abortion, and the trouble it caused between them. David is not sorry enough, and Tina loses her rag, throwing his pint all over him. Stella comes out, furious with her. She apologises to David, and tells Tina to go home and take the weight off her gob. She is not sacking her, but she needs to go home and put things into perspective.

The police are knocking on Rita's door, or should I say one policewoman and Howard from 'Last of the Summer Wine', who is now playing Dennis' Lollypop Supervisor. Tommy answers it and immediately babbles that none of it was his idea, that he told her not to do it, but she wouldn't listen (Prat!). Anyway, they couldn't care less about what Tina has done, they are looking for Dennis Tanner, so Tommy directs them to the Rovers. Ms. Plod asks Tommy for his name, but he tells her he doesn't live there, and closes the door.

Every table in the Rovers is gossiping about surrogate business, Rita, Dennis and Norris are no exception. Dennis spots the policewoman, and tries to make a getaway to the little boy's room, but he's not quick enough, and 'Howard' (actually, Malcolm now) brings the Policewoman over. He tells Dennis he has given the police the whole story, now all he has to do is identify the 'Perp', namely Steve McDonald. Dennis tries very hard to get out of this one by telling them he will take them round to Streetcars, knowing full well that Steve isn't there. But the ever helpful Norris points Steve out across the room.

Dennis is back peddling fast, but Malcolm is determined to nab Steve. The officer approaches Steve, who immediately mistakes her for a stripper, and tells her she must have made a mistake, as his birthday was in June. Ms. Plod is NOT amused!

Leanne comes in, and Stella can't wait to tell her about Tina, but just as she gets going, Gary comes to the bar, so has to postpone the gossip.

Steve, in his very annoying patronizing voice, is giving a big speech to the policewoman about how sorry he is that he didn't give the Lollypop Ladies and Gentlemen the respect they deserve, he is laying it on so thick and syrupy that I am surprised his feet are not stuck to the ground. The only one who seems to be buying his apology seems to be the very pretty police lady, who then asks if he plans to return the stick. Steve assures her he will drop it round immediately, and the matter is at an end. Except for the fact of course that Dennis now has to face Rita, who now knows the truth about his very important Council job.

He needn't have worried though, because Rita is very understanding. She asks if he thought she would love him more if he was sitting at a desk all day? He tells her he loves her, and wanted to make her proud of him. She tells him they should put it all behind them as long as he promises there will be no more silly beggars with the likes of Steve McDonald. She then whispers that she would like to tell him a secret of her own. She leans in and tells him she could never resist a man in uniform. (Lollipops in the bedroom tonight methinks!) :-)

Tina's buzzer rings, it's David who has come round to apologise. She lets him come up, and gets her apology in first. She tells him she shouldn't have thrown the drink over him, but points out that it was her body, and her decision, and it was the hardest thing she has ever done. He tells her he hasn't come to judge, he is hardly in a position to when his own life is such a mess. He then asks her for a beer that he can drink instead of wear.

Kev asks Gary if he would like a game of darts. Owen is uncomfortable about everyone knowing his business. Izzy reckons it's because he is embarrassed. Before he gets a chance to answer, Sally comes over, and Owen braces himself for what she is likely to say. However, Sally surprises him by telling Izzy that she admires her for what she is doing, and knows she will make a great mother. Owen proudly tells her that she will, that she has had to fight for a family, and knows the value of it. Izzy smiles at him, and agrees she does, and that she has him to thank for that.

Leanne is breaking the news to Stella about their Vegas plans. While Stella is a bit disappointed that she is not invited to go along, she wishes them all the best, and tells her they can always have a little 'do' when they get back.

Rita and Dennis are home now, and are consoling the sulky Tommy. Rita points out that losing him has cost Tina dearly, and she knows she is heartbroken over it, she urges him to speak to her. Tommy feels that after what he did, she won't want to know him any more.

David is making himself at home at Tina's, and helping himself to Tommy's beer. He needs someone to tell his troubles to, and Tina doesn't seem to mind listening, just as long as he is complaining about Kylie, but when she feels his complaints are directed at her over the abortion, she tells him to get out.

Leanne arrives at the Bistro to find Nick building a house of cards for Simon. She smiles at him and tells him that it's on - that they will go to Vegas and get married. Nick is elated, so they both tell Simon. He is thrilled to be going to America, thrilled that they are getting married, but not thrilled that he will miss out on being Joseph in his school nativity play. Nick explains to Simon that the last time the two of them were married, they had to drag a couple of strangers off the street, and it didn't mean much. This time, they really want him, their special boy to be there. Simon is won round, and agrees to go.

David is begging Tina not to throw him out, because he will only go and get bladdered and bitter. She remarks that he sounds pretty bitter already. He denies that, and agrees that he was at the time because she was his first love. But agrees that she was right, that it had to be her call over that baby, as it is now over this one. He asks her if it was worth losing Tommy over it. Tina replies that if she had known that would happen beforehand, she probably wouldn't have done it. She explains that initially she did it purely for the money, but now it is the last thing on her mind. She tells him that when she saw the look on their faces when they saw the baby on the scan, she knew she just had to go through with it for them.

David points out that their baby would have been three years old now. Tina jumps down his throat, telling him not to go there. He asks if she ever thinks about it. She replies that if she had given birth to it, it would be an orphan now, because the two of them would have ended up killing each other. "Besides", she tells him, "If we had stayed together, you wouldn't have Kylie would you?".

Talking about Kylie, she has fallen asleep on the sofa waiting for David to come home. Gail arrives home and finds her there, and with a little prompting, Kylie tells her about the row she had with David after she had tried to explain to him how she feels. Gail asks if there is no way they can compromise? Kylie replies that you can compromise on choosing wallpaper, or what film you are going to watch, but you can't compromise on a baby.

Gail asks what she plans to do then, and is told that she is not going to go off the deep end, go out and get drunk, cop off with dodgy blokes. This time she plans to sit tight and wait, and try to show him how much she loves him - and hope he wants her more than he wants a baby.

David, who now has quite a pile of empty beer cans piled up, is still pouring out his troubles to Tina. He tells her he didn't want a wife like his mother, who would go soft over a bloke and allow him to walk all over her. Tina remarks that he certainly doesn't have a woman like that in Kylie. David tells her that most people have the wrong impression of Kylie, that deep down she is a beautiful person. Tina asks him if he can imagine life without her, and after some thought, he replies that he feels she is the other half of him, and although she tells him she feels the same, he wonders if she is just saying she is not ready for a baby because she is not ready to have one with him.

David's tears are flowing now, and the beer slips out of his hand, which is deftly caught by Tina. She tells him she will get him a coffee to sober him up a bit before Kylie sees him in that state.

Over in No. 8, Kylie is waiting up for as long as it takes, she leaves yet another message on his phone, asking him to please come home, because although he may not believe her, she really loves him.

The coffee is made at Tina's, but she's too late, David is fast asleep in a drunken stupor. So she just covers him up with a blanket and heads to bed.

Christine Warren

Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by Ian Bevitt

Leanne is looking forward to their trip to America and wonders what she should pack. Turns out she had no idea Las Vegas was in the desert, albeit full of air conditioned buildings. They make arrangements to meet up in an hour.

Dennis is on his way to his station with Rita fussing over him. He leaves her with a kiss and strides off importantly.

Tina wakes David who had passed out on the sofa, handing him a cup of tea and a painkiller. She tells him he talked about nothing but Kylie and it's obvious he loves her. His phone goes off and David notes that Kylie has texted him. He'll reply later, he says.

In Platt towers, Kylie is frowning at her phone. She tells Gail and Nick David didn't come home and is worried because she really hurt him. Nick and Gail figure David will show up. She worries he went off with another woman but Gail assures her of David's loyalty. She and Nick leave for the Bistro. Lewis chats with Gail and mentions that he'll miss all the crises. His back is a lot better and will have to move back home soon. Gail is disappointed and manages to persuade him to stay another day.

Dennis sees Steve come along and stops him in a Mexican Standoff. There's no children crossing and no other traffic so he's clearly winding Steve up. Dennis finally lets Steve go, Steve spitting "Fascist!" out the window.

Tina is urging David to go talk to Kylie but he's scared Kylie doesn't want to be with him, not really. He is trying to avoid the ultimate confrontation.

In the pub, Eva and Stella are unpacking the Christmas decorations. Eva tells Mandy that it all kicked off with Tina throwing a pint on David but didn't get sacked. Stella defends her decision. Tina has the day off until tonight to calm down because she felt sorry for her. Eva continues and tells Mandy about the surrogacy gossip. Mandy thinks it's a nice thing to do. Jason brings out some paint colours and Mandy makes some vague references to the erotic novels Fifty Shades of gray which go right over Jason's head. Stella gives Mandy a reproving look and sends Jason to the back again. Mandy and Stella admire Jason's bum and then talk about Nick and Leanne. Eva is clearly jealous but won't admit it and Stella isn't too upset at not being at the wedding.

Tyrone and Ruby come outside and encounter Kirsty who wishes she could go too. Kirsty wants to organize a night out so says she'll find a babysitter. I guess he can't get out of that one. She walks off and Tyrone notices Tommy watching with a disapproving look on his face (is there any other kind on his face these days?)

Nick and Leanne come around the corner from the flat, Nick with a heavy case in each hand. He says he's really looking forward to being a proper family. Eva comes across to see them and tells Leanne that Stella is devastated to miss the wedding. Leanne heads over to see Stella while Nick makes the last minute preparations and they make plans to meet up at Number 1 for 1 o'clock.

Steve comes into the cab office growling about that spiteful dictator that is Dennis. Lloyd advises Steve to be the bigger man. Dennis comes in to register a complaint about one of the drivers. Steve. Lloyd says it will be handled and Dennis goes off with a glare in Steve's direction. After he leaves, Steve assures Lloyd he is the master of petty vindictiveness, a veritable Obi Wan Kenobi of small mindedness, Lloyd adds. Too right.

Leanne finds out that Stella really is ok with missing the wedding and really does wish them well. She makes sure Leanne isn't having second thoughts and it doesn't seem like she is. Next door, Nick is waiting for Leanne with Ken, Deirdre and Simon. Leanne arrives just as the cab horn sounds. They take the bags outside where Stella and Gail join them to say goodbye and congratulations. Just as they are about to get in the cab, a black car pulls up and Peter and Carla get out, much to Simon's delight. "Alright Leanne!?" is Carla's greeting.

After the break, Ken is also delighted. Peter finds out that Nick, Leanne and Simon are about to go on holiday in America where they're getting married. Nick tries to get them into the cab but Simon now doesn't want to go because he will hardly see his dad. Peter and Carla are heading back to L. A. on Boxing Day. Peter thinks they should go inside an talk about it. Leanne's reluctant but Nick says they have a few minutes.

Kirsty sees Tyrone in the cafe and tells him she's got Julie to babysit. He's a bit reluctant to leave the baby with a sitter (because he doesn't want to be alone with Kirsty) but can't get out of it. She goes back to work as Tommy arrives. Tyrone tells Tommy about the meal and reminds him that Kirsty has to think Tyrone still loves her. Tyrone says it's different than what Tommy and Tina are going through. They still love each other and things can be fixed. Tommy doesn't think so.

In the pub, Gail and Stella are wondering what's going on in Number 1 and reckon they can't interfere. They'll have to sort it out themselves. In the background, Mandy and Eileen get their heads together. Mandy is set on matchmaking a new fella for Stella. Eileen advises caution.

Tommy comes to the flat and Tina is angry that he's let himself in. He says he wants to talk but she's not really happy about it. He defends his announcement in the pub because everything thought she was doing the dirty on him and he doesn't think he should lie to everyone. Tina points out it was the worst way for it to come out. He apologizes but before he can get much further, David comes out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. That goes over about as well as you might expect. Tommy assumes the worst and though David tries to set him straight, Tina throws Tommy out.

Peter congratulates Nick and Leanne and she can do nothing but snipe at him. Peter is calm and collected. Even Nick is irritated. Peter explains they took the boat across the ocean, did some island hopping and spent some time in L. A. with Carla's mate where Peter found a great alcoholic support program. He pulls out a new scooter for Simon. He asks about the letters. Leanne says the letters made it sound like he wasn't coming back at all. He says the letters were to apologize, part of the healing process and then the letters made him realize he really wanted to come home for a visit. Nick tries to get them out the door to the cab but it doesn't work.

Eva has gone to the Bistro and told Kylie about Peter showing up. Tommy has come straight from the flat to the Bistro and tells Kylie that he found David in Tina's flat. Kylie's worst nightmare come true. Eva cautions Kylie about doing anything daft. "What's daft about cold blooded murder" she hisses as she runs out.

In the flat, David is now dressed. Tina says she isn't ready for any new relationship let alone with David. David can understand why Tommy would get the wrong idea what with their history. Tina really thought she and Tommy were solid. David points out Tommy has had to get his head around something pretty big. He gets ready to go while Tina continues to talk about Tommy. Outside Kylie has run up and is beating on the door.

Nick and Leanne are still trying to get Simon out the door but Simon refuses to go. Leanne loses her temper and starts slanging off Peter for turning everything upside down as per usual. Simon complains, Ken tries to make peace. Leanne puts her foot down. If Simon isn't going then nobody is. The wedding is off. Peter looks very smug.

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Ian Bevitt

The taxi's waiting, Leanne and Nick are worried they'll miss their flight and poor Simon is desperate to see his Dad. Leanne and Nick go off to talk about what they'll do now, leaving Simon with Peter and Carla at Ken and Deirdre's house. "Looks like I might have to order a bigger turkey," Deirdre observes to Ken.

Out in the street, Kylie is banging on Tina's door. When there's no reply she grabs Gary's crowbar off him and starts on the door with that. Owen comes along and then David finally emerges and wants to know what the hell she's doing. "I could ask you the same question" screams Kylie. "You're in your ex-girlfriend's flat!" Tina emerges and tries to convince Kylie there's nothing going on but when she won't believe them David tells Kylie that Tina's pregnant. She can't believe what she's hearing so Gary confirms it and David tells her that Tina's being a surrogate for Gary and Izzy.

On the other side of the road Leanne's telling Nick she can't possibly leave Simon with Peter and Carla after what happened last time. While David and Kylie continue their argument in the background, Leanne tells Nick that she can't force Simon on a plane and she can't leave him there either. "So you're just going to let Peter win?" asks Nick. Leanne tells him that it just makes her more determined than ever to marry him and be a proper family but not like this. Steve wants to know what's happening and points out that the clock's running on his meter.

David and Kylie have arrived home and they're still arguing. He tells her that the story about the surrogacy is the truth. "How sick is that?" asks Kylie. "She's probably getting paid for it". David says she should know since she's the expert on buying and selling kids. The insults continue to fly with David reminding Kylie she took the pill when they were trying for a baby and Kylie accusing him again of sleeping with his ex. Kylie storms out and says she's going to work. David commands her not to walk out on him but she goes anyway and an angry David kicks the door shut behind her.

Over at the Barlows, an awkward Carla asks Deirdre if there's anything she can do to help but Deirdre tells her the shepherd's pie is in the oven and everything's under control. Ken comes in and starts a conversation. He tells Carla it's nice to see Peter but they could have warned them they were coming. Carla tells him the surprise was Peter's idea. At that moment Peter and Simon come in so Carla suggests Peter should spend some time with his family while she nips over to the factory. After she's gone, Deirdre drags Ken off to peel some carrots leaving Peter and Simon alone together. Simon asks his Dad why he has to go back to America and why he can't just stay there. Peter tells him that it's not that simple. Simon responds by saying that he likes Nick but he's not his Dad and he loves Peter. "If you stay, I'll be really nice to Carla," promises Simon. "I'll think about it," replies his dad. Simon is really excited by this prospect so Peter says they should keep it between the two of them for the time being.

In the Rovers Mandy is discussing Stella's love life with her when Jason comes in ready to start work. When he starts up some banter with Stella, Mandy asks him if he's working or talking. He goes off and Stella turns to Gail. They're both anxious to know what's going on with Nick and Leanne. Gail lets slip that she sent a text to Nick when they'd both agreed not to try calling them. So, since Gail has sent a text, Stella says she's going to send a text to Leanne as well.

Over at the factory, the girls are busy admiring photos of Ruby on Kirsty's phone when they are taken by surprise with the arrival of Carla. They're delighted to see her, somewhat more than Rob who tells her they're in the middle of a meeting and suggests going for a coffee when he's finished. But when Carla examines a sample from the current order they're working on she comments that it looks like she arrived just in time and follows Rob smartly into the office where he and Michelle are meeting with the buyer. Michelle's delighted to see her but Carla hasn't got time for friendly reunions. She's far too concerned about the quality of the knickers which she declares to be synthetic trash. The buyer looks bemused and wants to know what's going on while Rob tries to do some damage limitation by suggesting they resume their meeting tomorrow.

Rita goes into Streetcars to book a cab for the next evening. Steve's more than happy to oblige until Rita tells him she's taking Dennis to the theatre. Steve tells Rita that Dennis has been barred for single-handedly trying to ruin his business. He tells Rita that every time he turns a corner, Dennis is there trying to shove his lollipop in his face. Rita can't believe her ears and goes off in a huff.

In the Rovers, Gail and Stella finally find out what's happened with Nick and Leanne. They come into the pub and tell their respective mums that they've cancelled the trip to America and the wedding's off. Leanne explains that she can't leave Simon behind with Carla and Peter back and Nick says the whole thing's one big mess. Leanne says they are going to get married but they just don't know when. Nick says they'll have to cancel everything and Gail offers to help. Leanne tells Nick that she loves him for understanding. He goes off to sort everything out and Stella gives Leanne a hug just as Eva arrives, wanting to know what's up. When Stella tells her the news Eva says she's so sorry and gives her sister a hug but her face tells a different story.

Back at the factory, a furious Rob is telling Carla how he had to grovel to the buyer to avoid losing the order but Carla is just as cross. She tells Rob that the man is low rent but Rob retorts that there's a recession on and that it's a big order which would give them 12 months of security. Carla reminds her brother that it's her factory and she makes the decisions but he points out that she left him and Michelle in charge and that they now make the decisions. Rob wants to know why she's come back so Carla tells him it's for Christmas. "It's traditional," she adds. "It's traditional to let people know you're coming," says Michelle. Carla asks Rob where he'd be without her and tells him he's getting ideas above his station. "Go on, you have it. You won't last two minutes," he says as he walks out.

Peter is sitting down for tea with Ken and Deirdre. Ken comments that it's a shame he has to leave again so soon. Peter agrees and says how much he's missing seeing Simon grow up. Although the life in California is obviously suiting him he says that one deep breath of the Weatherfield smog reminds him of how much he misses his home.

Meanwhile over at the factory, Carla is painting a very different picture. As she chats to Michelle in the office she tells her that they'll be gone by Boxing Day and she can't wait to leave. She's only there so that Peter can see Simon and she feels totally unwelcome both by the Barlows and Rob in the factory. She says it's two weeks of torture for her and then it's back to the LA sunshine.

Kirsty and Ty are getting ready to go out and Julie has arrived to babysit. Kirsty is dressed up to the nines and Julie tells her she looks absolutely spectacular. "Does she not look spectacular?" she asks Ty. He seems a touch distracted but agrees with Julie who tells them they make a lovely couple.

Steve goes over into the Kabin to buy his paper and cigarettes just as Dennis is complaining to Rita about his behaviour. When Steve accuses Dennis of being petty and vindictive, Rita tells him it's no more petty and vindictive than he's being and she gets her own back by refusing to serve him. She adds that the ban also applies to Lloyd and anyone else who works for Streetcars. Steve, who is gasping for a fag, is distinctly put out by the turn of events but Dennis is thrilled with Rita's support.

In the Rovers it seems to be the day for sorting out other people's love lives. First Tina is trying to talk some sense into David. She says that Kylie found David in his ex-girlfriend's flat and so she's allowed to be upset. David points out they weren't doing anything so Tina tells him to go home and talk to her. He can't see why he has to be the one to go to her so Tina says if he doesn't care he should stop going on about it.

Further along the bar Eileen is asking Mandy if she's sure that Stella wants a new bloke but it seems Mandy has her heart set on finding a man for Stella. Just at that moment Paul comes in and it reminds Eileen that he told her about a new work colleague called Vince who just happens to be single and about the right age. Mandy says he sounds perfect but just as Paul is saying he doesn't think it's a very good idea, Stella comes along and wants to know what they're all talking about. Mandy asks Stella what she thinks about firemen and before anyone has a chance to get a word in edgewise she starts telling her about "Paul's best mate". Paul tries to open his mouth to protest but before he does Mandy says to Stella that she's only trying to set her up to have lunch with a fireman and what could possibly go wrong?

In the back room at the Rovers, Leanne is looking miserable and Eva isn't doing much to cheer her up. She says she reckons that Leanne's plans for the wedding being scuppered means that someone up there is trying to tell her something. Just then Stella opens the door with some visitors: a very happy-looking Nick and Gail. He comes with good news - Gail has managed to cancel the Vegas trip and get a refund and Nick has rebooked the wedding locally. Possibly not the most convenient timing as it's on Christmas Day. Leanne looks about as stunned as you would expect (it's hard to imagine anyone getting a booking on Christmas Day, let alone with 2 weeks' notice) and Eva looks as though she's choked on a lemon. According to Nick it's a country house hotel, everything's on site, so all they have to do is turn up on the day. Leanne breaks into a grin, gives Nick and hug and, for a brief moment at least, all seems right with the world.

We move to the factory where Carla has her feet up on the desk as she idly flicks through a magazine. She's on the 'phone to Peter and tells him that she's really sorry but she's snowed under with work and it looks as though it will be a late one. As she chats to him she looks at a pot of coffee, ignores it, opens the filing cabinet and takes out a bottle of whiskey.

In the Bistro Tommy is talking to Kylie. He tells her that he believes Tina when she says nothing went on between her and David. Kylie isn't convinced and then, right on cue, the man himself walks in. "Look what the cat dragged in," she says. "Been hanging out with your evil ex again? Well, two can play at that game." And with that she grabs Tommy and gives him a full-on snog before he has a chance to turn away. Tommy tries to apologise but Kylie and David are too busy accusing each other of being pathetic to take any notice of anything he has to say.

Leanne and Nick have gone over to the Barlows to collect Simon and have broken the news about the rescheduled wedding. Peter offers his congratulations and tells Leanne that she's done a fantastic job with Simon. She looks somewhat flustered and is keen to collect Simon and get out of there.

Ty and Kirsty have arrived home after their meal out. Julie is surprised to see them back so early and offers to stay a bit longer so that they can have a nightcap in the Rovers but Ty thanks her and says they're tired and want an early night. As soon as she's gone Kirsty puts her arms round Ty and says what about this early night but he backs off and says he's really tired and Ruby's been running him ragged all day. Kirsty looks a bit awkward but tells him it's fine.

Back at the factory, Peter has taken a packet of sandwiches over to Carla. He tells her about Leanne and Nick rescheduling the wedding for Christmas Day. She looks surprised but says that's fine and adds that 24 hours later they'll be on their way back to LA. However, it seems Peter might have other ideas. He tells Carla that Simon asked if they could stay a bit longer and he said they'd think about it. Carla tells Peter he shouldn't be giving Simon false hope but he says he wasn't and he's thinking that maybe it's not such a bad idea. What are you talking about?" asks Carla. "I'm talking about living here," replies Peter. Carla can't believe what she's hearing and accuses Peter of moving the goalposts. She says he promised they would just come home for Christmas and then go back after two weeks. But following his therapy Peter now has the ability to stay totally calm. While Carla starts to rant and lose her temper he just replies that they have two weeks to talk about it and then calmly walks out of the office. As soon as he's left Carla goes over to the filing cabinet, gets the bottle of whiskey and pours herself and very large mugful.

Karen

Jason's in the cafe, asking Roy if he's ever been attracted to an older woman. Roy stammers that he doesn't think age should be a factor. Jason then tries to chat to Carla who's sitting with a cuppa, looking like she's nursing a hangover, but she brushes him off.

Just then Peter comes in and sits down with her. She says thinks he tricked her into coming back.

Over at the Platt's, David is fuming over Kylie kissing Tommy in the Bistro. "Adultery, plain and simple," he rages. She comes back with the fact that he stayed the night with his ex, and the squabbling goes on and on. Gail suggests that one of them just say sorry, but neither will give in.

In the factory, Rob and Michelle are moaning together about Carla when she calls Rob into the office. He's angry because she's not thanked him for running the place while she was 'necking martinis on HMS Workshy', and she's cross because she owns the place and has found a pile of unopened mail that's been there since August. She tells him that from now on he's head of distribution. "What does that mean? I'm head of stamps?" he snaps and walks out.

Brian is just about to cycle off to school when Steve draws up in his taxi. He starts to moan about Dennis, who has apparently held him up for several minutes while he let a lot of children cross the road. (Err...yes, Steve, that's his job!) Brian starts to say that he never interferes in such matters, and looks about to cycle off. Steve then, in desperation and obviously lying, tells him that Amy has said that Dennis is mean to the children and threatened to hit one with his stick. Brian says that's a very serious claim, and will investigate.

In the bookies, Leanne asks Eva if she'll be her bridesmaid. After initial shock - "Me?" - Eva says she'll be delighted. They arrange to meet later and talk about dresses.

After Eva has gone, Peter comes in. He tells her that he and Carla are thinking of staying and asks how she'd feel if they did. "Terrible!" she snaps. He says he doesn't want to upset anything, Simon is obviously settled, and the bookies is running well. He then asks if he can pick Simon up from school. She agrees and he says he'll have him back by 5pm.

In the Rovers, Eileen and Paul come in with their friend, Vince, who is Stella's blind date. Mandy and Jason look on as introductions are made and then they go off to the bistro. Karl comes in then, wondering who Stella has just gone out with.

In the factory, in his new position, Rob is helping Kirk to take some boxes out to the van, when Carla calls him into the office. She's on the phone to a customer, but can't find the relevant figures. She snaps at him to get them, but he says he won't be spoken to like that. Telling the customer she'll call back, she hangs up and tells Rob that if he finds her the file she needs, he can come back into the office. He strolls to the computer and clicks the mouse. Up comes the file. "Thank you," she says. "One click of the mouse and this collar changes colour," he replies.

Over in the bistro, Kylie is phoning round looking for accommodation, and Eileen, Stella and the men are enjoying their meal. Karl comes in and stands at the bar, watching. Stella tries to make conversation with her date, Vince, but it's hard work as he makes bad jokes, laughs too loudly and is rude to Nick.

Back at the factory, Carla puts an empty whisky bottle in the bin, as Peter rings to ask her to pick Simon up from school. He's stuck in traffic and isn't going to make it in time.

In the bistro, Vince is on the phone to his mother, making lewd remarks about Stella, who is looking increasingly uncomfortable. Eileen asks her, pointedly, if she has got to get back to work. Stella agrees that she has, and makes a hasty departure.

David comes in to talk to Kylie about who is picking Max up. She says she's phoning round flats, but Gail says that David is the one who should be doing that. As far as she's concerned, Max is her grandson and she doesn't want him living in a shoebox. If David wants to end the marriage, he is the one who should move out.

Carla is outside the school, waiting for Simon, and chewing gum, presumably to disguise the smell of alcohol on her breath. As they come out through the gate, Brian tells Simon he'd like him to be the narrator at the nativity play. Simon thinks it sounds good. Then he spots Carla. "What are you doing here?" he asks. She stoops to zip his coat up and he smell the mint gum. "You've been drinking!" he announces loudly, and says he's not getting in the car with her. She goes to grab him but he slips out of her grasp, and she falls to the ground. He snatches up the car keys which have also fallen, and runs off.

Lewis is moving back home, and thanks Gail for putting him up. He gives her back her keys, and shuffles off.

Stella has gone back of the Rovers and is telling Mandy about the date. Jason comes along and flirts with her.

Nick and David are in the bookies, explaining to Leanne how David needs them to put him up for a while. Reluctantly, she agrees.

A few minutes later, the door opens and Simon walks in, and explains how Carla came to pick him up but was drunk, so he confiscated the keys and came home on his own. "You're not allowed to drink and drive, everyone knows that," he tells a shocked Leanne.

Fuming, Leanne locks up the shop and takes him over to Ken's.

Brian finds Dennis in the pub and tells him about Steve's allegations. In his pompous way he says that if he finds them to be true he will have to report him to the council. Dennis is furious and resigns.

Coming out of Ken's, Leanne spots Carla getting out of a taxi. "Oi!" she shouts and goes storming over. She throws the car keys at Carla and shouts at her about being hammered and taking the car to pick up Simon. She pushes her. "If you'd put him in that car I'd have killed you!" she yells. The workers all come out of the factory to see what's going on, as the row develops into a full scale brawl.

In Eileen's, Paul seems to think that Stella and Vince hit it off. Eileen is incredulous.

Outside, Rob and Steve have separated the fighting women, but they continue to shout abuse at one another until Leanne breaks free and pushes Carla to the ground again, just as Peter comes running up.

Mandy finishes her shift in the pub, as Karl sits alone, obviously waiting to speak to Stella, who walks over to talk to him. He tells her it broke his heart seeing her in the bistro with 'that joker', and adds that he misses her. "How's Sunita?" asks Stella. He says Sunita isn't her.

Peter has taken Carla into her office and is asking how drunk she was. "When did you start drinking?" he asks. She shouts and asks what he expects when everything he says they end up doing. They row some more and she storms out, saying she needs a drink.

Anne Logan

Here is the episode update for Thursday 13th, an additional episode that the schedulers slipped in over the winter period. You will need to read this one before you read Margaret's update.

Carla has gone missing since her very public clash with Leanne outside of the factory. Peter is looking for her as she is not returning her calls. Leanne and Nick are passing and Leanne is less than helpful when Peter asks if they have seen Carla. Leanne is annoyed when Nick says that they will keep an eye out for her but he reminds her that they need to move on from the tension and concentrate on their upcoming wedding.

Kirk is buying an armful of confectionery from Norris whilst Beth peruses a jewelry advert in a magazine. She pretty much demands that Kirk get her this for Christmas, and Rita can't help but laugh at Kirk's helpless expression.

Roy is rushed off of his feet at the cafe and ends up giving Sunita the wrong order which causes her to flounce out. She passes Tyrone who asks Roy if he needs help. Roy says that it is clear he does but he has no chance to seek any help, to which Tyrone responds that he thinks Fiz might be an appropriate candidate.

Peter has called round to the factory to see if there has been any sign of Carla. Rob is critical of Carla's behaviour but before Peter can respond, Michelle arrives and says that Carla is at hers. She reluctantly tells Peter that she has been at the police station after being found drunk and disorderly

Norris is nagging Dennis about hanging round the shop and Dennis complains that he misses his job. At that point, his former colleague Malcolm comes in and bemoans that it is a dark day for road safety now that Dennis is no longer a lollipop man. They arrange to meet for a drink.

Stella receives some flowers and tells Mandy they are from Vince, the unsuccessful date she had recently. She assures Mandy that she has no intention of seeing Vince again but the camera pans to the card that came with the flowers and we see that they are actually from Karl.

Peter calls round to Carla's flat. She is in a miserable state and says she is very embarrassed. He puts his arm around her.

Stella turns up on Karl's doorstep and thrusts the flowers back in his arms. She tells him that she will never have him back but he insists that they both still love each other. Stella continues to argue but as she falters, Karl invites her to come out with him that night. Before she can disagree, he has closed the door and Stella is clearly contemplating the offer.

Chesney has taken Fiz for breakfast at the cafe. Roy pops over and asks if she'd be interested in a job. She is over the moon and accepts. After thanking Roy, he tells her that it was Tyrone who gave him the idea.

Carla is telling Peter that she had her heart set on going back to LA. She felt happier there but can't be happy in Weatherfield. Peter tries to tell her that it will get better but she insists that she will always be at rock bottom while she is here. She tells Peter that she is being poisoned by the place and can only be happy in LA. She insists that she is going back to LA as soon as possible. Peter looks crushed but he reluctantly agrees.

Peter has arrived at the bookies and Leanne is furious to find out that he plans to go back to LA. She tells him that he will have to tell Simon that he is putting Carla first again. He looks worried as Leanne thanks him sarcastically for leaving her to mop up Simon's tears once again.

Kirk is asking Chesney if he needs any help on the stall as he is looking for extra money to fund the necklace which Beth wants. Chesney says that a fellow stall holder is looking for someone to sell off a load of turkeys she has on the cheap.

Sunita comes home and finds the flowers on the side table. Karl non chalantly tells her that they were for her. She says that he should have put them in water but he points out that she should be thankful before informing her he is going out with mates for the night. Sunita says she knows why he is trying to bribe him with flowers now but after he snaps at her for smothering her, she apologises and even gives him some money for his night out.

Stella is getting dressed up and Jason is passing through and tells her how nice she looks. She says that he does wonders for a woman's confidence. As Jason heads to leave, Stella confides that she is going out with Karl but she feels stupid with herself. Jason tells her she can have any man she wants and she asks if he might want to stay for a drink, to which he smiles and replies that he would.

Malcolm is giving Dennis a pep talk in the Rovers about not letting Steve win. He tells Dennis that the streets of Weatherfield need him and he needs to fight fire with fire.

Peter looks sheepish as he comes round to see Simon and breaks the news that he won't be staying for Christmas, but going to LA. Simon asks if it is because he told on Carla but Peter says it's not. Simon says that if he goes, he never wants to see him again. Peter looks genuinely gutted as Simon clutches onto nick and says that he is his dad now. Peter begs Simon not to be like that but Ken tells Peter it's best he gives Simon some space to digest the news.

Stella is telling Jason how much it still hurts to see her ex with another woman but she really wants to move on. In the middle of her sentence, Jason plants a lingering kiss on her before saying that he has always wanted to do that. Stella laughs and says that she is old enough to be his mother but he replies that age is just a number. Stella tells him that he's flippin gorgeous before they start kissing again.

Fiz and Tyrone meet conspicuously by the backstreet bins. Fiz thanks Tyrone for talking to Roy but Tyrone says it's the least he could do. Fiz tells Tyrone is won't be long before they both have what they want. She touches his arm tenderly. Chesney is just around the corner and is frowning, having overheard the conversation.

Karl is trying to ring Stella's phone but she ignores it, instead opting to head upstairs with Jason.

Peter arrives at the factory looking depressed. He tells Carla that he has told Simon that they're both leaving. Carla tries to assure Peter that Simon will come round, but Peter can't seem to forgive himself, saying it's the worst thing he's ever had to do. Carla thanks him but tells him she can't change her mind, and she has been looking at tickets which will see them depart tomorrow. Peter looks shocked that it's so soon, but Carla tells him that if he is serious about her, then they have to go...

Duncan Lindsay

Hello and a very happy New Year to you all. Here's the first update for Friday, December 14.

Fiz gets ready for work under cross-examination from Chesney, who can't work out why Tyrone did her a favour. After Fiz has gone to work he tells Katie he thinks Fiz and Tyrone are having an affair.

Carla tells Peter she's booked the flight for this afternoon. What? No, Peter can't believe it either. He hoped he'd have more time with Simon but she says she's desperate. She can't bear it any longer. They arrange that he'll go to say goodbye to Simon and she'll go to the factory. They'll rendezvous at 1pm.

Fiz arrives at the cafe just as Malcolm comes to see Dennis. He tells Dennis he has a cunning plan and Dennis will soon be back in work. Steve comes in and they exchange glares. Malcolm says Steve won't get the better of him.

Sunita tells Karl there's probably a good explanation why his mate didn't turn up last night. She suggests they have a night out together instead but Karl is sulking and refuses. Sunita notes the metaphor bunch of flowers is wilting.

Stella, standing in the back room of the Rovers, rejects yet another call from Karl and turns to find Jason standing there in his gruns. They've just decided to go back upstairs when Eva comes in the front door of the pub (Stella's apparently forgotten to lock this door. Are the scriptwriters mad?). Panicking, Stella shoves Jason out into the yard and shoves his boots out after him.

Katie's taking a bag out to the rubbish bin and Chesney follows her, trying to tell her what he overheard Fiz and Tyrone say in the ginnel. Katie's sure there's a good explanation and a frustrated Chesney goes back inside. So Katie's alone when she sees a semi-naked Jason go past. She wolf whistles.

Paul and Eileen are still trying to work out who they can find for Stella. Little do they know! That semi-naked Jason comes in the back door. "Don't ask!" he says. Paul wolf whistles.

Leanne and Nick, standing in the smallest apartment block foyer in the known universe, Victoria Court, tell Peter he can't see Simon. Peter needs to say goodbye and to tell Simon that none of this matters. Leanne thinks differently. She heard Simon crying himself to sleep.

Karl goes to the pub and demands an explanation from Stella. So she gives him one. She didn't turn up because she had a better offer. Karl scoffs at this, saying she's making it up to punish him. Stella assures him it's true. "And I had a lot more fun with him in one night than I had with you in six years. And I didn't have to fake it, either."

In the factory, Carla tells Rob and Michelle what she's decided to do - sell the factory.

Kirk shows Craig his vanload of turkeys. He's got the keys to the butcher shop and there's a big freezer in there. I hate to burst his bubble, but that would be a chiller rather than a freezer. Craig bursts his bubble anyway by pointing out there's no electricity in the shop.

Rob's very angry. He thinks they should carry on the way they have been doing, with him and Michelle doing all the work and Carla taking the profits. But Carla says she'll need to start up again in America. She'll give the two of them first refusal, though. Rob scoffs. How can they buy it? Michelle's living in a rented flat above a kebab shop and he's an ex-con living in Carla's flat. Oh yeah. She's going to sell that, too. Carla points out she never should have come back. It's been so stressful that she's started drinking again. Michelle sees her point and agrees she should go.

Steve flops down on the easy chair in the taxi office but Lloyd tells him he can't relax. All the drivers have reported being held up by lollipop men all over town.

Ken's trying to persuade Peter to stay. Peter explains that it's difficult for Carla round here and she's stood by him through everything, so he owes her. He calls Ken a hypocrite for trying to persuade him not to abandon Simon. After all, Ken sent him away to Scotland. "Exactly," says Ken. "You've never stopped resenting me for leaving you there. Do you really want Simon to feel the same way about you?" Peter says it's quite different. Peter didn't have a mother but Simon does. Carla has nobody. Ken hugs him and tells him it's not too late to change his mind but one day it will be.

Michelle and Carla hug goodbye in the factory. Carla goes back into the office and tells Rob she felt nobody had missed her at the factory. She was jealous of the way they'd coped. She says he's done a fantastic job and she'll give him a brilliant reference. Rob grumps that it won't help the rest of his CV.

Dennis is back in the cafe having lunch when Steve and Lloyd find him. Looking like a couple of cowboys facing down the bad guys, they tell him he's got no right interfering in their business. Lloyd wants to sit down and talk things over in a sensible fashion but Steve and Dennis would rather face off. Dennis, using a chip to emphasis his points, says he might think of calling off the action if Steve goes to Brian and withdraws his allegation. Steve won't do that unless the action's called off. Stalemate. Steve says he's not scared of a few lollipop men. And to prove it, he eats one of Dennis's chips in a menacing way on his way out.

Outside, Lloyd tells him they're acting like two little kids. He felt like banging their heads together.

Above their heads, a dozy-looking Beth discovers a trail of extension leads leading from her window down into the street.

Peter slumps along the street to meet Carla. He explains he wasn't able to see Simon and asks if they can postpone the flights for a few days. Carla thinks a few days won't make much difference.

Chesney pounds on Tyrone's door. He doesn't care if he wakes the baby. He wants to talk about Fiz. "You're seeing each other, aren't you?"

Deirdre arrives to say goodbye to Peter. Carla wants to get going but before they can, Rob calls over and tells her to wait. He wants to sort-of apologise and tells her to take care.

Kirk and Craig stack and count turkeys. Beth arrives in the shop and demands to know what's going on. Her leccy meter is flying round so fast it's going to take off. She calms down when Kirk explains about the thousand quid he's going to make from selling off the turkeys.

Nick's glad to see Peter going. He tells him he'll look after Simon and make a better job of that than Peter did. Peter and Carla drive off. Is this Carla's car? Are they just going to leave it at the airport forever?

Jason opens the door to Stella. She's brought round the rest of his clothes. She says she panicked when she heard Eva. They agree they had both been looking forward to going back upstairs. Before you know it, they've pounced on each other and are necking/pashing/making out/choose your own slang on the sofa. That's when Eileen arrives home!

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Jayne Hollinson
Directed by: Ian Bevitt

Oh yes, Eileen is hopping mad to find the landlady of The Rovers on top of her offspring. However, as Jason points out, he is hardly a little boy, he is a strapping grown up lad of nearly 30 years old. This however matters not to Eileen, as far as she is concerned, Stella is old enough to be his mother, and quite old enough to know better, and she is not having any of those shenanigans under her roof! A mortified Stella makes a hasty retreat out the front door, with an irate Eileen still shouting the odds behind her, much to the amusement of Gail who is watching the show from across the street, and enjoying every minute of it. Karl comes by a few moments later, and Gail is only too happy to fill him in on what's been going on.

Tyrone is protesting to Chesney that there is nothing going on between him and Fiz, and is annoyed when Chesney's raised voice wakes Ruby. He pushes him back out the door, telling him he has the wrong end of the stick, and has nothing to worry about. Chesney is not convinced however, and departs with the warning to leave Fiz alone, or else!

Leanne is in the Bistro telling Nick that Simon was still very upset this morning about Peter leaving. Nick assures her he will come round in time. Just then Leanne gets a phone call from the school to say that Simon has gone missing. Panic mode on, Leanne asks Nick to check to see if he has gone to Ken's, and she will check home. Just then, the thought occurs to her that possibly Peter has taken him, as he has form for antics like that. This thought steps up her panic mode to hysteria.

Peter and Carla are just walking into the airport when he gets a call from Leanne, wanting to know if he has Simon. He assures her he hasn't, and to prove it she should check for his passport, as it will still be there. Leanne replies that she will, and if it's not, she will be calling the police to stop him boarding the plane.

Peter is filled with guilt, knowing he is probably the cause of Simon's disappearance. He is frightened that he has run away. Carla calms him by saying they will check with Leanne once their bags are checked, and probably by then they will have already heard that he has been found.

Tyrone in the Kabin is buying a box of chocolates for Kirsty, and Norris asks if he has a guilty conscience. Tyrone looks stricken, and asks why he should ask that. Norris says that a grand gesture like that usually means you are trying to ease your conscience about something. Point taken, Ty opts for a quarter of toffees instead.

Fiz comes in, and Tyrone takes her to one side and tells her about Chesney's visit. Fiz promises she will speak to him, and allay his suspicions by making something up. Ty tells her how grateful he is for her help, and feels bad that he is asking her to lie to her own brother. Fiz assures him that it's fine, that it is in a good cause, and will all be over soon.

Leanne and Nick meet up, neither of them having found Simon, however his passport is still in the flat. This doesn't exactly reassure Leanne though, she is now worried that Peter still has him, but has taken him somewhere other than abroad. Nick doesn't think Carla would go along with that plan, because she doesn't even like Simon, but Leanne feels she would go along with anything to keep Peter. The police arrive, and Leanne takes them into the flat to talk, sending Nick back to the Bistro.

Lloyd is pleading with Steve to sort out the problems with Dennis, asking him to make a little phone call to Brian, telling him he was lying about Dennis being nasty to the children. Steve won't budge however, saying that lollypop men only work a couple of 1/2 hours a day, how much trouble could they cause?

Right on cue at that moment, the sound of marching comes from around the corner, and down the cobbles comes an awful lot of Lollypop men and women, all in uniform, and all in step, their lollypops held high. (Photos are attached to this e-mail, but they won't show up when it is transferred to the website). They come to a halt right in front of Steve's cab, making it impossible for him to pass. Steve asks them what they think they are doing, and their spokesman - namely Dennis demands an apology, and tells Steve they are not budging until he phones Brian and retracts his untrue complaint.

Steve tries calling their bluff by getting into his cab and driving towards the yellow clad army, but in unison, they take a step forward, holding their lollypops out in front of them like bayonets. (Online, people were referring to this scene as a spoof on Dr. Who, with the Lollypop Men being the Cybermen, but as I don't watch Dr. Who, I wouldn't know - but it was pretty funny regardless). Steve decides he has no choice but to admit defeat. Just then, who should ride up on his bicycle but Brian Packham - (why he was riding around on his bicycle when he had a missing child from his school, I have no idea!) Anyway, along he comes, and Steve confesses to him that he lied. This results in him getting a good telling off, making him feel like a naughty schoolboy, and it also results in Dennis being reinstated. Lollypops are held in the air, followed by a cheer from the ranks. Dennis thanks Malcolm, who tells him he is welcome, but it will cost him a pint all round.

During the fracas, Kirky had tried to flog his turkeys to the mob outside the butchers, but the minute it was mentioned that the police might be called, he beat a hasty retreat back inside the shop - turkey under each arm. No sale there then.

Also, while it was all kicking off, Karl came by, and came face to face with Jason. Obviously jealous, he warned him off Stella, telling him she would soon get bored with him, as she needs a man, not a child. The encounter ended with Karl grabbing at Jason, as if he was going to hit him, but Jason reminded him that as he had pointed out, he is a lot younger, and it wouldn't be a good idea to start anything. Jason 1 Karl 0.

At the airport, the bags are checked and Carla is all for going through security, but Peter is worried sick about Simon. He tries calling Leanne, but she's not home, so leaves a message, and now he is wanting to call Ken to see if he has heard anything. Just as Carla is making the suggestion that Leanne might have made the whole thing up, just to get her own back, who should come running through the doors but Simon. (Now I know that Simon once found his way home from Blackpool, which was pretty amazing, but to travel from Manchester and navigate Heathrow Airport, and just happen to come in the doors a few yards from where they are standing is nothing short of a flaming miracle!) Anyway, he runs right into Peter's arms, leaving Carla rolling her eyes.

We are still at the airport after the break, and kudos to Peter, the first thing he does is call Leanne to let her know that Simon is safe. He hands the phone to Simon, who apologises to his Mum, and assures her he is fine. Peter takes the phone back, and tells Leanne that he would bring him home himself, but they have a plane to catch. It's decided they will leave Simon with the airport police until Leanne can get there to pick him up.

Simon tells Peter that the reason he came was because he needed to tell him that he didn't mean it when he said he never wanted to see him again, and about Nick now being his Dad. He explains that he was just angry because he was going, and needed to put things straight before he left. Peter, almost in tears, tells him that he knew that. Simon then hugs him and asks why he has to go. Carla reminds Peter that they should get going, but Peter snaps at her that they have ages yet, and wants a few minutes with his son first. He then suggests the two of them go and get a drink and talk, leaving Carla standing there.

Beth and Craig come out, and seeing the Lollypop army marching away, she mutters "It must be Gay Pride or summat, mind you, they look a bit old". They encounter Kirk, who is outside the butchers calling his wares with such scintillating patter as "Roll up, roll up, get your cheap meat here - there's no turkey like a dead one!" Beth asks him how many he has sold, and he tells her it's so many he's lost count. She tells him that's brilliant, and will buy him a cake along with theirs. Craig however doesn't buy it, and behind Beth's back, shakes his head at Kirk, who looks rather shame-faced - methinks our Kirky has just told Beth a porky.

Sitting in the airport restaurant, Peter is trying to sell the idea of living in separate countries to Simon, telling him he will have his own room when he comes to visit, and can choose the colour of it and everything. Simon answers that he must be doing something wrong, otherwise he wouldn't keep leaving him. Peter, with a catch in his voice assures him he has done nothing wrong, that he is the most amazing son ever, and is the best thing in his life. He tells him he wishes with all his heart that he could stay. "So why don't you?" says Simon. "It's not that simple", says Peter. He looks at Carla, who is looking at her watch, and going from one foot to the other, and back at Simon.....

Kirkeh is removing his apron back in the butchers, and in comes Craig, asking how it's going. "Great" says Kirk. Craig tells him that he may be able to fool his mother, but he can't fool him. He asks him how many he has really sold. "None", says Kirk, who then asks Craig what he is going to do, as he will never be able to afford to buy Beth that necklace.

Craig tells him that he could easily sell them, but there is one drawback - he is rubbish at it! He goes on to say that he has to have confidence in what he is selling, not that he is trying to get rid; also people don't want to hear the word 'dead' at Christmas. Kirk asks him how he knows so much about selling, and is told that he has been buying from the Pound Shop for ages, and selling the stuff on for a profit at school for ages. Kirk is impressed, and asks him to come into the deal as a business partner. Craig agrees to a cut of half, plus a new mobile phone for Christmas.

Carla is about to go through security when Peter and Simon come through the doors behind her. He tells Simon to wait while he speaks to her. He tells her he is sorry, he went away to get his head straight, and now he has, he just has to put Simon first. Carla is devastated, and begs him not to do this. She tells him she absolutely cannot stay where everyone hates her, she can't keep taking it. He tries reassuring her that they will get through it together, and they will all come round eventually. Carla tells him that no amount of time will stop that little lad from hating her guts. Peter tells her he loves them both, and begs her not to make him choose. Carla sobs that he has to, they both know that. She already knows the answer - with tears running down both of their faces, they cling to each other for a moment, then she breaks away and walks in the opposite direction, sobbing her heart out. Peter wipes away his tears, paints on a smile and turns to face Simon, telling him they will wait for Mum, then go home.

The Rovers is looking decidedly yellow, with all the Lollypop men and women downing their free pint from Dennis, who tells Malcolm it was worth every penny just to see the look on Steve McDonald's face.

Beth is bragging to Gail that her Kirkeh is going to be the next Alan Sugar (the British Donald Trump). Gail and Norris, who of course is eavesdropping on the conversation, both look a little askance, but decide to say nothing. Gail asks after Stella, obviously wanting to gloat, and is told by Mandy that she is not feeling well, and is in the back. Gail can't resist telling Norris all about Stella's new boyfriend, and the topic of their conversation walks in right on cue. Mandy lets him through to the back, while Norris stares with his mouth open. Beth on the other hand grins from ear to ear, and murmurs "Lucky cow!"

Jason demands to know why Stella is skulking in the back, when she has done nothing wrong. She doesn't agree however, she tells him that Eileen is right, he is twenty years younger than her - what was she thinking? (I don't remember there being all this fuss over an age gap when Ken started courting Deirdre, do you? And while I am on my soapbox, what right does Gail have to get sarcastic? Has she forgotten her previous young husband, Martin Platt already?) Jason assures Stella that age doesn't matter to him, and asks what she is going to do about it. She tells him that it would be best if they ended it. He tells her that Karl must have been right then, that he had told him she would get bored with him. Oh talk about red rag to a bull, Stella tells Jason to ignore anything Karl might say. Jason goes on to say that they are both free and single, and if Karl and Maria can do what they want, then why can't they have a bit of fun if they want to. I think it is probably the mention of Karl having fun elsewhere that spurs Stella on, and she decides that Jason is absolutely right, and why shouldn't they?

Out front, Karl comes in and asks for Stella. Mandy tells him she is busy. "Very busy" says Beth with a smirk. "She might be some time", says Gail, unable to keep a straight face either. He orders a pint, but before he gets it poured, Stella and Jason emerge from the back. She claps eyes on Karl and rings the bell, calling for attention. She then announces that in case anyone was wondering, and she is sure most of them are, she is indeed having a fling with this gorgeous young man - and is having the time of her life - and now they are off out for the evening. With that, they flounce out together, leaving Karl with a face like a wet weekend.

Aha! It's the old carrot trick! Have you ever noticed that whenever they want one of the females to show pent up anger indoors, they have her chop carrots? Those poor little blighters don't stand a chance today with Fiz and her sharp knife being rammed into them. Chesney must recognise the signs too, because he asks her if she is alright. "No I'm not!" she yells at him, and goes on to ask how he dared to go round to Tyrone's and accuse him of having an affair with her. She points out that Kirsty could have come home, and she could be standing there now with a broken arm. Ches is unrepentant, and tells her he couldn't get a straight answer out of her, so had to go to Tyrone. He is still convinced they are having an affair, Fiz assures him they are not. He presses her to tell him what their conversation in the ginnel yesterday had been about then. She replies that she can't tell him, so Ches threatens to tell Kirsty. She stresses that it is very important that Kirsty doesn't hear anything about it, that Tyrone is in a lot of trouble, and if Kirsty finds out, he will be in a lot more trouble, but she promises him that it's not an affair. She goes on to say that when she is in a position to explain, she promises she will, but for now he has to trust her. Chesney doesn't like it, but agrees to keep quiet.

Over in No. 1, Ken, Deirdre and Nick are relieved to see Simon and Leanne arrive home. They ask how he managed to get to Heathrow, and he tells them he went by bus, as his dinner money wouldn't stretch far enough for the train. Nick promises him that he will get packed lunches from now on. Peter then comes in, surprising everyone - pleasantly for Ken, not so pleasantly for Nick. Deirdre asks him about Carla, and he tells them that she's gone, and that being a Dad is a priority now, and he intends to make a good job of it this time. Worryingly, Leanne looks a little too pleased about this. Will she go ahead with the wedding, or won't she?

Tune in for the Christmas episodes to find out.

Christine Warren

Written By Peter Whalley Directed by Alan Grint

It's Tyrone's birthday and Kirsty is excited. She gives him cards from her and Ruby and confirms that he doesn't want a fuss or presents because she took him at his word and she has made plans to go out with the girls tonight.

Ken thinks Peter should let the dust settle now that Carla has gone. Don't rush into anything. Deirdre wonders if Simon hadn't come to the airport whether Peter would still have got on the plane. Peter figures he wouldn't be able to say the right thing no matter what he said. Peter leaves and Deirdre wonders what kind of trouble will come now.

Sunita is urging the kids on. Karl and her discuss Stella and Jason. He doesn't think it will last and Sunita thinks they just want people to talk about them. She tells the kids to say goodbye to Karl but they don't want to because he never says it to them. She makes them and he just grimaces at them.

Peter comes to the betting shop. Leanne's not happy he's staying. He reminds her that the shop is his though she reminds him she thought it was 50% hers. (Is her name on the deed?) He says it was when he could afford to be generous. He says he stayed because his son was more important but he's there to take back his share of the business and thinks they can work there together. She scoffs at that idea. Peter suggests longer hours and they work different shifts. She doesn't think so but he says it is his business and he's got to earn a living. If Nick will be a problem, he offers to talk to him for her. No way. She'll talk to him seeing as she hasn't got a choice and will get back to him.

In the factory, it turns out that Kirsty is arranging a surprise birthday party for Tyrone. Sally's being a spoiler and whining about people lying to their partners. Rob arrives and tells them that Carla wants to sell the factory as a going concern so their jobs *should* be safe though his and Michelle's probably won't be. In the office, he and Michelle talk about losing their jobs. Roy looks like he's got a plan.

Leanne stalks into the Bistro, furious about Peter's plan and tells Nick about it. Nick is a bit concerned but Leanne promises she won't let Peter get away with any nonsense. Seeing as they can't really stop him, Nick shrugs and Leanne goes off to tell Peter he's on probation.

Jason's working in the back yard when Karl comes through the gate. Kirk asks why Jason can't get a woman his own age and he thinks they're ridiculous. Stella brings out a mug of tea and takes stick from Karl about how everyone thinks the same. Karl leaves with his sour grapes but Jason and Stella don't let him get to them.

Fiz comes creeping to Tyrone's back door to wish him a happy birthday. Tyrone is on edge. He says Kirsty is going out and he's staying home which is what he wants anyway. Oddly, though Fiz still has lots of friends at the factory in spite of what some of them think she's done, none of them have told her about the party so she's told Tyrone she's coming to see him tonight after Kirsty leaves. Tyrone worries but allows it. He'll put the back light on as a signal the way is clear.

In the bar,Kirsty comes in to confirm the party plans. Peter and Ken come in. Ken teases Peter that he's going to end up like him, never making it away from the Street. Leanne arrives and tells Peter his plan is a go, turns around on her heel and leaves again. Peter catches Beth for a word while the rest of the factory workers are chatting about the possible factory sale and the party. Beth sits down and says that Peter gave her a month's notice to move out of the flat. Kirsty doesn't want any negativity shadowing the party tonight. She wants it to be a night he'll never forget. Why do I think that's exactly what's going to happen and not in a good way?

After the break, Deirdre is in the butcher shop. We see a cardboard sign taped to the window "Kirkys Turkys" ! Craig is helping with the birds and Deirdre orders a fresh one. No problem! When she leaves, Kirk questions Craig who says all they have to do is thaw one out! Beth comes in and wonders why Craig is not in school. "Teachers' shopping day" he quips (nice one!) She relates the news about the flat.

In the factory, Rob tells Michelle that they should buy the factory. With what?? Get a mortgage and use the factory as collateral, simple. Michelle is skeptical and brings up Rob's record. He thinks they need to investigate anyway.

Leanne takes Simon to the Bistro. Simon wants Nick to come skating with him but Nick's fully booked. Simon decides that he and Leanne should get Peter to go along since he probably can skate where the other two can't and he can show them how. Leanne doesn't like that idea much but Simon pleads and Nick says it's ok with him. How can they say no!

Stella calls Karl and wants to have a word. He tries to get her to go out for a meal to talk but she insists he just come to the pub tonight. He hangs up quickly as Sunita comes in with the kids. Karl goes to make her a cup of tea. Clearly something he doesn't usually do judging from her reaction.

Leanne and Simon find Peter out on the Street and Simon invites his dad to go. Peter makes sure from Leanne that it's ok with Nick.

Kirsty comes home from work. She tells him all the girls think she's terrible for going out without him. Tyrone says he doesn't think that. She's all loved up and happy and passes him back the baby so she can go get ready.

The party decorations are being put up in the pub. Kirk has put up the signs all over the place. He then suggests to Beth that they get a flat together seeing as they'll have the deposit for it once the turkeys are sold. She's tickled pink! Kevin arrives and so does Chesney. He's got news. Sweaty Betty, the one they got the turkeys from, has been arrested for handling stolen goods. The turkeys, perhaps?

Kirsty looks really nice and wonders if Tyrone wants to get changed. He doesn't see the need and doesn't catch the hint. She leaves and he turns the back light on.

At the bar, Michelle and Rob discuss the possibility of buying the factory and she doesn't see how it can be done. Kirsty arrives but wasn't going to stay as she has to get Emily who's sitting for them. Rob offers to buy her a drink first and Mandy wants to know when she wants the food brought out. Sally and Kevin reminisce about his 30th when they went for a Chinese. Chesney and Kirk discuss the turkeys and decide they have to get rid of them. Chesney has an idea. Kirsty joins the rest of the girls for a minute before she fetches Tyrone.

But Fiz has come to give Tyrone a card and a beer. He expresses regrets that he threw their relationship away. She knows what he means, she wonders sometimes what would have happened had they stayed together. They skirt around the issue and almost say things they can't take back about their feelings. They open the beers instead.

Outside, Nick sees Peter, Leanne and Simon get into a cab to go skating (did Peter sell his car when he went away?) Kirsty brings Emily down the road except Emily has to go back to check she's switched off the immersion heater. Inside number 9, Tyrone has read his card from Fiz, signed with a xoxo. They talk about after the "wedding" when he'll be alone. Neither of them can wait for it and then they say it, they can try again! And they kiss but just then, they hear Kirsty's key in the door!

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley and directed by Alan Grint

Ty is caught on the hop when Kirsty arrives home with Emily in tow. Kirsty tells him that she couldn't bring herself to go out on his birthday without him so Emily is going to babysit. Ty is so flustered by the turn of events he can't get Kirsty out of the house fast enough and declines her suggestion that he might want to get changed first. After all, says, they're only going for a quick drink in a scruffy pub. Emily looks a touch confused by their rush to leave but settles down on the sofa to watch television as the camera pans down to reveal Fiz hiding behind the sideboard, still clutching the birthday cake and a can of lager.

In the Rovers, Rob is talking to Michelle about the problems of finding someone to come up with the money to buy the factory when their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Kirsty and Ty. "Surprise!!" everyone calls out as they let off party poppers. Ty seems genuinely chuffed by all the attention and even manages to sound like he means it when he agrees with Stella that he's lucky to have such a wonderful fiancée.

Chesney's telling Kirk that they have to get rid of the stolen turkeys when Beth comes up and gives Kirk a peck on the cheek. She asks Chesney if her Kirky's told him they're getting a penthouse flat together. "Pentonville more like," Chesney mutters under his breath.

At Ty and Kirsty's, Fiz is still in hiding. She peers over the top of the sideboard but Emily is in full view, watching the television.

Over at Sunita's, the kids are hyper and Karl is looking at a message on his phone. He seems ready for a reason to escape and tells Sunita he's off for a quick drink with the lads but she starts nagging and complains it will turn into an all-nighter and he'll come home stinking of booze. He reminders her that it was booze which brought them together when she was a barmaid and promises he'll only be half an hour. "Right," she says, looking like a wet weekend.

In the street, Kirk and Chesney are loading up the van with the stolen turkeys. Kirk wants to know if he can hold back a few to give to the people who've already bought them but Chesney says no because if they find just one then they'll be done for.

Karl arrives in the Rovers to see Stella who has called him and she offers him a pint. At a nearby table Ty is opening his presents. Sally asks who's looking after Ruby and when Kirsty tells her it's Emily, Ty suggests he should go home and check to see if she's alright. Kirsty reassures him she'll be fine and Sally thinks Ty wants to leave because he's shy and doesn't like the limelight.

The knicker-stitchers are talking about the factory and Julie asks Michelle if she could persuade Carla not to sell the factory but she doesn't think she could. Rob takes Michelle to one side and tells her that he's been ringing round his mates. He's waiting for one of the to call back but he's sure that once word gets around they'll be queuing up to invest. Meanwhile Beth comes in looking for Kirky. Sean mentions that he last saw him talking to Chesney. Beth doesn't seem unduly worried and says one thing she can guarantee is that he'll be back before bedtime.

Over by the bar Karl is chancing his arm with Stella. He had his fling with Sunita, now Stella has had hers with Jason and he thinks this makes it a level playing field and they can get back together. But Stella puts him straight in no uncertain terms. She tells him that, as usual, he's got it all wrong. She doesn't want to get back with him, she'll never want to get back with him and she's having twice as much fun with Jason as she ever had with Karl. Finally she tells Karl he can stop commenting on her life, what she's doing and who she's doing it with.

At Ty and Kirsty's, Emily has finally fallen asleep in front of the telly so Fiz creeps out of her hiding place and, clutching all the goodies she took round with her, she manages to make her escape through the back door.

As Karl leaves the Rovers we see Kirk and Chesney drive off in the van. Karl reaches Sunita's front door but on hearing the racket going on inside the house with the kids he shakes his head and carries on walking up the street.

We move to the ice rink where Peter is trying to teach Leanne to skate. She finally lets go of the side and takes hold of his hands, whereupon they both fall over into a laughing heap and Simon is ready with his camera to capture the moment.

Meanwhile, Kirk and Chesney have arrived at a bridge over the canal. Fortunately for them the place is deserted because as they start to hurl their dodgy poultry over the railings they make a discovery: frozen turkeys float in water.

In the Rovers, Rob is on the phone and making a discovery of his own: nobody's interested in investing in a backstreet knicker factory. Michelle is concerned that word will get out in the trade that they're in a mess but he insists he's only been speaking to people he can trust. Then Fiz comes in and Julie tells her that Kirsty's organised a surprise party for Ty's birthday. "Now there's someone who wasn't invited," comments Kirsty. Sally says she can remember when Fiz was a really nice person but she's changed. "So have you," observes Sean. "Saying stuff like that." Kirsty reminds everyone about what happened with Fiz's accident and how she blamed Kirsty. Sean jumps to Fiz's defense and says she made a mistake, something we all do. At the bar Ty stands next to Fiz and she wishes him a happy birthday. Ty says he feels a bit hot in the pub so he thinks he might nip out to the back for some fresh air.

Back at Ty and Kirsty's, Emily is waking up after her nap on the sofa. As she gets up she spots Fiz's birthday card lying on the floor. Assuming it fell off the nearby shelf she picks it up and stands it up alongside the other cards.

Ty is in the back yard of the pub and Fiz goes out to join him. He asks her what happened and she tells him how she eventually managed to sneak out without Emily seeing her. It sounds like someone's coming so they go out into the ginnel. "I'm sorry," says Ty. Fiz says he doesn't have to be sorry about what happened between them but Ty thinks he took advantage. Ty's terrified of what might have happened if Kirsty had seen them and tells Fiz that Ruby is all that matters. He says that from now on they have to keep away from each other and that if Kirsty sees them even looking at each other she'll know there's something going on. Fiz says she understands but it's clear she feels hurt. She tells Ty to go back into the pub first because nobody's going to miss her.

At the canal Chesney and Kirk have chucked the last of the turkeys into the water and they're all bobbing about on the surface. Kirk says they won't sink until they defrost. Chesney wants to know why he didn't tell him that earlier so Kirk says that he usually gets things wrong which is why he didn't bother saying anything.

In the Rovers Kirsty's asking if anyone's seen Tyrone and Mandy replies she saw him going out the back about 10 minutes earlier. At that moment Ty comes in and tells Kirsty he had a bit of a headache and needed some fresh air. We see Fiz arrive a few moments later. Stella comments that she must feel a bit left out now that she no longer works at the factory and Fiz says she's beginning to wish she'd stayed at home.

Rob has been on the phone again. He tells Michelle he's still had no luck but it's not helped by the fact they don't know how much Carla is hoping to sell for. Michelle says they're soon going to find out and reminds Rob there's a broker coming in tomorrow. Rob comments that what would be nice is if the broker came up with a really low valuation. "That is not going to happen," says Michelle. Rob puts on a thoughtful expression.

Michelle leaves and tells the girls she'll see them in the factory bright and early in the morning. After she's gone, more food arrives and Kirsty seems pleased with the way the party's gone. In fact she goes so far as to say that nothing's gone wrong and it's all been perfect. Ty briefly catches Fiz's eye across the room. Kirsty says she can't wait to get married and that they're going to live happily ever after. Julie declares that Kirsty has the perfect husband to be. "I know. I have," agrees Kirsty while Ty looks as though he's trying to smile through a severe case of abdominal cramp.

Back at the ice-rink they're now on the hot chocolate and Simon is still busy with his camera. Peter obligingly poses for a photo with his arm around Leanne. Peter tells Leanne he's enjoyed himself and thanks her for the invite. She replies it's what Simon wanted but as Peter points out, she could have said no. He tells Leanne that he did wonder if he'd done the right thing by staying and if he should have gone back with Carla. He starts to get sentimental and says that being all together at the ice-rink reminds him of what's gone. Peter thanks Leanne again for taking him this evening and then says that he hopes she'll be happy with Nick. He says he had his chance and blew it and it's Nick's turn now. Simon comes bounding up and asks if the three of them can go ice-skating again. Peter says of course they can and Leanne appears to be on the verge of tears.

Kirk and Chesney have arrived back at the butcher's shop. Chesney asks Kirk one last time if there's any evidence left which could connect them to the turkeys. Just then Beth arrives and wants to know what they're doing selling turkeys at that time of night. Then she sees the place is completely empty so Chesney tells her they've sold the lot to a restaurant chain. Beth is thrilled with the thought that they're quids in. She throws her arms round Kirky and declares that tomorrow they'll go and look for a new flat.

Things are winding down in the Rovers when Sunita comes in looking for Karl. Stella decides to do her a favour by giving her a few home truths about Karl. She tells Sunita that a leopard never changes its spots and that she shouldn't go wasting years of her life on him like she did. But Sunita tells Stella that she feels sorry for her, not being able to let go and move on. So Stella tells Sunita that Karl was in there earlier and he was hoping to get back with her. She adds that it's never going to happen, not in a million years. "You're so bitter," says Sunita. "No, not anymore" replies Stella. "But I am being honest." Sunita stalks out and Jason comes up and puts his arm around Stella and comments that Karl is nothing but trouble. Kirsty comes up to thank Stella and Mandy for the party and Mandy replies that now she's going to start planning for their wedding. "It's not long now," laughs Kirsty excitedly.

In the Bistro Leanne is telling Nick what a great time they had at the skating. Nick seems quite put out and comments that Peter and Leanne will be working with each other from tomorrow. Leanne does her best to reassure him with a kiss and the promise that she'll wait up for him when he gets home from his shift at the Bistro but Nick looks far from convinced.

Ty and Kirsty have come home and Kirsty is on a high after the success of her surprise party. Ty offers to walk Emily home.

Karl has also arrived back after his evening out. He's had too many drinks to notice that Sunita is distinctly off with him. She asks if he went to the Rovers but he tells her he didn't fancy it so went somewhere else instead.

Ty arrives back after walking Emily home. Kirsty looks disappointed when he says he's going straight to bed and doesn't want to stay up for a cuddle on his birthday. He claims he can hear Ruby stirring but says not to worry, he'll see to her. As he goes upstairs we see Kirsty look across at the cards on the shelf. She spots one she doesn't recognise and picks it up. Kirsty opens the card and inside are the Words: "Happy Birthday Ty, all my love Fiz xxx". A look of rage comes across Kirsty's face and she begins to take a deep, shuddering breath ...

Karen

Tyrone comes downstairs to find Kirsty sitting fuming amongst the cut-up remains of his birthday cards. The only one intact is the one from Fiz. "Happy birthday Ty, all my love Fiz, kiss, kiss, kiss," she spits at him, and then gets up to go to work. He can't understand how it got there, she screams at him not to treat her like an idiot.

Next door, Eileen hushes Sean, she can hear the row that's developing and she wants to listen.

Ty is shouting that he knows nothing about the card, Fiz is stalking him, he has no idea how it got there, the only card he cares about is the one from her and Ruby. "You know that, deep down, don't you?" he says. She stares at him. "Get this mess cleared up," she snaps and goes off to work.

Fiz is spilling coffee as she works in the cafe, when Ty comes in. He asks for a quiet word, so they slip off upstairs, baby, pram and all.

Over in the factory, there's a power cut.

Up in Roy's flat, Fiz tells Tyrone she noticed the card was missing when she got home, but she couldn't warn him because she knows Kirsty checks his phone. Later, when she thought they'd both be asleep, she went back up the ginnel and into his back yard looking for it. Then she suddenly realised the absurdity of the situation, crawling round amongst the bins in the dark all because she gave a mate a card on his birthday. It's just not normal. He begs her to say that she put the card through the door because she's still stalking him.

Back at Underworld, Michelle tells them to take an early lunch while an electrician sorts out the power. Kirsty points out that she and Tyrone are meeting the vicar at 1pm, so Michelle tells her to get back as soon as she can.

Up in Roy's flat, Fiz says that when she saw Ty come in the cafe she thought he'd changed his mind about what happened between them the night before. He says it was a stupid kiss, all he cares about now is getting his name on Ruby's birth certificate. Just then he gets a text from Kirsty, asking where he is.

Kirsty and Julie are walking down the street. Julie's trying to persuade Kirsty to go to the pub with the rest of them, but Kirsty says she wants to go to the cafe. Julie points out that Fiz will be there. "I know," says Kirsty, and tells her about the 'big, soppy birthday card'. Julie implores her not to go there, it will just upset her. "You don't want to do this before the vicar," she says. That seems to swing it, and Kirsty stops in her tracks. She turns back. "Yes, you're right," she says, but adds that she'll wait for Ty at home. As she turns her back on the cafe and walks down the Street, Tyrone comes out of Roy's Rolls. Kirsty rings him, demanding to know why he didn't answer her text. He plays dumb and says he took Ruby for a walk.

In the pub, Julie and the other workers are discussing Fiz's obsession with Tyrone. Julie thinks she's lost her marbles. "Poor Kirsty," she says.

Kirsty and Tyrone are meeting the vicar and talking about what they mean to each other. Tyrone gets quite emotional, and the vicar tells Kirsty that he'll make a wonderful husband, he obviously loves her very much. Kirsty says she loves him too. The vicar then tells them that a wedding isn't only a day, it's a commitment to a life together. He hopes they're ready.

After the break, Tyrone is sitting in a park with Ruby beside him. Kirsty runs up and hands him a red envelope. "Post!" she grins. It's another card, from her and Ruby. She's full of smiles and happiness. Then she notices that a little toy that was clipped on the pram is missing. However, it's no big thing and she puts her arm through his and they walk on. She wishes she didn't have to go back to work. She spots a burger van, and jokingly says they could hijack it and go off together round Europe, chasing the sunshine. Tyrone says burger vans are more trouble than they're worth, he's been there. He goes on to tell her how he ended up driving it into a pond. "We thought it was curtains!" he laughs. Kirsty stops. "We?" she asks, "who was the 'we' you went into the pond with?" Tyrone looks worried. "Kirk!" he blurts out, but Kirsty knows he's lying and assumes it was Fiz. He assures her that it wasn't, and then confesses that it was Molly. She wants to know why he lied, and he stammers that they were having a good time. "Until I said something romantic and you brought it round to your ex - oh sorry, deceased!" she shouts, "how am I expected to compete with that? Anything I want for us, you've already done it better with some other woman!" Then, tearfully, she snaps at him to go and get the car.

Upstairs in his flat, Roy finds the little toy from Ruby's pram on the floor. He picks it up and puts it in his pocket.

Tyrone and Kirsty draw up in the car outside Underworld. He's trying to chat and make jokes, she sits in stony silence, and then gets out of the car. He gets out too, saying that he's sorry for what he said. Eileen comes along and notices them. Kirsty thinks they should call the vicar and tell him they're not ready. Tyrone shouts that she can't call it off, she can't. She walks off, into the factory.

Back at home, Tyrone is cuddling Ruby when his phone rings. It's Kirsty. She apologises for losing her temper. Tyrone says it was all his fault. She tells him the park was always her special place to go when her dad lost his temper and was hitting her mum. He tells her he's sorry, and he'll be more careful what he says next time. She thanks him and he says he'll make something nice for tea and get a nice bottle of wine. She tells him not to spend too much. "You're not going to call off the wedding are you?" he asks, nervously. She tells him she's not. They hang up and Ty cuddles Ruby and tells her that they'll get through this.

Work is over for the day and Julie and Kirsty go into the cafe to see Fiz. Kirsty demands an apology from Fiz, she says she's not leaving till she's had it. Fiz asks if they're going to order food, or they could starve to death while they're waiting. Julie tries to act the peacemaker, but Fiz isn't listening. She asks what she's supposed to have done. Kirsty quotes the wording on the card, and tells her she's been trying to freak out Tyrone. Just then Roy comes down from upstairs. He says he doesn't allow customers to harass his staff. Julie starts to say it's the other way around, but Roy tells them he wants them to leave, he's going to close early and lock up. He fishes his keys out of his apron pocket, and with them comes the little toy he found upstairs. Kirsty stares. "What's that?" she asks. Quickly Fiz says it's a toy of Hope's, she must have dropped it out of her bag. Then she quickly apologises for sending the birthday card and walks off to the back of the cafe. Roy puts the toy down and picks up his keys, insisting that they leave. As she walks off, Kirsty picks up the toy.

Tyrone is cooking dinner when Kirsty comes home. He welcomes her and takes her coat and sits her down, and goes back to serve up the dinner. "What did you do today?" she asks, "this morning, when you weren't here, when you didn't answer my texts, where did you go?" He mumbles and stammers nervously. "Where did you go?" she's shouting now. Then she slams the toy down on the table. "That's the toy. Where did you get it?" he starts to ask, but she screams that he was with HER. He tries to say he wasn't, and follows her as she starts to go through the door. "Liar!" she yells, and slams the door on his arm, not just once, but repeatedly. He cries out in pain and collapses against the door frame, and down onto the floor, gasping and crying. She looks worried then and goes over to him. "Why do you make me do this?" she says, but he pushes her away, and then gets up and heads off out of the front door and into the road. He runs round the corner and sits down in the bus shelter, hunched over in pain. Just then, Fiz comes out of the cafe and sees him.

Back in the house, Kirsty picks up the card she bought Ty earlier and tears it up. "Liar!" she says, and then breaks down, crying.

Fiz has taken Tyrone back into the cafe, where he's taken his top off and she's looking at his bruised arm. She puts a pack of frozen peas on it, and says she'll take him to hospital. He says it's only a bruise, and then she notices all the other bruises he has on him, old ones, in other places. Fiz reckons they should go to the police, but Tyrone says no one would believe him, Kirsty would twist things and get away with it, then she'd take Ruby, and he can't lose Ruby. He starts to get very distressed. Fiz calms him, and says he'll marry the bitch and then when he's got Ruby they'll tell the world what she's done. She tells him she'll be with him, every step. She'll lie for him, she'll dress his wounds. He protests that she can't be involved. She says she is involved, she loves him. "Let me love you, Ty," she cries, and holds him.

Anne Logan.

This episode was written by Susan Oudot and directed by Alan Grint.
Copyright is the property of ITV Productions who I hope will not object to this update.

Tyrone has spent the night sleeping on the sofa and as mad woman psycho bitch from hell (sorry Kirsty) comes downstairs with the baby he is clearly still in a lot of pain from his latest beating (and if any details in this update cause any upset then please feel free to contact your local organisation for battered husbands). He struggles to open the child proof pain killers and mwpbfh (sorry Kirsty) apologies for what she has done as she cannot look at him. She wants to call off the wedding as she ruins everything she touches. He then offers to call it off. Tyrone re-assures her that all will be well and she agrees to go ahead with the wedding.

Chesney and Katie want to look after Fiz - but she has to sort it out with Tyrone herself.

Nick visits Roy's Rolls for a bacon sandwich and he comes across Peter and Simon and the latter shows Nick recordings of the visit to the ice rink. Nick tells Peter that he knows the game - using Simon to get to Leanne. Peter says it must use up a lot of energy for Nick to constantly worry about Leanne, which he says with a gentle voice and a smile. Nick says he will see them at the panto later (oh no he won't, oh yes he will). As Nick departs he looks back at Peter and Simon laughing and acting as father and son, somewhat enviously.

Kirk has replaced the dumped turkeys with ones he has bought from Freshco because he cannot afford to ruin his "customers" Christmas plans, so he is even more out of pocket. No flat deposit!

Eva and Kylie discuss events - David is still failing to apologise, but apparently Kylie enjoyed snogging Tommy Duckworth. Nick is wandering back to bistro and pleads with Kylie to take David back as he is eating everything in sight, dominates the remote control and spends longer in the bathroom than any girl Nick knows, except Eva. Nick asks Kylie to hold the fort at lunchtime as the whole Barlow family are going to Simon's nativity play.

At the factory, the well endowed Michelle is looking at an obviously under endowed balance sheet for Underworld. She asks Rob what he has done - he has lied to the broker over the pending orders to get the valuation down. She is not happy with Rob - ripping off her best friend is not a good idea. The valuation has already gone. Michelle shakes her head in disbelief.

At the bistro Gail has taken an order for 12 people for lunch today - Kylie ensures she will be able to cope - and Nick cannot afford to turn the business down. David comes in but he and Kylie can hardly exchange a polite conversation.

Fiz sneaks round in the ginnel to see Ty - neither has slept all night. They discuss mwpbfh (sorry Kirsty) and Fiz promises to look after him. Ty tells her how afraid he is and she keeps touching his arm - but it is in a bad shape and Fiz wants him to go to the hospital. She suggests Emily looks after the baby so they can go together.

After a double dose of meerkat toys we find ourselves on the Street as the Barlow family and others head off to the play. Nick apologises that he is going to be busy and he will not be able to make it. Eva sees Nick as they go and she sympathises.

In the hospital Ty has been told that his arm is simply badly bruised and not broken. Fiz remains amazed that Ty manages not to lose his temper and she asks him back to hers for a cup of tea.

Kirk is delivering his turkeys. Beth comes running across the Street - she is wearing the necklace which she believes he has bought for her. Kirk is amazed because he knows he hasn't but says nothing. And she has solved the housing crisis - they can all move in with Maria.

At Bessie Street school Simon is wearing a tea towel on his head and Peter points out that Grandad used it for drying up only last night - joke but Simon is not smiling. He does not want to do it but Leanne and Peter talk him round. Simon has butterflies - but even actors on telly get stagefright. Simon is the leading man and he will not forget his lines. Peter tells Simon to ignore everyone else and just focus on his father - and Simon does not want him to leave. Leanne thanks Peter for talking to Simon. He asks if everything is alright with Nick and she confirms it is.

Back at the factory Michelle and Rob are arguing which the rest of the employees can hear. Rob tries to talk Michelle round and he points out that if this gets out he will go back to jail for fraud.

Fiz gives Ty a cup of tea. She tells him that he needs to take photos to protect his position - he needs a lot of evidence to prove what sort of person mwpbfh (sorry Kirsty) is and Ty agrees. Fiz gets her camera. Ty takes his top off and Fiz cannot believe that mwpbfh (sorry Kirsty) treats him like this. Ty tells Fiz she should not be involved - but she loves him and it means she has to be involved so they can be together.

The party of 12 has not turned up at the Bistro and it looks like a hoax call. A deepish voice is all Gail can remember. Nick decides that Peter is responsible for the hoax call and heads off to Bessie Street. Eva tries to stop him without any luck.

And Ty realises he has feelings for Fiz as well and kisses her.

See you next week.

K Richard W

There was only one episode on Friday the 21st and this is it.

As Simon continues with the Nativity narration, Nick arrives at the door and looks over to see Leanne and Peter laughing together.

Fiz and Tyrone come back downstairs and both agree that what they've just done wasn't a mistake. Tyrone's says it's the happiest he's been in ages. "It felt right."

In the factory, the staff are panicking at the thought of being sold but Michelle and Rob come out of the office to speak to them. Rob reveals that he's put in a bid and if he gets the business their jobs will be safe. He lets them knock off early and promises to buy everyone a drink.

Fiz and Tyrone say goodbye in the ginnel with kissing. Fiz tells Tyrone they have to stick with the plan if he's to keep Ruby in his life. There's more kissing, which Tina sees as she puts out the Rovers' rubbish. Tyrone is completely panicked and rushes off to talk to Tina.

Kirk is slumped on Maxine's bench when Craig finds him. He tells Craig about Beth finding the necklace. It seems Craig sold his iPod to some kid at school. He planned to give Kirk the necklace to give to Beth for Christmas. Awww... So that's one good thing. Now all Kirk needs to do is find the money for a deposit on another flat.

Simon's still narrating and the star is being hauled into the air above the nativity scene. Nick sits down just behind Peter and Leanne and accuses Peter of making the hoax booking for 12. Ken and Deirdre are annoyed. Simon's glaring at him. Nick's voice is gradually getting louder. Dev's annoyed now. Simon can see another nativity falling into ruins. All the children are glaring at Nick now. So's the teacher. Peter answers him back. He says Nick's welcome to take his place by Leanne. He can embarrass himself all he wants, "but you do not embarrass my son!" No, because that's always been Peter's job. Nick lunges at him and the next thing Peter's on the floor and all pretence at the nativity has stopped.

Ty hovers nervously outside the Rovers.

Back at the school hall, Leanne has a go at Nick. Dev has a go at Nick. And Brian has a go at them all. He tells them they're supposed to be adults and set a good example to the children. "I've got children back here crying!" he says. "Not to mention two members of staff." Peter apologises to Brian and tells Nick he's wrong in his accusations. Simon shouts at Nick that he hates him. "You've ruined everything!" Nick turns away.

Tyrone's just about to talk to Tina when the factory staff, including Kirsty, arrive at the Rovers. She asks where Ruby is and Tyrone says he left her with Emily so he could have a pint with Kevin. That explanation doesn't exactly go down well but Kirsty goes over to be with the workers to make sure she gets her free drink.

As they get back to the bistro, Leanne's still having a go at Nick. She insists he apologise to Simon again. She accuses him of not trusting her and of thinking she wants Peter. Nick shouts back that she shouldn't trivialise his feelings. She points out that he said he was all right with Peter being back. "Well, it turns out I'm not!" Kylie is out of sight listening to all this. Leanne tells Nick that Peter might be a lot of things, "but there was only one idiot in that school today and that was you!"

Tyrone winces as Kirsty touches him. She says some nasty things about Kevin keeping Tyrone waiting and Tyrone tries to persuade her to go and fetch Ruby. When Kevin just happens to come in she says something sarcastic but Kevin, not realising he's Tyrone's excuse for being in the pub, doesn't understand. Kirsty leaves the pub.

Beth and Sean tell Rob how the factory should operate - with a cappuccino machine, for a start. Rob's not keen - he thinks it's a factory, not a flaming cafe! Michelle comes in and ignores him and orders a red wine.

Kevin chats away to Tyrone but Tyrone says barely a word in reply. Kevin's had better conversation from his satnav.

Kirk talks to Maria and Marcus about spending Christmas with them. He promises they won't even know Beth is there. He's drowned out by Beth's cackle from the other end of the room.

Leanne goes round to Ken's. Simon's upstairs but Peter's down in the living room with Ken and Deirdre. She says she's going to get Nick to apologise. She says he just lost it.

In the pub, Kylie quietly accuses Eva of making the hoax booking. Eva doesn't admit it but it's clear from her fact that she's gleeful at the thought of causing trouble for Nick.

Maria and Marcus talk about Beth. He points out the positives, like Liam having Craig to play with. She points out the negatives - like Beth.

When Maria and Marcus have gone, Julie asks whether Maria objected to Beth and Kirk staying. Beth can't see that she's got anything to object to.

Rob plans to charm Michelle. He buys a red wine and joins her in a booth. His conscience is clear, he says. He did what he did for the right reasons. Michelle points out that what he did was fraud and what if Carla ever finds out?

Tyrone asks Tina if he can see her privately.

Eva's dying to know the effects of her little plan so asks Stella whether she went to the nativity. Stella didn't.

In the back room, Tyrone tries to persuade Maria she didn't see anything. She doesn't want him to insult her intelligence so he tells her the plan to hang on to Ruby by marrying Kirsty. He apologises for making everyone think she was a liar but says he was scared. He's still scared. Tina thinks he should take Kirsty to court, not take her up the aisle. Tyrone explains that if Kirsty gets wind of any plan to go for custody, she'd take Ruby away before he could do it. "I would never see my baby again."

Beth, Kirk and Craig are all on Maxine's bench now. Beth thinks someone is watching over her. Kirk tries to dissuade them from thinking Christmas at Maria's will be a good thing. He says their telly's on the blink and Marcus's cooking is too fancy. Before he can make Beth angry, Maria comes out and invites them all to stay for Christmas but no longer.

Tina has summoned Fiz to her flat by text message. Tyrone is there. Tina hands Fiz the key to her flat. It's so she and Tyrone have somewhere to go to be alone - after all, Tina's out at work most of the day. Tyrone is tearfully grateful. Tina goes back to work and Tyrone and Fiz kiss.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Chris Fewtrell, Carmel Morgan directed by Griff Rowland

Nick chats to David about the upcoming stag night at which Kylie will be serving. David is cold in his attitude towards her. David discusses who will be invited and Nick forbids any strippers or offensive tshirts. David notices that Leanne has not been speaking to Nick after the debacle that was the school Nativity. Nick assures her he'll sort it.

At home, Gail and Kylie are talking and Gail is trying to get Kylie to talk to David and find some middle ground. She's determined not to be the one to make the first move. Gail points out that Max is going to be the one to suffer.

Back at the Bistro, Leanne is still barely wordless to Nick aside from words about the men's bog. She expects him to apologize to Peter. He backs down and agrees to apologize for her sake. He just wants her to be happy. She finally smiles when he tells her he's booked a two week honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Sean is tickled pink that Violet is letting Dylan come to stay for Christmas. Kirsty asks Rob if they're going to be off early as it's Christmas. He doesn't seem included but the rest of the staff protest. They usually have a party with drinks from the owner. Rob points out he's not the owner. Yet, as some of them remind him. Even Michelle is calling him Scrooge until he finally backs down. (Sheesh, even Mike Baldwin wasn't as much of a hard case!)

Deirdre examines Ken's tie which has a stain on it. She's criticizing him for how old they are but he reckons a good silk tie doesn't go out of fashion but why should he wear one for Christmas dinner in his own home anyway? Well you've got to make the effort. Nick and Leanne arrive so Nick can apologize which he does, saying he's sick of apologizing. Leanne allows Peter to keep Simon while they're on honeymoon. Peter is pleased at that and shakes Nick's hand. It doesn't escape Leanne's notice that Peter's still wearing his wedding band. Peter wishes her good luck for tomorrow, using his best smile and showing his dimples.

In the cafe, Roy and Fiz are busy and hoping to close up. Fiz ascertains that he will be quite happy on his own for Christmas. Fiz takes a text from Ty and they've arranged to meet that evening.

Kirsty comes home with another load of Christmas shopping, some wine and a cd and wants them to be in on their own to wrap Ruby's gifts. Tyrone makes an excuse. He's promised to go see Connie who's missing Jack. Kirsty buys the lie.

In the Bistro, Kylie thinks Gail might have been right. She kept David's present and doesn't want to lose him. Gail is off to the hen do just as the stags including David arrive so she warns Nick not to drink too much. Rob is there and gets an off the cuff invite. Gail encourages David to talk to Kylie but he's not planning to.

Down in Number 1, Peter helps Ken pump the air into a football for Simon. Ken tells Peter that he and his brother were very different and loved different types of pressies. The conversation turns to Ken's regrets, not seeing his oldest children grow up. Peter assures him he's there to stay for Simon in spite of being single again. He really blew it with Leanne, he had the family he always wanted and look what he did to it. Ken points out that Leanne is his past and that's where it has to stay.

Marcus tells Maria that his parents are going to make the 4 hour drive from Dorking on Christmas Day to meet her. Maria is dismayed to hear from Beth that Darryl has a pet rat. In the back, Stella warns Eva to behave around Leanne at the hen do. Eva then tells Tina not to be stingy with the booze for Leanne's drinks that night. In the bar, Ryan has helped Sophie with her shopping and he remarks on the expensive gift she bought for Jenna. He is suspicious of her motives, you can tell, but she says it's just a thank you gift. The hen kitty ended up pooling their money with the factory party. Leanne, necking double tequilas and sporting a veil, had no problem with that, well into her cups already. Eva makes snarky remarks but nobody takes any notice.

After a break, things are getting rather raucous. The hens are heading out to a club and were already well into drunk and ugly. Peter noticed, too and said nothing when Leanne made eye contact. Deirdre declined to go with them and Stella tried to get Leanne to stay home as she was drunk already but Leanne, with a pointed look in Peter's direction, plans to go out and have a good time. Deirdre notices that Peter seems a bit quiet.

The stags are talking about loves lost. David makes a few pointed remarks knowing Kylie was behind him. Lloyd decides war stories have no place at a stag party, presents them with a half dozen eggs, for a game of roulette. The game is played thusly: All but one are hard boiled and each of them must bash the egg against his forehead. Loser, obviously, gets splattered. Rob, Dev, Lewis and David have a go. David gets splattered. Ick! He has to drink a horrible looking green drink.

Marcus and Maria head home. He's been quiet and tells her that there's something up about his parents' visit. He thinks his parents are only taking an interest because she's a woman and not a partner of his usual gender of choice. They notice a cab arrive and it's Sean coming with Dylan from the train station. Marcus is surprised as he had no idea but when he goes over to see them, Sean pulls away and tells Marcus that Dylan is none of his business anymore. You can see that breaks Marcus' heart.

In a loud club, things are loud and drunk. Eva continues to buy Leanne double drinks while Stella continues to try to talk Leanne into leaving, to no avail. Leanne bounces onto the dance floor while Stella worries.

Jenna comes into the pub to see Mandy. Sophie gives Jenna the gift and insists she take it. Jenna is unsure whether it's professional but Sophie says it' isn't much, just to say thanks so Jenna takes it with a thank you.

Tyrone waits for Fiz who finally arrives, Hope being a bit fractious. They kiss and cuddle and he says he's got an hour or so. He has a bottle of wine. Fiz warns him not to use that excuse (Connie) too often.

Back to the club where Leanne is getting into a scrap with a tattooed woman and they have to be pulled apart. Stella tells her to go home but that's sparked off Leanne's bitterness and anger and she lashes out at both Stella and Eva and says some nasty things to Stella, digging the knife in over abandoning her when she was a baby. Gail tries to intervene and gets the sharp end of Leanne's tongue for that as well. Leanne leaves the bar and adjusts her veil but she catches a look at herself in a shop window and realizes what a mess she's in.

Nick tells the lads how much he's loved Leanne since he was a kid. Lewis leaves and Lloyd thinks everything is getting a bit airy fairy, where are the strippers, Rob hollers. David, quite drunk by now, calls over to Kylie to get her kit off and he totally humiliates her in front of everyone, calling up her past as a stripper and cage dancer. He's really horrible no matter that Nick tries to stop him. She smacks him hard but he just laughs. All the lads are suddenly quiet and embarrassed to be in the middle of a domestic. Kylie storms out to the back in tears.

Leanne get out of a cab, or falls out. Peter is right there, coincidentally. He wants to get her inside and get coffee into her. He wants to talk to her before it's too late.

What about, I wonder?

Stay tuned and find out.
Tvor

Written by Chris Fewtrell and Carmel Morgan and directed by Griff Rowland

Leanne weaves her way into the Rovers with Peter in hot pursuit. Mandy is reluctant to allow him past the bar but Leanne's too drunk to care and allows him to go through to the back. Nearby, Ryan has picked up on the fact that Sophie is going all gooey-eyed over Jenna. She tries to deny it but Ryan knows as well as the rest of us that she fancies her rotten. Meanwhile, Jenna is disappointed to learn from her mother that she'll be spending Christmas day catering for the wedding in the Rovers rather than having a family lunch at home with Lloyd

In the Bistro Nick is telling David that he's out of control and needs to go back to the flat. But David is still drunk and is showing no remorse for the horrible things he said. Kylie tells him she hates him and Nick declares she's far too good for him. He packs David off home and then looks pityingly at Kylie who is devastated by David's behaviour.

The hen party is staggering home up the street, minus the bride-to-be. Eva suggests Gail should ring Nick to tell him about Leanne going AWOL but Gail says why spoil his night and Stella declares that plenty of hens get in a state and this time tomorrow they'll be man and wife. Eva looks like she's about to throw up at the mere thought.

In the back room at the Rovers, Peter has made Leanne a coffee and remembers just the way she likes it. "Look at the state of you," he says and asks Leanne what's going on. She claims it's the drink and Peter tells her she's a very quiet drunk. "And you were a very boring one," she replies. Leanne is smoking a cigarette. Peter takes it from her, stubs it out and then notices her dress is torn. She tells him she got into a fight with "some mad larey cow". He laughs and says "Battersby by name ...". Leanne reminds him it's going to be Tilsley tomorrow. Peter responds that there are women on death row who look happier than her. He asks Leanne what the hell she's doing and she shoves the ashtray away angrily.

Fiz is admiring the necklace with Tyrone has given her for Christmas. He tells her he found it in an antiques shop and he thinks it's quirky, just like her. He saw it gleaming in the window and says it reminded him of her hair. Fiz laughs and asks if he's swallowed a romance novel. Fiz's gift to Ty isn't as romantic but he's thrilled nonetheless. It's a pay-as-you go mobile phone. She's topped it up with credit because she knows Kirsty checks his bills and this way he can phone her without fear of being caught. Well, that's the theory, at any rate. Fiz tells Ty that she's also transferred the photos of his injuries onto it because she couldn't bear having them on her phone. Ty hugs Fiz and tells her that this time next year they'll be a proper family. "You, me and our girls," he says.

At Maria's, Marcus is wrapping Christmas presents while Maria is seeking reassurance from Craig that his pet rat Darryl's cage is locked. Maria says rats aren't really her thing but Marcus thinks he could be useful - one mention of him to his parents and they'll be back down the M6 before you can say 'mince pie, ducky?'. Then Marcus tells Maria he feels really bad: Dylan is over the road and he hasn't even got him a present. No problem, says Maria, Liam's got loads of presents so she tells Marcus he can give Dylan one of his. Maria asks Marcus if it was really weird seeing him again and Marcus says it just threw him a bit, being totally in the dark and having no right to know what he's been up to. He says he felt a massive surge of love, then adds that he meant for Dylan, not Sean. Marcus tells Maria that he feels happy and complete in every way. He says that if she'd told him a year ago that he'd be in love with a female of the species he would have laughed for a week. Wouldn't we all?

Over at the Rovers, Leanne is trying to see Peter out. "Like I need relationship advice from you," she says. Peter tells her that she looks like someone doing an impersonation of being happy. Leanne sneers that he's so deep, so west coast but Peter claims he's just trying to be supportive. He thinks the fact that she's so defensive says it all. "Feeling lonely, are we?" asks Leanne. "'Cause Carla chose the LA sunshine over a two room bookie's flat." Peter says he chose Simon and yes, he feels a bit lonely but he doesn't have a problem admitting it. He points out that she's lonely and in a relationship which is the worst kind of lonely. Peter tells Leanne she was his lover, his best friend and he knows what makes her tick. She replies that she loved Nick long before she wasted three years loving him. Peter tells Leanne that marrying "Bistro boy" is going to be the biggest mistake of her life. Leanne looks at Peter, swallows and then closes the door behind her, with both of them still in the room together ...

Out in the bar Mandy tells Tina that she's texted Stella to let her know Leanne's back. Tina goes over to give David a large glass of water. He'd rather have a beer but Tina reminds him he's due to be best man in 15 hours and he'll need to smile wide and lay on the charm with a trowel. David thinks he's gone off the idea of marriage so Tina tells him to get real and says that Kylie's the love of his life and he's in danger of blowing it.

Over by the door, Jenna and Sophie quite literally bump into each other. Sophie takes the opportunity to suggest that if Jenna's at a loose end tomorrow she should go over to their house and stuff herself stupid. Jenna says she'll be stuffing herself stupid in the Rovers so Sophie says in that case she might call in there around 3 o'clock ... in time to hear the Queen's speech, she adds hastily. Sophie goes and joins Ryan who teases her about turning beetroot red; Sophie responds by looking coy.

Fiz and Ty are having a romantic cuddle by the Christmas tree in Tina's flat. Reluctantly it's time to go so Fiz drills Ty about returning home from the right direction to make it look as though he's come from seeing Connie. She tells him to wait outside for ten minutes so he's suitably chilly when he arrives back and goes over the fictitious events at Connie's, concocting a story about how Connie's down in the dumps and kept Ty longer than he'd planned. Ty says he's beginning to feel guilty and thinks he might have to go and see Connie for real at this rate. Fiz's final instruction to Ty is to keep the phone hidden and on silent. Ty says he actually feels a bit sorry for Kirsty because she's genuinely excited about the wedding and believes it's a fresh start. Fiz wants to know what Ty believes. He says he thinks she means it ... like she did the last time and the time before that. He says she's out of control and a danger to Ruby. "Just hold that thought," says Fiz, giving him one last hug.

In the Bistro everyone apart from Nick seems to be enjoying the stag night. Lloyd thinks the venue isn't helping because it's like a busman's holiday. Nick apologises for being disappointingly sober. He excuses himself and goes over to ask Kylie how she's doing. She says she can't stop crying and Nick replies that he's not making excuses for David but it was the drink talking but Kylie thinks David always says what he means when he's tanked up. Nick tries again: he tells Kylie that David's painted himself into a corner and he adores her. He adds that someone's got to be the bigger person here and it's not going to be David. Kylie asks if she can go off early and promises to make up the time when Nick's away. "Good luck," calls Nick as she leaves.

We return to Leanne and Peter. She's angry and telling him he smashed her heart and ripped it out and then she berates him for having the gall to call "honourable, kind Nick" a mistake. She asks Peter if he's on medication or something and he says he's very clear headed and squeaky clean. Leanne says she thinks she preferred him more when he reeked of whisky, cigarettes and sick. Peter says the bottom line is that there's no spark between Leanne and Nick but they had a spark and when they were with Simon; they were a team. Leanne wants to know what he expects her to do - cancel the wedding and live off the memory of that? Then she asks if he wants to give her and him another go. "Come on," she says. "It's Christmas - talk turkey."

Ty arrives back home to a cheerful-looking Kirsty. Ruby's asleep, she offers to get up to her in the night and says she might even make Ty breakfast in bed if he's lucky. The tactics he worked out with Fiz beforehand seem to have done the trick because Kirsty doesn't seem concerned that he took longer than planned and even notices he's chilly. She tells Ty that she thinks 2013 is going to be their year. She says she's a lucky woman and tells Ty she loves him. "I love you too," he replies, looking wistful as she gives him a hug.

Leanne has calmed down and Peter, who is now sitting next to her on the sofa, suggests that maybe they could start again. He tells her that when they were at the ice rink the other day it hit him, what he had lost. And then he went back to the flat where there were so many memories. "Yeah, Carla's face cream in the bathroom cabinet, her size nines under the table," says Leanne. "I'm talking about us," says Peter. Leanne reminds him about the slanging matches and arguments. "Oh how we laughed all the way to A and E," she adds. But Peter starts to remind her of the good times they had together and Leanne begins to look dewy-eyed. "You're moving on, but are you moving forwards?" asks Peter.

Tina is walking up the street with David and trying to talk some sense into him about Kylie. He reminds her about the crowbar incident but Tina tells him that's water under the bridge. As they reach Gail's front door we see Kylie watching from the window. Tina gives David a hug and tells him to go and apologise. "Oh no!" exclaims Tina as Kylie comes storming out. She thrusts a Christmas present into his arms and then shouts that they shouldn't stop on her account. Kylie marches back into the house and David rushes in after her, saying it was just a friendly hug. He swears that Tina was just trying to talk some sense in to him and that there was nothing going on. "Not for the want of trying," yells Kylie. David says he apologises for everything, even the stuff that wasn't his fault but Kylie shouts back: "I bet you wouldn't humiliate her in front of a bunch of strangers and call her a slapper." Gail comes into the room at this point and overhears what Kylie said. "Oh David!" she sighs. David continues to apologise and says he'll do everything he can to put it right but Kylie says that every time there's a problem David goes rushing off to Tina for a one to one. Kylie carries on shouting at him and says she doesn't care anymore. She tells David that it's her advice he should be listening to and her opinion he should value. As Kylie rushes upstairs she says it's too late and tells Gail not to let David follow her. "She's my wife," David says to Gail. "She's a human being, not an appendage," replies Gail. "I think you'd better go."

We return to Leanne and Peter. She has a glass of water in her hand. He takes it from her and tells her he misses her. "Am I allowed to say that?" he asks. "You just did," she replies. Peter asks her to look at her and, as she does so, leans in to kiss her. At the final moment Leanne pulls away. "No ... no ... I'm not falling for it," she cries. Through her tears she tells Peter that he can't bear to see her happy and then says he should get out. Just as Peter tries to kiss her for a second time the door opens and Stella walks in. "What the hell is he doing here?" she demands. Peter says that for what it's worth he just wants Leanne to be happy. "If it's Nick you want ..." he begins. "Yeah, it is," cries Leanne. Peter finally walks out and Leanne begins to sob.

Over at Eileen's she tells Sean he has a visitor: Marcus has arrived, hoping to see Dylan. But Sean has the upper hand and he knows it. He's extremely sarky and there's no way he's going to let Marcus get what he wants. Marcus says he just wants to give Dylan the present he's holding but Sean replies that he doesn't want anything off him thank you very much. Eileen stands by looking awkward. Marcus can't believe Sean would deny his son a present purely to spite him. "Yup!" declares Sean. Eileen tells him he's better than that. "I'm so not," says Sean and then asks Marcus if he'd like a suggestion as to where he can stick his present. Marcus asks Eileen if she can give Dylan a kiss from his uncle Marcus and Sean tells him he's stripped him of his title of uncle. Eileen takes Marcus out into the hall, wishes him a good Christmas and promises to make sure Dylan gets the present. "Love to Maria!" Sean calls out sarcastically from the other room.

As Marcus walks into the street it's begun to snow. Peter passes him the other way and then we see Fiz admiring the scene from her window. She turns away to put presents into Hope's stocking and then her phone beeps. It's a message from Tyrone which reads: All i want for Christmas is you xxx.

Back at the Rovers Stella has made Leanne a hot chocolate. She tells her daughter she could kill Peter, he's so selfish. Leanne says she loves Nick and Stella says she knows she does. She lists all his qualities and says she's marrying a man who cherishes her. Stella says that whatever Peter says it's all smoke and mirrors. She adds that he's off the sauce, he's bored, he's jealous and he's just meddling. Leanne apologises for laying into Stella who replies that she missed her stroppy teenage years to it's payback time. Leanne says that ever since she's been in her life Stella has stepped up and she doesn't know what she'd do without her. Stella replies that she's just glad she came back before Peter tried to kiss her ... or worse. Leanne confesses that she didn't kiss Peter but she really wanted to. Stella tells Leanne that he just caught her when she was vulnerable but Leanne replies that she's never wanted to kiss someone so much in her whole, stupid life. Stella says well done for resisting him and that she didn't kiss Peter which is the important bit. Leanne sobs that she can't do it, she can't marry Nick. "How can I?" she asks. "When I long for Peter; when I ache for Peter."

Meanwhile, Peter is looking out of his flat window at the snow falling. His doorbell rings and he rushes to answer it. "I had a feeling it might be you!" he declares as he opens the door. But as the woman outside turns towards him he sees that it's not Leanne at all but Carla who has arrived on his doorstep ...

"I've travelled five thousand miles to see that mush. I can't tell you how much I've missed it," she says. Peter looks at her in total shock as Carla flings her arms around him and wishes him a happy Christmas.

Karen

Hello, good evening and Merry Christmas. What were you doing for Christmas? Following a very difficult December I was mainly sleeping! and using a hot tub, and eating, and drinking and making cocktails and sleeping. We probably had the quietest Christmas on record - but we needed the rest. There are probably some residents of Weatherfield who would have appreciated a quieter day than the one they got! So with thanks to Jan McVerry for writing this hour long episode and to Griff Rowland for directing we also thank ITV Productions who own the copyright.

With snow on the cobbles Nick is keeping an eye on Max who is riding a bike around - quite a feat given that I took a long time to become stable on my first bike - and he has not stabilisers. Kylie comes out to thank him. Simon has a new ball which is kicked around in the Street.

Inside the Rovers Leanne has a terrible hangover and feels awful. Gail comes in and makes her peace with Leanne - she brings a tiara from Nick - last time they married it was a plastic tiara, this time it is the real thing. Leanne claims it was just nerves and she is going to marry Nick - he may not be her ultimate love but he will move heaven and earth to make her happy.

Fiz is drinking a sup of tea and eating a biscuit. Her mobile goes - a text message from Ty. Along the Street Ty wants to take off his Christmas present - a sweater because he is sweating.

At Gail's David arrives and promises Kylie he is staying off the booze for the entire day, even when they toast the married couple. He assures Kylie there is nothing going on with Tina - he loves her. Gail comes downstairs and wishes him a happy birthday. Kylie reckons he should have been drowned at birth. Kylie and David agree to play happy families for the day.

At the Barlows Leanne is visiting - Simon has been given a guitar. Tracy wanted a Mulberry handbag but she only got a selection box - which Dreary thought she really wanted! There has been no sight of Peter - it is believed he is keeping a low profile. Deirdre wants to know about the dress but Leanne is giving nothing away.

In the back room of the Rovers Stella and Eva have huge rollers in their hair. Leanne eventually arrives for Maria to do the business.

Team Tilsley are taking Nick to the hotel.

Marcus greets his parents who have come from Dorking - allegedly a four hour drive. Craig is preparing to DJ the day and Beth appears wondering why lunch is so late! They mistake her for Maria - but she is busy at the moment. Liam also appears to meet Janet and Ron.

At the hotel a string quartet is playing and the place is looking wonderful. Gail is smarming up to Lewis and gains Audrey's disapproval. Rita's taxi has gone missing (I think she was late arriving at another wedding - has she been kidnapped again?).

Back on the Street the female group is finally ready and climb into the car with Eva still sniping at Leanne, who has a very worried look on her face as Eva recalls a dream she had once of marrying Nick. They have driven fifty yards when Leanne insists the car stops and she rushes across the cobbles to the flat above the bookies, rings the doorbell for ages until Peter opens it and then she pushes past and upstairs as she does not want to do it on the doorstep. Once upstairs she starts giving Peter a piece of her mind - he looks like the Peter who broke her heart but he looks like someone different. He is trying to get her to clam down and is refusing to acknowledge her entreaties especially when if he is offering a family life again she will take the wedding dress on there and then. "Oh but that ship has sailed" says Carla as she appears from the bedroom behind Leanne. Leanne turns and can hardly believe her own eyes.

A few meerkats later it is time for part 2.

Leanne wants to know when Carla arrived - late last night. Peter accuses Leanne of causing trouble. Carla reckons Leanne is troubled. Carla also tells Peter not to run after Leanne - but he does. Leanne tells Peter that one day someone will pay him back. Leanne, Stella and Eva get back in the car and Leanne tells them that Carla is back. Eva immediately guesses that Leanne was hedging her bets on her wedding day - but with Carla back there is no going back. Leanne tells the driver to head for the wedding. It is all back on again. Confused? I think we all are. Oh and Peter has absolutely no qualms or conscience it appears! The driver is told to get a move on!

Carla wants to know when she was going to be told. Peter tries to play it down and he admits to going round to see Leanne to tell her that it was wrong to marry Nick. Carla remembers the shock of Peter the previous evening - he had been expecting Leanne. Carla wants to know if Peter wants her or Leanne - he assures Carla that they are for keeps.

Maria returns to the flat to meet Ron and Janet. Instantly Maria sets about charming the in-laws. It is time for lunch and the glasses are charged.

Rita and Dennis arrive before the bride - just. However Nick and David are starting to come up with excuses for Leanne not being there - probably broken a nail.

At the Dobbs residence the turkey has been cooked until black (and just how likely is that? The kitchen is in the same room - I am sure someone would have noticed something). Kirsty apparently put it on grill rather than roast so the top is burnt to smithereens and the bottom is still cold! She goes off on one shouting and hitting the smoke alarm to shut it up. In the background Kirsty MacColl and the Pogues are singing "A Fairytale of New York". Ty tries to make the best of it saying he would be happy with pigs in blankets.

The registrar has another wedding and wants to know where the bride is. Even Nick is starting to think he cannot do enough - when the door opens and a vision in white attended by Stella and Eva with the ugliest contortion on her face as she loses her man.

Back on the Street Rob and Michelle are surprised by Carla emerging from the flat. She rushes over to wish them a Merry Christmas. Carla tells them she is back for good. She wants to know if they have seen the valuation - her business is worth next to nothing. Carla and Peter depart and Michelle and Rob bicker - he reckons he merely needs to slip into the factory and put the figures right and all will be well and Carla none the wiser. But will Michelle go along with the deception?

At the Barlows lunch is being eaten. Peter will be wearing his dinner it is so late - he is an hour late. Anyway he has brought his own Christmas cracker and Carla takes off her coat to show a rather nice red dress. And the two join the table for lunch.

And the wedding is getting underway - although Stella tells Eva to wipe that grimace off her face. And so does anyone know why Nick and Leanne should not be married? No in which case the registrar asks Nick and Leanne if either of them have any reason not to be married. Eva cracks and asks pointedly and loudly if Leanne is going to tell him why she was late? Stella tells her to be quiet. Leanne suggests that the champagne breakfast is doing the talking. But Eva wants her say - she tells Nick that Leanne stopped off to see Peter urgently. Apparently things got intense. She offered Peter first refusal - but Peter declined the offer, that's the way Eva sees it!

And a couple more meerkats later it is time for part 3.

The guests are ushered out and Leanne and Nick argue. Outside Gail tries to listen whilst Kylie and David argue as well. Gail and Audrey start arguing. Stella gives Eva a piece of her mind and they argue as well. Eva does not want Nick to feel second best. Leanne tries to convince Nick he is the one - until he finds out that Carla is back on the scene and in Peter's bed. Nick tells Leanne that he is not humiliating him - the wedding is off.

Now Eva and Leanne bicker. Stella does not let Eva back into the bridal car.

At Maria's the grand parents are talking about Liam's eventual school. Ron and Janet invite them to stay in Dorking. Marcus feels he is only fit to be shown off in Dorking now that he is straight!

Gail and Kylie reckon Nick will soon bounce back as they console him at the hotel bar. Norris is worried about what will happen to his bale of towels. Nick decides to stay at the hotel - he has a honeymoon suite booked and he can eat the chocolates on the pillow.

Rita and Dennis bring Simon back and report on the non-existent wedding. Carla appears and Simon reckons it is all her fault.

Owen has booked some woodland lodges for a break over the weekend for everyone.

Stella suggests a brandy - unlikely to make Leanne feel better but it will help Stella. Jenna is wearing the bracelet and Sophie is pleased to see it. Leanne rushes through the bar and David calls her a runaway bride. She bangs on the Barlow door and starts abusing Peter. She calls him sick and a cancer - eventually Jason pulls her off. Peter claims that for once it is not his fault. (Some of us might just disagree with that).

More meerkats before part 4. On the Street Marcus is hiding from his family, Sean stops by and sits down to give him some comfort. They go back to Eileen's so that Marcus can unwind - he will go - but he needs to get his head straight. Sean offers Marcus a day with his son and Marcus is pleased.

David and Kylie bicker in the Rovers and she tries to defend Nick - but David refuses to do so and she tells him that he cannot love anyone and what he said killed something in her and she is out.

Ty sees Fiz across the Rovers and she immediately leaves so as to avoid Ty and Kirsty.

Jenna sends Sophie home and Jenna offers Kevin a pint - a signal which could be misinterpreted.

Marcus returns and helps his father with the washing up. Marcus wants to know why it has taken them so long. His parents are pleased that he is settled and happy. He wanted them interested in his life and feels it is only wrong now that he is "straight". His mother tells him that they tries - but they felt shut out. His parents emphasize that they love him and are proud of them and they all want to keep talking. Maria is the hostest with mostest and Marcus laughs and accepts an invitation to Dorking.

Kylie finds Nick in the hotel bar and she tells him she is hiding out from her dead in the water marriage so they should compare notes. Kylie tells him that he she might have been egging Eva on - tells him the story of the proposal and Eva was just using her - including the hoax Christmas party. Nick says she cannot go - but the bar is closed. Nick invites Kylie to share the champagne in the honeymoon suite.

Tracy arrives in the Rovers and asks David for the background. Eva arrives - disapproving stares from the entire bar and she goes into the back room and starts arguing with Leanne. Eva then argues with Stella. Stella smacks her across the face and tells her to get out. Jason moves to re-assure Stella.

In the bar Rob has not fixed the figures - but he promises to do it early the following morning.

Kevin is praising Jenna and then moves into give her a kiss. Not what Jenna who calls him a desperado and leaves.

Eva is on the phone leaving Nick a message - but unlikely to be heard.

Kylie and Nick are drinking. She thanks him for sticking up for her. She is talking about going but he says he would be lost without her, turns on the puppy dog eyes and then they are snogging each other's faces off.

And that was Christmas on the Street.

See you soon.
K Richard W

Nick and Kylie wake up in the hotel bed, and stare at each other with horror, as a mobile phone begins to ring.

Back at the Platt's, David tells Gail he's left three messages now, Kylie's just not answering. Gail thinks she's probably cooling off at a mate's right now, she'll be back later, she has to for Max. David is worried that she'll come back, grab Max and her stuff, and leave for good. Gail says the one she's worried about is Nick. David can't see why, they knew he was going to stay in the honeymoon suite at the hotel. Gail wonders why he isn't answering his phone, and thinks he may have done something stupid.

Back in the hotel room, Nick and Kylie decide that no one must ever find out about their night together. Kylie wonders what she's going to do now, and reckons she can't go back to David, their marriage is over, they just go from one mess to another. Nick tells her that although David has got some growing up to do, he worships the ground she walks on. She asks him if he's going to go back to Leanne, but he tells her no, it's over.

In the back room at the pub, Leanne is torturing herself. She completely messed up, she should have known better. Stella thinks maybe it's for the best, she tells her to take it easy today and she'll look after her. Just then Eva walks in. "Oh no," groans Leanne. Eva points out that she does live there. Leanne asks why she said what she did. Eva says she was doing what was best for Leanne. Leanne, however, is of the opinion that Eva just couldn't bear to see her and Nick happy. Eva says that as she gave Peter a last minute availability check, she obviously didn't love Nick, she saved Leanne from a lifetime of regret. Leanne walks off and Eva sits down in front of a glaring Stella. "What's with the cold shoulder? Are you going to chuck me out for good, or what?" she asks her mother. "Don't tempt me," snaps Stella.

Gail and David arrive at the hotel and Gail explains to the receptionist that she's worried about Nick and asks if they can go up to his room and check he's ok. There then follows a rather confused conversation about identity and names - none of them have the same surname - and in the end the receptionist says she'll have a word with the manager.

In the office at Underworld, Rob is working at the computer, obviously changing the figures back to show the truth. Carla comes in, so he shuts the laptop quickly. He tells her he was just transferring details from the old diary to the new one, and makes a hasty departure.

In Nick's hotel room, Kylie is just about to leave when there's a knock on the door and Gail and David call out that they've come to see if he's ok. Hurriedly, Kylie rushes into the bathroom and Nick opens the door. Gail explains that they've just come because he wasn't answering his phone and they were concerned that he was ok. Nick snaps that he hasn't felt very sociable for the last few hours. David asks if he's heard from Kylie, and Nick says he hasn't. David explains how he was angry and said things he didn't mean, and from her refuge in the bathroom, Kylie hears it all.

Kirsty has gone to see her cousin for the day, so Ty and Fiz have an assignation in Tina's flat. She tells him that their Christmas was ok, but they were all cold because the boiler is playing up again. Tyrone says he'll come and have another look at it.

Carla is with Peter in the Rovers. She tells him how she found Rob in the office earlier on, and is sure there's something fishy going on. Just then Rob comes in, and Peter goes off outside for a cigarette. Rob sits down and asks if Carla found anything wrong with the accounts, and she says she didn't find anything, so can't understand the low valuation. He then asks if she is sure she's doing the right thing, getting back with Peter, as he was sniffing round Leanne when she was gone. She assures him that she knows what she's doing.

As Peter stands outside the Rovers, smoking, Nick drives past in his car and pulls up outside Gail's. Leanne is standing there, and tells him she made the biggest mistake of her life yesterday. She begs him to reconsider. He points over to Peter and tells her that he's the man she should be begging - the real love of her life. As they stand there squabbling, Eva comes along. Nick then has a go at her, and tells her he knows all about her plan to split him and Leanne up, that Kylie told him about the hoax booking on the night of the nativity. "Sorry I didn't return your phone calls last night, offering me a shoulder to cry on," he says. Leanne is horrified. "You bitch!" she gasps. Saying he's got a life to put back together, Nick walks off.

Gail and David are back home, and Max is asking when Mummy is coming back. (What did they do with Max when they went charging off to the hotel, I wonder?) Just then Nick walks in, closely followed by Kylie. Nick goes off to work, and Gail takes Max out to give David and Kylie some space to have a chat. They apologise to each other, and then make up with hugs.

Tyrone is round at Fiz's, and has fixed the boiler. He says he's going to miss her as they are all going off to the lakes for a short holiday, but assures her that he has his secret phone so they can keep in touch. They are just kissing each other goodbye when Chesney comes in the front door. Tyrone rushes out of the back. Chesney comments on how warm it is, and Fiz says she got someone in to fix it. She brushes aside any more questions and they go off to the pub.

Jenna goes to see Sophie and Sally and tells them that Kevin made a pass at her. They are horrified, and Sally apologises. Jenna explains that because of the situation, she is forced to pass Sophie's care on to one of her colleagues. Sophie is very upset at this news, and Sally begs her to make an exception. Jenna won't be moved.

The Platt family, with Audrey and Nick, are sitting in the bistro. The phone is ringing so Gail gets up to answer it. Nick offers David and Kylie the tickets for two weeks in St. Lucia, now that he and Leanne aren't going, but they decline. Gail comes back to the table saying that it was the hotel on the phone. Apparently Nick's 'guest' left an earring in the room. Kylie looks very uncomfortable.

Sally and Sophie spot Kevin in the Street and rush over, angry about what Jenna has told them. He says he had a few drinks and got the signals wrong, it won't happen again. Sally says it's not that simple, he has now compromised the therapist/patient relationship, and now Sophie has to see someone else. Kevin says he'll go and talk to her, and Sophie says she's going with him.

Nick comes back to the table after his phone call, to Gail sniffily giving him the third degree about who 'she' was. Nick says that it was just someone he picked up in the bar. He points out that yesterday Gail thought he might top himself, and if it hadn't been for this girl, he might well have done. Kylie then jumps up and says she's not feeling well and is going home to lie down. She hurries out.

Kevin and Sophie have arrived at Lloyd's to see Jenna, to ask her to reconsider. Jenna says she won't change her mind. Sophie turns to leave and trips over, falling to the floor.

Nick sees Kylie outside. She tells him she can't handle it, the guilt, the way David trusts her. Nick tells her she's got to, but she has to keep calm and quiet. In a week's time it will be like it never happened.

Jenna and Kevin get Sophie to her feet. She seems to be moving ok, although a bit sore, but Jenna still won't be moved into changing her mind.

Kylie is back at home, on the phone to her sister, Becky. She tells her she has to leave David and wants to come over to see her. The sooner the better, how about Friday?

Anne Logan

Written by: Martin Allen
Directed by: Griff Rowland

Kylie is on the telephone, and is obviously not wanting David to know about it, because she hurriedly hangs up when she hears him coming downstairs. Everything seems to be OK in David's world, and he is asking her what they should do for New Years Eve. She answers him, but is quite subdued, she tells him she doesn't know yet if she is working or not. He replies that if she's not, she should decide what they should do, he tells her he owes her that much after the way he has treated her in the last couple of weeks.

He goes on to say that he doesn't really mind what they do as long as they are together. He asks for confirmation that they are OK now, and he is forgiven. She gives it to him, but is still strangely quiet.

Kevin is visiting No. 4, and asks Sophie if she would like a lift to the hospital. She is still furious with him, and tells him she would rather walk and cause permanent damage to her spine than accept a lift from him. He apologises again for propositioning Jenna, and tries even more groveling, but she is having none of it. However, it's hard to say if she is upset because she has lost her physiotherapist, or because he did something she wanted to do with Jenna herself. Her parents both try to assure her there are other Physiotherapists at the hospital, but Sophie will not be placated, she wants that one!

Fiz is laying on the sofa, not feeling too well. However, she sends a text to Tyrone telling him she will be thinking of him every moment she is away. Chesney comes downstairs, he's not feeling great either. They both have splitting headaches, and Fiz can't understand why she would have a hangover, having hardly drunk anything. She figures she is coming down with flu, but Chesney's theory is that the beer in the Rovers is no good, and blames Stella. Fiz receives a text from Tyrone, telling her he will be thinking of her too, and of course Ches wants to know who her text is from. She lies that it's from her phone company, telling her she has some free texts on New Years Eve.

Sally is at the hospital, and is asking Jenna if she can have a word with her. Not exactly pleased to see her, Jenna reluctantly agrees.

Kylie is writing David's name on the outside of an envelope, but has to hide it when Gail comes back, having forgotten her shopping list. She asks Kylie if there is anything in particular she would like her to pick up at Freshco's. Kylie quickly wipes away the tears in her eyes, and tells her there isn't. Gail decides she will make Max's favourite macaroni cheese for dinner, and is just leaving when Kylie calls her back. She thanks her for everything, and tells her she is a fantastic grandmother. Gail is a bit puzzled, and remarks that making macaroni cheese is hardly up there with donating a kidney. Kylie goes on to tell her she has been so good to her, and she doesn't deserve it. Gail contradicts her, saying she think she does, and is very pleased that they have decided to make a go of their marriage.

As soon as Gail's back is turned however, Kylie starts to cry again. She tells Max that they are off to see Auntie Becky and have to get packed. He asks if David is coming too, and is told that he's not, in fact it's their little secret.

Sally is busy fighting Sophie's corner, trying her hardest to get Jenna back on her case. Jenna is reluctant, but Sally quite rightly points out that it's not Sophie's fault that she has a drunken oaf for a father. She pleads that Sophie has come such a long way under her care, and begs her to continue.

Nick bumps into Leanne coming out of the corner shop. Bitterly he tells her he has packed up her stuff into boxes, and tells her to get it picked up by the end of the day. She asks about Simon's things, and is told to pick those up as well. Leanne tells him it will break Simon's heart, but Nick just snaps that she should have thought about that when she went to visit Peter on the way to their non-wedding.

Sophie, who is sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, is thrilled when she recognizes the voice calling her in for her appointment. It's Jenna, who tells her they should check she hasn't done any further damage to her back. If Sophie could, she would run in there quick before she gets a chance to change her mind!

Marcus bumps into Maria, and tells her that Sean has taken Dylan home as Violet is back. He is happy though because he has been told he can still get to see him, just as long as he remembers he is Sean's son, not his. He consoles himself with the fact that he has her and Liam, who are his future now.

Sophie tells Jenna she is surprised that she could switch back her care just like that, but Jenna tells her she hadn't yet got as far as requesting her transfer when Sally came to see her. Sophie tells her she is still angry with her father, and had turned down his offer of a lift. She then asks Jenna if she would happen to be going her way. Jenna tells her straight that giving her lifts would not be a good idea, and neither is presents. Sophie asks if she has gotten her into trouble, and Jenna assures her she hasn't, but is making sure she doesn't in the future.

Kylie is just about to leave, she pulls David's note out where it will be visible, but just at that moment, Gail arrives home laden with shopping. She stops dead when she sees Kylie and the suitcases, and asks what is going on. Kylie tells her she is sorry, then calls up the stairs for Max to hurry as the taxi is there.

In the Bistro, Nick is telling his Gran all about his encounter with Leanne. She and David are commiserating with him when Gail rushes in, telling David to come quickly as he is losing his wife. He rushes over just as she is getting into the taxi. Asking where she is going, she tells him she has left him a letter explaining everything. He asks if she is leaving him, and she tells him it will never work. He pleads with her, saying he thought she had forgiven him, and she assures him she has, but doesn't deserve him. She keeps telling him it's all in the letter. Gail suggests they all sit down and talk about it, but Kylie tells her they have a plane to catch. David wants to know where they are going, and again is told it is all in the letter. She begs him to please let her go now, because he is upsetting Max. She tells Lloyd to drive on, which he does, with David running alongside begging her to stay, telling her he can't live without her. She doesn't look at him, she couldn't see him anyway, there are too many tears in her eyes to see anything.

David is reading Kylie's letter to Gail, Audrey and Nick. He reads that she has gone to live with Becky because every time they row, she feels she can't hack relationships, that she feels she is not worthy of him, and that he would be better off with someone else who can give him the family he wants. David's heart is broken, and he sobs that he just doesn't get it, he thought they were so happy this morning. Gail tries consoling him by telling him she was always a damaged girl. He stares coldly at Gail, and says "We're all damaged!" Audrey interrupts by telling him that some people have the damage so ingrained that they can never feel good about themselves. David is not buying this, he tells them that it just doesn't add up. Nick looks uncomfortable, and shifts from one foot the another.

Gail tells David about the conversation she had this morning with Kylie, how she had told her how good she had been to her and Max, and says she knows now that it was her way of saying goodbye. This reminded David that she had kissed him this morning so unexpectedly, and now he knew that it was because she was never going to do it again.

He jumps up, saying he has to go after her. Everyone tries to stop him, saying it's not a good idea. However, he snatches the letter back from Gail and heads off out the door.

Over in No. 6, Chesney and Fiz and talking to Anna about their upcoming holiday. Fiz is still feeling absolutely horrible, and Ches suggests she should maybe stay home and rest rather than go gadding about the countryside. Anna agrees, saying they will take Hope, so she can have a proper rest. This sounds like quite a good idea to Fiz, all she wants is her bed.

Gail and Audrey are doing an autopsy on David & Kylie's relationship. Audrey is saying she is not too surprised, as it had been on and off ever since they met. Gail is of the opinion however that they seemed to be getting things onto the right track, and is very surprised it kicked off when it did. She calls Nick over, and asks him to speak to David, as he is taking it so badly. Nick replies that he really doesn't know what to say to him, that she has gone to Barbados, and maybe David is just going to have to accept it. Audrey is still of the opinion that he could still speak to him, but he is adamant that David is just going to have to get on with it, after all, he too has just been jilted, and nobody can cheer him up either.

Tyrone is sneaking into No. 5, however Fiz tells him not to come close to her in case she is contagious. He admits he is not unhappy about the fact that she has decided not to go away, as this will mean he will see more of her, and she agrees that it is a relief to be staying. "At least you've got your heating back on", says Ty, and Fiz agrees, that is a good thing.

He suggests to Fiz that one day maybe the two of them and Ruby could go into town and have lunch. Fiz agrees, but asks how he will manage to do that with Kirsty around. He smiles and her, and tells her he will think of something.

Maria and Marcus are sitting down to a meal at home, and she is asking him if Dylan got off OK. He replies that he did, but was quite upset at leaving. She asks if he had a nice time though, and is told he had a lovely time, and only hopes he remembers it when he gets older. She then asks Marcus how he handled saying goodbye to him, and he confesses that once he was out of sight, he had a little blub. Maria reassures him that he will see him again though, and Marcus nods, and says "Provided I don't upset Sean." Maria remarks that she can't imagine him without kids around, and asks him if he would still like to have one of his own. He admits he would one day. She goes on to say that she sometimes thinks that Liam might like to have a little brother or sister, they stop eating and stare at each other, then she blusters - "Well, generally - you know?" "Yeah yeah, generally." says Marcus.

David obviously didn't go rushing off to the airport, because he is sitting in No. 8 re-reading Kylie's letter. Gail comes in, and sits beside him. He tells her that he can't believe that it was only this morning they had been talking about what they would do New Years Eve. Gail puts her arm around him, and tells him she is so sorry, she knows how much she meant to him. "She was my life", says David. (Maybe he should have thought of that when he was calling her a stripper etc. in the Bistro in front of everyone - maybe he should have thought of that when he was pushing her into having a baby she wasn't ready for - but that's just my opinion!)

Sophie is arriving home from the hospital, and seeing Sally thanks her for speaking to Jenna. Sally is thrilled to hear that her little talk had the desired effect. Sophie hugs her, she is so happy. Ryan comes along, and offers to buy Sophie a fish & chip lunch.

In No. 9, Tyrone is getting off the phone, telling Kirsty it was Connie, who is having car trouble, and needs him to pop over to fix it. She asks a few awkward questions, but lying seems to be getting second nature to Tyrone, and they slide off his tongue with ease. He tells her he will take Ruby with him, and Connie can look after her while he fixes the car. I guess lunch with Fiz is all sorted then!

Loved the next scene because two of the Extras I have featured on my website wandered slowly across the screen in the background. If you don't recognise them from there, they are married couple Joel David and Maureen Seaberg. Anyway, getting back to the foreground, Sophie and Ryan are sitting on Maxine's bench. Their topic of conversation is Jenna. Sophie is relating the conversation she had with Jenna, how she had knocked her back by refusing to give her a lift, and telling her there are to be no more presents. Sophie tells him she doesn't understand it, she is so cool, and something has changed, but she doesn't know what it is. Ryan points out that she could be trying to tell her not to get the wrong idea, that she is not interested in her, she is just a patient.

Fiz is resting at home when a text comes in from Tyrone. It reads "On 4 Monday" She weakly smiles and texts back "Can't wait". (You know, I really don't understand why they are using their real names on these phones, do they really imagine that someone is not going to pick them up and take a look at some point? This is Coronation Street people - you just know they are not going to get away with this! While we are on the subject, why are they going through with this wedding farce? If Kevin can manage to get a DNA test done on Jack when he hardly ever saw him, why can't Tyrone, when he is in sole charge of Ruby all day long? It's ridiculous! Off my soapbox and on with the show.....)

Across the street in No. 8, David is also taking a nap on the sofa. Suddenly he is jumped on - by Max. He is immediately awake, and asks him what he is doing here. Kylie's voice answers from the doorway that she just couldn't do it, she couldn't leave, and if he will have her, she is back. She didn't need to ask that question, he hugs her to him. When he asks what made her change her mind, she tells him that she has been running all her life whenever there is a problem, and she is tired of doing that. She now wants to stay and try to make it work. She asks if he can forgive her, and he replies "What? For giving me a reason to live again?" She tells him that Max didn't want to go either, and the lad pipes up that he likes it there with him. David tousles his hair, and tells him he likes it there with him too.

Gail comes down the stairs, and Kylie immediately apologises to her, but she is having no apologies, and hugs her, telling her she is as glad to have her back as David is. Nick walks in the front door, and is surprised to see Kylie too. However, by the look on his face, methinks he would rather she had stayed away so their dirty little secret would be less likely to come out. Will it? Like I said - this is Coronation Street, all dirty little secrets find their way out sooner or later, don't they?

Christine

Written by John Kerr Directed by David Kester

Kylie and Davie are all loved up. It's nice to hear David admit he hasn't supported her like he should have. She's still a bit uncomfortable around Nick but nobody notices.

Carla is starting to pick up hints that something is amiss with the factory evaluation. First the workers mention all the overtime they'd been doing and later Julie lets slip that Rob was planning to buy into the factory. Michelle is already worried that Carla is suspicious and Rob makes himself scarce. Michelle has to lie to Carla and deny that she knew Rob wanted to buy in but you can see she looks a bit like a deer caught in the headlights when Carla asks her to print out the accounts. Why? Because Carla is meeting with the agent that did the evaluation. She shows the agent the books and is told that there are at least a dozen orders on this copy that were missing on the one she saw previously. Carla's radar is up and running now.

Things are frosty in the betting shop. So much for working separate shifts, Peter comes in and they work side by side for at least part of the day though Leanne is very cool and only talks to do the necessary or sling a sarcastic remark his way. She admits to Stella that she has found the gift she'd bought for Nick whose birthday is today (32 today in case you were wondering though the actor, Ben Price, is 38). She thinks she might give him the gift even though she reckons he won't really want it but she's willing to put her pride on the line and risk yet another rejection. She goes to the Bistro later where Gail has just sprung a birthday cake and a round of Happy Birthday with all the customers leaving Nick red faced. Leanne gives him the gift and he takes it but then tosses it on the bar behind him, unopened, after she leaves again.

Kirsty is looking forward to the new year though Tyrone is a bit under-enthusiastic. Kirsty mentions that Connie won't be at the wedding (Tyrone obviously either didn't invite her or doesn't want her there) and ominously says she doesn't like to share Tyrone with anyone, not even Connie though Ty has used the excuse today of fixing Connie's car so he can actually see Fiz.

Tyrone is looking forward to meeting up with Fiz in the afternoon but she's still feeling pretty ropey. She does plan on meeting him but falls asleep on the sofa. Ty's call wakes her and she admits she's feeling worse than ever and can't come out. She barely gets the phone put down and collapses. Tyrone nearly gets caught by Kirsty when he's trying to ring her later but doesn't. Kirsty has got off work early and has made plans for them to go out to the pub later that evening with Emily babysitting and is going to fix them a nice dinner first. On the way to the pub, Ty makes an excuse to go back to the house whereupon he runs around to Fiz's, sees through the window that she's on the floor and breaks down the back door. He can't wake her up and calls an ambulance while Kirsty is waiting for him in the pub. The show ends with a frantic Tyrone trying to wake Fiz up while waiting for help to arrive.

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow and directed by David Kester

Fiz is lying on the floor unconscious and Ty is desperate. He needs help so he grabs his phone and calls Tina.

Over at the Bistro, Nick's in a right strop. He refuses to open Leanne's present which has been left lying on the bar so Kylie decides to do it for him in case it's something David can use. Nick takes it from her and is about to chuck it in the bin but curiosity gets the better of him. Inside he finds a wallet and inside that is a photo of him, Leanne and Simon taken when they were playing happy families.

Tina has arrived at Fiz's house. Ty's in a total state and is talking nineteen to the dozen. She tries to calm him down but Ty just wants to know where the ambulance is. When Tina discovers Kirsty is in the pub waiting for him, Tina insists Ty goes back. She tells him he has to think about Ruby and she'll stay with Fiz and wait for the ambulance. Fiz is still unconscious but Ty knows he has no choice and reluctantly agrees.

Marcus goes into the Rovers but when he tries to sit down in a booth Kirk tells him all the seats are taken. He moves along to the next booth where Beth is saving the next lot of seats. Beth informs him they're reserving a VIP section for all their mates. Marcus points out he's a mate - after all they're living under the same roof. When Kirsty asks if she can sit down Beth is happy to oblige so it looks like Kirsty has finally been accepted as one of the gang. She tells Beth Ty went home because he forgot his wallet and at that moment he appears. Kirsty asks him if he's O.K. as he looks as white as a sheet. She's bought him a pint but Ty says he'll stick to lemonade. Kirsty looks surprised but he tells her she should go for it - he'll stay off the booze as one of them will have to see to Ruby later.

Leanne is in the room at the back when Nick arrives to return her present. He thinks she put the picture in the wallet to manipulate him. She denies it, saying that she'd already bought it before the wedding but Nick doesn't want to know and makes his point by tearing up the photograph. He tells her that it makes him angry because it was based on a lie. Leanne says she loves Nick and begs him to give her another chance but he responds by asking Leanne to take off her engagement ring. She asks if he wants it back but Nick says no, he just wants her to stop wearing it. She asks him why he's doing this and Nick says it's called making a clean break and tells her to have a nice life.

Back in the bar Kirsty's had a thought: maybe it's unlucky getting married in 2013? But Ty says they can't change it now, it's all sorted. They're soon distracted by the arrival of Brian wearing a kilt. Everyone has a comment to make including Julie who goes all gooey-eyed and says she finds it incredibly sexy. Beth can't resist a peek underneath but fortunately for all concerned Brian's not chosen to go native. "I bet Braveheart never wore thermals," says Beth.

Maria arrives and asks Audrey if she has anything planned. Audrey's claim that she's spending a night in front of the telly doesn't fool Maria who can see she's too dressed up for that so Audrey admits she's going on a date with an old friend from the council. It's the first date she's been on since Lewis but Audrey says couldn't bear spending New Year's Eve on her own, thinking about what might have been.

Over at the factory Carla marches in to the office looking for Rob. Michelle tells her he's gone to see a client and then looks as sick as a dog when Carla tells her that she's just been to see the broker and discovered that Rob adjusted the figures in the accounts. Michelle's face falls still further when Carla reveals that she knows Rob tried to rip her off by driving down the value of the factory and says she's going to kill her brother when she gets her hands on him.

The ambulance has finally arrived at Fiz's. Tina answers all the paramedics' questions and asks whether Fiz is going to be alright. They respond by telling her they need to get Fiz to hospital as soon as possible.

In the factory office Michelle tries telling Carla that she doesn't think it was Rob's intention to try and rip her off. She tells Carla that he desperately wanted to buy the factory but he couldn't raise the money. "Oh my God," says Carla as the truth dawns on her that Michelle knew. Michelle desperately starts back-pedaling and tells Carla that she didn't know what was going on until it was too late. Michelle says that no matter what, she thinks Rob's heart was in the right place. "And what about his conscience?" asks Carla. Michelle says she tried to talk some sense into Rob but Carla is understandably angry that she didn't manage to stop him. At that moment Rob comes bursting in, full of himself because he's just clinched an order. "What's up with you two?" he asks when he clocks the atmosphere in the room.

While all this is going on, outside in the street Fiz is being loaded into an ambulance. Rita and Dennis come along and see Tina who tells them she was the one who found her unconscious. She asks them to let Stella know she won't be coming into work before accompanying Fiz to the hospital.

In the Rovers Stella is putting Beth and Kirk in their place about trying to hog all the tables. She tells them they're not VIPs and if people want to sit down they can. At that moment Rita and Dennis come in and tell Stella why Tina won't be coming into work. Everyone wants to know what's happened when they overhear that Fiz has been carted off in an ambulance. Rita says she doesn't know much more but tells them it looks serious. We see Ty looking very worried in the background.

Back at the factory Michelle looks on while Rob and Carla have it out with each other. Rob thinks Michelle spilled the beans but Carla says Michelle's lips were sealed. She was the one who put two and two together and made four. Or, in Rob's case, a big fat zero because that's what he did to the accounts. He tries to make out he did her a favour since she went swanning off round the Caribbean and he kept everything together. She wants to know why he didn't talk to her rather than trying to rip off his own sister. Rob reckons he turned the place around. Carla reminds him it was her place, her machines, her orders. Michelle chips in and tries to point out that Rob brought in a lot of business. He adds that he cut costs but Carla says he cut corners and broke the law. Carla picks up the phone and suggests they should ring the police and see what they have to say about it all.

In the Rovers everyone is talking about what's happened to Fiz. They're all really concerned but Beth reckons they shouldn't let it stop them from enjoying their evening and getting bladdered because she's sure that's what Fiz would have wanted. Kirsty's in full agreement and raises her glass saying they should all get hammered because it's New Year's Eve. Ty says he's off to the loo and stops for a quiet word with Tommy. He tells him that he's been seeing Fiz, that he was the one who found Fiz unconscious, Tina's gone with her to the hospital but he can't even afford to look upset in case Kirsty notices. He says he feels like his head is about to explode. "What if she dies?" he asks. He can't even phone the hospital to ask about Fiz so Tommy agrees to call Tina and then report back.

Back at the factory Carla has had second thoughts about ringing the police. Rob admits he was wrong but says he was worried about his job and all he cared about was safeguarding the future of the factory. He wants to clear the air and move on. Carla agrees but says the only one who's moving on is Rob. He tries begging but Carla says she means it and tells Rob he's fired.

At the hospital the doctors are working on Fiz and spouting a stream of medical jargon while Tina watches through a window. We see her answer her phone. In the Rovers Tommy's on the other end. She tells him the doctors are with Fiz and she has to go so Tommy asks her to call him if there's any news. The doctor comes to speak to Tina. He wants to know how long Fiz has been ill, if she lives with anyone else and whether she's had any problems with heating appliances lately. Tina tells him that she had a problem with her boiler but she got it fixed. The doctor tells his team that he thinks they may have a problem with C.O. poisoning then thanks Tina for her help.

We return to the factory where Rob is telling Carla that he's her most valuable asset and that she'd be mad to get rid of him. She retorts that if he's such a hot shot he'll have no problem finding a job somewhere else. As Rob continues to argue his corner, Steve arrives. He says he knows they're all trying to avoid Peter's cooking but this is ridiculous. Michelle asks him to wait outside but Carla says Steve's fine, Rob is the one who has to leave. Rob points out that he's free to work for himself or the competition before picking up his box of belongings and walking out. Michelle asks Carla where that leaves her. She replies that she hasn't decided yet. Steve says he thought they were all going to see the New Year in together so Michelle tells him that they're going to have to make their own plans. Steve and Michelle leave and Carla sits down on her own in the office with a look of despair.

Audrey arrives at the Bistro with her date for the evening. While he goes off to the gents, Lewis takes the opportunity to ask Audrey about him. Audrey says he's called Henry and is an old friend of her husband Alfie. Considering that he's no longer a part of her life, Lewis seems to be taking an inordinate amount of interest. Henry returns and wants to know if they serve bitter so Lewis says he'll go and fetch the drinks list.

Back at the hospital the doctor is filling in Tina on Fiz's condition. He tells her that they believe she's suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. They don't know how bad it is at this stage but there's a risk that she may have suffered brain damage. He explains about the treatment then asks Tina how long she was in the house. Tina says not long but tells the doctor she's pregnant. He says in that case they'll need to get her checked straight away.

Peter is putting the finishing touches to his meal when Carla arrives home and breaks the news that Steve and Michelle won't be joining them and he's defrosted his lemon meringue pie for no good reason. Peter suggests they should go over to the Rovers to see the New Year in but Carla would prefer to stay at home to drown her sorrows in a bottle of mineral water. She says she's been screwed over by her brother and her best mate and asks Peter and the world in general how they could do that to her.

In the Bistro Gail takes a glass of wine over to Lewis. She tells him it's almost midnight and Nick won't begrudge them that. As Gail gazes up at Lewis all dewy-eyed he indicates over to Audrey and her date and says he's glad to see she's moved on and that he hopes in 2013 he can do the same. They start to talk about New Year's resolutions and then Lewis looks meaningfully at Gail and says why don't they make a resolution: to make finding happiness their number one priority in 2013. "I'll drink to that," says Gail as she clinks glasses with Lewis.

Over in the Rovers everyone is getting ready to toast the New Year when Ty sees Tommy on the phone. He goes over to him to find out the news on Fiz. Tommy tells him it doesn't look good and fills him in about the gas poisoning and the possible brain damage. Tommy lists the possible causes including the boiler. "Boiler?!" exclaims Ty. At that moment Stella begins the countdown to midnight and we flick between the Rovers and the Bistro as everyone gets ready with their glasses. As the party poppers and streamers are let off Ty tells Tommy that he fixed the boiler. Ty says Fiz might have brain damage and it's all his fault.

In the Bistro Gail puts her arms round Lewis and wishes him a happy new year but Lewis is looking over her shoulder at Audrey and Henry.

In the hospital Tina is sitting alone in the waiting room. She looks at her watch, sees the time and starts to cry.

In the Rovers everyone - apart from Kirk and Beth who are getting close and personal in one of the booths - join hands in a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne". Ty is at the end of the row with a fixed look of false happiness on his face but only we know the agony he must be feeling inside as the credits roll.

Karen

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

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