Karl comes down to find Stella making breakfast in the kitchen. He acts all hurt because she isn't going to rush up the aisle with him any time soon. She offers him eggs and tells him that with the Rovers not sorted, that's all she can cope with right now.

Jason is looking for one of his tools, he can't find it. He last saw it in the Rovers, so Eileen wonders if it would have survived the fire. He stomps off, saying he's late.

David and Kylie join Gail in the cafe. They're having a discussion about whether to find out the sex of the baby. Kylie is against it, David wants to know.

Stella is poring over paperwork when she hears Gloria coming in. She hastily puts it all away. Gloria seems shocked to see her there, and is cagey when Stella notices that she's wearing new, expensive looking earrings, and is all dressed up, and questions her about it. “What is this? The Weatherfield Inquisition?” asks Gloria. Stella then works out that Gloria has been with Karl to the jewellers to help choose a ring. Gloria thinks Stella should have accepted Karl's proposal, and tells her next time to snap his hand off. Stella tells her mother not to put pressure on her, she's not ready.

Julie and Deirdre are in the cafe when Eileen comes in. Julie is about to be sympathetic when Paul comes in right behind her, and they're amazed and delighted. Paul then spots Jason and goes over and asks if he'll be his best man when he marries Eileen. Jason is chuffed and says of course he will.

Gloria has also arrived in the cafe, with a coffee in a paper cup. Sylvia says she can't bring it in as she didn't buy it there. Gloris tells Sylvia that she's staying away from home so she doesn't slap Stella's legs. She explains how Karl proposed and Stella turned him down. “Isn't entering a burning building and saving your life enough for women nowadays?” asks Sylvia. Jason, standing at the counter, overhears all this and then walks out. Sylvia turns her attention back to the coffee that Gloria brought in with her. Gloria explains that it was a free one. “Free? Where from?” ask both Sylvia and Roy at the same time. Gloria turns the cup round to reveal a label with the name 'Barlow's Bookies' on it.

Stella goes into the Rovers, and Owen asks if she's had a paybout from the insurers, as his boys will want paying on Friday. Stella says she's expecting it any day, but in the meantime will write him a cheque herself for an interim payment. She pulls out her new chequebook.

Peter and Rob are in the bookies' when a very indignant Sylvia bursts in and asks how they'd like it if they started taking bets in the cafe. She tells them they are stealing her trade. She turns and sees Steve with a cup of the free coffee and says how disappointed she is in him. Peter says he has to nip out but will leave her in the hands of his development consultant, Rob, who reckons he could run the place single handed. Rob tries charm, but Sylvia just glares at him.

Karl turns up at the Rovers, offering to work. Owen says he can't pay him till the insurance pays out, but Karl says he'll work for nothing for the time being, he wants to see the Rovers up and running again.

Steve is outside the bookies, drinking his coffee, when Norris comes along. Norris is very interested to hear that it was free, especially as Roy has just put his prices up. He decides to go in and try for himself, just as Sylvia comes out. He splutters something about needing change, and hurries away.

Jason finds Karl standing thoughtfully in the shell of the Rovers. He asks if he still thinks it's worth it. He goes on to explain that he heard about the proposal and how Stella turned him down flat. Was it worth walking through a fire for her? Karl tells him that he and Stella are solid. Jason thinks it's just a matter of time before Stella moves on from Karl.

Stella, Gloria and Leanne are in the Bistro. When Stella gets up to get drinks, Gloria tells Leanne about Karl's proposal. Leanne is shocked. Just then Karl comes in, so Leanne jumps up and rushes over, asking in a loud voice if it's true about the proposal. Leanne makes no secret of the fact that she thinks it would be a big mistake. She walks off, and Karl asks Stella if she loves him. She tells him she does. He says he wants her to be happy, and everything he does is only for that. She tells him to chill out, and says she'll see him later.

Tracy is in the bookies, suggesting to Rob they have a bath and an early night. Peter tells him there is an evening meeting at Cheltenham. He's drawn up a rota and Rob has to stay open for it.

Julie and Deirdre are in Eileen's house. Paul has gone to see about getting his old job back, and they are talking about how she's going to feel if he does. They hear him come in, so they get up and leave. Paul comes in holding champagne – his letter of resignation had never got to the boss, so going back is not a problem. Eileen tries to be happy about it.

David and Kylie come in clutching their scan picture. Although David knows the sex of the baby he tells Gail he's going to tell her, because she likes surprises, but then lets slip that it's a girl! There is also some concern about Kylie's blood pressure, it needs keeping an eye on, so David thinks Nick should look for some maternity cover as soon as possible.

Rob and Tracy are in the bookies, talking about her lack of a kidney. He then gets a text from Peter saying that if there are any problems they will have to wait till morning as he and Carla are getting an early night. Rob thinks he's being petty.

In the Bistro, Leanne takes a call from Stella, she's lost her phone. Leanne tells Nick that Karl has probably stolen it, flogged it and put the money on a horse. Nick however, has found the phone, but that doesn't stop Leanne ranting on about Karl. She thinks he's a low-life, but she rings Stella and says she'll bring it over.

Over at Stella's house, Karl offers to go and get the phone, he doesn't want Leanne coming over to poison Stella's mind against him. Exasperated, Stella tells him to go and get it then.

Karl and Leanne then meet in the Street, and she starts to have a go at him. He grabs her wrist and pushes her backwards, telling her to keep her spiteful tongue in her bitter, nasty little head, or she will regret it. “You don't scare me,” she spits at him, but as he walks away she looks visibly shaken.

Anne Logan

It's Friday and Stella confesses to Karl that she took a herbal sleeping pill last night. He can't understand why she can't sleep but she points out she has no home, no job and no worldly possessions. Karl wastes no time in telling Stella his version of his encounter with Leanne. She gave him a right mouthful, he says. He ended up rowing with her but he got Stella's phone back. Gloria comes in and mentions that Eva's busy packing to go away. She's been invited on holiday with a friend and only has to pay the airfare.

Hayley's trying to get off to work when Sylvia stops her to say a friend from the care home wants to see her. Hayley can't understand why Sylvia would want to go back to that place but all Sylvia's worried about is getting Hayley to agree to drive her.

Leanne's in the cafe telling Nick about Karl. She plans to tell Stella and says Karl made a mistake trying to bully her. He doesn't know who he's dealing with.

Eileen's cheerfully made a cooked breakfast and a packed lunch for Paul. A text arrives from Todd and Paul mentions he hasn't met Todd yet. He suggests they make a trip to London and Eileen happily agrees. Paul glances sideways at Eileen - he knows she's just putting on a brave face and is still worried about him doing a dangerous job.

Carla and Peter are all loved up in the street when Julie interrupts them to tell Carla she has to go away to look after her mother, who has broken her hip (ice-skating!). Rob arrives with Tracy and Peter takes great delight in telling him there's another evening race meeting so he'll have to work late. Tracy is not happy. Rob annoys Peter by saying how cosy the office was when Tracy was there.

David struggles into the house with a cot. Kylie's annoyed he didn't discuss it with her but David says he hoped he could get Max home at dinnertime (translation: lunchtime) and they could work on it together. He wants to involve Max as much as possible. Kylie thinks he'll make such a good dad. "Let's just hope the baby's his," mutters Gail to Kylie.

Julie and Stella both want taxis but there's a wait. Stella's going into town but when Julie says she's going to Victoria station and they could share, Stella gets very awkward and says she thinks she'll catch the bus.

She's sitting at the bus stop looking at some papers when Leanne sees her there. She asks Stella whether Karl gave her phone back and starts going on about how nasty he was. Stella snaps and tells Leanne to shut up. she says Leanne and Karl are acting like a couple of toddlers! She doesn't need this right now! The bus comes and she gets on it.

Max is home and the family discusses how he didn't have a cot but slept in a drawer when he was tiny. David's horrified but Gail points out that lots of people did this. Sally's there and can't understand how Gail can be so nice to Kylie, though she says so quietly so Kylie and David can't hear. They're discussing the need for Kylie to rest and David decides he's going to do Kylie's shift at the bistro. "It's only carrying a few plates!" he says. Kylie agrees but says it's only for a couple of weeks until her blood pressure is back to normal.

In town, Stella goes into the Denaro Nationwide Bank (@DenaroBank on Twitter).

Eva's off to sunny Ibiza and Gloria's saying farewell in the street. Tracy sarcastically asks whether she's off to Blackpool or Benidorm but has the wind taken from her sails when Eva says she's going to stay with a friend who has a six-bedroomed house with a guest cottage. Eva tells Gloria that her friend will pay for their social life but Gloria gives her £200 in spending money. Eva's a bit surprised that Gloria has this much cash to spare but she takes it.

Rob's taking Peter through the new computer system (not only the world's fastest property sales but the world's fastest IT installation and shopfitting in Weatherfield). Peter tells Steve the changes are only cosmetic. Steve doesn't care - he loves the new coffee machine and the free coffee. While Rob's otherwise occupied with a customer, he suggests Peter pay up for their bed now, because Rob doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Rob drags Peter outside to look at the new sign. It's just as garishly coloured as the burnt-orange inside of the shop.

Tyrone's bought some chocolate for Tommy. It's to thank Tommy for getting him back to work. He's loving it. And when Hayley asks if they can do a service on her car at short notice, Tommy says No but Tyrone promises her it'll be done, even though we know it's already well after lunch. Ooh, world's fastest mechanics as well!

Karl tries to phone Stella but she's not answering. He's in the bistro looking for Leanne but she's out. He menaces Nick, who is trying to act civil but says Karl's acting like a thug. Karl says he just wants Leanne to stop slagging him off and stay out of his way.

Carla likes the new decor in the betting shop. Peter tells her that he and Rob are getting on well.

Eileen's baking. She hears the door and gets a beer from the fridge but it's only Jason so she puts it back. Jason is most put out. Jason says Todd's given him a couple of dates which would be good for a visit. Eileen realises Paul's late home so rings him but there's no answer.

Stella's rushing down the street from the bus stop. She rebuffs Gary's suggestion that she come in and check the floor in the Rovers (world's fastest builders) and when Karl moans that he's been trying to ring her but not about anything in particular she snaps at him. From up the street, Leanne sees them having annoyed words. Stella tells Karl she needs time to herself and goes indoors, slamming the door behind her.

In the betting shop, Rob crows about how much he's improved the business. Peter reckons Rob would be useless without the technology and unplugs the computer to prove it.

Eileen's on her sofa, talking to Todd on the phone. Jason realises her cake is burning. He grabs it out of the oven. Eileen tries to take it from him and it falls upside down on the floor. Never mind. Eileen picks it up, blows the dust from it and tells Jason it'll be fine. If she puts some jam on it and loads of icing, Paul will never know.

Leanne goes to see Stella. It's clear Stella's been crying. Leanne thinks she's dumped Karl but Stella says it's not Karl. It's the Rovers. The insurance won't pay out. "The repairs are going to cost thousands and thousands and I've no way of paying it. I'm finished, Leanne. Ruined."

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Ellen Taylor
Directed by: John Anderson

Stella is explaining to Leanne the reason why the insurance company are refusing to cough up. Apparently it's because she left the keys unsecured behind the bar, leaving the way clear for anyone to try their arm at breaking in and starting a bonfire in the living room. She wails she is already in Owen's debt to the tune of £15,000 and the cheque she just gave him will bounce. She explains she had thought the insurance payout was just a formality, it didn't occur to her they might refuse her claim.

Rob is struggling a little bit with his sums in the bookies. Steve and Lloyd are not making it easy for him either, and it is making Peter's day to watch him coming close to counting on his fingers. Finally Peter takes over and takes Steve's bet before the race begins, telling Rob to go and do something simple like putting the kettle on.

The domestic goddess in No. 11 is still at it. Now she is busy piping 'Happy Day' on the top of the masterpiece that has already had the burnt side cut off and the floor sweepings brushed off. Jason queries her choice of words, and she explains it wasn't big enough to put 'Happy First Day Back At Work'. She has only been icing it for the last two hours, and is still wondering if it might look a little better if she added a flower. Jason walks away rolling his eyes.

Leanne is asking Stella if she has told Karl the bad news yet. Stella tells her she doesn't quite know how to tell him. Leanne is not surprised there, remarking that she doubts he will stick around long once he finds out he has lost his meal ticket. Stella is furious she would think that, and asks Leanne if she really thinks he is only interested in her for her money. Her daughter acknowledges it is exactly what she thinks, and reminds her he stole all her money once before, gambled it away and then left her for someone else. Stella jumps to Karl's defence, shouting he just made a mistake, learned his lesson and has changed. Leanne's not buying into that though, and yells back that people like that don't change. The row escalates, and Leanne tries again to tell her about the exchange she had in the street with whom she refers to as a vicious scumbag. Stella is not in any mood to listen to any more of Leanne's whining about Karl, and tells her it's time she grew up, pointing out she and Karl had years together that she knew nothing about. Leanne asks her "Whose fault would that be then"? Which takes the wind out of Stella's sails.

Not wishing to continue this pointless argument, Leanne storms out of the house, almost bumping into Karl on his way in with a bunch of flowers for Stella. Deliberately blanking him, she marches back to the Bistro.

Lloyd has had a lucky win in the Bookies, unlike Steve, who tells Peter he will add his loss to what he owes him. Lloyd wants to know what's going on between them, and Steve explains they have a little wager going on that Rob will throw in the towel and be gone by the end of the day. Steve points out he is still there, so he wins. However, Peter reminds him the bet isn't over until the end of the day, so there is still time.

After they leave, Peter tells Rob the betting business isn't for everyone, and if he wants to quit, he is sure Carla would understand. Rob smiles at him and tells him he wouldn't give him that satisfaction, and tells him his cup of tea is in the kettle - in other words, go make it yourself.

Karl is anxious to know what Leanne had said that caused so much trouble between them. Thinking for sure it's the way he had threatened her, he tries to get in first by saying Leanne always twists things. Stella stops him, and makes him sit down. She then unloads her troubles onto him, telling him about the insurance company. He asks her how long she has known, and is upset when she tells him she has known since Monday. He is especially upset that she would tell Leanne before him, and asks her what she had thought he was going to say that would make her so reluctant to tell him.

Tyrone is busy working on the Woodie for Hayley. It's not done yet, but is confident it will be on time. Sylvia is not convinced, and suggests to Hayley they make alternative arrangements. Hayley however has every confidence in Tyrone, and assures her if he says it will be ready, it will be ready. Sylvia, not having Hayley's faith, remarks she will eat her hat if it is.

Leanne is ranting on about Karl to Nick, who can't quite understand why she is so upset, because if, as she is convinced, he does indeed drop Stella like a hot potato when he learns his cash cow has dried up, surely she should be celebrating. She is not happy though, because she feels she has been made to be the bad guy in it all, and her mother is choosing to believe Karl.

David comes into the Bistro and asks his brother if he can cover Kylie's evening shifts for a couple of weeks, explaining she needs to rest, but they still need the money. Nick is reluctant, remembering his past performance as a waiter, but Leanne is more practical, pointing out how busy they are right now with the Rovers shut. That's it then, David is back in the Bistro at night.

Renovations are cracking on at a pace in the Rovers, and the person cracking the whip is Owen. However he takes a phone call, and suddenly tells them all they can knock off and go home early. They are surprised, but nobody is arguing with that. As they leave though, he doesn't look happy - not happy at all.

Karl can't believe that Stella might have thought for a single minute that he was only interested in her because of the pub. She apologises and tells him she doesn't think that really, but Leanne had just muddled her brain. He is not surprised to hear it was Leanne who had put the boot in. Stella defends her saying she can understand why she would be worried about her. He angrily tells her if she doesn't trust him, maybe he should leave. She is not having that though (the silly woman!), and reassures him she does trust him. He tells her again she is the only woman he has ever really loved, and doesn't care if they have to live in a cardboard box as long as they are together. She apologises to him for doubting him, and kisses him. (Oh barf!!) As we head into the break, their slobbering is interrupted by a loud banging on the door, and Owen's voice yelling that he knows they are in there. I guess we now understand that his phone call must have been from the bank, informing him that Stella's cheque was bouncing down the M6 so hard that it must be close to Wigan by now.

Break - which included an ad for Cornish clotted cream ice cream - oh I SO want to try that! Who says advertising isn't effective?

Owen is now in Stella's (or should we say Kevin's) living room, demanding to know what's going on. She is about to come clean when Karl interrupts and lies to Owen that the bank had just called them, saying it was a clerical error, and their insurance cheque had been paid in to someone else's account, and it would all be sorted in a couple of days. Owen reminds them it had better be, because his men hadn't been paid for three weeks. He asks Stella if he has her word on it, and she meekly tells him he does. The minute he leaves, she turns on Karl and asks him why he had told him a pack of lies like that, he tells her he just had to think of something.

Gloria breezes in just then, and shows them a 50% cashmere top she has just bought that she hadn't been able to resist. She then realises there is an atmosphere, and wants to know what is going on. Stella tells her she had better sit down.

Rob and Tracy are in the Bistro, and Rob is in a foul mood. He tells Tracy how his day has gone in the bookies with her brother, calling him a snake, and telling her of his eviction attempt. Tracy can see Peter has really got under Rob's skin, but just then, who should come in but the object of his anger, along with Carla. Rob tells Tracy to keep her mouth shut about it.

Hayley and Sylvia approach the garage, and are delighted to discover the car is not only fixed, but Tyrone has also changed the oil and topped up the water for them. Hayley thanks him, and asks Sylvia if she will be eating her woolly hat or her floppy summer one.

Eileen is tucking into a large slice of her amazing creation, which admittedly doesn't look too bad now she has it filled with a couple of layers of jam and cream. Jason comes in and asks why she is eating it, when he thought she had made it for Paul. She sadly tells him he isn't here, so thought she might as well have some. On being asked where he is, she says she doesn't know, he should have finished his shift over an hour ago. Jason can tell she is comfort eating, and points out she can't carry on like this, that she has to tell him how she feels. Referring to herself as a paranoid freak who can't cope with his job, tells him it would do no good to tell him. She tells him that talking about things is not always the answer to everything, instead she will carry on eating cake instead. When he asks what the difference is between eating cake and lying, she tells him "About 2,000 calories".

Paul comes in just then, and is very surprised to see her baking efforts. She tells him she made it for him, but got hungry when he didn't come home. He apologises for being late, saying he would have rung, but didn't want to ruin her surprise.

Gloria is not handling the news well, and is having a go at Stella for being so stupid. Karl comes to her defence, saying it's not her fault, and suggests that what they need is investors. He suggests Stella takes on a partner to bail her out, and starts naming a few people who might have the funds to do so. Stella hates that idea, and tells him she has too much pride to go round the neighbours cap in hand. Gloria on the other hand does think it's a good idea, and suggests they ask Leanne, saying it would be a perfect fit as she is family, she has the money she got from the bookies, and it would secure her future. Stella doesn't think that would be a good idea, and explains about the fight she just had with her over Karl, who also thinks it would be a bad idea. However, Gloria is not going to be put off, it was her idea, therefore it has to be a good one!

If Rob is in a bad mood, then Peter is in a very good one. This pleases Carla, who figures things must be going better between him and her brother. Peter assures her things are going much better, and smiling wickedly, tells her he taught him a little calculation today. Carla leaves to wash her hands, and Steve, who had been sitting at the bar, sidles over and reminds Peter he must owe him a £20 note, as Rob isn't crying into his beer. Peter concedes, and is just handing it over, when Carla spots the transaction, as does Rob. She wants to know what's going on, and both speaking at once, give her a totally different story - oops!

Eileen is opening her surprise from Paul, it is first class tickets to that London, they are going in style to visit Todd, have tickets to see a musical, and the next day Todd is going to show them the sights, then take them back to his place and cook for them. Eileen is thrilled, even though she normally hates musicals, and is especially impressed that Paul has taken it upon himself to get in touch with Todd and arrange it all. She can't wait!

Tracy is furious with Peter for the way he is treating Rob, but the latter warns her not to say anything. She suggests he speaks to Carla, but he won't hear of that either. On being asked what he does plan to do about it then, he replies he doesn't know - yet. Tracy tells him they don't get along because they are too similar, this remark doesn't sit well with Rob.

Peter and Carla are discussing Rob, and Peter is accusing Carla of only putting him into the bookies because she doesn't want him in the factory. This is obviously true, but she defends her decision by saying he does know how to make money. Peter tells her he does too. "Not lately", says Carla. She goes on to tell him that if he would only stop puffing out his little feathers for a minute, he might even find he could get along with him. At the next table, Tracy is almost repeating Carla's advice by suggesting they could perhaps have a lads night out, do a bit of male bonding. Neither of the men is impressed with either of the suggestions.

David has done a mix-up with an order of chips. Rob ordered them and Peter is eating them. On realising the mistake, David tries to return them to Rob, who no longer wants them now Peter has had his hands on them, and Peter no longer wants them now he knows they belong to Rob. Tired David is on the verge of losing the plot altogether, so Nick intervenes, telling him to go home and get an early night. With David leaving, the problem of the chips appears to be instantly resolved?

As Peter and Carla leave the Bistro, they pass Gloria, Stella and Karl on their way in. Leanne of course is not pleased to see them. Gloria tells her they haven't come to eat, but need to speak to her. Not being one to beat about the bush, she comes right out with it and asks her to invest her money into the Rovers. To say Leanne looks shocked is an understatement.

David has gone upstairs for a nap, so Kylie has the company of a frosty faced Gail. She tells Gail she feels bad, and is asked sarcastically which of the many things she has to feel bad about is she choosing to feel bad about. Ignoring her nasty remark, Kylie tells her she feels bad about David working at the Bistro on top of a full day at the Salon. Gail tells her he is trying to prove he is capable of looking after his family. Kylie is still worried, saying he has nothing to prove to her, and wonders if she should have a word with Nick about stopping him working there. Gail sourly tells her she thinks she has already done quite enough with Nick behind David's back, and tells her she should just be kind to him, and be thankful she has such a devoted husband. Why does Kylie not remind this woman that if David had been a bit more of a devoted husband last Christmas, they would not be in this predicament now!

Leanne is absolutely furious her family would have the nerve to ask her for money after the row they had earlier. Nick tries to be the voice of reason by reminding her that Stella is her family, and in the long run she would never forgive herself if she didn't help her in her hour of need. Leanne thinks for a minute, then goes back over to the three of them. She tells Stella she will invest in the Rovers after all. They are all overjoyed to hear this, and Karl begins to thank her, but she interrupts him, and addresses Stella. She tells her she is willing to invest on one condition, that she gets rid of Karl, she is not handing over any of her money all the time he is around to steal it, so she must choose - him or the Rovers!

Christine

Hi I am standing in this evening and without more ado it is off to the mean Street in Weatherfield where through the delights of modern televisual devices I can apprise you of events written by Mark Burt, directed by Kay Patrick and copyright ITV Productions.

We open in the corner shop where Gary is shopping which he cannot afford because he has not been paid for three weeks and he gives Stella a telling off when she comes in.

Kylie is cleaning (!) and allowed David to have a lie in as hew was tired. Nick comes round to ask if David can work the evening shift and David agrees. Kylie is in paid - the baby is kicking - which is a little early at 21 weeks and she makes David feel. David wants Nick to feel the baby as well. David insists Nick feels - which he does. Amazing all round.

For reasons which I assume relate to some in joke amongst the scriptwriters Ty and Tommy discuss a cup of tea (or not) and working on a bank holiday. I suspect this has been inserted at short notice to cover for William Roache. For those who like good news Rolf Harris did a concert in Bristol a couple of nights ago and he will be in Wickham on 4 August at the festival.

Leanne is on the phone to Simon saying he cannot use a waterpistol indoors. Stella comes into the Bistro and tells Leanne she will not be blackmailed - Karl saved her and that is why she is refusing the money. Stella goes and Nick comes in and ends up telling Leanne that she is in the wrong.

Stella returns home and finds Karl worrying - he is relieved when Stella tells him that she is not taking Leanne's money. Stella tells him that she wants him to stay.

Peter and Rob are still sparring in the bookies; Peter wants to be impressed and tells Rob the only way of doing that is for the latter to be able to do the sums in his head rather than relying on the computer.

Gary tries to get some money out of Owen - but there is nothing doing. Owen is still waiting for Stella's insurance company to cough up. Owen has to tell Anna that there is a cash flow problem. And of course Gary is £200 out of pocket over the ring for Tina. Anna still keeps smiling.

Karl suggests going to a loan shark but that does not appeal to Stella. They decide they have to go and tell Owen what is going on together.

Kylie is busy cleaning when David, Gail and Max return home. David tries to get Kylie to rest and they argue over David being a mental case because he is watching her so closely.

Inside the steadily being revamped and completely unrecognisable Rovers Norris is watching progress but is sent packing by Stella - Owen wants £15k - at least £10k - but she does not have a penny. Karl tells Owen to calm down. The insurance company refuse to accept liability and are not paying. Owen wants her to phone the insurance company. Owen wants to know how long she has known - since before she wrote the cheque. Stella is going to appeal and promises he will get every penny. Owen downs tools and closes the site.

Tommy has a win at the bookies - but Tyrone does not win. Tommy has an accumulator and gives it to Rob - who tells him he has won £48.50 - which he works out manually and Rob rubs Peter's nose in it.

Hayley has driven Sylvia to the care home she used to live in to meet Dorothy. They have a cup of tea - Roy needed help with the business which is why Sylvia left. There is a new warden and the place has been done up and Dorothy likes living there. And has never felt happier. Anyway when moving rooms Dorothy had found a letter which was in her post - from December 2011 addressed to Sylvia - a letter from St John - Roy's father. She opens the letter.

Gary wants to know what Owen is going to do - but he admits he cannot get blood out of a stone. Owen brings Tina up to date - who says he has a load of invoices which need paying. Owen is thinking hard - but has no solutions.

In the Bistro David keeps trying to apologise and Kylie forgives him. Good humour has been restored all round. And things are looking better for Ty and Tommy. And Nick and Leanne are making up as well.

Sylvia has read the letter and it appears that St John wants Roy to contact him.

Gary assures Tina that they will find a way of ensuring she gets the money for the surrogacy.

Owen is telling Anna that he has exhausted his reserves which has been keeping the business going. Owen heads off to the Rovers and Anna runs after him. Gloria tells Stella and they rush into the Rovers where Owen is undoing his work. Karl and Owen argue. Norris watches it all. Owen raises a crowbar to Karl who does not flinch and tells him to do it.

And what happens in the next episode will be along shortly.

K Richard W

Written by Jayne Hollinson and directed by Kay Patrick

The episode opens with Owen threatening Karl with a crowbar. Fortunately for Karl Owen buries it in the nearest wall rather than Karl's head. Stella runs to Karl, Gloria tells Anna she should have Owen locked up and Anna springs to Owen's defence, blaming Stella for getting Owen to start the work before she knew whether the insurers would pay up.

Gary goes round to see Tina, supposedly to reassure her in case she's worried about Owen's financial situation. He promises her that no matter what happens they'll find a way to pay her and then eagerly accepts when Tina offers to make him a brew.

Hayley returns home with Sylvia who is relieved that Roy's out at his history meeting. She's not ready to face him with the discovery of St John's letter until she's had time to take it in herself. Sylvia is worried the effect that the news is going to have on Roy in view of the fact that his father rejected him all those years ago.

Anna and Owen are discussing the Rovers situation and he's kicking himself for agreeing to start the work before the insurance company had come through. Izzy arrives just as Anna is telling Owen he should see a solicitor. She's shocked when they fill her in on what's happened so she reaches for her phone to call Gary. He's not picking up so she asks her Dad if he was upset. Owen tells her that he can't afford to pay Gary and Izzy wonders why Gary never told her about it.

Sally and Gail are walking down the street together when Norris comes along practically bursting to tell Sally that Stella and co aren't about to move out of number 13. Sally's taken aback at this so Norris fills her in with all the gory details about why Owen has downed tools, and finishes by saying that he was an eyewitness when Owen attacked Karl with a crowbar. Norris leaves the two women gaping like goldfishes. Strictly speaking, Sally tells Gail, it's none of her business because number 13 belongs to Kevin. But, seeing as he's not here, she thinks she should go and investigate ...

Meanwhile, at number 13 Gloria is offering to take Stella and Karl to the Bistro as her treat. But Stella's worried she might bump into Leanne. So Gloria goes off on her own just as Sally arrives, looking to dish some dirt. She makes out that she needs to know what's going on so that she can keep Kevin informed but Stella tries to play the situation down, telling Sally it's just a bit of a blip until the insurance pays out. After Sally has left Stella admits to Karl how worried she is. She says she just wishes there was some way of paying Owen back but, as Karl says, all she's got is the pub and that's worth nothing until it's finished. This last comment suddenly gives Stella an idea. She thinks perhaps there might be a way out of her mess after all.

Carla and Peter are having a drink in the Bistro when Carla informs Peter that she's asked Rob to join them later. Peter's heart sinks at this news but then he spots Marcus standing on his own so he invites him to go over and sit with them. But before Marcus has even managed to sit down, David comes over and starts quizzing him about birthing pools. As if that's not bad enough, Rob then arrives with Tracy in tow.

Next to arrive in the Bistro is Leanne who is soon collared by Gloria who wants a word with her. But Leanne gives her short shrift saying that she's there to work, not chat.

Gary is still drinking tea with Tina. They're chatting about the money situation and Tina tells Gary that she still has the money Owen gave her in a savings account and she's happy to lend him some if he needs it. Tina offers to make another brew but, seeing three missed calls on his phone from Izzy, Gary reluctantly decides he'd better go but he invites Tina to go round to their house later. He tells Tina he worries about her being on her own but she insists it's great - she gets to choose the channel on the tv and have the bed to herself and tells Gary that the idea of couples is overrated.

Having had an idea, Stella goes round to Owen and Anna's with Karl in tow to put it into action. Owen asks if they come for round two but Stella says no, she has a proposition to make to him. "How would you like to own half the pub?" she asks.

Stella's idea is that she gives Owen half the pub and in return he agree to write off what she owes him and finish the work. But as he says, how is he supposed to pay his men and buy materials? Stella suggests he could try increasing his overdraft but Owen refuses to be railroaded into a decision and says he'll need to think about it.

Gary finally arrives home to find Izzy in a state. He tells her he's been round at Tina's and his phone was on silent. He tells Izzy he wanted to reassure Tina in case she was worried about the money situation but Izzy asks why he didn't think she needed reassuring. "Because you're not carrying our baby," he replies, not thinking about the devastating effect these word will have on Izzy. She observes that she's not exactly the top of Gary's list of priorities nowadays.

Roy arrives home following his talk on the Medieval Almshouses of Lancashire. He asks Hayley and Sylvia how their day went and Hayley tells Roy that they've been unearthing bits of the past, too. Roy looks interested but to Hayley's dismay Sylvia avoids telling him about the letter from his father and then changes the subject by reminding Roy there was a documentary that he wanted to watch on television.

Back in the Bistro David has now started to quiz Marcus about the pros and cons of pain relief in childbirth but his drinking companions, and Carla in particular, have no interest in the subject particularly when Tracy starts to talk about her personal experience of giving birth. Marcus tries to change the subject by asking Rob about working in the bookies but this gives rise to a sniping match between Rob and Peter and Marcus probably wishes they were still talking about childbirth.

Stella and Karl are trying to watch television but she can't concentrate. She's still worrying about how Owen nearly attacked Karl and says she couldn't cope if something happened to him. Karl asks Stella if she thinks it's a good idea offering to give Owen half the pub since it will mean surviving on half the profits. Stella says that at least they'll still have a roof over their heads and they'll just have to manage somehow. At that moment they hear Gloria coming back and Stella warns him not to say anything to her as she doesn't want her to get her hopes up. Karl announces he's off to the Rovers to get stuck into some more work.

Gail is watching television when David comes in from work. He looks absolutely shattered and Gail tells him he can't carry on like this, working himself into the ground and stressing over Kylie. As they start to chat about the baby David asks Gail if she thinks the baby will look like him. "I hope so," replies Gail with far more meaning than David realises.

Stella goes over to the Rovers with some cans of lager and dressed in her work clothes. She tells Karl that she's gone to give him a hand because they're a team now.

Hayley can't sleep and she gets up to find Sylvia can't sleep either. They're both worried about the letter from Roy's father. Sylvia has decided that she doesn't want to open old wounds but Hayley's of the opinion that Sylvia has no right to keep the letter from him. Hayley says that Roy isn't a child anymore and he doesn't need protecting so Sylvia tells Hayley then she doesn't know Roy as well as she thought she did. Hayley thinks that meeting St John will give Roy some sort of closure but Sylvia poo poos that as being middle class nonsense. Sylvia tells Hayley that if she loves him she'll leave well alone.

In the Rovers Stella and Karl have stopped for a break and are reminiscing about old times. Stella says that she reckons that maybe what's happened has turned out to be a good thing for them and that sometimes it takes something like that to remind you of what's really important. She tells Karl that the last few days have been a nightmare and she doesn't think she could have got through it without him. "Can you do me one more favour?" asks Stella. "Of course, anything," replies Karl. "Ask me again," says Stella.

At first Karl doesn't know what Stella means but it finally sinks in. "Stella Price, will you marry me?" he asks. "Yes, yes!" replies Stella, flinging her arms around him as the titles roll.

Karen

Karl and Stella are in the kitchen, all happy and loved up. He thinks things can only get better from now on. Gloria comes in, wondering why they're so happy.

Gary and Izzy are outside Underworld, discussing their financial situation. Gary points out that at least they still have her wage coming in. "Not once the baby arrives," she says, saying that she wants to bond with the baby when it's born. Gary is sure that Owen will get more building work soon. Just then Gary gets a call from one of his old army mates.

Gloria is delighted to hear Stella and Karl's news, and wants to organise a celebration. Stella feels that would be in poor taste, given her financial situation, and tells Gloria that she's even offered Owen a half share in the pub. Gloria is shocked.

Sylvia wanders into the kitchen where Hayley is having breakfast, and confesses that she did not have a good night. Hayley thinks it must be a guilty conscience that kept her awake, and reveals that she did not sleep well either. Sylvia has embroiled her in a secret, and Hayley is not happy. She thinks that Roy has a right to see St John's letter. Sylvia says that some things are best left in the past. Just then Roy comes in, so the two of them change the subject rapidly.

Owen is in the cafe, talking to Anna about Stella's offer. He says he still owes thousands for the materials he's already paid out for, and there is no guarantee he'll ever see a penny of it. He's annoyed because he turned work down to get on with the Rovers job, and now there's nothing out there. Anna is buttering toast for Faye, who is sitting with Tim. Anna thinks that Faye should be at school by now. Owen thinks that Tim is useless.

Just then Gary comes in, to see if the job at the Rovers is still on hold. "Wait till you hear the latest," says Owen.

A very tired David is taking Max off to school. Kylie is concerned and thinks he's doing too much. He says that plenty of people do two jobs, and anyway, it's only for one more week.

Anna takes Faye over her toast, and tells Tim that he should hurry and get her to school. Bessie Street school are really keen on punctuality and if Faye's late it will go on her report.

Owen is still talking to Gary, and still mulling over Stella's offer. Gary thinks that if he sees another job he should take it.

Anna is sad, she thought Faye would be back home within a week, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

Back at Stella's, Gloria is pleading for a celebration. When Stella is adamant that it's not going to happen, Gloria tells her she has a bit put by, she could help. Stella thanks her but says that they need thousands and thousands. Stella has text Eva and told her the news, and Gloria asks if she's told Leanne yet. Stella hasn't, and Karl remarks that she's not going to like it. Stella makes the decision to go right now, and takes Karl with her.

David is cutting Dennis Tanner's hair, and cuts his ear by mistake, for the second time. Dennis yelps, and says it's like being at Sweeny Todd's. Audrey comes over and suggests that she takes over, as David's mind doesn't seem to be on the job after so many late nights at the Bistro. David lets her, but is annoyed.

Stella is in the Bistro and has told Leanne the news. Leanne isn't impressed. She says she doesn't trust Karl and can't pretend to be happy for them, because she's not. Gloria hopes she will join them for a drink later, but Leanne says she won't be there.

Owen is in the office working out figures when Anna comes in. He thinks that if he holds off from paying his suppliers for a bit, and does a bit of other juggling, he might just about be able to do it, but if there are any other problems...... Anna thinks he should just walk away, but he tells her that if the Rovers closes down, he goes down with it. Anna then thinks he could force Stella to pay. "What, send the heavies in?" says Owen. Anna says she thought he was the 'heavies'. Owen says he could go down the legal route, but he doesn't want to do that either. Anna can't understand why he's being so nice to Stella. Owen points out that Stella didn't want this to happen. Anna says she doesn't want him saddled with a pub.

Gloria is in the Kabin, inviting Rita and Dennis to the 'gathering' later in the Bistro. She tells Rita that Stella and Karl fight like cat and dog, but they're meant for each other. Tommy is in the shop, and tells Rita that sounds like her and Dennis. Just then, Tina comes in, buys some sweets and goes out again. Rita says that there's another couple that she could say the same of. Tommy says that he and Tina are ancient history now. Rita wonders if maybe there's a way back for them, after the baby is born. Tommy doesn't think Tina will ever want him back.

David is moaning at Audrey for undermining him in front of a customer. She retorts that Dennis went out of there looking like Vincent Van Gogh. Kylie arrives, and Audrey tells her to talk some sense into David, however, he rushes off to work for Nick, saying he has to be there for 6pm.

Stella meets Owen outside in the Street. He tells her she's put him in an impossible position. She feels terrible about it, she's doing her best to sort it out. He says that they just might be able to come to some sort of arrangement.

Sylvia quietly tells Hayley that she has disposed of his father's letter. Hayley is furious and says that if Sylvia doesn't tell him, then she will. Sylvia then calls Roy over and hands over the letter, explaining how she got it, and that it was sent a long time ago. Roy's looks at the envelope for a moment or two, and then hands it back, telling Hayley he's not going to open it. Sylvia says she hopes that will be an end to the matter, and puts the letter in a waste paper basket.

Stella, Karl and Gloria are in the Bistro. Stella tells Gloria that Owen is going to think about her offer concerning the pub. Gloria is delighted, she thinks it's a done deal and she wants to crack open the bubbly, telling them that the guests will be there soon. "What guests?" asks Stella. Gloria says they are friends and neighbours who want to wish her and Karl well. She tells Stella not to worry - she's paying.

Anna sees Faye and Tim in the Street. They've just come back from the supermarket with bread, biscuits and ready meals. "And fruit," says Tim, "don't forget the fruit." Faye tells Anna that she got a special award at school for her history project. Anna is delighted and gives her a hug.

Gloria's celebration is underway, with Michelle and Steve and Rita and Dennis at the table. David serves dips and nibbles, and then goes and picks up a tray of glasses. The next minute he stumbles and drops the tray on the floor. Nick asks if he's all right and he says he just felt funny - low blood sugar or something. As he picks himself up, Nick tells him to go home, but David refuses, saying he'll be all right.

Gary tells Izzy his army mates have invited him to a reunion next week. Just then there's a ring on the doorbell, it's Tina. She wants to know if Gary has heard anything about when the pub will open.

Kylie is in the Bistro, she tells David that he's burning himself out. He thinks that's rubbish.

Gloria calls for another bottle of bubbly, and stands to make a speech, asking everyone to raise their glasses. Karl then gets to his feet and thanks Stella for finally saying 'yes'. Just then Owen and Anna come in and want to know what's going on. Nick explains about the engagement do. Owen isn't happy to see them cracking open the fizzy stuff while he's had to extend his overdraft.

Tina is eating tea with Gary and Izzy, and he's talking about the forthcoming reunion. Izzy goes off to get salt, and Tina asks whether these army mates are the ones he was with in Afghanistan, and remarks that it must get pretty intense. Gary seems to get a bit choked up, so she apologises for saying that. He tells her not to be daft, and touches her on the shoulder. Izzy, from the kitchen, notices this.

Owen marches over to the celebration table. He says he thought they would have better things to spend their money on - like him, for example. "Bouncing cheques one day, swilling champagne the next!" he shouts. Stella tries to tell him that her mother is paying, but Owen is getting crosser. He tells her to forget the share offer, he wants his money - he's suing!

Anne Logan

Kylie needs some new tops. David's doing the ironing and offers to drop her off in town later so she can find some. Gail reminisces about the maternity clothes she wore. David makes a cutting joke about her wearing a "Frankie says abort" T-shirt when pregnant with him. Gail and Kylie both urge him to stop doing so much but he says he's fine.

Karl and Stella dig into a cooked breakfast and try to remember what they did last night. Stella feels ashamed at the way they acted in front of Owen but Karl just wants to thump Owen.

Faye's doing the dishes while Tim plays some sort of pool or billiards game on his tablet. He's forgotten to get her breakfast and to wash her PE kit and wants her to wait just one frame so he can walk her to school. Faye's already got her own breakfast, sighs that she'll take the PE kit as it is and she'll walk to school on her own.

Rita's talking about David zoning out in the salon and then cutting Dennis's ear the following day. Nick is worried by David dropping things. Audrey tries to defend him but Nick urges her to give David the day off. He'll pay. He feels guilty because he asked David to do extra shifts. Audrey insists that she will pay.

Sylvia's watching a shopping channel and pooh-poohing every product she sees. According to Hayley, Roy's washing windows like a man possessed. Sylvia thinks she was right - they shouldn't have mentioned the letter to him. Hayley still hopes some good will come of it, such as a reconciliation between father and son.

Owen's in the cafe having a good moan about Stella. Tina refuses to listen so he moans at Anna. Stella and Karl come in, Stella waving a white flag. She apologises to him, saying they'd just planned to have a drink or two and then Gloria put some money behind the bar. Anna's upset on Owen's behalf and says Gloria's a thoughtless cow. Owen's had to lay off workers. Owen points out that he turned down other jobs to take on the Rovers and now there's nothing out there. He's still going to sue her, no matter how much she begs.

David's late to work and when he gets there Audrey pretends Mrs Couperthwaite has cancelled and sends him home, saying she's sure she owes him some hours.

Beth openly watches Izzy enter her PIN number into the (product placement) cash machine in the corner shop. Instead of wondering how on earth Izzy got her wheelchair up that step and through that narrow doorway, she just comments that Izzy's numbers don't mean anything. Her own personal identification number is 1998, "the year our Craig was born." Izzy's not that interested. She's just noticed there's two hundred pounds missing from the account.

Katy's getting into a flap. She has to go to the dentist for two fillings and Ryan can't look after Joseph. She doesn't want to ask Chesney.

Karl's in the Rovers, drinking tea and casually sawing a bit of wood. Stella comes in and tells him she's contacted an estate agent. She's putting the pub up for sale.

Audrey arrives with lunch for David, denying that she's checking up on him. She's actually woken him up. She tells him everything's under control at the salon. Maria's "doing" Mrs Couperthwaite as she speaks. Rats! She's forgotten she lied about Mrs C and concocts an elaborate, hole-digging excuse but David's not fooled.

Izzy's in the cafe fuming at Gary. Two direct debits have bounced and they will be charged for this by the bank. Gary's no better at making up excuses than Audrey. He claims he had to get some timber for work and Owen forgot to give him the work credit card. When Izzy's gone, Anna goes over to Gary and positively snarls that she's raised a liar. And he's lying to squirm out of a difficult situation, just the way his father did. Gary promises to tell Izzy the truth.

Chesney can't look after Joseph either. He's got to go and pick up some supplies and then get to his stall. Katy thinks he's being awkward but Ches points out she could have given him more notice. David gets up from the sofa to answer the phone and briefly staggers as if he's lost his balance. Hayley tells Roy that when Sylvia binned the letter from St John, Hayley rescued it from the bin. Roy doesn't care that his father wants to see him. His father made his bed some time ago, he says. David's taking Max to the park to see the ducks. He meets Katy in the street. She's quite wound up about finding a sitter for Joseph. David offers to take Max and the baby to the park. Izzy, of course, asks her Dad about the timber Gary paid for. He, of course, denies any such thing happened. Gail talks to Nick about David. She tells him he's going to have to forget about what he and Kylie did and stop doing things like offering secret charity in paying for David's day off. When Sylvia comes in, Gail makes a pointed comment about Sylvia drinking on her own. Sylvia isn't amused. But she is when she overhears Beth telling Craig that Kirk will help with his homework. Owen's ringing round previous clients, looking for work. He's having no luck. Stella arrives and tells him she's selling the pub.

Faye's in the cafe and asks if she can have piece of cake, since she'll have to wait until 8.30 or 9pm before she has her tea. Anna starts cross-examining her about life with Tim and discovers Faye's telly viewing last night consisted of sitting with Tim while he watched Greatest Premiership Goals. She invites Faye round for her tea and tells her to bring her washing.

There's a bit of interest out in the street as the agent's sign goes up on the pub. Though Rita can't think who would buy a burnt-out pub. Sylvia thinks "the girl who did this" has a lot to answer for.

Tina's round at Izzy's when Gary arrives home. He admits he took 200 from the account to buy Tina's ring back. He thought Tina deserved it. He didn't tell Izzy because he wanted an easy life. Izzy's now sure that Tommy was right. Gary fancies Tina. Tina protests that she knew nothing about him spending the money. Gary says Izzy's just being paranoid.

At the duckpond David suddenly feels very odd. He tried to call Nick and scrolls through the contacts in his phone. But before he can call he drops the phone and falls down in a convulsion, watched over by Max.

The End of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Peter Whalley
Directed by: Kay Patrick

We open with poor little Max kneeling over David, shaking him and shouting for him to wake up. However not that, or Joseph wailing in his pram is getting through to David, who is still shaking with an epileptic fit on the ground. Looking round, he notices David's phone where he had dropped it, and picks it up.

In the Bistro, Nick is telling his mother off for her sniping comments all the time. He tells her if she keeps it up, sooner or later David is going to notice, and asks her if that is really what she wants. Before she has time to answer, his phone rings. He is shocked to find Max on the other end, and is even more shocked to hear that David has fallen over in the park and won't wake up. Telling him not to move, and to stay on the phone, he assures him he will be right there.

Gary is really in the hot seat with both Izzy and Tina. Izzy wants to know why he would spend £200 on Tina, when he has never spent that much on her, and why he didn't just tell Tina about where the ring was so she could have gone and bought it back herself. All he can come up with is that he didn't think of that. Izzy accuses him of wanting to give her something that meant a lot to her as a gift from him. Tina interjects that she wishes he hadn't, and Izzy assures her she is not blaming her. Gary grovels and apologises, making Tina feel very uncomfortable, and decides to leave and let them sort it out between them. After she leaves, Izzy asks him how many other little presents he has bought her that she doesn't know about. He just shakes his head in disbelief.

Wow! The Bistro must be doing very well, because I see Nick drives a Mercedes. He pulls up at the park gates, and tells Max he is almost with him, asking if David is still unconscious. He is, so Nick tells him to shout at the top of his lungs so he can hear where he is.

Audrey, who had come into the Bistro just as Nick was leaving, is now out on the Street looking for Katy, so she can fill her in on what is going on at the park. Not being sure if she is back with Chesney or not, she asks Sally, who calls Ches over. He tells her Katy's whereabouts have nothing to do with him, but is shocked to hear Joseph is at the park with an unconscious David and not with her. He calls Katy on his mobile, and lays into her for palming Joseph off onto David, saying it's not only him she doesn't want, but now it's obviously Joseph as well.

My goodness this is an angry episode! We are now back with Izzy and Gary who are still going at it hammer and tongs. He is angry at her for making out he fancied Tina in front of her. She then accuses him of exactly that. He reminds her of what Tina is doing for them, and asks why they shouldn't do something nice for her once in a while. Izzy screams that it is the fact he did it behind her back that makes it not alright. He shouts back that he did it behind her back because this is exactly the reaction he expected had he told her about it. He takes off in a huff, saying he is going somewhere where he won't be accused of all sorts just for being nice to someone. Off he goes, leaving Izzy still fuming.

Nick has found them! He runs up just as David is coming round. Helping him to his feet, David is upset because he was supposed to be looking after the boys. Nick tells him that Max had done a pretty good job of looking after him instead. The lad preens and grins from ear to ear.

Roy and Hayley are sitting down to a meal, and he forewarns Hayley he hasn't changed his mind about reading his father's letter, letting her know the subject is not open for discussion. She tells him she won't mention it again. However, in the next breath, it is Roy who mentions it again, saying any letter that has sat there for two years can hardly be called urgent - or worth reading for that matter.

Chesney is at home now with both Audrey and Sally. He is ranting on about Katy being a bad mother, telling them she had told him she was going to the dentist, but is probably out boozing with her boyfriend or summat. Just then a frantic Katy comes home, asking if they have heard any more yet. Chesney of course wants to know why she palmed Joseph off on David in the first place. She snaps back that she had no choice as he had refused to look after him. He spits back that he didn't see why he should just so she could spend time with her boyfriend. She reminds him again she was at the dentist, and invites him to look in her mouth so he can see the work that was done. OK, he accepts that, but can't understand why she would have left him with David Platt of all people. Audrey takes umbrage at that remark, and tells him David is perfectly capable of looking after children. Chesney is not convinced of that by the events of the day however.

Audrey gets the call saying Nick has found them, everyone is OK and they are on their way back. Happy though they are, it doesn't stop Katy and Chesney sniping at each other.

Gary is now in No. 6 and reports to his mother that Izzy now knows about the £200. Anna can't resist telling him she told him it would come back to bite him, and hopes he has now learned his lesson not to keep things from her. As Anna goes to answer the door, Faye, who is eating at the table asks Gary if she will still be related to his baby if she doesn't live there, and he assures her she will. She is happy about that.

It was Tim at the door, he is looking for Faye. He doesn't mind one bit that Faye is having her tea there, and Anna tells him she is doing a load of their washing too. Tim thanks her, saying he was getting a bit behind with it. Anna makes excuses for him, saying he has a full time job. Gary points out that she too has a full time job, but she doesn't want to hear it. She offers Tim a cup of tea, and Gary can't believe his gall when he asks her for a beer instead.

Stella is telling Karl and Gloria they will have no choice but to sell the Rovers, move elsewhere and start again. Gloria points out she may have a bit of trouble attracting a buyer, the state it's in. She optimistically tells her mother she might find someone with enough cash to invest in it and get it running again. Leanne arrives wanting to know about the 'For Sale' sign outside the Rovers.

Joseph is being returned to his parents safe and sound. David apologises, but Chesney tells him it wasn't his fault, it was Katy who was supposed to be looking after him. Katy snipes back that she couldn't because she had to go to the dentist and he wouldn't look after him. Chesney asks why he would when it was her who walked out on the family. As Katy wheels Joseph angrily away, she gets the last word in by saying "Maybe everyone can see why I did now".

After the Battling Brown's part company, Audrey fusses over David like a mother hen, taking him home to look after him. Sally remarks to Nick that he probably shouldn't be looking after anyone's children including his own. Nick defends David by telling her he has epilepsy, but is great with kids. "Not when he's unconscious he isn't", says Sally. Nick asks her if she is always this nasty about her neighbours. Sally smirks at him, telling him she knows why he would defend David, as Gail has told her all about his family secret. Then to his utter horror, she lets him know that she is fully aware of the uncertain parentage of Kylie's baby. She assures him she is not going to say anything, which doesn't exactly make him feel any better, and as she walks away smirking, he is left standing there with his mouth open.

Kylie is now fussing over David, telling him he has been doing too much. Nick meanwhile is tackling Gail in the kitchen about opening her big mouth to Sally. She tells him she will have a word with her, to make sure it goes no further. Nick mutters she will have to kill her to guarantee that! Kylie comes into the kitchen saying she wants David to see a doctor, and begs them to convince David as he won't hear of it.

Nationwide are certainly getting their money's worth today with their product placement, because Tina is standing leaning on the machine with her card in her hand. She is in a dilemma about whether she should withdraw cash to pay Gary and Izzy back for the ring. Talking it over hypothetically with Sophie, she decides in the end it is a good idea to pay them for the gift, that way it is no longer a gift. Problem solved.

Hayley is trying to do her puzzle in the magazine, but Roy keeps interrupting her, talking about the subject he doesn't want to talk about. She is agreeing with him, saying if he doesn't want to get in touch with his father, then he shouldn't, but by his denial, he is doing a very good job of talking himself right into it.

There is yet another argument going on out in the Street. Gary is tackling Tommy about dropping him in it with Izzy. He reminds him that Tina is only doing what she is doing for the money, and he should remember that. For a minute, it looks as if Gary will haul off and land one on Tommy's nose, but decides against it, and storms off.

David is on his way to the medical centre, and Nick is heading back to the Bistro. David thanks his brother for coming to his rescue, but Nick tells him it's Max who deserves the credit. David is feeling sorry for himself, saying he doubts anyone will let him near Max from now on, and when his own child comes along, he will definitely not be trusted with it, he feels he probably shouldn't be a father.

Tim suggests to Faye they go home, but she is on the scrounge for some dessert. Anna offers her a piece of apple pie, and she definitely wants that before she goes. Owen comes home and is not best pleased to see Tim sitting there, and demands to know why. Anna explains that Faye is just having her tea. Owen rudely says that Faye is welcome anytime, but makes it clear Tim isn't.

Tina is visiting Izzy, she offers her the money for the ring. Izzy refuses it, saying their argument hadn't been over the money so much as the fact Gary hadn't told her about it. Tina tells her he hadn't told her either, and pushes it into Gary's hand, who has just come home. Telling them they are now straight, Tina leaves. Afterwards Izzy begs him to go after her and give her back the money, but he points out it wouldn't look good to be seen chasing after Tina under the circumstances.

The Price family and Karl have arrived in the Bistro for a drink. Gloria is musing that the buyer might convert the Rovers into a house. Stella replies she really doesn't care what they do with it once it has sold. She also says it could take ages to sell, Gloria points out that it wouldn't hurt Karl to get himself a job in the meantime. Stella agrees, and tells her she is going to look for one for herself too.

Kylie takes Nick to one side and asks what he and Gail had been whispering about in the kitchen. She too is horrified to hear that Sally is now aware of their secret. She is all for just telling David and getting it over with, but he tells her she mustn't even think of doing that.

Tim and Faye are saying their goodnight's. Anna tells Tim she will drop the laundry over tomorrow after she has ironed it. Owen is surprised, and asks Anna if she is taking in washing now. She tells him it is just a few bits of Faye's. He asks her if her next step will be popping over there to do his cleaning for him too. As they make to leave, Owen hasn't quite finished with Tim. He tells him to admit right now he is not up to being a full time father. He is only getting away with it because he is getting help from Anna, but he is not fooling anybody. Instead of arguing with Owen, Tim decides to just get out of there with Faye.

Anna is furious with Owen as the door closes on them. Telling him there was no need to say what he did. He tells her there was every need, that Tim is just playing at being a father, and all the things she is doing is helping him do it. She asks if she is supposed to just turn Faye away then, and is told that is exactly what she should be doing, for now anyway. She replies she just can't do that, and slams the living room door , turning her back on him.

Karl is suggesting to Stella that she try the Bistro if she is serious about getting a job, as possibly they need bar staff. Stella thinks that might be a good idea, and asks Leanne to have a word with Nick, even though Gloria points out she might not fit in there, as it's a bit more up market than what she is used to.

Gary and Izzy have decided they don't want to rehash the issue any more, and finally kiss and make up, with Izzy getting the 200 quid to pay back into their bank account.

At the bar, Kylie and Nick are still talking about David. Nick points out it would be awful for David to find out, especially now he is closer to him than he has ever been before. Kylie tells him she loves him more now than when they were first married too. So they agree they must look after him, especially after today, and not destroy his world by telling him the truth.

Leanne comes over and asks Nick if there are any jobs going. Nick replies all they really need at the moment is an extra cleaner, but doubts Stella would want to do that. Reporting back to Stella, the latter thinks for half a second, then goes over to Nick, telling him she would like to apply for the position of cleaner please. Surprised, he tells her they will discuss it a little later.

David comes back from the doctor, and reports he has been told to take things easier, but not much else. He tells them he doesn't plan to change anything, and will carry on as before, and doesn't care if he has more fits. Kylie is not happy about that, not at all.

The Price table cannot believe Stella is serious about taking a cleaning job. Leanne is convinced she is only saying that so she will put her hand in her pocket and pay for the Rovers, and tells her it isn't going to work. Stella retorts it isn't meant to either, because she is deadly serious about working as a Mrs. Mop both there and anywhere else that will have her until she can get herself back on her feet again.

David is drinking, although he isn't supposed to on his medication. He is feeling very sorry for himself though. Both Kylie and David talk him round, saying he must do as the doctor orders, take it easy, and they both were going to help him.

He thanks them, saying nobody in the world could have a better brother or a better wife than he has. Can you say guilt ridden faces?

This was an exhausting episode to write. So much arguing going on it wears you down. Come on Corrie - where has all the humour gone lately?

Christine Warren

This episode was written by Joe Turner and directed by Durno Johnston with copyright being the property of ITV Productions.

We open with Izzy and Gary eating breakfast, the latter wearing a vest and frankly I cannot see the reason why; also he has been thinking (now that is a surprise all things considered) and he is going to give the reunion a miss. Izzy talks him out of it - there is no good reason for him not to go and he promises he will back for tea at his mum's - they kiss.

David is not eating his Rice Krispies. David is worrying about the baby having epilepsy - he wants the baby tested now. He wants to find out now. Kylie and Gail look at each other - a test might show something unwanted. David goes off to get a doctor's appointment.

Stella is going to work as a cleaner at the Bistro and Karl promises to get a job as well (as if). Karl tells Gloria that they need to find a way out of this mess and Gloria thinks there might be a way - but gives nothing away.

I am getting my Gloria's in Weatherfield confused because to me Gloria Todd was one of the better barmaids, but later she metamorphosed into Jackie Corkhill. Also in Brookside was a former Coronation Street actress (she played Mrs Chadwick) as Sheila Grant, who later married Billy Corkhill, brother of Jimmy, husband of Jackie. {Those with better memories might want to correct this}. So the two Glorias are actually sisters-in-law in another universe. Much more fun than anything happening in Weatherfield tonight.

Hayley and Sylvia discuss the letter which Roy refuses to read and Roy is apparently a danger to work. Sylvia tells him to throw the letter away. Anna sells a lot of cakes to Izzy and she tells Izzy that she is the best thing which has ever happened to Gary. Anna says that Gary is not much of a thinker - likes things nice and straightforward (hmm she must have been reading my comments above). And he is dependable and he loves Izzy and the baby which Tina is having. Tina comes in and tells Izzy that she and Gary are sound and have a good relationship.

Gail is teaching the apprentice Stella how to mop floors. Behind the bar Leanne is still running Karl down saying he is a waste of space - has she forgotten he saved her mother's life? Obviously. Gail spots that Stella is using the wrong mop - there is "G" on the handle and there is one in the cupboard with one with an "S" on it. But Gail relents and says she can use it. And Gail tells Nick that she is slow but capable and the asks Nick if she really is Stella's boss. He confirms she is the senior cleaning department manager. Leanne checks all is well with Stella - and the latter calls Gail a slave driver. She is not yet ready to make it up with Leanne.

Faye comes in but there is not enough money for a proper meal - her dad has not gone to the bank. In the background Roy drops a load of plates.

In a bar somewhere Gary is with his mates. They are all boasting about drinking exploits, girl friends and toasting the late Quinny. Gary reveals he is going to be a dad. And then has to explain they are using a surrogate and why. They all see highly delighted with the news and he shows them the pictures - Tina is declared officially fit.

Sylvia and Roy discuss his stubbornness. He has burnt himself and she has to apply a new plaster to make sure it sticks properly. She offers to kiss the burn better but he refuses - as he always did. She tells him that he is distracted and this will continue until he reads the letter and warns him off the deep fat fryer.

Gary's mates tell him he should fancy Tina, after all they do and the single ones want her phone number - until it reaches the point where he almost loses his temper and they have to calm him down. They are there for Quinny and toast him again. But Gary is thinking again - even more dangerous. (Reminder Tina has had 5 successive wins as most attractive female soap star).

After the break we are in the Bistro where David is announcing his wish to have a test on the baby to be to Nick. Nick does not seem keen on a test either. Later Kylie comes in and Nick tells her about the message David had left. Kylie wants more shifts and Leanne hopes she is not overdoing it.

Anna asks Sylvia if she can take leftovers home to feed Faye - Anna wants to make sure she is well fed. Hayley returns and wants to know why Roy has a burn and as Anna leaves she tells Hayley that he has been as much use as a chocolate teapot. Hayley tries again to get him to read the letter.

Anna takes the stew around and Faye get the bowls out while Anna stops for a cuppa.

Tina tears a strip off Tommy for telling everyone about the ring. Tyrone tries to stop it as Gary returns and he follows Tina home. Ty takes Tommy to the Bistro and gets him to calm down and to treat Tina as a good friend, not lecture her and Tommy sees the sense.

Sylvia and Hayley start telling Roy to read the letter and he admits that it would be rude not to read the letter. So Roy opens the letter.

Gary asks Tina if she is OK following the altercation - she says she is OK and he tells her about the reunion - they had good and bad memories. Eventually he agrees to a cup of coffee although he should be elsewhere. Gary is unsure how he survived - five of the team have died and he is not sure why came through. Gary gets closer and closer to Tina and although she tries to back away he leans into kiss her. She pushes him off and asks what he is playing at.

Right, enjoy, I am sure more updates will be along shortly!
K Richard W

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Durno Johnston

Tina is apoplectic with rage over what Gary has just done. She tells him she would never be interested in him in a million years and wants to know what possessed him to try and kiss her. Gary claims he was confused but that excuse isn't good enough for Tina and she tells him she's not letting him leave until he explains why he did it.

Anna comes home to find Owen has been making the tea. She tells him she was late because Roy held her back at work. Katy's on her way out - again - when Izzy turns up. Then Chesney arrives to pick up Joseph but he's not happy when he realises the baby's being dumped on him so Katy can go out on the town. Ches's protests cut no ice with Katy and she stomps off upstairs to fetch Joseph.

We return to Tina and Gary. He's trying to convince her that "everything's cool" but Tina is really, really upset. She tells him she believed he and Izzy were a solid couple and wants to know where it leaves her if they split up. Gary begs Tina not to say anything to Izzy and adds that the kiss didn't mean anything. He tries to convince Tina that all he wants is to be with Izzy and the baby. Tina says right, so that means she has to trust Gary and lie to Izzy. Then Gary's phone goes; it's a message from Izzy, wanting to know where he's got to so Tina tells Gary to get out.

Roy has been reading the letter from his father. In her usual, no nonsense manner, Sylvia believes he should burn the letter and think no more about it but Roy says his father has given his number and has asked to be contacted. Hayley asks him what he wants to do but Roy needs time to think about it.

In the Bistro Marcus is talking to David and Kylie about the risk of their baby having epilepsy. He says he's no expert on the subject but even if the father has epilepsy - "that's me!" interjects David - the risk of the baby having it isn't that high. Marcus is keen to get going but David has one more question before he's allowed to escape - he wants to know if there are any tests they can do on the baby for epilepsy.

Karl is standing with Stella by the bar and he asks Nick if he has any jobs going. "Wish I could help," says Nick, walking away. Stella tells Karl she's not sure she wants to stay for too long because every time someone spills a drink she feels like she should be mopping it up. Just as she's telling Karl that it's not the work itself that's hard, Gail walks in to prove the point. She tells Stella that although she had a good first day, she shouldn't get complacent. Apparently her mopwork was a bit streaky and she forgot to change the loo roll in the gents' toilets.

Gary still hasn't come back so Anna, Owen and Izzy are going to have to start tea without him. They assume that he got held up with his old army mates although as Izzy points out he could send a message or answer his phone. Meanwhile we see Gary standing out in the street and looking at his watch. Just then Chesney comes struggling out of the corner shop with Joseph in the buggy. For some reason the wheels are stuck but clever Gary works out Ches has left the brake on which, in Ches's eyes just goes to prove that Gary will be much better at being a father than him. He asks Gary how long he has to go and Gary replies it's a couple of months until the baby's due. Gary asks if Ches fancies a pint but he declines so it looks as though Gary can't put off going home any longer.

Back in the Bistro David is still quizzing Marcus about epilepsy tests. Marcus has been looking it up on-line and tells them that there's no tests they can do. He's beginning to lose his patience and points out he's just a midwife and they can check it out on the internet for themselves. He tells David they should be enjoying this time before the baby comes and he should try and relax. Fortunately for Marcus he's rescued from any more interrogation by a phone call from Maria to tell him Liam has a temperature and he's needed at home. After Marcus has gone, Kylie and David fill in Gail and Nick on what they've learned. Nick looks relieved, as well he might, and asks if that means they can all stop worrying now.

At long last Gary arrives home looking pretty down in the dumps. He declines Owen's offer of a lager and Izzy says she impressed, she thought he'd come back completely plastered. "I wouldn't do that to you," Gary says quickly, "because I love you." Izzy wants to know what's brought this on but then assumes it's because things got emotional at the reunion. Gary's more than happy to go along with this so Anna tells him he shouldn't bottle things up and reminds Gary of how bad things got when he came back from Afghanistan. Izzy tells Gary he needs to look forward and Owen agrees, pointing out that Gary's got a baby on the way.

While David's in the gents, Kylie grabs the chance for a quick word with Nick. She tells him that the look of relief on his face when he heard there was no test for epilepsy could have given away their secret. Leanne comes in, Kylie stalks off and Leanne asks Nick if she's done something to upset her.

Roy has been trying to ring his father on the number he gave in the letter but there's no reply. Hayley tries to reassure Roy he may just be out but Sylvia can't resist making snide comments; she is still very bitter about the way her ex treated his family. She tells Roy he's read the letter so he should draw a line and move on.

Tina is venting her anger by throwing clothes into a laundry basket. Suddenly she stops with a look of determination on her face, grabs her coat and leaves the flat.

Round at Anna's they're just clearing up after their tea when Katy flounces in. Owen asks hopefully if it's all over with lover boy but Katy says she's just not in the mood for going out. This sets Owen off and he starts to have a go at Katy telling her she can't run her life based on what kind of mood she's in. Owen tells Katy you have to work at a relationship and cites Izzy and Gary as an example of a couple who managed to work things out between them. Izzy springs to Katy's defense and tells her father she thinks Katy's old enough to make her own mistakes. Owen tries to draw Gary into the discussion and he replies that the situation is probably a lot more complicated than Owen thinks.

Tina is ringing on Rita's doorbell. There's no reply but eventually Tommy comes down and tells her she's out. He offers to lend an ear and open a packet of hobnobs but Tina declines his offer, telling Tommy that if he was the one she wanted to talk to she wouldn't have been asking for Rita.

Stella's at home with Gloria and Karl after cleaning at the Bistro. As if her day couldn't get any worse she opens a letter from Owen's solicitors telling her that he intends to sue. Stella's at the end of her tether and says that sometimes she feels like sticking her head in the oven. Gloria tells her they won't let her do that and she doesn't have to worry about Owen. Karl says quite right, let him sue, he can't take money off them they haven't got. He adds that they're a team and there's nothing he wouldn't do for her.

It's getting late but Roy is still obsessively ringing his father's number. Hayley gently suggests he could try again in the morning but Roy gives it one more go and this time we hear a woman pick up. But it's disappointing news; she tells Roy that St John moved out of the house over a year ago without leaving a forwarding address. After he comes off the phone Hayley asks Roy what he'll do now. Roy thinks it's quite obvious - his father wanted to get in touch with him so he's going to find him.

David goes into the Bistro looking for Kylie. She's in the office checking out the rota so he tells Leanne and Nick he has something to ask them. In fact, he says, it's the most important thing he's ever had to ask them. "Will you look after our kids when we die?" asks David. "If we die," he adds hastily. Leanne and Nick look rather taken aback and tell him he's not going to die. But David tells them everyone does eventually and he's decided to make a will. Leanne tells David it's an honour to be asked while Nick is totally flustered by the whole situation. Kylie comes through from the back wanting to know what's going on and it turns out David didn't think to discuss it with her first. It's all a touch awkward but David is blissfully unaware of the glances being shot between Kylie and Nick.

Gary and Izzy are about to leave after their evening with Anna and Owen. Gary seems very distracted and Anna asks if he's O.K. She tells him not to go messing things up again. He replies that of course he won't but he couldn't sound any more unconvincing if he tried.

Tina is at home in her dressing gown when the doorbell starts to ring frantically. It's Tommy asking to come up. She's not keen to let him in so he tells her over the intercom that he knows she wouldn't have been trying to speak to Rita unless it was something important. He adds that if she needs someone to talk to then he can do that for her. Tina tells Tommy to go home and says that she's fine. But as the camera turns back to her we see that she certainly doesn't look fine.

Karen

Izzy is surprised but pleased, when she gets up in the morning to find Gary vacuuming the living room. He's just trying to be a decent other half, he says. (Guilty conscience more like!)

Meanwhile, in her flat, Tina seems miserable.

Eileen and Paul meet Brian coming out of the shop with bags of vegetables for his school assembly. He waffles on a bit, and then asks if they'd like to join him later in the bistro for something to eat. They're non-committal, so he tells them to think about it and let him know.

Eva has returned from her holiday. She gets out of the taxi and is shocked to see the For Sale board up on the Rovers.

Roy and Sylvia are sitting at their breakfast table. Roy is mulling over what his mother told him about his father, how he'd remarried and gone off to New Zealand. He notes that the letter was postmarked Burnely, but still wonders if maybe his father came back for a while and then returned to New Zealand. Sylvia urges him to let it go. She tells him he's obsessed. It's a puzzle though, and Roy likes puzzles.

Gary sees Tina going into the cafe, and hustles her to a table. He wants to know what she plans to do. He says that he loves Izzy, and what happened was a mistake. Tina is distant with him, she says she won't tell Izzy, but she and Gary are no longer mates. He goes out, and Tina orders a decaf from Anna. Then Izzy comes in, and Tina jumps up, saying she has to go. She rushes off, leaving a puzzled Anna with a mug of coffee in her hand. Izzy and Anna speculate on what the problem is. Izzy says she's going to get to the bottom of it.

Eva goes into the bistro and is horrified to find Stella on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. She wonders how Leanne can stand there and watch her own mother do that. Stella gets to her feet and tells her there's nothing wrong with scrubbing floors. Eva says that's not the problem, the problem is that Gloria has told her Stella might go bankrupt. She turns on Leanne again, wondering why she can watch her own family be homeless on the streets before she'll stick her hand in her pocket. Leanne snaps that she doesn't know why everyone thinks she's the cash-cow, and walks off.

Anna has received a letter from the school saying that Faye's school trip has not been paid for and she's supposed to be going on Friday. She tells Owen she'll write a cheque. Owen tells her she'll do no such thing, they're skint, and Faye is now Tim's responsibility so he should pay. Just then Katy comes in asking for a cooked breakfast, which Owen immediately offers to pay for. Anna glares at him. "Unbelievable," she mutters.

Izzy sees Tina coming out of the Kabin and stops her, asking if everything is all right, she seemed tense earlier. Tina tells her that everything is fine. Izzy apologises for going on about Tina's dad's ring, and asks if they can go for a drink together on Friday night. Reluctantly Tina agrees.

Hayley comes home for lunch and is astounded to find Roy still up in the flat where he's been all morning, searching for his father on the internet.

Tommy finds Tina sitting on the bench. He sits down beside her, telling her there is no one on the planet who cares about her more than he does. Tina is distant and thoughtful. He asks what the problem is, is it the baby? She assures him the baby is fine. He urges her to tell him what the problem is, promising he won't tell anyone. She asks him to come back to the flat with her.

Eva goes round to the yard to see Owen. She's cross and moans at him for suing her mum. He says that Stella should have checked that the insurance would pay out before she got him to start the job, and he has staff to pay. He tells her to go, they have work to get on with. "Paid work," chips in Gary. She tells them they're both vile, inside and out, and struts off.

In the flat, Tina tells Tommy that Gary tried to kiss her. Tommy is furious and jumps up, about to go and hit Gary, but Tina stops him, reminding him that he promised not to say anything.

Eva goes back to the house and tells Stella she thinks it's all so unfair that they are losing their home because Sunita hated her and knows her way round a box of matches. Stella agrees that it's awful, and wonders where they are going to live. Karl says he's sure something will come up. Stella says she can't go on being strong, she keeps making one big mistake after another. She's a mess. Eva says they love her, she's brilliant, and Karl agrees that he realised that too late. Gloria then pipes up and says she might be able to come up with the deposit on a little flat. They all stare at her. "With what?" they ask. Gloria, procrastinating, gets up to open a window.

Katy is helping out in the cafe, and then asks Anna if she can babysit so she go and see Ryan later. Anna is reluctant, but eventually gets talked into it.

Roy is still fretting over not being able to find his father. He wants to go through old photographs with his mother. She tells him they'll do it tomorrow.

Faye comes in then, with Tim, and Anna shows him the letter and explains that Faye won't be able to go unless it's paid for. Tim says he'll sort it.

Tommy is asking Tina what she's going to do now. Is she expected to now just hand the baby over to Gary? Tina thought that Gary and Izzy loved each other, but now she doesn't know.

Brian, Eileen and Paul are in the bistro. Brian is glad that everything is working out well for them, and then goes on to say that he admires Paul for the job he does, staring death in the face every day. There's an awkward silence, and then Eileen tells him he's a plonker.

Gloria explains that Eric made a second will and has left her some cash, £80k in all. Stella is aghast. "You let me go through all of this humiliation......" Gloria says she's sorry, but she didn't know what to do for the best. She's never had anything in her life, that money made her feel safe, like she had a future. They lapse into silence. Stella says that it's her money, she can do what she wants with it.

Tommy sees Gary coming out of Dev's shop with a bunch of flowers, and asks if they're for Izzy. "Who else would they be for?" asks Gary. "You tell me," replies Tommy. As Gary walks away, Tommy asks if he tries it on with all his mates. Gary turns back and says he was drunk and begs him not to tell Izzy. Tommy says he won't – as long as Gary stays away from Tina.

Anne Logan

Hayley's eating her breakfast and Roy is anxiously trying to work out whether Sylvia is awake. He hammers on the door. Ouch! She is now and she's stubbed her toe on the tallboy, which doesn't make for a good mood. She thought the hammering was the drugs squad!

At a completely different breakfast table, nobody's talking to Gloria. She tries to make her family (and Karl) see her point of view. The money means security for her. She's not as young as she was, has no savings, no private pension, no investments. "The money was a godsend - security at last!" After Stella leaves the room, Karl and Eva have a go at Gloria, telling her she's being selfish and making Stella's life a misery.

In the shop, Faye complains to Dev about the shower in the shop flat. She asks Tim whether he's got money to pay for her school trip but he hasn't. He tells her there'll be other trips. Faye gives him one of her patented glares. On their way out, she and Tim meet Anna. She comments that Faye must be running late for school. Faye ignores that and asks if she's got money to lend Tim so he can pay for the trip. Anna doesn't. There's that glare again.

Sylvia's agreed to go through the family photo album in the hope of finding some clue about where St John might be. But she keeps getting distracted by pictures of great uncles and herself as a child.

Paul's eating, watched carefully by Eileen. Sean's had a phone call from Dylan, who made the call all on his own. Paul's going to work.

In the street, Izzy and Gary discuss Izzy's idea that Tina's been a bit off with them. She doesn't want any bad feeling and she's invited Tina to meet them for drinks in the bistro after work. Gary's annoyed but he agrees to go.

In the cafe, Roy's going through the photo album on his own. He'd rather try that than get bogged down in "oral history." He finds a picture of his father with a man whom Sylvia identifies as Mark Hernan, a ne'er-do-well friend of St John. She agrees to make some inquiries to see whether she can get contact details for him.

Anna takes Owen his sandwiches. She has Joseph with her and Owen's annoyed that Katy's not back yet. She mentions Faye's school trip to him but Owen says if they keep propping up Tim, they'll never get Faye back. Chesney spots Joseph and comes racing over. He can't understand why Katy didn't leave the baby with him.

Gary goes to see Tina. He's annoyed that she accepted the invitation to drinks and he's furious that Tommy knows. After all, it was Tommy who blurted out their private arrangement in the pub. Tina says she trusts Tommy. And she tells Gary that if he ever lectures her again it won't be just Tommy who might tell tales.

Gloria goes to see Owen and asks him how much it would cost to pay off Stella's debts and finish the pub. He says 90 grand. She offers him 80. It's all she's got. "I'm sure you can shave ten grand off it if you put your mind to it. You can go ahead and sue Stella if you like. But she'll still be skint at the end of it and you'll get nowt. Do you really want to be the fella who closes down The Rovers?"

Hayley arrives in the cafe just before Sylvia comes downstairs shouting "Eureka!" She's got a contact number for St John's friend. She wants Roy to ring immediately but Roy's not so keen. He wants time to think about exactly what he wants to say.

Tim's back in the corner shop, this time buying frozen pizza. Anna finds him in there and offers him money for Faye's trip, pointing out that she's still Faye's mother and doesn't want to see her go without. "Take it. Nobody needs to know."

Roy sits down with the telephone, calls the number and introduces himself to Mark Hernan.

Gloria tells the family about the deal she's made with Karl. She suggests they can save the cost of a labourer by having Karl work on the site. Stella's tearful with gratitude.

Roy and Sylvia tell Hayley they've now got the last address Mr Hernan had for St John Cropper. They've looked at it on the Street View (they don't mention Google, so I'm assuming) and there was a man in the front garden. Even though his face was pixilated, Sylvia reckons it was St John. The address is a detached house in Blackburn. This makes Sylvia bitter. St John was probably having barbecues in the garden while she was reduced to a winged chair in a council care home. Hayley's very enthusiastic. She wants to drive to Blackburn tonight.

Eileen's on edge. She snaps at Sean and when a text arrives she snatches up her phone (it's spam). Paul arrives home after a quiet day at work. He jokes about playing snooker, though we all know that firefighters do other work during the day - training, fire prevention work etc. He makes a comment about them starting early on the wine but Sean points out it's all been drunk by Eileen.

Roy's trying to find all sorts of reasons not to go to his father's house. After all, he's quite elderly and it will be a shock. Eventually, though, he agrees to go.

Katy kisses Ryan goodbye in the street. A door slams and there's Chesney with Joseph. He says sarcastically he just wonders what Katy wants done with her son. He and Ryan almost come to blows but Anna hears the shouting and comes out to break them up.

Izzy and Gary are in the bistro when Tina arrives. Izzy gives her a hug and encourages Gary to do the same. It's the most awkward hug ever seen on television, I think. And then Tommy comes in and sees it.

Roy's in a real state about possibly finding his father tonight. He's so agitated he can't get the seatbelt to extend and is rocking the car as he yanks at it. Hayley knows exactly how to calm him down, though, and soon he's calm enough to tell her that when his father left he had many questions. Because his father wasn't there to answer them, Roy made up his own answers and he's based his life on those answers. Hayley tells him that she knows how much the truth means to him and this is a chance to find out what that truth is. Then there's an awwwww moment. Roy tells her there's one thing he knows to be immutably true. "I love you. Very greatly." "Belt up, Roy," says Hayley.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Susan Oudot
Directed by: Durno Johnston

There's a lot of argy bargy going on inside No. 6. Anna and Owen are having a go at Katy, and Ryan is being told to stay out of it. Owen is very angry as usual and is accusing Katy of shirking her responsibilities where Joseph is concerned. Katy is angry because Anna handed Joseph over to Chesney, when she had left him in her care, but Anna points out that Ches had every right to take him, he is his father after all. So Katy tells them in that case they will be sleeping at Ryan's tonight, and flounces upstairs to collect their things.

The Woodie is pulling up outside a very nice detached house. Hayley is very impressed with it, saying it reminds her of the house her Gran used to live in when she was little. Roy isn't listening to her prattling however, and is getting cold feet. He thinks they should turn around and go home. Hayley puts up a good argument however, so what with that, and the fact they have been spotted by a woman peering through the nets, poor Roy doesn't have a lot of choice.

Ryan, Katy and Joseph are off. Anna pleads with them to stay, asking Owen to apologise to her. Owen of course isn't about to do that, so they leave. Anna is about to give Owen a piece of her mind, when in comes Faye and Tim.

Faye excitedly tells them Tim has paid for her school trip, and has come to pick up her wellies. Owen asks Tim if he has come into some money then, Tim replies that he has. Anna just looks a bit uncomfortable.

Just as Roy is about to knock on the door of the nice house, the lady opens it, causing Roy to jump out of his skin. She immediately assumes they are selling either vacuum cleaners or religion, and tries to get short shrift of them, but they hastily introduce themselves, and tell her they are looking for St. John. Roy fishes in his bag, saying he had a letter from him. The lady looks astonished, and gasps that the letter had been sent two years ago. Hayley takes over the conversation and explains why they are only just following up on the letter. Still looking gobsmacked, the lady, who is apparently Mrs. Cropper invites them in.

There is a celebration going on in the Bistro. Stella is telling Karl and Eva she feels like a huge weight has been lifted off her. Karl remarks he is sure it must have been hard for Owen to swallow losing £10,000 on the deal, but Eva points out he is a businessman, and knows he should get what he can from it.

Stella is worried about where the money will come from for the fixtures and fittings that they have to provide as part of the deal. Karl tells her not to worry about it, he will sort it somehow. He is not worried about Gloria including his free labour in the deal either, he tells them he is more than happy to do his bit to get Stella up and running again.

Leanne comes over, wanting to know what they have to celebrate. They fill her in, and she is furious to hear that Gloria had the money all along, even when she was saying all those nasty things to her when she had refused to pay the bill for Stella. The latter tells her Gloria had her reasons for keeping quiet about having money at first, but the important thing is she came up trumps in the end, and she is extremely grateful to her for it. As Leanne flounces off, Eva glares at her back and defiantly raises her glass and makes a toast to 'going home'. Stella and Karl echo those sentiments.

Tina, who is sitting at another table with Gary spots Tommy sitting at the bar. She goes over and asks him if he is going to say anything. He tells her he won't, so she calls out her thanks to him as he leaves.

Going back to the table, she assures Gary neither of them are going to say anything, so he can relax. He is eaten up with guilt though, and tells Tina if it gets out, he stands to lose everything. Izzy wheels in, and smilingly asks them what they have been talking about. Tina lies that she had just been telling Gary that she is really tired, and thinks she will go home now for an early night. Izzy bids her goodnight, and tells her she is really glad they managed to clear the air.

Hayley is asking Mrs. Cropper if they have lived there long. She tells them they moved there quite recently because their eldest son lives quite close by. Roy then learns he also has another half brother in New Zealand and a half sister in Cornwall. Showing them a photo of her whole family, taken on St. John's 70th birthday, she tells them he always used to say nothing was more important than family. Roy looks slapped by that remark, knowing his father hadn't meant him when he said that. Hayley picks up on the fact that she had said 'Used to say', and Mrs. Cropper tells them St. John died three months ago.

Mrs. Cropper is telling Roy and Hayley about how attached her husband had been to his family. This obviously hurts Roy deeply, but she assures him he wanted to see him very much, used to speak of him often, and hadn't found it easy to walk away. It had bothered him deeply that Roy might not remember him at all.

Hayley asks her why he had decided to contact Roy after all these years, and she explains that as we get older, we want to put all the things right we have done wrong throughout the years. She goes on to say that he didn't really expect Roy to reply to the letter, felt sure he would never be able to forgive him, and when he didn't hear back, he resigned himself to the fact that Roy must still be angry, and went to his grave believing he hadn't been able to forgive him. Roy sits in silence.

Faye and Tim are just leaving, having collected her wellies. She is still excitedly prattling on about all the things she is going to do on the school trip. After they leave, Owen is suspicious that Anna gave Tim the money for the trip. When she admits it, saying she couldn't bear for Faye to be disappointed, he angrily points out that she will never see Tim for what he is and come home if she keeps helping him to look like the hero. He goes out, not trusting his anger with her.

Mrs. Cropper pulls out an old suitcase, telling Roy that St. John had made her promise to give it to him, should he ever respond to the letter. Roy is overwhelmed to discover a carefully wrapped train set inside. This had been a set that his father had treasured, and played with often. Roy tells her he had one just like it, but a different colour when he was a boy, and is obviously thrilled to see this one, but tells her he can't accept it. He suggests she give it to one of her grandchildren, but she is very upset, telling him his father had really wanted him to have it, and pleads with him to take it. He reluctantly does so, and Mrs. Cropper tells him she is very glad he came. He shakes her hand and tells her he is sorry for her loss, and she sincerely replies she is sorry for his too. (She is a very nice lady, I hope Roy decides to meet his half-siblings, so we can see her again.)

Stella and Eva are discussing the work needed to get the Rovers back in business. Karl is getting off the phone having had no luck finding cheap fixtures and fittings yet, but the word has gone out, so he is optimistic they will find some soon. Stella then gives her notice to Nick on her cleaning job, saying she thought it kinder to allow Gail to see her next birthday, which she wouldn't if she continued working under her. Nick understands completely. Leanne then waylays her mother, telling her she is glad she is getting the pub back, and reiterates that the only reason the money for it hadn't come from her was because she didn't want Karl getting his hands on her money. Stella once again defends Karl, saying he has changed, and she is absolutely certain they have a future together, and will be happy. Leanne tells her in that case, she is willing to chip in towards the cost of the fixtures and fittings and offers her £5,000. Stella is very touched by her gesture, telling her she doesn't need that much. Leanne tells her it is there if she needs it, but stresses it is if 'she' needs it. Stella hugs and thanks her.

Roy and Hayley are leaving his father's house. Mrs. C tells Roy to remember he has family there, and he blusters, obviously not wanting to have that conversation. She calls out to them as they are going through the gate, telling them the name of the cemetery just along the road that St. John is buried in, in case they feel they would like to visit his grave. Hayley thanks her.

As they get into the car, Hayley tells Roy how sorry she is that Roy didn't get a chance to get his important questions answered, but looking on the bright side, tells him it was great to learn he has siblings, and is part of a family. He replies they both know that he could never belong with them. She suggests they visit St. John's grave as they are in the area, but Roy has had enough, and just wants to go home.

Tina and Tommy are sitting on Maxine's bench discussing Gary's stupid pass at her. Tina wants to believe he is genuinely sorry, but Tommy is suspicious about how sorry he would have been if Tina hadn't knocked him back. Tina points out they have two months before the baby comes, and in that time Gary and Izzy have to have things on track between them in order to be good parents, and this is why they must say nothing to Izzy. Tommy gives her his word that he won't. Things are definitely mellowing between these two.

Roy and Hayley arrive home, and Sylvia is anxious to hear how they made out. They break the news about his demise, and she tries to hide her dismay by blustering they should celebrate. When Hayley tells her he didn't suffer, she replies "Pity". Roy is very aggravated by her insensitivity, and reminds her that someone has lost their life. He shows her the train set, which doesn't impress her at all, but he tells her it is a very valuable gift, worth a lot of money. He points out how well his father had taken care of it, and suggests that maybe he and his father were more alike than she thought. Sylvia then angrily replies that he is nothing like his father, nothing at all! She goes on to shout that he was a coward who shirked his responsibilities, then with tears in her eyes, and a catch in her voice, she whispers "You are nothing like him, and if you try to make excuses for him I will never forgive you".

Owen comes home to a crying Anna. He apologises for getting angry with her earlier, justifying it by telling her he just wants Faye to come back as much as she does. Anna tells him they have to face that she might never come back, that if she had been happy, she wouldn't have wanted to go in the first place. She is feeling like a terrible mother, now that Faye, Katy, Gary and Izzy have all gone. Owen replies that she just has to stay strong, and feels sure Faye will be back.

Roy is brooding. Sylvia tells Hayley he always did that as a child when he was upset. She goes on to tell her she didn't see him shed a tear when St. John left, she only saw him brooding.

Hayley goes over and sits beside Roy, asking him if he would like to talk about his Dad for a bit. He looks at her in astonishment. She goes on to explain it might help him to talk about it, as it's not good for him to keep things bottled up inside. Roy asks her why society is so obsessed with getting every emotion prostrated for all to see, and asks what good does it do to speak about it out loud, the problem does not go away just by giving it voice. He points out to Hayley that originally he had no desire to read that letter. That as a child, even as a teenager, he had a desire for that relationship which no longer exists. He also admits there were many unanswered questions too, but all that is diluted by age, healed by time, and he tells her he had been contented. Hayley points out that St. John had wanted to see him. Roy concedes that he did, and that he had been drawn into being curious as to what he had to say to him, but now he will never know what that was. Hayley protests that he just had to read the letter though. Roy contradicts her, telling her he hadn't wanted to read it, and would happily have thrown it away, but it was her pushing and pushing him that finally made him do it, and now he is no longer contended. Hayley assures him she only did what she thought was best for him, and begins to say "If I am in any way to blame..." Roy interrupts her there, and tells her "You are Hayley, you are to blame".

As the credits roll, Hayley sits looking horrified.

Christine Warren

Written By Susan Oudot Directed by Mickey Jones

Hayley is trying to be understanding about the shock Roy has just got. Roy is too intent on cleaning to listen. Sylvia reckons Roy isn't going to roll over and expend all his emotions but Hayley wonders if councilling would be a good idea as it's not a good thing to bottle it all inside. Sylvia points out Roy is well in his shell and will be there some time. Sylvia snaps at Gary and when Tommy and Tina come in and are cool to him, he comments that people will notice if they blank him. But they pretty much do anyway. Katy comes in as Gary leaves and gives Tina a funny look behind her back.

In the betting shop, Carla and Rob reminisce about their mother and not in a "happy days" way. Peter asks Rob to do some of the more menial tasks. Rob objects but Peter insists. Norris comes in, probably not to bet. He's after a free coffee but the coffee machine isn't working. Another task for Rob, methinks.

Skinhead Steve tries to give Chesney advice. Get back on the dating wagon, lad. Ches doesn't seem to take the advice well, suggesting that Steve and Ryan are having a good laugh behind his back. Tsk. Steve goes off in a huff, Fiz watches with a worried look on her face.

Ryan is mumbling about something or other to Katy who's preoccupied. It looks to her like Tommy is giving Gary grief over what Tina's done and Tina ought to tell Tommy to butt out. Sylvia adds her two pennies in on the whole surrogacy subject, negatively as you would expect. Katy asks Ryan to come over for a bit later. Naturally they kiss just as Fiz comes in and spots them. She's come in to see how Roy got on seeing his father. He glosses over it all and excuses himself so Sylvia breaks the news to Fiz who expresses her sympathy. Roy says nothing and Sylvia thanks him. Fiz leaves and Sylvia scolds Roy for his rudeness.

Gloria has come in to complain that her paper hasn't been delivered. Norris tries to get out of passing over another one. He growls about how long it's taking the pub to reopen but Gloria surprises them all by revealing that she's the new co-owner of the pub and it will be open by the weekend. Tommy and Gary are also in the Kabin. Gary whispers to Tommy that he loves Izzy and the kiss was a mistake. Tommy shrugs it off. I don't think Gary is any more confidence. Norris, naturally, wonders what's going on there as Tommy pays and leaves. Rita admonishes him for being nosy. Does she think that will change him? Heckaslike.

The pub looks nowhere near ready. It's still all bare drywall and they're still cutting the molding woodworks. Stella wants the pub open by the weekend. Owen protests that they've been working all the hours. Owen suggests that if they stop work on the living quarters upstairs, they can add a few extra bodies to work on the pub. That works for Stella. Karl assures her it will be all good as new when they do move back in. Their clean slate.

In the betting shop, Peter is on his way out and sees that the coffee machine is still bust and apparently leaking because Peter wants Rob to mop it up. Peter pulls rank but Rob takes issue with him being the boss of Rob, saying that Carla wanted him to work *with* Peter. Peter doesn't pay any notice and says he's off to the bank. Rob isn't happy and calls Carla to complain.

In the Underworld office, Carla is frustrated. She orders them to sort it out between them. Michelle sympathises with Peter. Beth ducks in and says that Kirk has gone home sick. Carla asks her to send Tracy in. They have an order to get out so she asks Tracy to drive the order to the client. She's not impressed and refuses. Carla points out that Tracy is employed in Distribution. Delivery is distributing. Tracy can't really talk her way around that so she leaves with the keys. Carla expresses a bit of regret making Rob work with Peter. Michelle thinks they're just find there without him but Carla looks thoughtful.

We're back to the cafe. Gary and Izzy are collecting food, Gary doing overtime at the pub. At Anna's urging, he doesn't exactly apologize to Sylvia but is friendly to her. Her response is as you would expect. Izzy invites Owen and Anna and the family to theirs for tea. She's impressed when Gary says he'll help with the food. He kisses her goodbye and she's all smiles

Owen gets home and catches Katy and Ryan who have just comes downstairs, half dressed. He kicks Ryan out. Ryan tries to stand up to him but Owen starts pushing him around. He chucks Ryan outside where all three of them are hollering in the street. Katy is protesting that he has no right to tell her what to do. Impeccable timing as always, Chesney gets a view of the whole thing. Owen forbids Ryan to come in the house again. Michelle walks by and adds to the mix, shouting at Owen for pushing her son around. Beth is gawping too but more because Ryan still hasn't his shirt on. Ryan leaves and Owen shouts at Katy but she stands up to him. She's with Ryan. Deal with it. Chesney takes Joseph back in the house.

Steve and Michelle have taken Ryan home. Ryan whines, poor me, Owen did me wrong, I'll show him. Steve doesn't fancy his chances and Michelle points out that Ryan was in Owen's house with his daughter. She says in Owen's eyes, he's half to blame for breaking up the family. She councils sitting down and talking to Owen. Steve agrees.

Sylvia comes upstairs to see Roy. It's only just about lunchtime and Hayley is apparently planning to take the afternoon off. Roy says he's declined Hayley's offer to drive them to the cemetery but Sylvia reminds him that he's not the only one that is bereaved. Ah. Right. Roy expresses mild surprise that she would want to go, with a wonderful, deadpan line "I had the distinct impression that the only reason you'd want to visit his grave is to dance on it". She describes what it was like when she met St. John at 18 when she was young and pretty. She was waiting to see Bill Halley (Rock around the Clock) with a friend and started talking to St. John while waiting in line. She recalls that things were different then, you met someone and if you got on, you got married. She thought she was lucky. Then she hisses that she hated him for leaving them but she thinks she should pay her respects. She badgers him a bit, trying to get him to support his mother (but really, she wants him to go for himself as well). This storyline is just wonderful and has really brought more layers to Roy and Sylvia's relationship.

Rob is mopping up around the coffee machine when Tracy arrives. Rob moans and complains about Peter. Tracy moans and complains about having to drive the van. Rob starts into a rant about everything which Tracy seems to find attractive because she is not long distracting him with a kiss. The pair of them run into the back room just as the coffee machine starts spitting out coffee again... onto the floor of course.

Tina comes into the Kabin. Rita asks her if everyone is ok, noticing that Tommy and Gary had had words earlier. Rita isn't prying but wants to make sure Tina is ok. Tina doesn't want to say what's going on but says she's ok. Rita sends her off with a smile.

Peter has returned to find a mess at the coffee machine. He's not best pleased and hollers at Rob and Tracy as they come out from the back room, also half undressed.

Tina calls Gary. She needs to see him so he leaves the building site.

The Croppers are at the cemetery, trying to find their way around the headstones to find St. John's grave. Roy tries to get out of it but Sylvia has spotted their goal.

Steve, Michelle and Ryan are on the street en route to the cafe for a bite. Michelle says that Owen just doesn't know Ryan very well and is protective of his daughter. Ryan says he's going to see Owen. He heads across the street. As he enters the builder's yard he can hear Gary and Tina arguing up in the office. It's not really clear at first what they're on about until Tina orders Gary to forget he ever made a pass at her and concentrate on Izzy. Ryan has overheard this and makes a scuffling nose as he turns around to leave so they know he's heard.

Part 2

Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by Mickey Jones

Ryan makes an excuse about looking for Owen and gets out leaving Tina and Gary to argue about whether he heard or not. Of course he did. Gary's freaking out and Tina intends on talking to Ryan.

Chesney has told Fiz about Owen catching Katy and Ryan en dishabille. Fiz is grossed out. They go inside after Fiz tries to pick up a parcel Ches has bought but it's far too heavy for her.

Tina asks for Ryan at the flat door but Steve says he's not around. She makes an excuse and leaves.

Katy and Izzy are arguing about Ryan. Izzy, for once is defending Owen since Owen really is just worried about Katy. Katy is dismissive of all. She's a big girl, right? She can take care of herself. Izzy admits she agrees with Owen, and doesn't understand what Katy sees in Ryan. (he's not Chesney). Katy reminds Izzy that Chesney is the one that broke up with her after they couldn't work through their problems. Izzy tells Katy to bring Ryan to tea and not tell him Owen will be there. Maybe Owen can see them together and realize Ryan's not so bad? Katy is persuaded.

Peter is hollering at Rob for being in the back room not paying attention to the shop. Now the place is flooded and the electricity is off. Tracy defends Rob, he's the one that's helping to turn the place around. There's more arguing until Rob has enough and he and Tracy walk out.

Michelle and Steve are small talking when Ryan arrives back home, looking down and out. He didn't find Owen. The bell rings and Katy has arrived. Steve mentions that Tina called for him earlier. He doesn't seem surprised. Katy invites Ryan to Izzy's for tea and admits Owen will be there. Ryan has had enough of the Armstrong/Windass clan for one day and reckons Gary and Izzy are Team Chesney but Katy persuades him with a gentle nudge from Michelle and Steve. It's a chance to put things right and after all... Steve points out, he's being offered curry! Ryan says he'll go.

At the cemetery, they've found St. John's headstone. Hayley puts the flowers down since neither Roy nor Sylvia would take them. There's already flowers there and Sylvia reads the headstone. Roy's name is listed under the children. Sylvia is surprised. Roy doesn't necessarily take it as written that he was not forgotten (even though Margaret has already told him he wasn't).

Carla is on the phone with a customer who seems intent on not renewing an order or is playing hardball. Michelle reckons she knows who it is. While on hold, Carla has to answer her phone to an angry summons from Peter. Michelle offers to take the business call, feeling capable enough of playing hardball back with the customer while Carla goes to smooth Peter's ruffled feathers.

Gary arrives home. Izzy's angry because he's forgotten an ingredient she needed for the curry. To soothe his guilty conscience he tells her he loves her and she tells him there's company coming for tea including Ryan and Katy. Worst. Nightmare. It's written all over Gary's face though he pretends it's because of Owen and Ryan clashing swords. Izzy goes to take a shower and Gary says he's going to nip out for beer. He picks up his phone to (I think) send a text, probably to Tina)

Peter rats out Rob's recent crimes of passion, resulting in floods though the electricity is back on. Peter has no intention of continuing to work with Rob. He wants Carla to get rid of Rob from the betting shop. Him or me, is the ultimatum.

Gary has come to see Tina as per the text he sent. He tells her that he's got to face Ryan and is scared Ryan is going to say something. He is pretty sure Ryan heard what they'd said.

After the break, Gary is necking beer back home and letting Anna and Owen in. Izzy breaks the news that Ryan is coming. Owen turns to leave but Izzy and Anna make him stay and Izzy orders him to behave himself. For her. The errant couple arrive and come in cautiously. Gary and Ryan exchange a knowing look. Owen gets right up and goes to the loo. Well at least he didn't knock Ryan down. The girls figure that was as warm a welcome as Owen can do. Gary is nervous around Ryan but Ryan seems fairly calm.

Back at the Cropper flat, Roy seems thoughtful. Hayley and Sylvia are watching him carefully for reactions. Roy says it was interesting to see his father's final resting place and then takes the case with the train into the other room, leaving Hayley and Sylvia to sit there speculatively.

Everyone is squashed around the small table tucking into the curry. Ryan asks Gary if he's a bit scared about the baby arriving. Gary says he is. He and Ryan continue to shoot looks across the table.

Roy has been happily examining the old train. He witters on about how much it would be worth and then launches into a bit of a rant about why Sylvia's friend never forwarded the letter. Everyone forwards letters. Why didn't she? Then he's back on about the train again. Clearly he's been affected deeply by this whole thing.

Tracy and Rob have wine back at number 1 and talking about Peter. Rob decides to call Carla.

Everyone has been filled up with curry. Owen suggests a pint. Gary and Ryan pick up plates to clear up and in the kitchen, Gary asks him why the funny looks. Ryan plays it cool. Gary can't leave it alone and tells Ryan that whatever he thinks he heard, he got the wrong end of the stick. He insists Ryan heard it wrong but Ryan knows what he heard. They all get off to the pub.

Michelle is doing the washing up and worrying about Ryan getting involved with Katy, who has an angry ex boyfriend and an even angrier dad. Steve offers to help but it's not wanted. He isn't very good at it, she points out.

In the Bistro, the Prices are discussing the ambience of the pub. Gloria wants an input but Stella likes the way it was. The Windass/Armstrong crew arrive for a drink as well. Katy and Ryan stand at the bar and Katy grills him about what he and Gary were talking about so seriously and she noticed a tension between the two all night. He asks if Gary and Izzy are ok. Katy insists they are. Ryan then lets the cat out of the bag and tells her what he overheard. Gary looks very aware that the two are talking in lowered voices at the bar behind him.

Rob has come to see Carla at the factory. He wants big changes or he walks. Carla tries to defend Peter. Rob says there are already better takings in the shop because of the changes he's made. He insists on a share of the bookies or he's out. Carla knows Peter won't have it. Rob tells Carla she owes him (for what!!?) otherwise they have a big problem.

Chesney's heavy parcel turns out to be a set of weights he bought at the market. He's lifting dumbbells in the back yard. Fiz is worried he's trying to change himself for the wrong reasons.

Back to Carla and Rob. She's going to put things right. She knows he's done good things for the bookies but the experiment has obviously not worked out. He realizes she's sacking him while Peter, who has wandered in, is watching. He gets angry (well, he didn't really want to be there anyway and only wants his hands in the shares which he's not going to get. That's probably what he's more angry about). She says it's not personal. Rob verbally quits the bookies and says he'll be back at Underworld tomorrow. She agrees.

In the Bistro, Karl and Gloria make up. He says he was a bit sharp with her earlier because he's not sleeping well. (I wonder why). He says he just wants everything to be perfect for Stella. Over at the other table, Gary can't stand it anymore and goes up to the bar to find out what Ryan's been telling Katy. He insists he loves Izzy and it's "not like that". He promises to tell Katy the truth. Katy says she'll meet him outside in a minute, makes her excuses and leaves. Gary then makes an excuse, he's got to make a call and has to go out and get a signal. When he gets out there he tells Katy and Ryan that he made a stupid pass at Tina. It was a mistake and he got too close to Tina. Katy is furious and strides away. She's incensed that he wants her to lie to her sister. Tina comes out of the Kabin and realizes that Katy knows. Gary reckons Katy will tell Izzy ASAP.

Tvor

Rob and Tracy are in the cafe. He's moaning and whinging about having to go back to Underworld with no particular role. (Although I'm pretty sure he had plenty to do there only three weeks ago before he went to help out at the bookies). He tells Tracy he hopes Carla remembers that he still owns 30% of the business. Tracy is fully supportive and makes all the right noises.

Roy is bustling about, clearing plates whether they're finished with or not, and wiping tables.

Gary comes in and spots Tina. He goes and sits with her, telling her to have a word with Katy and tell her that nothing happened. Tina is doubtful that Katy will believe her.

Outside, Sally, Sophie and Jenna are discussing Dev. Sally says that there are times when you just have to get on with life and grieve at the same time. Things can't come to a full stop because someone has died.

Roy is now sweeping outside the cafe, and gets very cross when he sees Craig drop the wrapper of a chocolate bar. He starts to berate the boy about litter, and then Beth comes along. She sticks up for her son, but picks up the litter. As they walk off she asks Craig if there's anything the matter. He says there isn't, but she's sure something's wrong.

Chesney is walking down the Street when Beth's niece, Sinead, comes along. She tries to engage him in conversation but he hurries off. Around the corner at the bus stop, she meets Beth and tells her she likes Chesney but she doesn't think he's interested. Beth tells her that they're ALL interested. She gives Sinead the keys to her flat so she can go and look after Kirk. (Not sure what is wrong with Kirk). They both wander off then, leaving Craig at the bus stop who starts to bite his finger nails and look really worried.

Katy is chatting to Ryan about the situation with Tina and Gary. She thinks she should tell Izzy, as she is her sister after all. Ryan asks what Izzy would do, and Katy says she thinks she'll kick Gary out. Ryan reminds her that they have got a baby on the way. Katy thinks that Tina is the last person Gary should be messing about with, but she feels she has to tell as she knows what this sort of thing can lead to.

Carla and Michelle are discussing Rob. Michelle is furious that he's coming back, but Carla points out that Rob is her brother and she has to give him another chance.

Just then, out on the factory floor, Rob walks in through the door, followed by Tracy, and announces his return to the entire workforce. He then goes into the office and Carla suggests they all sit down and work out some areas of responsibility.

Stella is in the shop, and she tells Dev that they're opening the Rovers on Sunday, although it's not going to be a big reopening party, she doesn't feel it would be appropriate. Dev is grateful, and then Gloria comes to the counter with a basket full of banners and balloons!

In the cafe, Anna and Sylvia push Roy down into a seat and put a cuppa in front of him, telling him he has to have a tea break. Sylvia then sits down with him and tells him it's obvious he found yesterday very upsetting. He denies being upset, and tells her that he refuses to pretend an emotion that he does not have. He then stands up and gets back to work.

In the Underworld office, Carla tells Rob that while he was away, Michelle took over his job. Rob points out that there's a whole list of contacts that were his, he wants the responsibility of dealing with buyers, drawing up contracts. Michelle gets cross and flounces out for an early dinner.

In the Rovers, Stella tells Karl she's never seen him work so hard. She adds that she has been speaking to Dev, and doesn't want to make a big thing out of the opening.

Katy is waiting outside the cafe for Izzy to come along. Tina comes out of her flat and tells her that she should listen to her first, before speaking to Izzy, so that she knows what really happened. Before any more can be said, Izzy comes along. Katy then tells her to go on for her lunch, she'll speak to her later. Izzy goes off and Katy turns to Tina.

Sinead sees Chesney in the shop. She asks if he'd like to go for a drink on Friday.

Jenna and Sophie are looking at Dev, and wondering about his state of mind. They offer to babysit, so he can have a night out, but Dev's not in the mood.

In the flat, Tina tells Katy how Gary was drunk and made a stupid pass at her. Katy is still bent on telling Izzy, as it's obvious Gary fancies Tina. Tina tells her that if she tells Izzy, she and Gary might split up and then the baby won't have a home. She adds that anything MIGHT happen, but does she want to be the one that makes it happen? “I won't be,” says Katy, “it'll be you and Gary who's done that!”

Michelle is in the office talking on the phone to one of Rob's old contacts. He takes the phone off her and says hello.

Katy is talking the problem over with Ryan again. She's going to go round this evening and tell Izzy.

Roy is outside sweeping again. This time he has got as far as the builder's yard, and Gary gets irritated with him, telling him to take his stupid brush somewhere else. Sylvia comes out of the cafe and calls him in.

Karl is busy wallpapering when Stella comes in, worrying that the bar won't be ready in time. They share a hug, and he tells her that although they've had their ups and downs, they're all right now. She agrees.

Michelle is not happy, and is voicing this to Carla. She says she's not coming in to Underworld to be humiliated. Carla tells her to calm down.

Katy goes round to see Izzy, saying there's something she has to talk to about. Izzy asks her to wait a few minutes, and goes back into the kitchen. Gary takes Katy aside and tells her that if she's going to say what he thinks she is, it will be the worst thing she's ever done. Katy feels that Izzy has a right to know the truth. He tells Katy that he loves Izzy, and he can't wait for them to get the baby. It's all Izzy can think about – does she really want to destroy that?

Rob and Tracy are in the Bistro. Carla comes in and tells Rob that from now on he's going to be in charge of packing. He's not happy. When Carla has left he tells Tracy that it's not going to happen.

Izzy comes out of the kitchen to see what Katy wants to talk about. Katy changes her mind and, to Gary's relief, makes up something about she and Ryan having a row, then she leaves. Izzy is puzzled.

Back in the Bistro, a furious Rob is moaning to Tracy about Carla, then an idea seems to occur to him. He stops for a moment and then says that packing might just be the place to be!

Anne Logan.

We begin this episode with Carla and Peter in the cafe talking about Rob. Roy seems to be away with the fairies and Sylvia finds some job for him to keep him away from the customers. He's out of sight but we do hear an enormous crash off screen. Peter's annoyed that Carla keeps rescuing Rob. She still feels guilty for abandoning her brother years ago.

Tracy and Rob are talking about Rob's new job. Tracy's really annoyed but Rob tells her to stay calm. He promises Carla will get what's coming to her. Tracy decides to thank him in a very R18 way.

Fiz finds Chesney in the yard lifting weights. She worries he'll do himself a mischief and tells him it's what he's like on the inside that counts. Ches mutters that it's not the inside that makes you look good in a T-shirt. He says he's not doing it to compete with Ryan. He's got a date with Sinead tonight. While we're in the back yard, when did they replace one of the brick yard walls with a timber fence?

Tina's both in the cafe and miles away. Roy's annoyed that she seems to be tearing up napkins for no reason. Gary comes in and tells her that Katy's promised to say nothing to Izzy. Katy arrives and is really sarcastic about seeing the two of them together. Tina's absolutely furious and storms out of the cafe, even pushing Tommy aside. Gary asks Katy if they can't just put all this behind them.

Tracy and Rob are late to work. Rob "sincerely" thanks Carla for giving him another chance. Karl's work in helping restore the Rovers doesn't go unnoticed. Owen notices it all right - Karl's been painting stuff without putting on a paint undercoat. It'll all have to be re-done. Stella and Gloria arrive, with Gloria refusing to put on a hard hat because she's just had her hair done. Owen starts shouting at Karl that it was good of him to offer to help but he's not. Gary tries to divert Karl to stacking rubbish in the van so it can go to the tip. Stella realises Karl hasn't had breakfast and tries to take him to the cafe but he refuses.

Rob and Tracy fool around in the packing department. Carla comes in for a word with Rob. She tells him she's glad he's back. Kirk's still off so someone will have to go and collect some rolls of silk (aren't they "bolts" rather than "rolls"?). When she's gone, Tracy mutters "patronizing cow." She wants to know what Rob's plan is for dealing with Carla.

Tina and Tommy have a cuppa in her flat. She moans that she can't turn a corner without seeing Gary, Izzy or Owen. Or Anna. The door buzzer sounds. "If that's a flaming Windass come to check the temperature or give me vitamins . . ." No. It's Stella. She wants to know if Tina wants her shifts back at the Rovers when it reopens on Sunday. Gary asks Tina if she's sure. She is. She's keen to get back somewhere where everyone doesn't think of her as a walking womb.

Rob's explaining his plan to Tracy. He points out the silk is worth twenty thousand pounds. "Hypothetically, what would happen if it went missing after you picked it up? Tracy speculates that Carla must be insured for that sort of thing. "My thoughts exactly," says Rob.

Karl and Gloria are in the corner shop when Dev comes through muttering about the post that's still coming for Sunita. Quietly, Karl asks Sophie how Dev's faring. Dev takes a phone call. It's Brian at the school. Aadi's in some sort of bother. Karl seems very troubled.

Tracy and Rob are out by the van but Rob tells Carla that Tracy will go on her own to get the silk. Carla tells Rob she knows they only got the order because of him and she's glad he's back. He makes out he appreciates just having a job, any job.

Gary and Owen continue the painting on the fastest pub rebuilding job in England. Tina comes to see Owen and Gary makes himself scarce. She's come to say she's finishing working at the yard because she's got her pub shifts back and can't do two jobs any more.

Chesney's on his way home carrying what looks like clothing purchases but won't show Steve. "If I wanted to look like one of the presenters on Top Gear you're the first person I'd come to." Katy comes past and greets Chesney but he can barely look at her. Once she's past, Steve starts to give Chesney advice about women. He thinks Chesney's doing the right thing by not fawning all over Katy. You have to let them know who's boss. He doesn't notice Michelle until it's too late. Chesney carries on home and they start talking about Ryan and Katy. Michelle thinks Chesney and Katy's relationship is none of their business but Steve thinks it is while Katy and the baby are living with them. Their discussion descends into a squabble over sharing the housework. Michelle does admit she feels sorry for Chesney.

On a deserted street with no CCTV cameras, Tracy waits for a stranger named Lee. She shows him the silk and then opens her jacket, which startles him a bit. "What are you doing?" "Well," she says, "I've been robbed by ruthless criminals. We've got to make it look real." And she rips her top.

Peter's in the shop when Sophie asks Dev about Aadi. Peter mentions the trouble he had with Simon and advises Dev to just keep talking to the twins. When Dev goes off to deal with the twins, Sally arrives. She tells Sophie she's making a chicken and mushroom pie for tea and wonders whether Dev would be offended if she made two and took one round to him. Sophie's sure he would appreciate it.

Chesney's dressed in his new clothes and has a beer in the yard. Fiz comes out to fetch the washing and admits she's worried about him. He tells her about seeing Katy and Joseph earlier. Katy seems to be getting on with her life so it's time he got on with his, he says. Fiz is pleased to hear this and tells him to have a good night out.

Carla's waiting to close up the factory for the night but there's no sign of Tracy and the silk. Tracy's not answering her phone and Carla can picture her parked up in the van having 40 winks. She calls Rob into the office but he says anything could have happen. Maybe Tracy's got a flat tyre. Maybe the silk wasn't ready. Carla's already rung the supplier and knows Tracy collected the silk. "Rob!" Tracy stumbles in through the door. She's got blood on her face from a cut lip. "They took everything!" she says. "I'm so sorry . . ."

I'll bet.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Joe Turner
Directed by: Mickey Jones

Tracy should get an academy award for the performance she is putting on for Carla & Michelle's benefit. She has a bloody mouth to back up her story too. She spins them a yarn about being mugged and having the silk stolen from her. Laying it on thick how valiantly she fought for the company.

Rob is playing his part brilliantly too by faking anger at Tracy for stopping the van when she saw something in the road. She protests she had thought it was a person, but he yells at her for falling for the oldest trick in the book, asking her if she realised the value of all that silk she allowed them to steal. Michelle tells him to calm down and give Tracy a break.

Tracy protests she hadn't wanted to drive the van in the first place, and asks Rob why he hadn't driven it if he could have done so much better. He tells her he only wishes he had.

Carla suggests they all calm down, and tells them she will call the police, remarking to Tracy that she should have done that immediately it happened. Just as she says that, in walks two policeman saying they are there in response to a call they received about a stolen van. Tracy takes the wind out of Carla's sails by telling her it was indeed the first thing she did. Wow! They almost have me convinced!

Karl is on the phone to a friend who is telling him he has spotted some pub tables and chairs up for auction. He tells him to get them for him. Nearby Gary spots Faye and calls her over. He asks her how it's going with her Dad, and she tells him it's going great. He reminds her she also has a Mum across the street who is missing her. He goes on to ask her what she is having for tea, she doesn't know, but expects it will be something nice. Gary looks a bit suspicious about whether she is telling the truth or not.

Owen comes out of the Rovers and asks Gary if he knows what is going on with Tina, telling him she just quit her job at the yard. Gary is shocked and asks why. Owen tells him he has no idea, and it doesn't make a lot of sense, so was wondering if something was going on he should know about. Gary shrugs and tells him he has no idea, when out of Owen's sight though, he definitely looks worried.

Hayley is having a rant at Roy for being a litter vigilante, accusing him of lurking in wait for people to drop something so he can have a go at them. She also rants on that he frightened poor little Craig, who hadn't done anything today. Roy defends himself by saying the lad is a litter lout, and asks Hayley if she is accusing him of being a bully. She tells him that is exactly what she is accusing him of. Sylvia is on Hayley's side too, but Roy is not willing to back down.

Carla is quietly talking to Michelle, asking her if she is the only one who has suspicions about this whole silk heist scenario. Michelle agrees it is a bit suspicious the minute Rob comes back to work. Carla chips in the fact that his girlfriend just happened to be driving the van. Michelle shakes her head, and tells her surely he wouldn't? "Oh yes he would" sighs Carla. Michelle is not convinced though, after all, Tracy got a smack in the mouth. Carla is still very suspicious of the whole thing.

Rob comes over, remarking that the police are still questioning Tracy, saying he should never have let her drive the van. Michelle tells him to look on the bright side, because if it was just the van the robbers were after, chances are they would get the silk back. Michelle reminds them they have to get on to the insurance company. Rob offers to do it, but Carla insists she will do it herself, just as soon as the police leave.

Dev is dressing down his twins, telling them he is not best pleased to get a call from their headmaster telling him they are misbehaving at school and getting into fights. He asks them why they are fighting at school, but doesn't get an answer. He goes on to say he knows they have been through a lot, but they have to do their job, which is doing their school work, respecting their teachers and staying out of trouble. They tell him they will.

In the kitchen Dev apologises to Mary for their behaviour, explaining they are normally good kids, they used to have fun together, and knows they haven't had any fun lately, and wishes he knew how he could allow them to be kids again. Mary suggests to him that maybe Asha and Aadi are grieving just as much as he is, and possibly it is something they need to do together.

Rob is being nice to Tracy now, and suggests he take her down to casualty to get her mouth looked at. Tracy tells him she will be fine, and all she needs is a large brandy. Rob then turns on Michelle and Carla, saying a little gratitude might not go amiss, considering Tracy got hurt trying to defend their property. Michelle accuses him of changing his tune, as five minutes ago he was the one slagging her off. Rob tells her that was before he knew the whole story. Carla replies she is not so sure they know the whole story now. Rob asks her what that is supposed to mean. Michelle tries to come to her rescue by saying they don't know who did it, so of course they don't know the whole story. Rob shouts that his girlfriend was injured trying to protect their property, and the last thing she needs is some snidey comments. Carla decides to back down, and apologises to Tracy and thanks her for what she did, handing her money to buy herself a brandy. Rob and Tracy leave, smirking at each other as soon as the door closes behind them.

Tina is now checking out the new Rovers, and is asking Stella and Karl if it will be ready on time. They are hoping so, but still have an awful lot to do. She tells them she is completely available when it comes to making up the rotas. Karl assures her they are glad about that, because she is another thing they don't want to change about the place. Stella is a bit concerned about her working so much when she should be thinking about the baby, but Tina reminds her she is pregnant, not ill. Owen then spots her there and tells her she is looking tired. He can't understand why she would want to leave a nice cosy job with them to stand on her feet in a busy pub for hours on end. She snaps that it was her decision, and pretty much tells him to butt out. Karl reports he has managed to get his hands on a van, so is off to pick up the furniture, he and Stella smile at each other, agreeing things are finally coming together.

Chesney is on a date in the Bistro with Sinead. It's odd how they are sitting next to each other with their backs against a wall instead of across a table from each other. Anyway, it gives them both the opportunity to notice Katy and Ryan coming in, and funnily enough they too sit side by side against the opposite wall.

Chesney rants on about Katy being out enjoying herself once again, moaning on that it wouldn't hurt her to look after her own child once in a while. Sinead, obviously sick of him ranting about Katy, asks him if he wants to get back with her. He doesn't answer immediately, but then tells her that Katy is the last thing he wants.

Rob is bathing Tracy's cut face, and is very impressed that she was so dedicated to the project that she would get the fellow to smack her one. She shows him that she ripped her shirt too, saying Carla would have been unlikely to buy the story if she had come back without a scratch. Rob tells her he will buy her a whole new wardrobe when he finds a buyer for the silk.

Tracy queries whether Carla bought the story, and Rob smirks that she may suspect, but can't prove a thing. He happily tells her Carla won't be able to sleep a wink tonight for worrying about it. Tracy however is very concerned they might get caught, but he assures her there is no way, just as long as they keep their nerve.

Deirdre arrives home and is horrified to see the state of Tracy's face. (It's good she gets that feeling for once, now she knows how we feel every time we see Tracy's face too!) Tracy immediately gets back into character, and with a catch in her voice spins the same tale to Deirdre. "Oh, Tracy - love", she says, swallowing it hook, line and sinker.

Carla on the other hand is extremely suspicious while relating the story to Peter. He feels both Rob and Tracy are more than capable of pulling a stunt like that, and suggests Carla goes to the police with her suspicions. That idea bothers her though, asking what kind of sister it would make her if she is wrong. She reminds Peter that Tracy had been hit in the face, but Peter points out that the same Tracy made up a campaign of domestic abuse to cover up a murder. Finally, Peter suggests they pay a visit to 'Bonnie & Clyde' and try to get to the bottom of the story, because he knows his sister, and feels he will be able to tell if she is lying.

Break: Showing a lovely ad for Cesar dog food, featuring the most adorable West Hyland Terrier - my favourite breed!

We are back with an outside shot of the boarded up Rovers, where we learn from a sign pinned to the hoarding that the telephone number for Owen Armstrong Construction is 0161-496-0432, but I wouldn't try calling it if I were you. Stella is singing Gloria's praises, showing Karl a flyer she has had printed, and has been putting up all over Weatherfield, advertising the reopening of the Rovers on Sunday. Karl tells her the new furniture has arrived too, so they excitedly go to look at it.

The silly scenario is still going on in the Bistro, with the two couples facing opposite each other. Chesney is still upset about Katy being there, and suddenly kisses Sinead, saying he is giving them something to stare at. She's not that impressed, asking if it was for her or for Katy. Ches assures her it was for her, but she tells him she doesn't want to be there just to make Katy jealous. Again he assures her she is there for him, and he doesn't care what Katy thinks, and kisses her again.

Katy sits directly opposite glaring at them, telling Ryan he is just doing it for show. Ryan suggests they put on a show of their own, and although Katy protests she is not sinking to Chesney's level, she offers no resistance when Ryan moves in for a kiss. Chesney watches, then suggests to Sinead they go back to his place after their drinks.

Roy is still brooding in the cafe, and is stood staring out the window towards the Kebab shop, watching for litter louts. Hayley tries to get through to him, telling him she feels this obsession is to cover up his feelings about his father. He angrily snaps at her to stop psychoanalyzing him, but she persists, saying she thinks he is depressed. He denies this, so she suggests he is not happy regardless. He tells her he could be happy if he had two things. 1. People would stop dropping litter in the street, and 2. She would keep her amateur psychology to herself. That's told her then.

Deirdre is fussing over Tracy like a mother hen. She pops off to answer the door, giving Rob time to tell Tracy he just heard from his crooked friend Lee, who tells him the van's been dealt with and the silk has been stashed safely away. In comes Peter with Carla feigning concern for his sister, even bringing her flowers. He asks how she is, and is told she is OK, just still a bit shaken. Peter tells her he is not surprised, after being jumped by three blokes. He underestimates Tracy if he thinks she is going to be caught out that easily. She corrects him, saying it was only two blokes. He asks if she managed to get a look at them. Rob catches on that Peter is trying to get Tracy to slip up, and asks why he is playing detective. Peter protests that he is only concerned because Tracy is his sister.

He presses Tracy to tell him in detail what happened, but Tracy doesn't want to go through it all again with him. Rob tells Peter she is tired, and to give her a break. He persists though, saying it's good for her to get it all out in the open while it is fresh in her mind, and possibly remember something that will help the police find the scumbag who did it. Yes, he did say scumbag, not scumbags). Peter goes on to say he is pretty sure whoever did it knew the silk was in the van. Rob however tells him he is pretty sure it was the van they were after. Carla tells them she has heard the van has turned up, burned out on some wasteland. Peter again presses Tracy to tell him everything that happened from the beginning.

Tina is sitting with Rita and Dennis in the Bistro. Rita tells Tina she looks tired, which puts Tina's back up, as everyone seems to be telling her that lately. Dennis assures Rita that all pregnant women look tired, instead of asking him how he came to be such an expert on pregnant women, she tells him it's not nice to say so.

Tina's face falls when she sees the relentless Windass clan descending upon her once again. Owen tells all and sundry that Tina resigned from her job at the yard today. Izzy is immediately concerned that Owen has said something, causing Tina to quit her job. Tina tells her that with the Rovers re-opening, she just wanted a bit of her old life back. Izzy asks her again if she is OK, causing Tina to get angry, and tells her through gritted teeth she is fine, just tired. Izzy reminds her if she wants to chat, she knows she is there for her. With a weak smile, Tina tells her she knows she is. To her relief they decide to leave them alone. Heaving a big sigh, Tina tells the Tanners if she sees one more Windass, she will punch their lights out.

Chesney is about to usher Sinead into the house, but she is getting cold feet, saying she is not sure. Ches is a little less than gallant about it, saying he's had another wasted evening, and grudgingly tells her he will walk her to the bus stop. A confused Sinead trails after him.

Tracy and Rob are snogging in the ginnel. He is extremely impressed by her lying abilities, saying she has it down to such an art form it's scary. She tells him it's not worth doing unless it's scary.

He suddenly stops, and looking serious, asks her if she really murdered her ex. Laughing, she asks if he is afraid he will wake up one morning with an axe in his skull, and asks if it really matters one way or the other. He tells her it doesn't really matter. Laughing, she tells him she has never murdered anybody that she actually liked. Laughing too, he asks if she likes him then. Kissing him, she tells him she will like him a whole lot more when he finds a buyer for that silk.

The Windass/Armstrong clan are rehashing what the problem might be with Tina. Izzy accuses Owen of smothering her, he protests he is trying to protect her, as she looks tired. Gary agrees with Izzy, saying they should give Tina some space.

Dennis disappears off to the little boy's room, giving Rita the opportunity to tackle Tina on what the real problem is. She tells her, glancing over at the Windass/Armstrong table, that she feels she doesn't have her own life any more. Rita tells her to simply tell them. She reminds her she is the one running this show, and should just tell them how it is going to be. Tina agrees, saying as long as they get what they are paying for, the rest is up to her. She thanks Rita for giving her back her mojo, which confuses the heck out of Rita, because she doesn't know what a mojo is. Neither does Dennis, who thinks they are talking about cocktails, bless him.

Chesney is now alone and in the Corner Shop. He is looking at the shelves of liquor, and is irritated when Dev suggests some cold fizzy drinks from the fridge, treating him like a child. He tells him he will have a bottle of vodka instead, which makes Dev chuckle, and ask if he can manage to reach the bottle. He can, and he doesn't see the funny side of Dev's remarks, nor does he want to mix it with orange juice, or put it into a bag. This lad is on a mission to get bladdered methinks.

Peter is now in the Bistro with Carla and Michelle. He is convinced Tracy was telling a pack of lies, and that both of them are in it up to their necks. Carla is still unsure, and Michelle reminds them they need proof. Peter is all for going to the police, telling them they are sure it was an inside job, and letting them find the proof. Carla can't do it though, she can't send her brother back to jail. Peter is angry she is being so soft, letting him get away with it. However, Carla tells him he is definitely not going to get away with it, she will be watching him like a hawk, and if she finds proof she will make him suffer far more than prison.

Christine Warren

written by Debbie Oates Directed by Tony Prescott

The scaffolding and hoarding is coming down from around the front of the pub as the hour of opening draws near. Owen is doing some last minute measuring but Gary's a million miles away staring off into the clouds.

In the Kabin, Sean is buying an armload of newspapers for the new newspaper stand in the pub. Sean doesn't like the idea of people with their heads down buried in a paper when they should be drinking and socializing. He reckons RBetty would have had a thing or two to say about it. He's right. Tina comes into the Kabin and she's in a state. Couldn't sleep then she couldn't wake up. Sean mutters about the pub not being ready by the anticipated 2 pm opening as he leaves and Rita admonishes Tina for not taking care of herself. She promises she will, pays and leaves.

Eileen is trying to get Dev to come to the pub opening. She is doing a very good job too, of putting her foot in her mouth saying all the wrong things. Paul and a mate from the station arrive and tell Dev they're going to raise a glass to Toni and offer their support. It doesn't look as if Dev will be able to face it. Dev goes back inside and Paul and Eileen head home.

Katy is moaning about not having a babysitter in order that she and Ryan can go to the pub opening. Izzy isn't going to offer and remarks that she won't leave her baby for the pub when she becomes a mom. Anna reluctantly offers. Owen arrives for a bacon butty and tells Izzy Tina didn't quit because of the money because he offered her a pay rise and she still turned him down. Izzy can't imagine what's wrong with her. (Um. Pregnant. Working two jobs. Knackered. That should be reason enough though we also know it's the Gary business as well)

Gary is still obviously distracted as he works on the interior of the pub. We have a good look at the decor of the back room, a cheery cherry red wall and the wallpaper looks fairly similar to what it was, a silvery gray design in the back room and in the back entryway. Sean is flitting about complaining about nobody taking his hotpot seriously. Tina is lugging a box of crisps though Stella is concerned because she'd said her back was hurting. Rita comes in amidst the confusion and last minute prep to wish Stella good luck and give her a framed photo of Betty for the wall, mercifully, this time, without the appalling and historically incorrect "landlady" inscription. Stella is still fretting but Rita encourages her. Eva brings a crisis call from the brewery who can't deliver the lager bottles. Out in the bar, Gary tries to convince a struggling Tina to go back to work for Owen but she hisses at him in reply.

In the factory, Kirk tells everyone how bad he feels for being off sick when the van was robbed. It should have been him! He stalks out the door repeating it, saying he'll see them Tuesday. Carla is sorting out the insurance and a rental van. She's playing up the sympathy for Tracy though I don't think Rob is buying it. She and Rob leave and Carla whispers to Michelle that she's going to be watching Tracy like a hawk for any slip ups.

Tommy has come to see Tina, see if she's ok. Tina is fed up with everything and very tired. She seems to be struggling with something as they talk.

In the Bistro, Karl has come to beg a few boxes of bottles of lager for the pub due to the brewery mix up. Stella is blaming herself for the error and Karl is trying to fix it for her. Leanne is snarky, unwilling for Karl to look the hero in her mother's eyes. Karl points out it's Stella's big day. He leaves it with them. Leanne strops into the back. (she's had her hair cut and it looks really nice)!

Gary's looking for a tool in the van while Izzy is questioning whether Tina was offended at Owen's mishandling of something. Gary tells her to leave it. He finds what he's looking for just as Tina and Tommy come round from the back of the pub, she giving him her order for what she wants on a sandwich. Izzy hails her and Tina tells Tommy to get along, she can handle it. Izzy tries to find out if Owen has upset Tina but Tina is just that close to telling the truth. She is agitated, she's tired, she's tweaked her back picking something up and is sick of the lot of them. Back off, right?

After the break, Stella is hanging Betty's photo up. It's almost opening time. Stella thanks Owen as does Karl. Gloria is ready for her close up and Eva gives her a bit of fashion advice. Stella thinks Karl for everything. People are outside queuing up as they can hear the countdown inside. Carla notices Tracy and Rob and she asks Tracy if she's feeling better. Tracy just wants to support Stella (because there really isn't a thing wrong with her).

The bell is rang and the doors are open. Or at least they try to be. But the doors get stuck. A bit of jiggling and the crowds are ushered in as more punters walk down the street towards it. Nick has a load of lager cases and he's wheeling them down the road with Leanne by his side. She tells her mother she came because of her. The pub is full inside and Norris is complaining that not much has changed. Audrey's pleased, who wants a bright modern place!? (Actually it looks nice with a deep brick red patterned paper on the walls and the lighter beigey/tan upholstery. There is no more stained glass between the booths, though, it's a frosted glass with panes instead.) Ryan and Katy arrive to a sarky comment from Chesney. Beth and Ches nearly come to words over his remark about her niece being clingy. Izzy comes in and thinks she should apologize but Gary says to leave it. Izzy smiles at Tina who bares her teeth in a semblance of a smile back while muttering to Tommy.

Down the road, Mary is plumping cushions. Dev looks like he's spruced up to go out. Is he going to the pub? He's not sure. Aadi is still playing up. He's lost his nerve. Mary offers to stay anyway in case he changes his mind and will make some lunch.

In the pub, Steve and Lloyd chat with Sally. Stella offers darts for the punters to have a go at the new/old board. Izzy is watching Tina and wonders if she's feeling ill. Gary puts Tina's attitude down to hormones. Izzy is worried that Tina is having regrets and she's ok if she wants Izzy to back off until the baby comes. Chesney heads over to Ryan and starts pushing him around. They're split up and Chesney and Fiz both have a go at Katy for throwing Ryan in Chesney's face. Even Owen criticizes her for leaving Joseph yet again. Paul hands the darts to Eileen though Jason warns everyone to wear their tin hats! Kirk has bought a red wine for Tracy who then raises a glass in Carla's direction. Later, out in the back, Rob warns Tracy not to goad Carla. Tracy thinks Rob is bottling it. He changes the subject quickly as Carla has come out. Tracy pretends she got a bit claustrophobic in the crowd. Carla pretends she was just checking on her.

Back in side, Katy is sulking. Izzy points out she was winding Chesney up. She is too supporting Katy but it doesn't mean she has anything against Chesney who's a good lad, loyal like Gary. (ooh, phrase of doom, you guys!) Katy says Gary's no saint but she bottles it and leaves. Ryan follows her leaving Izzy looking at Gary with concern.

Dev tells Mary that the kids are snuggling in the airing cupboard, liking the smell of the clean sheets. They smell of "Good Night" they say. Dev doesn't know what to do to help the kids, Aadi especially. Mary tells him he has to sort his own head out first. If Aadi can see his father getting stronger, he may be able to open up to his dad and not be afraid of upsetting him. Dev doesn't think going to the pub will make him feel any better. Mary rightly says it won't make him feel better but it won't make things worse either. It'll show Aadi his father is coping.

Sally is sulking because Sophie and Jenna are late arriving, maybe having stood her up. Steve and Lloyd say that at least it wasn't a proper date standing her up. What's a proper date? Sally grumbles. It's been that long. Gary is still trying to have a word with Tina who's annoyed. Gary pleads for a word outside when she can get away. Dev arrives. Paul shakes his hand. Gloria rings the bell and wants a speech which makes Stella feel awkward. She tells everyone she's glad they're all there. She thanks Owen and his crew and she says they don't forget either and she reckons the pub has lots of memories and has now got some more. She calls for glasses to be raised to present and absent friends. (*gulp*) Everyone drinks quietly. Stella then thanks her mother and Karl with Leanne glaring over her shoulder.

Outside in the back, Tina is raking Gary over the coals. Isn't carrying the baby enough witho8ut having to carry his dirty little secret. You guessed it. Izzy comes rolling up behind them. What secret? she asks. Gary tries to put her off. Izzy guesses Gary is seeing Tina so Tina makes him tell her and when he won't, she says he made a pass at her and she said no. She leaves them, obviously something is going on. Gary promises nothing happened but Izzy, probably rightly, cries that it was only because Tina said no so she believed Tina straight away. Inside, Karl and Stella chink glasses and toast to their future. Tina comes round and doubles over in pain as Gary runs in after Izzy. Tommy is instantly by Tina's side, calling for an ambulance.

Tvor

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Tony Prescott

Tina is being loaded into the ambulance and wants Tommy with her. In he jumps as everyone is blaming everyone else for sending her into this state. Owen shouts at Stella for working Tina into the ground, Izzy's shouting at Gary blaming him and Rita's trying to calm everyone down because these things just happen sometimes. I blame the stress of all of it. The ambulance drives away while Izzy accuses Gary of wanting to sleep with Tina. Rita puts her foot down and tells them all Tina's going to give birth to their baby. Right. Get me to the hospital.

Inside the pub, Gloria hoped that she could have put her hands to delivering another baby (of course she couldn't have done that, Marcus is nowhere to be seen!) The pub is back in its rightful place as the hive of gossip when Beth comes in and tells everyone that Gary and Tina were having an affair but is corrected by Sally saying it was only a pass. The gossips are out of the gate and nothing Stella can say will stop them rubbing their hands with glee. Rita comments to Dennis that some of it must be true, she reckons it's why Tina's been so stressed lately and then decides she wants to go to the hospital too. Tina's family. Elsewhere Karl buys Dev a drink which Paul seems to find odd.

Tina's arrived at maternity, huffing and puffing through the contractions. She's scared but the nurse is trying to reassure her. She wants Tommy by her side.

Gloria witters on about Tina ruining the party. Sally muses that she thought Izzy and Gary were forever but after all, he's a man. Kirk remarks that he would never be allowed to talk about women the way they're talking about men. He's right. too. Sally seems intent on inebriation but Beth wants to get back to Craig, she thinks he's sickening for something. They leave and Sally necks her drink, ordering another.

At the hospital, the Windasses have arrived. The midwife comes out to tell them Tina's in labour but they can't see her, she only wants Tommy with her. She points them all to a waiting room and will keep them informed.

At the pub, Dev asks Leanne if Simon has mentioned anything about Aadi from school because he's noticed Aadi has a bruise on his arm. Leanne hasn't heard anything. Dev decides he can't stay any longer, it's getting a bit much for him from the looks of it. Steve, Lloyd and Leanne watch him go with concern. Rob gets a text from a mate who wasn't interested in the silk. Carla returns and offers them drinks. Tracy wants a large brandy because she's still suffering from shock. (or milking it for all its worth, more like!) Rob seems to think she's pushing it too.

Tina is finding the reality of the pain of labour something shocking. Can she just go back to normal now please? The midwife just chuckles. She's heard all that before. Tommy is encouraging her through another contraction and it's time to push. Out in the waiting room, Anna doesn't seem happy that Rita's there. Gary is trying to talk to Izzy who doesn't want to discuss it right now. Owen tries to be positive about the premature birth, surely the baby will be ok. He's a fighter like his mum. Izzy is worried sick. Anna goes to find Gary and ask him what was going through his mind. Gary defends himself, says it all got mixed up in his head and it's all his fault. Anna scolds him, Gary hates himself. They're acting like it was a full blown affair. Their lips didn't even touch!

Outside the Rovers, Paul sees his mate off with a hug. Eileen and Paul walk home, he a bit unsteady on his pins. They noticed that Dev was hardly able to hold it together. Eileen spots Katy and Ryan and asks after Tina but they hadn't heard a thing (nobody thought to call or text, I see). They run off for the bus stop or a cab.

Tommy comes out and says Tina wants Izzy with her but didn't ask for Gary. Gary pleads but Tommy says Tina doesn't want him there and he needs to back off. Gary whines and Owen snaps at him. Inside, Izzy is by Tommy at Tina's bedside and the baby is ready to come. One more push and baby boy has arrived. They take the baby away to check him. Izzy worries that he's not crying and Tina is scared too. Sounds like the baby is having breathing problem so he's going straight into an incubator and a breathing apparatus. It's quite common, the nurse says but both Tina and Izzy are in tears.

Out in the waiting room, Gary is pacing. Rita can't understand how Tina will be able to give it away. Owen now realizes why Tina gave up the job at his place. Katy and Ryan arrive. Owen apologizes for not contacting her as it happened so quickly (yes, but they've been there waiting for ages). Gary accuses Katy of saying something to Izzy. Katy says she didn't tell her, just made a leading comment. Izzy comes out of the room to tell them the baby is here but there's breathing problems. She's in bits, Owen holds her while she sobs. Anna goes to Gary. Izzy tells Katy she doesn't want her there so Ryan leads her out.

In the pub, Norris is being his usual snarky self. A very drunk Sally calls him a nasty little bald elf. Steve figures he better separate her from the object of her distaste and leads her away, offering to buy her another drink, that she most certainly doesn't need, as she's quite drunk now. She tells Steve he's a nice bald elf. Carla and Michelle talk about having to resource more silk. Rob worries that he can't shift the silk while Tracy just wants new shoes. Rob tells Tracy she'll have to do the legwork getting rid of the fabric because too many people know him. (He's been in the business all of five minutes after all). At the bar, Stella wants to go round and see Dev. Eva and Karl don't think she should leave and volunteers to go in her stead.

Tina tells Tommy that she can't protect the baby anymore. Tommy tries to reassure her and the doctors will do their job. He says he's proud of her. She wonders if it's all been for nothing, if the baby doesn't make it. He won't let her think like that.

Katy and Ryan arrive home on the bus. She's in a fit over being rejected, Ryan just wants a drink. He tells her she ought to move out. She can't afford it unless she moves in with him. So she's invited herself and he says he'll have to clear it with Michelle first. Don't think he's keen.

Karl knocks on Dev's door. He says they're all worried about Dev. Dev doesn't seem too happy to see Karl. He recalls that Paul wondered why Karl all of a sudden was acting like Dev's mate. Dev hisses that Karl feels guilty. If he hadn't had the affair, none of this would have happened. He's more right than he knows! Karl is taken aback and admits he's probably right but Dev apologizes. He shouldn't be taking it out on Karl and goes back inside, leaving Karl huffing with relief outside.

Tina is now in a hospital bed. They're keeping her in because her blood pressure is high. Tommy offers to pick up her things from the flat. Izzy comes in to see her along with a nurse who says the baby is doing ok for the moment. Izzy is told she can see the baby and Tina can too if she wants. She decides she will.

Karl is sitting outside, looking very worn.

Anna goes over to sit with Gary who's feeling very guilty and upset. Anna tells him it'll sort itself out for the baby's sake. Tommy comes out and mentions he's going to get some things for Tina who's being kept in. He says the women are going to see the baby and Gary realizes he's not been invited. He's angry and goes shooting through the door to find the nursery. Anna defends him, it's still his baby no matter what he's done.

In the preemie nursery, Izzy and Tina go in quietly to see the little one in the incubator. They gaze through the glass. Izzy puts her hand in to hold his little week hand and tells him she's his mummy. She thanks Tina tearfully.

Stella tells the crowd that the baby is born, a boy and is in an incubator. Norris is still going on about the odd situation while a glass is raised to the birth. Karl arrives back and pretends he has been with Dev all this time. Rob gets a text from another mate who has declined the offer of the silk. Tracy is sulking and wondering if Rob is planning to let her take the blame if it all falls apart. He denies it and says she's the most exciting woman he knows plus she's the only one that's as selfish as he is. She is won over. Stella rings the bell for last orders, thanking everyone for making the day a success.

Gary comes round the corner and sees Tina and Izzy coming out of the nursery. Izzy refuses to let him see the baby. Gary desperately begs, it was only a pass, why can't she see that? Izzy reckons it would have been more if Tina hadn't rejected him. Izzy makes a remark comparing herself to Tina who's got working legs. Gary says it was most definitely not about that. It doesn't matter, Izzy spits, he's not to come near her or her son.

Tvor

Tina's in hospital, staring at the baby in his incubator. Izzy comes in and Tina urges her to talk to Gary again and try to sort things out.

Gary is back at home, telling Owen and Anna how he wants to see the baby, but Izzy won't let him. Owen wonders what he expected, seeing as he tried it on with Tina.

Steve and Michelle are grabbing breakfast when Ryan comes in moaning that he's done his back in sleeping on the floor. As they ask why, Katy wanders in and explains that she and Joseph were in Ryan's bed because she had another argument with her dad and that Ryan had said it would be ok for her to stay there for a bit – a week, maybe two. As she and Ryan go off to sort out nappy changing, Steve mutters sarcastically that a couple of weeks with a screaming baby should be fun. Michelle is furious with Ryan.

Back at the hospital, the nurse tells Tina that as the baby is so premature, they think it best if she could express some milk for him, it is easier to digest than formula. Izzy doesn't look too happy at this, but says that it's not up to her. Tina is doubtful, as it isn't what they planned, so the nurse leaves them to discuss it between them.

In the factory, Tracy tells Rob she thinks she's found a buyer for silk, she's just waiting for them to ring her back later to confirm. As he kisses her, Carla comes in, and makes comments about Romeo and Juliet, Bonnie and Clyde. As she goes off again, Rob looks worried. Tracy tells him not to worry, everything will be ok.

Tina decides she has to do what's right for the baby, although it will feel a bit weird, and feels bad for Izzy as the baby is really hers. Izzy reassures her, saying she has the rest of her life with him.

Chesney has met up with Sinead in the Rovers. They decide to take things slowly.

Stella overhears Sophie and Jenna talking about Dev, and is told that he's not coping, which is not what Karl told her. She confronts Karl about it, and he says he didn't want to worry her. Stella decides she'll go and see Dev later.

Gary finds Izzy sitting outside the hospital. He tells her he wants to see the baby, he's his son as well. “Some dad you turned out to be,” says Izzy, bitterly. Gary tells her that the thing with Tina was stupid, a one-off. She thinks that you don't just try it on with someone, she feels he must have been fancying Tina for a long time. He tells her that he loves Izzy and wants to be with her and the baby. She says he's broken her heart.

Sophie and Jenna go home and find Sally on the computer. She starts to tell them she was looking up holidays, but eventually confesses that she was looking at a dating website. They offer to help her with a profile so she can join up.

Gary follows Izzy into the hospital and begs her not to throw away everything they shared. They start arguing and shouting in the corridor, until Tina comes out and tells them she could hear them in the baby's room. Izzy tells Gary that she can no longer trust him, so it's over, and she tells him to go away. When he's gone, Tina asks if she's sure she knows what she's doing, what about the baby? Izzy is adamant that she can care for and love the baby on her own. Tina looks doubtful.

In Underworld, Michelle tells Carla that she's been ringing round trying to find some more silk. She's now had a call from a firm in Sunderland who have been offered 7 rolls of very cheap silk. What a coincidence!

We then see Steve helping Ryan and Katy carry the cot and other things down the Street to the flat. Just then Chesney and Sinead come out of the pub and Chesney runs over, demanding to know what she's doing. Katy explains that she's moving in with Ryan. Chesney is annoyed that she hadn't told him.

Back at the factory, Carla has been on the phone to the firm with the silk, and has been given the number of the woman who phoned to offer it. They can see Tracy through the office window and watch as Carla dials the number and Tracy's phone rings. Carla is very dejected.

Tommy is in the hospital, doing his best to look after Tina who is very tired. He puts her to bed.

Stella has been to see Dev and comes back to tell Karl that the result of that meeting is that they are going round to Dev's house on Friday and he's going to cook them a meal!

Izzy brings Owen into the hospital and shows him the baby in the incubator. Owen asks about Gary and Izzy tells him that it's over, and she told him to go. Owen thinks she'll feel differently in a few days, but she tells her dad that Gary knew that having a baby meant everything to her, but he just threw it away. “Why would he do that to me, Dad?” she asks. Owen tells her he knows that Gary regrets it, but Izzy says she doesn't want him in her life any more.

Back at Sally's, they're putting together a profile for her for the internet dating site.

A very glum Carla arrives home and tells Peter that she knows now that it was Rob and Tracy who stole the silk. Peter is very sympathetic and asks if she's called the police. She tells him she hasn't, this is between her and Rob and she'll deal with it in her own way.

Tina wakes up to find Tommy at her bedside. He tells her she's the smartest, bravest, most beautiful girl he's ever known.

Owen has returned home, telling Anna how everything is now just one big mess. Anna says that Izzy and Gary might sort things out, but Owen's sure Izzy will never have Gary back. He now thinks the whole thing is the worst thing they could have done, and he pushed them into it. He then breaks down, telling her that the baby is so small he's not sure he'll even pull through.

Anne Logan

Well, now that summer's over here in the UK, let's settle back with another episode from this week of a disrupted schedule. Here's Thursday's:

It's pretty crowded in the flat where Steve, Michelle, Ryan, Katy and baby Joseph try to breakfast together. Katy offers to cook for them and Steve's quite keen but Ryan says he's got tickets for a gig tonight - a band he's been waiting ages to see. It's clear that he thinks Michelle's going to babysit Joseph. She refuses. "We're not going down that road. Not on Day One!" Ryan's annoyed and says they'll just find another babysitter.

Carla teases Peter about not having a dishwasher but when he says something about Rob not being as reliable as the dishwasher they've got (ie, Peter) Carla gets quite snappy and says something about Tracy. Peter's got no illusions about his sister and makes it clear he would have called the police. He thinks Carla's going to let Rob and Tracy get away with taking the silk but she has a plan. It just doesn't involved calling the police.

Sally's checking her internet dating messages over breakfast and gets quite discouraged by Sophie and Jenna's nasty comments about the men who have replied. Jenna quickly tells her she can't throw in the towel yet.

Katy goes to see Owen at his yard. She tells him she doesn't want things to be awkward between them. They agree that everything can wait while the whole family supports Izzy and the baby.

Stella arranges for Gloria to run the pub tonight while she and Karl go to Dev's for dinner. Karl disparages Gloria's ability to manage then admits that Dev's house has a lot of bad memories for him. Stella reminds him that tonight is all about putting the past behind them.

Rob's trying to convince Tracy that they shouldn't start splashing money around. Carla finds them talking and says she hopes it's about work. She wants to know why Tracy isn't sorting out the loading bay. Tracy says Kirk's doing it. That's not good enough for Carla - she asked Tracy to do it. She insists that Tracy go and do it. Tracy snaps and tells Carla she's nothing - that Carla wouldn't even have the factory if her husband hadn't gone with a prostitute. Carla simply waits her out and then asks, "Have you finished?" In the background Fiz mutters, "I would say she is!" Carla tells Tracy to get the broom from the cupboard and to get that lazy, bone-idle backside of hers out to the loading bay. Sally can't understand why Tracy wasn't fired on the spot. Michelle's annoyed by this sign that Tracy's bulletproof but Carla just says it's time for her to ring her mate Sandra. Tracy's going to get a call from Saunders of Sunderland. Sandra's from Gateshead so she'll sound as if she's from the right company.

Fiz and Tyrone go to visit Tina. Tommy's there too. Gary arrives and pleads with Tina to let him see the baby. He appeals to Tyrone as someone who knows what it's like to have their baby kept from them. Tina relents and tells him he can see the baby but he has to be quick.

Tracy finds Rob in the factory. He tries to warn her not to upset Carla but Tracy's not worried. She's had a call from Saunders of Sunderland. She doesn't care what Carla says or does. Rob feels a bit guilty because Carla gave him a job when he got out of jail but Tracy says Carla's treated them both like dirt. Rob deserves this payday.

In the office Carla takes a call then tells Michelle that Tracy took the bait. Someone from Saunders is supposed to go to a lockup after work to see the silk (Either they've sped up the trains from Newcastle or Saunders has a rep in the area). Carla's upset at Rob's betrayal. Michelle tries to point out that Tracy can be very persuasive but Carla knows Rob has a mind of his own. "I just pray he uses it before it's too late."

Tina takes Gary to see the baby in the incubator. He's speechless.

Carla goes to Rob and says the client who ordered the silk items is talking about canceling the order. Rob says the client must know the insurance will pay out but Carla says the client also knows how long that could take. And, to be frank, they might not have the cash flow to cope while they wait, she says. She offers Rob a way out by asking if he could use his contacts to locate any cheap silk, no questions asked. But Rob says that life was in the past. He's moved on.

Gary talks to his baby, mainly about football. Tina watches for a while and then leaves the room.

At the end of the working day, Tracy rushes off but Carla tells Rob she and Michelle are going to have a brainstorming session to work out a way round their difficulties. She asks him to be part of that but he turns her down, saying he's got other plans. He leaves. "Well, you gave him every chance," Michelle says.

Outside, Tracy hustles Rob into the car. She's so excited she almost goes with him but he says he's fine on his own.

Tommy's annoyed that Gary put Tina in an awkward situation but Tyrone tries to defend Gary's need to see his son. Tina and Tommy agree the world will be a better place when they've got Gary and his family out of their lives. Izzy arrives unexpectedly. She's just popped in to see Tina before going to see the baby. Tommy makes an excuse to leave the room, presumably so he can warn Gary, but Tina stops him. She can't lie to Izzy. She says the baby's with his dad.

In the pub, Owen and Steve have a lovely little conversation about whether they'd rather have horns or hooves (Steve, horns. Owen, hooves). Karl's miles away and doesn't have an opinion. Gloria says he's just upset because he'll have to use a knife and fork at Dev's. Stella takes him away to get changed.

Sally, Sophie and Jenna come in. Sally's phone beeps at her and she discovers she's not a message from one of the internet potentials. He wants to meet her for a drink next week.

In the room where the baby's in his incubator, Izzy accuses Gary and Tina of plotting behind her back. Tina's furious. "Your baby is sick and you're scrapping over him like kids in the playground!" she hisses. "He's not a flaming toy. I'm sick of the both of you!" She tells them she carried the baby for nine months (I know, she didn't, but let's not let accuracy stop her), she gave birth to him and now she's giving him milk. "Has all that been for nothing?" She tells them that all they care about is themselves - what they want and how they feel. The baby might have got his eyes or his nose from one or other of them but that's all they've given him so far. "Until you start putting him first, you're not welcome in here!" That stops Gary and Izzy in their tracks. "You can't . . ." starts Izzy. "Oh, I think you'll find I can," Tina says. "Sort yourselves out and grow up! I mean it. Get out! Go!"

Peter's gone with Carla to the lock-up. He suggests maybe Tracy's acting on her own but then they spot Rob's car. Carla marches over to a lock-up and bangs on the door. Rob opens the door and his face falls as his sister says she believe he's got some silk to flog her.

The end
Margaret Carr

Only one episode tonight
Written by: Jan McVerry
Directed by: Tony Prescott

Oh Carla is angry, very angry! She is screaming and shouting at her little brother, and when he dares to smirk at her, I thought she might actually kill him, obviously Peter thinks so too, and tries to restrain her, but she angrily shrugs him off yelling at him too to get off her. (Fabulous bit of acting here by Alison King)

The row escalates, with Rob turning the blame onto her, saying all she had done for him since he got out of prison was minor compared to what she owed him for leaving all those years ago. Peter is all for calling the police, which makes Rob laugh. Carla coldly asks him if he really thinks she won't ring them, and asks Peter for his phone.

Izzy is also upset at the hospital, telling Tina she can't stop her from seeing her own flesh & blood. Tina replies that it is time she started acting like it. In her defense, Izzy accuses Tina of allowing Gary to see the baby behind her back. Tyrone interjects that Gary is the baby's father after all, and he knows how hard it is to be kept away from your own child. Fiz knows this isn't going to help matters, so persuades Ty to leave them to it.

Tina tells Izzy that Gary loves little Jake, in fact he is totally besotted with him, just as Izzy is, but if they are going to fight over his crib she is stepping in, because the poor little mite has had enough stress in his life already. She goes on to tell her if they can't put him first, and turn up at the hospital in peace, then they don't deserve to be there at all. With that, she and Tommy turn their backs on Izzy and walk away.

The police haven't yet been called. Peter is checking inside, and notes that all rolls of silk are there and intact. Rob points out that if they call the police, the silk will be impounded as evidence, and they still won't have it. Carla informs him (loudly) that she doesn't give a toss about the silk, what she does care about is the fact he ripped off his own sister, and asks him how he could do it to her after all she has done for him. He spits back that she hardly donated a kidney, she only gave him a bed and job when he came knocking, and he has repaid that a hundred times over by working his fingers to the bone for the factory. He rants on that he was dumped for Michelle, who is all bust and no brains (his words, not mine). He feels she got the job because she is a Connor, and Carla has always chosen the Connors over her own family. He goes on to point out that it wasn't his fault she was the smelly girl with one pair of shoes, it was their parents' fault, or the fault of the drink, but not his. (Never pictured Carla before as a smelly little girl - I will never look at her the same now!). As she and Peter remove the bolts of silk, she screams at Rob to get over to Underworld, clear out his locker, and also to tell Tracy she is fired too. She wags her finger at him and tells him she hasn't finished with him yet. He turns on her in a blind rage and screams back that she finished with him twenty years ago!

Gloria is sweeping the pavement outside the Rovers, and has a go at Deirdre for smoking outside there instead of her own house. Deirdre looks her in the eye, and stubs her cigarette out on the ground, right in front of Gloria's broom. Katy & Ryan bump into Chesney, and she girds herself for yet another row. However, she is pleasantly surprised to hear him offer to have Joseph overnight tonight instead. Katy is touched and thanks him. This pleases Ryan no end, as staying home with Joseph is not high on his choices of evening entertainment.

Fiz, Tyrone and Tommy are fussing over Tina, making her rest back in bed. Fiz suggests to Tina that it might be time to take a step back and look after herself. Tina asks her if she was willing to take a step back when Hope was born prematurely, or when John kidnapped her. Fiz tells her that was different. Tina concedes it is different inasmuch as Jake is not her son, but feels until Gary and Izzy step up to the plate and start acting like real parents, she has no choice but to be a parent to him.

Ty and Fiz start to make a move, and offer Tommy a lift home. He's ready to go, but Tina begs him to stay with her for a while, and save her from Wythenshaw Wendy in the next room. Turns out the fellows are only too aware of Wythenshaw Wendy, and have copped an eyeful of the tattoo on her boob when she was breast feeding. Fiz gives them both a telling off, and gets Tyrone out of there sharpish, and as they walk down the corridor, who should be walking in front of them but Wythenshaw Wendy herself, complete with Pink hair and tattoos - yes, you can just make out the one on her boob too! :-) (See attached photo!) I have to say though, the extra they used for her doesn't look very scary at all, in fact she looks like a nice respectable girl, and also looks unlikely to have recently given birth, or is currently breastfeeding - not a swelling or engorgement in sight!

Sophie and Jenna arrive at No. 4, and Jenna mistakenly thinks Sally is having a clear out of her clothes for charity. She is embarrassed to discover that the 'old' clothes were Sally's current wardrobe. Sally asks them what her clothes say about her, and Jenna reluctantly tells her they say she is a lady of high standards, one who airs on the side of caution. Sophie pipes up that they say she likes the colour beige, and Sally sadly tells her she 'is' beige. (No Sally, that's Stella!). She is upset because of the upcoming date, and know her wardrobe needs help. She tells them she wants her date to find her dynamic, witty - maybe even a little mysterious. Jenna tells her she is lucky then that the shops are open late tonight.

Dev is rushing around preparing for their dinner guests, getting more irritated with his son by the minute for leaving his stinky socks in the living room, and for being upstairs with his music blaring instead of answering the door, as he had been instructed to be the official greeter of the guests for the evening. So Dev lets Karl and Stella in himself. Stella accepts a glass of red wine, but Karl opts for water, much to Stella's surprise, saying he wants to pace himself. Dev offers a thank you toast to friends, and they all drink to moving on.

Tracy meets up with Rob in the ginnel, and she is horrified to hear they have been rumbled. They both blame each other for their scheme falling through, and Tracy is immediately scared she will be going to jail. Rob tells her he doesn't think Carla will do that, but he is finished in Weatherfield. He is also not so certain that Peter won't shop him to the police, and tells Tracy they have to convince him that if he goes down, his sister will go too. Tracy is very scared at the thought of that, saying she can't go to jail because of Amy. (Too bad she didn't give Amy a thought before she got involved in the scam then isn't it?). Anyway, he tells her to make sure Peter understands that Amy's life will be wrecked if he goes to the police about Rob. She tries to put her arms around him, but he pushes her away, and walks off down the ginnel.

It's dinner time at the Alahan's, and the children are called down to join them. They have a surprise for their Dad, a home made album of Sunita's life in photographs. Dev is touched, Karl wishes he could touch them, right over their little heads! They go through the book with Dev and Stella, who points out the resemblance Asha bears to her mother when she was her age. Aadi tells them it has taken them three whole days to make the book, and they did it because she was kind, and would never kill anybody. Karl is obviously wishing he was anywhere but there right now, so reaches for the wine bottle instead.

In the Rovers, Gary is thrilled because Izzy has called asking him to meet her. He feels things are looking up, and they are well on their way to putting things back to the way they were. Izzy on the other hand is there because Tina has put a gun to their heads, and knows they have to sort something out or lose the baby. She angrily tells him these were supposed to be the happiest days of their lives, but here they are, with Tina holding all the cards, they haven't even given the baby a name and it's all down to Gary. He defends himself by saying Tina has to be near him physically at the moment and they haven't given him a name yet purely because he was premature, but all that will change. He apologises again for his behaviour towards Tina, telling her it was the biggest mistake of his life, and it will never happen again.

Izzy tells him the baby deserves two parents, and they need to set up a rota. Gary is under the impression things are looking up, and he is all for it. However, she quickly dashes his hopes by telling him they are not getting back together - not ever! She tries to make him understand what exactly he did to her that night, he went out with his mates, and came back with so much to talk about, and who did he seek out, their surrogate, and she, Izzy, ended up on the subs bench. She goes on to tell him that she might forgive him in time, but would never forget how he made her feel, never!

Peter, Carla, Michelle and Steve are in the Bistro, and the latter is reacting to being told about the silk showdown fiasco. He just can't believe Rob could have been so stupid as to try to sell all the silk in one job lot to Underworld's biggest customer, and suggests his next project should be trying to sell rock to Blackpool.

Carla is looking very weary, so they try changing the subject by talking about Amy's invitation from a school friend to ride in a pink limo to a birthday party. Blimey, all I ever got was jelly & ice cream and a few Marmite sandwiches! The diversion doesn't last more than two minutes before the subject of Rob comes around again. It's a quandary over whether Carla should call the police or not, and as Michelle points out, it would mean dobbing Tracy in too, which would affect Amy. Carla takes out her phone and calls Rob, demanding he come to the Bistro immediately. Peter gets angry, thinking she is inviting him there to join them for dinner, and storms out for a cigarette.

Tommy shows up at the hospital, and finds Tina standing next to the incubator holding vigil over the baby. When he asks her why she isn't leaving it to the staff to take care of him, she tells him they are busy working, and don't have time to just keep him company. She is blaming herself for his early birth, saying she should have stopped work sooner. Tommy reassures her it was nothing she did or didn't do that caused it. He suggests to her that they go to Ibiza in a few weeks time to put all this behind them, separate rooms naturally, but feels it would do her good to get away and relax.

Rob arrives arrogantly at the Bistro, telling his sister she must be loving ordering him around. Carla gets straight to the point, and tells him she won't be sending him back to prison in exchange for him signing his 30% share of the business back to her, and get out of her life. He asks her how much she is willing to pay for it. Shocked, she tells him she will pay what he paid for it, absolutely nothing, she gave it to him, and he can give it back. He digs his heels in however, and tells her he earned that 30% and expects to be paid for it. She tells him he is not her brother, only a loser she grew up with, and she is willing to turn him in without a second thought - his call. Finishing the conversation, she tells him the contract will be drawn up tomorrow, and he will either sign it or go down. He turns and leaves without another word.

Sally and the two girls are back from their shopping trip armed with the makings of turning Sally into a dynamic, witty and mysterious woman. Sophie tells Jenna she knows her mother well however, and she will end up with who she is, not who she wants to be, and all these trappings will be returned in the morning.

The twins are now in bed and asleep, leaving Dev, Stella and Karl to talk. Dev is beating himself up for accepting the police verdict without question. He feels now that the children are going to want answers when they get older, and he has none to give them. He feel too that he should have pushed the police harder to look into it deeper. Karl tells him Sunita did a terrible thing, and maybe none of them would ever know why, but feels Aadi and Asha are right in believing the best of her, and maybe Dev should too, and leave it at that. Stella agrees with him.

Rob has come round to No. 1 to talk to Tracy. She immediately tries to kiss him, but he pushes her away. He is a beaten man, and tells Tracy his sister has won, taken everything he has and wants him out of Weatherfield. Tracy protests she can't do that, but Rob tells her she can do anything she wants, he either rolls over or both of them will go to prison. Tracy hushes him, but it's too late. Deirdre, comes down the stairs and demands to know what they have done.

Katy and Ryan are home early as Katy is tired, having had a bad night with Joseph the night before. Michelle tells her she knows, in a flat that size, when she has a bad night, they all do. Katy apologises and tells her she should sleep well tonight with Joseph over in No. 5 with Chesney. She gets off to bed, but Ryan opts to stay up with his Mum, who is obviously surprised he is not taking advantage of a Joseph free house to get an early night with Katy. Is the novelty of being with the young Mum wearing a little thin perhaps?

Tina has had a little sleep, but wakes up when Tommy gets up to leave, and pulls him back. She reminds him of his talk of a holiday earlier, and tells him she is not going to be able to put the baby behind her just like that. He assures her he didn't mean it to come out like that, and understands. However, she tells him a holiday is a very good idea, but later on. She goes on to say that she doesn't want separate rooms though. Surprised, he tells her he doesn't mean to mess with her head, but he loves her, he never stopped loving her. Tina whispers that she loves him too, and he leans in for a tender kiss. Awwww.....

Now it's Deirdre's turn to be angry, and angry she is with the both of them. She asks Tracy how she could do something like that and risk everything now she has Amy to think of. She turns on Rob, and accuses 'Flash Harry' as she calls him, of coming up with the idea in the first place. Calling him a piece of scum, she tells Tracy that anybody who would steal off his own sister wouldn't hesitate at stealing from her. Tracy defends him by pointing out all Peter's faults, like burning down his flat, almost killing his child, saying compared to him, Rob is a teddy bear. Deirdre's answer to that? "Rob is a rat who wants something for nothing and an easy ride along the way - and you have ticked all his boxes!" I think she just called Tracy an easy ride - well she's not wrong there, is she?

Totally disgusted, Deirdre tells Tracy to get him out of her house, and marches back upstairs. Tracy tells Rob to ignore her, but he tells her Deirdre is absolutely right, he is a thieving scumbag, and a rubbish one at that. Tracy contradicts him though, saying he is a man now, and doesn't have to rely on his sister's handouts. He has it all in his head, and just needs to use it. Boy he's easily convinced, he brightens right away and tells her he will start a business that will blow Carla's right out of the water! Grinning her inane grin, Tracy tells him she will be there to help him every step of the way. He grabs and kisses her, and Tracy's final words are "Carla who?"

Christine Warren

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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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