2017




Friday 1 December

Written by Perrie Balthazar and directed by Suri Krishnamma

Bethany is back and the first person she greets is Mary but, instead of a cheery smile, Mary bursts into tears and sobs in Bethany's arms.

Round at Billy and Todd's, Summer's going for a sleepover. While she gets ready, Billy has a talk with Todd. He's trying to come to terms with the car accident and has decided that, while he can't change the past, he can do something about the future and he plans to make amends by helping the Barlow family in some way.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Gary is meeting Nicola in a tea shop. She tells Gary that there's no way she's having anything more to do with her father. Gary says where Pat's concerned, he'll get his own way, come what may. He proves his point by telling her to look at the car parked across the street. It's a private detective hired by Pat to follow Nicola. Gary says regardless of what happens to him, Pat will never let Nicola and the baby go.

Back on the street, Rana is horrified to discover that Zee has made arrangements without consulting her. She has to take the van to a Food Fair and he's asked Kate to go with her as he has to work in the Bistro. The two of them drive off in the van looking like they're ready to kill each other.

Billy has begun his mission to help the Barlows. He meets Ken in the street and plants the idea of the whole family celebrating Christmas under the same roof. Billy says that if anyone can bring them together, Ken can.

Mary and Bethany are in the cafe. Mary has obviously told Bethany the whole sorry tale because when Angie walks past, Bethany holds Mary back to stop her saying anything.

At another table, Rita's treating Gemma to a bun to help take her mind off Henry who hasn't called. It isn't working because Gemma can't stop going on about him. She says he's just like someone off Made in Chelsea. Rita mutters that the closest Gemma's ever going to get to Chelsea is her bun.

Mary is at her wit's end. She's convinced she's a figure of fun and that nobody believes her, even Norris. The worst part is that if something happened to George she wouldn't even know about it. Bethany promises that she's got this and she'll make things right.

Rana and Kate are driving along when the inevitable happens and the van breaks down. Luckily it's right by a pub and they pull into the car park. They start to snap at each other but Kate tells Rana to calm down. She'll call Luke and he can come to their rescue.

Back at the tea shop across town, Gary finally convinces Nicola the only way she'll ever escape Pat's clutches is by disappearing abroad but she can't afford to go until she's sold her flat. Gary says he'll do one last job in the Ukraine to get the money she needs as he wants to do right by her and their baby. Nicola wonders about Sarah. Gary says leave her to him. Without a plan B they decide this is the only option.

Rana and Kate are having a drink in the pub as they wait for Luke. They seem to be getting on OK when Rana makes a light-hearted comment which sets Kate off. She tells Rana this all may be a joke to her but she's been really hurt. She storms off and Rana rushes after her. Now it's Kate's turn to look contrite as Rana tells her side of things. In her family nobody would speak to her if she admitted to being gay. She tells Kate about visiting the Imam and says that despite loving Zee, the day she married him was the loneliest of her life. Kate tells her she is so sorry and they sob in each other's arms.

Ken has gathered Tracy, Daniel and Adam for a drink. They all seem reluctant to be there but Billy smiles to himself as one by one they agree to spend Christmas round at Ken's. Todd joins Billy at the bar and sees him watching the Barlow family. Billy asks Todd to find out if Adam is free this evening.

Over at the bar, Gemma is still desperately checking her phone for messages from Henry. She decides he must have run out of credit. Sarah and Eva look sympathetic but Rita mutters that ten minutes ago Henry was eighth in line to the throne and now he can't afford a phone contract.

We return to Rana and Kate who are sitting in the van again and are finally talking to each other. Rana explains she didn't want to talk about her feelings before because if she did it would make it real but now she's discovered that being honest feels OK. So Kate decides to come clean about the voicemail she left on the day of the wedding. She tells Rana it said she didn't want her to get married because she wants to be with her and that she loves her. Rana asks if she really means it and then they start to kiss.

Back in the Rovers Gemma has finally accepted that Henry isn't going to call. Rita offers to buy another round when a voice behind her says "allow me". It's Henry, of course, carrying a rolled umbrella and an enormous bouquet of flowers. As the others stand open-mouthed and Rita goes all gooey-eyed, Henry asks Gemma if she'd like to go out tonight.

The scene moves to the back yard where Sarah's collecting glasses and Gary goes to break the news that he's going to the Ukraine for one last job. She doesn't want him to go of course but Gary insists that this time it will be much safer and it really, really is the last time but the money will come in useful what with moving into the new place and Christmas coming up.

Adam's in the office. He goes to check something on Todd's computer but when he starts typing in the search box the words "Susan Barlow car crash" pop up.

Mary has driven Bethany to the hospital. Mary's worried but Bethany insists there's no harm in her asking about George and, in any event, she'll be in and out before anyone notices. Unfortunately, as Mary waits outside in the car, Angie comes out and spots her sitting there. Without waiting to find out more, Angie gets out her phone and calls the police.

Todd goes back to the office and asks Adam if he would like to go round for dinner with him and Billy that evening. But Adam doesn't reply. He just glares at Todd and turns the computer screen round to face him. He tells Todd to forget about dinner and asks him why he's been digging for information on his dead mother.

We return to Rana and Kate where they have now moved into the back of the van. It's in darkness but, judging from the sound effects, things are getting hot and steamy. They don't hear Luke and Alya arrive. As Alya looks for the two girls in the front. Luke goes to the back. He opens the door and is horrified to see Kate and Rana together in a state of semi-undress.

Karen

Hello once again. As I mentioned earlier this week, Richard is on holiday, and has left me the writing pen ... or should I say the laptop!

So as we left off Luke is shocked to see Kate and Rana in the back of the van, in their underwear. He quickly shuts the door and explains to Alya that they aren't there so he will take her to the pub.

Todd is talking to Adam about Susan and her car crash. Adam is annoyed because he doesn't like to be reminded of what happened, particularly at Christmas when everybody is enjoying themselves. Todd suggests that Adam should come round for dinner. Adam is a bit suspicious as he has never been invited round before. Todd says he feels bad about his Mum, but Adam doesn't want his pity. Todd manages to persuade him, but doesn't want anymore surprises.

Rana is concerned that Luke will tell Alya about what he saw. Kate says she has spoken to him, and he won't. Then Alya comes out of the door shouting to them. She says she has been trying to ring them, but Kate explains they weren't able to get a signal. Alya thinks they have just run out of petrol.

Bethany is visiting the hospital, and Jude comes by and wonders what she is doing there. Bethany explains that she is visiting someone. She asks after George, and Jude says he is okay now. He asks who she is visiting, and Bethany says it is a friend. Jude is surprised her friend is on the baby unit. He asks which ward her friend is on, she nervously says she isn't sure and will check. Jude then receives a text message from Angie, saying that his mother was in the car park and Angie has called the police. Jade goes back in the room.

Over at the Rovers, Phelan comes in and sees Gary. He asks Gary if he is going to do a 'runner'? Phelan wants to know what Nicola had to say. He says that she has said that she is definitely not coming back. Phelan suggests as a compromise that if Gary has another go at persuading Nicola, he will try and talk "some sense" into Faye about coming back.

Elsewhere in the Rovers, Rita is chatting to Henry. She says she wished she had somebody to buy her flowers. He asks when is her birthday, she calls him a "proper charmer". They both say that they are very fond of Gemma. He then asks Rita a favour, he wants to know if it is normal for a girl to spend so long in the loo?! Rita says it is perfectly normal.

Billy rings and leaves a message for Summer to contact him. He then bumps into Eva. He invites her round to dinner. She starts to make excuses, but then spots Aidan walking across the road, and thanks Billy and says she will come. He says it is just her and him. (Billy says "see you later", but they haven't confirmed a time!).

Rita goes to the loo and calls for Gemma. She asks if she is alright, Gemma says she is. However, she is too embarrassed to come out. She has never had anyone pay her so much attention before and she doesn't know what to do. Rita tells her to be herself. She then comes out.

Back at the garage, Luke says the food company will not give them their money back. Alya tells him not to be in a bad mood. Zeedan says pointingly, that this happens when you leave two girls together. Luke invites everyone back to his place to use up the food.

A police officer knocks on the window of Mary's van He says there has been a report of harassment and asks her to step out of the vehicle.

Everyone is round at Luke's enjoying the dinner. Then Kate says that she has something to say. She has decided not to go to Spain. She is staying there. She fears she would a gooseberry out there with Johnny and Jenny. Aidan then walks in, see them all eating and says he'll come back later. Luke then announces that he is going to open a cafe. He wants Kate and Alya as business partners. Alya thinks it is brilliant, but Rana thinks not. She says she bought the van and he should have consulted her first. Luke thought she would be pleased. She is worried that it may all go wrong. She doesn't consider now is the right time to make a massive commitment. Kate, decides to leave and Zeedan and Alya also go.

Over at Billy's, Eva is saying she likes relaxing with the tv and a box of chocolates. She wants to know what concerns Billy. He says he is worried about Summer that she has not contacted him. Todd and Adam come in, and Todd reminds Billy that Eva was coming tomorrow night and Adam tonight. They all agree to be there together.

Mary is protesting her innocence to the police officer. She doesn't believe it is a crime to park in a hospital. The officer says she was warned not to contact the family again. She says she is not contacting them. Bethany then comes over and Mary explains to her what she was not doing. The Police Officer then issues her with a 'Police Information Notice' (never heard of one of them before!), on the grounds that she is causing distress to the Appleton family. He warns her that any further attempt to contact them may result in charges of harassment and her arrest. Meanwhile Bethany whispers to Mary that she has been told that George is making a full recovery.

At Billy's place they are all eating around the table, and embarrassingly looking at each other as well. Then Billy asks if anyone is making any resolutions this year. Todd says that he won't have any more awkward dinner parties again. Adam resolves not to make so many mistakes next year. Billy suddenly jumps up from the table as Summer rings.

In the Rovers Norris is sitting there alone. Angie comes in asking him to pass on a message to Mary. He suggests that it maybe better she does it herself. She tells him that she has been issued with a Police Information Notice, which means she can't be in contact with any of the family. Norris explains all she wants to do is to see her son and grandson, but Angie tells him that it is not going to happen so he had better tell her. Norris tells her that she is not speaking to Mary because of his marital tiff. Angie tells him as soon as George is well, they are moving back to South Africa.

At the dinner party Todd and Billy are alone in the kitchen. Billy says he saw an old mate he knows who was in the car when the accident happened. He threatened him, and that is why he keeps calling Summer to make sure she is okay.

Henry and Gemma are having a meal together. He accuses her of flirting with a waiter, but she says she is being nice. He says if she is nice, why is she with a bad boy like him? She says he is not bad, he is posh. He replies that posh boys can be bad too. She asks what was the worst thing he has ever done? He says joyriding on a tractor, and as an afterthought, says after crashing into a Bentley and a Rolls Royce. He says the family disowned him for awhile. Gemma causes him to laugh.

Kate meets Aidan and apologises to him. He says she should have been more supportive than judgmental. He says that they were his mistakes, but Kate says they all make mistakes. She says she didn't mean to hurt anyone she just fell in love. She tells him that she isn't going to Spain and she is staying with him.

Eva leaves the party and Todd says to Adam that he didn't know that they were once together. Adam says he has no comment to make. Todd thinks Billy's plan worked. Todd says he shouldn't worry about his ex-mate. Summer is fine. Maybe because Billy is still feeling depressed and hurting is his punishment, but he and Summer both need him. He doesn't think he can cope with the pain.

Rana comes round to Luke to thank him for not saying anything. Then Kate comes in. Kate apologises for getting Luke mixed up in this. He thinks someone ought to tell Zeedan what's going on.

Obviously Zeedan will find out sometime! Does anyone else get confused with Zeedan and Luke, and Alya and Rana ?

I will be back next week, same time, same place ..same spot on the dial !!

Martin Rosen


Monday 4 December

Part 1 Written by Jan McVerry Directed by Tim Dowd
Part 2 Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Tim Dowd

Monday morning in the cafe, David, Sarah, Shona and Audrey natter about everyday stuff, taking kids to school, wanting to skive off for the day, that sort of thing. Gary is mentioned as having flown to the Ukraine but not checked in to say he's arrived. Later, at home, Sarah takes a call from Gary's boss, Joe. It's bad news. There was an explosion, a car. The man Gary was guarding was in it and there were no apparent survivors. They don't know for sure if Gary's dead. Audrey thinks they need to contact the Foreign Office before telling Gary's family. They gather Gary's id and paperwork so that David can make a call. Sarah doesn't know for sure if the security company is legit or a cover for something else as Gary didn't talk about it much. Sarah feels she'd know if Gary was dead. Don't they all say that?

David negotiates the red tape by phone. He was able to find out that at least one British national was involved in the explosion and managed to find out that a St. Christopher medal was found. Sarah had given Gary one for Christmas. This doesn't look good.

David goes to the cab office where Sophie is waxing Tim's eyebrows. Really. He has come to tell Tim about Gary so he can tell Faye. Next stop for Tim, Sophie and David is Eileen's since that's where Faye has been staying. Phelan gazes at Nicola's photo, realizing the connection. She'll want to know. Tim accuses Phelan of hating Gary but he protests, Anna, yes, but he's got nothing against Gary and is gutted for Faye. Faye isn't there, though, and they're asked to call Tim when she returns. He later goes to the Platt house to see if there's been any further news on the identification. Sarah feels sure it was Gary. Audrey wonders if he should delay telling Faye but he also has to tell Anna tomorrow when he visits and wanted Faye with him. Sarah volunteers to go. Nobody thinks that's a good idea but Sarah insists.

David talks to Shona about Gary. She worries that Sarah could head for another breakdown. David's had to deal with Sarah's solicitor regarding the flat she's trying to buy. Can't afford it on her own. David mentions that Phelan was odd, coming over all sympathetic when he's got a swinging brick for a heart. Phelan is deciding when to call Nicola in Australia. He decides to go for a walk, leaving Eileen to deal with Faye when she returns because, you see, he knows Nicola hasn't gone to Australia. He's already found her via a private investigator and turns up on her doorstep tell her something about Gary. Across the way we see David in his car. David's followed him apparently.

Phelan tells Nicola that it seems Gary's been killed in Ukraine. He thought she'd want to know and she blames him. She's angry and orders him away and out of her life. She slams the door on him. David observes all this with interest. After Phelan leaves, David knocks on the door and goes in to question her. Why is she so upset if she and Gary weren't as close as they both said. David wants the truth.

She isn't very good at lying, though she tries. David gives her chapter and verse on how to be a good liar, he's learned from experience. He keeps pushing and isn't going anywhere until she admits what really went on. So she does admit to a one night stand. When she tries to push him out of the house, her handbag is knocked over and some pregnancy vitamins fall out. David realizes what's really going on. She admits Gary knew about the baby but it wasn't ever going to be more than that. She doesn't want Sarah to know. David realizes Gary's last trip to the Ukraine was to send money to her for a fresh start. He's furious that Gary was deceiving Sarah in such a way.

When David gets home, he finds Bethany worried that Sarah might get ill again. Sarah has found a letter Gary wrote, a "just in case" letter, a letter full of love for her and her family. Sarah blames herself, that Gary was going away for their future. David tries to interrupt but Gail and Bethany's words about how much Gary loved her diverts him.

When Phelan gets back home, he says he's been in contact with Nicola who's upset. He's a bit surly about it all, reckoning Gary never would have known the baby anyway but really, he's upset that Nicola pushed him away again. Faye gets back just then, Seb having gone to a counseling session. She twigs that something's up as Eileen asks her to sit down. Tim has arrived and told Faye the bad news. She's devastated. Tim tells her she can come back to his if she wants but she can't think at the moment.

Luke brings up the post and remarks over all the post that's been piling up for Andy. Why doesn't he just send it back "Not at this address"? Kate's buying new shoes which Luke thinks are to impress "someone". Kate gets the reference but it sails over Alya's head. After he leaves, Alya mentions having to help Rana and she's sure Rana has a secret because she's a rubbish liar, perhaps finances? She wonders if her attitude towards Zeedan and the new cafe has to do with debt. Kate has a different view but she's keeping it to herself. Alya takes a business call and leaves her to it.

Kate goes to see Rana at work, making an appointment and everything. She wants to know when Rana is going to tell Zeedan about them but Rana's still afraid to do it, to let him and her parents down. Kate promises she can make Rana happy.

Luke is still trying to track down Andy and has located one of Andy's friends on social media, asking Sophie's help to contact him. Alya and Aidan are trying to get ready for a meeting the next day but are having trouble sourcing some trim for their samples. Alya later tries to get Johnny to help. He's reluctant since he and Aidan are basically not speaking but he decides to help anyway.

Luke has managed to contact this Matt, Andy's friend, because he comes to the garage. He tells Luke Andy never came to Bristol which is where everyone thought he was and he hasn't heard from him all year. Luke later comes to see Phelan about Andy. Phelan makes out he spoke to Andy last week, Andy having called for a reference for a flat in Birmingham. Luke hands over a handful of post. Phelan says he'll send it on. Luke asks for the address and is put off until tomorrow. The post is put into a drawer to be forgotten. Nicola's photo is put in as well.

Rana asks Zeedan to come back to chat at dinnertime to talk about the cafe. She's behind him now. In the pub, she and Zeedan tell Alya they're viewing a place tomorrow. Rana's all over her husband, much to Luke's disgust when he comes in and sees the display of affection. He corners Rana who insists she loves Zeedan and blurts out that she's pregnant, she just found out and she hasn't told Zeedan or Kate yet. She's going to stay with Zee and promises to break it off with Kate. Sooner the better, Luke thinks. Luke later is a bit short with Tyrone, Alya thinking he's just worried about Andy so Luke clutches on to that excuse. When Kate tells Luke that she's sure Rana will tell Zeedan about them, he tells her Rana's news about being pregnant and she's not leaving Zeedan. Kate summons Rana later, angry but Rana confesses. She's not pregnant, she just make it up to stop Luke from telling Zeedan. Kate allows her more time to tell Zee.

Yasmeen is stroppy with Tracy for being 5 minutes late opening the shop. She wouldn't even be there but needs must and prefers to deal with Mary for holly decos. The Santa grotto will be hosted at the cafe because of a burst pipe at the community centre. Tracy had been late because Mary is deep in dramatics over her own personal crisis with her family and had to be dragged to work and she continues to go on about how she's a danger to children, etc. Tracy tells her that their regular customers miss her and like her, proven by her dealing with Yasmeen who asks for the holly at cost price, Mary agreeing since it's a community event. Tracy says nowt!

Mary is so down on herself that she even hides in the office if someone comes in with a child. Tracy thinks it's terrible that they had called the police on her and advises her to stay away from George, then the next time he gets ill, they'll know it isn't related to her. Mary's more concerned that someone's investigating why George is getting ill. Arguing adults aren't going to matter if they can't find out the problem.

Norris finally catches up to Mary in the pub in the evening, having left numerous messages through the day. He has to interrupt one of Mary's diatribes about not getting any support with the news that Jude and Angie are leaving to return to South Africa for good. Norris apologizes to her for doubting her. Mary worries what might happen on a long flight if George gets ill again. Tracy looks thoughtful. She goes to Number 3 and manages to get Sean out of the way so she can look through the cabinets where, luckily, Jude, Angie and George's passports are and she takes them.

Roy is planning on a walking holiday for 3 weeks over Christmas as a break from tradition. All Brian can think of is Roy's Christmas dinner. Yasmeen tells Roy that their Santa is ill and she needs a replacement, giving Roy or Brian the eye. Brian doesn't want to be second choice after Ken (who is the one that's ill apparently) and Roy has a cafe to run. Liz donates some old decorations to Yasmeen for the grotto and Roy has apparently been railroaded into the role. Roy wonders if an obese Santa would be sending the right message. Typical Roy! He's researched the origins of the figure of Santa who traces back to a German figure. Sean has sewn up a traditional red Santa outfit but Roy wants a more traditional one. Sean does not approve.

Tvor


Wednesday 6 December

In Norris's house, Jude and Angie are packing their suitcase in the living room (?) and Sean wishes them a safe trip. He then turns to Norris and says he's chuffed that he and Mary have made up, but Norris tells him they haven't. Sean then makes a swift departure, and Jude remarks that their cab is booked for 2.30 so they're going to be fine. Norris questions whether they should be going back to South Africa so soon after George's discharge from hospital, and wonders whether it would be wiser to wait until they are sure that he's better. Angie says she just wants to get away from there and the whole sorry mess. She then goes to the drawer to look for the passports, but they aren't there.

Luke and Alya are walking down the Street. She's stunned by the news about Gary, can't believe he's gone. They meet Aidan and Luke tells him what's happened, and Alya hands over the paperwork and files to Aidan, telling him she doesn't think she can face the meeting. Luke tells her that she won't want Aidan to mess it up after all her hard work, so in the end she goes off with Aidan.

Luke wanders over to the garage where Tyrone tells him he has to drive to Birmingham to collect a part, and Fiz wants him to go Christmas shopping too. Luke says he'll go to Birmingham, and he can look in on Andy while he's there. Tyrone says he thought the two of them fell out, but Andy tells him it was because he left Steph, but now he needs to clear the air. He's going to find Andy whether he likes it or not.

In the cafe, Bethany is sitting with Mary as she phones around private pediatricians trying to get some answers about what is wrong with George, but isn't getting any answers. She then tells Bethany she ought to go home, Sarah must be distraught over what has happened to Gary. Bethany tells her she needs to keep busy and keep her mind occupied. Mary then tells her she's worried about George, what if he falls sick on the plane?

Luke calls on Pat Phelan to get Andy's address. Pat has an estate agent's website up on his laptop and takes an address of a flat that for sale, writes it down and hands it to Luke, who says that when he finds Andy he'll tell him he's been invited to his friend's wedding.

Sarah is ready to leave the house to go and get Tim and hopes they can persuade Faye to come to the prison with them to see Anna. Shona says she knows it's going to be hard but Anna knows what a great guy Gary was. David just looks sullen and sulky, and mutters, "Good luck."

In the pub, Toyah is chatting to Sean and says she doesn't know how they're going to afford everything for the baby. Sean suggests they take a lodger or start doing B&B.

Michelle is in the pub, staring into space, so Sean goes over to talk to her. He asks if there's any news from the hospital, but she says they've just got to wait and see what the test results show. She says there's something up with Robert, but right now he's not saying what it is. Sean thinks it's all down to losing a testicle, but Michelle is sure that something else is wrong.

Pat opens the door and Sarah and Gary come in. They go to the living room where Faye is sitting with Seb, but Faye refuses to go with them to the prison. She says she can't forgive her mother for what she's done.

In the cafe, Alex is dressed as a Christmas elf, but then Roy comes out dressed in a huge dark gray curly wig and beard, and brown and gray costume, he's Pelznickel.

Jenny comes in the cafe and sees Alya sitting at a table. She goes over and says she's so glad that Johnny came through for her. As Aidan comes over to the table with two cups of coffee, Alya jumps up and says they must go. Jenny turns to Aidan and tells him that despite him hitting Johnny, Johnny still came through for them and got them the elastic. Aidan doesn't know what she's talking about, then realises. He turns to Alya and says he told her not to go to Johnny, but Alya says she didn't have a choice.

Angie goes into the florist's to look for Mary, but Tracy says she isn't there. Angie is sure that Mary has taken their passports. "And if you can't find the passports you can't get the flight, right?" says Tracy. Angie asks if she's seen them, but Tracy says no, when in actual fact they are sitting behind the counter with her as she speaks. Angie says she's going to call the police, but as she looks for her phone Tracy tells her she might have seen them in the back office, so Angie goes in there to look for them. Once she's inside, Tracy shuts the door quickly and locks it. As Angie starts hammering on the door and shouting, Tracy drops the 3 passports into the waste paper basket.

David and Shona have gone into the Kabin to tell Rita and Norris about Gary. Zeedan is in there and he asks if Alya knows, they tell him she does.

When they've gone, Norris tells Rita that Jude and Angie are flying off today, and he tried to persuade them to stay but they wouldn't listen. Rita then asks if he's made it up with Mary yet, and he says he hasn't, adding that he misses her, she's his best friend. Then he stops as he realises that she's more than a friend, technically she's his wife, and she has been publicly humiliated. "And I'm going to publicly put it right," he says.

Back at Tracy's shop, Angie hears her phone ring and shouts to Tracy that she's got a plane to catch. She continues to hammer on the door, but Tracy ignores her, puts the 'Closed' sign up and leaves the shop.

Zeedan is in the flat talking to Robert about Gary, he spent a lot of time with him at the gym, and his dad knew him from the army. They then start talking about the bistro, and Zee tells Robert that the company card was declined earlier. Robert says maybe he put the wrong numbers in, but Zeedan tells him he tried it twice, and in the end used his personal card. Robert tells him as soon as he's back on his feet he'll transfer it back to him. Just then the door entry phone buzzes and Zee answers it. He tells Robert it's Tracy, she's brought him a cactus!

Phelan is going through the pile of post addressed to Andy that Luke brought over. Eventually he finds the wedding invitation from Andy's friend Matthew.

In the pub, Jenny and Sean are talking about Mary. Jenny can't believe Mary would be capable of hurting a baby.

Peter and Toyah are looking at other B&Bs on the computer. Peter can't believe anyone would want to stay at the Rovers, but she thinks they could tart it up and tells him she would take care of all the bed making and cleaning. Eventually she persuades him to give it a try.

Michelle arrives home to find Tracy in the living room drinking tea with Robert. He shows her the beautiful cactus she brought over, which strangely resembles a certain part of the male anatomy. She calls it quirky, but Michelle isn't amused.

Luke sees Pat coming out of the Kabin and runs over, telling him he's been on a wild goose chase, Andy wasn't at the address Pat gave him, and a neighbour told him no one called Andy had ever lived there. Luke reckons something has happened to Andy and tells him he's going to get to the bottom of it.

Tim and Sarah arrive to see Anna. She takes one look at them and asks what's happened and where Faye is. She starts to panic and asks why the chaplain is there. Sarah tells her that Gary is missing, presumed dead. Anna sits, looking stunned for a few moments, muttering, "My Gary....my baby boy..."

Norris has unearthed a box of old dressing up stuff, and tells Rita that desperate times require desperate measures. He has to do everything in his power to stop Jude and Angie getting on that plane. He's been reading about the group called 'Fathers for Justice' and how they stage protests, and he can't see why they can't have a group called 'Grandfathers for Justice'.

Tracy arrives back at the shop, where Angie hears her and starts banging on the door again. Tracy just turns on the radio again.

Bethany has gone back to Mary's house and they're looking up private healthcare specialists. Just then there's a knock on the door, it's Jude, looking for Angie. "What have you done with her?" he demands to know. Mary assures him she hasn't seen Angie and Bethany confirms that, and tells him that he needs to stay there and talk to them, it's important.

Back at the prison, Anna is very upset and wondering where Faye is. The chaplain asks if she'd like her to say a prayer, but Anna then gets hysterical and screams at her that that won't bring Gary back. Then Anna tries to leave, saying she's got to go and see her kids. The prison guard presses the alarm and another one rushes in, they take hold of Anna, who is distressed and screaming.

Anne Logan.

A distressed Sarah looks on as the prison guards try to drag a hysterical Anna out of the room. Tim intervenes and points out that she's just lost her son. They release their hold and he hugs her as she weeps and wails.

Bethany tells Jude he has to talk to Mary, now. He wants to know why he should and Bethany tells him that one day he'll owe her the biggest apology ever. She asks what he thinks Mary would gain from harming George, she would lose them all, there would be no point. He thinks she must have been making George sick so she could feel needed. Mary says she wants to find out what the real problem is and she will fight to do so. "Why didn't you fight for me?" asks Jude.

Aidan and Alya get back to the flat, he's upset because their business meeting went badly and he blames her for sitting there with a long face. She says she couldn't get a word in edgeways, and also she was upset because her ex-fiance has died. Aidan asks how he can trust her now, she went behind her back doing secret deals with his dad. Then he says he doesn't know if they should be business partners any more, and he leaves the flat.

Over in the flower shop, Tracy is serving a customer while Angie yells and rattles the door handle. Tracy tells the customer she rents the room out to an am-dram club and thinks they must be improvising something. When the customer has gone, Tracy calls out and tells Angie to pipe down, and turns up the volume on the radio.

Rita comes out of the Kabin with a cuppa for Norris who is still in his Batman costume and holding his placard. She tells him he's embarrassing her, but he says sometimes things have to be done for the greater good, he wants to make sure Jude and Angie don't leave.

Luke gets back from Birmingham and tells Alya that Andy has never been known at the address Pat gave him. He's wondering if Andy is actually missing, or should he give up on the whole thing. He decides to give Andy's friend Matt another call.

Over in the cafe, a rather scary looking Roy, with Yasmeen dressed as a fairy at his side, is giving out presents to some apprehensive looking children. "I am not Santa," he tells them, "I am Pelznickel." Then he starts speaking in German to them. Maria's son wants to know if he's getting a present, and Maria says she hopes he is, and points out to Yasmeen that she's paid good money for this. The best they can come up with is an orange and a tangerine, much to Maria and Liam's disgust!

Back at the house, Jude is obviously very bitter at being given up by Mary as a baby, and tells her he could never imagine giving up George. Bethany then points out that Mary was raped, and was also very young, she didn't have a choice in what happened. He still thinks she could have fought for him if she'd wanted to. "She didn't give you up, you were taken away from her," says Bethany, and tells him that if it wasn't for Mary over the last few months, she doesn't know if she would even still be here. Then she suggests that she takes George for a walk up and down the Street for a little while, so that he and Mary can have a talk. He takes a banana from the fruit bowl and gives it to Bethany saying that George will be hungry so she can give him that.

Tracy sees Robert and Michelle coming down the Street and goes out to ask if he's enjoying his plant. Then she tells Michelle she hopes she's looking after him. Michelle tells him she's trying, which is more that Tracy ever did.

Alya is now out in the Street and sees Luke with his phone in his hand. He tells her that Matt isn't picking up. She tells him if he's worried about Andy he should call the police and get them to find him. Just then Matt himself comes along and tells him that Andy has been in touch and is backpacking in Belize, doesn't want to be contacted, and has no plans to come home.

Norris is now on the balcony of the boarded up factory, shouting: "Grandfathers for justice!" very loudly. Rita tells him to come down, he's showing himself up. Just then Kirk comes along, and takes out his phone and starts filming. Norris says that he will not come down until Jude and Angie agree to stay and talk to Mary, and somebody needs to go and get them.

Tim and Sarah arrive back at the pub and tells Shona and David how awful it was with Anna. Then Tim raises his glass in a toast. "To Gary, one of the good guys," he says. David just looks stony faced. As they talk some more about what a great guy Gary was, David picks up his drink and moves away to the fruit machine. Shona goes over to him and asks why Gary seems to be doing his head in. "He's dead, give the lad a break," she says. David then tells her that Gary didn't just kiss Nicola, he got her pregnant. She asks if he's going to tell Sarah, but he's worried it would tip her over the edge, and anyway, Nicola has gone.

Kirk rushes into the flower shop and shows Tracy the film he took of Norris. He then sees the passports in the waste paper basket and pulls them out, asking what they are. Tracy thinks quickly and tells him a customer dumped them in there earlier. Kirk then goes into the back room, unlocking the door as he enters, and is alarmed when Angie rushes out past him. "Oh nice one, Village Idiot!" says Tracy. Angie tells Tracy she'll be hearing from the police, and rushes out of the shop.

Up on his balcony, Norris spots Angie out on the Street and calls out to her saying he won't come down until she's heard him out. Angie says she just wants to get on a plane, but she's not going to get there in time now. "Where's George and Jude?" she asks, but Norris doesn't know.

Michelle goes into the bistro and is telling Robert about Norris and his rooftop protest, when Zeedan comes out from the kitchen and picks up a bottle of wine from behind the bar. Robert queries this, saying that's a bit posh for cooking with. Zeedan says that with the card being declined, the cheaper stuff didn't get there in time. It's the first Michelle's heard of this and starts to ask questions. "Hang on – the company card was declined?" she says. Robert just brushes it off and says that Zee just entered the numbers wrong.

Pat goes into the Rovers where Luke is at the bar, and Luke offers to buy him a drink. He tells Pat not to bother to forward any more post to Andy, his mate just told him he's backpacking in Belize and doesn't want to be contacted.

As Luke goes to sit down with Alya, Aidan comes in all excited and tells her that Showcase loved the pitch and want to work with them. Alya is pleased, but says that the Parker brothers are more of a headache, she gets a bad vibe from them. Aidan tells her they can't be picky if they want to get some contracts in.

Back in the cafe, Roy is upsetting more customers and children, when Brian suddenly arrives in full red and white Santa outfit and a sack full of presents. He ousts Roy from the seat and sits down in his place and starts handing out presents.

Mary and Jude are sitting on the sofa, and she's trying to explain what happened. She said that even though he came from a bad time, she did love him and thought that if she did good things one day he might come back to her. She said her mother thought she'd led Jude's father on, been the temptress, although she had been practically a child at the time. She tells him that everything she's told him is true, and doesn't want him to go thinking that she doesn't adore him and that little baby. Jude looks at his watch and tells her they won't be going anywhere today, that's for sure, they've now missed their flight. He gets up to go outside and get George.

Out in the Street, George is in the buggy grizzling, and then he starts screaming. Bethany calls out to Angie that he's been sick and is shaking. Angie and Jude rush over and Angie wants to know if Mary has been near him. Jude tells her she hasn't.

Andy's friend is talking in the kitchen to Pat, who seems to have strung him a line that Andy was in danger from Luke, who now, thanks to what he's told him, won't be looking for him any more. He tells him Luke is a dangerous man, and poor Andy has had to go into hiding.

A distressed and upset Anna is in her cell screaming and shouting and throwing things around.

The ambulance has arrived to take George to hospital. Bethany tells the paramedics he was fine until she gave him the banana. Angie is still not convinced that Mary is not behind it all, and keeps asking Jude if he's sure Mary didn't go near George. As Jude gets into the ambulance, Mary tells him that at least he knows now that it wasn't her fault.

Anne Logan


Friday 8 December

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Tim Finn

Sarah's facing up to Christmas without Gary. She can't even bring herself to attend the school nativity play where Lily is due to play a shepherd. David has sorted out her headdress although Shona questions whether a Weatherfield County promotional tea towel is really suitable.

Robert is taking painkillers but, despite Michelle's protests, he insists he's well enough to go into work.

Meanwhile over at the hospital Jude and Angie are waiting for Mary to arrive. Angie is feeling very guilty at the way they've treated her while Jude seems to think Mary will understand.

Kate's getting ready to go to the gym. Luke sees her putting on make-up and has a go at her as he's sure it's for Rana's benefit. Kate insists she's seen a girl there she fancies. The two of them continue to snipe at each other while Alya has her own problems. A potential new client called Showcase won't reply to any of her emails. Luke suggests she tries calling them.

In the cafe David's trying to coach Lily for her one line in the nativity play. He's annoyed to discover that Jake's playing a wise man and he's got four lines. Shona thinks Jake seems to be coping with the news about Gary really well. Izzy explains she's not going to tell him until they know for definite.

Rita and Mary come in and Mary tells her the hospital are almost certain that George's problems are due to an allergy. Rita thinks Mary should make an official complaint about the way she's been treated but Mary seems to want to sweep it all under the carpet.

David keeps going over Lily's one line with her. Shona jokes that he's just the same when he shouts instructions at Max during his football matches and says he's just going to confuse them. David snaps back that he doesn't need parenting advice off her. Shona looks hurt.

Rita asks Mary if she's made up with Norris yet and reminds her that he made a complete fool of himself in order to help her.

Ty's in the Rovers with Luke and moping over the fact that, because of Fiz and Beth's feud, he can't spend time with his best mate Kirk. Luke says he'd never let a woman tell him what to do. Alya walks through the door and Luke rushes to her side. She's fuming. She finally got through to Showcase to find they were in a meeting. With Aidan. He went without Alya behind her back and they're meant to be in business together.

Out in the street, Beth tells Kirk she bumped into "old pasty face", aka Fiz Stape. She's determined not to have anything more to do with her. Kirk looks distinctly unhappy at this news.

Across the street, Kate bumps into Alya coming out of the Bistro. They establish that they both have the day off and Zee is working all day. This means the house will be empty. They agree to meet there later.

Sarah and Bethany arrive home. Bethany's surprised to find the door's unlocked. They discover why when they walk in: Gary is sitting on the sofa as though nothing has happened.

Sarah's joy at finding Gary's OK is tempered with anger. She tells him that everyone thinks he's dead and they've all been grieving. Gary explains what happened. He was away on a recce when the car was attacked. His bag was in the car with all his belongings, so everyone assumed he was in there, too.

Mary arrives at the hospital and sees Jude and Angie. Jude tells her they've spoken to the police so all is sorted but he doesn't apologise. Angie, on the other hand, says she wants to make it up to her and asks if Mary would like to go in and see George.

Kirk goes into the Rovers and sees Ty. The two of them are dying to have a drink together but are scared in case they're seen by Fiz or Beth. Kirk jumps every time someone walks through the door. Ty persuades him to stay for half a pint. Toyah is amused and tells the boys their secret's safe with her.

Robert is taking more painkillers as he and Zee unload the van. Zee is annoyed to discover Robert's changed the order for a cheaper cut of meat but when he questions it Robert snaps back that he'll cook with what he's been given. Zee is distracted when he spots Gary across the street.

Gary is knocking on Pat and Eileen's door. Faye answers and throws herself into Gary's arms. "Now that's what I call a resurrection," says Pat as he comes down the stairs.

At the hospital the doctor is explaining that George is allergic to sugar. Jude gets angry that it took so long for the doctors to work it out and says they should sue. Mary steps in and raises her voice. She tells him they were doing their best, everyone was doing their best she adds, looking straight at him.

Faye is delighted to have Gary back. As they sit together Pat has a cryptic conversation with Gary about how there were a few people mourning his loss and one in particular.

Ty and Kirk's half pint has turned into several drinks. Toyah continues to be amused by their conversation as Kirk tells Ty he has this fantasy where the two of them share a flat together with no kids or wives telling them what to do. Kirk is in full flow and doesn't notice Beth arrive. He barely has time to swallow the last of his pint before she's frog marched him out of the door.

Over in the Bistro kitchen Robert is taking yet more painkillers. He's in a foul temper and asks Zee why they've run out of lamb cutlets. Zee can't believe it. He's already had to buy some supplies using his own credit card and Robert hasn't paid him back. He's worried about his credit rating, especially in view of his plans. Robert asks him what he means so Zee admits he's been thinking about opening his own place. The row escalates. Robert is being totally unreasonable. Michelle comes through the door and looks confused. Robert tells Zee to get out because he's fired.

Gary has gone back to Sarah who now seems to have forgiven him. Bethany's there too. As Gary and Sarah sit with their arms round each other Gary lists all the people he's been to see to share the news he's OK. Sarah tells him that she never wants to be apart from him ever again. In fact, she adds, she thinks they should get married. Bethany grins to herself as Gary takes in what Sarah's just said.

Shona and David are heading home from the nativity play with Lily. David is glowing with pride at how well Lily performed. They open the front door and are as stunned as Sarah was earlier to see who's there. And as if that wasn't enough of a shock for David for one day, Sarah announces they have some news. "It looks like we're engaged," Gary tells him.

Karen

With one of our update writers traveling the world and his stand in temporarily indisposed (best not to mention the words "icy pavements"), I bring you the second episode for December 8th. Once again this emphasizes our need for more volunteers so, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, do please let us know if you fancy the idea of joining our merry gang. In the meantime, back to last Friday …

This episode was written by Simon Crowther and directed by Tim Finn

Izzy calls at the Platts' with Jake and is delighted to hear the news about Gary and Sarah's engagement, which is more than can be said for David. Shona persuades him that now is not the moment to tell his sister that her fiance has got another woman up the duff.

Round at Norris's Mary is feeding George when Jude comes in and says they should talk. Mary tells him there's no need to apologise. She's taken aback when he says he wasn't going to.

Shona follows David out in to the garden. She's still trying to convince him not to talk to Sarah and suggests he at least tries to get Gary to tell her the truth.

A few doors down, Kate and Rana have the house to themselves but as they start to kiss, they hear the front door. They just avoid being caught by Zee who has come home early after getting fired. Rana runs into his arms and Kate beats a hasty retreat.

Meanwhile all the painkillers Robert's been taking finally have an effect and he collapses onto the floor in the Bistro kitchen.

Out in the street, Ty suggests a night out to Fiz. She smells a rat and he admits Kirk and Beth might be there too. He claims Beth is really sorry about what happened and she wants to apologise. Fiz agrees to go, but only for one drink, mind she adds.

Back at the Platts' Gary's about to leave but not before David's had a word with him. Gary works out why he's angry and begs David to allow him explain himself.

Over in the Bistro Michelle finds Robert just as he's coming round. She instructs Daniel to call an ambulance.

We return to Gary and David. Gary tries to justify his actions but David's not going to let him get away with humiliating his sister. Finally they reach a compromise. Gary promises to come clean with Sarah but first he wants to go and see Anna in prison.

Aidan's arrived back from his meeting with the new clients. He tells Alya he was in the area and they insisted they should go ahead without her. But as far as Alya's concerned, Aidan's the one to blame.

Out in the street Ty is having a word with Kirk. He tells him that Fiz is really sorry about what she said to Beth and wants to meet up for a drink to apologise ...

Meanwhile, Gary has arrived at the prison where Anna is beyond ecstatic to see her son alive. She gets him to promise he'll never, ever go out to the Ukraine again. He promises but how many times have we heard that before?

Back on the street, Mary is doing some straight talking with Jude. She reminds him that she was raped and would have loved nothing more than to have brought him up but Jude seems to have gone through a personality change and tells his mother he wishes she'd tried harder to keep him. Mary tells Jude that the guilt has been hard enough to live with but she thinks the blame on top might kill her. Jude says he understands but Mary replies she doesn't think he ever will. Finally Jude asks if they can start again and Mary says she'd like that very much.

Unlike Jude, Angie is feeling very guilty about Mary. So much so that when she sees Tracy in the Rovers she actually thanks her for locking her in the storeroom.

Over at the bar Beth tackles Aidan about getting their old jobs back. He can't go that far but he throws down a fiver for a couple of drinks. Aidan leaves and Ty and Fiz arrive. For a brief moment it looks as though Ty's plan has worked as the women hug. But when they discover each one thought the other had apologised the feud resumes with a vengeance and now Ty and Kirk are both in the doghouse.

David is battling with his conscience when Sarah bounces into the room full of talk about the wedding. Finally he can hear no more about how wonderful Gary is and he tells Sarah she can't marry him. At first she laughs and asks David if he thinks he's her dad. But her face falls when David tells her that two months ago Gary got another woman pregnant.

Someone else has decided to come clean. This time it's Robert. He's back in hospital and, as Michelle sits loyally by his bedside, he admits to losing all the money and tells her that's why he had to sack Zeedan.

Back on the street, a tearful Sarah is coming to terms with what David has just told her. He's revealed who's pregnant and adds that Eileen, Phelan and Anna know. Shona comes into the room and tells Sarah how sorry she is. And then Gary arrives back. No amount of apologising is going to get him out of this one. A sobbing Sarah tells him to go and Gary has no choice but to leave the house.

Karen


Monday 11 December

Part 1 written by Susan Oudot Directed by Tim Finn
Part 2 written by Ellen Taylor Directed by Tim Finn

Sarah is reeling in the aftermath of betrayal, poor thing. Gary is desperate to get back together with her. That evening while Sarah's working, carrying a face like a wet weekend (and to be fair, she's got a right), Gail tries to get her to blag off work early but Gary comes in for a word. Gail's defending her chick. Gary tries to use blackmail but Sarah's going to talk to him anyway and sends Gail away. She tells him she was shocked, hurt and angry and doesn't understand how he could have done it if he loved her. She makes a very good point. If he has all these feelings and is planning this wonderful future, why does it take so little for him to be unfaithful? Very good question. She doesn't see a way back. She breaks his heart like he broke hers and she walks out.

Phelan takes the opportunity to wind up Gary about Nicola and the baby. But Gary has a good come-back, he's going to make sure the baby never sees Phelan. Ouch. Gary goes to see Nicola who is glad to see he's ok. He promises to get her away from Weatherfield though didn't come back with all the money this time. He promises to take care of her and the baby so she doesn't have to rely on her father.

In the flower shop, Kirk is wittering on about Tupperware while Tracy listens to Sinead talk tea parties to Beth who prefers her tea parties with booze. Sinead is trying to home-sell her soaps. She tempts Tracy into coming with a glass of wine. She does and tiny glasses of wine are poured for the women and Kirk who gather. She shows off her homemade candles first. Soaps come later and Tracy is bored to bits. Rosie actually asked for soap that makes ladybits smell nice. She didn't put it that way, called it "frou frou" soap. Nobody in that room really knew where to look after that! Except, all of the women thought that might actually be a very good idea. She doesn't have any, she'll have to invent it now!

Fiz and Tyrone have a trampoline? They let the children play on it unsupervised? Yep, Hope got hurt so Fiz took her to the hospital leaving Tyrone to look after Ruby who admitted she pushed her sister off because she was being mean! Well, Beth took it upon herself to bring a chocolate Santa for Hope and maybe make the first step toward peace but she got a bit gobby about poor parenting choices regarding a trampoline in winter and Fiz's temper flared. Beth was shown the door and Fiz declared the chocolate was going in the bin and all. We get a quick look at Hope hiding it behind her back!

Fiz gives in and tells Hope she can get her ears pierced but she won't let Ruby because of the accident yet Tyrone expects an apology from Hope for being mean to Ruby in the first place. Pretty soon it's Your Daughter and My Daughter and Tyrone is out the door to the pub. Fiz summons Chesney to babysit and comes to the pub to apologize and says she'll even try to make peace with Beth and she goes to Sinead's home party where Beth is. Beth keeps avoiding her and goes outside with Liz. Fiz overhears Beth insult her again but apologizes anyway. But as they're standing there, they see smoke and run over, realizing the trampoline is on fire. Fiz blames Beth and it all flares up again. Liz insists it wasn't Beth, she was with her the whole time in the back of number 5.

Later, Fiz and Ty question the kids but neither one says they saw anyone in the yard before the fire. They're sent up to bed, leaving Fiz and Tyrone confused and wondering who would set fire in their yard?

Back inside Number 5, Tracy lingers after everyone else has gone home, supping the last of the cheap plonk. She takes the opportunity to chat to Chesney about priorities. Who's more important? Your sister or your fiancee? Good question, that. She tells him they never have to doubt the love of their sibling. She thinks Chesney needs to get Sinead married and the sooner the better, what with Daniel lingering around the outskirts. Food for thought.

I think Michelle might be about to remove Robert's other bits and clamp them in her handbag after the revelation that he's financially ruined them. He's sorry. He always is when he does that. She won't accept "I was scared" as an excuse. He's all flinty, squinty eyes and bad cliches and she's supportive but he doesn't think he deserves her.

Kate's so desperate to see Rana that she makes a medical appointment to see her at work! At home, Zeedan is cooking with the view to taking the food van out and rustling up a bit of cash while Yasmeen is going to have a Christmas drinks do. That means the house is unavailable for afternoon delight.

Supplies are running low at the Bistro and Michelle knows that they don't have the cash to replenish. She sabotages and breaks the machine that takes card payments and tells Kate and Daniel that the punters will have to pay cash for the rest of the night. What's behind that inexplicable decision? And why is she ringing in bills far higher than the money taken in? She's got a plan, does Michelle. She leaves early and tells the staff they can as well once the last of the patrons have left. Kate gets on the phone to Rana. Empty restaurant!

Rana and Kate take advantage of having the Bistro to themselves. A little wine, a little hot snogging...But then later, they hear a noise and duck down behind the bar. Someone carrying a black bag and wearing all black comes through the kitchen and crowbars open the tell, emptying it in the bag. The burglar notices freshly doused candles and walks to the bar. Feisty Kate, not afraid of anything, smashes a bottle over the burglar's head. The burglar's face is seen. It's Michelle!

Kate and Rana race out, with Kate promising that, when she calls the police, she'll say she was in the restaurant alone, closing up. Neither of them check to see if the burglar is ok so they don't know who it is. She fetches Robert and gives him the "party line" and he runs off to the Bistro, Meanwhile, Zeedan is back with the cash and Rana meets him on the pavement. Yasmeen pulls them in to enjoy the last of her little party with Roy, Audrey, Cathy and Brian. Brian and Roy are arguing about the method of death that hill walkers experience. Roy is enjoying the debate and Yasmeen changes the subject.

Robert sneaks into the Bistro, the police not having got there yet, and finds Michelle. He thinks she was attacked by the burglar until he realizes the truth and hustles her out the back. But Kate sees her on the street, tells her about the break in but recognizes the black bag Michelle is carrying as the police finally arrive at the restaurant. Things seem to go well with the cops but Robert is taken aback when they want to see the CCTV. Did it capture Michelle's face? No, because it was turned off. Robert makes excuses. It's convenient that it was turned off before a robbery. (Turns out Michelle didn't turn it off, they just got lucky.)

The police ask about any recent staff problems and Robert recalls letting Zeedan go but defends him as trustworthy. They're going to question him anyway. When they talk to him, Rana jumps in with an alibi, saying she was with him in the van selling food at the markets. He's very grateful she gave him the alibi. Meanwhile, Robert and Michelle have to clean up her tracks. He gives her a rollocking and is shocked when she tells him she did it to defraud on the insurance. He's so stunned he asks her to marry him! She doesn't want any guilt proposals.

Kate and Rana talk to keep their stories straight. Kate already suspects Michelle, though. Why would she do it? It's a mystery. Michelle shows up at Kate's later. Should have left well enough alone, if you ask me. She gets around to asking Kate if she saw the burglar and Kate confronts her straight away. Michelle admits it and admits that they are in debt and tells Kate she can't tell the police. It comes down to a stand off because Michelle had seen Kate and Rana in the restaurant before and knows darn well what's going on between them. You don't tell, and I don't tell. Deal?

Tvor


Wednesday 13 December

Robert has been on the phone to the insurance company, he tells Michelle it looks like they're going to process the claim. He says she nearly got her brains bashed in because of him, and she tells him she did it because she loves him and believes in him. He says she's given the business a fighting chance and from now on the only way is up.

Gary goes to see Kevin and tells him that he and Sarah have broken up, and that Anna is not in a good way. Kevin asks if she knows that Faye has moved in with Pat and Eileen and Gary says she doesn't, and he's not looking forward to telling her. He tells Kevin that visiting starts in an hour, but Kevin doesn't seem keen to go, although eventually he says he'll try.

Chesey is showing Fiz the ring that he's got for Sinead. He doesn't know when he's going to give it to her, but he wants her to know how special she is.

Craig has knocked on the door and is asking Bethany out for lunch. She's busy, but says she's free in the evening.

Chesney sees Michelle and Daniel standing outside the Bistro and asks if everything is ok. Michelle tells him they had a break in but it was only the robber who got hurt. As he walks away, Daniel thanks Michelle for the night off, and she tells him to enjoy it. Chesney then asks if they'll be open later, he's looking to book a table for two at 6.30. Michelle tells him to consider it done.

Zeedan is worried that the police may check out Rana's story giving him an alibi. She's sure they won't. He says neither of them had done anything wrong, but now they both have, a fake alibi is a crime. She says she's sorry, she thought she was helping. Zeedan is sure Robert is to blame, if he hadn't pointed the finger none of this would have happened. Just then the doorbell goes so Zeedan goes to answer it. Rana picks up her phone and quickly texts Kate asking if she's ok. Then she deletes it as Zeedan walks back into the room with her brother. "Hello sis!" he says.

Gary is visiting Anna, but she doesn't seem well, she's sleepy and not really with-it at all. He tells her that Sarah has finished with him, the truth came out about Nicola, but Anna can't seem to remember and seems dreamier than ever. Gary gets worried and calls the guard over, asking him to get someone to look at her.

Michelle is in the Bistro when Kate comes in and starts to ask her quietly how her head is. Robert then appears and says he didn't expect her in, but she tells him it takes more than some half-wit scumbag thief to keep her down. Kate then realises that Robert doesn't know that she knows and when he's moved away from them she says as much to Michelle who tells her she wants to keep it that way. "And our little deal?" asks Kate. "I haven't said a word," says Michelle.

Fiz is at the garage talking to Tyrone, she tells him that what happened with the trampoline is freaking her out. She says she wishes Beth had done it, then they could deal with it, but now she's wondering if someone wants to scare them.

Back at the prison, a woman officer is looking at Anna, and Gary tells her and the male officer that they are giving her too many pills, and he wants her taken off them. Anna then tries to get up and collapses on the floor.

Rana is talking to her brother who seems to have left his wife. Then Zeedan tells him about the police questioning him and how Rana gave him a false alibi. Then Rana's brother tells them that the conversation has never happened because he, as an officer of the court, would be duty bound to report it. He's already in their mum and dad's bad books, he couldn't shop Rana, their only daughter.

Chesney tells Sinead he's arranged for them to go out for a nice romantic meal, Izzy has arranged for Joseph to have a sleepover with Jake, and they're going to the Bistro at 6.30. Her face falls when she hears they're going to the Bistro because she knows how he feels about Daniel. He tells her that Daniel isn't going to be working. Just then Craig comes in, stressing about needing his shirt for his evening with Bethany, he thinks he left it at Chesney's house. They talk about how he feels about Bethany, and Sinead tells him he needs to tell her how he feels. He says he can't find the right moment, but Chesney tells him to create the moment.

Anna is now in a hospital bed, and the doctor tells Gary that she'd had a reaction to the anxiety medication she was taking. They've now given her something to perk her up. As Gary sits down next to the bed, Kevin comes in, so Gary makes himself scarce. Kevin sits down next to Anna and asks how she is, and she tells him she's better for seeing him.

Fiz tells Tyrone she thinks Kirsty set fire to the trampoline. He thinks that's ridiculous, but she thinks Kirsty is mentally unstable.

Kevin tells Anna that while he was away he did a lot of thinking about the future. She tells him that she won't be in prison for long, but he tells her he's worried about Jack, they've been papering over the cracks for ages. She gets tearful and tells him she needs him, but he says his son needs him more. She tells him to go, and then lies in bed crying.

In the Bistro, Michelle has had to call Daniel in to work, and then Sinead and Chesney arrive. Michelle shows them to their table, telling them that Daniel will be over to take their order. Sinead is dismayed to see Daniel working and tells Chesney they should just go, but Chesney refuses.

Michelle asks a frosty Kate if they can call a truce, she's sorry she threatened her. Kate tells her she was hurt that Michelle thought it necessary to threaten her in the first place.

The doctor has checked Anna's heart rate and blood pressure and they're back to normal, so she can go back to the prison. Anna begs to be able to stay the night, but the doctor says that's not possible. The guard tells her she's got ten minutes to get dressed.

In the Bistro, Chesney has ordered champagne, and Daniel uncorks the bottle and pours it for them.

Rana comes in and has a quiet word with Kate, telling her she's all she can think about.

Chesney drops the ring he bought into the champagne glass and gives the glass to Sinead. She's amazed and delighted when she sees it.

Anna comes out of the hospital room, dressed, and sees the prison officer talking to a nurse and signing a paper. She then realises that he hasn't seen her, and, weighing up the situation, grabs her coat and hurries out of the nearest door.

Anne Logan.

This summary is brought to you by the good folks at Corriepedia, http://coronationstreet.wikia.com/wiki/Episode_9325_(13th_December_2017) Reposted here with permission

Writer Ben Tagoe

Director Sean Healy

Gary builds bridges with Seb by arranging to give him a lift to A&E for his headaches.

Anna makes it out of the hospital's grounds unseen.

Chesney tells Sinead he's booked the registry office for 12th January.

Mary treats Tracy and Angie to dinner. Tracy makes sure they're seated next to Chesney and Sinead so she can spy on them. Daniel pretends to be ill to leave work early but Robert refuses.

Tyrone calls Alison Soames and finds out that Kirsty isn't in the country.

Gary shames Kevin for dumping Anna after all she's done for him. The police question both of them about Anna's escape. Kevin feels her behaviour proves he was right to finish with her.

Craig and Bethany watch a film together.

The Phelans hear about Anna's escape when Tim tells Faye.

Sinead feels bad for Daniel with Chesney going on about the wedding but Daniel says it's fine.

Gary is a no-show so Eileen takes Seb to A&E. Phelan can't contain his glee about Anna going on the run. Faye notices and asks him what really went on between him and Anna at the hotel. He turns nasty when she refuses to drop the subject. Terrified, Faye moves back to No.4.

Sinead asks Chesney to stop rubbing Daniel's nose in it.

Michelle offers Kate the use of her flat to talk to Rana in private by way of apology for threatening her.

Chesney feels unwell and walks out of the Bistro leaving Sinead to pay the bill.

Bethany asks Craig what type of woman he goes for - he seizes the moment and says her. Bethany is horrified and throws him out.

Chesney suspects his food was poisoned.

Faye believes Anna was innocent and asks Seb to move out of No.11. When he refuses, she finishes with him.

Anna hides from everyone and sleeps rough.


Friday 15 December

Written by Cameron McAllister and directed by Sean Healy

Ches is having a sneaky check of Sinead's phone messages while he lies on the sofa, recovering from his bout of food poisoning. Sinead wonders if Daniel could have been responsible but Ches doesn't think even he would go that far. Sinead says that's why she loves him – he always sees the best in people.

Out in the street, Gary gets a reverse charge call. It's Anna who, by some miracle, has found a fully functioning public phone box. He tells her to meet him at the Red Rec in an hour. Gary fails to notice that Seb has overheard the conversation.

Round at Fiz and Ty's they're arguing about the children. Fiz has found a lighter in Ruby's treasure box. Could she have set light to the trampoline? Ty is upset that Fiz could even suggest such a thing.

Meanwhile Seb has confided in Pat about Anna calling Gary but wishes he hadn't because Pat has told the police. Seb then bumps into Faye. He won't go as far as admitting he was wrong about Anna but he does at least tell Faye that Anna has called Gary and arranged to meet. He warns her that Pat has told the police and they'll be waiting for Anna.

Faye calls Gary to tell him what's happened. They need to get a message to Anna - but how? Then Faye sees Craig and has an idea.

At Preston's Petals, Beth's trying to persuade Tracy they should have a Christmas do. In fact, she's already booked a table at the Bistro. Tracy casually asks if she really wants to go there after what Daniel did to Ches. Beth is outraged when Tracy tells her that Daniel slipped something in Chesney's food when he proposed to Sinead and she storms off to the Bistro to give them a piece of her mind.

Toyah and Eva are alone in the Rovers when, to their delight, Leanne walks through the door with Oliver. Leanne seems fully refreshed from her time away. Eva is so pleased – the flat has felt really lonely without her. But her face falls when Leanne announces she's arranged some viewings and is planning to find a place of her own.

In the Bistro Kate manages to have a quiet word with Rana. She tells her that Michelle has offered her flat as a place where they can talk but Kate can think of a better use for it. She arranges to meet Rana there later.

Beth comes marching in to cancel her booking and tells Robert she doesn't take kindly to Daniel poisoning Chesney. Daniel hopes Robert doesn't believe Beth's version of events. Robert tells Daniel if he wants to fight Chesney over Sinead that's his business but he needs to keep it away from his.

Faye has arranged a meeting with Gary and Craig. They quickly fill Craig in on what's happened and ask for his help. Craig's reluctant but Faye begs him to do this one last thing. All he needs to do is take Peanut for a walk and then speak to the police officers who will be waiting undercover at the Red Rec. All being well, Anna will see what's going on.

Beth's sitting miserably in the cafe when Fiz comes in looking for her. She apologises for accusing Beth of setting fire to the trampoline. Beth decides the feud's gone on for long enough and gives Fiz a hug. Now that they're friends again, Fiz shows Beth the lighter she found and admits she's worried Ruby might have started the fire. She has another concern – what if Ruby is a chip off the old block? Beth says Ty would never do something like that. But Fiz isn't talking about Ty – she's worried Ruby might be taking after Kirsty.

At the Red Rec, Faye's plan works a treat. Craig stops for a chat with one of his colleagues and is spotted by Anna who is hiding in the bushes.

Luck is on Anna's side. She spots of crowd of youngsters coming along the path and manages to blend in with them and make her escape while the undercover police are looking the other way.

Robert goes round to see Chesney in the hope of smoothing things over. But Chis is now convinced that Daniel deliberately tried to poison him and tells Robert that either he sacks Daniel or he'll go to the papers.

Leanne is catching up with Toyah and Eva in the Bistro. She's got her bounce back, not to mention a hot date that evening. The others fill her in and tell her about Anna doing a runner. When Eva says how hard it must be sleeping rough, Aidan jumps down her throat, followed by Alya who accuses her of being a princess. Eva's taken aback – what's rattled her cage? She looks contrite when Alya tells her that it's only thanks to Yasmeen that Aidan's not on the streets himself.

Tracy goes into the Bistro for a glass of wine and the chance to wind up Daniel. When she asks him who's next on his list of victims he says if it was going to be anyone at all it would be her.

At least Kate's on Daniel's side – she saw him take the food to the table and she knows he didn't do it. Robert may believe him but he can't afford the risk to his business and he tells Daniel this is his mess so he needs to sort it out.

We now go round to Fiz and Ty's where she's decided to broach the subject of Ruby taking after Kirsty. But Ty is furious she could even suggest such a thing and tells Fiz he can't even bear to look at her right now. But as he goes upstairs his expression shows he may be considering what Fiz has just said.

Kate sees Rana coming out of the medical centre. She waves Michelle's flat keys at her and they exchange knowing glances.

Across the street, Daniel thumps on Chesney's door. There's no reply so he shouts that he should stop pretending to be on his deathbed because everyone knows he's a liar. We see Chesney round the back, taking out the rubbish. The bag bursts as he's lifting it into the bin. Back at the front Dev comes out of his door to see what all the noise is about. He asks if it has anything to do with Daniel poisoning Chesney with weed killer.

Eva's feeling guilty about Aidan and she tries to buy him a drink. But he makes it clear it's going to take more than a free pint of beer to make up for the fact she made him bankrupt and left him destitute.

In the ginnel, Chesney's clearing up the mess from the rubbish so he doesn't see Daniel coming up from behind. They have words. Daniel is furious and, as Chesney turns to go, he grabs him, and holds him up against the wall.

Craig finds Faye and Gary in the cafe. He tells them he's done his bit, he risked his career to help them, but now he has no idea where Anna has gone.

Dev sees Sinead and warns her that Daniel has gone round to see Chesney and she hurries home to find out what's going on. Across the street we see Anna pop her head round the corner, waiting for the coast to be clear.

Meanwhile in the ginnel, Daniel has Chesney by the collar. Ches tells Daniel that Sinead won't want him any more once she sees what he's really like. Daniel steps away. He now realises what all this is about. He thinks Ches has set up the whole thing because he's still jealous of him. Daniel tells Chesney he's right, Sinead does still want him and they're meant to be together. He adds that Chesney knows it and, sooner or later, so will Sinead. This tips Chesney over the edge. He shouts that Daniel has ruined his life, picks up a brick and lunges towards him. But as he goes to attack Daniel, Chesney falls sideways, hits his head against the wall and drops the brick.

Karen

Hello again. I am writing this while still slightly incapacitated; this time not with man flu, but having damaged my arm having fallen onto the pavement (sidewalk) the Saturday before last. I don't think it is broken, but it does ache a bit still. This time last week, though, I could only type with virtually one finger, and therefore thank Karen for stepping into the breach.

This, however, has nothing to do with tonight's second episode of Coronation Street!

It starts with Daniel walking away from Chesney's back garden.

In the Rovers Leanne has asked Steve to babysit but he is on the switch at the cab office, so cannot help. Leanne explains that she has joined a dating website, and Steve says he has also done so. Hers is called 'Soul Search', whereas his is 'Wham Bam' – Steve thinks they sound similar!! Toyah suggests to Steve that he gets someone else. He says he will, and Leanne immediately gives Steve the baby. Eva is looking sad and Leanne asks her what is wrong. She says she is unhappy that she has made Aiden homeless, but Leanne reminds her, what he did.

Daniel explains to Robert what Chesney did, how he picked up a brick threatened him with it. Robert is not interested and suggests Daniel does some work, but Daniel is annoyed and walks out.

Chesney is rubbing his face, and Sinead wonders what he is going to say to Joseph. He says he will tell him it was an accident. Sinead suggests he should go the hospital accident & emergency department. Chesney is justifying his story to Sinead, and she says she is going to ring the police as Daniel assaulted him. Chesney doesn't want her to do that, saying that Daniel is a loser. She says she is going to put a stop to it once and for all. She gets up and goes out.

In the hair salon David asks Bethany, who is busy filing her nails, if she is seeing her boyfriend later. She says she hasn't got a boyfriend, so David refers to the boy, who is her friend! Audrey interrupts and says that he reminds her of her Alfie who was strong and loyal. Bethany says he is just a normal lad, after one thing! David wonders what this could be – helping old ladies across the street, bringing his politeness and manners everywhere he goes. Audrey says young men like that are very rare to come across.

Sinead is at Ken's house and tells him and Tracy, Chesney's story, saying that the injury could cause him lasting damage. She thinks that Ken as his Dad could get through to him; else they will call the police. At this point Daniel comes in. He denies hitting Chesney, and that he hit himself. Daniel thinks he did this so Sinead would accept his story and consider Daniel a threat, which he says he is not. Daniel tells his father that he should believe him, but Ken says he has form for this sort of thing and Sinead's version is more credible. Sinead says that if Chesney wasn't so nice, Daniel would be in a police cell by now.

Gary is talking to Faye in the cafe. He tells her that as they haven't heard from the police, they can't have found Anna.

David suggests to Shona that they go to the Arndale (shopping) Centre. Fiz tells them that the place is 'heaving'. Shona says she is too busy and suggests that David goes to an expensive jeweller on his own. He says he has already got her a Christmas present from Poundland! She asks him to go upstairs to water Roy's plant.

Tracy goes round to see Chesney. She tells him it takes guts to do something like that and then lie about it. She says that Sinead and her Dad both fell for the story. When he denies it, Tracy says that forensics can work out the trajectory of a moving object before hitting his head. He then admits it. Tracy says that he can't kid a kidder! He says he is going to do as much to make her hate him as much as he does. Ken takes Eccles out for a walk, and sees Tracy coming out of Chesney's house.

Tyrone and Kev walking down the street and Tyrone talking about the argument he had with Fiz and suggests that Ruby plays up more than Hope, which he doesn't think, it is because her big sister is horrible to her. Kev says he had the same with Rosie and Sophie and Jack is as bad. One thing though Kev says Anna, is really good with Jack. He says there is no chance of them getting together again. Tyrone carries on about Fiz and her thought that his kid may have got Kirsty's violent streak.

David is watering the plants when he hears noises. He calls out asking if it is Roy or Brian. He picks up a rolling pin and calls that if the person doesn't come out now he will call the police. Door opens and it is Anna. She says she had nowhere else to go, and she knew Roy was away. David suggests she should hand herself in, but she says she is being framed and won't get a fair trial. David thinks she ought to get herself a decent solicitor. He says she can't stay there, but she replies that after what he did, he owes her. She pleads with him to bring Gary to her and then they will be quits.

Fiz is with Chesney and Sinead. She thinks that they should have called the police. She offers to take Joseph so Chesney can rest up. Sinead says when Fiz's girls came round the other day they started to play with Joseph's nerf gun . Chesney explains it is a toy gun that fires little pellets. But Sinead says when someone shoots at someone close up it stings a bit. Sinead hopes that Joseph is better, but wants to know if it was one or both of them. Sinead says both and they blamed each other. Sinead says he was just a bit scared and doesn't want to make a fuss.

David comes downstairs and speaks to Faye and Gary. He tells them that he knows where their Mum is.

Sinead tells Joseph to go and wash his hands and then tells Gary that she is partly responsible, because she encouraged him. She says she was with Joseph and Daniel, when he tried to kiss her, but she didn't kiss him back. She realises she should not have been with him, but she was drunk. She says he was trying to help her sober up; nothing else happened and never will. Chesney tells her in future for her to just ignore him. They cuddle.

Anna is dozing on Roy's settee, when Faye comes in. They hug each other, followed by Gary. Faye tells her that she now realises that Phelan is a liar and she should have believed her mum from the start. Anna wonders if Seb will change his statement. Faye tells her that they have split up. He won't hear a bad word about Pat as if he has been brainwashed. Gary asks her where she has been sleeping; she says she hasn't been sleeping. She suggests they stay for tea, and use food from Roy's fridge. Gary wonders how long she can keep this up for. She says until she can prove her innocence.

Bethany is locking up the salon when she sees Craig. She wants to speak to him and invites him back into the salon. She apologies to him. She says she was an idiot and what she said was untrue. Craig says it was his fault as he was too full-on. She says he wasn't and considers him to be one of the nicest men she has ever met. She says if he wants to go out with her she'll probably do more stupid stuff, but he'll just have to put up with it. She wants to go out with him, and says they can take it slowly and see how it goes.

Leanne is back in the Rovers after her date. Toyah is surprised she is back so early. She says it was a disaster. They were originally going to meet at the Art Gallery, but that changed to the pub. She was okay with that. Then while they were chatting he suddenly punches his fist in the air. She realises there is a football match on in the background.

Eva goes over to Aidan. She says she doesn't want to dig up the past. She wants them to move forward with their lives. She offers to sell the flat and the car and give him half. He dwells on it.

Ken goes round to Daniel's and says that he may have been too quick in condemning him. He says he saw Tracy coming out of Chesney's house and that it doesn't feel right. Daniel confesses that he loves Sinead more now, more than ever. Daniel says that Chesney has turned her against him and there is nothing he can do about it. Ken says that if she is worth fighting for then he should fight and not let Chesney get away with it.

Tyrone and Fiz are arguing about what punishment they should give the girls. Tyrone says he thinks that she thinks Ruby was the culprit, but she says she has sent them both to bed. He says that she thinks she gets it from her mother's genes, in which case Hope's father, John Stape, wasn't exactly stable.

Daniel is hiding around the corner as Chesney comes out of his house. He says that when he gave Sinead the ring, he thought that maybe she is better off with someone who is safe, but boring. However, he now realises that he is not as sweet as he looks he is going to have to do something. Chesney says that she wouldn't touch him with a bargepole. Daniel says he can't let her marry him and he is going to make her see him for what he really is.

So, Anna is on the run. Would she really hang around Weatherfield? Wouldn't the police keep an eye on Gary and Faye to see if she has been in contact? The entrance to Roy's flat is through the cafe, wouldn't one of the customers have seen Anna going through? Maybe all these questions will be answered in the days to come.

To all my readers who have suffered my reports, have a great Christmas and forward into 2018, when hopefully somebody out there will volunteer to help with these reports ... please!

Martin Rosen


Monday 18 December

Part 1 and 2 written by Damon Alexis-Rrochefort Directed by Diana Patrick

With Anna still missing, the neighbours are all abuzz. Phelan remarks to Eileen that her absence proves she's guilty and he, of course, has no good thing to say about the Windass family in general even if they're going to be related to him via Nicola's baby.

Anna is taking advantage of Roy's flat by having lots of showers. Gary is making her breakfast. He's told the cafe staff he's doing some decorating for Roy as an excuse for him being there. Anna is dismayed to find out that Gary told Faye about what Phelan had done to her in the past. She wants to find proof that Phelan is lying about where he was the day Seb fell. Later, Faye comes to see her mother. They discuss how Faye's dealing with the truth about Phelan and Faye pledges to support her mother no matter what. Anna is determined to find the proof she needs. She wants Faye to stay in Roy's flat for a bit, it would be safer for her.

Gary tells Phelan there's something wrong with Nicola's baby. They need to find which hospital she's gone to. That gets Phelan up out of the chair quickly, he locks up and he and Gary get in his van, leaving Anna to break the chain off the lock so she can go into the office and start searching. She rifles through the files and ledgers to no avail. Meanwhile, Gary has been leading Phelan around on a wild goose chase, which he finally figures out. Phelan takes off in the van and Gary has no way to contact Anna to warn her because she'd taken his phone.

Looks like Anna might be having a bit of luck. She's contacted a client who says he did work for them on a date that seems to please her but they put her on hold to find out the time of day. Outside, Eileen notices the yard's gates unlocked and goes in to investigate. Desperate, Anna picks up the bolt cutters and swings at the person coming up the stairs, probably thinking it would be Phelan but is shocked to see Eileen come crashing down at her feet.

She gets away and over to Roy's flat unseen and tells Faye they have to get away now, suggesting Scotland. Faye doesn't understand, of course, and Anna loses her temper trying to get her to shift. Faye insists on going home to get some things. Seb sees Faye slip out and she makes him promise not to tell anyone he's seen her. Anna and Faye are ready to go in Gary's car but Anna has to run back to the yard to see how Eileen is and freaks out when she sees there's blood on the floor under Eileen's head. Naturally she gets caught by Phelan but she runs out when he rushes to his wife's body. He's furious and calls the police and ambulance on his mobile. Anna runs to the cat and they drive off around the corner.

The next scene we see after a break is the police and ambulance. Eileen is brought out on a stretcher and Phelan is screaming accusations at Gary, having seen Anna with Eileen's blood on her hands. The police are very interested to speak to Gary about all this. Anna is sitting in traffic and they hear police reports on the radio about the incident. The traffic light changes and they proceed. Anna pulls the car into an empty car park and gets Faye to duck down in the seats. The car is immediately surrounded by police cars. I don't know what she thought would happen parking there. The police order her out of the car. Anna knows it's over and sends Faye out first as per orders. Anna is taken away and arrested for assault.

Faye is brought home to Gary. Faye tells Gary what her mother did. Todd comes over, really angry at what Anna did and seems intent on taking it out on Gary. Faye tries to blame Phelan but he wasn't the one that swung the lead, literally and Todd reckons Anna will be convicted for this.

Fiz has the girls home making mince pies and they seem to be getting on ok. Tyrone comes home, upset that he and Fiz had fallen out. They're all made up and looking forward to Christmas together. But later we find Fiz packing. Turns out Cilla has had a bad fall and she's going to have to go look after her mother. She asks Chesney to keep an eye on the kids but not to tell Tyrone she asked. Tyrone is gutted she will be away for Christmas. Later he asks the girls how they can cheer Mummy up. They do a homemade nativity and sing Little Donkey for Fiz. Tyrone has done up a Christmas dinner of turkey nuggets and Fiz thinks it's the best ever!

Adam teases Daniel for being outmaneuvered by Chesney, he with the brick-shaped dent in his face. When he mentions Tracy's possible involvement, Adam wouldn't put it past her to be coaching Chesney. Daniel lets himself into Number 1 later to talk to her but of course she's her usual spiky self. He confronts her with the idea that she's helping Chesney turn Sinead against him. She plays the innocent and catches on that he's trying to record their conversation. She finds it highly amusing that he's playing detective.

He tells Adam later that he can't let Chesney win, as he follows Sinead down the street with puppy dog eyes. Chesney tells Sinead about Fiz's news but Daniel arrives. Joseph is sent upstairs. Daniel apologizes sincerely and tells them he's getting help for his temper. He promises it won't happen again. He says all the right words but his sincerity doesn't quite make it to his eyes. Chesney later tells Sinead that something isn't right with Daniel and he doesn't want her to see him again.

Robert gets the news that his testicle was cancerous but it hadn't spread. Checkups but no further treatment. Later, he decides to go back to work which worries Michelle to no end but he's determined. She keeps following him around and hovering and can't understand when he makes dark jokes about slicking a small lemon.

It's sister time. Leanne is moaning about the dates she's finding from the online site. Eva's putting the flat on the market and Toyah's hosting B&B guests, the most recent which has arrived early but Peter offers to sort that out. Toyah offers to set up a blind date for Leanne with an old mate of hers. In the pub later, all three plus Steve are moaning about the poor choices available on the dating sites.

Eva and Adam have a little flirt over the bar as she tells him about selling the flat with no particular plans on where she's going after that, not yet. Behind the bar, Peter mentions the overnight guest whom we haven't yet seen and Toyah finally convinces Leanne to meet her friend for a drink.

Eva and Adam exchange a few more words later in the pub which does not go unnoticed by Billy (who has been told by Peter that they have a hearing on Thursday, Peter having drafted a victim impact statement which will be a positive rendering for Billy. Adam is heading to the Bistro to see Matthew Singh but when Aidan comes in, Adam realizes Aidan doesn't know about the Bistro meeting and makes sure he hears about it.

After getting all dressed up, Leanne is not happy to find out that Toyah's friend has cancelled the date. Eva has a brainwave, (yes, just the one.) She thinks it would be a good idea to put Leanne in the path of Matthew Singh, Adam's client and takes her reluctantly to the Bistro where they're meeting. In the pub, the lodger has finally appeared and Toyah is surprised to see how good looking he is.

Adam and Matthew are both bemused to be introduced to Leanne by Eva. It starts off awkwardly when Eva finds out that Matthew doesn't drink and she mentions that's a good think considering Leanne has an alkie as one of her exes. Later they all seem to be getting on well but Aidan, worse for wear from the alcohol he's consumed in the pub, crashes the party and makes a right idiot of himself. Matthew decides to leave as well, apologetically, citing a probably complicated conflict of interest. Leanne is pragmatic about it though Eva's a bit dismayed things didn't work out. The two sisters muse about losing their touch. Leanne offers Eva a room to rent in the house she's thinking of buying and all is well again.

They arrive back in the pub where the lodger, Chris, is propping up the bar talking to Peter who seems to be trying to get him out the door to no avail. Chris claps eyes on Eva and Leanne and decides to stay pub. Toyah introduces Chris to the women and Eva pushes Leanne forward.

Tvor


Wednesday 20 December

Here's the update for Wednesday 20th December, first episode.

Pat and Summer arrive to see a bruised and battered Eileen. The doctor has said there's no permanent injury. Phelan tells Eileen that she's lucky to be alive, and hopes Anna will be kept under lock and key for a long time. Summer then tells Eileen about Todd's run in with Gary yesterday, and how he'd told Gary he hoped Anna would rot in prison. Pat agrees and tells them that if Gary hasn't got the message by now, he'll make sure he gets it. Eileen tells him she doesn't want him or Todd messing with Gary Windass, Anna will pay for what she's done so they should now move on.

Over in the back room of the pub, Toyah is chatting to the B&B guest, Chris. He tells her he really feels like part of the family. Just then Leanne arrives, hoping Toyah will help her go through a load of property details she printed off the internet, but Toyah says she's busy. Chris offers to help her, saying he's in the property game. All smiles and giggly, Leanne takes him up on the offer.

Aiden gets a call from Showcase, and tells Alya they were really impressed yesterday. She asks what happened yesterday and is not happy to hear that Aiden went for a meal with the Parker brothers, saying she should have been there, they're meant to be partners. She's worked really hard on the designs and is making the same investment as Aiden. He blusters that it was all very last minute, and it won't happen again. She reminds him that's what he said last time, and heads for the door. He tells her that if they get the order it could be the making of them. "Us?" she snaps, "or you?" and slams out of the door.

Billy calls on Adam and Daniel, and tells them that Eileen is concious and talking, it seems she's going to be ok. Adam wonders what Anna was playing at, and Bills says that people do strange things when they're under pressure, and he's sure she wishes she could turn back the clock. He then tells them that he's got the Year 3s from Bessie St. School coming to the community centre later and needs another helper. Adam says sorry, but he's not elf material. Billy then tells him that he's got Eva coming to help but is worried because her costume is a bit skimpy and she could end up being Rudolph the red-faced reindeer! Adam then changes his mind and says he can pop over there.

Aiden meets Eva outside the Kabin, she's a bit off with him and he tells her he didn't mean to spoil last night. She says yes he did, and he did, but anyway, the estate agent reckons someone is going to put an offer in on the flat soon. He says it will be a big help and he really appreciates her splitting the money with him.

Steve and Liz are pushing baby Oliver down the Street, he's getting impatient because Leanne hasn't picked him up yet and he's got a date. He shows Liz her photo and she tells him not to wear 'that awful shirt'. They walk into the pub and Leanne comes running out from the back, followed by Chris, who brings her handbag for her. Steve asks her about the baby's checkup and Leanne rummages quickly through her bag but can't find the letter she thought she'd put in it earlier with her other post. Chris then tries to take the pushchair from Steve but Steve snatches it back, asking, "Who are you?" Leanne tells Steve he's a friend, and they're going together to look at property.

Peter and Daniel walk into the community centre where Billy is reading a story to the children and Eva is beside him with a painted red nose and a very short skirt. Peter remarks that she's going to be cold pulling the sleigh! Just then Daniel comes out dressed as an elf, much to Peter and Daniel's amusement.

Izzy is in the cafe talking to Gary about Anna. He says Anna has played right into Phelan's hands.

Steve is in the cafe, and has summoned Liz over from the pub. He asks her to try and find out as much as she can about Chris, he's worried that Leanne might be looking for a dad for his son. "So you're going to vet all her boyfriends?" asks Liz, and goes on to say that her best mate is in hospital after being attacked by a madwoman so she has rather more to worry about than Steve's paranoia.

Anna's solictor tells her that she has done immeasurable damage to her case. She tells him that as long as Eileen is ok, that's all she cares about. He tells her that Eileen is going to be all right, he wishes he could say the same of her.

Leanne and Chris are in the pub, getting along very nicely. He then starts telling her where and when he was born, who his parents are, etc. Then it's her turn, so she tells him who her mother was, and her date of birth. Just then Steve comes in with Tracy and in a matter of moments has plonked himself down at Leanne's table. Chris goes off to get drinks for them all and Leanne asks Steve what he's playing at. Steve wants to know where Oliver is, and Leanne tells him he's with Toyah. Over at the bar, Chris is buying the drinks, ordering an alcohol free beer for himself. He then pulls out a card to pay with, but as he picks up all the drinks he drops it on the bar. Sarah picks it up and looks at the name. "There you go, Paul," she says, handing it back.

Chris (aka Paul) is back at the table and telling Leanne more details of his childhood – favourite teacher, first pet, first car, etc. Then he gets Leanne to do the same – favourite teacher, first car, first pet. Then she says they must go or they'll be late for their table at the Bistro, and they leave.

Back at the community centre, Adam and Eva are in a back room getting changed. She's struggling with her zip but won't let him help her at first, but then has to. He kisses her bare shoulder and then she turns and starts kissing him passionately. Adam pulls the green, sparkly curtain across them.

In the Bistro, Michelle brings Chris another alcohol free beer, he tells her he's driving. Leanne comes out of the toilet and he tops up her wine glass.

Back at the community centre, Billy tells the children he's going to show them the grotto, and tells them to close their eyes. He then pulls back the curtain and there are Eva and Adam still kissing! He pulls the curtain closed again quickly.

Aiden is in the cafe when Alya comes in. She tells him that making the business work is just as important to her as it is to him. He reminds her that he put a lot of people out of work and he has to pass them in the Street every day. He didn't want to meet the Parker brothers without her but it was a chance to put things right. He tells her they're talking about ordering 500 units with the possibility of more to follow. She tells him there's no way they can fulfil an order that big from her grandma's front room with one machine. She wants to get back into the factory and tells him to talk to Johnny, but he says the sale to Matthew Singh is going through. Alya says that no matter what, Matthew Singh is not Johnny's son.

Steve and Tracy are at the bar talking to Liz and Sarah. Steve is moaning about Chris when Toyah brings baby Oliver though. She asks who they're talking about and Liz tells her Chris, who was in earlier with Leanne. Sarah then tells them that his name isn't Chris, it's Paul, she saw his card. Toyah says he's staying there and his name is definitely Chris. They all look at each other.

Over in the Bistro, Leanne has been telling Chris about her split with Nick and the money she got. She says it gives her and the boys a bit of security. He asks if she's invested it, but she says she hasn't, she's going to use it for a deposit on her new place. As he leans forward to talk to her about going into town, he covers up her phone and drops it down onto his chair. Then he calls for the bill.

Back in the pub, Toyah has been looking in Chris's room and found a lot of Leanne's post and her organiser. She's tried to ring her but she's not answering, and she's worried she's in danger, because he must've taken her things from her handbag earlier on. She says they need to find her, and heads for the door with Steve. "I knew that guy was dodgy," he says.

Anne Logan.

This update is brought to you by the good folks at Corriepedia, originally published there at http://coronationstreet.wikia.com/wiki/Episode_9331_(20th_December_2017) and reposted here with permission.

Writer Martin Allen

Director Diana Patrick

Chris pays the Bistro bill and heads for the gents'. Toyah, Liz and Steve come in and find he has fled the premises.

Phelan visits Anna at her request so she can find out how Eileen is. He is livid at what she has done and threatens her family. She attacks him and has to be restrained by the officers.

Leanne is puzzled by Chris's motivations but then realises her phone is missing, although her purse is intact. Toyah is concerned.

Aidan calls on his father and asks Johnny to sell him the factory rather than Matthew Singh. Johnny agrees but for a higher price, even though Aidan can't manage that. Johnny sends him on his way.

Billy is touched with an early Christmas present from Summer of a tree decoration of her, Billy and Todd she has made.

Adam is on cloud nine that he has broken the ice with Eva.

Billy frets about his upcoming court case.

Leanne regrets her stupidity.

Jenny thinks Johnny was too hasty with Aidan, pointing out that they need the money quickly for their planned move to Spain and they don't entirely trust Matthew Singh.

Steve wonders if Leanne's bank statements were taken so Chris could commit online fraud and she realises that when they were chatting about their pasts, they gave him information such as the name of her first pet and her mother's maiden name. She checks her bank account and finds it's been emptied of everything, including her house deposit. She rings the bank and finds they can't get the money back. She is distraught that her future plans for her and the boys are now in tatters.

Aidan is pleased when Johnny agrees to accept a better offer. He tells him to be grateful to Jenny. Aidan wonders where he can get the extra money from.

Phelan overhears Jack telling Kevin that he's missing Anna and tells Kevin about her attack on him.

Aidan can't raise the extra money and wonders if Singh will consider a partnership.

The police take Leanne's details but can't offer any comfort that they will find Chris.

Billy wants to offload his conscience and tell the Barlows about his involvement in Susan's death.

Simon is told they are homeless. Toyah invites him, Leanne and Eva to move in with them, overriding Peter's concerns.

Todd tells Billy that they are finished if he confesses any other sins in the witness box.


Thursday 21 December

An extra episode tonight to make up for one of the two missed due to football recently. I am back from holiday to find I have lumbered myself!

This is episode 9332. The writer for this episode was Julie Jones and the director was Diana Patrick. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open on a very wet Street as power walkers Gail and Sally are obviously seeking to be a little fitter ahead of the Christmas dinners. Gossip predominates as Leanne's latest problems are mulled over. Gail is surprised that Nick's money has gone so easily. Outside their flat Summer is telling Billy she wants to go with him to court. She gives Billy a four leaf clover she has made in metalwork for good luck. Billy is to text her when he gets out of court. She goes and then Billy tells Todd he is not going to court either. Billy has to help look after Eileen when she is released from hospital later. Billy insists he will not jeopardise their arrangements by talking about Susan Barlow. Todd has no choice but to do it.

Leanne, baby, Simon and Eva are in the process of moving into the Rovers. Toyah is happy - not so sure about Peter. Simon is thinking of handing himself into social services as he is sure there is a law against sharing a room with a mother and baby brother. It is only temporary as Peter has started on a loft conversion!

In Roy's Rolls Gina delivers a present to Sally. It is a purple fascinator. Cathy tells her she looks regal in it. Sally suggests they meet for a drink later and Gina goes. Brian returns from his hike, orders a full English from Shona and says that he missed his beloved sitting down next to Cathy. Roy apparently is tracking some Natterer's bats. He gives Cathy a bag of recently harvested mushrooms. Yasmeen wants to know if they are safe and Brian assures her they are. But they cannot nip home for a cuddle as Cathy is about to be Mother Christmas in the grotto at the Community Centre tomorrow but the outfit needs altering.

In court Peter is giving evidence trying to explain Billy's actions and that he has been punished enough.

Back at the cafe, Alya and Aidan approach Matt Singh and he forces an apology out of Aidan. Aidan tells Matt that he should consider going into business with them. Matt can hardly believe his ears. Matt says he works long hours so he has to like his work mates and preferably respect them. Aidan agrees. So Matt ends it before it has started as he does not respect Aidan. Aidan and Alya merely look at each other.

Peter and Billy are leaving court together with Billy not knowing how to thank Peter. Billy has to do community service. A tubby man rushes past them shouting at a dark haired man. The police chase the tubby man away. The dark haired man walks into both Peter and Billy and when Peter tells him to watch it he thumps Billy below the water line. Billy's phone goes and he stops to send a message to Summer and Todd and Peter heads off home. Summer receives a message from Billy to say he is on his way home and he loves them both. They are both happy. A quick celebration is planned. Billy gets into Peter's StreetCar - but he has a weird pain in his leg and he finds the sharp edged clover lead stuck into his leg with blood oozing out. Wrongly he pulls it out and soon there is a lot more blood which Peter cannot stop. Peter gets on his mobile for an ambulance.

Alya is giving Aidan a real tongue lashing for not telling her about the earlier contretemps between the two men. Alya reckons she could talk Matt round on her own - so Aidan tells her to pull her finger out and do it. They need this. She looks worried.

Pat finds Eileen packing to go home - she wants to know why his left cheekbone is red and bruised. She does not believe he walked into a door. He admits it was Anna Windass. Eileen asked Pat to let it go - and he didn't. Pat says it is impossible to turn a blind eye - and Eileen could have died because of the mad bat. Pat has told Anna he will be fighting fire with fire. Eileen tells him not to press charges. Pat insists he will. Eileen tells him once again to drop it - despite the CCTV cameras and witnesses. Anna is going down - he can afford to leave it at that. Pat is silenced.

Back to the StreetCar - lots of blood all over their hands as they try to contain the bleeding. Billy of course is sorry. Peter thinks he is referring to the blood everywhere. Billy is close to passing out. Billy tells Peter that he loves Todd and Summer. Billy then announces he is going to Hell. He has to confess. Peter is trying to get Billy to relax. Billy has to tell Peter the truth. Peter is continuing to calm him, ignoring what he is saying. Billy says God has given him what he deserves - he is going to die in a car at the side of the road just like she did. Peter tells him to relax. Billy tells Peter to let him die just as he let Susan die. "An eye for an eye" quotes Billy. Peter looks at him and says "Susan?". Billy responds - "Your sister. I killed her".

After the break Billy is once again recounting the story of how someone called Gareth killed Susan by being told to keep driving by Billy. Peter is now listening closely. Billy admits that they left them for dead and since he found out it was Susan Billy says his life has fallen apart. Peter removes the cloth from Billy's leg and the blood starts to flow freely. Billy passes out and Peter is shocked and open mouthed as we hear an ambulance approach. Peter goes back to stemming the flow of blood.

In the Rovers Matt and Adam are discussing the factory deal. Toyah and Eva are discussing Adam who is getting in another round. Alya wants a minute of Matt's time. She waves some coloured spreadsheets of her business with Showcase under his nose. Matt wants to talk to the potential clients (the Parkers) to see if they tell the same story. A little later Aidan wanders into the Rovers having been summoned by text message. The Parkers have confirmed the deal and Matt offers to shake Aidan's hand and calls him partner. And then shakes Alya's hand as the other partner. They will talk through the deal in more detail tomorrow. All three have broad smiles.

Sal, Gail and Gina arrive in the Rovers and Gail observes that Leanne is sponging off Peter and Toyah now. Leanne is not amused.

Todd and Summer are looking at the chocolate cake for the celebration. Summer has downloaded 26 songs about freedom which she is playing. Summer is a little concerned that Billy is not back yet. They do a countdown - but then Todd's phone rings - showing Billy. Todd answers and is surprised by Peter's voice.

Back in the Rovers Brian is bigging up the great outdoors to Yasmeen and Cathy. Yasmeen says that camping is for savages. Roy suggests he and Cathy head back to Roy's for a snuggle up under a nice warm duvet!

Aidan with something to celebrate apologises to Eva for his attitude the other night when he was a total pillock. Aidan says they both live locally and cannot avoid each other. She tells him to move! Can she downgrade from hatred to snotty indifference? She agrees she will do snotty indifference. He then asks if they can ever be friends as he is fed up with the sniping. She agrees to "friends". I am not sure she means it.

Meanwhile Gail is reminding Sally and Gina that her Nick gave Leanne £25,000. Sally tries to change the subject to pickled walnuts but Gail is not wavering and repeats herself so that Leanne can hear her. Sally tries devilled eggs for Boxing Day. Gail remarks on the lost fortune. Toyah tries to calm Leanne. A con artist takes it all of Leanne after Nick worked so hard to provide for her. "Easy come, easy go" adds Gail. Toyah warns Gail she is close to getting barred. Sally tells Gail to get over it - it is Christmas after all. That merely winds Gail up further - Leanne is with her family and they will not see hide nor hair of Nick this Christmas - thanks to Leanne! Toyah issues a final warning and calls the sisters three wise monkeys, but she does not know which one is which. Eva points out that if Gail messes with one of the sisters she has to answer to all three. Toyah tells Gail to finish her drink and then to sling her hook.

Summer is walking along the Street with Shona. She tells an approaching Adam that Billy is in hospital injured by her clover lead and Todd would not let her go to the hospital.

In the hospital the medics announce that Billy is hyplvolaemic (a shortage of blood volume) and that they need to cross match 4 units. And give him some type specific STAT (no idea). Plus some colloids.

Peter meanwhile has gone to the grave of Susan Ida Barlow, 5.4.65 to 11.2.01. He stares intently at the headstone of his late twin sister.

Roll credits.

What a roller coaster of an episode! One minute Peter is pleading to keep Billy out of the Big House and by the end of the episode wants him dead.

Matthew Singh seems have a highly changeable mind. Dangerous if you ask me.

And do not tangle with the Witches of Weatherfield; that cauldron behind the bar is pretty dangerous!

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I remain very worried about Emily Bishop or should that be Eileen Derbyshire?

KRW


Friday 22 December

Written by Owen Lloyd-Fox and directed by David Kester

With so much on his mind Peter tells Toyah he's not feeling well. Toyah is quick to believe him. She's off to visit Jackie (surrogate mother of their baby) and doesn't want to risk her catching anything nasty.

At the hospital Billy really isn't feeling too good. Summer and Eileen have called in to visit him. While Summer goes off to look for Todd, Billy gets upset. Eileen thinks it's the meds talking when Billy cries that he's ruined everything and they're going to lose Summer.

Meanwhile Todd is trying to rescue the situation. He's gone to see Peter who is poring over photographs of his sister. Todd begs Peter to let it go, if only for Summer's sake. But Peter doesn't look ready to let anything go, even for a second.

Over in the cab office Steve's still struggling with his dating app. Tim tells Dev that Steve has spent most of the day trying to take a decent photo of himself.

We return to Peter who's now on his own in the bar. He's clutching a glass of something and clearly battling with himself but he pours the contents down the sink just as Leanne walks in. She looks suspicious and asks if it was vodka. Peter tells her he was just clearing up a glass. She knows something's going on but all Peter will admit to is his continuing struggle with alcohol and Simon is the only thing that's stopping him going back on the bottle. Leanne tells him he must go to an AA meeting and, if he doesn't, she'll tell Toyah.

In the cafe, Brian's studying a magazine about wild mushrooms when Johnny comes in and sees Aidan and Alya. They tell him that they're planning a party in the Rovers this evening for the Underworld staff and then explain the reason. Johnny is taken aback but manages to look pleased when he hears they're going into partnership with Matthew Singh.

Brian's sharing his mushroom knowledge with Alex. They're looking at a picture of the particular variety he brought back for Cathy. Suddenly realization dawns and he rushes out of the cafe.

Brian arrives at Yasmeen's to find his fears have been realised. He inadvertently fed Cathy Magic mushrooms and she's been hallucinating all night. She's in no fit state to play the role of Mother Christmas so Yasmeen hands Brian the Santa outfit. Like it or not he'll have to be Father Christmas.

Round at the Rovers, Toyah's off to see Jackie and Eva's about to organise the party for Underworld. She asks Toyah's advice on speaking to Aidan. Maybe now's a good time to tell him about her and Adam? Toyah hasn't got time to chat now but she thinks Eva doesn't seem entirely convinced. She suggests holding off saying anything until she's really sure.

Peter's at his AA meeting. He tells the group he now knows why he drinks and he's even identified the person who was the cause. But instead of staying and talking it through he claims he doesn't want a drink and walks out before anyone can stop him.

The children are waiting at the community centre for Father Christmas to arrive. Jude reckons the suspension of disbelief will even be a stretch for 10 month old George when Brian emerges from the back of Zee's street food van, accompanied by clouds of dry ice.

Across the street Beth bumps into Alya. She asks if the rumours are true about them getting their old jobs back. Alya is non-committal – she's more concerned by the woman who's been hanging around outside the factory. But Beth doesn't let the lack of hard facts stops her from getting straight on the phone to Sinead to share the good news.

In the Rovers, Steve's sharing his unsuccessful dating woes with Tim. Tracy's been listening in and she offers to take Steve on a sympathy date. But she admits it's not that sort of date. It's Amy's school carol concert. Steve pulls a face. He's not keen on the idea of listening to all that caterwauling in a freezing church. But if Tracy's got to sit through it, so has he, she tells him.

We then move to the church in question where Billy, presumably trying to be incognito but wearing a hoody and looking very suspicious, sneaks into the back. His phone rings but he rejects the call from Todd. Then he gets a text from Peter saying they need to talk. He replies saying he's like that and tells Peter where he is.

Eileen goes into the Rovers asking if anyone's seen Billy as he's discharged himself from hospital. Peter keeps quite about the text message but Leanne hears from Eileen how Peter probably saved Billy's life. She's surprised he didn't mention it. Peter dismisses it as nothing then tells Leanne he's just popping round to his Dad's.

Beth comes into the Rovers with Johnny, ready for the party but Alya pulls Aidan to one side for an urgent word. She's just met Matthew Singh's new manager of Underworld. Aidan's confused so Alya puts him straight. Apparently Matthew has promised his manager complete control of the factory and she can bring in her own team. All he wanted were their designs and orders and he plans to cut Aidan and Alya out. She tells Aidan he has to pull out now but they can't afford to go it alone. Aidan says there's still one avenue left. Without expanding further he instructs Alya to cover for him as he'll be gone for some while.

At the community centre Brian looks ready for a break. But Yasmeen gives him the evil eye so he adjusts his voluminous beard and resumes his role as Santa.

Meanwhile over at the church rehearsals for the carol concert are underway. Peter arrives and joins Billy at the back. But if Billy was hoping to resolve matters by talking he'll be disappointed. Peter tells him how he almost started drinking again because of Billy. But why hurt himself, he decided, when he could hurt Billy instead ….

Aidan is in a crowded pub waiting for someone to arrive. We see a pair of feet first and then we hear Carla's voice. Aidan apologises for the panicky phone call and tells her she's his last hope.

Karen

Good evening. I am back from South America and would like to thank Diane, Karen and Martin for standing in whilst I have been away. Underneath my signature is a link to my blog and you can find out what I did whilst missing out on three weeks of Coronation Street. A lot has obviously happened in Weatherfield and it has taken some time to catch up with events so I am sorry if this update is a little late.

This is episode 9334. The writer for this episode was Owen Lloyd-Fox and the director was David Kester. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Wearing a hoodie Billy is taken by Peter to his StreetCar so that they can go somewhere other than the church for a "talk". Around the corner Todd, Summer and Eileen approach the church - they cannot raise Billy. Adam gets out of his car and joins them. Apparently Adam is serving penance for taking Ken's car and scratching it adds Ken. Todd decides not to go into church.

Aidan is in a pub with Carla. She is NOT drinking alcohol. She wants to know why she is there. He wants her to buy into the factory again. Aidan tries to guilt trip her over all the years of effort the Connor family have put into the factory. She tells him it is just a business. She realises that Aidan is after cash. Aidan says he wants Carla to run it with him. She laughs and leaves. She says she has a life which does not revolve around a poxy Weatherfield knicker factory. Aidan reminds her that she has her family in Weatherfield, Peter might be back but Nick has gone. Carla emphasizes she has new responsibilities now. Carla he appeals - it is Christmas. She says Merry Christmas, turns on a no doubt expensive heel and leaves Aidan without a backward glance.

At the Rovers Sally wants to know why they are having a sudden party. Johnny says it was Aidan's idea and Beth knows why - Underworld will open again soon! The Machinist Massive will be back in 2018. Alya says Aidan is feeling rough and will be in later. Sally proposes a toast to Aidan - although he has made a few mistakes! Aidan - saviour of the factory! Alya looks worried.

Peter brings Billy to Number One. Peter puts the sideboard picture of Susan (incidentally for those not recognising the picture this was the replacement Susan hired for the few weeks before she died (Joanna Foster) and not the one we all remember (Wendy Jane Walker) - Billy can be excused for not recognising her; nor did I). Peter then teaches Billy how alcohol can cure pain - by getting him to drink a lot of vodka (I am surprised there is alcohol in the house) and looking at the photo albums. Peter is telling Billy that Susan's death started him drinking which took off when Lucy died. Billy apologises - but it does not even touch the sides of Peter's raving alcoholism. Peter empties the first vodka bottle into Billy's glass. He then reminds Billy about how twins feel each other's pain and how he part died when Susan did. Billy drinks. And now Peter cannot touch alcohol. Billy wants to know why Peter did not let him die. Peter gets another bottle and another glass after he throws the first one against the wall.

The carol service is in full flow - Summer sounds good and Todd and Billy are both missing. At the back of the church Tracy and Steve are together - the latter getting text notifications from his data app. Steve and Tracy argue about the woman who has swiped on him! She clicks on Steve's profile and finds his "perfect" match - which of course is the slightly distorted picture of Tracy we saw a couple of weeks ago! He grabs his phone back and Ken tells them to shut up as Amy is up next. Frankly her violin playing still leaves something to be desired - like a tune and musicality.

Brian meanwhile as Santa is losing sight of the Christmas spirit when Asha sits heavily on his knee and teases him. Cathy has returned from her trip. Asha thinks Santa's belly is real - Brian tells her it is padded. Santa tells Asha she is now on the naughty list - no present - he recalls the earlier events with the stock cube in the shower head. No presents this year, next year, never. In some future year she might get a lump of coal - but that is it! Asha can consider herself cursed for all time - all this in front of Yasmeen, Cathy and the waiting children and parents. No more presents, no more snow, just winter after winter of terrible Christmases. Pain, misery and suffering. And then Brian sees all the waiting faces looking shocked. He tries to make amends.

Two empty bottles of vodka on the table in front of Billy now. Peter does not want Billy to drink himself to death - this is only the first part of his retribution. He keeps hitting Billy to keep him awake. Peter does not want Billy to ever forget what he did. He has been to Adam's office and got Geraldine's number and told her that he had information that Billy was unfit to be a parent, so Summer will be taken away. Susan did not get a chance to see Adam grow up and Billy will not see Summer grow up. Now he wants Billy to feel what Susan felt - she was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital but no-one knows how long she was conscious for after the accident. How long she was trapped in the car thinking Adam was dead or dying behind her and knowing she was dying herself. Peter is going to show Billy what that was like.

After the break Eileen brings Summer back to the flat. Still no sign of Billy and now Todd vanished in the middle of the service - but we know he did not go in ... has there been a rewrite? Summer wishes they would talk to her. Her mobile goes off - a message from "Billy" "A parishioner died. I'm with his family. They are a mess. Sorry I didn't call before, but I've no wanted to leave his mum. Worst day ever. I'm so. so sorry." Summer sends him a text - she is just relieved he is not bleeding to death in a street somewhere. And now they need to find Todd. Eileen says simply give them earache when they do get home. She tells Summer to find a cheesy Christmas film on the tellybox. Summer's mobile rings - apparently it is her gran and she agrees to what is suggested.

Beth is in a good mood waving around mistletoe over Johnny. Jenny asks Kirk to restrain his woman! Beth would like to see him try! Kirk tells Beth to step away from the twig. Steve and Tracy come in - Leanne is serving the Underworld Christmas party. And Eva is on piggin' shift and not part of the party! Tracy wants to know why there is a weird 3D image on Steve's phone. Steve attempts to explain - Tracy is basically his "ideal" woman; Steve reckons it bears a slight resemblance - it was Peter winding him up. Tracy reckons it is a bit tragic actually - but it might explain why his dates are not working out - he is sabotaging them because subconsciously he wants to be with her. Steve is not sure about that explanation.

Still in the Rovers Toyah returns from seeing Jacqui - all well apparently. Peter is feeling a bit rough so is having a kip according to Leanne. Aidan arrives looking like thunder. But all the Underworld girls (no Sean by the way) are cheering him. In a quiet corner Eva asks Aidan for a word. She tells him she is really proud of him getting the business going again. He heads outside and Alya rushes after him. He goes out and starts a call on his mobile. Eva follows him outside. We don't know but I suspect it is Carla on the other end of the call. He says (with Eva listening) "Look this is about you and me. And you know how much I care for you. I think you are making a huge mistake going back." He tells the other person to listen please. "Look, do this for me. It you have ever cared for me please." There is a response and then Aidan says "There's nothing more to say then is there? Merry Christmas" and the call is ended. Eva of course reads something different into it thinking that Aidan has "moved on" - so making up her mind. When she returns to the bar Adam is waiting and she asks what he wants. He is more interested in what he can get her and they are both smiling.

Steve is showing a blonde "Gwendoline" to the toilets and Tracy predicts she is about to do a runner - which she does! Apparently Steve was doing "charming" which makes Tracy laugh. Gina and Dev want a word with Brian. Dev has had his daughter on the phone in tears over Santa's curse. Cathy defends Brian as Asha was rude to Santa. The Underworld girls are laughing over the Santa curse! {Dirk gets his customary background shot between Dev and Gina at this point}. Brian starts another rant - this afternoon has proven that the youth of today are overweight, under-mannered reprobates who do not deserve the attentions of good old St Nick. Dev is upset that Asha has been called fat. Apparently that was another girl. Cathy intervenes to say that Asha was partly to blame. Dev warns Brian he has not heard the last of this - and Brian rejoins that Santa is quaking in his boots. Cathy is upset with Brian - as she points out Dev is her boss. Brian sees the point and says he will apologise.

Adam asks Eva out to a cool new bar in town. Eva says she is working - and as they talk Aidan returns from outside. Eva wants to do it and asks Leanne if she can go - she wants to do some moving on. Toyah sends her off. Adam and Eva call a taxi and go. Tracy and Steve also leave the Rovers. Steve is bemoaning his lot with women. Tracy reminds him he has already met the woman of his dreams. He says no thank you! Been there ... seen that ... even got the flippin' scars. No, no, no! Then he asks Tracy why she is giving him a funny look. Tracy is trying to work out if she really wants to do what she is about to do or whether she is just bored and lonely and really quite tipsy. Steve gives her a strange stare. He asks her what she is going to do. "This" Tracy answers by putting her hands round his neck and pulling his face close and kissing it very hard. He holds his arms out each side of her not responding. She takes a backward step. "So?" she asks. Steve says "All right" - so Tracy takes him indoors.

Summer lets herself out of the flat. Eileen follows her down - why is Summer outside she asks. Summer says that Gran called and told her to be on the kerb side at half past. We hear a car horn (car reg MV07 XDL) but cannot see the driver. We hear what sounds like Todd's voice saying "Summer, get in, get in." She gets in the car which drives away. Eileen asks Todd what is going on. As the car drives away again we cannot see the driver.

Back in the Rovers a sing song is going on - Dirk mid shot again! Aidan is telling Alya that his last shot has failed and they will not be able to take on the factory. Aidan stops the juke box and the sing song. Kirk calls for a speech from Aidan. Aidan tells them he is pulling out of the factory deal. Matthew Singh will be the sole owner. He will be bringing his own staff with him, so there are no jobs. Even Johnny thinks he is joking. Aidan is not joking - and he is really sorry. He leaves the pub. Stunned silence.

Peter comes into the bar - Leanne says that she thought he was asleep. He covers his tracks by saying he was finishing his Christmas shopping. Apparently Toyah is going to her mum's for Christmas and he wanted to make sure he got it right. They hug.

Somewhere with no obvious street lights there is a StreetCar - an owl hoots. We can hear Billy sobbing and in the inky darkness we can see that Billy appears to be bound, whimpering in the car boot I would guess. (Locking people in car boots is something Kate Oates has brought from Emmerdale sadly where it happens most weeks).

Roll credits.

I feel sorry for poor Owen Lloyd-Fox - the rewrites caused by http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bruno-langley-coronation-street-sexual-assaults-guilty-plea-sentence-community-service-manchester-a8080316.html had to be done pretty quickly I suspect and explain the change in Todd's disappearance. We will never know just how much had to be re-written.

And clearly there is something amiss with Carla, pregnancy? illness? I had initially plumped for the former - but am now less certain.

And I cannot see Steve and Tracy lasting for long but it does prevent them making two other people unhappy so I suppose it has its upsides!

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I remain very worried about Emily Bishop or should that be Eileen Derbyshire?

KRW


Monday 25 December

Holiday greetings from all of us here at Update Towers! There isn't a lot of Christmas cheer to be found on the cobbles, however.

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by David Kester

Christmas morning brings carolers on the corner. Rita donates some spare change and greets a thoughtful looking Peter who's having a crafty fag out in front of the pub, handing over a card in a red envelope, one of a handful to be delivered. She's looking forward to a knees up in the pub later. Off she goes on her deliveries.

Carla pulls up beside Aidan and hands him a Santa hat but tells him she's not investing in the factory. No going back. I guess she followed him back to Weatherfield after the meeting the other day (which seemed as if he'd driven a bit of distance to meet up with her, but I may be wrong). She establishes that the Connor clan is having their Christmas lunch in the Bistro and tells him to save her a seat but keep it secret so she can surprise her family.

Eva comes out of the flat around the corner with Adam, all loved up. Aidan is taken aback to spy them and it hits him full force. Another reminder that his life has taken a nose dive.

Shona and the kids sing a birthday song to David at the doorstep. He assumes she actually did forget his birthday as she's only given him a t-shirt for Christmas. She pretends she might have but takes a package out of her jacket and bins it which seems silly.

Eileen has been leaving frantic messages for Todd via any route possible and is clearly having no luck. Where's he gone? She lifts a hand in greeting to Peter across the way. He's distinctly uncomfortable, finishes his cig and goes back inside with barely an acknowledgement.

Meanwhile, Billy has survived a cold night in the boot of the taxi, and is praying for all he's worth in the dark.

Dev and Gina sneak downstairs, scared, having heard noises. They see the Christmas tree shivering and shaking in front of a body but it turns out to be Brian who has come in the back way through an unlocked door to bring a present for Asha to make up for his obnoxious behaviour to her in the grotto last week. Gina is unforgiving and is calling the police.

The Barlows gather in Number 1 to exchange Secret Santa gifts though really, there's no Santa and some already know the gifts, confusing Amy. Un-secret Un-Santa? Adam arrives and Daniel is sent to wake up Tracy who has spent the night with Steve and is trying to get him out the door before anyone sees. Daniel sees the door close and her on the stairs and pretends he didn't by "pretend calling" up the stairs to her. In the front room, there are memories of Susan. Peter stands up and hands out his gifts and then tells everyone he's going to a meeting.

Eileen is talking to Jason to find out if Todd called him for Christmas. He didn't. She's really worried. Phelan suggests that it's a good thing that they all went missing together, that sometimes running away and driving is just what some people need at times.

But Peter has returned to the taxi and drives it off somewhere through a wooded area.

All the Platts are outside. Gail has been given noise canceling headphones and a music player, thinking that the noise canceling feature could give her a respite from the children at times. Bethany is babysitting later and asks if Craig can join her. Sarah is pleased that she's found a good bloke. David gets in another dig at Shona forgetting his birthday but there's excitement when Bethany comes out to point out there a police car right across the street, which she's seen through the curtains but which all the eyes of all the other people standing 10 feet from the cobbled street failed to notice. Two police officers are bringing Brian out of Number 7.

Cathy has come out of Number 6 frantically gesturing for Brian to call her when he can. Dev and Gina are less than complimentary. Gary comes to the Platts' with a gift he had bought for Harry but Sarah won't accept it. Give it to Jake or your new bundle of joy. She ushers everyone back inside, leaving him there looking like a lemon. Lily totally stole the scene by then doing that thing where you point to your eyes with your first and second fingers then point to the person you're watching as a warning, the "I'm watching you!" look! Superb!

Peter has arrived at what may be an old quarry. He backs the car up to the edge of a cliff. He gets out and pulls Billy's upper body out of the car so he can see how far up he is. Peter opens his Santa gift, black leather gloves. He starts talking to Billy about Susan loving Christmas and he always trying to ruin it for her. He could never feel the magic of Christmas like she did and was jealous of it. Billy tells Peter he might deserve punishment but he doesn't deserve to die and for him to think of Summer and Todd. Peter counters with Adam's name. What about Susan?

At church, Phelan and Eileen arrive, she hoping Billy might show up. She feels awkward because she actually has no religious feelings at all. Sophie is there and asks if they know where Billy is because the congregation is getting fidgety to start the service but Eileen tells her they were hoping to find Billy, too. Obviously, it was a wasted trip, so the Phelans turn to leave only to encounter Summer's grandmother, Geraldine.

Peter has left the car radio on, playing carols. Peter tells Billy he's going to let the car reverse over the edge. It'll be quicker than it was for Susan. He gets in the car and puts it in gear but pulls ahead, rather than in reverse. He pulls Billy out of the trunk, untying his hands and leaving him on the ground. He takes Billy's wallet I think and tosses it over the cliff so he has to find his own way back. Peter turns to get in the car but as Billy tries to get up, he's clearly wobbly and cramped and slides over the cliff. He calls to Peter, clinging onto a bush and Peter does rush to try to help, never having any intention of actually killing Billy but Billy's hand slips through his desperate grasp and he goes sailing down the side of the quarry pit, landing hard at the bottom.

Peter looks over and sees Billy's still body at the bottom and looks terrified. What to do? He does think to call for help but he puts his phone back in his pocket and drives off. (no signal or an attack of nerves?)

Outside the church, Eileen tells Geraldine she figures Todd and Billy wanted their first Christmas with Summer to be the three of them and they don't need grandmothers' interference. Geraldine takes offense that Eileen has taken on the Grandma moniker after she's been there for Summer all her life. Geraldine lets slip that someone informed her that Billy was unfit to be a father but she won't say who. Eileen thinks she's lying but is told it was someone related to Todd's business partner (Peter, wasn't it?) Geraldine promises to rescue Summer. Eileen is shocked that one of the Barlows would interfere and can't think why they would.

We're in the Bistro now. The Connors and Rita are getting seated. Michelle comes over to get the drinks order while they wait for the sixth guest though Jenny tells her that's wrong, there's only five of them. The sixth guest comes through the door. Johnny is chuffed but every time Carla tries to hug Michelle she gets an early as to why she wasn't informed Carla was arriving. And why is it all about Michelle? Because it always is. Carla orders champagne for the table but fizzy water for herself, telling them she's driving. Never stopped her before. What's going on? She gathers a bag of gifts to hand out last minute gifts it sounds like. Aidan looks rather gloomy.

Peter has arrived home and runs around through the ginnel and into the back of the pub in a panic. Ken has seen him. Inside, Peter is going through the drawers in a sideboard looking for his passport. Ken follows him inside. Peter is ready to run, it seems and is beside himself with fear and utter panic of what he thinks he's done, swearing it was only an accident, never intentional. Ken tries to get him to calm down but isn't having much luck. He collapses in tears on the sofa, crying he only wanted to scare Billy. Ken is very concerned and mystified.

Back to the Bistro, looking for gossip from Kate who refrains. Aidan continues to be a damper and is scolded by Johnny. He drops some cash on the table and gets up to leave. It sounds like Johnny and Carla were both going to pay for the meal which only gets Aidan's dander up, accusing them both of tossing their cash around. He thinks she might have accepted the deal if Johnny had gone asking first. He leaves the paperwork for the potential order he had secured, which was why he needed to buy into the factory and leaves.

Peter has told Ken about Billy's non-involvement in Susan's death. He accuses Ken of not feeling the same way about Susan's death as he did all those years ago but Ken defends his apparently cooler reaction as trying to hold it together for the rest of his family. A father has responsibilities and points out that Peter, as a father, does, too and it's not going out and trying to kill someone. Peter is a mess and the irony of him leaving Billy to die without calling for help, just like Billy did after Susan's accident is not lost on him. Ken makes him swear it was an accident and it is sworn on Simon's life but Peter won't tell his father where it happened.

In the pub, Gail is singing out loud to whatever is playing on her music player through her noise canceling headphones, kind of defeating the purpose. The conversation reveals that Leanne and Toyah have gone to Janice's. David's continual birthday nagging doesn't bother Shona who tells him he won't get a gift next year either. Sarah has been getting drunk on tequila.

Tracy shows up in the pub to find Steve glum, having had several texts from her saying last night was a big mistake. Doesn't sound like Tracy sent them because she storms over to the other side of the bar where Daniel is sitting, accusing him of sending the text from her phone. He denies it. Gary's in the pub, and approaches Sarah again. She doesn't want to talk to him so he leaves. Gail continues to annoy everyone with her one sided singing and it drives David and Shona out the door to ostensibly check on the turkey. They grab their drinks from Eva's tray. Sarah nips to the loo and Gail finally takes her headphones off. Seems she was using the headphones and singing to avoid hearing Sarah moan all day! She admits she knew they were buying her a gift to shut her up and, with a smile, vows revenge.

Looks like Peter did tell Ken where Billy was because he's arrived at the top of the cliff but sees a rescue team at the bottom so someone has found Billy and called for help. A passerby tells Ken that he reckons the man jumped himself but something broke his descent. He's still alive and an air ambulance is on its way which we can hear in the background

Liz and Eileen are in Billy's flat, Liz having followed Eileen inside seeing her obviously in distress. She's told Liz about the anonymous call to Geraldine and is trying to use the landline to find out who the last caller was. Eileen is still trying to figure out which Barlow made the call, convinced at least that it wasn't Adam. Geraldine's accusations had the air of truth to them. The landline rings in Eileen's hand. It's a call from emergency services about Billy's accident.

Carla and Johnny are in the pub together. Even though Johnny defends his reasons for selling up, he does think Aidan could make the factory work. Michelle comes in with a wrapped bottle for Carla and an apology. She hands the bottle to Johnny to keep and goes back to the Bistro with Michelle so they can have a proper catch up. Outside, Carla asks Michelle to tell her all about what happened with the factory.

Cathy is begging Dev and Gina to drop the charges against Brian who is still waiting for his interview. Gina is not so inclined. She thinks Brian needs a lesson teaching. Dev says at this point it is out of his hands.

Liz offers to take Eileen in her car (what car??) because she can't find the keys to hers. Sarah toddles down the street and starts screeching to Eileen about feeding Gary his Christmas dinner until Gail drags her inside. Turns out Eileen still thinks Nicola is in Australia, Gail hollers over that she isn't so I think Sarah must have found out that Nicola was the baby-mama. Did I miss something? I didn't think she knew specifically who it was. She seems to now, any road. Eileen and Liz get in the car.

Daniel is trying to settle Peter down by showing him photos of his loved ones even though he doesn't know what Peter has done to get himself into a state. Daniel was asked to stay with Peter but Peter is now determined to go to the police station just as Ken comes in and tells Peter Billy's alive. Peter collapses in tears of relief, while Daniel stands there gobsmacked at the implications.

Over at the Barlow house, it turns out that Amy was the one that send Steve the texts to try to avoid a disaster, the disaster of her parents getting back together. She'd heard them sneaking in the house the night before. Amy begs her mother not to get back together with Steve. Daniel comes in and pushes everyone to set the table and tells Amy she's going to her dad's. She's happy enough with that. Daniel tells Tracy she has to trust him at the moment.

Brian is being interviewed by the police. He tells them he was planning to leave the gift in the back yard but saw that the back door was open. Apparently it was damaged which is why the police have charged him with break and enter. Brian insists it was damaged when he tried to get out. He explains about the prior misunderstanding that he was trying to rectify.

Eileen and Liz wait in the hospital, now mystified as to how someone is "just" found at the bottom of a cliff. She doesn't think Billy would have jumped and someone knows something. A nurse comes out to look for Billy's family and tells them he has internal bleeding and is on the way to the operating theatre. Eileen takes the keys to Liz's car and asks Liz to stay there in case Todd shows up.

At Platt Towers, David objects to the background music, the retro top 40 she had on earlier. Dinner is done and Bethany asks Shona to get David's birthday gift. She had seen Shona ask for the birthday wrapping paper earlier but Shona seems reluctant. Maybe she's afraid the gift wasn't appropriate after all? Some of them are heading out for other plans until they remember they haven't given David his birthday cake. Audrey presents a cake that looks definitely the worse for wear, blaming David the dog for getting at it though I don't know how a tiny dog like that could get up onto a kitchen counter. I suppose where there's a will and a cake there's a way. David picks up the dog to take him for a walk.

Eileen arrives at the Barlows to find out which of them knows what's going on, telling them Todd has disappeared with Summer and Billy is fighting for his life. Mostly shocked faces all around the table, except for two. She wants to know who spoke to Geraldine. Ken tries to divert her but she's honed in on Peter. However the Barlows close ranks. She leaves, promising to get to the bottom of this. Ken tells Peter that Adam has to know what's going on and when he is told, Adam and Tracy have been told about Billy's involvement in Susan's death.

Adam is furious, murderous even though Peter assures him it wouldn't make him feel any better. Take it from someone who knows. In a perfectly delivered line, Daniel adds "To think all those years I craved a family Christmas" (I absolutely love how they write for this character!) Tracy tries to leave but Ken demands they all sit and talk it through, reminding them all that they are united against the world.

In the pub, Aidan comes in with Kate who has kept the cracker for him to pull. She's rigged it and customized the riddle inside to sound very much like a change of mind, business wise. The answer is Carla who has decided to partner up with Aidan after all. Johnny brings over the champers but Carla again refuses, saying she's driving back to Devon and she doesn't need alcohol to have a good time. Yep, she really said that. Jenny looks suspicious.

David returns from his walk. Shona calls to him. She's up on the factory balcony. He puts the dog in the house before going over.

Brian is released on a caution. Cathy told him Dev felt it went too far. As they come to the front of the police station, they are accosted by a drunk young man who is full of insults at Cathy's appearance. Brian is offended and Cathy is embarrassed to be compared to a manhole cover. Brian punches the man and is subsequently taken back by a police officer.

On the balcony, Shona admits she did get him a gift but had lost her nerve. She's retrieved it from the bin. It's an umbrella and when he opens it, there are stars painted onto the underside. It relates to the time they tried to go star gazing in the Peak district and didn't make it due to an encounter with her ex. He's pleased.

Aidan doesn't seem pleased to find out that Johnny helped nudge Carla into the deal with Aidan. Barlows come in the door, Tracy noticing Carla who smiles and tells Tracy to think of her as Ghost of Christmas Past. Ken buys his family a round. Rita informs Eva that the jukebox isn't working. Eva, wearing a mistletoe crown, kisses Adam. Peter tells Ken he's going to a meeting. Cathy wants a sad Christmas song and Eva reckons I'll Be Home for Christmas might do the trick. Rita knows it, of course. She decides to make a speech first, raising a glass to a tough year and absent friends. Eva starts the song off, joined by Rita, and we all know Eva can belt out a tune as well as Rita ever could. We get a montage from here. Carla in the ladies' room pouring wine down the sink, Brian scarfing down pasta in a cell, David and Shona kissing, Sarah and Gail on the sofa, Eileen at Billy's bedside, texting Todd, Peter on the stairs at Number 1 alone, Adam looking at a photo of his mother.

Tvor


Tuesday 26 December

This is episode 9337. The writer for this episode was Susan Oudot and the director was Gill WIlkinson. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Aidan is telling Michelle that he did try to get Carla to stay but failed as they talk outside Roy's Rolls where Yasmeen is sweeping the street. Carla walks into shot and Michelle wants to know what she is doing there. Roy is not due back until New Year Yasmeen advises. Aidan tells Carla that Yasmeen is his landlady. Carla has decided to stay for a few days after all. And she wants a chat with Aidan later. Michelle proposes a full English to Carla who accepts as Peter comes out of the cafe. Carla congratulates Peter on becoming a father again. Carla says that babies are what life is all about really? Peter and Michelle both look a bit stung and Peter says he must be going. Carla seems to be entirely over Peter's behaviour. Carla is not dwelling on the past. It is done. They go inside and Yasmeen phone rings - it is Roy and she breaks the news that Carla is in town.

At the hospital Billy is hooked up to machines and his head is wrapped in bandages. Eileen is at his bedside and Liz joins her. They operated on the pelvis, deep wounds on his arm will heal but it is not clear if there is brain damage. Eileen cannot understand how this has happened. And why is Todd not answering calls? Liz cannot understand why Billy was at that cliff. Eileen does not have a clue, she reckons the Barlows know more than they are saying!

At the Rovers Eva is telling Adam that Billy was really lucky - he could have died. Peter is listening in the background. Peter tells them that Todd has done a flit and taken Summer with him. Eva goes to serve a customer and Peter asks Adam if he is coping. Adam is not sure why Peter is apologising - for what he has done or for not telling Adam what he had found out. Peter knew that he would be damned either way. He was angry and he wanted Billy to suffer and be scared. Peter says that Adam must follow Ken's guidance and it must stay in the family. Adam must do that for Ken. Toyah returns from Janice's. Toyah wants a glass of red and she notes that Peter looks messy - he is working on the loft conversion (surely that needs planning permission?). Peter is glad she is back and then heads back to the attic. According to Eva Peter was in the attic working all night.

Adam left and headed to the office where he is thinking. Rosie comes in and apparently a client - Mr Anderson - bought her some expensive perfume. She is going to exchange it for a handbag. She has a letter for Billy from Todd - but Adam takes it to save her going to the hospital. {Rosie has her arms crossed throughout in her thick white coat - what is she hiding?}. She happily bounces out and Adam looks at the letter.

At Maria's flat PC Jess Haywood - Craig's mentor - pops in, she has brought an application form for officially joining the police. The station reckons he will make an ace copper - so put Neil behind you - new year, new start. She tells him he is definitely good enough. She goes, Craig is chuffed and so is Maria. Craig in OCD mode turns off some electric power switches.

Adam storms into Number One where Ken is eating some soup. He shows Ken the letter saying it proves Todd knew about Billy killing Susan. Ken reads it - and disagrees. Adam expounds the point that Billy killed Susan, Todd knew and has done a runner. Ken eventually tells Adam that he is going to sort this and seeks a promise from Adam he will do nothing rash. Adam reluctantly agrees.

Amy wants Ken to go skating with her. Ken is going out anyway. Can they watch Eccles for him? Steve offers to go skating with Amy - but she calls him rubbish so no thanks. Steve says he has still got the moves - he used to be called "Steve Torvill" back in the day! Tracy points out that Torvill was the female half! Amy leaves them to it.

Yasmeen delivers a drink to Alya who is sat with Aidan in the cafe. Alya is hoping for a good price from Pat for replacing the factory roof. Aidan reckons it is a good idea as his traveling costs would be low. Cathy is talking about Brian who has been held in prison - Cathy is excited - she has never considered Brian to be a bad boy before! And he will be back tomorrow. Cathy is also pleased that Carla is back but Roy will be disappointed to miss her. Yasmeen reports that Roy has cut short his holiday so that he can see Carla - which Yasmeen thinks is a little odd. Cathy reminds her that he was bound to come down off his mountain for Carla.

Billy is coming round and the nurse removes the breathing tube. Eileen watches. It looks like Billy is mentally OK (well apart from his pre-existing problems of liking Todd and telling Gareth to abandon Susan Baldwin). Billy wants to know where Todd is - so does Eileen (he is on the naughty step forever). As Eileen tells him to rest, she leaves for a cup of coffee and it is the Barlow father Ken who comes in. Ken tells Billy that he must have been expecting him. Ken reminds Billy that Susan was his child. And Billy is starting to know what that bond feels like. Billy has no idea of the pain of losing something so precious. Ken has lost one child because of Billy and he does not intend to lose another. Billy not only owes Ken, but Peter and Adam as well. Ken is calling in his debt.

After the first break Ken is almost growling through his words. Peter's antics with Billy are nothing to the family's suffering caused by Billy. Ken makes it clear that Billy fell (which as I recall he did - Peter had given up at that point). Billy calls Peter sick and dangerous. If Billy says anything then everyone will know about Billy's involvement in Susan's death. Ken will make sure it does. If Billy causes Peter to suffer then Ken will make Billy suffer. That is a promise. "Godfather" Ken all dressed in black glides slowly out of Billy's cubicle.

Adam in his flat is re-reading the letter from Todd to Billy. In short Todd is sorry, Geraldine has been told that Billy is not a fit parent so Todd and Summer are doing a flit as Geraldine is threatening legal action. No contact until the dust has settled. Todd will return when he can. He sets the letter on fire and drops it in the bin.

In the Bistro Carla is telling Aidan that she has paid the deposit and a month's rent and he can now move back into his old flat above the kebab shop. He thanks her and admits he owes her for this. Aidan promises to repay her when the money comes from Eva. Kate delivers drinks. Again Carla is NOT drinking alcohol - what is wrong with her? Carla has obviously turned 180 degrees since my write up on Friday. Alya arrives and Aidan joins her. Michelle joins Carla and Kate is a bit snitty reminding Michelle that she is finishing after the lunch shift. Carla asks Michelle what's wrong so she explains about Rana two-timing Zeedan with Kate. Maria Connor comes in and joins the discussion as Michelle finishes. Maria thinks she needs to point out that Aidan was as much to blame as she was. Carla does not doubt it! Maria spots that Carla is drinking on ORANGE juice!

Billy comes round again and asks for Eileen for Todd - but all she knows is that he and Summer are missing and that Geraldine had heard from one of the Barlows that there was a problem with Billy. Then suddenly all the monitors go off and Eileen is ushered outside.

At Number One Ken reports that Billy has been told to say he fell and Peter is effectively off the hook. Adam is told by Ken that no good can come from actions that will put Peter inside. Adam knows Ken is protecting Peter as he protected Daniel. Adam reckons his feelings at the loss of Susan are not being paid a proper respect. Ken agrees - but Peter cannot go to prison again. All say nothing. They all agree - Adam reluctantly - he then departs.

Billy is stable - his liver is bleeding into his abdomen so he is now in theatre to try and repair it.

Aidan has Pat working on a quote on a new roof and there is a meeting with the Parkers tomorrow over the order.

Another three witches (Carla, Michelle and Maria) are discussing the lack of fun between Peter and Toyah! Carla grabs Kate as she leaves. Carla wants a catch up later and Kate agrees. Carla heads to the ladies and Maria asks Michelle if Carla sleeping with Robert is not making it a bit awks? Michelle had not thought about it (it was before they got together after all). And Robert loves her not Carla. Then Maria asks just WHY is Carla drinking orange juice (perhaps she has changed religion?)? Maria then asks Michelle if she could be pregnant. Carla pregnant?

Over at the Rovers Liz, Toyah and Eva are discussing Todd's disappearance. Eileen arrives from the hospital with the latest update. Liz gets her a brandy. Peter is cleaning a glass at the back of the bar. Billy has denied that the fall was an attempted suicide. She asks Peter if he knows anything. Peter assures her that the Barlows have nothing to do with this. Peter is clearly struggling with all the lying.

At the flat Adam has finished a bottle of whisky and finds some tablets and another bottle. He washes the tablets down with some vodka straight from the bottle. He then goes and sits down against the main door into the flat. And keeps drinking huge swigs of vodka.

Following the second break Daniel is trying to open the flat door - but Adam is out cold and he has to push very hard to get it open. Shortly thereafter he is trying to get Adam to be sick and succeeds having spotted the empty alcohol and pill bottles. He uses his phone to call an ambulance but Adam countermands it. A little later Adam emerges from the bathroom looking cleaned up with Ken and Peter waiting for him. Adam tells them he is fine and that they can all leave. Godfather Ken wants to talk to Adam - properly talk. Adam is not helpful and refuses to see a doctor and tells Daniel to shut up. Adam says he kept the pills around to remind himself that he has beaten it - like Peter living in a pub! Ken is going to stay and look after Adam. Later Adam wakes from a snooze and Ken is watching him. Ken makes it clear that he loved Susan and he loves Adam. Adam has thought about suicide before missing Susan so much so he could with her. If Adam had said no then they would never have been on that road on that day. But she had to get away from Mike. Ken knows it is not fair to report Billy to the police - but if they do then Peter would go to prison. And that is not good either. Adam is trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea.

In the Bistro the Connor girls are chatting Xmas presents. Michelle semi admits that the finances are not great at the moment. Carla calls Kate and Maria is going to collect Liam from flying a kite. Maria reminds Michelle to find out if they are going to be aunties - Michelle wants to know who the Daddy is!! Robert wants Michelle get her ass into gear working so Carla goes round to see Kate. Carla and Robert hardly exchange pleasantries.

At Number One Tracy realises that Eccles is missing - Steve has left the front door open. Amy is told to stay in whilst Tracy and Steve go on a dog hunt (a gentler version of a bear hunt).

Carla arrives at Kate's flat, she wants to wave her Christmas wand over troubled waters with Michelle over the problems with Kate and Rana. Kate denies "Kana" exists. Whilst Carla does not disapprove Kate does - she knows what is happening is wrong. She is betraying her mate Zeedan and she hates herself. Carla comforts her - and Kate can talk to her. Kate repays Michelle's favour by telling Carla about the break in.

In the Rovers Aidan updates Eva about moving back into the flat. He says it will be weird without her. The missing Todd is the real surprise. Luke wants a word with Aidan on Alya's behalf - she is not happy being excluded from tomorrow's meeting and Luke says Alya has Aidan's back - has he got hers?

In a Rovers booth Bethany has given Craig some bluetooth earphones. She refuses to discuss the expensive present. Craig is really made up and they kiss. And again and then he puts his hand on her leg. She starts and jumps up. She goes to get another drink. Craig is confused.

Carla has returned to the Bistro for ANOTHER orange juice. Michelle asks if it is a health kick but Carla dodges the question (is she really a politician?) and asks Michelle about robbing the till. Michelle holds her hands up metaphorically admitting to money problems (not her gambling partner) and says it was entirely down to her - Robert knew nothing until later. Michelle it has sorted the problem temporarily and she blames the cancer scare. And they are not quite out of the woods. Michelle also admits that she has missed Carla - particularly over Ruairi. She knows Carla has to live her own life. And Michelle adds she would do it again for Robert. Carla admits they look good together but does not promise to say nothing to Robert.

Tracy and Steve meet in the ginnel. No sign of her ladyship Eccles. Talk turns to Steve being Tracy's little mongrel. They end up snogging the face off each other.

After another break Tracy and Steve enter the back room of the Rovers to find Leanne and Amy with Eccles on Amy's lap! Apparently she (Eccles) had been in the cellar! Tracy does not fall for it. And knows that Amy sent the text message to Steve. Amy is slightly shamefaced. Leanne does not believe they are back together and Amy adds that if she and Leanne can see it is a bad thing then why can't Tracy and Steve? Tracy adds that she and Steve could not be happier. Amy and Tracy both have looks of utter distaste on their faces as Amy carries Eccles out of the pub.

It is quieter in the Bistro and Carla gets to talk to Robert who reckons he is over the worst of it. Carla knows that Rob and Michelle love each other. Michelle checks they were talking about her and Kate comes in. Carla tells them to play nice! At which point Roy comes into the Bistro. Carla rushes to him. She looks so pleased to see him - he looks very relieved to see her. She gives him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Tracy and Steve are physically flirting in the Rovers bar! Craig and Bethany are chatting and he says that if she wants to be friends then he gets it. He asks about her jumping earlier and she says it is not him - it is her. She cannot really explain. And she is not saying never. Craig says he is not going anywhere. They both smile and she rests her head on his shoulder. She is worried though.

Peter is also worried leaning against the optics at the back of the bar. Toyah tries to cheer him up before he turns the beer sour. He is a little short and heads off for some fresh air. Steve apologises to Leanne for not telling her about him and Tracy. Leanne counters by saying that there is no way THAT woman will play stepmum to OUR child. Tracy hears and tells Leanne that she is warning her that she is no Michelle (all of this is overheard by Amy and Simon from the back of the bar). Leanne agrees and says she will give it a week - Tracy responds by saying that will be longer than her engagement to Steve! Tracy again snogs Steve! Simon tells Amy she will have to play happy families whether she wants to or not. [Cannot see Amy doing that can we boys and girls?].

Aidan comes into the Rovers looking for Carla. Toyah was not aware she was around. Alya comes in and Aidan joins her. Leanne reckons she could kill Tracy Barlow. Toyah tells Leanne that Carla is back and she would guess that Peter knows. Aidan tells Alya she is attending the meeting tomorrow - he has insisted. She is pleased but Luke does not admit his hand in it.

Peter is recalling breaking the news to Ken about Susan's death in discussion with Adam. Adam remembers Peter coming to the hospital after the accident.

Roy is talking about his walking holiday to Kate and Carla. Kate goes. Roy asks how Carla is. She says she is fine. Roy responds "We both know that isn't the case." Carla responds that it is Christmas and she is simply visiting her family and it is the season to be jolly. "Don't go doing or saying anything to spoil that, will you?". Roy insists it is important to talk. Carla tells him that what is going on is just between the two of them. Eventually he agrees. Carla then rushes out and tells Roy they will talk later. Michelle thinks it is odd - Roy is unhappy.

Adam is standing over Billy's bed. Billy wakes and Adam wants to know why Billy was up a cliff. Billy was alone and fell - he slipped he did not jump. And Adam has not heard from Todd either. He and Summer have gone away. Adam says Billy must miss them - but never mind - he has Adam now and with Todd not there to help him then Adam is his man! Adam tells Billy to trust him as he is in good hands.

Roll credits.

OK. So somehow I do not think Carla is pregnant - could it be terminal? - she seems happy to splash the cash and ensure her family are all happy (factory with Aidan and organising his flat) - and Roy knows. So we have her return - but is it short term.

Oh come on Leanne - you did not want Steve - he has moved on and found true love - but like you I do not see it lasting particularly once Amy gets started.

And Alya be careful of what you wish for - those brothers may be hard to handle.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I remain very worried about Emily Bishop or should that be Eileen Derbyshire?

KRW


Wednesday 27 December

Steve is walking past Tracy's shop when she runs out and pinches his behind! He stops and they chat for a few minutes, he asks if she's spoken to Amy about the nasty texts she's been sending, basically disapproving of the two of them being together. Tracy points out that Amy is the child and they are the adults, they'll do as they please.

Carla comes along then and Roy comes out of the cafe and waves at her, but she looks the other way and walks on.

In the hospital, the doctor is telling Billy that he may have to return to theatre several times. Eileen is there and asks why, and the doctor tells her that Billy has a complex pelvic fracture, it's not a simple procedure. (Whatever happened to medical confidentiality? Eileen isn't even next of kin!) There may even be a permanent level of disability. Billy is horrified to learn that he may not walk again. When the doctor has gone, Eileen says she wants to tell Todd what has happened, and Billy thinks it doesn't make any sense for Todd to just go and not say anything. Eileen is also wondering what's been going on and starts to press Billy.

Daniel goes into the Bistro where Carla is at the bar, studying the drinks menu, and starts up a conversation with her, When Robert appears he says that it looks like they're very busy in there and he's not doing anything if Robert would like some help. Robert then says he can have his job back. As Daniel prepares Carla her cocktail they chat some more and he realises that she's Peter's ex, and she realises that he's Peter's brother.

Back in the hospital, Eileen is still questioning Billy, asking why one of the Barlows would call Geraldine. Billy starts to get upset, the two people he loves most in the world have gone, and he has no idea where they are. He's sure Todd must have gone in order to keep Summer safe, so Eileen tells him to get some sleep and they'll talk about it later.

Chesney and Sinead are talking about their hen and stag nights, Sinead hopes Beth will keep it low-key, she doesn't want a fuss.

In the cafe, Toyah asks Roy how long Carla is back for, he thinks until at least New Year.

Over at a table, Sophie asks Adam if he gave Billy the letter from Todd. He says he did.

Aidan brings the Parker brothers into the Bistro where Alya is waiting. One of them remarks that he didn't know Aidan was bringing his assistant. Alya tells them she's not his assistant, it's a joint project.

Ken goes into Adam's office to see him and soon realises that Adam is still very angry at Todd who has gone into hiding to protect his little family, and also at Billy, who he calls the murderer. He tells Ken that he can't forget a lifetime of grief.

Back in the Bistro, Carla starts talking to Daniel about Robert and Michelle's money problems when Robert comes out of the kitchen and overhears, and gets cross. He sends Daniel to wait on a table and asks Carla why she was asking him about the business. Carla confesses that Michelle told her, and she offers him a loan to clear the debts. Robert gets very angry then, and tells Carla they don't need her money. Carla then lets him know that Michelle has told him about the staged robbery, so he gets very angry then and tells her to keep out of their lives, and sort out her own.

Aidan and Alya are trying to talk business with the Parker brothers, but they keep blanking her at every turn. When Aidan gets up to get drinks and she asks for lime and soda, one of them tells her that 'her lot' are so boring. "My lot?" asks Alya, looking cross. He tells her to lighten up, and then says, "Oh sorry, you can't, you're stuck that colour!"

Alya is just asking him if the colour of her skin bothers him, when Aidan and the other brother come back with the drinks. Aidan asks what's going on, and he tells Aidan to tell his assistant to chill out, then says he didn't mean any offence. However, as Alya tries to continue talking about the designs, he continues to make racist remarks so Aidan lunges forward and asks if he's got a problem. The other brother tries to say it was a joke, but Aidan says that Alya isn't laughing and neither is he.

Toyah is talking to Angie, wondering if Peter's weird behaviour is anything to do with the reappearance of Carla. She suggest she asks him.

The Parker brothers leave the Bistro, making out that Aidan and Alya are at fault. Aidan is very apologetic to her, but she knows it wasn't his fault. She says it's not the first time she's met blokes like that. Alya says they need the business, they need the order now, working with the Parkers means everyone gets their jobs back.

Steve comes into the Bistro, telling Michelle he has a date. Then he sees Tracy at a table, waving and goes over. Michelle is astounded.

Robert comes out of the kitchen and demands to know if Michelle put Carla up to the offer of the loan. He's really angry that she told Carla their private business. Michelle however, thinks that if Carla wants to help they should let her.

Tracy is wittering on to Steve about the possibility of going on holiday, but his attention is on the argument between Michelle and Robert. Tracy notices and is not happy and threatens to leave, but Steve persuades her to stay.

Adam and Daniel are in the cafe talking about Carla. Roy overhears and comes over, asking how she is. Daniel says she's fine.

Kathy brings Brian in then for his Christmas dinner that he missed because he was in a cell.

As Daniel and Adam sit talking, Chesney comes in and goes over to the counter. Daniel remarks that Sinead has no idea how much of a psycho Chesney is, and he hears this and looks round. He comes over and says that Daniel hasn't managed to split he and Sinead up. "There's still time," says Daniel. When Chesney has gone, Adam tells him that the clock is ticking, and Daniel needs to show Sinead what Chesney is really like.

In the Rovers, Alya is telling Luke about the Parker Brothers. He is annoyed that they are still going to do business with them.

Ken arrives at Billy's bedside, and says he's heard that Todd has gone off with Summer. He's worried that Billy may not stick to their arrangement. Billy assures him that he'll keep his mouth shut. Billy then asks if it was Ken who called Geraldine. Ken tells him he's had an eventful Christmas with his own family, Adam took an overdose so he hasn't had time to make spiteful phone calls. He points out that losing his mother has shaped Adam's entire life, something that Billy was responsible for. Billy says he's so sorry, and assures Ken they still have their arrangement.

Adam is in the cemetery, putting a flower on his mother's grave. He bends down and promises his mother she'll get justice.

Anne Logan


Friday 29 December

Written by Ellen Taylor and directed by Gill Wilkinson

Although this episode was aired on 29th December, on Coronation Street it's already New Year's Eve.

Cathy is on the phone to Alex and, from her side of the conversation, it sounds as though he's about to be made homeless. Meanwhile, Brian has plans to take Cathy out for a meal. He tells her it could be an important evening, causing Cathy to look quizzical.

Across the street Roy is closing the cafe when Carla comes along. We gather she's entrusted him with a secret. Roy is upset, he hates having to lie but for some reason Carla doesn't want anyone else to know. She invites him to join the family at the Bistro later but Roy reminds her he doesn't like New Year's Eve and besides he's not her family. Carla tells Roy she wants him there.

Michelle is helping Robert in the Bistro kitchen. As they chat, Daniel picks up some of the conversation through the door and he overhears Michelle referring to the fact that they are massively in debt.

Round at the Rovers they're blowing up balloons in readiness for the celebrations later. Eva and Sarah chat about Todd and wonder what's happened to him while Peter looks guilty. They're interrupted by the arrival of Summer's grandmother Geraldine who's looking for Peter: he takes her through to the back.

Over at the Bistro the Connors are gathering. They're joined by Carla who makes a point of ordering a Mojito then whispers something in Daniel's ear. Tracy arrives with Steve and makes a point of kissing him in full view of the other diners. Maria is by the bar and she tells Michelle that Carla's ordered a cocktail. In that case, Michelle concludes, she definitely can't be pregnant.

We return to the Rovers where Geraldine is quizzing Peter about the call he made to her about Summer being unsafe. He tries to brush it off and tells her he overreacted. But when she hears that Billy's had an accident and Todd has disappeared with Summer her worst fears are realised and she marches out, declaring she intends to get to the bottom of what's going on.

Back at the Bistro Carla is delighted when Roy arrives but her happiness is short-lived. He sees her holding what looks like an alcoholic drink and berates her for not taking the situation seriously. Carla instructs Roy to either slap a smile on his face and sit down or to leave. He chooses to do the latter so Carla goes rushing out after him. Maria and Michelle are intrigued about what's going on. It has something to do with the drink so Michelle tastes it and discovers it's lemonade. If she's pregnant, wonders Maria, why wouldn't she want anyone to know?

Roy has returned to the cafe where Carla finds him. He's trying to get her to face up to something although, as yet, we know not what. He reminds her of Hayley's funeral and how she forced him to go, even though he found the reality too painful to bear. Now he wants Carla to do the same. He tells her she could die and drinking lemonade is not the solution.

Finally we learn what's wrong with Carla: she has kidney failure. [n.b. a touch of deja vu here for any long-term Corrie fans who remember Tracy from her younger days - could the story writers not come up with something else?]. Roy knows the reason Carla confided in him is that he would make her face up to the truth so that's what he's determined to do. He tells her he's not going to stand by and allow someone he loves to die. But Carla tells Roy she's going to go and celebrate New Year with her family that she considers him to be a part of – and she might even have a drink.

The scene moves to the hospital where Adam has arrived to visit Billy. We never discover what he has planned because before he has a chance to say anything Eva turns up clutching a celebrity gossip magazine to keep Billy entertained.

Over at the Bistro Cathy and Brian are enjoying their dinner but when Brian tells Cathy he thinks they make a great team she hurries off to powder her nose and stops off for a quick word with Audrey. Cathy's convinced Brian's going to propose and, whilst she loves him, the last thing she wants is to rush into another engagement. As they watch Brian reach into his jacket for something Audrey advises Cathy to go to the loo and rehearse how she'll turn him down his proposal.

Carla arrives back at the Bistro with Roy in tow but before she sits down Michelle takes Carla aside for a quiet word. She confronts Carla about being pregnant which of course she denies. Instead she claims she's simply trying to cut down because of her waistline. And to prove she's not given up the booze completely she asks for a large glass of wine. Roy looks very concerned.

Back at the hospital Adam seizes his chance when he meets Geraldine on her way in to see Billy. He hands her his business card and tells her that he doesn't think that Summer should be with Todd and Billy and would be better off with her. He explains he's a solicitor and says he can help. Unaware of what's just taken place, Eva finds Adam out in the corridor. She tells him he'll be rewarded in heaven for being so kind and visiting Billy on New Year's Eve. He says he'd rather be rewarded sooner and they start to kiss by the coffee machine.

We return to the Bistro where Brian is on the point of proposing. But as Cathy starts to turn him down she realises he hasn't produced a ring box. It's the keys to the flat at number 12. He's asking her to move in with him and he'd like Alex to live there too. There's great relief all round. Cathy's delighted to accept and thrilled that Brian has thought about Alex as well.

Tracy and Steve are having dinner at another table but he can't keep his eyes off Michelle. He claims it's only because he's worried about her. Tracy gets Daniel to confirm that Michelle and Robert are happy together then instructs Steve that hers is the only face she wants him looking at from now on.

It's almost midnight and Johnny stands up to make a speech. As he talks about the family and next year, Carla's face starts to crumple. The countdown begins, people raise their glasses and Roy hurries after Carla who has disappeared outside.

Carla stands sobbing outside with the fireworks bursting overhead. Roy joins her and gives her a hug. He tells her that her family are bound to be the best match for a kidney transplant but Carla doesn't feel able to ask them. As he holds Carla in his arms Roy promises to respect her wishes but he asks her to do something for him. He doesn't want her to go back to Devon and persuades her to stay and go and live with him. Finally Carla agrees, he wipes her eyes and, through her tears she wishes him a happy New Year.

Inside the party is in full swing. Kate gets a text message form Rana saying she wishes she was with her. Then Daniel comes to ask a favour. He wants Kate to tell Robert she can't work the shift for Sinead's hen party tomorrow night. Daniel wants to do it instead as it will be his last chance to tell Sinead he loves her and she shouldn't be marrying Chesney.

Everyone is dancing round the Bistro but Carla looks exhausted. As she collapses into a chair, the scene changes to Roy's flat where he sits down in front of his computer and types "how to donate a kidney" into the search box.

Karen



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