See 1994 for January 2 & 4 1995
Monday (3801, Friday 6 January 1995)
We open at Weatherfield General where it's the morning after baby Osborne was born. Ken is still standing guard by Denise and their new baby. Denise has not slept even though she is exhausted but couldn't stop looking at the baby. She's drowsy now but worried and nervous because she knows nothing about looking after a baby. Ken tries to reassure her, she'll be ok. Finally she does drop off to sleep. Ken kisses her brow and lays a hand on his new son before leaving.
Back in the neighbourhood, Raquel makes her way across Rosamund Street with her shopping. Des must have seen her from the bookies' and followed her across the road. In front of the salon she sees him and stops. There's small talk about party food and leftover Christmas decorations. Turns out Des had made his excuses to Curly on the party invite, a prior commitment. A woman stops and asks for directions to the Duckworth's and is sent on by Raquel. Des wonders if she's just got Jack into trouble. Then he asks her if she's happy. Over the moon, she says somewhat self consciously. It all came out right in the end. That hurts Des a little, i think he actually flinched but he wishes her the best. She heads away but he stops her and kisses her on the cheek and tells her to take care. She turns, takes a deep breath and proceeds across the road.
Now we're inside Number 9. Someone's knocking on the door (that woman) but nobody's answering it. Jack isn't because he thinks he's going to get thumped again and Cliff is just sitting there. Vera is arguing with Jack, still convinced he's got another woman and that's probably her at the door with Jack hoping she'll just go away. When she finally opens the door, whoever it is, is gone. Ken's just arrived home and Rita is carrying flowers back to her shop. Rita didn't see who was at the door but Ken did but didn't recognize the woman. See, i told yer! Vera hollers back inside. She asks Ken about Denise and he grins ear to ear and announces it was a boy, 8 and a half pounds and is called Daniel. There are congratulations all around. Mike sees and hears some of this from across the road and grizzles to Kevin about Ken's bragging. He only got her pregnant, anyone can do that. Kevin just smiles. Back over, Ken implies to Rita that he's got his eye on buying back Number 1.
Ken goes into the pub spreading his good news. Mavis already knows (Hey if Mavis is there, and Rita was on the street after buying flowers, who's minding the Kabin?) Derek mentions his energizing cucumber juice fast but Mavis swiftly silences his enthusiastic heart-conscious lecture. Mike comes in but turns to leave when he sees Ken surrounded by well wishers but Ken spots him and calls to him. He offers to buy Number 1 for hi and Denise but Mike says it's not for sale. He's going to rent it out until the market improves.
Cliff is up a ladder taking down some paper decorations when there's another knock on the door. Again Jack just sits but Vera must have gone because the next thing you know the woman we met earlier has pushed her way past Vera and come into the room, loaded, as we say, for bear. Vera thinks she's Jack's fancy woman but turns out she's Elsie Duckworth, Cliff's wife! Eh! You told her your wife's name were Vera like mine, Vera whines. Elsie is determined Cliff is coming home with her though Jack tries to hold him back and defends his right to spend his last days with his loving brother. Nothing is said to contradict the last days bit but Cliff does tell Vera he lied about his wife's name and in the end Elsie basically leads him out by the nose, with a last wish for Vera. She hopes Vera's Duckworth is better than hers! When they leave, Vera and Jack sink into chairs, deflated by their individual disillusionment. Jack figures Cliff probably wasn't dying and probably didn't have any money and Vera apologizes to Jack for being taken in by Cliff's silver tongue. Jack bitterly supposes it's against the natural law for they to ever have any luck.
Sally and Kevin are the first at the party though Raquel isn't really ready for them. She's finishing up her champagne jellies in the kitchen and isn't even changed into her frock yet but Kevin puts on some music and Curly and Raquel cheerfully look forward to the evening ahead.
In the pub again, Jack is looking at Raquel's Miss February calendar with Des. He tells Des how lucky Curly is for bagging a bird like Raquel. He's in a fair old funk about having no luck and being let down by Cliff so who's happy, really, he grumbles. Maybe we are not meant to be happy in this life. Des changes his mind then and there and says he's got a party to go to.
The party is going well. Fiona, Steve and Andy discuss marriage. Fiona tells the lads that she does want a proper proposal and white wedding, just not necessarily from Steve. Reg is babbling on about marriage to a beautiful woman and Raquel is talking to Gail and Martin. She says she knows people think she and Curly are a funny match but then people must have thought that about the Platts because of the age difference because Martin was so much younger than Gail... at first. Martin and Gail giggle and Martin says he's got a lot older since then but agree they did get some funny looks but have made it work. Des knocks at the door and Raquel lets him in, He says he wants to talk to her but she avoids conversation and is forcefully cheerful when ushering him into the crowded room. The party continues with Des watching Raquel from across the room as she circulates with her tray of jellies. Des takes one from her but then whispers "Don't do it, you mustn't marry Curly". She's distracted by Sally and Kevin leaving and escapes his words.
In the pub, Ken is finally winding down. Mike is still grumbling in a booth with Alma, wondering why everyone is making such a fuss over Ken. The sour grapes are clearly spilling over the table which Alma clearly sees. She scolds him for being jealous when she finds out he spitefully turned Ken's offer on the house down. Alma pointedly gets up and congratulates Ken with a big hug.
At the party, Curly is blindfolded and Raquel is trying to play some party guessing game to convey to Curly what she's holding (a watch) by using verbal clues. But Despite supposedly rehearsing all week, Curly is gormless and ruins the trick to the amusement of all around. Romantic music is put back on and Des, hearing Curly and Kevin talk about Raquel, decides he needs a drink. He tries again to tell Raquel that she can't marry Curly but she flees to the kitchen. Des follows her and shuts the door, startling her into spilling wine on her new frock. This is the last straw and she gets upset. She accuses Des of ruining her dress and the party. He urgently starts to tell her before Curly comes in, words spilling out over themselves, Marry him! He doesn't deserve her but he wants her. She's stunned. Out in the main room a slow romantic song comes on, the same one Curly and Raquel were dancing to the other day. Martin urges Curly to find his bride to be to dance to it. Curly, distracted by the closed kitchen door over which a cloud of doom is hovering, says he'll go fetch Raquel but there is nobody in the kitchen when he looks.
Raquel and Des are in the back yard. Curly peers through the window. Raquel is very upset, defending Curly. He's good to her and he respects her. All the while, Des keeps steadily stating what he and we all know is true. She doesn't love Curly, she loves him. She doesn't want Des there and cries that he can't stand to see her with anyone else. He implores, tell me, tell me you love Curly. Say "I love Curly" but she just begs him to leave. He pushes but they then notice Curly standing outside listening and Raquel can't say the words. Instead she adamantly orders Des to go home. Des says he'll go. Curly quietly threatens, "I ought to thump you". Des leaves and Curly gathers Raquel into his arms to comfort her. He desperately promises he'll always be there for her and offers to go for a walk with her until she feels better but she wants to go home. She sobs that it's all spilled, meaning far more than the party and gasps through her tears that she can't marry him. She can't marry anyone. She pulls away from Curly and totters down the cobblestones and puddles in the ginnel. Curly calls after her, heart breaking but she rounds the corner and he leans his head against the back fence in despair.
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Elsie Duckworth: URSULA JONES; Last appearance
of Cliff Duckworth: DAVE KING
Written by: FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE; Directed by: BRIAN MILLS
Tuesday (3802 Monday 9 January 1995)
In the Kabin, Kevin has come in to buy some chocolate. Rita asks him about the party last night. Mavis is whittering on, interrupting Rita, about how much chocolate Kevin eats and never puts on any weight. Rita asks Kevin if Curly and Raquel have set a date yet. Meanwhile Des comes in and Kevin asks him if he knows. He doesn't know and Kevin leaves them. Mavis can't believe that Des was actually at the party and says so. Des says that he just went to wish them well. Outside, Ken is talking to Kevin asking him to service his car today because he is going to pick up Denise and the baby today. He is carrying some flowers because he's been touching up Denise's flat. He tells Kevin that the baby is called Daniel. As Ken leaves and Kevin turns towards the garage, Curly yells across the street to Kevin. He is shouting from his upstairs window. Curly wants to know if Kevin has a minute. Meanwhile, Des comes out of the Kabin and tells Kevin that if Curly mentions his name that he didn't mean anything by it and it was the drink talking. Kevin hasn't a clue what he's talking about.
In the back room of the Rovers, Bet and Raquel are sitting at the table. Bet wants to know why Des was at the party. Raquel is trying to explain. Bet tells her that Des has ruined it for her again. Raquel admits that she doesn't love Curly. "So what are you going to do about it?" asks Bet. Betty comes in saying that the phone was off the hook so she put it back on. Immediately it starts ringing.
At Curly's house, he is on the phone as Kevin comes in the door. Bet answers the phone on the other end. Curly asks for Raquel and Bet tells him she is still in bed so he asks her to tell Raquel to call him when she gets up. Curly tries to explain to Kevin what happened last night, that Raquel has called off the wedding. Kevin thinks that it is just a hiccup and bets that they will be back together by tonight. He tells Curly that Des is just an excuse but not the reason why Raquel did it. Curly doesn't know what to do now.
Vera and Don are in the Kabin and Vera is paying her bills, including the boxing magazines. Vera doesn't know anything about that. Apparently, it was Cliff who was buying the boxing magazines. Don and Vera leave to go find Jack. Derek comes in, he had a cancelled appointment so he has come in hopes of catching Mavis eating a Walnut Whip. Rita asks Mavis if she's shown Derek the card in the window. She hasn't and obviously doesn't intend to show him. Someone wants to sell something and they talk about it but not saying what it is that is being sold. Mavis hopes someone will buy it before Derek finds out. "Dumbbells" says Rita "Straight away I thought of you" she says to Derek. She tells him the address, 23 Kitchener St, and Derek commits this to memory. Mavis knows exactly what is going on in his mind and forbids bim to even think about it.
Denise and baby Daniel have arrived home. As they step out of the car, Fiona rushes over for a look. Next, Vera comes over. Denise obviously wishes everyone would just go away and leave her alone.
In the Rovers, Steve and Don are at the bar having a discussion about gambling and betting shops. Kevin joins them and says he had a bet this morning. Betty chastises him because he shouldn't be betting when he has a wife and kiddies at home. He tells her his bet was on Curly and Raquel getting back together soon and asks Betty where the reluctant bride is. She says that there is more to it than that but it's not her place to say anything.
Betty marches into the back room and demands of Bet where Raquel is. Bet gets up and calls Raquel downstairs. Betty should talk to Raquel herself as Bet is having nothing to do with it. Raquel reluctantly comes down the stairs.
In the salon flat Vera is visiting with Ken. Denise is in the bedroom with Daniel. Vera wants to go in to see Denise but Ken tries to keep her out and persuades her to leave and come back another time. As soon as Vera leaves, Denise comes out of the bedroom. Ken takes the baby as Fiona knocks on the door saying that Mavis is downstairs wanting to come up to see the baby. Denise says no and takes Daniel and goes back into the bedroom.
Raquel approaches Curly's door and knocks. Curly answers and invites her inside.
Ken and Mavis come out of the salon just chatting when they see someone coming down the street on a bicycle. It's Derek with his latest fitness purchase, helmet included. He's bought the bike from the same person who was selling the dumbbells.
Back at Curly's house, Raquel has come to explain everything. He notices that she is not wearing the ring. He's very confused now. Suddenly a light goes on in his head. He asks her if Des proposed to her and Raquel doesn't give him a direct answer. She says she is sorry she has to end it and she leaves tearfully with Curly shouting after her.
In the corner shop, Sally and Gail are discussing the Curly/Raquel situation. Maureen is listening in the background. Sally and Gail are having a good laugh about it all, obviously because they don't know the whole truth. Maud comes out of the store room and wants to know what's so funny. She asks Maureen to ring her a cab because she wants to go home now. She's fed up.
In the bookies Des is cleaning up, putting garbage in a garbage bag when Curly comes storming in saying that he wants to see Des outside NOW and if Des doesn't come outside he'll hit him right there. Don tries to intervene but Curly will have none of it. He starts yelling at Des and Des tries to apologize but Curly keeps on at him and pushes him. Des grabs Curly and pushes him outside. They start fighting. Eventually Don comes between them and holds Curly back. As Des goes back into the shop, Curly says he's not going to let Des get away with this. This whole scene was watched by Sean Skinner who was sitting in his car not too far away.
Ken has cleaned up Denise's bedroom and is fussing over her but she's not too keen on being fussed over, to say the least. She tells him that she must get some sleep while Daniel is sleeping and asks Ken to leave now. He says he will let himself out and grabs his coat off the hook by the door. Denise says goodnight and goes into the bedroom. As soon as the bedroom door is closed, Ken puts his coat back on the hook, turns the light off and goes to lie down on the sofa.
At the bookies, Sean is talking to Des about the fight. Des has threatened to quit.
In the Rovers, Emily, Mavis and Rita are discussing Derek and his latest health kick. He's riding his bike around the red rec. Rita suggest going out there to watch him. It's dark out, but they might hear the wind whistling through his helmet.
Curly storms into the Rovers and demands of Bet if he can see Raquel. Bet send him through to the back. Raquel is busy ironing. He tells her that Des doesn't want her. She doesn't want Des, either. Curly pleads with her not to kill off the little bit of hope that he has left. She regrets hurting him and admits to him that she doesn't love him, can't love him. With both of them in tears she gives him back the ring and leaves the room. Curly tearfully leaves the Rovers through the back door.
Update written by Christine Kaczynski
Written by TOM ELLIOTT; Directed by KAY PATRICK
Wednesday (3803, Wednesday 11 January 1995)
Thursday (3804, Friday 13 January 1995)
Friday (3805 Monday 16 January 1995)
Ken kisses Denise goodbye and is off to school just as Jon arrives for a full morning's work. It's not clear if he's stayed the night. Ken. Not Jon. Mavis and Derek leave the house to go to their respective jobs. Derek is taking Norris to lunch in hopes of a sale and confidently promises to sell Norris a year's supply of stationery or he'll eat his personal organizer! I'm not really sure why Vera was knocking on Curly's door and asking Derek if he's seen Curly but Derek hasn't and Vera goes into the shop for teabags. She has a gripe about the price and how far down hill Bettabuys has fallen. Reg of course is smug and reveals he's given Curly a job at Firman's with him. Vera asks if there's any chance of a job for her but he rudely turns her down.
Audrey is helping out in the cafe because Gail's gone to see Ivy, so she tells Don who says he won't visit Ivy because he's got nothing to say to her. She's not living on the same planet as us, and he believes she's wasting what's left of her life but yet he emphatically doesn't want her back either. Sorry I spoke, mutters Audrey. Don apologizes (and i heard it two times and watched his lips and he said "I'm sorry Ivy"). Mike bounces in to tell Alma about the letter he got from Barlow asking for the return of his furniture from out of Number 1. Alma doesn't want to get caught in the middle of that one. Mike admits he is going to sell the house, just doesn't want to sell it to a plonker like Barlow.
Sally arrives in the Salon with baby Sophie and admires Denise's newly delivered baby pram. Denise is a bit self conscious about giving it a maiden voyage so Sally invites her for a walk that afternoon. John seems a little out of sorts at the prospect of the salon becoming a crËche and interfering with work to the amusement of Sally and Denise.
In the betting shop, Sean tells Des and Don that he's a newly single man. His divorce is final but oddly enough, though he wanted the divorce, he doesn't feel much like celebrating. Des identifies but Don says if he could be divorced he'd be out celebrating and painting the town red! Sean invites them both out tonight to have a drink at the Rovers, as a sort of wake.
Percy and Maud are off to lunch. Reg enters as they are leaving and bobs around with a sad joke. Pillock! Hisses Maud. Percy wonders why Reg gave Curly a job, he's a head case that one! Reg agrees that Curly isn't the most stable. Percy grudgingly acknowledges that perhaps Reg has more charity in him than he gave him credit for. Charity! Maud utters in consternation, about to spout the line of the day: "Him!? He wouldn't give you the steam off his tea!" and with that they two pensioners leave. Maureen thinks the pillock actually did a very nice thing for Curly but Reg flings in her face the one night stand she had with Curly and they start a row about him reminding her of it at every turn.
Norris and Derek are in a nice pub. Derek orders Norris a steak and kidney pie but abstains himself, as he's on a health kick. Norris grabs onto this opportunity with both hands. Derek can barely get a few of his customized stationary pages out before Norris is insinuating himself and his opinions about this miracle new exercise machine, the Mile Muncher, promoting the health advantages and cutting edge technology. It doesn't take long, with a promise of selling it to him for cost, that Derek's interest is piqued.
In the shop Reg and Maureen are still bickering. Even if he can't forget her transgressions he should at least be quiet about it. Reg thinks that Curly's life was jinxed from that moment (that night with Maureen), he angered the Gods of romance and look what happened. Fired from Bettabuys, lost the beautiful Raquel and now another job down the tubes. Reg says all the right things and they are snogging when Maud and Percy return, Maud hollering in disgust at the sight. Can't blame her.
Mavis and Rita pass the time of day when Derek pops in. Ohh, trills Mavis, what a nice surprise, we needed something to brighten out day. We still do, cracks Rita under her breath. Derek tells Mavis that he has accepted a dinner invitation for them... to Norris's. Oh no! Mavis refuses but Derek scores points when he argues that he wouldn't refuse if she had accepted an invitation for them from one of her friends. Mavis can't really argue that point and thinks it's in aid of gaining a sale for Derek. Hmm, something like that Derek waffles.
Don has taken a fare to a darkened house. (this is who we later find out is Josie Clarke) There is nobody home there, so the woman asks to be taken to another address. Turns out there's nobody there either and she's at a lost what to do. See, she had a row with her daughter earlier and the girl ran out. Don suggests she go back home seeing as it's not her night is it. When they get there, though, as she hadn't planned on spending all night in a taxi, she finds she's a few pounds short of the fare. Don reckons it isn't his night either but there's not much he can do.
Mavis isn't thrilled when dinner at Norris's turns out to be cheese with a salad. Norris even manages to confiscate the wine Derek has brought instead of opening it. The Mile Muncher (a treadmill) is set up in the living room and Derek is very impressed. Mavis is less so. After dinner, Derek gingerly gives it a try and is pleased with the results. He has already fallen for the sales pitch hook, line and sinker but Mavis is appalled at the £700 price for what amounts to a toy. Derek indignantly says he's not given to buying toys and insists he's having it, and pulls out his chequebook. He and Mavis are both taken aback when Norris reveals the whole thing comes unassembled but not to worry, any idiot can do it, he says with heavy sarcasm. Mavis hisses, Yes, any idiot can! And when they get home she's making a square meal and HE can eat his personal organizer!!! Derek looks mystified.
In the pub Sean and Des put the boots to their respective marriages and ex wives. Sean admires Liz and compliments her in spite of Des indicating Jim, her husband who's got a temper like a tiger with a hangover. Sean ends up buying Jim and Kevin a drink. By the end of the night he's bladdered and offering Liz a job at the betting shop. She knows it's the drink talking and just says she'll think about it. Ken is in a booth talking to Emily about the furniture when Mike comes in. Reluctantly he approaches Mike but Mike won't hear about it unless Ken has written proof from Deirdre that the furniture is to be returned to him.
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
First appearance of Josie Clarke: ELLIE HADDINGTON
Written by JOHN STEVENSON; Directed by: MICHAEL KERRIGAN
Monday (3806,Wednesday 18 January 1995)
Ken has spent the night with a wakeful baby, letting Denise sleep after she fed him. He used the time constructively thought, brooding over Baldwin. He's going to try to get hold of Deirdre and get something in writing about the furniture but for now, he's off to school. Denise has no set plans for the day, she's just glad of a night's sleep.
Ken walks across a web road in the drizzle, pondering his next move and peering into the window of Number 1 thoughtfully.
Derek bounces into the Kabin full of the joys of his health regime. Derek is taking the afternoon off to assemble the ... Mavis tries to no avail to divert his conversation from the mile muncher but Rita has been told though she manages to shuffle Derek out the door in vain hopes that Rita won't investigate why she's kept Derek's purchase a secret. Derek ambles off cheerfully and Alma arrives to advertise the flat over the café. Mavis asks what Mike intends to do with Number one but Alma has no idea and wants to keep well out of it. She hurries back off to the café and Rita settles in to winkling out the details about this Mile Muncher out of Mavis.
Liz comes across to the garage to talk to Jim about Sean's job offer. She could work there and at the Rovers at night if it's ok with him. Even pointing out that it means more men will be chatting her up doesn't seem to bother Jim and he thinks if she wants to follow up the offer she should. (How long do you think that's going to last? She'll be working day and night with men ogling her at both places of work!)
Back in the Kabin, Mavis, who's curiosity is not satisfied yet, asks Emily if she knows what Mike is doing with Number 1. Emily thinks he's renting it but with Mike, one never knows and reminds herself to return Deirdre's spare key to him. Denise comes in so the women have a coo over the baby and Mavis, ever vigilant, asks about Daniel's name.. his *last* name because she's never going to call him Barlow is she? Denise archly comments that she hadn't really thought about it but decides to go to the registry today to sort that out and will let them all know so as to end any speculation.
Don's back in the bookie shop and teasing a hungover Des. Middle age and cocoa has it's advantages, he tells Des. Mind you middle age has its disadvantages and he tells them about the female passenger that led him from pillar to post and then didn't have enough for the fare. Liz arrives to talk to Sean about the job. Sean, overhearing from the back, clearly has no recollection!
Denise is at the registry office. She tells the registrar that she wants the father's details on record. The baby is fussing and she's distracted by that and further confounded by the rule that states that if she isn't married to the father, he must be present to formally agree that his details are correct. (I guess so women can't claim a father that isn't really). Daniel is really getting in a twist now and she doesn't want to leave and come back again with Ken so she decides to leave Ken's name off the certificate and name the baby legally Daniel Osborne.
Liz talks to Sean, filling him in on her experience and qualifications. He pretends he remembers offering the job ends up telling her she can start Monday, mainly, he tells Des later, on the strength of the shape of her legs rather than the sharpness of her math and people skills.
Emily sees Mike on the street and mentions that Ken had told her about Mike renting Deirdre's house. She wonders if it's going to happen sooner or later. Mike, hearing Ken's name, sparks off in a rude rant about people sticking their noses into other people's business. Emily is thoroughly insulted at this uncalled for attack and doesn't bother to mention that she still has the spare key.
Alma has shown the flat to a woman, it's Tricia Armstrong sans Jamie. She says she's split from her husband (no mention of a child) and her current lease is up soon. Alma asks for references because Tricia admits she's getting DSS benefits and has a housing allowance. Audrey tells Alma that Alf can fill her in on how that all works as I understand the amount varies depending on all sorts of conditions.
Betty argues with Reg who's complaining about the price of ale. Reg scorns senior management exercising in public after Maud mentions seeing Derek out jogging. Mavis tells Reg and Maud about the Mile Muncher. Derek arrives, out of breath from a 3 mile run to try out his newly assembled treadmill but full of enthusiasm much to Reg's condescension (LOL nearly wrote "condensation") Derek also has his arm in a make shift sling, one of Mavis's scarves I think, because he strained it while putting the beast together. Sean is at the bar justifying his latest hire to Des who is skeptical about Sean going over his manager's head in the whole process and also the problems he could face hiring a friend.
It's face the music time for Denise. Ken arrives at her flat, having already had a lousy day (it's about to get worse). Daniel is wakeful and he offers to take the baby for a night walk after a cuppa. He takes the baby from her while she goes to the kitchen. She returns and begins to haltingly tell him about her day, knowing how this conversation is going to end up once he finds out his name isn't' on the birth certificate. And it does end badly with him unable to holler because of the baby in his arms but whispering angrily. He hands her back the baby and leaves abruptly. Can't blame him.
Over in the pub, Alf explains to Mike and Alma how housing benefits work. Audrey is nearly bored in a coma sitting next to him. Ken arrives and dejectedly orders a pint from Andy and sighs over life's complications. He sees Emily and asks if she has Deirdre's address yet. She doesn't have and is still stinging from Mike's earlier rebuke. Ken decides he'll just have to ask Mike for her address. Meanwhile Alf is saying that sometimes the DSS will pay the housing allowance directly to the landlord though the landlord cannot request that they do so. That must come from the tenant or from DSS's suggestion if they know the tenant is a bad risk. Mike's interested and thinks Alma should raise the rent on her flat if the government is going to end up paying anyway. Ken approaches and asks Mike for Deirdre's address and gets the predictable rude and arrogant reply. Everything in that house belongs to him as far as he's concerned and Ken is again blanked on his efforts.
He returns to see Denise who is about to take Daniel for the walk herself. He offers to do it and she apologizes. Ken is still in a foul mood over the Mike thing. Denise suggests that he get the key from Emily and take the stuff that belongs to him behind Mike's back!
Update written by Diane Johnston
Registrar: BRIAN SOUTHWOOD;Return of Tricia
Armstrong TRACY BRABIN
Written by MARTIN ALLEN; Directed by MICHAEL KERRIGAN
Tuesday (3807 Friday 20 January 1995)
Over the rain-soaked street someone in a very short skirt is hobbling across the cobbles in high heels. Who else, but Liz - on her way to the salon. Jim, taking a break with Kevin, gives her a wolf whistle as she passes by them. Jim tells Kevin about Liz's new job at the bookies. Mike comes over. He has a driving job for Jim.
In the salon, Liz and Fiona are gushing over baby Daniel. Jon calls over to Fiona to tell her that Mavis is waiting for her. Jon thinks that Fiona has gone all broody over the baby.
In the bookies Des and Sean are discussing Sean's hiring of Liz. Des is not too keen about it. Vera comes storming in looking for Jack. "I'll skin him!!!" she shouts out loud. Don says that he'll tell Jack that she's looking for him.
In the Kabin a little boy is busy reading the comic books straight off the shelf. Mavis comes in after having her hair done (as usual, it doesn't look any different!). Rita goes over the the boy telling him the comics are for buying not reading. He puts the comic back on the shelf, picks up his skateboard and leaves. Andy, who is also there, says he's sure that the boy was caught shoplifting in Bettabuys.
In the cafe Alma and Audrey are discussing Tricia's application to rent the cafe flat. Ken comes in. Alma obviously doesn't want to talk to Ken so she distracts herself by doing unnecessary stuff, like removing someone's plate before they have finished their meal, chatting to Emily about the weather, desperately looking for anything to do so that she doesn't have to face Ken. Eventually, she has to say something to Ken. She blubbers on about Mike's actions have nothing to do with her. Ken understands. He takes his food and goes to sit with Emily. He's after something and Emily picks up on that right away. He asks her about the key to Deirdre's house. She tells him that she doesn't have a key to Deirdre's. It's Mr Baldwin's key she has now.
Tricia comes into the cafe to see Alma about the flat. She has her references for her rental application. The little boy from the Kabin comes in. It is Tricia's son, Jamie. Alma didn't know anything about Jamie. She was assuming that Tricia wanted the flat just for herself. Alma suddenly decides that she has to talk to Mike about Tricia's application.
Back with Ken and Emily, Ken tells her that he wants to get some furniture out of the house. Emily asks him why he didn't do it earlier. Ken admits that he hoped that he and Deirdre would get back together. Emily obviously disapproves of Ken's relationship with Denise. He says that he just wants to borrow the key, he just wants to get what is his. Emily is now annoyed and gets up and leaves.
Sally comes into the corner shop carrying Sophie. Alf is helping out in the shop. Maureen and Sally start discussing babies. Emily is also in the shop and Ken is still after her about the key. He tries to talk to her again. After ranting a bit about Mike, Emily eventually gives him the key. She's glad to be rid of it. Ken has a big grin on his face....he's going to pull a fast one on Mike.
In the Rovers Ken comes in and spies Kevin and Martin playing darts. He asks for their help in moving some furniture.
Liz and Alma are at the bar. Alma is telling Liz all about Tricia's application to rent the flat.
Vera comes in and tells Don not to tell Jack that she was looking for him. Apparently, she couldn't find her bingo money and was going to accuse Jack of taking it to use for betting, but she found the money again.
As Ken leaves the Rovers, Mike comes in. Ken still has this big secretive grin on his face.
Outside in the dark, Ken opens the door of No1 with Kevin and Martin behind him. Kevin is having second thoughts about this because he works for Mike. He leaves Ken and Martin to it.
Back in the Rovers Alma has shown Mike Tricia's references. Mike doesn't understand why Alma doesn't want children in the flat. Alma says if he thinks it's so great, why not let Tricia and Jamie have No1. Mike seems to think that this might not be a bad idea.
Ken and Martin are removing the furniture from the house. A woman comes up to them looking for a certain taxi driver who lives close by. Ken tells her that he saw him as the Rovers a few minutes ago. The woman is Josie Clarke who Don drove around in his taxi the other day.
Josie finds Don in the pub. He doesn't recognize her at first. She still owes him some money. He asks her how she managed to find him. She got his name from the license thingy in the back of his taxi.
Ken and Martin are still moving furniture out of No1. Josie comes out of the Rovers and thanks them for telling her where Don was. Don comes out of the Rovers looking for her. Ken and Martin finally finish removing the furniture.
Back in the Rovers Tricia has joined Mike and Alma. Mike tells her that he doesn't think that the flat is suitable for her and Jamie. He offers her the house.
Don and Josie come back into the pub. They order drinks and sit down. They try to have a conversation but both are a bit nervous. Eventually they start getting along quite well.
Liz is clearing dirty glasses from Des's table. She tells him she's looking forward to starting work at the bookies on Monday. Des is not very interested. He feigns enthusiasm. He thinks Sean was drunk when he offered Liz the job.
At Ken's flat Denise and Daniel arrive at the door. Daniel won't sleep so Denise has been taking him for a walk. They come into the flat to see that it is full of the furniture that was taken from No1.
At No1, Mike and Alma open the door to show Tricia around the house. As they enter the dining room, Mike notices that the furniture is gone. Alma tries to stop him leaving the house to go and see Ken. Mike goes over to his car and takes out his mobile phone and calls the police to report a burglary. "And I might be able to tell you who's done it" he tells the police.
Update written by Christine Kaczynski
Jamie Armstrong played by JOSEPH GILGUN (return
appearance); Josie Clarke played by ELLIE HADDINGTON
Written by JULIAN ROACH; Directed by MICHAEL KERRIGAN
Wednesday (3808, Monday 23 January 1995)
Thursday (3809, Wednesday 25 January 1995)
Friday (3810, Friday 27 January 1995)
Before I begin I must make an announcement with mixed emotions. Unless I can find someone to take over the reigns of coordinating the WTN update team and finding new writers, June 1 will be the last WTN episode update. I've been doing updates since the fall of 1997, coordinating a team since the fall of 1998 and I'm well and truly burned out. The team has been fantastic and I'm grateful to all their help but I'm at the end of it.
Thanks for all your support over the years!
And now back to our regularly scheduled broadcast....
Derek is ready for an early morning bike ride but he's got a flat tire. Trish sees jamie off to school and he goes across to see what Derek is doing. He bets Derek 20 p it's a puncture but Derek just impatiently gives him the rush off to school Vera comes by and exchanges a few words with Trishia, seems to have taken a shine to her and tells her it's a friendly street. After Jim MacDonald waves from down the road, Trishia eyes him up and down and hopes so.
In the car, Audrey is very interested in the County Hall function now that she knows there will be Royalty in attendance. Alf is trying to dissuade her. It's a very minor Royal and only then by marriage. Audrey always wanted to meet "her" and has been told they look alike, tall, elegant and blonde (no mention of who specifically but i'm guessing either Princess Michael of Kent or the Duchess of Kent, both tall blondes) "And pushy" Alf adds to himself. Anyway Audrey is determined to pull rank and makes Alf stop the car. She threatens to withdraw all services, house cleaning, cooking AND her bed if she doesn't get to go. Suit yourself, Alf sighs, and drives away, leaving Audrey stranded in the rain albeit with a brolly.
Sally buys her mum a birthday card. Rita comments that Roger has been conspicuous by his absence lately. Rita figures she's been dumped but Sally encourages her to call Roger. He may just be ill. Alf enters as Sally leaves, looking for sanctuary and advice. He tells Rita about his predicament but the statement about Audrey making his life not worth living over just ticking off his Mayoress seems to settle what he should do. He thanks Rita, says she's the only woman that's never given him any grief, leaving Rita to mutter, "That's because I'm not yer wife or Mayoress..... thank God!"
In the corner shop, Maureen is attending to Mavis while Trishia shops in the background. She asks about the man she saw earlier. Mavis makes a point of telling her that Jim is married to the very attractive redhead. Thus Mavis's hackles are already twitching on the back of her neck so when Trishia makes a joke about the pudgy old wrinkly looking like Tweety bird on his little bike that morning, Mavis stalks off, mentioning she's married to the podgy old wrinkly. Ooops! Vera is there and has a chuckle at this and introduces herself properly and congenially. Looks like Trish has made at least one friend.
Steve adds a bet to his account. Des does the transaction with a tight lipped Liz spying over his shoulder in disapproval.
Back in the Kabin, Mavis is expressing thorough dislike for that new woman in Number 1 in no uncertain terms, criticizing her laddered tights and bleached hair as common. When Emily mentions Trish is a single mum, Mavis adds to her arsenal, moaning about the string of men that are inevitable and likens Trish as a younger Vera Duckworth. Common. Tell us how you really feel, Mavis! Derek arrives but he's not having the lovely lentil soup Mavis put on for his dinner. He missed his bike ride that morning because of faffing around over the flat so he's going on one now. He must keep up his routine, be disciplined. (but skipping meals is not the yellow brick road to happy health, is it boys and girls?) Rita has called Roger round and invited him to lunch much to Mavis's surprise. Off they go happily.
Over in the pub, Vera is informing Bet and Betty on Royal Protocol. Alf arrives to tell Betty she can't attend but is flummoxed into silence when Betty proudly shows off her new hat bought specially.
Jamie and a friend are playing the fruit machines in the cafe. I thought there was an age limit? There used to be because i remember Gail rousting kids from it yet Alma only asked them shouldn't they be at school and left them as it was dinnertime. Anyway, Audrey arrives, laden with shopping and her new hat, modeled and admired. Derek staggers in gasping for a glass of water. That 10 minute warm up on the Mile Muncher must have been too much in conjunction with the bike ride. Jamie comes over and asks for his 20 p for the bet when Derek admits it was in fact a puncture. Derek is too tired to argue that he never accepted the bet and hands over the coin LOL!
Roger has told Rita that Mavis has filled him in on the rough ride she had with her recent widowhood. She's been through a rough time, he sympathizes and he admires her though perceptively, he points out that she keeps people at a distance and cracks a joke instead of revealing her inner feelings. He wonders if he has been pressuring her too much. If she doesn't want him to back off, what then? She says all she wants is friendship and companionship. That's all for now. He seems agreeable and they toast to "for now". Audrey arrives in the pub looking for Alf. Betty overhears Audrey bragging about the Royal protocol and is not best pleased to find out that Audrey has pulled rank.
Over at the salon, Liz drops in to talk to Fiona about Steve's gambling. Fiona resents Liz's implication that Steve is gambling because she wants him to spend money on her. Liz is worried that Steve will get in over his head. Fiona gets snippy and says Steve can make his own decisions and has cut the apron strings long since.
Trish comes in the cafe hoping that Alma might have a spare key. Only Mike has one and he's out of town until late. She's locked herself out! Alma suggests Emily may still have a spare.
Rita has taken out her pique at Mavis and now Mavis is apologizing for telling Roger Rita's business. For some reason Rita seems to be behaving as if she and Roger have finished because of it but that wasn't the impression we got when they were lunching. Audrey comes in looking for Alf but he isn't there. However he does open the door and beat a hasty retreat when he sees Audrey's back. Rita pretends it was just kids playing silly buggers.
Trish finally finds Emily in the corner shop but Emily doesn't have the key to Number 1 anymore. Vera is there and offers her help. She sends Trish round to an address on Rosamund street to borrow the ladder of a friend and she'll go fetch Jack to go up and try to get in through an upstairs window.
In the pub, Des grudgingly agrees with Sean that Liz has been good for business. They compare notes on their ex wives as well, Des mentioning that Steph was too interested in keeping her figure to have children. (SOPOD?) Vera comes in to get Jack and has to use the guilt of a stranded single mum to persuade Bet to let Jack nip out for 10 minutes.
Derek arrives at the Kabin at closing time, all set to have a night off from his regime but Mavis's smug "i knew it wouldn't' last" attitude after discovering that he'd been in the cafe at lunchtime steels his resolve. She has assumed he was there for food rather than just water and he decides he will go home for a workout instead.
Alf is in the corner shop. Maureen is amused, knowing he's there to hide from Audrey.
Outside, Jack has arrived and doesn't want to go up a ladder but Vera lashes him unmercifully with her tongue. During this conversation, Vera expresses how she's really taken a shine to Trish, reminds her of herself as a young woman. Trish comes back and says the man has already lent his ladder out to someone else. Now what? Jack decides the only thing for it is to break the window in the door which he does. Jamie shows up and very vocally recognizes Jack as the man his dad thumped in their flat that time. Vera's lips tighten at this news. Oops i think Trish has just lost that friend LOL!
Mavis decides to take herself out for a meal and Rita invites herself along. Mavis is amenable and heads home, telling Rita to pick her up in 10 minutes. She'll leave the latch off the door.
Alf comes into the cafe but it's too late for a cuppa. He tells Mike about the broken window. Mike bullishly as always insists he'll make Trish pay for it or else Alma since it was her idea in the first place to move them in there (it was? Seems to me the idea of DSS paying the rent more than made up for her passing comment)
In the pub Steve is moaning to Fiona about his mother's interference in his lifestyle. Fiona expresses a few doubts as well but backs off quickly. Vera is haranguing Jack who's trying to defend himself. He was babysitting for Curly that time he got thumped. She now is of the opinion she never liked that Trishia from the moment she laid eyes on her! As Vera is wont to do lol!
Outside an ambulance has arrived and the attendants are let into the Wilton's by Rita. Derek arrives home from yet another bike ride and is horrified to hear that Mavis has collapsed!
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Roger Crompton: DONALD GEE (possibly last appearance)
Written by ADELE ROSE; Directed by: JOHN MICHAEL PHILLIPS
Monday (3811 Monday 30 January 1995)
Mike badgers Tricia about Paying for the broken window. She shifts the blame to the Duckworths. Mike continues his crusade of mean in the pub that night, taking the p*** out of Ken for stealing the furniture and further haranguing Jack and Vera to pay for the window that Jack broke.
Trish manages to make yet another faux pas in her back yard. Bet pops her head over to say hello. Trish assumes Bet works at the pub and Bet does not contradict her, even when Trish refers to the landlady as a rumoured "slab faced old so and so". Bet just grins like a tiger, saving it for later that night when Trisha asks Bet to introduce her to the landlady in case there's a job going. Bet goes to the back and comes back out smiling. Hello, I'm Mrs. Slabby! Trish wilts and mutters that she didn't really fancy working there anyway and leaves, tail between legs. Curly must have seen her outside because he bounds in terrified that Trish's ex will again come looking for him and is shocked to find out that Trish has moved in three doors down from him.
Steve dumps on his mother for interfering and a huge row ensues with Steve saying some very hurtful things, from way up on his snobbish high horse, normally stabled in the toffee nosed Quays instead of the slum like Coronation Street. Des breaks it up and Steve storms out. Liz is so upset that she chucks her job and cries on Jim's shoulder in the pub. Jim promises not to thump Steve though at a loss to know what it is she really wants from him. Des follows Liz and asks her back to the office where he has a word with her and apologizes for how he's been treating her. He's been taking his resentment of Sean out on her. He offers Liz her job back promising not to be such a pratt. She'll think about it. Steve is later seen showing remorse when he speaks to his father and that night offers Liz a huge bouquet of flowers and a very sincere apology, accepted. He promises he's made his last bet.
Derek and Mavis have spent the night at hospital. Mavis has been concussed, has a sore wrist and a sprained ankle. Derek has absolutely no sympathy and thinks Mavis was only wasting good medical time and money. He's more concerned with his own loss of sleep. This is Derek as his absolute stomach turning worst, IMO! Rita later visits Mavis to check up on her and hears how she came to fall off the treadmill, having sped it up to a "brisk walk" but it started going much too fast for her and she couldn't find the stop button. Rita also hears all about Derek's condescending attitude which she witnesses for herself later in the Kabin. Emily gets in a wonderful shot though, asking Derek how young was he when he was dropped on his head! Later however, on his way home from a late day working, Martin asks after Mavis and mentions that in America he would be quids in with a faulty exercise machine. Derek immediately starts sucking up to Mavis and hovering with great concern for her comfort and well being, poor injured thing. Pound signs are going ka-ching in Derek's eyes, i tell you.
The last storyline today is Audrey's continued determination to attend the Royal tea party or whatever the heck it is. She tells Alma about withdrawing privileges but Alma things she ought to do just the opposite, nudge nudge, granting them instead! Wink, wink. Could work, Audrey muses, with a couple of gins under her belt. That night, after a relaxing bath and huge meal that included oysters for sensuality, Alf is somewhat confused with Audrey's change of heart. She works her magic on his good mood and soon they are heading upstairs for the euphemistic "early night". She starts up short though, when Alf patiently re-declares that she still isn't going to be able to attend the function. She is not the officially council-recognized Mayoress and that is that. It doesn't matter how closely Audrey resembles the Royal attendee! Audrey quickly reverses gear and Alf is sent to bed alone.
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Written by STEPHEN MALLATRAT; Directed by: BRIAN MILLS
Tuesday (3812 Wednesday 1 February 1995)
As Tricia comes out of the corner shop she runs into Mike and starts to grill him about when she's going to getting her furniture. She offers to have a mate get her some furniture and she'll send Mike the bill. Mike hurriedly agrees to get her the furniture today.
As Curly leaves the Kabin he spies Tricia knocking on his door. He hurries back into the Kabin to escape her notice. Rita is talking to Derek about Mavis. She says that she'll drop in to see her later. She notices that Curly is back in the store. "Just browsing" he says. Derek continues to emphasize the seriousness of Mavis' injuries. Andy comes in and tells Curly that there is someone knocking on his door. Andy asks him if he's hiding but Curly denies it. Rita wants to know what they are talking about. Neither of them has any comments.
Derek is giving Mavis her instructions for the day; don't answer the door, relax completely, have a day of total inactivity. Mavis questions his sudden concern for her welfare. She sarcastically asks him if she has his permission to put the kettle on. She assures him that she won't be using the Mile Muncher as he leaves for work.
In the cafe Alma asks Audrey about her big seduction scene last night. Audrey says she didn't fail, she just didn't put her back into it. She's still planning to be at this Royal Do, one way or another.
Emily has come to visit Mavis. Mavis explains how Derek became very considerate all of a sudden, how she must spend the day in complete inactivity and that he prepared her lunch and brought her magazines to read. Turns out that Emily has brought the exact same magazines for Mavis. Emily says that it's no problem, she'll just put them back on Rita's shelf and reimburse herself out of the till. Apparently, Emily is filling in for Mavis at the Kabin. Mavis doesn't like that and proceeds to explain to Emily that her job is much more complicated and Emily won't know what to do when the greeting-card man comes. "If it isn't on a par with laser surgery, then it soon will be" Emily says to Mavis about her job.
In the Rovers Mike has asked Jim to pick up the furniture for Tricia. He also tells Jim it will be in a flat box and will need to be put together.
At Elliott's Butcher Shop Fred is serving a customer. He tells his assistant, Ashley, to hold the fort while he goes off somewhere. At that moment, Audrey comes into the shop. She wants a word with Fred. He invites her into the back room. She explains to him about Betty being the mayoress but that she now has the urge to be mayoress again and Alf won't hear of it. She tells Fred that she has an idea of branching out on her own because she is the official mayoress. But she needs an escort and a chauffeur. She needs someone to walk a couple of paces behind her, even for appearances. "To walk behind you, Audrey, is the answer to a butcher's prayer" says Fred. Audrey says that she won't have a chain of office but that won't matter. Fred suddenly gets a bright idea and leaves Audrey alone for a minute. He goes back into the shop. There's a display of a pig's head advertising pork and there is a large ornate chain around its neck. He takes the chain off the pig and spits on it to polish it up on his white butcher coat. He tells Ashley not to say a word about it and returns to Audrey in the back room. He immediately puts the chain around Audrey's neck. She's totally thrilled with it!! "This chain and my car are at your disposal" he tells her. He says that the chain is not perfect but it will pass muster if she walks quickly. She wants to know where he got it from. "Let's say it now adorns a far fairer head" Fred says.
In the Kabin Rita is explaining Mavis' injury to Fiona as Mavis herself comes in. She's come back to work and insists that she is feeling fine.
At No1, Jim is putting together the table and chairs for Tricia. She appears to have taken a fancy to Jim. He immediately starts to tell her about going to meet his wife who works across the road.
Rita and Mavis are chatting with Ken in the Kabin when Mike comes in. He and Ken have another confrontation and after they leave Derek arrives. He is totally annoyed at seeing Mavis behind the counter. He orders her to go home immediately. Rita tells Mavis to go with him.
At home Derek offers Mavis a cup of beef(?) tea. They start to argue about Derek's treatment of her. Derek eventually says "They mustn't be allowed to get away with it". Mavis picks up on that and Derek has to admit that they plan to sue the Mile Muncher people and he's spoken to a legal expert at work.
Rita, Emily and Bet are having a chat in the Rovers when Vicky appears. Bet is surprised to see her. Vicky explains that she is going out for the night with her friend Katrina. Emily asks Bet if Vicky is on holiday. Bet says not that she knows and gets up to follow Vicky into the back room. Bet confronts Vicky about why she didn't tell her she was coming home. Vicky tells her that she has made a big decision - she's quit school. She asks Bet to try to understand that she is an adult now and can make her own decisions and then she leaves through the Rovers back door. Bet calls after her in the dark alley. Vicky just leaves after telling her not to wait up for her as she has a key.
Update written by Christine Kaczynski
Ashley Peacock played by STEVEN ARNOLD (First
appearance - corrie.net profile says that Ashley first appeared
on February 2, 1996. I assume that was as a regular character.)
Written by TOM ELLIOTT; Directed by BRIAN MILLS
Wednesday (3813, Friday 3 February 1995)
Thursday (3814, Monday 6 February 1995)
Friday (3815,Wednesday 8 February 1995)
Rita is chafing at the bit wanting Mavis back at the helm. Derek, there in the Kabin to get Mavis a paper, is still making a mountain out of a molehill, making out that Mavis is in agony and traumatized. It's clear that Derek is just out to suck more money out of Norris now that poor Rita's had to manage on her own, another indirect victim of the tragedy! He leaves, Steve arrives to get a racing form but Liz follows him in so he hastily replaces it on the shelf and picks up a Financial Times.
Bet shouts for Vicky to get up, rather sharply. Raquel optimistically predicts that Vicky, mature for her age, will come to ho harm leaving school. Tricia's priorities? It's how much money you've got that matters. Bet's reaction? Tricia scurries out to double check her floors and toilets will pass muster. Vicky sleepily wanders in and things are still awkward between she and Bet.
Derek fusses over Mavis, plumping pillows for her. Mavis screams, pushes Derek over and smothers him with the pillow, using unnatural strength fueled by intense aggravation. ... oh no... that' *my* fantasy isn't it? Mavis tries to get him to leave but the doorbell rings. It's Norris armed with flowers. Derek wont' allow her to accept them, an obvious bribe, preceding Gestapo-like interrogation techniques. As a matter of fact, Norris has brought a claim form to be filled out though he thinks they should drop the whole case. Norris warns that there will be a full scale and messy investigation which could end up in court. Derek won't be intimidated by the prospect of the full might of the Mile Muncher corporation! David and Goliath come to Derek's mind!
Sean has come to the t-shirt shop looking for Steve who tells Sean that he doesn't have the 2000 quid he owes. Steve thinks that he's got Sean over a barrel as gambling debts are really a gentleman's agreement and they aren't legally binding. Oh really? Sean indicates that if Steve breaks a gentleman's agreement with him, they he doesn't have to behave like a gentleman does he? Steve back tracks a little but Sean insists on the debt being cleared or a sizeable chunk by Friday.
In the cafe Audrey is reading about "the princess's" (of Kent?) country home in a book on modern Royalty. She's still anticipating triumph in her quest to win Alf over. (Audrey is wearing reading glasses that rival and indeed possibly are larger than anything Deirdre has ever worn!) Vera is also there listening to Audrey witter on about how much she and the princess have in common including favouring the same dress designers and a fondness for gardening. Han on, Gail squeaks incredulously, you don't go near the garden! Well it turns out Alf of course does all the manual labour but Audrey does tell him what to buy and where to put it. Same thing isn't it? Lol! Vera discourages Audrey from her dream of potential friendship with the upper crust, after all in the end she's still only a commoner. Audrey, in a remarkably level tone of voice, that if she's a commoner, what does that make Vera, who's completely unaffected. We know what Vera thinks she knows as she hints "Just because you don't wear a tiara doesn't mean you don't have Royal blood in your veins" and she leaves with the utmost Royal dignity still intact, Alma and Gail gaping at each other wondering where that remark came from! Vera 1, Audrey 0 even if Audrey doesn't know she's been shot down lol! Audrey too rushes off and encounters Betty at the door. They mutter each other's name in a cool greeting. Betty complains a bit to Alma and Gail about the money she's had to spend on new clothes since she's been Mayoress but is dead excited at the perks of rubbing elbows with Royalty.
Raquel, Tricia and Vicky talk about money. Tricia wants a house if she ever came in to a large amount. Vicky gets harassed by Bet because she's helping Raquel set up for opening, Bet not wanting Vicky to end up training to be a barmaid when all Vicky was doing was helping out.
Rita visits Mavis who's had a stream of visitors. Mavis feels better but really can't go back to work until the compensation thing is settled though she does agree that Derek has gone rather overboard. Rita wonders what would happen if Mavis was put in the witness box and asked what she was wearing on her feet at the time of the accident. Mavis could hardly admit to wearing court shoes (pumps, or heels) so she says she would have to lie. Can't see it, Rita says and they can twist tings round, can lawyers. She speaks from experience and that gives Mavis pause for thought.
Vicky discusses her situation with Andy. Andy asks what she plans to do with her future. Raquel overhears Vicky say she's abandoning her plans to start a business in the area because of the bad atmosphere between her and Bet and may just move away. Raquel goes straight out to tell Bet. In the pub Des finds Steve at the fruit machine and advises him not to cross Sean.
Derek is filling out the claim form. Mavis accuses him of disregarding her version of events in favour of exaggeration. She now thinks they should give up and wishes Derek could see reason. He thinks it would be worth it just to get an apology but of course wouldn't turn down considerably more.
Bet approaches Vicky in the living quarters, now all smiles. She proceeds to apologize for being the Wicket Stepmother and calmly expresses her concern that this is driving a wedge between them. She still doesn't like Vicky's decision but promises to stop harping at her and they make up.
Out in the pub, Fiona and Jon are chatting about Fiona's future as a stylist. He thinks she's got talent and should go in for competitions. One is coming up apparently and she ought to use Steve as her model. He thinks he'll ask Raquel. Fiona doesn't think Raquel will do it but Jon calls her over and uses charm and flattery to win himself a model. Alf comes in and asks Betty for a word while Liz and Andy talk about Steve. Liz reminds Andy about Steve's lesser seen nicer side and Andy reminds his mother of Steve's more dominant opportunist side. She think she's quit betting and was impressed he was buying the Financial Times. Sad really when a mother knows her child less than a sibling does. Must be maternal blinders. She has the makings of a Vera doesn't she?
And indeed Andy's doubts are proven because Steve is in a betting shop but the clerk doesn't' take his bet immediately but goes to talk to her supervisor.
Alf and Betty use the back room to talk. Betty's excited and nervous and Alf tries to find a way to get her to step down just this once and let Audrey do the function.
Steve finds out that Sean has blacklisted him everywhere and his account at that shop is now closed.
Betty is not happy with Audrey jerking her around and predicts it will keep on happening every time Audrey thinks there might be a function she might enjoy, leaving Betty to do the boring ones. She says Audrey can gatecrash as long as everyone knows *she's* Mayoress and refuses to back down.
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Billy Featherstone: ROGER BINGHAM
Written by MARK WADLOW; Directed by: COLIN CANT
Monday (3816, Friday 10 February 1995)
Mavis tries to get out the door to go to work but Derek prevents her. She questions his motives for being so solicitous of her. It's all about Norris Cole! He can't forgive his lame duck for turning in to a soaring eagle! They argue about his motives, Mavis wishing he had never met Norris. Derek, of course, does what he always does when up against logic, he hits below the belt. Who was it abandoned him at the motorway rest stop!!! Mavis deflates.
Fiona and Steve must have had a posh night out but Fiona is set for a quiet night in tonight. Steve is somewhat resistant as it goes against his image i think, but she insists they don't' need to spend a lot of money to spend quality time together. She leaves just as Sean comes looking for Steve. Steve tries to bluff but Sean eyes Steve's car calculating its worth. Sean promises to dog Steve's every move until he's paid back.
Liz and Des are the first to arrive at the shop. Des asks Liz to do some overtime tonight as he's got a casual date. She teases him about it and agrees.
Audrey fixes a button on Alf's coat. Alf pleases her with the news that he's hired a limo for the County Hall do as it's a special occasion. Audrey hopes Betty is not too disappointed. Alf says she's nothing to be disappointed about, rather too confidently if you ask me.
At the Rovers Raquel reminds jack and Trish they'll be doing double duty covering for Betty. Trish says Betty is planning to come in for a few hours while she's waiting. There's a bit of a chat about Royals and marriage ending with Trish's flip remark that leads Raquel to believe that Trish's husband Carl used to hit her on occasion and she's shocked. Trish is amused at Raquel's naivete.
Mavis has been cowed by Derek's low blow and has stayed at home. Derek pops in to see if she needs anything. She NEEDS to get out of the house and away from him and the ghost of Norris! She is feeling housebound and resentful against the pair of them. Derek decides to go talk to Rita to see if she'll be willing to testify if needed and Mavis hastily prevents him. He can't because she won't allow Rita to perjure herself. Haltingly, nervously, reluctantly, Mavis lets out the secret. She was wearing court shoes when she was on the treadmill!!! Derek is horrified!
Raquel has brought the gossip about Trish's violent marriage to the Kabin though she's still pretty skeptical, thinking Trish is just putting it on. Vera tells her she doesn't know what goes on behind closed doors and after Raquel leaves, shakes her head at the younger woman's rose coloured glasses. She wouldn't' know what goes on, she's not married. Rita reveals to Vera that Alan hit her on occasion and Vera, not surprised in the least, says at least her Jack never laid a finger on her (oh but you sure have lambasted into Jack!) She gets a bit wistful over the lost Lester and goes on her way as Mavis arrives, finally, to help out. She just has to get away from Derek and his obsession with Norris!
Betty is in the Rovers living room, checking her face and hat in the mirror. Alf arrives and Betty immediately and aggressively informs Alf that she's not backing down. Alf reveals his plan. He's stopping at home and Betty as Mayoress and Audrey as her guest will go to the ball... er reception. It's the only solution to keep both the women happy. And personally i don't see why Alf, as Mayor couldn't' have swung an extra invitation for Audrey anyway, it's not a sit down dinner or anything.
Vera greets Trishia in front of the house. Trish is wary of Vera but Vera admits she got it wrong about the younger woman and Jack. She asks Trish if she'd like to go to Bingo with her tonight and Trish smiles and accepts. Further on, Vera notices Josie at Don's door and says hello with great interest. Don opens the door to Josie who's come with sticky buns. He's minding David for the day so they plan to go to the playground.
Bet has had Alec on the phone breathing smoke and fire about Vicky leaving school and blaming Bet. Bet in turn is sharp with Vicky who offers to go to Southampton to sort it out in person. She leaves and Raquel arrives. Bet is still steaming because Alec knows all the buttons to push and she didn't mean to take it out on Vicky.
Audrey has had Denise do her hair into an elaborate updo although we don't actually see Denise who's gone upstairs to the crying baby. Audrey is her usually snobby self and takes herself off as Steve arrives. Fiona asks what Sean wants but he avoids the question and also avoids going to the Rovers, offering sarnies from the shop instead.
Alma and Gail pass the time in the cafe until Audrey comes preening in the door, showing off her do and practicing the Royal Wave. Do they think her hair is too fussy she asks? No, it'll be fine once you've got the tiara on, Alma cracks. Josie, Don and David arrive laughing. Josie is introduced to the three women and Gail urges a very curious Audrey on her way.
Sally is in the Kabin discussing anorexic teenagers and Rita is teasing Mavis, Ah just like old times. Sally passes Derek in the doorway, Derek still angry, furious in fact that Mavis has defied him and come to work and still sizzling over the court shoe revelation. Mavis stops him in his tracks and tells him off soundly on behalf of her distaste for Norris. He has no answer for it and turns around and stalks out in a mood. Well said, Rita congratulates.
Vicky is ready to leave for the train. She and Bet are back on good terms. Shall she pass on any messages to Alec? Tell him she was asking after his "verukas" (don't ask me i haven't a clue), he KNOWS that's as close as she'll get. They kiss goodbye and Vicky's off.
Audrey is ready early and waiting for Alf when he arrives at the house with the limo. She looks lovely in a cream pinstriped suit and her black hat. Alf compliments her and says they both look nice. He holds open the door of the car to reveal Betty in a lovely red suit and hat, sitting there with a face like a smacked arse at the sight of Audrey who's equally gobsmacked at the sight of Betty! Alf reveals that they are going and he's not, best of all worlds. Audrey's need to be with Royalty outweighs everything and she gets in the car. Alf waves them off cheerfully as he loosens his tie.
Vera tells Trish a bit about her mate Ivy who's now in a convent. They go off to bingo and Bet remarks that Vera seems in a much better mood these days. Jack says it's because she's made a new mate to hang around with. He just wishes it wasn't Trishia.
Liz is alone in the shop, late, when Sean lets himself in, startling her. He offers her a drink and she accepts. He pours them each one and they chat a bit about her past at the Queens, Colin Barnes and his ex wife. Pretty soon he starts to make untoward suggestions and she backs off, into the main shop floor. He follows her and moves in to grab her for a kiss. She threatens to knee him in the groin and pushes him away and hurries for the door. He's insulted, thinking she was a goer. Guess he got it wrong. One of us sure did, she spits and slams the door behind her
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Written by ADELE ROSE; Directed by: COLIN CANT
Tuesday (3817 Monday 13 February 1995)
Wednesday (3818, Wednesday 15 February 1995)
Thursday (3819, Friday 17 February 1995)
This is the second to last WTN update i will be writing. As far as i know, the team finishes with the Friday June 1 WTN episode. I plan to write up some of the classic episodes i have on tape, 60's and 70's stuff over the summer so i will post them as a treat. I want to thank all the updaters that have helped me over the last 4 years, Anita, Ronniecat, Lori, Heather, Libby, Greggy, Tammy, Sarah, Judith, Ruth, Steph, Wendy, Laureen, Christine and Karen.
Bills, bills, bills. Steve peruses his £6000 debt, 4 grand to credit cards and 2 to Sean Skinner. A daunting prospect. Fiona suggests ways to cut back including some purchases returned and avoiding fancy restaurants. She suggests the car and flat may be next to go. He says business is good and promises he's stopped gambling. (Naturally, because he's blacklisted!) She assures him she's staying.
Derek is still determined to get compensation out of Norris and plans to track him down today with an ultimatum. Mavis scolds Rita for teasing Derek and Steve, looking pale and dejected arrives with Mike on his heels with bad news. They lost the order they were just about to do.
Jon is doing prep work on Raquel's hair. Vera thinks that's cheating but time is a consideration at these competitions. Jon suggests Fiona enter and use Vera as her model but she doesn't feel ready. Fiona not Vera. He encourages her to try the men's competition instead, there's less pressure doing men's hair and less entrants to compete against. Now where would she get a nice young sexy model? Steve walks in and they all look at him with a glint in their eyes.
Audrey comes into the cafe to invite Gail to the hair competition tonight, expecting there to be lots of hunky men to ogle at. Gail can't because although Martin is staying in tonight, he's staying in at Curly's swotting. Unless Trishia gets to him first, she recounts Martin's last encounter with the fizzy blonde with amusement. Audrey is going to have to resort to trolling the Rovers to see what she can pick up. Betty? Gail suggests. Audrey counters, Pick up not dredge up! Meow!!!
Reg is off for the afternoon and expects Curly to cover for him. They bicker of course before Reg escapes the ringing phone. Curly takes the call and apparently the caller has interesting yet-to-be revealed news.
Audrey arrives in the pub and has a shot at Alf and Betty who are going to open some "super loo" or other, Audrey's interest in being Mayoress back under the bed. Raquel tells Vera that Jon has two tickets for the competition for her and tells Vera that Fiona has been persuaded into entering and Steve has been persuaded into providing the hair. Vera asks Audrey to go with her and Audrey can't think of a suitable way out since she was going anyway.
In the office at Skinner's Des tells Sean that the atmosphere is thick and if he's going to sack Liz he'd better do it but be prepared for the fallout. He leaves and Liz is called in. She's immediately defensive, thinking she's going to get the sack for not sleeping with the boss which she still refuses to do. She turns to leave but he stops her ... with an apology. Seems sincere as he blames his poor coping skills over his recent divorce so she agrees to stay when he promises there will be no repeat of the incident. He seems surprised that she hasn't told Des or Jim about it.
Fiona does prep work on Steve's hair. He's still surprised that she hasn't left him now that he's not got any money and touched when she reaffirms her commitment.
It's night now, Derek gets out of his car but crosses the road to the pub. As Audrey walks down the pavement she meets up with Trishia and seeing the opportunity, she tells Trish that Vera wants her to go to the competition with her. That's that problem solved. She watches as Trish knocks not on Vera's door but Curly's with great interest. Trish pretends "ooops wrong door" (is she colour blind?) and asks if Martin is in there. Curly says he isn't and cuts Trish off short and closes the door on her. Inside, Martin is grateful that Curly ran interference. She's all right but she don't half go on a bit.
In the pub, Audrey tells Alf that she palmed Trish off on Vera and Alf is perturbed to hear Audrey's not really serious insinuations about Martin and Trish. Curly arrives in the pub to tell Reg of the news he heard from some Dennis or other from Head Office. Reg had no idea... Dennis is retiring and an American firm seems set to buy out Firman's.
Over at the competition, the beat goes on while stylists are all getting ready for the starting signal. Jon is not nervous but Fiona is. Trish and Vera arrive to be their cheering section. And the show begins. You have 25 minutes starting.... NOW! Jon confidently works on a smiling Raquel while Fiona fumbles a bit with her comb.
Over at Number 7 there's a knock on the door. Martin answers it assuming it's Trish but it's Alf come to invite he and Gail to dinner some night. As a couple. You can see Alf looking around for Trish and it's quite obvious he's taken the 2 he saw in the hospital at Christmas (Nurse Cathy) with the 2 he *thinks* Trishia provides and has come up with 87! It doesn't' help that Martin makes a joke about Alf using Curly's house for a bit of afternoon delight with a fancy woman. Hello, McFly!!! Joke!!! Right, Alf says, well he'll leave Martin to it.
Mavis find Derek in the pub. He's contemplating and has come to the conclusion that his vendetta against Norris is proving futile and has decided to let it go. Mavis is immensely relieved that he's finally seen sense and asks what's changed his mind. "Sometimes, you just have to be Big" Derek pompously replies, somewhat abashed at her profuse praise at his integrity. They retire to their own house for a crispy bacon salad. At the bar, Liz puts her recent bad mood down to ups and downs of a new job and tells Jim that it's all going well overall. He believes it. Has no reason not to does he?
Things are "moving on up" at the competition so the song says. Time's up and there is a round of applause for the competitors while the judges disperse through the models to check things out. Jon and Fiona are congratulated by Trish and Vera for a job well done while Steve and Fi smile across the room at each other.
Mavis and Derek discuss their relief as they prepare dinner and open wine. The phone rings and though Derek nervously offers to pick it up, Mavis gets to it first. It's Angela and Derek tries to snatch the phone but it seems Angela wanted to speak to Mavis. When she hears what Angela has to say, Mavis loses her eyebrows into her hairline. She hangs up and turns to Derek, uttering sarcastically "Sometimes you just have to be BIG???" Eh? Wot? Seems it was Angela who told Derek he ought to leave Norris to his own devices. Derek tries to defend himself but Mavis only sees that he took no notice whatsoever while his current wife was suffering pain and upset but snapped to attention at one word from his ex wife. You can choke on your crispy bacon, for all I care, Mavis hisses as she stomps upstairs.
The competition winners are announced. Jon gets second prize but Fiona does not come in the top three. As consolation perhaps, or just the afterglow of Fiona's loyalty, Steve asks her to marry him just as another announcement is made. Fiona has won a Special Mention for doing very well on her first ever competition. She walks up to the podium stunned at it all as she looks at Steve who's watching her hopefully.
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Compere: MIKE KELLY
Written by MARTIN ALLEN; Directed by: MICHAEL KERRIGAN
Friday (3820, Monday 20 February 1995)
This final WTN episode is dedicated to Heather Morlan, the updater who has been with the team the longest. She's recovering from surgery and I know you all wish her the best as I do. :)
Reg starts the day worried he's going to lose his job. Maureen advises him to check out the rumours but it serves him right for walking out on the shop. Spying Curly leaving for work, he rants that after taking pity on Curly, he'll probably end up with Reg's job! Maureen gives him hell and slams the car door. Reg drives away as Trish is walking by, cheerfully greeting Curly who doesn't want to know and drives off behind Reg without answering. Vera, out collecting the milk, attributes Curly's continuing bad mood to the fallout after Raquel jilted him.
Things seem awkward this morning as Fiona has tried to avoid Steve by not waking him up but he gets up before she leaves. When is he going to get an answer to his proposal? She doesn't know and needs some time before making that kind of commitment. He feels rejected and petulant, not really understanding the whole idea. Let's face it, we all know he just asked on impulse.
Today Mavis is still stinking from the rebuke she feels Derek offered, taking Angela's advice to drop the Mile Muncher suit instead of hers. They enter the Kabin squabbling about it, he insisting it was his own independent decision. But he even suspects there's some nefarious motive behind Angela's interference. What could it be? Possibly Norris has got to Angela and is manipulating her to get back at Derek and he needs to be stopped! Rita is just glad it's all over.
Alec has written to offer Vicky a Mediterranean cruise and she can bring a friend. Bet can't spare Raquel for three weeks but no, she can't go either when Vicky asks her. The pub aside, can you see Alec's face if she stumbled up the gangplank? Vicky can't think who she could take (Well i think she can but he's unavailable!)
Reg is following up rumours of the takeover. He tells Curly that it is supposed to come from a 200 year old American company which, to Reg, seems to encourage tradition and commitment to staff. Probably nothing to worry about he optimistically twitches. (much less than he used to, by the way)
Vicky tells Raquel about the cruise. Raquel would love to go and wistfully witters on about Tangier and the ancient Silk Route but has to bluff when Trish asks where Persia is until Vicky supplies the answer, Iran. That's right, Raquel agrees smoothly. Trish compliments Raquel's hair and says she's going to get Jon to do something similar to hers. Bet breaks up the tea party and sends them off to work.
Steve is having trouble concentrating. Mike comes in to light a fire under him then realizes Steve look peaky. After establishing he's not on drugs, Mike sympathetically orders Steve to snap out of it. ;) Steve makes a phone call and orders two dozen red roses.
In the pub at dinnertime, Reg has told Maureen the latest news. Now it's wait and see but he's confident his experience won't be overlooked. Turns out, Alec isn't' on the Med. Cruise that he has given to Vicky so she tries to talk Bet into going but Bet doesn't think she can leave the pub on short notice. Vicky leaves Bet with an intriguing thought - Alec wouldn't like it if he found out Bet was having the time of her life at his company's expense anyway so just as well.
Fiona discovers the delivered roses. She's thoughtful. Later while she washes Alma's hair while Denise tends to Daniel, (didn't' stay on maternity leave long did she?) Fiona confides in Alma about Steve's proposal. She says she's really not sure what to do. She's not known him that long and isn't sure she wants to be married to anyone. Mainly it's because he's got cash problems and isn't confident they won't happen again. Alma promises not to tell Mike about the cash flow problem and wisely advises her that while it's very well to give Steve a chance to change, generally what you see is what you get with fellers.
Josie arrives at Don's, seen by Vera. Fiona meets Steve after work and thanks him for the flowers but they get into the car in silence.
In the pub, Vera tells Jack about seeing Josie and wonders if Ivy knows. Gail impatiently reminds Vera that it's none of their business. Vera voices disapproval while Maud expresses sympathy for Curly all on his own. Vera makes matchmaking noises, discouraged by Jack until Trish comes in, hair all curled and looking similar to Raquel's do. Raquel is a bit put out but Bet plays peacemaker. Mike and Alma arrive, Mike ranting about Steve. Bet overhears Alma tell Mike about Steve's proposal. Norris arrives to find Dirk to apologize that Angela involved herself after he Just happened to mention it to her in passing. (yeah right. When did he see Angela and why, i wonder?) Derek is placated and tells Norris he's thinking of dropping the claim because it's affecting Mavis's health. Norris is glad and further plans suspicion away from himself by encouraging Derek to wonder what Angela's up to.
Don has cooked a meal for Josie. She tries to help but the dish cloth Don offers as an oven mitt is filthy. All the rest are in the wash and the washing machine is bust. Josie of course ends up offering, nay, insisting to do his laundry.
Norris returns from the Gents' and on his way out, he sees Reg and destroys Reg's confidence by telling him about the American company's record for sacking staff. After 200 years they've got it down to a fine art! Over at the table, Derek muses to Mavis that Norris was ok until he met Angela, the seed planted now growing in fertile ground. Maureen arrives and Reg is now down in the dumps again.
In the back, Bet tells Vicky she'll go on the cruise then tells her about Steve's proposal. She seems a bit fatalistic about it, sighing, "C'est la Vie". They make shopping plans.
Meanwhile, Fiona tells Steve that she can't marry him. She's not ready. The debt thing is part of it but it's more than that. She's got to be sure it isn't' going to happen again and anyway, it'll take awhile to sort it out. One day at a time, eh?
And that, as they say, is yer lot. :)
Update written by: DIANE JOHNSTON
Written by MARTIN ALLEN; Directed by: JOHN MICHAEL PHILLIPS
Written byDiane Johnston, Christine Kaczynski, Karen Little, Tammy Mitchell, Heather Morlan, Stephanie Hodgson
