Fiz, Ches, Hailes and Roy get let back into prison, although the guard is keen to point out that it is not a hotel. Then they are told the Registrar has probably gone - but luckily it seems not. And John is told to put his suit back on. John thought he had lost Fiz for ever and then tells the puffy eyed girl that she has never looked so beautiful. He thanks the others for coming - it means a lot to him. Chesney refuses to shake hands and the registrar gets on with the ceremony. John has apparently written his own vows (is this allowed?). We get some trite nonsense about toilet seats and being tidy and that he loves and respects her. Nothing about no more abductions and locking girls up for five weeks in attics however.

Luke advises the workers that Rosie has been sacked for showing too much cleavage in a built up area - at least so thinks Sean. Anyway she may not be an employee but as she speedily reminds Luke she is still a shareholder. She also says that if he does not re-instate her then she will see him in an industrial tribunal where a story of him seducing her, using her money and then dispensing with her various services will not go down too well. She takes back her box of personal items and strolls back to her desk, re-instated.

Amber is bewailing Darryl's lack of consistency - but as Dev helpfully points out perhaps they are both too young. She should get back to Uni, make friends and put this behind her. Amber decides to give Darryl one more chance.

Elsewhere Darryl is getting relationship advice from his mother. Yes very useful.

And finally the registrar gets Fiz and John married. They swap rings and Fiz is now Mrs Fiona Stape. Huge hugs all round and Chesney this time does shake John's hand, to Fiz's obvious delight. One of the guards gets out a camera and pictures are taken, although apparently only about 3 before the film reaches the end (does anyone not use digital these days?). And now they all have to go.

Apparently Ty wants Molly home on time as he has plans for her. No Molly does not want to know either. Luckily we find that he is stripping off the fern wallpaper and talks Molly into agreeing that Jack's room can be a games room if he finishes by Friday.

Back on the Street Chesney opens the door and inside the factory team and others have a party ready for the new wife. Although Chesney is not keen to take part and Anna speaks to him and tells him she is proud that he put his feelings to one side for his sister.

Teresa knows about the five hundred pounds and so when Amber comes seeking a reconciliation she tells Amber all she knows. Darryl emerges and Amber tells him to get stuffed. Dev sees Amber in the Street and she gives him a dressing down for bribing Darryl. He tries to deny it - but his face is not good at lying and she knows. She decides that she is well rid of both Dev and Darryl and she tells Dev that everyone he loves leaves him - he is a complete disaster.

John is facing his first night as a married man on his lonesome.

Chez and Fiz are both in the back yard and she tells him she was glad he was there and he admits he did it only because she is his sister, and although he cannot say it he does love her. And she loves him and she leans back against the wall close to tears.

Cheers

K Richard W

Written by David Lane, directed by David Kester

I'm filling in for Margaret this week because, well, that's what we updaters do! Help each other out!

So, it's the morning after the wedding and Mrs. Stape has come down from her solitary marriage bed, looking for her little brother. Chesney has left her a note to say he's off to school already. The milk has gone off so she bins that and sits down, fingering her ring thoughtfully.

Outside, Chesney and Kirk are walking across the road. Kirk wonders about the expression "sleeping like a baby" when clearly, from his recent experience, babies don't sleep all that well and are up all hours of the night. He and Ches admit they miss living under the same roof and pledge to always be mates. Kirk leaves him at the bus stop, where Sian and Sophie are waiting for the bus and they begin to take the micky out of him and his gingerness, good naturedly.

Tyrone is making great inroads into the decorating. Molly comes in and admires his work but warns him it's got to be done later that day. She says she's going to go to the gym tonight so it better be done when she gets back. He wonders why she hasn't gone to the gym in a few weeks (oh, say, since Kevin left on holidays?) and she says that's exactly why she wants to get back to it. She asks Tyrone when Kevin is due back today but he doesn't know. Ah. That'll be Webster's Gym then, no?

Fiz arrives at the factory and looks around, expecting the worst. Janice sidles up to her with a hug and calls her Mrs. Stape, but quietly so it isn't heard. Kelly runs over for a hello as well but Fiz hasn't got time to chat, she's come to see Luke. In the office she asks if he could change the name on her records to Stape. Rosie overhears and things kick off. Rosie lets loose with a stream on vindictive insults and reckons Fiz ought to be sacked for causing her mental torture. Luke points out that she is hardly all that tortured while she's spending the money Stape gave her in compensation. Luke and Rosie snipe at each other and Rosie spins on a heel and teeters out. Fiz is gape-mouthed at the display but Luke just smiles and says he'll see her Monday.

In today's humourous running storyline, Umed is fitting a new shop bell to the door. It changes it's ringtone every time someone comes in. No more boring bell. Over 100 sounds and each one can create a mood. Yep and the first one off the mark when Amber comes in is a creepy but cheesy horror movie type theme. Amber looks around, perplexed. Dev asks her where she stayed last night. She's defensive but admits she stayed at Minnie's and is only here to get her laptop. Circus music wafts over the conversation from the direction of Umed and the door as Amber curtly refuses a cup of green tea and goes into the back office. Dev wants to talk. She doesn't. Molly asks if she's ok and Amber lets her frustrations out by referring to her father as a disgusting control freak and tells Molly about the bribe. They argue about his interfering and she insists they leave her alone so she can check her emails.

In the cafe, Fiz is having a cuppa with Janice. Anna thuds a large wrapped gift on the table, a wedding pressie from she and Eddie. Fiz is tickled but considers not opening it and waiting a few weeks for John. Janice is dead curious and persuades Anna to tell what it is, a slow cooker. The prospect doesn't seem to thrill Fiz but she lets on she's really pleased. She does thank Anna genuinely. She gets emotional, weeping that it should be she and John together (then why didn't you just wait a few more weeks you silly cow!). Anna reassures her. Janice tries "Some of the happiest times of my marriage were when Les was inside" but it's meant as a joke, of course. Fiz does smile. She tells them she's going to talk to the council to see if they can get rehoused. She's already had Rosie on her case and it's not fair to John to have to put up with all that. Anna thinks Rosie's parents will have a word with her. I think Rosie's parents will be even worse than Rosie when it comes to harassing John. Fiz seems to be trying to convince herself that a fresh start is just the thing.

In the corner shop, the door opens and Kirk enters but the door "bell" lets out a burst of machine gun sound effects and Kirk hits the floor for cover! (Ha!) Dev is horrified, Umed explains that wasn't meant to happen but Kirk bounces up and loves it! "It's like I'm in the middle of Grand Theft Auto" he enthusiastically grins. Amber comes through, ignores her father, hugs Molly and says goodbye to Umed. She leaves as Claire arrives to the dulcet tones of the Twilight Zone, startling her. She complains that it's loud as well and Umed smoothly compliments that a beautiful lady shouldn't arrive quietly. Molly advises Dev he shouldn't go after Amber just now and jumps when her phone goes off. Not with a boring Ding, Umed points out. Molly attends to the text message while Claire describes her contentious relationship with her father. She always thought they'd make up eventually but he died first. This does not cheer up Dev.

Over in Number 11, Jesse is following Julie around the room with a camera. She's dressed in HiyaLowa's get up and is posing for pics for their website. Jesse takes note of her backside when she picks something up off the floor. Eileen catches his look and seems a bit snippy. Jealous? Julie gives Eileen the camera to take some photos of them together.

Kevin and Sally have arrived home, observed by Molly from across the street. They chat to Tyrone and Lloyd about their lovely holiday. Sally wants to continue the holiday mood with a drink in the Rovers but Kevin wants to get straight to work to help Tyrone. Molly comes over, too. Sally asks Kevin to help her in with the cases before he heads to the garage. He and Molly whisper that they'll arrange to meet later as she's already got her excuse (the gym) in place.

After the break we're in the cafe. Fiz tells Anna that the council won't have anything for them in over a year unless they want a flat in an estate. Teresa warns her that it's probably the worse area in the city, even the drug dealers travel in pairs. She takes two cups of tea over to a table with Darryl. They discuss the breakup and bribe. Darryl has decided to give back the money and Teresa is all for him finishing with Amber.

Jesse is checking out the photos on a laptop. Eileen looks sour and Julie looks chuffed, saying she comes alive when someone takes her photo. This leads Jesse to suggest she ought to have been a model. All this is making Eileen even more ticked off.

In the garage, Kevin is on the phone to Molly arranging for her to call him later to pretend to be a callout. He can hear cheery music that sounds like an ice cream van in the background and it wafts over the road as he comes out of the garage to see Umed messing with the speaker and trying to change the ringtone with a remote control. Tyrone returns from a test drive and he and Kevin share a laugh over a story about a customer. He goes off to get more paint.

Darryl catches Amber at the bus stop and tells her he doesn't want to finish with her. She knows about the bribe, and she's insulted that he settled for only 500! He pulls the crumpled cheque out of his pocket to prove he hadn't banked it yet which gives her pause, as does his pleading. But she's not bending. She gets on the bus just as Dev runs over. Dev and Darryl both holler and beg through the window as the bus to the station leaves. Darryl shouts at Dev thinking he told Amber about the bribe. Dev thought it was Darryl who let the cat out of the bag. Darryl claps eyes on Teresa and the penny drops. She is unrepentant. He screams at her and runs back into the shop while Dev shouts at her too. Teresa defends herself. If Amber hates her father, it's not to do with what she said, it's to do with what he did (true!). She reckons that her telling Amber the truth will cement things and the lovebirds will never get back together. Result? Dev doesn't think so. He warns Teresa that he holds grudges. When his back is turned, Teresa picks up the cheque that Darryl had thrown down.

Outside the factory, Rosie is doing an errand. Luke stops her and explains something that even her tiny mind finally comprehends. Rosie likes to remind everyone that she's an owner. Well, if they sack Fiz, and she sues them, Rosie in particular as she's the one that wanted her out, a tribunal would wipe Rosie's bank account. Oh.

In the pub, Sally is showing Claire some of their holiday snaps on the digital camera. They talk about holidays with your spouse, Claire opining that it's good to have time on your own with your hubby (eh? I thought she had cut Ashley off from ... "private time"). Sally titters that she had even sunbathed topless ;) On the other side of the pub, Lloyd asks Liz if she's heard from Steve and Becky. Nope. Liz muses that a lot of things could have turned out differently and seems to be sending signals to Lloyd. He asks if she's planning to go back to Spain. Seems unlikely at this point. In a booth, Eileen grills Jesse about the photo shoot and accuses him of fancying Julie. He's aghast that she doesn't trust him. She gives him an option. Her or Julie. He's dismayed. Back over to Sally, Kelly arrives and declines to see the photos. She's there to stir the pot and gossip, revealing all about Fiz's marriage the day before. Sally is horrified. Kelly whirls around and leaves, her work done.

The teens are coming home from school. The girls make plans to go bowling on the weekend and ask Chesney to go with them and he agrees. He goes across home greeting Tyrone who's going by with more paint and supplies. She's off to her spin class and he tells her not to come back early. No, i don't suppose she will. She passes Sally who is making a beeline for Number 5. She knocks on the door and pushes past Chesney, shouting at Fiz. She calls Stape a psychopath and evil and drags up everything he's done. Fiz threatens to lamp her one and that doesn't make Sally back down one iota. They start pushing each other and Chesney rushes to get between them. Sally hollers that Stape has no business moving in among decent people and she better not be thinking about moving that pervert here! Fiz fires back that they'll be moving. GOOD! Sally screams. WHAT? Chesney gasps. Oh crap. Fiz tries to cover, they've not decided for sure but Chesney vows he's not going anywhere and that's your lot for this half of tonight's episodes.

Tvor

Welcome to the update for Friday's second update, brought to you by a very flu-ridden updater!

Chesney is still seething at Fiz for the dramas of yesterday and he tells her that he only went along with the wedding for her sake and that he can't believe she wants to move him away. He tells her that she is worse than their mum, making a fool of herself and betraying him for some man.

Over at the shop, Dev is trying to get a hold of Amber while Umed plays with the noisy doorbell. He cheerfully tells Dev that women aren't worth it but Dev reminds him that it's his daughter. Across the road, Norris is annoyed by the noise the bell is making. Rita approaches and asks him if he'll go for a drink with him as she wants to tell him about her cruise.

Sophie is furious at Sally for her performance earlier and tells her to think about Chesney in all of this. Sally points out that it's Fiz who should be thinking of him and Kevin bursts through and demands to know what is going on. Sally is annoyed at Sophie for not telling her about the wedding but Kevin shouts at them both, complaining that there's always an argument about something in this house. Kevin takes a call and acts as if it is a breakdown, but it's obvious to us who was on the other end.

Fiz is visiting John in prison. He mushily greets her as Mrs Stape but he is quick to realise that something is wrong. She tells him about the problems with Chesney but that they can't just move away as he is settled here. John promises that he will think of something.

Sophie and Chesney are sitting outside and Chesney is telling her that Sally has a right to be upset because John is sly and clever. Anna passes and invites them both in to sample Eddie's new cake.

Eileen and Jesse are outside the pub. Eileen has ordered Jesse inside to sack Julie. As Julie regales him with fresh ideas including knife throwing, he cuts her short saying that he wants to go alone with the act as it hasn't really worked. Julie has sussed that Eileen is behind it and she asks if he does fancy her. He stumbles out a confused answer but she tells him she doesn't fancy him and asks if it makes it easier. She suggests they play Eileen at her own game and keep up the pretence they are not working together, even though they are. Jesse looks uneasy about this solution.

Gary is wondering why Sophie and Chesney have been invited in for cake and makes a guess that Chesney has made Sophie pregnant. Sophie wonders aloud why everyone thinks they're going out. Chesney tells Gary the real reason and he says that if it ever gets too hard then he can stay there. Fiz calls round and asks Chesney what he's playing at. He tells her he's never going to live with her and John and he's going to move in with the Windasses. This news surprises Anna but she quickly tells Fiz maybe it's for the best just now.

Kevin arrives at the hotel where Molly is waiting and looking seductive.

Meanwhile, Tyrone has arrived in the pub, wearing the paint he's been using to decorate. Liz asks if he'll paint her spare room but he tells her he never wants to see another tin of paint again.

Norris is telling Rita all about his new shop assistant Sheila. He enthuses about them having a wonderful chemistry together. Rita replies that after a week it'll be like she was never there but Norris says Sheila knows she has big boots to fill. Norris then calls over to Dev and Umed, asking what was going on. Umed fills them in about Dev bribing Darryl but Rita tells him they meant the doorbell.

Molly asks Kevin how the holiday was, sniping that Sally looked happy with herself when she got back. Kevin produces an expensive bracelet for Molly and she offers to show him how much she loves it.

Eileen is in tears following the end of a film and Jesse and Julie return home. Julie tells Eileen that Jesse has sacked her and Eileen feigns anger at Jesse, telling Julie she has no idea why he would do that. Julie tells her not to worry as she knows nothing Eileen could say would sway him. There is a sarcastic edge to her voice which Eileen doesn't notice.

As Tyrone makes good progress decorating, Molly and Kevin lie in each other's arms. Kevin tells her he thinks he loves her. Tearfully, Molly replies that she never wanted this to happen but she loves him too. They embrace.

So What Have We Learned?

-Dev decorates his office with Mr Juicie flyers
-The following sounds could be heard from Dev's shop: Music, laughter, machine guns, circus music and a lion roar
-Eileen is the master of one word questions
-Sparks are dangerous, a claim backed up by a qualified electrician
-Norris doesn't lick his lips when counting the takings, despite what Rita may think
-Outsiders trying Eddie's new cakes is a bad idea
-Mating hyenas worry Norris
-E.T gets Eileen every time

Dubious Awards

Biggest Insult: "You're as bad as me mam" Chesney to Fiz
Most unlikely storyline twist: "Was that you laughing?" Rita to Norris
Most enticing offer: " I want to bore somebody with my cruise" Rita
Second most enticing offer: "How do you fancy coming over for some of Eddie's new Madeira cake?" Anna
Comment most likely to be misinterpreted as an insult: "I thought you were never going to come" Molly to Kevin
Desire least likely to be fulfilled when on the nation's highest rated show: "We'll talk about this without an audience!" Fiz to Chesney
Most lonely bachelor: "I just want my ding back" Dev
Most entertaining wedding night: "I spent it with con men, murderers and arsonists" John, who must have been on Coronation Street after all and just invited Luke, Tony and Leanne.

Apologies for the shortness of the update, I'm now off to creep back under my covers!

Until next time!

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Mark Wadlow, directed by Pip Short

Welcome to another week on the cobbles!

Tyrone is looking forward to having his very own games room. Molly is flaunting her curves in front of Kevin who'd practically drooling over a tire he's holding. Tyrone goes inside and leaves the lovers cooing. Molly dreamed about them being a normal couple, out in the open. It's something she'd love to do, even if only for a day. Kevin just smiles at the thought. Tyrone returns and Molly leaves with Kevin watching thoughtfully as he attends to the tire.

Across the road, the postman is handing Norris some letters. He takes them inside and reveals that there's a letter addressed to both he and Emily. He opens it and is intrigued but doesn't say anything to Emily who takes it from him. Good heavens, it's from John Stape! She starts to read it and we jump to Ken who's reading a very similar letter. A few sentences later, Hayley is reading the letter to Roy and then we see Dev reading it with a lot more sarcasm than curiosity. Claire is also reading a copy of the letter while Ashley and Freddy (New child actor, in case you were wondering) play with toys at the coffee table. The gist of the letter assures the reader that he has been a model prisoner and is very sorry for his indiscretions and would very much like to begin his life with his new wife living on Coronation Street. He has sent stamped addressed envelopes in case anyone feels the need to reply. Most of the residents are surprised, curious and in Dev's case, uninclined to be generous. What will Kevin and Sally say about this, Norris wonders?

Kevin hasn't seen any letter, he's Goggling (ok, using "NetSearcher) for fun runs and has found one called Glasgay 10k. It's clearly a gay-friendly fun run but it doesn't seem to click in Kevin's hormonally charged brain. I reckon he just figures it's a play on the accent! ;) Sally comes into the garage with a list in hand. She's getting a head start on Christmas shopping and taking the morning off to do it. She also reminds him it's their wedding anniversary on Friday (anniversary of the first wedding, not the second. They seem to ignore that one.)

Fiz seems to be pulling a sickie. I don't know. She was due to start back at work today and doing this? I wanna work for Luke! In spite of most of the rest of the street having had their post already, long enough to actually read it, Fiz's has just dropped through the letterbox. She makes another call to Chesney who has stayed over at Anna and Eddie's apparently. She then ignores the post and cuddles up on the sofa with pillows, a duvet and the telly.

Roy reckons he will do Stape the courtesy of a reply letter. Roy is of the opinion that Stape is truly repentant and is facing up to the neighbours in a respectable manner. Hayley mentions that if he gets out of prison at the end of the month, they'll be away in Romania (New spinoff DVD released October 26! It's on my Chrimbo list for sure!) Roy has been practicing some Romanian phrases which he shows of for Hayley's approval.

We're over in Number 13. Claire is putting Freddie's toys away and declaring herself against Stape moving back there because he used their cab to abduct Rosie but then, you can't help who you fall in love with. She doesn't think she could forgive something like that but Ashley pledges that he would forgive Claire anything. He's sucking up hard, full of compliments but as soon as his hands reach her backside she pushes him away and repeats the mantra, no sex until the snip. Ashley tries to persuade her, he even begs!

Back to the cafe, Roy learns from Ken that everyone on the street has had a letter. Toe dipping exercise, Roy judges. Roy is inclined to be reasonable but Dev, who's sat there, is not, not after Stape has abducted and accosted a young girl. It could easily have been his daughter (no, it couldn't. She's a nice girl!) Eddie sits on the fence, first on Dev's side but then, when confronted with his cake making generosity for the Stape wedding party, says that's different. But he doesn't want them living round there. Roy declares that it's only the civil thing to do but Dev objects.

In the factory, the letter is the topic of conversation there as well. Sally comes up and doesn't know anything about the letter. She's not had one and is dismayed and appalled when she finds out what it's all about.

Leanne comes into the betting shop and tells Peter that she's got to go in to work on her day off to sort out a cash shortage. Peter reminds her that Simon has a recorder recital and she promises not to miss it.

Back to the factory, Sally's rage is ramping up. She doesn't understand why she and Rosie didn't get a letter seeing as they are the victims. Janice takes the opportunity to wind up Sally, saying she's got no problem with Stape and thinks he's a very nice lad indeed. That's the spark that lights the rocket and Sally erupts. Sean and Janice have a giggle after she streaks off.

After the break, Kevin come into the corner shop to the cheery chirpy Big Top music from the Umed-doorbell. He proposed a night away to Molly. He tells her there's a 10k run in Glasgow and they can sign up, go away for tonight and be back tomorrow. She doesn't get a chance to reply because Sally comes charging in looking for Kevin to tell him about the letter, completely ignoring the various sound effects. She drags him back across the road as she tells him about it all. Turns out the letter was delivered to the garage.

Peter arrives at Number 1 where he finds Ken, Emily, Blanche and Deirdre planning a joint birthday party for Ken and Emily. Ken thinks a joint party is a good idea, it's greener if nothing else. Blanche elicits the line of the night with "Trust you to suck the joy out of a birthday party!" Blanche surprises them by admitting she knows about the theory of offsetting. She heard about it from Bryony from Knit and Natter. Peter asks if she can knit? The inevitable retort from Ken? "No, but she can natter!" Anyway they do all agree to the party. Peter reminds Ken of Simon's recital.

Kevin has fetched the letter, supposing that Stape might not be allowed to write directly to them (so then, if he can't write to them, would he be allowed to live 20 feet away from his victim and her family? I think not, not in the real world anyway). Kevin opens the letter and starts to read Stape's apology but Sally's having none of it. He's using sympathy and groveling and it won't wash with her. She muses that Rosie shouldn't have taken the money to which Kevin reminds her that he said that from the start. Sally's on a mission to nip it all in the bud.

In the Peacock nest, Claire is kneading dough for scones when Ashley arrives home, finger all bandaged. He has the nerve to blame it on her. He can't concentrate because he's sex starved. He's frantic and even gets down on his knees to beg her. He's distracted by Umed's bell which is clearly heard within the walls of Number 13. In the shop, Sally was the one that caused the bell to go off this time. She is establishing that Dev agrees with her opinion of this whole letter business. She's organizing a protest meeting of the neighbours in the Rovers tonight. She leaves, clip board in hand, followed mutely by Kevin. Molly goes out behind them with buckets of flowers to set up. Sound effect noises dovetail quite nicely with Norris sliding a new sign on the board outside the Kabin as Sally heads across to inform him of the meeting. Molly and Kevin have a quiet word. Kevin doesn't think Sally's crusade will put a crimp in their plans. Leave it with him.

Sally knocks on Number 13. Ashley comes out looking harassed (begging is hard work). He says he's angry about the letter but is really, really ticked about the bell and charges next door, chased by Claire. He barges into the shop shouting that he'll smash the bell if they don't take it down. Umed doesn't understand. Nobody else has complained! That's because they don't live next door!!! The door fires off again as Graeme arrives to witness Ashley's meltdown. Claire is actually in agreement that the bell is a nuisance but isn't quite so volatile about it all. Ashley spins around to go and tear the bell off the wall but Graeme gathers him into a comforting hug. "I'm here now.." he murmurs.

Sally is polling the Barlows now. Blanche is firmly on Sally's side but Ken, as you would expect, is neutral. He does agree to attend the meeting to hear both sides of the argument. Kevin is not happy having to be dragged around even though he doesn't want Stape living there either. Sally's the one that runs the show and he comes over all resentful because she didn't even ask him if he had something planned that evening and he tells her about the run in Glasgow. She's not happy and would prefer to have his support. He follows her to the next stop, grumbling.

Graeme and Claire have brought Ash back into his own house. Graeme jokes that he's left the shop wide open for anyone to come get what they want. But he does say not to worry about the bell. He'll sort it. He leaves. Claire finally gives in and offers Ashley some steam-letting-off time upstairs. He stands up and admits he's been selfish and he'll have the vasectomy. Promise.

Back at the Webster's, Sally's on the phone to Luke arranging to take the rest of the day off while Kevin sulks in a chair. He launches into his premeditated assault, complaining that running is his only chance to do something for himself, to unwind. This works. She backs down and tells him to go to Glasgow. She'll be fine on her own at the meeting. By the by, he slips in, he thought he'd as Molly. She thinks that's a good idea.

Peter arrives at the Barlows and he's in a sulk too. Leanne is not coming because she's stuck at work. The rest of them leave for Simon's recital.

In the garage, Ty is chatting to Molly when Kevin arrives to tell them about the run. Our clueless little buddy, Tyrone, doesn't mind, he can start on the games room. He goes into the office to take a phone call and Kevin explains that he's going to make her dream come true. She saunters off to get packed.

Tvor

Molly is packing a silky nightie for her dirty getaway with Lothario Kevin when Tyrone comes in and scares the bejeesus out of her by suggesting that he come with her to make up for not seeing her across the finish line last time. He feels dead guilty that he missed it. Molly tells him that there's no need for him to feel that way.

Fizz wants to know what was in the letter John sent to Chesney but Ches is not keen to share and just tells her, "It's private... he was witterin' on about what's gonna happen when 'e comes out." He tells Fizz that John wants to live here. Ches reminds Fizz how he feels about John moving in with them, "You can live where you want," he tells his big sis, "and I'll live where I want." Sophie Webster comes to the door to return a book but lets slip that Sally is on the war path since she also received a letter from John. In fact, he has sent one to everyone. This is the first Fizz knows about it. Sophie tells Fizz that Sally has organised a meeting in the pub later that day to try and stop John Stape from moving back onto the street.

The Barlows come home from Simon's recorder recital. Peter is upset with Leanne that she wasn't able to make it but Ken tries to make him see reason. Simon did, after all, have three member of his family there to support him. Peter thinks Leanne shouldn't make promises she can't keep. Everyone else just seems very proud of Simon and spoil him with treats. Blanche reminds Peter that it could have been worse, "She could have turned up drunk!" Peter did notice a couple of the teachers giving him a wide berth as he came into the school but Ken brushes off Peter's concern and tells him that while Peter was proud of his son, Simon, he was able to be proud of Peter, seeing how far he has come since the last time Peter was at the school. Leanne appears, apologetically. She was unable to get away from work. Peter just nods and doesn't look very forgiving at all.

Molly and Kevin are ready to go. Sally thinks Kevin and Molly must be gluttons for punishment going to Glasgow in October. Sophie, a dab hand on the ole internet, asks her Dad if he is gay. She's only gone and looked up the run on the internet and discovered it's for gays and lesbians. Kevin is a little lost for an answer but Molly comes to the rescue and tells Sophie that she and Kevin are running to support gay charities. The lovebirds rush off.

Graeme is pedalling a rather elaborate and cumbersome window cleaning trike along the cobbles and comes across Dev & Umed outside the corner shop. He manages to persuade Dev to give him a trial run at cleaning his shop window- no charge.

Peter is having a cigarette out in the yard at his Dad's house. Leanne comes out to talk to him only to be met by a barrage of accusations of her letting him down. He expected Leanne to be with him to support him as he went back into the school after his last disastrous sojourn there. He tells Leanne that he knows that folk on the street think he only got back together with her because he wanted a mother for Simon but he confesses that he needs Leanne to be there for him, "It's me that needs to be loved." Oh boo hoo. Anyway, Leanne promises to never let him down again.

Kevin and Molly get on the bus to their sordid little get away- not to Glasgow but to a posh hotel in Chester- only for Kevin to realise he has left his running shoes at home. He rushes them both back off the bus to get them. Because, even though we all know he won't be needing them, if Sally finds them.... He manages to get back home and grab his trainers without Sally suspecting anything.

Fizz is still at home, fretting about the letters John has sent to everyone. Chesney rightly points out that whatever John was trying to achieve has backfired and Fizz knows that he has played right into Sally's hands. She tells Ches that John is actually trying to be sensitive to how people feel but Sally won't let him off. She says, "It's like he's been to court, he's been to prison, now he gets to go to the court of Sally Webster." Chesney tries to soothe his sister's feelings and tells her to ignore the neighbours but Fizz thinks she needs to go to the meeting to speak up for her husband.

Graeme is acting suspiciously while washing the windows. Umed peers at him a little but goes back inside. Once alone again, Graeme sets about the silly doorbell with a spanner.

Molly and Kevin walk with their arms around each other from their train. Kevin says, "Well, next 24 hours we can do what we want. No sneaking about, just like a normal couple." They kiss and head towards their dead posh looking hotel.

Graeme comes into the shop to confess having ruined the silly doorbell and draws it out of a bucket of water, soaked through to its electronic centre. Umed is incensed.

Molly and Kevin go into their hotel room which Molly thinks, "must have cost a fortune!" They wonder what they're going to do while they're there- Molly makes a joke about seeing a really old monument- she is talking about Kevin and they fall onto the bed, laughing.

In the shop, Umed is carrying on like a pork chop about Graeme having committed willful damage to shop property while drying out the doorbell with a hairdryer. Dev is unfazed and just wants a normal doorbell now, one that doesn't annoy the neighbours. He actually gives Graeme a payment for doing the windows as thanks for getting rid of the silly doorbell.

Leanne & Peter are at home. They apologise to each other for having misunderstood each other earlier. Leanne has a bit of a whine about her job and her boss, the area moron. She is not looking forward to going into work the next day.

Molly & Kevin are talking in a pub about their relationships. Molly never saw herself as someone who would have an affair. She thinks that she married Tyrone too young and she was naive. She thought Tyrone was all she wanted. She doesn't think that Tyrone, a kind, sweet, good man, is enough for her any more. She asks Kevin if he feels guilty. Kevin doesn't give a straight answer and they both agree that it would be too painful for the two of them to leave their spouses, "When I think about telling Tyrone," she says, "it'd be like kicking a puppy." They cuddle each other for comfort, knowing the mayhem they could cause in their families if they wanted to.

Ken & Blanche come into the pub for the meeting. Sally is ready to start. She thanks everyone for coming and shouts officiously, "The well being of our children is something we all care about and we have to do everything in our power to protect them." This sets the tone of her speech against John moving into the street when he comes out of prison. She seems to have a bit of support although that goes quiet when Fizz comes into the pub. Sally drones on some more about Rosie's abduction.

Kevin and Molly are walking along the river like lovers. Molly tells Kevin that she wants it all from their relationship but she is happy to take what she can get but she will savour every moment they have together from now on.

Meanwhile, Sally is ranting about John's letters being a cheap stunt to curry favour with the residents of the street. Roy tries to reason with Sally and tells her she is being unfair but Dev stands up for Sally. Ken also tries to argue a little with Sally but she is determined and urges everyone to write to John Stape tonight, "and tell him he is *not welcome* on this street!" Sally is given a round of applause while Roy thinks that this is like a meeting of the Ku Klux Klan. Ken points out that John will have served his sentence and is entitled to live wherever he likes. While Norris says, "I find myself in the unusual position of having no sympathy for the criminal.... *or the victim*!" Rosie throws Norris a dirty look. Fizz speaks, "All John wants is to put what 'appened be'ind us and make a fresh start." Sally thinks they should make a fresh start elsewhere. She doesn't care that Fizz and John have Chesney to consider or that John is deeply sorry for what he did. Fiz stands on a table and makes her statement, "And he has never tried to wriggle out of any charges. He has taken his punishment and has said sorry over and over again! He even gave Rosie the money from the sale of his gran's house!' Both Sally and Rosie are stunned by the reminder of Rosie's "compensation" from John and try to defend themselves. Fiz goes on defending her husband, reminding the pub patrons that John has written to everyone and asked them for their permission to live with Fiz on the street. He didn't have to do that, after all. Fiz's support is growing and she goes on to tell them, "He's done that because he cares what you think. He knows, like I know, that you are all good, decent and fair minded people." Oh, Sally's not a happy bunny!

Stella McLoughlin

Here's the update for Thursday 8th October.

A very disheveled looking Tyrone meets Darryl in the street who tells him he hopes he's only working on cars and not driving them – he was steaming when he came into the kebab shop late last night. Tyrone can't believe he had a kebab, he woke up in the night starving. "That's because you dropped most of it all over the shop floor – and no, it wasn't anywhere near as funny as you thought it was," says Darryl. Tyrone asks if Darryl's heard from Amber, but Darryl tells him that since his mother stuck her oar in Amber doesn't want to know. He's sent texts and left messages but she hasn't been in touch and he doesn't think she will be.

Meanwhile, Kevin and Molly are in their hotel room, clad in fluffy, white toweling dressing gowns, snuggling up together and enjoying their cooked breakfast. Just then the mood is shattered by the beeping of Molly's phone. It's a message from Tyrone wishing her luck with the run.

Fiz is off to see John and Chesney hands her a letter, asking her to give it to him. She tells him she can't, it's against the rules, so he tells her she might as well read it herself. Just then there's a shout from the other side of the road. It's Sally, who tells her that clever speeches are all well and good but there are enough right minded people round there who would rather see her husband in hell than living round there. Fiz, however, is not in the mood. "Sally – get stuffed, okay?" she snaps.

Norris is sweeping up outside the Kabin when Emily comes along. She says it will seem strange not have Rita around for a few months. (How long is this cruise?) Norris is sure she'll send postcards. Emily says it will help his new assistant settle in, not having Rita's long shadow cast over her. Norris says he doesn't think that sort of thing would bother Sheila, she's settling in very well indeed. Just then Sheila appears, and Norris introduces her. Emily tells her that Norris has spoken very highly of her, she understands that Sheila's had a lot of experience. Sheila agrees, saying she's tended to avoid supermarkets and department stores – soulless places. She prefers to chat. "Social intercourse, that's what's lacking in the corporate chain," she says.

Leanne is going to take Simon to school and then go on to work. "Assistant moron closed up last night so it's bound to be a mess," she tells Peter, "he's a lazy you-know-what!" Simon says he knows what, but he's not allowed to say. Peter tells her not to let the moron get to her. "It's easy for you to say," she says, "you're your own boss." He tells her that as long as she and Simon are around, he's not. He laughs and kisses her goodbye.

Fiz has arrived at the prison for her meeting with John. She tells him about the meeting Sally called in the Rovers, telling him she was half expecting them round with pitchforks and burning torches afterwards. Then she had to talk Chesney round after John's letter. John says he's made a right mess of everything. "Not entirely," she tells him, "whatever you said, he took notice." She says that Chesney's prepared to live with them as long as they stay on the Street. John smiles and says that's fantastic. Fiz isn't so sure. "Not if half the neighbours want us out," she says.

Kevin and Molly are enjoying their time together in Chester, walking beside the water and having fun like a loving couple without a care in the world.

Back at the prison, John asks who gave Fiz a hard time in the pub. Fiz reels off the names, Sally of course, Dev, Eddie Windass and Blanche. John tells her that Blanche wrote to him, she should have been one of the women who sat next to the guillotine in the French revolution. Fiz says she would have been one of those chopping the heads off. He says that he's had letters of support too, from Roy and Hayley and also Ken and Deirdre Barlow. He asks if she can stand up to the rebel rousers, saying it won't be long before he'll be by her side. It's a war they've got to fight, but it's a war they'll win.

In the pub, Liz remarks to Deirdre that she can't believe Ken is seventy and Emily is coming up for eighty. She hopes she's drinking the same water as them, there must be something in it! Talking about their joint party, Liz reminds Deirdre that Lloyd does a bit of dee-jaying. Just then Leanne marches in, saying she's had enough of the place she worked in. She told the area moron exactly what she thought of him, and left the assistant moron wearing two bowls of guacamole dip and three chilli specials. She doesn't think they're expecting her back. She and Peter go to a table and she continues to moan about the people she worked with, saying they couldn't organise a booze up in a brewery, and the manager had implied that her best chance of getting promoted was on her back! Peter's furious to hear that, but then they end up arguing, with Peter thinking that Leanne is holding him responsible for her moving down and ending up with no job. "Oh grow up! This is about me," she cries, "my career, my ambitions, not poor pathetic Peter on another guilt trip!" She grabs her bag and storms out.

Kevin and Molly are still walking, and fantasizing about winning the lottery and buying a big house. Just then Kevin's phone rings, he answers it saying that they've just finished the race and he'll ring when he knows what train they're getting. Brought back to reality with a bump, Molly says they ought to find out what the weather's like in Glasgow, she'll buy a paper.

Darryl sees his mother in the street and tells her she should be at work, he's been waiting. She asks why she would want to spend any more time than she had to with a mardy beggar like him. He retorts that he doesn't want to spend time with someone who goes out of their way to ruin his life. "Oh, don't be such a drama queen!" she cries. Just then Deirdre and Liz walk past, with Liz giving Theresa a sideways glance. "Er..don't you look at me like that lady!" Theresa calls after her. Liz stops and turns slowly. "Like what?" asks Liz. "Like you've got something nasty on your shoe," says Theresa. "I was having a private conversation with my son." Liz remarks that it wasn't that private, the whole world could hear the two of them. Theresa tells her she's just off to work, but if Liz would like to continue it later, she should just let her know what street corner she'll be standing on! Liz moves towards Theresa, but is held back by Deirdre, who tells her not to lower herself.

Peter arrives home to find Leanne playing with Simon, but there's a distinctly cold atmosphere that Simon picks up on straight away. "You two have had a row," he says. Peter admits he said some stupid stuff and Leanne agrees. She then tells Simon to go to his room for a minute, and when he's gone they clear the air and make it up. She says she knows she could have run that bar better than those two clowns. He tells her it's their loss.

Tyrone's talking to Molly on the phone, saying he had a quiet night in, and promising to have her some food ready for when she gets in. Darryl is in the garage with him, and tells him about the fall out with his mother. Tyrone says that his own mother nearly split him and Molly up, it was only because Molly is such a star that she saw through it. Tyrone asks why Darryl doesn't tell his mother to sling her hook. Darryl says he thinks he'll have to because if they're in that flat together for much longer only one of them will come out alive – and it'll probably be her!

In the Kabin, Sheila is telling Norris a long and involved story when Deirdre comes to the counter. "I'll be with you in a minute dear," says Sheila, waving her hand at a shocked looking Deirdre. "Sheila – customer…" says Norris, and then introduces Deirdre while taking her money. Deirdre then tells Norris about the party for Ken and Emily. "I take it you'll be coming?" she asks. Sheila immediately says she's looking forward to it, she met Emily earlier and she's a sweet old dear. She goes off out the back to make tea and Deirdre asks Norris if she got her from his ad or from a Sheila Wheeler Dealer!

As they prepare to check out of their hotel, Kevin suddenly grabs Molly. "Hang on! Let's stay!" he cries. He tells her he just wants another night with her. She giggles, "Kevin, what are we doing?" He tells her he loves her and kisses her.

In the kebab shop, Darryl gives his mother the new work rota. She's not happy to see she's got to work late every night, but he tells her he has a life to rebuild after she sabotaged him and Amber. He said that when he came there he had his dad, and Mel and everybody, but she's driven them all away, and now done the same with Amber. She claims it was for his own good, Amber had already cheated on him once. Darryl tells her he's sick of the sight of her, he's had enough, she's out of the flat and if he has his way she's out of the job as well. "Go and ruin some other poor beggar's life because I've had enough of you in mine!" he cries.

Back in the hotel, Kevin pulls out his phone and rings Sally, telling her the trains have been cancelled and there won't be another one till tomorrow. When he hangs up he tells Sally isn't happy because it's their anniversary tomorrow and he forgot. She says they could still go, and say that they put another train. He smiles, "Do you want to ring Tyrone?" he asks.

Back in Coronation Street, Tyrone is smartly dressed in a clean shirt, and has laid the table complete with flowers and bottle of wine. Just then the phone rings……

Anne Logan

Molly & Kevin are packing up from their romantic getaway. Kevin seems to be in a bit of a hurry. Molly asks him if he wishes he'd gone back yesterday after all. Kevin doesn't give her a straight answer and snaps at her instead, "Well, we didn't. So come one, let's go!"

Peter, Simon and Leanne are at their kitchen table. Leanne is wrapping a present while Simon discusses how old his Grandad is. Simon and Peter get ready to go over to say Happy Birthday to Ken. Leanne is not going with them and asks Peter not to tell his family that she has packed up her job. She doesn't want them thinking that she expects Peter to keep her. Peter tells her not to be daft but agrees not to tell until Leanne finds another job.

In the Webster household, Rosie and Sally are having a good old bitch about Molly and how Kevin has been trapped in Glasgow with her. "I'll bet your Dad were livid when he found out there were no train," says Sally. Oh, if she only knew. Sophie has been at work on t'internet again and tells Sally not to expect Kevin home until the afternoon since the first train from Glasgow is not expected until then.

When Simon and Peter head over to the Barlows, Peter notices along abandoned joinery shop under the viaduct. Simon asks his dad what he's looking at and Peter mentions that he might have a solution to all their problems. Hmmmmm.....

Lloyd comes out of the cab office to find Teresa Morton sleeping in his cab. She says she had nowhere else to go and the door was unlocked. Lloyd disputes that. Teresa asks if there are any facilities in the cab office she can use. Lloyd is reluctant to let her use them but Teresa is quite insistent and goes into the office anyway.

Ken is delighted to have been given a book about the Great Exhibition for his birthday from Simon and Peter and a beautiful handmade card from Simon himself. Peter asks his father who owns the bits of property tucked underneath viaducts and the like, Ken has no idea though.

Lloyd has given Teresa a sandwich and is listening to her sob story in the cab office. She tells Lloyd how Darryl has thrown her out and she won't be going back to him until she gets an apology. She asks Lloyd of he knows anyone with a spare room. Lloyd urges her to speak Darryl. Teresa has her pride though.

In the Kabin, Sheila Wheeler is talking the ears off Norris about how more people are living on their own these days. Peter comes in to have a word with Norris. Peter asks Norris if he knows who owns the joinery shop under the viaduct. Norris is in a hurry to *show* Peter who owns it- presumably to get away from Sheila's inane wittering. He takes Peter to the shop window where there is a contact card for the owner. "Norris, you're a star!" says Peter.

Molly and Levin arrive home. Molly wants to know what they will say if anyone knows that the train from Glasgow wasn't cancelled after all. Kevin brushes off her concerns by telling her that they would only find that out if they were suspicious in the first place. Tyrone comes over to greet his unfaithful wife and scumbag best friend. He tells Molly he has missed her and asks, quite innocently, what happened to the train? He is quite happy to be fooled by their elaborate lies and says, "Ah well, you're back now and that's what counts, eh?" After Kevin leaves, Ty goes to give Molly a more intimate hug but she puts him off, telling him to go and have a wash while she unpacks. Poor Tyrone. He calls, "Love you!" as he walks back to the garage.

Liz and Deirdre are talking at the bar about Deirdre being ,married to a 70 year old. "Actually," says Deirdre, "it was a bit of a surprise. I know he's old, Ken, but he never seems it." Liz starts to talk about the (minuscule) age gap between her and Lloyd. Deirdre tells Liz that, "maybe you did look a bit older than 'im," but that they made a good couple. Liz is taken aback that she might have looked older than Lloyd. Deirdre realises that she shouldn't have said that but she tells Liz that if she's happy with a fella then it shouldn't matter how old he is at all.

Kevin has made it home to Sally. Sally hands him a card and says "Happy anniversary." She asks Kevin for the bill from the hotel that Kevin and Molly had to stay in so that she can try to claim some compensation from the train company since it wasn't his fault the train was cancelled. Kevin tries to cover his tracks by saying he threw the bill away. Sally is a like a dog with a bone though and tells him to ring the hotel for a copy. Or she will ring the hotel. Kevin asks her to just leave it, "It was a waste of time, waste of money and I don't want to waste any more time chasing compensation that'll probably never arrive anyway. Forget it." Sally moves on and mentions that Sophie didn't think they'd be back so soon. Kevin manages to keep his cool and simply lies some more about an early train which went straight through.

Peter takes Bill Webster round to the shop under the viaduct to have a look and see what he can do in there.

Lloyd is talking to Liz at the bar about his record collection. It appears that he'll be DJ-ing at the oldies' party later. Liz makes some vague references to perhaps, maybe the two of them getting back together. Before Lloyd can ask her more about it, Teresa comes in and crashes their private party. She is skint so Lloyd buys her a pint. "Ah, aren't you wonderful," says a grateful Teresa, "I'm going to be that much in your debt. I'm going to have to come and live with you and be your slave for a fortnight." A horrified Lloyd tells Teresa she really doesn't have to. Ken comes to the bar and tells Lloyd his choice of music is "anything not too loud." Teresa wangles herself a dodgy invitation to Ken's party.

Liz goes to talk to Emily and Norris in a booth by the window. They talk a little about Rita. Liz reckons Rita would have had a bloke on her arm by the time she would have been half a mile out of Southampton. Norris is scandalised by this suggestion, Emily a little bit too. But Norris reckons that Rita would have too much sense to be getting involved with some "nautical gigolo". Liz thinks they'll see who's right when Rita gets back. After she leaves, Norris remarks that Liz's trouble is that she thinks everyone is like herself. Emily shocks Norris by sighing, "The longer I live, the longer I think she might be right."

Bill seems to think that the brickwork in the unit under the viaduct is sound and wonders what Peter will be doing with the property. Peter is not sure but is happy to buy Bill a pint as his consultancy fee.

Kevin goes over to see Tyrone in the garage. Kevin has decided to stay home for the day since it's his anniversary. He leaves Ty and promptly gets on the blower to Molly to warn her about the lies he had to tell Sally about the trains and the hotel. However, it seems that he's still keen and asks his lover, "So, when can I see you?"

Tony and Maria are home. Kirk is waiting for them, watching telly on their sofa. He tells Tony that he intends to move out soon but offers to make them some good English coffee after they had to drink all that French stuff.

In the Kabin, poor Norris is still listening to Sheila's ramblings. Emily comes in for a quarter of chocolate limes. Sheila drivels on at Emily over the counter before Emily makes her getaway.

Maria is opening her mail while Kirk is off to take Ozzy for a walk. Maria comes across the letter from John Stape. Tony makes a joke about how he thought sending John to prison for kidnapping Rosie was a bit harsh and he thinks he should have been given a commendation instead. Maria hops off to talk to Fizz about the letter.

Molly is hoovering when her husband comes home to give her a cuddle since he has washed his hands,. He tells Molly how much he missed her. Molly snaps at him and tells him that he sounds pathetic. Poor Tyrone is knocked for six and they argue. He leaves but Molly tells him that she's tired and that he's not pathetic.

Peter takes Leanne to the joinery shop under the viaduct. Leanne has no clue what is going on. Peter tells her that he has a challenge for her. He wants to open a flash, upmarket bar in the viaduct that she runs. "You're the boss and I help you. That way, you get the challenge you want and we get the life together we want. So, what do you say?" Leanne looks delighted.

Kevin is at home with his family. Rosie asks Kevin where he came in the race and then makes some bitchy comments about Molly coming in last. Kevin defends his girlfriend from his little cow (is that too harsh? Sorry) of a daughter before Rosie goes out. Sophie, been on the internet again, asks her dad why his photo is not on the race website. Kevin looks non-plussed and Sophie explains, "There's a picture of everyone who run the race and the order they finished in and I can't find one of you anywhere." Dun dun duhhhhhn!

Stella McLoughlin

We open at the Webster's where Sophie is showing Sally the photos from the marathon Kevin apparantely ran. They are struggling to find him and when Kevin comes in they question him. Feeling awkward, Kevin struggles for an answer until Sally points out a set of knees that could be his and he agrees...that looks like him.

Leanne and Peter emerge from the site where they hope to open their new bar full of enthusiasm for their project. Peter suggests they keep it to themselves until they are certain it's going to come off.

Tony and Maria are discussing the organisation for baby Liam's christening. Tony says it's a lot for Maria to take on and he suggests they book a restaurant the night before so she can relax. She looks uneasy about this but agrees.

Sheila is jabbering in the Kabin and for once, Norris can't get a word in edgeways. He is desperately trying to and eventually gets across the message that he has something important to say. She says she has to nip to the loo first.

At the party, Teresa makes a music request from Lloyd. He is pleasantly surprised and impressed by her taste.

Tony is phoning the restaurant but as he requests the date, something suddenly dawns on him and he cancels.

Blanche invites Leanne to join the coffin dodger tables. She asks Blanche how she is and no one can believe their ears when Blanche smiles and says ‘musn't grumble'

At the bar, Liz thanks Lloyd for his help organising and running the party. Lloyd is clearly pleased with her gratitude.

Sheila can barely stand and is panting for air...she has been fired by Norris. Norris generously offers to pay her for the rest of the week, of which there is an hour or two left and when this does little to lift her spirits he offers to throw in Saturday too.

Back at the party, Leanne is worrying about Peter's ability to run a bar and he reasons he ran a bookies but that doesn't mean he has to make a bet every five minutes. Leanne tells him she is proud of him.

Lloyd and Liz are dancing closely and end up kissing. After this, Liz insists on going back to the bar and Lloyd gets annoyed that she is being frosty again. Liz flips and says it is because of this behaviour they can't make a relationship work.

Sally and Kevin are alone and Sally playfully tells him to come out with the truth. She knows he didn't finish the race, she'd recognise her husband's knees anywhere. Kevin says he never ran the race and Molly had offered to stay with him.

Lloyd is moaning about Liz to Teresa. Teresa suggests he can do a lot better. Across the bar, ken is asking Peter if everything is okay between him and Leanne. Peter says everything is fine and Ken is glad because he believes Leanne is very good for him.

Kevin phones Molly to get their stories straight.

Teresa and Lloyd agree to go elsewhere for a drink and head back to her place.

Tony and Maria arrive at the bar. Tony is feeling guilty for booking a meal on the anniversary of Liam's death. He apologises.

Norris comes in. His friends can't believe he sacked Sheila

Sally approaches Molly and Molly plays along with what Kevin told her. Sally issues a warning. Keeping secrets in marriage always ends in tears.

Bill asks Ken is he can put in a good word with peter for the building work on the new bar. This is news to Ken

Teresa and Lloyd are quickly downing shots and Teresa slumps onto Lloyd. He kisses her and asks if she likes it. She says she does and they passionately s again.

Ken asks why peter is keeping secrets. The word secret draws the attention of Deirdre and Blanche and Peter is forced to admit he plans to open a bar. Ken turns on Leanne and blames her before demanding to know if they've thought of Simon. The argument ends with peter storming out with Leanne, adamant that they will press forward with their plans.

I cannot make any observations this week. But surely the line of the evening goes to the legendary Blanche: "An alcoholic and an arsonist open a bar. Sounds like the start of a joke!" So if anyone has any suggestions on how to end this joke, let's hear them!

Until next week!

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Stephen Russell, Directed by Stuart Davids

It's the morning after and it's not pretty. Teresa brings mugs of black tea in to Lloyd (no milk in the house) and she's wearing what looks like his suit jacket if he was about 12 inches taller. He's horrified. Not at the suit jacket, at the fact that he did the nasty with Teresa. She's oblivious to his distress, and is almost all giggly about it all and very self satisfied.

Molly is leaving for work and it transpires that Tyrone was hoping for a little pick me up to start the day and she'd turned him down. Something she's been doing a lot of lately it seems. Classic move when a spouse is having an affair, feels too guilty to get it on with the other half and that raises suspicions, even in someone as dim as Tyrone. Because he does seem to be wondering. She brushes off his concern that she is no longer interested in him by telling him she's going in early to make up time after being away. She's stroppy and sarcastic and seems to be intent on being contrary. She greets Kevin who's on his way to the garage with a neutral hello.

Leanne's dressed in businesslike fashion and off to the bank to see about a loan. Peter's skeptical but hopeful. She's a bit nervous wondering what happens if the club doesn't make it... floods, staff walk outs (arson?), how will he cope? He reassures her. Alcoholics and can fall off the wagon but he doesn't want to drink, he just wants her and their little family. Ken comes across just then to apologize for the *way* he said what he said. Not for the opinion of course. Peter makes a disparaging remark and Ken takes umbrage. Well I don't blame Peter. Ken never, ever supports him. He sends Leanne off with a kiss.

Down the road, Maria is seeing Tony off to work at the door and they're talking about the impending visit from the Connors. She's not looking forward to it and reckons they'd be happier if she was a wailing widow rather than moving on with her life. Kirk squeezes past with all his worldly goods. He's moving out and walks all the way to Number 7, all of 12 feet and knocks on the door. Ty lets him in.

Teresa is having her first fag and coughing up her lung as smokers often do of a morning. Lloyd complains about the black tea so she jumps up and takes off to buy supplies, leering at him in the prospect of a busy morning ahead. Ew.

So we shift to the corner shop where Michelle is buying cleaning supplies and air fresheners. Seems she's bitching because her flat smells like kebabs. Um. Because she took a flat over a kebab shop, a point that Dev tries to make. What did she expect? (Honestly!) Teresa comes in, still wearing nothing but the jacket, and gathers up milk and other odds and ends for a breakfast. She asks for the items to be put on the tab and Umed industriously opens a little book, much to Dev's surprise. And in that book, not only is the price owing marked up but also what was bought and Dev notices Teresa bought ketchup yesterday but has a full bottle again today. Teresa allows that it's not for her, it's for Lloyd and then smugly tells everyone she pulled!

Kevin asks Tyrone why he's been in a mood all morning. Tyrone doesn't confide.

Darryl sees Teresa on her way back to Lloyd's and he guesses that she's pulled so she brags to him who it was. Darryl is grossed out because that's really not something you need to know about your mother. Just when she says hopefully that the relationship could be going somewhere, her face falls when Darryl notices Lloyd driving off in a cab, trying to shield his face from the pair. She sees her clothes in a carry bag outside his flat door so she picks it up and scurries off with Darryl telling her that she's not girlfriend material.

In the factory, Rosie is telling Sean off for his sloppy work. Sean blames the machine. Luke and Tony trade sarky remarks but Tony is actually in a good mood. He's off to go shopping.

In the cab office, Lloyd is back and suffering Claire's horrible, screechy off key singing. "I will always love you". That's that, then. Claire is obviously allowing Ashley back into the marital bed even before the operation because she's clearly getting some. You don't go singing like you don't have a care in the world if you aren't sexually satisfied! Lloyd reckons Simon Cowell would rip her heart out, stomp on it and dance around the embers. Teresa comes in to give Lloyd back his jacket and tear a strip off him for running away. She's cut off when Liz comes in and he pretends Teresa was there wanting a cab for later. She warns him that he owes her one. Lloyd makes some flimsy excuse to Liz about that remark. Liz apologizes for how she was the other day and asks him out for a drink later. She's making tentative tracks back but wants to take it slow. He's quite pleased!! They share a light kiss.

Kevin sees off a happy client. Tyrone is still out of sorts but asks Kevin to go for a drink later. He has something he wants to talk to him about. He admits it's about Molly but he doesn't want to talk about it now. Kevin is worried. (Um if Tyrone suspected Kev was having it off with Molly, he'd be reenacting Tommy's murder using Kevin's head not wanting to have a drink with him)

After the break, Lloyd comes into the shop and asks if anyone has see Teresa. He's accosted by a chorale of "OooooooOOOOOOooooohhhhh" and he realizes he's busted. He asks them to keep it a secret. Dev says it's a shop, not a gossip factory (huh? since when! oh right, you need to go to the Kabin for gossip!) Lloyd buys a small bottle of whiskey and has to endure some more teasing from the troops. Kevin slips in and tells Molly about his impending conference with Tyrone, clearly worried. Molly isn't. Outside, Lloyd asks Darryl if he's seen Teresa. Darryl does take chunks out of Lloyd for driving off, as bad as it all was, that was low. Lloyd appeals to the man in Darryl, it's a typical guy response isn't it, when you've made a drunken mistake and feel guilty in the morning. Darryl admits he's never done that in his life. Lloyd wants to apologize to her (with the whiskey as a gift. Anyone else would have got flowers!) Darryl promises not to spread the gossip.

Tony and Maria have returned from shopping. Maria has bought a christening outfit for little Liam. Tony reaches to take her shopping inside because his dad brought him up proper like. Maria reckons his dad would be proud of him. Maybe, is Tony's reticent remark.

Leanne has returned with bad news. The bank won't lend them quite enough money even with a mortgage on the bookies'. They must want quite a lot. She says they can always try other banks. They decide to go have a look at the joinery again so Peter chucks out Kirk because they have to shut the shop while they go have a look see. Kirk offers to mind the shop but is turned down. Kirk objects, saying he's one of the best customers, a consideration that is rejected by Peter who doesn't even know why Kirk likes to hang out there. "Because usually, it's filled with total losers which makes me feel better about meself!" (Classic!)

Tony lets Rosie have the rest of the day off. She doesn't need telling twice. She tries to get Luke to go for a drink but is turned down and she leaves.

Ken and Deirdre are taking Eccles out for a walk. They hike down the street and are greeted by Lloyd. He tells Deirdre he's seeing Liz tonight and they say no, they haven't seen Teresa. (Presumably he's knocked on her door). Ken and Deirdre see Peter and Leanne come out of the joinery and Ken is horrified, calling it a whole new level of stupidity further fuelling the father-son feud. Even Deirdre doesn't think it's that good an idea, opening a bar locally with the Rovers just up the road. More angry words are spoken before Ken turns his back on his son.

Lloyd is musing that he should tell Liz everything about Teresa. Claire wonders why he's trying to silence Teresa. The reason is that he doesn't want Teresa opening her big tactless gob before Lloyd can tell Liz himself. Fair point. Teresa shows up, having heard that he was looking for her. She's clearly angry and when he asks her to keep quiet about last night because he wants to tell Liz himself, hoping he can get back with Liz. He hands over the bottle. She accepts it, saying sarcastically that it's more than she usually gets. She says adios with a grimace. He admits to Claire that yes, he does feel 6 inches tall. Good! she chirps.

Eccles has accompanied Ken and Deirdre into the pub but sadly doesn't have a drink of his own. Ken is ruminating about his foolish son. Over in a booth, Janice figures that she should set the Barlows straight on who's idea the new bar was but Sean tries to hold her back from picking a fight. Teresa arrives and asks for a lemonade. Janice won't be told and she goes to Ken and Deirdre and tells them this wasn't Leanne's idea. Liz overhears the prospect of a rival bar opening up and she's most definitely not best pleased. Peter and Leanne arrive in the midst of the conversation. They realize the secret is out when Liz confronts them. Peter says there's no worries, they aren't after the same type of drinking crowd. Ken pulls Deirdre out, but Peter chucks some insults at his father's face before they leave. He realizes he shouldn't have said it straight away. Lloyd arrives and Liz invites him to the back. Meanwhile, Teresa slips her whiskey out and tops up the lemonade.

In the back, Lloyd admits to having a one night stand. Liz is a bit put out but seems ok with it but he won't say who with. She seems pleased he is being honest with her and she kisses him. He runs up to the toilet and she goes into the bar where Teresa is watching. Liz pours herself a drink and Michelle asks her what's up. Liz tells her Lloyd has admitted his one night stand. Michelle is relieved she knows about it. She opens the bag very wide and lets the very big red headed cat out of it by telling Liz that it happened last night and it was Teresa. Lloyd has come in and overhears and Teresa is standing quietly (for once) at the bar, taking it all in. "You slept with that tragic slapper?" Theresa objects to being called tragic! She smashes some glasses even though it looked like she'd only just opened the bottle and had only had time for the one drink, she's clearly loaded for bear. Liz strides towards the bar, hands on hips, ready for the confrontation.

And we'll see what happens next half.

Tvor

Aww, poor Teresa. I know I haven't been her biggest fan in the past but I really feel sorry for her today.

Lloyd is trying to keep everyone calm from behind the bar. Teresa tells him to shut it. Liz tells lloyd she can't believe that he slept with Teresa, the tramp. And she doesn't mean Tramp in the American derogatory-word-for-a-woman sense, she means a tramp who lives in a cardboard house. "How could you?" Liz asks Lloyd. Liz and Teresa have a right old, highly undignified slanging match and Teresa throws a punch at Liz. Unfortunately for Lloyd, his face gets in the way of Teresa's fist. Liz verbally throws Teresa out of the pub. "Come on then, Gobby Drawers," says Teresa to Liz, "Are you up for it? Outside! Now!" Liz can hardly believe her ears. They start shoving each other until Liz actually manhandles Teresa out of the pub. Out in the street, Liz warns Teresa that if she lands one punch, Liz will have her banged up. Teresa swings for her but Lloyd tries to intervene. Darryl rushes over and pushes Lloyd off his mother. Lloyd goes down with a crash. From the ground, nose bleeding, he pleads that the two women stop now. Ken and Deirdre walk across the street. Ken looks down his nose at the brawling trollops and wonders out loud if this is all necessary in the street. "Oh shove it, Lord Snooty," says Teresa to him while Deirdre tells Ken that she told him to keep out of it. Before she leaves, Teresa tells Liz that she is welcome to Lloyd. Liz doesn't want him anymore, not now that Teresa has been near him. Lloyd wants to talk about it with Liz but Liz tells Lloyd that he disgusts her; so much so that she can't even look at him.

Teresa marches into Dev's shop, despite Darryl protests that Dev is "spoiling for one today". She goes right behind the counter, grabs a half bottle of vodka, opens it and has a large slug of it. "Vodka, ketchup. Is there anything you won't down in one?" asks Dev as he watches her from his office door and promptly sacks Teresa from her job at the kebab shop. He has no sympathy for Teresa anymore. Teresa, in a complete state of despair now, tells Dev to shove it up his... before smashing the bottle on the floor of the shop and storming out. Dev tells Darryl the cost of the bottle is coming out of his wages.

At Underworld, in the office, Tony is looking at Luke with suspicion. He asks Luke f they are in competition with each other. Luke's phone rings- he doesn't want to talk to the person on the other end while Tony is there. Tony gets up to go home and tells Luke not to burn himself out trying to keep up with him. When Tony leaves, Luke gets on the blower to the previous caller. "Hello, Brian just called me," he says. "I'm his client. He's my lawyer." Unbelievably, this Brian is not available now. Luke sends an important message. This Brian has to call him tonight, "It's important."

Lloyd is in the cab office, having his bleeding nose seen to by Claire. Lloyd despairs that he has blown it with Liz completely. Teresa comes in to calm down a little. She is crying and tells Lloyd that she's been kicked out of her flat and now fired for sleeping with Lloyd. "As one night stands go," says Lloyd, "this one has been particularly unsuccessful for both of us." Teresa tells him she quite enjoyed it at the time. She is sorry she said Lloyd was rubbish in bed. When Lloyd looks concerned for her. Teresa claims she will manage and she refuses to take money from Lloyd. "I'm not a prossie," she says. "Yet." When she has left, Lloyd claims that it is unfair that the two of them have been treated so harshly since neither of them were cheating on anyone.

At Maria's house, Tony and Maria are talking about the impending visit of Liam's parents for baby Liam's Christening. Maria tells Tony that it's not a case that he is replacing Liam in her life but he must understand that Barry & Helen will find it hard to see them together. Tony takes her point.

Kevin and Tyrone are in the pub. Tyrone takes a gulp of his pint. Kevin asks him what the matter is. Tyrone just comes out and asks his best friend, "Is Molly having an affair?" Kirk comes over to join them. He is talking nonsense until Tyrone finally tells him that he and Kevin are having a private conversation. When Kirk has taken the hint, Kevin tells Tyrone that he doesn't have an idea of what Tyrone is talking about. Tyrone tells Kevin that for ages, since before she went to Glasgow anyway, Molly just doesn't seem to be present with him. He thinks Molly doesn't want him anymore. Kevin tells Tyrone that when he and Molly go running together, Tyrone is all she talks about. Tyrone seems a little cheered by that.

Barry & Helen arrive at Maria's house from Ireland. Helen gets stuck into Tony a little before Barry tells her to mind her words. Helen and Tony try to call a truce before Barry & Helen go inside, leaving Tony to bring in all the suitcases like a lackey.

Kevin and Tyrone are walking home and Kevin is trying to put Tyrone's mind at ease about Molly. Tyrone thanks Kevin for being such a good friend and goes inside to cook Molly a spag bol. As soon as Tyrone has shut his door, Kevin dashes to the corner shop to tell Molly all about his chat with Tyrone. When Molly hears that Tyrone has gone home to cook for her she asks if he will be cooking her a spag bol, "because the first time he made it, I was so amazed he could cook anything, I slightly over-praised it." Kevin drops the bomb, "He wanted to see if I thought you were having an affair." Molly is struck dumb for a moment. Kevin jokes snidily that he told Tyrone they were having an affair. "Don't get narky!" snaps Molly. Kevin wants to know why she is not getting along well with Tyrone. "Ehm, I'm not sure," says Molly sarcastically, "It might be because I'm having it away with his best mate and that's not as easy to do as we thought." They both wonder if it's time to call it a day.

Helen is on Maria's case, hinting that Maria and baby Liam should come and visit them more. Both Barry and Helen have been missing Liam. They reminisce about Liam while Tony sits and listens to his love-rival being canonised by his parents. Tony gets up to offer them a cup of tea. Barry refuses on behalf of the both of them since they are going to drop into the pub to see Michelle soon. Helen criticises the job Tony did of putting on baby Liam's nappy but all underhanded, like, making out that it's just because he's a man that he can't change a baby.

Molly and Kevin are still talking in the shop. Kevin is shocked when Molly points out how good a liar he is that he can continue to deceive his friend and loved one in his affair with Molly. Molly asks him whether he wants to break it off or not. Kevin asks her not to make him decide. She is adamant and wants to know, "Are we on or are we off?" Kevin is about to leave when Tyrone interrupts them. Kevin confesses that they have been talking about him and that he thought Molly should know how bad Tyrone has been feeling of late. Molly tells Tyrone that he is being daft and that she loves the bones off him. Kevin leaves them to talk for a bit. Before he leaves, Molly asks him cryptically, "You know that training run? Are we on or are we off?" Kevin answers, "We're on."

In the dark at Underworld, the phone rings. Luke answers it. He is agitated that he has not been able to get a hold of this person all day. He's been waiting for news of shares in the company all day but is shocked by what he hears on the phone. He asks, "Why won't she sell now?" He thinks he's been completely stitched up and he's holding Brian completely responsible.

Maria and Tony are cosy on the sofa together. They're talking some more about Barry & Helen. Maria apologises for them. Tony tells her that Barry and Helen have a dream of Maria and Liam being firmly in the bosom of their family. Maria promises that she will never, ever go to live in Ireland. They nip upstairs for some hanky panky.

Lloyd turns up at the pub with a huge bouquet of flowers for Liz. He tells her that he has come to throw himself at her feet and that he doesn't want anyone else other than her. He starts to apologise but Liz tells him to shut up. She asks him what he sees in her, what he wants from her, why does she think they're a good couple. Lloyd has all the right answers but Liz is not interested in having anything more to do with him since Teresa. She tells him, "If you'd have her, you'd have anyone. You don't care about yourself and you don't care about me." Lloyd offers to prove that he does; he wants to prove it. Liz doesn't want him though. "You've got nothing to offer me that I'm interested in. We are not getting back together ." She is adamant. Lloyd is distraught. Liz sends him off and tells him to take his flowers with him.

Outside, Teresa is sitting on the bench of tears. She sees Lloyd coming out of the Rovers and bash the bouquet of flowers all over the bonnet of his taxi in frustration and in floods of tears.

Stella McLoughlin

It's early morning in the corner shop. Umed looks around nervously. "It's ten past," he calls to someone, "and you promised you'd be gone by seven o'clock." Then we hear Teresa's voice from the back room. "I'm folding my duvet!" She then appears, wondering what the panic is. "My nephew – remember him?" Umed is panicking. Teresa certainly does, he's the one who made her destitute. Umed thinks he'll be next if Dev catches them and bundles her out of the shop, only to almost have a cardiac arrest when he hears her say, "Morning Dev!" She then puts her head back round the door. "Gotcha!"

Helen and Barry, Maria and Tony are discussing the forthcoming christening. Helen reminds them that it's a year to the day that Liam was killed, and she thought they could go and get some flowers for his grave. Maria tells them she had already planned to get her own – roses from her and rosebuds from baby Liam. Helen then remembers something and dashes upstairs.

Outside, Kevin sees Molly and she asks if he's all right. "Better than I deserve to be," is his answer. She tells him not to beat himself up about it, it's not as if they're going to hurt anyone. "Tonight? Usual place?" he asks her, and she tells him she'll do her best.

Helen comes back downstairs with an old fashioned, long, white christening gown. "Here you are," she says, "a bit of an iron and it's ready to go." She explains that it's been through all the Connors – Paul, Liam, Michelle and Ryan. "And now it's baby Liam's turn, what do you think?" she says. After a pause, Maria says that the material is lovely. Tony tells them it's a lovely thought but Maria has already picked an outfit for the baby. Helen insists that it's an old tradition. "But not one worth falling out over," says Barry. Maria says that she likes new stuff, and she wants it to be a happy day. Helen takes offence at this of course. "You mean – keep out of it, Helen," she sniffs. Just then Michelle arrives and takes in the situation. "Oh Mum, not that old thing," she says, adding that it's a museum piece. Helen thinks that Liam would have wanted them to uphold a family tradition, but Michelle reckons he would have wanted baby Liam in a Man City strip. Maria eventually agrees that they could take some photos of the baby in the gown, and Michelle says they could put them in a frame next to the pictures of his daddy in the same outfit. "No one will be able to tell them apart."

Teresa runs into Lloyd who tells her that it's her fault that he and Liz are through. She thinks Liz might take him back eventually. "You wait for a woman like Liz your whole life, and just when it's working out…." he starts to say. "Oh, she's a real catch, that one," snaps Teresa, sarcastically. Angrily he tells her he doesn't care what she thinks and to stay out of his life from now on. As he marches off, Umed appears and tells Teresa he doesn't mean it. She assures him he does, turning everyone against her is what she does best. "The more I like them the more they end up hating me," she says.

Back at Maria's house, she's got the baby in the push chair and is off to the baby clinic. Tony arrives and says he'll go with her but she tells him it's not worth it and she'll see him later.

Umed tells Darryl about Teresa sleeping in the stock room and he's really embarrassed. "No one has a mother like mine," he says. Umed says he's come to help him unload the packaging delivery, but it turns out that Darryl has cancelled it because they haven't used the last lot yet. "No one wants doners, they're bored with them," he says. Umed says they should think about making changes.

Teresa goes to see Liz and says she's come to offer a full and frank apology. "And don't you want to know the truth, what really happened?" she asks. Liz reckons they can all work that out for themselves. "Can you though?" asks Teresa, and sits herself down at the table, asking if there's any tea in the pot, but there isn't. She proceeds to tell Liz that she was to blame for everything that happened with Lloyd, the poor boy (?) was well out of it and barely knew what was happening. She took advantage. "Is that it?" asks Liz. Teresa tries again, saying that she knows Liz is being all hard but really she knows she thinks the world of Lloyd and he feels that same about her. Liz says she can go back to Lloyd and tell him she tried her best. Teresa assures her that Lloyd doesn't know she's there, and asks if she will accept a genuine apology. Liz wonders if she has actually apologised, and Teresa then snaps and says if she can't keep her man, if he's had enough of a saggy old shrew with nowt going for her except a cellar full of beer… Liz gets cross then and orders her out. "Who can blame him for going for a real woman!" cries Teresa. As she leaves through the bar, they snipe at each other, and Liz tells Michelle to ensure Teresa never comes behind the bar again.

Tony overhears Luke on the phone to his bank manager, asking for an extension to his overdraft. When he sees Tony, he stops and tells the person on the other end to forget it. "Problems?" asks Tony, and offers to lend him a tenner.

In the Rovers, Teresa asks Umed if she can stay at the shop again, but he says she can't as Dev is opening up tomorrow. However, all is not lost. "How would feel about a new career and a new home?" he asks her, and goes on to explain that he'd like her to make some more of her excellent curry for him – lots of it for the kebab shop. She says she has nowhere to live, let alone somewhere to make curry, but he tells her it's all part of the plan and asks her to meet him later.

Rosie waltzes in, back from yet another shopping trip and proudly shows her new shoes to Michelle, who remarks that she could have paid her electricity bill with the money she paid for them. Rosie's logic is that when bills are paid the money is gone, whereas the shoes will last forever! "Yeah," says Michelle, "what am I on about, wasting good money on paying bills?" Luke is standing at the bar and he tells Rosie she should spend her money on whatever she wants. She says it has nothing to do with him, but he tells her he admires her style, and then offers to buy her a drink.

Lloyd walks in looking for Liz, but Michelle warns him off. Umed spots him and says it grieves him to see two dear friends fall out. No, he doesn't mean Lloyd and Liz he means Lloyd and Teresa. He tells Lloyd that Teresa has a big heart and that she went to see Liz and plead on his behalf. "Did she really?" asks Lloyd.

Helen is showing Maria one of her family photo albums, with pictures of a young Liam with Carla and Paul when they first started courting. She says how well the three of them got on together, and Barry reminds them how Liam gave a great speech at the wedding. Then she finds Liam's last school photo, but at that point Tony intervenes and asks if she's trying to upset Maria. Helen retorts that all she's done is make a family album so her grandson will know who he is when he grows up and can see where he got his eyes and his smile from. She then starts crying and Maria puts an arm round her. "I miss him so much," sobs Helen. "I know you do," murmurs Maria.

Outside, at the back of the Rovers in the smoking area, Teresa tells Lloyd she's sorry Liz wouldn't listen, and he tells her he's sorry for blaming it all on her. Umed is also present and remarks that Teresa is a very forgiving person, even when she has nowhere to lay her head. In the end, Lloyd agrees that she can come and spend just one night at his place. "And no-one's to know about it," he warns. When he goes back inside, Umed smiles at Teresa. "Phase one accomplished!" he smiles.

Maria and Tony have a few moments alone as Helen and Barry are bathing baby Liam. Maria tells him that all the rowing is doing her head in. He suggests she tell them to move to a hotel, but she says she can't do that. He then says that it's him they're kicking against, perhaps he should move out for a day or two. "Well if you think it's for the best," says Maria. This was clearly not the response Tony was expecting. "Well, should I move out for more than a couple of nights?" he demands to know. Maria protests that's not what she said. "Every way I turn someone is going on about the grave or the flowers, why can't you give me some space?" she cries. "Right," snaps Tony, "that's easily done!"

Rosie tells Luke she can go clubbing with her friends, and last time she looked he was an ex boss, an ex date and a dumpee, not a mate. He tells her he's been kicking himself ever since – and goes to get her another drink.

Kevin and Molly are spending the evening together in a hotel. She tells him she has to be home by eleven. He thinks they ought to plan another day away together, but she thinks they've only just had Chester, and anyway, it's her birthday on Monday and Tyrone might have something planned. She tells him that what she would really like is just a cuddle, so they just lie on top of the bed holding each other.

Helen sees Tony pick up his car keys and wonders why he's going out as it's so late. He says he has an early start, and Maria explains that it's because he needs his sleep and Liam's been waking up. Helen hopes it isn't due to anything she's said. "It's work, Helen," says Tony. Helen goes off upstairs and Tony hugs Maria.

Over at Lloyd's, he's making up a bed on the sofa for Teresa. He says he's got an early start in the morning and will try not to wake her. She tells him she sleeps like a baby, and he goes off to his room. After a few moments she wanders over and stands outside his door, but he shouts that the door is locked so not to waste her time!

As they leave the Rovers, Luke and a rather drunk Rosie see Tony with the bag in his hand. Rosie asks if he's going on holiday, but he says he was just collecting some stuff, paperwork. Luke and Rosie head off together down the Street, as, with a very grim, serious face, Tony gets into his car.

Anne Logan

Hello, I'm back from my wanderings and can report two things:
1. Yes, NZ's television is rubbish these days; and
2. They're 15 months behind with Corrie. I saw an episode where Ken was giving up work in the cafe, Tony was trying to buy the garage and Lloyd forced Steve to propose to Michelle, then messed it up.

Meanwhile, back in the present day, Lloyd wanders into his living room half expecting Theresa to be there. She isn't but there's a note that says "Ta, cock. Your a lifesaver." Yeah, terrible spelling, but she's in character! Lloyd looks pleased with himself.

Tony's sitting glumly by a bottle of something, checking his phone. He sees Maria is calling and sends it to voicemail.

In her backyard, Maria leaves a message for him to ring her. Mrs Connor senior is at the breakfast table, holding baby Liam. "Let's eat or the day'll be half over," she tells Maria and Mr Connor. Maria points out that it's only eight o'clock and Helen ignores her. She won't let Maria hold the baby, saying she needs her strength for later, and muses on how long a time it is since she held Liam senior. Maria answers the door. It's Michelle, who realises her mother is probably being a problem. "Leave her to me," she says. Inside, she suggests taking her parents for a walk on the gorgeous Red Rec. When Maria goes upstairs, Michelle tells her mother to "ratchet it down" and no pressure Maria.

At Luke's place, Rosie is wearing one of those towels which has clearly been made and sewn to look like she's wearing a towel, but it doesn't actually show anything. Luke is all flattery and compliments and says their previous split was caused by him panicking, like any man, when she started to talk about moving in. Pass the sick bag. He suggests she bring over some of her stuff. Rosie says she'll have to think about it. Her mum always said a girl should play hard to get.

The Connors are getting ready for the graveyard, though Liam's parents are dressed as if for the funeral itself. Michelle tries to calm down her mother. When Maria comes down, her dress is criticised because it's not black. There's a not on the door. It's Tony. Michelle suggests Maria catch up with the others. Ryan's not keen on going but Michelle tells him just to imagine his Uncle Liam taking the mick out of the poncy shirt he's wearing. Once they've gone, Maria suggests Tony have a shower and she'll make coffee so they can talk.

Liz and Deirdre meet outside the Kabin. Deirdre says her mother has nagged her into going to the One o'clock Club with her. It's an hour-long demonstration of the correct use of a foot spa. Lloyd waves at Liz. When Deirdre asks how they're getting on, Liz looks enigmatic. She suggests she and Deirdre go on a wild lunch/drink/spending spree into town. Deirdre decides she will, just to annoy Blanche.

Luke's on the phone to someone outside the factory, telling them he needs more time. Rosie comes out and he finishes the call and tells her he was just going to get a couple of cakes. Rosie's cutting down on carbs so he asks if there's anything else he can get her. She opts for a jam tart: "After all, they're mostly fruit, aren't they. And they can't be that fattening."

Theresa comes in to see Lloyd and brings him a container of curry to thank him. Liz interrupts them. Theresa says "I'll be off and thanks again for last night." Liz won't let Lloyd explain anything and just demands a cab.

Maria tells Tony the only reason she didn't try to stop him going last night was because she was under so much pressure from the Connors, particularly Helen's sniping. "I just thought that you'd be better off out of it," she says. Tony's close to tears. He thought he was dumped. Maria tells him that nothing and nobody is going to come between them.

Luke's back on the phone. He's annoyed that someone won't sell to him, despite saying they'd never set foot in the place again. Aha! "You're making a big mistake, Carla," he says, ending the call.

The rest of the Connors arrive back to find that Tony and Maria haven't left yet, though they're getting into the car. Helen's annoyed that they're not having a family day. Michelle goes off because Liz has called needing emergency cover. Helen tells Barry he's not going to the pub and drags him inside for lunch.

In the kebab shop, Darryl realises what Uncle Umed and Theresa have been up to. The curry doners are selling fast. He says Dev will go mad if he finds out. Uncle Umed says that's why Dev mustn't find out. Darryl can't work out where the homeless Theresa is cooking the curry. She tells him he really must move his spare key and there are some pans still soaking in his sink. Darryl's really annoyed now and Dev is at the door, spotting Theresa unloading more containers. "I think you two've got some explaining to do," he says.

Maria, Tony and baby Liam are at the grave. Maria says she usually talks to Liam. Tony offers to take the baby for a stroll but Maria says No. She now feels as if Liam isn't there. She's glad they came without the other Connors. She felt like a mess for such a long time, as she was after baby Paul died. "I thought my life was over when I lost Liam," she says. It's not now that she has Tony. She crouches down and tells Liam she'll never forget him. She'll always remember the times they had together but she has to look to the future now. She cries as she says she knows Liam would want her to be happy. "Do you sleep well, handsome?" She says it's time to let go, kisses her hand and places it on Liam's name. Then she hugs his killer.

In the pub, Michelle hopes Lloyd's keeping a low profile. Rosie comes in and finds Luke. Theresa comes in a grabs at Lloyd, who is on the slot machine. Liz and Deirdre come back with tales of their bad behaviour out shopping. Theresa and Lloyd are making a lot of noise. Deirdre leaves her bags behind so she doesn't get cross-examined by Blanche. Liz asks why she saw Michelle's family all dressed up. She's appalled when she finds out why. "And I made you work!" She sends Michelle off, though Michelle wants to do her proper shift later. Lloyd has won big. Theresa orders two pints and a couple of large scotches with the winnings. Luke tells Rosie he's got a mad business deal on the go. But he'll have to do it fulltime or not at all. It's to do with a shipment of fabric coming in at crazy prices. He can't keep on Underworld at the same time, though, and wonders whether Rosie wants first refusal on his shares. If she bought his 51 per cent, she'd be the majority shareholder. Rosie raises her glass in a toast.

Maria tells Tony that Liam would have hated the quiet of a cemetery. He likes music and crowds. She wants to wait before going back to face Helen. Tony thinks Helen probably dislikes him because it must seem as if he's stolen Liam's life. He says he's never felt like this about anyone, not even Carla. "Marry me," he says. All he wants is Maria and "that wee boy there." Maria is stunned but says Yes. "Of course I will."

The End of the first episode.
More later
Margaret Carr, wondering whether it's stopped raining in NZ yet...

Evening all! Yes, it's me again. Duncan has a technical hitch (one of his relatives is not internet-ready) so here's the second episode for Friday, October 16.

We open in Maria's house where Helen asks Ryan to text Maria and ask if she's going to grace them with her presence. "Shall I use those exact words?" he asks. Maria comes in with Tony. There are only five places set for tea. Helen points out that it's a "family" occasion. Tony tries to back out of staying but Maria won't let him and Michelle sets another place.

Luke is playing on Rosie's ego, telling her she's smarter than Carla so of course she can be the boss. Rosie says she's always known she wasn't ordinary. Luke suggests they'd better move quickly and Rosie offers to ring her bank straight away. She pauses, wondering whether she should check with her parents before paying out that much money. Luke says that's a good idea . . . or she could wait until it's done so she can see the looks on their faces when she tells them. She could gather everyone, the workers, her family, Tony. . .

Umed and Dev argue about Theresa. Umed storms out and Dev notices Darryl is smirking. He turns his wrath on Darryl and tells him he's a waste of space. Darryl points out that Umed is Dev's uncle, so Dev should sort it out. Dev glows red with rage, telling Darryl he always avoids taking responsibility for anything and had better not step out of line again. Darryl takes his apron off and tells Dev he's leaving. He thrusts his apron in Dev's face as he leaves.

Leanne's on the phone to Carla, bringing her up to date with the Tony and Maria situation.

At the tea table, they're discussing baby Liam and his dead uncles. Helen starts to bewail Liam being in the ground when she's not. Tony and Maria look glum.

Theresa sees Darryl on his way to the bus stop and finds out he's leaving. He planned to text her. They hug and Darryl gets on to the bus. He's going to Spain.

Michelle's going off to work. Barry thinks they should all go to the Rovers because it was Liam's second home. Maria and Tony both want early nights. Helen apologises for being a bit off earlier. She and Maria hug.

Theresa is at Lloyd's to collect her curry container. She confesses she's going to miss Darryl. Theresa starts to go on about Liz and says Liz looks as if she buys her clothes from TranniesRUs. "And when's the last time she let her pores breathe?"

In the pub, Leanne and Janice talk about Carla and her relationship with Tony and his relationship with Maria. At the bar, Kevin's distracted and has origamied a beer mat! He tells Bill he's just thinking about life passing him by.

Rosie comes in, gives Luke a big kiss and tells him she's planning uniforms for the staff.

Helen tells Michelle she can't believe how fast Maria's moved on. In the next booth, Leanne listens carefully.

Back at Maria's, Tony's got champagne and glasses. He tells Maria they don't have to move too fast. Maria worries that she has no right to happiness when everyone else is still suffering. She says the others would be hurt if they found out about the engagement. [This isn't so much foreshadowing a plot development as sunburning the shape of it on to our chests!]

Dev's in the pub, complaining to Umed about Darryl quitting. Umed offers to take over but Dev says he's a disaster. Umed protests that only last week Richard Branson rang him seeking advice on his airline operations. This is too much for Dev, who shouts for Umed to stop it. "You're a total fantasist! I don't want to hear any more!" He leaves and Umed follows.

Luke suggests they go back to his place to celebrate. On the way out, Rosie tells Kevin and Bill she's going to have a surprise for them.

In the shop, Dev apologises to Umed. Umed admits that reality is not his friend. He confesses he came to England to hide. "The problem is I get carried away." He does it with tales and he did it with gambling. He gambled away his home and business and has nothing left. Dev says Umed's welcome to stay with him as long as he wants. But Umed wants his own home again, his own business. "I have to go back to Mumbai, sort everything out." They agree they'll miss each other and embrace.

At Lloyd's Theresa asks him for a cup of tea. She offers to massage his sore back and rips his shirt getting it off.

Tony's put baby Liam to bed and he and Maria get into the wine. Tony tells Maria she and the baby are all he's ever wanted. Maria says she should adopt Liam.

Theresa's astride Lloyd finishing the massage. He's so relaxed he doesn't think he can get up. Theresa tells him not to and she'll throw down a duvet (a dooner, for the Ockers amongst you). It's her turn for the bed. This is news for Lloyd, who only agreed she could stay for one night. He can't sleep on the couch with a dodgy back.

Tony suddenly realises he's been drinking and can't drive. The senior Connors come back and Helen sarcastically asks Maria what she's got to celebrate.

Luke's booking travel tickets online and implies to Rosie that she can't look because she'd spoil the surprise.

Helen is attacking Tony. Maria defends him, saying the baby needs a Dad. Liam's gone. "I'm still here. The baby's still here. We need to get on with our lives." Barry can't understand why she's in such a rush. When Helen keeps at her, Maria tells them she and Tony are engaged.

The End
Margaret Carr

Written by John Kerr, directed by Duncan Foster.

The newlyweds-to-be have been out with the baby for a walk. They chat about how unreal it all feels and Maria points out she's not got the ring yet. They're all smiles and loving gazes until they get back home. Now to face the Irish contingent. Daddy Connor is bringing tea up to Mammy C. and says she didn't have a good night's sleep. Three guesses why and the first two don't count. That deflates the lovers somewhat but even so, Barry is cheerful enough. He's more upset about the bad timing than the news, or it sounds like that at least. He says they're going to go to a B&B after the Christening for the rest of the duration of the visit. After he goes upstairs, Tony says he feels kind of bad for upsetting them. Maria extracts a declaration from him that he really does love her and the baby so he shouldn't feel bad about it. Tony's phone rings but since it says "Private number" he doesn't take the call.

Over the road and around the corner, Luke is hastily stuffing papers when Rosie comes sauntering out of the bedroom. He makes out that his scrambling for the paperwork has to do with a surprise for her. While she's in the kitchen inspecting the bare cupboards, he shoves his passport into his briefcase as well. He explains the lack of food to the fact that he's got been to the shops. He then allows her to lead him back into the bedroom for a foodless breakfast.

Joe is bemoaning his minimum wage paycheque but Gail is optimistic. They're doing ok. He wants to be doing better than that. Off he goes to work for Bill. He leaves her with a joke about Bill being a slave driver and kisses her before he goes.

In the Kabin, the factory bees are looking through the fashion magazines. Sean has his eye on one that he would like in an electric blue. Julie likes the idea.. it's bold, it's vibrant...it's.. what's that word? "Gay" pipes up Blanche in a deadpan voice. Norris shouts at them all for lingering and they all leave. Blanche tells him she shouldn't get so wound up, he could drop dead like Flossie Bailey who went face down into a plate of spotted dick. erm. ok. Norris is perfectly healthy. Turns out today is Emily's actual birthday in spite of the celebration with Ken the other day. Norris is in a grumble because Emily wants him to go to lunch but he's got to interview another potential shop assistant. When Blanche finds out that the intended restaurant has a two for one special lunch deal, she makes hasty excuses to high tail it out of the Kabin (and straight to Number 3?)

Tony is ironing his shirt much to Barry's admiration. (and mine! Fine figure of a man *and* he irons!). Helen finally comes downstairs and wastes no time laying into Maria who tries to stay her with warnings about kicking off at the Christening. She figures they ought to have it out now. Maria defends herself, saying that she was glad Tony proposed and Thank God she doesn't have to worry about trying to manage it all on her own anymore. Helen goes into fits about Maria bringing God into the argument. Maria stands right up to her and warns her that she won't have a place in her grandson's life if she doesn't accept Tony. Michelle arrives with Ryan and realizes straight away there's been contention.

Back in the factory, Sean is still on about that blue shirt. Of course they're all ragging on him, earning Kelly an insult "Like I'd take advice from someone with the dress sense of a drag queen with cataracts" Oooh! When Rosie is asked about the shirt, she figures he must be about to take up ice skating. That earns her an insult but she manages not to spill the beans though it was difficult, she tells Luke, having interrupted him on the phone. She so wanted to hold it over them that she was going to be the new boss. Luke doesn't want them knowing that, obviously, so he butters her up and tells him he wants to see the look on Tony's face when the news is broken. Rosie sees the wisdom in that and even agrees when Luke asks her to go make him a coffee...so he can then ask the person on the other end of the phone if a 90K transfer has made it into his bank account. Uh oh! That was the amount Rosie paid for Luke's "shares" wasn't it?

Pam was out debt collecting on behalf of Bill during the morning. She returns and they ask if she had any success. Well...sort of...she whistles loudly and a large SUV hauling a very old and tatty looking boat comes round the corner. I mean really tatty! The only thing it's missing are barnacles! Joe manages the line of the night with "This fellow, he didn't have a wooden leg and a parrot did he?"

Back to Luke who's industriously deleting account details from the computer. In a folder called "Accounts". Subtle, that. Rosie clip clops in and witters about having to hire an assistant once she's parked in the boss's chair. In fact, maybe she'll even get a hot male PA. Not a good idea, Luke points out, mixing business with pleasure isn't going to end well. Oh except for us, she chirps (Just wait 10 minutes, chickie!) but Tony's phone rings and he gets her to answer it. Whoever had called Tony hangs up without a word. Wrong number, maybe?

Back to Number 7, Michelle now knows about the engagement. She's a bit taken aback but in spite of her mother's constant jibes, she's pleased and even suggests an early opening of the bubbly to celebrate. Barry, of course, is more than willing to imbibe in alcohol but Helen loses it completely. She wails about everyone being so happy when she's buried two sons (Oh *finally* Paul gets a look in!). Barry consoles her but said that they have all lost their loved one and that they should try to be happy for the sake of Maria and the baby, too. Helen weeps that she misses them so much. Barry hugs her and reassures her that they all miss them as well.

After the break, Maria talks to Helen gently and says she never planned things to turn out this way and is sorry she's been upset. Losing her rag seems to have snapped Helen out of it and she apologizes too, saying she's had a difficult time because there just don't seem to be any answers so she takes it out on those she loves the most. Maria understands. Barry pokes his nose in to see if there's any sharp cutlery sticking out of anyone's back. Things are just fine and Helen tells him to open the champagne, they have celebrating to do!

Back to the builder's (dock) yard where Bill is stupefied about the boat. What on earth is he going to do with it? Pam jumps up and grabs Bill by the hands and reenacts the Titanic prow scene with the two of them facing into the wind. Have a little imagination! Bill reckons he gets seasick in the bath so Pam stomps off and says he'll just have to sell it. Bill doesn't figure it's worth much but Joe has been having a look and thinks it could be restored easily. He's been around boats when he was a kid and thinks it just needs a little TLC. I'm willing to bet nobody's told him what happened to the last boat we saw on the same side of the street, the one that Des Barnes restore which he then set on fire on the canal as his marraige to Stef went up in similar flames. It doesn't bode well, I'm telling you. Bill wonders who's fool enough to take that on. Who, indeed?

Rosie is full of plans to rename the factory. Underworld sounds like organized crime. Luke, who only seems to have the patience of a saint with her vacuous shallow meanderings, takes the opportunity to get out of the factory, telling her he has a meeting that wasn't in the books. He tells her she'll have to stay behind and run things since she's going to be the boss soon, anyway. Still laying it on thick, I see. This can't be good.

Maria has given in and has put baby Liam in the Connor traditional Christening gown which pleases Helen no end. Aw that was nice. Everyone is friends again and there is joy in Weatherfield once more. Well, at least in Number 7. Champagne is poured and Tony is asked for a toast. He's a bit reluctant but makes a quick toast just as his phone rings again. He excuses himself and goes to the back room to answer it. His face freezes when he hears who it is and goes out in the back yard. Whoever it is wants to meet up with him and sharpish. He gives in and asks where. He goes back inside and out the front door, tells them he has an urgent meeting. He's told that dinner will be on the table at 2:30 and he better be there. He promises to be back and would rather deal with this crisis himself.

Luke is in his flat, clearing out all the shelves and cupboards, putting papers in bin bags, leaving no trace. At the same time, Rosie is doodling in the factory, thinking of new names and logos for the factory. English Rosie's Quality Underwear is on the paper with curly ends of the letters and big pink daisy on the side. Tacky. Sean is trying to order that shirt but nearly has a heart attack when he hears how costly it is. Guess that's a "no" then.

Back outside, Luke ducks down behind the boat. Joe notices but Luke says he found a lucky penny. Luke loads up the boot of his shiny, red car with a couple of suitcases, takes a look around and drives off, a smirk on his smug mug.

Joe pops into the surgery to see Gail and tells him he's got a surprise for her. Can she get away early? She laughs and says she's got the whole afternoon off so will see him later.

Where's Tony? He's at a graveyard, the very same one where Liam is buried. He arrives at that particular headstone and looks around. We see behind him a woman walking towards him but up on a higher level by the church. It's Carla! OMG! He spins around at her sharp "You're late!" He accuses her of always wanting a grand gesture. It's more than a gesture, she spits, "Believe me!"

Stay tuned for part two to see what happens!

Tvor

Oh, so Carla's back to make Tony's life hell. "What on god's earth are you doing back?" he asks her in the cemetery. Carla reckons she's sick of life in LA and she missed the urban grime. Of Weatherfield, I presume. Tony is sure that the glamour suited her and adds, "Feel free to rush back." Carla warns Tony not to threaten her when they have unfinished business. Carla is aware that Tony is now sharing a bed with Maria. Tony thinks that since Carla left him, she has no business being put out by him being with Maria now. Carla disagrees, given the circumstances under which she left and Maria found herself a widow. She walks away from Tony. Tony calls after her. Carla wonders what is the matter with him, is he scared?

The Connor family is getting ready for lunch at Maria's before the Christening. Helen wants to know when Tony will be back and decides that they should all start dishing up while waiting for him to return. Maria is sure that Tony will be home soon. "No rest for wicked, eh?" asks Michelle. If only she knew.

Tyrone gives Molly a card and box of chocolates for her birthday. He is very happy for her and indicates that there will be a wee surprise for her later. Oh, and Jack & Connie and Kevin & Sally will meet them later for a drink in the Rovers. The old romantic. Molly's phone rings but she doesn't want to answer it. Tyrone is worried that Molly doesn't want the chocs he gave her. Molly makes an excuse that she is watching her weight and berates Ty for eating a pastie before they have something to eat with their friends. She gives in though and agrees to have a chocolate to make Ty feel better.

In the cemetery, Tony's phone is ringing but he doesn't answer it. He chases after Carla. He tells Carla that he and Maria are in love and it's the real thing. Carla is not convinced and reminds him that not long ago, he told her that he was in love with her, with a passion, with a vengeance. Carla assumes that Maria doesn't know that Tony had Liam killed. Tony informs Carla that he and Maria are engaged. Carla thinks that is sick and twisted. Tony reminds Carla that she is not free of blame in this whole sorry mess and that she never loved him; Carla only loved Liam as far as he can see. Tony points out the peculiar symmetry of him and Maria being in love. "I think it's ugly," says Carla, "through and through." Tony dismisses her feelings and tells her to stop getting herself in a state. At some point the conversation turns to Carla being in the clear with the police over Liam's death but Carla reminds him that she covered the truth up for Tony and now she wants Tony to do something for her. She wants Tony to leave Manchester, Maria and baby Liam for ever or she will tell Maria everything.

Audrey is in a faff at the salon, annoyed at Natasha for being off on the one day she could have done with having her hair done. Audrey wants to look her best for Maria today. She tells David she wants him to stay in the salon all afternoon even though there is nothing for him to do. David looks out the window and sees Joe pull up outside Gail's house with an old, beaten up boat.

Rosie is in the office with her feet up, playing at being the boss when the phone rings. It's Luke solicitors and they have some very bad news for Rosie...

Audrey goes over to Gail's house with David. She has a go at Joe for bringing a monstrous carbuncle into the street. Joe thinks his beat up old boat is a thing of beauty. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," says Audrey. David thinks Joe must be bog-eyed.

Blanche is at Emily's, talking about birthdays. She hasn't brought Emily a present because she thinks that presents are usually more about the giver than the receiver and, "frankly, I'm not that selfish," says she. Emily's phone rings. "Five four one seven," answers Emily. It's Frieda. Blanche wonders how Frieda can hear Emily, what with her deafness and all. Emily tries to explain about an exchange but Blanche thinks it's all a bit of a palaver. "Who'd be deaf? Not me," says Blanche to nobody in particular.

Rosie has gone to Luke's flat and the grim realisation that Luke has run off with her hard-earned (joke) cash dawns on her. She gets onto the blower to the bank immediately. Kudos to her for having the presence of mind to do that but she is too late to cancel the transfer. £90K gone. Oh well, easy come, easy go, so they say.

Audrey and Gail run into one another outside the medical centre. Audrey has gone to drag Gail home to see what Joe has done now. Gail sees the boat. "Aye aye, cap'n!" he says and he explains the transaction with Bill Webster. Gail is horrified and tells Joe to ring Bill Webster to get his money back. She needs a wee sit down.

At the cemetery, Tony and Carla are still to-ing and fro-ing about telling the police of Tony's involvement in Liam's death. Carla wonders if Maria will still love him, despite everything Carla will tell her. Meanwhile, the Connors have sat down to the lunch. Maria looks forlorn because of Tony's absence. She wonders if she should go over to the factory to remind him he's needed at home. Julie knocks on the door looking for Tony and tells the family of the chaos at the factory with Luke suddenly AWOL. Maria gets up to call him again.

Rosie is back in the office and looks visibly worried. Sally asks her what is wrong. Rosie tells her, "Luke's ripped me off.... I said I would buy his shares off him so he could buy into another company and I would own half of this place. Only he's run off with the money." Sally is dismayed to find out just exactly how much Rosie has given Luke. Rosie is waiting for Tony to get back and sort it out. She tells her mum that she only wanted what's best for the factory but Sally knows the truth and shouts, "Oh yeah, right! It's because you were greedy! Half this street could retire on £90,000!" Rosie chases Sally out of the office and locks the door.

In the cemetery, Tony and Carla are walking and talking. Tony discovers that Carla has taken back her shares in the factory from Luke and she wants Tony to sell her his as well.

Sally goes home. Kevin is there talking about meeting up with Molly & Tyrone later. She tells Kevin that she couldn't care less about Molly Dobbs' b'day since Rosie has lost all her money.

Tony thinks that Carla has hit an all-time low. They argue more about who's telling who the truth about Liam's death. Yawn, yawn, yawn. Tony doesn't want to leave. Carla wants him to or she'll tell Maria. She tells Tony he will see her his shares. He will meet her at the factory at 7pm when all the girls have left. He will hand over his keys and this will be his last day in Weatherfield.

Or will he?

Stella McLoughlin

A very shaken-looking Tony returns to his car outside the church.

Locked in the office at Underworld, Rosie frantically goes through the files on the computer looking for Luke's accounts, but of course, we know that he deleted it. Just then Julie bangs on the door, calling out to her that they need more sequins in order to complete the Appleton order. Rosie screams that Appletons can go and die. Kelly wonders if someone's nicked her car again, or whether she has developed a compulsion to relive her ordeal with John Stape.

Kevin and Sally arrive at that moment, and Kevin bangs on the door and shouts to be let in. Rosie yells at him to go away, only Carla and Tony can sort this out. Kevin asks if she's tried ringing him. "Of course I have!" screams Rosie. "Do you think I'm stupid?" Kevin says they should tell the police and asks her to come home and talk about it, but Rosie shouts that she's going nowhere. Just then Tony, still shocked, pulls up in his car outside the factory.

Gail is still trying to come to terms with the fact that Joe has spent £950 on an old boat. He tells her he's paying in instalments and it's a bargain. Audrey is off to the christening so she tells Gail she's leaving her to it. "Bon voyage!" she says as she leaves. David grins at Joe. "Never mind, it'll be bonfire night soon," he says. Just then Graeme arrives and asks who's left that boat there. "Careful Graeme," says David, "don't go sticking your oar in!" Graeme asks Joe if he's expecting heavy rain, and adds that the ice caps will melt eventually. Joe retorts that they can laugh all they want but it'll be worth at least £7,000 when it's all done up. Gail gasps, but is immediately better disposed towards Joe. "How much are you going to have to spend to do it up?" she asks him. He tells her about £700, a grand at the most. "So, quite a profit," she smiles. He says that they'll also get some fun out of it, out on the lakes with a bottle of wine under the moon, where it's so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Julie rushes out of the factory and sees Tony sitting in his car. She hammers on the window. "Thank God you're here, Rosie's locked herself in the office and won't come out," she tells him. He starts to tell her to deal with it, but changes his tune when she tells him that Kevin's asked Rosie if she's called the police. "I don't know what that's about, and Luke's gone AWOL," she adds. Tony gets out of his car and goes into the factory.

In the office, Rosie is sitting on the floor in the corner, weeping, with mascara streaking her face. He yells at her to open the door. "Not until you get me my money back!" she wails. Tony asks Sally if she knows what Rosie's on about. "It's complicated," says Sally. Eventually, Tony rams the door with his shoulder and bursts into the office. "What the hell do you think you're playing at?" he shouts. Rosie doesn't answer, so Sally tells him that she's been cheated out of all her money. "She thought she was buying Luke's shares, but he's run off with it," she explains. Kevin confirms that Joe saw Luke leaving with bags, and his car has gone. Tony tells Rosie to get her solicitor on to it. She asks why he can't get it back for her, but he tells her it has nothing to do with him, and tells her to go home with her mum and dad. She starts to refuse, but he shouts at her. "Rosie, please!" so she hurries out with Kevin and Sally. Tony tells Julie to tell everyone else to go home too.

Emily goes into the Kabin to find that Norris is expecting someone. Someone called Joan. "Of Arc?" enquires Emily, "Collins?" It turns out to be neither of those, but someone coming for a job interview, someone with an impressive CV and oodles of experience, according to Norris. She starts to tell him she's come to tell him something interesting, but just then Tina storms in, moaning about her father buying a boat. Norris asks what's wrong with that. "One, he can't afford it, and two, it's such a wreck it will need a miracle to ever do it up," she says. Norris still can't see what the problem is if it gives her father pleasure, she really should learn to see things from another's point of view. She tells him she's glad he feels like that, because for the next year he's going to be staring at it! Norris gasps and runs to the door.

Outside, he tells Joe he hopes the boat isn't staying there, it's an eyesore. Joe says it won't be there when he's done it up. Norris hopes he isn't planning on doing it there, but Joe points out that he has no where else to do it. Graeme tells Norris not to worry, it'll be a two week wonder, and then Joe'll get fed up with it. Joe snaps at Graeme to shut his sarky little gob and get back to his butcher's shop, while David and Gail reminisce about fishing with Martin.

At Maria's house, they're all still waiting for Tony. Audrey says they'll need a stand in godfather at this rate, and Kirk says he'll do it. Helen mutters that they can do without the village idiot. "What?" exclaims Fiz, but Barry quickly says that Ryan could do it. Maria points out that Kirk is the baby's uncle, but Helen reminds her that Ryan is too, and his last name is Connor! Maria is sure there won't be any need anyway, because Tony will be there at any minute.

Meanwhile, Tony is sitting in an empty factory, looking dazed and drinking scotch. His phone rings, it's Maria. He doesn't answer it.

Kevin asks Rosie if she'd like him to take her to the police station, but she doesn't think there'd be any point, he's probably on a plane to Timbuktu now. He points out there's no way of catching him if she doesn't report him. Just then Sophie comes in and puts a mug down in front of her sister. "Here, drink this," she says kindly. "Tea?" shrieks Rosie, "what's tea going to do?" Sophie says that sweet tea is supposed to be good for shock. "Oh, you want to ruin my figure as well!" shouts Rosie, ungratefully. Sophie says she was only trying to help. "Get me my money back then," shouts Rosie.

It's Molly's birthday and Jack and Connie call round to see her and Tyrone, and Jack's impressed with Tyrone's decorating. They wish Molly a happy birthday and hand her a card and pressie – which turns out to be a handbag. They ask what Tyrone gave her, and she tells them a card and some chocolates. Ty says there might be something else if she's a good girl.

Back at Maria's they're putting on their coats and getting ready to leave for the church. Maria tries one more time to phone Tony. Still alone in the factory he stares at his phone for a minute and then seems to come to his senses. "Maria, I'm so sorry, I'm coming right now," he tells her. He rushes out and meets them outside, telling them there's been a major crisis and that Luke has run off with Rosie's money. He had to close the factory and go through everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure he hadn't taken anything else.

Norris is still seething about Joe and the boat. He concedes that there's no law to say Joe can't park the boat there, but… Just then Tina introduces Joan, who's come about the job. While Norris gushes over her, Joan stares at him, straight-faced, and responds with just ‘yes' and ‘no' answers. He takes her out to the back room for the interview.

Back at the Webster's, Rosie's mood has not improved at all, when Sally comes back to report that nobody knows where Luke has gone. Sally asks her daughter how she's feeling. "I've just been screwed out of ninety grand, Mum, how do you think I'm feeling?" snaps Rosie. She says she thought he loved her, but all the time he was just after her money. Kevin feels it's a blessing in disguise, the money from Stape caused nothing but trouble. Rosie then brightens a little. "At least I've still got my nine percent of the factory," she says. Kevin asks who she bought the nine percent from, Luke? She nods. "Then that's nine percent of nothing," he says.

As they walk towards the church, Tony's phone bleeps, but he says that whoever it is can wait. Just then Maria remembers that she's left the bag in the car, so Tony goes back to get it. On his way back to the car he looks at the text message and is shocked to see: ‘I'm watching you' on the screen. He looks up and sees Carla sitting in her car, staring at him.

Tyrone sees Kevin in the street and asks if he's all right. Kevin says they've had a bit of a problem with Rosie, he'll explain later. "I thought you'd be in the pub," he says. Tyrone says he's been wrapping Molly's present and wonders if Kevin will give him a hand, not with the wrapping but with carrying it, it's a bit heavy.

Carla confronts Tony - telling him he's meant to be disappearing. She tells him to get into his car and go, or else she'll go into the church and tell everyone what happened. He begs her to wait until after the service.

Tyrone and Kevin take Molly's present into the Rovers. Jack remarks that it doesn't seem to be the earrings she wanted. When she unwraps it she finds a home gym – now she can work out at home, she won't need to spend so much time at the gym and he'll get to see more of her. Molly mutters her thanks and she and Kevin glance at each other.

Back in the churchyard, Carla asks Tony if he really thinks she'll let him go through with this charade. He implores her to let him go to the christening and says he'll see her at the factory at 4pm, the girls won't be there, he's already sent them home for the day. He tells her he'll sign everything over to her and then he'll be gone. "Let Maria have this one moment and then I'll be out of her life forever." Eventually she agrees, and goes back to her car and drives off.

Tony watches her go and then pulls out his phone. He dials a number. "Jimmy, it's me, I need to see you right away, Carla's back!"

Anne Logan.

Here I am, finally, with another Friday episode, My apologies for the delay. I have no reasonable excuse.

Everyone's waiting in the church for Tony to arrive. Kirk passes the time by telling Audrey that while he was being christened the vicar dropped him on his head. Maria explains to the vicar that they're just waiting for the godfather. Maria's blaming Rosie Webster for the delay. Sidebar: When the child playing baby Liam cries, the crew should grab some shots of his screaming little face. All too often we hear the baby cry and someone mentions he's crying, but when we see him he's perfectly calm. Just as Maria and Fiz start to worry that Liam's going to scream, Tony arrives and takes him from Maria.

Joe's cheerfully singing as he stands on his boat in the pouring rain. Which would be quite convincing if it wasn't for the blue sky behind him. Gail seems pleased to see him cheerful. But she's not sure the boat is a good idea. Joe assures her they'll have webbed feet before the year is out. She hands him a cuppa, which he holds out in the pouring rain. "Our ship has quite literally come in," Joe says.

In the church the vicar comes forward and begins the service. Well, he almost begins the service, but Tony's phone buzzes and he excuses himself, saying it's a crisis.

Outside the church, where it's very very sunny, Jimmy waits for him.

Jack and Connie are in the Rovers drinking with Molly and Tyrone and Kevin. Jack tells the story of the time he bought a bullworker and Vera used it in secret. That was OK while it gave her the strength to open jars, but not so good when Vera wanted a bit of how's-your-father and could overpower him! Sally comes in and scathingly tells Kevin that Rosie is at home crying her eyes out. She thinks he should be there instead of drinking, whether it's Molly's birthday or not.

Tony and Jimmy talk in the kirkyard. Tony tells him about Carla's threats. Jimmy realises that Tony wants Carla dead. "Well, good luck, mate. She's your missus. You sort it." Tony says he couldn't even kill the man he hated most in the world, so how could he kill someone he used to love and probably still does. It would be easier to kill himself. Jimmy says he's not stopping him. Tony warns Jimmy that if he walks away Tony will have no option but to tell the police himself, rather than wait for Carla to drop the axe whenever she feels like it. Jimmy throws Tony to the ground. "You're going nowhere," he says.

Everyone in the church is a bit fed up. Helen doesn't want Tony to make a mockery of her grandson's baptism. Audrey tries to play peacemaker between Maria and Helen and offers to go and find Tony.

Joe and Tina discuss the boat. Joe tells her that he's spent his life turning good things bad and now he wants to do the opposite.

In the pub, Sally demands to know where Molly got her necklace. She saw one just like it in Lanzarote but Kevin refused to buy it for her. Molly says it's a birthday present to herself. Sally says the one she saw was almost 100 Euros. She's glad she didn't get one now because the seller said the necklaces were unique, made by local craftsmen. "They're obviously mass produced."

Jimmy and Tony duck out of sight as Audrey comes out looking for them. Tony threatens him with the police again. Jimmy says there's a big difference between hitting someone with a car in a split second. With Carla he'd have to do it up close and see her face. He grabs Tony by the lapels and shoves him up against a tree, saying he'll make Tony pay one day. Then he lets him go. "Where is she?" he asks.

At the church, Tony strides back in. he promises Maria he's not going anywhere. The vicar can finally start.

Gail and Tina sit on the boat watching Joe work and explain to Roy that he plans to take it out on Windermere. Roy feels nervous about his forthcoming trip to Transylvania. Not about the vampires, though. They are reputed to feast on young maidens, he points out. When he leaves, Joe sniggers that this means Hayley's safe as well.

Norris is interviewing a candidate to replace Rita in the shop. The woman has lots of experience but is a woman of few words. Norris tells her she's got the job and says it's a quiet little street. But then Joe's sander starts up!

We see Carla go into the factory* as Norris rushes out and demands to know what Joe's doing. Norris switches off the sander so he can be heard. He says the noise is disgraceful. "My sour apples are jiggling in their jars!" Gail comes out and Norris appeals directly to her. Gail tells him there's a lot more noise comes from Kevin's garage than from Joe's sander. Norris protests that the garage is a legitimate business premises. "When the van that delivers your papers stops roaring up at four in the morning, the bloke stops slamming the door then maybe, just maybe, you might have a leg to stand on!" She tells Joe to carry on. Norris flings his hands in the air and scuttles back to his shop. Joe resumes sanding just as a hooded Jimmy drives past.

As Ryan reads in the church, Tony holds the baby and looks very aggressive.

Carla's in the factory staring towards the office.

Kevin joins Molly at the bar and says he thought they'd had it with the necklace. Molly wishes they could just get away. Kevin says they have to be patient. He'll think of something.

The vicar reads the promises the godparents must make and asks Tony to light the baptismal candle. He does. The vicar tells them that baptism brings us out of darkness into the light. He asks if the godparents reject the devil. Tony replies that he does. We see Carla sitting in the factory with a cup of coffee and Jimmy, still hooded, approaching the door. We see a bell tolling. As Tony renounces deceit, corruption and evil the bell tolls again.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

* Where I've just noticed the sign says they make "unisex underwear," which I'm not sure they do. I can't see Tyrone in some of those frilly knickers, nor the bras and camisoles...

We return to the dark factory where Carla has just heard a noise. She calls out, wondering if it is Tony lurking about or perhaps another intruder. Jimmy is hiding himself and when Carla heads out and prepares to lock the door, he is forced to dive out the back, as sneakily as he can and drive swiftly from the scene.

Tony is in the midst of entertaining guests but looking as if he is in a completely different place all together. He jumps up in fright when his phone rings and he takes the call outside. Carla demands to know where he is. He is momentarily silenced, wondering why she is still alive. He tells her he got held up in the photographs. Carla demands that he comes to the flat to do the handover there.

Jimmy gets onto the phone to Jimmy to find out what happened. Audrey comes out to tell him to be quick. Jimmy tells Tony what happened and Tony urges him to instead head to Carla's flat. Jimmy says he will wait outside for her but Tony is incredulous, asking him if he thinks it is sensible, bludgeoning her in the middle of the Street. He gives Jimmy the code to the flat and Jimmy decides to wait outside until he knows Carla has gone to bed.

The night gets blacker and Carla wonders where Tony is this time. As he heats a bottle of milk for Liam, Tony cuts off another call from her. Maria comes through and asks if he is okay. Tony says he wants to head out for a drink. Maria is worried about whatever happened with Luke having such a stressful effect on Tony. Tony smiles weakly and says that it is nothing a good dram or two can't sort out.

As he heads out, he phones Jimmy but only gets the voicemail. He screams down the phone for Jimmy not do it. But it looks like it's too late, as Carla's light has gone off and Jimmy's car lies empty outside the flat...

There is a buzzing at Carla's flat. She answers the intercom and asks if it's Tony. "Aye" comes the reply. Carla releases the lock but it's Jimmy who comes in. He is looking very sinister. Carla tries to look as if she is not afraid, but there is fear in her voice as she demands to know why he killed Liam. Jimmy shrugs and replies that he can't turn down a bit of money. Carla asks if he's here to silence her and he smiles menacingly and says that's the plan.

Meanwhile, Tony is rushing to the scene. Inside the flat, Carla picks up a chair to fight Jimmy off but he is too rough for her. He hits her across the face, bringing her to the floor. He is upon Carla within moments, with his hands around her throat. Tony bursts in and cries for Jimmy to stop but too late...Carla has grabbed a heavy ornament and struck Jimmy a heavy blow to the head.

Tony gasps that she has killed him. Carla splutters that she had no other choice, it was self defence. Her face hardens and she accuses Tony of sending Jimmy to do the deed. Tony shakes his head and says that he doesn't have it in him. Carla's resolve is solid, she is going to go to the police and report exactly what happened. Tony tells her she is taking an awful lot of risks doing that. He tells her that he has a lot of low friends at construction sites who can get rid of Jimmy. Nobody knows that any of the three of them are here. Carla makes as if to deny this as an option but before long, Tony has swept a rug over Jimmy and Carla has hurried away to pack. Tony hears Jimmy grumble and hisses to him to play dead. As Carla comes back through she heads out, but not before telling Tony that one day, he will pay for what he has done. She heads out into the downpour and hails a taxi before heading out into the night.

Back in the flat, Tony is sitting with Jimmy who is shaken, saying one centimetre closer to his temple and he'd have been dead. Tony says he is sorry that he has a bump on his head but things have worked out fine. They have got away with murder. He tells Jimmy that he will take him home to pick up a bag and then he will have to disappear.

Maria waits at home with Liam for Tony. He arrives home and takes Liam from her. He says he will put him to bed if Maria wants to get some rest. She smiles and asks if he will make as good a husband as he does a father. Tony replied with a yes, but as Maria heads upstairs his face tells a story of guilt.

So what have we learned tonight?

-Pauses in churches are awkward
-Joe has turned the following things bad: career, marriage and sanity
-Tyrone feels guilty about buying a pint
-Roy doesn't really do adventure
-Norris isn't a boiled sweet
-Joe does the following things well: Banging, drilling and hammering
-Jimmy would fool anyone with his Tony impression
-There have been 8 maybes in one week
-Jimmy is a considerate bleeder
-Tony has had his last free MOT

Dubious Awards

Most apt comment: We're just waiting for the Godfather" Maria about Tony
Option most supported by Carla: "I'd rather kill myself" Tony
Most disappointing news: "I won't hold me breath" Mrs Connor
Compliment of the evening: "You are totally opaque" Norris to job applicant
Statement proven wrong in itself: "I'm never wrong me" Norris
Person closest to rumbling the affair: "There's a lot more noise coming from Kevin's garage" Gail
Best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression: "I'll be back" Tony

That's all tonight
See you next week
Duncan Lindsay

Written by Peter Whalley, Directed by Tony Prescott

Tony is in the ginnel on the guise of taking Ozzie for walkies so that he can take a phone call from Jimmy who appears to be whining or mithering or something. Tony is assuring him that Carla left for LA and the coast is clear. Maria comes out so he cuts the call short. We can hear the baby skriking inside. Tony hurries in to fix the baby's bottle. Maria reminds him that the Connor's are coming over later before they leave for Ireland. Tony agrees to say a quick hello but has to get to the factory to calm the chaos. And he prefers that to making nice to Helen and Barry anyway.

Kevin has come across the road for a quiet chat with Molly. He wants to see her as soon as possible so urges her to make up some excuse to get out of work later, about 10? Tyrone comes out and they pretend Kevin has just come over to let Tyrone know he'll be off for the morning, to do with something going on at Sophie's church that he promised to attend. (Oh you're going to Hell for that lie!) After he leaves, Tyrone remarks to Molly that it's probably Sally insisting he go. They return inside.

We are inside Michelle's flat for the first time. She looks up and notices a huge damp spot the size of a turkey platter over the window and wonders where it came from. It *is* awfully big to have happened overnight but she reckons last night's rain caused it. She'll get on to Dev later. And I must say, I think this used to be Martin's flat and it's looking somewhat more cheery than when he lived there with Katy.

Norris is trying to make conversation with Joan, the new assistant. He wonders if he has offended her because she's been very quiet. Turns out she only speaks when there's something worth saying. And it turns out there isn't much that is worth saying, even when customers come in. Minnie comes in just then and she witters on about her weekend and her future and her car playing up. Monday morning blues! Joan remains silent as a Sphinx.

In the corner shop, Molly butters up Dev and asks him if she can go visit her dad who's a bit poorly. He crumbles like dust and allows her to take off for a couple of hours. Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Pam comes in with her basket of sandwiches even though it's a bit early for lunch. She overhears his comment to Molly and expresses concern for Diggory. Molly leaves, so does Pam and Dev answers the phone. That's Michelle telling him about the leak. Can't you just stick a bucket under it, says the Cheap One. She says she wants to ask Bill to come have a look at it and Dev agrees.

Pam is at the garage selling sarnies to Tyrone and she asks him about Diggory. Tyrone hadn't heard anything about it. She was sure that was the case.

Bill climbs the ladder to check out the damned spot...er... damp spot, just as Helen and Barry come to say good bye. Bill tells Michelle it looks like roof tiles needing replacing so he's going to go on the roof to look. Helen invites them for Christmas and Barry teases Ryan. Helen admits she was wrong about Tony and plans to ask them as well.

Tyrone has come across to see Molly and asks her about Diggory. She admits her father isn't that ill but she exaggerated to get the time off. She's a little defensive at his questions and is in a hurry to catch the bus. He kisses her goodbye and says to give him his love.

The Connors are cooing over the baby. Tony comes downstairs and excuses himself to go to the factory. Helen starts in on insisting they come over for a visit, maybe Christmas? Tony gets out of Dodge City as she's trying to persuade Maria. Barry pulls her back and Maria says she had promises her mum and dad that she'd come see them. They haven't seen the baby yet. Helen makes disparaging remarks about the hot sun in Cypress but Maria just shrugs it off and Barry defends her.

Kevin drives the big, bright, (discrete?) orange breakdown truck around the corner to pick up Molly.

After the break and after the Connors have left, Tony returns. Coward, Maria says with a smile. She assures him she didn't agree to go to Ireland and had used Cypress as an excuse but did actually mean it. She also wonders if they shouldn't talk to Carla about their relationship. Tony isn't too keen on the idea but wants to deal with her himself. He urges her not to do anything, leave it to him. Yep, she says. Unconvincingly.

The blindingly bright breakdown truck stops on a little street by a pub that isn't even open. Molly laughs, so much for all those lies. (That's not exactly where i thought they were heading!) Kevin suggests a walk until the pub is open. She wonders why he was so anxious to see her. He says he just felt trapped all weekend and it was hard with her right across the road and them not able to see each other.

Norris seems to be getting desperate, offering to demonstrate the art of conversation on the next customer that comes in. Joan says nowt. Leanne strides in and she doesn't seem overly inclined for conversation. He answers his probing questions with a few impatient words and finally makes a pointed remark about him being nosy. Joan smirks. I think. Norris flusters.

Maria encounters Leanne outside the Kabin. Leanne admires the baby and Maria asks if she's got a contact number for Carla. She breaks the news about the engagement. Leanne is surprised but offers congratulations.

Kevin and Molly have walked past a new development. Kevin thinks they should go in and have a look and pretend to be a married couple. He pulls her inside the show-flat where an estate agent greets them. They sit down and introduce themselves and Mr. and Mrs. Webster from a caravan park. They make small talk and then the agent offers to give them a guided tour.

Minnie brings her car, a Mini, (geddit?) to the garage. She flirts with him and butters him up and wants to get her car fixed, today, for a discount. The car keeps stopping on her at intersections. You know he's going to fit it in and give her the discount. Flattery will get you everywhere!

Kevin runs up the stairs and then pulls her up as well to "show her something"! (ooh er!) Upstairs, he's in the bedroom and pretends to want to have a romp with her on the bed. She takes him seriously and refuses, now seemingly feeling a bit uncomfortable. He doesn't know why she's upset. He protests he just wanted to spend time with her and tells her he's measured the distance between their front doors, 32 metres and that softens her and she comes over all slinky and cow eyed but points out that there are husbands, wives and kids involved. He tries to get her to admit she'd love to live there with him but she points out they're both married and a lot of lives would be ruined. This was a bad idea, she says and turns to leave to go to the pub for lunch. They tell the estate agent they've changed their mind.

Back on Coronation Street, Tony is on the phone to worry wart Jimmy again. Dead man aren't supposed to make phone calls, Tony tells him and ends the call. Pam offers Tony sandwiches and is turned down. Leanne is on the pavement too and mentions that Maria wanted Carla's number but she'd text it to her. Leanne admits Maria told her about the engagement. You can tell Tony's not impressed that Maria did what she wanted to do even though he asked her not to.

Dev is protesting Bill's estimate for fixing the damp spot and tiles on the roof. Bill defends his costs but Dev just thanks him and says he'll let him know. Bill warns him that the roof will only get worse.

Kevin and Molly in the Orange Monstrosity pull over to the side of a street. Molly makes him promise not to get all silly and urgent again. They nearly got caught in a lie this morning. They coo and bill and kiss. Just then, Pam comes round the corner and spies the truck and what's going on inside it. She hides back around the building when Molly gets out and walks away so that Kevin driving by and Molly walking towards the corner don't see her.

Uh oh.... Busted!

Tvor

Kevin arrives back at the garage to a quip from Tyrone to try and avoid taffic jams next time he takes the tow truck out. Tyrone is working on Minnie's mini. Kevin reminds Ty to make Minnie pay full whack for the work he's doing. In return, Tyrone reminds Kevin that he's not soft and is a partner in the garage. Molly walks past the garage. Tyrone asks her how her Dad is. He tries to joke with her but Molly just rolls her eyes at him. But, she tells Ty that her Dad is quite sick and she will have to visit him more this week. Tyrone suggests that he comes with her when she visits but Molly snaps, "Oh, don't be a martyr!" She stomps off. Tyrone wonders if he can ever do anything right. Poor love. Kevin and Pam witness the newly-marrieds' tiff, each with their own reactions.

In the salon, Tony comes in to talk to Maria. Maria is covering for Natasha who has called in sick. Audrey suspects Natasha is telling fibs. Emily, who is having her hair done alongside Blanche, asks Tony what he does with his employees when they shirk. "They're hanged publicly at tea breaks," he tells the women brusquely and then says he needs to speak to Maria as a matter of importance. He takes her over to the corner of the salon to tell Maria that he doesn't want her to have Carla's phone number and wants her to get rid of it. Maria tells him she's busy at the moment. He leaves and Maria goes back to Audrey, Blanche and Emily who have heard everything and apologises for Tony's hostility citing pressures from work, "You know, with Luke 'n' that."

Bill Webster is in Dev's shop, having given him a quote for fixing the roof in Michelle's flat above the kebab shop. Dev doesn't seem to want to commit to Bill doing the work. It turns out he's been checking other places in the internet and Bill's quote is too high for Dev. Pam comes into the shop to speak to Molly. She asks about Molly's dad and hears Dev shouting to Molly that she can have time off through the week to help her Dad. Pam is clearly disappointed in Molly and leaves abruptly.

In the Kabin, poor old Norris is left with his new assistant, Joan. Joan is not much of a conversationalist. Norris tries to drag a bit of conversation out her, firing twenty questions at Joan but is unsuccessful. "I'll make some tea," he sighs and goes through to the back.

Blanche is moaning in the salon that Audrey hasn't given her a new style while Audrey is concerned that Maria has been very quiet since Tony came in. She asks Maria what she would have said to Carla and tells her that whatever Maria might have had to say, it's guaranteed that Maria would make things nastier than they are at the moment. She tells Maria that Carla must feel that Tony had instantly forgotten her.

Kirk comes into the Kabin for his copy of Extreme Puzzler. He is surprised to find that Norris has never been more pleased to see him while Joan simply stands there looking like a stunned mullet, still not even speaking. Norris pleads with Kirk not leave as Kirk heads home to do a sudoku.

Ben is talking to Ryan and Rosie. It turns out his parents are leaving and don't want Ben to miss any school and so he has to go and stay with one of the smelly kids from school.

Minnie comes to the garage to pick up her car. Tyrone has done a bit more work on it than Kevin knows and is giving her mates rates but asks her not to tell Kevin. Kevin wanders over to listen to what they're saying. Minnie shows off her extreme ignorance of all things auto-mechanic. Tyrone jokes with Kevin that he should have told Minnie she needed a new gear box and ripped her off. It seems Kevin is suffering from temporary loss of sense of humour and snides, "We don't do that in this garage." Poor Tyrone, he just can't seem to please anyone today. Ty and Minnie get in the car to go for a test dreive.

Tony drops in the salon to apologise to Maria for his "control-freakery". He wants to take Maria shopping. For a ring!

Pam turns up in Molly's way on the street. She tells Molly that she knows Diggory is not ill. She asks Molly if there's something Molly wants to talk about but Molly sees Tyrone and Minnie return from the test drive and marches over there and goes ballistic. She accuses Tyrone of making a fool of her with "this slapper". Tyrone is flabbergasted and asks Molly what on earth she is playing at. Molly stomps off (again). Kevin recommends that Tyrone goes after her but Tyrone, quite rightly, has had enough and goes back to work. At her front door, Pam knows the whole show was about Molly avoiding talking to her and says, "Nice try. But we need to talk. And we're going to!"

Ryan goes into the Rovers and asks his mum if Ben can come and stay with them while his parents go to Southampton to look after his gran who has had a stroke. Michelle is not keen but gives in in the end. "All right," she sighs but then warns him, "but not for long!"

At a table in the pub, Tyrone is talking to Kirk about what is wrong with Molly. Kirk asks Ty if he would like him to spy on Molly while he's in the house. But Tyrone only wants Kirk to listen to him moan about her. Kirk says he will but wonders if Tyrone's going to be long and then tells Tyrone that a mate would advise him to not apologise since it wasn't Tyrone's fault. "Let her come to you," he says, "that's what a mate would tell ya."

Bill comes to the bar. Michelle offers to buy him a drink for having twisted Dev's arm into getting the roof fixed. Bill tells Michelle about Dev's carry on about his quote. Michelle tells Bill that if Dev doesn't get the roof fixed, he's dead meat.

At Ty & Molly's, Pam asks Molly to sit down and talk to her. Molly doesn't seem keen though. She asks if Molly and Tyrone are getting on. Molly wonders if Pam is going to give her some marital advice, what with her four marriages behind her. Pam tells Molly that her four marriages were all happy in their own ways but that she had trouble with the "forsaking all others part". This clearly makes Molly uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Sophie has come into the shop where Norris has pounced on her as someone to talk to. He thrusts a magazine at her and asks if that's the sort of magazine she enjoys. Sophie is disdainful and answers, "No! It presents a totally one-dimensional solely sexualised view of women!" and gives it straight back. Ben gets a text from Ryan to tell him he can stay at Michelle & Ryan's place and they run off, much to the chagrin of Norris who is left with Joan. But even Joan is offski since it's her home time. Before she leaves she tells Norris she has really enjoyed working there today. Norris is dumbfounded.

It's all de facto harmony at Maria's place where she and Tony talk in gushing terms about baby Liam's snoring. Maria and Tony have a joke about the huge engagement ring which Tony bought her today. She thinks it's beautiful and is like a fairytale. Tony thinks that the two of them should fly to Cyprus and tell her parents. Maria is pleasantly surprised.

Norris is talking about Joan in the pub with Emily and Audrey. After trying to big up her skill set- after all, she is working for him- he lets the cat out of the bag. Joan is, "silent. Utterly and totally silent. Silent as the tomb." He sips his half pint of bitter.

Kirk takes a pint over to Tyrone who he can see is texting Molly. Kirk is disappointed in his mate and tells Tyrone that he's completely doggy-whipped. "I don't think it's doggy-whipped," says Tyrone, dismissively. He lies that he has not apologised to Molly. But we know he has because back at Molly & Ty's place, the text comes in. Pam is surprised to hear that Tyrone has apologised and tells Molly he's a pushover; no match for Molly. Molly knows Pam is getting at something. Pam tells her, "I saw you. I saw Kevim dropping you off. I know what it looks like and I know your Dad's not ill." Molly tries to lie more and refuses to have any further conversation about it with her. She leaves the room and heads upstairs to text Tyrone looking guilty as sin.

Tony has booked flights for Maria to go to Cyprus but tells her that was unable to get one for himself. Maria is disappointed but placated when Tony tells her that he could do with a couple of days to get his work sorted out anyway and he will fly out later to join her and then they can fly back together.

Michelle is pretending to have a really bad line on a call on her mobile. It's Becky calling to find out Roy and Hayley's holiday address. Dev comes into the bar and tells Bill Webster that he has a different contracter doing the roof. He tells Bill that he knew the whole roof did not need replacing like Bill said it did. Bill is angry that Dev is making him out to be a cowboy. Bill finishes his pint angrily and leaves. Michelle berates Dev for being so obnoxious.

Kirk and Tyrone are still talking about Molly. Kirk is trying to tell Tyrone that he shouldn't let Molly walk all over him. A text comes in from Molly, apparently a really nice one and to Kirk's disappointment, Tyrone sculls his pint down and goes home.

Molly comes downstairs. She thought Pam had left but in fact, Pam had simply opened and shut the door to make Molly think she had left. Pam confronts Molly and tells her that she saw Molly kissing Kevin, "You're having an affair." Tyrone comes home and is directed to the kitchen where his spag bol is waiting. In the hall, Molly whispers to Pam, "It's not an affair, we're in love." Pam urges her in that case to tell Tyrone. "Tell him," she says. Molly wants to know, or what? "Or end it," says Pam who grabs her bag and leaves Molly with her husband and her conscience.

Stella McLoughlin

Tony is out in the back yard, talking to Ozzy. Maria sticks her head out of the door and says she needn't worry about him being lonely while she's away. He asks her how her packing is going. She tells him she's nearly done, and he says she ought to remind Lloyd that he's taking her to the airport. Just then he puts his hand against his chest and frowns, telling her it's indigestion – or he's getting ill at the thought of her going. She tells him it's only for a couple of days and then he'll be joining her, and, reminding him that Liam's asleep and Lloyd isn't due for a while, drags him in towards the stairs.

Over at the Webster's, Sally sees Rosie in her dressing gown and asks if there's any chance she could fall into some clothes today. Rosie can't see the point, she's not going anywhere. Kevin suggests that if she's worried about money, she sells something, like the car for instance. Rosie is outraged. "I love that car!" she shrieks. So Kevin suggests the designer handbag she bought for two grand. She tells him that actually it cost three grand, but she's had it stolen when she and Minnie were in a club. Kevin snaps that she shouldn't be so stupid, and she cries that it's not her fault that Luke lied to her and cheated her. All she ever did was love and trust him. She flounces from the room and Sally asks Kevin what's wrong with him.

Michelle is on the phone to Dev, complaining about his builder's behaviour. Dev seems to find it amusing. "Look, how would you like it if someone came in through your window and….." begins Michelle, and then breaks off, telling him to get it sorted or she'll hire the most expensive builder she can find and send Dev the bill. Ryan comes in with Ben, and she tells him about the builder kissing her. His opinion is that she must have done something to encourage him. She tries to tell him she did nothing, that she was actually in the bath when it happened. She threw a towel round herself and…. Ryan interrupts her, telling her it sounds like some dodgy porno movie and says he's off to town. Ben, well mannered as always, asks if she's all right. She assures him she's fine.

Maria is off to Cyprus, and as Tony sees her off he tells her to call him when she gets there. She tells him that just up the road from her mum and dad's is an internet café with webcams. "Very 21st century," he says as he tells her he loves her and bids her farewell.

In the café, Pam asks Roy how his holiday was. "The word eventful springs to mind," he says. She looks at his neck and they make jokes about Transylvania and vampires.

Rosie goes to the factory and asks Tony to help her find Luke. Tony says if he knew where Luke was he would tell her. Rosie wonders what she's supposed to do, Luke has stolen all her money. Kelly suggests she gets a job, and Tony says he's looking for a PA but Rosie doesn't want to do that again. Kelly says she's up for it, but Sally says she could do it better. Tony then says he'll give Sally a month's trial to see how she gets on, and they could sort out more money. Dismayed, Rosie can't believe her ears. "You can't be serious!" she cries. Tony points out he did give her first refusal. "Drop dead!" snaps Rosie, and flounces out.

It's the day of Ashley's vasectomy and Graeme is teasing him about it, and makes snipping motions with his fingers. Josh asks Claire if his daddy is getting a haircut. "Something like that, yes, love," she says. "Good luck," says Graeme to a very nervous Ashley, and then raises his voice. "Good luck!" he squeaks. Ashley glares at him.

In the pub, Michelle is telling Liz all about the builder who kissed her. "You jammy cow!" says Liz. Just then Rosie stamps in and orders a large white wine. Kevin and Sally follow her, and Kevin asks if she'll tell him what it's all about. Rosie tells him her mother has betrayed her and taken her job. "If you wanted it why didn't you say so?" asks Sally. Rosie is adamant that she doesn't want it, but when Liz puts the drink down in front of her she wails that she doesn't have any money! Kevin pays for her drink and Sally points out that it's Luke she should be blaming. Rosie says she knows they all think she's stupid but she really loved him. "How could he do this to me?" she cries, falling into Kevin's arms and sobbing. At that moment, Molly walks in, sees Kevin with his family and turns and walks out again.

Back in her flat, Michelle hears someone tapping at her window – it's the builder back again! Through the glass he tells her he's going up to the roof, but she tells him he's not and he can get down and get lost. He carries on climbing up the ladder so she picks up her phone.

In the shop, Pam asks Molly when she's going to tell Tyrone what's going on. Irritated, Molly tells her it's her mess and she'll sort it.

It seems Michelle has called the police and when they arrive she tells them that the builder is stalking her. "From up there?" they ask, incredulously. They call him down and Jake comes down the ladder.

Ashley hobbles in from his operation. Claire asks if he went through with it this time, and he tells her he would hardly be walking like it otherwise. She asks if it hurts much. "Aye, but it was worth it," he says. Claire then takes the children off trick or treating.

Maria has managed to get through to Tony via his computer and webcam and asks if he's missing her. "We both are," he tells her – and then Ozzy appears.

Down the ladder, the police ask Jake if he kissed Michelle. Just then Ryan turns up and asks if this is the creep that tried it on with her. "Who are you?" asks Jake. Michelle tells him that Ryan is her son. "No way – he must be adopted!" says Jake, and then admits to the police that he did kiss her. "But can you blame me? She's absolutely gorgeous!" he says. The police ask Michelle if they can put this down to an unfortunate understanding, so she sighs and says ok. But then Jake kisses her again so the police drag him away.

Tony tells Maria that he plans to stay in with a beer, a takeaway and 101 Dalmatians. He then says he might actually skip the beer and the takeaway. She asks if he's still feeling dodgy, but he says he's fine and they say good night.

Michelle is back in the pub again (she's back and forth like a fiddler's elbow!) and telling Liz about Jake being arrested. Julie is at the bar and reckons he was only being friendly but Michelle thinks he's a perv. She adds that she doesn't care what anyone else thinks she just never wants to see his stupid, smug, grinning face again. She marches out to the back. "She SO wants to have his babies!" says Kelly. Liz and Julie agree!

Kevin goes into the shop and tells Molly that they need to talk.

Tony is just turning off the lights at the factory, with Ozzy at his side, when he gasps and leans against the door. Then he staggers out into the street and slumps against the wall. Ozzy is terrified of fireworks that are going off all around, and runs away. Tony then staggers a bit further down the street and leans, gasping, against the window of the Kabin. Trick or treaters run by and then Tony falls to the ground – helpless, and lies there in the dark.

Anne Logan

It might be 7.30 on Friday night, but it's still dark and Tony is still lying in the street, watched over by Ozzie . . . Oh, no he isn't. Fireworks have scared Ozzie off.

In the corner shop, Molly puts up the Closed sign so she can have a heart to heart with Kevin. Kevin says things would be different if it were just the two of them, but there are others who could be hurt. They agree they don't want to finish it. They ignore the knock on the door.

It was Roy knocking and as he walks away he sees the open door of the factory, and then Tony lying against the Kabin wall. He tells Tony to take long slow breaths, gets Tony's mobile phone out of his pocket and calls for an ambulance.

Molly doesn't want to lose Kevin but Pam knows everything. Kevin suggests telling Pam they've finished, staying clear of each other for a few weeks, then starting seeing each other again. Molly worried that he'll go off the idea in the meantime. "I need to be with you. And I will do anything to make that possible," Kevin assures her. It's the only plan they've got.

The ambulance arrives just as a van parks nearby. The driver, Jake, takes off his shirt.

In the Rovers, Pam and Tyrone discuss Halloween. Jake walks in wearing just a towel. Kelly is overcome. Liz tells him there's a dress code but he says there's no sign. "No, no sign," says Liz. "Just punters are required to be dressed." Michelle comes into the bar with a box of pork scratchings and sees Jake. "Trick or treat?" he asks. "Police or leave?" she asks. Jake asks where her sense of fun is. "Where are your trousers, shirt and shoes?" He tells her he was bang out of order and he'd like to even things up. He makes to undo his towel. Liz warns him she'll phone the police. "Not immediately, but very soon after." The factory staff start a round of stripper music.

The paramedic is with Tony, asking about his pain. He can barely speak, but he asks Roy not to leave him.

Michelle issues another warning to Jake. He asks her out to dinner. Michelle is working, but Liz says if it means keeping the pub decent she'll give Michelle the night off. They arrange for Jake to call for her at eight.

As Jake heads back to his van, Peter and Leanne discuss his refusal to let Simon go trick or treating. Peter thinks it's un-British and akin to demanding money with menaces. Peter worries that he sounds like his dad but he won't change his mind.

Back in the pub, Liz isn't sure how well they handled the Jake incident. She doesn't think Michelle's ended up with a bad deal.

Paramedics and hospital staff wheel Tony into the hospital, asking Roy to wait and they'll come and tell him what's happening.

On the hospital's public phone, because the mobile confuses him, Roy asks Fiz to contact Maria. A doctor comes out and says Tony has asked him to speak to Roy. Tony has a family history of heart problems. The doctor says he might not have a great deal of time and any family members should be asked to get there as soon as possible. "He knows the prognosis is not good," the doctor says, saying Tony has asked to see Roy.

A very grumpy Simon (Alexander Bain is such a good wee actor) and Leanne talk to Peter about Halloween. Peter changes the subject to ask about Leanne's job hunting. He says she could come and work for him. She'd even have her own mug. Leanne points out that she's a manager in the catering industry, not a bookie. Peter remarks that he used to drive submarines and now he's a bookie. This perks up Simon, who didn't know Peter was a submariner. Leanne agrees to do the odd shift at the bookies' if she's free. "But I shall want to see the mug first."

Tony's father died at 39 and his grandfather at 42, Tony tells Roy. Roy tells him Fiz is still trying to contact Maria. Roy tells Tony about bat watching. Tony tells him how useless he is. If Roy had stayed watching bats, Tony would have died outside the factory. "A quick, clean death outside MY factory," he says. Now he's struggling, wired up to machines and having to listen to Roy witter on. He tells Roy to go home. He says he's on a one-way ticket to Hell. "And Hell is spending your last hours with Roy Cropper wittering in your ear." He asks Roy to grant his dying wish and bog off to his man-wife. Roy gets up to leave.

In the shop, Pam and Molly are awkward. Pam tells her she wishes she hadn't seen anything. Molly assures her that Kevin's finished it. She's not sure how she feels about it. "I love Tyrone, I really do. I had a mad fling with a married man but it's finished." Pam tells her she's doing the right thing. Molly thanks her for making her see sense.

Roy's on the phone again, telling Hayley he'll be about an hour. A nurse comes to find him and says Tony's asking for him.

Jake and Ben are racing each other in a game, watched by Ryan. Michelle comes out dressed to the nines and with her hair up in quite a different style.

Roy tells Tony they haven't contacted Maria yet. Tony says he gets grouchy when he's dying and apologises to Roy. "It could have been worse. It could have been Janice Battersby who found me." Tony's peaceful and says the drugs are working. "I feel as if I'm inside a big ball of cotton wool and it's okay." He says he's going to die tonight and fate has given him Roy. "You might not be a priest, Roy Cropper, but you're the best I have."

The end of Episode One.
Margaret Carr

Tony remains in the hospital and is miserable about the fact that Maria won't get back in time. Roy tells him to stay optimistic but Tony tells him it's a dying man's prerogative to be negative and use black humour...this is a fight he knows that he can't win.As Tony's tone is snappy Roy mumbles that he was just trying to help but Tony relaxes and assures him that he is helping.

At the restaurant, Michelle and Jake's date continues. Michelle tells Jake that she knows that he is not a pervert and this has gone too far. She doesn't want to be here so why doesn't he save money and they just stop here. Jake nods and says he hears what she is staying but wants the night to continue before asking her what she wants as a starter.

Tony is wondering how Maria will take the news of his death. He tells Roy that she will be financially steady as his will and finances are all in order. He wistfully tells Roy how important Maria and Liam have become in his life. He then grabs Roy's hand and says he needs him to do something for him...probably the most important thing he's ever asked anyone to do.

Leanne has Simon dressed as a ghost and they giggle as they plot to hide and jump out when Peter comes home.

Jake is telling Michelle that he would happily work a month to pay for a night with her as their evening out together continues.

Roy has smuggled in a bacon sandwich for Tony's consumption and Tony smiles as he amuses himself with the fact he is leading kindly Roy Cropper astray. Roy, feeling stung by being the subject of humour, says he could easily take it away. Tony tells him sincerely that he is a decent man. He then confesses that Tony was the one who smoked out the bats that time. Roy tells him it's all in the past and he needn't feel guilty. But Tony tells him he should be guilty as that doesn't even scratch the surface. But before he can say anymore, a doctor comes in and orders Roy outside with the sandwich.

Leanne and Simon hear Peter coming up the stairs and Simon hides behind the door. As Peter comes in, he whacks Simon's head with the door and Leanne rushes over to help. Peter asks her what she thinks she was playing at.

Tony is telling Roy that he is content with his lot in life. He asks Roy if he is happy and Roy answers he hasn't really thought of it but he supposes that he is. Tony talks about how happy baby Liam makes him feel. Roy admits that he once thought a baby was his. Tony asks if he ever cradled it in his arms. Roy says quietly that he did before going into deep thought as Tony drifts off into sleep.

Jake asks Michelle why she is such a closed book. He says he is a gifted palm reader and he takes her hand. He says it tells a very tragic story. He then says grimly that he sees that she has lost an important man in her life...more than one. Scolded, Michelle withdraws her hand. Seeing she is horrified by this, Jake apologises and says he didn't realise he was being offensive. Michelle points out that Ryan could have told him her past and he could be using the tragedy in her life to his full advantage.

Tony wakes up again. He thanks Roy for staying. Kindly Roy says he is willing to stay all night if Tony requires it. Tony starts talking about the night that Liam died. He wondered how he felt lying on the cold ground. He abruptly asks if people will mourn him. Roy replies that he expects so. Tony confesses that he has nightmares about the night that Liam died. Roy tells him it wasn't his fault. Tony remains silent.

Back at the restaurant, Jake hs apologised and feels awful after Michelle opens up about the tragedies from her past. Michelle thaws to him and tells him she it's okay...it's down to the fact he's such a good palm reader.

Peter and Leanne are talking about the accident of Simon's and Leanne is accepting the fact that she was stupid. Peter agrees, saying he wasn't to know Simon would be there. He relents after a while and apologies for reacting so harshly.

Tony is afraid that the next time he falls asleep he won't wake up. He wants to speak to Maria. Suddenly, the machinery bleeps loudly and Tony starts shaking and looming pain. An army of nurses streams in and tells Roy he's gone into cardiac arrest and asks Roy to step outside. Before he goes, Tony grabs his arms and utters some words to Roy: "I killed Liam"

Jake has dropped Michelle off. She thanks him but orders him to stay inside the car. However, as she emerges he follows. She leans in to give him a peck but it turns into a passionate embrace and she takes him inside.

Meanwhile, Roy leaves the hospital, looking extremely troubled by the situation he has got himself into.

Thanks for reading. Until next week

Duncan Lindsay

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

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