Episode updates - April 2004

Coronation Street is copyright ITV Television Plc and this episode was written by Joe Turner, directed by John Anderson and sponsored by Cadburys Creme Egg minis.

Ashley is in a good mood and Clare arrives with an apology - she has done it again. Clare tells Ashley that she knew about Penny and Mike and had heard evidence - so she was two-timing Fred and they both know it. At that Penny arrives and Clare makes her position clear. Penny admits to seeing Mike - they have known each other for a long time as friends. Penny knows she is in the wrong - but Ashley and Clare have not yet told Fred - Penny has decided she must tell Fred herself.

Dev is talking to nobody on the phone - at least when Maya asks who is on the phone. She is accused of a suspicious mind - she accuses him of being furtive. Turns out it was Naveen on the phone - one of his boring cousins. (And we all remember how clean and above board Naveen is).

Todd is leaving the flat and Karl assures him that the girls will be safe with him. Sarah and Karl discuss Robbie, the fight and the split. Sarah says arguments are normal - but Karl is not so sure.

Along at the Corner Shop Tracy is trying to get Blanche to baby-sit - but she has a prior appointment playing whist - she won a bottle of sherry last. As Blanche observes there is nothing like the thrill of winning something with a mixture of skill, strategy and cunning. Deirdre arrives - four generations and all talking to each other. Tracy asks Deirdre if she will baby-sit and the latter agrees. Maya arrives to ask Sunita about Naveen. Blanche tells her off for interrupting Sunita - who is slow enough when she has her mind on the job. Anyway Sunita briefly remembers the earlier Naveen story when things went pear-shaped but got sorted eventually.

At Underworld Penny is bringing Mike up to date on the situation with Ashley and Clare. Penny will see Fred - and she wants to tell the truth but Mike tries to convince her otherwise - the truth will not help Fred.

Fred arrives at the butchers and tells Ashley to give the customer extra chipolatas. Fred is happy - he has a date with Penny and he is expecting an answer - he is going to hack up a carcass - one of life's under-rated pleasures. Later Clare and Ashley discuss the situation in the shop with Fred in the back. Fred emerges with a bloody cleaver which he waves in front of Joshua, who smiles.

At Roy's Rolls Martin and Karl are eating before starting shifts. Outside a brooding Robbie is in waiting. Once they leave they are accosted by Robbie who accuses Martin of being Karl's new boyfriend (and btw Robbie has rather more severe injuries than Karl - including stitches - so just who and how did that fight start, there are some unanswered questions here). Anyway Robbie starts pushing Martin around. Martin tries to explain himself and they almost come to blows when Sarah arrives and calms them down. Robbie calls Karl lying cheating scum. Todd watches all of this from the bus-stop (which takes some explaining - he went off to work hours before). Robbie departs and Sarah explains events to Todd - but somehow not everything feels right to me.

Deirdre and Ken turn up to baby-sit. Tracy wants some baby free air and she goes off for the afternoon.

Dev returns to the shop and Sunita quizzes him on the subject of Naveen. Dev seeks to re-assure Sunita - who should serve Blanche who has just returned from the whist drive where she won nothing. It is all luck - no skill involved. Odd thing guilt Blanche observes as she buys a box of chocolates for Tracy - she normally does not suffer from it - but she does not know why.

Back at Blanche's house Tracy returns with flowers for Deirdre, Amy has been good. Deirdre volunteers to do it again - especially has Tracy has good news - she has some work over Easter in a florists. Tracy reckons it is her lucky day, Deirdre does not seem so convinced.

Fred is going out - Ashley tries to warn him that his quest of Penny may not be successful. Fred reckons that he is a good catch and they should wish him good luck. Ashley asks Clare to stay the night.

Over in the Rovers Karl, Martin and Todd are discussing the events earlier. Karl denies the story, although Todd knows better. Todd is worried by all the talk - he wants Karl to talk about something else. Karl deliberately changes the subject.

Maya and Dev are discussing an engagement party at the flat when his mobile rings. It is Naveen and Dev refuses to answer it. Maya wants to know more - but Dev tries to get back to the subject in hand.

In an expensive restaurant Fred and Penny are looking at the menus when Penny simply blurts out that she cannot marry Fred - she has been stringing him along for ages, she was going to wait until they had eaten. He had guessed he was going to get an answer - but hoped it would be positive - but Ashley and Clare had not been as positive. Fred cannot eat dinner - he wants to know why? Penny alleges it is too soon after Preston and she denies anyone else is involved. She cries and she tells him he is a lovely man. He does not think it is her fault - he forced her to a decision, it is not the end of the world - it is not the first time he has been turned down. Fred asks if they can be friends but Penny says that is not a good idea - there must be some space. Fred is now thunderstruck - he gives her money for a taxi home and asks to be excused as he has lost his appetite.

Outside it is raining hard and he walks slowly to his car and not noticing the rain gets in and sits there as the credits roll.

We start tonight with Dev creeping around the flat. Maya comes out and asks him what he is doing as its 6.00am. He says that he has some business and will be back later but he won't tell her what it is.

Claire and Ashley are making tea ö talking about Fred and Ashley persuades Clare not to say anything more to Fred and that they should leave things as they are. He then comments that it was lovely waking up beside her she looks pleased but embarrassed. Fred's booming voice then comes round the corner as he is playing with Josh. He is trying to put on a brave face and at the same time manages to embarrass Clare. He realises that even though he is upset about Penny it is not too bad being Fred Elliott as he wakes up to Josh and Ashley's smiling faces and Clare's flushed one ö she gets even more embarrassed at that.

Bev is in the back room of the Rovers and Betty comes in to check she has ordered the mixers ö they snipe at each other and then Betty walks back out to the bar as Shelly walks in ö she goes to leave when she sees it is just Bev. Bev tries to make it up with her but Shelly is having none of it.

Mike is round at Maya's for some milk and as Maya is giving him the bottle she asks him about Naveen. Mike briefly tells her what happened last year and that he wouldn't do business with him again.

Betty is talking to Ciaran about the frosty atmosphere and threatens to leave if it doesn't get better. Bev comes into the bar and asks Ciaran if he will work tonight. He looks over at Shelly and asks Bev to try and make up with her. Bev tells him that she has tried but Shelly wont have any of it. Shelly meanwhile is telling Charlie that Bev tried to get her to leave and that she wont say sorry for what has happened.

Karl, Sarah and Bethany are washing Karl's car while Todd is watching reading the paper. Katy, Martin and Nick come out of the flat and are off to the pub. Sarah tells Karl to go to the pub and she will finish the car. As he goes off he is talking to Nick asking whether he is Sarah's brother and as Nick says yes Karl turns round and grins at Todd ö Todd looks mortified.

Maya is in the shop quizzing Sunita on Dev's whereabouts she then tells her to go and ring around his other shops and she will look after the shop. Meanwhile Dev walks in, empties the till of cash and tells Maya to give Sunita the day off and mind the shop for him.

Penny goes round to see Mike he offers her a coffee but she is really cross and doesn't want anything. She goes on and on about how bad she feels about hurting Fred. Mike doesn't seem to care which makes Penny crosser. She tells him that she feels cheap dirty and ashamed for what they did to Fred and she storms out.

Bev goes round to Fred's to try and get him to help sort the problem out between her and Shelly and she tells him she doesn't want the job anymore. He pleads with her to try again with Shelly and that he doesn't want her to leave.

Shelly is still sitting with Charlie and asks Ciaran where Bev is. He tells her that she has gone out and then asks her to try and make it up. Both Ciaran and Charlie try and tell her to blame them and then sort things out with Bev.

Karl, Nick, Martin and Karl are cozily chatting in the pub and Karl goes to get another drink in. Todd walks in and gives him back the keys and is very distressed about Karl being near Nick ö he tries to tell him to stop talking to him. Karl tells him that he is not going to say anything and tells him to relax. Todd does not like being wound up by Karl and storms out the pub.

Fred is carving the meal when the doorbell rings ö its Mike. He has come round to ask Fred out for a drink. Fred insists that he sits down for dinner which Mike looks extremely uncomfortable with and Clare and Ashley cast daggers at him.

Dev comes into the shop looking shifty and wants to know where Sunita is. Maya tells him that she took the day off. He has got a bag with him ö Maya tries to find out what is in it and he tells her that he is looking after it. He puts it in the back room in a cupboard (!) his phone then rings again and he goes off again telling her that he will be back in an hour.

Fred tells Mike that Penny rejected him and goes on about how important friends and family are and toasts everyone around the table. Mike looks very awkward and Clare and Ashley squirm.

Sarah is going on about cans of beans and feeding Karl when he walks in and says that a room as come up at the hospital and he is going now. Sarah looks disappointed, Todd looks delighted.

Sunita and Bev are chatting and Sunita asks if she minds whether Shelly gets together with Charlie ö Bev says that she doesn't mind. Meanwhile Charlie is till trying to crack it with Shelly and asks her to go out with him. She says no and tells him that he is so similar to all the blokes that come in the pub and that he is about as deep as a puddle. He tells her that she needs to take a risk. At the bar Bev offers Ciaran a drink and thanks him for helping out and then tells him that she tried to chuck her job in earlier.

Penny goes back round to Mikes and Mike tells her what happened at lunchtime. Penny says that she feels like a horrible person for what she has done to Fred. Mike tells her that it's all over now so she can get over it. She tells him that she doesn't want it to be over ö and tells him that he can kick her out if he wants. Instead (sadly for the viewers) he kisses her ö they vow that Fred mustn't find out and they snog again (will this tedious storyline ever end!).

Todd and Sarah are in the kitchen and Sarah asks him if he liked Karl staying. He admits he hated every minute of it and felt like they had been invaded. Sarah apologises but Todd says it's fine now he has gone ö they can all get back to normal.

Maya is still in the shop alone. She locks the door and inevitably goes to the back room, opens the cupboard, takes the bag out and opens it. There are hundreds of boxes of watches and as she opens one ö of course Dev comes up behind her. He tells her that he told her not to open it and that she had to trust him. She goes off on one about trust and his sneaking around all day. He won't tell her what is going on and assures her that he is looking after them for someone. Naveen got into trouble and needs some help and as a family member Dev couldn't refuse. She gets a bit hysterical and says that he could end up in prison. Dev assures her that that won't happen ö Maya looks back at him perplexed and the credits roll.

Monday 5 April

Hi everyone, here is the first episode for the evening.

We open with Tracy putting the final touches to her makeup, preparing for her first day in her new job at a florist, as Ken arrives for his day as nanny to baby Amy. Blanche, clearly put out by the fact that Tracy did not ask her to babysit, makes several poisonous remarks about Ken's age and suitability for the task. Tracy apologises for not asking Blanche, and then goes off to work.

Over in Dev's flat, he is trying, and failing, to phone Naveen. Maya is very twitchy about the watches, which she reckons must be work 100k, and are sitting in his storeroom. Dev keeps assuring her he'll sort it out, and tries to make light of the matter. He goes off to try and find Naveen, asking Maya to keep an eye on 'things' in the shop.

In the back room of the Rovers, Betty is pouring cups of tea. Bev comes in and asks for one, quickly, saying she didn't sleep well. Shelley is sitting on the sofa, leafing through a magazine, and Bev asks her what she's planning on doing today. Shelley takes immediate umbrage, 'Like find meself somewhere to live?' she snaps, 'away from your pub?' Bev sighs and asks Ciaran to clean the pipes, she turns to give Betty an instruction, but Betty interrupts, telling her she thinks she knows her job by now. Harry has come in throughout all of this, and tells Bev there is food waste over the ground in the yard, possibly the work of a cat or a fox. He turns to ask Shelley about a letter she got on this subject from the council, but Bev interrupts him telling him they'll manage, thank you. 'If its not one kind of mess to sort out, it's another,' she remarks, and Shelley gets up and walks out. Bev pauses, and then continues, 'where were we? Oh yes,' she says to Harry, 'whatever needs to be done, do it.' Harry goes out and Ciaran tries to tell Bev to take it easy, she looks done in. She protests that there's too much to do, and she doesn't want Fred to think she's not on top of the job.

In the corner shop, Kirk is telling Sunita how people are either dog-people or cat-people. He's a greyhound, he could be a doberman or a weimaraner, but he doesn't speak German! (?) 'That matters does it?' enquires a rather perplexed Sunita. He assures her it does, and that greyhounds are loyal, but underneath they are super efficient killing machines. 'And is that how you see yourself?' queries Sunita again. Maya comes in, with mobile phone glued to ear. Kirk tries to find out whether she's a dog or cat person, but she scornfully huffs past him, into the back room. Sunita follows her, asking if everything is all right. 'The village idiot out there,' snaps Maya, 'shouldn't you be serving him?'. Sunita returns to her counter.

Over at Blanche and Tracy's, Ken is looking frantically for the baby's dummy, as the baby yells. Blanche tells him that dummies cause buck teeth and smoking, Ken disagrees, and Blanche remarks who is she to argue with an expert, the number of children he's had! (Yes, but he never brought any of them up, did he?) As the baby carries on crying, Blanche tells him she likes to be pushed, that'll be what she's wanting. It just so happens that Blanche likes to watch a bit of tv at around this time. 'Poor little thing,' she coos, 'she senses that you haven't got a clue what you're doing.' She goes to fetch Ken's coat.

In the bar of the Rovers, Ciaran comes in and tells Bev they're out of crisps and nuts. Bev scorns Shelley's ordering system, but Betty remarks that Shelley always seemed very organised. Harry comes in and asks for a hand with the barrels and crates, Ciaran offers to help but Bev stops him, saying they are just coming up for dinner time and she can't rely on Betty when it gets busy. Betty has just come up behind her and hears this! Bev tries to explain that's not quite what she meant, Betty will be busy with the food orders. Betty doesn't look convinced, and then, with no regard for timing, Bev proceeds to ask Betty if she'll come in that evening and help Ciaran so that she can go out with a friend. Betty is very sniffy, 'Oh you need me now,' she huffs, and suggests Bev contacts an agency for some temporary staff, and get someone she can rely on!

Ken is in the corner shop buying some biscuits. He hopes it will make her less grizzly. 'She's not eating biscuits yet, surely?' queries Sunita. 'Not Amy, Blanche!' says Ken. Sunita tells him that seeing Amy is making her feel broody. Ken says any day she wants to swop jobs........but the trouble is she comes in a job lot with a not so great grandma. 'Blanche, Maya,' says Sunita, 'it's a toss up!' As Ken goes out, two policemen come in, asking for Dev. Maya comes out of the back room and tells Sunita she can go on her break, in fact she can take the rest of the day off. Maya then asks the policemen what they want, have they had a tip off the bacon is past its sell by date? She is told that if Dev is involved in what they think he's involved in, even she will be past her sell by date when he gets out.

Sunita is sitting in pub, talking to Shelley. Sunita reckons that whatever it is, Maya is behind it. Shelley tells her Maya is a solicitor, she wouldn't be involved in anything shady. She suggests they make the most of their day off and go shopping in town. The pub is busy and Shelley sees that her mum is rushed off her feet. She wonders if she should go and help, because if Fred thinks she can't manage he'll have them both out on the street.

Fizz is at the bar with Kirk, wondering why she has received a credit card statement in her name when she hasn't got a credit card. They engage in a deep and meaningful discussion about this, ignoring Bev when she asks what they are having to drink, despite the fact that there are customers waiting. Shelley was also waiting at the bar, and she tries to come round the bar to get her own drink, Bev stops her, telling her to keep her sulky face on that side of the bar. Shelley says she was going to help her, but she can stuff that for a game of soldiers.

In the corner shop, the policemen want to look around, but when they mention the storeroom Maya asks if they have a warrant. Just then Dev comes back, and is told that there's been a robbery and watches to the value of half a million pounds have been stolen. Some have been recovered, but not all. Dev decides that being interrogated in the shop is not good for business so elects to go down to the police station. Maya wants to go with him, but he tells her to stay there and mind the shop.

Janice hobbles into the cafe on crutches. 'Ooooh arrr! Jim lad!' roars Fred, who is eating at a table. Janice looks blank. 'Long John Silver,' explains Fred. 'Does 'e drink in Rovers?' asks Janice. She then asks Fred if he can put in a good word for her for a job with his lady friend. Fred explains that might be difficult, they've had a parting of the ways. Janice is genuinely sympathetic, and just then Betty comes over. Janice explains how she's bored out of her mind at home and is looking for a job. Betty says she can have hers, but Janice doesn't think the Rovers is ready for Janice's Hot Pots. As she hobbles off, Betty tells Fred she wasn't joking, and Bev is making a right pigs ear of running the pub. Fred wonders if Shelley is behind it, and Betty tells him it probably doesn't help her watching everything her mum does. She asks Fred to have a word with them both, but he is horrified. It would be like separating two fighting bull terriers, they both turn on you and you need a new pair of trousers before you know it.

Sunita and Shelley call in at the shop, Sunita left without her purse. Maya asks her if she can hold the fort for five minutes, and when Sunita asks what is going on, Maya tells her to keep her nose out and do her job. 'Oh,' gasps Shelley, 'it's the same charm school as me mother!' Maya goes to leave the shop with the bag of watches, but is horrified to see a police car parked across the road. She goes back in and asks if the back window opens, but is told it has been screwed down for security.

Ciaran and Betty are in the back room when Bev comes in, and tells Betty that tomorrow she will be needed in the bar over dinner. Betty reckons she can't do that and food as well. Bev tells her that a bit of loyalty wouldn't be out of place, especially as they took her in over Christmas when her own son didn't want to know. Betty is furious, Bev is talking to her about loyalty when she took Shelley's job! A huge row develops and Betty walks out. 'And then there was two,' mutters Ciaran.

Tracy is on the phone to Ken, asking after Amy and telling him she has to work late. She then returns to the real reason she is not going straight home, a tall, dark young man.

Ken is giving Amy her bottle as Blanche comes in and asks if that was Tracy on the phone. He has a problem, he has to get a chicken in the oven right now or they won't be eating until really late. He asks Blanche if she could take over with Amy, but Blanche, peeved because Tracy saw fit not to trust her with her child, refuses.

In the pub, Fizz is on her mobile phone telling the credit card company to cancel the card, and Fred is moaning that Betty has gone as well. Bev is confident that she and Ciaran are a good team and tells him not to worry. Fizz is sitting with Janice and Kirk, discussing the credit card bill. She comes to the conclusion that as she filled in a form for a card, but never received it, someone must have got to it before she did, and the only person she lives with is Candice.

Bev pours a drink and gives it Ciaran, telling him it's a thank you for his support. She asks him to have a drink with her when they close, but he is reluctant, saying that being short staffed and with Fred breathing down their necks, it's a good night's sleep they need, not a skinful. She tells him it seems such a long time since he stayed over...and takes a step closer. He declares that things are complicated enough right now, and rushes off for his break.

Maya is just about to leave the shop, clutching the bag of watches, when the police come in, and ask her if she's going somewhere. Dev is still at the station. She tells them she was just closing up, but they produce a warrant to search the premises.

In the back room of the pub, Bev is confronting Ciaran, asking if it was really that bad sleeping with her. He tells her it was 'special' but it gets in the way of them working together. She shuts the door and starts shrieking at him, demanding to know why it won't happen again. He tells her it's made him feel awkward, with them working together. She tells him there's a way round that, don't work here. 'You mean, I won't sleep with you, so you're sacking me?' asks Ciaran. Bev agrees. 'For someone that's had more men than the Grand Old Duke of York you're making a meal out of this,' he tells her. Then he marches out, telling her it turns his stomach to think that he slept with such a desperate old slapper! Bev stays in the back room and cries.

And that's it for episode 1.

Anne Logan

"Gharrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!"

Fred staggers back, almost falling into his front garden. "You nearly frightened me out of my skin. What is it, Ciaran?" Ciaran can't exactly get a word in as Fred tells him at length to be quick about it because he's got an important Square Dealers meeting to go to (Will there be a spin-off episode about this crisis in the Square Dealers? That's the second important meeting they've had in a week!). "What's the matter?" Fred asks. "Have you run out of spare change over there or summat?" "I've run out of a job," Ciaran tells him. "Eh? I'm not wi' ya." "And I'm not with you any more," Ciaran points out.

Maya is talking to the detectives. She says she was at home with Dev last night and there was no-one else with them. "What were you doing?" they ask. "Do you want me to draw you a diagram?" she replies. They say they'll be on their way, oh, but before they go, would she mind if they had a look in the bag she is carrying. She plays coy, saying that there are things in a lady's bag that she doesn't show to anyone. This doesn't put them off, so she points out that even if they have a warrant to search the shop, she doubts very much that it extends to the personal possessions of the people who happen to be in the shop at the time. This seems to stop them and they leave.

In the pub, Kirk and Fizz are discussing the problem of the credit card. Fizz is still sure it must be Candice who is using it, and they plot that they will wait in the pub until Candice will have left the flat, then go and search her room. Kirk moves towards the bar and leans towards the crush, asking for a drink, but Charlie turns and snaps at him to wait his turn. Bev tells Charlie there are others deserve her attention before him. "Didn't used to say that," he mutters as she swings on her heel away from him. "Beverly, a word!" says Fred from the other side of the bar. She turns just as Ciaran reaches the bar and demands to know what he's doing there. "What's he doing this side of the bar is what I want to know." He wants a word in the back, but Bev claims she can't leave the bar. Fred asks Ciaran to take over for five minutes. "Over my dead body!" Bev says. Fred wags a finger at her. "Never tempt fate. In!"

Tracy is still drinking with her new workmate, whose name is Matthew. He suggests she go back to his place, but she says she's already late for something else and has to go. He wonders if she's got someone else, but she says she has a yoga class. "Oh, do you do all the positions?" She says she does most of them

Fred is having a word with Bev. He can't believe she's been usurping his authority and says her actions "leaves us wide open" [insert your own rude joke here]. Bev says it was a silly joke that went wrong. She can't even remember what was said. "He didn't seem to find it funny," Fred says of Ciaran. "I say, he didn't seem to find it funny."

She says she sacked Ciaran because he was useless, because he just sat around preening himself instead of working. "Now that's a wicked calumny is that," says Fred. He orders her back into the bar to apologise. Bev refuses. "Have I not made myself clear?" he asks. "I am not sitting on no tribunal where the name of the Rovers Return is made synonymous with a dockside knocking shop." He tells her she's going back into the bar to eat a fair proportion of humble pie, and if that's not enough she's going to ask for seconds.

In the bar, Kirk is finally about to get served when Fred calls Ciaran away to tell him he thinks they have sorted things out. It was an unfortunate joke and Bev wants to apologise for any offence that was caused by her attempt at ribald repartee. "It was all a joke, was it?" Ciaran says sarcastically. "That's all it was, then." Bev apologises, but very grudgingly and Fred urges her to make a clean breast of it. "And that's not meant to be a joke." She makes a better go of it.

Now, with them working in perfect harmony, he can get to his meeting, Fred says. Ciaran points out that his nerves are shattered and he isn't sure he feels up to working. Fred (possibly sensing a huge financial loss in a sexual harassment suit) reassures him and says it will be fine if he places himself on the other side of the bar just for tonight. "Get off to your meeting," Bev tells Fred. "I can run a bar." "That's what I'm paying you for!" he snaps. Ciaran leans across the double-layer of patrons waiting at the bar and asks for a pint.

Dev arrives back at the flat and demands to know where the "stuff" is. He's been to the shop and knows it isn't there. But Maya is giving him the cold shoulder. He persists and she says she was just thinking about the vase. Yes, the vase that had Dev going on about how he had taken a viper into his bosom. And he wanted her to give the vase back. "I lied for you," she tells him. "I covered for you." She gets up and fetches the bag for him from the kitchen cupboard (Good scheme, Maya, if the police got a warrant for the flat they'd never think of looking there!). "Now give it back!" she tells Dev. She tells him he should give the bag to the police and make a full statement. They're not after him, they're after Naveen. She could cut a deal for him in minutes. "Trust me, I'm a lawyer," she says. "Ex," says Dev. Yes, ex. And perhaps she ought to be his ex, she tells him.

[BREAK]

Dev is sitting down with the bag at his feet. He says Maya doesn't understand that it's not that simple. But Maya says it's very simple. The police are likely to be there any minute. She says she guessed Dev would tell the police they had been together all night, but Dev hasn't thought it through. She asks what Dev told the police they had been doing. "Watching television," he says. She asks him to describe the programmes they watched and Dev suddenly realises how little he's thought about this alibi. "I've seen amateurs like you so often," she yells "Take it back!" But he won't because it isn't just him who's involved. "This is about my family." "Kirk, where's me drink?" asks Fizz. But Kirk says he got caught short and lost his place in the queue. Bev Crosses Quickly In Front Of The Camera (now known as BCQIFOTC). Charlie comments to Ciaran that they serve pints quicker down the Sally Army (BCQIFOTC). Shelly comes in and gets to the bar beside Charlie and Ciaran (BCQIFOTC). Sally asks quite calmly and reasonably for her usual and two pints (BCQIFOTC). Sunita comes in and Shelly adds Sunita's order (BCQIFOTC). Sunita still doesn't know what's been going on with Dev and Maya, because the shop is locked.

Dev and Maya are arguing. She says Naveen's a criminal who hasn't given a thought to Dev or his future wife. Dev promises to get rid of the stuff but refuses to tell Maya where. She stomps off to the Rovers.

Kirk has finally got served, just as Fizz drags him off to search the flat. He wants to stay for his pint, but Fizz needs him to stand lookout. But rather than give his pint to Ciaran, Bev pours it away down the drain -- very ostentatiously. Maya rushes to tell Sunita that the police were just checking for some stuff that "fell of the back of a lorry" and once they saw all the paperwork tallied they left. Sunita points out that she's just the hired help and this is none of her business.

Tracy is back at home, telling the family about her horrible new boss who insists on treating her like a trainee and holding her back at work. "I'm really sorry, but it's not my fault," she says. Her parents (yes, by this time Deirdre is there, too) leave, and Tracy murmurs to Amy: "The least they could have done is bathed you."

Harry is having a drink with Vera, who says she doesn't need to get back to Jack. He'll be all right "as long as he doesn't move. And he's not known to do a lot of that."

Dev comes in and offers Maya a gold watch as a peace-offering, and when she recoils he says she'd better have something to go with it -- a receipt.

Deirdre and Ken came come into the bar. Deirdre believes Tracy was lying. She could smell alcohol on Tracy's breath. Ken couldn't smell it, which prompts a rant from Deirdre about how poor his sense of smell is.

Fizz is under Candice's bed, searching. She finds a bag from one of the shops where the credit card has been used. She shows it to Kirk and dives back under the bed. Sadly, Kirk's new career as a lookout is doomed. A voice behind him says: "Kirk, what's Fizz doing under my bed?"

In the pub, Bev snaps at Ken that he can just wait for his drink. Vera is not impressed. She would never have spoken to a regular like that. Unfortunately for Bev, Fred has come in just in time to hear the exchange. He tells Bev she can't talk to people like that. Ken and Deirdre have been supping there longer than he's been dicing kidneys. She didn't know they gave priority treatment. Is there a VIP lounge in this pub?" Charlie and Ciaran have still not been served, so Shelley suggests they move on to the Flying Horse. Suddenly, Bev is willing to serve them, but they leave anyway. Fred watches them go. "You've not only driven us staff away," he tells Bev. "You've managed to frighten them off as paying customers, n' all He tells Bev to get the glasses washed before health and safety gets on to them, but she doesn't move. He waves the towel in front of her face and asks if she knows what it is. "If I had the energy I'd chuck it in," she says. "I'm finished." And she leaves Fred in the bar.

Fizz wants to know why Candice would hide something under the bed, but Candice points out that what is in the bag is a particularly horrible knitted thing (sorry, but it didn't have a recognisable form -- maybe it was a jumper) which her aunt made for her, and which she's obliged to keep and wear when she goes to see the aunt. Fizz and Kirk demand to know why she's got a bag from that shop, and Candice says it was given to her by Maria before Maria left the flat.

Bev is sitting in the darkened back room with her head in her hands. Fred suggests maybe it's all been a bit much for her. He offers to fetch her a pick-me-up. "Don't go getting emotional on me," he says it a panic. Too late, she does. The tears fall. Fred says men are no good with tears. "My dad used to say a woman's tears can rust the strongest man's cleaver." "I'll leave first thing, Bev says. "What have I got to stay for, Fred? I've lost my daughter. My friends are laughing at me. I'm sorry, Fred, but there's nothing here for me. I am finished."

And so is this episode.

Margaret Carr

Tonight's episode begins with breakfast at the Rovers, Bev tells Ciaran that she has resigned and if he wants any orders he will have to speak to Fred, about here Shelley enters the back room at the Rovers and here and Bev only speak to each other via Ciaran as go-between!

At Fiz's flat she and Kirk are discussing who it could be that has been using the credit card belonging to Fiz, Maria's name seems to be in the frame now.

At the salon Nick and Maria are making plans to go shopping lunchtime. Nick hasn't got any money though. Audrey then comes in and tells Nick to get off to his new job. Candice takes the opportunity to snipe at Maria about "flexible friends" after Nick leaves for work.

Back at the Rovers Bev is enjoying a leisurely breakfast, Ciaran is helping himself to toast and asking for orders, Bev tells him to see Fred as he (Fred that is) walks in. Bev tells Fred she has retired and Fred has bought a bunch of flowers for her by way of an olive branch, Bev is having none of this, but agrees to come to the staff meeting Fred is going to hold and then goes off for a bath. Fred tells Ciaran to go and find Shelley so that they can sort this problem out.

Blanche and Tracy along with the baby have arrived at Ken and Deirdre's - Ken is looking after the baby so that Tracy can go to work, Blanche seems somewhat suspicious that Tracy is going to work and not having a half day due to early closing.

At the hospital Todd is doing his hospital porter bit when Karl asks him out to his birthday bash at Canal St Manchester, this is apparently a gay village area and Todd is not keen on going there.

Shelley is having her breakfast at Roy's Rolls and is getting some support from Vera, Candice tells Fiz and Kirk that Maria and Nick are going shopping lunchtime, Nick, as mentioned before, has no money and Kirk says that Maria is always skint. Ciaran comes in to the cafe as well now and tells Shelley about the staff meeting.

Out in the street Hayley comes across Ken pushing the baby and there is some mutual simpering over the baby, Hayley says she and Roy are always available for babysitting.

The staff meeting begins at the Rovers, Ciaran is not invited, Fred makes this obvious when he tells him to go and open the pub. Fred then starts his act of mediation, Fred loses his cool as Bev and Shelley start sniping at each other, and suggests that if don't don't get their differences sorted out he will be selling the pub and they will be both out of jobs.

Ciaran is behind the bar, Fred tells him that Bev and Shelley are still at it, I think most in the pub can hear them going off at each other. Vera suggests he gets his house in order, Fred says he needs a decent manager, Vera puts in her bid for managership, this renders Fred speechless - not an easy task, when he recovers he says he is off to abattoir for some peace and leaves Ciaran in charge, Vera thinks Fred is just playing hard to get..

Bev and Shelley have spent most of this episode warring with each other and they are still at it now in the back of the Rovers, Bev says she has enough and is leaving, Shelley says she has had enough as well and rushes out - to start packing?

At the Salon Fiz rushes in to confront Maria about the credit card bills, Fiz accuses Maria of using her card and during a tussle some wine glasses that Maria has bought end up in pieces on the floor, Audrey has enough now and tells them to sort their problems out elsewhere.

Back at Blanche's house Tracy has shown the new boyfriend in for a romantic afternoon, unfortunately this is spoilt by Blanche emerging from the kitchen wearing apron and rubber gloves, Tracy introduces her to Mathew as the cleaning lady, this doesn't go down terribly well with Blanche who makes her feelings clear to Tracy and the boyfriend. To crown it all Ken turns up now and introduces Mathew to Tracy's baby. Surprisingly Tracy has not told Mathew about her baby and he goes out the front door at a rate of knots...

Bev is just booking a cab to collect her from the Rovers about 4pm, she then continues packing including photos of her daughters.

Shelley in the meantime has also done her packing and is back in the bar and books a cab for 4.15pm, Ciaran and Harry are bought a drink by Shelley as a leaving present.

Meanwhile Maria has turned up at the flat and is having a go at Fiz at her accusing Maria of using her credit card. Kirk wanders in the middle of this and believes Maria when she says she didn't steal the card. So who did?

Blanche is carrying on again about Tracy and her economical attitude to the truth, Ken listens to what Tracy says, that she wants some time to herself as she looks after the baby 24 hours a day. Ken suggests that an up-front attitude with the truth is best.

At the Rovers Karl has invited the ghastly Katy and Martin to his birthday bash. A car horn is heard in the background and Bev gets there first thinking it is her cab, slightly behind is Shelley, the unlucky cab driver that will have to deal with this is Les - good luck!

Shelley and Bev both end up sharing a the cab and Les has to listen to the rowing while he drives off.

In the street Todd has changed his mind and will be going to the birthday bash Sarah is also invited.

Les hasn't got far on his journey and peace is declared as Les pulls up outside the Rovers and Bev and Shelley go back inside leaving Les to bring the shopping in.

Cast your minds back, last Friday was the start of busy weekend and there was an episode of the Street, written by Mark Wadlow, directed by Tony Prescott with sponsorship by Cadburys and copyright remains with ITV Television plc who alone are responsible for the events which follow. The interpretation is mine.

Events start with Kirk apologising to Maria over the credit card. Maria proves that her shopping is not related to the stolen card. A little later outside in the Street Fiz starts thinking about the number of friends she is losing over this problem and shouts at Kirk. He then pops in on Les and Cilla to tell them the story of the credit card. It turns out that Cilla is an expert on credit cards - the amounts are so small that the card company will simply write it off. Indeed she flashes the plastic whenever they go out for a curry. Cilla looks distinctly nervous during this discussion whilst Les expresses his pleasure over her new dress, which leads to distinctly too much flesh being exposed.

Over at the Rovers Shelley and Bev are sharing breakfast in a friendly manner whilst Fred brings Harry up to date about the state of affairs. Apparently neither of the superpowers, or super bar managers actually wants to manage the Rovers at present and perhaps the Cold War is not at an end - although Harry makes reference to "Perestroika", which Shelley recognises as a bar in Levenshulme. So Fred is forced to make a decision - in the absence of a volunteer as both Bev and Shelley refuse to take on the job and each volunteers the other - and he appoints Ciaran - causing Bev and Shelley to laugh at what they think is a joke ... Eventually they realise that Fred is serious. Bev has second thoughts - but the decision is made. Bev and Shelley start worrying when Ciaran refers to brainstorming some new business ideas.

Charlie and Jason are working at a school whilst there are no children around and they chat as they load up. Jason reckons that every female around is "up for it" and "Stubbsy" observes that he has created a monster.

Sarah tells Todd that Gail needs a plumber - a leaking radiator. Todd and Sarah discuss going out on his first wage. It is time to buy an engagement ring. Todd tells Sarah that he is going out to a smoky gay bar on Monday - for Karl's birthday - and Sarah is keen to join in.

Kirk meets Fiz - he reckons his imagination is working overtime - but and he is not really sure - he thinks that Cilla might be using the credit card. It was the way she re-acted and a dress from the "Sassy Girl" shop. Fiz is immediately convinced and she is not going to Cilla get away with it - but they cannot rush into it - they need proof. Fiz and Kirk check the house - some new blouses but little else. Cilla returns from work and puts the kettle on. Kirk checks the dumped handbag whilst Fiz keeps Cilla in the kitchen. Kirk finds the credit card in her purse.

Charlie takes pity on Gail when she phones and sends Jason reminding him what a good job he did on Mrs Fanshawe.

Ciaran is laying down the law to Bev and Shelley over time keeping - a completely different set of rules. Charlie wanders in wearing his work clothes and is greeted by Bev but Ciaran imposes new rules - no working clothes and sends Charlie off with a flea in his ear. Later Ciaran asks Bev to do some mopping up - but they suggest he does it himself. Bev and Shelley are both being pushed by him - and Bev tells Shelley about the night she sacked Ciaran.

Fiz takes the credit card and Cilla has to admit that she took it - but she is not repentant at all. Cilla does not see it as stealing. Fiz knows the difference between right and wrong and she knows it is wrong. Fiz says she is going to the police and Les arrives - so Cilla has to tell him.

Gail opens the door wearing a dressing gown (not a bright idea). Gail gives Jason a smile and offers him a cup of coffee. He manages to fix it in no time, then he drinks his coffee and Gail calls him good looking and he repays the compliment and then tries to kiss Gail. Gail points out she is old enough to be his mother. Jason suddenly realises he has made a mistake, packs his tools and departs.

Les cannot believe that Cilla has stolen from her daughter (we have to endure most of Cilla's attributes being on show during this discussion). Les says that strangers deserve it - but not her own flesh and blood. Les is glad that Fiz is going to the police. Chesney arrives home - no dinner and sent upstairs immediately.

Charlie returns for a pint in bow tie and dinner jacket - however with his slicked down hair he actually looks worse than before. He invites Shelley to a casino trip - she declines for that evening - work - but agrees to a future date. Jason arrives and Charlie asks if it worked out with Mrs Platt - and Jason says that there has been a misunderstanding - she was wearing a silky dressing gown after all. Charlie cannot believe it.

Cilla and Les are arguing. Cilla admits it was wrong - but the last few months have been difficult. Cilla lies - she is has been sitting round doing nothing and happy - she wheedles and pleads. Elsewhere Fiz really wants to send her down - including prison. Kirk points out the real loser will be Chesney and Kirk pleads his case - if Fiz goes to the police he will be in care. Cilla claims that finding the credit card was a moment of weakness - Chesney wanted some shoes - he is sat at the top of the stairs and looks at his beaten and battered trainers - she never did buy the shoes. Les says that he will never look at Cilla the same again - they are finished.

Tonight's episode starts with Cilla making a fry up for Les ö she has told Chesney that he has to take his breakfast up to him and has told him what to say ö Chesney wants to know what she has done ö and then Les appears behind him saying that she stole of his sister. Cilla covers Chesney's ears and tries to make out she is a caring mother. Les refuses to eat the breakfast and Chesney's asks if he can have it and Cilla shouts at him and tells him to get lost.

Nick and David go round to Todd and Sarah's. Its Gail's birthday next week and Nick wants to get a family portrait done ö family only. Sara wants Todd in it which Nick doesn't ö but he then compromises and says that Maria has to be in it too and so David asks if Barney can be in it. Nick tells him that Rabbits don't go in family portraits but David doesn't agree.

Gail is telling Audrey about Jason coming on to her ö Audrey thinks it is hilarious and wishes something like that would happen to her. Gail wonders whether Candice would see the funny side of it.

Cilla is still trying to force feed Les the breakfast and she goes on again about it being a moment of weakness and she starts to beg him not to kick her out. At that moment Fiz walks in with Kirk. Cilla presumes that she has called the police but Fiz tells her that she has decided not to go to the police.

Ciaran is standing in the bar making notes and coming up with suggestions for the pub ö live music, karaoke, gastro pub ö all of which Shelly and Bev say no to and ask him to help them.

Fiz gives Chesney an Easter egg and tells her mum that she is not going to the police but wants the money back by the end of the day otherwise she will go to them. Cilla is horrified to hear that she owes her £237. She then coos round Les and tells him that even her own daughter has forgiven her.

Fred is looking for his keys and Ciaran is trying to talk to him about the pub ö he is not listening and is going somewhere but tells Ciaran he can talk to him whenever he wants ö Ciaran looks bemused.

Cilla is talking to someone on the phone about how much she misses him and asks if she can go and visit that afternoon ö meanwhile Chesney hears every word of the conversation. He asks her who it is and she tells him that it someone from work. Chesney asks if it was Uncle Ronny and Cilla admits that it is. Chesney is very upset and tells her how much he hates him. Cilla tells him that she has to see him as she needs money and she has no one else to turn to.

Bev is quizzing Shelly about Charlie and tells her that she doesn't mind her seeing him. Shelly thinks it is too soon after Peter but Bev thinks she needs some colour in her cheeks. Sarah, Todd and Jason are in the pub. Sarah thinks that they shouldn't buy Carl a present as they can't afford it and need to buy her mum a present and get an engagement ring. Todd agrees that they shouldn't get one. Meanwhile Jason's mobile rings ö and he goes off.

Chesney is still upset about Cilla going to Ronny's and tells her that she is not just going round there for money but for nookie as well. He tells her it is wrong what she is doing and that he really likes Les and doesn't want her to spoil it. Cilla tells him that he is not allowed to say anything about this to anyone otherwise they will be out on the street.

Bev and Shelly go and complain to Fred about Ciaran not doing any work and wandering around with a clip board making up stupid suggestions and tell him that he still hasn't banked yesterdays takings.

Jason turns up at the yard and is greeted by Gail and Charlie. Jason apologises to Gail and tells him that he will never do that again. Gail and Charlie wind him up and say that she might go to Weatherfield Gazette. Gail then lets him off the hook and walks off. Jason pleads Charlie not to sack him. Charlie tells him he was winding him up and had to show Gail he was doing something about it and that he wouldn't trust Gail not to tell Candice.

Ciaran goes in to see Fred and before Fred can say anything Ciaran hands his notice in. Fred tries not to accept it but Ciaran tells him that he is not made to be a boss ö and goes on about all the time he slacks. Fred accepts his resignation from his new job and then tells him he is sacked from his old one because he is a skiver. Ciaran assures him he was exaggerating and Fred accepts this but tells him he will keep a close eye on him.

Cilla tells Chesney to eat his supper and she is all dolled up. Les asks where she is going and she says she is off to see a friend to borrow the money to pay back Fiz.

Shelly and Bev go to see Fred who tells them that Ciaran resigned. They don't believe him. They then toss to see who gets to be manager and Shelly wins the toss ö and looks delighted.

Todd is in the shop showing Sunita a shirt he has bought ö he says he feels guilty for spending money. Sunita assumes it is for him and tells him its really nice.

Betty walks in the bar and Fred greets her with a kiss. She tells him she has only come in for a port and lemon and is not going the other side of the bar.

Charlie walks in and Shelly tells him that now she is in charge she can take a night off and asks if he is free. He tells her he is not and she looks mortified.

Bev and Shelly try to persuade Betty to come back and promise that they have made up their quarrel. Betty tells them to sling another port in her drink and she'll think about it.

Cilla comes back and has got the money. She tries to make it up with Les and he gives in ö he says he is fed up being angry with her and that he can't resist her when she is wearing that outfit. They go up for an early night. Cilla then tells Chesney he can stay up. He tries to plead with her not to see Ronny again and that they don't deserve to live with Les. Cilla warns him that if he tells Les about Ronny and he chucks them out then she will put Chesney in a home and the credits roll ·

The first of tonight's episodes starts with Tyrone walking Monica down the street. Jason is loitering around not knowing what to do on his day off and is waiting for Candice. He then asks Tyrone cryptic questions about what he would do if he had done something with someone else. Tyrone advises him to tell Candice but to pretend it was the other person's fault. Tyrone is dying to know who it was but Jason assures him it is no one from round there.

Chesney is tucking into his Easter egg when Cilla waltzes in and snatches it off him. He tells her to get her own eggs and she says that she doesn't do Easter. Les is giggling in the corner at Chesney's comic and Chesney keeps dropping hints about Cilla being unfaithful. Cilla asks Les to look at the sink so that she can have a word with Chesney. As soon as Les is out of earshot she tells Chesney that kids in care homes don't have uncles ö just nightmares and so he should keep his mouth shut.

Todd gives Carl his present which he likes and says he will wear it that night. Todd keeps questioning Carl about the evening and the fact that they are going to bars with gay people ö Carl tells him that there are straight people in there as well ö open minded straight people and he'll have a good time.

Maya is in the shop ö and tells Dev that she is serving one more customer and then she is going as she has a lot to organise for the engagement party. Sarah is talking to Candice about babysitting. Sarah is very excited because she hasn't been out for such a long time she then mentions that her mum might pop round ö Jason overhears this and looks anxious. Cheney then comes into the corner shop and tries to buy a loaf of bread and is two pence short. Maya refuses to sell it to him and tells him ö no money ö go hungry. Chesney shouts at her and walks out. Maya turns to Dev and tells him to remind her not to have children ö she then kisses Dev and leaves. She goes to her car and Monica is there on her own sniffing at the car ö she shouts at the dog to get away from her car. Chesney is watching her with Monica before he goes in the house.

Cilla asks Chesney where the bread is and he tells her that he didn't have enough money so she gives him beans on beans for his tea. He then goes on again about Uncle Les and Uncle Ronny. Chesney tells her that he hates Uncle Ronny because he shut him in a box once and left him on the shelf all day. Cilla retorts saying that he needs to get himself a sense of humour, as it was obviously just a joke. Cilla then tries to be nice and tells him she will give him some money tomorrow to get an Easter egg, as they will be half price.

Candice and Jason are kissing. Jason feels guilty so tells Candice that sometimes at work he has to flirt with customers as its part of his job ö she gets a bit funny and then he manages to make it sound ok ö the phone rings.

Vera and Tyrone are on the Street ö Tyrone has lost Monica ö she ran away from the red wreck. He is very worried about her.

Back at Candice's flat Jason has settled himself on the sofa looking pleased with himself when Candice starts hitting him with a metal tray. It was Audrey on the phone and she has told Candice all about Gail and Jason ö Candice is absolutely furious and they yell at each other ö with Jason apologising saying the whole thing meant nothing. Candice is crying and cant believe that he cheated on her.

Maya is cleaning the car outside the shop ö Dev asks here what she is doing and she says that she spilt oil and needed to clear it up. Tyrone then comes out and shouts for Monica ö Maya looks sheepish and quickly gets in her car.

Katy and Sarah are talking about the evening ahead ö they are both excited ö Katy tells Sarah that Martin is not looking forward to it.

Cilla gives Fiz her money and Fiz wants to know where it came from and doesn't believe Cilla when she says it's from a mate. She asks her whether it is the same mate that had a two-week hen night.

Todd and Carl are walking down Canal Street ö Todd is pleasantly surprised, as he didn't expect it to be like it is. His mobile rings its Sarah. She tells him that Candice can't baby-sit because of Jason. Carl looks pleased at this and announces that they are both free and single for the night and assures Todd that he will look after him.

Back on Coronation Street Katy is shouting at Martin because he is pretending to be ill and says that he is not going out. Basically he is frightened of going to a gay bar. The phone rings and its Sarah ö she tells Katy that she can't come because of the babysitting ö Katy has a brainwave and tells her to bring Bethany around to 'Grandad' Martin's.

Meanwhile in Canal Street Todd is enjoying himself and tells Carl it's a shame Sarah couldn't be there. Carl tells him that he is glad that Todd is there because it's him that is his friend not Sarah. Carl then spots Robbie at the bar and it immediately makes Todd feel uncomfortable.

Chesney is questioning Les about whether he loves his mum ö Les reluctantly tells him that he does love Cilla but tells Chesney not to tell Cilla. Chesney then tells Les that he loves living there and that he is his best uncle ever.

Katy and Sarah excitedly get in a taxi ö Sarah feeling like a big fat lump and Katy thinking that she looks gorgeous and they are discussing whether they will see any Graham Norton look-alikes.

Carl goes up to speak to Robbie and Todd talks to Carl's friend who tells him that Robbie and Carl are always falling out and getting back together. Todd then storms up to Carl and tells him he is going and runs out of the bar ö Carl follows and leaves Robbie laughing at them. Todd is all over the place and shouts at Carl about how uncomfortable he feels in there and that he doesn't belong and feels awkward when other men look at him. Carl tries to reassure him and suddenly Todd leans forward and starts snogging Carl. They are in a big passionate clinch when the taxi rolls up and Sarah and Katy get out ö Sarah says ãcan't wait to see Todd's face when he sees meä and behind their backs we see Todd and Carl still kissing ....

It's Monday again, and after that well-written episode from Daran Little we get an even better one written by John Fay:

That kiss is still going on. But Sarah and Katy don't notice because they are too busy arguing about who will pay the fare. In fact, they are so deep in conversation they appear to walk right past Karl and Todd without noticing who it is. But Todd hears their voices and pushes Karl away. The girls see them and the lads say they just stepped outside for a while. Todd says Karl's ex is in there. They decide not to let Robbie spoil Karl's party and head inside, though Karl holds Todd back for a second to ask meaningfully: "Well, are you staying out? Or are you going back in?"

Cilla is all dressed up and obviously has somewhere to go. She tells Les and Chesney that "arthritic Anne" has called up from work. She's suffering and wants to go home, but that means Cilla has to cover for her, even though it's 9.30 at night. When Les and Chesney say they didn't hear the phone, she cleverly comments how dreadful it would be if poor Anne couldn't get help if no-one could hear the phone, and suggests they turn down the TV and their action movie.

Over in the Webster household, the same action movie is on the TV, but there is an ambush in the planning. Sally asks Kevin about someone they knew years ago who was a brilliant football player with a promising career ahead. Kevin explains that Frannie Beasley is 18 stone and working on the bins. Sally asks about how he ended up like this, and Kevin says "Alan Whitlock". Apparently they both looked old enough to be served in the pub and Frannie "got a taste for the ale and that was it. Slippery slope. He's got four or five kids now. Why?" "Oh, no reason," she says, going on to ask Kevin if he thinks Rosie is spending too much time with Craig. She's been round there every day in the holidays. "I know she can't help her hormones, but everyone's got hormones, and not everyone's got talent. And if it's not nurtured when it's young and fragile, you end up like Frannie Beasley. That poor man must cry himself to sleep at night thinking about what might have been."

Kevin says Craig is a nice enough lad. Anyway, what can they do? "Well," says Sally, we could send her to the Northern Drama Academy" and she thrusts a handy prospectus under his nose. "Bit pricey, but it'll be worth it in the end." Kevin refuses outright. "You don't want her to have a good career," Sally cries. "You don't want her to reach her full potential." Kevin says he just wants her to have a normal childhood. "What's normal?" Sally asks. Was Frannie Beasley normal? Are the Websters normal?

In the bar, Sarah and Katy see Robbie, who is practising his Jez Quigley evil eyes and not quite making it. Sean goes over to talk to him and Karl heads off to talk to "the ear nose and throat lot". I have no idea if this is a gay sub-group or just more hospital workmates. Todd stays behind, despite Karl's imploring look. He suggests to the girls that they go somewhere else, but they are quite happy to stay.

"Monica!!!" Tyrone is in the ginnel, calling for his dog. Jack comes out and tells him to keep the noise down, but Tyrone is very upset. While they are discussing it, Chesney opens his window (wearing his skeleton jammies) and tells them to be quiet. When he finds out what the problem is, he explains he saw the dog with the woman from the shop. "You know that really nice one?" Tyrone sighs with relief that Monica was with Sunita. "Well, it wasn't her," continues Chesney. Tyrone is now very upset again, wanting to know what Maya might have done to Monica.

At the engagement party, Steve and Karen are being welcomed. Mike Baldwin is in the background. All Dev's closest friends, then. Karen is immediately giving Steve grief about why does Dev, Steve's business partner, live in this wonderful place while they have to settle for a flat above the Kabin. Steve points out that Dev also owns seven shops, but Karen still looks resentful. "And if Maya's anything like you, he'll have sell half of them to pay for his wedding," Steve tells her.

Back in Canal Street, Sarah asks Todd to dance but he refuses, so she dances with Katy instead. Karl asks Todd why he didn't follow him before. But Todd says he is not going to chase after Karl while his fiancee is in the room. Karl wants to know whether the kiss meant anything or whether it was just the drink talking. "No," says Todd. "No, it didn't mean anything, or no, it wasn't the drink talking?" Robbie comes over says he has just come to say he hopes Karl has a good night.

Sunita is in the pub waiting for a taxi when Jack and Tyrone come in and talk about Monica. Sunita tells them that Dev and Maya's party is on that night and that's where she is headed. "I always enjoy Dev's engagement parties." She goes off and Jack tries to talk Tyrone out of heading for the flat to confront Maya. Sadly, Vera eggs him on and heads off to see Maya.

In the bar, Robbie is still glaring at Karl. Todd is watching Karl from another part of the room. Todd tells Sarah he is going home. She is having a laugh and doesn't want to, so he tells her she can do what she wants, but he's going. He leaves, with Sarah struggling after him through the crowd, calling to him to hang on. Karl watches him go.

Todd and Sarah arrive home and Sarah is very annoyed. They get the opportunity to go out, find someone to take Bethany for the whole night, and here they are, home before 11! Todd says he wasn't comfortable there and Sarah gives him a lecture about this being the 21st century. Todd says he just couldn't cope with gay people around him, in his face, all the time. Sarah points out that she was there, but he says she left him alone. She asks if it had anything to do with Nick, and Todd says it did. Nick has had a very low opinion of him ever since the "misunderstanding" and how would it look if word got back to him that Todd had been seen in the bars in Canal Street? He claims he was on his way home when Sarah and Katy turned up. He begins to cry as Sarah hugs him and she kisses him.

In the Rovers, Kevin and Tommy are chatting. They're talking about the earbashing both are getting from their wives. Angela has been nagging Tommy about having a talk to Craig about the birds and the bees -- not that he thinks Rosie and Craig are up to anything, but better safe than sorry. "Have you spoken to Rosie yet?" In the absence of a handy nunnery, a drama school suddenly looks very good, and Kevin takes Sally's drink to her and says he'll look at the brochure when they get home.

At the engagement party, Sunita is talking Mike around and pointing out the staff from the other shops. Mike's been there for a good deal of time before her, but it seems he hasn't met anyone yet. We hear that the women are here from the shops in Swinton, Ancoats, Salford, "oh, and that's Grace, from Salford, in the leather jacket with the acne." "So this is the first time all Dev's girls have been in the same place at the same time?" Mike asks. "Dev's girls? We're not a harem, you know!" Steve has made a second joke, this time to Dev. Unfortunately it is the same joke -- when they get back from the honeymoon he will have to sell a couple of shops to pay for it. He says he hasn't sold anything to pay for his own honeymoon -- my half of the business is my only asset." "What are you talking about?" asks Dev. "You've got Eileen's house." Good timing, Dev, as Karen arrives in their little group just in time to hear this. Dev quietens everyone and begins to make a speech. Of course, this is when Tyrone arrives.

Chesney can't sleep and comes downstairs. He says he's got things on his mind. Les says he shouldn't have anything on his mind at all at his age. Les says Chesney can sit up with him, but mustn't tell his Mum, because she wouldn't want him up this late. "She'd probably send me to the garage for ciggies," Chesney points out. Les says they can share the last of Chesney's Easter Egg, but the packet is empty. His Mum ate it, Chesney says. Les obviously doesn't believe him and says it's OK, he was Chesney's age once. But Chesney assures him she did. "She said she didn't want me getting fat," And we see a few more scales fall from Les's eyes.

Tyrone is in full flow, haranguing Maya. "How can you trust someone who doesn't like dogs?" he asks the assembled company. "Even Hitler liked dogs." "I like dogs in their place," Maya replies. "How are the kebabs?" Tyrone is even more enraged and is hustled from the room, where Maya has to point out to everyone that she was joking about the kebabs.

Todd and Sarah are in bed. Todd is still awake and his phone beeps that he has a text message (tht shd b a txt msg). "Don't expect me 2 come running after U with a slipper, Cinders," it says.

Dev and Maya are farewelling the McDonalds, with Dev saying he hopes the floor show didn't spoil things.

Todd is out of bed and talking to Karl on the phone. He says he had to leave because it was really doing his head in. "I was actually sick -- physically sick," he says. "You really know how to flatter a bloke, don't you," Karl says. As Todd talks, Sarah wakes up and can hear him talking in the next room. Todd tells Karl he can't stop thinking about him. "If you want me, you know where I am," Karl says. Sarah comes out and wants to know who is on the phone. Todd lies and says it's Jason, upset about Candice. He cuts off Karl as Sarah reaches for the phone. She goes back to bed and Todd sinks back into the sofa cushions.

Followed immediately by a beautifully made new version of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile, shot partly in one of my favourite places, Eltham Palace in South London. Watch out for it. (advertisement over)

Tonight's episode begins with breakfast at Todd and Sarah's flat, Todd is making breakfast for Sarah - guilty conscience? Sarah says she thinks Karl is gorgeous and would like to go out with him again - just what Todd is thinking...

At the Webster's Sally is trying to talk Kevin into drama school for Rosie talk is of an open day as well as Kevin looks through the brochure, eventually he manages to get the price list despite Sally's efforts at ignoring this vital bit of information - £1500 per term no chance and up there to age eighteen.

Out in the street Martin and Katy are discussing the Karl's celebrations, David sees them in passing and manages to con £30 from Martin for Gail's birthday on Friday.

At the Salon Audrey, Maria and Candice are discussing men - what else? Candice thinks Jason, although she doesn't actually name him, is a moron with brains in underpants - hmm not a bad description!

At the shop Vera is having a battle of wits with Maya pity that Vera hasn't got the wherewithal for a battle of wits to start with. Maya manages to coax information from a gullible Vera.

At the Rovers Candice is giving Jason the cold shoulder, unfortunately Eileen overhears this and questions Jason to find out who this older woman is, when she finds out who the lucky winner is she is first speechless and then angry.

At the hospital Katy and Karl are discussing the night out, Todd then enters and off goes Katy, looks like Todd and Karl are having their first tiff.

Kevin at his garage, is harangued by Rosie about the drama school and how much better it would be than her local school. Kevin doesn't weaken here.

At the Salon the new sales rep is busy chatting up Audrey and then starts on Candice when Audrey goes out to back. Candice also being of a gullible nature falls for the charms of this smarmy sales rep lothario.

At the Rovers Eileen is still carrying on about Jason and his ill judged advance on Gail. Maya also comes in now and gets the rough edge of Tyrone's tongue, Maya takes the wind out of Tyrone's sails when she tells him that she knows who the witness is and how reliable he is.

At the Salon Candice has been bitten by the love bug and is anxious to see the sales rep again.

At Gail's Sarah is having a cup of tea and tells Gail of the money problems and the wedding, Gail offers to help financially providing it doesn't run into megabucks. Then follows a touching family scene with David, Gail and Sarah - Gail is taking the family out on Friday as things are turning out for the better for all of them - oh dear...

Meanwhile at the corner shop Maya is telling Dev about her exploits with Vera and Tyrone, does Dev think that Maya did do away with Tyrone's dog? She tells a plausible story even down to cleaning the car after dropping a jar of olives, or was it after dumping the body.

At the Webster's the discussion continues regarding the drama school, Sally somewhat misguided reckons they have a talented daughter, Kevin eventually succumbs to the dual attack from Rosie and Sally and says he will go to the open day.

Back at the corner shop the story continues with Maya giving a blow by blow account of what she did or did she? Dev is not sure.

Todd is just getting ready to go home and is joined in the locker room by Karl who says he is after a bit of fun and see where it goes and leaves Todd with the thought that it will happen between him and Todd.

Well it is Friday, it 19:30 and therefore it is time for another update. I simply do not know where the last two weeks have gone, the auditors are in, the numbers add up, the new computer system is almost ready to go and I have hardly had time to breathe, and next week will be just as bad.

Events in the Street are copyright ITV Television, written by Carmel Morgan and directed by Ian Bevitt, sponsorship Cadburys although this update is courtesy of Nescafe and the video recorder.

Sarah is admiring the ring as they leave the flat, reminding Todd of the photo event planed for later. Elsewhere Candice is flirting on the phone with Tim the shampoo rep. And over at the garage a deeply unhappy Tyrone is being given his orders by Kevin who has the day off for a visit to the Northern Drama school open day. Monica has of course been murdered by Maya (probably - at least that was what she said).

We are subject to some light entertainment at the Webster household. Sophie pretends to be part of some interview panel for the drama school and Sally tells Rosie to sit up straight as the school will watch every aspect of her. Rosie struggles with the concept of good behaviour when Sophie drops the bombshell question - why does Rosie want to come to their school? "Because I want to be a painter and decorator of course". Kev senses that his money is obviously going to be well spent!

In the corner shop Sunita puts the kettle on. Dev tells Maya that Monica is still missing. Maya changes the subject. Dev changes it back. Maya tells Dev that she did kill the dog - or may be not. After all dogs are for losers and cats are where it is at.

Along at the salon Candice is preparing for her "date" for coffee with the shampoo salesman. Gail has had her hair done for her birthday and the colouring hides the grey hairs. Gail asks innocently (?) if she is single again. Audrey gives Candice advice on her date, the latter then asks Maria to do her nails.

Over at the Kabin Sally and Rosie are preparing for the visit - Rita is shown the brochure and Sally expounds the school's capability. Sally thinks Rosie will be able to do anything as a result. Rosie brings it down to earth with reference to the "wicked" make up rooms with lights around the mirrors.

And at the Platts, Gail discovers the secret photo session. The extended family gather with Todd in the back row, Nick, Maria and David whilst in front Sarah makes several references to her new engagement ring, Bethany, Gail and Audrey. Gail remembers the last family photo session with Richard but the mood improves when Sarah again refers to her ring. Todd is clearly unhappy and has to be reminded to smile several times - his thoughts are elsewhere.

Mike is having a drink at the Rovers when Dev challenges him about his female visitor - Mike denies any such person. Maya arrives and Tyrone lets her know that he has heard that Monica has been found but he does not apologise for his earlier allegations.

At Weatherfield General Todd tries to convince Karl that they will never get together when the latter asks in a fake Welsh accent, in reference to another tv programme "if he is the only gay in the village" (little Britain I think). Todd is not happy but allows Karl to kiss him again (in the main hospital corridor).

After the break Jack calls Tyrone over from the garage to inspect a greyhound and although Vera cannot tell the difference it is not Monica and the visitor is pleased - his children have quite taken to the animal.

Sally and Kevin discuss the drama school - Kevin makes it clear that the school is simply not affordable (Rosie is sent to watch tv). It was an Open Day and Kevin hates it.

At a restaurant Gail is opening her various presents. Skin cream from Audrey. David does not like the garlic bread. David's present is a rather nice necklace which Nick accuses him of stealing, in a joking fashion (although we know that Martin lent him the money). They sing happy birthday and Gail thanks them all but has not yet put on the necklace. David asks why - Gail says it must have been expensive and David agrees. David is trying to take the credit. Todd kisses Sarah but she stinks of garlic. She says she really loves Todd - but he does not respond in kind. Sarah realises how lucky she is with all Todd has given up. Then Todd receives a text message from Karl reminding him that he closed his eyes when they kissed earlier - it is about time he opened them up, but Sarah does not see the message. Todd goes to the toilet. Nick and David are still joking over the necklace being stolen and suddenly Gail asks if they came from a market. David thinks he is really being accused on stealing the jewellry and leaves the restaurant.

At the Rovers Tyrone is able to bring Maya up to date on the absence of Monica - it was not the right dog. Later Dev tells Mike about how "odd" Maya is and that he does not know what she might be capable of doing.

The Websters are still arguing. Rosie is putting on a silly accent trying to prove she can act. Sophie takes Kev's side. The arguing continues. Sally asserts that she and Kev are behind here - but Kevin then says she can go to Weatherfield High. Sally tries to re-assure Rosie.

Maria arrives in the Rovers and brings the rest of the Street up to date on events at the birthday meal. Candice starts talking about Tim and another date tomorrow - all which upsets Jason who is within earshot.

David is not at home. Audrey says to give him a couple of hours to calm down. Gail admits she has spoiled the evening. Todd pours oil on troubled water and Audrey makes tea when Martin phones to say eh is there. Gail thanks Todd for his help - he is a credit to Eileen - if she does not see it that way. Todd sighs.

We start tonight with Sarah, Todd and Bethany walking down the street. Sarah is saying that she didn't get much sleep because the baby kicked all night and that she cant believe at this time in her last pregnancy she didn't know she was pregnant. She tells Todd that he must think she is really stupid. He tells her she isn't and then hurries of to the shop looking perplexed.

Jack is sneaking out of the house when Vera comes rushing after him. She's been waiting for him upstairs as its Sunday. He tells her he'll get some eggs and they can have a fry up _ that is not what she had in mind.

David is on the sofa with Katy when Gail walks in. Gail tries to apologise but David is having none of it. She says that it's all her fault and she is waiting for him to go off the rails because of what she put them through. David is still having none of it and thinks it's a rotten excuse. Gail looks brow beaten but Martin assures her that he will forgive her.

Sally slams a cup of tea down in front of Kevin and is obviously trying to give him the silent treatment. Kevin turns to Rosie who also turns on him. Kevin then gets really cross and shows them both how much he earns and that the school fees will take a quarter of that. Sally thinks by getting a cheaper car, eating less food and no holidays will help them out and she even suggests getting a job. Kevin tells them there is no hope and that he does not want Rosie to go and storms out. Sally smiles smugly and assures Rosie that Kevin is coming round to the idea.

Katy and Martin are trying to talk David to going back to his mums _ David thinks that is because they want 'shot of him'. They both feel a bit embarrassed and tell him that he can stay as long as he likes.

Sally is in the shop going on to Rita about how wonderful the school is. Norris is in the background making sarcastic comments. Rita asks whether Rosie is as keen and Sally assures her that she is. She then tells her that Kevin is not happy about it as the fees are £1,500 a term but if she got one advert that would be two years fees. Rita tells Sally that that is very expensive and it will be a 'devil of a struggle' to get that sort of cash and if Rosie really has got talent then she should develop it as a hobby and then go into it when she is older. Sally assures Rita that this is the way to go and she will do anything to make it happen. When she has left the shop _ Norris calls her barking and Rita tells him that she is glad that Kevin seems to be talking sense.

Penny and Mike are leaving his flat and being very cosy _ and it just so happens that Maya is on the balcony and witnesses the whole thing _ Dev comes along and says that he knew something was going on with Mike.

In the corner shop Vera is questioning Todd about his forthcoming marriage and then goes on about how Jack used to be romantic and nowadays he always has excuses. Sunita realises there is something wrong with Todd and asks him if he is ok. He tells Sunita that he should be the happiest man alive and Sarah is a lovely girl but he feels suffocated and feels things are closing in on him. Sunita tells him that he has hurried in to things a bit and that he should take time. Todd tells her that he hasn't got time because baby's don't wait. Sunita tells him not to be such an idiot and that he is only 19 and if he has got any worries about getting married he really needs to look inside his heart and see what he wants.

Sally goes into the Kabin and wants a private word with Rita. She tells her that she knows what Rita was hinting at earlier and if she would like to lend her the money to put Rosie through her first year she will gladly except. Rita is flabbergasted by Sally's cheek and is fed up with Sally treating her like a local bank. She tells her that this obsession has got out of hand and it is effecting her judgment and the she should stop living her life through Rosie and that she is turning into the worst kind of stage mother _ a bully and a snob. Sally walks out.

Candice comes out of her bedroom looking very glamorous and is worrying that she is under dressed then her mobile rings and he stands her up _ she pretends she is not disappointed. Maria calls him a pig and then whisks Candice off to the pub.

Vera is questioning Jack and wondering if the reason why he avoided her this morning was because something is wrong 'downstairs'. He tells her that his plumbing is perfect. She doesn't believe it and suggests viagra or the doctors _ he tries to say it is his heart but she is still having none of it and tells him that if he doesn't come home now she will march him down the doctors. He knows he's been beaten so he tells her to go and freshen up while he finishes his pint _ as soon as she has gone he asks Fred for a large for the condemned man.

Gail is in the pub with Audrey when Katy and Martin walk in. Gail is worried that David will get home to an empty house so she goes home. Meanwhile Audrey spots Candice and Maria and hears about Candice being stood up. Candice and Maria are bickering about it and tells Candice that she is best out of it because he had dodgy eyes.

Karl and Todd meet in the corridor and Todd is cross with him because of the text. He tells Karl its not going to happen and he is going to lead a normal life. Karl tells him it is not going to happen and he knows where he is if he changes his mind.

Dev is at the bar buying drinks when Mike walks in and so he buys him one as well and starts questioning him about his lady friend. Mike looks decidedly worried and tries to tell them that she was an insurance assessor. Mike then asks if Dev has a moment as he wants to talk business.

Rita and Norris are in the bar and Rita is wondering if she should go and apologise to Sally. Norris tells her absolutely not to. She then sees Kevin and tells him that they had a bit of a set to and that she let her tongue go _ she tells him that she wont changer her decision but she is sorry that they had a row. Kevin asks her what it is about but Rita asks him to ask Sally. He guesses that Sally asked her for money _ he apologises to Rita and looks very embarrassed.

Mike doesn't want to talk business he just wanted to get Dev on his own to ask about how he is getting on with Maya and whether there is any news on the dog.

Sarah, Gail and Audrey are all at home and Sarah offers to have a word with him when David comes in. Gail apologises again but he tells her he's only home because he was in the way at Martins. Gail offers him Steak and Chips and he tells her that it's a good start _ she turns to Audrey and Sarah and they all grin inanely.

Todd and Karl are talking again about fancying each other. Todd is trying to deny it, Karl tells him that he has been through it himself and he cannot deny it. He should make a break now and get it over with or get married, ruin Sarah's life and in twenty years time find himself hanging around men's toilets in the park.

Sally and Rosie are practising tap when Kevin comes in and demands that Rosie goes upstairs. Kevin then shouts at Sally about asking Rita for money _ and asks her whether she hates her own life that much that she is prepared to fall out with Rita, alienate Sophie and what about me he says. This then sparks Sally into a rage and she tells him that they only got back together for the kids and for no other reason and that she will do this for Sophie with or without him ...

We start Monday's first episode tonight with Sally asking whether Rosie is looking forward to her dance class. Kevin's snipes and Sophie pipes up about him being negative. Sally then decides that Rosie needs promoting and needs some professional photos. She then says that she can skip her homework tonight and she will take some 'professional' photos after school and then she can go to her class. Rosie does not want to have her photos taken _ and Sally shouts at her asking whether she wants to be famous actress or not and tells her to get her priorities straight.

Todd is moping around the cafŽ and Vera brings him a tea and then has a go at him for not saying thank you. She then goes and sits with Jack and Tyrone. Tyrone is still moping about Monica and there are posters in the cafŽ _ he asks Roy if anyone has mentioned her. Roy then suggests they RSPCA and the Gazette. He then tries to say that dogs have homing instincts but not greyhounds they have no awareness or road sense _ this is exactly not what Tyrone, Jack or Vera want to hear. Roy looks sheepish and slopes off. Tyrone says he is going to put more posters off _ Kevin who is also in the cafŽ at this point tells him not to take all day and that he has to accept that Monica has gone and move on.

In the Salon Sarah comes in and tries to make out she wants a trim. Audrey starts talking to her about haircuts and then realises she wants a chat. Sarah tells her about Todd's mood swings and Audrey tell her that he is probably worried about the baby and that she has gone through it before but it is all new to him and he is probably worrying about supporting them. She tells her to give him lots of encouragement. Candice then comes over and Audrey tells her all about her 'new man' who stood her up.

Dev has got lots of leftover Easter eggs and so has an offer on for anyone who spends £10 or more gets a free one. Tyrone walks in and asks if he will put a poster of Monica up which he agrees to. Tyrone tells him that he would feel guilty eating an egg without knowing where Monica is _ Dev feels guilty so gives him one for free. As he goes out Maya quips that there are 'no leads' as to where Monica is.

Candice is staring at her mobile when Maria asks her to make a cup of tea. Maria tells her to get on with some work and Candice snips at her. Maria tells her that Shampoo Salesman (sorry Iâve forgotten his name) is not worth it and Candice agrees that she is not doing her self-respect any good and therefore she has finished with men. As if on cue _ he walks in to the shop. Candice walks huffily past him. He sidles up to her and pulls a long story about how ill his mother is and basically makes her feel sorry for him. Behind Audrey and Maria cant believe it when Candice gives in to him and agrees to go for a drink.

Todd is in the flat when the buzzer goes _ its Karl _ he asks him if he can have a cup of tea and Todd tells him he shouldn't be there and wants him to go.

Kevin comes home at lunchtime and has a go at Sally for telling Rosie to miss her home work and that she is turning Rosie into a snob and when it all falls through there will be a gap in Rosie's education. Sally then reminds him what she said about why they got back together. Kevin tells her that there was a 'we' in there and he is not prepared to sit back while she spends their money and walks all over him.

Todd and Carl are still bickering _ Carl collars Todd by the sink when Sarah walks in. Sarah tells Todd that she wants him to take a sickie. Carl is pleased with this and says they can all go and get drunk. Sarah tells him that she is sorry but she wants some time alone with her and Todd. Carl wishes them fun and goes off to the Rovers and with a smouldering looks tells Todd he will see him later.

Maya does not like the poster being up in the shop and asks Dev how long it has to be there. They have a row about it and she accuses him of feeling guilty and that he still doesn't believer her. She gets really annoyed and storms off to the Rovers for a drink.

Sarah is still trying to persuade Todd to take the afternoon off and wants them to go 'mad' for a change. He tries to make excuses but Sarah has it all sorted and tells him they wont get the chance again as her stomach is growing bigger by the day.

Dev goes to Mayas car and takes a hoover out. Rosie and Craig are sitting on a bench near the chip shop when Katy comes up and starts winding Craig up. She asks whether Rosie is still dancing and says that she would be skipping classes if it was her. Rosie then has a great idea she will go and have her photos done, pretend to go dancing but instead go round to Craig's to do her home work.

Tyrone is in the pub and joins Carl and tells him about Monica. Carl starts talking to him about a dog he had when he was seven and they get chatting about dogs.

Candice and Shampoo Salesman are at the bar and she tells him how sorry she is for being cross with him and he is very sweet to look after his mother so well _ he pulls on her heart strings harder when he mentions his father is dead. He then tells her that he has to go and when she looks disappointed he suggests meeting up again at 7.

Kevin comes in to the pub and looks pleased with himself. He tells Bev that he has cleared something up that he should have done ages ago.

Tyrone is still going on about dogs and asks Carl if he will get a new one and says he can phone him any time because his number is on the posters. Katy then comes in and wonders what is going on. She then insinuates that Carl is gay and Tyrone gets scared and runs off and looks really frightened when Carl tells him that he has got his number from the poster.

Dev goes to put the Hoover back in the car. As he puts it back he finds a dog tag with the name 'Monica' on it.

Todd is on the phone to work saying that he has got a 24-hour bug and looks increasingly uncomfortable about the thought of spending an afternoon with Sarah in bed. He then makes excuses to go out to get some beers and some crisps. She tells him not to be long.

Dev walks into the pub and asks Maya if she did anything with Monica. She emphatically says NO but is ground speechless when he produces the tag and says he found it on the floor of her car. Todd comes into the pub and confronts Carl and apologises to him for messing him around but asks him to leave him alone as he is going to make a go of it with Sarah. Carl tells him that he is in denial and reminds Todd that it was him that came to find him not the other way round. He grabs Todd's hand and asks Todd to come back to his house with him and he will never look back...

Karl and Todd are still talking. Karl is trying to pressure Todd into making a decision, and Todd says he does want to be with Karl, but can't leave Sarah today. She's taken the day off to be with him and he owes it to her. He finally says he will think of something to tell her and asks Karl to wait for him.

There must have been a very long pause because Dev and Maya are still sitting there.

"OK," says Dev. "So how would it get there?" He tells Maya that all he can think is that she has killed a dog. But Maya tells him she hasn't. Monica jumped into her car, so she shut the door and drove off. When Monica started to bark, she stopped, let her out, and drove away. "It was the dog's own stupid fault," she says, complaining that Monica had been sniffing at her. Dev listens to the story. "Tell me you're winding me up," he says.

In the flat, Sarah and Candice are talking about Tim. Todd comes back but they hardly pause. He goes into the bedroom and calls Karl. The bedroom door swings open as he does this, but the girls don't seem to notice. He tells Karl that no matter what he said in the Rovers, he can't leave Sarah. Karl tells him that if he isn't interested then there are others who will be. Sarah and Candice say goodbye to each other, with Candice's parting remark that Audrey used to be a "right go-er". Sarah turns her attention to Todd, suggesting they "let themselves go" and eat a chocolate Easter Egg in bed, but he makes an excuse about going to get some lagers and leaves.

Dev and Maya are talking about what she did and Dev tells her not to tell anyone else.

Todd races back into the pub, but Karl has gone. Bev says he's only just left, so Todd frantically fires up his mobile phone again.

Sally has a camera parked on top of a pile of books and is fussing over Rosie, who is sulking because she wants to be somewhere else. Sophie gets cheeky and Sally tells her off, telling Rosie "It's for your own benefit." Kevin comes in and Sally explains she's taking pictures for Rosie's portfolio. Rosie will need it if she's to get any roles or modeling work. Kevin wants to know what modeling work, but Sally waves him off -- she's too busy putting more make-up on Rosie's face. "I'm not sure I want my daughter doing any sort of modeling work," Kevin insists. But Sally replies: "If it was down to you your daughter would not be doing anything, would she?" As the tension rises, Kevin asks Sophie if she's hungry. She is, and so is Rosie, who is told she can't have any tea until after the pictures are taken, because this is important. Kevin offers Sophie a toffee to stave off the hunger pains, which is too much for Rosie, who shoves the make-up tray out of the way. And suddenly everyone is laughing. Everyone except Surly, who just glares at the others.

Gail delivers Bethany back to Sarah and says Sarah needs more days where she can just take it easy. She thinks Sarah should give up work soon. Sarah says she will think about it, but reassures Gail that she's got Todd to look after her. Todd, meanwhile, is busy sending a txt 2 Krl.

Kevin and Sally are talking as they work in the kitchen. Kevin says he just doesn't want to see Rosie's heart broken when she realises she's not going to be a big star. "You'd rather she had no ambitions, no dreams?" asks Sally, but Kev points out that that is not what he said. Sally insists that stage school would still be good for Rosie, because it would turn her into a young lady, rather than "what you get round here." "You mean, folk like you and me and her sister?" asks Kevin. He tells Sally yet again that they can't afford it. Rosie, meanwhile, is racing off to "dance class", though Sophie does ask her why she's going with her schoolbooks in her bag, which Rosie denies.

Tim arrives at the flat door just as Fizz does. When they are upstairs, he asks Candice if she'd mind if they didn't go out, and wonders if she's got her own room. Candice asks Fizz if she'd mind going out for a while, which Fizz does.

Dev wants Maya to take him to where she last saw the dog. She insists she can't remember, because she'd just been driving, trying to decide what to do about Monica. He says Monica is probably near where Maya left her. "She must be very stupid," says Maya. Dev agrees -- Monica was very stupid to trust a stranger to let her out of the car. "She's probably led a very sheltered life -- she hasn't met anyone like you before," he says. He insists that while it seems unlikely they will find Monica, they will have to try, and they're not coming back until they find her.

Todd is clearing up, and Sarah comes back from putting Bethany to bed. He asks her if she'd mind if he went out. He needs a walk to clear his head. Sarah says she knows what's wrong, because she's been watching him. He doesn't like throwing a sickie because he thinks it's dishonest. Todd agrees that's what's bothering him. "If there was anything else, you would tell me?" Sarah asks. "Yeah, of course."

Angela and Tommy are in the pub talking about someone. We don't need to hear the name to know that the "13-year-old covered in make-up" is Sarah. Tommy says there's no law against it. "There would be if I she was my daughter!" says Angela. Tyrone comes in with Jack and Vera. Tommy barks and seems to think this is very funny. Kirk comes over and asks if they've found Monica yet. No. "I can't understand it," he says. "It's not as if she's the sort of dog anyone would want."

Tommy tells Angela they will just have to get used to the fact that Craig is seeing Rosie. Angela wants to know if he's had his talk with Craig yet, but Tommy says they learn all that in school nowadays. Angela isn't talking about the mechanics of sex, though. She wants Tommy to talk to Craig about responsibility.

Todd meets his mother in the pub and she wants to know what's worrying him. She says she never has to worry about Jason, because he's so selfish he's always going to do what he wants. But Todd always wants to do whatever he thinks will make others happy. Isn't that a good thing, Todd wants to know. She says she worries that what he does won't make him happy. So, should he just do what he feels like? It doesn't sound very nice put like that, Eileen agrees, "but it's how most people find happiness -- them that's ever gonna."

Jack, Very, Kirk and Tyrone are talking about Monica. Jack says he's had pigeons which have been missing for weeks before finally turning up. Kirk points out that they are homing pigeons, not greyhounds. He asks if Tyrone wants him to check and see if there are any puppies available at the kennels. This upsets Tyrone even more. Does everyone think Monica is dead? "Nooooooooo," chorus Jack and Vera. "Yeah," says Karl. "Sorry."

Maya and Dev have driven on to a piece of waste ground which might or might not be where Maya left Monica. She can't remember. "What?" asks Dev. "Like, you kidnap so many dogs you get confused?" He tells her they will be coming out every night until they find the dog. Maya is more interested in the fact that they are parked in a deserted spot in a car which has seats that fold all the way back. Ewwwwww!!

Craig and Rosie are sitting eating chips. She tells him that half her class fancies him. She'd be jealous if they weren't going out. She pauses and wonders if they are going out. "I suppose we are," he says. As they kiss, Sophie is watching from her bedroom window.

At the street door of the flat, Tim takes his leave of Candice and gallantly asks if she'll fancy doing it again some time.

Also out in the street is Todd, trying to ring Karl. He just wants to tell Karl he's sorry. "So am I," says Karl. "Sorry I ever thought you had the guts to go through with it." Todd explains that he went back to the pub, but Karl says he's not going to wait around. He's off to hit the streets and see who is out there. He hangs up.

Craig and Rosie go their separate ways. As Rosie lets herself into the house, Sophie comes down the stairs. Rosie tells her parents the dance class was OK. Kevin wants to know if she's been eating chips, but she tells him no, some other girl in the class was, though. "No-one ever got their name up in lights by eating chips," warns Sally. "Dawn French," says Kevin. "Robbie Coltrane." Sally says that just because other girls eat chips, Rosie doesn't have to. "The Roly Polys," Kevin continues. Rosie goes off to bed and Sophie follows, but not before she tells her parents she was going to tell them something, but she supposes it can wait."

Fizz comes back and tells Candice that Tim has just had a cheap night. Candice insists he'll be taking her out next week. Fizz then tells her she does not value herself enough. She'd agree to anything rather than risk having someone walking out. "Nobody'd treat me like he's treated you," she says.

Sarah is sitting up in bed. She gets out and goes into the main room, where Todd is sitting at the table with his head on his arms. Sarah presses him to tell her what is wrong. She feels as if he doesn't want to be with her any more. He seems about to tell her the truth, then says he's just fed up. He's either at work or at home looking after Bethany. He says she should stop asking what's wrong. "I'm saying I don't know what I want. All this questioning isn't helping, because I might say what you don't want to hear. Shut up and leave me alone."

I am SO enjoying the Sally-Kevin storyline at the moment. Maybe I've met a few too many stage mothers in my time. An all-round good episode with lots of humorous bits to counterpoint the tension in other scenes.

Good evening, this is the Wednesday night update brought to you by me the Friday updater as we have done some swapping this week.

Events in Coronation Street remain copyright ITV, written by Daran Little and directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones.

Todd is sleeping on the sofa and Sarah wakes him - why did he sleep in the living room instead of going to bed. She tells him she could not sleep and she was upset - she wants to know what is wrong. She feels like she does not know him and he is pushing her away. Later Sarah goes to see Gail to ask if Todd has been to see the doctor - she is worried that he is ill but she does not know what is wrong - he is moody and cannot discuss things. Gail says if something is wrong it is not because he does not want to marry her. Gail tells her to give him some space. Sarah has a biscuit and smiles.

At the Websters Sophie wants a guinea pig and Rosie wants a top up for her mobile. So Sophie wants a mobile. Typical children. Rosie calls Sophie a drip so Sophie tells Sally that she did not go to her dancing class. Rosie lies several times to hide her dance class dodging.

Craig tells David that Rosie was with him. Craig tells the truth - Rosie was with him. Sally tells Craig that Rosie is going places - unlike him.

At the Corner Shop Maya wants a new car - Dev suggests they go dog hunting again. Tommy asks Candice if she will go out with Tyrone - she responds by calling him a creep. Later Tyrone tells Tommy off her his activities when Sally arrives to tell Tommy and Kev about Rosie's activities. Tommy tells him they asked to turn down the tv so they could get their homework done. Sally tells Tommy to keep Craig away from her daughter.

Todd is having a break and Karl joins him. Karl has a hangover - he had a great night - did not get to bed until three, did not sleep until 5. He had a really great night, rubbing in the point, he met "someone". Karl found someone "nice" and he did not run off to his pregnant girlfriend. Karl tells Todd he must get on with his life.

Todd returns to the Street and sees Eileen going home in one direction and then looks between the flat and Eileen. He decides to go and see Eileen giving her a shock when he opens the door. Jason is told to put the poker down - but Jason is just lying on the sofa. Eileen asks Todd if is alright - he does not respond so Eileen decides to tell Jason to go out.

Mike enters the Rovers on his mobile chasing the insurance company - they are paying up and he will be starting up again. Fiz immediately asks for her job back. Gail brings Sarah to the pub and they join Audrey who is watching Candice with her shampoo salesman. He is off on a ski-ing trip for ten days - he will bring her back a present. He is going with Andy - all boys. He then sweet talks - he is packing later.

Back at the Websters Kev is hungry. Sophie refuses to eat her peas. Sally wants to check Rosie's attendance record. Rosie kicks Sophie under the table. Rosie laughs at Sally who then bangs on again about being focused and then Sally tells her to get her priorities right - no boys, no make up, no distractions - her career or the boy, if she wants the former then the latter must go.

Jason asks Sarah what is wrong with Todd - he has been sent out so Eileen can talk to Todd. Sarah knew there was something wrong - and this proves it. Audrey reckons that the sleeping on the sofa is not good. Gail reckons he has nerves.

Eileen is trying to get anything out of Todd. He admits there is something wrong - but she prattles on. She is there for him. He asks why she is so against Todd and Sarah being together. Eileen wants to know if Sarah makes him happy - she did - but no longer. Todd thought it was what he wanted - but not any more. Todd knows he does not want what he has got - he wants something, someone else. Eileen asks if he is seeing someone else. Pregnant pause. Eileen does not expect this of Todd - Jason yes. Eileen starts shouting at him. Todd says you cannot know a person properly. Eileen reckons that Sarah is too much like she was. Sarah set a trap for Todd and he walked into it. Eileen asks why Todd keeps ruining his life. Todd agrees - he does wreck things but he does mean to. He thought it would be alright and he thought it was fine with Sarah. He never wanted to hurt her - and he never thought it would be like this - they were happy - it is not her fault - but she can never be what he wants - he has been pretending for ages. Eileen asks - but Todd says he has made a mess of it - he is marrying Sarah - but he loves someone else. His name is Karl. His? Yes His. I am love with a MAN.

Yes, here I am Richard! So I am covering for Richard, who is covering for me, who is covering for Peter while he takes a break! Confused? Peter wanted a few weeks break, so it may be me, or maybe a "guest scriber" that will cover the Wednesdays! I was out Wednesday night so I swopped with Richard. I don't suppose anyone is interested in all this, so let me tell you what happened tonight. Todd has a heart to heart with his mother. That's about it folks!!!! No seriously, there is more to come.

Well we start with Eileen slowing coming to terms with what Todd has told her about him loving a man. Eileen wants to be sure that Todd's partner is gay.

Sarah is in the Rovers with Gail and Audrey. She is worried why Todd is seeing his mother. She knows there is something wrong, but he won't talk to her about it. Gail tells her there is nothing to worry about, but Sarah thinks otherwise.

Maya is urging Dev to leave the pub so they can look for the dog. However she is really interested in taking her new big hired car for a spin.

Back over at the Grimshaws, Eileen asks Todd how long the relationship has been going on for. He tells her that they have kissed once. Eileen asks what "sort of kiss" [what she really means was it a peck on the cheek or a wet and sloppy one, or a full-blown smackaroonie!!]. She is surprised that he can say that he is love after just one kiss. Todd tells Eileen how he found out he was gay. [don't think he mentioned Nick]. He says how he went to Karl's, (the nurse who he is seeing), birthday party, and they snogged, but then Sarah turned up [your guess is as good as mine as to what would have happened, if she hadn't turned up]. He says he doesn't want to hurt Sarah.

Over on the comedy stall, Sally is looking at photos of Rosie that she has had done. She tells Rosie not to be surprised if the neighbours will ask her to sign copies!!! She then tells her that she has been in touch with the College and has organised an audition for her, for next Friday [that will be around October 29th if you are reading this in Canada!]. She then warns Rosie that she will have to drop Craig if she wants to concentrate on her career.

In a nearby house, Todd is now explaining to his mother how Karl has "got to him".

Tyrone and Jack go into the Rovers. Tyrone spots Maya sitting with Dev. He hopes that she will disappear just like Monica.

Todd wonders about moving away. [However he quickly remembers that he has signed a contract to stay for awhile yet], he decides that one kiss cannot be love. He does really love Sarah and Bethany and the kid on the way.

Gail, Audrey and Sarah are walking home. Gail leaves the other two, and Audrey tells Sarah to make sure she asks Todd again. She says if they are getting married she has to know if there are any problems. Sarah says she knows there is something wrong, as he keeps looking at her in a strange way.

Todd asks his mum for advice. [Hey guys, when did you last ask your mum for advice?!]. Should he walk out? [Or as The Clash would put it, "Should I stay or should I go"] He compares his problems with Eileen's men. Eileen really doesnât want to discuss that, it isn't the same she said. Todd says he can't leave Sarah. He wants to be there for her. Eileen says he can play with his son [do we know it is a baby boy??], have fun and look after him, but that doesn't mean he has to with his mother.

Craig gives Rosie a CD of all her favourite songs that he has 'burnt'. The CD has a picture of her on it. Craig tells her that she could be a star on tv [watch out American Pop Idol]. If that is the case, she says, she will have to stop seeing him.

In the torture chamber, aka Eileen's front room, she says that had he not walked out of his exams, got Sarah pregnant etc. etc., he could have been at Oxford. Todd says he still loves Sarah, and thinks Karl was just a mistake. Eileen thinks he could never be happy and he can't possibly marry her, it would by lying to himself. He disagrees. Eileen admits that she dislikes Sarah, and suggests that he was manipulated and tricked by her. Eileen wants him to come out to her and admit he is gay. After a slanging match, he storms off, with Eileen shouting after him.

Todd goes home to Sarah. She asks him where he has been, and he says with his mother. She says she has been with her mother as well. They talk about ordering some food in, but he says he is not hungry. Sarah sees that he is upset and asks what is wrong.

A basket appears outside the Duckworth's house. A smiling Maya drives off. [What could be in the basket?]. Tyrone comes to open it, and it is a little puppy. [aaaaaah!].

Back to the main story ... Sarah asks Todd if he wants to call of the wedding. He says he is out of his depth with the baby and everything. She says she is hardly experienced [she has only had one kid before!]. Sarah says she doesn't want to call off the wedding, and she wants the baby.

Well, due to illness, holidays etc., etc., you have to put up with me again for tonight.

We start off tonight's episode with a big aaaah! (that is followed by a S, T ....!!)

Bethany and Todd bring Sarah breakfast in bed. He apologises for throwing a wobbly the previous night, and she does not have to worry, it is nothing that she has done. However he has set 3rd July for their wedding.*

Vera and Jack come into their front room and smell the dog. Tyrone thinks they bought it for him, however they say no.

Sally is trying to work out a timetable for Rosie to practise before her audition. She doesn't think there is enough time. Sally is convinced that Rosie will go straight to the top in drama.

Tommy and Angela have a heart to heart chat with Craig to explain about the 'birds and the bees' [what about cats and dogs and frogs and goldfish and bread and butter ...perhaps not!**]. When he tells them that he has dumped Rosie, they don't pursue the subject.

Fred phones Mike to suggest a round of golf. He is reluctant at first, but decides to go with it. Penny thinks he should have just said no, but Mike has a guilty conscience and says he can't say he is with Penny.

Sally shows Rita [her latest hairbrain scheme] a sponsorship letter. She is circulating it to local businesses [I am surprised she is even showing it to Rita], and people with a lot of money. She admits it really is a begging letter. Sally tells Rita that she is going to perform something from "The Simpsons" [your author saw one episode, didn't like it, and not watched it since!]. Ken offers to help. Once Rita reminds Sally that he has 40 years of teaching experience, she is out of the door chasing him!

Rosie meets Craig in the street. She explains that her mum is so fixed about the drama school. She says it is all a waste of time.

Tyrone is walking the puppy. Maya comes by and Tyrone ignores her. Dev is impressed when she admits she spent nearly £1000 (GBP) on purchasing it.

Todd is talking to Eileen in the corner shop. He has now decided that he is not gay. She queries it. He said he may like another man, but he never said he was gay [sounds like a bit of hair splitting to me]. He wants her to drop the subject, but she says she isn't going to let him live a lie.

Sally tells Ken that Rosie now wants to do "Bridget Jones". He says that both that and "The Simpsons" are spirited stories, but it should be balanced with a classic like "West Side Story", Shakespeare. When Ken explains the storyline of tormented love in "West Side Story", Rosie says it's a bit like me and Craig.

Karen wants to buy a timeshare in Spain. So they can afford it, they will need to sell Eileen's house. However Steve thinks differently, and doesn't want to upset Eileen.

Gail rings Eileen at StreetCars to discuss the wedding, and invites her to dinner. It is obvious that Eileen doesn't know what she is talking about.

Ken explains to Rosie how to act a scene from Romeo and Juliet. She then reads and acts a few lines, to rapturous applause from Sally, and a\ more muted response from Ken!

Gail senses there is something wrong with Eileen. She is about to explain that ..... and Sarah gets a twinge. She doesn't feel well. Todd helps her up to the bathroom.

Jack and Vera are in the Rovers and wonder who bought the puppy for Tyrone. They are overheard by Dev and Maya. Dev is dying to say it was her.

Sarah comes downstairs sobbing. She says she is bleeding and she can't feel the baby. She believes it is dead.

*Please note this will never happen, because that is a Saturday, and soap weddings do not happen on days when the programme is not transmitted!

** I must tell you about the guy who owned a shop that sold fish and chips. He employed a signwriter to put up a sign outside the shop. When he came to look at it he saw the signwriter had put too much space between fish and and and and and chips !!

Are you confused? Last time I was here it was Wednesday, now I am doing Monday (part 1) but I will be back on Friday. Events in the Street are copyright ITV Television, written by Jayne Hollinson and directed by Tracey Rooney, with sponsorship by either Ian Rush or Cadbury's Double Decker.

Sarah is arriving in hospital afraid that she has lost the baby - it is not kicking. Hilary the midwife agrees that Todd can join her whilst they check the baby. They search for the heartbeat and the midwife explains that they sometimes get in unusual positions. Eventually she picks up a strong heartbeat, although it is slower than normal. They are going to keep her in overnight and have a scan in the morning to see if they can find any reason for the bleeding. A little later Audrey and Gail sit at her bedside telling her that it is not her fault - she has been under a lot of stress recently (recently - that's rich from the mother from hell - when has Sarah had a nice quiet easy life ever? As the wife observed is Gail worse when she is being understanding like now or when she is tearing strips off her children?). Todd is going to stay with Sarah overnight whilst Audrey and Gail depart - Gail tells Sarah that everything is going to be fine! Gail takes Bethany home and says that Todd must not blame himself - but the recent uncertainty cannot have helped. Todd will help Sarah take things easy and not get worked up. Todd assures Gail that there will be no upsets.

Penny arrives outside the factory and invites Mike for dinner and Fred espies them from outside the Kabin. Fred wants a word with Penny - he would like her to be a friend - perhaps she will pop into the Rovers for a drink. She agrees.

Rosie arrives home and Sally wants to see her - but Rosie seems keen to her neck covered; those with teenage children will know that hiding a love bite takes care and practice. Sally is singing Rosie's praises to Kev - particularly her test in front of Ken - brought tears to his eyes she says. Kev is not impressed. Sally threatens to remind him of his lack of belief when Rosie comes home with her Oscar. Kev observes that he hopes she comes home with someone with a better name than that!! Rosie is wearing a scarf and defends it by accusing Kev of knowing nothing about fashion, whilst she keeps her hand to her throat. Sally reckons she looks like Isadora Duncan and tells Rosie of the demise of the dancer - Kev remembers the film at this point - a rather nice Bugatti was involved. Rosie is not impressed.

Vera is complaining about the puppy - who does not have a name. The puppy is eating them out of house and home. Jack observes that the dog is a Great Dane and that reminds him of a name. Vera and Tyrone joke about Scooby Doo before Tyrone realises that Jack is referring to a Manchester United goal keeper - and so the dog (who has destroyed Jack's newspaper in the meantime) is called Schmeichal.

Back at the hospital Todd is getting a drink when (surprise, surprise) Karl turns up. Karl immediately sets his barbs into Todd who explains why he is at the hospital. Karl apologises. Todd tells Karl that it is his fault that she is ill. He returns to the (now) sleeping Sarah and tells her is sorry, so sorry and that he never meant any of this to happen and kisses Sarah. Eileen arrives and they leave the room and go outside to talk. Todd and Eileen bicker with the former suggesting that it would be best if the baby died. Todd starts to breakdown when he realises what he has said - and what a bad person it makes him. Eileen holds him as he cries.

The next morning Audrey is telling Mike about Sarah when Penny arrives unexpectedly and she and Audrey introduce themselves. Mike explains they have both turned Fred down.

Todd, who is at the Grimshaw's house, hears the news - no more bleeding and he is off to the scan at 10:30. All seems well. He and Eileen discuss the situation - he is staying with Sarah and all of the talk about being homosexuality is best forgotten - if you say so says Eileen.

At Underworld Charlie and Jason are knocking on the door. Mike tells them to get lost - he is expecting a real builder. After exchanging barbed comments it becomes clear that Heatons - the firm Mike has contracted for the repair work have sub-contracted to Charlie and that if Mike wants the work done then he has no choice and he has to give way so he gives them a try - one foot wrong and he will be on to Heatons.

Rosie tells Craig she is proud of the love bite - everyone at school will know. Craig gives her a peck on the cheek observed by Kev as he leaves the house across the Street who nods approvingly to himself.

Weatherfield General - Todd and Sarah are waiting for the scan. Todd tells Sarah she must concentrate on herself and the baby, reassuring Sarah that even if something is wrong they can get through it. The scan shows that the baby is fine - heartbeat is back to normal and the bleeding is not serious and Sarah is told to take things quietly.

In the Street Maya arrives and acknowledges Penny in front of Audrey who asks if she knows Penny, who is working with Mike. Working? That will be why when she leaves in the morning Mike has a smile on his face observes Maya, not realising that she has let moggy out of the bag. Audrey works it all out in about two seconds flat.

Vera, Tyrone and Jack are eating breakfast and listening to the noisy dog in the yard. Eventually Vera says the dog can be let in - and so Tyrone opens the door to find two dogs - Monica has returned. Vera spots that they now have two dogs. A little later he takes both of them into the Rovers. Mike arrives in the Rovers followed by Audrey who brings him right up to date on Sarah; Mike is keeping an eye on Charlie and Jason who are allegedly at lunch. Audrey wants a word with Mike about Penny. Mike denies that anything is going on between him and Penny - he no longer mixes business with pleasure. Fred arrives but Mike cannot stay. Audrey suggests to Fred that Mike has a new woman - but Fred doubts it. Fred reckons that Penny was still in mourning and it would not work. So Audrey tells Fred that she thinks Mike and Penny are seeing each other.

At the hospital Eileen gets and update from Gail who then tells Eileen that she may have her reservations - but they are in love and we could not stop them if we tried. Eileen of course knows better but cannot admit it to Gail! A little later we see Sarah telling Todd she could not have got through this without him. Todd reckons he has been useless - anyway she now realises how much she wants this baby and she is so happy now she knows everything is going to be OK.

Elsewhere in the hospital Eileen introduces herself to Karl, who tries to deny knowing Todd. She invites him for a quiet word somewhere more private.

Eileen and Karl enter Karl's room in the nurses' home, or whatever they call it these days. "Nothing's happened," Karl assures her. "Not much, anyway." Eileen tells him that her son is in pieces, and she'd say that means that something has happened. She says she hasn't come to blame anyone, but to talk and to try to understand what is going on in Todd's head. She tells Karl she thought Todd had been switched at birth, because his brains certainly didn't come from her, and his father "wasn't the fizziest drink in the fridge, either." She tells him how she feels about Sarah and says Todd almost wished his baby had died. Karl is shocked by this. "I need to know what to do for the best before he destroys what little there is left of him."

Ashley is trying to get Fred to work in the shop because Boris is coming down with something, but a very Eeyore-like Fred just wants to wallow. He wants to know why Mike didn't tell him what was going on so he had to hear it from Audrey. As he goes off to the shop to ponder some tripe, or stare mournfully at some kidneys, Claire tells Ashley he has to tell Fred what they know.

In the hospital, Gail is whacking a pillow so hard I'm relieved to see Sarah isn't in the bed. Martin and Katy come in and Todd tells them everything is fine. Gail very pointedly corrects him: "They think she's fine. What she needs now is calm and consistency." She says Todd realises it's not a teenage romance anymore. Sarah returns to the room and is so pleased to see Martin that she weeps on his shoulder. I think maybe this is the first time one of Martin's family or friends has been to hospital without him being on duty and hovering by the door when they were admitted.

Vera drags Tyrone into the room to show him what his dogs have done, despite Jack telling her to let Tyrone go to work. She has left a pair of stay-ups (hosiery) on the chair and now there is only one. "And look at me wallpaper -- I've only just had it done." And, as asked, we look at her wallpaper -- a large pattern of large leaves that seem to be a cross between fern fronds and some other kind of leaf. They're in a pale-greenish-khaki-sort-of colour on a rich blue background. A picture of a Moorish archway and a large landscape in an ornate frame seem to disappear into the wall. A lamp arrangement of frosted glass and brass stands in front of the wall and a green (dralon?) patterned sofa with green cushions is beside it. It seems Vera's new wallpaper is not so much "done" and more "done over". Vera says she has reached the end of her tether because the puppy has damaged the paper. Jack has also reached his, and he leaves the room. As the camera follows him, we see that another wall of the room is pink and another orange. A door is blue.

Eileen is still pouring out her heart to Karl, who is making a pot of tea. Karl realises that Eileen would rather Todd was gay than tied down in a dead-end job with a baby on the way. Karl gets her to see that she doesn't have the choice. She has a gay son or she has a straight son, but it's not up to her.

In the butcher's shop, Betty is gossiping to Fred about Candice and the salesman, but Fred is still Eeyore. "I was under the illusion I ran a butcher's shop, not a gossip shop," he says. Betty bitingly tells him that his other business makes all its money out of gossip! After she bustles out, Fred asks Ashley what has happened to honest decency. "It's real people's lives they blabber about." Ashley tells Fred that Penny and Mike have been seeing each other for ages.

Eileen has asked Karl what kind of son she has -- straight or gay, but Karl says Todd is not his problem. He wants Sarah. "Then why did he say he's in love with you?" asks Eileen. Karl is stunned, and Eileen realises she's said too much.

Sally and Rosie enter. Sally is holding some pages from a gossip magazine and says she might have known they wouldn't have been able to get "this" round here. "This" appears to be some kind of outfit a star has been snapped wearing. She tells Rosie to take off her scarf, but Rosie turns on a full-on teen tantrum. She likes her scarf. But Sally will not be thwarted and soon has the love-bite exposed. "You stupid, stupid girl! What do you think that is going to say about you in the audition, eh? Get upstairs!"

Mike Baldwin answers his door and it's Fred. He jokes that he hopes the factory's all right and the builders haven't knocked it down. But Fred is well out of Eeyore mode now, and fully into his Clint Eastwood steely-eyed mode. "If you can't trust folk I should keep a closer eye on them, wouldn't you say?" he asks, deadpan. "Can I come in?" Mike hastily invents an excuse: "I'm just going out." But it seems Fred didn't require an answer. "Bad timing, Michael, because I am just coming in.

We return to find Katy talking to Todd in the hospital canteen. Todd firmly believes that the problems with the baby are his fault for winding himself up about things and upsetting Sarah. Karl comes in and Katy calls him over, but she leaves almost immediately. Things are very awkward between the two, but Karl says he has to go and change because he's going out.

Fred says he's dying of thirst. But Mike says he's GOT TO GET DOWN TO THE DRYCLEANERS, FRED," and he's shouting loudly enough to be heard by anyone else in the flat (wink wink). Fred isn't as green as he is Clint-looking, and when he hears a noise he decides he must visit the little boys' room before he leaves. Who should come out of the bathroom but Penny, who has come over to help with some paperwork and somehow got her hair wet. Fred has no patience for any excuses. He says he wouldn't expect anything better from Penny, because she's a woman. "But thee and me," he says to Mike, "a friendship's what we had and I thought it counted for summat."

Sally seems to be cutting pictures of actresses and singers from her gossip pages. She is rabbiting on to Kevin without making any sense at all -- something about Friday and something Rosie's done. Kevin clicks that it's come out about Craig and Rosie and Sally is horrified that he knew. Rosie denies that he did know, but he says he saw the two of them smooching in the street. He tells Sally he didn't say or do anything because he thought it would just push them closer together. "Closer?!" shrieks Sally. "He's practically eaten into her neck as it is." Kevin says he's going to the pub, but Sally says he's not. "You can't ground me." "Can't I?" And we all know she can.

Sarah is telling Gail and Martin that she's almost glad she had the miscarriage scare, because it seems to have brought her and Todd close together again. She knows now that Todd won't risk what they've got.

Todd, obviously ignoring any risk analysis, is knocking on Karl's door. He says he's come to apologise.

Vera is walking the dogs. Well, she's trying to get the leads untangled. Maya sees Monica and is so startled she almost trips over Schmeikel, or however he is spelt. Vera shouts for Tyrone, who comes across the street. She tells him the puppy has been sick -- in fact, he sicked up her stay-up. The house is overcrowded: Either the puppy goes, Monica goes or Tyrone goes. With that, Vera thrusts the leads into Tyrone's hands. In a marvelous bit of dog-choreography he is suddenly wrapped and hobbled by the leads.

Karl and Todd are talking and Todd is insisting he just wants to be friends with Karl. "That's not what your Mum said," Karl tells him.

Fred is having a go at Claire and Ashley for not telling him sooner about Penny and Mike, but Ashley points out that Claire did try. Fred goes for a lie down.

Jack is talking to Betty in the pub and trying to explain Vera's attitude to dogs. She sees them as noisy, smelly, mess-makers. "I'd be the same," says Betty. "No," says Jack. "You're house-trained." Dev and Maya are also in the pub and talking about the dogs. Dev says at least she knows she didn't kill Monica. "I'm tempted, now," Maya replies.

The Platt party of four returns to the house. Martin says the hospital is keeping Sarah under observation, and Katy says she's left Karl with Todd, so Todd is under observation as well.

Todd and Karl are still talking. Todd talks about what it was like to pass exams all the time and then just be moved on to face more exams, without a pause to think about what he wanted. But Karl points out that he's gone directly from bright schoolboy to respectable family man, changing one way of being acceptable for another. "I love Sarah," Todd protests. "Keep saying that and maybe it'll shut out that other voice," Karl tells him. Todd goes to leave but Karl pins him against the door and demands that Todd look him in the eye and say he doesn't want him. As the credits roll they close in for a kiss.

See you all on Wednesday (that's why this is late -- I'm pacing myself for the extra episode).

Sarah is pleased to be going home, but not so pleased at Gail assuming she will do the transporting. But when Gail says she will come to the flat later instead, you wonder if maybe the lift home would have been the better option. Audrey is in Hallmark card mode, making Todd sound like the inside of a Father's Day card.

The subject of this sentimentality is leaving another man's bedroom. Or trying to. Karl gives him some hot sweet tea "for shock". Todd now feels guilty and yet again agonizes over what he really wants. "She's having my baby" and "We're getting married" feature prominently in his agonizing.

Someone else's life is turning to used sump oil at the Websters' as Kevin discovers Sally is trying to save for Rosie's future by cutting back on the grocery costs. First to go: The margarine for his toast -- she's switched to a cheaper brand. This is false economy, as she will now have to use up more washing powder to wash the tablecloth where he's just sputtered the inferior marge. Poor Kev doesn't see why the rest of the family, and his toast, should have to suffer for Sally's unrealistic ideas about Rosie's talent. The girl in question is off to school and is told to keep her mind on her audition and not to go near that Craig Harris. And which parent tells her this? Need you ask? Though Sally does say it's Kevin who doesn't want Rosie going near Craig. Kevin says that if he's got anything to say he'll say it while he takes Rosie to school. No, I have no idea why she's not walking there as she usually does.

Someone else wants nothing to do with a young man -- Sally's sentiments about Craig are very similar to Vera's about Schmeikel. Tyrone points out that Vera is not helping the dog's training. She should be praising the pup, not shouting at him. I hope Sally can hear this advice. Vera can't see why Tyrone would still want the puppy when he's got Monica back.

A butcher spurned and betrayed find solace in his work -- nothing like smashing a few bones with a cleaver to make you feel better. And it means people avoid talking to you. It works well for Fred as Ashley tries to express concern from a safe distance. Fred doesn't want to talk. "There's only one cure for what ails me, and that's graft," he says, telling Ashley he doesn't want to talk about anything else but work. Audrey does not have her radar on and comes in to offer Fred her sympathy. Ashley tries to divert her away from his dad. Her sympathy has been almost too much for Fred.

Les is reading a legal letter and Cilla immediately assumes it must mean he's in trouble, but Les is quite delighted -- his divorce from Janice will be final on May 9. Cilla is more interested in weaseling some money out of Les and rubs herself all over him (ewwww!!!) in promise of things to come when she gets home tonight. Les hands over the money she says she needs for a sensuous supper.

As Todd goes to fetch Sarah home from the hospital, Martin gives some advice on how to avoid trouble -- no lifting, no stress.

Steve is trying to cheer up Eileen in the Rovers. She won't tell him what's wrong, but does say she should think before opening her gob.

Sally is also in the Rovers and wants Ken to do a story on Rosie for the Gazette. He would be happy to do so if Rosie is selected, but Sally points out that Rosie wouldn't need the publicity then. She knows the paper does stories about children because she has seen an appeal for a boy who wants to go to Venezuela. Ken points out that he's a sick child needing treating. "That's just it," says the deluded one. She thinks it's tragic that sick children and those with talent have to scrape around for money! Ken can barely stop from sighing as he says he'll mention it to the editor. She offers any quotes he needs, or to make Rosie available for a photographer.

Gail is in the flat trying to advise Sarah to cut back her hours and take it easy, but Sarah says she can't. Todd says he'll support all of them if he has to. It's all about the baby now. "And don't forget about the mum," Gail advises him. You know, when Sally's ego finally explodes, I really do hope some of the shrapnel seriously wounds Gail's self-righteousness! Gail mentions Eileen might pop in and Todd finds a quick excuse to leave the flat!

Craig asks Rosie why she stood him up and she explains she was grounded because of the love bite. Craig tries to persuade Rosie that they can still see each other without Sally knowing, but Rosie is convinced her mother will find out. "Well, I know something she don't," he says, pulling his keys out of his pocket. "My house is empty."

Vera is in the yard, sarcastically praising the puppy for doing its business on her kitchen floor. Tyrone, disposing of the offensive matter, accuses her of being sarcastic, but she says she's just praising the dog like she should. "And well done you for standing there like a jelly while it dropped its load," she praises Jack. As a ball comes over the wall and whacks Tyrone, Jack has a brilliant idea. Chesney is given the task of looking after the puppy for the afternoon. Jack puts it into the lad's arms and gives him some cash to buy it a bone. Wee Chesney's face absolutely lights up.

Todd bursts into Eileen's house and wants to know what she was playing at, talking to Karl. She assumes Karl has backed off and apologises. Todd once again protests that nothing has changed, that he loves Sarah and that's it. Eileen doesn't believe him. She tells him he will always have a home with her. "I've got a home," he says, and leaves.

Audrey enters the Rovers and tells Mike and Penny she thinks what they did to Fred was despicable. Penny says Fred is a big boy. Audrey replies that he is also a gentleman and has been a good friend to them over the years. Mike wants to let Audrey have her say, but Penny has to talk back and they are soon trading insults. Audrey leaves with the parting words that Penny had better watch her back, like everybody has to who thinks they can count on Mr Baldwin.

Chesney takes the dog into his house and talks to his Uncle Les. He wants to know if the puppy can stay with them. Les wants to know if the puppy could fetch his slippers, but Chesney says Les's are too big. "Uncle Les, if he stays, can I have slippers?" Ohhhh, bless. And then the evil witch of the west blows in and demands to know what that filthy thing has done to her top. "Shh, you're scaring him," Chesney tells his mother. She tells him to get the dog out, now.

Mike has entered the butchers' shop. He's come to apologise. Fred is quite brusque and tells Mike how he felt having to go and ask him if he and Penny were having an affair. Mike says he tried to stop it coming out the way it did. "Damnit," says Fred. "I felt ashamed of myself for thinking you could stoop so low. My most trust friend. My longstanding friend." Mike is obviously upset and says the friendship is too strong to be destroyed by this. Fred is very bitter. When Mike says he's always seen the two of them as equals, Fred says with venom: "No, Michael. We're not."

Sarah and Todd are talking about the baby and Sarah says that Todd was the only person who realised how much it meant to her.

"You don't pawn your scabby mongrel on my Chesney, right!" says Cilla almost before Vera has the front door open. Jack takes Schmeikel from the two of them and explains that he gave Chesney a couple of quid to take the dog for a walk. "My Chesney can't be bought," says Cilla. "Not like his mother, then," retorts Vera. "Trying to get to Florida on me and our Jack now are you?" She says if Cilla doesn't want the money they gave Chesney, she can give it back. Cilla says she won't take money off a child. "That's pensioners all over," she says. "A dodgy perm and a bus pass and you think you can stick your snout in wherever takes your fancy!" LOL. "Dodgy WHAT?!" screeches Vera, being restrained by Jack as Cilla stalks off.

Penny is waiting in the car for Mike, who stops because Angela wants to have a word about overtime. "Excuse me" says Sally, marching up and planting herself firmly between the two of them. She asks Mike if he would be interested in sponsoring Rosie. He asks if it is a joke, but Sally tells him Rosie stands a very good chance of getting into the Northern Drama Academy. "Tell you what," says Mike. "When she's older she can audition on one of my machines." He nips over to his car, leaving Angela not having managed to get in a word. Sally shouts after him that Rosie won't be working at the factory, "I can tell you that now!" "Heaven forbid," says Angela. Sally says they all know what Angela thinks of Rosie's ambitions. She tells an incredulous Angela that Rosie comes home covered in love bites and goodness knows what else. Then: "I don't believe it! Rosie! Get over 'ere," Sally cries, as she sees the star-crossed young lovers coming out of the Harris's house. She accuses Angela of letting them behave like oversexed little adults and asks if Angela "supervises" her son by counting the notches on his bedpost. Rosie and Craig are appalled. Kevin and Tommy hear the noise and come over from the garage. A nation sits, alert, waiting for Angela to down Sally with one swift uppercut. Unfortunately, the men restrain her and she is led away. "Get in the house!" Kevin says. "And that means you," he says to Sally. Sally isn't finished yet, though. "I'm not joking," she calls over her shoulder to Tommy. "You want to keep your job, you keep that lad's hands off my daughter."

And as Tommy heads back to work and Kevin shepherds Sally and Rosie into their house, poor Craig is left looking very forlorn in an empty cobbled streetscape.

An excellent episode tonight with some lovely lively dialogue from write Craig Parker.

Two episodes to update so instead of the usual scene by scene update I shall take each of the story strands as they happened.

Episodes were written by David Lane and Chris Fewtrell. They were directed by Tracey Rooney

First off we have Cilla. She is making arrangements to see Uncle Ronnie and telling Chesney that he cannot have the puppy Schmeikel(?). She threatens Chesney with going into care if he spills the beans. Chesney is unhappy and troubled. When Les comes in from night shift Cilla tells him that she has a sick friend, Sandra, she has to go and see - her man has done a bunk and taken all her money. She claims Chesney answered the phone and he backs up her story. Chesney is sent off to school whilst Cilla and Les go to bed. Later Cilla departs with a bag observed by Chesney who knows where she is really going. Fiz catches Chesney in the Street and he runs off when she wants to know why he is not at school. Later Kirk buys some steaks for Les to cheer him up - and Fiz arrives and asks where Chesney is as well as hearing that Cilla has gone away. Eventually Fiz and Kirk find Chesney in Fiz's flat. They tell Chesney that they care for him. He cries because his mother does not care for him. Kirk departs. Chesney tells Fiz the whole story about Ronnie and being put into care. Fiz tries to reassure him. Chesney knows that being ginger in a care home is not good. Fiz promises he will not go in a home.

Candice returns shattered and wants to know what Chesney is doing there. Eventually Fiz brings Chesney back to Les's - and there is the puppy - Jack has given it to them. Tyrone is happy and Les says he will sort out Cilla. Fiz asks where Cilla is - round a mate's. Kirk is looking for the steaks - it appears that the puppy dined well.

Kev and Sally are preparing for the trip to the audition at the drama school. Sally is concerned over what she is going to wear. Craig and Rosie are exchanging text messages even though both sets of parents think it is over between them. They meet round a corner and discuss the coming audition. Craig threatens her with another love bite. A little later Rosie is summoned downstairs for a dress rehearsal and she "sings" "Somewhere over the rainbow". Kev thinks she will succeed; I have my doubts. Later Craig and Rosie meet in the Street and Craig calls Chesney a hobbit. Sally comes out and finds them together, so she drags Rosie off. They arrive at the drama school and there are lots of kits pretending they are in "Fame" in the play area. Rosie is upset at the pressure on her and just before they go in Rosie decides she does not want to do it. She tells her parents. Sally and Rosie exchange comments and Rosie simply repeats she does not want to do it - but no-one will listen to her. Sally tries to frogmarch her into the audition and Rosie turns on Sally - it is her stupid dream and Sally hates her life. So Sally slaps Rosie around the face. They both cry.

On returning home Rosie runs upstairs whilst Sally and Kev discuss the events. Sally believes Rosie has thrown away the best chance she has. Rosie leaves the house. Outside she meets Craig who is holding his arm to his neck - but he has bad news for her. He pretends he wants to be with other lads and then admits Lisa kissed him in IT (another love bite). Rosie departs with hardly a backward glance. Sally blames everyone but herself - although Kevin tries to point out who is responsible. Kev and Sally argue - she does not want the quiet life that Kev seems to enjoy - she wants better than they have had for their children. Kev is grateful for his life - but Sally is not. When Rosie returns Sally tries to make good the harm - she thought it was best for her. Again Sally does not listen to Rosie. Sally does try to explain herself. They both cry and say sorry.

Sarah is resting whilst Todd is off to work. He tells her about day time television. He claims he is working extra shifts - but she notices he is wearing a going out shirt - very odd.

And indeed the next we see of Todd is Karl's flat talking over the situation. It turns out they are having an affair. Todd wants to go on seeing Karl as well as stay with Sarah. Karl agrees to not make it too difficult for him.

Sarah pops into the Salon because she is bored and Candice and Maria arrange a pizza evening, whilst discussing their various men. Sarah will ask her mum to babysit. She phones Todd, who oddly has his phone on - but then he is not at work.

Ashley is selling meat to Maria when Claire arrives to say they are going out to tea - they are going to her mother's for the first time. Ashley starts looking nervous. He asks Claire what she has told her mother - the usual. He just has to be himself and all will be well.

Prior to going he scrubs up and puts on a suit, then has a pint in the Rovers. Jack winds him up with stories of meeting Vera's mother for the first time. Claire and Ashley arrive at her mother's. She forces him to eat a mint and she is cleaning his shirt when the door opens. She hardly gives Ashley a warm greeting. Over the meal she prods Ashley's background and the discussion does not go well. She says she is glad to meet him at last. Eventually she cracks a joke and Ashley smiles, starting to relax. Mrs Casey is a tax inspector - and they are not all monsters out of office hours. Ashley is a little drunk and starts giggling. Mrs Casey says she has real concerns - he is recently widowed and she wants to know how he feels about starting a relationship so soon. Ashley explains himself but it does not come across well. Mrs Casey lost her husband ten years ago - and she still misses him in bed - how will Ashley feel when he reaches out and finds Claire and not Maxine - she does not want her daughter to be a substitute for her wife - merely a surrogate mother for his son. Ashley tries to convince Mrs Casey that she is wrong and she responds by saying that he could not have loved his late wife as much as he thinks. Ashley leaves. Claire's mother is not apologetic for her actions but Claire tells her strongly that Ashley is entitled to get on with his life - he is not bringing his child up in a mausoleum. This strikes home and her mother retires to bed.

At the pizza place Sarah, Todd, Candice, Maria and Nick are ordering pizzas when Karl and Katie arrive - Martin could not make it. Todd, already off balance through comments from Nick sees Karl grinning at him. They all then moan that they are skint. When Todd goes to the toilet to calm down Karl follows him - and Karl then follows him and keeps the pressure on - none of the making it easy suggested early.

Fiz and Kirk are in the Rovers. Fiz is not happy but cannot tell Kirk - Cilla is up to her old tricks and she is cheating on Les. Kirk wants to go and tell Les - but Fiz stops him until they have concrete proof. In a dark and dangerous part of the town Fiz catches up with Cilla and Ronnie and attempts to take a picture of them. Cilla tells Fiz that her problem is mouth first and brain second - lady - Chesney will be in care and whilst Cilla does not believe Fiz the latter will tell Les.