Friday 1 September
Sunday 3 September

Much happier news this week. Our 18 year old has decided on a career without going to University which seems a good choice. Our 16 ear old has heard that she can progress to the next stage in her application to join the army and we hope that this will move forward over the next few weeks.

Coronation Street is losing a lot of familiar faces at present and so will presumably gain some new ones as time permits, one of these, Edna, has already appeared but we hear little of Eileen from Street Cars - if they have not yet put her on a permanent contract they should do so - and move her into the Street full time. And finally I may have to repent on one subject. I was very hard on Norris when he returned. I might have been wrong after this week's events (and for those waiting for the flamb episode in Canada I will say no more).

Tonight in Weatherfield (courtesy of the new video recorder) events are entirely the subject of copyright ITV Television and sponsored by Cadbury's Crunchie (and Cadburys did not sponsor the Bovey/Turner wedding - the Street costs too much)!

Written by Catherine Hayes Directed by Anne Ross Muir

We open at Sal's where the new Rosie comes into cook a cake which is intended as a surprise for Kev's birthday. This comes as a surprise to Danny who has heard nothing about it. Danny is unhappy - Kev will not want him around for his birthday party. Sal tells him to stop being so daft but has missed the real reason for the objection from Danny - the latter is feeling threatened about how well Sal and Kev are getting on these days. {For those interested Sal's hair has remained short, although the fringe is slightly longer}.

At the other end of the Street in the back room at the Rovers Toyah has a face conveying her deep concern for her now homeless former neighbour (Simmons) whom Vinny threw out of his flat for non-payment of rent on Friday night. This is the first Natalie has heard of the events and she listens to Toyah's complaints at length. Vinny and Toyah exchange words and she claims he is betraying his class and that he is a bully (Toyah was instrumental in letting Vinny into the bedsit and is perhaps feeling a little guilty herself). Natalie also weighs in with her thoughts.

Anthony and Rita are in the Kabin, talking about another meeting when Ken arrives to buy an extra newspaper - he needs ideas for his next newspaper article in the Gazette. Anthony congratulates him on a recent article on law and order and suggests Ken should investigate being a magistrate or justice of the peace. {For non-UK readers the magistrate is a non-lawyer who decides the legal outcome in simple, criminal court cases and awards penalties for the miscreants based on a fairly standard formula. More severe cases, particularly those where the accused pleads not guilty go to full jury trial in front of a legally trained judge}. Ken is struck by the suggestion.

Over at the Quays Mike is trying to contact Mark to ensure he turns up for the wedding. Linda tells him to lay off and assist with the seating plan - who can sit next to the Battersbys? Mike says that they promised "to eat, drink and throw up over each other" at their own wedding so they can sit on their own. Linda does not want him to come back particularly and says Mike should make other arrangements.

Back at the Rovers Vinny finds that both Toyah and Natalie are still sulking. Vinny seeks to justify his actions - Duggie pays the wages, Duggie calls the tune. Anyway Vinny reckons it was a one off. The jobs a doddle and whilst he did not particularly like throwing out Simmons he reckons it was just a one off (taking bets Vinny?).

In the bar Emma arrives and Curly has ordered a white wine for her - unless her tastes have changed without telling him. She takes the white wine and they sit down in a booth because Curly wants to discuss her application to take training for the armed response unit. He is concerned about the safety aspects and she seeks to re-assure him. {I wonder if we are being prepared for some form of armed raid, perhaps at Freshcos?}. Curly suggests throwing away the bullets. She finds the excitement appealing. Curly is not happy because of the risks and the worry he will face every time she is called upon.

At the Kabin Mike is asking Janice (who appears to have been dieting) if she heard from Leanne. Well she has but doesn't have a contact number. Mike is trying to get hold of Mark and if Leanne phones perhaps Janice can get more details about Mark? "Oh so does Mark's mobile work over there?" says a surprised Janice. Mike explains that they do. "Well I wouldn't know on my wages - I cannot afford a mobile" says Janice. "In which case" says Mike "I suggest you get a better paid job". Janice responds that she cannot do that " her current boss is really lovely - dead considerate". Janice is to get an address, phone, latitude, longitude. At the counter Linda points out that Mike has pre-wedding nerves - Rita says that ought to be her but Linda responds that Mike is a new man - he is touch with his female side!! Linda then asks if Rita will have company for the wedding and Rita admits she hopes to be accompanied. Linda tries to establish more information but Mike tells her to stop prying.

In the bar at the Rovers Vinny walks up to Toyah to try and get her to see the eviction in the same light as he sees it. Toyah is not convinced. Vinny prefers the short sharp solution. Vinny lets slip that Duggie is going to refurbish the flats.

In a booth Anthony is trying to convince Ken about being a magistrate and he agrees to investigate further - so that he can put a little more back into the community.

Toyah tells Debs and Natalie the news that she is going to have to move out whilst the flats are refurbished and that it is unlikely she will be able to afford the rents once the work is complete. Natalie tells her to clear the tables to prevent the argument continuing.

Danny and Sally are arguing about Kev's party. Danny says Sally ignored him and sends him for a shower as Kev and Rosie arrive. Danny has been playing football but Rosie reckons he is not as good as Kev. Kev and Sal and Rosie are playing happy families (Sophie was obviously too expensive this week - she has gone to camp) so Danny goes off "for five minutes" for a shower but everyone ignores him.

Adverts

mobile phone, margarine spread, jeans, burger, energy saving, vacuum cleaner, newspaper, margarine spread. Significantly there are more changes here than in the Street. All the dotcoms have stopped advertising - has the money run out?

We resume in the Rovers where Rita invites Anthony to the wedding and he agrees to go - she should be aware that an event like this will say something about their relationship. Anthony will get his best suit out of mothballs - Rita reckons that she is one of the few people still living who knows what he is talking about!

Over at the bar Janice is complaining about the location of Linda's hen party. Not at the Rovers but at a very up-market night club - Delphine's. Janice is worried about the cost - but Mike is paying. There is a code of conduct - no rowdy behaviour, no G strings, no Kissagrams! Sounds like the factory girls will have a great time.

Kev, Sal and Rosie surprise Kev with his cake in the shape of tyre - he will put it on a van. Danny is sitting on one side of the table glowering and this gets worse when Kev congratulates Sal on the excellent meal. They only have three candles and everyone bar Danny joins in singing happy birthday.

Natalie and Toyah ask Debs to put in a word with Duggie when she sees him. Debs can only see it from Duggie's viewpoint and Toyah's bad temper continues.

Blanche has a very dark pair of glasses she has been sold by the optician - she cannot even see her drink. She is sitting with Ken and Dreary and they fall to discussing the niceties of being a magistrate. Blanche's views are somewhat trenchant and the rest of this scene sound like a public information service on the whys and wherefores of being an unpaid justice!

Back at Sal's, Danny finally gets to express his views when Sal asks him to help with the washing up. Danny is unhappy about how well Sal and Kev are getting on. Danny wants Kev banned from the house. Sal tells him off for being surly. Danny has had enough of Kev and all Sal does for him - he is fed up being ignored and Sal reliving the happy times. Danny raises his voice to emphasise his feelings and refuses to help with the washing up.

Curly and Emma come in to the Rovers and ask for a bottle of red wine to drink with their dinner. Natalie does to get a better bottle for their romantic dinner for two from the cellar. Emma will talk more about her job and Emma reminds Curly that her ex used to be on the job as well and they only ever talked about work - it ruined the relationship. Curly just wants to know about the dangers - not about the routine - so that he knows when he should worry.

On the other side of the Rovers Linda is bewailing Mike's addiction to talking to Mark on his mobile. Janice reckons he is having her on. Mike walks in and announces that Mark will arrive tomorrow and will stay at the flat - just like old times.

Danny and Sally sit down for a cup of coffee. Sally wants to settle the dispute. Sally reckons that Danny cannot just bark out orders and she will accept. Danny asks Sally to realise that he is not happy at the amount of time she spends with Kev and the support that she provides - he feels he is being ignored and that he is not getting a fair share of her attention. Danny ends by saying that she is obsessed with Kev and needs to sort out in her mind what she really feels for Kev.

Next Sunday I believe we have an hour long episode of the Street to cover the wedding and sadly if this is the case I cannot getting the update out the same evening. I gather that events this week will be very much geared towards the wedding!

Comments on tonight - I do not recognise the Director's name - is she a new recruit to the roster?

Do Sal and Kev have some unfinished business? Danny certainly seems to think so!

And is Vinny a nice guy or not? Something tells me that we are about to see a few personality changes.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 4 September


Wednesday 6 September


Friday 8 September
Sunday 10 September

This evening there were three key themes as the recent tangled webs in Street untangled. In the Street itself Gary was at home. Steve was last seen lying on the floor of a car park. And the third strand is the long awaited wedding of Mike and Linda. As ever the ITV television team interwove these stories but to keep life simple I plan to tell them one by one. The program was supported tonight by Cadbury's - The Nation's Favourite.

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Tony Prescott

Gary and Paula are lending all three children to Jack and Vera for the day and Gary is therefore suggesting a variety of activities for the two of them. With the breakfast washing up done it becomes clear that the only thing on Paula's mind is staying in all day! So they do. We return to them later on, sharing a chocolate bar (I hope it was provided by Cadbury's - it had a red wrapper but I did not recognise it - a Kit Kat?? - shades of Anthea and Grant), and they are wearing dressing gowns and happy smiles! They continue to kiss and cuddle. Towards the end of the programme we again return and Gary says those three words "I love you" and she responds in king. Gary suggests she moves in - but her son would have to change school and leave his friends. Gary responds by saying he will move to Blackpool. The twins have no friends and whilst it will be small, he can sell the house and they can get somewhere bigger in Blackpool and he will do any job to earn money. The two of them, deeply in love, look set for a happy future.

At StreetCars Eileen has taken a call from the police. Steve's car has been found on the Rosemont Estate. Vik reckons he must have scored until Eileen tells him the state of the car. Vik rushes along the Street and brings Jim McDonald up to date. The two of them depart to look at the car which has been severely damaged (wings, doors, windows all broken) Steve lying in a pool of blood is unseen. Jim reports Steve as a missing person as they believe that Jez is at the back of events. There is not much they can do with the car so they decide to depart. Later we see them leaving the car park when it dawns on Jim that perhaps Steve might not be far away and he and Vik search the car park.

Steve is found unable to move, blood congealing everywhere. Jim shouts at him that he has been found and gets Vik to summon an ambulance. He is rushed to hospital where the medics set about stabilising his condition. We later learn that Steve has suffered severe external bruising to head and body, seven broken ribs, broken fingers and serious internal injuries. The doctor reckons he is a lucky man. We see him attached to a monitor and a nurse regularly checking his condition. Indeed if he had not been found for another hour then he would not have survived. Jim is allowed to sit by Steve. He will make a full recovery but has to stay in the (high dependency) unit for a while until he is well on the road to recovery.

Steve is showing signs of being awake and Jim asks if Jez Quigley is involved in the beating. Steve nods slightly and Jim's fears are confirmed. Jim departs leaving Vik at the hospital having extracted Jez's address and the car keys from Vik. Later Vik is returning with a drink when he meets two policemen. They want to know the cause of the beating but Vik is giving nothing away.

Meantime Jim is lying in wait for Jez who returns and is on his own. Jim bundles Jez into the latter's flat and throws him on the floor. Jim gets Jez to confirm he was responsible and taunts him. Eventually Jez throws the first punch but Jim makes short work of the little bully as he called him and we see Jez lying on the floor again with some blood coming from a cut on his head. Somehow Jim may have bitten off more than he can chew!!

At the Hotel Linda receives a parcel from Mike - some exquisite Blue earrings. Geena collects from the porter wearing a towel - better than a tip any day! Over at the Quays Mike and Mark are also getting ready. Mike tells Mark he saw Alma the previous night. Mike keeps checking that Mark has the rings - he does. Alma is happy about the whole thing. Mark is not and tries to establish if Mike is having second thoughts - he says not.

(Fashion note - Mike's waistcoat has the same grape design as appears on Linda's dress). We see Linda getting dressed. Both Linda and Geena are displaying acres of bare flesh. Linda says has been feeling queasy all morning but Geena reckons the solution is more champagne. This seems to settle Linda's stomach, although I always understood that pregnant women should cut down on the alcohol Linda wants to start drinking pints of champagne.

In the run up to wedding Audrey asks Fred to take Alma to the airport as she is departing on holiday. Audrey gets a lift with Rita to the wedding. Sadly Fred's day does not run smoothly and he does not arrive until after the wedding vows have been exchanged. Les and Janice are having a pre-wedding drink in the Rovers. Les is keen to get to the free bar at the wedding. Les has not been this smart since he was in court. Janice tells him to stay on his best behaviour all day.

At the hotel a wandering violinist plays the same musical phrase repeatedly throughout the day. M&M (Mike and Murk) bump into Geena and Mark makes sure that Linda is made aware of Mike's visit to Alma. Geena is not interested - she knows Linda is now committed to Mike.

The guests are arriving and Mike asks Mark again about the rings. Mark snaps at Mike. As Janice observes Mark is not so much losing a father as gaining a wicked step-mother. Mark needs some fresh air and despite it being 10 minutes to the wedding he goes outside. Outside he runs into Linda who is having a last gasp. Mark makes an impassioned plea for them to run away together. Linda is having none of it - she tells Mark in no uncertain terms that it is over between them. Mark throws the rings on the ground and Geena recovers them. Linda gives Mark her room key and tells him to take the keys to her sports car and make himself scarce - she is marrying Mike and that is the end of it.

Mark goes to Linda's room but does not depart. A porter comes and asks for the keys and moves the car but Mark decides to empty the contents of the minibar into his stomach by the usual conventional means. As the car has moved Linda believes Mark has gone.

Geena goes inside and tells Mike that Mark is ill and cannot be best man. She gives Mike the rings. Hayley notes the shortage of a best man and whilst we all felt that Dreary should get the job Hayley volunteers Roy for the job. (Without Fred who else is there?). Mike is not amused but has little choice. (And Roy thought little of the idea initially - after all Mike was fairly nasty about Roy and Hayley at one stage). Mike tells Dreary to put a note in his diary to remind him to get some new friends. Mike says Roy can call him anything today.

Linda and Mike exchange vows and are declared man and wife. Love, cherish, honour and respect - no obedience then!! Linda has a beatific smile on her face.

Outside the factory girls get a group picture. No-one can find Mark. Mike is in a temper, threatening to kill Mark when he finds him. Les reminds Roy he has to give a speech and Les offers a few jokes. Mike and Linda have a procession around the grounds in a horse and carriage. Mike spends the trip running down Mark. When Linda joins in the condemnation she gets a telling off from Mike - only Mike can run down his own son. Linda reflects on their first row happening during the romantic wedding day!

We rejoin the reception. The main course was fairly light - they won't put any weight on! Linda tells Mike to send out a search party if he is that worried. Linda refuses to let Mark ruin her wedding day and Mike finally decides to calm down and enjoy the day. It is time for Roy's hastily prepared speech. Hayley has her fingers crossed. Roy comments on the magnificent wedding organised by Linda. It looks as though Roy is going to cause a major disruption by pointing out the age and social differences between Mike and Linda. But Roy reminds the wedding party that he is alert to people saying one thing to your face and something else to your back, how cruel people can be when they do not approve and do not want to understand events outside the norm. He has had to face that too and he knows that Mike and Linda would not be where they were if they did not love each other, because with love they can surmount almost any obstacle or any difference or any disapproval. Love can blossom in the most unlikely places as Roy knows very well. Hayley looks on with pride and love as Roy makes his speech. Roy then toasts the bride.

Roy returns to Hayley and he says he feels guilty at keeping all her love to himself. Hayley finally finds the strength to tell Roy about her recent thoughts - imagine if they had a baby? Bbut we can't says Roy. Hayley agrees but what if ...

Mike and Linda are heading to get changed and she taxes him with his second thoughts - they both admit to it. Mike says they both thought about it - but they both turned up. Mike says - no doubts, no regrets. They enter Linda's room and they find Mark lying on the bed, drunk. Are they surprised? Mike hits Mark and calls him ungrateful. Mike hits him again. Mark has nothing left to lose. Mark decides that he has to tell the truth in the light of Mike's outburst. Mark had made the event a laughing stock - well Mike is right - but because Mark and Linda has been having an affair - sex an hour before Mike asked Linda to marry him - what were they doing on the driving lessons. Mark breaks down in tears. Linda's face admits the truth of Mark's comments and we close with Mike's face screwed up in agony. Everyone close to him has betrayed him.

Another great hour's entertainment. Gary will be gone very quickly and Jez, despite the last shot being one of him lying on the floor is unlikely to take this one laying down. Both Steve and Jim must be in severe danger.

Mike is in severe danger of another heart attach. Mark is in severe danger of getting beaten up. Linda is in severe danger of being a pregnant homeless woman (and losing her sports car - which is more important I wonder?).

See you all again next week.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 11 September


Wednesday 13 September

Janice is at breakfast, reflecting on the wedding to Dennis. Hate to think what it cost. Speaking of weddings, can he remind Les it's their wedding anniversary next Friday. She wants a proper present bought with his own money.

She goes across the street and meets Karen. She still has a hangover and is glad Baldwin gave them an extra day off. They arrive at the factory to find it locked. Hayley thought Mark had the key and doesn't know what will happen now.

Paula says goodbye to Gary. They say I love you to each other and kiss, then she walks off to the bus station.

Les emerges downstairs and Dennis tells him Janice is expecting a present. No chance, says Les. You marry them, give them a home, provide for them and any children they have, listen to them moaning and turn the other way when they get all fat and horrible. And then they want presents too!

Sarah wants to stay late at school tonight so she can go to the magazine club. Gail agrees (shock).

Natalie meets Jim in the street. She's heard about Steve's accident. Will they be reporting it to the police? If not, Jez will get away with it again. Jim tells her that Jez has received some Old Testament retribution and got a right kicking himself, though he won't tell her who it was from.

A handsome stranger arrives at the factory. It's Harvey Reuben and he has the key. He's been told if he has any questions to ask Hayley, she knows it all. Hayley blushes.

In the shop, Vik is telling Dev about Steve and Jez. Dev doesn't like him being mixed up with the local mafia. Natalie overhears and forces Vik to reveal it was Jim who did Jez over.

Edna has found an emerald ring in the ladies. She makes a big show of her honesty and says that other people would have pocketed it. Natalie says they should keep it in the till and see if anyone asks after it.

An estate agent arrives at Gary's house. She says that this type of property is always in demand, especially with young couples just starting out. We see Gary remembering that that was him and Judy not so long ago. She takes the particulars and they agree to put it on the market at £28,500. (During this, we learn that Gary has paid off the mortgage with insurance. I must have missed that story).

It's lunchtime, and the factory is now in the Rovers. Deirdre hears about Harvey. (was she not working today?) She's sitting with Ken. He of course wasn't at the wedding but has heard all about Mark's strange behaviour. They speculate as to why he hasn't turned up today. Maybe he told his dad a few home truths, like how grotesque he looked beside his child bride. (Ooh Ken, you cat!)

Vinnie arrives and Natalie tells him about Steve and that she's thinking of visiting him in hospital. He advises her to stay away, but she feels responsible. Meanwhile, Karen is chatting up Harvey. She tells him she knows some good places to go and will be happy to show him after work.

Jim visits Steve. Steve hasn't told the police anything and Jim won't be either. He's been unable to talk to Liz but has left a message. Then he confesses to Steve that he went round to Jez's and he's now in a bed down the corridor. Steve breaks down. He thought the whole thing was over, but now his suffering has been for nothing. Jez will kill him for sure now.

Interval

Jim tries to explain to Steve that he couldn't let Jez get away with it. He had to see there was a price to pay. Steve however, can't make Jim see that it will be him, Steve, who pays the final price. If Jez kills Steve and Jim kills Jez, what comfort will it be for them to be sharing a cemetery?

Back in the pub, the girls are giggling over Harvey. What do you reckon he's like between the sheets? At the bar, Edna asks Betty if anyone's claimed the ring yet. Perhaps they could be told that it was Edna who found it. Les overhears.

Should the girls tell Harvey their lunchbreak is over? Half want to stay but the others point out they won't be able to make their quota if they don't go back. Bobby is the last one out and Harvey chats her up.

Les tells Toyah that Janice has lost a ring and it could be the one in the till. In telling him it's not, she manages to give him a detailed description.

The factory girls are leaving for home. They joke with Harvey that he should be there on time tomorrow. Karen offers to go round and wake him up. Janice asks her if she's following in Linda's footsteps, trying to get off with the boss.

Sarah and Candice are back from the magazine club. They've been asked to go to a gig next Friday and review the band. Sarah doesn't think she'll be allowed to go. She practices what she'll say when Gail says no. Gail enters and says no. Sarah says her lines but is a bit nonplussed when Gail says it's only because she's already arranged to go out with Martin. Otherwise I'd be happy to let you go. (What's happened to Gail? She wasn't like this last week. Something is afoot).

Dev has taken Vik to the pub (and treats him to a mineral water while he has a brandy) to give him some advice. Steve is no use today and when he's not in hospital he's hanging round a building site. He was wrong to say he was the local mafia. At least they would give Vik some support. This guy's a liability. Dump him.

Gary tells Ashley his news. Maxine arrives and Gary tells her then leaves. She's disappointed in him. Judy's only been dead a year. It's disgusting. Ashley says Gary can't stay in a monastery, how long should he wait? Five years, she pronounces.

Les asks Betty if a ring has been handed in. Gold with an emerald. It's Janice's . Betty doesn't think so, as she was in earlier and didn't mention it, but Les says they've just discovered the loss. It was an anniversary present last year and she'll be very disappointed if she doesn't have it for this anniversary. Betty goes to get it. (Unlike Betty to swallow this story, where did she think Les would get the money for such a present?)

Natalie has gone to visit Steve after all. She tells him she feels responsible and asks if there's anything she can do. Steve is not happy that she's there. He tells her to stop saying it's her fault and not to come again.

Les shows the ring to Dennis. He agrees that Janice will love it, but what about a box? He clearly doesn't believe Les got it from a jeweller's and they forgot to box it up.

Natalie passes Jez's room and goes in. She asks him if they can't put an end to all the beating and killing. He says that he was going to, but not after this. So when will it end she cries. Not til I say so, he replies menacingly.

Kathy Brown


Friday 15 September
Sunday 17 September

My apologies for the late posting of this update. Sadly I have some distractions at present and could not do the update on Sunday evening. Next week will also be delayed as I am visiting Amsterdam and will be away on Sunday night - this will test the timing mechanism on the new video for the first time.

As ever thanks to ITV Television who retain copyright in the Street and the events depicted below whilst Cadbury's Snowflake will eventually need testing.

Written by Catherine Hayes Directed by Graham Wetherell.

Jim arrives at the Rovers to tell Natalie the wonderful news that Jez is dead, killed by Jim himself so it seems - although Jim only meant to put the fear of God in him. Jim goes off to work.

The police are visiting Steve - Jez had massive internal bleeding - ruptured spleen and a collapsed lung. The police think that they were both together and got beaten up for the same reason. The police think Steve is withholding information. Steve still has nothing to say. Later Vic pops in and Steve briefs him to say nothing about how the taxi was used. Vic refuses to take the blame for Jim's actions but he is involved because the cab cannot be accounted for on the records. Steve reckons that Jez's death is an accident.

Dennis sees Jim "working" leaning on a car. Dennis tells Jim to think himself lucky - Steve is recovering and he will soon be a partner in the garage. Roy and Hayley are wandering down the Street and Roy convinces Hayley *not* to visit Bethany.

Janice wants the dishes washed by LazyLes refuses. Dennis volunteers but Janice takes off her ring and clears away. LazyLes grabs the ring and pockets it. Dennis ends up washing up and Janice returns to bed with the paper and refuses to find LazyLes a shirt. LazyLes goes out to the Rovers and returns the ring to Betty, although Toyah reckons that Janice's ring is bigger.

On the other side of the Rovers Vik is bringing Dev up to date. Dev realises that this could be the end of StreetCars and tells Vik that the police should hear the truth and nothing else. Vera rushes into catch Jack with his first pint. She has heard from Eunice in Spain who wants to sell the B&B because it is not making enough money - they have had their day.

Sarah and Candice are trying to get David dressed - they fail dismally. There is a row and Sarah goes to get Bethany down. Candice and Sarah have to write a review.

Jim arrives at Steve's bedside. Steve is slowly recovering and is able to tell Jim about Jez's death. It seems Jim gave Jez a fairly severe going over (although it seemed mild compared with Steve's roughing up). Jim is starting to realise that he has to face up to Jez's death and potential long jail sentence. Later they discuss it more calmly and Steve reckons that Jim can get away with it. Jez had plenty of enemies and it could be any of them. Jim is not so sure and goes off to have a drink.

LazyLes is gloating over Jez's death to Toyah - he bets Natalie is relieved. Toyah is not so sure - after all Jez had mates and they are probably looking for revenge. Dev overhears this conversation and returns to a table with a couple of pints and a new resolution. Dev will give Vik the money to buy out Steve - no loan, no interest. Vik says no but does take the keys to Dev's new flat just in case he needs to go some where safe and neutral.

Vera has a new face - where have all the wrinkles gone - as she and Jack discuss the options. They look like having nowhere to live. Jack looks at the positive side - they both have jobs and money in the bank. Vera is more concerned about having somewhere to lay her head.

Sarah and Candice have finished the review but need a couple of photocopies so have to visit the Kabin. Rather than one of them going and the other staying with Bethany they ask David (10?) to look after the baby but he refuses saying it is rabbit feeding time. They don't listen to him and as they go out of the front door he goes out of the back door.

When Gail and Martin return Bethany is crying and David comes in from outside. Sarah returns and Gail gives her another telling off. Candice departs and Sarah mounts her defence loudly. Everyone ends up shouting and Gail then has a go at Martin for not supporting her.

Natalie tells Jim that the police have seen her and are looking for clues. Natalie has let nothing slip. Jim is feeling the pressure and asks to be let out of the back. Natalie reckons things will work out.

Janice has lost her ring and Dennis is under suspicion - Dennis reckons she has dropped it but Dennis cleared everything away. LazyLes has been helping to look for it. Dennis asks if she wants to search his room. Janice says only three people have been in the house. Dennis is unhappy and goes to pack.

Debs and Duggie have returned. The latter believes Jez has got his just desserts. Debs goes through the back with Natalie. Vinny briefs Duggie on events during his absence - with Toyah moving into the Rovers. Vinny did not seem to know that Toyah was even a tenant. Debs is saying that the attack should be on the mind of the person who attacked Jez - and she reckons he is another thug. Natalie knows that might not be true.

Roy and Hayley arrive and are served by Betty. They have been to three different museums. Hayley is going to make a little surprise for Bethany but Roy wonders if that is a good idea - and he asks Hayley if she likes surprises. Hayley says she does but Roy responds that he does not and there is a strange look on his face.

Duggie approaches Toyah at the bar - is she enjoying her new job? Well he is glad she is earning decent money - after all she owes him a month's rent. Toyah responds that he can whistle for it! Well he will let her off because, as he points out he has the deposit they put down and she can sing for that! (Score about even I would say)!

Janice enters the Rovers to tell LazyLes that she reckons Dennis has had the ring and he is leaving. LazyLes is non-plussed and can think of nothing to say without admitting his perfidy.

The police are now interrogating Jim. They are clearly getting nowhere although perhaps have their suspicions. They depart but Jim's conscience is obviously troubling him. A murder file is never closed until their is a conviction. Jim has time to think.

So will Jack and Vera buy back their old house that Gary wants to sell?

Where will Tyrone live? And Monica?

And will Jim turn himself in or will he make a run for it?

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 18 September


Wednesday 20 September

Anthony is having breakfast at Rita's (both fully dressed). She'd really like to spend the day with him but would prefer him to leave soon before the factory girls start arriving. If they knew that someone has spent the night they could only think it meant one thing.

Sarah will be staying late at the magazine club again tonight. Gail takes this quite calmly.

Dennis arrives at the garage looking awful. He spent the night on an inflatable bed. Janice arrives and tries to speak to him but he won't let her. Jim hasn't turned in yet and Kevin goes to get him. He bangs on the door and shouts but there's no answer.

That's because Jim is at the station. He's just made a statement and his lawyer is giving him the SP. He'll ask for bail but expects it will be refused. He'll be trying to get a lenient sentence and any time Jim spends in remand will be deducted from it. All of this means that Jim has to prepare for his time in the Big House to start tomorrow. He asks to make a phone call.

Tyrone and Maria are in the café. She jokes that he could stay in a kennel at her Dad's but Tyrone doesn't find this funny. She also thinks that the new owners of the B&B will keep him on, but it won't be the same for Tyrone without Jack and Vera. They get a paper from another customer and start looking for a place.

Over at the counter, Hayley is making sandwiches and is very cool with Roy. He tries to explain that this decision is too important for him not to give it very serious consideration. (And it's clearly something he doesn't want to do). But he is now concerned that Hayley wouldn't have married him if she'd known this beforehand. He asks the question but she doesn't reply.

Jim rings Natalie from the station. He didn't call earlier as he knew she'd try to change his mind, but he can't have this on his conscience. He asks her to go and tell Steve. She's at the Rovers and Vinny overhears the conversation. Natalie tells him the full story.

Janice tries to talk to Dennis again in the pub. He still won't listen. Duggie has a go at Vinny for working in the bar instead of for him and Vinny explains the situation. Fred and Vik also hear the news. Duggie doubts that Jim would have confessed without cause, the police were probably already onto him. And does Steve know? Vik gets a bit defensive as the guys speculate, he seems worried that they'll think he was involved.

Les sits with Janice. Don't talk to me, she says. Suppose he said he was sorry? But Janice doesn't think he knows what he should be sorry for. He's a liar, a cheat and a thief. He stood by and said nothing while she accused Dennis of something Les had done. She never wants to speak to him again. Les tries again. He said he was sorry, that's more than she's done. Janice can't believe this. You double-crossed me, he continues. I'm off to the bookies where I'm appreciated.

A nurse brings Steve his lunch as Natalie arrives. He tells her he's looking forward to some hotpot on Friday when he comes out. When Natalie tells him Jim's been arrested he can't believe it: They had nothing on him. But Natalie explains he turned himself in and has been charged with manslaughter.

Interval

Steve wants his clothes, he'll go to the station and try and make Jim change his statement. Vik arrives and agrees with Natalie that Steve should stay where he is. There's nothing he can do. Steve blames himself. A look passes between the others that suggests they agree with him. (I don't think they're right on this occasion. It seems to me this happened because Steve testified against Jez, which for once was the right thing to do and something Natalie begged him to do. So maybe this meant something else).

Vera and Jack are in the café. She wants Jack to ask Tyrone to move in with them. Jack thinks this is a bit premature as they haven't anywhere to live themselves yet. And maybe he won't want to come.

Roy is concerned that Hayley hasn't returned from the factory yet.

Jack asks Tyrone if he's found anywhere to stay. Does he fancy somewhere on his own? Oh yes, Maria's parents won't let her move in with him til after they're married. Quite right, opines Jack.

Audrey is having a cup of tea at Gail's. Where's Martin? He's not back from work yet and is over an hour late. Gail doesn't want her making something of it. But Audrey thinks she should, it's better than not seeing what's in front of her nose. Is Gail happy? Of course I'm not, she snaps, but what can I do about it?. Audrey doesn't have the answer, but does know that Gail can't go on as she is.

Janice has finally got Dennis to listen to her apology. She never really thought he could do something like that. Dennis wouldn't do that to his worst enemy but Les could do it to his best friend and his wife. Why does Janice put up with it? She tells him the latest, Les blames her for wanting a present in the first place.

Martin is at the bar and Kevin asks after Steve. He can only think there's been a problem there that's keeping Jim away from work. No, Steve is doing well and will be out soon. Natalie tells them the reason.

Janice is reminiscing to Dennis about her and Les. Throughout their relationship she has had lost many friends through sticking up for him, while all he thinks about is the bookies and the boozer. But she loves him and when it's good between them, it's really good. She doesn't expect him to understand as she doesn't herself. (And neither do I I'm afraid. Janice deserves better and is surely strong enough to dump such a loser).

Tyrone and Maria are still in the café. Jack is back again and Vera tells him to talk to Tyrone once more. He finally asks him outright. Does Tyrone want to come and stay with them? He's delighted. Now they can use the paper to find a nice 2 bedroom terrace somewhere (mmm, wonder where they'll find that!). They leave together happily.

Hayley also returns and she and Roy apologise to each other. Of course she would still have married him. It's just been a bit of a blow but she'll get over it.

Martin gets home and apologises for being late. Gail's in sarky mode. It's only been an hour and a half. Must have been something pressing. The Rovers? Just before they start a row, Sarah also arrives late. She's very happy as her article will be in the next edition. Gail just says that Bethany is asleep and Sarah comments she'll wake up in the night now. That sets Gail off; maybe if she spent less time at the magazine club and more time with her daughter she'd be able to manage it better. This isn't what Sarah meant but now she's cross and goes upstairs without her tea. Martin is exasperated and reads the paper without speaking further to Gail.

Les arrives at the bar and pats Dennis on the back. He can't believe it. Oh yes, sorry mate. Dennis thinks he should apologise to Janice too. If it was him, Les would have woken up in hospital, if he'd woken up at all. Why doesn't he buy her something? No money! But he's got enough to spend at the bookies. Les finally agrees to buy Janice a drink but produces a twenty pound note. Ah, well, he won £25 on his last horse. That's it, Dennis makes him buy a bottle of champagne (which took all the winnings).

Fred is hearing the Jim/Jez/Steve story from Rita. He thinks he'd have done exactly the same if it had been his Ashley. Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands, though there is a price to pay.

Les approaches Janice, prodded forward by Dennis. He was wrong and is ashamed of himself. This is to say he's sorry. He produces the bottle. Is he forgiven? It's a start, concedes Janice. They all tuck in.

Fred thinks that Jim should get a medal. Rita says that Ken would say the case had to be judged on its merits. And however they might justify what Jim has done, she doesn't think he'll be drinking in the Rovers for some time to come.

Jim enters his cell, sits on the bed, and lets out a heavy sigh.

Kathy Brown


Friday 22 September
Sunday 24 September

Written by Julie Gearey Directed by Graham Wetherell

At the Platts two days have passed since Sarah ran off - and she won't even talk to Gail. It is 7:30 Sunday morning and David is particularly pleased that he has a good night's sleep without a crying baby in the house. Gail is not amused.

Ashley is leading Max to a special breakfast to celebrate their first anniversary and she gives him a signet ring. In exchange she receives a set of golf clubs. She is happy but Ashley is thinking about Gary - Judy died a year ago today as well. Ashley will pop round to see him but Maxine drags Ash back to bed first. Later Ashley pops round to see Gary but he is sunny and cheerful - he is looking forward to his new life with Paula in Blackpool and not back. He goes to the cemetery to tidy up Judy's grave. Gary tells Judy about the move to Blackpool and how they will visit less frequently, but she will not be forgotten.

Roy is looking after Bethany and Hayley and Roy discuss the situation. Roy hands over Bethany with instructions on how to hold her whilst he cleans the steriliser. Later Roy tells Sarah that she has to go home and Sarah gets upset - but all need to understand it cannot be permanent. Gail re-assures Sarah that she does care. Gail starts shouting. Sarah tries to explain how she feels - the constant shouting and screaming is making her sick. Martin tries to get them to agree to a quiet talk but Sarah refuses to leave the safety of the Croppers.

Steve meets Vinny and Natalie in the Street. Steve gives Natalie a visiting pass for Jim. She wants to see him in case she can help. Steve reckons it is unlikely to achieve much - he is determined to plead guilty.

In the Rovers Max and Ash are necking and Fred hands over his anniversary present - some keys - but to what?

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Audrey hears from David that Sarah has left home to avoid the rows. Audreh dashes off to the Croppers.

Fred has handed over to Ashley the keys to the new shop which he will eventually pass on to his own children. Ash and Max protest it is too much but Fred says no - it is theirs - lock, stock and two ............ chest freezers (after much thought!). {Geographically the new development has the hardware shop, Roys Rolls and the new butchers shop in a line with the new shop opposite where the gravestones were located when I visited the Street}. Ashley thanks his Dad. Fred is looking towards spending less time in the business. Ashley goes into the shop for the first time.

Steve is in the Rovers but unable to drink with the painkillers. Natalie tells him to concentrate on getting better. On the other side of the Rovers Fred is telling Duggie about handing on the business. Duggie is unsettled as Fred reminds him of Tom's departure and hopes that the rent will get paid on time. But Ashley is an Elliott - he can bone a pig with eyes shut and pay the rent on time.

Audrey has arrived at the Croppers and asks for a quiet word with Sarah who updates the former on the continuous rows or that they set on the children. Audrey had no idea and seeks to calm down Sarah. Audrey and Sarah discuss Martin's affair and Audrey says they all have to pull together and Sarah should go home to help. Sarah accepts that the logic of a family being together and agrees to go home. Audrey also says that next time perhaps Sarah should come to her (I wonder how Alma would like that)!

In the Rovers Natalie and Vinny discuss the prison visit - the former has decided to give Jim the £10,000 reward money, she believes someone should support Jim for sorting out Jez. Vinny is not convinced. Later in the backroom Vinny tries to articulate his concerns. He cannot believe that she will give him the money. A decent barrister will get the sentence cut. Natalie believes Jim will need the help. Vinny reckons she is throwing good money after bad.

Audrey takes Bethany out of the Croppers flat, thanking them both. Sarah takes her leave of Hayley and Roy and Sarah is glad they are Bethany's godparents. Sarah and Hayley embrace.

Ashley is all dressed up and he and Max are off to the golf club. Ashley can hardly believe his luck - the last year has been the best of his life and she has made him really happy.

Sarah is settled back into the Platts and Gail realises that it has not been much of a home in recent months. Audrey has a go at Martin over his stupid philandering and being selfish and pathetic in putting his life in front of his family - Audrey hopes the affair was worth it.

Hayley and Roy are revisiting the events of the day. Hayley wonders if something else was wrong - Roy believes it must be the strain of being a parent. They fall to discussing the impact of children on lives and Roy does not want people hurting Hayley through asking questions about her past. Roy knows Hayley would be a wonderful mother - and if she is willing to go through those difficulties and red tape and bother then he will not stand in her way. He has decided they should investigate the possibility of adoption further, he is not doing it just to please her - he wants to do it as well. Hayley has a wonderful expression on her face as the scene ends - love for her man, anticipation of eventual motherhood, happiness ... I can't describe it - just one of the moments.

Back to Gail and Martin sitting on that sofa at the bottom of the stairs - in real life the one place it would not be located - with Gail sobbing her heart out. Martin admits it was her fault and that he was sorry but Gail admits she is also to blame. Gail tells Martin how she had stayed calm, not shouted and screamed because she wanted to keep the family together, how she should have listened to the advice, but she did not want to lose him. But she now realises it was not worth it - she is taking it out on the kids. What is the point of trying to keep the family together if it gets destroyed in the process? {Throughout Gail's monologue Martin sits almost impassively to her side but out of her eyeline, showing no emotion - a portrayal of a man who has already decided that it is all over}. As Gail says they cannot go on like this - so Martin says are they calling it a day? Gail never thought she would say this but she cannot see any other way out - she wants a divorce.

Sad new credits which give Chris Tarrant the opportunity to lecture us on the next two programmes.

Well that is it for another week - at least it proves the new video timing mechanism works!!

Finally it is all over for Gail and Martin - pity really but then it was always a little odd.

Hayley and Roy - wonder performers back on form and this long awaited story line looks like it moving forward.

And can the scriptwriters please, please promise that nothing will ever come between Ashley and Maxine (apart from babies perhaps)?

KRW


Monday 25 September


Wednesday 27 September

The Platts are having breakfast and find a letter in the toast rack. It's an anniversary card from Sarah and David. He asks what presents they got and is stunned when Martin says they're too old for that. You're never too old for presents! Will you be going out tonight? No, they'll have a quiet night in, they don't want to make a fuss.

Vera is worried about the mystery B&B buyer, Mrs. Wilberforce. Perhaps she'll make an offer. Tyrone wonders why she's cleaning up so much if she doesn't want the woman to like it. Vera has her standards. Maria arrives and hears about the buyer. So why are you cleaning? she asks.

Audrey has come to see Gail and she shows her the card. She didn't know what to do this year, considering the circumstances. Gail tells her about the divorce.

Sam turns up at the garage and thanks Dennis for recommending him. He's introduced to Tyrone who tells him he's looking forward to having an assistant. He then advises Sam that Kevin hasn't much of a sense of humour, not since his baby died and his wife got run over by a truck. (Sounds very stark and somewhat preposterous when said straight out like that. More like a Brookside story). Dennis also gives him some advice. Keep your kecks on and don't mention the baby oil. Then he explains to Tyrone that Sam was a male striper. He's entranced. What, you take your clothes off in front of women and get paid for it! Why did you stop? Me mam. Ah! that explains everything to Tryone.

Gail feels numb, but relieved. She couldn't believe she'd said the words, I want a divorce, but once they were said, she knew it was what she wanted. It almost broke her heart to get the card this morning. She can't go on the way it is and thinks they've both tried to make it work. But there's nothing there any more. It's like strangers living in the house, strangers who don't even like each other. Audrey says she has nothing to blame herself for. Martin has let her down. It wasn't all bad, they had some good times. Yes, that's why Gail knows she's doing the right thing, she knows what a good marriage is like.

Karen joins Harvey Reuben at the bar. Bobbi also joins him and invites him to sit with the girls. But then Dev arrives and greets him as an old friend. So they catch up. Karen warns Bobbi off but she stands her ground.

Tyrone and Maria's words have obviously sunk in, for when Mrs. Wilberforce arrives, the place is in a right state. She's oblivious. Will you be leaving the curtains? She comments that they're not very busy at the moment. Vera takes this as an opportunity to tell her how people don't go to B&B any more and that there's a motel just down the road. To no avail. Mrs W likes the place and has the trade in her blood. She could make it a goldmine.

Toyah sees Phil Simmons lying against a wall in the street. It turns out he's been sleeping rough since he got evicted from the flats. She offers to buy him lunch.

Mrs W is now examining the dining-room. She's turned 3 places around and could do the same here. She asks about other buyers. Another opportunity for Vera. Oh no, no-one's interested. Still not bothered, Mrs W knows the owner wants a quick sale. She's a cash buyer and there's no chain. Cue Tyrone and Maria, who've been listening at the door. They tell Vera their window is still leaking and there's mushrooms on the skirting-board. They ask if the boiler's been repaired yet or if they'll have to huddle together for warmth. Vera says she doesn't know what they're talking about and that they don't even live there, but Mrs W smells something fishy (that's Vera's kippers says Tyrone) and shows herself out. Yippee! I don't think she'll be putting an offer in.

Interval

Vera treats the two scoundrels to a meal in the café but accepts they can't keep playing this trick and will have to find somewhere quick. Toyah and Simmons are also there. She tells him she left the flat soon after him and about Duggie's plan for luxury apartments. She gives him the address of a hostel and he thanks her for all she's done.

Hayley rushes in brandishing leaflets and asks Roy if he's going out tonight. Not any longer, the Weatherfield Historical Society lecture on the plague has been cancelled. Someone fell ill. Hayley breezes over this classic line. Good, she wants him to got through this stuff on adoption from the library.

Kevin isn't convinced that Sam has been under a bonnet before. But he's got his best jumper on and doesn't want to get it dirty. Tyrone offers his T-shirt and Sam strips off. Ooh, look, just as the girls as returning to the factory. What are the chances of that happening? Much banter ensues. He explains about the interview and they all wish him luck. They want something nice to look at on the way to work.

Sarah comes home, having forgone the magazine club. Gail goes off to the chemist's for more nappies and Sarah launches into spaghetti bolognese for their dinner.

Kevin will give Sam a trial for a few days. He advises him to keep his shirt on, then goes to collect the girls. Sam asks for his jumper and when Tyrone is collecting it from the backroom, Maria arrives. He returns to find them chatting and immediately tells Sam that Maria is his and he should change in the back. How sweet.

The dinner table is all prepared with candles and wine. Gail and Martin return together and David tells them Sarah has cooked them loads, though it's not fish fingers (which he thinks is Martin's favourite). Sarah apologies for walking out over the weekend and then they both go upstairs. Gail and Martin agree to sit down and make the most of their last anniversary together.

In their flat, Roy suggests to Hayley that they research schools. He'll write to the Local Education Authority and get league tables. Then there's the question of surveillance. He translates this for Hayley: one of them will have to look after the child at all times. No problem, Hayley will give up her job in a flash. Roy believes that the authorities will need them to show themselves as good potential parents and wants to present the best possible case. He's clearly completely rapt in this project now. Hayley gives a little smile.

The Platts almost enjoy themselves for a moment, but then Gail reminds Martin that they have to tell the kids. He attacks. Has Audrey been round, as heaven forbid they could sort this out themselves. Then they calm down again. He wants to be as civilised as possible, though he knows it will be hard. So, asks Gail, how do you tell the children we want a divorce? Well, one of them knows already, as Sarah is sitting on the stairs.

Harvey is telling Dev about his latest job and describes it as baby-sitting. All he does basically is sit and watch them all day. Dev could think of worse jobs, but hey, he's engaged, he mustn't touch. Harvey says he's only human, but Sandra has told Dev he's an animal. Seriously, he tells him to be careful.

Geena joins the girls. She can see why they fancy Harvey. Janice says that Karen and Bobbi are engaged in a love-battle over him and offers to be referee. But Karen says there's no rules and that suits Bobbi fine.

Toyah interrupts Duggie on the phone and says he should be ashamed of himself. But Duggie isn't interested in Phil Simmons problems and Toyah says he's sick. She's clearly planning something. She must have learned some tactics from Spider, so it should be interesting.

Gail thinks Martin should move out. Maybe once he's found somewhere would be the best time to tell the kids. Sarah comes downstairs. She explains she was on her way to sterilise bottles and is very upset. She knew Martin would leave. He says it's not a question of him leaving, it's working out what's best. Best for who, she cries angrily. For you? Or David? Or Bethany? Gail explains that Sarah can't see how difficult this is for them both and that they don't want her to get caught in the cross-fire. She holds her.


Friday 29 September




Updates written by Richard Whitbread, Helen Johns and Kathy Brown


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