After last week's extravaganza involving a huge cast of wine bottles and cigarettes as well as a starring appearance by an iron (which reminds me - in a very early part of the episode we saw Tracy ironing some clothes, which I forgot to mention largely because it was so dark until I saw the omnibus edition on Sunday - this of course is a precursor to where she picks up the iron and sticks it on her arm again - with absolutely no results) and only two cast members this week we are almost back to normality and in the very near future we will know the outcome of the court case.

The episode starts at the Barlows, where Deirdre has been unable to sleep and has been up for hours and cleaning in an attempt to take her mind off the events. Tracy, unusually these days is in a foul mood, and notes that whilst her mother can see her reflection in the sink she probably cannot stand to look at herself. Ken tells her that it is not the right time, but Tracy argues back - it is exactly the right time - it is the only time she has got and she is going to live for the moment. Ken seeks to reason with her - but Tracy accuses her mother of being the prosecution's star witness and then says she is going out to make the best of the time she has left. Later walking by the canal she receives a text message "I need to see you D.x". Tracy does not look happy and heads back towards the Street.

Dev is showing Molly his new golf shoes - his secret weapon, top of the range, high tech, performance enhancing footwear, with waterproof lining and graphite cleats (whatever they might be). Molly reckons they are normally worn by pimps and no woman will fancy him wearing those. Would he rather play golf than you know what? Dev responds he can play a round whenever he likes and will not end up in trouble at the end of it. Much later Amber goes in the back room at the shop where she finds Dev playing golf on the PC. Anyway he reckons the 'puter is cheating - but she just wants to see the pimp shoes. Dev shows them off - £150 apparently - and he got a set of clubs 60% off online. She asks if he knows that golf is the most boring game in the world and a substitute for sex in her opinion.

Dreary is moaning to Ken that Tracy hates her - and if she goes to prison it will all be her fault. Ken being reason personified points out that Tracy should start taking responsibility - she asked Deirdre to commit perjury. They argue. Ken says that Tracy has sunk so low that he barely recognises her. She may be his daughter but Deirdre is his wife and he is not going to let Tracy drag her down. She collapses saying that they are going to take her baby away. {Oh grow up - with a daughter like that you should be drowning bottles of champagne}.

Elsewhere on the Street Ashley is off at the football and Claire has invited (head)Casey around when there is suddenly a loud bang from upstairs. Claire rushes upstairs and returns with Joshua who had been jumping on the bed and fallen off. Casey says he must be taken to A&E so Claire asks her to look after baby Fred as she dashes off.

David meets his true love Tracy on the corner. He said he had not expected her to come. She asks what he will do if she is sent down for 20 years. He says he will wait for her (after all his brain long ago descended into his underpants). Tracy smiles - I know you think you love me but you don't, not really. You don't even know me. David asks if she was just using him. She answers yes - just survival - she turns to leave and then turns back. "Oh David - Stay away from girls like me alright?". So David did not get his desserts. He retreats to his car and turns up the music. Later Gail says that Martin is on the phone but he refuses to leave the car. She stomps back indoors and tells Martin that David will call him back later. And then we all fall off our chairs as there is a hint that Jason might have a sensitive side caused by being a father by saying that they should leave David alone.

Claire returns from the hospital and finds the house empty. She checks upstairs and the garden and then calls Casey's mobile. The phone is off. Absolute panic ensues. She runs to the shop - but Molly has not seen anyone with Freddy. So Claire rings the police.

Peter has suggested the Barlows eat out this evening and Tracy is asked to join them by Deirdre when they meet in the Rovers which surprises Dreary. Tracy snaps that she is not going to miss her last supper. They argue and Tracy tells her mother to get lost at high volume and the rest of the pub falls silent. Steve says that is enough and tells Tracy to go into the back of the pub. Rita tries to comfort Deirdre but the latter flees. As Betty observes - who would be a mother?

A ring on a front door bell, the door opens to reveal Claire - who grabs Freddy from Casey and rushes back inside. Claire wants to know where she has been. Casey said that Freddy was fretting so she had taken him for a drive - he was perfectly safe - but her phone was flat. Claire tries to explain how worried she had been, how she called the police. Casey is upset that she was not trusted and rushes out of the house. Claire follows her to try to calm her down - but the police arrive and Claire has to stay and explain.

In the back room Steve says Tracy needs to apologise to her mother. Tracy asks if he thinks she is going to jail. He doesn't know but knows that she will need her family to support her. She asks if she and Amy can stay the night - but Steve cannot bring himself to say no but does not agree. So she asks if she can just sit there for a while for old times' sake. And she accepts a hug - chapter closed.

Claire is unhappy with the events of the afternoon. She was worried and her lack of trust has ruined the relationship with Casey. Ashley reckons that she did the same as any other mother. Anyway it has happened and cannot be undone.

Tracy walks out side the Rovers and looks up and down the Street - possibly for the last time - where she spent much of her growing up (well upstairs listening to her music) and then she heads for home.

As last Sunday she shares a bottle of wine with her mother, downing a glass of wine almost immediately. Tracy refuses to forgive Deirdre for failure to support her adequately on the witness stand. Deirdre reckons she has always done her best for her daughter. Tracy tells her to come off it - she does not need this hassle now. Deirdre asks what she does want. Tracy replies nothing - they are quits. This is her way of saying goodbye. Deirdre wants to make it up to her but Tracy is not interested. Whatever happens tomorrow she will not see her again. Tracy either goes down for life or she takes Amy away for good. Tracy concludes that either way she is going to be free of her mother.

And my colleagues will bring you the outcome of the trial shortly.

K Richard W

This episode of Coronation Street is Written by Stephen Bennett,
Directed by Neil Alderton
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys

Outside Deirdre is banging on the Rovers door saying it's not early. Steve finally opens the door. Deirdre says that Tracy told her what ever happens in court she is going. Steve asks about Amy and is told she will be going with Tracy. Steve says she better come in. Jamie is helping Liam unload a van with his stuff. Jamie asks if this is coming off his rent. Leanne tells Carla she pulled out from buying the house and got a proper survey done. Liam didn't as he is laughing. Claire says Casey's phone is still off. Ashley says, if she is a true friend she will come round.

Rovers; Steve thinks Tracy is going off on one. Deirdre says this is different and will do it. She then says he is Amy's dad and if any one is going to stop Tracy going it's going to be him and not her and Ken. Ken just comes in saying Deirdre is right. Steve says so if Tracy gets off we all have to suffer. Ken says that would be Tracy happy ending. Steve says he will talk to her.

Platt's; Sarah is having a go at David, as he is treating this like it's a world cup final. Gail says all Sarah is trying to say it's not a time to get over excited. David says you all want to know what happens. Gail says yes as David asks why Sarah is going. She says she is going to support Jason. David says he is going to support Tracy as he has been doing all along.

Factory, Liam sees the Polish lot have done a lot of work. Janice says they will be slaves soon. Liam says she'd get more work done if she shut her mouth. Sally then says they must been feeling it doing all those hours. Vickie says she does not want their jobs, just the job she has been offered. Sean says it's the same as him working in the Rovers. In the office Liam asks Carla what Leanne was saying. She asks if he got a survey done on the house. He says yes a basic job and asks why. She tells him Leanne pulled out, as there is some thing wrong with the house. Liam says she is just saying that. Carla says he is hoping she is just saying that.

Barlow's; Peter says some of them should go so it does not look as if they are ganging up on her. Adam takes Amy out. Tracy just comes in saying she is going. Steve asks if she was going to tell him she was taking his daughter away. Tracy says she was going to get if she was going down for murder out of the way first. As she goes Ken stops her and says everyone has helped her and asked for nothing in return. Tracy asks him to remind her to say thank you on the way out.

Outside Steve asks if she has just decided to do this. Tracy says yes and she didn't plan this. Ken says that makes a change. Claire says they will all be rooting for her. David knocks on the car door saying he knows she didn't mean what she said the other day. Jason tells David they are going now. David asks if it's pick on David day today.

Factory; Janice is collecting money from everyone and says Vickie can put twice as much in as she does twice as much hours. Vickie says she will put in what everyone else has put in. Hayley says for Janice to leave them alone and says to Vickie a couple of quid will do it. She puts in and says she is not one of us and never will be. Carla comes out the office and asks who that would be. Mouthy people shouting the odds. Janice says there was not need for that and Carla reminds her that she is the boss.

Court; Deirdre says to Tracy they can sort this out when she gets home. Tracy says if she gets home and if she does get home it will be to collect Amy and get a bigger bag.

Baldwin's; Liam is looking under something. Jamie says, if he is hiding his stash that's the first place they will look. Liam says there is a damp patch outside. Jamie says if he is going to blow on it. Liam then asks if he knows if there is any thing wrong with this house. Jamie says no and asks why. Liam tells him Leanne has pulled out because there was something wrong with the house and asks if she would stick him up. Jamie says that the thing with Leanne, you never find out until it's too late.

Court; the prosecution says David had a score to settle with Charlie. They also says his evidence goes against everything forensic science says and he is attention seeking and is confused and holding on to this statement. Liz tells Steve she has got David worked out. She then says Tracy has fooled everyone, her family and friends and tells the jury not to let her fool them and find her guilty of killing Charlie Stubbs.

Outside Liam is looking at the top of the house. He asks Sean if that's a crack. Sean says no. Liam then asks why he is not at work. He says he was sent to get cakes. Liam says that could be the start of a crack. Leanne pulls up and says you should be looking worried. Liam asks if he is still here and Sean says he is going now. Liam asks Leanne what she knows and why she is glad its him and not her. She says paying the mortgage. He says she should be at work and Leanne says she should and goes.

Court; the defendant says the prosecuting council has attempted to undermine testimonies of defense witnesses. He says, if one witness stumbled or another became confused in this highly pressurised environment, the fact is they have not heard accurate and reliable evidence today. He says the burden of proof has weighed the prosecution down and crushed its case and that they should find Tracy Barlow not guilty.

Rover's; Liam comes in and tells Michelle that he thinks there is something wrong with the house. She asks who has been saying this and he tells her Leanne. Michelle tells him just to talk to her and ask what is going on. Just then Hayley comes in saying Carla is asking if he is going to be joining them but not in that words. Liam says yes and tells her to tell Carla to rearrange these two words into but she cuts him off and says she knows what to say. Michelle asks if he wants a drink before he goes. Liam says yes.

Court the Judge tells the jury they have heard all the evidence from both sides and are to use only the evidence heard in this courtroom. Blanch says Tracy looks as white as a sheet. Peter says she will be home by lunchtime. They are all told to stand. Tracy looks back at her family looking really worried.

Outside Liam sees Leanne and asks what is up with the house. She says it looks good on the outside. He asks what her survey said that his didn't. She says she does not know, as she has not seen his. He asks to see hers and also says he will take her out for lunch. Leanne says he gets to see her survey and spend time with her but she does not want to do that. Factory lot come out and Leanne walks with Janice who asks what he wanted. She says to take her out for lunch. Janice tells her to do what she wants. Leanne is amazed she is not going off on one.

Court; Peter says they soon will be home like as if nothing has happened. Blanch says not before time. Deirdre thanks Claire for all she has done. Claire says it's what anyone would have done and the jury are going to do the same thing. Steve asks Jane what Tracy's chances are. Jane says it can depend on whom the jury believe as much as the evidences and says Tracy is every convincing. Steve asks if that's a good thing. Jane says the jury seems to think so. Deirdre says she needs to go for a fag.

Outside as Deirdre comes out David approaches her and asks if she has spoke to Tracy. Deirdre says she would rather not speak to him. Ken has come out and tells David to wait some where else. Sarah tells David people are getting nervous and to stay with her and Jason. Ken asks Deirdre how much she has smoked today. She says not enough. Ken says he is tempted to join her. She hold out the packet but Ken says no.

Rovers; the factory lot are in getting drinks. Joanne and Janice don't sit with them. Hayley tells Sean to get her a bitter lemon and goes over to Janice and Joanne. She says they should treat them the same and asks what it would be like for them to be in a different country and having to work. Joanne says they don't know if they are legal or not. Janice says that's what she's been saying. Hayley says until they know they should be treated the same. Then she says she is not surprised by Janice but is by Joanne as she is not from here and is doing that Vickie is doing.

Court; Blanch says this is killing her and god knows what its doing to Tracy. Peter says he can't have any more coffee from the machine and ask Deirdre and Ken if they want. Both say no. Someone says something to Jane and she starts to come over to them. As she does she says the jury have reached a verdict. They say that was fast and ask if that's a good thing. Jane says it could mean any thing. Tracy heads for the courtroom. Her head is held high. Deirdre sobbing calls her daughter but Tracy tells her to say nothing and continues on with her head high into the courtroom.

Will Tracy get away with Murder? Find out in the next update.

This report is copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Well here is the episode you have been waiting for! The verdict on Tracy Barlow. If you think I am giving it away in the first paragraph, you are mistaken!!!!

So, while proceedings are happening at Weatherfield Crown Court, Betty and Steve are taking it turns to look after Amy in the back room of the pub.

Jerry comes downstairs for breakfast after smelling bacon.

In the Court House, everybody is filing back into the court. The public gallery is filling up, and the jury get seated. Blanche remarks she doesn't like the look on the faces of the jurors. The official calls out "Court Rise", which signifies that the judge is entering. She nods for everybody to sit down. Another official asks the defendant to stand. He then asks the foreman of the jury to stand. He asks the foreman whether they have reached a verdict with which they all agree. She confirms that they have. She is asked whether they find the defendant, Tracy Lynette Barlow guilty or not guilty of murder. The foreman says (hang on, I have forgotten, oh yes, I remember now!) guilty. Tracy has a look of horror and shock. Deirdre is sobbing and crying saying "sorry", because she believes it was her fault that she didn't support Tracy strongly enough.

The judge now pronounces sentence. She tells Tracy that the mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment. She recommends that she serves a minimum of fifteen years before being considered for parole. (Now we all know the actress decided to leave the programme, so will she return in fifteen years, or will they find a new actress - watch this space - for fifteen years ;-) - remind me to follow this up in April 2022 !.

The judge orders her to be taken down to the cells, with Tracy yelling and screaming all the way.

In the Rovers, Vicky asks Sean why Janice doesn't like her. He tells her not to worry, because Janice is always argumentative. Meanwhile Hayley is trying to persuade Janice and Joanne, who has sided with Janice, that Vicky is a nice person. Janice says that Vicky and her friends would takeover their jobs.

After the verdict, Blanche is moaning and thinks the verdict is disgraceful. Claire rushes over to Ken and Deirdre as they are about to get into a car, saying she can start a campaign for her release. Obviously not wishing to discuss the verdict, Ken says they are going home. Ashley takes her away saying that they need space now. Deirdre thinks she has just sent her daughter to prison.

Kevin goes into Jerry's fast food shop and Jerry offers him a free kebab, because he missed the official opening. Jerry then asks him if he could look out for a car for his son.

Leanne sees Carla and tells her that Liam could have had her surveyor's report about the house, but he didn't ask.

Deirdre and Ken return home. Liz goes over to offer to help if they needed anything. Steve offers to look after baby Amy.

Gail returns home from work and Sarah tells her the news that Tracy is guilty. Gail is visibly shocked at the news. Sarah adds that the jury agreed that Tracy killed him. She turns to David and says the jury didn't believe him. David replies that Tracy admitted killing him, but it was in self defence. Gail tells Sarah to leave him as he is clearly upset. Sarah adds that she doesn't believe a word that David has said. However, David believes it was Deirdre that did it for Tracy.

Over in the Rovers, Steve rings the bell (that is usually associated with "last orders" or "closing time"). He announces that they have just got back from court where Tracy was found guilty. Liz adds that she was given a minimum of 15 years sentence.

Maria asks Peter about Deirdre and how she is coping. She says she is around if needed.

In the back room of the pub, Tracy is drawing a picture of her Mum for Betty. Steve sees the picture and tells Tracy that she is very clever. Betty,meanwhile, says she has no need to ask about the trial, his face showed it all.

Liam catches up with Leanne. He desperately wants the results of her survey. He offers her £50 (approx C$114.5, nearly USA$99, NZ$137, almost 74 euros - everybody happy?!), but she wants £150 (which is ........no you can multiply by 3 yourselves!!) Despite Liam trying to negotiate her down he agreed to pay her the full amount.

Vicky is on her way to the toilet and hears Janice muttering about her being trouble. Vicky, near to tears asks what did she ever do to upset her. Janice responds that she has come here to take the jobs. Vicky said that it wasn't true, but Joanne buts in and tells her to go home.

Liam and Leanne meet up in the Rovers and he gives her the money and she gives him the report.

At Jerry Morton's house, Kayleigh rings up. Jerry tells Jodie that he was concerned that Kayleigh's mother is always going out leaving her to babysit. Asked if she was alright, Jerry says that she was, but with no thanks to her mother.

Over at the Barlows, Deirdre is puffing away at a cigarette. Ken comes into the room disapproving of her smoking indoors. He tells her that he is as upset as her. However Deirdre snaps back that he ought to show it. She is annoyed that he never shows any emotion. She then goes off to the backyard to continue her cigarette.

Gail wonders whether the Court believed David's evidence. Sarah says he was lying, he always does. Gail (who obviously can't see beyond her fringe) defends her son. saying that he wouldn't lie in court. Then Gail asks Jason to explain about the CCTV tape that he found of Tracy and David together. She wonders what they were doing. Sarah responds with that what we were wondering.

Liam tells Carla that Leanne's survey was virtually identical to his. Carla thinks she is rather clever to hoodwink him. However, Liam is willing to forgive Leanne by asking her to dinner. However, she turns him down.

Back at the Platts, Gail asks David whether Tracy ever put any pressure on him to give his evidence; she wonders if Tracy ever promised him anything. Then Gail asks him if he did tell the truth in court. David is rather annoyed and says that is why he never told her or anybody else about what he saw because nobody would believe him. He was hoping his mother would be proud of him and not the reverse. Gail apologises to him.

Ken tries to console Deirdre in the backyard. He tells her that it wasn't her fault that Tracy got sent down, he says it was her own fault. Deirdre manages to sob that if she did something about Charlie Stubbs then this may not have happened. However, Ken adds that he knows Tracy and she is very determined, nobody can ever stop her doing something she wants to do.

Liz asks Steve if he has got Amy off to sleep. As Liz asks whether Amy asked about her mother, Steve says that she believes that Tracy is next door with Deirdre. Steve then wonders, out loud, how he is going to break the news to Amy. He shows Liz a picture Amy drew of her mum.

At the court, the prison van is waiting to take Tracy off to jail. (did she never play monopoly?!). As she is taken into the van, in handcuffs she is still screaming and protesting her innocence, but the guards have nothing to say, they have obviously heard it all before.

The aftermath of the verdict spreads around the Street. Anne will give you the storylines.

However, what would the reaction have been had Tracy been found not guilty? ITV have kindly revealed the alternative ending they filmed. You can view it here

Martin Rosen

Hi everyone, here's the update for Wednesday 4th April.

It's first thing in the morning, and the factory workers are ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the headlines in the local paper. Liam approaches and they ask if he's seen it. He says he had a quick look whilst he was on the treadmill. Sally and the others say how sorry they feel for poor little Amy, and for Ken and Deirdre. Liam asks if they have any sympathy for Charlie, after all he was the one bludgeoned to death. His question is met by silence. "Obviously not," he says, and they all file past him into work. "Good morning Mr Connor," chorus the Polish girls as they pass. "See that?" he asks a rather sullen looking Joanne and Janice, "polite, cheerful and hardworking. No wonder you're jealous."

In the back room of the Rovers, Steve has Amy on his knee, telling her about the day ahead, how he's going to make her breakfast and then take her to nursery and after that pick her up and take her to the park for an ice cream. Amy sits in her pink dressing gown, looking solemn.

Over at the Barlow's, Ken tells the family they should keep off the land line in case Tracy rings. "What would she be doing, ringing here?" asks Deirdre, puffing on a cigarette. "New house rule, by the way," she says to Ken, waving the ciggie about. He says he's not going to be drawn into petty arguments. Peter comes in with the papers at that moment. "Here you are," he says, saying she'd have had more coverage if she'd won a reality TV show. "Let's be grateful for small mercies," says Ken. "Let's!" says Deirdre, glaring at him. Adam grabs the paper, but has it snatched out of his hands by Blanche. She says that they know Tracy acted in self-defence, but all they'll get from the papers are lies and embellishments. Peter asks why the jury didn't think it was self-defence, and Deirdre says that her ‘half-baked' testimony may have had something to do with it. Peter says that Claire Peacock is talking about an appeal and wonders why Ken and Deirdre aren't. "Unless you think the jury….." he begins, but Ken stops him. "Enough, Peter," he says sharply. "I see," says Peter. Deirdre tells him that he doesn't see anything, Charlie was an evil man who made Tracy's life hell. Blanche agrees, and tells Deirdre it's a shame there was no fire in her belly when she was on the witness stand. "Don't you think I don't know that?" cries Deirdre, anguished. Ken suggests Peter takes Blanche for a drive. "Oh that's right," says Blanche, "sling the old girl into the car and stop her calling a spade a spade!"

Over at the Rovers, Liz, Vernon, Steve and Amy are tucking into breakfast, as Vernon studies the picture of Charlie in the paper, and says that butter wouldn't melt. "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's media bias," he says. "Do you mind," says Steve, indicating Amy's presence, and takes the paper off him. Liz points out that whether it was self defence or cold blooded ‘you know what' – little Amy is still looking at 15 years without a m-u-m-m-y. "Thank you mother," says Steve, but Liz promises him that they will all help. Steve asks Vernon to take his drum kit out of Amy's room. "Whassat?" says Vernon, and then tries to say that it's not doing any harm. Liz tells him they don't want Amy's bedroom to be a dumping ground, she has to sleep there now.

In the factory, Liam is praising Vicky's work, which doesn't go down too well with Janice. It's approaching tea break time, but Janice points out they'll soon have plenty of time to sup tea when they've all been priced out of the job market. Sally tells Janice to shut up and Joanne sniggers. Kelly turns on her, "Since when have you found racism funny?" she wants to know. "It's not about race," says Joanne, but Kelly isn't convinced. Vicky, fed up with Janice's attitude, tells her that she's a hypocrite, her boyfriend earns money in a foreign country, her daughter sells houses in Spain. Janice leaps up and starts shouting and within moments a full scale row has erupted. "English people can go and work in Spain," shouts Vicky, "but Polish people cannot come and work here. You are a hypocrite Janice!" Liam comes rushing out and orders them both into his office.

Jerry Morton's two teenage children are planning a party to celebrate their eighteenth birthday. Jerry comes in and says that his friend Tommy can get them a marquee. Melanie isn't keen on the idea and asks if, for once, they can't hire a proper venue, but Jerry reckons this is a much better idea, free ale all night and no curfew, they can bop till they drop. He wiggles his hips. "Did he really just say that?" asks Melanie, dismayed.

In the office, with Hayley as referee, Liam tells Vicky and Janice to do the job he pays them for. Vicky says she doesn't want any trouble. "No," says Janice, "you don't want immigration getting wind of trouble." Vicky insists she's allowed to be there, but Janice doesn't believe her. Liam sends them back to work.

Ken and Deirdre arrive in the back room of the pub to see Amy. Deirdre says they needed to see her, and Ken tells Steve she's their only link to Tracy. Steve says he hasn't worked out what to tell her yet, so he would gratefully accept any of their ideas. "It's tough, isn't it," says Ken. "It's heartbreaking," admits Steve.

Leanne finds Carla loading stock into the back of the van. Carla asks if she's on a half-day, and Leanne tells her she's sold two villas this week, so reckons she's earned some down time. Liam comes out and says hello. Carla tells him Leanne was asking if he was having a house warming. He says the survey says ‘no'. "What kind of survey was that?" asks Leanne. "An expensive one," he says. He turns to Carla, telling her to get back before the end of the day, "It's horrible in there," he says. After he's gone inside, Carla and Leanne arrange to meet for a drink at the end of the day.

Back in the factory, Janice continues to try and annoy Vicky, but she ignores her. Janice tells Joanne they are being blanked. "Devastated!" says Joanne, sarcastically. Hayley takes Joanne aside and quietly remarks that this is so unlike her. "You don't know the first thing about me," says Joanne, and adds that the Polish workers are trouble. Hayley says that they work hard, round the clock to earn a decent life for their families, and she's sure Joanne's parents or grandparents were the same. "Janice reckons they're illegals," says Joanne. Hayley thinks that's rubbish. "How do you know?" says Joanne, walking off.

Peter, Adam and Blanche are sitting in the pub. "Well this is fun," says Peter. Blanche thinks they're better off close to home, if Ken and Deirdre start scrapping. Adam wonders why Deirdre blew it in court. "Nerves," says Blanche, "she's useless in court, even managed to get herself put away when she was perfectly innocent." She goes on to say that Ken and Deirdre have got to adjust to life without Tracy, and then thinks she'll ring a friend to see if she can go and stay for a couple of weeks.

Steve tells Michelle that in the car on the way to nursery, Amy was asking about Tracy. He told her she was with Edie McReadie from Ballemory. Michelle looks doubtful but says it beats telling her that mummy is on the naughty step for the next fifteen years.

Hayley has followed Joanne into the toilets at work. Joanne has been crying and Hayley urges her to tell her what's wrong. Joanne confesses that the Polish workers might have the right to be there, but she doesn't. She came over to England from Liberia when she was eight.

Michelle comes into the back room to find Steve with Amy, who has drawn a picture to send to Mummy in Scotland. Steve whispers to Michelle that he has dug himself into the mother of all holes. Michelle says he just needs something as close to the truth as possible, he'll find the right words.

Back at the factory, Joanne explains to Hayley that there was a civil war and her dad wanted her and her mother and grandma to come to England to live with his sister in Leeds. But her mother and father were killed. Her grandma brought her over to live with her aunt and Jessie, her cousin. Then they moved to Manchester and her auntie told everyone that she and Jessie were twins. Eventually Joanne started to believe that she and Jessie were sisters. She knows she's been a cow to Vicky, but she's worried their presence is drawing attention to the factory, it's self preservation.

The Morton twins are discussing a forthcoming night out. Darryl has made up a fake ID card so they can get served in the pub.

Ken, Deirdre and Blanche are discussing what to tell Amy. Deirdre is taking all her guilt and frustration out on Ken. "I would have thought Ken would be all for telling Amy the truth," she says, bitterly, "has a special relationship with the truth, does Ken. They've thrown away the key, Amy!" Ken gets up and leaves the room.

Liz approaches Jerry and the twins in the pub, and Jerry tells her they've got their 18th birthday coming up. They have got alcohol in front of them and Liz points out they could lose her her licence, she thought they were 19 or 20. Jerry says they're only one weeks off their big birthday, but she says he will have to drink their drinks or she'll have to pour them down the sink.

Peter arrives back at the Barlows with fish and chips for all. Ken asks if there's any chance Deirdre could put her cigarette out while they're eating. She says she doesn't know how they can get it down. Blanche tells her that starvation never solved anything. Deirdre asks how Tracy can possibly have a relationship with Amy when all she has is two visits a month. Ken says he thought she would have phoned by now. Deirdre says she's punishing her. "And you're punishing him!" says Blanche. "We're all serving the sentence, time to cut each other a bit of slack or we'll go under and where will that leave Amy? Pass the HP!"

Over in the pub, Steve is singing to Amy. Outside the door, Michelle hears him and smiles.

In the bar, the factory workers are having a drink. Joanne is now sitting with all the rest, including Vicky. Janice comes in and as she approaches the bar, Michelle puts a pint in front of her. "This is from Vicky," she says, "bitter." Over at the table, Hayley says that Vicky shouldn't provoke her. Janice storms over and plonks the pint down on the table. "You're right," she says, "I am bitter!" and marches out.

Michelle takes Steve a drink through to the back room, and says she's paid for it. "Your gorgeous little girl is safely tucked up and she knows she's got her daddy downstairs," she says. "Well done," she says, and advises him to take it one day at a time. "I don't think I'm cut out for this single parent malarkey," says Steve, but Michelle reminds him that he doesn't have much choice. She says she knew she couldn't hack it when Dean was killed, but she and Ryan have lived to tell the tale. Steve says she's a great mum. She tells him her family helped her and his family will help him. He tells Michelle he's not broken hearted about Tracy, he's gutted for Amy but he and Tracy weren't serious, not this time round anyway, it was very casual. "If and when you're ready for a new relationship," she tells him, "I'll be happy to babysit." This doesn't seem to be what Steve was hoping to hear, but he thanks her anyway. Then he tells her that he might even drag her out for a drink. "I might even say yeah," she smiles. Just then Liz calls her back to the bar. "You're a lovely dad," Michelle tells him.

Anne Logan.

Put down that chocolate and pay attention as we swing into Friday's update.

The workers are headed for the factory, with Sally muttering about them working on Good Friday and Kelly telling her she should think of the double time. "Did we say double, or did we say time and a half?" asks Liam, waiting at the factory door. Wiki suggests it was triple time. Joanne talks to Janice and discovers she's really hung over. She might have left the pub sober, but she opened some cans when she got home, apparently.

Steve is trying to do Amy's hair and not succeeding. Liz and Michelle come in and Liz decides she'd better take over. Steve points out that hairdos are a girl thing, so they quote famous male hairdressers at him.

I still can't get my head round the names of most of the Mortons, but Kayleigh is home and eating bread and demanding tea, though her father and big sister think it's early for her to be up and visiting. She says everyone at her mum's place is "sound".

At the Barlows' there's no sound. Ken's reading the paper and as soon as he puts it down, Adam and Peter both lunge for it. Their childish squabbling actually brings a small smile to Deirdre's lips. "Kids!" she says. The phone goes and Peter answers it. It's Tracy, but she wants to talk to Ken, not her mother. As he goes to talk on the phone, an obviously rattled Deirdre starts to clear away the dishes -- while Adam's still trying to eat his breakfast. Peter tells him he'll buy him a top-up at the cafe and they leave. Ken finishes the call and tells Deirdre Tracy wants to see him. And just him. "That'll be cosy," Deirdre says bitterly.

Steve is still with Amy when there's a knock at the door and Vernon lets in a young woman whose face furniture would set off security alarms at any airport. She's a new student. Steve starts to protest that it's a bank holiday and Vernon points out "The rhythm never sleeps." Steve points out that it does for him and Amy. "I think we're entitled to a bit of peace and quiet in our own home. Vernon gets quite agitated (for one with so little energy generally!). He tells Steve the pub regulars make noise. Plus Steve's always the first one to complain that Vernon's sponging off Liz, "So don't diss me now when I'm showing some initiative."

At the Barlows', Deirdre is fuming. Ken tells her not to shoot the messenger. He points out that Tracy knows Deirdre didn't deliberately mess up in court. "She's just lashing out. It's her last bit of power." Deirdre thinks that in another fortnight Tracy will be heading up a posse. Ken tells her that Tracy is well aware of his own opinion and that he won't be visiting without a visiting order for Deirdre.

In the street, Steve and Amy are walking off in search of some peace and quiet. They are passed by two police cars and an unmarked car, which all pull up outside the factory.

Inside, an immigration officer tells Liam she's got a warrant to search the premises. "We have reason to believe some of your workers are in the UK illegally." Nearby, Janice mutters that she vaguely remembers a phone call. Joanne is horrified. In the office, Liam tries to get the immigration officer to tell him who gave them the tip-off. He's quite convinced it's a rival firm. He points out that they probably won't want to start with Janice, from Accrington, so they might as well interview the obvious candidates first -- the Poles. "Cause let's face it, none of them are legit, are they?" Immigration calls in Kasia first.

Outside, we see Wiki sneaking out a side door (No, I didn't know they had one, either), only to be turned around by a WPC stationed outside.

Work has come to a standstill as Wiki is hustled back in for her interview, protesting the whole time that she was just going home to get her passport, which has the correct stamp in it.

In the takeaway, dad Morton asks Jody if Kayleigh has been trying to get more money than usual. Jody is sure everything is fine and tells him Kayleigh's probably just had an argument with her mother. He should ring her mum if he's bothered, she says, but it seems he's not that bothered!

"Ciao!" Vernon calls after the departing pierced one, telling her that next time she can try with both sticks! Liz puts him straight. It's not "ciao" or even "au revoir", but "goodbye". She's putting her foot down now that Amy's living with them. The drum kit has to go. Vernon wants to know if it's just the kit that she wants rid of. She reassures him that he's still her rock star, but he doesn't look any more cheerful.

Back in the factory, Wiki signs some sort of form as the immigration officer calls for the "young lady in the gold jacket." It's Joanne. Janice is incensed. "'Ang on! You mean you're going to let Olga from the Volga waltz off without a word?" A furious Wiki shouts, "How many times? I am legal!"

In the office, the immigration officer explains to Joanne that they're checking the status of all the workers. She asks Joanne her name, nationality . . ."British" she says, and we know she's lying.

Kayleigh's dad goes to phone her mum, but she takes the phone off him, saying he knows they'll just end up shouting at each other. It's answered by a wee poppet with his face covered in chocolate. but Kayleigh skillfully holds a conversation as if she's talking to her mother. "You know that chocolate bunny in the back room . . ." says Finlay. "Yeah, he's here with me," says Kayleigh. "He thinks we've had a falling out." "It fell of the shelf," says Finlay. And so it goes on. Finlay says she hasn't left him any dinner and Kayleigh replies that her mother should tell Finlay that if he touches her Easter eggs he's dead. And she'll be back for dinner.

In the pub, Liz tells Steve that Vernon is "seeing a man about a van", which is shame, because Amy's drawn him a picture of his drum kit. "Ouch," says Liz. "Talk about rubbing salt in the wound." Peter and Adam are at a table, talking about the future. Adam points out that Peter is going back home, but he's stuck there. "This is my home." He says he can't just take off now.

In the factory office, Joanne's telling the immigration woman that she doesn't have a passport. She's always been afraid of flying. Carla and Paul come in, obviously discussing the police cars outside. "Well, it won't have been Agent Provocateur breaking in to rob your designs, will it?" Carla is saying. When they hear what's really going on, Carla assures the brothers that all her machinists are kosher.

Steve goes into the bar and asks Michelle if the naughty step existed when her Ryan was a lad. He's exhausted and Michelle asks if Amy's missing her mum. She says they're not used to spending this much time with each other. "You've never played 'bad cop' before," she points out. Now Steve has to be everything to Amy. He says he's realised that this is it for the next 15 years -- and that's if Tracy behaves herself, which he can't see happening. He suddenly realises Michelle's Ryan will be without his dad for a lot longer and apologises. But Michelle says it must be like somebody dying, all his plans and his freedom gone. "But, you're lucky. You've got a good family and you've got friends on hand to help. And, keep this to yourself, but single parents do have lives."

At the factory, Liam's dug out a whole lot of paperwork and Hayley has all Joanne's paperwork, tax code, national insurance number etc. The immigration woman still wants something to confirm Joanne's nationality. Joanne explains she lives with her aunt and has done since she was a kid. The woman wants to go round but Joanne says it'll panic her aunt. "What's the truth, Joanne?" the official demands.

Liz brings Amy back to the pub just as Steve tells Michelle he'll have to buy Amy her first bra. And there's no way she'll be able to have a sleepover because no-one will send their kids to stay in a household run by a single father. And imagine Amy going to her friend's for tea. "So, what do your mum and dad do? Well, me dad runs a pub and me mum runs the wing in the Styal women's prison." He mimics a little-girl voice. Michelle says Amy will have to learn to fight her own battles, but Steve says there's been enough fighting since the day she was conceived. "Not any more," Michelle points out. "That's the one thing you can give her -- a stable home."

"Look, Joanne. We need to see some documentation. Is there any reason you don't want us to?" Joanne tells the woman she doesn't have a passport because she came to the UK from Liberia when she was eight. Her auntie May flew out and brought her back. The immigration officer arrests her as a suspected illegal entrant to the UK. She gives Joanne the standard warning on arrest, as Joanne gasps, "Will they send me back?" She's got no family there and doesn't know anyone.

The Mortons take Kayleigh back to her mum's. Finlay opens the door and Kayleigh rushes inside.

As they bring Joanne through the main office, Kelly can't believe someone she went to school with is illegal. Janice is horrified. "She's more Manc than you are." Joanne says it's a bit late for Janice to start fighting in her corner. She glares at Janice as the car takes her away.

Steve is sitting with Amy, who wants the same old book, again. She asks when Mummy's coming back. It's time to tell her that mum's not in Balamory with Edie McCready. Steve says that Mummy won't be coming back until Amy is at school and is a big girl. "You see, your Mummy's done something wrong. She's been a bit naughty and she's not allowed home till she's put it right. That doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She still wants to see all your paintings, and she wants to hear about all your friends. And she's asked Daddy and Grandma Liz, and Grandad and Grandma Deirdre to look after you while she is away." Michelle comes in and apologises. "I wasn't listening." "No," says Steve. "I don't think she was, either."

The End.
Margaret Carr
(with thanks to the Kiwifruits shop in London for getting in a supply of proper NZ marshmallow Easter eggs!)

Deirdre is smoking indoors having not slept when Ken comes downstairs. He reassures her that all will be well once they have this first visit to Tracy out of the way. Deirdre reckons that Tracy blames her for the sentence - but Tracy has only one person to blame - herself. Ken believes Tracy will have changed her mind now that she has had time to reflect. Ken says she has nothing to upset herself - but as Deirdre says she is Tracy's mother and should have protected her. The atmosphere is so bad that Blanche has decided she will move out and stay with a friend - and if they want to phone her then let the phone ring - the friend is half deaf and Blanche herself is slow these days on her pins. She presents the unhappy couple with an anniversary card as it is two years since they remarried. Both of them have forgotten it, but it reminds them that they need each other more than ever.

The Croppers have not slept either as they are worrying about Joanne and the fate she is suffering. Roy believes she will be comfortable but Hayley is less certain. Hayley also has a good idea who was responsible.

Leanne is trying to make a joke about it to Janice but she fails to see the funny side pointing out that it is Liberia where Joanne will be sent. Kasia and Judy arrive at the factory and Leanne makes a joke about Eastern Europeans working ten days a week if they could - which is much the same in your "profession" too? responds Janice.

Bill has decided that he wants to buy Charlie's yard and tells Jason not to go looking for any new jobs. He pops into the Webster household to deliver Easter Eggs and Sophie is wailing away for her part in Bugsy Malone. Bill offers to replaster the ceiling but Kev feels they need complete soundproofing. Sal is unhappy and tells them both they should support Sophie in whatever she wants to do.

Along at the Barlows Deirdre retires to the yard, lights yet another cigarette and holding her head in hand bursts into tears once again.

Inside Blanche has gone and Peter needs to return to Portsmouth. Perhaps Adam should leave as well - he was always welcome to visit Portsmouth. Deirdre returns and she and Ken get ready to leave for the visit, taking Adam's and Peter's best wishes.

In the Rovers Bill has decided that buying the yard will need money and turns to Kev to invest. Kev is not sure where they would find the money and he does not want to think what Sally would say. Anyway after a few more drinks Kev is staring to think it would be a good idea when Sally and Audrey join them. Bill says he is sealing the deal and Sally wants to know what the deal is. Kev tries to get her to leave before all is revealed but Sal won't move, listens to the proposal; then tells Bill to go elsewhere, drags Kev off (presumably to give him a telling off on his own) and tells Bill they are well and truly skint (and one daughter at private school - that's rich).

Also in the Rovers Peter tells Adam that he wants him to do more than visit. Business is going well and he wants to open a chain of betting shops - Adam could come and help him develop the business - and it might well be more fun than living at No1 at the moment. And if it does not work out then nothing lost.

Ken and his wife arrive at the prison - the latter is reliving her own time inside and is clearly unsettled by the smells, the noises, even the laughter. Ken observes it is only for an hour - but as Deirdre says she will then walk away leaving her daughter behind. And talking of Tracy she arrives wearing a rather fetching red over top (not quite her usual fashion sense). Hello luv says her mum

In the Rovers the main subject of conversation is the immigration raid. Paul is not going to rest until he finds out who reported them. Elsewhere Sean, Leanne, Janice and Hayley are worrying about Joanne. Janice says she is up for a fight but Hayley reckons she has done enough damage. Leanne wants to know what she means and Hayley reveals that Janice was the one who reported the immigrants. She also tells Janice to own up to the Connors - or else they are all under suspicion.

Tracy says she has a new solicitor handling the appeal but wants to use the same barrister - he is very reliable, although expensive. It is important for her to get out of prison asap. Deirdre apologises again but Tracy says to forget it and to concentrate on paying for the barrister. Ken reasonably points out that she will get legal aid this time. But Tracy is having none of it - you will have to fork out again. At this point I think Ken finally snapped. Are you asking us for money? Ken says he has kept quiet for weeks but he has had enough, they have no more money, she has bled them dry and they have sacrificed everything because of Tracy's lies. Tracy does not give up easily and keeps asking for more money. But Ken will not be moved and even Deirdre knows that they cannot find what is being asked of them. So Tracy turns on her mother and blames her for being in prison. But Ken tells Tracy that there is only person Tracy can blame - herself. She killed Charlie and built an extensive web of lies and deceit and until Tracy comes to terms with what she has done they cannot help her (and about time too). Tracy ain't giving up yet and the determined cow plays what she thinks is the trump card - the appeal is for Amy so that she can have he mother back for the next 15 years. But Ken stands firm - Amy will be well looked after. Ken says that Tracy will get legal aid and that is the end of it. Anyway visiting time is over and Tracy is led back to her cell - telling them to give Amy a kiss. Dreary is in tears.

At the Websters Kevin takes his telling off from Sally like a man and they sit down to dinner. Anyway Sophie has a crush on the teacher responsible - Mr Stape and she also reveals that when Rosie did a Comedy of Errors Kev fell asleep (I have been to performances like that).

Along at the Rovers Bill is explaining the situation to R'Audrey. Needless to say she falls for it and offers to lend him the money and he was not to consider it as anything other than a commercial arrangement with a proper rate of interest.

Janice admits to the Connors what she has done and she is immediately sacked by Paul. However it is not a sackable offence and they will lose at an industrial tribunal points out Leanne. Carla confirms the point. Janice promises that from now on she will be on best behaviour and there will be no more aggro. Paul is very angry but has to accept the position. However he warns her that even a toenail out of line in the future and she will be history - she has used her get out of jail free card - understood? Janice nods miserably.

Tracy is back in her cell looking at a picture of Amy. The cellmate says she looks just like Tracy - will she be like her? Tracy suddenly realises what that means and says that she hopes not oh God I hope not. Tracy finally perhaps realises that she has to pay the price for her actions and we can all say "goodbye" to the departure of a character who has certainly had some wonderful storylines over recent years and for once we might accept that there really is nowhere else that the scriptwriters could take her.

Will she be back in 15 years time - or sooner? Who knows but Kate Ford should give thanks for such wonderful scripts and stories and she will find it hard to shake off the character of the evil Tracy Barlow.

K Richard

Sarah wants Jason to go to Greece with her (for Candice's wedding) and points out to him that it is 22 degrees there at the moment. However he does not want to tell Bill he wants time off, so her pointed comments are lost on everyone. Where on earth will Sarah and Jason find the money needed to go to Greece - they both have children to support and neither of them can earn very much!

One of the Morton kids - Kayleigh - is caught by Molly removing some toothpaste from Dev's shop. Dev and Molly initially threaten to prosecute (shop policy) but Dev decides to go and see old Jelly Roll and tell him about his daughter. Cilla was watching all this having been complaining about the prices and in the light of the shoplifting says that she blames the parents. A waiting Ken rolls his eyes theatrically at this.

Janice wants to repent for her evil ways in reporting the illegals in the factory and the others (Sean, Sally and Hayley) hope that it might make her think twice before doing something horrible in the future. Janice, if possible, looks even more miserable and wants to get Joanne back to where she should be - but that is not going to be easy.

All is sweetness and light in the Barlow household. Ken is threatening to take up cooking - the Weatherfield answer to the Galloping Gourmet (and who remembers him I wonder - Graham Kerr - the original series ended in 1971 - and he is still alive and working!!). Deirdre is smoking (indoors - but not for much longer) and she is a far from happy bunny.

Dev confronts Jelly Roll who gives Dev some Easter Eggs and gets him out of the shop. Jelly Roll then tells Mel he wants to see the errant Kayleigh now, if not sooner. Later Kayleigh arrives at the takeaway and gets a severe telling off for the theft. Jelly Roll wants to know if her mother is providing enough for her needs. Kayleigh just wants to get home before her mother goes mad. Jelly Roll insists on taking her in the car. When they arrive Kayleigh tries to stop him coming inside - but no luck. Inside the place is littered with empty home delivery pizza boxes and Finlay has been left on his own. The mother has gone on holiday. Jerry tells her and Finlay to pack - they are moving in with him and the rest of the family.

Chesney is caught reading a book in the cafe by Cilla; turns out the school are doing Bugsy Malone and the concept that Chesney might be interested in musicals means only one thing to Cilla - he must be gay and she starts asking him about his other interests. Chesney does not have the faintest idea what she is mithering on about but Cilla re-assures him that she is open minded and they are good at shopping and looking after their mums, before departing. Later Chesney confides in Sophie that he wants a part - but is not sure he has what it takes. Apparently Sally said that not everyone has the charisma to be a performer. Charisma asks Chesney - what's that? Sophie responds that if he has to ask that question it means you so haven't got it!

Eileen answers a knock at the door to find Emma in smart clothes standing there asking after Chloe, better known to you and me as Holly- the abandoned daughter. What clothes Emma is wearing (and to be honest there is not much of them) look smart. Holly starts crying disturbed by the noise. Anyway Emma has been reading about the death of Charlie Stubbs and the murdering Tracy and shows Eileen the paper with his picture. Eileen confirms the picture is of the late Charlie. Emma says it is also the person who said he was Jason Grimshaw during the night on which Holly was conceived. Eileen in exchange shows her a picture of Jason. It means nothing to Emma - to whom Charlie clearly lied. She definitely went with the man in the paper - Charlie, not Jason.

Eileen starts feeding the baby and Emma wants to help. Emma thought she had left the baby with its father - turns out that she is with people who are completely unrelated - total strangers. Eventually Eileen hands the baby over and Emma tells the baby that her mother is here again. Eileen insists that she will keep the baby - she loves the mite and nothing has changed. Emma responds that everything has changed as far as she is concerned.

Eileen and Emma start arguing. Eileen says that the baby was dumped on them without any form of check that Emma had the right people - what sort of mother does that? Emma says Eileen has no rights - but as the latter points out who has actually been looking after Holly for the last three months or so. Emma claims she almost came back the next day and has thought about the baby most days since. Emma asks if Eileen has ever made a mistake and our heroine admits that she did once - she dyed her hair black - it put years on her - certainly a mistake but not quite in the same league as dumping the baby with unrelated people. Emma shouts back that she is grateful but that she is the baby's mother and she is taking the baby back.

K Richard W

Jerry is back at home with Jodie and Darryl- he's telling them how he has found Kayleigh on her own, after her Mum left her to fend for herself and Finley. Darryl and Jodie don't look very surprised!

Eileen asks Emma if she would like a drink, You can see here that Eileen is trying to stall Emma into staying longer. Eileen opens a bottle of wine, she is struggling to do it as she is trying to pull the cork but keep hold of Holly at the same time- Emma asks if she can hold the baby- but Eileen doesn't let her. Eileen is trying to show Emma how well-looked after Holly is- but Emma is adamant she is taking Holly with her and won't leave without her.

Steve, Paul and Dev are on the golf course, Dev and Steve are laughing and joking in an attempt to put Paul off his shot- It works as Paul misses the hole.

Ken is sitting round the Barlows table- he is mulling over the last few days when Adam walks in- He asks where Deirdre is and Ken replies she's out with Liz "probably telling her all her troubles" Ken launches into a speech about how he thought of things "when I was your age" He says he doesn't have the same look on life now and feels he has been cold towards Deirdre throughout the trial. Adam asks; "Are you and Deirdre in trouble?" Ken smiles "No, I just wish I could make her feel better"

Emma is looking at a picture of Charlie Stubbs in a newspaper. Emma says that she will pay Eileen for the pram and things when her money comes- The penny drops for Eileen. If Emma gets Holly that means as Holly is Charlie's flesh and blood, they will get whatever money Charlie had. Eileen is furious, Emma back-tracks and says she would want Holly back even if there was no money involved- but its too late, Eileen is pushing Emma out onto the street. Once at the front door Eileen points out Charlie's house- Eileen insists that its fate how Holly turned up on her doorstop- and if she would have gone to Charlie he wouldn't have cared- he would have left her on the doorstop. "She would have been called frozen turkey" Eileen throws at Emma through gritted teeth. Emma shouts she will call the police- but Eileen throws back that she will be the one that phones the police; "for dumping your baby- that's a crime"

Sarah and Jason are in the Rovers sitting with Bill- Audrey has gone to get the drinks. Bill and Jason are teasing Sarah that Audrey is investing in Roy's Rolls instead of the builders yard. Sarah realises they are lying soon after the start.....Jason decides to phone his mum, let her know Bill is buying the yard. Eileen sounds subdued as she tells Jason to stay in the Rovers and have a good time, she will take care of Holly- Steve doesn't need her to work tonight.

Over on the golf course, Dev is looking very pleased with himself as he has just took the perfect shot, Steve's phone rings- Its Eileen telling him that she can't come into work as Holly is ill. Steve puts the phone down looking deflated, as now he will have to cover Eileen's shift and he was supposed to be having Amy that night as Liz had been babysitting all day. Paul is about to take a shot and says he thinks his luck is finally changing- but he looks rather daft when his hit sends the ball into the trees.

Mel, Darryl and Jerry are piling some of Kayleigh's mums electrical items into their house- they've took some of her stuff, as they know they'll not get any money from her for the kids food etc, when she gets back. Norris is watching all the action from across the road, as Ken and Adam come out of the house onto the street- Ken is telling Adam to think hard about Peters job offer.

In the Rovers Dev and Steve are jeering Paul about losing at golf- while they are getting the drinks in, Steve spots Jason and mentions Eileen has phoned to say she's not coming to work.

Back at his own house, Finley has a tent in his bedroom, Jerry has erected the tent in his back garden to make Finley feel at home- he takes him out a sandwich and tells him, no matter where the tent is on the outside, from the inside he can pretend he is anywhere in the world, this comment seems to settle a nervous looking Finley- who's obviously missing Mum.

The police are knocking on the Mortons door- Norris comes across to tell the police woman it was him that phoned them. When Jerry brought things home from his ex-wife's house he took a big box that had a picture of a washer on it, rather than take it in the house though, Jerry had left it outside in the front garden. Norris had seen a van come along and 'steal it' and phoned the police to report the theft. Jerry looks amused as he explains to the woman that he had actually put a broken freezer in it, ready to take to the tip- and that is what the thieves took! Norris looks on embarrassed.

Jason is in the Grimshaws house knelt down by Holly's Moses basket. He asks Eileen why she lied about not going to work- Eileen says she just wanted to spend time with Holly- Jason doesn't look too bothered by this but asks whether everything is ok- Eileen says she has had a "bad day" but when Jason asks her if there is anything to worry about, Eileen says "no"

Susan!

Hi everyone, here's the update for Wednesday 11th April.

We open in the Morton household. It's the morning after the twins' 18th birthday party. Jerry takes them outside to show them the car he's bought them, all covered in banners and balloons. Jodie reminds her dad that when it was her 18th birthday all she got was a Boots voucher. He tells her it's all he could afford then. The twins can't take it for a spin as Jerry hasn't sorted out the insurance yet.

The social worker has arrived to see Eileen and Holly. She knows that Eileen threw Emma out the day before, but assures her that she's not there to take Holly away, she just wants to talk. Eileen tells her that Charlie Stubbs was Jason's boss. "Could Holly be his?" she asks. "Course not," says Eileen, "you don't actually believe her do you?" The social worker points out that whoever Holly's father is, Emma is still her mother, and she's saying she wants her back. Eileen tells her that Emma is only after Charlie's home and business. "Holly is her lottery ticket," she tells her.

Joanne appears in the factory, to a warm welcome from the workers. Liam asks her if it's all sorted. She admits that it isn't yet, it's still being looked into, but they reckon she's got a good case. Janice stands a few yards away, looking uncomfortable. Hayley asks if there's anything they can do, and Joanne tells them all that it would help her case if she could have some letters of support. They all promise to provide these, and Liam tells her she'll get a glowing reference from him.

Eileen has shown the social worker the newspaper showing Charlie's photo. The social worker says it still doesn't prove that Emma isn't genuine, but Eileen feels it does, it's something of a coincidence. Emma never rang once to see if Holly was all right, but now the money has come out she's suddenly become all maternal. The social worker says she'll speak to her supervisor about it, but for now will recommend that Holly stays with Eileen until a decision is made. "Let's hope it's the right one," mutters Eileen. As she's leaving, the social worker turns to Eileen and reminds her that Emma is still Holly's mum. "Try not to get too attached," she says. "Bit late for that," says Eileen, quietly.

Back at the factory, Liam hands Joanne her wages, telling her he's put a bit extra in, and promising that her job will still be there for her when things are sorted. As she's leaving, Janice calls out to her that she's sorry, and she never meant for any of it to happen. "Not to you anyway," mutters Wiki. Joanne tells her it doesn't matter now, what's done is done, and she goes off to see her solicitor.

Eileen goes into the bar and tells an astounded Violet (who we haven't seen for ages) that Emma is asking for Holly back, claiming that it's Charlie, not Jason who is her father. Vernon is standing at the bar, and starts drumming with his fingers. An irritated Betty tells him not to start that again. Vernon explains that his hands have a life of their own, they're reaching out for drumsticks. Liz comes along and tells him she's not giving them back. He protests that drumming is in his blood. "So find yourself another band then," says Liz and persuades him to go and see one of his old contacts, someone called Manny.

Eileen tells Violet she's going to see a solicitor. Violet is aghast to learn that Eileen hasn't told Jason yet. "It might come to nothing," says Eileen, and tells Violet that Emma is lying. She tells Violet that Jason has worn himself into the ground trying to look after Holly. "So have you," says Violet. "This isn't about me," says Eileen. "Isn't it?" ask Violet.

Vernon comes back to the pub, and tells Liz that he's been networking – hanging out with mates over a drink. "Did these mates know of anything at all?" asks Liz. Vernon confesses that they didn't. "But they said they'd put feelers out," he says.

Claire and Gail are watching anxiously as crate loads of beer is taken into Jerry's house. As Gail mutters that it looks like they're in for a quiet night, and Claire wonders how many are coming, Jerry calls over and invites them. Claire replies that a few years ago they would have, but now they have kids…. Jerry says that she can bring them, he loves kids, that's why he has five. "Five?" Gail says, puzzled, "I thought last week you told me you had four?" Jerry smiles and tells her they've had another one since then.

Jason arrives home, and Eileen prepares herself to tell him about Holly, but before she can say anything he asks if she'll babysit that evening so that he can go to the party. Then he goes off upstairs for a shower.

Across the Street, the party is underway and the Websters and Peacocks arrive. Sally has brought a bottle of wine but Jerry is less than impressed and says they can help themselves to anything they like except his money.

David tries his best to chat up Mel, but only succeeds in looking really sleazy. "Nice motor you've got there," he says, "you'll have to take me for a spin in it sometime." Mel glances at her brother and makes a getaway.

Vernon comes back, having spent the afternoon ‘networking' with some mates, (in other words, drinking!) He says he'll go tomorrow to see the guy she wanted him to see.

Gail, Sally and Claire are discussing Jerry's comment that he now has five children instead of four. Claire wonders where they all sleep. (Shouldn't be a problem, most Coronation St. houses seem to take on all the qualities of the Tardis and seem able to house the largest of families!) Sally decides to go for a snoop round, on the pretext of going to the loo. She's soon back, followed by Kayleigh and Finlay who's half asleep. When Sally says she was looking for the bathroom, Kayleigh says she was just having a good nose. Sally looks at Finlay and asks Kayleigh who her little friend is. "His name is Finlay, and he's not my friend he's my brother!" snaps Kayleigh, to everyone's amazement.

Jason is all set to go to the party and meet Sarah, but Eileen tells him to wait a bit and to settle Holly down. Jason however, doesn't want to wait and is heading for the door when Eileen cries out, "All right, what's more important to you? Your own daughter or some flaming party?" He stops in his tracks, then says he'll phone Sarah and tell her he may be a few more hours.

Gail and Sally are getting more and more tipsy with every passing moment. Gail then tells David she hopes he's behaving himself. He looks at her and Sally and says, "Yeah, well, at least I'm not drunk like you two!" He wanders over to Mel who asks if he's seen her friend Ange. He tells her he saw her with Darryl, and she looks over and sees them kissing. "Not a bad way to pass the time, is it?" says David, hopefully. Mel moves away, rapidly, as David turns to Sarah, who's laughing. "Just shut up!" he says.

Jerry tells his eldest, Jodie, that he doesn't know what he would have done without her, she stayed in and looked after the twins when she could have been out enjoying herself. He suggests that now they are grown up she could put herself first and start to live a little. Just then Finlay appears at the top of the stairs. Jodie smiles, "You were saying?" she says.

Darryl tells Liz McDonald that he thinks her fella is cool. She goes straight over to Vernon and tells him. "What do you think?" he asks her. "I think you're pretty cool too," she replies.

Gail, Sally and Claire are by now extremely drunk. Loudly they talk about the new neighbours, and Sally sniffs that they don't appreciate a good Chardonnay. They then roar with laughter, and take another drink from their glasses. Just then the fence panel they're leaning on collapses! David is disgusted, as Jerry helps them to their feet.

Liz tells Vernon that she wasn't having a go at him, it's just that she hates to see his talent wasted. She tells him he's got to grab at every opportunity. "I will babe!" he says, "you are my rock!" She replies, "And you are my roll!"

Back in the Grimshaw house, Jason is rocking Holly off to sleep. Eileen asks him if Charlie ever used a false name when they went out together. He says that Charlie did, it make it harder for the girls to track him down. She asks if Charlie ever used Jason's name, but Jason says he doesn't know, Charlie was hardly likely to tell him if he did. Jason asks why she's asking, and she tells him about Emma coming and saying that Holly's father was Charlie. "She's not mine?" Jason explodes, "I knew it, I knew it all along but you wouldn't listen would you?" Eileen tries to bluster that they don't know if Emma is telling the truth, but Jason storms out, leaving Eileen close to tears.

Annie Logan

We open in the Grimshaws' front room. Eileen comes down in the morning to find Jason there with Holly on his knee. They've been up for ages. Eileen still thinks that Emma only wants the baby so she can claim some of Charlie's money, but Jason seems doubtful. "Nothing's changed," Eileen says. "She's still our baby." But Jason, with Holly sitting about as far away from a cuddle as she can and still be on his knee, is staring at the baby quite dispassionately, as if trying to find some trace of Charlie in her.

Over at the Mortons', it's The Day After The Party, with all that that means – bodies and stains all over the carpet! Mel, however, has been out for a run (coming storyline: How the real Mel was swapped with an alien child 18 years ago!), claiming it's the best way to detox, along with plenty of water. Her brother just groans at the thought of going for a run. Their dad's hangover cure, however, sounds even worse – a raw egg, milk, salt, pepper and vinegar. Darryl won't go near it. "I've just spent half the night trying not to be sick!"

Back at the Grimshaws', Jason tells Violet that if Emma wants Holly back then it's only a matter of time before she gets her. Eileen protests loudly that they have no proof the baby is Charlie's and she's still going to apply to be Holly's guardian. An annoyed Jason grabs his jacket and heads off to work.

Very strange things are happening at the Rovers. I think Vernon has been replaced by an alien, too. He's not only up early, but up early enough to make Liz breakfast. And when Steve queries this, Vernon bustles about, starting to cook Steve's breakfast as well! Aaarrgghh!! Steve thinks Vernon must be after something, but Vernon claims he's just turned over a new leaf. He now has a woman who believes in him and so he believes in himself. "From now on, things are going to be very different." He goes off on some mysterious errand, which Liz is quite sure means he's actually going down to the job centre.

Gail, for some reason, has a headache. She's got no idea why. After all, she just had one or two glasses of wine to be neighbourly. David looks very smug as Gail discovers the state of the garden. And the fence is down! She's horrified. "I'll be getting an Asbo on that lot before long!" (Asbo: Anti-social behaviour order) David chuckles evilly. "Yeah, go for it, Mam."

Bill arrives at work with the good news that the offer he and Audrey made on the yard has gone through. Jason doesn't seem very cheerful and Bill thinks it's because he's been worried about the yard and how to earn money for Holly's keep. Bill goes off singing without really noticing that Jason is no more cheerful.

Later, Jason pours it all out to Sarah. He says Emma turned up at the house and Sarah seems to take that quite matter-of-factly. Jason explains that Emma saw Charlie's picture in the paper and recognised it as the man who called himself "Jason Grimshaw".

David is out in the street, peering into Mel and Darryl's new car. Darryl arrives, inviting him to sit inside. David says, in the way of teenage petrolheads everywhere, that he can't understand why "old blokes" in cars that could do 150mph and which have good sound systems, don't. "What's he doing? Twenty miles an hour and listening to the news!" David sees Betty coming, calling her "that old bat from the Rovers". He tells Darryl to rev it up again and Darryl does. Betty's more angry than startled! "Can't you go and do that somewhere else?" she shouts. "With pleasure, sweetheart!" says Darryl and with a screech they're off down the street.

In the cafe, Sarah and Jason are still talking about Holly and Emma. Sarah assumes Emma will come to get the baby. Jason says Eileen wants to hang on to Holly and is convinced Emma is just after some money. "Never mind her. What do you want?" Sarah asks. Jason almost seems embarrassed to admit that he's got used to having Holly around. "I even started to feel different, and now I'm told she's not mine," he says. Sarah says she'll support him whatever he decides. "You'd want me to keep her?" he asks. "Even if she's not mine?" Sarah tells him patiently: "That's not my decision, Jason. Or your mum's. It's yours." Jason looks as if this is a new concept to him.

Derek arrives in the Rovers. Liz isn't expecting a delivery and comes over all girly. She tells him Vernon's out and she'll give Steve a shout. He says he'll go and make a start unloading. Is that a euphemism? I have no idea. But Michelle noticed the difference in Liz when Derek came in and she tells Betty. "You must have noticed," she says. Betty isn't at all excited by this bit of gossip. "There are some things it's best not to notice," she says. "How do you think I've kept my job these 38 years?"

Violet watches Eileen kiss and coo over Holly. Violet says it's a shame Jason doesn't feel the same as Eileen does about Holly. "Who's to say he doesn't?" asks Eileen. And, after Jason admitting to Sarah that he'd started to feel something for Holly, this sounds possible.

Derek has finished the delivery and Liz offers him a half pint. He says he'd better not. "Are you sure I can't tempt you?" she asks. "Oh, you could temp me all right," he says. He reminds Liz that he once asked her out for a drink. "That offer still stands." She says she'll let him know and he asks her not to keep him hanging on for too long. He winks.

Gail arrives home, still with her hangover, to find the Mortons' music blaring and the sound of drilling coming from out the back. It's the last straw at the end of a long day and she storms outside to confront them, David, still smirking, following. "Do you have to do that?" she demands. Jerry, always pleasant, smiles at her. "Yes, sorry. It goes right through you, doesn't it?" See. A soft answer turns away wrath. How can Gail stay angry when he's being nice to her? She stammers that it's very good of him to fix the fence. "Your fence," says his father, pointedly. Gail asks what he means. "It's your fence. Check the deeds. This one is yours and that," he says, pointing at the fence between the Mortons' and the Peacocks' gardens, "is ours." There's a note of antagonism in his voice and Jerry quickly asks what a fence is between friends. "We both have to look at it." Gail agrees, but then Grandad Morton points out that she's got a cheek considering it was she who broke it. Gail almost chokes. "I beg your pardon!" "See," says Grandad. "She doesn't even remember." David watches his mother gleefully as Grandad tells her she fell through it when drunk. "We've all done things we can't remember," says Jerry, trying to smooth things over. It doesn't help. Gail looks around for a hole to hide in, or maybe a magic lamp to make her vanish on the spot.

Over in the Rovers, Bill tells Kevin about the offer on the yard being accepted. "It won't be Webster and Son, though." Kevin tells him it was a nice idea while it lasted. Jason's in the pub now, telling Sean he's having second thoughts about keeping Holly. He says Sarah will support him whatever he wants. Sean reminds him that he'll be taking on a second child, with Sarah having Bethany, without having had any of his own. Jason still hasn't worked out what he wants to do. He wonders if he loves Holly. Sean says he has to love her enough to be willing to fight Emma for custody. Jason says again that Eileen wants to keep Holly. But Sean, like Sarah, tells him it's not Eileen's decision. It's his.

Vernon is back from his mysterious errand and still seems very upbeat. He hustles Liz through to the back. "I take it you've got some news I'm longing to hear," Liz tells him. Vernon is worried that she's sussed him. She says they've been together long enough for her to be able to read him. Vernon, thinking she knows what's coming, fumbles in his back pocket and brings out a jeweler's box, opening it up to reveal a diamond ring. A very small diamond ring, but still a ring. "Will you marry me?" he asks. He admits it's not enormous, but it's all her can afford until he gets a decent job. "You said you wanted more commitment from me," he says. That's true. She did. He goes down on one knee and starts to sing to her. "Darling you can count on me, till the sun dries up the sea. Until then I'll always be devoted to you." He pauses. "James Taylor, Carly Simon." Well, they might have done it, but in my head it's the Everly Brothers ( http://namsain.com.ne.kr/flash6/DevotedToYou.swf ), though Linda Ronstadt also did a version. Anyway, it's easy to see why Vernon was the band's drummer and not the vocalist. Something in Liz's face must give her away. "You do still love me, don't you?" Vernon asks. She says she does. "Then make me the happiest man in the world and you will not regret it," he urges her. "Oh, all right then!" says Liz. Vernon is on his feet and embracing her, but we can see from Liz's face that "oh, all right then" sums up how she feels – not exactly enthusiastic!

Jason goes home to find Eileen folding baby clothes. She starts to chat about Bill and Audrey buying the yard, but Jason's not in the mood for chat. "Mam, you best sit down," he tells her.

Whether Liz likes it or not, she's now officially engaged to Vernon. He's announced it to everyone in the pub. "Show us the ring," calls Leanne. Liz does, and Leanne's "Oh, lovely," has the same tone as "oh, all right then"! Vernon even announces that it's champagne on the house, as Liz catches Steve's eye, almost saying "sorry". Vernon will be sorry soon. He says to Steve: "Don't worry, I won't be asking you to call me Dad!" Steve turns away.

At the Grimshaws', Jason tells his mother than he has no right to Holly. That doesn't mean he doesn't like her, but it's the truth. Eileen angrily says they've got as much right to Holly as Emma has. Jason, with remarkable intelligence for one who tends not to have that reputation, tells her that with DNA tests, Holly can easily prove that she's the mother and Jason's not the father. Eileen is still convinced that Emma's a gold-digger. Jason obviously wanted to have a calm, reasoned conversation, but that's not happening. "Think about it," he tells Eileen, anger in his voice now. "Holly is the result of a drunken fumble between Charlie and some woman I don't know. I'm not going to give 20 years of my life because of that. And if you want to fight for her, that's fine. But you'll be doing it on your own!" He storms out of the room, leaving Eileen looking thoughtful.

The End
Margaret Carr

We start chez Platt / Tilsley / Hillman where Gail is apparently stunned to find out that Holly or as she should perhaps be known Chloe is not Jason's child, merely the child of an individual calling himself Jason for the evening concerned - one C. Stubbs Esq, very late of this parish. And surprise, surprise Eileen wants to keep the baby - although Jason (Charlie's only mate you may recall) has no interest in the baby any longer. David (demon child and clearly with a new hairdresser thank goodness) finds it all very amusing - Charlie has left a sprog behind? And he would have to give out a false name seeing as how he was the devil incarnate!

In the Street Eileen has taken Holly/Chloe for a walk as Violet tells her to give Jason some time and space {odd I know that Todd has been seen with Dr Who but I did not realise Jason had crossed over to the other side} - but Eileen is less understanding - she has had two shocks, one over the baby and the other over Jason.

Along at the Rovers Vernon seems to be getting a grip on life and his future and tells Liz that he has booked a meal out for them to celebrate their engagement. Liz replies that she is going to the cinema with Deirdre (now come on Liz - either a night in the dark with Dreary crying her eyes out or a nice slap up meal with deadbeat Vernon - ah I think I can see which way this one is going). She asks the time - 7:30 says Vernon and Liz has the solution (nuts got that wrong) - the film is at five and she can make it. Vernon promises to have the champagne on ice. Liz disappears and Steve is grabbed by Vernon who wants to make a good impression on Liz and asks Steve for a hundred quid to pay for the evening. Steve hands it over reluctantly.

Maria wants to know when Peter will be visiting the Street again - this last break has been three years and she rather hopes it will be much sooner than that (by the way are we taking bets on Maria being pregnant after this visit?). He assures her he will be back sooner. Adam arrives and offers to buy a drink - which Maria declines and departs and Peter is mucho mucho relieved.

Underworld is now officially a sweat shop the like of which we have not seen for many years. The "Carla" workforce (and Paul is trying to keep the businesses separate) have to work long hours to get the current kids dungaree order finished and delivered. Vicky on behalf of the Polish team ask for a proper break - but they will come back at 9 that evening to work until it is all finished.

Does anyone want to know that Sophie and Chesney are rehearsing (no not that - oohh you readers are awful!!!) for Bugsy Malone? No nor do I - we will skip that story for the moment. I suppose that they are better than most!

And so Jason gets another shock when he finds a strange girl on the doorstep. We already know Emma as the baby's mother and she has been talking to people, all of whom says she has rights to the poor wee bairn. Jason answers by saying that they did not want the baby when she dumped it on them and as far as he is concerned she can have him - but the baby is not there. Emma tries to push her way in and David observes from across the Street, calling Gail out to watch the entertainment, which improves when Eileen and Violet and baby return. However Eileen is probably in a heavier class than Emma who gets pushed to one side as Eileen goes indoors. They trade comments and then Eileen shoves Emma who ends up lying in the Street and she is told to "Get Lost" (although why she has to go and get that particular Sky One programme is not clear to me). Emma bangs on the front door demanding to be given the baby but it gets her nowhere. Once indoors Jason points out that Eileen cannot keep the baby forever - and as Emma seems to have gone Jason regrets that he is unable to tell her that he is on her side in this.

Vernon is at the bar of the Rovers celebrating his good fortune with various other regulars and consuming quite a bit of alcohol. He seems quite merry. Steve suggests he stops drinking and Lloyd suggests that Vernon should get his son-in-law-to-be under control by giving him a smack across his knee. A little later Steve reminds Vernon he is supposed to be at the restaurant in 30 minutes - which restaurant asks Vernon who stands and then sways unsteadily through the bar to the back room. Michelle tells him to tidy himself - he looks drunk, but as Steve says he not looks drunk - he is.

Peter and Ken are having a chat in the Rovers - Peter has to put the events behind him - Ken will look after Deirdre but there is little chance of it being let behind at No1. Maria also returns and chides Peter for being in the pub so long - but he has been home and back again. Maria wants to know when she will see Peter again - but he does not want to discuss it and suggests they have a chat in the morning before he goes.

The phone goes in the Rovers and Steve answers it. It is Liz asking when Vernon left. Steve thought he let about 30 minutes earlier - but checking the back room proves otherwise - Vernon is lying on the sofa fast asleep. Steve is at a loss for words and asks Michelle what he should do - she answers by saying he should tell the truth for once and to his credit he tells Liz that Vernon is asleep, in newt like deep sleep. Liz sighs resignedly. Then she has a thought and rings another number - obviously she has decided to ask Dreary to join her, although we only hear one side of the conversation.

Violet wants to know what Eileen is going to do about work the following day. Eileen knows she cannot go in - turning down the offer of assistance she says she has to guard Holly and she does not expect Violet and Sean to fight off a demented mother, she will do it for as long as is necessary.

Derek has arrived at the restaurant - so it was not Deirdre after all. He is married and has told his wife that he has gone to meet a mate to play snooker at a club. Luckily the said mate is away on holiday. And Vernon - asleep, blind drunk on the sofa. Neither seems to care that they are cheating on their partners. Derek and his wife are content in their marriage - but you can still want something else. Liz can be content engaged to a drunk but still want something else. She assures Derek that tomorrow she will lie to Vernon and say she ate a meal on her own - she can lie with the best of them.

At 9pm the Poles return to work and Carla says she will be staying all night to ensure all runs smoothly. Paul starts to wind her up but then admits he is going home to watch telly. They have been together long enough that any other answer would be a waste of breath.

At the Rovers Steve looks at the sleeping form of Vernon and tells Michelle that if he calls him son one more time he will smack him one. Michelle demurs and says that will not happen to which Steve agrees - although he will threaten it.

Back at the restaurant Liz and Derek seem to be getting on very well. He walks her back to the Rovers and they stop outside where Liz giggles and reckons they are like sixteen year olds. Then they pause, and look into each other's eyes and then yuck they start snogging - I mean wrinklies snogging and well really. Oh hang on Liz is not 50 until later this year, which means she is younger than me - well at least I don't do it in public with a woman who is not my wife, oddly I don't do it in private wither with a woman who is not my wife, well not if I want to retain all my bodily parts and retain my life.

See you all soon.

K Richard W

This episode of coronation street is
Written by Chris Fewtrell
Directed by Stuart Davids
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys

The opening scene ended a bit different with the street being in the dark and a milk float driving long.

Out in the street the milkman gets out of the float and grabs some milk from the float.

At the Factory everyone is round Kasha's machine as she is sorting one of the dungarees. She tells them she thinks that sorted and everyone cheers. Carla takes the dungaree and says they have finished and even with a few hours to spare. Everyone gets their coats and goes. Vickie and Kasha are about to go but Carla asks if they will help her load the stuff into the van. The don't seem to keen but she says she has a bottle of bubble with there name on it and they can have a champing breakfast. Kasha nodes and says ok. Carla is delighted and says this order is going to be the making of them.

Grimshaw's; Eileen is playing with Holly. Jason comes in and Eileen is shocked to see him up and asks why he is up. She tells him Holly has been up six times last night and by five thirty she just had to get up. Eileen says she appreciates him getting up early. Jason who is putting on his shoes says he is only up early to take Sarah to the airport. He then goes out the door. Eileen looks fed up as she looks back at Holly.

In the Rovers back room Steve is asleep on the sofa. Amy is wake watching the tv. Some one comes down the stairs and opens the door. It's Liz who says hi to Amy. She hits Steve on the leg and asks what he is doing. Steve wakes up and asks what is going on. Liz asks if he is trying to hothouse Amy. He says no and says she was watching penguin and the tape must have stopped. Liz says watching that people with breads and talking gogglie do will scare any one. Steve says its all Vernon's fault staggering up the stairs at half four in the morning waking Amy up and was not ever sorry. Liz tells Steve he will be.

Outside the back of the Rovers Derek is knocking on the door. Liz is shocked when she opens it to see him. He says he has to come and see her before he started his shift. She asks if he is ok. He says he is and had to come. He says he had a good time last night and didn't want her to think he was taking advantage. Liz says he has a good time as well and they will have to do it again. He says yeah. She tells him to go before Steve sees him and tells him she will give him a buzz. She closed the door.

Over at the Factory Carla tells them they are almost there. Kasha is up the stairs and picks up three boxes. She can't see over them. She comes to the stairs. Vickie is looking at her. Kasha just as she is at the edge of the first step falls down the stairs. Vickie watches as she does and shouts Kasha. Kasha with the boxes falls to the bottom. Vickie goes over to her and shouts Kasha then some thing in polish. Carla pulls Vickie back at bit and says she will call am ambulance and for her to keep taking to Kasha. Vickie talks to her in polish. Then shouts to Carla she is not breathing. Carla has come back with her mobile and dials a number.

At the flat where Paul stays he is in bed. His mobile starts ringing. He comes out the bedroom and picks it up. On the phone he says slow down. Paul tells Carla who is on the phone when this happened. He then asks if she has phoned any one else. He tells her not to and lock the door. He then tells her not to argue and hold tight till he gets there. Paul hangs up the phone.

Back at the Factory Vickie is sobbing over Kasha's body. Vickie says to Carla who is coming back over that's its too late. She gets up and goes to Carla and hugs her. Vickie cry's in her arms, as Carla says nothing and looks over at Kasha.

Over at the Grimshaw's Jason is just about to go out the door when Eileen asks him if he will just look after Holly for ten minutes when she was a wash. Jason says he is in a hurry and has to get over the road. Eileen asks what time the flight is. He says at ten and she tells him that's ages away. Jason says you know what the air ports are like and you have to book in early. He says sorry and she asks if he is. Eileen tells him ignoring Holly will not change anything. Jason says him looking after Holly will not make Holly his or hers and says she does not belong here and she must know that deep down. Eileen says she thought he was in a hurry and is need over the road. Jason sorta shacks his head and goes out the door.

Outside ,Jason just comes out his door. As he goes to cross the road a car horn beeps and is nearly run down by Paul who is speeding in his car to get to the factory. He pulls up. Jason knocks on the Platt's door and waits. Paul gets out his car and runs up to the factory. He opens the door and goes in.

At the Factory, Paul comes in. Carla comes up to him and says thanks god you are here. Paul says its ok and hugs her. He asks were she is. Carla says over there. Paul asks how it happened again. Carla tells him it was an accident, she was up the top with boxes, lost her footing and fell. Carla says she can't believe this has happed. Paul asks where Vickie is. She says she is in the toilet, as she felt queasy. Carla tells him she keeps going on about am ambulance and says they can phone it in now as he is here to handle things. Paul says no. Carla asks why and is told it won't just be an ambulance, it will be police. He says they will have to think how they are going to play this. Carla looks and says it was an accident. He tells her she just done two shifts on the trot. Carla says and that's why she fell. She then says she was worse out before she was tired and has no proper insurance for her family. Carla then says they are going to throw the book at her.

At Liam and Jamie's place, both of them are sneaking down the stairs. Jamie says he should of left him sleeping as he was having a good dream about him and girls aloud. Liam tells him to be quiet. Jamie says he was the drive of the tour bus. Just then there is a noise. Liam asks if he heard that. Jamie says no. Jamie then says one of the girls just asked him to pull over into the lay by. Liam asks if he heard that. Jamie says he thinks so. Liam picks up a whiskey bottle. Jamie asks if they should not phone the police. Liam says, if the guy is still trying to break in by the afternoon they might just get him. Liam says ready. Jamie says ready and they both are about to go out the back door.

In the back garden Outside, Jack is feeding his pigeons. Liam comes running out screaming about to hit him over the head. Jack also gets a fright. Jamie shouts Jack and asks what he is doing here at seven in the morning. He says he is feeding his pigeons and asks what it looks like. They ask why now and he says someone in a car pasted the house and woke Vera and she gets ideas in her head. He used to ignore her but cant now. Liam says he could have bashed his head in. Jack says not a bad way to go drink and pigeons. He says he could do with some of that in a glass to calm his nerves. Jamie says he will get breakfast on. All three of them go inside the house.

At the Factory, Vickie has come back from being in the toilets. She says it's been over half and hour and the ambulance should be here by now. Paul tells her its ok and it's all in hand. He tells her she looks tired and says there is a cab outside waiting for her. She says they might need her and to talk to her about what happened. He says it does not take three of them and Carla can tell them everything they need to know. Vickie says if he is sure and Paul gives her money for the fair and that she is best not to tell any one about this not until Kasha's family has been told. After she goes Carla says it does not make any difference they are still stuffed. Paul tells her it could have happened to any one ever the day shift. Carla says it didn't thou. Paul thinking says Kasha was on his payroll and they can phone just after eight and say she died on the day shift. He says a few hours that will make all the different to them but won't matter to Kasha. Carla looks at Kasha and says she is not sure.

In the Rover's Backroom, Vernon comes in and says he feels terrible. Steve says that unusual after eight drinks. He says no terrible about last night. He says he got wasted and is so sorry. He says he was happy and really was looking forward to the meal. He says people offered him drinks for the engagement. Steve says that's a good way to get free drinks. Vernon says it was not about the free drinks and thought it was rude to say no. Liz says but it was ok to leave her in a pub with everyone looking at her on her own. He says he messed up and Liz does not need to tell him. She says she does. Liz tells him he if every embarrass her again he will regret it.

Liam's and Jamie's place; Jack is having a full English breakfast. He says this is nice and that Vera's is always like charcoal. He says he will have to come and see his pigeons more often. Liam says when he got his place it had curtains, wallpaper and didn't say nothing about pigeons. He says he wants them out. Jack says that's all he got. Jamie says he still have Vera. Liam says his granddad had pigeons. Jack says he bets he misses them. Liam says he does. Jamie says he could pay rent. Jack says he is only a pensioner. Jamie says nothing over the top and says a few pints. Jack agrees and Liam says ok and says he better go to the factory. After he is gone Jack looks at his place that not finished. Jamie says he can have it.

Back at the Factory again, Carla is walking back and forth. She asks if they can't cover her up. Paul says they are best to leave her as she is. He tells her to go have a sleep in the office. She says she can't. Carla says they can't just leave her there. Liam comes in but Carla and Paul don't notice. Paul says they can. Carla says and lying to the police. She says its all her fault as she worked twenty hours and she will be to blame when they are found out. He says it will be him as there is nothing he won't do for her. Liam finally says something and says what the hell happened here.

Over at the Grimshaw's again, Eileen is telling Violet she saw in Jason's eyes that he still loves Holly even though he is making out they should give her back. Violet says, maybe they should. Eileen asks if she is saying she is selfish. Eileen says she is not as there is nothing selfish about getting up six times a night and looking after her. Violet says she never said that and knows she is doing what is best for Holly. Eileen says she knows what she is doing is right.

At the Factory, Liam asks why they have not called am ambulance. Carla says she is dead. Liam asks when she qualified as a doctor. Carla says it was obvious. Liam then asks what they say about not calling it in. Paul says that's easy, she has not fallen down the stairs yet and it happens just after eight. Liam can't believe they are going to lie and says it's not like fiddling about with his expenses and someone has died. Carla says it won't be the first time. Liam says the woman is not even cold and she is using what happed to his brother in law as black mail. Paul says for him to leave her alone as she has had enough upset for one day. Liam says he is putting his head in a noose just for her. Paul tells him he is involved and says he can't pretend he didn't know about the night shift. Paul says he has about ten minutes to get his head round about it and then he is going to clock Kasha in.

Rover's; Vernon is cleaning the thing that pulls the pints. Liz comes through and says, if he scrubs any herder he will take the varnish off. Vernon says he does not know what else to do. He says sorry seams to be the hardest word but in his opinion it is rhythm. He tells her he broke lots of drums trying to get rhythm rascals on it. He tells her there is no other person he wants to call him last name but her and his mum. Liz smiles and tells him to come on as there is a bitter in the back for him.

Webster's; Sophie says she really wants this part in the school play. Sally says she will get it. Kevin says she can try for other parts. Sophie does not want another part and ask Sally to tell Kevin. Sally says her heart is set on it. Sally then says she needs something that is going to help her and stand out from everyone else so she gets the part. She says the girl wore a shall and says there is material at the factory that would go perfect. Sally says she will go now and ask as she has seen Mr. Connor's car. Sally goes out the door.

Factory; Liam is standing at the clocking in machine. Paul gives him a nod just as the clock hits eight. Liam clocks her in. Carla is still shocked and looking worried. Paul says they should wait ten minutes to make it look better. Liam goes over to Carla and says he is not doing this for her. Carla says if there was another way. Liam tells her there was and for her to hold her hands up and take her punishment. Carla says she will get what's coming to her and says she keeps seeing it happening and has a sickening feeling and nothing can make it wore, and he should know. Paul says he will do all the talking and if asked Carla is here early as they have a big order and Kasha came in early to help, she tripped and fell. Liam being sarcastic says couldn't be better. Just then they hear the door open and Paul says to Liam, you didn't lock it. Sally comes in asking if she can take come material but stops as she sees Kasha on the floor.

Will the ambulance believe Kasha died on a day shift? What will Sally do or say? Find out in the next episode.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Sally is stood looking over the dead body of Kashia, Paul is trying to explain what happened...."Is she dead?" Sally queries, "Er...Yeah" Paul answers and leads her out of the factory. She asks whether she should tell everyone and Paul says that would be a good idea. Sally's gone and Paul re-enters the factory looking annoyed at Liam for leaving the door unlocked. Carla suggests she should move the dungarees away from the body. Liam isn't happy at the suggestion though as he thinks they've done enough damage without tampering with the body. Paul can see things are getting heated and tries to keep everything calm "Lets just keep our heads" He walks away leaving a nervous looking Liam and Carla.

The ambulance is speeding across the cobbles- siren blaring. Into the Morton house and the siren has got Kayleigh and Finley running to the window and Darryl up out of his pit (The sofa which has doubled up as his bed) Jodie joins the spectators at the window while Jerry and Mel watches on. Darryl complains he didn't want to get up this early but the siren has woke him- He was on late at the kebab shop but Jerry has no sympathy and tells him he has to take Finley to school and then do some shopping. "I'll write you a list" Jerry helpingly offers and goes to grab a notebook out of Mel's College bag. "Er...No Dad use this one" Mel, for some reason, doesn't want her dad to use that particular notebook and passes him another. Jodie looks on obviously concerned about what's in this other book and why Mel is guarding it.

David is observing the scenes at the factory when Gail joins him in the garden- He won't go to school as he doesn't want to miss the great excitement over at the factory! Gail doesn't put too much of an argument up as David sends her to get the fold-up chairs out of the garage so they can watch the scenes in leisure.

Paul is speaking to the police- they seem to accept his explanation of events as they ask him to send Carla in next. Paul asks them to go easy on her; "She's taken it quite hard" he tells the officer. Carla goes in to see them and Paul tells Liam he needs to stick to the plan and it will all go away.

The Underworld staff are outside the building as the police are informing Paul, Carla and Liam there are some formalities to go through but everything looks pretty straight forward and there should be no worries. The talk amongst the staff is why was Kashia offered the overtime that morning and none of them even knew there was any available. Kevin has joined them and says its probably because she would work for a lot less money than the rest of them. Sally suddenly realises that Wicki hasn't turned up yet. Talk then turns to whether or not they will be getting paid while Underworld is closed when Carla, Liam and Paul spill out of the factory doors. Paul announces to the workers that naturally they are devastated about what has happened and says he will speak to Wicki when she turns up. He confirms they will re-open when Health and Safety gives the all-clear and confirms they will get paid.

Wicki appears round the corner and Liam, Paul and Carla stop her before she can get to the other girls. They tell her she shouldn't make a statement to the police until she has had some sleep and Carla leads her off to Liam's house for a cup of tea and a lie down.

Liam and Paul are off to Roys Rolls, as they are entering, Leanne jumps out of a taxi, smiles plastered all over her face she shouts over to Liam "Hey, just seen the police all over the factory, not been naughty boys have we?" Liam just glares at her and Leanne's smile drops.

Carla is sitting in Liam's house with Wicki. "why didn't you phone the police as soon as Kashia fell" Wicki asks her. Carla explains to Wicki it was the only way they could help Kashia's relatives. Because Carla wasn't insured there would have been no money to send to her family, because Paul's business is insured there will be a payout to send to Kashia's family back home- Wicki is wiser than what Carla realises though and says another reason is that Kashia had worked two long shifts in a row. Carla tells Wicki to pretend she wasn't there- Carla manipulates her into thinking that the police will think she had something to do with the death if she turns up now saying she was there when the Connors haven't mentioned her involvement. Wicki caves in and says she won't say anything.

The girls have moved from the factory steps into the comfort of the Rovers. They are discussing the recent death and Hayley says she wishes she could have spoken to Wicki- but as Sally points out, there was no chance of that as the Connors whisked her away quickly. Sally thinks there's more to it than the Connors are letting on and she thinks it was unusual for Wicki to be late- by two hours. The body is being brought out of the factory, Wicki see's the scene and breaks down crying. Carla confirms to Paul and Liam that everything is ok where Wicki is concerned.

Hayley approaches Wicki and asks her if she is ok, Sean asks her whether she wants to join them in the Rovers for a drink. But Carla ushers her into the factory and says she will order her a taxi home. As Sally is walking away from the factory she asks Kelly whether she noticed how Wicki looked at Carla- none of the workers can understand why the Connors are taking such care of Wicki.

Jerry's ex-wife enters the kebab shop "where's my 38 inch?" she shouts "You should know we were married long enough" Jerry answers back. She's talking about her flat screen tv. She wants all the stuff they took back. She is too bothered about her electrical stuff and doesn't even mention the two kids she left on their own. She tells Jerry he had no right taking all her stuff and she has a good mind to phone the police, to which Jerry replies she had no right leaving her kids to fend for themselves and he will phone to social services. The ex-wife then says she has been out of her mind with worry for the kids, and how she brings them up is nothing to do with Jerry. She says he can keep the kids and she'll sit back and watch him snap under the pressure.

The Connors are in the office- Paul tells Carla she's done a good job with Wicki and Liam says he can't see a good job which ever way he looks at it. Paul grabs a cup and opens a bottle of wine- Liam can't believe they are going to have a drink when someone has died and the factory is closed. Paul offers him the phone and tells him to phone to police- Liam can't and Paul tells him they've lived with worse than what has happened today.

Susan

Hi to one and all, here's the update for Wednesday 18th April.

We open in the factory, where the Health and Safety Officer is checking everything, and Carla is getting increasingly anxious. Paul assures her he won't be much longer, it's nearly 5.30pm and he'll want to go home. Carla reminds him there's still some of the order to get out. Just then Liam comes in. "Where've you been?" Paul wants to know. "Out!" says Liam, but before any more can be said, the Health and Safety Officer comes in asking to see a locked storage area out the back. Paul takes the keys and goes off to show him. As soon as they're out of the office, Liam congratulates Carla. "Don't start," she tells him. "No," he tells her, "it's no more than a month since you had Immigration swarming all over the place, now it's Health and Safety, well done." Carla reminds him that a woman died. "Yeah," says Liam, "on your watch, doing your work."

Over at the Salon, Bill is holding up a sheet that's been painted to say "Happy 50th Birthday" – Gail's birthday is approaching and Audrey is getting ready. She tells Bill to put it in the boot of her car, but then Maria spots Gail coming out of the medical centre, there's panic for a few moments, but then it's obvious that she's going straight home. Bill rushes off with the banner while the coast is clear. When he's gone, Maria comments that Audrey is looking happy at the moment, and she replies that Maria too is looking happy – presumably down to a certain Peter Barlow. Maria coyly admits that it might be.

Jason arrives home and finds Eileen taking care of Freddie and Holly. He says he's not playing ‘happy families' and turns to walk straight out again. At the front door he bumps into Claire, who's come to pick Freddie up, but just barges past her.

Leanne is getting herself dressed up and ready for a night's ‘work'. Janice, somewhat desperately, suggests she comes with her to Bingo, she might win. Leanne tells her she's already winning. Janice looks worried and sad, and tells her to be careful. "Be lucky!" chirps Leanne in reply, and off she goes.

Claire remarks to Eileen that Holly is getting to look more and more like Jason, so Eileen breaks the news that Jason isn't Holly's dad, it was Charlie Stubbs. Claire is horrified, but Eileen is adamant she's going to keep her. Claire tries to protest, saying she's not Holly's mum, but Eileen says no one else wants her, she's all Holly's got and no one is going to take her away from her.

In a hotel lounge bar, Leanne checks her phone and sighs. Just then the manager approaches and asks Leanne to go with him. "Is there a problem?" asks Leanne, innocently, and stays put. "I'm asking you politely to leave the bar," he says, but Leanne continues to stay put, saying that she hasn't done anything wrong and she's going to finish her drink. He tells her if she doesn't leave with him now, he'll call security.

At the factory the Health and Safety Officer is finishing off. He tells Paul that in future the area up the stairs can no longer be used for storage unless they are prepared to install a lift. He says there are a few other issues too and when they're resolved they can reopen the factory. He tells Paul that he has infringed Health and Safety guidelines and could well be fined, but he is satisfied that the death was an accident. He'll be sending a copy of his report.

Leanne has been hustled out of the back door of the hotel, and told if she's seen there again she'll be arrested for soliciting. "The clientele of this hotel do not want your sordid trade plied under their noses," he tells her. He leaves her standing in the street looking stunned.

The Health and Safety officer leave the factory, and passes several of the workers who are waiting outside. "What happens now?" they ask Paul and Liam. Paul explains that the factory will remain closed for the rest of the week as a mark of respect and so they can make a few changes inside. Kelly says she doesn't understand why Kasia was inside so early. "She was working," says Liam. Kelly isn't satisfied, she says that none of them knew about it, besides which she was on her own, and none of them ever go into the factory on their own. Paul hurriedly says it was a tragic accident, there are lessons to be learnt so they can make sure that something like it never happens again. "Trust me," he says, "we are every bit as upset as you are." The girls don't look like they trust him one little bit, but go off to the pub. As they walk off, Paul turns to Liam and thanks him for backing him up. Liam says he didn't have a choice, but he wants Carla out of the factory. "She's had her last chance," he says, "I want her out."

Leanne arrives back at Janice's flat and, taking off her shoes, sits down in the armchair looking very fed up. Janice wonders why she's back so quickly, but Leanne won't say. So Janice draws her own conclusions. "You've been turned down!" she says. Leanne won't talk about it. Like a dog with bone, Janice won't leave it. "You've been rejected!" she goads her. "What did he say? Did you see that look of disappointment on his face?" Leanne tells her she's not in the mood. "You're always in the mood!" says Janice, "but he just didn't want to buy what you were selling!" She goes on to say she's glad that Leanne got the elbow. "Maybe now you'll realise it won't always be posh hotels, soon it'll be streets and kerb crawlers. You'll be selling yourself for loose change."

In the Barlow's house, as Peter and Adam discuss Adam's move to Portsmouth with Peter, Ken is opening letters of support. He finds one from Denise, his ex. "Do you want to have a look?" he asks Deirdre, but she declines. "What can they say that we haven't said to each other a million times? What do these people know? They don't know anything!" Just then there's a knock on the door and Peter goes to open it. It's Maria, "Can Peter come out to play?" she asks. He said he'll go and ask his dad and they laugh.

In the pub, the factory workers are discussing their concerns over Kasia. There is speculation over whether she was having an affair with Paul, and she was going to tell his wife so he killed her. Sally points out that Carla was in the factory when it happened. Fizz says that she was working both shifts, she wouldn't have had time to have an affair. They then decide that she was exhausted, so that may have been why she fell down the stairs. "There must be some legal thing about overworking people," murmurs Sally, and Sean tells her there is, it's not allowed.

Just then Liam comes into the bar, and asks Sean for a pint. He rushes out the back, saying he's promised to record something for Liz. While Liam is waiting, Leanne comes into the bar somewhat subdued. She apologises for her wisecracks the other afternoon, telling him she didn't know what had happened. He tells her it wasn't her fault. They stand there in silence for a few moments, and then she asks if anyone's serving. He tells her that Sean is out the back setting the video to record something for Liz. Leanne suddenly blurts out, "Do you want to get something to eat? I thought we could go for an Italian." Surprised, but pleased, Liam accepts.

Bill is talking to Kevin and the conversation comes round to Audrey. Kevin thinks as Bill is living at Audrey's house and she's investing in his business, she might be looking for some kind of commitment from him. Bill asks him what kind of commitment. Kevin thinks Audrey might be thinking of a summer wedding.

Carla is thanking her husband for his support over the last day or two. He tells her that Liam isn't happy and wants her out of the factory. She replies that it's only to be expected. Paul tells her it would obviously be better if she had her own place. She tells him to wait till they get over this and then they can sit down and talk about it.

Over their meal, Leanne asks Liam if there's been any trouble over the accident. He tells her he'd rather not talk about it and asks if she's done any big property deals. She suggests they call a truce and don't talk about work. He asks if she'd like more wine and she says she shouldn't. "Why, early start tomorrow?" he smiles. She shakes her head so he calls the waiter. "Me neither," he says, "shall we risk it?"

Paul tells the factory workers that Kasia's death was an accident and Health and Safety have given them a clean bill of health. There's a few changes to be made but the factory will be open as usual next week. As he walks away, they mutter that they don't believe a word of it and think that Wiki must know something. "There's only one way to find out," says Sally.

Audrey has joined Bill in the pub and wonders why he's so quiet. Eventually he says, "I've been thinking, if that's what you want that's what we'll do." Audrey doesn't know what on earth he's on about, so he tells her, "Getting married. If that's what you want." He explains that he's living in her house and she's invested in his business. She laughs and says she could sell the business tomorrow and put all his clothes in bin bags on the lawn. She says she's quite happy with things that way they are.

Liam walks Leanne home, but outside her door asks her if she'd like a quick drink in the Rovers. She says no, so he then tries to persuade her to go back to his house for a drink. She points out that Jamie will be there. He says Jamie will be tucked up in bed, but she says it would be too awkward. He goes to give her a good night kiss on the cheek when she gives him a big kiss on the lips. Then she guides him in through the doorway of Janice's flat.

Annie Logan

Janice wakes up to find clues: A man's jacket, wine glasses and an empty bottle. She knocks on Leanne's door and tells her she needs her for a mo'. Before Leanne can get out of her room, a happy, whistling Liam comes from the bathroom, apparently refreshed after a shower. He goes into the bedroom to get dressed and Leanne comes out to talk to Janice. "It's not what you think," Leanne tells her. Janice wants to know if Liam is "still on the meter".

At Eileen's, Sean is looking forward to going to Sal's house. He's never been there before. "I feel like I've been anointed," he says. Eileen is cheerfully full of details about Holly being visited by the "pooh fairy" but Jason just sits grumpily on the sofa. Eileen mentions taking Holly to the Red Rec and Violet, in return, mentions a mums' group doing power walking round the park. It must be this mention of mums that causes Jason to stalk from the room.

Liam's ready to go home and he and Leanne say goodbye in front of Janice, who sits crouched at the table like some malevolent indoor gnome. Once the door closes behind Liam, Janice says: "Thought you weren't supposed to kiss 'em." Leanne protests that it wasn't like that, and Janice knows it. It's also none of her business. Janice points out that when she finds her boss half naked in her flat, she tends to take an interest. Leanne tells her stepmother that she really likes Liam. Janice wants to know if he knows what Leanne does for a living and Leanne pleads with her not to tell Liam.

Liam bounces into work only to find Carla settled in the office, using the office phone. Paul hastily says that Carla has just popped in to tie up some loose ends. "I want her out!" Liam says. "I'm not kidding. Don't test us on this one!" He storms off.

Sally, Hayley discuss their meeting later and the fact that they've seen the Connors go into work as if nothing has happened.

Jason tries to get some information out of Kevin over the "secret meeting". Kev says that whatever is going on at the factory, Sal will find out. She's like a bloodhound.

Emma meets Jason in the street and pleads to be allowed to see Holly, whose real name is Chloe, apparently.

"What the hell is she doing here?" demands Eileen. Jason explains, but Eileen says Holly is asleep and refuses to disturb her. Jason says Emma will be quiet and asks Eileen if she'll fetch Holly, "or will I?" He looks so determined that Eileen grudgingly leaves to fetch the baby. Emma thanks Jason. When Eileen returns, Emma asks for Eileen to hear her out. "You've got five minutes," mutters Eileen.

Adam and Peter are ready to leave and ask Ken if he'll come to the Rovers for a last pint with them. They go, leaving Deirdre a seething mound of repressed resentment -- though she didn't say a word, so I can't be sure that's what it was).

Emma is explaining how difficult it was with Holly/Chloe crying all the time and how she just wanted a life. Eileen in very unsympathetic. "I'm still her mother," Emma says. Eileen tells her that being a mother is more than just a word. "When it comes to kids, it's actions that count." A tearful Emma asks, "Don't kids like me get a second chance?"

Liam greets Leanne in the street and asks if she'd like to buy him lunch to thank him. They go into the cafe.

Emma and Jason are outside talking. Emma says she would probably behave like Eileen in the same situation. "The longer it goes on, the worse it gets," says Jason. "Just remember, my mum loves that baby, ok?" Emma understands. Eileen, watching them, turns and slams her front door behind her.

Liam and Leanne are still in the cafe. Liam says he thought Janice was going to belt him one, but it was worth it to see the look on her face. "Talk about a cobbler's thumb*. Don't worry. It won't happen again." Leanne says he's right, it won't happen again. She says last night was really great, but it's not him, honest. He looks very hurt and Leanne just gets up and leaves.

[*At least, I think that's what he said, but it was indistinct]

At Sally's, the meeting is being delayed by Sean gushing on about everything from Sally's ornaments to the excellent serving hatch and the cleanliness of the upstairs porcelain. Wiki comes in, looking very worried. She thanks Sally for lunch. She says she hasn't been sleeping. When the others comment on the long hours Wiki and Kasia worked, Wiki defends Carla. They're interrupted by Kevin waltzing in and snatching food from the table. Sally tells him off and they return to discussing Kasia's death. Wiki tells them they didn't work too late and no-one put pressure on them to work extra hours. Kasia came in early because she needed the work. "My friend is dead!" she says. "I don't know why. Please, I don't know anything." As she gets more and more distraught, Kevin sticks his head back in the door and asks, "Any chance of a brew?" Wiki takes the opportunity to tell them she wants to be alone. She gets up and leaves.

Maria meets Peter outside the Rovers and he embarrassedly says he was coming to see her next. He says he's got a stack of work to do when he gets back and the next few months will be difficult for him. Maria can't work out what he means. He can't give her a date for when he'll be back in Weatherfield. Maria, obviously upset, jokes and makes out she doesn't care. She walks away as Adam comes out of the Rovers. "I can't do long-distance," Peter says. "Still, plenty more where that came from, eh?" "You've got competition now," Adam points out.

At Sally's, they're wondering whether they pushed Wiki too hard. They agree there must be something going on. Sally says Carla probably had them doing double shifts. Hayley agrees and points out that Wiki turned up late the morning Kasia died. They agree it's about time they started getting some proper answers.

There are hugs all round as Adam and Peter take their leave, with Ken and Deirdre waving them off. Ken watches as first Maria, then Deirdre, turn and go inside. He follows Deirdre resignedly.

Les is trying to paint Cilla's toenails. He wonders if a bit of primer would help. Ches comes in with Kirk and tells them he's got a part in the play. His excitement is squashed, though, when Cilla laughs at the thought of him playing a gangster and having two songs. She would only be impressed if he was Bugsy Malone. Poor Chesney trudges upstairs and Kirk tells the others off for not being encouraging. "Who are you? His agent?" sneers Cilla. She wants to know why he's not at work. Kirk says the place is dead. Cilla and Les say he should drum up some business. "Take a lead," laughs Les.

Eileen takes the baby to the yard. She tells Jason that Emma's putting on an act. She asks if Emma fluttered her eyes at him. Jason shouts that no-one is perfect. Eileen used to shoplift food when the boys were kids. Eileen says Jason is naive. She's going to keep fighting, with or without him.

Ches and Kirk are walking in the street, eating chips. Chesney is explaining emotional project to Kirk. Apparently, because Les and Cilla feel bad about themselves, they're projecting those feelings on to those around them, and making other people feel bad about themselves. Fizz meets them and asks how the audition went. She's heard of Ches's character and is very enthusiastic when she hears he has two songs. Ches is much happier. Fizz agrees to make him a costume.

Ken is walking Eccles in the ginnel. He knows Deirdre is in the yard because he can see the smoke. She knows he's there, because she hears the dog. They don't speak to each other.

Leanne tells Janice she's right about the problems involved in not telling Liam. "You can't mix business with pleasure. If you want anything in this life, you just have to make sacrifices," she says. "Yeah," says Janice. "You're probably right. I mean, why give it away when you can sell it." Leanne says she just wants more of a life -- enough money to make a start. Janice says she didn't need to give up Liam. She thought Leanne's feelings were returned. Leanne thinks Janice must wonder what Liam sees in her. "Well, whatever it is, it won't be there much longer," Janice says. "No matter how much money you earn, you'll never be able to buy it back.

Eileen puts the tea on the table (black sludge and mash). Jason comes in with his pack on his back and says he's leaving. He doesn't know where he's going. But anywhere is better than spending any time at home with Eileen and that baby. He turns and leaves.

The End
Margaret Carr

Much of the episode tonight centers around Gail's birthday. Throughout more or less we have to endure a smirk on David's face - after all what else does he do?

Anyway we start with Violet and Sean looking for Jason, but the yard is locked up and he is not there (well obviously - he went for the soft option round at Sarah's!). David borrows a tenner to get his mother a present (usual forward thinking there). Eileen is of course worried that her grown son did not come home last night (about time she grew out of that). She does not understand why Jason wants to give the baby back.

Anyway David eventually delivers a box of chocolates to Gail and a card, Jason merely wants to know where his change is - David refuses to hand it over. Anyway Audrey arrives and asks David if he will help Bill with the banners for the big five oh. David looks lost for a moment and then says that they must do nothing to spoil the special day.

Paul and Liam meet Janice and Leanne in the Street. The latter is still not giving Liam the time of day and refuses a drink in the Rovers. Janice says she will never crack this one and they depart. Paul finds it hard to believe that Liam is still failing. They meet Carla and starting laughing at Paul, watched with open mouthed astonishment by Sally, Hayley and Fiz - they are behaving as if Kasia had never lived. They are still moaning later in the Rovers about this and reckon the new lot are worse than Baldwin. Liam arrives and offers to buy a drink but the girls are not prepared to accept it and tell him to put his money away. When Paul arrives he tells Michelle that Liam has joined a select group containing root canal work, tripe and flu - things you only want once! Liam tells them to watch his moves and he sets off to talk to Leanne. The latter was not born yesterday and seeing Paul watching asks if they have a bet on. Liam says no - it is about pride and self respect. She says that he sounds just like Janice and holding up her empty beer bottle he has won this round and heads to the bar to buy the drinks.

Vernon is suffering from a lack of drumming practice, but eventually the ever wonderful Liz suggests a solution - the cellar, lots of room there! Steve's comments that perhaps the beer might go off are not heard except by the watching audience.

Jason, David and Bill are erecting banners stating "Gail is 50!" in multiple colours. Bill reckons that Gail will not mind everyone knowing her age and asks David to confirm it. He agrees saying she love every minute of it! Eileen observes the activities and asks Jason what he is doing - well as David adds - he is only repaying the favour after having been allowed to stay overnight. Not surprisingly Eileen delivers a piece of her mind about her son preferring another roof to his own. Jason responds that the baby is really called Chloe and should be with her natural mother.

Another banner is hung outside the Rovers. Cilla watches and snipes. David wants to know what she did on her fiftieth birthday - her response is that she is nowhere near that age and she stomps inside the Rovers.

Gail returns with Audrey and is told to close here eyes. Eventually they arrive on the Street and get out of the cab, Gail opens her eyes, Audrey cries "Happy Birthday, the champagne is waiting inside" and goes into the Rovers, followed by Gail who starts saying " This is a nightmare, it's embarrassing." Bill tells her it is only a laugh but Gail responds - does he see her laughing. And she is not laughing because she is not 50 - although the champagne is being circulated. "When was I born Mother? Come on you must know - after all you were there!" Audrey cogitates and then decides nineteen fifty um .... um eight. Oops. Gail goes for the kill - You are so busy with any man that is passing married or not, going to the altar or not that minor details like my age do not matter. She departs. Deirdre observes it is only a number and Liz adds - quite as I will find out in November.

Derek arrives and tells Liz that he needs to sort out these delivery problems. She asks Vernon to watch the bar and she and Derek go through to the back.

Gail arrives home and sees the other banner. She tells David to remove and whilst he suggests putting it away safely for twelve months she tells him that will not be necessary.

Eileen and Claire have various discussions. Claire suggests that Emma (mother to Holly/Chloe) might have post natal depression and eventually Claire lets slip that on the whole perhaps Jason does have a point and the baby should go back. Claire thinks the current situation is unfair - but Eileen merely asks what has fair go to do with it?

Liam asks Leanne to join him for a meal, but he is not in luck and she was sorry but no and departs. Carla has been shopping to take her mind off things - and shows off the results to Paul in The Rovers in front of the workforce - have I told you that the entire family use a lot of hair dye and that they have very very black hair, I only think I ought to mention this because Carla is behaving rather like an airhead ditzy blonde. Fiz sneers that it is hardly the thing to wear to a funeral. Paul suggests a minute's silence on Monday - but gets little sympathy. Sally suggests that they refuse to work - they are too upset - but they all need the money unlike Sally who can live off Kev.

Derek departs and Dreary asks Liz what is going on. Nothing much - after all she is with Vernon and Derek is married. Just a bit of fun - nothing serious.

Audrey, Bill and Sally arrive at Gail's house, full of apologies and a bottle of champers. Gail has mellowed now and agrees to a drink, so the gurlies go to the kitchen and Bill corners David - you knew all along didn't you? David smirks and agrees. Bill asks if he did not think to say anything - but as it is the best laugh David has had in a long time he did not want it spoilt. Methinks Bill is onto our laddo.

Janice and Leanne discuss the Connors and particularly Liam. Leanne does not want a relationship with Liam because he will want to know where she is when on business - and they can only find out about her activities if Janice tells on her. She takes a call and has to go.

Eileen and Claire are still talking about Holly but I have lost the will to write. Anyway Eileen is close to realising that she has little choice - either she hands the baby over or the authorities will remove her.

See you next week.
K Richard W

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Jan McVerry
Directed by Pip Short
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV productions

Outside the Cafe, Becky is having a smoke. Hayley comes out and says it is the first day back since Kasha died. Becky says she was looking in the job center. Hayley laughs. Roy says six months ago she would have never said that. Hayley says as likely as Roy finishing his cryptic crossword. Roy says like Hayley finishing her sudoku at all. Becky then says likely as her finding out anything from the Connors. Becky then puts her fag out and goes in. Roy picks it up.

Grimshaw's; Eileen comes in with Holly. Eileen says they need to make the most of her as she won't be theirs forever. Sean says you are going to give her back and has finally come to her senses. Eileen tells him to shut up and goes out the room. Violet says Eileen is bound to be upset. Sean says she is going to do it though.

Outside the Webster's, Rosie says her skirt is too short. Sally says she is not going to get another one so near the end of term. Sophie says she is hoping this girl gets gladiola fever from snogging this guy and she will get the part and it will be Broadway for her. Rosie says she will suck up to the teacher and the girl is snogging the guy and she's not. At the Factory there are flowers at the door. Paul comes and the girls shout telling him to watch the flowers. Liam asks who is going to make tea. Kelly says she feels weird.

Inside the Factory, Liam sees they only have a small pot and asks who normally does the tea. Paul says when the machines are up and running he wants him to tidy the area so there are not more accidents and reminds him they have clients coming all week. Liam says he knows were the brush is.

Platt's; Violet asks if Jason had listened to anything they have said. Violet says Eileen is going to give Holly back. Sean says they have to make the most of her while they have her. Jason just nah. Gail comes down in her dressing gown and Sean says they are just going. Jason says sorry. Gail tells him just to be useful and get David out of bed.

Factory; the gang see the place has been cleared of clutter. Vickie comes in and they all say morning. Kelly says it's like she never existed. Sean says like Jo Jo and says she might as well be dead as they are never going to see her again.

Barlows and Ken comes with two cups and places them on the table. He sees Deirdre with a letter and asks to have a look. He sees there is a ten-pound note inside and says for phone calls. She says he does not know what it's like inside prison. Just then there is a knock at the door. Ken goes to get it. Claire asks to come in and Ken tells her to come in.

Jerry's shop and Kevin sees Darryl looking tired and says make me jealous and asks what he was up to last night. Just then Jerry comes in and Kevin asks if he can say in front of his dad. Darryl tells him the truth is far from acceptable. Jerry says they are still playing musical beds at their house and Darryl is sleeping on the sofa. Kevin says he won't keep his good looks with only three hours kip. Kevin goes and Jerry asks Darryl to put on the chips as he is going out for a bit.

Barlows; Claire is upset as she thinks the jury thought she was making it all up and says she is an honest person. Ken says she is too honest. Claire says she thinks the best of people till proved otherwise. Ken says weren't you proved when the verdict was read out. Claire says it that was the correct verdict, what was Tracy's case, a lie. Deirdre says this is not fair, as Tracy is not here. Ken asks why. Claire says she kept the diary. Ken says things you witnessed personally. Deirdre tells him to stop and not involve innocent people. Ken says innocent people are involved. Deirdre says they risked everything on the case. Claire then says Deirdre knew and didn't tell her. Claire storms out the house.

Outside in the back garden of the Morton's, Jerry sees Claire from the window. Gail comes out with washing. Jerry throws a stone at the Peacock household to get Claire's attention. She comes out in rage and tells him he could have broken the window. He says he is getting a shed to both of them. Claire, still angry, tells him to do what he wants but not to involve her. Jerry looks at Gail who says a shed can't do any harm.

Factory; everyone is talking about Kasha saying she was not the fastest worker and not even Carla's mate. Sean wonders if she was staying at the factory and got kicked out of her flat. Janice says not without the Connors knowing. Sally says they know she died on their premises. They wonder what happened to her body and Vickie says flown home by the Connors. Janice says what does that tell you. Fiz says guilty conscience. Hayley says or a good one then asks how the family was after Vickie says she knows for sure as she phoned and says everyone was upset. Liam asks Paul if his ears are burning. Paul says he will talk to them after he beats his top score on the game he is playing on the Nintendo Ds.

Cab office; Lloyd tells Claire she phoned and is not coming in. Claire asks if Eileen is handing back Holly. He asks if he looks like Darren Brown who does tricks. He says it was a ten-second-phone call but Claire says that's long enough to know. Just then Deirdre comes in and Claire goes. Deirdre says she wants a taxi to anywhere.

Grimshaws; Eileen talking to herself, says she does not know how someone so young can get so much stuff. She goes to get the door. Claire comes in. She sees Eileen has washed and ironed and got Holly clothes. Claire says she does not want to hand Holly back empty handed and gives her a hug. She says she came round for a moan but is not going to now. Eileen tells her to and Claire says how she has been hurt. Claire says she sees her doing this even though it must be breaking her heart. Eileen says she is not a saint. Claire says no but she took her seriously. Claire says what she said yesterday must have hit home and everyone thinks she is a joke. Eileen says she doesn't.

Factory; Paul says every time they pass the stairs or her locker they are thinking about Kasha. Sally says they want to talk to him about that. Paul says in a minute and says they were thinking flowers and wreaths are not appropriate so they have started a collection. He says the family was not well off. Kelly says duh, that's why she was working here. Paul says they can put something in if they want and they will have it converted and sent over. As they go, Janice looks and says they have put two hundred in. Sean says that's the price for our silence. Sally says she tried to say something and they could have backed her up.

Cafe; Jason says he only gets half an hour. Becky gives him his butty and says she only gets fifteen minutes. Jason bumps into Gail who says he should make up with his mum. He says she wants him out from under her feet. Gail says he will be when he flies to Greece on Wednesday. Jason says his mum won't even notice. Becky says they should do text service so they can have orders ready. Roy has put on the board '4getit'. Becky says he would never have done that six months ago. Roy rubs it off.

Outside Gail knocks on Eileen's door. She says she wants to come in and talk about Jason. Eileen says she is busy. Gail says she is busy as well so they need to get this sorted.

Factory; Janice says Sally has won the vote. She says she gets the feeling she is not going to like this. Janice says she has been picked as she stood up to the Connors before. Hayley asks what they do. Janice says they will tell her the questions to ask and all she has to do it say them.

Grimshaw's; Gail says if she holds on to Holly, she will lose her own kids. Eileen says she won't. Gail says Jason has moved out. Gail then sees a ticket that is for today. Eileen grabs it. Gail then looks in the bag and sees it's Eileen's clothes. Gail says she is not taking Holly back but is running away. Gail says she is stupid if she thinks she will get away and is selfish.

This report is Copyright M@nda
Amanda Souter

Eileen and Gail are in the Grimshaw's kitchen talking- Gail is still trying to persuade Eileen not to run away, Eileen is adamant though as she carries a big blue holdall through to the living room- Its packed with her and Holly's clothes. Gail realises she's not getting through to Eileen and she puts her coat back on ready to leave. Eileen informs her the situation is nothing to do with her- "Nice knowing you" Eileen calls as Gail leaves the house.

Over in the factory the girls + Sean are wishing Hayley and Sally luck as they set into the office to speak to the Connor brothers."Go for it Webster" Janice shouts! Into the office they go and after knocking on the door, Liam calls them to come in. Both Liam and Paul are sat around the desk- they're clearly not doing anything important and don't look very busy. "This looks serious" Liam comments and Paul tells them they are busy and can't talk- can they give them a few minutes- Hayley and Sally agree and leave the office.

Liam asks Paul why he's told them they were busy when they are clearly not, but Paul says it won't hurt them to remember who's the boss.

Gail is talking to Jason at the builders yard; "Your Mother" Gail begins. Jason stops what he's doing "What's she done now?" Gail informs him that Eileen is running away with Holly, She warns him to go and speak to his Mother "she might be about to do something very silly"

Over in the Mortons garden, Claire is stood watching Jerry gardening. Gail comes out of the house and joins the two. They comment how nice it is that they have a neighbour that looks after his garden, "I suppose the other owners were too busy killing each other" Jerry remarks. Jerry then asks the two if they would mind if he put a shed in the garden- Claire and Gail smile and say its fine for him to go ahead. Gail then uses this opportunity to ask Claire if she has seen Eileen recently, Claire says she has and is pleased Eileen is giving Holly back to her mum- Gail looks shocked at what Claire is saying as she knows Eileen is about to do a runner!

Sally and Hayley have been let back into the office and are both stood in front of the Connor brothers looking nervous- Sally begins by bringing up Kashia's death "Well, we don't think you are telling the truth" Sally says the why it happened and how it happened doesn't add up. "There are one or two discrepancies" Hayley adds in. Paul asks them to speak more and Sally explains that they can't understand what Kashia was doing in work so early and they ask whether she had worked all the way through the night- was it due to exhaustion she fell? Paul says he will clear up any doubts- but he will speak to all the workers so Hayley and Sally don't have to do the job of telling all the staff what has been discussed, he thanks them for coming to see him "Thank You and we'll get back to you" As they are walking back to their machines, Liam and Paul talk about what's just happened "Well I'd say they've got us bang to rights" Liam says "they're just guessing" Paul reasons- "They're good guesses" Liam comments.

Jason goes home to see Eileen he can't believe what Gail has been saying but Eileen confirms its true, she tells Jason she's going to see Todd in London- on the train at 4.00pm- she feels people are telling her what to do and she's sick and tired of it- Taking Holly away will keep them safe she reasons.

Liz and Michelle are stood at the bar in the Rovers- Derek comes in and Liz's eyes light up- but unfortunately Vernon has followed Derek close behind. Liz offers to make both Derek and Vernon a cup of tea.

Darryl is on the sofa at the Mortons- Jerry is telling him there is a garden shed being delivered and its for him to sleep in "I ain't sleeping in any garden shed" Darryl answers. Mel comes running down the stairs singing "Its here, Its here" Jerry joins in and they start jumping up and down on the same spot- The shed is here (No, I don't think I would get so excited over a shed either!) They go out onto the street and its the biggest shed i've seen! Its more like a summer house with windows and a patio. Its on the back of a lorry and there's a crane ready to lift it over the house into the garden. Claire and Gail comes out of their houses- They look horrified and Claire runs off to get Ashley.

Liz takes Derek, whose in the yard of the Rovers, a cup of tea and Derek suggests they get together again- Vernon comes out and disturbs them but as soon as he goes back in again, Derek and Liz make arrangements to meet up at a hotel on Wednesday.

Jason is still trying to persuade Eileen to stay- but he's wasting his time and gives up- he tells Eileen to say hi to Todd for him and promises he will keep her whereabouts secret.

The new shed is being lifted over the Mortons house- Ashley is sure the Mortons should have seeked planning permission before the shed goes in the garden, but Gail says that its ok when the neighbours approve it- Ashley can't believe they said to Jerry it was fine with them- but Claire protests she didn't realise Jerry was talking about a shed that big!

Back at the factory Paul catches Sally for a chat- he talks in a hushed voice so the rest of the staff can't hear him and he tells her they were thinking of setting a PA type of person on and they think Sally would be good at it. He flatters her by implying they chose her as she has the initiative. She's instantly glowing at the comments- Paul has won her round.

Paul is addressing the staff- he explains that accidents happen and that's just what happened when Kashia fell- Janice asks him whether they are covering it up because the night shift was illegal- Paul fires back that all this talk reminds him of when the police was phoned about the illegal immigrants- Janice instantly looks guilty as she is reminded of what happened to Joanne. Paul says if they all start rumours about Underworld people will take their business away from them and then they will have to get rid of staff and eventually no-one will have a job, Sally comments that she is happy with Paul's explanation and the rest of the workers carry on with their machines. Obviously Paul's job proposition to Sally has made her switch onto their side.

Gail is back at Eileen's- Gail tries to give her some advice about the situation, Eileen for once seems to be listening to her enemy. Gail tells her she is no longer the only person Holly has- Holly now has a Mother. Eileen admits she is being selfish but she can't bring herself to give Holly up- Gail has kept Eileen talking so the bus to London has gone. Eileen asks Gail to phone social services "You know what to say" She tells Gail.

Liz is revealing her trip to the hotel with Derek to Deirdre- she insists its just a fling that she can remember when she's older.

Gail is on the phone to the social services- they arrange a collection for Holly the next day. Gail tells Eileen she is doing the right thing, but Eileen is heartbroken and says she feels like she is losing everything that ever meant anything to her

Susan

Sean and Violet are eating breakfast when Jason comes in bearing a bunch of flowers. They assume they're for his mum but he tells them they're for Gail, if it wasn't for her Eileen would have run off with baby Holly by now, and would be on the news, for kidnapping. Violet comments that it's going to be weird without Holly, but Jason says philosophically that they were all right before she came, so they'll be all right after. Just then Eileen comes in, saying that Holly is spark out. She had a restless night, she tells them, probably picked it up from her. "What time's she….rem….." Sean starts to say. Eileen says she doesn't know, she's fast asleep up there with no idea that her little life is about to change all over again.

The Connor brothers are driving in to work. Paul assures Liam that he has now got everything sorted, now that he's got Sally on side, and it will all be ok now. As they approach they see the girls waiting on the factory steps. "Look at them," says Paul, "sheep! That's all they are, sheep!" Liam says he hopes they can't lip read or Paul's dead. "What are they going to do?" queries Paul, "baa me to death?" Liam replies that they might gang up and trample on him. Paul reminds him they haven't got a leader, Sally's now on their side.

Jason arrives at Gail's with the flowers. He tells her they're for letting him stay there and for talking some sense into his mother. Gail asks how she is and he says she's putting a brave face on. "A bit like you?" asks Gail, saying she knows how men don't like to show their feelings. She invites him to stay for a cup of tea, and as he sits down says that she knows it's a difficult day. Jason tries to change the subject, "Sarah text me before, letting me know how blue the sea is in Greece," he says. Gail says that this time tomorrow he'll be out there too, but Jason says he's had a change of plan, what with his mam and everything. "You're a good lad, Jason," says Gail, and Jason gets really embarrassed at such praise coming from one who is usually so critical. "Is the kettle on? I've got to be somewhere soon," he says.

Back at the Grimshaw's Eileen is coo-ing over the baby. Violet takes a photo with her mobile phone, and then suggests that Eileen goes out and gets some fresh air. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asks her. "What, in case I do a runner?" says Eileen, but Violet tells her not to be daft, she's just going to keep her company. Eileen says she'll be fine on her own.

Steve goes into the back room of the pub where Vernon is looking at wedding magazines, and Liz is showing Amy how to glue sparkly things onto her finger nails. "What are you doing to her?" he asks his mother. "It's Nail Art, Steve," says Liz, "it's a girl thing, you wouldn't understand." Steve is worried that one of them may come off and choke her, but Liz reckons he is spending far too much time with Sean – the drama queen. Vernon, with a twinkle in his eye, asks Liz if he's on a promise, but Liz hurriedly reminds him that she's got a brewery do to go to. (A brewery do called Derek, I believe!) Steve starts to say that he wasn't told about it, and as proprietor….."You," Liz interrupts, "are a full time dad, you haven't got time to go swanning off." Vernon asks if he can come instead of Steve, and Liz says he can, but it's about VAT and Customs and Excise…. Vernon changes his mind, and says she can rely on him to stay there and hold the fort. Liz then quickly leaves before either of them can come up with any other reasons why they ought to go with her. Liam tells Paul that while the factory workers might smile at him, really they're cold towards him. Paul dismisses this, but Liam wants a happy, productive workforce again. He tells Paul, "At least your lovely wife's not around, eh?" and tips the contents of Carla's desk into a box.

Jason and Gail meet Eileen out with the baby in the pushchair. Jason is shocked that the baby hasn't been collected yet. Gail tries to reassure Eileen that she's doing the right thing, but Eileen isn't in the mood to be encouraged, and says they don't know what kind of home Holly is going to. Jason says that now at least Emma has the social services to help her. Eileen asks Jason if he's going to say goodbye to Holly and he tells her that he has. "Not properly you haven't!" says Eileen, and starts to get really upset. Gail tries to tell her she's given Holly a good start, but Eileen is not in the mood to listen. "Enough!" she cries, "I don't want to hear any more, especially from you."

In the Barlow household, Ken is walking on eggshells and gingerly asks Deirdre if he can make her a cup of tea. "I've told you a hundred times, I don't want anything!" snaps Deirdre. Just then the door opens and in walks Blanche. Ken seems to be unusually delighted to see her. "Welcome home! Good to see you!" he cries, jumping up. Blanche wants to know why he's being so nice, "Planning to put me in a home?" she queries. Ken tells her he's just pleased to see her, and then, after looking at Deirdre's face, Blanche tells him she can understand why.

Liz meets up with Derek in the out of the way pub they had arranged. She confesses to him that she's feeling nervous, and they sit down and order drinks.

Claire meets Eileen in the street and asks if she'd like to go ‘mummy and baby swimming' tomorrow. Eileen snaps that she's not a mummy and there won't be a tomorrow as Holly is going back to Emma this afternoon. Claire says she didn't realise it would be so soon and tries to give Eileen a hug, but Eileen pushes her away and says she'll only make it worse. She then takes Holly inside for a last bath and to get her ready. When she's all ready Violet takes more photos, and then there's a knock on the door and Shirley from Social Services has arrived to collect Holly.

Liz and Derek are getting on very well, and Derek confesses that he's taken the liberty of booking a room. "Champagne on ice, chocolates on your pillow, trouser press," he tells her. Liz giggles and tells him to lead the way, and they go upstairs.

Back at the Rovers, Vernon is still looking at wedding magazines. He says he can just see Liz in white leather. Steve sees Kevin and Sally come in, and goes and asks Sally how he can get the sparkly things off Amy's fingernails. "Don't put it on there in the first place," says Sally, "she's only three. All those chemicals can't be good for her."

Sally tells Kevin that Paul has mentioned the personal assistant job to her again. She knows it's a form of bribery, but Kevin thinks she should just take the money and run. Sally smiles and tells him he just wants her to keep him in lager and takeaways. Kevin agrees, but says that Sally could do the job and Paul Connor must agree.

Shirley tells Eileen how well Holly looks. Eileen tells Shirley that it's time for Holly's feed, she'll have to give it to her before she goes. Shirley, however, says firmly that that will all be taken care of when she reaches her destination.

Ken has been looking at Blanche's room and wonders aloud whether she would like to swap rooms and move upstairs. He'd like her room for a study. Blanche is not at all keen as the front room is her window on the world but she'd consider it if Ken got a stair lift. Deirdre gets very cross and says that it's not up for discussion as it's Tracy's room that Blanche would be moving into. Ken tells Deirdre she can't make the room a shrine to Tracy. Deirdre says she wants Tracy to feel she has somewhere to come home to. "Typical," says Ken, "I don't even have a say about what goes on in my own home." "Strictly speaking this is not your house any more," chips in Blanche. "No!" shouts Ken, "and who's fault's that?"

Liz arrives back at the pub and tells Vernon that the brewery do was one big yawn from start to finish. Vernon tells her that he's been planning the wedding and can picture her from top to toe in white leather. "And for me, think John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever," he says.

Holly is leaving, and Sean and Violet say their goodbyes. "I can't believe it, she's not coming back. It's too final!" cries Eileen, "you can't expect me to hand her over and that's that. Surely I can see her again – not all the time?" Shirley says she'll have a word with Emma, as her mum it's her right to choose. Eileen hands Holly over, and Shirley thanks her and tells her she's been wonderful. As Shirley puts Holly in the car, the baby starts to cry, then as the car drives away Eileen turns to Sean and starts to sob. Jason, standing in the doorway, has one solitary tear running down his cheek.

Anne Logan.

It's Friday and more than one character is heading for a fall tonight.

Leanne comes home with the dawn and meets Carla, who calls her a dirty stop-out and tells her she's got an order for another 50 pairs of dungarees.

Claire starts off the day by dropping off Freddie at Eileen's. She asks Eileen if she'll be okay with Freddie and offers to take him to work for once. But Eileen reassures her, though she looks quite down.

As Sean warns everyone: "Watch out, Morticia's back!" Carla waltzes into the factory to be greeted by Paul. He asks how her trip to London went and she starts to excitedly tell him about the new order. She doesn't seem to notice that he's trying to divert her away from the office and to a place of safety. But it's too late. Liam looms in front of them. He takes Paul aside and demands to know what Carla's doing there. Paul says she's just come to say hello to her old man, but Liam knows a woman making a beeline for an office when he sees one!

Over at the Duckworths' house, Vera is demanding action on the house-cleaning front. Jack protests that not all the mess is his, but Tyrone points out that he and Molly don't read pigeon magazines. "Or cut our toenails on the carpet," points out Molly. Vera sets a deadline – her return – for Jack to have the place looking spick and span.

Deirdre is smoking in the yard when Blanche comes out to give some attention to hanging baskets which have been neglected in her absence. Deirdre gets in a pre-emptive strike and tells Blanche not to start. "I wouldn't dare until you've had a second cigarette and a coffee," Blanche says sarcastically. Ken is going to the library and wants to know if they have any orders. "When do I have time to read?" asks a snappy Deirdre. "You have time to smoke," Ken points out. When he suggests she could cut down on that, Deirdre explodes. "Do I have to put up with this for the rest of my life," Ken asks her? Deirdre says it's fitting, because Tracy will be locked up for the rest of her life. He leaves. Blanche, still fiddling with the plants, says: "You'd think they were beyond hope, but a little TLC can put everything right."

Carla moves towards the office as she carries on telling Paul all about the new order. "This time maybe I could borrow a few more girls," she says. Paul stops and looks at her and is about to say something when she catches sight of the office. And its TWO desks. "What's going on?" she asks.

Liz comes downstairs giggling and calls something disgusting back up the stairs to Vernon. At least, I assume it was disgusting because I was so traumatised I failed to make a note of it. At the breakfast table, she demands to know where Amy's nail polish (with rhinestones) has gone. Steve says they had to take it off because it got chipped. Liz reassures Amy that she'll redo the nail, and this time they'll do the toenails to match.

Paul tells Carla that she'd agreed to move out, but Carla, very upset, tells him she didn't mean straight away. She accuses Liam of getting Paul to do his dirty work. But Paul sides with Liam and suggests Carla should leave. She grabs her coat and does just that.

What's the world record speed for someone to put down a can, leap up and grab a feather duster. I think Jack Duckworth has just set a new record. Vera is not fooled. Jack points out that the sofa is now clear of debris, but Vera thinks he probably just cleared it so he could lie down (she's got either ESP or a webcam). Vera then utters some words that bring a terrifying picture to my mind: "I'm gonna go up and sort me feet." Ewwwww. She tells him that when she comes back down she wants it tidy. When the door closes behind her, Jack mutters something about her being the Queen of Sheba, but he's interrupted by the sound of something Vera-sized tumbling down the stairs! Jack rushes to the hallway. Vera is lying moaning at the bottom of the stairs. "Vee! Vee! What have you done, girl?"

Eileen pushes a stroller along the street. Jerry admires the baby. "Oh, she's a little cracker, isn't she. She'll have all the boys swooning when she's older." Of course, it's Freddie, as Eileen points out. Jerry reckons all babies look the same anyway. "Where's Ivy," he asks. "It's Holly," Eileen says. "It's not even that, actually . . ." Tears well in her eyes and Jerry bustles her inside for a cup of tea. (Hmmm. . . I wonder . . .). Tyrone tells Molly that Vera has a bad sprain and has to keep her foot up as much as possible. "How did it happen?" Molly asks. "Piece of loose carpet or summat," suggests Jack. "Was it 'eck as like!" corrects Vera. It was Jack's pigeon magazines, which he'd left on the stairs because he was too lazy to take them up. "Flamin' birds'll be the death of me, one way or another." Jack points out that if she hadn't ordered him to tidy up, none of this would have happened. Molly tries to defuse the argument by offering to get Vera something to eat. Jack says he'll do it. What does Vera want? "An apology! When you've got time!" she snaps. Jack pauses, then says, "I'm sorry Vee. I am sorry. And I promise I'll make it up to you. Starting with lunch."

Over at the Mortons' house, Jerry asks Eileen how Jason feels about the baby going. "Relieved," says Eileen. "He's got his life back." Eileen tells him that her children don't need her any more. Sometimes she wishes she'd had more. Jerry points out there is a downside to having a big family. She tells him about having queues for the bathroom anyway, with two lodgers. They all get on though, because they've got something in common – taking the mick out of Jason. "Sounds like you've got a bigger family than you think," says Jerry. Eileen looks slightly surprised and admits that this is true.

As Carla heads into the pub, the workers who are having their hotpot there stop eating to click their fingers and hum the theme from the Addams Family. I preferred the Munsters, myself. They discuss how much Carla looks as if she'd fit right into the Addams family and Janice says the look Carla gave them was the look of someone who could kill them. "That don't make her a murderer," Hayley says. "That's what they said about Tracy Barlow," Sean says. At the bar, Michelle serves Carla, who is furious that the brothers have kicked her out. "I'm sure they had their reasons," says Michelle. Derek comes into the bar and Betty shouts at him that workmen should use the back entrance. Liz rescues Derek and takes him out the back, leaving Betty making speculative and disapproving noises.

Derek tells Liz that he has a friend with a flat they can use. "Hang on, this is starting to sound like a proper affair," Liz says. She reminds him that he's married and she's engaged. "Which is why it will stay an affair," Derek points out.

Back in the bar, the lunchtimers are clearing the bar and Janice chats briefly with Leanne, who is just coming in. Leanne greets Carla and orders a drink and some prawn cocktail crisps. "Won't cheese and onion do?" demands Betty. The prawn cocktail crisps are in the back and she'd have to go and fetch them. But Leanne insists and Betty grudgingly trudges off. "That's what I like about Betty," says Leanne. "Service with a scowl." Carla starts to tell Leanne her troubles, blaming her new jobless state on her husband and his family. Of course, she says it loud enough for Michelle to hear and Michelle leaps to her brothers' defence. She tells Carla not to slag off Paul in front of other people.

In the back, Liz and Derek are acting like a couple of naughty school kids. They lock lips just as Betty bustles through, coughing to signal her arrival. As she passes, Liz is telling Derek, "...and in future if you could not stack those barrels by the back gate, it would really help." When Betty is gone, Derek tells Liz he loves it when she's masterful. She agrees to start a proper affair with him. Their bubble bursts as Betty comes through to demand that Liz come and sort out the customers.

In the bar, Michelle and Carla are still shouting at each other. Carla accuses Michelle of always defending her brothers no matter what. "Well, I wouldn't, love. Not after what they've done to you!" Michelle demands to know what she means. "Nothing. Forget it," says Carla. But Michelle won't leave it there. Liz is being very ineffective at stopping them. Michelle is determined to go and ask her brothers what Carla is on about. "Not on my time you don't!" Liz tells her. "And that goes for family rows as well. Just do what you're paid to do!"

Outside, as Paul drives up, a frantic Carla rushes over, saying she has something to tell him. But he doesn't want to talk to her. "Fine!" she mutters. "Just don't say I didn't try."

Claire and Eileen are talking at Eileen's front door. Eileen says the day went well with Freddie. She's got the best of both worlds – a baby to enjoy, but one that can be given back when she's had enough.

Deirdre slumps in the door from work and Ken seems pleased to see her. He tells her he's cooking a lasagne and he thought they'd open a nice chianti to go with it. "I like chianti!" Blanche says. Deirdre looks astounded. "I thought we were supposed to be broke!" she says. Ken replies that this is why he's cooking and they're not going out. Deirdre tells him he can save even more money. She's not hungry. She says she's going next door to see Liz. "I'm still up for it," says Blanche. "I was just making an effort!" Ken shouts after Deirdre. He flings down the tea towel he's holding. "Fine. I'll just starve then," mutters a dejected Blanche.

Next door, Liz is making plans to braid Amy's hair, much to Steve's disgust. Deirdre walks in and Steve tells Amy that here's her other grandma, "the normal one." Deirdre hugs Amy. "Hello, my little sweetheart." And she bursts into tears. "Well, almost," says Steve. As Deirdre sobs into her hanky, then wipes her eyes without taking her glasses off (!!), Liz pours her a glass of red wine and asks Deirdre to tell her all about it. "It's Ken," she sobs. "He's being really nice. And I hate him for it." Steve comes back with Amy, but Liz gestures for him to leave them alone. She tells Deirdre she's confused. Deirdre explains that the subject of Tracy is like a big stone that has rolled between them. Deirdre knows it's not Ken's fault, but she can't help taking it out on him. "So tell him that," advises Liz. "I can't," Deirdre says. The nicer Ken is, the more she wants to hurt him. And it's not because she blames him, but because she blames herself. Liz tells her to blow her nose, have a great big drink of her wine and she'll feel better.

Michelle knocks on Liam's door, but Jack tells her he's not in. As Vera calls him from inside the house, Jack watches Michelle's trim backside going away from him.

Paul is in the factory working when Michelle comes in and asks if he and Liam have been up to something. She explains what Carla said. "I don't know what you're talking about," Paul says. He says Carla was probably just trying to get her own back by making something up. Michelle says it feel like she was telling the truth. Paul gets indignant and says he's had a lousy day with his wife calling him all the names under the sun. He doesn't need his sister giving him a hard time and well, and he's got a load of paperwork to do and telephone calls to make. Michelle leaves, but Paul looks a very worried man.

The End
Margaret Carr

Good evening and welcome to another dollop of life in Weatherfield.

Historically I always used to credit writer, director and Cadburys. Recently I have been omitting to mention these important points - so I trust all concerned will accept that there is a mighty army at work preparing these programmes for our delectation. News has also reached my ears that I am about to be made redundant. ITV are planning to allow downloads of programmes for 30 days after transmission. Now it is not clear if these will be UK only or worldwide (and I bet they will want money like Channel 4 do). However if it is worldwide and free then I can see my days are numbered.

Without more ado let us descend on Weatherfield and the Connor residence where Carla is trying to apologise to Paul for letting the cat half way out the bag. She admits she has a big mouth and failed to keep it zipped. But he knows that she wanted to hurt him and deliberately let things slip out. He is going out with Ryan to buy the lad some trainers and Carla is not part of the shopping party.

In the Rovers Liam wants a quiet drink and Michelle wants a quiet chat - which Liam observes sounds ominous. Michelle refers to Carla's odd comment the previous day and asks if Liam can explain. He seeks to avoid answering - everything she says is dodgy - but Michelle is having none of it. Michelle asks if there could possibly be anything he might want to tell her. At which point Liam's mobile trills and Paul is warning him to keep it zipped. "Whatever" he responds and ends the call. He tells Michelle that he has made a mess of some emails and has to go to work to put it right. And take no notice of that daft mare - she loves winding you up and she is doing well this time. She turns to Steve and asks to take a break. He wants to know what is going on - but she does not have the faintest idea.

Along at the Duck Eggs', the family plus Jamie (for some reason - obviously to reach a quota for getting paid this month) are deep cleaning the house and Molly is proving a harsh mistress. Jack is told to get the step ladder and clean the windows or else!! A little later Molly helps R'Vera down the stairs. She is in a lot of pain and sits down on the stairs saying they should put her in an old folks home. She does not want to be a burden to them. Jack however will hear none of it. A few steps into the back room and some painkillers and all will be better.

Michelle has followed Liam back to his house and starts giving him the third degree (just like me - third class honours - turned up every day and failed all the exams). Liam lies claiming the fall out is just historic resentment but she simply does not believe him. She says they are not snow white and Liam jokes that he has never claimed seven very short people as friends.

There is some light relief at this point from Chesney and Fiz - but you are not interested are you? No thought not.

In Liam's house the bright lights have caught the lad like a rabbit in headlights and Michelle recalls some ancient history when she had alleged that Paul had lost a present - but she had in fact sold it for a bacon barm. This secret has been skulking around for 20 years. So perhaps he can repay the secret she has just told. Liam fetches them some scotch and prepares to tell all. She says he can tell her anything and she will still love him. After all he cannot have killed someone - so it must be easier than that. But her smile fades as his distress grows and she realises that perhaps it was a joke too far. Have you ... killed ... someone? He responds by saying "Dean ... sorry". And having got the first bit out slowly retells the story of Dean dying and how they moved him into the driver's seat to take the responsibility. He moves to comfort her but her promise is forgotten and she tells him not to touch her - he protests but she answers by saying that perhaps they are both "liars" then.

Back to the Duckworths. Vera is adapting well. Lots of get well cards, chocolates from Roy and Hayley, evidence that she is much loved. And she wants to watch "Loose Women" on the TV - but as Jack points out she does not like the programme; Vera says the chubby Nolan girl is OK. Jack wants to watch the racing - but not a chance Molly makes it clear that Vera gets her choice.

More light entertainment from Cilla, Fiz and Chesney, who needs some flowers for his stage outfit and Cilla volunteers to collect them from the cemetery.

Michelle is in shock and crying - so Paul killed Dean. Five years she has believed Dean was the cause of the accident and now she finds they kept the truth from her. They made her hate Dean and his memory for getting bevvied up and then getting killed - and none of her hate was right, it ruined her memories of her husband. And she remembers she had to tell Ryan that Dean was dead. How Dean and done a bad thing and nearly killed her two brothers.

And my wife felt that Kym was over-acting and not up to acting at this level - that she was out of her depth. I am not sure, but unlike a lot of people I do believe she is capable - these shortened soap scenes do not always allow intensity to build in the right way.

Michelle turns on Liam, spits at him and calls him a murderer. She wants to know who decided to move the body behind the wheel - although she guesses it was Paul's idea. Liam gives nothing away saying it was both their ideas. She rages at him "Dean was worth ten of you" and smacks him hard across the face. She grabs her bag and departs.

Outside she comes face to face with Paul and Ryan returning from the shopping trip. She orders Ryan indoors and to take the new trainers off. She tries to pull them off herself and Paul pulls her away. Bewildered Ryan runs indoors. Paul tries to tell Michelle they did what they did for Ryan. What - making him think his father was a drunk driver? He says people are looking. So she gives them something to look at it using a trainer to assault Paul's car and set the alarm off. Carla puts her arm around Michelle and gently leads her away to the flat. Carla says that she cannot really want to tell Ryan the truth.

The Webster family are disturbed by the car alarm and they go out into the Street. Kev is in his shorts and so Sally has to go. Kev hurriedly pulls on trousers and goes outside. Paul seems unable to reset the central locking and alarm. Kev takes the keys and resolves the noise. Paul has a go at Liam and tells him that he will never forget this. Liam says he will never forgive himself.

They find Michelle and want to talk about it. It cuts little ice. Michelle says she used to be sorry for Carla the way they through money at Ryan, but now she knows it was just blood money. Carla says it is all her fault that it was discovered. Michelle is glad she found out. Paul told her they can get through it - but Michelle says they will merely be playing at happy families like they have done for the last five years - playing. Paul wants to go somewhere to talk but Michelle will have none of it. She tells him not to come near her or Ryan again. Paul tells her they could have gone to prison - but as she points out there is still time. She goes into the flat, slams the door and leaves the brothers dumbstruck at the events and the prospect of the future.

And that is about it for this week.

K Richard W

We start off with Michelle telling Ryan that he cannot go round to see his Uncle Liam, and not to leave the flat or let anyone in. She offers no further explanation and therefore Ryan is confused. Liam overhears this conversation said that he had a couple of good films for Ryan to see. Michelle is not impressed. Liam asked that Ryan not be told about the incident. Anyway, he added if she was going to tell him she would've done so by now. Michelle says that maybe she is just waiting for the right time.

At the Duckworth's, Tyrone, Molly and Jack are helping Vera get down the stairs. She says she can't walk another step because of the pain. Jack complains that she is not having to lug 14 stone (89 kg) around !

Paul gets a phone call from Liam who is panicking. He is worried that Michelle is going to tell Ryan. Carla tells him that she wouldn't do that. Paul is not reassured. Carla says she is going to sort it out with everyone.

Back at the "Duckys", Liz says it is very undignified for her to have to be helped up and downstairs, and wonders if there was an alternative. Jack mutters euthanasia!!! Molly tells her that she needs to rest her foot and suggests staying in bed for a couple of days. Vera says that she doesn't want to be stuck upstairs in bed all day. (why not bring the bed downstairs and if there is no downstairs loo, get her a commode!)

Liam comes into the Rovers with Ryan. Michelle almost goes berserk. It seems Ryan had been caught spray painting on a wall. Michelle yells to him that she told him not to go out. He responds that she said not to let anyone in. She drags him into the back room, while Steve and Betty look on perplexed.

Jason takes round a box of baby clothes to Dev, while Eileen is out. He explains they upset her so much. Jason thinks Dev might like them for the twins, but he says they have everything they need. Molly then starts fumbling inside the box and pulls out a baby monitor. She confirms with Jason that it works. Now she tries to convince Dev that she is not pregnant.

Michelle asks Steve if it was okay with him to leave Ryan in the backroom. He says that it is alright. He says that he realises that she has fallen out with Liam and wonders what is happening. He offers to let her chat over with him any problems with him. She tells him that she is fine.

Deirdre arrives home complaining about the public transport system. She said she missed her usual bus and then waited half an hour for the next one and then that broke down, so she had to walk most of the way home. Ken takes little notice and Blanche says that she heard on the radio that there was a security alert at the bus depot. All this puts Deirdre in an extremely foul mood. She then asks if Tracy (remember her?!) has phoned, and when Blanche replies about twenty minutes ago, it makes Deirdre even more annoyed.

Sean and Violet are going out on the town tonight. He suggests getting a pint of milk on their way home to line their stomachs before drinking. Violet says she just wants to go out for a few drinks and a laugh. Sean responds that their mission is to go and get bladdered and pull !!!

Carla comes into the pub and Michelle buys her a drink and thanks her for opening her eyes to the family. Carla apologises for her brothers and says that it was a one off and wouldn't happen again. Michelle says that she knows what they are capable of. When Carla asks if she has told Ryan, Michelle says she hasn't but has decided to tell him the whole truth tonight. Carla urges Michelle not to do anything rash. Ryan, says Michelle thinks that his Dad was a drunk driver. Carla asks what telling him would achieve. It would turn him to hate Paul and Liam, but it wouldn't bring his Dad back. She suggests that Michelle should try and get things back on an even keel, and suggests taking Ryan back to Paul's with her. Michelle says that would be letting Paul off scott-free and it would give him access to Ryan. The alternative, Carla suggests that they never, and he never sees Paul and Liam again, and is that what she wants to happen. Michelle starts sobbing that she doesn't want Ryan to get hurt.

Back at the Barlows, Deirdre still in her foul mood asks if anyone has thought what they are doing for tea. Ken asks whether she wants to eat in or eat out. Blanche suggests a takeaway. Ken mumbles that there is plenty of takeaway stuff in the bin and wants real food. Deirdre says she had a big lunch, and therefore is not hungry. With that she says she is going to take the dog out for a walk. After she has gone out Blanche asks Ken how long he is going to let it go on. He tells her that he thought he was being reasonable. She tells him that he all he is doing is surfing the internet and that won't save their marriage.

Molly gives Vera the baby alarm she took from Jason's box. Vera questions why she would want it, as she is not a baby. Molly explains that she can communicate from the bedroom to downstairs if she wanted something. She could also use it downstairs to get hold of Jack. She goes on that even if he is out of the house up to about a hundred yards away you could still get hold of him. (If it transmits further than the vicinity of the house, ie not around the around the street, you will need a license in the UK). Tyrone wants to try it out in the backyard.

Michelle agrees to let Ryan go and stay with Uncle Paul for the night. Ryan is quite surprised at the change. He asks can he not stay with Uncle Liam? Michelle tells him that he cannot. Ryan then presumes Uncle Liam is still in her bad books. Carla tells him nobody is in anybody's bad books, and takes him out after Michelle hugs him. Steve sees them go and asks what all this was about. Michelle just mumbles about not standing up to them, and says it is time she did some work in the bar. Steve stops her and tells her to go inside and he will get her a drink.

In Liam's back yard, Jack is feeding his pigeons. Then Vera's voice comes through on the baby monitor saying she wanted a cup of tea. Molly seems surprised that it seems that Jack doesn't like it. He explains that the pigeons in the yard was his last sanctuary, now there is no escape. He tells Molly next time she has a "brilliant" idea to discuss it with him first.

Deirdre comes back home. Her mood doesn't seem to have changed for the better. Ken has set the table and asks her how she likes her steaks. He bought them from Ashley. Deirdre asks where Blanche was. Ken tells her that she's gone to play bridge with her friend's. Deirdre says to Ken "well done". Ken takes this as a compliment. However Deirdre says she was only responding to the question about the steak.

In the back room of the Rovers, Michelle tells Steve that she wouldn't blame him if he sacked her. Steve tells her not to worry as he is not only her boss but a mate. He could tell she was upset. He asks her what her brothers have done to upset her. She doesn't respond, but when she suggests moving away making a clean start Steve starts sweating, telling her not to think about it. She responds by saying that she moved here so that she could be near her brothers, but she can move away just as easily.

Peace and calm hasn't lasted long at the Barlows. When Ken tells her that he bought the broccoli at the Farmers' Market in the city centre, seems to spark a new row. She says she was surprised there were farmers in the city centre. Ken explains they come from all parts to encourage people to buy locally. He says the idea is for the two of us to relax and put things that have happened recently behind us. Deirdre immediately snaps back that she is surprised that he would have thought that a steak and lecture on the Farmers' Market would make everything all right. She puts her knife and fork down and says she is not hungry and goes off.

Back again to the Rovers where Michelle tells Steve that she needs a clean break. Steve says he doesn't want her to go, and follows it up by saying that they are short staffed. He then tells her how good she is at her job. She is funny, gorgeous and can pull a good pint. She tells him that she is going to miss working there. He looks at her and tells her that she won't, because he won't let her go. He leans forwards and gives her a big kiss !!

Right, Susan will be here next to tell you how Michelle responds to Steve's kiss.

Martin Rosen

We're in the back room of the Rovers again, Michelle and Steve are locking lips on the couch. Well, that is until Michelle pushes Steve away "What are you doing, I thought you cared" She throws at him. Steve looks genuinely shocked and Michelle stands up "Have you any idea how i'm feeling" she asks him, "Yeah" Steve replies as he gets up as well- they both stand in the middle of the room as Michelle admits she feels her life is falling apart, "I've just had the worst 24 hours" she tells him. Steve protests he was only trying to comfort her- but Michelle is adamant he was just trying to get off with her. "That is an unfair accusation" Steve shouts, as she spins around to leave the room, but Michelle clears the situation up by saying them kissing was the last thing she wanted. Steve is confused "We've been sniffing around each other for weeks" he reasons (What a great chat-up line, I should use that!!) Michelle is quick to inform him that her needing a friend because she's sad, and her wanting to get off with a bloke is two different things- but Steve decides the two can sometimes go hand in hand "Some people get randy at funerals" he says- I laughed at that line- but unfortunately Michelle is not amused! She can't take anymore and walks away from him and back into the bar- while Steve closes the door behind her.

Michelle enters the bar and is met by Betty- who is demanding to know why she is skiving- She has been holding the fort on her own, Betty's anger soon turns into sympathy though as she quickly realises Michelle is upset, "are you alright love" she asks- Michelle just says yes and goes to serve.

At the Duckworths, Vera is sat in her chair, Jack is alongside her and Molly and Tyrone are washing the dishes. Vera is clinging onto her monitor, informing Jack that wherever he goes, she will be able to contact him, via the monitors- Jack looks horrified and Molly tries to calm him by saying they only work up to about 100yards. "Her voice carries that far" Jack replies. Jack decides they can try out their new way of communication- he will go to the Rovers and they can test to see if the monitors will work that far apart. Vera's pleas of not wanting to be alone fall on deaf ears as Jack heads out of the door.

Violet and Sean are in a trendy Manchester bar- the music is blaring and the drinks are flowing, and the two clubbers are sat on bar stools; "Don't look now but you are being checked out" Sean tells Violet. He is keen to go over to the guy that has caught Violet in his sights as he reckons the guy's mate is gay- this way they both get a date for the night. They down a quick shot for luck and set about walking across the bar to where the guys are sat.

Paul is making dinner at his flat- Liam is sat on the sofa. Paul is annoyed at Liam for telling Michelle their secret and Liam is annoyed at Paul for carrying on as though nothing has happened. They hear Carla approaching the flat and are surprised to see her enter with Ryan following close behind. Paul is happy to see him and even happier when Ryan informs him he will be staying the night. "Great News" Paul beams and they set off upstairs to the games room.

In the Rovers, Deirdre is in one of the booths puffing on a cigarette, Ken walks in and spots her- he takes one look at her hand and the cigarette that's in it- turns back round and walks back out!

Sean and Violet walk in the Rovers- Sean looks fed up and Violet doesn't look too much happier- Michelle asks them what they are doing back so early. In basic- Violet has got all nervous and left the club- so Sean has gone after her and missed his chance with the guy he had his eye on. Violet lets out that going out on the pull rather than just letting things happen didn't feel right to her, and she had to leave.

Jack, Molly and Tyrone are sat in the Rovers- Jack is winding Vera up down the monitor by saying her drink is lasting longer than usual. Betty comes over to send her best wishes to Vera- Jack thrusts the monitor into Betty's face and tells her to speak to Vera herself.

Steve is in the cab-office with Lloyd (Yes Lloyd is still alive and well- he has just been hibernating the past few episodes!!) Steve is telling Lloyd all about him and Michelle- Lloyd tells him he shouldn't give up- "Stand up and dust yourself down"

Carla, Liam and Paul are eating dinner, Liam looks hopeful as Carla tells them all about her and Michelle's chat earlier- Liam is soon looking miserable again though as Carla tells them Michelle will probably never forgive the two.

Emily is just getting off the bus at the stop near Audrey's salon- she see's Ken sat on the bench. She asks him what he is doing sat out in the dark- "I'm digesting the fact that my wife prefers sitting alone in the pub to spending time with me" he replies. Emily turns agony aunt as she joins Ken on the bench- "there's bound to be tensions after what you two have been through" Emily says. Ken is thinking about what Emily is saying- "Yes especially when Deirdre thinks it my fault the Tracy is in jail" Ken says. He then starts blaming himself, saying that he didn't do enough to keep her out of jail- but Emily tells him he shouldn't blame himself "It was a very complex case"

Steve enters the Rovers through the back door- he sees Michelle's putting some money in the till and approaches her to tell her she can go home now- Michelle says she doesn't need to rush off, Ryan is staying with Paul. Steve tells her that if she's staying she can cash up- Michelle says she was thinking that maybe they could have a drink together- she's obviously now having second thoughts about giving him the cold shoulder. Steve isn't interested though "I've got a lot of paperwork to do"

Molly and Tyrone are looking after the monitor in case Vera calls while Jack plays cards- Molly turns to Tyrone and tells him she would like to have his babies, Tyrone looks shocked and Molly says not now but one day- Tyrone looks chuffed and says definitely one day. Later on things are looking awkward and Molly wishes she hadn't said anything- but Tyrone tells her he is pleased she did but would want to get married before they settle down- Molly's eyes light up! They talk plans to get their own place together when Vera is back on her feet.

Lloyd walks in the Rovers and Steve tells him Michelle wants a drink later- Lloyd tells him to get in there- but Steve says he doesn't want anymore humiliation.

Violet has decided to be brave and go back to the club- her and Sean are looking round the bar for the guys they met earlier- but it looks as though they have gone. They are sitting down having a drink when the two guys appear from the crowd- Violet makes the excuse they had left to go to the cash-point, she then offers to buy them a drink.

Tyrone, Molly and Jack have returned to keep Vera company- They find out that the talk button got jammed on the monitor and Vera heard all Molly and Tyrone's conversation, (about them moving out) Tyrone and Molly try to back track but Vera surprises them by saying she thinks they are a lovely couple and should go for it! Jack gives them a big hug and they decide to celebrate with a meal from the fish and chip shop.

Steve and Michelle have closed up for the night- they decide to have that drink together. Michelle can't bear atmospheres and says they need to talk- Steve admits his timing was all wrong. Michelle tells him she wants to tell him what she found out about her brothers and Dean. She tells him how they moved Dean's body into the drivers seat of the car. She then tells him how she has found out the truth through Carla and Liam "I'm absolutely gutted" she confides. "I'm in shock" Steve lets out, he wants to know why she didn't just tell him in the first place and he wouldn't have made a move. Things look awkward between the two and Steve says he now knows where he stands- Michelle gets up and walks away......

Will these two ever get it on????

Susan

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