Wednesday 2 February


Friday 4 February
Sunday 6 February

No alarms or excursions this week so it has been nice and quiet. No2 daughter is expected in anytime now after a first date with a boyfriend, so fingers crossed all has gone smoothly.

On with events in Weatherfield.

At the shop Dev is serving Les who is somewhat pleased to be breathing free air, rather than studying the inside of a cell. In any event Les gives Dev the verbals for his treatment of Amy. Dev and Vik realise that the situation cannot continue. Dev has to find a way of extracting the truth.

Martin and the family are preparing for David's big game - a pair of smelly socks are held up and Sarah Louise and the ever present Candice hold their noses. {Has Candice been secretly adopted - she never seems to be anywhere else}. The family are in good spirits and Martin is being very much the family man. The girls do not want to go to the match until they hear that the seniors from their own schools will be there as well the juniors and that there will be larger boys to ogle. They decide to go along.

Kevin and Alison return from the Lakes and they admit it was bound to be wet in that area in February. But somehow they seem to have found ways of keeping warm and dry (well externally anyway). As they arrive Mrs Webster MarkI wanders past and gives them a look which Kev returns. MWMkII tells Kev to go and see the gurls, but he says he will go later.

Natalie and Vinny are having a cup of tea. Just why is the former Nastalie being so nice to young Leanne he wonders? She points out that Leanne is young and has made mistakes but she is a good kid really and deserves to be seen through a difficult time given the support she gets from her family. As Vinny points out that means that the hard woman of Weatherfield has a soft heart and Natalie agrees but asks that it does not get mentioned elsewhere. They also discuss Amy but there is less certainty - does Natalie have some doubts?

Vera helps Amy come downstairs and asks if she wants any breakfast. Amy wants little and remarks that it will take time for the ligaments in her bandaged wrists to fully recover. Dev then arrives carrying flowers. Tyrone tells him to behave or he will personally see him out into the street - the hard way {Way to go Tyrone - a sweet little contribution}. Amy insists to Vera that they should have time for discussion when she hears Dev say that he has reconsidered and wants to talk about their future. Dev explains to Amy that he has had a shock of his own, looking at a dead body and realising that he had behaved badly and that he wants a chance to atone. Over a period of time they should find out about each other in far more detail and that they should discover the future together. Amy is entirely taken in and collapses into Dev's arms - after all this is what she claims to want and it is being offered on a plate.

At the football David is not having a good game. Martin is providing excessive touchline encouragement and a rough challenge has David taking a tumble. Martin demands the ref take action but it looked fair enough to me (!). The game continues. Gail finds the two girls staring at the big boys stretching and warming up in preparation for their match. One of them is allegedly covered in spots (is this a clue to the father) and we get a brief shot of the boys concerned - all seemed fairly ugly to me.

There is a sharp knock on the door of the Rovers. Vinny answers and tells the visitor they are not open yet. She pushes round him and we hear a cry of "Debs" as Natalie and the visitor greet each other warmly. [Debs is being played by the former Patricia Farnham of Brookside Close {Gabrielle Glaister} a reverse transfer from a few years ago when a former Rovers barmaid became Jackie Corkhill. A welcome return to the small screen for the actress for this viewer, but then Max Farnham always seems to have had good taste in women]. We find out that Debs has been on a cruise liner and spending time with an officer who eventually returned to his wife. She is a hairdresser but is looking to settle down on dry land for a while. She says sorry about not being able to make Des' funeral. Natalie makes it entirely clear that Vinny is well spoken for and hands off. I certainly look forward to seeing these two in action!

Finally David scores in the last minute of the match and a great celebration ensues with Martin the family man enjoying his son's triumph. An onlooker is however less impressed. Rebecca has been watching from the other side of the pitch and on seeing Martin's happy face she grows gloomy and despondent and departs. It is all going to end in tears.

Mike arrives at Mark's flat. He has come up with a small trip as a reward for Mark staying on. He can go to a trade show in Bruges which is a short train ride from Brussels. Mark says they only have chocolate but Mike says he has forgotten the excellent selection of beers and restaurants that also exists. {We spent a few days in Bruges last summer. I will join Mike in recommending it}. Mark is not sure but seems to like the idea.

Ken arrives at his old front door which MWMkI opens. The gurls are at a party and no he cannot come in. But ... we must discuss what happened wails Kev. Not on your nelly is Sal's effective response. They have both got to completely forget it happened and he cannot come in ... and she closes the door in his face to make sure he gets the message.

Leanne cannot understand Amy's explanation of how she and Dev are reconciled and the two of them are having an exchange in raised voices when Leanne is sent round to collect glasses.

Mike and Linda are chatting in the Rovers with the latter complaining that mark does not about real hard work so why is Mike giving him a holiday. In her view Mark should spend a few days on the machines and then he might understand real hard work. Mike reminds her that they have only just come back from a break themselves. Mark and Claire arrive. Mark agrees to go to Bruges and Claire says how she hopes that he wont meet too many attractive women. Mike senses unease and offers to pay for her to go as well. As ever Linda cannot work out if it is with Mike or Mark she should actually be spending time.

Back at the Platts a celebration is the order of the day and Gail assumes that Martin will be popping out to the pub to do it with his mates and to regale them with stories of David's on field prowess. Martin says no, in all honesty he was going to the shop to get some cans so that he could spend the evening with his family - quality time.

At the Rovers Dev arrives and Leanne storms into the back. Vinny moves to serve him but Amy volunteers and pours him a half. They smile and the atmosphere is smoothed down. After a while she is collecting glasses (on a tray and with no difficulty carrying a modest weight despite the damaged ligaments). Dev gets her to sit down and rest for a few moments. He holds her hands and starts looking at her wrists. He has been worrying about how he can it make it right between them. Dev asks if she is likely to have severe damage to her wrists. She hopes not - the hospital are hoping that they might heal with little scar damage. Dev thinks there is bound to be some damage.

He kisses her fingers and she accepts this simple display of his affection. Dev looks again at the wrist bandages. Well there is bound to be some scarring but it can only be right if he gets it removed. Plastic surgery is the solution and he *must* pay as he caused the problem. She demurs - that is really too much. Dev says that he wants to see how bad it is and undoes one of the bandages and then physically manhandling her manages to remove the other. They are standing and he shows the entire bar that there are no scars - no slit wrists at all.

Any is shown up as the liar and nutcase which Dev knew she was. The whole community has been taken in and they are wrong - he is vindicated. Amy then has her say, calling Leanne a cokehead and the rest of the Street as gullible for being taken in. She then walks into the back of the Rovers and presumably out of our orbit.

Admission - I have not particularly taken to Dev but his performance this evening with a scheming tactic to prove his innocence was superb and was certainly well done. Nothing which would cause suspicion and Amy was completely taken in!

The arrival of Debs means, I hope, some better storylines for Natalie - sadly since she became the owner of the Rovers it has all seemed a little weak.

Mike / Linda / Mark triangle continues even if all claim it is over. This one could run for years.

A better episode than a couple of those I have covered recently so I reckon 3 out of 5 tonight.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 7 February

Leanne can't believe that she has been betrayed by Amy, who she thought was a mate. Mostly she is worried what people will think about Amy's accusations of drug-taking. Natalie is very supportive of Leanne and says no-one will believe anything Amy said after what happened.

Alison is excited and scared about the baby. Kevin reassures her that he has done it before and knows what it's all about. Alma has received her decree absolute, finalising her divorce from Mike. She arranges to have a celebratory drink with Gail and Audrey at lunchtime. There they toast Alma's new beginning as Alma Halliwell (her maiden name before she married Jim Sedgewick 24 years ago) and Linda overhears and asks why they are celebrating today in particular. Alma gloats a tiny bit when explaining about the decree absolute, asking with a smile, had Mike not told Linda?

Steve can't find Pat - but Duggie is helping out around the site. He asks Steve about the missing fireplaces, and Steve persuades him not to get the police involved. Whilst Duggie is working, a friend of his, Bob, stops for a chat. He is in the area looking, unsuccessfully, for Audrey 'Blue-Rinse' Roberts - as she is known in the council chambers! Duggie later tells Steve that he put out a few feelers and the fireplaces have turned up at an architectural salvage yard. The man who sold them has a familiar description. Duggie says Steve has to get them back - tomorrow - or else!

Dev is relieved that business at the Corner Shop has picked up since his showdown with Amy. Vik muses as to whether she has gone for good, or will there be a repeat performance - Amyville Horror II? Vik maintains that Amy was loopy, but Dev says she needs proper help. Vera informs Dev that Amy has left; in the night, without saying goodbye. Dev pacifys her by offering money to cover the unpaid bill at the B&B. Jim apologises to Dev for his behaiour. Leanne also apologises to him.

Debs upsets Leanne by joking about the 'star attraction' of Amy and asks if it was true what she said about the cocaine. Janice makes sure anyone within earshot hears that Amy was peddling lies about her daughter. Gwen is a bit down, so Janice advises her to make it up with Jim. Natalie offers to lend Debs the house across the road - that is if she plans to stay around for a while .....

Les has to do his community service. His supervisor, Mr Weir, makes him scrub graffitti from the walls of the Kabin with another offender, ex-Hell's Angel Denis Stringer. The two sneak off to Les's house at lunchtime to listen to heavy metal. Denis tells Les about how he got thrown out of the Chapter for having a Mini Traveller; he had to sell his motorbike to finance his divorce. Me Weir soon catches up with them and sends them back to work. Les is disappointed at the end of the day not to receive thanks or praise, but Weir reminds them that it is supposed to be a punishment.

Rebecca tells Martin that she was upset to see him at the football match being with his family. She always wanted a family and now she doesn't want to be the one to wreck Martin's. He wonders if she wants to finish the affair, but Rebecca doesn't know. She can see that everyone will get hurt whatever happens. Martin feels guilty, but says if the family never find out it won't hurt them. He recognises that deception is still hurtful though. [What happened to leaving Gail for her? - Helen] Martin will put up with it in order to carry on seeing Rebecca though. He says he loves her and they snog.

Councillor Bob Bradshaw - Duggie's friend - arrives at Audrey's house to bring her some council papers to see. Audrey says she is very busy at the salon and it has prevented her from going to the town Hall. Bob declines her offer of a drink and is about to leave - until Alma arrives home - when suddenly Bob has time to stay for a drink.

Episode written by Phil Ford Director: Tim Dowd

Update written by Helen Johns

No time for an analysis today. Nice to see David Roper back on our screens; he is Bob Bradshaw - a potential suitor for Alma, I believe. He's been in loads of things, but was in Eastenders a while back as 'Chelle's older man, and a long way back, in [a sitcom whose name escapes me] as the rich lodger. I don't like the character of Debs so far - certainly a lot different from Pat Farnham!


Wednesday 9 February


Friday 11 February
Sunday 13 February

Shortly after completing last week's update no2 Daughter arrived home a little breathless and clearly in a somewhat euphoric state. The first date had gone well apparently and they have seen each other several times this week.

Sadly elsewhere in the house entropy has continued to cause problems with the central heating failing, daughter no3 had her mobile phone stolen and daughter no 4 suffering a bad ear infection. Now the lager lout under the desk has a problem with a paw. Things can only get better.

Whilst over in Weatherfield ...

Tonight's episode was sponsored by Milk Tray and as usual thanks to ITV TV for their continued commitment to providing us with entertainment and a reminder that copyright is theirs

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by Garth Tucker

Chez Battersbys, Les is bemoaning the toe rag who keeps re-instating the graffiti on the local walls. Janice offers to held remove it if they do it in readiness for inspection. The work has to be shared.

Most of the episode seems taken up with Alma and Audreh. Audreh points out that Alma is taking advantage of her friends, newly divorced, on the prowl for a man and with few enough years to find one. Relations in the household are strained. Alma suggests a drive out for lunch - her treat but Alldriedup is taking the new stylist, Debs, through the business and has some other jobs to do so cannot afford the time. Perhaps Alma could go with her new friend, Bob? Sadly Alma does not have his phone number. A serious oversight observes Audrey.

Norris and Ken are discussing the latter's book on local history with potential titles being suggested by Norris. Tyrone pops in to buy a paper and he admits it is not quite in Ken's league. As Ken points out a couple of months ago he would not even have been reading this.

Les and Janice are cleaning a door (under the arches perhaps) which I have not previously seen. Tyrone asks what they are doing and Les and Janice say "cleaning". Les asks if he will be needing having the paper read to him.

Leanne has completed her counselling but there is a loose end which she needs to discuss with Mike in the back room. Natalie gives permission. The new barmaid, Geena, is in need of a cup of tea as she was out on the pull last night and had just succeeded when the boy concerned broke his ankle and did not want to know any more!

"A bit on the thin side" Spice aka Geena is serving when Fred arrives for his scotch and threat (£1.90). Sadly he can hardly move due to his bad back and Emily suggests Percy's embrocation. Either the embrocation is highly effective or Percy never suffered from a bad back ever - certainly Emily cannot recall such an incident. Mike arrives and Fred buys him a double. Now skinny spice tells Fred about her uncle with a bad back. After an operation he never walked again. She then charges Fred £4.10. Now 3 times £1.90 is £5.70 so she undercharged by £1.60, Natalie your profits are likely to vanish rapidly with skinny spice around.

Leanne takes Mike in the back room and says the counsellor says she must achieve closure on her wrong doings. She stole the £50 from him and she is sorry. "Is that it?" says Mike. "You apologise and I am £50 out of pocket?". Not quite, Leanne hands him an envelope and he opens it to check that there is indeed £50 (five £10 notes) within. Mike is entirely ungracious as one might expect but at least he agrees they are now straight. Mike returns to the bar and orders a drink for Fred and himself. Fred summarises the advice he has now received: Percy's embrocation, play golf, don't go to the doctor, do go to a spiritualist. Fairly confusing advice.

Martin and Danny arrive at the Kabin. Martin has failed to buy a Valentine's Day card. Norris tried to explain to his wives that the failure to buy a card was unimportant in declaring his love. Sadly they had not agreed with him and the second one through his dinner across the room, well she would have done if he had not been standing in the way. Martin wants a stamp for the card - but it cannot be delivered in time. Anyway as Danny points out he lives with the recipient! Martin concurs (after all he can hardly admit it is for Rebecca can he?) - he is not thinking straight.

They enter the Rovers and Danny admits to being impressed by Martin the doting husband after all these years of marriage. Martin needs to make a phone call. Les and Janice have finished and Les decides that he needs to take action to prevent graffiti - he will take up watching the walls.

Gail and Alma are sharing a coffee. The latter is telling the former about Bob. Sarah Lou and Candice appear - the latter is hungry but as in our house the offer of fruit to teenagers is turned down with the usual grimace! Alma can stay to Sunday lunch (or dinner) and she and Gail can share a bottle of wine.

Martin is still trying to make that phone call. Danny says that he would be suspicious of a married man trying to make calls from a pub across the road from home if he had not just seen him buy Gail a card. Martin however fails to make his connection.

Norris and Ken are leaning on the bar discussing titles to the book. Norris would like to write fiction - a novel about a middle aged man having misspent his life. What would the title be asks Ken. "Very Sad and Very True" says Norris.

Audrey and Debs are just completing details in the Rovers. Debs is ready to start and she reckons she manage it - especially if Natalie shows her the good times.

Dinner at the Platts is a good humoured affair. Martin is celebrating a win. The boys are lazy but the girls do paper rounds every day. And Sarah Louise has eaten her dinner for a change. Martin lets slip that he saw Audrey in the Rovers. Alma will use this to keep stirring the pot!

Les has been on patrol - but it is cold. He stops off for a quick drink at home, vowing to stay out all night. He then hears Vinny dumping rubbish and dives into the back of the Rovers from the ginnel. What is that aerosol? he asks. To us it looked like a famous furniture polish and Vinny confirms our guess. (Les would not know a furniture polish if it bit him I suspect). So Vinny is not the culprit. Les is particularly concerned about the wall in the ginnel and not the door under the arches we saw him cleaning earlier. Has the continuity fairy been asleep in this episode? Geena then wanders past Les. He tells her he is watching the wall. She says they cannot do him for it.

With dinner over Martin can finally make his phone call. Rebecca is working and Martin has to explain that her card will be delivered personally and not by the postman. Gail (supposedly having a bath) pops down to collect towels and Martin starts talking rubbish about an injury until she returns upstairs. Is she really that simple?

Alma & Audrey are both at home again and Alma wants them to make up. Audrey is not interested in Bob and wants nothing to happen in her house and does not want any of the gory details.

Emily is putting out some rubbish and Les jumps her to find out what she is doing. She is scared and Janice appears and smoothes things over. Janice tells Les to go indoors and Emily also rushes back in. Janice tells Les to give up - suspecting Emily is the last straw. As Janice points out they have cleaned the wall and this will prove that Les is a good boy.

The closing shot is of Tyrone emblazoning the magic letters "WCFC" in blue with white surrounds on the ginnel wall which Les had been watching closely.

I suspect we had guessed that Tyrone was the only lad of the right age to undertake the paint spraying. Given his mother law breaking is inevitable. Sadly (unless there is more to this than meets the eye) I thought Tyrone was going straight.

Overall we moved along several stories tonight quite nicely. I hope Geena is a stayer (but then I prefer brunettes to blondes and this girl certainly has black hair) and will be around for a while.

Martin to certainly tempting his luck so discovery cannot be far away.

Norris, shorn of his excessive mannerisms, is bearable and was given a couple of nice lines tonight - about the food which failed to reach the other side of the room and the "Very sad and very true" title of his fictional story (entirely drawn from life I suspect).

Alma & Audrey are at odds - will Bob break Alma's heart?

And did Geena get permission from Natalie before finishing? She did not say that she had asked Natalie. I sense further discord at the Rovers and Natalie and Debs going out on the pull!!

Overall worth a three I suggest (out of five).

Back next week, same time same place with a brand new show (and that dates me too!).

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 14 February

Les is devastated that some 'nutter' with a grudge against him has defaced his wall again. Janice wonders sarcastically who could possibly have a grudge against Les? Afterwads she confides to Toyah that she is really frightened that Les will be sent to prison for not doing his community service. Toyah reminds Les to buy Janice something for Valentine's Day.

Mike takes Linda out to dinner using Leanne's £50. Mark later tells Leanne he was impressed that she confessed to Mike. Claire butts in, just as Mark and Leanne are making smiley-eyes at each other.

The atmosphere at Audrey's is frosty when Alma says that Bob is taking her to Alberto's restaurant for dinner. Audrey sniffily says that it is nothing special - there's no need to dress up for it - and besides, the fish was off when she last ate there. Later, Alma and Bob appear at the Rovers, and it doesn't seem as if Audrey's jealous comments have spoiled their evening. In fact, Bob invites Alma out to a Charity Dinner on Friday, and she gladly accepts.

Max and Debs are getting on well together, and are in the Rovers when a large bunch of roses and balloons arrive for Natalie. In the back, Vinny is upset when Natalie says she was embarrassed by the public display of affection and would rather their relationship was kept separate from work.

Tyrone writes a Valentine card, despite Jack's assertion that men should behave like peacocks - strutting and impressing women, not running after them with hearts and flowers. In the cafe, Toyah tells Tyrone that she will get whoever's responsible for spoiling Les's cleaning. Tyrone doesn't quite get round to handing over the card. He confides in Jack that he has been doing the graffiti, because Les had been winding him up about his reading. Jack's advice is to keep his mouth shut. Les reappears later having avoided prison. He has been celebrating in the pub, and Toyah is furious that Les neither told Janice he was free, nor bought a card for her. Tyrone pretends that he has received the card he is carrying with him, and offers it to Les for Janice. Les goes off to find his wife, and Toyah thanks Tyrone with a warm kiss. She had known all along the card was for her.

Rebecca gives Martin a card, and tells him she's fed up with being the other woman. He says she is the 'main one' but will have to give him more time. He asks her to have some sympathy for him, keeping up an act at home, playing the loving father and husband. Rebecca asks what exactly he means when he says he is sleeping with Gail. He apparently has to fulfil his role as a husband to avoid Gail's suspicion. Rebecca seems less than delighted at this revelation.

Danny and Martin meet in the pub and then go back to Martin's for a chat. Danny is shocked when Martin tells him he is having an affair, and warns him not to tell Sally. Danny carefully avoids giving advice, merely sympathises that Martin is in a no-win situation, and that someone is bound to get hurt - but then Martin knew that at the beginning of the affair, didn't he? Martin maintains that Rebecca is not some 'bit on the side'; he really loves her. Or is it that he loves the being in love, the passion? He doesn't know.

Rita tells Norris about her training for the Sub-Post Office. Norris knows more about it than she does - he is so excited about their new venture. Fred's back gives him more trouble. Ashley and Maxine have to take him across the road to their house to get a doctor to him, ruining their romantic meal. Maxine is decidedly disgruntled about the prospect of Fred staying over at their house.

Martin is showing his card from Rebecca to Danny when Gail returns home. Danny lies and pretends the card is for Sally. Gail is being particularly affectionate to Martin and Danny can't wait to escape. Martin is forced to agree when Gail chuckles at Danny and Sally still being in the honeymoon period, and that they - Martin and Gail - don't need valentine's, do they?.....

Not a bad episode, but with some bits which didn't quite ring true. For instance, I would think Alma was married to Mike for long enough to know all the restaurants in town, and what to wear in them. Besides the fact that she would look glamorous in a binbag. Though Audrey's jealousy and cattiness was a believable scenario - I just don't think it would have manifested itself like that.

The Rita and Norris relationship is interesting though. She doesn't seem to mind Norris's over-possessive attitude. Perhaps she is indulging him, or just humouring a loyal employee. I expect the time may come when Rita reminds him just who is in charge.

That's all for this week, Helen


Wednesday 16 February


Friday 18 February
Sunday 20 February

Sunday night's episode was sponsored by Cadbury's Crunchie and as usual thanks go to ITV for continuing to bring the Street "Down Our Way". And can Carlton or LWT find the time for a weekly omnibus episode - one of many promises which the First Lord the Exchequer has failed to keep.

Written by John Stevenson Directed by John Anderson

Breakfast time at the Platts. SL2 fails to eat her breakfast and Gail accuses her of flushing it down the toilet. Martin pleads that she should be given some space.

One of the themes flowing through this episode relates to the close on Friday when Fred Elliott was arrested by the police. At Freshcos Fred is sharpening a knife when a customer (Mrs Mawdsley) asks Ashley for the organ grinder not the monkey and then we realise that she was last seen as the organ grinder also being dragged off by the police. In any event little of this theme runs true compared with Real Life. So just enjoy the humour!! Mrs Organ Grinder wants Fred to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth as a witness. She wants him to tell everything - especially that he only removed his own clothes and can she have some pork sausages? She threatens to summons him as a witness.

Vinny asks Duggie if he can have a job on building site - he wants a change. He is happy to be a labourer. Duggie will talk to Steve.

Fred is spotted by Tyrone going into the Kabin. Tyrone last spotted Fred being dragged away by the police so he updates Jim on events so he does. Tyrone ends by saying "Eh Jim, what's a brothel?". Great line!! In the Kabin Fred is baring all to Rita - no not his body, his soul. He tells her his side of events and asks for confidentiality. As she says he will need to convince the court - it will ruin his reputation. Oddly he does not seem to know if he is being charged. Anyway Ms O Grinder is a regular customer sometimes sausages, sometimes mince and on high days a nice bit of rump!! Well if you say so Fred!! At the moment no-one knows. Norris enters carrying boxes and they exchange pleasantries as Fed leaves. Norris is keen to tell Rita the news he has just heard from a friendly member of the constabulary. Apparently he tells Rita Fred was found "in flagrante". Sadly these things get out {Some lovely double entendre}.

At the Rovers Claire is giving Mark a hard time. Claire says she is not prepared to share him with a back street pub's barmaid. He is invited round to hers tonight but he cannot make tonight.

Duggie wanders in and tells Vinny he can have a job. Vinny looks around nervously and accepts. Duggie is guest of honour at the dinner next Friday and he will get a nice evening out. He has no companion and off the cuff he asks Natalie (it must be cold - arms covered and not much skin on display) to go with him. She says no but Audrey introduces him to Tom's replacement - Debs and smiles are exchanged. {I reckon that Natalie might be a good match for Duggie to be honest - I think I could see him behind the bar}.

Vinny takes Natalie into the sitting room and says that Harvey cannot give him his old job back for two months so he is going to work for Steve for the next two months. He cannot live and work with Natalie - they will end up falling out, so this is a far better solution. She does not want him to go but his personal relationship is more important than having him as an employee.

Nasty new advert for Jaffa cakes in the middle of the break and the Jungle Book is out on video.

He can always get another job - but he cannot get a new girl-friend. "Fancy piece" is what she prefers and in any event if he is the other side of the bar he can chat up this attractive bar owner he knows! Reluctantly Natalie accepts the inevitable.

Fred arrives and Les shoots his mouth off. "Been knocking around with some shady ladies?". Jim weighs in saying Fred should be pleased with being able to achieve such a performance at his age. Fred has not been served and departs. Les hopes he got better service the previous night.

Mark leans on the bar. Leanne are you working tonight? No it is free and now he has something to do this evening after all! Mark has a Cheshire Cat grin.

Natalie and Vinny reappear in the bar and Duggie orders drinks for Audrey and Debs. Debs is going to the charity dinner on Friday. Natalie tells him to watch out - she is the quiet one in the family. A little later Debs extracts background information on Duggie from Natalie. No wife or other relationship. Good thing that Natalie is spoken for then and does not fancy Duggie. {Natalie looks totally disgruntled that Debs is getting hooks ready for Duggie}

Gail is trying to tempt SL2 with a nice meal - roast chicken and roast potatoes. SL2 suggest waiting to see what Martin fancies first ... we see a pile of clothes on the floor and Martin is found to be in bed with Rebecca (so we know what he fancies!!). They are talking (do they ever work any more?) It seems they have both reached a conclusion - they should finish the relationship, although Rebecca voices it first. They cannot go on like this says Martin - lying, pretending, creeping around. Rebecca admits she is now jealous of Gail. Martin says that Gail does not mean as much as Rebecca.

Curly appearing for the first time since the New Year special recalls hearing about a disturbance at the meat counter earlier in the day. Alma denies responsibility. Ashley provides the truth. Audrey is disgusted because there is nowhere for women to visit. Fred strides into the Rovers, he has been consulting lawyers. He makes a public statement. The police are no charges will be made against anyone involved. Any damaging tales will result in a court case. Les believes in free speech - but not in the Rovers or Les will be barred!! Fred then buys drinks all round including Les. Alma is looking weary so Curly agrees, nay insists on running her home. Later Fred relates that the police made a mistake. Mrs Mawdsley was in the house by herself and it can only be a disorderly house if there was another woman present. {Finally reality hit this storyline}. So Fred was double unlucky - only one woman present and interrupted before a conclusion was achieved!

Leanne is looking at Mark's travel photos. She wants to travel. Mark tries to kiss her. She says no. She explains that she has decided to get her life straight. She is never going to be a bit on the side. {So will Mark sort out Claire?}.

Alma and Curly arrive at Audrey's and Alma explains that she misses Mike and also misses a family - the reason Mike is happy is having Mark around. She tells Curly to find a good woman and have several kids. At long last Curly can break the news about Alice. He tells Alma about Raquel's visit and also about Alice, France and the events. In this scene I felt that Kevin redeemed himself for the bad bits in the special - he got it just about right.

SL2 does not want any chicken and Gail is worried about her being ill. Gail reckons it is the models on the posters in her room. SL2 tells Gail a few home truths about Martin - he does not agree with Gail and is the only person in the house who is nice to her.

Rebecca tells Martin to go home. Martin realises he cannot finish with Rebecca and she cannot with him. They need to look for a flat to rent. Martin is going to leave Gail - that is if she wants them to be together. She wants that as well - so it is settled.

Not a bad little episode. Several climaxes (story not Fred's) are due with the Platt family likely to explode in all directions in the next couple of episodes I rather think.

Leanne is about to get a nice break in Bruges.

Can I also register some praise for Tina O'Brien (SL2). She has arrived and immediately been given a fairly meaty storyline. Now it is possible that she is like that but she is giving a fairly accurate portrayal of a teenager (although praise be I have never had a pregnant one in the house). I reckon she is doing a sterling job. Just where do ITV keep finding all these youngsters?

Are Debs and Natalie going to go to war over Duggie or is that a red herring? Is Vinny on the way out?

Overall I reckon a 3.5 out of 5 tonight.

See you next week. -- K Richard Whitbread


Monday 21 February

Mark goes to the Rovers to see Leanne. He asks if she would go out with him if Claire were off the scene. Claire telephones Mark at work, and he tells her he is too busy to see her that night - or any night in fact. He is not taking her to Belgium with him, and doesn't want to get involved in a serious relationship. Mike is gobsmacked at the casual way his son has just dumped his girlfriend, but Mark says Claire was boring. Later, he informs Leanne that he has made his choice, and that it is her. Mike makes it clear that he is unimpressed with Mark's decision. Linda is feeling disgruntled after Mike dismissed her suggestion that they make their underwear in sizes larger than 14. She tells Nita that she would like to broaden her horizons, and resents Mike's patronizing attitude.

The bulk of the action in this episode, however, revolves around the Platt household. At breakfast, Martin tells Gail that they need to talk. Gail is preoccupied with Sarah-Louise, though, and the moment is lost. Gail makes SL have breakfast, despite protests that she is not hungry. Gail and Martin then leave for work, but halfway down the street Gail realises she has forgotten something and goes home. She hears the sound of vomiting coming from upstairs, and confronts her daughter when she comes downstairs. SL denies that she regularly makes herself sick. Gail is frightened that SL is bulimic, and decides they should go to see a doctor, immediately.

At Rebecca's, Martin goes over and over his situation. He is worried about the effect the news will have on Gail. He tells Rebecca that previously when he confessed to Gail about the one night stand he had with someone, Gail went to bits. She was even on tranquilisers. He agonizes about telling the children, and wonders if it is a bad time, what with Sarah-Lou's dieting problems. Is there ever a good time? Rebecca tries to be supportive. Martin finally resolves there is only one thing to do: he loves Rebecca and wants to spend his life with her. There is no point putting it off; he will tell Gail that he is leaving her. He even tells Rebecca that he hopes one day they might get married. She laughs and says they have to sort out practicalities first, like where they are going to live! Martin prepares to go home and tell Gail, and nothing is going to stop him......

At the surgery, Gail explains to Dr Wilson that she is worried about SL's eating habits. Sarah says she has tried to diet because she is getting fat. The young female doctor gently questions SL about her eating habits, then asks her to get on the scales. They show that SL is not underweight, and further questioning about her general health prompts SL to reveal that the previous week she felt feint. The doctor suggests a physical examination, but much to Gail's frustration will not say what she suspects might be wrong. When the doctor returns to her desk, Gail is worried that she has found something serious, but the doctor asks Gail to wait while SL finishes dressing. SL returns and the doctor asks if there is anything she wants to tell them. SL looks indignantly innocent and says no. Dr Wilson informs Gail that the reason SL has gained weight is that she is pregnant. Gail gapes open-mouthed and SL herself looks amazed but slightly shame-faced as the music fades in before either speaks.

Episode written by Mark Wadlow Directed by: John Anderson

Helen Johns


Wednesday 23 February

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Joe Turner
Directed by John Anderson
Sponsored by Cadburys Miniature Heroes
CORONATION STREET is copyright of ITV productions

Surgery - Gail is gob smacked and says pregnant. Female doctor says the signs are very clear and Sarah is as much as 5 months pregnant. Sarah is sobbing and Gail tells her to look at her. She asks Sarah to tell the doctor there is a mistake and she can't be pregnant if she's never had sex. Sarah shake's her head. Gail is horrified and Sarah cries in Gail's arms. Gail also sobbing asks what she has done.

Flat - Martin says it's about time he sorted it out for once and for all. Rebecca asks how Gail will take it. Martin says he does not know but the fairest thing to do would be to let Gail decide. She asks what if Gail wants him to stay. Martin says he is leaving her but if she wants him to stay over night to explain to the kids he will. Rebecca says he is a good man. Martin says it does not feel like it. Rebecca says she will see him tomorrow. Martin says and the day after that then goes out the door.

Surgery - Female doctor tells them it's too late for a termination and asks Sarah if she knows what that is. Sarah nods. Gail asks why she didn't talk to them. Sarah says she didn't know. Gail shouting a little asks how she could not know and must have seen her periods stop. Female doctor says it can be easy to miss the signs and says Sarah is only 13 and it can be affected by stress, weight loss. Gail quickly says pregnancy. Female doctor says they should do a scan to make sure she and the baby are ok. She says she can book them tomorrow. Gail says that's fine. Female doctor says they should go home as it has come as a shock to both of them and it will give them a chance to discuss things together. Gail asks Sarah if that's what she wants to do. Sarah nods. Female doctor asks if they would like her to call Social Services as they can also help.

Somewhere - Mark and Leanne are eating Chinese food. Leanne asks if they can use forks. He says no. Leanne says she knows why people who eat this are skinny. Mark asks if she will come with him on his business trip. Leanne is shocked. He says he won't be working long and they can check out the sites. Leanne says she just can't drop everything. Mark says if she is not interested then it's ok but he thought she liked him. Leanne kisses him and says she would love to come.

Platt's; Sarah is eating. Gail is sat watching her. Sarah says she is eating and asks why she is being watched. Gail says she is wondering where her little girl went. Gail then asks if Sarah is going to tell her. Sarah asks what. Gail says who the father is. Sarah says it's just a lad in her class. Gail asks if he has a name. Sarah asks what she is going to do. Gail says she is not going to invite him round for Sunday tea but can think of a few things she'd like to say to him. Sarah says they only did it the once. Gail shouts saying once is enough. She asks who knows. Sarah says no one and sobs. Gail asks if Candice knows. Sarah says no and says he said he would not tell anyone. Gail also sobbing hugs her.

Rovers; Ken is asking why they are changing a name of a street that is ok. He says Victoria Street is the only street that has even been changed. Audrey tells him she does not know and for him to look in the council archives. Ken says he will get to the bottom. Deirdre says he will. Martin comes in asking for a scotch and tells Grey it's for Dutch courage. Sally comes in asking where he has been. He says Martin's been getting him drinks. Sally says he is a good family man. Both of them leave. Natalie gives him his drink. She asks if he wants another but Martin says it's done the job and goes.

In the street Martin comes out of the Rovers. He looks over at his house. He then walks along the street to his house.

Platt's; Martin comes in asking where the kids are. Gail tells him Sarah is in the bath and David is playing a game. Gail asks if he went to football. He says no and that he went for a drink. Gail asks if it was just the one. He says yes and asks if it matters. She tells him he will need another after what she is about to tell him. She says she took Sarah to the doctor's and was told she is pregnant. Martin asks if this is a joke. Gail says she wishes it was and they could go back to arguing about not eating food. Gail says the joke is she is 5 months pregnant and it's to late for a termination. Martin says he does not believe this.

Platt's; Gail says Martin's name. She asks if he knew about this. Sarah having sex. He says no. Gail says Sarah talks to him. Martin says not about this. He sits down. Gail says she knew it was serious when the doctor asked for Sarah's permission to tell her. Martin says if Sarah didn't want them to know she doesn't have to say. Martin says 5 months. Gail says she could have hit her. Gail then sobbing says it would have happened to anyone. She asks why them and why her daughter. Martin says he is going to have that drink.

It's morning and outside Janice sees Leanne come out from the flat. She asks what is going on. Leanne says she and Mark are back together and she is going away with him if Natalie will let her off work. Janice says she would pull a sickie. Leanne says she lives in the Rovers. Janice says she is not just going with anyone but he is the heir to the Baldwin Empire. Leanne smiles.

Platt's; Martin is on the phone to Roy saying Gail is not well. David asks why Sarah is not going to school. Sarah says she is going to the hospital. He asks why and Gail says she is going for a check up. David says she hoped it was something serious and says, if she died he is having her room. As David goes, Gail says they are not telling anyone until they have decided what they are going to go. Martin says that's everything sorted and asks if that's it as he is getting a sore ear. Gail says this is not a time for jokes. He says they can't carry on as if it's the end of the world. Gail says it is for Sarah. Sarah asks if they can not talk about her as if she's not in the room. Martin says he has not seen her smile and asks her to smile. He says there is nothing they can do about that has happened but they can help her from now on. He says there will be lots of people tell her to do this and that an tell her not to be frightened. Gail tells her to get dressed. Martin says for her to drink lots of water as it helps with the scan. He says they might as well get a good look at their first grandchild.

Rovers' backroom; Geena comes in asking for some tea. Natalie says she is just in time to hear Leanne pleading and asks what it is. Leanne says Mark has asked her to go away with him and she wants to go. Natalie asks what night and Leanne says this weekend. Natalie asks Geena if they should let her. Geena asks why she is asking her. Natalie says she is going to make her a permanent staff member. Geena says that made her day. Natalie asks if they should make Leanne's day. Geena says they can manage.

Hospital; Martin sees Rebecca who says she knew he would not call but when he didn't show for work she was worried. He says she won't believe what happened. She tells him not to play games. Martin says Sarah is 5 months pregnant. He says he goes home to say he is leaving and ends up taking his pregnant stepdaughter for a scan. She asks when he found out. Martin says when he got in the door and didn't tell Gail he was leaving, as it didn't seam appropriate. Martin says he has got to get back. She says they will talk later.

Rovers; Leanne and Mark are laughing. Linda asks Mike if he wants to know what the talk of the factory was today. She tells him, them pointing to Mark and Leanne. Linda says Mark is taking her on the business trip. Mike says he is good looking and could have any woman and wonders why he is hanging out with Leanne. Mike then asks if he is trying to wind him up. Linda says if he is then it's working.

Platt's come back. Gail asks Sarah if she wants anything to eat. She says she's not hungry and can't help it. Sarah asks if she can go out. Gail just looks so Sarah says she will go upstairs. Gail takes out the picture of the scan and says Martin is quiet. Gail asks if he wants to see but he says he has seen it. Gail sobs and says Sarah won't even look at it. Gail wants to keep Sarah in, as she knows what people will say. Martin says Sarah is lucky to have her, as most people would kick her out. Gail says she needs Martin and they have to stick together and wants him to tell her it will be ok. He hugs her and says it will be ok.

This Report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter


Friday 25 February
Sunday 27 February

Down Weatherfield way events are mainly with the Platts tonight. As ever thanks go to ITV for providing a programme about which to write and Cadbury's miniature heroes are the sponsors.

Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by Tony Prescott

Gail is ironing as Martin comes downstairs. SL2 is fast asleep - shattered after the crying the night before. Everyone is still in shock. Gail laments the cause. Martin looks forward and Gail says she could not have got through the last few days without him. As she says "At least we have got each other". (For those not entirely up to date Martin has been waiting a week to tell Gail something important - it seems he cannot find the right opportunity!!).

Jim is looking at the bills as he and Gwen get up. He tries to establish just how bad it is - she is not admitting anything but it is fairly serious (debt collectors knocking on the door etc). They are interrupted by Gary knocking on the door.

Debs is telling Natalie about how good a night they had. Alma and Bob had also enjoyed the evening (although Bob is running it down a little). Ken is telling Dreary about his exciting time down at the library researching local history. Duggie arrives and Debs tries to get invited to his next function. Duggie gives her short shrift - moving from friendly bonhomie to a nasty piece of work in seconds. Natalie and Debs regroup out back. Debs did not sleep with him. He was a perfect gentleman the previous evening and neither of the understand his behaviour.

Round at the B&B Tyrone is having problems with the Highway Code. Jack says he has got to get his head round it. Anyway says Tyrone it is common sense. Jack starts testing him. What does this sign mean? - hilly road - lumps in the road - holiday route - hospital route Tyrone asks if he can "phone a friend" (Nice contemporary reference). Jack winces!! Tyrone gets 22 out of 35 (30 for a pass). Further study is needed.

The Platts are discussing the "father". David wanders in - they are going to have to tell him soon and they cannot tell Audrey yet - it is more important to keep it from her than the papers. Martin says they can only keep it secret for a limited time - after all five months have gone. Gail says that they need to adjust themselves. Whilst they are locked in this discussion SL2 appears in the rear of the shot at the bottom of the stairs and they continue the discussion and she listens. Eventually they notice her. "Are they ashamed of her?". "No" says Martin. Gail says "Nor are we proud of it". Sarah Lou does not want them telling her what to do. A shouting match is interrupted first by the arrival of social services (not a Sunday then) and the adverts.

The social worker is Lydia Summers, recommended by the gp - a letter has been sent but not arrived. As there is an underage pregnancy they have to make at least one visit. First she wants to talk to all of them and then just Sarah-Lou. She establishes the family size - David is reported as 9, but knows nothing. They got married in 1991. Martin is revealed as the step-father, a shift-working nurse. Lydia's comments are fairly crass.

Ken is getting attached to his murder mystery (even if it was 100 years ago).

Natalie takes Duggie to task and extracts his view that Debs is a nice young lady. He knew he should never have taken her out as he was bound to feel lousy about it the next day and he would take it out on her. Natalie asks if he has got another woman. He admits there is - Laura - his departed wife. Going out with Debs is the first time since she died that he been out with a woman. It is two years since Laura died and he woke up that morning feeling guilty and unfaithful. She was 38 when she died of breast cancer. Natalie mentions her own bereavement. Duggie says that the worst part was that they were not happily married - she looked good on his arm but perhaps not "in love". The illness brought them closer together and he cannot move on. Natalie has a faraway look in her eye.

Lydia and SL go up to the latter's room for a private chat. SL asks for confirmation that she is not going into care. SL explains that Gail is not happy with the events and she also refuses to talk about the father. There is support available - she must not feel she is on her own.

Gary collects the twins from Jim - but decides to have a quick drink. Jim admits he is not sure on progress with Gwen. He tells Gary about the debts - although the amounts are unknown. Jim wants honesty. Gary tells him not to be so hard. Jim recalls that Liz was good with money. On Gary's advice (not many other women knocking on the door are there?) Jim decides to persist with the relationship.

Martin and Gail are talking about the social worker who descends the stairs and leaving her card departs. Martin is fairly rude. He then reflects on Lydia's earlier crass comments and Martin loses his temper and storms out. After he returns he apologises for losing his rag. He does not like being checked up on. The Platts are better parents than Les Battersby - yet they have the teenage pregnancy - and the fingers will soon be pointing once the news gets out.

Not vast acres of excitement tonight.

Another view of the Ferguson background story with various details filled in. Tyrone and Jack providing some comic relief in traditional Corrie territory with Ken's book ticking along nicely. (Are ITV planning to publish this properly by the way?)

The Platt family is in the middle of an explosion. I have no experience of teenage pregnancies (my step daughters are 19, 17 and 16 and none of them are pregnant as far as I know) so cannot comment if the storyline is accurate. I still think that the young actress is doing a difficult job well.

I reckon 3 out of 5 tonight. See you all again this time next week.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 28 February

Janice and Gwen give Linda a bit of stick for wanting to be hobnobbing with clients instead of working on the machines, but Linda is not ashamed of wanting to better her position. Gwen agrees to have lunch at Jim's. Dev leaves Vik on his own in the shop all day as he moves into Nita's flat. Vik gets a bit over run and shouts at Mike Baldwin. Dev later puts up a card to advertise for an assistant.

Roy is pleased to hear Ken's news that the Weatherfield Gazette will be printing a story about the 100 year old murder mystery. Tyrone is down in the dumps about doing so badly with his driving theory. Ken later shows Tyrone a CD he has borrowed from the library and offers to help him use it on his computer.

Martin is still bitter and angry because he feels the Social Services woman was judgemental about him and his parenting ability. He, Gail and Sarah-Louise were meant to go to a clinic appointment but Sarah-Louise refuses to go to the clinic and goes off to see Candice.

Danny sees that Martin is looking overwrought and asks if the secret is out? Martin at first thinks of Sarah-Lou and looks aghast - until he realises that Danny is talking about Rebecca. He says he hasn't told Gail yet.

Natalie tells Debs about what Duggie said - that he isn't angry with her, it's all to do with his late wife. Debs is pleased that she intervened, and later graciously accepts Duggie's apology. Vinnie and the lads from the site go to the pub and Vinnie enjoys flirting with Natalie. Dreary moans to Mike about someone who had phoned the office - Helen Cooper. Mike decides that Linda can prove her sales technique by getting an order from Coopers. Linda at first thinks she is being set up to fail, but Mike persuades her that he is just setting her a challenge.

In the cafe, Duggie tells Bob that the latest gossip is that Bob has been taking back handers at the council. Bob is clearly unsettled by Duggie's remarks, but then chats to Audrey and offers to help her with some urgently required council paperwork, saying he will be going to see Alma anyway. Audrey is pleased to accept his help.

Jim tackles Gwen about her debts and at first she refuses his help. He offers to put a few figures down on paper and see how it looks. Gwen agrees, and after they look at the sums it is clear that Gwen is in trouble.

Martin moans to Rebecca about the situation at home. She promises to still be there for him despite his problems. He just wishes that he had told Gail about Rebecca before he found out about the pregnancy.

Bob calls at Audrey's to go through the papers. He feins surprise that Alma isn't there, and oh yes, just remembers, that she was working late. They talk about making the council system work to one's advantage and he hints that a person could get their fingers burnt if they work the system too much. He fishes around whether Audrey might use her friendship with George Shrimpton (an important person in council circles) to help him should he need it, but Audrey doesn't really pick up on what he is saying. Bob then offers a more intimate form of friendship to Audrey, one about which Alma need never know. Audrey is astonished as he puts his arm around her, and leaps away. She says he has got completely the wrong idea about her and orders him out of the house.

Sarah-Lou doesn't return until after 9pm from Candice's. Gail asks if Candice wondered why SL was upset the other night. SL screams that Gail is only worried whether the secret is out, and doesn't care about her at all.

Alma finally arrives back from a long day. Audrey smiles thinly as Alma relates that Bob phoned her that afternoon to check what time she was finishing work. Alma notices that Audrey is quiet and asks what is wrong. Audrey merely says she had an exhausting day, and for once we see she is thinking about her dilemma of what to say to Alma instead of jumping in with her motormouth at full throttle.

Episode writer: Martin Allen Directed by: Tony Prescott

Helen Johns



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