Auntie Pam's in hospital. Molly reassures her that she's still welcome at their house, despite blowing up the "facilities" in the yard.

Liz tells Lloyd she hopes no-one will ask where she's been. Lloyd wonders whether they should just come clean and tell everyone they've got together, but neither of them wants to face Steve! They agree to wait for the right moment. Hah!

Jack's inspecting the damage. Tyrone thinks the pigeons will probably come back - their loft was damaged, too. Jack has a wee rant about Pam's stupidity. Molly arrives and Jack goes inside. She demands to know whether Tyrone was in on it. He's adamant that he wasn't involved, but Molly's assumed that because the oil was to run cars and Tyrone's a car mechanic he must have known. She demands an apology but Tyrone insists he's got nothing to apologise for!

Ken and Deirdre discuss whether or not Peter's forgotten he's supposed to drop off Simon before opening the bookies'. Deirdre rings and Simon answers. She asks to speak to Peter and she does. What she doesn't know is that Peter's sound asleep on the sofa in front of what's left of a bottle of Scotch and Simon has to wake him to give him the phone. Peter lies and says he was in the shower and they're just running a bit later, making Deirdre feel guilty for delaying him even more.

Betty tells Michelle it'll be lovely for her to see her mum and dad. Michelle isn't sure that Steve's very keen on a trip to Ireland but Betty says he's just like all men and never wants to go anywhere. They're interrupted by Liz coming in. Michelle says she thought Liz was still in bed. Liz says she went out for a bit of a walk around to get some fresh air. As soon as she leaves the room, Michelle and Betty agree she was lying.

Molly's on the phone talking to Pam about when she'll collect her from the hospital. Tyrone's been outside cleaning up the mess. He says pointedly that whoever caused the explosion should pay to put right the damage. "You, you mean?" asks Molly. No. Tyrone's talking about "that daft bat your auntie." Molly takes exception to this and Tyrone ends up stomping out of the room. "Me and our Vera always used to start the New Year with a good row. Get it out of the way," says Jack. Molly shouts after Tyrone's back that they've got nothing out of the way.

Tara's in the shop complaining that the flat is freezing. The central heating is working at all. He asks if he can pop up and fix it. Tara stays to talk to Amber, who tells her about Darryl almost blowing himself up. Tara still plans to go to Edinburgh. Amber's just asking why when Dev comes back, mission accomplished.

Steve's in Lloyd's flat. He reckons Lloyd had a woman in the flat last night. When he suggests he should check "the boudoir," Lloyd stops him. Steve wants to know who she is but Lloyd won't tell. "Poppy," guesses Steve. Lloyd says he can start going through all the names he can think of and he'll get the right one about early June. "Ooooooh!" says Steve, "Eileen!" Lloyd says he'll happily deny that one.

Amber's in the kebab shop talking to Darryl. She asks him to go into the shop flat and sabotage the taps so they're dripping. Amber only ever talks to Dev when she needs help, so Amber's trying to bring them together.

Peter brings Simon around to Ken and Deirdre. Ken plans to take Simon down to feed the ducks. They joke about the ducks being as big as turkeys now. The little actor who plays Simon is a real gem and totally shows up how wooden Amy is when we occasionally see her.

Darryl comes belting down the stairs of the shop flat. He's got a tap in his hand. "I can't get it back on. Amber, there's water all over the place!" Oops.

Amber and Darryl rush into the kebab shop and ask Tina whether her father could fix the tap. She agrees to ask him and she and Amber head for Gail's to ask him. On the way, they're accosted by Gary Windass. Tina tries to ignore him, which is difficult when he's calling "Tinaaaaaah! Tinaaaaah!" repeatedly. David, who hears this, asks Tina what Gary wants. "To wind you up," she says.

In Gail's, the girls are trying to explain to Joe what's gone wrong, but they're interrupted by a jealous David, who wants to know how long Gary has been following Tina and whether she's been talking to him. He's sure Tina must have been encouraging him. "You don't encourage a wild dog. It'll bark whether you want it to or not."

In the Rovers, Tyrone and Jason are explaining the explosion to Becky, who seems a bit puzzled about why using an angle grinder near the oil would cause an explosion. Lloyd and Liz have a little flirt at the bar before Liz serves Peter with just a packet of plain crisps. Michelle comes in, full of the trials of trying to book fares to Ireland on the internet. The trip is disturbing news to Becky.

In the street, as Tina and Amber wait outside the flat, Gary Windass is still calling Tina's name. Well, football-chanting it, really. Joe comes down and breaks the news that the water's off but they'll need a plumber to fix the tap because it's been so badly damaged. He asks Tina if she wants him to have a work with Gary, but she doesn't.

In the pub, Peter leaves as Deirdre arrives. She wants to know where Liz went to last night. "I was with a friend," Liz says coyly. She tells Deirdre it's a bit soon to tell her any more. Tyrone tells Jason he's never made a New Year resolution before, but he's going home to put this year's into practice. Becky refuses Jason's offer of a meal. She sees Steve and wants to know why he didn't tell her about the trip to Ireland. "Well, it's not forever," says Steve. Becky's tone changes. "Well, what is forever, then, eh, Stevie? Standing round waiting for a chance just to even talk to you? Cause that's what's starting to feel like forever to me!" Steve assures her it's not, but she tells him to wait and see what happens in Ireland first.

Tyrone goes home and asks Molly where Jack is. Jack's out, so Tyrone tells Molly he's got something to say. She hopes he doesn't plan to deny he had anything to do with the explosion again, because she's heard it before and still doesn't believe him. Tyrone says Pam's her auntie, not his. "So I'm fed up with being blamed for everything she's done." He says it's all gone wrong since Pam turned up. He doesn't want her in the house again. And if she does, Molly can deal with her. And if Pam blows anything else up, Molly can clear up the mess. The phone goes. It's Auntie Pam.

Dev's at home when Tara turns up. He's pleased until she starts laying into him for thinking she's stupid. She blames him for the damage to the taps. She's going to leave now, today. She thinks he's been plotting to make things go wrong so she has to ask him for help. she's not going to fall at his feet. She's not grateful and she's not stupid, she tells him. Dev stutters that he hasn't been anywhere near the place.

Molly hangs up from speaking to Pam. She demands to know whether Tyrone's declaration about Pam was the big thing he wanted to talk to her about. It wasn't. "Will you marry me?" asks Tyrone. Molly looks a bit shocked. He says he still loves her and she loves him and he doesn't even know how they got into the mess with Auntie Pam in the first place, "but can't we just forget about it? Let's just get married and love one another and forget about anyone else." Awwwww... However, this Mills and Boon moment is ruined by the door opening and a red apparition rushing in, saying it's glad they're in because it's too cold for standing about outside. "I'll just nip up and use your loo, and then I'll tell you all about what I'm doing here!" Forget about Molly's auntie. Now they've got Tyrone's mum to worry about!

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

We always used to open these updates with a few brief personal notes, so may I take this opportunity to welcome in 2009 and wish you all a happy new year. Assuming I am still here in November I shall have been writing updates for 10 years - anyone else fancy a turn? As I write Sandy Denny is playing in the background and I am munching my way through a few Christmas chocolates.

Well Jackie Dobbs is back and no mistake - hair an amazing red colour and it is impossible to describe the colour of her tan without appearing racist. A warm welcome from Molly and Tyrone is not the description I expected to write and I am right! As she says herself she can hardly expect to be welcomed with open arms. Molly reminds her of the grand but Jackie ignores her and says she is wearing a nice perfume. Tyrone wants her to go - but the playacting starts as she grabs her breast sinking into a chair. Apparently her implant exploded on the plane and it is more painful than childbirth. Molly sneers but is again ignored by Jackie who asks for some tea! Apparently the implant was done in Croatia by a bloke Jackie had met through Facebook - she is booked into a place near Hebden Bridge for some corrective surgery and Ty (the Dot Cotton of the Street) falls for the story and says she can stay for a few days - apparently Jackie can afford it because she did some "smuggling" for a bloke in Spain, allowing Molly to observe that she always did look a bit like a mule!

Dev is chasing down the Street after Tara denying removing the tap. He reckons she is still hacked off about that "mum thing". Tara cannot believe her ears and shouts "THAT MUM THING". Dev reminds her that it was over before he met Tara and he loves her. He grabs her and kisses her and in the Bollywood musicals the dance and wedding would follow, but this was not to be. She tells him to have some dignity. He responds by telling her that if he made an aftershave it would be called "Dignity by Dev Alahan". Not on Tara - the dirty tricks campaign is not working - she is leaving.

In the Rovers Steve catches Liz and Lloyd whispering and he wants to know if his mum has yet found out the identity of Lloyd's girlfriend - after all Lloyd has been claiming the best night of his life - which rather seems to impress Liz. Liz reckons the girl might be attractive and sophisticated - but Steve reckons on either a grandmother or a minger would be the only ones who would see Lloyd!

Although Dreary does not see it when returning Simon the viewers know that Peter is still drinking copious amounts. When Leanne arrives she tries to give him a kiss - but he avoids it claiming bad breath so she does not smell the alcohol.

Molly Ty and Jackie go to the Rovers for a drink - surprise, surprise Jackie has forgotten her purse and Ty pays - leading to a Molly eye rolling! Molly reminds Ty that she has not answered his proposal, Ty is pleased - he cannot face any more disappointment today. Anyway the conversation chunters on - although Molly sees no need to be polite and it is only the entrance of the Weatherfield One and her mother to end the conversation as Jackie renews an old friendship telling Deirdre that she has not changed a bit. Dreary cannot return the compliment - but Jackie says that she had an argument with a candy floss salesman and says "Hiya love" to Blanche - who responds with a "Don't "love" me". Anyway they settle down and Jackie tells Deirdre that she feels like an eagle flying in the sky with faith beneath her wings, she feels amazing. Dreary observes how different she looks and Jackie points out that she is not like Dreary - she takes a pride in her appearance - Blanche observes that Jackie is looking like Dracula's daughter, but Jackie says that if she wants to hear from Blanche she will either send her a text of a brick through her window. Ty gets upset and goes home.

At the Corner Shop Amber and Darryl have realised that their plans are not working when Dev comes in to complain about the fair sex - his days start well and then it goes wrong. He tells them about the games women play - Tara is apparently checking out of his life and into a hotel or a motel or something and goes into the back. Amber realises that she is the cause and heads off to see Tara to confess, but the latter is not impressed. Amber says that Dev loves her and asks that Tara does not tell Dev about Amber and Darryl changing the taps.

Tina opens the door - Gary would like to take her for a drink. She tells him to leave her alone. Inside David wants to know who it was - and does not accept the answer no-one. Gary tells Tina that she really wants him and Joe goes to the door to ask what he wants - Joe then shoves Gary on the ground, tells Tina to go inside as he wants a private work with Gary. Once alone he tells Gary he is not violent - but he is getting very angry and he grips Gary's windpipe hard - and warns him that if he keeps messing with his family then he will be a dead kid. Gary tries to claim that Tina is hot for him, but Joe thinks not, grabs his face, pushes him against the wall and asks the boy to confirm that they are friends. Gary nods and Joe's smile returns and Gary is released.

With Simon getting ready for bed Leanne tries for another snog from Peter - but this time she pulls away sharply and points out that he reeks of alcohol - what happened to the wagon. Apparently Peter was only on it over Christmas - which is odd because other people seemed to have the impression that it was permanent - Leanne included. Hmmm. Anyway Leanne thinks she should tell Peter that he has a problem with drink. Anyway Peter has the answer - apparently she if projecting - she is getting off her face regularly but ignores that and calls him an alcoholic - it is well known in counseling circles apparently. He says that he has to watch her getting trollied every weekend. Leanne says that if he will not listen then she was going.

In the Rovers Jason buys Becky a pint. Steve accepts he is being told off - but Becky is not so sure, reckoning that she will be drawing her pension before he leaves Michelle and that there are many men like him who are simply cowards.

At the Dobbs residence Jackie reveals that she might as well stay until the wedding and looking at Pam suggests that they are both matrons of honour. Pam and Jackie exchange insults before the latter goes for a ciggie.

Inside Molly admits to being a moody cow, but Tyrone does not want to discuss it and starts looking for the tv remote control. Molly stops him - saying that it is important. He has the remote and instead of turning it down he turns it up - whilst she is shouting that the answer is yes, I said YES, until the frustration kicks in and she turns the set off - the answer is YES. I will marry you. Ty reckons she is joking. No she says and throws herself at him and they start kissing - another room needed urgently.

Tara finds Dev and tells him not to speak - she knows he was not to blame for the taps and she was a bit rash earlier and has decided not to leave. She moves closer and asks Dev to kiss her - and then tells him to stop talking and just kiss her. Yes Dev we all find it difficult to understand the fairer sex - just do what they say. Oh I can see that you are. Well excuse me if we move onto the next scene, oh and find a room (quickly).

Outside the back of the Dobbs residence Jack joins Jackie and starts trying to point out how objectionable she is. He could not care less - but Tyrone needs a mother who cares for him. Jackie claims that everyone thinks the worst of her - she is not a well woman - but if people want her out then they should say. Jack says that is what he is saying and she agrees to go - Jack is surprised it is that easy. At this point Jackie reminds Jack how ill she is - and she falls down in yard motionless. Jack prods her with a foot but nothing happens - until he returns inside and she smiles to her self as she waits to be carried safely back indoors.

Hope you enjoyed that. I will be back next week.

K Richard W

Wherein Steve makes a deduction and he's not happy about it.

Steve is trying to get out of the trip to Ireland. He grouses about the cost over and above the cheap airfare, whining about Michelle's dad and his annoying mates dragging him into pubs and has a whinge at one in particular who's always late and always has a couple of good looking birds on his arm. Oh yeah, murmurs Michelle, Father Mullen. Eh? Steve next has a go at Michelle for referring to orange juice as OJ. A row is threatening and they agree to defer it til later. Michelle suggests they go out to dinner tonight and clear the air because she's sick of all the bickering. Me and all, declares Steve, the cause of most of it.

Tyrone is in the shop watching Molly scrub shelves and has left his "ailing" mother home having a bubble bath. He's clearly bought into her story about the busted boob implant and Molly is highly skeptical of it.

Amber and Tara are giggling over their morning tea, making fun of Dev of course. He enters, picks Tara on the cheek and defends himself as master of customer enlightenment and fashion advice (having told Tina that track pants do not work when tucked into Ugg boots. I'll agree there. Neither are particularly attractive). Dev lies down and puts cucumber slices on his eyes to combat the morning puffiness. Amber leaves and Tara reveals that it was Amber's shenanigans that got them talking again. She's about to reveal the tap-gate affair.

In the cafe, Becky is looking distinctly less than impressed with Steve who's hanging over the counter with a glass of juice. He's promising her that they will be "Steve and Becky" tomorrow. He indicates the glass and asks her what's in it. Expecting "Orange juice", we are surprised to find out it's pineapple juice.

In the pub, Poppy is talking to Michelle about her plans for their Chinese meal. Liz is looking for her keys (the ones with the Dolly Parton keyring). Michelle tells Poppy that she thinks Steve is going to dump her. Liz's ears perk up but she says nothing. Poppy pumps up Michelle's ego saying she's gorgeous and Steve isn't going to ditch her. Michelle has voiced her suspicions that their relationship is wearing out. She pretends to go along with her new friend's assessment but you can still see the doubt in her eyes.

Peter approaches the betting shop, a tray of coffees in hand. He seems a bit hesitant to enter but does, and hands Leanne's coffee over. She thanks him and she's congenial. Peter wants to clear the air and admits he overreacts but he isn't an alcoholic. Good, she says but he takes that as a passive aggressive move and they start to bicker a bit but she's not being drawn into it. If he says he's not got a drink problem, then he doesn't, she declares. End of. Peter looks distinctly uncomfortable, though.

Liz has told Steve what Michelle thinks. He's trying to cover up but Liz keeps digging. He denies that he's going to dump his girlfriend but Liz won't let it go. He's hatching a plan, she accuses. She points out that the ruins of his three marriages are owned by the National Trust. He slips and says it's been brewing. She hones right it to the crux of the matter. Who's the other woman? Steve's eyes shift all over the room, everywhere but on his mother's eyes and he blusters "Do you think I could really stoop that low? Again?" She is wordless. His back is figuratively in the corner.

Down in the shop, Dev stalks in and immediately starts in on Amber, pointing out loudly that an 18 year old, an adult, should know better than to try sabotage. Ah, but, she points out, not 18 until Friday. Her smart remarks aren't doing her any favours but she does admit to it. He shouts at her when Tara comes in and Amber's not happy she was ratted out. Dev then threatens to withhold any 18th birthday pressies!

The argument has continued and off screen, Liz has uttered the name "Becky". We join them as Steve is denying anything is going on with he and Becky, but his face is twisting and gurning like rubber and his eyes practically rolling back in his head. Classic Steve stuff. But he can't deny it to his mother but gets no sympathy from her. She can't figure out how he can even contemplate a choice between the dark eyed beauty and the randy blonde. He stutters that he knows what he's doing. She vehemently points out he said that the last time, just before Tracy Barlow burst into the church with a baby! She waves her ciggie at him "I know what I'm doing!? I'm going to have that put on your tombstone!" she hollers with a good degree of disgust dripping from her lips, "Because if anyone don't know what they're doing, Steve, it's you!". She turns away and he definitely looks like he knows she's got a point.

After the break it's a little darker outside. Liz comes down into the bar. She's found her keys and has them in hand. Michelle asks for a word. She wants to know if Steve has spoken to her about their relationship and whether he's happy with her. Becky arrives just at that time and interrupts the mood. Michelle backs down and says never mind, that she and Steve are going to set it all to rights and make up in style. Liz is dubious but smiles when Lloyd arrives and they have a quiet flirt over the bar. Elsewhere, Tara is trying to make peace with Dev who's still grumbling about Amber. She realizes he thinks that now she's spent a night with him again, that she's going to stay in Weatherfield. She insists she is still moving to Edinburgh anyway.

In the shop, Molly tells Amber that she's going to the library to disprove the boob story. First, though, she wants to ask Amber a big favour. She wants Amber to be her Maid of Honour and Amber is made up!! Molly tells her the hen do is on Friday which is also Amber's birthday. Uh oh. But Amber's idea is a good one, they'll just combine Amber's birthday with Molly's hen do. That seems to be ok with the bride-to-be.

Peter and Leanne are shutting up shop. Peter invites her upstairs for a quick chat but she doesn't want to go because he'll be late picking up Simon. He soon moves in for a kiss but she knocks him back, thinking it's probably best if they just stay friends and keep things on a professional level. It's a gentle rebuff but one that stings a bit anyway.

In the pub, Steve tells Becky he'll come over to see her as soon as he and Michelle have done their meal and talked the talk. She smiles hopefully and wishes him good luck. Maybe he's really going to do it this time! Meanwhile, Steve makes an excuse to go see Lloyd. In the corner, Dev is off Amber and resentfully on to the issue at hand. Old Reekie (Edinburgh). They chat about the city claiming her but offers to trade weekend visits with her. She doesn't think long distance relationships don't work. She's done it already. Eight Times!!! Alarmed, he asks her how many relationships she's had. She fobs him off and instructs him not to be possessive. (You know, as much as she'd hate me saying this, Tara is very much like her mother in some ways). He's resentful all over again and pleads with her. "It's like killing a chicken" she spits "Once you snap it's neck it has no pluck!" (see?) Meanwhile Steve downs his drink and heads out to Lloyd's.

Where Lloyd and Liz are snogging the face off each other, giggling and murmuring. She is taken aback though, when he mentions something about Vernon having said something about her back when. *buzzzzzz* Someone's at the door! They realize it's Steve. She's more interested in finding out what Vernon may have told Lloyd about their relationship but Lloyd goes to answer the door to get rid of Steve but Steve will not be put off. Liz scoots behind the big recliner chair to hide, grabbing her handbag. Steve bursts into the room and slams his keys down on the counter, right beside Liz's but he doesn't notice. Not yet anyway. He's too busy ranting about the mess he's in. He sits down in the recliner, with his mother's blonde head just inches away.

Molly is getting ready to leave, but is giggling about the hen do with Amber and Tara. Dev arrives and the conversation halts. He looks very repentant, almost as if he might have been crying or is about to. He does apologize to Amber for harsh words and hugs her. Clearly he's grown to love the daughter he only got to know a couple of years ago.

Back to Lloyd's and Steve is blathering on. He can't break up with Michelle during the meal (Chinese) but isn't looking forward to discussing the relationship over the meal. Lloyd is pacing a but and Steve notices but he's too absorbed in his own problems. They commiserate and when Steve admits relationships are not his forte (you can say that again) and Lloyd agrees, Liz pops her head up briefly to glare daggers at her lover. Steve asks for a brandy. This is getting worse and worse for Lloyd!

In the pub, Michelle's wearing a slinky orange red satin number with very little back in it and asks Becky to fasten a necklace for her. Becky, also wearing scarlet as befitting her status, fastens the chain while Poppy compliments Michelle who tells Becky she thought earlier that Steve was going to finish with her. It's strongly implied that she doesn't think that now and Poppy reassures her. She goes back to finish getting ready. Becky pales, looking like she's overcome with a premonition that this isn't going to end well for her.

In the meantime, Steve is posturing forth about his history. "The ruins of my three marriages are owned by the National Trust!" Recognize it? So does Liz! Lloyd finishes his drink but Steve is not ready to go yet. "Oh I know what you're thinking, it must be murder having to choose between the dark haired beauty and the randy little blonde" Liz's eyebrows raise up even further. Lloyd tries again to usher Steve out and gets as far as the door, while Steve utters his mother's Tracy Barlow line as well. Liz stands up but Steve leans in to say goodbye and realizes he can smell perfume. Cheap sickly perfume. (And he didn't smell it when he was sitting inches away from his mother?). He comes back into the room, nose twitching. Lloyd is getting uncomfortable now. Steve recognizes the scent!

Tvor

Here I am, back again. Happy New Year to one and all and thanks to Martin and Diane for providing my cover when I was away. How I wish I could have seen Martin in his wig- what a Christmas treat that would have been!

Quick disclaimer- I have returned from Scotland with a new set of trashy yet fabulous acrylic fingernails and a sleek, silver new laptop which was my Christmas present from my loving husband. The new laptop has a Swiss German keyboard and I haven't typed with nails for quite some time. Please excuse any typos which may go unnoticed in my quick proof-reading. I know, I never had any proper excuses before for typos but I do now so I'm cashing in on them! So, lets get started.

At Lloyd's, Steve accuses his best mate of looking uneasy. He asks Lloyd if his 'bit of stuff' is in his bedroom. Lloyd protests that nobody is here. Steve realises that the perfume he can smell is very familiar and he knows he smells it every day. He asks Lloyd if it's Becky. Of course it's not Becky and of course it's not Michelle since they're both in the pub. Lloyd tries to shoo Steve out but Steve asks Lloyd for one more brandy. He settles down in Lloyd's armchair while Lloyd pours him a drink. He can smell the perfume again and is just about to look behind the chair, where his mother is hiding, before Lloyd saves his own skin by handing Steve his drink.

At the Platts', David is complaining that there's no work for him with Joe. Gail tries to placate him by reminding him that Joe has said there's "plenty in the pipeline". David is not fooled though and knows there's nothing much, work-wise, out there for him.

Joe is sitting outside in his van, reading the paper. Tyrone startles him by knocking on the window. Joe lies to Tyrone about waiting for a client to get back to him for a quote. Tyrone doesn't seem fooled by this.

At Lloyd's, Steve is just about ready to go. He picks up his keys from Lloyd's table and notices that they're lying next to Liz's keys. Lloyd makes some lame excuse as to why he would have Liz's keys. Steve takes them and tells Lloyd he will return them to Liz. Steve suddenly puts two and two together.....

In the Rovers, Jason comes in to the bar and asks Becky if she fancies doing something when she finishes work. Becky says she and Hales have planned a night in together.

Steve has totally rumbled Lloyd and Liz. He shouts, "Where is she?" but Lloyd still denies that Liz is at his place. But Steve knows. "She's in this room, isn't she?" he shouts, "She's hiding, possibly behind that chair!" Lloyd still tries to shoo Steve out, denying Liz's presence. Steve shouts some more, "If my mum had a pound for every chair she's hidden behind, every wardrobe, every window, every drainpipe..... Mother!" He demands that Liz come out from behind the chair, "With your hands up!" Liz duly rises with her hands up in surrender. "No, I didn't mean literally with your hands up," says Steve. Lloyd covers his face with his hands.

Joe is snoozing in his van. Tyrone startles him again by knocking on the window. He and Joe chat a little bit nonsensically.

Steve is shouting at Lloyd, "I was born between those legs!" Liz tries to calm everyone down. Lloyd asks Steve what crime he has committed, after all, Steve is sleeping with half of Weatherfield but, "as soon as I get a little bit of tail, you can't handle it." Steve tells Lloyd not to refer to his mother a "tail". "You tell 'im, Steve!" exclaims Liz. Lloyd claims that whatever Liz is, she's the best he's had in a long time and he's not giving her up, "because of a big, fat mummy's boy like you!" Liz is delighted, "Yeah, you tell 'im Lloyd!" Steve screams, "There's only one mummy's boy round 'ere and that's you! Except that's my mummy!" and wrestles Lloyd to the floor.

Becky looks very pleased with herself as she leaves the Rovers, ready to go home and wait for Steve to come and tell her that it's all over between him and Michelle. As she walks out, Jason reminds her his offer is still there if she changes her mind. Meanwhile, Ashley is talking at the bar with Tyrone. They are talking about Ty's wedding. Ashley tells Tyrone that he'll do the buffet for his wedding as a present. They acknowledge Jason at the bar and Ashley buys everyone a pint. "Three pints please love," he calls to Poppy, "and some of them cheese & onion butties if you've got any." Poppy looks as though she's wondering if she really works behind a bar that sells cheese & onion butties.

Steve comes back to the Rovers, all disheveled. He tells Michelle, who is wearing that horrible red satin dress again, that they won't be going out. "Listen to this...." his says, upset and angry.

At the Platts', Joe tells David that he's still waiting for some calls to get some work but that he's sure something will turn up. Gail suggests going out for dinner but David reminds her that neither he nor Joe are being paid at the moment. Gail says they should go to the Rovers instead then.

Back at the back room of the Rovers, Steve is ranting at Michelle about Liz and Lloyd's affair. Michelle can't see much wrong in the pairing since Lloyd is 44 and Liz is only 51. "That's got nothing to do with it," says Steve, "I just keep getting these images- arms, legs, hair.... tongues!" Michelle jokes that Lloyd would make a lovely granddad for Amy and Steve needs a stepfather. Steve is distraught that his friendship with Lloyd will be tainted when they have their banter about women with details of what Lloyd and his mother get up to. Michelle wonders what kind of details Steve share with Lloyd about her. He tries to cover up and tells her that he doesn't discuss her with Lloyd. Oh dear, now he's in trouble!

Lloyd and Liz are debriefing at Lloyd's place. Not that kind of debriefing, get your mind out of the gutter! Liz goes back to the remark Lloyd made about Vernon. Lloyd protests that he was just trying to be flirtatious and he pleads with Liz not to start bringing their relationship down already. Liz asks him what they'll do about Steve. Lloyd, matter of fact says, "You'll continue to be his mum, I'll continue to be his mate." Lloyd is not phased in the slightest. He tells Liz that he's fed up of listening to Steve whining about his love life and now Lloyd is entitled to a love life as well. Liz asks if she's his bit of tail? "Not 'alf," answers Lloyd, "come 'ere, you!" and they have a bit of a cuddle.

In the Rovers, Joe is counting his pennies to pay for a round. He is 60p short. He claims to have left his wallet at Gail's when he asks her to make up the shortfall. At the bar, he overhears Jason telling Tyrone that Bill needs a couple more labourers.

At Hayley and Roy's, Becky has told Hayley all about Steve. She pleads with Hayley not to tell anyone. Hayley tries to subtly remind Becky not to get her hopes up and that Steve McDonald is not the most reliable of men. "The problem is you see," Becky tells Hayley, "I'm in love with him." Poor Becky looks wistful and a little like she knows she'll have her heart broken.

Steve and Michelle have gone upstairs to the living room over the Rovers and is still ranting and raving about Lloyd and Liz. "And what does that say about my mother? Have you seen Lloyd's flat? Have you seen his eating habits?" He complains that Lloyd is a slob. He asks Michelle to take away the fact that he's single and his decks, what have you got? "You!" Michelle points out the obvious. Michelle reminds him that they're supposed to be talking about their own relationship tonight. "Us?" he exclaims, "Us? My mother's just been in Lloyd Mullaney's boxer shorts, there's no way I'm talking about us." Michelle tells her she has two words for him- consenting and adults. Steve has two words for her- dis and gusting. He reiterates that he doesn't discuss their relationship with his friends. She tells him that she discusses it with her friends, Maria, Carla, Becky. Steve looks uncomfortable at that. Michelle puts the radio on, UB40's Red Red Wine is playing, a classic. Nothing can cheer up Steve.

Molly returns home to her place where Jackie is watching the TV. Molly lets Jackie know that she went to the library today and knows that Jackie is lying about her medical problems; that her exploded boob is a urban myth. Jackie owns up but tells Molly that, "Anyone who goes to a library between the ages of 6 and 65 wants to look around. There is such things as gin, a ciggie, people of the opposite sex- or even the same sex if that's the way you're inclined, and all power to them too." Molly asks her mother-in-law what she's doing here. Molly tells her that she might be able to fool that big soft lump time and time again..... Jackie interrupts with, "I won't have a word said against Jack Duckworth. He's been like a grandfather to that boy of mine...." but Molly is a different proposition all together. The phone rings for Molly with what seems like unexpected news.

Tyrone approaches Joe and Gail in the Rovers and almost blows Joe's cover about where he was that day. He told Gail he was at a trade fair in Warrington. Gail reassures Joe that his work will pick up soon. Molly bursts into the Rovers, Jackie trailing behind, to tell Tyrone that she just heard that her Dad's appendix just burst and he's in hospital. Jackie goes to the bar and tells Poppy, "Double voddy when you're ready. IE. Now."

Becky is look at the clock at home. She looks forlorn. Hayley reminds her that Michelle might be upset and that Steve just can't finish with her and run off. Becky tells Hayley that Steve and Michelle are like Everybody loves Raymond. Raymond and his wife are always at each other but they love each other deep down. She knows that Raymond will never leave his wife. "Steve is Raymond and Michelle is..... I can't remember what wife's called....." Anyway, Becky knows that Steve's not coming.

Steve and Michelle are relaxing on the lounge. Michelle tells Steve that she has really enjoyed their evening together. She kisses him and asks him, "You're never going to leave me are you?.... and we're not going to split up are we?" to which Steve answers in the negative both times. Steve watches her go through to the bedroom and makes a gesture with his hand of shooting himself in the head.

Meanwhile, Becky is lying in bed, all alone and in the dark.

It was a funny, funny episode this week. I hope I've done it justice.

Stella McLoughlin

It's the morning after the night before and Steve and Michelle are woken at 8.45 am by the radio alarm playing "If I could turn back time". She says that he should have woken her but he tells her she looked so peaceful. She says she needed the sleep after last night, she thought he was going for the hat trick! Steve sits up suddenly, looks aghast, and says he's going for a shower.

Tara and Dev are in the cafe, served by a dejected looking Becky. He tries to persuade her not to go away, but she ignores that and suggests they go shopping for Amber's birthday present.

Hayley rushes into the cafe, prattling away nineteen to the dozen, she's just dropped Roy off at the model railway convention. Then she sees Becky's face and thanks her for opening up, especially after last night. Becky tells her it's just a hangover, no big deal.

Gail is seeing Joe off to work and says she'll have dinner ready when he gets back. She then notices all the old burger and crisp wrappers on the dashboard and warns him not to spoil his appetite. "I'm always ravenous when you're around," he tells her.

Just as he's about to drive away, David knocks on the van window. He wants his wages so he can take Tina to a gig next week, but Joe says he doesn't actually have any money on him right now, and asks if they can sort it out tonight. David agrees, saying he's sure something will turn up. Joe doesn't seem so sure and says that perhaps David ought to go down the job centre.

Molly's been on the phone to the hospital to find out how her dad is. Apparently he's ok but will have to stay in for a week. "So he won't be able to come to the wedding?" says Tyrone. Molly says she's going to need someone to give her away and Pam suggests Jack. Molly says she loves him to bits but really wanted it to be someone from her side of the family. Pam says that she's the only one coming and Molly smiles at her and says she knows. "Me?" gasps Pam, "after everything I've put you through? I don't know what to say!" From outside in the hall, Jackie yells at her to just say yes and get it over with. Molly tells her she's got some front, despite what she's told everybody. Jackie snaps that her bag's packed, they can check it if they like. Ty says just as long as she's gone. She then asks if there's any chance of a lift but Ty says she knows where the bus stop is.

Lloyd comes into the pub and asks Liz how Steve is, but Liz says she hasn't seen him. As they're kissing, Michelle walks in and says she was going to see if Liz needed help but she can see that she's got everything in hand. She laughs and tells them that Steve told her about it last night. Liz wants to know what he said. "Well, put it this way, I don't think we'll be double dating any time soon!" she says. As she goes out, Lloyd whispers to Liz, "That does not look like a woman who's just been given the elbow."

Hayley tells Becky she's sorry that Steve didn't turn up. "Who?" says Becky, "oh you mean that lying bag of pus that still lives with his mam? Don't be, it's his loss." Hayley tries to be encouraging by pointing out that if Steve and Michelle have split up there would be lots to sort out, like where she'll live and Amy and Ryan. That would take all night. "Then why isn't he here now?" asks Becky, bitterly.

Amber tells Tara that Ashley has offered to do the buffet for her and Molly's joint party. Tara smiles and says, "Sausages on sticks it is!" Amber says that's the party sorted, "Now what about my present?" she says, adding that she knows the combination for the safe. Dev jokes about blackmail and insolence and tells her that he and Tara are about to go to town to pick something up. "You mean you haven't got it yet?" says Amber. He tells her he doesn't know what to get her and tells her to think of something, but she says she can't. Dev asks Molly what she got for her 18th. She replies, "A Robbie Williams cd, a pair of roller blades and a tank top." Amber comments that it's not exactly what every girl dreams of, and asks Tara what she got. "A Mazda MX5," she says, and Amber looks at Dev and smiles.

Liz finds Steve sitting outside in the smoking area of the Rover, and he's still huffy about her and Lloyd. She says she might be seeing his best mate but at least she's not lying to anybody. Steve says he was going to finish with Michelle last night but after coming across her and lover-boy it slipped his mind. "Does Becky know that you and Michelle are still together?" asks Liz. "What do you think?" says Steve, and starts to shuffle away. "Oi!" says Liz, "I'll tell you what I think – I think that before you start pointing the finger at everybody else you need to take a look at your own affairs, no pun intended."

In the betting shop, Peter is cool and businesslike when he talks to Leanne. She asks him how long he thinks he can keep that up for. "Are we still talking about the same thing?" he says. Lloyd comes in and puts ten pounds on a horse called Sexy Mother!

Steve goes to the cafe but Hayley tells him that Becky's taken the afternoon off, she's not feeling well, and she tells Steve that seeing him won't do her any good. He says he needs to talk to her, to explain. Hayley is upset because when she first came there Becky was like a wild cat, always lashing out at people before they could hurt her, but now she's just started being able to trust people and she doesn't want to see it happen again. Steve says he doesn't want to hurt her, so Hayley lets him go upstairs to see her.

Up in the flat, Becky comes out of the bathroom in a towel. "What are you doing here?" she asks. He explains that Hayley let him up. "Where were you last night?" she asks him. He says he was with Michelle, talking mostly. She tells him what Hayley said about them sorting things out. "What do you think?" asks Steve. Becky wipes away tears and says she thinks he doesn't want to be with her after all. He kneels down before her and says he wants to be with her more than ever. "You're not just saying that because I'm only wearing a towel?" she asks. He tells her he loves her, and she wipes away more tears. "So you and Michelle are……?" "Yeah!" "And you and me are…….?" "Yeah!" and she hugs him and he kisses her. Then they stand up, "Have you ever played The Happy Plumber?" she asks, and leads him away.

In the shop, Amber is imagining a trip away to a flash hotel with Darryl in her new car. Molly points out that just because Tara got a car it doesn't mean she's getting one. Just then Jackie comes in, much to Molly's dismay. She says she was on the bus but had to come back. She's come to see Molly, she was upset when she heard them all talking about the wedding knowing she wasn't going to be part of it. "Who's fault is that?" says Molly. Jackie points out that no matter what Molly thinks of her, Tyrone is still her little lad.

Becky and Steve are now on the sofa, and she snuggles up to him. She says she feels bad for Michelle and asks how she took it when he told her it was over. He mumbles that she took it pretty well, but then tells her it would be best if she gave the pub a miss for a while as he hasn't told Michelle about him and her, and Becky agrees.

Tyrone and Pam are staring at the remains of Jack's pigeon coop. Tyrone says Jack knows it was an accident and doesn't blame Pam, and the pigeons are fine, Tariq is looking after them on the allotment. Pam says she blames herself, and the pigeons should be there in the yard. "Then buy him a new coop," says Tyrone, but Pam says she's broke, and she can't work because of her bad hand. "Of course, if I had someone to carry my bags…." she says. "No way!" says Tyrone immediately, but Pam tells him he needs money for a honeymoon and she needs to buy the pigeon coop. Just then Molly puts her head out of the back door and asks what they're doing out there. Pam glosses over it and Ty asks if she fancies a brew. Molly tells him he might want something a bit stronger.

Joe goes to see Bill Webster and asks if he's got any work. Bill says there is some labouring work, but thinks it's for David and says that neither he or Jason want to work with him again. Joe assures him that it's for himself, so Bill asks if he'll start tomorrow. Joe agrees, but asks Bill to say, if anyone asks, that he's fitting a kitchen for him. "Mum's the word!" says Bill.

Dev and Tara come back into the shop. "Did you get it?" asks Amber, and they say they did. Amber rushes to the door. "Where are you going?" asks Dev. "Well, it's outside isn't it?" says Amber. Dev holds out a small box, "I've got it here," he says. Excitedly, thinking the box contains a key ring (presumably with a car key attached!) Amber opens the box and is visibly disappointed when she finds it contains a necklace. She tries to recover herself. "It's beautiful," she says, but looks less than thrilled as Dev puts it around her neck and fastens it.

In the pub, Peter approaches Leanne and asks if she'll open up for him tomorrow as Simon has a dentist appointment.

Over at the table, Molly, Tyrone and Pam are discussing Jackie. "She's had more comebacks than Sinatra, that woman!" says Pam. Molly asks Tyrone if he's angry with her and he tells her he isn't, but just hope she knows what she's letting herself in for. Just then Jackie comes to the table with a tray of drinks and Tyrone asks for his change.

Steve goes back to the Rovers and sees Michelle in the back room. She tells him that Amy called her ‘Mummy Michelle," and Steve says that Michelle has been like a mum to her. He then starts to tell her why he's been off and distant with her lately, but she interrupts and says she knows things haven't been great but after last night and what's happened today she thinks they're going to be ok, she loves him. "Yeah, I know you do," he says, and sighs as she hugs him.

Anne Logan.

This update comes to you from Bonnie Glasgow, where it's been delayed by the exciting music on offer in the Celtic Connections festival.

As Steve collects the milk, he's assailed by Becky, who is so excited she and Steve are going to be together that she almost can't contain herself. Steve, once again ruining relationships through his own cowardice, agrees with her that Michelle is gutted. He suggests that Becky lie low for a while. No, Michelle doesn't suspect, he says, but it will be best. He'll change the rota so Becky has fewer shifts behind the bar.

Inside, Michelle looks for Amy's school shoes. Liz gives her a puzzled look and asked whether everything's OK with Michelle and Steve. She's assured it is.

In the Kabin, Norris relates his dream about being suffocated. It seems he woke and found it was true. Jed's cat, Sunny Jim, was lying on his face (I always said cats were the most intelligent animals!). The phone goes and Rita is relieved to be able to stop Norris wittering on so she can answer it. It's Mary and Rita torments Norris by having a polite conversation with Mary before handing the phone to him.

In the pub, Michelle gives Steve a kiss and thanks him for cleaning Amy's shoes. Steve tries to tell her that they still need to talk. Michelle keeps brushing him off. They agree to talk once Michelle gets back from taking Amy to school.

Steve goes into the back room where his mother tackles him about Michelle and Becky. Steve admits he's already told Becky he's broken up with Michelle, even though he hasn't yet. "It's just a timing problem," he says. Liz is angry. "This isn't a game, you know," she tells him, pointing out that he's not helping by lying to everybody.

Peter is getting dressed when wee Simon, barefoot and trying to get his own breakfast, drops and smashes a milk bottle. Peter rescues him from the middle of all that broken glass and tells him that it's not his job to get the breakfast, it's his dad's. Which would be good, but then Peter realises Simon can't have cornflakes, because that was the last of the milk, plus they're running late and there's no time to do anything but chew on some toast on the way to school.

Out in the street, Molly and Tyrone leave their house talking about Jackie. Molly understands he'll probably want to have his mother at the wedding. Tyrone thinks they should hire some bodyguards for the day. "Why? Do you think somebody will be after her again?" asks Molly. No, Tyrone thinks they'll need bodyguards to protect them from Jackie.

Steve is in the bar talking on his mobile phone, presumably to Eileen. He's refusing to go and do some taxi work. He tells Poppy he has to go out for ten minutes and leaves. Michelle comes in soon after. She tells Poppy she's booked a hair appointment in town and has booked a nice restaurant for tonight so she can take Steve out to dinner. Poppy points out that Michelle's supposed to be working. Michelle's surprised Steve has changed the rota. Poppy says she'll see whether Becky can cover.

Over at the turf accountants' premises, Eileen's dad flirts with Leanne. He wants to know whether she and Peter are an item and when Leanne denies this, suggests she go out with him.

In the factory, Kelly has bought an electrical impulse machine to work her muscles so she can "exercise" while she works. Carla knocks on the office window and signals for the machinists to get back to work. She's on the phone and hangs up in triumph, telling Tony she's successfully negotiated a good order for the factory.

In the cafe, Eileen's dad is now flirting with Becky. She's about ready to thump him when there's a phone call for her. It's Poppy, wanting to know whether she can cover for Michelle tonight. When Becky hears that Michelle can't do her shift, she assumes it's because she's too upset. Once she's agreed to work and hung up the phone, she tells Hayley how upset Michelle must be now that Steve's told her he's finished with her. "Steve's bent over backwards to make sure no-one gets hurt in all this," Becky says.

Tyrone is at work but he's on the phone explaining to someone that Molly doesn't like Robbie Williams. He asks the person whether they know Prince's "The Most Beautiful Girl" and sings a bit in a Prince-like voice. He's thrilled to hear that the person does. He ends the call and tells Kevin it was the harpist! This should be good! Kevin's worried that Tyrone is getting carried away with the fancy arrangements for the wedding. But Tyrone says he's not going overboard. He's concentrating on the things that will have the biggest impact. "We're not having a honeymoon, but we've got a horse and carriage and two dozen white doves," he says. "How cool is that!" Hmmm. Kevin suspects Molly might quite like a honeymoon.

In the corner shop, Molly and Amber discuss the hen night/18th birthday celebrations. Amber makes a comment which suggests Tyrone is dull. Molly first defends Ty, but talks herself into realising he IS dull. She tells Amber she's just realised what a mistake she's making and rushes out of the shop to go and tell him it's all off. Amber is left standing in the shop looking worried, but Molly's just joshing and soon sticks her head back round the door. "Sucker!" she says.

Over at the pub, Steve gets back to discover that Michelle's gone out again. Poppy won't tell him where, because that would ruin the surprise. In the street , Tyrone meets Pam. She's out of hospital but on maximum strength pain killers, she tells him. She's off to the Flying Horse to unload some "designer" sunglasses so she can pay to get Jack a new pigeon coop.

Becky heads off for work at the Rovers, but not without a worried word or two from Hayley, who tells her to be careful.

As they prepare to leave the factory, Kelly tells the others she's got three pounds to lose so she can get into her dress for the hen night. In the general chat, Julie reveals she's spoken to Maria when Maria rang Kirk, and she'll be back soon. Carla overhears and is worried, but Tony assures her that everything will be fine. Carla isn't calmed and says that if Maria starts hurling accusations at Tony, they will have to get a restraining order.

When Becky gets to the pub, Poppy tells her that Michelle seems to have lost all interest in walk. Of course, Becky decides there can only be one reason for this and looks very worried. However, Michelle arrives, thanks her for being able to do a shift and reveals that she and Steve are going out to a nice restaurant. This startles Becky so much that when Michelle leaves the room, Poppy asks whether Becky is OK. Poppy goes to phone Steve, who wanted to know when Michelle was back. Becky looks like thunder.

Kevin calls for Tyrone to begin the stag night. Molly tells him she won't be happy unless "he's stripped naked, tarred and feathered and put on a slow train to Edinburgh." She suggests they could always get Tyrone a tattoo. "That's always good." Kevin grins and asks what's planned for the hen night. Molly tells him it'll just be some hard-core debauchery. That wipes the silly grin from Tyrone's face. "Hang on! What's hard-core debauchery?"

Rita's in the pub, talking to Eileen and trying to get some indelible ink off her hand. She perks up when Eileen's father comes in and pays her some attention, though. Michelle comes out to the bar, dressed to the nines for a night out. It's a very sexy dress and she tells Poppy and Becky how she and Steve ended up in the bedroom the other night and it was just like old times. Steve arrives back and is surprised to see Becky in the bar. Katherine Kelly, as Becky, does a wonderful job here. We see Becky only just managing to hold it together as her dreams are torn apart. We know that inside she's falling apart. She manages to tell Steve he should look pleased because Michelle's made a lot of effort to give him a surprise and everyone likes surprises, don't they. Then it is all too much for her and she says she doesn't feel well and is going to be sick. She races out of the bar to the street. Steve says he'd best go and see if she's OK and follows. As he catches up to Becky near the bus stop, she takes a swing at him. She screams at him that she doesn't care any more! "It's over! Don't touch me! Don't speak to me! Just crawl away and die!" She leaves him standing there with Michelle behind him calling for him to get into the taxi.

Now what, eh Steve?

The End of Part One
Margaret Carr

It has been a busy week , hardly know if I am coming or going this week. And I keep having to ask Margaret to post my updates - thanks for keeping it all going!

Anyway trouble is brewing at the Rovers for one Steve McDonald as he is finding keeping both the randy blonde and brunette with the come hither eyes on the go at the same time is quite a strain. Michelle prevents him departing after Becky, grabs his arm and tells her "babe" that he does not have time to get changed and the taxi is booked for 7 - and indeed is waiting for them - and indeed Becky is watching them from the door of the caff where Steve sees her although he is assuring Michelle that Becky is OK.

Dev's new apartment is looking and sounding very refined with the Moonlight sonata playing quietly and Tara quietly welcomes them to the party - obviously this is not going to be a raucous party! But Tara points the remote at the hi fi which then belts out "Lets Get the Party Started" and a high old evening is in prospect. Tara clicks her fingers and a gorgeous waiter appears with cocktails - Minnie wants to take him home. And Amber does not have to mad for the drinks he is carrying - but she seems unstoppable.

Along at the other party Ty is given a T shirt to wear showing his face on a muscled hunk. Kirk actually thinks it is Ty! And Ash is telling Graeme not to drink too much - he is off to the hen party to deliver the food.

In Roy's Rolls Hayley finds Becky preparing herself an omelette and she wants to know if something has happened with Steve. Becky says that he has not finished it with Michelle and although Hayley wants to comfort her Becky refuses any comfort and tells Hayles that she is as tough as old boots (which apparently leak water all over the place to judge by the tears). Hayles asks if Becky wants to come to the joint 18 party / hen do - but Becky is not interested but asks Hayley to take her best wishes to Molly and to get a bottle of something as she hands over the tip money. Hayley goes and Becky is about to eat - but then suddenly pulls herself together with an almighty effort and walks out of the caff.

Becky arrives at the Rovers and tells Liz she is giving up the job, Liz responds by saying that she is not surprised and Becky is surprised and wants to know - so Liz says that she knows - and tells her that she does not think Steve will ever leave Michelle. Becky bursts into again saying that she believed he meant it when he said he would leave Michelle. Liz does hug Becky and tells her that she does not know what her own son thinks he is playing at.

Jackie Dobbs arrives looking for Ty and Graeme says that he has gone on - but Jackie was expecting the hen do - which Graeme informs her is just across the road and as he is going there perhaps she would like to go with him to do the buffet. She answers that it is nice to meet Buffy and of course she will come over. And almost immediately they are walking into the flat carrying scotch eggs and pies - and Molly's face falls as she spies the red hair and orange face. Pam immediately rushes over to offer Jackie a piece of her mind but Molly says no rows tonight and says the same to Jackie, who says she cannot believe she deserves a daughter in Law like her!

Along at the Flying Horse Jack pulls an old trick on Ty - Jack has three halves, and Jack says he can drink them faster than Ty can drink three shorts. Each can only touch their own glasses. Ty fails to pick up the third short before Jack places his first empty glass over the third short the wrong way up so that Ty cannot pick it up. Ty's phone rings and he makes his way to a corner to listen. Pam at the other end says that Dave in the Flying Horse wants the sunglasses - can Ty do the deal for five hundred - it will pay for a new pigeon coop. Ty agrees - but only because it is for Jack. However Ty cannot identify who Dave is amongst the underclass in the pub.

In the back room at the Rovers Becky says she is not a cryer - managed ET without a single tear ad the age of 9. Liz asks what is she going to do and apparently Steve is about tog et his fat lying face smashed in. Steve and Michelle arrive back and Steve is almost beside himself (yes he is that fat these days) when he sees the randy blonde and his mother in deep conversation. Michelle disappears to check on the kids and change her shoes. Steve tries to talk to Becky but she is having none of it and leaves.

With the light behind him so that you cannot see his face Dave tells Ty that the Rayban deal is on - Monday one o'clock in the Flying Horse or no deal. Ty tries to indicate that he has another pressing engagement on Monday but not a chance as in all good soap weddings.

At the hen do the waiter wants to go - yes he knows he is booked to ten - but he has had enough - and it looks as though Jackie has been all over him, calling out "Wimp" from the kitchen doorway. Anyway Jackie has seen another target and descends on Graeme and drags him off to the kitchen.

In the dark of the caff Becky really is crying her heart out. Her phobile moan rings and she looks at the caller - Steve - before rejecting the call and continuing the crying.

Back at the hen do Jackie introduces Buffy the Naked Chef and Graeme appears with his apron wrapped around his lower half and announces that his sausage is the talk of the town. He and Jackie get very close but flailing limbs cause an ornament to crash to the floor. Molly tells her to leave, Pam wades in and there is a lot of pushing and shoving until Pam gets a headlock on Jackie and makes good use of three years of Tae Kwon Do. Pam calls Jackie toxic and tells her not to come to the wedding. Graeme is told to get dressed. Pam re-assures Molly that she will have some security at the wedding and they will deal with Jackie if the red hair appears. Fiz says to calm down - nothing will happen. Just enjoy it.

The lads are leaving the Flying Horse when Dave reminds Ty that Monday one o'clock - and Kirk asks what the conversation was about. When Ty tells him Kirk tells him that Pam will have to do it herself. Kirk reckons it is a bit dodgy and even Ty himself is not sure. They both agree that Molly is not to be told. Dave appears to have a couple of very heavy mates - so just what will happen on Monday?

And I will be back next week.
K Richard W

I'm going to do this a bit differently this week, rather than describe every scene, I'm going to summarize the plot lines in nice, neat paragraphs.

It's Tyrone and Molly's wedding day!

Molly is getting ready at Dev and Amber's flat and is in turns very, very excited and very, very nervous, especially when she finds out Tyrone has left very, very early for the church. What's that all about? Pam is with them and is trying to find an excuse to nip out to finish up the deal by delivering the Roy Ban sunnies to Dave at the pub but Molly is determined to keep her close so Pam has to convince Tyrone to do the deal instead. She's really a selfish woman, isn't she? For once, she could just forget the deal after all the trouble she's caused.

Tyrone is ready very early because he doesn't want to be late. He's dismayed to get a call from Pam begging him to take the sunglasses to the pub. I want to know why, if Pam was going to do it herself, Tyrone seems to have the sunglasses in his custody? Anyway, he is guilted into it as usual and leaves with Jack and Kirk in tow, presumably to the church which is when Amber saw them leaving. At the pub, Jack and Kirk insist on coming in with him, since, well, it's a pub, innit? Dave (who whispers) turns out to be an undercover cop but I don't believe that for a minute. Instead of properly arresting Tyrone, reading his rights and everything, he handcuffs him to a room divider and proceeds to explain to Tyrone, Jack and Kirk that he joined the police force to defend the honest and innocent from nasty criminals so he's cuffing and fining Tyrone. Sounds dodgy to me. He says he's willing to take a bribe so he's then got money *and* the goods. Without reading Tyrone's rights to him, right there, the charge would be tossed out and Jack should know that at least and Tyrone, with a much-arrested mother should too.

Peter has used a winsome Simon to bag Leanne for a date... movie and wine at the flat. Leanne can't resist that dimpled little smile and curly hair, just as Peter had hoped. He is awfully cute, isn't he? Simon, not Peter, though Peter's not bad either. The little actor playing Simon really seems to be having a ball doing this. I wonder if he's not ad libbing half the time! Later, though, Blanche encounters Peter on the street, arriving back home with store bought pizza, wine bottles clanking in the bag and she wastes no time castigating him for drinking. He uses the excuse that just because he's not drinking, doesn't mean Leanne can't have a glass or two. He likens her to the Gestapo and she leaves in a huff, saying she has to go home and clean her jackboots. She tells Deirdre about it and Deirdre decides to pop in and check up on Peter. Peter, meanwhile, is slyly downing wine from a hidden bottle of red. Another unopened bottle of white is in the fridge. This is presented as evidence that he's behaving himself when Deirdre comes around. She doesn't smell alcohol on him and gives her the seal of approval, offering to have Simon later so he and Leanne can have some time to themselves.

Steve is now suggesting that he and Michelle should, in fact, go to Ireland, mainly because he is running away from the whole situation. Liz knows that. She knows he's miserable since Becky's dumped him and he doesn't really want to be with Michelle anymore but won't do anything about it. He thinks the trip might set things back to the way they used to be but when Becky comes in the pub for her wages, it's clear that both of them still want to be with each other. Steve also moans to Eileen and reveals Lloyd and Liz's relationship to her. Eileen is grossed out at the thought of Lloyd naked.

Amber and Tara have a nice little moment when Amber apologizes for seeming ungrateful for the lovely necklace Dev gave her for her birthday, which Tara has obviously picked out. She really did like it and Tara knows that. Tara also knows Amber had hoped to get a car. Dev had pointed out that Amber doesn't even drive and she had to admit to the truth in that.

Tvor

That dastardly Aunty Pam is trying to get a hold of Tyrone on the phone but he's not answering. She's a bit panicky but has to hang up as she hears Molly is ready in her wedding dress. Molly comes out of her room in her beautiful "rhapsody blanco" dress and looks gorgeous, "like a fairytale come true." Amber sighs and says she hope she's looks this pretty when she gets married. Molly loves her dress but she has one question to ask her family and friends, "Does my bum look big in this?"

Tyrone is handcuffed to the wrought iron of the smelly oul' pub he has been flogging the sunglasses in. Jack and Kirkeh find him and try to find out what has happened. They meet the whispering "policeman" who tells them that he can do what he likes since he is cock of the walk round these parts.

Anna Windass is on her lounge moaning to Gary about Gail's whining about the Christmas lights that are still up at Gail's house. She asks Gary to go round and take them down and wonders if keeping your Christmas lights up in January is bad luck. After all, "Our Donna Bella (?), she kept her tree up 'till the twelfth once and that was the year her nose caved in." Gary points put that it was more likely the drugs our Donna Bella was doing that caved her nose in rather than the fact that she kept her Chrissie decs up too long but he'll go round to take the lights down from Gail's since there's a chance if he's up on a ladder outside Gail's house, he might see Tina getting out of the bath.

Deirdre is out on the street and sees Molly's horse-drawn carriage making its way up the cobbles. Molly comes out and is over the moon by this surprise number 2 from Tyrone for her. Deirdre tells her how gorgeous she looks. There is much squealing and tears threaten to ruin makeup. Molly climbs in and heads off to her wedding.

Gary Windass knocks on Gail's door and asks Tina if he can come inside to take down some Christmas lights that have snagged on her windows upstairs. She lets him in with the disclaimer that she must be mad.

At the builder's yard, Jason sees Becky on her own outside the cafe and follows her inside. He asks her if she wants to go for a drink with him. Becky gives him short shrift and tells him she's fed up of playing second fiddle, "Face facts darlin', Sarah's always going to be your number one, right? Laters!" Jason leaves, dejected.

The Police Whisperer comes over to Tyrone and tells him that he needn't try to do any thing stupid because his best copper mate is watching over him. After a bit of whining from Tyrone, the Police Whisperer tells Jack that he's the kind of copper that accepts bribes. He tells Kirkeh to get the car keys from Tyrone so he can get his wallet. Kirkeh has a good root about Tyrone's pockets. "Careful!" warns Tyrone.

At the wedding, the guests are all assembled outside the church with Sophie Webster singing her heart out to her iPod. The horse-drawn carriage pulls up and the bride wonders why her guests haven't gone in yet. Dev tells the carriage driver to keep going and yells to Molly that Tyrone hasn't turned up yet. Molly is upset, wondering where her groom is. Pam tells the driver to take them around the block a few times. Molly is upset and feels sick.

At Peter's place, Leanne and Peter are having lunch. Peter pours Leanne a drink. She offers not to have any but Peter tells her he can cope with just the one. Of course, Leanne doesn't know that Peter has been drinking all morning.

Jack brings the Police Whisperer a drink, a pint with a whisky chaser. The Police Whisperer tells Jack that basically that's not enough to secure Ty's release. Kirkeh offers him a cough sweet. Jack turns to Tyrone and tells him, "You're gonna break 'er 'eart you, you stupid sod!" Then Kirkeh has a microwave, he means a brainwave, and asks if they can promise to bring Tyrone to the police station after the wedding and some more money. The Police Whisperer tells them to go to the cashpoint to get more money now, there's one near the khazi on the way out.

Molly is beside herself with worry in the horse-drawn carriage as it pulls up and all the guests have gone in but Dev tells them that they need to give it another five minutes. She threatens to call the hospital but Aunty Pam tells her that there has to be some rational explanation. Inside the church, the guests are getting restless. Sally says she should have brought a crossword to keep her occupied. Rosie sneers, "You can barely spell your own name...." in a needless act of cruelty against her mother. Fizz shares her bonbons around as Rosie threatens to expose her bosoms to give those who are looking at them bickering something to stare at.

Outside, Molly sees Tyrone pull up in the car and is relieved. Tyrone dashes into the church.

At Gail's Gary and Tina are chatting. Gary talks Tina into making him a cup of tea.

Molly makes it into the church and asks Jack, "Where the hell have you lot been?" Jack lies and tells her the car broke down. Aunty Pam asks Jack if he thinks Molly looks beautiful. Molly can see that there is something wrong with Jack and asks him if he's OK. "It's been a bit of a day," he says, "and she's not here, is she?" he says, referring to Vera and then tells Aunty Pam how beautiful she is. Aunty Pam insists that Jack walk her down the aisle and there's not a dry eye in the house. Molly sits down to have her mascara reapplied and Aunty Pam shoots a guilty look at Jack.

At the Rovers, the place is all decked out for the reception. Steve comes in and Liz tells him they need to talk. Becky comes in, all subdued and tells Sean she's here for her wages. Liz offers to go and get them and on the way past Steve, reminds him his girlfriend is looking for him.

The harpist is keeping everyone nice and calm at the wedding. All except Tyrone who has no idea how he is going to tell his new bride that her new husband is going to be banged up directly after their wedding. Molly walks in and is all giggly when she hears the harpist. She is so happy to be getting married, I wish every bride could be as happy as Molly. Tyrone panics as to why Jack is walking her down the aisle instead of Aunty Pam. Molly tells Tyrone at the altar that, "It's beautiful! This wedding is perfect," and Tyrone faints and falls on his face.

At the pub, Liz is having a word with Steve about how he is treating Michelle. She tells him he has to finish with her because their relationship is based on lies. "I'd rather be a liar than a cradle snatcher!" snaps Steve back at her.

At the wedding, Tyrone comes round on the floor of the church. He gets up and takes Molly Cosette to be his lawful wedded wife. Do you Molly Cosette? "Yer, I do! I so do!" and they are proclaimed husband and wife with no man allowed to put them asunder. Molly and Tyrone kiss.

Peter comes home from dropping off Simon at Deirdre's where Leanne is waiting. She offers him a glass of wine but when he declines and tells her that she is still welcome to she tells him, "It's all right, I'll have one after..... er, later." They snog.

Molly is signing the register and Tyrone comes over to tell her the news of his "arrest". "See that fan," he asks his new wife, "well the proverbial's just hit it." He gathers his strength to come clean and looks like he's about to faint again. Molly cries, "What? Baby, don't go fainting on me again! What?!?"

Oh Tyrone, you fool!

Stella McLoughlin

As Molly is ushered to one side for photos, Pam asks a very worried looking Tyrone what's wrong. She assumes he's made a pigs ear of the deal he had to do, but Jack moans at her for roping him into her dodgy scams on his wedding day. "Shame on you, woman!" he says. Tyrone tells her this could be the shortest marriage in history.

Peter comes out of the bedroom, buttoning up his shirt, to join Leanne on the sofa where she's buttoning up her blouse. He tells her he never expected this when he came back to Weatherfield, and they start kissing.

Jack is obviously upset by what's happened to Tyrone and isn't convinced when Kirk suggests that they might let him off. "That flaming woman!" he says. Kirk then finds Pam and tells her that the deal Tyrone had to do was a trap, and after the photos they have to take him down to the police station.

Back at the Rovers, Steve sees Michelle talking to JD and asks what it's all about. JD says he's asked Michelle if she'll go and sing at a corporate gig in York for a large sum of money, with the possibility of six more gigs after that if they go down well. Michelle says she can't go, it clashes with their trip to Ireland, but Steve tells her to do it, they can go to Ireland another time. "You go and enjoy yourself," he says.

The newly-weds emerge from the church to a shower of confetti and more photos. Tyrone takes Kirk aside and tells him he can't believe he's starting married life with a big fat lie. Kirk offers to go to the cop shop with him, but Ty tells him to stay with Molly. Just then Pam comes over and asks how come the copper let him off to go and get spliced. They tell her that Tyrone's on borrowed time and they had to bribe him. Pam, suspicious, asks if he spoke in a whisper, and they tell her he did. "That was no copper, you clown, that was Whispering Jeff," she says, and Tyrone looks mightily relieved.

At the reception in the Rovers, Michelle asks Steve if he's sure about her doing the gig and he tells her he knows how much she loves her music. She puts her arms round his neck and kisses him. "Oh, get a room!" jokes Liz.

Pam asks Tyrone if she's still in the dog house, and Jack says he was nearly in the jail house. She says she knows and she's sorry. Then Kirk rings the bell for silence and Jack begins his speech. He says that Tyrone is still the same lad with a big heart that he was when he moved into his and Vera's house. Then he brought Molly home and they knew he'd found another good kid with a big heart – and a pretty face. Then, as glasses are raised in a toast we see Jackie in a brown wig, lurking at the back of the crowd of guests.

David comes home to find Gary Windass having a cup of tea with Tina, he came round to take the Christmas lights down. Gary makes a hasty exit, and David isn't at all pleased with Tina. "Don't tell me who I can and can't speak to, David," she snaps, "we've been here before." "I don't think so," says David, "you brewing up for the enemy? That's a first!" and he storms off.

The reception is in full swing when Kevin rings the bell and Tyrone asks his wife to come and stand beside him. He then thanks Jack and everyone who helped out, including Pam, and adds that his biggest thank you is to his beautiful wife, Mrs Molly Dobbs! He finishes his speech by saying that he knows he didn't do too well familywise, but has the best mates anyone could wish for. All this is watched by Jackie with a solemn face. Then Kevin stands up and hands over an envelope, saying it contains two Eurostar tickets to Paris, paid for by all of them, much to Molly's delight. After the speech, Jackie comes to the bar and Molly sees her. "What are you doing here?" she asks. "Mother of the groom," says Jackie, but turns to Tyrone, "interesting speech son, but I think you left somebody out. I'll give you a clue – 18 hours of agonising labour, ring any bells?" Tyrone points out that she took all of their wedding money. "Ring any bells?" he says. Pam wants to throw her out but Molly says that she's Tyrone's mother and she should be there.

Fizz is out the back, shedding a tear or two. Julie comes out and finds her and Fizz tells her that they've set a date for John's sentencing. Julie comforts her and tells her that when he's been sent down she can't exist in limbo because he writes a cracking letter. Spring is round the corner and she might meet someone new.

Inside, Jackie suddenly decides to be helpful and says she'll take the plates out the back.

Steve goes outside and finds JD out there. They get chatting and Steve tells him that he and Michelle are on their last legs, the trip to Ireland was planned as a last ditch attempt to save the relationship. JD says he knows Michelle inside out, and she seems happy. Steve says that she's in denial, he thinks JD is more suited to her than he is, and hints that maybe he should take advantage of that. JD stares at him in disbelief.

David is outside when Gary Windass comes out of his house and tells him that he and Tina have ‘bonded' and she's even fitter up close and personal.

Peter takes Simon into the corner shop and comes out holding a bottle shaped package under his jacket.

Coming out of the kitchen, Jackie sees the wedding presents and cards on the table and quickly finds the one with the Eurostar tickets in it. She pockets the tickets and puts the empty envelope back. Pam comes in and finds her, so Jackie tells her to listen for the ping, she's on sausage roll patrol.

"Who've you got lined up, Steve?" asks JD, hitting the nail on the head. "No-one," says Steve, and keeps up the story that they've run out of steam and would both be happier with other people. "Pimping your girlfriend!" says JD, "you are seriously something else!"

Molly and Tyrone come out of the pub and Molly throws her bouquet and Julie catches it. They get into a car and drive a few yards down the road.

There on the pavement, Tara tells Dev that she's not going to Edinburgh, she's going to stay around.

Tyrone and Molly get out of the car outside their house and Ty carries his bride over the threshold, as Jackie turns and walks off down the road.

Anne Logan.

Hello, everyone. Here I am back from Glasgow and Celtic Connections and, I hope, with the proper header on this e-mail! If you want music or film recommendations: Sharron Shannon, Cara Dillon, John Smith, Munty and Slumdog Millionaire!

We open with Steve reading the paper in the upstairs living room of the Rovers. Michelle wants him to admire the dress she's wearing, but he points out she's just a singer in a pub band and nobody cares about her image. He perks up when she mentions that JD is taking her for a drink after practice. She thinks JD might be planning to sack her. Steve makes a point of telling her he won't wait up and she should enjoy herself.

Weatherfield's just-marrieds discuss their big day over breakfast. Tyrone wants Molly to rate her top five things of the wedding day, but Molly wants him to help her open the gifts and make a list of who gave them what. They agree to do it together. Tyrone tells her they have to leave by six to get their train.

Steve calls in at the cafe, but Becky's main reaction is to wipe down menus as if she's trying to rub a hole in each one. "I hate yer guts," she points out. Steve stays cheerful and tells her that he and Michelle are on the way out. Becky says dodos were on the way out for centuries, so the phrase is meaningless. Steve explains about his little word with JD. "You're pimping your own girlfriend," Becky points out - literally, with a jabbing pointy finger in his chest. She corrects herself. "No, pimps wouldn't sink so low. It's against the pimp code of conduct." Their conversation ends as Roy comes downstairs, telling Becky he's had to up his bid by another two pounds.

As everyone else leaves the band practice, Michelle tells JD he's obviously got something on his mind. "How are things between you and Steve?" he asks. She says they're fine, but JD says she deserves better. Michelle thinks he wants to sack her but he denies it. He kisses her. She leaps up, surprised. "I thought it's what you wanted," he explains. She says she likes him but she's with Steve. "The wonderful Steve?" asks JD. "So wonderful he tries to fix you up with other blokes. This was his idea." Michelle doesn't believe him but JD says she should ask Steve. "Please tell me this is a joke," she says. Then demands that he tell her every word of what Steve said.

Tyrone and Molly are surrounded by boxes and wrapping paper, with Tyrone stopping her every minute or so to find out another highlight. She says her No 2 would be saying the wedding vows. Tyrone is puzzled. He would put that at No 1. "What about the wedding night?" Molly asks. "Oh, yeah," Tyrone agrees shyly, almost blushing.

In the pub, Blanche tries to order a large brandy and Benedictine. "You're pushing your luck, Blanche," Steve says. "If you want free booze you'll stick to gin." Blanche tells him she'll have a pina colada with a pineapple chunk and a plastic ornament or else! Steve is distracted by a thunderous-looking Michelle arriving back. He asks Poppy to get Blanche a small gin and tonic and follows Michelle. She swings on him, calling him a low-life. "If you want to dump somebody, you just do it! You don't try and fix them up with someone else!" she tells him. Steve tries to talk his way out it, saying JD has tried to come between them in the past. She says she feels like a used car. "Why didn't you just put up a card in Rita's window?" Steve still tries to act innocent but she's not fooled. It all makes sense now. He's been acting the way he has because he's too spineless to dump her. She appeals to him to be honest for the first time in his life. He agrees she's right. "I wanted to get rid."

Steve pours himself a drink and tells Michelle he's felt like this for a couple of months. Tearfully, she asks whether he just woke up one morning wondering what she was doing in his bed. "It hasn't worked out between us. There's no-one to blame," he says, telling her he's not cut out for all this Happy Families stuff. He swears there's nobody else. Michelle can't believe he tried to get her together with someone else. He says he wanted them both to come out of it with some dignity. He thought she and JD made a lovely couple. "There's a definite spark between you." SMASH!!!! That's the mug hitting the wall very close to Steve's head. In fact, if he hadn't ducked . . . "Now, see!" he says. "This is exactly why I've avoided telling you!" He says they need to deal with this like grown-ups. He says he's got some paperwork to do at the office, drains his drink and leaves, with Michelle in tears.

Joe's in the yard, painting some radiators, when he gets a call clearly chasing him for debts. He doesn't realise Jason has overheard the conversation.

We see a shirtless Peter collecting his post, though why he needs to open the door to do it, I know not.

Becky's on a fag break outside the cafe. She shoos Steve away, telling him there are no pimps allowed. He's quite enthusiastic, telling her it's all kicking off at the Rovers. But Becky is just angry. "You're doing my head in, turning up every five minutes with a progress report!" She doesn't believe he will really finish with Michelle. "Becky, I love you. Michelle and I are history. The fat lady is singing." "Too late, Steve," Becky tells him, turning to go inside.

In the yard, Bill comes to tell Jason and Joe they can go home for the day. Joe's straight off, but Jason waits to tell Bill there's something wrong with Joe. He's in the financial do-dos, with people chasing him for money. Bill doesn't believe it. "He turns up on time, he grafts much harder than you do, and he don't complain. That's all the reference I need," Bill says.

Steve comes back to talk to Michelle. "Is there no way back for us?" she asks him. "I don't think so," he says. She agrees they have to try and deal with this like adults. She appreciates that he's finally been straight with her. She realises she'll be out of a job. Steve hopes they can agree it just didn't work out, they'll have no regrets and they'll stay friends. Michelle asks for time to sort out somewhere else to live. Liz comes in and stops, thinking she's interrupting something. "We're just . . ." begins Steve. "Splitting up," finishes Michelle. Liz looks grim.

A cheerful Jason comes in to find Becky sweeping up. She's very businesslike with him. Roy comes down. He's just successfully bid for an odour-free kitchen compost caddy on the internet. Hayley's going to drive him to Bolton to pick it up. Becky takes Jason's order and he tells her he's been to see a solicitor about getting a divorce. "That's me back on the market," he tells her. "Do you want beans?" she asks.

Liz follows Steve out into the bar and tells him she's ashamed to be his mother. "I'm ashamed to be your son," he says. She can't believe he didn't tell Michelle about Becky. "It would have just clouded the issue," he says. "You've been sleeping with another woman," Liz hisses. "That's the only issue." She refuses to cover for him so he can go and see Becky, saying she needs a break. Peter and Leanne come in. He's off to Portsmouth for a few days to tie up some loose ends, but he plans to leave Simon with Ken and Deirdre.

Molly and Tyrone are still giggling over their gifts. Pam comes in, depressed at the price of pigeon coops. Molly and Tyrone suddenly realise that neither of them has the honeymoon tickets. Pam offers to help them look.

Lloyd comes in the back door and kisses Liz. She tells him about Steve and Michelle and that Steve hasn't told Michelle about Becky. She rushes him upstairs before Steve sees him.

Tyrone tips the wrapping paper on to the floor, searching. Molly's checked at the pub. They find the card and ticket folder but are shocked that it's empty. Pam breaks it to them that she saw Jackie in the back room of the pub yesterday. "She wouldn't steal our honeymoon tickets," says Molly. "Oh yes she would," says Tyrone, with a chorus of Corrie viewers. Joe's sitting in a workshop looking glum. Tina knocks on the door. She's been round to the flat and discovered Joe no longer lives there. She delivers his post, which is all bills. "I meant to tell you," he says, but Tina spots the mattress in the corner of the room. "What's going on, Dad?" she asks.

Steve pops upstairs and finds Liz in her robe. She says she's tired and was having a lie down, but Steve's not fooled. "He's here, isn't he?" he says, calling for Lloyd to come out. He can't believe they're doing it under my roof. "Get out, the pair of you, before I throw you out!" Liz says it's her home and Lloyd is her guest. "Get dressed, you trollop!" says Steve. Lloyd protests, but Steve says Lloyd will dump Liz. "It's pervy," Steve insists. He and Lloyd start pushing each other until Liz stops them. Lloyd leaves, but not before delivering a carefully-placed slap that leaves Steve doubled over. Lloyd heads downstairs, passing the door where Michelle is weeping over the "family" photograph. "Save your tears, Michelle. He's not worth it," says Lloyd. "He's a lying, cheating scumbag." Steve catches up and orders him out. Michelle follows, wanting to know what Lloyd meant. He reminds her of the night Steve went AWOL and reveals Steve was with Becky. "That same woman he's been seeing behind your back ever sin-!" Steve's hand claps over Lloyd's mouth too late. Liz arrives, still doing up her clothes. "Becky?" cries Michelle, her face tear-streaked.

The end of part one.

Margaret Carr

We are in the Rovers and Michelle is hearing the truth at last. Lloyd says that he was sorry and that he hated lying to her. Steve is still trying to bluster his way out of it - but Michelle explodes - "BECKY!" Blanche chips in to say that she can corroborate Lloyd's story. Steve thanks her for the extra dagger in his back with an Et tu Blanche. Blanche recalls sitting in a court room whilst Steve told it that he was having an affair with Becky. Steve protested it was lies - but even Michelle not believe him. She goes in the back.

Steve knows he has screwed up and Liz tells him to go and face the music - but he wants to go away for a few days. Liz refuses and tells him to go and talk to her now pushing him out the back as well.

Joe is also in deep doo-doo and admits to Tina that he is owed money and he will sleep on the floor until he gets out of this mess. She points out that he has been borrowing from loan sharks and wasting the money. She asks him to sort out somewhere proper to live. He promises. They go back to Gail's and he asks Tina not to say anything to Gail. Tina tells him that if David was pulling a stunt like this she would dump him. Gail is pleased to see him and they joke over his cooking abilities.

In the back room of the Rovers Steve tells Michelle that the piece in court was a lie - but he admits sleeping with Becky. She said he has been lying, telling her things are not right and seeing someone else.

Aunty Pam has solved the honeymoon problem - she hands over a key to a caravan called Caravaggio not more then ten minutes from Blackpool. Ty accepts but Molly does not. Jack congratulates Ty on his first marital row and hopes that he will have many more.

At the Rovers Bill buys the beers and tells Joe it is a bonus for good work. Bill denies that Jason tipped him off about the phone calls and they start playing darts. Eddie Windass wants to play the winner and claims to have been semi-pro a few years ago. He even claims to have some trophies and had to have therapy to break the addiction.

Steve is in the corner shop telling Dev that he has broken up with Michelle and buying a bottle of champers to share with his new girlfriend Becky. He also takes a big box of choccies and some flowers.

Fiz decides to read the letter which arrived earlier. She reads it and then when the door opens stuffs it back into envelope so that Kirk cannot see what it is. Kirk's phone beeps - Maria is on her way back to Weatherfield.

Steve armed with alcohol, flowers and chocolates is on the Street outside Becky's window and starts calling up to her. She opens the window and he tells her is now official a free man. She tells him that it is not a good time, but he thinks it is and they can go public - but she has to tell him she has someone else, he asks who and we find that Jason has made it up the stairs. Steve grasps the meaning and so he sits alone on the pavement drinking champagne and eating chocolates.

Inside Jason suggests to Becky that he should go - but she says they are doing nothing wrong and she is not with Steve.

Molly has eventually been persuaded that arctic like Blackpool might be fun in mid-January and with two hot water bottles all would be well. Ty and Molly depart. with them gone Pam tells Jack to make sure he is not going out tomorrow as there is a delivery coming. Given the recent episodes Jack is worried - but he will have to wait and see.

Michelle tells Liz that she cannot work her notice and she will go out the back way. Liz is sorry to lose her and it should be Steve who does not show his face. Michelle is only going three doors down to stay with Maria. Ryan arrives home and Michelle's next job is to tell him.

Maria has arrived home already and is granted by Fix and Kirk. Kirk wants to feel the bump before he goes to meet Julie. Maria says that Michelle and Ryan are coming to stay and Fiz stays on for a cup of tea.

Becky and Jason emerge from the cafe and Steve wants to know how long they have been back together. He snaps that Becky did not hang around - but she retorts that she has been hanging around for weeks waiting for him. She tells him that he had let her down too many times. She tells him that Jason is at long last divorcing Sarah so it is a new start for them, she knows where she is with Jason and she could not wait for ever. Steve cannot wish them well and hopes that they are as miserable as he is.

Back at the Rovers Eddie windbag has turned up with a suitcase containing various darts trophies which proved that he had been a regular winner. He had to give up in 2005 when Anna said it was the darts or her. Anyway Bill asks Eddie if he wants to start a pub team and Eddie thinks that he has faced his demons and he could start again - after discussing it with Anna.

Dev finds Steve sitting desolate outside the salon and asks if he is the first champegno - like a wino only posher. Steve wails that if Becky had only waited one more hour he could have been hand feeding her the chocolates. On the other side of the Street Michelle and Ryan arrive at Maria's with Ryan saying he felt like an illegal immigrant. Maria opens the door and welcomes them.

Joe returns to Gail's saying that Eddie had appeared in the Rovers and he could not stay there. Gail responded by saying that she welcomed him in her home at any time. Joe said that he only stays away some nights to sort of make a point. Gail says he can stay every night and Joe wonders if that is a good enough reason - probably not but Gail can think of a few others.

Ryan decides to nip out for a minute and heads in the direction of Maxime's seat where Steve continues to bewail his fortune to Dev. As Ryan approaches Steve stands and begins "Listen Ryan mate ..." but is cut short as Ryan delivers a sharp punch to his nose. Ryan looks straight at Steve and warns him to: "Stay away from my mum.". He then returns to Maria's.

Once again Steve's nose is bleeding and he can add another person to the list of people who hate him.

Why does Gail always get the nutters? Richard Hillman, the Scot and now Joe, not to mention David himself. She is just a trouble magnet.

See you all next week.
K Richard W

Steve still doesn't have a sweet blessed clue does he?

Joe is moving himself and all his bin bagged worldly possessions into Gail's. Tina looks less than impressed. Wearing her robe, she and David nip out to Joe's truck to get more stuff so of course yob from next door leans out the window and makes an obnoxious remark. She takes it in her stride, David snarls. Back inside, Tina whispers to her dad about how she's not happy he's there. What if they have a row and how will it affect her and David. Gail ascertains that he's ok with Joe moving in. David says it'll be like being a family again. Gail smugly smiles but David smirks, You think that's a good thing? You must have different memories from me. Ouch.

Fiz and Julie finish their breakfast. It's Stape's day in court and Fiz is thoughtful. Julie is less than sympathetic and thinks Fiz should be grateful he's out of her life forever. The idea doesn't seem to make Fiz happy.

Michelle makes arrangements with Liz to come pick up the rest of her belongings and wants to make sure Steve isn't going to be around. Liz assures her she'll kick Steve out for the morning. Michelle is going to fly home to Ireland for some Mammy Connor tlc (Ryan is staying with a mate so he won't miss school) Liz tells Steve the plan and again gives him a hard time. Steve says he tried everything to avoid hurting Michelle. (except staying away from Becky, of course).

Fiz has decided to go to court after all. She hurries out of the factory, pursued by Julie who tries to get her not to go. She feels responsible and doesn't want John to think everyone has abandoned him completely. She's not trying to give him false hope, but it seems like she just needs to see it through to the end. Closure, I guess they call it. Clearly she still has very mixed feelings for him. Julie later goes and puts Tony in the picture, disagreeing with him that true love does not forgive all unless you're soft in the head. That certainly gives Tony something to stop and think about.

Steve arrives at the taxi office to an earful from Eileen. Steve tries to insist there's nothing going on with Becky now, but Eileen doesn't believe him and reckons Michelle doesn't either as she's packed up and left. Eddie staggers in and asks Steve, as the Rovers Landlord, whether it's ok if he organizes a darts team out of the pub regulars. Yeah, fine, whatever. Steve has more important things to worry about. Eddie leaves, skiving out of work. After he leaves, she continues to blister his ear about all the trouble he's caused.

In the pub, Liz is getting ready for opening and Michelle warily comes in the door. She commiserates with Michelle's pain, as she recalls working behind the bar and making friends with Becky and all the while Steve.... She tells Liz she's not coming back (to the bar, I think she means).

Outside, Tony sees Maria is home and comes over to see how she is and if the break has given her a new perspective. He offers some shallow missives about understanding she has to blame someone, only natural, but hoping she can find a way to see things differently. She's not falling for it.

Fiz has arrived at the courthouse and with trepidation, she goes up into the courtroom.

Tara has a big surprise for Amber. She urges Amber and Dev to come outside the shop and ta daaaa she presents Amber with a belated birthday present, a car! It's a snappy little red VW bug, her old one as her daddy has bought her a new car. Dev is less than impressed though Amber is over the moon. She doesn't know what to say! (Thank you, comes to mind) Why on earth would Tara do that when she knew Dev implicitly said he thought Amber was too young for a car yet, in addition to the fact she can't drive? Tara doesn't see the problem, Amber wanted a car, she had a spare. She figures Dev just didn't want to spend the money. He gives Tara grief for undermining him. Even so, later, she tells Amber they'll find a way to get round him. (you know, she's just like her mother, isn't she?)

In court, proceedings get underway. Stape is led up into the dock. He looks around and sees Fiz who acknowledges him, and he gives her a little smile. Stape is allowed to address the court which he does, humbly. He apologizes profusely and knows it was wrong even though Rosie was never harmed and was well taken care of. He was sure Rosie wasn't scared of him. (again, still never really taking full responsibility!) He also adds that he feels even worse because he lost the love and trust of his beloved.

Joe, Jason and Bill unload some copper pipe into the yard while Tina and David look on. Tina hopes it all works out. Gary ambles by and winds David up again but this time Joe jumps all over him, pushing him around a bit and ordering him away from his little girl. From Tina's reaction, David is led to understand that Joe's temper flares like that frequently.

Back to the court. The judge sternly explains that he's sending John down for 2 years. He'll serve at least half and the few months he's been in count toward it. (I reckon he will be out just in time for the Christmas storylines this year!) Take him down! He makes eye contact with Fiz on the way. He smiles at her. She doesn't smile at him.

Gary sits on the settee thinking and asks his dad how much copper piping is worth these days. His dad doesn't want to know and thinks someone who's got a suspended sentence hanging over him shouldn't want to know either. Eddie leaves to see to the darts team organization and Gary immediately gets on the phone to Uncle Len.

Dev and Tara are now in his flat. He gives her more grief. Tara figures it is just a matter of Amber taking lessons. At whose cost? and Insurance? Tara shrugs, just wanted to see the look on her face! And mine, Dev grunts. Tara supposes he wants her to tell Amber she can't have it. Yes, that's exactly what he wants. Well it's too bad. Tara refuses. Checkmate. (Spoiled brat!)

Becky and Jason amble up the road just as Michelle is coming out of Maria's. Showdown at high noon! Michelle lays into Becky, calling her names and it doesn't matter how much Becky tries to defend herself, insisting she never touched Steve after the first time. Jason is upset and wants a newly arrived Eileen to stop them. In a bit, says Eileen, interested in the whole outcome. Michelle continues to castigate Becky who mainly takes it while protesting. Michelle isn't going to believe her and finally Eileen intercedes. Becky has taken the worst of the abuse, with Michelle firing arrows left and right, ending off with something along the lines of everyone now knowing what she's like and nobody ever wanting anything to do with her. Obviously Becky just wants to be liked and it hits home. Michelle finally storms off. After she's 10 feet away, Becky screams at her and calls her a cow but you can she she's shaken up. Eileen looks at Jason, He doesn't want to know her opinion.

In the pub, Michelle darts in, still angry and frustrated and outraged. Liz just murmurs the right responses but then Steve arrives. Oops, thought you'd be gone by now, he sheepishly explains. Michelle goes out back to get her things. Liz tells Steve what Michelle's immediate plans are. Thicko doesn't know why they couldn't have just stayed in the pub and continued working there too. Hello? Anyone got a clue to give away? Steve needs one badly! Steve reckons it was Michelle's decision to leave, after all. And why is that, Liz shouts. Steve has the grace to look abashed. Michelle returns and Steve adds his sorry to Liz's and says she's always got a job there. He is summarily dismissed as she goes out the door.

The Platts are discussing the grotty neighbours. David is moaning, Joe is complaining. David mentions he noticed Len had arrived too and figures they're up to something. They are but of course they have no proof.

Next door, Gary broaches his plan to Len, all that pipe just waiting for someone to walk off with it.

Tvor

In which Joe showed some unattractive but true colours. Poor Gail.

Audrey joins Bill and Jason for a drink. Bill explains to Audrey that the pint waiting on the table is for Joe. He tells a shocked Audrey that not only has Joe moved in with Gail but he's been labouring for Bill as well.

Becky takes a call from Steve outside the cafe. She angrily tells him how Michelle attacked her verbally on the street and reminded Steve how she had been trying to keep their relationship quiet but now, because of Steve, everyone knows. She tells Steve to stay away from her, to stop calling her, "That way at least I might be able to walk down the street without being attacked by any more mad women." She hangs up on Steve even though Steve pleads with her to talk to him.

Gary and his Uncle Len are nosing around Bill's builder's yard. Len reckons they can cut through the wire and get to the copper piping no trouble except for the security camera. Gary and Len are both up for pinching the copper piping, the ratbags.

In the Rovers, Eddie Windass tells Jason and Bill that he has the go ahead to put together a darts team and it's only going to cost £30 a head. Unbelievably, Bill and Jason eagerly dig into their wallets and give the £30 each to man they barely know and whose family has a bad reputation. Audrey turns her nose up at Eddie's suggestion that she could join the team as well. Joe comes into the pub and tells Eddie where to get off, when Eddie asks him if he wants to join the team and hand over his cash.

Outside the pub, Audrey sees Maria. Maria tells Audrey that she's feeling better and that she wants to come back to work. Audrey is delighted to have her back.

Gary Windass sees Tina saying goodbye to David on the street, while he's making plans with his uncle to break into Bill's yard that night. He goes through Gail's back gate where she is taking washing down in the garden. He invites himself in for a cuppa. Tina invites trouble with David by not telling Gary to clear off and smirks every time Gary flirts with her. She's enjoying the attention far too much. Tina asks him what he's been up to. "Nothing I can tell you about," he answers.

At Fizz's place, Fizz is having a cuppa with Maria, talking about John's sentencing. Chesney bursts in, excited to find out what sentence John Stape got. Fizz seems sad to tell him that John got two years. Chesney is pleased, but out of respect for his sister, doesn't rejoice in Stape's misfortune and goes upstairs. Fizz ruminates that because John has been in prison for a while now, he'll probably have got used to it somewhat by now. "But then what do I know about what's he's feeling? I never really knew all along, did I?" Maria assures Fizz that John was always genuinely fond of her.

Amber and Tara confront Dev in his flat about the car situation. They think they have a solution to the problem. While they know that Dev is dead set against Amber having "this or any other car", they thought that Tara could keep it in her name, let her father keep making the insurance payments like he always does while Amber works and earns enough money to pay for her driving lessons. Dev is still not happy because the fact is, he simply doesn't want Amber to have a car. But wait, am I missing something? Didn't Amber just turn 18? Doesn't that mean that Amber can have as many cars as she likes and it's nowt to do with her dad at all? Anyway, there's no talking Dev round and Amber and Tara leave him stewing in hi paternal fury.

At Underworld, Rosie has just been informed by the police that John Stape got two years. She is eager to tell her mother. Sally is disappointed that he didn't get more but Rosie is delighted because, "Finding him guilty is the same as finding me innocent!" Oooooh, wouldn't you like to give her a slap? And she goes on, "So anyone who says, "Ooh, she must have deserved it" or any thing like that, we can sue them for thousands!" They join Kevin out in the garage and give him the good news. Kevin is in the mood to celebrate, he doesn't mind that John only got two years.

David comes home from a fruitless visit to the job centre and sees Tina sitting on the lounge with two cups of tea on the coffee table. He hears the toilet flush and wonders who is with Tina. Tina refuses to indulge David in his jealous questioning but he soon finds out who is with Tina when Gail comes down the stairs. Tina accuses David of being jealous and reminds him of the trouble that got him into last time.

Steve is leaning over the bar, on the phone to Becky, leaving her a message, pleading with her to listen to it before she deletes it from her voicemail. He reminds Becky that he did everything she wanted him to do for the two of them to be together. He asks her to give him a ring so they can sort things out.

Len Windass joins Gary and Eddie in their front room. Gary asks Len if he has brought everything they will need for "later". Eddie asks them what is going on but they don't tell. While Eddie is in the kitchen, Len tells Gary that they'll wait a couple of hours before doing the dastardly deed, until it's "proper dark".

Amber is whining to Darryl and Amber in the shop about how she is 18 now and the car issue shouldn't have anything to do with Dev. "But it does," say Darryl. Tara adds her two pence, "You have to live with him and work with him, and Dev, I think, has a stubbornness. That means he will never back down." Really Tara? is that what stubbornness means? Thanks for that. Amber is disappointed that Tara was not able to work her charms on him. Tara tells her that she'll take the car back but that it will still belong to Amber. Darryl suggests that Amber work in the kebab shop to earn the money for the driving lessons. Dev will still be paying for them, that way. "Right, so who's going to tell him?" asks Amber, all excited.

Audrey is having a cuppa with Gail, talking about Joe moving in. She drops the bomb about Joe labouring for Bill. Gail doesn't believe her and tells Audrey that Joe is still head of his own business. "That's not what I've heard," says Audrey, concerned.

Fizz and Julie are having a cuppa at their place. Fizz thinks that even thought she will have nightmares about John's sentencing, she is glad she went. She tells Julie that John definitely knew that she was there. Chesney doesn't understand why Fizz went. She tries to explain, "Sometimes when you've had something happen in your life, something important, you want to see it right through to the very end." Chesney asks her if this really is the end for her and Stape. Fizz replies, "When the judge said take him down I felt it then. Like that really was the was the end of it."

Gary is with Len in a van and is very gung ho about doing this break-in. Len is concerned that Gary is too eager to do the job and that he can't trust Gary to do it right. He wonders if Gary has taken any drugs but Gary denies it. He tells Gary that he is the boss and that whatever he says, Gary has to do it, no questions. They get ready to start their thieving.

Becky listens to her voicemail and hears the message from Steve. She looks as though she doesn't know what to do.

The Websters come into the Rovers, ready to celebrate. They order some champagne and tell everyone why they're celebrating. Fizz comes in with Julie who drags her to the bar. She sees the Websters and hears Rosie toasting, "Lets raise our glasses and say well done to the judge for locking up John Stape and let's hope they lose the key." Fizz rushes out. Sally and Rosie have a bitch about her behind her back.

Becky calls Steve and asks where he wants to meet her for the all important meeting he wants to have with her. She refuses to come into the pub after what was said about her last night.

Len and Gary cut the chains of the Bill's fence and start nicking.

Back in the Rovers, Dev comes in and hears that Kevin is celebrating. Eddie asks Kevin and Dev if they want to join the darts team. Dev is not interested because he is a golfer, see, but Kevin digs into his wallet and fishes out the £30 to join.

Gail is with Joe at a wee table by the door. She asks him about working for Bill as a labourer. Joe asks her why she wants to know. She asks him if he still has his own business. Joe gets shirty with her and accuses her of not being interested in him unless he has his own business. He gets angry and tells Gail he's sick of this, "Being accused, being found lacking, always in the wrong." He raises his voice and tells Gal he's fed up of women not thinking he's good enough for them, not standing by him and storms out of the pub. Gail is left shell-shocked, wondering what she said wrong.

Becky and Steve are out in the smoker's yard. Steve wants Becky to be with him but Becky tells him that she can't because she's already committed to a relationship with Jason. "Only cos you thought I wasn't going to dump Michelle. I have now!" Steve reasons with her. But Becky won't finish with Jason for Steve citing that it's too late for them. Steve tells her that he's free now and they can do what they like. Becky claims that she'd like for Steve to leave her alone but Steve knows that's not what she really wants. Becky won't be moved though and leaves Steve all alone.

Len and Gary are almost done stealing the copper pipes.

Gail returns home to find David but not Joe. David asks her if they've had a row. Gail doesn't know if they've had a row or not. David suggests maybe Joe has gone to speak to Tina in the kebab shop. He volunteers to go and see. Gail asks him not to say anything if Joe is there because he's in such a weird mood.

Len and Gary have nicked all the copper piping and drive down the street whooping all the way.

Stella McLoughlin

Bill and Jason arrive at the yard and find the wire fence cut.

Meanwhile, at the breakfast table, Kirk reads out loud to Chesney the newspaper report of John Stape's trial, with a few embellishments. They're both upset to see that Fizz's name has been printed. Just then Fizz comes downstairs and asks if her name has been mentioned. "No!" says Kirk, trying to protect her. "Yes," says Chesney, truthfully. Fizz is so upset by this she goes back to bed, saying she'll get Julie to tell them at work that she's sick. "After all, I must be sick, mustn't I, to fall for someone like him!"

Bill is on the phone to the police, trying to report the theft from his yard. Just then Eddie Windass comes along and is shocked when he hears that the only things missing are the copper pipes. He walks away hurriedly.

Tina and David find Gail sitting at the kitchen table, she's not heard from Joe. She asks if they have any idea where he might be, and asks Tina to ask him to get in touch if she sees him first.

Eddie Windass arrives home to find Gary watching the tv. He tells him that someone burgled the builder's yard and took a load of copper pipes. He's suspicious because Gary had just been asking about how much pipes are worth. Gary acts innocent but Eddie reminds him that they moved to Weatherfield for a fresh start and if he messes it up for them he'll be out on his ear before he can say Big Issue.

Tina goes to the lock-up to find Joe. "What are you doing?" she asks, reminding him that he's the adult, he's supposed to set an example. She asks what they've been arguing about and he explains about working for Bill and not telling Gail. Tina asks if he's going to come home tonight, but he says he hasn't decided. "You'd rather sleep in a freezing lock-up than come home to the people who care about you most?" she says. He asks her to promise not to tell Gail where he is, but she says she's not lying for him.

Maria goes back to work at the salon, but Audrey delegates some of her work to Natasha, she wants Maria to take it easy.

The police have been to the builder's yard. Jason wonders if it was Joe who could have taken the pipes. Bill doesn't think so at first, but does admit that he knows he's short of money. Just then Joe arrives, telling them that he's late because his auntie had a fall and he had to take her to hospital.

Dev arrives at the kebab shop to find Amber. She tells him that Darryl pays her 50p an hour more now, so she's going to work for him, she can then afford driving lessons. "You're still not getting the car," says Dev. "I'll buy my own," says Amber. "I'm no match for you, babe," says Dev, and leaves. "That were easy," remarks Darryl. "Yeah, a bit too easy," says Amber.

Gary Windass walks round to yard and starts chatting to Jason. "My dad tells me you got robbed," he says, "I'm sorry to hear that." He then asks if they think it was an inside job and Joe hears him and tells him to sling it, he's a nasty, scheming little git! Bill appears then, and Gary suggests the same to him. Joe loses his temper and tries to hit him, having to be restrained by Jason.

In the salon, Emily tells Maria she admires her, and it will be good when she has the baby. She says she would have liked children, although having Norris under her roof is almost the same. "What about Jed?" asks Maria, "what's he like?" Emily tells her that Jed went off on his travels on Christmas day, with no letter or word of farewell. Maria is shocked, and asks if she's told the police, but of course, Emily hasn't. Jed took all his possessions, except for his cap, so there is nothing to tell the police about.

In the pub, Bill and Jason ask Joe what the problem is with Gary Windass. Joe says he knows they both think he nicked the pipes. "Did we say that?" says Bill, as Joe gets to his feet, "sit down and eat your hotpot." Joe says he's not staying there to be branded a thief and a liar. "No one's calling you a liar," says Jason, "but now you come to mention it, how is your auntie?" Joe storms off.

Chesney tells Kirk that Fizz needs a new boyfriend, someone who won't take advantage of her. They go into the kebab shop and Kirk asks Amber if she and her mate are playing musical chairs, as Minnie is working in the corner shop. "Good question," says Amber.

Gail goes to the yard looking for Joe, and Bill tells her he went into a strop and stormed off because he thought he was being accused of stealing the copper pipes. Gail says she knows he's honest, but Bill says that sometimes when people are desperate they do mad things. "Who says he's desperate?" asks Gail and Bill points out that his business is going down the tubes. Gail asks that if they see him they tell him she would like to talk to him.

Kirk arrives home with fish and chips, but Chesney tells him that he's taking Fizz to the cafe, he's set her up with a hot date. "Has he kidnapped anyone?" asks Kirk, "does he fancy schoolgirls?" Chesney says he doesn't. "I like him already," says Kirk.

Amber goes into the corner shop and asks Minnie what she's doing there. Dev tells her that Minnie has agreed to do some hours because the person he left in charge was conspicuous by her absence. He then points out that although Amber went running off to the kebab shop in order to teach Dev a lesson, he actually owns both shops so whichever one she works at, she's working for him! He then tells the girls that after today Minnie will be in the kebab shop and Amber will be there, in the corner shop. Amber tells him he's controlling and has an inflated sense of his own importance, and storms out.

Kirk visits Maria and isn't happy to hear her theories about Jed's disappearance.

In the cafe, Graeme comes over to sit with Fizz and Chesney. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket and starts to read a poem he written to Fizz. "Ok, what's going on?" Fizz demands to know, asking Chesney if it was Kirk's idea or his. Chesney confesses that it was his. "Not interested then?" asks Graeme, and goes off to catch his bus. Chesney tells Fizz he hated to see her look so sad. "Is it that obvious?" asks Fizz, and tells him that although it was a lovely thought, another fella is the last thing she needs.

Gail and Tina are discussing the theft from the builder's yard. Tina says that her dad is so honest he would give back a penny if he was given too much change in a shop. David says he can't believe they're even discussing it, it's obvious it was Gary Windass, he saw them go past in a pick-up, coming from the direction of the builder's yard, and looking pretty pleased with themselves.

Fizz and Chesney come out of the cafe to find Graeme lying in the road. "You'll get run over!" yells Fizz, and Graeme tells her that's the general idea. Just then a car comes round the corner and they pull him to his feet. Fizz sends Chesney on ahead, and Graeme apologises for embarrassing her. She says she's sorry too for being so crabby, and they walk along chatting. When they get to her door he asks if he can read the rest of his poem to her, so she says he can. At the end, she gives him a hug and leaves him, smiling.

In the Windass household, Gary tells his dad that he never nicked the copper pipes, but Eddie doesn't believe him, telling him that if he's caught he'll go down. Gary says he lacks a positive role model, Eddie never did anything with his life, so why should he? Eddie tells him he doesn't want to see him turn into him, he wants him to get on. "If you go down it'll break your mother's heart," he says, "and mine!" Adding that he'll never get a job with a criminal record. Just then there's a knock on the door, it's David. He tells Gary he knows it was him, he saw him and his uncle loading the pipes onto a pick-up. "I was at home all night," lies Gary, "wasn't I dad?" and Eddie backs him up. Just then Tina comes to get David, but as he leaves he tells the Windasses that he's going to the police.

Anne Logan

Hello and welcome to another Friday night first episode. We open with Maria on the phone to Fiz trying to find out whether Tony's at the factory. She wants a word. Maria sees Emily walk past the window and ends the phone call.

At the breakfast table, Sophie's trying to talk to her mother about problems she's having with a friend, but all Sally's worried about is Kevin's bad manners in reading the newspaper at the table. A disheveled Rosie appears just as he turns the page to - gasp! It's Rosie revealing "My weeks of hell" and a lot more besides! Kevin tells her it makes a mockery of all the time they spent worrying themselves sick. Sally asks if Rosie got paid for her story (and the sexy schoolgirl pictures) and Rosie says of course she did. How else does Sally think she's been able to afford all her nights out? Rosie decides to go back to bed and wants Sally to makes excuses for her at the factory, but Sally refuses.

Emily and Norris in the Kabin discuss Oldham, "home of the tubular bandage". Norris thinks that's one of the best straplines every written. Maria arrives in - she wants to talk to Emily about Jed going missing. Emily points out there's no reason to believe anything untoward has happened. Maria thinks it's all too much of a coincidence that Jed should disappear just after vowing to confront Tony. Emily points out that Jed is a free spirit. "He's a grown man. He packed his belongings and left," Emily points out. Maria's determined to confront Tony about it, though.

At Gail's, she and Tina discuss Joe. There's been no word. Tina says Joe used to do a disappearing act on her mum, as well. As Gail goes out to clean the windows, Tina leaves a message on Joe's phone.

Maria waits on the step outside the factory. Fiz comes out and Maria explains she's waiting for Tony. But Fiz says Tony's away at a trade fair until Monday.

As Gail takes out her frustration on her front windows, Anna Windass stops to tell her she's heard about Joe kicking off in the Rovers. "Bit of a bad lad, eh?" Gail is very annoyed. She says Anna's men are causing all the trouble. Anna says she can't go blaming the Windasses willy nilly, but Gail says David is going to the police today to tell them about seeing Gary and Len when the copper piping went missing.

As Kevin loads the rubbish into the wheelie bin, something drops out. It's a pregnancy testing kit.

In the cafe, Deirdre sits with her cuppa and tells Ken she's thinking of going over to Peter's and dropping off some milk, putting a few flowers in a vase. You know, she works some very funny hours for someone who has an office job at the council. Unless, of course, they've moved the council offices to just out the back of the taxi office or somewhere else very close by. Which would be odd, because we've seen her getting a bus to work. Ken takes his mobile phone and goes off to check when Peter will be home. At another table, Kirk, Bill and Eddie Windass discuss the pipe theft. Eddie's determined it's Joe, but Bill doesn't think they should be judge and jury. Kirk, bless him, has just managed to eat an Eccles cake without eating any of the currents. He hates them. Eddie reminds Bill about the darts team. Kirk, who says he's watched about 1,000 episodes of Bullseye, decides to join and hands over his sub. Ken returns and says Adam just told him that Peter's in a bad way. He's drinking again.

At Maria's, Kirk arrives. Fiz has asked him to come round. Fiz has to get back to work. Maria protests that she doesn't need babysitting, but Kirk wants to stop and watch a programme where they're cooking chicken thighs.

Sally arrives home, apparently summoned in panic by Kevin. He thinks the test kit must be hers, but Sally assumes it's Rosie's. "You don't think it's Stape's, do you?" she asks. Kevin thinks it's more likely to be that lowlife Gary Windass's. He wants to go upstairs and drag her out of bed. "She said this morning she felt rough. I just assumed she was hungover," he says.

In the factory, Tony, far from being away, is in the office with Carla. Carla's going out to the solicitor's later on to get everything signed up to get out of the business deal with Tom and Liam. Fiz comes in to warn them that Maria's getting wound up again. Carla's all for taking action. "That's all we need - Miss Haversham mouthing off all over the place." Tony thinks they should just leave her.

Rosie is awake again and her parents ask her about the testing kit. She tells them it must be Sophie's, because it's not hers.

Anna seeks out Eddie to tell him that David's going to the copshop. As they stand outside the builders' yard, with Bill telling them that the police will probably just lock up David, given his history, Gail overhears them. "It don't take long for the gossipmongers to start spreading their poison," she says, walking away.

Emily calls to see whether Maria's all right. Kirk needs to get to the dentist and Emily says she'll stay for a while. She offers to make a cup of tea. She tells Maria she lost her husband. "He didn't deserve to have his life snatched away like that," she says. She tells Maria that she thought she'd never get over it, but she has, eventually. Maria explains that she can't move on when she knows that Liam was murdered. Emily explains that Maria's mind is still struggling to make sense of what happened, but Maria's insistent that Liam was murdered. She spots Tony Gordon outside and tells Emily she will have a cup of tea. But as soon as Emily turns her back, Maria's out the door.

Tina knocks on the front of the lock-up. She calls that she's got her i-pod and her sarnies and she's going to wait for her dad. He's been sitting inside ignoring the knocking but when he hears this, Joe lets her in. She tells him he's off the hook because David saw the Windasses and he's gone to the police. Joe's quite down, but Tina lectures him on how unfair he's being to Gail. She wants him to come back to Gail's. He realises he's not being fair to Tina and agrees to come back.

Maria's in the factory and doesn't realise Tony is on the stairs. He sees her long before he lets her know he's there, then asks her into the office. She tells him there's no point lying because she knows he's murdered Jed Stone.

Emily discovers Maria is missing.

Tony shuts the blinds in the office. Maria says she's told Fiz and Kirk and Emily and everyone knows she's there. Tony says that if she wants to believe he killed Jed, then fine, that's what he did. "He was an interfering so and so." He twists a negligee and shows how he strangled Jed. He tells Maria he put Jed into a knicker hamper and the staff members were dancing all over it, "and poor Jed barely cold . . . "

The End of Episode One
Margaret Carr

Maria emerges from the Underworld factory claiming that Tony has actually admitted it, Tony appears behind her asking why she had been sneaking around his factory. Maria repeats that Tony has admitted killing Jed Stone. Carla tells her to get a grip and Emily asks Maria to calm herself. Tony is sympathetic saying that she is a sick young lady. Carla tells Maria to go home and she does indeed march off. Tony asks Fiz to keep a watch on Maria and she and Emily follow Maria home.

Blanche arrives at the bookies with a sandwich for Leanne and takes the opportunity to observe that they are all running round after Peter whilst he is probably out living the high life.

In the factory office Carla is trying to convince Tony to get a restraining order on Maria - after all there were plenty of witnesses. He says that Maria really needs a lot of doctors in white coats - her nerves are shot to pieces and he does not want to be the one who starts that off. He assures Carla he can handle her.

Tina and Joe and a police car arrive. Gary emerges sneering but it appears the policeman is looking for him - they want to question him about a recent burglary. He is not being arrested but they would like a few questions answered - Gary agrees - after all he has nothing to hide does he? David emerges from the Platt residence and shakes hands with Joe as Gary is driven away. Gail runs out and throws her arms around Joe. He claims to have been staying with a mate and Gail sniffs and asks if the mate has a shower! Later, cleaned up Joe and Gail simply asks if he is ready for lunch. He cannot understand the lack of shouting and doors slamming - but Gail says there is no point and he might just do another runner. Joe says that he is sorry - he simply bottles everything up and lets the problems crush the life out of him. He has a lot of baggage, but Gail simply smiles in return and says he is not the only one!

At Maria's Jason has been asked to fit new locks and she wants to find him some money. Emily says that Tony reminds her of Mike Baldwin - he was OK for helping anyone out - but when it came to business he took no prisoners. Emily tells the story of how Tony took advantage of Jed when he was ill and in hospital and had his house boarded up - which Jason admits doing. Jason of course had a different story - Tony had said the old fella had moved out, but it was a bit weird - all the stuff was still there and milk in the fridge. Maria was listening from the stairs. So Jason - you are Tony's bully boy. Jason denies it but she tells him to get out. She asks what other dirty work he has done for Tony. He denies it all again but she tells him to go.

Sophie arrives home and soon senses there are problems. Kevin shouts at her that they want to talk to her. Sally tells her that Kevin found something in the bins. Sophie buries her head in her hands and says sorry. Sophie admits the pregnancy testing kit is hers. Rosie appears down the stairs and asks who has been a naughty girl then? Sally silences her and then asks Sophie what the result was. Sophie does not initially want to say but eventually admits it was positive. Kevin goes off one (hardly a surprise that) but Sally tells him to go for a walk and to calm down, she will find out the facts. So with Kev gone Sal sits down and says that if the test was positive then Sophie needs an appointment with the doctor to find out how far gone she was. Sophie says she can't and grabs the phone to stop the call being made. Sophie admits that she made it up and that she has never been with a lad. Sally wants to know why she would pull a stunt like this - again after the one when Rosie was missing. Sophie said that was the problem - everything in the family is always about Rosie - never about her. She asks if her mother hates her. Sally told her not to worry - she might have had a nasty turn - but it is better than being a granny at her age. The two hug.

Maria promises Fiz she will take it easy and the latter goes back to number 5, although Maria is staring at the factory.

Kev comes home to be told that they were playing fantasy grandchildren and it was a nonsense. Kev claims it makes them the worst parents in the world, whilst Rosie is observing that the little freak has been telling a pack of lies! Sally tells Rosie to have some compassion. Rosie says that Sophie is mental. Sally tells Rosie that if she did not demand so much then maybe they would not be in this mess. (Hands up those who actually think Sophie really is pregnant and has been lying about making it up? We will see in the Autumn no doubt!). Rosie gawps as her brain tries to handle the preposterous suggestion that she is the cause of the problem.

Eddie is trying to hit himself with a door for some strange reason but it is not working so he turns round and trips over his own crutches, dabs at the blood on his face and seems to be happy with the result.

Ken finds Blanche in the bookies where she has been helping out. Ken claims to have spoken to Peter and passes on his thanks for looking after the business. Ken is heading down to see Peter to help him sort out some business matters. Blanche tells Ken that whilst the blonde bookies help might believe him she does not. Apparently Peter has fallen off the wagon (was he ever on it?) and they must keep it to themselves for now.

Eddie hobbles into the Rovers claiming to have been mugged and to have lost all his money - including the darts money he had on him. Joe is not convinced and claims it was an amazing coincidence when his pockets were full of other people's money. Lloyd tells him to back off but Joe insists he is putting it on. Eddie asks Lloyd to get him a pint to steady his nerves. He downs the pint - claiming it was better than any medicine (especially as he was not paying).

Maria, in her night clothes, is putting out the milk bottles and sees Tony and Carla heading to the Rovers. She shouts "Oi Tony Gordon". Carla responds by telling her that if she says one more word Tony will cease being Mr Nice Guy. Despite her pyjamas she marches down the Street and into the Rovers. Once inside she tells Tony that she does not know how he has the nerve to be drinking after what he told her today. Liz tries to tell Maria that she is under dressed but Maria sees totally oblivious. Ken tries to get her to go home but Maria screams that first Tony killed Liam and now he has killed Jed Stone. Carla threatens to call the police. Maria turns on her and reckons she is involved as well. Tony says that Maria needs a doctor. Maria screams out that he confessed. So Tony asks her to repeat his confession which she does. Of course the story (which is almost true) sounds so preposterous that Tony can respond simply by calling her poor girl. Maria flings herself at Tony and uses her nails to scratch the side of his face - but Carla thinks she has gone too far this time. Tony asks that someone takes the poor girl home. Ken helps Maria leave and Carla comforts her husband. Given the public display no-one is ever likely to believe Maria - Tony may be about to get away with murder after all.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Here we go again, a brand new week. A brand new start, for Sally and Sophie, that is. Sally is sucking up hard and Sophie, now that the latest crisis is over, just wants to get off to school. Sally assures her younger daughter that they love her just as much as Rosie and is sorry that Rosie is so high maintenance and demanding. Rosie overhears and takes umbrage. it's true though, isn't it? The sisters trade insults, as sisters do and Sophie comes out the winner in this match. She gets a high five from Sally, in fact.

Maria is doing what a lot of women do when they're uber-stressed. She's been cleaning the house from top to bottom and is industriously, almost obsessively scrubbing the top of the cooker when Audrey arrives. Audrey has to almost force her to stop scraping and grinding at the stove then tells her she probably shouldn't come in to work, not in the state she is. What state???? Maria gets angry again, realizing Audrey has heard that she'd attacked Tony in the pub. She protests, she barely touched him! Audrey is very worried about Maria.

Blanche is getting ready to go in to "help" at the bookies, in a hurry because she overslept. Just as she's ready to leave, the phone rings. Deirdre picks it up and it seems it's Ken ringing from Portsmouth. She assumes he and Peter are on the way home and she wants Blanche to wait but she's off out the door while Deirdre gasps at the news Ken has to impart. Doesn't sound like good news.

Back to Maria's, Audrey is saying how ridiculous the stories Maria's telling sound. Maria is adamant that Tony did indeed confess to her, no matter how bizarre it sounds. Why would she make that up? Audrey points out that it's still Maria's word against Tony's. Maria is determined not to let Tony win. Audrey thinks Maria needs help but Maria wants Audrey out.

Blanche arrives to find Leanne rather glum. She says she's got news that will put a smile on Leanne's face and breaks the news that Peter will be home later today (or so she thinks). It does indeed light up Leanne's face. It's a really lovely little scene between the two of them. Blanche reckons Leanne ought to be aloof with Peter when he gets back. Leanne is writing odds on a board and dances out from behind the counter. She's off to get her hair done. Blanche shiftily changes one of the odds to a lower number and shakes her head at the younger woman's enthusiasm.

In the factory, Kelly has been spreading the gossip about the things Maria was saying about Tony, how they were all dancing around Jed's dead body in the knicker hamper. Everyone is incredulous though Sally is sympathetic to Maria's situation at least. Scarface and Cruella arrive, all eyes riveted on his cheek bearing the marks of Maria's nails. They go into the office and Carla insists they talk to the police about Maria. Tony doesn't want to take it any further. He knows what he's doing.

Eddie Windass is draped over the too-short settee in his string vest and open shirt, smoking a fag for which the ashtray is balanced on his chest. His trouser button is undone and his hair is streaming down and looking filthy. He's completely gross. Anna is doing the ironing and ignoring him. She's worried about Gary and the police. He's not. She's pretty sure Len is probably guilty of nicking the pipes and somehow Gary's got dragged into it. A shirtless Gary comes down and reckons Len is innocent but his mother is clearly suspicious that Gary is involved and tells him to consider himself warned. Gary has no plans for today. Mama warns him to steer clear of David Platt. He pulls on a shirt and leaves Anna to lay a warning on her errant husband as well.

In Underworld, Carla is finishing off a phone call to Detective Weller when Tony arrives. Tony's not pleased that she called the police even though he didn't want her to. She told the police she wanted action but Tony repeats his mantra, Maria needs help and this will all blow over. Carla isn't so sure. This needs to end now, she demands.

In the police station, Maria arrives and wants to see DC Weller. The cop at the front desk puts her off as all them upstairs are in a meeting but raises an eyebrow when Maria says she wants to report that Tony Gordon has killed... again. She is instructed to sit and wait.

Leanne has indeed had her hair done and it looks quite nice. Not had it done at Audrey's then? Ken and Deirdre arrive, without Peter. Leanne's face falls. The bad news? Peter has been drinking heavily and is now in a detox clinic. Ken was shocked with the state Peter was in when he got there. Seems Peter will be in hospital at least 2 weeks. Leanne is annoyed now, she's lumbered with the shop. Blanche arrives. Who's going to give her the news?

Outside, Gail passes by as the Windasses are emerging from their hovel. She and Anna get into a bit of an argy. Eileen watches with glee from across the road. Anna notices and bellows over at Eileen as does Gail, in a bit more seemly manner. Eileen is unperturbed, enjoying the show. The neighbourly argument is cut short and all go their separate ways.

Sophie and her mate are sitting on a bench and giggling. Seems the fit captain of the swim team borrowed Sophie's towel and she's never going to wash it again! He's called Ben Richardson and her mate reckons Ben likes Sophie. Rosie comes along and hears this conversation. Rosie teases her sister with condescension and they exchange insults yet again. Drip! Slapper! I'll leave it to you to figure out who called out which.

Blanche is horrified and disgusted. She figures rehab is just molly coddling and in her day, drunks were chained to a radiator in a room for a month until they got over it. Ken admonishes her and says Peter is ill. Leanne wants to see Peter and show him she's supporting him. The Barlows try to talk her out of it but she's done running away at the first sign of trouble. Blanche actually compliments Leanne and says she's the best thing in Peter's life.

At the cop shop, Maria is impatiently awaiting DC Weller who finally shows up in the interview room at 1:40 p.m. Maria tries to explain the situation but is taken aback when Weller knows all about the accusation that Tony has killed "John Edward Stone" because Carla had called her earlier.

Kirk wanders into the cafe and finds Eddie there. Eddie apologizes for losing the darts team money but Kirk has news. An old school mate of his owns a pub and can sort out the team with an entry. Eddie looks a bit taken aback and Anna must realize he's scammed them but she just enjoys Eddie's discomfort. Kirk's enthusiastic. Eddie seems less so.

Weller walks Maria out, explaining that there is no proof to Maria's allegations. The Detective is quickly running out of patience with Maria and warns her, if she doesn't back off, she could be facing charges herself! Maria is getting more and more hysterical. Go home, Weller gently says, Move on. Maria spits "How the hell am i supposed to do that?" Weller sadly shakes her head. Don't know, but Maria has to find a way.

In the salon, Gail has come in for a cuppa with her mother and grumbling about Eileen. Audrey makes a remark about Joe but insists she's not judging. She does wonder how well Gail knows Joe after his most recent behaviour. Gail, possibly with her blinders fully in place, glibly says it's just a hiccup and he'll sort himself out. Trust me, Mam, I've found a good man. (Um, does Joe carry a briefcase? Just asking...)

Maria gets into her car (well, I assume it was Liam's and when did Maria learn to drive?) She sees a young couple with a baby getting into a car nearby and she sobs heart-wrenchingly at the sight of the happy family, the family she won't have now Liam's gone.

Back to the pub. It seems Steve and Lloyd's feud over Lloyd dating Liz is still ongoing. Liz and Eileen are discussing it all with some amusement. Eileen reckons that Steve and Lloyd are that close that they've been sharing the same brain for ages. Liz looks resigned. "You mean i'm dating one half of Dumb and Dumber?" Which half, Eileen asks. Liz is unsure but, with a sly smile, offers that the half she has is the energetic one! She giggles, Eileen nearly hurls at the image.

Len Windass arrives and joins Gary in a booth. Gary tells him Anna is cooling off but it's not wise to be too confident around her yet. Len and Gary compare notes and realize that the police couldn't find any evidence. Gary impatiently asks when they can offload the gear and cash up. (mark my words, his impatience will be the end of him yet!) Len instructs him to wait awhile yet.

Maria is driving home with "I am the Resurrection" on the stereo. (how appropriate!). She seems preoccupied, angry and upset. Tony comes out of the corner shop, talking on his mobile to Giles, "You're killing me, Giles!" (that's going to become pretty appropriate in about 5 seconds as well). He starts to head across the road just as Maria is heading down Coronation Street. Maria sees him and in a moment of madness, steps down hard on the gas and speeds towards him, swerving at the very last minute but still catches Tony on the bumper of the car. He lands face down on the cobbles and her car crashes into the steps of Underworld. Her airbag deploys and she's out like a light against it. Oh dear!!!

Tvor

Oh dear. Maria's car is all bashed up, against the steps of Underworld with Maria slumped against the steering wheel and Tony is lying on the ground, motionless. David comes out of his lair to have a sticky beak at the goings on. Carla comes out and sees Tony. "Oh, no!" she cries. Kevin comes to help Maria and tells the gathering crowd to call an ambulance for her. David, smarty pants as always, says, "That's what I call one unhappy customer. Either that or her parkin' needs work." Janice reminds him that he's in no position to criticise anybody's driving. Carla goes to Tony who by this time is groaning and moving. Carla is stroking his head, telling him the ambulance will be on its way soon. "I didn't know you cared," says Tony, strangely sarcastic for a man who just escaped death by mad pregnant woman.

In the cafe, Jason is goading Gary Windass about having stolen the copper piping. Gary Windass denies his theft again. He tells Jason that David is spreading lies about him because he knows that Gary is trying to steal Tina off him. Jason seems to recognise this kind of behaviour from his ex-best-brother-in-law.

Out at the scene of the crash, the ambulance has arrived. Maria is being pulled from the car. She is worried about her baby. Julie and Eileen watch from the sides. Eileen hears Julie giving her last name, Carp, to a paramedic and tells Julie that she knew a Carp from school. Julie tells her that the Carp she knows from school is Julie's mother. Eileen wants to know about what Julie's mother has been up to and suggests a drink in the Rovers later. She doesn't seem to register that Julie doesn't seem keen to talk about her mother.

At Ken & Deirdre's Deirdre is asking Ken about how Simon is taking the news about his father being in rehab. According to Ken, Simon was quiet but rallied eventually. He takes the dog out for a walk to clear his head a bit.

Out in the street, Julie and Kirkeh watch Maria being taken away in an ambulance. A police officer asks Tony if he needs an ambulance but he refuses. Carla is mouthing off to a police officer about how it was attempted murder and that Maria drove deliberately into Tony. Audrey, Fizz and Julie overhear as she tells the police that Maria is mentally ill and "needs locking up for her own good."

In the kebab shop, Sophie and a friend are talking about lads they fancy while Tina is behind the counter. Apparently, Ben, the captain of the swimming team, has a crush on Sophie but Sophie refuses to believe it and thinks they're just mates. Just as Sophie's pal declares that boys and girls their age are not able to be friends any more, Gary Windass walks in. Sophie and her friend leave Gary and Tina. Tina is angry with Gary, telling him that her dad is in bits because of him. Gary says that he knows how Joe feels; his family have always had the finger of accusation pointed at them. Tina is not falling for his sob story though. Gary tells Tina that David has lied about what he saw in reference to the copper piping theft and points out to Tina now that David knows that he is trying to get Tina off him and David is wreaking his revenge by lying about him. Oooh, he's a piece of work. I like him! If only because he's making David's life a misery.

At the hospital, Maria is having a scan to make sure the baby is OK. It takes a few second to find the heartbeat but then there it is and Maria is relieved. Kirk too.

Ken is walking Eccles along the canal, alongside a houseboat. Eccles chases a couple of ducks and ends up falling in the canal. A gorgeous older lady fishes him out with a big green net. It's only Stephanie Beacham! She sees Eccles shivering in Ken's arms and invites Ken into the boat for a warming bowl of leek and potato soup so that Eccles can dry off. She introduces herself as Martha and Ken follows her inside. Eccles is a girl, did you know that?

It's dark and Ken is still in the houseboat with the gorgeous Martha and Eccles. Martha brings Ken a bowl of soup as they have a little bit of intellectual chat. Ken is in his element. Martha's homemade leek & potato soup is wonderful, apparently. As they eat, Ken asks Martha a bit about herself. She is divorced and has lived on the boat for about seven years. Her husband was a bit of a philanderer so her divorce was welcome and then when she was free and cast off in her boat, all her stress was left behind.

Audrey and Kirk wait in the hospital for Maria. Audrey wonders when all of Maria's problems will end. Tony comes over, none the worse for wear and asks after Maria who is having a proper scan but it looks like it'll all be OK.

Back in the houseboat, Martha tempts Ken with a glass of Shiraz. They are enjoying each other's company. Martha asks Ken about his life. Ken tells her about his family and looking after his grandchildren; he's tired and doesn't have much inclination to look after them. He tells Martha about his Peter's drink problem. Martha asks him what Peter's mother thinks about it all. "She's dead," replies Ken. Martha jumps to the conclusion that Ken is a widower and Ken, ever the love rat, doesn't bother to correct her. Martha gushes and tells Ken how lucky Peter is to have a father as dedicated as him. Ken looks like he knows he should tell the truth but doesn't.

Sophie returns home to find her dad building a model ship on their dinner table. She asks Kevin what brought on his model-making frenzy. Kevin doesn't really have an answer she wants to hear. Kevin knows that Sophie wants to talk about something but Sophie isn't forthcoming. He assures her whenever she needs to talk, he's there for her. Oh, now he is. After she had to go to desperate measures to get her parents' attention.

Ken returns home and tells Deirdre he's been on the red rec for three hours. He lies and says that he was mulling things over. Deirdre tells him that she has a nice bowl of leek & potato soup for him and tips a tin into a bowl. Ken is decidedly underwhelmed by his long-suffering wife all of a sudden.

Maria and Audrey and Fizz are at Maria's place. Audrey and Fizz are about to leave when the police are at the door. It's that Scottish detective that seems to do all the Coronation St cases, the woman that used to be in E***enders. Maria is happy to answer questions despite Fizz and Audrey's concerns.

In the Rovers, Julie sees Eileen. Eileen offers to buy her a drink. Julie is not too keen but agrees to sit and have a drink with her. Jason gets them a drink. Eileen tells Julie that she and Julie's mum were thick as thieves at school. Julie tells her that Paula, her mother, was on the checkouts at Freshcos for a long time. Eileen is surprised since Paula was the bright one in school. Julie mentions that her mother is retraining as a nurse now and when Eileen asks her to pass on Eileen's number to her mother says that she doesn't see her that often but if she does see her she will. She rushes off before Jason can bring her drink back because she gets a text from Kirk.

Tina comes into the bar and sees Jason. Jason offers her a drink and asks how Joe is. Tina is not happy with Jason and refuses the drink telling him that Joe is in a bad way but is innocent of the accusations of stealing the copper piping. Jason tells Tina he reckons that Gary did it. Tina doesn't seem so sure any more and just as she is telling Jason this, David overhears her and demands to know why she is sticking up for Windass. "You'd rather believe that scumbag over your own boyfriend? Thanks, Tina, thanks very much!" David storms off and Tina runs after him.

Maria is being questioned by the police with the support of Audrey and Fizz. She claims to not remember any of the crash. The detective tells her about Carla's accusations and reminds Maria that in light of recent events between her and Tony, attempted murder is entirely plausible. Maria starts to cry and tells the police that she is carrying her baby, the only part she has left of her husband and she wouldn't be so stupid as to put her wee one's life in jeopardy. The detective leaves it there for now. "What do you mean for now?" asks Maria and the detective tells her that they have to interview Tony and Carla but feels that Maria needs to be warned that she could well be facing a charge of attempted murder! "I'll see masel' oot," say the detective.

Stella McLoughlin

Audrey finds Maria standing looking thoughtful outside the factory. She asks what she's doing and Maria tells her she should have gone through with it, at least if she ended up in court she would have been able to tell everyone what Tony did to Liam and Jed, so that would make it all worth it.

David tells Tina he's off to the job centre. They're at loggerheads over Gary Windass, Tina points out that he saw him in a van, near the yard, but that doesn't prove anything. David, however, is convinced he stole the copper pipes and isn't happy that Tina appears to be sticking up for Gary. "Whatever!" says David, and storms out.

The police arrive at the factory to take a statement from Tony. Carla wants to know if ‘Little Miss Bonkers' has been locked up yet. Tony says that one minute he was on his mobile, caught up on a call, the next he was in Carla's arms. "You didn't see Maria Connor's car heading for you?" asks DC Weller.

"Obviously not, or I wouldn't have stepped into the road," says Tony. DC Weller says that they can't charge Maria without his statement. When Tony is not forthcoming, DC Weller asks if there's something going on. Maria has accused Tony of murdering Liam and Jed Stone, she wonders if they've come to some agreement. Tony tells her that the simple fact is he can't remember a thing about what happened.

Gail's father, Ted, is back in Weatherfield! He goes into the Kabin where he meets Blanche. She tells him he needn't think he and Ken can go swanning off and leave Deirdre holding the baby - meaning Simon.

Back in the factory Carla questions Tony's motives for keeping Maria out of prison. He says that Maria needs psychiatric help, not prison. "You're as loopy as she is," says Carla.

Out on the factory floor, Janice tells Sean how she's enjoying her community service, and how she gets on well with the patients. There's one in particular, Mike, she looks forward to seeing him, he makes her laugh.

DC Weller goes to see Maria and tells her that as Tony isn't able to remember anything, they won't be taking the matter any further, but suggests Maria keeps well away from Mr and Mrs Gordon. Just then Maria sees Tony and Carla leaving the factory and rushes across the road. "What are you up to Tony?" she shouts, "can't risk me standing in court telling the world what a murderer you are?" She shouts that she's not giving up until everyone knows what he is, the only way he'll keep her quiet is by killing her! Carla lunges at her then, but Tony pulls her back, saying he'll sort this.

Janice goes into the bookies and points out that Leanne and Blanche are hardly tough enough to protect the takings from an armed robber and thinks that Peter should have arranged someone else to help out. Leanne tells her that Peter's in rehab and was hardly in the state of mind to organise anything.

Tina and David are walking down the Street when they meet Gary Windass. "Hello gorgeous," he says to Tina. Just then Rosie comes along and he says it's about time the two of them got back together. "Please don't tell me I look that desperate," says Rosie, and walks off. Gary blusters that he's not that bothered, not when the best looking lass on the Street is about to dump her boyfriend for a taste of the good stuff. "In your dreams," retorts David, and Tina tells the two of them to stop it.

Just then Tony Gordon's car pulls up and he's got a passenger - Jed Stone! He goes round and opens the door, telling him he knows what to do. "You're in the area, how does she fancy a drink, and you say nothing, ok?" he says, handing over money as Jed gets out of the car. "And whatever you do, keep that scarf on," he adds, "you'll catch your death!" Jed pulls the scarf more tightly round his neck as he walks away. Tony then pulls his phone out of his pocket and phones Fizz, asking her to bring Maria to the pub, he thinks it's time they had a little talk.

Jed knocks on Emily's front door and she's delighted to see him. "Where on earth have you been?" she asks, and he tells her he's living in Wigan. She takes him into the living room and shows him his cat, Sunny Jim, and then gives him the cap he left behind. It's his turn to be delighted.

Ken is in the Kabin talking to Rita when Norris's competition partner, Mary, rushes in with the news that they've won a motor home!

David sees Gary come out of his house and go into the Kabin, so he goes across to the garage and tells Kevin that Gary has been slagging Rosie off to anyone who'll listen. "What's he been saying?" says Kevin, immediately incensed. "That she's easy, and she led Stape on," says David, and wanders off. Kevin marches round to the Kabin and accosts Gary as he comes out. "Oi, what've you been saying about our Rosie?" he demands to know. "Nothing," says Gary, but of course Kevin doesn't believe him and tells him that if he so much as looks in her direction again he'll put his head through the Kabin window. Gary glares at David who's standing outside his front door. Tina comes along. "What've you done now?" she asks. "Me?" says David, "I'm as innocent as he was over those copper pipes."

Carla wants to go home, but Tony wants to stay in the pub. Just then Fizz and Maria come in, and Maria wants to turn around and leave again, but Fizz persuades her to stay. Tony offers to buy them drinks and Maria goes off to the toilet.

Jed and Emily then arrive at the Rovers, and everyone is very surprised to see him. Rita tells him he ought to hear what some people have been saying, she was starting to believe them. "Here I am, large as life and twice as ugly," says Jed, and offers to buy the drinks. Carla stares at him, "Flamin' ‘ell," she says to Tony. "Biggest comeback since Lazarus," says Tony, looking very pleased with himself. Just then Maria comes out of the ladies and is flabbergasted to bump into Jed. "He told me that he'd killed you!" she gasps, "you said you were on to him Jed, and then you just disappeared, I thought…." Jed says that he'd got hold of the wrong end of the stick, and he and Tony sorted it out between them. Maria turns to Tony and accuses him of buying Jed off. Carla points out that this morning she was saying Tony had killed him. "Make up your mind," she says. Maria rushes out, with Carla shouting behind her, "Hey Looney Tunes, where are you going? Where's the apology?" She then turns to Tony. "So you set this whole thing up without telling me?" He says he didn't want to spoil the surprise.

In the bookies, Blanche tells Leanne that when Peter took up with her she had her down as a fly-by-night trollop who'd take him for every penny, but there's not many lasses that would stand by him like she has, run his business for him, put up with her. "Yeah, well," says Leanne, "if I'd've expected to get lumbered with a sour faced old bat who thought saying something nice was a sign of weakness, I'd have bailed straight away, but I got you instead!" Blanche says that it'll never be plain sailing with Peter and says Leanne can always come and talk to her, but warns her not to tell anyone. "I've got a reputation to maintain," she says.

Rita asks Norris if he and Mary are really going to keep the motor home, he could get ten thousand pounds if they sell it. Norris says he can't sell his part if Mary wants to keep hers. Just then Mary comes in and suggests they go away to Southport, just to get the hang of things.

Along the bar, Jed tells Emily he misjudged Tony Gordon, and if his critics could see the flat he got him, they'd soon change their tune. Emily points out that Wigan is a long way from Weatherfield, and she never had Tony Gordon down as a man given to such generous gestures.

Along the Street, a rather manic Maria is furiously cleaning her kitchen. "I've made such a fool of meself," she says to Fizz, "shouting the odds, making accusations. I nearly ran Tony over, I could have killed him." Fizz tells her that's why they've all been worried about him. Maria can't understand why Tony told her he'd murdered Jed, but Fizz thinks it's because he was upset about all the other things she's accused him of. Maria thinks she'll never be able to show her face outside again, but Fizz says everyone will just be pleased to have the old Maria back.

Back in the pub, Carla still wants to know why Tony never told her anything about Jed, and such generosity is not like him, not one little bit. He tells her he felt bad about kicking the old man out of his home. "Since when have you been squeamish about a bit of sharp practice?" she asks. Tony goes off to the gents, but on his way there he whips out his mobile phone and calls for a taxi - to Wigan.

Ken joins Ted in the pub and Ted asks if Blanche has given him a pass out. for the evening.

Tony goes over to Emily and tells her Jed's taxi is on its way and asks if she can go and get his cat. He then tells Jed the taxi is on its way. "But I'm enjoying myself," says Jed. Tony tells him it's booked and paid for and hustles him towards the door. Outside, they meet Emily who has Sunny Jim in a cat carrier. When they're alone, Tony tells Jed if he sees him, or his cat, in Weatherfield again it'll be the last thing he does. "I don't want to come back here," says Jed. "Good!" snarls Tony, slamming the taxi door. Behind him stands Carla, who's come out of the pub and she hears the last part of this exchange. She stands there, taking it all in.

Anne Logan.

Hello. I hope all you Canadians have been enjoying laughing at the way six inches of snow can bring England to a full stop! It barely reached Scotland, so reports of snowstorms "across the UK" were a tad exaggerated.

Today, Friday's first episode comes with the warning: "Contains scenes of the aftermath of violence." Well, it does on the ITV website. No mention, of course, of the actual violence.

We open with Tony zooming in to park outside the factory. He and Carla see Maria walking and Tony calls out to her before bragging to Carla that raising the dead is a pretty good trick. David and Tina are also out in the street. Tina's telling him off for making up stories about what Gary Windass said about Rosie. David thinks it's funny. He wishes Kevin had hit Gary.

Rosie's in the cafe. She asks Ken what "this rubbish" is, meaning the music. "Elgar," replies Ken. "What does the L stand for? Loser?" asks the sophisticated one. As she heads out, she meets Gary and tells him off for bad-mouthing her. She thinks he did it because she won't go out with him. He denies saying anything and says he wouldn't go out with her anyway, because he doesn't like secondhand goods. Several of the factory workers are very entertained by all this. "Get that lad a drink from me," Janice calls to Ken. She's off to do her community service. I always thought the idea was making people give up their free time as a punishment, not their work time.

In the Kabin, Emily tells Rita she's off to the hospital. Rita asks about Janice and Emily says she spends more time outside on her fag breaks than working, though that might be a good thing. "She's hardly customer friendly," Emily says. Liz has also come in. Rita is pleased to hear she's not the only one with staffing problems. Norris is annoyed she might compare him to Janice. "Partial to a little bit of gossip," says Liz. "Quick to take offence," says Emily. "Tongue like a razorblade," says Rita. The women chuckle. Norris doesn't.

David meets Gary coming out of the kebab shop. Gary tries to wind him up. Tina spots them from the window and as the two lads start to argue, she comes out to stop it. "I'm only telling him," says David as Gary walks away. "And I'm telling you!" Tina replies. She tells him she thought he'd grown up and got past this petty jealousy. He promises her he will ignore Gary from now on.

Ken's out walking Eccles. He gets as far as a certain narrow boat before turning back. But Martha, coming back with some shopping, sees him and calls him back. "I was just out walking Eccles," Ken lies. Martha invites him aboard for a cup of Earl gray.

In the factory, Tony's off to a trade event in Aberdeen. Carla refuses to go with him. She is clearly ignorant that the climate is warmer here in North Britain. Maria comes stalking in, though Wiki tries to stop her. Carla is very defensive, but Maria's just come to apologise. She tells Tony she knows she was wrong to say he'd killed Jed Stone. Tony points out he also called an ambulance when Jed had a stroke and then gave him a nice flat to live in. You can see Carla becoming suspicious when he says this. Tony asks whether Maria's also changed her mind about him killing Liam. But that's a step too far. "I don't know!" Maria says.

Carla asks Tony why he didn't mention his previous involvement with Jed. Tony says he was ashamed of it. Carla mentions that Jed didn't seem happy when he was getting into the cab. Tony says Jed was just worried about his cat. Tony kisses her goodbye. She doesn't seem convinced by anything he's said.

Ken has accidentally stayed to lunch. He welcomes the peace of the boat, and Martha quotes the Desiderata at him. Ken finds a script for Streetcar Named Desire. Martha is playing Blanche. That gives Ken pause for thought. But he says the play is one of his favourites. She asks if he'll hear her lines. He'd be delighted.

Liz serves Norris with his hotpot and he asks her about her relationship with Lloyd. He's particularly interested in the age gap. Liz says there's only a few years between them. "He's older than he looks," she says. "And I suppose you're younger than you look," says Norris. THUNK! That's the sound of Liz's jaw clamping shut and her lips forming a thin line . . . "I mean older than you look," says a flustered Norris, before giving up the sentence all together. Liz asks whether the questions have anything to do with "that little girl" she's seen him with. Norris says Mary is older than she looks. Liz advises him that if they get on then they should go for it. Norris has no intention of doing so. "Your moral standards might enable you to engage in inappropriate relationships, but mine don't."

Jason and Gary get talking in the pub. Gary reveals he has a suspended sentence hanging over him. Jason starts to tell him about David's past.

In the hospital grounds, Janice meets up with the patient smoker she's been chatting to. He says he's had a bit of a setback but is looking forward to getting out soon. "I've dug as far as the outside wall," he jokes. He promises to send her food parcels from the outside. Janice tells him she'll miss their little chats when he's gone.

Eileen's dad has turned up to take Rita on a picnic. Except it will have to be in her flat, because it's too cold outside. Norris sneers, but Rita's quite pleased. As soon as she's gone, Norris gets out his mobile phone and selects Mary's number from the list of names. But he thinks better of it and puts it away again. (The other names on his list are Dev, Edward, Emily, Ken and Marcus, in case you're interested)

Janice and Mike finish their cigarettes and get up. After a few steps, he stumbles, then doubles over clutching his chest. Janice wants to get some help. "Don't leave me," he begs. Janice screams to someone in the car park. Mike is clearly in a bad way.

Gary follows David down the street, making it clear he knows about Bethany taking Ecstasy, David driving into the canal . . . "Get lost," says David.

Janice is in the waiting room, but the nurse tells her Mike didn't make it. She says Mike wasn't well. He had a heart operation last week. "He always liked to put on a cheery front." Janice is really upset and sits down, close to tears.

Carla knocks on Emily's door, which surprises Emily very much. But she lets her in.

Outside the shop, Gary's lying in wait for David again, this time mentioning Gail's psycho boyfriends, and that he wouldn't harm a hair on his mother's head.

Carla compliments Emily on the house before getting down to asking her about Jed. Emily said he disappeared so suddenly it was quite a relief to see him. Carla asks about Jed's time in hospital and his stroke. Emily is puzzled about Carla's need to know. But she says Jed did tell her he'd been harassed by "a certain individual" and that the stress of that caused the stroke. Carla looks very thoughtful.

She leaves the house, passing Gary, who watches her drive away. Then he sees David come out of the Kabin and, soon after, Tina walking down the street. He follows David to his door and puts his foot in it to prevent David closing it. Gary suggests David's too scared to come out and face him. This riles David, who pushes Gary away from the door and follows him out. Gary is momentarily distracted by looking to see where Tina is, so David punches him. That does it for Gary, who lays into David with a vengeance. Tina's horrified. David manages to land another punch but Gary comes back with a roundhouse to David's face, which knocks him to the ground. Tina shouts David's name, then pulls Gary away and kneels beside David. As the credits roll, we see David down with his head in his hands and an aggressive Gary looking on.

The end for now.
Margaret Carr

Well did he have it coming, David the devil child, has been winding up Gary Windass by not handing Tina over to the newcomer and generally causing his usual mayhem so is it hardly a surprise that he gets his head beaten to a pulp. Well we must remember that David threw the first punch - which give his physique and general weediness was probably not a good idea when up against a marmalade headed version of Joe Calzaghe (now retired).

Anyway Colin and Rita hearing the commotion appear on the scene and Tina demanding an ambulance whilst Gary is telling the freak to get up. Colin summons the emergency services (although just what air-sea rescue can do in this case I know not). Gary lifts David up and goes into hit him again and the screams this time bring Unsteady Eddie and 'Apless Anna onto the Street with the latter attempting to drag Gary away from David. By this time David has been showering in tomato ketchup and it is all over his face and hands. At last some has given David a good seeing to - although I wonder if he had actually earned this one! Anna screams at Gary asking what he has done, the latter responds saying that he started it (which to be fair he did - he threw a punch at Gary first). David however has not lost his fighting spirit telling him "You've messed up this time Windass. I'll have you for this." Gail appears wanting to know what has been going on. David tells her the mad sod went for him. Gary repeats that David started it. Unsteady Eddie tells him to back off - he will go to prison for this. David tells him to listen to Unsteady. Gary responds by telling him to shut up or he will get some more. Gail tells Gormless Gary to stay away from her son. The police arrive. An ambulance arrives. David looking worse by the second says that he thinks Gormless Gary has broken his nose.

Far away in Wigan Carla is waiting outside Jed's flat. He panics wanting to know what she is doing there and asking where Tony is. Carla tries to reassure him, telling him that she feels bad about the way he has been treated and as neither of them have had any dinner yet perhaps she could buy him lunch and putting her arm through his leads in the direction of the nearest boozer. Once there Carla keeps apologising. Tony can be very single minded over business and she is sorry. Jed is not sure what is going on but Carla realises he has a weakness and starts encouraging him to drink adding a chaser to the pint - seeing that it is such a cold day, Chardonnay will hardly cut it.

In the bookies Janice is telling Leanne about her new ability in chatting up men and causing them to drop dead in front of her. Janice believed Mike saying that he was soon going home, but as Leanne said perhaps it was serious. Just an ordinary fella and then he died. Janice is obviously quite affected as many of us have been by the sudden death of someone of our own age - I think it suddenly tells each of us how mortal we are, particularly (although I cannot speak from experience) when it happens in front of you. Quite a different side of Janice is being developed, nice one (I hope). Janice is sobbing saying that perhaps if she had known what to do she could have helped him.

And on a houseboat on the canal Ken realises that he has lost track of time given that a beautiful woman (well Martha scrubs up rather well if you ask me, given her age) is giving him the time of day (no more than that at the moment) and makes a call on his mobile. Leanne is asked to collect Simon from school as Ken is tied up (no Martha does not appear to have tied him to a chair or the bed yet - but give her time). And with that flourish the grandson is sorted as Blanche will look after him until tea time. However a little later Leanne phones - Blanche is not at home. She is looking after Simon at the bookies and he thanks Leanne for her help and that Peter would too if he were in this universe at the moment. Martha says "Naughty Granddad", but even now Ken does not go off to look after Simon and stays talking to Martha over a bottle of wine - which might just be red ...

Indoors at Windass Towers Gary is still saying that David started the fight but 'Apless asks her son if he is still twelve. Unsteady says it will be straight off to Strangeways this time around. The self defense argument is proffered again but there are no takers. He says Tina saw David throw the first punch and it was a fair fight. Unsteady says that David is in hospital - but as Gary points out he is a wuss. The policeman says that he can help them with their enquiries but is told it was self defense. The policeman gives him the caution and they depart to the police station.

David is being chatted up, no sorry questioned by a young blonde policewoman. David claims that Gary was trying to force his way into the house and then set about him. She asks if he would like her to come back later but David says it is that simple and that is his statement. Tina arrives with coffee and tells him he looks worse now that he has been made up than he was before. He asks if the police have taken her statement, she says not and he says that she has to back him up - that Gary went mad. She says that she will back him up. He puts on his Mr Nasty face and tells her that she has to say that Gary threw the first punch; Tina points out that is not true. David says he has to be stopped - Gary hit him first and he could not defend himself. She sighs and agrees.

Down the nick Gary is claiming that David started it - but as the policeman pointed out David is still in a bit of a mess. yes but Gary says I have previous and will go down this time. So, says the copper, the lad wanted a bit of GBH to get rid of you, with just a hint of disbelief in his voice! Gary claims David wanted to be hit. The policeman goes to talk to the custody sergeant. Gary cannot understand why no-one believes his story and that he did not start it.

The alcohol is working and Jed is less guarded than he was, Tony should have treated him better - he is old enough to be his grandfather. Carla agrees to give him a good telling off when she gets home (ooh so scary a telling off from Carla - in bed perhaps ...). Jed is now scared and asks that she does nothing and he gets up to go. She promises not to tell Tony anything and gets him to sit down for another drink. He sits but pulls his scarf around his neck which she notices. He does not want Tony think he is telling tales. Carla re-assures him again that Tony will not know they have met. Carla changes the subject saying it is a nice flat and quite out of character for Tony to hand over such a top flat. Why did he do it?

Back on the Street Emily hands Janice a bunch of flowers which Mrs Scott had sent. Mike's widow apparently, named Laura. She had heard that Janice was with mike when he died - but as Janice points out she did nothing. But as Emily points out she was there - he did not leave the world on his and Laura found it a comfort that he had not died alone. Emily adds that it is not always about doing something - but simply being present can be a great aid, holding a hand, just small things. Janice cries again and Emily realising her situation suggests a small sherry - or perhaps for Janice something stronger and leads her to the Rovers. Who would have thought it - a friendship between Emily and Janice Battersby ... next Gary and David will be in bed together.

In the Rovers Mary is working on the money they can raise from renting out their new asset - a calendar and the holiday periods. And a website too. Norris is impressed - she is more organised than he is. Rita says that she has outNorrised Norris! Even Norris reckons Mary is a marketing miracle and a partner worth her weight in gold - Rita says just like me! Norris is not so sure. Anyway he has not been idle either - talking to insurance. Anyway they decamp to a separate table to work on their project!

Leanne is also in the Rovers now and Janice is bringing her up to date. Janice thinks she has missed her vocation and should become a nurse. Perhaps better late than never. [My daughter number 3 is currently training to be a nurse and, although it is early days, she also seems to have found her niche in life. The bad news is that you need 5 GCSE or equivalents - does anyone believe that Janice has 5?].

Yep Tina lies for David saying that Gormless Gary had been looking for a fight and that Gary threw the first punch. Although to be fair she does not seem happy about it. The police woman asks her again to make sure she has got it down right. "Gary hit David" Tina answers. In his room David is worried and asks why Tina and the police woman are taking so long. Gail sense her unease and asks if he is telling the truth (with David who can tell?). David denies lying and asks Tina as she comes in to confirm that Gormless Gary caused the trouble (which he did - but he did not start the fighting).

Back in Wigan Carla is saying sorry again. Jed now thoroughly warmed through by alcohol says that Tony does not deserve her and feeling so warm eases his scarf - and Carla sees the scars. He asks her to say nothing. She gasps at the scars and asks what happened to his neck. He pulls his scarf tight and says he has to go. But she is not giving up - how did he get that scar? He tells her to leave him alone and he goes outside. She follows him and asks if Tony try to strangle him - but Jed has vanished in to the night and she still has questions but no definite answers.

And so another week comes to an end. No doubt I will be back next week.
K Richard W

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

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