2015



Wednesday 1 July

Only a quickie, Annie has had PVR problems so I've done a quick catch up from the CBC video on-demand service because I live in Canada and I can do that! Unfortunately, if you don't live in Canada, their content is unavailable.

Steve's back from Spain, quite pleased to see the dog, oh, and Michelle, too! Back in the bosom of home and family. Steve is somewhat surprised to see that Liz has a new fella who's stayed over. But he's got to be told all that happened while he was away. He missed the almost-pub takeover by Tony and Tracy! He's shocked and angry at what Tony did. Liz, worried at the effect this could have on Steve, promises to sort it. Liz enlists Michelle's help to play dirty in order to flush Tony out. They're going to hit him where it hurts, in the wallet.

David gets the date for the next court hearing. Kylie is still having counseling sessions. Liz is all loved up over Dan.

Gail is defeated and depressed at the thought of Michael with Eileen. Lloyd teases Eileen and Michael both about the gossip about their kiss. Michael moves out of Eileen's and eventually accepts a bet with Steph and Andy. When Gail finds out, she's crushed that he could forgive Andy and not her. Michael can't forgive Gail and tells her he wants a divorce.

Brian is chuffed to discover that Julie has finished with Dev. Eileen tries to keep him away from Julie but he's determined. Brian and Dev have a verbal high-noon type showdown but neither men do more than insult each other a bit. While Eileen and Julie commiserate, Brian comes to the door and is shouted at roundly by Julie, through the letter box. Brian does catch up with Julie in the Bistro. He talks and talks and talks and just won't shut up! Later she sees he and Dev arguing over her, Brian protesting that he's a one woman man and insisting to Dev that he will win her back.

Roy's driving test is today but he swerves it because Cathy calls in a panic. She left her handbag on the bus so he rides to the rescue because she's so upset. Good excuse as any to miss the test that he's been nerved up about. He brings her back to the cafe but she's horrified that he missed his driving test for her. He and Fiz take her home in a taxi. She gets out but won't let them come to her house. She walks off in one direction but after they leave in the taxi, she doubles back.

Tvor


Friday 3 July

It's breakfast time in the back room of the Rovers and while Michelle makes a pot of tea, Liz puts on her warpaint. She's determined to get her own back at Tony - hurting him in pocket if possible. There's a quick change of subject as Steve comes in, though he notices this and is immediately suspicious.

The star product placement this episode must be Yorkshire tea as Andrea waves a big carton of it about while she talks to Lloyd about sending supplies to her daughter, Jess.

Erica is in her car. She watches as Nick leaves Gail's house and is about to get out of the car when she sees him stop to talk to Carla. She does get out and Carla sees her coming. Nick tells her off for not answering his text messages. He was worried about her. She says there's no need. If there was a nuclear war she would be left standing.

Michelle talks to Liz about whether or not she will hire a private detective. Erica comes in - she's happy to do a shift because it will get her out from under her stone. She is in the mood to be run off her feet.

In the cafe, Ken and Brian discuss the joy of a good book. When Julie comes in to buy the cakes for the factory, Brian starts to go on about the joy of seeing anything you cherish. He tells Julie he wants to make new memories with her. "And an iced finger!" Julie snaps at Roy.

Liz goes into Tracy's shop to talk to her about finding Tony. She thinks they both want to see him get what's coming to him. After all, if he's brought any dodgy gear into the shop, it'll be Tracy who pays the price. She starts to take pictures of the serial numbers on items in the shop. Tracy's annoyed. She tells Liz there's no way she'd work with her to bring down her own business. She tells Todd to get Liz out of the shop. "You're good with annoying punters. An annoying munter will be a doddle." Liz says she's going to do something to knock Tracy and Tony off their respective perches.

Jason goes into the pub and finds Erica's not exactly run off her feet.

Out in the street, Liz tells Michelle that Tracy's as bad as Tony. It seems Liz still has a key to Tony's yard.

Mary tells Dev he's not going back to India. He says he is and he'll take the kids. The problem isn't where he is - it's his own shame and stupidity. He grew apart from Julie because they were apart, she says.

Michelle and Liz go through the files in Tony's office. No, I have no idea how the office escaped being destroyed in an explosion so violent it killed Maddy. They've locked the padlock on the front gate so they hear Jason when he unlocks it. They hide, panicking as they hear him coming up the stairs. But he gets a phone call. He mentions Tony to the caller - and also hear him mention Tony's "crazy missus." It must be an urgent job because he goes back out again. Liz and Michelle creep down the stairs, only for Michelle to drop the key into a box of sawdust and other rubbish. Nope. No idea how that escaped the explosion, either.

Liz and Michelle have had to hide again while someone walks past. Then it's Liz's turn to dig, though she tries to get out of it by mentioning her expensive nails. She can't understand why she's come to be digging through much for a key she robbed from her ex's pocket. Her moaning only stops when she finds it.

Tracy gets a message to say a delivery is arriving later. She has no idea what the delivery is but it's obviously something Tony arranged. She tells Todd she's going to accept it anyway because it's obviously something paid for out of company funds. She sends Todd to the stockroom to break down the cardboard boxes there. He protests that it's not part of his job description but she tells him to do what he's told or look for a new job.

Carla pulls her car up at the bus stop where Roy is waiting. He tells her Cathy has the bailiffs in so he's going to see what he can do. Carla tells him to get in - she'll drive.

Ken and Brian have been to the bistro. Ken's trying to talk to Brian about how to deal with Julie. They see Dev come out of the shop and pick up a bunch of the flowers on display. Mary stomps out after him and says there's no way he's giving Julie free flowers. Instead of flowers, he should approach her with honesty, sincerity and beggery! Dev spots Brian and calls to him that he won't win. Mary uses Brian as an object lesson for Dev. "See what not putting up a fight looks like from the outside," she says.

In the pub, Lloyd suggests to Andrea that they take the tea and biscuits to Jess in Amsterdam. She's going to ring Jess immediately.

Jason's there and he's got a cardboard box injury (like a paper cut only bigger?). He tells Liz and Steve about the delivery Tracy's got coming - it seems the box injury has made him more inclined to help Liz.

A very glum Julie is with Sean in a booth. She doesn't know what to do about Brian and Dev.

Andrea is back - Jess doesn't want them to go to Amsterdam.

Dev's at Eileen's looking for Julie. Eileen starts to go on at him and then Julie arrives. Despite what Eileen's said, she does want to talk to Dev.

Erica tells Nick she wrote him a letter but tore it up. She says she first got involved with him as a holiday romance. He says all he was doing before she came along was pining for a dead marriage. She says he's a wonderful human being and she thinks they would have made a go of it bringing up their child but she knows he doesn't feel the same about her as she does about him. It's time for her to go home. "You will find someone. Be happy."

Carla and Roy arrive at Cathy's house where two bailiffs wait outside. Cathy leans out of the top of a downstairs window to shout at them. "What's she stood on?" wonders Carla. "Leave me alone, all of you!" shouts Cathy. The bailiffs tell Roy they can't come back another day. From inside the house comes a loud cry from Cathy.

A van pulls up and Tracy goes out to see her delivery. She's startled to see a police car pull up behind it and the police get out and ask her if she has a receipt for these goods. Sean watches agog from across the road. The police have reason to suspect these are stolen goods. Tracy tries to show them the email she got. They arrest her and put her into their car anyway. Liz is outside now, looking very smug.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

PS: I love Melanie Hill (Cathy) - I've been watching her since Bread and right through Brassed Off, Waterloo Road, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and now here she is in Corrie. I hope she stays for a long time.

Welcome to the next update. Episode 8675, series 56 and episode 131 for 2015 if you prefer. Events tonight were written by Mark Burt and directed by Durno Johnston. Copyright remains the property of ITV.

This episode opens outside the Bistro where Nick manages to catch Erica before she departs. He says she did all the talking before and it is his turn now. He does not know what the future holds but wants her to be a part of it. He still has feelings for her. She asks what happens if it blows up in their faces and he says that it is simply a risk they have to take. They agree no regrets if it does not work out. She smiles and says he is on and closes the open car door and gives him a kiss.

Elsewhere Dev is facing Julie. She insists Eileen stays. Dev admits he messed up and he begs for a second chance and he will be there. Julie says they could give it another go - but it is not enough for either of them. She is unwilling to be second best. And Dev defeated sees himself out. Eileen tells Julie that she is proud of her.

In the Rovers the raid on Barlow's Buys is being discussed. Steve thinks it might be Liz. Lloyd reckons it might be Michelle. Michelle tells Liz that if one half of dumb and dumber can figure it out then there is not much hope. Liz says that if it flushes out Tony then it will be worth the grief. Liz tells Todd to stop looking so guilty - but of course his neck is on the line as well.

Roy, Carla and the two bailiffs are outside Cathy Matthew's house. Carla asks what happens if the Chuckle Brothers are denied entrance - they will go to court and get an order to effect an entry. Roy offers to pay as he does not want Cathy humiliated. The bill is £3408 including £385 costs and fines. They will accept Debit or credit cards when Roy indicates that he cannot withdraw that amount! Cathy emerges and calls him an angel for offering but allows the bailiffs to enter. Cathy tells Roy and Carla to go home. Almost immediately the bailiffs emerge saying it is a waste of time and telling Cathy that she needs professional help and someone from the court will be in touch. Cathy lets Roy and his financial advisor, Carla, enter the house.

Inside we see them edge slowly into a front room. There is stuff piled high inside; not quite to the ceiling but presumably the set designers had a great time identifying props and papers which have been carefully arranged for stability. There are papers, books, a vacuum cleaner, games and puzzles, cushions, chairs, boxes, bags, clothes, lampshades, baskets, VHS tapes, empty milk bottles, indeed stuff everywhere. There is a narrow pathway which Roy and Carla negotiate but cannot pass each other. Carla whispers that if she ends up like this then Roy has permission to shoot her. Carla says it is freaky but Roy says that grief can do strange things to people. Cathy offers them a brew if she can find the teapot!

Inside Number One Brian is looking at papers when there is knock at the door and Julie stomps in saying they have to talk. She has been thinking or indeed more of a full life re-appraisal. She is at a crossroads and so will accept his offer - but she is not taking him back, but otherwise she will never see the world. They will travel together but that is all they will do. There will be no rekindling of feelings in any way. The only baggage she wants on this trip are her cases. He thinks it would be a very uncomfortable cruise. And she tears into him - she earned those tickets as well. And Brian then plays a magnificent hand - that is exactly the reason that Julie should go on her own. He says his selfishness robbed her of one dream - and he will not do that again. He does not want to muddle by. He wants her to have the experience and to be happy, so will forfeit his ticket. And she can see he is being entirely serious as he hands over a biscuit. She is almost struck dumb.

In the Rovers Lloyd wants to know what happens to Amy were Tracy to be properly banged up. Liz reckons that Tracy will sing like a canary to avoid returning to prison and will blame Tony. Jason is not amused - but it is not personal. Jason says that Tony is not here to defend himself but as Steve points out Tony chose to run away like the flippin' bottlejob he is (one assumes that this was much watered down). Tracy comes in "Surprise - have you seen a ghost Liz?". Tracy explains they had the receipts for the goods and it was all legitimate. Liz then admits that it was her who phoned the police.

After the break Tracy is demanding an apology whilst Jason wants to know why - Tracy reckons it was payback but Liz explains that she had hoped that the police would go looking for Tony and find him. Liz is looking for an end to the nightmare and Tracy was a means to an end. Liz calls Tracy irrelevant and a nothing. Tracy and Todd depart. Jason says he expected better from Liz. He goes as well.

Julie is knocking on Dev's door when he drives up. She came to say goodbye to Aadi and Asha. They have just been dropped off at a sleepover. She has decided to take the cruise option. She makes it clear that there has been no getting together with Brian - indeed Brian is not even going. She asks Mary to give the twins a huge hug and she says "Bye Dev". Mary tells Dev that he has all the emotional sensitivity of a pineapple.

Todd tells Jason as they sit in the sun that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But Jason knows that what Liz said about Tony is true. Todd assures Jason that he is nothing like his father. Jason heads off to see Julie depart.

Cathy has managed some tea as they stand around. She was never good at throwing things away and once Alan died it did not seem to matter. They perch. Carla says she is the same with shoes - which she cannot throw away. And Roy must have told her about his model railway meltdown - but apparently not. Cathy knows she needs to rent a skip and be done with it - but thinking about it scares her. She does not know where to start. Roy is sympathetic.

Julie asks Sean to make sure Carla understands as she will soon be back. Mary arrives with a farewell present for Julie. Mary calls her courageous and that Dev is the loser in all of this.

In the Bistro Nick assures Leanne that he cares about Erica and does not want her leaving. But it is not the same as loving says Leanne. Nick says he can be spared the lecture. She says she was just trying to be a friend. Nick does not know where it is going - Leanne says he is a good man.

Julie is packed and they put the cases in Lloyd's taxi. Eileen wants a dishy sailor. Brian comes up to say farewell and hands over a huge book of cuttings he has been saving for years of all the places in the world he would like to see. He says she is to consider it a farewell gift. He tells her that the piece of San Francisco is almost magical (as indeed it should be - a wonderful city which I hope one day I may visit again- this time I want to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the winelands and have some more chowder and ride the trolley buses and the trams and enjoy the city again). Sean observes that Julie is forgiving him.

Brian has been collecting his cuttings for 25 years he tells Julie. She is to send him a postcard if she has a chance. He says "bye bye" and starts to walk away. She tells him she has not got the space for it. "Sorry?" he responds. Her suitcases are full. He understands and walks back to take the book from her. And she tells him matter of factly that he will be carrying it. She sighs and gets in the car. She says farewell to Jason and Sean and Brian also gets in the car. Lloyd asks if they are ready to go. Brian says yes, but Julie says not so fast as she does not care for the way Brian is smiling. He claims to be excited but it is not his excited smile Julie responds. So she does remember his EXCITED smile then? She remembers his snoring and his awful taste in aftershave. He is wearing his "cat has got the cream smile". He extols the virtues of the trip they will be taking and that they are both traveling alone. Lloyd hopes they will enjoy the holiday - no travel experience. And they are about to go when a horn starts blaring behind them and Julie gets out. Dev has brought a leaving present - and the twins emerge to give Julie huge hugs. In the car Brian admits to Lloyd that it was in fact he "I'm so happy I could cry smile". The two men agree that getting Julie back will not be easy.

In the Rovers Leanne and Liz are catching up on events earlier with Tracy when Dan emerges from the toilets and when introduced to Leanne a strange look of recognition passes between them. There is some history there. Jason comes in and apologises to Liz for Tony admitting that he was wrong.

At the Bistro Todd arrives and joins a sobbing Tracy who is drinking red wine and has a packed case at her side. She is going to London to stay with a friend - Hannah - as if she stays she will swing for Liz. She gives him the keys, tells him he is in charge and don't bankrupt us. When she returns there will be changes. There needs to be a change in ownership and she, like Liz, needs to find Tony.

Dev and the twins wave and kiss at the taxi as Julie and Brian depart the Street.

Dan helps Leanne carry some drinks from the Rovers to the Bistro. He seeks confirmation that her real name is Leanne. He has a nasty smile on his face as he says that she had hoped that he had not recognised her. He says it has been a few years. Leanne says she is not looking to cause any trouble. Dan replies they are both on the same page. His behaviour is extremely menacing and when she asks him to get out of the way he says he will do anything for a lady with a real undercurrent of malice. Leanne looks round at his departing back and sighs - old worries are turning up to torment her.

Roll credits.

Farewell Julie. Enjoy the trip round the world and the rest of your life.

Reminder - Leanne was once a lady of the night and we did wonder what that past could do to hurt her - everyone knows don't they? Well actually no and I just hope Dan gets his comeuppance.

I wonder how many weeks unwinding Cathy's house will take?

See you next week; double helpings for me next week as I have some very sad reporting to do on an extra episode on Thursday when the news we have all known for some time finally reaches the Street. You will need the tissues at hand I promise.

Richard


Monday 6 July

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Jo Johnson

Kylie and David are playing a name game, that is, what name would you take if you could take any name in the world. Kylie would be Heidi and David always fancied Brad. Each ridicules the other's choice with a laugh. Max wants to be Anakin. Skywalker it is, then! They walk down the street looking quite content altogether while Callum glares at them from the parked car across the road, Sarah wittering in his ear about something and nothing. Callum can't take his eyes off Kylie and David.

Simon opens his birthday present. The trainers he wanted are the wrong colour and he points out that Leanne could have ordered the black ones online. She offers to take them back and order them online. The game she got him is acceptable. They are going out for their tea later, just the two of them and he whinges about that in spite of the fact that she gave him the chance to do other things or ask others along. He's all sighs and attitude, that one. The phone rings, Ken has called to wish Simon happy birthday.

Ken discovers that Simon isn't happy with his trainers and he invites Simon round after school for his present from them. He sits at the table with Amy who asks him what he's getting for Grandma's birthday. He gets excited and says it's a surprise and will be delivered later. She asks if he's looking forward to seeing her. He can't wait!

In the salon, the name game is ongoing. Maria likes Sadie. They bicker a bit and are admonished by Audrey. Kylie arrives with a takeout coffee and a lunch invitation for her husband. Maria admits to not feeling that well today. Maria also lets out that she knows about Heidi and Brad, embarrassing Kylie though as it was David that probably told them all, he's perfectly fine with it. David reminds her that she's got a therapy session later. She says she'll pick him up on the way.

Outside, Callum runs up to Kylie. She doesn't want to know. He asks how her marriage is and of course she says it's great. When she asks how Sarah is, he admits she'll do for now. Which pretty much tells you everything you need to know. She unlocks the door and closes it in his face.

Sophie is talking to Dev in the shop about losing Julie. He admits he didn't know what he had until he lost it but he describes Julie metaphorically as a people carrier, shepherd's pie, all the comforting things, where Talisa is a sexy two door soft top. He does realize he threw a good thing away for the glamour uncertainty which he also lost. He seems more philosophical than heartbroken. Sophie muses about all the people splitting up and grieving. She says she'd swap all their good times for one more day with Maddie. Dev is gentle and understands.

Kevin comes in with Jack. Sophie questions why Jack isn't at nursery. She knows very well that he is just too nervous to let Jack out of his sight. Luke comes in wondering when Kevin is going to help out on a job. Kevin promises to come right over, he can put Jack in the office to wait. No way, Sophie insists on taking Jack to nursery herself over her father's objections. Dev lets her go, Luke wants Kevin over the garage. Now.

Roy has come to see Cathy with bin bags in hand. He negotiates his way around the piles of junk but she doesn't really want his help and seems nervous at the prospect. Roy notices several antique typewriters. She says she got them from an old school years ago. Seems like this hoarding isn't just a new thing since her husband died but it has probably got a lot worse. They chat about typewriters.

Outside the shop, Dan approaches Leanne who backs off from him, scared. He promises not to hurt her. She informs him that Liz is a friend and knows about her past, which she's not ashamed of, by the way. He insists he's changed. She wonders if he no longer uses prostitutes or just stopped beating them up. He doesn't recall abusing her but she reminds him that he certainly tried his best. He's changed! His marriage was falling apart! She doesn't care. He begs her not to tell Liz. Don't ruin it for both of them. Leanne walks away from him.

Ken is taking delivery of a brand new very posh looking cooker (stove for the North Americans). That's Deirdre's birthday present. Audrey says, unconvinced, that Deirdre will love it. Ken says she's due back tomorrow afternoon and he hopes to have it all installed by then.

Sarah and Liz talk about romance. Liz tells her that Jim was romantic once in awhile but was away a lot. Sarah admits she had a few romantic Italian boyfriends. Dan arrives with flowers for Liz. She smiles and wonders if they're guilt flowers. (yes, yes they are) No of course not he insists. She thanks him and goes for a vase.

In the Bistro, Kylie tells Gail and Leanne that Callum tried to talk to her but she gave him short shrift. They both advise her to tell David as soon as she can, full transparency. Leanne says that's the best way to be in a marriage. Gail mutters "If you can pull it off, not easy though". Leanne thinks the main downfall to marriage is communication. They chat about Simon's attitude about his birthday present. Kylie gets a text and looks concerned, she's got to go.

After the break, Roy is attempting to put a few things into the bin bag, a few old newspapers. Cathy is not so sure she wants to let them go. She's really reluctant to let any of it go and stops him from putting the newspapers into the bag and freaks out a bit. She makes him put things back on a heap and picks up and cradles two empty pop bottles.

Kylie's late. David wonders where she is and she's not answering her phone. Audrey suspects Kylie could have gone off to "score" which alarms David but Maria reckons she just went off shopping and forgot. Gail comes in and tells David Kylie went running off after she got a text. David runs out of the salon.

Kylie is walking towards a nice looking apartment building. She buzzes and a woman lets her in. She goes up the stairs to a flat where her friend Gemma is waiting. The flat looks really nice. Gemma has lured Kylie there under the ruse of an emergency but it was to get her and Callum together. Gemma makes herself scarce.

Kevin is looking for a tool and is cranky because he can't find it. He snaps at Luke who reminds him he's never around so it's difficult to take criticism from him. Kevin gives him more grief which Luke puts down to a girlfriend that went made. He is admonished that he will have kids some day and know how it all feels. Luke apologizes but Kevin, though he doesn't apologize in return, is a bit more polite asking about the job Luke is working on.

Callum shows off the fancy flat and ridicules her for being smug and straight. She says the therapy is working. Clean as a whistle. And pretty as a picture, he adds.

Ken is telling Dev, Liz and Sarah about the new oven. Liz asks what else he's got Deirdre, you only turn 60 once, you know. Ken says the oven is the main present but he's got her a book, too, a classic by Walter Scott. Liz looks unimpressed and she knows Deirdre probably will be as well. Ken reckons you're never too old to start reading. He doesn't really know his wife at all, does he? Sarah then insults both Liz and Dev, assuming they might each be 60. Liz talks Ken into having a party for her, as well, there in the pub. Leanne arrives and is invited to the party. She asks Liz if she could have a quiet word but Liz has to change a barrel first.

In the back, Dan is reading a newspaper. Leanne tells him she's there to tell Liz the truth. He's alarmed, he thought they sorted it. No way. He apologises for everything, past and present but she insists she's telling Liz the truth. She tells him he can either walk away from Liz or the truth is coming out. He retaliates with a threat to tell Simon the truth about what she did if she doesn't keep it shut.

Callum shows Kylie a bedroom he's done up for Max with all the amenities. Callum tells her there's even a little room that would be perfect for Lily. He thinks Max needs his mum and dad back together and reckons David will drop Kylie if he gets Max back. Kylie listens as he promises to look after her. He doesn't believe David wants her, just Max and they all belong together here as a family. He moves in close. Is she in or out?

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Jo Johnson

Kylie tells Callum that she's in and, for a brief moment, he believes she's going back to him. But then she puts him straight. The mere sight of him makes her physically sick and Kylie says he should tell Gemma never to call her again. Kylie leaves and Callum rips a poster off the wall in his anger.

Someone else who's feeling sick is Leanne as Dan's threat to tell Simon about her past sinks in. But before they can say any more to each other, Liz comes in, asking what Leanne wanted to speak to her about. Leanne, who looks nervous and on the brink of tears, says she wanted to ask Amy to join her and Si for tea. Liz can see something's wrong but Leanne makes her excuses and leaves.

In the salon David's angry that Kylie's hasn't come back and has missed her therapy session.

Meanwhile, Simon's birthday continues to be a disappointment. Ken gives him his birthday present. It's not a boring book or black and white film as Simon fears but a computer game. Unfortunately it's the same computer game that Leanne gave him that morning. Ken suggests they should give Peter a ring. Simon continues to look miserable.

Roy is trying to help Cathy to face her hoarding problem. As they stand amongst the piles of junk Roy suggests that if they could just get rid of one item it would be a start. But Cathy doesn't want to be helped and she screams at Roy to get out.

Back at the salon, Kylie finally appears. She tells David she needs to talk to him urgently. David says he's dealing with a client but Audrey insists he leaves with Kylie, much to Maria's annoyance. She's been feeling under the weather all day but Audrey won't let her leave early.

Round at Ken's, Simon's having a piece of cake when Carla arrives, bearing a gift. Finally Simon has something to smile about – Carla has bought him the trainers he wanted, in the right colour. Leanne's status will clearly have dropped several notches in Simon's eyes. Carla says she's heard Deirdre's coming back tomorrow and Ken tells her about the party in the Rovers. As Carla's leaving Ken has a quiet word with her about Leanne buying the trainers in white. Carla sighs and says that she can't do right for doing wrong. She asks whether Peter's called Simon. "How thoughtful," she says sarcastically when Ken tells her that Peter has put a cheque in the post for him.

At Platt Towers Kylie's been filling in David about Callum's proposal. She's outraged when David asks whether she considered it. He reminds her that she went missing for six months and didn't get in touch so why not? Kylie reminds David he was the one who threw her out at Christmas time with nowhere to go and nobody to turn to. She admits that she spent three nights on Callum's sofa but they never got back together. Then she went to Gemma's and after that she went to London. Kylie says she didn't phone the kids because she was a complete and utter mess and she blamed him because he made her leave when she needed him the most. Kylie says she wanted to punish him. David tells her it was a job well done. Kylie insists that she's just told him the truth. She adds that Callum has just offered her somewhere to live, a family and a life but she said no because she thought she had all of those things. "Maybe I was wrong," says Kylie.

Kevin's on the phone to Tim who's trying to persuade him to go for a drink but Kevin makes a load of excuses about why he can't go. Sophie tells him he's got to stop worrying about leaving Jack because Jenny's not coming back. Kevin tells her she'll understand when – if – she ever has kids of her own.

Leanne is waiting at home for Simon. He's in big trouble; she's had a call from school to say he was late back after lunch and wandered into a lesson with no proper excuse. Leanne catches sight of the new trainers and Simon tells her Carla gave them to him. Leanne sighs and gives Simon a hug and then tells him to go and get changed as they're going out for his birthday tea. But Simon has other ideas – he tells her he's going to meet his mates. They start to argue and Simon reminds her it's his birthday but says it doesn't feel like it when his ‘so-called mother' can't even get his present right. The row escalates, Leanne says she tries her best but she's on her own. Simon shouts back it's no wonder she's on her own because she's ugly and mean and he hates her.

Carla's sitting in the empty cafe on her laptop doing some on-line gambling. She swiftly closes it when Roy comes back and pretends she was working. She asks how he got on with Cathy but Roy doesn't reply and goes to put the kettle on.

Ken's in the Rovers asking Liz about Deirdre's birthday cake. She offers to get it. Ken says thank you but nothing too gaudy. Liz takes offence and suggests he should get the cake.

Liz is looking thoughtful. Dan asks her what's up. She says she's been thinking about Leanne's behaviour earlier – something doesn't add up. Why did she say she needed to talk to her and then change her mind? Dan says he's sure it's nothing. He tells Liz he's just been talking to his daughter Lucy on the phone. She's coming for a visit and really wants to meet Liz.

Kylie's packed her bag and is ready to leave. David wants to know where she's going – back to Callum's? She asks if he ever listens to anything she says. She tells David she loves him but she's leaving because she doesn't know where she stands with him. David asks what about the court case and Max. Kylie says she'll support him all the way because David is the best thing that ever happened to him. David tells Kylie not to go but he wants to know the truth – did she sleep with Callum? No, says Kylie. David says that Lily and Max deserve better and he thinks they could try harder. Kylie says she tried as hard as she could but she was getting nothing back. David doesn't want to split up but Kylie doesn't want to pretend anymore. "Neither do I," says David. Kylie tells him that there's something she could really do with right now … a cup of tea. They look at each other tenderly and then start to laugh.

Callum's splashing the cash on Sarah with a meal in the Bistro and the gift of a necklace. He asks if she's happy and tells her there's nobody he'd rather be with right now. "Really?" asks Sarah, completely taken in by him.

Roy's talking about Cathy to Carla over a cup of tea. Carla's view is that most people don't like to be helped and he should just let her get on with it. Roy fears Cathy has a deep, underlying problem but Carla says most of us are a bit obsessed and irrational and if that's the way Cathy wants to live her life he should let her. Roy says he's not going to turn his back on Cathy, even if she wants him to. "That, my dearest friend, is your need and not hers," replies Carla.

Ken is writing a birthday card for Deirdre. He signs it 'All my love, Ken xxxxx'

David and Kylie are talking on the sofa. She asks him what he's so scared of. He says he's scared she'll go back to him and the gear. He also thinks he's second best and that Callum has an advantage over him as he's Max's real dad. He tells Kylie that when he first saw her dancing in a cage he knew that there wouldn't be anyone else that he'd want more. He also thought it wouldn't last and he's certain Callum is going to win custody. Kylie's convinced if they're back together properly and she's clean then Max will be theirs. They decide to give it another go. Kylie says David should prove it by kissing her when nobody's looking. He does just that.

Leanne is alone at home. She looks at Simon's untouched birthday cake on the table before collapsing onto the sofa and dissolving into tears.

Karen


Wednesday 8 July

Gail walks in on Kylie and David, canoodling on the sofa. She assumes all is forgiven, and comments that she can't keep up. The conversation turns to Sarah and Callum, and Kylie tells Gail that he's playing Sarah like a banjo.

Dan, Liz and Carla are in the cafe, trying to persuade Roy to attend Deirdre's 60th birthday party in the Rovers, later. There's going to be food and everything. Just then Cathy comes in and asks Roy if she can have a quiet word.

Leanne and Simon are round at Ken's, and Amy and Simon have produced a large coloured banner stating: 'Welcome home GrandmaD'. (They ran out of space and had to squeeze all the lettering in). Simon is scathing and rude. Just then Tracy comes in and is horrified to learn that the party is in the Rovers, and that Liz will be there. Ken tells her he already told her all this in the texts he sent her, but she says that she stopped reading them in the end. He says he might have overdone the texting to Deirdre too, he hasn't had any replies to the two texts he sent her earlier.

Norris walks into the Rovers, asking if it's going to be a free bar. Michelle tells him that there will be some bubbly when Deirdre gets there. They all stand around talking, and Michelle comments that it's nice to have something to celebrate for once.

Kylie walks out of the cafe and sees Callum kissing Sarah, and then walking away. She tells Sarah that Callum is using her, she was round his place yesterday and he was all over her like a rash. Sarah doesn't says she doesn't believe her, but walks away looking worried.

In the cafe, Cathy is apologizing to Roy for her behaviour, and he ends up inviting her along to Deirdre's party.

Deirdre's old friend, Bev, drives up the Street looking very worried, and parks outside Ken's house.

Inside, Audrey is trying to run a brush through Tracy's hair when the doorbell rings. Ken goes to answer it and is surprised to see Bev. He glances around. "Where is she?" he asks. Bev mumbles, "I'm so sorry," and pushes past him, through the hall and into the living room. "There's no easy way to say this," she says, as they all stop to stare at her, "but Deirdre died this afternoon."

They are all shocked, Ken and Audrey both look stunned and Tracy tearfully asks how it happened. Bev breaks down then, saying she was going to phone, but then thought it was better to see them face to face.

Michael is walking down the Street and passes Gail who beams at him but he brushes past her. Eileen walks up behind him, asking him how things are. He says he's staying with Andy and Steph and he's asked Gail for a divorce. She asks if he's got time for a quick drink so they head off for the bistro.

Back in Ken's house, Bev tells them that Deirdre was up with the lark and looking forward to coming back, and goes on to explain that after lunch she went to sit in the garden. After making a phone call Bev went out into the garden and found Deirdre on a patio chair, and at first thought she was asleep. When she couldn't wake her she called the ambulance. The paramedics took her to the hospital and although they couldn't be sure they thought she'd had an aneurism. Tracy weeps loudly, and Bev then pulls a folded hankie out of her bag. Unfolding it she produces Deirdre's glasses, and hands them to Ken. "I didn't know what to do with them," she says. That's when Ken breaks down and walks into the kitchen, crying. The door bell rings. "That'll be Liz for the cake," says Audrey and heads to the door.

In the bistro, Michael and Eileen are in a jovial mood and perusing the menu.

Back at the Barlow's, Liz has heard the news and is devastated, and it's decided that she will go back to the pub and tell everybody. Bev says she feels guilty, it's like she stole Deirdre away from them for the last months of her life. Ken says he's glad she came, it was better than a phone call.

Sarah meets Callum in the Street and has a go at him, telling him what Kylie told her. He tells her he doesn't play games, he can't be bothered. Then he gets cross and marches off, telling her that if she can't trust him then they're over. He gets in his car and roars away, leaving Sarah just standing there.

Liz and Bev go into the Rovers. Rita asks if Deirdre is with them. While they struggle for something to say, Norris asks if she's imminent. "No, Norris," says Liz, and Bev starts crying. Liz goes behind the bar and rings the bell for silence and attention. Then she sadly tells them that their dear friend, her best friend, passed away a couple of hours ago.

Roy has gone back to Cathy's house, and they pick their way into the living room past piles and piles of hoarded rubbish. He tells her he thinks they should make a nice seating area for her, before the end of the week.

Rita, Norris and Michelle have sat Emily down, who looks seriously shocked. The regulars all stand around trying to digest the news and talking about Deirdre. Liz says she can't believe she'll never see her again. Emily breaks down and Rita offers to take her home.

Back in Ken's house, Audrey prepares to leave. She asks if there's anyone they want her to tell. Ken can't think of anyone, he says he will call Peter and Tracy says she will tell Amy and Leanne can tell Simon. She leaves, and Ken goes outside for some air.

Steve is outside the back of the Rovers, having a cigarette, when he sees Ken in the ginnel. He goes over and tells him how sorry he is. Ken breaks down, weeping, as Steve gives him a hug. "I just don't know what I'm going to do without her," sobs Ken.

Anne Logan.


Thursday 9 July

Good evening. An extra episode this week to cover the shock and awe encountered from the sad loss of Deirdre. This episode split opinions in this household and I will come back to this at the end of the update.

I promised an extra episode and here I am! Written by Martin Allen and directed by Jo Johnson. Copyright remains the property of ITV.

We open with a shot of Ken, wearing a suit and tie, in the new enlarged yard at the back of the Rovers in a state of shock. The back door opens and Steve emerges with drinks, he gives one to Ken and says that he hopes that helps. Ken observes that this should only happen to other people and then goes on to recall his last conversation with Deirdre - she wanted some special washing machine detergent for when she returned and when he asked why change they nearly had an argument. And yet there were so many massive things they could have said to each other about love and commitment. And they were merely discussing saving 50p on detergent. Steve notes that life is like that and Ken notes that this is death.

Bethany is trying to cheer up the dumped Sarah by suggesting that mother and daughter should go clubbing together. Sarah asks if she will pay and then points out that Bethany is too young. David wants to know what is wrong - Sarah is in a strop because she has been dumped by Callum. Sarah says she asked Callum if he was using her - he denied it but he did not like being questioned. And then Sarah announces they are going back to Italy.

Eileen and Michael are eating in the Bistro. Eileen is not overly keen on her pig cheek - which as Michael points out commands a higher price and a lower cost than other pork cuts. Michael recalls that he had a piece of skirt once which did not live up to expectations, which at least brings a smile to Eileen's face. Michael confirms it was a cut of beef. Gail comes into the bistro and comes over to them. They observe she does not look happy and has not even seen them together. She comes across to them and she says she is not gatecrashing but assumes they have not heard the news that Deirdre has died and she turns on her heel and goes.

In the flat Simon is eating dinner and is unhappy that Amy had to go. Leanne is not particularly communicative as to why she had to go and Simon hates her avoiding the issue. And why is he having his tea when he knows there is a party and there is bound to be food. Leanne says that there will not be a party - and Simon guesses that Grandma is not coming. And Leanne eventually tells him that Grandma Deirdre died this afternoon, just before she was due to set off. They are not sure why just yet. But it was also the reason that Amy left so that Tracy could tell her. [Had it been me I think I would have wanted to tell them together]. Simon's first observation is that he should have been told earlier. Leanne says it is a hard thing to do [cannot disagree with that - but it might have been easier if the two grandchildren had been together]. And Leanne was not sure how to say it. Simon's stare at Leanne does not change and he asks if he can go play on the computer. He seems unmoved ... and Leanne agrees he can play on the computer.

In the Rovers Steve has phoned Michelle who is with Bev that the two men are going for a walk around the block. Liz is in the back on her own and Michelle thinks they should take down the birthday decorations. Elsewhere Lloyd, Andrea, Dev (who remember had his own one night stand with Deirdre) and Maria are wondering if they should go or stay. If they go does it mean that they do not care and if they stay and ask about the food is it being disrespectful? Andrea asks Lloyd how he can think about food at a time like this! Miles away in one of the booth's eagle eared Norris hears Lloyd talking about food. He points out that he cannot be alone in not having any lunch today!! Rita tells him off and R'Audrey just gives him a look.

Bethany phones Callum and she wants to talk to him and asks if she can come round.

In the closed cafe Carla is gambling online and closes the computer as Roy returns with Cathy. They have done all they could for one day. Once again there is a need to explain the lack of a party as Carla tells Roy about the sad loss of Deirdre this afternoon. And she gets him a chair to sit down. They do not know why. Roy recounts that Deirdre was the first person he met round here. He was living in some flats in Crimea Street. She came in as caretaker of the flats, working for Mike Baldwin who owned them. Mike was helping her out after the death of Samir, Deirdre's husband. Without Deirdre, Roy would never have lived round here. Without her he would never have bought the cafe they are sitting in and he would never have met Hayley. Roy is quite nonplussed and asks after Ken. Carla has not seen him yet and she supposes he is not in a good way. Roy says he must go round and see Ken. Carla assures Roy that Ken will appreciate it. Cathy agrees he should go now. Carla says she will go with Roy.

Bethany has arrived at Callum's nice flat. She is about to tell him why she is there when Gemma comes in complaining about being sold underweight drug packets. So Bethany now knows the business in which Callum dabbles.

After the break Callum shouts at Gemma to get out and he tells Bethany she did not see anything. She agrees providing Callum makes it up with Sarah to stop them heading back to Italy. Callum is surprised how ballsy Bethany is and then she lays it on thick about them being a proper family in front of the court, so he starts giving it serious consideration. Bethany departs.

Any is asking Tracy if Deirdre will go to heaven and Tracy assures her that she will. Ken comes in and Tracy offers him a drink - some coffee would be good. Ken gets out the card he had written for Deirdre's birthday. Roy rings the doorbell and notes that there is quite a wind this evening. Tracy answers the door and she asks if they have come to pay their respects. They say they have but Tracy is petulant and tells Carla to come to the funeral and ruin it like she ruined her wedding day. Roy suggests coming back another time but Tracy tells them not to bother and slams the door in their faces. As Roy observes feelings run high at times like this.

Leanne knocks on Simon's door and he eventually opens it and comes out as he wants to watch tv. He sits on the sofa and aggressively ignores Leanne. She turns the tv off to try and talk to him - she knows how much Simon loved Deirdre - but he refuses to cry now he is 12. Leanne says it is a big thing when people die - but Simon says people he cares about die all the time (NB his mother; Kal; Maddie - quite a score for a young man). He turns the tv back on and ignores Leanne.

Sarah emerges from the Kabin with some milk (what happened to milkmen delivering milk?) when Callum parks across the Street. He has decided he wants to say he is sorry and he pats the seat next to him. He says he just flipped earlier. He goes into attack mode and Sarah reminds him that it is supposed to be an apology. He asks her to take it back. He says she is bang tidy and he is not going to let her go twice. He says he totally respects as she is not to be messed with. Sarah says that if she wants to talk he cannot go storming off like a 13 year old. He agrees and she gives him one last chance. They kiss and then hug but the look he gives the camera over her shoulder makes it clear that he actually finds it all quite distasteful.

Carla gets into a cab for Sunset Casino.

Liz is putting out the food and Norris eats until both Rita and Audrey say they have no appetite. Michelle is removing the decorations and they all know they are going to have to rally around the Barlow family for the next few days and maybe longer. The arguing about food goes on involving Lloyd and Andrea. Norris has decided it is bed time. Rita agrees - but Audrey proposes a toast and the entire pub joins in. Liz adds "A beautiful woman and a great friend, may she rest in peace." At this point the wind blows the front door of the Rovers open and symbolically the spirit of Deirdre joins them. Steve closes the door.

At the Platt household Sarah is able to announces with a huge grin on her face that Callum came crawling back - he has seen sense and Sarah believes. Kylie tells Sarah that Callum is playing her. Sarah assures Kylie that her ancient knowledge is not relevant because people change. Even David reckons that Callum is conning Sarah and Gail agrees with David. Bethany seeks and receives confirmation that they are not going back to Italy - so she is happy as well. Kylie tells Sarah she is making a big mistake.

In the smoking area at the Rovers, Liz is about to light up when she hears crying from No.1 where Tracy is sobbing. Liz wanders around the corner and into the ginnel and pushes the gate open. Tracy tells her to go away. Liz says she is sorry about Deirdre - she was Liz's best friend. Liz says the inevitable words - if there is anything she can do. She goes on that Tracy needs to be strong - for Amy and for Ken who need her support. Then she goes.

David and Kylie thought they had cracked it when Callum dumped Sarah - but it did not work. Kylie says that Callum knows just what to say to women. David has run out of ideas - they need to convince Sarah to see Callum, they need to set him up. David reminds Kylie the last time he tried that he ended up in the boot of a car. Kylie reckons it is possible; but David knows if it goes wrong it will be a lot worse. They need to play on Callum's one big weakness - Kylie.

Roll credits.

So going back to where this update started - why the difference in opinion? My wife felt strongly that Deirdre would have wanted the celebration of her birthday and 60 years to go ahead and that Liz would have swept into the bar delivering the food and seeking to cheer everyone up; I took a different view. I felt that running other storylines in this episode was slightly contrary - but then concentrating on the deep depression would not have made for a good episode. We have all known that Anne has passed and therefore the surprise and perhaps shock we felt then has dwindled. I thought it was well reworked in this episode.

We also differ on another point. She does not feel that Callum is as deeply dark and edgy as he should be; she recalled the pain which Jez Quigley brought to the Street. I am not sure Callum can be that black given the need to show a side which might get custody of Max. However maybe the actor is simply lacking the capacity. A difficult bridge and perhaps it is simply not possible. I assume that sooner or later he will depart. If Callum is too dark then it undermines the potential for him to get custody. Hey lets actually feel sorry for the writers - they had to come up with something which allowed Kylie to have a break.

And on the subject of needing a break in an upcoming episode (not one of mine) look out for Maria wearing a heavy coat and carrying the most enormous handbag ... just saying.

Richard


Friday 10 July

Kylie's busy having a cleaning frenzy and dancing while she does it. David's a bit annoyed by this because it meant she didn't hear her phone go. He doesn't think their plan to get Callum will work. He thinks it's his responsibility to deal with this. But Kylie says only this plan will work. Callum is cocky and she knows how to stroke his ego.

Carla limps into the cafe and Jason ribs her about the broken heel on her shoe. Carla apologises to Roy for coming in so late. Roy says it was 5am and he was awake anyway, listening to the Shipping Forecast.

Bev arrives at Ken's while several bags of groceries. Ken tells her the Coroner's Office has been in touch and the cause of Deirdre's death was an aneurysm, just as Bev surmised. There was no history, no warning, but Deirdre's smoking didn't help. He asks Bev to be honest and tell him why Deirdre stayed away. He's worried she didn't want to be with him. Bev tells him she missed Ken and the grandchildren very much. She stayed because of the garden and the country air. Ken doesn't believe this. He desperately wants to know the real reason. Was it another man? Bev takes a deep breath and tells him Deirdre would have been back weeks ago but she couldn't face Liz. When Deirdre heard about Tony's affair she'd been ashamed. Ken can't believe it. Deirdre didn't come home because of Tracy? "Yes," says Bev. "But we are where we are and now's not the time to bear grudges." Tracy comes in, going on about arrangements for the funeral but a devastated Ken can hardly bear to look at her.

Carla's in her office trying to concentrate on her online gambling but a petty argument between Beth and Sally is going on right outside her door. Her distraction means the bet she's just put on expires and she loses. In frustration she opens the office door and blasts Sally and Beth - one more word out of them and she'll personally write their P45s (tax form issued when you finish a job). The gambling website asks if she wants to play again and she hesitates before clicking No and closing the laptop.

David and Kylie argue in the street and she slaps him just as Callum and Sarah arrive in his car.

Roy's gone to see Cathy. She shows him an empty chair and makes much of the fact that a bunch of old videotapes are now gone. But when Roy sits down, he notices that a nearby object covered by a cloth is a pile of old tapes. . . he sighs.

Tracy doesn't want lilies. Deirdre didn't like them. She wants peonies. And she wants proper poetry. The phone goes and Ken gets up. Bev tells Tracy to go easy on Ken. But Tracy says they have to do this her Mam's way. Ken talks to Peter on the phone.

In the pub, Sarah tells Callum she feels sorry for Kylie. Jason's annoyed that Sarah's spending her time hung around Callum's neck instead of serving. He tells Sarah not to kid herself. "You're on his arm to look good and to turn a blind eye." Callum taunts Jason about his lack of a girlfriend and soon they're head-to-head like a couple of pawing bulls. Liz shouts at them and separates them, throwing Callum out.

Outside, Kylie sulks and Callum asks her what's up. She tells him he'd treat her better than David is. And she's trapped at least until the court hearing. "Are you happy now? I picked the wrong horse!" she says. And it's too late to change her mind.

"That's the breaks," Callum tells Kylie. She says she'd better go in case Sarah sees them talking and tells Nick.

Sally comes in to apologise to Carla, who says she's to clear the diary. No appointments. Not even the accountant who is coming this afternoon.

Jason tells Lloyd that Tony sent Liz flowers. He wants to know whether Tony is OK.

Carla comes in and asks Lloyd if he can run her to a meeting. She wants to know who wants a game of cards later. At Roy's, 6.30. He'll never know because he's out.

Kylie chats to David at the bus stop. She tells him not to panic. Callum half believes her already. It's Sarah they need to worry about. David needs to have her at the Dog & Gun for 7pm. Kylie gets on a bus.

Leanne, Erica and Nick discuss the hunt for a new chef. Carla comes in looking for more players. Erica's a starter.

Cauliflowers are in the soup and up for discussion between Roy and Cathy. A clock chimes but it's out by 21 minutes, which really annoys Roy. Cathy says her next mission is to unearth all the clocks. And if Roy rebooks his driving test, he'll be able to take her to the tip with all the rubbish.

In the Rovers, David finds out about Jason and Callum squaring up. Liz says she's sent Sarah to Fresco. David races off to find her.

Sarah arrives in the Dog & Gun with a packed bag. She says she told David she was going to the gym. Callum points out she's forgotten to bring the kids. She says she's crawling and groveling and begging Callum to take her in. She looks at the clock - 20 to 7. Callum takes her to his "office" behind the bar.

The poker school in the cafe see Lloyd, Nick, Erica and Carla playing. Erica and Carla face off over a hand, then Carla decides to double the buy-in. Erica matches her.

David's frantically trying to contact Kylie. In the back room of the Dog & Gun she gets a text and Callum snatches it out of her hand. It's just one word: "Don't." Callum drops Kylie's phone into a drink, telling her she's finished with David.

But we'll have to wait to find out how this stupid plan ends.

Margaret Carr

Here is my second update this week. But before I launch into the update a commercial break. Glenda Young has been writing weekly updates on the Street for longer than I have been writing these updates. She is also a published author and on 22 October she has a new book coming out: Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street. An excellent Xmas present for all readers.

This episode is episode 8681, series 56, episode 137. It was written by Mark Wadlow and Joe Turner (highly unusual for a single episode to have dual credits) and directed by Jo Johnson. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open in the minging back room of the Dog and Gun where Callum is trying to have his way with Kylie who is fending him off saying she wants more than a bunk up in the back room. He notes she has changed since she married. He calls her sexier than ever. She wants it to be special - to be for keeps. He has been waiting a long time for this and he starts kissing her neck so we can see the revulsion on her face. She looks at the clock again. 6:56.

Elsewhere, back on the Street, David is still looking for the missing Sarah. His watch says 6:54 so is presumably slow!

In the cafe Erica is looking pretty pleased with herself whilst both Nick and Lloyd are unhappy with the size of the bets. There is now £300 in the pot and as the boys fold it leaves as Lloyd observes Steve McQueen and Edward G Robinson in play (The Cincinnati Kid in case you are wondering). Erica has three of a kind but Carla has a flush and picks up her winnings. Erica wants to continue playing.

Dan and Liz arrive in the Bistro with Lucy - Dan's daughter. Leanne is none too pleased to see Dan again but Liz says the food is good enough not to want to go into town. Table for three please Leanne - who turns on all the charm she can muster and it is two red wines and a diet coke for the youngster. [Unlike most places I frequent the next line was not "We only serve Pepsi is that OK?"]. Dan's smile does not seem to last and his face hardens at the end of the scene.

David is still waiting when a taxi appears and David jumps in and orders the taxi to the Dog and Gun NOW!!

Nick wants to go - but Erica does not. Carla is placing large bets and Erica is matching them. This time Carla has two pairs "Aces over tens", and thinks she has won but Erica has three of a kind. Carla pours herself another drink.

Callum does his psycho, eye rolling act. He accuses Kylie of messing with his head - which she denies. She used to drive him wild, he has crashed cars for her, burnt down buildings, hospitalised people - she always brought out the worst in him. So she should not wind him up. She says David does not want her and she does not want David. She says they can be a family with Max - but Callum is not buying and he grabs her face and pushes her against the wall. Is it what you really want Callum asks.

Ken is thanking Yasmeen for her kind thoughts as Tracy looks on, especially as she is still suffering as well. Yasmeen says she has had some time to adjust but knows only too well what they are experiencing. Needless to say if there is anything she can do to help. Ken thanks her again. Yasmeen says time helps - but it goes so slowly. And she departs. Tracy says it was weird. There is another knock at the door which Tracy answers. It is Emily and Billy and they have come to discuss the funeral. Aunty Emily once again says those magic words - if there is anything I can do - and reveals she is cooking a lamb casserole which she offers to share and Tracy says they love her lamb casserole (no more stuffed marrow then - and I thought Ken had gone vegetarian?). As they start discussing the funeral Tracy claims to be a Christian!. Tracy puts the kettle on and Ken insists that Emily stays for the discussion.

Roy and Cathy are in her front room again - she does not want to start the clear out but Roy wants to assess just how big the job is (looks like a mountain from here Roy). Today they are looking for the clock. Roy likens their activities to Scott's Great Antarctic Expedition! To Cathy the journey is arduous and may take as long. They found Emperor penguin eggs which are now on display at British Museum but Cathy still calls a halt to their expedition - and offers him a drink at the Bistro (how she has no money?) and needs to buy some eggs on the way!

Callum reckons that Kylie is one of the worst sort - those who insult his intelligence. He is not falling for the stunt. He reckons that Kylie has crossed the line - he says he can be bad and will show her. Outside the cavalry - David and Sarah arrive, so naturally it is time for a break!

As they enter the pub Callum and Kylie emerge from the back room and he throws Kylie's bag at David and tells Sarah it is a setup to make her think something is going on between them. Does Sarah think he would touch a pathetic, druggy, little skank like that (Kylie) with a barge pole? Kylie tells Sarah she is being used. Sarah just tells David and Kylie to get out as she believes Callum (and let us face it most of what he is alleging is true!). Callum will be round later to collect Max. Sarah asks for a drink - but she is not sure she believes Callum completely. Callum claims Kylie has a thing for him and it was a setup - but Sarah says it is not funny. Callum claims he told Kylie she was 8 years too late to bring Max up as a family and he is not interested. Well firstly he did not say that and secondly if he does not want Max why is he going to court - this should alert Sarah - but instead she smiles and believes his story. They hug.

The gambling continues - Erica has a straight beating Carla's two pairs and Lloyd has had enough. Carla gets another wodge out of her purse although Erica suggests she quits whilst she is behind. Nick suggests they should call it a day - Lloyd goes and Nick stays but not gambling.

Billy wants to know about Deirdre - the wife, the mother, the friend. Tracy knew that she could always turn to her mother. Ken keeps quite as he knows that Bev has another story. Billy asks about music and all three express different views. Billy says a recent funeral for a Queen fan was graced by "Another one bites the dust". Ken suggests a hymn but Tracy disagrees. Ken has no knowledge of any guidance, but Tracy suddenly remembers a Quality Street tin - and she dashes off to find it.

Yasmeen enters the Bistro wanting a word with Leanne. She saw Ken and she feels she made a fool of herself because she misses Kal so much. Leanne tells her to sit down so they can have a chat. At the Bistro bar Cathy has a voucher for a free glass of wine - which expired months before, Stephanie regretfully points out - March 2012. Roy insists on paying. Dan and Lucy are discussing her flight - to which he has not yet agreed. But it is a free holiday in the Loire valley as her friend's mother has a house there - once the flights and spending money have been found as Dan points out. He is not sure at all. Leanne approaches Dan's table as Lucy goes to the toilet. He asks for the bill. He points out that they both have a lot to lose if the history between them is revealed. He says Lucy is the most important thing in his life, so Leanne is guessing she does not know that he used to beat up prostitutes. Dan claims to be a different person now and the past should stay there. She tells him to stay away from Simon.

Kylie says she has made it worse. David says they have to move on. David calls Callum a psycho - but Kylie says he got too close for comfort and she asks David to hug her. When he comes for Max they stay calm, smile and do not rise to anything. David agrees.

The gambling continues when Roy returns to the cafe earlier than anticipated. He asks them to stop as he does not approve. Roy says it is against the law and insists they stop. Carla eventually concedes.

Tracy has found the tin on top of the wardrobe. Tracy opens it and finds some old photos and letters - from "Mike" says Tracy - but she is joking - they are from Ken. And various other treasures including a lock of Tracy's hair. And then a letter "To whom it may concern". Tracy reads "I have been to what must have been the worst funeral of all time. Freezing cold church, lousy vicar, awful hymns, and as for the spread afterwards I had one measly peanut. So when I head to the big pottery class in the sky, I want you all to push the boat out. No expense spared please Ken. Keep the service short for us smokers so we aren't gasping for a fag. Do not skimp on the food and drink. I want Freshco's finest ham. And red wine by the caseload. I want you all to get bladdered and have a good laugh because I will be. Finally, I'd like a nice upbeat song to send me off. I like that Nina Simone song "Feeling Good". I love the words." Ken thinks it is wonderful and cannot argue with that. With the decisions taken away a weight is lifted from his shoulders.

Back at the cafe Carla offers to help clear up the mess. She says it was wrong and she was bang out of order. He asks how much she has lost - she neither knows nor cares and he cannot understand why she does not care. She does it for the buzz because it makes her feel normal. She can forget who she is and what she has done. She accepts she is fickle and has sunk very low.

Kylie has packed Max's clothes and Callum arrives. Sarah tells Kylie to keep her hands off of Callum and he tells Kylie not to rise to it. Callum takes Sarah and Max out. Kylie says David is right. It is all going Callum's way and he is going to win. David gives Kylie a reassuring cuddle.

Roll credits.

For tonight I shall adopt a Clint Eastwood approach:

Good - always leave a farewell message mentioning your much older husband by name as he is bound to outlive you!

Bad - Callum's acting. Not nasty enough and I suspect no-one cares if he is going.

Ugly - Carla going off the rails. I don't happen to like it and I cannot see how the truth will ever emerge.

Richard


Monday 13 July

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Tony Prescott.

Deirdre Barlow is to be laid to rest today. It was not an easy episode to watch, for me. Funerals on Corrie are usually always done very well but because the beloved Anne Kirkbride died in January, this funeral in particular feels very real. Watching the actors, it's easy to see the lines between fiction and the loss of their beloved friend blur a bit. The words of Damon Rochefort, one of Coronation Street's best writers, carry us tonight.

The show opens with a panning shot across a photo of Uncle Albert and Deirdre on a side table. Ken reaches into a cupboard for a mug for his morning cuppa. He sees a couple of wonky looking ones there, one with "Ken" written on it. Creations of Deirdre's. He hesitates, then picks up the Ken mug instead with a little smile.

Amy comes in and asks her grandfather if he's ok. He's not, really, but he thanks her for asking and tells her she's very thoughtful. She chuckles and allows that she doesn't get that from her mother. Ken smiles at her and asks what she's going to wear. She discusses the fact that Deirdre probably wouldn't want her to wear black just as Bev knocks and peeks in the back door. Ken offers Bev's services to help Amy accessorize her dress. Amy runs off and Bev asks if Ken has spoken to Tracy, regretting that she said anything. Amy brings out a dark blue dress for approval, which she gets. Amy wants to add a little bit of sparkle so Bev suggests they raid Liz's jewelry box. On her way out, she tells Ken she'll look after him today and heads out. Ken looks near tears.

Kylie, David and Max are walking down the street to the Salon. David will be on his own in the salon today so that Maria and Audrey can attend the funeral. Sarah and Bethany follow them along the way, catching up. Bethany wants to go on a school trip to France but Sarah isn't willing or able to pay the 500 pounds it costs. Sarah figures Bethany is only wanting to go so that she can chase boys and shop and anyway, why isn't she taking Italian since she already knows that? Bethany scorns that idea. No point learning something if you already know it but Sarah figures it's one sure GCSE score, maybe the only one she'll get. Audrey has come out and scolds them for being disrespectful. Sarah walks Bethany to the bus because she wants to make sure she gets on it.

Eileen and Liz are talking in the back room about Deirdre and the last time they all three had a drink together. Eileen remembers as it was a short while after Ken came back from Canada, it didn't take Deirdre long to come running to her mates, needing a bit of space! They both laugh at the memory and Eileen's imitation of Deirdre. The three of them ended up at the Rovers back room and drank all afternoon. They hold hands and remember themselves as the Three Musketeers. Eileen whispers that it won't be the same without her and Liz murmurs agreement.

Outside on the Street, Callum is shouting at a car that has nearly clipped him as he walks across the cobbles in front of it. He sees Sarah and Bethany at the bus stop and asks her to bunk off work, he's invited to a party later on. Sarah can't go, as she'll be busy in the pub at the wake. Bethany takes all this in.

Ken is perusing his eulogy on the laptop when Tracy finally pulls herself out of bed and comes downstairs. She offers to make him breakfast but he's already eaten. He's cool towards her and she notices. She wonders why he's being like this, imploring him to talk to her and tell her everything's going to be ok. He looks up and chillingly says he doesn't think it's going to be. There's a knock on the door. Tracy sits down so Ken gets up to go see who it is. Dev and Steve have arrived and are let in. Tracy asks if Amy is ok, she is. Dev offers to put the kettle on. Tracy wonders if they should get a few things to put in Deirdre's coffin, including an old walkman, reminder of the days when a teenage Tracy would spend hours listening to tapes, driving her mother crazy. Ken snaps that it's a coffin, not a time capsule.

Steve makes a hasty exit out back to have a cigarette. Ken watches Tracy follow him out and sighs with the effort of keeping his cool around her. He puts his face in his hands as Dev brings cups of tea in. Dev knows very well what Ken is going through and advises him to lean on his friends, people who love him and loved Deirdre. Ken smiles gratefully and thanks him.

Audrey and Maria come out of Maria's flat. Audrey decides she might bring some food over to Ken later. Maria suggests stuffed marrow since it's apparently Ken's favourite but Audrey is horrified, she couldn't make Deirdre's signature dish, it would probably send Ken over the edge. Oh yeah. Maria looks across the street and notices Eileen. Maria hopes that Eileen and Gail can hold in their tempers today of all days.

Eileen joins Bev, Liz and Dan in front of the pub. Bev has noticed Audrey across the road and makes a catty remark about the possibility of Audrey being the first in line to get her hands on Ken. (These two have history, remember, over the late Fred Elliott) Leanne brings Simon around the corner. Simon wonders why he hasn't heard from his father. Leanne knows Peter has spoken to Ken but he's not to badger his grandfather with questions today. They join Audrey and Maria.

Ken is leaving yet another message for Peter and is angry that he's not there. Steve says he'll try again, too and Ken should just worry about saying goodbye to Deirdre. Tracy comes in just and Ken gives her a pointed look and remarks that he never did get to say goodbye to her. Tracy can feel the chill and turns around to answer the door to get away from it, still not understanding her father's attitude towards her. Roy comes in and tells Ken that the funeral cars are here. Ken allows Tracy to straighten his collar and tie but glares daggers at her while she's doing it. She softly tells him he looks smart but recoils a bit from the anger she sees in his eyes. Dev sends Sophie's apologies, it's too soon after Maddie's funeral for her to attend. Ken understands.

Tracy tries to chivvy them along out the door, as it would be what Deirdre wanted and Roy suggests they should celebrate her life, cliche though it is but Ken doesn't feel much like celebrating. Steve mentions that he still can't get hold of Peter. Tracy isn't surprised and pronounces this as typical of Peter's inherent selfishness. This prompts Ken to snap at her, accusing her of being far more the selfish one, "If selfishness was an Olympic sport, you'd be stood on a podium every four years waving your gold medal at the crowd." Now everyone in the room is embarassed and aware that this might just not be grief weighing on Ken but nobody really knows where to look or what to say. Steve breaks the silence. Shall we go?

They come out to find the limo and the hearse parked out front. Tracy and Ken walk up to the hearse containing the coffin and flowers. Ken says he'd like Simon and Amy to come with them. Amy is asked to fetch Simon but Bev takes the opportunity to go instead, exchanging a cool greeting with Audrey. Carla comes around the corner and, seeing the group and the cars, can't face it. She turns around and strides back toward the cafe. Nobody has seen her. Sally and Tim come across to extend their condolences. Emily and Rita send Norris' apologies as well, he's not feeling well. Emily is invited to come in the lead car. She's as good as family, Ken points out. Emily is honoured. Tracy spots a tall, dark haired man watching them down by the Kabin. Does she recognize him? She's not sure at that distance or is a bit stunned to see the man if she does know who he is. They all get in the car and set off, the train of black limos behind them.

After the break, we're at the front of the church. Emily tells Rita she's seen a man that looks familiar, possibly the same one? A couple of Emily's friends from church approach and they all greet each other. They notice Kevin and tell Rita that they won Kevin in a charity auction. They giggle that they did get value for money. They admit they're also in the One O'Clock club and were old friends of Blanche so have come to pay their respects. The two of them gather the rest of their little group to get in and pick a pew with a good view before the rest of the crowd comes in.

The same dark haired man is at the back of the area by the cars. We see Kirk tearful as he and Beth chat to Sally and Tim. Dev comes over and asks Kirk to be a pall bearer. Kirk agrees and goes with him as does Kevin. Liz is trying to keep it together. Bev tries to comfort her and reckons Deirdre wouldn't want everyone in tears. Steve jokes that he wants people to be hysterical when he goes and at least one person jumping on his coffin. Not wholly appropriate but Steve being Steve, is forgiven. Simon snips that he thought Steve was supposed to be depressed. Steve allows that he's feeling better and Amy quips that's a matter of opinion. Eileen likens her to Blanche! Billy comes to fetch Steve away but since Peter is not there, they are one short for the pall bearers. Liz overhears and asks if she can do it. Ken is fine with it. Everyone else gets ready to go in and find a seat. Dan follows Leanne with a warning as she'd been shooting him dirty looks and Eileen goes in with Michael by her side.

In a jarring shift, we are now in the Dog and Gun where Bethany has arrived, skipping school. Gemma and Callum allow her to order a cider.

We're back to the church. Gail mentions that Kylie is at the salon with David and Maria worries that Audrey is going to take Kylie back on. Audrey admonishes her to be more supportive. It's good that Kylie wants to go back to work and it will look good at the custody hearing. Gail sees Eileen and Michael come in and offers them a seat in her pew. They do take it, Michael sliding in next to Gail. The music starts, that Nina Simone song. Everyone rises as Ken and Liz lead the way at the front of Deirdre's coffin. Leanne strokes Tracy's arm in comfort as they watch the proceedings. Beth wonders where Carla is. Roy has no idea. Emily remembers that the man she's seen is Tracy's ex-husband, Robert Preston. We see him at the back of the church. The coffin is set down at the front of the aisle. Ken places a cheerful portrait of Deirdre on it.

Billy starts the service. The congregation is invited to stand and sing one of Deirdre's favourite songs, A Bridge Over Troubled Waters. The camera pans through the actors singing through their tears and it looks very realistic to me. Their grief is plain on their faces, these people are grieving for their friend Anne as well as characters for their friend Deirdre. Ken remains silent, barely holding his tears back.

Gemma and Bethany are now doing a tequila shot but Callum catches them and forbids further shots for the teenager. Bethany complains as Callum takes a call from a client. Gemma asks if she's going to the party later, it'll be mental!

Emily is reading Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything. ("A time to be born, and a time to die") Tracy leans over and asks Ken for a tissue. He cruelly describes her crocodile tears. She's aghast, she loved her mother more than anyone else in the world aside from Amy. He spits that she had a strange way of showing it. Tracy objects and Ken agrees Deirdre did love her but she caused Tracy pain time and time again with her appalling behaviour. Tracy gasps and runs out of the church in tears followed by Robert.

Tvor

Written by Damon Rochefort and directed by Tony Prescott

Robert follows Tracy out of the church where he finds her sobbing next to Blanche's grave. Tracy can't believe he's turned up after all these years. And what's he doing at Deirdre's funeral when her own brother couldn't be bothered to show up? Robert says he read about it in the paper and wanted to pay his respects. He suggests Tracy should go back in the church. Steve then appears and claims Ken sent him outside to fetch her. Tracy tells Steve he's always been a bad liar but she allows herself to be led back in. On the way she introduces her ex-husbands to each other.

Meanwhile Gemma and Bethany are both two sheets to the wind. As they stagger out of the pub Callum sends Gemma packing and tells Bethany he's taking her home.

Back at the church Ken is addressing the congregation with his memories of Deirdre when Tracy returns. He stops briefly and glares at her before continuing to speak. Everyone smiles as he reminisces about their differences – while Ken drifted away to the music of Chopin, Deirdre would wash up to the Spice Girls. Ken continues and says that he doesn't really need to tell everyone all of this because they all knew Deirdre. Fiction merges with reality as the storyline so sadly mirrors the recent passing of Anne Kirkbride and the cast are undoubtedly shedding real tears as they remember her. Ken describes Deirdre as a confidante when things were bad and a source of love and laughter when things were good. He says she was a lynchpin of the community. Ken tells everyone that Deirdre's family were her priority. He talks about Amy and Simon and Tracy's face turns to stone as Ken says that Deirdre did what their parents often couldn't by giving her grandchildren the foundations in life that they needed. Ken says he wishes he'd been a better husband and wishes he could hear Deirdre laugh just once more. As he reaches the end and sits down the rest of the congregation stand and burst into a round of applause.

Carla arrives at a casino. She takes her place at one of the tables and the croupier greets her by name – it's clear she's a regular.

Bethany is in Callum's car where he's getting her to sober up. He's also trying to get their story straight. Bethany realises it's a great opportunity to bribe him. She tells Callum that her mum can't afford to send her on a school trip to Paris and says it would be a great shame if Sarah found out that Callum let her spend the day in the boozer.

At the funeral everyone has moved from the church to the graveside. As the service comes to an end Tracy asks Steve if he'll look after Amy. She says she can't face the wake and needs to be on her own. Robert notices her walk away. Ken also asks everyone for some time alone but in his case he wants a few minutes by the graveside to gather his thoughts. Liz tells him they'll see him back at the Rovers. Once he's on his own Ken breaks down and speaks to Deirdre. "It was only ever really you love," he sobs. "I hope you knew that."

Tracy has returned home and is surprised when Robert turns up on her doorstep. He asks whether she could do with some company. Tracy brightens up and invites him in.

Meanwhile everyone else has started to gather at the Rovers. This includes Norris who has recovered sufficiently from his bout of food poisoning to take advantage of the free buffet and catch up on the gossip about Tracy's behaviour at the funeral. Sarah gets a phone call. She's discovered Bethany has gone missing and before Liz can stop her Sarah takes off her apron to go and deal with her family crisis.

Round at number 1 Robert is taking care of Tracy by cooking her a frittata. From this we ascertain that a) Robert has spent the intervening years retraining as a chef and b) he's keen to make a good impression.

In the Rovers Gail is observing Michael from afar and commenting that his shirt hasn't been ironed properly. Simon is giving Leanne lip. She decides enough is enough and is going to take him home. Alya comes in looking for Carla as there's a problem at the factory.

David and Kylie are just leaving the salon when Sarah turns up. She's looking for Bethany. She doesn't have long to wait because at that moment Callum drives up with Bethany. He claims he found her wandering round the Trafford Centre. Sarah may be taken in but Kylie wants to know how long he's going to keep this up. She tells David she knows Callum's up to something.

Back in the Rovers Gail is still moping over Michael. She notices he hasn't had a mini-burger. He loves mini-burgers she tells Audrey. She goes over and makes polite conversation and comments that it was a lovely service. This is not a good move as Michael replies that he often wonders what Gavin's was like. As if on cue Eileen arrives with a plateful of mini-burgers for Michael who comments that she knows the way to a man's heart. Gail decides to go home.

Meanwhile, Amy's complaining she's hungry but she can't get anywhere near the buffet as it's been commandeered by Blanche's friends from the one o'clock club who only love one thing more than a good funeral and that's the free buffet afterwards. They're even managing to fight off Norris who misses out on the last Scotch egg. Steve brings Amy over who proves to be a chip off the old block. She sarcastically tells the funeral groupies that there are places called supermarkets where you can go and buy food, take it home and cook it.

Out in the street Carla is on the phone. She's transferring £2,000 into her current account. Roy comes along. Carla feels guilty that she missed the funeral. Roy says Ken quite understands but he probably wouldn't if he knew the real reason.

Tracy and Robert are sitting on the sofa together. She's showing him photos of the family. Tracy wonders why Robert's being so kind to her. Even she recognises how badly she treated him when they were married. She recalls that she cheated on him, lied and ruined everything. Robert claims there isn't a day goes by when he doesn't think about her. Tracy looks skeptical. Robert apologises – after all she's just buried her mother. But Tracy decides that a bit of male attention is just what she needs right now. She puts down the photo album and makes her move on Robert. He tries to pull away and says he doesn't want to take advantage of her. But Tracy knows what she wants and they start to kiss.

Ken wanders out to the back yard of the Rovers where he finds Liz having a smoke and a quiet cry over Deirdre. She goes to put out the cigarette, knowing how much Ken hates it but he tells her that he finds the smell strangely comforting. Liz asks how Tracy is. Ken says he's no idea but she's at home, according to Steve. Liz suggests Ken brings her over. She adds that she won't forgive her for what she's done but she knows she's taken it hard and if she were her daughter and this low she'd have to help her.

We return to number 1 where things are hotting up between Tracy and Robert. He tells her to wait, this isn't the reason he came back, but Tracy doesn't want to know as she helps Robert to remove his jumper. He suggests stopping so they can talk things through but there's no stopping Tracy who doesn't even hear Ken come into the room. He's outraged when he sees what's going on and orders Robert out of the house. "And just as I thought you couldn't sink any lower," says Ken as he glares at Tracy.

Karen


Wednesday 15 July

Ken is shocked and appalled by Tracy's behaviour, and she grovels. She says she's sorry, she just wanted to feel loved for a change. He tells to her shut it, he's sick of hearing her whining. She protests that she's just buried her mother. "Yes, years before her time and we all know why that was!" he snaps. Tracy looks stunned. "What are you trying to say?" she asks. He tells her that she's lurched from catastrophe to catastrophe, always blaming everyone but herself. He says they warned, they advised, they begged her to mend her ways but she refused, point blank, and she didn't pay the price – but Deirdre did. He tells her that because of what she did to Liz, her mother was too ashamed of her to come home, so she spent the last weeks of her life away from him, her home, her family, her friends, people who loved her. "All because of you!" he shouts.

In the Rovers, some of the regulars are discussing funerals. Blanche had apparently organised a plot for Deirdre beside herself. Eileen says she doesn't care what happens to her, as long as she goes before her boys, they can put her out with the bins for all she cares. "As long as it's not recycling day!" jokes Norris.

Back in Ken's house, Tracy is trying to make sense of what Ken just told her. She wants to know why he's never said anything before. He tells her he didn't know, Bev just told him. Tracy wonders why Deirdre even went to Bev's in the first place, and reckons it was because of what Peter did with Tina. What she did with Tony was no different as far as she can see, and anyway, at least she's there, Peter isn't around, he couldn't even be bothered to come to the funeral. Ken says that all he wanted today was to grieve in peace. Just then the door opens and in walks Peter! He's full of apologies, there were breakdowns and train delays. While Tracy snaps that he should have come the night before, Ken greets him like the prodigal son.

In the Rovers, they're discussing Deirdre, her life and times. Rita says there was never a dull moment, and Emily comments that maybe, if there had been, Deirdre would still be there. Michael remarks that she and Ken always seemed well matched, and there's a silence until Norris tells him that they fought like cat and dog for years, they were on and off more times than the light in Beth Tinker's fridge.

Peter says he's going to go and see Simon and Tracy isn't happy about this, after all he's only just arrived. "Hey, he's my son," says Peter. Tracy reminds him that he's Ken's son, but then she adds that he's welcome to Ken, after today, saying that today she buried her mother, but Ken has had a go at her. Ken reminds her that he came home from his wife's funeral to find her and her ex cavorting in his living room. Peter asks who they're talking about, and Ken tells him it was Robert Preston. "Your mum was buried today," says Peter, "has that just bounced off you?" They then get involved in a bit of a slanging match, he tells her she's the same self-centered Tracy she always was, and she snaps that he's the same "perfect" son, and reminds him how he spent his wedding night. Then she shouts that Deirdre was her mother, her flesh and blood and neither of them have any idea how she feels.

Back in the pub, Michael comments that Ken never struck him as the womanising type. Liz bursts out laughing and says she could go through the list but it's chucking out time in a few hours! Audrey points out that Deirdre wasn't always an angel either.

In Ken's house, Peter asks Tracy if they're going to carry on like this all night. Ken tells him not to bother to try to reason with her, she will always do whatever suits her, regardless of the consequences. Tracy then starts to snap at Ken, reminding him of women from his past, Wendy Crozier and Martha from the canal boat. Peter tells her to stop, saying that everyone in the family has made mistakes – everybody. Tracy asks if he's talking about Deirdre, and shouts that if she did play away from home it was better than playing there. She doesn't know why Deirdre ever came back to that poky little house. Ken gets up at this point and says he's going for a lie down, and goes off up the stairs, followed out by Tracy, still shouting at him. Peter takes Tracy back into the living room and asks if she hasn't done enough damage for one day. Tracy says that if she did play a part in Deirdre's death, then so did Peter and so did Ken. Then we see Ken, standing at the top of the stairs, listening to it all.

Bev and Audrey meet up in the ladies' loo. Audrey tells her it's time they laid things to rest between them. She says she knows how hurt Bev was, but Fred truly loved her. "Then what was he doing at your house on our wedding day?" asks Bev. Audrey says he was being a gentleman, letting her down gently. "Letting you down?" says Bev. "While you were on the sofa having a cosy chat, I was standing in a draughty church wondering if I'd been jilted." Audrey assures her that she hadn't, Fred was devoted to her, he wanted to be Bev's husband, not hers, and what happened was a pure tragedy. Audrey then goes to leave, but Bev stops her, saying that Deirdre always used to say that grudges were bad for you, they ate at your soul, and she always wanted Bev and Audrey to patch things up. Audrey says she would like nothing better, so Bev extends her hand and they shake.

Back at the Barlow's, Peter admits to Tracy that he gave Deirdre grief and the simple truth is that her life was better without him in it, so at least he had the decency to leave. Tracy stares at him. "She didn't want me to leave," she says, but Peter reckons that Tracy never paid any attention to what Deirdre or anyone else every wanted. If she did she would have changed years ago. It seems to him that Tracy is just going to go on repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Tracy thinks for a moment and then says that at least she hasn't go anyone to hurt now, only herself. "What about Amy?" asks Peter, and says that he's scared for Amy. "How dare you!" snaps Tracy, "how dare you judge me on how I raise my child after all you've done to Simon!" Peter isn't distracted however, and carries on. He says he hopes Amy sees how much Tracy is despised on the Street, sees every trick Tracy has pulled and comes to hate her for it. He would sooner Amy hated Tracy than was hated by the whole world. "Because unless you do something about it, those are her only choices." Tracy puts her head in her hands and weeps.

Just as people are leaving the pub, Dan arrives, telling Liz he thought she'd see if she needed a hand with the clearing up. She pours him a pint and thanks him for coming to the service. Then she says she couldn't help notice Leanne giving him some funny looks. Dan, obviously trying to think quickly, says that he saw Leanne trying to discipline Simon at the funeral and tried to join in. He knows he should have kept his beak out of it.

Ken comes downstairs and Tracy tells him she's really sorry. He tells her they both said things that were better left unsaid. Tracy says she deserved it, but she's going to change. "Really?" asks Peter, doubtfully. "I mean it," says Tracy, and says that this has been a wake up call and she's going to be a better person now, for Amy's sake.

Audrey, Rita, Norris and Emily are leaving the pub. Audrey stops and tells Bev she hopes to see her again sometime. Bev hopes so too. Liz opens a bottle of Shiraz and pours several glasses, telling them all to drink one before they go. It was Deirdre's favourite. Liz says they all have their memories of Deirdre, and they will never fill the hole that she's left, but they should cherish those memories because they make them smile. Liz had the most loyal, best mate a woman could have, and she told the dirtiest jokes ever! She would laugh, cry and fight with you. Liz's life wouldn't have been the same without her, she was a one-off and she will never, ever forget her. "To our friend, Deirdre," she says, and they all raise their glasses.

Back in Ken's house, Tracy says she keeps thinking Deirdre will come in through the door, wafting her cigarette smoke about, and singing the wrong lyrics to a song. Peter remembers how Deirdre would laugh until the tears ran down her cheeks. He picks up a pottery ash-tray and remarks how serious she was about her pottery. Tracy said that Deirdre knew they were pants, but she never gave up – there's a lesson there for them all.

In the pub, Dan is helping Liz, Bev and Eileen clear up and asks if there is anything else he can do. Eileen quips: "Not down here!" but Liz assures them all that tonight she will be asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. She sends him on upstairs though. When he's gone, Eileen bets her a fiver she does NOT go straight to sleep! Liz turns the tables and said she noticed the way Eileen was around Michael, it wasn't the wine that was flushing her cheeks. "Come on, spill!" she says. Eileen eventually admits he might have grown on her a little bit.

Alone downstairs, Ken looks sadly at the photo of Deirdre. "Goodnight," he murmurs and turns out the light.

Anne Logan


Thursday 17 July

Written by Chris Fewtrell Directed by Tony Prescott

This is an extra episode airing on Thursday.

The morning after the funeral dawns. Peter finds Ken at the table wearing a dark dressing gown and asks after the kimono with an undertone of humour in his voice. Ken sighs and relates that he's thrown it out, it just didn't feel comfortable anymore (probably due to Brian wearing it the other week!). Ken also admits he didn't sleep well and finds it very lonely in the bed alone. Peter agrees it will take getting used to. Tracy has left the house early, apparently. Ken isn't sure her intent on turning over a new leaf will be successful but she's always one for surprises. Tracy returns, shopping bags from Frescho in each hand and determined to make a huge English Breakfast for them. Surprise, indeed! There's a knock on the door so Ken goes for that. Peter has a word with Tracy who insists she's going to try and might as well start down that new road on a full stomach. Ken lets Leanne and Simon in. Simon is all smiles to see his dad and the sentiment is returned. Peter's shocked at how much he grew and gathers him for a hug. Tracy offers all of them a breakfast which leaves Leanne a bit flummoxed. But first, Peter has news. He's taking a new job with a charter boat company and will be working out of Antigua.

Carla comes downstairs. Roy offers her breakfast, a bacon barm which she agrees to but he won't accept payment, remarking on her loss at cards the other night. She insists she doesn't bet more than she can lose even if she doesn't like losing. She loads brown sauce on the butty and goes to work.

Outside Number 1, Peter is explaining the job is a fresh start. Ken reckons if it's something Peter needs to do, it's probably a good thing. Noticing Simon has gone quiet and is looking solemn, Peter tells him it's only six months to start and they can still keep in touch by text and video chat. Simon doesn't look too impressed and Leanne watches him, worried. Peter says goodbye to Ken, mentioning that he's going to stop off at the gravesite on the way to the train station. Peter turns to Simon who bursts out that he's coming with him. He doesn't need anything, he will just get in the taxi here and now and go sailing. It'll be cool! Leanne points out he has school. Simon is rude to her in reply, accusing her of not wanting him to be happy. Peter takes Leanne's side and says he can come visit. Simon mutters that he'll miss him. Peter will miss him too and reminds Simon that he can't stay around Weatherfield (having exchanged a glance with Carla who's just walked by across the road). Simon turns and walks away, hurt and angry. Peter tells Ken he only wanted to tell Simon about this face to face. Simon watches as Peter gets in the cab, Leanne looking very much like she thinks this is yet another mark against Peter who has let Simon down. Leanne and Carla both watch the cab drive away.

In the cafe, Roy serves Gary and asks Alya if she wants anything. She reminds him it's Ramadan (she fasts during the day). Roy stands corrected. Gary and Alya talk about their secret engagement and Gary hopes they can tell people soon so they can get married sooner. He also thinks an engagement might help cheer up the family a little unless, he supposes, they don't really approve of him and hope he'll just go away. Not so, Alya contradicts. She's beginning to consider changing her mind but they have to pick their moment. She goes off to work.

At the bus stop, Leanne is trying to talk to Simon who's in full strop. He tells her that everyone he cares about leaves him. She reminds him she hasn't left but he rudely snaps he wouldn't be that lucky. That hurts. Liz and Dan walk by just then and Liz stops and tries to patch over the aggro between Leanne and Dan, in rather cryptic terms probably because Simon is there. You will remember Dan lied that the clash between he and Leanne had to do with him attempting to discipline Simon and she objected. Naturally, Leanne has no idea what Liz is talking about and can't even look at Dan who's watching her carefully. When she does catch his eye for a brief second, her look is filled with contempt. Liz doesn't catch that and thinks everyone's made their peace. They turn and walk away towards the pub.

Sinead is back at work, Izzy is pleased that she is. Sinead asks about the funeral and Izzy gossips about Peter missing the funeral. Tracy has come in and heard them and gives them short shrift. They are suitably chastened. She asks if Carla is in and is pointed to the office. Carla puts the laptop cover down quickly as Tracy walks in. She's not best pleased to see Tracy but Tracy really wants to talk to her. Carla really, really doesn't want to talk but Tracy keeps trying. She's on Carla's side and knows she didn't start the fire. Carla comes pretty close to the mark when she sarcastically asks was Tracy there? Tracy sidesteps it and says she knows it was an accident. She tells Carla she wants to make peace. Carla is skeptical, as you would be. Tracy reckons life's too short to make enemies but Carla isn't having it. It's too little too late. Tracy backs out, defeated. Izzy and Sinead watch her leave the factory.

In the Bistro, Leanne is miles away. Nick asks what's up so she tells him Peter's news. She can't seem to get through to Simon these days. Nick offers to speak to Simon but she declines. Leanne then takes a call from Simon's school. He's got into trouble for fighting. She has to go pick him up. Dan comes in as she's leaving but when he tries to talk to her, she shouts at him to get stuffed and hurries out.

Two men, one a familiar and not very welcome face, come into Barlows' Buys. One of them is the bloke Tracy threatened to castrate a few months back when Tony was trying to get her to sell him a share. He and his mate are looking for Tony who hasn't paid them for the last shipment they got for him. Tracy isn't surprised to find out they know Tony and tells them Tony's not around. She looks a little nervous but bravely insists she's not afraid. The unfamiliar one lunges at her but Robert walks in the door and threatens them both. It might be two against one, but the pair of them don't look like they're very inclined to find out if he's as tough as he makes out and they leave. Tracy's bravado is back and she joins him in ordering them out. She smiles at her hero.

After the break, Dan passes Carla on Victoria Street, and stops to mention the card game she lost the other night. She offers him a rematch but he isn't inclined. He says it's just a game, a bit of fun and he doesn't take it seriously. She quickly insists she doesn't either, clearly giving the impression that she does care very much.

Izzy and Sinead are in the pub at dinner, wondering what Tracy had to say to Carla. Tracy and Robert come in and their interest is piqued. Tracy thanks Robert for helping out. He tries to find out why she picked up Tony as a partner but she's unwilling to go into the long story and warns him she's a lot different than the woman he married. People change, he says. But she agrees she has but many would say not for the best.

Leanne is leading Simon back home. Simon is arguing with her as she is scolding him. Nick drives up and gets out to ask how things went. There's more bickering as Leanne reminds him he's been suspended so he can't go on the school trip he wanted to go on. He complains about her to Nick and asks if he can live with Nick who handles it well. He offers to give her some time off and he and Simon can get a meal at the Bistro. Simon goes with him with a last insult at Leanne's expense. Sounds to me like his bad behaviour is being rewarded.

Tracy has found out that Robert has changed his career from a carpet fitter to a cook. Robert explains that the old job was playing hell on his knees and he always liked to cook. She sadly says that every time she tried to change her life, it blew up in her face. (mostly, as we know, due to her own actions) Robert's phone sounds and he takes it over to one side. He tells whoever it is that he's seeing a supplier and calls whoever it is "love".

Alya meets Gary at home. He had summoned her, apparently and he gets down on one knee and pulls out a ring box. She's taken aback. He proposes again and she accepts again. As they're trying on the ring, which doesn't fit, Sharif enters. At first he seems rather grumpy about it but really, he's quite pleased and thinks it will indeed cheer up the family. They need something nice to look forward to. Sharif tells them there will be no more secrets. Yasmeen and Zeedan must be told soon.

Tracy and Robert are now sitting in Number 1 at the table. She has asked why he's moved back up North. He says home is where the heart is, this home. He says he came back for her. He recalls that she walked away from him after sleeping with his best mate. She looks sheepish and reckons she just wanted to hurt him. That she did but he never stopped thinking about her, he recalls. He moved on with other relationships but they weren't the same. He found her again, hoping it might give him closure but he realized he still has feelings. Tracy apologetically tells him that she's in no place for a relationship. He understands and thanks her for the drink and decides to leave.

Leanne is about to go into the flat when Dan runs over, clearly having been waiting for her. He wants to know she's going to keep the secret and insists he's different now. She doesn't look too confident on that score. She reckons his kind doesn't change. The camera pans down the block a little way where Sarah has noticed the somewhat heated discussion going on between them. She turns away before she sees Dan grab Leanne roughly by the arm. She jerks away and shouts at him to get his hands off. He's not changed and she thinks Liz deserves to know the truth. He pushes her up against the door and shoves his face in hers, threatening her. He's not letting her ruin what he has with Liz and she'll regret it if she breathes a word. He storms off, leaving her shaken.

Tvor


Friday 17 July

There's a lot of temper in this episode.

We don't start with temper, though. Roy and Cathy are in the cafe and discuss whether Thermos tea is best with the milk in it or with the milk separate for adding later. It seems he's going to help her with her allotment weeding. Tyrone comes in and asks if Roy wants one last driving lesson before his test tomorrow. Cathy tells him to do that but Roy argues that the tea for their allotment break is already made. Carla comes downstairs, running late, and swipes the tea, so that solves that argument. Roy heard her in the kitchen in the night. Carla tells him she was getting a drink of water but Roy points out that she left the wine bottle out.

In the Rovers, Liz asks Sarah if she'll work an extra shift because Dan's taking her out. Sarah mentions that she saw Dan and Leanne arguing last night.

Simon's happily settled doing his homework in the bistro. Leanne can't understand why a word from Nick will persuade Simon but she can't manage him. Simon asks for Nick's help with a maths problem but Nick says that's more Leanne's department. Nick goes into the kitchen and Simon, refusing Leanne's help, nastily tells her to get out of his face [Temper: 1].

Tracy's busy spring-cleaning the house and tells Ken she found a packet of rice with "Best before February 2008" on it. She says she's going to walk Eccles, then she's going to Freshco because she's baking a cake. Oh, and she's turning over a new leaf. Ken tells her there's no need to go overboard and asks if Robert is part of this new leaf. Tracy says Robert's an old leaf.

Roy sees Michelle and tells her he doesn't think Carla's coping very well. She's drinking even more than usual and isn't sleeping. And she's very irascible. Michelle will go and talk to her.

It's 11 hours and 27 minutes until Ramadan ends and the Nazirs can celebrate Eid. Yasmeen is already cooking. Gary's been invited and she's thinking of inviting Anna, too. Zeedan tells his parents he won't be there but Sharif orders him to come [Temper 2]. When he's gone, Yasmeen tells Sharif she thinks Zeedan is spending too much time in the gym with its constant reminders of Kal. Sharif thinks Zeedan won't want to give up what was Kal's dream.

Michelle goes to see Carla in the office. Carla quickly shuts her laptop. Michelle says Roy is worried about her. Carla's annoyed [Temper 3] and wants to know whether Roy's also monitoring her eating habits. She insists she's coping. Michelle invites her for lunch. Carla hesitates, then accepts. Once Michelle has gone, she reaches for her credit card and opens the laptop again.

Liz has been polishing the same glass for five minutes so Steve knows she's worrying about what Sarah said. But Liz has noticed strange looks between Dan and Leanne. Speak of the devil - Dan arrives with flowers. He tells Liz he's bringing a new client for a drink later and wants to show her off. Liz asks him if everything's settled between him and Leanne. Has he seen Leanne since they spoke yesterday? He says he hasn't and Liz realises he must be lying.

Yasmeen arrives in the cafe and tells Gary not to eat much because there's plenty later on. She invites Anna to the celebration meal. Cathy comes in looking for Roy but he's at the cash and carry. She wants to get a thank-you gift for Roy. Tyrone's there so she asks his advice.

Carla's purse is empty and she puts her credit card away. Then, after a moment's thought, she goes to the filing cabinet and removes some cash. Michelle calls her and Carla says something has come up. She has to talk to a client so she's unable to have lunch with Michelle. She ends the call and is off out the door.

Tracy appears to be creaming the butter and sugar for the cake. Emily comes to visit and nearly falls over when she sees this picture of domestic goddess-ness. She was going to offer to cook a meal for Ken and Tracy. She talks to Ken and asks how he's coping. She says it might sound silly, but a hot water bottle is a real comfort. "But will it smell of cigarettes and face cream?" asks Ken. Behind them, Tracy seems to be getting into more and more of a pickle with the baking.

In a casino, Carla plays blackjack and has a win. The croupier pushes a big pile of chips towards her. She immediately pushes them back and plays another hand, winning again. The croupier calls her by her name - clearly she's been here before.

Leanne's all stressed out and has given someone the wrong change. Nick says she needs to chill out. Simon can probably pick up on how tense she is. He says he'll go and pick up Simon and take him to the Red Rec for a kick-about. Dan comes in in a temper [Temper 4] demanding to know what Leanne's said to Liz.

Carla's still playing and lots of people are watching. But this time it's Bust and she loses a very big pile of chips.

Leanne tells Dan she hasn't seen Liz but he doesn't believe her. Leanne says she hasn't told Liz anything. Liz will find out for herself that he's scum. Dan threatens that if Liz finds out, he'll tell Simon his mother is an ex-prossie.

Tracy's serving the afternoon tea. Ken confides to Emily that he's going to make the most of this while it lasts. Emily asks about Robert and Ken doesn't really know what's going on there. He thinks this is Tracy's way of coping with her grief. "Or deflecting it," says Emily. She thinks Ken should encourage Tracy to let it all out, otherwise it will be so much harder down the line. Tracy's cake comes out dead flat - she used ordinary flour, not self-raising. They all have a laugh.

Anna asks Roy if she can take the left-over cakes to add to the feast at the Nazirs' place. Cathy comes in. She's brought Roy a model train engine. She tells him she's owned it for about ten years. Roy says he used to have one just like it until someone trashed the flat.

In the pub, Steve and Michelle talk about Carla. She thinks Carla's avoiding her because she doesn't want to have to talk about her emotions. Liz wonders whether Dan and Leanne are having an affair. Michelle's advice is that she should ask Leanne - she's honest and will tell Liz the truth.

At the Nazirs' place, Gary arrives and Zeedan comes in only to say someone's called in sick and he has to take a Bodypump class at the gym. Sharif lays down the law [Temper 5] and tells him he knows it's hard without Kal but they have to be together as a family.

Liz goes to see Leanne and asks about Dan. She says she's seen the looks between them and Sarah saw them arguing. "What's going on?" "Let me get you a drink," say's Leanne. "You'll need it."

In the cafe, Roy and Cathy sit and talk about the train. Roy tells her about driving one on his wedding day and how Hayley gave him the model. Cathy puts her hand on his to comfort him as he gets emotional. But they're interrupted by Carla coming in. Roy asks how her day has been and Carla snaps [Temper 6]. She accuses Roy of spying on her, of being a busybody worse than Norris (harsh!) and of going to Michelle behind Carla's back. Cathy tells her not to talk to Roy like that. Carla rounds on her, accusing her of being a gold-digger who is only out for what she can get. She tells Roy that Cathy thinks he's a soft touch. "When are you going to see she's not Hayley, Roy? And she never will be!"

The end.
Margaret Carr

I am writing this for once with no knowledge of where the story goes as I have actually managed to catch up as it is the fourth update I have written in the last five days. This is episode 8687, from series 56 episode 143; it was written by John Kerr and directed by Tony Prescott. Copyright remains the property of ITV, whilst I am listening to the wonderful Cerys Matthews from BBC Radio 6.

Action commences in the cafe where Carla is being incredibly rude to both Roy and Cathy as well as to the memory of Hayley and the entire room is in shock. Of course we know Carla is not herself as does Roy. She says that she is not alone in thinking there is something wrong in the way Cathy is hanging around Roy. Roy stops Carla saying that he will not let her insult Cathy and himself or that Hayley's memory is being denigrated. Carla has said all she has to say and she leaves. Neither Cathy or Roy know what to say.

In the Bistro Leanne tells Liz that there is no easy way to tell her that Dan is not quite the person she thinks - and Liz points out that Leanne can hardly know him. But Leanne does - from when she was "on the game". Leanne says it was years ago - and it was not just her. Leanne says that she wants to warn Liz - one time Dan was with her and he hit her. He apologised and said it would not happen again. And Leanne admitted it came with the territory. But Leanne said there was something about him and the way he changed, it scared her. Leanne sought confirmation that he had done the same with other girls. So Leanne had decided that she did not want to see Dan again. And she had not until he turned up on the Street. Leanne says she did not want to tell Liz - but she did ask. Liz tells her to get the bottle!

Back at the cafe Cathy is saying that Carla is wrong about her, about him - he is a good man. He has only talked about Hayley with the utmost respect. Roy remains concerned - if Carla can say it then maybe other people are thinking it. People make assumptions says Roy and Cathy can see their friendship being destroyed. Roy simply wants to ensure that Hayley's memory is not tarnished. Cathy asks about her husband's memory - which is equally important. Roy realises he has made a mistake but Cathy is disappointed by his actions. She leaves and insists on letting herself out.

Not surprisingly Liz would like to know why Leanne is telling her now and not sooner. Leanne explains that Dan has been blackmailing her into keeping the secret by threatening to tell Simon. Initially Leanne thought Dan had changed - but when he lost his temper yesterday it could be seen that he had not and was therefore still dangerous. Liz makes it clear that Dan is in for a tough time.

Tracy is trying to walk Eccles the border terrier - who is in no hurry at all! Steve tells Tracy to go easy on the dog as it only has short legs. Tracy is fed up visiting lamp posts for the last 30 minutes. Steve explains to Tracy that it is "Twitter for dogs". He asks how she is getting on. Tracy admits to missing her mother. For Ken it is still sinking in. She is trying to help absorb the strain. Cooking, washing, walking the rat (Eccles). Steve reckons Ken will appreciate Tracy being around - as Tracy observes there is a first time for everything! Steve tells her that if she needs anything to let him know. For once Tracy actually manages a genuine thank you.

At the Nazirs it is nearly time to eat. Anna does not believe she could show self restraint and Yasmeen says that Sharif makes good when it is over. Gary is helping Alya in the kitchen and Sharif suggests it is time that the family were told. They walk into the living room and Gary makes the announcement. Huge shock all round - but pretty quickly it turns to congratulations from Yasmeen and Anna. Zeedan does not seem so sure.

Carla is at the factory when we hear a door slam. It is Michelle and she wants to know what Carla is doing. Carla says she is not alone now! Michelle says that earlier in the Rovers Carla seemed upset and she will not answer her phone. Michelle does not like being pushed away. Carla gets up to go. Michelle blocks her exit and insists they talk. Carla says she does not want to fall out, but Michelle is firm. Michelle says she is the closest thing Carla has to family locally. Carla calls her a stubborn cow! Carla tells Michelle she wants to avoid having another bust up today having had one already. Michelle insists on knowing about it - it was with Roy Carla eventually admits.

In the Rovers (as elsewhere) there is background music - please cut it out - drowning the chat. Ken is nursing the remains of a half and turns down another as Tracy is cooking dinner when Steve asks. Steve wishes him good luck with the dinner and then asks a silly question - is he all right? Apparently Deirdre used to sing "You Sexy Thing" [which is playing on the juke box] around the house all the time. Steve assures Ken that she had good taste - she married Ken after all. Twice Ken responds. Lloyd is having a drink - Andrea was busy! Elsewhere in the bar Dan is concluding his business meeting. His boss congratulates Dan on playing a blinder. A plan came together. Dan turns down another drink as he is expecting his daughter and they are going out for dinner. At this point Liz comes in and Dan asks if she is all right? One look at her face might prove otherwise as if she had been Medusa at this point Dan would have turned to stone. Dan introduces the love of his life Liz to his boss Ed. Ed is pleased to meet her and she responds by saying that he might feel a bit different in a moment. Dan asks if something is wrong and Liz says there is - him. She calls Dan a pig and he asks if this is some kind of joke whilst Steve and Lloyd look on with interest. Liz asks if he thinks that beating up prostitutes is a laughing matter?

After a break we are still in the Rovers where Liz tells Dan not to touch her and we see his daughter, Lucy, appear in the background. She asks why Liz is being unpleasant and so Liz turns round and tells her that her father batters women. Dan tells her not to listen to Liz. Liz continues - defenseless women. Prostitutes, women he thinks he can knock about. Dan when asked cannot deny it and Lucy runs out of the pub. Ed tells him that he will see Dan in his office tomorrow [Note to scriptwriters do not under any circumstances use this as excuse for Dan to lose his job. Specifically it is not work related - even if true - and has no bearing on his ability to do his job; also has you the employer had offered him a drink it could no longer be on working hours; any dismissal as a result will be unfair and he could well receive the maximum award]. Ed departs and Dan turns round and calls Liz a bitch. Lloyd leaps to Liz's defense. Liz says she can handle him. She tells Dan that he brought all of this on himself. Liz tells him to get out of the pub and out of her life as she never wants to see him again. She repeats "Get Out", he looks around at the faces and realises he is defeated and departs.

Carla admits to Michelle that she accused Roy of betraying Hayley's memory. And after all he has done for her and all he has been through - he just stood there and let her gob off. Carla continues - what kind of person says that to someone like Roy? Michelle says she must be confused and lost. Carla admits that she would love to be lost at the moment. She tells 'Chelle how she would love to be able to get out of her own head right now (and for once she is not referring to alcohol). She cannot forget the damage she has caused. Michelle tries to tell her that she cannot blame herself. But Carla lists them - Kal, Maddie, Rob and now Roy - really the list is endless. Michelle seeks to balance the argument but Carla will not let her. And she knows the way she treated Roy was wrong. She knows how much she hurt him. She calls herself a walking disaster. She loves 'Chelle like a sister - but she has nothing other than the factory. And she cannot turn off the light at night - and she does not like herself.

Ken is trying to eat Tracy's meal - even he admits once pressed it is overcooked in places. They discuss Deirdre's pasta bake - they had to throw away the vessel it was cooked in. A text from Rob but Tracy is not planning to respond as she does not want to appear too keen.

Back at the factory Michelle suggests that Carla gets away from it all. Michelle breaks down her arguments - with Alya and Sally they can keep the place ticking over whilst she gets her head straight. Carla starts to consider it.

At the Rovers Steve reports that Liz is angry and hurt. And this time Steve thought she had found someone decent. Steve despairs at the men his mother chooses.

At the cafe Carla knocks and is allowed entry by Roy. Carla tries to apologise - but Roy is not in the right mood. He admits he was hurt but even so he has saved her some dinner - and she wants to know if there is a statue of him in a church somewhere. He tells her it is a casserole and can keep. She tells him to eat it - she will get something at the airport. She is going to Madrid for a break. By the time she returns the flat should be ready. He offers a suitcase but she has not got much baggage, at least not of that sort.

Leanne has collected Simon from Nick and tries to engage him in a chat. Simon goes to the cupboard and gets some crisps and instantly Leanne's chiding voice is telling him off. They argue and Simon says she is not his mother - just someone his dad slept with. She wants an apology - but Simon is not giving any ground.

Alya collects Zeedan from the gym. Zeedan says he is happy for Alya and Gary - he is just missing Kal.

Roy wants the truth from Carla as to why she is going - she says she is not tough enough to face it all and needs to get away. And Roy says he does care about Carla and tells her to look after herself - she asks what can possibly happen to her in a couple of weeks and Roy, almost cracking a joke implies that an enormous amount might happen knowing her! She kisses him on the cheek and heads out to a waiting taxi.

Liz has gone to visit Leanne with a thank you bottle of wine. Liz reports on events in the Rovers earlier and hopefully that will be the last they both see of him. But Leanne cannot forget the threat to tell Simon.

And outside looking up at the flat's lit window we see Dan hiding in the shadows as he contemplates his future.

And roll credits.

Richard


Monday 20 July

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Menhaj Huda

Summer holidays have begun and Simon is starting off as he probably means to go on, playing on his gaming console. Leanne calls him over to the table and says she's going to book some time off work and they can do all kinds of fun things during the holidays. He's skeptical. He's trying to maintain that teenage angsty attitude but he does look a bit chuffed around the eyes at her suggestions.

Tyrone needs time off to take Roy for his driving test. Kevin admits that Jack still misses Jenny and wonders what he thought of it all. Did it do any long term damage? Tyrone points out his awful upbringing didn't do him any harm. Tim comes in to say hello and Luke brings out the tea. Kevin tells Tim he's got too much on to have a pint tonight. They tease each other and punch shoulders like 14 year olds, causing Ty to roll his eyes.

Liz is having a fag outside the pub when Leanne comes along. Liz is moaning about being single but she's being pragmatic about it as well. Leanne asks after Tony but Liz hasn't heard a word, and good riddance. She moans about Dan a bit more, she'd hoped she'd hit the jackpot with him. Leanne looks sheepish and apologizes and admits she's planning to take a bit of time away with Simon. Liz offers to help out if she needs someone to keep an eye on him for a bit. She hugs Leanne in support.

Steph is enjoying a bacon butty for lunch instead of a fancy Bistro bite. Tyrone brings Cathy in as they'd arrived at the same time. She wishes him good luck and has a card. Tyrone passes over a child-made card, as well. Cathy and Roy are awkward with each other. Tyrone mentions Carla's trip and Cathy looks even more uncomfortable but Tyrone assures her that Carla's bark is worse than her bite. Tyrone offers some last minute practice but Roy decides he is ready. Tyrone convinces Cathy to stay so she offers to make chamomile tea.

Robert comes to apologize to Ken for his behaviour on the day of the funeral. Ken accepts his apology. He mentions that he and Tracy have cleared out some of Deirdre's clothes. Robert notices the recipe for stuffed marrow on the table. Ken explains it's was Deirdre's "signature" dish even though she wasn't very good at making it but he would give anything right now to have her make it again. Robert looks at the recipe and he offers to cook it as his apology. Ken thinks it's a viable alternative to Tracy's attempts at cooking.

Gail reminisces about school holidays when she was a kid, taking off for the day with her bike. These days kids all want to be entertained rather than do it themselves. Leanne decides she's going to take Simon to the cinema but Steph reminds her that the chef interviews were scheduled for today. Leanne sighs. Not a great start to Simon's holidays.

Roy is ready to go, a bit nervous. Cathy recalls she failed her test numerous times but Tim, from over in the corner, says he passed first time out. Then burned the leatherette seats of his father's car with the cigar his dad gave him to celebrate! Tyrone gathers Roy and they leave, with a bag of barley sugars in his bag courtesy of Cathy.

Beth is in the corner shop, showing off a long hair extension she's put in. Sophie's admired it. Robert comes in looking for exotic things you'd never find in most corner shops, like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. They don't even have oregano! Beth and Eileen eventually extract the information they need, he's Robert, Tracy's ex-husband. Beth is thrilled to meet him and says she might put in a good word for him. He keeps on Beth's good side and Beth reckons Tracy has a heart of gold once you get to know her. Sophie and Eileen exchange weary glances.

Leanne has seen Liz outside the pub again, fielding a delivery from the brewery. She asks Liz to keep Simon later on since she has interviews to do. Liz offers to make Simon's tea later and play on the X-Box with him. Liz and Leanne fold arms at each other while Liz declares that she's gone all bitter and twisted against men. There's a car that creeps up along Viaduct street, it's Dan in the driver's seat and he glances up at the two women talking and laughing outside the pub. He doesn't look happy.

After the break, we're in the garage. Sophie has brought over biscuits that Luke had ordered by text. Sophie chides him for not walking the 20 steps to get them himself. He says he was busy but he *was* just standing there drinking tea. Kevin comes out of the office, triumphant. He's just got a new contract with a cab company. Luke moans about being overworked. Another guy drives up and gets out of his car. He and Kevin know each other. He invites Kevin out for a drink for an offer he can't refuse. Kevin was going to cry off but is interested.

Simon and Zeedan are shooting a basketball. Zeedan admires Simon's trainers and tells him about a pair of shoes his gran bought him once. Zeedan says family is a bit of a pain but you miss them when they're not around. Simon points out Leanne is not around much anyway, always working but Zee reckons she'd rather spend time with him if she could. He regrets all the arguments he had with his dad and now realizes all his aggro didn't matter, he just wishes he had his dad back to tell him. They grab the ball, enough sentiment for now.

Gail sings along with the radio, a very inspiring "I Am Woman", as she texts. She then takes a very large hammer to her kitchen faucet which then starts gushing water all over the kitchen.

Outside, Michael meets up with Kylie wheeling Lily along the road. They greet each other with smiles and he gives her a little money for the kids for spending money on their holiday. His phone jingles and he checks it. Gail. Plumbing crisis. Kylie takes off for the shops and thanks him for the cash. Michael sighs and heads across the road.

A set of feet get out of a vehicle and walk across cobbles. Who might that be? The camera pans up and we see it's Tony! He sees that the yard is chained closed and there's nobody inside. He stands there thinking.

Michael comes into the house, and laughs at Gail soaking wet while the water continues to gush. He reaches under and turns off the water. She said she tried but it was too tight. She pretends to be sorry to have called him rather than a plumber but he says he doesn't mind, plumbers are too expensive. She goes to get out of her wet clothes, leaving him to repair.

Simon and Zeedan come into the flat and get a pop. They hear the toilet flush and assume it's Leanne but it's Liz who tells Simon she'd offer to cook him tea. Zeedan gets off to go to the gym.

Robert is spicing the marrow. Ken speaks of the memories that smells can evoke, sometimes even stronger memories than a photo can bring. Tracy comes in the back way and is surprised to see Robert. He reckons Ken begged him to stay and cook because her efforts weren't very good. She raises an eye, Ken told her that her scrambled eggs were "memorable". Ken agrees, but it wasn't for the right reasons. Tracy chuckles. I guess she knows the truth in that. She seems to be her mother's daughter in the kitchen.

Gail has put something dry on, a bit nice. Michael has fixed the tap and cleaned up. She invites him to stay for a cup of tea at least. They can still act like grow ups so he agrees. He texts Eileen that he'll be a bit late. Gail offers him Battenburg cake, his favourite. She gleefully goes to fill the kettle.

Leanne bumps into Beth who's coming out of the Kabin. Leanne says her last interview for chef didn't show up. Beth wonders what the job pays but Leanne reckons she's probably not really qualified. Behind them, Dan comes walking round the corner but jumps back out of sight when he sees Leanne there talking to Beth. After Beth leaves, Dan follows Leanne and starts shouting at her. He's lost his job, his livelihood and his daughter won't talk to him. Leanne continues to walk, saying not a word while Dan staggers along behind her.

Apparently, Robert's efforts with the marrow are successful. Ken feels disloyal to Deirdre because he's really enjoying the meal. Ken asks Robert how the years have been to him. Has he remarried? Before Robert can answer, Tracy quips that she was a hard act to follow. Ken assumes he's footloose and fancy free. Robert says nothing and declares he must soon be off (this after not taking a call that came through)

Leanne digs out her keys. Dan is still behind her slurring his insults. She turns around and hisses that she's not scared of him but he knows she is and he forces his way through the door and she falls on the steps, clearly in pain. Upstairs, Liz and Simon have the radio on but Dan pushes Leanne through the door. He holds onto Leanne and insists that Liz get away from the door. Now, Dan isn't armed but two adult women and a 12 year old boy do exactly as their told while Dan locks the door, telling them nobody is going anywhere.

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by Menhaj Huda

Liz tries to take charge of the scene in Leanne's flat but Dan is a man on a mission. He forces Simon to hand over his phone and then crushes all the phones underfoot. He threatens to hurt Simon if the two women step out of line. Leanne wants to know why he's doing this. Dan tells her that she ruined his life and now he's going to ruin hers.

Down in the street Fiz and Cathy are watching Tim clean the cafe windows and giving him helpful tips when Roy and Ty arrive back in The Woody. Ty is driving so it looks as though Roy has failed his test. Everyone commiserates but it turns out Roy passed after all. Cathy's delighted as she has a gift ready and waiting. The same can't be said for Roy when he unwraps a pair of fluffy dice. He's worried about the health and safety aspects – they might obscure his view. Fiz tries to cheer things up by inviting Roy round for his tea to celebrate but when she says Cathy should come too Roy's face falls again. Cathy quickly says she doesn't want to seem like she's muscling in. Fiz reassures her that nobody thinks that but Roy looks distinctly uncomfortable.

Tony turns up at the yard and Jason is shocked to see him. If Tony thinks his son will forgive him, he's got another think coming. Jason makes his feelings very clear. He calls his dad a coward and says he's better off without him. Tony asks after Liz and Jason has pleasure in telling him that she's got a new bloke now, someone decent for a change. If only they could see what's going on up in Leanne's flat right now.

Liz is trying another tack by reasoning with Dan. She tells him she understands why he's angry and if he lets them go they can all go back to normal and pretend none of this ever happened. Needless to say he doesn't believe her. Leanne starts screaming for help, Dan goes to grab her, Liz grabs Dan and they all start banging and crashing around the flat.

Underneath in the kebab shop, Lloyd asks Ches what all the racket is coming from upstairs. Ches says it's probably just Simon mucking around. Andrea jokes that maybe Leanne's planning to run off and join Stomp. Ty comes in to share the good news about Roy's driving test. He says it sounds like the ceiling's going to come down.

Back upstairs, Leanne's clutching her arm in pain, Liz is holding her head and Dan yells at them to sit down. Liz tries talking to him again. She can't understand how he could terrorize two women and a child when previously he had been so nice and kind to her. She says he sometimes reminds her of her ex-husband. He had a terrible temper but underneath he was just like Dan – a good man with a good heart. Dan looks confused.

Kevin is having a pint with his old pal Vince in the Rovers. Vince is a garage owner, just like Kev, but he's about to retire. He doesn't want to sell his business to some big corporation and asks Kevin if he would like to buy it. At that moment Tim comes in and is most upset. Kevin told him he was too busy to go for a drink. Kev tries to explain this is a business meeting but Tim goes off in a huff.

Over by the bar Michelle and Steve are teasing Eileen about Michael. Michelle suggests Eileen should tell Michael how she feels about him. She's seen the way he looks at her and reckons Michael is just as keen as Eileen.

Beth is also handing out relationship advice to Tracy over a bottle of wine. She thinks Robert is a bit of alright and says, judging from the way he talks about Tracy, he's very keen. But Tracy's had so many disastrous relationships she's decided to go on the wagon as far as men are concerned. Beth gives it a week. At least Robert's unattached, she points out.

Back in the Rovers Eileen is still waiting for Michael. She jokes that Gail's probably locked him in a cupboard under the stairs. Andrea reckons that once she's lured him in Gail's not going to let him go again. Eileen says she's probably force feeding him with cake.

We go to Platt Towers where Gail's trying to persuade Michael to have another slice of Battenberg. He tries to make excuses to leave but before he can escape Gail's clutches she tells him it's her mam's birthday on Thursday and they're having a bit of a do. She really wants him to come. Michael looks awkward but finally agrees, if only so she'll let him leave. He asks where and when. Gail says to come round to the house at 5.30 and they'll take it from there. She presses Michael to take the rest of the cake and then grins to herself as she goes to wrap it up for him.

Things have finally calmed down in Leanne's flat. Liz tries to persuade Dan that she'll forgive him and that they could still have a future together. It looks like he's starting to believe her but then his temper flares again. He says that women like Liz and Leanne are scum and they get everything they deserve. Leanne shouts back that he hasn't changed a bit and he should be behind bars. Dan wreaks his final revenge. He asks Simon if he knows what a prostitute is. "Well, you're looking at one," he tells Simon, pointing at Leanne.

"He's lying, isn't he?" sobs Simon. "Tell me he's making it up." But Leanne's silence and stricken face says it all.

Michael finally arrives in the Rovers and plonks his packet of cake on the table. Eileen asks if he was allowed to escape or had to tunnel his way out with a spoon. Michael laughs and explains about Gail's plumbing problem. Eileen points to the packet and asks if Michael's brought her a present. He tells her it's a slice of Battenberg. Eileen flattens it with her fist.

Just then Tony walks through the door. Steve has to be physically restrained from attacking him. Eileen says she's surprised Lloyd's holding Steve back because she wants to punch Tony. He wants a word with Liz but nobody is going to let him anywhere near her.

Ty calls in at the garage and Kev tells him about Vince selling his garage and offering him first refusal. Ty's surprised he's even considering it since they've got more work than they can cope with but Kev says that expanding the business could be the making of them.

Leanne is trying to get Simon to speak to her after Dan's revelation. Dan is making matters worse by going on about it. Liz tells him to stop twisting the knife. Simon finally speaks. "Shut up!" he shouts. Leanne lays into Dan. She yells that he's got what he came for, he's had his revenge. She tells him to stop having a go at Simon – she doesn't care what he does to her. Dan smirks that he already knows that, as long as he pays her enough. That does it. Leanne launches herself at Dan and knocks him to the floor. Liz and Simon finally manage to escape but Dan drags Leanne back into the flat. He locks the door, wedges an armchair in front of it and sits down.

Round at number 1 Beth is enjoying the remains of Robert's stuffed marrow and saying imagine what it would be like to have a chef as a boyfriend. Tracy says she was with him for six years so she knows what his bad points are. Beth asks her to list them. According to Tracy he can be stroppy, bad tempered and jealous. Beth thinks Tracy's acting out of character and if she carries on like this she'll end up an old maid like Emily Bishop. She tells Tracy she should send him a text to say she wants to see him.

Roy and Cathy are having their tea with Ty and Fiz. Fiz asks if Roy is going to do some work to The Woody now that he's passed his test. He admits it could do with having a working heater – driving with a rug over your knees can be a bit restrictive. Cathy says the world's his oyster now he can drive. Fiz adds that there's a few National Trust properties that Cathy said she wanted to visit and it would make a good first trip out. Roy replies that he hasn't got any plans of that nature. There's an awkward atmosphere. Cathy raises her glass and congratulates Roy, adding that she's sure Hayley would have been very proud. Roy doesn't respond. Cathy says she must go. Fiz points out she hasn't had her pudding but Cathy beats a hasty retreat. Roy doesn't speak while Fiz and Ty exchange glances.

Liz is comforting Simon in the street. They're in front of the kebab shop with Chesney and Zeedan. Ches has called the police. They want to speak to Liz so he hands over the phone. Meanwhile Simon is desperately worried about Leanne. He's sure Dan is going to hurt her. Zeedan says the police will be here any moment but Simon begs someone to do something. Zeedan says he's going up.

Karen


Wednesday 22 July

We open with Zeedan desperately trying to break down the door to Leanne's flat, while we hear police sirens in the background.

Inside, Leanne tells Dan it's over, and to think about his daughter. He tells her to leave his daughter out of this. "Oh, like you left my son out of it?" says Leanne, and asks if he really wants his daughter to have to visit him in prison. That seems to hit home and, looking stunned, he moves away from the door, and doesn't try to stop her when she rushes to it and unlocks it and falls into Zeedan's arms. Two police officers come into the flat and lead Dan away.

Andrea and Lloyd are in the pub. Lloyd asks Steve how his girlfriend is. Michelle reminds him that she's now Steve's wife, but Lloyd was talking about the 4-legged one. Steve is sad because this time next week she'll be gone.

In the Platt household, Kylie is packing for her holiday, while Gail's thoughts are on Michael. Kylie reckons she broke the tap on purpose just to get him round there. Gail is sure he wouldn't have come if he didn't still feel something, and wonders what she should wear to her mother's party.

Back in the pub, Kevin and Tyrone are talking about buying the other business, but Tyrone says that Fiz thinks it's too risky, especially as they have little ones to think about, so the answer is no. Just then Sally and Tim come in, and Kevin tells them he's got the chance to expand his business. Sally is all for the idea, but Tim thinks it's just going to mean a whole lot more extra hard work.

Ken, Liz, Chesney and Simon are all waiting with the police outside the flats when Leanne comes down, clutching her arm. She tells them she's ok, and steps towards Simon who steps away from her, scowling.

In the Rovers, Michael rushes off to put the office keys back that he's discovered in his pocket. Left alone at the bar, Michelle tells Eileen she's going to have to tell Michael how she feels about him. "What have you got to lose?" she asks. "Pride, self-respect," says Eileen. Michelle warns her she'll kick herself if he goes waltzing back to Gail because she was too frightened to say anything.

Out in the Street, as Liz watches Dan being driven away in a police car, Tony comes up behind her. "Hello Liz," he says.

"Just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse!" says Liz, staring at Tony in disbelief. He walks towards her, saying he just wanted to check she was ok. She tells him to stay away from her, she doesn't want to see his face or hear his voice. With that she turns and walks away.

In the pub, Sally and Tim are sitting down. She tells him he wouldn't believe how many years she had gone on and on to Kevin about making something of himself. "I would, actually," mutters Tim, adding that he would have thought Kevin already had enough on his plate with Jack and the garage. Sally tells him that's because he just wants a quiet and stress free life. "Well if I wanted a stress free life I'd live with Kev instead of you!" retorts Tim.

Up in Leanne's flat, the police tell Leanne, Simon and Liz that they will be required to give statements tomorrow. When the policeman has gone, Leanne says she needs a drink, but Ken thinks he should take her to hospital to get her wrist looked at. She tells Simon to get his coat. "I'm staying here," he says, so it's arranged that he will stay with Zeedan, who offers to clear up, and Liz says she'll get Chesney to bring some food up.

Gail goes into the taxi office where Lloyd is working. He asks what she wants, and she stammers something about a taxi. Just then Kylie comes in and demands to know why she is there, as their taxi is outside. She tells Lloyd that Gail was really looking for Michael, and Lloyd tells them that he's in the pub with Eileen. "Now, do you want to come and wave goodbye to your grandchildren?" asks Kylie, going back outside. Gail turns to Lloyd. "Did Michael say anything about coming to me mam's birthday party?" she asks. Lloyd looks puzzled.

In the pub, Liz is moaning about Tony's sudden appearance. Eileen, talking about Dan, remarks that she knows how to pick them, but reckons Liz had a lucky escape. Liz can't believe she didn't see what Dan was really like, by now she should have developed a radar. Just then the door opens and in walks Tony, who says he doesn't want to cause trouble but he just wants to speak to Liz. Steve tells him to get out, but Liz wants to hear what he's got to say.

In Leanne's flat, Zeedan is clearing up smashed crockery while Simon sits scowling on the sofa. Zeedan tries to talk to him, to tell him that anyone would have been scared. "I wasn't scared!" snaps Simon. Just then Leanne comes back with Ken. Her arm is strapped up but nothing's broken, just badly bruised. Simon just sits on the sofa, staring at the tv, and doesn't turn around. Ken takes his leave, suggesting as he goes that tomorrow he and Simon take Eccles to the Red Rec. Simon just shrugs, and as soon as Ken has gone he gets up and slams into his bedroom.

In the back room of the Rovers, Tony tries to tell Liz that he was a fool, Tracy was pulling all the strings and - she interrupts him. "Nobody made you have an affair!" she says, telling him he's a cheat and a liar. "You don't think I'm ashamed of what I did?" he says, adding that he never stopped loving her. She tells him he's unbelievable. Not only did he have an affair behind her back, but he tried to rob her of her home and livelihood. That's no kind of love that she can recognise. She shouts at him and tells him to get out. He reminds her that he's still a partner in the business. She tells him to sell up, but he says he doesn't want to. "For once in your life do the decent thing," she says, and tells him to get out of the pub and out of her life. He touches her shoulder. "I'm not giving up," he says. She strikes out, slapping his face and then his body as he recoils, shouting at him not to touch her. He turns and grabs her shoulders. "Liz, this is me, this is us," he says, but she shouts back that there is no us, he killed everything they had. Just then Steve comes in pulls his mother away, and tells Tony to get out. He goes.

Leanne calls Simon to come out of his bedroom, and he comes, with a sulky swagger, and flops onto the sofa. Leanne tells him that being a parent is a big job, and part of that job is to keep the child safe and stop them making mistakes. She never had that sort of guidance when she was growing up, so she made more mistakes than most – Dan being one of them. What he did was wrong and that's why the police took him away, but she's sorry Simon had to hear what he said. "I'm your mum...." she starts to say, but he jumps up. "You're not my mum, you're a dirty prostitute!" he shouts. Leanne protests, so he shouts at her to say that Dan was lying. She is lost for words. "You can't!" he says, and, smacking her injured arm, storms back off to his bedroom.

Eileen and Michael walk down the Street chatting, (well, he's moaning on about Gail) and go into Eileen's house. Once inside she mutters that she can't do this any more. He says it's his fault for always going on about Gail. Eileen tells him it's nothing to do with Gail. "This is about me – and you," she says. Michael is puzzled, he doesn't understand what she's saying, so she leans forward and kisses him. He stares at her, stunned.

Steve is comforting a weeping Liz, and tells her she deserves so much better. "I know," she says, then she dries her tears and tells him to go back to the bar to help Michelle.

Leanne is sitting in her living room looking somewhat shell-shocked. Suddenly her door entry phone buzzes and she jumps, then goes to answer it. It's Chesney, checking that she's ok. "Yes, fine thanks," she says, in a quavering voice, and bids him goodnight. Then she slides to the floor, sobbing.

Anne Logan


Thursday 23 July

Well this week we had an extra episode (they are becoming too frequent for my liking!), so I have been dragged out of hibernation again to bring you this report.

Leanne is talking on the phone. Simon comes into the room. She explains that the police want him to make a formal statement. He dashes out.

Ken and Tracy. They need to go through a lot of paperwork regarding Deirdre's estate. Robert calls round and invites Tracy to a trade show. Ken initially said he didn't want to go but changes his mind and decides to go with them both.

Gail is preparing for Audrey's 70th birthday. She knows that Michael will be there.

Eileen is ironing. Sean comes in and she tells him that Michael has invited her for dinner that evening.

Tim asks Norris for £5 he owes him for the window cleaning. Norris says he only owes £4. Tim is going to a housing estate to try and get business. He tries his sales pitch on Sally and Sophie. They spot Kevin coming out of his house dressed up. He is off to a meeting about expanding the business.

Emily is discussing with Rita what she is going to wear for Audrey's party. Rita says she hasn't given it much thought, and when Emily suggests the mauve frock Rita says it may clash with something she may wish to wear! A stranger (ie someone who doesn't live on the Street!) comes into the Kabin, and asks about Tracy. She asks her where she lives. She says she knew her mother as they worked together at the Council. Emily tells her the house number.

The woman goes and bangs on the Barlow's door. Norris comes out from next door and offers to help. She gives him short shrift. He tells her that they are out for the day. She asks if he has seen a guy called Robert. When Norris confirms he knows him, she tells him to tell him that Joni came by.

Michael calls round to Gail's. Gail takes him by the arm to his surprise. She says they are going to the Bistro. He seems a little nervous. He makes an excuse to ring Eileen. He leaves a message to say that there has been a change of plan and he will take her town at 7.30pm.

Sean doesn't 'approve' of what Eileen is wearing.

Leanne is waiting for Simon to come out of the police interview. The social worker says it went very well.

Nick and Gail are concerned that Audrey hasn't turned up for her party. Steph asks Michael why he brought along Gail. He says she sprung it on him. She hopes Eileen got his message, otherwise as Michael explains WWIII will start!

Callum comes in. Nick says he is not welcome, but he says he has been invited. Bethany says that her Gran said she could bring a friend. Reluctantly Callum leaves.

Robert returns to the Barlows, he offers to cook for them. Ken leaves and Robert and Tracy kiss.

Callum meets Bethany outside the bistro. He complains that her mother won't let her got to Paris. Then he invites her out!

Gail comes over to Emily and Rita to say she has spoken to Audrey on the phone. She isn't coming. She has a migraine. Gail says that initially she had to wait for a washing machine-man, but now she has a migraine. Emily thinks it is odd, because she believed that Audrey was meeting Claudia.

Maria is a little drunk and goes over to Michael and says she could do a lot with his hair. Luke comes over to Michael and jokingly asks if Maria is bothering him.

Michael realises it is 7.30pm and says he has to go. Gail spots him and tells him not to go. He says he has a lot of things to do, but to give Audrey his love. Gail tells him that she is not coming, she's got ‘merry' over a liquid lunch with her friend Claudia. Gail whimpers that she needs a hug … just as Eileen comes in (as you would expect!).

Tim reports back to Sally and Sophie, in the Rovers, that he only managed to get 4 houses out of forty that he tried. He is obviously very disappointed. Kevin then comes in excited. He explains to Tim that another guy is selling up his garage and he is hoping to buy it.

Back at the bistro, and embarrassed Michael is confronted by Eileen. He asks if she received his messages. She explains that she left her phone at home. She thought she was coming for dinner with Michael. Gail is surprised because it was to be Audrey's birthday party. He explains that he thought the party was at Gail's place and he would then slip away early. Gail wonders why they are having dinner together. Eileen says it is a ‘date'. Gail thought it was platonic. She says it was but now it isn't. So Eileen and Gail ask Michael to make a decision. Michael chooses Gail, and Eileen makes her excuses and leaves.

Leanne and Simon arrive home. She wants to talk to him. He reluctantly sits down with her. She explains that is natural to feel angry and confused. She wants to talk about everything, but he storms out of the room.

At home Gail talks to Michael about the future. Michael says he didn't say they are getting back together. He told Eileen to go because he didn't want a fight. He likes her, but their marriage is over. He says that Eileen is twice the woman she is.

Robert and Tracy are enjoying a drink together. She gets a text message from Todd to say that Tony is back. Robert offers to help with any problems with him.

Sean is consoling Eileen. Knock on the door. Sean opens the door and Michael comes in. He tells her that his marriage with Gail is over and he and Eileen kiss and hug.

Well I expect I will be dragged screaming to a keyboard again soon. Until then, I hand you back to your regular team !

Martin Rosen


Friday 24 July

In the chaos that is number 5 in the morning, Beth discovers a brochure for a campsite down the back of the sofa cushions (the brochure, not the campsite - that's in Wales). Sinead brushes it off as junk mail that came through the door and tells Beth to chuck it away.

Tracy and Robert arrive at the breakfast table together. Ken's been for a walk to get the paper and says Norris told him some woman called Joni has been looking for Robert. He looks like a rabbit in the headlights but manages to say she's the restaurant manager and he'd accidentally come away with her keys but it's all sorted now.

In the cafe, Sinead confesses to Roy and Fiz that she's planning on taking Chesney away for his 21st birthday. She's booked a campsite as a surprise and is really looking forward to being alone with him for the week.

Sally criticizes Tim for his use of brown sauce. She has a theory that "sweet" is more "common" than "savoury." Kevin comes in wearing a suit. He's got a meeting with the bank to sort out a business loan. Tim gets up and goes and Sally stays chatting to Kevin. Well, simpering more than chatting.

Bethany tries to borrow some money from Gail.

Gail sees Michael and Eileen come out of their front door and kiss goodbye, though they both look rather sheepish when they spot her.

Robert and Tracy also kiss on the doorstep. She asks him if there's been anyone else. He says there was someone but it didn't work out. They're interrupted by Tony who warns Robert to stay away from Tracy because she's poison. He and Robert face off and Tracy has to separate them. Tony tells her to remember that half the shop is his. Tracy tells him he apparently didn't pay for the foot-spas and a bloke came in looking for payment who looked remarkably like the bloke who tried to rough her up - the one Tony saved her from. Both men go and it's clear Tracy has been exhilarated by the two of them fighting over her and by Robert's protectiveness.

Luke's found a car he'd like as a track car advertised in a car publication.

Bethany goes to Callum's. "Haven't you got any mates?" he asks her.

Tracy's looking at her old wedding album of her wedding when she married Robert. She wore bovver boots and a secondhand dress. Ken doesn't think she's stupid falling for Robert again. After all, he and Deirdre divorced and got back together again.

Callum works at his computer and Bethany sits and watches until she can't stand the boredom. Callum tells her he'll pay for her Paris trip but she owes him. He's off to do some work and invites her along for the ride. Out of her hearing, he makes a quick call to Mickey.

Craig and Tim clean the Kabin window. Tim admits he doesn't have the get up and go that Sally admires in Kevin. He says he's got nothing to offer Sally. Craig makes the comment that it's not as if they're married or anything and Tim is off! Norris, of course, is very grumpy that his windows are being washed by an apprentice. His attention is soon drawn away, in the way that a moth heads for a lamp, by the potential of gossip as Gail confronts Eileen and Michael in the street. Gail accuses Eileen of setting a trap for Michael. But Michael says that at least he can trust Eileen.

In the cafe, Beth greets Kirk as the best husband ever and says she knows about the holiday he's got planned. "Nice one!" Ches tells Kirk, adding that he should book somewhere too.

Tracy's had a message from Robert that he can't get away from the restaurant tonight. Beth has the brilliant idea that she and Tracy should go there to see him.

Bethany's in the car with Callum. She's supposed to be getting back for a shift at the Bistro. Callum flatters her by saying he should take her out for lunch some time. She should be slave labour for her uncle at her age. He thrills her by asking what's the fastest she's ever been driven and promising to exceed that.

In Robert's restaurant, he tells Joni they need to talk. She gabbles that she knows it's about her paranoia. Things haven't been good and it's all her fault. Robert spots Tracy and Beth coming and quickly bundles Joni off home to get some sleep.

Callum tells Bethany he can get things done more quickly if she helps. He gives her a package to deliver and promises her it isn't drugs. She gets out and he drives away.

Poor Kirk asks Tyrone's advice. Tyrone tells him that if Beth thinks he's booked a holiday then he should book one pretty fast.

Bethany speaks to a bloke vying for the "most tattooed man in the North West" title and hands him the package. He opens it and she sees that it's a load of money. She goes to leave the but the bloke tells her to wait and pulls a load of drugs from his pocket and hands it to her. Hidden behind a bush, Callum captures all this with his camera.

Sally gets a message that she should go outside right now. In front of the factory a huge ghetto blaster blares out Take That (with Craig at the controls), Tim stands by with a bunch of Dev's finest flowers and Fay watches on. Sally and a load of other machinists come out to see what all the noise is about. Tim makes a speech that nobody can hear because of the music, then drops to one knee. As Fay and Craig finally manage to wrestle the music into submission. Tim repeats his question. "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

At Robert's restaurant, Tracy and Beth have been sampling the menu. Tracy moves in to kiss Robert but is interrupted by a female voice. "Let me guess - Tracy Barlow?" Puzzled, Tracy asks who this woman is. "Joni, his wife!" snaps Joni. Slap!

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Another week and another update. Episode 8693; this is series 56, episode 149; this episode was written by Ben Tagoe and directed by Menhaj Huda. ITV retain all copyright in the programme and I thank them for their efforts.

Action opens in a new set - Robert and Joni's restaurant - where Tracy is nursing her slapped face and is wanting some explanation - which Robert says he can provide and adds to Joni that he did want to talk to her earlier - what to tell me you were bringing "her" to our restaurant? And, looking at Beth, wants to know if she is a lady-in-waiting! Robert suggests that Tracy and Beth go and get a coffee elsewhere whilst he sorts this out! Tracy is staying (and in the face of the poor acting from Sarah Harding we should be pleased) and wants to hear the story for herself.

Back on the Street (and bear in mind that 30 minutes have passed) Tim wants an answer because he is still on his knees and he is starting to get arthritis! Sally tells him to get up and of course it is a "yes". She cannot think of anything she would like better than being Mrs Metcalfe. They hug and cuddle with much of the Street, including Faye and Kev looking on, all looking very pleased. Tim has realised he has the best woman in the world and he does not want her to slip through his fingers. Tim continues that actions speak louder than words and he picks Sally up and spins her around. She says she had better not slip through his fingers now! And they head off to the Rovers for a celebration.

Robert did not mean for it to happen like this. But he did not have the guts to tell Joni earlier. Tracy just turned up says Robert. "She" Tracy says with venom. Robert now has two angry women on his case. Joni observes that she cannot believe this is "Tracy Barlow" as she has been expecting Scarlett Johansson the way her husband goes on. Joni insists she will say what she wishes whilst in their restaurant and while he is flaunting his floozy. Joni continues that their marriage never stood a chance with Tracy's shadow hanging over them. Apparently Robert never moved on and Tracy might as well have been in their bed every night. Even Beth has lost track! Tracy and Beth head off - the latter asking Robert what kind of man cheats on his wife at a funeral? And she tells Joni to keep her hands to herself in future.

In the Rovers Sean complains at missing the excitement on the Street through clocking off early. Anyway the ring is admired and he observes that Tim will have to work a bit harder now [which if Tim is the new Stan then Sal is the new Hilda ... a rich seam for the current team to mine, although Sal in curlers? ... we shall see]. Tim offers to buy the drinks but after discussion Fiz buys the drinks for the ladies and Kev buys them for the gentlemen as he has had a good day seeing the bank manager.

Over at the Dog and Gun Callum calls Bethany part of the crew when Gemma arrives from a spot of shoplifting. Gemma is told about Bethany's drug deal. Gemma wants a voddy and coke and Bethany asks for one as well. Providing as Callum points out that Sarah does not get to hear about it.

Back at the Rovers Kev is pulling Tim's leg suggesting that Tim should have spoken to him first. Kev says he has been trying to palm her off on someone else for years. If he had been spoken to first he might have contributed some cash for the ring. Tim asks for half of it now and Sally tells them to stop joking around and asks after his meeting with the bank. He says it went as well as could be expected. Sophie arrives to offer her congratulations. The story of the proposal is retold with great humour by Kev and Ty and Sal says it does not matter how he asked - he did the asking and that was important. Sal would not change him for all the world (which will be next task on her agenda).

Tracy returns to number one and Ken and Beth explains that the master chef had a strong resemblance to a super rat and the wife is like Ricky Hatton with lipstick. Beth says she always knew he was dodgy. Tracy points out she was encouraging her! Tracy apologises - it is her fault and she should have "MUG" tattooed on her forehead. Ken says he is surprised as he thought Robert was better than that. He adds to Beth that she is a good friend as she goes.

Jason enters the back room of the Rovers and says to Liz that Sean had said he could come through. He has just come to see if she is all right? She is touched and says he did not get that caring from his Dad. Jason said he never got much from that lowlife (how about the builder's yard?). Jason and Liz agree that they want Tony to stay as far away as possible. Jason apologises for Tony and then goes.

Beth is glad that her Kirky is not a love rat she observes to Fiz and Sinead in the Rovers before updating them on Tracy and Robert. And Kirk is taking her for a romantic break in Wales, which has Sinead worried. And it seems it is the same place that Sinead is going. Sinead thinks there has been a terrible mix up and Chesney is surprised as well - he knew nothing about it!

Sarah arrives at the Platt residence looking for Bethany - but Gail has not seen her for hours having given her a tenner - and Bethany has texted saying she is with Gail. Sarah is now concerned - why would she lie? Gail is sure she is fine.

At the Dog and Gun Bethany's phone rings. She does not answer it - although Callum says she can and Gemma reckons it is some lad from school. No says Bethany they are obsessed with computer games and football or boffins banging on about exams all the time. Bethany calls studying boring; another round and then they will go back to Callum's. He follows Gemma to the bar so that he can explain to her that he has plans for our Bethany. Time for a break.

Ken is surprised that Robert has turned up on his doorstep as he thought he would be mending fences with his wife. He wants to explain to Tracy but Ken refuses until Tracy appears behind him and also initially refuses him access - but Ken is aware of the neighbours and says he is to come in, say his piece and then say his farewells.

Back in the Rovers Maria arrives to wish the newly engaged couple well and Ty catches her and asks how Luke got on with the car - and she realises that Luke gave up on the car to babysit so she could have a spa day.

Beth has realised that Kirk has not booked a holiday and therefore they are not going away. Beth is now upset and is going to give Kirk a piece of her mind for making her look a fool. Fiz, Ty, Sinead and Chesney go with her.

At Callum's flat he is preparing a rather large looking "cigarette" whilst Bethany is assuring Gemma that Sarah lets her do as she wishes. Bethany initially refuses the "cigarette" - but Callum more or less insists - and before it is lit insists on taking a photo with the "cigarette" in full view.

Beth reaches home and tells Kirk how she has told the world they are having a romantic break and it is not true. But Kirk is trying to book it. Eventually she concedes the point. Chesney suggests that they go together - end of Sinead's romantic break. She eventually smiles and agrees and Fiz is jealous. So they get invited as well. So there will be an episode or two where six go mad in Wales.

Liz meets Maria on the Street, she has been buying beer and Liz observes that soon she will be picking his undies off the bedroom floor. Liz calls Luke a lovely lad and Maria agrees, too lovely for his own good sometimes. Maria explains about the car and the spa day and Liz says she should make sure she does not take Luke for granted. Maria says she needs to find a way to make it up to him.

Robert is telling Tracy that Joni's comments are true - she was a third wheel in their marriage. Apparently Joni was never as good as Tracy. He said that Joni seemed alright, he was not getting younger so they got married. Robert held a candle for Tracy for 12 years. Tracy observes that is not very romantic. He never wanted to hurt her. He just saw her at the funeral and he had to try. And now he has caused even more grief. She says she is used to it!! She feels she is stuck in a never-ending Adele song - well at least it is not James Blunt adds Robert and they both smile. He just saw a second chance and could not let it pass. He is not proud of himself and Tracy says that his psychotic wife isn't either. Tracy tells him to be careful whilst he is sleeping. Well he is not going to be sleeping with her in the near future is he? Robert reckons she will eventually calm down [somehow I doubt that and so does Tracy]. Tracy asks him to leave and Ken supports the request. Robert agrees and hopes that she meets someone who deserves her more than he does. And he thanks Ken as well - he does not deserve Ken's good nature.

Jason leaves Eileen's and walks into Tony who calls him "Son". Jason tells him not to call him son and to keep walking. Tony wants to explain but Jason calls him a waste of space. Tony says he is a coward but Liz told him to go so he did. Jason tells him that the best thing for both him and Liz is for Tony to stay away but Tony says he is going to make it up to both of them. Jason says otherwise but Tony is insistent.

In the Rovers Kev wants out of his suit, whilst Sophie says he looks very smart. Sally observes the meeting went well because clothes maketh the man. She tells him to be more confident has he has so much potential. Tim by his expression is feeling left out. Sean observes that it is lovely that they are all getting on so well. Sally observes that she has an ex-husband who is a budding entrepreneur and with a bit more effort (looking at Tim) we could have two successful businessmen on the Street.

Bethany returns to the Platt residence. Sarah wants to know where she has been. She was at a mate's; Bethany is slurring her words slightly. Sarah asks if she has been drinking. Bethany wants to know why so many questions and stomps off upstairs. Sarah does not know what to do with her but Gail observes he is home and safe for now. Sarah says she has been up to something - quite observes Gail - she is your daughter. Gail says they need to keep a closer eye on Bethany.

At the flat Gemma is wondering if Bethany will be all right. Callum says she will be fine. Gemma worries about the combination of vodka and a spliff. Callum says no-one forced her. She asks about the pictures but Callum says it is none of her business. She wants to know what he is up to. He says it is an insurance policy which might come in useful in the future. And they both laugh.

Roll credits.

A pretty busy episode all round.

Gail's "keeping an eye on Bethany" is a laugh - see Monday!

Somehow you think that both Tony and Robert will not be giving up just yet.

And a reminder. Tim and Sal keep being late for everyone else's wedding as they get carried away and end up in bed! Anyone placing odds on them getting to the registry office on time?

See you next week.
Richard


Monday 27 July

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by David Kester

Roy takes a phone call amidst trying to keep up with a busy cafe. It's a telemarketer and Roy ends the call sharpish. Anna introduces Bethany to Faye who's sitting on her own. The two girls don't seem too impressed with each other. Anna persists, maybe they can hang out together, do each other's hair or something? Neither Bethany nor Faye look like that's going to happen anytime soon. Sarah notices that Bethany already has her hair done. Bethany says she's going into town later. Sarah suggests she take Faye with her. Bethany whispers that Faye is a year 8 (a bit younger) and is only a kid! Sarah counters with the fact that Faye's had a baby, what has Bethany done? Not impressed. Bethany snaps back, should she have a baby too? Faye just ignores them as mother and daughter bicker. Anna reckons it's going to be a long summer.

Sally is already talking about wedding plans. She doesn't want to do it too cheap but she knows they can't afford Westminster Abbey, either. Someone knocks at the door so she goes to see who it is. Kevin comes in, again wearing his suit. He's been to the bank and has come because a car dealer near where he was needs a window cleaner and he put a word in for Tim but he'd need to get there today. Sally's pleased at the opportunity. Tim seems a bit taken aback. Sally grabs her jacket to go to work and wishes Tim luck.

Gail sees Bethany at the bus stop, hair done and red lippy on. Bethany repeats the excuse that she's going into town to find something for her hair. Gail chides her about being rude to Faye earlier. Bethany exudes attitude from every pore and jokes that Faye should have been more careful but then again, so should Sarah have been and they wouldn't have to deal with her! Gail chuckles but then asks Bethany if she's got a boyfriend. She's showing all the signs. She is told to mind her own business but Gail hands over a bit of money towards the donuts for her hair and a sandwich. She reminds Bethany she's got another shift at the Bistro later, don't be late! Bethany eyes a cab after her grandmother leaves.

Gary catches Alya outside the factory. She's a bit flustered and tells him it's really busy. He doesn't even get a kiss from her. Tyrone laughs at him and reckons he should turn up at the factory with a picnic basket, women love that sort of thing. Otherwise, you're just a lapdog. Kevin hollers "Tyrone!!!" and Tyrone jumps, Coming! Gary laughs.

In the factory, Beth asks Sinead if she really doesn't mind that they're all going camping with her and Ches. She weakly says she's fine with it and the kids will love it. Beth allows that she's only ever been camping once, in the Brownies, a fact which surprises Sinead. Sinead has never been camping. Beth reckons they'll have a ball. Alya comes up and chivvies them back to work.

Tyrone asks Kevin how he got on at the bank and their conversation turns to a discussion on a recent football match but Kevin cuts it short, less gossip, more graft please! Kevin takes a phone call and Tyrone gets back to work

Lloyd has driven Bethany to the Dog and Gun but isn't too keen to let her off, it's a rough area. She pretends she hasn't got quite enough for the whole fare and Lloyd, being a softy, lets her off with the one pound shortage. She pretends she can get bus fare home from her mate and takes a Streetcars card from him to call if there's any trouble. She gets out and enters the pub where Callum and Gemma are drinking. Callum doesn't look keen to see Bethany but covers up. Gemma has been teasing him about catching him wearing pyjamas and tells Bethany all about it even though Callum insists they were tracky bottoms. Bethany sits down at the table.

Sally and Gail are talking wedding plans in the cafe. Sally has apparently been envisioning Tim all in gray with a top hat and a flower on his lapel. Gail isn't so sure that's a good look for Tim. Sally reminds her that Tim is coming up in the world, about to take on a car dealer. Gail gasps, not Davenport's!!! (long time viewers may remember Sally's affair with Ian Davenport when she worked at his car dealership). Sally denies it's Davenport's and reckons if Tim can get into the "retail sector" he's got it made. Gail doesn't see Tim as a go-getter. Sally knows Tim has it in him, he could change and she compares Tim much more favourably than Michael. Gail is insulted. Michael had gumption if not drive! Sally looks dubious. Elsewhere in the cafe, Faye arrives back for a sandwich. Anna informs her that she's got Miley for the afternoon and suggests Faye join her for a walk. Faye doesn't want to, she's going to watch films at Craig's and can't be talked out of it. At the counter, Tyrone is encouraging Roy to call Cathy who's been a good mate. He tells Roy he'll bring back the Indian cookbook later. Sally has obviously asked Faye if she wants to be a bridesmaid but she turns Sally down. Last time she agreed, they didn't get married but Sally promises they will this time so she reluctantly agrees, delighting Sally. Sally has some ideas for dresses. Faye doesn't really want to and is happy to let Sally pick but Sally wants it to be a bonding thing and would love them to do it together. Fine, Faye sighs. She'll pop round. Sally mutters as she turns away. Don't break your neck about it?

Bethany tells Gemma that Sarah was 13 when she had Bethany. Callum sends Gemma to the bar for drinks and tells her that Gemma's jealous of her. Bethany's flattered as intended and makes small talk with Callum. He says he's got more deliveries to make and allows her to go when she asks. He passes her over a small amount of powder in a little bag. Gemma comes back with out a drink for Callum because he didn't say he wanted one too. Of course he did! Bethany offers to go and he gleans the change from Gemma to pay for it. Bethany looks quite pleased with herself at the bar while Gemma teases Callum about Bethany liking him.

Sally comes in but is dismayed to find out that Tim hasn't got to the showroom yet. He tells her he'll go this afternoon, he was busy cleaning at the precinct this morning (so it sounds like he's already cornered some of the retail market though not as upscale as a car showroom, I guess). Sally pulls out the ironing board and starts rabbiting on about making impressions. Tim looks very much like he's being shoved under a bus.

In the pub, Bethany has been drinking and is hovering around Gemma and Callum. Gemma has just beaten Callum at snooker. They are about to leave when the police come in with a dog on a leash and they're all to stay put!! There are panicked looks on more than one face, including Bethany's who is horrified because she's holding. Callum whispers not to panic but she whispers "it's in my pocket!" The police mill around. Callum sidles up to Bethany and she passes the packet to him behind their backs, it then shifts to Gemma to take to the toilets. Off she goes while the police approach Callum and Bethany. Gemma is stopped and then accompanied into the loos by a female PC. Bethany admits she goes to Weatherfield High and Callum explains she's his girlfriend's daughter and he was about to take her home. Callum is hustled into the gents', (for a search?).

Tyrone is in the pub. He and Sarah are both trading complaints about their bosses. Kevin seems to be grumpy all the time these days and Sarah says they're all treading on eggshells around Liz these days. Gail joins them and says Kevin is looking for Tyrone. She tells Sarah that she thinks Bethany has a boyfriend. Sarah is ok with that but Gail chides Sarah for not keeping a closer eye on Bethany's comings and goings. The pair of them descend into mutual insults about their abilities as a mother and their penchant for loser men. Tyrone is stuck firmly in the middle.

Anna is wheeling Miley and stops to talk to Tim. They chat about Faye's continuing disinterest. Anna offers Tim a cup of tea and a cuddle with the baby and doesn't need to ask him twice. He's out of the van like a shot.

The police lead Gemma out of the ladies' and it looks like she's being taken in. Callum comes out with no cop attached to his arms so he was free and clear and he smiles over at Bethany who's been left alone.

Sally, Sinead and Beth chat wedding dresses. Sally brags that Tim is landing a big contract that very afternoon. (no, he's not!) Beth warns Sally that if she's doing a theme, she can't use the Eighties, she and Kirkie have that reserved. The Sixties might be more her speed! Sinead loves the idea of the Sixties with the mini skirts and boots and free love and all. In the office, Gary has brought a picnic in for Alya who insists she's too busy to partake. He slips and says Tyrone told him he did it with Fiz once and it worked. Um, He means she enjoyed it. Alya takes a phone call, leaving Gary disheartened. She pulls a file out from under the picnic basked, tipping it up and spilling food and pop all over the floor. Nightmare!

Back to the Rovers, Gail is now chiding Sarah about Callum ending up a father figure for Max and Bethany is starting to look up to him. Sarah reminds Gail that she had Richard Hillman as a father figure but is countered with the fact that Martin was her first father figure (not her real dad, Brian Tilsley was that, but Sarah wouldn't remember him). Sarah reminds Gail in return that Callum isn't a father figure to Max, he's his father full stop. Lloyd comes in and, when he realizes what the conversation is about, informs Sarah that Bethany had taken a cab to the Dog and Gun. They must know Bethany doesn't have a friend that lives round there like she told Lloyd. Sarah goes to tell Liz she has to leave to fetch Bethany home.

At the end of the day, the cafe is now quiet. Roy makes a phone call to Cathy.

Tyrone is working while Kevin is on the phone apologizing. He snaps again at Tyrone for taking so long to pick up a pair of brake pads, reckoning he was in the Rovers. Tyrone denies it but Kevin traps him by saying Steve told him. Tyrone pipes up that Steve wasn't there. Ooops! Tyrone asks why things have changed, why Kevin is going around in suits and they're overworked. Kevin snaps that he's too old to just work for beer money, child care is expensive and he thinks Tyrone doesn't have any ambition. Tyrone isn't happy. Kevin sees Sally come out of the factory with the girls and shouts that Tim never showed up at the car showroom (that's who he was apologizing to and why he's in a foul mood, I suppose, feeling like Tim showed him up) Sally's surprised at the news, she thought Tim was going to go that afternoon. Tim's lost the contract now. Sally's disappointed and angry at Tim.

Bethany asks if Gemma will be ok. Callum says Gemma can handle herself and thinks it's time for Bethany to go home, her mother will be wondering where she is. Bethany doesn't reckon Sarah even notices. Bethany tries to find out if Callum loves Sarah. All he'll say is that it's complicated. He insinuates he has feelings for more than one person and isn't going to say who, because Sarah wouldn't be happy and neither would Uncle David.Bethany offers to tell him who she has feelings for. The flirting is getting heavy just as a cab pulls up outside and Sarah gets out.

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by David Kester

Not content with merely flirting, Bethany decides it's time to show Callum what she's really after. She moves in for a kiss but Callum leaps back like a scalded cat and tells Bethany it's a rubbish idea. Which is just as well really because seconds later her mother walks in. Sarah is furious with Bethany for lying about going into town. And now she finds her in the Dog and Gun, drinking with Callum. As usual he wriggles his way out of it. Sarah marches her daughter out of the pub and Callum tells her he'll be round later.

Sally arrives home. She's looking for Tim. Sophie asks why, what has he done? "The same as usual, nothing" replies Sally, picking up the shirt she'd ironed for him which is still on its hanger.

Tim meanwhile is having a cup of tea with Anna. They've been looking after Miley who's been round for a visit. Tim tells her he was meant to be going to the car showroom but he's clearly annoyed that Kevin's been sticking his nose in. He says he'll go round tomorrow. Just then Sally rings. He rejects the calls and says he'll make out that the bloke he was meant to be seeing wasn't there. Tim complains to Anna that Sally's keen for him to show more ambition just like Kevin. He says Sally drops the ‘K bomb' like there's no tomorrow. Anna wishes him good luck and Tim says he may just take a detour for some Dutch courage on his way home.

Sarah arrives back with Bethany. She's also in trouble with her gran but when Gail tries to have words, Sarah tells her to leave the disciplining to her. She instructs her daughter to take the slap off her face and stay out of trouble. Like that's about to happen.

Roy's closing up the cafe while Gary sits and chats to him. Gary's worried about Alya, he feels he's done something wrong. Roy reminds him that her father has just died but Gary says it all feels one way at the moment. He changes the subject and asks Roy if he fancies Cathy. Roy looks taken aback. He says Cathy has her troubles and he cares for her and that's all he's saying. Roy's saved from elaborating further by the arrival of Alya. She's come to apologise to Gary and asks if it's not too late to have their picnic.

Gail's in the Bistro, talking to Steph about Bethany's behaviour with Callum. Steph offers to have a word with her but Gail's not so sure – Steph's track record when it comes to her choice of men isn't something to brag about. Then nor is Gail's, points out Steph.

Kevin finds Tim having a pint in the Rovers. He's really annoyed that Tim didn't go the car showroom after he'd vouched for him. Tim explains how he bumped into Anna and Miley but he starts to look worried when Kev tells him that Sally knows.

Back at the Bistro Steph is trying to give Bethany a pep talk while Bethany looks bored and sends texts on her phone. Steph tries telling Bethany that if she works hard she could be anything she wants when she grows up. As far as Bethany is concerned, she is grown up and points out that Steph is hardly one to talk since she's only working at the Bistro and has no ambitions of her own. Bethany walks away when she receives a text from Callum. Steph says Gail suspects she has a boyfriend and asks who he is. Smirking to herself, Bethany replies that he's none of her business.

Tim is playing darts in the Rovers with Kevin and Lloyd when Sally arrives. She's on the warpath. As she marches Tim off home to have a little chat, Kevin grins at Lloyd and says he doesn't miss that face.

Over by the bar, Sarah's talking to Callum about Bethany. She tells him she thinks Bethany has a crush on him and now she's worried she'll turn out like her. Callum makes all the right noises and Sarah thanks him for being to understanding.

Gary and Alya are enjoying their delayed picnic in Roy's Rolls. It's closed so they have the place to themselves. As they chat amiably about past relationships it appears that they're back on track. Gary's relieved and says he thought things were falling apart. "No, just me'" says Alya. There's a sudden knocking on the door. It's Cathy looking for Roy.

Back at home, Sally is giving Tim a lecture. But while she has ambitions for him, he's quite happy pootling along. They're getting married and Tim is supposed to be going halves on the wedding so Sally can't understand why he missed an opportunity that fell into his lap. He tells her he didn't want to and gets up from the table.

Out in the street Callum and Sarah meet Gail and Bethany coming the other way. Gail is complaining about Bethany's behaviour and Callum suggests maybe she should try giving her a break. Gail's outraged that Callum should start lecturing her and tells him she has far more experience bringing up children than him. Callum says that explains the way they've turned out. One was knocked up at twelve, one's not right in the head and, as for David …. Bethany smirks to herself as Gail leads her away. But her face falls as she turns rounds and sees Callum and her mum having a very public show of affection in the middle of the street.

Tim and Sally are having a row. As usual, her social ambitions have run away with her. She had visions of socialising with the owner of the car showroom and his wife. She wants to climb the metaphorical ladder whilst, as Tim reminds her, he climbs a ladder every day with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Kevin may have started wearing a tie but he ran off with another woman whereas he would never do that Tim tells Sally.

Cathy is with Roy in his flat. They're having a slightly awkward chat over a cup of tea when Ty turns up to drop something off. He's delighted to see Cathy there. He reminds Roy they're due another curry night and puts Roy on the spot by inviting Cathy to join them.

Round at Platt Towers, Sarah's trying to give her daughter a talking to but she's not doing too well. Bethany's being a right little madam. She even has the cheek to ask whether Gail ever gave Sarah a talk about contraception. Sarah accuses Bethany of having a crush on Callum. Gail finds the thought of this hilarious – it's bad enough that Sarah likes him. Bethany claims that while she was with him in the Dog and Gun Callum was looking at every woman that walked in. She reckons Sarah is just a stop gap until someone better comes along and says it's the story of her mum's life. Bethany gets a text. She glances at it and grins to herself.

Tim and Sally are trying to sort things out after their row. He's put on the shirt she ironed and they've opened a bottle of wine. Sally apologises for some of the things she said earlier but she still concerned about the future. Tim may be a grandfather but that doesn't make him a grown-up and he doesn't have a proper job description or a pension. At that moment Sophie arrives home and although Sally tells her about how she found Tim in the Rovers when he was meant to be going for his job interview, her mood lightens. She smiles at Tim and asks after Miley.

Cathy is going home in a taxi. She and Roy look awkwardly at each other. She says she'll see him tomorrow and, not knowing what else to do, Roy shakes Cathy's hand.

Bethany is sitting with Callum in his car. She tells him her mum was cool about her drinking, it's her gran who will go mad. Callum gets her to promise she won't mention the raid. He tells her the police let Gemma off with a caution. Callum asks Bethany about "the other thing". "What other thing?" asks Bethany, all innocence. Callum tells Bethany she can't risk Sarah whisking her back to Italy, which is what could happen. Bethany promises she won't say anything about today as long as Callum is nice to her. Very, very nice to her. Callum whispers that he will be and then watches Bethany get out of his car and walk across the cobbles.

Karen


Wednesday 29 July

Luke and Tyrone are in the cafe, when Luke learns that Tyrone and Fiz are joining Roy and Cathy for a curry there later. Roy invites Luke to join them, but he remarks that he wouldn't want to be a gooseberry on a double date. Roy gets quite upset at the idea that he and Cathy are in any way a couple, and Tyrone has to hustle Luke out.

Michael and Eileen come downstairs in dressing gowns as Sean is finishing his breakfast, he goes off out saying he'll leave the two lovebirds. Eileen feels a bit guilty about Gail, but Michael assures her he isn't out to spite Gail.

Gail, meanwhile, is in the cafe with Sarah, who is fretting about Callum and Bethany. Cathy comes in and Roy talks to her about the dinner later. She says she'll make a 'toffana pie' which is her take on banofee pie, but with more toffee than banana. Cathy and Anna start talking about cooking when Roy rather sharply tells Cathy he's got to get on. Cathy leaves in a hurry and Anna scolds Roy for being sharp with her and wonders what's got into him.

Over in the office at the factory, Alya doesn't appear to be concentrating on the job in hand, and Sally starts to get irritable with her and then notices that she doesn't look very well. "Are you all right?" she asks, "you look a bit green." Alya assures her that she's fine, but doesn't look it. Then the rep they've been expecting arrives. They go out to meet him, Sally all smiles, but Alya just rushes straight past him and into the ladies' room.

Gary is in the cafe talking to his mum, when Yasmeen and Sharif come in, and Yasmeen starts talking about wedding arrangements. Gary says he only came in to pick up a sandwich and has to go, but suggests they meet at the bistro tomorrow evening to discuss it all.

Over at the gym, Callum approaches Zeedan in a very aggressive manner and tells him that the water fountain isn't working and there are no paper towels in the dispenser. This is not what he pays his subs for. Luke comes up behind him and tells him to calm down. "Or what?" sneers Callum, as Luke stares him out. Callum then starts to walk off, only to be stopped by Sarah who wants to know why Bethany has told her that he has been eyeing up other women. Callum wants to talk about it later, but Sarah wants to talk about it now and tells him to go and get changed, she'll meet him outside.

Cathy is at home, in her cluttered living room, getting herself ready to go to Roy's. She sees a book in a pile and pulls it out, but in doing so upsets a whole lot of bags and boxes and other such things that all come crashing down on top of her.

Sarah is finally talking to Callum outside the gym, asking again why Bethany would say what she said. Callum tells her he doesn't know, Sarah is gorgeous, and he knows that other blokes are jealous when they're out together. Just then Bethany comes walking past and Sarah calls her over and confronts her over what she's said about Callum. Sarah wants to know why she said it. Bethany seems intimidated by Callum and says she doesn't know why she said it and apologises.

Ken is in the pub and he tells Liz that 34 years ago he and Deirdre got married for the first time.

Cathy is trapped underneath the pile of things that fell on her. "Help!" she cries, but there's nobody to hear.

Fiz and Tyrone are up in the flat with Roy, and wondering where Kathy is. Roy fears that he was a little brusque with her earlier and that's why she hasn't shown up. Fiz picks up the phone, she's going to call her, despite Roy's protests. However, there's no reply, and Fiz says that Roy should go and check on her.

In the pub, Ken produces a bracelet of Deirdre's and tell Liz he thinks she would have liked her to have it. Liz is touched, but worried about Tracy. Ken says he thinks if Tracy had it, it could well end up in the window of her shop, and he knew Deirdre would have hated that. Liz says she'll treasure it.

As Ken leaves, Tony comes in, and tells Liz that he's willing to sell his half of the pub back to Steve for the same price he paid for it. Liz points out that Steve only sold his half of the pub in the first place because he was skint, he won't be able to afford to buy his share back. Tony says the offer is there, they can take it or leave it.

Cathy is still lying under the pile of junk when her doorbell rings. "I'm here!" she shouts, "help me!" as Roy calls her name through the letter box. Eventually he realises that she's shouting for help. It goes quiet for a while, and Cathy calls out again, wondering if he's still there. Then there's the sound of breaking glass and Roy struggles over the junk to where she's lying on the floor.

Alya is in the pub on her own, looking very worried, when Sally comes in and is shocked to find her there. "First you make a show of yourself in front of a very important client and then you slope off early, and now you're in here, on the lash!" she says. Alya points out that she's just drinking orange juice, and just wanted to be on her own for a bit, then she picks up her bag and walks off.

Eileen and Michael are standing at the bar, while Gail sits with Emily and glares at them. Eileen grins at her, and Michael tells her not to, there's no point in upsetting her unnecessarily. Eileen tells him that upsetting Gail unnecessarily has been her life's work, she has to get her pleasure somewhere, and she flings her arms round Michael's neck and kisses him, while Emily urges Gail not to rise to it. Michael is so annoyed with both of them that he walks out.

Alya is in the ladies' room of the pub, and she produces a pregnancy test kit from her bag, and starts to unpack it. Just then her phone bleeps with a message from Gary, telling her that tea is on the table. She packs it all away again and hurries off.

Roy has managed to free Cathy and she gets to her feet and hugs him. "Thank you so much," she says. He clears a space for her to sit down, and then starts to put the fallen stuff back up where it was. "This is no way to live," he tells her. She says it's hard to explain. He says that when you've lost something precious it's only natural to want to cling on to the remnants of that life. She points out that he doesn't live like her, he says that he wants stability, continuity, a sense of sameness. He tells her that they're not all that different, his desire for order stems from the same instinct that has created her chaos.

Alya rushes in the front door, and tells Gary and her grandparents that she got caught up at the factory.

Roy brings Cathy back to the flat, and she thanks him for getting Jason out to fix the door.

Bethany is walking down the Street and is hailed by Callum. She says sorry, but he's not sure she means it. "If I can't trust you to follow one simple instruction there's no point me wasting time on you any more," he says. She says she just got carried away, it won't happen again. She tells him that he can trust her, from now on whatever he says, goes.

Up in the flat, Cathy is explaining what happened to Tyrone and Fiz. She tells them she had the entire set of Encyclopaedia Britannica plus every Guinness Book of World Records since 1964 on top of her. Tyrone remarks that that could be dangerous. Roy agrees, saying that there have been instances of hoarders being killed by collapsing piles of clutter. She thinks that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he points out that if they hadn't had a dinner arrangement she could have been there for hours, if not days. Fiz says he's right. Cathy says she doesn't want to worry anyone, least of all Roy, and gives him a spare key so that if there's another emergency he can let himself in. He accepts it, but says it's not enough. "Something has to be done."

Anne Logan


Friday 31 July

Good afternoon [insert your own time zone]

Welcome to another Friday episode.

In the cafe, Roy has a plan and Tyrone, Chesney and Fiz like the sound of it. He's going to take Cathy out for the day and he's letting her choose where - that way she'll feel as if she has some control. While they're away, the others will tidy her place a little to make it safer. All Roy wants is for it to be a little tidier. "Like a clearing in a forest," Chesney suggests.

At the Nazirs' place, they talk about Gary coming over. Alya is worried the family won't be welcoming but Yasmeen points out to her that Gary was Kal's friend and is the man Alya has chosen. He might not be Muslim but he is who he is. As Alya gets ready to leave the house we glimpse a pregnancy test in her bag.

Outside, she meets Gary and they discuss the visit. Eileen sees them and tells Gary to get in touch with Jason. He might have some part-time work for him.

Bethany and Sarah are in the street. Bethany's moaning about how humiliating it was to be dragged out of a shop. She stomps off. Gail tells Sarah that David and Kylie are back tonight and she wants this argument sorted before then.

Roy arrives at Cathy's and she thanks him for his help yesterday. Roy tells her he wants to help in a practical way for her own safety. He tells her about the plan for the others to do a little tidying to make the place safe. "Nothing drastic," he says. Cathy agrees. She even knows where she wants Roy to drive her.

In the factory, while the machinists don't do a lot of machining, Alya is stressed out in the office. Sinead goes in to ask if she can help but Alya says she's just a bit snowed under. She picks up her bag and heads for the loo. Sinead watches with a worried look on her face.

In the taxi office, Eileen, Lloyd and Michael chat about Deirdre. A blonde woman comes in and says she'll have a taxi to the airport if they're not too busy. She's very demanding and nasty and accuses Lloyd of just sitting around gassing. She points at Michael and says she wants him to drive her. There's a bit of a sarky exchange before Lloyd says he'll take her.

Roy and Cathy are in an art gallery. Cathy likes the idea of art helping her think about other people's lives. They discuss Constable and van Gogh.

Yasmeen has gone to see Gail, who gives her the name of the registrar she's used. As Bethany comes in, Yasmeen leaves, asking Gail to get Audrey to call her about the hair for the wedding. Bethany asks Gail if she'll make her something to eat and Gail says a girl her age should know how to cook. Bethany protests that she does know how to cook, but not boring stuff. She boasts that she can make a proper spaghetti bolognaise - the way the Italians do, with nothing out of a tin. Gail challenges her to make it and takes out some money. Bethany thinks she's going to be paid for cooking but the money is so she can buy the proper ingredients. Bethany leaves the house and Gail rings Sarah.

In the art gallery, Cathy is distracted by seeing an art class in a room of the gallery.

Back in Cathy's house, Chesney has found a pram and "a gazillion" coat hangers. Tyrone's found a dead mouse. Fiz has found over 100 plastic milk bottles. Tyrone gets enthusiastic about the progress they've made and suggests they can clear the whole room. Fiz is reluctant but he convinces her it's a good idea - Cathy will get a whole room back again.

At a drop-in art class, Cathy's painted a recognisable Roy and he has hesitantly started a not-very-recognisable Cathy - all worry lines and pinched face.

In the taxi office, Eileen's found a bracelet on the floor. She thinks it must belong to the snotty cow who wanted to go to the airport. Lloyd comes back and she puts the bracelet into her pocket. Turns out the snotty cow didn't pay Lloyd, claiming he'd taken her the long way round. Eileen goes to get some biscuits to cheer him up.

In the factory, Beth accidentally kicked over the bin and found a pregnancy test stick in there. The machinists speculate but Beth obviously suspects it's Sinead's.

Cathy leaves a donation in the box at the gallery and thanks Roy for a lovely day.

Sarah arrives home and after some happy reminiscing about the Italian chef who showed them how to make bolognaise, she and Bethany soon start sniping at each other. Gail can't make peace and Bethany looks forward to being in Paris and away from her mother. She stomps off. After trying to follow her, Sarah tells Gail she can't understand why they argue. She and Bethany used to be so close.

When they arrive back at Cathy's, she tells Roy she's had a lovely day and it's made her more confident about moving on with her life. Roy asks if she's ready to go inside. "I promise you, the changes will be minimal but you will be safe." Cathy admits she'd just stopped seeing the mess.

Beth speculates that the pregnancy test could have been there for ages - maybe it's Carla's. Sean points out she's got her own house. Why would she come into the factory to do a test? And he doubts it's Sally's - he imagines she's got all sort of rules and instructions for Tim. Though Beth points out that Tim and Sally have sneaked away at every wedding they've been to. Sinead's very quiet, Beth thinks. And when Alya comes out of the office Beth turns her teasing to her. "It's not yours, is it? The timing isn't good as just as she asks, Gary appears.

Roy and Cathy go inside to a front room which has been completely transformed into a room clear of piles of stuff and with seating space on the sofa. Cathy is distraught. "What have you done?" she cries.

Uh oh.

The end.
Margaret Carr

We reach the end of July and we are seeing the Platt family involvement with Callum wind ever tighter; Steve's illness and dog seem to have been almost forgotten - will either be remembered tonight? Michael has pulled both Gail and Eileen - who's next? Tony and Carla each own half of the Rovers - why is Liz not using the money she received from Carla to buy out Tony? Robert and Joni have had an impact on Tracy - will it continue? Has Kev given up on Jenny completely or does he remember how losing a child can be difficult? Answers to some or none of these may be contained in the following update.

This week the writer for episode 8698 was Susan Oudot with David Kester as the Director. Copyright remains the property of ITV for series 56 episode 154 to whom many thanks.

The first rule of keeping a secret is not to tell anyone the secret. The second rule of keeping a secret is not to tell anyone the secret. This is a set of rules which Alya might do well to learn.

We open tonight in the factory where Alya is not wearing her usual sunny face when loudmouth Beth announces, in front of Gary, that she has just found a pregnancy test in the ladies. Sinead almost instantly claims ownership of it and Beth dashes over to give her a hug for the new little Tinker but Sinead assures her it was negative. Sean had already had an image of being in church as the doting godfather! Alya tells Gary she is coming down with some bug. They have a big snog in front of the factory girls to the usual comments and Sinead looks on with concern.

Roy says Cathy is suffering a panic attack and gets her to breathe into a brown paper bag. Ty, Fiz, Ches and Roy all apologise for having gone too far - Cathy says she knew where things were and that it was organised. Roy plays the Elf and Safety card. But Cathy knows the real problem is the way she feels - but they are her things and she needs them. Ty points out some of it was just plastic flowerpots. Cathy responds they were her things and were not just for throwing away. Ty wants to show Cathy something.

Alya asks Sinead into the factory office for a word. She wants to know how long the white basque will take. Sinead repeats a couple of days. Alya then thanks her for earlier - she did not want Gary to know and it is complicated. Sinead understands - Auntie Beth just does not know when to shut up. Alya convinces Sinead that being negative is a good thing. Beth and Sean interrupt, eager to uncover gossip. Sinead observes that Alya is clearly distracted.

Ty opens a shed door and the goods from the living room are revealed, sorted into three - those worth keeping, those for the charity and those which Cathy might choose to bin. It will be easier for Cathy to sort out there. Any decisions are entirely hers. Cathy agrees to Fiz putting the kettle. Cathy confirms she is grateful.

At the Platt household Gail is dispensing pearls of motherly wisdom to Sarah Louise, observing that Bethany is a teenager and is bound to wind her mother up as a right (David simply regarded it as a pastime). Sarah does not want her turning out like David! Gail says that Bethany will eventually realise that being a single mother is not easy. At this point Gail says "If I were you" which Sarah immediately interrupts with "Seriously". Gail then admits to being the world's worst mother and that she knows nothing - but Sarah says she was not a bad mother but she does not need her pearls of wisdom. Gail always was a pushover and Gran was a pushover with a nice car. Gail hopes that Sarah's labours will be more successful than hers. Anyway Sarah is off out with Callum. Gail in despair goes to the fridge and gets the wine bottle out.

Lloyd, sadly reaching the end of his Corrie life, takes a booking for an airport run and again grumbles about the non-paying fare from earlier. Eileen recalls the dummy trick played on Steve - £44 it cost him! Michael and Eileen join the laughter. Michael says he will hang on and Lloyd can go have a pint in the Rovers. Eileen tells Lloyd to take a hint. Michael wants to know why Eileen said nothing about the bracelet she found. Eileen justifies her lack of action by saying that the woman stole from Lloyd by not paying the fare. If she wants the bracelet she can come and get it.

Gathering in the Bistro are Alya, Sharif and Yasmeen who is saying that Anna has no experience of organising a wedding. Anna and Gary arrive late with apologies as Faye was late. Anna is offered a drink and then realises the Nazir family are drinking water; Yasmeen insists she should have some wine as Yasmeen thinks she will need it.

Cathy is far from sure about having all this space around her in the living room and when they all depart it is a very large and empty space which can sense rather than the feeling of being safely surrounded by her possessions. And she does not like the emptiness.

After the break we find Bethany on the Street as Kylie returns - with Max and Lily but no sign of David. Max is being uppity and needs his medication and Bethany wants to know if Kylie has dumped David. She does not get a response.

Cathy is telling Roy, who is looking at the picture of him, that one day she had a husband, a marriage and a life. Now nothing; being surrounded as she was before was comforting. It just mushroomed. People cope - Roy has - but he observes that each deal with the challenges of life differently. She has become a strange chaotic person since Alan's death and friends and family have abandoned her; she does not recognise herself. She assures him she is fine and he should go. He goes.

Sarah is getting the answer phone again for Bethany and Gail suggests leaving a message. Kylie comes downstairs - David is staying at Martins a little longer - because Max has done nothing except go on about seeing his dad (Callum) throughout the break. Gail sends Max to play on his computer with her as she has been practising. When he demurs, Kylie snaps and says she will put the new game in the bins. Max says that his dad will just buy another one. Kylie told him to stay until the next custody hearing and she assures Gail she can cope and it is her fault anyway. Kylie assures Gail that to Callum this is simply a game and David has had to listen to Max constantly telling everyone what a big important man Callum his dad is; they all know he is not fit to kiss David's trainers. She turns to Sarah and tells her she is going out with a scumbag as if she did not know. Sarah says she is going to look for Bethany. Kylie is stony faced.

In the Rovers Sean is telling Lloyd that he is glad he does not have to deal with stroppy customers in a cab. Tony arrives and Eileen says she knows about the offer he made Liz. Sean tells Tony that Liz will find when she wants to see him.

Sarah (looking pregnant according to my wife) finds Bethany at the bus stop. Sarah tells how she ran away from home aged 14, costing her gran £48. She knows Bethany hates her for spoiling her "fun". But as her mum it is her job to look for her daughter. She assures that the Dog and Gun is not the right place for Bethany to be and she is going to make sure Bethany stays away from it. Bethany says she agrees and pushover Sarah both believes her and offers her a meal. As it seems Sarah's date is off Bethany smiles and agrees. As they walk Sarah phones Callum and says she cannot make it tonight.

The wedding planners agree on a small register (not registry) office ceremony for close family - apparently within the large family Sharif was not a popular choice - and yet their marriage worked out. So small but high quality wedding is the aim. Anna starts talking about some lovely country houses. And suddenly it is a big sit down meal, lasting all weekend with entertainment & ice sculptures - Sharif is looking worried. And then it is clear that Yasmeen and Anna were egging each other on. Alya is suddenly overcome by the discussion and heads out for some fresh air.

There is a knock on the door at Roys Rolls. Cathy is invited in. She explains that without being surrounded by the memories she feels exposed. She needs to feel safe. He offers to put it back - but she demurs. She is worried if she stays in the house she will put it back. She needs to escape and after a few moments Roy suggests she stay in the flat until she can cope with her own house and he ushers her upstairs.

On the Street Sinead chases after a crying Alya. She offers to help and Alya admits to having sex - but not with Gary, she slept with Jason.

Roy suggests a bite to eat and then he will drive her home for essentials - which Cathy suggests could fill a tipper truck. She calls him a surprising man as she picks up a copy of Grazia but it is evidently Carla's. Roy is confident that her stay will be temporary as she will soon want to return home. She asks if he will hang up the drawing he made of her. The picture she suggests replacing was bought by Hayley and she instantly apologises but Roy says he was never very keen on the picture. He hangs her cardigan and there on the wall is a picture of Roy and Hayley in the famous red jacket.

Outside Sinead wants to know if Alya is double dating but no it was just a one off - when she was drunk and it was all wrong. And yes she does not normally drink. Alya cannot explain it - her head was wrong after Kal's death. She swears Sinead to secrecy - not a soul. She also admits she has not slept with Gary. If it gets out it will ruin everything. At which point Gary arrives and Sinead departs. Alya apologises for walking out - she loves him so much - it is just so hard. Gary knows how much she must miss her father, but he would be proud of her. He pushes a ring on her finger - a perfect fit.

Roll credits.

Richard



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