2014

Friday 1 August

Hello. I hope your summer/winter is going well. If it's not, I'm sure you've noticed the days lengthening/shortening - we'll be in a different season before long.

I've staggered inside from the blazing sun (or the torrential rain - those are the only two weathers we've been getting) to write you this Friday update.

Fiz and Chesney have bought bread and cheese to take to the library protesters. Fiz discourages Chesney from taking a toaster (fire hazard) or the Gazette (they've got plenty to read).

In the Kabin, Lloyd asks after Rita but Norris refuses to let her be the subject of gossip. Lloyd can't believe Norris Cole is accusing him of gossiping. Sharif and Kal come in. Sharif is annoyed by the headline on the Gazette poster outside. They should describe Yasmeen as a librarian, not an activist. Norris snippily points out that librarians stack shelves and activists break the law. Lloyd is very relieved. "That's more like it," he tells Norris. "I thought you'd had some kind of brain transplant." The Nazirs put down the Gazette and Norris protests he can't sell it now they've been reading it and demands 60p. Kal slams down a pound and doesn't wait for the change.

Outside, Sharif says Yasmeen should be celebrating Eid with her family, not up to who-knows-what in a library with a strange man. Kal reckons he knows exactly what she'll be up to with the strange man - talking him into a coma. Kal says he's going to the library to visit them. His Dad says he needs to fetch his mother's indigestion tablets and hand cream from the house.

In the library, Roy asks Yasmeen if she wants any bread and cheese. "Do you want me bloated?" she asks. No, he doesn't. She's checking her e-mails. She thought she'd have heard from Mr Shaw by now. He must have read her argument. She tries to refresh her e-mail page and the power goes off. Yasmeen shouts at the ceiling, "You won't win!" She says she'll get Khalid (Kal - she always uses his full name) to send an e-mail as well. She says Mr Shaw won't stand up to his second wife, who is also a councilor. This just shows how important it is to choose a second wife carefully. "Or not at all," says Roy. This sets off Yasmeen into a rant about humans not being a species who should live alone. Humans should be in pairs. "Simple fact." Roy asks to see the paperwork which qualifies her to inflict on others these opinions dressed as science. He says her point is unfounded, unvalidated and possibly arrogant. Go, Roy! "How dare you!" she steams. "I am entitled to my opinion." Roy says she is but it's still hogwash. Yasmeen stamps away.

Maddie has collected Simon and Eccles. They all seem to be getting on really well. Simon's even smiling as they walk down the street.

In the bistro, Gail perches on a bar stool and asks for drink. But Nick won't let Steph serve it because Gail's still wearing her tabard. Audrey comes in. She wonders where David and Kylie are. Gail says their plane has landed, they've sent a text and Lloyd's picking them up. She asks Nick if Audrey's wearing the right clothes. Audrey refuses to enter the argument, or to stop for a drink, and tells Gail the argument between her and Nick needs sorting.

In the second-hand shop, Rob's on the phone to the person who bought Uncle Albert's medal but they seem to be being awkward. Tracy snatches the phone and tells the person that Uncle Albert lost both legs in the war . . . Rob snatches it back and ends the call. He tells Tracy she's probably just put the price up by 50 per cent. Maddie's in the shop. She offers Tracy five pounds for a paddling pool. When Tracy refuses to drop the 15-pound price, Maddie says she's not paying more than five and Tracy should be happy with that because it's for Simon. Tracy thinks for a moment then says if Maddie's sitting for Simon she can have the paddling pool for five pounds as long as she takes Amy as well - picks her up from the holiday club and gives her her tea, too.

Michael's having trouble raising Lloyd on the radio when Gail comes in. She's asking about David and Kylie but the chat turns to the situation between her and Michael. He says he's sorry and she's right - family has to come first. He tries Lloyd again. For some strange reason we can hear what Lloyd says, unlike pretty much every other driver's side of the conversation with the switch operator ever. Lloyd describes David and Kylie as completely incompetent parents and says he's close to stopping and letting them and their devil child walk home. Michael tries to cover for Lloyd. "He gets grumpy when he's missed his dinner." Max is probably just in high spirits or has jet lag. Either that or Lloyd's completely out of order, Gail harrumphs.

Kal goes to the library. There's a police car parked outside. Roy's sitting reading in the window and tells him he can't get in because the door's locked. Yasmeen says there's a window round the back he can climb through. Kal throws her a bin bag containing her indigestion tablets and other supplies, including a torch and a print-out of Mr Shaw's reply to the e-mail. A meeting has been called. Yasmeen says they can't both go and leave the library empty. Roy thinks this is contrary her opinion that humans must be in pairs. Yasmeen tells him that's simplistic. Kal's surprised. "Have you two fallen out? How?"

Lloyd stops the car at the cab office, to Kylie's annoyance. They'd asked to be taken to their door. She's not lugging a baby and their bags from here. Lloyd says he'll happily take them the rest of the way once they're paid the fare and for the damage Max has done. Max is laughing and swinging on a loose headrest he's obviously damaged. He gets out and makes a run for it. Kylie screams at Lloyd that she'll sue him if Max gets run over. As she races after the boy, Lloyd shouts that he'll sue if he doesn't get his 40 quid. David gets out and hands over 20 pounds and ten Barbadian dollars. Lloyd advises him to go home, get over his jet lag, have a long think and then bring him another 20 pounds.

As David drags the bags past the salon, Audrey comes out - she saw Kylie race past but not stop, even though she waved. She wants a chat and wants David to have a talk with Nick. David's got no time for this - he's just stepped off the plane. He cuts his grandmother short and drags the bags off towards home.

Kal's inside the library now and suggests Roy and his mother toss a coin to see who will go to the meeting. Yasmeen says she's not going. "Roy?" asks Kal. "You would leave me alone here?" asks Yasmeen. She asks if Kal knows how old Roy is. "Do you?" asks Roy. "Or is this another unfounded assumption?" Kal says he'll go to the meeting but only if they make up. As he leaves them, both go back to reading.

Amy's in the paddling pool and Simon's nearby with Eccles on his knee. Amy's annoyed at this. Eccles isn't his dog but Grandma Deirdre's. She accuses him of being cruel and holding on to Eccles even though Eccles wants to come to her. Simon takes his hands away to demonstrate that Eccles likes being with him. Amy really is turning into her mother's daughter. She calls Simon stupid and says he gets it off his Dad, who is in prison for being stupid. "Stupid, stupid, stupid. And he's guilty." Simon can't get her to shut up and gets quite distressed. He rushes inside with Eccles just as Sophie and Maddie come out. Amy accuses him of hurting Eccles in order to stop the dog going to her but Maddie says she knows that's a big fat fib. Sophie tells Amy to be nice or the pool's going back in the box. There's a commotion as Max bangs on the garden fence and shouts for Simon.

Simon's inside and Maddie calms him down.

Sophie opens the gate and is zapped by a high-powered water gun. Max laughs hysterically and runs for his life.

Outside the Kabin, Norris explains to Fiz and Chesney that the library protest is a sign of general anarchy. Max rocks up to this little group, points the water gun at Norris and demands sweets. Norris refuses and is blasted. "Anarchy! What did I say!" shouts Norris as he sets off after Max.

Amy goes into the house and asks Maddie for confirmation that "Simon's a cry-baby, isn't he?" Maddie asks if Amy wants something to cry about (Hmm. . . maybe the scriptwriter knew my mother. She used that line). Amy goes upstairs and Simon tells Maddie that Eccles is sad and lonely and worried about having to move home again. Of course, these are all Simon's feelings, not the dog's. Maddie is very wise with him and tells him that even if Eccles or anyone else does have to move again, they can make sure there's someone looking out for them. Simon hugs her.

"The meeting's about to start. Text me that you and Roy are friends again," is the message from Kal which Yasmeen reads out. Roy puts down his book and says it's perhaps timely for him to apologise. "Conflict is not my way," he says, though Yasmeen says he's very good at it. Roy says everyone is entitled to an opinion and Yasmeen admits maybe she gave hers a little forcefully. They discuss the fact that Roy's been married and Yasmeen discovers he was widowed just this year. She says it's far too early for him to start thinking of remarriage. Roy feels it would be inappropriate to remarry at all but Yasmeen insists it's just too early, that's all. "It must be very hard." Roy says it's the absence he feels. "It's her absence in everything." To fill that absence with another person, another personality, would not be right when the absence is hers and hers alone. Yasmeen talks about Kal's widower state. She was so proud when he was in the army and dressed up in his uniform, even though he hated being in the army. He looked like a man, all grown up. But when his wife died and he arrived home in that same uniform, he looked like a little boy again. She wants to make things easier for him. "I think he's only just coming back to who he was and I want so much for him to find somebody." But she's afraid he's fallen for the first woman he's seen and she's not right for him. "He needs calmness and he's walking into a hurricane."

Tracy and Rob stand in the sunshine outside the shop. They're waiting for the person who bought the medal from the original shop customer. Tracy has plans to flirt with the medal collector and wants to do all the talking. "He collects medals. I'll be like a breath of fresh air." She's out of luck. The collector turns out to be a bolshie woman who's been hunting for this particular medal for ages. "If I'm parting with it, I want my injured feelings recompensed."

Norris chases Max to Gail's front door. Max bangs on the door hoping to be let in before Norris grabs him. But it's too late and like the childcatcher, Norris's arms go round Max just as David and Kylie come to the door. "That child needs discipline!" Norris shouts. He wants them to pay for dry cleaning his jacket, too. Kylie basically laughs at him and shuts the door in his face.

Roy talks to Yasmeen about Hayley's overdue book. He shows her the Goethe quote on a slip of paper which Hayley left in the book: "Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world." He says Hayley made some difficult decisions towards the end of her life. Yasmeen likes the quotation. She says it's inspiring and Hayley must have been very special. She thinks the quotation means they'll win. Roy suggests reshelving the book but Yasmeen says he should have it if he wants it. "We're activists," she says. "I might take one too." "Without scanning it out?" asks Roy. Perhaps not.

David's on the sofa and when Audrey and Gail come in after talking to Norris, he shows them a letter from the school. They want to charge 150 pounds because David and Kylie took Max out of school during term time. Gail hopes the holiday was worth it. David says the school could have paid them 150 pounds and it still wouldn't have been worth it. They question him about what he means but he won't say. In the end he says the problem was Max. "It always is." he tells them Max isn't normal. "I think there's summat wrong with him."

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Welcome. We have been looking after a pair of German Shepherds (dogs not people) who indoors are generally nice well behaved dogs who have a tendency to follow us around if we get out of our chairs. However when being walked they are a little antagonistic and we have to keep our distance from other dogs as a consequence. The younger one - Luna - is a white GS and likes to prove how fit she is by thundering along walking very quickly! Tiring as these two need two walks per day.

Anyway over in Weatherfield events this week have been dominated by the planned library closure which in most towns would drag on for many months but seems to have been managed in a week. Soaps often distort time and the way what could have been a long running story is chewed up in a week seems odd to me. Should we blame the writer, who was Carmel Morgan or the director - for this episode it was Terry Dyddgen-Jones? More likely the Producer and the production team. But as usual thanks to ITV for bringing quality drama into our houses five times a week.

This episode (series 55, episode 149) opens at the Platt residence where David is reporting to Gail and Audrey that the holiday has been a nightmare due to the new devil child - Max who has been running amok. Neither of the women are sympathetic - boys on holiday can be a bit manic, but David says that Max was a wrecking ball from the start - and there is no naughty step at 30,000 feet. Gail reckons that He and Kylie are sleep deprived. Gail says she can simply see a happy boy; David reckons she needs an eye test and he is getting no support from Kylie - in which case Gail says she has to be sat down for a proper conversation.

At the second hand shop Rob and Tracy are getting completely the wrong side of the new owner of the medal. Tracy is totally unwilling to compromise. She offers £220 and the seller wants £575 as a minimum. Uncle Albert saved two compatriots in battle and the seller departs.

Kal arrives at the library with a sad look on his face. Roy and Yasmeen can see they have been beaten by Mr Shaw and assassinate his character before Kal performs the reverse switch to tell them that Mr Shaw has in fact won them the right to an appeal against the closure. Mr Shaw quoted from some of the emails. Yasmeen immediately reverses his views on Mr Shaw. Kal suggests they go to the Rovers to plan the rest of their campaign and Yasmeen and Roy are on the same side now - as she says two hours is a long time in politics.

Amy is another devil child - but then look at her mother. She uses the bored word and Maddie sends her to play outside and Sophie is trying to dry her hair. Amy starts another argument with Simon.

In the Rovers the reprieve to the library is reported and Yasmeen makes a joke which Roy does not appreciate and he is missing Hayley. Fiz tells Roy she is proud of him and he admits that he enjoyed it - the old Roy is coming back to us.

Amy has the lovely Eccles (still no sign of the tricks) on a lead and sneaks out into the ginnel and heads out to the Street at a run.

Kylie emerges from a long sleep and has tried to get Max to stop using his terminal. David would prefer he be left alone - it keeps him quiet. Gail and Audrey head off for a drink in another bistro. Kylie tells David off for slagging off their holiday and tells David he is making it worse. Then Max can be heard shouting for Mum from upstairs.

Tracy tears up Meg's card - she reckons she will be back with a lower price - but Rob is not so sure - she has the medal and the upper hand. Rob is trying to cash up when Amy knocks at the door - she and Eccles have run away. Amy starts crying (Rob is looking after Eccles) and accuses Maddie of threatening to slap her (true but only because she was being naughty and I am of the camp which does believe in ensuring that promises are kept in such circumstances).

After the break Tracy hammers on the front door and Sophie answers - Tracy has just come to check on Amy and is told she is playing in the back garden. Tracy says she might enter Amy into Britain's Got Talent as she can be in two places at once - and invites Amy to emerge from behind the front hedge where she has been hiding. Tracy gives Sophie a right telling off and then gives Maddie a telling off - and does not accept that Amy wagged off. Maddie lost Amy shouts Tracy at Maddie and she legged it after being traumatised by Maddie. Maddie reckons she had it coming. Sophie tells Maddie to calm and apologises to Tracy. Tracy tells them that her daughter Amy does not do "nasty" and we see little Amy giving Simon one of her cute smiles (like mother like daughter). Tracy will not sue them but wants the other tenner for the paddling pool. Maddie refuses but Sophie gives her the money. Maddie is not amused. Simon decides to stop rather than go with Tracy and Amy.

Back at the shop Rob makes the call to Meg and agrees to pay the asking price.

At the Platts it is pepperoni pizza and David tells Kylie how worried he is about Max. It has been going on for a while and perhaps they should get him checked out. Kylie says Max is not a not job and storms out.

In the Rovers Ty joins the celebration party - he has just heard on the radio that the library is on fire and unlikely to be saved. Three fire engines. Yasmeen is sure it is dirty tricks. Roy reckons it is greed pure and simple. The developers do not care. Yasmeen is out of a job. Yasmeen feels like she has abandoned those who like books. Wisely Mary says that they must put their thinking caps on and rise like a phoenix from the ashes, pun intended. Ches can only seek the bleak side - no building and no books. But Roy has had a thought and asks Ches and Ty to spare him ten minutes.

Back at Barlow Villas Deirdre was cleaning for Ken's return until she realised he would not notice once she breaks the news about Peter. Poor Ken is going to be completely oblivious and is going to hope that ignorance is bliss. Rob returns the recovered medal and Dreary gives him a big hug and then gives Eccles a hug - and extends it to Amy. Dreary displays Uncle Albert's medal and says Rob is responsible.

Kylie is discussing Max with Eva and Liz. Both reckon that he is just being a boy - but Kylie is starting to examine the evidence. And Eva (who has her assets on full display this evening) tells her that if she has real concerns she needs to talk to David. She nods.

Tracy gives Rob a telling off for spending over the top on the medal and even if Tracy knows he is right she is never going to admit it.

Back at the Platt's Kylie, looking her usual skinny self, returns. David waves a piece of white kitchen towel from behind the kitchen wall, signifying surrender. She laughs. She does not want to fight. Max is asleep - a miracle she proclaims. The two of them are civilized and she admits the holiday was an endurance test. She apologises that Max is not David's real son. But the damage is done - it is in Max's genes.

Roy takes the group back to the Cafe - the bookcases have come from upstairs and they could arrange a lending library in the cafe and it all would need to run on goodwill. Yasmeen is sure she can source books and she can see the new small beautiful community library. But still a cafe says Roy and Mary rolls her eyes.

Kylie is worried that Max will remember things as he gets older. Max's first few years were troubled - but David thinks they need to concentrate on the future. David eloquently puts the case for getting Max looked at - if they don't then no-one will want to play with him anyway. Kylie is doubtful. There are years of school ahead and David does not think he will grow out of it. They are both tired and he feels they need professional help. Kylie does not want him looked at. She does not want his name on a list, then Max comes running downstairs and wants some cheese and Kylie says that Max just needs them.

And have we learned anything tonight?

If you have won a reprieve be careful to turn off the electrics or the place might go up in flames.

If you have a misbehaving child the chances are the parents are to blame, either for their genes or for the poor upbringing or in Amy's case both - can you imagine what she is going to be like for the next fifty years?

And don't sell Uncle Albert's medal.

See you next week.
Richard


Monday 4 August

Written by Jan McVerry Directed by Tim Dowd

Deirdre has employed Tracy to help her clean Number 1 from top to bottom in anticipation of Ken's imminent return. Seems that Ken has had a few enjoyable weeks once Adam has recovered, a visit to Calgary and a family wedding (whose family?) Rob wants to leave for the airport by 5 but Deirdre will still be in the hairdresser and Tracy decides she and Amy can't go along as there will be no room. Mam...Dad...the elephant in the room...Deirdre looks worried.

Tony is taking Liz for brunch. Todd has created some leaflets to drum up business. Jason is grumpy because business is slow, never mind spending money on advertising. Liz spots Lloyd coming out of the cafe below. She decides she should run down and try to cheer him up. Tony thinks Todd's idea was good but Jason doesn't. Todd just rolls his eyes.

Gail is struggling with Max who is persistently trying to get out the door while still wearing his slippers. David has got an appointment with a doctor to see he, Kylie and Max tonight. Max dumps a waste bin full of what looks like shredded paper over Gail's head. Gail and David think it's a good idea to see if Max has something treatable. Kylie isn't so sure. She orders Max downstairs to apologize. But deep down you can tell she's worried too.

Peter is in rough shape, curled up on his bed. He snarls at his cellmate for whistling. His cellmate is in a good mood because he's expecting a visit from his grandson. He mentions that Peter hadn't slept easy and asks who Tina is? Peter snaps at him but it doesn't faze his mate. No substitute for family, he's told but Peter just growls that it depends on who your family is. He gives Peter a picture his grandson must have made "to Peter" and says Simon will be missing him. He should get Leanne to bring Simon in but Peter isn't so sure Simon would come. His own father hasn't even written much less been in contact. He does appreciate the drawing which looks like a big green dragon and passes on his thanks. He pins it to the wall beside a photo of a young Simon and one of him and Simon and looks heartbroken.

Max asks why he's going to the doctor's. They don't really answer him and Kylie sends him upstairs to change. Kylie is very much afraid the blame will land squarely on her for picking Max's nutcase dad. David maturely points out that she picked him and he was a good choice and says it's better this is sorted now because if they wait until he's a teenager, it'll be the police sorting Max out. She reluctantly agrees. David then asks about Max's dad, thinking it better if he knows the whole story in case the doctor asks. Calum Logan was his name, Kylie sighs. It sounds like Calum was big and gobby and was proud of Kylie's pregnancy at first but went off her as she grew large with child. He wasn't there when she had Max and though seemed to pay attention to the baby at first, the novelty soon wore off. Calum ended up in jail for assaulting a judge and Kylie has no idea if he's still inside or out.

Todd, wearing a jacket and tie, hair slicked down, and looking like the biggest brown noser in the world, chats with Tony. Tony doesn't mind how Todd gets results getting business as long as he does. He's not been too successful yet but he promises Tony he will be, that's the reason behind the swish clothing. It gives their business that little bit more respectability. (and smarm) He jogs off with his clipboard. Tony turns on the computer monitor and notes that Todd was looking at a website selling posh looking shoes.

Michael is proving to be an efficient employee. He's got all his paperwork up to date, giving Eileen no cause to complain. Lloyd just grunts in the corner. Todd comes in and asks if they would be willing to advertise the builders' in the cabs for a discount on any home repairs. Eileen thinks it's a good idea but Lloyd doesn't want to set a precedent. He summarily turns down the offer.

A cab pulls up on the cobbles. Ken gets out! Obviously he caught an earlier flight (and why does that always happen? Why do these people never let anyone know? Mind you, Ken landing in Manchester earlier in the day makes more sense, when you realize that most flights from North America to England are overnight flights). He looks around, smiles and says "This place never changes" (I think that's meant to be ironic considering how much he's going to find out has happened in the past 18 months or so, and let's not forget the whole Coronation Street set has moved and been rebuilt!)

After the break, Ken is outside the door, ringing the bell but nobody's home. Naturally. Steve and Eileen see him as they come down the walk and Deirdre spots him as she comes out of Audrey's and charges over into his arms! Ken is about to invite Steve and Eileen inside but Deirdre puts a stop to that but can't stop Eileen from expressing sympathy about what's happened to Peter, he must be in shock. Deirdre drops her keys in shock, herself, and Ken, who hasn't got a clue, says it was just inevitable since Peter's been a confirmed alcoholic for years but they aren't quite talking about the same thing and Deirdre rushes Ken inside before any further kittens come gushing out of the bag. Eileen and Steve are a bit mystified.

Kylie and David and Max arrive at the clinic just as Sean is leaving with some medication for allergies. Max immediately proceeds to spill all the toys in a corner onto the floor.

Inside Number 1, Ken is hugging Tracy. He shakes Rob's hand cooly as Deirdre brings out proper cups of tea. Ken hands out gifts, everyone's got their own personal bottle of Canadian maple syrup. Nonplussed, Deirdre reckons it will liven up their bacon and eggs of a morning. Um...Ken has another surprise. He's gone all vegetarian! Deirdre isn't sure what to make of that. The women go to the kitchen where Tracy discovers that Deirdre hasn't actually told Ken very much at all.

Jason arrives back at the yard. Todd tells him there's an emergency roofing job waiting. Result!

Deirdre is nervous. She's rabbiting on about what she can make Ken that he will eat. Tracy offers to tell Ken everything. Deirdre cries that she didn't want to be the one that breaks Ken's heart. In the living room, Rob is talking to Ken about Canada. There's a knock on the door and inexplicably, it's a very enthusiastic Audrey there to see Ken. I'm not sure if it's out of genuine longing to see a friend or if she just wants to see what Ken's reaction is to Peter being in jail (she, like everyone else, thinks he already knows, I presume). Deirdre puts her off and shuts the door. Back inside, Ken is now showing that his pomposity hasn't been reduced. He's been reading and even writing his own poetry. Deirdre gives Tracy the signal and she grabs Rob to leave them to it. Ken gets up to ring Peter to bring Simon around but doesn't make it as far as the phone and when Deirdre mentions that Tracy is going to fetch Amy, he avers that he's anxious to see her, too!

In the pub, Lloyd and Michael are having a drink and talking about heartbreak just as Gail arrives. Audrey is complaining at the bar but Sean implies that she probably interrupted Deirdre and Ken's "reunion" which makes Audrey blush. Gail is discussing Max with Michael. Tracy and Rob come in in order to get Amy. They go to the back to get her. Tracy tells Rob that she's worried. Her father is getting up there and she's worried how he's going to take this bad news.

Ken is apologizing to Deirdre for the maple syrup and then pulls her in for a kiss, telling her he missed her a lot. She pushes him back, mentioning the others could come back. He remarks that he doesn't trust Rob but she, using that as the first step into "the talk", says Rob was a rock for her when things were rough. Ken assumes she means because he abandoned her. As they're talking, you can hear Eccles barking and whining behind them. He's trying to apologize to her but the dog is distracting him. She goes to let Eccles out into the back yard but the back gate is open and she scoots out and down the ginnel, Deirdre in hot pursuit. Ken picks up his keys and heads to the door himself.

Max is fidgeting with a toy while David and Kylie try to explain what he's been like to the doctor. Too much trouble in school, too much energy, not listening. Kylie is defensive and the doctor is watching Max with a thoughtful eye. Kylie explains that Max didn't have a good start in life and he doesn't get much sleep. The doctor describes all the symptoms and says that it sounds to her like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD.

Ken comes outside of the corner shop, bottle of wine in hand, and bumps into Carla. It's good to see her but she's not so sure he means it. As the conversation unfolds, it seems clear that Ken realizes she and Peter have split up, but only to do with a drinking relapse. Carla is mystified until she realizes he doesn't know the whole truth. She's reluctant to tell him but he insists. She tells him he's going to need a stiff drink first.

Tvor

Written by Ellen Taylor and Directed by Tim Dowd

Carla should probably have chosen somewhere other than the Rovers to take Ken for a quiet word as half the street are in there with their eyes and ears out on stalks. Ken declines the offer of a drink. Even he's worked out by now that something is amiss and he just wants Carla to tell him what's going on. So she comes straight out with it: Peter had an affair with Tina, she's dead and Peter's been charged with her murder. Ken looks suitably shocked.

Deirdre arrives home with Eccles under her arm to discover Ken's gone out and left a note. She thinks she hears him coming through the door but it's Rob and Tracy. They laugh when she tells them why she's worked up - Ken has gone to the shop. But their faces fall when Deirdre explains she still hasn't told Ken any of the news.

The doctor is telling David and Kylie that she thinks Max has ADHD. Hardly life-threatening but Kylie's distressed by the news and only picks up on the mention of seeing a psychiatrist and the fact that some people believe the cause can be genetic.

Back in the Rovers Ken asks Carla to expand on what's been happening so she fills in some of the details. When she gets to the bit about being pregnant she discovers that something else Deirdre failed to tell Ken. He's really upset by this news and clasps Carla's hands across the table. Then Ken asks about Tina and can hardly believe what he's hearing. He questions whether her death could have been suicide but his face falls even further when he hears that Tina was hit over the head. Ken is really angry that Deirdre kept the news from him and says he'd have been back weeks ago if he'd known all this. He asks outright whether Carla believes Peter really killed Tina. She replies that two months ago she would have said not in a million years but now . . . they're interrupted by the arrival of Audrey. She tells Ken it's lovely to have him home, despite the circumstances. Ken observes that a lot seems to have changed since he's been away.

Kylie, David and Max are back home where the atmosphere is subdued. Max asks if there's something wrong with him. Kylie tells him he's still her perfect, beautiful boy. He wants to know why he has to see more doctors. David patiently explains in words he'll understand.

Out in the street, Fiz and Ty are looking up at the roof of their house. Jason comes along and asks what they're doing. Fiz explains they're fantasizing about a loft conversion but the problem is they can't afford it. Jason offers to give them a free estimate. Then they all stop talking to greet Ken who has come out of the Rovers. Ty earns himself a nudge from Fiz when he says that it's a shame about Peter. Poor Ken realises that he really is the last to know what's been going on. Fiz hurries the boys away before they can put their feet in it any further.

On the other side of the front door of number 1, Deirdre is in a right state. Ken's been gone ages. She's momentarily relieved when she hears the door open but her face soon falls when she catches his expression. "I bumped into Carla," snarls Ken as he glares at Deirdre. "How could you ...how could you ... NOT TELL ME!" roars Ken. Deirdre promptly bursts into tears.

Rob and Tracy sit awkwardly at the table while Deirdre tries to explain through her sobs why she didn't tell Ken anything. He is incredulous that she didn't even let him know his own son was in prison for murder. Rob tries to intervene and stick up for Deirdre. Ken tells him it's nothing to do with him. Tracy says that, as her fiance, Rob's a part of the family now. "I did tell you that," Deirdre pipes up, mid sob. Ken says he'd hoped that was one bit of news that wasn't true. A slanging match then ensues. Ken orders Rob to get out. Deirdre, still crying her eyes out, shouts for everyone to stop it. Ken announces he wants to speak to Deirdre alone and Tracy tactfully removes Rob and leaves them to it. "What else have you not told me about?" he asks, as soon as they're on their own.

Todd sweeps into the Rovers, looking the part of the young businessman, full of talk about how successful his flyers have been. Tony seems suitably impressed, as does Eileen when her son offers to buy her a drink. Sean, on the other hand looks positively underwhelmed by Todd's behaviour.

Over at one of the tables, Audrey's face looks as sour as Sean's. She's having to sit and listen while Gail and Michael discuss ice-cream van tunes and watch her daughter simpering and giggling like a teenager.

Back and number 1 Deirdre has finally stopped crying. She tries to explain to Ken that she wanted to tell him the news face to face. He can't understand why she didn't at least call and says something important had happened and she needed him to come home. Deirdre admits she was hoping it would go away, that they'd find who really killed Tina and that they'd let Peter off the hook. Then she says she was scared to tell Ken in case he somehow blamed her for what happened. Ken is exasperated and even more so when Deirdre tells him that Rob has been a rock for her since all this happened. Deirdre starts to get some fighting spirit back and asks Ken if he has any idea how hard it's been for her with him going away for so long. She starts to cry again as she accuses Ken of not listening and adds that he never has. Ken gets angry and shouts. How dare she turn the blame back onto him? "Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!" screams Deirdre.

Ken takes a deep breath and sits down. He asks Deirdre how Peter is. She admits she doesn't know because Peter won't see anyone. He's even sacked his solicitor. Ken wants to know why. Deirdre explains it's because they suggested Peter should plead guilty. Ken looks shocked. Surely they don't think he did it? Deirdre tries to explain how bad Peter's drinking had got, how different he'd become. Ken is seething and says that everyone else might have given up on Peter but he hasn't. He leaves Deirdre sobbing once more.

Jason goes into the Rovers with Fiz and Ty. Tony comes across and Jason tells his dad he's doing an estimate for them and he's going to give them mates' rates. Tony and Todd exchange glances behind Jason's back.

Tracy and Rob have gone into the Bistro for a drink. Tracy tells Rob things will look up for Peter now her Dad's back. Rob wants to know how come. He looks more than a little uncomfortable when Tracy explains her Dad will get Peter the best defense team money can buy.

In the Rovers, Audrey reminds Michael about his curfew. In fact she suggests he might want to leave now as she's heard there's heavy traffic on the ring road. Gail is not impressed. Nor is Audrey. After Michael's gone, Audrey tells her daughter she couldn't stand another moment watching Gail throwing herself at him.

On the other side of the pub, Todd tries to assert his authority with Jason. He tells his brother he can't go and do an estimate for Ty and Fiz tomorrow because he's set him up with another job. Ty and Fiz say it doesn't matter, he can fit them in any time but Jason doesn't want to be bossed around by Todd . It's his business, after all. Todd says he's only trying to do his job and keep the business profitable. Tony finds himself having to step in to try and keep the peace.

Back at no. 1 Ken has just spoken to Peter on the phone. He tells Deirdre he's going to go and see Peter tomorrow and he thinks he'll take Simon with him. Deirdre says he might not want to as he hasn't seen his dad for weeks. Ken is incredulous and accuses Deirdre of abandoning Peter in his hour of need. "And you abandoned us all," cries Deirdre. Ken goes off to bed to sleep off his jet lag, turning down Deirdre's offer of food.

David and Kylie are on the sofa, discussing Max. Kylie is convinced his problems are all her fault and that she's a bad mother. Then Audrey and Gail come in from the pub and Gail asks how they got on so David tells them about the ADHD. Gail says it explains a lot but Audrey's view is that it's just a fancy name for being naughty. This upsets Kylie who tries to point out Max is ill. "At least it's nothing serious," says Audrey, upsetting Kylie even more. "The fact is, I gave it to him. Just look at me, it's no wonder he's messed up," says Kylie before rushing off upstairs with David in hot pursuit.

Tracy and Rob return from the Bistro to find Deirdre in a total state. They try to comfort her but she's completely distraught. She's been waiting for so long for Ken to come home and take her in his arms and she thought that when he walked back through the door she'd feel safe again he'd hug her and she'd know everything was OK. Tracy tries to reassure her mother but Deirdre cries that she and Ken have never been apart for this long before and this feels different. Tracy tells her mum that she and her dad belong together. "But what if he never forgives me?" sobs Deirdre.

Karen


Wednesday 6 August

Deirdre comes down to find Ken fixing his own breakfast, and he's very frosty with her, annoyed that she'd kept him in the dark. The post arrives, it's a visiting order so that he can go and see Peter at 2.30. Deirdre asks if he's spoken to Leanne about taking Simon, and he replies he's going to see her later. Ken is very worried about what state Peter must be in, and Deirdre advises him to brace himself.

Sinead is busy making bars of soap. She wants to sell them to make some spending money for their holiday, and is going to try the fancy shops in town. Kirk thinks the price of 3.50 is a bit expensive for a bar of soap, but Chesney points out that handmade soap is a luxury product.

Steve and a very glum Lloyd are in the taxi office. Lloyd thinks his life is over. Just then Leanne comes in to book a cab to take her to a job interview and guesses from his attitude that Lloyd is having a hard time getting over Andrea.

Emily and Norris come out of their front door and see Todd with a clipboard, staring up at their roof. He tells them some tiles are broken and goes on to give them a horror story involving seeping water, rotten battens and the need for a new roof, and then offers to give Norris an estimate. However, as soon as Todd has walked away, Norris tears up the leaflet he was given. "New roof my Aunt Fanny!" he says to Emily.

Ken is round at Leanne's flat, giving Simon the present he brought back from Canada. It's a ruler, inlaid with various pieces of Canadian timber. Simon seems decidedly underwhelmed by this gift and has to be prompted by Leanne to say thank you. Simon wanders off and Ken to talks to Leanne about Peter, he asks if she thinks Peter did it. Leanne doesn't seem to think there's much doubt, but Ken can't believe Peter would be capable of such a thing. Leanne thinks that alcohol has changed Peter a great deal. Ken goes on to say that Peter is at rock bottom and he thinks a visit from Simon might help him - if Simon wants to go, that is. So they ask him, Simon seems undecided so Leanne advises him to think about it and let Ken know.

Peter, meanwhile, is getting edgy about Ken's impending visit, and irritable with his cell mate. He knows he has always been a disappointment to his dad - and now this.

Jason and Tyrone are in the cafe. Jason starts to talk to Tyrone about his loft conversion and Tyrone jokes that he shouldn't be talking about it without Todd present. Jason says that Todd is doing his head in. Just then Norris comes in and grumbles to a rather baffled Jason about Todd's hard-sell regarding a new roof. Jason is furious as Norris walks away mumbling about reporting him to Trading Standards.

It's visiting time at the prison, and Ken greets Peter with a hug. Ken explains that Deirdre didn't tell him till yesterday, and Peter says he thought Ken had turned his back on him. Ken says he would have been on the first plane home if he'd known. Peter says everyone seems to have decided that he's guilty. "And are you guilty?" asks Ken. There's a pause. "You as well?" asks Peter. Ken explains that he has to ask, and if he's going to help he has to hear it from Peter himself. Peter assures him he had nothing to do with Tina's murder. He admits he treated her and Carla badly, but swears on Simon's life that he is innocent of the murder. Ken smiles. "That's all I wanted to hear," he says. "You believe me?" asks Peter. Ken tells him he never thought for one second that he could have done it. Peter tells him he's in a minority of one and Ken replies that he'll just have to convince people otherwise. Peter reckons the odds are stacked against him, he's going to go down for it and Ken had better get used to it.

Ken and Peter continue the discussion. Ken says he's heard that Peter sacked his solicitor. Peter says the solicitor seemed to think he did it and was more or less advising him to plead guilty. Ken understands, but adds that he's got to fight. Peter, though, isn't sure there's any fight left in him. Ken brings the conversation round to Simon, and Peter's mood lightens, he smiles and even manages a chuckle. Ken says he asked if Simon would come and see Peter - he thought Simon liked the idea. Peter says he'll believe that when he sees it. Ken says he can't promise, but will try and bring him in on Friday if Peter will put Simon's name on the visitors' list. Peter says that would be fantastic. Ken says they'll aim for that then - and get Peter a new solicitor. Peter looks doubtful, but Ken says he knows he has fight left in him, he saw it when he talked about Simon.

Rob and Tracy are in the cafe, discussing Ken and the visit to Peter. Tracy - all heart - wishes she could do something to lift everyone's spirits. She then decides that the perfect thing would be to set a date for their wedding! Rob's doubtful, he thinks it would look bad to be planning a knees-up while Peter is in prison. Tracy won't be put off, she thinks it would give everyone something to look forward to - everyone loves a wedding.

Steve and downhearted Lloyd are in the cafe too. Steve says he feels responsible, after all, he did introduce them. "That's right, make it all about you," mutters Lloyd. Steve tells him he needs to get over Andrea. Lloyd says he can't. "Then you need to get back with her, you need to do something," Steve says, just as Jenna walks through the door. She's really cross and has a go at Steve for putting ideas in Lloyd's head. Lloyd in turn gets cross with both of them, and leaves.

Todd and Tony are in the kitchen when Jason comes in, he's annoyed because he's just had a customer on the phone complaining that Todd told her she needed her whole wall repointing when another builder has told her she just needed a couple of bricks hacking out. (I'd like to know how Todd is qualified to give advice and estimate on matters concerning the building trade?) Todd argues that if they only do the work that needs doing they would hardly make any money. Jason tells him that if they go around ripping people off, the word will get round and they won't make a penny. Todd starts to argue, but Jason points out that this is his business and he'll run it his way. "So what? Are you going to sack me?" asks Todd, cocky as ever. Jason says he has a good mind to.

Beth, Kirk, Sinead and Chesney are in the pub, looking at Sinead's soap. She's not had much luck selling them in town, she only sold 3, the shops told her it's too similar to what they have already. Emily comes over to have a look, and, saying she likes to encourage local enterprise, offers to buy a bar. She looks rather taken aback when she hears the price, but pays up and wishes her good luck for the future. Sinead decides she needs to come up with a new product and decides that bath bombs are the way forward!

Jason is going through the estimates that Todd has priced up and finds another one that Todd has overdone, most of the work detailed doesn't need doing. Jason wonders how they're going to tell the customer that she doesn't need to have all her facia boards and guttering replaced. Tony wonders if it would help if he had a word. Jason is immediately suspicious. "You're not in on this are you?" he asks. Tony feigns innocence. Just then there's a knock on the door. It's Tyrone with the deposit for the loft conversion that Jason is starting at the end of the week. When he's gone, Tony tells Jason that he doesn't think Todd was being bent, it was just a case of over-enthusiasm, and suggests Todd pays for the work that the old lady doesn't need doing. He doesn't need to sack him. Jason finally agrees, but tells Todd: "No more scamming the customers or you are out!"

Tracy and Rob get home to find that Ken has returned. Tracy can't wait to tell him and Deirdre that they've set a date for the wedding. Ken doesn't look pleased, and when she tells him they're thinking of October, he comments that in the run-up to Peter's trial she'll be planning a celebration. He doesn't think that's appropriate, but Deirdre says that Tracy and Rob can't wait forever. (I can't see why not!)

Jenna finds her dad in the pub and apologises for her outburst earlier. Lloyd explains that she got the wrong end of the stick.

Todd and Tony are in the pub, Todd isn't happy about the proposal that he pays for the job, and Tony tells him that he had to say something to get them out of the corner. Todd argues that he put him up to the scams and now has to find 400 quid. Tony says he'll see that he's not out of pocket. Todd asks if that's it - no more scamming? Tony tells him he must be joking, but they just have to box clever now that Jason's on their case.

Deirdre asks Ken if they're friends again. He takes her hand and smiles, and says that the important thing now is that they do their best for Peter. She says that she's with him all the way, there. "Even though you think he's guilty?" asks Ken. Deirdre says that at first she thought he was innocent, but then there was all the stuff he said at Tina's funeral, and the bracelet...now she doesn't know what to think. But she doesn't want Ken to get any unrealistic hopes up. Just then the phone rings. It's Leanne, talking to Ken about Simon. He says it's wonderful news and Peter will be so pleased. Rob comes down the stairs and stops outside the half-open door, listening. Ken gets off the phone and tells Deirdre that Simon has agreed to go and see Peter, this will be just the lift he needs and Ken is now confident that Peter will hire a new solicitor. This will give him the energy and drive that he needs and will be halfway to convincing a jury that he's innocent. Outside the door, Rob looks worried.

Anne Logan


Friday 8 August

Ken's in the kitchen mixing up some eggs.

In the jail, Peter looks at a picture of Simon and tells his cellmate he's let Simon down so many time but still his son wants to see him. "He deserves better than me." The cellmate says he and Simon both do and suggests Peter tidy himself up. Peter agrees. He'll do it for Simon.

Simon, however, thinks he has a temperature, though Leanne checks and it's normal. She asks if he's feeling sick because of Ken wanting to take him to see Peter. "You don't have to go," she says. Eva comes out of the bathroom and Simon goes to clean his teeth. Leanne tells Eva she thinks Simon is frightened. Eva's not surprised. Prison's full of murderers and criminals.

Peter and Ken talk on the phone. Ken assures Peter that Simon still wants to come to see him. They'll both be there at 2pm. "Thanks," says Peter. "I mean really, thanks." He hangs up and walks off with a big grin on his face.

Deirdre points out that Ken's eggs are getting cold but he's not hungry. He starts to stress out over whether Leanne will decide Simon is up to going on a prison visit. Ken's desperate that Simon go. "Peter needs something to fight for," he says. If he can see that Simon still cares for him, he can put all his energy into proving his innocence. He doesn't realise Rob has heard all this from the bottom of the stairs. When Tracy comes down, in a hurry because they're running late, Rob suggests they shut the shop and go to the zoo. This amazes Tracy. "Why would I want to go to a zoo?"

Round at Jason's yard, Todd tells Tony Tyrone's dropped in his spare set of keys. He shows Tony the order form for materials that Jason's left. Tony says they could get the same things for half the price but Jason's insisting on the best. Tony thinks it's rubbish chucking premier league materials at a pub team job (yes, the football season's started again). He and Todd agree it's stupid to pay premier prices if you don't have to, "But that's our boy," says Tony. Jason and Eva arrive. Jason's surprised to see his dad there but Tony says he was just checking on how things are going. He leaves. Todd gives Tyrone's keys to Jason and asks if he wants him to get the materials. Jason does. It's a cash job so he hands Todd three hundred pounds and tells him to keep the change. Todd says that'll be 27 pence. Giving Todd money? Always a mistake, I think.

Leanne and Simon are in the cafe when Rob comes in. He asks casually if Simon would like to go to the zoo with Amy, Tracy and him. Leanne sends Simon to the counter for a doughnut and Rob asks if he's OK. Leanne says Simon is scared stiff of visiting the prison. "He's welcome to join us," says Rob. "He'd have more fun at the zoo."

Steve's arrived at Streetcars with a bacon barm for Lloyd, who accuses him of trying to commit murder with saturated fat. Neil arrives. He's worried about Andrea because she's not been seen at work or by her friends for a week. Steve suggests maybe she's just told everyone she doesn't want to see Neil. But Neil says Andrea is still his wife and he loves her. Lloyd assures him that he hasn't seen Andrea. Once Neil's gone, Steve bets Lloyd he can't go for 24 hours without saying the A-word. There's ten pounds riding on the bet. Steve take the bacon barm for himself.

"I don't like animals," Amy tells Rob. I love how she's growing up heartless! Rob says he's promised Simon now. This puzzles Tracy. "I felt sorry for him," says Rob. Amy says she went to the zoo with the school. Tracy doesn't want to go, either. "I thought you liked us doing things as a family," moans Rob. Leanne arrives with Simon and Rob tells him it might just be the two of them because the girls don't want to go. Tracy and Amy both change their minds. Rob says they should get going and they all leave the shop. Rob closes the door but doesn't flick round the Open sign to Closed.

There's soap and stuff all over Chesney's front room. Craig loves the smell. Sinead's been making a lot to help raise money for their holiday. She's made a new line - bath bombs. This one's Fruit of the Forest with a hint of jojoba. She says she hasn't tested them yet. Beth's annoyed she can't be a guinea pig. Sinead assures her she tests the pH levels by measuring the acidity in the water, not by chucking a puppy in the bath.

Leanne's in the cafe, probably working on her CV because she asks Jenna how to spell "punctual." Ken comes in and she breaks the news to him that Simon's gone to the zoo. She says he was scared and Ken shouldn't have promised Peter. Ken wants to know when they left. Maybe he can catch them. Leanne chases after them and they find the shop shuttered up with the door sign turned to Closed. Ken says his son is vulnerable. "So's Simon," she points out. Ken says Peter's hanging on by his fingernails, "and now I've got to go and tell him Simon's not coming." Leanne isn't sympathetic. "It's not my problem, is it?"

Prison visiting starts and Peter sees Ken sitting alone. "He didn't want to see me, did he?" he says. Ken tells him about the zoo trip and says it was just a mix up. "If anything, it's my fault."

Kirk and Beth eat their take-away lunch on the sofa and realise they've got 28 minutes left before they have to be back at work. Beth suggests taking one of the bath bombs and having a bath together to try it out. She doesn't mind being a guinea-pig. "It's just fruit. How can you go wrong with fruit?" Kirk says he's feeling a bit fruity himself. They grab a bomb and race up the stairs.

Peter doesn't think Ken's done his best. And how can Leanne decide? Simon is Peter's son, not hers. Ken says Peter was scared of coming into a prison. Peter can see how going to the zoo might be preferable. Ken says he just didn't get a chance to talk to Simon. "Another day will be fine. He just needs to get used to the idea." But Peter doesn't agree. He doesn't want Simon put under any pressure. Simon's better off without his father. He tells Ken he's done his job now and can leave. He's sure Ken must have better things to do. Ken's annoyed. "Poor you. Poor old Peter," he says. He thought Tina was the victim because she lost her life. Or Carla, who lost a husband and a baby. Or Simon, who's really lost his father. But no, Peter's the victim. He's the one they should all be feeling sorry for. Peter says there's no fight left in him. "An innocent man would fight," Ken says. Peter says he might not have killed Tina, but that doesn't mean he's innocent.

Lloyd rings Andrea and leaves a message saying Neil's worried about her and asking her to let him know she's OK. Steve comes in and wants to know who was on the phone. Was it the A-word? Lloyd explains that he just left a message. A text message comes through: "Meet me by the swings at 3 - Andrea." (apart from my husband, does any regular texter sign off with their name these days?) He tells Steve the message just says she's fine. Then he says he's going to go out for a walk to clear his head. Steve refuses. He can't take over because he's got an airport run and he never misses an airport run. Fat Brenda's in at three. Lloyd can go for his walk then.

Ken tells Peter to promise him he won't do anything stupid. "What can I do in here?" asks Peter. "Hope? Dream? Do they count as stupid?" He asks Ken to tell Simon he hopes he had a good day at the zoo. Animals in captivity are more interesting than a father in captivity. Ken insists he'll bring Simon tomorrow but Peter refuses to let him. "I don't want him to see me when I'm like this." Ken says Peter's his son and Simon is Peter's son. And one day soon they're all going to be together again.

Todd pushes a wodge of cash into his back pocket at Jason comes up the stairs. He assures Jason he got the materials for Tyrone's loft and will unpack it from the van and take it round to Ty's later. He hands over 20 pounds, which he says was the discount for cash. Jason wants to go and check the van. It's not that he doesn't trust Todd, he just wants to check because the job's for a mate. Todd uses emotional blackmail and accuses Jason of not trusting him and not wanting him to work there. All he's trying to do is prove himself to Jason and prove he can be trusted but it's clear Jason doesn't trust him . . . Jason backs down and won't check the materials. Can anyone see where this storyline is going?

Sinead and Chesney arrive home knowing they've got the house to themselves for 20 minutes. Oh no they haven't. Sinead immediately smells fruit of the forest (she doesn't mention a hint of jojoba) and demands to know why Beth is scratching. Beth pushes her sleeve up to reveal a fine batch of urticaria. Very good make-up skills, perhaps by someone who had the same reaction to "natural" bath oils as I did! "Medical centre, now!" insists Sinead, pushing Beth towards the door.

The great council playground sell-off must be going well in Weatherfield because Lloyd has driven to "the swings." The camera does that thing of filming from behind things to give us the idea Lloyd is being watched as he walks over a leans on the playground railings.

Peter sulks on his bunk. He tells his cellmate that Simon didn't come. "Is this it? These four walls for the rest of my life?" The cellmate says you get used to it. Peter needs a drink. His cellmate jokes about checking the fridge for the ice but Peter's not joking. The other man tells him to look around. "You're in prison!" "Are you saying there's nowhere I can get a drink in here?" Peter demands. "I need a drink."

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Good evening everyone. Duncan will be sitting in for the next two Fridays and I will be back at the end of the month. In the meantime events last Friday were written by Mark Wadlow and directed by Tim Dowd.

Copyright remains the property of ITV Productions and we thank them for their efforts in bringing us an everyday story of country folk. Oops sorry wrong programme, well you know what I mean.

We open this week in prison with Peter suffering alcohol withdrawal symptoms and saying that he does try to stay off the stuff - he really tries to live a normal life but he always fails and screws it up. His cell mate is not impressed.

Beth, Kirk, Ches and Sinead (Scout from Waterloo Road) rush into the medical centre demanding to see a doctor and to explain why Beth shows her rash. The receptionist says that as soon as one is free they can. (Very poorly trained, our reception team at the surgery would send you home for a week or two first for something this important). They sit down and Kirk tells her she smells lovely - but Beth accuses Scout of using nitro-glycerine in the bath bomb. The latter delightfully rolls her eyes! "Stop it Auntie Beth" says Scout and calls her a complete hypochondriac. Kirk is alarmed to hear this and before Chesney can explain he rushes into the doctor's room and shouts "Someone is dying of hypochondria - someone do something" at the doctor who is wearing rubber gloves and is presumably undertaking a somewhat invasive inspection to a patient off camera. Doctor is not impressed. Audience break down in laughter.

At the swings Lloyd is being watched - although there is no-one there ...

He gives up and turns round. Andrea has appeared and is hidden behind dark glasses - she wanted to make sure he was not being followed. Neal will not leave her alone - she was at work when he asked but they denied her presence. She has been kipping on a mate's floor so they can have a clean break. Two weeks she managed. And then he phoned her - well he was concerned, but he will never believe another word she says. And what about this "friend"? - another husband perhaps? The friend is more likely to fancy Lloyd than Andrea! Lloyd says his heart is still broken - but he will keep taking the tablets. And then he tells her she looks good and walks away. She watches him leave.

Peter is still demanding booze as he reckons there must be some (I understood our prisons generally have more drugs than booze). The cell mate closes the door and tells Peter that "they" can get booze from "THE LANDLORD". It is the nickname of a guy on C Block - Peter needs to talk to him. Very risky and Peter must be careful as he could easily make many enemies. Apparently "THE LANDLORD" used to have a pub but it all went wrong.

At the Barlows the newly vegetarian Ken is sunk deep in thought when Rob, Amy and Tracy return from the zoo wearing animal ears. Ken is unhappy with the way Peter was "stolen" - Rob half heartedly apologises.

Back at the surgery Chesney explains what the word means and then Beth wants to know if Kirk will still love her if she is disfigured. He says that he will still love her if she turns into a "right minger"! She will still be beautiful to him. He loves her and she loves him and then the doctor calls her in. Chesney is sure it is nothing life threatening.

"THE LANDLORD" will see Peter this evening and the latter has to wait and wants to know the way.

The doctor is going to prescribe some anti-histamine tablets - but Kirk merely wants to know if Beth will live! The doctor says that the rash will disappear in a few hours but the hypochondria will prove harder to shift.

At the other end of the Street Sinead is talking to Carla explaining where they have all been. Carla says it must be awful - Beth covered in red blotches! Sinead goes and Carla calls Ken over as he walks past. Ken is worried about talking to Carla and she offers to buy him a drink.

Lloyd is eating a ready meal when the buzzer goes - and Andrea comes up. She has one question - there were two vibes at the park - concern for her safety and then when he got in the car he just stared at her. He claims the latter was thinking about the route back as the Heaton Interchange had been snarled up earlier. She sighs - she got it wrong. Wishful thinking and she turns to go. Lloyd says "All the way back I couldn't help thinking that 'Gosh She Looked Amazing'". And she thought he looked amazing too - and she smiles and walks towards him. He says it is good to see her again and she says snap and he adds "To hear your voice" and she responds by saying she is sucker for a Scouse accent. As they slowly move towards each other. And then he says "Surely there must be some way back for us" and she says there is and they start kissing.

In the prison Peter walks into the cell and has found "The Landlord" who is facing the window - the landlord says "I know you are and I know why you are here, so I do". He turns and once again Jim McDonald is back with us! "Peter Barlow - welcome to the Big House". All the Jimisms back in just one sentence so they are.

After the break we are in the Rovers and Ken is explaining to Carla about not taking Simon to see Peter. Carla is sympathetic to Ken - but not Peter.

Peter cannot believe it is Jim - he has been in here for a wee while and he likes to supplement his income. Peter says he is wrongly accused of murder - and he is in good company. Jim asks after Steve - he has no contact with his family at all.

Tony comes in and asks for a pie - but Liz is confused - she thought he was taking her out for dinner but he pretends the dates are confused. She has spent an hour getting ready - and Tony could not but wind her up, it is so easy. She brings out one cold dried up meat pie and tells him to "Enjoy"!

In a booth Ken says he knows Peter is innocent - but Carla struggles with that. Ken says there are others with a motive - and Carla takes it that he is pointing the finger at her and snaps back. He apologises. He knows Peter is not a murderer and wants to do what he can to prove it.

Jim asks after Amy - he did not want the family around him when the trial was heard. Then recalls the bookies - and Peter brings him up to date. Peter asks for assistance - but Jim wants a discussion first.

Lloyd and Andrea are in high spirits and dressing gowns looking for something to eat. They snog again. Andrea says that picking up where they left off may not be possible. Lloyd responds that would be a pity - why hang about if you both feel the same. She thought she would need to regain his trust - he does not think she ever will. He knows he cannot trust her but apart from that they have got a fantastic future which he says with a huge smile on his face as he kisses her again. They love each other, they care about each other and they are both single - so ... In the background we can hear and then we see Jenna enter the flat. She coughs and wants to know what Andrea is doing there.

Beth, Kirk, Sinead and Ches return home. Beth wants to rest. Ches observes that the rash has nearly gone. Sinead apologises. Kirk admits to being pretty freaked but Beth is appreciative.

Lloyd and Andrea agree on giving it another go and discuss Jenna's attitude which Lloyd dismisses in a few words - which Jenna hears before storming off out. [Editorial insert - this was just a little over the top for Lloyd - he may not be Mr Sensitive but this was off scale].

Back in jail Jim can lay his hands on a wee drop of the stuff so he can - small amounts to order. Peter asks to be put on the waiting list - and also tells Jim about Simon's non-visit. Jim has some surplus stock hidden behind the cupboard and Peter knocks most of it back in seconds.

Dressed again Lloyd and Andrea walk into the Rovers together unaware that Neal is watching them.

Tony carries on winding up Liz.

Lloyds walks in and orders a fizzy water and whatever his beautiful girlfriend wants - Sean rapidly seeks to attract Liz's attention to the return of Andrea. Lloyd says it is back on. It is what they both want - Sean and Liz find it difficult to wish them good luck - but as Lloyd observes they will have a gawp and a moan and then normality will apply.

Tony is going to nip about - he fancies a cocktail at that hotel bar with views all over Manchester and then he has a table booked at that new Italian. Her faces breaks out in a smile - she had him going there.

Ken is on the phone to a solicitor which he is hiring and will hopefully see him on Monday. Rob tries to talk Ken out of it. Ken is sure of Peter's innocence. Ken knows that someone out there knows the truth he tells Rob.

Kirk has realised just how much Beth means to him - she is the best thing which has ever happened to him and he wants to marry her.

Peter is drinking away whilst Jim bemoans the lack of family contact - he sends a visiting order every week but nothing happens. He will never give up on them. He tells Peter he needs to hang on in there so he does and hope that the jury believes his story. Then he will be home again with Simon. Jim hears some noises, tells Peter to get out, hides the bottle - the screws are three cells away. He tells Peter not to slur his words and to be careful returning to his cell. Peter calls Jim a lifesaver and that he owes him. Jim agrees he does. Big time! And he will expect payment soon. Peter acknowledges and departs.

Closing shot of Jim and roll credits.

And lessons learned?
When told not to use bath salts as they have not been tested then listen to the words of wisdom.
If there is a landlord then it is bound to be big Jim McDonald so it is.
And is Tony walking on water - Liz can be a handful if men wind her up too much?
And why do we never see Steve throwing away a visiting order for Jim?

I will be back around the end of the month - with a lot of watching to do!
Richard


Monday 11 August

Written by Ellen Taylor Directed by Kay Patrick

Ken is having no success convincing Peter to go to his plea hearing sans solicitor. Tracy tries to make a feeble joke which isn't appreciated by her parents. Ken is afraid Peter is going to plead guilty. Deirdre thinks they'd be lenient with a sentence if he does and Tracy points out there would be less time served. Ken won't have it. Peter's innocent!

Jenna's face in a knot at the presence of Andrea. Andrea tries to make friends but Jenna's unwilling to even try and is horrified to hear Andrea is moving in. She flounces out.

Max has decided not to eat his new healthy cereal so dumps it over the table and runs upstairs, refusing to clean it up. Kylie is in a tizzy, upset because she's in a rush to get Max's lunchbox made up (with healthy food) and has a client at 9. Gail offers to sort things out and take Max to the cafe but Kylie is adamant. Healthy eating might help make Max better. Gail isn't so sure but Kylie's got a point. If a change in David's diet was known to help his epilepsy, wouldn't she do it? Gail concedes defeat.

Ken meets a new solicitor at the Bistro who is happy to represent Peter if Peter wants it. Ken can't seem to understand why the solicitor's hands are tied if Peter refuses to be represented even though Peter's innocent and clearly is in no state of mind to know better.

Kirk is full of ideas on how to propose to Beth but so far, Sinead and Chesney are not impressed and find fault with each one. Sinead thinks he ought to keep it simple and it turns out Beth has had a number of proposals over the years. The conversation stops as Beth comes downstairs.

Todd is schmoozing a client on the phone. Eileen brings him a coffee which is rejected because it's not a cappuccino or a latte, though he pretends he was just joking. Gary drives up and Todd directs him to a quick job on Tile Street before he's due to start the work at Tyrone's place. Gary is persuaded and Todd winds him up by telling him the client insists that he only whisper in the house. Todd chuckles to Eileen as Gary drives off. (Todd is detestable but even I laughed at that!) Eileen chides him and then spots Andrea and Lloyd snogging outside the flat. She teases them just as Neil approaches. He wants a word but she's not keen. Neil reminds her of how sexy she used to find the shirt he's now wearing and recalls a bit of a romp on the sofa. Seriously, this guy is creeping me out. Eileen goes in the office. Andrea tells him off though he attempts to persuade her back, telling her what she feels for Lloyd isn't real. But it doesn't work and Andrea and Lloyd turn their backs on him.

In Barlows Buys, Deirdre is chatting to Tracy and Rob. Kirk and Sinead come in looking for an engagement ring for Beth. Tracy reckons Beth wouldn't accept as it's Kirk. Deirdre congratulates him. Rob brings a tray over and shows him a little one but Kirk wants a larger more flashy one. He'll keep the proposal low key but wants the ring to be high key, bless him. He's not keen on any of the rings they have in the shop so he's off.

Lloyd, Michael and Eileen discuss Neil. Eileen calls him "wet" and Michael recalls trying to woo someone by almost stalking her in a dog park. Wetter, Eileen declares. She asks how Jenna feels about the reunion. Michael advises the two women meet over a bottle of wine but Lloyd doesn't think they'd do it. Eileen suggests he get them together without each knowing the other is going to be there.

We're in the prison now, Peter has come to Jim's cell, begging for booze. He needs to steady his nerves for his plea hearing. Jim says he's got none left and gets shirty with Peter. He asks Peter how he's going to plead. Peter is sweating and fidgety. Yeah. That's going to work. Jim is not happy to hear Peter is going to plea guilty when he's not. Peter mutters that everyone thinks he's guilty anyway and leaves again.

Gail has Lily in the pram with Max in tow. Sounds like Max has been a bit difficult. Yasmeen rushes by and invites Max to the cafe for a children's story session later. Max is rude to her and runs off, nearly falling into Sophie. The ice cream van comes around the corner and Max begs for one. Gail relents.

In the cafe, Sinead and Beth are sharing a plate of chips when Yasmeen comes in handing out leaflets for the story session. Beth declines the invitation, even the suggestion she could be a volunteer. Yasmeen comes to the counter where Jenna seems to be making a date for 6 p.m. to meet someone. Yasmeen asks her to take the books and decorations and put them up now, hours before the appointed time of 5 p.m. Jenna snaps at her and insists she come back at 4:30 and do it then. Sophie realizes Jenna is upset about something. She snaps at Sophie too.

Ken has come to see Peter to go over some details for the hearing. Peter is getting belligerent in his battle with withdrawal. Everyone thinks he's guilty and Ken is horrified that Peter's decided to plea guilty. Peter stalks out leaving Ken shouting helplessly behind him.

Kirk has been shopping and sees Craig at the bus stop. He sits down and chats to Craig who seems to have a crush on a girl who works in a shoe store. He's bringing her some of Sinead's soaps as a gift. Kirk asks Craig if it's ok with him if Kirk asks his mother to marry him. Craig is very much ok with it. Kirk is delighted and shows Craig a great big heart shaped "diamond" which can't be a real one because Kirk couldn't afford one that looks like it's half the size of Hope Diamond. They discuss what might constitute low key and decide on the cafe. Sinead and Beth interrupt on their way back to work and Kirk tells Beth he's taking her out for her tea.

Back to the Nick, Peter comes back to see Jim. Jim orders him to sit down and listen. He lectures Peter on how a guilty plea will affect poor wee Simon and he's quite right. He pokes a stick at Peter by pretending to assume he doesn't love Simon and when Peter objects, Simon is the most important thing in his life, Jim urges him to fight tooth and nail for his lad's sake. He reminds Peter that he knows what it's like to lose his kids and not see his granddaughter grow up. *That's* a life sentence.

Gail and Michael are eating ice cream with Max between them. Kylie comes out and isn't happy to see them eating "poison". She grabs Max to take him home and warns Michael away from her kids. Gail sighs.

Andrea tells Eileen that Lloyd has booked a table at the Bistro for he, Andrea and Jenna and Andrea doesn't think it's going to work. Neil is spotted coming up the walk and begs for a few minutes of her time. Eileen backs into the house.

Gary has done the job and is a bit annoyed at Todd. He didn't find the joke funny I guess. He is more concerned that the chip board for Tyrone's is not the right weight, several millimeters too thin. Todd says that's what was ordered. Gary doesn't want to fit it but Todd pulls rank. Even when Gary says he wants to ask Jason about it, Todd wheedles around it by saying Tony doesn't like his decisions questioned. Todd threatens Gary's job if he doesn't fit it and Gary, thickie brickie that he is, huffs off in a snit to do as he is told in spite of his misgivings, because, clearly, he thinks Todd is the boss of him.

Deirdre is worried, she's not been able to get through to Ken. She pulls a cig out but Rob reminds her she's just put one out. Rob tries to talk her out of going to the hearing because she's too stressed out. Tracy comes downstairs dressed up to go to the hearing. Ken comes in, defeated because Peter's going to plead guilty. We get one of Deirdre's Oh Kens as she collapses in his arms.

Meanwhile, Peter is laying on his bed, shirt and tie on now, waiting to go to his hearing and looking to his roommate misquote Shakespeare "Guilty or not Guilty. That is the question" The guard comes to fetch Peter who doesn't move straight away. What's he going to do?

Tvor

Written by Martin Allen and directed by Kay Patrick

As Neil and Andrea continue their conversation outside Eileen's front door he shares some news with her - he has a new job contract in the Philippines. When she hears it's for 12 months, Andrea's face lights up ...then falls again when Neil says he wants her to go with him. Andrea tries to make her feelings clear by stalking off up the street.

Ken and Tracy set off for Peter's hearing, leaving Rob brooding over a pint in the Rover's. Michelle can tell something's up with him but what? She puts it down to the pressure of organizing the wedding so she makes a suggestion. She's setting up an events company with Steve so maybe Rob and Tracy could be her first customers? Rob's wary at first but the thought appeals and he agrees to let Michelle give them a price.

Gail takes Michael into the house to fill up his flask with coffee where they encounter Kylie who gives them the sharp end of her tongue. She's still seething over the ice-cream incident and reckons people who run ice-cream vans should require a licence, just like you need one to sell booze and fags. Gail tries to reason with Kylie but Kylie's off on one and poor Michael has to bear the brunt of her anger.

Out in the street Michelle bumps into Carla who's carrying bunch of brochures. She has to choose some furniture for her new flat and Michelle offers to give her a hand. She says she feels like Little Miss Helpful today and tells Carla how Rob's paying her to organize the wedding. Carla's surprised Tracy's agreed and Michelle admits that they haven't broken that little gem of a piece of news to her yet. Michelle tells Carla she's concerned about Rob, something's not right, so Carla says she'll talk to him.

Gail walks Michael to his ice-cream van. She apologises for her family yet again and offers to take Michael out for lunch tomorrow to say sorry. He's not sure - her family think he's the devil incarnate. But Gail says she's not worried about them, she's not going to let them dictate to her who she can and can't see. And besides, she asks, what harm can it do? Well there's a question that would best be left unanswered.

Kirk is putting Operation Engagement into action. He takes Beth into the cafe for their tea and orders a couple of chip butties and two coffees. Beth looks decidedly underwhelmed. She winces in pain as she sits down, still suffering from the after-effects of the rash she got from the bath bomb. Unfortunately for Kirk things go from bad to worse when they're joined in the cafe by Yasmeen and a collection of assorted children and parents, including Maria and Liam, who have arrived for storytime. Assuming Beth has come to help out, Yasmeen gives her the job of looking after Terence whose carer has gone AWOL.

Over in the builder's yard, Gary comes back and reports to Todd and Tony that he's finished laying the floor in Ty's loft. After he's left, Tony notices a couple of spare pieces of chipboard. "You didn't use this on Tyrone's floor did you?" he asks, examining it closely. Todd reassures him it was for another job altogether. You don't need to be psychic to work out where this storyline is going.

Back in the cafe Beth is keen to make their escape but the children have other ideas. They want Kirk to read the next story and, taking their lead from Liam, start chanting his name. Kirk looks quite pleased and gets stuck into telling the tale of the Three Little Pigs. Roy, on the other hand, appears far from happy at the sight that meets his eyes when he walks through the door.

Over in the Rovers, Michelle is talking to Rob when Sean comes bursting in. He's just been in the cafe to discover it's swarming with kids

Gary's sharing a pint with Todd and Tony but he's clearly distracted and has his mind on something else. Tony goes off to take a call and Gary tells Todd they've used the wrong materials. Todd doesn't see what the problem is - there's only a few millimeters difference in the thickness - but Gary says they don't make rules for no reason. Todd tells him he either keeps his gob shut or he looks for another job.

Ken and Tracy arrive back and join Rob at the bar. Ken is in high spirits as he tells Rob that Peter pleaded not guilty. It's not what Rob wanted to hear and his face says it all as he turns away.

Kirk reaches the end of his story. The children seem happy but it's more than can be said of Beth. She's in pain and fed up and wants to go home. Roy just wants his cafe back - he certainly didn't sign up to this when he agreed to have a few shelves of books. As they pack up to leave, the children start messing around, Liam pulls away Beth's chair and she lands up flat on the floor. Her previous bad mood plummets even further.

Jenna joins Lloyd in the Bistro. She seems happy to see him until she spots a third place at the table. Lloyd says he wants them all to talk. Jenna tells her Dad she's got nothing more to say to Andrea. At that moment Andrea arrives, on the phone. She ends the call. She was talking to Neil which causes Jenna to roll her eyes. Andrea shares the good news about Neil's job offer and the bad news that he wants her to go too. Jenna's all for leaving them to talk - any excuse to get out of there - but Andrea does her best to keep the conversation going.

The scene changes to the prison where Peter is lying on his bunk, shaking uncontrollably while Jim stands and watches. Peter says he took his advice and pleaded not guilty. Jim's pleased and tells him he needs a goal in this place, something to aim for. Peter replies that he needs more than that. It's clear what he means and Jim tells him that there isn't an unlimited supply of drink and that he's going to have to learn some self-control. Peter's getting desperate and asks Jim if he knows what kind of day he's had. Jim replies he does, and so does everyone else in there, and invites him to join the club.

Back in the Bistro Andrea earns a dirty look from Jenna when she asks if she misses being a physiotherapist. But Jenna does her best to bite her tongue and continue having a civilized conversation. The trouble is, when Jenna speaks, she's either interrupted by Andrea's phone beeping with a message from Neil or a comment about him from her Dad. Jenna jumps up, slaps down some money for her share of the meal and storms out. Andrea's phone beeps again. Lloyd grabs it and reads the message: Neil is in the pub and wants to talk. Lloyd's had enough - if Neil wants to talk then he'll talk to him.

We return to the prison where Peter is begging Jim for another drink. Jim tells him to keep his voice down and explains as clearly as he can: he'll help Peter as and when he can. He seems to be playing the part of the friendly father figure but we sense a hint of something more when Jim suggests to Peter he might be able to repay the favour one day. A signal is heard. Jim pats Peter on the shoulder and tells him it's time for bed.

Lloyd finds Neil in the Rovers. Neil seems perfectly friendly and offers Lloyd a drink. He's busy trying to fix a necklace and tells Lloyd he gave it to Andrea as an engagement present. Lloyd gets increasingly frustrated as he tries to make Neil understand that Andrea doesn't want to go with him to the Philippines. Neil appears to be in total denial. He finishes fixing the necklace and then suggests Lloyd could give it back to Andrea for him. Lloyd looks completely perplexed - how can he get through to the man?

Meanwhile, round at the Platts, Kylie has finally got Max off to sleep. She apologises to Gail for her behaviour earlier. Gail is very forgiving and promises to help Kylie in any way she can. In which case, Kylie asks, could she mind Max for her tomorrow? Gail explains she can't tomorrow - she has something planned that she can't change - but she could do the evening. "We'll see," says Kylie, dejectedly.

In the Rovers Tracy asks Kirk how the proposal went. He looks put out because now Sean and Michelle know about it and he admits he didn't even get round to asking Beth. He gives a potted version of events in the cafe. "Didn't you propose to Rob?" asks Michelle, stirring it with Tracy. Always one for the direct approach, Kirk asks if Tracy did it because Rob wasn't keen. Michelle then goes in for the kill and asks Tracy if Rob's told her his news. When Tracy asks what news, Michelle tells her that Rob's asked her to plan their wedding.

Having lit the blue touch paper, Michelle watches from behind the bar as Tracy goes over to speak to Rob. The final straw for Tracy is when she discovers that they've actually got to pay Michelle for her services. Rob loses his temper and storms out and, as he does so, Michelle looks at Carla and asks her if she sees what she means about Rob's behaviour.

Andrea and Jenna have returned to the flat. They're attempting to be civil. Lloyd comes in after seeing Neil and gives Andrea the necklace. He tells Andrea that trying to talk to Neil is like water off a duck's back. Andrea says that at least this time next week he'll be on the other side of the world. "So then all your troubles will be over," says Jenna. "You know you can trust her, so what could possibly go wrong?" she adds, sarcastically.

Carla finds Rob in the back yard of the Rovers. She tries asking him what's up. Rob tells her that he's sick of everything being about Peter and asks if it gets to her, too. Carla says yes but she's married to him - why does it matter to Rob so much? She tells Rob that it won't go on for ever, the trial's soon and then he'll probably do down. Carla asks if there's something else bothering him. Rob gets worked up. He says he's fine, it'll all be over soon and they can get back to normal. But Rob doesn't seem fine and Carla looks worried as the titles roll.

Karen


Wednesday 13 August

Peter is sitting on his bunk, hunched, shaking and visibly distressed. His cell mate is just telling him he should see the medic when Jim comes in and asks for a bit of privacy. When they're alone he pulls out a little bottle, telling Peter that this is what he needs, 'Chateau le Big House'. But there's a price to be paid before he will hand it over. Jim wants a biscuit, a nice biscuit, in return. Payment up front.

Michael is in the taxi office, all happy and chirpy. He's seeing Gail soon and he wants to take her on a picnic. Eileen can't see Gail on a picnic somehow, sitting in a field full of cowpats, chomping on a curly ham sandwich. She reckons Gail would expect champagne and quail's eggs. Michael is concerned...where will he get quail's eggs?

Kirk and Craig are in the cafe, Kirk shows him the ring he's got for Beth. He says that Chesney and Sinead have promised to go out later, and he's planning to cook her a wonderful meal and then get down on one knee. Craig asks where he's supposed to go. Kirk says he can be the 'ring man' and also help him with the cooking. "You do know I got an F in Food Technology?" says Craig.

Lloyd comes in to the cafe to see Jenna. He just wants the two women he loves most in the world to get along.

The Barlow's cupboard is bare and Deirdre is too tired to go to Freshco, so Ken offers to go and suggests she goes and has a lie down. She says it's pointless, she can't sleep, thoughts just keep going round and round in her head. She goes upstairs anyway though, and Tracy tells Ken that Deirdre needs a break.

Gail is putting her make up on, and tells Kylie and David that she's going out for lunch with Michael. Kylie thought they were all over and Gail says they're just friends, but David reckons it won't be long before she's dragging him down the aisle. Just then they hear the dulcet tones of Michael's ice cream van approaching.

Michael pulls up outside and Beth comes and taps on the window wanting an ice cream. He tells her he's not working today. She asks why he was playing his tune and tells him it's misleading. Just then Tracy comes up, she wants ice cream too, and is equally as annoyed. Gail comes out then and she and Michael coo all over each other. Disgusted, Tracy walks off! Michael tells Gail he's planned a picnic so she goes in to get a rug for them to sit on.

Sophie meets Jenna in the Street, and can tell that all is not well. Jenna says she's annoyed that her dad has let Andrea move in, and now it's too cramped there. Sophie tells her to find a place of her own, and reminds her how Jenna behaved with her when she used to go on about Sally and Tim. "So stop stressing about everyone else's life and start living your own," she says. Jenna walks on looking thoughtful.

His cell mate is asleep, so Peter starts going through his things, obviously looking for something he can trade with Jim for the alcohol. He slides his hand under the mattress and pulls out a packet of sweets, and leaves the cell.

Gail comes out with the picnic blanket and offers to help Michael reverse out of the space he's parked in. She gets behind the van as he goes backwards, then he suddenly jerks back quickly and knocks her over! He leaps out of the cab and rushes round the back, to find a shocked Gail lying on the cobbles, just as David and Kylie come out of the house with the children.

David and Michael help Gail to her feet. She's hurt her ankle and Michael thinks she should go to A & E. David says he'll take her, Michael will probably kill her off! Eventually though, they get her into the van and Michael takes her off to the hospital.

Peter goes to Jim's cell with the sweets, but Jim throws them back at him, he wanted biccies, he was looking forward to garibaldis or custard creams. Desperation is setting in with Peter, and he starts pleading and begging for the alcohol. Jim laughs and says he was teasing, and waves the little bottle about. Eventually he hands it over to a shaking Peter, who immediately takes a swig.

Andrea has arrived outside the flat with a suitcase and a cardboard box of her possessions, which Jenna is helping her with. Just then Andrea's phone rings, it's Neil. She answers it and tells him not to cry, and tells him there is no point in meeting up. This is a fresh start for both of them.

Leanne and Simon meet Ken walking Eccles. Simon asks if Ken has been to see Peter, and asks if prison is horrible. Ken tells him the visiting area is pleasant enough, he's going back on Monday if Simon would like to go with him. Simon looks hesitant and Leanne tells him he doesn't have to go. Ken says that it would really cheer Peter up, so Simon says he'll go. Leanne and Ken then chat, Leanne thinks Deirdre must be pleased to have him back and thinks the two of them should go away together for a break. Ken starts to consider the idea.

Gail and Michael have waited so long in A & E that they're eating their picnic there. Michael looks at his watch and Gail suddenly remembers his curfew. He says he has a while yet, but she decides to phone David.

Andrea is chatting to Jenna about Neil. She thinks he'll get over her when he starts his new job and makes new friends. She knows she should have ended the marriage sooner, but she's just been too cowardly. She's wasted years.

Just then Lloyd comes in, happy to see them two of them talking together, until Jenna then announces that she's leaving. Lloyd is upset at first, reminding her that she said she'd give it a try, but she tells him she's 30, stuck in a dead end job and living with her dad. She needs to sort her life out.

Kirk and Craig are setting the table and getting the meal ready for Beth. Just then she comes in and they sit her down, she's somewhat puzzled by what is going on, but pleased nonetheless.

Jenna has packed her bag and comes out into the living room. Lloyd is worried that they're pushing her out, but she assures him this is her choice. He tells her he was over the moon when he found her, it was the best day of his life. Now he's losing her again. She tells him not to be daft, they can still meet up, she's going to stay in Burnley with a mate for a few days.

Peter's cell mate has discovered the loss of his wine gums, and he's furious. He pulls Peter off his bunk and then realises he's trashed.

Lloyd is putting Jenna's case into a taxi when Sophie comes along. She's amazed that Jenna is moving out so quickly, but Jenna thanks her for talking some sense into her. She tells Sophie that she's thinking of volunteering overseas. As she hugs Lloyd goodbye, she tells him she's so glad she got to know him, she wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Beth and Kirk have finished their starters, and Craig clears the plates and then leaves through the back door. Kirk has the ring ready in his pocket, and he takes the main course (paella) out to the table. As he starts his little speech, Beth takes a bite of the meal and then starts coughing and gasping and calling for water. She then wants to know how much spice he put in, he couldn't have followed the recipe. He brings the sheet of paper out from the kitchen. "12 teaspoonfuls," he says, "we counted it carefully." Beth looks at the recipe. "Half a teaspoonful!" she shouts at him, "Half, not 12!"

Gail has been seen at the hospital and had her ankle strapped up. David arrives to take her home, and jokingly tells Michael there's a SWAT team outside, probably waiting for him because he's broken his curfew. A very worried Michael leaves in a hurry.

Anne Logan


Friday 15 August

I'm all afluster as I am dragged, kicking and screaming like a tortured banshee, out of my retirement to bring the ever loyal Corrie fanbase of the world this latest episode update, in which Nick's being a pest, Gail's foot needs a rest and Kirk's proposal planning is put to the test. Hold onto your hobnobs (not too tightly) and here we go:

An agitated Nick is browsing in Dev's shop, his mind clearly elsewhere, when Leanne and Kal come in. Nick is quick to snap at Leanne as he waits in the queue behind her and she fires back at him to grow up. After Nick leaves, Dev advises Leanne that it's not much fun to be where Nick is at the moment; he remembers it well after splitting with Sunita. Leanne angrily tells Dev she didn't ask for his opinion.

Gail is trying desperately to phone Michael, who she hasn't heard from after his late night escape under the cover of darkness upon missing his curfew due to a hit and run (I'm good at making things sound far more exciting than they were. Its the only way I stay married). David is less than sympathetic and berates her once more for her track record of men, pointing out that someone who has already burgled her and run over her foot isn't likely to turn out much better.

Nick's burglar alarm is ringing across the Street and he is struggling to input the correct code. Leanne calls out to him, mockingly asking if he is having problems, but all round hero Kal strides over masterfully to help. Nick says that he can manage but after telling Kal that the code is Leanne's birthday (secure), Kal disarms the alarm without effort.

Across the road, an ice cream van pulls up and Gail rushes out like an excited child desperate for a Calippo. Michael smiles at her as she approaches.

Inside the Bistro, things are going from bad to worse for Nick as he searches erratically for his till keys. Steph comes in and before she has a chance to speak, Nick demands to know where the keys are. Steph tells him she doesn't know but can ask Leanne. Nick shouts at her, saying they can't keep running to Leanne and just to hurry up and find them. As Nick heads back to the flat to look there, Steph looks after him, shaking her head in dismay.

Michael is preparing croissants for Gail and explaining that he left his phone charger in his ice cream van last night and didn't want to re-break his curfew by going out to get it. Gail is relieved to hear that he only got a minor ticking off for being late home and Michael assures her he is going to spend the day waiting on her every need to apologise for her sore foot.

David is making full use of his qualifications and expertly scraping chewing gum from the Salon window, under the watchful, hawk-like supervision of Audrey (business must be booming). As Audrey wonders aloud how society has become so abhorrent to attach gum to glass in such a manner, Nick comes over and David asks him if everything is all right. He shakes his head and mutters that he has lost his till keys. Audrey upsets him further by pointing out Michael's ice cream van and saying that he seems to be making himself comfortable.

Kirk and Chesney are buying last minute holiday supplies from Dev's, which prompts the calm-demeanoured shop owner to realise he hasn't organised cover for the Kebab shop. Shopping complete, Kirk's topic of conversation turns to his imminent proposal to Beth and Chesney tells him the only way he can do it is by not thinking about it and just going for it-preferably before the holiday so everyone can relax, if such a sensation is possible in Beth's company.

Over at the Barlow household, Ken and Deirdre are at the laptop, discussing holiday destinations. Deirdre is being very clear about the type of holiday that she wants; beaches and heat galore, but Ken is quick to shoot down her ideas. Rob has been to the travel agent and picked up some brochures, for which Deirdre is extremely grateful; Ken less so. As Deirdre pops into the kitchen, Rob asks if Ken is any closer to finding somewhere, to which Ken gleefully replies that he already has the perfect solution.

Steph hands Leanne back the till keys that she has borrowed, when Nick comes in and is absolutely furious to see her, demanding that she gets her hand out of the till. He tells her that he doesn't need her help, and she vows not to help next time before storming out. Dev calls Nick over and advises him not to air his dirty linen in public. He remembers how angry he was at Karl and Sunita but would give anything to change how things worked out now. Nick sees no way back for an amicable relationship with Leanne. Dev tells him that he should move on or he'll find himself in a lonely place, after which Steph adds that if he ever speaks to her like that again, he will be looking for new staff.

It's break time at the factory and Beth and Sinead are talking holidays. Beth says she isn't really looking forward to it as much as Kirk has been acting weird recently. Julie unhelpfully suggests that he could be about to break up from her and Beth agrees, saying that maybe Craig is too much for him to take on. Sinead tells her not to be ridiculous; Kirk loves Craig. Sean suggests, even more unhelpfully, that she might get dumped on holiday, as happened to him once when an ex went off with an air steward. Sinead tries to stifle Beth's fears but Beth is adamant that she will have to do something drastic. Given how all of her normal behaviour could be considered drastic by the rest of us, this could be a worrying development.

Over at the Platts, Gail is in tears in the arms of an equally devastated Michael. But not to worry, they're only watching something sad on television. My guess was re-runs of Family Fortunes on Challenge TV.

Rob is standing outside with Deirdre and she is saying Ken isn't keen on going anywhere exotic. She explains that he won't even entertain the idea of Morocco as he is still jealous of Samir after all of these years. Rob is confident that Ken has a surprise in store for Deirdre. Deirdre's face is a picture of sheer horror as a caravan pulls up outside of her home.

As Kal sits with his daughter whose name I have yet to learn in the cafe, their mother, whose name also escapes me (I'm a nightmare with new characters, sorry) calls in with yet more books for Roy's reading corner. Roy is forced to remind her that his premises is first and foremost a cafe.

Audrey finds Nick in the Bistro sitting with a glass of wine alone at a table. She sits down with him and he tells her that it isn't easy being the sensible, business minded one of the family, as expectations are always so high. Audrey reminds him of his success with the Bistro but he says it means nothing as he will have to sell it now Leanne wants her share. Audrey takes Nick's hand and tells him he's the strongest, most capable man she knows and he will find a way around all of this. Nick smiles gratefully at her.

Michael and Gail are discussing the sad ending to the film they were watching when Audrey comes in and tells her that she is really worried about Nick. Audrey is grateful when Michael offers to leave them to talk and Audrey confides that she thinks it's all becoming too much for Nick to cope with.

Ken is gleefully telling Deirdre that they are taking the caravan along the coast of North Wales. Deirdre asks if he listened to her at all and exclaims that she can't even think what made him believe this would be a good idea. Ken tells her he's hungry for the open road.

Gail is telling Audrey that she doesn't know what to do for the best regarding Nick. She thinks it's her fault for carrying on with Michael when Nick was against him. Audrey says that she can't put her life on hold to which Gail replies that she has changed her tune. Audrey concedes that Michael seems a nice man and when he comes back in, she warns him to look after her daughter. After Audrey leaves, Michael sits Gail down and says he has something he wants to tell her. He splutters that he hopes he hasn't misread the signals but can't get his words out so Gail just orders him to kiss her. And, he does.

David bumps into Arya as he enters the cafe. He and Kal help her pick up her things and he is apologetic. Leanne suggests they all have a cup of tea, when Nick comes in and asks if they're all having a good time. Leanne roll her eyes as Nick shouts at them not to stop on his account. Suddenly he cries out in pain and grabs his head, collapsing into a nearby chair as a worried David and Leanne gather around him...

So What Have We Learned From This Episode?

-Simon's cereal of choice is Cornflakes whilst Leanne's is Shredded Wheat. We didn't discover Kal's but my guess would be something mundane like Bran Flakes. (apologies to any Bran Flake fans out there)
-Gail's tap dancing days are over
-Chewing gum is banned in some places abroad
-The Platts haven't got a good record with romance
-One of Kirk and Beth's "things" is that he eats the nuts and she likes the dust at the bottom. I hasten to add that he was talking about packets of peanuts.
-It was a sad day for the planet when woolly mammoths and unicorns went extinct, according to Kirk.
-Maldivian is spoken in the Maldives
-There are problems with various holiday destinations. Gambia is ridden with polaria and there is too much political unrest in Thailand. Afghanistan also has problems, apparently.
-The Bistro isn't the only bar in Weatherfield (someone should tell the other residents that)
-Ken refuses to eat cous cous due to his jealousy over Samir
-A caravan hijacking in North Wales is unlikely
-The North of Wales boasts the following attractions: coastal views, a burial chamber, a launderette
-Young people are always on the phone (it's true, I currently have two calls on hold as I type this)

Awards

Least Effective Consolation: "Well you still have your family." Audrey to Nick
Fussiest Holiday Companion: "I just want somewhere hot, with a beach and where they don't kidnap English people" Deirdre
Advice most apt for every Corrie local: "Don't air your dirty linen in public" Weatherfield's sage, Dev
Understatement of the Evening: "You're quite a lot to take on," Sean to Beth
Tactful son of the week: "I know you're good at overlooking your fellas' nuttier qualities." David to Gail
Most promising candidate for Villain Of The Year: "What kind of lowlife puts gum on a shop window?" Audrey
Most culturally open minded local: "We could learn a lot from other countries about public urination." Audrey. Yep, we just simply don't do it right here.

I shall return after my weekend of frolics to bring you Part Two. In the meantime, please do forgive this short plug and visit my website for more of my reviews of Corrie and beyond: http://pauseliveaction.wordpress.com/

And give me a follow on Twitter, if you're savvy enough to be a member ;) https://twitter.com/Our_manPLA

Duncan Lindsay

We're back in the cafe as episode two picks up where we left off. Nick is clutching his head in pain and Roy is offering to call an ambulance. Leanne seems worried and asks if he is okay but he tells people to stop fussing. He tells Leanne that he has these episodes regularly and they are brought on by stress. Kal asks Leanne if she will cover for Nick in The Bistro but he angrily says that he is fine before storming out. David follows and is insistent that Nick goes to hospital but as he starts to call an ambulance, Nick grabs his phone and throws it down on the cobbles. He tells David to leave him alone before walking away.

Gail is lying in Michael's arms, feeling loved up. Her phone is ringing but she decides to put herself first and ignores it, instead indulging in some smooching with Michael.

Sinead is telling Chesney that Beth is worried that Kirk is going off her. As they chat, Beth comes in and Chesney tries to persuade her that Kirk is still as in love with her as ever. Beth miserably says that maybe the honeymoon period is over. Kirk comes through and Beth takes decisive action, ordering him to get a shower and get dressed, she's taking him to The Bistro tonight and plans to start this holiday with a bang.

Tracy can't get her head around Ken's caravan holiday idea but assures Ken that he is sure Deirdre will have a lovely time. Ken confides that he wants to be close by in case anything happens with Peter. Tracy still thinks he is a cheapskate but Rob mutters to her not to put a downer on it as they will get the house to themselves.

Gail is seeing Michael off as he drives home to meet his curfew. Roy approaches her and asks for any news on Nick and Gail is baffled.

Kirk comes down dressed in a shirt and tie and tells Chesney that he would rather stay in. Chesney tells him that Beth is worried because he is acting so cagey and tells him to get the proposal done at The Bistro. Beth comes downstairs dressed in a loud fluorescent pink dress and Kirk's eyes pop out of his skull.

Leanne is leaving another voicemail for Nick but he won't answer her calls. Leanne sighs and tells Kal that they can't be helping by being together right in front of Nick, rubbing his face in it. Kal tells her that she can't blame herself. As Alya calls round for dinner, Leanne also worries what Kal's family must think of her, leaving her brain damaged husband.

Kirk and Beth are coming out of The Bistro as it is fully booked. Kirk says that he wasn't too bothered about dining there anyway and Beth jumps to the conclusion that he doesn't want to spend time with her. Kirk tells her that he couldn't love her more so she asks why he has been acting so weird. He explains that he has had a lot on his mind but that he couldn't have coped without her. She kisses him and feels reassured, telling him to get to The Rovers so they can get bladdered.

David finds Nick on the Red Rec on a bench. David asks why he hasn't been to the hospital and Nick says casually that he doesn't need to. Nick checks his phone and sees he has six missed calls from Leanne. David says that she is probably worried and Nick laughs, saying that he's glad. David is shocked and asked Nick if he faked the funny turn. Nick shrugs and says that there's no way he is going to make things easy for Leanne and Kal and hopefully the guilt will tear them apart.

Beth is now slightly worse for wear and she is with Kirk in the kebab shop. As Beth takes a call from Sinead outside, Chesney tells Kirk to make his move while she is all over him. Spurred into action, Kirk puts the engagement ring into Beth's kebab and takes it out to her. She takes a bite out of it and tells Kirk she is glad they have done this tonight. She is keen to get home but Kirk wants to stay for a while. He watches her take another bite but then Beth decides she shouldn't be eating it right before her holiday and throws it into the bin, to Kirk's horror.

Gail has called Steph and arranged cover for The Bistro. She and Audrey are talking about Nick's funny turn whilst a noisy Max plays around them. Kylie is becoming increasingly stressed. Audrey offers to take him through to the living room but Kylie sends him upstairs to get a toy. Gail is telling Audrey that it will be Nick's stress that has caused the seizure. Meanwhile, Max brings down a tub of Lego and spills it all over the coffee table.

Kal and Leanne are walking down the Street and bump into Nick and David. Kal asks after Nick's health but he responds that Leanne clearly doesn't care about his health as the nurse has told him that seizures will be brought on by stress. Leanne says guiltily that they should make things more amicable but Nick scoffs at her saying that she is trying to take his business from her. Leanne reluctantly relents and says that they can put the divorce proceedings on hold.

Kirk and Beth are pawing through the rubbish bin searching for the ring as a sizeable crowd gathers around them. Kirk finally finds it and kneels in the rubbish, telling Beth that she makes him the happiest man alive and asking her to marry him. She tearfully says yes and they kiss passionately as the crowd cheers for them.

Nick is at Gail's and she is fussing over him but he refuses to go to the hospital, saying he has a doctor's appointment next week. Max shouts downstairs that he wants a story and Kylie goes up to see him. As Gail takes a call from Michael, David asks Nick what is next in his evil master plan

Tracy is telling Deirdre about Kirk's proposal and Deirdre thinks it's romantic. She is making her way through a bottle of wine as Tracy tells her Ken went to a lot of effort to book the break and it will be good for them to reconnect. Deirdre points out that Tracy has changed her tune but agrees to sleep on it. She won't get a chance however as Ken comes through and cheerfully tells her he wants them to leave now.

Beth and Kirk arrive home and announce their news to their excited family. As Beth shows off her ring, Craig happily crows that this will be the best holiday ever.

Leanne sighs and Kal agrees it's been a long day. Leanne is musing, she thinks it's a little convenient that Nick had a funny turn right in front of them just as divorce proceedings are getting underway. Kal says he wouldn't fake it and Leanne will drive herself mad with those thoughts but she's clearly unconvinced.

Rob and Tracy are seeing Ken and Deirdre off on their road trip. As they turn the corner out of the Street, Rob and Tracy rush into the house, excited to have the place to themselves.

Over at the Platts, the family are finishing their dinner off. Gail has offered to do some shifts at the Bistro and to stop over at Nick's to look after him. Nick changes the topic and asks what Michael was doing hanging around. Gail announces that they are now seeing each other and asks if she has everyone's blessing. As Max throws a box of Lego down the stairs, Kylie tells Gail she has other things on her mind. Nick says it's too noisy and walks out, followed by David. David tells him to quit while he's ahead but as he looks over at Leanne and Kal's flat, he ominously says that he is just getting started.

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 18 August

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Brett Fallis

The sound of sheep punctuate Deirdre's sighs as she gazes longingly through a holiday brochure for somewhere that has palm trees and golden sand. She's sat in a caravan in North Wales somewhere. She and nature don't seem to get on well. She rings Tracy to complain. Ken's off to a farm to get milk straight from the udder. Both women shudder. She sees him coming back and hangs up. Ken's in his element, or so it would seem, having made friends with the farmer and he ignores Deirdre's pointed remarks waving around her brochures to waffle on about the people he's met. She wants a cup of tea and he can't stop talking about the farmyard. She notices he's holding a pair of suspicious looking footwear. They're for her, borrowed from the farmer's wife or daughter or someone. WHAT FOR??? Deirdre spits.

Andrea and Lloyd are having breakfast in the cafe, excited that Neil is leaving today. Lloyd can even check the flight on his phone. They have a silly conversation about nowt really, the kind of thing you chatter about happily with your partner when things are going well. I'd say that's a clear sign that the day won't end so well. At another table, Leanne and Eva and Simon are talking about Simon's impending visit to see Peter. Simon says he's not worried but Leanne thinks he is. She's taking him, apparently Ken talked her into it.

Back to Ken who's relaxing with a book. Deirdre returns from the showers, shivering because the water wasn't very hot. Ken is planning their hiking route and a picnic. Not a pub lunch like she'd hoped. She's not being particularly cooperative but it doesn't seem to faze Ken in the least, intent on his own enjoyment. As always.

Leanne is in the corner shop talking to Dev about looking for a job. Dev calls her back and offers her a job at the kebab shop as he's short staffed. She's pleased as punch. Simon is quiet. They leave as Rob arrives.

In prison, Peter's cellmate is reading and enjoying his book about pirates. Peter is shaking and worried about Simon's visit. He needs a drink to steady his nerves. Roomie is pretty much ignoring Peter's whinging. Peter urges him to get to the laundry where he's expected.

Lloyd and Andrea are watching the flight tracking on the "live departures" on the airport app. They count down to the flight's departure and cheer as they see the flight has lifted off. They turn around to see... guess who? Neil walking in the door. Eyup! (Nobody's surprised, are they?)

After the break, Neil wants to speak to Andrea in private. He couldn't get on the plane, he thinks if he stays around she'll come back to him, thinking that all those years of working away was the problem. Andrea's objecting but he's just talking on and on as if he doesn't hear a think. He's quit his job, too. He's acting like there's nothing wrong and brings up past travel memories with her. He pleas for 10 minutes to talk to her. Finally she gives in against his incessant badgering.

Peter comes to Jim's cell just as Jim is sending someone else off with some contraband. Next! Jim teases him about cheating at snooker. Peter wants a favour, a drink, in fact. Jim's reluctant because the last time several people noticed Peter was obviously legless. He warns Peter to keep a lid on it and be discreet. Peter promises and begs so Jim reaches behind his cabinet for a bottle. Or two. Jim warns him to remember this favour.

Ken and Deirdre are trudging through the woods. Ken postures that he was always outdoorsy. Deirdre objects. He never was. He bores for England about how lovely the English countryside is. "We're in Wales" Deirdre points out. It seems like her borrowed boots are rubbing blisters. Ken considers how good it is to get out of the rat race which makes Deirdre sputter. He's been a rat once or twice, she reminds him. Again, he's paying no notice to her. It's comical, seeing her trudge through the woods in a skirt and top, with one of her chain belts on wearing ill fitting hiking boots. Not one of life's outdoors women, is our Deirdre. She looks as out of place as a fish on a bicycle.

Eva is in the corner shop now. Tracy and Amy are there too and Tracy wonders if they should get Simon a treat to cheer him up. Nick rushes in but forgets what he came for. Eva looks at him with sympathy.

Andrea and Neil sit in the car. She grills her about what he's going to do now he's back and jobless. He thinks her living with Lloyd is just a phase. It's a choice, she reminds him, and she's sticking to it. He offers to spruce himself up, be more attentive, anything. She softly says he was a good husband but she's not taking him back. In the cab office, Lloyd nervously checks his watch. Steve thinks he needs to let the couple hash it out. Lloyd is worried Andrea will be talked round with Neil's emotional blackmail. Lloyd then compares himself unfavourably to the younger, better educated man and reckons he's going to lose Andrea. Nothing Steve says is convincing him.

Leanne and Simon sit down at a table. Peter comes lurching in. Not obviously lurching but it looks like he's straining to keep himself from looking wobbly. He greets Simon who won't look up at his dad and gives one word answers. Leanne watches Peter closely as he's smiling and cheerful. She makes small talk about her new job and Ken and Deirdre's job.

Andrea and Neil are out of the car now and she hands him the keys. He grabs her for a hug and wishes her luck. She gently pushes him back. He asks for one more thing, he wants to buy her one more drink. She tells him there will be lots to talk about but allows him to talk her into one drink.

The Barlows Senior have stopped for their picnic. Ken, at least, has he the wherewithal to bring wine which Deirdre is enjoying with a cig in one hand. They admit they missed each other while he was away. He says he saw some wonderful place while away, once Adam started to improve, but wished he could have shared them with her. She dreams about a holiday by the pool. Other hikers walk by and Ken officiously says hello to them in Welsh. Deirdre asks how he knew they were Welsh. He chides her....because they're in Wales! She rightly points out, so is he. That seems to knock him down to size, just a tad.

Tracy and Rob are discussing Simon's visit. Rob doesn't think it's a good idea but Tracy reckons it is if it can cheer up Peter a bit. Tracy calls Michelle to nag her about finding a venue and shouts at her because she hasn't yet. Rob warns her to be a bit nicer to the person that's arranging (one of) the biggest days of her life. She playfully asks if it's going to be the biggest day of his life. Probably, he replies. That sparks an argument about major events in his life because he didn't say the most romantic things. She ends up stropping off, leaving him baffled as to what the right thing to say was supposed to be.

Leanne asks Peter about his cellmate. Leanne watches him as he witters on about Eugene Clelland (finally, a name!). He's not slurring but he's trying hard to appear normal and Leanne susses that he's been drinking. He denies it but she knows better. Father of the year, she hisses.

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Brett Fallis

The prison visit is a disaster. Leanne is furious. Peter begs her to understand but Leanne doesn't want Simon to witness his father in this state for a moment longer and marches him out of the visiting room as fast as she can.

Meanwhile in Wales the mood is much lighter. Having consumed the best part of a bottle of wine, Deirdre is weaving her way happily along the path next to Ken and laughing at his attempts to speak Welsh.

In the Bistro Neil and Andrea sit down with their drinks. His latest attempt to woo her back involves reminiscing about old family holidays but, so far at least, Andrea doesn't seem to be falling for it.

Over at the bar David is trying to have a word with Nick. He advises him to stop faking his funny turns because someone's bound to find out but Nick doesn't want to know. David gives up when Gail comes in. She tells Nick she's taking over his shift and he should go home. But Nick doesn't want anyone telling him what to do.

Back in deepest Wales, Ken and Deirdre's ramble has brought them face to face with a herd of cows. Spotting a familiar-looking face, Ken hisses to Deirdre to walk slowly - he's sure he can see Derek the bull amongst them. Deirdre peers more closely. She can't see the difference - they all look the same to her. An exasperated Ken tells her to look underneath. "Those are udders!" exclaims Deirdre. As they make their way slowly past the animals, their argument about bovine nether regions swiftly turns to the holiday and continues on through all their current problems. Before they know it, they've covered at least six topics and reached the safety of the gate on the other side of the field.

Back in Weatherfield Lloyd notices Neil's car is still parked in the street. He peers through the window of the Rovers while, in the Bistro, Neil is prattling on to Andrea about yet another of their past holidays. He asks Andrea what Lloyd's got that he hasn't. She tells Neil that he's just a nice, calm, genuine bloke who cares about her. Neil says he sounds like a yes man and a fraud. Andrea just can't get through to Neil. She tells him straight: she doesn't love him and that she hasn't loved him for so long that it's embarrassing. She adds that she's bored stupid, she doesn't fancy him and she's running out of pity. She tells him to leave her alone, cut his losses and start again. But then she realises she may have gone too far so she apologises and offers to buy Neil another drink.

Leanne is knocking frantically on the door of number 1. A very disgruntled Tracy comes downstairs in her dressing gown. She and Rob were . well .. Leanne doesn't need it explaining but she's come round to talk about Peter.

Lloyd's worked out where Neil and Andrea are. He storms into the Bistro, and pulls Neil to his feet by his shirt collar. Neil finally agrees to leave but now Andrea is cross with Lloyd. She tells him she needed to talk to Neil in private, she has a daughter to think about and she wanted to keep things amicable.

Leanne's talking to Tracy when Rob comes downstairs. Tracy relays the news that Peter's been drinking again. "In front of his own kid?" asks Rob, provocatively. Leanne nods and says it's the last time Simon's going near 'that place'. We see Rob smirking to himself. Leanne asks Tracy if she should tell Ken but Tracy tells her to wait until Ken and her mum get back from Wales and promises that as soon as they do she'll break the news to them. After Leanne leaves Tracy wonders if she should call Ken but Rob advises her not to spoil their holiday and wait until they get home. "Cheers, Peter," says Rob under his breath, smiling to himself.

Ken and Deirdre are back in their caravan, their earlier argument completely forgotten. They chat amicably about this and that as Ken shuffles a pack of cards and discuss what card game they should play, eventually deciding on snap. Deirdre admits that the countryside is rather peaceful but she is missing one thing - a bath. Ken has a suggestion to make: they can play one game of cards and then go home. Deirdre's face lights up at this. "I did miss you, you know" she tells Ken. "Snap!" he laughs back.

David's walking down the street when Leanne calls down to him from the window of the flat about the kebab shop. She asks how his brother is today. David reminds her Nick's had a relapse but there are no flies on Leanne and she points out to David that she knows him and she knows his brother and all.

Andrea and Lloyd come walking happily down the street, arm in arm, when Lloyd notices Neil's car is still there. "He did get the message, didn't he?" asks an exasperated Lloyd. Andrea confirms that he did.

Peter's in his cell, running over the events of earlier. He's talking out loud while his cell-mate, Eugene appears not to be listening. Peter says all he had to do was stay sober and tell Simon that he'd be out soon. Finally Eugene speaks. He's got to the end of the book he's been reading but it turns out he's been listening to Peter after all. He tells him he should have talked to him earlier because he would have given him some good advice. But all Peter wants is another drink.

Neil has moved on to the kebab shop. Meanwhile Leanne is round the back with Dev, going over everything she needs to know. Nick comes in and starts a conversation with Neil. He tells Neil that he's sorry about what happened in the Bistro earlier and that he thinks Lloyd's behaviour was out of order. Leanne comes in from the back. She takes one look at Nick and tells him he looks in rude health. "Really?" asks Nick, adding that his condition comes . and then it goes. Nick leaves. Leanne appears to have something on her mind.

Tracy and Rob are enjoying a drink in the Bistro. She's wondering whether she should call her Dad but the thought of what she can get up to with Rob and the house to themselves for another night wins out. She's enjoying the freedom although she could do without the domestic duties like the washing. However, even that's not putting her off the idea of marriage to Rob and she tells him she loves the sound of her future name - Tracy Donovan.

Life's looking up round at Lloyd's where Andrea comes off the phone. A mate of hers has managed to get them a couple of tickets for a match on Saturday. She goes over to close the blinds and gets a shock when she peers through the window. Her soon-to-be-ex-if-Lloyd-has-his-way is standing in the street outside, watching the flat. Lloyd marches down to sort him out. But, try as he might, Neil won't get the message. He calmly stands there while Lloyd tries arguing. Neil claims he's going to stand and wait until Andrea changes her mind. He isn't even fazed when Lloyd threatens to call the police because he says he's not committing an offence. Lloyd finally gives up and goes back inside.

Deirdre is feeling very relieved to be back at home. She's just enjoyed a bath and Ken's about to make a brew when Tracy and Rob arrive back. Tracy's put out that she's missing out on one more night of debauchery but, as Ken points out, if they had a house of their own they could get up to whatever they liked every night of the week.

Deirdre asks if there's any news on Peter. Tracy looks shifty and admits that there is. As she puts it, Peter's back on the sauce and even Simon could tell. Ken's face says it all. "What chance does he stand now?" he asks.

Karen


Wednesday 20 August

Ken is filled with guilt and worry, he shouldn't have gone away, he should have been there for Peter. He discusses it with Rob and Tracy and wonders if he should tell the governor of the prison what is going on. Tracy is horrified, that would not be a good idea, if he grasses Peter up there will be consequences. Rob (hopefully perhaps?) says that maybe Ken has a point. "How can you say that?" says Tracy, pointing out that Rob, more than anyone, knows what they would do to him. "You can't do it," she says to Ken.

Peter, meanwhile, is in his cell suffering badly from alcohol withdrawal. He has a conversation with his cell mate about self-loathing, and says he doesn't think Simon will ever want to see him again.

Leanne is behind the counter in the kebab shop, all dressed up in the uniform and ready for her first shift. Eva comes in and after an initial snigger at the sight of her sister, they talk about Nick. Leanne says she thinks he's putting on the headaches, he's playing for sympathy. Eva is shocked. "Have you heard yourself?" she asks, claiming that's ridiculous. Leanne thinks he's doing it to make her look like the bad guy. Eva says if she keeps spouting stuff like that she'll do that job all by herself. She thinks Nick has been through a lot and now, seeing Leanne with Kal it's bound to add to his stress. Leanne is annoyed, she thought that, out of everybody, Eva would be on her side.

Michelle is outside the Rovers, discussing the wedding plans with Rob and Tracy. Glass carriages, helicopters, castles with moats and grand houses with woodland and lakes are all mentioned. The discussion ends with Tracy storming off. Rob tells Michelle that Tracy just wants something bigger and better than Carla's wedding. "How hard can that be?" he asks.

Andrea comes around the corner, walks to the flat door and lets herself in. Across the road, Neil watches with a look of misery on his face.

Leanne is busy in the kebab shop when Ken comes in. They talk about Peter and his drinking, and Ken is sorry that Simon had been there to see his dad in that state. Ken says that Peter loves Simon but Leanne thinks that he has to show it. Ken doesn't know how to help him. Leanne thinks that if someone doesn't do something soon, Peter won't live to see his trial.

Maddie has made Sophie lunch - well, a cheese sandwich - and they talk about Maddie getting a job. "Another job?" says Maddie, and agrees that she would, if she thought she had a chance. Sophie says she's heard that Carla needs someone else in the packing department. "Me in packing?" says Maddie, doubtfully. Sophie thinks Maddie should get over to the factory before Carla gives the job to someone else, and she rings Sally to ask her to put a word in.

Lloyd comes back to the taxi office, annoyed. For the 4th time today he's been sent to a false address. Just then a pizza delivery guy arrives with a stack of pizzas and asks for £39.94. Steve and Lloyd tell him they didn't order them and refuse to pay. "Fine," says the pizza guy, putting the pizzas back in his bag, "from now on you're on the blacklist." Steve is worried (he loves pizza) and tells Lloyd to pay him, and gets ready to start eating. Just then Neil comes in and it soon becomes obvious that he's ordered them, although he denies it.

Ken is visiting Peter and tells him he looks terrible, and that Simon doesn't want to come in again. Ken is cross, but Peter plays the victim asks what choice he has. Ken tells him he's the one who has chosen to find the answers to his problems at the bottom of a bottle. Peter says he wants to keep away from it but he just can't cope. Ken thinks that if Peter isn't strong enough, maybe someone else needs to step in, maybe he should tell the authorities what is going on. Peter says he can't do that. Ken says it's not about what he wants any more, Peter is playing Russian roulette with his life. He makes as if to stand up and Peter grabs him. "Please," he begs, "please don't."

After the break, Peter and Ken are still having a whispered discussion. Peter asks if Ken has any idea of what they do to grasses in there. Ken thinks they won't know where the information came from but Peter assures him that they will. He implores Ken not to say anything, and points out that confessing to illegal drinking will not do him any favours when he gets to court, and promises that he will get help for his drinking.

Sophie and Maddie are out in the Street when Sally comes out of the factory. Sophie asks if Sally spoke to Carla about the job for Maddie, but Sally has been too busy and didn't do it. She rushes off to get some shopping, and just then Carla herself comes out. Sophie calls her over and Maddie asks about the job. Carla wants to know if she has any experience. Maddie, somewhat sarcastically, tells her she knows what boxes look like and she knows how sellotape works. "The thing is......." Carla starts to say when Maddie immediately takes it as a knockback and tells her to stick her job and walks off. "Right little charmer isn't she?" says Carla to Sophie and walks away.

Rob is in the Rovers and Michelle is talking to him about the wedding. She reckons Tracy needs to find herself a footballer to get the wedding she's after, she's even asked if Gary Barlow will sing at the reception!

Nick comes into the pub and thanks Eva for what she did the other day, and starts to tell her it's good to know who his friends are. She stops him, reminding him that Leanne is her sister, but adds sympathetically that he needs to look after himself, he can't let all the stuff with Leanne make him ill.

Kal comes in and tries to talk to Nick, but Nick leaves in a hurry. Eva tells Kal that Leanne needs to be careful with her accusations about Nick putting on his headaches, she's beginning to sound pathetic.

Peter is in Jim's cell, begging him for more alcohol, but Jim has heard about Peter's conversation with Ken and won't give him any. Peter tries to explain that he's upset about Simon not wanting to see him, and how Leanne knew he'd been drinking. Jim leaps off his bunk, furious. "She knew you'd been drinking?"

Andrea and Lloyd are cuddled up on the sofa, munching their way through some of the pizzas. They talk about Neil and how Lloyd and Steve are certain it was him who ordered them. Andrea shows him her phone, she's had 18 texts from Neil so far today. She's sure he's losing the plot.

Tracy walks into the living room and finds Ken with the phone in his hand. She's shocked. "You haven't?" Ken puts the phone down, he hasn't. He says he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. If anything happens to Peter he will never forgive himself. Just then Rob comes in and hold up a picture of a castle. "I've booked it!" he whispers. Tracy leaps up and hugs him.

Sally comes back home with her shopping and tells the girls that she'll speak to Carla about the job tomorrow. They tell her there's no need, Carla has said no. "Apparently you need to be an egg-head to pack her stupid knickers in a stupid box," says Maddie, sulkily. Sally isn't surprised Maddie didn't get the job with an attitude like that. She sends Sophie out to get chips, and then sits down to talk to Maddie. She tells her that it seems that sometimes Maddie brings it on herself, she seems to push people's buttons. She tells her she's not a stupid girl and she's not a bad person, and sooner or later she'll have shed some of her armour and let people see who she really is. "What if people don't like the real me?" says Maddie. "Oh sweetheart," says Sally, sympathetic for once, "that's just a risk you're going to have to take."

Steve is outside the Rovers, sweeping, when Lloyd comes along. They talk about the situation with Neil and Andrea, and decide that Neil needs a taste of his own medicine.

Peter is still arguing his case with Jim, but Jim reckons the whole business relies on discretion and he doesn't think he can trust Peter. "No more booze, Peter!"

Leanne is in the kebab shop when Nick comes in. He tells her he's heard about Peter's drinking and he wants to see Simon. Leanne says he can't. Nick goes on about Peter, warning her that he'll manipulate her or Simon to get money for booze. "That's what people do, they manipulate people to get what they want." Leanne glares at him. "Like you've done with Eva?" Nick reckons he doesn't know what she's talking about, but Leanne tells him he won't win. He turns and leaves.

Anne Logan


Friday 22 August

It doesn't seem like two moments since our last Corrie encounter folks, but here we are again for a smashing time at The Bistro, a bit of lesbian Grand Theft Auto and some clowning around from our two favourite cabbies, Lloyd and Steve. All will become clear...

There's a tense atmosphere as morning arrives in Leanne's flat. Eva offers to make her sister a brew but Leanne is still angry that no one will believe her regarding Nick's feigned seizures. Eva tries to tell Leanne that she understands the pressure that she is under but she really thinks that Nick is genuine and that Leanne is misjudging this. Leanne can't believe that her own sister is siding with Nick. The atmosphere gets no easier when Kal arrives as Eva asks for him to back her up. He shrugs and says he doesn't want to get involved. As Leanne goes to get changed, Eva is annoyed with Kal for not being direct. He says it's not the right time to upset Leanne by telling her she is in the wrong. But is there ever a right time to tell a woman that she is wrong?

It's Kylie's birthday and David has splashed out on a pair of novelty slippers which Audrey finds highly amusing. Nick is sitting quietly on the sofa and both Gail and Audrey fuss over him, constantly asking if he is okay. David reminds them that this Kylie's day. Kylie breaks into a well wrapped present Gail, which turns out to be a sewing kit. Gail mews that this was Michael's brainwave and both Audrey and Kylie struggle to hide their surprise at this gift. David tells Kylie he wants to take her to the Bistro for dinner and she is excited until Gail spies an opportunity for a family meal and the entire Platt clan plus Michael are invited.

Carla is dropping her car off at the garage for a valet. Maddie promises her it will be clean as a whistle. Carla reminds Maddie what she said about her factory the last time that they spoke and Maddie apologises and promises to prove herself to her.

Peter is looking a state (more so than usual) and practically begs Jim for a drink as he visits his cell. Jim calmly informs him that he simply doesn't trust him to be discrete. No amount of pleading from Peter changes Jim's stance, which is that good things come to those who wait.

Jason continues to work on Tyrone's loft. Eva asks how he is getting on and he has been thinking of taking her out tonight. Eva is excited to plan her outfit and smooches Jason, prompting Tyrone to bang on the window and jokingly tell them to get a room, as if they need any encouragement.

Sophie and Maddie are walking with Simon. Sophie can't quite believe that Maddie apologises to Carla. Tracy and Amy are walking Eccles and Simon greets them. Tracy asks if they would mind taking Eccles for a walk as she is doing her head in. Amy asks if she can go too and Tracy says she doesn't think she can trust Maddie after last time. Sophie tells her to suit herself but Tracy eventually relents, obviously unable to resist the afternoon off duty, but warns them that they had better not break her trust this time.

Nick is stressed after a busy lunchtime in the Bistro. David comes in and tells his brother that he is taking things too far with his plot to get sympathy from Leanne and it's time to tell the truth. Nick points out that Leanne will go straight to her solicitor if he did that and adds that he won't Leanne win. Why should she be happy when he can't be?

Lloyd and Steve are plotting against Neil in one of the booths in the Rovers. No one is behind the bar and Carla coughs loudly. Steve shouts for Sean to come and serve her. Carla asks what they are in cahoots about but Steve and Lloyd deny that they are up to anything.

Gail and Sally are across the bar having a drink together. Gail is about to go and get ready for Kylie's birthday meal and is telling Sally that Kylie was insistent that Michael came. Sally is pleased that Gail's family are starting to come around and Gail admits that she is more worried about Nick, because of Leanne. Leanne is nearby and tells Gail to say things to her face not her back. Gail points out that Leanne has so many faces, that it's difficult to choose one to speak to. Leanne insists that Nick is faking his headaches and Sally condemns her for suggesting that anyone would make something like that up. Gail says Leanne has a vendetta against Nick and she wants to destroy him. Leanne storms out.

Maddie offers to buy Simon some sweets. Huffy Amy asks why everything has to be about Simon and Maddie tells her that Simon is going through a hard time. Sophie ties Eccles up outside, but as everyone else goes into the shop, Amy unties Eccles and lets her run free.

We're back in the same place and Simon is horrified to see that Eccles has gone missing. Sophie is adamant that she tied her up properly. Tracy arrives on the scene and is furious by what's happened. Sophie is apologetic but Maddie is determined that Eccles can't have got very far and that they will find her. Tracy wants to take the kids as Maddie can't be trusted but Simon wants to stay with her and Sophie as they search for the missing pooch.

Steve and Lloyd continue to plot against Neil. Steve is determined to outwit Neil and come up with something better than his pizza prank. Lloyd worries that Andrea will be angry with them for this but at that point, Steve claims to have had the perfect idea.

Nick sees Leanne sweeping up outside of the kebab shop and is quick to tease her about it. He asks if it hurt falling from such a height. She snaps back that she didn't recognise him when he wasn't faking a seizure. Kal shouts over asking if everything is okay and Nick clutches his head in pain. Sally is passing and asks if he is okay. Leanne tells her to ignore him as he is putting it on. Simon and Maddie are nearby looking for Eccles and Simon panics at seeing Nick in pain. Maddie sarcastically congratulates Leanne for causing Simon to get upset. Sally leads Nick away with a comforting arm around him and tells Leanne to grow up and have a heart as she continues to insist that he is faking his symptoms.

In the Bistro, Michael is telling Gail how nice it is to be included in Kylie's birthday celebrations. Sally brings Nick in and he insists he's okay. Sally tells a worried Gail that Leanne has been kicking off again. Gail tells Kal to control Leanne and he apologises. Gail worries that she is going to push Nick over the edge.

Maddie and Sophie continue to hunt for Eccles and Maddie reckons that she is cursed. They finally find her injured at the side of the road.

Peter is getting increasingly more stressed. He is telling his cellmate that he needs a drink and he can't cope. Jim comes through and, after asking the cellmate for some time alone with Peter, he tells him that he may be able to get his hands on something for him, Peter is grateful and says he will do anything. Jim is glad that he has found his manners and warns him that forgetting manners can lead to people getting kickings in prison. Peter asks what Jim wants and Jim replies that he wants his son Steve.

Sophie and Maddie are panicking, carrying an unwell Eccles. They have no money for a taxi so Maddie leaps into Carla's car which is still being serviced at the garage and they speed off in that, much to Luke's horror.

Kal finds Leanne at the flat and tells him that she is surprised that he can find time for her. She asks why he didn't stand up for her and he admits that he thinks she is wrong about Nick . She can't believe that even Kal is on Nick's side and vows to sort things out once and for all before hurrying out. Outside, Eva and Jason are heading for a night out but Eva sees Leanne storming to the Bistro with Kal in her wake and goes over to see what is going on. Jason goes for a pint with Tyrone instead.

Everyone is singing Happy Birthday to Kylie in The Bistro when Leanne storms in and heads behind the bar. She starts smashing bottles of spirits on the ground. Audrey and Gail demand to know what's going on. Leanne screams at Nick that he obviously wants to destroy everything so why doesn't he help her as she continues to smash bottles. Kylie takes the kids out and thanks Leanne for ruining her birthday. Leanne says she can blame Nick, he has driven her to this. She smashes something else and hysterically asks Nick if he is feeling a bit wobbly or unwell. Gail says that she has lost it while Audrey is distraught that so much gin is being spilt. Leanne says she will stop smashing up the place if Nick comes clean and tells the truth...that he has been faking the headaches.

So what have we learned from this episode?

-There are a lot of Platt birthdays at this time of year
-Audrey used to go to the shop wearing fluffy slippers
-Mules are quite alluring
-Gail gets gung ho with sellotape
-It isn't National Dote on Nick Day
-Dipping a gariboldi biscuit in tea takes precise timing if you want to do it properly
--Sean is bijobial. That's someone who has two jobs in case you wondered.
-Sean's mum was forever diving between the family planning centre and the off license
-No man talks about football quietly
-Eccles is a pedigree dog and Deirdre has certificates to prove it
-Peter is not big on biscuits

Awards Earned

-Most Disillusioned Person: "We're not common David" Gail.
-Still the most disillusioned person: "What a lovely birthday you're having, Kylie." Gail.
-Understatement of the evening: "I can be a bit of a liability" Maddie
-Most alluring euphemism: "You can eat your dinner off of Carla's bonnet right now" Maddie
-Most lesbian fearing local: "Don't flirt with me" Tracy to Maddie
-Statement that most goes without saying: "I've done way worse things in the past" David to Nick.
-Hypocrite of the evening: "You're twisted, you know that!?" David to Nick
-Most sensitive barman to recovering alcoholism: "What you having cock? 8 bottles of red is it?" Sean to Carla
-Most unnecessary information of the evening: " She doesn't cock her leg, she squats." Amy about Tracy. I mean Eccles.
-Parent of the Year Award: "Thank God I brought you up properly" Tracy to Amy -Most Unlikely Prospect: "I've just had a genius idea!" Steve

Episode Two coming up. While you wait, get yourselves on Twitter and follow me for more thoughts, reviews, news and interviews from the world of Corrie and beyond. https://twitter.com/Our_manPLA

Duncan Lindsay

The action in Weatherfield continues as a lying Platt comes clean in the Nick of time. Is it finally time for DivorceGate to come to an end? Here's hoping...

Leanne continues to smash bottles and plates in the Bistro and Gail tells her that she is being pathetic. Leanne hits back that the most pathetic thing is Nick faking his bad turns. Steph tries to calm Leanne down but she screeches that she was married to Nick and knows him better than anyone. She wonders why no one will believe her.Her eyes, swimming with tears, land on Nick as she tells him that Simon thinks he is dying. She asks how he can do that to a child. She is about to give up and leave when Gail condemns her for using Simon to get at Nick. She tells Leanne that Nick is not fit to defend himself but he interrupts and says that he is. He finally admits that Leanne is right and he has been faking his seizures.

Carla is at the garage wondering where her car is. Luke tries to fob her off by saying that Tyrone has taken it for a test drive but she reminds him that it was only in for a valet. At that point, a tearful Deirdre comes over and asks if anyone has seen Eccles. Carla suggests that whoever has taken her car has taken Deirdre's dog. Sally comes over and asks if everything is okay, which is when Luke admits that Maddie and Sophie have taken Carla's car with Eccles. Deirdre is horrified and Carla orders Luke to get her car back now. A shocked Sally tries to phone Sophie to find out what is going on.

Gail is asking Nick how he could put them through this as they have all been so worried about him. Kal and Eva both apologise to Leanne. David tells Nick that he warned him it wouldn't end well and Gail and Audrey are shocked that he knew about this and didn't tell them. Leanne is determined to know why. Nick asks all of his customers to leave so that he and Leanne can be alone to talk.

Maddie drives Carla's car back onto the Street and Sally angrily orders both girls to get out of it. They are carrying Eccles, who is wearing a lampshade collar and is bandaged up. She had been hit by a car but the vet says that she will be okay. Maddie is apologising but promises that they can explain. Carla comes over and tells Maddie to get out of her sight while Sorry orders them to take Eccles back to Deirdre.

Deirdre is over the moon when the girls bring Eccles home. She cuddles the injured pooch and tells Maddie and Sophie that her baby is traumatised. Maddie explains what happened and Deirdre says that she hopes they will be footing the vet's bill. Maddie apologises again but says it has all turned out okay as Eccles is fine. Simon gratefully thanks her for saving Eccles, while Deirdre wonders aloud where a strong drink that she needs could be coming from.

Peter is telling Jim that he can't get Steve to come in and see him. Jim says that he is sure that Steve will find a way to persuade him if he wants a drink. Jim recalls that he used to have such a close relationship with Steve and he wants that back. Peter asks if he can have a drink for courage but Jim says that he gets nothing until he persuades Steve to come in.

Nick is apologetic for upsetting Simon and tells Leanne that this was the last thing that he wanted to do. She asks why he lied. He says that he really misses her and just wanted a reaction to show that she cares. She tells him that she wouldn't be here if she didn't care but reminds him that care doesn't mean the same thing as love. Nick admits that he wanted her to hurt just like he was hurting and apologises again, saying he will do what he should have done months ago and will sign the divorce papers and give Leanne what she is owed. She looks relieved and thanks him.

Kylie and David thank an oblivious Michael for the sewing kit. Michael is saying that he is not sure what happened back at the Bistro but David says he will get used to it if he is to become part of this family. Kylie can't believe what Leanne did to the Bistro. Audrey points out that people shouldn't be defending Nick after the worry he has put them through. Michael tells Gail he has to get home for curfew but he is just at the end of the phone if she needs him. She thanks him, saying she wouldn't have gotten through today without him.

Steve and Lloyd are sitting in a car near to Neil's and watching. They giggle like schoolboys as a man dressed as a clown pulls up and takes some balloons to Neil's door. Lloyd is sure that Neil will go ape.

However, Neil seems indifferent to his visitor and they stand chatting. Lloyd and Steve can't believe their eyes as Neil invites the clown inside.

Sally is telling Tim that Carla has put so much faith in her by promoting her and now Maddie has gone and ruined all of that. Tim is defensive of the girls, saying that most would be proud of them for saving the dog's life. Sophie and Maddie arrive home and Sally is quick to confront them. Maddie apologises again and offers to go and speak to Carla as she doesn't want Sally to get in any trouble.

Kal and Eva are sitting back at the flat, both regretting not taking Leanne's side. Leanne comes home, looking exhausted and they both apologise again. She tells them that she is going to bed. As Kal apologises again, Leanne rebuffs him, telling him she doesn't have the energy to try and make him feel less guilty.

Neil comes into the pub and thanks Lloyd and Steve for the clown and tells him that he was very good. Lloyd and Steve profess not to know what he is talking about and he goes on to say that he and the clown bonded and they're actually going for a drink so he thanks Steve and Lloyd for helping him find a new friend. As Steve takes a phone call, Neil asks Lloyd to pass on a message to Andrea that his mother is in hospital and he is going to visit her

It is Peter who is on the phone to Steve and Steve isn't exactly ecstatic to hear from him. Peter tells him he is in a bad place and needs a friend. Steve refuses to visit but Peter says he will send out a visiting order and hopes Steve will change his mind.

Nick comes back to the Platt household and apologises to everyone, also telling Kylie that he is sorry for ruining her birthday night. Audrey asks Nick if he is sure that he doesn't need to get some professional help for his problems but Gail puts her arm around him and says he has all the help he needs from his family. Nick tells them that he and Leanne have sorted things out and Gail says it is onwards and upwards for him from now on.

Sally and Maddie arrive at the factory to see Carla. Sally immediately tries to suck up by telling Maddie that the reason Carla is such a high achiever in life is because she puts the hours in. Sally is apologising on Maddie's behalf and says she hopes it won't ruin what she and Carla have got going. Carla shoots her down, telling her they have nothing going. Maddie is explaining to Carla that she panicked and Carla asks her to give her one good reason not to call the police. Maddie explains that she did it for Simon as he loves the dog and promises not to ever do anything like that again. Carla relents and says she will think of an appropriate punishment. Sally looks worried and says she hopes she means a punishment for Maddie and not for her.

Leanne has had a rest and appears to have calmed down. Kal apologises again and she seems to have softened to him. She sighs that nothing is ever easy when he chooses a life with her. At that point his son phones and then hangs up when he realises Kal is with Leanne. Kal tells her not to worry and that he will come round.

Peter is looking even more sweaty and disheveled and murmurs to Jim that he is confident that Steve will come for a visit. Jim snaps that maybe isn't good enough and grabs Peter roughly telling him he wants his son before pushing him away. Peter slumps to the ground looking stressed.

So what have we learned from this episode?

-There are three local vets. The nice one with the red hair, the one with the eye and the bloke with the teeth
-Deirdre didn't bring Blanche as much pleasure as Eccles did
-Steve and Andy were bonnie babies, so they were
-A therapist would have a field day with Nick
-No one turned up to Gail's 5th birthday
-It didn't say 'Thou Shalt Steal Cars' in the Bible
-Paul O Grady would have given Sophie and Maddie the freedom of the city
-Carla has two functioning eyes

Tonight's Awards

Misunderstanding of the Evening: "Tyrone's nicked me dog!? I'll kill him!" Deirdre
Local most empathetic to domestic abuse: "He's never been right since her with the hair kept smacking him with the hoover nozzle" Deirdre about Tyrone
Most talented dog: "Eccles has gone off in Carla's car!" Deirdre
Least likely souvenir: "Did you bring me anything?" Deirdre as Sophie and Maddie return from the vets
Most bizarre trade: "No Steven, no bevvie" Jim to Peter
Wine Conisseur of the Evening: "Is that the bottle with the cartoon cat. That looks nice." Sally

And that's us for another eventful week in Weatherfield. No need to miss me too much though as reviews will be posted on http://www.pauseliveaction.wordpress.com and you can also follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Our_manPLA

Until next time!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 25 August

Just a quick summary today as I'm off on me holidays.

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Durno Johnston

It's Lily's first birthday and David has a long list of things to do but he side tracks himself because he thought Lily was going to take her first steps. Not quite. Not yet. Kylie doesn't want Nick at the party freaking out. She's in a fluster with everything to do and Max has discovered there is going to be a bouncy castle and has started practicing. On the sofa. David aids the cause by feeding him chocolate cake while Kylie is out. Watch out, the cake is on the move. David won't let him on the bouncy castle just yet and is busy doing laundry while Lily cries out upstairs, clean laundry in a basket under his arm.

Where's the cake going? Max and the cake have gone outside and he smears the cake all over Steve's clean van. Kylie is back from Freshcos and hollers at David for not getting more accomplished. Bit tricky with a whirling dervish to mind. She hollers at David, upset it's still all about Max when it should be all about Lily. Audrey arrives late and finds things in chaos. Kylie's worried she's rubbish. Audrey rolls up her sleeves and gets stuck in as does Gail when she gets back from work. Audrey and Gail try to cheer up Kylie but it doesn't seem to do much for her self esteem. She's really down about Max, blaming herself.

Sally brings wine to the party, drinking most of it herself, as the other children in the neighbourhood arrive. Max is rude to the other kids and gets a time out in his bedroom as a result. The party goes on without him, the kids having a lot more fun it sees, as does Sally who's getting in her cups. Max throws toys out the window, ultimately causing Gail to drop Lily's birthday cake. Kylie goes inside to cry and David can't understand why she isn't upstairs scolding Max. She's too upset, thinking they all think she's a horrible mother as she does, herself. She won't go so David has to go upstairs instead.

Bank holiday Monday and all and sundry in Number 11 are slobbing about trying to decide what to do. Sean is going to meet some mates. Jason is working on Tyrone's loft. Eileen wants to eat chocolate and watch telly and insists that Todd join her. He escapes later during Titanic and moans about Jason giving Ty "mates' rates". No money, of course, so Tony buys the pint but Tony whispers to Liz that he has Todd's number and doesn't trust him as far as he can throw him. He's useful, however. Eileen finds everyone in the pub, all of them having left her alone, including Todd. She has a go at them all, taking her pity party to a table over in the corner.

Liz sends over a double voddy, crisps and nuts and the lads and Tony all go sit with her and make a fuss with a group hug.

Steve has had a notice from the landlord of the Flying Horse who's putting a cricket team together and wants other pubs to challenge. He's been washing the VW van and is stroppy because Michelle brought out soapy water, not clear for rinsing as requested. Stroppy, she says, because Peter has sent a visiting order. After Max dirties the van, Steve later has to clean it again. Michelle and Liz both suss that he's avoiding them so as to avoid talking about the visiting order. Off he goes again to buff.

The residents of Number 5 are back from their holiday. Chesney visits Fiz to hand over souvenirs. Tyrone mentions all their holiday money is going into the loft. Fiz takes the girls out while Tyrone offers to help Jason today.

Tyrone brings Jason a cuppa. He knocks something heavy off the ladder where it was perched precariously and it makes a dent in the floorboards, unseen by them. They note that a lot of the stuff in the loft was Jack and Vera's. Later, Jason takes off for his dinner and Tyrone, after making up a pie for tea, goes up to look at the progress, taking video on the phone so they'll have a before for the 'after'. As he walks around, he decides he needs to get up a few steps on the ladder but he loses his balance, falls and goes right through the floor through the ceiling to one of the bedrooms below. He lies there, cut and bleeding and still.

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow and Directed by Durno Johnston

The episode opens with Tyrone's lifeless body still lying, cut and bleeding, in a pile of rubble.

Meanwhile, over in the Rovers, Jason announces he's got to go back and crack on with some work. Eva's keen for him to stay and have another drink but, as Tony observes after Jason's left, he's a grafter and a credit to them. "I think I'm due more of the credit than you," says Eileen, looking pointedly at him.

Round at the Platts' Kylie's sitting at the bottom of the stairs, despairing over Max's behaviour. To cap it all, she and David miss Lily taking her first steps. They go back out into the garden where Sally, who's rather tipsy and lying on a sun lounger, comments that Max is a bit of a handful. She makes a few more 'helpful' comments, asking if Max spends a lot of time in front of the telly and observing that parents nowadays aren't as strict as they used to be. Kylie glowers at her. Then Max appears just as we hear the familiar jingle of Michael's ice cream van.

Jason arrives back at Ty and Fiz's to find pots bubbling away on the stove but no sign of Ty. Getting no answer to his calls he rushes up the stairs and finds a gaping hole in the ceiling and Ty, still lifeless, lying underneath it in the rubble. "Oh my God," gasps Jason, grabbing for his phone to call an ambulance.

Back at Lily's party, Michael's handing out ice creams to all the kids. Kylie reminds him Max can't have one - all those chemicals are worse than you'd get at a rave she reckons. Gail can't see what harm a little one would do. But, never fear! The once-criminal-now-turned-saint Michael has thought of everything and brought a special, additive-free lolly just for Max. "Isn't he wonderful?" Gail asks the assembled company as she clasps her arms round St. Michael. David looks like he's about to be sick.

With Ches taking care of Joseph at the party, Katy is free to spend time with Luke. They're walking along the street trying to decide where to go when Jason shouts at them from an upstairs window. He tells them Ty's had an accident and he's out cold. Luke rushes over to join Jason while Katy goes off to fetch Fiz.

Ty is coming round although he's in a lot of pain. As Jason and Luke remove the rubble, Fiz arrives with Katy and we hear the sound of an ambulance in the distance.

In the Rovers, Michelle's trying to talk Steve round about going to see Peter in prison when they're interrupted by the arrival of Dean, the landlord from the Flying Horse. He's not the most pre-possessing of characters and winds Steve up by commenting the Michelle looks tasty and then observing how empty the Rovers is for a bank holiday. According to Dean, the Flying Horse is packed. They start trying to outdo each other. Dean mentions they have a cricket team. Steve responds that they've beaten them at darts and pool so they might as well thrash them at cricket. Dean's surprised to hear the Rovers have a team. As luck would have it, the Parson's Arms have just pulled out of a fixture in a couple of weeks. It looks as though Steve may have just dropped himself in it, along with his non-existent cricket team.

Todd and Eva come weaving out of the pub but their cheerful mood evaporates when they spot Ty being carried into an ambulance on a stretcher. As Jason goes to join Fiz in the ambulance, Todd asks him what's happened. Jason says all he knows is that Ty fell through the ceiling but he doesn't know how. Todd looks very worried, as well he might.

Steve shakes hands with Dean: the cricket match with the Flying Horse is on. There's just the small matter of a team to find. Sean doesn't seem keen. "Isn't that the game where you wear little white t-shirts and have a little red ball?" he asks. Eva comes in just then and breaks the news to Eileen and Tony about Ty's accident.

Luke and Katy are feeling so shaken up they decide to forego their evening out. Luke's cut his hand and asks Katy if she has a plaster. At that moment Gary comes along. "You worked on the loft at number 9 didn't you?" asks Luke. Gary looks worried and asks what's happened.

Back at the Platts' Max is in trouble again. This time Kylie has caught him opening all of Lily's presents.

Now that the coast is clear Todd decides to investigate the scene of the accident. He goes into number 9. As he's climbing the stairs his phone rings and we see him reject a call from Gary.

Ty's arrived at the hospital. He gets wheeled off to be looked at, leaving Fiz and Jason to wait outside. Fiz is trying to sort out childcare arrangements on the phone while Jason keeps repeating that he just doesn't know what's happened.

Gary arrives at number 9 to find Todd staring up at the hole in the ceiling. Gary is furious - he told Todd the boards weren't thick enough. Todd asks why he's jumping to conclusions but he knows Gary's right and he orders Gary to keep it zipped. Just then they hear Sally calling from downstairs. She's come to collect Ruby's favourite cuddly toy. Todd asks if there's any news but Sally says they're still waiting to hear. Todd puts on his worried expression again.

Katy and Luke have gone back to the flat. She's dressing his cut and he jokes that he didn't know they'd reached the hand-holding stage. Luke fancies a beer but there's none in the flat so he says he'll buy some and might pick up a kebab while he's at it. Katie tells him he really knows how to impress a girl. Luke replies that he doesn't need to impress her as they're just mates. But the looks they're giving each other say a lot more than that.

Fiz and Jason are still waiting. She's on the phone to Sally, still sorting out stuff for the girls. Jason apologises and says he told Ty not to touch anything. Then a doctor arrives to give them an update. Ty's suffered a broken wrist and a couple of broken ribs but, given the height he fell from, he's got off relatively lightly which comes as a huge relief to Fiz and Jason.

Steve has started his marketing campaign for the cricket team by making a recruitment poster on the back of one of Amy's collages. But Michelle wants to know why he gets himself involved in stuff like that when he won't talk about important matters such as visiting Peter in prison. Steve finally says he'll go but then promptly changes the subject back to the cricket team.

Eva's on the phone to Jason. She relays the news of Ty's injuries back to Eileen and Tony. Tony's trying to work out what happened. He says the floor was boarded over so it should have held Ty's weight. Eva says Jason thinks it's his fault. Eileen says Jason is as straight as the day is long and he'd never cut corners or bodge anything. Tony's view is that he's done a great job and it was probably a fluke accident. He says he'll go and take a look later.

Fiz has been allowed to go in and see Ty. He's a bit groggy but feeling much better now that the painkillers have kicked in. He can't remember much about what happened. He mentions going up to take a video which makes Fiz feel awful because she was the one who mentioned before and after photos.

David, Gail and St. Michael are clearing up the garden after the party while Kylie sits on the bouncy castle and watches. She's upset that Max ruined everything but Gail thinks she's making too much of it and says she should stop examining his every move under a microscope, he's just a typical seven year old boy. But Kylie knows that's not true and she's upset with herself for handling it badly when Max kicked off. David tries to reassure Kylie who explains that when people don't understand that Max has a problem and describe him as being a handful it tips her over the edge.

Todd and Gary are arguing outside number 11 when Tony comes along. He picks up that something's going on between them and asks Gary if there's something he wants to get off his chest. Gary glances over at Todd and tells him he can't lie.

We return to David and Kylie who are still talking about Max. Kylie's keen for other people to understand that Max has a problem. David says it will be better once they've seen the specialist next week and had him properly diagnosed. Kylie says she just wants them to be a normal family. "Have you met my mother?" asks David.

Back outside number 11 Todd is trying to tell Tony it was an accident. Gary asks him what planet he's on and says even when someone gets hurt he's watching his own back. Tony asks Gary to tell him what happened so Gary explains about the materials Todd ordered not meeting regulations. Tony is livid when he realises that Todd lied to him. He orders Gary to go home and not breath a word to anyone and then marches Todd inside the house. Todd tries to defend his actions, claiming that he was trying to bring the job in under budget at Tony's behest. But Tony can see right through Todd and tells him he can bend the truth better than Uri Geller can bend spoons. He's furious that not only did he put lives at risk, he's jeopardized Jason's reputation and his business. He tells Todd he messed up and he's carrying the can. Tony makes it quite clear that his loyalties begin and end with Jason.

Karen


Wednesday 27 August

It's breakfast time at the Rovers, but Tony tells Liz he has to rush off and see Jason, the 'Tyrone thing' has knocked him for six. A morose Steve is pushing a bit of bacon round his plate, but not eating anything either. The visiting order has apparently arrived, Steve thinks he'll just go, see what Peter has to say, and come home again.

Fiz is at Tyrone's bedside, just about to pour some water down Ty's throat when the doctor comes in and stops her. It's nil by mouth, he reminds her. He asks Tyrone how he is. Fiz answers for him - he's in pain, he's not saying anything but she can see it in his eyes. The doctor says they are going to take him now and get his wrist set. Fiz worries that it's too soon, but Tyrone wants it done as soon as possible so he can get back to work. The doctor tells him it'll be 8 weeks at least before he can think about going back to work.

In the cafe, the talk is all about Tyrone and his accident. Todd sits in the corner looking worried. Luke tells Chesney to let Tyrone know that he's on top of things at the garage. Tony comes in and tells Chesney he's going to help Jason sort it out, after all that's what dads do isn't it? “One way or another,” he adds, glancing at Todd.

Meanwhile, Jason is questioning Gary about the floor - did he lay it properly? Were there any loose screws, or was it wet? Was there a leak? Gary brushes off his questions, Tyrone is fine, no one died. Jason is afraid he's got something wrong, people don't just fall through ceilings, maybe he's taking on too much and shouldn't be working. Tony arrives and tries to reassure him telling him he can't stop working.

Sophie takes Maddie a packed lunch over to garage, and she's taken one for Luke as well as he's working flat out trying to keep Tyrone's business going. Katy turns up and offers to buy Luke a drink later to thank him for his efforts. These two are obviously attracted to each other.

Steve has gone to see Peter, who is really glad to see him, but Steve is cool and standoffish. He asks why Peter wanted to see him so badly. Eventually Peter tells him about Jim.

Chesney is visiting Tyrone, who has just come round from his operation. Then Jason comes in and says how sorry he is about the accident and how he hasn't been sleeping. He can't understand what caused it. Fiz tell Jason how Tyrone will be off work for at least 2 months and says how worried she is about money.

Steve is furious with Peter for getting him there just because of Jim. He wants to know how Jim got Peter to do his dirty work for him. Peter pleads Jim's case for him, saying how he regrets how he blew it with his sons and he wants to say that he's sorry, but Steve says it's too late, Jim lost his son years ago. Peter pleads for Jim to have one last chance.

Todd has Tyrone's house keys, and suggests to Tony and Gary that they go in and replace all the dodgy boards with the right ones, then no one will ever know what they did wrong. Gary tells him that the insurance assessors will do them for fraud. “Who said anything about insurance?” asks Todd. Just then Jason comes back and tells them how Tyrone is not going to be able to work for months. He's going to have to make a claim on the insurance. “You can't,” says Tony. Then Todd tells Jason that there's something he needs to know.

Jason is furious when he hears the news. Todd then says that Tony told him to do it, he told him to cut corners. Tony says he never told him to put lives at risk. Jason is shocked to learn that his dad knew about it. Tony denies it all, but Todd points out that he doesn't know anything about chipboard. Jason is appalled with his family, and points out to his dad that he wanted to sack Todd but Tony talked him out of it. “You're a joke,” he says, “you both are.”

Steve gets back home and tells Liz and Michelle how Peter was acting on Jim's behalf, and how he wants to make amends.

Steph goes into the shop and asks Sophie and Maddie if they would like to join her and Katy at the Rovers later. They tell her that Katy has invited Luke, and Steph is really surprised.

Steph then goes off to the Rovers and finds Luke and Katy there, and deliberately sits between them.

Todd comes in and finds Jason drowning his sorrows. Todd wants to know if Jason has told Fiz and Tyrone the truth, saying that he only switched the order to save Jason money. Jason asks how much he made and if it was worth it, and then gets angry so Todd leaves quickly.

Liz and Michelle are discussing the situation with Jim, and Liz is furious.

In the bar, Steph is doing her best to put Katy off Luke, she doesn't like the idea of her friend dating her brother, and then she storms off. Luke and Katy end up outside in the Street, kissing.

Tony comes into the pub and sees the drunken state that Jason has got himself into and helps him home. Todd sees them going down the Street and goes over. Tony tells him that he's going to help his son fix the mess Todd has made, then he takes Jason in through his front door and slams it in Todd's face.

Liz calls Steve and Michelle into the back room to tell them that she's going to go to the prison to see Jim. Steve is dead against it, but Liz says she needs to tell Jim to his face that he lost the family years ago.

Anne Logan


Friday 29 August

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Durno Johnston

Liz is fussing more than usual over her makeup as she's going to visit Jim today. She and Michelle cover the subtleties of how much is too much to give the wrong message while Steve and Tony look on, a bit thoughtful though probably for different reasons. Steve asks Liz if she's sure and she certainly is. She's going to tell Jim in no uncertain terms. Tony wonders if it's wise to let Liz go on her own but Steve isn't keen to join her. He does mention that Jim is in prison for armed robbery and can be violent but when Tony expresses concern, Liz assures him she can handle Jim. Steve gives in and says he'll go if she wants him to but she doesn't and reassures Tony that she'll be fine. She decides to change her top but before she goes, Tony hugs her and warns her to be careful. They both leave and Steve shuts the door. He's unsure about what to do. Should he go? Should he not? He is unable to decide so sticks with the original plan. He'll stay and he'll take the camper van for an MOT.

At the prison, Peter comes tentatively to Jim's cell and when he hears that Liz is coming to visit, Peter can almost taste the promised alcohol already. Peter tells Jim that Steve made no promises but chances are good, aren't they? Peter begs for some booze but Jim refuses until he sees if Liz and Steve actually do show up. Patience is a virtue. Off you go.

Katy and Steph are getting ready for the day. Steph tells Katy about a dream she had that Katy and Luke got together. Katy tells Steph there's nothing between she and Luke and Steph banters that he's easy to knock back if he tries it on. Both of them are clearly uncomfortable, and for different reasons. This is becoming a pattern. The doorbell rings and it's Luke. He arrives with cakes. Steph warns him to leave her friend alone. Katy mouths to Luke over Steph's head that she doesn't know what happened, meaning, don't say owt!

In the cafe, Eva tells Tony that Jason isn't sleeping well. He says he's fine and she goes to work. He then expresses more regret to Tony about what happened and blames himself. He doesn't know why he got involved with Tony and Todd. Fiz comes in so Jason stops his thread of conversation and asks after Tyrone. She says he's getting better and complains about how difficult it is doing everything on her own. Tony offers help, transportation to hospital, anything.

Steve now regrets not going with Liz but Michelle is confident that Liz will be just fine. Steve's head is all over the place where his father is concerned. Tracy and Rob arrive, Tracy with a stack of wedding materials to confer with Michelle about wedding music. Steve goes off to sort out the van. Gary comes in at Jason's request. He confesses that he knew the material was the wrong stuff but thought Tony knew and he installed it because he feared for his job. Gary is really sorry as well and Jason doesn't know what they're going to do.

Julie has joined the gym. Dev and Alya are helping her decide on a payment method. Dev is smooth and charming as always. Mary is on one of the cardio machines and doesn't seem to be pleased with the attention that Dev is paying to Julie and calls him over to look at the monitor on her machine.

Liz waits for Jim in the visiting room. He comes in and grins widely. She takes a deep breath. Hello, Elizabeth, he greets her. After the break they're sitting down and he's all compliments. She tells him Steve isn't coming and starts in on her lecture. He needs to leave Steve alone and let him live his life. Jim wonders if there's more to her visit. She lets that go by and tells him she saw Ken Barlow. Before she can continue, he makes a joke wondering if Ken is still alive and the conversation turns to Peter. Jim reckons Peter just might be innocent but Liz scorns that, as everyone knows all the inmates are truly innocent, right? Jim allows that not all of them are. The message is that Ken is hoping Jim would keep an eye on Peter. He sarcastically agrees to look after Peter as one of his own (of course we know how he's doing that!) and reminds her that he does love his own two sons. She does have the grace to nod slightly in acknowledgement. (These two still have loads of chemistry!) Jim mentions that Peter thought Steve was keen to come but Liz tells him that Steve even went so far as to hiss that he and Andy got the booby prize for a father. Ouch. He tries to bring up their own happy past but she stops that short. They may have had good times but they had bad ones and he wrecked their lives. Jim asks about Liz's new fella but she tells him it's none of his business. He has to leave them alone. His face falls. He's got the message.

Back to the gym, Dev is helping Julie on a cross trainer next to Mary who seems to have that jealous glint in her eye that she gets. She puts her two pennies in while Dev helps try to inspire Julie. He leaves her on her own to begin the burn. Mary reminds Julie that it's all about getting fit. Julie says she needs to start slow and the two of them start to move faster in competition.

Things are deteriorating between the McDonalds. He's insistent that there is still something between them. He'll even take the pity she claims is all she's got and insists he will always have a place in her heart. She insists he does not. She starts insulting him but he reckons that is their old passion. She demands he listen well. He has no part in hers or Steve's life. He deserves to be in prison. He will never see either of them again. She pulls back and leaves with him calling after her.

Michelle, Tracy and Rob wrangle over costs, comparing a string quartet and a harpist. Tracy isn't sure Michelle is doing her best job and should dicker on the prices. Michelle also tells them that the harpist does requests and when Rob asks about Oasis, Michelle is enthusiastic, the harpist's Wonderwall sent shivers down her spine! There are a few more suggestions and Tracy returns to the subject of doves and magicians. Michelle is regretting this, you can tell.

Outside the garage, Luke offers to take Fiz to the hospital to bring Tyrone home but she's already booked a taxi. Luke passes on a message to Ty, he's got everything under control but grimaces when he finds out that Tyrone will be off work for 6 weeks. Steve comes long to get the van but it's not finished yet. Luke promises to get right on it.

Tracy and Rob comes out of the pub. He assures Tracy that Michelle will get a great deal for them. Inside, Michelle is on the phone to the harpist trying to sort out some of the more modern tunes she might know. Ken arrives and chats to Tony about Jim and Peter in prison. Alya comes in and Gary is at the bar. No surprise there. Seems to be about the cricket match, Gary is looking at the sign up poster on the wall. Alya wonders if she might play too. Back to Ken telling Tony about Jim's temper and how he and Liz have broken up and made up more times than he can remember. That doesn't help Tony's worries. Elsewhere Jason is worried about Tyrone. Eva thinks it's lovely that he cares about his mates.

In the nick, Peter comes into Jim's cell but the news isn't good. Jim is in a foul mood because of what happened with Liz. Peter is shaking and sweating and isn't happy to hear Jim is not following up on their deal. Jim roughs him up against the wall, furious that he's lost his family and he's looking for a face to punch.

Tvor

At the time this was originally broadcast I was heading towards Orlando airport at the end of my holiday in Florida. I do realise we are a little behind with updates so straight over to Weatherfield where this episode was written by Joe Turner and directed by Durno Johnston; copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open this episode in the Big House where Peter is breaking the news to Jim that he has tried everything but no luck. Jim tells him to go so he does. Peter needs a drink and is hardly able to remain upright.

In the gym two unlikely gym bunnies - Mary and Julie - are talking as Dev signs up Julie's subscription. He then hints that with the right plan all this weight will simply drop off of Julie. She cannot believe her ears and Dev tries to retract his comment. Julie has the right BMI - she merely wants higher fitness levels and more energy. She refuses to sign up and departs.

Liz is bringing Ken up to date on Jim and suggests that Ken should tell Peter to stay well away from Jim, so she would. Jim only ever causes trouble. Liz claims to Michelle that she is fine - but then acknowledges that it is the same old story. She won't go there again and she says that none of them want anything to do with Jim - but delivered with a wonderful tone of voice implying the complete opposite. There will always be something between her and Jim. Liz says that Jim is not going to mess with their heads ever again.

Along the Street Fiz with her back to the camera helps Ty out of a taxi and into the house. Steph says he does not look too bad - but Ty feels like has been hit by a truck. Ty wants to check on Luke but Fiz will not let him. Jason asks how he is feeling and he tries to say he is OK but Fiz tells the truth. Jason and Eva say they will help look after him. Eva does not know the whole story and she forces Jason to tell her.

Peter is sneaking around watching Jim and another prisoner and follows them when they leave Jim's cell.

Fiz has been looking at the outgoings and if he is off work for a couple of months they are going to be in deep financial doo doo. They will struggle to get through this. Fiz says they need to claim on Jason's insurance. Ty reckons he cannot do that to a mate, but accepts people would make a claim on the garage insurance.

In the Rovers Julie is defending her curvy shape to Mary - just like Marilyn Monroe or Beyonce. Mary defends Dev. And Julie suggests Dev could lose a couple of pounds.

Rob has signed up for the cricket, claiming at this point to be a bowler (subsequently he becomes a batsman - sorry but the conflict only became apparent when I rewatched the episode). At the bar Kal is telling Dev he has to apologise to Julie - but he is not ready yet.

In the prison kitchen Jim dives into a cupboard and pulls a bottle of hooch out from the very back whilst being watched by Peter from a distance. Peter ducks out of sight as Jim and the buyer depart.

Luke and Steph meet by the camper van and the two of them agree that them being together is weird and they should not behave like silly teenagers. They then grab and kiss each other. And Luke opens the back door to the camper van and they both climb in and pull the curtains.

Eva is pretty angry with Jason for not being told sooner now he has told her the whole story. She then lays into Todd when he arrives with Tony. Tyrone does not know yet. Tony tries to calm them all down - and points out why no claim can be made on the insurance. They need to talk this through says Tony - but there is a knock at the door. Fiz and Ty come in and want a chat about the accident.

Jim gone, Peter dives into the cupboard, removes some very large tins of food and finds a number of bottles of hooch. One of which he necks down in short order.

After the break Jason says he wants to get everything fixed and Tony will help. And it will not cost them a penny and Jason will return the deposit. And the bedroom will be decorated. Fiz raises the lack of income and the need to cover the lost earnings. Fiz wants to lodge an insurance claim. Tony seeks to dissuade them by offering help now.

Steph is looking for Katie and Steve is looking for Luke - but there is no sign of them. They start looking at the camper van which starts rocking back and forth. Steve opens the door and finds Luke and Katie. The door is closed rapidly as Katie squeaks.

Back in the prison kitchen Jim appears with another inmate to find Peter comatose on the floor surrounded by empty bottles. He tries to get Peter to wake up and tells the other inmate to get a screw.

Tony says the insurance route will take months. Jason wants to fix everything for free. Fiz wants food on the table for the kids. Tony says he will given £1k up front. He tells them to think about it overnight.

At the Barlows they are eating dinner when the phone goes. Ken answers it, whilst Tracy and Deirdre discuss the unhappy Eccles. Ken comes in to report that Peter is intensive care with alcohol poisoning.

Jason and Todd argue. Tony lays out a course of action. Todd tries to justify his actions. Jason tells him he is sacked. But Tony points out that is almost an admission of guilt. Jason needs to keep in with Ty as his mate, get started on the remedial work and keep him onside. But once it is all over Todd is out of the business.

In the back room of the Rovers Steve is stomping around about events in HIS camper van! Michelle tries to calm him down. Michelle points out that Steve did similar things when he was that age. Steve is obviously feeling his age - or perhaps out of sorts because he did not visit Jim. He does seem to be getting depressed a lot these days. Steve wants Jim locked away. Then he rants about Luke again.

In the bar Dev is finding some wonderful words to apologise to Julie. He wants to put things right and he asks if he may be able to make amends. He is sorry. He then goes onto say that he thinks she is perfect and that her shape is right. He only said about the weight because he thought that was what a client would want to hear. He offers her a free month, two free training sessions and most importantly he asks that he accepts her apology. She agrees and they shake hands.

Tony and Liz bring each other up to date on the day. She will not be visiting Jim again.

In hospital Peter has all sorts of tubes and the family are sat at the bedside. The doctor is not sure if Peter will recover - does he have the fight in him to recover? And the closing shot is of Rob who knows that he is the cause of all of this.

I will be back with more updates soon.

Richard



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