Here we are at the Barlow household yet again, this time with Deirdre just off the phone to Robert, Tracy's husband. Ken thinks that Tracy ought to be allowed to do as she will with Dev, but Deirdre thinks otherwise. [I wonder why?]

In the cafe, Ciaran promises to leave Roy and Hayley alone together; he plans to have a few drinks in the Rovers tonight. Steve and Karen discuss their options out of their financial mess - Eileen will be the loser, twice.

Robert arrives chez Barlow and sets the record straight: it was Tracy's cheating on him (with his best friend, Graham) which finally broke them up, not the other way around. [Tracy and Robert still have something in common - they both hate each other!]

Karen meets Eileen in the street and informs her that she (Karen) will be doing extra shifts at the radio for Streetcars.

Back at the Barlow home, and Robert reveals his real reason for his visit - he wants his van back. [Sic Transit gloria, eh?] Robert departs, with van, without Tracy, and wishes all the Season's Greetings...

In the Rovers, the young crowd start their celebrations, and John takes an over-keen interest in Maria, who seems to have taken a shine to him too. [Well, he's male, and isn't her brother...] Janice appears [in a very well-cut blue suit!] with Mick, and Toyah tells her that she's at last found the man of her dreams - John. Ciaran enters, and Fred decides that he's not barred any more. [After all, Ciaran argues, does Fred like all his customers?] John gets chatting again to Maria, who's obviously getting keener by the moment...

Aiden makes a brief appearance in the street, just as Gail and Richard make their way to the Rovers, where Audrey tries to ignore them, although their eyes meet.

Sarah answers the back door of the Hillmans' to find a hungry Aiden on the doorstep, pretending to be a First Foot. Sarah gives him a can of lager and a banana, then slams the door on him.

In the Rovers again, just before midnight, and Audrey and Archie discuss [what else?] the dreadful Richard.

Fiz and Kirk excuse themselves - they're feeling passionate, but will be back in a few minutes... [Romance dead? You decide!] Emily sits with Gail and Richard and they discuss the near-gone year, just as Norris arrives to lend his bonhomie to the gathering. The seconds are counted down to the New Year of 2003 - Happy New Year!! Kisses all round, and John wishes Maria an extra-special 2003, while Richard tells Emily that he has great hopes for 2003...

Roy and Hayley are walking in the street, and he tells her that she showed great managerial skills in securing the services of Ciaran during his absence, but that he has to go soon.

Rovers again, and the party is in full swing. Audrey tells Archie that, since her home is now repaired after the fire, she'll be leaving for home again soon. Archie will miss her, of course. Audrey thanks Archie profusely. Shelley advises Tracy about Dev's dalliances, but Tracy assures her that she's no fool as regards men.

Eileen bemoans her dual fate to Steve - that of the imminent loss of her house and her extra hours at Streetcars - but what alternative has Steve? Karen is less than sympathetic to her plight. [No change there, then!] Steve tells Eileen that the house is in the hands of Estate Agents and viewing will commence at the weekend.

Emily pays a visit to the Hillmans', now that Gail and Richard are back from the Rovers.

In the girls' flat, John and Toyah leave and Fiz learns of Maria's new-found attraction for John...

Chez Hillman, and Norris arrives to escort Emily home, much to Emily's annoyance.

Dev calls at the Barlow's', where he gets short shrift from Tracy; she'll decide if, and when, they meet again. Tracy closes the door on Dev.

In the corner shop the next morning, Dev accuses Deirdre of interfering and of being jealous in his relationship with Tracy, which Deirdre vehemently denies. [A woman scorned....] Deirdre pleads with Dev to leave her daughter alone, and Dev counters her plea-bargaining with his spin on the situation - he and Deirdre had an insignificant one-night stand, nothing more. And, anyway, Ken will have to find out, sooner or later...

Iain McDougall

Deirdre opens her door to find Dev, who wishes to speak to Tracy, who appears just as Deirdre is again warning Dev off, to no avail. Dev invites Tracy for dinner, and Tracy plays hard to get [she's a good actress!]. They'll meet in the Rovers at 5pm.

Eileen treats her two sons to breakfast in the cafe, and breaks the un-glad tidings that, not only have her hours been cut, but they're losing their home; the 'For Sale' goes up this afternoon. Fiz waxes eloquent [as only she can do!] about her imminent night out with Kirk, while Toyah and Maria listen. [What could be better than a night out with Fiz or Kirk? Bet you can think of some!!] In spite of Ciaran being a great asset to the cafe, Roy has to 'let him go', but Ciaran will finish his shift, being the all-round good guy. Toyah goes off to study at Emily's, Fiz goes off to who-cares-where, leaving little Maria to go back to the girls' flat on her own...

Again chez Barlow, where Tracy informs her Mum that she's going out with Dev tonight, and it's none of her business. Tracy stomps off, just as Ken comes off the phone from Jack Martin (his union rep) who wishes Ken well in his impending court case. Deirdre is off to work, her mind on other things.

The super-brat, Aidan, spies an elderly lady in the cafe leaving her bag unattended and he steals her purse and tries to make a run for it. Roy intercepts him, is knocked to the floor, but Ciaran weighs-in, retrieves the stolen purse and throws Aiden out into the street. Sarah and Candice witness this, and Sarah tries to make excuses to Candice for 'this nutter'.

The 'For Sale' sign is being put up at the Grimshaws' and Dev, passing, wonders why Steve is selling his assets... Eileen just wonders where she's going to find other accommodation.

Candice and Sarah come out of the cafe, Candice convinced that Ciaran fancies her.

John (Toyah's latest boyfriend) arrives at the girls' flat to find Maria on her own, and claims that he's just spoken to Toyah. [He lies.] Maria invites him in, and offers hospitality - lager and a chat...

In the street, loud music is heard as Todd, arriving home, tells Sarah and Candice of their eviction, just as an angry Vera appears and bangs on the door to complain about the loud music. Jason appears and, in true neighbourly spirit, tells her to 'bog off'. Blanche, having witnessed this little cameo, meets Deirdre who is arranging flowers outside the corner shop, and reminds her to 'think of Ken'. Deirdre assures her Mum that she IS thinking of Ken. [I've heard of a 'menage a trois', but this is a 'menage a quatre'!]

Sarah sneaks into Sally's old shop, where Aidan is squatting, and he seeks to justify his horrendous behaviour to Sarah. [He is sorry, but more sorry for HIMSELF.]

Back in the girls' flat, and Maria tells John about her drastic experiences with men. Maybe she should try an older man? John thinks that is a good idea, and a snogging session ensues on the sofa. [Sofa and no further??]

Ken is lost in thought over a cup of tea in the cafe when Toyah arrives, looking for help in her studies. Ken is lost in thought and is unable to help. Toyah leaves to go back to the flat...

... where the snogging has ceased and Maria leads a willing John into her boudoir...

... at which point, Toyah inserts her key into the flat door, but is interrupted by Ken, who apologises for being so off-hand in the cafe. He can help, even offering his lap-top for Toyah to access the Internet. Toyah and Ken go off to look for what she needs for her studies, both quite unaware of what is going on [and coming off] in the flat upstairs.

Sarah again visits Aidan in his squat and he wheedles his way out of his responsibility for Sarah's safety. His Dad hit him, he says, but the 'brave' Aidan hit him back. Sarah goes to fetch some food for this feckless, arrogant youth.

Maria and John are interrupted in their passion by his mobile - Toyah. He switches it off and gets back to what he was doing.

In the cafe, Roy pays Ciaran what he's due, just as Tracy arrives and offers herself as a date, which Ciaran refuses as he has 'something to do'.

Dev is alone in the Rovers. He's been stood-up by Tracy? [Where is she??] Ciaran arrives, with Karen, Janice and Hayley. Drinks are on him. On hearing that he's leaving, Shelley offers the drinks 'on the house'. Sunita offers Dev sympathy about being stood-up, but Dev declares it'll be the last time. Toyah enters and tells Hayley that she'll have to cut her hours in favour of her studies.

Sunita arrives in the corner shop and tells a delighted Deirdre about Dev's having been stood-up.

John tells Maria that 'it was every bit as good as he imagined'. [Romance is not dead, then?]

Janice invites Toyah to the pictures, but Toyah would like to invite Maria too, for she's been 'a bit down' lately. Toyah goes back to the flat to invite Maria...

Ciaran tells Hayley of the trouble in the cafe this afternoon, and Hayley decides that Ciaran has to stay. She drags him off to see Roy.

Toyah gets to the flat and, finding no one there [she doesn't look in Maria's bedroom], she goes off to the pictures with her Mum. The love birds get over their passion quickly, Maria now sorry for what has taken place.

In the cafe, Ciaran will work again, and Hayley is delighted.

Chez Barlow, and Deirdre surprises Ken by offering to take him out for a meal. Ken agrees, with pleasure. Deirdre tells Ken that he's very precious to her, and they share a kiss.

Back at the girls' flat, John is tucking his shirt in when Fiz arrives and assumes that he and Toyah have been making out, just as Maria comes out of her bedroom and throws his trousers at him. Fiz, for once, puts two and two together and makes four. John exits hurriedly. Maria pleads with Fiz not to tell Toyah about their cheating. The last word is to Fiz: 'Cow!'

Iain McDougall

Fizz reckons that Maria is the pits for sleeping with Toyah's boyfriend and that Toyah deserves to know................Maria begs her not to tell, but Fizz reckons Maria should tell her herself..........

over at the shop, Sunita and Deirdre are discussing Dev, poor Sunita is so obsessed,

Eileen is off to work, she tell Jason and Todd not to tidy the place up because a buyer is coming to look round and she doesn't want to help Steve sell the house from under them.......

In the cafe...Kieran is excelling and impressing the ladies, especially Hayley.......Roy is not impressed!

In the cab office, Karen is messing up the controls, and sending cabs to the wrong houses, luckily Eileen arrives to sort it out and Steve tells Karen to go home and rest, Dev arrives he wants to talk to Steve, he says he's spoken to Vik and he says he's sorry.........(big deal) Dev offers to buy Vik's half of the business, but Steve tells him straight! He hates Dev and Dev hates him so there's no way that would work!!!

Back at the Flat there is a terrible atmosphere between Fizz and Maria................Toyah gets ready to meet John Fizz tells Maria to tell Toyah or she will!! Toyah leaves to meet John, she thinks her flatmates are acting really weird!

Tracey bumps in to Dev in the street, and apologises for standing him up, they go for a drink and arrange to meet that night

Audrey is now ready to move back into her house...........it's all done after the fire, Archie is worried and offers to stay with her, but she says she has to stand on her own two feet

Meanwhile Jason is making the family home into a right tip, all ready for this buyer.........but the buyer turns out to be a builder who is not easily put off, Jason turns on his music and Vera comes charging round screaming about the noise, Maybe that will put him off??

Silly Sarah is still sneaking food to Ade..............will she never learn??? he thinks she still fancies him :o(

After the pub, Dev takes Tracy back to the shop and openly kisses her in front of her shocked mum and Sunita

Later........Dev is called away on family stuff so Tracey finds herself stood up.............Sunita tells her to get used to it, and sparks fly..............Tracey pushes it and whoops..............Sunita opens her gob!!!

"WHAT??? DEV AND MY MOTHER??"

Sue Nicholson

We have a double episode tonight, so a lot of typing! Oh and thanks to my wife for preparing one episode tonight, while I finished off my supper LOL.

We start of on the morning of Ken's court case. Deirdre urges Ken to tell the truth about Ade. Ken assures her that the court will be in no doubt about him. She says not to make himself a martyr. Blanche says she will not be coming to court as she has a chiropody appointment. Tracy says she will be coming to see her mum stand by her man (cue Tammy Wynette!).

Sunita says she made a mistake and blurted out about Deirdre and Dev, and urges Tracy not to mention it. Tracy says she can't forget it.

Peter comes in to the cafe and starts an argument with Ciaran. Roy intervenes but they both say they have no problems. Ciaran hopes that Peter and Shelley may find it in the goodness of their hearts to forgive him. Peter says he won't.

Steve asks Eileen if anybody would be at home, so that the estate agent can send a potential buyer around. She rings Jason to get the place "ready".

Tracy confronts her mother about telling the truth. Deirdre says she always would, unless there was a very good reason for not doing so.

Maxine tells Ashley that her father is making a final settlement to her mum. Ashley thinks it would be good, and then Doreen overhears him say that she would be able to find her own place.

Tracy is still having digs at her mother when Ken comes in. They say they will continue later.

After Doreen leaves, Ashley says to Maxine that he can't wait for her to leave, and if she would admit it, so would Maxine.

Tracy has another dig towards her mum. Deirdre realising something is afoot asks her what it is all about. Tracy tells her that she knows about her and Dev.

Shelley urges Peter to tell Roy about Ciaran, and then he will sack him.

Doreen tells Mike Baldwin that Derek has withdrawn his allegations against him and he need not worry. He says he wasn't worried.

Jack tells Vera not to get involved in a row with the neighbours. It inflames a situation and in the end nobody remembers how it all started.

John comes into the pub to see Maria. He tells her Toyah has a lecture. He wants to chat to her, and suggests they do so when she takes a break.

Ken's solicitor goes over the court procedure with him.

Deirdre pleads with Tracy not to tell Ken. Tracy thinks that Deirdre is just pretending that she is supporting Ken.

Maria tells John that she is not interested in him.

Vera confronts Eileen about the noise coming from her house. Eileen tells Vera that Steve McDonald can't sell the property because of the noise coming from Vera's. Vera says any noise will be retaliation.

Ken wants to know why Deirdre and Tracy are at loggerheads. Deirdre doesn't want to say anything, but Tracy starts to tell Ken. He then listens in silence. Tracy storms off. Deirdre wants to explain, but Ken tells her not to say anything.

Eileen comes home and tells her sons about Steve not being able to sell his house mainly because of the noise next door. She congratulates the boys.

The magistrate says that he will accept Ken's guilty plea. Ken goes to the witness box to explain his actions. He says he wants to apologise to all concerned. However he says he wants to tell the truth throughout his life, but he keeps being confronted with lies and dishonesty. The magistrate gives Ken a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Ray asks Ciaran whether it was because he and Peter were old friends that he wants to stay on. Ciaran says that he has had a disagreement with Peter. Roy urges him to try again. Ciaran take up this suggestion.

Ken tells Deirdre that they will get a lift home so they can discuss things.

[At this point Fiona takes over the script]

Blanche is at home when Tracy arrive back from the court. She explains to Blanche what Deirdre and Dev have done. Blanche is furious that she told her today, and slaps her.

Sarah is buying food for Aide and bumps into Martin. She says she is a project for school.

Dev tells Karen about his offer to Steve to buy into Streetcars. Karen is surprised.

Here endeth the first episode.

This part was written by Fiona. All complaints/suggestions to her please (fiona@hrb.org.uk) !!

Blanche is at home when Tracy arrive back from the court. She explains to Blanche what Deirdre and Dev have done. Blanche is furious that she told her today, and slaps her.

Sarah is buying food for Aide and bumps into Martin. She says she is a project for school.

Dev tells Karen about his offer to Steve to buy into Streetcars. Karen is surprised that Steve said no. On her way back to work she bumps into Joe who has a go at her for not being at her machine. She ends up offering him Vik's old flat.

Ken and Deirdre comes back from court by taxi, and Mike is passing by so he asks how he got on. Ken is annoyed at seeing Mike (another "friend" of Deirdre's).

When he gets in Blanche and Tracy are still shouting. Ken tells them of his conditional discharge. Deirdre breaks down and Blanche hugs her. Tracy tells Deirdre that the truth hurts. Deirdre throws her out of the house, and Ken tells her to go so they can talk. Tracy kisses him goodbye and goes. He then tells Blanche to go too. Deirdre tells Ken that she is sorry. In a rage Ken pushes over the table, and says that she always says she is sorry, and this time it is not enough.

Deirdre tells him that it was a crush on Dev. She tells him when it happened, last Christmas after a row with Peter. Ken is outraged that she came back afterwards and that they went for a drink.

In the shop she sees Dev and asks him how she compares with her mother.

At the Rovers, Joe accepts the flat from Karen.

Fred tries to cheer up Doreen who is feeling depressed about getting older. She apologises for being no company. Fred invites her into the backroom for a drink.

Ken asks Deirdre why she didn't tell him before and how many other men there are in her life. He says she is not committed to him and that is why she wouldn't marry him. He loved her more than she loved him. He asks what attracts her to men like Dev and Mike. She says they make her feel alive and were exciting. Whereas sometimes she feels trapped. She just goes to work and coming home. Ken says they are still together due to circumstances. Deirdre asks where does this leave 'us'. He says there isn't any 'us' anymore.

Dev tries to explain to Tracy that Deirdre threw herself at him. He says he really likes Tracy. He asks her to stay with him for the night. He says there is no comparison between her and Deirdre and hugs her.

Deirdre promises Ken that this will never happen again. She says she loves him. She says it is more than exciting. Ken says she has hurt him over this and many things. He says she doesn't want to marry him. She then offers to do so if that will make things all right.

Ken then moves towards the back door. He tells her to get out of the way. He then leaves. Deirdre is begging him to stay. She howls.

I wish my wife would write clearer, this has taken a long time to transcribe!!!

Fiona and Martin Rosen

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY

i hope you all had a great xmas and a fantastic new year, i am sorry to say i will not be able to do the updates for a while as i am going into hospital next Wednesday for 4 operations, 1 of them being a hysterectomy, so i will be laid up for a bit. sorry about the inconvenience to you all. ann

dreeeerdre is sobbing at Tracy, asking her could she, Tracy accuses her mum of ruining her life, as she really liked Dev, and what she has done to dad, she did the same with mike.

Dreeerdre tells her she wants her out and screams GET OUT NOW ken tells her to go, she kisses her dad on the cheek and leaves. Ken then says that he can smell food, blanche tells him it is a pie in the oven, he tells her she had better turn it off as he doesn't want to see it get ruined, he then asks blanche to go out, she tells him she will go for a drink as she needs one or go to Emily's instead(is Emily not going to suffer enough in the coming weeks, 1st blanche then Richard, mind you, at least Richard wants to put her out of her misery, nod add to it like blanche,hehehe).

O.M.G Ken overturns the dinner table and smashes all the crockery, dreeerdre jumps and begs for his forgiveness, and tells him that she is sooo sorry, Ken shouts YOUR ALWAYS SORRY, he then says to her, you always sneak around my back having these sordid affairs.(hello ken, were you asleep when you had yours, pot and kettle come to mind here). deerdre tells him that it was just a crush like the one you have in school and he made her feel attractive and alive and that he is a very attractive man and paid her attention, he listened to her, her dreams and ambitions. Ken then goes back to when she lived at Dev's and was it a case of he wanted Gina more so she came back to him as she had no-where else to go, she then drops the bombshell that it was not then it was last xmas, so it wasn't as bad as ken thought, he tells her that it was worse as they hadn't fallen out, they had spent xmas together and then went down to London, she says it was after that row with peter when she went for a walk, saw Dev he listened and it just happened, but she loved ken always had and always will, ken cant understand this as he thought they were happy then and even when they went to London they were happy, she said that she blotted it from her mind as it meant nothing.

Tracy goes to see Dev, he says at last a pretty face to brighten the place up (best she leaves then) she pushes Dev and then starts shouting HOW COULD YOU, WITH MY MOTHER, he tells her that he really liked her and couldn't bring himself to tell her, they continue to row, with Tracy doing all the shouting about how hard done by she is.

Karen is up to no good with Joe, she is scheming to get Eileen out of that house, Joe wants it, she said that he will have to deal with Steve as he sorts all that out, Steve turns up and they go quiet as Joe knows that Karen is up to something, Steve gets suspicious.

Fred and Doreen are having a chat, she is having a wo-is me day, she tells Fred that she has varicose veins and a wardrobe full of black dresses to show for her life and that int how it was sposed to be, she wanted to be an air stewardess and travel to warm sunny country's she then tells Fred she is terrible company, he says she int and for them to fly off to the back room to chat and drink, she obliges and off they go.

back at ken and dee's, ken tells dreeerdre that his relationship is a farce and that he is so blind, he thinks that dreeerdre just married him for a name for trace, d goes mental at this and tells him that she married him cos she loved him, he asks her if he was that boring she tells him no, she just felt trapped and needed excitement, ken also tells her he thinks that if samir were alive, she would be living in morocco with him and not with ken, she cant answer that, but does tell him that she has always loved him, and that why she always comes back to him, and doesn't that tell him something about the two of them, he then tells her there is no us.

Tracy cry's, Dev tells her that he is sorry and there wasn't any comparison and that dreerdre made all the moves and not him, Tracy said she can believe that as her mum is sad, she then tells him she has no-where to live, he tells her to come to his.

ken and dreeerdre are still rowing and that she will marry him if that what he wants, he tells her that it isn't, not any more, he then tells dreerdre that she will have to explain to blanche, dreerdre doesn't know what he means, he tells her that he cant go on living there anymore. dreerdre tells him that she will not let him go until they have sorted it out and she proves how much she loves him, he said its a pity you didn't do that last year, ken leaves via the gunnel, she begs him to stay, he turns and gives her one of his stares and goes, dreerdre breaks down into big sobs the end

Ann Williams

The Hillmans', and Richard, having just received what he calls a 'reminder' from the bank, has things to do and people to see, even too busy to take little Bethany to the creche for Sarah, who's behind in handing in an essay for school. Richard advises her: "Never rest till it's done!"

Chez Barlow, and Blanche is relieved to still have a roof over her head. Ken and Deirdre inform her that they've settled their 'differences' and that they're staying together. ['Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all; much better...]

Todd and Sarah meet up in the street and promise they'll see each other later. Sarah is off to take food to Aiden, in secret...

Norris comes out of Emily's en route to a meeting, but he promises to be back to look after her well-being [Sounds like a threat to me!] while Richard watches with interest from across the road...

Patrick is on the radio at Streetcars, since Karen has gone walkabout, much to the annoyance of Steve when he arrives. Steve takes over at the radio, and immediately broadcasts an all-points search for his wayward wife, dead or alive.

Aiden, still squatting in Sally's old shop, is not pleased to hear from Sarah that Mr Barlow has walked free from court. Sarah will not see him later, for she has to buy a birthday present for Todd.

In the Corner Shop, Dev informs Sunita that Deirdre is off sick today. [How will they cope with only two to run the shop?]

Shelley pressures Peter about putting in an offer for the Grimshaw's house [well, Steve's house, number 11, if you want accuracy]. He phones an offer of å£20,000 to the estate agents. [Where I stay, that money would buy a garage. No house, just a garage.] Ken passes and assures his son that he and Deirdre are back, for good, so respect his decision.

Richard arrives in the street in his car and says a brief hello to Emily. He puts his gloves on. [And I thought that the gloves were off?]

The Peacock home, where Fred has arrived to try to squirm his way out of his engagement to Doreen. He vacillates, and leaves. Little does he realise that Doreen wants 'out' too!!

Deirdre arrives at the Corner Shop to find out if she still has a job or not, and Sunita admits to having told Tracy about Dev and Deirdre, since she was tired of telling lies to cover Dev's tracks.

In the cafe, Steve receives an offer for his house by phone, and rejects it. Ciaran has been teaching Morse Code to Roy. [So Ciaran is here for a while then?]

Ken arrives in the Corner Shop, just to buy milk, but he assures Dev that he and Deirdre are still together and he is not afraid to walk down the street.

In the Rovers, Richard is swallowing a few large whiskies. Fred is also swallowing a few, wondering how he can get out of his latest predicament, Doreen and his engagement. Steve arrives and takes Karen to task for her disappearance, but she is unrepentant. [Who is manning the radio now, I wonder?] Richard leaves the Rovers...

... and pauses for a moment to put his gloves on again. He then slips around the ginnel and, just as he's about to knock on the back door of number 3, Emily's house, Toyah opens the door with a bin bag in her hands. Both get a fright. [Neither had expected the other to be there.] Richard learns that Emily is out and Toyah is there studying in the peace and quiet, but he declines her invitation to come in and await Emily's imminent return: he'll 'catch up' with Emily very soon...

Steve receives another offer on the house, å£20,000 + å£500. Final offer.

Eileen and her sons discuss the mystery person who has put in an offer for the house, and they (correctly) assume it's Peter.

The decibel count rises in Streetcars as Steve and Karen have a meaningful discussion of their financial position. Karen thinks that Steve ought to take Dev's offer of help seriously.

In the Corner Shop, Sunita admits to Dev that she's known about him and Deirdre for months, and she offers to leave. Dev tells her to stay - the damage has been done.

Tracy arrives chez Barlow and tries to apologise for her interference in their lives. Oh, and she wants to move back in! Neither Ken nor Deirdre want her in their house, so Tracy leaves again for Dev's, telling her parents, as she departs the happy home, that she feels sorry for them.

Karen arrives in the Corner Shop and discusses with Dev his offer to buy-in to Streetcars. Dev is suspicious, and wary, but Karen tells Dev to leave Steve to her.

Iain McDougall

Richard sneaks downstairs in the dark to find Sarah making some cheese sandwiches........for Ade?????

Karen finds Steve asleep at the radio control, poor lad is working all hours.........she wants him to talk to Dev about buying Vik's half of the company but Steve doesn't want Dev involved. She has just cleaned Vik's flat ready for Joe Carter moving in, and that should bring a bit more cash in.

Tracey has no work and asks Peter for some work at the bookies....he says he has none but will talk to Shelley about some shifts at the pub, Shelley agrees to try her out

Doreen is upset cos it appears everyone knows about her engagement to Fred, serves her right for getting drunk!!!! Fred wants out too but neither of them know the other is not keen

Steve finds out that the person who made an offer on his house is Peter.........but the offer is an insult, Peter refuses to go any higher..he knows Steve is desperate.

It's Doreen's 50th Birthday tomorrow and Ashley and Maxine are having a Party at the pub, They invite the Hillmans but inform them that they have already booked Emily to baby-sit for them with baby Joshua, Sarah says she will ask Martin to have Bethany cos its Todd's 18th too

Karen sets a meeting up between Dev and Steve without telling them, they are both annoyed about it and refuse to discuss the business, but when Steve asks Richard's advice, he reckons he should talk to Dev cos desperate problems need desperate measures, so Steve goes to see Dev and arranges to meet him at the cab office at 8pm.

Ashley has bought a welcome doormat for Doreen's birthday present, for when she gets her own place....Maxine reckons he may as well just kick her out, it so insulting, and she wants to spend £200 to buy her a chain

Maxine is fussing about leaving the baby with Emily..............she trusts Emily but she has never left Joshua with anyone but her mum before, and she's a bit worried.

Doreen and Fred discuss their engagement........neither of them want to say they have been dumped...........so they get nowhere fast!

Dev and Steve have their meeting and Dev pays the £10,000 tax bill and wants 50% of the company..........Steve wants Dev to be a sleeping partner, but Dev wants to be involved.............looks like there will be fireworks in that merger!!!!!!

Oh-Oh Richard has his gloves on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he sneaks into the empty shop where Ade is sleeping...........checks that he is unconscious from the drug laced booze...........and then he picks up a crow bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue Nicholson

Richard is sorting through the pills and medicines at home. Some of them were what they took from Audrey when they believed she was ill. Gail comes in, and Richard hurriedly puts them away. Gail wonders what he is doing and he said he was looking for something for a headache.

Karen asks whether Eileen gets on with her neighbours. She believes that Eileen is deliberately upsetting them. Steve tells her that he has taken the property off the market. Dev comes in, and when he joins into the conversation, Eileen starts shouting at him. Steve tells her that he is her new boss. Dev says he wants to call a meeting of all staff in an hour.

Shelley showing Tracy how to work the till. She explains how it calculates the change to give. Harry says in his day it was all mental arithmetic.

Everyone is turning up at the Rovers for the party. Maxine tells Emily that she will be just over the road if a problem occurs with the baby-sitting.

Doreen is surprised to find in the house a balloon with '50' marked on it. She says she doesn't want everyone to know her age. Maxine explains everyone knows because of the party. Doreen thinks they may know her birthday but not her age.

Ade is drinking away in the old shop. He calls Sarah's mobile but when it rings she switches it straight off.

Ashley asks Fred not to mention Doreen's age at the party. Fred says it will be difficult inasmuchas they have a cake in the shape of 50. Harry mentions to Doreen about being 50. She gets annoyed at him.

Tracy is chatting at a table to Dev when Shelly is looking for her.

Ade turns up at the pub already drunk. Richard tells him to get lost. Ashley forcibly chucks him out. Ken sees him lying in the gutter. He offers to take him home, but he just wanders off.

Dev chats with Eileen about StreetCars, but she doesn't want to talk shop in the pub.

Richard makes an excuse to Gail and family that he has left a drink at the bar and goes off. He goes outside and puts on his gloves .....! He goes round to where Aide is sleeping. He sees that Aide is out drunk. He then puts on Aide's jacket and baseball hat, and a jemmy.

Emily is watching a thriller on tv.

Richard climbs over a fence to the Peacock's garden. He forces open a back door. Emily is intensely watching her tv film.

Maxine leaves the party to go home.

Richard comes up behind Emily and hits her with the jemmy.

Maxine walks in and sees him standing there and asks why he is there.

[At this point it was the end of the first episode. As I was out earlier this evening I recorded the programmes. When the second part started Maxine was on the floor - so unfortunately I don't know if we saw Richard hitting her. I invite any of my colleagues to jump in here!]

Ashley is about to leave to go home and join Maxine. However before he goes he keeps getting stooped.

Back at the Peacocks, Emily is lying slumped on the couch and Maxine is face down on the floor. Richard grabs some stuff from around the house and then runs out. Anyone glances at him would think he is Aide.

Ashley still about to leave and is stopped by Doreen who paws all over him (yuk!).

Richard goes back to where Aide is staying and leaves the cap, coat and jemmy with him. Aide is still asleep, drunk.

Tracy is still chatting to Dev and not serving. Shelley tells her to do some work.

Ken and Deirdre turn up at the Rovers are surprised to see Tracy working there.

Richard goes to the yard of the Rovers. He puts a bottle there that he picked up from Aide's. (I am not sure what the relevance of this is). He avoids Maria who is putting out some rubbish.

Richard goes back into the pub and joins in the singing of 'For she's a jolly good fellow'. Doreen makes a speech thanking everyone.

Eileen tells Steve about Dev's chat earlier. Steve is annoyed and tells Dev to come with him to the cab office for a meeting.

Richard sees Ashley about to leave and buys him a drink. Gail asks Ashley about Josh. Richard says one day he'll come in and completely spaced out, says he won't know if it was drink or drugs.

Norris decides to leave with Ashley.

Ashley returns home to find Maxine on the floor and Emily on the couch. Ashley is besides himself and cannot speak.

Norris gets home and is surprised to find Emily not at home. He goes over to the Peacock's. He rings the doorbell and there is no reply . He knocks on the window. Ashley eventually comes out in a blood stained shirt, and they both walk back in.

Ashley cradles Maxine. Norris wants to know if he has called the police. Ashley can't speak. Norris can just about call the emergency services to get the police and an ambulance.

Tracy is helping herself to a drink. Shelley tells her that she can't do that.

Norris comes back to the pub and calls Fred to come over to the house. Then he calls Doreen over. Norris tells Fred to go in. Doreen follows. Ashley is cradling her blood-soaked body. Fred tells Doreen to go upstairs to the baby crying.

Emily murmurs, but she is also blood-stained.

Tracy starts insulting Kirk in the Rovers. Maria is annoyed and defends him. Shelley overhears it all and sacks Tracy.

The police arrive and examine the scene. One of them calls through to hq to check on the ambulance. They interview Ashley. He says he doesn't know what happened. Doreen comes back downstairs. The ambulance arrives.

People coming out of the pub to see the police and ambulance vehicles outside the Peacocks. Mike finds out from Emma what has happened. Ashley is led away in handcuffs. Emma tries to explain that Ashley must be under suspicion.

They see Emily being brought out on a stretcher. Richard can't believe Emily is still alive.

Next episode is Wednesday and will be compiled by our mystery correspondent!

Martin Rosen

P.S.

Having read through my tv listings magazine, I have now found out why Richard threw the bottle that Ade had been drinking from away last night.

It seemed when he was going through Audrey's medicines, he took some sleeping tablets. He then put that in the bottle of alcohol that Ade was drinking from. So when the police eventually found Ade, they wouldn't find the drugged bottle.

Clever eh?!

Well our mystery writer tonight is ..... Fiona, my wife!!!

We join the Street in the aftermath of Maxine's death.

Ashley is in prison. It is 5.05am. He asks to see his son. He is told he is in safe hands. Ashley is distraught.

In hospital Rita and Norris are sitting by Emily bedside. She is unconscious and wired up. Norris refuses to go home, as he doesn't want her to wake up alone.

The body is removed from the house and the press try to ask Richard questions.

The whole area is cordoned off. Fred begs a police officer to let him go in and get Josh's toy from the house. He doesn't know his mother is dead, but knows something is wrong.

The police question Ashley, asking why he stayed in the pub when Maxine went home.

Richard phones the school to explain why "his" kids maybe upset today. Gail doesn't think they should go in. Richard says he will take them in and pick them up for safety. Ultimately he thinks things should try and go on as normal for the kids. This talk scares Gail. Richard tells her that nothing will happen to them.

At the hospital Toyah arrives. Norris explains that there is no way of knowing whether Emily can hear them. So Toyah starts to talk to her about Spider who is in Costa Rica. Norris says that at her age there maybe brain damage.

Dev tells Joe that he is now his landlord. Joe is outraged.

Steve tells Peter and Shelley that the house has been taken off the market. He no longer is desperate for the money.

The police are combing the cobblestones for any forensic evidence.

Joe goes round to see Steve and queries with him whether Dev is his landlord. When Steve confirms it, Joe says he is moving out. Steve explains that Dev has a 50% stake in the business

Doreen is in tears in the backroom of the Rovers. Fred says they won't open the pub today. Doreen says she can't get hold of Maxine's father as he is away. Fred says he is going to the police station to bring Ashley home.

The police are at the Hillman's. Gail confirms they were at the pub all evening. Richard is looking very nonchalant, but it is obvious inside he is very tense offering the police coffee and biscuits. Gail says that Emily is a client of Richard's. They say they can't think of any motive for this attack. Richard drops into the conversation that Aide was in the pub, drunk. He was rowing with Ashley.

Audrey comes into the cafe. She wonders what is happening outside. All the police would tell her that it was a major incident.

The police question Peter and he tells them that he remembers seeing a light in an empty shop.

Roy breaks the news to Audrey.

Ashley asks for a break from the questioning. The police want to carry on. They ask him how he got Maxine to marry him, as he is "no oil painting". Ashley snaps under questioning. His solicitor asks the police to give him a coffee.

Dev tells Roy that his plans for the amusement arcade next door are off.

Richard asks Toyah how Emily is. She says they won't tell her. Audrey gives Richard a look and tells Roy it is him. She asks why Gail didn't phone and tell her about Maxine.

The police burst into the empty shop and find Ade asleep on the floor. They search the premises and find a bag full of stolen items. Ade tries to run off but they catch him He says none of the things are his, even a camcorder with pictures of Maxine on it.

Ashley is released on bail because of "important developments". Ashley asks a police officer how he can sleep at nights after all he has said. But he says they won't catch the killer by being nice.

Ade is taken off by the police, while Richard watches.

Well how long before people start putting 2 + 2 together. After all Audrey has warned them all about Richard ...

Fiona Rosen

It's very early in the morning in the back room of the Rovers, and Ashley is doing some ironing for wee Josh. Fred, who can't sleep either, arrives, and assures his son that he's back with those that love him. Fred feeds the wee boy, and Ashley returns to his ironing chore.

At the hospital, a nurse arrives and wakens Norris, who is keeping a vigil beside Emily's bed. The nurse sends Norris off to freshen-up, but he wants reassured that if, when, Emily wakens, he'll be called so that she can see a friendly face.

A dark dingy cell in Weatherfield police station, 7am, and Emma brings a very frightened Aidan a cup of tea. Aidan has been held there all night, and he's due to meet the DI for an interview about the murder. The cell door slams, leaving Aidan to have his tea and contemplate what his future holds...

Later in the morning, Ashley is taking wee Josh out for a breath of fresh air, when someone hammers on the door. The police have come to inform Ashley that they've arrested someone [but can't say who] for his wife's murder. The police think that it's been a 'burglary gone wrong'.

Back at the hospital, Rita and Norris are at Emily's bedside when she comes round and opens her eyes. Norris speeds off to get a nurse, while Rita explains to Emily that she's been in an accident, but is safe now.

The DI enters Aidan's cell to talk to him, and offers the Youth Offending Officer to help him, which Aidan refuses. Aidan also refuses to have his father contacted. Is there anyone else he'd like to have with him during the interview...?

A CID officer arrives chez Hillman to speak to Sarah. Richard welcomes him in to the family home, after asking the officer if it's bad news about Mrs Bishop. The CID officer quizzes Sarah about Aidan and his life in the squat at Sally's old shop, and Sarah freely admits to taking him food, but that he's no killer. [Richard gives his opinion that Aidan is a menace, always has been, and that it's good that he's been caught.]

A policeman arrives at the Barlow's'. Ken is first surprised that his ex-pupil, Aidan Critchley, has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Maxine Peacock, then amazed when he learns that Aidan has asked for him to be present at his interviews about the murder!

The Kabin, and Richard comes in to buy an evening paper, since he has heard that Aidan has been arrested for Maxine's murder. Is there anything in the paper? Rita tells him that it's far too early for the evening paper but, thank God, Emily has regained consciousness.

In Roy's Rolls, Ciaran offers to invest in the cafe for Roy to expand his empire. Ciaran also offers to extend his leave from the Royal Navy to help out!! [Extended leave from the Royal Navy? - that's a new one on me.]

Emma chats to Emily in the hospital about the tragic events, but Emily can't remember anything. Emma tells her the sad news of Maxine's demise.

Ken arrives at the police station and talks to Aidan. Why him? Someone he can trust, says Aidan, and they have a private talk about what happened. Ken eventually admits to believing Aidan's innocence of the murder; after all, Aidan could hardly stand that night...

Back in the Rovers' back room, where Ashley, after having some sleep, discovers that wee Josh is not with him. Fred assures him that Doreen has taken Josh out for a while. Fred also tells his son about who has been arrested in connection with the murder, but that Ashley will have to contain his anger.

Roy and Hayley discuss Cieran's possible investment in their business. Hayley seems keen, but Roy is not.

Again in the back room of the Rovers. Ashley has little Josh on his knee [and every time Ashley speaks, wee Josh looks up at him! - sweet] and blames himself for Maxine's murder.

Peter and Ciaran meet up in the street, and Shelley spies them being chatty and friendly. She storms back into the pub...

... only to be followed by Peter, who tries, unsuccessfully, to explain his continued friendship with Ciaran. Shelley doesn't think much of Peter's explanation that 'Ciaran is as upset as you'! Rita, Fred and Norris discuss Emily's progress, which conversation is overheard by Richard and Gail, who seem pleased at this.

Back room of the Rovers again. Ashley, with little Josh, asleep, in his arms, reminisces about how a poor, thick, clumsy butcher's boy as he is managed to marry such a beautiful girl as Maxine, who loved him. And they were happy. The scene fades with Ashley bending down to kiss his little son: 'Just you and me now'...

Iain McDougall

Ashley is on the phone........it's the police telling him that they have charged Ade Chritchley.......poor lad is distraught, it won't bring Maxine back will it?

Ken tells Deirdre and Blanche that Ade has been charged, but he believes the lad didn't do it..............Blanche is her usual cryptic self.

Maxine's mum is still distraught, she stands and watches the house, cos they are still not allowed to go in..........Audrey tells her to remember the good times and make sure she tells little Josh all about his mum.

Fizz is going to meet Kirk's mum and dad and Toyah is teasing her...telling her they dress for dinner etc.......... Fizz wants to know why Maria isn't going.....they are her mum and dad after all........Maria has other things on her mind.

Curly and the baby go to join Ashley and Josh in the park, poor Ashley can't cope with the laughing etc in the pub......... He is sooo scared he will forget what Maxine looks like.................

Maria has a pregnancy test..but she shoves it down the chair when Toyah and John come in........John sits in the chair, the phone rings and Maria has to go to work.

Sarah Lou is thinking about what would have happened to Bethany if she had died in that crash....................she tells Richard that whoever killed Maxine.........killed the whole family!!!

Fred and Audrey chat, he says he is falling apart, but she tells him to be strong for Ashley's sake..............if he wants to cry, go to her and cry, but at home stay strong for Ashley!!!!!!!!!!!

Emma brings Ashley, Maxine's wedding rings, as it will be some time before he can bury his wife :o(

Richard gets a phone call to tell him one of his clients died 2 weeks before!!!!!!! He will get enough money to clear his debts....so the silly man has killed for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He weeps for what he's done, awwwwwww poor Richard, all together now .AWWWWW

Blanche tells Norris that Ken reckons Ade didn't do it..........So Norris starts thinking...........ew dangerous that.......Norris thinking, .......he can't get his head round the fact that Richard was at the pub that night!

Pete and Kieran are downing a bottle of scotch, Kieran admits he should have gone back off leave 2 weeks ago, but he had a fight with his skipper because he was in bed with his skippers wife, Peter tells Kieran about Lucy, silly man , its like loading a gun and handing it to Kieran!

Fizz finds the pregnancy tester....she thinks its Toyah's......... Maria admits it hers and goes and does it........it's positive..........she is pregnant with John's baby!!!!!!!!! Fizz is furious!!

Sue Nicholson

Once again I have the short straw, and there are two half hour episodes to report on tonight.

Richard walks by Maxine's house. There are a lot of flowers left outside. He catches up with Gail who has been wondering what happened to him. He says he has a bit of a headache, and wanted to get some fresh air. Gail tells him to take it easy.

Fizz is teasing Maria over breakfast about her pregnancy. Maria says she is going to have it terminated. Fizz offers to take a day sick off work to go with her to the doctor's. Toyah comes in and they both stop talking. Toyah is suspicious about what is going on.

Deirdre asks Ken what the letter that he received that morning was all about. He tells her that the school governors are holding a meeting on 31st to discuss his future.

Hayley wants to know if Roy has made a decision about expanding the cafe with Ciaran. He says he hasn't. They don't know much about him.

Peter tells Ciaran that Shelley is not being very friendly towards him since she found out that they have become friends again. Ciaran suggests that he should have gone to "juicy lucy" instead. Peter is annoyed that his father who is sitting in the cafe might have overheard.

Doreen and her husband break down with Ashley

Rita receives a phone call and announces to the Kabin that it was the hospital. She tells them that Emily is ready to come home. She sends Norris off to collect her.

Maria arrives late at the pub. Betty is annoyed at the way she just 'swans' in. She tears her off a strip. Maria starts to cry. She tells Betty that she is in trouble.

Ken arrives at court and meets Aiden's Youth Officer. She takes him into see Aiden. (He is now sans facial metal!). He has been remanded in custody. He admits he is scared. Ken tells him to hold onto his innocence. He must keep going knowing he is innocent. Ken promises to help him all can do.

Doreen and her husband approach Maxine's house but cannot face going near it.

Norris brings a very pale and wan Emily back from hospital. Before going in she stops and stares over the road to Maxine's house.

Richard is on the phone. He sees Emily arriving home and says to his caller that someone is breaking out of his grave.

Betty tells Maria that she can have the afternoon off. She says she won't tell anyone the real reason. Betty tells her that she will need to tell her parents and the father about the baby.

Emma tells Ashley that they can now release the body, and have their funeral.

Maria bumps into Toyah in the corner shop. Toyah is surprised that that Maria is not working. She says it was very quiet at the pub, so she had the afternoon off. When asked, Maria says she has forgotten what the argument was during breakfast with Fizz.

Norris tells Emily that he is going to increase security at the house. Ken comes round to see her. She is pleased to see him. She says she is very surprised at Aiden, but calls him Evil. When Emily gets up to make some tea, Norris asks Ken about Aiden. Ken says he doesn't want to talk about it; his only concern is Emily's welfare.

Shelley sees Sunita. They discuss Peter. Sunita assures her that Peter loves her and she should go on holiday with him.

Ashley is feeding the baby. Fred asks if he wants a burial or cremated. Doreen doesn't want a cremation. Ashley says he can't bear to talk about it at present.

Gail suggests to Richard that they ought to see Emily. He is very hesitant and thinks she may not be up to it.

Maria tells Fizz that she is definitely pregnant. She says she has no money, lives in a tiny flat and no bloke so she to going to get rid of it.

Toyah tells Maria and Fizz that she is seeing John later on for a drink. She invites them to join them. They make excuses.

Peter goes to see Lucy.

Toyah wonders why the others shut up whenever she comes into the room. She believes it is to something to do with John. She guesses it is Maria, and demands to know what is going on. Maria refuses to tell. She does admit she is pregnant. She says she has just found out. Maria apologies to Toyah, with Toyah saying it will be ok.

Peter suggests to Lucy that they go for a drink. He wants to try again without commitments. She tells him that everything has changed and tells him to go.

Ciaran goes toot the corner shop. Sunita asks him why he is there. Is he there just to cause trouble, He tells her he is trying to sort things out.

Norris trying to fit new locks onto the door. Emily questions why it is all necessary as Aiden is locked up behind bars. Norris remarks about being innocent before being proven guilty.

Gail tells Richard that they are definitely going over to see Emily, despite him still feeling tired.

Ciaran tells Sunita that that a friendship has to be worked at, and that is all he wants.

When Maria arrives at the pub, Betty asks her how "things" are. She tells that she is going for a termination.

Toyah comes in the pub and asks Maria why she didn't tell anyone. Maria apologises to Toyah for being grumpy.

Audrey tells Archie that Ashley won't talk about the funeral. He really thinks that it is something that he must do for himself, but will offer his services to help.

Sunita tells Shelley that she thinks Ciaran is trying hard.

Richard tells Gail on their way to Emily's that it may not be a good idea. They knock on the door. Emily is slightly startled by their appearance, but lets them in.

Emily says even though the boy is in jail, she is still very jittery. She says Norris has suggested that he maybe innocent. Richard almost drops the tea cups. Gail and Richard soon leave as Norris comes back in. Emily thinks Norris was trying to get rid of them.

Peter tells Ciaran that Lucy told him to go back to Shelley.

Sunita apologises to Ciaran. He suggest they go for a drink, and she suggests she will cook peace offerings afterwards.

Maria tells Betty she knows exactly what she is doing. Betty says that in "her day" that abortions weren't so easy.

Toyah and John come in. Maria immediately leaves. John asks if there is a problem Toyah says she is not supposed to tell anyone about her pregnancy .....

Archie goes round to see Ashley. He talks almost as if it a fait acompli, with a cremation. Ashley says she would want a funeral.

Toyah tells John that she is surprised that Maria did not use precautions. Fizz comes in and John says he is going out for a take away. He goes round to see Maria.

Shelley meets Peter in the street. Shelley says she doesn't like Ciaran. However as has a friend of his, she would accept him.

Sunita suggests to Ciaran coming back was very brave for him. She says he should cook for her next.

John and Maria have a row. He says she should have told him. He offers to pay for the abortion. Toyah comes in and John says he came to see if Maria wants a takeaway. Toyah says she's coming round for the same reason.

Goodnight!

Martin Rosen

Sunita wakens bright and early, only to find Ciaran nibbling [wait for it!] biscuits and cheese. She complains about crumbs being in the bed, but looks happy. Ciaran is anxious to have a replay of the night's passion tomorrow again, before he hurries off to work.

In the girls' flat, a concerned Toyah offers to make Maria some toast, which she declines. Maria then confides to the innocent Toyah that she's to 'get rid' of the baby on Friday - no, she hasn't consulted the father, for he and his girl-friend wouldn't be too pleased!! Maria doesn't want to talk any more about it. [How long can it be before Toyah learns the truth? Will she ever?]

Emily's house, and she appears for breakfast, mentioning to a twittering Norris about the sounds which she heard during the night - the sounds of life! Norris gets off for work, but promises [threatens!] to be back at 11.15am to check on his landlady.

The mail arrives chez Hillman; bad news for Gail in the form of a bill from her credit card company, but good news for the villain in the form of a cheque for å£23,000. He tells Gail that he wants rid of the house he's just acquired immediately. [Whatever happened to the old saw about crime not paying?]

Deirdre is lecturing Ken about his helping Aidan. Deirdre has obviously come to the conclusion that the boy is guilty and advises Ken to look at his career, and not help such low-life such as Aidan. A long-suffering Ken sighs stoically.

In the cafe, Roy explains to Ciaran that he appreciates his interest in the cafe, but that he's a cautious man by nature. Peter arrives and notices the gleam in Cieran's eye; who is the woman? Sunita's name is divulged. Shelley's best mate. Ciaran counters by stating that he, in contrast to his pal Peter, only has one woman at a time. [Albeit in quick succession, Peter adds.]

Back room of the Rovers, and Fred assures Shelley that she can still go off on holiday to Mexico even although she's leaving on the day of Maxine's funeral. Ashley appears just as Shelley is leaving: he has to go to the funeral director's office to choose the fittings for Maxine's coffin, and takes little Josh with him.

In the Corner Shop, Deirdre is doing some shopping and just happens to notice Sunita's jaunty air. Who is the lucky man, she wonders, but Shelley arrives and the conversation is cut short. Sunita invites her mate Shelley for a meal at a favourite Italian restaurant and they agree to meet later, in the Rovers, at 6.30pm.

Emily answers her door to find Ashley and Josh. "I had to come", says Ashley, and he and Josh are invited inside by an ill-looking Emily.

The Kabin, with Norris serving customers Gail and Ken, Gail spouting venom about Aidan and his undoubted guilt. Norris just happens to mention that Ken would know more about Aidan than he would, and Gail's anger is turned on the hapless Ken who, she learns, has been to see the accused teenager. Gail tells Ken that she used to look up to him, but now accuses him of being the most offensive and ignorant man she's ever known, before storming out in high dudgeon. Ken sighs stoically, again.

At Emily's, it's tea and sympathy. Emily feels that it ought to have been her, and not Maxine, who died, and she begins to think out loud to Ashley: 'What if...?' Ashley assures her that wee Josh will need cuddles, but Emily thinks that his Daddy needs cuddles, and she and Ashley share a hug in their shared grief. She thinks that Ashley is the best father Josh could ever have, while the little one sleeps innocently.

Ken and Sarah meet in the street, and they both are of the same opinion - Aidan is no killer. Their chat is interrupted by Gail, who shouts to Sarah to get in the house, which she does, reluctantly.

In the Rovers, the cheating John asks Toyah about Maria's baby and learns about the imminent termination, which he thinks might well be the right thing to do in the circumstances. [Right thing for him!] Maria looks on, as John kisses Toyah and declares his love for her. Shelley asks Peter if they can buy a nice floral tribute for Maxine; why doesn't he go to that florist's shop? Peter can't quite remember where it was! [Scientists say that, in the UK, you're never more than a few metres away from a rat. The boffins get it right sometimes!]

Norris appears at Emily's and mentions the spat between Gail and Ken earlier in the Kabin. Norris suggests that, maybe, Ken is right and Richard could be the guilty one. This is too much for Emily, and she orders Norris out of her house. Maybe Ken could put him up? [Put up with him...?]

Ciaran calls round to Sunita's flat with the staples of a good Irish breakfast. [How would you like your eggs in the morning, Sunita? Unfertilised, thank you!! Sorry - couldn't resist that.]

In the girls' flat, Toyah brings Maria a gift of earrings to help her cheer up, but Maria is inconsolable and keeps saying sorry to her best mate, the lovely Toyah, who even offers to go with Maria to the clinic on Friday.

Chez Hillman, and Richard is pleased that the bank manager, Mr Greenacre, is off his back, at least for the time being. Gail is still fuming from her spat with Ken. Sarah makes the point that Aidan might be innocent, but Gail knows better. Richard offers no comment...

Shelley arrives at Sunita's flat, just in time to witness Sunita's latest boy-friend who, wisely, takes his leave...

The back room of the Rovers, and Ashley eventually learns of Ken's support of Aidan.

In Sunita's flat, she and Shelley have a ding-dong row about Ciaran: Sunita declares that she jumped into bed with him, and that her loyalty to Shelley was not compromised. Shelley doesn't see things that way and she leaves, hoping that Ciaran is worth it. [The meal is off, then?]

Iain McDougall

Shelley strides down the street and completely ignores Sunita, her erstwhile friend, who only wishes her a 'good morning'. The postman arrives and hands Fred a bunch of letters; Fred tells Audrey that Ken, in befriending Aidan, has gone too far this time. Audrey looks bemused...

Chez Barlow, and Deirdre is giving her hapless partner an ear-bashing about his involvement with Aidan. Ken explains to Deirdre that he wants to get Aidan's parents involved, but this is met by biting sarcasm from Deirdre. [Some things never change in a changing world!]

Back room of the Rovers, and Fred is opening the mail, only to find a condolence card from none other than Dr Matt Ramsden, in which he includes his phone number. [Are we about to see Dr Matt again soon?] Ashley reads the card and consigns it to the waste-paper bin.

The Rovers, before opening time, and Maria asks Betty to make excuses for her absence today, for Maria is off to have a termination. Betty talks to Maria and wonders if she's thought the matter through. Maria has - it's only a question of a quick in and out, she says. [Yes, quite!] Betty then confides to Maria that, when she conceived her son Gordon, she wasn't married and having a baby out of wedlock then carried some considerable stigma. She tried to have a back-street abortion, but it didn't work, but now Gordon is grown-up, she's so proud of him. Maria listens, silently, but can't change her mind. They hug each other. Shelley and Peter appear from the back room, and Betty offers to do Maria's shift, as Maria is ill.

Peter tries to get Shelley to make up with her friend, Sunita, but Shelley feels betrayed. [Yes, quite, again!]

In the Kabin, Norris is trying to get Rita to let him sleep on the couch for a few nights, but Rita is having none of it. Norris will have to look for accommodation elsewhere.

In the street, Audrey is telling Archie that she'll have to take on someone to help in the salon. Archie asks Audrey a favour: can she help Maxine to look her best for her funeral? Audrey is taken aback by this. How can she, in the circumstances?

Maria is about to get into a taxi on her own, en route to the clinic, when Toyah dashes up and insists on going with her friend, just as Kirk comes out of Les' house.

In the Corner Shop, Sunita is upset by Shelley's rejection of her. Dev tells her to ignore Shelley, and Ciaran tells Sunita that he wants their relationship to continue.

Maria and her faithful friend, Toyah, wait in the clinic together, and Toyah offers to help in any way she can if Maria wants to change her mind about the impending abortion. A nurse appears and calls Maria... Toyah will wait for her.

Emma arrives in the back room of the Rovers, to tell a still-shocked Ashley that he can move back home now. Ashley asks Emma, as a friend, if what Ken Barlow is doing is right, supporting Aidan, and Emma admits that, off the record, all the evidence points to Aidan as being the guilty party.

Norris, in the Rovers, asks Sally if she has a room for rent. He's willing to offer å£50 per week, but Sally can't help. (Les hovers in the background, ears flapping!)

Ciaran comes in for a pint of lager, but Shelley is 'too busy' to serve him. Ciaran suggests to Shelley that she's jealous of his being with another woman. [Ciaran is in danger of over-reliance on 'the luck of the Irish'!] Dev and Tracy are once again friends and he is talked into taking Tracy into town for a new outfit for their dinner date tonight. Kirk comes in for a pint, and wonders where Maria is. He tells Shelley that he saw her getting into a taxi, so she can't be ill. [Who needs enemies, when you have a brother like Kirk?]

Back at the clinic, Maria arrives back in the waiting room, after her termination, and Toyah is waiting for her best friend to give her hugs, love and support.

In the Rovers, Les offers the homeless Norris a room (well, a shared room with Kirk) in his house. For å£50 a week. Norris has no choice but to accept this offer - at least, he'll be close to Emily. [Just through the wall, as Les says.]

Chez Barlow, and Emily is having tea and sympathy with Deirdre, who assures her that she'll not be on her own, now that Norris has gone. No sooner are the words uttered, but Ken arrives home, delighted to see his dear friend Emily. However, this delight is not shared by Emily, who accuses Ken of having hurt her deeply, by his insistence on helping Aidan Critchley. [Poor Ken - he seems to be the only one, apart from Sarah, who believes in Aidan's innocence...]

Norris is given the grand tour of the Battersby home, but is slightly underwhelmed by what he sees, and smells. Les wonders when he'll see his first £50 rent.

Kirk calls at the girls' flat to see his sister, Maria, who tearfully reveals the truth to her brother. Kirk assures Maria that he supports her, and they share a hug.

In the Rovers, Audrey tells Archie that she'll do Maxine's hair - just as long as someone else is there with her. Archie will be there. Sunita comes in for a drink, but Shelley refuses to speak to her, or serve her, in spite of Peter's try at diplomacy. Sunita leaves. Ashley comes through the bar from the back room; he doesn't want a drink, for he's off across the road to his own house...

... and he gets to his front door, which is still festooned with balloons from Doreen's 50th birthday. He sobs uncontrollably as he tries to put the key in the lock, just as Ken passes and offers support. Ashley's anger explodes and he accuses Ken of being what Maxine always thought of him - stuck-up, pathetic and a trouble-maker. Ken listens as Ashley pours out his anger and frustration. Ashley warns him to 'stay away' from him, and from the funeral. Ken goes off, and Ashley collapses in sobs.

Iain McDougall

Ken is trying to justify visiting Ade to Deirdre, he decides to visit Aide's dad to try and get him to visit the boy. Ken reckons if he had helped Ade that night when he was drunk in the gutter, things might have turned out differently.

Maxine's dad is worried about the funeral, he is doing a reading, Doreen tries to quiet the baby who is playing with a noisy toy, but Ashley gets annoyed and takes him from her and gives him his toy back. Doreen confides in Derek, that she is afraid she will lose contact with Josh now Maxine is gone, he tries to reassure her.

Audrey goes to do Maxine's hair for the last time, she promises Archie that she will make her look her best

Toyah is making breakfast in bed for Maria..........Fizz is not happy about it, she thinks Toyah should find herself a decent friend, but Toyah is bewildered by Fizz's attitude to Maria

Emily and Gail are chatting to Rita in the shop, Gail offers to take Emily to the funeral with her and Richard, .........Rita has sent Norris out the back.......lol when Gail gets home and tells Richard of her offer, he is not pleased.

Ashley goes to see Maxine for the last time, he insists on taking Josh with him, that card from the doctor has unnerved him and he is very clingy with Josh, he won't let anyone take him. When he gets there he talks to Max, and tells her he will never let Josh forget her and he will look after Josh, and her mum too if necessary, and her cat. As the baby cries "mama" Ashley begs her to wake up....................

Ken goes to see Aide's dad, to try and persuade him to visit the boy, but he doesn't want to know, he says Ade always says it wasn't him, but it always was.......and he believes he is guilty now. He slams the door in Ken's face.

Over at the pub, Shelley is fed-up that Maria is late again, but she turns up and is ready to work.......Toyah tells John that Maria had an abortion, he reckons he feels an atmosphere at the flat and asks Toyah to move in with him.

Shelley makes her peace with Sunita as her and Peter set off for their trip to Mexico..........

David Platt is being quite irreverent, as kids are, about Maxine's head, asking about the dent in it etc., and Richard flies off the handle at him and storms out, just as Ashley is walking back with Josh.................

Sue Nicholson

Here we go again with another two episodes.

It is the day of the funeral. Fred offers Ashley breakfast, but he has no appetite for it. He says he can't go to the funeral. Fred says he needs to be strong for the day then he can grieve in private afterwards.

Richard also doesn't want to go the funeral (but for a different reason!). He says he didn't really know her. Gail persuades him that he should go. Gail notices that he his looking a bit distracted of late. He says it is due to business.

Rita rings Emily to check how she is. Rita notes that there is going to be a man around the house again. She asks whether Norris knew yet? Kirk overhears this conversation and when Rita goes out and Norris comes in, he tells Norris that he can have his room back at Emily's. Asking Kirk how he knew, he relates the phone conversation that he overheard.

Fred introduces Beryl his "sister" (Ashley's mother) to Betty and Harry at the Rovers.

Deirdre asks Ken what he is going to do during the funeral. He realises that he would not be wanted at the funeral. He has decided he will go and see Aidan again.

Ashley apologises to Doreen for shouting yesterday when she was offered to look after baby Josh.

Norris has all his bags packed at Les'. He decides to wait for Emily to ask him, which he expects will probably be at the funeral.

Spider returns to Aunty Em's. Emily explains that she keeps getting headaches but she is determined to go the funeral.

Richard sees Spider in the street and tells him he is coming in their car.

We are now at the Church. Emily tells people to walk ahead of her because she is so slow at present.

Norris tells Audrey that he thinks that Emily should be in the coffin. Maxine obviously disturbed a burglary. Audrey thinks it over and suggests what if it was an attempted murder and not a burglary. The two of them continue mutterings as the coffin is brought into the Church. However Norris believes he was Richard in the pub, all the time.

As everybody takes their seats, Richard says he doesn't like being with the chief mourners..

Fred makes a moving eulogy. Derek gets up to read a passage from the Bible (something from John's Gospel). He hardly gets a few words out, before he brakes down in tears.

Fred turns round an d suggests Richard should continue. He doesn't want to do it (can't think why!).

Aiden's dad visits him in prison.

Richard gets through the lesson and then says that there is something he wants to say from a personal level. He says he has a confession to make.

[At this point we have a half hour break between the two programmes. What shall we do in this half hour? We could sing rhymes, talk about the weather - discuss the relative wit and wisdom of George Bush and Tony Blair. Anyone for some flower arranging?!]

Okay back to the story ...

Richard says he has something to confess. He says it shouldn't happen to Maxine. He confesses that when he heard what has happened he stopped believing in good in his world. He could have lost all his faith. However after looking at his wife and children and Ashley and Josh he realised it was wrong to despair He says we can find a way through in our love for one another. He wants to say to Ashley that we are all here for him.

Audrey leaves the Church. Archie follows and she says it was beginning to make sense. She believes he was about to confess all.

Aiden's father asks his son what is going to happen. He says simply that he would go to court and be found guilty

The congregation are leaving the church. Emily comes over to Audrey, to make sure she is ok. Norris says he wondered what Richard was going to say. Richard reiterates to Gail that he knew Maxine.

Les comes into the Rovers where food has been prepared. Harry tells him that the food has been prepared for the funeral party. Les wonders what time they will be back.

Richard sees Gail who asks how old Maxine was. He keeps repeating that it shouldn't have happened.

Rita and Audrey talk about Ashley bearing up.

Ken sees Aidan. Asks if he has remembered anything else. He replies that he can't possibly remember anything as he was out cold. Then Aide turns on Ken and says he doesn't want to see him again.

At the graveside Audrey shouts out at Richard accusing him of killing Maxine.

Ken meets the returning group outside the pub. He asks Deirdre how it went. She is not of the mind to discussing it. He says they will talk later.

Richard and Gail return home. Richard says he is not going to the pub as Audrey is likely to be there and he is fed up with her libelous accusations.

Ashley tells Fred that he wants to go into the bar and thank everybody for coming. He goes into the main bar.

Audrey comes over to Ashley to apologise. She says she couldn't help herself. Ashley doesn't quite see it that way.

Derek comes round to the Hillmans to invite Richard down to the Rovers, not for his but for Ashley's sake.

Audrey tells Norris and Rita that it is obvious about Richard. Norris says he is with her.

Norris goes round to Emily's thinking Spider is about to go. When he realises that Spider isn't about to go, he embarrassingly leave.

Ashley comes round to the Hillmans. He then persuades them to come to the Rovers.

Norris talking of his suspicions to Audrey and Archie when Emily comes in.

Audrey says for Maxine's sake she has to do something as she looks over to Richard and Gail.

Sorry it has just gone midnight local time, which means this report will be a little later than normal. But writing out two episodes in one day is very tiring!

Martin Rosen

This report written by my wife, Fiona and mis-typed by me!

In the Rovers backroom, Fred, Doreen, Derek, and Ashley are discussing the funeral. Ashley rushes out. Doreen and Fred wonder why Audrey and said what she did.

Ken can't concentrate on reading the morning paper because Aiden doesn't want to see him anymore.

Ashley says he has nothing to do, and cannot face going back to the house. Doreen says she will come.

Gail and Richard are also discussing Audrey. Richard says her mind is deteriorating.

At the house Ashley says he cannot go in. He says he doesn't want to give away any of Maxine's things. Emily invites Ashley and Doreen into her place.

Ciaran tells Sunita he would like to settle down and invest in Roy's cafe.

Whereas Martin and Kevin buy 5 tickets each for the signed football that is being raffled off in aid of Maxine, Tommy only buys one. The other seem surprised.

Ken says he can't face The Rovers as everybody is against him. Tracy arrives and tells Deirdre that Dev wants to know when she is coming back to the shop. Deirdre says that Dev knows that she is taking leave.

Doreen sees Audrey and has a go at her over the funeral. She says that she took the dignity out of the day and never wants to hear another word out of her mouth again.

Derek buys Doreen a drink. She says she can't cope being with Ashley. He says she can come home with him.

Emily tells Spider and Rita she doesn't suspect Richard and is fed up with Norris going on about it.

Gail tackles Audrey over what was said at the funeral. She asks what possible reason Richard would have for murdering Maxine. Gail says the accusations are wrecking their lives. She says Audrey doesn't love her otherwise she wouldn't be putting her through this.

Fred tells Derek and Doreen that he will look after Ashley when they have gone.

Meanwhile, Audrey is in tears over what Gail said. She sobs to Norris and Archie about it. Then Rita comes in and says that Ken is no longer representing Aidan. He therefore must be guilty and the subject is closed.

In the cafe Ciaran gives Roy his 'Business Plan', and asks when he can have an answer. Roy says it would take a few days to read it and consider it.

Fred tells Ashley that Joshua will not lack for love. He tries to urge Ashley to try and eat something, but he can't.

Harry congratulates Richard on this speech at the funeral.

Spider is warning Norris over what he has been saying. He tells him that he mustn't upset Emily any more.

Ken says he is giving teaching, whatever the court decides. He is going to hand in his resignation.

In the pub Fred takes a phone call from Dr Ramsden. He wants to offer condolences to Ashley. Ashley initially refuses to speak to him. He then snatches the phone and tells him to stay away. He tells Fred that he won't say what he has done. It is none of his business.

Okay it is time to hand over the quill pen and bottle of ink to Iain as he scribes your Friday episode!

Fiona and Martin Rosen

Back room at the Rovers, where Fred wonders out loud to Ashley what's making him so angry, especially since Dr Ramsden's phone call. Ashley is saying nothing. Doreen is preparing to go home, with Derek, later today.

Chez Barlow, and Ken is dressed up in his best suit; he wants to look smart when he tenders his resignation. Deirdre wonders if he's doing the right thing, and Ken sees no other alternative. Deirdre pleads with Ken to make a stand but Ken has decided.

In the girls' flat, Maria says that she's been cooped up long enough and wants to go out for a night, with her pals Toyah and Fiz. Toyah wonders if she should invite John along, but the girls don't think that'd be a good idea! Toyah asks the girls' advice about her and John's relationship - is it time to back off? The girls [for once] are reticent in their replies, to say the least. [How long can it be before Toyah learns the truth about the cheating John? How long can Fiz keep her gob shut?]

Ken is loading a box [full of books?] into his car, when Sarah passes and asks him if he's going to school. Ken admits, yes, he's going to school, but only to see Mrs Johnston and resign. Sarah offers to speak up on his behalf, but Ken thanks her and declines her offer graciously. Sarah is sad to see such a good teacher leave the school, but Ken explains that the hearing will only be a formality and resignation is his way of pre-empting the governors' satisfaction.

Toyah, still talking to her pal Fiz and the flibbertigibbet Maria, confesses that she may be drawn to older men, but she has doubts about whether to move in with John or not. Fiz offers her opinion that her and John were doomed from the start, but Maria isn't so sure. Toyah decides that, after all, a meal in the flat with her two best pals would be great.

Back room in the Rovers, and Derek and Doreen are discussing their imminent departure, and Doreen is convinced that there's "summat up" with Ashley, but what? Doreen has a suggestion for Derek - they have plenty of room at their house, so they could look after little Josh while Ashley gets his life back on track again. Derek is not sure if this is a good idea...

The Hillmans' home, and Sarah asks if she can have a party for her sixteenth birthday, but without her Mum being there. Richard suggests a compromise - why not have two parties, one for the family and another with her mates? Sarah likes the idea, and she thanks Richard for his suggestion. Gail smiles...

In the back room of the Rovers, Doreen makes her suggestion about her looking after Josh for a while, but Ashley gets even more angry and tells her to sort out her marriage, since Josh is staying there with him! Once Maxine's parents have gone, Fred tries to reason with his son, and mentions Dr Ramsden, which makes Ashley even more angry, and then he utters: 'You don't know the half...'

Ken returns home, having tendered his resignation, to a hug from his errant partner. Deirdre will back him all the way.

In the Rovers, the raffle for the signed football is imminent. Toyah has a quiet word with John about their relationship. She's afraid of getting hurt, and is scared, but John reassures her that he has deep feelings for her.

Fred tells Martin that he's very worried about Ashley, and Martin offers to speak to Ashley, not as a nurse but as a mate. Fred wonders if that'll help. [No!!]

John doesn't see himself as a Svengali figure, and tells Toyah he wants their relationship to go further.

Again chez Barlow, where finances are discussed. Ken has his pension of £6,000 per year, but he'd be pleased if Deirdre decided not to continue working at Dev's shop.

The girls are having their planned meal in the flat, with some merry chat. 'We've had some good times, haven't we?' says Toyah, who then announces to a stunned Fiz and Maria that she's decided to move in with John.

Back at the back room of the Rovers, and Martin arrives to chat to Ashley and suggests 'professional help'. [A doctor's help, perhaps?] Ashley thanks Martin for his concern, but he's going to have to work this out for himself. Martin leaves, as Fred enters. Fred sits down and bemoans all the lost years that he missed out on with his son, and he pleads with Ashley to 'let him in' on his life. Close to tears, Ashley has something to tell his Dad...

In the Rovers bar, Fiz and Maria discuss Toyah's decision about John. Is she crazy, or what? [She's crazy!] The raffle is drawn, and the winning ticket belongs to Tommy Nelson. Kevin offers to deliver the football to him.

Ashley tells his Dad the devastating news that little Josh's father might well be Dr Ramsden, after he and Maxine had a one-night stand. Fred now understands why his son was reluctant to shout about the birth of Josh at the time. However, Ashley demands that his Dad not condemn Maxine for her actions, since they had long since sorted their marriage. Fred puffs on his cigarette in silence.

Kevin delivers the prize football to Tommy and his family, and, just in passing, mentions that his boy was in trouble in school the other day for writing a 'wrong' name on his exercise jotter. After Kevin goes off home, Tommy and his wife wonder if Kevin has twigged their secret. [Remember the wallet?]

Fred is still reeling from Ashley's news and he and Ashley consider the 'Ramsdenifications' of Maxine's death for little Josh. Will Matt Ramsden demand tests to ascertain who is the real father?

Iain McDougall

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