2017





Thursday 1 June

We open in an alleyway where Nathan is giving Bethany a good telling off about how he's supported her and helped her and she's acting like a spoilt child. He tells her the other girl has a necklace because she's needy. "But why was she even there?" asks Bethany. Nathan tells her she has an engagement ring, which is more than just stuff. Bethany's just like all the others and just wants stuff. Bethany insists she doesn't just want stuff and that she'll do anything for him. Nathan holds her and very deliberately presses his cigarette into her arm.

Daniel's in a cell speaking to the detective. He says he wants to make a full confession. She tells him a doctor's coming to assess him to make sure he's in a fit state - she wants any confession to hold up in court.

Chesney and Sinead are outside his front door. He's telling her she's done the right thing. "You should have told them about the book an' all," he says. Beth comes out of the door and Sinead goes in. Chesney tells Beth he's suggested Sinead stay the night in his room with him on the sofa. Beth seems optimistic that they might get back together.

Nathan is playing the anguished domestic abuser. "I don't do this," he moans. "This is not me. You make me... I've hurt you." "It's OK," says Bethany comfortingly. Nathan continues his emotional manipulation. "I've told you things I've never told anyone and now I don't know if I can trust you. Things like how much it turns me on to see you with other men. I shouldn't have told you - you're too young." Bethany protests that she's not. Nathan looks at the burn. "I swear I'll never ever hurt you again." [Please note that abusers always say this and they do always hurt again] Bethany says she shouldn't have upset him. "You scared me." Nathan says that one day she'll understand that when you care for someone you push them away because you're scared of how much it will hurt to lose them. "Give me one chance. Come back to the party., If you don't come I'll understand." He walks away and Bethany can't see the smirk on his face.

Craig's with Shona at the hospital. She seems in a really bad state.

Nick's back at home and Peter's with him and Leanne. Toyah's also there. Peter hands over the bag of Nick's clothing and Leanne takes out the jacket. She can't believe he was in the quicksand that deep. "Peter saved my life," Nick says. Peter corrects him. "The Coastguard saved your life." Peter and Toyah leave and Leanne asked Nick what on earth he was thinking.

Party preparations are under way at Anna's. I don't know who's in the shop because Dev's here and Erica's with Anna. She's told Dev Anna's on her way to the house. Kevin goes into the hallway to try to stall her while everyone in the living room stays quiet. Anna and Erica come in the front door. Anna's spilt red wine on her clothes and goes upstairs to get changed.

Back at the party, Mel's annoyed that Nathan left Bethany behind but he tells her that Bethany needs to come back of her own accord. And Bethany walks in.

Leanne's got soup for Nick and asks how he's doing. Apparently his life passed before his eyes and it was all the bad things he's done. Trying to buy the pub to get at Peter. The birth certificate. Hitting Leanne. Leanne tells him he's a lovely dad to Oliver. "That's not what you said on the beach," he points out. He says Peter had every reason to want him dead and yet he sat on that beach and saved Nick's life. "I wouldn't have done that." Leanne says she's going to get Oliver. Nick needs to see him and he needs to see Nick.

Craig's on the phone to Beth. He wants her to get some of Shona's things from Eileen. He mentions Bethany being in trouble as he tells Beth what's happened. Behind him, Shona seems to have been asleep in the hospital bed but now she's awake and looks panicked.

Sinead mentions she's going to be staying at the house and Kirk immediately assumes she and Chesney are getting back together. He asks Beth and she says she hopes it doesn't get all messy again.

Craig finds that Shona's gone.

Anna is moaning to Erica in the bistro. Not only has he done nothing for her birthday but he couldn't get her out of the house quickly enough. Dev comes in and asks if he can borrow Erica for a moment. Anna says he can because she's going to the Rovers. Oops, Erica's knocked over another glass of wine! While Anna's mopping it off her clothes, Erica tells Dev to go ahead and warn the troops. Anna will need cheering up and another top.

Leanne comes back to the flat and tells Nick that everyone in the pub is talking about bad dreams and quicksand is a surprisingly common one. Gail wants to see him. Nick says he's going to let Leanne go. "Oliver's young. You'll find someone else." Leanne says she loves him but he thinks she deserves more. "We're engaged to be married," she says. "Tell me you still want that too."

At the party Fiz has found a clean shirt for Anna. Rosie's just discovered there are carbs at the party and is horrified. Anna arrives and is overcome. "I thought you'd forgotten!"

At the police station, Ken and Denise discuss where Daniel will stay. The detective comes in and Ken says today's events have brought it all back. On the day he was hurt he had a scuffle with Adam but that was earlier and after speaking with Daniel he tripped and fell down the stairs, hitting his head. "I would like Adam and Daniel released now."

Nick says he's going to the bistro to check everything's OK. Leanne insists she still wants to hear that he wants to marry her. "I swear there is nothing I want more," Nick says. Oliver cries and Leanne goes to see to him. "Don't be long," she tells Nick. "I love you," says Nick. Then as soon as she's out of the room he grabs his passport and legs it.

At Nathan's party, Mel says she's being asked about Bethany. Nathan pours Bethany an orange juice with added alcohol. He tells her she's really turning him on dressed the way she is, and it's not just him. He looks at three men standing together and looking at Bethany. He says she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do. He suggests she go into the bedroom and get comfy. Bethany goes into the room and sits on the bed. She seems quite glassy-eyed and the three men follow her into the room.

There's a knock on David's door. It's Shona, who can barely stand up. "It's Bethany. She's in trouble!"

The End
Margaret Carr


Friday 2 June

Good evening. We are at the end of a very complex week with crews separately following Daniel and his parents; the tempestuous seaside visit for the extended Battersby sisters' families and meanwhile closer to the Street great interest in Bethany and her story.

This is episode 9178; it was written by Jan McVerry and the director was Michael Lacey. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Action this evening commences at the party where you may recall Bethany is in a bedroom with three men who have paid Nathan significant sums of money, without Bethany's knowledge. Bethany appears at the bedroom door and asks Mel to get Nathan as apparently the men will not listen to her. She tells Mel they are in the wrong room. One of the men appears behind Bethany and asks Mel what is wrong with Bethany? Mel answers man - nothing wrong and tells Bethany to have "fun hun". She pulls the door closed and Bethany stares at her and her eyes show that she is very scared. Mel is doing this because if Bethany does not do it then Mel will be forced to do it and she is only working with Nathan because she has nowhere else to go and looking after the younger girls is her only protection from doing it herself.

At Anna's party Beth is taking pictures of the fun. Faye makes it clear that she is not ready to come home yet - but Anna hopes they are closer. Usual party chit chat and some questioning of Gina's presence. Rosie and Sophie reckon it is better than her being stuck at home. Sarah's phone rings. It is David; she listens, grabs Gary's hand and drags him out to the Street. Drinks get spilt all over Gina's dry clean only dress. Dev hands her a handkerchief and she smiles (watch out Erica).

Outside David is sitting in a car with the blood soaked Shona. She knows that Nathan does not get his own hands dirty - but he will have been behind it. David explains that Nathan has been grooming a load of girls. No idea how David suddenly has a car (he wrote the last one off) but they all jump in and head off to the flat. As they go we see Cathy and Brian heading towards Anna's party - but go just as friends in order not to upset Roy.

Steve is again cuddling Rover, this time in the yard of the Rovers. Nick appears waving a theoretical white flag. He admits the crack about Ruairi was a step too far. Nick wants to thank him for saving his life. Nick turns and leaves Steve to his brandy and dog.

Brian is behaving strangely at the party and Alex is worried about him. Just a trying day says Cathy. However Anna has a smile on her face and seems a lot happier than normal. Ty reckons Kev's luck might be in tonight.

Nick wanders into the Platt home and finds Gail. Nick tells Gail that he is going. She is not surprised he might want a small holiday. But no - he is leaving permanently - he has reached the end of the line. If he stayed he would go mad.

At the cop shop Daniel is telling DS MacKinnon and her sidekick that his father fancies himself as a man of the people. He used his age and authority to make Sinead believe she was not good enough. He explains how the inscription in the book gave the game away. "Golden moment of opportunity". Apparently he was bullied at school for years. And that was how he saw Ken. He swung the book, Ken lost his footing and they know the rest. Ds MacKinnon tells him that Ken says he tripped and fell downstairs and will say so on oath. Life is full of little surprises - like his mother materialising out of the blue (not in the Tardis, she walked across from the Emmerdale set where she died). Only she is not dead. Daniel tells the police that Denise had heard the police were looking for her, so she turned up. (So she must have been working somewhere locally and so how come Daniel did not find her?). DS MacKinnon does not know who to believe. CPS will not use Daniel's confession says his solicitor, given Ken's evidence. The solicitor packs up - but DS MacKinnon is not finished.

Nick is telling Gail that he does not like the person he has become (no but it made good television drama Nick). He wants to be a dad - but not like this. And then two of the people causing his mental anguish (Steve and Peter) saved his life. He knows the problems are in his head. He holds Gail's hands in his and says that he cannot stay - Leanne would talk him around, put Oliver in his arms, get Si to work on him - but he will get bitter if he stays. He needs a reboot (and probably another new head?).

David and Gary run up stairs to Nathan's flat. David tries to kick the door in. Inside the flat Nathan's phone rings and the caller, Neil, the police officer, tells him that he is about to be raided. He tells everyone to get out. He hammers on the bedroom door. As the customers run out the front door David, Gary and Sarah enter. And Shona runs into Nathan. he simply says "You!". Bethany emerges largely undressed from the bedroom. Sarah asks her baby what have they done to her? And there are sirens in the distance.

After the break the police arrive and Nathan Curtis is nicked on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and causing the sexual exploitation of a child. (Conviction is unlikely - as Shona says he did not attack her himself, he does not do that - and Bethany is not a child. The other girl seen this evening looked younger - but could also be 16). He denies it. Bethany shouts at the police to listen to Nathan and calls the police mad. Gary tells the officers that they were two minutes too late. Bethany tells the police that it does not take three of them to haul Nathan out and to get off of him. He mouths "I love you" at Bethany as they walk him away. Bethany simply cannot believe that this is happening.

Leanne is phoning Toyah as she needs someone to look after Oliver. Then she finds that Nick's passport is missing. At the other end of the Street Gail is telling Nick that he cannot simply drive away with his car keys. He says again he has to cut all ties. He did well, waving at the Bistro, because she spent a lifetime telling he that he could do it. He will remember the fun times. Gail tells him that she is proud of him. They have a huge hug and he tells her she is the best. He climbs in his car and drives away along the Street. As he turns the corner Leanne emerges pushing the pram and sees him driving away; then she turns and she and Gail exchange warlike stares.

Shona is telling her story to the police. She had fallen out with her family and Nathan was a good listener and he bailed her out. Then suddenly they were in serious debt to a mate. So Nathan said he would hold a party and that Shona could earn the dosh (which is odd as she must be about 15 years older than the girls he normally uses). She was old enough to realise that Nathan was not her boyfriend, just a pimp. She felt stupid. But she was skint and lonely. The officer asked if he was violent. Shona eases her top to show her right shoulder which looks a real mess (and remember this happened before Christmas). No-one ever saw him do it of course. David is sitting with her as she interviewed in Nathan's flat. Regrettably she cannot remember any names as it was months ago. Her face shows that she remembers some nicknames when asked - but she gives nothing away. She will make contact if she remembers anything - but reckons she is one of the lucky ones. David says that it sounds like it. Downstairs in the tanning salon Gary tells Bethany and Sarah that Bethany is needed at the Admiral Street police station as it is properly equipped for examinations. Bethany is not going. Sarah says that evidence is needed to stop Nathan. She denies she has been abused - they are engaged. Sarah points out they found her in a bedroom with 3 men she did not know. She says they were talking. She wants to see Nathan. She refuses to be examined and tells them to take her home. Sarah cannot believe the control that Nathan has over her.

Erica and Dev are helping Kev to clear up but Anna sends them off home as she just wants to get her man into bed. They take the hint and go. Anna sits down on the sofa with a huge smile on her face.

At the police station Ken and Denise wait for Daniel. Ken is not happy about signing the statement - but as Denise points out he did not have his arm twisted. Ken reckons they should have protected Daniel more. Daniel appears down some stairs. Ken says "Let's go home, son". Daniel does not know where home is. Denise faces DS MacKinnon and sidekick as she can guess that they are thinking it is the mother's fault. Denise goes. Apparently the police are still holding Adam - but once CPS refuse to progress he will be released as well. Weeks of wasted police time. MacKinnon reckon it is better now than later in court in the witness box. If Ken wants to protect his family it his funeral - well not literally this time around.

In another police station Shona is taking a drink, discussing events with Shona when suddenly she slides down the wall she has been leaning against and is unconscious. David shouts for help.

In a flat in Victoria Court Oliver is crying loudly whilst in a corner Leanne is sobbing quietly and she puts her hands over her ears.

Sarah and Gary bring Bethany back to a waiting Gail. Bethany stomps off upstairs. She is very definitely not talking. Food would be good for her. She asks if her fiance will be getting fed. Gary rather hopes he is getting battered. Gail thinks she should have seen through Mel from the start. Bethany has apparently googled it and Nathan will be out in 24 hours (highly unusual - Corrie normally uses the voggle search engine). Bethany refused to be examined, nor would she give a statement. Bethany thinks Nathan is the victim. Sarah is worried in case the police are unable to construct a case. Then tomorrow night she will be back in his flat, with God knows who for company.

Back on the Street Daniel tells Ken that he will be waiting a long time for thanks. He then shrugs off Ken's arm and walks himself back towards the flat. He sees Sinead at an upstairs window (at Chesney's) and Ches emerges to let Daniel know that she does not want to speak to him. They know what is under the floorboards and Chesney knows exactly what Daniel is. He will stay away from SInead if he knows what is good for him. Daniel looks up at her again and she pulls the curtains.

Kev comes downstairs and asks Anna if she is still tidying up. He finds her sleeping on the sofa and he tenderly wraps a blanket around her, then gently kisses her forehead.

In hospital Shona is wired up to machines and David stands over her. Will she recover?

Daniel sits in darkness on the floor of the flat.

At Victoria Court Leanne has stopped crying and washed her face. She looks at her left hand and removes the ring. She goes into the bedroom and puts the ring back in the box and snaps the lid shut. She sighs.

Bethany comes downstairs very quietly - it is now dark and late. She finds her handbag and sits in a corner at the bottom of the stairs on the floor. (Lots of sitting in corners on the floor tonight). She opens the bag and finds her engagement ring. She looks at it lovingly, kisses it and carefully places it back on her ring finger. She then rolls up her left sleeve to look at the burn mark from the cigarette which Nathan had used on her earlier. She looks from burn to ring. The latter obviously outweighs the former and she still cannot grasp the reality we know about.

Roll credits.

Earlier in the week Daniel was seen burning his hand(s) and I thought having some form of breakdown. No doubt the story has some way to roll yet and I hope that we are going to get a better explanation from Denise of where she has been for some years. And indeed what the real story is / was.

No doubt Adam will have a few things to say too as he was convinced it was Daniel.

So who will be Leanne's next victim? Robert? Another fling with Peter? Or is she going to get together with Steve just to annoy Michelle?

And the Bethany story cannot be over. We have had hints that Mary may be able to help her - and she has her own demons - so who knows?

Will Shona die? Will Cathy and Brian get it together? And will Kevin ever get any nookie? These and many other questions may eventually be answered.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 5 June

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Ian Bevitt

At the Platt house, Gail, Sarah and Gary are talking to two women police officers while Bethany hides out upstairs, eavesdropping but unwilling to appear. David comes in and tells them that Shona is having surgery for a ruptured spleen. The officers tell Sarah if they can get enough information, Nathan can be prosecuted though it's tricky where Bethany is over the age of consent. What they need is proof that Nathan coerced her into sleeping with other men for payment. Bethany looks horrified, shaking her head no when they talk about controlled prostitution or rape. Sarah and Gail are shocked and horrified. David asks if Nick has been told and is surprised to find out that Nick has left Leanne and Weatherfield.

Over at Leanne's, she's lost in thought while the baby grizzles in the bedroom, clearly heard through the baby monitor. Simon comes in and tells her he heard her crying in the night. Leanne is still tearful. Simon asks where Nick is. She doesn't know.

Daniel emerges from his bedroom. Denise is already up. He is silent, looking out the window at Sinead coming out of the Kabin. Denise still thinks her son is 5 because she asks him if he still likes toast without the crusts. He rolls his eyes and makes a sarcastic remark along those same lines. He asks her to leave.

Tracy tries to make conversation with Amy about school over the breakfast table. School does not seem to interest our young miss this morning and she thinks her mother is only pretending to be interested. Just as she deigns to read out what lessons she has today, Tracy's phone buzzes and she turns to pick it up, pretty much proving Amy's point. Ken comes downstairs and tells Tracy he wants to speak to her and Peter this afternoon. Daniel will be here, too. He doesn't volunteer any further detail. Curious.

Sarah is adamantly urging Bethany to talk to the police, slagging Nathan off six ways to Sunday as evil and manipulative. Bethany was mortified when her mother showed up to their party and doesn't see that it was all wrong. They are at odds, and Bethany stomps back upstairs.

Rita comes to the salon to see if Audrey can fit her in. Yes, she can, and a catch up as well. They exchange a few shocked words about the "grooming" and how you can't trust anyone on the internet these days.

Sinead crosses the road and Daniel stops her, wanting to explain. She isn't interested even when he tells her he misses her. She does tell him she called the police because she worried Daniel would hurt Ken. That stuns him. She turns and leaves just as Tracy comes across the road, asking if he knows what Ken wants to talk to them about. He lies that he doesn't know.

Craig joins Bethany who is sitting on the bench. She takes a text from Neil who is summoning her to the flat. "Everything's cool" he assures her. It turns out neither of them know who Maxine Peacock was. Bethany can only remember hearing the name, someone that used to live round there. (You will remember that Bethany was only 2 or so when Maxine was killed and Richard Hillman drove them into a canal. Likely the adults would not have spoken of the murder around a child and eventually, the topic would have sank into oblivion) Craig tries to make small talk but Bethany gets up and walks away. Sarah is peering from a little way away.

David is hoping Shona is ok. He's over at Eileen's, talking to them in Number 11 about what happened to her and Bethany, and to ask if someone can take some clothes in for her. After David leaves, Todd wonders if the name Nathan sounds at all familiar, as if he recognizes it but the other two don't. He also surmises there's a spark between Shona and David and warns them that they don't know a lot about her. They're concerned for Shona.

Johnny interrupts Kirk and Gina who are taping up boxes. He wants to see Kirk in the office. Kirk ascertains that Gina will be ok while he's gone and heads to the office. Sinead is miles away at her machine. Fiz wonders if Sinead is going back to Daniel. It doesn't seem so. Sean is confused as to why they split in the first place. Sinead snaps at them for gossiping about her. In the office, Johnny asks Kirk about an order, one never received by a customer. Kirk suddenly realizes that Gina was the one that did that order and is packed off to investigate. Meanwhile, we see Gina on her phone to the bank trying to extend her overdraft.

Gail is cool to Leanne in the Kabin. Leanne is only trying to find out where Nick went and Gail pretends she knows but isn't saying. She says she's not glad Nick has left Leanne but isn't convincing. Gail blanks her while buying a birthday card for Bethany, 17 tomorrow and when Oliver's "dad" is mentioned by Rita and Gail wants to know where she stands, Leanne plays her card right back to her, "I really couldn't say". That's her told. Gail leaves and Rita offers Leanne a cup of tea. Yes please.

David comes to the hospital to see Shona, along with the rest of the Grimshaw Manor. She's still asleep after the surgery. The doctor says she came through it fine but has had a rough time of it all. The doctor would rather they come back tomorrow and mentions the scar tissue they had to deal with from an old C-section, surprising them all. Some of them knew Shona has had a baby. Billy did know, but only that she'd had a son and lost him. David seems intrigued.

Bethany has returned to Nathan's flat where Neil is waiting. He apologizes and says the police don't always get it right, that it was all a mix up. Bethany wonders why Nathan keeps getting picked on. Neil says they think he's a soft target and will be home soon. He says that Shona is a low life and he's not surprised she called the police but promises to find out who hurt her because that's just not on, no matter what. Bethany approves of that, at least, though she looks a bit uncomfortable being there alone with Neil who adds that Shona has been looking for a way to get back at Nathan because he rejected her. Bethany wonders if she should stay at the flat but Neil advises her to stay at home for a bit and tells her that Mel is laying low for the moment. He also urges her not to say anything to anyone that he and Nathan know each other. Very important. She agrees.

Sean sings his way through the factory back to his machine. Fiz calls him on getting the lyrics wrong for the song he's singing. Johnny hasn't got a clue and when they ask Sinead, she snaps at them. Fiz then tells Sean the goss about Nick. In the back, Kirk is giving Gina another lesson on where the packing slips and labels go. Gina is worried that she's going to lose her job.

Denise is wandering around the flat, looking at books and things. She opens a cabinet drawer to find some course work with a good mark on it so she takes it out to read it. She seems proud of his work as she reads.

Leanne is very appreciative of Rita's support. Rita thinks Nick will come back but Leanne is leaning to giving up men altogether since she's never had very good luck. Rita thinks Nick just needs some time and will regret leaving her behind.

Adam has been released and Ken is waiting for him outside the station. Adam has been told that Ken remembers and realizes it really was Daniel and Ken lied for him. Ken sighs in that typical Ken way.

Craig sees Bethany get off the bus and he says he's been talking to her mother. She gets anxious again and defends Nathan as having done nothing wrong, nor has anyone else done anything wrong. Audrey comes out to find out if she's talked to the police about that rotten boyfriend and his quickly corrected, "fiance!" and she shouts at Craig for hanging around. It doesn't matter that Audrey points out that she was in a bedroom with three men, she insists nothing was going on or was wrong. Even David comes up to shout at her about Shona being injured because of Nathan and he's given short shrift as well, spouting Neil's lies about Shona fancying Nathan who didn't fancy her back so she's getting her revenge. David doesn't believe it and neither does Audrey. Eileen et. al. are earwigging from across the street.

Back outside the police station, Ken assures Adam he gave a full statement that contradicted Daniel's. Adam is a bit narked that Ken's memory returned so conveniently when he himself had been arrested twice. Ken points out Adam wasn't completely innocent and he admits he should have called an ambulance. Ken apologizes for burning that drug money on Adam but Adam really isn't mollified but he is stopped in his tracks when he finds out Denise returned. Ken describes Daniel's breakdown when he saw his mother. What else could he do?

Bethany is inside the salon, getting a dressing down from Audrey who is explaining why Sarah is so worried. Neither of them are agreeing over Nathan but Audrey puts it plain, "Is he sharing you?" That stops her for a minute. She insists he isn't but Audrey looks at her, knowing she's lying. Her phone buzzes with a text and the smile on her face tells her it's from Nathan, who's right outside. She is out that door in a flash.

Fiz comes out of the factory to find Daniel who asks if Sinead is still there. Fiz gives him a right earful but Denise comes across the street. She and Fiz exchange words and Fiz strops off. Sinead comes out and tries to push past Daniel but she stops dead when she sees Denise. When she asks who Denise is, she's told. Surprise!

Sarah has come outside followed by David. Bethany has gone incommunicado and they see Bethany zooming by in Nathan's car. Oh, oh.

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Ian Bevitt

Sarah returns home with the two liaison support officers. She's in a right state about Bethany (who wouldn't be?) and they try to reassure her that they'll track down Nathan as he's in breach of his bail. Meanwhile David's out in the kitchen asking Gail if she knew Shona had had a child. Gail looks shifty and says it's none of their business.

In the Rovers Daniel and Sinead are finally talking. He asks why didn't she tell him about the abortion whereas she can't believe they discussed who might have attacked Ken on a daily basis. Daniel tells her he never planned to hurt his dad and if it's over between them he doesn't know what he'll do. Sinead talks of the fantasies she had of their perfect life together before all this happened. She asks what's going to happen now – is Daniel out on bail? He explains how he confessed to the police but then Ken's "memory" came back and now all charges have been dropped. When Daniel tells Sinead that Ken plans to tell the family this afternoon she reckons they'll tear him to pieces. "Will you put me back together again?" he asks.

Over in the factory Kirk tells Gina he's popping home for a bath. Apparently he does this a lot – it's his way of de-stressing he tells her. Meanwhile Fiz, Sally and Sean are still arguing about whether there are two or three little birds in the Bob Marley song. Sinead couldn't care less, her mind is elsewhere. It's with her boyfriend, reckons Fiz. Sinead snaps back that he's not her boyfriend.

Out in the packing room Gina gets to work with a pair of scissors. She's horrified when she realises she'd inadvertently cut through several pairs of lacy knickers, along with the parcel paper.

Across town in the middle of a piece of waste ground, Bethany is sitting with Nathan in his car. She tells him how everyone gave statements to the police but she stayed upstairs. She tells him everyone thinks she'd traumatized but it's only because of the way her family are treating her. Bethany tells him about Neil going to see her and also asks about Shona but Nathan has Bethany completely convinced that he's the good guy and it's all one big misunderstanding. Nathan takes her hand and looks at the engagement ring. "I think we should talk," he says, leaving Bethany looking worried.

In the factory everyone has gone home apart from Gina who is sitting at one of the machines, frantically making some new lacy knickers. She doesn't notice Johnny coming in. He looks puzzled when he sees what she's up to.

Round at number 1, Tracy and Peter are asking Daniel about his mother's sudden reappearance while they wait for the others to arrive. Ken walks in with Adam. Without waiting for an explanation, Peter leaps up and grabs Adam by the throat. "I didna' attack Grandad!" yells, Adam. So who did then, Peter wants to know. "I did," admits Daniel. The others turn round and look at him in horror. The scene moves to Platt Towers where the liaison officers are about to leave when a tearful Bethany bursts through the door. She announces that Nathan has finished with her, thanks to all of them. Sarah tries to tell her that she's been groomed but Bethany doesn't want to hear anything more and storms off up the stairs.

Now we go over to the Bistro where Leanne is pouring out her woes to Robert. How could Nick just walk out? He hasn't even taken his toiletries! Robert is also wondering how he could leave his business partner in the lurch but this seems a bit insensitive in the circumstances so he gives Leanne a hug just as Michelle and Maria walk through the door. They both give Robert a bit of a look.

Back at the Barlows' Peter no longer has his hands round Adam's throat as they are now round Daniel's instead. Ken is desperately trying to keep the peace. Tracy yells that she could get sent down because of him and Adam is equally furious as he's been locked up twice. They're all shouting at once and snippets of the story come out about Sinead and the abortion. Ken screams that none of them are blameless. He yells that he had doubts about all four of them and asks what that says about them. Ken finishes by saying that he's had too much tragedy in his life and that he's had enough and he's tired of it all. He says that, whatever they've done up until now, he forgives them and that, in return, he hopes they'll forgive Daniel.

In the Bistro Michelle is asking Robert about Nick. He's tried calling him several times but he hasn't returned his calls and Gail is saying nothing. Michelle mentions Leanne – she used to be her mate she says but then look what she did to her. Maria looks thoughtful and clearly has her mind on her own behaviour as Michelle says that what goes around comes around.

Over in the factory Johnny is questioning Kirk about the damaged knickers. Gina comes clean, she can't get the hang of this packing lark. She admits she ran up some replacements. It seems she's a dab hand on the sewing machine having run her own business making teddies – as in the bears, not the underwear variety she explains.

Audrey is doing Rita's hair in the salon and lamenting the youth of today, in particular her own great granddaughter, when in comes a blast from the past. It's Denise, wondering if Audrey has a job going in the salon. Unfortunately not says Audrey, doing a quick rundown of the past ten years, including the fact that David has now become a fantastic stylist. Denise suggests they could go out for a drink sometime instead. Rita and Audrey exchange glances.

Over in the factory Sally is shocked to discover Gina sitting at one of the machines. She tries to send her packing back to packing only to be told her sister's been promoted, due to the discovery of her sewing skills. The others are still arguing about the number of birds in the song. Sinead tells them it was three and to shut up about it– she has more important things to worry about than Bob Marley's doorstep.

Round at the Platts' they have a visitor. It's Sergeant Neil who's come to have a word with Bethany. He tells the family it would probably be best if he spoke to her in private.

Daniel also has visitors. Tracy, Peter and Adam have gone round to tell him to give notice on the flat and then pack up his stuff and leave. He points out that Adam lives there too. Peter says that's no problem, Adam can stay with him. As the three of them leave, Denise arrives, supposedly to retrieve a lost scarf. Daniel asks her how she could do what she did. He begins to sob and Denise takes him in her arms.

Neil and Bethany are talking in the back garden while Sarah peers at them through the net curtains. She can't hear Bethany telling Neil that the family have fallen for her story. They believe it's all over with Nathan. Neil tells Bethany to have her passport ready and pack a bag. She asks where she's going. Neil reminds Bethany that he's her only point of contact from now on and that she mustn't phone or text Nathan. He adds that he's not one for delivering soppy messages but that Nathan says it's killing him already, being apart from her. Bethany says she thought it was over with Nathan for real but Neil tells her not in a million years.

Karen


Wednesday 7 June

It's Bethany's birthday and she's opening cards and pressies at the breakfast table. Gail walks to the door with David and says she's thinking of going to see Shona in hospital later. He says he was thinking of going too. Over at the breakfast table, Sarah and Bethany are talking about the fact that Bethany has been dumped, and Bethany is obviously hurting.

Adam finds Peter in the cafe and thanks him for letting him sleep at his place. Peter tells him he can stay at the flat until he and Toyah get back from their holiday.

Maria is sitting with Michelle who suggests they take a trip to town. Just then Maria gets a text from Aidan suggesting they meet at 3pm so she tells Michelle she can't.

Denise and Daniel are in the flat. He's cross when he discovers she's found and read some old essays and articles he's written. She tells him she wanted to know how he'd been and what he'd been doing.

It's the day of Tracy's court hearing and Rob has sent her flowers. Ken thinks he should have thrown them in the bin. He wants to go with Tracy, but she won't let him, she's hoping for just a slap on the wrist.

Toyah and Peter are walking down the street when they meet Leanne. Peter asks how Simon is, (he's missing Nick) and Peter hopes they can get back to normal. Toyah asks if she's heard from Nick, she hasn't, but she's hopeful.

Sarah comes downstairs crying, she asks Bethany what sort of mum let's something like that happen to her child? She feels she's let Bethany down. Bethany tells her it wasn't her fault and hugs her. Sarah then give her a pretty bracelet.

Gail is at Shona's bedside when she wakes up and asks how Bethany is. Gail tells her she's better, and thanks her. Then Gail tells her that David knows she's had a child, so they need to think of something to tell him. Gail tells her that if David finds out she's Clayton's mother and she knew, he'd never forgive her.

Craig sees Bethany sitting outside the chippy and wishes her happy birthday, he hands her an envelope with a voucher in it. She says she didn't expect anything after the way she treated him. Everyone has been so nice and she doesn't deserve it.

Michelle sees Eva and Aidan and goes over to apologise. Eva accepts her apology and tells her how her friend was proposed to at the top of the Eiffel tower. She hints she's like Aidan to do something like that. When Aidan has gone, Eva wonders aloud to Michelle why Aidan won't propose to her. Michelle suggests doing something to show what he could be missing!

Bethany tells Craig that she and Nathan have spilt up, and he's really pleased to hear that. Then she discovers that she's lost necklace and goes into a panic, running off to go and find it.

Ken has arrived to see Daniel and asks how he's been. Daniel says he's not good. Ken says he hopes they can put it behind them now and move on. Daniel tells him he doesn't think he can, so he's decided to go to the police and give them the evidence - the bloodstained book.

Bethany has arrived home and finds her necklace on the floor. She then goes to the drawer and starts looking through the passports. Just then Sarah comes downstairs and asks where she's been. Bethany says she bumped into Craig, and hurries upstairs. Sarah goes to the drawer, looking worried.

David arrives at the hospital and is surprised to see Gail still with Shona. When Gail goes to get a cup of tea, Shona tells David she wants to talk to him about her son.

Daniel arrives at Ken's house to find him in the back yard about to set light to the bloodstained book. He's horrified. ‘If you do this everything is a lie,' he says. Ken asks if he's sorry for what he did, and Daniel says he is. Ken says he wants to put everything in the past where it belongs. At that moment, Adam is walking up the ginnel and hears this conversation. Ken hands Daniel the lighter and tells him to do it for him, so he does. Adam looks though a gap in the gate and then walks off.

Shona is telling David about her lovely little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes, but his dad wasn't a good role model and treated her like dirt. When they split up he went to live with his dad and then really changed. That's when she lost him. She gets tearful and David comforts her and then kisses her. Gail is just coming back and sees this through the glass. David asks her son's name, and she tells him it was Tom.

Eva has got herself all tarted up in a slinky black mini dress and black stockings. Then the buzzer goes, it's Toyah asking to come up. Eva panics and rushes to put on a dressing gown. Toyah tells her they need to go and talk to Leanne, as she's thinking Nick might come back. Eva hesitates, then says she'll put a coat on.

Peter and Adam are in the pub when Tracy comes back from court and tells them she got a nine month suspended sentence. Liz mutters that they should have thrown away the key.

Toyah and Eva have arrived to see Leanne. She tells them to take their coats off and have a glass of wine. In the end Eva has to take her coat off and explain she was planning a surprise for Aidan!

Aidan, meanwhile, has arrived at Maria's and it isn't long before they fall on the sofa, kissing.

Denise is in the pub with Rita, talking to Liz who asks if she's back for long. But Denise has spotted Adam and goes over to introduce herself. She thanks him for keeping him out of trouble. Tracy says if it was up to her he'd be behind bars. "Like you were, you mean?" says Denise. Peter says it doesn't excuse what he did. "Says the alcoholic bigamist!" snaps Denise. Tracy reckons it's a bit late for her to play the protective mother routine seeing as she walked out on him. Denise says it won't happen again, she's going nowhere.

Aidan arrives home to find Eva ready and waiting!

Gary arrives home and Sarah tells him how she found Bethany looking for her passport. She wonders if Bethany is lying about splitting up with Nathan. She grabs some scissors and cuts Bethany's passport up!

Anne Logan


Friday 9 June

We begin at the Platts' where Gail is cheerily burning the toast for breakfast. Sarah wants her to mind Harry so she can go to the hospital and ask Shona to have a word with Bethany. Gail doesn't think it'll make any difference. The police are sure to catch up with Nathan soon. She rejects Gail's offer of toast and goes off. David comes down with a smirk on his face and also rejects the toast. Gail tells him he can wipe that look off his face. She saw him kissing Shona. She tells him it's too soon to start seeing anyone else. And she thinks he can do better. Plus he hardly knows her. This all seems to roll off his back like butter off hot sweetcorn.

Audrey's got the curling tongs out and is putting Bethany's hair into long almost-ringlets. She chatters away about a funeral for a client and bemoans the fact that the average age of her clients is well above 70. She offers to give Bethany a manicure and takes Bethany's hand in hers. As she does, she sees the cigarette burn that Nathan made. The wardrobe department has put Bethany in a shirt with the sleeves rolled up so the burn is on display. Fools. Audrey tells Bethany that not all men are psychopaths. "You'll find someone else."

In the factory office Johnny's making an appointment with someone. Kate comes in to see how he is and he says he's just confirmed an appointment with the consultant for Monday. I see the medical referrals are as quick as real estate deals and job decisions in Weatherfield's alternate universe. He asks Jenny to lunch, which upsets Aidan because he wanted to take Eva out. Kate points out that Alya is the trainee manager so they should let her manage.

Sarah's in the hospital room with Shona. She tells Shona she's scared Bethany is going to run away with Nathan. Shona agrees that manipulators like Nathan do a good job on their victims. "She says we don't understand," says Sarah. "But you do."

In the cafe, Maria's trying to choose cakes to celebrate. She's having her tag removed today. Aidan comes in and she asks him quietly if she can see him today. He doesn't think so. "This will be the first time in months I've been properly naked," she points out. That changes his mind.

Jenny's got a salesman in and she's choosing wedding rings, watched carefully by Eva, who even tries on some of the rings which catch her eye. Jenny appears very unsentimental about the whole thing and brushes off the idea of getting the rings engraved. When the salesman, Phil, packs up, saying he'll be back when he's had the chosen rings re-sized, Eva goes after him and asks him out to lunch in the Rovers. Phil seems thrilled.

David's in the cafe talking to Leanne. He's talking about find a new partner after bereavement and wants to know how things were for her. Leanne tells him the important thing is not to worry about what other people think. "There's no shame in moving on." David tells her he's had a phone call from Nick. He's not coming back and wants David to pack up his stuff and send it out. "His mind's made up."

Shona's getting ready to leave the hospital. She tells Eileen and Billy about kissing David. Eileen tells her to go for it. "He deserves some happiness, especially after what that little toe-rag did to Kylie. Shona's face falls.

Eva's with Phil in the pub, going on about how she knows what she wants and makes up her mind quickly. It's only when she starts talking about rings that he realises she invited his rings to lunch, not him. Poor Phil. Aidan arrives. Eva hurriedly gives Phil instructions on getting Aidan talking about weddings and rings. Then she takes Aidan aside to tell him Phil needs someone to talk to.

David interrupts his kids (Lily's busy reading Mr Cool) and asks them if they like Shona. They do. And how would they like to have her over for tea some time?

Bethany sees Peter leaning on a taxi, smoking. She asks him for a cigarette but he refuses. She touches him suggestively and goes into full "come on" mode - Peter looks at her awkwardly and moves away. He tells her to go home then escapes to the taxi office. Bethany looks at the half-cigarette he's discarded on his way.

Phil and Aidan have stalled in their conversation. Phil makes up some story about an engagement and the penny drops for Aidan. Phil admits what the plan is. Aidan looks into his box of samples and asks if transactions are totally confidential. Phil assures him they are.

Audrey and Sarah talk about Bethany and how she won't admit there's a problem. Peter seeks out Sarah to talk to her about Bethany.

Johnny and Jenny lunch at the bistro. They decide not to go back to work.

David and the kids have taken flowers to Kylie's grave. They find Shona already there.

In the back yard, Bethany lights the cigarette and is about to plunge it into the scab of the previous burn but Sarah sees what she's doing and rushes out of the house to stop it. Bethany says Nathan trusted her and she let him down. "I even lost our engagement ring..." she cries. Sarah says it's OK. "I'm going to get you some help."

Shona tells David that after their kiss she's going to tell him the truth. "I can't be with you." David says Kylie made him promise to get on with his life. But Shona says she can't lie to him. "I'm not who you think I am. My son's name isn't Tom. It's Clayton."

Oops.

The end of the first episode
Margaret Carr

Good evening. Friday night and the end of another week on the Street. A sixth weekly episode is coming soon so if you want to assist the team in keeping the world updated then please let us know.

This is episode 9183 and it was written by Chris Fewtrell. The director was Ian Bevitt. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open in the graveyard, at the site of Kylie Platt's grave (22-08-1987, 15-07-2016). David and Shona are sitting on a bench and David stands moves away and asks if she is joking about her being Clayton's mother. She regrets things got this far as she did not want to hurt David or the children. David reminds her that she returned his wallet. She felt bad when she found out who David was and she tried to back off. David points out that she got close to Gail and the kids - hardly backing off! Max hears the raised voices and asks if everything is OK. David tells the children to stay at the grave. Shona tells David she wanted to say something - but it was always just too difficult. She did not want to cause any more upset. She adds that she is sorry. David replies it was bad enough the day she spewed that mongrel out into the world but then worming her way into their life knowing what Clayton had done David cannot forgive. Shona agrees he is right and she should have gone away. But he knows full well why she could not go and looks at the children. Initially she thought she was trying to make up for Clayton's mistake. But it wasn't. She had fallen for David. And she knows that David does - or at least did - have similar feelings. She asks if he felt that? David's face shows anger - but in an almost admission of the truth of her question he says nothing and turns away to the children.

We now move to the Platt residence where Sarah is trying once again to talk to Bethany. Sarah reminds her that she knows what it is like to have a breakdown and to lose sense of reality, of right and wrong. Bethany confidently assures Sarah that there is nothing wrong with her that being with Nathan would not fix. She reminds Sarah that they love each other. She almost fell for the happy family routine but now she sees that they have all been trying to poison her mind against Nathan. Sarah asks how stubbing out a cigarette on her arm is a demonstration of his love for her. Bethany says that Sarah will not understand her explanation. Bethany goes on that when you feel like they do about each other then you do mad things which you regret later, but your feelings are so strong you cannot control them. She tells Sarah and Gary that they live in a little cosy world, watching TV, making brews and talking about nothing - she cannot understand the different league occupied by her and Nathan and they know they are alive. Sarah will settle for Gary not using her as ashtray or being pimped out then she will take it. Bethany knew she would not understand and tries to leave. Sarah reveals she wants Bethany to talk to Shona who knows Nathan. Bethany assures Sarah that Shona cannot change the way she feels. So no harm done if you meet her is there? Sarah asks. "Whatever" responds Bethany and walks away.

In the Rovers Daniel is telling Denise about Oxford. The place is gone - he has no chance of getting it back. Next year maybe - but he does not want to waste a year in limbo. There are plenty of other places on other courses. Denise is ready to go with him - she is used to moving around. An insensitive comment she admits. Her mistake will haunt her for the rest of her life. Sinead hates him, Ken - well. Denise is all he has got. She is pleased at getting what looks like a second chance. She says the years without him nearly killed her. So why didn't she come back? She knew how much she had let him down. She was ashamed. She promises him she will never let him down again.

David has returned to the bench and Shona approaches him. She points out he did not answer her question. David says it does not matter what he felt - he doesn't any longer. He still wants to know why she was at Kylie's grave. Maybe the same reason that David was there. he says he had brought the children to visit their dead mother. She just felt churned up after the kiss. She wanted to tell Kylie that she was not stealing her life and that if she could change history and that if Kylie were still there with David ... David interjects - Kylie is not there because of the action of her flesh and blood. Shona hates what Clayton did - but cannot hate Clayton. David reverses the old saying - like son like mother! Shona then reminds him of the car packed with petrol and his plan to kill Clayton - Shona may not be proud of much and certainly not Clayton, but she has never planned to kill anyone. She admits she overheard Gail and Sarah talking about it. She asks if she should blame Gail as David's mother. David says it is time to stop point scoring. Shona needs to leave now, he never wants to see her again. She says Weatherfield is her home. So is she going to force David to tell the children who she is? If she stays then the children will be reminded daily of Clayton and their mother's death. So she has to go. Shona heads off very distressed, Max asks what is wrong by David says it is nothing.

On the Street Zeedan cannot get the hot dog van to start and they cannot afford to take it to the garage. Sinead walks past carrying factory pastries followed by Denise who asserts that the engine is seized. She introduces herself and Zeedan pops the bonnet open so Denise can check the oil. Withdraws the dipstick and there is no oil.

In the Bistro Jenny and Johnny are in good form. She suggests they go out dancing - it will help her fit into her wedding dress. She remembers a salsa class and having checked her phone - they need to get moving it is on shortly! Jenny goes to powder her nose and Johnny's and Kate asks him if he is seriously going dancing. He says he needs to make hay whilst he can. Kate says he may be threatening his health. He feels fine and does not want to be treated as an invalid.

At the factory Eva is looking for Aidan and Sean wants to know from Gina what it was like growing up with Lady Sally. Gina volunteers that Sally was not very good with alcohol. Look Sinead can drink Sally under the table. Gina recalls Sally wetting herself in the middle of the Locarno - although Sally denies it. Gina adds that Sally was wearing her black trousers so no-one noticed until other dancers started slipping on that bit of the floor. It was carnage. Everyone laughs except Sally. Kirk has a problem with a delivery but Eva tries to stop him phoning Aidan, who fortuitously walks in at that moment. Eva of course wants to know how the discussion with the ring seller went - Aidan is giving nothing away. Aidan helps sort out Kirk's problem to end Eva's probing.

Denise is now telling Zeedan, Yasmeen and Rana that if you are traveling then you need to know your way around an engine. She admits with a laugh to have been around a bit. In souk's you can anything and everything except the way out. Freshco is quite tame by comparison. Denise says you have to come home eventually and tells the youngsters to get a camper van and travel whilst they can. But Zeedan is keen on his street food plan. Denise emphasizes there is a big world out there to investigate, see it before being bogged down with family and responsibilities. As she says the last bit Daniel appears in the back of the shot, clearly in hearing distance. She says "If I could go traveling again, I would in a heartbeat". He hears this only too well. "They were the best days of my life" she adds, and the look on his face is enough to kill - check he is not carrying a book! She turns round and is stunned to see him there. Daniel turns on his heel and storms away. She hurries after him and tells him to wait.

After the break Bethany is resting on the sofa and Sarah rings Shona but only gets her answering machine.

At the factory Phil the jeweler's appears and with the Connors missing Eva takes the rings for Mr Connor senior. Mr Connor junior did not buy a ring (and Eva misses the point that is not said - Aidan did buy something). Apparently Aidan has gone to the supplier's.

So in the next scene we find him at Maria's flat. Over lunchtime she has had her tag removed and her ankle is unadorned. She almost misses it. Aidan goes down on one knee and pulls a long jewelry box from his pocket. It contains a new tag - or ankle bracelet. From now on she is his prisoner. She thinks the line is both cheesy and sinister. She tells him to get it on her ankle! It is apparently gorgeous. And it means she cannot get fat ankles he adds. They kiss.

At his flat Denise is trying to tell Daniel it was harmless chit chat. He replays their conversation from earlier. He finds the two comments irreconcilable. Daniel needs to be able to trust people and he cannot trust Denise. He will not be let down any more. He wants her to leave. He is grateful that she has finally broken the spell. For years he wanted hear her key in the door and now he knows it is over. She pleads to be forgiven. He cannot do it. He is going out and she is not to be there when he returns. She pressures him but he does not listen.

In the Rovers Jenny is telling Sean how well Johnny demonstrated his dancing skills, throwing the teacher over his shoulder. It is clear that they have had a great night. Eva arrives with a face like thunder. Johnny admits he did used to have a reputation down the disco. Jenny observes that is the first time he has shown his age all night using such an old fashioned word. She hands over the rings. Eva admits that the lunchtime setup with Phil was not to make Aidan jealous but she was trying to be too clever by half. Johnny observes that in this day and age even an old fogey like him knows that is woman wants summat she goes out and gets it. And effectively tells Eva that she should propose to Aidan. Throughout this Jenny looks distinctly uncomfortable - she of course knows about Aidan having had a fling. But seems alright in the end. Eva's brain distinctly goes into gear!

On the Street Ken is walking Eccles. Denise is loading her bag into a Streetcar. She tells him Daniel wants her gone. Ken thinks that Daniel is wrong and she should stay. After all they both want the best for Daniel. Denise knows this time is different, that Daniel cannot cope, she will not be going far and she will be keeping an eye out. (She was appearing at the Bolton Octagon until 3 June http://deniseblack.co.uk/index.php?p=1_3_blog - so will she be back?). If Daniel needs her she will be there.

Johnny and Jenny are walking back in very good spirits (of both senses) to the flat. Kate comes up and joins them. Jenny has been worn out at the salsa class. Johnny hopes she is not too tired and Kate reckons that is TMI! They only stopped dancing because Jenny flaked out. Jenny goes just a little ahead and Johnny appears to trip over the edge of the pavement. Jenny catches him and tells him that at least she can hold her booze. Johnny looks down at the pavement.

David arrives home with the children who are sent to get ready for bed. Sarah wants to know why he has not answered her calls. David did not answer the phone because he went to the pictures. Sarah wants to know if he has seen Shona. David has seen her but he does not know or care where she is now. Sarah was expecting her. David says she will not be coming. He will not tell her why. David says it is no good relying on Shona. Sarah thinks she is the only one who can talk sense into Bethany. David replies that Shona has gone and he does not think she will ever be back. He adds that she decided to move on and he thinks that is for the best. Sarah asks if David has driven her away. Sarah says that if anything happens to Bethany then David will never be forgiven by her.

Closing shot of David not looking bovvered.

Roll credits.

And there she was gone - well both of them. I am disappointed by the lack of reality about handling Denise's absence from Daniel's life. It did not feel properly explained or considered. I am not sure we have seen the last of Shona (or Denise for that matter). We shall see.

Once again can I just applaud the contribution that Lucy Fallon is making? She had been formidable and the writing for her this evening with the "you won't get it in your perfect family life" to Sarah struck me as pitch perfect for a teenager with only her view of the world. Given Sarah's own grooming experience it is a pity that her mother cannot get through to her. With Shona gone then I can think of one other person who may be able to change Bethany's view, but I would not bet on it working.

I have seen the next couple of episodes as I write this and we are about to see Eva in action. If that girl had a brain she would be dangerous. Meanwhile she makes use of her body and that is dangerous enough.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 12 June

Written by Carmel Morgan Directed by Audrey Cooke

Jenny is gushing about her dress and trying to get Johnny to decide on a honeymoon. She wants activity, he wants to lie around a pool and relax. He mentions he's given Eva the day off because she's going to get ready and propose to Aidan tonight. Jenny seems flummoxed and calls him too soft.

Faye comes along carrying a bag of tools I think and gave them to Phelan who puts it in the back of the van. He is miffed because he's worried Anna will have him for child labour and he also says he won't be giving her a ride after what happened the last time. She doesn't think her mother will find out since she's staying at Gary's but he's adamant. He tells her to go to school.

Brian comes walking his bike around the corner. Cathy questions this but apparently the cobbles are tough on his coccyx. He asks her on a date for tonight.

Eva is cuddling her cat. Aidan comes in with the milk. She reminds him they're going out for dinner at the Bistro tonight. The door buzzes. Eva lets Leanne in and tells him she'll meet him there. She decides it's more romantic. She also suggests he wear his blue shirt. But that's up to him. He takes the hint and leaves for work. Leanne knows something's up. Eva wants a favour and tells her she's going to propose. Leanne's chuffed for her.

Apparently Sarah has taken Bethany out for a girly day in Chester, according to Gail. David seems lost in thought. He's not really paying much attention to her wittering. Max comes downstairs and asks if Shona is still coming to tea. No, she is not and he tells the kids Shona went away, but David doesn't really give him a proper explanation. Max will miss her, which baffles me because I don't think they hung out that much for the kids to make much of a bond but never mind. David gets cranky and huffs off, leaving Gail to hurry Max along to get ready for school. She does reckon Shona must have had a good reason for leaving.

Eileen and Billy are wondering where Shona is as well. She's left a text saying she needs a new start but Eileen worries because Nathan is free on bail. Billy thinks he might ask David if he knows anything.

Audrey notices the pretty ankle bracelet on Maria's foot and exclaims on the lovely and genuine gold and diamonds on it. Diamonds are Forever, she winks at Maria. Maria's only said she got it from a mate. We are treated to a lovely little line or two about Alf, Audrey's late husband and how he loved her ankles and her clavicle. When Maria asks if they ever rowed, Audrey recalls they only ever really bickered, not any "hum dingers" (funny, I remember one or two!) But they did have a lovely relationship. Audrey suggests Maria go out dancing tonight to celebrate, she deserves to meet someone new. Audrey even offers to babysit. David suggests Maria doesn't want to meet anyone new. Maria gives him the evil eye. Audrey insists on babysitting so Maria thanks her. David says that all relationships end in disaster anyway so she should stay home and save the cab fare. We viewers know he's talking about her fling with Aidan but of course Audrey doesn't.

Kate finds Johnny about to get in the car for his appointment with the neurologist. He doesn't want her to go and tells her she should help Eva with her plan for proposing to Aidan instead. She reluctantly agrees and agrees she won't say anything to Jenny about where he's gone. Stop worrying, he insists.

Audrey is finding David hard work today. He's off in his own little world and not very communicative. Gail steps in to see how he is and heads back to talk to him. She's followed in the door by Eileen and Billy who want to talk to David, too. She calls for David and when they ask if he knows where Shona went, he shrugs. He's uncooperative when Billy asks if he can try her mobile (because Shona seems to be ignoring theirs). It only serves to further irritate David. They won't let it drop, badgering him out of concern for Shona, of course. Billy grabs David's phone and keeps shoving it at him, insisting David do the right thing. On the phone is a photo of Kylie, reminding David of who Shona is and he takes it and throws it against a mirror, darkly muttering how Shona's a waste of organs.

After the break, David is inexplicably polishing shoes. Max's school shoes, probably. Gail comes in and they talk about making mistakes. She's sorry over what happened with Shona. David admits he actually got his hopes up over Shona. He felt normal for a minute, not a single parent or a widower. Gail sympathizes. David feels like he's betrayed Kylie but that's rubbish, so says his mother. He honours her every day as a good dad and she's proud of him.

The Bistro is decorated up with Mexican banners and balloons with appropriate music playing on the sound system. Eva comes out dressed in a red ruffled number looking hot. She really does rock a red dress, does Eva. Jenny seems a tad churlish as does Michelle but Leanne is enjoying herself. Michelle asks Robert if he's spoken to Nick today, bringing the subject up just as a dig at Leanne. Robert has to admit he's had a couple of brief conversations with his partner. Robert tries to change the subject but Michelle is intent on twisting the knife in a little more by asking Robert if Nick is still planning to sell up. Robert gives her a warning look. Michelle pretends she didn't know that Leanne didn't know.

Aidan is in the Kabin. Norris is in the back room. Maria comes in and grabs him by the bum as Norris hollers out that he'll be right there. Aidan jumps back. She asks him to go for a drink but he hesitates so she promises to go find someone who will! He watches her go with a lascivious look.

A woman approaches Phelan who is locking up the gate. She's Nicola and she's Seb's case worker apparently. He'll be let out soon and she's concerned that she can help him so that he doesn't reoffend which is where Pat Phelan comes in. Nicola hopes he could offer Seb an apprenticeship. They walk back towards Number 11. He's reluctant to get involved with the troubled teen. She describes Seb's home life as chaotic and he needs a good male role model. She thinks Phelan looks like he believes in redemption. She doesn't know the half of it, does she? He reckons they're all screwed otherwise. They've arrived home but she wants to talk further with him about it, over a cuppa? He agrees and lets her in.

Brian paces outside the Bistro waiting for Cathy, nervously.

Aidan finds Maria in the pub and they flirt, while Bob Seger's 70s hit "We've Got Tonight" plays on the jukebox. He tells her she looks hot but she suggests he splash up with cold water. Meanwhile, Eva's waiting at the Bistro and Aidan's not answering his mobile. She tries to apologize to the Mariachi Band, in Spanish, but is replied to in full-on Lancashire. "No problem, dahling" She giggles. He's so Northern that he'd prefer a pale ale to the tequila she offers him. Leanne and Michelle are trading barbs and Jenny is a bit bitchy, too but then asks Kate where her father is. Kate lies that he's at a meeting. Eva is nervous and wonders where Aidan is.

David comes back from walking the dog. Gail gets up to get his tea out of the oven but he insists he'll do it. He asks her why she said Shona had turned his life upside down. She points out he's in a state. He's suspicious as to why Gail hasn't asked what Shona did. Gail glosses over it and assumes Shona hurt him very badly. Gail tries to get away but David persists. Gail hasn't even asked why Shona was at Kylie's grave. She tries the offensive, he's interrogating her! She's half way up the stairs when he realizes she knows Shona's secret. She stops. "You know" he says, coldly.

Back to the Bistro. Cathy and Brian are enjoying themselves but Eva is in a blue funk, no Aidan yet. Kate reckons Cathy and Brian make a lovely couple though Cathy asks that she not tell Roy they were in. When Cathy asks what's going on over on the Mexican front, Kate tells them Eva's waiting for Aidan so she can propose. Cathy mentions seeing Aidan in the Rovers. Oh dear. Kate swirls around to go tell Eva where her intended is.

At the Rovers, Aidan is in the gents'. Maria steals in and pulls him into a booth for a quickie. (an Icky quicky, if you ask me) They're almost caught when Sean comes in and tosses a roll of paper over the top of the booth.

Johnny is sitting on the bench when the Mariachi band comes out of the Bistro and music fills the neighbourhood as Eva leads the way to the Rovers. Kate runs over to her father who's more interested in not missing the fun in the pub than telling her what the doctor said.

Inside the pub, Eva comes in with the band and her entourage. Liz admires the dress and jokes about the band as Maria comes lurching out of the toilets, then stops suddenly when she sees what's going on. Aidan comes out and looks mystified. She goes down on one knee and pops the question. He glances at Maria and smiles down at her. The band lifts their instruments in anticipation. What will his answer be?

Tvor

Written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Audrey Cooke

Everyone in the Rovers waits with bated breath …. and waits …. until finally Aidan gives his answer. Yes! He's sorry for earlier, he tells Eva, but he just dropped into the pub for a quick one (ha!). The Mariachi band springs into life and everyone decamps to the Bistro to celebrate. Well, all except Maria who looks ready to commit murder.

Over at Platt Towers Gail is trying to explain to David why she kept quiet about Shona but he tells her that if she had a brain cell in her head it would be lonely. And just in case she's in any doubt as to his feelings he grabs a bin bag, tosses in a couple of her belongings and throws her out of the house, telling her it's a permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, Phelan is talking to Seb's case manager, Nicola Rubinstein, when Todd arrives home. But is Phelan really interested in the proposal that he should take on Seb as an apprentice or is he more interested in the fit Ms Rubinstein?

In the Bistro the mariachi band is in full swing and Aidan is trying hard but failing miserably to look sunny in his sombrero. Kate asks her dad how he got on at the neurologist's. He claims he just has an infection and will be right as rain once he's taken a course of antibiotics.

Jenny arrives and isn't exactly ecstatic by the news of the engagement – she doesn't want anyone else overshadowing her big day. Mind you, she confides to Kate, she and Johnny will be having a classy affair, not like Eva and Aidan's tacky wedding. In view of their Mexican themed engagement party, she could have a point. Eva notices Aidan trying to slip away. He tells her he has to go back to the office to send an important email …

We return to Platt Towers where Gail is trying to get in but David's put the chain on the door and he's refusing to let her into the house.

Across the road Ken is returning home with some shopping when his bags burst all over the pavement. Johnny hurries over to help. As they huddle over the spilled groceries, Johnny admits he's avoiding someone.

Aidan arrives at Maria's flat. She can't believe what she's hearing when he tells her that the engagement changes nothing and he still wants to be with her. If he won't leave then she will announces a furious Maria, heading for the front door.

Back at the Bistro, Kate wonders where Johnny's got to. Eva hopes he's gone to find Aidan. Sean jokes he may be seeing his secret mistress. As if, laughs Eva, explaining to everyone that he's gone back to work to do something on his laptop.

Outside Phelan spots Faye and goes over to ask her about Seb's case manager. Faye's delighted when he tells her about the possible apprenticeship. He says he'll take her to see Seb again provided she doesn't tell anyone else.

Sarah and Bethany arrive home to find they can't get in. David comes to the door and announces he's thrown out Gail. He calls to Billy and Eileen across the street and says they might want to hear this, too and then tells all of them that Shona is Clayton's mum. They all looked suitably shocked. Bethany can't believe this is the same woman that Sarah wanted her to turn to for advice.

Maria has taken herself off to the kebab shop to lick her wounds. Aidan comes in and Gemma asks them to mind the shop while she nips out the back. Aidan is adamant that getting engaged to Eva means nothing, he still wants Maria. Then Eva arrives. She wants to know what's going on.

Maria says this is her fault and Aidan chips in that Maria was upset so he came in to see if he could help. Maria tells Eva it's because she wishes the two of them were still friends. Eva reminds Aidan he's not supposed to be friends with Maria either and marches him back to the engagement party. Gemma has come back and asks Maria if she'd like to go for a drink later.

Johnny has gone back to number 1 with Ken. He sees Deirdre's photo on the side and asks Ken if there was much of an age gap. He admits he's worried about Jenny being so much younger than him and he doesn't want to be a burden. Ken tells him we've all got to be a burden to someone sooner or later. Johnny thanks him and says he'd best be off.

Eva and Aidan have returned to the Bistro where the band is still playing. Jenny is trying to persuade Aidan that 2018 would be a good year for him to get married. She tells him that she knows they haven't always seen eye to eye but she can see how happy he makes Eva. Jenny continues to talk and is actually being really nice to Aidan but Johnny comes in mid sentence and, taken out of context, it sounds as though she's saying something nasty. Johnny turns on her and asks why today, of all days, she can't let it go. Jenny looks confused as Johnny walks away.

Maria has taken up Gemma's offer of a drink in the Rovers and they're propping up the bar. Gemma tells Liz that Maria's had a face like a slapped backside all evening. Maria says she's sick of lying and admits she's been seeing a guy but he's with someone else so she'd better get used to it. Gemma says that's one way of looking at it. The other way, she tells Maria, is war. Gemma smirks and Maria grins back at her.

Back in the Bistro Michelle offers Eva some advice – she should make things up with Maria because good friends are hard to find.

Jenny finds Johnny over by the bar and asks why he's being so horrible to her. He tells her to leave him alone. Then he tells her it's over. Jenny's confused, is this about her speaking to Aidan? She wasn't being horrible she assures him. But Johnny tells her he means it, he's been having doubts for some while and, leaving Jenny open mouthed, he walks out.

Billy gets home and tells Todd the news about Shona. Todd always knew she was bad news and this confirms his worst suspicions.

Maria arrives at the Bistro. She tells Eva she hasn't come for a fight and is surprised when Eva gets in first and says they should bury the hatchet. Eva tells Maria she misses having her as her bezzie and then adds that she is going to be SO excited by what she has to tell her … Maria tries to contain her look of horror as Eva insists that she's her bridesmaid. Eva waits for a reply for the second time that evening. Finally Maria says she'll do it, earning her a big kiss on the cheek from Eva. Eva walks away and Maria tells Aidan she's sick of playing second fiddle when she knows she can make him happy. She asks him if he loves her and he says she knows he does. In that case, Maria says, it's time for Aidan to make a choice – does he want her or Eva?

Karen


Wednesday 14 June

Johnny wanders in the kitchen in his dressing gown, looking fed up. Jenny suddenly bursts through the front door, all bright and breezy, telling him she knows he didn't mean what he said last night, it was the drink and pre-wedding jitters. He tells her he did mean it, he can't marry her, he doesn't love her any more, he can't go on pretending. She's incredulous, and makes him look at her to tell her he doesn't love her. "I don't," he says, so she slaps him hard, pulls her engagement ring off, and storms out.

Over in the salon, David's phone rings, he picks it up, sees it's Gail calling, and turns it off. He then starts talking to Maria about Aidan and Eva, and reckons she must be feeling pretty miserable seeing as they've got engaged. Maria reckons it won't last.

Roy is away at a steam festival, and Yasmeen is working in the cafe. She and Ken are chatting when Daniel comes in. Ken remarks that he hasn't answered his calls, and Daniel is distant and says he's been busy. Ken then tries to talk about Denise, but Daniel says he doesn't want to talk about her and takes his coffee and leaves.

Eva and Daniel are walking along outside, she's wittering on about wedding dresses, and tells him it would be romantic to get married on Christmas eve. Aidan stops and points out that's only 6 months away, he was thinking more about a wedding late next year.

A stunned Jenny is in the Kabin, having told Rita, Mary and Norris what's happened. Norris wonders if she's upset Johnny somehow, and Mary thinks it's pre-wedding nerves. Rita is incensed that he could treat Jenny like that and says she's going to give Johnny a piece of her mind.

Back in the salon, Audrey points out to David that Max and Lily need their grandma. David says Gail's gone too far this time and the answer is no.

Rita marches into Johnny's apartment, demanding to know what he's playing at. He tells her he's fallen out of love with Jenny, although he never wanted to hurt her. Rita tells him that Jenny has lost people all her life, and now, deep down, she blames herself. "I don't think she'll ever get over this," says Rita.

Ken goes to see Daniel and tells him he can't isolate himself, and he'll pay for him to see a therapist. Daniel, however, doesn't want to, he says yes, he got angry, and he regrets what he did, but it won't happen again, and he doesn't want some psychiatrist poking around dredging things up that he doesn't want to talk about, it will make him more angry and more miserable. Ken asks him to think about it, and leaves.

Aidan and Eva are leaving the factory, and Eva is carrying Jenny's wedding dress, and still wittering on about her own wedding dress. Just then they see Jenny in the Street, and Eva calls to her that she's got her dress. Jenny tells her to take it out of the carrier, then turns and goes into the Kabin. She comes out with a large pair of scissors and proceeds to cut the dress up! Johnny is walking along and sees this, as Jenny turns to Aidan and tells him she's sure he had something to do with it. Then Kate comes along and Jenny asks her if she knew. "What?" asks Kate. Jenny tells her to ask her dad. Then she turns to Eva. "Be very careful marrying a Connor, all they do is lie!" she says. As we go into the break, we see the shredded wedding dress lying on the cobbles.

Johnny and Kate get back to the flat, and she asks why. He tells her he doesn't want to marry Jenny, and Kate works out that it's to do with his diagnosis. He tells her that he thought it was something serious but it isn't, and it made him think about living in the 'now'. She doesn't' believe him, and presses him. "What is it? MS? Parkinson's?" He starts to deny it, but eventually tells her he has multiple sclerosis.

Aidan arrives at Maria's and tells her he's going to end it with Eva. She asks if he means it this time, and he assures her that he loves her.

Eva is in the Kabin with Jenny and Rita. She tells Jenny she's being really strong, but Jenny is really upset and cries.

Johnny and Kate are talking about his illness. He tells her that he's had symptoms for years, but just didn't know what they were. He doesn't want to destroy a woman that he loves, he doesn't want Jenny to be his carer. Kate points out that she wouldn't have to be, not for years. He tells her that he's 63 and Jenny is 46, what kind of future can he give her? He thinks she deserves more than to push him around in a wheelchair. He then makes Kate promise not to tell her. She tells him they'll have to tell Aidan and Carla, he can't keep it a secret. He says that no one must know until the day he can't walk any more, and expects her to respect his wishes. "No," says Kate, "I won't!" He gets cross then and tells her to leave, but when she's gone he falls and bangs his head on the corner of the kitchen worktop and knocks himself out.

Ken arrives home and Tracy tells him how Jenny was cutting up her wedding dress in the street. They then sit down to lunch and he tells her he saw Daniel earlier. Tracy doesn't want to be nice to him, after what he did. Ken tells her Daniel has been through a lot and most of it was his fault, and Ken feels that as his father it's his duty to try and sort him out. He reminds Tracy that he did the same for her and Peter when they got into trouble. He tells Tracy he wants her to go and see him.

Johnny comes round on his kitchen floor, blood all over his forehead.

David has picked Max up early from school, apparently with a bad tummy. Gail sees them coming home and goes over and asks if she can help. "No," says David, "we don't need you."

Adam is walking down the street when he sees Aidan hurrying into the ginnel. It seems that Aidan is meeting Maria there, and we see them kissing passionately. She then asks him when he's going to tell Eva. He tells her he'll have to tread carefully, he wants to break it off gently without mentioning Maria. She's not happy, but eventually says that as long as they're together in the end, it's ok. As they start kissing again, Adam takes a photograph!

Anne Logan


Friday 16 June

We begin with Todd and Billy waving off Eileen and Phelan. Eileen's off to take her driving theory test. Todd sees Bethany and tells her it's good to have her home and offers to chat any time. When Bethany's gone, Billy tells Todd what a good Dad he'd make. He's looking forward to Todd getting to know Summer.

Daniel meets Sinead in the street and asks if he can meet her in the pub later. She won't. He says it's just a drink but she ignores him.

Back home, Billy looks at places to take Summer later on. Todd takes a call. It's an agency offering him work and he can't afford to turn it down.

In the pub, Rana and Alya are sitting with Beth, Sinead and Kate, though the first two aren't having anything because it's Ramadan. Rana goes back to work and Liz asks Steve if he's given notice to Alya and Kate to get out of the flat over the taxi office. He hasn't. Liz makes the point that they have to give the girls a month's notice.

Yasmeen meets Mary and Tracy as they're shutting the shop for lunch (no, I have no idea why the writers make them do this. Surely people don't say "Oh, I'll just pop out and get some flowers but not on my lunch break"? Do they?). Tracy's taking Mary for a special lunch to reward her for being Employee of the Month.

Daniel goes into the pub and sees Sinead there. He greets her but she gets up and goes to the loo. Beth can't understand why Daniel is still "sniffing round" Sinead. Steve comes over to talk to Alya and Kate but all he manages to get out is "Any glasses?" - much to Liz's exasperation. Beth thinks he's being weird because he's always had a thing for her.

Luke, Craig, Chesney and Kirk come in. Kirk won't sit with Beth because he's with the lads. Liz tells Alya and Kate that Steve would like a word. He dithers so much that Liz steps in and tells them they need the flat back. The girls are a bit thrown. Alya asks Kate if Johnny's looking for lodgers. Luke thinks he might be able to help. Luke still wants to talk to Sinead but she just tells him to leave her alone. Chesney backs her up and Daniel puts down the drink he's just been served and leaves the pub.

Kate goes to Johnny's flat and sees blood on the floor. He comes out of the bathroom with blood on his forehead, telling her it looks worse than it is.

Two blokes at a table in the bistro are trying to chat up Michelle. Daniel comes in late for work and says he's been to the dentist. Mary and Tracy come in and are shown to a table. When Robert comes out, one of the blokes recognizes him. Robert tells "Rich" that he does a few shifts there. Rich tells him that if he's interested, they're "fully loaded." Daniel overhears them off Robert "a little livener." He asks Robert if they're talking about drugs. "You didn't hear that," says Robert. "One word and you're out on your ear."

Kate's brought Rana back to the flat, to Johnny's annoyance, but Kate wants to make sure he gets some medical attention.

Michelle asks Robert if he knows the blokes and he says Rich is an old clubbing mate. Daniel is serving the two men and seems to be getting on well with them.

Daniel goes over to serve Tracy and Mary. Tracy asks him about how cheerful he was with the two blokes, saying Ken told her Daniel was low. Mary goes off to the loo and Daniel asks Tracy if she can at least be civil. When Michelle comes over to see if everything is OK, Tracy tells her Daniel is refusing to take her order. Daniel says Tracy is an evil bitch who should be barred. That's enough for Robert, who sends him home. Daniel flounces out, throwing his pinny down in the street.

Eileen's home and has passed her theory test.

Craig and Kirk are in the street and Craig, wearing his Specials uniform, sees his sergeant, Neil, arrive. He asks what he's doing there and Neil tells him it's a duty-of-care visit to Bethany. Craig invites himself along, much to Neil's annoyance.

Rana asks Johnny about how he fell and Kate tells her he's got MS. Rana tells him he needs to make an appointment with the GP. When she's gone, a grumpy Johnny tells Kate he's got a specialist's appointment in six weeks. Kate tells him it's too much for her to cope with on her own. She's going to tell Aidan. Johnny leaps up and shouts that she mustn't.

In the pub, Alya talks to Luke. Steve thinks it's a good idea for Alya and Kate to move in with Luke, though he's not prepared for Alya to challenge him for the reasons. Daniel's at the other end of the bar drinking heavily. He gets aggressive when refused any more and goes off to find someone who will serve him.

Neil tells Bethany he just wants to confirm a few things in her statement. Craig interrupts and asks about Shona and Bethany snaps at him. That's Neil's excuse to send Craig out, saying he's not helping. Once he's gone, Neil tells Bethany not to say anything. She's not to talk about Nathan, nor about Shona. She tells him nobody suspects she might be going. He says Nathan will contact her in the morning. "Keep your head down and wait for him to contact you." Bethany asks where they're going. Neil says Nathan will explain everything.

Billy, Drew and Summer head for the cafe. Summer goes on ahead and Billy tells Drew he can't believe how bright she is.

Daniel comes out of the shop with a bottle of something and puts it down behind the pillar box when he sees Rich and the other bloke leave the bistro. He says Robert's changed his mind about wanting something. He'll settle up with Rich later.

Yasmeen's working in the cafe. Summer's busy folding origami shapes that move. Billy is very taken with her. When she goes to the toilet, Drew tells Billy there seems to be a good sense of community round there and he thinks Summer would be happy there. He hasn't got long. Billy agrees they will definitely take her. "Todd will be made up with her, just like I am."

Daniel's in his flat above the shop mixing loud music, cocaine, alcohol and dancing.

Johnny calls Kate and leaves a voicemail pleading with her not to tell Aidan. Rana rings the doorbell and he begs her to go and stop Kate from telling Aidan.

Daniel collapses backwards on to his sofa and begins fitting.

Kirk and Chesney hear the loud music and comment that someone's having a good time. Daniel's not moving.

The end
Margaret Carr

The update that will not die. I was standing in for Glenda on the weekly updates this week so I will soon have watched this episode three times and written two updates!

This is episode 9188, was written by Julie Jones, directed by Audrey Cooke. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Robert's old clubbing mate and drug supplier of choice, Rich, returns to the Bistro and wants the cash. Robert who is clean these days is confused until Rich explains that his young assistant did the buying. Robert wants to know the damage - cocaine and GHB, but no amounts quoted.

Meanwhile Daniel is still out of it slumped on his sofa.

Aidan finds a queue of people waiting for him when he arrives at Underworld. Sean has some unacceptable fabric - but Aidan tells him to use it anyway. Aidan goes into the office and he receives a mobile phone message from an unknown source - a photo of Aidan and Maria snogging. Kate follows him into the office and wants to tell him something when Rana arrives and drags Kate back out of the office and on Johnny's behalf begs her not to tell Aidan. Rana says Johnny needs time to come to terms with his diagnosis and needs support. Aidan emerges and Kate merely announces that she is moving to Luke's and was just letting him know! Aidan is more worried about the picture he has just received.

At the Bistro Drew is questioning Billy's decision to take Summer - it just came out so suddenly. Billy can see she is a great kid and she needs a parent. Drew asks again - Summer is not a puppy and cannot go back if she chews Todd's slippers. Billy thinks that is unlikely. Billy assures Drew he will look after Summer on her long and difficult journey (why is she joining Big Brother?). Summer comes back from the toilet and Billy dodges answering a question about Todd's view of the matter.

Sarah is briefing David on a family dinner which Bethany is arranging, she wants them all together. David wants to know if Bethany is trying to turn them into the Waltons. Sarah, says he has to turn up, stuff his gob and behave himself. They all need to watch out for Bethany. David wants to chain her to the radiator. Sarah would like to do that as well!

Rana and Kate are having a joke and a chat on the steps of Underworld. (Is it me or is Rana finding Kate "interesting"?). Rana is glad that Kate has accepted that Johnny needs to make the decisions on who knows and when.

Robert is trying to get into Daniel's flat, loud music issuing forth - so he is in and Norris who is watching saw the shifty looking Daniel slope in earlier. Adam is passing and he still has a key so lets Robert in. They find Daniel collapsed and briefly Robert freezes - a past memory? The two men carry Daniel out and put him in the back of the "Nick's Bistro" van to go to the hospital. Chesney passes by looking quite smug as he is told that Daniel is drunk. Adam drives them off to the hospital.

Gemma is consuming a kebab as Chesney cleans down. She is off to the "Get Wrecked" night at the Lagoon. Ches is staying in. He is going to make Sinead her favourite tea - fish finger butties on doughy white bread, mayonnaise to dip in and a favourite film - Marley and Me. He admits they are not back together - but he hopes it is just time!

Bethany's cup cakes have gone all wonky. The kids add the icing sugar coating. Sarah wants to know why Bethany is doing this and she insists she just wanted to treat all of them. She wants to say thank you for supporting her. Audrey cannot come and Gail is barred! My house, my rules says David when Sarah protests.

In the Rovers is leaving messages for Maria. In a booth Norris and Rita are consoling Jenny -she is according to Norris suffering cold turkey like a drug withdrawal. Rita tells her to drink up and drown her sorrows. Jenny is not sure she can return to Underworld - and Aidan overhears and tells her she will be demoted to cleaner unless she explains what she has done to force Johnny ending the engagement. Norris backs up the boss's consort and stands up to Aidan but Sean says he will sort both of them out. Aidan says he could take them both out.

Kate sees Johnny and explains that Rana helped her see sense - but he cannot leave Jenny not knowing. She deserves to know and make her own choices. He could be robbing himself and Jenny of years of happiness. She insists he puts it right, before it is too late.

Adam and Robert carry Daniel into A&E asking for help. He has taken GHB and cocaine. They are asked to wait outside. Adam wants some explanation from Robert who merely says it was an educated guess. Adam warns him that if Daniel dies Robert will be made to pay by Adam. No-one has made contact with the rest of the Barlow family. After a while they are back at the bedside and Daniel revives. Adam gives him a right telling off.

Alya and Kate want to feng shui the flat - but Luke does not fall for it. Rana brings a house warming present - the candle Alya gave her at Christmas. Rana and Kate are left to have another chat.

In the Rovers Jenny has cheered up and is laughing - but it is all show. She and Rita have got the munchies and so Rita is taken for her first ever kebab (and you updater would like to record that he has never had a kebab in his life either, but I am a lot younger than Rita). Norris warns them he does not want to know when they have all got e Coli and Jenny reckons that e Coli might be a nice new boyfriend! As they leave Billy arrives and sits down with Todd as he has to explain the commitment he has made on his behalf.

Dinner is late - but Bethany eventually serves it. Sarah is arranging an outing to a fashion exhibition and Bethany agrees to go as well. She says she is sorry to Sarah for everything. That makes no sense to Sarah but we know she is going to do a runner.

Drunk Rita wants to know what sort of animal a doner is. Drunk Jenny says it is an animal and suggests adding a lot of chili sauce on it to kill the taste! Gemma thinks it is foreign for lamb (but they can be beef or chicken). Jenny's phone rings, it is Johnny and Rita shouts that she has had a better offer. He wants Jenny to go round to the flat she slurs. Gemma tells her not to do booty calls and to have some self respect. Jenny says he sounded sorry. Rita is wearing Gemma's hat from her uniform. Jenny still loves him though. Rita wrinkles her face in disgust.

Sinead has cooked Chesney exactly the meal he was planning earlier and described to Gemma. And they decide that the movie to watch is "Marley and Me - the Puppy Years". Is she really going to settle for Chesney?

At Eileen's Todd and Billy are still discussing Summer. Todd is inevitably losing slowly. Billy is certain Todd will love her when he meets her. As far as Billy is concerned there is no going back - Drew has been told. Todd is not amused.

Daniel discharges himself against medical advice. Adam agrees to stay with him overnight to ensure he is OK. But he is only doing one night. Daniel avoids reference to counseling services etc because it was a one-off. Adam says Daniel needs help but Daniel knows he does not care. Adam says that one way or another Daniel needs to get his head straightened out.

Jenny opens the door to Johnny's flat she is followed by Gemma who is trying to guide Rita (wearing the hat still) in the right direction. Johnny wanted a private chat, but the posse want to hear it all says Gemma and Rita. Johnny explains the cut on his head is down to being drunk. He says he has been a total idiot and ending things with Jenny was the biggest mistake of his life. He opens the ring box and tells her the ring belongs on her finger. Jenny looks at the ring and at Johnny and back to the ring - she asks what happened to him falling out of love with her? He never stopped loving her - but he cannot explain (he does not want to tell the posse his secret). Jenny says she cannot risk a repeat dumping and hands him back the ring. Gemma starts celebrating. Johnny tries to talk to Jenny as she ushers the other two out of the flat. She returns and says that he wanted her out, she is out and then leaves with Johnny looking distraught.

Roll credits.

For the record press reports indicate that Johnny is not leaving at the moment. He hopes to see the story through over a long period (although who knows?).

Great drunk Rita tonight. Just slightly overdone - but that is the way I like it!

Not sure where the drugs and Daniel story is going. At some point Chesney is going to remark about him being drunk no doubt, possibly to Sinead?

I think we may nearly be at the end of the Bethany story as far as Nathan is concerned, but once she sees the scale of her mistakes?

And I rather think that before long Aidan's two timing activities may be rather more obvious!

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 19 June

Written by Susan Oudot Directed by Tim O'Mara

Billy's still looking for Shona but looking forward to Todd meeting Summer. Todd? Not so much but he promises to keep his reservations to himself. We'll see how that works out for him. He tells his mother he doesn't want to lose Billy but he doesn't know if he can do it. Later, Drew has brought Summer over and is leaving her with Billy and Todd. Drew really does look and sound ill as he says goodbye to Billy at the door. Summer decides she's like to go for a bite to eat. B&T are amenable. They go to the Bistro and end up in a deep discussion about God and why good people die. Good questions, all, Todd agrees and throws it in Billy's court. But before he can answer, she decides to go to the toilet. She's quite a little corker but you'd think at the age of 9, losing her father, she'd be in bits. Maybe it really hasn't sunk in.

Looks like Todd and Summer are getting on pretty well. While she's out of earshot, Todd admits he does like Summer. When she comes back to the table, she knows they've been talking about her.

Faye is still staying with Izzy. Anna sees them on the street and asks if she can come to Faye's art show. Things are still awkward between them and it turns out Faye wasn't even going to put her art in the show. I think she's falling a little behind.

Daniel thanks Adam for being there for him. At least he knows what he did was stupid. Adam is gracious enough. Daniel worries about his job but Adam reckons Robert will be just as happy to keep the whole thing under wraps. He won't want to be associated with a drug dealer. (not anymore, anyway) Adam is heading to London for a couple of weeks' worth of work. He assures Daniel he still hates what Daniel has done but reckons Daniel hates himself far more. Daniel admits he's going to get counseling which Adam thinks is a good thing. He even squeezes his shoulder when he leaves. Daniel really does look miserable.

Robert comes to see him later, make sure he's ok. Robert tells Daniel Rich was offering drugs to him but he wasn't buying. He also worries that Daniel is left on his own while Adam is away. Robert suggests his dad look in on him but Daniel isn't keen on that. Robert tells him he's still got a job and since he paid for the drugs, Daniel also has a debt to be repaid.

Fiz is laughing with her mate Kim out in the yard, surrounded by all that metal rubbish that Tyrone collects. Tyrone is in the kitchen grousing to Luke about all the time Kim seems to spend hanging around Fiz. There doesn't seem to be any admiration of "that kind" on Fiz's part but Tyrone is very suspicious. He's not happy when Kim joins them for lunch in the Bistro, either but when Kim finds out from a friend that the old radio Tyrone had found is worth about 130 quid!

Bethany is planning to meet Nathan today and will be leaving town with him. She's babysitting Harry for the morning while Sarah goes to the dentist for a bad toothache. Mary is going to take Bethany to the costume exhibit instead of Sarah. Bethany seems quiet because she knows she won't be around for a dentist appointment that Sarah promises to book for her. Sarah thinks Bethany is going to a gallery opening or event, I think. After Sarah leaves, Bethany is tearful, knowing she'll probably never see her lovely little brother again.

Mary arrives to take Bethany to the costume exhibition just as Bethany is digging through the sideboard looking for her passport. That's the one Sarah cut up a couple of weeks ago, remember? Bethany tells Mary she isn't going and has had a clear out for the charity shop so it sounds like she expects Mary to babysit while she takes her stuff to the shop, though of course, what she's packed up is really her own stuff to go with her when she leaves with Nathan. Mary spots Bethany's carryall bags and tries to look in them but Bethany pushes her away. Mary suspects straight away that she's trying to run away and knows she's lying about it. Bethany admits she's going with Nathan.

Bethany insists that she loves Nathan and nobody is going to stop her going off with him. She describes Nathan as special, someone that treats her like she really matters. Mary really does understand and tries to talk to her, gently, reasonably, but also trying very hard to make a point. She tells her that she convinced herself that she meant something to the man that got her pregnant but she realized that wasn't so. He was an opportunist that saw her as someone that could be manipulated, who could take what he wanted. It wasn't love, it was rape. Bethany is taken aback but protests. It's not the same. Mary beseeches Bethany, practically wills her to realize that what Nathan and the other did was indeed rape. Nathan allowed them to rape her. Bethany is visibly fighting that huge wall of denial inside.

Mary's words about not saying anything when you really do want to is a prison sentence. We know Bethany has had those moments, at least it certainly looked as if she has. She tells Bethany that she could finally leave all that guilt behind and move on with her life once she was able to tell a trusted friend, Norris, about her past. Bethany sympathizes for what happened to Bethany but she insists it's not the same with her and Nathan. Bethany takes her bags. Mary tries to stop her leaving but she can't, and Harry starts crying upstairs. Mary phones Sarah but it goes to voice mail.

Bethany is still outside waiting. Mary wheels Harry out and the next argument is for Bethany to think of her family. She is holding Harry a bit sadly while Mary pleads. Nathan drives up and gets out of the car to help with her bag. Mary can't persuade her and Bethany gives Harry back to her and gets in the car where the music is fairly loud. Loud enough that I don't think she hears the conversation between Mary and Nathan where Mary tells him a few home truths and insists she's not afraid of him. He tells her she should be, he's capable of far more than she thinks, which he says while stroking Harry's little face in a rather menacing way. He then gets in the car and drives off.

Tvor

Good evening. For personal reasons Karen cannot be with us this evening so I have popped into keep things going.

The is episode 9190 and it was written by Susan Oudot. The director was Tim O'Mara. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. And now over to the mean Street in Weatherfield.

Nathan is speeding along a motorway with Bethany in the passenger seat. She wants to know what he said to Mary - he lies about it, saying he would look after Bethany. Bethany had tried to get rid of Mary. Bethany thinks all is well - they are together now. He tells her they are going to Hull. And then on to Belgium. She reveals she no longer has her passport. He asks her if she knows how much her stupidity is going to cost him? He starts shouting at her. She changes the subject and asks where they will stay in Belgium. He has to reveal that he cannot leave the country and she will be going on her own. She says they are only doing this so they can be together. He gets even more annoyed hitting the steering wheel. He tries to sweet talk her. He tells her that she needs to trust him.

Mary dashes into the Rovers to tell Sarah that Bethany has gone away with Nathan - which Craig hears. He knows Nathan has broken his bail and will phone DC Leigh (not his Sergeant). Sarah reminds us all that Bethany's passport has been cut up. Mary says she tried to talk Bethany round.

In the Bistro Billy and Todd have been caught out by Summer talking about her. She calls Billy a bad liar. She knows someone is going to have to take her when Drew dies and she is not normally allowed an afternoon off school so this must be important. She seems OK with Billy - but Todd is more difficult. At home they discuss Summer - she comes downstairs and overhears the discussion as Billy is still trying to convince Todd - but he is still not in favour. Billy said he was not in favour - but Todd does not think they have much of a choice. Later Billy suggests to Summer that they should all go to the park. She is not keen. She admits to playing football but is not struck by the idea of playing with a frisbee. Billy goes to phone Drew and she tells Todd she has been thinking and she knows it is not going to work out. There is bad news from the phone call - Drew has been rushed to hospital.

In the Bistro Ty accuses Kim, Fiz's lecturer, of chasing Fiz. Turns out he is more likely to chase Ty. Fiz is very annoyed. Later Ty explains to Fiz that he thought Kim was chasing her. She tells him that he should have trusted that it would not matter to her even if he had been interested. And Ty recalls that Kim seemed keen on Luke. Ty is still playing around with scrap metal.

Dev has had a good round of golf. Kev is on t'internet looking up Anna's drugs and the impact on sex drive. Erica arrives at the garage and finds Dev won the golf tournament. He is back many hours later than planned. He promises to make it up to Erica. He is the garage because he has a slow puncture. Dev also needs to talk to Erica about the weekend but doesn't.

Robert excuses Daniel's hungover look to Michelle by saying he got drunk with Adam. Robert tells Daniel to take a break in the kitchen (he wants to keep an eye on him). Daniel assures him it was a one-off.

Izzy has popped round to see Anna. Apparently Faye is not going to the art exhibition as her pieces will not be on display. Anna thinks Faye is lying. It may be a story to stop Anna going. Meanwhile Faye is with Pat (all dressed up in a suit and tie) and they are off to see Seb. They will also be seeing Nicola who needs to see Pat later. Izzy and Anna argue over Faye seeing Seb - Izzy wants to find a solution. Anna wants Faye to move home. Anna heads to the cafe and Kev follows her. She is going to see if Faye has left a message with Roy. As she gets to the cafe she sees Pat, Nicola and Faye returning with Seb. The two youngsters hug. Anna calls Faye a little liar and then continues to shout at the girl, watched by Kev, Seb, Izzy, Pat, Nicola and Erica. Faye tells her that she is staying with Izzy and there is nothing Anna can do to stop her seeing as much of Seb as she wants. Kev restrains Anna and she shakes him off. Erica offers some sympathy.

Nathan and Bethany are stopped. He is on the phone to a contact for a passport. Bethany gets a text message from Sarah - they know she is with Nathan - will she call home? Bethany's brain is working? Nathan gets back in and tells her they will be meeting someone called John. She keeps asking questions - where will she be staying, will she need some money. He angrily tells her to stop asking questions.

At the Platt's the police officer and Craig are with Sarah but have no idea where to start looking. Sarah starts to lose it. She is afraid she will never see Bethany again.

At the hospital the nurse is strangely reluctant to talk to Billy in front of Summer, so we know Drew Spellman has died. Todd takes Summer to get a drink - so she guesses the news is not good. She wants her daddy. Later Drew's grim faced mother storms in and tells Summer she is taking her home. She knows what happened - Drew died from a heart failure as there were complications. This is said in front of Summer and Billy tries to soften the impact by reminding Summer of his last words that he loved her and the death was quick and painless. She then lays into Billy saying he should be ashamed of wearing that collar. Summer will never be raised by Billy. She hurries Summer out.

Norris tries to re-assure Mary that she could not have done any more. And Mary cannot believe Bethany cannot see through Nathan. Norris reminds Mary that her experience did lead to Jude. And Bethany will see the light eventually says Norris and Mary believes this too.

Nathan and Bethany arrive at a service station - he needs to make some calls. She asks if he loves her and he says he does. She says she is going to the toilet. He spots her phone, removes the battery and sim card and when he gets out of the car treads on the sim card so they cannot be tracked. She goes inside and sees Nathan having an argument on the phone. She looks around and sees a mother with two children at a table. She asks the mother for help, she tells them her name is Bethany Platt and she needs the woman to call the police. There is a man outside trying to make her leave the country and she does not want to go. She starts crying, the woman looks like she has come across a real nutter!

Roll credits.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Wednesday 21 June

Nathan is standing outside the service station on the phone to Neil, assuring him that everything is under control, in a couple of hours Bethany will be in another country and someone else's problem.

Inside, the mother that Bethany approached has phoned the police, they're on their way. Just then Nathan comes in and tells Bethany they're going. Bethany tells him she's not. The mother gets up and tells him that Bethany doesn't want to go with him, but Nathan starts getting aggressive, and warns her to mind her own business. He starts trying to pull Bethany's arm, but just then the police come through the door and, alerted by the mother's calls, come over and arrest him. He's hustled out of the door, shouting abuse at Bethany, who sits there, sobbing.

Brian has called on Cathy at the Nazir's house, much to Zeedan's annoyance. As they cavort flirtatiously, he tells his mother she has got to put a stop to it. Yasmeen is sure everything is above board, but Zeedan tells her he found one of Brian's socks lying about the other day.

The police have taken Bethany to the police station, where she's greeted by Craig who tells her that Sarah is on her way. Neil is also waiting for her and he tells the other officers he'll take it from there, so they leave Bethany in his charge. He then tells Craig to go home, assuring him he'll look after her.

Seb is loading up Phelan's van, watched by Faye, Phelan himself and Nicola, his social worker. Phelan, Faye and Seb then start horsing around, until suddenly they realise that Anna is walking past, glaring at them all. "If looks could kill....." says Nicola.

Neil is talking to Bethany on her own in the police station. (Surely she should have a woman officer in attendance? Or an 'appropriate adult'?) He tells her she must now move forward, but they must first establish some ground rules, so they both know where they stand. He goes on to say he's a respected policeman, but she is just a gullible little tart who got in over her head. He tells her to be smart, he would hate her pretty mother to get caught up in all of it, or her baby brother. He leans in towards her and tells her to keep his name out of it, he'll be watching her.

Nicola asks Phelan why Anna has such a problem with him. He tells her about being in business with Owen, a couple of years ago, the business failed and Owen left, ever since, he says, Anna has been gunning for him. Putting on a great act, he says he feels sorry for Anna and hopes that one day she'll find some contentment.

Sarah arrives at the police station to find a tearful Bethany. A woman detective appears to say she's going to be interviewing Bethany. Sarah asks if she can come too, but is told it's not possible. Sarah tells Bethany just to tell the truth and everything will be ok, but as she's saying this, we see Neil lurking in the background, and Bethany looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

Bethany is being interviewed by the policewoman, but Neil is watching on the CCTV. She explains how the relationship with Nathan progressed. She says that Nathan never made her do anything she didn't want to, that's not his way, but he got into her head and before she knew it she didn't want to be with anyone but him. She then explains how she messed up by giving the guy called Mike the laptop and other equipment. She was then made to go for a drink with the guy who's stuff was stolen. As she tells it, we can see the realization that the gear wasn't stolen dawn on her face, and they were all in on it. She says that she had to sleep with him. She's asked for the man's name, and Neil, watching from another room, looks tense. Bethany pauses, looks up, and then says that the man's name was Paul, being with him was vile, but she wouldn't recognise him again.

Zeedan goes into his kitchen to be stopped short by the sight of Brian, wearing only vest, underpants, socks with suspenders and an apron, cooking. He tells Zeedan he has a tendency to splash. Just then Cathy comes in, all giggly and embarrassed, and tells him to put his trousers back on. Yasmeen appears then, and Zeedan pulls her to one side and tells her it's getting way out of hand. "It's bad enough he's cooking during Ramadan, but he's doing it half naked," he hisses at her. "If you don't talk to them, I will," he says.

Summer's grandmother arrives to see Billy and tells him that he's not to attend her son's funeral or attempt to have any contact with Summer. Billy tells her that's not what Drew wanted, but she won't listen. She tells them that 'their kind' polluted her son's life, he chose a life that brought disgrace and suffering to her family. Drew's sickness was of the body and the spirit, now he's at peace. When she's gone, Billy weeps.

Yasmeen approaches Brian and Cathy and tells them that they're behaving like a couple of children, she wants to know why they're hiding. Brian points out that Roy is their friend. "Then he should understand," says Yasmeen. "What if he doesn't?" says Cathy. Yasmeen tells her that's his problem. Cathy eventually sees that Yasmeen is right. "We've got to tell him," she says.

Gary is talking to Anna, about Faye. Anna says she'll tell her what Phelan is really like and then maybe she'll come to her senses about Seb. Anna doesn't want to drive Faye away, but she needs to know the truth.

Eileen has arrived home and wishes she'd been home when Summer's grandmother called. Todd points out that if she had been there would have been carnage, and sooner they get Summer away from her the better. Billy is worried that they won't be able to, unless Drew changed his will, it's all irrelevant. "Where do we start?" he asks. Todd reckons a good place to start will be to go to the funeral.

The detective tells Sarah how well Bethany did with her interview, and Neil looks up from the desk. "She was a star," he says. Bethany looks really nervous and tells Sarah she wants to go home, she's not answering any more questions, she has nothing more to say. As they go out of the door, Neil looks after them and smirks.

Anne Logan.


Friday 23 June

We begin in the ginnel, where Aidan tells Maria about the photo he's been sent. Maria says he needs to confess to Eva today, before anyone else tells her. Aidan agrees.

Fay takes Seb some lunch at Phelan's yard. Anna glares at them from the cafe doorstep.

Mary gives Erica a birthday card. Erica's got no idea what Dev's got planned for her birthday. Dev comes down and suggests to Erica that she take the day off work. "You deserve it. Go back to bed." He says he's got a great idea and he'll be back soon.

In the cafe, Anna tells Fay they need to talk. She tells Fay she hardly sees her any more. She explains that she loves Fay and wants to protect her but Fay doesn't realise what bullies are out there, nor how they operate. Fay clicks that Anna's not really talking about Seb but Anna won't tell Fay what she is talking about. She suggests that Fay invite Seb for his tea some time. Maybe if she spends some time with Seb she'll see what Fay sees in him.

Gail has to ring the bell to get into what used to be her house. Sarah tells her they just got back from the sexual health clinic, because Bethany needs to be tested for STIs. Sarah weeps as she thinks about what Nathan made Bethany do and knows that he's still out there.

Beth and Craig are in the cafe talking about Bethany. Beth tells him the best thing he can do is be her mate.

Fay lets herself into Anna's house with Seb. She's got more than lunch planned for the two of them and she knows Anna's at work.

Anna's at the garage talking to Kevin about Fay and Seb. She wants to apologise to Kevin for the way she's been. She wants them to get back to their old relationship, starting tonight.

Brian's in the cafe shoveling food into his face. Roy talks to him about a Batwatch expedition tonight but Brian sees Cathy come in, is clearly thinking about having the flat to himself, and makes excuses. He and Cathy exchange a lot of meaningful glances and a few double entendres. Zeedan and Yasmeen watch them with disgust. Zeedan thinks they need a cold bucket of water thrown over them.

Erica hears someone come into the house and run up the stairs. Dev comes down with two holdalls. Erica knew he hadn't forgotten her birthday! Where are they going? This is a shock to Dev. His phone forgot to remind him of the date. He's planning a solo trip to Scotland to play golf, with Erica and the kids staying behind. And the big surprise is that he wants to set up a pop-up shop in the house while the shop is renovated. He tries to salvage things by saying she and the kids should come with him but Erica is angry. She tells him to go off to Scotland and take the kids with him because the best gift she could have is a weekend without him.

Anna's got Kev to come home and Tim's there, too. Eileen saw Fay and Seb sneak into the house at lunchtime and she's found a condom wrapper in the bin. Kev doesn't help by saying at least they're using protection. Tim is furious and storms off to find Seb. Anna thinks Seb should be locked up for having sex with a 15-year-old. Kevin thinks she's projecting her own feelings about Phelan and what she went through on to Seb. Anna's furious and sends him back to work.

Bethany's on Maxine's bench and Mary goes to sit beside her. Bethany wants to know whether Nathan threatened Mary when she tried to stop him taking Bethany away. Mary says he didn't threaten her directly but implied he'd harm Harry. She assures Bethany she did the right thing by calling the police. Bethany thanks her for being there.

Tim's shaking the gates of the yard but there's nobody there. He tells Craig that if he sees Seb he should let him know Tim's looking for him.

Erica finds Kevin in the pub yard, getting away from Luke and Tyrone. She tells him about Dev forgetting her birthday. He tells her about still having problems with his own relationship with Anna. Erica asks if he likes wine. Dev has some bottles he keeps for special occasions. Maybe Kev can help her celebrate.

In the factory office, Aidan is annoyed that Maria keeps phoning to find out whether he's told Eva yet. Eva comes in. He wants them to go home but Eva insists they should go to the pub.

Bethany's in the ginnel drinking hard liquor from a bottle.

At Roy's Brian and Cathy play silly games and giggle. Cathy goes to the bathroom and gets herself locked in when the knob falls off the bolt.

Roy meets Zeedan in the street and they discuss whether it's too cloudy for bat watching. I have no idea why this would be. Bats don't fly that high! Zeedan tells Roy that Brian was looking for him and said it was urgent.

Tim sees Seb coming out of the kebab shop and grabs him, hustling him into the taxi office and flinging him into the chair. "It's about time you and I had a bit of a chat," he says.

A drunk Bethany finds Craig. She tells him alcohol helps her sees things more clearly and he's an honest, good person, a real man. Craig suggests she needs a lie down. "Yeah, but not on my own," she says. Craig looks panicked.

Erica and Kevin drink wine that's 70 pounds a bottle. Erica says she's sick of being taken for granted. "I just want to have a bit of fun." Kevin just wants to be happy. Erica tells him to put his wine down for a minute. She kisses him.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. A little word. We all know that ITV are pushing Corrie up to six episodes a week; that means we could do with another regular on the team - if you feel you can help then get in touch. And location is not a problem - as most of you know Tvor is based in Canada and keeps up with the rest of us these days.

Over to the mean streets of Weatherfield; this is episode 9193. It was written by Joe Turner and the director was Tim O'Mara. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. And also to the ITV hub which I use for reference so that I get most of it right!

Action (and I do mean action) commences with Kev and Erica kissing - some 30 minutes after they started!. Kev agrees that they have done a very bad thing. And Erica knows she was the one who has spoiled it. Kev rightly says they both got carried away - they do love their partners.

Meanwhile in the cab office Tim is giving Seb an earbashing over having sex with an underage girl (Faye is only 15, in the UK intercourse is not legal until both individuals are 16) which will get reported to the police if he carries on. He cannot see his grand-daughter because of Seb. Tim admits he used to be like Seb - but he has changed and Seb needs to change as well. Either the cop shop or end it with Faye. Seb nods almost imperceptibly.

Cathy is "locked" in Roy's bathroom and Brian gives instructions on finding nose and ear scissors (and don't we all need them these days!) and using them to unscrew the bolt holder. Crisis resolved. Roy enters the flat and Brian explains that Gwen Horder whom he had met online is locked in the bathroom on this their first meeting. In a magical scene Cathy tries to disguise her voice by talking through a towel stuffed in her mouth. Brian tries to prevent Roy staying as "Gwen Horder" is painfully shy - she would die of embarrassment with so many people in the flat (Roy is starting to get suspicious!). Roy almost goes but is worried she has fainted and wants to call the fire brigade and ambulance. Roy assures "Gwen" that he is a trained first aider.

Bethany, drunk, but not that drunk, cannot believe Craig has turned down her advances. He says he wants to help and will do anything he - but he will not do that (copyright Jim Steinman I believe. Which makes me think the next time they have a fancy dress do on Corrie Craig should play Meatloaf). Bethany thinks she is being rejected but Craig emphasises he is and always will be her friend. She can have a hug however. Bethany says that all she does is mess up and everyone else suffers. Craig feels he lets people down more often than he should - his sarge - you know Neil - says that Craig thinks too much. Craig says he should trust his instincts more. At the mention of Neil's name Bethany takes a very deep breath. Maybe Craig needs to talk to Neil about Bethany. She does not want that at all. Craig needs to know something. "Neil is not the person that you think he is" she says cryptically. Craig says that Neil helps him see things more clearly. Bethany's phone goes and it is Sarah and she does not have time to explain to Craig what she meant. Craig insists on make coffee to sober her up and the moment passes.

Anna and Tim are now trying to talk some sense into Faye - who rejects it because she and Seb love each other. Anna says they do know what that means and that is why they are so worried about her. Tim says he made a lot of big mistakes which he regrets. Anna has agreed with Gary that Faye should move back home with her. Anna assures Faye that whilst she might think she loves Seb and that it seems real, but it is not and it will not last. Faye is certain Anna is wrong. Anna says she and Tim have experience. Faye's phone goes and with Tim's permission she answers it. She soon finds that Seb has dumped her. Anna moves to comfort her as the call ends. Kev returns home.

In the Rovers Sarah is pleading with David - Gail is very good with Bethany and Shona has gone now, so it is all history - so can Gail come home please? She asks David to grow up and let Gail back in or Sarah and Bethany will have to move out. Does David want to be on his own? Aidan mysteriously asks David if he has sent him a message, apparently he has deleted some stuff on his phone and cannot get it back. David says it is not him. Aidan sits down with Eva. Erica at the bar is sending a text message. David joins Sarah with Gail and Maria. The latter offers to cover shifts for David and says that Bethany is lucky to have her family around her. She goes giving Aidan the "stare" as she passes. David tells Gail that he is still angry - but Maria is right - Bethany needs her family and so Gail can move back in. David is not sure about it though, he is doing it for Bethany and Sarah. Aidan wants to get home and Eva cannot understand why. Eva's phone goes - it is her mother and she has a problem.

Tim is worried about having gone too far with Seb but Anna said somebody needed to talk to him properly. Kevin agrees. Anna suggests an outing at the weekend to cheer Faye up. Anna gives Tim a hug of thanks - watched by Ken who has had no hugs. She tells Kev that she is fed up fighting one battle after another. Anna is happier that Faye is home and Seb is out of the picture. Perhaps things can get back to normal. She is going to have a bath, open some wine. Kev offers to wash her back. She goes upstairs and Kev's phone goes off. A message from Erica "Still friends?".

Roy is now suggesting breaking the door down. Inside we see that the bolt has fallen off. Cathy / Gwen tries to tell them she is fine. Again Brian almost gets Roy to go to the pub. As he turns he spots Cathy's coat on the peg by the door. Cathy realizing the game is up allows the door to open and we see a towel hanging from her mouth. Roy turns and she says "Hello Roy".

After the break we find Eva packing to go to the Dordogne where Stella (Price once Cindy Beale) has been dumped and Gloria (Price once Sheila Grant) has gone off selling carpets in Morocco. Eva is worried that Aidan has been weird all day - he blames work and not the photo he received earlier. Aidan says he will drive Eva to the airport.

Roy wants to know how two friends could believe that the best way to protect his feelings was to deceive him. Cathy knows they were in the wrong. Brian offers to move out. Brian says he knows he has hurt his feelings because he is very empathetic. Roy corrects him - he is actually a totally self-absorbed person. Brian considers that to be a little brutal. Roy has no problem with them having any kind of relationship, in fact it would him happy that they enjoy being together. He is however hurt by the deception. And Cathy notes this. Roy says that the two of them being an item has his blessing. They thank him.

Craig is thanked by the Platt family for his help. Bethany goes to bed to sleep it off. Gail says sorry about Shona, but David does not want any justification. He will never forgive Gail or forget it.

Faye heads out into the ginnel to find Seb hiding between the bins. Seb explains why she was "dumped". They hug now Faye realises it was not a real dumping. Faye insists they keep seeing each other. Seb tells her she is the best thing in his life. He will not give her up - no matter what anyone says or does. He is the best thing in her life, so they need to keep their heads down and see each other when they can. Their secret.

Dev and twins return home. They are set to work to get ready for the party (apparently the trip to Scotland was true). Aadi decorations and Asha party snacks. She complains that is sexist so Dev swaps the jobs around. Dev is actually paying the twins to do this.

Tim is worried that he is not looking after his family well enough as he talks to Craig in the Rovers. Sometimes Tim does not what to do to help them. Craig says that Bethany said something weird about Neil not being who Craig thinks he is or something like that. But she had had a lot to drink.

Maria is at Aidan's with fizzy pink rose and accepts Eva could not be told once she had heard that news from Stella. Maria says she is not a monster and does understand even if she has been pressuring Aidan to tell Eva. And someone else knows about them and certainly wanted Aidan to be aware of that knowledge. Maria is looking on the bright side - she and Aidan get to spend a few days together.

Erica returns to the darkened house. They all shout happy birthday and she is shocked. Dev says he knows it is late - but they wanted to show how much they cared. Dev remarks on a couple of special bottles of wine having gone missing. It is my birthday responds Erica. He agrees and all seems to be well again.

Anna comes down with a huge basket of dirty washing and is surprised Kev has not opened a bottle of wine. He was not sure she was serious. They agree they want things to go back the way they were. She starts to load the washer and finds the document on her drugs (Sertraline) and sex drive which Kev had taken from the internet. She wants to know what it is all about. Kev tries to explain that he was trying to understand her problems. Rana had said there were side effects to the medication. First she angry - but that he discussed it with Rana leads to her becoming incandescent with fury. She cannot understand why everyone is obsessed with sex - something Kevin denies. So why search the internet for anti-depressants and their impact on libido? He tells her it is because she keeps shoving him away. So that justifies a discussion of their private life with other women? She is sorry she is not feeling very sexy. Should she grit her teeth, lie back and think of England? It is not that Kev answers - it is about being constantly rejected. Being her personal punchbag. Earlier she hugged Tim - she cannot bear to be close to him. Anna does look a little shamefaced. Kev says he is trying but he is not sure how much longer he can put up with all this. He pushes past her and she looks after him - but certainly not with any longing.

Roll credits.

I always had trouble with the Kev / Anna relationship as it was never properly developed. Not at all surprised it has fallen apart.

Very annoyed that Johnny has not tried to explain matters to Jenny this week. The longer they are apart the harder it will be to mend, if it can be.

Bethany / Lucy Fallon continues to play a blinder - her offer of sex to Craig is perhaps a measure of how badly damaged she has been.

And how close is Seb to a young Nathan? Whilst I find it hard to believe Tim was ever really evil are we about to get something crawl out of his past?

And (spoiler alert) we now that Claire King has both been woefully underused and is leaving shortly. So this no doubt marks the start of that story.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 26 June

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Matt Hilton

Aidan and Maria are up the ginnel again and he's still making empty promises to her, telling her he'll tell Eva the truth when she gets home, illustrated by smashing his pay as you go mobile on the cobbles. They make plans to meet at lunchtime. But Brian has seen this act of vandalism and in his new guise of the litter police, he has appalled, picking up the pieces.

Phelan looks like he's been thumped in the face. Now, what's that about? he spins some tale to Eileen about being hurt on a job but he's getting smartened up in a shirt and tie, telling her he's meeting a contact about some work and wants to present a professional appearance. Turns out he's meeting Nicola.

Ken comes looking for Daniel, hoping to wish him luck on the results he's due to get today but he avoids his father and Michelle makes excuses. Daniel admits to her that he's nervous of what the results will be. Nick has offered Robert first refusal on his share of the Bistro. Sounds like it's going to be a bit of a stretch so Michelle offers to buy it with the money she'll get from the sale of the pub. They can run it together! Robert looks as if he'd rather stick pins in his eyes. He gently tells her he really doesn't want another business partner which puts a knot in her face.

Dev is having the corner shop renovated and has put a "pop up" shop in his house, just a few necessities he says but later, it looks like the whole shop is going to be in there. They notice a shouting match outside Number 13 where Anna has taken Faye's phone away on top of grounding her which seems a bit over the top since she thinks Seb has broken up with Faye. Anna's still not in Kevin's good books either. She apologizes for the fighting last week but he points out she started it. Back down the road, Dev continues to be a bad boyfriend when he's forgotten that he was taking Erica out to a WARTS fancy dinner. She isn't going to let him get out of it.

Maria and Aidan get together in his flat for a bit of afternoon delight, taking advantage of Eva's mercy mission to her mother in France. He hooks up his tablet to the television to play some romantic tunes. Apparently it's also on wifi. Maria and Aidan cuddle and canoodle their way into the bedroom. We see a message from Eva pop up on the screen that she's coming back early. What will she walk in on?!

Seb gets mouthy with Phelan like he does and he's ragging on Phelan that he fancies Nicola. That irritates him and when Seb doesn't let up, Phelan roughs him up and pushes him against the wall and just then, guess who shows up? Got it in one. Nicola. Someone's got some 'splaining to do.

Eva's back and in the cafe with Leanne. Turns out Stella's back with the boyfriend that had broken her heart so Eva came back early. And there's other news in Casa Connor/Price. Eva is 3 days "late" and thinks she might be pregnant because she's never late. She hasn't done a test yet.

Phelan sucks up to Nicola for being a bit heavy handed. He tells her he got the black eye by breaking up a fight, trying to help someone. That's not the story he told Eileen, is it? She scolds him, calling him Jekyll and Hyde, telling him that kids like Seb need patience and a firm hand but not that firm. He apologizes and it won't happen again. She's taking Seb to a talk in Liverpool by someone that used to be a young offender, one of those things that you take people to so that they can see what could happen to them if they don't get back on the straight and narrow. Naturally, Phelan wangles an invitation to go with them. It might be useful to him too, in knowing how to handle Seb but it seems to us viewers he just wants to spend more time with her. Does he fancy her? It doesn't exactly feel like it, his attention doesn't have that air of sexual attraction but there's something he's after, some reason he's very interested in her.

Maria and Aidan have had their fun and are going to have a bite to eat but they hear Eva coming up the stairs into the flat. Maria manages to get into the bedroom before Eva sees her. Aidan manages to convince Eva he spilled coffee on himself and had come back to change, thus her catching him in his undies. She wants to have a lie down but he convinces her she needs fresh air instead and the cafe's mint tea. He'll meet her there and he takes her case so she doesn't take it into the bedroom herself. Out she goes. Aidan and Maria talk briefly about sneaking around and how it will soon all stop. When they're in the cafe, Eva notices that he seems nervous but he can convince her it's nothing. A few sweet words and she's putty in his hands. Since Maria is out of the flat now, Aidan suggests if she's still not feeling well, she should go for a lie down after all. David, sitting behind them, has spotted them in the cafe and later warns Maria that Aidan isn't going to leave Eva for her. They looked pretty cozy in the cafe when he saw them.

Michelle has been sulking but Robert isn't going to change his mind about letting her buy Nick's half of the Bistro. Business is business. Personal is personal. Because she can see he's not going to let her get her way, she whines to Kate that she would have had Steve agreeing by now.

Kevin has heard about the dinner Dev was supposed to take Erica to and offers to babysit the twins. No more excuses, Devster! Sally's in the "shop" and reviews the whole Seb/Tim thing with Kevin. She has found out that Tim threatened Seb, forcing him to break off with Faye. She approves of the overall result but maybe he shouldn't have used such tactics. She tells Tim that, too, when she comes out of Number 7 and sees him coming along.

Brian launches into a littering lecture to Daniel. He mentions seeing someone throw a phone away earlier, and spying Eva, tries to get her attention but she's oblivious.

Phelan gets in the car with Nicola and Seb, not taking a call that rings through. That call is from Eileen, who pops her head out of the cab office down the block and sees the threesome getting into the vehicle. She looks *very* interested and a bit worried having caught him in the lie about the business meeting.

Leanne has persuaded Eva to take a pregnancy test. Eva really has a gut feeling she might be pregnant but you never know. She takes the test into the bathroom.

Michelle, Kate and Daniel have a discussion about big futures. Robert tells them he's buying the Bistro back from Nick and warns them there will be changes. Michelle leaves the Bistro in a bit of a snit for her break but who does she see coming in? Her old boyfriend Will, the one that she nearly slept with last year while Steve was away, an event that nearly broke up her marriage. She tells him she and Steve split up. Next thing you know, they're sitting together and having a catch up coffee.

While Eva's in the bathroom, Leanne turns on the television. Eva comes back out and they hear a ding from the telly. A message pops up on the screen, from Maria, asking if "she" suspects. Confusion. What's that about? There's a "No" reply but the next message is rather more telling from Maria and it's clear they're having an affair!

Tvor

We open with Eva in tears as she reads the text messages between Aidan and Maria. She kicks the screen over as she tells Leanne that she is going to get him. She realises that he has had her in their house, in their bed. Eva realises that Maria was to be her bridesmaid, and was her best mate. She now refers to her as a "lying bitch".

Michelle is chatting to Will over a cup of coffee. They are discussing Robert over Steve. He considers that she is 'on the rebound', but she denies she is. Although he says he is jealous of Robert, he is pleased she is happy.

In Dev's temporary shop, Erica is getting annoyed. Dev tells her to calm down as he is taking her out for champagne (Cava) (what nothing else?!). Kevin will babysit the twins.

Eva is walking in the street and bumps into Brian. She is in tears, but Brian just carries on philosophizing and she should tell her boyfriend to stop littering the streets. Then she bumps into Aidan, who is holding a bottle of wine. She is still crying, and when he asks what is wrong, she says she broke the new telly. He tells her not to worry as it is only a telly. He is going back to the office so he kisses her "goodbye" She doesn't mention anything about her discovery to him.

Phelan is with Nicola in Liverpool. He says the place is not home for him anymore.

Back at the flat Leanne wonders what Eva has been doing, particularly with Maria. Leanne suggested ripping her hair out, but Eva says she couldn't do anything as her son was there. Eva looks at the result of her pregnancy test and it is inconclusive. Still in Liverpool, Phelan tells Nicola that he met the love of his life there. She reminds him of her. When she left him, he was in tears. He says he sobbed his heart out over her. His dad would say "man up" . He would say that real men don't cry, so he didn't until her. Seb interrupts their nostalgic reminiscing, saying it was full on, him confessing his sins. Nicola thinks it is time they started to go, but Phelan says as they are okay for time, there is something he wants to show them, first.

Eva is in the bathroom, checking out the new pregnancy tester.

Back in Liverpool, Phelan is showing them a block of flats which used to be a ballroom, where his parents went to on their first date. Seb goes off to get a buttie, and Nicola and Phelan are walking around when he hears a track from Toots and the Maytals. He loved them, and Nicola says that her mum had a few of their albums. Phelan goes on to say that he left Liverpool the night the ballroom burnt down; there was nothing for him to stay for. Seb is back and Nicola suggests that they all go and see 'the sights' with Phelan as Guide.

Daniel comes into the bistro. Michelle asks how he got on. He says he got a 2.2, which is not a pass as far as Oxford are concerned. He doesn't reckon that his Dad will be impressed either.

Nicola, Seb and Phelan are walking along the Prom. Seb suggests they get a boat as in 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'. When Seb suggests they go, Phelan says that he doesn't want to, to which Seb thinks he is scared ! He then asks Nicola about her early life as she was born near Liverpool. She says that her parents were from there, but they moved just as she was born. She says she thinks they moved because of her father's job. He was a builder (like Phelan), and Phelan says the great thing about that job is that it can be done anywhere, so there was no need to have moved.

In the bistro, Rich, the drug dealer comes in to see Robert. Robert tells him to get out. Daniel wonders what he wanted, but Robert says he doesn't know.

Back on Coronation Street, Seb has gone off and Phelan is saying goodbye to Nicola. She considers him a 'role model' to Seb. Phelan says he has been called a lot of things in his life, but never a 'role model'.

Dev and Erica are about to go out (oh I had forgotten all about that!!), and Dev says that he has forgotten his pocket handkerchief that he bought specially. He can't find it, so uses a substitute one! Meanwhile Erica and Kevin who has come to babysit 'making eyes' at each other!

Back home with Eileen, Phelan comes in with a bagful of chips. Eileen asks him again how he got his black eye. He says he got it on a rewiring job. She asks if he got the contract, he says he didn't but the company were a lot of jokers. She thinks it was a waste of time, however Phelan says it wasn't as there is a prospect of another job on the horizon.

Eva is apologising to Aidan about the tv. He says not to be concerned, as it was an accident. She says she knocked it while she was vacuuming. Aidan then tells her they need to have a chat, but she rushes out and then returns with the pregnancy tester in a box. He wonders what it is. She tells him to open it, and then tells him that the blue line means it is positive; He wonders if she is sure. She tells him it is the second test so she is sure. She hopes it is good news, and after a few moments of hesitancy he says it is great news and hugs her.

All that work .. I need to have a sit down now !!

Martin Rosen


Wednesday 28 June

No Corrie tonight.


Friday 30 June

Phelan is sending text messages and Eileen plies him with questions – who? what? why? In the end he gets shirty and says it's like living with Colombo. She's got her driving test coming up and asks if he'll take her to the test centre, she has to be there for 3pm. He promises to be back in time.

Over at Sally's, her sister Gina is looking at a piece of paper and seems upset. Tim comes downstairs so she hurriedly pushes it out of sight. She's also tucking into a bacon sarnie, made with bacon that it appears Tim had hidden. (But not well enough!)

Robert and Michelle are walking down the Street. He's looking very smart, he's off to a meeting with the bank to raise the funds to buy Nick's share of the Bistro.

Tim is waiting with Faye at the bus stop. He tells her to make sure she comes straight home from school and not go to flutter her eyelashes at Seb, she's better off without him.

Also walking down the Street is Sinead, and coming in the opposite direction is Daniel. They pass by blanking each other, although Sinead does pause and look after him, a fact that is witnessed by Chesney who is looking out of the kebab shop window. He tells Gemma he knew Sinead was pining after him. Gemma doesn't think there's much going on, and tells Ches that now is the time for him to make his move. He reckons he's got no chance, but she tells him to be positive.

Pat is talking to someone called Jimmy who has found him some documents relating to Nicola Rubenstein. He asks Pat who she is, just as Nicola arrives outside the yard. She ducks back out of sight and listens as he tells Pat to get rid of the documents when he's done. When he's gone, Nicola appears in front of Pat, demanding to know what that was all about.

Eva comes out of the bedroom and tells Aidan she's got bad morning sickness, so he tells her take the day off, go back to bed. She asks how he's feeling about everything and he says it's a lot to take in so suggests they keep the news to themselves for a bit. "Why?" she asks, giving him a hard stare. He says she hasn't had the first scan yet and doesn't want to jinx it.

Nicola is quizzing Pat on what he's up to, she seems to think he's stalking her. He tells her he thought he knew her dad and wanted to make sure. He tells her he knows her dad's name was Isaac and her mum's name was Annabel. She gets crosser and starts talking about reporting him to the police. He tells her that if she can arrange for him to meet her dad all will become clear, so in the end she tells him to be at Greenfield Park at 3 o'clock. (The time he was supposed to be taking Eileen for her driving test!)

Mary is facetiming her son Jude. She's looking forward to him coming to England and tells him she's been looking at houses. Then he interrupts her and tells her he's not bringing his family to England, his work has given him a new posting in South Africa.

While Tim searches the taxi office for his tablet, Eileen has given up waiting for Pat and has asked Billy to take her to the test centre.

Meanwhile, Pat is at the bench that Nicola told him to meet her at, she's not there, but he notices the plaque on it - "In loving memory of Isaac and Annabel Rubenstein".

Eva is talking to Leanne about Aidan's infidelity, not the first time she's been treated like this. Leanne tells her to look on the bright side – at least the pregnancy test was negative, it wouldn't be good to have a child with the cheating rat. She advises her sister to get his bags packed and tell him to sling his hook. Eva says it's not that simple, she wants to hurt him – she told him the test was positive!

Leanne is stunned by Eva's plan, and wonders how long she can string it out for and wonders if it's worth it. Just then Dev arrives and informs Eva that he's got to raise the rent by a hundred a month. Eva is shocked and tells him to get out. When he's gone she turns to Leanne. "What am I going to do?" she asks, "I feel like my whole world is falling apart. If I end up on my own, what am I going to do?"

Nicola is up in Pat's office, searching through drawers and files, and watched by Seb. Eventually she seems to find what she's been looking for, the papers that Pat was given earlier.

Chesney has called to see Daniel to ask what was going on with him the other week when he saw him being carried out. Daniel tells him it's none of his business. Chesney reckons it is if he's involved with Sinead. Daniel asks how he can be involved with Sinead, he hasn't seen her for days. Chesney tells him Sinead has had enough grief because of him and his family, and reminds him that there's things he knows that could cause Daniel problems. Daniel tells him to go. "You're pathetic and weird," says Chesney as he leaves, "stay away from Sinead."

Over in Underworld, Sally asks her sister if she's ok, she's been very quiet. Just then Tim comes in and asks Sally if she knows where his tablet is, and Gina confesses to having borrowed it, and hands it over. Tim is grumpy because he reckons she's used up all his data and goes off in a huff. Gina gets upset and then tells Sally that she's had a letter from her man telling her it's all over.

Chesney has gone back to the kebab shop and is telling Gemma what he said to Daniel. She's impressed and tells him now he has to do something really big to blow Sinead's mind.

In the Kabin, Norris is trying to comfort Mary. Aidan comes in behind them as she's telling him that video calls are not the same as having family around and seeing a child grow up. She missed it with Jude, she was hoping it would be different with her grandson. Aidan takes in all she's saying.

Faye has disobeyed Tim and gone to see Seb at the builder's yard. Just then Pat arrives back and storms upstairs. He's furious with her for sending him to the park just to find out that her parents are dead. She shows him the papers she's found, saying he's either a stalker or a fraudster. She demands an explanation, or she's going to the police.

Aidan is sitting in the pub with Johnny, but his mind is far away from what Johnny is saying. After a bit of prodding from his dad, Aidan eventually tells him he's going to be a dad.

Eileen is back from her test – she's failed. She sees Pat's car outside the yard and storms over there.

Robert walks back into the Bistro and isn't happy to find Michelle talking to a man he obviously knows. Michelle asks how he got on at the bank, but Robert obviously doesn't want to talk in front of his old acquaintance and says he'll tell her later. She tells the man he's been to see about a loan and then says she'll leave them to it. When she's gone, Robert tells him he's not welcome there. The man tells him he will be, when he explains how Robert's going to use his restaurant to launder some of his money.

Nicola is still demanding answers from Pat when Eileen arrives, fuming, and then thinks that Pat has been chasing after Nicola, especially when she tells her that Pat hired a dodgy fella to find out everything about her, where she was born etc. "Are you sick in the head?" exclaims Eileen. Pat takes a deep breath and looks at Nicola. "I think you're my daughter!"

Anne Logan.

Hello,

I have risen from my sickbed to post this, so I'd disinfect this episode if I were you!

We begin in the builders' yard office. "Your daughter?" asks Nicola. "If I'm right, then you have a right to know," Phelan tells her. He says he knew her Dad, Isaac, and that she looks like her Mum. This is all too much for Nicola, who goes outside the leans on the railing, which we all know is a very dangerous thing to do.

So while Phelan's trying to establish himself as a Dad, Aidan's despairing at the very idea, though Johnny's trying to tell him how much he'll enjoy it once the baby arrives.

Back at the yard, Eileen's made a brew and Phelan goes out to lean on the rail. Oh, please, let it collapse!! But it doesn't. He tells Nicola that he had a 12-month relationship with her mother. Nicola thinks he's making it sound like a romantic novel. "You had an affair with a married woman!" she points out. He says he begged her mother to leave Isaac but she broke up with him instead. When he found out she was pregnant he asked if the baby was his but she denied it. Then, exactly nine months after they broke up, Nicola was born.

Rich and Robert drink together. Rich is being very nice to Michelle, taking an interest in her wedding planning business and taking her car. Speaking quietly to Robert, Rich reckons he knows an investor who'd like a share in the Bistro. Robert thinks he's just trying to find a way to launder drug money. Rich tries to put some pressure on by asking whether Michelle knows about Robert's past. (She knows he was married to Tracy - how much worse can it be?)

Nicola's getting angry now. She tells Phelan her Mum wouldn't have touched him with a barge pole.

We're in the street now. I'm dying for someone to look up on the balcony and tell Nicola to give Phelan a good shove, but nobody does. Instead, Chesney asks Sinead if she's like to go to a foreign film with him. And when Sally comes out of the factory we hear that Gina's been using up the data allowance on t'internet connection.

Johnny rushes over to help Eva with her groceries and she realises he knows she's pregnant. Leanne hears enough to demand that Eva come clean and tell her what's been going on. As they're chatting, Maria and Kirk come past on their way to Liam's birthday party. Eva glares at Maria's back.

Eileen bangs on the window of Nicola's car as she tries to drive away. She says she doesn't think Phelan is making this up. She begs a lift off Nicola and then says she'll be driving because she needs the practice. Someone should tell her the UK car insurance policies don't work like that.

Rich and Robert leave the Bistro and Robert grabs Rich by the lapels and shoves him up against the wall. He tells him he doesn't want to see him back here ever again and takes Michelle's card off him.

In a park, Nicola tells Eileen her parents aren't here to defend themselves. And she's not the daughter Phelan never had. Phelan has arrived and says he'll sort Seb out with a new apprenticeship. Their paths need never cross again. He says he'd like to talk to her about what he's told her, but that will be her choice.

Eileen goes for a walk and Eileen and Nicola sit on a bench. Nicola reminisces about the park and wonders whether, if what Phelan said is true, her mother ever told her father about the affair. Maybe that's why he seemed to prefer her older sister. Phelan is with them again and says she'll never know the truth unless she agrees to a DNA test. But Nicola says he's just turned her whole world upside down and she's not ready for the test.

Tim's annoyed because it's just cost him ten pounds to top up the data and Sally says Gina didn't know there was a limit. Tim snaps that she didn't know there was a limit on the bacon, either. He's stopped in his "she's eaten all my food" rant when Gina arrives and wants to know whether she can help with anything. She can't, so she sits on the sofa with the tablet and we see she's looking at a page called PROCHE LADIES FASHION, which has a really ugly logo. It looks as if she's buying 10 pairs of stiletto-heeled ankle boots.

In the park, Phelan thinks it's important that Nicola know she the result of a love affair, not some one-night stand. He says the opportunity to be a Dad was taken away from him. Nicola wants to know what difference a DNA test will make. He still won't be her Dad. "I had a father. I don't need another one." She leaves.

Eva's in the flat, close to tears. Aidan comes in and says he's had a drink with Johnny. She tells him Dev's put the rent up. Aidan says that's for him to worry about and nothing for her to be crying over. He says he's looking forward to the baby and tells her they'll have to get her engagement ring sorted. He wants her to have whatever she wants.

Chesney and Sinead gave up on the subtitled film halfway through and went to the chippy, they tell Kirk. When Kirk leaves the room, Chesney moves in to kiss Sinead but she deflects him. She says she doesn't want to rush into anything.

Back at home, Phelan thanks Eileen and apologises for not being there for her theory test. She suggests they don't mention Nicola and her parentage to Todd or Billy just yet. Phelan thinks he's blown it with Nicola anyway.

Aidan's getting a takeaway when Eva tells Leanne: "I'm going to rinse him for everything I can get and, I'll tell you what, I'm going to enjoy every pigging minute of it!"

The end
Margaret Carr



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