Leanne and Paul meet up in the kitchen, the morning after the night before. Only it seems that she (unable to face the thought of a night with Paul) slept in Janice's room, leaving him alone in hers. He's extremely miffed and is beginning to feel somewhat used. They're interrupted by a phone call – the police are coming round. She then manages to sweeten him up by suggesting that 'now is not the right time' and an offer of breakfast. "We've got to trust each other," she tells him.

Over at the Platt's, David is trying to sweeten up Tina who is beginning to have serious doubts about the situation she has found herself in, and is wondering what will happen if Gail's memory kicks in and lands the two of them in gaol. Then she sighs and tells him she'll keep smiling, keep her fingers crossed and keep lying.

Eileen is demanding rent from her lodgers. Sean pays up, (with a sub from Jason) but when Lauren appears and Eileen tells her she's not going anywhere until she's paid, Lauren tells her she's not going anywhere, she's just going to get a cup of coffee and is going back to bed. Eileen asks Jason about Gail and how much she's beginning to remember, and says she might go over and see her.

Leanne is waiting for the police to call and is on the phone to Dan, who is standing in the bookies' doorway. "Don't forget," she tells him, "you're my alibi." Just as they finish the call, Harry comes along with a copy of the local newspaper. The front page is full of the story of the fire at the restaurant. "I'm not going to ask if there was anything dodgy about it, because you wouldn't tell me if there was and I wouldn't believe you if you said there wasn't," he tells his son, adding, "I hope you know what you're doing." Dan tells him to give him some credit.

"Just because some bird gives me the eye, it doesn't mean I'm going to burn down her restaurant," he says. "I sincerely hope not," says Harry.

Amber and Molly are looking at the paper in the corner shop. Dev tells Amber to let this be a lesson, don't take jobs in places that could be fire risks. "Oh which means what? That I work outside?" asks Amber. "But away from trees," says Molly. Dev asks what Leanne's planning to do, but Amber doesn't know. "Stay out of pubs," says Dev as he leaves.

Tina is about to take Gail out for a walk in her wheelchair, leaving David ironing! Gail tells them it won't be for much longer, she's feeling a lot stronger.

The police are talking to Leanne, asking if she's recently sacked any staff members or thrown anyone out. They ask her what her movements were, and she tells them she was with Dan.

As Tina and Gail get outside onto the cobbles, (with David to see them off), Eileen sees them and comes hurrying over. She says how she was planning to come over and see Gail later, but David is quick to point out how tired Gail gets. Just then Lauren comes out of Eileen's front door, so she hurries back across the Street to demand her rent. Lauren tells her there's no cash point in the house so she's off to find one.

As Tina pushes Gail along the pavement, Gail remembers that just before the accident she was going to get her hair done. Tina starts to look worried.

The police have called at the bookies and are asking Dan what time Leanne arrived there.

Tony and Carla walk into the Rovers, and Tony gives Steve a present for Amy to make up for the trouble the builders are causing.

Sean and Marcus are enjoying a drink at a table when Lauren comes in and asks if they'd like another. Marcus declines but Sean accepts, and as she goes off to the bar she tells Sean she has a surprise for him.

Liam comes into the bar and asks why Steve has a doll. He tells him it's for Amy from Tony, to make up for nearly being run over. Liam says he's a smooth operator, he knows how to keep people on his side.

Just then Dev comes in and tells Liam what has happened to Leanne's restaurant.

Meanwhile, Leanne herself is in the corner shop, where Molly commiserates with her. Amber asks whether the police will want to speak to her, but Leanne smiles and says she doubts it, after all, what could Amber tell them. "Just that I was there," says Amber, "the last one to leave, with Paul." Leanne is shocked, and her smile quickly fades.

She marches round and knocks on Paul's front door. "Amber was with you!" she snaps as he opens the door. He admits that she was in the restaurant but not in the kitchen, she couldn't have seen anything. Eventually he confesses that she might have heard the noise that the pan made when it went up. Leanne gets very agitated and tells him that if she tells the police that, they've had it, and he'd better find out.

In the Rovers, Liz tells Steve that the builders have been away on their dinner break for an hour and a quarter and they're not back yet. He tells her to speak to Vernon, they're his mates.

Leanne arrives at the pub to meet Dan. They start talking about Paul, and he asks whose bed he stayed in last night. "Mine!" snaps Leanne, "now ask me whose bed I stayed in."

Lauren's surprise turns out to be a shirt she's bought Sean. She tells Marcus she's a free spirit, she doesn't buy presents for birthdays or Christmas, and Eileen can wait for her rent, she's making a fortune anyway.

Carla and Tony, tired of waiting for Liam to join them at their table, get up and join him at the bar where he's standing with Dev. Dev tells them he envies them, they not only work together, they're the best of friends. Liam admits that Tony is making Carla happy and making money for them all. Tony shakes his hand, telling him that's the nicest thing he's said to him.

The police are talking to Paul about the last things he did at the restaurant. They ask if there was anyone else around, and he tells them there wasn't.

Eileen has called on Gail, who is still being looked after by Tina and David. She asks if Gail can remember anything else about her conversation with Jason, and she tells her she remembers him leaving the house, because he slammed the door. They conclude that by the time she fell he had already left the house, so he couldn't have pushed her. Tina gets up and goes out of the back door. David comes downstairs and asks where Tina is, and goes out in the garden to find her. In the garden, Tina tells him she couldn't take it any more, all the time they were out Gail was going on and on about it. Tina can't stand the lying and pretending, she wants Gail to remember so the whole thing can be over.

Paul is on the phone to Leanne, telling her about his interview with the police. "Where are you now?" he asks, and then says, "I'm coming over!" and hangs up before she can stop him. Leanne is at home, but Dan is with her. She tells him Paul is coming over. "That'll be interesting," says Dan. She tries to get him to leave, but he won't.

Eileen meets Lauren on the doorstep, who tells her she couldn't find a cash machine. Eileen eyes the bags and points out that she managed to get her shopping. "Credit card," says Lauren, "which you don't take. If you did we wouldn't have a problem!" Then she goes inside and slams the door in Eileen's face.

Paul arrives at Leanne's and is taken aback to find Dan there. "You must think I'm stupid!" he shouts, "you've been leading me on. Getting me to do your dirty work!" Leanne asks what does it matter, they're still friends, like they always have been. "Friends? Is that what we were?" asks Paul. Dan asks what Paul thought was going on. "Nothing!" says Paul and runs out. Leanne then shouts at Dan, saying she's going to have to run after him. "You could have waited until all this fire business was over," she says, running out of the door.

Outside, Paul stops and kicks a wall as Leanne rushes up behind him. He then runs off down the road with Leanne following, trying to plead and reason with him. "Dan is someone I'm seeing, yes," she says when he stops "but so what? We can still be mates." Paul turns round and accuses them of laughing at him, getting him to do her dirty work. "But not any more, Leanne, not any more!" He turns and rushes away down the Street. Leanne stands and watches him go, looking worried.

Anne Logan

It's Friday once again and it seems that, much as a heavy fall candetach a retina, the fall downstairs has shaken loose the scales fromGail's eyes.

We begin as Gail sits down on the top of the stairs and starts her waydown on her backside. David wonders why she didn't call him to help. Sheagrees that usually she's helped on her way down the stairs. Davidpauses before realising she's joking. "I may not be getting my mobilityback very quickly, but at least I can regain my sense of humour," Gailsays. She's in a very good mood and tells him she's remembering more.She says she enjoyed talking to Tina and thinks talking helps herremember more.

In the pub, Liz points out to Vernon that the pub doesn't have a menu assuch. He says that's his point. People are bored with hotpot, so theyshould expand and elaborate. Glazed halibut, smoked venison, jerkchicken and a lamb shank, he suggests. Or maybe it was glazed shank,smoked lamb, venison chicken and jerk halibut. I don't know. I likedVernon better when he was a market inspector in Walford. And Liz was toobusy thinking "Who's bored with hotpot?!" She tells Vernon that no-oneround here wants that kind of food at lunchtime and they are NOT gettingrid of Betty's hotpot. Steve overhears and asks Vernon "Was the jerkchicken named after you?" Liz tells Vernon they should just get thesmokers' shelter finished first. "And what's more," says Steve. "We'llnever talk of this again! If Betty gets wind of it she'll clean thegents with your head – while I watch!"

Molly's off to work but Paul's depressed about not going to work. Therestaurant was more than just a job to him. Molly answers the door tofind Leanne. She wants to go through some insurance stuff with Paul.Molly leaves them to it. Leanne asks if Paul's all right, but he sayshis back's still a bit sore from the multiple stab-wounds. He'sresentful and angry at her. She tells him he can sulk all he likes, butit's not over.

Tina told her boss she was sick and she's come back to the Street. Davidmeets her outside the house. She says she's stressed. They'reinterrupted by Darryl, who can't find Lauren. Tina tells him Lauren isjust using him. Darryl thinks that can't be right. He asks David, whoconfirms that Lauren's just using Darryl. David's off to the chemist butTina is grumpy and won't go with him.

In the taxi office, Eileen's complaining about Lauren not paying herrent and spending the money on herself. She says she also walks aboutthe house with almost nothing on, but luckily Jason had already gone towork this morning. Lloyd points out that he's got a spare room. "Youknow," says Eileen, "you would seriously go down in my estimation if Ithought you fancied her!" Lloyd says he's so desperate he tried to chatup a girl who was handing out leaflets the other day.

Nick's in the pub. Michelle tells him she's not annoyed that he's there.He's got a right to a relationship. Ryan comes out and Michelle tellsthem to have a good time.

In the cafe, Leanne and Paul talk, with Paul refusing to co-operate,until Leanne threatens him with her knowledge that he pretended to beJack to take out a loan on the house. She tells him that they have tostick together if they want to keep out of prison. She points out theloss adjuster is coming on Money and he'll still get some money out ofit. Paul tells her the money would have been a bonus. What he reallywanted was her. "And not just for a quickie. For the rest of my life."He's fallen completely, stupidly, head over heels. Ken comes over tooffer more coffee and offers them some sympathy. Paul snaps at him.Leanne is stunned by Paul's revelation. She tells him he must make sureAmber didn't see anything. Paul says the worst of it is that hegenuinely thought his feelings were reciprocated.

In the Kabin, Norris is on a rant. He's not confining himself to onetopic (why change the habit of a lifetime) but covers people who saythey "work in retail" when they mean they've got a job in a shop, andAmericanisms (he heard Sophie Webster say "awesome"). Rita points outthey borrow from the French all the time. Tina arrives and gets a fewquestions about how Gail is. She can't remember why she's come in. Jasoncomes in and asks if it's true that David's spoken to the police again,but she says she doesn't know. She bustles out past him. Outside, sheslumps, looking depressed.

Paul and Leanne walk past the bookies' and Danny comes out and callsher. She addresses him as Mr Mason, but his father sticks his head outof the door and points out that it's "Master" Mason – pipsqueak, squirt,boy!

At the Platts', Tina arrives and Gail sees her.

Jason is leaning on the bar in the Rovers. He says Lloyd reckonsLauren's been walking around the house with very little on, but Laurenpoints out that Lloyd didn't even see her. Darryl comes in and asks Lizif Lauren can serve him. Jason goes off, winking at Lauren on his wayout. Darryl is taken aback to see it. He tells Lauren he doesn't knowwhere they are, and he hardly sees her. She tells him she's so skint shecan't even pay the rent, protesting at the same time that she doesn'tneed a sub. Of course, he gives her some cash, watched by Eileen andMarcus. Marcus says he only puts up with Lauren because she cheers upSean. In a booth, Danny makes jokes about "hot stuff" and Leanne being"on fire." Leanne tells him one of her talents is being very bad. Harrycomes in and looks as if he's going to join them.

Gail tells Tina she must be wondering how an able-bodied 49-year-oldmanaged to fall down the stairs. Tina just wishes she could help, orthat she saw something or knew something. Gail says she would have toldthem already if she did have something. Tina agrees. Gail tells hershe's sure Jason had gone but she remembers something which she can'tquite grasp. "I think there was another argument. I'm sure there wasanother argument." She says it's like looking through a fog. But she'sgot a feeling it's going to lift. Tina rushes upstairs, telling Gailshe's going home.

In the pub, Steve is sure he had Dennis Law in the back of the cab lastnight. Lloyd tells him there's a guy from Weatherfield who is thespitting image. Harry asks where Steve picked up this guy, and Stevesays Old Trafford. Lloyd's in stitches and Steve admits it was reallythe Trafford Centre. Steve says the guy was going to the Odeon in OxfordRoad. He gave the name Derek Straw, but obviously he wouldn't give hisreal name. Harry starts reminiscing about old cinemas, though Vernonprefers the multiplexes. Steve points out that no-one cheers when thecertificate comes up any more. In the booth, Dan thinks it's reallyfunny that Paul loves Leanne. "I don't even love you!" he points out.

Gail's trying to talk to Tina from the bottom of the stairs. Upstairs,we can hear the sound of Tina packing furiously. Gail calls up and saysshe thinks she remembers David coming home before the accident. Tinacomes down and brushes past her with her hold-all. Gail asks if sheknows what's going on. Tina denies it. She's almost in tears. "I don'tknow anything," she says. Gail asks if David was in the house. "I'msorry," says Tina, and rushes out of the house.

In the cab office, Steve's telling Lloyd that Alex's last name isNeeson, and if it had been Liam who got mixed up at the hospital, hisname would have been Liam Neeson. (This is exactly the sort of triviathat men spend hours discussing, isn't it? ) He worries what todo about Alex. Lloyd tells him he should have a word with Alex ifMichelle's missing him.

David's in the Kabin. Norris tells him that Tina was in the shopearlier. Rita says she seemed a little fragile. "We didn't know if we'dsaid anything to upset her. Nor did Jason." They explain that Jason wasin the shop at the time. David tells them he's got enough to deal withand races out of the shop, almost bowling over Ken just outside.

Molly calls across the street and says Tina's very highly strung. Shewas in the shop for ages without moving. David can't really answer Ken'squestions about how Gail is.

He arrives home, calling for Tina, to find Gail sitting on the stairs.She says Tina's gone home. David demands to know what she's said toTina. Gail says Tina seemed upset. "Is it any wonder," David asks in ahectoring tone. "All we ever do now is run round after you – fetchingprescriptions, wheeling you up and down . . ." Gail tells him sheremembers him. "I think you might have been here. I think we might haveargued." David says he was at Tina's. Everybody knows that. "Had youjust found out?" Gail asks. David acts innocent. He tells Gail she'sfinally lost it. But Gail remembers them both being at the top of thestairs. "Did you push me?"

The End of Episode One.
There'll be another along soon, I suspect.

Margaret Carr

We open at the Platt murderama (Another death coming to a house near yousoon) where it would appear that Gail's memory is improving. Jason wasnot there - but David was. David heard Jason and Gail talking. Daviddenies it all and says she is all mixed up - he refuses to listen tothis pack of lies and storms out. Outside Paul asks how he is. Davidthen phones Tina - he needs to see her.

Paul heads into the Corner Shop - they cannot pay Amber until the moneycomes through. Amber tells Paul that the police had been asking herquestions. Dev claims that Amber disrespects him as she storms out. Ashort while later Amber returns to the shop. She tells him not to talkto her like an adult. Dev reckons that Amber needs help because of theway she looked at Paul. She claims it was solely to wind up Dev - afterall she would prefer to date Pete Docherty to really wind him up if shecannot find someone more dangerous. They share a smile.

Outside David manages to easily hide behind a lamppost as Audrey runsdown the street. He is that thin. Gail tells her what she nowbelieves.

Nick brings Ryan (who is really Alex) back. Steve asks if Nick can giveAlex (Ryan) a message - but Nick refuses and suggests Steve talks to theboy direct. Lloyd returns and Steve asks him if he will cover theswitch for a couple of hours in exchange for three pints (after somehaggling) whilst he tries to re-unite an estranged mother and son.

David meets Tina in the cafe. Becky tries to get them to buy somethingand David tells her to leave them alone. David tells Tina that Gailknows everything. Tina was fed up with all the questions and she neededto leave. Tina said she did not know it would be like this. Tina saysthat if Gail remembers then there is no point in continuing the lie. Tinasays she cannot do it any more. It is over, they are finished and sheis definitive. David does not know what he will do without her. Hesays it will all blow over but Tina cannot do it. David loves her - butTina says he should not have pushed his mother downstairs. Tina tellshim the abortion was down to her not Gail. Tina tells they are notgoing out anymore. She leaves and David cries.

Steve is at a sports track and he finds Alex whom he ends up bribingwith £10 for ten minutes. Alex reckons that he should not get in thecar with a strange man - particularly one paying him. Steve tells Alex(Ryan) that Michelle is missing him - especially as Ryan has beenspending time with Nick. Steve believes that if Alex spent time withMichelle it would cheer her up. Alex says he is busy but will notdepart until Steve gives him the tenner.

Audrey and Gail discuss David - Gail is reduced to saying that he is herson. Audrey reckons that David's head is wrongly wired - and one day hewill end up killing someone - Audrey points out all the potentialdisasters.

The builders depart - scored a cruise ship in the Caribbean for 6 monthsand so they are resuming their musical activities. Liz wants to knowwhat is going to happen to the smoking shelter now - but Vernonreassures her that he has it under control.

On the other side of the bar Lauren inability to pay the rent but stillmanaging to survive is the main topic of conversation between Eileen andMarcus. The latter's phone goes off - it is Sean asking him to join himand Lauren in town and can he join them? On the other side of the pubLeanne and Dan who has some ideas on how to get her to relax as she islooking stressed. I bet you have she replies - but he says he wasthinking of joining a health club and using the facilities! Paul walksin - he has been talking to Amber, apparently no problems. Leanne askshim to keep an eye on her - they do not need any weak links. Dan andPaul continue to strike sparks off each other. Janice and Roger returnfrom their holiday at Formby. Seeing Leanne's long face Janice wants toknow what has happened - so Leanne tells her they had a fire at therestaurant and it has all gone. Janice asks if anyone was hurt butLeanne reassures her that it was simply the premises.

Back at Roys Rolls Becky has cleared the tables and asks David to departas she needs to lock up and she wants her tea. He gets up and departswithout a word passing his lips (mean surly little kid that he is). Hereturns home to face the wrath of Kong - sorry Gail and R'Audrey. Theyknow he did it. But David is still refusing to confirm his actions.They have driven Tina away and now they want him locked up as well.Audrey tells Gail they are leaving - she is not leaving her daughterwith that person. He has tried to kill her once and Audrey is not goingto provide another opportunity.

Apparently the back yard of the Rovers is a death trap and Liz feelsthat Vernon has rather let her down. He reassures her that the Karmawill solve the problem and because good things have happened to Don andVince something good will happen to them. She advises him that if theshelter does not get finished something really heavy will fall on hishead.

Janice is worried if Roger's plumbing work could be the cause of thefire. He points out that water tends to extinguish fires and he isplumber and a good one at that. He has never burnt a building down(although if he is related to the plumbers we had in our building atwork last week they can cause exceptionally disruptive floods).

Dan tells Leanne that he is not sure that Janice believed her story.Leanne tells him not to worry - she can handle her mother, but she didnot sound convinced.

David says that Gail does not have to go - but she says she does - untilshe gets the truth, which is all she is interested in. David continuesto deny it claiming she has a false memory and that her mind is playingtricks on her. Gail replies that she remembers that he was in the housewith her. David starts shouting the odds - he denies he was there, hewas with Tina, how many more times does he have to tell her. Audreyintervenes and tells Gail they are going, picks up her bags and theyleave. David realises he is on his own and starts crying (although tobe honest I cannot see why).

And that is my lot for this week.

K Richard W

First of all, I want to thank my good friend Tinky (Alan) for providing holiday cover for me while I was away and while my home computer got sorted out. By now, you will have realized that my verbose buddy has an over-fondness for the written word. I guess I should have warned you! Let me assure you, this spills over into "real" life as well and he more than holds up his end of a conversation! And with regards to his explanation about my recent absences, let me assure you the Heavy Metal Therapy has been completely successful and I haven't thought about Donny Osmond in 3.4 days! I've purchased heavy (metal) duty stereo speakers and I've got Ozzy on speed dial! \M/

But I digress...

On with the first episode of Coronation Street.

Early in the morning, in a darkened Number 8, David, still dressed in yesterday's clothes awakens. The telly is gibbering on in the background. Audrey and Gail are in Audrey's car. Gail is fretting and worrying about David and regrets leaving him on his own. Audrey is not in the least sympathetic. If he's all on his own, at least he can't hurt anybody! Gail has had a sleepless night and is determined that she will get the whole truth out of him and nothing but the truth. She's not going to get the police involved. I don't think Audrey would be so lenient if he does admit to pushing his mother down the stairs. She pulls away and drives Gail home, against her better judgment.

Morning conversation at Eileen's is about spiders the size of mice. Apparently Sean saw one in the kitchen but wouldn't kill it. Lauren bobs down wearing nowt but a towel. She's in a strop because there's no hot water and the loofah is older than she is. She huffs that she isn't paying rent to put up with that sort of condition. Eileen points out that she's not paying rent at all but always has extra money for clubbing. Lauren hastily backs down and mutters about only being late this one time and scampers back upstairs to get dressed. Jason seems fascinated by the towel Or what's under it. Methinks her days are numbered.

Janice is starting to put two and two together and is getting very close to adding it up to four. She muses how hard Leanne was working but making very little money and remembers how upset Paul seemed to be about the restaurant going up in smoke. Leanne is very defensive and says that she's upset too, just doesn't show it the same way. Janice asks if the insurance payments were up to date and reckons the money will help Leanne start a business that's better suited to making money. Every cloud has a silver lining, eh luv? Leanne looks uncomfortable and her eyes slide away from Janice's and back into her tea cup. Janice leaves with a sharp look at the back of Leanne's head. Oh yes, she's not stupid, is our Janice.

Michelle is doing sums and punching out numbers on the calculator. Steve's sucked her into doing his VAT returns (oy, wouldn't that be Liz's job as manager?) Speaking of Liz, (she's back) she pokes her head through the door and tells Michelle there's someone to see her. It's Odious Alex. Liz offers to do the paperwork for her and ushers a bashfully smiling long streak of water through the door.

Audrey and Gail have reached the street. As they get out of the car, we see and hear Kev and Ty chatting about their day's work in the background. Kev asks after Gail's recovery. Audrey makes an awkward joke about Gail being a terrible patient while Gail climbs awkwardly out of the car. Vernon interrupts to get Bill's number off Kevin. Seems the project manager (Vernon) needs someone to finish the work on the smoking shelter now his workers have bogged off. Audrey helps Gail into the house where they find David, still lying listlessly on the settee. Audrey starts to clout David round the ears and insists on the truth. David answers in monotones, he's don't nothing wrong. Audrey is seething but Gail insists she be left alone with her son.

Sean finds Lauren in the cafe reading a trashy gossip magazine. (getting ideas for future use, are we?) Sean hands Roy the butty list and listens to Lauren pour on the pity party thick as gravy. Eileen will get her rent money eventually but oh, woe is me, Eileen hates me. This elicits denials from Sean as expected. Looks like the last rent money Lauren spent was on a shirt for Sean and that keeps him sweet and he promises to have a word with Eileen. As expected. Lauren is smug. As expected. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?

In the pub, Vernon is scuttling around making tea and in and out while Alex and Michelle are trying to talk. Alex apologizes for his behaviour when he was last there and Michelle excuses him (what *is* it with these mothers on Corrie??) When Vernon interrupts again, Michelle suggests that she and Odious go somewhere else. He wonders if she has time to go out. She says she always has time for him. He's smug. As Expected.

In the taxi office, Eileen is playing cat's cradle with a long bit of string (gee, I didn't know anyone even remembered how to do that these days!) Sean arrives to sweeten Eileen up over Lauren's missing rent and has brought her a bacon butty. He knows the way to Eileen's heart, all right! He lays on the compliments and then defends Lauren as a good mate and doesn't want Eileen to make her move out. Eileen didn't had that in mind (but now that you've mentioned it....) as annoying as Lauren can be. That's all right then.

David comes down *those* stairs. He's still not changed out of yesterday's clothes and has a face like thunder. Gail quietly says that she'd erase the memories if she could but she can't so she asks him again. She remembers their argument and knows he pushed her, lashed out and she can even understand that but can't for the life of her understand why he didn't call for help. His head is down and he's glaring up at her with more venom than any mother should have to see oozing off her child's face, all directed at her. He says something obscure about going on holiday. Gail wryly wonders if that means he wants to take her off somewhere and finish the job. She pushes. Did he step over her body? (yep) Did he panic? (yep) Did he know she was alive but figured he'd just let nature take it's course? (well, no, I don't think he did really. It was panic, wasn't it?) David is visibly struggling with his composure. She keeps firing questions at him. She starts accusing him. His lies to the police, his persuading Tina to lie for him, nearly letting Jason take the blame. He starts to get up and she orders him back. "I haven't finished with you" (you should have laid down the law like this years ago!). He sinks down into the chair again, looking contrite. She continues coldly. "You can deny it until you're blue in the face. I know you did it"

After the break we're in the pub. Bill comes in wondering what the emergency is. Liz jokes that she's having a bad hair day (you can say that again, but then, that's nothing new) but otherwise, she's not sure what he's on about. He says Vernon has left him messages and when the man in question returns to the bar, she realizes what it must be about and asks Bill if he can finish the shelter job. Bill's got too much work on and won't even consider a bit of under the table cash for the job. Liz is less than impressed and she's going to find someone. You mean sack your project manager, Vernon whines, your own husband? Dan and Harry watch with amusement and take the micky. Vernon is less than impressed. Liz spouts the old adage about wanting something done right and therefore doing it yourself. Over in a booth, Lauren is trying to persuade Darryl to skive off work. He's skint and so is she, he points out but she seems to have a plan. She approaches the bar and asks Liz for an advance. Sure picked the wrong time there, chickie. Liz turns her down flat and wipes that annoyingly smug suck-up grin off her face for a minute.

Gail and David are quiet for a few seconds. Gail continues to push, David eventually starts to waver. "I didn't... I didn't mean it". She realizes he's broken through. "What were you thinking?" She puts her spin on things, reckoning he was glad she was hurt because he blames her for everything that went wrong in his life. He lurches out of the chair and hands her the telephone. "Now you know. Put me out of me misery".

Leanne and Paul have met with the insurance adjustor. He seems to think it's all straight forward. Paul wants to know how long it will be until things are sorted but he's non-committal. He drives off and leaves an impatient Paul scowling. Leanne says they'll just have to wait.

Back to David and Gail, he's urging her to call the police but she still hasn't found out why he's done this. David loses patience and cries that he doesn't even know why himself and he blows out the back door into the garden.

In the pub, Dan is ready to go back to work but Harry is watching Liz behind the bar and is going to stay a bit longer. Lauren is whining and Darryl says he'd give her the money if he had it but he doesn't. She suggests he nick some off his dad but he refuses full stop so she dumps him. He looks as if he doesn't know what hit him (but then that's his usual gormless look, innit?) Dan is at the bar with Liz giving her the name of a builder he knows. She apologizes for airing her relationship dirty laundry but he isn't bothered. He's either the pot or the kettle, here, after all, what with three failed marriages. He looks at her as if this should be a significant fact. She looks as baffled as I do. Maybe he suspects she likes bad boys?

Paul is wagging after Leanne, yipping and whining at her heels and she loses her temper with him. Stop whining! She points out that she didn't actually ask him to set the fire and he is getting angry. Looks like the blinders are off his eyes now. Dan is lurking not 10 inches from Paul's shoulder around the corner listening to the pair of them argue and warns them about doing it in public. Paul runs off, tail between his legs and Dan tells Leanne that Paul is going to be a liability. She isn't bothered and cozies up to him. So she's going to be skint for awhile... But she has a plan B.

In the back garden, Gail has come outside. David is crouched down shaking. She pushes another button. "Maybe you hate yourself". Ouch. He pushes past her into the house and knocks her down in the process. She lifts herself up on her elbow and says she's only going to say to the police that she can't remember. They will work this out between them. David breaks and hollers and brushes out the front door with Gail screaming for him inside. He walks to the garage and picks up a long pipe and smashes the windows in the car that's parked out front. Kevin and Tyrone just look at him and holler "What you doin!" David stops and looks at the damage he's done as the episode ends. (And why the pair of them can't manage to overtake the slip of a boy right then and there, I don't know)

Some excellent acting between Helen Worth and Jack P. Shepherd. Just stunning. Stay tuned for David's rampage in part 2.

Tvor

Oh dear, David's got a stick and he's not afraid to use it! He gives Roger's plumber's van a good bashing, as well as a couple of the other cars while Gail lies helplessly on her floor. David marches across the street and sits outside Molly & Tyrone's for a bit of a breather. Norris asks Tyrone and Kevin, "What did you do to him? Fail his MOT?"

In the back of the Rovers, Lauren cons Steve into giving her an advance on her wages. She gets on the blower to Sean and begins talking sweetly to him.

In the Salon, the car alarms outside are annoying Audrey and Maria. Also, Rita who is in having her hair done. Maria turns the music up to drown out the noise as Audrey remarks that the area is going to the dogs.

Back out in the street, Tyrone watches David as he sits on the step of Molly & Ty's house wondering what he's going to do next. Janice comes out to see what all the racket is. She gets on the phone to tell Roger about his van. Tyrone goes to tell Gail who has managed to get up off the floor to sort David out as Roger comes to inspect the damage to his van. Gail pleads with David to come inside. Ken approaches David to ask him what's going on but David fends him off with the stick. Ken stumbles backwards, twisting his ankle in the process. David then smashes in Tyrone's front window and when Tyrone comes near to him, threatens him with the stick. Inside the house, Molly and Paul are watching TV and are startled by the noise, They come out to join the spectators. Gail keeps pleading with David to stop as David smashes in Deirdre's front window and then goes on to smash the Salon's front window. He takes to a bike while Jason tells Gail she's lucky that David doesn't have a gun. Deirdre complains that David has frightened Blanche who lives in the room where he smashed the window. Audrey pleads with Gail to wake up to David who is defending him through it all. Audrey wonders when it will all stop- "When I'm choosing your wreaths?" she asks Gail. Nearly the whole street is out and Jerry Morton joins them to see what all the fuss is. David decides to dispose of his big white stick- by throwing it through the kebab shop window. Jerry grabs a hold of David, just as the police arrive. David throws one of arresting police officers aside- oh dear, an assault on a police officer- as the bigger, burlier copper gets a good hold of him and arrests him on suspicion of being a spoiled brat with a big stick. Or something. The whole street watches as Audrey asks the police to lock him up and throw away the key.

Once David has been taken away, Gail shouts at the audience, her neighbours, telling them all to go home since the show is over. Eileen comes to comfort Gail. She takes Gail by the shoulders to help her home. Gail shrugs her off telling her to take her hands off her. Eileen backs off. Rita is standing on the street, by the phone box, with her foils in her hair. "And now the whole street knows," she says, "I'm not a natural red-head!"

Later, Maria is cleaning up the glass from the window and telling Becky about David's little tantrum. Becky can't believe she missed it. They both feel sorry for Gail, having to live with David but as Becky points out, "Still, she's got a lovely head of hair on her so it's swings and roundabouts, isn't it?" Before Becky heads back to the cafe, she mentions to Maria that they should go and have a pint together sometime. When Maria points out that she's not drinking at the moment- hello! baby!- Becky tells her not to worry about it, she was only being friendly. Maria, concerned that she's caused some offence, tries to clarify that she didn't mean to snub Becky but Becky is already across the road gossiping with Jason who is cleaning up some glass with Bill.

Deirdre drags Ken to the medical centre to have his ankle checked out. Rita is shocked when she finds out the extent to which David has assaulted the Barlows- first Ken and then she hears that Blanche was sitting in her chair in her room when David smashed the window. Blanche tells her she'll never get over the shock of it. Rita spreads the word that David was the one who shoved Gail down the stairs. She tells Blanche that Audrey told her. Blanche can believe it, after all, "she loves a drama, that Gail- loves a drama! Practically encourages it! Never happy unless she's got someone else's hands around her throat!" Blanche and Rita go for a drink in the Rovers.

As Ken and Deirdre walk to the medical centre, a copper with a strange accent ask them if they wouldn't mind making a statement about what David's rampage. Deirdre tells him to try and stop her from making a statement!

At Gail's Audrey is giving Gail the "I told you so!" treatment and asks Gail what happened. Gail tells Audrey she needs a drink. Meanwhile, David is sitting in a cell in the Cop Shop. At long last.

In the Rovers, Eileen is outraged at the way Gail told her to "get yer 'hands off" her and is telling Sean, Rita, Norris and Blanche. She tells them that Gail really has a face you just wanna slap. She is fed up with the way that Jason was suspected of throwing Gail down the stairs when all the time, David knew it was wasn't Jason. "The whole family's screwy!" she says. Norris wonders if anyone needs a top-up drink. Blanche tells him she needs one. Having the window smashed was like "the May Blitz all over again." She asks for a double. Norris reminds Rita it's her round.

Leanne and Dan are having a drink together. It seems Dan has offered Leanne a job. Dan breaks the news to Harry who is not keen and thinks Leanne is trouble. Dan protests and tells Harry that he's already given her the job. Harry relents but, "any funny business mind, and she's out!"

Marcus comes in to tell Sean some good news- he has tickets to a Karen Carpenter tribute show they both want to see. For tonight. When Sean tells him that he has to work tonight because Lauren is not well and asked him to cover for her, Marcus is incredulous and tells Sean he just saw Lauren shopping in the Parade. Sean thinks maybe she was looking for a chemist but we know different. Marcus turns to Darryl and Mel who are at the bar, and asks what Lauren's playing at. Darryl has no idea since he and Lauren are no longer an item. Marcus is furious that Lauren has played Sean for a fool who is covering her shift while she goes out shopping. Sean says, "I'll have her! I will, I'll have her!" But you know he won't because he's a soft touch!

Outside in the street, Michelle and Alex are sharing some chips. Michelle asks Alex how things are at home. Alex tells her that things are OK-ish. But actually, he hates it. Michelle tells him that if he ever needs to talk then he can talk to her and asks him what made him change his mind about seeing him. Alex says that Steve paid him a visit which surprises Michelle. Alex gives his newer, younger, better-looking mum a kiss before he leaves to go home.

At Gail's house, Gail is pouring herself another gin. When Audrey asks her if it's wise to drink, Gail tells her that she's drowning out the pain of discovering her son is evil. When Audrey seems pleased that Gail has finally woken up to David, Gail gets sarcastic with her. Audrey reminds her that David left her for dead after throwing her downstairs. "Oh Mum," Gail says, fed up of listening to Audrey, "you're like a dog with a bone!" Audrey reminds her that she's only worried about her child. She tells Gail how she seems to have something missing in her for not being able to see the bad in David. Gail wonders if it's because Audrey wasn't around for Gail when she was growing up that she overcompensates for David. Audrey urges Gail to wash her hands of David now before he inflicts any more harm onto her but Gail argues that old "unconditional love" rubbish. "Whoever came up with that notion, never met our David," says Audrey. Quite right, too!

Roy is at the building site, delivering a donkey jacket to one of the workers who left it at the cafe. There follows an exchange about the origin of the donkey jacket. Roy spies something that interests him. He secrets a bit of slate which seems to be covered with some sort of droppings into his shopping bag and leaves.

Back in the Rovers, Marcus is having a drink with Eileen, Rita, Norris and Blanche. When Marcus calls Lauren a "stupid cow", Rita asks him if he's not a fan of Lauren then. "Eva Braun," he goes on to say, "had better people skills than her!" No, he's not a fan. He tells them all about how Lauren has duped Sean into covering her shift tonight by feigning illness and then just going out shopping. Eileen tells them all that Lauren owes her rent. None of them seem to have a very high opinion of Lauren at all.

Paul comes into the Rovers with Jack. Jack asks the aforementioned drinkers if they all know what David has done to his house. Blanche tells the assembly of gossips about how David had pushed Gail down the stairs and how it could even be seen as attempted murder. Norris asks her how she knows this nugget of information. Rita is not sure that they should be spreading that particular gossip around but it's too late- Blanche tells them she got it straight from the horse's mouth, "A horse called Audrey!"

Michelle comes into the bar and goes straight to Steve. She asks to have a word with Steve in private. Steve wonders if he's in the dog'ouse. Michelle hugs and kisses him and thanks him for having gone to Alex. They go into the back of the Rovers for a quick snog. So not in the dog'ouse, then Steve.

Sean comes over to the booth where his boyfriend is entertaining the older generation of Rovers patrons. Eileen asks him what he has tattooed on his forehead. "Oh, mug!" she says. Marcus tells Sean he's been duped by Lauren and Eileen tells Sean that Marcus is taking her to see the Karen Carpenter tribute show instead. Marcus wasn't aware of this plan but goes with the flow to teach Sean a lesson.

At Roy's flat, Becky asks Roy if that's cannabis that he's poring over on the dinner table. He explains that it's not. It's bat droppings that he found on the building site. "What?" she exclaims, "that's come out of summat's bum and you've got it on t'kitchen table? You need your head testing, you!" Becky wonders why on earth he's brought bat dropping home and asks, "You're not going to eat them, are you?" When Roy accuses her of being ridiculous Becky says, "You're sat there with a table full of poo and suddenly, I'm ridiculous!?!" Roy explains further about bats being a protected species and how if there are bats in the building site the developers will have to stop work. Becky can't believe that Roy would want to shut down the building site while the cafe is so busy with the workmen at the moment. She urges him not to tell anyone.

Audrey and Gail are at Gail's kitchen table having a heart to heart. Gail has accused Audrey about leaving her as a child. Audrey tells her she should write one of these misery-lit books that are filling the bookshelves at the moment since she had it so hard growing up. Gail is feeling really sorry for herself now. "Most of us who suffer," she says, "suffer in silence. Say nothing when we're hurting in case it pushes the parent away." Audrey dismisses her melancholia and puts it down to the drink but Gail tells her she's not drunk. She tells Audrey that the reason she always tries to see the best in David is because of Audrey. Because Audrey never made her feel important. She tells Audrey that while she didn't abuse her, she made bad choices and that's why she always wants to be there for David and that in trying to do it all for him, she does too much. "But that's me," she cries, "it's how I function, it's how I get by. Which is why tomorrow I'll go to the police station and see if he's OK." Audrey likens her to a battered wife who always takes back the husband who beats her. Gail tells Audrey that she wants to know why David did this to her. She tells her she will find out why he did it. Audrey heads up to bed but before she leaves, she tells Gail, I might have left you. But I always came back!"

David lies in a cell in the police station, crying. Silly boy.
Stella McLoughlin

David is in his cell finishing a bowl of cereal and looking thoughtful, when the policeman looks through the peep-hole in the door and tells him to get on his feet, it's time to go.

Gail tells Audrey she didn't sleep all night, trying to work out what was going on in her son's head that turned him into a madman. As she picks up the phone to call the police station, Audrey tells her she's going to go home and change and then go to the salon. "But whatever you are doing, you are not doing it alone," she tells her daughter.

The policeman runs through the list of charges being brought against David, several counts of criminal damage and one assault on a police officer. David says he didn't mean to do that, and then he asks if he can speak to Detective Weller.

In the cafe, Roy tells Becky that he's going to phone someone about the bats. Becky tells him that if the building site closes it will drastically cut their takings.

The detective arrives to speak to David and he confesses that it was he who pushed his mother down the stairs. She asks him if he did it deliberately. He shakes his head and says he didn't try to kill her or anything, but he left her and so he might as well have done. He add that he lied about it, too. She tells him that she's going to get a colleague in and then they'll have the whole conversation again, this time with the tape running. "All right?" David nods.

In the salon, Maria tells Audrey that people are asking what happened to the window and where is the lovely young man who works there. She says that she's telling them that they don't know who broke the window and the young man is off sick. Just then Gail comes hobbling in on her crutches and says that she's spoken to the police and they've told her that they're interviewing David and they want to speak to her. Audrey says she'll come to the police station with her.

Gail then goes over to see the Barlows to apologise for what David did to Ken. Deirdre tells her that the one thing they've learned is that you can't be responsible for what your kids do. Gail thanks them for seeing it like that, and Deirdre says that after Tracy, how else could they see it?

Jason asks Becky how she's getting on with Roy as her landlord. She tells him and Bill how Roy has a bee in his bonnet about the bats on the building site and how it would have to close down because they are a protected species. Bill says he know it can happen, because it happened once when he was working in Germany and they were closed for months.

One of the builders is in the cafe and starts talking to Becky and before long they've arranged to go out for a drink together.

Detective Weller tells Gail and Audrey that David has admitted pushing her down the stairs. She tells her that if she's willing to testify they would have a very strong case. Audrey thinks that perhaps the time has come for that, but Gail glares at her. The detective says that in the meantime they'll charge him with the offences he committed yesterday, there's no shortage of witnesses to those.

Then David is brought in. Gail looks at him and says quietly, "Hello David." He looks ashamed and says, "Mum, I am so sorry." Audrey immediately asks if he really is, after all they've heard it many times before, but Gail stops her and says they're going home, "Come on David." David asks if he's still allowed in, and she says he is.

Bill sees Tony Gordon in the Street and tells him what Becky has said about the bats, explaining that if there are any there they won't be allowed to move them, and it could be a problem. Tony thanks him and says he'll look into it.

As David arrives back in the Street with his mother and grandmother, Lloyd, Jerry, Tyrone and Kevin are outside the garage. "Here he is, the bad lad himself!" says Lloyd. Audrey urges Gail to get inside quickly, but Gail turns to her and says she'd like to speak to David on his own, if she doesn't mind.

Having got changed, David comes downstairs and asks Gail if he should just go outside now and let them lynch him. She asks why he turned on the people he's known all his life, but he just says that one minute he was inside talking to her and the next minute some guy was outside going mad and it was like he was watching him. She asks if he thinks he needs psychiatric help and he says he probably does. He half smiles and she says she's serious, after all he tried to take his own life. He then puts her straight about that, and admits he never meant to kill himself, he just wanted to spoil Sarah's wedding day. He then confesses that he caused Jason to fall from the scaffolding and also made it look like he was seeing Becky, just to ruin things for Sarah. Gail is astounded and says she can't believe he could hate his sister so much. He tells her it was like a project he had, the only thing he had going for him, the only thing worth living for. He repeats that he never tried to kill himself. She asks him if it was another project, to push her down the stairs to see what would happen. He says she knows why he did that, because of Tina and the abortion. She tells him she did what she thought was best for both of them. "Well, as long as no one thinks it was your fault," he sighs, "why shouldn't they think you did what was best for me? Because you did, you really did."

Tony Gordon goes into the cafe and introduces himself to Roy, saying that he's heard that Roy has seen bats flying about. Roy admits he hasn't seen them, but has evidence that they're there. He thinks they're nesting up high in the old warehouse that's being converted. Tony thinks they should keep this to themselves, but Roy tells him he's already contacted the Bat Conservation Society who've advised him to contact Natural England. He adds that Tony is legally obliged to contact them and advise them about the bats. "I'm sure you know that," he says. "Well, I do now," says Tony, and leaves. This impresses Becky, and after Tony's gone, she tells Roy he's great. She says that Mr Smarmychops thought he could get Roy to keep his mouth shut but he told him where he could go. Roy seems confused, and says that he thought Tony was pleasant and co-operative. "Yeah, for a snake!" says Becky.

In the pub, Bills admits to Jason that it was he who called the police about David. Just then Audrey comes in, saying she's only just finished the backlog of customers at the salon. She tells them that David's appearing before the magistrate on Friday.

Becky's date, the builder, turns up the cafe to pick her up. He's a bit early and she's not ready so she lets him come up to the flat to wait.

Over at the Rovers, Vernon is going on about how fast the glaziers are working, repairing all the broken windows in the Street. He asks Ty how long they took to do his house. "About half an hour," says Tyrone. Liz says that Vernon is impressed by good workers because everyone he knows is either dead slow or doesn't work at all, and there's a pile of bricks out there to prove it.

Tony tells Bill about his conversation with Roy and tells him he's done some checking and it could cost him time and money. He says that he's not best pleased and neither should Bill be, because if the site has to close there won't be any work for Bill and Jason. He adds that Roy Cropper needs to be dealt with quickly.

Roy arrives back from his Railway Appreciation Society meeting, but as he lets himself in Becky calls out, "Hello? Who is it?" He replies, "It's me, Roy Cropper!" and from her room she calls out, "Don't come in!" Roy says he wasn't going to. She then comes out, looking flushed, breathless and with her hair a little untidy. "You're early," she says, and he agrees, saying the attendance was poor. Roy then gets a shock when the builder emerges from Becky's room and Becky introduces him as her friend Rick. She says they're off out, and heads for the door, but Roy asks if he can have a quiet word, so Rick says he'll wait downstairs. Roy then turns to Becky and points out that the flat is his home, the home he's made with his wife, and he didn't expect it to be abused in this way. He adds that when Becky returns he expects her to be alone. Becky is furious, and shouts, "IF I return!" and stamps out of the flat.

Back at the Platt's, Gail asks David why he confessed to Detective Weller that he pushed her down the stairs. She points out that up to now he's just denied it, and denied it. "Why now?" she asks. He tells her he's tired and he just wants things to be different. "A new start?" she says. "Yeah, suppose," he says. She asks why he didn't just tell her, so they could have kept it just between the two of them. He says he'd just be getting away with it again. "Just let them lock me up, whatever," he says. She tells him they won't, because she won't testify. Not against her own son. She says she'll say she remembers what happened and it was an accident. "In court?" he says, "you can't!" She says she can and she will, this is something they have to sort out between themselves.

Anne Logan.

Gail compliments David on his tie. She's optimistic, telling him that ifhe just tells the solicitor everything that he told her last night,everything will be fine. She's already told the police she won't giveevidence against him. David says there's no point in explaining things."Mum, I know you think you're doing right by me, but you're not," hesays. "Let's just get this done and whatever happens happens."

Roy, in the scriptwriters' recently-developed enthusiasm for havingpeople sweeping the streets, is taking a broom to the roadway (no, notthe pavement) outside the cafe. He's nearly knocked down by Tony andtries to stop him, but Tony keeps going. Ken limps along and can't workout why Tony didn't see Roy. Roy says he chose not to see him. He knowsabout the bats. Roy thinks that even with the disruption, the bats areprobably enjoying more salubrious living arrangements than he is. "Oh,Ken, how did it come about that I marry Hayley, a dream, generally, andend up stuck with Becky?" "A nightmare," agreed Ken.

Inside the cafe, Becky is busy and asks Roy if he could keep an eye onsome sausages for table three. Ken offers to do it, but Roy says Becky'smaking all the rules lately. Becky points out she's apologised. "Gotless mithering at the hostel than I do here," she says. She doesn't seewhy there is so much fuss because she had a lad wait upstairs for her,once. And they did get a bit sidetracked. Roy points out that he's hadno assurance at all that it won't happen again. "And you ain't gettingnone, neither!" screeches Becky. "What am I? A nun?" Ken chips in with:"I doubt you'll ever be accused of that." "Don't you start, Kenny!" shecounters, getting ready to chuck a tea-towel at the two of them. Shethreatens to go back to the hostel. "Did somebody mention sausages fortable three?" asks Ken.

Chesney, whom I'll swear has grown a foot since we last saw him upright,goes into the factory to see Fizz. He needs dinner money. Sally chips inwith parenting advice. The girls tease Ches, but Fizz tells him to gobefore the dragon catches him. The dragon comes in as soon as he's gone,but she seems surprisingly mellow.

Gail's talking to Bill and Audrey in the street. They're worried thatDavid isn't with her. Bill says David must know that he can't just turnup to court when he feels like it. Gail tells them she doesn't thinkDavid is responsible for everything that's happened. "For the damage,yes, but not for everything that's led up to it. Bill thinks a bit of akick up the backside won't do him any harm.

The entire Morton clan, minus one, but plus Mel's policewoman friend, iscamped on the porch of the shed. Inside, the minus one shouts at them togo away. He's depressed at the state of his life, but they have birthdaygifts. Jerry shouts at him that Lauren was dog rough anyway and it'stime to move on, but this doesn't seem to cheer up Darryl. "Nineteen, nobird, no money, I work for a slave driver and I stink of kebabs," hepoints out. Mel's friend offers to take him out and they say some of thegifts are cash. "There's money and women on offer out here," Jerrycalls. That works.

Roy cautiously edges inside the factory. "Is it me, or has Chesney agedsince this morning?" asks Janice. Kelly tells him that if he's lookingfor Hayley he's on the wrong continent. He's looking for Tony. Sallytells him Tony's in the office with She Who Must Be Obeyed. Tony comesout and points out to Roy that he's already told him he's not thedeveloper, just an investor, and has no power to stop the job (none ofwhich explains why he has his own yellow hard-hat and is on the sitehalf the day). Roy points out that he knows the people who can stop thejob, and that he's already given Tony the number to call about the bats.

At the courthouse, Gail is still urging David to tell the magistratesall about Tina. The duty solicitor suggests they go off and discuss itbut David asks what's wrong with just going into the court and saying hedid it. He says everyone knows he did it, so he should just go in andadmit it and save the solicitor the job of even being there. Gail andthe solicitor look confused. Audrey looks suspicious. He checks whetherhe's legally obliged to have the lawyer there. He's not. "But I stronglyadvise it," says the lawyer. David heads into the courtroom.

Tony tells Roy that the logistics of closing down the site for even oneday are difficult. Roy says that if the breeding site of an endangeredspecies is in danger of being disturbed, there's an obligation to notifythe authorities. Behind him, Rosie smirks. Carla comes in and tells Royhow busy they are. She thinks they're just horrible, smelly things. Roysays the bats could very well feel the same about humans, but thatdoesn't change the law. As obviously Tony won't do it, he will. As heleaves, we hear the machinists humming the tune from "Batman".

In the courtroom, the head magistrate says he's reluctant to proceedwithout the duty solicitor. David insists he is fine without. He saysthat anything that might be said wouldn't change anything but would justkeep everyone there longer. The magistrate says he'll delay the case foran hour to give David time to consult with his family and to seek moreconsidered advice. "I don't want to, though" David says. "No, but I doand it's my court," the magistrate says. Gail looks like thunder. "Well,you're always saying he needs to grow up," Audrey points out.

In the cafe, Roy asks Becky to clear some tables but she is less thanpleased, and Ken asks if it's possible to have a negotiated settlement.Ken doesn't think it's too much for Becky to invite her boyfriend roundin this day and age, but Roy says it's about respect for each other andthat boyfriend is one thing, but casual acquaintance is another. Billand Jason come in, taking the mick out of Roy over bats. Roy tells themhe's called the wildlife officer. They're not happy in case it meansthey have to stop work. Becky and Roy start snapping at each other again.

Gail, in the courtroom waiting area, tells Audrey that if Davidexplained himself, he might stand a chance of getting off. She says it'sas if he's saying "I've done all this, now punish me." "Is that wrong?"asks Audrey. The solicitor and David come into the room and thesolicitor says David has decided to speak for himself. "Nooooo!" shoutsGail.

Some of the machinists plan a night out, but Fizz can't go because shehas to look after Chesney. She's dreading Kirk coming back.

Tony and his hard hat visit the site. The bat people are coming toinspect the site tomorrow, the foreman says. They're behind as it is andcan't afford a shut-down. Tony (who has no power, remember) tells him toleave it to him and to just keep going.

David tells the court he's happy to proceed on his own.

In the shed, Darryl tests his outfit on Mel and her friend. Jerry comesin with a really big gift. The girls point out that if he starts goingon about Lauren during their night out, then they're dumping him, too.

In the cafe, Roy is popping out but asks Becky if he can join her at atable for a minute. "I think we'd both be a lot more comfortable withthe suspension of hostilities," he says. "Stop rowing, you mean?" Heexplains that he can occasionally get on with people. He wants her tostay and he thinks it's probably unreasonable not to expect her toinvite people back to the flat. But overnights are to be only with aproper boyfriend. He wants to define "boyfriend" as someone of more thanone evening's acquaintance. Becky is made up.

In the street, Tony asks Roy about speaking to the wildlife people. Tonysays cheerfully that he hopes they can get everything sorted soeveryone's happy. Once Roy's gone, Tony stops Jason and hints verystrongly that it can't be very hard to get rid of bats. Jason mentionedthat there's the little problem of the bats being protected. "And youjob isn't," points out Tony. He says it's probably too late now becausethe bats need to be gone by the morning. "It's a pity someone couldn'tgo in there tonight and smoke them out or whatever it is needs to bedone." He tells Jason to think about it. "You know where I am."

The clerk puts the charges to David, who pleads guilty to each, to abackground of Gail going "Uh! David!" every time. She keeps trying tointerrupt, but Audrey tells her to be quiet. Eventually she stands andshouts that they've heard from everybody else, "so can you all pleaselisten to me for a minute!"

End of Part One.
Margaret Carr

There is far too much shouting in the soaps these days. And tonight westart with another spectacle - Gail shouting at the Bench. Hopefullyshe will get sent down - after all what example is that to set herchild? Gail wants the magistrate to know about the strains David wasunder - but quite frankly Gail even if he was under strain it is not anexcuse for setting about the windows and cars in the street in the wayhe did, and as for assaulting a police officer, well anything less thanten years in solitary confinement will probably not give me a decentnight's sleep. The magistrate merely asks for quiet or he will Gailremoved (and he does not mean incarcerated unfortunately). Anyway caseadjourned for pre-sentencing reports until the following Friday (does itstrike anyone else that justice moves about 500 times faster on theStreet than in real life?). Anyway David can hardly believe his ears -another week of freedom in which to rain havoc down upon his loved ones- heaven help them - surely he ought to be locked up until sentencing toprevent further criminal damage?

In one of the worst explained story lines for years Tony asks Jason ifhis proposal would be acceptable. Jason thinks it might be complex withRoy as a neighbour. Bill arrives and points out if the bats are theretomorrow when they are inspected all work will stop.

Does anyone else think the Morton family should go missing in theirentirety? The only good news is the blonde policewoman who keepsturning up. Apparently it is Darryl's birthday so he and the rest ofthem are going to the Rovers for a drink. This possibly onlyconstitutes news if they went to the Weatherfield Arms.

David arrives back from court and the self appointed kangaroo court oflocal residents led by Janice want to know why he has not been lockedup. Seems a fair question. Janice wants him locked up in the loony binand who would argue with Janice?

Dreary is looking forward to an exciting evening in the Rovers just withKen - but he remembers to tell her that Roy is joining them and thattherefore it will be even more exciting than she can imagine. Bats,bats, glorious bats, nothing quite like them for scaring the Platts!

Roy is off out, leaving Becky to her own devices with Rick. Roy is notoverly amused.

Darryl has seen David return and they discuss the recent events. Davidcannot explain - simply that he just lost it. Darryl would ask him tojoin him at the pub - but he does not want to get spat on. David tellshim that he was right - he never should have got that tattoo. Darrylasks if she dumped him. Anyway Darryl has been dumped as well. Davidadmits he might go to jail and whilst he is acting cool he is really.

Roy arrives in the Rovers. Barracked by Bill - but Roy says someone hasto stand up for the bats (they can only hang downwards after all). Tonytries to broker some peace - everyone is entitled to their own views.Tony retreats to a table with Carla who is surprised that he is takingit so well. Bill is not taking it too well. Once he got the contracthe canceled all his other work for six months. (If he was that busy asa small time builder why did he want the contract?). Jason overhearsthis probability of no work for the near future and heads to the gentswhere he tells Tony that he will do it.

Lauren wanders in late, hardly apologises and everyone tells Darryl thathis relationship with Lauren was more like being a cash machine. Thisdepresses the lad further. Anyway the rest of the table rally round,making Lauren sound like a real slapper and Darryl toasts to a Laurenfree future.

David has to go to a pre-sentencing meeting and tells Gail not to comewith him - he wants to do it on his own and handle it his own way. Theydiscuss if he is aware that he will go to prison and she asks if he isready for it. He tells her that although she may not believe it, hisgoing inside is the best for him at this point. She is going to have totrust him. They then hug each other.

Roy observes that a bat can consume 3000 insects in one night - somehowone can sense that Dreary is not impressed. She asks after Becky andRoy responds that it is a steep learning curve and they sympathise -they had one of those with Tracy with Ken observing that it was notcurved - more a rocket like ascent.

Darryl is steadily consuming more alcohol and contemplating newemployment - somehow the police is out, male prostitute does not seemlike a good idea. Anyway a new career and more money. Lauren iswatching as Abi (the policewoman) gives Darryl an extra long snog as anextra birthday present.

In the dark Tony hands Jason a bag, tells him that security are aware ofwhat is going on, that he is to do a clean job and ensures he clears upall the droppings.

Jason opens the gates and goes inside only to be stopped by a securityman and dog. Turns out the guard knows what is going on and is simplyhaving a bit of fun in stopping Jason. The guard tells him he has got20 minutes.

Mel, Abi and Darryl arrive at the kebab shop and Darryl announces, verydrunkenly his resignation. Jelly Roll Morton asks what he is going todo instead - possibly something in the City - like a roadsweeper Jerryresponds. Darryl walks off into the night drunk and with no job.

Jason sets the smoke equipment going - the bats is going places.

Becky and Rick are enjoying each other's company. Rick thinks little ofthe vinyl collection and then puts a record of steam engines on therecord deck and he and Becky choo-choo around the room, with Rickwearing a driver's hat. At this point Roy returns from the RoversReturn and to put it mildly he is a little put out. Roy departs backdownstairs and out of the front door of the shop. Jason is on the phoneto Tony confirming that the deed is done and they are all gone. Healmost bumps into Roy and looking shifty he says good night to Roy andheads home.

Good night.
K Richard W

Becky feels terrible and has been apologizing to Roy all morning for the train incident the night before. Roy seems cool but there might be more on his mind than Becky's antics. She promises to make Rick wait in the cafe for her in future and this is acceptable to Roy. This calls for a fag break. Ken approaches and is duly warned that Roy is in a mood because of her.

Next door, at the building site, Bill is moaning about the potential stoppage of work because of a few bats. Jason hedges his bets and says it might not happen. He asks Becky if Roy mentioned bumping into him last night which he hadn't. Bill asks what he'd been doing. Jason quickly says he was doing nowt. You just know Jason, don't you? Thick as the bricks their working with. How long will it be before he caves over the bats? (bats.. caves... geddit?)

Lauren has clearly been working on Sean to go on holiday with her. What about Marcus, Sean asks? Make him choose, says the Selfish One. (And I want to know who's paying for the holiday, since Lauren is also the Skint One).

Tony and Carla arrive for a day's work. He's confident that the bats are gone. She's sharp. She knows he's done something to get rid of them. She can read it all over his face.

Jerry and Mel are having their breakfast. Jerry figures Darryl won't remember resigning the night before and reminds him he's due to work at lunch time.

The smoking shelter is finished (that didn't take long with a proper builder on the job, did it!). Michelle asks Liz if there is going to be a grand opening. All three of them stand together under the little roof and giggle about it. Vernon comes out and defensively tells Steven it cost a bomb because of the builders he hired to finish it. And why did I do that, Steve asks, pointedly. Vernon backs down and says yeah, but it's a shoddy piece of work and all (sour grapes, anyone?). Rather than having a grand opening, Liz decides to have the first fag in it herself. Vernon raises and eyebrow. Though you'd quit? She says she has but still has one now and then for special occasions (and just happened to have a packet and a lighter in her pocket. Convenient, no?) First puff, the shelter is officially open. Vernon and Steve leave her to finish.

In the cafe, Jason and Bill are getting an order and relate to Roy that the inspector is due. Bill is snarky to Roy and leaves Jason to wait for the food lest he say something he regrets. Becky is relating the train incident to Ken and reckons Roy is difficult to live with.

Darryl and David are talking about the court case. Darryl is disconcerted that his mate will probably have to go to prison but David seems to be settled to it. Darryl invites him inside. Mel, who's ironing, has a little go at David and another little go at Darryl and then reminds him about his resignation. Did he mean it or was it the drink. Darryl was a bit surprised. He has been thinking about it but didn't realize he'd said it out loud.

Vernon is off for a walk to get some fresh air. If Liz needs him, he'll stay, he offers. A slip of the tongue later, "Why would I need you?", and she's apologizing for how that came out. In the bar, Michelle is making plans to see Alex in a couple of day. Steve later suggests she should probably give Ryan a heads up, out of courtesy.

Over in the betting shop, Leanne looks bored out of her tree. It's been a slow day so far. The door opens and a punter comes in. Well, looky here. I don't suppose there's a lot of fresh air in the 30 feet between the Rovers and the betting shop, do you? Harry asks Vernon how he likes the smoking shelter. Vernon hedges, well the wife likes it and that's all that matters. Harry agrees that life is always best if you can just make your wife happy. Vernon goes along with that sentiment.

Over under the scaffolding, Work stops as the bat inspector arrives. Bill half heartedly jokes that they should have had a whip round to pay off the inspector. Tony smarms the inspector and calls an early lunch for the worker bees. Jason looks distinctively uncomfortable. After the break, the inspector tells Tony and Matt, the foreman, that there are no bats but she is pretty sure there used to be. Common occurrence, apparently. She's going to make her report and postures that it might not be the end of it. Tony is smug and confidently announces it's back to work.

Darryl nervously gets reassurance from David before he confronts his father about quitting. Jerry razes him for being late and takes no nonsense from his hungover son. He orders him to get his pinnie on and get back behind the counter. NOW! David smirks through the window when he sees how Darryl crashed and burned in the wake of his father's wrath.

In the cafe, the foreman comes in to gather the men. Inspector is implying we might have hit them over the head with a shovel, but there's no bats so it's back to work. Roy, having over heard, is horrified and mystified. He's seen the evidence and can't understand how no animals could be discovered. Either they've been destroyed or driven out and he's just not standing for it. He's not! Neither Becky nor Ken can placate him. When Roy's on a roll, he's unstoppable. (smirk) Ken offers to make inquiries first before Roy goes off on one. This will hold him back for about five minutes but we'll see, won't we.

Over in the pub, Marcus insists that Sean go on holiday with Lauren since he can't get away from work anyway for another few months. Before he can impart his brutally honest opinion (about Lauren) the Smug One arrives. Never mind. Lauren's tickled that Sean will go with her. Ryan arrives to pick up some things he needs for the afternoon. Liz suggests that Michelle might want to give Ryan a heads up that she's spending some time with Alex on Wednesday. Oh, d'you think? (Yes, Michelle. I think. Too bad you don't.) She thinks maybe Ryan might want to come with them, too. (Duh. D'you think?) Ken is in the pub and approaches Tony. Brutal investigation techniques, Ken does everything but shine a bright light on Tony. "I gather there's been an investigation" he utters politely.

Vernon looks utterly dejected over in the betting shop. Looks like the first horse, and that term might be used loosely, didn't win, Leanne explains to Harry. In fact, Vernon looks like he's fallen asleep standing up. Harry leaves and Dan arrives.

Ken has informed Roy exactly what the foreman said earlier. Inspection...found nothing. Well that's it then. Case closed. Not so fast... Roy is beside himself. He doesn't trust Tony and he's going to have words with him and let him know that he's determined. The time for hanging on is past!!!

Ryan has no intention of joining his mother and Alex. In no uncertain terms. Lauren flips off to go search for cheap flights. Marcus wonders why Sean wants to go away with someone so shallow. She really isn't all that nice. Sean can't see it. Just don't trust her, Marcus advises. Uh oh. I smell a Soap Opera Phrase of Doom. I think Sean is about to become the Sucked In One. Harry arrives with a pleasant word for Liz and then wastes no time telling tales on Vernon. Oh sorry, shouldn't I have said he was in putting a bet on? (Wouldn't that be confidential?) Roy arrives looking for Tony. Carla points Roy back to the building site.

Lauren picks up some food from Jerry's and brags up her holiday, rubbing Darryl's face in it. That's all it takes. Darryl whips off his pinny and quits. This time for good. Jerry strenuously objects to no avail. Darryl slams out the door.

Roy approaches the site and rips right into Tony for breaking the law. He's going to wave his evidence in Tony's face but Tony insists that Roy leave the building site. He's not so easy to move, not like the defenceless bats. He's determined and it looks like he's ready for a long stand off. Or sit-in, as it were.

Tvor

Roy is parked on his bum in the way of the builders while Tony Gordon protests his innocence with him about the bats. Tony tries to tell Roy that the bats have left of their own accord but Roy knows better. He tells Tony that his custom is no longer welcome in his cafe. Tony tells Roy that if he bans Tony, he bans the entire building site workforce. Roy calmly accepts that. Tony loses patience and tells his workmen to get Roy out of the way. Two burly builders, oh wait, it's Jason and Bill, lift Roy (which I'm pretty sure is illegal, isn't it? For them to put their hands on him, isn't that assault?) off the site while Roy calls out, "Murderers!"

At the Platts' Gail is on the phone while David scrawls a letter to Tina. Gail tells David that it's up to David whether or not Gail accompanies him to the youth offenders probation office. David doesn't want her there but Gail wants to go. David tries to tell her that he knows he's done wrong and doesn't want to try and wriggle out of any punishment he's due. David leaves Gail and Audrey for his appointment.

Back outside Roy's cafe, Roy is complaining about Tony and the bats. Roy is sure that Tony has killed all the bats but Jason lets slip that perhaps the bats were encouraged to move elsewhere. Uh-oh! Jason is busted, Roy has put two and two together about Jason's appearance at the building site the other night. He knows now that Tony paid Jason to get rid of the bats. He encourages Jason to tell him what he did with the bats. Jason says he's said too much already and tells Roy that if anyone asks him any more bat-related questions, he's saying nowt. Jason leaves with Bill shouting after him, "Hey! Hang on Jason! Hey! I wanna word with you!"

In the bookies, Vernon is doing a dance of victory as his horse has come in. He's won over £300. Leanne pays it out to him. Like a sensible fellow, (who, Vernon?) Vernon takes his money and runs. Dan tells Leanne that Vernon has a taste of gambling and he reckons that within a couple of months Vernon will be selling his stuff to be able to place a bet at the bookies. Harry reminds Dan that they only encourage (there's that word again) responsible gambling in there establishment. Leanne says she's on the wrong side of the counter and heads to the other side to put on a bet of her own. Is she even allowed to do that?

On Bill's Yard, Bill tells Jason to spill. Jason tells him that Tony paid him to smoke the bats out of the belfry, I mean the building site. Bill points out that Tony Gordon has Jason doing his dirty work for him and he'll tell him why, "If the bat inspector came round, or the police came sniffin' round, 'is 'ands are clean, aren't they?" Jason looks worried as he realises that Roy may well get the police involved. Bill tells him to keep his trap shut and be very careful what company he keeps from now on.

At the Mortons', Diamond Darrell Morton is lying on the sofa ("Tell us something we don't know" they heckled) when Jerry comes in to talk to him. Jerry tells him he wants to talk some sense into him. He knows Darrell is upset about that daft lass but Darrell shouldn't be taking it out on him. Darrell doesn't want to know. Jerry admonishes him for leaving him in the lurch, he could at least have given him a bit of notice. Darrell asks Jerry what it says in his contract. "Oh, that's right! I ain't got one!" he reminds his father. Jerry offers him a contract to come back to work but Darrell is not interested. Jerry tells Darrell that he knows everyone gets fed up, even Jerry does. When Darrell asks him why he doesn't just pack it in, Jerry reminds him he needs to support his family. Jerry gives Darrell one last chance to come back but it falls on Darrell's deaf ears.

In the cafe, Roy is complaining to Ken that there doesn't even seem to be a glimmer of remorse about the bats. Ken wonders what Tony has done with the bats. Roy tells him that Jason made a partial confession before clamming up about where the bats are now. Becky tells them that she only needs a minute with Jason to make him 'fess up about what happened but Roy will go through the proper channels. He'll phone the authorities and tell them what he knows. Bill comes into the cafe where Becky makes a big deal out of him being barred. Bill is only looking for the owner of a red fiesta which is blocking the building site.

In the Bookies, Leanne is forlorn because her horse didn't win. She tells Dan she hates her life. Dan has done her a favour though and tells her he didn't put her bet on. He gives her her tenner back but warns her not to tell any of the other bookies. Dan and Harry tell her to get back on the other side of the counter and Dan asks her to promise she'll never do anything as stupid as place a bet on a horse ever again. In earshot of a punter who comes wandering in. Dan hastily apologises to his regular customer.

Jason sees David in the street. David asks Jason if he's not scared to be seen with Public Enemy No. 1. "Public Idiot No.1 more like," says Jason. David tells Jason he's off to see his probation officer for some preliminary stuff leading up to the sentencing at the end of the week.

In Roy's Cafe, Roy finishes up a phone call and tells Becky and Ken that the proper authorities regarding the bats can do no more. He says it's known for people to get rid of bats by smoking them out, shining bright lights at them and playing loud music. Roy tells them that their main problem is that even if they knew for certain that Jason got rid of the bats, there would be no way that they could prove it. Plus, he thinks Jason is already feeling a bit of remorse for his actions. Roy knows and tells Ken and Becky that the main culprit is Tony Gordon. "And of course, " says Ken, "he's squeaky clean, as far as the authorities are concerned!" Becky thinks there's nowt else anyone can do but Roy has an idea which involves Ken's driving license which is clean apart from a few speeding points. Becky tells Roy that she can be counted in on any of the action.

Jason and David are talking at the bus stop. Jason tells David that the first thing he thought of when he saw David smashing things up was that time they talked on the roof. He thought that David had got a gun and was on a rampage. David tells him that things had been building up inside him for some time and he couldn't cope any more. David's bus turns up to whisk him off to the probation officer.

Jerry is closing up the kebab shop. Mel comes over to ask, in that awful sing-song voice of hers, if Darrell really has given up his job. Jerry explains that Darrell didn't want to end up like his father but that he could have done worse, the kebab shop is a cracking little business after all. Mel tells her that Darrell is just lashing out, and it's probably a lot to do with that Lauren. But. Jerry is not interested. He says that Darrell "can lay stinkin' in his pit for I care." Mel says that Darrell will probably change his mind tomorrow. Jerry is adamant, him and Darrell are finished. Yeah, right!

In the Cafe, Roy tells Becky that there's no more hot food after she has taken the order from one of the customers. Becky is very animated about Roy's plans but Roy won't tell her exactly what he's planning. Jason comes in and Becky immediately tells him to get out, he's not welcome in there any more. Jason protests that he only wants a sandwich. Becky lights up a cigarette and shouts, "Hey! Maybe if he won't go, we should smoke him out!" and breathes cigarette smoke all over him. Roy chases Becky out with her cigarette as Jason leaves in a hurry.

David is walking down a street and knocks on the door of Tina's house. There's no answer. He posts a letter through the door.

In the Rover's, Lauren tells Sean about a cheap holiday she found. "Book 'em Danno!" says Sean. Lauren has no idea what that means, naturally. Neither do I because I am far too young to know Hawaii Five-O. Sean mentions that they'll need to clear the time off with Liz- errr, hello! Even I know that Liz can't afford to have two bar staff on holiday at the same time! Lauren rushes out to book the holiday as Jason comes into the bar. He speaks to Tony Gordon who is propping up the bar. Jason tells him that Roy is on the warpath and that he thinks he might have said something he shouldn't have. Tony can't believe that Roy Cropper has put the frighteners on Jason and tells him when he delegates a task to someone, he expects them to deal with it.

In the living room at the Rovers, Vernon comes in to see Liz with a gigantic bunch of white lillies. Naturally, Liz wants to know where he got the money from. Vernon is honest and tells her he won the money on a horse but Liz is upset telling him that he should know it's a mug's game. Has Vernon got a history of gambling? Is Liz overreacting? I think so.

Liz goes into the bar where Sean asks if it's ok if he can go on holiday. Liz tells him it's ok.

Becky and Ken are clearing out the cafe, telling Deirdre that Roy has something exciting planned and that Ken might be late for his tea- chops tonight, yumm yumm, Ken! David comes in to apologise to Ken. Dierdre is suspicious and asks if his mother has put him up to it but Ken graciously accepts his apology. Roy comes down and rallies his troops, apologising for dragging Ken away from his chops. Roy somberly tells Becky to turn the sign to closed.

At the Mortons' Mel is fed up with the tension between Jerry and Darrell. She tells them to sit down and she'll mediate because she's a dab hand at conflict resolution. Jerry asks her if she learned that in her police training. "No," she says, "The Jeremy Kyle show, it's fathers and sons week." Jerry wonders if there was a show titled, "Help" My bone idle son will not do a day's work", while Darrell wonders if there's a show titled "Help! My dad wants to control my life." Mel explains that fathers and sons week is more about, "Help, Is my father really my father?" Jerry says he knows that Darrell wishes that Jerry wasn't his father but Darrell protests that he just wants to do something with his life. Mel says that they're making progress but neither Darrell nor Jerry want to talk about it and leave.

Roy, Ken and Becky are walking purposefully through the streets, Ken wondering exactly how Roy can make a difference to Tony Gordon. They arrive at their destination. Roy opens up his garage where the Morris Minor Traveller is parked. He announces that "this is my secret weapon!"

In the bar, Lauren approaches Liz and asks for time off to go on holiday. Liz refuses, as expected, telling her that she can't have Sean and Lauren off work at the same time. Lauren kicks up a stink and tells Liz she's entitled to holidays, she does have rights! Liz tells her to go on holiday and not bother coming back. Lauren flounces off, "Fine! I hated working here anyway!" and hopefully that's the last we'll see of her! Vernon comes in and asks Liz who's next for a tongue lashing from Liz.

Ken is driving the Morris Minor Traveller through the street towards the building site. Ken is having a bit of trouble with the gears but asks Roy what he wants him to do with it.

Vernon is in the back of the pub with Liz and gives Liz the rest of the money he won to help pay off the smoking shelter. Liz takes it but tells Vernon it needn't all go on the smoking shelter, they could keep some back to enjoy themselves. Vernon gives Liz a big hug and asks where she's taking him.

Ray has Ken park the old car right outside the gates to the building site. "Here we are," he says, "legally parked. But in such a way as to obstruct any lorry needing access to the site, thereby causing maximum disruption. This will show Tony Gordon that we mean business!" Roy and Becky walk away from the car, giving it a couple of affectionate slaps each on their way past. Ken polishes off their hand-marks as he walks away.

Stella McLoughlin

David is leaving yet another message on Tina's phone, asking her to ring him back. Gail points out that one message would suffice, multiple messages won't make any difference. David then says he's going to go out and see a few people, after all he may not be around for a few weeks. Gail implores him to be a bit more positive, and says he still has time to see a solicitor before the court case. Even with a guilty plea he may just get a fine and not a prison sentence. He then suggests getting in a few bits for an early birthday bash for Gail's birthday, in case he's not around to see it. She sighs.

Outside, Becky is chatting to her builder friend and agrees to meet him later. As he wanders off, Jason comes along and Becky tells him he's barred from the cafe. He tries to open the door and shout for Roy but she blocks his way and tells him they don't want his custom. Jason storms off, and Becky looks towards where Roy has parked the Morris Traveller, in front of the entrance to the flats, and laughs.

Sean comes out of the cafe with a box of cakes for the factory girls, and meets Lauren walking down the road. She asks him if there's a cash point around, but adds that she might not have enough money for their trip, they might have to scrub it, especially as now she doesn't have a job. Sean says he'll pay for the holiday on his card, they can sort it out later. "Brilliant!" says Lauren.

Mel goes into Darryl's log cabin and finds him and David in there, talking and listening to music. She remarks that she's surprised he's got the nerve to come out of his house, and he might get strung up by his neighbours. He asks if this is the enlightened modern police force, he's paying his debt to society. "Where'd you get that from?" asks Darryl. "What did you expect?" asks Mel, "hitting a copper!"

Michelle is in the back room of the pub, getting ready to go out and meet Alex. Steve points out she's not going on a date, but she's worried about looking too trendy, or not trendy enough. Steve is sure he won't care what she looks like, especially as now he's found his reasonable head. He gives her a kiss and tells her to go.

Roy is talking to Ashley, who's come into the café sporting a new and trendy haircut. Just then a big, burly builder comes in and asks who owns the green Morris Traveller outside. Becky tells him it belongs to Mrs. Cropper, the wife of Mr. Cropper, and points to Roy. He asks Roy if he'll ask his wife to move the car, but Ashley says she's out. He asks when she'll be back, and Roy says she could be some time. "Where is she?" asks the builder. "Africa," says Roy. The builder then asks Roy to move it, but he says he hasn't got a licence and the car, which is quite legally parked, will remain in situ for the foreseeable future. Roy suggests he speaks to Mr Gordon, the man with the money. "Is that the last word on it?" asks the builder. "I can think of two more," pipes up Becky, but Roy tells her to remain civil. "I'll be back," says the builder, and leaves. Ashley does an impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Becky collapses with laughter.

Dan is giving Leanne some instruction in betting terminology. He then gives her a kiss, just as Harry walks in. "Everything in order?" he asks, and Leanne then shows off what she's learned, giving him a spiel the betting on a particular horse. Just then her mobile phone rings and she goes off to answer it.

Gail tells Audrey that Sarah wants to pay for her ticket to go out to Milan. Audrey says if it was her she'd be gone like a shot, but Gail is cross with her for assuming that David will be locked up. Just then Deirdre comes along and Audrey asks for her opinion. Deirdre says that as much as she would like to have gone away, if Tracey had needed her there's no way she would have gone anywhere. "It's all part of being a mum," she adds. Audrey points out to Gail that her grandchild is out there, probably missing her. Deirdre then asks Gail what she's planning to do for her big 5-Oh birthday. Gail says she's not in the mood, so Deirdre says in that case they'll have to organise something for her. "Can't have you moping about on your fiftieth!" she says. "Do we have to keep saying 50?" snaps Gail, hobbling off on her crutches. "You need a party, lady, and you're having one!" Deirdre shouts after her. As Gail nears her house she sees Tina waiting outside.

The problem with the car is still annoying the builders, but Becky explains to them that Roy has lots of principles. The builder says that they're falling behind schedule and they're losing money. "Is it affecting your wages?" asks Roy, but the builder says that it isn't. Roy says that in that case the car is staying put until he stops being ignored by Mr. Gordon. The builder says that in that case they will have to call the police. Roy offers to let them use the cafe phone.

Michelle returns from her outing with Alex, but confesses to Steve that she still hasn't got round to the 'grandparents issue'.

Lauren comes in a finds Sean and Marcus. Sean tells her that Carla was putty in his hands. She thanks him for sorting the money out, she's got to go back soon to pick up the tickets, she says, and goes off out again. "Money?" asks Marcus, staring at Sean. Sean plays dumb. "Money – you and little Miss Airhead?" Sean says he's hardly going on holiday for free.

Tina is in the house with Gail, waiting for David. She starts saying she ought to be going, but Gail persuades her to stay for dinner, and Tina says she will, as she wants to see David before tomorrow. She then admits to Gail that she shouldn't have lied, and she's sorry, it was stupid. Gail tells her it's done with and not to think about it. Tina starts to ring David's phone, when he walks through the door. "Hi," he says.

Outside, the police are looking at Hayley's car, and they tell Roy there wouldn't be a problem if it could only be moved back a couple of yards. Roy points out that he doesn't drive and he would have to break the law to do so. The policeman tells him he could face a fixed penalty fine for causing an obstruction, and Roy says he's willing to take the risk. The builders start to get annoyed, but the policeman says he can't do any more for the time being.

Leanne notices Paul pass the betting shop window, and runs out after him. She stops him, saying she knows he's mad at her. He turns round, "You have no idea!" he snarls, "just say what you want to say and leave me alone!" She tells him the insurance are going to pay out, so now they are both getting what they wanted. He tells her it was nothing to do with the money, and she knew it. "Just let me know what's happening," he says, "I may be a loser, but I ain't that thick!"

Gail, David and Tina are sitting and eating and chatting. They finish the meal and Gail leaves them to clear up. Tina asks David if they can talk on their own.

The builder goes into the pub to find Tony Gordon, and tells him about Roy and the car, and how they can't get any materials in or out so the workers are all sitting about doing nothing. "Follow me!" says Tony.

Steve notices that Michelle is quiet, and wonders what she's concocting. She tells him that as he's her son and she's his mother, she'd like to take him to Ireland to see her mum and dad. Steve says he thinks she's right, and kisses her.

Marcus and Sean are talking about Sean and Lauren's holiday. Marcus has misgivings, as Lauren is such a flighty piece and Sean might find himself wishing he'd stayed at home. "You just don't like her!" says Sean, and Marcus agrees that he doesn't.

Tony and the builder arrive at the building site to find the car gone. Roy comes out of the cafe and Tony tells him he's made his point, with his petty revenge. "Revenge for what?" asks Roy, but Tony just glares and walks off.

David and Tina are outside. He asks if she'll come and see him if he gets sent down. She tells him she doesn't think she can do it, she needs a break after everything that's happened. "You mean you need a break from me?" says David, and she agrees that is what she means. Just then a bus comes along and she starts to get on it. David desperately calls behind her that surely she'll still be around when he gets out. They can make it work. She tells him no, he should just forget it. "Tina, please!" he implores her. "Sorry," she tells him from the top of the bus steps, "I can't do it." She then leans down and kisses him and then the bus drives off. "Tina, wait," he cries, "I don't care where I go as long as I still get to see you! Tina, you can't dump me, not now, wait, please!" But he's left standing in the road, poor David!

Anne Logan.

We open in the street as Dev finds David looking at the flowers outsidethe shop. He tells him that if they're for the judge, he'd go forsomething a bit more expensive. "But if they're for your victims, thenI'd go for something a bit cheaper because you're going to need an awfullot of flowers!" David's buying them for his mum. He tells Dev he'ssorry, "sorry I didn't put your window in and all!" Janice comes alongand asks David if today's the day he gets sent to prison. As he walksoff, she calls out that by this time tomorrow he'll be someone'sgirlfriend. He meets Darryl, who's been to the Kabin to buy a paper sohe can look for jobs. Yes, he's given up his job as Crown Prince ofkebabs. David tells him that he thinks he might go down today.

At home, David tells Gail happy birthday. "I know it's not much toremember your 50th. I just thought you should have something nice toremember today by."

Michelle's obviously been telling her mother about the Alex/Ryan mix-up.Ryan takes the phone to talk to his gran and Michelle moans to Stevethat she almost wishes she hadn't told her mother. She'll never hear theend of it.

Audrey's about to go in Gail's door as Bill tells her she shouldremember that once David's been with some real baddies for a few weeks,he'll come out a changed lad. As Bill goes to work, Claire pops overwith a card for Gail. As she turns away she meets Janice, who tells herthat the parents are as much to blame as the kids. "Yeah, like thosegirls who end up as prostitutes," says Claire. "Makes you wonder howthey were brought up, doesn't it!" Janice is struck dumb.

Jack's on his way to the bookies'. He tells Maria and Liam that he'sthinking of buying another couple of pigeons. He's also going to get hispigeons shifted back to his own yard. He doesn't think Tyrone and Mollywill mind, because they did tell him to treat the place as if it werehis own. Maria says that will be good, because then Liam can get theyard cleared up ready for the pram.

In the Rovers, Michelle's mother's been on the phone yet again. Stevesuggests she take Ryan and Alex both over to Ireland. If she clears itwith Wendy, they could go tonight. Liz rushes over and points out thatit's not just Alex's mum he has to worry about clearing it with. The pubwon't run itself and Sean and Lauren are already on holiday. Steveshouts her down, saying they'll manage. "In fact, here's a radicalthought, why doesn't Vernon pull his weight for once, eh?" He tellsMichelle to go and ring Wendy.

Darryl and Mel are walking beside a very noisy concrete mixer truck,which made it difficult to pick up their dialogue. He's thinking ofbecoming a fireman, but Mel tells him he should go for something he'smore qualified for, like rocket scientist. But he says a fireman'stypical day consists of folding a hose, saving a cat from a tree for avery grateful housewife, oiling his pecs and posing for a calendar."What colour is the sky in your world," Mel asks him. "Anyway, youhaven't even got pecs!" Darryl spots an ad for his old job in the windowof the kebab shop. It says "good rates of pay, hours to suit." Darrylthinks he'll report his dad to the trades descriptions police.

The big concrete truck has come to a halt because the Woody is in theway again. Becky says it's like a magic trick – now you see it, now youdon't. The foreman suggests she gets "Paul Daniels" out to make itdisappear but she tells him he knows that's not going to happen. Roy isa man of principles.

Gail and Audrey are ready for court. Gail hopes the court realises howmixed up David is. They appear to have found a car parking space in thecourthouse car park, which just goes to show how far-fetched Corrie isgetting! David is already inside and as they go in to meet him, Audreyasks Gail if she realises David might not be coming home.

The foreman and truck driver go to see Roy. "You've made your point.We're sorry about the bats, OK?" It's not their apologies that Roywants. And he points out that he's not the legal owner of the car.Ashley is now watching the goings on, and as the foreman's frustrationgets the better of him and he advances on Roy, they're joined by Jerry.Becky tells Roy to give them the keys. "Because if this kicks off, I'mgoing to have to break somebody's face!" The foreman takes a step or twoback. Roy wants Tony Gordon to admit to his part in removing the batsbefore he'll move the car.

In the pub, Darryl's going on about his old job. "Thought you wanted tobe a fireman," Mel says. "Steve always wanted to be a racing driver, Lizsays. "Remind me not to get into his cab again," Mel jokes. Darryl saysthat if his dad's willing to pay the going rate, he might ask for hisold job back. Mel tells him he doesn't have a hope, but Darryl says hehas a cunning plan.

At the bar, Jack and Bill wonder what motivates young criminals. Nearby,Maria is pointing out that Liam hasn't even started fixing up thenursery/spare room. Tony goes to get Liam another drink. The foremanfinds him and tells him about Roy causing problems. Tony says to tellRoy he'll be there when he's finished his drink. Mel makes a call onbehalf of "Daniel Newton" to arrange an interview for a job. We seeJerry take the call out in the street and it's clear he's not fooled.

In the courtroom, the magistrate checks that David's still without legalrepresentation. He checks that David realises how serious theproceedings are today. Gail asks for a moment to talk to David. Asolicitor would know what to say. David points out that that would meanraking up the stuff about Tina and the abortion. "I thought you werefinished with her," says a surprised Audrey. Gail doesn't think it's hisjob to protect Tina in this situation. "Mum, you are always criticisingme for not caring enough about others. Now, when I do . . . " He tellsthe court he's ready.

It must be a half holiday for the shops in the street. Dev, Ashley,Jerry and Roy are all there, with Becky serving them tea. Dev doesn'twant any violence. "Look what Gandhi achieve with passive resistance,"he says. "Roy, Gandhi got shot," points out Dev. Ashley thinks it's timeto end all the fuss. Roy must be losing a fortune with the buildersstaying away. His own business has been really bad since Christmas. Tonyarrives.

In the court, they ask if David has anything to say. He doesn't. Audreytells them the whole think is nonsense. But she's told, "It's becomingabundantly clear that you grandson is well aware of what he's doing andthe implications of his actions."

Roy and Tony walk outside the shop. Tony says everyone's thinking goodold Roy, taking on the nasty builders, but he's thinking "How much. Howmuch to make this whole thing go away?" Roy tells him it is aboutprinciples, not money. Tony says Roy clearly thinks he doesn't operatewithin the bounds of decency. "What you don't know if how far I amprepared to go." He explains how much money is tied up in the buildingproject. Far too much money to let one lunatic stop it. Roy explainsthat all he wants is a confession, but Tony says he can't do that. "Inthat case, perhaps some gesture of a financial nature . . . not for him,but for an appropriate charity. "And you can clearly afford asignificant sum." In return, he'll get the car moved. Tony says theyhave a deal.

David, Gail and Audrey are in the court foyer. Audrey says at least themagistrates have seen "we're not a family of scratchers from some sinkestate." David believes he's going down. Gail says he's not a hoodie ora druggie, but he points out that last Christmas that's exactly what shethought.

Dev is now pouring sauce on a kebab. He tells Jerry how good Molly is inthe shop, but Dev says he's not poaching Molly. Jerry offers to dopart-exchange on Darryl. Dev laughs. "Why would I want anyone who wouldleave his own father in the lurch?" He excuses himself to get pastDarryl, who has just come in. Jerry reveals he knew it was Mel on thephone. He asks if Darryl wants the job. Darryl does if it really ishours to suit and good rates of pay. "Tell me," says Jerry, "why would Iemploy anyone who would lie to get an interview?" He asks for areference from his last employer. He greets an interviewee who has justturned up and leaves Darryl in the shop.

In the court, the clerk points out that David has to be in the dock forsentence. The magistrates come back and tell David they looked carefullyfor any gesture of remorse but found none. A fine or community servicewon't be suitable. Though it might have been different if he hadn'tassaulted a police officer. "We are therefore going to make a detentionand training order. This will be for four months." "NO!" shouts Gail.The magistrates tell David that if he hadn't pleaded guilty, it wouldhave been for six months. "I'm sorry, Mum," says David.

End of Part One.
Margaret Carr

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Tim O'Mara. David is takendown and hopefully the evil, twisted, mentally unbalanced, probablypsychotic, mother and sister hating, warped teenager will not darken ourscreens again for the foreseeable future (well it worked with Tracyafter all).

At the building site Rick (you know the one - hard hat, Becky's choice)has just taken a mobile call - from his ball and chain and remarks on itto Bill and Jason(!). Anyway to Jason's surprise Rick's other halfwants their daughter picked up from his partner's mate's. Jason sitsthere with his mouth open.

Gail and Audrey return home and the former spends an age crossing theroom before looking at the useful leaflets she has been given aboutCustomer Service in relation to Young Offenders Institutions. Howeverthis does not seem to be a real publication - it would appear that ourMinistry of Justice still refers to them as Prisoners and not customers,although reading the newspapers this week about the drug dealers andwomen of the night breaking into our jails to stay somehow makes mewonder if this country has any sense at all.

At the factory Tony is complaining about Roy yet again. Carla talkssome sense into Tony - apparently he is having dreams about Roy.

Too good to be true - we see David being inducted - he even has to sharea room! David admits he is guilty - a little to the surprise of theofficer.

Michelle is trying to get Ryan (Alex) to go to Ireland with her and Alex(Ryan) - but he wants to stay behind and tease Steve about his gut anddo some revision - he reckons the three of them together in Irelandwould be almost unbelievable (like the rest of that particular storylineI suppose). She concedes without too much fuss.

Jason runs across Becky smoking and tells her about Rick's"commitments"! She tells him to mind his own business - but is clearlynot happy. Inside she goes across to the cooker and exchanges not aword with Roy and Ken. Ken and Dreary apparently spent last nightwatching "Last Tango in Paris" and Ken asks Roy if he is familiar withit - which Roy denies. Ken recounts the famous sex scene was about tostart - when Blanche walked in. Roy interrupts to ask Becky if there isanything wrong - but she is scrubbing hard and tells him that Ken istalking.

Michelle and Alex are heading off - so she tells Ryan to do what Stevesays. Nick says almost exactly the same to Alex adding and no Irishjokes to which Alex responds with a cod accent "Ahh to be sure". Steveand Ryan have a little joke.

Deirdre and Claire arrive singing happy birthday for Gail (50 today) andAudrey suggests they carry on with the party as arranged - there are alot of people coming around. Gail is not in the mood and says so. Thephone rings - it is Sarah and Gail brings her up to date.

Rick arrives just as they are closing and wants a cup of tea and one ofthe finest waitresses. Roy refuses to serve him but Becky gets him acup of tea and a cream cake. She then throws the tea over him and ramsthe cake into his face then pummels him to the ground before hitting himrepeatedly. Eventually Roy separates them and Rick departs.

David meets his cellmate - Graham. Graham has been doing art - paintingtrees.

Jelly Roll Morton is inviting Darryl for the position of assistant inthe kebab shop. Darryl does not have a cv. Pa Morton asks Darryl howhe would deal with a batch of drunken customers who refuse to pay.Anyway he does not get the job back immediately.

At the party Gail is not drinking and Rita and Eileen think the pretzelsare nice and crisp (the party is going with a real swing - you cantell). Norris asks how is it to be 50 - because as Emily points outDoris cannot remember - nor can Emily. Sarah has invited Gail over toMilan and Audrey is encouraging her to go. Gail however feels sheshould stay behind to support David. The main subject of discussionamongst the guests is the life of paradise behind bars. Audrey is goingto stay the night to ensure that Gail is OK. David is allowed one call- but the person he phones is Tina - getting her answering machine.

Leanne and the bookie are discussing what she might open. He suggests alate night bar - to operate after closing time. Just a dark bar with aDJ - she likes the idea.

Jerry gives Darryl back his job.

The party sings happy birthday. Audrey then makes a slightly tipsyspeech - wishes a good daughter, mother and grand mother and good frienda happy birthday. Audrey refers to Gail never having been lucky inlove, perhaps she will be one day, and then forgets Gail's name. Billcuts Audrey short before she drops any more clanger by toasting Gail.

And then Dev, reprieved from being a clown character for once moves overto Gail and remarks on children. As Dev observes everyone in the roomhas called David a toerag or worse at one time or another and Gailagrees. Dev then says that if at the landmark age of 50 he foundhimself in the same situation with a son like that then he hoped that heconvey himself with the same dignity and pride that she has shown. Hethen wishes her happy birthday and thanks her for having him. Gail isclearly touched by his little speech. He hugs her gently.

In the Rovers Roy and Becky are having a drink. He is sorry about Rick.She could not give a monkey's. Roy knows that it is more about the loveand romance. Tony approaches Roy and offers to donate an amount to acharity.

Leanne suggests to Paul that the restaurant be converted into a latenight bar. The two of them are barely on speaking terms.

At the party there is a complete mess to be cleared up. Audrey isabsolutely sozzled (I predict she will still have a hangover on Monday).She tells Gail it will be OK.

Inside David is crying himself to sleep.

Do you get remission on a four month sentence or do we all have to serveit in full. Heaven help us.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Strains of "He's in the jailhouse now" waft through the very white halls of the youth correction centre. Ok, it wasn't that song, but David's roomie Graeme is rapping some lyrics that I don't recognize which wakes up our boy. It's visiting day (already?) and Graeme asks who's coming to see David, some fit bird with huge tracts of land? (ubiquitous Monty Python reference) David mutters that it's his mother. This does not dampen our enthusiastic chap as he further winds up David about the fitness of his mother.

At Platt Towers, Gail is bright and cheerful and putting on her slap. Audrey staggers down the stairs, hung over to the roots on her chinny chin chin, bruised and battered from knocking into things the night before. This reminds Gail of when Audrey would come in from a night on the tiles when she were a lass. You can see where all this reminiscing is going, can't you? Soaps never let you look down that road unless they intend on taking us there. Audrey is told there's no need to get dressed. Gail is going to visit David on her own this first time. Audrey starts to head back to bed but remembers she has to go to work and Gail worries she looks too frumpy. Well, she doesn't look like that fit bird Graeme was hoping for and those huge tracts of land are more like a patch in the back yard but she'll do.

In the cafe, a wonderful exchange between Becky and Roy reveals that Roy exchanges nightly emails with Hayley and Becky's mother left her and their Tripod. "Dog. Three legs" she explains to Roy. They used to have to push him around in a pram when he got old because he had no more fight left in him. Roy ruminates on this. "I know the feeling" Aww the bat crusade really took it out of him, didn't it? Becky decides this calls for a power hug and clutches on to him roughly, leaving him to grimace painfully at her ministrations.

Across the road, Dan is lurching towards his morning cup of coffee while Leanne takes advantage of the laptop and wifi connection to do research on bars in the area, most of which are pretty grotty. For a nice one, you have to go into town so she figures they might be able to find a niche locally. I must say the bookie flat is looking quite spiffy these days so it must not be the little grotty original flat that we used to see but in fact, would be the other one that mysteriously appeared later on when Peter and Shelley and later, Charlie Stubbs lived in it. It's been redecorated again in grays and it looks very masculine. Anyway, his cupboard is about the same, with nothing healthier than thick sliced white bread for toast so Leanne decides to go without and Dan promises to sort something better out for her.

In the salon, Maria and Audrey chat about hangovers, self medicating, Gail "The Patron Saint of Suffering" and how Audrey is missing her face time with Bill.

At the youth centre, David wanders outside where a group of lads are having a kick about. He's followed by his little shadow who gives him some grim low down on one of the other inmates, descriptively nicknamed "Bonehead". This Graeme is a stonking character!! David declines the invitation to join the scrum.

Bill and Jason head to the yard. Becky shouts across to Jason and brings him a bacon buttie to thank him for the heads up about Rotten Rick. She owes him a pint sometime. Bill takes the micky out of Jason and seems to sniff out that there's more there than "just mates", which Jason denies, but he does seem to spend a lot of time watching Becky come and go.

In the pub, Vernon is whining about a cold sore. He is summarily being ignored by Liz and Steve. Liz is instructing Steve that he's going to have to pull his tripe out and work hard since they're short staffed. Sounds painful to me and Steve both. Vernon offers to do some double shifts and even offers to revamp the menu. This does not get the reaction he expected but does get the reaction I expected, with a dead stare for a moment and they go back to their previous conversation. (Hey, didn't he just offer to do that a few weeks ago and was turned down?) Steve tries to make peace and says they'll all do extra shifts. (Good thing. Vernon is usually pretty shiftless on the whole).

In the factory, Carla tells Liam that Tony has given £10,000 to some bat charity and speculates that she must have a built-in weirdo magnet when it comes to men. With that, Enter Tony. Liam makes a crack about the money to which Tony mutters about someone having a big mouth. Carla archly retorts that it comes in handy sometimes. (And I'll leave you all to speculate what she meant). Tony's not to pleased about her telling his business all around but Carla and Liam don't take his griping seriously. (Maybe they should. I'm not so sure he's not another Hillman in the making, me!)

Gail's lurching out of the taxi office on her sticks and moaning that her day is getting worst. Apparently her booking for a cab has gone walkabout, she tells Jerry and he kindly offers to drive her. His car just happens to be parked outside the shop! She struggles in, blaming Eileen for the booking mishap and then stops, wondering what that smell is. Jerry grins. "Onions! You never go hungry in my car!" She smiles to his face and then huffs with the heady scent of it enveloping her when he goes round to get in.

David is being instructed on the rules and regs by the boss who keeps calling him "Dave". Dave just wants to keep his head down and isn't bothered about participating in the various programs on offer but is told in no uncertain terms that if he doesn't, his life won't be worth living. He could have privileges taken away. No computer games, no wearing your own trainers, whatever the boss thinks might hurt the most. Oooooh!

Vernon has scarpered over to the betting shop and plans to put a £20 wager on a horse called Big Liz. "It's an omen!"

Tony arrives at the cafe. Becky stubs out her fag and hurries in behind him so she doesn't miss anything. Tony informs Roy defensively that he's donated 10 grand to a bat charity. Roy is impressed. But unimpressed as well. He's not wholly satisfied, knowing Tony would have lost a lot more than that if the building site had been shut down longer. But yes, he's satisfied though petulantly tells Tony he's still barred from the cafe. This sets Tony off on a rant. It's not big deal to him being barred from a greasy spoon cafe, lunch comes to him anyway, healthy stuff, salad, proper food. Becky offers that he should take a big sushi roll and stick it where the sun doesn't shine and Tony turns on his heel and stalks out.

Over in the bookies', Harry grudgingly admits that Leanne has surprised her and is a good worker. She can stay. Vernon is watching the races so Harry takes off to see a man about a dog. Or a woman about horse?

Maria is massaging Audrey's temples. This seems to be helping her thick head considerably. She starts on Audrey's hands with cream while they chat about the impending baby and decorating the nursery. Audrey reckons it'll be lonely when Maria is on her maternity leave as she's not arranged for a replacement yet. Blanche arrives for her appointment and tetchily whacks on the front counter for attention.

Jerry has just been saying how Darryl used to adore his dad and now thinks he's the thickest old man on the planet. Gail looks at the chain link fence and all the security in front of her around the prison (Larchfield) and sighs. I think our kids are sent to try us, she whispers. Jerry apologizes for rabbiting on. He encourages her to be strong and keep her spirits up for David and he'll be there when she is done. Gail takes a deep breath and heads to the gate.

As expected, Harry is at the bar, sipping a drink and watching Liz. Amid small talk, Vernon arrives and makes out like he hasn't seen Harry in ages. Judging from Vernon's reaction to Harry asking if he's had a good day, I'd say he's down twenty quid. Liz just thinks he's sulking because she was hard on him earlier. There is some flirting between her and Harry which doesn't go amiss with Liz, it seems. I think she quite enjoys the banter. Blanche arrives and actually looks different than when she arrived in the salon. Someone actually came out of the salon looking different than how they looked on entry!!! Shock!!

Gail goes through a security check and waits while her handbag is searched. The prisoners file into the visiting room. Bonehead puts chewed gum down on the chair David was going to sit in but he saw it and goes to get it but is stopped by the warden who doesn't want to listen and assumes David put the gum there. He tells David he's on a warning because chewing gum isn't allowed.

Leanne discovers that Roger is more than a plumber and has had a hand in designing a nightclub when he was in France. She begs him to half a look at the burned out restaurant and give her advice on what sort of reno she could do with it. He's not jumping at the idea considering his past association with Leanne's business acumen but he can't resist and they go off to have a look while Janice makes do with a carton of cottage cheese.

Gail and the other visitors are allowed in. She doesn't see David at first but the crowd thins and they see each other. David actually clutches on to his mother with a true power hug. "Oh David!" Gail weeps.

Tvor

Bill and Jason leave the kebab shop. Jason spies Becky standing outsidethe cafe. He reckons Becky spends more time standing outside the cafesmoking than she does inside working for Roy. I reckon he's right. Billreckons she only comes outside when she sees Jason coming. They talk toBecky who tells them that she told Roy that he'd lose their custom toJerry if he continued on with the ban. Jason and Becky indulge in alittle bit of flirting and Becky reminds Jason that she'll treat him tothat pint she promised him. As Bill and Jason walk off, Bill encouragesJason to take her up on her offer. Jason reminds Bill that he and Beckyare just friends.

Inside the cafe, Paul and Jack are eating. Jack tells Becky that hisfood is nearly as good as Vera used to make. Jack encourages Paul who isgetting ready to go to an interview for a new job. Paul asks Jack towish him luck before he gets up from the table. "You won't need it,son!" says Jack with a smile.

Gail is with David in the detention centre/borstal/prison for youngoffenders that David's found himself in. Gail asks David how he's beingtreated. David joshes with her a little about being beaten up and Gaildoesn't take it very well. She asks him to be honest. David tells her,"Well, they've achieved in one day what you've been trying to achieve inyears." He tells her about his routine and how he has to clean thetoilet. Gail lays the guilt trip on him about calling her for herbirthday. David lies about not being able to get to the phone but asksher how her birthday party went. Gail tells him about Audrey and herhangover. David asks her, meaningfully, how she is. Gail tells him thatshe's coping.

At Valandro's Roger is assessing the damage with Leanne. He's nothopeful that much can be salvaged but Leanne is very hopeful.

David and Gail again. David is telling Gail that he'll have to do a spotof studying while he's locked up. He thought about doing a qualificationin hairdressing but "decided against it, given where I am." Gailexpresses a wish that just once, she and David could have a straightconversation, "You know what I mean, you talking to me without me havingto /constantly/ read between the lines." David reckons that talking isoverrated. David is resigned to spending the next few months away andtells his mum that even though he's not ready to talk about the ins andouts of what he did, it doesn't mean he's not sorry for what he did toher. Gail is still melancholy about his situation but David jokes again,it's not all bad, he's got a telly and he even gets to wear his owntrainers.

In Audrey's salon, Audrey is dressing a woman's hair in a strange netthing and talking to Maria about Gail at the "Borst… at the trainingcentre." Fizz arrives for a hair appointment with Maria. They talk abouthow Kirkeh is home tomorrow. Fizz wonders what she has to do to put Kirkoff, "grow facial hair? Develop a phlegmy cough?" She sits down in thechair and tells Maria to surprise her with a new hairdo.

At the Borstal... I mean, Training Centre, visiting hour has come to anend and the boys are all told to go back to their cells or whatever.Gail asks David if he wants her to bring anything next time but Davidtells her he is fine. They have an emotional farewell leaving Gail intears and David close to tears. When Gail leaves, David breaks down.

At Molly & Tyrone's Paul comes in to announce to Molly, Tyrone and Jackthat he got the job. He's not happy about it because he's one of a teamof ten and he's back to being a minion in the kitchen. Tyrone takespleasure in Paul's obvious unhappiness and Molly sends him off for ashower. Jack tells Paul that he's happy for him and that even though hehad a rocky start, he's made up for it now.

Becky is out on the street outside the cafe, smoking again. Bill andJason (who else) come across her. Jason asks Bill if he wants to go fora pint but Bill reckons that three would be a crowd, referring to Jasonhaving that drink with Becky. Things are slightly awkward between Jasonand Becky and Bill sticks his neb in, asking if Becky was serious abouttaking Jason for a drink and organises a date for the two of them. Theymake a plan to have a drink together that night. Becky is made up about it.

Back in the salon, Gail is telling Audrey how she woke up that morningand relished the silence before she realised why the house was sosilence. Audrey tells Gail to come to their place for tea that day. WhenGail asks if she's sure, Audrey tells her, "You're not the only one whomisses 'er kids!" and gave me a lump in my throat.

In the pub, Tyrone is trying to justify pulling Paul's leg to Molly andJack. Jack asks Tyrone to be a little more forgiving towards Paul, sincehe'll be paying back the money he borrowed soon and thinking that he'scome good of late. Ha! Vernon is talking to Tony Gordon at the bar,asking him where he's off to on his upcoming business trip. Beijing,apparently, to make more money. Tony tells him how he tried to get Carlato join him but she wouldn't telling Tony that it was too long to beaway from the factory. Jason joins them at the bar and Tony buys Jason apint. Tony flatters Jason by telling Vernon that Jason is the bestworker he has. They chat about how Tony didn't get away scot-free fromthe bat fiasco and Tony says ominously, "Maybe it's Roy I should havesmoked out... Maybe next time."

In Dev's shop, Chesney is talking with Amber about the sweeties he'sbought for Kirk coming home. Dev tells Chesney that his favouritesweeties are chocolate eclairs because they're like him, hard on theoutside and soft on the inside. Amber has other thoughts on the matter,"If I had to describe you as a sweet," she says, "it would not be that."When Dev asks her what sweet she would describe as then, she answers, "A marshmallow, all fluffy and no substance!" When pressed for anexplanation, she tells him that he dithers. "I am not a ditherer. I'm afluffy ditherer?" He wonders what he dithers about. Everything,according to Amber. Dev's not happy with that and points out that amberdithers about everything just as much as he does. Oh dear, in comes Fizzto the shop with her hair straightened and it's /horrible/. Everyonethinks so and tells her, although more tactfully than I just told you.Fizz rushes home to wash her straight hair out when Dev puts two and twotogether to make five and exclaims, "Ahhh! /Kirk!/ So that's why you gotit done!"

In the Rovers, Paul comes in to join Molly, Tyrone and Jack. Tyroneoffers to buy him a drink to say sorry for tekkin' the mick earlier.Paul thinks that things must be bad if even Tyrone thinks he's a charitycase. Becky joins Jason at the bar, all glammed up and looking/gorgeous/. Jason is obviously taken by the effort she's gone to. Tonyexcuses himself from the "party" and Jason and Becky tell each other"nice" they look.

Dev comes into the bar and asks Betty if she thought of him as a sweet,would she think of him as a chocolate eclair or a marshmallow? "Wellneither," answers Betty and she elaborates, "A bar of fruit and nut!"Chuckle, chuckle!

Gail comes home to her place, struggling on her crutches. It's veryquiet at Chez Platt.

Back in the Rovers, Rita asks Jack at the bar how he's coping since helost his Vera. Jack says he's ok but he keeps thinking that he can seeher everywhere. Betty, from behind the bar, says that the same thinghappened to her with her Billy. Jack tells Rita and Betty that havingthe young 'uns around helps a lot, especially Our Paul. Oh, Jack…

Bill and Audrey join Rita at the bar and Bill nods in the direction ofBecky and Jason who are intimately feeding each other crisps in one ofthe booths. Audrey is shocked that Jason and Becky are seeing each otherespecially since Jason is still married to Sarah. Rita tries to changethe subject by asking how Gail is.

Over at the Duckworth table, meanwhile, Tyrone asks who's for anotherround. Paul excuses himself and says he's going for a walk. He refusesJack who asks if he Paul wants him to go with him. Over with Jason andBecky, Jason apologises for his terrible behaviour the night theyrecently got together. Becky accepts his apology as long as he's notclearing the way for a repeat performance. Disappointed, Jason deniesthe charge and tells Becky he's had enough of relationships. Beckyagrees, as far as she's concerned, blokes are off the menu. Jason sayshe's pleased they've got that out in the open. Both of them look a bitdisappointed though. Becky challenges Jason to a game of "arras" anddiffuses the tension.

Ryan returns to the Rovers via the smoker's yard where he runs intoVernon. He sees a new basketball ring and asks where it come from.Vernon tells him Steve bought it for him and challenges him to a few hoops.

Dan and Leanne are having a quick snog on the street when Paul comesacross them. Paul boasts untruthfully that he's scored himself a HeadChef position at a new hotel. Leanne tells him that once the insurancemoney comes through, they'll both have a new start but Paul is bitterand snarls, "Yeah! You salve your conscience!" Dan drags her away fromPaul who is throwing dirty looks at her.

Back in the pub, Bill goes to get Audrey and Rita a drink and he gets uphe tells Audrey, he forgot to tell her that a bloke rang for her today,a Ted Page. Rita knows that something is up when she makes a cover storyfor Bill. Audrey tells Rita that he's an old flame from 50 years ago andthat she doesn't want to see her. When Rita presses her for more info,Audrey tells Rita that Ted Page is Gail's Dad. Gail knows this but Teddoesn't and that's that way Audrey would rather it stay that way.

Stella McLoughlin

Fizz is trying to hurry Chesney along with his breakfast so she can get him off to school and herself to work, when suddenly the door opens and in walks Kirk. "I'm back!" he cries, and hugs them both. He's got a pressie for Chesney, a pen-knife that looks like a credit card and also incorporates a screwdriver and a magnifying glass. He then proudly announces that he's got one for Fizz as well, and hands it over, telling her they're dead useful. She thanks him politely and hurries Chesney out of the door.

Leanne rushes excitedly into the bookies, waving a letter at Dan, telling him the insurance company are going to pay up. She tells him she's going to pay off the VAT man and put the rest into her new venture. He tells her to be sure to pay Paul first.

Bill and Audrey call on Gail to check she's ok, but Audrey seems somewhat distracted. She tells them she's worried about David, and tells Gail she'll go with her when she next visits him.

Back at the bookies', Harry comes through the door, talking on his mobile phone. He seems to be talking to his solicitor about his divorce and his wife's settlement. Dan tells Leanne that until his dad's situation is sorted he's stuck with him. Leanne suggests that, now that she's got some money, they could pool their resources and move in together. Dan seems to think this an excellent idea, and so does his dad when he realises that he might get to be the sole occupant of the flat they share.

Tony Gordon arrives at Underworld and suggests to Carla that she takes the afternoon off with him. She declines, saying she's got a mountain of work, she can't just drop everything because he doesn't know what to do with himself. He says he'll go back to the flat and start packing for Beijing, and she tells him he can hang her mirror while he's at it.

Paul comes downstairs in his dressing gown, to find Jack sitting at the table. Apparently, he didn't get in until 2 am from his new job. Jack orders him to sit down, saying he'll make him a cup of tea. Paul isn't very happy with the new job, and Jack says that if he wants to start up his own restaurant he can use the insurance money for that and pay him back in instalments. Paul thanks him, but says he wants to wipe the slate clean before he does anything else.

Becky is taking a ciggie break outside the cafe when Jason walks past with a paper bag containing sandwiches bought from another establishment. "They won't be as nice as ours!" she calls to him. He points out that if they'd lift the ban and let him into the cafe he wouldn't have to go elsewhere. As they stand there chatting and flirting, his phone rings, it's Tony. Becky stands and mocks him, as he takes the call. When he's finished he turns to her. "No point in asking you out for that drink then?" he says. She smiles, "I wouldn't go that far," she says, grinning.

In the salon, Maria tells Audrey she doesn't seem quite with-it. Audrey assures her that she's fine. Just then, Rita comes in and asks Audrey if she's heard from him – him being Ted, but Audrey hasn't. Rita asks why she never told her about him, and Audrey tells her she thought it was all dead and buried. Rita points out that Audrey has his number, but Audrey says she's not going to ring it. They agree to meet up later and chat about it.

Molly comes home and finds Paul about to go off to work. He tells her he used to be keen to go to work when he was a partner. She tells him there'll be other restaurants, but he says that partnerships like that aren't so easy to come by. "This isn't about Leanne is it?" she asks him, and he seems about to reply when Tyrone bursts through the door, looking for his jumper. Paul dashes off to work then, leaving Tyrone asking Molly if he's still upset about his new job. "He'll get over it," he says, and goes off back to the garage again, leaving Molly looking thoughtful.

Jerry is outside the kebab shop, putting up posters advertising "St George's Day kebabs". Kirk and Chesney come along and decide to try them. Just then Fizz comes up, dismayed that Chesney isn't having his school dinner, but when they tell her they're celebrating Kirk's first day back, she relents.

Audrey and Rita are in the cafe, and Audrey tells Rita how she met Ted when she was 17 and she'd already had Stephen who had been taken away from her, because her father thought she was too young and irresponsible. She thought that if she got married and had another child she would be able to get Stephen back. She met Ted and got herself in the family way. Then she realised she didn't love Ted and knew it would all end in tears, so she dumped him. He never knew she was pregnant, and doesn't know to this day that he's got a daughter, although she told Gail a few years ago who her father was. "What will you do if he phones again?" asks Rita, and Audrey confesses she has no idea. Rita expresses surprise that Audrey doesn't seem curious to know why he's got in touch after all these years.

Maria is in the corner shop, and chats to Dev. She asks how the twins are, and he tells her they're two and a quarter now. Fizz comes in, and Maria tells her how Kirk seems to have had a good time in Cyprus. Fizz tells her how Kirk has said he wants a serious talk. "It's like nothing's changed," says Fizz in despair. Maria tells her to let him down gently. "I can't promise," says Fizz.

Tony has got Jason in Carla's flat, putting up her mirror. He asks how things are going with Becky. "I wouldn't have thought she's your type," says Tony. Jason stops what he's doing. "And what's that?" he asks. "Someone with a bit more class," says Tony. Just then Carla comes home. "Hi Jason, is Tony showing you how it's done?" she asks, "you'll be able to do it on your own next time." Neither Jason nor Tony seem to find this amusing, and Jason leaves.

Marcus sees Maria in the pub with Audrey, and tells her she looks nice. Just then Liam comes in, and offers to get the drinks. When he's gone to the bar, Maria asks Audrey who Ted is. Audrey tries to shush her, and Maria laughs. "Still having affairs at 60-odd, there's hope for us all," she says. She asks why it's all hush-hush and Audrey confesses quietly that he's Gail's father.

Tyrone goes into the corner shop and Molly tells him that she thinks Paul is in love with Leanne, and how she was sure he was about to tell her when Tyrone came in earlier and interrupted. Tyrone is completely unsympathetic and says that the only pain Paul has is that of moving out, and reckons that he was just trying to get round Molly so she would let him stay. Molly says that she thinks they should give him more time to find somewhere as Paul is in a right state. She asks him to think about it.

Fizz arrives home, to find Kirk watching tv. He jumps up and starts to make conversation, awkwardly. "What do you want to say, Kirk?" she asks him. He tells her he's building up to it with small talk. Fearing the worst, she interrupts him. "The answer's no!" she says. "What?" he asks, and she explains that while she's fond of him there is no way they can get back together. He tells her he doesn't want to get back with her, he's met someone on holiday and he's in love!

In the pub, Maria and Marcus are chatting at the bar. Just then Liam comes in with a present – it's a football shirt with Connor 1 on the back. "Liam, what if it's a girl?" asks Maria. He says it doesn't matter, she can still wear it. Maria asks if that will be the case if she buys a ballerina outfit and they have a boy. "No, that's totally different," he says. Just then Carla comes in and says that if he puts that on the baby she's calling Social Services. Tony asks them all round to dinner on Friday. Liam accepts, but Maria doesn't look too happy.

Leanne knocks on the Duckworth's front door and Paul opens it. "What do you want?" he asks. She goes inside and tells him that the insurance company are going to pay their claim. "Good," says Paul, expressionless and emotionless. As she goes to leave, she turns round and tells him she's sorry things didn't work out between them. "What can I do to make you feel any better?" she asks him. "I'll tell you what you can do," he says, "you can give me your share of the money, as well as mine!"

Kirk is telling Fizz all about his new girlfriend who, as it happens, also comes from Manchester. "When are you seeing her again?" asks Fizz, and he tells her – tomorrow! "No hard feelings?" he asks. "None whatsoever," says Fizz, smiling.

Leanne and Paul are still arguing. She laughs. "You think I'd give the whole lot to you?" she says, scornfully. He points out that he started the fire, it would have been him who would have gone down if they got caught. "You've got your cut, which is what we agreed," she says, "and there's no way you're having mine as well!" As she turns to leave he runs after her and grabs her arm. "You give me all of it, otherwise I'll go to the police," he snarls. She points out that he'd get done as well as her. "So what? I've nothing else to live for, have I?"

Anne Logan.

We open to the scrape of a knife on toast. Behind Dan, his breakfastcompanion is agonising over what Paul might do. Leanne worries that ifshe doesn't pay Paul, they'll all go to prison. Dan points out that thatincludes Paul, so he doubts if Paul is serious.

Molly tells Jack they're thinking of doing some alterations – perhaps anew kitchen. Jack's not that bothered. He and kitchens have never beenon speaking terms. They discuss Vera's cooking. Jack reckons he broketeeth on Vera's fry-ups. Paul says he's not bothered either. He might begetting more than he thought on the insurance. He tells Jack he'll beable to pay him off and have some left over to put down on a new place.

"I'm a failure and I haven't got a brain," says Kirk. Fizz rushes toreassure him, but it turns out that Kirk was acting. Chesney's got aschool play coming up and Kirk was reprising his own school play role –the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. Chesney asks for audition tips, butKirk says everyone else had to audition, but not him. "They just give methe part straight off." Kirk asks if Fizz is going to be in the Rovers.He wants to take Julie in for a drink but doesn't want to make Fizzuncomfortable.

Maria doesn't want to go to Carla's tonight. She feels big and doesn'twant to sit looking at Carla's perfect grooming all night.

Paul goes into the shop and cheerfully tells Amber that the insurancewill be paying out and he might even be able to employ her again. Hesuggests buying Amber a meal, against Dev trying to stop him.

Vernon and Lloyd are in the bookies'. Vernon is going to bet on thedogs. Janice comes in and hands Leanne an envelope. It's the cheque, butJanice can't work out why Leanne isn't doing cartwheels. Vernon's doghas won. "What a dog! What a dog!" he exclaims. "You're no oil paintingyourself," Janice says tartly.

Deirdre gives Gail some tips on prison visiting. She says you never getused to seeing your children in places like that. Gail says the onlything keeping her going is that David will be out soon. She doesn't knowhow Deirdre copes. Deirdre thinks maybe Tracy should have had a short,sharp shock when she was younger.

Dan pays out a wad of cash to Vernon. Lloyd doesn't like dog racing. Hetells Vernon that you need some nous to make a killing on the gee-gees.Vernon snatches the paper out of his hand, runs his eye down the columnsand selects Crazy Bongos in Race Five. "It's a sign," he says. Danpoints out that it's 50 to 1. Vernon calculates what he'll get back ifhe puts on all his winnings. "Since when did a bookie try to stop apunter losing money," he asks. Lloyd suddenly realises that's right."Man's got a point," he says, grabbing a slip. Leanne's still worried,despite Dan's reassurances. "Paul's lost everything, and that makes himdangerous," she says.

Kirk finds Chesney glumly sitting on a street planting. The good lookingkid got the prize part in the play. Chesney's in it, as Father Lawrence,the local priest.

Kirk goes to see Maria in the salon. He wants a hair cut. Maria looks athim. "I tell you when your hair needs cutting," she says in a puzzledvoice. "Normally, we have to hold you down and shear you like a sheep."He tells Maria he has a girlfriend. Maria's disappointed to find thatJulie will be in the Rovers while she's round at Carla's. Liam comes in.He's bought Maria a present. He pulls out a huge, tent-like maternitydress he's bought in a charity shop. Kirk's face is a picture, let aloneMaria's! "I've got a baby in here, not Jerry Morton," Maria tells him.Liam's face falls. "You don't like it." He's just joking. He's boughtMaria a lovely dress.

In the bookies, it's such a long race that Lloyd's had time to getdepressed. He points out to Vernon that grass is growing faster thanthat horse is moving. That horse is in a different postcode to the restof the field. Vernon thinks Lloyd should count himself lucky. He's onlylost a tenner, while Vernon's lost a ton. Dan hates to say he told themso. Leanne comes in. She's banked the cheque. She doesn't think anyonein their right mind would deliberately chuck away their freedom.

Dev's met a lady in the pub. She chats away to him about her divorce.She can tell Dev's divorced – she recognises the signs. Dev wants toknow what they are. They include having one eye looking down her top,two buttons too many undone, too much aftershave (it's cologne, Devpoints out). She tells him that no woman wants to snog an air freshener.A man should reek of masculinity, like her boyfriend," she says. He'sapparently masculine, deep and thoughtful, and kind, with a really drysense of humour. Oh, and he's Kirk. As Kirk and Julie hug, Dev asks herif this is her deep boyfriend. She nods and Dev can hardly keep astraight face.

Gail's in the detention centre asking David about the courses he mightdo. He jokes about it. He tells his Gran he doesn't really want to makefriends in a place like that. Audrey says a lot of customers are askingafter him. Time's up. David tells both women they don't deserve to bethere. He points out that some of the other lads started with nothing,but he had everything. Gail points out that he did have a hard time, butDavid says the whole family did. He won't forgive himself for the stuffhe's done. He hugs them both. Gail tells him she forgives him.

Julie and Kirk tell Fizz how they met, when she lost her glasses in abar in Cyprus. He helped her find them and she bought him a drink. "Hadyou put your glasses on by this stage?" asked Dev. Julie hopes this isone holiday romance that will outlast the suntan. Fizz points out thatthat doesn't say much for Kirk. He wouldn't tan at Gas Mark 8! Fizztells Julie she's got herself a good catch.

Paul goes into the bookies' and turns the sign to closed. He demands hismoney. Leanne tells him he doesn't really love her and can do better.She wants him to forget everything a move on. She offers him his sharebut he demands all the money again. He tells Leanne it's her lastchance. Dan calls his bluff and offers the shop phone. Paul glares athim. "Don't say I didn't warn you." She follows him out into the street.He's on his mobile, presumably dialling 999 (the fool!), because he asksfor "The police, please." We hear him say he'd like to confess to anarson attack in Weatherfield.

End of Part One.
I should imagine there'll be another dozen episodes along any minute. Duck!
Margaret Carr

This episode was written by Damon Rochefort and directed by DominicLeClerc (very french sounding names!).

Paul is on the moby to the police telling them his address, claiming twoother people are involved whilst Dan tries to hustle Leanne away andLeanne pleads with Paul not to tell the truth. Dan walks off - and thepolice are going to see Paul.

Along at the salon Rita wants to know if Audrey has phoned Ted (it wasrather lucky that he found her telephone number after 50 years). Audreyis not sure how she is going to tell Ted about his daughter. Audreydoes not even know what to say. She phones and get the answeringmachine and she leaves a message to say she is returning his call - shehopes he is well and will call her back. Audrey asks Rita and Maria notto tell Gail.

In the Rovers Kirk's new amour, Julie is enjoying a drink with Molly,Kirk, Jack and Tyrone. Julie thinks Kirk is funny, which is somehowamusing all of us! Apparently Kirk used to be scared of dogs -particularly big ones - he was bitten by a Chihuahua when he was four.But it is not a big dog - but as Kirk points out it is when you are fourand Julie's laugh goes into overdrive. Molly and Tyrone cannot see itas quite that hilarious. A little later Julie tells the others howhilarious it was when she met Kirk - she was looking for her sunglasseswhich were apparently on her 'ead all the time! (She is blonde).

Vern returns and has news for Liz - three week cruise round the med in adecent cabin (no mention of the money lost on the horses). Apparentlythe musical builders need a drummer and their first thought was ofVernon. And he has got a ticket for Liz as well, Michelle will be backwith Sean, so Steve and Betty can manage in the short term.

Becky and Jason are obviously getting on well, with a wild an excitingweekend in prospect - starting with a pint of cider! A little laterthey are discussing where to go this evening. Becky does not want bars,clubs or a pizza - what does she want - apparently to go back to hisplace! (Coat on Jason - you've pulled).

In the salon Audrey's mobile goes and judging by her end of theconversation it is Ted and in superquick time the old minx is back atwork and she has a date lined up for Monday so they can chat and catchup and perhaps there might be a mention of a little daughter that wasoverlooked.

Paul sees Leanne in the Street and tells her that he has made a full andfrank discussion of his crime to the police and fully implicated bothLeanne and Dan. He has nothing to lose - and the police will beinterviewing the two of them shortly. Paul then goes in the Rovers andgets Jack to come home with him - he wants a chat. Jack is worried bythis development. Ty and Molly also return home to hear the story ofthe lovesick cook and the pan of cooking oil. He also tells them thatLeanne planned it with Dan. Jack sends Molly and Ty back to the Roversand Paul then tells Jack that he has already told the police becauseLeanne and Dan were laughing at him. Jack lays into Paul telling himoff for telling the police and then how pleased he is that Vera is notaround to witness these events. Paul has done nothing but lie and cheatand let them down and Jack calls him a disgrace. Jack calls him hisfather's son and then tells him to get out because he cannot even lookat him.

Liam and Maria arrive for dinner at Carla (and Tony?)'s flat. ApparentlyTony is flying to Beijing in the middle of the night so will be leavingthe party early. Maria told Liam that he could have a drink - she didnot fancy him drooling whilst the others had a drink. After dinnerMaria decides to depart early and leaves Liam drinking with the othertwo. Tony said he would drop Liam off when his taxi came from theflight.

Vernon is still undertaking the hard sell to get Liz to join him on thecruise. For some reason Liz is struggling with seeing how nice it willbe to be with her husband on board a boat for days on end (thinks - I amgoing on a cruise soon with my wife, I wonder if we will enjoyourselves).

Tyrone and Moll doll discuss Paul - Tyrone wants him out of the house(nothing new there then). Ty asks what Jack and Vera ever did todeserve and a son and grandson like they actually got!

Tony's car has not turned up and the replacement is going to be late.Liam has had far too much to drink. Anyway Tony cannot give Liam a lifthome now - it is too late, Liam says he will phone StreetCars. Tony andCarla kiss farewell.

Becky and Jason arrive through the front door at "his" place (well Ithought it was Eileen's too) and is almost pulling his clothes off andthen in a well timed piece of quick thinking she realises that they havedone this before and taken it all far too quickly. And then he vanishedto Milan and she is not going to get caught looking like a plank again.He tells her things are different this time. She is not so sure andasks if they can take it more slowly - she wants to think about it. Shekisses him and senses his disappointment. Anyway Jason can see thebright side - more beers for him - but she takes two of the four kisseshim and backs out through the front door.

Jason is obviously confused and puts his two beers down. You can hearhim thinking (almost) about women and the confusing signs they send andhow it hurts his brain when there is a tap at the front door. He opensit - to find that Becky is there. She comes in and says she has thoughtabout and she wants his clothes off - now! They devour each other'sfaces but the rest of the night's events between the two are thankfullya secret.

Molly and Ty return home to find Jack consoling himself with a whisky.He tells them about Paul and the police and sends them to bed - he justwants to think to himself. He has admitted everything and will go downfor a while. Jack had hoped that whatever he had done wrong with Terryhe would not repeat with Paul - but now he has lost Vera and his hopefor the future. In the end Ty and Molly are equally depressed and sitdown with Jack to share the whisky.

Elsewhere Dan and Leanne are discussing the events. It is their wordagainst Paul's. They were not present when the fire happened and have agood story to tell of not being involved. They just have to back upeach other and Paul will take the rap.

Lloyd arrives to collect Liam - but Carla tells Lloyd that the fare iscrashed out on the sofa and cannot be disturbed. Tony has reached theairport and is about to board the plane. Lloyd is not happy - but Carlapromises to pay him tomorrow so that the journey is not entirely wasted.Lloyd departs. Liam surfaces briefly from his drunken stupor but almostimmediately returns to his sleeping state. Carla takes a look and thenthrows a cover over him to keep warm and retires to bed herself. Shesmiles as she departs as she realises just how much trouble this willcause between Liam and Maria in the morning.

And that is all for this week.
K Richard W

Liam wakes up with a start. The dregs of last night's wine bottles are still on the table. He's not quite sure where he is for the first moments. When he realizes, he lurches up off the couch where he'd passed out the night before, slips on his jacket and, looking over his shoulder towards the bedroom, gets out the door just as Carla comes out looking a bit the worse for wear. But the thought of what awaits Liam when he gets home cheers her up.

Over on Coronation Street, Becky is doing the walk of shame, sneaking out the front door of Number 11 where she and Jason have spent the night. Jason follows her out the door in his kecks to her delight and the curious eyes of Jerry across the road. Becky sucks out Jason's tonsils and they promise to see each other later. A non-Streetcars taxi comes around the corner and Liam hops out and lets himself in. Jerry must have seen this too because he seems to have got locked out of the house and Kayleigh isn't budging to let him in. Jerry's in his kecks as well but the baggy boxer shorts don't look nearly as good on Jerry as boxer briefs do on Jason!

Inside number 7, Ozzy is awake (and isn't he getting big!) Liam is trying to be quiet but Maria is awake, dressed and comes out of the kitchen in classic "You're dead meat, mate" mode with arms crossed and lungs raring to go. And boy, does she give him both barrels. He hasn't got a lot to say for himself because he really can't remember much. He tries to hug her with a sheepish "Mariaaaa" but she's not having any of it. She tells him to sleep it off and she'll tell Carla she's on her own as well since it was her fault he got into that state. She doesn't seem to have read any more in to it than getting dead drunk at this point. She stalks out and Ozzy lifts his head up and very cleverly woofs a good bye. She strides across the cobbles to the factory where Carla is just arriving. Hmm. Maybe she does figure they got up to no good but Carla quickly reveals that Liam did indeed pass out on the couch. Whether Maria believes her or not is yet to be discovered.

Paul has bumped into Claire on the way into the Kabin as she's coming out. Molly brings Tyrone a cuppa. Tyrone complains about Jack being up all night because of Paul and his shenanigans, and then has a good old vent about Paul who, of course, overhears as he's come back out of the Kabin. "I'm not listenin', not that I need to anyway" he snips.

In the salon, Audrey tells Maria she is meeting Ted for lunch but has no idea how long it will take after she tells Ted what she's got to tell him. Marcus comes in wondering if he can get a quick trim. Audrey volunteers Maria's services even though there's one lady in the chair and another one booked in and Audrey's out the door. "Pink pound, ladeh, don't look a gift horse in the mouth" she murmurs to Maria. I guess the pink pounds are more lucrative in the long run than the blue rinse pounds. Marcus wonders if the baby has been keeping her up. She says no, baby's been quiet for a few days, but her other baby rolled in with the milkman. Lucky milkman, Marcus chuckles. She huffs that she's not even speaking to Liam and the moment and yes, he does know thankyouverymuch.

Audrey zips out of the Kabin with Rita in hot pursuit because she's left her wallet inside. Rita reckons that Ted will be as nervous as Audrey but it will be all right. Audrey isn't too sure. Gail comes out and asks if they can leave at quarter past. Audrey is horrified to realize she forgot that she had offered to take Gail to the hospital to get the cast off. (Um, could they not have done that at the health center down the road?) Audrey rushes off full of apologies but that isn't doing Gail any good.

In the cafe, Roy's been giving Becky the cold shoulder because she stayed out all night. He deduced this from the fact that she's wearing the same clothes she wore yesterday and she didn't even call to tell him she wasn't coming back. He said he was allowed to worry and she realized he was right and apologizes sincerely. Paul comes in and joins Jack whom he figures has been avoiding him. He has been. He's been wanting to throttle his grandson. Paul sighs and leaves the newspaper with Jack and leaves again.

In the betting shop, Leanne is busy with customers. Harry tries to get out of Dan the reason why Leanne seems so jumpy. Lloyd and Blanche both arrived and not a moment too soon as the lovely DS Campbell (he investigated Charlie Stubbs' murder) and his cohort have arrived, looking for Leanne and Dan. They play it cool though Harry wishes the cops had picked a less busy day. Blanche is enjoying the spectacle but Lloyd has missed out on placing a bet (and after Lloyd got into so much trouble with Dan when Dan first arrived, I'm surprised they even let him in!) Leanne and Dan are invited to remove themselves to the interview room at the station.

Maria admits to Marcus (who looks very fetching in a bright pink towel clipped around his neck) that she's paranoid and jealous of Carla and Liam. Marcus had nearly had her settled down when Claire arrives to book an appointment. Maria asks was she working last night and did Liam call for a cab. Claire admits he did and then when Lloyd went to pick him up, Lady Muck sent him away again. That's not good for Maria. Marcus had already just established that Maria isn't actually in the last few weeks of her pregnancy which is when some babies to quiet down. Now he looks worried as she starts to rant. After the break, his neck is looking newly shaven and he's handing her a cuppa. (I don't think I'd have let her near my neck with sharp instruments in the mood she was in!) He reckons that there could be an innocent explanation but Maria is speculating her little face off. She doesn't want to go home yet because she'd lose her temper and she doesn't want to do that. He advises her to cancel the rest of the appointments and rest. He starts to urge her to go get a check up, harkening back to the no-movement of the baby. She's going to stay put for now but promises to go get checked if she gets worried.

Back in the cafe, Becky is making cow eyes over the idea of the little baby bats and their new homes thanks to Tony's charity donations. Roy then gets the entirely wrong end of the stick and thinks Becky has copped off with Tony. No way, she proclaims, not with that slime ball. She says the fella was really nice, made mistakes but is a good man. He correctly guesses that it's Jason but he's still barred!

In the kebab shop, Kirk is perusing the newspaper for jobs, Jerry is serving up, Marcus is still looking worried and Gail comes in to show of her cast-free wrist. One down, one to go. Jerry passes Marcus' order across the counter but he's left and gone back to the salon to nag Maria again. He asks Maria to humour him and come to the hospital for a scan. She finally agrees to go but isn't going to tell Liam because she doesn't want him down at the hospital stinking of booze.

Becky's defending Jason. Not Tony Gordon's henchman, as Roy terms him, but a pawn. Roy explains that he isn't keen on her seeing Jason because he's used her in the past and he's still legally married.

Down at the hospital, Maria is still nattering on about Liam. (Remember, folks, she's not felt the baby move for a few days now, that's before Liam spent the night at Carla's). Maria is taken in straight away. Must be because she's got an "in" because you just know if she'd walked in off the street, she'd have had a long wait like everyone else!

Dan and Leanne have arrived back home. Dan assures her it's their word against Paul's. Leanne says she'll keep her cool but right now, she needs a drink. He follows her.

The midwife checks and scans and asks Maria if she's been feeling ok. She doesn't seem to be hearing what she wants to as she's moving a fetal heart monitor across Maria's tummy and with a meaningful glance back at Marcus, tells Maria it seems like the baby is playing hide and seek. They are going to do a scan and the immediacy of it and the apparent urgency have finally reached through Maria's curls to her brain and she's getting scared now, too.

In the pub, Roger is messing around on the fruit machine with Jerry, Steve and Lloyd taking the mick. Jason arrives for a pint. Lloyd teases and says that Tony (I think, or else he was teasing that Jason...) had to go home for his "dinner dinner dinner dinner Bat Man!!!" Leanne and Dan come in looking sober. Leanne's phone is ringing so she goes back outside to take the call. Dan is cool and says they were released on bail (excuse me. I didn't hear anyone actually get arrested. They only wanted to question them. You know, "help us with our inquiries" - that sort of thing. How do you get out on bail from an interview?) Lloyd spreads the word about the "arrest" to Roger. Dan admits to Harry that although he knew something might have happened, he had absolutely no hand in it and no, Leanne didn't strike the match either. Promise.

Leanne comes back in the pub and she's spitting feathers. She hisses at Paul that the call was from the insurance company who, having found out about his confession, are not paying out to either of them and have canceled the cheques. And all because she wouldn't sleep with him! She and Paul snipe at each other and she does come out of it looking like she's on the higher road. Jack has more reason again to be disappointed with Paul now he's not going to see a penny of the money Paul was going to repay him.

At the hospital, Maria's getting ready for the scan. Marcus is there but another technician is doing the work. They both watch the screen and they don't look happy. Maria panics and doesn't want to hear. Marcus is nearly in tears himself and tells her that the baby has died. She's freaking out, poor kid, unwilling to believe it.

And stay tuned for the fallout.
Tvor

Maria and Marcus are sitting in the hospital, quietly. Marcus suggests that Maria should try calling Liam again. There is no answer because Liam is in the shower, blissfully unaware of the death of his unborn baby.

Lloyd and Claire are in StreetCars. Lloyd is giving Claire a hard time for having spilled the beans to Maria about Carla sending the taxi away last night. He babbles about client confidentiality and asks Claire if her Ashley comes home and tells him which of her neighbours are having chops for tea. Apparently, sometimes he does. Claire is unrepentant when Lloyd tells her that it's none of her business if one of their clients cancels a cab. Claire tells him straight, "If Liam cancels a cab to spend all night with another woman, I'll tell you whose business it is. It's his pregnant wife's!" She's turning into a right busybody, our Claire!

Maria is still at the hospital with Marcus. She is told she has to go home tonight and tomorrow she has to come back to deliver her baby. Maria is horrified at the thought that she has to go home with the dead baby inside her. Marcus tells her she needs to go home and "get her head around it" all.

In the street, Liam is coming out of his front door where he is spied and heckled at for being late by Janice, Kelly and Fizz. Kelly goes off to the shops to buy "a pair of red patent, five-inch heels, guaranteed scoring shoes" while Janice tells Fizz she see her in the pub later. Lloyd sees Liam and tells him that Claire has grassed him up. He makes it clear to Liam that Carla turned Lloyd away when he came to pick him up the night before.

In Underworld, Liam confronts Carla about turning the cab away and accuses her of merely wanting to cause trouble between him and Maria. Liam tells her she's still jealous. "Hey! Don't flatter yourself!" shouts Carla in response.

Outside the Kabin, Norris is sweeping the street and watching the various goings on. Rita comes outside to tell him off. Norris shushes her as he sees Liam stomp down to the Salon to find Maria and Janice thump on Molly & Tyrone's door, shouting for Paul. Rita hauls him inside. Roger comes to calm Janice down but Janice is furious with Paul. Paul comes to the door and tells Janice not to worry, Leanne won't be needing the insurance money where she's going. "Prison!?!" exclaims Janice, "because she didn't fancy a little runt like you?" Paul tells Janice that it was all Leanne's plan to burn down the restaurant and that she should enjoy her time out on bail because she won't be free for very long. Janice loses it. She didn't know about the bail.

Liam is outside the salon, looking for his mobile phone.

In a posh bar across town a dandy older gentleman approaches Audrey and says, "Either you are the younger sister of Audrey Potter or I was involved with a minor!" and the flattery doesn't stop there, "Have you got a picture in the attic? or have you had an Extreme Makeover?" Audrey is suitably flattered and greets her old friend, Ted Page, telling him she's a Grandmother of a certain age now. Ted tells Audrey he only has a hour to catch up on the last fifty years so they have to skip the dull years. He tells Audrey that his partner died this year. Audrey is sorry for him and tells him he left something behind from the last time they saw each other. When he asks if it was something important, Audrey replies, "Well, she is to me...."

In the Rovers, Lloyd is at the bar while Liz pulls a pint. Liam comes in looking for a coffee. Lloyd insists on order him one of his make or break hangover specials and sends him to sit down while he gives Liz the secret recipe. Janice comes in to talk to Roger and tells him she still hasn't found Leanne. Roger is sure Leanne wouldn't burn the restaurant down- it was her dream. You can tell Janice is not so sure.

Out in the street, Marcus and Maria get out of a cab. Maria tells him how she thought she was going to have a girl and was afraid to disappoint Liam. Marcus tells her that she could never disappoint Liam. He offers to come in with her but Maria refuses, telling him that Liam will be home asleep. He leaves her and tells her to call him if she needs any information or has any questions.

Back with Audrey and Ted, Ted is a little annoyed that Audrey never told her about his daughter and that Audrey sprang it on him the way she did. He asks about Gail. Audrey tells him Gail is headstrong with terrible taste in men, both of which Gail gets from her. Ted asks Audrey why he should feel like Audrey just took something off him and asks when he can see Gail. Audrey tells him not to rush and tells him further that he's a grandfather and a great-grandfather. Ted is brought to tears at the thought of all the lives he's missed out on. Audrey asks him where his army-sized hanky is when he needs it. He drags it out of his pocket.

Maria is alone at home. She looks at Liam's phone. She sees five recent calls from Carla and bursts into tears.

After the break, Maria is still at home alone. She calls the factory to speak to Liam only to be shouted at by Carla who is on the defensive, thinking Maria has called up to confront her about keeping Liam at her house all night. Maria can't get a word in. She eventually just hangs up.

Audrey returns to the street after her date with Ted and is accosted by Rita who wants to know how things went. Audrey tells her how it was and that Ted's wife, "Oh no, not his wife. I don't know that they were married, partner..." Rita remarks that it's very modern of him to refer to his wife as such. Audrey says how it seems wrong to refer to someone as your girlfriend at their age. Norris comes out, nose firmly out of joint at being excluded from the gossip and tells Rita, "You could have just sent me on an errand, Rita, if you'd wanted to exclude me..... The next time you want an exclusive conversation, there's no need to sneak out here.... Just tell me to go and stand in the back with headphones on, like Mr & Mrs!" While Rita thinks what a good idea that would be, Audrey sees Claire standing outside the locked Salon and comes to let her in and make a cup of tea.

Kelly clips clops around the corner as Claire and Audrey go inside the Salon and as Maria comes out of her front door. Maria asks Kelly if she's seen Liam. Kelly tells her that he was in work about an hour ago and is keen to show off her new killer heels. Maria runs off before she can show them off.

Maria marches into Underworld where she shouts, "You said he wasn't here!" at Carla. Carla, still on the defensive, won't listen to Maria's pleas that she needs to find Liam and tries to excuse her actions from the night before. When Maria has a bit of a pregnancy pain, Carla gets really nasty with her and tells Maria that if her marriage isn't as perfect as she thought it would be after getting Liam to marry her because she got pregnant, then maybe karma is catching up with her. Maria leaves the factory, telling Fizz on the way out, "I can't find Liam!" leaving before she hears Janice say, "He's in the pub!"

In the bar, Liam asks Lloyd why he left him at Carla's and tells him he should have been home with Maria. He tells Lloyd that he wants to be reliable for Maria and the baby and that they both need to know that. He tells Lloyd that when he was a kid, even when his parents were arguing and and Paul was driving his Dad round the bed, he always knew that his Dad would be there and that's what he wants for his wife and child. Lloyd tells Liam that he just crossed the line of soppiness that Lloyd has had to drag Steve back from when they've been drinking.

In the Salon, Claire is annoyed that she can't get her hair done. She asks Audrey to rebook her for tomorrow morning. Audrey can't think where Maria has gone to. Rita pops in for a bit more of Ted Page gossip. Audrey tells her about telling Ted about Gail and all the kids. She tells Rita how he cried. She also says how it was lovely to see him and that he had a twinkle she never saw in him before. Rita wonders if it's the same glint that Audrey gets!

Becky comes running out of the cafe with Roy shouting behind her. Janice leaves at the same time and sees Dan and Leanne talking across the street. Janice asks if it's true about Leanne setting the fire. She accuses Leanne of lying when Leanne denies it. "Oh so what if I did?" Leanne gives in, "what are you gonna do, eh? Call the police? I've already lost the money, who cares what happens now?" and she stomps off. Becky has gone to deliver bacon sandwiches to Jason, the barred customer. Roy comes after her and drags her back.

In the pub, Maria finds Liam with Lloyd. She wants to talk but Liam won't let her speak. He promises Maria that he's going to be the best Dad that her kid could ever wish for. He swears on his life that neither she nor their child will ever doubt what is most important to him. Maria leaves and Liam rushes out after her. At their front door, Claire is there waiting to apologise to Maria for causing any upset. Liam and Maria go inside. Liam still won't let Maria say anything and swears on his life and on his baby's life that nothing went on between him and Carla. He tells her that all he wants in life is to be a good dad and a good husband. Maria starts to cry and Liam gives her a cuddle, still with no clue that their baby has died. He wants to make Maria feel better and tries to talk to the baby. Maria cries and apologises but she still doesn't tell him what's wrong. Liam sits her down and makes her agree to forget that last night and today never happened. He goes into the kitchen to make her a hot chocolate with squirty cream while Maria sits in the living room holding her tummy and crying.

Liam discovers that Maria has slept the night on the sofa, and shouts at her, assuming it’s because she thinks he slept with Carla. She tries to tell him the real reason, but he keeps interrupting until in the end she runs from the room, weeping.

Janice is furious with Leanne, over the fire at the restaurant. She points out how someone could have died in there. Leanne tells her that it was Paul who took the risk, not her. Janice reminds her that it was she who made him do it, she who could go to prison. She adds that there are times when she thinks there’s something wrong with Leanne, she seems to get off on doing dodgy things, first being on the game, and now this. Janice is disgusted with her, especially because she lied to her, she stuck up for Leanne, but not any more.

Maria comes downstairs with an overnight bag, and calls out for Liam, but he doesn’t appear to be at home. She picks up her phone and dials a number.

Over at the Duckworth’s, Paul is getting ready to go off to the police station. Tyrone is very sanctimonious and Molly tells him to lay off, it was a one-off. “How do we know?” asks Tyrone, adding that for all they know Paul could be a pyromaniac. Jack offers to go with him, but Paul says this is his mess, he’ll sort it out himself.

Outside in the Street, Steve sees Maria getting into a taxi, and it isn’t a Streetcars cab. He cracks a joke, but Maria doesn’t answer him. She then tells the driver to take her to Weatherfield General.

Audrey arrives at the shop to find that Maria hasn’t turned up for the second day in a row. She thinks she must be poorly.

Liam arrives at the factory and Carla notices that all is not well. “Down to Little Miss Tanty is it?” she says, sarcastically. Liam comments that Maria is very upset. “Ah diddums!” snipes Carla, and says that Maria needs to grow up. Liam says that if Carla had woken him up none of this would have happened. Carla says that Maria is clingier than a shower curtain, she’ll have him electronically tagged next.

Leanne arrives at Dan’s flat with a suitcase, he tells her to put his case in his room, but Harry isn’t too pleased and says it’s for one night only. (Funny, I thought it was actually Dan’s flat and Harry was being allowed to stay there out of the goodness of his son’s heart!)

Marcus meets Liam on the corner outside the shop, and asks how he’s doing. Liam, of course not knowing what Marcus is referring to, says he’s ok but thinks Maria is totally over reacting. Marcus looks shocked as Liam goes on to say it’s not the end of the world, no one died! Realising that Liam doesn’t know about the baby, Marcus says very little.

At the hospital, the nurse asks Maria if she’s got anyone to support her, but Maria says no, she’s on her own and it’s fine.

Liam is talking to Steve about Maria’s ‘over-reaction’. Steve says that maybe a couple of days apart will be good for them. Liam says that him staying away from home again would NOT be good for them, and tells him not to go into marriage guidance. Steve explains that he was meaning Maria, he saw her getting into a cab that wasn’t even one of his. Liam turns to Audrey who has just come in with Rita and asks if she’s seen Maria. Audrey says she hasn’t and she’s not best pleased, seeing as there’s been no phone call or any explanation. “Where is she, anyway?” she asks. “I have no idea,” says Liam, and tries to phone her, but she’s not answering.

Marcus arrives at the hospital to be with Maria. He tells her he saw Liam, assures her that he didn’t say anything, but asks why she hasn’t told him. Maria just replies curtly that she doesn’t want to talk about it.

Liam arrives home and tries again to ring Maria. In the hospital, Maria’s phone rings and, after some persuasion from Marcus, she answers it. She just tells him she’s fine, she can’t talk now and she’ll see him tomorrow. Just then the nurse comes to get her, so she hangs up and goes along with the nurse.

Once in bed, the nurse settles her and tells her things will start quite quickly. Marcus pleads with her to ring Liam and tell him, saying he doesn’t want her to regret it later, but Maria won’t listen and just asks for a drink of water.

Over at the Duckworth’s, Paul arrives back and tells them all that he’ll probably be moving out quite soon, he’s been charged and has to go to court. His solicitor thinks he’ll probably go down for it. Molly wants to know what’s happening to Leanne and Dan, are they going to go to court too? Paul doesn’t know, but thinks they’re bound to be, they’re as guilty as he is.

In Dan’s flat, Leanne is flapping, and wondering if she should go and talk to Paul and find out what’s happening. Dan puts her off and tells her to sit tight. Harry wonders out loud what prison food is like these days, and says if they go down they’ve got no one to blame but themselves.

Paul is in the kitchen with Jack, who offer to pay for a solicitor with some ‘get up and go’. Paul says he already owes him too much, and will have to take what he’s got coming, telling his granddad that Leanne used him, made him think they had a future together. Jack says he’s not the first and he won’t be the last to have some woman make a fool of them. Paul says that at least he hasn’t let her get away with it.

At the hospital, Maria is giving birth to her dead baby with Marcus at her side. In the Rovers, Liam is propping up the bar and talking to Steve.

Audrey is sitting with Rita, and the conversation is about Ted and how he compares with Bill. Audrey says that she and Bill are comfortable together. She asks Rita if she’d like to meet someone, and Rita confesses that sometimes it would be nice to have someone. Just then Gail comes into the pub and joins them.

Carla is the next one to come in, and she goes straight up to Liam, teasing him about Maria apparently punishing him. He tells her that Maria has left him, and won’t say where she is. Carla tells him that she’s just making him suffer and will be home by tea time.

Maria finally falls back on her pillow, gasping, as the nurse hands her the baby, wrapped in a blanket. Maria breaks down as she gazes at his tiny, perfect hands.

Anne Logan.

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Updates written by K Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan, Margaret Carr, Stella McLoughlin, Tvor, Erica Houston.

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