2015




Friday 2 October

Corrie didn't air tonight.


Monday 5 October

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Lee Salisbury

It's Sally and Tim's wedding day. The invitations have gone out, the flowers have arrived and we start the episode to the tune of "Going to the Chapel". Sally is dancing in the kitchen but Tim is sat at Anna's table glumly looking at one of the wedding invitations. He tears it up in disgust. Sophie finds Sally fussing over the wedding favours. Sophie wonders if she and Tim have made up but Sally only continues to chatter on about the sugared almonds. Sally is wearing a hoodie with "Bride" on the chest as she continues to witter on. Sophie finally realizes that Sally still doesn't know if Tim is going to show up though her attitude is 100% hopeful and positive. Sophie is horrified that she's going to be humiliated.

Fiz comes downstairs to find a note on the table to let her know he's gone in to work early.

Sharif tells Yasmeen that Zeedan is struggling to cope with all the responsibilities at the gym. She's intent on research about private prosecutions. Sharif appeals to her, the cost would be horrendous and the children have been through enough. She's insistent. She'd live in a yurt (tent) if she had to, to get justice. They hear Alya and Zeedan come downstairs and the subject is suspended. Neither one is interested in breakfast. Zeedan brushes off his grandfather's offer of help and they leave. Yasmeen declares that Tracy Barlow has ripped the heart out of the family and he seems to want nothing done about it.

Tim is now in the cafe, reading a newspaper. Faye is describing a rather icky blonde wig that she has to wear for the school play and parents are helping with the costumes. Anna isn't very handy in that department and suggests Sally could help. Tim studiously ignores Anna's obvious loud mention of Sally. Anna mentions that the wedding is supposed to be in a few hours, to which Faye admits she's still got her dress. Tim tells her to work on the play, there's not going to be a wedding. As she leaves, Sophie comes in to see Tim, telling him that Sally is acting like there's going to be a wedding. Anna wants him to talk to Sally but he refuses. He's said his piece. Sophie swirls around and leaves.

In the factory, things are bustling. Carla is inspecting bras while talking to Alya and Aidan. She sends Alya for coffee as Aidan's phone rings. He doesn't take the call but admits it's from his father. Carla asks if his dad is still a nightmare or has mellowed in his old age. They reminisce a little. Aidan looks down at the text message from his father which says "I know what you've done" and he looks a bit worried, glancing over in Carla's direction.

In the garage, Tyrone has nodded off to sleep in the office. Kevin rousts him. Tyrone says the early hours are getting to him but he has to keep it up because they need the money. Kevin suggests he go home for a bit and get his head down. Tyrone doesn't want to because he's having time off later to take Hope for a scan. Luke announces Sophie's arrival, there to talk to Kevin about the whole wedding situation. Kevin tells Tyrone to do some paperwork and he and Luke will do the physical labour for now. He turns to talk to Sophie who tells him the situation with Sally. She wants Kevin to talk to her. Kevin doesn't think it'll do any good. Sophie begs him, she doesn't want her mother to be a laughingstock. He sighs and promises to try to get there when he can.

At the salon, Sally is drinking water to hydrate her. Audrey has done her hair and is putting the finishing touches on now her headpiece is attached. Audrey tries to delicately broach the subject that the wedding is off. Sally insists it's back on.

In the pub, Carla and Aidan are showing some bra samples to a female client. Aidan is still preoccupied with texts buzzing in. The client is talking to Carla about a new more comfortable bra and examines a prototype. Looks nice and feels nice, and she shows Liz as well. Liz is asked what she thinks about bras and is told they're a necessary evil. The client agrees and they discuss uncomfortable bras and a quick way of taking them off at the end of the day. Liz holds the bra up to her chest and approves of the apparent feel of comfort, like encasing her boobs in marshmallow, she decides. They all chuckle. Well, the women do. Aidan is worrying over his phone. The client goes to the Ladies' room to try on the bra. When she leaves, Carla hisses at Aidan for being no help at all. He shifts out of the booth and leaves.

Sally is back home with a bottle of bubbly and warbling to "Unbreak my Heart", not really a romantic wedding song, I would have thought. Rita looks troubled. Sally comes in with Faye having retrieved her and the bridesmaid dress. Faye is annoyed because she's had to swerve a rehearsal. She asks if she can wear makeup. Sally denies the request but Faye mithers until Sally snaps, do what you like! Sophie takes her upstairs to help her get ready. Rita tries again to make her see reason but it's no good. Sally doesn't know for sure Tim isn't going to come. Rita recalls when Sally got jilted by Danny Hargreaves (Love it when they throw a little history in the dialogue!) but Sally insists it's nothing like that time. (No, it isn't. That time she did a lot more than kiss Kevin, she slept with him the night before he wed Alison!) Sally goes up the stairs. Sophie is really worried. Rita reckons they have to support her through it, whatever "it" is so they might as well get in their glad rags.

Tyrone hands over the keys to a client. Fiz and Hope come to fetch him to go to the hospital. He hasn't realized the time and he looks dreadful. She tells him to have a wash and they can be off.

Beth and Alya are on their tea break, chattering over the biscuits. Aidan is tetchy. Carla comes in to tell them they've got the client coming in and wants them to run around tidying as best they can. The client is having a power walk on the cobbles to test out the bra first. She suggests Aidan keep a low profile and Aidan is about to say something to her, confess to something, maybe? But the client arrives so he's put off.

Sophie, Faye and Rita watch as Sally comes down the stairs, all suited and booted and looking lovely! Truly a glowing bride. The dress is far nicer than the other one she had picked out the other week. Sally searches for her fold up flats when the doorbell sounds. That'll be Kevin. He's impressed with her as well. He doesn't even realize the dress is different! Men! Kevin asks to have a word with her in private.

In the gym, Eva pulls Zeedan up for the messy changing rooms and rubbish hair dryer. Just then, all the power goes out. Yasmeen and Sharif arrive at that moment. Zeedan gets defensive when Sharif offers to have a look in the fusebox but Yasmeen snaps that it's not weak to ask for help. She then gives him a very uncool hug which he tolerates.

Kevin and Sally are in the back garden. He can't understand why she's putting herself through this, setting herself up for a big let down. She's calmly confident. There's no talking to her. She insists she and Tim love each other and he has to marry her. Nothing Kevin says will change her mind. She even admits that she knows it's mad but she's sure. She loves Tim and she's not walking away from him.

Carla and the client shake hands on the deal and she leaves. Carla is triumphant but just then two people barge into the office. It's Aidan's dad Johnny and his sister Kate. They're both angry with him. After repeated efforts to get hold of him, Johnny demands his money back. Aidan says the money is tied up. Carla figures it out right away, the money Aidan invested in the factory was his father's?

Tyrone is back at the garage. Luke is having a cuppa. He tells Luke they have to wait a week for the results of the scan which was rough because Hope got upset which upset he and Fiz. He quietly states it's so hard to be a grown up sometimes. Luke has no words so he offers to make him a brew.

At Anna's, Craig has come with a couple of tins of beer he's taken out of the fridge at home. Craig tries to be Tim's compadre, sympathetic because he, too, knows what it's like to lose his woman and the pain is awful! The doorbell buzzes and Anna lets Kevin in. He tells Tim that Sally is waiting for him. He lays it on the line. Sally will never forgive him if he stands her up and asks the hard question, can he live his life without her? Are you going to get off your high horse and marry the woman you love? Good questions, Kevin.

Meanwhile, Sally is in the decorated Bistro, which is mostly empty. When A Man Loves A Woman is drifting from the speakers while Sally tells Rita, Sophie, Faye and the registrar that she'll only wait another 20 minutes. She's starting to look a little unsure but keeps a brave face on. She's sure Tim will be there soon. She gazes at the wedding cake as the episode ends.

So will Tim show up? Part 2 will tell the tale

Tvor

Written by Perrie Balthazar and directed by Lee Salisbury

So, the question is, will the wedding take place? The first scene opens in the Bistro where most of the chairs stand empty save for Rita in her full wedding guest regalia, Sophie and Faye in their bridesmaid dresses and Sally who is studiously touching up her lipstick. Leanne and Andy wonder what they should do about the food. The registrar kindly tells Sally he doesn't need to be at his next function for a while, so they don't need to worry just yet …

In the factory all the workers are desperately trying to hear what's going on in the office. Aidan argues with his dad Johnny and sister Kate about the money that he's invested in Underworld – money that belonged to his father and that was supposed to eventually become a joint inheritance with Kate. First Beth then Alya poke their heads round the door to ask if anyone wants a cup of tea. Carla tells Alya everyone should take the rest of the day off and orders the family to join her in the pub right now.

Back in the Bistro Andy's getting ready to open up since it doesn't look like there'll be a wedding. Rita persuades Leanne to hold on for just a few more minutes. Sally's face is getting longer and longer. She asks the registrar where his next ceremony is. When she's told it's at the local basketball court she says that she wouldn't have put up with that. She adds, sadly, that it's probably why that bride won't get jilted at the hoop. Sally says she'll help everyone clear up. The registrar asks if she's sure – he can hang on for a bit longer. Sophie tells everyone to wait just five more minutes and hurries out.

In the gym Sharif finally fixes the power supply. Alya has joined them and she tries to cheer up Zee. But he's sitting morosely on the steps, angry with himself for messing things up again. Alya says don't talk to her about work – one minute she's practically running the place, the next she's scrubbing toilets. She says Aidan won't give up until she's signing on. In the meantime, Yasmeen's harping on about going to see the solicitor to talk about going after Tracy. Sharif stops her in her tracks and points out that right now her grandchildren could use her support.

We return to the Bistro. It seems Sophie's efforts haven't worked and she tells Andy they can get ready to open up. Leanne tries to give Sally some words of comfort. Suddenly the door bursts open and Tim comes in, accompanied by Kevin and Craig. "What are you doing?" asks Sally, with tears in her eyes. "Marrying the girl that I love," replies Tim. Craig hands out some buttonholes, Leanne turns on the music – ‘One Day Like This' by Elbow, Tim walks up to join Sally, Faye and Craig grin from ear to ear and Sophie and Rita reach for their tissues.

The Connor clan arrive outside the Rovers. Johnny and Kate go in while Carla holds Aidan back for a quick word. She's angry that all the time he was going on at her for her dishonesty, he was investing money in the business that didn't belong to him. Aidan says he'll make his dad see what a good investment it is but Carla says all she can see right now is a cheat and a liar and asks why she'd want to be in business with someone who screws over their own family? Carla marches into the pub to join the others.

Back at the wedding Sally and Tim are making pledges to each other. Sally starts to read something she's written but it sounds stilted and trite. She admits it was something she downloaded from an American website and decides to speak off the cuff and from the heart instead. She tells Tim he drives her mad, he's messy and laid back … but he's also kind, patient and funny and seeing what a wonderful dad he is to Faye makes her love him even more. She catches Kevin's eye and he gives her a nod of approval as Sally says she's never wanted anything more than to be Tim's wife. She vows that she's going to give up trying to change him as she loves him just the way he is. Tim then reads his in return although there are a couple of hiccups along the way. He tore up the paper earlier and Craig had to hastily stick it back together. Tim gets to the final part where he tells Sally that with her he's a better man. With tears in her eyes Sally flings her arms around him and everyone applauds.

In Rovers Michelle's catching up with the family. She admires Kate's engagement ring. Kate tells Michelle that her dad is determined she should enjoy a wonderful wedding but all Kate is worried about right now is being able to afford somewhere to live once she's married.

Meanwhile, Johnny pulls Carla and Aidan off to one side so that he can give his son a piece of his mind. He tells him in no uncertain terms that he wants his money back so that Kate can enjoy the wedding she deserves. Carla tries to butt in and point out that he can't have it back because it's invested in her business. Aidan can't see what the big deal is – his dad has plenty of money, not to mention a villa in Spain. Johnny looks shifty then admits the truth – his "charming girlfriend", as he puts it, has cleaned him out.

Sophie goes into the Rovers with the news that the wedding has taken place after all. Before you can say "mine's a pint", Norris, Beth and Sinead head over to the Bistro to take advantage of the free bar.

Johnny is still going on about wanting his money back to pay for his daughter's wedding. Carla points out he can't have it because she and Aidan have a contract. It seems Aidan forgot to mention that little detail to his father.

Over at the Bistro, Sally and Tim are enjoying their first dance. Sally tells Tim she doesn't mind that they've got no guests. As if on cue, Sophie arrives with everyone she's managed to gather together. Sophie thanks her dad for getting Tim there. He tells her it was a two-pronged attack with help from Craig. They told Tim the truth – he wouldn't get anyone better than her mother. At that moment another guest arrives – Craig's friend Caitlin. Unfortunately for Craig he's been fooling around with Faye and he's wearing her fascinator. It's not exactly a flattering look and Caitlin's face falls when she catches sight of him.

Round at the Nazirs' the mood is more somber. Yasmeen has finally realised that the rest of the family don't want her to continue going after Tracy. She tells them that she'll let the matter drop as she knows her son would have wanted her to put the wishes of her family first. And anyway, she believes that Tracy will end up paying for what she did, with or without her efforts.

Back at the Bistro everyone has started to dance and Caitlin is apologising to Craig for standing him up the other night. Her dad had an accident with a tv and she ended up with him in A and E. Much to Craig's embarrassment, Beth mentions the words "holiday romance" in a loud voice and then suggests he should take Caitlin back to their house. Anna sniggers as Beth adds that Craig must stick to the rules, especially rule number three. We don't find out what this is but Beth's knowing look gives us a fair idea. Meanwhile, Kevin chats to Anna and tries to persuade her to have a dance. Anna declines but the exchange doesn't go unnoticed by Sophie.

In the Rovers Kate is having a quiet chat with Michelle. She tells her that Aidan may have been out of order with what he did but there's no way their dad would humiliate himself like this if he didn't have to. Meanwhile Johnny's been on the phone to Carla's solicitor and has established the contract is watertight. And since the money that Aidan invested was technically his, he tells Carla she now has a new business partner. He says he assumes that the business is doing OK. Aidan jumps in and answers for her. He says it's doing great and soon they'll all be happy. Carla asks how it will work going forward – monthly updates via email perhaps? Johnny laughs. He tells Carla he's not a sleeping partner – he'll be the most awake partner she can imagine.

Sally is standing outside where she's joined my Tim. She reminds him that today is their wedding day and you know what you do on wedding days she says with a grin. They laugh knowingly and Tim throws his arms around her.

Across the street Johnny and Kate are getting into a taxi. Johnny turns to Carla and tells her she's done well for herself and she should be proud. He adds that he's sorry about everything. She waves them goodbye then stalks off up the street with Aidan in hot pursuit. He tries to apologise but Carla is furious. She stops and tells Aidan that the joke is she'd rather be in business with his father than him. At least he's straight up and honest.

Sally is running along towards their house, pulling Tim by the hand. She tells him to carry her over the threshold. Tim sweeps her up in the air then promptly drops her on the pavement. He's put his back out. But none of this is about to put Sally off. "It's our wedding night," she says. Tim likes the sound of those words and gets her to repeat them a couple more times. "I love you, Mrs Metcalfe," says Tim. "I love you too," replies Sally and the two of them hobble arm in arm towards the front door as the titles roll.

Karen


Wednesday 7 October

Sally and Tim come out of their house. Laughing, Sally leads Tim across the Street.

In the shop, David tells Sarah she's got to stop smothering Bethany, he saw her escort her to the bus stop. She's going to start wondering why.

Sally takes Tim to the garage where Kevin unveils a van, with the words "Metcalfe and Son, Window Cleaners" written on the side. Sally hands him the keys, and tells him it's her wedding present to him. He points out that he hasn't got a son, but Sally reckons it looks more professional, and anyway, no one will know that Craig isn't his. She's also bought him an extra-long hose so he'll be able to clean office buildings and blocks of flats.

Over at Fiz and Tyrone's, Fiz tells Tyrone all the things she has planned for the girls for the day, while she tries to encourage Hope to eat her porridge. Hope doesn't want it. As Tyrone leaves for work, Fiz reminds him to cancel the trip to Lapland.

Back at the garage, Tim asks Sally if she's coming for a spin in the new van. She reminds him there's packing to be done, the taxi is coming in 2 hours.

In the factory, Carla is moaning about Johnny Connor coming to see the books, he might buy into the business.

In the pub, Michelle is trying to sort out the work rota with Sarah, but Sarah obviously has her mind on other things. After agreeing to do 3 evenings, she then says she only wants lunch times so that she can see Bethany. She's also very nervous and jumps a foot in the air when a beer bottle falls off the bar and breaks on the floor. David comes in and Michelle asks if Sarah is ok – she wonders if Callum is around again. David says that he isn't, but when Michelle is out of earshot he tells Sarah she's got to calm down, people are going to start wondering why she's acting weird. She says she can't, but he says she has to, otherwise she'll only be seeing Bethany once a fortnight in a prison visiting room.

Tim goes back to the garage and asks Kevin if he'll look after the van while he's away. Kevin protests, they haven't got room and he's busy. Tim reckons Kevin still owes him one, so eventually Kevin agrees.

In the cafe, Roy tells Anna that he's booked tickets for himself and Cathy to go to an evening of violin concertos as a surprise.

Back in the pub, Michelle picks up the paper and reads out that a body has been found in the canal, it's a bloke in his twenties. Sarah goes into a panic and, asking if she can take a break, rushes out.

Tony and Gary are working in the new room at David's house, when they notice the concrete is very wet where they filled in the manhole. Just then Sarah rushes in and asks if they know where Kylie or David is. They don't, so she rushes out again.

Outside, she sees Kylie and rushes over, telling her that the police have found Callum's body. Kylie tells her to be quiet and asks what's happened. Sarah explains about the article in the newspaper. Kylie tells her that it isn't Callum, but Sarah doesn't believe her, she thinks it's too much of a coincidence. Kylie tells her that there is no way anyone would ever find Callum, and tells her to go back to work.

Gary comes out of the house and sees Kylie. Telling her there's a problem, he leads her back to the house where Tony tells her that it may be something simple that they can treat, or they may need to dig the whole thing up again.

Kylie tells Tony there is no way she's going to let them dig up the floor. Tony says it may be the only option, as if it's damp it's not going to just go away.

Johnny Connor has just finished his breakfast in the cafe when Carla comes in. He tells her he's been speaking to someone who has given him the low down on the rag trade.

Back in the factory, Aidan gives some work back to Beth, saying it's not good enough and he warns her that his dad won't accept substandard work either. Just then Carla comes in with Johnny who takes a look at Beth's work and then just hands it back. He and Carla go off to the office.

David sees Kylie come out of the salon with a fan heater in her hand. She tells him they have a problem.

Ken sees Rita in the Street, she asks how he's been, he says he's finding it hard being on his own. She invites him to lunch at the cafe.

As they walk to the house, Kylie tells David about the body that's been found and how close Sarah is to losing control.

In the office, Johnny takes a look at the accounts.

Ken and Rita are enjoying their lunch in the cafe. Roy tells Ken about the violin concert he's going to and invites him to come too. Anna asks him what about Cathy, but Roy thinks that Ken's need is greater.

Beth rushes back from lunch on time, which is unusual. She doesn't want to risk upsetting the new boss. Sinead wonders how Fiz and Tyrone are bearing up and they all decide they must think of something to do that will take Fiz and Ty's mind off their problems for a while.

Sarah goes to Kylie and asks how she can be so calm seeing as they've found Callum's body. Kylie repeats what she told her earlier, it isn't Callum. Sarah can't believe there can be two young men in the canal – unless there's something Kylie isn't telling her.

Johnny has studied the books and tells Carla that the business has 3 months, if they're lucky, they're drowning in debt. Aidan tells him there are more contracts in the pipeline. Johnny wants to know what all the large withdrawals were for, thousands has been taken. Carla looks uncomfortable and then confesses that she had a gambling habit, because she'd been accused of starting a fire at the flat. She tells him that she didn't do it, but for a while she thought she had. She assures him that's all over now. "All right," he says, "but from now on we do things my way."

Back at the Platt's house, Sarah is still wondering why Kylie doesn't think the body in the canal is Callum. She ends up getting hysterical and says she's going to go to the police. Kylie grabs at her but Sarah wrestles free and runs out of the door.

Anne Logan.


Friday 9 October

Good day. Only one episode tonight as the system unwinds the excesses of recent weeks to make room for the Rugby. In the UK this aired at 6:45pm and the next update should be for Wednesday 14 October ... it is certainly confusing the update team, but hopefully allows up to catch up a little.

A personal apology - I have changed email arrangements and therefore you may see a different name on the tin - but rest assured the content remains the same, except of course that it is different each week!

This was episode 8749 or series 56 episode 205. Written by Mark Wadlow and directed by Kay Patrick, the copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Events commence on the Street itself with Kylie and Sarah - the latter is desperate to clear her conscience and she wants to own up to the police even though it was Kylie who delivered the fatal blow. Kylie does not want this and assures Sarah that Callum will never be found (even if by now the smell should be incontrovertible. Sarah knows that Kylie is not being honest with her but is sent off to work with a promise that she will be told everything later. Tony arrives telling Kylie that he has to deal with the manhole cover.

Luke asks Ty for help with an exhaust. Luke has been up for hours and is "cream-crackered" - he did 58 hours on his timesheet and is thinking that an on-site hammock would be a good idea. [If he keeps that up for 17 weeks he will be breaking EU rules]. With the two of them the exhaust is detached. Ty says he needs all the work they can get as well - but he also needs time to help with the hospital visits. And he has forgotten to cancel the Lapland trip. Kev arrives to announce he has won another contract - he is quite smug over achieving another win! It is a firm called RB Electricals and even Luke's singing did not put them off. Kev assures Ty that they will manage without him tomorrow when the first vehicle comes in as he ordered a robot to cover his shift. "Robo-Ty" will be on his way! Joking aside Ty points out that if they win much more business then they will need more staff.

Tony wants to solve the manhole crisis. Kylie shows him the dryer she has borrowed from Audrey; Tony wants to relay the concrete but Kylie refuses. Tony tells her the heater will have no effect. They will hire a dehumidifier says Tony and he makes a call.

Over at the factory the girls are trying to work out the kerfuffle in the office. As usual they are the last to know. Sinead wishes they could do more to help Fiz and Tyrone. Kirk tells them he loves babysitting and will stay home whilst the girls take Fiz and Ty out. He had his first snog babysitting. He gets a look from Beth who asks who from? Apparently it was Melanie Sykes, apparently the one who lived on Inkerman Street - not the real one (pity really). Sinead says she will babysit and Kirk and Beth can take them out. Kirk has an app on his phone which tells him the factory is 55 metres above sea level.

Meanwhile in the office Johnny is observing the chatting and lack of action through the window. Aidan is saying the factory staff are a cracking team as they are hard working and dedicated. Yeak says Johnny - so why is Kirk on the staff - to satisfy some kind of quota? Aidan knocks on the window and makes it clear that Kirk should get on with something.

In the Rovers Sarah is wearing her stern face and Michelle asks if she is OK. Sarah says she is fine. Sarah asks if she can not work today as there is something which she needs to do. She has to go to the police because she is concerned that the body in the canal might be Callum. Michelle says that if Sarah has any concerns then she needs to tell the police what she knows. Sarah says she will go there now.

Roy and Ken are discussing composers and Roy plumps for Shostakovich. Ken wearing a populist approach prefers Vivaldi. Cathy and Anna approach, the former asking if they are ready for their date. Roy assures her that it is an outing. Anna observes they both look very smart. Ken says it is force of habit to wear a tie. Ken says he was quite touched when Roy invited him and asks if Cathy likes classical music - which she apparently loves. Everyone is now embarrassed. Cathy assures them she does not mind and tells them to have a lovely time. Roy asks about the art day and it went well with a good turnout. Roy and Ken depart. Cathy admits to some jealousy at Roy going out - with another man!

Fiz and Ty are discussing work - Ty feeling he is leaving Kev in the lurch (and what about when Kev disappeared for months on end to Germany?) Auntie Sinead gives the two children a cuddle and Beth, Kirk and Chesney have come to take Fiz and Ty to the pub. After some discussion they agree.

In the Rovers Kylie comes looking for Sarah and Michelle confirms she has gone to the police and Kylie departs in a hurry. She returns home to tell David what has happened. David says they have to stop her. He will fetch Max and Kylie will go to the police station to stop her.

After the break Sarah is asking the desk officer to see someone and she is told to take a seat.

In the Rovers Luke is telling Kev that they are close to work overload - but he is not really listening. Fiz, Ty and the others arrive. The newly enriched Kev buys the round. Ty apologises he cannot work the next day.

At a small table Anna sits down with Cathy who at least acknowledges Roy is not out with another woman. If Roy could hear her he would consider her a right bunny boiler. She just wishes Roy had asked her - so Anna explains that he was going to - but felt that Ken's need was greater. Roy is often a closed book. It puts a smile back on Cathy's face.

Sarah is still waiting to be seen when Kylie arrives and says "Stop - why are you dragging the police into a stupid family row - she is sure they can fix it"! The two of them have a whispered argument and Kylie does not want to go down for a very long time. Kylie pleads with Sarah not to do this. Sarah thinks that it is better if they admit what happened. Kylie believes that Sarah is scared. Kylie says she is scared too.

In the bistro Kate Connor is asking Robert about a quenelle. He says it is like a little dumpling. It turns out that she was born in Spain but she sees herself English, although she does like it there. She is joined by her father, Nick, Carla and Aidan; Carla is hungry and she gives Nick a hug and a kiss. Nick finds them a table and they all sit down. Kate has a dig at Aidan for spending the cash; she is not prepared to stay silent any longer. Johnny tells them to stop falling out, at least before the starters. Carla admits that Aidan saved the day when he turned up and bought 40%. Johnny says there are two conditions. He wants to be hands on managing - Aidan demurs but Carla agrees. The second condition is that they find a job for R'Kate. Which causes her some surprise.

In the Rovers there are drinks lined up in front of Ty. Fiz's phone goes - it is Sinead. There is chocolate yogurt everywhere and the bed has been stripped.

Woody does not sound entirely happy as Roy and Ken return. Car abuse!! They both enjoyed the concert. Ken thanks Roy for their enjoyable evening and Roy has enjoyed it as well. Cathy calls Roy the nicest man in the universe.

The Platt's front door opens and Kylie and Sarah return. Sarah did not blab. She has not got the guts. And Kylie assures her that no-one is ever going to find Callum. Kylie tells David that she had said they were going to tell Sarah everything.

Ty in the Rovers is getting a little clumsy - he has lost count. Fiz says it is time to go home. Ty wants a word with Kev. Ty tells Kev that he is doing great things with the business. And he continues with a drunken burble. And calls Kev the King of Cars. But his little girl has to come first. Kev understands the need. They all wish the departing Ty and Fiz the best of luck for tomorrow.

David leads the two girls into the annexe. He points out the dehumidifier and they explain to Sarah about the events when they could not remove Callum and that he is cemented under the floor. Sarah starts crying.

Roll credits.

As ever observations from Update Towers.

1. I am not a biologist but I would have thought by now that Callum would be decomposing. If he is then this would generate heat and dry out the concrete and so I do not understand why the patch stayed damp. Any experts on bodies under concrete that can explain this please?

2. Assuming that Callum was only wrapped in a blanket or something similar (I do not recall him being shrink wrapped in plastic) as he decomposes there will be significant odious smells - they will certainly be able to pass through the drain cover and I believe they would also rise up through the cement. Pretty obnoxious smells would be my guess - if not already then soon.

3. I realise that Kev bought another business - did that include another site? If so why is the existing garage overloaded? And if not what happened to all the mechanics that worked on the other site?

4. There used to be rails in the street cobbles outside the garage on the old set - have these been replicated on the new set?

5. How can the factory afford so many managerial staff? Of course we know Carla is going (at least temporarily) but even so.

See you the next time my name comes up!

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 12 October

Corrie did not air tonight.


Wednesday 14 October

Fiz is giving the girls breakfast when Tyrone comes down suffering the effects of too much to drink last night. Just before he leaves for work, Fiz asks if he's phoned the travel company to cancel the Lapland trip. He says he's been busy but he'll do it this morning. She reminds him too that they have to leave for the hospital in plenty of time.

Over at the Barlow's, Ken looks up from his newspaper and remarks that there's a girl Amy's age who played second cello in a performance of Ravel's Bolero. "What a weirdo!" says Tracy. Robert says he's heard about a school in Korea where are the children are musical geniuses. The conversation about music continues, and Ken says he would have loved to have learned the violin, so he thinks it would be beneficial for Amy to play a musical instrument. Robert then suggests that he picks Amy up from school and they can all go to the music shop in town, it may spark some interest. Ken thinks that's an excellent idea.

David and Kylie find Sarah in the new room, staring down at the damp patch of concrete on the floor. Kylie sends her off to put the kettle on, and David says he can't believe they told her. Kylie says she's not going to work today, she's going to help Jason get the room finished. David says that whatever they do won't make any difference to what's underneath.

Outside, Jason, Gary and Tony are loading the van ready for the day's work. Todd comes out of the cafe so Tony goes over and asks if he's heard anything about Callum. Todd says he hasn't but he can try and find out.

As Amy gets ready for school, Ken tells her to keep an open mind when they go to the music shop later, and if she decides she would like to learn the violin, he'll help. When Ken leaves the room, Amy tells Robert that she knows the violin is really hard. Robert advises her to keep an open mind, he thinks Ken may be feeling a bit lost since Grandma Deirdre died.

Fiz takes bacon butties to the garage and tells Luke she's sorry Tyrone has to leave him in the lurch later.

Gary, Tony and Jason turn up at the Platt's house, where Kylie is irritated because they're half an hour late. She says she's helping today, she wants it finished. The guys are too happy at this, and Jason warns her that he's in charge and she must do as he says.

Beth and Sinead are in the pub, Beth is trying to fill in the answers to a competition in a magazine. Sinead says she knows she's trying to take her mind off Fiz and Tyrone. Beth tells her the doctors will do all they can to help little Hope.

Todd goes into the pub and asks Sarah if she's still seeing Callum. She looks shocked for a moment, and then David comes in behind Todd. She recovers quickly. "Are you mad? After what he did to Jason!" she says, and adds that he hasn't even been to see Max. David says that from what he heard, Callum had some bad lads on his tail. Sarah wants to know why Todd cares so much, and Todd says it's because he nearly killed his brother. As Todd wanders off, David tells Sarah to hold her nerve, once the garage is finished it'll all be over for good.

Luke and Maria are in the cafe, and he asks if she minds him going to watch the race tomorrow. She says he can do what he wants. Just then Luke's friend Jamie comes in and sits down with them, much to Maria's annoyance. He wants to know if Luke is going to be working on his car later. Luke tells him he can't, he's got too much work on, and nods in Maria's direction as she looks the other way. She gets up to go and pay her bill and Luke tells Jamie to keep his voice down, he doesn't want Maria to know he's racing.

Fiz and Tyrone are waiting outside the doctor's office. She comes out and calls them in.

The doctor explains to Fiz and Tyrone that Hope does have intermediate neuroblastoma, which is much better than high risk, and it doesn't seem to have spread anywhere else. The treatment starts with chemotherapy and there's an 80% chance she'll survive. "So there's a 20% chance she'll die," says Fiz, looking stunned. The doctor goes on to explain that Hope will have a Hickman line inserted for her treatment.

Kylie is desperate to stop the guys going off to the pub for lunch, and offers to make them butties and get them cans of lager, which they accept.

Fiz and Tyrone are home, talking to Hope and explaining what's going to happen, and how she's going to have a 'wiggly' fitted so the doctors can get the medicine into her.

Robert and Amy go into the Kabin and Robert tells Mary how they've been to the music shop. Mary then witters on for some time about how she learnt the pianoforte and then the harp. She then goes off to answer the phone, and Robert and Amy have a chat about what instrument she could learn that won't interfere with Tracy and the tv programmes she likes to watch. Amy eventually says that for her granddad she'll learn the violin. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a bit of fun with them first," she grins.

Todd is in the pub when Tony comes in to see if he's found out anything about Callum. David comes over and says that Callum seems to have disappeared as he had some drug dealer after him. "So he's gone to ground," says Tony.

In the Barlow's house, an irritated Tracy is telling Amy she can't bring a drum kit into their little living room, there's no space, plus she'd be heard three streets away. Ken adds that they must think of their neighbours. Tracy points out to Ken that it's all his stupid idea. Robert mutters that maybe he shouldn't have put the deposit down. "What? Are you out of your mind!" says Tracy. Then Amy and Robert start laughing and Robert says that they've been winding them up. There are sighs of relief all round and Amy tells them she's going to go with the violin.

Fiz and Tyrone are telling Beth and Sinead what happened at the hospital, and how Hope has an 80% chance of getting better. Fiz is worried, but Tyrone says he's sure she's going to be fine. "Oh if you know that why do we bother with doctors?" snaps Fiz, and then apologises. Tyrone is on the phone to the travel company, but is 26th in the queue. He gives up, saying he'll call later. Just then Maria arrives with a box of toys and asks for news, and is relieved to hear Hope has an 80% chance. Mary then arrives with a lasagne for their dinner and they invite her to stay for a cuppa.

Tony, Gary and Jason are finishing up at the Platt's. Kylie is horrified, she can't believe they've finished, she thinks it's half done. They point out that they're just builders, she'll have to get decorators in to do the rest. David comes in and says it's all nearly over now, but Kylie screams and throws things and then breaks down in tears. David gets hold of her and tells her that the patch is nearly dry and as far as everyone is concerned, Callum is miles away. "He's not though, is he?" sobs Kylie. "He's here, in this house with us, and always will be!"

Anne Logan


Friday 16 October

Hello,

Let's get right on with the episode.

It's early morning. Norris is taking in the papers and putting the poster in the Newsboy stand while he tells Rita about a weird dream he had last night. His attention is drawn to some awful metallic noise - it's Luke and his mate, Jamie, loading the track car on to a trailer. Norris isn't happy and he tells them so, but they tell him there was an urgent breakdown call-out to an elderly lady.

In the flat, Nick and Carla discuss Johnny and Kate Connor. Nick tells her she'll just have to make the best of the new arrangement. Carla suggests that if Johnny gives her any trouble she'll make Beth his PA.

Todd, Billy and Sean cross the road together discussing what to do tonight - Sean thinks the house is too crowded with all of them there and he's thinking of setting up a rota for places on the sofa. They see Sarah but when they speak to her she's very curt.

Beth and Sinead go to visit Hope before her first treatment. Sinead asks if she knows what's happening and Tyrone says she knows enough.

Outside the salon, Maria and David discuss the garage conversion. Maria's covering for David so they can get it finished before Gail returns. David says Gail's much happier now they're calling it the annexe rather than the garage. Though he suggests she'd rather call it "a separate wing."

As David goes back to the house he sees Sarah and insists that she come and help. Nick comes along and says the same thing - if he's helping, she has to, too.

Tracy's trying to convince Audrey to buy a digital radio, though she's having trouble explaining why digital is better. Ken and Robert come in just as Ken gets a message on his phone. Turns out he's bidding online for a violin and he's just been outbid. There's 20 seconds left in the auction so Audrey tells him to bid 26 pounds 87 pence. It works and he says the seller lives locally.

Aidan Connor has come up with a new scheme where Kirk will collect the knickers from the machinists every hour, do a count and feed back how they're doing, so the machinists will know when they've slowed down production. Kirk asks when he'll do the packing if he has to do this every hour. Good point, Kirky! The new Connors come in and head for the office with Carla, but Aidan pulls back Kate. He tells her that working on the beach all day (she was a holiday rep) does not prepare her to run a factory. She knows nothing and has to learn. And since she can't sew, she's joining the backing department with Kirk. He might have changed his mind about this if he could see Beth's face.

Billy takes a charity collection box into the secondhand shop and asks Todd if it can be placed there. He takes the chance to ask about Sarah snapping at them. During the discussion they seem almost friendly.

Sarah herself, however, is firmly in the kitchen, desperately trying not to have to go into the garage. Nick tells her she should be getting her hands dirty along with the rest of them. There's a knock at the door and David goes out. It's the police.

David and Kylie tell the police they've hard nothing from Callum. He never was the most reliable person and David's not surprised he's skipped bail. He offers the officers a cup of tea and the detective asks how the conversion is going.

In the factory office, Sinead sticks her head in the door and says she's doing the cake run. Johnny stops her and it seems he wants to refuse permission for the cake run but Aidan quickly says it's tradition and Johnny just orders a Belgian bun (no, me either. It's a round iced bun with sultanas). Kirk's training Kate and Beth's face is still almost black with fury. She talks to Sean through gritted teeth.

Fiz and Tyrone wait in the hospital corridor. Fiz wonders whether Hope was frightened. Tyrone tells her to think of this as just one day closer to Hope being well.

David tells the police he'll speak to Max but he doesn't think Callum will have been in touch. Nick comes out of the "annexe" asking if everyone's gone on strike. He sees the police and asks what's happened. "Callum's gone missing," David tells him. "Result!" Nick says gleefully. Sarah hasn't said a word and the police tell her to get in touch if she hears from Callum. David says Callum dumped her so that's unlikely. David shows the police out and Nick tells the two women to get their backsides into the garage to help him.

At the tea table in the factory, they talk about Hope. Sinead says they get her something from her Happy list, which leads Kirk to talking about Thunderbirds (he says Hope wants to go to Tracey Island) and revealing he had a Thunderbirds costume, "just for indoors, like." He gets all embarrassed and goes off to talk to Kate. Sean warns Beth to stay calm.

Maria's picking up a magazine for Luke and chocolate for herself in the Kabin. Norris asks her to tell Luke to keep the noise down in the mornings and reveals that Luke and Jamie had a car on a trailer. Maria dumps Luke's magazine and stomps out.

Beth's still fuming.

In the office, Johnny shows off his mental arithmetic skills and pooh-poohs the use of computers. When Kirk comes in and says "Mr Connor. . ." both men reply. He wants to know if he should train Kate in loading up. Behind him, it looks as if Beth wants to make sure he doesn't get the chance. She's facing up to Kate, telling her to keep her hands off Kirk. "Should I go out there?" Kirk asks. "Are you mad?" says Aidan. Johnny's impressed. "Your missus is fiery!"

Nick speculates on what might have happened to Connor. Out of his earshot, Kylie warns David the police will be back when they can't find Connor. He says they'll be fine as long as they all stick to the story. Sarah snaps that lying doesn't come easy to everyone. She says she just keeps seeing his face. Then she gets up and leaves, to David's consternation.

Ken's teaching Amy the violin, with a bit of help from the woman who sold it to him, internet instructions and his recorder. Tracy desperately asks Robert to come out for a coffee but he wants to watch.

Sarah sits on Maxine's bench but when Billy sees her and comes over, she gets up and walks away very fast, ignoring him.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

The transmission schedule was still adrift this week as there was no Monday episodes. It took me a while to catch up again after our holiday in Sicily but I think I am now back in real time.

Changes lie ahead for the team. Kate Oates who has been running "Emmerdale" is moving across the Pennines to take charge of the Street as, according to the Mirror (and the Sun), Stuart Blackburn was axed. The Mail reported the cast cheered on hearing of his departure. Alongside this it is reported that Simon Gregson is now on three month's leave. Rumours are that some storylines - Callum - and the celebrity cameos have distorted the programme. I have some sympathy with the departee - handling the pregnancies of "Kylie", "Eva", "Fiz" and now "Maria" has obviously troubled the writing and storyline teams as they have to depart and return. Any soap will see coming and going of actors - but keeping everything moving forward is complicated. The change comes in January; so it will be some time before Kate can have any on screen impact.

This is episode 8752; alternatively it is series 56 and episode 208. The writer this evening was Chris Fewtrell; the director was Kay Patrick and the copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Billy chases after Sarah in the Street. She refuses to tell him what has caused her to cry, he assures her he is good at listening but as Sarah says there are some things best left unsaid. He keeps pressing and she takes advantage of Sean's arrival to leave. She is pretty upset - but as Sean observes there is always someone upset in that house and he reckons it is built on some old Indian burial ground. {I never knew that Callum was an Indian!}. Sean drags Billy away.

In the factory Kirk is trying to instruct Kate Connor on sealing boxes. She is flattering her eyelids at him and Beth is annoyed at Kate's behaviour with her man. Beth has no wish to be the next Cheryl Cole or Jennifer Aniston. Kate asks Kirk if he works out! Well he does some deliveries! She likes his cracking biceps. Beth loses it and storms over to them. Carla and Aidan come rushing out of the office. Beth complains that Kate was all over her Kirky like a polyester cami! Johnny is fed up to the back teeth with this bickering. Beth looks at Kate and tells her to leave her husband alone. Carla tells Kirk to take Beth home and Kate is ordered into the office.

Luke and Jamie have returned - apparently Luke drove well. Luke was scared by the closeness of the driving. Jamie continues with his positive assessment and Luke warns him not to let Maria hear this. Jamie reckons they will clean up. Maria is carrying the largest bag imaginable to hide the bump and Jamie departs rapidly. She has caught them out and she is not happy. Norris had already told her and made her look a total mug. Luke lies and tells her it is a one-off and she says he will not get the chance to do it again. And she stomps away.

Carla is telling Kate off from bringing production to a standstill. Kate claims it was a joke and she got carried away. It was not quite what she saw herself doing at 25! She can obviously twist her father round her little finger. Carla sends her to the Rovers to make her peace with Beth. Johnnie backs up Carla.

Dear reader please consider yourselves very lucky. You merely have to read my scribbling. I have had to watch the programme, at this point even eyes averted I could not escape hearing Amy "playing" the fiddle. An individual learning this instrument is usually capable of causing distress and the noise emanating from the tv had me grabbing the remote, turning off the sound and turning on the subtitles, which advises "SLOW PONDEROUS NOTES" without any clarification that they were the least musical "NOTES" I have ever heard. In a completely different league to my wife's piano practice, which is not usually objectionable (and she can do "Jingle Bells" in time for Christmas). Even Ken thinks there is something wrong with the bowing. Apparently she is playing the "Bells of Vendome", but as it is a violin I am not sure where the Bells are. Tracy appears and sarcastically asks if it is going well. She calls it a racket. She thought Eccles was playing with the ginger tom from Inkerman Street again. Tracy reckons that Amy needs proper lessons, not the internet. Tracy is telling Amy to pack it in. Ken promises to find Amy a proper teacher.

In the factory Sinead is still stitching. Aidan soon spots it is not work. It is a gift for Fiz's daughter who is back in hospital. Aidan softens and tells her that she should have asked as he is not really a monster, at least not after 17:00.

Sean (who was not in the factory at the time) and Billy are discussing Kirk being in a love triangle. Billy is not listening to Sean. He knows Kate was winding Beth up. Sean spots Billy being elsewhere and Billy says it is to do with work. Billy agrees to listen more carefully. Billy cannot relax until he has sorted the problem and heads out to find Sarah. He tells Sean to order a starter as he knows what he likes.

In the Rovers Sarah pours a glass of wine rapidly down her neck - no chance of registering the bouquet observes Michelle. The latter tells Sarah that the body in the canal has been identified as a lad from Bury and it is not Callum. Sarah wants another drink and she does not want to talk about it.

Leaning against the bar Maria wants to know why Luke did not tell her. She is not a nodding dog and perhaps she is going out with the wrong guy.

Billy comes in and asks Sarah if he can grab the seat next to her. She assures him she does not have a problem, but Billy does not believe her. He tells her that it can be a help if she unburdens herself. Sarah again refuses to talk to him or anyone. Billy assures he has heard it all before. He assures Sarah she can tell him anything - in the strictest confidence. He assures her it is not a promise but an obligation. Anglican he may be but the Seal of the Confession is absolute. Sarah goes to sit down in a booth.

After the break Sarah tells her story. A man treated her well and made her feel special. Then he tried to control her and made her feel used. It was not easy to leave him. He was clever and a manipulator. Sarah considers it her fault. And she should have walked - they are interrupted by Todd who wants to know if he can help. Billy asks for them to be left alone and this gives Sarah a chance to go. She cannot talk about it with other people around. Billy suggests they go out the back where it is more private.

Kirk assures Beth that he does not fancy Kate - who as Izzy observes is engaged to get married. Beth reckons that Kate was groping Kirk - and he did not know how to stop her as he was in charge. Kate comes in and walks up to the group. She offers to buy Beth a drink who suggests that Kate then tip it over her own head to save Beth the effort. Kate wants to be mates but Beth tells Kirk to put her straight. He says he is spoken for. Kate apologises for the wind up today. She was just having a bit of fun but it was out of order. Kirk finds he is not fancied! Kate says that if Kirk were that bag of prawn cocktail and Beth were a bag of salt and vinegar then she (Kate) would go for the salt and vinegar every time. And yes she is getting married to Caz who is the hottest infantry woman in the British Army. Beth relents and asks for three pints of bitter. Kate agrees and will get some more prawn cocktail for her (why - no-one ever likes prawn cocktail do they? Oh I see what she means). Kirk has still not got it.

Fiz and Ty are at Hope's bedside in the hospital where she is tired and have brought in Mr Ted to sleep on the pillow. Sinead has brought her little present - it is a Kayo (of Thunderbirds - do keep up at the back) costume. Hope thanks her.

In the yard at the back of the Rovers Billy and Sarah are settled. Something happened questions Billy. Sarah agrees - she wanted him gone once and for all. It was just the two of them and she should not have been in that situation and she had never seen him like that before. He lost it and attacked her. She thought he was lashing out and would calm down. But he was not stopping. She could do nothing. She was terrified. But Sarah never meant for it to end the way it did - and she is crying again. Billy observes that she survived - so what happened next? Sarah spins it - she is talking about the relationship - she did not mean for it to end like that. She did not want to be hurt like that. So she got rid of him. Billy says they have to make sure he cannot do this to her again. Sarah says he won't - he is off the scene. Billy guesses they are talking about Callum. Sarah denies it saying it was another boyfriend - a while back. She gets flashbacks from time to time. Billy does not believe and asks about Callum again. Sarah makes it clear it is not Callum. Billy says that whoever it was needs to be punished. To protect other woman as well as her. Sarah says he will not do it again and she caused it by provoking him. Billy has worked with a women's refuge before and he has seen victims blame themselves and excuse their partners - with fresh visible bruises. He offers to go with her to the police.

Inside the Rovers Luke says he does not blame Maria for being angry. She was more disappointed than angry. She pins the blame on daft Jamie egging him on. Luke says it was his choice to race. Luke is refusing to lie and take the get out offered. He loves her and wants to be with her. But he is not lying when he says he wants to race again. Maria gives him a clear choice - does he love her or the car more? He cannot have both. She leaves him looking stunned.

Billy and Sarah come back into the bar and he suggests she sleep on his suggestion. She agrees. He walks her back and Todd watches, finishes his drink and follows them. On the Street Sarah tells Billy she does not need a bodyguard - he has gone. Billy insists he just fancies a stroll. Todd comes out and asks if she is sure she is all right? Sarah admits to feeling better - and Billy smiles as miraculous healing is on the Boss's territory (and for some reason I don't think Springsteen features in his considerations). Sarah goes back into the Rovers to get her jacket. Todd questions Billy but gets almost blanked. In the background we can see Sean walking down the Street looking concerned at Todd and Billy talking to each other. Billy refuses to break Sarah's confidence. Todd is slightly relieved and Billy pats him with a friendly gesture - all of which has been clocked by a very worried looking Sean.

The non-musical violin playing continues. Robert observes that she is a tryer. Tracy wants her to try elsewhere! Ken cannot believe how expensive violin teachers are! Tracy says they earn every penny. £14 for half an hour. Tracy refuses to split the cost. She asks why should she pay good money to have her teeth set on edge? A blackboard and letting Amy run her nails down it would be cheaper. Amy thinks she is getting the hang of it! She thanks Ken for sorting out lessons! Amy pleads with Tracy for the proper lessons. Robert offers to chip in half the cost. Tracy gives in - but Steve should be coughing up as well. If Steve will pay half then Tracy will not object. Ken agrees to talk to him.

Billy sees Sarah home. She thanks him for listening. And if she ever needs another discussion then he will listen. Billy wants one promise from her - she must stop blaming herself for the events. She was the victim and Callum - no. not Callum, but the man responsible, says Billy - he needs to get what is coming to him! And he needs to be prevented from doing this again by any and all means necessary. {Little does he know that has happened}. He is absolutely sure of it. Domestic violence destroys lives. Taking one of the perpetrators out of circulation has got to be right - even if hardline from someone in the forgiveness business - but sometimes society has to be better off without. Sarah thanks him and they part as she enters Victoria Court flats.

Roll credits

Another week and another update. I had a lot to say up at the top so that's all folks - see you next week!

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 19 October

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Michael Lacey

David is suspicious that Sarah seems to be a lot stabler. She says she's got a bit of perspective. She reminds herself that Callum can't hurt anyone anymore and she's going to be ok.

Aidan sets up a meeting with a client for this afternoon. A Mr. Matthew Singh. Carla is dismissive. They've never given Underworld an order in the past but is surprised when Aidan says it was Matthew that wanted the meeting. Carla wants the meeting rescheduled because she's out of town but he's confident. Kate comes in and hears the tale and Aidan warns her not to tell their father, he wants to do this on his own. Carla is twice as worried, now. Aidan promises to get an order.

Billy and Sean are having breakfast in the cafe. Billy apologizes for ditching their date. Sean understands that his parishioners are important and asks what it was all about. Billy gives him a lecture on confidentiality. Sean gets it but mentions that he saw Billy talking to Todd. Billy brushes it off even though Sean keeps trying to lead the conversation into revealing if there's anything he should know. Finally Sean says he's absolutely fine with no knowing, though clearly he's not.

Luke comes into the salon with a sticky bun for Maria who's popped out. David and Audrey both reckon it's going to take more than a sticky bun to get himself out of the doghouse with Maria. Luke pretends he doesn't know what they're talking about. Neither Audrey nor David can get it out of him and he retreats outside in the wake of their questions. David and Audrey promise each other to get to the bottom of it.

Aidan tells Carla he will get an order as long as their dad can be kept away from the meeting. Carla leaves, warning Aidan to call her if there's a problem. At a table, Kate is telling Sinead and Alya she hasn't seen Caz in person for 10 weeks though they keep in contact via technology. Alya seems distracted. When Kate walks away she tells Sinead she feels guilty planning a wedding based on a lie. Sinead advises her to tell the truth or put it behind her and move on.

David has niggled the truth out of Maria and is telling Kylie the whole story. He asks her if she's seen Sarah, she's been acting weird. Calm. Chilled out. Kylie thinks that's a good thing, right? There's a knock on the door and it's Callum's mother, Marian. She wants a word.

Johnny's whining about not being invited to Leeds with Carla. Kate pops in to get Aidan to check an order. Johnny notices that Aidan took a folder of papers with him and is instantly suspicious. He tries to get the truth out of Kate. It doesn't take long for her to cave and tell her father about the meeting with Matthew Singh. Johnny, since he knows everyone, knows "Matt" Singh and tells Kate to call them and bring the meeting forward by an hour. She seems to know the phone number off by heart.

Ken is persuading Steve to take Amy to her first violin lesson, using a healthy dose of guilt and Eccles as an excuse. Steve hangs up and moans to Michelle. He seems to be in a state because he'll have to stay and listen to her lesson and he reckons she's as rubbish at the violin as she was at the recorder. Michelle chides him, he has to support his daughter. He whinges.

Audrey and Kirk are waiting in the pub with Maria but she's going to want to talk to him alone. Audrey gets up and leaves in a mood. Maria tells Kirk she's giving Luke 2 more minutes. Her phone rings. It's her father and from Maria's reaction, he's really upset about something.

Back over at the Platts, Marian asks after Max. School. Sarah comes in and stops short at the sight of Callum's mother. David tells her that they still haven't heard from Callum and don't want anything more to do with him. She's fretting because he's still missing. Kylie can't make eye contact. Marian asks if they're hiding something from her. He missed her birthday and he never misses it. Kylie snaps at her but she continues to fuss. She's sure something terrible has happened. David goes on the offensive, accusing her of pretending to be upset so she can take Max out for a walk and hand him over to Callum. He doesn't give her a chance to talk, shouting that Callum is a drug dealing thug and none of them, including Max want anything to do with him. He pulls her along by the arm and throws her out of the house, with a shaken Kylie and Sarah watching.

After the break, Kylie shouts at David. Her son just died! David cooly points out that she doesn't know that. Sarah and Kylie are both appalled that David is so cruel. David shouts at them to toughen up or they'll all go to prison. Kylie thinks he should show a little respect but David refuses. He didn't respect Callum alive, he's not going to do it with him dead.

Maria has checked on flights. Kirk offers to go away with her on weekends. Luke arrives and is told that their mother has broken a hip and their father can't cope on his own with her and the donkeys. Maria has decided she's going to go to Cyprus, their mother will be more comfortable with Maria helping her. Luke promises Maria that the driving wasn't important and he will quit.

Alya and Gary meet outside the factory with a kiss. She's all smiles now. She seems lighter and happier and he notices. She puts it down to being happy she's marrying him.

David comes out of the house behind them. Billy jogs across the road and asks how the family is? Sarah? He mentions that Sarah had seemed a bit down the other day. David tells him everyone's fine and seems a bit confused.

Johnny and Kate come into the Bistro, Kate must be tagging along for a free lunch. Johnny doesn't think Matthew has arrived yet but Steph disagrees and leads them to a table. where a young man is sitting. Johnny and Matthew looks confused and it turns out this is Matthew Singh Junior, Johnny knows his father and that's who he was expecting to see. Matthew recognizes the name from stories his father has told. Johnny is told that his father died three years ago and he runs the business now. He asks again after Aidan so Kate tells him Aidan got held up. Matthew is expecting to be impressed. Johnny sputters that he will be. Not so sure now, is he?

Alya tells Gary of a tradition where a bride goes into seclusion just before the wedding and her family have to do all the household chores. This amuses Gary, the idea of Zeedan doing the washing up. He's told that he, as the groom, is banned for the duration. Alya then asks him what he wants for Christmas and suggests a wedding. He's taken aback. She reckons her gran and his mom could organize it that soon. He's happy about it. Sinead comes in and sits down to hear the news and is delighted.

In the Bistro, Steph tells Andy that they need to lay down some ground rules with Michael. He's messy and she ends up doing all the cleaning up after him. She thinks Andy has to be the one to talk to him about mending his ways. In the face of her teasing him about being too chicken to talk to Michael, Andy promises to talk to him today. At the business meeting, Matthew is passing over figures and projections. Johnny looks a bit lost when asked about Underworld's projections and says he doesn't have them on paper, they're all "up here", pointing to his head. Matthew doesn't look impressed, yet. He wants numbers. Kate offers to nip back to the office to fetch Aidan. Johnny tries to get Matthew to have a drink, beer or wine but is told shortly he doesn't drink. They discuss Matthew's history with his dad's business and it sounds like he was responsible for doing great things, including pulling them out of near-bankruptcy and increasing the business quite a bit in the last three years. He talks growth and projections with accompanying charts while Johnny just looks adrift. Clear division between old school and new.

David comes into the pub to have a word with Sarah. She makes an excuses to Michelle to get a five minute break and they head out to the back.

Kate has found Aidan in the office and confesses what happened. He's livid. Kate tells Aidan his father needs rescuing or they're going to lose the order. Aidan is close to allowing his father to look like a total idiot, even if it means losing the order, just to teach him a lesson. Kate tries to persuade him.

Out back of the pub, David corners Sarah about Billy asking about her. He confronts her but she promises she didn't confess anything important, only that an ex boyfriend attacked her. David argues with her but she defends herself. She needed someone to talk to and it did make her feel better. David worries that one trickle of truth will turn into a torrent and will lead to the cops knocking on their door. Sarah hates all the lies, she says. David has her up against a wall, pointing his finger at her. There's only three people that know the truth and if she's the one that causes the cops to come, he and Kylie will tell the cops that Sarah lured him to the house and killed him, making them cover up for her. Two against one, it'll be her that goes down for murder. She is devastated.

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Michael Lacey

David confronts Sarah in the back yard of the Rovers. She hates her brother and accuses him of being a bully and just as bad as Callum. David points out he's not the one to blame in all this and tells Sarah she should go back to Italy where at least she won't be in danger of blabbing to anyone. In fact, if she doesn't, he'll do what he has to do, he says. Sarah says Bethany will hate it but it looks like she has no choice in the matter.

Andy comes into the Bistro in a state. He tells Steph he didn't get the chance to have a word with Michael on account of the fact that when he got to the flat he heard heavy breathing. But Michael wasn't having a heart attack as Andy first feared. He was enjoying a bit of ‘afternoon delight' on the sofa with Eileen and Andy's feeling positively traumatised by the experience.

Johnny's not doing too well with his meeting. He keeps pressing drinks on Matthew who points out that he's teetotal, unlike his dad who died of liver failure. But all is not lost because Aidan suddenly appears like a knight in shining armour to the rescue - although in this case he's brandishing some paperwork rather than a sword. Johnny admits defeat and tells Matthew his son is the one he should be talking to.

Sarah goes back into the bar with David. She tells him she can't wait to get away from there. She's meant to be working and Michelle points out that the Rovers isn't a social club for Sarah and her family. Billy tells her to go easy as Sarah's his favourite barmaid. "When she's here," says Michelle, giving Sarah a bit of a look. "Which might not be for much longer," says Sarah. She tells Michelle she's handing in her notice as she really misses Italy and wants to go back to Milan as soon as possible. Billy looks concerned.

Luke has a conversation with Steph in the Bistro. She notes that he's no longer in the doghouse with Maria and hopes that's an end to it because she says there's no need for him to go round risking his life driving racing cars. Luke just wishes he could go out to Cyprus with Maria but they're too busy at the garage.

Kate is on the phone. She's talking to someone about her brother and dad and telling them that the meeting seems to be going really well. And indeed it looks as though she may be right as the customer is asking Aidan to run through his figures again.

Back in the Rovers Billy is trying to talk to Sarah. He's worried she'd running away from her problems. And what if the man who attacked her attacks someone else he wants to know. Sarah gets quite worked up and tells Billy it's her decision whether or not she goes back to Italy and to leave her alone.

Michael and Eileen are in the Bistro looking very sheepish as they apologise to Andy. Michael says he was trying to comfort Eileen and one thing led to another. She says she was upset as she'd just come off the phone from talking to Julie who has decided to stay in Wales with Brian. Michael says he thought Andy and Steph were both at work. Steph says Andy had gone home to talk to Michael. "What about?" asks Michael. Andy looks awkward.

Meanwhile, it looks as though Underworld have secured themselves an order. Matthew says he likes working with a team who all sing from the same hymn sheet. As if on cue, the moment Matthew leaves Johnny's phone rings. It's Carla. "How's Leeds?" he asks, as he winks at Aidan and Kate.

Sarah has bought Bethany some fish and chips ready to break the news that they're returning to Milan. Needless to say, it doesn't go down too well and Bethany declares the only way she's going is if Sarah kills her and takes her back in a coffin. Ouch!

Even Kylie isn't impressed with David's idea and she tells him as much. He can't understand why she's sticking up for Sarah as she doesn't even like her. But Kylie has some sympathy with how she's feeling. While they're talking Bethany arrives home with the news that Sarah wants to take her back to Milan. She asks if she can stay with them as she doesn't want to go. David tells her that Sarah's worried because Callum is out there somewhere. He continues with his story, saying that last time Callum was there he attacked Sarah and she thought he was going to kill her and then he threatened he's going to come back one night finish the job. "Not only that, he said he's going to do the same thing to you," adds David. In the background Kylie looks sick as David continues his lies, telling Bethany that's why Sarah wants to take her to Italy where they'll both be safe.

With encouragement from Steph, Andy is talking to Michael about their issues with him living in the flat. Like parents talking to an errant teenager they list the ground rules. He must check with them before having his girlfriend round, replace the empty toilet roll and not leave his dirty washing on the floor. Michael asks Eileen if he can move in with her. She pulls a face and says not after what she's just heard about his habits.

Johnny is finishing his phone call with Carla. He tells her they worked together like a well-oiled machine and the important fact is that they got they order. After he comes off the phone he says to Aidan and Kate that they should agree that mistakes were made but they brought in a big order in the end. Aidan says he'll drink to that and the three of them raise their glasses.

Michelle and Steve are talking about Amy's violin lessons. He seems quite taken with the idea all of a sudden and says he's happy to carry on taking her.

Maria's sorting out arrangements with Kirk about her trip to Cyprus. He leaves and Steph comes in. They talk about Luke and Maria says she's glad they've got everything sorted out about the car racing – at least that's one less thing she has to worry about.

Ironically, over the road at the garage, Jamie is paying Luke a visit. He's come to tell him that there's a race coming up and it'll be good practice for the big one in a couple of weeks. But Luke has news for him – he's not going to do it. He explains he's made a promise to Maria who's having a tough time and needs to go to Cyprus to look after her mum. Jamie is really annoyed.

Gary is round at the Nazirs where Yasmeen is busily poring over wedding magazines. Alya is doing her best to look enthusiastic but isn't too convincing.

As Luke starts to lock up the garage, Jamie admits he hasn't been completely honest with him. He's already made promises that Luke will race. Luke tells him to unmake them but he says he can't. He's got debts and he owes a lot of money. Luke says he's not driving and that's final. Jamie replies that he's desperate and there's no other way to solve his problems. He tells Luke that he didn't want to do this but he should look at his phone as there's something he wants to send him.

Back at the Nazirs, Alya asks her grandfather if he's happy with her wedding plans. He says whatever makes her happy makes him happy. Alya says this is what makes her happy – sitting with her family, enjoying a lovely meal and knowing she's going to marry the man she loves. She says that although they're having a secular wedding it doesn't mean they can't have some Muslim traditions. The family explain some of these to Gary. Then Sharif takes Alya's hand. He thanks her and says that he doesn't think he's ever been more proud of her. Alya looks awkward.

Luke is looking at his phone with a shocked expression on his face. Jamie says Luke's little sister was quite a little show-off once he got the camera out. He tells him he's got plenty more photos where those came from and either he drives in the race or Jamie will send them straight to his mum and dad or her boss or maybe the whole world. Luke grabs hold of Jamie and smashes him up against the wall. But Jamie still has the upper hand because he's got the photos. He says either Luke drives or his sister becomes an internet porn star.

Kylie is arguing with David and is appalled at what he's done. First he's insulted Callum's mother, then bullied his sister and now terrified his niece. David won't be drawn into the row and calmly points out if he hadn't done any of that the next knock on the door would have been from the police. "Did you really need to go that far? Is there anything you wouldn't do?" asks Kylie. "No," replies David and, as we know from past experience, he means it.

Karen


Wednesday 21 October

Sarah and Bethany meet Billy in the Street. Sarah tells him they're off back to Milan later, they've just been to the shop for magazines for the flight. He reminds her that he's always at the end of the phone if she ever wants to talk. As they walk on, Sarah tells Bethany that she knows she doesn't want to go back to Milan, she just doesn't know what else to do. She knows Bethany is worried about Callum coming after them – Bethany interrupts her and says she knows they need to get as far away as possible.

Steph and Andy are walking past the garage when they see Luke sitting at the wheel of his car with a very strange expression on his face. He ignores them when they call out to him. As they walk on they bump into Maria and point him out to her. She goes over to see him.

Carla and Aidan tell the factory workers that they've just secured a large order and they'll need to be prepared for plenty of overtime – productivity needs to be on the up. Carla tells Aidan to find another machinist, and Sean says they should get Eva back, she's looking for work. Aidan tells him they'll go through the proper channels, thanks.

Sarah finds Bethany in the salon with Audrey putting her hair into a ponytail, which she obviously couldn't have managed for herself! Audrey tells Sarah that Maria has had to fly out to look after her mother who's had a fall. Sarah gets a text and Bethany asks if it's from Callum, but Sarah says it's just from Gail. David and Kylie exchange glances. Just then Ken comes in with a radio from Audrey, as he'd heard hers was broken. She's touched by his thoughtfulness and offers to take him out to lunch later as a thank you. When he goes out Bethany turns and tells her grandmother that Ken fancies her. Audrey giggles but tells her not to be silly.

Gary and Jason are in the kebab shop talking to Chesney, they all agree to go on a night out together.

Johnny is studying the factory's accounts, and tells Aidan that he knows where he can buy the fabric they need at 20 percent less, to save money.

Sarah is finishing her packing, and tells Kylie how David told her that if the police came round he and Kylie would drop her in it. Kylie is horrified to learn this, and says that David is talking rubbish, she knows that Sarah could drop her in it. Kylie says she knows they haven't always seen eye to eye, but she doesn't want her to go. "Please don't go," she says. She doesn't want the family ripped apart, that way Callum wins. Sarah wonders why Kylie is being so nice. "Because neither of us worked in isolation that night," says Kylie. She thinks that Sarah should just go to Milan for a short time, a couple of weeks or a month to clear her head, and then come back where they can all support each other. Sarah finally agrees, just as David comes back. He takes a look at their faces. "What's going on?" he asks.

David isn't too pleased to hear that Sarah and Bethany are coming back in a few weeks, he gives Kylie a look of disgust and goes back to work.

Audrey and Ken are enjoying their lunch in the bistro, talking about classical music. Luke comes in looking for Steph, and finds that she's sitting with Jamie who calls Luke over.

Carla is sitting with Nick and telling him that Johnny and Aidan couldn't wait to get rid of her, so they arrange to go into town for lunch.

Over the road, Johnny's order of cheap fabric has arrived and is being unloaded from the van.

Alya and Gary are in the cafe, where Anna tells Alya that she has really turned Gary's life around, and she invites her round to the flat later for a girly night in with her, Izzy and a DVD.

Back in the factory, Beth is having trouble with the new material, which keeps snagging. Johnny sits down and tries to show her how it's done, and has trouble himself as it gets jammed in the sewing machine.

Luke is sitting with his Jamie. He tells him to go, he's not welcome any more. Jamie asks him what his parents will think when they find out that Steph is all over the internet wearing nothing but a smile. Luke doesn't answer, so Jamie gets up and leaves.

Johnny is still trying to free the fabric from Beth's sewing machine when Aidan gets a call from Carla saying she's on her way back.

Sarah is putting her and Bethany's bags into Nick's car. Billy is passing and is happy to hear that they are coming back. Nick isn't so happy though, presumably because they're staying with him, and David stands there with a scowl on his face.

Maria is saying goodbye to Luke, and makes him promise not to do any car racing while she's away. She remarks that he's in a weird mood.

With the departure of Sarah and Bethany, the Platt's go back into their house, where Kylie tells David that he's vile for telling Sarah they would frame her for murder. She goes on to say that it's better if she comes back where they can keep an eye on her, otherwise who knows what she might say in Milan when she's had a few drinks, she might tell someone she's a murderer. "Except she isn't, is she? You are!" says David. Kylie looks shocked as the realization hits her.

Luke is walking down the Street when he sees his sister and Andy come out of the bistro laughing together. He takes his phone out of his pocket and makes a call. "Jamie? It's Luke. I'll do it, I'll do the race." he says.

Up the flat, Anna is making popcorn with Alya, while Izzy chooses a DVD. Izzy tells Alya that she didn't want to like her when she first got together with Gary, but now she thinks she's good for him.

Carla is back in the office and tells Aidan that she can see that the material out on the factory floor is not the material she ordered for the job. He explains that his dad was just trying to save them money. Carla reminds him that they are known for their good quality, her name is above the door and her reputation is at stake. She doesn't want it ruined.

An anxious, pacing Kylie tells David that Sarah didn't kill anyone, she did! They can all see that Sarah isn't coping, but what about her? She's not coping too well either but is just better at hiding it. She wants Sarah there so she has someone to talk to – she can't talk to David because he's so cold lately. He tries to hug her, but she pushes him away. "Why do you want to come near me? You know what I'm capable of. I wish I was on that plane with her."

Anne Logan


Friday 23 October

Gary, Kirk and Jason have breakfast. Chesney comes in and they talk about going out for a drink tonight - starting in the Rovers and then going into town. Chesney says he'll ask Tyrone but doesn't think he'll come because it's Hope's first chemo treatment today. Jason's ribs are still very sore and when he stands up he bumps Eva. They snap at each other.

Aidan's discovered that Carla is very grumpy in the morning. He's spoke to her on the phone but wants to leave the factory to go with his Dad to see some old clients. He asks Alya if she can hold the fort until he gets back.

Tyrone and Fiz load the girls into the car. Chesney goes to speak to Tyrone, who says Hope has been playing up a bit - perhaps she's scared. Tyrone says he can't leave the girls to go out for the night and he and Ches share a man-hug.

In the factory they're discussing Kate's fiance and the army and guns. At least they are until Aidan tells them all to get on with their work, and that includes Kate.

Eva's behind the bar in the Rovers having an argument with a salesperson on the phone. Yasmeen and Kylie are at the bar. Kylie seems to be drinking a lot and Eva assumes that's because she and David have had an argument. Kylie says it's just Weatherfield getting her down and asks Eva to come on a night out, but Eva says she's skint. "If there's something bothering you, you know you can talk to me," Eva tells Kylie.

Carla's also been on the phone to someone. When Eva goes over to the booth (no, I have no idea why Carla's in the pub and not at work) she tells Carla she's grumpy because she's put on three pounds, her love life is non-existent and she's skint. Carla responds by offering her a part-time job as a machinist. She tells her to go and see Alya and they'll sort out her hours and contract tomorrow.

The machinists are busy sewing for a change and Kate catches Alya looking at bridal gowns. She comments that Alya doesn't seem very enthusiastic about the wedding. Alya just doesn't like all the fuss. Kate comments that she sometimes thinks it's best if people just go off somewhere and get married without all the fuss.

Tyrone and the rest of the family arrive home. Rita asks if they've been somewhere nice. They tell her about the chemotherapy. Hope has two more sessions, then a three-week break before the next lot. Rita reminds Tyrone that he and Fiz have to look after themselves as well.

Jason's loading the van when Alya finds him. She doesn't understand how he can act as if nothing's happened. Jason's fed up with her putting all the blame on him. She says she was drunk but that doesn't wash with Jason. He tells her maybe it would be best if Gary found out exactly who he was marrying.

Tyrone and Fiz are together when he gets a text from Chesney checking whether he's coming on the night out. Fiz convinces him he should go. She'll ring if there's a problem.

In the cafe, Kate's reading a book about a serial killer. Yasmeen asks Anna if Eddie's coming to the wedding. Anna says he's going to see if he can get time off work (there's something she never thought she'd say about him). Alya comes in and snaps at her grandmother when she mentions bridal gowns.

Gary's keeping his pledge to Alya and not drinking. Jason's morose. Tyrone arrives, which cheers up Chesney. They all get up to leave.

Sean walks Eva into the factory and she announces she's been given a part-time job.

The Rev Billy meets Rita in the street. They see Kylie lugging some stuff inside. She says she's trying to get all the flat-pack furniture finished before Gail comes home from Italy. Billy offers to help her take it in and Rita asks if she can have a peep at what's been done.

The lads enter what's obviously a bar in town (exposed bricks and big windows). Jason seems grumpy that Gary's not drinking.

Rita admires Gail's annexe/granny flat. Billy offers to help with the furniture assembly but Kylie insists that putting together flat-packed furniture is her hobby. Rita thinks of getting a room like this for Norris, only without a door so he can never get out. Hmmm... why does that make Kylie look panicked...?

Kate asks Alya straight out if she's having second thoughts. Alya denies it. Eva is introduced but Kate says Aidan was handling the finding of new staff.

Kirk talks to Gary about Alya but all Tyrone can talk about is the girls. He realises he's not enjoying himself and decides to go home. Jason suddenly seems to step his drinking up a gear and asks Chesney to get him a Scotch.

Kylie's clearly not a flat-pack fan and screams at the piece of furniture she's building. Her attention focuses on the piece of floor that covers Callum's tomb.

The Connor men are back. Their meeting didn't go well and they're arguing over whose fault it was. Kate tells them Carla's hired a machinist and Aidan storms off.

Jason's drinking faster than the others. He says he feels guilty but won't say why. When Gary bumps into someone who takes offence, Jason is up and at him. He has to be dragged off the other bloke. Gary demands to know what's wrong with him.

Will Jason tell him? You'll have to wait for the next episode.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. Time moves along and we lose sight of the Callum story (and body despite the smell) and revert to Alya. Now hit me with a feather duster but I lost interest in Gary when he reneged on all those promises to Izzy. Interest in Alya lasted about two seconds until she suddenly became an internet web designer and underwear designer (are those two even compatible) in about two seconds. Putting them together at least keeps them from ruining the lives of others; it does however mean that I am not overly involved and this update will probably reflect that.

Episode 8757. Series 56, episode 214. This episode was written by Mark Burt and directed by Michael Lacey. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open in the pub where Jason is walking away from Gary who wants to know what is wrong with him. In some corridor Jason is surrounded by Gary, Chesney and Kirk all wanting to share his problem to ease his load! The latter two vanish and Jason assures Gary that he does not want to know. Jason heads off having realised the evening out was a bad idea.

Aidan is on the phone leaving a message for Carla to call him. Anyway he walks onto the factory floor and Eva introduces herself and his sister instantly notes that Aidan has found something to tickle his fancy. He wants to put Eva through the recruitment process (as Carla has not told him about it). Aidan tells her not to stress.

At the Platts Kylie wants to be left alone to put the furniture together. He offers to help with the next cupboard. Kylie sends him out of the annexe. (The furniture is being put together on the uncarpeted floor). Kylie almost collapses as he departs.

Ty returns home and wants to know what is for tea - and gets a dirty look from Fiz who is cooking his favourite spag bol. He admits he could not relax whilst out with the lads. He tells Fiz that Hope needs everything to fight the good fight and when the two of them are arguing it makes the support weaker. Fiz reckons it is a lovely assessment. She kisses him and the carry on cooking together.

At home Alya is listening to her grandmother talking about Tetlow Hall for the wedding. Apparently the entire vast family will be descending and Zeedan has not seen some of the cousins in ages. Yasmeen suggests that Alya could sound a little more enthusiastic. Alya says she would like one night without Yasmeen going on about the wedding. After a near argument Yasmeen gives way.

Gary, Chesney and Kirk have returned to the Street, Gary heads into the Corner Shop, the other two go to the Rovers with Chesney noting how complicated Jason and Gary are. Kirk states he is glad he is not complicated. They agree that what you see is what you get. Chesney ends up depressed at their simplicity. Sharif passes by and they explain the evening out has ended early with Jason going off one on and Gary getting the grief. They bid each other good night.

David finds Max watching the TV. Max reports that "Mum shouted at me for nothing". David goes to find her in the annexe. Max tells him that she wants to be left alone so David decides to go and get the baby then. [But he would always tell his wife that he was taking Max!].

Gary is knocking at Jason's door. Gary has brought some beer for Jason and crisps to share and ginger beer for himself. Jason says he is not in the mood but Gary insists and almost pushes into the house.

Ty has his arm around Fiz and she is giggling at the tv. We hear Hope crying on the baby monitor.

Alya assures her parents that it is not ingratitude. But she is worried about just how much money they are spending. Yasmeen and Sharif want her to stand proud in front of her entire family - although Sharif is not saying much since he returned. After some prompting he tells Alya about his discussion with Chesney and Kirk. He just worries because of Gary's temper and past history.

Time for a break.

Alya is looking for Gary - but Faye says he is not at home. She asks Faye to get him to call her on his return.

Jason is talking to Gary; he sort of understands Todd's treatment of Eileen. He has "stuff" in his head about Callum which will not go away. Gary understands he wants to hurt Callum; smashing his face in will solve nothing. Gary says that Jason has got to get better mentally. Gary says that Jason has to move on. He needs a reason to look forwards. Gary adds that Alya was his reason for looking forward. Jason wants to know why Alya is special to Gary. Gary answers that Alya is amazing, she is clever, she is funny, she is kind and out of his league, but he wants to marry her because she is the one who stops him thinking he is a useless soldier, dad, boyfriend - now he doesn't. Alya saw something in him which he could not see himself. He can see himself now as a decent bloke, as Alya sees him - and just like Jason is.

Zeedan emerges with a coat for Alya. She is worried about her earlier attitude. She explains it by saying she is tired. Zeedan does not believe her that it is wedding nerves. So she says she is worried about Anna and her lack of contribution - because it is so unbalanced. Zeedan does not believe a word she says.

Hope does not like the hospital. Ty wants to start on the "happy list" - Thunderbirds and Lapland to meet Father Christmas.

So should Jason forget about Callum? Gary says he cannot run on hate - but if he runs into him in a dark alley one dark night then he should call Gary who will hold Callum down whilst Jason gives him a good seeing to. Gary says he would do it for a mate. Gary says that he owes Jason one. But Jason says that he doesn't. Gary says they have to find Jason a lady and sadly it will not be Eva - old news. They clink cans - Gary thinks Jason is OK again - but we know otherwise.

In the Rovers a worried Eva is watching Aidan drinking beer from a bottle. Sinead goes to the toilet and Eva goes to the bar to get another round. Katie is asking her father when they will have somewhere better to live whilst Eva expertly shows off her figure to Aidan. Aidan tells Eva they have to stop meeting like this. She ignores his offer of a drink and he then admits that he could have handled things better earlier in the day. Eva asks if he is referring to her complete humiliation earlier! He says that was not his intention and asks if she could see it from his viewpoint - which she doesn't. Eva tells him to stuff his drink and to stuff his interview as well. He responds that is a shame as he thought she might want to set the record straight. She agrees to do his stupid interview - here and now she adds forcefully! Both Katie and Johnny are smiling at each other.

David wanders into the annexe - children asleep and perhaps Kylie needs a hand with laying the carpet (and all the furniture is in the way!!). Kylie wants to know how she is supposed to finish the room when she keeps getting interrupted. David replies that he just wants to help. Kylie relents.

Fiz has got Hope to bed. He admits to Fiz that he has not canceled the holiday - Fiz says that the doctors would not let her go. Fiz says that Hope is not going. Ty says he will sort it. She sits down with him and apologises. He does not know what he was thinking. Fiz says he was just being a good dad.

There is knock at Jason's door. It is Alya and Gary wonders why she is there and Jason wants to know as well. They both assure Alya that there is no problem between them and Jason makes it clear that Gary has helped him to put things in the past - we know he is referring to their one night stand - but she does not seem to take the hint.

David is laying the carpet which seems expertly cut to fit the odd corners (I always get the professionals in as I always trim too much). Kylie is quietly sobbing against the door.

Aidan asks Eva what she considers to be her best qualities (as she is now sitting down they are not so obvious). She says her determination, she is a people person and her honesty. She will speak her mind when she is right. In return she asks him about his best qualities. He says he firm but fair. He prefers carrot rather than stick. She says she does not like carrots. He is committed, hard working and good with people and believes in equal opportunities. He realises he is being interviewed. She says he is not wowing her. He says he always confesses about his mistakes. And the job is yours if you want it Eva. She has a big smile as she asks one more question. She asks if he gave her the job because of the way she looked. He denies even having noticed her looks (liar, liar, pants on fire). She does not believe him but will see him on Monday morning "Boss"! He tries to pretend he made the decision to Katie and Johnnie - but we all know that he could not avoid it. Johnnie congratulates him on admitting the mistake and then putting it right. Johnnie then offers a bet to Katie - 20 pounds says he asks her out within a month - she limits it to two weeks and they agree the bet.

Gary and Alya are walking back - she should not have burst in on them but he is glad she cares. And he is able to say he has not had a drink. She asks if wants to run away. Just the two them - go and get married without all the fuss. He worries about Yasmeen and Sharif's response - but Alya does not want to be a slave to tradition. She links it to the cost. She asks him to think about it.

In the now empty room Kylie and David sit on the new carpet and she opines that she hoped by making it look different her mental images would be removed. Kylie says she knows she killed him. He is down there because of her (but oddly although decaying there is no smell). She must not feel sorry for him - she doesn't. She does worry about Max and Lily having a murderer for a mother (good company for Amy then).

Roll credits.

Always lay the carpet before building the Ikea furniture - it is so much easier to do it that way round.

Never drink with the future husband of the girl with whom you had a one night stand - you never know what you might say next.

I bet Eva could sweet talk almost anyone into giving her a job.

See you next week.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 26 October

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Alan Grint

Tyrone is rushing around getting ready for work, stressed because Kevin's already wondering, via text, where he is even though it's only 8:30. In his scrambling he steps on a toy and discovers it was Hope's favourite, a unicorn and it's now in pieces. He promises to buy a new one and something for Ruby so she won't feel missed out. Fiz is feeling the stress, too and shouts at the phone when Kevin calls the landline.

Ken comes into the salon to ask if he can be fit in for a trim. She's had a cancellation so puts him right into the chair. He witters on about Tracy and Amy bickering and when Audrey asks how he's getting on, sighs deeply. He mentions dreaming about Deirdre the night before, an ordinary dream about her pegging out the washing. He and Audrey exchange friendly glances in the mirror.

The forecourt of the garage is packed wall to wall with cars with more down the road due to a fleet servicing. Tyrone grumbles about the broken unicorn and Kevin grumbles back. He knows Hope is a priority but he can replace a broken toy on his own time.

Gary and Alya are discussing her plan to elope. He can't understand her reasoning when everyone is on their side. She backs down and chalks it up to being nervous. Izzy rolls in with Jake on her lap. The childminder has let her down. Izzy is taking the morning off and asks Gary if he can look after Jake this afternoon. He can't but Alya volunteers, having already said she wasn't at work due to time owed.

Ken's hair looks exactly like it did before the trim, albeit a bit flatter so Audrey fluffs it up with some product. He mentions taking Amy to the museum in the afternoon though isn't sure Amy is as keen on museums as she used to be. He wonders if Audrey would go with them but Audrey is booked up later. Steve comes in looking for a trim and takes the second of her two cancellation slots. They chat about Amy and the museum (she apparently likes it!) and Steve mentions taking Amy for another violin lesson after 3. Ken tells Audrey he'll be in the Rovers about 5 if she would like to join him and she agrees though seems to be a bit less than enthusiastic though I think she realizes he's lonely.

Kevin tells Tyrone they've got a breakdown call. Luke comes looking for his sandwiches which he'd left on a bonnet of a car. Kevin threw them out, thinking they were rubbish. Luke seems inclined to look through the bins! Tyrone offers to do the breakdown call.

Aidan and Johnny are in the cafe talking football. Beth comes in for the cake run and assures them both all the staff are at full tilt. They pretend they are there talking strategy. Beth hands the list to Anna. Beth lets slip the location of Carla's petty cash. Anna asks after Hope and they chat about their children's illnesses. Beth is taking a cake to Fiz so Anna passes on her love and whispers that the Connor men weren't talking strategy unless you count talking about County's chances. After she leaves, the men grumble about all the vehicles in front of the factory.

Aadi and Asha have been pulled out of the Corrie cupboard for an appearance, sat on the sofa with various electronic devices. Dev moans about the kids being inside all the time, quite the opposite of him when he was their age. They're going to be going to a sleepover and at the mention, Aadi whines that Mary forgot to pack his charger last time and his tablet ran out of juice. Mary points out he's old enough to pack for himself and then can't blame anyone for forgetting anything. After all that, it turns out Dev is assuming Mary is taking them to their sleepover. She's feeling very put upon and well she should! She and Dev then bicker about who will take them but Mary wins, though with a healthy dose of sarcasm at Dev's expense.

Beth drops in to give Fiz the cake. She opens the box and offers Fiz whichever one she wants and Fiz spies one that is apparently Sally's. Except I didn't think Sally was back from her honeymoon yet. Hope is asleep on the sofa and Fiz tells Beth she hasn't been that well. Fiz picks her up for a closer look. Hope is listless and Beth advises her that she should probably take Hope to the doctor.

After the break, Tyrone is at the breakdown site, having changed the tire for the man. Tyrone shows the man the broken toy and he says he's going to nip into the Trafford Centre on the way back. Just as he's getting ready to leave, he takes a call from Kevin and he tells Kevin he will be just a tad delayed getting back only the phone beeps because the battery has died. Oh dear.

Norris is huffing and puffing over all the cars still on the garage forecourt. He goes inside grousing that it's bad for business. Rita points out that a few cars out there aren't blocking the door. He rants about it while she contradicts him. Mary arrives and is invited to make the tea for their tea break, because Rita's in a bad mood. Rita?? He and Rita continue to bicker. When Mary realizes she's meant to make the tea for all of them, she doesn't look too happy. Norris goes strutting back outside again while Rita rolls her eyes.

Outside, the Connor men are back and Johnny's trying to lay the law down about the clutter of cars. Kevin shouts back that he's short handed at the moment with Tyrone on a breakdown and if he wants the cars gone, he should let Kevin get on with his work. Norris is shouting as is Johnny and even Rita expresses a bit of annoyance while Mary whinges that she's already got the copy of The Inexplicable magazine that she'd been leafing through. Johnny seems interested while Mary tells him about a photo of what appears to be a ghost. He thinks it's a double exposure but she assures him that when the photo was taken, the subject was in fact being buried several miles away. Aidan chivvies his father along and Rita calls Mary back into the shop. Norris shouts again. Kevin shouts back. Fiz runs over looking for Tyrone and tells the men that Hope has taken a bad turn. We can hear the ambulance in the background as it arrives. Kevin tells her he'll have Tyrone call as soon as he gets back and Aidan offers any help. She thanks him but says Ruby is with Sinead and Beth is coming with her.

Dev and Sharif comes out of the gym, moaning about the women in their lives and how they would kill for some silence. Yasmeen rushes out of the community centre, telling her husband that the tea urn isn't working and when he says he'll look at it later, she gives him an ear bashing. Dev and Sharif make their excuses but Gary comes along and offers his services. Sharif calls Yasmeen over and tells her that Dev has agreed. We don't know about what, just yet. Alya comes around the corner, wheeling Jake.

Tyrone comes out of the shop with a new unicorn. He turns on the breakdown truck and hears the news come on and realizes he's late getting back so drives off.

Ken is in the pub, alone, waiting. Audrey shows up exactly on time. She sits down and asks about the museum. He chats about Amy learning the violin with the hope that she might find a reason to break away from any of the nearest screens she seems attached to. He also mentions he's given her a half term reading list but isn't too optimistic. (I should imagine not. If a child isn't a book lover, a list of required reading isn't going to turn them into one.) Even Audrey is a bit taken aback at that. She should be enjoying her holidays outdoors. Steve returns from the lesson. From his reaction, I have a feeling that the instructor is a bit of a looker. He tells Ken that Amy's teacher is of the opinion that Amy has an ear for the instrument which pleases dear old Grandad. Nobody can figure out where she got her musical abilities from. Steve mumbles that Michelle is musical (no blood relationship). When Audrey asks if Deirdre was, Ken chuckles "In small doses" (hey, she was great on the mouth organ!)

Yasmeen and Sharif come to Anna's flat. Gary is praised and Anna offers tea. Gary comes in just after the Nazirs asks for him. Anna thinks they are there for wedding related things. The offer is made. Sharif tells him that they want to give Gary half of Sharif's share in the gym as a wedding gift. Gary and Anna are gobsmacked with shock. Sharif and Yasmeen agree that they think Gary is industrious and enterprising and this would give him a job and an income. Gary hugs his mother and says he's very glad he fixed that tea urn.

Izzy rolls out of the factory just as Tyrone pulls up. Kevin runs over to him and tells him that Hope was taken to hospital. Tyrone drives off in a panic.

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Alan Grint

Ty pulls up outside the hospital in the tow truck. He's told he can't park in front of the entrance, even if it is an emergency but he doesn't listen and rushes in to see Hope. He finds Beth and then Fiz comes out and tells him that Hope has picked up an infection.

Gary, Sharif and Yasmeen are round at Anna's celebrating the news of Gary joining the business over a cup of tea. Anna is thrilled to bits that Gary has finally landed on his feet. Gary asks if he'll need to sign anything. Sharif tells him the first rule of business is that a handshake is worth nothing and he's having the necessary paperwork drawn up as they speak. Yasmeen says they need to celebrate properly and invites Anna and Gary to go round for a meal that evening.

Kevin is snowed under with work at the garage, not helped by Ty being at the hospital. He asks Luke to stay on even though it's way past clocking off time. Sophie offers to go and put the kettle on.

Mary goes into the Rovers, clutching her copy of her magazine, "The Inexplicable". Her nose has been seriously put out of joint and she declines Rita's offer to join them. Dev tries to buy her a drink but she refuses that as well. Emily asks Rita what's wrong. She doesn't know but says it started when Norris asked Mary to put the kettle on earlier. Norris declares she's ‘Mary Queen of Strops' and says it's her own fault for hanging around the shop all day getting under their feet.

Across the room at another table Audrey is having a drink with Ken. She tells him she must go – one drink is quite enough as she's driving. But Ken doesn't want her to leave so suggests a soft drink instead. Audrey catches Rita watching what's going on.

At the hospital a doctor tells Fiz and Ty they need to keep Hope in overnight. She's vulnerable to infections so if her temperature goes up she needs to be somewhere they can keep an eye on her. "Why us?" Fiz asks Ty forlornly. Ty tries telling her that there are plenty of people worse off than them but Fiz finds that hard to believe right now.

Back in the Rovers Dev tries to break the ice with Mary again by talking about her magazine. He apologises to her and says she does a wonderful job for him. Finally Mary thaws and she accepts Dev's offer to buy her a packet of crisps.

Ken is talking to Audrey about Deirdre and his regrets about the bumps in the road with their marriage. He asks how she copes with being alone. Audrey says she has her little routines but points out that Ken isn't alone – he's got Tracy and Amy. He doesn't find it easy living with them so Audrey says he should try being related to her lot.

While Dev's at the bar buying Mary's crisps and having a chat with Steve a row erupts over at Ken and Audrey's table. Norris has gone over to complain about the racket caused by Amy's violin playing. Mary walks past and tells Norris his being rotten. She asks him how he thinks Mozart sounded when he first started learning the piano. "Amy isn't Mozart and you know it," Norris says to Ken. Audrey decides it's her cue to leave. She declines Ken's offer to walk her to her car and he looks thoughtful as he watches her go.

Ty is going home to fetch some overnight things for Fiz. He starts to repeat the list out loud and Fiz reminds him not to forget her book.

Back at the garage, Luke is still working. His phone rings. It's a call from Jamie which he doesn't answer.

Ty comes out of the hospital with Beth and, surprise, surprise, truck isn't where he left it. The porter who warned him earlier about leaving it there says he thinks it's been towed away. And to cap it all, he reckons it will cost him £300 to get it back. Beth gets out her phone to call a cab.

Mary has succumbed and joined Rita, Emily and Norris. She tells them she's suffering from an acute case of ennui. Rita says she's heard that can be nasty. Emily points out it's French. Mary says that, like many French words, its precise meaning is very hard to pin down but she's feeling dissatisfied. As she warms to her theme and becomes more dramatic she declares that she's wasted, nothing, a nobody.

Ken's about to go home. Steve offers him one for the road. He doesn't take any persuading and agrees to have another drink.

Mary says maybe it's her work-life balance but whatever it is, she doesn't feel fulfilled. Rita says she's got her friends but Mary wants to know where the people are of her own age. She says she should be hanging out with people like Carla, Michelle and Steve but she fears they see her as a figure of ridicule, an aging spinster with nothing to offer them. Mary thinks she needs a hobby and Emily reminds her she always fancied the idea of fencing. Norris thinks she's talking about the chain link variety. When Emily points out his mistake he says it's hard to imagine Mary in a white suit with a foil. "And this from a true and trusted friend," declares Mary, swigging back the remains of her Dubonnet in disgust.

Luke announces to Kevin that he's calling it a night and going to the pub. Kevin gives him the money for a pint. Sophie tries to persuade her Dad to stop work as well but he says he can't. Just to add to his woes Ty comes back at that moment with the bad news that the tow truck has been towed away. Kevin gives him a hard time until Ty reminds him his daughter's got cancer. Kevin looks contrite. Ty promises he'll pay the fine and pick up the truck in the morning but that means Kevin will be on his own again. Then Kevin sees the receipt for the toys and realises Ty's been shopping on work time and was lying to him earlier.

Round at the Nazirs, Alya has heard the news about Gary and the gym. She wonders why nobody thought to tell her first. Anna is getting stuck into the wine and making up for the fact that nobody else is drinking. Alya seems on edge and snaps at her brother when he makes a joke. She claims she's just feeling tired. Gary tells everyone that Alya told him earlier that she's feeling nervous about the wedding.

Ty is at home packing a bag for Fiz. He stops and picks up a photo of Jack and Vera. He looks on the verge of tears. The door opens and Kev walks in. He says sorry and then tells Ty he phoned up the company that towed away the truck. Ty says he'll pay the money back as soon as he can but Kev tells him there's no need. He says he explained the situation and they let him off the fine. Kev even brought back Ty's bag of toys. He tells him that his stress is nothing compared with Ty's and that he's a good man. Ty is finding it hard to hold himself together. He picks up the bag of things for the hospital.

At the Nazirs everyone is chatting away and enjoying the meal apart from Alya. Zeedan notices something is up. Alya starts to clear the plates and Gary joins her for a quiet word. He says that she didn't seem to happy when she heard the news about the gym. She says she is happy although she certainly doesn't look it. Gary points out this means they can no longer run away to get married. They'll just have to grin and bear it.

In the Rovers Luke's chatting to Aidan by the bar. He's complaining about how hard Kevin's been working him. Aidan says Kevin reminds him of Napoleon.

Meanwhile Rita announces that she knows what Mary needs. Emily looks shocked. Rita asks what she thought she was going to say – she was simply going to suggest another drink. Mary decides to throw caution to the wind and opts for a dry white wine. They wake Norris up to tell him it's his round.

Over by the bar Ken is singing Audrey's praises to Steve. Steve says that Audrey is a good friend. "Yes, she is," agrees Ken with a look that says he'd like her to be a lot more than just a good friend.

Hope is asleep and Ty and Fiz are sitting by her bedside. Fiz tells Ty they say she'll make a full recovery from the infection. Now she's ‘just' left with the cancer. Ty asks her not to say that word. They have a moment of reflection then Fiz asks if Ty remembered her book. He pulls it out of the bag but it's the wrong one. Fiz affectionately tells him he's cloth eared – she distinctly remembers telling him she meant the one in the bathroom. At least he brought the right pyjamas. Ty says he has to go and get Ruby but Fiz asks him to stay with her for five minutes. He puts his arm around her. "She will get through this, won't she?" asks Fiz. Ty tells her that of course she will; they all will.

Karen


Wednesday 28 October

Gary tells Alya he can't believe he's now part owner of a gym, he certainly didn't see that coming. "Me neither," mutters Alya. Gary wonders if she's ok with it, and she says she just wouldn't want him to feel patronised, it's as if her grandparents are saying that being a builder isn't good enough. Gary's sure they didn't mean it like that.

Over at the garage, Sophie finds an invoice from the car pound, it seems that Kevin paid the fee for Tyrone after all. He tells Sophie that Tyrone has got enough to worry about. She hugs him and says he's just a big softie.

Aidan and his sister come out of the factory and moan about the cars still sitting outside. Kevin assures them half of them will be gone by lunch time.

Ken sees Audrey and invites her to dinner. She says it sounds fun, but asks who else is coming. Ken looks a bit flummoxed at first and then tells her that Roy and Cathy are coming. They fix a time for 7pm.

Tyrone gets to the hospital with a new doll for Hope. Fiz remarks that it must have cost a fortune and hopes Ruby won't be jealous. Tyrone says she won't be, because he got her one too!

Cathy and Mary are in the community centre having a cuppa with Jasmeen, and talking about the forthcoming wedding. Mary speaks wistfully about the changes in the lives of those around her and Yasmeen asks if she's missing her motor home. Mary admits that she is, she hasn't got much that's hers any more. She looks after someone else's children and helps out in someone else's shop. Cathy tries to cheer her up by telling her she's led such an interesting life, she could almost write a book about it. Mary seizes on the idea immediately – she'll write a book about her travels!

In the factory, Aidan is chatting to Eva there's obviously mutual attraction there, and Alya tells Sinead how her grandparents have given Gary a share of the gym. Alya is really upset about it, she explains to Sinead how they've done it for her really, the apple of their eye, their little princess – except that she's not.

Mary and Cathy go back to the cafe, and Mary is still wittering on about her book. Norris is there and asks if she can stand in at the shop while he goes to the chiropodist, but Mary refuses, she's got a book to write!

Ken comes into the cafe and asks Roy if he and Cathy would like to come to dinner. Roy says that they can't, he's got tickets for a talk at the historical society at 8.30. It would seem though that Cathy would like to go for dinner at Ken's, so Ken says he'll make dinner for 6pm and they can go on afterwards.

Billy goes to the garage and asks if they can service his car. While they're talking, a delivery for Underworld arrives and the driver wants all the cars shifted so he can drive up to the door. Kevin asks if he can go round the back, but the driver doesn't want to, it's time for his dinner break, anyway. Sophie comes out and takes her dad's side, but then Kate comes out of the factory and supports the driver. Then she says she'll move the cars herself and gets into one. Starting it up, (the keys were in it!!) she starts sounding the horn and shouting at Sophie to move out of the way, but Sophie stands in front of her with folded arms, and refuses.

Inside the factory, the girls are talking about what Izzy's little boy is going to wear to the wedding. Izzy tries to ask Alya's advice but she looks embarrassed and says she doesn't know, and tells Izzy to stop going on about it. Eva and Sinead reckon she's got wedding jitters.

Outside, Kate has got out of the car and is having a slanging match with Sophie. It starts to get physical until Kevin and Aidan pull them apart and the driver then says he'll go round the back. As everyone starts to get back to what they should be doing, Alya comes out of the factory crying. She walks past Aidan, ignoring him when he asks where she's going.

Sophie and Kevin are in the cafe, discussing what happened earlier. Sophie reckons Kevin should sell his Stanley Street garage and buy something else closer and bigger. She tells him to ring the agent and get Googling – in fact she'll do it herself!

Gary comes into the cafe and tells Roy he won't be working there any more, and explains about the gift of the share of the gym from Alya's grandparents. He thinks life is on the up for once. Roy wishes him good luck and they shake hands.

Mary goes into the Kabin to buy a notebook and a fountain pen so she can begin her novel. Rita says she has a hair appointment and Norris isn't back from the chiropodist and so, despite Mary's protests that she's busy, she leaves her minding the shop.

Alya comes downstairs and finds Yasmeen pulling a long and sparkling gown out of a box, it was Alya's mother's wedding dress, and Yasmeen starts reminiscing about the wedding, and she wonders if Alya would like to wear it on her wedding day. Alya looks panic stricken and says that she couldn't, and starts crying again. Yasmeen assumes that this is the time that Alya must be missing her mother the most, and is full of sympathy, saying that her parents would be so happy for her, so proud.

Rita is over at the salon, where Audrey tells her that she's off to Ken's for dinner later. Rita remarks that they seem to be spending a lot of time together, but Audrey is quick to dispel any ideas she might have that there is any more to it, and tells her that Roy and Cathy will be there too.

Fiz has just put the children to bed and tells Tyrone that they'll have to start watching the pennies now. She goes off to have a bath, pointing out a letter that came for Tyrone earlier. He opens it to find it's a booking confirmation for the Lapland trip!

Roy and Cathy are at Ken's dining table as he dishes up the meal in the kitchen. Roy is fidgety, it's 6.05 and there's a schedule to be adhered to. Audrey has still not arrived, but Ken is sure she won't be long. While they are waiting, Cathy asks Ken if he'll give her a hand tomorrow, setting up the room for her art class. After a little hesitation Ken agrees. Just then there's a ring a doorbell. It's Audrey, but she tells Ken she can't stay for dinner, she's a migraine coming on, she has to go home, then she scuttles off.

Yasmeen is comforting Alya, and they're talking about what makes a good marriage. Yasmeen tells her there are 'hard bits' but if they tackle them together they'll grow stronger. The secret is to always communicate, always be honest.

Norris limps back into the Kabin, Rita is back and Mary is busy scribbling. As Norris's feet are sore, he asks Mary if she can stand in for him again tomorrow, but she ignores him and starts reading out what she's written. However, she doesn't get further than the title when Norris and Rita start talking amongst themselves, so she gets up in disgust and leaves, slamming the door behind her.

Kevin is still working in the garage when Tyrone goes over to see him. He confides that he's got himself into a mess and explains how he didn't get round to canceling the trip to Lapland and now it's too late. He paid for it with his credit card and can barely afford the monthly payments as it is, and Fiz doesn't know anything about it. Kevin offers to lend him some money but Tyrone won't accept it, saying he'll sort it somehow.

Sinead calls round to see how Alya is, and Alya tells her she's decided to tell Gary about her and Jason, if their marriage is going to work she's got to be honest with him. Sinead warns her that once she's said it, there's no going back, she could be throwing everything away. Alya says that's a chance she has to take. Tomorrow she's telling him the truth.

Anne Logan.


Thursday 29 October

Hello, and welcome to another first-Friday-episode - which this week comes to you from Thursday!

It's breakfast time in the Nazir household. Yasmeen fusses around, doing her hair a different way but nobody seems even slightly interested in why she has to look her best. Alya leaps up saying she has to get to work, even though it's early and she still hasn't eaten a thing. Zeedan tells his grandparents he'll have a brotherly chat with her.

As they load the van before going to Congleton, Gary tells Jason about the offer of a partnership in the gym. Jason realises this is Gary's formal notice that he's quitting - which is why Jason says he doesn't feel guilty about taking Gary to do some work for scary Mrs Hargreaves. Alya comes round the corner just in time to see them drive off.

Ken's helping Cathy set out the chairs for an art class in the community centre. You know, when Fred and Ashley operated the butchers shop there, I had no idea it was a Tardis. Ken bats off all Cathy's entreaties to come and join the class. At least, he does until Audrey arrives and it turns out she's coming along. Suddenly he's not so reluctant. Cathy breaks the news that it's a life drawing class, which really gets Ken and Michael excited. Yasmeen arrives. She's the model.

Tyrone and Fiz break the news to Hope that they won't be going Trick or Treating this year because she can't go out in the cold. But they tell her they'll have a great time at home with apple bobbing and her mum and dad in costume. This is news to Fiz - Tyrone has got costumes for them both.

Sophie researches bigger and better premises for Kevin. She has an ulterior motive - she hopes he'll give her a job. Kevin gets a call from Tyrone to say he'll be late and Kevin jokingly tells him to come in costume.

Rita's trying to sort out some lantern decorations for the shop. Norris is on the phone shouting at the supplier of a magazine about psychic phenomena because the magazine hasn't arrived. Rita appeals to Mary for help but Mary's in full flow writing in her notebook and won't be stopped.

As they go into work, Alya tells Sinead she just missed Gary. Before Sinead can offer proper sympathy, Aidan snaps at the two of them, especially Alya.

Yasmeen is posed, fully clothed, reading a book. Ken admires Audrey's effort and Cathy asks Michael if his is an abstract (it isn't).

Fiz goes into the cafe dressed as Batman. It seems Tyrone got the sizes mixed up and has to wear the costume intended for Fiz. No, not Robin. Catwoman! A stranger comes in and says she's Alex's mum (so, Cathy's sister, we assume). Alex didn't come home last night and she's very worried. He talked about this place a lot after his visit and she hopes to find him there. Roy and Anna make some tea.

Gary and Jason are back, having survived Mrs Hargreaves. Apparently she put her hand on Gary's thigh. Gary tells Jason he's just signed the papers and is now officially a partner in the gym. He asks Jason to be his best man. That's just settled when Alya arrives and says she has to talk to Gary - in private.

The art class has finished and we get a look at some of the pictures. Audrey's is very good. Ken's, less so. And Michael's is a mess but I think it shows more creativity than the others, despite all the blots where his pen leaked.

Cathy's sister and Roy arrive and tell Cathy that Alex is missing. She's not heard from him and points out that he's 28 and a very capable young man. Ken and the others offer to help look.

Norris is going on and on about Halloween and how it's an American import (it isn't) but Rita points out it's very good for sales and he should be thankful. Mary likes the idea of brushing up against a ghost or ghoul. Ken comes in, asking if they've seen Alex.

Over at the Nazirs' house, Gary tells Alya that the contract for the gym is already signed. She asks if she and Gary can be left alone for a while.

Aidan calls in Sinead and asks where Alya is but Sinead won't tell him. He gets angry at Sinead and says that whatever family stuff Alya has going on, it's no excuse for slacking.

Tyrone arrives at the garage in his Catwoman suit, which appears to leave little to the imagination, if Kevin and Sophie's reactions and glances are anything to go by. He wants to put on his overall over the suit but Kevin tells him to go home to change because even if it's covered up, Kevin will still know what's under there!

Gary tells Alya she's making him nervous. He's going over his recent activities in his head trying to work out what he might have done wrong. "I slept with someone," she says bluntly. And, to remove doubt, "I had sex."

Cathy, her sister, Anna and Roy talk about Alex in the cafe. Audrey and Ken return from looking for him without success and Cathy's sister (Nessa) takes them for husband and wife. Audrey tells her they're just old friends. Ken says nothing.

The lanterns are up in the Kabin, though Norris thinks they're a waste of time. A bloke comes in with Norris's order of The Inexplicable and tells him off for being rude to the magazine's Pam down the phone. Norris explains how important it is to get the magazines on time. The bloke agrees but tells Norris there's no need to shout at people. Mary realises the man is from her favourite magazine and talks about some of the stories it's run. They chat about a new sighting of Big Foot.

Gary's clearly upset and Alya pleads with him to say something. He does, shouting "Who?" at her. "Who was it?" Alya says it does matter but Gary demands she tell him.

More shouting next episode, I expect.

The End.
Margaret Carr


Friday 30 October

Only one Friday episode this evening (at 19:00 - usually Emmerdale Farm time) as there was one on Thursday. Normality should return now as we have finally got over the need for a live show celebrating the death of Grace Archer and the Rugby World Cup. So a little normality and stability I hope.

This is episode 8762 (or series 56, episode 219). Tonight the writer was Perrie Balthazar; the director was Alan Grint; copyright remains the property of ITV to whom the usual thanks.

I expressed my lack of interest in Gary and Alya this week; so if I nod off in the middle of this update it may never get completed. This was put together in mid-September about the time of the live episode and so no doubt the workload was high - hardly excuses the story though.

We open with Alya and Gary facing off with the latter upsets at the former's confession of her cheating behaviour and now refusing to admit the name of the other party involved. She tells him she loves him, which does nothing to defuse his anger! It was because of her love that she has had to tell him. She repeats that she loves him. Gary merely shakes his head in total disbelief.

Ken sighs as he enters the Rovers. No sign of him (referring to Alex). Liz (who appears to have had her hair done and acquired some new shoulder displaying lack of clothing) asks if Eccles has made another bid for freedom has he? Ken points out that Eccles is a "she". The missing Alex appears from the toilets and Liz hands over the pint she has poured for him. Ken and Audrey argue over who should talk to Alex whilst they summon his family and Roy. It appears he has been chatting to Liz quite happily! Audrey tells Alex that his mum is frantic. Liz tells Alex that a lot of people are worried about him as he stands there, chilling out with his pint!

Yasmeen asks Sharif if he has been wondering where she has been all morning. He is actually interested in the profit margin on fizzy drinks - particularly fizzy water which costs £1.50 (they are in the Bistro. He asks Zeedan if it is a fair price - who observes that Sharif says the same thing every time he goes in the place. Yasmeen is relieved she has interests outside her marriage! Aidan comes in and where Alya is to be found - she keeps disappearing from sight. Yasmeen provides an alibi of an migraine. And she also hopes that Aidan notices all the long hours she does when she stays late. Aidan does not like the lying and sneaking about. Sharif notes that Aidan may be her boss but Alya is their granddaughter and such behaviour is not in her nature. Zeedan knows they are lying.

Back to the argument. Alya wants to explain something about love. She was grieving for Kal - the bloke he served with, partied with and who saved people's lives. Gary does not believe it. She needed Gary and he said no. And he said no because he loved her - but she just went off and did it with someone else. They were special and now she has ruined it. She asks if he has made a mistake - say with Roy? Does that make him a dangerous thug. She equates her behaviour with his. It was a mistake and her phone rings. Gary thinks it might be the mystery man but it is in fact Aidan. He reckons he will find the answer on her phone. She gives him the phone to check - but he just wants her to tell him who it was. Alya can't.

In the Kabin Mary is entranced to meet the editor of "The Inexplicable". He observes that it is but a humble publication, which causes them both to laugh. She calls him a god to all things paranormal. In the background Norris claims it is all unfathomable. Mary tells the editor that she is writing her life story but that some sections read like a choose your own adventure novel. One way is bone shaking excitement and the other way is nerve tingling terror. They are clearly both on the same wavelength. Boundless possibilities at the end of each fingertip. Norris then observes that the articles are cut and pasted from the internet. Brendan is a serious investigator and Norris' dismissive tone is quite disrespectful. Rita asks Brendan if he likes her display. But Mary is not deterred. She has every issue apart from No 65 which contained the one and only UK interview - and Brendan finishes the sentence Professor Garrison Markstein - a legend in his own lifetime. Mary refers to a tragic accident happening to the Professor. Brendan has more deliveries to make and has to go but promises to return with the elusive no 65 - if it is the last thing he does in this life or the next! Mary is quite taken. Rita observes that she is after more than number 65!

Alya wants to know if Gary loves her. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. But now maybe he never had the real Alya. He does not know who she is. She says she does not know either. She rushes out as she cannot do it.

Outside Zeedan, Sharif and Yasmeen are walking homewards with Yasmeen observing he left 80p of fizzy water in his glass. They meet Alya followed by Gary coming the other way. The family want an explanation but Gary says it is between him and Alya.

Back in the Rovers Ken assures Alex his mum is coming. He tells them to hold on to their wigs but Audrey assures him that she will calm down when she sees he is safe. Apparently his mother gets angry once she has had a drink. Liz chuckles and then the family party arrive. Alex reminds them that he is 28 and not 12 but does not explain the lack of a phone call. As Roy observes with the funding cuts the police have probably not done very much! Cathy observes that Alex normally drinks in the Moon on the Water with Fishface and Badger. He wanted a change of scene. But he is not very keen on the jukebox and nor is Ken who does not like the gangsta rap whilst eating his hotpot. Cathy asks Roy to have a word with Alex and convince him he cannot do things like this.

In the Street Gary is shouting at Alya that she is going to walk away and let her family think this is his fault. Zeedan tells Gary to go away. Gary says that Alya is not as pure as they think. Because she slept with someone. Zeedan pushes him and he pushes back. Sharif tells them to stop. Alya does not try to deny it. The family go indoors with Gary glowering outside.

After the break we see Roy trying to convince Alex to stay in touch. Audrey says she must get back to the salon but Ken gets her to finish her drink. Alex is more interested to confirm that Roy is Cathy's boyfriend - he admits it. Apparently the battery died so he could not call and he forgot his charger. Roy does not understand this need for permanent communication. Alex admits he stayed at Jordan's. Roy observes that the desire for physical interaction will be obsolete. Alex asks if he likes living on his own and Roy counters by asking who Jordan might be. Roy finds it agreeable to live on his own - but observes that when you live with other people there is need to keep them informed of your whereabouts, especially if meals are missed or they are left waiting. Jordan has got a 46 inch tv! Great for video games. And they stayed up all night - but best not to tell. Alex asks if Roy plays darts!

Alya is listening to her family from the top of the stairs. Yasmeen makes tea and suggests they call Anna so she is aware. Zeedan is not worried about Gary at all. Yasmeen suggests that Alya be allowed to pull herself together. Yasmeen demands a calm talk to allow it to thought through. They want Alya to come down and explain. Sharif has trouble believing it as well. They are all in the kitchen so do not notice when Alya comes swiftly down the stairs and out of the front door.

Gary is at the Rovers bar swishing a whisky around a glass. Liz notes that she thought he had stopped drinking - but he merely asks for another pint.

Alex accuses Roy of cheating - but Roy points out is difficult to cheat at darts. Alex's mum (Nessa) has calmed down and wants to take him home before he takes root. She stops on the way and coquettishly apologises to Ken for her son Alex not being the same since the divorce. Ken ignores the behaviour but acknowledges that he and Audrey have had their share of family crises. Nessa continues giggling that it has not been easy! She offers to buy Ken a drink but he apologises as he has to go and walk the dog. And Audrey has to return to work. Cathy stops Nessa asking Ken what he does for fun. Ken and Audrey beat a hasty retreat and as they go Jason comes in. Liz suggests that perhaps Jason can get a smile out of Gary who observes that Jason can tear up the best man's speech.

Aidan discovers Alya sitting on Maxeem's bench and scoffs at her - does she think she is royalty? Chilling out in public instead of working? Eventually he can see that she is very upset.

Kevin tells Sophie that Gary and Zeedan were nearly scrapping on the Street. He reckons Zeedan would be younger and fitter. Sophie's laptop property search has apparently turned up the ideal site.

Alex wants to say something to Nessa. He is sorry for causing her to worry. Next time he will ring and text and email. She tells him to stop being sarcastic but the apology is accepted. Then he asks if they can buy a dartboard. Cathy notes that he hates saying sorry so Roy's talk obviously worked. Cathy calls him a gem - a rare gem.

At the back of the garage (under the railway arches I think - we have never seen it before) is a large door labeled "Haulage and dry storage, Monthly Weekly". An old warehouse under the arches and it has just gone on the market - so no for sale sign. Kev says it is perfect - ideally located. The bad news - it is above the top end of the budget. She does not tell him - she wants him to see it and fall in love with it! Actually quite over the top of the budget. She tells him nothing is impossible. She tells him to leave it with her. And she nudges him playfully.

Back in the Rovers Gary is telling Jason that Alya will not admit who the other party was. Jason does not think it matters - a drunken one off - forget it and get married but Gary considers the individual who puts his hands on her to be the walking dead. Liz interrupts to say that knowing who Tony was putting his hands on made a difference to her. Jason tells her to butt out. She says she is an expert on men cheating. Gary keeps downing drinks.

Norris leads Mary and Rita into the Rovers and Liz checks that none of them have marital issues, general laughter. Gary continues to moan. Jason says she told Gary because she loves him - after all she was steaming drunk and she made one (!) stupid, selfish and pointless mistake. Jason tries to get him to come home and drink some coffee and he ushers Gary out of the pub.

Aidan has his arm around Alya on the bench (he has not heard of Operation Yewtree [Kev, Frank Foster and Ken could help him with information on that?) comforting her as she sobs against his shoulder - which is the first thing Gary sees as he comes out of the Rovers. He storms across the road to confront Aidan. He denies sleeping with Gary's missus. Gary evidences the phone calls and the time she spends in the factory. Both Alya and Aidan pronounce their innocence. Aidan departs. Gary follows Aidan but Jason stops him and admits that he slept with Alya. Gary confirms the once only nature of the event. Gary walks away ignoring him and Alya.

In the Rovers Rita asks Mary why she is not working on her autobiography. Mary responds that Nina Simone's story would have been a very dry read if she had stayed at home every evening. They chatter until suddenly Brendan arrives looking for Mary. From behind his back he produces the Inexplicable - edition 65! Brendan says it was worth the petrol just for that smile (and even though he is a comic I don't think he is joking). Mary thanks him but he says he is forever in her debt. He cannot stop for a drink - he is still on deliveries across the entire north. He asks Mary if they can do the drink another time and she agrees - any time in fact. He salutes her and departs. Rita observes that Mary was obviously playing hard to get!

At the garage Sophie wants to know if Kev has rung the landlord of the premises which we can see at the back of the garage. She tells him not to worry about the money - the extra business will come [and she has a point - getting a car seen at our local garages is neither cheap or quick these days]. She offers to call the bank to extend the loan. She almost talks him into it.

Sharif, Yasmeen and Zeedan continue to discuss the situation. Alya returns and she says it is over with Gary (except he owns a quarter of the gym) and she is sorry for letting them all down and in answer to Zeedan's question she is not pregnant. She knows this mess is her fault, but she loves Gary and now he hates her. Zeedan slams out of the house. Alya says everyone will know, so no matter how much they are disappointed she needs their support. Sharif is not only disappointed he is ashamed. He is simply glad that Alya's parents are not there as this would have broken their hearts. Yasmeen comforts Sharif - and asks Alya what else she could have expected.

Roll credits

Mary's autobiography. I hope the ITV team are really getting someone (Glenda maybe) to actually write this as I would love to read it.

I hope Kev is not getting in over his head - but the whole story of Sophie helping her father was played wonderfully well this evening. I wish we all had daughters like that. However borrowing a lot of money may be a bad thing if interest rates shoot up.

And I still do not care about Alya and / or Gary. Indeed to me losing Gary and retaining Jason would be preferred.

K Richard Whitbread



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