Summary updates - May 1999

4608 - Sunday 9 May
Leanne continues to play her dangerous game - she is catching up on having a good time, after being married to a plank of wood, heaven knows she deserves some fun, but this is totally OTT. She says she'll have an early night - then along comes Vikram and all sense goes out of the window. Another late night out and hangover follows. How long can she keep her job? Not long, by all accounts!! I don't even think that Rita's mediation will save her, besides which, I've read the spoilers :-)

Roy and Hayley are back from their honeymoon in York. Bless him, anorak that he is, he's got a fancy SLR camera and proceeds to show Gail their holiday snaps, no doubt accompanied by exposure and aperture details. Wonderful stuff!! LOL!! I could see a bit of me in his characterisation!!!

Fred's sap is rising, with spring in the air - he asks Natalie's advice - he wants to woo Audrey, being afraid in case someone gets in first. On the other hand, he doesn't want to push the pace along too fast, but Natalie says Audrey strikes her as "a woman who could work through her grief quickly"!!! ROTFL!! He suggests to Audrey that they go to a pub doing a carvery lunch "Eat as much as you like" is the appeal to him :-)) The meal is a success, but Audrey is concerned that tongues will wag!! Since when has that concerned her, the biggest tongue wagger on the street??

Mike's had a bellyful of Julia, which is a bit more than she had of him ;-) She wants more (money, I mean), egged on by her boyfriend, Hissing Greg Kelly. So, reluctant to take "no" for an answer, she pulls a right stunt, by going round to Mike and Alma's flat - Mike is out, so Alma lets her in, totally oblivious to what is going on. The look on Mike's face is priceless when he returns home and sees Julia being entertained by Alma - I bet he needed a change of underpants, I know I would have done!!! Alma leaves them to talk business, but Mike ain't playing ball and he throws Julia out. He digs a pit for himself by denying to Alma that he was attracted to Julia - it'll make the U-turn that much tougher if and when he is forced to come clean to Alma. But it isn't plain sailing for Greg either - Julia sees that Mike is insistent on not coughing up, but Greg is greedy. The inference in the previous episode is that she was previously a prostitute, but she is not happy pushing Mike any further. When her conscience gets the better of her, Greg gets violent. To her credit, Julia calls it a day with him and storms out. Will she be a turncoat and change sides, after Greg refuses to give her the 50% share of the £10000 she extorted out of Mike? Stick around for the next thrilling instalment ;-)

4609 - Monday 10 May
Leanne's woes continue when Ken disputes a reminder to pay his paper bill - he actually paid it yesterday when Leanne served him. As the till was stuck, Leanne never cashed the money, she just stuck it in the paper ledger, so the books don't reflect the transaction. Leanne has overslept again, so Sharon has to field the query, much to her annoyance. Challenging Leanne, when she does finally get into work, gets her no further - the till doesn't reveal an unaccounted £20, so where has the money gone? She virtually accuses Leanne of stealing the money, so when Natalie comes into the shop to place an advert in the shop window for a barmaid, Leanne asks Natalie to take her on and walks out on Sharon. That way, not only does Sharon lose a member of staff, she also doesn't receive the money for the advert! After a dummy run at the Rovers, Natalie agrees to take on Leanne. When Rita comes back from her shopping expedition, she is not very pleased to find that Leanne has stormed out - however, Rita trusts Leanne and Sharon's case isn't made better, when Rita quickly finds the missing £20 note stuck in the ledger. She then proceeds to tear a strip off Sharon - deserved it may be, but in my mind, surely, it is totally out of place. Sharon is the owner now and I don't think Rita is doing her any favours by interfering. Rita subsequently goes round to see Leanne and to apologise, but Leanne tells her to stick the job, as she has another one lined up, as barmaid in the Rovers. When Rita tries to explain that Sharon is the nearest to family she has, Leanne retorts "it just goes to show you, even when you get the chance to choose your family you can still get it wrong." Yeouwch!!!

Fred is so pleased about his night out with Audrey that he is telling all and sundry about it, something which displeases Audrey, who doesn't want to have the Weatherfield Rumour machine working overtime. Audrey later confides to Gail that, while she enjoyed flirting with Fred when Alf was alive, it was just a game. Now Fred looks like he's getting serious on her and she's running scared. Fred is waxing all poetic to Ashley about "the fair lady councillor" - he's got it bad but doesn't realise that it's going to be a long game he's playing. Ashley cautions him on "getting the hots" for Audrey, but Fred puts great store on the history they have between them, especially when you get to their age and you are likely to have more history than future!!!

Curly has his eye on Nita as a new recruit for WARTS (Weatherfield Association of Retailers and Traders) and arranges to meet her in the Rovers at lunchtime. "If you're in business, you've got WARTS" - with this catchy slogan, surely he cannot fail to recruit more young members. LOL!!! When Nita comes into the Rovers, Spider takes the opportunity to chat her up - he thinks he is getting on famously, until Curly muscles in and the two of them disappear into a quiet corner. Poor Spider is gutted at this apparent rebuttal. In the evening, when Curly comes into the pub and starts talking to Spider, the misunderstanding gets cleared up - Curly assures Spider that his interest in Nita is purely WARTS-oriented and not from a romantic angle. The meet ends up with Curly giving Spider advice on how to play things, which must surely be a laugh, given poor Curly's lack of success in the romantic stakes.

Jack's angina is attracting interest and concern. Roy sees Jack's attack as a "near-death experience" and wonders what it's like on the other side - mind you, I could tell him for nothing that Yorkshire's an odd place!! "Why fear death, it is the most beautiful adventure in life" he philosophises. Vera wants to see Jack taking it easy and is concerned about how he will be able to continue as a cellarman, but he is playing it all down. Jack is greeted by the wonderful combination of "Hops and Hotpot" when he and Vera come into the Rovers - Natalie is pleased to see Jack, who continues to play down the seriousness of his condition, but Vera is still trying to protect him from his enthusiasm. When Jack later goes into the corner shop with Vera, much to everyone's consternation, he has another angina attack. Fortunately, he has a spray to give him relief, but it is an indication of how ill he actually is - he has done nothing more strenuous than walking!! Retirement surely beckons.

Mike hasn't slept well, pre-occupied by blackmailing Julia's demands for more cash. He tells Deirdre that Julia came round to the flat on Sunday. He really wants to sort out the problem without telling Alma, but Deirdre begs him, to no avail, to come clean to Alma before it is too late. When Mike pops into the Rovers for a drink at lunchtime, he finds Julia coming in after him, offering to tell him who is behind the blackmail plot - the problem is, it will cost him £2000. After lunch, he tells Deirdre about the meeting - although Deirdre is suspicious, Mike feels Julia sounded for real - there has to be a motive behind the blackmail, so he wants to know who is behind the plot. Julia shows up at the factory, after close of business, as arranged. Mike doesn't trust her, after her previous deception, but when she reveals the name "Greg Kelly" all the pieces of the jigsaw slot together. Julia is pretty bitter at the way Greg has treated her and explains she got involved because she was desperate for money. Mike is happy to hand over the money to her, but only if she takes him to Greg - she is afraid of confronting Greg, especially as she has given Mike, his address. He tries to force her to come with him, but as they are leaving the factory, she breaks free and makes a getaway in her car.

4611 - Friday 14 May
Fred pops in to see Audrey to offer her a lift to work. He also seeks reassurance from Audrey that she will keep his confidence. Audrey gives him that assurance - will she keep it? - do pigs fly? - is the Pope Jewish? She probes for details but Fred isn't giving much away. At the salon, Maxine probes Audrey for details of how things went at the restaurant last night. Audrey makes out that they decided not to go, "you know these pretentious restaurants" and tells Maxine they had a cosy night in, and Fred's quite a cook!! Maxine comments how convenient it is, with the kitchen table being near the sofa and no taxis to make the passion wear off. Audrey starts probing Maxine about Ashley's family. Later on, at the Rovers, while she is having a drink with Maxine, she probes Ashley for details of his family life. Ashley obliges in his usual helpful way but is puzzled why Audrey is asking him about his family. She replies ", but makes out that "other families are interesting." Ashley innocuously turns the tables on Audrey and asks about HER family. When he manages to establish that Audrey's son, Steven, was fathered by someone different to Gail's father, and that it wasn't Alf in either case, Audrey feels the heat and makes her excuses to finish the conversation. Ashley innocently says to Maxine "no wonder my Uncle Fred likes talking to Audrey, she's had quite an interesting life." ROTFL!! In the evening, Audrey continues probing Maxine regarding Ashley - Maxine notices the obsessive interest and comments on it to Audrey. After initially, refusing to say anything, eventually, Audrey breaks her confidence and spills the beans.

Sally has left the kids with Gail at the café, while she pops into the factory. Kevin comes in, sees the kids there and throws a wobbler at Gail and then Sally when she returns - if she's going to farm the kids out, why doesn't she give them to him? He can sort out breakfast. Sally and Gail explains that it is only an occasional arrangement and when the kids agree that it's a treat for them, Kevin backs down.

Spider meets up with Curly at the café, he is worse for wear after getting drunk last night and bruised because he made a fool of himself with Nita, only to find that there is another fella already in her life, Steve. Curly explains that Spider ought to be grateful she knows what she wants and tells him how he married Raquel, who didn't even love him. The words fall on deaf ears. Later on, Spider seeks out Nita in the Rovers - he apologises for his behaviour the previous night. She tells him it doesn't matter, but he overdoes the apology by going on and on. Nita ends up quite exasperated. Steve comes back from the bar with a drink for Nita to hear Spider explaining that he was apologising for last night. After Spider has gone, Steve comments "that's what I like to see, a bit of humility." Nita replies sarcastically that "it's a rare commodity, these days" - ROTFL - but the barbed comment goes over Steve's head.

At the Rovers, Jack looks exhausted. Natalie is concerned about his health but Jack is still playing down the extent of the problem. She asks Martin's opinion - Martin tells her that the hospital would have advised Jack as to what he could and couldn't do - in any case, knowing Jack, he will be using it as an excuse to skive. Natalie piles on extra work but Jack is boxed into a corner and cannot say anything. Vera resolves to cover up for Jack and help him move some crates while Natalie isn't around. Later on. Vera helps Jack with some crates but comes perilously close to being rumbled by Natalie.

Vikram chats up Leanne at the pub - she tells him that she will still be available, after 11pm, but the good news is that she doesn't have to get up early to mark the papers.

As it's such a nice day, Mike suggests Alma has a day off - do you believe that? Well that's what he says but we know differently - it's just a ruse to keep Alma away from Freshco's in case Greg Kelly finds her and blows the story of Mike's infidelity with Julia. Anyway, quite apart from Alma not buying it, she is busy at work and cannot spend the time off. Sally pops in with a cheque for the underwear supplied by Mike - the line is selling very well, how about a range of colours, red, turquoise? Mike is pre-occupied by Greg Kelly and is in mood for making decisions. When Sally asks whether Mike is worried by Greg, Mike plays this down, but Deirdre knows him better. After Sally has gone, he explains how he saw Greg in Freshco's car park - Greg had asked for more money , but Mike managed to bluff him out of it - not for long, though as Kelly will be contacting him soon, and he doesn't have a clue what to do. At lunchtime, Mike has a call from Greg is his car - 6pm tonight in a lay-by is the venue for the money. Mike tries to stand firm and suggests that if Greg wants the money then he has to come round to the factory. Greg reminds him who holds all the cards - 6pm sharpish or the penalty clause kicks in, he warns Mike. After lunch, Mike tells Deirdre that he is not prepared to meet Greg in some lay-by and run the risk of being beaten up by Greg's heavies, at least at the factory, he is on his own patch. He still doesn't know whether he will pay up. Deirdre implore shim to tell the police - no matter what Mike does, she tells him, eventually Greg is bound to tell Alma about the affair. When Deirdre reminds Mike what Greg is capable of, Mike tells Deirdre that he has to get Alma away from the place - he persuades her to head Alma off at Freshco's so as to divert her. At finishing time, Deirdre agrees tactics with Mike, but asks what will happen if Greg turns nasty. To her relief, Mike admits he will have to call the police. Once she has gone, however, Mike picks up the phone and calls in a favour from a friend. It's a bit of muscle!! Deirdre makes her way to Freshco's and manages to stage a surprise meeting with Alma - after telling her that she left Mike working late clearing doing a whole load of invoices, she eventually persuades her to go for a drink. That's the good news. The bad news (for Mike) is that it's at the Rovers, as Alma doesn't want to leave Mike on his own for too long. At the factory, the phone rings - it's Greg. He is furious that Mike hasn't kept his date. Mike sticks to his guns and tells him that if he wants the money then he will have to collect it at the factory. Meanwhile, the muscle has arrived - a massive man who probably regularly blocks out daylight just by standing in the window. Mike explains the nature of the problem - someone has some photographs, Mike wants them but doesn't want to pay for them and doesn't want to be bothered by this person again, ever!! Muscle man sizes up the problem - his considered response "leave him to me" brings a smile to Mike's face, the first we have seen for days. At the Rovers, Deirdre is having a hard time keeping Alma away from the factory. Ken comes to the rescue and buys another round of drinks, thereby deferring Alma leaving for a few more minutes. Eventually, Alma is persuaded to stay on at the Rovers until Mike finishes his work. Meanwhile, at Sally's house, it's time for bed for the girls - there is a knock at the back door. Sophie opens up. It's Greg - he says hello to her, picks her up and goes into the house. Sally hears the back door shutting and goes to investigate - she is horrified to see Greg there, holding Sophie in his arms. He tells her he has come to pay her a visit for old times' sake. He tells her he will not be long and goes to the phone, keeping Sophie close to him. He rings Baldwin, "almost with you Mike, I'm just over the road, visiting an old friend. You didn't think I'd be stupid enough to just walk in there, did you? Now what about this money?" He puts down the phone leaving Mike hanging on at the other end, wondering what is going on.

4612 - Sunday 16 May
Greg has made his way into Sally's home. He rings Baldwin at the factory to say he is with an old friend and that he has no intention of going over to the factory to pickup the money, only to find himself worked over by Baldwin's heavy mob. If Baldwin wants the negatives he will have to come over to number 13, Sally's, to pick them up - or maybe, he would like to talk to the kids. Baldwin has five minutes otherwise he is away and the negatives will be in the post to Alma.

Greg doesn't want to let Sophie come back to Sally - he will go once he has got what he came for.

The heavy at Baldwin's leaves once it has been established that he cannot help any further.

Sally doesn't think that Mike will come over with the money and, anyway, the issue has nothing to do with them. Greg tells her that until he gets his money, it has everything to do them. Maybe Sally is the one to collect the money - if she doesn't then, his car is around the back, he could always take Sophie for a ride. He rings Mike to say that Sally will be over - when Mike refuses to play ball, Greg tells him he wouldn't like to see anyone get hurt, would he?

Sally asks whether Greg torched her van. He tells her she can always get another van, but it's a bit more difficult getting one of these - the children.

Sally goes out to collect the money but bumps into Kevin and Alison walking past. Kevin throws a strop about Sally leaving the kids on their own, which panics Sally into going back home.

Kevin apologises, shouting through the front door, but it becomes clear that all is not as it should be when one of the children shouts that Greg is present. Kevin tries to kick the door down and his outburst starts to attract attention. He is pulled away by Mike and Martin.

Inside, Greg blames the children for fouling up and says that the money is all important to him, while the children's safety is important to Kevin. He rings Mike on his mobile and tells him to come over.

A crowd is developing outside due to the commotion, with recriminations all round.

Greg flips his lid when he sees the police have arrived. The police knock on the door - inside Greg has hold of Sally. She breaks free and runs to the door, asking for help and to tell the police they are being held hostage.

Greg gets hold of Sally and blames her for betraying him. She tells him that she loved him and broke up her marriage for him - he tells her that he always despised her. he will teach them all a lesson. Police reinforcements arrive. The crowd outside gets bigger. Some of the police are sent around the back. The police phone Greg but he is no mood to negotiate. They try to ring again but he ignores them. Inside, Greg rips the phone cable out of the socket. Sally screams and the police storm the house.

While they are breaking down the door and Greg is distracted, Sally sends the girls upstairs. She picks up a chair and is seen to swing it through the air.

As the police come in through the front door, we see Greg lying motionless, on the floor.

4613 - Monday 17 May
It's the day after the siege. Over breakfast, Mike is chuckling regaling how Sally had hit Greg over the head with a chair - they had to patch him up before they took him to the police station. Alma asks what Greg was trying to achieve - scare Sally, get some money out of him, who knows, anyway the bloke is crazy, Mike replies.

At the Corner Shop, Nita arranges to have lunch with Curly, as previously discussed - she fixes it up for today.

The police have come round to Mike's flat to get the full picture on the charges to bring against Greg. The detective had heard that Greg had come to collect money owed to him but Mike passes this off as redundancy to which Greg thought he was entitled. When the policeman asks whether Greg was threatening Mike, again Mike plays this down.

Mike rings Sally to ask how they are after their ordeal. He then tells her that he doesn't want any stories going round which might upset Alma - they are not to be believed as Greg was clearly crazy. Sally tells him she is not interested in Mike's private life. Mike also probes to see if Greg left any photographs or negatives, but Sally knows nothing about them - there is a smug look on his face after he has finished talking to her.

Kevin calls round to see Sally and the kids and tells her that he isn't happy with what happened the previous day. Eventually Sally reveals that the reason for Greg's return was due to Baldwin being blackmailed because of an affair he was having.

Linda stirs it telling Alison that she should make it clear to Kevin that he is not to set foot in Sally's house.

Ken goes on a rant to Deirdre against Baldwin about how he must have sold his soul to the devil as it looks as if he has got away with the blackmail saga. Anyway they agree not to tell Alma.

When Kevin comes into the pub, Alison gives him a hard time for popping round to Sally's - he tells her the real reason for the siege yesterday.

Fred and Ashley are having a drink, served by Leanne. Ashley goes into a laborious tongue-tied spiel about how good Leanne looks as a barmaid. Fred comments that he now begins to understand why Ashley has problems chatting up young ladies.

When Alma comes to order a drink at the bar, Linda also comes over and stands alongside Alma - she tells her that she must be pleased that the carry-on is all over - it's nasty is blackmail. When it is clear that Alma knows nothing to this, Linda plays dumb and says that she thought Alma knew all about it - after all, everyone is talking about the pictures Greg had of Mike with another woman. What a cow!!! Alma looks devastated.

Maxine deliberately gets into a chat with Ashley and arranges to have a drink with him. Alma goes round to Sally's to find out the truth about Mike - Sally is reluctant, but Alma reads the real reason behind the embarrassment.

Alma returns home to face Mike. He is about to go out on business but promises not to be late and to take her out for a slap-up meal. She asks him to tell her the truth. Mike continues bluffing, denying any knowledge of things. Alma tells him she knows Greg was blackmailing him because Mike was seeing another woman - either he talks or she leaves. Mike calls his business contact to put him off.

Nita explains she loves her father and brother but cannot stand working with them. She discloses her frustration with the small world of corner shops and her ambition of having people, not related to her, working for her - she would be content to be Assistant Manager at Freshco's, for now!! Curly gets her to prepare her CV and why she wants to work for Freshco's and he promises to see what he can do. She doesn't want her family to find out, though.

Mike explains the full saga of Julia Stone. His explanation comes out all wrong and ends up upsetting Alma even more - when Mike says he paid the blackmail money so as not to hurt Alma, she replies sarcastically that as he paid for her sake, presumably she should feel grateful? He squirms a lot and doesn't deny it was his fault, but promises it will never happen again. She wonders whether he would have continued seeing her, had it not been a set-up? Mike tells her that he would never have seen Julia again - Alma sees through his weasel words.

The police ring Sally to see if she has reconsidered her refusal to have counselling and to tell her that Greg has been in court and charged with assault and unlawful imprisonment - he has been refused bail. The news comes as a great relief to Sally and Sharon, who is there when Sally takes the call.

Alma is upset by what has happened and tells Mike that, probably he might have left her, had the affair not been a set-up, so the only reason he stayed with her was because he was being blackmailed. She storms out, saying that she needs to get away to be able to think.

4614 - Wednesday 19 May
Mike tells Deirdre that someone got to Alma before he could and that she has left home because she needed space and time to think. - he doesn't know where she has gone but he is trying to convince himself that she is just trying to make him sweat. Then they will be able to have a good talk. Deirdre agrees that Alma and he need to talk - look at what has happened already through her talking to someone else.

Alma is staying with Audrey and is shattered that Mike could cheat on her and then spin this web of deceit. Audrey says that plenty of men don't take their marriage vows seriously but only Mike could let the whole world know about it with police and road blocks! Audrey reassures Alma that she is welcome to stay as long as she wishes.

Deirdre tells Ken that Alma is doing more than just thinking right now - Ken feels she is better off without Mike. He has made a mistake, replies Deirdre but being in sanctimonious mood, Ken opines that Mike has got his just desserts for messing up. Deirdre almost wishes she hadn't mentioned his name. Ken rants on about her keeping secrets from him - she says she wouldn't have done, had it been anyone else.

At the café, Gail explains that Alma has left Mike - they agree Alma needs support from her friends at a time like this. Mike comes in asking if they know where Alma is staying - he gets short shrift from Gail, which prompts him to snarl that the women are "judge, jury and flipping executioner and I'm the flaming victim."

Mike has come round to see Alma at Audrey's to talk to her, he apologises and wants her to come home so they can sort things out. Too little, too late, seems to be the message, as far as Alma is concerned. He made a mistake of being flattered when a younger woman showed an interest in him, but Alma doesn't want to know. Mike reminds her that he isn't the only one to make mistakes and mentions Stephen Reid. This does not go down well, as Alma tells him nothing did happen or would have happened because she loved him and would like to think that she wouldn't have done anything, no matter how tempted. Nice one, Mike, not!

Alma is exasperated at Mike bringing up Stephen Reid's name, but he is trying to point out that he only made the one mistake. Alma probes about when the one night stand occurred - suddenly the penny drops that it was the weekend he went away on his business trip, although Mike tries to play dumb. He tells her, in justification, that he came home early because he felt guilty, but this merely succeeds in winding up Alma even more - this was clearly not spontaneous, it was planned, and he came back because Julia kicked him out, she deduces. Clearly, all Julia wanted and needed was one night and the recordings for posterity - yet more lies!! Mike realises how deep he is in the mire.

Kevin calls round at Sally's - she has reservations about the girls going back to school after their ordeal, but Kevin is all for normal life, besides which the girls are keen to return. Kevin still cannot understand why Greg was allowed in the house and no-one had phone the police - Sally explains, yet again that he pushed his way in. he tells her that if something had happened to the kids, he would have killed Greg - "and then come looking for me?" asks Sally. "Quite possibly" replies Kevin.

Linda is playing her usual game of putting down poison - this time, she is telling Alison that Sally will use the kids as a weapon and an excuse to stifle her Alison's relationship with Kevin. When Kevin joins them, Linda remarks how terrible things must have been for his wife!! Cow!! Kevin explains he has just been to see the kids, Linda's face says "I told you so".

Sally tries to build bridges with Kevin when he comes round and offers him some wine. As he accepts, Danny arrives unexpectedly. Asking them to keep the noise down, Kevin leaves in a strop, muttering about how the last thing the girls need is to wake up and find a strange man in the house.

Eunice comes into the Rovers, all bothered - her brother-in-law, Bernard, has died, leaving her sister alone to run a bar in Spain. Apparently "he had been doing that business with the sangria down the throat of big busty widow from Doncaster", when he suddenly had a brain haemorrhage and "his last sight on this earth must have been that woman's chest racing towards his face at a rate of knots." !!!!! :) !!! "What a terrible way to go!" is Jack's riposte echoing the sentiments of millions of males on this planet. Anyway, Eunice is going over to help her and will be staying on, because they are coming up to the busiest time of the year, so she will be closing the B&B next week.

Eunice is relieved that Jack and Vera are looking elsewhere, because she would have hated having to throw out her friends. She will sell up but would like to put the place in good hands, someone like them. Vera tells her it would have been nice, but.... She is prepared to sell the place at a knockdown price to them.

Eunice wonders whether Jack and Vera have considered her proposition - they tell her they have to borrow money and confess that things are not as good financially as they might have led her to expect, they are not working as cellar-man and cleaner out of choice, more out of necessity. They cannot contemplate it, not to worry, they will manage, they always have.

Maxine and Tom meet up with Ashley at the pub. Ash is there on his dinner break, trying to get away from Fred, who seems intent on match-making RAshley. Ash launches into a hilarious impression of a Fred chat-up line about the girl on the cheese counter exchanging some Red Leicester in return for some beef!!! Fred's motivation seems to be that he wants Ashley wed, because married men with kids work harder, due to their extra responsibilities. Ashley asks Tom whether he and Maxine are an item and is pleased to hear they are just mates.

Ashley needs to get back to the shop. He has every motivation, after all, "one day and all that..." Tom says that might not be that long, after all, Fred is a big man, smokes, drinks, like red meat, "heart attack on legs." Ashley is upset to hear Fred discussed in this way, "he's a right good man, just keeps it hidden, that's all." After he has gone, Maxine comments how Fred treats Ashley like a slave. Leanne gets into a spat with Maxine, telling her that it isn't any of her business, ver since she dumped Ashley.

Maxine tells Tom she feels sorry for Ashley - Tom doesn't see why, until Maxine explains that he is not going to inherit Fred's business -Fred has told Audrey that he has a secret son who will inherit everything - and it looks like Ashley is totally unaware of this. They decide he needs to know.

Maxine and Tom call round to see Ashley, wine bottle in hand on the pretext of wanting a night away from the Rovers, as a change.

After Tom has left, Ashley gets all romantic about the past with him and Maxine - he thinks she wants to get back with him. She bites the bullet and tells him about the conversation Fred had with Audrey, "Fred has a secret son and he is going to inherit everything", she tells him. Poor Ashley looks gobsmacked.

4615 - Friday 21 May
Kevin pops round early to give Sally a hand, but she thinks he is there checking up on her, to see if Danny has stayed the night - Kevin plays dumb, but Sally sets him straight. She tells him she is hardly likely to make the same mistake twice and it doesn't help him going on about it. Kevin is not convinced.

Jack and Vera are looking at accommodation adverts in the paper - not a lot of joy. Jack suggests asking Natalie in the short term, "over my dead body" is Vera's reaction.

Eunice has popped round to the Rovers - she is willing to drop the price for Jack and Vera for a quick sale. They aren't biting but Vera has a proposition to put to her - why doesn't she do what she needs to do in Spain and leave the two of them in charge? Eunice chokes on her drink! Vera's case is that Eunice doesn't want to leave her sister in the lurch but it happy to do that to her regulars. Eunice tells her that they have no experience (although she IS happy to sell to them!!) and it's hardly a cushy number, what if Jack has one of his funny do's? Vera replies that she has been keeping house since she was 13, in any case, what brought on Jack's last do? Eunice looks uncomfortable until Vera puts it down to stress and homelessness, not that she wants Eunice to feel guilty!! LOL!!

Eunice tells Vera that she is being asked to make a big decision - she needs to think about it.

Having had a think, Eunice comes back to tell Jack and Vera that she is happy to give it a go, it's a marvellous idea and better than leaving her property standing empty. Everybody is happy all round. Vera is tempted to tell Natalie she can stick her mop and bucket where the sun doesn't shine.

Jack warns Vera against saying anything prematurely to Natalie, after all, Vera will need her job back when Eunice returns. Vera is not convinced!

Jack tells Vera that he is lucky to have the job at the Rovers, they mustn't upset Natalie. At that point, Natalie comes to the bar to tell them that someone has thrown up in the toilet and asks Vera to sort it out. Jack, ever paranoid, volunteers.

Deirdre pops into the café to pick something up for Mike. She doesn't want to take sides but wonders whether it might help seeing Alma. Gail and Ken advise against it.

Linda tries to tap Hayley for the state of play between Mike and Alma. Alison says it's because she wants to know whether Linda is in with a chance with Mike. Linda reckons it's no joke, she knows Mike fancies her something like mad - nobody is as nasty as that in real life, it's a smokescreen, he's trying to disguise his lust!! He's doing a flipping good job of it, replies Hayley.

Sally comes up to Mike at the bar and asks him whether he is going to ask her how her children are. Presumably they are alright, he says, otherwise she wouldn't be in the pub boozing. When she expresses surprise at his reaction, he tells her that it was her boyfriend who started it all. Sally replies sarcastically that presumably it was nothing to do with him, but he tells her he is paying the price for his indiscretion. She tells him that her children were caught up unwittingly in the affair. Mike apologises. He imagined the worst and it has come to pass, he is living the part. Sally's face shows that she realises the mess that Mike is in.

Alma has popped round to see Gail at the café. She has to get back to work, she cannot go losing her job now that she is a single girl. Gail tries to talk her out of the finality of it all. Alma doesn't want to be a doormat, but although she's angry and furious with him, she misses Mike and doesn't want to be lonely. Deirdre comes into the café and joins them to mend some bridges. She makes a good start by telling Alma that she tried to tell Mike that he needed to talk to Alma, but ends up putting both feet in it. Alma probes to find out when Mike confided in her and when Deirdre reveals that it was two weeks ago, Alma accuses her of being a "two-faced cow". She storms out of the café, leaving Deirdre wondering what to do.

Deirdre calls round to see Alma to set the record straight - she explains her dilemma but didn't want to take sides. Alma is not convinced.

Deirdre is telling Ken about how she was at the receiving end of Alma's vitriol. Enter Audrey to add to her woes. The exchange between Audrey, defending Alma and lambasting Deirdre, provokes Gail to pull her mother away. "You asked for that" is Ken's ever-helpful (not) finale.

Mike comes back to the flat to find Alma on her way out. She tells him that "your little chum" Deirdre came to see her today. She is clearly jealous of what Mike has with Deirdre and is annoyed at not being trusted by Mike. Why did he go straight to Deirdre? Anyway, she is going but not coming back.

At the Corner Shop, Ravi is around. Ashley has come to find Maxine -he needs to be sure that she meant what she said the previous night about Fred and his mysterious son. Maxine assures him it is gospel. Ravi does his best to serve them. It only serves to drive them out of the shop preoccupied. Ravi isn't happy with customers getting too comfy in the shop - Nita is irritated because they are regulars and would have bought something. She pops out, as they are hardly busy.

Nita has popped into Freshco's to see Curly. She hands over her CV, what's next, she asks? If it's any good, he will pass it on, he promises.

Curly pops into the Rovers and tells Nita that Freshco's are doing a recruitment drive for managerial staff next week. To her delight, he tells her he knows she will get an interview.

On her return to the shop, Nita is assailed by her father, who is irritated that she was selfish enough to stay out all afternoon. She tells him she would have thought Vikram would have put in an appearance. She then breaks the news that she wants to have next Wednesday off - she has an interview for a job as a Management Trainee. Poor Ravi is gobsmacked but Nita tells him she needs a challenge, somewhere bigger, she wants to see what it's like out there. She wants to make a fresh start.

At Freshco's, Ashley has a strop on and Fred is irritated by Ashley's bad mood -"you've got a face on yer like a bag of spanners." He wonders whether Ashley has learned anything in his job, especially about the social aspect. "it's very sensual is butchery" he tells him, "it's a profession for a passionate man and you've got milk in your veins" Ashley throws a wobbler - realising he has upset him, Fred says he was only joking. Ashley, however, wants to be treated with a bit of respect, he is fed up of having Fred poking fun at his expense. Fred offers to buy him a pint at the Rovers on the way home and Ashley can "even have a cherry in it, how's that for respect?"

Fred is taking Ashley for his drink. Ashley has got some drink in at home, but Fred will not hear of it - he wants the liveliness of the Rovers.

Ashley has finally persuaded Fred to come back to Ashley's place on the pretext that the Rovers was too noisy. Ashley gives him a drink and comes to the point. He wanted to ask Fred a question, but not in a public place like the pub - he has been told that "you've got a son. I say, I've been told you've got a son."" ROTFL!! Fred denies it all vehemently. Ashley reveals that he heard the news from Maxine but it was Audrey who told her. Anyway, it doesn't matter, as it looks as if she got her wires crossed. (True or false?)

4616 - Sunday 23 May
Kevin sees Sally cleaning her new motor, a Land Rover - according to him, she has something which will be a collectors' item and which will appreciate in value... until he finds out she bought it from a mate of Danny's - now the turning circle is very wide, it's not very manoeuvrable, the steering wheel is heavy, it isn't very comfortable and it guzzles the juice. Sally doesn't care, as long as it does the job. Rosie is inside, looking all miserable - an opportunity for Macho man to score another point. Anyway, Kevin will be around if Sally needs him to find out where the windscreen washers are. What a patronising b*st*rd!

Rosie still has the sulks and won't talk to Sally. Martin and Gail tells her that time is what Rosie needs. Anyway, they are off on holiday for a few days in a caravan in Wales. Sally is envious, which gives Gail the idea of asking Sally to come along with them. Martin goes to check it out.

Gail comes round to confirm to Sally that there is a vacancy for her at the campsite. Celebrations all round.

Rosie is adamant - she doesn't want to go on holiday to Wales, much to Sally's exasperation.

Sally bumps into Kevin in the street - he asks how Rosie is. What he would do is to take them away somewhere this half term, he tells her. Sally tells him it's all taken care of, they leave tomorrow morning for a caravan in Wales. Kevin looks like someone has pushed his nose out of joint.

Les and Janice bump into Sally, who tells them she is off to Wales on a short caravan break. Afterwards, Janice gets the sulks, she would give anything for a few days away from here, but fat chance of that. Les is in deep thought - the smoke billowing from his bonce is a dead giveaway (!) - he has an idea, he has just remembered he has someone to see.

At Audrey's, she and Alma are reading the Sunday papers - the door bell rings. It's Fred Elliott come to see Audrey. He does not look pleased. Alma beats a diplomatic retreat, which enables Fred to express his disappointment at her blubbing one of his most personal secrets.

Ashley is subdued. Maxine enquires about his welfare. Ashley confesses that he owes her an apology - he tackled Fred and told him he had got the information from Maxine. He tells her that Fred denied it, but he can tell it was true - when you have been lied to as often as Fred has done, you know when he is telling the truth and you know when he is hiding something, Ashley tells her.

Fred comes round to see Ashley - he wants to take him to lunch, but Ashley has the sulks. Fred tells him it's "tittle tattle from a prize tittle tattler", but Ashley is not convinced. Fred tries to reassure Ashley that he is the sole heir to his little empire - Ashley acknowledges that Fred has been good to him and in many ways, treated him like a son, but he has also taken advantage of him. Fred says that, whenever it has happened, it has been to protect Ashley's interests. How do I know you are not trying to protect me again, asks Ashley?

Maxine tells Tom how upset Ashley was. Tom isn't surprised, what do you do when you find you have a long lost cousin, especially one who will do you out of your inheritance? Maxine wishes she had kept her mouth shut.

Audrey tackles Maxine for telling Ashley about Fred's secret - Maxine turns the tables and puts Audrey right - she is incapable of keeping a secret, in any case, Ashley is a friend and she doesn't want to see him being a fool of.

Audrey pops round to sweet talk Ashley. Her small talk cuts no ice with Ashley, who tells her to get to the point. She tells her that Maxine has got hold of the wrong end of the stick and comes up with a cock and bull tale of how she passed the information on to do Ashley a favour. He asks her whether Fred had come to see her - she denies it, but you can tell the lad is not fooled.

Vera is moaning to Judy about the effort expended in cleaning the toilets - she needs to build her strength up, steak pie and chips will do the job. Judy suggests Jack joins Vera, which is a cue for her to double the order. Jack declines the choice, opting for a tuna salad, no mayonnaise, no dressing!!!!!!!

Jack is bringing up some crates from the cellar, in obvious discomfort - unfortunately, Vera is oblivious to it all. She is full of the tricks of the B& B trade as learned from Eunice.

Vera is keen to get away from the pub with Jack and wonders whether hotel management night classes might be an idea. Jack thinks it's a great idea - say, five nights a week!! ROTFLMAO. Vera wants to leave right now, but he tells her he wants to stay and take his time. She leaves, not noticing the great discomfort in which he is.

Mike is looking pretty miserable, as he tells Deirdre that Alma is not coming back. He tells her he made one silly mistake, he never intended to put the marriage at risk. Deirdre says she knows Mike loves Alma and she loves him, she merely needs time. Mike is knocking back the scotch and decides to tell the police about Greg blackmailing him, that way Alma will see he was the victim in the affair. Deirdre is sceptical about Mike's line of attack but he doesn't care, however, what is bothering him is, what did happen to those negatives that Greg had, where are they, the police must have them.

Mike comes round to talk to Sally - he probes about the negatives, Sally tells him there was no package. Mike looks pleased at this news.

Mike is telling Deirdre he has contacted the police but they haven't been back to him. Surely they MUST have the negatives, he tells her, as he resolves to go down to the station.

The detective has finally come round to see Mike. Mike asks whether they found an envelope when they arrested Greg. The policeman tells him they did and they examined the contents. Mike confesses that he was being blackmailed by Greg and he didn't want his wife to find out. The detective is angry that Mike has kept this news to himself.

The detective is angry at Mike taking his time to come clean about the blackmail - the best time to interview a suspect is just after they have been arrested, when they are confused. Greg is such a cool customer, the longer he has to think about things, the more difficult it is going to be to break him down. Mike explains that he wasn't expecting to have to give the information, as the police already had the evidence. The detective confirms this was the case - he opens his case and hands Mike the envelope and the contents. Mike is pleased - the evidence of the incriminating photographs will be there to prove his story... until he examines the contents carefully .. it is just a pile of old newspapers, "for which you nearly paid ten grand, so you weren't just being blackmailed, you were also being conned" is the detective's conclusion. Mike is furious as crumples the newspapers and slams the package down on the table.

4617 - Monday 24 May
It's holiday time - the Platts are loading up their car, Sally is loading up her Land Rover. Kevin plays the part of generosity personified and gives Sally a wad of money for the girls spends. Janice looks on miserable. Wagons ho!!

Janice bemoans they are never able to have a holiday - "have I ever let you down?" is Les' message (yes, he IS serious).

Later on, there is a banging and clunking and a puff of smoke. Round the corner, comes a campervan. "Hey, look at this" yells Janice to Toyah. She laughs as the vehicle pulls up and stops outside her house. Out from the smoke, comes a solitary figure - Charlie West!!!!! Then another - Les!!! Guess what? It's holiday time in a mobile home. "A mobile slum" quips Toyah. "Film stars use these on location" says Charlie - "For what? Toilets?" is Janice's cutting reply. Les has done a deal with Charlie and it's theirs for 2 weeks. It's a family holiday, so Toyah is coming as well, Les tells her.

The campervan is being loaded up - Toyah doesn't want to go, but Les isn't having any of it. Janice tells her she might have some fun, she might meet some nice lads, anyway she can do her revising on a beach. "I suppose so" signals Toyah caving in. Wagons ho!! Oh yes, and as Les is banned from driving, guess who is in the seat? Janice! Where are they going? Blackpool, suggest Les - North Wales, suggest Janice. Brilliant, replies Les, where them snobby Platts are going!!

Camping Family Battersby are on the road, looking a bit lost. If they stop at the next pub, they can ask for directions, is Les' helpful suggestion.

Meanwhile, the Platts and the splinter-Websters have reached base. It is lovely. Blue sky, sun. green grass, a beach close by, what more could you want?

On a road somewhere in North Wales, a clunking and a banging and more smoke signals more problems for the Battersbys, as the van grinds to a halt.

Eventually, they turn up at the site entrance, having pushed the van. The site owner is irate until Les explains they have broken down. Janice is p*ss*d off. Toyah is delighted - Owen, the site owner's son looks a bit of alright. Owen is dispatched to get the dumper to shift the van.

At the campsite café, the Platts and the Websters are playing the game of "I Spy" - the first candidate being "I spy Toyah Battersby" - what?????!!! "Oh tell me I'm dreaming!! It's the flaming Battersbys" says Martin!!

Mike calls at Ken's to see Deirdre - Ken says surely it can wait, it's only 10 minutes before work starts. Deirdre comes to the door - Mike hands her the factory keys to asks her to open up for him. The police don't seem to be doing anything, even though he told them Greg was blackmailing him. The photographic evidence and Julia Stone are around somewhere, if the police cannot track them down, then he will.

Lunchtime for Deirdre but she has to get back, as Mike is away, she tells Ken. Another lecture from Ken about Mike exploiting Deirdre. "He's in a lot of trouble, he stuck by me when I was in trouble and I'm going to do the same by him" is Deirdre's reply.

Mike tells Deirdre he has had no luck tracking down Julia - he asks whether Deirdre will be a witness for him. Reluctantly, she agrees.

The detective calls on Deirdre to talk to her regarding Greg blackmailing Mike Baldwin. Ken puts his oar in telling Deirdre she doesn't have to get involved. However, Deirdre agrees to make a statement. Ken keeps interrupting and eventually Deirdre suggests he goes for a pint or a walk around the block.

Mike is having a drink when Ken comes in, shouting the odds. The conversation becomes strained and pretty heated. Mike finishes his drink and walks out.

At the Rovers, Jack is having forty winks on the settee. Natalie disturbs his slumbers and wonders where Vera is. Jack explains that Eunice is showing Vera the ropes before she goes off. Natalie wonders whether she should be running a B&B with 2 bedrooms upstairs doing nothing. Leanne comes through into the back room - she has found a packet of cigarettes, Jack may as well have them. He turns her down, saying he has given them up - it's been 2 days 23 hours and 13 minutes approximately. ROTFL!!!

Vera has come back from Eunice's and is telling Natalie how easy the surfaces are to work on over there "you hardly have to do owt". "Well, that'll suit you down to the ground then" is Nat's riposte. She tells Nat that it's easier running a B&B than running a pub. Natalie remarks that she is surprised Vera never did B B&B when they had the pub. After she has gone, Vera says to Leanne, that they would probably still be in charge, had they done so.

Jack has some up from the cellar - he is in some discomfort. Charlie West is at the bar - he orders a pint and one for Jack too. Jack declines the beer, but settles for a red wine, instead. "What sort of poncy drink is that?" is Charlie's surprised response. "The doctor says it's good for me" is Jack's reply. "Bags of fresh air" is the answer, as Charlie tells Jack about the campervan and how he and Vera could be sleeping under the stars. "I'd rather sail around the world on me own in a rubber duck" is Jack's verdict.

Eunice pops into the Rovers for a drink before she shoots off - she wants to give Jack and Vera a send-off and orders a bottle of champagne for them. As they wait for the drinks to be poured, Eunice warns Vera about Mr Eckersley, one of the residents. "Don't let him take any liberties - you know... men's liberties..." It turns out he will try and sneak fish and chips up to his bedroom, "you never know what a man like that is going to wipe on your curtains" says Eunice, much to Natalie's and Leanne's amusement. Drinks all round, but Jack does not look well.

It's 9:30 a.m. and Ashley is still at home - he tells Leanne he doesn't feel like working today - and no, he isn't poorly, he's sick of being taken for a mug by people like Uncle Fred. The phone rings - Leanne answers it - it's Fred, wondering why Ashley hasn't shown up for work. "I know what you want and the answer's no. I'm not coming in today because I don't feel like it" - that's the message delivered by Ashley without hearing a word from Fred. He slams the phone down.

A banging on the door signals the arrival of Fred to see Ashley. Ash tells him he doesn't feel like working today. "What kind of talk is that? You're not a woman" is Fred's reply. Ashley tells Fred he knows Fred has a son and is fed up of being taken for a mug. He is finished. He doesn't want to work for him anymore. "If you want someone to do your hard work for you, get your son to do it."

"Careless talk costs lives" is the angry message from Fred to Audrey and Maxine, as her tells them Ashley has resigned. He is furious at them letting the cat out of the bag. Mutual recriminations all round - "Not me, I am known for my tact and discretion" says Fred.

Ashley comes home to find Fred there waiting for him - Ashley tells Fred he will be moving out and finding a new job and somewhere new to live. Fred is trying to tell him something but Ashley will not listen, until Fred snaps and tells him to shut up. Fred admits he has not been frank with Ashley, he has got a son, "it's you. I'm not your Uncle Fred, Ashley, I'm your father....."

4618 - Wednesday 26 May
Les cannot believe that they have broken down at the same campsite where the Platts are staying. Les has faith that Charlie West will sort out their problems. Owen offers to help but Les turns him down.

Owen examines the van at Janice's request but it is kaput. Les finds out that Charlie cannot help as he has gone to Benidorm. The van cannot stay as the Caravan Park is for statics only - they can hire a van, though. Les says they cannot afford it, but he is over-ruled by Janice and Toyah.

Gail, Sally and their families are having a good time, apart from having to endure the Battersbys. Toyah is smitten by Owen. Les is not impressed by the social events lined up at the site.

Mike hires a private investigator to track down Julia - he is warned that it might take time and money. Deirdre tells him they have lost an important order but he is obsessed with finding Julia.

Ravi tries to persuade Nita to stay but she wants to achieve something for herself, as the shop will go to Vikram on Ravi's death. He asks where she intends to live as the flat comes with the job - she says she is prepared to pay rent.

Ravi accuses Curly of putting ideas into Nita's head - Curly replies that Nita is not that impressionable.

Vera wants Jack to help her at the B&B but Jack makes an excuse about being asked to work extra by Natalie. Natalie tells Jack to go home but he doesnít want to go.

Fred has stayed all night at Ashley's - they need to talk to get things sorted. Ashley's head is spinning with the revelations. Fred explains that when Beryl agreed to bring up Ashley as her own, he swore never to tell a soul - he took the promise seriously, even though he has been aching to tell Ashley since he was born. He recalls with great emotion, his first sports day and how proud he was of his son. Ashley says it's a lie, like all the others.

A year after his wife died, Fred got involved with a much younger woman, who worked for him. He offered to marry her when she told him she was pregnant, but she laughed in his face. It was agreed that Beryl and Sam would bring up Ashley as their own son, as they couldnít have any children.

Fred tells Audrey that he is Ashley's father and realises he has repeated his PREVIOUS mistake by telling her. Maud tries to console Ashley and says it's not easy being a parent. Ashley knows Fred is prepared to lie but cannot understand his mother lying to him.

4619 - Friday 28 May
Toyah has some exam revision to do, Les doesn't see the point. Toyah might go down the beach, Les thinks it's a great idea, Janice tells Les to help her tidy up the van.

Toyah tries to chat up Owen, unfortunately he is busy around the site. The Platts are off to the beach so Toyah cadges a lift, much to Les' disgust.

Janice sees an opportunity - they could have a couple of hours to themselves but Les misses the hint. It doesnít help when she sees him eyeing up a couple of young ladies.

Martin is entertaining the kids. Sally is envious about Gail and Martin being such as ideal couple until Gail reminds her that Sally and Kevin were thought of that way until recently. Sally vows not to have anything more to do with men, ever. Gail prescribes time as a remedy.

Les is not impressed by the lack of entertainment on the site. Owen promises to get the dart board from the storeroom. Les finds an amplifier and twin record decks - guess who volunteers to be the DJ?

Les gets into full swing as DJ, much to Martin's disgust. Toyah continues her chat up but Owen is slow, it falls to her to ask him for a dance.

Nita tells Curly she is nervous about her interview, but he thinks she has no cause for concern. He gives her some interview tips, much to Ravi's frustration.

Her interview seems to have gone well, but Ravi is manipulative as he begs her to stay.

Hayley visits Alma to cheer her up. Alma feels betrayed by Mike cheating on her especially at his stage in life but she is afraid of being single, a divorcee. Hayley tells her that Mike has been hit hard too. Retail therapy is the answer for the two of them for an hour or two.

Alma finds that Mike has cancelled her credit cards - if she isn't living with him why should she have the benefits? She can always come back, but his plot backfires as throws all her cards down. Deirdre tells him his actions were ill-advised, he says he was following her advice to show Alma what she stood to lose.

Leanne realises Ashley has not been his usual self but doesnít have a clue what is going on.

Beryl is furious with Fred for letting the cat out of the bag and for not letting her know. He is apologetic but the damage is done and in the long term, it may be for the best.

Beryl visits Ashley - he tells her that they have drifted apart in recent years. She tells him she will always regard him as her son but he is upset at the deception and cannot understand why he wasnít told the truth. He is bitter, especially as he had to grieve when his "father" died.

When Fred joins them, Ashley tells them both to get out and that he doesn't want to see them again.

4620 - Sunday 30 May
Vera is keeping an eye on Jack to make sure he doesnít work too hard. Jack has another turn - this time, Natalie notices. She expresses her concern and Vera comes in on the conversation.

Vera wants to know the extent of Jack's problems - he admits, much to her surprise that he has given up smoking. She is very proud of him and supportive, but she doesnít realise how scared he is.

She later tells Natalie how frightened she is - they agree something needs to get sorted.

Audrey reassures Alma that she can stay as long as she likes. Alma is starting to visualise a future without Mike - her cancer scare has taught her to cope with the unthinkable.

Audrey suggests to Alma that she needs to think about her finances - it would make sense to see a solicitor about a settlement.

Mike pops in to build bridges and explain his actions to Alma - he under-estimates the seriousness of the situation and his efforts backfire.

He explains that he kept the truth from Ashley because he had to take into account other people's feelings - he wants to show Ashley his will to prove he is leaving everything to him, but Ashley is uneasy.

He tells Ashley how much he has loved him, since the day he was born and begs to be allowed to be his father. There is a moving reconciliation as they shake hands and then lovingly hug each other.

"Good Rocking tonight from Les Battersby - sensational sounds from the North's Number One" says Les' poster. Toyah is trying to chat up Owen and revise for her exams - neither with any great luck.

Martin throws a wobbler when he sees the poster - this is turning out to be the "Holiday from Hell".

Owen catches up with Janice on a pretext. He tells her that, since his mother died, he has helped his father to run the site. He enjoys working at the Park but doesnít go for holiday romances as he never really gets to know the girls.

Les' disco is going with a swing as Toyah takes Sarah Louise back to the van. When Janice follows her back to the van, Owen accompanies her.

Janice suggests that Owen comes in the van to wait for Toyah. Owen caresses Janice's face and then kisses her - she takes hold of him, as they embrace again. He wants another kiss and right in the middle of this, the door opens as Toyah returns. Fortunately, she doesnít see them embracing. Janice goes back to the bar flustered, leaving Owen and Toyah in the van.

A few minutes later, Toyah comes back with Owen, who immediately goes behind the bar to serve. He asks Janice whether she wants anything - "just another beer for my husband" is her reply.

Fred pops in on Ashley, but the lad isn't ready to get back to work - tomorrow, he tells Fred. Ashley tells Fred that they don't really have any catching up to do - Fred wants the world to know that Ashley is his son. Ashley isn't ungrateful but wants to keep things as they were.

Alma is going in to work, much to Audrey's surprise. Audrey suggests a night out on the tiles. It turns out she has a bar restaurant in mind - Alma thinks it's undignified with all these thirty-somethings. As they leave the pub, they bump into Mike - he seems indifferent.

Curly tells Nita he has heard that she has been successful in her interview and the job offer is in the post. Nita tells Maud she feels guilty about the job - she feels she is letting down her father.

Natalie sees Jack struggling carrying crates of beer. She has an idea - maybe Gary might be able to help out for an hour a day. Gary is game, so is Judy. Natalie puts a proposition to Jack - Gary and Judy are short of cash, one way to help is for Gary to do some shifting and carrying of crates, leaving Jack to play to his strengths, at the bar. Jack buys the idea, he thinks it could work, let's do the lad a favour. Jack later tells Judy that he is glad of Gary's help.

The private investigator calls on Mike - to save the bill mounting up, it might make sense to pay as you go along. He tells Mike the trail has gone cold but surely the best lead is going to be Greg Kelly.

Les is testing his PA system, but Janice and Toyah want to catch the bus for a day trip out to Rhyl. Owen shows up and Toyah makes a beeline for him, but he says he has work to do. When Les tells Janice that the site owner has agreed to Les doing the DJ spot, Janice feels left out. Les shows up at the site pool to acclaim from his audience. Owen tries chatting up Janice again but she is giving him the cold shoulder. For a laugh, Les throws Janice into the pool, fully clothed. Martin is getting to be a "Battersby bore" - he wanted to get away from all that, but look what happened. Owen is still pestering Janice - he knows she is unappreciated, but not by him. She points out their age difference, last night was a mistake.

During the disco, a mains wire comes loose and Les receives an electric shock. Martin comes to the rescue to apply artificial resuscitation, as Les' heart has stopped beating. Janice is having a snog behind the caravans with Owen, as Toyah comes looking for her. Janice arrives back at the club house and is distraught, as she waits for the ambulance to take Les to hospital.


Back to updates index page		Back to `corrie.net`