It's Monday morning in Karen and Steve's flat. Karen is preparing to go to work, but she and Steve are still at loggerheads, arguing about whether his mother will be invited to the wedding. Karen reckons Liz is bitter and twisted because she's losing her looks, and she nearly got Steve locked up. Steve says he would have had peace and quiet in prison. They start shouting like pantomime characters.....She is! She's not! She is! Karen storms out, slamming the door behind her.

Over at Sarah and Todd's flat, they are waiting for Brenda to bring Bethany home, Sarah told her to have her back first thing, and talking about Christmas. They're planning on taking Beth to see Santa's Grotto. Sarah points out that this is the first year Beth has been old enough to get excited about Christmas. They start discussing what Christmas presents they can get her. Todd thinks that with Dev all 'loved up' he might get some overtime. Sarah tries ringing Brenda, but there's no reply, they must be on their way. She sees Todd checking the cash in his wallet and tells him that when they're forty and have a house they'll look back on all this and think it was dead romantic.

At Ashley's house, Claire is serving Ashley and Joshua breakfast. Ashley keeps dwelling on what could have happened, but Claire points out that it didn't, and they lived to tell the tale. Ashley hopes Fred won't tell any tales about their family room at the B and B.

Back at the flat, Sarah and Todd are still waiting for Brenda and Bethany. Todd points out that the queue will be a mile long by the time they get there. They wonder if Brenda has taken Bethany straight to the nursery, not knowing they were planning to take her out for the day. Sarah phones the nursery, but she's not there.

In the corner shop, Shelley has dropped in to talk to Sunita about their planned shopping trip for Sunita's wedding sari. Dev butts in, telling her she can't go til he gets back. Sunita reminds him she booked the afternoon off, but he tells her he's now got a lunch date which will probably run over. She'll have to wait and go later. Shelley tells him he can't mess about with staff rotas. He tells them both Sunita can go later. Sunita is not happy and calls him a pig. They start to discuss the wedding. Sunita says they're going to keep it small, she doesn't speak to her family and Ciaran is not bothered about inviting his. Anyway, they don't want to spend the next ten years paying it off, she says, but she has a wistful look on her face.

Sarah is looking out of the flat window. Where are they? Sarah is now starting to get really worried and panicky, and Todd tries to calm her. She starts to think the worst, what if Brenda has fallen, or had a heart attack? Todd suggests they go over to Brenda's house, so off they go.

In the factory, Harry is just taking his leave of Mike Baldwin. Mike tells him (and Nick who is in the office too) that Preston King's cremation will be on Wednesday. 'About time too,' comments Harry...(I quite agree, didn't Preston King die ages ago?) Apparently Preston wanted a big send off, horse drawn carriage, national day of mourning etc. Harry wants to go to the funeral, and Mike will go too and afterwards see if he can get the cheque for the order signed by Preston's widow. Mike has a voucher for two meals for the price of one at a local restaurant. He gives them to Nick, who wonders who he is going to take. Janice is standing in the doorway watching all this, and, when questioned, tells Mike her machine is down.

Sarah and Todd are knocking on Brenda's front door. There's no answer. They look through the window and see Beth's doll, baby Grace, on the sofa. Momentarily Todd wonders if they should break in, then, thinking that's a bit over the top, wonders if they should call the police. Sarah, common sense taking over, wonders if they might be back at the flat, waiting on the doorstep. They rush off.

Meanwhile, Dev is enjoying a lunchtime drink with Maya on her sofa. He tells her he's very keen, and they start canoodling. He asks her if she could take a 'sickie' for the afternoon, she thinks maybe.........when suddenly there's knocking on the door. Maya goes to open it, and there is the wife of Gavin, the chap Maya was having an affair with until Dev came along. This is not a happy lady, she tells Maya she found her address in Gavin's fil-o-fax, and she wonders if she is with a client, or a client's husband. Maya mumbles that this is not a good time, but she strides into the flat, telling Dev she's Heather Parkes, and that Maya arranged her divorce and bedded her husband.

In the pub, Tommy and Kevin are also enjoying a lunchtime drink. Tommy tells Kevin he's sure Sally can't wait til he's gone, she was like Frosty the Snowman this morning. Kevin tries to play it down, telling him that Sally just likes happy endings and wants to see him sort things out with Angela.

Harry comes out of the gents with his trousers all wet down the front! No, he didn't have an accident, there's a leak in there, all the tiles are coming off the walls. Charlie, the street's new builder, looks up from the table he's sitting at and offers to take a look. Harry immediately says there's no need, he can do it. Shelley isn't sure what to do. Charlie tells her that Harry will be cheaper, but sometimes cheap is a false economy. Mike makes a comment about cowboys, and Shelley thanks Charlie and tells him that Harry is very capable.

Back at Maya's flat, Heather asks Dev if he's married, or has any children. He says no to both. She tells him that she and Gavin have two. One of them has started wetting the bed and she is on happy pills. Maya tells her she did not wreck her marriage, she came to her for a divorce, however, Heather thinks she betrayed her trust, broke her code of professional conduct, and wonders what her boss will think of that. As she goes out she tells Dev to watch his back.

Back at the pub, Harry has just retiled the wall in the gents. Charlie seems surprised that Harry has put the tiles up already. (And I am wondering what happened to the leak, was that fixed?)

At the bar, Janice is with the factory girls. Candice is at the bar too, and Janice tells her not to spoil her appetite, as it seems Nick has planned a lovely meal out that evening. One of the girls points out that she's spoiling the surprise, and the other one tells her she knows she is, she's doing it on purpose. Candice, however, looks considerably brighter at the thought of a romantic dinner with Nick.

Rita and Vera are at a table, having a rather strange conversation about Christmas boxes. Rita thinks they're just one up from begging, but Vera reckons she's being extra sociable, she doesn't expect the customers to cough up for nothing. For instance, she knows that today is Bette Midler's birthday, so she has been starting up conversations about Bette Midler, Hollywood and liposuction. At this point Rita makes a very hasty departure.

Norris comes out of the gents with wet trousers, much to the amusement of all. He protests that he was just standing there minding his own business when suddenly there was a great jet of water and tiles everywhere. Charlie comments dryly that it was a botched job. Norris tells Shelley that Harry will get his dry cleaning bill.

Out in the street, Kev and Tommy are working on a car when Craig comes along. He wants to know when Tommy is coming home. Tommy says it's complicated. Craig says no it isn't. Katy has shacked up with Martin, he's thrown a wobbly and now the whole family has fallen apart. It's like Katy is the only one that counts. He and his mum are half of Tommy's family.

Back at Todd and Sarah's, there is still no sign of Brenda and little Bethany. Sarah is going frantic, Todd comes in, he's been out looking for them. Sarah is getting extremely worried, she's sure something's happened. Maybe they've had an accident. She's frightened to ring the police though, in case they get on to Social Services and they take Bethany away from her. Todd suggests that they give it another half an hour, and then phone the police. He tells Sarah that Bethany is with her grandmother, she has done nothing wrong.

Maya and Dev are having a heated discussion. He queries her statement that she doesn't date clients. She tells him how she met Gavin, she took some papers to the house for Heather to sign and he opened the door. Dev comments that she took him to the cleaners by day and to bed by night. But, she tells him, he kept going back to his wife. She and Dev just start to make up when the phone rings. It's work, she's been summoned to see the boss.

In the pub, Charlie is telling Shelley that he will do the job with the leak and tiles, for £400.00. Shelley is aghast, but Charlie points out that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys, looking at Harry. Shelley thinks that's a lot of peanuts, but Fred would want her to get it done properly. Sunita comes in then, and tells Shelley she hasn't waited for Dev, she's shut the shop.

Over in the McDonald flat, Steve is just finishing a phone call when Karen comes in. They start bickering again about his family, and his dad being in prison again. Then he tells her his dad is going though hell. That seems to pull her up a bit, she tells him she knows, and she's sorry. Everyone is stressed out. She thinks his dad would be gutted if his mum came to the wedding, and there would she and Steve be, promising 'til death do us part' and there would Liz be, waiting for Jim to finish another stretch. She would cry and that would spoil Karen's big day, spoil her happiness, and she is Steve's priority now, so it is best if his mum doesn't come. He tells her no, his wedding, his mother, top table, non-negotiable! She tells him that his mother is not coming to her wedding, so he can pick up the phone and tell her. They seem to have reached an impasse.

Maya comes out of the solicitor's office and gets into Dev's car. If she goes quietly, a glowing reference, if she puts up a fight, no other law firm will touch her. She's lost her job.

Sarah and Todd are sitting side by side, ashen faced, on the sofa. Sarah is convinced something awful has happened. Reluctantly she picks up the phone and calls the police, but breaks down in tears as she tries to tell them. Todd takes over.

Sarah is talking to a policewoman, who is telling her they have checked the hospitals and been round to Brenda's place. There's nothing more they can do until Bethany has been missing for 24 hours.

Dev and Maya are in her flat and Dev is saying she hasn't really done anything wrong, because lawyers don't have the same ethical standards as, say, doctors. He suggests she sues for unfair dismissal. "I may be a lawyer," says Maya, "but so is my boss, and I know for a fact he's read more law books than me." She says no-one is talking about sacking her, but about her making a career move. "To?" asks Dev. "Not to anywhere," she says. "From." If she refuses, it will be the legal profession's version of the Chinese water torture: No fee jobs. The slow drip, drip of the damp and dusty vaults..." She confesses to Dev that it's not just this indiscretion. There have been other problems, not with clients' husbands, but with cases she has fouled up. Dev tells her she can't just walk away from a career where she has invested so much. "This is your life." "Let it go, Dev," she says. "I have to."

Back at Sarah's, Eileen arrives to be with Sarah while Todd goes off to look for Brenda and Bethany.

In the Rovers, Vera is going on at Ciaran about the problem with the loos. She can't go because there are men in there banging the seats up and down. Ciaran tells her they are sorting out a technical problem in the men's. Very is outraged. "I used to run this pub, you know, so I know what's what. There's statue rights!" Unfortunately, before we can follow up this intriguing information, Sunita comes in, very excited about her new sari. Vera demands to know when the shop will be open. "What? Is Dev not there?" asks Sunita. "Is 'e 'ell as like!" says Vera. "I've been to-ing and fro-ing up that street for teabags and half a cucumber since dinner time." Ciaran asks if she's having the vicar over for tea, but Vera says the cucumber is for her eyes, which run like Niagara Falls in the morning. Ciaran suggests it's the sight of Jack in the morning that does it. Charlie the builder comes out and tells Shelley the toilets won't be fixed until the next day.

Dev is still trying to gee up Maya. He tells her she can't give up on her dreams, and asks what she's dreaming about now. She tells him she wants him to go to bed with her.

Back at the flat, Eileen is telling Sarah she should call Gail. She's Sarah's mother and Bethany's grandmother and would be really put out if she wasn't asked for help. Sarah says her mother will just try to get Social Services to take away Bethany. Eileen laughs. "Don't be daft. She's your mother." Sarah tells her Gail has already tried to do just that.

In the pub, Candice is all dolled up and being teased by Janice, who tells her Nick has "copped a freebie" from Mike Baldwin. Candice knows nothing about it. Maria comes past and says she's off on a date with a boy she used to know in college. "What a coincidence," Janice says meaningfully. Candice asks Ciaran for an orange juice. "And can I have something in it?" "I'll stick a straw in it for you," he promises.

In the Streetcars office, Steve is almost asleep holding the fort for Eileen when Karen comes in, still rabbiting on about Liz. "All right," he says. "How much will it cost to let me Mum come to the wedding?" Karen says the wedding dress isn't a problem, but going-away outfits can be a problem, and Steve's Mum always dresses very expensively, and Karen doesn't want to be outdone at her own wedding, but luckily she's found something in this magazine. It's not cheap, mind... Eileen comes back and Steve tells her there was no need. "I should have barricaded myself in here."

At the flat, the doorbell rings. It's Brenda and Bethany. Sarah snatches up the toddler and shouts at Brenda. Brenda explains they have been to see Santa but had to stand in the queue for a long time. She offers to take Bethany until Sarah has calmed down. Luckily, Todd returns and tells Brenda to leave.

The taxi office again, and Eileen is asleep at her post when Tommy comes in and asks to borrow the flat keys so he can have a look upstairs. He leaves as Todd arrives to tell Eileen everything is OK.

In the pub, Ciaran is laughing with Kevin as Vera has asked him to guard the door while she goes to the loo but he hasn't been. Sunita arrives with teabags and half a cucumber and they tell her about it. A man comes out of the loo, followed soon after by Vera, who is still annoyed. Ciaran and Kevin take the chance to tease her about her Royal connections and being on the throne. Vera snatches the teabags and goes.

We see Nick in a restaurant ordering wine. When the waiter moves we see who he took with him to dinner -- his Mum! They talk about Martin and Gail says it's the second time he's been through the sort of gossip that he faces now. Only that time she was accused of being the cradle snatcher. Nick says Martin wasn't still at school. Gail says at least Katy is still at school and has not given up her education for some boy. "Do you want to talk about Sarah," asks Nick. She says no, she wants to talk about him, and starts to quiz him on his love life.

In Maya's flat, there is some post-coital grumpiness, but Maya won't tell Dev what the problem is. (all that oil on her sheets, I shouldn't wonder)

Back to the pub again and Eileen has been telling people about the Bethany-Brenda drama. Ciaran is wrestling with a pressure gauge and Janice is teasing him about wanting to see him flat on the canvas. Tommy comes in and tells Kevin he will be getting the sofa back. Kevin assumed he's going back home, but Tommy says no, he's taking the flat over Streetcars.

Back to Dev and Maya now, where she finally confesses to him that all her credit cards are maxed out, she owes rent and has no savings and now she's lost her job. Dev tells her to get her clothes on. He's taking her out because they have something important to discuss -- her moving in with him.

Sarah is telling Todd she did the wrong thing when Brenda arrived. Bethany looked really happy and next thing her mother was shouting at her grandma.

Nick confesses to his mother that he is in love with someone, but that person is out of his reach

In Sarah's flat, she is asleep with Bethany when Todd answers the door to Brenda. Brenda says she has come to correct the misunderstanding. She pushes her way inside and tells Todd she's not there to argue with him, because he's nothing to do with Beth. And if he thinks he is, then he's just "leading that little girl and her mother up a path that leads to heartache... "As if that girl hasn't made enough mistakes without you goading her into more sin..." Sarah comes out and they argue again before Todd can finally push Brenda out of the flat.

As she emerges by the bus stop, we see Nick and Maria meet in the street. They talk in platitudes and Maria tells him she's just been out on a date. He asks her what kind of man let's his date go home alone on the bus, then he leaves quite abruptly.

Up in the flat Sarah and Todd are hugging to comfort each other. They are in front of the window and from a doorway opposite, Brenda is watching.

Anne Logan and Margaret Carr

Evening All!

Tonight's episode begins in the morning with Sarah looking none too well, Todd also notices the less than well looking Sarah and suggests she goes back to bed. Both are concerned about Brenda's outburst the other day. If Todd sees Gail tell her everything sorted.

In the cafe Sarah's absence has already noticed by Vera - if she only worked as hard as she talked... Todd comes in to tell Roy that Sarah is unwell and will not be in today, Vera is less than pleased with this news as she will have to work harder than usual. Gail comes in just as Todd is going and gets the brush off from him regarding what happened with Bethany.

In the shop Maria comes in followed closely by Candice anxious to know who she was with last night, we know it wasn't Nick, but Candice doesn't and is trying to wheedle from Maria who she was with, Candice doesn't believe what she is saying so Maria suggest she checks with Nick.

As they leave Dev and Maya emerge from the back of the shop and Dev makes a big show of canoodling with Maya in front of Sunita. Sunita finds it hard to believe that anybody could be in love with Dev, an attempt here to knock the smugness out of him!

A surprise visitor at Angela's - Tommy slopes in, not to return though - crushing Craig's hopes at reconciliation as he dashes down the stairs, but to tell them he has the moved into the flat above Streetcars. As Tommy leaves Craig is told to get ready for school by mum.

Harry is busy cleaning the floor in the Rovers as Mike stops by to remind him about Preston's funeral and to remind Fred as well.

Back in the cafe the girls from the factory are there for lunch and getting fed up waiting, Vera desperately needs a course in customer services.. the dread Brenda is also there and after talking to Roy she thinks it may not be wise to go to the flat to see Sarah. As Brenda leaves the cafe Gail comes on in and soon they are busy scoring points off of each other as warring grandparents.

Ciaran has turned up at the shop to see where Sunita is only to find out that she has to stay there as Dev and Maya have already gone out. Ciaran is not taking the problems that Sunita has regarding the forthcoming marriage and her family too seriously.

Angela is still trying to get Craig off to school, he is more anxious to stay at home in case Tommy turns up. Angela eventually manages to get him out by suggesting he could be getting a key cut in the precinct which is luckily on the way to school.

Back in the cafe Martin has ordered lunch for two, Gail is joined by Martin who tells him about Brenda's outburst earlier in the day. Katy turns up now and is less than pleased to see Gail who is not happy at seeing Katy (I know the feeling) who petulantly goes back to the flat for a boiled egg as lunch instead.

At the Rovers the mourners from Preston's funeral are back and expressing views about Preston, Mike even tried to get the widow to sign the cheque at the funeral! Mike leaves to see how Nick has been running the factory in his absence.

Oh dear! at the factory Candice has just stormed in full of teenage angst to confront Nick - "who were you with last night" is a good opener - Nick tries to get the girls to work but they are too interested in what is going on, Candice is sure he is two timing her and seeing someone else, Situation is getting a bit out of hand here, but luckily (?) Mike gets back from the pub now and asks in his usual inoffensive manner what is going on just as Nick escorts Candice out of the factory!

Ciaran is just coming out of the Kabin as Dev comes out of the shop, There is no love lost between Dev and Ciaran are they both fighting over the same woman?

In the Rovers Sunita and Maya are at the bar together but miles apart, you can feel the frost between them. Dev arrives and makes big show of kissing Maya passionately as Sunita watches on, Ciaran has arrived now and gets the same sort of welcome from Sunita - this is all getting rather childish or is it me?

Back at the factory Mike is asking for an explanation as to what has been happening as Penny King turns up, Mike is surprised to see her and shoos Nick off. Penny has turned up to sign the cheque after all and to renew an old acquaintance it would seem now that Preston has passed on.

Candice has now got Sarah in her sights and asks her where Nick was, Sarah is in a rush to get somewhere though and brushes Candice off.

Dev has returned after his long lunch and Sunita complains about the short lunch she had to take and is reminded by Dev that he is the employer. Sunita is less than pleased when Dev tells her that Ciaran has been trying to get contact details for her family to tell them about the wedding.

Back at factory Penny and Mike are getting on well and both it seem look forward to seeing each other again..

Back in the street, its now Gail's turn to be confronted by Candice and the wind is taken out of her sails when Gail confirms that Nick did go out with her last night.

Also in the street Craig asks Angela if Tommy has been back yet, Craig still blames Angela for Tommy leaving. Tommy meanwhile has let himself in to the bleak looking flat and proceeds to hit the bottle.

Sarah is preparing tea and has told Todd she has been to the doctors who is concerned about how Todd feels about Bethany, he says he loves Bethany as if she was his child, which is a good opening here for Sarah to tell him she is pregnant, which renders Todd speechless!

That's all folks.

Pete Webb

Hello

Tonightâs episode starts at Sarah and Toddâs flat. Todd and Bethany are making Sarah a cup of tea ö Bethany is pretending to iron and I think, as far as I can remember, spoke for the first time. Sarah comes out of the bedroom ö Todd making remarks about her being a mother to be and then she goes back to bed ö reminding Todd that he is meant to be keeping it quiet.

At Gailâs ö Nick is moping about, saying he blew it with Maria. Gail (the queen of failed relationships) tells Nick that he should give her time and by his protestation of love he probably embarrassed her. The doorbell goes and its Craig ö he and David are plotting something but pretending that they are talking about football.

Off to Candice and Mariaâs ö Candice comes out of her bedroom in her dressing with a box of tissues ö crying and intends to mope around the house all day saying she is not fit for work. Maria is looking awkward and Candice is saying cheesy line about her and Nick were meant for each other and ãthey were like oneä! Maria tells her that she probably went too far too fast by giving him a ring and she is probably best off without him ö she then goes off to work saying that she will tell Audrey that she is not well.

We then go to Martin and Katieâs. Katie has made a ãposhä breakfast of croissants and orange juice as a special treat ö Martin looks slightly concerned and says ãhave we run out of sausage, eggs and bacon thenä. They just sit down and the phone rings ö its David saying that itâs his football trials and he wants his dad to go and that Gail cant go. Martin says heâll be there in five minutes ö Katy pouts.

Back at Sarah and Toddâs, Todd is still droning on about how he doesnât see having a second child as a problem and that he wants to show the world what a good dad he is despite not having a dad of his own.

Craig lets himself into Tommyâs flat ö his dad is asleep on the sofa surrounded by beer cans ö Craig opens the window because its stinks ö Tommy hadnât noticed. He then remembers that he was meant to have watched Craigâs football trial ö he apologises.

At the Rovers ö the toilets are still out of order and Harry is patrolling the door. Blanche comes in and is looking all pristine as she is off to see the bank manager. Harry complains that he is meant to keep the place clean not be a doorman and Blanche complains that she doesnât like the thought of sharing the toilet with the likes of Les Battersby. Shelly then offers Kirk free pints if he will watch the toilet door ö he is delighted.

Back on to the street ö Maria rushes out of the hairdressers and bangs straight into Nick ö he wants to talk ö she doesnât.

Panning down the street we see Dev and Sunita arguing ö Dev says that he doesnât think Ciaran wants to get married and heâs just coming up with excuses to get out of it.

Then we see Gail, Martin and David getting out of the car ö singing we are the champions. Of course Katy is in the street and witnesses this whole happy family scene. She is positively seething and turns down a cup of tea as she has things to do ö but Martin doesnât.

In the cafŽ Hayley and Angela are talking and Hayley is saying that she reckons they will sort things out. Angela says that she doesnât think so this time and she thinks itâs the end ö of course Craig overhears this and looks aghast.

Back at Gailâs ö Martin says he better go and then Nick walks in. He says that he is not comfortable in the street any more as the vibes with him and Maria are wrong (Gail should be a master of bad vibes having been married to a murderer!). He then announces he will be leaving as soon as he can ö David overhears and looks sad.

Martin goes back to the flat and Katieâs got a face like thunder ö Martin wants to talk about it and she doesnât except she then does and says that she didnât think Gail was going and that did he enjoy playing happy families. He says that actually he did because it was really nice to relax in the company of adults and he doesnât want to hear her jealousies and is off down the pub to find more adults to relax with.

Back at Tommyâs ö Craig rushes in and asks his dad if he is getting a divorce and then he rushes out again.

At the Rovers Kirk has decided to ask everybody who wants to go to the loo for a password ö Shelly soon puts a stop to it. Hayley and Angela are in the corner talking and Hayley is saying that when she and Roy split up she held Angela as her role model as they managed to stick together as a family during their problems. Angela says that compared to what they went through this whole thing trivialises things and she loves her husband as a hero but she doesnât when he is a stupid, selfish, spiteful bigot.

We then go back to the bar and see Dev and Ciaran yet again arguing about the forthcoming nuptials and Dev accuses Ciaran of using Dev to try and get out of the wedding.

Back at Gailâs ö Nick announces that he has been in contact with Tom from College and that he will crash at his house in London. He has put a resignation letter through the door of the factory (obviously they donât have a one month notice period in Manchester) and that he will go that afternoon. Gail goes off to tell Audrey. David looks sullen and then says that his family stinks and everyone keeps leaving. Nick patronises him and says that one day he will understand.

Back in the Rovers the toilets are finished and Charlie tells Shelly that he will be back in a minute for the money ö she looks like she is plotting something. In the corner Gail and Audrey are discussing Nicks departure ö Maria joins them and looks thoughtful when she hears what is going on.

Harry then announces the toilets are open and Charlie asks Shelly for the money and she says oh love Iâm sorry Iâve got another job ö Iâll come back to you later.

Back at Todd and Sarahâs Todd is still talking about the baby ö yawn yawn. Sarah says that now she has got her head round it she is really looking forward to it ö but her facial expressions show that she is completely lying.

Maria goes back to the flat and Candice is still pining after Nick saying that she is going to write him a letter and was contemplating whether to call him Dear or Dearest etc etc ö Maria tells her to shut up and move on as she doesnât know what love is and she runs out of the flat.

We then go to the street and Nick is getting into a taxi saying good-bye to Martin, David, Audrey and Gail. Maria is lurking down the road. They are all waving and Martin puts his arm round Gail ö and guess who walks out the corner shop ö yes Katy and looks very cross.

The taxi rumbles down Coronation street ö and Maria suddenly pounces on the car and Nick asks it to stop. She protests her love for Nick and tells him she loves him and that she wants him to stay. Nick says he canât believe this is happening. Maria says Ill never let you go. They snog

And the credits roll ...

Thatâs all ö see you next week

Mary Earlam

Hi everyone, here is the first episode of this cold Monday evening......

We start with Gail, David and Nick stepping out of their front door. David is cheerfully nattering about how great it was to have both Gail and his mum at the footie match, and maybe next time Nick could come too. Nick, seeing Mike drive up to the factory has other things on his mind, he's off to pick up the letter of resignation he posted through the factory door, before Mike sees it. He just makes it in time, telling Mike, when he asks, that the letter is in Candice's handwriting, probably hate mail because he dumped her.

Crossing the road to the factory are Janice, Ange and Sonia. They pass Tommy, and Janice comments to Ange that her hubby is looking a bit rough. Angela tells her it's not her problem any more.

Nick sees Maria out in the street and rushes out to speak to her. He tells her he just managed to get his letter back in time. Maria tells him she can't stop thinking about seeing him in the taxi, it was scarey. Nick tells her this is scarey too. Maria tells him she's not looking forward to telling Candice, and thinks they should keep it quiet about the two of them until she's told her. They arrange a date for that evening.

Watching from across the road are Gail and Audrey. Audrey is glad that Nick is still around, and is thankful for Maria. She asks how Gail feels about it all, and Gail tells her that if it keeps Nick there, she's happy. Audrey comments wryly that there's someone who's not going to be happy.......as Candice comes around the corner.

Craig and David are talking about their plan to split up Martin and Katy, so that Angie and Tommy will get back together. David tells him that Katy was well narked when she realised that Gail and Martin had both gone to David's football match, and he reckons they would have been arguing all night.

Meanwhile, over at Martin's flat, he's asking Katy if she is going to speak to him. Katy is still in a strop over what happened. Martin tries to explain that there is nothing going on between him and Gail except parenthood, and sometimes it's nice for David to do something with both of them together instead of having to take turns. Martin offers to take her out for a meal that evening, just the two of them for some quality time. Katy retorts that she'll believe it when it happens, and storms off.

Norris, standing on an upturned bucket, is peering over the garden wall, watching Cilla peg up her underwear on the washing line. He tries to make conversation but she reckons he's eyeing up her smalls, and tells him that if anything goes missing off the line, she'll know where to come. Norris splutters - and falls off his bucket, as Emily comes out. She tells him he probably frightened the poor woman, and Norris tells her he's as much chance of frightening a rottweiler. Emily thinks she's probably perfectly nice.

Over in the pub, Tommy is downing one pint and asking Shelley for another. Janice, Angela and Sonia walk past. Janice comments on the amount Tommy is drinking. Angela asks if she gives Janice news bulletins about Les every five minutes. Sonia comments that he's not a happy man though.

Charlie the builder comes in, with Jason. Bev asks if they want two pints, and Charlie comments that he would if he could afford it. Bev tells Shelley to pay him. Shelley asks if he'll be knocking something off for all the stress and inconvenience. He tells her that if she pays him cash he'll knock off the VAT, they haggle a bit more, and then the deal is done and Shelley pays him. He says he'll have to keep his eye on the money, seeing as the bookie's has reopened across the road, under new management. Bev murmurs to Shelley that Peter must have sold it.

Kevin and Tyrone walk in, and Kev is cross to see Tommy in the pub, he thought he was off getting a part. Tommy tells him he got it. Kev asks if he thought he'd down a few on the way back, Tommy tells him he's only had the one. (I don't think so!) Kev tells him to have it in his own time, not Kev's. Tommy storms off.

Over in the cafe, Sarah sees Nick sitting at a table, and tells him that Candice has said he dumped her. Nick tells Sarah that he and Maria are back on, but tells her not to say anything. Just then, Todd comes in and gives her a kiss, and to Nick's annoyance, Sarah tells him about Nick and Maria. He reminds Sarah that she wasn't to tell anyone, 'but this is Todd, he's different,' says Sarah. Nick mutters that she's right there, and Todd demands to know what he means by that. Nick tells him that maybe it's time he had another little chat with Sarah.

In the hair salon, Maria is spraying festive foam on the window and singing along to Christmas songs. Candice suspects Maria has a new bloke, judging by the change of mood. They go outside to see how the decorations look from the other side of the window......the Merry Xmas is written back to front! As they stand on the pavement, Nick comes round the corner, Maria hurries back in, Candice stands there and is ignored by Nick as he passes.

Todd comes chasing after Nick, telling him he won't have Nick going round and causing trouble with Sarah. Nick tells him if Todd won't tell Sarah the truth, he will have to. Todd insists there's nothing to tell. Nick says Todd is gay. Todd follows him into his house to continue with the argument. Todd blurts out that Sarah is carrying his baby, and Nick is horrified. Todd got her pregnant to prove a point. She's sixteen years old and already had her life messed around. They are arguing when Gail comes in and demands to know what is going on. Nick tells her about Sarah, and Gail asks Todd if it's true. Todd tells her it is, he's sorry she had to find out like this, but they are made up about it, and he leaves.

Gail and Nick sit, shocked, on the sofa, talking about Sarah. Gail reflects that first she gave up school and now this. How could she be so stupid? Nick reckons it was all Todd's idea. Gail is puzzled, but Nick says he has to get back to work and will talk about it tonight.

In the cafe Charlie and Jason are ordering coffees. Jason asks for his money, saying if he's paid he'll buy the coffee. Charlie tells him he has a cash flow problem and can't pay him til the end of the week. Jason knows he has cash in his pocket that he just got from Shelley, but Charlie needs that to buy materials for the next job he's got. Jason goes off in a mood, as Todd comes in. He tells Sarah that Gail knows she's pregnant, Nick told her and he told Nick. Just then Candice comes in and orders cakes, and asks if Nick has said anything to her about seeing someone else, only Maria is acting strange........Sarah tells her not now, she's got problems of her own.

Emily is in her backyard, checking her washing on the line, which is still strangely wet. On the other side of the wall Cilla's little Chesney is crouching with a water blaster. Emily gets the bucket to look over the wall, so Chesney legs it, just as Kirk comes out. Chesney thrusts the water blaster into Kirk's hands and rushes indoors. Kirk accidentally sprays Emily with water!

Out in the street, David and Craig are just getting off the bus. David spots Martin and runs over, asking if he'll take him to see a film that evening. Martin says he can't, he's promised to take Katy out.

Emily and Norris go round to the Battersby household. Emily is most indignant that she was sprayed with water, and believes Kirk when he tells her it was Chesney. However, Cilla is having none of it, she won't have her little Chesney upset and she throws Emily and Norris out. Then she slaps Kirk for blaming Chesney.

Over at Gail's house, she's peeling potatoes when Nick comes in. They sit down and carry on their earlier conversation, with Gail bemoaning Sarah's plight and saying what a mess she's made of things, sixteen with a second child on the way. David comes in and wants to know what's the matter. Gail tells him that Sarah is pregnant. 'So?' asks David, but he puts on his coat and goes off out, grinning.

Martin and Katy are chatting. Katy tells him it's hard taking second place, and Martin tells her that David wanted him to take him to a film, but he said no, he was taking his girlfriend out. At that moment David arrives, saying it's an emergency. Katy remarks that they have a lot of them at their house. When Katy has gone to get changed, David tells Martin that Sarah is pregnant and Gail is upset and crying, could he go round? Martin, rather shocked, agrees, telling Katy to wait, he won't be long.

At Kev's garage, Tommy is telling Craig they'll go and get a pizza, Kevin overhears and tells him he won't, he's got a car to finish. Tommy starts work with Craig helping, when over the road Craig sees David arrive at his front door with Martin in tow. From across the street David gives Craig the thumbs up sign.

Martin and David burst into Gail's living room. He tells Gail that David has told him about Sarah. Nick comments that Todd is behind all this, and Martin tells him it takes two to tango. Nick tells him that Todd is only doing it for his own ends. Martin takes Nick aside and tells him it's not helping, stirring things up, it's the last thing Gail needs.

A quick flash over to Katy......she's obviously fed up with waiting in the flat, all dressed up with nowhere to go, so she grabs her coat and rushes out, slamming the door behind her.

Back at Gail's, Martin is serving cuppas, telling them all that he doesn't think it will help to go round to Sarah's shouting the odds. Gail remembers the first time, when she was told Sarah was pregnant and only 13. The doorbell rings, it's Katy. She storms in, ranting at Gail because they were supposed to be going out. Martin tries to quieten her but she won't listen, she's convinced Gail has contrived all the recent events to get Martin round there. Gail tells Martin to go, but Martin says he'll go when he's ready, not because Katy is having a tantrum. Katy storms off, but before she goes out of the door she turns and tells Martin they're finished!

Hello, another Monday, another load of people shouting at each other.

Katy is back home talking to her mother, who is trying to calm her down. But Katy won't be calmed. She's left Martin for good, she shouts. Craig's ears prick up at this. "Seriously?" he asks. His mother tells him to push off and he goes out, despite her shouting after him that he's got homework to do. Katy continues to shout and tells her mother: "You've got what you wanted. Congratulations!"

Back at Gail's, Martin won't go after her. "I've come to talk about Sara and if Katy wants to go off on one, then that's her look out." Like Craig, David makes an excuse to leave the house. Nick: "It sounds like a schoolgirl strop to me, mate." Martin protests that he can understand why Katy feels as she does. She thinks something is being kept from her, which it is. Gail urges him not to tell Katy that Sarah is pregnant. The fewer people who know, the better. She tells Martin to go after Katy. "I've got too much on my plate to be the other woman."

In their little nest, Sarah is being very grumpy to Todd, obviously upset that he has blabbed their secret. She tells him it's nothing to do with anyone else but the two of them.

Outside, Craig and David meet up and discuss the split between Martin and Katy. Tommy meets them and Craig tells him that Katy is back home and has split up with Martin. Tommy goes to see it for himself.

In the Battersby abode, Kirk is upset because Norris has given him a look. "You could take Norris, no problem," says the pest known as Chesney. Kirk says he doesn't want to fight Norris -- they used to get on until Chesney soaked the place and Emily. Cilla starts to speculate on the relationship between Norris and Emily. "I bet those two put their teeth in the same glass of a night." Les urges her to get a move on so they can get in some drinking time before he has to be home. He says he'll be really glad when the tag is off his ankle.

Gail and Nick are talking. Gail explains that this situation is just what worried her when Sarah first moved out. "Bethany is three years old. Sarah can't even think back that far. She's got her name on a rent book but can't remember how she got there." Nick makes a cryptic comment about there being another name on the rent book and implies that Todd is somehow at fault for persuading Sarah to have the baby. He says he wants to talk to Todd and Sarah, because he's closer to them than Gail is, and he will call round there on his way out to see Maria.

Martin goes to see Katy, who tells him it wasn't a family crisis, but a Gail crisis. "Every time she calls for you, you lap it up." Martin suggests they go back and talk in private.

In the street, the two boys are just leaving the chippie. They see Martin and Katy stomping their way back to the flat. David says they didn't look like they were together, but Craig says he has to be sure.

Todd has gone to fetch their dinner (takeaways again -- no wonder they never have any money), and Sarah gets a visit from Nick. He tries to convince her that Todd is gay and the relationship doomed, but she's having none of it. He says she might think that the caring Todd is a good, stable guy, but she'll end up left alone. He urges her to wait before having another child. "Oh, yes, I will tell the baby to hang on until Uncle Nick says it's OK," she says. She points out that Nick made Leanne have an abortion, even though she was in a "nice, stable, married relationship. Just because you couldn't face your responsibilities!" She tells him not everyone is like him and tells him to get out.

In the Rovers, Cilla tells Les he'd better get home before he turns into a pumpkin. Les is happy that he's only got two days to go before he's a free man. Norris is less than impressed, though he does suggest Chesney could be tagged if there's a tag going spare. "Don't talk wet," says Les, making a pun much appreciated by Kirk and Cilla. Once Les has gone, Cilla slides into the booth beside Kirk and tells him she's got something planned for when Les gets the tag removed. She won't say what. At the bar, Tommy questions Audrey and Candice and then Shelley, trying to find out whether Martin and Katy are still together.

From the sound of things in their flat, they're not. Martin yells that her behaviour looks like jealousy, and Katy suggests Gail has deliberately engineered the situation to make Katy jealous so Martin will go back to his marriage. Katy says the only reason she is suspicious is because there is something Martin isn't telling her.

In a restaurant, Nick and Maria talk over why they split up in Canada. This is their first proper date. "This is what we should have done the first time round," says Maria, "taken things slowly." She is still worried what Candice's reaction will be, so they agree they will have a quiet drink in the Rovers when they get back, and then go to the flat and tell her. (Look back two paragraphs for a reminder of where Candice is!)

Sarah and Todd are discussing Nick's visit when the doorbell goes. "It's your Mum," says Todd. "Well, she's not coming up here," says Sarah. "Too late, I just buzzed her in." Gail comes in and says she hasn't come to argue. This is true, because to argue you have to let the other person get a word in, and Gail doesn't. "I won't leave until I have said what I've come to say," she says. "I want you to have an abortion."

In the pub, Norris is bent on revenge, but Emily reminds him that there was trouble when the Battersby family first arrived, but it settled down eventually. She is all for turning the other cheek, but Norris is determined.

At the bar, Candice is still moping about Nick and boring Audrey. Charlie the builder has bought Eileen a drink. I fail to see the point of Charlie. Like someone else, I have trouble remembering his name and have to look it up in the Radio Times. I suspect he's been brought in to be the "lovable cheeky chappie" to counter EastEnders' Alfie Moon. But for those of us who remember Jed Stone and Eddie Yeats, he's nowhere near that. Anyway, Eileen tries to persuade him to pay Jason what he's owed. She points out that he's got enough money to buy a drink. She says that by not paying Jason, Charlie doesn't realise "It means he has to borrow from me, which means I can't do the weekly shop on my one day off . . ." Charlie says he gets her point and buys her another drink.

Gail is still haranguing Sarah in the way that only Gail can. She points out that Todd already has two jobs and they are barely managing to survive. The baby will put a tremendous strain on their relationship and (emotional blackmail alert!!) Beth will suffer. "You'll have this baby and she'll miss out. She'll just be a nuisance. Put Bethany first -- it's not too late." Todd orders Gail out of the house. When she has gone, he turns to Sarah and says they don't have to listen to Gail. But Sarah turns away from him.

In the Platt flat, Martin answers the door and lets in David, who says he's come to look for a book. He asks if everything is all right, and Katy says it is. But once he has gone they resume their argument. She says she tells Martin everything that happens, but Martin replies that not everything that happens in his life is about their relationship. "If you can't realise that, then you have got more growing up to do than I thought."

David breaks the news to Craig that it seems Martin and Katy have made up. Craig stops his father and tells him he was mistaken and Katy and Martin are still together. Tommy responds by tells Craig he is useless and ordering Craig to get out of his sight.

Back at the pub, Charlie is still sweet-talking Eileen, and it seems he wants her to give up the taxi job and work for him doing his admin work. Nick and Maria come in. Candice comes out of the loo and see them and a slanging match ensues. Candice slaps Maria's face and Nick has to hold back Maria. "Thank you, Candice," says Nick. "I think you just proved I made the right choice."

Martin and Katy are still going on and under relentless pressure, Martin finally tells her that Sarah is pregnant. "Is that it?" she asks. Martin says they were keeping it quiet and he promised Gail not to tell Katy. "Who would I have told?" she screams. "She thinks I'm a gobby kid, and you do and all!" She tells Martin she won't be treated like that and she is moving out.

The end, for now.

Anne Logan and Margaret Carr

Hello again!

Tonight's episode starts with Katy going into Martins flat, where has she been? Scene then goes to Todd and Sarah walking down street and discussing Sarah's pregnancy and Gail's comments about an abortion, both Sarah and Todd pass Gail here and she is ignored by both of them. Also in the street Craig goes past the garage and an apology is in progress from Tommy for his behaviour towards Craig when Kevin in none too happy a mood tells Tommy to basically start working and stop drinking and finish jobs on time as he has kept a customer waiting. Tommy then loses good mood and tells Craig to stop gawping and go to school. Meanwhile Katy has arrived in Martins flat and is trying to make amends for walking out last night. Martin is not too sure about where the relationship is going and if Katy is mature enough to handle it and the hostility from others.

At Les's - Cilla checks with Kirk and Chesney that today is Tuesday and not Wednesday - Les loses tag on Wednesday - hence the send up. However all the street seem to agree that today is Tuesday - can it be Tuesday after all? Angela has visited Tommy at the garage and after some sniping on both sides tells him his mother has rang and how many more excuses has she got to make about Tommy not being there - Tommy will only come back if she sees sense about Katy and Martin.

Les has now arrived at streetcars and gets some stick from Eileen about turning up late as it is Tuesday, also the other driver has a newspaper for Tuesday, Les goes off disgruntled to pick up customer that Eileen also asks to say it is Tuesday.

Back at garage Tommy is accused of being sloppy by Kevin after Tyrone gets a minor injury while working with Tommy who gets a final warning from Kevin. Audrey has dragged Candice and Marie out into the street away from the customers in the salon so that she can tell them that they have to work together - Candice will have to take the bad news about Nick in a mature manner (fat chance of that!) and Maria will have to stop winding Candice up.

At the Rovers Jason is trying to get a pint without paying, luckily mum turns up now and he manages to get a pint on the strength of Stubbs not paying him. Mike overhears this conversation and offers Jason a job as van drivers mate - unusual for Mike to be this generous, or is he trying to get a bit of revenge on Mr Stubbs? Sarah and Todd are still going on about the pregnancy! This scene ends with Todd storming out of the flat saying to Sarah that he doesn't know her at all..

At the Rovers Kevin, Tyrone and Tommy have turned up for their lunchtime pint.

Audrey also turns up at the Rovers and goes to meet Gail and Nick where she is told that Sarah is pregnant which Audrey accepts, and without shouting the odds as well. Les is also in the Rovers with Cilla and Kirk and is still being told by all and sundry that today is Tuesday and not Wednesday. Les ends up believing this!

Todd returns to flat and apologises to Sarah, Todd accepts that it is up to Sarah but hopes that she will not have the abortion as he will be the father, Sarah seems to have accepted now that she will have the baby so that she, Todd and Bethany will stay together as a family. Back at the Rovers Tyrone and Kevin go back to work while Tommy says he will finish his hot-pot which is of course an excuse to have at least another pint.

Les is also being sent up by Jack regarding what day it is (Wednesday? -I'm getting confused now). Kevin returns to the pub and sees Tommy gulping more pints down. Jason also in the Rovers has just tackled Stubbs the builder re where is my pay? Stubbs hands over a fair sized wad of cash and tells Jason he has the makings of a good builder - providing he buys the pints, will Jason stick with Stubbs or go to underworld? In the street David is walking along with Martin and finds out that Katy and Martin are still together which doesn't please Craig when he hears this. Kirk is back home again with the dread Chesney and Kirk has had an attack of conscience and is going to tell Les that today is Wednesday after all, when he does though Les by now believes it is Tuesday and Kirks efforts are for nothing.

Back at Martin's Katy returns and there follows a touching interlude where Katy and Martin try to sort out their differences. At the Rovers Cilla has turned up with Chesney, Les is there also and is told by Cilla that today is Wednesday after all and Les celebrates this in his usual understated and modest manner. At the garage the customer whose car Tommy was working on has turned up looking none too pleased and tells Kevin that the car is in the garage as the steering is faulty and wheel nuts were loose. Tommy tries to waffle his way out of this but Kevin sees red and sacks Tommy on the spot while a concerned looking Craig looks on.

That's all folks!

Pete Webb.

Last week I expressed some concern over the content of our favourite television programme and as no nuclear weapons have fallen on me I sense I may not be alone in my concern. This week has seen at attempt at some redeeming comedy at the expense of Les. Hardly worth the effort in my view. OTOH better something rather than nothing.

Tonight the Street is sponsored by Cadbury's Roses, written by David Lane and directed by Duncan Foster , all courtesy of ITV Television.

Chesney has cooked himself some chips - not a normal occupation for a child of his age I would suggest - whilst Les and his inamorata are kissing at the bottom of the stairs. They have obviously enjoyed a busy night. Chesney reveals he had to go shopping - Kirk gave him the money. Kirk is woken by Les and sent off to work - and as Cilla observes Kirk has no work today. Chesney witnesses the canoodling and claims it is putting him off his breakfast!

Craig and Angela are discussing Xmas - she is going to get a fake. Craig tells Angela that Tommy has been sacked by Kevin and she tells Craig how pig headed he is being.

Sarah delivers Bethany to the nursery and returns the soft toy - which had not been reported missing. Sarah gives Beth a kiss and departs.

Kevin and Tyrone are pushing a car - Craig does not help. Craig is wagging school and Kevin explains why he had to sack Tommy - safety. Tyrone says Tommy is a good mechanic - but he will need his tool box which he hands over. We see Tommy half dressed drinking beer in a disgusting mess in the flat.

Sunita is telling Gail that it is unlikely her family will hear from her or vice versa this year. Gail is also likely to have a small Christmas. Angela is also shopping and so Gail decides that rather than falling out over asking Martin and Katy they should all be together at the Platts. Sunita tells them not to worry about her!

Brenda turns up at the nursery to see Bethany. Apparently she is coming in every day to see Bethany and is welcomed by the adult. She delivers another toy to Bethany.

Audrey is glad that Maria and Candice have settled their differences over Nick. Candice will not forget what Maria has done - and as Maria observes elephants have long memories. Charlie and Jason are drinking at the bar when Mike comes in. Charlie tells Mike that he should not try pinching Jason. Mike admits that it was merely to upset Charlie and as Jason overhears this he knows that it was not a real job. Tommy arrives and starts abusing half of the pub - Ciaran advises Tommy to calm down. Kevin will give him a reference when he sobers up. Mike observes that he is likely to drown in self pity; Tommy departs leaving his pint untouched which Kirk is given - and he did not even know he was going to the pub!

Brenda has a little chat with Bethany - talking about being re-united with the dead and it is clear an idea is forming in her sad, semi-demented mind. Luckily we are spared further observation by the commercial break.

Chesney and Kirk are unpacking boxes and boxes of goods supplied by Charlie West. The local children's' home inmates sold the stuff to Charlie - including a sound system and something special for the roof. Chesney remarks he was in that home when she went to Magaluf - once again she tries to silence him.

David and Craig (should I save space and merely write Craig David - that sounds very familiar) are arm wrestling (poorly - they clearly do not know how to do it) and trying to setup another break up for Martin and Katy. David loses. Gail comes downstairs and lets them know where they are spending Christmas lunch. David reckons it will be hard to work out who sits where.

Todd has collected Bethany who has been talking about Jesus and he finds another toy in her bag - she is going to become a kleptomaniac! Todd observes that if this is her career choice perhaps she could steal something useful - video, microwave etc. Todd and Sarah kiss.

Craig delivers the tool box to Tommy. The latter has had nothing to eat and does not want to eat and he is going to get some more cans.

Norris accuses Mike of "Bah Humbug" over Christmas - the latter knows that his staff will be less productive, there are no orders. Mike is not cheerful. Emily arrives and says that a Las Vegas casino is being setup next door with lots of lights and a sound system. Norris takes one look and despairs of ever sleeping. Mike has only two words for him "Bah ... Humbug". The biter bit!

Sunita and Shelley are discussing the former's hen night. Ciaran suggests Dublin. Charlie talks Ciaran into a stag night. Shelley says - what should they do - a theme night. In one of the best lines of the evening Sunita suggests a Hindu Hen Do! Ciaran is going to have a bar man's booze up.

Nick and Maria are cuddling and the former is complaining of the cold. They are caught by Candice who says that he ought to know that Maria cuts her toe nails in the bath. Firmly denied. Maria and Nick discussing going somewhere to be together - but the flat is out, the Platts is out. So Nick has to accept the inevitable.

They all look at Les's house. Decorations everywhere. Music playing and lots of flashing lights. Chesney is sent to turn on the Santa and sleigh on the roof. Kirk has not connected it all up properly and is sent to sort it out despite his hatred of heights.

Craig and Angela discuss Christmas. They argue. Craig tells her how Tommy is carrying on. Craig packs and comes back downstairs. He is going to live with Tommy, Angela may have given up on Tommy but Craig has not.

Kirk clearly has no idea. Norris, Audrey and Emily are watching. Then as Norris observes he knows how Lytham St Annes feel - being next door to Blackpool. Kirk puts his thumbs up and Chesney turns it all on. For about 2 seconds before there are a number of bangs and it all goes dark.

Some nice lines this evening, so credit to the writer for that. Story lines remain weak. We all know that Ciaran does not want to marry Sunita, so she is going to be sadly disappointed. Nick and Maria again? And mad bad Brenda clearly has death on the brain. I would have expected the nursery management to tell Sarah about Brenda popping in - or do I live in a parallel universe?

Anyway, same time same place next week, plus all the other installments in between time. Enjoy.

K Richard W

Hello Everybody

Tonightâs episode starts off in Tommyâs flat ö he is busy clearing up empty beer cans and Craig comes out of his room ö Tommy suggests that the two of them go out for the day.

Out on the street we focus on Lesâs house and all his Christmas decorations ö Norris is tutting and putting the newspaper bulletin board outside the shop ö Les gives Norris a hearty wave and says ãGood Morning Dorisä. Norris points out that there is an article in the paper that the Council are cracking down on nuisance neighbours and that is what the bulletin billboard is saying. We then go over to the Factory where the girls are waiting outside ö Nick turns up and asks what is going on and then sees that the entrance has been bricked up and so the girls make there way off to Royâs CafŽ to wait ö Angela takes the opportunity to go and see Tommy.

In the corner shop ö Bev is talking to Sunita about the electricity failure and the trouble it caused the pub and then is asking Sunita about her hen do. She says she doesnât really want one. Bev asks her about her idea for a Hindu Hen Do and Sunita explains that it girlie relatives who get together and eat and drink and paint their hands and feet with henna. Bev suggests that that sounds fun and after theyâve done that they can go and get Îbladderedâ ö a sort of multicultural event. Sunita is not sure and Dev hints that she may be getting cold feet. Bev says that the only feet she is getting are painted ones!

Back at Tommyâs ö Tommy and Craig are having breakfast and Angela walks in and tells Craig his sleepover has ended and to pack his bag. Tommy is particularly nasty and tells her that Craig is staying put and they have a nice day out planned. Angela says that he canât bribe Craig with nice days and he will soon be running home to his mum. Tommy and Angela argue a bit more and then she leaves. Craig has been brainwashed by his father and says that she needs teaching a lesson for siding with Katy.

Back in the cafŽ the factory girls are tucking into their breakfasts. Mike Baldwin storms in and asks whatâs going on. Naturally Charlie is also in the cafŽ and Mike accuses him straight away and tells him to get rid of the wall. Charlie says that he is busy but will look into it at lunchtime and will give him a quote. He then quotes Mike when he was trying to poach Jason ö ãmy door is always openä ö well its not any more!! Mike then orders the girls back to work ö Charlie pips in again and says that it is a health and safety hazard to have an exit blocked up. Mike threatens them all with the sack unless they get back to their machines immediately.

Off to the Weatherfield Arms and Les is in there with his Manchester City scarf and so are Tommy and Craig. Les says that he thought they were Sheffield supporters and accuses them of switching ö Tommy says that he will watch any game except a United game and would never switch to that team. Cilla then as a joke switches the channel to a cookery programme and there is an outcry.

Back to the factory and Nick is on the phone trying to get someone to come and knock down the wall and the earliest he could get was Monday. Mike says that it needs to be done straight away and that Nick will have to do it ö he complains and says that it is not in his job description and Mike reminds him that he doesnât have one.

Back in the Cabin Rita is looking through the paper and Norrisâs headline that is on the newspaper board outside is on Page 7 and is a tiny article. They bicker about Norrisâs latest obsession with Les Battersby. Chesney and Kirk then come into the shop and Norris says that he wont serve them until they take down the decorations and tells them that the Council is cracking down on nuisance neighbours. Chesney pull the water work vote as he says last year he was in a home where Father Christmas wasnât allowed and he has finally moved to a house where he can celebrate Christmas. Rita is taken in by this and feels guilty but Norris is having none of it.

Katy and Martin are strolling down the street arm in arm go into the Rovers for a drink of course they are spotted by Tommy and Craig who are just drawing up in a taxi. Tommy suggests a drink which Craig complains about as they have been in the pub since 11.30am. As soon as Tommy walks in the pub he starts to goad Martin talking about regulations for children being in pubs. Martin finally loses his cool and squares up to Tommy and they shout at each other and Martin asks what his problem is and telling him that he has lost his home, his job, his wife and his daughter. Tommy threatens him and says he ought to kill him for what he has done. Martin then walks out of the pub with Katy telling Tommy that he and Katy love each other and the Tommy has lost ö he stands there with his pint looking cross and says Never!

Back at the factory Nick is still in his suit but sporting a lovely pair of goggles and a large mallet. A woman comes up looking for Mike and Nick directs her round the back ö he then starts to knock the wall from the outside. He then gets a phone call from Mike asking him what he is doing and that he should be knocking the wall down from the inside so that the rubble is on the street and not in the factory. Nick complains and says that he couldnât stand the taunts he will get from Janice and her cronies. The woman has gone round the back and approaches Mike ö its Penny King and she has a favour to ask. Sheâs got a new person who she is a bit worried about and wants Mike to look at the books. He says that he always likes looking through the books of clients and she flirtatiously says that she was hoping he would do it as a friend. They smarm a bit with each other and then agree to meet up the following week to discuss it. Nick is now in the factory ö still with goggles and mallet and as predicted the girls are goading him he tells them to shut up and starts to knock the wall down.

Back in Tommyâs flat he is sitting on the sofa surrounded by beer cans and self pity. Craig is worried about him asking if he will be ok to drive to Ellen Road tomorrow to watch the Leeds Football match. Tommy gets cross and accuses him of switching football team in order to glory hunt. Craig then says that he would now like to support Sheffield Wednesday like his dad. Tommy tells him he is one in a million and celebrates with a bottle of whisky.

Back in the Rovers more wedding talk and Dev is saying the wedding will never happen. Maya walks in and Sunita invites her to her hen night and she says that she wouldnât know anyone but ends up having to accept the invitation. She then asks Dev if he is going to Ciaran's stag night and he says he has not been invited. There is a bit of goading between Ciaran and Dev (as usual) and Dev ends up accepting an invitation.

Back in the street and Martin and Katy are hauling a big tree out of the car. Angela comes along and asks if Gail has invited them for Christmas dinner yet and that it would be good to be on neutral territory. They laugh and hug and of course this is all witnessed by Craig. He looks back at his dad who is lying drunk on the sofa and then he looks at his dadâs toolbox.

In the Rovers Maya and Dev are talking and she accuses Dev of being jealous of Ciaran. We then go to Mike and Nick ö Mike calls out to Bev to ãget the boy a pintä and he retorts to say that he is not a boy and he does not want a pint as he could not lift it because his hands are blistered. Charlie witnesses this with delight.

Back on the street ö Norris and Rita are looking at the newspaper sign ö Chesney has changed the words to read ãNuisance Norris is a city crack potä ö much hilarity all round from Les, Cilla, Chesney and Kirk.

Down the street we see Craig open the bonnet of Martins car ...

The we go up to Martinâs flat he and Katy are chatting and she says that she really does not mind going to Gailâs for Christmas as it will give him the chance to spend time with David. He goes downstairs to lock his car just as Craig has finished. Martin sees Craig in the street and says the he is sorry about what happened between him and Tommy in the pub. ãYou will beä says Craig and the credits roll .....

Thatâs it ö until next week

Mary Earlam

It's early morning in Tommy's flat. Craig, in his pyjamas, comes into the living room and peers through the curtains at Martin's car outside. He's obviously regretting tampering with Martin's car the evening before, he puts his jacket on and goes over to Tommy's tool box, he's just lifting the lid when Tommy comes into the room. He sees Craig in his coat and asks if he's cold. Craig says he is, and the two of them sit on the sofa with a blanket over them. Tommy doesn't remember going to bed, and then realises that he must have been so drunk that Craig put him to bed. They sit and chat about the situation, they tell each other that Martin ruined their weekend. Craig says that if Martin wasn't there everything would be all right, back to normal. Tommy agrees and says that they would all be spending Christmas together like a family should.

Over in the shop, Sunita is asking Dev if he's seriously thinking about going to Ciaran's stag do. Dev says yes, he is, after all what's a stag do without a clashing of antlers? Sunita doesn't want any trouble. Dev then phones Maya to make arrangements for their evening, starting at 5.30pm (bit early in my opinion!) Sunita says she thought she was finishing early tonight, so Dev tells her to get Todd in to cover. Sunita tells him Todd can't, he's working at the hospital.

Outside the factory, Mike and Nick are looking at the pile of bricks and rubble. Mike tells Nick to return them to their rightful owner, to go and dump them across the entrance to Charlie's yard. Nick is not a happy bunny as he starts to push the laden wheelbarrow.

David and Gail come out of their front door. David laughs when he sees Nick and asks if he's got a new job. 'Not yet,' replies Nick, 'but I'm seriously considering it!' Angela comes out of her house, David asks her if Craig has gone to school already. Angela hesitantly tells him that Craig has been stopping at his dad's. David goes off, saying he'll meet up with him at the bus stop. Angela tells Gail that she's mentioned to Martin and Katy about them all going to Gail's for Christmas dinner, but she doesn't think Craig will be coming, he's moved in with his dad. Gail is sympathetic, and goes off to work.

Over in their flat, Martin and Katy are decorating their Christmas tree. Katy thinks they'd better go to Freshco's for some shopping, but Martin tells her he'll get it on his way to work, and she can get her essay done. The carry on decorating the tree and talking Katy talks about the Christmas decorations she and Craig used to make, and how their mum always got them all out every year. She gets quite nostalgic and says she feels sorry for Craig, his Christmas is messed up.

Tommy, meanwhile, is clearing up and pouring the remains of drink in bottles down the sink. Craig, who has been asleep on the sofa, wakes up and asks what the time is. Tommy tells him it's 1 o'clock. He jumps up and looks out of the window. Martin's car is still there. Tommy is chatting on, telling him one day off school won't hurt and he'll write him a note tomorrow. He then apologises to Craig for the previous day, and says he'll make it up to him, take him bowling or something. Looking in the fridge for something to eat, and finding it empty, he goes off to the cafe to get bacon butties.

In the cafe, Brenda comes in to see Sarah, who immediately wants to know what she's doing there. She wants to talk so Sarah gives her two minutes.

Tommy comes in and orders his two bacon butties from Vera. Angela comes in straight after that, ordering things for the factory girls. Vera remarks loudly that she's rushed off her feet.

Over at a table, Brenda apologises to Sarah for the day she went off with Bethany, she says she's sorry and curses herself for losing what family she has left. She's upset at the fact that this is the first Christmas without Neil, and then she goes, leaving Sarah feeling sorry for her.

Angela goes over to talk to Tommy, asking if Craig's all right and if he got to school all right. Tommy gets irritable (nothing new there!) and asks if she's checking up on him. Angela accuses him of using Craig in his stupid argument, and tells him it's not fair, he's only a kid. Tommy rants and raves a bit more, then picks up his butties and goes, Vera tells Angela she doesn't blame her for kicking him out, he's like something out of Psycho.

Martin is putting on his jacket, about to go off to the supermarket. Katy tells him she can think of a much better way to spend the afternoon, and drags him off to the bedroom.......

Craig, meanwhile, is across the road, looking out of the window. Tommy comes in with the butties. He tells Craig not to let his mum know he hasn't been to school. Craig starts to ask Tommy questions - like how do you know when you've done the right thing or not. Tommy says he always goes with his gut feeling. Craig mentions what Tommy was saying the day before, Tommy says he was talking mostly about Martin Platt, he's in the wrong and they are right to fight him.

In the shop, Dev is gathering up things for his evening with Maya.

Martin and Katy come out of the bedroom, Martin is putting on his jacket and preparing to leave for work. Katy, in her dressing gown, suddenly decides he can drop her off in town so she can get his pressie. He agrees, and she goes off to get ready.

Craig, watching from the flat window across the street, sees Martin come out and get into his car, and drive it just a few feet to the front door. Craig shouts 'No!' and starts out of the door, but is grabbed by Tommy who demands to know what the matter is. Craig confesses that last night, when Tommy was asleep, he took the brake pipe spanner out of Tommy's toolbox and 'fixed' Martin's brakes. At first Tommy thinks Craig dreamt it, but then starts to believe him. He looks out of the window and sees Katy come out of the door and get into the car with Martin. Tommy rushes out, shouting, but they think he's just coming to have another go at them, and they drive off quickly. Tommy and Craig jump into their car and set off in hot pursuit!

On the drive to the hospital, Martin stops at a red light. He and Katy are talking about Tommy and the possibility of moving away. Tommy following behind, is mad at Craig for what he's done and worried in case anything happens to Katy. Craig asks how long it will be til the brakes fail. Tommy tells him it depends how much he uses them.

In the pub, Mike is enjoying a drink while the factory girls are working overtime. At a table, Sarah tells Todd about Brenda's visit to the cafe. She wonders if maybe they over-reacted, after all she did help out, and it's going to be hard to manage over Christmas when the nursery is shut. Todd isn't so keen to forgive Brenda, and says they'll manage.

Charlie comes in and thanks Mike for returning his bricks, and Sunita comes in and tells Ciaran that she's shut the shop so she can have a break, she doesn't see why she should be skivvying while Dev's plying his girlfriend with champagne and roses. Ciaran asks if she's jealous - he'd do all that if he had the money. Sunita tells him she's happy with her barman!

Tommy and Craig are still trying to follow Martin and Katy, but have lost them.

Gail and David are eating their tea. Gail tells him Angela and Craig are coming for Christmas dinner, and she's invited his dad too, although that means that Katy will be coming too, of course. David concedes that she's not so bad, and anyway, he doesn't care as long as his dad is there.

Katy gets out of the car near the shops and Martin drives off. Tommy and Craig come along and see her, and stop and ask where Martin is. Katy won't say, but Tommy soon works out that Martin must be on his way to the hospital, and rushes off. Katy, convinced her dad is out to attack Martin, phones him on his mobile phone and tells him her dad is after him. Martin tells her not to worry, if Tommy comes up he will just lock all his doors - and he locks them all straight away.

At Dev's place, Maya arrives. He asks, somewhat nervously, if she likes the flat, she says she does. He's chilled the champagne, she asks what they're celebrating. He tells her he hopes she's moving in. She tells him she should check out the bedroom first, in case their tastes clash.

Tommy and Craig at last have caught up with Martin, and Tommy flashes his lights at him to get him to stop. Martin pulls over, his brake fluid warning light is flashing but he doesn't notice, and Tommy gets out and walks towards Martin's car. Martin, however, thinks Tommy is looking for trouble, so just as he gets close to the car, Martin drives off at speed. Tommy, exasperated, goes back to his own car and resumes the chase. Fiddling with his stereo Martin almost collides with a lorry and has to brake sharply, losing even more brake fluid. A few moments later, Tommy and Craig spot Martin again, and this time Tommy draws alongside Martin, shouting and gesturing him to stop, but of course, Martin still thinks Tommy is looking for trouble, (well, wouldn't you?) and accelerates. Unfortunately, a large brick wall is suddenly in front of them and Martin has no brakes at all. He tries to steer away from it, but the back of his car slews round and slams into the wall, with bricks falling down on to the roof of the car. A shocked Tommy and Craig stare open mouthed at unconscious Martin in his wrecked car.

Anne Logan

Part 2

Phew, it's a bumpy ride tonight, ladies and gentlemen, as we see some of the best acting by the younger members of the cast, some really awful acting by those who should know better, and some truly cliche-ridden car crash and hospital scenes which you will recognise by the sneering tone in this update when we get to them!

We open with the steaming car and Martin inside, eyes shut, but still with his head propped up neatly against the head rest and window so we can tell it's him. He has a nasty wound above his eyebrow, where it looks as if he might have scratched himself with a broken fingernail. "I've killed him," Craig gasps. Tommy leaps into action, thrusting his mobile phone at Craig and telling him to call the ambulance and fire brigade. "Stay here!" he shouts. He tries the doors and shouts at Martin but gets no response. Cliche alert as Tommy sees petrol dripping under the car. He rushes back to his own car and fetches a wrench, which he uses to smash the rear window to gain access. Young Craig, meanwhile, is making a semi-coherent call trying to get an ambulance -- just the first stage of some brilliant acting by him tonight. However, in case we've missed the clues, he shouts "Dad, I can smell petrol. It's going to go up!"

Tommy drags Martin clear, Martin's head now lolling all over the place, then rolls him over into the recovery position. We hear the zzzziitttt of a spark and then kaboom, the car goes up in flames. Poor Craig is so panic-stricken he is trembling. He manages to gasp out the words: "Is he dead?" Tommy listens to Martin's chest and says: "No, he's breathing." He proceeds to give Craig a lecture about "keeping a lid on it" and tells him the story is that they were chasing Martin because Tommy had noticed brake fluid leaking from under the car.

At Dev's flat, we get the usual soap signal that two people have just had sex -- Maya is wearing what is obviously Dev's dressing gown. She is wandering around his living room. He comes out and she tells him she has discovered his secret stash of children. She holds up the picture and, joy of joys, it's a real snapshot-type badly posed line-up-of-relatives picture, rather than the studio publicity shots that too often feature as snapshots of characters in soaps.

Dev says they are his nephews and names them: Precocious brat, Spoilt brat, Super brat and Uber brat. He and Maya talk about the flat and its spartan look. He tells her it means there is plenty of room for her things.

Back at the crash scene, various people are wandering about the set dressed as firefighters and police. One of the police tells Tommy he's a brave man, dragging Martin out of that -- pointing at the car. He tells Tommy and Craig he will need a statement from each of them, "because if Mr Platt doesn't pull through, there'll be an investigation."

In the Rovers, Audrey and Mike are discussing Nick, Christmas cards and the fact that Mike is going to Edinburgh for a five-star Christmas. Shelley is telling Ciaran that buying perfume for Sunita is the lazy way out, even if the perfume is her favourite and costs £45 a bottle.

At the hospital, Todd just happens to be wandering the right corridor as Martin is brought in and just as someone mentions Martin's name. Martin is in a full head and neck brace -- I did shout at the television that there was no point after the manhandling he'd had, but to no effect. Todd rushes to the phone to spread the bad news.

At the factory, Janice's absence is being discussed. She's gone to have a filling done at the dentist. "Pity they can't wire her jaw shut," says Mike. "Now that is a Christmas bonus I'd happily stump up for." "And I'd go halves," says Nick. Sarah rushes in and drags Nick away, telling him about Martin. Angela hears and panics about Katy, and also leaves.

At Dev's, Maya is suggesting they leave it for a bit before she moves in. Dev is puzzled and worried and a bit taken aback at this. He can't work out why. However, viewers know it's because she's discovered his appalling taste in music. Before they went into the bedroom we could hear what must be an album called "Very Bland Jazz for Seduction". Now we can hear what I can only describe as restaurant piano music. Ick! In the street, Angela meets Katy and tells her about Martin.

At the police station, Craig is taken into an interview room without his Dad and we can see the panic and fright in his face as the questioning starts while Tommy waits outside.

In the hospital waiting room, Sarah utters that age-old soap cliche in hospital waiting rooms: "Why isn't anyone telling us anything?" Katy arrives and is told Martin is in intensive care. The consultant, Mr Shafi, comes out to give them an update on Martin's condition. Obviously the relatives' room must be occupied, because he doesn't bother trying to take them anywhere private. He says Martin is critical but stable, has been intubated and has had a CT scan but there is no sign of brain damage! There is just a superficial cut on Martin's head. Hmmm, maybe he's just playing at being unconscious until this storyline is over, then? Mr Shafi says we will just have to wait until Martin wakes up. Gail: "But he will wake up?" "Hope so. We'll just have to wait and see," Mr Shafi says in the tone of someone speculating on the outcome of a darts match. On his way out, Mr Shafi pauses: "I've worked with him a few times," he says. "Post operative care. He's a fine nurse. You should be proud." "We are," says Sarah, as Audrey graciously thanks the great man. Katy asks if they can see Martin and Mr Shafi says they should ask the ICU nurse, but no more than two visitors at a time. David is visibly upset, furious that Katy is there, and convinced his Dad is going to die. Audrey reassures him by saying the doctors always paint the blackest picture.

There follows a spiteful little argument involving Katy, Sarah and David over who should be allowed in to see Martin. Gail settles it by ruling that David and Katy should go in first.

However, we leave this ridiculous scene for the Duckworths, where ridiculous is what we expect. Outside the house is what looks like one of those huge double-doored American-style fridges with a water or ice dispenser in the door. The wrapping is decidedly odd, with two big chunks of polystyrene at each end and some plastic wrap covering the rest. I suppose if they'd put it in a packing carton/case we wouldn't know it was a fridge. Jack is very suspicious because it's a gift from Terry, but Vera thinks it's wonderful. "Then why do I hear alarm bells?" asks Jack. "You want to get some olive oil in them ears," says Vera, and muses: "You know, the world's gone mad on olive oil..." She tells Jack they'll be able to put all sorts of things in the fridge. "Like aubergines, sprinkled with olive oil -- I've seen it on the telly." She admits she's never bought an aubergine in her life." She continues on the theme of what you can put in a giant fridge -- jars of jam, veg, chocolate, even chutney. About this stage, Jack wonders how they are going to get the thing through the door, just as Tyrone appears...

At Dev's, Maya is ready to leave and Dev's jealousy comes to the surface. He accuses her of wanting the freedom to see Gavin again if she wants. He stands in front of her as she heads for the door and says: "I just want to know where I stand". Avoiding the obvious retort, she swerves around him and leaves, slamming the door.

In intensive care, Martin's superficial cut has four of those steri-strip stitch things. David is very resentful of Katy being there and is being awful to her. A nurse comes in and assumes they are both Martin's children. She tells David that Martin is always talking about him. She leaves and David rounds on Katy. "Look at him. You ruined his life." He says Martin used to have plenty of friends but now some of them think he's a child molester. "He could die with everyone saying bad things about him and thinking he's a perve." Katy looks stricken and leaves as a tearful, tragic David leans over the bed and says: "Hold on, Dad."

Out in the waiting room, Sarah is being very childish, petulant, sulking, rude... When Gail tackles her on it. Sarah points out that Martin is her Dad, too, even if not biologically. She accuses Gail of cutting her out. "First I don't measure up as a mother and now I don't measure up as a daughter."

At the police station, Craig is explaining what happened, how the car caught fire, how his Dad dragged Martin clear... He is talking rapidly and nervously and we can tell that he's mentioning just a bit too often that his father noticed the brake fluid because he's a mechanic...

At the Duckies', Kirk and Tyrone have been roped into the fridge-heaving party. Very is still musing on the possibilities that will open to her once the fridge is installed. "Hey, we could get some of them fridge magnets." She speculates they could use the magnets to attach betting slips, Freshco coupons and a picture of "our Tommy". The fridge is now firmly wedged in the door, not moving in or out.

In the hospital things are still very snarky between Katy and the Platt children. As she cries "what am I going to do without him?" Sarah looks very thoughtful.

Tommy and Craig are home and Tommy is telling Craig that if Platt lives perjury will be the least of their worries. Martin will tell everyone what really happened. The car doors were locked, so Martin must have thought they were going to kill him. "You saved his life," says Craig. "Only to stop yours being ruined," his Dad says. As Craig wonders if it would be better if Martin died, his father lectures him. They must stand by their statements. "If you start blubbing like this, the coppers'll be on to us, you'll be off to boot camp and I'll be looking at a stretch inside." So, as Tommy finally turns into Phil Mitchell, the credits roll.

Some excellent and acting and writing in the scenes involving David and Craig. But the crash scene and hospital pieces were cliche-ridden rubbish which appeared to have suffered from a lack of research.

I've restrained myself most of the way through this update, but there are some things I must say. If you know a scriptwriter, please bring these points to their attention:
1. Very very few cars burst into flames in real life, even after the most horrific smashes. By always showing dripping petrol and implying this means the person must be dragged from the car, the writers are giving viewers the wrong idea about the right thing to do. Turn off the ignition and don't move the casualty. Take a first aid course so you can learn what to do.
2. If someone is unconscious after a crash, doesn't that mean they've got a head injury of some kind? Why do TV shows underplay the injuries someone will receive in a crash like this? I would expect to hear the driver had leg and collarbone injuries at the very least, and probably whiplash.
3. Don't put your chocolate in the fridge. It brings the cocoa butter to the surface and gives it that horrible white mottling (harmless, but ugly).

Until next week,

Margaret Carr

I hope I will be able to keep up to the standard of reports on Sunday and Monday!

Tonight's episode starts with Tommy ringing the hospital from his flat to try and find out how Martin is. An anxious Craig is in the background, his concern is will the police find out what he did to Martin's car? Tommy tells Craig in no uncertain manner to get to school and act normal. Good luck.

Meanwhile at the hospital Martin is still unconscious and is in the intensive care ward still. Katy has fallen asleep at his bedside and wakes with a start when a nurse comes to check on Martin. Is he alright she bleats - yes other than he has been in car crash with tubes and bits and pieces attached here and there....

At the Duckworth's the continuing saga of the stuck fridge - the next idea is to take the door frame off - don't think that was meant to happen though, Tyrone is there as well to see what is going on and he is 21 today.

Back at the hospital Gail and David have turned up and when Katy sees them gives her full range of pouts and grimaces. David is not pleased to see her there and makes his view known with a couple of cutting jibes about Katy still being in nappies when Martin was married to Gail.

The fridge is now in the kitchen and looks like it is big enough for at least a family of ten or so. Tyrone has noticed a crack above the door, no door frame now though - will the house collapse?

Back at the hospital Todd is doing his cleaning job and tries to find out how Martin is.

At Todd and Sarah's flat - Brenda has arrived after having heard about Martins accident. Sarah makes a half hearted attempt to let Brenda know she is not welcome and unfortunately lets Brenda take Bethany to the nursery so that Sarah can get along to see Martin quicker.

At the corner shop Dev is on the phone to Maya pleading for forgiveness, overheard by Sunita who has sneaked up to the back of the shop to hear what is going on, Ciaran turns up to catch Sunita earwigging at the door. Tommy has also come to do some shopping - shares in lager should be worth a fortune at the rate he is getting through it! Angela is also not impressed with the amount he is drinking as Craig is staying with him. Angela finds out here that Tommy pulled Martin out of the car and he is reckoned to be a hero by those in the shop.

Back at the hospital - Katy cannot get to Martins bedside as most of the Platt's are already there - bit difficult to see bed or patient. Martin starts to come round here and Katy despite pulling some fairly gruesome faces is not allowed into the ward.

Vera is phoning Terry up now to thank him for the fridge - best present they have ever had! Stubbs the builder has turned up now and the cost of repairs is beginning to look very expensive.

Nick has arrived at the hospital and is stopped by Todd to find out about Martin, Nick is still obviously annoyed with Todd and makes it clear to Todd that he still thinks he will leave Sarah. There then follows a touching scene of Martin and Katy at his bedside, Nick thankfully comes in before it goes on for too long!

Back at the Duckworth's the doorframe is being supported until proper repairs can be made. Jack suggests that he and Vera go away for Xmas, Tyrone very sportingly volunteers to look after the house while they are away.

Back to the hospital - Angela has turned up as well now to tell Katy and Sarah, who is having a go at Katy, that Tommy was responsible for pulling Martin out of the car.

At the Rovers for a bit of light relief - Stubbs is giving Jason a few tips and hints on how to make as much money out of customers as possible.

Here also Tyrone, Kirk, Fiz, Maria and Candice are having a drink, topic of conversation is Martin and his accident, Ciaran at the bar tells them that Tommy was responsible for pulling Martin out. Sunita is there as well and seems to me that he is still trying to put the wedding off. Maya and Dev turn up now for a drink and to sort out their differences.

In the street Tommy and Craig are going back to the flat when they see Nick and asks him how Martin is, Tommy seems to be quite relieved that Martin is conscious whereas Craig hearing this looks a bit sick. Todd is just coming out of the corner shop as Nick turns up and Nick immediately starts to wind Todd up, unfortunately Eileen hears the rest of this conversation and asks for an explanation which of course Todd is not going to!

At the Rovers Tyrone is trying to make a bid for Maria, Nick comes in here though and that ends that. No-one wants to go out with Tyrone, even on his 21st, Candice doesn't want to know.

Dev now puts on his Mr Smarm persona and grovels to Maya. Apology is accepted and is sealed with passionate kiss, overseen by Sunita at bar and makes again a big fuss of Ciaran, so that Dev can see?

Katy has turned up at Angela's and tells her of the suspicions that she has about Tommy sabotaging Martins car, Katy doesn't think of Tommy as a hero - more of a murderer if Martin had died.

That's all folks!

Merry Xmas!

Pete Webb

Good evening. Welcome aboard the Friday night update. We are about to visit the back streets of Weatherfield and as usual I must remind you that all events are copyright ITV Television and were sponsored by Cadbury's Heroes. Needless to say the writer Stephen Russell, and director Ian Bevitt should be acknowledged for their contribution to the proceedings.

Angela stops Katy in the Street. Katy believes that Tommy tried to kill Martin. Angela does not believe Katy. Katy wants to talk to Tommy - she believes that despite the evidence of Tommy saving Martin from the burning car he must have tampered with the brakes. Angela doubts it. Tommy has a very quick temper and would take direct, not indirect action. Katy departs and the factory girls seek to speed Angela along as they want to be on time to butter up Mike for the Xmas Do!

At the Barlows breakfast is being consumed. Tracy is being kicked to death. Deirdre opens the post to find she has got a job - PA to head of planning at the Town Hall. Ken is pleased, Dreary really wanted it, Tracy says it is about time she got a job whilst Blanche is surprised they took her, "at her age" - to which Tracy rejoins that they must be desperate. Deirdre correctly calls them a pair of miseries but Blanche replies that she is pleased really - it means there is one less person under feet all day! You can imagine that Blanche delivers her taunts with maximum hurt for daughter as Tracy does for her mother. Dreary sighs.

In the Corner Shop Dev wants Tracy to maximise selling - it is the spirit of Christmas to maximise takings - Todd is decorated with some tinsel and urged to stack faster. Maya arrives as Sunita observes that Dev's devotion to Christmas would make one think that he was not Hindu. Sunita is sent to help Todd. Maya and Dev discuss Christmas - he offers her the full Xmas that evening in her flat. He asks her to stay over but she is reluctant.

Katy arrives at Martin's bedside but he is not really in the same world. Sarah and David are there; Sarah virtually refuses to tell Katy anything but David, whilst admitting that he hates Katy as much as Sarah, brings her up to date - he will sleep most of the day but will improve.

Kevin asks Tommy over to the garage and thanks him for saving for Martin. Tyrone says it must mean that Tommy did not mean what he said about killing Martin. Craig says he did mean it but Tommy calms down the situation and they wander off.

Eileen observes to Todd that she rarely hears her sons called "gay". Stupid - yes, gay - no. Todd denies that Nick meant anything. Eileen would like it, but Todd calls her insane and goes back inside the shop. Later Eileen asks Todd if he is gay and he denies it vehemently and repeatedly. Todd admits that Nick has a reason - he has got Sarah pregnant (cue Eileen's mouth dropping open "Sarah's pregnant?) and that is how gay he is. Todd carries on before Eileen can make it worse - they are keeping the baby and nothing she can say will change their minds.

Motormouths, sorry Blanche and Tracy, are walking down the Street together. Blanche is giving the latter a telling off - at least Tracy could have been pleased for Dreary as she had been (!). Tracy cannot be bothered - she will not be earning enough for them all to move. Blanche tells her not to worry. Blanche opens her bag and pulls out a wad of cash and tells Tracy to cheer herself up buying some new maternity clothes - "you look like a snake that has swallowed a pig in that". Tracy observes that it is only £50 and will not buy very much. Blanche offers to take the money back if it is not good enough but Tracy reckons that money in the hand can be spent and departs. Lovely line from Blanche as usual.

Mike has the Merry Widow in the office looking at some papers which he says are in order. He invites her to dinner. Behind his back Mike observes that Nick is lacking the mental capacity to steal from him. On the factory floor the girls are refusing to ask Nick and are waiting for a moment to ask Mike about arrangements for the Xmas party. Mike announces it is off and he will give them a big bonus instead. They can arrange their own do. Mike tells Nick to split the cash in the safe in equal amounts and add to the wage packets. And Nick does not get a bonus - he has not been there long enough!

In the Rovers Maya is all over Dev and talk turns to Christmas Day. Sunita will be waiting around for Ciaran who is working. So Maya in "impish" mode asks Sunita to join her and Dev for Christmas lunch. Sunita refuses initially and Maya observes that she knows they used to have feelings for each other (Sunita and Dev) who both respond at the same time "It isn't". So if they are not doing anything else. Sunita accepts. Ciaran then announces he is not working Xmas Day and so he is invited as well. Dev demurs but Maya will stand no nonsense.

In the cab office Tracy is showing Steve her new clothes. He was hoping she would get something they could hold the wedding reception in (nice line Steve). Tracy says if she has to know about the effects of the pregnancy then so should Steve, luckily his brain is not in gear and he observes that he is simply her boss not the birthing partner. She does not want anything to change her mind over handing over the baby. She might if it was a different father. She is about to tell Steve something when the outside door closes and Deirdre walks in.

Eileen observes that Todd is throwing water and his life into the gutter. She tells him that having babies early is going to tie him down - trapped forever. Todd says they are going ahead. Eileen says they are making a terrible mistake. Jason arrives to be told that Sarah is pregnant and he observes that Todd is getting old before his time.

Angela and Katy meet in the Street. Martin has remembered nothing as yet. Katy asks to be re-assured that Tommy could not be involved. Angela is convinced that he is not responsible. Katy has similar but diametrically opposed convictions. Angela tells her to go and talk to Tommy.

Ciaran is telling Tracy about the invitation to Dev's for Christmas Day. It does not bear thinking about. Tracy says there is still time to change the future - he does not have to marry Sunita. But Ciaran cannot see that possibility - he cannot let her down.

Blanche has decided that Deirdre's first task should be to stop the binmen strewing rubbish in the ginnel. As Ken observes she will be in the wrong department. Blanche is quick - seeing that he knows so much perhaps he should get off his big backside and get his own job. Deirdre is open mouthed!

Nick is telling Maria that he is getting no bonus and that everything has gone wrong with the job. At least he has Maria - but they can hardly get together. Nick thinks of a surprise - but at least he cheers up.

Tommy is reminding Craig to stick to their story. Tommy reckons it is Martin's fault for speeding off rather than listening to their concerns as otherwise none of this would have happened. Katy knocks at the door and comes in. Tommy asks after Martin. Katy states her belief that Tommy tried to kill Martin. Tommy admits he hates Martin - he deserved a smack. Katy keeps asking Tommy questions about the events. He saved Martin's life. Katy is not satisfied. It is a co-incidence. Craig says her story is not what happened but Tommy silences him. Katy departs not convinced.

At the Rovers bar Eileen and Jason discuss Todd. Eileen makes reference to Nick who is sitting with Maria. Nick spies Mike at the bar and decides to ask Mike for his bonus - after all he has been working very hard, although not so that Mike has noticed, indeed he had better start working really hard - after all he is on probation. At this juncture Jason grabs Nick and asks if his whispering campaign concerning Todd reflects his wishful thinking "pretty boy" - indeed he will be less of a "pretty boy" if he repeats his allegations. Maria and Ciaran break up Jason and Nick. Nick calls him a yob and Mike says that probation means his keeps his nose clean at all times.

Eileen arrives at Gail shouting the odds about "Sarah's over-active womb" and insisting that she does something. Eileen does not like the situation - she believes Todd is throwing his life away over Sarah and she is not worth it. For once Gail does not defend her daughter and agrees with Eileen. Gail offers Eileen a tissue. Sarah is not a tart but it is madness that they are having the baby. They are both determined and there is nothing the grandparents can do. At the end of it the worst which can happen is that there will be a baby - which will make Eileen, as she suddenly realises - a grandmother. "I already am one - thanks to Sarah's over-active womb" says Gail. And Eileen smiles.

Katy arrives at the police station - she wants to report a crime. She gives brief details to desk officer - my father tried to kill my boyfriend she says.

A busy episode with some nice lines from Blanche and Eileen. I wonder how many more children the "over-active womb" will produce over the next 25 years? And is Nick really gay? And will Blanche ever be nice about anything or anyone?

And I will be back for next Friday, by which time all the Christmas fun and frolics will be a distant memory so best seasonal wishes to all.

K Richard W

Hello Everyone

We start tonight at Tommyâs Flat ö he and Craig are talking about Katyâs allegations and Craig is desperately worried that she will go to the Police. Tommy tries to re-assure him and re-iterates that they must stick to the story.

Over at Sarah and Toddâs flat öJason is going on a bout Nick and his talk of Todd being gay ö and tells Todd that he has ãsorted itä. Todd is far from pleased about this. They are talking about the new baby when in walks Brenda Fearns who has brought some Christmas decorations. She asks about Martin and offers to baby-sit so that Sarah can visit him. They gratefully accept and a Brenda looks pleased with her self.

Angela goes to visit Craig, and Tommy starts shouting at her telling her to stop Katy from spreading rumours and insinuates that Angela supports Katyâs views. Angela retorts and says that his is pigheaded and intolerant but he is not a murderer and she will try and talk some sense to Katy. Then ö as if on cue there is a knock on the door and in walks a Police Inspector ö ãThomas Harris we have reason to believe · please accompany us down the station to answer some questions.ä Craig goes overactive at this point but Tommy is very calm and he is led away.

As Tommy is getting in the car he is seen by Tyrone and Kevin. Craig comes out and is shouting about Tommy not having done anything ö Tommy orders Angela to get him inside. A moment later Katy comes waltzing up the street and Angela starts shouting out her asking how she could do this to her own father and what she has done is harming her and Craig. Katy is adamant that she has done the right thing and storms off saying that she is off to the hospital to help her boyfriend clean his teeth because of what her dad did to him.

Over the road Nick pulls up in a car ö Maria enquires what is happening and he tells her he has hired it and that she needs to pack her overnight bag ö off she bounces looking excited.

At Deirdreâs, Blanche is going on about Tracyâs choice of maternity clothes and asks her why she couldnât by a ãsmockä ö clearly Tracy is puzzled by the word smock until Deirdre explains itâs a large flowing dress - Tracy turns her nose up at the thought. Blanche later gives her another £100 for her to spend on the baby.

Down at the Police Station Tommy is retelling his story which the police clearly do not believe. They question him seeing brake fluid at night and also the fact that Tommy omitted from his original statement that he hated Martin because of his relationship with Katy. They go over his reactions and Tommy describes himself as ãpanicking and desperateä ö the police officer repeats these words in a voice that says ÎI donât believe youâ.

Tracy has picked up a passenger who is traveling in the front seat and suddenly starts directing her to go up a side road ö she is saying no as Steve radios in ö the passenger turns her radio off and demands that she ignores it and listens to what he says ...

Meanwhile Karen rushes into the Cab Office ö she has found an all-inclusive package for £11,000 ö with a few witty lines and a lot of Îoh babe its perfectâ Steve finally agrees that she can book it.

Back in Tracyâs cab ö she is ordered to pull over and switch the engine off which she refuses to do ö the man gets aggressive and turns the car off himself. He says that if she hadnât been pregnant the situation would have been worse ö he demands the takings which Tracy hands over and he walks off. Tracy breathes heavily in a state of shock.

Maria and Nick have arrived at the hotel and Maria is inspecting the bathroom - she bounces onto the bed and says they should get ready for dinner ö yeah right says Nick ö they start kissing and luckily thatâs where we leave that scene.

Tracy walks into the Cab Office and Steve starts having a go at her. She shouts back that she has been mugged and slumps down in tears.

At the hospital Katy and Sarah pass in the corridor and snipe at each other. David comes out to keep the peace and reminds Sarah that Tommy saved Martins life ö Katy looks a little sheepish at this comment.

In the restaurant Nick and Maria are sitting down for dinner when Nick spots Mike come in with a lady friend (Penny King) and asks Maria if she would prefer room service. They decide to pretend they havenât seen him. Over on Mikes table he and Penny are smarming at each other and then he suddenly spots Nick romancing the local good time girl (Mikes words not mine) ö Penny offers for him to invite them over which he turns down and says he will ignore them and he is sure they will do the same.

Back in the Cab Office ö Steve is comforting Tracy assuring her she did the right thing. She is clearly enjoying all this attention from him especially when he says that he admires her for what she has done.

Back to the hotel and Mike is asking Penny out for a dirty weekend. She gently turns him down and says that she wants to take things slowly. Mikes mobile rings and he sounds concerned ö says he will sort it. He walks over to Nicks table and says that the fax that Nick had sent that afternoon had not arrived at the suppliers therefore he wants Nick to go back to the Office and re-send it. Nick refuses saying that he is staying in the hotel and not going back to Weatherfield and that he works for Mike during the day not at night ö (Assertive Nick ö well done) ö Mike storms off and says that they will discuss it on Monday ö Nick looks worried but Maria has found the whole thing quite sexy!

Tommy goes round to Angelaâs to pick up Craig and says that they are following up leads so they couldnât hold him. Angela offers him some dinner but he turns it down and tells Craig to come over when he is ready. Craig is still extremely worried and talks to Angela about the police knowing it was not an accident. Angela says that whoever did it is evil and that the truth will come out in the end as it always does leaving Craig more panic stricken than usual.

Back at Todd and Sarahâs, Brenda is explaining the Nativity Set. Todd comes back and Brenda says that she overheard that Sarah is pregnant and offers to be of support to Bethany ö again with a mad look in her eyes.

Steve goes into the pub and tells Blanche and Deirdre that Tracy has been mugged ö they rush off to be with her. Karen is sitting there looking like sheâs sucked a sour apple and says that his mother has phoned twice. Apparently Jim will not get out till 2006 as he failed his parole. The second phone call was about Christmas ö in which Karen adds that he had better sort it because she is coming to them ãover my dead bodyä.

Back at Tommyâs ö Craig is wanting to confess as he cant live with guilt ö Tommy tells him not to be stupid but Craig says ãKaty is calling someone a murderer ö one of is going to go to prison Dad.ä and the credits roll ....

Thatâs all for this week ö thank you.

Mary Earlam

Only one episode tonight, people.

We open in the factory, where Angela is asking Nick if she can go and see Tommy. Nick says she can. Nick is obviously distracted and when the girls start getting a bit out of hand, looking at a pair of knickers Fiz had made "for my Kirk, wif me in 'em", it's left to Mike to shout them into submission. He takes Nick into the office.

Angela is a Tommy's asking if he's heard from the police and asking how Craig is. She thinks Craig is wound up, but Tommy says he's fine. "I know my own son," she says. "He's been different!"

Then she asks Tommy: "How did we come to this?"

"It's all because of me," he says.

In the factory office, Mike is shouting at Nick, asking what he thought he was playing at, putting a night in a fancy hotel ahead of his job. Nick protests that he's entitled to a weekend off, but Mike says time off has to be earned, the way respect has to be earned, and that won't happen if Nick lets the women go whenever they feel like it and leave the rest nattering away instead of working. Nick protests that his job title is a joke -- he's never allowed to manage the factory, so he isn't a trainee manager. "You won't give me a chance to prove myself."

Mike shouts back that he'll never be given that chance until he gets the factory floor sorted out and the factory is producing things on time and making a profit.

"Until then, shut up. Or you may find yourself without a job. Capisce?"

Katy appeals to Craig to tell her what Tommy did, but Craig protests that all his Dad did was try to stop Martin and save him. She persists, trying and trying to get Craig to say something. He finally seems close to breaking and says: "I'm sorry, I didn't realist the way it'd turn out." Just as she's asking what he means, Tommy comes out and sends him home. Katy continues going on at Tommy and ends by shouting at his retreating back: "I hope you rot in prison -- I hope you die there."

Sarah is on her way down the street, carrying Beth and talking to David. She's telling him that Bethany has a cough when Tyrone approaches and breaks the news that Tommy has been arrested and questioned over the attempted murder of Martin. David is determined to have it out with Tommy and runs off. Gail meets Sarah, who tells her about David's reaction, and Gail chases after him, telling him there is nothing he can do.

In the Rovers, Maria is telling Audrey and the factory girls about seeing Mike in the hotel restaurant with a woman. Janice jokes that a woman would only go out with Mike if she'd seen the bulge in his trousers -- his wallet.

Gail comes in and asks to see Audrey in private.

On the other side of the bar, Tyrone is telling everyone about Tommy's arrest. Les reckons it's an open and shut case -- Tommy's guilty.

In the cafe, Bethany knocks a cup to the floor and Hayley rushes to clean up. She and Roy get talking about the dangers for a child in the cafe and the need for more space. Roy suggests they could partition off a child-friendly space in the cafe. "What? Like a sheep pen?" asks Hayley. She says their baby will be cherished, nurtured. She suggests they move to somewhere bigger.

They ask Sarah, if there was one material thing that would make her life better, what would it be. She says she'd get a house. In fact, if she had the money, she'd buy Curly and Emma's house, which is still on the market.

Two little light bulbs appear above Roy and Hayley's heads.

In the pub, Janice and the girls tease Mike about having a hot date. He decides Nick Tilsley has been shooting his mouth off.

Gail and Audrey have been talking in a booth and Gail says Tommy's situation explains why Angela won't be coming to her for Christmas dinner. Audrey gives her a lecture on making it up with Sarah and having her own family to dinner, not someone else's.

The police come into the Rovers and ask where they can find Kevin Webster. They want to talk to him about Tommy. Les starts to shoot his mouth off, so Kevin suggests they talk over at the garage. "I've been working with him for months," says Tyrone. "I'd best come with you."

As they leave, Angela rushes to tell Tommy.

Martin is sitting up a chair, making jokes, but Katy does not react. Under questioning, she tells him she has been to the police and told them she thinks her Dad tried to kill Martin.

Angela, Craig and Tommy are talking and when Craig hears the police are talking to Martin, he runs off.

The police are trying to talk to Kevin, but Tyrone keeps interrupting. "Did he strike you as a violent man?" they ask.

"He struck me," says Tyrone. "Right on the end of me nose. 'E thought I were going out wi' Katy."

"He's got a bit of a temper," admits Kevin.

Craig rushes up just as the police are leaving and shouts that his Dad is innocent.

Hayley and Roy are making their way along the street talking about finances. Also in the street, Craig and David meet up, but David does not want to be friends.

"Who do you think you're talking to? Go home to your murdering scumbag of a Dad." Craig protests that his Dad saved the life of David's Dad. "Saved his life? I hope he gets life," David says.

Whack! Craig is flat on his back after David's fist has hit his nose.

Tommy comes over and chases Craig off to the flat. He stops for a word with David: "Fighting's not going to solve owt -- you know that, don't you?"

"Yeah? Well you should have thought of that a long time ago," David replies.

Katy is trying to get Martin to remember something about the crash. Why was Tommy there? Why did he chase Martin halfway across Manchester? Martin gradually remembers something under her prompting -- he tells her he wants to talk to Tommy.

Roy and Hayley are in the empty house with a tape measure. They decide it would be perfect, seemingly because it has kiddie-locks on every cupboard. Roy says he will go to see the bank manager about a loan.

Brenda is helping Sarah with Beth and the shopping. She asks about wedding plans and Sarah tells her she doesn't want to get married. Brenda had assumed Sarah and Todd would marry with a baby on the way.

Craig is having his bloodied nose dealt to by his mother while his father watches. Tommy asks for five minutes alone with Craig, man to man. He tells off the lad for brawling in the street.

"That's what you do," protests Craig. "Whenever you've got a problem with someone, you just wade in with your fists."

"Well, maybe I'm wrong," says Tommy. Craig says he's going to tell the police the truth. He can't stand hearing what people are saying about Tommy when he knows it's his fault.

The phone goes. It's Katy telling Tommy that Martin wants to see him.

Audrey has called to see Sarah and Sarah gets the same lecture about making up in time for Christmas.

At the hospital Martin tells Tommy he has remembered that Tommy was chasing him. He tries to get Tommy to admit tampering with the car. He says the police forensic people will get evidence from the car, maybe fingerprints. Tommy, apparently knowing of some new forensic technique for getting fingerprints from bare metal after the paintwork has been burnt off a car, is panic-stricken.

"No, the police don't have to look at anything," he said. "I did it. I fixed your brakes."

That's all for now, folks.

Margaret Carr

Tonight's episode begins in Tommy's flat - Tommy is getting cornflakes ready for himself and Craig. Tommy has told Martin that he meddled with the brakes on his car and Tommy is trying to make Craig understand that by the end of the day he could be inside and Craig back home with mum.

At another flat not a million miles away Karen is excitedly looking forward to the presents she will receive from Steve - a ring perhaps - "as long as its nothing useful" says Karen - if it was then Steve would have to chuck Karen out..

Brenda has turned up at Todd and Sarah's flat with an apology and presents for Bethany, and yet another offer to look after Bethany, look out Sarah!

At the hospital Martin looking remarkably well considering his injuries last week and is packing up to go home. The dread Katy then turns up - enough to cause a relapse in anybody and after giving Martins nurse friend the cold shoulder comes straight to the point and asks Martin why he wanted to see her dad. Martin tells Katy that the accident was not an accident and Tommy chased after him to tell him of the sabotaged brakes. Is Katy really concerned that Tommy tried to kill Martin or just trying to get Tommy out of the way so that the relationship with Martin can continue? If this is the reason then it cant be much of a relationship.

Meanwhile in the cafe Roy has expressed an interest in number 7 (where Curly and Emma lived) and has been to the bank where the mortgage will not be a problem. Hayley all excited rushes off to the estate agents to make an offer.

Martin and Katy are just leaving the hospital and Kevin has arrived to give them a lift. Kevin also mentions that a couple of police have turned up to question Kevin about Tommy. Katy is still going on about her dad going inside if he sabotaged the car and Martin tells her to be quiet.

Back at Tommy's flat Angela has turned up saying that some of the girls saw Tommy going to the hospital the previous night and what is going on. Tommy says that Martin asked him to go there. Angela asks Craig here if anything is wrong, Craig goes out in a huff and it looks like Tommy is going to have to tell Angela the truth about the "accident".

There is a lot of noise at Underworld - not the staff working hard? - no - the rundown to Xmas has started. Mike is not happy with this and tells Nick as much and makes him know in uncertain manner that his position is far from safe at Underworld.

Fred, in the Rovers is wearing a Father Xmas hat to inject some merriment - then shock horror - the hot-pot queen Betty emerges from behind the bar, luckily it is a short visit as she is just on the way to see lucky Gordon in London. Fred tries to get a kiss from Audrey but is thwarted by Harry! Blanche starts to lecture Deirdre on what she should have stocked up food and drink wise - looks like its going to be a merry Xmas.. Fred starts rambling on here about beef and cattle in the stable at Bethlehem - one or more of us have had too much (or not enough!) to drink here.

Back at Tommy's flat he is explaining to Angela what really happened and what Craig did to Martin's car, Angela doesn't believe this and Tommy tells her that he has confessed to Martin about this to keep the police away from Craig.

Hayley has just arrived back at the cafe and looks despondent as the estate agents have not accepted their offer as a full price offer had already been made and accepted by Curly and Emma. Gazumping time?

Martin is back in his flat now, having a rest on the sofa, Katy is still trying to get Martin to go to the police to tell them what Tommy said. Katy is getting decidedly boring here, Martin as the injured party should come first and not Katy's vendetta against her father.

Angela seems to have accepted what Tommy has told her and is not happy that they were trying to hide the accident, Tommy tries to rationalise to Angela that this was Craig's way of trying to get the family back together again.

Craig is in the cafe which is closing soon, Sarah is packing to go and gets her wages plus a bonus from Roy. Hayley is on the phone to the estate agents but there is no good news re number seven.

The dread Brenda is giving Bethany, who is dressed as an angel her tea and is making creepy remarks about her father and when she sees her father she can be a real angel...

Back at the Rovers - Blanche is trying to get Fred to kiss her, good old Harry saves Fred from Blanche, or is it round the other way? Either way what a fate!

Karen and Steve are also at the Rovers and Karen is trying again to get news of her present from Steve. Nick and Maria are also there and exchanging presents. Karen sees this and still wants to know why she cant have her present if Nick and Maria can.

At Martin's flat the buzzer rings and he opens the door, however, it is not Katy (hasn't she got a key yet?) but Craig - Craig tells Martin that it was him and not Tommy that fixed his car, the episode ends with Craig telling Martin he hates him.

Merry Xmas one and all!

Pete Webb

Happy Christmas Everybody

We start tonightâs episode with the sound of crying ö Hayley rushes into the sitting room and finds Roy on the sofa with a baby ö ãwhat have you doneä she exclaims ö thinking that Roy has kidnapped a baby. He has bought a virtual baby from the internet and the baby is now activated for seven days ö Hayley is aghast at the thought of this.

Steve and Karenâs flat ö Karen is tearing open her present and cannot believe that Steve has only bought her one present which is a toothbrush ö meanwhile she has spent a fortune on presents. Steve tells her that they are meant to be saving every penny not wasting it on presents ö they have a huge argument and he tells her to take them all back.

At Ken and Deirdreâs ö Ken is opening a card from Peter but it doesnât say where he is öBlanche keeps asking after Tracy and wanting to know when she will get up.

The baby is still crying at Roy and Harleys öhe has decided to call in Baby Cropper in case they get to attached to it.

Katy and Martin are opening presents ö Katy has given Martin an Elvis wig and then she goes out to get some food as they havenât got any in. She tells Martin to phone the police ö he is umming and urring but she is insisting that the truth comes out.

At the Rovers Emily and Rita come in ö Emily has been to church and cant bear to go home as Norris is cooking the dinner ö she orders a large sherry. Rita is saying that they never should have allowed him to do it. In the back door of the Rovers Betty comes in with a suitcase and she is crying.

Karen and Steve are still bickering Karen says that one of his presents is what she is wearing and lures him into the bedroom.

At the Rovers Betty is explaining that she didnât know where else to go. She went down to Gordon's but nobody was there ö the house was empty ö so she went back to her house and found a message on the answer phone saying they had Gordon had gone down to his wife's mother for Christmas. Betty then tells them that she has had a fire in her front room and thinks it might be her fault. The main damage is smoke in everything but she was told that she couldnât stay there and didn't know what else to do. She asks if she should tell Gordon and Shelly tells her to leave that to her.

Angela has nipped round to Tommyâs to see Craig but heâs locked himself in his room and wonât come out.

Brenda has given Sarah and Todd a television for Christmas which they try not too accept but of course they do ö she invites them for dinner but they cant go because they are going to Gailâs.

Martin phones the police station and we are left with him saying "I remember what's happened ..."

Angela is still trying to persuade Craig to come out of his room saying that they are there for him ö he rushes out of the room and into his mothers arms.

Bettyâs son Gordon is the topic of the conversation at the Rovers ö Shelly has sorted him out over the phone. Norris comes into the Rovers he has bought himself a new hand held computerised diary which has a timer, diary, calculator and everything and begins to bore everybody with it ö he announces he has got 2 hours and 43 minutes to go till his turkey needs basting. Fizz is sitting in the Rovers not wanting to go to Christmas dinner with her mum ö meanwhile Kirk is really excited about it ö he invites Tyrone who is all alone for Christmas and then retracts it saying that it is a family do and therefore he cant come.

Blanche is opening her presents very ungraciously asking for the receipts so she can take them all back ö Tracy comes downstairs and she orders her to go and get dressed. Ken and Deirdre (who both look like they've been to spec savers) look puzzled.

Steve is listening to his messages and there is one from his mum wishing them a happy Christmas and saying that she understands they had already booked there Christmas holiday ö Steve looks at Karen in disbelief. Meanwhile in the Cab Office, Ciaran and Sunita are asking Eileen for a cab and she tells them that there is no chance. Ciaran and Sunita donât want to go to Devs, Dev doesnât want them and nor does Maya so Eileen asks them why they are going ö in her very matter of fact way she tells them not to go and that she will ring Dev and tell him.

Over at Gail's ö the doorbell goes, Nick is looking moody and looks even moodier when Todd walks in. David is playing with his presents and is getting annoyed that everyone bought him combined birthday/Christmas presents. Nick keeps making snippy remarks at Todd.

Steve shouts at Karen telling her how selfish she is and then storms out of their flat and tells Karen that he is going to show her what it is like to have a Christmas alone.

Katy and Martin still have no food ö Martin is putting his coat on and announces he is going to visit her family ö she tries to refuse but Martin is having none of it.

Blanche is leading Deirdre, Ken and Tracy down the road and stops outside Curly's old house ö they wonder what is going on and then follow her into the house. Tracy looks down the street and sees Steve go into the Cab Office and looks admiringly at him.

Deirdre asks what is going on and they all look totally in shock as she announces that she has bought the house for Tracy. Everyone is speechless ö and the first question that Tracy asks is how much its worth ö Blanche assures her that she has got some money to furnish it with and that she is not trying to buy the baby but she thinks Tracy needs time to think. Deirdre cannot believe what Blanche has done and starts shouting at Blanche ö Tracy storms off saying that she doesnât need to listen to this. Blanche accuses Deirdre of being annoyed because she has been deprived of her inheritance and this is where Deirdre lays into her saying that she has deprived her of her life and has suddenly gone from being absent mum to super gran ö and with one move she has cut her out of her daughters life with no discussion and she then storms off to have a drink. None of this tirade has affected Blanche whatsoever and she turns to Ken and says that he has her sympathy ö Ken tells her he does not want it and he storms off to.

Tommy, Angela and Craig are all having Christmas dinner when the doorbell goes ö its Martin and Katy. There is quite a bit of shouting when Martin tells them that he has been to the police ö he clearly wants to say something but no one is giving him a chance. He tells them that Craig came to see him last night ö at this statement Katy looks aghast and goes to attack her brother. Tommy shouts at Martin and tells him that he has ruined his life for reporting Craig ö Martin tries again to explain and then says that he blamed himself and says that he pretended to remember that his brakes werenât working and that hopefully this will put an end to the police investigation. Everyone is looking shocked at this ö and at last Tommy says thank you to Martin. Angela asks them to stay for dinner but Martin refuses ö Angela begs Tommy to ask them but he just cant manage to do it and he walks away ö Martin and Katy leave.

Steve goes into the Cab Office and tells Eileen to go home but that he will still pay her ö he gets out a bottle of whisky and toasts himself saying "peace at last".

Norris is still going on about his computer and luckily the alarm goes off and he goes to baste his turkey ö much to the delight of everyone in the Rovers. Betty comes out and decides to help out behind the bar to take her mind off things.

Blanche comes into the Rovers and tells Deirdre she better go home and sort out the turkey before its burnt ö Deirdre tells her she better go and have it somewhere else then because she doesnât want to eat dinner with her and she turns her back.

Fizz is sitting on the bench in the street ö Kirk comes out and tries to persuade her to come back in. Cilla pretended that Fizzâs present to Chesney was from her and keeps making snide remarks ö Kirk doesnât understand how upset Fizz is and tells her he thinks Cilla has worked hard and that he is going back in ö he leaves Fizz alone on the bench.

Back at Gail's ö Nick is still looking moody ö Gail is trying to be jolly ö and makes a snippy remark about Sarah asking for a glass of sherry ö Sarah walks away from Gail.

Tracy walks into the cab office and asks for a whisky. Steve is saying that he has decided that the best way to spend Christmas is alone and then you only have yourself to look after. They start talking about Tracyâs baby and Steve thinks that she is mad to give it to the Croppers. He thinks they are nice but wouldnât let them take his child across the street let alone look after it. Tracy asks him if he wants children and he says he thinks every man wants a son and heir. Tracy then tells Steve that it is not Royâs baby and he looks shocked asking if Roy knows ö she then asks Steve if he thinks she should tell the real father who it is ö he says yes definitely he has a right to know ö alright then says Tracy ö ãIts Yoursä. At this Steve pours himself a whisky which he gulps down straight away and is completely speechless ö Tracy asks what he thinks about it and in walks Karen. She is really sorry about what has happened and asks Steve to come down to the Rovers. Steve is looking dumbstruck as he looks at Karen and then at Tracy.

Fizz is still sitting on the bench and Tyrone spots her as he walks out of the Rovers ö he asks her whatâs happened and then invites her to his house as he has three six-packs of beer ö they decide the only way to spend Christmas is very drunk.

Over at Gailâs ö Nick is trying to be nice to Todd and then Audrey asks Sarah how things are ö Gail tells her that she mustnât pry. Audrey objects to this and says itâs a general questions. Sarah answers and says everything is fine. Gail is at boiling point now and just cannot help herself and says that no everything is not fine and all she wants to know is whether Sarah is keeping the baby ö all she wants is a yes or a no. Sarah shouts back and says that its not as simple as yes or no because sheâll have a whole lot of grief up her sleeves whatever she says and then she says yes ö Iâm having the baby. At his point Gail internally combusts and goes on and on about Sarah ruining her life and that she cant stand to look at her doing this to herself. Sarah retorts that she canât bear the way she looks at her either as itâs always with self-pity and she tells Todd that they are leaving. Gail shouts at Sarah to sit down and Sarah shouts at Gail telling her not to order her ö Gail shouts at Sarah saying she is not ordering her and Sarah and Todd leave. Gail puts her head in her hands and says, ã I know I knowä.

Karen and Steve are in the Rovers and Tracy has come to. Karen wants to know why they had to invite Tracy ö but lights up when Tracy gives her money for drinks. Tracy takes Steve on one side to talk more about the baby. Deirdre then comes up to Tracy and asks her how she always manages to land on her feet. She exclaims and tells Deirdre to get over it.

Tyrone and Fizz are making their way through the beer cuddled up in a duvet on the sofa watching telly. Tyrone is talking about his childhood and that he always nicked his presents and then wrapped them up and pretended they were from his aunts and uncles. They snog. Fizz suddenly realises what she has done and makes to go but Tyrone persuades her to stay saying that he has got another crate of beer.

The virtual baby is asleep at last. Hayley has made a sandwich which is all she could manage given the chaotic day they have had. She passes it to Roy and it falls on the floor with a clatter ö and the baby wakes up. Roy says that they have no time for food and they must take it in shifts ö they are looking at the future ö they both smile at their virtual baby.

Tracy keeps popping up by Steve and wants to talk about the baby ö she is talking about calling the baby Steven or Stephany ö he tells her that he does not want anything to do with it ö Karen then strolls up demanding another drink.

Norris comes back in the pub and looks decidedly sheepish and says that there has been a slight miscalculation - it's nothing to do with his computer ö when he set the computer he forgot to put the oven on - the turkey will not be ready for another five hours. Rita and Emily who have already been in the pub for a while - toast this thought with another sherry.

Steve tells Tracy that he has not intention of leaving Karen. Tracy tries to tell him that Karen does not love him and is only with him for a big wedding ö he cant bear to hear any more of what Tracy is saying and goes to Karen and tells her he is sorry about the way he acted and from now on they are as one. Tracy looks on at this happy scene and looks sad .....

And that is the Christmas day episode.

Happy Christmas everyone hope you had a lovely day

Mary Earlam

Good evening. Christmas has finished and I return to work on Monday. Four days and little useful achieved. And at this dark and cold time of the year the alcoholic cheer is diluted by the need to drive home later ... And I did get some nice presents and the family were all seen, so it has been a good Christmas.

On Friday night in Weatherfield events were provided by ITV Television (they own the copyright), sponsored by Cadbury's Roses (please send a few free ones in this direction), written by Joe Turner and directed by Charles Lauder.

Steve has obviously had a bad night and drinks a whole glass of water.

Harry is looking after Betty who has been up for an hour when Shelley arrives followed by Bev, who both offer to provide the breakfast which Harry has already delivered. Betty did not sleep well - but she cannot return to her smoke damaged home so it is agreed she will stay at the Rovers for now.

Dev is getting breakfast for Maya who has already dressed and is departing. She is going to help Sunita with her food for the hen night.

Tracy has a set of keys to number 7 and arranges on the phone for a visitor to meet her there at 12, coming in via the back door. Deirdre does not believe that Tracy knew nothing about the house. Tracy tells her mother that she may have lost her inheritance - and she will also be losing a daughter - that must be good news. She goes to work.

Tyrone is tidying the living room with Fiz sleeping on the sofa - she must have spent the night there. Jack announces his return and it appears there were was no booze at the Horton's so he has popped back to check on the house. Tyrone tries to get Jack to go and get some milk but Fiz wakes complaining of all the noise. Tyrone admits he knew she was there. Tyrone and Fiz are embarrassed - but both are fully clothed.

At the Rovers Bev, Sunita and Maya are preparing food - although Bev's contributions are a little large. Sunita is staying the night (even though Betty is staying) - they all want to see the dress. Ciaran will be wearing a suit as they could not afford any thing else. Bev observes that Ciaran is a very considerate man (as usual she appears to have something else on her mind when the subject of Ciaran is under discussion). The samosas are in the oven. Ciaran pops in from the bar to check the progress and they all tell him to get lost. Bev observes that it is about time he found out what it is like to be not wanted as she shakes her hair. Shelley finds this odd and gives her mother a curious look. {Lovely piece of interplay}. Bev asks Maya if she wants the full works when she marries - she comes from a traditional family - the works, top hat and tails.

Martin and Katy are in Roy's Rolls. She cannot understand why Martin has not told the police - and the story to date is recounted. Martin has been particularly generous in not wanting to press charges. A little later David finds Craig in the Street. Martin has told David that his brakes had been failing for some time. Craig asks for confirmation that they do not have to have another fight in the street? Seeing it is Christmas David reckons no more fights and they both smile and go off carrying footballs.

Tyrone is seeing Fiz off - as Tyrone says they did nothing - so it does not matter what Jack might think but Tyrone will put him straight. However, Cilla is entering the Corner Shop and sees the two together, clearly making notes for future reference.

Clare is taking a video of Ashley and Josh on his Christmas present.

Cilla walks past as Tracy enters no7 - did Santa bring her anything nice? She is about to find out she replies. She enters the house and walks through to let a fuming Steve McDonald in the back door. She must not phone him again - he will not jump at her beck and call. Tracy explains that the house is hers. Steve reminds her that she is giving the baby to the Croppers, not keeping it! Tracy asks if that is what he wants? He tells her that he does not want his wife knowing that he is fathering a child; Tracy observes that Karen is not his wife - and she won't be if she finds out about the baby Steve answers back.

Hayley is holding the dummy baby, I mean the baby dummy, oh - you know the electronic representation of baby to be ... and trying to serve ... she and Roy exchange baby for plates of food, so Roy is left holding the dummy baby, I mean the baby dummy. Oh I give up. Craig walks into the cafe to where Martin and Roy are still sitting. Martin tells Craig to forget everything - he has. Craig and Katy are just about civil to each other. Hayley has recovered baby and plates. Baby gets grabbed by Karen, roughly man-handled it starts pretending to cry, comically she holds it at arms' length and bounces it around. Clearly not a natural mother (well it gets in the way of spending and shopping after all).

Back at no7, Steve is telling Tracy that she cannot use the baby to blackmail him now. Steve reminds her of the things she has done and she says she will not drop him it. She states that she will give the baby to the Croppers. Steve does not want anything to do with the baby, he does not want to hear about it, see it. Steve departs leaving Tracy crying in the empty house as we go into the break.

Much later at the Rovers, the hen party is in full squawk, with Sunita leading "belly type" dancing involving Bev, Karen, Shelley, Janice, Deirdre. Maya is not participating.

Fiz tells Jack that nothing happened. He does not believe her. Kirk arrives. Fiz is particularly friendly to Kirk and they both apologise for upsetting each other. They kiss and make up. Fred is feeling rather bloated - he has enjoyed Christmas and will be starting the diet in the New Year. They have had a good Christmas, three meat eating men together.

Ciaran and Sunita meet in the hallway and she explains some of the decoration. They kiss and exchange pre-nuptial pleasantries. Sunita then explains some of the normal ceremonial arrangements of a traditional wedding. But she is happy looking forward to the registry office. She then starts crying. Sunita cannot get Maya to join in the dancing as the latter claiming a headache.

In the bar Ciaran is telling Tracy of his doubts over the marriage - he would rather be run over by a bus. Ciaran cannot tell her - as Tracy observes he is just putting off the inevitable.

At the Corner Shop Dev is deep into a bottle of whisky when the front door opens and he rushes into the shop brandishing the bottle and catches Sunita getting some tablets. She will settle up tomorrow. Dev will not let Sunita leave - he knows that Ciaran is not good enough for her - so will she explain why is marrying Ciaran. Sunita tells him that it is nothing to do with him and she refuses to discuss it. Dev does not think she loves him. Sunita explains that Ciaran makes her feel second to none. She knows being married to Ciaran is not going to be easy - but she loves him. Dev only ever wanted her to be happy - and he is around if he is ever needed. Dev eventually gives his blessing. Sunita is grateful and returns to the party whilst Dev is left to ponder what might have been ... or indeed may yet come to pass?

Oh come on Bev, admit you bedded him and it will all be off. And Tracy - that little list which Steve spat out of your transgressions - how can you live with yourself trollop?

A couple of weeks ago I criticised most of the ongoing storylines. I still have no belief in Tracy as I did in Richard Hillman and the Dev / Sunita story still strikes me as a problem but at least delivery of the various stories felt a little more real this evening.

See you all next week and next year. Happy new Year.

K Richard W

Hello Everybody

Tonightâs episode starts with Ciaran and Sunita in the cafŽ. She is giving him her blessing to really enjoy himself on his stag night. He tries to get her to say that she is not entirely sure that she wants to marry him but she likens herself to a stick of rock saying that no matter where you break her you will find happiness all the way through. Ciaran grimaces.

Over at Dev's house ö the doorbell rings ö its Maya with breakfast. He tells her that it would be much nicer if she could wake up next to him ö she tells him that she is still thinking about his moving in proposals. They then go on about trying to read her mind and she ends up taking her clothes off and they rush towards the bedroom (which isnât a pleasant sight if you are eating your dinner at the time!)

Karen is in the Cab Office promising Steve that she is only going to the sales to browse. He is still being really nice to her so he offers to come with her. She confesses that she was actually going to look at wedding dresses but it is so rare he comes shopping that she doesnât mind doing it another time.

Betty is in the Newsagents chatting ö she feels in the way at the Rovers. Emily wishes that she could invite her to stay at her house but she hasnât enough room with Norris. Betty tells her all she wants to do is go home. Rita asks if Gordon has been in touch ö which he hasnât. Betty is convinced that he is going to ask her to move in with him and his wife and she is worrying about saying no as she feels that her place is in Weatherfield and that the Rovers cannot do without her.

Tyrone and Fizz are chatting outside the fish and chip shop discussing Christmas night ö he is panicking telling her not to say anything to Kirk and she doesnât know what all the fuss is about as they didnât do anything.

Blanche and Tracy are just going into No 7 when Hayley comes up and asks whether they are going to look round but tells them that someone has bought it ö she is gob smacked when Tracy tells her its hers.

In the Rovers Ciaran is chatting about his stag night and Shelly warns him and tells him not to get too drunk öHarry suggests that they just have a few pints in the Rovers and then go home ö as soon as Shelly moves out of earshot Ciaran says no way to that suggestion.

Fizz offers Kirk a meal and a romantic evening at her flat ö he says no because he has offered to baby-sit for Cilla. Fizz is gutted. Meanwhile Les tells Ciaran that they should go to the Weatherfield Arms as Cilla will make sure that they get free rounds of drinks. Ciaran's friends then turn up for his stag night and ask after Peter ö Ciaran spots Shelly in earshot so says that he will tell them later. These are the same bunch that turned up before and one of them sneers at Tracy and her pregnancy ö she doesnât want to be around so cancels her lunch order and leaves.

Hayley rushes round to the cafŽ to tell Roy about No 7 ö they are really upset thinking that Tracy has bought it herself in order to live in it with the baby ö more heartache for the Croppers ahead!

Itâs the time for Ciaran's stag night to begin ö he orders five pints and then has a quiet word with Tracy ö she asks if he has spoken to Sunita about his doubts ö he is adamant that he is not going to as it would break Sunita's heart ö Tracy wishes him luck in a sneering way and leaves. Steve and Karen come in the pub and give a half hello to Tracy. Shelly double checks with Shelly that he is not married already ö he assures her that he isnât.

Tommy goes round to Angelaâs and she offers him supper as she has got loads because sheâs not used to cooking for one. He says that he finds it weird finding an excuse to come round to see her ö she tells him that he doesnât need an excuse to knock on his own front door. She calls him a pillock and then says that she wants him home and so does Craig ö he says that he also wants to come home ö they kiss and he tells her that he loves her.

Back in the Rovers the boys are drinking whisky chasers. Karen and Steve are in the next cubicle looking at wedding invitations. Dev comes in and announces that he is Ciaran's guardian angel which Ciaran is far from impressed with. He goes to where Karen and Steve are and begs Steve to come with him on his stag night to try and make it a bit more fun as he has one guardian angel and Harry. Karen gives her blessing and Steve joins the party.

Hayley and Roy are still discussing Tracy and the house ö they have taken to carrying Baby Cropper in Royâs shopping bag.

The boys are leaving the Rovers and have ordered taxis to go to the Weatherfield Arms ö Ciaran spots Sunita and runs down the street to give her a kiss ö they all leave singing ãHeâs getting married in the morningä ö Sunita is grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Tommy and Angela are in the Rovers discussing whether Katy will come home. Angela thinks itâs a certainty that she will. She reckons that if there is no-one going on about their relationship they wont feel like Romeo and Juliet any more and will get bored.

Down at the Weatherfield Arms everyone except Dev is getting drunker. Cilla is giving free rounds away ö the landlord comes into the bar and asks what is going on ö he is suspicious that he has not heard the till go but there are so many people in the bar. Harry is getting drunk and starts dancing with Ciaran and Les.

Martin and Katy come into the pub ö straight away Shelly says that she knows Tommy was questioned but she doesnât want trouble. Martin announces to everyone that Tommy is in the clear because he didnât do anything but save his life. Tommy and Angela decide to leave and Angela makes Tommy say something to them ö so as he passes he says ãAlrightä. Angela tells Katy that her and Tommy are back together. This leaves Martin and Katy looking puzzled.

Down at the Weatherfield Arms the dancing is still going on ö then Cilla gets the sack ö Les starts making a fuss as they try to deny that she has been giving fee drinks ö the landlord tries to chuck them all out but they decide to have a ãsit inä shouting Justice for Cilla.

Back in the Rovers Shelly and Sunita are having a chat and a drink. Sunita asks if this brings back bad memories and Shelly says no it was the happiest day of her life as she felt so special ö they toast each other.

Back at the Weatherfield Arms everyone has been chucked out and Steve has organised taxis to take them to a club. Things get a bit rowdy and the police turn up. Ciaran is really drunk and is lurching around the place and gets a police warning. Cilla pipes up and says that the landlord sells drinks to under 18âs and they should go and sort him out. Les then tells Dev that he has to give Cilla a job which he refuses to do as she is a thief. Ciaran then pushes Dev and the police tell him to calm down and if he does one more thing he will be arrested and put in prison ö Ciaran suddenly looks mischievous runs after Dev and punches him ö the police arrest him much to Dev's protestations - Tracy who has turned up on the scene as a taxi driver says ãsome people will do anything to avoid a weddingä and we see Ciaran get driven away with a huge smirk on his face.

Thatâs all for this episode ö bye for now

Mary Earlam

Hi everyone, hope all had a very pleasant Christmas, unlike one or two in Weatherfield....anyway, here is tonight's episode:

We open in the back room of the Rover's, with Shelley taking photos of Sunita getting ready for her wedding. Harry comes to the doorway and wishes her all the best for the day and married life. Bev offers to go and make breakfast of bacon and eggs but Sunita can't eat anything, she's so nervous she's having kittens!

We then go over to the cells at the police station. A policeman lets himself into Ciaran's cell to collect his breakfast plate. He tells Ciaran that they don't usually do 'bed and breakfast' but he might be there for some time. When Ciaran asks how long he tells him until the gentleman he assaulted comes in to make a statement. Ciaran tells him to take as long as he needs, he's not in a hurry to go anywhere. The policeman says he thought Ciaran was supposed to be getting married, and Ciaran agrees that he was, but it can always wait until another time.

At the flat, Dev and Maya, clad in dressing gowns, are talking about the night before. He tells her that Ciaran hit him because he was drunk and he probably doesn't even know who he hit. Maya is having none of that, she reckons Ciaran hit Dev because he knew that he was the one his bride to be really prefers. Dev protests, arguing that if that was the case, why is she marrying Ciaran? She points out that there was a time when they both fancied Sunita, he's told her so. He eventually concedes that that may well be the case, but what should he do about it? She tells him that what he does depends on whether he wants this wedding to happen or not.

Chez Battersby, and Les is telling Cilla she'll soon get another job, good barmaids are hard to find. (Good? Cilla? Good at giving away the drink!) Cilla thinks she'll have a bath and tells Chesney to go and put the hot water on. Les agrees that she needs pampering after what she's been through. He suggests he comes home at dinner time but Cilla reckons she won't be up to cooking. Les tells her he'll take her to the Rover's.

Back in the pub, the beautifying of Sunita is still going on. Betty has come to the table for a cuppa. Sunita asks her what she thinks the secret of a happy marriage is. Betty thinks it's finding the right man, and Shelley pipes up that it's good to find one who isn't already married to someone else. Sunita says she's done that. Betty reckons that they should then both stick together no matter what happens. Bev comes in, she's about to go upstairs and get ready. Sunita puts the same question to her, and Shelley remarks that she was happy with her dad, wasn't she? Bev admits she was, probably because he relied on her for everything.

Over at the police station Ciaran is dismayed to learn that he is free to go and get married. We then see Dev on the phone to Maya, telling her that he's not pursuing it, and the wedding is still on. Ciaran comes out and thanks Dev, and apologises for the night before. He asks if Sunita knows what has happened, and wonders (hopefully) if she might have second thoughts if she knew what a fool he is when he's drunk. Dev tells him she doesn't know, but does he wish she did? He thinks he and Ciaran ought to have a little talk.......

At the Barlow's Deirdre is all dressed up for the wedding. Ken tells her she looks lovely, and Blanche, with polish and duster in hand, makes a sarcastic comment. She and Deirdre then start to bicker. Blanche is off to clean Tracy's house and Deirdre wonders if she's planning on cooking for her every day as well. Tracy comes in then and tells them there may not be a wedding, as there was a fight last night and the bridegroom got dragged off by the police. They are immediately all ears, especially Blanche, and demand to know exactly what happened. Deirdre wonders if Sunita knows, and thinks it might be better if she doesn't, at least not till after the wedding.

Over in the cafe, a baby monitor is sitting on the counter. Roy tells Hayley that someone has given it to them so they can hear what Baby Cropper is getting up to. Hayley rather irritably tells him she's sure it was meant for when they have a real baby. She also thinks they ought to ask Ken why Tracy has bought the house across the street. Roy wonders if there's any point, Tracy is very deceitful and may not have told anyone the truth anyway.

Over at a table Dev and Ciaran are having a heart to heart. Dev tells Ciaran that he feels a bit responsible for Sunita and doesn't want to see her get hurt. He doesn't want to see her marry someone whose heart wasn't in it, and if he doesn't want to go through with it, he should tell her. Ciaran tells him that's easier said than done. Dev says that this lovely girl is giving herself to him and he hasn't got the guts to tell her he doesn't want to go through with it.

Over in the pub, Tracy has arrived and is telling Shelley and Sunita what happened to Ciaran. Sunita wonders why he did it. Tracy tells her she thinks it is because he doesn't want to go through with the wedding. Shelley tells Tracy that's not funny. Tracy tells her it's not a joke, it's true. Ciaran has been telling her for weeks he doesn't want to get married, and Sunita should ask him.

After the break, we find Sunita on the phone to Ciaran asking if he spent the night in prison. He tells her it was a police cell. She asks him if he's going to be at the wedding, because she's heard he did it on purpose, is it true? Ciaran, with all his Irish charm, asks why on earth he'd do a thing like that, it couldn't be further from the truth, and he is desperate to marry her. Dev, sitting across the table, is watching and listening.

Sunita comes off the phone and asks Shelley why Tracy would say a thing like that. Shelley tells her that Tracy likes upsetting folk.

Ciaran tells Dev it's just a few last minute nerves, and he'll be fine. Dev hopes so.

Fizz and Hayley are out in the street when Chesney wanders across the road. Fizz asks him what he'd doing, and he replies: 'Nowt'. Fizz asks where their mum is, is she working. Chesney tells her that Cilla got the sack, and Fizz exclaims: 'Not again!' and wonders what she's been up to this time.

Outside Tracy's house, Emily is talking to Blanche who is flicking some imaginary dirt off what looks like a brand new doormat. They are discussing Betty's predicament and Blanche thinks the fire in Betty's house should be regarded as a godsend if it means she'll be able to move nearer to her family, after all she needs looking after at her age. Emily isn't so sure Betty will see it like that. Hayley trots up and asks Blanche if Ken is at home. Blanche replies sourly that there's not much reason for him to be anywhere else these days.

One of Streetcar's taxis comes around the corner, bedecked in wedding ribbons. Blanche starts to tell Emily the gossip about the Irishman being locked up in the cells overnight, as Steve gets out of the car and comes over. Blanche asks if the wedding is on again, and Steve looks a bit baffled and says that as far as he's concerned it is. Emily makes a hasty departure, and Steve asks Blanche if Tracy is planning to live there in the house with the baby. Blanche assures him that she is, with her family close by to keep an eye on her.

Fizz takes Chesney home to Cilla, who refutes that she was sacked, just wants to say that she and the Weatherfield Arms have parted company. When Fizz asks whether she was caught with her hands in the till Cilla hotly denies it, and says she's thinking of taking them to a tribunal. Les comes in and asks if Cilla's ready for their lunch date at the pub. Fizz remarks to him how it's funny that every time her mum gets a new fella she gets herself sacked. Cilla hustles Les off to the pub. Fizz, showing her kind heart, turns to Chesney and asks if he's had any dinner. He tells her he hasn't, so she takes him off to the kitchen to see what's there.

Over in the pub, Fred, watched by Emily and Harry, is opening the charity collecting box. There's very little in it. Harry produces a five pound note which he says must have fallen on the floor when no one was looking. Emily protests, but he insists.

Just then Shelley and Sunita comes through from the back room, on their way to the wedding. Fred tells Sunita she looks a little belter.

Fred apologises for the paltry amount in the charity box, and Emily wonders if collection boxes have had their day, and maybe they should think of something else. Harry puts forward the idea of an auction of promises, the men promise to do something and the women bid for their services, on a purely practical basis, like cleaning, of course!! Fred agrees to think about it, and goes over to serve Les and Cilla. Les asks Fred if he'd like to take on a new barmaid, but he says it's Shelley who does the hiring and firing, and Cilla is not pleased by the suggestion. She remarks that Les is determined to keep her at it, and she'll put the word out for another job when she's good and ready. (Personally I wonder if she ever will be!)

Along the bar, Emily is asking Betty whether she's heard from Gordon. Betty makes excuses for him, saying that it's been Christmas and he must have been busy. Emily asks her if she's thought what she would do if they ask her to go and live with them. Betty says she would go if she thought they meant it, but would not sell her house in case it didn't work out. (I seem to remember Betty going to live with them once before and came home very quickly because she was bored and lonely - what would be different this time?)

The Croppers have arrived to see Ken, and tell him it's about the house that Tracy has bought. Ken puts them straight and tells them that Blanche has bought it for Tracy. Hayley demands to know why she's done that, does she think Tracy is going to keep the baby? Ken thinks it's more to do with what Blanche would like than what Tracy intends.

At the Register Office, Ciaran is looking very smart in his suit, sporting a bright red rose in his buttonhole. His best man tells him he wasn't sure he would make it after the night before. Dev and Maya arrive, and Maya demands to know why Ciaran hit Dev. After a pause, Ciaran tells her it was because he didn't want anyone at the wedding as good looking as him.

Outside, Sunita and Shelley have arrived. Sunita pauses and Shelley asks what's the matter. Sunita tells her she's nervous about seeing Ciaran. Shelley urges her on, so she goes in and makes shy eye contact with Ciaran. The best man tells them they have to go in right away. As all the guests move forward, Sunita has a quiet word with Ciaran, asking why he hit Dev and that Tracy told her he didn't want to marry her. He asks why she would believe Tracy, and that he was desperate to marry her, never been more sure of anything in his life.

They go in and the wedding begins. The registrar reminds them that the vows they are about to take are serious and solemn. Sunita looks at Ciaran, who is looking straight ahead. It is when the registrar asks them to stand that Sunita suddenly says, 'I can't! I'm sorry! We mustn't!' and rushes out! As she and Shelley are getting in the taxi Ciaran runs up, telling her she can't leave him high and dry like this. She tells him: 'I just can't because I know you don't want us to.' Ciaran asks if he's said that, but she tells him she can see it in his face. She gets into the taxi and drives off!

That's all for this episode folks!

Anne Logan

Happy New Year All!

Apologies for doing this update later than usual - out celebrating!

Tonight's episode starts with Shelley and Betty discussing the non-wedding. Bev comes in next followed by Sunita. Bev and Betty disappear so that Shelley and Sunita can have a heart-to-heart chat.

Meanwhile the same topic is under discussion at Dev's - Maya (who strikes me as a bit of a control freak) is cross-examining Dev about what his feelings are for her and Sunita.

Betty is still hovering around in the Rovers while Harry is trying to do the cleaning, the letter she is reading doesn't look like good news. Fred turns up next and asks if Harry knows anything about the non-wedding, the girls are keeping quiet though. Ciaran arrives then and is allowed into the back to see Sunita. Bev and Shelley leave them to discuss the what happened. Ciaran is concerned about people laughing at him rather than any concern for Sunita and did she really want to marry him, bit rich this considering the attempts he made to try and get out of it!

Ciaran does the honourable thing and tells Sunita he didn't really want to marry her, but still tries to make Sunita responsible for this, he then makes a desperate effort to get things back as they were and have the occasional date but Sunita (good for her!) is having none of this and tells Ciaran all is over.

Emotions are charged back at Dev's flat Maya is about to leave apparently to go shopping, Dev looks like a witness that has been given the treatment by prosecuting council but then Maya, after another attempt by Dev, accedes to his wishes and says she will move in with him, I still think Maya is playing some sort of a game with Dev here.

Looks like the Barlow's are having an enjoyable time with Blanche and Deirdre sniping at each other, all this started with Ken asking what they were going to do for New Year celebrations. Tracy is getting fed up with the constant moaning and suggests they be quiet, Blanche goes off to number 7 - the place must be gleaming by now, leaving Tracy and Ken who suggests that Tracy should show more interest in the house she has had bought for her.

At the Rovers conversation at the bar is about the promises auction Jan 1st. Harry confides in Emily that Betty, who has come through to tell Fred that Clare is here to see him, is not in the best of spirits, Emily says she will have a word later.

Clare asks Fred to run a video tape, Sunita and Shelley have just come downstairs with Sunita a bit mysterious about where she is going. Oh dear - the tape that Fred is running is the only tape with Maxine on and Clare has overwritten the tape.

Well - we know where Sunita has gone - straight round to Dev's flat, Sunita wants to move back into the flat over the shop Dev says no problem and she then tells Dev that Ciaran really didn't want to marry her. Sunita has gone from two men proposing to her to none at all, Dev breaks the news to her gently that Maya has moved in, Sunita says that she is happy for them and hopes it works out and they get married. Dev is still carrying a flag for Sunita, will these two end up together?

Back at Ken's - Blanche has borrowed some cleaning articles which she offers to pay for, Ken tells her not to be silly which then leads to another round of sniping with Tracy in the background getting more annoyed by the moment. Ken suggest that things would have been easier if Blanche had told them what she was going to do to which Blanche replies that if she had told them they would have tried to stop her, and so it goes on! Blanche, thankfully goes off to number 7, without Tracy who has conjured up a backache.

Sunita is just leaving Dev's flat now and Sunita on the way out asks him what Maya's thoughts were on the non-wedding, Dev none too convincingly says that Maya is very nice, Dev doesn't look too happy at saying good bye to Sunita.

Roy has just closed the cafe till Friday and has gone upstairs where Hayley is reading a book, the doll has taken a nosedive into the cushions and starts screaming. Hayley asks Roy if they are going out but Roy says they cannot leave the doll by itself (get a grip on reality man) Hayley rather humorously suggests they find a bigger doll to baby-sit as this is not a real baby. Roy thankfully makes an exception here and it looks like they are going out on the town tonight after all.

Maya has returned from her shopping trip and questions Dev if Sunita has been round. Dev seems to be having second thoughts here.

Ciaran has turned up for work at the Rovers and is getting a bit of sympathy from Shelley. The Barlow's then turn up and Blanche makes a bee line for Emily and Rita and Tracy goes off to speak to Ciaran leaving Ken and Deirdre by themselves.

Clare dashes in from the back of the bar to see Fred as Ashley is back, Fred says that he and Clare will see Ashley together.

Angela and Tommy are having a friendly drink and decide to leave, just as Katy and Martin arrive, Tommy (heavens above) manages to wish Martin and Katy all the best for the New Year....

Ashley is watching the tape and asks to watch it again by himself, Clare is mortified by taping over Maxine, Fred takes her back to the bar.

Norris is just going home before all the hugging and kissing starts (as if!), or is it because Betty has just turned up! She then proceeds to tell Blanche, Emily and Rita about the letter she has received from Caroline refusing to take Betty in as she thinks that the fire in Betty's flat was started deliberately by her.

Fred rings the bell to get attention and none too convincingly tells the punters about the promises auction to be held Jan 1st, I cant say I understood it either so will watch tomorrow to find out what its all about.

Ashley has found Clare at the bar and doesn't blame her for what has happened to the tape as it is in the past now. They would make a good couple as well these two.

Ken, Deirdre and Tracy are having a drink with Deirdre going on about Blanche staying away from them to talk to her friends. Tracy looks totally fed up with this and says she is going to move into number 7 tomorrow to get away from all the bickering.

Steve and Karen have turned up for a drink now and Karen makes sure that Steve knows she doesn't want to start a family by bringing his attention to Tracy who is single and pregnant - good job she doesn't know who the father is.

Not much good will to Blanche from the Croppers either regarding the house, even if the baby ends up with them Tracy will still be nearby.

The clock starts chiming in the background heralding in the new year as Sunita and Shelley wish each other a Happy New Year, then in the bar the usual round of kissing and hugging ensues.

Even Tracy gets a peck on the cheek from Steve, after making sure that Karen is not watching, who promises Steve that 2004 will be a happy for both of them. What does she mean?

That's all folks!
All the best for 2004.

Pete Webb

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Updates written by Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan,Peter Webb, Margaret Carr, Mary Earlam.

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