We start in the Street where Norris always keen to save money asks Leanne to reserve him a table for two for lunch with some privacy. Unlike any restaurant known to man or beast Leanne is certain this is not a problem - even though she does not have the bookings diary with her - so business doing well Leanne? No-one else taken any bookings this morning? Doris then tries to keep Emily (who is aware of his evil plan) out of the Kabin but fails and he follows her inside to ensure no beans are spilled. She is unable to warn Rita but suggests they meet at lunchtime in the Rovers and if it is that urgent Rita is sure she can join her. Come lunchtime in the Rovers Emily is waiting - no sign of Rita and Emily spills Norris' plan to Audrey who is concerned and has to hope they get a chance to mark Rita's card if she does come in. Emily heads off to the Kabin. On her return the news is bad. It is closed and they must be out together. Emily suddenly realises that she has Rita's mobile number and heads over to the payphone to make the call!

At the Peacock residence Ash terminates a phone call (obviously from Casey) as Claire enters the house. He claims it was a salesman. The phone rings again and he tells Claire to ignore it but she insists on answering it. Anyway Claire invites the seriously disturbed Casey into her house as they have nothing planned for the day after all. Ashley looks a little disturbed and a little later suggests they go to the Rovers to avoid marginally deranged woman. Claire agrees - but just for half an hour in case she does appear.

Comedy interlude (well you might not think it funny). Dev and Amber are discussing her career opportunities (which seem not to include shop keeper). Amber finds ways of turning them all into her being a pole dancer (sorry luv - the face and figure do not fit).

Hayley and Becky are discussing the secret - no Hailes has not told Roy yet because of the distress it will cause that she was not a virgin. Roy watches the conversation from across the cafe and therefore asks Hayley a little later why he is being excluded from their conversations. He suggests that to save embarrassment that she should take Becky for a drink and not to bother to tell him what it was all about.

David (now a question, is he really seriously disturbed, in which case his ideal woman is clearly nut head Casey, or he is a standard issue teenager? And forgive me but what happened to the Webster storyline about the eldest daughter not going back to school? My remaining school age daughter has gone back so surely that storyline should have re-appeared before now - has someone lost track of the dates?) is in his back garden staring at Mel and tries to apologise but she is ignoring him and refusing to hear him talk. At which point David reverts to be sociopathic killer, sorry nutcase, whom we know and love and says he will stay there until she notices him and starts that stare. After a while Mel stands up and tells him he has won - she cannot sit in her own garden and goes indoors, telling him to leave her alone. Gail emerges from the house to hear the end of this and immediately starts telling him off. David tries to protest but fails and Gail tells him to start learning from mistakes (fat chance and then some).

In the Rovers Becky and Hayley discuss the problem of finding the missing person. Becky is also bewailing the absence of cigarettes (a problem Liz appears to have solved by disappearing from site completely). Once they sit down Becky tells Hayley to get a private dick (no that some how seems inappropriate) detective. Becky tells her it is the only approach - get in an expert on tracing people. And ROy need not know (just how would Hailes pay for such a person?).

At Leanne's Italian she is showing Doris and Rita to a table. Rita's phone rings but she apologises to Doris for the interruption, rejects the call and turns the phone off completely. She observes that she has no idea who it was but they can wait (hard luck Emily - it took half the report for the call to get through and she still did not take the call). Anyway Rita wants to know why they are there - business or pleasure or something else? Doris responds that it is not business and he hopes it will be pleasure. But he wants them both to relax before getting down to business (sorry pleasure). He seems very nervous.

Not sure if this is good news or bad news but Cilla Battersby-Brown is heading off to Las Vegas to look after Frank (who appears to have more sense than money - and he has a lot of the latter). Fiz wants to know who is looking after Chesney. Anyway it is only a couple of weeks and he should not need looking after - Chesney agrees with that sentiment. John wants to know where they will be staying - Frank responds "Seaview" or at least it will be if she does not get a move on.

Uh - oh unwell Casey has arrived at the Peacock residence - but there is no-one at home. She sits in the car until the Peacock family emerge from the Rovers. Claire suggests that she goes indoors with Ashley and has a drink (Ashley - a tip - do not get the red wine out this time, Claire did suggest a coffee) whilst she collects Freddy. Casey is hardly likely to turn down such an opportunity. Claire goes and inside Ashley tells Casey that he wants nothing to do with her. He is married and will be staying married to Claire. She tells him to stop pretending things never happened between them. He asks if she wants a war - it seems she does from her response. She tells him she is going to get what she wants - she will never give up and she is not going to go away - even if he things she has. She tries to reach out to him but he brushes her arms away. But as she says what he wants has nothing to do with it - it is what she wants now which is important.

Talking of nutcases David has gone to his computer and is playing some nasty "shoot the bastards" game and suggests that he was trying to apologise but no-one would let him. And given that his own mother never listens to him there is only one solution: "Die! Die! Go on die!" - which is uttered in such a nasty snarl that it is clear that David is no only unhinged but one wonders if the door of reason will ever close again.

At the restaurant Rita has finished the main course but Doris wants to delay the moment and says only after their final course. Rita decides on a tiramisu but Doris declines. Eventually we get there. Doris tells Rita that they work together, get on well together and neither of them is in the first flush of youth. So they the prospect of two separate lonely old ages. And well Doris has a lot of respect for Rita and indeed affection and he rather thinks she feels the same about him. After some prompting from Rita he asks her if she would be his wife. She replies that she is very flattered but the answer is no. He tries to say something but Rita stops him, saying that time will not alter her response. It has come as no surprise to Rita, she had seen the signs and she always knew what the answer would be. She makes it clear that she will never reach any other conclusion.

David is in the soon to be converted garage which contains the fridge freezer. He flicks the mains on-off switch several times - is he trying to achieve some form of communication - who knows? (Well the scriptwriters obviously). Anyway turning a red light on and off provides a form of entertainment to a psychopath I suppose (what is the difference between sociopath and psychopath and which is David - or does it not matter?).

K Richard W

Sorry a very big sorry I did this report, posted it then deleted it, then found out that my msn was duffed up and it didn't send, so I lost the report so have taken the ITV web site one

(copyright ITV/ITV media)

Claire and Ashley left the house with him making wailing noises. Hayley asked if he was alright and Claire laughed: "Yes, he's alright. He's just making fun of my poor mother. She's got toothache." As Hayley went off to work, Ashley made another wailing sound and laughed: "She sounded like Chewbacca!" Claire chided him: "That's my mother you are talking about." He smiled: "I'm driving you both to the dentists aren't I? I'll meet you at the shop." She told him okay and set off but suddenly stopped, turned round and looked at him and, with a smile ran back to him and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. He asked what that was for and she smiled: "You! Not that you deserve it." She told him she'd see him in a minute and headed off towards the shop. They were unaware that Casey was sat yards away on Rosamund Street watching their every move in her wing mirror. She watched enviously as Claire kissed him and walked off. Then she watched as Ashley dropped his keys onto the floor accidentally. She looked round and smiled to herself: "Thank you Ashley, thank you!" Becky sought out Hayley outside work and told her she had made her an appointment with a private detective at three. Hayley told her she couldn't just get out of work: "What am I supposed to say? Sorry Mr Connor I need to go see a private detective about finding my son?" Becky huffed: "What is so hard about faking a headache? I do it all the ti..... Er, no I don't. Not to our Roy. Alright, I'll do see if he can do later." Norris seemed to be avoiding Rita so she tracked him down outside and cried: "Your coffee is getting cold." He looked at the hoarding and told her: "I'm surprised you haven't had this changed to Newsagent Rejects Proposal just to compound my humiliation even more." She sighed: "Are you going to be like this all day?" He marched huffily past her and sniffed: "What have 'I' got to lose?"

Dropping Freddy off with Kirk, Claire told him there was a bottle in the bag if he needed feeding: "But make sure you take off your gloves and apron first and use a bib." Kirk looked mystified: "A bib?" Ashley sighed: "On Freddy, not you Kirk. Anyway, I won't be too long." Kirk beamed at Freddy: "We'll be alright won't we Captain? I'll keep him away from the meat so there are no mix ups." He saw their horrified face and cried: "Soz... it was a joke." As the pair left the shop and climbed into the car to go pick up Claire's mother, they failed to notice someone parked just across the road taking a keen interest in their childless departure. David's red light flirtation with the fridge the previous evening was explained as Gail went to get something from it only to find water all over the garage floor and the contents quickly defrosting. She flicked the mains switch on and off several times but with no joy. "It's off!" she cried: "Everything's ruined." David told her helpfully: "Look, you go get a mop and I'll check the fuse." He watched her go and then took the fuse he had previously removed out of his pocket with a smile.

Casey turned up at the shop to find Freddy wailing and Kirk not coping terrible well. She told him: "Ashley said you might be struggling. He's been held up." Kirk asked if she had spoken to him. She didn't actually say yes but told him: "I said I'd take him to the park." She ordered two steaks but when Kirk told her he'd call Ashley to get her a discount she hastily told him not to bother his boss: "Get him to ring me when he is back and I'll sort out handing the baby over."

Audrey handed David some money and told him to get six magazines from The Kabin: "Let Rita choose them and don't be long. You have wasted enough time as it is this morning." He protested: "Gran, I have already told you I was saving my mother from certain death by a lethal combination of water and electricity!" She replied offhandedly: "Yes, you said now off with you." She trailed off as she spotted Casey putting Freddy into the back of her car. She ran over to her car. Casey smirked: "You tried your best Audrey but me and Ashley are back together now." Audrey snorted derisively but Casey replied: "Come to the wedding if you like, as soon as his divorce is through. It's going to be a great do." She smirked once more and drove off leaving Audrey wondering what the hell was going on. On his way to The Kabin, David spotted a courier walking away from their front door. "That for us?" he asked chirpily. The courier replied: "A Mrs G Platt." David told him he would sign for it. The courier held out his clipboard, David scribbled his autograph on it and took the package from him. As soon as the courier drove off, he looked round furtively to make sure no-one was around and sauntered over to The Kabin where he unceremoniously dumped the package in the rubbish bin.

Norris was not amused to find Rita reading lonely hearts adverts out to him. She told him: "Every couple of years you get this idea that you are half of a couple and not a whole individual. He retorted: "Well perhaps I 'am' half of a couple." She fired back: "Well now that I am excused from being the other half of that couple I am trying to help you find her!" As the door opened and David walked in he told her: "Subject closed," and she hissed back: "Suits me perfectly."

Ashley arrived back at the shop and was mortified when he learned that Casey had taken Freddy off. Kirk told him she said she had spoken to him and to give her a ring when he got back. Ashley stormed outside and called her. As she answered he raged: "What the hell do you think you are doing?" She replied calmly: "Just waiting for you. I heard Freddy crying in the shop and ..." She stopped as he yelled: "Where are you?" He rang off and told Kirk that if Claire came back he was to say nowt.

Casey rang off at her end and smiled at Freddy: "See? I told you Daddy would come..." She clicked the remote for her camera and took a picture of herself with the baby, smiling happily to herself and told Freddy: "... because Daddy loves us. He loves us very much."

Gail handed Audrey what she had salvaged from her freezer and told her she may as well have it as an apology for sending David late to work. Audrey gasped: "You mean that was true? That he was saving you from death by electricity or something?" Gail smiled: "I was surprised too. I'd have been less surprised if he'd pushed me in it and locked the door but he cleaned up and changed the fuse." David appeared and smiled: "What's that Gran? An apology?" She spotted Claire and rushed over to her, asking if she's spoken to Ashley. Claire shrugged: "Not recently no. What about?" Audrey told her about Casey and Claire sighed: "I have already told you, me and Ashley have already talked about that." Audrey cried: "Well why did she tell me her and Ashley are back together not long ago." Claire told her she wouldn't do that.. Audrey cried: "Then she said I could come to the wedding and off she drove with Freddy!"

Ashley arrived at Casey's flat. He went to knock on the door but found it unlocked and slightly ajar. Calling out her name, he stepped inside. Inside he found a photograph emerging from a printer of him with her and Freddy. He was unaware but it was the one she had taken minutes earlier and she had superimposed him into it. She had also stuck to the guidelines laid down in 'Stalking For Dummies' by having a photo montage of him on the walls of every room. As he looked round the room he realised she had been taking photos of him for weeks if not months and had stolen some from the house. He pulled out his phone but she appeared from nowhere and snatched it out of his hand. She smiled: "Nice photo isn't it? I've got it on my phone. I'll Bluetooth it to you. Is your phone enabled for Bluetooth?" He growled: "Where's Freddy?" She told him he was asleep. He rushed to the bedroom but found only an empty bed and the wall adorned with more photos. He yelled again: "Where's Freddy!? You had no right to take him." She replied: "Oh Ashley, of course you can have him..." "... but not when you are behaving like this. You'll frighten him!" She stepped to one side and Ashley saw his son out on the balcony. He rushed to the door but found it locked. He yelled at her to give him the key but she replied: "Not till we have talked." He grabbed her roughly and screamed at her to give him the key. She screamed back at him: "What? Not five minutes. After everything we have been through and done you can't give me five minutes to try and understand what's happened? And you think I'd hurt Freddy. You honestly think I could do that?" He relaxed his grip on her and looked down at his son sleeping soundly and oblivious to everything.

In the pub, Kelly was surprised to get a text from Becky. She opened her phone and read: "Tell Hayley now." They demanded to know what it meant. Hayley blustered: "Er... Becky said she would let me know if we ran short of the special. I'd better pop over there." As she vanished through the door, Fiz told the others: "She's a rubbish liar."

Claire and Audrey marched in and asked Kirk where Freddy was. He blustered that he was with Ashley. Audrey gasped: "I saw Casey with him. I saw her put him in her car with my own eyes. Why are you lying for him?" Kirk wailed: "I'm sorry! Ashley made me promise not to say anything. I didn't want to do it but he made me." Claire shot a look at Audrey and they both rushed out of the shop, Claire pulling out her mobile.

Ashley's rang in the flat and Casey, looking at it, smiled: "Oh, it's Claire. Shall I answer it?" Ashley hissed no but she pressed the answer button then handed it to him. Left with no choice but to answer he blustered: "No, Freddy's with me. No we're just shopping... he's fine. Look I'll have to go. See you in a bit," and hung up hastily. Casey cooed: "Poor you. Lying is so hard for you but soon you won't have to." He growled at her: "No, cos you are going to leave us alone!" Much hilarity as Hayley told the detective she wanted to find her son. He asked when he was born and she replied: "I didn't know he'd 'been' born." He replied: "He was adopted? Stepson!" He look lost as she replied: "No, he was my son by birth. I can tell you his mother's name, his name, how old he is, where he was probably born. It may sound strange..." He replied: "Strange I'm used to love. It's the impossible that I struggle with." It got worse as she told him: "I think I may be his father."

Casey, now seeming to really lose the plot, poured wine for Ashley. He told her he was driving but she beamed: "Don't be silly. You can stay." He told her to say what she had to say to him then he was taking his son home to his wife. She twittered: "I've got us some lunch. Steak, your favourite." He yelled at her: "Just say what you've got to say!" She cooed soothingly: "I know you find it hard hurting Claire but this is what you want. You told me." He listened in disbelief as she told him: "This is what you want. You sent me a sign. I watched you this morning and I thought if he really wants me he'll give me a sign and you did. You dropped your keys." I cried: "I what? I drop my keys and that means that I want to be with you? You're mad!" She told him: "You push me away because what we have is too strong." He spat back at her: "What we 'have' doesn't exist!" but she barely heard him and insisted they were to be together.

The private detective had finally managed to grasp the complexities of Hayley's situation and having taken his fee from her, shook hands and told her he would be in touch soon. Becky sat down with her and told her it sounded promising but Hayley didn't seem to sure. "It's lies on lies isn't it?" she sighed: "First finding out he exists, then wanting to find him, now money, it's just lies on lies on lies." Becky told her sagely, with a small bit of help from Nancy Sinatra: "Well at least when you start truthing you'll know what you are truthing about!"

Audrey pulled up alongside Ashley's car outside the flat and Claire wailed: "I knew he was lying. If this is true and he is with her then I lose everything." Audrey told her that wasn't the case because Ashley loved her. Claire cried: "I have no claim over Joshua and with what I did with Freddy...." Audrey told her: "Now stop it. I won't believe that. Not unless I hear from Ashley's own mouth will I believe for one second that it's that woman he wants over you."

Up in the flat, Casey rambled: "Fate brought us together Ashley. Fate and Claire. She should have just been happy to get Freddy back after the fire, not keep pushing and pushing who did it." Ashley asked: "The fire?" She didn't seem to hear him and said dreamily: "She should have been happy, grateful, and I'd have been miles away just thinking it had all been a terrible mistake. Ashley gasped: "A mistake? You mean you set the fire?" She smiled: "Only it wasn't a mistake was it or we wouldn't have got together." Ashley cried incredulously: "Claire could have died in that fire." Casey sighed: "It would have been better if she had really." Ashley raged: "Right, I want you to give me my son back now and you stay away from me in future." She screeched: "Don't say that. Don't say it!" He screamed at her: "Whatever is in your head is not real!" He ripped photos from the wall and ran to her bedroom to get the photo by the side of her bed. He stormed back in shouting: "And when did you take thi..." but stopped in his tracks as he found her out on the balcony holding Freddy and backing towards the edge. She told him: "If you don't want me, I may as well be dead. We both may." Ash begged her to come inside but she told him: "Say you love me or I'll do it." Then the sound of Claire hammering on the door was heard and she told him: "Get rid of her now or you'll never see either if us again."

Part 2

Well Amanda left you with a cliff-hanger of a story (or should I say balcony-hanger!!!!!), so let us see how the story evolves.

Claire has arrived at Casey's flat and is banging on the door, with Audrey right behind her. Ashley answers the door and tells her to go away, but Claire just storms past him into the flat and sees Casey holding the baby on the balcony. Ashley told Audrey to call the police.

Casey threatens to jump with Freddy, with Claire yelling at her not to do it. Casey tells Ashley that she warned him not to let Claire in. Then she suddenly switched and said she realised why she let Claire in. She goes on that it is obvious that he wants to tell Claire the news that he and Casey are together. She says that they were trying to think of a way of letting her down lightly, because she was a friend. Casey told Claire not to blame Ashley, because he loved you, but he loves her now. Then astonishingly invited Claire to sit down for something to eat and drink.

In Audrey's hairdressers, more clients than has ever been known are waiting for Audrey to do their hair. Maria calls her on her mobile, it was answered, but only to find that it is David on the other end, as she had not taken it with her.

Molly is on her way to see Tyrone in the garage. Paul calls out about having a green pen. Tyrone asks what that was about. She says that Paul reckons it is good luck to circle the flats advertised in the paper, that they are interested in, in green ink (?!). Tyrone thought it was a load of rubbish. Anyway he said that Vera would have mentioned it because she knows all the superstitions.

Intense drama still going on at Casey's flat. She looks over the balcony at a woman who she calls a bitch. She says she hates her. If she jumped, that would show her ! Ashley pleads again for her not to jump, and Casey says she wouldn't now he and Freddy are there. She then turns to Claire and tells her that her and Ashley fell in love, they couldn't fight it. Then she spots the police turning up at the flats. She yells at Claire presuming that she called them, and called her a bitch. Casey tells Ashley to get rid of them.

Ashley says that he isn't going to leave Claire on her own. He tells Claire that it was Casey that started the fire at their house and tried to kill her. Claire, calmly and determined tells Ashley to do what Casey wants. Ashley runs to the door, and tells Audrey not to let the police in. Audrey wants to know if everybody is alright. All Ashley could say was that Casey has Freddy and is threatening to jump off her balcony with him. Ashley goes back into the flat, and Casey seemed a bit calmer now that they seemed to have gone. This did not last long as Casey then tells Ashley to admit to Claire that he no longer loves her, so that she doesn't have false hope. She says she needs to know so that she can get on with her life. Casey reminds Ashley that when Claire was at a meeting of her support group they both knew it was right. In fact she continues they were almost caught out when Claire came home and they were scrabbling for their clothes. Ashley croaked that was true.

The other drama is at the hair salon! Doreen, (obviously the only client after all) is waiting for Audrey. Maria apologies. Doreen was going to try and make an impression on a man that day. Eventually Doreen gives up, annoyed. David offers to cut her hair, but Doreen looks as if she would rather have needles stuck in her than let him loose on her hair !

The police detective arrives at Casey's flat. He tells his officers to keep watch on the flat but keep out of sight. He explains to Audrey that he doesn't want to inflame the situation or antagonize Casey. He tells Audrey that as soon as they can act they will do.

Inside the flat, Casey asks Ashley to propose to her on one knee. She then stars crying and mumbles yes. Claire still calm and determined asks Casey why she was crying. She says she is so very happy. Claire says she understands what "happy" means. Claire says it is a happy that means something isn't right, a happy that you feel when you have lost someone you loved and nothing can every bring him back. Casey says she has everything she wants now and tells Claire to go. She tells Ashley to show her out, so they can make plans. Claire reminds Casey that she lost a baby. She made plans for him, got everything ready for him .... Casey is looking more distraught now and tells Ashley to make her go. Claire continues, calmly and even more determined. Claire continues to remind her that she had told her what had happened. How she wouldn't go to the hospital because she knew it would be bad news. Casey wants her to stop. As she was doing this, she stepped forward towards Claire. Ashley then immediately moves to "protect" the balcony door. Claire continues reminding her that she was going to name the baby Reese. Then says Reese is dead, and asks her to hand Freddy to her. Casey looking bewildered and dazed hands him across. Ashley runs to Claire and they both cuddle and cradle him. Then suddenly Ashley notices that Casey is moving towards the balcony again. He yells for her to stop, while Claire tells him to let her jump. Ashley manages to pull her back. The police then rush into the room, and grab Casey. She yells to Claire that she should have died in the fire. The police take her away. Claire then asks Ashley if what she said was true. Ashley begins to say that he was worried for Freddy, but Claire insists on knowing whether what she said was true, and doesn't want any more lies. Ashley says that he only loved Claire and never Casey. However he admits that it was true and he was desperately sorry. When Claire was told that Freddy had to go for a check up at the hospital, and that they could both go with him in the ambulance, Claire said that only her and Freddy would be going in the ambulance.

Is there anything else happening in the Street you may wonder? Well Violet is going to the hospital for her twelve week scan. Sean wonders if he can get a t-shirt with the baby's photograph on it. Violet says they will find out when they get there. (I thought it was supposed to be a secret as to the father?!).

Staying at the hospital, Ashley asks the police officer what is happening to Casey. He is told that once the surgeon has given the okay, they can interview her. Claire then appears with Freddy. Ashley rushes over to ask how he is. She tells him that he is fine. Audrey says she is going back to the salon. Claire tells Ashley they have got some talking to do when they get home.

Jodie rushes into the pub to find Jerry. She has to get Kayleigh back from her friend's. Jerry said he was drinking, and Jodie said she had had a couple at lunchtime. Jerry then grabs a drink and says he can't drive either. Lloyd overhears the conversation and offers to pick up Kayleigh. Jodie asks Lloyd if he knew Russell Street where her friend was. He says he knows it like the back of his hand. He says he knows every road in town, and besides he has an A-Z !! Jodie says that Kayleigh sounded drunk.

You may recall that Molly and Tyrone are looking for a flat. Molly rang one and found it had already gone. Tyrone then smirks so much for the lucky green pen.

Lloyd arrives back with Jodie and Kayleigh. He calls Jerry over and opens the back door. Jodie comes out and then asks about the awful smell. Lloyd tells him that Kayleigh threw up in the back. Jodie yells to her sister asking if she has been drinking. Jerry says she had better not, and orders her inside. Jerry then turns to Jodie, saying that it is her first day back at school and this is what happens. He tells her that she was supposed to be in charge.

Audrey arrives back at the salon. She is greeted by Maria who tells her that she has a client revolt (what more than Doreen?) The police officer says that he wants to check through her statement, so Audrey tells Maria to take him into the salon. She meanwhile goes to see Ashley and Claire. She tells them to look after each other and think of the children. They go inside without saying a word to each other.

Jodie apologises to Lloyd for being annoyed with him earlier. He says she should be out enjoying herself and not having to play at being a housewife. He suggests what might be fun ........ cleaning her sister's sick out of the car !!

Claire gets Freddy ready for bed, she hands him to Ashley who kisses him. Claire says that babies are resilient. She remarks that nobody would have realised what he has been through that day. Ashley says that he is safe now, and Claire agrees. Ashley begins to apologise to Claire, but she walks out of the room.

So will Claire and Ashley get back together as a happy family? Anne maybe able to enlighten us some more!

Martin Rosen

Well, another week has gone by. Here in sunny Bognor Regis we have had the Birdman Rally – lots of crazy people jumping off the pier dressed in silly costumes, and all to raise money for charity. The weather was kind and a good time was had by all. However, I digress, so back we go to Coronation Street, and here's the update for Wednesday 5th September.

Ashley wakes up on the sofa, and then we see Claire sleeping on the floor of Freddie's room. (Why nobody slept in a perfectly good bed is a mystery to me.) Ashley puts his head round the door and stands there looking tortured.

In the cafe, Roy is gazing at the local newspaper, bearing the headline "Highrise Horror', and looking worried. Hayley tries to tell him that Freddie is ok but he wonders when they might be able to visit. Hayley thinks they should give the family some time to themselves. She asks if there's anything else bothering him, he seems a bit distracted. He tells her that he's checked the bank balance and there seems to have been a sizeable withdrawal. Becky hears this and leaps to the rescue, so that Hayley doesn't have to reveal that she spent the money on a private detective tracking down the son that Roy doesn't know she's fathered. "Hayley lent me some cash," says Becky quickly, and explains that she needed to get an electrician to fix some faulty wiring in her flat. Roy seems put out that Hayley hadn't mentioned this, but Becky says she asked Hayley not to tell. Roy seems to accept this, and gets back to work. Hayley isn't happy about Becky telling lies, but Becky tells her she didn't like it either, but needs must.

Over in the salon, David has been putting highlight dye into a customer's hair. Maria tells him he's getting quite good at it, and he asks if she thinks it's worth giving a styling course a shot. She assures him that it would be. David, for once, seems genuinely happy. Just then Audrey comes in, saying that she's had a terrible morning. Maria asks if she's been to see Claire and Ashley but she says she hasn't, she thought she'd let the dust settle. David then tells her he thought he'd go at lunchtime and enroll at college, and she tells him to take the whole afternoon and do it properly. "Are you serious?" asks David. "Only if you are," she replies.

In the Peacock residence, Ashley hangs up the phone and tells Claire that Detective Parks will be over later. "How's Casey?" snaps Claire. Ashley says he didn't ask, and Claire bustles about with pursed lips. Just then Kirk arrives, "I'm so sorry," he tells Claire. She tells him that Freddie is fine. "You weren't to know," she says, primly, staring at Ashley. There's an awkward pause and then Kirk says he'll get out of their hair. He goes off back to the shop, and Claire tells Ashley he should go with him. Ashley tells her that Kirk can cope on his own. "So can I," she says. "Claire, please," begs Ashley. "Just go," she says, refusing to look at him. After he's gone her face crumples.

Jerry is sitting at his table doing the books. Jodie comes down, not very happy, but Jerry isn't sure why. (Actually, neither am I!) He offers her money to go shopping but she turns it down and storms out of the house. No sooner has she gone than her little sister comes downstairs, recovered from being brought home drunk. She tells Jerry to spare the lecture, she already had it from Jodie, and someone spiked her drink. He tells her she's grounded for three months, no mates round, nothing. Just as he's ticking her off, Darryl wanders in, half dressed. "What time do you call this?" asks Jerry, getting exasperated. "Breakfast time," says Darryl. Jerry tells him not to be funny and to go and get some clothes on.

Outside, Rita sees Gail walking down the street and gives her a parcel that she found in her rubbish bin. Rita can't imagine how it got there, but Gail seems to guess who the culprit is.

Jodie sees Lloyd getting out of his taxi and apologises to him for yesterday. "So how is Puke-a-hontas this morning?" he asks, cheerily. She tells him her sister's alive, but probably wishes she wasn't. She checks out the cab, it doesn't smell to bad and has cleaned up ok. "Thanks to you," says Lloyd. She asks if she can pay him for his trouble but he just tells her she can buy him a pint. She says she'll hold him to that.

Roy and Hayley have gone to see Claire and Freddie, and Roy wonders out loud what could have possessed Casey to do what she did. "She wanted to be a mother," says Claire, but Roy remarks that that does not justify her actions. Claire starts to ask them if, after the fire, they believed that she started it. "Not for one moment," they interrupt her. Just then the doorbell rings , it's Audrey, come to see how Claire is doing. "How do you think I'm doing?" she replies, frostily. She then says that Audrey seems nervous. "Is there anything you want to tell me?" she asks. Audrey falters….then Claire accuses her of knowing all along. "You're supposed to be my friend, how could you keep something like that from me?" she says. Audrey tells her she thought she was protecting her, she didn't want to see her getting hurt. Claire, tells her she needn't have worried, she's absolutely fine. Her son, on the other hand, almost died. Audrey apologises but Claire is having none of it and demands that she leaves. "Now, please!" she snaps. Crestfallen, Audrey leaves. Hayley and Roy, in the other room with Freddie, see Audrey going and wonder what's going on. Claire enlightens them. "My husband slept with the woman who tried to kill me," she says.

Outside in the Street, Kevin sees Audrey weeping into her handkerchief and asks what's wrong. Sobbing, Audrey tells him that Claire knows that she knew about Ashley. "What's she said?" asks Kevin. Audrey says it wasn't what she said it was the way she looked at her. "Kevin, what have I done?" she wails. Kevin tells her not to blame herself, the only one at fault was Casey. (Er….what about Ashley? He wasn't exactly comatose through it all!) Audrey says that Claire deserved better from her, and better from him. Kevin says that Claire and Ashley will get through this. "If you think that you're as deranged as Casey," Audrey replies, and adds that whatever happens between Ashley and Casey it will be on their consciences.

After the break, we see Ashley talking to Kevin in the café. He says he keeps going over and over it all, but it doesn't make any sense. Kevin thinks Claire is still in shock, and anger isn't far behind, and Ashley must fight for his family. Just then Becky comes over and says she heard what happened. "I always thought that woman was a bit weird," she says, "but a total psycho?" She then realises she hasn't been very tactful and goes back behind the counter. Roy and Hayley arrive back, Roy gives Ashley a stony look as he walks past, and Hayley asks Kevin for a quiet word with Ashley. She explains to Ash that they've been to see Claire and know what happened with Casey. "That explains Roy," says Ashley. Hayley assures him they aren't judging him, but urges Ashley to go home to his wife. Claire needs you, she says.

Eileen arrives at Jerry's with a Chinese takeaway. "At this hour of the day?" he says. She asks if he's never heard of being spontaneous. As she's getting the containers out of the bag the teenager (sorry can't remember her name) comes downstairs and pounces on one of them, saying she's starving, she hasn't eaten since yesterday. Jerry tells her to go and get ready for school. "If you're well enough to eat you're well enough to learn," he says. Protesting, she goes to get dressed.

Claire is tidying toys when Ashley comes in, saying he saw Hayley who made a lot of sense. "Told you what you wanted to hear, more like," says Claire, "she's good at that." She carries on picking up toys without looking at him. "Will you please just look at me?" says Ashley, "you've to speak to me." She says they'll talk when she's good and ready, and says he should get cleaned up, DI Parks will be there soon.

Darryl is in his back garden, shooting empty beer cans with an air rifle. David sees him and asks if he can have ago. "Just don't shoot me, all right?" says Darryl. Just as David begins to shoot, Jerry comes out and his hearing appears to have undergone a miraculous change, considering he never heard the loud music when it was blaring out of Darryl's shed. "Hey, Butch and Sundance," he says, "we can't hear ourselves eat in there!" David says he asked for a demonstration, but Jerry says his garden is not a firing range and tells them to lose the shooter. When he's gone back inside, David turns to Darryl. "He didn't say owt about my garden, did he?" he grins.

DI Parks tells Claire and Ashley that Casey has made a full confession to everything. "So I am no longer a suspect?" says Claire. The policeman apologises and says that the doctors will make a decision as to whether she's mentally fit enough to stand trial. Claire is worried that Casey will be out in a month, but DI Parks assures her that that won't happen. He then suggests that he and Ashley talk on their own, but Ashley informs him that Claire knows about everything. "Whatever you've got to say you say to both of us," he says. "OK," says DI Parks, "can you confirm that you had a sexual relationship with Miss Carswell?" "Yes," says Ashley. The policeman asks if at any time she gave him any reason to suspect anything untoward. Ashley says she just came across as a friend. DI Parks tells them that Casey has said Ashley was planning to set up home together. "I never said that!" exclaims Ashley, and turns to Claire who looks grim faced. "You've got to believe me!" DI Parks then leaves, and Claire jumps out of her seat and heads for the door. "Look after Freddie," she says.

In the pub, Kevin and Sally wonder what is happening across the road. Kevin thinks he should have done more, but Sally tells him that Ashley brought it upon himself. "This is his mess, not yours," she says.

Behind the bar, Sean and Violet discuss the forthcoming scan of the baby. He tells her he's booked the time off work, he's coming with her.

Back in Freddie's bedroom, Ashley gazes down at his son in his cot.

Darryl is teaching David how to use the airgun when Gail comes out, and totally over reacts. "What the hell do you think you're doing with that thing?" she cries. "It's just an airgun," David tells her. "It's dangerous!" says Gail. "Only in the wrong hands," says David. Gail probably realises that David's hands could well be dangerous and tells Darryl to go home. Then she tells David that he never ceases to amaze her. He walks off, shaking his head. Gail turns and sees an ornament that has had it's head shot off.

Claire goes back home and asks Ashley if he loved Casey. He says he didn't care about her, Claire is all that matters to him. He says that he can't lose her, but she says he lost her when he stopped believing in her. "I love you," he says, but she tells him it's not enough. She tells him there's nothing left worth saying, and asks him to leave. "What about our Josh and our Freddie?" he cries. She says they'll talk about them. "I'm still their dad," says Ashley. "That's all you are," says Claire.

Gail is sitting at the table with the broken ornament. David comes in and she reminds him that he made it for her in primary school. "Save us the trip down memory lane," he says, "that kid's gone, deal with it." She asks why he enjoys hurting her and he asks why she embarrasses him in front of his friends. "Do us all a favour and chuck it out," he says. She brings up the subject of the parcel found it Rita's bin. "Is that supposed to mean something?" he asks. "And there was the mysterious freezer malfunction," she goes on, "or was that just a laugh as well?" "You won't give me a chance, will you?" he says angrily, "I'm your son!" Gail smiles wanly. "Like you said, that kid's gone," she murmurs.

Anne Logan

Welcome to the update for Friday, September 7. Written by Mark Wadlow, this includes the best line spoken by a Corrie actor so far this year! (Well, as judged by this panel of one). But let us begin:

"Don't you walk away while I'm talking to you!" It's Gail, of course, marching out the house after David. Nearby, Sean and Violet are leaving their house and Sean is making "dentist" excuses to Eileen. We gather he'll be missing for a while during the day. As they walk away from the house, we learn that Violet is going for her 12-week scan and Sean is going with her.

At Gail's, Gail wants to talk to David without a row breaking out (she'd best not say anything, then!). She says she's glad everything's working out at his gran's and now that he's working she thinks its time he started making a financial contribution. "I'm only on minimum wage," David points out. Gail replies that she's not earning a fortune at the health centre herself. "You get money off Sarah, don't you?" asks David. "Exactly. That's why it's only fair that you pay your share." David thinks it's only fair if he pays less than Sarah, because Beth lives there for free and "as for the Weatherfield biscuit scoffer . . . Have you seen how much he can get through?"

At the Websters', Sally's annoyed that Kevin stayed up till 4am talking to Ashley. She doesn't think they should be taking sides. "What's Claire going to think when she finds out we've taken Ashley in?" Kevin takes the coffee in to Ashley, who is lying gloomily on the sofa, and Sally goes off t work.

David is getting annoyed now. He can't understand why Gail hasn't mentioned money before. She says she was giving him time to find his feet. Plus it's payday, so it's an appropriate day to mention it. David accuses her of still thinking he's been stealing the post and of trying to get her own back on him. "Everyone who lives under this roof has to make a contribution," Gail says. "Why should you be any different?" David knows the answer to that. "'Cause if I have to live under this roof and pay, then I'd rather be living somewhere else!" Gail is very calm. "Well, I'd be sorry if you did that, but it would be your decision," she tells him. David thinks she wants him out. "Has Jason put you up to this?" he demands. Gail tells him she just wants him to make a gesture. "I'll give you one of those all right!" he rages, leaping to his feet. He says she knows it's nothing to do with money or being fair. He storms out, leaving Gail looking rather stunned.

Kevin is folding up sheets and duvet from the sofa and talking to Ashley. Ashley points out the Kevin had an affair. Kevin says that was ten years ago. Ashley says he's just trying to face facts – nothing can save his marriage now.

Gail's unloading groceries, with some music up fairly loud. Next door, David, watched by Darryl, takes aim and fires and a peg spins furiously on the clothesline. David thinks shooting pegs is boring and wants to have some real fun. "What do you mean?" asks Darryl. They go next door and Darryl warns David that the gun is dangerous. "I'm not going to shoot her," he says, "even if she does deserve it. He takes out his phone and calls his home number. Gail goes to answer it and David puts the barrel of the gun inside the window and fires a slug clean into the plastic milk bottle, causing milk to pour nicely from the near, round hole. Then he does it again to a bottle of fizzy water. Gail comes back from the phone to find milk and fizz all over the place. It takes her about two seconds to work out what's happening and then she's straight out into the yard to deliver the line of the year: "David, have you been shooting at my shopping?" She orders David into the house to clear up and tells Darryl to stay away from him.

In the hospital waiting room, Sean is agonising over how he should be introduced to the hospital staff. Violet is just worried generally. Marcus Dent, the sonographer, comes out to tell them things are running a bit late. "He was rather cute," Sean says. Violet tells him to concentrate on their baby.

David is mopping with his mobile phone in the other hand, laughing, presumably to Darryl, about Gail's face when she picked up the milk.

Gail's at the salon, telling her mum about it. Audrey's disappointed because she thinks David's behaviour has improved since he started work. He even took himself off to college to enroll, she tells Gail. Gail tells her about David stealing the post. "That lad's taking me for a fool and I'm going to put a stop to it. And you're going to help me." "Me?!" Audrey chokes on her tea.

Audrey's handing out the pay packets. Liam, who's been getting his hair cut, suggests Maria takes him out. Our eavesdropping on their conversation is interrupted by David asking Audrey why his pay is short. She's apparently taken some out because Gail asked her to. She explains that Gail thinks he should be paying his way. "So you've stolen me money off me?" David asks, angrily. Audrey tells him she's just doing what his mother asked. Oh, and she's taken out an extra £2.30 for the things he shot at, but that won't come out every week. "Every week?" asks a horrified David. Audrey is adamant. "My salon, I make the rules," she says. "And if you don't like it. . ." David doesn't. He chucks down the broom and heads out the door, telling her he's not going to accept it.

Claire and Freddie visit Eileen in the taxi office. Claire admits she's told Ashley to move out. "Out marriage is over." She says Ashley had an affair, not a one-off. "And with the most conniving, twisted, horrible cow I've ever met." Eileen says Ashley's still a good father, and they've both been through a terrible ordeal. Claire points out that that's when people show their true colours. She's not going to stop him seeing the children. She blames herself for bringing Casey into the house and for being too gullible. "From now on, I'm not trusting anyone, and that includes my husband!" Eileen looks at her. "So the mad woman wins, then?" She says Casey wanted to destroy their family and that's what's happened. Claire doesn't think she can turn a blind eye to what Ashley did. She would never be unfaithful to her husband. She can't forgive Ashley.

David storms into the house, accusing Gail of stealing from him. She says she took what she considered a reasonable amount. David tells her she might as well have the lot, and throws his pay at her, note by note. "I couldn't trust you to pay your own way," Gail points out. David says she went behind his back and cooked up a spiteful plan with his gran. David says that when Gail couldn't win an argument, she manipulated her own mother. He says he'd thought about what she said and was going to come home and offer her some money.

Marcus is scanning Violet's abdomen and says everything looks good. Violet asks if he can tell the sex yet, but he says it's too early. "What about its sexuality?" asks Sean, coming up with the best pick-up line so far! Marcus says the baby will have a six per cent chance of being gay, along with everyone else. And the sexuality of the parents has not bearing on whether the baby is gay or not. "Oh, and she's not gay, by the way," he tells Marcus. Sean insists on explaining the whole thing to Marcus and there's a definite spark in the air.

Claire's playing with Freddy when Ashley comes in. She tells him he should have phoned first, but Ashley doesn't think he should have to make an appointment to see his own son. He wants to save the marriage. They both worry about the effect on the kids, but Claire plans to tell Josh the truth.

David comes downstairs and wants to talk. "I've been thinking, and this isn't working," he says. Gail thinks it could do. But David doesn't. "The thing is, I don't really like you," he says. "Everything you do irritates me. You're a liar and a thief. I could go on . . ." "You mean, I don't let you walk all over me," Gail says. David says it's clear she doesn't want him there so he's leaving. Of course, that isn't what Gail wants. He doesn't want to tell her where he's going. He hugs her. "Have a happy life. Ciao."

Violet and Sean are back home, looking at their baby photo. She says he was flirting with Marcus. "I just hope I don't get a male midwife," she says. "I'll feel like a gooseberry at my own birth." Sean confesses that he managed to get Marcus's phone number. Violet is a little worried but Sean thinks everything will work out.

Audrey is at Gail's. She thinks David will be at a pal's house. But Gail is worried by how calm he was. "He said he'd thought things through." She thinks David's probably been planning to leave home for weeks or months and she's pushed him over the edge. Audrey doesn't think he'd leave the easy life he has at home. But Gail thinks he might be gone for good. "And don't tell me he's not capable, Mum. He's capable of anything."

The End.
Margaret Carr

Episode written by Joe Turner.

Two main stories in this episode. Violet and Sean on one side of the Street and on the other darker side David and Gail.

Violet and Sean decide to tell the world about baby. So they start with Eileen who wonders if she should wash the turkey baster and if Sean is now batting for the other side. She is soon set right on the latter. Being Sean telling the world is a big production in the musical of his life so getting the factory girls together is absolutely essential. Once gathered in the Rovers he is keen to tell them all the details and show the scan around. Violet is desperately trying to prevent it all getting out of hand but fails dismally. Bet wants to know what is going on so Violet has to explain to her that she is preggers and Sean is the father. Betty is so pleased - she always knew they would make a lovely couple (oh come on - even Betty knows what gay is I am afraid). At one point Dev arrives with a bunch of flowers and offers her a book of baby names.

Avoiding the completely dark side we have a few scenes of Claire, Ashley and the children. Claire is treating Ashley than some poo she has stood in and brazenly announces to Emily who is so pleased to see the family back together that Ashley does not live with her any longer. By the way what is the correct approach if someone you know admits to you or your wife that they are having an affair? Do you tell the husband or wife, or if it has been going on for over a year do you assume that the other party already knows and is turning a blind eye? I mean what is worse - Ashley's odd roll on a madwoman or concerted deceit over a long period? Claire makes it clear that there is no room for Ashley in his own house when they return from their walk on the red rec.

Meanwhile Hayley and Becky are mithering over the former's problem of a possible son. Poor Roy will not know if he is coming or going and the possible son will probably star having nightmares over his father being a woman.

And finally - well I suppose I have to write about David and Gail, but honestly you won't enjoy and if you print it out to read it, it will just be a waste of paper.

The police arrive at the Platt/Tilsley/Hillman residence. Apparently they have David down at the station (and don't you wish they would keep him there). He is alleging that Gail beat him up after an argument and then thrown him out on the Street. Gail is a little affronted at the suggestion but misses a trick. She could always have admitted it and suggested that he should be put into care to protect him from her. The officers seem to doubt her denials and claims of innocence (typical these days - guilty until proven innocent). They go away for a couple of hours and return with a somewhat battered and bruised David, although his ego is untouched. The police have obtained the truth (apparently they beat it out of him) - he got into a fight and the other guy came off worst. The police consider a charge of wasting their time but decide against pursuing it. David goes upstairs to clean up - apparently the prison cells are quite unhygienic. R'Audreh goes to the Rovers for a drink with Bill and to moan about David over a drink.

Later Gail asks why David had claimed to have been beaten up by her - it seemed a good idea at the time he answers. David is laughing and merely considers it all a bit of fun - not that he is driving his mother into an early grave (is that one which arrives before the train?). Gail tries to explain the world to David - if he wants to be treated as an adult then he needs to behave like one. David asks her to pass the gravy ignoring her speech completely. A bit later Gail again tells David that they cannot go on like this. Yes says David I am out of your control, then sneers at her and calls her melodramatic. Gail wants to know why he hates her so much - but David says that she is wrong. It is because she hates him - and insists on controlling him - although Gail sees it as trying to help him. David reminds her that she never wanted him to be born. She almost let Richard Hillman kill him (hang on a moment - Richard was trying to kill Gail at the same time) and earlier today when the police arrived didn't a little bit of her hope he was finally dead. Gail cannot believe what she is hearing but David says that is the truth and she has to live with it. Poor Gail - the lad needs some help for his poor twisted brain and the chance that he will ever see it for himself and get help is way off the bottom of any scale.

Be back for part of next Sunday's double episode.

K Richard W

PART 1

Platt's back garden; David shaved the hair of Bethany's doll while singing. Gail shouted to him saying his breakfast was ready.

Cafe; Becky told the Detective Hayley was not here and for him to go to the Rovers and she will get her. Roy asked what he wanted but he said he has to be somewhere else. Becky told Roy she is going for a fag.

Outside Molly says estate agencies don't come to you so she booked them a viewing. Tyrone says he might be busy but then says he's not. Molly says she will get him later.

Rovers; Sean told the factory lot he was considering taking paternity leave. Becky told Hayley the Detective will be there in 10 mins and for her to tell work she has something to do. Carla tells the factory lot to be back in 5 mins. Hayley said she has something to do and will be later.

Platt's; Bethany comes in with the doll. Sarah shouted for David who said it was in the garden and he thought she didn't want it. Sarah says it was like new. David says he was practicing to be a hairdresser and will make it a wig and goes out.

Outside Roy asked Dev if he saw Becky as he is trying to serve, cook and clean. Dev says he is too nice and people take advantage.

Rovers; Liz asks how long she is going to stay. Violet says till the end of her pregnancy. Liz asks how she came up with Sean for the father. Violet says that both knew what they were doing. Jamie says he bets she was not saying that this morning. Violet is not amused as he is saying she looks rough.

Factory; Sally tells Rosie to tell Carla she got nine GCSE's and should do better for a job. Carla says or maybe better pay. Carla then says they are doing an hour overtime. Sally says she worked through lunch to go early. Carla says she can go at 5.

Salon; Sarah is telling them what David did to Beth's dolls. Maria asks him if he would like it if Bethany wrecked his play station. He says if she would it in the back garden. He says he will buy her a new one but he can't because half his wages were stolen by his gran and given to his mum.

Rovers; the Detective tells Hayley he has everything in this envelope. She takes it or she leaves it but his job is done. He tells her he is 99% sure. Hayley says the father. He goes and Becky comes over and they look inside.

Factory; Sally wanted a word in private but Carla said Rosie can stay. She said it was about her lesson and needed to tell John. Rosie says she could go and tell him at half 4. Carla said that's ok as they are up to date.

Rovers; Hayley said he is close and looks like his mum. Becky says she just can't go and is going to make sure she does not do any thing daft. Hayley tells her to come on then.

Corner shop; Tyrone tells Molly he does not want to go while Paul is still there in case he does anything and they are not there. Molly says he just does not like Paul. Tyrone says he has been there longer and he cares about Jack and Vera. Tyrone then goes.

Outside Becky told Hayley to slow down. Hayley says, if she does then she might stop and not go on. Hayley says she has to go and speak to him. Becky says they can go in and see what they think. Hayley tells her to come on.

Salon; Gail asks Audrey if she head about the Doll. Audrey says yes and says she should have just hit him. Gail asks for a haircut. Audrey tells her to come back at 5.

Rovers; Liz is not sure about Violet working right till the end and admits she'd understand better if she had a one-night stand. Liz says she has one last thing to say and asks what she is getting into and her child as well. Violet understands but tells her to leave it.

Outside Hayley says she just can't walk in. Becky says she can it's a shop and he's not going to say are you my dad. Hayley says she can't. Becky says she is going in. Hayley tells her to come back but she is away over to the shop.

Webster's; Rosie sees John at the door and told him Sally won't be till 5. John says he will go to the pub but Rosie tells him to come in and wait.

Outside Becky finally comes back saying there was a sale and she got something for a £1. Hayley tells her to forget that and asks if he was there. Becky says yes and says he is fit. Hayley says she is here now. Becky tells her she better get going then. Hayley runs to the shop.

This Report is Copyright M@nda

Hayley is in the record shop and is asked by Christian if she needs any help. She tells him she's just looking but it's nice of him to ask. They talk about The Pixies and The Doves, "Are they nice?" she asks Christian of The Doves and after being told they're "dead nice" makes a purchase telling him he could charm the doves out of the trees. She chickens out of asking him something more personal by asking instead if he takes Switch card (for payment).

Ashley returns home with Joshua to mistake Claire asking Josh if he'd had a nice time for her speaking to him. Claire is making tea and annoyed to find Ashley had already fed Josh on the way home. She didn't know because she wouldn't read his text messages. She goes to tell Joshua about his mummy and daddy splitting up before Ashley asks her not to. She tells Ashley she'll miss out the bit where Daddy had an affair with psycho bitch from hell who tried to fry Claire in her bed and her recorded delivery of Freddie to A&E.

Ashley excitedly tells Becky outside the record shop that she's spoken to her son and that he's lovely. Becky asks Hayley if she told him she's his dad because Hayley's full of surprises these days. Hayley is excited by her Doves cd and her son's gift of the gab. She tells Becky she needs to go home and tell Roy all about it even though she knows he'll be devastated and hurries off but not before she pulls Becky away from the shop window where Becky is having a look at Hayley's son's "seriously cute backside" (I can't back Becky up that, there was no shot of it.) She asks Hayley if she had a cute backside when she "was a fella".

In the Salon, Audrey is gossiping away with a customer who is having her hair done by Maria when Gail comes in. David refuses to get his mum a coffee choosing instead to stomp off for his tea-break. While Audrey is shocked by his behaviour, Maria wades in and tells the women she's not shocked by David any more, he's been acting that way for years. Audrey asks Maria to mind herself and be more professional- not talk about fellow staff members in front of clients- but Gail agrees with Maria. Audrey wonders if everybody knows how to run her salon better than her.

Back at Ashley and Claire's, Ashley is telling Joshua he'll be living over t'road but he'll still see him every day. Joshua is reassured that Mummy and Daddy both love him very much but that they keep having rows and they need to live apart if they're going to be able to stay friends. Poor Joshua wants his Dad to stay and Ashley wants him to understand so makes an analogy about bigger boys taking Joshua's toys. It blows up in his face when Joshua asks if Mummy took Daddy's toy and Mummy tells him, "No, Daddy took mine". Poor Joshua doesn't know what an analogy is but hopefully knows that Daddy loves him.

Becky and Hayley return to Roy's Rolls and finds Roy most displeased. Hayley covers for Becky and tells him it's her fault that Becky went AWOL this afternoon. Hayley interrupts Roy mid-rant and tells him she needs to speak to him. Becky is asked to hold the fort while they go upstairs for a chat.

Sally eventually returns home from work to where John is being entertained by Rosie. She tells him she just needs to get changed out of her work clothes before doing poetry with him. Perhaps she has some nice poetry clothes she can change in to. Sally has a whine about Carla and is mocked by Rosie for using the word "proactive". Kevin comes through the door to be given his orders for the afternoon to clear the house out for Sally's poetry time with John.

Hayley is accused of theatricality by Roy before she manages to tell him about her son. She begins by apologising to Roy for telling him she was a virgin when they met. She tells him Hayley was a virgin when they met but Harold wasn't. Harold had once had sex with a woman to try to prove that he was normal. Poor Roy is confused as to why Hayley lied. He is disappointed that Hayley would have thought he would have loved her less. Hayley asks Roy to sit down to hear the rest of what she has to tell him. Roy won't sit down and obsessively cleans the kitchen while Hayley tells him she has a son. Shocked, he finally sits at the table and hears the story of how Hayley's son had tried to trace Harold and how she found out about him since the death of Auntie Monica. She confesses to hiring the PI to find the lad and tells him she went to see him today. Roy is distressed that Hayley has lied since they met and that she has been lying and deceiving him since she found out about her son. He is disappointed that she would confide in Becky and not him. "Who are you?" he asks. "When I woke up this morning, you were my wife. But now, I don't recognise you." Hayley tries to comfort Roy but Roy won't be touched telling her to save the physical contact for her son. He storms off.

Downstairs, Becky is having a mini-flirt with Jason when Roy rushes through the cafe with a face like thunder shouting at Becky to mop the floor. Hayley runs after him but Becky tells her he probably needs some space. When Jason asks if everything is OK, Hayley shouts at Becky to mop the floor like Roy said before hurrying back upstairs.

David re-enters the Salon and told he is well out of order by Maria. Audrey tells him to keep his personal feelings about people out of the Salon and reassures him she wants him to get on with his mam. David brushes her off telling her it's a personal thing but he won't bring it into work any more.

Claire and Ashley are hashing out the separation at their place once again. She wants Ashley to have as much access to the boys as he wants but is not interested in them being together any more. Ashley tries to apologise and points out that it was Claire who brought Casey into their home in the first place. Claire argues she wasn't the one who brought Casey into their bed. She is most unforgiving of the fact that Ashley believed Casey over her. She asks Ashley to please leave.

Roy is storming off outside the Salon and Claire & Ashley's as Claire sees Ashley out the door. He doesn't want to leave Claire because she's still upset but like Claire says, it's not his job to comfort her any more.

In the cafe, Becky apologises to Hayley but Hayley tells her it's not her fault. She tells Becky that she thinks it's over between her and Roy. Becky tells her Roy just needs some space- it's a lot for him to take in. Hayley explains that Roy can't handle being lied to. He can't even handle sarcasm. Hayley thought she was like Roy but she's realised that she's not. She's as stupid now as she was before her gender reassignment. Becky admits she doesn't know what the right thing to say is but she does know that Hayley is not stupid- she's the most brilliant person Becky knows. She knows that Roy will be back and that Hayley can get him back.

At Sally's John and Sally are going through Keats' poetry. Sally muses about how she won't be leaving anything of value to the world unlike Keats before Kevin barges in with kebabs for them all for dinner (Yumm!). She finds out Rosie has paid for them and has a go at Kevin about encouraging Rosie in her wage-earning job habit. In the meantime, Kevin receives a text from Ashley asking him to meet for a pint. Sally explains to John that Ashley is with them-while his marriage is in troubling times and he's staying in their parlour. Sniggers from Sophie and Rosie who says, "just coz you're studyin' Keats Mum, do'n't mean you have to speak like 'im!" before giving Sophie an alarmed look and Sally sniffs and sticks her out-of-joint nose in the air.

Ashley is all forlorn in the kebab shop- if I had a kebab shop near me, that's definitely where I'd choose to do my moping!- and Jerry is accusing Mel of scaring the customers away with her police exam paperwork. He asks Ashley if he can join him to escape all the police talk. Even Ashley whining about the state of his life is more attractive than Mel and the police stuff and so he goes to join Ashley.

Jason walks in on David & Gail at the Platts' house where David is needling Gail mercilessly while playing Play station. Jason tells David he thinks Gail is upset about the Bethany's doll thing. David tells Jason a creepy story about a victim in Germany of the Dusseldorf Vampire who survived multiple stab wounds from a pair of scissors. Jason gives up on getting any sense from David and goes for shower. David tells him to watch out- showers, serial killers etc.

In the pub Ashley bemoans the fact that he's an idiot. Jerry and Kevin, two famous idiots, tell him he's a bloke so he's not alone on that score. Ashley is worried about seeing his boys. Now, I've watched the next bit about twelve times and I'm sure that Kevin tells Ashley that when it comes to having Claire a nervous wreck because of the fire and having Casey around and then sleeping with her- he tells Ashley that "we would've all done the same in your shoes, mate." !! Ashley wants to be there to help Claire get over everything but he doesn't feel he can. Jerry tells Ashley to fight for Claire because she's worth it but to do it quick because he and Kevin, perfect specimens of manhood, will be sniffing around. Oh dear.

Hayley comes down into the cafe to talk to Roy. She starts off by telling Roy that she's sorry "if" she lied to him. Roy tells Hayley that he's disappointed Hayley, who should have known what it's like to have to be a true person (transgender and all that) would feel that she'd have to lie to him. The truth is more important than anything else. He can't forgive her for lying; he simply can't get past the lies. Hayley reasons that she has behaved so deceitfully towards him because she just found out she has as a son and she wants Roy to come with her on this journey. Roy is dismissive of her Americanism, "journey", but Hayley insists it is a journey. Hayley tells Roy if she has to give her son up to be with Roy she will but she wants Roy to come on her journey with her. She leaves Roy to think things over in the dimmed cafe with an alarm sounding out on the street.

Stella

At the Duckworth's, Tyrone uses the last of the milk, and has already had the last of the bread. Paul comes down and tells him and Molly that Vera and Jack are waiting for their breakfast in bed. Paul calls up that it's going to be late, and makes a comment about a locust in overalls. Molly giggles – until Ty glares at her.

The factory girls are in the cafe waiting for their breakfast. When Janice asks Roy if he's on a go-slow, it's breakfast they want, not dinner, he snaps that if it's fast food they're after he suggests they go elsewhere. Hayley tells him that she knows he's unhappy but it's no use taking it out on the customers. "Talk to me, shout, throw things, but do SOMETHING please!" she begs him. "I have a cafe to run," sniffs Roy. Hayley says that she has a son and ignoring the fact will not make it go away. "We need to discuss what we're going to do," she says. The factory girls get their take-away breakfasts and go. Hayley says to Roy that she doesn't like the way he's behaving, "It's not US!" Roy says he's not sure what 'US' is anymore and suggests she goes and catches up with her friends.

Paul, Tyrone and Molly spill out of the house and onto the pavement. Paul tries to convince Tyrone that what he said was meant to be a joke. "Are you trying to say that I'm eating them out of house and home?" snaps Tyrone. Paul says that if what he says upset Tyrone, he's sorry. "I'd better go and get that milk," he says, "before Jack and Vera die of thirst." As he walks off down the Street, with the hint of a smile on his face, Tyrone turns to Molly, outraged. "He's having another pop!" he says, but Molly assures him that he isn't. "What's the matter with you?" asks Molly. Tyrone is convinced that Paul is trying to make him look bad. "Can't you see his game?" he asks her. "I can see you making a Pratt of yourself, getting wound up for nowt," says Molly, and tells him to get to work and calm down.

As the factory girls walk off to work, Hayley does indeed catch them up. Kelly asks her why Roy was so mardy, but Hayley just tells her that Roy takes a pride in his food. Janice says that there's such a thing as customer service, but before she can say any more Hayley snaps at all of them and hurries off, leaving them open mouthed.

In the shop, Molly tells Paul that she doesn't know what's wrong with Tyrone, she thinks that moving is getting to him. Paul says that he should be made-up to be moving in with her. She says that he's excited but feels guilty about leaving Jack and Vera. Paul says he's leaving them in good hands.

Just then Claire comes in with the children, and tries to purchase some sweets for them, only to find that she's forgotten her purse. Joshua gets upset but just then Audrey appears behind them and offers to pay for them and in the end Claire accepts. "If it's not my purse it's my phone or my keys, I don't know what's the matter with me at the moment," she says. Audrey says she looks like she needs a sit down and says she'll take them all over to the cafe for a cuppa.

In the cafe, Roy chastises Becky for not stacking the plates as he likes it. She tries to tell him that whatever she's done, Hayley loves him and is really suffering. "Life doesn't divide into neat little piles," she tells him, "it's not black and white. Sometimes you have to lie." Roy disagrees, "There is always a choice," he tells her.

Just then Claire, Audrey and the children come in. As they sit down, Claire says that most days she feels like she's sinking, but she wouldn't change her decision. Audrey tries to tell her that if Ashley could turn the clock back, he would. She asks if she'll give him a second chance. "He betrayed me, Audrey," says Claire, "over and over again. I'm not sure I can ever forgive that."

Over at the factory, Hayley is sitting in a daydream until Karla, who is doing a round of the factory floor with Rosie at her side, snaps her out of it. "I was miles away," she admits. Karla then goes to inspect the workmanship of the workers, starting with Sally. "Are you studying Shakespeare?" she asks, "because these are a comedy of flaming errors!" Fiz turns to Sally when Paula is out of earshot. "I should watch her Sal," she says, "or Rosie will turn out just like her."

Hayley, after sitting and fretting for a while longer, finally goes to see Karla and asks if she can take some time off. "There's something I need to do," she says. Karla tells her that it's not ideal, but gives her the permission, and Hayley scurries off.

Out near the builder's yard, Jason and Bill can see Jerry talking to someone in the Street. "What's he like then?" asks Bill. Jason says he barely knows him. "Then I suggest you get to know him," says Bill, "he might be family one day."

Hayley goes back to the cafe, goes in and turns the sign to 'closed'. Roy is aghast, but Becky makes herself scarce. "We need to sort this out, please Roy!" says Hayley. Roy eventually gives in and sits down. Hayley tells him that they've had nine wonderful years and what they have now is as special as it always was. "How can it be?" says Roy, and says that the honesty they had between them was what made it special and without it…… "What? We're done with? Do you not love me?" asks Hayley. "It's not a question of that," says Roy. Hayley thinks it is. She says it's not some idealised view of their marriage that matters, but the day to day – the climbing the stairs at the end of the day, watching the headlines with their Horlicks. She assures him that her son isn't a threat, but could be something wonderful. She reminds him of how she always wanted a child but it was not to be, and now Christian has come along. "I can't walk away, but I will," she says, telling that if it has to be a choice, she would choose Roy. "I can't do it without you, Roy," she says, "I need your support." He tells her she has it, on one condition, "No more lies, the next time you see him you have to tell him the truth."

Claire is hanging her washing out in the garden when Jerry strikes up a conversation over the fence, telling her that he'll always help if there's anything that needs doing. He says that the situation with Ashley is not ideal and he expects the lads are missing him. Claire tells him that it's her marriage and her business, and marches off indoors.

Hayley goes back to Christian's record shop, but he's not there, the assistant tells her he's gone to buy jaffa cakes.

Back in Coronation Street's retail outlet, Dev tells Molly he's thinking of buying a new golf club, it's only £90.00. Molly remarks that she's glad Tyrone isn't into any of that. Dev says that Tyrone can borrow his clubs any time – if he wants to use them on Paul! Molly says he's doing her head in, he's like a man obsessed. Dev thinks he's jealous, Tyrone probably thinks that Paul is after her. Molly assures Dev she's not in the least attracted to Paul, so Dev suggests she let Tyrone know, and soon.

Back at the record shop, Christian returns and Hayley tells him she's come to see him, about his father. "Who are you?" asks Christian. "I'm er...I'm err...I'm your father's sister," Hayley chickens out of telling the truth, and hastily adds that Harold has been dead for some years now.

In the Rovers, Bill and Jason are discussing Eileen's new man friend, Jerry. Bills thinks that Jason should check him out, to save Eileen any more heartache.

Molly and Tyrone are in the pub too, discussing the events of the morning. She wonders if he thinks she fancies Paul. "You don't do you?" asks Tyrone. Molly assures him that she doesn't, but thought it would explain why Ty hates him so much. Tyrone says he just doesn't trust him. She asks what proof he's got, and he admits he doesn't have any, yet. "My gut instinct is telling me," says Ty. "Oh, it's your gut that's telling you, is it?" asks Molly, "only you should have said. We can't argue with anything that big!"

In the record shop Christian is coming to terms with what Hayley has just told him. "As far as I'm concerned he died a long time ago, when he couldn't even be bothered to reply to my letters," he tells her. "I didn't even know you existed," cries Hayley, hastily adding, "and nor did he, I'm sure." She says that Monica never passed the letters on. "Why not?" asks Christian. Hayley says that she's sure Monica only did what she thought was right, and she knows his dad would never have abandoned him. She asks him to come round to her home tomorrow, and jots the address down for him.

Jerry comes into the pub and Jason goes over and buys the drinks, saying that as he's going out with his mam he thought they should get to know each other.

The factory girls are also in the pub, talking about Hayley and wondering where she went. Sally suddenly looks up and sees Karla buying Rosie a drink. Horrified, she goes over and snatches it out of Rosie's hand. "I hope you're not giving my daughter alcohol!" she snaps. Rosie wails that it's tonic water. Karla says that she would say that Sally's been working too hard, but they both know that's not true, and takes Rosie out.

Out in the kitchen, Kevin and Ashley are chatting as they sup from cans of beer. Kevin tells him that things will get better, he just has to be patient. Ashley's not sure Claire will ever forgive him, but Kevin says that the kids will probably bring them back together. Ashley says that's not what he wants, he wants things to be as they were before. Kevin says that life isn't perfect, he may have to accept what he can get.

Hayley gets back to the cafe, where Roy is mopping the floor. "How was he when you told him?" he asks her, but she confesses she couldn't do it. "He's been hurt enough," she says. Roy is annoyed because she promised him she would tell the truth. Hayley says she told him that Harold was dead and she is Hayley, Harold's sister. "He'll be much happier thinking of me as his Auntie than having to come to terms with a transsexual father." Roy accuses her of piling lie upon lie because she didn't want him to reject her. "I'm only human!" she cries. She tells Roy that Christian is coming there tomorrow. "Will you be honest with him?" asks Roy. She tells him that she can't make that promise. "It wouldn't really matter if you did," he says, "because after today I'm not sure I'd believe you."

Anne Logan

No episode aired tonight

There was no Friday episode, but a whole hour on Sunday, instead. So here is the first half.

Because this is Coronation Street, the postie still arrives at the crack of dawn, unlike the rest of the UK where the single delivery now can be anything up to 5pm (yes, really). Molly's outside and takes charge of the post directly. Nearby, the package being put through Eileen's letterbox is gift-wrapped. Yes, it's Sean's birthday and he tries to grab the package, but it won't come through the box. That's because Jamie's still hanging on to it on the other side. Sighh... the old practical jokes aren't always the best. It's an album of "The Dusty Springfield Story". The phone goes and it's Marcus, inviting Sean out to lunch. Sean's already taken the day off because it's his birthday. Could he have a better birthday?

Hayley's in a cleaning frenzy, which includes sweeping a partially-completed jigsaw back into its box. She says she's tidying, but Roy thinks she's deliberately ruined three nights' work because jigsaws are for squares. He tells her she's invited Christian around under false pretences. "Can't you even be honest about the way we live, the things we enjoy?" Hayley's says telling him the truth straight away would be cruel. "How is he ever going to think of you as anything but a liar?" Roy asks.

Jack is doing a crossword. That's might not be so bad, but he's being helped by Tyrone! Paul sticks his oar in with a correct answer and tells Tyrone he should stick to spanners. Molly comes in and Paul goes to help her with the groceries. He pauses in the hallway and hides a letter marked "Daleshire Bank". Tyrone notices he's taking his time with the post but Molly tells him to forget it.

Hayley is at work and obviously stressed. The others invite her for a drink but she turns them down.

Sean arrives at what is now Weatherfield's only restaurant. He's pleased to find that he's remembered correctly and Marcus is gorgeous.

Carla is in the factory office and takes off her shoes before wandering out into the workroom. Hayley worries about her being barefoot (NZers and Australians might be surprised to hear that many here in British-land think bare feet are unnatural, even indoors!) and standing on a pin or something, but Carla's happy to live dangerously.

Sean and Marcus get to know each other, talking about their jobs. Marcus asks Sean whether the chef is an ex of his. "He's been checking you out ever since we got here." Sean reassures him that Paul is his next-door neighbour.

Tyrone buys some cans of food in the corner shop. Paul is working so Tyrone is cooking and gets to mash the spuds how he likes! He tells Molly that he saw Paul messing with the post. Molly points out that if Tyrone or Jack had bothered to get out of their chairs to help take the groceries from her, Paul wouldn't have been able to take the post from her. She thinks Tyrone is getting boring. "Buy a motorbike! Take up cake decorating! Something to feed this overactive imagination!"

Christian comes into the cafe with flowers. Hayley is thrilled and introduces him to Roy, who can't even bring himself to say Hello. Hayley takes her son upstairs.

Hayley offers Christian jaffa cakes and some pictures of Harold. Christian asks if there are any of the two of them together. She looks at a photo of Christian as a one-year-old and starts to well up. Christian tries to tell her it was OK. He says his mum told him that Harold was a bit of a loser. Hayley's a bit taken aback. "Your Roy's no fan," Christian says. Hayley tells him it's complicated. She says that Harold and Cath were kindred spirits in their teens, both a bit out of the loop. "They didn't wear wacky clothes or form a band or anything." Hayley says Harold was a decent person who tried his best. "Except with me," Christian says. Hayley points out that Harold didn't even know Christian existed. "You didn't know I existed," Christian says. "That's not the same thing." She says the only person Harold ever knowingly hurt was himself. Christian thinks she's trying to hint that Harold committed suicide, but she hastily tells him that it was a car accident.

Sean and Marcus are thinking about leaving the lunch table when Sean realises it's 20 to 5! Yes, in the p.m. Paul brings the bill and Marcus insists on paying, saying it's the least he can do for the birthday boy. Sean thinks he must be psychic, until Paul points out he's wearing a birthday badge!

Carla expects Tony Gordon to turn up any minute, so she wants Rosie to hang around looking like the perfect PA. "You've heard of Gordon's Catalogue, right? Well, it's him!" she tells Rosie. Tony arrives, full of condolences about Paul. Carla takes him into the office.

Christian tells Hayley about his mum. She was never really confident. "Getting dumped – used like that when you're young, it takes it out of you." Hayley tells him Harold didn't dump his mum. "It wasn't like that." "It's all about what he wasn't," says Christian. "What about what he was?" Hayley tells him Harold was thoughtful, loyal, hardworking and practical. Christian is musing that he might have passed Harold in the street or sold him a CD without ever knowing. Roy comes up while Christian's saying it's a shame she doesn't have any pictures of Harold when he's older. "Hayley lost touch with Harold," Roy interrupted. "I think we should leave it at that." Christian takes the hint and gets up to go. Hayley tells Roy not to hover and she and Christian swap photos.

Tyrone comes in and decides to feed Monica. He opens the back door and hears Paul out in the yard, doing some telephone banking (name of Duckworth, memorable info "Cantona") and organising changing the date of his direct debit. Paul demands to know what Tyrone is doing and accuses him of spying on a private phone call.

Carla tells Mr Gordon she'd be happy if he wanted to start with a small order. The business isn't Paul's any more and she knows they have to prove themselves. Tony Gordon has one last question. He asks the factory girls if they'd wear the stuff they're churning out. He doesn't get a sensible answer. Carla tells him the staff have Friday fever. She tells them they can go. When she's asked where she can be reached over the weekend, Carla admits she'll be at the factory. "I'm a very dull girl these days."

In the pub, Marcus gets introduced around. Kelly hands over a gift for Sean. At the bar, Molly and Dev are having a drink. Tyrone comes in and demands to know who's looking after the shop. It's Amber, but Dev takes the hint and leaves, and Molly gives Tyrone an earful for being rude. Marcus has to go, but he gives Sean a quick birthday hug and kiss before he does. Kelly tells Sean that Marcus is way out of his league. Sean isn't sure whether they'll see each other again. He thinks Marcus seemed quite keen and paid for lunch, "but I like him – quite scarily like him!"

Christian prepares to leave. But he tells Hayley he doesn't get it. She came looking for him. "Surely Roy must have known that." Hayley tells him that it's her Roy's annoyed with, not Christian. Christian looks as if he's had a lightbulb moment. "Is he me dad?" he asks, eagerly. Christian thinks maybe his dad didn't want anything to do with him and Hayley is covering for him. Maybe Hayley wanted children. Hayley swears on her life that Roy is not Harold.

"So, you saw him on the phone talking to someone about something . . ." Molly tries to get Tyrone's story straight. "Yeah, saying his name was Duckworth, and it's not, it's Clayton," Tyrone says. "I know that, because I've been living with him for weeks," Molly points out. She tells Tyrone he has to get over this jealousy. But Tyrone says he'll prove that Paul is up to something dodgy. Nearby, Sean's mobile has a message for him. It's Marcus saying he had a great day. It's the best birthday present ever, apart from his card from Baby Wilson-Tully and his tee-shirt from Kelly, Sean gushes.

Christian and Hayley are outside the cafe. Christian doesn't think they need to see each other again. They've really said all that needs saying. "Thanks, Hayley. Hope you sort things out," he says. A tearful Hayley hugs him, as Roy glares from upstairs. Christian walks off as tears come into Hayley's eyes.

End of part one.

Now, over to Richard for part two, if he hasn't rusted his e-mail fingers waiting for me . . .)
Margaret Carr

So on to the second half.

And having had what should have been Friday's episode it is now Saturday or Sunday morning for the Sunday episode. Tyrone tells Molly that he laying a trap for Paul. A letter for Mr and Mrs Duckworth to be left lying around - he wants to see if it gets to the Duck Eggs or disappears.

Across the Street Darryl introduces Stig (of the dump) to David. Apparently this Stig (unlike the one in Top Gear) broke into a riding school the previous night, rode three horses and knocked himself unconscious. Stig is clearly not normal. Stig produces a bag containing tablets - from a factory where he knows one of the workers. David believes them to be illegal.

Roy is telling Hayley that some good has come of her meeting Christian. Now he has some knowledge of his father, even if it was not entirely true. Hayley is seeking compassion - but Roy values truth above everything else. She knows she is hiding behind a lie but life is reality not a theory. She tells him she needs support not principles.

With Stig gone it appears that Darryl is looking after the drugs - apparently Stig's house is always being raided. David volunteers to look after the drugs because Darryl knows what his father would do after what happened to Jodie once. Both David and Darryl admit to each other that neither of them has taken drugs - never wanted to end up in a body bag.

At the factory Rosie and Carla are working late. Carla asks after Rosie's love life - but her ex has moved to Germany. Tony Gordon appears and Rosie reckons he is good looking but Carla tells her to back down. He wants to chat to Carla and they go into the main part of the factory.

Across at the Duck Eggs Molly has been cleaning all morning, so sends Tyrone upstairs for her keys. Paul has been reading the paper and has no idea where Vera's paper might be. As he looks for it he finds the letter Tyrone had let lying around earlier and pockets it. Then he remembers the book is upstairs in the toilet. Anyway he is going out and departs at a rate of knots. Ty comes downstairs with the keys and immediately spots the missing letter. Molly did not notice it going. Tyrone reckons he has Paul bang to rights and will expose him on his return (presumably by removing his trousers).

Outside Roy's Rolls Becky gives Roy a piece of her mind (she ought to be careful - there'll be nowt left at this rate) and tells him to watch his ways with Hayley. He does not want to be lectured by the hired help - but as she points out he is ready enough to dish it out. He wants an end to the conversation and returns inside.

Tony and Carla have sealed the deal and he is looking forward to doing business with her. He is invited for a drink but declines - he has to head to golf club bar and reminds her that they all miss Paul at the club. This reminder upsets Carla and she bids him good bye.

Darryl thinks of burying the tablets behind the shed - but David reckons the cats will excavate them quickly. Oh and Jelly Roll was in the shed earlier and is now in the kitchen. Darryl thrusts the tablets at David and tells him to hide them before disappearing. David wanders around the house wondering where would be safe. Then he spots a doll of Bethany's and the problem is solved (you would have thought after the hair dressing doll David might have learned a lesson - oh well probably not). Who will ever look inside one of Bethany's dolls heads.

Paul returns home and Tyrone goes on the attack telling the story of the letter which has gone missing. After an exchange of views Paul is finally forced to admit that he has in fact pocketed the letter which cheers Tyrone up a lot. Paul fetches the letter. The letter foxes Jack - it is a lifetime guarantee!! For a chair!! Which they have not bought. But it is another surprise from Paul. A vibrating recliner. He has been looking out for the postman to make sure the paperwork did not turn up before the chair. Anyway they all glare at Tyrone for spoiling the surprise.

Outside the record shop Becky has run Hayley to earth. Becky recaps that Hayley is now in trouble - she has told Christian that she is his aunt - but that is not true. Hayley knows she has done a terrible thing and now she is going to have to walk away - even from her own flesh and blood. She must.

Ty and Paul are in the yard. Paul tells our hero too stop being paranoid. He asks if they can call it a day. Tyrone is not impressed. Anyway Paul gives it to him straight. This is "my" home and "my" family he tells Tyrone. He should shut up and move out.

See you for next Sunday. Cheers

K Richard W

This Episode of the Street is Written by Chris Fewtrell
Direct by Duncan Foster
Produced by Steve Frost
Episode not sponsored
Coronation Street is Copyright ITV Productions

Part 1

Webster's; Sophie quietly comes in the living room looking around. She kicks over a glass and Ashley wakes. She says sorry. Sally comes in and says she told her not to wake him. Ashley says he should not have left the glass there. Sally says Sophie will mop it up. Sophie then says she thinks he is on her book. Ashley says he is in the way. Sally says he is not and is an improvement from when Kevin is on the sofa.

cafe; Hayley is sat at a table looking into space. Roy says he has made her tea. It's green tea as it's been done in a friendly environmental way. Hayley thanks him. Becky says he has to stop this and customers are not going to give a stuff. Roy says he does. He then turns back to Hayley who has gone. Becky says maybe she didn't like it and would prefer it from the pot. Roy goes over to the table and picks up the cup of tea.

Outside Hayley is walking. Sarah says they have to meet the photographer. She says she does not want formal photos. David laughed asking, if she wants them like human pyramids and told Jason he didn't want his mum on his shoulders. Sarah told him they are trying to have a conversation and he is butting in. Sarah says if Jason called the photographer she wanted they would not have a problem and tells him people mingle at weddings and don't sit in bride and groom side. David laughed saying they will at this one unless everyone is fighting. Sarah went into the Salon and Jason said to David nice one she will have a cob on all day now. Sean reads his horoscope. He says he might go out and see him again. Violet says it's all right for him and he won't wake up feeling horrible like her. Factory lot say Ashley and Claire have not made up as he is still on Sally's sofa. Sally says she would not tell them if they had. Vikkie asks if Hayley is ok, as she does not seem herself. Hayley says that's the problem. Paul runs and gets the post from the postman. He goes through the letters and puts one in his pocket.

Duckworth's; Jack says his toast is toasted. Vera says it's well done. He says it's like what they did to witches, toasted them. Paul comes in and gives Jack his racing paper. He says he bumped into the mailman and didn't know if he should take them or not as he didn't want to be accused again. Vera says it's ok and Tyrone is sorry. Tyrone says sorry. Paul says it's ok as he has already said sorry. Vera says that's nice of him to forgive.

Salon; Sarah tells Audrey he is in her ear making comments all the time. Audrey says it's his age. Sarah says they have been saying that since he was 5. David comes with coffee. Sarah asks if that is for her. He says yes and drinks it. Sarah says he is so pathetic and answers her mobile. She says she will come and pick her up and tells Audrey there has been a gas leak at the school and the kids are being sent home. Sarah says she really wanted to see the photographer today. Audrey says David can get Beth and look after her. David says no and Sarah says she is not groveling. Audrey says she will still be paying him for sitting at home having a lovely time with Beth. David says if you put it that way.

Garage; Tyrone is working on a car when Jack and Paul come up to him. He asks what they want. Paul says the chair he ordered that was supposed to be a surprise is coming today. Jack says he would take it in but his back. Paul says he is going to be at the Restaurant and wonder if he would take it in for them. Tyrone says anything for you Jack. Paul smiles and him and Jack walk away together.

Platt's back garden; Darryl tells David about burger van groupies. David laughs. Darryl says 2 days, muddy field watching the gig and he will be fighting birds off. He says they will want his burgers. Beth comes out and says David. He says the DVD can't be finished. She says she is bored and asks if she can play with her mum's make up. David asks if she's allowed. Beth nods. David says ok and tells her not to make a mess. Beth goes inside and Darryl ask if he's going to let her loose with that. David says if she mum does. Darryl says it's a big if. David says Sarah should not leave it lying around. Darryl says he is evil. David says he's a product of a broken home and goes over the fence.

Factory; Sally asks where Sean has gone. Fizz says out for some fresh air. They say he has a hangover and start talking about his new guy. Hayley walks over to the clothes. As the rest of them start talking about being pregnant Hayley scrams and shouts telling them she can't concentrate with the chattering and she is sure they can't as well. She tells them to work. Vikkie asks if any of them want tea.

Back garden; Darryl is telling David about the gig again. David laughs that no one will have heard of any of the bands. Darryl says most bands start out at gigs like this. David tells Darryl he better check on Beth and will only be a min. Darryl tells him tea with milk and 2 sugars. David says it's his turn.

Platt's; David comes in asking if she is ok. Bethany says yeah and she's doing up her dolls. David laughs saying he can see that. He asks who this one is and asks if its Marlin Manson. David says he hopes her mum's mascara was not expensive. David then looks just behind her and sees another doll that the head is off and the drugs are all over the floor. David looking shocked and scared asks what she has done.

Platt's; David who is sat next to Bethany says he needs her to tell the truth and it's not like her mum's make up. He asks if she has taken one of the pink pills. Beth shakes her head. David is relieved. He then starts picking up the drugs counting them. He asks her to move her foot and picks one up from there. He counts nine and tells her to stay there and not to move till he gets back. David runs for the back door.

Back garden; David jumps the fence and looks in the shed for Darryl who is not there. He then turns and Darryl comes out the house saying his brew is going cold. David asks when his mate is going to be needing his drugs. Darryl tells him to keep it and says the weekend. David asks how many it was. Darryl says the same amount when he gave him the bag. David says he wants to make sure he has them all. Darryl says he better have them all or they are dead. Darryl says 10. David's face drops and looks horrified.

Outside Jamie bumps into Violet asking how she is. Violet says still pregnant. She says she thought you where supposed to blossom when pregnant. She says it's all right for them to go out and get drunk but all she has is Betty to talk about swollen feet. Jamie asks if he can get her a water from the Rovers. She says yes. She tells him about Sean's new man.

Platt's; David is throwing the chairs about. He then tells Beth to move throwing her on the sofa. David sits next to her and says he knows she has taken one and is not angry. He shouts at her to admit it. Beth nods her head. David gets up and then tells Beth that the pill is going to make her have a poorly tummy. He says he is going to get her some medicine. He gets a glass and puts salt in it, fill it with water and tells her to come over. David then screams telling her now. Beth takes the salt water and is sick in the sink. David then tells her to go watch her DVD and he will come with a drink of water to her. Bethany watches as David puts the drugs down the sink and looks back at her.

Rovers; Betty tells Jamie and Violet to put the slippers in the microwave and says she will give them the book. Violet says she is glad he finds it funny but she can't even drink. Jamie says she will soon. Violet says another 27 weeks then she will be breast feeding. Jamie asks if she wants this kid or not. Violet says she is allowed to rant. Jamie's mobile goes off and he says it's his mum. Ashley thanks Kevin for letting him stay. Kevin says he is sure he would do the same for him. He tells Ashley not to set up a new home yet when he has one over the road.

Platt's; David asks Beth if she is sure she is ok. Beth nods. David says it's best she does not tell her mum or gran about the pill, as they will not be happy. Sarah comes in asking how Beth is. David says she has been sick. Sarah hugs her daughter. David says she does not look good and should call a doctor. Sarah tells him she knows what he is up to and wants her to miss her appointment. David says she does not care about that. Sarah tells him she will be all right and for him not to play the concerned uncle.

cafe; Roy has small steps. He says this may be small steps but it a big leap for mankind. Becky asks what he is on about. He says this is the last light bulb and the cafe is now light efficient. Becky says Hayley is missing her son. Roy says she will get over it. Becky says she can see it and if he can't he is as dull as the light bulbs.

Platt's; David says she should check on Beth. Sarah says she has just gone down and says she has found the article in the magazine. David says Beth is not well and she can't leave her. Sarah says she has a tummy upset and will be ok. She asks why he is still trying to mess her plans up. David shouts saying he does not care about the wedding. Beth comes down saying she does not feel well and it's her head. David tells Sarah to call a doctor. Sarah says she is burning up and asks David to watch her while she calls the surgery. She asks if she had anything to eat, as the doctor will want to know. David says no.

Restaurant; Paul is on the phone. He gives his password and asks if they can send any statements and correspondence to his business address. He thanks the person on the phone. Leanne asks why he has done that. He says he does not want Vera steaming it open. She says she does not want any come back on her. He tells her there won't be.

Platt's; Sarah is on the phone to the doctor's surgery, she asks if they can fit her in as soon as possible because she is burning up. She says she will bring her along as soon as possible. Just then David screams for Sarah and says she is having a fit. He says her eyes rolled. Sarah comes over to Beth who is asleep. Sarah tells her to wake up and starts sobbing. She screams for David to call an ambulance. David punches the cupboard door. Tears come down his face as he is on the phone looking at Sarah and Beth.

Will Beth be ok? Will the ambulance get to her in time? Find out next

Episode rating 10/10
This Report is Copyright M@nda
Amanda Souter

Outside the Platts' house, Bethany is loaded onto an ambulance while Gail, David and Sarah Lou look on frantically. Sarah Lou and Gail get in the ambulance with Bethany while David is dispatched to fetch Audrey.

In the Cafe, Roy looks out the window when he hears the ambulance sirens as Becky takes a sandwich order from Dev over the phone. Despite Dev's explicit instructions for pickle and not chutney (I don't even know the difference!) and Becky's assurance to Dev that she doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to take a sandwich order, she tells Roy to "make sure he gets chutney." Fizz and Vicki ask Roy what's wrong with Hayley as she was being very short with them. Becky thinks Vicki is making up English words when Vicki uses "discombobulated" to describe how Hayley's mood is making her feel. Kelly and Janice tell everyone at the counter about Bethany being taken off in the ambulance.

At Claire & Ashley's Ashley sits with Freddie on his knee. Claire is giving him instructions for babysitting because she's going out to work. Ashley tries to engage Claire in conversation with a silly anecdote but Claire is not interested.

In the ambulance Gail and Sarah Lou are worried. The ambulance pulls up to A&E. The paramedic gives the doctors a run down on Bethany's condition.

Tyrone is walking and talking with Kevin on the street. Tyrone is having a whinge about Paul who he says thinks Tyrone is gullible. Tyrone is determined not to let Paul get away with whatever he's up to.

Back at Underworld, Fizz tells Hayley she spoke to Roy at lunch time but he wasn't very talkative. She remembers Roy's birthday is on Friday. She tells Hayley to tell Roy that despite being 53 on Friday, he doesn't look a day older than 52. She is concerned for Hayley and asks if she ok. Hayley apologises to everyone for her bad mood but the girls all pretend that nothing happened earlier. Carla looks suspiciously at Hayley as Hayley walks past the office.

At the hospital, the doctor asks Sarah if Bethany has had anything of note to eat or drink or is on any meds. Sarah tells the doctor about the school gas leak, worried that Bethany's condition may be related to that. Gail comes in to tell Sarah Lou her brother and Gran are on their way. The doctor asks Sarah Lou if she ever uses any recreational drugs which she, of course, denies. She tells the doctor there's no way she could have got her hands on any drugs from any of them and just keeps running through the time she spent with Bethany that morning.

In the Rovers, Jamie and Violet are talking about Jamie's (real) mother who is now sober and getting married to some bloke she met. Jamie is invited to the wedding and has invited Violet along as his plus one. Violet agrees to go despite Jamie not remembering the date of the wedding.

At Underworld, the girls speculate on what Violet will call the baby. With Violet's surname of Wilson, Janice suggests calling it Jocky (made me snigger!) but Kelly runs through a host of trendy names, "Lola, Dante, Rufus, Venus, Willow..." Vicki wades in with a Polish name that no one can pronounce or has heard of. All the while Hayley is struggling to keep her composure.

Hospital time again and David has arrived. He's looking through the window where Bethany is on a ventilator. Audrey speculates as to what is wrong with her but nobody can think what she might have eaten. David still won't own up to the ecstasy, even when the doctor looks him straight in the eye, but looks decidedly guilty. It's not looking good for Bethany as the doctor mentions they needs to know what Beth had access to if she is to have a chance. A chance! Poor Sarah is distraught.

At Underworld Hayley is crying in a corner. Carla comes across her and Hayley apologises for taking an unauthorised break. After a spot of sarcasm, Carla shows she has a heart and tries to comfort Hayley, asking if somebody has upset her.

Roy is distracted in Roy's Rolls while Dev waits for his sandwich. Dev is annoyed that he has to take so long while Roy is obsessing over his new greenie rules around the cafe. When Becky complains that Roy is "doing her head in" Roy shouts that must be "the most vulgar phrase to enter the English language in the last twenty years," and I must say I agree with him! Becky tells Roy he needs to stop obsessing over paper towels and start worrying about his wife.

Jason confronts David in the hospital and tells David if there's anything that they need to know, now is the time to tell. Bethany is in serious trouble. Finally David confesses to Jason that Bethany swallowed an ecstasy tablet. Jason belts into Bethany's room to tell Sarah. David tries to run away but runs slap bang into Bill and Audrey, spilling their coffees all over the floor. Sarah Lou runs out shouting at David, threatening to kill him. Jason holds her back as the doctor gets the details out of David. Making her drink the salt water apparently makes things worse (good to know!) and after David tells the doctor what he needs to know the doctor rushes off to help Bethany. Sarah Lou is devastated that David would have put Bethany in harm's way. Jason is still restraining her from David while Gail glowers at David from behind them.

At the Duckworth's, Vera, Jack and Molly are having a good chuckle at Tyrone and Kevin trying to bring the recliner chair through to their living room. Vera and Jack gush over Paul while poor Tyrone shows a touch of the green eyed monster. Tyrone tells a joke, "Hey Jack, who's the least popular man at a München Gladbach football game?" to which Paul chimes in with the punchline, "The one who shouts, "Give us a B!"" Everyone got the joke but me.

Gail is giving David the third degree at the hospital while Jason, Bill and Audrey look on. The whole sorry story comes tumbling out but David doesn't seem to be remorseful enough for his actions. Gail is furious and sends David out of her sight. David leaves but when he looks back, he's about to burst into tears.

In the Rovers, Janice and Fizz are talking about a magazine in the toilets at work. An article about a woman with tapeworm is their main topic of conversation. Fizz thinks she might have a tapeworm because she can't stop eating. Kelly and Vicki across the table stick their oars in and tell Fizz she would probably feel ill if she did. They wonder if Hayley has one which is why she's in a bad mood. Then, it strikes them, maybe Fizz is pregnant. But Fizz assures them she's not pregnant, just greedy. Janice shouts to Betty across the Pub that Fizz-Bomb's got a tapeworm. Betty agrees tapeworms are nasty buggers and asks Fizz if she's feeling ok. Har har. Dev comes into the bar and settles in for a bit of flirting with Carla who packs up her bag and leaves as soon as he starts with the smarm. Jamie sniggers at Dev's atrocious attempt to charm a woman while Violet covers her face in embarrassment. Dev looks suitably sheepish.

Bethany's monitors beep away next to her hospital bed as Sarah Lou watches the doctors treat her precious daughter. She is horrified to hear the doctors say the words "intensive care" and bends over to kiss Beth and plead with her to wake up.

Hayley comes home to the Cafe where Roy tells her that it's been a tough afternoon. His usual suspect customers (Lloyd & Dev) are not as patient as he would like them to be since the installation of the new environmentally friendly equipment. Hayley tells Roy she's taken Friday off for his birthday and hope they can go away somewhere. Hayley explains that Carla has been very nice to her since she realised Hayley is not quite herself and offered Hayley more time off to get herself together. After finding out that Hayley has not told Carla the real reason for her upset, Roy is reluctant to leave Becky alone on Friday but agrees it would be nice for them to go away alone together. Hayley dejectedly heads upstairs for a bath wondering how other people let off steam.

Vera is ecstatic in the Duckworth's new recliner, enjoying the massage. Jack is rather uncomfortable at some of the noises Vera makes in the chair and even more uncomfortable when Vera tells Jack that the recliner reminds her of summat else. He reels off a list of possible scenarios, avoiding the obvious, while Vera squeals in delight and Molly looks everywhere but at Vera. Tyrone looks on through a green mist of envy and throws Paul a dirty look.

Claire returns home and relieves Ashley of babysitting duties. Not before she has a go at his fathering skills, making him feel quite small before rushing him out of the door. She looks at him a little more softly as she says goodbye and Ashley leaves, all sad and that.

The Platt/Websters wait for news of Bethany. Sarah Lou comes out to them looking a mess and tells them Bethany might have to go into intensive care. Audrey reassures her that Bethany is in the best place right now. Jason takes Sarah Lou into his arms to comfort her sobbing while David, at home, cries for his niece and/or himself.

Stella

Hi – here's the update for Wednesday 19th September.

We open in intensive care, where Bethany lies, motionless, wired up to monitors and breathing equipment. Gail and Sarah sit at the bedside, waiting for a change. Sarah feels guilty for thinking only of the wedding, and trusting David with the most precious thing she has. Gail offers soothing words of comfort. Just then, Audrey and Jason arrive. Gail asks Jason if he's told his mum of Darryl's part in it all and he says he has, and she is going to see Jerry about it later.

Back in Coronation Street, David knocks at the Morton's front door, but is told by Mel that Darryl isn't in and she doesn't know when he'll be back. She asks how Bethany is, and says she's sorry when David tells her that Bethany isn't great.

Sally and Kevin come out of their front door and walk across the street, as she witters on about Shakespeare, but Kevin doesn't appear to be listening.

In the Rovers, Vernon comes rushing down the stairs calling for Liz. He's booked the registry office – for New Year's Eve! "You are kidding?" says Liz, and points out that it's their busiest day and what's more he'll be half cut and so will most of the wedding guests. "Fine, I'll change it," he says, adding as he walks off: "forget romance, what's that compared to practicalities?"

David spots Darryl's car coming up the road and rushes outside. He blurts out that Beth took one of the Es, and starts trying to explain what happened. Horrified, Darryl hustles him into the car, where David enlarges on what happened to Bethany and how he had to tell eventually, what she had taken. "How is she now?" asks Darryl. "Unconscious," says David. "Oh flaming 'ell!" says Darryl, and asks where David hid them. When he hears that they were in Bethany's doll he can hardly believe his ears. "You idiot!" he cries. David admits it was stupid. "And I've done something else stupid an' all," he goes on, "I told them they were yours."

Dev is in the cafe, tapping the counter impatiently while he waits for his coffee. He tells Roy it's all getting irritating, yesterday he was waiting for a sandwich and now he's waiting for a coffee. Roy explains that it is cheaper to boil a small kettle each time rather than use a lot of electricity keeping a large urn of water hot. A heated discussion then develops and Roy tells him he would do well to examine his own carbon footprint.

Sally and Wiki see Gail in the Street and rush over to see if Bethany's all right. Gail then spots Darryl in his car and goes over and drags him out of it. "Proud of yourself are you? Putting a little girl in hospital?" Just then Jerry comes along and wants to know what's going on. Gail rages that he is the one who put Bethany in hospital by selling drugs to David. "Is this true?" asks Jerry, but David butts in. "No!" he says quickly, and says that Darryl had nothing to do with it, he just panicked. Gail drops Darryl and grabs David, dragging him off into the house. Jerry turns on Darryl and frogmarches him indoors. "Covering for you, was he?" he asks. "No," says Darryl, sullenly, "they weren't mine!" Jerry wants to know whose they were, but Darryl says nothing. Jerry pins him up against the wall and tells him that if Bethany doesn't pull through he will march him down to the police station himself, and the same applies if he has anything to do with drugs. "Got it?" he roars.

Over at the Platt's, Gail is shouting at David, saying she doesn't care whether he's lying or telling the truth, all she cares about is what he's done to Beth. David seems genuinely frightened as he stammers that she'll be all right. Gail tells him she's still unconscious, but stable, but for all they know she could be brain damaged. "Can you live with that for the rest of your life?" she says, angrily. David snivels. Just then the doorbell rings and as she goes to answer it, David says that it was an accident, he never meant... "And that makes it better, does it?" shouts Gail.

She opens the door, it's the police, come to arrest David for possession of a class A drug. A large policeman hauls David out of his chair and propels him towards to door. "You can come with him if you like," says the other officer. "No thank you," says Gail. "Mum!" wails David. "I want to be here for my daughter," she continues, as they hustle David out of the door.

Hayley is sitting on the street bench, eating her sandwiches, when Wiki comes along, wondering why she didn't join them at the pub. She asks if Hayley is all right, but isn't convinced when told that she is, commenting that that is why she is sitting eating on a bench while her husband runs a cafe. "Is it the little girl? She's your god-daughter isn't she?" Hayley seems relieved to have an excuse and smiles weakly, admitting that she is indeed worried. Wiki says that one never stops worrying about children, even when they're grown up, and we learn that she is working here in order to put her 21 year old son, Jacob, through university, she's paying for his education. "You must miss him," says Hayley, with true empathy. "All the time," admits Wiki.

Liz approaches Vernon in the pub and tells him that he's right, a new year's eve wedding would be dead romantic, "Let's go for it!" she says. He's delighted and hugs her, and promises that he will be stone cold sober.

Down at the police station, David is being questioned. He tries to convince them that he's not a drug dealer, and what Bethany got hold of was 'one lousy pill'. He admits it was his fault for leaving the pill where she could get her hands on it. "Let's hope she doesn't die, eh?" says the policeman, "because if she does it won't just be possession you're looking at."

At the hospital, a social worker has arrived to check that Bethany is safe, and it won't happen again. Gail assures her that it won't, David has been arrested. Just then Sarah receives the news that Bethany has come round, and she rushes to the bedside.

John is reading Sally's essay and is impressed. "This is great!" he says. Sally is surprised but pleased. He tells her she doesn't need him any more, not if she can write like that. She assures him she couldn't do it without him, and wants him to continue teaching her until she feels a bit more confident.

Hayley goes into the Rovers and orders a drink. Liz comments that they don't often see her in there drinking on her own. "Is it crime?" snaps Hayley. "Er...no, I was just saying……" falters Liz, and goes off to get the drink, calling to Vernon to see if he's going to give her a hand anytime soon. "Weddings don't plan themselves, love," he replies, glancing up from his seat at a table in the corner, pen in one hand, wine glass in the other. "Right," sighs Liz.

Becky comes into the pub and finds Hayley. She tells Hayley that it's not working, her doing what Roy wants just because she feels guilty. She thinks she should see Christian and tell Roy what she's doing. "He'll get over it," she says. Hayley doesn't agree. "No he won't," she says. Becky says that Hayley won't get over not seeing her son either. "You two want your heads banging together!" she says.

Sarah and Gail go back to the house to get some of Bethany's things. They are shocked to find David in the house. "What are you doing here?" says Gail. David explains that he was given a formal warning. "And that makes up for me nearly losing my child?" shouts Sarah, "Is that all she's worth? A ticking off?" She lunges at David and says she hates him and will never forgive him. She turns to Gail and says that when Bethany is better she's packing and leaving, she can never live there with David. "Oh don't you worry," says Gail, "he's the one that's going." She turns to David. "Go and pack your stuff!" she says. "What? Don't be daft!" says David, nervously. Gail says she'll pack it for him and goes up the stairs. Sarah glares at him and David starts to cry.

John tells Sally she should go to the theatre and see some Shakespeare. "Henry V is on in town," he says, "why don't you get some tickets?" Sally assumes he intends them to go together. "Great," she says, "then you could talk me through it." He looks embarrassed as she then realises that's not what he meant. "I'm sure you'd rather go with Kevin," he says. Sally says that Kevin wouldn't want to go, and nor would any of her mates, and she wouldn't want to go on her own. In the end he says that he supposes he could go with her, so she says she'll get two tickets.

Over at the Platt's, Gail comes down the stairs with a large holdall which she puts down on the floor. "Right – out!" she says. David wonders where he's supposed to go. "I know you're angry……" he says. Gail says she's past being angry, what he's done this time is worse than just not turning up for his exams, it's even worse than those cards he sent, so she wants him to go and stay away until he can prove he's changed his ways. David starts to shout that she's just been waiting for an excuse to get rid of him. She tells him to get out and he picks up the bag and slams out of the front door, leaving her crying inside. Outside he stands for a few moments, looking stunned and then slowly makes his way off down the street in the rain.

Anne Logan

We open at the hospital, where things are looking up. The doctor tells Sarah there's no permanent damage. There's no sign of David and Gail says it's just as well. Sarah still believes Gail will let David back. "She does it every time," she tells Jason. "Not this time," insists Gail.

A little troop of factory workers head down the street, most carrying take-out coffee. Take-out coffee might be something a scriptwriter thinks is a normal thing to do, but low-paid factory workers probably don't! Fizz encourages them to buy her birthday presents for Monday. John is taking her to a nice restaurant in town. Sally doubts this, because that's when John's going with her to see Henry V. Fizz is trying to make sense of this news when Liam arrives, fresh back from three days in Edinburgh.

It's Roy's birthday. He's got four cards – one less than last year. Hayley says he can't help folk dying off, and Becky thinks he needs some more mates. Hayley's bought him Wainwright's Guide to the Lakeland Fells. He's got another gift, which Becky thinks is a giant spliff. It's a tent! Becky produces her own gift, saying it's really for them both. "Let's just say it's an intimate, personal item that no couple should be without." Looking a little apprehensive, Roy opens a money belt for holding money under your clothes. "I don't deserve all this," Roy says. Hayley tells him he does, and he deserves a day off as well. He kisses her. Ahhhhhhhh.

Darryl, looking very shifty, sneaks out of his back door and into the shed. He tells David to be quiet. "Can't you just get back with your mum and go to your own house?" David can't believe Darryl's trying to kick him out after one night when David covered for him with the police. Darryl says he's getting enough aggro as it is. His whole family thinks he's a druggie nutcase. David points out that so does his family but neither of them really is. Darryl calms down and tells David his mum will calm down and let him back. They always do. "I've never nearly killed my niece before, have I?" David asks.

Rosie takes a phone call. It's Tony, the catalogue company guy. She offers to put him through to Mr Connor, but he says it's Mrs Connor he wants to speak to. Liam is a bit put out but offers to go and make a brew. You can tell that Rosie fancies him at least a little bit.

In the cafe, a stranger arrives asking for Mr Cropper. It's a man from the Green, Clean and Friendly electric company. He says it shouldn't take more than an hour to go through all the modifications needed. Roy's keen to stay but Hayley refuses. Becky says she'll do it, then changes her mind immediately. "Oh, no, I've got enough on with different coloured buckets . . ." Hayley persuades the bloke to reschedule. Becky, however, has other plans and as Hayles hustles Roy out the door, Becky sits the guy down, leans seductively over the tables and asks: "Tea or coffee?"

Jerry comes out and demands that Darryl give him his sheets for the wash. He gets suspicious and pushes his way into the shed, to find David sitting there. He'd just called in, Darryl tells his dad. "Yeah, to show you his new sleeping bag! You must think I'm thick." Jerry tells David to get out. "We're not doing any harm," David says. "You've already done enough," Jerry replies. "OUT!" As David climbs over the fence Jerry warns Darryl to stay away from drugs and anyone who's got anything to do with them. He tells him to get to the shop. Jerry cuffs Darryl over the head. "What were that for?" Darryl whines. "Because I'm not allowed to do it to him!" Jerry says, pointing at David, standing by his back door. As the Mortons go inside, David lets himself into the back door of his (former) home.

Roy and Hayley are in the car, with Roy moaning about spending his birthday polluting the countryside. "No, Roy, we're spending it together and we're going to have a good time," Hayley tells him.

Gail comes down to find David going through some clothing downstairs. She tells him he doesn't live there at the moment and should take what he's come for and get out. And he might be able to carry on as if nothing's happened, with Bethany in hospital, "but those of us with feelings can't!" David asks what's happening with Bethany but Gail refuses to tell him. He says it was an accident but she doesn't want to hear any excuses. She just wants him out. "Don't you want to know what I'm doing?" he asks. "I hope you're figuring out a way to become a responsible human being," she snaps. He asks how she's ever going to know that if he's not allowed near anyone. Gail says he'll figure it out.

Roy and Hayley are disagreeing about where to stop. Roy wants to go into the shade away from the harmful radiation, but Hayley thinks there's less chance of damp if they're in a sunny spot. Roy appears to win this round and they keep walking. Roy stops and points out how quiet it is. Hayley thinks this is a good thing – what they've come for. But Roy means there are so few birds compared to before "we" started killing them all off. Hayley promises to give them some crumbs off her butty, but Roy says this doesn't take into account the global scale. Hayley points out the need for people to act instead of burying their heads in the sand, pretending it will all go away. "Like we've been doing all week," she point out. "I was actually talking about a worldwide ecological problem, not something which I was given to understand was no longer an issue," he says. Hayley tells him she wants to see Christian again.

David arrives in the salon and puts down his carryall. "I hope you've come here to work!" Audrey tells him. Maria is also annoyed with him, but only because she's having to do his job as well as her own (and Sarah's, presumably). David's confused. "Does this mean you're letting me back?" Audrey tells him she'd rather have him where she can see him, because God knows what he'll get up to left to his own devices. She shoves a broom into his hand and asks where he's been. He tells her he was in Darryl's shed, and that his Mum's kicked him out. Maria asks whether Darryl has an alarm clock. Audrey tells him that sleeping on someone's floor will do him no harm. Audrey doubts that Gail really has kicked out David permanently. She asks if Maria can manage on her own for five minutes and leaves the salon.

Fiz and John are in the pub and she breaks the news to him that Sally's booked theatre tickets for Monday night. John's appalled and tells Fiz he'll get Sally to change them. Sally comes over and tells him she's phoned but can't get her money back on the tickets. John suggests they all go together, including Fiz and Kevin. Egged on by Liz, Sally says she can't see Kevin sitting through Shakespeare. "I mean, he thought Coriolanus was something you went to the doctor with!" "See what he says," says John. "It's better than losing 40 quid." Sally doesn't think there's much chance. "Forty quid?" asks a horrified Fiz.

Out in the countryside, Roy is talking about the Tibetans putting butter and salt into their tea. Hayley points out that she said she wanted to see Christian again and Roy's just shut down. "Just trying to come to terms with the implications," he says. Roy wants to know whether she'd tell Christian the truth. "Is the truth really that marvelous that it's worth ruining other people's lives?" Hayley asks. "Well, it's ruining ours," Roy points out. "If you must see him, you must tell him the truth." He suggests that it's come down to a choice between the truth or their future as a couple. "It's starting to cloud over," he says, with a catch in his voice. Hayley looks away and we see that Roy has tears running down his face.

In the factory, Liam tells Carla she should have checked with him before taking an order off the catalogue man. They'll have difficulty getting it out on time. He suggests Carla's interested in more than just Tony's big order.

Audrey is in Gail's kitchen, telling her she can't chuck David out of his own home. "He's still your child, same as Sarah." But Gail is adamant. "He's got a father. He's got mates. Let them try and sort him out." (There's a point – where is Martin while Bethany's at death's door?) Audrey tells her he needs watching, not chucking out. Gail is fed up giving him last chances.

In the pub, Kevin arrives and Sally and John put the plan to Kevin. "Well sure, why not?" asks Kevin. Sally is very surprised. He says that then, when he's going on about what rubbish Shakespeare is, he'll have a proper idea what he's talking about. "As long as it's finished by the time the pubs shut," he says. John buys Kevin a pint.

Audrey is still trying. "The answer is to keep him here at home with a proper set of rules," she says. But Gail tells her that for once, David is going to have to deal with the consequences of his actions. "He's brought this on himself. Let him pay for it." Audrey won't have a grandson of hers dossing on the streets. "He can stop with me!" "So I've failed and you can put it right?" demands Gail. "Well, good luck to you, Mam, if you're stupid enough!" she shouts at Audrey's departing back. She follows her into the street. "You'll regret it!" They shout at each other in the street, Gail saying Audrey will live to regret it and David will kick her in the teeth eventually. Audrey insists that if there's good in David she will drag it out of him. Neither seems to have noticed David approaching. As she turns away Audrey tells David he's coming with her, and he's going to work hard. Then they're going home. To her home, where David's going to do as he's told. "Just don't dare argue with me, David. Just don't!" She's storming away towards the salon without noticing that David is looking longingly towards his Mum. She comes back and grabs his shoulder, shoving him hard towards the salon. Gail goes inside as Audrey hustles him along the street.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Written by Mark Burt, directed by Duncan Foster and with sponsorship from Harveys now in place we start with Bill eating breakfast at R'Audreh's and complaining that David will never toe the line. When David appears Bill tells him there are rules in this house and David had better keep them. Meanwhile Gail is missing David and almost phones Audrey to ask about him - but in fact does nothing.

Across the road the Webster household, Sally is listening to Sophie complaining about a lack of new clothes. She stomps off upstairs and Sally does Ashley's washing! Ash decides to go out.

Vernon is cleaning the back room at the Rovers ready for Steve's return. Steve will be dazzled by the dust free environment and he will say that Vernon - you will make someone a good wife one day, to which Vernon intends to reply saying that he would make an even better husband - a segue as it is known in the business. Liz is not impressed.

At the cafe Hayley shows Becky a chain and cross which belonged to Harry. Becky wants to know what is going on - Hayley has agreed to tell the truth to Christian about his father and Roy ignores Becky's request that he should not make Hayley tell this particular truth and observes that customers need serving. Later Hayley tells Roy that she is going and asks for support which both Becky and Roy give. Dev comes in for a cup of eco-friendly coffee and tells Becky that if she has difficulty winding up the kettle to let him know as he could do with a work out!! Dev smiles to himself but Becky looks thoughtful and tells Roy that one of them should have gone with Hayley. Roy is certain she can manage by herself. Becky tells Roy that they both know Hayley is only doing this for Roy - not for the truth or for herself or for Christian.

Audrey is gardening and David makes himself useful. David says he did not sleep well. He thanks Audrey for taking him in - but she tells him he cannot leave. They will take him over to collect his belongings later. When they arrive at the Street Bill and Audrey head to the Rovers and David heads indoors by himself - even though he cannot get his head around it not being his home. He rings the front door bell. Gail opens the door and David asks if he can collect the rest of his stuff. Gail will not let him in without one good reason. He says he is her son - but that reason is not good enough. As Gail points out that he can come in - but stays not a minute longer than needed and leaves before Jason and Sarah return. Audrey and Gail stare at each other across the Street.

At the hospital the doctor tells Jason and Sarah that they expect to discharge Bethany this afternoon and Jason will start turning David's room into a room fit for their princess.

We briefly see Hayley watching Christian at work through the shop window and then we have an advert break.

In the Rovers Steve, Michelle and Ryan return from Ireland. Apparently they ate well whilst they were away. Vernon tries to break the news but fails dismally, leading to the classic exchange: "Steve", "Vernon", "Steve", "Vernon", "Words fail me, I'll get the bags" says Vernon and disappears. Apparently according to Michelle the family took to Steve who did some serious sucking up - the best meal he had ever eaten, the friendliest pubs ever. They took to Steve far better than they took to Carla. Vernon is still dodging the issue. Steve reckons it is an ideal time to remove the picture from behind the bar. Michelle says it stays - it is a nice little reminder for both of them. They kiss and Steve smiles.

Hayley goes into the shop and gives Christian the item. He then invites her for a coffee - he wants to get away from a customer. Christian wanted to call - he was worried about Roy and he is glad that Hayley has come back. Christian has been thinking about his dad - he has questions - absolutely anything that Hayley can tell him. She is on the point of telling him the truth when his mobile goes and the moment is lost (in true soap style).

Ashley, Audrey and Bill are sharing a drink and Audrey offers Ashley a bed until matters improve at home.

Jason, Sarah and Bethany return home to a warm welcome from Gail. David slinks out of the house and Bethany sees him, shouts "Uncle David" and rushes up to him and gives him a big hug. Sarah is not pleased to see him and refuses to go in the house whilst David is still there. David apologises but it is not accepted by Sarah and he goes. Gail tells him to take good care of himself.

Kevin and Sally have been shopping - including Sal buying herself a new outfit. Ash re-assures them he was not offended this morning - but he has been offered a room by Audrey and will be moving out. Kev suggests a farewell pint.

David hangs around in the Street and bumps into Darryl. Darryl tries to apologise and he has an offer of a bed for David - who in a very depressed voice walks away. David knows they all hate him. Time is a great healer. David did not believe Gail would ever throw him out.

Becky is singing along to "Umbrella" when Hayley returns from her visit. She could not tell Christian the truth. Roy is disappointed and turns his back and goes upstairs. Hayley is in tears and Becky cuddles her.

Bethany is to choose what colour her new room is. Gail seems unhappy but says nothing - she goes out for some fresh air. Outside her path crosses David and they look at each other and then walk away in different directions. David stops to look back, then carries on. Gail turns around to see David marching defiantly away in the opposite direction.

K Richard W

This Episode of the Street is Produced by Steve Frost
Episode not sponsored
Coronation Street is Copyright ITV Productions

PART 1

Webster's; Sophie says Rosie's skirt is short and looks like she forgot to put one on. Sally says people will get the wrong idea. Rosie does not care and says she is office based so it's ok.

Outside Bill tells David to pull his weight at the Salon. David says hi to Jason who blanks him and asks Bill someone. David says he is trying. Jason says Beth is asking after her psycho uncle. Audrey she he is not a psycho and tells him to come on.

Back garden; Jerry tells Gail that David stayed the night in the shed but he kicked him out. Gail says it's ok. Jerry says, anything but drugs and other people lead them in. Gail says David is no junkie. Jerry says David might surprise them all and come out on top.

Rovers; Michelle and Steve are swapping stuff. Steve says she should move in with him. Michelle says there is no room and he still lives with his mum. He tells her his mum lives with him. He says he will sort it somehow. Michelle says he does not know.

Cafe; Ashley says he would be in a b and b if it were not for Audrey. Bill says she likes having him around. Jerry gets his change of pound coins and thanks Roy. Hayley's son comes in and Becky tells him to sit down as she won't be long and she will get him a brew.

Factory; Rosie drops something in front of Liam. Vikkie says if she has legs like that she'd be in a short skirt too. Kelly says she is not jealous and shows her legs. Fiz says her birthday is going to see a play as a foursome. Sally says it was supposed to be just her and John.

Salon; David is being nice and says he will leave the magazines with Betty and for her to give him a shout if the dryer gets hot. Maria is not amused. Audrey sends David to get milk and tells Maria he may be her flesh and blood but he is not going to be on easy street.

Cafe; Becky says Hayley won't be long. He sits on a seat and Kelly starts talking to him. Becky says that's not good. Roy agrees so Becky calls him over about the grill. Roy says Becky can tell you about the grill and goes.

Platt's; Sarah comes off the phone and says Beth can start back any time and has to play it by ear to make sure she is ok. She calls Gail to get her lunch but she's looking out the window. Gail says he is still her son. Sarah says Beth needs to get back in to routine.

Cafe; Hayley comes in. Roy says he was talking to Kelly but the took him away so disaster didn't happen. Hayley sits next to her son who says he wants to say hello and bye to his dad and asks if he is buried here. Hayley quickly thinks and says he was cremated.

Salon; Maria says David has been good and Audrey is being strict. Maria asks when she is coming back. Sarah says when Beth is back at school. Maria is sure David will be good. Sarah says she does not care even if he was bleeding to death. He is just someone she used to know.

Cafe; Hayley says bye to her son. Roy says cremated. She says she could not think of anything else. Roy says she could have said the truth and it would be better coming from her than Kelly or Janice. Hayley agrees. Roy says he is not going to speak to him, as anything he says is a lie. Hayley says it's hard but she will tell him.

Outside Audrey says Freddie is a handsome boy. Claire says it's nice of her to take in Ashley. Hayley goes over to her son and says she can show him where Harold's ashes are.

Rover's; Vernon and Liz tell Steve and Michelle they are getting married. Vernon says on New Year's Eve. As they open Champagne Michelle tells Steve they will want a place of their own.

Outside David asks if Beth is having nightmares. Gail says just Sarah and Jason. David says he is sorry but is told the damage is irreplaceable. Audrey goes after and says he has worked hard at the salon and is really sorry. Gail says she will not change her mind.

Peacocks; Ashley plays with Josh. Claire comes down and gives him a set of rules. Ashley says for Josh to say bye. Claire tells Ashley his front door key is for emergencies only and next time to ring the bell.

Outside, Hayley's son asks what music he liked. He is told Genesis and Earth, Wind and Fire. Hayley says he cares how things look. He says not so much now and asks if it's much further.

Rovers; Liz asks if Steve is happy for her and if they will last. He says Vernon is nothing like his dad and that didn't last. Lloyd tells Vernon that Steve needs a hug. Liz says she is so happy and can relax now she has found her man. Vernon gives Steve a big hug. Michelle laughs.

Outside, Hayley and her son finally stop at a nice place. She says his father was really unhappy. He says she keeps saying that and says his life has not been a barrel of laughs. Hyaley says she is really sorry and does not want to lie any more. He asks her to tell him what she knows. Hayley says Harold is still alive.

Episode rating 4/10

This Report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

At the lake, we return to Hayley and Christian where Christian is visibly upset and asks Hayley why she would lie to him about his father being dead.

On the street, Fizz is complaining to Kelly and Vicki about having to spend her birthday at the theatre where it's dark and you have to look at the backs of other people's heads. Vicki shares her favourite Polish theatre production which was "people with frying pans stuck to their bodies. No glue! Only static!" They see John walk towards them and Kelly tries to get Fizz to come to the pub and get wasted instead. Fizz refuses stating she's not having Sally Webster entertaining her man on her birthday. When John reaches them, his lack of birthday present for Fizz is conspicuously absent. Apparently he's ordered her something but it won't arrive for a couple of weeks. Fizz is fine with that and nips home to tart herself up with some febreze and lippy a bit before the theatre. Kelly promises to buy her a packet of pork scratchings if they duck into the Rovers before heading out.

Gail is nearly knocked over rushing over the cobbles with bags of shopping by Tony Gordon. She mumbles under her breath.

At Underworld, Liam and Rosie are in the office. Rosie tells Liam that she doesn't need to go home because Sally's going to the theatre. They share a joke together about Sally's quest for culture. Carla interrupts them to show the new range of knickers suggesting that Maria could model them for Liam. Carla mentions that Maria is just Liam's type, "pretty as a picture with nowt going on upstairs." Tony Gordon comes into the office and tells Carla he has a couple of things he needs to talk over with her. He suggests discussing it over a drink in the Rovers and makes it obvious Liam is not welcome. Carla and Tony leave. Rosie awkwardly asks Liam if one time they- Liam and Rosie- could go out together but when she sees his expression covers up by calling it a "staff do" for everyone. Liam tells her he'd rather stick pins in his lovely eyes than go out with that lot and Rosie is disappointed.

Back at the lake, Christian is very upset with Hayley for having lied about his father's death. He can't understand why she would say her own brother is dead and thinks that Harold has asked Hayley to cover for him. Hayley is uncomfortable with this line of questioning.

Becky asks Roy in the cafe if she can finish off the ham left over from the sandwiches. She's planning a night on the lash and so wants to make herself a thick sliced bread sandwich. They wonder what has been happening with Hayley and Christian. They postulate about the scenario. Roy tries to defend his harsh stance with Hayley by telling Becky that no relationship should be built on lies but Becky reckons ignorance is bliss- she runs whenever anyone tries to find out the truth about her.

At the Platts'. Jason and Gail are talking about posh baked beans and E-numbers while unloading the shopping bags. Sarah Lou comes into the kitchen to make her a drink and manages a dig at David for Bethany's current state of health. Gail is saddened that Sarah Lou won't accept that David is sorry for what happens. She thinks it's all too late for him now.

Liz brings Kelly and Vicki drinks in the Rovers and tells Liz about Fizz's birthday- in dog years, Fizz is 161. Back over at the bar, Vernon tells Lloyd, Michelle, Steve and Liz about his plans for redecorating their place above the pub. He reminisces about his old flat and tells about all the different effects he can do with the walls. Steve tries to remind him that it's his pub but Vernon and Liz aren't listening. Liz mentions a hot-tub. Steve has heard enough and clears off. At the birthday girl's table, John is telling Fizz that if she gets bored at the theatre she can do some people watching at "theatre in the round". Kelly tries to encourage Fizz by reminding her that Henry VIII had loads of wives so there should be lots of sex and naughty scenes to look forward to but Fizz tells her it's Henry V with a huff. Poor Fizz, she's not amused.

Sally and Kevin are getting ready to go out. She's worried she won't look nice enough for the other people who'll be going to the theatre. Sophie tries to tell her she looks lovely but Rosie is having none of it and tells Sally she looks safe and boring just to get back at Sally for having words with her in the morning about her skirt. "It's not a skirt," exclaims Sally, "it's a pelmet!" Sophie asks what a pelmet is as Kevin rushes Sally out of the house.

Hayley and Christian are still at the lake. Hayley is trying her best to make Christian understand how trouble Harold was. Confused and unhappy, his early days were hell. Christian just wants her to tell him what has happened, the more Hayley says, the less he understands. Finally Hayley just tells him that she was Harold. "Christian, I'm your father," she says.

After the ad break we join Hayley and Christian again. Hayley tells him she's so sorry she lied but she wants desperately to be forgiven. She wanted Christian to get to know her has Hayley before she told him about being his father. She tries to tell him how her being born a boy was a cruel trick of nature but Christian is too furious to stop and listen and is storming off. Hayley follows him and stops him she tries to stop him physically and turn him round but when Christian does turn around he hits her, swinging his arm and hitting her across the face with the back of his hand, deliberately. Hayley falls to the ground and Christian is shocked by what he has done. Hayley, on the ground with a bloody nose, reaches for Christian with her hand but he refuses to help her up and walks away. Hayley is left sitting on the grass, crying.

In the Rovers, Vernon and Liz are still making their plans to renovate- this time the garden. Sally and Kevin find Fizz and John at their table and Sally hurries them all up to go to the play. Carla and Tony finish up their business and Tony offers to take Carla for dinner. Carla refuses but tells him she will another time. Instead he settles for buying her another glass of wine. While he's at the bar, Michelle comes over to ask Carla who she's with. Carla tells her she's with "Work". Michelle reckons she's got a good job because Tony's a cutie. Carla agrees but tells her she'll look but won't touch because that's the last thing on her mind right now.

In the cafe, Becky wants to go and look for Hayley but Roy thinks Hayley will be OK. Becky is worried because Hayley is not as tough as her and Roy. Roy thinks that whatever happens, Hayley will be gratified to have told the truth. You can tell Becky disagrees but she doesn't say anything.

In the meantime, Hayley is cleaning herself up at the lake, crying and wiping away her blood.

Vernon is all over Liz at the bar, fantasizing about Liz taking his name after their wedding. Michelle is glad to be going home soon, she's had enough of the love birds. Violet tells her she's surprised that she and Steve aren't going to make it up the aisle first because they are so loved up. She admits she's a little jealous. But, she reckons that she's happy with just her and the baby because a baby is far less trouble than a fella any day. Michelle confides that she and Steve have been talking about moving in together but they haven't decided where. Violet knows that for definite it should be somewhere she won't see Vernon and Liz mooning over each other at cornflake time. Liam comes into the bar and asks Michelle if Carla is still drooling over Tony, looking over at the two of them at a table. He thinks it's a bit soon for her to be slobbering over another man since Paul's not that long dead. Maria comes into the pub and she and Liam decide to have a drink together. Maria invites Carla but Liam puts his foot down and says he spends enough time with her ugly mug at work.

In his cab on a street, Lloyd sees Hayley with a black eye and stops to ask if she's OK. She tells an outlandish story to cover up what happened and asks Lloyd, who wants to take her home if he'll just leave her alone.

Michelle pops into Street Cars to see Steve. He doesn't seem particularly pleased to see her so she makes to leave but then he confesses, he is bothered by the imagine Vernon in the hot-tub and Steve holding his head under the water and counting to 3000. Michelle tells him not to let Vernon get to him, it's not Vernon's fault he's a prat. Steve tries to get Michelle to stay with a bottle of wine but Michelle needs to get home to help Ryan with his homework.

The Theatre Foursome return to the Rovers, Sally moaning about how some of the other patrons talked the whole way through the play. Kevin thought the play was good, his favourite bit being when the King disguised himself and mingled with his soldiers to find out what they were saying about him. Fizz thinks she would like to do the same- become invisible and listen to what other people think of her. Kevin thinks Shakespeare had a way with words and he and John recite a couple of the lines. When Fizz tells John he'd look dead sexy in a uniform (don't they all, Fizz?) Sally says, "Trust you to lower the tone!"

Hayley returns home where Roy is sitting in the dark, saving electricity. She turns on the light and Roy sees her bruises. She tells him Christian hates her, he never wants to see her again.

Back at the pub where Kevin is comparing Shakespeare's Henry V with Tony Soprano, Sally asks her to justify his claim. Kevin makes a convincing argument which, when John agrees, Sally seems a bit put out by. Sally wants to spend more time with John and Fizz but they have more important birthday celebrations to be getting on with. Sally is definitely not pleased when John reiterates that Kevin drawing a parallel between Tony Soprano and Henry V on the way out, slapping Kevin on the shoulder.

At Roy and Hayley's, Roy is incensed that Christian has assaulted his wife. He wants to go to the police but Hayley says that's the last thing she wants to do. Roy is adamant that Hayley must report him but Hayley tells Roy she doesn't blame Christian for the assault, she blames Roy. Roy, in his inimitable style, can't fathom why but Hayley shouts that because Roy had to have his precious truth out there, Christian hates Hayley now and thinks of her as neither a man or a woman but a freak. She tells Roy to get out of her sight, she can't stand to look at him.

Stella

In the cafe, Roy is trying to serve up Lloyd's breakfast as Lloyd juggles with ketchup bottles. He asks how the patient (Hayley) is, commenting that it must have been a nasty fall she had. Just then Becky bursts in, late, sure she will have missed Hayley and she wanted to find out how it went. Roy says that she hasn't missed her, Hayley is upstairs. Becky heads straight for the door as Roy calls out in vain, "She doesn't wish to be disturbed…."

Upstairs, Becky is shocked to see the state that Hayley is in. "Who 'it yer?" she asks in amazement. Hayley explains that it was her son – not that she can ever call him that again. Becky is astounded. "Christian smacked you in the face?" she says. Hayley says that he was repulsed, what she told him made his flesh crawl, he's a sweet and gentle boy who's auntie became his father….and that made him lash out. Becky is all for going and smacking him in the face but Hayley won't let her.

Over at the factory, Liam remarks to Carla that they have a busy day ahead, and wonders if Hayley will be gracing them with her presence. Carla says Hayley hasn't rung, it's not like her, and Liam knows it's not like her.

Jamie has arrived to collect Violet, and they go off to his mother's wedding.

Sally goes to the garage and tells Kevin she's been offered an hour's overtime, and asks if he'll fetch Sophie from her friend's house.

Hayley is talking to Becky. She says she thought she was happy, she had a lovely husband, good friends and a job she enjoyed, then she found out about Christian and a whole new life opened up in front of her, and possibly even grandchildren one day. She tells Becky that those dreams have gone now and what she always had is not enough any more.

Downstairs, in the cafe Roy is trying to explain to Blanche and Wilf Morton that the portions are small because locally sourced produce costs more. He has opted for quality over quantity. Blanche and Wilf are not impressed. Blanche says she came in for a meal, meat and tater pie. How far the tater traveled and the lamb's dying words are no concern of hers. Becky comes down then and asks what's going on. "Roy, will you never learn?" she asks him, and tells him his wife needs him, and hustles him up the stairs, telling Blanche and Wilf to 'sit down and button it!'

Upstairs Roy finds Hayley putting on her coat, she's off to get some air. He offers to join her but she won't let him, she wants some peace. He asks if she's going to wear dark glasses, "Why? In case people think you did it?" she asks him, "because you did do it – as good as. You told me to stick my finger in the fire and I did, because I trusted you." She tells him she'll never stick her finger in the fire again, and she'll never take advice from him.

In the factory the girls are playing an alphabet game as they work. In the office, Liam turns and says that they ought to play the same game in there. "Carla opened her birthday presents and she got: A - an Armani frock, B – Beluga caviar, C- champagne……" he says, spinning his chair around, while Rose giggles. Carla adds, "P–P45 with Liam Connor's name on it!"

Becky has closed up the café and brings the takings up to the flat. She asks Roy where Hayley is, but he ignores her question and starts counting the coins.

Cilla has arrived back in the Street in Lloyd's taxi. True to form she has no money on her to pay the fare, and then sees Fizz coming across the Street. She calls her over and Fizz gets her purse out, mumbling that she gave Chesney her last tenner for his trip. She starts counting out the coins but can only rake up six and the fare is over fifteen pounds. Just then Kirk runs up with a belated birthday present for Fizz, a ten pound voucher. Lloyd takes it, along with the six pounds in coins, saying it will do and leaving Kirk looking rather puzzled.

At the Duckworth's they have just finished a meal that Paul has cooked, and are talking about going down to the pub, leaving Tyrone to stay behind and wash up.

Up in the flat, Becky is getting exasperated with Roy, who is still carefully counting the money. "She's not gone for a stroll," says Becky, "she's left you, can't you see that?" She shouts at him to do something, and then rushes out. "Where are you going?" asks Roy. "To look for her!" yells Becky as she slams the door.

In the Rovers, Sean is with his new boyfriend, Marcus. Kelly asks if Sean looks good in the buff. "That's for me to know and you to find out," he says. Fizz says not to say thinks like that to Kelly, she'll take it as a challenge. Kelly says that once it nearly worked with Sean, and Marcus wants to hear all about it.

Jack, Vera, Paul and Molly have arrived in the pub, but Paul suddenly realises that he's left his wallet behind and rushes off to get it.

Just then Cilla and Kirk arrive to see Fizz. Cilla says how 21 years ago she was the happiest woman on earth, but Fizz corrects her, saying she was the most miserable woman on earth because she had a hangover from Fizz's birthday party for her second birthday! Embarrassed, Cilla hands over a present, "Happy birthday, sugar," she says. Opening her gift, Fizz is speechless to find an expensive, designer handbag.

Paul goes back to the house and finds Tyrone washing up and singing at the top of his voice. Amused, Paul films it.

Eileen is watching tv when Jamie and Violet come back from the wedding. Jamie hugs Violet and thanks her. "You're a star," he says.

In the pub, Fizz is showing her bag to Carla, who confirms that her bag is indeed an original and worth a few hundred pounds. John arrives with a present for her – an Ipod that he has loaded with all her favourite songs. Then John sees Kevin and Sally come in and go to the bar. "New best friends at one o'clock, do you mind?" he asks her. She tells him she doesn't. "If she starts talking shop I'll whack her with my handbag," she laughs.

Sean and Marcus go back to Eileen's and put music on.

Sally collars John and starts to talk about her essay, but he stops her and tells her that Fizz's mum has just come back from the States and they're having a catch-up. "Do you mind if we talk about the essay another time?" he asks her, gently. Sally says of course she doesn't mind, but is obviously miffed as she goes back to stand with Kevin at the bar. She's convinced that the reason John won't talk about her essay has something to do with Kevin. "I'd like to know what you said when my back was turned, because suddenly we're not good enough for his company!" she says.

Cilla is boasting to John and Fizz about her time in the USA, "Once they heard about my Beckham connections…" she says. "What?" says John. Cilla tells him that she and Victoria share a beautician. Fizz puts him straight. "they shared an emery board at the nail centre in the Trafford centre," she tells him. Undaunted, Cilla goes on to say that she's had an idea for a Union Jack diner on The Strip, with herself at the helm. "There's no stopping me," she says. "Except for maybe a green card," says John, and Fizz adds that she'd need thousands of pounds. Cilla says that in principle there's nothing stopping her. "The only thing I have to fear is fear itself," she says.

Just then Tyrone comes in to join the Duckworth party and is annoyed to find Paul is showing the film he took of himself washing up and singing.

Sean and his friend are still playing loud music and drinking. Violet comes down and points out that it's late and she's trying to sleep. "You're no fun," says Sean. "Well, get used to it, boyfriend!" says Violet. Marcus wonders if that should be his line, as Violets storms off to bed.

Wandering the streets, Becky finds Hayley sitting in a café. She urges her to come home, but Hayley says she can't. "Roy wants everything to be simple, black and white, good and bad. But life is messy and complicated, people make mistakes." She says people should not be given ultimatums. She says at least with Christian she had some hope, could have had a future. Becky says she's scaring her now, she's got a future with Roy. "Have I?" asks Hayley, "have I really?"

Roy is in the flat when Becky rings to say that Hayley will be staying the night with her. "Tell her….tell her I'm waiting," he says.

Anne Logan

No episode airs tonight.

Double episode tonight in lieu of Friday.

Cadbury's have gone and Harvey's furniture store now sponsors the Street. Their ad shows some ornaments and a toy settling down to watch the telly. . .

We open this double episode with Hayley and Becky getting off a bus. Hayley intends going straight to work, not home to get changed, despite Becky's pleas. Hayley says she can't even just go straight into the flat and out again because Roy won't say what she wants to hear. She walks away, with Becky calling after her: "It's only eight o'clock!"

If it's possible to mop a floor in a dejected sort of way, then Roy, the Eeyore of the street, is doing it. He asks Becky where Hayley is. He says it's too early for her to have gone to work. Roy didn't sleep well. Becky says Hayley didn't sleep at all. "You've got to talk to her, Roy." "Can't." "You can!" He says Hayley isn't there and he can't go and find her because he has to finish the mopping. With that, he knocks over the bucket.

Hayley is talking to Carla, explaining that she fell over. "It looks nasty, Hayley," says Carla. Hayley sees Liam coming and asks quickly if she can go inside. She obviously doesn't want to be seen. Liam greets Carla and she tells him he'll have to get up much earlier to beat her, Hayley or Rosie. Rosie's coming across the street. "She's been watching from her front window," Carla quickly tells Liam. "Wouldn't come over when me or Hayley arrived but as soon as you did . . ." Kevin calls out to Rosie to work hard and she's quite embarrassed. Jack comes over and brings Tyrone a sandwich which Vera's made to thank him for doing the washing up. Kev wants to know if it means Tyrone and Paul have made up. Tyrone indignantly tells him No. He says anyone can wrap their granny round their little finger, but one day Paul will make a mistake and Tyrone will be right there waiting!

Sarah's taken Bethany to school and is back home, worrying about leaving her. She tells Gail that as far as she's concerned, David doesn't exist. She's not going to talk to him or even look in his direction.

"Do they call it an all-day breakfast because you've got to wait all day for it?" Yes, Blanche is in the cafe. Becky suggests she sit down with a nice cup of tea, but Blanche points out they haven't given her any milk for it. Becky hands over a jug containing a tiny amount, and tells Roy he's scaring the customers. She tries to insist that he call Hayley, but he refuses. A phone call saves him. Becky takes Blanche her toast, but Blanche has this weird idea that toast ought to be brown. "Burnt toast is bad for you," Becky points out. The phone call was from the supplier, who can't bring milk or eggs until tomorrow. Blanche thinks they should buy some from Dev, but Becky says they won't be free-range eggs. "Do you think I care?" asks Blanche. "I haven't exactly roamed the world myself!" "We have standards," says a tense Roy. "You've got hungry customers," points out Blanche. She says that if Roy won't buy from Dev, he's got two choices – lay them himself or go to Freshco. Roy's not keen on Freshco, it's too big, but he determines that he will go. "What if I can't find anything? I don't know where anything is," he says. Becky shows him how to use her mobile phone and says she'll call him if they need owt else.

Leanne's laying the tables when Paul rushes in late. He says the reason he bought 40 per cent of the place was so he didn't have someone breathing down his neck if he was late. "Sixty per cent can breathe down 40 per cent's neck any time it likes," Leanne points out. There's some mail. It's for Jack Duckworth, but she assumes it's for Paul.

In the supermarket, Roy is pulling out plastic bottles of milk. He's just examining a huge pallet of milk when Michelle comes up to say hello, pointing out there's milk in the fridge. There is, but Roy wants it as fresh as possible. He'll need a knife to get into the packed milk and he starts to go on about the need to use local dairies, because then there would be no need for all this packaging. He finally battles and grapples and wrenches a container free from the packaging. "Local, is it?" Michelle asks. "Aberystwyth!" says a disgusted Roy, chucking the milk back on top of the pallet.

Molly arrives at the garage, where Tyrone is belting out a song – badly. "Someone just rang for you," she says. "Simon." Tyrone doesn't know any Simon. "Simon Cowell. He wants you to go an audition for him." Tyrone doesn't think it's funny and threatens to give Paul a smack in the gob. Molly starts to sweet talk him and before long Tyrone is smiling and promising to go to the pub with her later.

In the supermarket, Roy has filled a trolley with milk of various sizes, shapes and fat content. He's going through the eggs, looking for some local free-range eggs. A staff member comes over to offer help, but the free-range eggs he points out are from Shropshire and the Cotswolds. Roy insists on local, but the man says he won't find any Weatherfield free-range eggs. "How about the Lake District." Roy says local implies accessible, preferably within walking distance. "There aren't any," says the staff member. The mobile rings and Roy hands the phone to the staff member to answer it for him. It's Becky. She tells Roy he should be back by now. He explains about the eggs and she says: "Grab some and come 'ome." "I can't," says Roy. He turns to the staff man: "South Wales is almost 200 miles away!"

Becky hangs up and Blanche tells her Roy could be hours. "This cafe is his padded cell. He leaves it at his peril," she says. "He won't come to any harm at Freshco's," Becky says. "He might," answers the voice of hoped-for doom.

Roy's lecturing the staff member about the excessive packaging. He tries to prove his point by removing the eggs from their carton and putting them into his pocket. The man tries to take the carton from him and they spill on to the floor. Roy's completely lost it now. He tries to scoop up the eggs with his hands and tell the staff member to go and get a bag ("paper, not plastic!"), then realises he'll need more eggs and starts to remove them from another carton, stacking them loose in the trolley alongside the milk containers. "Sir, please, calm down!" says the man. "I'm all right, I just need some eggs," says a quite manic Roy, reaching for more eggs to stack in the trolley. Shoppers are staring as the staff member runs to fetch a security guard, with Roy shouting: "It's all right, there's nothing wrong. It's all right!"

Becky runs from the cafe, flying past Gail and Audrey, who are discussing David. He's been behaving himself. His mum and grandma agree to meet in the Rovers later. Becky and Hayley rush back the other way.

In the manager's office, Roy says the cup of tea he's got has made all the difference. He's much calmer. The manager tells him that Freshco recently made a commitment to reduce packaging. Roy knows. He gets up to go and clean up the mess. The staff member blocks his way. The manager tells him there's no need.

In the factory, Carla explains to Liam that the manager of Freshco's rang because Roy's been taken ill on the premises, so Hayley's gone over there. Liam tells Rosie to take her lunch break, but she thinks if they're working through lunch, so will she. Liam says they have to, because they're high-flying executives. Rosie says that's what she wants to be, so she's doing what they are. That's why she's working this Sunday. Carla is surprised by this, but Rosie says she's helping Liam sort out the VAT receipts. Liam asks Rosie to pop out and get him a kebab. This gives Carla a chance to point out that he's been here before – junior staff with a crush on management. "Joanne was a lot older," he says, defensively. "She was not!" snaps Carla. "Do the VAT on your own!" Liam says he's not scared of a 16-year-old. "With a mother on the shop floor? Don't you say I didn't warn you!"

Hayley arrives at the supermarket where Roy says he had some problems with the packaging and the manager tells her Roy got into a bit of a state. Hayley tries to talk to him while shielding her face so he can't see the bruising. Mr Morris, the manager, says everything's fine. There's a bit of a mess, but no lasting damage, and Mr Cropper has arranged to settle the bill. "We didn't think he should leave the store on his own," he says. Hayley helps Roy into his coat. He finds several eggs in the pockets and hands them to Mr Morris before leaving.

In the pub, Jamie mentions that Sean is out with Marcus again. Violet mutters threats about the noise they made last night. Paul and Jack come in and Tyrone makes an excuse to leave.

Roy sits down in the flat. "Are you going to tell me what really happened?" Hayley asks. "You stayed out all night," he says accusingly. "You knew where I was," Hayley says. Roy tells her he couldn't sleep and when he gets tired he gets confused. "I haven't slept in days," Hayley tells him. He says she should have come home. "What for? You don't talk to me." He says he does listen to her, but Hayley says he doesn't understand what she says. She doesn't really know why she came and fetched him. "We love each other. How have we come to this?" asks Roy. Hayley doesn't know.

Michelle teases Violet about how well she and Jamie get on. Paul is off to work. Molly's going to Emily's to make sure Vera stays there so Jack can have another drink. In a booth, Gail and Audrey talk about David, but Sarah's sick of it. She wants to talk about the wedding.

Tyrone is home alone and takes the chance to rifle through Paul's bag – until he hears Paul coming. He tells Paul he just moved it so he could put his feet up. They start snapping at each other. Paul's phone rings just as Tyrone flounces from the room. Leanne wants him to fetch something from the cash-and-carry on his way. "If you're smart enough to be Mr forty-per-cent, you're smart enough to find £200!" she snaps at him. Paul knows just where to find Jack and Vera's stash of cash.

Roy can't eat his dinner. Hayley apologises for stopping out when she knew it would upset him. He suggests maybe he was too quick to make judgements. He asks if she will meet Christian again. She says she's not foolish enough to think Christian needs her. "If he got to know you, Hayley, he'd need you," says Roy. Hayley says Roy's the important one – the person she's chosen to spend her life with. "In spite of all this mess?" Roy asks. "The world's full of cracked eggs," she tells him. Roy asks if they can be happy again. "I hope so," Hayley says. "Let's see how things go." She smiles at him.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Thanks to the Rugby we are all over the place at the moment. Anyway written by Martin Allen we rejoin after another break.

Tyrone is cooking a fry up for Jack and Vera - and Vera asks if they have put an extra sausage in for Paul. Jack wants to know if they are flat hunting again today - but apparently not - Jack points out that each delay means the rents will have gone up more. Paul arrives with a magazine for Vera - about the local area - Trough of Bowland is her favourite. Paul invites them all down the Rovers once he has finished at the restaurant. Jack wants to pay and goes to his tin and he finds that there is £200 missing - he blames Vera (but we know better). They argue - but neither of them know where it is and Tyrone, Molly and Paul all deny knowledge. Paul tells them to think about it = it will turn up.

Michelle and Steve leave the shop and head in opposite directions. Neither wants to go to the other's residence for various reasons. At the Rovers Liz is preparing eggs for Vernon when Steve and Michelle arrive. Steve knows they want to be on their own. Liz cooks them all a full English - except Michelle who only wants a croissant. Silence descends and both Steve and Michelle are unhappy at not being on their own.

Outside the cafe Becky is smoking and Hayley, with a black eye, is drinking a mug of tea. Roy is reportedly still very shaken. Becky suggests they go away for a while and she will look after the cafe if they can find someone to help. Hayley starts thinking. Later Hayley tells Roy she has found a camp site with space and suggests they go away for two weeks of peace and tranquillity. Roy wonders if this is a nervous breakdown. But as Roy says the problem is between them and a change of scenery will not solve that.

Liam meets Maria in the Street. She is having a lazy day reading the papers and suggests Liam joins her - but he has to do his VAT figures and he cannot afford to hand it over to the accountant. He invites her to the Rovers later. Oddly Rosie is also in work and is sorting the receipts, expenses and invoices and she asks if businessmen can claim for their secretaries when on a business trip. She suggests he tries it on - but he knows he will get into trouble. He knows her plan - and stays one step ahead.

Cilla is finding her employer to be particularly difficult - he does not approve of her ironing or her cooking or anything else. He laughs.

Ty and Molly are leaving the DuckEggs when Paul returns. He wants to change and sends them to the Rovers and reminds them he is paying. Paul goes inside and puts the £200 back into the tin and puts the tin away.

Carla is outside Underworld when Tony turns up - he offers to buy her a drink and they head to the Rovers. He has been in the gym and he lives in Didsbury - so the Street is on his way. He asks if she uses a gym - but she has to work 7 days a week. He asks how she relaxes - she thinks about the money they are making. He offers her a lift - but she only just agrees.

Hayley suggests that she may go away without Roy. She still feels battered by the meeting with Christian. Roy tries to help her but his brain is not as sharp as normal. She asks if they make each other happy and Roy agrees. Roy thinks the new tent needs to be tested before the 30 day right of return expires, so Hayley notes that means they must go and she will make the arrangements. Later Hayley brings Becky up to date. Hayley has found some help - in the end - Blanche. Becky is not sure she will be much help.

Liam and Rosie leave the factory - she is always keen to do overtime (and we all know why I am sure). However Liam cannot afford it. He sends her home to put her feet up, she merely leans back against the Underworld door fantasising what she might get if she could undress him.

In the Rovers Ty and Molly discuss the missing money. Ty is convinced that Jack is not going off his trolley and that Paul must be responsible. Liam arrives and finds Maria waiting for him. Maria wonders what Rosie has her sights on. Maria also reports that Carla has been in the Rovers with Tony - Liam points out that his brother has only been dead four months. Maria says that Carla cannot grieve forever. Vera is feeling the cold - but it is 1st October tomorrow. Ty goes home to get her cardy.

Cilla serves short stack pancakes with a side order of barbecue chicken wings. The "maple syrup" is brown sauce and the chicken wings have been grilled for seconds and are not cooked through. The food is inedible. Frank is not amused but decides the time has come to reward Cilla as he thought she liked the argy-bargy. He hand over a gorgeous necklace that belonged to his dead wife. He tells Cilla that there is a lot more to come.

Tyrone uses the visit home to open the tin and see what else it contains and he starts opening all the envelopes and searching through in detail - however he is interrupted by Jack and Paul returning home to watch the first race. Vera and Molly then returned and Tyrone tries to explain that he was looking in the tin to see what else it contained. Tyrone tries to convince Jack and Vera of his innocence. Jack finds that the money has returned - and the DuckEggs are certain that this proves that Tyrone took the money in the first place. Jack reckons that Tyrone is the one up to no good.

K Richard W

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Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan, Sue Haasler, Margaret Carr, Amanda Souter.

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