Peter tiptoes into the kitchen. H looks at Carla and says he thinks she's amazing. He holds her and says he loves her and wants this baby. Carla looks very relieved and says she loves him too. But she looks worried.

It's look similar to the look on Tina's face as Steph goes on about something. She's not listening and stops Steph in her tracks by saying she thinks she's pregnant. Was it an accident? Tina insists it was but says she hasn't taken a test to confirm it. She tells Steph the married man knows. Steph says he must be going mental. Tina says he and his "poor wife" will just have to deal with it.

Sinead and Chesney chat. Beth, full of the joys, goes to work. Sinead says it's all a front and Beth is still upset about the nasty comments she saw. Chesney wants to ask about the kebab shop. Sinead says she will talk to Beth at the bistro fundraising do.

Stella is packing. Some of her unwanted stuff is going to the fashion sale for Hayley's charity. She gives Leanne some jewellery her own mum gave her. Eva comes in looking like thunder. Stella says she was just going to call her. "Will you call me every day from New York?" snarls Eva.

Peter and Carla are in the factory. Carla speculates about how the factory will keep going. Peter wants to play it by ear. Carla insists they will make a careful plan. She tells him he will be on a tight leash once the baby is born.

In the cafe. Julie tries to get Gail to the charity thing. Gail reluctantly agrees. Anna watches. Then Julie tries to get Anna to come but Anna insists she can't. She blames Faye and Julie backs off.

Sally is having go at Tim. She can't cope with all the lying.

Tim greets Faye across the road. She has letter about a school trip to London but says she knows it's too expensive. How much? Sally says you can't put a price on education. She raves about the possibilities of such a trip. Faye says it's OK, she doesn't want to go.

Peter and Carla walk in the street. Rob comes to have a word with Peter about the rent rise. This is all news to Carla. Peter says if Rob doesn't like it he can shut up shop. Carla gets a text from Julie about tonight. Tina seems headed their way so Peter turns Carla away and says he needs to get her home.

Sally is at the function trying one of Carla's dresses. Carla and Michelle watch. Carla says her dresses soon won't fit. Michelle says it will be months before anyone notices. She assures Carla she will keep her secret and says she's made right decision.

In a bar somewhere, Peter pays for a drink.

Anna lets Tim in. He suggests they go 50-50 but this is news to Anna and Owen because Faye hasn't told them about the trip. It's 100 quid. Faye insists she doesn't want to go, saying it's too much money. Anna sends her upstairs and says she will discuss details with Tim. Owen says all their money is tied up in the mill. Tim agrees to cover it and says they can pay him back when they can.

Deirdre has always fancied New York, she tells assorted ladies at the charity do. Gail quietly offers to keep an eye on Leanne for Stella.

Kal comes in and isn't at all put off by Julie pointing out it's Ladies Night. Eva comes in in tears and hugs her mum.

Steve arrives at a pub to find Peter and his new mate "Pete" three sheets to the wind. He tells Steve they're going clubbing. He can barely stand up. Steve drags him towards the door. Peter falls on the floor and laughs.

Deirdre wins a bottle of bubbly in the raffle. Beth is snarky toward Sally who's criticising the dress she donated. Sinead wonders if Beth has thought about the money. Yes, she has. "I'm going to spend it on me and I'm not going feel guilty.

Steve's got a room. He also has a plan to tell Carla he got too drunk when he and Peter went to a casino so they had to stay at a B&B in Liverpool.

Maddie turns up in the shop. Sophie seems pleased.

Peter's pouring his heart out to Steve. He says he's having an affair with Tina. Steve's incredulous. "NO? Tina Tina? Whatever possessed you... on your own doorstep?" Peter says it gets worse. Carla is pregnant and Tina thinks she might be. Steve's reaction is dramatic. "Oh, Peter, this isn't good. Dead man walking, Peter."

Tina knocks at Peter's door. Carla and Michelle tell her Steve and Peter decided on a lads night out, aren't coming home and are going to be in big trouble.

Sally arrives home to find Maddie there. She demands an explanation. Sophie's asks Maddie can stay till she finds somewhere else. Tim speaks up for Maddie and Sally gives her one last chance.

Stella and all her luggage waits outside. Eva and Leanne are having a last check around inside when Dev approaches Stella and there's an awkward conversation. Today is the anniversary of Sunita's death. Stella says she says couldn't have got through the last year without him. Eva's in tears. Stella's in tears. She hugs her daughters and encourages them to grasp every opportunity. Kal, Deirdre etc come from the bistro to say goodbye. Dev opens the door of the taxi. Stella blows kisses as the machinists sing New York New York and her taxi drives away. Eva and Leanne hug.

Peter's maudlin and sharing a bed with Steve. Steve wants some sleep. He points out that Peter has to find out if Tina is pregnant. Steve turns the light off. Peter puts his head in his hands. He doesn't know how he is going to avoid losing the love of his life.

The end.
Margaret Carr

It's morning. Peter's head hurts. He shakes Steve awake. "Why are we here?" Steve explains the plan. He says he sent Carla a text so Peter could say it was late and he didn't want to wake her. "Anyway," says Steve. "Tina!"

Tina unwraps a pregnancy test kit.

Michele answers the phone and asks where Steve is. He tries to sound hungover and says he doesn't know - in a B&B somewhere on Merseyside. Michelle starts to cross-examine him with Liz shouting questions from the sideline. "I swear i didn't even look at another woman, Steve says. This just makes Michelle even angrier. She hasn't mentioned anything about that. Steve claims he was just second-guessing her. Steve says the good news is that he broke even at the casino. He says they couldn't get a cab. Michelle has already checked and knows he didn't ring Lloyd. Steve "admits" they did get a cab but the driver wouldn't let him in because he'd been sick. "Ask him how old is he," Liz prompts. "How old are you?" asks Michelle. She tells him that if he ever does this again he's going to be single. ending the call, Steve shouts at Peter and makes him practise sounding brighter, though Peter's got a world-class hangover.

Carla gets a phone call from Peter. She immediately asks if he's been drinking. "No, Steve's been drinking." He spins her the agreed line about it being too late to ring. Carla says it wasn't that late. Peter tells her he had to look after Steve, who had been thrown out of the casino for throwing up in a plant pot. Steve's been banned from the casino for life, Peter says. There was no reply from Streetcars and no other taxi would take Steve because he had sick down his front. Carla says she hardly slept all night for worrying. Peter assures her didn't have a drink to celebrate her pregnancy. "I didn't have a drink full stop." Steve's appalled by the plant pot story. Peter says he had to say that because everyone will now latch on to that plant pot. It's their alibi. "It's my flipping noose!" says Steve. He points out that Peter's the one falling off the wagon, sleeping with barmaids, getting women all over the place pregnant and yet Steve will be the one getting it in the neck. Peter says it's worse for him - all he wants to do now is have a drink. Steve is aghast. Plus, as he points out, he's the one who will have to pay Tina for her maternity leave. He asks how will they explain the lack of vomit on his clothes but Peter says he washed the clothes and dried them on the radiator.

Tina asks Carla in the street whether the blokes are back. Carla explains what happened and tells her about the plant pot.

Eva and Leanne are moving big boxes. Eva has a little moan about how little she owns - she has never bought a vacuum cleaner. Kal and Nick come racing round on their run. The girls assure Kal they'll be going to the gym later.

Owen comes home. He was out at six this morning. He and Anna have a bit of an argument about who's going to buy washing powder. Anna says she doesn't have time and Dev's mark-up is too high.

In their shop, Tracey tells Rob they can refuse to pay Peter, like squatters, and after a year will have the rights to the place. She can't see why she should pay for Carla's shoes. Rob advises her to just suck it up.

Eva tells Leanne in the cafe that she noticed sparks between her and Kal earlier. Jason and Kal's dad come in. Jason tells Eva he got a good deal on membership at the new gym. Poor boy. It turns out he's been offered the same opening deal as everyone else and his deal's not special at all. Jason greets Roy and suggests he join the gym. Roy looks startled, then annoyed.

Peter helps Steve out of a taxi. Steve peeps round corner but is spotted straight away by Michelle. "Oi! Don't you even think about it!" she says. She drags him off by the ear as Peter watches with an amused smile. Michelle notices Steve's clothes. Steve says Peter washed them. Go on, get in, you're on a shift!" snaps Michelle. And she wants the accounts doing, hungover or not hungover.

Peter goes to the flat and sees a book on the coffee table: "The first three months." He seems to hyperventilate.

Carla is proud of Peter and kisses him in the factory office. He looks hungover but she doesn't notice. He adds more details of Steve being ill, having to put the bathroom heating on to dry his clothes etc. Carla tells him go home.

Jason puts in last screw so the gym can open . Kal's father says they're wasting their time but Dev says they will come. And the first visitor is . . . Norris! He's welcomed to VCourt Fitness but can't hear over the music. Kirk comes in. He had no idea the gym was there.

Steve gets it in both ears from Michelle and Liz, with Liz going on about the plant pot. Michelle tells him how irresponsible he's been - what if Peter had been tempted to have a drink?

Tina comes in and mentions the plant pot. Steve tries to leave but Michelle says she's not finished with him.

Liz tells Tina she thinks Michelle said all there was to say this morning and really doesn't need to go on at Steve so much. It's not as if he's an alcoholic like Peter. Tina just glares at her.

Rob goes to see Carla about the rent, saying Peter put it up out of spite. Carla promises to have another word.

Izzy tells Anna she's being snapped at by Gary all the time. "What's all this for?"

Kirk's in the cafe. He's upset because Beth seems to be keeping something from him. She hung up suddenly when he approached while she was on a call. Tracy interrupts him. "Why would any woman cheat on you?"

Anna's in a phone box calling someone, asking if they can have a chat.

Kal's trying to persuade Leanne to join the gym. Eva says she would love a latte. Sharif orders Nick to fetch her a latte. Kal asks Nick about him and Leanne. "There is no me and Leanne," Nick says. Eva sits with Sharif and says they were just discussing Kal being an eligible bachelor. His dad says Kal is not so eligible. "Kal is a very busy boy." Eva tells him the latte is a cracking brew.

Carla goes to the Rovers and asks about Steve. She asks if Michelle in, saying she wants her opinion on a pair of shoes. Michelle is going on and on and on at Steve. "Accounts. Now!" she snaps. Tina asks if she can take her break now. She follows Steve to the back room and asks how could he drink in front of Peter. Have you not got any brains, Steve?"

As she leaves through the front of the pub, Tina's bag is knocked to the floor and the pregnancy test kit falls out. Carla hands back the bag without seeing the kit.

Peter is in the flat drinking. The doorbell goes again and again and again. "Let me in right now. Let me in, Peter, or I'll scream." Who could this be? Peter unlocks the door, hides the pregnancy book on the coffee table and asks Tina whether anyone saw her. She accuses him of scuttling off when she mentioned pregnancy and says he's a coward. She's brought the test kit with her and wants to use it right here, right now. What if Carla comes in? Tina says she can sit and wait with him. Tina says she's had it with Peter. "Oh, and one more thing, if I am pregnant, I'm having it!"

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Hello again. Another Friday another update. My wife dog sits for an agency called "Home from Home" - you go on holiday and leave the dog with us for the week. Your dog gets the benefit of a nice family home and I get the walking. This is great when the sun shines. Well it is one way of filling all this spare time.

This episode was written by Mark Wadlow and directed by Duncan Foster. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

We open at the Windass residence where Anna is letting in Phelan's wife Val. Anna wants her to put a stop to the vendetta. She tries to explain their side of the story. Anna tells her that Pat tried it on with her and she gave him the knockback - so Gary lashed out. She wants Val to put things right - and this cannot be the first time. Val says it is Anna's own fault. She has heard it all before - Anna is jealous of Pat and Val's wealth. Val tells her that she can whistle for the money and departs.

At the Barlow flat Tina emerges from the toilet and tells Peter it is a false alarm and Peter is hugely relieved - which he shows. Peter makes his position clear - this is for the best. Tina feels she has lost their baby - she was sure she was pregnant. The way Tina feels is a lot to do with her past - not the current relationship. If there had been a baby Tina would have got Peter - but this is a wake up call. Tina reckons the timing was lousy and Peter is a failure as a Dad and he is nearly 50 and he is alcoholic. Tina reckons they can face the problems together. Peter says they have to face the inevitable. It is over - he is holding her back and if she wants kids he cannot do that. Tina says they will not have children and Peter knows that Tina will not feel complete until she is a mother. But Peter is not the right person for Tina - so he says it is over.

At the Rovers Steve is trying to get round with Michelle - who rather thinks that some more details might leak out. She tells him off for skiving.

At the gym Mary is trying one of the machines. Nick comes in to clear the air with Kal and wants to apologise for his comments over Leanne earlier. Of course he was closer to the mark than he realised.

Peter calls Tina beautiful, amazing and wonderful. She wants to go back to the way things were. Peter tells her to stop wasting her time on him - but he would like to be with her - but in the long term it cannot work. He is flattered she gave him a second glance but once he thought about it she needs to be with someone her own age. Tina says she does not care. Peter is sorry but he has to let her go. Tina protests - but them being together cannot happen and deep down she knows he is right. Tina cries - but Peter wants her gone as Carla could return any second and he goes and opens the door for her to go. As she passes him she hits him a number of times and the collapses crying into his arms. THey say they love each other and then she goes. Peter releases a huge sigh of relief.

After the break Nick is leaving the gym as Leanne comes in looking for Eva. Nick goes and Kal promises to tell Leanne later about the earlier exchange.

Anna reports on her meeting with Val to Izzy - but that did not work. Anna cannot see how they will be able to pay back the money they owe.

At the back of the Rovers Steve is giving Peter absolute earache about the treatment he is getting. Peter is thankful and promises to pay Steve back at some point in the future. Even Steve would not get himself into this sort of mess. Peter tells Steve that Tina is not pregnant and the affair has been ended. Peter says it is obvious what he needs to do. Steve tells him not to fall off either wagon.

Tony wants a laptop for Jason. He picks up a laptop and offers well under the price as he has heard Tracy and Rob discuss how hard business is at the moment. Careless words cost lives.

On the Street Kal brings Leanne up to date with Nick's apology.

In the Rovers Peter and Carla are making up - they are both sure they are going to have a baby and Peter is really positive about the future. She then asks if he will cut the rent increase on Rob and Tracy. Peter reckons they need putting out of their misery. Peter makes his point quite strongly. He refuses to consider it.

At the bar Kirk has been making comments suggesting that he and Beth use the gym and they are in need of exercise. She is obviously unhappy- but is not saying why.

Rob and Tracy arrive in the Rovers and Peter makes it clear they have to start paying rent. Tony suggests they pay less for their stock - he gets offered stuff - but Rob refuses reckoning it will be knocked off.

Steph is trying to console Tina over the total creep who is totally out of her league. Tina is going to miss him so much - but is starting to accept it is over and that she as being used. However she is not going to let him live happily ever after. And the witch having cursed her lover the credits roll.

Learning point of the week - do not discuss poorly performing business in front of the customers.

Don't approach the wife - she loves her life style and could not care less how she gets it.

And if you are going to end an affair listen to Peter!
Richard

Written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Tony Prescott

Owen seems on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He can't sleep with worrying about what his life's come to thanks to Pat Phelan. Anna tells Owen that he's far richer than Phelan will ever be because he has a loving family and his integrity. She goes off to make a brew in the hope that it will make everything better.

Meanwhile, Carla is feeling a lot brighter. In fact she's positively full of the joys of spring, while Peter mopes around in his dressing gown. She tells him they have a meeting with Sid Altrey later. He's a really important buyer but he enjoys a drink or six and finds it hard to keep his hands to himself so she wants Peter there for moral support and protection, particularly now she's pregnant and can't join in the drinking. Peter reluctantly agrees but he doesn't look keen.

Tina is someone else who looks like she got out of the wrong side of bed. Steph tries to chivvy her along. She tells her that whoever this married man is, Tina needs to forget about him and move on. But Tina is feeling very sorry for herself and she doesn't see why he should get away with going back to his wife and carrying on as though nothing has ever happened.

Everyone is now up in the Windass household. Faye reminds them that it's her school play tonight, "Fiddler on the Roof". Gary, who looks even more depressed than Owen, says he'll try and go tomorrow. However it's only on for one night. Faye says it's ok, she knows Gary and Owen are working hard, she'll understand if they're too tired to go. But Owen insists the whole family will be there to support her, including Gary.

Over in the salon Audrey is giving Maria some tea and sympathy. Maria still can't come to terms with the way Marcus treated her but, worse than that, she's upset for Liam. She tells Audrey that he loved Marcus to bits and while Marcus is still hanging around she doesn't know how they're going to be able to move on. Audrey suggests Maria should cheer herself up by taking the afternoon off and going into town for a bit of retail therapy.

Owen and Gary are now at work. Owen's much more upbeat than he was earlier and he tells Gary to buckle down as they need to get finished early tonight so that they can get to Faye's play. But his cheerful mood is soon dashed when Phelan introduces him to Clive, the site foreman he's taken on to run the job. Clive doesn't speak but the smirk on his face doesn't auger well. Owen is outraged but, once again, Phelan has found a way to show him who's in charge.

In the factory Beth appears to be taking an unhealthy interest in Eva's cleavage. It's certainly spectacular but Kirk's worried Beth's going through some sort of funny phase and Eva is mortified that Beth wants to know her bra size.

At the Mill it's now Gary's turn to try and calm Owen down. Owen seems very, very angry. He tells Gary to take a lunch break and the moment Gary leaves, Owen roars in rage and kicks over a pile of wood.

Over at the factory Beth's in Eva's bad books again as she's late back from her lunch break. Eva is briefly chastened when Beth informs her it was due to a medical situation but then Beth addresses her next comment to Eva's chest. She tells Eva's boobs that they've had it their own way for far too along before announcing to everyone that she's booked in to see a cosmetic surgeon. Kirk looks somewhat bemused when she kisses him and tells him that all his Christmases have come at once.

Carla and Peter are in the Bistro waiting for Sid Altrey to arrive. Peter's distracted and he really doesn't want to be there but before he can make his escape, Sid arrives. He's being as smarmy as ever with Carla and is upset to hear she's not drinking. She makes out it's because she's on antibiotics. It doesn't stop Sid who gets stuck into a bottle of wine.

Back at the Mill, trouble's brewing. Under Phelan's watchful eye, Clive tells Owen and Gary that the site is a mess and it needs cleaning up. He stubs out his cigarette on the floor and Phelan tells Gary they'll need to get out a broom and start sweeping. Gary says he needs to knock off as they have somewhere to go tonight. Owen tells him to go, he'll stay and clear up. Phelan doesn't mind, as long as the job gets done but Gary doesn't want to leave Owen and besides, what about Faye's play? Owen insists Gary leaves and says he won't be far behind.

Carla, Peter and Sid have now moved on to the Rovers. Steve insists on serving Peter who asks if everything's ok now between him and Michelle. "You know when they're really angry, don't you?" asks Steve, in response. "When they don't say a word."

Jason and Marcus are talking at one of the other tables. Jason is advising Marcus that he needs to ignore Maria completely if he wants to move on but just as he's saying this, Marcus's phone rings. It's Liam's child-minder who has been taken ill. Liam needs picking up but she can't get hold of Maria so Marcus offers to go and fetch him. He speaks to Audrey who tells him Maria has gone into town. She'd offer to go herself but she's already three sheets to the wind. Jason says he's mad, Maria will go crazy when she finds out but Marcus doesn't want to listen to advice from him or anyone else and sets off to fetch Liam.

Over at the Mill, Phelan and Clive are going home. Owen is still clearing up and Phelan's parting shot is that he wants the place pristine by tomorrow.

Back at home Gary is explaining why Owen is late. Katy takes Faye upstairs to sort out her costume while Gary tells Izzy and Anna about the new foreman. He says he doesn't know how Owen didn't lose it completely. He adds that Owen insisted he came home and left him there. Anna looks worried. She tries calling Owen but it goes straight to voicemail. She tells the others that they should go on to the play without her and she'll catch up with them later.

At The Mill, Owen has stopped working and is sitting on the ground. We see him look across at a large tank of petrol. Suddenly he jumps up and grabs a bucket.

Meanwhile, Tim is at home with Sophie and Maddie. He's about to go out when there's a knock at the door. It's a woman who introduces herself as Selina Rowley, Maddie's social worker. Maddie looks worried. It seems there are a couple of things she's failed to mention. First, she has a permanent room in a hostel. Second, the reason she has accommodation is that she's under the age of 18. Her social worker wants to know why she hasn't been staying there.

Anna has arrived at The Mill. The place seems deserted and she calls out Owen's name. We move to the first floor of the building where he's tossing wooden pallets onto a pile. He grabs the petrol and throws it over the top. Anna comes up the stairs just as Owen strikes his lighter. "What are you doing?" asks Anna in horror as she comes up behind him and sees the flaming lighter in his hand.

Karen

Written by Martin Allen and directed by Tony Prescott

Owen hovers over a pile of petrol-soaked wood with a glazed expression on his face and a naked flame in his hand. Anna gently tries to persuade him to hand over his lighter. She tells him if he burns down The Mill it really will be the end for all of them. Finally she manages to grab the lighter out of his hand. Owen starts to sob before falling into Anna's arms.

Sally arrives home with Kevin to find Sophie and Maddie talking to her social worker. Maddie is being her usual rude and obstructive self. Selina introduces herself. Sally is horrified to discover Maddie was lying about living on the streets and Kevin is equally annoyed to find out she's a year younger than she said. Tim looks pleased he has an excuse to leave and goes off to see Faye in her school play.

Maria arrives back from her shopping trip but before Audrey has the chance to tell her what's happened, Marcus gets off the bus with Liam in tow. He tries to explain about the child minder calling him but Maria is livid and won't consider for a moment that Marcus was only doing what he thought was best for Liam. Julie comes along and asks if everything's alright so then Maria has a go at her and says none of this would have happened if she hadn't taken Marcus in.

Izzy, Gary, Katy and Tim have arrived for the play but there's no sign of Owen and Anna. Katy tries calling them again while Izzy remonstrates with Gary for looking so miserable. Faye looks disappointed but it's almost time for curtain up so she hurries inside to get ready.

Over at The Mill Owen has recovered from his meltdown and he and Anna start to clean up the mess he's made. Anna sets to on the pool of petrol while they talk. Speaking personally I haven't had much experience of cleaning up fuel spills but I can't help feeling that it would take more than a quick going-over with a dustpan and brush. However, the technique seems to be working for Anna although even she admits they won't make it in time for Faye's play.

Peter and Carla are still entertaining Sid Altrey in the Rovers. He's now talking about children and the problems of teenagers. He tells Carla she's lucky she doesn't have kids and she exchanges glances with Peter.

Peter goes up to the bar to get another round and Tina deliberately blanks him so Steve serves him. As Steve steps away Tina leans across to Peter and tells him not to worry, she won't say anything.

Round at Sally's they're still discussing Maddie's options. Selina says that provided she lets them know where she is, Maddie's legally entitled to stay with Sally. But Sally says she hasn't agreed that Maddie can stay. Selina leaves and Maddie sits on the sofa while the Websters have a row over the top of her head. Sophie accuses Sally of having it in for them from day one but Sally tells Sophie that relationships are supposed to be about being honest with each other. "What, like you, you mean?" asks Sophie, looking at her parents.

It's the final call for "Fiddler on the Roof" but as they go in Gary suddenly announces he can't face it. Izzy tries to stop him but Gary says he's leaving and he'll see her back at the flat.

Audrey has gone home with Maria who is still fuming about Marcus collecting Liam from the child minder. She thinks it was a deliberate ploy to worm his way back in but Audrey believes he genuinely had Liam's best interests at heart. She tells Maria that Liam still loves Marcus and tries to convince her not to let Liam suffer any more than he has to.

Beth and Kirk come home from the factory and she shares her news about her planned breast augmentation or, as Kirk describes it, her inauguration. Craig thinks it's disgusting, Kirk is clearly not keen and Sinead has her own reasons for wishing Beth would spend her windfall on something else.

Owen and Anna have almost completed the clean-up operation. There's no mention of how they're going to deal with the lingering odour of petrol but presumably a quick spray with air freshener will take care of that. Suddenly they hear footsteps on the stairs. To their great relief Gary appears. Anna asks him why he isn't at the play. He replies by asking why they're not there either.

Gary says he knew something was going on and then apologises. Owen says he didn't plan to torch the place but Gary says he was the one who caused the problems that drove Owen to it. Anna tells them they can talk another time but right now they need to finish cleaning up and sends Gary off to fetch some sand.

Marcus is in the Rovers. He goes up to Audrey to ask after Maria. She tells him that she has no wish to act as a go-between. He says he just wants to make things right with Liam at the very least so Audrey tells him he should have thought of that before. She then relents slightly and advises Marcus that he should leave Maria alone for a while and then maybe she'll be more approachable. She adds that he shouldn't expect miracles.

Carla and Peter's meeting is finally over. As Carla goes to the door with Sid, Peter has a word with Tina. He thanks her for not saying anything and says that it can't have been easy. Tina agrees very abruptly that it hasn't.

Julie and Marcus are talking to Eileen and Todd. Eileen is fed up with the whole situation and when Todd tries saying he's sorry she treats his apology with the contempt it deserves.

Anna, Owen and Gary have arrived home. The two men seem in shock so Anna goes into practical mode. She says they need to get their clothes in the wash to get rid of the smell of petrol, have a bath and come up with a story about why they missed the play. Owen follows her orders and goes upstairs but Gary seems in a state. Anna asks him if he's OK and offers him a whisky. Gary declines and says he'll be fine but clearly he won't.

Back in the Rovers Todd suggests to Marcus the best thing would be to forget about Maria and Liam. It's hardly tactful and he tells him they were together for over a year and he doesn't want to forget them. Eileen accuses her son of having a way with words. She tells him that all he cares about is what he wants. "Doesn't everyone?" asks Todd. He tells his mother that it's very simple. He's said he's going to have Marcus and he will.

Faye comes out after her play. Tim, Izzy and Katy are full of praise for her performance but she wants to know where the others are. Izzy explains that Gary didn't feel well and had to go home. Katy says they don't know about Owen and Anna but they think something must have happened. Tim doesn't do anything to help the situation when he comments that it was a waste of money buying the tickets. He offers to buy Faye a milkshake on the way home. "Like that will help make up for it," she says, sarcastically.

Kirk is still upset at Beth's decision to have a boob job. He tells her it will send out the wrong message to Craig, that women are only valued for their bodies. Sinead suggests there must be something better to spend her money on. Beth accuses her of only saying that because she and Ches want it to invest in the kebab shop. Beth tells them all she's booked in to have it done in two weeks' time and that's final.

Faye and co arrive home after the play and Anna tries to explain that there were problems at The Mill which is why they weren't there. It doesn't sound very convincing. Tim asks Gary if he's feeling any better. Gary says not really and then says he needs some fresh air and hurries out to the back.

Round at Sally's they're still having a row about Maddie. Sally is adamant that Maddie has to go. Not only did she lie to them she also has somewhere to live. Maddie says she knows when she's not wanted and she's leaving. Sophie begs her mum but Sally won't budge. In that case, says Sophie, if Maddie goes then she's going too and the two girls storm out of the house.

In Anna's back yard, Gary is having a nasty turn. Anna rushes out to find him hyper-ventilating and his heart racing. "I just want it to be over," he gasps as she takes him in her arms.

Todd follows Marcus out of the Rovers. Marcus spots Maria across the street. Todd tells him it's not a good idea but Marcus ignores him. He goes over to Maria and tells her that he's going away for a few weeks to give her some space but maybe when he gets back they can talk. "Is that it?" asks Maria. She tells him she doesn't care if he never comes back again. Todd tries to speak but Marcus tells him to leave him alone.

Gary is back inside the house. He's still in a state and is now blaming himself for leaving Owen at The Mill on his own. Anna tells him that Phelan's the one to blame but Gary's not listening. He's wound up like a spring and he gets up and rushes out before Owen can stop him. Owen comes back into the living room. He tells Anna that all he wanted was for them all to have a better life. Anna says that they all played a part in it together but Owen looks at Anna and says that there's no way out of it now. It's game over.

Karen

Hello, If you've just had a day or two off work I hope it was enjoyable. Here we go with a Wednesday episode.

Anna's worried about Owen and Gary but Owen says they'll be fine. She says he can ring her and sound off if he needs to. It's better than getting all wound up. He promises and goes to get some stuff loaded.

Sally wants to ring the police about Sophie but Kev says they won't be interested. She says this volunteering thing has caused nothing but trouble. She tells Tim about Sophie being conned into donated Kevin's money. Tim and Kevin keep taking little digs at each other and she tells them off. She's worried Sophie will end up living rough on the streets but Tim says Maddie's tough enough to look after Sophie. Kevin agrees - after all Maddie managed to deck Tim.

Izzy is very worried about Gary and that he'll have another panic attack. He sounds quite desperate and says he's no use to Izzy or to Jake. He's going to work because Owen needs him. He tells Izzy that's Owen's not a superhero and has a breaking point.

Toss asks Julie if she's seen Marcus and she says Marcus is off to London. He won't be back for at least a couple of weeks. Todd hoped it was just a rumour that Marcus was leaving. Eileen comes over as Todd stomps off. Julie says Todd must really love Marcus. Eileen asks her what it's like in cloud cuckoo land.

In the hostel, a bunch of noisy blokes race downstairs. Maddie takes Sophie a cup of tea. Sophie didn't sleep well because of the noise. She asks Maddie why she said she was homeless if she had this room. Maddie says it's not home. Sophie points out she could make it more homey. Maddie complains that there are lots of rules and it's like being at school again. "I'm not a kid." She says she was supposed to be near her brother but this is ten miles and three bus rides away from him. Sophie doesn't want to argue with her.

In the taxi office, Eileen says that at her time of life she should be revelling in her new-found freedom but instead her two parasites are still living at home. Andrea comes in and asks if Steve's avoiding her. She tells Lloyd and Eileen they're doing a joint presentation but haven't even started and it's due in a week. Steve protests that he's very busy doing two jobs. Eileen points out that for the last 25 minutes he's just been chatting. Andrea says they have to get on to the project today and work every day.

Izzy comes into the cafe and asks Anna about Gary's panic attack. Anna tries to downplay it but Izzy seems panicked. She says Gary was depressed and exhausted this morning and she thinks he's heading for a breakdown. Anna says she's going to go to see Valerie Phelan this afternoon. That tactic didn't work last time but it's all she can think of.

There's some banging on the door and Maddie tells Sophie to be quiet because she's not supposed to have guests and it might be the warden. It's not. It's a couple of rowdy lads. They ask who Sophie is and make themselves at home against Sophie's protests. Maddie says she doesn't mind them staying and takes a beer from them.

[Note: One of the boys, Ian, is played by Anna's real-life son, William Rush, who used to be in Waterloo Road]

Gary's chucking cement bags on to the back of the truck. He and Owen talk about yesterday. Gary says sometimes he dreams about putting an end to it all. Owen asks what he means but he won't say any more.

In the pub, Andrea arrives to start work on the project. Steve says they're a bit busy but Michelle says they'll manage. Kirk and Maria come in discussing breast implants. Kirk hates the idea of Beth getting them and says he had a dream where implants jumped out and chased him. Maria says she's got bigger things to worry about. Kirk apologises. Maria sees Michelle chatting and laughing and is sure she's laughing about Maria. When Michelle comes to serve her, Maria stomps out.

As Anna walks down his street, Phelan drives up beside her. She says she's come to see Valerie but Phelan says Valerie is at the gym. He prefers a woman to have a bit more to her, he leers. Anna says she will call another time. Phelan gets out of his car and says he knows about her begging visit other day. But she was begging to the wrong person. "Why don't you try me? I might be in a good mood." Anna slowly walks towards him.

Inside Phelan's house, Anna says she won't take off her coat. She's not stopping long. She says she knows what Owen did was wrong and they're all sorry but Phelan doesn't know the effect all this is having. She mentions Owen not being as young as he was and says Gary has problems following his time in Afghanistan. "All this stress, it's not good for him at all." She asks if Phelan could go easy on them. "I'd be really grateful." He asks her to join him for lunch. Anna is appalled but Phelan says he's thinking about what she said and can't do that on an empty stomach. Reluctantly, she agrees to lunch. "Come on then, get that coat off," Phelan says.

Owen and Gary leave the office. Gary almost falls down stairs. Owen sends him to have a lie down. He says he will cover for him. Katy is worried.

Back at the hostel there are now lots of blokes in the room. Maddie tells Sophie she puts up with them because nobody messes with them, which means nobody messes with her. One of them asks what the girls are chatting about. Sophie says she thinks they should go. Ian says she needs teaching some manners. He grabs her by the hair and Maddie attacks him. He only lets go when she hands him 20 pounds. They say they'll be back tomorrow for more. Sophie's furious that Maddie gave them all their money. Maddie's furious that Sophie provoked them. "you are such an idiot!"

Phelan and Anna sit with some wine, bread and cheese and he talks about being a self-made man. He squeezes a piece of Brie in a very unpleasant way and discusses the meaning of the word "malleable." Anna says she's going and picks up her coat. She's sure his answer will be No, so she's not waiting for it. Phelan says she's wrong. He's going to agree. "Not only will I go easy on them but I'll release them from their contract."

Todd sees Maria and Kirk and races over to ask whether Maria's satisfied now that Marcus has gone. Kirk shouts, "Don't you talk to my sister like that," and grabs Todd by the collar, warning him off. Todd stomps away and Julie, who has inherited the street clip-clopping from Hayley, clip-clips after him, telling him he should have had a go at Maria. Todd snaps that she deserved it.

Anna asks for details from Phelan. He says he is willing to put in writing, destroy the footage of Gary whacking him and erase all copies. Though in the end she'll have to trust him to get rid of all of them. He would like to say he's doing this because of her pleas. In reality it's a simple business transaction. "What do you get out of it?" asks Anna. "You." Phelan says he wants a couple of hours with her. Anna looks disgusted. "A couple of hours and they go free," he says. "Do you really think I am that desperate?" she asks. "We'll see shall we?" Phelan replies. Anna says he makes her sick to the pit of her stomach. He says he gives her to the end of the week. "Close the door on your way out."

Andrea's found a website to help with their project. Steve's not much interested and she tries to get him closer so he can see the screen. Steve leaps to his feet and says it won't work because he doesn't fancy her. Andrea calls him egotistical and pompous and says she told him it was all over but he wouldn't believe her. And it's not just because she's with Lloyd now but because she finds him insufferable. She doesn't want to work with him. Steve says he only worked with her because she might struggle. Andrea points out that in their last test he got 50 she got 90. "So you do your project and I'll do mine." She slams out through the bar, calling him the class dunce on the way. Lloyd glares at him and takes off after Andrea. Eileen quite likes the dunce comment. Michelle says living with Steve is sometimes like living with Ryan when he was eight.

Sophie's still annoyed about losing their money. Maddie says they'll have to get more for the lads tomorrow. Sophie is all for calling the police or telling the warden. Maddie refuses to consider these. She had to hand over the money so they wouldn't get beaten up. And they can't tell anyone. "If they find out we're dead." Sophie says Maddie can't live like this. "If you don't like it bog off to your semi because I never asked you to come."

Anna arrives home to find the curtains closed. Gary sits trembling behind the sofa. Anna asks what it is but he won't speak. Then he says he's got to go now. He's going to hand himself in. "I have to." She reminds him about Izzy and Jake but Gary seems determined. She screams that she won't let him. She urges him to pull himself together. It's not easy for any of them. Gary says he's tried to stop thinking about it but it's there all the time. "I just want to get rid of it." Anna hugs him and assures him everything is going to be all right. You've just got to trust me." She hugs him and they're both crying.

The end.
Margaret Carr

It's morning and Anna looks out of the window, deep in thought. She is interrupted by Faye asking for her jumper.

Fiz and Tyrone are in a happy morning mood with the children when Maria walks past and cuts Fiz dead. Tyrone's really annoyed.

There's no bread so Katy says she'll go to the shop. Owen asks if Anna's all right. He thinks she looks tired. He says he's only asking because he's worried. They hug.

Steve and Liz work on the mixers order in the pub. Liz and Michelle tease him. He says he's tired because he's running two businesses but Michelle says he's tired because he didn't come to bed until 1.30am. Liz tells him he shouldn't have fallen out with Andrea. They ask him what the argument was about the Steve makes a up a story that he told Andrea she had halitosis. Liz is appalled. Michelle wants to get this straight. Is Steve prepared to fail this course because he opened his mouth without thinking? They tell him to apologise and beg Andrea to consider working with him again. Michelle says it's up to him to be the bigger man.

Rita is in the cafe with Tina for a little catchup. "If you like, you can talk about the weather," she says. Tina tells her "Something happened that I didn't see coming. I lost my way for a bit but I'm all right now."

Phelan comes into the cafe to see Anna. She is busy. "Oh, I'm sure you can squeeze me in," he says. He gives her the address and room number of a hotel in town and says he'll be there from 3pm. Anna says she can barely look at him and tells him to get out. Roy looks over with some concern. Phelan says this is her only chance. She has to make up her mind quickly.

In the taxi office, Eileen and Lloyd discuss customers with funny names. Andrea comes in. She's been studying but the neighbours are building and someone's playing the drums across the road. Steve comes in and Andrea is very cool towards him. Steve says he hasn't come to argue but to apologise. The argument was his fault and he says he hopes they can work together again. "Do you know anywhere quiet we can go?" she asks..

Peter's at his front door and seems a little unsteady. Tina sees him drop his keys and asks how he is. He says he's sort of fine. "Peter, just look after yourself," she says. She walks away with just one backward glance.

Fiz is in the cafe watching a clip of Hope and Ruby dancing to One Direction. She talks to Jenna about marriage and children and says until she had her own children she didn't appreciate how unselfish they would make her. She would do anything for them. Anna listens.

Maddie arrives back to find the social worker, Selina, in the hostel room. Selina asks why Sophie is there. She says Maddie hasn't used the hostel room for weeks and the night she finally turns up there, there are complaints about the noise. Sophie tries to tell Selina about Dave and Ian forcing their way in but Maddie says they are her friends. And it's none of Selina's business and none of Sophie's.

Anna arrives home, checks whether anyone is there, goes to the ironing basket and picks up a top.

Phelan visits Owen on site. Owen says Gary is still ill. Phelan makes a nasty comment and Owen defends his family. Phelan says he's in a very good mood. "Between you and me, I've got a hot date lined up," he says. "Your wife know about it, does she?" asks Owen. Phelan suggests Owen must know what it's like to play around but Owen denies this. Phelan says Owen would have second thoughts "if you saw the bit that's waiting for me."

Ann fortifies herself with some vodka. She begins to put on make-up but then wipes it off and weeps.

Selina tries to convince Maddie that she has her best interests at heart but Maddie also has to help herself. Selina says she does care about what happens "and it's my job to make sure you're all right." Sophie says Maddie's been in a weird mood. Selina says there are options and if somebody's intimidating Maddie they can move her. Maddie snaps that she doesn't need looking after. Selina says if there are any more disturbances Maddie could lose the room. Maddie says she would rather sleep rough. She runs from the room.

Anna gets into a lift.

Lloyd is thinking of asking Andrea to go away with him, maybe to a northern soul weekend in Leeds. Eileen asks what Jenna thinks of Andrea. Jenna chooses that moment to come in with some leftover cake. Lloyd takes the opportunity to let her into his plan of going away with Andrea and Jenna seems quite happy with the idea.

Sophie finds Maddie in the street and tells her Selina's gone. Mad-eh refuses to come back. "You can't be serious about sleeping rough," says Sophie. Maddie tells her she doesn't get any of this. "Have you ever seen someone get bottled or stabbed?" That's why she keeps people on her side, she says. Sophie insists she'll look after Maddie. "It's you that I'm worried about," confesses Maddie.

In a hotel corridor, Anna takes a deep breath and knocks on Phelan's door. He says he'd almost given up on her. She almost flees when she catches sight of the bed. He offers to take her coat and to get her a drink. Anna says she wants to see the contract. He points to where it lies on the bed. Anna snatches it up and retreats back to the room's entrance.Phelan pours her a drink.

Steve and Andrea try to study but she can't concentrate with him tapping his pencil. She's shattered and says she needs food. Steve offers to go and get a doner kebab and Andrea jumps at the idea. Steve has to go round the back way, though, because Michelle has him on some kind of healthy eating kick. Andrea sits on the sofa and is soon lying down.

Tyrone goes to the salon for a word with Maria about Fiz. Maria insists Fiz should have told her she had suspicions about Marcus and Todd. "And you'd have believed her?" Maria says she might have. "And what if shed been wrong, then what would you have said?" Maria admits he has a point. Tyrone's phone rings and he answers. All we can hear is his side of the conversation. "What? When? Where is she now? So after everything she's done you're just going to let her go?" He ends the call and tells Maria it was the police. Kirsty's been released. Maria says at least Kirsty can't show face round here. Tyrone says that's wrong. She can go wherever she wants. Maria says he has to warn Fiz. They hug.

Liz is a bit suspicious when Lloyd turns up with flowers for Andrea. She tells him to go through to the back.

In the back room, Andrea is sound asleep. Steve waves a doner under her nose. Andrea stirs in her sleep, thinks Steve is Lloyd and grabs him, pulling him down on top of her. Steve now has doner kebab sauce on his face and is in deep trouble because Michelle and Lloyd are at the door. "So this is what you call homework is it?" asks Michelle.

Owen comes home and tells Izzy, Katy and Gary that Phelan left work early for a hot date. Owen thinks Anna's working a late shift at the cafe. He suggests they all make dinner for Anna for a change.

Phelan makes small talk but Anna is unresponsive. He comments on the room but Anna's still quiet. A drink might help her relax. "I've got to say, if this was a first date you wouldn't score very high on the sociability scale." He moves close behind her. "Please don't do this," she says. Phelan points out nobody's doing anything yet. "You can always say No if you want to. So, what's it gonna be?"

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. This week I have again been indulging my interest in railways with a visit to the Mid-Hants Railway between Alton and Alresford. All the locos were running with added faces as it was Thomas the Tank engine and Thomas himself was running back and forth. The tv programmes are famous, originally voiced by Ringo Starr but do read the original books by Rev Awdry to your (grand) children. On the railway there were three other much larger steam engines hauling five coach trains to and fro; the sun shone; the local beer was good and all was well with the world.

Turning our attention to events in Weatherfield may be distressing. Those of a squeamish constitution should skip this update of this episode which was written by Ellen Taylor and directed by Tony Prescott. As usual copyright remains the property of ITV Studios.

We open in the hotel room where Phelan is undressing. Despite much shouting from our armchairs it looks like Anna is going to go through with her deal with the devil. She also removes her clothes slowly. She wants to see the contract and he puts it on side table and she sits on the bed and looks at it before removing more clothes.

In the back room at the Rovers Steve has cream all over his face (although the continuity goes wrong with the cream) and both he and Andrea are protesting that it is not what it seems to Michelle and Lloyd and simultaneously they both give their stories of the unfortunate event. Neither Lloyd (who grasps a huge bunch of flowers) nor Michelle are inclined to believe them despite the kebabs which are going cold on the table. Lloyd says he should have trusted his instincts and goes, chased by Andrea. Steve offers the still warm kebab to Michelle as his defense and she pushes it back into his face on top of the layer of cream. Lloyd dumps the flowers on a table in the bar as he goes pursued by Andrea. Tina, Emily and Rita reckon another relationship down the pan - why do they bother with men? Except Emily still misses Ernest and tells Rita she should return Dennis's calls. Rita makes it clear she is not having Dennis back to break her heart again. Emily makes a sage observation on love - those who get it and grasp on to it through thick and thin. Rita asks if she has been at the sherry.

Peter comes into the pub and Tina retreats behind the bar to serve him as he is with Mr Hamlyn the customer who is in a wheelchair and asked for the meeting in a pub so that he could have a drink. Peter apologises for Carla's absence.

Tyrone and Maria discuss the release of Kirsty and Fiz returns to wonder why Maria is there. Maria takes the baby upstairs and Ty has to explain that Kirsty is free.

Maddie and Sophie argue as they march down the street. Maddie does not want to be where she is not welcome. Maddie does not feel safe and therefore she does not want to be in the refuge. At least Maddie feels in control on the streets. She cannot be locked in a room and be messed around. Sophie wants to protect Maddie - but the latter stomps off again. Maddie wants Sophie to go home but the latter insists on spending the night with her. Maddie calls Sophie bonkers for wanting to sleep rough but accepts the situation and puts her arms around the taller Sophie.

I keep referring to the Windass residence, but Armstrong owns the house and lives there, so at the very least I suppose I should refer to the Windass / Armstrong residence. At the moment Owen, Izzy, Katie, Faye and Gary are all there, with Owen cooking and wondering where Anna is. No-one seems to know where she is. They are all to make Anna feel special.

We return to the hotel where clothes are being put back on. Phelan grabs the contract and is reluctant to give it to Anna. He asks for a repeat the performance next week. And laughs as Anna departs.

Back at the Rovers Steve is telling Michelle the entire story and he tells her that he is surprised that any attractive woman ever finds him attractive - and Michelle asks if there he does admit that Andrea is attractive.

Andrea meanwhile is hammering on the cab office door and then the window and he gives in despite Jenna trying to prevent it. Jenna and Todd both want to hear what is to be said. Andrea makes it clear that nothing is going on with Steve. Todd and Jenna go, the latter telling Lloyd not to fall for any of her lies. Andrew tells her story and that she does not fancy Steve. Michelle never liked her because Michelle thought that Steve fancied her. And Andrea says he that Steve did fancy her for a while - a bit of crush, nothing serious but Michelle knew it. Andrea did not encourage it and was going to end the friendship but then she met Lloyd and she points out that Lloyd has no idea how she feels about him. She says she has fallen for him - and calls him a big idiot.

Meanwhile Steve is telling Michelle he can't win. Michelle admits she does trust him and he says he would not look at another woman, no matter how attractive she was. Michelle says it does not change the fact that Andrea fancies him - but Steve says that she doesn't. She loves Lloyd know and Steve believes her. Michelle says that he needs to speak to Lloyd - but Steve wants his now cold kebab first. She kisses him and all is well.

Anna returns home to Weatherfield where Jenna asks if she is feeling better. She has not been skiving and will not tell Jenna where she has been. She sits on the bench to think about matters.

After the break we are back in the Rovers and Peter is trying to get the contract signed but the buyer's glass is empty. Tina wants to know if Peter meant what he said when he said he loved her. She gets the same drinks.

Anna returns home and is surprised to see everyone and they have made tuna pasta bake and it is a special meal to look after her. However she wants a shower before she takes dinner.

Fiz calls Kirsty mentally unstable and they discuss the situation. Fiz wants to know why Maria is there and she answers that she was going to apologise but Fiz is snippy and Maria departs. Maria calls Fiz a lucky girl - and Ty is very honest. Ty reckons the men will be queuing up for Maria.

Tina tells Steph that she is going to get her married man back. Steph tries to counsel against it. But Tina knows that he is missing her as much as she is missing him. Tina believes she needs to be stronger to get him to leave his wife.

Conversation is stilted over Windass table - Anna is tired and does not want to talk about it any more. Faye offers to sell her barbies on ebay. The meal falls apart. Faye tells Anna she loves her. Anna clears the table and Owen does not understand what is wrong.

Maddie and Sophie are sat on a park bench eating chips. Sophie is trying to be upbeat and Maddie is being negative, until Maddie admits she is being good.

Andrea is saying to Lloyd and Jenna that it was simply crossed wires. Andrea is definite - it is Lloyd she wants and she does not want anybody else. She says she will not mess Lloyd around. Steve comes in and they all get the wrong end of the stick. Lloyd is willing to forget Steve's crush on her - which is a slight reversal of the story told. Anyway it is water under bridge. But Lloyd spots the gap in the story and tells them both to leave - he does not know what to believe.

Maddie spots a doorway and some cardboard. She pulls the cardboard into the doorway and finds some plastic bags to tie around her feet to keep the warmth in. Maddie tells her they have to share the body warmth. Maddie tells Soph she can go home - but she refuses to go.

Tina sends Peter a text message "Love you too". Peter finds a bottle of whisky and drinks straight from the bottle.

Anna is washing up. Owen comes up behind her and tells her what she has done for this family and how she has kept them together - all especially Gary would have been broken if it had not been for her. Her strength, he thinks she is the most wonderful person he has ever met. Tonight was about telling her that she does not have to carry the entire family on her own. He is there for her and together they will get through all of this. Anna is crying and when Owen tries to kiss her on the neck she shies away. He wants to go to bed. Anna says she has not finished washing up. He tries to convince her but she keeps saying no. She will be up in a minute. He agrees but tells her not to be long. He says he loves her. Anna screws her face up and cries as the credits roll.

And do we have any lessons tonight?

Do not go near a sleeping woman unless she is your wife, she might mistake you for her boyfriend.

Doorways are not very comfortable places for sleeping.

If you are an alcoholic do not have bottles of whisky in your flat.

And finally if you are bedding the wrong person make sure your conscience can put it to one side so you behave normally when you get home.

See you all next week.
Richard

Written by Jan McVerry and directed by John Anderson

Sophie gets a rude awakening, quite literally, from her first night sleeping on the streets when she and Maddie have a bucket of dirty water thrown over them by an office cleaner.

Anna's also had a bad night. Owen comes home to fetch some tools and finds her moping over a bowl of Chocco Pops. He suggests she takes the day off but Anna insists she's ok. The Ty turns up. He needs a job doing urgently. Owen raises an eyebrow when he says he wants all the locks changing and a quote for a burglar alarm. Ty explains that Kirsty's been released. Owen promises he'll do the job as soon as possible. Right now he's grateful for any work he can get.

Steph and Tina are walking down the street together when they see Leanne talking to Carla and Peter. Leanne is asking for a favour. They have a big do on at the Bistro and she needs them to mind Simon for a bit. Carla says they'll do better than that. She suggests they can give him his tea and take him out as well. Leanne's grateful but Peter looks surprised. After Leanne's walked off Carla explains that she doesn't want Simon to feel pushed out with the baby coming along and have yet another reason to hate her.

In the cab office Eileen has taken up knitting. Anything to avoid the atmosphere between Lloyd and Steve. Lloyd studiously refuses to address any comments to Steve while Steve asks why he would possibly be interested in Andrea when he has a piece of prime steak sitting at home (I quote). Then Andrea walks in and Eileen tells her to do one. Andrea tries speaking to Lloyd but he refuses to talk to her as well so she tells him he has her number and stalks out.

Anna's in the cafe but she seems to be creating more work than she's doing. She spills tea down a customer and Jenna comments it's the third time that day. Then Andrea comes in, looking for Jenna. She tells her that once all this is behind them and she and Lloyd are back together, she and Jenna are going to have to learn to get on. Andrea asks Jenna to tell her Dad that she wants to see him and adds that she really cares about him.

Sophie is outraged. It seems she and Maddie have just been kicked out of the library where they were trying to keep warm. She's had enough of living rough and she has an idea. They'll sneak back home to her house and get a bath and a change of clothes when everyone's out. Maddie mocks her for only sticking it out for one night but even she's tempted when Sophie tells her that Sally usually does a big shop on a Sunday and the house will be stocked with chocolate biscuits.

Tina calls in at the salon. She wants to book in for a complete make-over - hair, nails, the lot. Audrey says she can fit her in so Tina settles herself down. Overhearing that Fiz has cancelled her appointment she says it's probably because Kirsty's been released. Audrey's very concerned by the news but Maria's reaction is far more extreme. She downs tools and, before Audrey can stop her, announces she's going to check on Liam, never mind the fact that she has a client due in.

Round at the factory office, Carla's organizing Si's evening out. She's booked the cinema tickets and is just wondering where they should go to eat when Leanne drops by. Peter asks her advice on the food and Leanne describes Si's favourite meal in detail. When she's gone Carla looks green. Eating spicy chicken is liable to make her heave in her handbag she tells Peter. Of course, Peter then realises, she couldn't mention her current condition in front of Leanne.

In the cafe Jenna's talking to Lloyd about Andrea. He's coming round to the idea that maybe there isn't anything going on between her and Steve although Jenna still doesn't trust her. Just then Michelle comes in and, realising who they're talking about, decides she doesn't need a coffee after all. Jenna sees this as yet more proof that Andrea is poison.

Owen and Gary come in to the cafe to tell Anna that Phelan has sent them a text and given them their marching orders. Anna can barely speak she's in such a state. The look of terror on her face only gets worse when they tell her that he's going to call round at the house that evening to discuss it in person.

Unlike his mother, Gary seems delighted he's been let off the hook and announces he's going home for a sleep. Owen and Roy are both very concerned about Anna who looks terrible.

Audrey goes round to see Maria who is now at home with Liam. The news of Kirsty seems to have affected her badly. She's somehow made the connection in her head that this might mean that Marcus could snatch Liam away from nursery. Audrey attempts to reason with her but Maria shuts the door and refuses to come back to work.

Now Owen's been laid off by Phelan he's fitting new locks on Ty's front door. Meanwhile, Sophie and Maddie are watching from round the corner, waiting for their chance to sneak into the house. Sophie says she also has keys to her dad's place.

Luke's across the street outside the garage, fitting brake pads on a car. Ty's worried he's rushing the job but Luke points out that with Ty preoccupied over Kirsty they're a man down.

Sophie and Maddie continue to wait for their chance. There's nearly a nasty moment when they turn round and bump into Eileen but, since she's unaware they've run away, all she's worried about is an apology.

Steve's having a quiet word with Peter who's called in at the Rovers. He points out that he won't be serving him any alcohol but Peter insists he has both of his addictions under control and has gone cold turkey, right across the board. He may be on the orange juice but when Tina walks in following her makeover, Peter can't keep his eyes off her. He watches as Tina joins Steph and Luke at the bar.

Lloyd goes into the Rovers for a word with Steve. He asks Steve straight out what Andrea really thinks of him. Steve tells Lloyd she loves him. He says she only flirts with him because she's bubbly and it's in her nature. Lloyd declines the offer of a pint but it seems that he's finally coming round to believing that there's nothing going on between Andrea and Steve.

Tina goes up to the jukebox and manages to catch Peter's eye. Meanwhile Steph's phone rings. It's Leanne to tell her that they're short staffed and she needs her to work. Tina catches Peter's eye again. She sees him get out a cigarette, ready to head outside for a smoke.

Sophie and Maddie have made it into Kevin's house but just as they're busy raiding the fridge, he comes home. However, rather than flying off the handle, Kevin gives Sophie a hug and tells them both to go upstairs and have a shower. Before she goes, Maddie turns to Kevin and says thank you. He picks up his phone to make a call.

Tina joins Peter round the back of the Rovers. She's looking fabulous and he tells her not to let it go to waste. She certainly doesn't intend to but that's not what Peter means. He says he's going to make a fresh start and Tina should too. Tina tells him that Steph's out and she'll be in all night on her own. She smiles to herself as she walks away, knowing only too well that Peter doesn't have an ounce of will power in his body.

Meanwhile, Carla's at home with Simon leaving messages on Peter's phone. Where has he got to? They'll be late for the cinema. She suggests to Simon they should go ahead in her car and Peter can join them later but there's no way Simon's going out without his dad.

Audrey and Kylie are closing up the salon and discussing Maria when Fiz and Ty arrive. Fiz is just explaining that she thinks Maria's strange mood may be down to her when they hear the sound of breaking glass from the flat upstairs.

As predicted, Peter turns up at Tina's flat. He tells her to take the sultry look off her face because he's only there to talk. Tina replies that he should go ahead and talk because she's got all night . . .

Maria is standing in her flat in bare feet staring at a broken vase of flowers when Fiz and Ty come rushing in. She claims she's fine but she doesn't look it. Then Maria cuts her foot on the broken glass.

Anna's worst fears are realized when she opens the front door to find Phelan outside. He marches himself straight in. Owen, Gary, Katy and Izzy all sit and glare at him. He points out that people don't get employed and then sent home for no reason. He asks if they've figured it out yet and then says he bets that Anna has. Anna stands by the door, literally shaking with fear. "Why don't you ask your missus?" says Phelan. Anna can't even bring herself to speak and simply shakes her head at Owen.

Karen

Written by Mark Burt and directed by John Anderson

Owen is confused, Anna doesn't speak but looks as though she's about to be sick and Phelan is enjoying every moment of making her squirm. Anna collapses onto the stairs as Phelan says that she wasn't so tongued tied the other day. Then he adds the words ". . . with our Val". He says that Anna went to talk to Val and she persuaded him to cancel the contract and let them off the hook. Izzy asks about Gary and he says they can have the footage, it never happened and the slate's clean.

Over in Tina's flat, Peter is telling her he doesn't really know why he's there. It takes her less than twenty seconds to remind him and they are soon locked in a passionate embrace.

Meanwhile Simon and Carla are still waiting back on the flat. They've given up on the idea of going to the cinema. But the fact that Peter has let them both down, yet again, seems to be bringing them both together. Simon says they're going to have to make his dad pay for this, big time. Carla says he took the words right out of her mouth.

Phelan has produced the contract that will let them off the hook but Owen's worried there's a catch. Phelan asks why he'd play silly beggars when he's already won. He says he'll make a killing on this contract and that's his victory. Phelan says it would be a shame to let all Anna's efforts go to waste. Anna finally manages to speak and tells Owen to just sign it. He does although he says that all he'll be left with is an £80,000 loan and no way to pay it off. Phelan hands over a disk that presumably has the footage on it and then leaves. Owen refuses to shake his hand.

Over at Maria's Fiz and Ty finish helping her to clear up the broken vase. They have to leave but suggest she goes out for a drink with them later. She's not keen. She doesn't have a babysitter she says. Fiz tells her to ask Kirk so Maria finally agrees. Maria gives Fiz a hug. Their friendship seems to be back on track.

Peter checks his phone. He's had eight messages from Carla. Tina emerges from the bedroom and tells him he's free to go but adds that she knows he'll be back.

Round at Anna's they're having a post mortem about Phelan. They decide the contract looks genuine enough but still can't work it out. Suddenly Anna flies off the handle. She shouts that Phelan has set them free so why can't they just all be flaming grateful? Owen looks at her with a mixture of concern and puzzlement.

Peter is about to put the key in his front door when he changes his mind. As he turns away Sally comes along and asks him if he's ok. Peter completely overreacts and shouts at her to mind her own business for once in her life. He marches off up the street.

Maddie and Sophie are enjoying a home-cooked meal, courtesy of Kevin, when Sally arrives. Sophie's annoyed that her dad has called her mum but Kevin says they all need to talk. Sally wades straight in and says she didn't raise a daughter so she could end up living like a hobo like that one, pointing at Maddie. She says she's not going to apologise for caring. Sophie says she doesn't care, she just wants control. Kevin tells them all to shut up and sit down. He says that includes Sally. Maddie is the first to sit down.

Carla and Simon go into the Rovers looking for Peter. Steve says he was in earlier. He says they had a chat but claims he didn't say anything about where he was going. Michelle looks at him as though she suspects there's something he's not saying.

Lloyd has taken Andrea for a meal in the Bistro so they can talk. He asks her if it's true what Steve said. Andrea misunderstands what he means. Lloyd tries again and asks if it's true that she loves him.

Tim's wandering along the street eating some fish and chips when he bumps into Kirk. He says he needs some advice, man to man. He wants to know about Kirk's relationship with Beth. Does his opinion count when it comes to matters involving Craig? Kirk says they have the perfect partnership. They share everything. Well, apart from maybe the duvet and Beth's favourite cutlery. Tim goes on his way, almost certainly none the wiser. Kirk's attention is caught by something over at the factory.

Peter's in the factory office, staring at a message on his phone from Carla. "You're dead", it says, getting straight to the point. He takes a swig of whisky just as Kirk comes in. He saw the lights were on and wondered if everything was OK. He says he know it's not his place but he doesn't think Peter should be drinking. Peter tells him if he values his job he should keep his thoughts to himself and sends him packing.

In the Bistro Andrea is coming clean with Lloyd. She used to fancy Steve she tells him but then she met Lloyd and well, you know, she tells him. But Lloyd is insecure and he needs to hear the actual words. "I love you," says Andrea. And they both live happily ever after . . . well, maybe for the next couple of episodes.

Maria goes round to Fiz and Ty's, ready for their evening out. She's scrubbed up well and they both comment how lovely she looks. Maria wants to know if there's been any more news of Kirsty. There hasn't but Fiz says they're determined not to let the threat of her ruin their lives. Chesney hasn't turned up to babysit yet so Fiz tells Ty and Maria to go on ahead and she'll join them. Fiz takes Ty on one side and asks him to make a special effort looking after Maria.

Steve's texting Peter. When Michelle asks what's going on he makes out he's texting Lloyd but there's no flies on her and she knows there's something Steve's not telling her about Peter. In that case, he wants to know, is there something she's not sharing with him about Carla?

Maria and Ty come into the Rovers. She seems to have visibly perked up and insists on buying the drinks.

Round at Kevin's Sally's still reading the riot act but the girls have had enough. Maddie says there's no way she'd agree to move back in with Sally and Sally says that's lucky because she wasn't about to ask her. Kevin tells them to all shut up and announces that the girls are going to move in with him. Sally is furious she's been undermined by Kevin and tells him he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The girls are happy to agree to the idea, especially Maddie who's delighted to get one over on Sally.

Anna apologises to Owen for losing it earlier. He tells her not to be daft although he says he is surprised she didn't mention going to see Val. But whatever it was she said to her, admits Owen, it obviously did the trick. Anna tries to brush it off, she'd rather not talk about it. As Owen walks away we can see Anna trying desperately to hold herself together.

Maria and Ty are enjoying their drink and reminiscing about the past. Maria seems to have particularly good memories of when they were a couple and talks about how happy she was back then. Fiz arrives and Maria goes to buy the next round of drinks. Michelle comments that something seems to have put a smile back on Maria's face.

Carla and Simon are eating popcorn and watching a film. The problems with Peter seem to have brought them closer and they are actually getting on well for the first time ever. Then Peter finally shows up. He comes out with the same old excuse that someone at the group needed his help. He promises to make it up to them but Simon isn't buying it. Neither is Carla. When she asks whether he went into the Rovers and Peter denies, it she knows he's lying. And Carla's worst fears are realized when she walks up to him and smells the alcohol on his breath. "Peter, what have you done?" asks Carla in despair.

Karen

We open in Peter and Carla's living room.

Peter apologises but that's not good enough for Carla. Why? Why now? Simon's listening and is quite distressed. Peter tries to send him to his room. Carla tells Peter he won't be able to say sorry when he's dead. Why is he trying to kill himself? Simon races off to his room and Carla tries to say sorry but is soon distracted by Peter accusing her of being a drinker too. She admits she has a problem with alcohol but says he's a fully fledged alcoholic and can't control his drinking at all. She refuses to think of Peter getting run over by a bus and her standing by his grave. She can't have that. She shoves Peter away. It shuts him up. Peter says he can't help himself but she insists he can. "When?" she asks. "When did this start?" He tells her he first had a drink two weeks ago.

In the pub, Tyrone and Fiz explain Gogglebox to Maria, who can't concentrate. She's watching Todd watching her. Jason comes over to see whether she's OK but Maria's quite rude to him.

Carla and Peter are still arguing when Simon comes out with his bag packed. He's crying because Carla said Peter was going to die. Peter says she didn't mean it like that but Simon's seen Peter fall asleep when drunk and set fire to the flat, so he knows it's true. "I'm going home!" he says. "Now look what you've done!" Peter shouts at Carla. He tries to follow Simon but she shoves him back. "You're not going anywhere!"

In the Rovers, Steve's giving a lecture on the importance of history. Tracy doesn't look fascinated. Sean is just confused.

Andrea and Lloyd come in and have clearly made up. Lloyd says life is so good he and Andrea plan a weekend away - Leeds for a Northern Soul weekend. Andrea teases Eileen about her musical tastes and Eileen retaliates by saying Lloyd has to get the drinks in. It's a New Zealand custom - the person celebrating pays for the drinks. (This is true, at least for birthdays)

Simon rushes into the bistro and hugs Leanne. "Dad's gonna die," he wails. Carla follows him and Leanne hears what's been going on.

Around the tea table at Anna's, she's the only one not eating. Faye's talking about getting a paper round to help out. Anna tells Owen she's not hungry because she picked at the food while she cooked.

Carla tells Leanne she feels it's her own fault. Leanne knows just what it's like and warns Carla that it won't get any easier. She offers to be a shoulder to lean on. Carla apologises to Simon and leaves.

Michelle's wondering why Carla hasn't returned any of her texts.

At the bar, Todd tells Julie that Maria's giving him the evil eye. Julie thinks Todd's putting on a brave face because he must be in bits now that Marcus has gone.

Carla gets home to find Peter sitting in the dark. She tells him he promised to be by her side during the pregnancy. So what's changed? "Peter, are you scared of having this baby?" He won't answer at first but then says "Maybe." But maybe he's sick of being under pressure to be the perfect husband. He just wants to run a mile. Carla clarifies - he thinks it's all her fault for putting him under pressure. She stomps over to the kitchen and starts emptying the cupboards of anything containing alcohol - chocolate liqueurs, white wine vinegar. . . She's angry that he didn't say he didn't want the baby. She thought he wanted it as much as she did. "More fool me for believing you."

Michelle is really worried about Carla. She's sent texts, called - nothing! Rob sees her talking to Steve outside the Rovers and says it doesn't sound like Carla. But the lights are on so why don't they go over to the flat and find out what's going on?

Izzy praises Anna for speaking to Valerie Phelan. Whatever she said worked. Anna looks as if she's going to crack at any moment.

At the flat, Carla tells the others that Peter is drunk. Michelle's incredulous but Steve admits he knew and tells them about Peter getting drunk the night they stayed away. "And you knew?" spits Michelle? "You knew how bad he could get and you just let him get on with it?" Carla can't believe her life was falling apart and nobody told her.

Tyrone and Fiz suggest going to the bistro but Maria's not moving. This is her local. Todd swaggers over and asks if she could stop eyeing him up. "This one's not for turning." Tyrone tells him to leave it. Todd leaves and Maria says she's OK. But the next second she's slammed her drink down and gone after Todd.

Outside, she tells Todd she wants an apology. He says he wants a break from her whinging. Fiz and Tyrone follow her out and call Eileen to come out too. She and Julie and Jason and Sean are all there. Todd tells Maria it's her own fault. "But he loved me," protests Maria. Todd says Marcus loved him once. And Jason says Maria loved him once. She snaps that she didn't love him but just put up with him. Todd sneers that when Marcus was with Maria he closed his eyes and thought of Todd. Maria flings herself at him and Todd staggers backwards. "Everyone says you're thick as gravy and they must be right if you thought Marcus was a keeper." He tells her she's an odd combination - pretty and vapid and desperate. Whack! Maria slugs him one and knocks his phone to the ground. The others part the two of them and drag Maria away. Tracy's arrived too late to see any of this. She's disappointed.

Peter comes into the living room to find the visitors there. He tells Michelle it's got nothing to do with her. He says he could do without their condemnation. He wants them to leave. Rob won't leave Carla with Peter in this state. Carla insists she'll be fine. Rob goes. Michelle asks Carla if Peter's said why he's started drinking again. Carla explains about the pressure to be a good husband. She insists she'll be OK on her own with Peter. Michelle tells her to stay strong. Carla shuts the door behind everyone and sighs.

Tracy meets Rob and Steve coming from Peter's flat. Michelle calls Steve. She wants a word with him. Tracy's delighted that someone seems to be in trouble. Rob tells her Peter's started drinking again. "Poor Peter," she says. He can't believe she can have any sympathy for Peter. Tracy points out that Peter's her brother. "I need a drink!" says Rob, heading for the pub. "Double standards, anyone?" asks Tracy to the darkness.

Gary and Izzy go home. Katy sends Faye upstairs and takes the chance to tell Owen that she knows he made sacrifices but it's all over now. Anna sneers that it's all about poor Owen. Owen sends Katy upstairs and asks Anna about her comments. She says she's just tired. Owen tries to comfort her but Anna flinches away from his touch. She goes upstairs, saying she's going to see to Joseph.

Tyrone sits on the sofa chatting to Maria. She's all weepy so he gives her a hug. His phone signals a text message. He says it's from Fiz. He has to go. Maria insists she'll be all right. She tells him sorry, he shouldn't have to look after her like this. "That's what friends are for," he says.

Peter tells Carla that Michelle will dine out on tonight for weeks. Carla thinks that's good. She wants everyone to know they shouldn't serve Peter alcohol. She might even put an advert in the Gazette, she says. Then every pub, supermarket and offie will know not to serve him. She tells him he'd better stay on that wagon. She needs him and this baby needs him and she has no intention of being a single parent. "You get drunk again and we won't be having a baby."

The end.
Margaret Carr

Hello and welcome to another Friday episode. When this screened here in the UK I watched it with a young New Zealand friend who is a Corrie fan. However, NZ is now so far behind that I spent the whole episode answering questions like: Is that her brother? How did they get together? Whatever happened to him? When will Ken be back? Whose baby is that? Those meerkats are cool, eh?

Peter's in a bad way. Carla reminds him the doctor said "Keep drinking and die." She can't understand why he's off the wagon now when he has more to live for than ever. He promises he won't drink again. Carla says he's supposed to love her but he must love drink more. Peter's just trying to concentrate on breathing and staying upright. Carla says it's time for rehab but Peter says he's not ready for that. "You clearly can't do this on your own, Peter!" The doorbell goes. Peter doesn't want her to let anyone in but Steve comes bouncing up the stairs. Carla says she'll be a couple of hours max. She's got Peter a babysitter. "You let him fall off the wagon once. Don't do it again," she warns Steve. She won't kiss Peter goodbye. He stinks.

There's a big clean-up going on in the salon and David's not happy. He's busy poking a wire down the plugholes to clear them of hair. Maria arrives late and David says he saw Todd with a big phone-shaped mark on his face. Sean told him what happened. Audrey wants to wipe that smile off David's face so sends him to unblock a toilet. Audrey asks if Maria's OK but doesn't seem convinced when she says she is.

Gail and Nick buy all the milk Dev has available - they've been let down by the bistro's supplier. Gail's going to see the burglar sentenced later. She can't understand why it's upset her so much. Dev suggests self defense classes (which, by an amazing coincidence, she can do at his gym) and Nick promises she'll be there. Carla comes in and Gail expresses her condolences and says she knows what it's like because Joe was an addict. Carla asks Dev not to serve Peter if he comes in asking for booze.

Outside she meets Rob. She says Peter's under house arrest though Rob thinks leaving Steve there is a bit like leaving the monkey in charge of the bananas. Rob wonders why she sticks by Peter and she lies and says Peter's determined to go to rehab and get himself straight. "Carla, no-one would blame you if you binned him." Carla reckons Rob would love that.

David and Maria have the task of distributing bags of rubbish around other bins to get rid of them. But they're waylaid by Mary outside the salon door. She's started the day with Tai-chi on the Red Rec. In her new Exercise Goddess mood, she wonders whether they can give her some advice on hairstyles best for exercise. She's not that keen at all on Maria's idea that she should cut it into a bob. David has some better ideas about headbands and scrunchies but Maria's really rather rude. Audrey comes out and has to apologise for Maria.

Back indoors, she tells Maria she can't take her anger out on everyone else. She sends her home. Maria says Liam's back to his normal routine now - she realised she was being a bit over-protective.

Steve's trying to distract Peter. Peter says he aches all over and even his eyeballs hurt. If only Steve would give him just little drink - almost medicinal. Steve's going through the DVDs. Leaving Las Vegas? "Is that the one about the hopeless alcoholic?" Peter asks. He sits up and tries to tell Steve he should be helping a mate in his hour of need. "What? Help him top himself?" asks Steve. Peter does see his point. Steve watches awkwardly as Peter moans with pain and settles back on the sofa.

Deirdre and Tracy talk about Peter. Deirdre thinks he's a tortured soul. But Tracy wonders what set him off this time. It's not as if he's under any pressure. Rob says Peter's life's well sorted. Though Tracy wonders whether he has a secret. Reading one of Deirdre's magazines she wonders if Peter's turned to bigamy again. After all, he has a history . . .

Audrey's buying an Easter egg for Gail and Michelle's getting another for Steve after he's eaten all the others. The phone goes and Rita asks Norris to answer it while she chats with Audrey. Norris comes back with a worried frown. It's Weatherfield General, wanting Rita. Dennis has been beaten up and is asking for her.

Maria sees Mary in the street and apologises. Mary offers to lend her some romance novels, saying at least there Maria will be guaranteed a happy ending. Todd comes out of the house and sees them. Should he go back and put body armour on? He shows Mary his battered face. [Personally, I think Maria should have battered and deep fried it!] Maria says she'll make sure she hits him harder next time. Todd says if she'd said sorry he might have left it there. Mary's seen straight through him and tells the sneering, nasty, venomous little creep he's a bully who takes pleasure in hurting other people. Maria says he's cruel and manipulative. She shoves him and he shoves back. Kevin and Tyrone come over to break it up. As Tyrone escorts Maria away, Todd says she'd better get a lawyer.

Rita thinks she'd better go and make sure Dennis is all right. Norris can't understand why she would. Mary comes in to say it's all kicking off outside. Norris tells her about Dennis. He's angry that Rita would give Dennis the time of day after he ran off with an ageing Jezebel. Rita comes out and tells him to shut up.

In the pub, Tracy thinks Peter won't have his mind on their rent rise now. Deirdre says rehab doesn't come cheap but Tracy says Peter and Carla are loaded. "Carla has got handbags worth more than your house." She thinks she and Rob should talk to Tony about his offer. Deirdre warns them off. Rob agrees to speak to him. Though, according to Deirdre, Eileen's described Tony as "ducking and diving."

Maria and Tyrone share her sofa. She thinks everyone's laughing at her behind her back. Tyrone says if she's stupid for believing Marcus then he's stupid too, for letting Kirsty hit him. Maria says he did nothing wrong. "And neither did you," he says.

Carla arrives in the pub. Deirdre asks after Peter and Carla says he's not well. Deirdre says he's not getting any younger and the strain on his body must be tremendous. She asks how Carla's bearing up and Carla mutters some platitudes. Deirdre offers help and a shoulder.

Michelle hopes Carla isn't taking on too much. "You should be sitting round with your feet up."

In the hospital, Norris and Rita look through the window at Dennis lying in a side room. For some reason he seems to have been put in one of the highest beds in the hospital, because the mattress is level with the bottom of the window. Norris thinks it's emotional blackmail for Dennis to contact her. She should walk away and leave him the way he left her. Rita tells Norris to skedaddle and goes in to see Dennis. He's thrilled. But she says he has some explaining to do.

Steve and Peter are on the sofa, snacking and watching Fleabag Monkeyface, which Carla recognizes immediately. Steve didn't want to put on anything too heavy. Carla thinks the plot might be too complicated for them. Steve thinks he should go now that Carla's here. He goes to turn off the DVD but first asks Peter if he should leave it so Peter can see what happens. Peter gives him a Look, then angrily tells Carla he doesn't need a babysitter. Carla begs to differ. Steve rushes away rather than get caught in the middle. "Bye then," he says to Peter in the same tone of voice many folk use for frail old people. Carla's trying to work out who can look after Peter this afternoon. "All I want to do is sleep. I just need a bit of peace," he insists. He goes into the bedroom and Carla phones Tina.

Maria seems anxious for Tyrone to stay so even though there's a two-man job waiting back at the garage, he agrees. She says she found something the other day while sorting things out. She hands him the snow globe he gave her back in Blackpool the day he asked her marry him (July 2000). She says Tyrone was the only man who ever treated her right. They could have been married now with kids of their own. She weeps and Tyrone tells her she's a wonderful person and will find the right man. She leans in to kiss him.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. And this week with Easter I did not go anywhere special. I have however been making progress with tidying the study, except that the initial effect of "unsorting" things made it untidier than before. When that lot gets put away properly we might see some overall improvement. Eventually it will be tidy, but then I won't be bale to find anything. My wife is as yet reluctant to call it progress. However eventually I am sure I shall bring order (of some sort) out of chaos, although undermining entropy is far too energetic for me.

Over in Weatherfield meanwhile events move on and this episode was written by Carmel Morgan and directed by John Anderson. As usual copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

We open with Maria apologising for attempting to kiss Tyrone. He says he was just trying to be a mate and Maria accepts this and wishes a big hole would open up so she could disappear down it. It is entirely her fault. She asks him not to go weird on her - but he says it is time to go and he will not tell Fiz. Maria says that Ty is as straight as they come and she reckons she is losing the plot. Ty tells her to forget it - but it never happened and he re-assures her that all is well. Maria continues to be mortified - but once he has gone finds he has not taken presents for the girls.

Tina arrives at Carla's to find that Simon is not the problem - instead it is a 48 year old boy who has fallen off the wagon - he needs minding and Carla needs to go to work. Tina says she is fine with that. Carla does not know what triggered it - he is either sleeping it off or sulking after Steve was babysitting this morning - which was apparently humiliating for Peter, whilst being drunk was not. Tina asks if Carla is OK. She has to be - there is only room for one full blown alkie per household. Tina promises him she will not provide any booze to Peter - tap water or tea. Tina reckons no-one will serve him - but Carla knows he will get it. Carla says that Peter is her weak selfish waste of space, but every drink he takes is a week off of his life. Carla goes.

Rita is at Dennis's bedside in hospital. Dennis soon fell out with Gloria as she was a control freak, dictating his clothes, to whom he could speak and every aspect of his behaviour. He barely had enough money to get home and home is where Rita is - not just a bed, although last night it was turf warfare when he choose the wrong doorway. Rita is not sympathetic but she cannot forgive him the hurt, resentment and humiliation, she only came to check he was not on the slab. She says good bye and he tries to win her round - but gets nowhere and she goes.

Mary and Gail are in the gym exercising. Gail cannot remember when she last exercised. Mary is building up a bit of sweat but Gail is taking it easy. They chit chat and end up talking about the break in and the forthcoming court case. They have both signed up for self defense.

At the Rovers Tracy, Rob, Steve and Liz are discussing Peter and Rob voices his theory that Peter is playing away which has toppled him off the wagon. Steve has no idea - indeed how would he know? Liz asks to be left out of it but Rob becomes more convinced as Peter has previous. Liz reminds Rob about his encounter with Tina. "Thanks for dredging that up Granny Mac" says Tracy. "How many times have I asked you not to call me that?" she screams at Tracy, who with Rob moves away from the bar. Rob reckons Peter leeches off Carla and feels it should come to an end. Tony arrives and Rob buys him a drink.

Fiz asks for a go on Ty's trolley under cars - she reckons it is fun. Ty tells Fiz about helping calm down Maria earlier and she seems OK.

Peter finds Tina baby sitting. She asks Peter if it is her who pushed him over the edge of the wagon?

After the break we are still in the flat where Tina is telling him that he looks like death warmed up. He gets himself a drink (of water) and Peter tells her to go home. She refuses. She does not want to be anywhere else. She is where she wants to be. All he wants is whisky, brandy, vodka, or any form of alcohol. He tells her to get out whilst she can. She asks again if it is because of her. He says no - he brought it on himself, a lifetime's work. He calls himself a car crash and should not be resuscitated. She tells him again she loves him. He responds that her brain is more confused than his liver.

In the Street Maria pushes the presents for the girls through Ty's letter box and then sends a text message.

Back in the Rovers Tracy is seeking to get Rob to agree to taking supplies from Tony - they need a decent profit. Tony has all sorts of stuff he can put their way. Tony reckons he can offer them a 400% margin.

Ty and Fiz show baby pictures to Liz when the text message arrives from a strange number. He immediately tells Fiz they have to collect the girls.

Peter tells Tina to get on with her own life. He is half cut and half unavailable. And at the moment he cannot manage the disease. Tina will happily watch him around the clock. They can move to a "dry" desert island. She would do anything for him. Again he asks her if she would do anything - she will and he tells her to walk away. She says that is not fair. She thinks they are playing a really long game. One day they will together but for now she will take what she can get. She tries to convince him. She pleads with him not to drink himself to death. He cuddles her - all that love is wasted on a man like him. He cannot take the pressure - nearly a whole bottle of whisky did not touch the side. Again he tells her to walk away. As the door opens they move apart smartly and Steve is coming to take them to the station - Peter needs to go and pack. Carla thanks Tina for caring but tells her it is Friday night and she should be out finding young men, having a laugh and a flirt. Carla insists she goes. Carla also insists on paying Tina with a bundle of notes. She says it was nothing. Carla forces the cash into her hand and gives her a huge hug of thanks.

At the Rovers Norris is telling Rita that he has filled Emily in. Emily will pray for Dennis, but she thinks Rita should steer clear and Norris tends to agree with Emily.

At the bar Maria is buying a drink, apparently Audrey is looking after Liam, but sadly Kirk has just blown her out. Michelle also tells her about earlier events at tea time when Ty and Fiz rushed out having received a text.

In the Street Dreary is saying farewell to Peter and hands him his Easter Egg plus some chewing gum and other bits and pieces. Rob rolls his eyes skywards. Peter asks for Simon to have a careful explanation. Peter asks Rob to look after Carla, he responds by saying he will be watching Peter closely once he returns.

Fiz opens the door to Maria and complains of a headache - neither she nor Ty are happy as apparently Kirsty has been round when they were out. Ty and Fiz are a bit spooked. Ty tries to re-assure Fiz - but she is obviously worried. Ty reckons that Kirsty has no chance and asks Maria to make so0em tea and calm down Fiz whilst he finishes the story for the girls. Fiz goes to finish off the story after checking the house is super secure.

Dennis walks out of Weatherfield General and a car horn sounds and Rita tells him to get in the car. [Now Dennis please be aware Barbara Knox has been charged with driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and is currently facing a court charge - are you sure she is sober?]. She tells him he can sleep on the settee until he sorts out some proper accommodation. Dennis says thank you, he will cancel his reservation at the Hilton. Rita does not find it funny. Rita does not want chit chat, she does not want a charm offensive, she does not want to walk down memory lane; he adds he does not want to add insult to injury. he says he is eternally grateful. She says he can add gratitude to that "don't want" list. He admits that he broken them beyond repair. "Smithereens" she answers. And that is the sum total of the post mortem. She drives off.

Ty is not going to let Kirsty near Ruby. Maria asks how they know it is Kirsty. Ty shows her the text message from an unknown number which Maria reads aloud: "Hope you like the presents for the girls, sorry about everything." Maria realises it is the message she sent but before she can explain Ty buts in and says she has pushed a book through the door, which they put in the bin. Maria tries to explain again but Ty just keeps talking and will not listen. Maria seeks to reassure Ty it will be OK but Ty has already mentally mapped out scenarios where he loses Ruby and they just keep tumbling out of his mouth. In sympathy Maria gives Ty a hug but does not give him the very simple explanation that she has a new phone and has not given him the number.

And what have we learnt this evening:

a) Maria has suddenly become a bit of a devious moo.
b) Tina has even less brains than before
c) We can but hope that Rita means what she says
d) That Mary is fitter than she might look.

And that is about all for me but I will be back ere long as I am helping out elsewhere. See you soon.
Richard

Carla has installed Peter in the rehab facility. She tells Deirdre Peter is feeling positive but the reality is, he's miserable and Carla doesn't look much better. She's planning to get work done on her holiday Monday but Michelle pulls her along for a small brew first.

Tyrone is of the opinion that they should ignore the texts and hope that Kirsty will back off. Fiz isn't so sure. Tyrone offers to take Fiz out for a meal and she's reluctantly persuaded.

Michelle's taken Carla back to the Rovers where she discovers that Steve has a birthday present wrapped for Michelle. It's a very nice necklace that he promises he chose himself. She loves it and sends him to put the kettle on. Poor Carla is really suffering, both from morning sickness all day and from worry, which Steve overhears.

Tracy and Rob are about to launch into a deal with Tony. Tracy is charged with clearing out the stock room but she's objecting to doing the donkey work while Rob works on the accounts. Deirdre is off to a women's group with the initials WAG (also known in the UK as Wives And Girlfriends (of football stars)) Banter and sarcasm ensue amidst the three. Deirdre is getting very good at slinging Tracy's contempt back in her face these days.

Leanne and Simon comes to see Carla who's outside the factory. Carla sounds encouraging for Simon's sake. Leanne asks if Carla can keep an eye on Simon for a few hours. Carla is fine with it though Simon doesn't seem too keen. Leanne is sympathetic and offers a shoulder, knowing what Carla's going through. Amazing how shared experience can make enemies call a truce.

Tina's late to work. Steve calls her on it. Michelle is wearing her necklace and Tina admires it. Tina manages to find out how Peter is, though Steve gives her funny looks because, of course, he knows the whole story.

In the salon, Maria's mind isn't on her job. She and David bicker a bit, admonished by Audrey. David is getting fed up. Maria's only been dumped. Fiz comes in and asks Maria if she'd babysit and she tells them all that Kirsty has been released. They can't stop her making contact unless it's threatening which it wasn't. Maria does look guilty.

Simon's fidgeting with the stapler while Carla's trying to work. Simon can't understand why he can't talk to his father and is determined to act up. Carla just sighs.

Eva has been brought in to the Bistro to help with a busy party while Leanne is worrying about Simon. Nick worries about her and the stress she's under and Eva has noticed. She asks Leanne to go to the gym with her to work off some stress but Leanne insists she's fine. She's not, you know.

Dennis comes sheepishly into the Kabin offering to help. The reception is cool from both Norris and Rita so he leaves. But Rita buys one of Norris' half price Easter Eggs. Norris thinks it is for Dennis. She agrees that "he" is irritating but she's a soft touch. Except she gives it to Norris. Awww. Steve comes in for some decorations.

Carla has resorted to bribery with Simon and says she wants chocolate, too. Tracy and Rob come by and stick a few pins in, Rob also asking how Peter is. Carla seems sick and fed up with everyone asking the same question when she can't communicate with Peter as it's not allowed. Tracy accuses Carla of driving Peter back to the drink. Rob scolds her for saying it in front of Simon but Tracy brushes it off. Carla shouts at Tracy for it and tells Rob to keep his girlfriend in line.

Maria comes to the garage to confirm that she can babysit. She apologizes for trying to kiss him and he's kind enough to put it behind them. He tells her that he and Fiz are even closer bonding over the whole scare. Maria wasn't too keen to hear that. She walks away and pulls out her phone. Shortly we hear Tyrone's phone beep and he looks disturbed when he looks at it.

Simon is now rotating a squeaky chair, further annoying Carla. He then asks for coffee, just to see if he can get it. When she goes to make it to prove a point, Simon uses her laptop to find the phone number of the rehab centre. Carla catches him and tells him to phone but he's still not going to be able to speak to his dad. He gets angry but Carla holds her ground. He accuses her of being more of a drinker than his dad and that she drove him to it. Carla gets upset too, she doesn't like it anymore than Simon does. She shouts the odds at him, trying to make him see that she's every bit as scared and upset but instead, he grabs his coat and runs out. That went well, then.

Tracy's done clearing the stock room. Tony arrives just then, Tracy kissing him on the cheek and gauging Rob's reaction. Rob insists on testing all the electrical gear Tony's bringing in. Tracy keeps playing little flirt games but Tony knows what she's doing and doesn't bite.

In the pub, Dennis is complaining to Tina. Steve comes out to ask Michelle where something is but she's not allowed in the kitchen, he's got a surprise under way. She's tickled. I've got a bad feeling. Simon comes running in straight to Tina, followed by Carla who apologizes to Simon. Carla offers to take him home but he doesn't want her, he wants Tina. Steve tries to say no but Michelle lets her.

Tyrone arrives home and shows Fiz the text "I'm thinking of you. K" Fiz is now determined to get the police involved, thinking that he's being naive. They are at odds what to do. Meanwhile Maria is deep in thought at the salon and jumps when David sneaks up behind her and scares her. Audrey scolds and then hugs Maria. She offers to take Maria out to work and tells her she's too kind to be babysitting. Audrey insists and she'll find another sitter.

The party is done at the Bistro. Eva and Leanne are clearing up but Leanne is anxious to go pick up Simon. Nick takes a call to book a hen party for Wednesday and they have requested a topless male waiter. That makes Eva's day and she's more determined to go to the gym. Nick tells Leanne she should go so she can chill out and correctly points out that she won't be any good for Simon. She agrees to 40 minutes.

Tony is buying a cigar in the Kabin to celebrate something. Dennis wheels in, slightly the worse for wear. Rita snubs him as drunk so Dennis accuses Norris pouring poison. Rita admonishes him, he is doing enough of that himself. Dennis moans about women. Tony tells him actions speak louder than words and flowers won't cut it.

Carla is in the flat, despondent. Tina has settled Simon down to writing a letter to his dad. Carla feels bad she didn't think of it. Tina ushers her to a chair and offers to make a cuppa. She wonders if it's really her fault for putting too much pressure on Peter like she does with all men.

Fiz isn't ready to let Kirsty bully her. She rings the mobile back, determined to confront Kirsty one way or the other. But a phone rings in the salon where David is alone cleaning up. It's Maria's mobile that she's left behind. He sees Tyrone's name on the screen and answers it to hear Fiz shouting the odds at Kirsty, pretending they've told the police. He hangs up and wonders what's going on

Tvor

Written by Ellen Taylor and directed by Menhaj Huda

Ty is furious with Fiz for ringing Kirsty. Fiz tells him she just hung up. Well, of course she did since it wasn't actually Kirsty on the other end of the phone.

Carla is having a heart to heart with Tina about Peter. She's trying to work out what pushed Peter over the edge and made him start drinking again. Tina puts it down to Peter's demons but Carla thinks she knows the cause. Tina looks worried. Carla tells her he's afraid of failure. She says she thought he loved her enough to break the vicious cycle of his drinking but obviously not.

Eva takes a reluctant Leanne round to the gym for her free trial. Leanne looks like she'd rather stick pins in her eyes but Kal seems more than happy to show her the changing rooms and give her an induction. Eva tells him to work on relaxing Leanne's shoulders, otherwise she'll have no neck come teatime.

David's cleaning up the salon when Maria comes rushing back in looking for her phone. David hands it over and tells her that she had a call from Tyrone, except that it wasn't Tyrone. Maria looks anxious. She snatches the phone off him and says she's not in the mood for playing games. "I'm not the one playing games . . . Kirsty," smirks David.

Carla is pouring herself a glass of wine. She tells Tina she shouldn't be having it but Tina misunderstands her reason. Tina opens up to her about her father's addiction to painkillers and tells Carla how he had a self-destruct button, just like Peter. Simon walks out of the bedroom just as Carla is saying that the doctors have said that if Peter carries on drinking, he'll die. Simon accuses Carla of saying that like she wants it to happen so Tina springs to Carla's defense. She gets quite cross and tells Simon that Carla is just as upset as him and that he should be supporting her, not having a go at her. As Simon starts to cry Carla takes him in her arms and tells him that it's O.K.

Round at the gym Kal's helping Leanne lift some weights which involves getting up close and personal. It's all too much for Leanne. She makes an excuse about having to go and pick up Si and rushes off in the direction of the changing room. Meanwhile, Kal's father is watching all this going on from behind the reception desk.

Back at the salon David tells Maria that he saw the text on her phone that she sent to Tyrone. She tries to explain how it was an accident. She had a new phone and Ty didn't recognise the number so he just assumed it was from Kirsty. David's laughing but Maria tells him it's not funny. He says Fiz didn't think it was funny either and that she was talking about getting the police involved. Maria's in a real state. What should she do? David says if it was him he'd do something really creepy next, like leaving a teddy bear on the doorstep. But Maria's not David and she decides to go round to Fiz and Ty's to explain.

Tony is in Rob and Tracy's shop, handing over all of the "legit" paperwork for the hairdryers he's sold them. Deirdre comes in and he turns on the charm, going into salesman mode. Deirdre tells Tony that for a man with no hair he seems to know an awful lot about hair dryers.

Leanne arrives to pick up Si. He's very subdued and Carla explains about the row. Tina tells Leanne she's there for moral support. As Si leaves with Leanne he turns back and tells Carla that he knows it's all his Dad's fault.

Maria knocks on Fiz and Ty's door. Fiz opens it and apologises. She says they don't need her to babysit any more. But Maria says that's not why she's there and asks to go in.

Maria asks Fiz if Ty's around as she needs to speak to both of them. He comes into the room but before Maria can explain why she's there Fiz and Ty start to have a blazing row about the whole Kirsty business. Fiz storms off upstairs and Ty tells Maria how Kirsty is still managing to come between them. Maria can't bring herself to tells the truth and put them out of their misery.

Carla and Tina go into the Rovers. Rita comments how good Tina is with Simon but Steve says it's a shame she isn't as good a barmaid as she is a nanny and tells her to get back behind the bar. Liz looks puzzled and tells Steve to lighten up. "Yeah, lighten up Steve," says Tina before accepting a thank-you drink from Carla. Carla says she's dead thirsty so she'll just have a glass of water.

Tony notices white powder all over Steve's shirt and asks if he's been plastering. Just as Steve's explaining he's been baking Michelle comes through to tell him there's a smell of burning coming from the kitchen.

Eva's finishing her workout at the gym when Kal comes over and engages her in conversation. He steers the conversation around to Leanne and, in the time it takes her to do half a dozen post-exercise stretches, Eva gives a potted history of Leanne's past, managing to include her early marriage to Nick, drugs problem and spell as a prostitute in amongst the more positive aspects of Leanne's life to date.

Maria goes into the Rovers. She tells Audrey that she found her phone. This prompts Emily to say that she keeps her mobile phone in her bedside drawer in case of an emergency. Rita asks her how many emergencies she has while she's in bed. They start to talk about texting which causes Maria to start biting her nails. She goes up to the bar for a drink. Tina looks concerned when she orders a whisky and tells Maria she shouldn't drink her problems away. Maria says she didn't go in there for a lecture.

Steve comes out carrying his cake for Michelle. They all sing happy birthday. She blows out the candles and tells Steve she loves him. Steve explains it didn't quite come out as it was meant to so Tina says it's the thought that counts. Steve rounds on her and says that she wouldn't know about that because she doesn't think about anyone else except herself. Everyone looks shocked at his outburst and Liz asks what all that was about. As Michelle follows Steve out to the back she says she doesn't know but she intends to find out.

In the gym Kal's father tells Kal that he's been talking to Eva about Leanne and describes her as an interesting woman with a chequered past. Kal tells his dad that there's nothing going on between them but, even if there was, it's none of his business. He says his wife's been dead for two years and it's time he moved on but clearly Kal's father doesn't want him moving on with the likes of Leanne.

Michelle is interrogating Steve about his attitude towards Tina but all he'll say is that she's lazy, late and moody. Michelle reminds him that she's been helping Carla and Peter with Simon which makes Steve pull a face. Michelle asks if there's something else going on because he's been acting weird all week. She tells Steve that he's been having a go at Tina and yet he's the one who's being selfish. Their best friends are in meltdown while he's moaning about Tina being sloppy behind the bar. She tells him to get his priorities straight.

Deirdre, Rob and Tracy go into the Rovers. Deirdre tells Tony that she thinks she will get one of his hairdryers but he says she needs to speak to Tracy and Rob since they're the ones selling them. Deirdre mentions that her electricity bill has shot up this month. Rob takes the hint and says she can have a dryer for free. When Tracy questions Rob for doing this he whispers that since she's now been witnessed in public accepting stolen goods for free, if she does get suspicious she won't be in a position to challenge them.

Maria's sitting out in the street looking at the text on her phone. David comes along and he realises she hasn't been able to bring herself to come clean to Fiz and Ty. He's sympathetic – after all, he's been there himself – but this behaviour isn't normal for Maria he still can't understand why she would want to mess things up for Fiz and Tyrone.

Steve's having a smoke at the back of the Rovers when Tina comes out with the rubbish. "I know. About you and Peter," he says. Tina doesn't reply. Steve continues his monologue. He says that watching her cosying up to Carla like Mary-flipping-Poppins is doing his head in. Tina asks how he knows. Steve says Peter told him. Tina asks whether it's occurred to Steve that she and Peter might actually have feelings for each other. Although he doesn't look like it Steve says he feels sorry for Tina because it isn't going to end happily, especially where she's concerned. Tina asks if he's going to tell Carla. Steve says he should have told her ages ago. "Why didn't you?" asks Tina. Steve said he was hoping it would all go away and Peter would realise how stupid he was being. Tina asks if he's going to tell Carla now but he doesn't reply. She calls out after him but Steve just walks away.

Karen

Tina stops in the street and stares up at Peter's flat. She's interrupted in her reverie by Steph, who's thrilled with her new hairdryer. Tina thinks it'll conk out and Rob and Tracy won't give her the money back.

Tracy's almost as thrilled as Steph at the sale. Rob's sarcastic. He points out they've sold two and there are still 48 sitting there. They need to sell stuff from Tony as quickly as possible. "We need to find someone who'll just take the lot off our hands." Hmm - he's given himself an idea.

Leanne has taken a booking for a party of 12 but thinks the organiser is a bolshie cow. Steph's glad she won't be working tonight when they arrive but when she hears that one of the demands is for a buff waiter and Nick describes the one they've booked, she changes her mind. Nick tries to make small talk with Leanne but she seems miles away. They talk about Simon and he offers help whenever she needs it - it'll be just like old times if they're there together.

Tina goes to see Steve and he tells her he hasn't said anything. He says if he could wipe his brain clean he would. He doesn't want to talk about it - he's more worried about the state of the beer in a new barrel. Michelle comes out and Tina assures her Steve's being nicer to her today. Tina goes off to mop the loos and Liz and Michelle agree they really do need a cleaner. Michelle senses there's something on Steve's mind and tells him he can talk to her.

Gail's finished her first self defense class. She tells Kal she wants him to know that she's committed to it. But the court hearing for the burglar is today. Kal suggests she take a book because you can be hanging round all day. Nick's racing away on the treadmill. He gets off and Kal sees he's done a personal best. Nick mentions going to see Leanne and Kal asks how things are going. Nick says they're just mates. Kal advises him to take things slowly and set realistic goals. We suspect he's talking about more than just personal training.

A bloke called Warren arrives to see Rob. He's an old mate. "Workmate, schoolmate or cellmate?" Tracy asks. All three at one time or another. He works for a company which supplies electrical goods to hotel chains and he's interested in the hairdryers. Tracy doesn't believe the business is legit at first but he convinces her. He offers 470 pounds for the 47 they have left. Rob says he should double the offer.

Anna's cleaning like a woman possessed. Owen tells her the house is gleaming. He puts his arms round her but she shrugs him off and says she reeks of bleach. He's got the post - more bills.

Warren takes a box of hairdryers away. Tracy flirts with him. When he's gone, Rob says they've hit the jackpot. Tracy's also thrilled and she quite likes that Rob is jealous of her flirting with Warren.

The very loud hen-party of 12 arrives with the stroppy organiser disliking the table and demanding another.

Tony goes to the shop to ask about the stuff he supplied Tracy and Rob. They tell him they sold the lot and say they want anything else he can give them. Deirdre's surprised to see him in the shop and he says Rob and Tracy promised to find him a nice thick gold chain. "After all, this place is a goldmine," says Tracy. When he's gone, Deirdre asks why Tony's hanging around. Rob goes out the back and Deirdre asks what's going on. Tracy says she's high because the takings are up but she really does think Rob is The One. Her mum says she didn't like him at first but does now. Tracy thinks he's a keeper. Deirdre says she's going to see Auntie Beryl. Nope, I've never heard of her either. Tracy suggests she and Rob have a nice meal tonight and he assumes it's just to celebrate the deals they've done with Tony and Warren.

In the pub, Anna asks Liz if there are any shifts going. Liz says they're fully staffed. ". . .at least, we are in the bar. . ." she looks thoughtful. "There is a job going but I don't think you'd want it."

Nick arrives in the bistro where hell has broken loose. Leanne tells Nick and Kal that the organiser sent back everything they served her and is being really difficult. "When does the buff waiter arrive?" Nick asks. "That should put a smile on her face." Leanne realises he should be here by now and goes to give him a ring.

It sounds as if Anna's taken the cleaning job. Liz says she should come in tomorrow as a trial. Owen hears this and asks - yes, Anna's going to work as a cleaner. He's not that happy.

There's singing and drinking at the bistro. The buff waiter has been bitten by a dog and has to go to get a tetanus injection. Steph thinks the solution is easy - all they need is a fit bloke to hand out sticky toffee pudding. "Don't look at me," says Nick. She wasn't. She was looking at Kal. Leanne smiles. Kal says No. Steph thinks he's got an amazing body but neither Leanne nor Nick can comment on that.

Tina goes to the back room to see where Michelle is. The bar's dead and she wants to go home early. Steve gets her to come in and shut the door so he can tell her he won't be saying anything about Tina and Peter. Not for her sake but because Michelle would go ballistic if it ever came out that he knew. "That's how moral I am - anything for an easy life." He tells her the truth will come out eventually.

Kal's stripped off and Steph is very impressed. "You owe me big time," he tells Leanne. She puts a bow tie on him and hands him the pudding. The women are suddenly even louder. The organiser tells him he's dessert and they start to smear pudding over his abs. Kal gets right into it, dancing sexily with them. Gail arrives to tell Nick the burglar got 12 months. She's not at all impressed but Steph says to Leanne: "God, he is gorgeous." Leanne just watches appreciatively.

Anna and Owen settle down on the couch with some biscuits. He worries Anna's taking on too much. He makes her promise she'll drop the pub job as soon as he gets a proper job. He says he knows she's finding this as hard as he is but it just makes him love her even more. "You know that, don't you?" Anna nods.

Tracy and Rob chat about their day over dinner. Tracy says, "Right, here goes." She tells him, "Go on then, I will marry you." She tells him she knows she's pushing him but she thinks it's what he wants. He's a bit shocked but he grins. "You know, Trace, if you want to get hitched let's do it!" She squeals and hugs him.

The hens have left and Kal is dressed. Leanne doesn't believe he's never done it before. She says he was lapping up the ogling by the women. "Anyway, there's only one woman I want to be ogled by," he says. "I caught you having a sneaky peek." Leanne teases him and they move close enough to kiss. And kiss again. Kal seems shocked. Nick comes back for his forgotten keys and Kal leave with him, giving Leanne a meaningful look as he goes.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Leanne reassures Simon that Peter will be back soon. Nick stops and asks whether Simon has a football sticker album. Simon's gone off football because he didn't get picked for the school team. Nick offers to take him for a kick about later on to give him more practice.

Ann's dressed for work - though Owen's surprised she's put on her best trousers. Owen offers to sell the flat but Anna says they need the rent. She leaves him to cook his own breakfast.

Fiz wants to go to the police about "Kirsty's" harassment. Tyrone doesn't. Tyrone doesn't want it all being raked up again. He's furious that Fiz gave Kirsty a mouthful on the end of the phone. Fiz thinks he's mad.

Leanne walks into the gym and sees Kal on reception. They both go all shy. She says she just popped in to say Hi. Kal tells her a joke. "Bloke came in yesterday, said 'If I can lift your biggest dumb-bell can I join for free?' I said 'Sorry mate but Dev's not in.'"

Nick seems cheerful and Gail assumes it's to do with Leanne. Nick tells him it's just that he's taking Simon to the park on his own. Gail thinks he hates football. She bets Nick will buy football boots. "You think she wants you back." Nick denies it but Gail says she's seen that smile before.

Kal and Leanne talk about telling Nick. She's got a broad grin on her face. They discuss whether it's the mate or the wife's job to tell someone. Kal thinks Nick would hit him so Leanne agrees she'll do it. Today.

Anna's furiously scrubbing one table. Steve tries to make conversation. He tells Michelle it's awkward with a cleaner there. That's easily solved, says Michelle. "You do it."

Tracy and Rob break their news to Deirdre. She's astounded. "I haven't even had a wash yet. You don't expect such big news this early in the morning." Rob points out it's 11.30am. Tracy says they've told Amy and she was very happy. Deirdre will have to ring Ken. They say they haven't set a date yet. Deirdre finally says congratulations.

Tyrone's in the salon telling Maria about Fiz's plans to call the police. Maria thinks that's a bit over the top. Kirsty's just sending text messages, not hiding round corners. "She's just trying to provoke you. Don't be provoked." She says Kirsty probably wants them to call the police. In the background, David's arguing with a cold caller. He ends the call and Tyrone leaves quickly. David tells Maria you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. He thinks if she stops what she's doing now, no-one will ever know.

Gail was right. Nick has bought football boots. Kal didn't even think he liked football but Nick claims he used to play for the school team. He tells Kal he thinks tonight is the night and he's going to make his move. Kal reminds him there are hurdles. Nick won't be slowed.

The machinists discuss sponsorship for the 5km run. Fiz asks Carla if she does any exercise at all. How rude.

At the bistro, Nick's ready to take Simon to the park. Questioned by Gail he denies he's wearing new boots. When they've gone, Gail tells Leanne she's leading Nick on by offering him foot when he gets back with Simon. "Casserole means casserole," she insists but Gail says Nick's always been infatuated with her and to him "casserole means you."

Liz goes into the cafe to talk to Anna about her trial. She doesn't want to be too harsh but the cleaning wasn't up to standard. "I suppose it was just a question of thoroughness," says Liz. "I was an army wife so I know how to clean." Owen, sitting at one of the tables, leaps up to defend Anna, saying she's doing two jobs. "So's half the country," says Liz, "and the other half can't get work." She isn't sacking Anna but she thinks it's important they keep talking. Anna tells Owen not to interfere.

Kal meets Leanne and tells her what Nick said to him. She says it's a nightmare. Gail comes and shouts at her that the card machine is on the blink again and where's that milk Leanne went to get?

In the cafe, Fiz is miles away. She makes a call, obviously 999, and asks for the police. She wants to report some harassment.

Even though we just saw Leanne go back into the bistro, she's in the shop buying milk and really annoying Sophie by reaching into the back of the shelf to get those with a later use-by date. Izzy is in the shop too but it seems she's left her purse at home. Sophie refuses credit. Izzy realises she does have money - the sponsorship money for the 5km run. She pays.

Rob is in trouble for winking at a customer. "You're the future Mrs Donovan. You should be grinning like an idiot," he tells her. Tracy asks him if he really wants her with her history and her baggage. Rob tells her maybe he is making a mistake. He says he was pushed into it and maybe they should just call the whole thing off. "Are you serious?" Tracy asks. "Or, we could just crack on," says Rob, producing a jeweler's box with a flourish. Tracy tries on the ring and Rob tells her he loves her despite her background.

In the Rovers, Steve's flummoxed by Lloyd's question of how many miles are in 5km. Kal says the run is to raise money in Hayley's name and it's only five pounds to enter. Steve and Lloyd are shocked that they'd have to pay. But Liz and Michelle think they should both enter. Steve says it's a matter of the money,. Lloyd says his knee is playing up. Kal says well, if they're past it . . .

Nick and Simon are back. Simon also now has a sticker album. Leanne says he didn't need to do that. She tells Simon they'll eat now and do the stickers later.

Steve and Lloyd walk down the street discussing whether they'll look silly if they don't register for the run. Just as the factory workers leave for home, a police car pulls up outside Tyrone's. From the other side of the street he sees it. Fiz looks defiant. Down the street, Maria and David see it. "You know what they call that?" he asks. "A whole lot of toothpaste."

Leanne and Nick talk about Kal. Nick thinks Kal gets a lot of attention. Nick decides it's time to make a speech. He says he loves her and has realised he doesn't want to be with anyone else. Leanne starts, "The thing is. . ." Nick says they shouldn't waste any more time. He's serious. He takes her hand and kneels. "Leanne, will you stay married to me." She pulls a worried face . . .

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Another quiet week on the personal front. Slowly the debris on the floor of the study is becoming sorted and organised. The number of unsorted CDs is reducing; the CD rack is however nearly full. The "Mount to read" of books has been resorted and restored in another room (at least for now). Two cocker-poos to walk this week. A delightful pair of dogs who do not seem keen on long walks so that has not taken much time. Anyway time to visit Weatherfield where events move apace. This episode was written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Menhaj Huda. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

This time we open with Nick down on one knee in front of Leanne holding her hand. "Say something" he says but we cannot see from the look on Leanne's face that is not what she had wanted to hear and so can Nick who drops her hand and hides his face in his hand as he realises that he looks a complete numpty. He tries t apologise for making such a fool of himself referring to hearing songs on the radio and wondering how people get in such a mess - and now he realises how easy it is. Nick tells her how special she is - how important she is to him to keep him going. Nick says that without her he ends up in the corner as a gibbering wreck with last night's tea in his beard. Leanne cannot answer him. nick wishes he was the old "me" - they thought it had gone for good - but he is there really. He asks her to consider it - and she agrees - he admits he is not cured but he is getting there and he tenderly kisses the top of her head and asks that he gives her a ring.

At the Armstrong / Windass house Faye is talking about a temporary teacher - but otherwise the silence is immense. Both Owen and Anna believe that things are good - Owen cannot remember the last time they touched. Anna claims to be tired - but he does not understand what is wrong.

At the gym Steve comes in for a shufti round and a looksee; but they must not tell Lloyd about his looksee. Kal says the word is not in his dictionary. So Kal knows he wants to get the edge on Lloyd in the 5k. Kal's father wants to know what is wrong and he is guessing it is Leanne. Steve prods some of the machines in the background.

Fiz says goodbye to the police - but Ty is not sure it was a good thing. They have to keep a log of texts. Ty says he asked her not to call the police - but she keeps doing the opposite of what he asked - what is he too soft? He keeps hearing it from Fiz just like he used to hear it from his last girlfriend (which of course was Kirsty). He stomps out of the back door slamming it behind him.

In the Rovers Deirdre is saying that she did not see Rob as the marrying kind - but he says that he does believe in such institutions. Of course observes Dreary, Groucho Marx did ask who would want to live in an institution? She keeps asking if they are both sure about this engagement - particularly about her? Tracy goes Mmmmmmum! But Dreary might have a point! Dreary loves Tracy to bits but she can start a fight in an empty room. Tracy points out that Rob gives as good as he gets. And Dreary reckons Tracy is "hard work". Rob says he has never been afraid of hard work. Dreary sees Tracy like asparagus - very much an acquired taste. Tracy says she is really pleased she came out tonight. Rob smilingly says that at the end of the day Amy needs stability and Tracy agrees - it is all about Amy. Rob loves both of them and wants to take care of both of them. Carla comes in and Rob gets up for a quick word. [Lots of new camera angles around the Rovers as the additional space is used to good effect on the new set - but Betty is still keeping a smiling eye on everything]. As he goes both Tracy and Dreary watch him and agree that he has a cute bum. But you don't just marry a bum says Dreary - speaking as one who has tried several times. Samir's was like two spacehoppers in a hold all. Tracy adopts the typical response of sticking her fingers in her ears.

Steve returns to the Rovers and says he has not been anywhere special and heads in the back. Jenna and Andrea reckons there is something up.

Ty has gone round to Maria to update her on the police visit. She is probably using a PAYG mobile and that is more difficult to trace. Maria asks how Fiz is taking it and Ty says it is all proving very difficult. Ty just wants to protect his family - and then realises he should not be at Maria's and heads off home. She feels worse.

Back in the Rovers Rob is explaining his engagement to Carla; Michelle observes that Rob is losing the plot whilst Carla reckons that if he wants to be tied to that demonic freak show for the rest of his life - then fill your boots.

Gary comes into the pub with £40 earned cash in hand on a building site from a friend. And there should be more where that came from.

Kal and his father discuss Leanne and the latter apprises Kal of some of her dodgy history. Well Leanne does come with some baggage as Eva pointed out earlier and so I suspect does Kal.

After the break we join Gail eating an apple and filling in an application form for the 5k when there is a banging at the door. Gail, opens it and lets Leanne in - she is looking for Nick. Gail wants to know what is going on. Leanne has not done anything - she wants to find him and will not discuss why with Gail, so leaves again.

Owen tells Gary for working cash in hand like a cowboy and will not listen to reason. As the bickering continues Anna offers a brew and walking past Owen she grabs him and points out that £40 is better than nothing. He shoots back "oh you will touch me now then" - in front of the entire family. Izzy reckons there is only one solution - she will have to go on the game. This brings smiles all round and Anna puts the kettle on. Later Owen apologises for the comment about her touching him. He is just wanted to know if she fancied an early night - but she is keen to finish an interesting documentary on fishing in the north sea and how it has changed over the years. He asks if she has gone off him. She does not answer - but he does not blame her. He has put them all through a lot and it might well take its toll. She turns round and tells him that she still loves him - the daft beggar - everything she has ever done has been done for him and the rest of the family. She then falls back on being knackered as her excuse and she disappears upstairs.

In her flat Maria is at a complete loss. She looks at her phone numerous times and then puts it down and picks it up again. She creates a message to Ty.

In the Rovers Deirdre is buying champagne to celebrate the engagement and Tracy asks Michelle if she will join them in a glass. She never turns down a freebie which Tracy confirms as she can tell that by her dress. Tracy claims to be joking and Michelle sits down and joins them - although Carla once again refuses to drink alcohol, claiming she has a bit of a headache. No-one has yet spotted that it has been a month and Carla is not drinking. They discuss the engagement. They break the secret to Steve - and Rob instantly claims step-dad rights over Amy. Steve is not impressed. Michelle refills her glass and stomps off in support of Steve. Apparently Dreary is considering a puce coloured outfit for the wedding.

Andrea reveals she once did a sky dive for charity and she and Jenna agree that Lloyd needs some training to do the 5k. Steve accuses Lloyd of getting professional advice from experts but Lloyd denies that he has to do that as he is not that sad. Lloyd suggests they spend the night at Andrea's but within about two seconds she is claiming that the heating is broken - so can they stay at Lloyds? He says OK - but next time? [And just what is Andrea hiding - a husband, a child or parents?]. Jenna is not taken in.

Leanne finds Nick sitting on the bench. Gail comes past - she went jogging for about 100 yds - she says she is going to enter the 5k on the basis that she was in the under 16s for hockey for Weatherfield - indeed she was almost captain! Once she goes Leanne looks at Nick and her silence is deafening. Leanne says "Never say never" that's my motto and Nick therefore believes he still has a chance and gives her a cuddle whilst they are observed by Kal from the other end of the Street. She keeps her arms by her sides, then raises them at Kal as if to say she does not know what to do.

Fiz is apologising - she should not have gone behind his back. Ty accepts the apology and says he should not have kicked off. Fiz asks him where he went and he tells her Maria and they did talk it all through. Ty agrees that she is a good listener. Fiz would be happy to talk it through.

Katy returns from watching a film and sits down with Owen. She could not concentrate and asks Owen if he is OK. He says yes. He tells her not to worry about him. But she says he does not have to lie to her. She knows there is a problem between him and Anna - he admits things are not great at the moment and Katy says she does love him - and the big hard man almost breaks down in tears as he says that Anna can hardly bear to look at him.

And did we learn anything tonight?

Well Anna told Owen tonight - "Everything I do I do for you" - but he did not hear her.

Maria is young, attractive and mentally unstable - so Ty is playing with fire - and Fiz needs little excuse at the moment.

Tracy's tongue is getting sharper again. But I can see the wedding of the year having a comedic side.

And this 5k fun run will probably be the death of someone, the way all the oldies are suddenly keen on getting fit. I hope EMily is not thinking of participating.

See you all soon.
Richard

Written by Susan Oudot Directed by Diana Patrick

Beth is still determined to get the boob job and she's going exotic. Latvia, to be precise. This beats Blanche's Polish hip by a long shot! Sinead and Chesney are concerned but Beth isn't. Oh dear. Sinead doesn't think she's beautiful even as confident in herself as she is. Chesney protests and I might, too. Sinead is beautiful, inside and out. They just dress her down for her character is all. It gives him pause for thought.

Fiz let Tyrone have a bit of a lie in after a stressful evening. He's up now with a headache. Fiz assures him the police will sort it but he doesn't look so sure. She was so sure everything was settled, now there's a spanner in the works. Tyrone quotes Maria as saying Kirsty is just being Kirsty (when she's not being Maria, that is!) Fiz gathers the kids to take them to the child minder on her way to work. She leaves him looking worried.

In the corner shop, Steve is trying to convince Dev into running in the 5K charity race. It's win-win, Steve points out, he and Kal can be promoting the gym at the same time. This persuades Dev (whatever happened to his get fit regime?) and Steve hands him a form. Maddie has come into the shop, watched carefully by Dev. She's well award of his suspicions. Can you blame him? She confronts Dev aggressively while Sophie is dead embarrassed. Sally has come in and throws her two pennies in, making it her business. She scolds Maddie for being rude so Maddie, realizing everyone is against her, strops out.

Maria comes by the garage. Luke is industriously beavering away but when he stops to flirt with Maria, Tyrone bites his head off. Maria apologizes to Tyrone for distracting Luke. He admits to her he's had another text. Fiz walks by and sees them talking seriously. Tyrone is telling Maria he has had another text and hadn't told Fiz as she's already upset enough. Maria takes his hand to comfort him. Fiz doesn't look happy about it.

Kal comes into the Bistro to see Leanne who tells him that she did talk to Nick but she can't talk to him right now. Kal joins Dev and Sharif who are discussion promotion slogans for tshirts for the run. Dev is full of enthusiasm now but Sharif throws a bucket of cold water over it when he implies that if Dev is wearing one of these tshirts, it shouldn't be tight, though Kal's can be. Doh. Dev backs off to get coffee. Sharif questions Kal who admits he doesn't want to hurt Nick. A very good question by his father, would Leanne go back to Nick if she didn't have feelings for him? Kal doesn't think so. Sharif says it doesn't matter what he does, then.

Jenna is trying to encourage Lloyd in the run and an overall fitness regime. He's dubious. Jenna asks if Andrea is staying over again but the conversation is waylaid by Steve's arrival in the cafe. He ridicules Lloyd for attempting to train (he who is attending the gym, himself but won't admit it). They both order bacon butties. Fiz and Sinead order coffees to go as Steph and Luke come in talking about Maria. Luke is bragging about how smooth he was when Maria comes in but Steph doesn't think Luke has a chance. Fiz isn't best pleased to hear Tyrone cut Luke off in mid flirt. Maria isn't a customer after all, she's a friend. Hmmm. More than a friend, seems to be Fiz's inner fear.

Maddie is sulking back at Number 13 when Sophie comes in, angry. They shout and even though Maddie is defensive, Sophie does point out that Dev has a right to be suspicious. Maddie stole from him, after all. Sophie hits the nail on the head when she tells Maddie that if she tries to make people think the worst of her, she can't complain when that's exactly what happens. It's the easy way out. She turns around and goes back to work.

In the factory, Beth is defending her decision to have her boobs done. Fiz is off in another world and decides she has to leave, asking them to cover for her.

In the garage, Tyrone is arguing with a supplier on the phone and then sends Luke to fetch it when Fiz comes out to confront him. Tyrone is really sweet to her and hugs her close.

In the gym, Sharif advises Kal to speak to Leanne face to face. Nick bounces in and tells Kal that Leanne is going to give them another chance. He thinks Leanne still loves him! Kal's heart sinks.

Maria is conveniently outside the garage when the lads are shutting up for the day. Tyrone is still worried Kirsty might try to nab Ruby. Maria invites him round to hers but Ty doesn't want to leave Fiz on her own. Foiled again! He runs across the road, leaving Luke to finish off. Maria leaves as well, ignoring his call to her about having a drink. Shot down again.

Beth arrives home without Sinead who stopped off to the shop. Chesney tells Beth about how Sinead doesn't believe she's beautiful. Beth labels Sinead as the quirky one and encourages him to keep telling Sinead she's beautiful. She gives Chesney some money to buy her something pretty to wear and take her out.

Sally and Sophie meet on the street. Sophie is in a mood about Maddie and her attitude and Sally pushes for her to get rid altogether but Sophie doesn't want Sally's advice. She'll sort it herself.

Nick has broached the idea of a holiday to Leanne. She's reluctant in case it confuses Simon. Gail tries to interrupt with her opinion but it isn't wanted. Nick offers it as no strings and asks her to think about it. Leanne sees Kal come in and looks crestfallen.

Maria's watching telly at home, looking like she can't concentrate. She fidgets and channel surfs and finally tosses the remote control to one side. Looking out the window, she thinks. What to do?

Fiz remarks about Tyrone seeming to act like Sir Galahad to protect Maria from Luke. Her way of trying to find out if Ty is jealous, I suppose. Tyrone is oblivious because of course, he's not jealous. Maria's the only one in that state. He goes upstairs to run a bath for the children. As he leaves the room, his phone buzzes. Fiz picks it up and sees first a message from Maria labeled with her name and then sees two texts from Kirsty, including the one Tyrone didn't tell her he'd received. I wonder if Maria has got her old phone back or otherwise Maria's number would match the new number in his contact book. Tyrone catches her looking at the texts and is angry that she's checking his phone but puts off their "discussion" until later. He takes the kids upstairs for their bath.

Dev is in the pub, bragging to Steve that he's been revitalized by exercise (in spite of the fact that he hasn't been seen running, working out with Kal or in the gym). He is confident the 5K run will be a doddle for him. Steve doesn't think he will do well but he wants to beat Lloyd. Dev recommends quitting the booze but Steve thinks the answer is to join the gym. They change the topic as Lloyd comes in with Jenna.

Nick chats to Kal about the lack of holidays he had as a kid. Kal isn't really listening, he's watching Leanne who asks Nick to speak to the chef. This gives her a chance to explain to Kal that she just couldn't hurt Nick though she doesn't want to get back with him. She doesn't want to set him back. When Nick comes back out, Kal makes his exit.

Tyrone shuts the door and lays into Fiz for not trusting him. She reminds him they're in this together, how could he not tell her about the new text? He says he's worried all the time and only wants to protect her but Fiz isn't happy to hear he's told Maria, not her. He should have told her, not Maria. Fiz asks him if she should be worried about Maria. He blows his stack. He's frantic with worry over Kirsty and *Maria* is the one she's worried about?? Fiz shouts that she needs to be included but Tyrone berates her for not trusting him. He storms out and she's left looking like the bad guy.

Tvor

Good evening once again. Tonight I am sitting in for Karen who is taking a little break and so you get a double dose from me this week. And as it is only a short while since the last update I have nothing personal to say - so a diversion elsewhere.

Events tonight were written by Mark Burt and directed by Diana Patrick. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks for their efforts in bringing quality output to our screens. Those of you who listen to an everyday story of country folk will know just how easy it is for standards to slip, for characters to completely change their personalities and for the management to completely undermine the fabric of the space time continuum in a fly on the wall documentary. And for those who have no idea then Tom dumping Kirsty almost at the altar (in the vestry I believe) is far worse than anything which happens below - I blame employing ex-EastEnders in management positions.

Back in Weatherfield however events have also moved on and this episode opens in the Street itself with Chesney carrying a shopping bag and checking with Steph that they will be able to get a table in the Bistro without booking. She assures him it will not be a problem. She asks to see the new dress and she compares it to something her granny would have worn before she had her cataracts done. Steph gets her phone out and shows Chesney a dress she has been lusting after for weeks and she assures Chesney that Scout, oops sorry Sinead, will love it. Chesney heads back to town.

At the Dobbs household Fiz and Ty are sat there not on speakers. The atmosphere is so bad you would need a cleaver to open it up. She tells him to go to the Rovers. She will ask Ches and Sinead round - she is telling him to go and he goes.

Steve is signing on at the gym with Kal - light warm up. Then Nick arrives for his training session. Steve suggests they train together. Nick agrees to split the costs.

On the Street Ty is heading to the pub and meets Maria and Liam who are on their way home. Apparently Liam pinched all of the olives. Ty assures Maria he will be OK on his own. Maria suggests that Uncle Kirk might look after Liam.

Maddie and Sophie turn up at Tim and Sal's with news. Granddad has broken his leg and Kev has dashed off again to Germany to provide support. [For those not in the relevant loop Michael le Vell is being assisted with rehab programme and I am sure we all join in hoping that he will soon be back with us properly]. In the interests of the garage Maddie is now on the books - she is undertaking all the car cleaning at the garage. Sal can hardly believe her ears. Maddie gets to eat some shepherds pie and Sal has checked up on the situation in Germany. Sal tries to have a private discussion with Sophie. Sal calls Maddie a liability - and is sure the job will go wrong within a day. Maddie overhears and wants to prove Sal wrong.

Maria arrives in the Rovers and sits down with Ty - who says he does not need any more grief at the moment. She apologises for the mistake (the attempted kiss) the other evening. He has always supported her and she wants to repay the favour.

In the gym Nick is doing press ups but Steve is worn out already. Gail is watching as Kal shouts out instructions. Kal is clearly unhappy with Nick and is taking it out on them. Kal claims there is no problem but Nick has spotted something is wrong.

After the break we are still in the gym where Kal is driving Nick and Steve harder than he should. Gail climbs down from her machine - Nick is exhausted and should not be doing any more. Nick puts the boxing gloves on and Steve puts the hand pads on. Gail tries to get Nick to stop - but he bites her head off - but after a moment regains control. Kal says jab, jab, uppercut - Nick responds. Steve is not getting his hands in the right place. Kal repeats the instruction. And again - and harder he says. Kal says Nick is to do it harder and Steve does not have his right hand far enough away from his body - so when Nick hits it with the uppercut the hand pad slams into Steve's cheek and Steve falls backwards to the floor. Nick shouts at Kal asking if that was hard enough and Gail intervenes to calm Nick down. Nick takes deep breaths. Steve claims he was caught off guard and he is glad of the rest. Gail turns to Kal and hopes he is satisfied.

Chesney turns up in the Bistro with the "dress" which we do not get to see - but it appears that in the relevant shop (which Steph knows well) he had a lot of help. The shop assistants would not leave him alone. Well young bloke, clearly not gay, absolutely clueless - understandable. At one point Ches had five of them helping him. Apparently the girls are like pack animals. They wanted the full works - how long had then been together, were they getting married ... Steph calls them nosy mares. One of them wanted to try the dress on for him. He had to go into the ladies changing area to check the fit! Then he was put on the mailing list and given a store card!! Steph reckons that Sinead will love the dress. Steph reckons that he was amazing.

Back in the Rovers Ty and Maria discuss the situation. And Ty cannot believe that Fiz went through his phone and he tells Maria that they argued about Maria and Ty assures her that Fiz needs to get her priorities straight.

David comes in - Kylie is skyping her sister - those women can't have talk (question did Skype exist in 1915 in London because the last I saw of Becky she was sorting out Mr Selfridges' problems). He spots Maria and Ty talking.

Chesney goes to Fiz's and gives Sinead an early birthday present - she pulls a somewhat shapely and revealing red dress for Sinead to wear. The look on her face is not one of unalloyed joy.

In the Bistro Sal and Tim are discussing Sophie and Maddie - with Tim trying to voice some semblance of reason over Kev's apparently strange decision to employ Maddie.

At the Bistro bar Nick, still in his gym gear is explaining events to Leanne with assistance from Gail. Gail calls Kal rude and obnoxious and barbaric. Nick thought he had turned a corner - but he lost it. Leanne also reckons that Kal is in the wrong - but Nick says it is not Kal - it is his brain.

Sharif (Kal's father) also gives Kal a telling off for goading Nick and pushing him too far. And it was unprofessional. Kal does not have a good explanation.

Steve struggles into the back room at the Rovers and Michelle comes to cuddle him but he is almost sodden through - he says his bones have been liquidised. Steve says half of it hurts. Steve claims the bruise is an exhaustion rash. She asks him if beating Lloyd is this important and she can see from his face (as he does not answer) that it is and she gives up. Steve is willing to endure pain and humiliation to make Amy proud plus he gets to stick it to Lloyd so it is win / win. Michelle orders him upstairs for another work out [and she seems to be keen on those judging by the papers this week]. He cannot get out of the chair and she calls him hopeless and stomps off to the bar. Steve lies down on the sofa.

Sinead refuses to try on the dress - Fiz extemporises and says she wants to keep it a surprise as she has sensed antipathy to the "dress". Fiz sends Ches for a pint of milk. Once he has gone Sinead apologises - but Sinead does not think the dress is her - she and clothes have always had a love / hate relationship. Sinead apologises but Fiz says she is glad of the distraction and that dress is certainly a distraction and they both laugh. Sinead wonders if she ought to be flattered but on second thoughts ... maybe not. Sinead sends Fiz to join Ty in the pub and she will look after the kids. Ty and Fiz being miserable is just what Kirsty would want.

Over in the Rovers Ty and Maria are getting another one - after all what else is there to do? And Ty is now moaning about having to supervise Maddie. Someone needs to keep an eye on her. Ty goes to the gents and David says to Maria that they look pretty cosy and when Maria feigns ignorance David points out that Fiz would be upset at seeing them together. Maria tries to put him right. David says playing games is one thing - but trying to steal Ty off of Fiz - now that is in an entirely different league. She denies she is trying to steal Ty. Following this Maria returns to Ty and says they should call it a night instead of having another drink. Maria says she is tired and puts her coat on. He tries to convince her that there is no problem but she is insistent and when she stands he stands and gives her cuddle to re-assure her. Just as Fiz walks into the pub and sees her husband with his arms around the blonde attractive and recently singled ex. She leaves the Rovers at high speed with Ty in pursuit. David and Maria exchange looks.

Outside Ty dashes down the Street after Fiz. He has spotted she is upset and he was merely having a drink with a mate. They shout and bicker as they head homeward. Ty assures her that he has done nothing wrong. Fiz thinks that Ty could be a bit more sensitive. Ty is astounded she can think like that - he is feeling everything at the moment. He cannot believe she wants him to be more sensitive. What she actually meant was "stay away from Maria". Ty says he already been with one woman who told him what to think and what to say and to whom and he is not going there again. Fiz says she is not Kirsty so Ty tells her not to act like the mad psycho bitch. He heads back to the Rovers. Fiz goes back indoors.

Leanne is hanging around outside the gym as Kal emerges. She asks about the incident with Nick. Kal claims it was an accident. Leanne reports Gail's view that Nick was being pushed. Leanne in quite a tough voice asks for confirmation that was true. Kal eventually admits it is true. Kal does not handle it well. Leanne says he knows about the condition, the need not get Nick stressed - was Kal trying to prove he was top dog? And to prove he was more of a man. Kal turns it around on Leanne - but she is having none of it. Kal says he does not know - are they on or are they off? He is frustrated and Leanne says so you take it out on Nick. Great, so now Nick thinks he is back to square one. Kal says he will talk to him but Leanne says Kal should stay away from Nick - indeed Kal can stay away from both of them. She turns and marches off down the Street.

Roll credits

Now before you ask I cannot tell you where in relation to the rest of The Street where you can find the gym. I have not yet been able to physically place it.

And what did we learn tonight:
Cuddling exes in front of the wife is not a good idea.
Buying unexpected presents is not a good idea.
Wearing yourself out when your partner wants to go to bed is not a good idea.
Being the target when Nick gets angry is a very bad idea.

See you all again on Friday.
Richard

Hello. Here's the episode in which we find out how they coped with Michael Le Vell (Kevin) being suspended until he sorts out his drinking and drug use. (Incidentally, he's checked himself out of rehab, says he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol in weeks and has a steady girlfriend)

Anyway, on with the show:

Fiz is trying to make amends but Tyrone is grumpy. She says she's worried about him because she cares. "Kirsty used to say that and all!" he tells her.

Steve's in the cafe trying to avoid saying how he really got the bruising on his face when Jenna asks him. Kal comes in and Steve makes up more lies and won't let Kal say what really happened.

Gail's talking about it. She thinks it was like a scene from Rocky and Kal pushed Nick too far. In the bistro, Nick tries to tell Leanne that he was pushed and got angry but he controlled it and that's a good thing. Gail screeches that it wouldn't have happened at all if Kal hadn't been shouting at him like some demented sergeant major. Leanne changes the subject to the summer menu and won't let Gail start again. Gail goes off to clean the loos and Nick tells Leanne that the chef's suggested they get a table together and go through the new summer menu. Leanne agrees to do that tonight.

It seems Kevin has suddenly gone back to Germany (aha! So that's how they handled the actor's going off to rehab) and Sally's not happy, especially because he's left the girls in the house. I feel sorrier and sorrier for Tim as he tries to eat his breakfast with the constant broadcast of Sally's opinions about Kevin and Maddy. "Are you even listening to me?" she asks him. "Oh, so you've noticed I'm here, have you?" Tim asks. Sally says she's worried about her daughter. Tim says she's just worried that Sophie doesn't want to live with her any more and she can't keep tabs on her every minute of the day. He warns her that if she doesn't stop going on about Maddy, Sophie will just drift further and further away until Sally realises she doesn't see her from one week to the next. Sally scathingly asks what gave him such an insight into her daughter. Tim asks why she thinks he doesn't talk about his own mum. "Because she kept slagging off Faye's mum the way you keep slagging off Maddy. Who do you think I chose? Who do you think Sophie's going to choose?"

Leanne races over the street to ask Eva if she'll come to have dinner with them at the bistro. She tells Nick Eva's had a row with Jason.

Maddy's trying to clean a car and battling with the vacuum hose. Sophie jokes with her. The social worker arrives and asks if there's somewhere they can talk.

In the cafe, Tyrone tells Maria that Fiz still thinks they're having an affair. Maria wonders if she should lay low for a bit but Tyrone won't let her. They're doing nothing wrong. He says he'll come and have dinner in the pub with her.

In the factory, Fiz is building a web of opinions which agree with her. Eva and Julie are sure men lie all the time. Fiz tells them he accused her of being like Kirsty. She thinks he was lashing out but he seems to have no trouble talking to Maria. Eva thinks that settles it - Fiz should put her foot down.

The social worker tells Maddy her brother Ben will be moving to Devon with his foster parents. They're going to a beautiful house right on the beach. Maddy glares at her and slams out of the house.

At the gym, Kal talks to his dad. Nick arrives and Kal apologises to him, saying he behaved unprofessionally and maybe Kal shouldn't train him. He knows Leanne's worried. Nick insists he trusts Kal and wants him as trainer. "Leanne worries too much, OK. Don't give it another thought." Nick invites Kal to come to the tasting meal as well. "I couldn't have got through the last few months without you. The least I can do is invite you to dinner."

In the pub, Sinead's talking about the dress and Fiz is preoccupied. When Julie prods her she tells Sinead to just tell Chesney she doesn't like the dress. Julie and Fiz both say Sinead shouldn't go out in anything she doesn't feel comfortable in. They're interrupted by Tyrone and Maria coming in together. Fiz suddenly finds something she has to go home for. Ty goes to go after her but Maria holds him back. She says it's time she sorted this.

Fiz opens the door to Maria. Maria asks if she can come in. Maria asks if she really thinks there's something going on between her and Tyrone. Maria says Tyrone just wants to talk. Fiz is unhappy he won't talk to her. Maria tells her Tyrone just wants to unload and sometimes it's easier to do that with someone else. "That's all." Maria apologises for the way she treated Fiz after Marcus and says she just wants to be a friend to both of them. Fiz hugs her and asks if they can just forget everything.

Sophie finds Maddy back at home. She shouts at her that Maddy can't "do one" whenever things don't go her way. Maddy says her brother is moving to Devon. "Rosie lives in London," says Sophie. "You keep in touch." She tells Maddy it's time she grew up. Sally comes in and asks if everything's all right. Tim says they wondered if the girls want to come for their tea. Sophie says they've had some bad news and Maddy's brother is going to Devon. Sally gushes about how wonderful Devon is. She and Kevin had a great holiday there once. Maddy says her brother's going to live there permanently. "But thanks for that lovely trip down memory lane!" She storms out and Sophie puts her head in her hands. Tim asks if that's a maybe on tea tonight . . .

Kal arrives at the bistro where Steph gushes over him. It's lucky she does because Gail's likely to give him frostbite. He apologises to Gail for yesterday but she turns the apology away. Kal goes to the table and Eva goes to powder her nose. Kal tries to talk to Leanne but Nick rushes in apologising for being late. Gail serves them and makes sideways comments about Kal. Nick apologises for her.

Maria goes to the garage to see Tyrone. She says she's sorted things with Fiz. On her way out she smirks to herself.

Eva's trying to sort out religious dietary restrictions and makes the others laugh. They all chat about Simon. Kal says they should enjoy him before he hits his teens.

In the pub Steve repeats his lie about being hit when his mother tossed him a bottle of juice. Lloyd and Eileen suggest Michelle might have hit him.

In a booth, Sally tells Tim it's best if he stays out of her relationship with Sophie. He tells her she should do what other parents do - grit her teeth, pretend things are OK and then complain to everyone else. That's not what Sally does. Tim says Lloyd's lent him a DVD and why don't they pretend today never happened and go home and snuggle up on the sofa. Sally says they can't just wave a magic wand. Tim points out there are wizards in Game of Thrones. Sally can't believe Sophie's throwing her life away and Tim wants to pretend they're in Narnia. "It's not Narnia, it's King's Landing," he points out. Sally tells him he can't bury his head when things get tough. He reckons if Sally buried her head more often she and Sophie would still be friends. He gets up and walks away.

Leanne's been to check on Simon and when she gets back to the bistro Eva has gone home. Nick goes to get coffee and Leanne tells Kal tonight's been an absolute nightmare. When Nick comes back she says she'll head off. Nick tells Kal he's learned there's no point in pussyfooting around. "If you want something you've got to just do it."

Sophie comforts Maddy. Maddy feels as if she's let Ben down. Sophie suggests she takes driving lessons and the two of them save up for a car so they can go and see him every Friday. She suggests they go and see Ben tomorrow. Maddy doesn't think it'll make any difference. She doesn't think it's right that she gets no say in what happens to her brother.

Kal arrives at Leanne's flat. He tells her he had to see her. They get close and she says: "Are you going to kiss me or what?" So he does.

The end.
Margaret Carr

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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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