Keeping us on our toes. This episode would normally have been shown as the 2nd Monday night episode.

Ooh, that little witch. Rosie Webster is shrieking in the street outside Roy's, "Someone help me, please!" Bill sees her from the mezzanine in his builder's yard and runs down to help. John comes out into the street. He insists to Rosie that her ploy is not going to work and advises she stops the charade. Rosie maliciously tells John to get his cheque book out and she'll think about it before slapping him on the face, just in time for Bill to see. John insists to Bill that Rosie is lying about the assault but of course, Bill doesn't believe him. Rosie plays the victim and pleads with her Grandad to take her home. Bill tells John that he's made the biggest mistake of his life.

Sally is at home, ironing as Sophie tells her mother about her baptism. Bill interrupts them with Rosie. Sally can see there's something wrong. Bill tells Sally what he knows. "Oh my god, is this true?" asks Sally. Rosie nods her head and says, "Yeah."

The Underworld girls and Graeme are all dressed up for "Vicars and Liz" night at the Rovers and having a ball. Julie is worried that Liz's feeling will be hurt. Kelly doesn't even think that Liz dresses like a tart. Graeme thinks that he could get used to wearing a skirt. He likes the airflow.

At the bar, Lloyd asks how Liz is. Steve insists she's fine. Teresa starts getting gobby with Steve and Lloyd warns her off. Liz comes back into the bar and tells Lloyd and Teresa to stay. She is being magnanimous and wants the whole incident to be written off as a misunderstanding.

Claire and Becky are ready to hit the town. Claire has no idea what she's in for.

Dev and Bernie come to the bar. Once Bernie leaves to get a table, Dev gloats a bit about how much Bernie has taught him.

Deirdre finishes her drink at a table with Liz. She has a wee whine about how Ken is ignoring her before telling Liz that she knows Liz is up to something. Liz doesn't want to elaborate on her plans to get back at Lloyd and Teresa.

Roy comes back to the cafe where he finds John sitting in the darkness. John tells Roy all about it. Roy thinks that John should go and explain to Fizz. John wonders what if Fizz doesn't believe him. "I believe you," says Roy, reassuringly.

Deirdre runs into Ken on the street who claims he called in at the library before coming home. Ken seems down that he is unable to get a job.

Eddie Windass knocks on Emily's door for his money for cleaning the gutter. Norris is taken aback that Eddie has been working at all. Eddie tells Emily that the blockage in her drain could have been very dangerous in heavy rain. Norris has no time for him and goes back inside, citing a chicken Kiev waiting for him at the table.

Liz crosses the street from the Rovers and lets herself into Lloyd's flat.

The illicit lovers are in bed in a hotel room. Sally calls on Kevin's mobile. She tells Kevin what has happened to Rosie. Kevin dashes out of bed. Molly wants to know what's going on but Kevin is in too much of a rush to tell her.

In the ladies at the Rovers, Julie is taken aback to see Graeme come out of one of the cubicles. He asks to borrow one of her lipsticks but Julie refuses and rushes out, all a-fluster.

At the bar, Bernie gets a drink on the house. She wonders if Steve's being so generous since Bernie's been giving Steve golf lessons on the sly. Steve wants to know if the two of them are still ok- as teacher and student- with the new arrangement between her and Dev. Dev tries to eavesdrop on their conversation.

The Underworld Girls are having a ball all dressed up as Liz. John comes into the bar where he finds Fizz. John tells Fizz he needs to talk to her in private. Fizz downs her drink and leaves with her husband.

Bernie goes back to Dev who wanted to know what Steve and she were talking about. Bernie confesses that she has been giving Steve lessons. She asks if Dev wants her to stop teaching Steve now. Dev has other ideas though and thinks that if Bernie can teach folk to improve their game, she can do the opposite as well. Oh, Dev. That's hardly sporting, is it?

Liz comes back into the bar. She tells Lloyd and Teresa that she was looking for Lloyd's keys to his flat that she had and thought he might want them back. Lloyd wants to talk to Liz and apologise but Liz tells him he might want to check what's cooking. She implies that she has put his record collection in the oven. Lloyd dashes out to see, even though he can't quite believe what Liz might have done.

John has told Fizz about the Rosie incident. Fizz is rightly upset. John tries to impress to Fizz that Rosie is lying. Fizz wants to go and sort it out with her now but John pleads with her to come home. He doesn't want Kevin to kick off.

In the bar, Liz calls out to Teresa, "Oy! Jimmy Krankie! I've changed me mind- you're still barred!"

Sally brings Rosie a cup of tea. Bill is worried about Kevin's reaction. Rosie is worried that Kevin has gone to beat up John Stape again. To Rosie's dismay, Sally tells her that as soon as Kevin gets home, they will be calling the police to get John Stape back behind bars, where he belongs.

Norris opens his front door but before he goes in, he sees Eddie in the street. He calls out to Eddie that he realises he was a tad judgmental with him earlier and apologises to him. Eddie insists on calling Emily "your missus" and tells Norris that she warned him about Norris anyway; no hard feelings. Norris is affronted and asks Emily about her having warned Eddie about him. Emily tells Norris she thought it was her civil duty to do so. "That's the last chicken Kiev you'll be getting off me!"

Kevin has come home and asks Rosie to tell again what happened. Between interruptions from her mother and sister telling her, "I told you so!", Rosie spits her lies out once more. Sally threatens to call the police. Rosie asks again not to but Kevin backs her up all the way. He wants something done about John Stape once and for all. Otherwise, he'll do something.

Claire and Becky are on their way home from their night on the town. Claire is definitely the worse for wear. It seems Claire was thrown out of a nightclub when she kicked off at a bloke for touching her up. Becky explains again, "Claire, *he* was *she* and *she* was a bouncer. She was searching ya. They do it to everybody." Claire thinks Becky is annoyed at her for ruining their night but she wants to keep on drinking. Becky thinks Claire might have had enough. She might be right, Claire collapses in a drunken, giggling heap on the ground.

At Lloyd's, Lloyd is devastated about his record collection. He knows it's retribution for what Teresa has done to Liz and Liz has left a note stating that she has kidnapped the rest of the collection.

Deirdre is being ignored again at home. Ken is worried about not getting a job. Blanche rings home to ask for someone to come and get her from the club because she thinks her cab driver is on drugs. Deirdre goes to ring for a local cab. "I don't know," she says, "Never mind Christmas. If she carries on like this, we'll all have to go out and get a job!" Ken looks thoughtful at the mention of Christmas.

It's quiet at Fizz & John's house. They are worried about the police coming knocking. Fizz thinks that if Rosie has called the police, they would be here already. Chesney comes home. He asks if they know anything about the police car sitting outside the Websters. Oh dear. Not looking good, is it?

Lloyd drags Teresa over to the Rovers to apologise to Liz in public. Liz is hanging out of a pub window, overlooking the street, throwing the records out of the window, not giving two hoots about the police car parked outside the Webster house. Teresa goads Liz some more as Liz throws more records down. Lloyd pleads with her to come downstairs to sort it out. While they wait, Lloyd asks Teresa to say sorry. Teresa wonders what Lloyd really wants- his records back. Or her?

In the pub, the party is in full swing but Sean is moaning that he didn't dress up to hang about in the Rovers all night. Liz comes into the bar and tells everyone what's about to go down outside. The Vicars and Tarts follow Liz outside.

Meanwhile, Lloyd has asked Teresa to please apologise to Liz. He pleads and he tells her he'll even go on his knees to ask her to apologise. As he is on his knees, pleading with her, Teresa sees Liz coming out of the Rovers. Teresa takes the opportunity to humiliate Liz even further and shouts, "Of course I'll marry you!" giving everyone the wrong impression but especially Liz. Liz outs a brave face on things and tells the crowd that Teresa is welcome to Lloyd but we know she's hurting inside. They all go back inside.

However, Janice sees the police car over at the Webster place and she wonders what is going on. Janice, Kelly and Sean watch as two policemen head over to Fizz & John's place. They arrest John Stape for assault. The Websters all look on, Sally very pleased with her self as Fizz cries. Poor Fizz is left alone to be comforted by her friends.

Stella McLoughin

It's breakfast time in the Webster household and a jubilant Sally says that they won't be seeing John Stape around any more. Kevin's not so sure as there were no witnesses, and thinks it could all end up in a court case. Rosie looks a bit shocked, but agrees she could go through it again if that's what it would take to get him sent down again.

Meanwhile, at the police station, John is being interviewed. The detective asks him why Rosie would make it all up just to get money out of him. She clearly wouldn't get it by accusing him of assault. John replies that she's vindictive and thick. "Is she thick?" asks the policeman, "you taught her." John agrees that he taught her, and he had an affair with her. "So therefore I'm guilty, right?" The detective asks if that's a confession, but John is adamant that everything Rosie has said is a lie. The detective tells him that the other thing that's strange is that Fiz hasn't rung in once to see how he is. "Now why is that?" he asks. John looks a bit shocked and says he has no idea.

A hung over Claire meets Michelle and tells her she didn't know why she did it, she can't keep up with Becky. Just then Becky appears and says what a great night they had and how they must do it again sometime. Claire tentatively suggests that they ring the changes and next time try amateur dramatics. Becky agrees and Claire departs, saying they'll sort out the details later.

Becky then turns to Michelle and asks if Steve is back from the brewery yet. Michelle doesn't know, but says someone called Bernie rang and Steve's gone off to meet her. "Her?" asks Becky, frowning. "Yes," says Michelle, "I know it's a woman I took the call."

Ken is on the phone telling someone it's wonderful news and he'll see them at 9 o'clock in the morning. Just then there's a knock at the door. It's Peter, asking if Ken can take Simon to school in the morning. Ken blusters that he'd love to but has an optician's appointment.

Steve runs into Lloyd and jokingly asks when his ‘big day' is, telling him he'll be his best man if he asks nicely. Lloyd tells him that's not funny, apparently Teresa is telling him they've got a verbal contract. Steve says he knows a good brief, £200 per hour, plus VAT. Just then Becky comes up and asks Steve how he got on at the brewery. "Oh fine," he tells her. She suddenly grabs him and tells him he's a lying git, she knows he was out with Bernie and it isn't a bloke. "It's that golfing tart, isn't it?" she snarls. Steve confesses about the lessons and the bet with Dev for membership of the golf club. Becky starts to asks how much the lessons were, but Lloyd chips in that it's the cost of the membership she ought to be worrying about - a sum in excess of two grand! "And you wouldn't even buy me a Jacuzzi!" she wails, "no way, Steve-boy, no way!"

Ken and Norris are talking about the good job Eddie Windass did clearing their gutters. Chesney hears and asks Eileen if he's been round to her. She sniffs that she does not have grass growing out of her gutters. "Neither did we," he replies, "but that didn't stop him paying us a visit." "What do you mean?" she asks, "I don't get it?" He tells her she will!

Just the John arrives in a taxi. As he gets out he waves at Chesney but is ignored, and he nods to Dev who is outside his shop, but Dev doesn't respond either. John goes into the house. "Hiya, they let you go then!" says Fiz. "Is that all you can say?" asks John, and asks if she thinks he's guilty like everyone else. "She set me up," he says. Fiz gets upset and says she does believe him but everyone has been slagging him off and she daren't go out of the house. She hasn't been to work. He hugs her and tells her they'll have to convince people of the truth by carrying on as if nothing has happened, and going to the Rovers.

Eddie knocks at Eileen's door and gives her the spiel about her house being in danger unless he clears out her gutters. (Doesn't she rent her house? If so it wouldn't be her problem.) She tells him she'll think about it, and as she shuts the door Jason appears and asks what he wanted. She asks him to get hold of some ladders and do her a favour.

Teresa is in the pub with an engagement ring brochure. Just then Lloyd walks in and sees it and protests that they're not engaged. Michelle says that the whole street saw him go down on one knee. Just when he starts getting hot under the collar Teresa bursts out laughing, and he hits her on the head with the brochure. "And I wonder why they see me coming!" he says.

Jason is up a ladder inspecting the gutters for Eileen. He says they're clear except for a grass sod which isn't growing there. Eileen realises that Eddie is just moving it along every time he clears a gutter. Eileen tells him to put it back, she's got an idea.

George and Eva are visiting Peter and Simon when Peter gets a call from Bill. He tells him he's sorry but it's not going to happen now. When he hangs up George asks what it was about and Peter tells him that he and Leanne wanted to open a bar. George looks very surprised and asks if that was a bit risky with his old habit. Peter says that Leanne would be running it and he wouldn't have considered it if he thought he couldn't manage it, after all Simon is now his number one priority. "Anyway," he says, "it's not going to happen, we haven't got the money."

Steve goes to see Dev and tells him that he doesn't think he'd have the time to use the golf club membership very much, so he can have it. Dev reckons Steve is scared of losing so is pulling out, and starts making clucking noises. Steve rises to the challenge and agrees to see Dev tomorrow as agreed.

George and Eva are having supper with Peter, Leanne and Simon. Simon wants George to read his bedtime story, and George suggests that maybe Simon could come and stay at his house sometime. "Can I Dad?" asks Simon. "Maybe one day soon," says Peter. Eva remarks that it must be great sleeping in a bunk bed and Simon innocently says that his dad bought it for him after the fire. "What fire was that?" asks Eva. Simon says that his dad fell asleep and the flat caught fire and he was in hospital for a week. George and Eva exchange glances and Peter says he's all right now.

The Websters have gone en masse to the Rovers, and Rosie has everyone's sympathy, with Norris offering to buy her a drink and Dev saying that he can't believe they let John out. "See love?" says Sally, "everyone's behind you." Just then John and Fiz walk in and there's a stunned and very embarrassing silence. Hayley calls them over, as Sally loudly says that she can't believe they have the nerve. John asks Michelle for two pints of bitter, but she just stands and stares at him. Fiz says she'll get them. "Or won't you serve me either?" she asks. Michelle looks to Steve for guidance and he nods. As she pours the drinks, in a loud voice Dev says, "Funny smell in here!" "Yes," says Sally, "it gets right up your nose."

Back at Peter's flat, Simon has gone to bed and George says he assumes Peter was drunk on the night of the fire. Peter says that he was. "And you still want to open a bar?" cries George. Peter tells him he's more ashamed of that night than anything he's ever done in his life, but that was the turning point and he came to his senses. He got proper help then and hasn't touched a drop since.

Back in the pub the atmosphere is tense. Roy tells John he's welcome back in the cafe as soon as he's ready. Sally snorts that they won't see her in there. "Nor me," says Kevin. Steve suggests that maybe John and Fiz should finish their drinks and go home. "Why?" asks John, "I've done nothing wrong." Then he turns to Rosie. "Why don't you tell them the truth, Rosie?" Rosie squeals that he attacked her. "Just how did I do that, Rosie?" John asks. Sally chips in that he's sick, but he says it's a simple enough question. "People have a right to know. Where did I grab you, for instance?" Rosie mutters that she's not going into that there. "No," says John, "because you well know that I didn't touch you. You demanded money off me and when I refused you falsely accused me." "Mum!" wails Rosie, "make him leave me alone!" John then goes on to ask how exactly he locked her in. "With a lock, you weirdo!" she snaps at him. He asks what kind of lock it was, and how she got out. "Was it a Yale? A mortice?" He asks her to describe it. "Just describe exactly how I locked you in and exactly how you got out." With seeds of doubt now sown in everyone's mind, all attention is on Rosie to see how she answers. Kevin looks a little worried too. Rosie doesn't answer, and John tells her she obviously didn't think it through, she just assumed he would cave in. Rosie asks her mum if they can just go home now. "But we're all waiting for an answer Rosie," says Fiz, and Hayley agrees that it's a fair question. Rosie nervously stammers that it was a key, and she got it because John dropped it. John then tells her that a key isn't needed to open the cafe from the inside. It's just a latch that anyone can open. Kevin turns to Roy and asks if it's true. Roy tells him it is. "That door was never locked and I never laid a finger on you," says John. "You would have, though," snaps Rosie. Sally is horrified. "You mean you made all this up?" And Bill says that he nearly thumped John because of what Rosie told him. The Websters then hustle Rosie out of the door as Fiz calls her an evil little cow. "He could have gone to prison again!" she cries. When they've gone John turns to Steve and asks for the two drinks he wanted to order earlier. "They're on the house, mate, welcome back!" says Steve.

Anne Logan

Here's the Thursday episode in our week of "Corrie every night so you'll stay on and watch our reality show in the jungle."

John and an anxious Fiz are at the breakfast table when Chesney comes downstairs. He tells John he's really glad the Rosie stuff is sorted.

Steve doesn't look too cheerful. He's been depressed by Dev's clucking noises when he backed out of the golf match. Becky points out that he doesn't need a golf club membership when he's part of the coolest club in the world - "Us, divvy!" she says when he seems confused. "And the waiting list is closed forever." Steve still doesn't look convinced.

Ken must be the only person in the world who can look furtive just by picking up his coat. He tells Deirdre he's off to the library to research an article but won't say what it's about. The most he'll say is that he's been asked to capture the spirit of the season. "You? Blimey, I've heard everything now!"

He emerges into the street to be faced by the over-the-top spectacular of the Windasses' lighting display.

Kevin drags Rosie across to see Fiz and John. Fiz doesn't want to listen but Sally pleads. Rosie starts to say sorry and Fiz tries to walk away but John holds her back. Rosie says she's going to go to the police and take back everything she said. Sally also wants to apologise for vandalising the house. "Rosie was just taking a lead from me and if you want to blame somebody, blame me." John is much more gracious than Fiz. And when Sally asks if they could see their way to asking the police not to pursue it, Fiz thinks her cynicism is right. Kevin says they just want it over with. John says he can't promise anything but he'll talk to the police. The two parties agree to try to stay out of each other's way.

Norris is still fuming about Rosie. "They should lock her up and throw away the key." Becky, dipping sherbert, I think, tells him John's already tried that. Molly comes in, picks up a magazine and puts it on the counter. Norris congratulates her on her swift decision-making. Freda, meanwhile, has been perusing various magazines for the whole of this scene. "Norris has browser issues," Becky says. Molly's overheard what they were saying and asks what happened. Freda has chosen a magazine and says she wants to pick Norris's brain about competitions. Norris is retired, he says. But when she says there's always a chance of winning, Norris tells her there's a science behind it. But he still refuses to help.

Peter and Leanne have been phoned by George and Eve respectively. Leanne thinks they should accept an invitation to tea, but Peter doesn't want to move too fast.

Becky calls at the cab office only for Eileen to tell her Steve's signed himself off for the afternoon - for golf! He didn't specifically say so, "but the suspect knitwear and the clubs sort of gave it away."

Deirdre calls to see Peter to ask for help in a clear-out of the attic because Ken's not there. Peter says Ken's only having an eye-test, not a transplant. Aha! Rule number one - always give the same excuse to everyone in case they talk to each other. Peter says he might have got his wires crossed. You can see both of them thinking Ken might be up to his old tricks.

At the golf course, Bernie's having to cope with the posturing of both Dev and Steve. She insists she's here to observe, nothing more. She refuses to give them advice. Steve's about to tee off outside the clubhouse when Becky cheerfully calls to him. She tells everyone she thought she'd come and see what all the fuss is about. She hugs Steve and says, in a very menacing voice, "Lose the game and embarrass yourself!" Steve tees off and hits the ball straight into the trees. Dev, turning more and more into a cartoon character, asks if he'd like jam on that slice.

Eddie props his ladder up against number 11 and knocks on the door. He climbs the ladder as Eileen comes out and asks him how it's going. He's busy chucking clumps of soil and grass on to the pavement and tells her he thinks it'll be fine. Eileen says she thinks he ought to do the back as well, just to be safe. "Call it 15 quid for the lot." He doesn't see her give the thumbs up to Jason and Jesse, in Bill's pick-up.

Peter, Leanne and Simon stop outside some rather big gates. They wonder if they've come to the right place but George comes out and calls down the drive to them to come in. The big gates glide open.

Molly and Kevin barely have time to say Hello to each other when Sally and Rosie arrive back in Rosie's sports car. Sally says you wouldn't believe the hoops the police made them jump through. And Rosie apparently burst into tears when the detective told her off. "Proud of yourself, are you?" calls Janice from the factory steps. "Thanks to girls like you the police have yet another reason not to believe the next poor cow that gets abused or raped." Rosie points out that she was that poor cow. "Then you should know better!" Janice screams at her. "Don't you ever judge me or mine again." Rosie has the grace to look a bit abashed.

Eileen comes out and says Eddie's out the back. Jason and Jesse grab a ladder from the ute and prop it up against Eddie's gutter.

On the golf course they must be close to the 18th, because we can see the clubhouse behind them. Steve is making a real mess of his putting. Becky asks Bernie if Steve's playing is bad. "No. We left bad behind at the eighth. This requires a whole new word." Steve finally pots the ball for eight, while Dev knocks his in for considerably fewer strokes. He shakes Steve's hand and mutters serious words of comfort. He tells Steve he'll see him in the bar. Apparently staving off tears he says he just needs time for it to sink in. Steve walks away, calling Becky to go with him. Behind him, winds himself up and screams and dances his victory.

Eddie comes back and tells Eileen she could eat her tea off that back guttering now. Eileen says she'll leave that to him, considering that's where he belongs. "We're on to your scam, mate," Jesse elaborates. Eddie tries to bluff it out. Eileen draws his attention to his own roof, where there's a big Santa-shaped gap.

In the big house, Peter and Leanne talk to George about the house, which he designed himself. He took a six-month sabbatical, Eve says. He's the chairman of his company. George and Eve invite them to Christmas dinner, telling them there's plenty of room if they want to stay over. Peter is non-committal.

Deirdre is fuming. She tells Ken she knows he lied. Ken digs into his bag and pulls out a Santa hat, which he puts on.

Simon's watching cartoons on a huge screen. George says he and Eve see potential in the plans for a bar and would like to invest. They want to give Peter and Leanne an interest-free loan. Peter turns it down flat, despite Leanne's protestations. George asks them to think about the proposal and sleep on it but Peter refuses.

Deirdre can't picture Ken as Santa. He says he promised Simon an expensive present and it was the only job he could get. Deirdre's very relieved and agrees to keep it a secret.

At the Rovers' bar, Freda and Becky discuss a slogan for the Stain Demon competition. Norris gets so fed up with their comments that he interrupts to tell them the answer is obvious. "For every household angel there's a stain demon," he says. Freda's very impressed and Becky says he's the man.

Fiz wants to do something with John to celebrate. He says that being tolerated is hardly cause for a parade. She wants to celebrate the strong, kind man he is. "If you really think that, then why did you ever doubt me?" John asks her. Fiz says she knew in her art he was innocent but after Tony she wondered if you could ever be sure about anyone. She apologises for not trusting him and John apologises for ever putting doubt into her head. They start to tease each other and cuddle.

Leanne's angry. She thinks they could have discussed the money. Peter thinks they're trying to bribe their way into Simon's life. He says the offer was too good to be true. He says he's being unselfish and responsible on behalf of Simon. Leanne's fed up. "I deserve more than this! And more importantly so does Simon!" She grabs her coat and bag and heads out, stomping down the stairs.

The End
Margaret Carr

Welcome to Friday's episode. We'll plod straight on...

Ken is walking Simon to school and Simon is telling them about their visit to George's. Ken is miffed as Simon enthusiastically tells him about the gigantic Christmas tree. Simon then goes on to tell Ken that there was an argument over George offering money and they don't think they'll be going there for Christmas. Ken seizes this opportunity and tells Simon that they will always be welcome at his house for Christmas.

Claire is pulling strange faces in the mirror. When Ashley questions what she is doing she replies that they are facial exercises, which all actresses do. Ashley wonders aloud about the many actresses who have had Botox.

Dev is gloating to Steve in the shop about his recent victory as well as his extra privileges through membership. Steve warns him that lightning does not strike twice and pretty soon they are preparing for their next battle on the golf course.

Sophie has asked Kevin if he has forgotten about the fact that she is getting baptized in a fortnight. Kevin argues that things have been hectic but Sophie is having none of it and comments that she is tired of he and Sally always clearing up Rosie's messes. She adds that he probably also forgot that she has mock exams coming up.

Ken asks Peter about the argument with George. He tells Peter that he is proud of him when he hears that he turned down George's offer of money. He begins to criticize George's intentions but Peter cuts over him saying that he still likes George. Ken takes a different tactic and says it was preposterous for George to expect peter to go to him for Christmas away from his family. Peter reminds Ken that George is family.

Claire and Becky enter the Rovers bruised and scratched. In answer to Steve's exclamation at this sight, they explain that they took a fight scene a little too seriously. They then sadly announce that the group is being disbanded as there aren't enough members...and the Panto is cancelled.

George is apologising to peter for piling pressure on him and says he has always been in a hurry to do things...he proposed to Eve on the third date. Peter apologises too for getting annoyed and afterwards, George tells him that the offer is still on the table.

On the golf course, Dev is telling Steve how the membership has opened a whole world for him. He spots Bernie and she is pleased to see him. She is working with a student, whom Dev recognizes as Matthew, the manager of the cash and carry. Dev jokingly warns him that Bernie is taken and Bernie tells him that Matthew is too as he recently got engaged.

Peter asks Leanne if she is gracing them with her company tonight. She coldly tells him that she hasn't heard an apology. Peter says they're going out and there's more than a buttie and an apology on the menu.

Eileen and Jesse are winding up Eddie, who says he may have already called the police for the theft of his Santa. Jesse taunts him that he can hear whining but they aren't police sirens.

Molly is telling Kevin in the shop that she wants to get the marriage breakups over with. Kevin reminds her that she was happy with Tyrone once but she replies that she didn't know what happiness was then. Kevin vaguely tells her that it's going to take longer than he first thought and they interrupted as Jesse, Eileen and Eddie came in still arguing. As Jesse threatens to send bits of Santa through the post, Eddie gives in and agrees to pay back the money.

Peter leads Leanne to the building yard where George waits. He then announces that he has taken George up on the offer.

Becky and Claire are discussing their fantasy panto in which they decide Hayley would be fairy godmother and Steve and Lloyd would be ugly sisters. But when Becky registers this as an insult, she insists that Steve play Prince Charming. Claire sniffs that she could learn to play alongside him and Becky demands to know how she has assumed she will be Cinderella. Claire scoffs that Becky would use the glass slipper as an ashtray and soon the women are squaring up to each other. Outside, Ashley demands of Claire what's going on and she shrilly cries that she didn't know how she could ever try and be friends with such trash.

Eddie is whinging to Anna about the Santa, but she is more concerned with Gary's upcoming weekend away, worrying that he will get himself hurt. She says she won't stop until he changes his mind but he stubbornly tells her that he's very determined.

Ken approaches George, Leanne and Peter and has worked out what's going on. He sighs that he knew Peter's clever thinking couldn't last. George assures Ken that it's a good investment but Ken coldly tells him that he doesn't care about his opinion. Peter tells Ken not to speak to George like that as he is trying to help. Ken furiously blurts out that George is only interested in helping himself. George comments that Ken shouldn't get so worked up at his age before leading a tearful Leanne away.

Molly comes to the garage in tears. Kevin panics as Tyrone could be back any moment. Molly says she hopes he is. Kevin tells her he has to split with Sally when it's going to be less damaging to his kids...and with Sophie's exams coming up that won't be until July.

Peter is miffed at Ken for the way he has behaved and tells him he is childish for constantly trying to score points off George. Peter goes on to say that at least George has faith in him. Ken argues that he does too, just not behind a bar. As Peter digs his hells in, Ken warns him that every bit of help George gives, he will give ten times the amount of hindrance...that bar will never get opened!

That's all for this week.

Duncan Lindsay

Written by David Lane Directed by Pip Short

Peter's waiting as George brings Simon home after an overnight visit. Simon had a good time, it seems. Leanne brings out Simon's lunch and they cast baleful glances across the street as they see Ken coming home from the shop. George tells them that his offer on the Joinery has been accepted so it's all systems Go! The planning application will go in for approval. They all agree Ken will not approve.

Meanwhile, Ken is silently scraping toast. Deirdre wonders if he's more upset about Peter running a bar or George funding it. Ken says it *could* be both. George is splashing his money around on fancy toys for Simon and the bar is just one more of them. Never mind that Peter's health could suffer. Deirdre points out that Ken picking fights with everyone, the way he's going about it, he can be very stupid for a clever man. Blanche points out that Ken got a degree 50 years ago "and sits around sucking his pen while he half-does the Guardian crossword. Nowt clever about that!" Ken does agree that he probably should back off. Blanche figures she could do a good deed by revealing to the children what Santa's really like.

In the corner shop, Molly is sulking. Kevin comes in and is warned that Dev is in the shop as well. He wants to know she's ok with their plan but she points out it was rather one sided. Tyrone bounces in scotching Kevin's excuse that they needed more milk. Tyrone asks Molly if they can invite Jack and Connie for Christmas. This is agreeable and he and Kevin leave her to the shelf stacking.

Becky is hungover though tries to put it down to food poisoning. Steve brings her coffee. He asks about the row with Claire. Betty recalls the old days when blokes in the Rovers' Pantomimes would row over tights. Steve says he's seen photos in the storage area of those old pantos. He runs off to fetch them.

Down the road, Ashley is bringing Claire some paracetamol. She's in rough shape as well. Ashley suggests a "hair of the dog" but Claire doesn't want to show her face in the pub after the things Becky said about her and Ashley, (him smelling like offal!) Claire blames Becky and tells Ashley about the offal remark. He rightly asks what Claire said to Becky in return. Claire does have the grace to look uncomfortable and admits she was to blame too. Ashley offers to accompany her on her mission to apologize, just in case the wars break out again.

The planning notice signs go up on the Joinery. Peter and Leanne join George outside. Leanne is excited and Peter is confident. Ken approaches. Peter is defensive. Ken does try but he can't help himself and brings up all the reasons why it is a bad idea. Peter flings Ken's business qualifications back at him (trolley pusher, Father Christmas impersonator which doesn't go unnoticed by George, by the way. ) It all goes badly again as you would expect. George defends Peter and Leanne and Deirdre comes and ends up having to drag Ken away before more things get said.

Tyrone and Kevin talk about fantasy cars, Tyrone wants a Ferrari. He notices Connie across the street and Molly has asked them about Christmas. They are pleased to accept. Tyrone is all cuddly about Christmas morning and Molly fawns all over him, for Kevin's "benefit". It works. Kevin glares from across the road.

Deirdre takes Ken to task. He agrees he was wasting his time but he's got an idea. He wants her to use her contacts in the planning office to put a bad word in but Deirdre refuses. She could get a job in that office again and she's not putting anything in the way of that possibility. She begs him not to go to the Council. He doesn't say yes or no and the music for the break starts up. *uh oh. you *Know* what Mr. Single Minded is going to do, don't you?

Tyrone is chatting to Ben and Sophie about the baptism in the church. Ben winds up Tyrone, saying he had to learn to swim in case he was dropped under the water. Tyrone admits he's not been baptized and isn't even sure Ben and Sophie's church even has Christmas! Duh, Sophie jests. The banter continues as Kevin notices Molly leave the house as she's going for a run so he tells Tyrone he'll go pick up a part rather than wait for it to be delivered. Sophie figures that's an indication how disinterested Kevin is in her life.

Eddie returns in the cab. He's picked up Gary who's been away the weekend at an army go-see. Graeme comes by and takes the mick out of Gary but Eddie tries to defend him, what about the unarmed combat thing? Gary attempts to cast aspersions on Graeme's manhood (never seen him with a lass, have you?) but Graeme has the perfect come back line "Unarmed combat and withering put-downs. I shall return to work a wounded man!" Gary and Eddie head inside, noting a big Welcome Home sign hanging on the front window.

Molly runs through the park and Kevin meets her as she's coming out one of the gates. He tries to defend himself. It's only six months until Sophie's exams and that would give them time to organize things before they left their spouses. It made sense to him at the time. She thought it was just an excuse. He points out if he left now he could end up with no business, no kids, no money and they need to be able to live. (That's going to be any different in 6 months?) He's started saving money when he can. She makes him promise they'll put each other first once their together. (Boy, she's naive isn't she?) They canoodle, noses together leaning up against the breakdown truck.

Betty shows Becky an old photo of a Rovers panto from 1964, with Elsie Tanner as Prince Charming and Annie Walker as the Fairy Godmother. Betty talks about Mrs. Walker and says you always called her Mrs. never Annie. She was like that. Betty shows her a photo of Bet Lynch (we don't see this photo) and says Becky reminds her of Bet, barmaid who married the landlord, though Steve is no Alec Gilroy. Claire and Ashley and Graeme arrive. Claire apologizes, if Becky does and Becky does agree after Ashley buys them all a drink. Becky shows them the old panto photos. Claire asks why they stopped. Betty reckons it was all the falling out. In another great line, Graeme mutters "I've a vision of someone stepping into a minefield with clown shoes on!" Claire and Becky chink glasses across the bar and agree they're going to put on a Panto themselves. Betty offers to help with the casting. Graeme mentions that he acted a bit while inside. In Romeo and Juliet. He was Juliet. They can laugh but you must remember that's how it always was several hundred years ago!

Over at a table, Peter and Leanne chat to George about the planning certificate. George thinks there won't be a problem and has an architect coming later today. Leanne is excited to talk to him about her ideas.

Anna serves up a meal to Gary and Eddie in the cafe. She frets about him not getting proper food but Gary says it was good on the weekend. Gary tells them all about it but Anna really doesn't want to hear. She has visions of him in Afghanistan and it doesn't sit well with her.

Deirdre takes a call from a former coworker in the Council planning office. Seems Ken went to speak to them after all. (Told ya!) She tells Mrs. Burns she didn't know he was going to and she apologizes profusely. Down goes the phone. Up goes the blood pressure.

In the pub, Claire and Becky offer a part in the panto to Dev. Steve points out Liz hasn't agreed yet. Bernie goes to the loos and Steve takes the mick out of Dev. Dev reckons Bernie is beautiful *and* she's into golf. The perfect woman! Steve makes a lame golf joke and Dev just rolls his eyes and takes the drinks to a table as Gary and Anna, Peter and Leanne arrive. Peter asks Gary about his weekend. Much joking about the army, the navy and Steve's three wives ensue. Steve asks about the new bar but Peter says their place will have different clientele. Steve reluctantly serves them.

Ken arrives home to Deirdre's claws. Her neck is in high gear as he tries to defend his visit as an impulse. Deirdre points out that the planning office woman was only humouring him, not hearing him out fairly as he supposed. And the woman thinks Deirdre put him up to it. He patronizingly points out that Deirdre was more concerned about her "little" job than about Peter's health. She calls him on it and he throws back the fact that Blanche told everyone he was working as Father Christmas and now George knows as well. Ah, that's the main reason, isn't it? She accuses Ken of being jealous of George and that's the crux of the matter, really. Of course he denies it. She tells him if he'd gone through the proper channels, the bar might have been struck down but since he tried to bend the rules, he's probably shot himself in the foot. Mrs. Burns is a by-the-book person. Doh. Deirdre shouts at Ken and says she will celebrate the new bar when it opens because she's sick of his attitude that he's right and everyone else is wrong *and* stupid! She storms out leaving him to suck a thoughtful tooth.

The credits roll.

Tvor

Ken Barlow is standing at the bus stop. He sees Janice headed towards the cafe. He follows her in and asks her to have a word with Leanne, to rethink opening a bar with Peter. Janice feels as though Ken is patronizing both her and Leanne and refuses to say anything, citing that Peter and Leanne are grownups and know what they're doing.

Deirdre is moaning to Liz in the bar about Ken's actions. She wants to know how many times Ken is going to put himself before everyone else. Liz wonders if Deirdre regrets letting Ken off so easily over the Martha affair. Deirdre apologises, she's only going off because Ken is. She knows that Ken is mainly fighting Peter to get at George because he thinks he's losing Simon and Peter to him. She thinks it's likely that he will lose Peter and Simon to him if he carries on like this.

Claire and Becky approach Liz with an idea for a Christmas panto. Deirdre briefly recalls her time as Dandini one year. Becky and Claire plead with Liz and tell her the proceeds will go to charity. Liz agrees and Becky and Claire are made up.

Leanne and Peter are consulting with an interior designer with George about the bar. George offers to go and fetch Simon from school since it seems that Peter has forgotten all about his son. George is going to take Simon out for his tea after as well. Leanne and Peter are pleased that George is eager to take Simon off their hands for a while.

Dev is in the shop with Sophie and Ben who he says are shining examples of teenagers. He jokes that he loves how much money they spend in the shop. Molly tells Sophie how stressed Kevin is about Sophie and her exams. Sophie and Ben leave and Dev starts to talk about his children. He is very happy and Molly can tell he's so bubbly because things are going well with Bernie who Dev thinks couldn't be any more perfect. Dev remarks that Molly is also walking around with a big smile on her face these days and he thinks he'll have to ask Tyrone for tips.

Ashley and Graeme are in the Bookies, placing a bet. Ashley places a bet on a tip Graeme got from a man who Peter reckons, "if he spent half as much time studying the bible as he does the racing form, he'd be next in line for pope." Ashley and Graeme leave and Janice comes in to tell them about Ken asking her to have a word with them about the bar. It seems Janice does have a couple of concerns but Leanne tells her not to worry, it will be her managing the bar, not Peter.

Ken is playing at Santa Claus in the local shopping centre when he sees George and Simon through the shop window. He looks alarmed.

Bernie turns up at the shop early for Dev. Dev looks a but surprised but he claims to be happy to see her and promises her a meal to remember for their date tonight. They are very lovey dovey.

Simon asks George if he can go and see Santa. George doesn't seem keen but he promises Simon that after they've had a burger for dinner he will take him.

Eddie and Anna are at the bar with Gary. Gary drops the bomb and tells his folks that after his taster-weekend with the army, he has decided to enlist. Anna is beside herself with worry. Gary thinks that the army is the only career he is fit for and an instructor had told him that he thinks that Gary is made of the right stuff for the army. He wants to sign up for the new intake after Christmas. Gary argues with his mum and tells her that he wants to get away from his mates who all have jobs they hate and spend all their free time drinking and getting drunk. Liz interrupts and tells the Windasses how Jim was in the army and he loved every minute of it. Liz tells them that she was proud of Jim but that the army is not a life for a married man. When asked by Eddie, Liz concedes that she would have supported her boys if their hearts had been stuck on joining the army. Anna is not happy at all.

The Websters are home, Ben with them. Kevin is listening to his girls babble on about what Sophie will wear to her baptism. Sally offers to buy something new for Sophie to wear. Kevin moans about how much money the girls cost him. He heads off to the pub. "Funny how he's always got money for booze, isn't it?" says Sophie.

Dev takes Bernie up to his flat. He has set the flat up all romantically for her and wants to cook her dinner. They go off and have a shower together but not before Dev hands Bernie a bottle of beer which he opens for her but is suspiciously empty as she waves it about in a cuddle from her man. Come on, props people!

Eddie climbs the back fence over into Gail's garden to stuff a big bag of rubbish into Gail's bin. He is startled by Anna who spies him from their back door. Anna talks to Eddie about how worried she is for Gary as Gary eavesdrops on his heartbroken mother's fears.

Ashley, Graeme, Becky, Claire and John Stape are all taking about the Christmas Panto they're planning to put on. John offers a script he wrote for a panto at uni. Claire seems reluctant to take him up on his offer but Becky is keen. John also offers to direct it while Graeme thinks he's in with a chance for the leading man part. Liz butts in, "Well, at least this one's gonna be different from the ones we used to do. They all ended in disaster. This one's starting as one!" Oh, ye of little faith, Elizabeth!

Ken is busy being Santa as Simon and George wait in line. It comes to Simon's turn. Ken is horrified to see his grandson ready to sit on his lap.

Kevin meets Tyrone in the pub. Tyrone remarks on Kevin only having a half pint. Kevin tells him he's saving but obviously, doesn't tell him he's saving up to run away with Tyrone's missus one day. Tyrone makes a show of saying he and Molly are saving as well. This is news to Molly.

Simon is there with Grandad Santa. Simon tells "Santa" he wants a Wii Console. "Santa" asks Simon if he wouldn't rather have a bike. "Santa" starts to lecture Simon about how Christmas isn't all about expensive toys. George tells "Santa" that if "Santa" can't afford a Wii, then he can. "Santa" gets his back up and lectures Simon some more. George tells "Santa" not to make Simon feel guilty. "Santa" snaps at George, "Look he was perfectly happy with a bike before you came along, waving your wallet and playing the Big I Am." Poor Simon is bemused. "Santa" and George have a nasty argument before "Santa" inadvertently pulls his own beard off, upsetting children and confusing Simon who wants to know what Grandad Ken has done with Santa. Grandad George tells him that the real Santa had a toy crisis and Grandad Ken stepped in to help. George tells Ken some home truths before leaving with poor, confused Simon. The manager, who has been watching all along, gives Ken the sack. And now Ken has no extra money to buy back his beloved grandson's affection. Poor old Santa.

Stella McLoughlin

It's breakfast time, and Simon is telling his dad and Leanne what happened at the department store. "So Granddad Ken, dressed as Santa Claus, started shouting at Granddad George?" asks Peter. Leanne hastily says that she's sure they were just playing, but Simon is sure they weren't. He tells them how Ken said he can't have everything he wants just because it's Christmas, and George said he can. When he goes off to get his school stuff together, Peter turns to Leanne, telling her he knows what it was really about – whether they can have what they want for Christmas! Leanne is worried that it will spoil Simon's Christmas, but Peter is sure he'll be fine. "I bet it didn't do my dad's Christmas any good, though," he adds, smiling.

Across the road, at the other Barlow residence, Ken is ranting on to Deirdre about George buying Simon anything he wants. "Is that the kind of attitude you want him growing up with?" he asks. Deirdre just thinks it's a shame that Simon was dragged into Ken's feud. Ken says he's sorry, but he doesn't think it was his fault.

In Dev's flat, Bernie is taking her leave after spending the night. She and Dev arrange to meet up for lunch.

Ken goes to the Rovers to see Liz and get her on side against the opening of the bar. She admits it will affect her trade, but doesn't see what she can do about it. He tells her that if enough people start shouting the powers that be will have to listen.

In the factory, the workers are hoping for a Christmas party and elect a somewhat reluctant Hayley to go and ask Carla if they're going to get one. However, Carla has just taken a phone call from an unhappy customer complaining about the quality of the latest order and canceling the next one. She moans to Hayley that she doesn't know what Luke and Tony were playing at, everyone has got into bad, lazy habits and if the workers don't start pulling their weight they'll be having the longest Christmas holiday of their lives. Wisely, Hayley doesn't mention the party.

Liz has agreed to let Ken hold a public meeting in the Rovers and he's outside distributing leaflets about it. He gives one to Norris who says he'll be there, but who has just spotted Graeme cleaning Emily's windows and is more concerned about that. He goes across and tells him he'll inspect his work afterwards and if he sees anything amiss he'll be telling Emily. Then he spots the words ‘Weatherfield Council' stamped on the sides of Graeme's ladders. "Where did you get these ladders from?" he demands to know. Somewhat sarcastically, Graeme tells him: "Weatherfield Council." Norris then assumes that Graeme has stolen them. Graeme tells him to be careful, he could sue him for that.

Ken goes into the bookies and asks Peter how Simon is. Peter tells him he's fine, it would take more than Ken cavorting round in a white beard to scare him. Ken tells him he's sure George brought him into the shop deliberately to start an argument, which resulted in him getting the sack. Peter remarks that it was never going to be a long term career anyway. Ken starts to say that he's not going to stand by and let George buy Simon's affections when Peter interrupts and tells him he's knows what it was really about – George supporting him and Leanne while Ken is doing everything he can to stop it. Ken asks him if he's still determined to go ahead with it. Peter says that he is, so Ken sniffs "Fine!" and storms out of the shop.

Dev has arrived at the golf club and is surprised to see Matt pull up in the car park, and is even more surprised when he realises that his children are in the back of Matt's car. "What's he doing with my kids in the back of his car!" he cries, rushing over and, opening the doors, pulls his son and daughter out. He demands to know why Matt is driving around with his children in the car, and Matt tries to explain that he's bringing them to the Christmas party and will talk to Dev in a minute. As Matt takes the children inside, Dev wonders aloud to Bernie why, if the children needed a chauffeur, Sunita didn't ask him. Matt comes back out again, and Bernie makes herself scarce. Matt starts to say that Sunita asked him to bring the children, but Dev, getting angrier by the minute, interrupts, saying he didn't know that Matt even knew Sunita. Matt says that they've been seeing a lot of each other and Sunita was going to tell him, but the fact is they've become engaged. Dev asks when they were going to tell him – after the wedding? Matt apologises but hopes that Dev can wish them well, and offers his hand. Dev shakes it, mumbling that he does, now that he knows.

The factory workers are moaning that it's not their fault if Tony and Luke let things slide. Hayley says it's more a case of them all pulling together. As they moan some more, Carla comes out of the office and asks what's going on. Janice and Kelly say that they shouldn't be blamed for the mess the factory is in. Carla says that no one is blaming them, but Janice points out that they're having to work harder and they're not even getting a Christmas do. Carla says that she's trying to save the factory and their jobs. "Would you rather I didn't?" she asks, adding that she can only do it with their help.

Ken shows Deirdre the flyer for the meeting in the Rovers, and she asks if Peter knows about it. He says that he hasn't told him. Deirdre asks if he thinks he should, but Ken says he doesn't want to provoke him, he thinks it best that they avoid any more arguments. He adds that he hopes she won't tell Peter either.

Carla gets home from work and starts going through her post. She finds a letter from the prison amongst it and hastily puts it straight in the bin without reading it.

In the Rovers, some of the customers are discussing the new wine bar. Steve tells Kelly he's against it as it will affect their trade. Claire announces, to Ashley's apparent surprise, that she's against it too, and so is Ashley.

Dev goes round to see Sunita. She tells him that Matt already called her, and he tells her it would have been nice to hear it from her first. She says he would have, but she didn't know he was going to be at the golf club. She has been seeing Matt for the best part of a year, she tells him. He's not at all happy to hear that – so long and she'd never even mentioned Matt's name. She points out that he doesn't mention to her the names of the women he sees.

In the Webster household, Kevin has brought the Christmas decorations down from the loft. Rosie thinks they're all a load of rubbish, and a paper angel that she pulls out of the box she thinks is the most rubbish of the lot. Sally says that Rosie made it when she was four years old, she sat at the kitchen table with a pair of scissors and they were worried that she might cut herself, but she didn't.

Meanwhile, Carla has had second thoughts and has pulled Tony's letter out of the bin. Shaking, she opens the envelope and pulls the letter out and then starts to read.

Standing in her very nice kitchen, Dev asks Sunita if she's sure Matt is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. She says she doesn't have to answer that, but he tells her he is the children's father and has the right to ask about a man who might be moving in. "Or perhaps he already has?" he asks. When she says that's none of his business, he takes that as a yes, and isn't all that happy that another man spends more time with his children than he does. "How long before they start calling him Daddy?" he asks. She says that won't happen, they call him Matt now and they always will. She had hoped he would be pleased for her. He tells her he is, but she says it doesn't sound like it. He says it just takes a little getting used to.

Peter and Leanne are discussing going out for a pizza and he suggests they ask Janice to babysit as he can't ask any of his lot at the moment.

Over in the Rovers, Ken is telling those present that he's all for the redevelopment of the derelict site, but that putting in a bar is asking for trouble. Just then Janice's phone rings and she pulls it out of her bag to answer it. As she speaks in hushed tones to Leanne, Ken continues, saying that there will be no room for parking, it'll be noisy, and people will be coming out into the street at one and two o'clock in the morning. He urges everyone to write to their local councilors and promises to provide names and addresses. Leanne asks Janice if she can babysit, but Janice says she can't, she's in Ken's meeting. "What meeting? Where?" asks Leanne, and Janice explains that she's in the Rovers. She only came in for a drink and found herself in the middle of Ken's meeting. Finishing the phone call, Leanne turns and tells Peter what's going on.

Back in the pub, Ken is in full flow, telling everyone to make their opposition clear and to demand a public meeting. Just then, Peter bursts in through the doors. "I thought you were already having one of them!" he snaps, "oh no, it's not really public because you didn't tell everyone, did you? So folk wouldn't hear both sides of the story, so it would just be you and no one else. Peter turns to everyone and tells them that he knows Ken better than anyone because he's his son, and he urges them not to listen to a word Ken says because he will do anything to get his own mean little way. He urges them just to ignore him. Then he turns to Ken and tells him to forget the arrangements for Christmas, he and Simon will be somewhere else!

Anne Logan.

Hello and welcome to another Friday update. I thought I'd get this done so I can get on to my Christmas shopping and decorating the house . . .

We begin at breakfast time at the Barlows' table. Deirdre's grumpy and thinks Ken should apologise to Peter and Leanne. Blanche says he still thinks he's running the paper from 20 years ago when he was always crusading about something. Ken thinks maybe a story in the Gazette would be a good idea, despite Blanche and Deirdre's protestations.

Graeme passes Norris, who is sweeping the pavement, and teases him about his ladder being red hot. Norris is appalled that Graeme would admit the ladder is stolen.

Hayley clip clops into the factory office as Carla hastily conceals the piece of paper she's been reading.

Becky and Claire put up posters for the panto auditions and chat to Janice and Fiz about it. Dev is grumpy about it. Jan and Fiz see Carla come out of the factory and panic because they're late, but Carla doesn't seem to see them.

Leanne arrives back at the flat with some groceries. Peter tells her Blanche has been on to him about Ken. For once she's on Peter's side. Peter's told her they're going to George and Eve for Christmas, but he did agree not to inflame things between now and Christmas, though this is on condition Ken agrees the same. Leanne warns him that this will just be the start for Blanche ... she'll come back wanting more.

Carla and Michelle meet in the street. Their conversation is very strained until Michelle apologises for what she said. She asks Carla if she's heard from Tony and Carla says No.

"Why don't you just take out a full page ad while you're there!" Deirdre spits at Ken. She thinks he's deliberately trying to split the family down the middle. Blanche returns, apparently from seeing Peter, and says there's been a breakthrough. "Peter's ready to call it a truce until after Christmas if Ken does the same." Ken says that shows that Peter knows he's in the wrong. Blanche tells them Peter's not backing down about the bar but won't inflame things before the New Year. Ken says that suits Peter very well ... "No opposition from me for two weeks gets him that much closer to the deadline for the planning application." Blanche says she and Deirdre have been invited for Christmas Day, so Ken could well be on his own. Deirdre says he has to decide which is more important: "Your Gazette article or me?" Ken closes his laptop. "Allelujah!" says Blanche.

Peter talks to Steve about the new bar, pointing out it will help the taxi company, though Liz says that won't make up for the trade the pub loses. Rosie comes in and asks Peter whether he'll need staff for the new bar. She's interested in a job. Liz points out that the Rovers is always on the lookout for more staff. Rosie tosses her hair and says she's looking for something a bit more upmarket. "Somewhere my assets will be appreciated," she says, pointing those assets directly at Peter. "I'll bear them in mind," says Peter. The next person into the bar is Bill, also asking about the new bar. Peter agrees to meet him down there later on.

Out in the street, Norris stops some passing police (they on foot! Their patrol car must have been stolen!) and reports a theft. He points out the council's name is on Graeme's ladder and the police ask him to come down from where he's cleaning the windows above the corner shop. "He was bragging about it this morning," Norris tells them as Graeme makes his way down. "You'd think an ex-convict would have a bit more nous." The police question Graeme. Norris helpfully tells them Graeme's full name, Graeme says yes, it is his ladder, which he bought from the council, and yes, he does have a receipt. This is in his pocket ... he brought it with him because he thought there might be trouble from Norris. The policewoman asks whether Norris knows the penalty for wasting police time. Graeme helpfully tells them Norris's full name. "Get your facts right in future before you start accusing people," they tell him. "Norris Cole. I'll remember that name," the WPC says.

Dev calls Sunita to tell her he's done the house insurance for next year. He's obviously just manufactured a reason for ringing. He asks after Matt and Sunita tells him it's none of his business. "I think if he's raising my kids then it's absolutely my business!" Dev says. Sunita hangs up on him.

In the cafe, John hands over the panto script. He thinks it needs updating and he wants to work in some local references. He gives Becky and Claire one copy so he can update a second.

Graeme dobs in Norris to Emily. She's shocked. She promises to have a word with Norris and gives Graeme a tip. "And don't let him put you off coming again."

Dev's having lunch in the Rovers with Bernie. Janice asks Betty if she'll be auditioning. Betty doesn't do auditions. Either they offer her the part or they don't. Rosie thinks she could play Cinderella. Becky thinks the part is hers, which is a surprise to Claire. "It was my idea to do a panto," she tells Claire. Michelle says they don't know whether she's interested. Rosie thinks Michelle is too old. "Don't go dredging that up, you little slapper," Michelle retorts. Though Liz does point out that Cinderella didn't have a son doing A-levels. Michelle diverts attention to Claire, pointing out that she's got two kids. It's left to Betty to try to bring some kind of order back into the group. "We'll settle this tonight. Any argy-bargy and I'll decide," she says.

Over in a booth, Bernie knows Dev's obsessed by Sunita's new man. Dev and Sunita broke up four years ago and Sunita promises Matt won't change Dev's relationship with his kids, so she doesn't see what the problem is. "Unless you still have feelings for her." Dev leaves the table abruptly.

Underneath the arches, Bill and Peter discuss the work that needs doing. Ken sees them and comes over. "So, this is your idea of a truce? I agree to backpedal while you go charging ahead!" Bill makes a hasty excuse and gets out of the firing line. Peter tries to explain he didn't agree to put his life on hold. He thinks Ken sent Blanche around. Ken thinks the truce is just a charade to Peter. Peter's past caring and storms off.

In the factory, Janice, Fiz and Hayley discuss Carla quite sympathetically. Carla comes to tell Hayley she's going out. She wants Hayley to cancel a meeting with Ricksons, the firm she's been so busy wooing lately.

Back at home, Ken tells Deirdre he thinks Peter deliberately met Bill outside the proposed club site to provoke Ken. Deirdre points out that Peter didn't know Ken would walk past, but Ken isn't convinced. He thinks Peter's laughing in his face. Ken thinks he might as well write his column for the Gazette about it. "Oh no you don't," Deirdre tells him, reminding him that he can't break his promise to her.

Dev's turned up at Sunita's with an armful of flowers. Matt's picking the kids up from school, she says, letting Dev into the house only reluctantly.

Freda and Emily are in the street outside the house when Norris shoves up the window to tell Emily it's got a crack which wasn't there before Graeme cleaned the window. "He must have given it a right good hammering," Norris says, slamming down the window! CRASH! Glass shatters and falls around the two women. "That could have killed you," Norris points out. Emily says of course Norris would have been innocent. "Ooh, he's going to pay for this!" says Norris.

Sunita tells Dev that if he carried on like this they'll fall out. She didn't tell him about Matt sooner because she knew how Dev would react. Dev supposes Sunita and Matt would have kept living in Dev's house. Sunita says Matt has money of his own and they'll move somewhere else. Dev says that would just take the kids further away from him. "You can't have it both ways," Sunita points out. She accuses him of trying to stop her making a fresh start while having all the floozies he likes. There was Prem's wife and his daughter and now Bernie. Matt told her about Bernie. She says the truth is that Matt is more responsible than Dev, he's not a womaniser like Dev and he'll probably make a better father than Dev. Matt arrives back with the children, who seem scared by the shouting. "Daddy was just going," Sunita tells them.

Ken's in the pub telling someone that nobody wants the new bar. It turns out the man's a Gazette journalist. Ken thinks the article would hold more weight if someone independent wrote it. The journo remembers the fire in Peter's flat and that Peter fell asleep drunk. Ken tells the man his concerns about Peter being tempted if he works in the bar. Ken thinks the issue's too important to leave.

Carla arrives in the visiting room at the prison. Tony sees her.

The end of episode one.

This was the late Maggie Jones' last episode as Blanche. It seems fitting that in this episode at least she was a force for good and was working towards peace. Her last line was "Alleluia" and she pronounced it in the church way rather than "Hallelujah". Must be the influence of all those funeral services. RIP Maggie. We'll miss you.

Margaret Carr

Good evening, what a cold one it is. I'm sitting here with heaters blazing, central boiler cranked up to full, wrapped in a thick duvet with a glass of wine as it snows outside. Bliss!

So let's plough on with episode two of Friday and we have the welcome reappearance of Tony. Love him or love to hate him, the Street has been somewhat dull without him. Carla approaches him warily and sits down. He admits that he is surprised that she has shown up and she replies that it was out of curiosity over anything else.

Norris has confronted Graeme over the broken window. Emily assures Graeme that it was Norris who had smashed it, not him. Graeme says he will board it up as a goodwill gesture to Emily, not as an admission to guilt. Emily tells him he doesn't have to but Norris splutters that it is the least that he can do.

Tony looks genuinely crushed as Carla informs him that Maria has left...to get away from him as far as possible. He sighs sadly that all he wanted to do was make amends but Carla growls that there was no way he could do that as she would never forget that he made her kill a man. Tony looks her in the eye and replies that she didn't kill anyone...Jimmy is still alive. Carla takes a while to digest this news but Tony tells her, with the ghost of a smile that he knew just by looking at him that Jimmy wasn't dead. Carla splutters that Tony is a bastard for letting her go through this. She has been haunted by this since that fateful night. The smile disappears from Tony's face and he tells her that he is sorry. She replies that that doesn't really cut it. After mulling things over for a while, Carla starts to laugh humourlessly.

Matt walks into Dev's shop and tells Dev that he understands his concerns but he loves Sunita and he treats those kids like they are his own. Dev points out that they aren't his own. He goes on to say that they have a perfectly good father here but Matt takes disagreement with this and says they need a constant father figure in their life. Dev asks if he plans on being that man before ridiculing Matt for being too sensible and ordinary. Dev wants his children brought up to be able to show a bit of anger. In typical Dev style, this word is SHOUTED RATHER LOUDLY. Matt advises him not to come round again as he doesn't want Sunita or the twins upset.

Back at the prison, Carla demands to know where Jimmy is and Tony admits he doesn't know. Carla becomes worried that Jimmy will come after her again but Tony tells her that he never wanted to in the first place…it was Tony who had forced him to. As Carla gets up to leave, Tony asks her pleadingly if she thinks Maria will ever forgive him. She spits back at him: "Not a chance!"

Dev is fuming to Bernie about Matt and demands angrily that she should cancel his golf lessons. Bernie tells him in no uncertain terms that she is not getting caught up in this feud and storms out, telling him to call her only when he has calmed on. And by the look of Dev, that phone call will never come.

Peter and Leanne are approaching the bookies and the journalist to whom Ken had been speaking greets them after lingering in the doorway. He begins questioning them about the feud over the bar and Peter stubbornly replies ‘no comment' to every question. He and Leanne look at each other in disgust as the man goes on to ask if it's true that Peter is an alcoholic.

It hasn't taken them long to figure out the person responsible for this...they storm round to confront Ken. Deirdre is horrified by the accusations and she reminds Ken that he promised not to write anything. He replies that he didn't and Leanne finishes the sentence for him...he got someone else to write it instead. Deirdre is fuming at Ken and storms out. Ken tries to assure Peter that he doesn't want to fight but Peter warns him that it is war.

Steve, whose daughter Amy has had a very uneventful upbringing, is passing on his parenting advice to Dev. He tells him that he had to keep civil to Tracy to have any chance of seeing Amy so he tells Dev that no matter how much he wants to smash Matt's face in, he must keep smiling.

John and Betty are running the auditions and Becky peeks her head in to see if they're ready. She asks John to deliver the first line ‘you can't go to the ball' Becky dives in and grabs him by the throat saying that she can and will before unleashing a torrent of abuse. Betty looks on in shock and Becky eventually releases her grip before asking what they think. John and Betty are very choice with their words, both equally keen to have their throats left alone, but as Becky leaves, they regard each other incredulously. Dev calls round and Matt answers the door. Dev tells him that he is sorry for any trouble caused. Matt accepts his apology and goes to close the door but Dev tells him that he wants to apologise to Sunita also. Matt replies coldly that she's out but Dev asks, in his politest tones, if he can wait.

Claire announces to the packed bar that she is the new Cinderella. Becky is not best pleased but John timidly tells her, backed up by Betty's vigorous nods, that she'd be better suited to the part of Dandling. The prince's servant who they feel could be funnier than the prince. Graeme pipes up that he was going to try and make the prince funny but John tells him he has actually got the part of Buttons. Betty says that they still need a second ugly sister and everyone looks at Liz who says she will only consider the role of fairy godmother. Betty announces that they already have one...her! Sean is huffy about this and says he would have made a better one but Jesse tells him the ugly sister suits him. He proceeds to do an impression of Sean and Betty tells him that was perfect...he's cast!

Carla is alone in the office and jumps as Michelle greets her to ask her to the pub. Carla coldly turns her down. Michelle offers some words of comfort about it taking time to get over things like this, but Carla's mind is clearly elsewhere.

Graeme is busy fixing a board to the window while Norris holds the ladder. Freda comes out and announces that they have won the toilet cleaner competition where the prize is sadly not toilet cleaner but £1000. Norris dives over to celebrate with her and Graeme sticks his foot onto the now unsupported ladder and is sent flying from the roof onto the cobbles below. Norris, Freda and Emily look on in horror as he lies groaning in a crumpled heap.

Dev is enjoying spending time with his kids but Matt comes through and orders them to bed. Dev tells him that they can stay up but Matt is adamant. Dev gives in but says that he can put his own kids to bed. Again, Matt rejects this offer, saying they have a routine. Dev mocks him at this and Sunita comes in. She looks daggers at Dev. Matt takes the twins and says he will run them a bath and Dev flares up at this, telling Sunita his horror that this man wants to bathe his kids. Matt furiously demands of Dev what he is trying to imply. Dev tells him to go away and Matt wonders how dare he behave as if it is his house. Dev informs him that it technically is, as he paid for it. Sunita ushers Dev out, telling him never to come round again without prior permission or she will stop his access altogether.

Carla returns home, pours herself a drink and looks at unease. She hurries to the door and locks it but even this measure hasn't taken the fear from her eyes...

The End

What have we learned tonight?

When it comes to splutters of shock, Graeme does a sterling Norris impression
Carla struggles with forced laughter
Tony is going to Hell alone
Dev keeps his scotch broth on the bottom shelf
Matt has a private pension
Dev has fire in his belly
According to Dev Matt is the following things: patronizing, smug and self righteous
Becky owns a T Shirt that gives the offer to 'unwrap this for Christmas' How could we resist…?
Little things please little minds
Jonny Wilkinson and Saddam Hussein are outdated

Dubious Awards

Personality most unchanged over the decade: "Remember when he was always on his high horse, crusading for one thing or another" Blanche about Ken
Person it's best to keep in with: "Mention my name and you get extra froth on your coffee" Bill
Activity with shortest lifespan: "Let's just enjoy the silence" Deirdre
Carla's question with most obvious answer take one: "What do you mean he's not dead?" Carla about Jimmy Uhh that would mean he's alive…
Carla's question with most obvious answer take two: "Are you crazy?" Carla to Tony
Understatement of the evening take one: "I was despicable" Tony
Understatement of the evening: "Maybe I overreacted" Dev. Dev, overreact!? Surely not…

Wishing every reader a Merry Christmas, see you soon

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Damon Rochefort, Directed by Stuart Davids

It might be the Monday after Tony told Carla that Jimmy was alive, but she's a nervous wreck. The door buzzer goes while she's putting her morning face on and she jumps and knocks a cup off the table. Who's at the door? She doesn't want to answer it but approaches it as whoever is there keeps buzzing. It's only the gas man wanting to read the meter and she puts him off and locks the door with all the inside locks.

There's another broken cup, this one on the floor of the cafe. It's Roy's favourite mug, bought at the village of Port Merion. Hayley recalls an encounter where Roy, clearly a Prisoner fan, recited the tag line "I'm not a number, I'm a free man". She expresses sympathy for the lost cup but he's pragmatic. She can see, though, that something seems to be on his mind but she is off to work.

In the Kabin, Deirdre and Eileen are looking through cards. Deirdre is telling Eileen that Blanche is off to Portugal with a friend from the One O'Clock Club, helping said friend house and dog sit for the friend's son. Since Blanche got the airfare paid, off she's gone for a week (*sob*). Norris interrupts and shows Deirdre the newspaper. The Barlow father-son feud is splashed across the front page and several more inside. That reporter clearly winkled the whole history out of Ken, including, much to Deirdre's horror, her past legal troubles after the whole Jon Lindsay debacle. Norris then attempts to sell the newspaper to Deirdre!

In the factory, Carla is praising the workforce and offering to buy the cakes. Then she lowers the boom. She's got a buyer in later and wants them to be professional, no nonsense workforce. No messing about. She asks Hayley in the office and apologizes for her absence the day before. She also apologizes for everything Tony did to Roy. Hayley assures her that she and Roy and moving on. Carla tells Hayley she's a remarkable woman, and she's sincere. Hayley further assures Carla that nobody knew what Tony was really like so she shouldn't blame herself. Ah. Well there's the rub!

Dev is serving Steve and whinging about Matt's presence in his children's life but Steve isn't all that sympathetic, citing many of Dev's conquests since the divorce. When Dev muses that he could go for full custody, Steve says it would never happen because there's no grounds and anyway, he's not even in a stable relationship. That gives Dev something to think about. Steve figures he ought to be figuring out a way to make things right. He leaves and Dev calls someone and asks them out for lunch.

Norris is putting the newspaper headline board out, which is also about Barlow headlines, much to the chagrin of Emily and Freda. They notice a car pulling up and see that Ashley has brought Graeme home. Graeme has his ankle in plaster, his wrist bandaged and has crutches. For once, our Graeme is a very cranky customer when Norris comes over with Em and Freda but Norris is less than sympathetic to Graeme's "melodramatics". That sets Graeme off on Norris, bitching about his window cleaning round and his job in the butchers, both of which must be put aside at the most expensive and busiest time of the year. Kirk totters along and asks to sign the cast. Norris makes things worse, as per usual, by absolving himself of any blame whatsoever. Never mind that he was supposed to be holding the ladder. Norris, of course, still blames Graeme for breaking the window in the first place. Graeme screams, really screams his innocence in Norris' face. You don't see him lose his temper too often, jolly soul that he is. So you know he has to be innocent. Norris goes back to work with a moan at Tina about how much trouble Graeme is.

The buyer finds the factory's work in good order. Carla is about to broker a deal. The buyer seems a bit flirty but they are interrupted by Hayley ushering in the detectives. They want to talk to Carla again. At the station. All the files are there, you see. In the cop car, it's easier. The buyer looks dubious.

In the Barlow battlefield, it seems Deirdre's Auntie Kay has been on the phone, horrified at the "Barlow's Greatest Hits" bringing shame on the family. Ken tries to apologize. Again. Ken absolves himself of any blame (there's a trend forming here) and blames the reporter for "twisting" Ken's words. Like heck he did. He still had to get the basic info from somewhere! Deirdre isn't having any of it either. She knows that Ken had a lot more than Peter on his mind. He had Principles and look where it's getting him. It's going to affect Tracy in prison, seeing her trial brought up again, and the kids will start bullying Amy and Simon. Ken sputters and denies but Deirdre cuts him off and stalks outside for a fag.

Emily cancels her newspaper order to Tina's approval. Kirk arrives and he's quite nervous. After hearing the kerfuffle earlier, he's decided to reveal what he knows. It was...er...these lads playing football. Nobody he knew. And it was an accident. Honest. But it wasn't Graeme. Norris suggests it was Kirk and Chesney but Kirk denies it and scurries out. They all smile and know that's exactly who the guilty parties are but as Emily points out, it *wasn't* Graeme.

We're in a lovely restaurant. Dev is waiting at a table when a woman arrives. It's not Sunita, it's Bernie. She sits down and wants to hear his apology. In a later scene, he has just asked her to move in with him. She's highly suspicious of his motives and though he blusters that he just wants to be with her, she calls his bluff. She thinks it's all about getting his own back on Sunita and finding a step mother for the children. She gets up, calls his proposition self serving and weird and leaves him there, gape mouthed.

Carla is being questioned about her trip to LA. She repeats the same story, Row...loved Liam... marriage finished... she left...didn't know Tony had anything to do with killing Liam. The detective excuses himself from the room.

Deirdre has gone to see Peter and Simon. They are talking about the article. Turns out Peter hadn't seen it until Deirdre brought it over. Deirdre reckons Peter comes out looking good. He would appear to be a single dad, winning the battle of the bottle, trying to start a business. Ken comes across as a bitter old man, Peter points out. Peter doesn't blame Deirdre. Simon is taking it all in, most likely, while industriously making a Christmas card for Leanne.

Carla has been left cooling her spiked heels in the little room. She paces, and nearly leaves but sees a police officer go into a room across the hall and backs into the room again. The clock ticks. She waits.

Norris has come to see Graeme. Ashley answers the door as Graeme comes up from behind. Norris weakly apologizes. Ashley isn't impressed, and he's going to have to get Kirk in temporarily. Graeme isn't impressed either at the "mumbled apology" and tells Norris he has more to do to make it up to him.

Ken's taking Eccles out for a walk. Simon sees him from across the road and calls out and waves but Peter hustles him off. Ken waves at Simon but sighs heavily.

The detective finally comes back to Carla. He manages to get her to admit that she did actually have some contact with Tony while she was away, about the business. Then he tells her that Jimmy Dockerson has been arrested and he knows a lot about Carla! Uh oh!

Tvor

Carla is at the police station, answering questions about Liam's death. She wonders if she needs a solicitor. She admits that she knew Jimmy Dockerson had been hired by Tony to kill Liam and she ran away after Tony confessed. She reiterates that Liam was the love of her life. She becomes upset. The stony-faced cop leaves the interview room to get her some water.

Norris returns to the Kabin and tells Tina he has been over to apologise to Graeme. Tina gives Norris a bit of a lecture about his bad impression of "young people". "Graeme is one of the kindest, soundest lads I've ever met," she says and reminds Norris that now Graeme faces Christmas with no income. She plants the seed of Norris taking over Graeme's window cleaning round, also reminding him that when cleaning windows, you get to have a peak inside bedroom windows. Norris looks thoughtful.

Dev is in his shop with Steve. Steve is horrified to hear that Dev has asked Bernie to move in with him. Graeme is also in the shop and interrupts Dev in full flow but complains about the price of Dev's jellies which he is using to make himself a trifle to cheer him up in his current invalidity. Dev chases Graeme out of the shop in a rage. Molly arrives just in time for Steve to take him away to calm him down and asks Molly to drop a free packet of lime jelly round to Graeme to keep the peace.

Back at the police station, Carla claims she had no way of knowing that Tony was telling the truth about Liam's murder, justifying her fleeing the country at the time. She thinks that the police wouldn't have listened to her anyway, Just like you listened to Maria?" she asks sarcastically. The copper asks Carla if she thinks there's anything else she should have told them- Carla says there's nothing more and asks if she can leave. "For the moment," the cop says, "You do realise you'll have to repeat all this in court?" Carla looks displeased at the thought.

Tyrone is wondering what he should get Molly for Christmas over a cuppa with Kevin at the garage. Kevin tells Tyrone of a perfume he thinks Molly will like and then gives Tyrone a Christmas bonus so he can afford to buy it. They both watch as Carla is delivered back to the factory in a police car. She is surprised that Kevin is not sneering at her. Kevin tells her, "I just thought Tony was an arrogant bully. No one could imagine what he was really like." It seems they feel a bit sorry for Carla. Carla apologises for the "horrible mess".

Inside Underworld, Carla is inundated with worried questions about her from Sally and Hayley who only want to be sure she is all right. Carla lets everyone go early and the machinists scarper quick smart. Hayley sticks around to make sure all is OK. Carla asks what happened to the customer she was in a meeting with but Hayley assures her that they still want to do business with Carla. Carla seems a bit snippy and realises it when Hayley seems a bit bemused by her shortness. Before Hayley leaves she assures Carla that the staff is all behind her.

Dev is moaning to Steve in the Rovers about how hopeless he is with love. He thinks he pushes away everyone he loves; Sunita, Tara, Amber etc. Steve thinks it might not be too late for Dev and Sunita and urges Dev to eat some humble pie but Dev is nearly in tears because Sunita won't even talk to him.

Kelly, Sean and Janice hit the Rovers. They are gossiping about Carla. Kelly is sure that Carla knows more than she is letting on. They are being indiscreet- Michelle can hear them and is angry to hear her brother's murder being discussed. But, she wants to know what the business is with Carla. They can tell that Michelle is in no mood for their idle gossip so they shut up.

Deirdre is in a booth with Eileen, moaning about Ken doing the interview with the journalist about Peter's bar. She is very angry that he had thoughts about his family. Eileen points out that he was thinking of Peter. Deirdre thinks that rather, Ken just wants a cause to rage against and the moral high ground. Poor Deirdre, she's miserable about the Christmas she has coming up what with Tracey in prison, Peter and Ken not talking etc. Eileen points out that Deirdre still has Ken. Deirdre ponders that for a nanosecond and feels the need for another drink.

Michelle asks Steve if she can leave earlier than usual so she can call in on Carla. Steve is amenable to this and Michelle leaves.

Deirdre and Eileen have gone back to Deirdre's for a drink. Ken wants to leave and Deirdre digs at him again about how he runs away when things get uncomfortable. It looks like things are about to get ugly between them before Eileen shouts at them to shut up. She sits them down and asks them if they can remember how lucky they are to have each other this Christmas. "What have I got to look forward to this Christmas?" she asks. "A boyfriend who dresses like a cowboy, a parrot that hates me," she starts to cry, "and time and a half in the cab office. Not exactly 'It's a Wonderful Life', is it?" She sniffs into her hanky. She tells them she always thought she would have a lovely marriage like theirs. She reminds them, through the tears that she hardly ever sees Todd or Jason and she gets up to leave. Ken and Deirdre are suitably chastened as Eileen farewells them tearfully. Outside, Eileen dries her eyes, smiles a wicked smile and says, "Damn, I'm good!" with a chuckle.

Carla is looking through a mountain of bills when her doorbell rings. It's Michelle, of course, and she lets her in although we can see Carla can't really be bothered with it all. Michelle asks Carla about what happened at the police station. Carla tells her it was all just routine questioning. Michelle thinks it can't have been easy for her. Carla says it wasn't and changes the subject.

Tina is out in the street, making Norris feel guilty about Graeme. Graeme comes to his front door and Tina tries to shame Norris into going to see him.

In the Rovers, Sally is asking Molly what she has bought Tyrone for his birthday. Molly tells them it's a surprise. Tyrone tries to engage Molly in a bit of fun in guessing what he has bought her for her Christmas but she's being miserable again. Kevin points out that Tyrone has written the name of the perfume on the back of his hand as a great big clue. Sally reminisces about the presents she and Kevin have bought each other over the years. She claims it's the rubbishy pressies they bought each other that they remember. Sally wants to push the boat out for this Christmas. Molly is displeased to hear Sally's plans to enjoy Christmas with her lover and leaves to get a round in.

Graeme is shocked to find Norris at his door, offering to take over Graeme's window cleaning. He takes Norris up on the offer though but reminds Norris about the code of silence amongst window cleaners. "What happens up a ladder (and through a bedroom window), stays up a ladder!" Norris wants to start tomorrow.

Michelle is in the street, talking to Maria on her mobile. She meets Ryan coming out of the kebab shop and tells Ryan that Maria has told her that the police have lifted Jimmy Dockerson. She sees Hayley crossing the street and leaves Ryan to go and ask Hayley to have a quick word with her.

Ken & Deirdre are in the street and see Peter and Simon. Ken and Deirdre want to offer an olive branch but Peter is not interested just yet. Deirdre orders Ken to try harder another time.

Michelle is asking Hayley about what Hayley thinks Carla knows. She is confused that Carla has not mentioned that Jimmy Dockerson had been arrested. Michelle think Carla probably knows way more than she is letting on but Hayley simply cannot believe that. "Wouldn't she?" asks Michelle. She is unconvinced.

Stella McLoughlin

Kevin is at home, writing a birthday card for Tyrone and being teased by Sophie and Sian. Sally comes down and says she'll be late home as she has a dentist appointment. She's not very happy when she sees a bottle of malt whisky that Kevin is planning to give Tyrone as a birthday present. "What happened to tightening our belts?" she says, and adds that she hopes he'll be just as generous with her when it comes to Christmas.

Michelle is trying to phone Carla, and Ryan begs her not to go off on one - she doesn't know exactly what happened, the only person who knows that is Tony. Carla's phone goes straight to voicemail so Michelle leaves a message asking her to call her back.

Ben comes in just then, ready for school, but can't seem to take his eyes off Michelle, and asks if she's all right. Ryan tells him there are family issues, and they go off to catch the bus.

Carla has just arrived, late, at the factory, and is trying to talk to Hayley, when Sally comes in and asks if she can leave a little early. Carla snaps at her to sort it out with Hayley, who says it's fine. When Sally has gone out again, Hayley asks Carla if there's any news of Mr. Gordon's accomplice. Carla acts the innocent and asks Hayley what she's on about. "Haven't you heard?" asks Hayley, " they've found the man who was driving the car!" Carla looks suitably surprised.

Norris wants to look his best at Audrey's council do and is just asking the lady herself if she can fit him in for a trim when Tina reminds him that he has a prior engagement - he's promised to do Graeme's window cleaning round for him. Norris just hopes the whole thing won't turn into a public spectacle. Just then the door opens and in comes Graeme, on his crutches, and in full Buttons uniform.

Outside, Steve sees Dev, smartly dressed in pin-stripe suit and tie, and carrying a large bouquet of flowers. He's off to see Sunita, and he asks if Steve has any advice. Steve tells him the dress code isn't working - she needs to see a pathetic shell of a man, not Mr. Lover Man. He also advices that Dev ditches the flowers.

Michelle and Ryan bump into Kevin, and Michelle tells him that the police have caught the driver of the car that killed Liam - a guy called Jimmy Dockerson. Kevin is astonished and tells Michelle that Jimmy Dockerson is the man that Tony sent round to put the squeeze on him when he refused to sell his garage. Michelle asks if this was before Liam died. "Well before," says Kevin, and agrees to Michelle giving his number to the police. "But Carla is probably the best person to ask," he says. "Are you saying she knows him?" asks Michelle. Kevin says he can't be sure, but Michelle was very interested when she came to give them the third degree about him the night before she left.

Norris is furious that he has to take instructions from a pantomime character. Graeme says it's Claire's fault, she sets the rehearsal times, and then sends Norris up the ladder which is no longer a wooden, council one but a modern aluminium one.

Michelle marches into Carla's office at the factory and tells her they need to have a little chat about Jimmy Dockerson. Carla shuts the office door and tells Michelle she was just about to ring her. Michelle tells her to save it, and goes on to tell her how Kevin knows Jimmy Dockerson. Carla tells her she's as much in the dark as Michelle is, but Michelle doesn't believe her. Carla says she can believe what she likes, but she's late for a meeting, they'll talk when she gets back. Michelle assures her she'll be counting the seconds, and storms out. Outside, Ryan is sure that Carla would never have been involved in his Uncle Liam's death, never in a million years. Michelle says she hopes he's right, but if he's not - God help her!

Dev arrives at Sunita's, and she tells him the way he behaved the other night was disgusting. He apologises, but says he felt threatened. She says she's not surprised, Matt is twice the man Dev is. Dev replies that maybe coming round wasn't such a good idea, but Sunita tells him that if he leaves now he needn't ever bother coming back as they are going to sort out this mess today.

Michelle is walking towards the factory with a customer, when Michelle spots her and rushes over. Carla moves out of her customer's earshot and hisses at Michelle that this is not a good time, she's otherwise engaged. She tells Michelle that she'll call her, and hurries back to her client, apologising for her neurotic sister in law.

Back at Sunita's, she tells him he makes her ashamed that he's the twin's father. Upset he tells her he wants to be a great father, but feels he's not really their father, he's never been there when it counted, just as he wasn't for Amber. He says he does want to get it right, and she tells him not to blow it. He says he won't, he knows this is his last chance. Just then Matt arrives home with the children, who run to greet Dev. He asks if everything is all right and then goes out to the kitchen to make tea.

Back in Coronation Street, Molly takes cream éclairs into the garage in honour of Tyrone's birthday. She backs off when he tries to hug her, saying he's all mucky. Tyrone then stuffs a whole cake straight into his mouth and Molly looks pretty disgusted. "I need something to cheer me up," he tells her, and she asks if he's still on about his present. Tyrone explains to Kevin that Molly bought him pyjamas. "Not like I ever wear 'em!" he says. Molly tells him that's too much information, and when he asks what plans they have for later, she tells him that Dev has asked her to work late. As she goes off, Tyrone looks at Kevin. "She loves me really," he says.

Sunita sends the children off upstairs to wash as she shows Dev out. She tells him they'll do this her way or not at all and warns him not to step out of line, and he'll see the children again when she thinks they're ready. "Don't make me regret this," she tells him.

Kevin is shocked when he arrives home and Sally breaks the news that she's booked for the two of them to go on a Christmas shopping trip to Paris. Kevin argues that it was only this morning that she moaned about him buying Tyrone a bottle of malt whisky. She retorts that maybe some of his generosity has rubbed off. "I deserve this, I'm tired of being careful," she says, and pleads with him to throw caution to the winds for once. "The answer is NO!" says Kevin.

Tired of waiting, Michelle marches into Carla's office, much to Carla's annoyance. When she points out that she nearly lost a contract due to Michelle earlier, Michelle says it's all business with her. Carla reminds Michelle that they're in the middle of recession, profits are down and her business partner is a self-confessed murderer - things could be better. Michelle asks why she doesn't quit? She did before. Carla starts to say things are complicated, but Michelle interrupts. "More complicated than when our Paul died? More complicated than when the so-called love of your life was murdered?" She says it's funny how a fresh start never occurred to her then, but a little marital disharmony…. Carla grabs her coat and starts to walk out of the factory but Michelle runs after her and pulls at her arm, demanding to know why the police took her in. "They think you're involved, don't they?" she yells, "That's why you went to the States!" She shouts that Liam died because of her, one way or another she was to blame. Carla then sobs that being scared is not a crime, and Michelle stops and stares at her. "Oh my God!" she says. All the factory staff stand and stare as Carla tells Michelle she had no choice, and then she runs out. But she's not getting away that easily and Michelle chases after her and grabs her by the hair. "You bitch!" she shouts, "you protected that monster!" The factory girls pull her away as Carla tells her that when Tony told her she panicked, she didn't know what he was going to do. She was scared and she just wanted to get as far away as possible. "Shame about Maria though," snaps Michelle and tries to have another lunge at her, but Ryan shouts at her not to, she's not worth it. Michelle is distraught that the first face her nephew saw was his father's murderer. "That's what you've got to live with!" she spits, and she and Ryan walk away. The factory staff walk back indoors, but Hayley starts to walk away. Carla calls after her that she knows Hayley is upset about Roy, but she will make it up to her. Hayley turns and stares at her. "I need to know that I can count on your support," says Carla, "please Hayley, I need a friend." "In that case," says Hayley, "I suggest you go and visit your husband."

Anne Logan.

Hello, sit back, perhaps put a cold flannel on your forehead to cope with that unexplained headache, and read on as we start Friday night.

Carla's looking glum. She looks at herself in her makeup mirror and still looks glum.

At the Websters' Rosie is incoherent with enthusiasm after last night. Sophie tries to ignore her but Rosie's full of news about an older bloke called Alfie who thinks Rosie would be perfect to work for him as a promotions girl. Sophie calls to Sally to listen to this, but Sally seems miles away. Rosie's got a trial at the job tonight - she has to go round to bars promoting a new vodka. She's got to go to places that are wall-to-wall footballers and full of people off the telly. Sally tells them to stop screeching. They're giving her a migraine. Kevin comes down to see whether Sally's cancelled Paris. She hasn't.

Hayley's in a similar mood, slamming the door of the cafe before practically flinging the chairs to the floor as she makes ready for Roy to open up. She tells Roy she doesn't think she can work for Carla any more. "Carla knew, Roy!" she tells him. She thinks it's unforgiveable. She's just as upset that Roy can see how she feels but isn't doing anything about it - no cuddles, no placating words. She can't understand why he's being so stoic about it.

The gurls tell Kevin he's upset their mum and he's a killjoy. Kevin retorts that he's just like God and doesn't want anyone to have any fun. Sophie is furious and appeals to Sally, who seems very flat. She's just spoken to Blaine at the travel agent's. It's fine if they want to cancel but they will lose their 250 pounds deposit. The total price is 500. Kevin has a think and relents. Sally and the girls are thrilled. Their flight goes at 10 tonight and Sally has to pack.

Audrey arrives at Gail's and comments that it's spotless. There's someone coming to view the house so Gail's also baking bread and making fresh coffee to make it smell good. The breadmaker is an investment, Gail tells her mother. Audrey wants some fashion advice because she hasn't a clue what to wear to the town hall do.

Carla arrives at work and everything goes quiet. There are a couple of nods but nobody speaks to her and even Hayley turns aside as Carla enters the office.

Joe's reading a biography of William Kent, the Yorkshire-born garden landscape designer, as Gail brings the viewer back downstairs, ignoring rule one of house viewing: Never show potential buyers through your own house - leave that to the agents. The woman thinks the house is overpriced, but Joe says 120,000 pounds is pretty good. She offers 105,000 and points out the breadmaker's still got the price tag on it.

Michelle's on the phone, apparently to the police, but isn't getting any joy. They tell her Carla has committed no crime. She shouts down the phone and hangs up. Ryan's just as appalled. Ben watches on, looking worried. Michelle doesn't stop raving. She tells him Carla let Tony get away with murder.

Kevin and Molly exchange meaningful glances across the cobbles and Molly heads over to the garage, pulling the door to behind her. Nothing suspicious there, then. Kevin tells her Tyrone's gone for parts and that he's got something to tell her. Molly just sort of slinks all over him, saying in a cooing voice that she's got the afternoon off and there's a motel bed with their name on it. She asks what he was going to say and Kev says it's not important as they kiss and cuddle.

Norris, complete with big cheque and Freda, poses outside the Kabin as a magazine photographer takes their picture. Norris spots Audrey and rushes over to make sure Audrey saw what was happening. Freda and he won a competition and were having their picture taken for a magazine of some importance, he says. Claire, passing by, mutters that she would have thought they were too old for Readers' Wives. He asks Audrey whether he'll be overdressed in a tux tonight and inquires after her dress. Audrey curtly tells him she's been to a lot more of these dos than he has and she will be dressed appropriately. "Don't let me down," he tells her, to her clear annoyance.

Kevin asks Sally whether she's told anyone about the trip to Paris. She hasn't and doesn't think she can because she's going to have to throw a sickie from work - they don't get back on Monday until gone 11. Kevin says they shouldn't tell Tyrone, either, because they don't want the Dobbses thinking they've got money to burn. She says it can be their little secret, as if they're having an affair. As soon as Sally's gone, Kevin looks worried and checks his watch.

Michelle's having a wee weep at home when Ben comes in. He sits next to her on the sofa. Michelle says she's just had to tell Maria that Carla knew about Tony. It made her feel like such a bitch and Maria was so upset. Michelle weeps for Liam and Paul and wishes they could give her a hug and tell her it'll be all right. Ben gives her a hug and tells her everything will be all right. He thinks she's amazing. Michelle tells him he's sweet and Ben leans in for a kiss. That brings Michelle to her feet pretty quickly and Ben races out of the house, hiding from Sophie when he sees her in the street.

Molly and Kevin are in bed and Molly's trying to find out when they can see each other over the weekend. Kevin stalls and says he's going Christmas shopping with Sally.

In the Rovers, as Audrey has some Dutch courage, Steve can't believe Audrey's going out with Norris. Norris and Freda come in and Claire says Norris looks very dapper. "Who are you calling a slapper?" asks Freda. Gail and Joe come in and tell Audrey how things went (or didn't) with the house viewing. Joe says he won't let Gail accept the ridiculously low offer.

Hayley's wiping tables and Roy's behind the counter as Carla comes into the cafe. She asks Hayley to give her a chance to explain. Roy asks Hayley to at least hear Carla out. Carla doesn't want Hayley to think badly of her. She says that when Tony told her the truth it turned her world upside down. She didn't know what to do and worried that Tony might bump her off too, so she ran away. As soon as she heard Tony was shacked up with Maria she came back but Tony and his mate tried to kill her. Roy suggests he did something similar by not going to the police after Tony confessed to him but Hayley points out he made Tony's life a misery. Roy says they shouldn't let Tony win. "He's messed up so many lives. Why should he mess up ours?" He thinks Hayley should change her tune.

In the Ladies' at the Rovers, Audrey tracks down Gail for a private word. She says something doesn't feel right about Joe. She suggests he sign a pre-nup. Gail laughs and wants to know why Audrey is opposed to Gail having a man in her life. Audrey's been on her own for a long time and should understand. "I'm fed up with being alone."

Back in the bar, Claire asks Gail if she's ever been on stage. No, she's told. Gail mutters to Joe about Audrey.

Molly's sulking and tells Kevin she's turning into a cliche. "I'm the other woman and I'm starting to hate the wife." Kevin tells her real life is bound to get in the way and she should remember that he and Sally have a marriage of convenience. "Never ever stop telling me how you feel." Molly tells him she's ordered his Christmas present and is picking it up later. She wants to meet him later so she can give it to him. She suggests he nip out at 9 and meet her at the garage. Kevin will see what he can do. Oops.

The end of the first episode.
Watch out for Duncan with the second.

Margaret Carr

Welcome to Friday's second episode and happy new year to all the readers.

We're in the Rovers and Hayley has called a meeting between all of the factory staff. As expected, with Fiz intent on writing the minutes before wondering aloud what minutes actually were and Julie reminiscing about a friend's cake that was rained upon, it takes a while for Hayley to get herself across. The basic message however is that she believes that they are being too hard on Carla. Michelle is passing and tells Hayley she shouldn't be taken in by Carla's lies. Janice points out that they can't really blame her for that attitude. Julie says that cold shouldering Carla isn't important enough to risk their jobs over…or their lives as Janice jokes, to Hayley's immense distaste.

Kevin arrives back at the garage to find Tyrone in happy spirits. He apologises for his lateness and blames it on the bad traffic before telling Tyrone he can go home early. He then goes on to say he'll keep the place closed over the weekend as he is going Christmas shopping with Sally. Rubbing his hands together with glee, Tyrone gushes that Molly will be chuffed.

Norris and Audrey enter the party and Audrey is instantly affronted when Norris pointedly refuses to thank the waiter for his glass of champagne. She barely has a chance to tell him off however, as he rushes off to mingle with the best and richest of Weatherfield. Audrey's friend, Claudia joins her and is accompanied by a dashing looking man. Seeing that Audrey has been left alone, Claudia says that she and Lewis will look after her.

Molly arrives home to find Tyrone wrestling with a Christmas tree that is much too big for the house. He is full of holiday spirit and tells Molly that he wants her to have the Christmas that he never had as a child. He embraces her and says that the thing he likes about being with her is being able to concentrate on things like this, without worrying about any surprises. Cue a guilty look from Molly…or indigestion, I wasn't quite sure.

Back at the party, Lewis doesn't miss a thing and watches as Audrey casts furtive glances now and again across the room. Asking if she is expecting somebody, Audrey shyly replies that she is. Claudia joins the conversation and informs Audrey that the man she is looking for has since been married, a shame for Audrey seeing as he was a very rich widower (a fact that Audrey herself had brought up) Lewis tells Audrey that it doesn't matter as a woman like Audrey would have gents queuing up. Normally, we would expect a man's partner to be a tad peeved by this open display of flirtation toward another woman, but Claudia looks on placidly.

Gail and Joe have arrive home and Joe offers to make beans on toast while Gail finds a message on the answer phone from the registry office saying that they have a cancellation on the 8th January. Gail doesn't see the need to wait and rushes to make the call but Joe tells her not to rush into it, particularly following Audrey's attitude.

Sally and Kevin are packing and Sophie casts an uncomfortable look at Ben as Sally checks that her negligee is in the case. Ben however clearly has other things on his mind. Rosie then, completely uncharacteristically, arrives intent on stealing everyone's attention…she is wearing a very short, cheerleader style outfit, emblazoned with the message ‘Pop My Cherry' Kevin begins to voice his outrage at this but Rosie informs him that it is cherry vodka which she will be selling. As Sally compliments Rosie on her figure, Ben flees from the house, much to Sophie's confusion, but to Rosie's amused understanding: she clearly believes he is overwhelmed by the sight of her in the revealing outfit.

Audrey asks Claudia how she met Lewis but Claudia informs her that he isn't her boyfriend, but her escort. She hastily points out that there is no ‘funny business' but he is rather handy for occasions such as this. She gives his contact card to a flustered looking Audrey.

Ryan comes home to find Ben packing. Ben makes an excuse that his parents are home from Southampton soon and he wants to tidy up. Michelle comes in, looking for her phone and greets them both, and Ryan tells her that Ben is leaving. Michelle says that if it is what he wants. Ben awkwardly says that he feels it's for the best before rushing out. Ryan asks Michelle what is going on.

Tyrone is sawing off part of the Christmas tree and Molly brings him a hot drink. She tells him she needs to go out. He asks where and she tells him she can't say. He gives a knowing smile, evidently thinking she is heading to collect his Christmas present.

Ryan finds Ben at the bus stop and sits down silently. Ben asks if he knew and Ryan merely answers that what he did was completely wrong. Ben apologises and offers to allow Ryan to smash his face in. Ryan has bigger fish to fry though and spots Carla walking by. He yells that he will never forgive her for what she has done. She tells him that he will one day when he feels what it's like to be truly scared. Ben moodily returns to the bus stop where Ben is climbing onto a bus. Sophie rushes up and asks Ben where he is going but he tells her vaguely that he'll tell her later before heading off without a backwards glance.

Kevin's argument with Rosie drones on as he warns her that he is not letting her go out dressed the way she is. She tells him that he won't stand in the way of her blossoming showbiz career.

Carla is crying alone in the dark factory and having a drink. The factory girls come in and Carla tries to hide the drink. Hayley (the designated spokesperson as Fiz is reminded by an angry Sean when she tries to speak) tells Carla that they have been thinking and they aren't going to ignore her anymore. Carla smiles at them and thanks them.

Gail and Joe are heading home and spot Audrey. Joe hastily hurries into the shop to buy a crème egg to share with Gail. Audrey tells Gail that she had a good night. Gail tells Audrey that she and Joe have set the date for the wedding for five weeks time. Audrey tries, but fails, to hide her displeasure at this news. Her dark mood isn't brightened by a cheerful Rosie (or stunt double as the separate face and body shots suggest) rollerblades past in her skimpy outfit.

Molly sneaks to the garage but on arrival receives a text from Kevin saying he can't make it. As she heads home she spots Kevin and Sally climbing into a car with suitcases, laughing and giggling merrily.

Meanwhile Audrey keys a number into her phone and after a brief pauses, greets Nick on the other end.

So what have we learned tonight?
Roy sells something called Tomato Bread
Michelle doesn't give a jack about terrorism
The following things are preferable to ‘funny business': Balm Cake (?), Walnut Whip, Curling up with a Marion Keyes novel
The following people are likely to be interested in Rosie's cherry vodka: People off telly, footballers, glamour models and ex Big Brother contestants
You can't cancel a city
There is a particular time in the day for slamming doors and morning time isn't it
Hayley approves of the following ways of Roy approaching her when she is upset: Cuddling her, Reasoning with her, telling her to shut up
God doesn't like people enjoying themselves (according to Kevin, this reporter hastily adds!)
Kevin drinks milk straight from the bottle
People are swayed into buying a house by the following things: Spotless house, fresh coffee, newly baked bread (unsliced wholemeal bloomer in particular)
Sean gets a separate good morning from Carla
Norris has previously been asked to be a model but sadly he didn't elaborate on this story. For another time maybe…
Claire's name is not Hosay
Hayley's tipple of choice in a bar is J20
Tyrone isn't a clock watcher
Tyrone received a variety of thoughtful gifts from his mum for Christmas as a child. These include: Earrings (female), cigarettes, cans of lager and a knock price ventriloquist dummy.
Lewis can be described using the following words: vulgar, coarse, cheeky, charming, polite and vague
Kissing a friend's mum is ‘way off the scale' In fact it's ‘bang out of order'
And we also learned some new vocabulary this evening:
OMG for Oh My God
Coolio for…cool. Though it's not coolio to use it
HOD for Head of Department
Dreeting…for a meeting which involves drinks

Dubious Awards
Wishes least likely to be fulfilled for Sally: "Girls will you stop screeching!?" (to Rosie and Sophie and "I don't want any more rows in this house"
Announcement we all most wanted to hear: "Paris makes Kevin go all amorous" Sally. So are we to assume, Molly's underwear are painted with the Eiffel Tower?
Strangest choice of advisor: "I want some fashion advice" Audrey to Gail. Yes, Gail.
Lie of the decade, perhaps century: "It's so peaceful round here" Gail to a prospective buyer for the house
Most difficult task on Britain‘s nosiest street: "Keep it on the down low" Sally to Kevin about her plans to take a ‘sick day' on Monday
Announcement most likely to draw envy from others: "I'm having a date with Norris" Audrey
Comparison made with the biggest sense of desperation: "Who do you think I am? Catherine Zeta Jones?" Gail
Most intriguing idea for a spin off show: "I wish we could do a wife swap. How do you think Ty would cope with Sal?" Kevin
And on that thought, that's all for now!
Thanks for reading
Duncan Lindsay

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Tony Prescott

Molly is preoccupied with her mobile. Ty comes down wittering about biscuits and takes the rubbish out to the bin. When he comes back, she's left. She's gone across to speak to the workers outside Underworld, who, I must say, are sporting fetching Christmas headgear like antlers and deely-bobs. She ascertains that Sally hasn't shown up yet. Tyrone comes across to open up the garage, wondering where she'd gone and tells her that Kevin just texted and said he'd be in later. Molly takes her frustration out on Tyrone. (She's got no idea that Kevin and Sally have gone to Paris for a dirty weekend!)

Jason and Tina arrive in an old truck which is apparently Bill's "new" truck. Tina seems a bit peeved that Jason is enamored of the vehicle because he can't stop going on about it. Joe comes up and announces that he and Gail will be married in 3 weeks. Tina's delighted and then has another go at Jason for how slowly the flat renovations are going.

In the butcher shop, Ashley is suffering the slings and arrows of his wife. He's pulled out of the panto (yes, four days before it's on!) and she's shouting at him. He is trying to manage the butcher shop during the busiest time of the year and, indeed, keeps interrupting her to take phone calls. Deirdre arrives to ask about her turkey order and seems disappointed that it's paid in full. She leaves disappointed and Claire leaves in a strop. (I thought he was taking on Kirk for the duration of Graeme's injury?)

Outside, Deirdre asks Ken to see if Roy is doing Christmas lunch for the homeless this year so she can donate the turkey. They won't need the whole thing. Ken doubts Roy will be up to it this year. When Deirdre suggests that Christmas is for family, Ken replies that Roy is an atheist. I don't really see the connection but Deirdre also goes off in a huff, sniping that Ken always has an answer.

David and Zoe are chatting to Audrey about the Council Christmas do she'd attended. Zoe puts her foot firmly in a hole and continues to dig it deeper suggesting that Audrey wasn't up to council standards when it came to picking mayoresses, wasn't posh enough, etc and ends up slinking off with her figurative tail between her legs. David chuckles and Audrey sighs, "At least she's pretty, mmm?" Audrey says she's going to Gail's wedding but won't talk further about it.

Eileen sees Jason on the street. He's got a pack of four tins of ale and tells her he's not being let out of the flat until he tiles the bathroom. He mentions Gail's wedding and starts to say how strange it will be to see Sarah but Eileen interrupts as Tina approaches. She's heard the remark and they talk about Sarah possibly coming to the wedding. Jason isn't sure she'll come anyway and Tina seems suspicious that Jason was even thinking about it.

Rosie is taking a call from someone named Alfie who wants her to come in that afternoon for photos of some sort. She isn't sure she can make it as it's Sophie's "Party thing" (i.e. Baptism) but later says she'll be there. Sally and Kevin bounce in, back from their weekend away. Well, Sally bounces, Kevin drags the cases. The girls are pleased to see them and hands out for presents! Rosie gets a top and Sophie gets a French Bible. Um. Nice. (As usual, Sophie gets the short end of the stick.) Rosie is excused from the Baptism because, as Sophie says, if Rosie's not there, people might actually look at her!

Peter is outside the bookies' having a fag. Ken and Deirdre comes across the road and beg him to come to Christmas dinner with Simon. Peter is surly. When Leanne and Simon come round, Peter asks them to go inside. Simon continues to chatter and Peter drags him inside.

Tina is having one of Jason's beers and is in a mood. Joe drops off something and Tina asks him if Sarah's coming to the wedding. He doesn't know. She makes out that Jason is the one that wants to know. The argument starts. Tina accuses him of still wanting Sarah which he denies. Then it comes out. He's not actually divorced yet, because it takes two years and costs money. She goes off on one and accuses him of lying to her even though it seems that she just assumed and never asked and he never told. It ends up with him shouting at her and leaving the flat.

Back to Ashley who's serving customers and taking phone calls. Claire returns. She tries to convince Ashley to return to the panto by implying that the rest of the cast is calling him a scab. He apologizes but he just can't do it. Of course she gets stroppy when she can't convince him. He suggests Steve as the Prince, all the while serving more customers and taking phone calls. But she can't be bothered helping him, because she's "casting".

Sophie asks Ryan to give Ben a cd she's made for him. Ryan is still angry with Ben. Yes, they had a disagreement all right. It all comes out, Ryan disagreed with Ben making a pass at his mum. He leaves that with Sophie and stalks off but Sophie chases him to disagree with him, slagging off his mother in the process ("She sleeps with anyone!") He leaves, David, who has overheard it all, smirks, and she runs back to her house. Across the road, Tina is chasing Jason and shouting at him about Sarah. More fodder for David to take in! David and Audrey discuss Gail's decision. Audrey knows nothing will persuade Gail she's doing the wrong thing. Tina passes and shouts at David who's still smirking "What are you staring at!!"

In the pub, Claire and Becky are trying to figure out who could step in as Prince Charming. Becky decides Steve is going to do it. Whether he wants to or not. Tina arrives and starts drinking.

Deirdre goes to Peter to try to play peacemaker. To say he's reluctant is an understatement. She wants to make nice for Simon's sake. She wants Peter to agree to it for her sake too, so she can spend Christmas with her family. Be better than Ken. He looks guilty.

Becky uses all her guilt trips on Steve. He protests he'd be rubbish. Oh No you won't, insist the lookers on (Kelly, Sean, Janice, Claire, Tina who's now wearing Sean's reindeer horns and is clearly tipsy). Becky pretends to call the newspaper to report Steve for ruining Christmas for the kiddies and he backs down. Ok he'll do it.

David and Zoe are watching from a booth and David seems to be rude to her. Zoe finally points out that he's been rude to her all day, in fact. At the bar, Tina quizzes Eileen about the divorce but she assures Tina that Jason really does love her.

Over at the Websters, Ben has arrived. Rosie tells him Sophie is in a mood and then leaves for her gig. Sophie glares. Ben's eyes reflect a realization. Oh crap. I bet she knows.

Eileen gives Jason some cash to go to the pub and make nice with Tina. He objects to Eileen's manipulations and runs out the back way and says he's going to town, just like she told Tina he used to do at the first sign of trouble but doesn't anymore.

Outside, Tyrone is taking a car for a test drive. Molly watches him go and then goes over to talk to Kevin. She grills him. Did he know he and Sally were going away when they were in the hotel room? He blusters that it was a shopping thing and he was railroaded into it. She goes off on him because he didn't even text her though he found time to text Tyrone that day. They spin around because they hear Sophie chasing Ben out on to the street, screaming at him to get lost. She tells her dad that Ben cheated with Ryan's mother. In her eyes a kiss with another woman is just that. She loudly finishes with Ben and Kevin follows her into the house, turning his back on a furious Molly.

There's a knock on the Barlow front door. It's Peter. He agrees to Christmas dinner but there's one condition. George and Eve are invited too. Ken starts to object but Deirdre overrides it, saying that's acceptable. Peter leaves to bring Simon and Leanne in and Ken whines but Deirdre cuts him off. Simon bounces in, all happy. Deirdre takes him in the kitchen for biscuits. Ken is dismayed to discover that Janice will also be invited as she would be alone otherwise. In the kitchen, Deirdre is weeping with happiness. Simon thinks that's daft.

Tina arrives at Number 11 to make up with Jason but when she finds out that Jason has left, loses her rag and staggers back out, grabbing the keys to Bill's van on the way. She totters down the street as the episode ends.

Tvor

Out in the street and Claire is making a fool of herself, dancing about in her Cinderella dress while Becky watches. A drunk Tina stomps past them and barges through David and Zoe, making Zoe shout at her. David is concerned for Tina and calls after her which makes Zoe furious. David goes after Tina, citing that he doesn't want her to get run over. Zoe tells him if he goes after Tina, she will call her ex and she stands there, gobsmacked as David runs after Tina like the lovesick puppy he is.

David wants to know what the matter is but Tina is not happy to elaborate. She shouts at David to go away and tries to open Bill's van to drive off. David asks her what she think she's doing, reminding her that she is drunk and she doesn't have a licence. He takes thekeys from her and throws them over the gate into Bill's builder's yard. David wants to take her home but Tina shouts, "Don't touch me!" and staggers off.

Liz gets out of a cab. Becky sees her and asks of she has finally stopped shopping. Liz is happy that she has had an excellent day's shopping. Tina hops in Liz's cab and heads into Manchester.

Sally is at home with Kevin and Sophie. Sophie is talking about Ben having kissed "Ryan's Mum". She wants to know how Ben could have cheated on her which makes Kevin look uncomfortable. Sophie is upset that Ben was supposed to be her baptism partner and she feels like she doesn't want to get baptised any more. Kevin tells Sophie how proud he is of Sophie and she will be baptised because she is so fired up about what she believes in. He tells her that even though he doesn't believe in god, he believes in her.

In the back room at the Rovers, Steve and Claire are running through their lines with John. They are practising Steve pretending to be in love with Claire. Claire is hyper about the whole thing while Steve has no idea how to look like he is in love with Claire. Becky turns up at the door in a pair of high heeled thigh-high boots and makes a sexy dance at the door. Steve is stunned and leers at his gorgeous wife. "That's the look!" says John.

The Websters and Emily are all leaving for Sophie's baptism. They run across Molly and Sally asks if Molly will be able to come over for Sophie's baptism party. Molly agrees to attend with Tyrone. Sian runs after Sophie with Ryan and promises to be Sophie^s baptism partner. Sophie is made up. Sally hurries her up.

Molly meets Pam in the Rovers. They both moan a bit about Christmas. Molly confesses that she will have to go to Sally's for Sophie's baptism party but lies and tells Pam that she is definitely finished with Kevin. Pam knows there is more to what ails Molly's mood. Molly asks Pam if this is it, what she has in her life. Pam reminds her that she's young, still has her looks and figure, has her own home and a husband who adores her. "Some folk might say that you've got everything," she reminds Molly. All while "Do They Know It's Christmas" plays in the background.

Liz is talking to Audrey about her shopping trip and how they both feel guilty spending money on themselves. Audrey's phone rings, it's Nick, her grandson. He has booked himself into a Manchester hotel and will see her tomorrow. He hangs up. He is in a bar. Have a guess who staggers in.... Tina in a foul mood. She sits on a bar stool next to Nick who is staring at her. "What are you looking at?" she asks him, drunk and aggressive. Uh oh. I foresee trouble!

Emily is saying a few words about her faith and her prayer for Sophie at Sophie's baptism. She tells Sophie how honoured she is to have been asked to speak at the baptism. Sophie joins her pastor in the baptism pool.

In the bar, Nick starts talking to Tina before the barman informs Tina that the coupon she has given him is out of date. Tina argues that she won't be paying for the drink but Nick bails her out and tells her that he will buy the drink for her. Tina is not keen to take a drink from someone she doesn't know. "Nick Tilsley," Nick introduces himself and he tells her that he will pay for it on the company plastic. Tina accepts the drink, tells him her name and thanks him for the drink but also warns him she has a boyfriend. Nick asks to be allowed to buy her another drink. Tina allows him to do so.

Sophie is baptised as Sally takes photos. She tells her family how much she loves them and thanks them for their support. Especially her dad who she thanks for being such a loving father.

Claire is in the bar asking Becky if Amy knows her song to sing in the panto. Both Becky and Liz assure her that Amy is word perfect. Claire is snippy with Sean for being late and getting a little stressed out with the whole situation. She tells Becky that her Josh said another swear word in the bath today, yet another one Amy has taught him. "How many times? Our Amy does not swear! Maybe your bath water were too 'ot!" Becky protests, again. Becky reminds Claire not to forget that their panto is for charity.

Nick and Tina seem to be getting on fine at the bar. Nick is telling silly stories. He eventually tells her what he is doing back in Weatherfield; his gran has summoned him back because his mother is getting married to a waste of space and his gran wants to him to help her see sense. He admits that he is chatting Tina up. Tina admits that she has had an argument with Jason and imagines that right now he is in town with his hand halfway up some girl's skirt. She suggests they have another drink.

Back at Sally & Kevin's the party is under way. Molly has got Kevin in a corner and whispering furiously at Kevin how he forgot to invite her to the party and reminds him he's supposed to be saving for their life together, not swanning off on romantic weekends with Sally. Kevin tells Molly to back off.

The rehearsals are in full swing in the back room at the Rovers. Jesse and Sean will be fab as the ugly sisters. John seems very pleased with his actors. Becky watches jealously as Steve woodenly runs through his lines with Claire and eventually kisses her. Becky gives Steve a slap as he gives Claire a lingering kiss. Claire stirs things up and tells Becky she thought the sexy kiss added to the scene. Becky threatens to shove her boots right up Claire's... ahem!... if Claire doesn't keep her hands off Steve.

Sophie is still at home at her party, sighing about Ben. Sian and Ryan urge her to forget him. Sally hooks up her digital camera to the TV to look at the photos she took at the baptism. She has flicked too far back in her photos though and they end up looking at one of the snap from her trip to Paris with Kevin. Molly look furious as Sally reminisces about Kevin feeling ever so amorous during their trip down the Seine.

At the bar, Tina and Nick are having a high old time. Tina is quite drunk as they leave. Nick thinks they should go somewhere else but Tina knows it would be a big mistake. Even though, she leans in and gives Nick a kiss before pulling away, telling him she shouldn't have done that and running off. Nick calls her back and asks if he can have her number, calling her Cinders. He wants to see her again but Tina refuses. So, if Tina is Cinders, does that make Nick Prince Charming?

Stella McLoughlin

It's Christmas Eve and Tina's in the flat with a hangover.

Over at the Webster's, it's Rosie's birthday. Sophie's present is a handbag. (Presumably to replace the expensive one she lost in a club?) "As long as there's not a bible in it!" jokes Rosie. "No point," retorts Sophie, "there are some people even God can't save!" Kevin and Sally give Rosie a pair of diamond earrings and as Rosie goes off to try them on, squealing with delight, Sophie says they'd better have got her a seriously good Christmas present. As she goes off to see Sian, Kevin remarks to Sally that she seems to have got over the Ben business, but Sally thinks she's just putting on a brave face. He asks what her plans are for the day and she says she's going shopping for a few more bits and bobs. She wants this Christmas to be special for all of them.

Across the Street, Tyrone is trying to guess what Molly's got him for Christmas. Eventually she snaps at him to just shut up. "What's wrong with you?" he asks, and she says she's got a headache. She slams the door as he sulks off to the garage.

Eileen is surprised when Jason comes downstairs and says that Tina is probably in the flat, he didn't see her last night. She tells him to get dressed and go over there and say sorry.

David tells Gail he sprained his wrist falling over. She ties his shoelaces but doesn't believe him. He tells her not to worry, he'll still be able to open his birthday and Christmas presents. She tells him she wants a quiet one this year. "Do you hear that Joe?" he says, "better go easy on the vol-au-vent throwing this year!"

In the pub, they're getting ready for the panto. John tells Graeme he was a bit late on his cues. He says he thinks his tablets are interfering with his spatial awareness and time perception. John tells Betty she was word perfect, as usual, but Roy reckons she did omit one line in one scene. She glares at him. "Did I? What line was that?" she demands to know. Roy backs down and mutters that maybe he was mistaken. John goes on to say that Steve and Claire's kiss at the end was excellent. Claire giggles that they've been practicing, much to Becky's annoyance. "And Becky, could we lose the chewing gum?" asks John. Becky removes it from her mouth and sticks it on the bar!

Rosie comes down and finds Sophie and Sian chatting together on the sofa. Sian says she's trying to get Sophie a boyfriend, but Sophie says she doesn't want one. Rosie tells her she's never going to get one, looking like that. "Why do you think they make us dress like this for work?" she asks them, and tells them that men are like dogs, you give them a little treat and before you know it they're begging for more and rolling on their backs. "Yeah," says Sophie, "and then they try to jump your leg!"

Outside in the Street, Sally is standing alone, looking very thoughtful. Just then Rosie comes out of the house and asks what she's doing. Sally tells her she couldn't find her keys, and asks if Rosie's off to work, as she was hoping they could all go to mass together. "What? Dad as well?" asks Rosie, adding that Christmas may be a time for miracles, but Sally shouldn't hold her breath.

Jason is outside the flat, banging on the front door, trying to get Tina's attention. He rings her on his mobile phone, leaving a message telling her that he can't find his keys to the flat or the van and would she please call him to let him know that she's ok.

The panto is about to start and Graeme has the jitters as he waits to go on. Becky hands him a bottle of vodka just as Steve comes out to tell her that they're on. Inside the packed Rovers, John starts things off by setting the scene for the audience - it's the kitchen of Baron Hardup's castle where Cinderella is working hard as usual……

Jason finally meets up with Tina and tells her he found his keys on the floor of the yard. He tells her he was worried about her, but she reminds him that he wasn't last night when he went out on the lash. He tells her straight that he loved Sarah and when they got married it meant something, but that was then and this is now, and now he loves her. She tells him she loves him too and kisses him. Just then David appears and tells them not to stop on his account. "Why don't you do one and then we won't have to," says Jason, and then noticing David's bandaged arm, asks what happened to it. David tells him he had a bit of an argument with a car - well, more of a van really - and then wanders away.

We then see a bit more of the panto, and then we see Tina knocking on David's door. She thanks him for not telling Jason what really happened and apologises for hurting his arm. David asks what started it all off and she tells him she got it into her head that Jason still wanted Sarah. David tells her that he knows Sarah is his sister, but if Jason fancies her more than Tina he's thicker than he looks. She smiles and says she'll see him at dinner tomorrow.

Back in the pub, Graeme's speech is becoming increasingly slurred. As Becky helps him off stage he tells her he doesn't think the vodka agreed with his painkillers. "How much of it did you drink?" she asks him. "All of it!" he replies.

Betty is on stage as the Fairy Godmother. Claire tells her she doesn't look much like a Fairy Godmother. "Yes, well, Kylie Minogue was busy," snaps Betty.

Backstage, Liz is getting Amy dressed and ready - she's going to sing a song. However, when she's ushered on stage she just stands rooted to the spot and misses her cue to start. "Go on Amy," hisses Liz. Eventually Amy opens her mouth, but what comes out is certainly nothing angelic! The audience gasps, as Deirdre asks if Amy just said what she thought she said. Eileen thinks it could have been worse.

There's a knock on Gail's front door and Joe goes to open it. He comes back in the room telling Gail that she's got a visitor, and there behind him is Nick! Gail is delighted (although David is rather less so) and flings her arms round him, asking why he didn't let her know he was coming. Nick tells her it wouldn't have been a surprise then, but David mutters that they could have made sure they weren't in. "Oh, nice to see you too," says Nick. Gail then introduces her eldest son to Joe, and says she's having the best Christmas ever. David just looks furious.

Back at the Rovers, Amy's gone to bed and Becky warns Claire not to say a word. She says that just because Amy has sworn this once it doesn't prove anything. Ashley interrupts and says they should be celebrating the pantomime, not rowing. Just then Liz comes in and tells Ashley to go and get his employee who is face down on her bed, snoring his head off!

Molly is at the bar when Kevin comes in. He says he knows Molly's angry but he can explain. She snaps that she's not interested but he says he's going nowhere until they've sorted things out, so she tells him to come outside. Once outside, she tells him to say what he has to say and then leave her alone. He says he can't leave her alone. She snaps that he managed long enough to sneak off to Paris for the weekend. "It's funny, I thought it was us who was supposed to be having the affair!" she says. He says he didn't tell her because he didn't want to hurt her. "You lied to me!" she accuses. He says he had no choice but she says she does, and she's not doing it any more, it's over. She goes to walk back into the pub and he grabs her arm, saying that she can't just walk away. "No? Just watch me!" she says and goes back into the pub.

Anne Logan

It's all go for a Merry Christmas in the Street... or is it? This is the first half of what was an hour-long episode.

Deirdre's outside smoking as Claire and Ashley load gifts into the car ready to go to her mother's for the day. Ken comes back from walking Eccles and Deirdre asks if he's going to behave himself today. She tells him George is a part of the family.

The Websters open their gifts, with Kev horrified at some of Rosie's new clothing. Sally's bought him new slippers, with a gift card for a day rally driving in Derbyshire. Kev says he thought they were cutting back. He goes upstairs to fetch what he's got for Sally and pauses to send a text to Molly.

Tyrone and Molly are also opening gifts. She tells Tyrone the text was an ad from the call plan. She opens her big gift from him - it's a karaoke machine. "Oh, how unexpected," she says. It's programmed with 1000 songs. He surprises her with also giving her a bottle of perfume.

The Barlows are gathered, except for Blanche. She was supposed to be back last night, Peter explains, but her best friend fell over in the duty free lounge at the airport (you Aussies, that's the lounge as a room, not a settee!) and broke her leg, so Blanche is staying on to look after her. Ken's fetching a bicycle-shaped object from the yard. "Is it a bike?" asks Simon perceptively. He declares it the best present ever.

Sally thinks Kevin's too focused on work because he's texting. The girls can't understand why Sally's not in a rush to clean up the mess of the wrapping paper. She's so laid back they're worried.

Pam and Bill arrive at the Dobbs household, where Connie and Jack are already settled with their drinks. Molly's phone beeps and Tyrone suddenly wonders why she keeps getting adverts and he doesn't. They're on the same plan.

Kevin is in the ginnel, texting.

Audrey can't understand why Joe has given Gail a bookcase. Gail doesn't have any books. Gail breaks the news to Audrey that Nick's upstairs.

Kevin opens the gate to Molly's yard and gestures to her to come out. As everyone else talks about which songs to sing, she wraps the scraps and goes out, slapping Kevin for not leaving her alone. They're interrupted by the learner cyclist and his grandad returning with a punctured bike.

Sophie and Rosie are off out and Sally wonders where Kevin is. The gurls say he's probably in the Rovers.

He's in the ginnel, trying to explain to Molly why he didn't tell her about the Paris trip. She says she keeps falling for his excuses but now she's got the message. Kevin says he was wrong. He doesn't want to wait until next summer. "We should do it now. Leave. You and me. I can't do this any more. I need to be with you." He wants them to tell Sally and Tyrone right now that they love each other, whether it's Christmas Day or not.

Karaoke has broken out with Jack and Tyrone duetting on Dancing In The Street.

Sally's setting the table.

Molly seems surprisingly happy though she's talking about ripping apart two families. Kevin says they have three choices - end this now forever, go on lying and cheating or be honest and start a new life together.

Simon's opening more presents, from George and Eve this time. It's a Wii. Janice wants first go. "It's the best present ever," says Simon. Ken sighs and turns away.

Molly's quite excited though Kevin points out it won't be an easy ride. Molly assures him they're doing the right thing. At least Tyrone and Sally will have others with them. "If we don't do it now I doubt we ever will," Kevin tells her. He's going to book them into a hotel for a couple of nights and then they can come back and face the music. He warns they might have to move away from the Street. They arrange to meet at the garage in an hour.

Joe's being honest with Nick, explaining he's on his knees financially and has been addicted to pain killers. But he says he's hard working and would do anything for Gail. David corners Audrey and wants to know what she's up to. She admits she called Nick and asked him to come. "And they wonder where I get it from!" he says.

Tyrone's being Tom Jones now. Molly suggests everyone go for a quick one in the Rovers before dinner. Tyrone refuses to stop and wants her to sing a song with him first.

Outside, Kevin phones an hotel.

Tyrone's chosen Don't Go Breaking My Heart and he and Molly start.

Kevin walks quietly into the house. He says he was putting the rubbish out and saw his dad. He asks her to sit down for a minute. "Pour me a drink and I'll be with you in a minute," she says.

Gail's proposing a toast, Happy Christmas. Nick toasts Gail and Joe and congratulates them on their engagement. He tells Audrey quietly that he likes Joe. Tina and Jason arrive and Tina recognises Nick immediately, though neither lets on.

Sally's bustling around and Kevin tells her to sit down. He hands her a glass of wine and says they never get a chance to stop and chat now. When he turns to her he sees her eyes have filled with tears. "I can't say it," she says. Kev presses and she says: "I've got cancer." She found a lump and has had the results back. "I wasn't going to tell you until after Christmas." She's got breast cancer. Kevin takes her in his arms as she sobs.

The end of the first half of this hour-long episode.
Margaret Carr

We return to the Websters where Kevin is trying to digest the tragic news that Sally has cancer. He asks her how long she has known. She talks him through discovering a lump in the shower and having an appointment with her doctor, who thought it was benign. Kevin listens in growing unease as he realises that Sally went for tests just before Paris and she admits that the break to Paris was to help her forget about the wait for results. She then reveals that she got the diagnosis on Christmas Eve. Kevin looks at his watch and wonders aloud where the girls are. Sally begs him not to tell then on Christmas Day but he tells her that they will have to know afterwards.

Becky and Amy are messing around as Becky asks to borrow her top. As Amy tells her a firm no, Becky instead suggests that she gives her a Christmassy makeover. Steve watches on with a thoughtful look on his face. He tells Liz that Amy has had her best Christmas ever and Liz admits that Becky is good with her. Steve wonders aloud whether Amy would like another brother or sister but Liz can't quite imagine Becky being pregnant.

Kevin tells Sally that he wished she had told him earlier. He keeps glancing anxiously at his watch but puts this down to wondering where the girls are. Sally says that she wants to stop talking about it and get on with having a normal Christmas...arguments and all!

Molly urges a suspicious Pam to oust Jack Bill and Connie to the Rovers to give her some private time with Tyrone. Jack and Bill give Tyrone a knowing nod as he is ordered to stay. But it's clear that Molly has something else on the menu...

The tyre is punctured on Simon's bike and Ken is trying desperately to fix it. Deirdre suggests he enlists George's help but naturally he is reluctant to do this. Leanne asks Ken to carve the turkey and he heads through enthusiastically but Peter has already started, saying nobody could wait for him any longer. Meanwhile, a pained look crosses Ken's face as Simon asks George if he can sit beside him.

Sally continues working on the dinner and Kevin tells her she doesn't have to. Sally presses the point that she wants to carry on as normal but Kevin points out that pretending nothing is wrong isn't normal. Sophie arrives with Sian and Sally and Kevin put on a cheerful front. Sophie suspects something is wrong as Sally heads upstairs but Kevin assures her everything is fine. He orders her and Sian to continue peeling potatoes as he heads out, saying that he is worried that he left the garage unlocked. He pelts out of the door and bumps into Pam, Bill, Jack and Connie so has to divert away from Molly's house. He speeds around the back and sees Molly sitting down with Tyrone.

Inside, Tyrone forces mistletoe over Molly and he notices that something is wrong when her kiss is bereft of any enthusiasm. At this point, Kevin bursts in and comes up with the best excuse for invading a friend's house in dramatic fashion...he's run out of stuffing. Tyrone is baffled and tells Kevin it's not the end of the world. Molly tells Kevin that she can open the shop and as she heads to get the keys, Tyrone berates Kevin for interrupting, as he believed that he was on ‘a promise'

Tina and Joe are standing outside. Joe apologises to her for making her sit through dinner with David but it's clearly not David who is the problem for one. Nick comes out and tells Joe he is needed in the kitchen. With a cheeky grin he sighs that he and Tina are alone at last. She is annoyed at him for enjoying himself making her squirm. He doesn't deny this accusation.

Molly is taken aback when Kevin tells her that Sally has cancer. He tells her that there is no doubt in his mind, his wife needsa him, he is going to stick with her. Somewhat coldly Molly makes sure to ask whether it's temrinal or not before telling Kevin that people can get better and they can start their life afterwards. Kevin looks at her incredulously and says this is the wake up call they needed from the game they were playing: it's finished and she should grow up.

David accosts Nick on the stairs and asks him why Tina has gone home so early. As Nick shrugs, David makes sure to inform him that he and Tina have a history and the goes on to claim that they're still close. Nick seems unconcerned by this news.

Molly continues to prepare dinner but drops the turkey and breaks down in tears on the floor.

Tensions rise in the Barlow household as George offers to pour wine for Peter and Ken berates him rather bluntly. He asks if he is too drunk to realise when he is offering wine to an alcoholic. Janice tells him that George was just trying to be helpful. George apologises and said that heforgot and Ken snaps that Peter needs his family's support. George and Eve get up to leave awkwardly and Leanne and Peter follow suit. Janice necks her wine and clambers out after them. Deirdre begs them not to go but Peter calls back that Ken is losing it.

Having attacked Ashley on the Street for driving her home under the influence of one and a half glasses of wine, the atmosphere is frosty. Over at the bar, Becky is infected with festive spirit and embraces Steve. She hugs Amy but, as an aside to Steve she tells him it's better when they are not your own. She takes Amy to the jukebox and starts hollering a very shrill version of ‘I wish it could be Christmas everyday' As Claire and Ashley sing along, Claire tells him that she hopes he can fulfill his obligations on his anniversary. They hurtle out, eager to get home as a party gets into full swing in the Rovers.

Meanwhile we get an insight into some more tense households as Deirdre can't bear to look at Ken, Molly struggles to keep a brave face and Sally looks troubled and Kevin guilty over at the Websters

SO what have we learned tonight?
The following people got new shirts for Christmas: Tyrone, Kevin, Ken, Ashley and Peter
Karaoke machines can carry over 1000 songs
The following things aren't socks: Karaoke machines, bikes
Sally doesn't like mess, except on Christmas Day
Tyrone and Molly are on the same mobile phone plan
According to Audrey, Gail has no books
Nick loves his roasties
The following are the 'best Christmas presents ever': a bike (to Simon), a Wii (also to Simon) a karaoke machine (to Tyrone) and the offer of a new life with Kevin Webster (to Molly)
Joe has the following good points: he's honest, determined, would do anything for his fiance and is good at building flat packed furniture.
Blokes can drink more than women
According to Rosie, it isn't a proper Christmas without Sally having a nervous breakdown

Dubious Awards
Statement with most crudely accurate connotations: "Rosie likes stuffing" Kevin
Most tempting suggestion: "Are you trying to kill me?" Claire to Ashley
Statement most likely to suggest a garment is inappropriate: "I love it! This is so me!" Rosie
The 'I wish' thought of the evening: "I'm blown away" Molly
Most accurate sentiment of the evening: " Kevin you're worse than a teenager, put it away!" Sally (don't worry, she was actually talking about his mobile phone!)
Question with the most obvious answer: "Have you got a new bike?" Molly to simon, who was holding a, you guessed it, new bike

And that's that. And it must be said that while the scenes around the Barlow table were brilliant, it just wasn't the same without an input from Blanche...

Thanks for reading!

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Chris Fewtrell Directed by John Anderson

Kevin is looking at a big soppy card that Sally had bought him. He feels bad he didn't get her one but she reminds him he never does anyway. She doesn't want things to change but regrets being so obsessed with wanting more. He says that was only because she wanted the best for their family. She thinks he should try to get a bit of sleep since he didn't get much the night before. He wishes he could have been more supportive or could say the right thing. They seem as close as they could be though you know there's a lot of guilt clouding Kevin's mind. He assures her he will come to the hospital appointment that afternoon. There's nothing more important.

We are then "treated" to Tyrone, topless, and singing "I'm too sexy" into the karaoke mike. Molly comes downstairs and shuts it off. He's been playing with it non stop since they opened it and it's getting old. He apologizes and puts her mood down to post-Christmas blues. She sounds off about false sentimentality and how it's not real life. Tyrone asks her to go out that night but she says she's working early and will be too tired.

She gets out of the house and takes a deep breath of fresh air as Claire comes out of the house carrying wellies. Steve, Becky and Amy come across from the Kabin where he's just bought her a new set of felt tip markers. They chat to Claire and discover she's taking everyone up Alderly Edge for a hike. She invites them and Becky declines but Amy wants to go so Steve pushes Becky into going, spending time with all the kids (hoping to get her feeling all maternal?) Claire has spare wellies and a spare car seat (leave it to her!) and Becky reluctantly joins them, glaring at Steve.

Rosie complains because she's gained 2 pounds and of course Sophie teases her about it. The post arrives and Rosie scrambles to get it. There's a large envelope for her and Sophie tries to get hold of it but Rosie manages to pull it away, which only serves to pique Sophie's curiosity more. Kevin has no patience for their bickering. He tells Sophie he's taking Sally out shopping that afternoon. She says she's having Sian and Ryan round at dinnertime before they go to a gig. He tries to cancel but she says Sally has already oked it.

Nick has stayed overnight rather than at the hotel. Gail jumps up to get him some coffee and breakfast. He's making plans to go back to Nottingham because of work but he's coming back for the wedding and is intrigued by one or two interesting people he's met too, like Joe's family. i.e. Tina. Joe points out that Jason is also in the picture there. Nick laughs and says he's a lover not a fighter.

Steve hides the chocolates, Liz's as it turns out. She shows him a poster she's made (with Amy's markers) that advertises a New Year's Eve party in the Rovers with a 5 pound admission. He doesn't think that's going to go over well but she thinks it will. Everyone charges for New Year's. He's dubious. They don't have live entertainment, only a jukebox. She has plans for balloons and a free glass of cheap wine. Hardly worth the entrance fee. She's sure it will work.

Ken has finally managed to fix the punctured tyre on Simon's bike but has it on the table reinstalling the wheel. Deirdre wants to use the table to write out some late Christmas cards to reply to the ones they received on Christmas eve. They bicker a bit more.

Outside the shop, Molly is putting half price signs on the wreaths. Kevin comes by and apologizes for being so harsh at their last meeting. He tells her their seeing a breast cancer nurse that afternoon. Molly looks longingly at him but tells him she respects his decision even if she doesn't like it and goes back inside.

In the cafe, Graeme's eyes bug out when he sees Rosie and her short, short skirt and low, low neckline arrive. She doesn't know if she should actually order anything. Graeme approaches, and they chat a bit. Sophie comes in the door and slips the envelope out of Rosie's bag and discovers glamour photos of Rosie, including one of her clearly topless though her arms are shielding her assets. Graeme's eyes nearly pop out of his face when he gets a load of that and Rosie is horrified.

Peter, Leanne and Simon are playing Kerplunk (game with sticks and marbles). Simon wins the game. The doorbell buzzes and Leanne lets in Ken who's brought over Simon's repaired bike. Simon is thrilled which pleases Ken. Ken offers to babysit Simon if Peter and Leanne want to go out. They actually think that would be ok.

Rosie tells Graeme and Sophie that she's had a portfolio done up because she wants to be a glamour model. Sophie scoffs and Rosie warns her not to tell their parents. Graeme (who seems to have his arm and leg unbandaged now) promises to keep schtum but asks for a copy of one of the photos. She glares. Guess not, then.

In the nurse's office, Sally and Kevin are asking questions. Turns out that it could be up to four weeks before they can do a lumpectomy which is described to them as well. The nurse assures Sally that she's lucky it was caught early and is in good health otherwise but doesn't make any promises. She urges Sally to tell her daughters and to be honest and straight with them. Sally asks if it's likely to be terminal but the nurse says it's just as likely that she could make a full recovery and she's got a good doctor and a supportive family.

It's Sian's birthday and Ryan comes up to her at the bus stop. She's turned 16 and is all coy about it. Tells Ryan just because she's 16 doesn't mean she's going to put out! They make a date for that night and Sophie interrupts, coming running round the corner bearing gifts and a big hug for her best friend. She's got tickets for the Poisoned Chalice gig (a Christian rock band that Ryan seems to scoff at). Only the tickets are for that night and she's got a ticket for herself as well and they can all go! Sian hugs Sophie and looks apologetically over her shoulder to Ryan.

Deirdre is looking forward to spending New Year's with Simon. Ken says babysitting can trump most problems. He says Peter was cool at first but warmed up a little. Deirdre hopes they can put all the bad feeling behind them but Ken reiterates that he's not dropping the issue and has drawn up a petition, much to Deirdre's frustration. She thinks he's provoking Peter but he thinks of it as a sincerely held objection. (sounds like provocation to me!) Ken doesn't see why they can't agree to disagree. Deirdre likens it to the Arabs and Israelis disagreeing over Palestine.

Kevin and Sally arrive home. Sally feels as much in limbo as she did before the appointment. Kevin tries to reassure her but neither of them is really that positive. Sally refuses to tell the girls anything until she knows the results of the tests. Kevin still wishes he had known before and isn't sure he can face his daughters without letting them know something's up. She thinks he should go to the pub for a bit, she'll have the kids for company and she's had more time to get used to it all.

The intrepid hikers return. Becky is mud from head to toe, having had a fall but she's ok. She and Claire are on easy terms and it seems they've all had a pretty good time, in spite of Becky's initial doubt. Becky compliments Claire on her mum skills and reckons she could never do it. She insists there won't be the pitter patter of little McDonald feet in their house (virtually guaranteeing she'll get pregnant, such is the Soap Opera Phrase of Doom!)

Joe arrives home to find a bottle of champagne in a bucket and Gail all smiles. Seems the buyer has upped their offer though not to the asking price. Even so, Gail decided to accept it as it was good enough. They pop the cork!

In the pub, Liz is trying to convince Tyrone that the New Year's Eve party is worth it, though he rightly figures a free pint or glass of wine isn't really free if he's paid 10 quid for the two tickets. Tyrone is still thinking about it when Peter and Leanne come in. They tease Liz about the amateurish poster. Bill comes in and seeing them there, asks about contracts for the building work. George is going to tender the work but Bill figures he could be competitive with his rates and suggests some prices. Kevin arrives and he and Bill go over to a booth. Kevin is clearly bothered by something. Kevin isn't going to talk but Bill listens and Kevin starts to talk. It's a mess, Dad and I don't know what to do.

Come back next half to see how it all comes out.

Tvor

Tyrone is in the bar. He has been convinced to buy two tickets for him and Molly to attend the Rovers NYE party. Molly comes in and, like the increasingly unpleasant madam she has become, moans at him for doing so. She sees Kevin sitting at a table with Bill. Tyrone tells her he doesn't know what's going on with Kevin and how he blanked him earlier.

Kevin, meanwhile, is telling his dad about Sally's cancer. Bill is so sorry to hear the news. Kevin explains that Sally will be having an operation in a couple of weeks. Bill tells him not to worry and reminds him how technology has advanced in recent years. Kevin knows that people still die of cancer though and he wonders what he and the girls will do if anything happens to Sally.

Molly asks Tyrone if they can go home. He's not keen until she mentions that they might have an early night. Tyrone downs his drink and legs it. Molly looks over at Kevin before she leaves. He makes eye contact with her briefly.

Rosie, Sophie, Sian and Ryan are at the Websters' talking about a Christian Rock gig. Sophie is becoming annoyed at Ryan and Rosie who don't take Christianity seriously.

Tyrone comes into the living room in his dressing gown where he is disappointed to find his wife making dinner instead of getting ready for a bit of rumpy pumpy. Molly tries to beg off her promise by distracting Tyrone with tales of steak & kidney pie, onion gravy, etc. She sends Tyrone, who is desperate for a bit of good lovin', off for a shower. The colder the better. Once poor Ty has left, she madly checks her phone for any texts.

Back in the pub, Kevin is still talking about Sally with Bill. Kevin keeps thinking of his mum and how she died. He asks Bill how Bill coped after Kevin's mum died. Bill tells Kevin that he just had to carry on and even though Kevin never saw him crying, he did and sometimes still does. Kevin's phone rings. He tells Bill it's Sally and she wants him home. Bill tells Kevin to ask him if there's ever owt he needs.

Claire, Becky and Amy return from their day out. Claire tells Steve that Becky and Amy did really well. It seems they had a nice day. Becky teases Steve a bit and Steve asks Claire, next time she goes hiking, to leave Becky behind. All in good humour.

David runs across Graeme who is waiting outside his house, on the street. Graeme is covered in overpowering aftershave he bought from Pam. David and Graeme see Rosie comes out of her house and David realises what Graeme has been waiting for. He tells Graeme he has no chance but Graeme is not deterred. Rosie is on her way to catch a cab to work. Graeme offers to escort her, since he too is going that way, and Rosie actually doesn't give him an impolite brush-off. She takes his arm and off they go, to David's amazement.

David goes inside to find his Gail and Joe sozzled. Gail tells David they have sold the house and it will solve a lot of their problems. David makes a snide remark about getting rid of Joe being an answer to her problems before heading upstairs.

Ken is passing his petition against Peter's Wine Bar around the Rovers. Claire has signed it. Deirdre asks if Ken will tell Peter, Leanne and George who are all sat in a booth about the petition. Ken says he doesn't want to air his dirty laundry in the Rovers and they go and interrupt George and Peter talking about Bill's quote for work in the wine bar. George is initially hostile and assures Ken that he has not been plying Peter with booze. Ken only wants to apologise and reiterate his concern for his son. Ken wants to to buy everyone a drink.

So, it turned out it was Molly texting Kevin in the pub. He comes to meet her in the ginnel. She wants to apologise to him. Kevin asks Molly to stop texting and calling him. Molly looks concerned for Kevin and asks if Kevin has told Bill about Sally. Molly wants to know if they still have a future after Sally is well again. Kevin doesn't know and practically runs off.

Bill lets himself into the Websters' where he is nice to Sally who has been lying on the lounge. Sally instantly knows that Kevin has told him. Bill promises to keep it under her hat. They talk about how Bill didn't tell Kevin or his sister Debbie until the last minute that Kevin's mum had cancer. Sally understands why; she doesn't want people to look at her and only see cancer, she wants people to treat her like the same person she always was. Bill comforts Sally as she becomes very upset. He tells Sally that he thinks Kevin will OK and that he just needed to get it off his chest. They wonder where he is, since Kevin left Bill in the Rovers to come home to Sally. Bill promises to go out and look for him once he's had a cuppa.

Rosie is outside Streetcars in her Rollergirl outfit, waiting for a cab. They talk about what you need to be a successful model. Rosie tells Graeme that a photographer told her that her boobs need to be bigger. She opens her jacket, pushes her boobs together provocatively and asks Graeme what he thinks. Predictably, Graeme is struck dumb.

Conrad, errr, I mean Nick, is lecturing Gail at her house because she has sold the house way under price. Nick thinks Gail should tell the buyer that she has had a change of heart. Audrey chimes in as well. Joe argues with Nick and wonders what will happen if the buyer pulls out instead of raising their offer. Nick simply doesn't want to see his mother panic-selling her greatest asset. Joe looks worried as Gail looks like she is going to listen to Nick. David throws the cat amongst the pigeon and lets it be known to Audrey's great anoyance that Nick is there because Audrey brought him to sort his mother out. Nick smooths things over by telling Gail that he thinks she and Joe will be very happy and then asks that David change the subject.

Liz is at the bar in the Rovers, cutting tickets to the NYE party. Steve is cynical as to whether or not they will sell. Liz leaves and Steve goes to have a quick chat with Claire. They both talk about how Amy was so good with Claire's young laddies. Steve thinks that Amy will be a great big sister one day. Claire is uncomfortable to hear Steve talking about more children.

Leanne is still drinking with George, Peter, Ken & Deirdre. Talk turns to Peter's wine bar. Ken confesses that he has organised a petition against the bar. George is amused but Peter is incensed. George invites Leanne, Peter and Simon- who will be very welcome and looked after- over to his house for New Year's Eve. Ken mentions that he and Deirdre were going to look after Simon but Peter spits, "No, it's OK. We don't need you now!" Ken can't believe Peter will be so petty. Really, Ken? Deirdre rolls her eyes as Ken gets on his high horse and leaves the pub.

Bill finds Kevin in the garage and urges him to go home. Kevin confesses to having an affair with Molly. Bill looks shocked.

Nick and Audrey are leaving. Gail is saddened that she is only seeing Nick because Audrey wanted to throw a spanner in the works. Nick says goodbye and tells Gail that she has his blessing and he will see her at the wedding. Tina walks past as Nick climbs into his car and Joe witnesses a look between them that seems to say a lot. Before they go inside, Gail assures Joe that nothing has changed between them and that Nick will be at the wedding. When they are alone, Audrey demands to know why David tried to mess everything up, since it seemed Nick was getting through to Gail about Joe and selling the house. It transpires that David was jealous- Nick wasn't telling Gail anything David hadn't already told her. Audrey congratulates him on costing himself a roof over his head and pushing Joe and Gail closer together. "Well done," she sings at him, sarcastically.

Kevin is opening up to Bill about the affair. He acknowledges that the affair was not a good thing. Bill tears strips off him for both cheating on Sally and making a fool of Tyrone. Bill urges Kevin to stop making excuses. He reminds Kevin that now is not about bad timing of Sally's cancer and his affair of about who did what to whom. "It's life and death," he shouts, while shaking Kevin, gripping onto Kevin's jacket, "take if from one who knows!" Oh, I don't think Kevin was expecting that.

Stella McLoughlin

Liz is decorating the pub in readiness for the evening celebrations. Steve reminds her that he'll be working at Streetcars, but she tells him they've managed without him before, they can do it again, providing she can get his wife to lend a hand. "Where is she?" she asks. Steve says he doesn't know. However, only a few feet away, in the ladies toilets, Becky is sitting clutching a pregnancy testing kit.

Over at the Webster's, Bill finds Sophie writing out a list of sick people to pray for in church. She explains how there were two people who they were always encouraged to pray for although there never seemed to be anything wrong with them. Then one of them died recently from a brain tumour. She says how you never know what's wrong with people and you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Bill and Kevin exchange glances.

Liz is in the shop and tries to persuade Molly to buy two tickets for their new year's eve party. (Although Tyrone bought two in the last episode!) "The world and his wife will be there," she says. Rosie is in the shop too, and remarks that she must mean her dad and his wife. Molly then changes her mind and buys some tickets. Rosie tells Liz she could get the Rovers bursting at the seams, as she's a promotions girl. Liz looks her up and down and says she dreads to think what she's promoting. Rosie beams and tells her it's cherry vodka, she goes round all the pubs and clubs. She says she could put in a good word for the Rovers if Liz would like.

Michelle is getting ready for work and Ryan and Sian tell her they're going to the party at the community centre. Ryan comments that if they've got the place to themselves they might just stay in and watch a DVD. Michelle tells them not to do anything she wouldn't do and goes off for her stint at the pub. Once she's gone, Ryan tells Sian that if his mum thinks they're staying in, then they might as well. He tells her he can think of a way they can pass the time, and see the new year in with a bang! Sian knows that Sophie is waiting for them and asks what she's supposed to tell her. He suggests a few excuses - like her dad making her stay in, or a family dinner. She says she feels bad lying, but she'll text Sophie.

Molly is all dressed up for the party in a tight, low-cut, red dress. Tyrone says she looks good but reminds her they're only going to the Rovers. "You know what they say," says Molly, "you have to look good for your man." (Although I don't think Tyrone is the man in question!)

Down at the Rovers, Liz and her staff (well, Michelle and Becky) are getting ready to open the doors. Becky seems to be in a daydream and Liz asks if she's all right. Becky tries to snap out of it and says she's fine. Liz then tells Michelle to open the doors.

As the party gets underway, Kevin goes to the bar and orders a bottle of house white. Molly comes out of the ladies loo and as she passes he mutters, "All right?" She replies with the same and he tells her if the wind changes her face will stick. Looking even more miffed, Molly goes back to Tyrone to find him and Graeme having a riveting conversation about snarl up points on the ring road. She sits and stares as Kevin and Sally laugh and seem totally wrapped up in each other.

Over in the taxi office, Claire and Steve are drinking wine and talking about children. He asks if she's likely to have any more, but she tells him no, that ship has sailed. "How about you?" she asks. Steve is keen, he says he'd like to make it his new year's resolution, having babies with Becky. Claire smiles weakly.

In the Rovers, Michelle gets a shock when who should come in but Jake. "What are you doing here?" she asks. Full of charm, Jake tells her he couldn't let the old year go without catching a glimpse of his favourite pint-puller. He says he has a plan, he wants to take her off right now for a one-night only treat at the Hilton hotel, with a four-poster bed and champagne on ice. "What do you say?" he asks. She points out that she has to work.. He repeats it's just for the one night, in the morning he has to head down to Somerset. Liz has overheard and very charitably tells her she won't stand in the way of true love and tells her to accept. "We'll cope won't we, Becky?" she says. Becky arouses herself from her daydream. "Eh?" she asks.

Over in the taxi office, Claire asks Steve if he's actually spoken to Becky about wanting more kids. "Yeah…well, sort of," he replies. Claire then tells him that Becky told her she feels the same as her, happy with what she's got. Becky is apparently happy with Amy - why bother with any more. Steve gets up and leaves the office.

Back in the pub, the effects of the bottle of wine are showing, as Sally sings ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart' loudly and very badly. Ashley remarks that she's really going for it, and Molly mutters that she's mortified for her. "You have to admit she looks good though," says Tyrone. That is not what Molly wants to hear and she immediately accuses him of fancying Sally. "Come off it," he retorts, "with you looking like you do tonight?" Just then Sophie comes in and wonders aloud why her mother is making such a show of herself. Kevin turns round and asks why she's not at her party. She says she went, but then got a text so ended up on her own. She's come home but has forgotten her keys and wants Kevin's so she can get in. Just then Michelle walks past and Sophie says it was a shame that Sian and Ryan had to go to Sian's dad's for a family dinner. Michelle is puzzled and says that's the first she's heard of it, as far as she knows they were indoors watching a dvd. She tells Sophie she's going over there now, so why doesn't she come and join them. "No point in spending New Year's Eve on your own," she says. Sophie goes off with Michelle and Jake, as Sally continues singing. "Blimey, it's a long song isn't it?" Liz mutters to Becky.

Michelle, Jake and Sophie walk into the flat just as Ryan and Sian are heading off to the bedroom in a state of undress. It would seem that Sian is wearing Michelle's dressing gown, which doesn't go down too well at all. "What do you think you're doing?" says Michelle. Ryan mutters that he thought she was working. Michelle says she obviously isn't now, and Jake tells him that he's taking Michelle away for the night. "Interesting family dinner, Sian," says Sophie, "what was he? The main course?" Sophie is annoyed that Sian has lied to her and also broken their vow of chastity. "How could you?" she asks. Sian says that it just happened. "What? That you chose to lie to me or you broke your vow?" she says. Ryan tells Michelle that he's older than she was when she started having sex - and they were careful. Michelle tells Sian to take her dressing gown off and as she hurries off to change Michelle realises they've been in her bed. "Oh, nice one, Ryan!" she says. Jake is keen to get off so she tells Ryan they'll talk in the morning. "What? After you've spent the night with a bloke you hardly know?" says Ryan, pointing out that that seems to be ok but its not ok for him to sleep with the girl he loves. (I have to say I agree - Michelle's hardly the best role model!) Michelle slaps him and then tells Jake she's not leaving the two of them there alone, but Sian comes out of the bedroom then and tells her not to worry, she's going. Ryan tells his mother to go to her sleazy hotel room and be a hypocrite. "Believe me," says Michelle, "you haven't heard the last of this!"

Back in the Rovers, Molly bumps into the Kevin and asks if he's all right. When he says he is she says he's a lousy actor, it's all in the eyes. "You want me!" she says. He replies that he wants his wife. "Yeah?" says Molly, "she's got a cracking set of lungs on her!" He then grabs her and pushes her out into the back yard.

Steve has come back to the pub and he takes Michelle out into the back hallway. He tells her what Claire has said and wants to know if its true. Becky says that Claire has no business repeating private conversations. Then, before the conversation can go any further she goes back to the bar, telling him she's busy.

Outside, Kevin is cross with Molly and demands to know what she meant by her remark. "You know what she's going through," he snaps, "that was below the belt." Molly says she feels it's all a bit convenient, Kevin was going to dump her and suddenly she's got the big C. "Are you saying she's made it up?" Kevin is astounded. "No," says Molly, "I'm saying you are." Kevin tells her she's a child, a kid. That's the sort of talk from the playground. "To think I thought I loved you!" he says. Molly says he still does, it's her he wants, not Sally. "What's she got that I haven't?" she says. "Cancer, you stupid girl!" he snaps and goes back inside.

Inside, Steve is still trying to talk to Becky but she says she won't discuss it in the bar. Liz then asks him if he'll lend a hand, she's given Michelle the night off.

A rather drunken Sally asks why Simon Cowell couldn't have been in the pub this evening, she could be the next Sumo…er Subo,(Susan Boyle for anyone who doesn't know!) she's got a sob story too. Kevin smiles at her and tells her he loves her, when she told him she was ill it was like a light went on in her head, he'll never take her for granted again. She laughs and suggests they go and sit with Molly and Tyrone. "I thought you didn't like Molly?" he says. She admits she does find her a little dull, and calls over to Molly, telling her she's dull. "Sally, you're drunk," says Molly. Sally agrees and collapses in giggles, as Kevin takes hold of her and kisses her passionately. "Get your coat, you've pulled," he says.

It's midnight, and Becky finds Steve and tells him that she's a mess. Whatever life chucks at her she finds a way to mess it up. She wouldn't want to inflict that on a child. He points out that she doesn't inflict it on Amy. She replies that Amy doesn't have her DNA. "Anyway, forget all that, happy new year kid," she says, and goes to kiss him, but he gets up and walks out like a petulant child.

Outside, fireworks are going off and Rosie, wearing rolling skates, is squirting a huge water pistol full of cherry vodka into people's mouths. Graeme, her biggest fan, calls out to her. "Come on Rosie, squirt me, you know you want to!"

Standing alone, Becky looks thoughtful. She pulls a cigarette out of the packet and looks at it, then she puts it back. What does this mean?

Anne Logan.

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

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