Janice and Les are in the pub. Steve comes in and says he's had such a good week that he'll take Karen out for a slap up meal. Karen decides to hand back to Janice the 50% of the latter's bingo winnings. She says she's doing OK and the two part on friendly terms.

Anthony proposes to Rita, who is stunned that he could be so insensitive one week after his wife's death and two hours before he flies off to New Zealand for three months. Anthony tries to retrieve the situation and agrees that Rita needs more time. Rita feels it's not the right time. He is disappointed that she wont drop everything and travel with him . He suggests that she comes out to see him in 2 or 3 weeks time. He points out that his wife has been "dead for years" She's not willing to give him a definitive answer. Says she has a business to run and cant just dash off at the drop of a hat. He says goodbye and we see the taxi depart. Rita mulls it over with Emily and admits that she knows Anthony is disappointed. Rita says she doesn't know what to do. Emily says why not go to NZ for 14 days - Rita feels it's a long way to fly and she wouldn't want to stay with people she doesn't know. OK says Emily then consider the next three months a break from each other. And where's that left us says Rita - Emily suggests that Rita already knows the answer.

Audrey is entertaining Alma's cousin at home. He establishes that she wasn't badly off when she died. He says their respective Mums fell out and that Alma's first husband (Jim) wasn't really his type - Mike was more his kind of guy. He says his own wife died four years ago and they'd been very happy. He said he was in business.

Over at the Duckworths Vera is having a whinge and says that Jack and Tyrone can have a go at the cleaning whilst she and Maria go out. Needless to say the two blokes make a dog's breakfast out of the cleaning - Jack telling Tyrone to just polish the table a bit whilst he takes care of the ironing (and how!). He deliberately puts a scorch mark on Vera's favourite shirt. The girls return and Vera goes ballistic. War is declared and she cooks two nice meals for the girls and two lousy meals for the men.

Round at the Platts needless to say Sarah Lou is heavily plugged into the internet, chatting away to TJ. When Gail comes home she tells her Mum she's "doing a project". Gail goes off to make some tea.

Above Roy's Rolls Wayne and Roy are having a chat when Wayne's Mum (Sheila) arrives. She's got a cut. Wayne feels he must go home with her to protect her. Shall I go or shall I say she says. Roy asks whether Alex "did that to her". Its decided that Wayne will stay and that Sheila will ring.

Sarah Lou is back in the chat room.

Amanda Soppit

Sarah is on the computer in the chat room. David protests to his mother that he wants to use it. Gail reminds Sarah that she is taking Bethaney to the crche. Sarah says she wants to stay on the computer to do "her work", but Gail is firm that she has to look after Bethaney.

Vera and Maria are making their own meals separately from Jack and Tyrone. They have bought their own food.

Karen goes into the Post Office to see if her passport has arrived. She thinks it may have been sent there. Norris says there is no reason for it to be there, because it was addressed to Karen's home address. He suggests that she rings the passport office to enquire whether they have processed it. [this was quite a funny scene particularly with Norris, and my reports does not do it justice!]

Rita tells Norris that Anthony has gone to New Zealand. He rushes from behind the counter.

Les is worried that Toyah is seeing Sam.

Martin and Kevin discuss taking Kevin's girls away. Roy suggests a camping holiday. Kevin is worried they will get bored. Kevin suggests to Martin that maybe Sarah could come, and Gail would look after Bethaney.

Candice warns Sarah that her mother will go mad when she sees the phone bills for all her chats to TJ in the chat room.

David and Wayne find a 1 coin in the street. They believe it is Jack's who is standing nearby on school crossing patrol. He is whistling to himself, and he doesn't hear David calling him. David wants to keep it, but Wayne thinks he should return it to Jack.

Maria tells Vera that she and Tyrone have made up. She hopes that Vera will do the same with Jack.

Toyah asks Janice to cook a nice tea as Sam is coming round. Les is suspicious of Sam. However Janice supports Toyah and says she knows what she is doing.

Norris is annoyed that Rita didn't mention about Anthony's departure to New Zealand.

Sam comes into the shop to buy Toyah chocolates. Les sees him coming out and gives him a stern warning.

David goes up to Jack again and calls to him behind his back, releasing he is deaf.

Adam arrives back home from boarding school with Mike. However he says he would rather have stayed up in Scotland.

TJ sends a message to Sarah. He says he can't send a photo of himself because he is camera shy. Candice takes over on the computer and suggests having a meeting. TJ says he can't because his girlfriend wouldn't like it.

Shelley asks Toyah to do extra shifts at the Rovers. Toyah agrees.

Roy offers to lend Martin a tent. He tells him it a sturdy one and not one of the modern day flimsy ones.

Rita tells Emily that after the bereavement, Anthony shouldn't have proposed. She thinks he needs more time to sort himself out. However she does wonder if she has made a mistake, and maybe left all on her own.

Vera tells Maria that Jack is not talking to her. Maria suggests that he is going deaf.

Sam makes a suggestion to the Battersbys. As Toyah has two jobs, one at the cafe, and one in the Rovers, that it maybe an idea that Janice takes over the cafe job and Toyah does extra shifts at the Rovers.

It is 11pm and Linda hasn't come home. Mike makes an excuse that she is out with friends. He then rings her mobile and says if she can't be bothered to come home for Adam now, that she need not bother at all.

From a hot and humid London, good night!

Martin Rosen

Bethany's crying. Sarah comforts her and sees that TJ has entered the chat room. She's just started to chat when Martin arrives downstairs with the camping news. David's delighted, she'd rather not go. Can she go back and finish her project? David doesn't want to be outnumbered by them mingers (Sophie and Rosie) and asks if he can take a friend, meaning Wayne.

Janice and Karen in are in the café. Hayley asks Toyah if Janice has found a job yet. We hear Janice telling Karen the only offer she's had from the Job Centre is giblet extractor at a chicken factory. Would you like to spend 8 hours a day with your hands up a chicken's backside? (Isn't this what Margi Clarke did in Letter to Brezhnev?) She then tells Karen the plan to get her working here. Karen however is enjoying being a lady of leisure.

Candice returns the paper bag, ignoring Norris wittering on. We learn that Sarah is meeting TJ in the precinct at 4. They leave and Jack comes in, not hearing what Norris says either, who complains in a great soliloquy: they're either brain dead or deaf. And to think I was once voted North West Achiever of the Year. It's enough to make you weep.

Candice doesn't think TJ will show. She makes Sarah admit she wants to steal him away from his girlfriend.

Martin asks Hayley if Wayne can go camping with them. They'll discuss it but she's glad he's made a friend. Vera arrives later and Karen leaves. Jack offers to see her over the road in a very lecherous fashion. Toyah tells Vera how Janice hates being unemployed and her plan to get her working in the café. What does she think?

Linda drives up to the factory. She sends Adam off to make the tea and has a go at Mike. Won't he even let her in his car now? Adam will notice soon. Mike claims that Adam is fine and she should stay away from them both. Karen sees her and says Mikes not very forgiving. Linda counters, got a job yet? but it's the wrong card. Karen has a man who's mad about her and loves supporting her. Why would she want a job?

Norris turns up at Rita's. She's had the morning off but he's worried about her. He thinks of them as friends and if there's something wrong, he'd like to think she could confide in him. She tells him she's thinking of visiting Anthony in New Zealand for a few weeks. What about the Kabin? And I've seen the way your feet swell in the heat, what will they be like on a long plane journey? He advises her not to do anything rash. Alma's death has affected them all.

Candice and Todd snog goodbye after walking home from school.

Hayley tells Roy about the camping request. She doesn't think they should let him go. What if Social Services go to his house and he's not there? Roy thinks it will show he's got friends and he'll have a marvellous time. They agree he can go. Then Toyah talks to Roy about Janice. She starts by saying that Duggie really needs her to work extra shifts and in a great double act, Vera chips in that what they need in someone hard-working and reliable, maybe someone who's just lost their job. Hey! What about Janice? He'll think about it.

The snog has finally finished. Todd suggests that sometimes they might like to do something else, like talk. Candice just laughs and kisses him again. Peter comes out of the bookies to give Jack a tip, but he completely mishears him. (I think this is a ploy on Jack's part, but can't work out what he's doing). He goes to help Sally and Sophie across the road, but doesn't see that a car's coming. It stops just in front of him. It's Steve.

Interval

Mike and Adam are in the café. Mike's apologising on the phone to Linda, who's cooked them a meal and wondering where they are. Janice rushes in for Vera. Peter tells Steve he was going too fast. Steve says Jack stepped out in front of him. Jack is saying: I didn't hear him. Steve says if Jack didn't see him and didn't hear him, he shouldn't be doing that job. Vera calls Steve a maniac. He calls Jack a deaf old coot. Vera's in shock. She asks Janice to tell Roy she's having the afternoon off.

In the Rover's, Rita is seeking Audrey's opinion about Anthony. She advises her to seize the day. Rita always thought she'd see her days out here. But she admits she doesn't like the thought of another English winter. Audrey doesn't want to lose another friend. The accident contingent arrive and Peter orders brandies. Steve comes in to talk to Jack but he has his back to him and ignores him. Karen jumps to Steve's defence and there's a shouting match between her and Vera. She thinks Steve should drive a hearse: he can knock them down and take them to the cemetery in one go. Peter again says Steve was driving too fast. Steve tries to apologise but it's refused.

The girls are in the precinct, Sarah in the open with Candice skulking behinds pillars. Sarah has a mental picture of TJ. Oh yeah, with no clothes on? No, he'll have nice eyes. Candice still maintains he'll have spots, braces and an anorak.

Hayley tells Wayne about the camping holiday and sings Ging Gang Gooly. Did you go with the Girl Guides? Er...no. Would you be cross if I didn't want to go? He's afraid of wetting the bed and the others finding out. Hayley will just tell Martin that it's not convenient.

Janice and Karen are back in the café. There's nothing doing at Wheeler's factory. Maybe Linda could have a word with Mike. Karen doesn't think that would work. Janice leaves and crashes into Roy. He offers her a job.

Someone taps Sarah on the shoulder. It's Todd. He's carrying the magazine they agreed as recognition symbol. He's TJ. His name is Todd James. Candice turns from looking in a shop window. Todd James Grimshaw, you're dead!

Audrey goes to Gail's and hears about the camping trip. Another holiday, Martin can't be short of money. When do you last go away? Did she know Rita's thinking of emigrating to New Zealand? (I think this would be a great way for Rita to leave by the way). All my friends are disappearing (heavy sigh). Gail suggests she use Alma's money to visit, but Audrey's not touching it. She changes the subject. Where's Sarah? At Candice's, working very hard on a school project.

Todd is getting a right ear-bashing from Candice. She gives him his chain back. Sarah tries to help and Candice turns on her. I hate you and I hate you. She storms off. Todd follows after her and she pushes him away every time he gets close.

Janice goes to the Rovers and tells Toyah she's starting at the café at 8 tomorrow. She's really pleased. Do those lorry drivers with big biceps still go there? She thanks Toyah, she feels she's got her self-respect back.

Rita is now getting Mike's opinion. He tells her she doesn't want to go, or she wouldn't be asking him. Linda calls him. I don't care if you have been cooking all afternoon, stick it where the sun don't shine. He wishes she'd go to New Zealand. Rita asks him if he really wants another marriage to fail. I'm a successful businessman, can't be good at everything. Rita tells him that being on your own gets harder. Linda could be your last chance. I think Anthony was mine.

Kathy Brown

Written by David Lane Directed by Garth Tucker

Candice still not talking to Todd, who nearly gets run over by Dev's car as he and Geena arrive back from Barbados. Dev and Geena share a kiss outside the corner shop, while Todd waits for Candice outside the Kabin and asks Sarah-Louise to smooth things over for him.

In the Kabin, Geena wants to hear the news and gets told of the trouble at Underworld. Audrey, Rita and Norris agree that Mike was a fool to have lost Alma. Audrey seems very keen on Richard, Alma's cousin, and Norris senses romance in the air; Audrey insists that they're only going to a meeting at the hospital and exits. After Rita scolds Norris for upsetting customers, he retorts that it is difficult to remain charming when one's employer is about to up sticks and rush off to a country which shares its emblem with a shoe polish [Kiwi].

Jack is on school crossing duty and Sally arrives with the girls. She insists on taking the girls across the road herself. Sally accuses Jack of being a danger, because of his being deaf. Jack doesn't hear!

Dev and Sunita in the corner shop. Best holiday ever, Dev says. Toyah enters, looking for Geena, who has to work tonight in the pub.

In the cafe, Sam tells Janis that he'd like to take Toyah out tonight. Vera, in charge, explains to Janis the difference between customer service and gossiping. Janis then speaks to Geena and tells her about the trouble at the factory.

Gail is in the Kabin and Norris takes the opportunity to mention Audrey's liking for Richard, calling it 'celestial intervention' - maybe he was a shoulder to cry on earlier, but it's gone beyond shoulders now. Gail asks if Norris is suggesting that her Mum has "got something going" with Richard. Rita says no.

Sally tells Vera, in the cafe, about how worried she is about Jack's deafness - if Vera doesn't do anything, then Sally will. After Sally leaves, Janis asks Vera to explain the difference between customer service and gossiping - she hasn't quite got the hang of it! Roy appears and tells Martin that Wayne won't be going camping with him, sorry. Alex arrives and wants to speak to Roy, who hustles him upstairs. Vera has to go out and puts Janis in charge.

Geena, Shelley and Toyah talk about Geena's holiday. Dev arrives. Shelley wants to know where the wedding ring is and Dev says they're obsessed. Vera enters the pub and orders Jack to get an appointment at the doctor's - Jack wonders why she wants him to get ointment! On their own, Geena tells Dev about Mike going off with his ex-wife; Dev refers to Alma as a dying woman.

Alex informs Roy that the Social Services are coming to see him tomorrow, Saturday. Roy is suspicious and starts to worry that he and Hayley have been found out.

Candice still annoyed with Sarah-Louise, who tells her that Todd is mad about her.

Gail invites Audrey for tea but she can't, as she'll be getting ready for her meeting, with Richard; however, Audrey says she'll meet Gail in the Rover's later. Fine, says Gail, 'as long as I'm not treading on any toes...'

Todd speaks to Candice again, and apologizes. They kiss and make up, while Sarah-Louise looks on in the background.

INTERVAL

Roy and Hayley wonder if they've been found out about their lies about Wayne. A bit late to worry...

Jack is in the Kabin. Norris still going on about Audrey's friendship with Richard. Vera enters and wants to know why Jack is there - why isn't he at the doctor's? Monday, first thing. Vera says it can't be a brain tumour, for you'd have to have a brain to suffer from that. She drags him out.

In the cafe, Roy and Hayley wonder what to do. Do they coach Wayne in what to tell Social Services? Roy goes for a walk and leaves Janis in charge.

Sarah-Louise in her garden with the rabbit. Todd appears, just to say thanks. Sarah-Louise says that it's a pity more boys weren't like Todd and it looks as if they're going to kiss. But they don't.

In the Rover's, Shelley thinks it's a pity that Toyah has to work tonight, but Sam is happy being there. Shelley wishes she could have a nice bloke like Sam.

Gail, Richard and Audrey in the pub. Audrey is at her gushing best with Richard, saying that Richard was brilliant at the meeting, and she keeps touching his hand. Audrey explains that she and Richard are going for a meal - to discuss the meeting, of course!! Richard presses Gail to join them but she refuses. Perhaps another time. Audrey looks relieved.

Sarah-Louise is in her bedroom with little Bethany, who is crying. She types a message in the chat room "... life sucks."

In the Duckworth's, Vera turns off the tv and tells Jack to get a hearing aid. Jack informs Vera that, every night, he takes a pill for his heart, takes off his glasses, takes his teeth out and now a hearing aid - he's just a collection of spare parts and he wants to die before Vera.

In the pub, Shelley tells Toyah to take a break. Sam suggests a walk. At the back door of the pub, Sam kisses Toyah but she recoils from him. However, she asks him to 'bear with her'.

Sarah-Louise receives a reply in the chat room, from Gary: 'Britney stood me up'. She smiles!

Geena is asleep on the couch in the private living room of the Rover's. Dev enters and wakens her gently. She wonders why they both have to keep rushing around - why doesn't she move in with him? She sits up and puts her arms round him, but Dev does NOT look exactly ecstatic at such a prospect.

K Richard Whitbread

Written by Peter Mills, directed by Garth Tucker

We open with a sweet scene in the Street as Sarah and Candice agree to make up. Candice had tried to phone Sarah, but the phone was engaged (she was on the chat line again no doubt). Best buddies again.

The postman delivers Karen's passport into Steve's hands. He takes a look, laughs at the photograph and then buries the passport deep in his pocket.

Sam is at the garage and Toyah half waves as she wanders past, with events observed by Dennis. He asks Sam what is going on. Sam tries to explain that things are going slowly - he came on too strong. Dennis admires Sam for trying to start a relationship with Toyah after all she has been through. Sam is finding the constant rejection hurtful . Dennis suggests buying some flowers.

Karen is eating breakfast in the cafe, Steve suggests she should be making him breakfast - not her style. She intends to depart to get the post but Steve says it has already come and yes there was some post for her - convert all your loans into one large debt!! No passport. Karen is starting to get worried. Steve is not helpful. She decides she needs to calm her nerves by going shopping and he has to cough up about 60!

Roy, Hayley and Wayne descend into the cafe - they are taking Wayne "home" once Vera arrives. Wayne has agreed to take part in the deception if it means he can continue to live with them.

Over at the corner shop Geena arrives and she wants to know what to buy when she goes shopping as the silly girl (I had not noticed she had turned blonde) still believes she is moving in with Dev!! Dev suggests solving the problem by taking her out to eat. Dev says they had a great holiday but it is not a good reason for her moving in. So are they just a holiday romance asks Geena? Living together might have its problems says Dev. Before Geena can say anything Mike comes in, buys some cigars and is asked by Geena if Linda is around. Mike says he does not know and does not care - she could drop dead for all he cares. Geena looks worried and after Mike departs Dev observes that that is married bliss.

At Wayne's house there is no one there but Wayne insists on staying. Alex comes to the door - Sheila is down the shops - Roy is worried but Alex tells him that the social worker is due now. Roy and Hayley depart with instructions to phone in an hour.

Dr Ramsden is saying farewell to Emma at the surgery (my doctor never sees me to the door like that but then I am not a cute pregnant female(!)) and says all is going very well. Gail makes a comment and Emma observes that she is available. "Those were the days" says Gail. People are being suspended over the smear tests - but Matt hopes they are getting the right ones - it is the people at the top who need to go. Audreh arrives to tell Gail (and us) that she is entertaining Richard tonight. Anyway it seems they are only sacking the junior staff at this stage. Gail tells Audrey to be careful with Richard - she might be vulnerable.

At the Rovers Mike is drinking on his own when Dev joins him observing he seems unhappy. Dev asks about the comment about Linda. Dev brings him up to date Geena's wish to move in.

Some 4.5 hours have passed. Roy can get no answer from the phone. He is worried, he reckons they have disappeared with the money. He decides he needs to go round and find out what has happened to Wayne. Roy doubts that the social worker will be there, or that they even exist.

In the Kabin Rita tells Audrey that she will not be joining Anthony, despite a good chat. Rita cannot discuss it with Norris. Audrey likes phones - she can talk to people easily.

At Wayne's there is no answer despite the repeated knocking. A neighbour saw them depart in a tearing hurry a couple of hours before. Roy jumps to the conclusion that it was a scam and wonders what they will do now. Roy and Hayley retire to the Rovers for a drink. Roy is very worried - but they cannot go to social services. Roy is so upset he is drinking brandy - it is good for the nerves.

Gail is talking to Rita about Audrey and Richard. Gail is worried about her mother, but at least Sarah is not a problem - tied to the computer doing her homework - she is never off it.

After the break we find Sarah on line in the chatroom (wait for the phone bill). She has a new "friend" Gary. They go to private chat. Sarah is called for tea. Candice arrives and Sarah decides to hide her activities from both Gail and Candice. She has to bid Gary farewell very quickly.

Back in the Rovers the Doc and councillor greet each other warmly. According to Curly there is more mileage yet in the smear test investigation - he has heard a top judge is to be appointed to carry out a detailed enquiry and once he knows Matt will know. (The cover up should start in about a week's time then).

At the bar Geena is brought up to date on the events between Mike and Linda and the wonderful Harvey.

When Sam arrives he is greeted by R'Toyota who gives him a peck on the cheek and says thanks for the flowers. Sam starts apologising for coming on too strong. Toyah says that he didn't, she says he didn't. She is worried about him - always giving him the brush off. He says he understands (sadly he doesn't - she just does not fancy him and wants him as a friend) and she responds that she knew he would say that. Dennis winks at Sam.

Elsewhere Emma is drinking an orange juice with Curly, Matt and Charley. She cannot believe what she is drinking. Matt wants to use her picture, glowing with health in the surgery - you too can look like this (providing you are having a baby). Indeed Curly is looking great too. And we establish that Charley does not want a baby - she spends all day with the little darlings. Curly and Emma look at each other knowing that they are going to do something different.

Steve arrives in the Rovers, Karen appears. Still no passport. Anyway she has got sunglasses and swimsuit and cannot go anywhere except down by the canal.

Dev sits down with Mike and tells him that drink solves nothing. So what should he do? Dev reminds Mike that in business he is ruthless - if people get in his way he gets rid of them - he should get rid of Linda. Not as easy as that. Not the same - Linda is his wife and Dev gets Mike to acknowledge that he loves her. Then says Dev you have a problem.

At the bar Geena asks Linda through to the back so that she can find out the facts. Karen does not know what Linda is playing up. Karen provides the full story. Geena almost lets slip about Linda's first affair. Men are nothing but trouble says Geena - only if you don't know how to handle them acknowledges Karen.

Sarah is back in the chatroom. She discusses "Badly Drawn Boy" or some such "band" with Gary who is another great fan(!). She is not a happy bunny and lets out her frustration. Luckily Gary will be there whenever she needs to turn to someone.

Audrey has cooked a dinner for Richard. Red wine is being consumed - a bottle she has been saving for a special occasion. He will be staying for a while and she has been very kind to him. The doorbell goes and Gail arrives with a book. Richard invites her to join the meal but Gail departs. Audrey does not even see her out! Later they are sitting on the sofa. Audrey has lost Alfie and Alma. She feels lonely. Alma does not know what to do with Alma's money. Richard suggests that she could try ISA's. Audrey hardly knows what he is talking about. Alfie used to look after all that. Richard volunteers to investigate for her. That would be wonderful she says. She rests her head on his shoulder relaxed in the knowledge that someone is there for her.

Roy and Hayley are still worried when the door bell goes. Hayley goes and lets Wayne in. He is back and safe. He has been at the hospital with his granny - rushed in, right poorly. Wayne asked Alex to phone R & H because he knew they would be worried and Alex said he would, he clearly hadn't. There had been no sign of the social worker. Probably one of Alex's wind ups.

K Richard Whitbread

Karen and Steve are going through the morning post (they get much more than I ever do!), hoping that her passport will be there.

Wayne gives Hayley and Roy a letter from the school about an open day. Wayne is hoping they will come along, but Roy doesn't want to cause suspicions by attending. Wayne is disappointed.

Audrey sees Gail, and tells her that she thinks Richard has got a crush on her.

Steve tells Karen that he has checked and the passport is being sent by special delivery, and therefore guaranteed to be delivered on time.

Vera meets Jack in the Kabin. She accuses him of hiding to miss the doctor's appointment.

Dennis tells Janice that Sam fancies Toyah but she is keeping him at arms length.

Dr Matt is examining Jack's ears. He does various tests and asks him if he has had any strange feelings, sensations etc. Jack says he hasn't but thinks it is the beginning of the end. He said first it was his eyes, then his heart and now his ears. Matt tells him there is nothing wrong just wax.

Steve has told Eileen about the joke that he is playing on Karen. She doesn't think Karen will see it as a joke. Steve disagrees, he says they are always playing jokes on each other, which keeps them together.

Karen tells Eileen that she rang the passport office and they confirm they sent it out a couple of days ago, and they know nothing about a special delivery. Eileen tells Karen about the joke, and Karen finds her passport inside Steve's jacket.

Richard talks to Gail about Audrey. He hopes that Audrey hasn't misunderstood his intentions. He felt that she was coming on a bit strong.

Sam asks Toyah if she would like to go away with him for a weekend. Toyah says she doesn't think she is quite ready yet.

Sarah tells Candice about Gary she has met in the chat room. Candice warns that she maybe hurt.

Rita asks Audrey if she has seen much of Richard. She says she has seen a lot of him, and that she thinks he is taken with her.

Charlie suggests to Matt that he may like to come along to the school's open day. He agrees to go.

Karen tells Steve that she has cancelled the holiday. Steve then cringes and says that the missing passport was only a joke. He says the passport has been in his pocket all the time - but he can't find it now.

Janice tells Toyah that going away with Sam would be good for her. She says he is very nice. Toyah misreads it, suggesting that she should sleep with him. Janice tries to pacify her and says that is not what she meant.

Gail and Sarah both want to go out for the evening. Sarah is annoyed. Gail is adamant she is going out. Sarah suggests she goes out and takes Bethanie with her. Gail say that it is not possible because there would be nobody to look after David.

Jack tells Vera that he is going deaf. She can't do enough for him.

Sarah has a moan to Gary that her mother won't let her go out. She says he understands her more than her mother.

Charlie consoles Toyah saying that she may never get over the incident completely. However if she holds back continiously it means the attacker has won.

Kevin tells Molly that he has big job to do and won't be able to go on holiday with the girls.

Steve tells Karen that he will make it up to her about the joke by taking her shopping. Karen then tells Steve that she has the passport and a cab is waiting outside for them.

Gail tells Audrey about Richard. Audrey thinks Gail said something to him to put him off. Audrey pretends it doesn't matter, saying he was of no interest to her anyway.

Alex comes into the cafe for more money. Roy says he will get no more money. Alex threatens to hold Wayne back from Roy's.

Martin Rosen

Kevin tells Sally that he has to cancel the girls camping trip. Sally isn't happy but will tell the girls. Later on in the Rovers she changes her mind,thinks Kevin should tell them so he can see the disappointment on their faces.Kevin takes the girls for their tea and promises to take them somewhere better .The girls had their hearts set on camping.

Audrey couldn't get through to Gail on the phone as it was always engaged.Calls in person to apologise to Gail and admits she might have read more into the relationship .

Roy tries to think of ways to find the money for Alex, thinks about putting the price up.Vera wants to nip out to pick a prescription ,Roy announces he won't raise the prices will do some cost cutting.Vera changes her mind. Audrey is in the cafe avoiding Richard when he walks in .Audrey thanks him for talking to Gail but he should have gone to her rather than Gail. Richard thinks Gail is easy to talk to digs for information about her marital status. The croppers haven't heard off Alex wonder if he has gone of the idea of rent money for Wayne.

Sarah Lou asks Gary for a photo, when it arrives he is of popstar looks,Candace pretends not to be impressed.Gail has a chat with Sarah lou about the amount of time she spends on the internet they agree to 1hour per night.Sarah is feeling isolated because she always has to look after Bethany and this is why she spends so long in chat rooms.

Jack overhears David and Wayne calling him deaf and daft, turns round to tell them he heard everything that was said.Vera is behind him marches him indoors.

Matt thinks it's time to start a family, Georgie is set against it.

Sinita and Gina have a chat about Dev. Sinita reads between the lines and tells Dev that himself and Gina are made for each other.Dev tells her to keep her nose out,reminds Sunita about why she came round to Dev's.Dev comes back for a surprise for Gina, Sunita thinks it's a ring tells Gina to expect a proposal. Excitedly she goes to see Dev only to be given her own key in a jewellery box. Gina storms out.

Audrey gives Gail a warning that she thinks Richard is interested in her, Richard walks in the rovers sits chatting with Gail whilst Audrey and Fred look on.They decide to leave them to it.

Janette

Mega update. 1.5 hours of the Street tonight. 1 hour in normal time and a further half hour after the watershed. If you want my feelings please jump to the end. Sadly given the length of the programme I will not go into the usual detail. Copyright of the programme lies with ITV Television Ltd who will not object I hope to this summary.

Written by Jayne Hollinson, directed by Tony Prescott

Matt is sleeping on the sofa. Charlie offers coffee. He is going over the top - she is blaming him for events from years ago, he departs for a shower.

Gail is packing with Martin. She refuses to tell Martin where she went last night - simply not with Molly. Bethany is going to Audrey's so Sarah can go to the "library".

Toyah is telling Janice she has blown it with Sam. Janice reckons that Sam is nice and will accept the explanation Toyah does not want to give.

Sarah is getting ready - all dressed up. She is going to meet Gary - she needs to look 16. Candice is helping her. Sarah reckons she and Gary are twin spirits - and so romantic.

Wayne and David are helping behind the counter. Rosie joins in. Sally is worried about Jason. Kev offers to keep an eye on him but Sal says she can manage. Kev asks if Sal has heard about Gail's new boyfriend. Sal says if it is the first she has heard of it - not that it is any of Martin's business. David tries to get Wayne to join them on camp. Later Roy and Hayley discuss it and agree he can go, but Wayne realises it is difficult at the moment. So they decide he can have a treat instead.

Kev tells Martin he is barking up the wrong tree about Gail. No smoke without a fire. Martin reckons she deserves a break. Martin does not want Gail back but Kev would take Sal back tomorrow.

Sam arrives in the Rovers and tells Toyah that they should knock it on the head. She is disappointed but leaves it at that.

Candice and Sarah arrive outside a large well appointed detached house. Sports car in the drive. They both reckon all is well and Sarah heads towards the front door. Sarah rings the bell and Candice tells her to go in (before the door is opened(!). A man opens the door and asks for Gary. The man says he is Gary's dad - he has gone shopping with his mum but will be back soon. She goes in and he asks her to take shoes off because of the carpets. They go into the living room. He offers a soft drink and she agrees to a glass of white wine. Gary's dad joins her. He checks she has told her mum and that she has a cover story. She tells him her parents treat her like a child.

Roy tells Janice that she can stay for the moment although he cannot make any long term guarantees. Roy and Wayne go to buy a computer game. Sally arrives for the butties for the journey - peanut butter, chocolate spread and jam. She adds some normal ones for the adults. Janice bemoans the lack of permanence in the job. Candice and Todd arrive in the cafe - she brings him up to date on Sarah's news. (How did she get back to the Street so quickly - later it takes ages to get between the Street and the creep's house). Candice and Todd row about it and she storms out. Alex Swinton comes into talk to Hayley - he will pop back later.

Toyah wants to explain to Sam. She re-assures him she wants to - just as much as he does and yet because of what she has been through. He can't handle it. He is no good at this. He gets up and goes. Toyah goes to the bar and talks to Geena about it. Geena encourages her not to leave it there. Geena knows he looked cut up.

Charlie finds Matt and almost apologises. He does not accept it. She still hurts from his affair a long time ago and he sighs. Matt reminds her it was a one off - but that does not make her feel better. Matt says they have been through this numerous times - how many ways can he say he is sorry? Charlie says that they both blamed her. Matt does not want to discuss when she is downing brandies. She was Charlie's best friend, she reminds him, as she departs. Outside she bumps into Roy and Wayne - the former is playing with the latter's game. She establishes that Wayne is staying at the Croppers and Roy is worried by this.

Gary's dad tells Sarah about the things he has heard from Gary. There is a picture of the three of them. Sarah thinks his wife looks nice. Sarah wonders where they have got to. Gary's dad pretends to phone them - they are on their way back. Sarah is getting nervous.

Todd chases after Candice - she is eating chips and ignores him. He tries to say that he is worried. Candice reckons she is perfectly safe - they went here together, his father was waiting and nothing is going to happen. But I am worried about her says Todd in Gail's earshot. Candice tells Todd she only went out with him because she could not get Jason and she flounces off ignoring Gail's calls. Gail gets Todd to tell her and Martin as much as he knows. Martin is worried and starts shouting. Gail rings Candice and Martin and Todd start investigating the computer files.

Roy relays his encounter with Charlie to Hayley - with their heightened sense of impending doom both start to worry. Sally arrives in the cafe with a proposition for Janice. Hayley tells Roy about Alex turning up. Roy storms out to put a stop to Alex's visits.

Sarah is talking about Gary. Gary's dad talks about his "twin spirit". He decides to come clean - it is going to be hard for her to take in. Finally he admits that he is Gary. Sarah is now unhappy - it has all been lies. He must have faked the phone call. He has never met anyone like her before. She would not have come if she had known his age. He asks if she told any lies. She admits she is called Sarah - until now he has thought she was called Louise. And she is only 14 (a really evil look comes over Gary's face). They have both been telling lies and he uses this to his advantage - pointing out how similar they are.

Tonight's events are sponsored by Cadburys (sadly - do they really want to be associated with it?).

Alex finds Roy at the bus stop. Alex asks for cash - he knows about the sick little secret. Roy refuses to be intimidated. Alex tells him he is calling the shots. Alex wants a grand in cash. Roy wants a signed agreement - not a chance. Alex has got his number. Jason arrives and Alex departs. Roy is severely shaken.

Nothing on Sarah's computer and Candice is not answering the phone - the Platts are in despair.

Charlie is reviewing some old photos and downing brandies. Matt arrives home and she tells him not to lecture her. Matt offers to start the weekend again. She knows he only wants to sober her up. he tries to stop her drinking. She reminds him of Uni - Matt, Charlie and Trina. She trusted her totally and him. Charlie had been raped and shut him out completely and all she did was get wrecked every night and then took it out on the two of them particularly Matt as if he was the enemy. It was not a great affair says Matt - two people at the end of their tethers giving each other mutual comfort. But you should have been supporting me responds Charlie. Matt answers that you cannot help someone who does not want help and just will not listen.

Candice is shopping. She had a bad weekend when Martin catches up with her and wants to know the facts - Gary is 19. Where is Sarah? Candice tells Martin what she knows. She eventually gives in.

Sarah is cuddling a cushion. Everything Gary said on the net is still true - he is lonely, even though he is adult - he has no family, no friends - a bit of a saddo. He still claims to understand her. He plays on friends - trying to say they can be friends. But he has lied to her. Stay for a while - for a chat and Sarah reluctantly agrees.

Martin and Gail rush off leaving Audrey to look after David. Toyah runs along the Street and catches Sam, they cannot leave it like this. She wants him to explain what he means - he is rubbish with words they always come out wrong. He feels really bad about wanting her, especially after all she has been through. He knows she wants to take things slowly - but he is falling for her and reckons she would be better off with some one else and he wanders off.

Charlie is now in full drunken abuse mode, telling Matt about his constant use of pocket book psychology. He does not know what she is talking about. He tells her to spit it out. She thinks that the reason Matt was unfaithful was because they fancied each other and she was not giving him any (sex). She had only been raped. Matt storms out saying nothing and Charlie collapses in tears.

Gary is embarrassed - he had this crush on her. In exchange Sarah tells him the story of the diary and Sam - he locks onto this and reckons that David will have read the emails - not a problem Sarah has deleted them. The door bell rings and we hope that she is about to be saved. He ushers her into a cupboard and lets in Gail and Martin. Gary drops Sarah's coat on top of her shoes. He denies he knows Sarah - but them admits she must have gone to the cinema with "Gary". He claims Gary is 16 - the same as Louise claimed she was. They go in.

Gary tells them a story which Martin and Gail swallow. Gary is smiling, warm and friendly. He seeks to re-assure Platts. Gail shuts Martin up before he lets the baby out of the bag. They accept the story and ask for Sarah to phone as soon as she is back. Martin asks for a phone number and it is provided. Gail thanks him and apologises for their concern. He sees them out. That was close says Sarah, she should go in a minute and if she goes too soon they will be suspicious. She is grateful for his assistance and agrees to stay a while.

At the Cafe Roy is almost beside himself. He denies he has seen Alex. Hayley reckons they are OK. Roy is not so sure.

Charlie is drunk when Matt returns. She was scared he was not going to come back up. She apologises and asks for forgiveness. He always does and sees her off to bed.

Sarah is weeping. It has turned out to be such a mess - she should have known it was too good to be true. He says it is all his fault. He seeks to re-assure her - she admits she has not been honest and she tells him about the baby. His face is a picture. She tells the story about the "event". Just the once and she was pregnant. So unfair. He strokes her face and holds her hand. Gail and Martin split up because of her. Because there was a baby in the house everything is disrupted. He tells her she should not blame herself. Again he strokes her face. He wants to be more help. She is finding helpful to talk about it - he reminds her about their special connection.

Toyah arrives at Sam's flat. She was touched by what he said. She says she does not want anyone else - he is one of the nicest blokes she has met and he is not a monster and she wants to sleep with him and they might get to that point sooner than he thinks. She tells him about the medical check up. They want to do some more tests - it is highly unlikely but there is chance she might have AIDS and therefore she cannot sleep with anyone at the moment. Even if she wanted to she couldn't - not until she was sure. Sam immediately moves to re-assure her that he still wants her. She starts crying - she is terrified of the test.

Martin and Gail are talking about Sarah. Gail admits she knew about the chat rooms - it was the only way she had of making friends. Gail reckons that Sarah should tell Gary about Bethany herself. Gail believes she should have kept the machine downstairs where she could have watched. Martin intends to call off the holiday but Gail sends him on his way - she can sort out Sarah.

Roy has been thinking. They can go camping now. Hayley demurs. Roy thinks it is a good thing if they go. Hayley starts thinking of excuses. Roy says let us be impetuous. Roy tells Hayley to tell Vera and Janice that they have to cover.

Sally arrives at the shop with Janice - she is the new acting manager. Jason is not amused.

Audrey wants to get her hands on Sarah as Martin tells her the story. Roy arrives and says they are coming along. They are departing in half an hour and yes Roy and Hayley and Wayne can have a lift. Roy runs back into the cafe to prepare. Back inside Roy, Hayley and Wayne are packing madly. Roy again lies to Hayley about the involvement of Alex.

Molly stops Matt in the Street - will they see him and Charlie in the Rovers later? Matt reckons one of them has already had enough. He tells her they have been rowing - and Matt does not think it will sort itself out this time. Molly watches him depart.

Gary pours Sarah yet another drink and puts on some music. He asks her to take her hair down - it looks better like that. But she does not have a boyfriend - she will one day. He tells her she is beautiful and clever and one day she will find the right boy. He tells her she can always talk to him and they agree to be friends. Sarah leans back on the sofa and relaxes and we merely see his shadow on the sofa.

An hour later the "extra" episode appears:

Written by Joe Turner, directed by Tony Prescott

Dennis sends Todd for some chips. Martin etc have departed. Gail is ignored by Candice.

Sarah is still on the sofa with Gary. He has divined she is hungry - her favourite meal and he does not want anyone saying he did not take good care of her - beans on white toast with cheese on top. Sarah makes use of his departure to phone Candice to get her to come round and collect her. Candice does not take her seriously. Candice is brought up to date - but Sarah does not want to hurt his feelings. Will she come and knock on the door. Gary catches Sarah using the phone and he gets nervous. He thought they were going to trust each other. Sarah says she was so comfortable she did not think about asking. He reminds her she can go if she wants.

Candice grabs Todd and he almost blacks her. Candice won't take no for an answer and tells him they have to get a cab.

The tea is on the table. She asks for a soft drink - when she opens the fridge she finds a huge choice - he did not know what she might like so he got everything.

Candice and Todd are rowing. Neither had any money to pay for the taxi, they are half way there and no means of transport. Both blame the other and the taxi had already got to 4. They have a mile to go.

Sarah says the food was perfect although she has hardly touched it. He asks her who she dreamed about. To start with she refuses to answer - but then she admits it was the dream Gary. She offers to wash up and he moves suddenly, she drops the plate and glass and as she has bare feet he offers to carry her out of the kitchen - she is so light he could carry her all day every day. She asks to be carried out of the kitchen - when outside she asks to be put down. He asks if she would like to see his computer - it is upstairs (and the silly girl says yes).

Candice says she did not mean it about Jason. Todd reckons Sarah is unlucky - they arrive outside the house. Candice sends Todd to knock on the door. If he is not back in 5 minutes she should call the cops.

He has saved all their correspondence. He has never met anyone before - he was never brave enough. He met Sarah because she was special and she was worth the risk. The door bell starts ringing. He is not expecting anyone - Gary looks out of the window - it is not Candice as Sarah expected - Gary goes downstairs to sort it out.

Gary asks Todd what he wants - he asks after Sarah but is told she left 10 minutes ago. However Candice sees her at the window. Sarah goes to the door and finds she is locked in the bedroom - now she knows things are not right.

Gail decides to ring the number she was given by Gary. The ringing phone starts as Sarah sees Todd and Candice depart. Gary wants to know who Todd is -a boyfriend? Sarah tells the truth but is not believed. Gary tears the phone out of the wall. It is just the two of them.

Candice tells Todd what she saw. Gail decides to head to the multiplex and orders a taxi. As she goes out the phone rings but Dennis sends her back to answer the phone. Candice makes contact. Gail rushes out and she and Dennis depart in a car at high speed. Candice phones the police. Gail tries to contact Martin (waste of time). Dennis drives like a mad thing. Gail is threatening to do serious damage. She eventually decides to ring the police.

Sarah asks to go, but he is worried about her running away. He says she can go. But why does she hate him so much - nor does she trust him. She does / did like him. He asks her to prove that she likes him. He wants to be kissed. He shouts at her. He does not want to harm her. She threatens to scream - he says she can - no one will hear her. She rushes past him and down the stairs. At the front door she pleads to be allowed to go home.

Todd and Candice bang on the front door. Gary has pushed Sarah to the floor. He asks if they can get back to where they were and suggests they go back upstairs. Todd knocks on the back door. Candice throws the dustbin through the door (good girl) and is sent around the front to wait for the police. Todd enters the back door and advances in the dark. Sarah rushes upstairs. Gary goes to find Todd and confronts him. Gary pushes Todd who falls backwards onto a small table and bangs his head. Gary is convinced that the accident is serious/

Gary runs upstairs to try and find Sarah. He starts going round the bedrooms and as he goes from one to another she goes into the original room and hides under the bed. He enters, walks past and out, she sighs, he hears it and they start fighting - he hits and she stops. He tries to walk downstairs with her. He wants to sort out Todd's accident. She slips his fingers and he falls down half the stairs. He picks himself up and then collapses by the front door. Sarah runs to help Todd who had a fair bit of blood on the back of his head.

She returns to the hall - Gary is missing. We see him appear over her shoulder and grab her preventing her screaming, at which point Dennis arrives through the front door and delivers and almighty beating to Gary. Gail puts her arms around Sarah and ushers out into the night. A song is played - presumably with some meaning but I am not an expert.

Medics and police arrive and provide comfort.

Frankly fed up at this end of the telescope. I did not think the events were handled as well as those involving either Toyah's run in with her "non-father" some years ago (the chase in the woods scared me) nor as well as Toyah's recent rape (which did not merit being shown after the watershed).

Also I am fed up to the back teeth with every episode being followed by a contact phone number or web site. I understand people have problems and need help. I do not object to our entertainment being used to help - but it has been virtually non stop over the last few months with Toyah, Alma and now Sarah. I have had enough.

OTOH Sarah is getting more than her fair share of storylines and once again Toyah played a blinder. These two young actresses are a real credit to the Street and its history, so even though I might have moaned there are still some positive aspects to be celebrated.

See you all next week.

K Richard Whitbread

Gail questions Sarah in the ambulance whether Gary did anything to her. She says that he didn't.

Candice tells Dennis that if it were her, she would have knocked his head in.

The policewoman question Sarah at the police station about what had happened, and what they had talked about. She also questions Gail as to why she went to the house (the first time), and then left. She said they believed he was the father.

Blanche queries to Ken why a police car was outside the Platts last night. Eileen wants to tell her all about it, but Dennis stops her, and tries to play it all down, by Eileen persuades him to explain everything.

At home Gail wonders why Sarah wanted to stay with him rather than to go home with her. Gail then lets rip with some stern words and says he was old enough to be her father.

Now everyone in the Rovers is discussing the incident.

Gail help Sarah into bed. She explains that she wanted to frighten her so that she would never be tempted to do something as silly again.

Martin asks Sally if she slept ok on the camping trip. He then finds he has three messages on his mobile phone from Gail.

Candice tells Todd that he was "dead brave". She asks him if he would save her if she was ever in danger. He says he would.

The police come to see Dennis. They want to take him to the station for questioning. Gary has made an allegation that the he had assulted him.

Martin returns home. He asks Sarah what happened. She says she is ok.

Richard comes round to Gail, oblivious to what has happened. She tells him she can't go out. He is perplexed as to why. Martin asks who was at the door. She says nobody, and that sparks a row.

The policewoman asks Dennis what happened. He is being very unhelpful. She reasons with him for his benefit.

Martin insists on finding out the truth. She says she went to the chat room for someone to talk to. She wanted a break from her mother and baby.

Ken says that he will write an article for the Gazette about the dangers of internet chat rooms. Peter thinks they ought have more positive action and decides to go to the police station to demand that Dennis be released. Then Dennis walks into the Rovers. He is surprised that they were going to protest on his behalf. He says he was let off with a caution. Emily buys him a drink.

The policewoman call round to the Platts. They have charged Gary with false imprisonment. He is denying everything about the chat room. They have released him on bail.

Martin Rosen

Written by Peter Mills Directed by David Kester

Martin has spent the night at Gail's, on the couch. Both are tired after the previous night's trauma and are trying to understand the law, which seemingly lets a 'monster' out on bail to prey on other 'stupid teenagers' - Sarah overhears this. Martin suggests that Sarah be allowed to go back to the camp-site with him. Gail considers this.

In the caf, Vera is on her own and orders Jack to don an apron and help out. Audrey enters and hails Dennis as the hero of the moment.

Dr Ramsden is leaving for work when Charlie appears. He has already had breakfast. Charlie suggests that they have a week away together, but Matt is not interested at all.

Sarah confides to Martin that she's been very stupid - nothing in her life has gone right - but Martin reassures her that everyone makes mistakes, even him! Sarah wonders, if she hadn't got pregnant, would he and her Mum still be together? About the camping trip, could Candice come along? OK.

Janice and Jason in the hardware shop. Janice asks him why he's so interested in athletics and he says that athletes get to see the world, as well as make a good living. Janice asks where the next big event is. Jason tells her it's the Commonwealth Games. In Manchester! Toyah pops in to the shop and she and her Mum go off for lunch, leaving Jason to look after the shop.

In the Rover's, Shelley compliments Ken on his article, about chatrooms, in the local paper. Blanche is her usual sarcastic self. Eileen asks Shelley about the item and Shelley gives her a copy of the paper. Janice and Toyah arrive, and Janice plants a big kiss on Dennis for his bravery. Eileen reads from the article - 'it used to be thought that the box in the corner which would ruin people's lives was the TV, but it's now the computer' - just as Audrey and Gail enter. Audrey tells Ken that he ought to be ashamed of his 'cashing in' on the story, just as he did with Alf, and she storms out, closely followed by Gail.

A nice wee cameo of Sarah and little Bethany (isn't she so cute?) playing 'This little piggy went to market'. Todd arrives, just to see how Sarah is. She's fine, 'thanks to you, Todd'. Sarah goes to get some cool drinks for Todd and her. Todd sits down, takes Bethany on his knee and starts chatting to her, while Sarah looks on approvingly in the background...

Audrey meets Gail in the caf and tells her that she, as her Mum, is entitled to her opinion. Audrey is still going on about Ken's article. Gail leaves, convinced that her Mum is not supporting her.

INTERVAL

Candice arrives at Sarah's house, only to be met by Gail who says that 'with friends like you'...

In the garage, Sam and Dennis are happy about all the work, and overtime, that they're getting. Kevin is also happy that everything is going well at the camp-site.

Molly meets Matt in the caf, where he's having a snack. Why is he not home with his wife, who's on holiday? Molly tells him that, since he loves her, he'll just have to get on with it, as before! (Molly seems to know about their situation, which we can only guess at.) Jack takes a chip off a plate and chokes on it.

Sarah and Candice discuss the proposed camping trip. Candice is pleased that Sarah's Mum is not going. Sarah admits that her Mum is trying to be supportive, but is 'struggling'. Candice feels that she's let Sarah down, but Sarah reassures her that they're best friends, now and always.

Back to the caf, where Jack is trying to understand some of the orders for Cappuccinos. Sam meets Toyah and asks if she'd like him to go with her to the HIV clinic. No. They'll see each other later. Vera sacks Jack, since he's so useless, and Toyah agrees to start work again in the caf, much to Jack's delight.

Candice meets Todd in the Kabin. He knows about the camping trip, for he rang Sarah earlier to find out how she was (a wee porkie there!). Eileen agrees to Todd's going camping.

Martin on the phone to David; he'll be back tomorrow. Audrey arrives and wants to apologise to Gail. Martin and Sarah go off for a takeaway - no need for rice, for Gail has some cooking. Audrey advises Gail that she ought to talk to Sarah more. If they had talked more in the past, maybe the pregnancy, the diary and the Internet meeting would not have happened...

Matt and Charlie talk about kids. They both say they love each other but Charlie doesn't want kids, ever.

Gail is in Sarah's room and is looking at some items there when the computer 'pings' - you have email. It's a message from Candice, to the effect that she can come on the trip and 'it'll be great to get away from your Mum'. Gail is devastated and tears begin to flow. Downstairs, Martin and Sarah arrive with the takeaway only to find that the rice has been left to boil dry. Sarah and Martin find Gail at Sarah's computer and Sarah is annoyed that her Mum has, once more, invaded her privacy. Gail sees her daughter as a stranger, not able to talk to her, and she wants to be left alone.

Written by Iain McDougall - Kathy Brown is on holiday.

Good evening. Events tonight in summarised form.

Written by Daran Little, directed by David Kester

Audrey is looking after Bethany and she looks through the post. Bills, advertising but not a single card - we gather that it is her birthday and everyone has forgotten her.

Edna is signing "Happiness, happiness the greatest gift I possess" as she cleans the surgery office is startled by a noise, grabs her polish spray and creeps up on the door to the doctor's office. Matt appears behind her and scares her as she is about to jump the "intruder". He is unshaven and has clearly spent the night in the surgery - not catching up on paperwork as he claims.

Later Edna meets Mollie in the Street and passes on the information about Matt and why he might have a sore head today. Behind her we see Richard and Gail - reference is made to Gail taking a day's holiday and it appears that she and Richard are going out for lunch. As Gail gets into his car she thinks to herself that she has overlooked something important but cannot remember what it might be.

Blanche is in the health centre waiting to be seen - Rita has to listen to a tirade about a 45 minute wait. She could have cooked a sponge cake in the time she has been waiting! Audrey comes in looking for Gail, but she is on holiday. Noting the queues Audrey asserts that the Black Death is making a comeback.

Janice and Les want to buy Toyah a curry to celebrate her being in the clear but she asks them to go out and leave her at home alone so that she might cook a meal for Sam and enable them to work out some progress. Although Les is keen to celebrate they agree.

Audrey, carting Bethany around is looking for Gail but she appears to have vanished off the face of Weatherfield. She makes her feelings known to Blanche who congratulates her on her birthday and offers to buy a drink - but it will have to be a small one as she is a pensioner - but then so are you too Audrey! Audrey is far from amused at the reminder!

Jack has to put a suit on to go the solicitors - Vera wants him to look smart. He reckons that he has perhaps inherited the pigeons from his old friend and waxes lyrical about the length of time it has been since he had a plump breast weighing in his hand with a little heart beating underneath (and we wonder if he is talking about pigeons, great writing). Vera says that if the bequest is the pigeons then her cooking pot will be out and she will be preparing pie, making her meaning clear by twisting an invisible neck.

Matt returns home to Charlie who is waiting for him. Where has he been? What has he been doing? Why did he marry her? She does not want children but they have been together ten years and surely it does not end like this. She still loves him but she asks the question which he cannot answer - does he still love her? Without the right answer she immediately turns to the bottle.

Jack is back from the solicitors and in the Rovers. Jack has a large key (looks rather like our shed key) together with the information that he has been left some property. Edna is her usual ball of fun at this point, telling us about a person who acquired a house through a will and when they visited fell through the rotten staircase(!). Anyway the discussion turns on the possibilities - perhaps it is a key to shop or similar and they can start their own business! (My betting is on an empty pigeon loft - but you never know). Anyway how did Jimmy Kelly die - heart attack says Jack - in the bath. Edna suggests getting the electrics checked as well.

Blanche takes a card round to Audrey at home. She is rewarded with the news that no-one has yet remembered the birthday and Audrey is not happy, particularly as she is baby-minding. Audrey offers her a drink - a vodka is sought. Blanche did not know Audrey lived so close - she must pop round more often (strangely Audrey does not seem so keen). Anyway continues Blanche we have a lot in common - ungrateful daughters and you have a spare bedroom know that Alma has departed. Audrey now seeing what is coming next downs the vodka she was pouring for Blanche in one go!

Matt is bringing Mollie up to date on events with Charlie. He says he really thinks it is all over this time but Mollie says that perhaps things are really not that bad and he should try again.

In the Rovers Les is moaning about Toyah wanting to spend the evening with Sam. Shelley looks at Les and Sam (in the usual tight tee shirt) and lets it be known which one she would prefer to spend the evening with! Toyah has prepared a meal and finally both she and Sam manage to talk. Sam admits that even if the test had had a different result he would still want to be with her. He has fancied her for a very long time and has wanted to be with her. He has always had a difficulties in finding the right words and she is so intelligent and good with words. He implies first he fancies her for her looks and when that goes badly he also likes her brain. For once however he manages to put it together in the right order and things are going much better.

Kev bumps into Mollie several times during the day. The first time she bemoans the latest bill to arrive - a final demand. Ken reckons he has done well out of the contact she provided and he offers her a commission for the introduction. She refuses - she is determined to pay her own way and sort it out herself.

Matt returns to home again. Not surprisingly Charlie is out of it, drunk again. He is not sure he can answer the question - at the moment he does not feel he loves Charlie and that he cannot give the answer she wants to the question. He has had enough and even though she offers to give up drink he cannot think of anything to make it worth staying. The door slams and Charlie is on her own sobbing her heart out.

Having been out all day Gail returns and the answering machine has a series of messages from Audrey which reminds her about her mother's birthday. She suddenly remembers what was bothering her earlier and she dashes round with a hastily acquired present and card. Better late than never I suppose. Audrey notes that Gail is with Richard who excuses himself and goes to the toilet (which seems a little spurious) but as he knows the way off he goes. Audrey asks her about her day out and suddenly we have a much younger Gail smiling, displaying a low cut dress and some of those breast things that Jack was eulogising earlier! Obviously had a good day.

At camp David and Martin are bonding playing cards. Yes David was promised a holiday without Sarah but it has not worked out like that. And he should show more sympathy - she has had a hard time. Elsewhere Sarah is talking to Hayley who is providing a sympathetic listening ear. Life has been bad for her!

Sam and Toyah are sat on a sofa. They are chatting and then Sam suggests they are rushing it and perhaps should take it more slowly - he does not want to push Toyah too hard. She on the other hand wants to see if they should go upstairs - she is nervous and shaking - she just wants her life to return to normal and get rid of the baggage she is carrying around. She wants to do it but does not know why she can't.

I gave last week a fairly low score you may have noticed. Well Daran was writing tonight and he can certainly give Edna and Blanche some fine words to deliver. As ever R'toyota (Georgia Taylor) pulled off a stunning episode. Not so sure about Charlie but lest we forget I can believe that her problems also relate back to her rape - so perhaps the comparison of the two girls and their problems needs more careful study.

And Audrey - lest we forget the golden oldies can do it as well - the little interplay with Blanche was a great little set piece all of its own.

Finally returning to my comments last week - there was no "contact" details at the end of the episode - it was driven by the characters - and in my opinion was much better for it.

I am away next Sunday so Amanda will be here (as well as covering a couple of other slots shortly) and I will be back in two weeks.

K Richard Whitbread

All of the episode was set at the camp site, so a lot of what happens is dialogue !

Roy suggests a game of bird Bingo ,in which everybody gets a point for each bird they see. The others are less than enthusiastic. Candice phones Todd for the umpteenth time, obviously jealous about him spending time with Sarah.

David instead of washing up decides to go for the food, Sarah joins him on the way back David sees some one skulking in the bushes. Run back to camp where Martin puts it down to his overactive imagination. Sarah is scared as she think it might be Gary, Sally reassures her it wont be him because he doesn't know where she is.

David, Wayne and Rosie go to play in the woods, David hears someone again the others don't believe him think that he is just scaring them. They find a 0cabin in the woods, David breaks in find a dormitory , the others climb in reluctantly. Rosie and David get out, David then locks Wayne in the cabin,then hears somebody and they both run off leaving Wayne alone. Deciding it was unfair to leave him turn back only to find Wayne gone. Run back to camp tell them all a man has taken Wayne.. At that moment a warden brings Wayne back, demanding money for the repair of the lock David broke..Asks who Wayne's parents are and he calls Hayley and Roy mum and dad only to slip up later and call Roy by his name.The warden is suspicious.

Wayne explains to Roy he didn't like being locked in the Dark as that is one way Alex used to punish him for lying.

Martin has a chat with David who admits he has been a right pain lately.Martin asks him to think of others before he plays his tricks/opens his mouth.

Todd asks Sarah to go to the disco with him. She refuses as it wouldn't be fair on Candice.Todd decides to go on his own.

Martin and Sally have a chat about being part of a separated family. Sally confides in Martin that she thinks it's a shame her and Danny didn't work out and that she is going to give men a rest. Martin tells her she is still young and has plenty of time left. Hayley thinks Roy is hiding something as he has been very jumpy recently.

Martin Rosen

Written by Phil Ford Directed by Penelope Shales

At the Duckworths', they're discussing a possible move to the new house which Jack has inherited from his erstwhile pal, Jim Kelly. Vera, Maria and Tyrone are making plans, but Jack advises caution.

At the surgery, Gail is tidying-up. Molly is forced to explain that Dr Ramsden has had a row with his wife and that he's sleeping in the surgery in the meantime.

In the cafe, Ashley and Maxine have just arrived back from their romantic break in Dublin. Vera informs Toyah that she'll have to cope on her own at lunch-time, for she and Jack are off to inspect their newly inherited property.

In the surgery, Molly and Matt talk about his marital problems, Molly offering advice. Candice arrives and offers Gail her apology for her Mum's rudeness - apology accepted. Is Candice feeling lonely? Gail suggests she phone Todd on his mobile - Candice had never thought of that! Kevin arrives with a new TV for Molly, to thank her for getting him his new contract, and is rewarded with a kiss.

In the Rover's, Les complains about the service at the bar. He offers to help - no thanks! Rita asks about Jack and Vera's recent property, and Audrey is suitably dismissive. Maxine tells Ashley that she's 'energized' after her holiday, but he's just knackered. Maxine reminds him that they were in bed early every night. Exactly!! A stranger arrives and asks for Toyah. Duggie tells him that Toyah is working at the local cafe. Molly and Gail discuss Matt and Charlie's problems, then talk about men, namely Richard and Kevin... just friends. Gail looks very pleased at the mention of Richard.

Matt arrives home for some clothes. Charlie is doing some school work. (Is she not on holiday from school at the moment?) Inevitably, they row again and Matt mentions Charlie's rape. She tells him that she's not just 'breeding stock'; she married him because of love, that's all.

Toyah is on her own in the cafe. Sam arrives and is concerned about how she feels about the other night. Toyah looks pleased. Sam dons an apron and gives a hand behind the counter. (A motor mechanic giving a hand in a cafe - not in the interests of hygiene, surely!) The stranger enters and sits down with a cup of tea. Audrey is approached by Candice, looking for a job in the Salon.

Jack and Vera see their property inheritance. Not a house, but a shed and an allotment.

INTERVAL

In the Rover's again, Les learns that, in Dublin, artists pay no tax. Richard arrives to find Gail and Molly at the end of their lunch break. Molly 'prescribes' a drink after work for Gail and Richard - it's a date.

Vera can't wait to get out of the shed they've inherited, but Jack looks quite pleased with the idea.

Candice phones Todd and Sarah and finds out they've been together.

Kevin gets a visit from the guy from Weatherfield Windows, the new contract he's just started thanks to Molly. Kevin thanks him for his custom and suggests a pint but much more seems to be looked for...

Vera, back in the cafe, is in a foul mood and not pleased, too, with Sam being behind the counter. She informs Toyah that she's going to Bingo tonight with Maria and that Toyah will have to clean up. Alex arrives and wants to know where Roy, Hayley and Wayne are. Thinking he's from Social Services, Vera shows him a postcard with the address of the camp site...

Kevin learns that he's expected to fork out 500 a month for his new contract.

The Duckworths, in the pub, talk about the shed. Vera and Maria go off to Bingo. Richard and Gail talk about their lives, watched by Rita and Audrey, who calls Rita a gossip! Ashley and Matt talk about Matt's problems.

The cafe is closed, but the stranger arrives to find Toyah alone. He's Jim Simmons, a friend of her alleged rapist, and wants to talk.

Richard and Gail get very cosy in the pub and Gail invites him for dinner. Ashley tells Matt that, no argument, he's to sleep in their spare room, not at the surgery.

In the cafe, Toyah is terrified by her visitor. Simmons tells her that he's brought a letter from his friend which she ought to read and leaves it on a table, then leaves.

Written by Iain McDougall - Kathy Brown is on holiday.

Written by David Lane Directed by Anne Ross Muir

All the action takes place on location at the camp-site in Derbyshire.

Todd has been at the disco last night and a local girl he'd met tells Sarah that she's welcome to him, as all he could talk about last night was Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. Sarah reminds him of Candice.

Roy has come up with something new - a treasure hunt. Sarah isn't keen on going into the woods but Roy assures her that there's nothing to fear - the 'stalker' had turned out to be Brian Haverstock, the Warden.

David finds Wayne washing his sleeping bag in the lake. Wayne has obviously wet the bed but, after a few moments, David says that they're mates and suggests a game of football.

Sarah asks Todd about the disco last night, but he assures her that nothing happened. Sarah borrows his mobile to call Candice.

Wayne and David play football, while Roy and Hayley wonder if and when Alex will appear to cause trouble. Roy admits that he didn't let Sheila (Wayne's Mum) know where they were going. Roy announces the teams for the treasure hunt.

Sarah on the phone to Candice, but Martin arrives, then Todd, cutting her conversation short...

Sally and Martin are one of the teams, but Sarah doesn't want to take part and Martin asks Todd to stay behind with her.

Hayley, Wayne and David set off on the treasure hunt, full of enthusiasm. Roy and Sally's two girls set off as well. (Since Roy has organized the treasure hunt, why is he taking part in one of the teams?)

Before Martin sets off on the treasure hunt, he and Sarah have a heart-to-heart talk. Sarah says that she's done everything wrong and has let everyone down. Martin reminds her that we all make mistakes and tells her about his Dad's three Rs - respect yourself, respect others and take responsibility for your actions. Sally arrives and Martin and she set off, leaving Sarah and Todd.

'Hayley's Heroes' arrive at the camp shop to find the first clue. Hayley says that Roy is very keen on good nutrition, like fresh fruit, but David accuses him of filling up the hospital with his massive fry-ups in the cafe!

Sally and Martin have a stroll in the woods and discuss their kids and their ex-partners. They laugh and seem very comfortable with each other.

Meanwhile, back at the camp-site, Todd tells Sarah that he thinks of her often and thinks she's lovely. He makes to kiss her, but she pushes him away.

INTERVAL

'Hayley's Heroes' find the next clue and David alters the sign to put others off the track.

Hayley's and Roy's teams both arrive at the pontoon at the same time and, in the excitement, Roy, Wayne and David end up in the water, with Wayne being hailed as a hero in rescuing Roy, who admits that he can't swim.

Back to the woods. Sally and Martin are being increasingly tactile as they discuss the future without their respective ex-partners. Is Sally off men for life? No, but she'd have to have someone who would understand her 'baggage', as she puts it. She might even want more kids, if the right man came along...

Roy, Wayne and David are drying off after their unexpected 'paddle' in the lake. Sally and Martin arrive back and Martin doesn't think that a visit to hospital is necessary.

Sally and Martin share a few moments together, Sally confessing that she was pleased that Kevin was too busy to come on the holiday. Martin wants to confess something as well, but David intervenes, saying that someone is lurking in the trees. It turns out to be Brian, the Warden, and his dog, who has just found the chocolate which was the treasure.

Roy, reluctantly, tells Hayley that Alex knows about her past.

The girls are asleep and Sally zips up the tent to find Martin waiting outside with a couple of cans of beer. They go for a walk, and Sally asks Martin what he was going to confess earlier. He says he has lost his nerve, but Sally has found hers and they end up locked in each other's arms in a passionate kiss.

This e-mail from Iain McDougall

Greetings from 30 degrees+ London town, with bright sunshine and hot days and warm nights. So to more mundane matters!

The Gail and Richard scenario continues apace. The District Nurse (whose name escapes me - sorry) is round at Gail's and discovers that G and R are to have dinner together that night. What about Bethany, whom Gail is nannying. The Nurse continues to tease Gail and calls her a "fast cat" and with a hunk like that you must fancy him. Well says Gail at least with Bethany acting as gooseberry it'll stop me making a fool of myself. Later they go to the park and on the way meet Maxine, who drools at the prospect of looking after Bethany. Later still Gail tells Richard that Bethany is being looked after, oh! Says he you've not locked her in a cupboard! Gail admits that it's nice to be able to invite him round without a stream of people passing through. He admits that he nearly didn't come as he didn't what to complicate things for her. Gale answers that if she wants it, it's different, he responds with you must tell me when to go. Gale's retort is that she wants to be kissed. Snog followed by heavy snog. No, says Gail, it's very nice, come on! The episode ends with her leading Richard upstairs.

Nearby lucky Dr Mat is staying with Maxine and Ashley. Max reels off a list of items available for breakfast, Mat plums for Toast & Coffee. The boys mutter about a cricket fixture list. Max says she'll be minding Bethany so the lads decide to go. Whilst Gale is dropping Bethany off Charlie comes round looking for Mat and it is made obvious that the doctor and the teacher have had a bust up.

Meanwhile chez Battersby. Les wants to know the contents of the letter Toyah has received from her rapist. Janice tries to persuade him to leave off. No such luck. Janice advises Toyah to wait until she's ready. Toyah says that Phil Symons what to see her whilst he's in jail, he feels awful and wants her forgiveness. Well says Janice does he think you'll go? Les storms in with, he must be joking after what he's done to you, burn the letter or go to the police. Toyah wants time to think things over. She goes round to see Charlie and reads the letter to her. Mat enters and says they should ignore him as he's only come to get a few things. Toyah wonders whether she should go and visit Phil and asks Charlie what she'd do. Charlie points out that she doesn't have to do anything. He's go to pay. Mat exits after trading polite conversation with his wife. Charlie urges Toyah to throw the letter away and forget him, pointing out that if she behaves likes a victim, she'll be treated like one. Toyah says she doesn't want to stop and admits she might go to see Phil in jail. Charlie thinks that's obscene and warns her to be careful else his lawyer could say that Phil's a reformed character and his victim concurs. Toyah recollects how Charlie overcame her rape by looking the rapist in the eye and refusing to be brown beaten. Fine says Charlie but bear in mind that was in a lecture room surrounded by others. You'll be in a 1-2-1 position. Well, says Toyah, I can walk out. It's up to you counsels Charlie. Sorry but it's been a bad day for me. Mat's left me. We couldn't see eye to eye and this might just be it. Might not have a marriage left anymore. Toyah advises her not to do anything she's not happy about. Charlie's riposte is that she doesn't care anymore so long as Mat comes back. Toyah leaves. Maxine arrives and let's drop that Mat's "staying at ours" "didn't you know"? He's out just now at a cricket match with Ash. Charlie becomes defensive and says that she doesn't know why Max's so interested in her and after all gossip only gets thrown back in your face.

As Ash and Mat are leaving to go to the pub before the cricket fixture, Max emphasises that Charlie's next door if Mat wants to see her. The boys ignore this and announce they are going for that drink. In the pub they chat about life and Ash admits he usually gives in to Max. Mat is still unsure just what to do next.

The District Nurse has seen Kev and asked him to buy her a drink! He suggests she should buy him one but admits that he cant meet just now as he's fixed up to see someone else. Earlier Tyrone had been waxing lyrical about the Rush job and all the extra overtime it was bringing in, mebbe Maria n me can get wed next year if this keeps up he muses. Kev meets Rush and whilst initially loath he pay him £500 a month as a backhander ultimately agrees because whilst Kev can manage without he knows his workforce can't afford not to do the overtime.

In the Duckworth household the burning issue is the allotment. Vera muses on why Jim Kelly would ever leave a thing like that to our Jack? Because says jack, he knows I'll look after it! Mucky old place mutters Vera. Maria sets off with Jack and Tyron but then admits that she's got to see her Mum. So Jack and Tyrone go round to the shed on the allotment. Jack opines that woman don't understand man's need for his own space. Jack says he needs somewhere he can escape to and he bets that one day Tyrone will need that too once the magic wears off and he too needs to escape. Definitely in Jack opinion a shed is the answer. He drones on about how good it is to look at an allotment and it gives you an interest and gets you out of the house.

So folks all ready for the passionate clinch of Gale and Richard in tonight's episode. Chuck another lobster on the Barbie and guzzle the Chardonnay.

Amanda Soppit

Hi from another balmy, humid evening in London!

Roy wakes up in his tent realising that Wayne is missing. He wakes Hayley who thinks he probably left and didn't want to wake them.

Roy goes looking for him. He finds him birdwatching.

Sally comes out of her tent. Martin complements her. She was to play down what happened the previous night. (they only kissed! MR)

Roy calls a camp meeting. As it was their last night he wants to make a bbq (barbie for our NZ/Aussie friends!). Martin offers to get provisions from the village and Sally volunteers to go with.

Roy and Hayley talk about Alex. He is worried that Alex will tell Wayne about Hayley.

Sally and Martin stop off on the way to the village for another kiss.

Hayley decides to tell Wayne about herself. He thinks they are going to tell him the facts of life. She explains she was once called Harold.

Sally and Martin continue embrassing feach other under a tree. Sally says she doesn't think that it can go on. Gail is her best friend. Martin is disappointed.

Wayne is walking in the woods, and thinks he can hear David. Suddenly Alex pops out of the bushes. Wayne screams. Roy and Hayley come rushing over.

Martin and Sally decide that once they get back to the campsite they must continue as they were before.

Alex threatens to tell Wayne about Hayley. Roy tells hm that he already knows. Alex then threatens to taske him home. Roy refuyses to let him go. An argument ensues. Martin comes over and Alex backs down.

Alex reports Roy and Hayley to the Social Services. He tells them that the Social Services and the police will turn up.

Roy tells Hayley and Roy thinks the police will come to him. If they ask Alex he will twist the truth into his own favour

Roy wants to run off. Hayley thinks it'll make things worse. Roy suggests asking Wayne what he wants to do. Hayley says he is only a child.

Roy tells Wayne that Alex has phoned the authorities.

Hayley steals Martin's car and her, Roy and Wayne drive off.

.. now for a cool shower!!

Martin Rosen

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