2010

Sunday 2 May

Not really sure why we have an extra episode this evening but it gives me a chance to wander back into update towers, thank my colleagues for keeping my seat warm and all being well to recall my old typing powers and bring you a little entertainment.

Tonight's episode is copyright ITV Productions, written by Debbie Oates and directed by Durno Johnston. Given that at least two units were shooting for this episode, one with Doris and Mad Mary in the hills and one on the Street it is odd that there were not two directors needed. Durno must have done some miles.

Norris is asleep when he hears noises outside. He looks through the window to the outside of the cottage where he and Mad Mary are staying to see the latter madly chopping wood. He has barricaded himself into his room with a chest of drawers across the door.

Back on the Street Eddie (and will someone please write a storyline where a) he gets his hair cut - it is unbelievable that anyone would walk around looking like he does and b) either explains what is still wrong with his wrist - always bandaged and yet he can drive or gets the bandage removed as this is not believable either [explanations on a postcard to Update Towers please]) is obviously dobbing in Gary as he talks on his phobile moan about his house. Gary tries to depart but his parents get him back indoors for his breakfast. Eddie tells him off.

Mary is cooking breakfast when Norris comes downstairs - he wants to go for a walk and maybe make a phone call. She has been cooking kedgeree and threatens to throw it away before he talks her round and agrees to consume his breakfast and takes his coat off. She does not want him to do anything he does not want to do. Inside his mother tries to stop Gary leaving, but Gary is not happy. She offers him money to take with him. She keeps talking about rubbish and eventually Gary snaps and knocks the money out of her hand. He breaks down and starts crying. Gary says he deserves nothing - he claims he is a coward. It was going to see his friend's brother - in the hospital surrounded by others equally badly wounded. The two brothers had laughed about the lost legs and arm. Gary is deeply hurt by the reality.

Graeme is trying to get Tina moving - she is sleeping on the sofa - and he offers to get Bill to replace the lock. Tina says not because Bill will send Jason. Graeme has brought some bacon butties, she throws them on the table and Graeme offers to sort the lock.

Norris emerges from his room and hears Mary singing in the bath. Does he want to share? He says not and heads out carrying his suitcase (she is singing to a glove puppet). He walks away. Later Mary emerges from the bath wearing her dressing ground and searches the house for Norris - she wants a tie breaker for a competition, but he is not to be found. And the wardrobe is empty. The look on her face is unappealing and as we go to the break we hear a lamb baaing in the field outside.

Norris walks past a stone indicator - 4 miles to Howarth - which apparently is what it said last time. Norris looks up and sees a phone box and heads towards it.

David catches Graeme heading towards the flat and breaks the news that Natasha had stayed over - not with him, but with his brother. Rita grabs Graeme and asks him to pop in and help mend a broken shelf. He asks David to help. The phone is going - Rita answers and tells Norris to wait. She has to give instructions but in the meantime Norris runs out of cash. Eventually his brain turns on and he decides to reverse the charges - which Rita accepts as Norris pays the bills. As they connect the winnebago appears and Norris drops the phone and makes a run for it; climbing over a stile hurriedly he falls awkwardly and is holding his ankle. Mary stops and comes over to him.

Gary has not yet gone - but he has decided to go back. He loves the Army and wants to go back - he wants to phone - but the door bell goes and the S'ant Major is at the door. The Windasses all want him to go back and Eddie apologises for telling them where to come. Gary accepts the apology and Gary promises to ring.

David is showing Graeme around their house and David is moving him in. Nick does not want him moving in - but Graeme has to stay on the couch. Nick is not happy.

Graeme has changed the lock and delivers the key to Tina. He has been thinking but if he keeps a key he can bring food in until she feels able to go in and out and bring some food and he does not want her starving to death. He asks if she wants to talk about Joe - she doesn't - but then says about a dream she has had. She cries. Graeme offers a couple of doggy bags of hot pot. She agrees to him taking a key.

Mary has got Norris back to the cottage and she is going to look after him around the clock. He wants to go home now that the motor home is working again. Mary accepts that men need nursing as women live longer. Mary apologises - she was unable to sleep and lying awake for long hours in the night due to the pain of rejection and not sleeping with him. Norris denies that he hates her. Mary says that going home sounded like they were going to "their home" together, and she says those words "Mrs Norris Cole". Twice married Norris is clearly aware that he is at the mercy of a raving lunatic and is afraid of what will happen next.

And what have we learned this evening?
Mad Mary has watched Misery once too often.
Gary Windass is not a great actor - just grating
Eddie Windass also needs putting out of his misery (see what I did there).
Graeme is wonderful.
Tina still has a sun bed addiction.
David remains weird, differently weird, but weird all the same.
And it is wonderful to have Rita back.

Doing another episode soon, enjoy!
K Richard W


Monday 3 May

Hello. Monday's not usually my night for the updates, but Diane's gone off to visit her sweetie, so you'll have to put up with me.

We begin with Ken trying to listen to some music when Deirdre and Liz barge in chatting about cellulite. They've got burgers, Deirdre proclaims, startling Ken. They're going to have a barbecue celebrating Blanche's return home and Peter, Simon and Leanne are coming over.

Out on the wild, windswept moors, or in a cottage nearby, Norris has slept with a chest of drawers pushed across the door, but Mary makes short work of this obstacle as she pushes her way in, carrying a tray with breakfast. Norris makes the excuse that the door was banging in the night. Mary wants to check on his leg but she moves her hands rather a lot higher than his ankle to check there's no damage anywhere else. Norris gropes for his spectacles but Mary deftly knocks them off the bedside table and then stands on them. Oh dear.

Graeme's had a bad night on the Platt-Hillman-McIntosh sofa. Nick and Natasha come downstairs, Natasha cutely wearing Nick's ‘jama top, and talk about what they're doing for the bank holiday. Nick says he has to go into the factory at some point.

In the Rovers, Ken sits with Jason because he wants to pick his brains about a loft conversion. Steve's on the phone, then tells Becky it was the social worker, who wants to come round for an informal chat. Becky is suspicious and hostile at this news. She's not a fan of social workers. Jason tells Ken it quite feasible to convert the loft. The job would take about three months. He offers to call round and have a look.

Back in the cottage, Mary interrupts her puzzle-doing to tell Norris they have unfinished business to discuss. She wants to talk about Norris's suggestion that they set up home together. Norris denies this and says she's put her own interpretation on what he said. "Am I so repellent to you, Norris?" Mary asks. Norris denies this and says that with two failed marriages behind him he would need time to contemplate before going into another. Mary says Norris wouldn't be the first person to abandon her. Her mother did, too, but Mary soon sorted her. She asks if Norris would like Salad Nicoise for lunch and he replies that he would.

At the senior Barlows,' Ken is about to set off for the airport to fetch Blanche but Deirdre has other ideas. She sets Ken to shifting chairs into the yard and sends Peter to the airport instead.

For some reason Natasha is helping Nick wash his car. This appears to be so Graeme can admire her backside and, presumably, to increase the ratings among male readers of The Sun.

Mary is regaling Norris with tales of her mother's dislike of foreign food and how she accused Mary of trying to poison her by serving Salad Nicoise. A little light comes on over Norris's head (well, it would if they'd thought of it) and, panicked that this is Mary's plan, he swaps the plates when she's not looking. Mary takes one bite and spits it out, telling him she's allergic to anchovies and had made sure there were none on her plate (It's a shame she wasn't really, or she would have gone into anaphylactic shock and died and Norris could have gone home!). She knows he's swapped the plates. "WHY???!!!!" No amount of capitals or punctuation can convey the true horror of Mary's voice.

Norris explains himself by laughing nervously and saying that he doesn't like Salad Nicoise but after Mary went on about her mother's intolerance he didn't want to seem the same. "I didn't want to appear unsophisticated," he says. To his even greater horror, Mary admits she feels the same. "Now we can be closer than ever."

In the Rovers, Becky's sure the social worker will take one look at them and axe them from the adoption list. Steve points out that they're a financially secure professional couple, so no social worker would look down on them.

Trevor sits Ashley down to tell him about a plan to go to the World Cup soccer tournament (most of you will have heard something about this - It's on in South Africa this summer) with his mates. However one of the wives has found out so it's off, but they've got tickets booked. Trev's trying to get together a group of blokes to use the tickets. It will cost two thousand, five hundred pounds each.

Graeme goes to see Tina. The hotpot is untouched. He suggests a sandwich and opens the curtains and the window, then tells her about spending the night at David's and lusting after Natasha. "Isn't she the one who poured paint over your head?" asks Tina. Graeme tells her that was Rosie. Ah, so Tina has been taking some sort of an interest in what he's been saying. He delicately asks if she's thought any more about a quick visit from the doctor. Wrong move. Tina snaps that if he mentions it again she'll have her key back.

Another wrong move across at the Barlows' place when Jason chooses exactly the wrong moment to call and look at the loft. Deirdre can almost match Tina for venom as she tells Ken off for going behind her back. At the door, Jason apologises to Ken but the damage has been done. "Are you that desperate to get away from me that you have to call a builder in the day my mother's coming home?"

At the pub, Sean, Ashley and Steve talk about Trevor's tickets. Jason comes in talking on the phone. He tells them it's the estate agent wanting to view the flat. But he's not keen on seeing Tina.

Next door, smoke fills the yard and all the Barlows are coughing and spluttering. Deirdre has some music on quite loud and doesn't care if it annoys the neighbours. Peter comes back from the airport. He waited but there was no Blanche and there are no other flights until tomorrow, he says. "She better have a good excuse, otherwise I will flippin' kill her," says Deirdre.

At the cottage, Norris squints at his very fuzzy watch and then at the fuzzy display on his phone. Still no mobile coverage. He sighs, then hears the sound of Mary talking to someone else upstairs.

Ken phones the house where Blanche was staying in Portugal. May, Blanche's friend, isn't there but her son answers the phone. Ken is clearly incredulous at what he is being told.

Norris limps upstairs and peeks into Mary's room. She appears to be talking to a picture of her mother. She's saying her mother said she'd never get a man but she's been seeing a respectable businessman for some time now. "It's a pretty safe bet we'll be married by Christmas," she says, to Norris's clear horror.

Ken finishes the phone call and turns back towards Deirdre. "Ken, what's wrong?" she asks. "It's bad news, I'm afraid," he says. "Blanche is dead."

The End of Episode One.
Margaret Carr

Poor Deirdre can't believe what she's hearing. "Dead? How can she be? She's in Portugal?" Ken tells Deirdre that May, Blanche's friend, left Portugal over a month ago. Ken and Deirdre have no idea who Blanche had been staying with. Peter comes through to see if all is OK. Ken breaks the news to Peter while Deirdre sobs on the stairs.

Norris is fumbling his way through the house while Mary seemingly talks to the photo of her mother on the dresser in her room. He doesn't have his glasses so he can't really see anything. He inadvertently treads on a squeaky floorboard while trying to sneak away which Mary hears. She interrupts her chat to see what Norris is up to. Norris challenges Mary about talking to the photo of her mother. It turns out Mary was actually talking on her mobile, using a bluetooth earpiece. Norris is furious that he didn't know there was another phone in the house. Mary is blind to Norris's anger and tells him it's time for tea.

Jason is trying the locks at the flat. He can't get in. Some buyers for the flat approach him as Graeme comes out. Jason and Graeme have heated words about Tina changing the locks while the buyers, the female half of which can sense death in the property, get antsy and want to leave. Graeme lies to Jason that Tina is away and he is watering the plants for her but he won't give Jason the key, claiming to have locked the key in the flat. The prospective buyers decide against looking at the property.

Peter goes into the front room and tells Leanne and Liz that Blanche has died. The mood is very somber. Leanne takes Amy back to Steve so that Liz can talk to Deirdre. They don't tell Simon what has happened yet.

Mary is carrying on like a lunatic about cooking and food and Spain. She gets a tad suggestive with a red pepper. Norris wonders if Mary is OK. Mary seems oblivious to Norris's concerns and keeps on reminiscing about her time in Spain. Norris creeps out while Mary is enveloped by her memories of discovering her sensationalist self

Ken, Peter and Liz are huddled around Deirdre as she thinks of her mother. Blanche had a good innings, she thinks. She knows that she wasn't the nicest person in the world but she was still Deirdre's mother. Liz still can't comprehend that Blanche has died. Deirdre admonishes herself for letting Blanche go to Portugal. The doorbell rings and it's May, the friend Blanche went to Portugal with, who Deirdre has been expecting. "Is she the one with the anorexic daughter?" asks Liz. "No," answers Deirdre,"she's the one with the gay son with the dogs."

Carla meets Trev in the pub. She is happy with Nick today, she tells him, and thinks they'll soon need a new machinist. Trev goes to the bar to buy a drink where Ashley and Steve ask him about the World Cup tickets. When Trev goes back to Carla, Steve and Ashley talk about it between themselves. They both agree it's criminal that the tickets will go to waste.

Norris is in a hurry. He fumbles about in Mary's room for the mobile phone Mary was calling from earlier. He is terrified as he happens upon a wedding dress on a mannequin in her room. Mary catches him phoning the police. He tells her, "I've phoned the police, I've told them you've kidnapped me and they'll be here in a trice!" Mary thinks Norris has betrayed her kindness. Norris has her number though and points out all the things she has done to keep him prisoner- sabotaged the motor home, broken his specs, poisoned his food and he wants to know how she can be on the phone to her mother when she's dead. Norris accuses Mary of doing away with her mother. Mary confesses that she has fallen in love in Norris and turns a little bit scary when Norris tries to leave; Mary blocks him and tells him, breathily, "I really wouldn't do that if I were you!"

May is filling in the family about Blanche's last days. May mentions that Deirdre is the double of Blanche, "It's like looking at her corpse!" May's a bit of a sassy one, so she is. She asks if there's a war on when Liz brings her a smallish brandy. She tells how "lovely, sweet Blanche" was her best buddy. Deirdre asks about Blanche having stayed in Portugal to look after May. May lets it be known that Blanche had fallen in love with a fellow called Arnold which is why she stayed on in Portugal, even after May's leg had healed. "There's one thing that can be said of dear, sweet Blanche; she was full of surprises!" says May.

Liz heads back to the pub where Steve and Becky are waiting with sad faces. Liz is very sad for Deirdre and tells them she's not 100% sure how Blanche died. Liz thinks she died in her sleep. Becky thinks that would be a good way to die. Liz wants to the same way as her great aunt Millie, "She went out without her cardie, caught the influenza, laid in that bed, said the whole of the 23rd psalm and died." Ashley and Claire are listening in, sympathetically. Becky asks the patrons in the pub to raise their glasses to Blanche.

Mary can't believe that Norris wants to leave. Norris refuses to discuss it any further. He grabs a vase of tulips from the side, throws it over Mary and stumbles outside where he can hear the sirens of police vehicles. He sees the police and pleads with them, "protect me please, she might kill me like she killed her mother." Meanwhile, Mary is looking calm and collected and like she wouldn't harm a fly in the door way. "Norris," she calls, "Mother is very much alive and well and living in Newton-le-Willows." The police suggest they all go down to the police station. Mary would like some time to turn her pie down. Norris is afraid Mary is making a run for it out the back door. "Or," the policeman points out, "she could just be turning her pie down."

May is still telling Deirdre how happy Blanche was with Arnold. Apparently only a week earlier, Arnold had proposed and Blanche was looking forward to getting home and telling Deirdre. May lets slip that Blanche often referred to Deirdre as "Deedee". The family look confused but none more so as when May tells them that Blanche was the nicest person she had ever met. "Are you sure you've got the right person?" asks Peter. May knew Blanche could be a curmudgeon too but reckons that Blanche was a totally different person in Portugal.

Jason is in the Rovers and calls to Graeme to have a word with him. Graeme claims to not know why Tina changed the locks but offers to talk to Tina about getting a spare key for him. Jason seems appeased by this. Steve and Ashely approach Trev about the World Cup tickets. They want to take two off his hands. Trev refuses, telling them that he'll only sell four or none. His niece is trying to sell them on EBay for him now. Steve and Ashley slink off, disappointed. Jason is being impatient at the bar and when Steve snaps at him, reminds Steve that the Flying Horse is round the corner. Steve reminds Jason that they water down the lager in the Flying Horse. Becky asks Jason what she can get him but Jason decides he wants to drink elsewhere. Steve and Ashley plot a plan to get two others to buy in the World Cup tickets with them.

Deirdre is crying her eyes out over doing the dishes while May is getting drunk at the table. Ken tries to comfort Deirdre by reminding her that Blanche had found happiness before she died. They wonder what they have to do now. "I want to go to Portugal," says Deirdre.

Nick and Natasha (how annoying has she become since Nick arrived?) taunt Graeme and David a little in the pub before leaving. I have no idea what the point of that scene was.

Deirdre explains that she wants to see Blanche and talk to her before they have to bring her back to Weatherfield. Ken supports her in this and warms up the lap top to find some airfares.

Becky and Steve are talking about Amy and how she will miss Blanche. Becky uses Amy as an excuse to cancel the visit from the social worker. Steve has her number though and tells her that they'll be seeing the social worker no matter what.

Deirdre and Ken are packed and ready to fly to Portugal. Liz is seeing them off. Simon has been informed of Blanche's death and is apparently devastated. Liz gives Deirdre a hug and tells her to be strong before they leave.

At the police station, Norris is so pleased to see his old friend, Rita, waiting for him. Rita wonders what on earth has been happening to him. "Oh, we'll have a cuppa and I'll tell you all about it."

Stella McLoughlin


Thursday 6 May

Leanne and Peter are walking down the Street, on their way to get Ken and Deirdre's house ready for their return from Portugal. Janice sees them and asks when the funeral is, they tell her it's on Monday. Then Emily comes out of her front door and asks if Ken and Deirdre will be bringing Blanche's body back to the house. They seem a bit unsure, but think she'll be taken to the undertaker's, Archie Shuttleworth. Just then Norris comes out, moaning that Emily is supposed to be helping him and wanting to know who she's talking to. "Oh, hello," he says when he sees Leanne and Peter. Emily explains that they were just talking about Blanche. Norris is of the opinion that she had a good innings, and in the end Peter offers to help him across the road. As he limps off he tells Peter that the cause of his bad leg was a madwoman who kidnapped him and tried to kill him like she killed her mother, but he outwitted her and she is now in the hands of the police.

David is eating a bowl of cereal on the sofa when Graeme comes bounding down the stairs in boxer shorts and a T-shirt. He overslept and is running late. Nick wants to know where exactly he slept. "Er….in one of those rooms upstairs made for sleeping…." Mumbles Graeme, hesitantly. Nick is horrified to realise that Graeme slept in Gail's bed, and tells him if he does it again he'll be out for good. "Sorry," mutters Graeme and rushes back upstairs. David isn't happy. "So, he's my guest but you can chuck him out, can you?" he says. "I can and I will," says Nick. David wonders if that means he can chuck Nick's guest, Natasha, out. Nick says he won't even justify that with an answer, but his weirdo friend has one life left, that's all.

In the Kabin, Norris is telling Liz about his ordeal with Mary. "A wolf in sheep's clothing!" he states. When Liz has gone, Rita asks him how he knows Mary killed her mother. "I'm not saying I know for sure," says Norris, and tells Rita how Mary told him she'd made her mother pay for what she'd done. Rita thinks there may be some perfectly innocent explanation. "And will there be a perfectly innocent explanation for what she did to me?" huffs Norris. "What, she made you do competitions in magazines?" asks Rita. Norris says Mary held him prisoner until he did. Rita isn't convinced, so Norris asks why the police have arrested Mary. "Only because of what you told them," says Rita. "And because of what they found when they came to the cottage," protests Norris. Rita says they just found him, with his knickers in a twist. "I have been to hell and back," says Norris, "but if you don't believe me, that's your privilege."

Steve is in the taxi office when Becky rings him, very agitated because she's had a call from the social worker – she's coming tomorrow. "Calm down," says Steve, adding that they'll talk about it later. When he gets off the phone he tells Claire how worried Becky is. "I don't blame her," says Claire.

Back at the Platt's, Graeme apologises profusely to Nick and then he and David leave. Natasha turns to Nick and says that if Graeme goes, and David goes with him, they would have the house to themselves. Nick tells her he'd prefer it if they didn't have the house to themselves because Gail was home. Natasha backtracks and says that of course she wants that too, and says she's sorry, offering to wash Gail's bedding and clean her room later on.

Steve stops Peter in the Street and asks if he wants to go to the World Cup. He's got four tickets, one each for Ashley, Tyrone and himself, and one spare. Peter says he'll think about it. Steve says he'll need to know today, and not to breathe a word to wives and girlfriends.

He goes on into the pub where Liz and Becky are behind the bar. Becky says she's never yet had a chat with a social worker that hasn't been bad news. He tells her that Claire has suggested that she comes round and does a kind of rehearsal with Becky. She'll play the social worker and ask questions and it'll give Becky a chance to sort out a few answers.

Leanne is just setting the table for lunch when Peter arrives home with Ken and Deirdre. "That's so nice of you," says Deirdre, and goes off to the bathroom. On her way she opens her mother's bedroom door and takes a look around. In the background we can hear Peter and Leanne asking Ken how Deirdre is coping with her loss, and he says she hasn't yet given way to tears. Deirdre comes out and shuts the door behind her and stands there, looking bereft.

Claire goes to see Becky for the mock interview. "D'you want a drink?" asks Becky when she arrives. "No thank you," replies Claire, primly, adding, "tell me, do you often drink in the afternoon?" Becky looks confused. "What?" Claire explains that she's being the social worker, and then settles down to ask Becky a whole list of questions, starting with one about Becky's reasons for wanting to adopt. Becky struggles with her answer but Claire won't assist, telling her that her answer must be her own, giving expression to her own thoughts and feelings. Becky reckons it's not fair, because Claire knows her and will know if she's telling the truth or not. Claire insists she's pretending that she doesn't. "Yes, then, yes, yes, yes!" says Becky when she's asked whether she has patience and the willingness to put the child's interests before her own. "Really?" asks Claire, sounding amazed.

Deirdre and Ken are at the dinner table with Leanne and Peter. Ken tells them that they met Arnold, Blanche's boyfriend. Deirdre says she'd prefer him just to use the term ‘friend', and then go on to say how Arnold told them he'd never met anyone as kind, gentle and considerate as her mother, and how she'd told him she found it difficult living in a house where there were so many differences of opinion. All this makes Deirdre very tetchy and after biting Ken's head off they finish their meal in silence.

Becky's mock interview is continuing, and she is adamant that she and Steve never argue. "What, you never raise your voices to one another?" "No!" says Becky. Claire raises her eyes to the heavens and tries another line of questioning. "Have you ever been in trouble with the police?" Becky says she hasn't. Claire gives her a questioning look, so she concedes that she has. "Anything to do with drugs?" asks Claire. "No," says Becky. Claire says that her information says it was. Becky continues to say it wasn't, until in the end she knocks the notebook out of Claire's hand. "Stop it now!" she snaps, "you're supposed to be helping me and all you're making me want to do is cancel the whole thing. I've had enough!" She rushes from the room.

Liz arrives to see Deirdre. "How are you?" she asks. Deirdre says she doesn't know, but fetches an ashtray. "I think this is one of those days when we're allowed to smoke indoors." Liz can't believe Blanche has gone. No more sarky comments. "Shall we have a drink?" asks Deirdre. Liz nods.

Norris hobbles into the pub with Rita who sends him to sit down while she gets the drinks.

Graeme is sitting with David and Kirk. He's mulling over what Nick said and he feels he let everyone down. "You did what?" asks Kirk, "slept with Gail?" Graeme hushes him quickly. "Don't be saying that," he says, and he and David explain that Graeme just slept in Gail's bed.

Trevor and Janice come into the pub, and Steve serves them. He and Trevor exchange glances. "On a scale of one to five, I'm about three and a half," says Steve, cryptically. (A reference to the ticket for the World Cup, I'm sure). "Are you two in Masons or sommat?" asks Janice.

Ken goes into Blanche's bedroom and, after looking at a few of the photos for a few moments, sits down at the dressing table and opens the drawer. He pulls out a few more photos and then unearths an envelope. Written on the front is: To be opened after my death.

Deirdre and Liz are still at the table and Deirdre is getting a little tearful. Ken comes in and puts the envelope down in front of her. "I just found that." Deirdre wants to know where he found it and is furious. "You've been going through her things?" He says he was trying to sort one or two things out. "We haven't even got her in the grave yet," snaps Deirdre, "and anyway, she's my mother, I'll be the one who does that." Ken says he didn't think she would want to. "Stay out of her room," says Deirdre, "you've got no reason to set foot in there." Ken apologises, but Deirdre is in full flow. She says she knows he's thinking that now they won't need to fork out for the loft conversion, that room can be his. "Would you just mind just hanging fire for a day or two?" Ken says he will, and hastily retreats.

Peter goes to see Steve in the Rovers and asks about the World Cup tickets. "Keep your voice down!" hisses Steve. Peter wants to know how much they are. "To you, £1500," says Steve, and says that's a bargain because it includes everything. "Yeah, go on," says Peter. Steve tells him not to say a word to the ladies. He then goes over to Trevor and says "Four!" and they have another cryptic conversation. Janice thinks they are just talking rubbish to wind her up.

Kirk tells David that he still likes Izzy, the girl in the wheelchair that he met on the internet. "What can I do to make things right?" he asks. David suggests he emails her, says he's sorry and asks if they can meet again.

Emily comes into the pub and sits down with Rita and Norris. She tells Norris she's had Mary on the phone wanting to speak to him. Apparently everything has been sorted out and she's been released. Her mother is alive and well and as far as Norris is concerned it was all a big misunderstanding. Norris becomes extremely agitated. "Where is she now? Did she say?" he stammers. Emily says she didn't.

Back at the Barlow's, Deirdre is verbally laying into Ken. "All you ever did was tolerate her," she says, "like you tolerate me, and now she's gone you can't wait to get in there and start going through her things. You drove her out! Well, we did it, we drove her out so she had to die a thousand miles away among strangers! Can you not show a little bit of respect now she's gone?" and she breaks down, sobbing.

Anne Logan


Friday 7 May

It's breakfast time at the Barlows' house and Deirdre apologises to Ken for being a right cow. He's very understanding. He knows what she's going through. Peter and Leanne arrive and ask about the letter. It's not been opened yet and Deirdre worries that it contains more home truths. Leanne points out that Blanche didn't keep any home truths to herself - she just came out with them. Deirdre opens the letter and reads. Then laughs. She reads: "I have just attended the most shambolic funeral I have ever been to. I feel compelled to put down in writing how I'd like my special day to be organised. For your convenience I have attached two sheets marked A and B. Ceremony A is my ideal wishes if money were no object, though likely as not you will try to bury me on the cheap - in which case refer to sheet B." Peter and Leanne giggle and Ken says "How very Blanche."

Deirdre reads on: "Whatever arrangements you opt for, please note I wish to be buried, not cremated under any circumstances - underlined. I have flirted with many versions of the Christian faith in my lifetime but I am not a Viking!"

Steve and Liz come into the living room to find Becky manically throwing toys all around the place. Yes, she knows she'd got it spotless but now she thinks it should look child friendly! She's not at all embarrassed when Liz reveals she knows Becky paid Amy ten pounds so she'd come into the room while the social worker was there, kiss Becky and say "You're the best mum in the world." Becky tells Steve that with their track record they need all the help they can get. She's even had a holiday snap of the three of them enlarged and framed.

Ken's reading the letter now. Option A, in Blanche's wishes, is for her coffin to be piped from hearse to church by the Scots Guards playing How Great Thou Art. Option B is that Bryony, from Knit and Natter, plays Blanche in on her recorder. Peter can't believe Blanche is still giving them orders. Blanche also wants the vicar to allow at least 15 minutes either side of the service. She "can't abide" angry mourners being kept waiting or, worse, being rushed through a service. She's detailed the hymns, even the food to be served (Eliot's pies, no hotpot and definitely no vegetarian option). And she wants the wake in the reception of a five-star hotel. Deirdre's slightly taken aback that they're laughing at her Mum but she says: "She just wants her final day to be special and I'm going to make sure that it is."

"I look like a pole dancer," says Becky. "That's why I married you," says Honest Steve. Becky does want to look sexy but not today. Today she wants to look motherly. "I need to get me hands on something gray and dowdy," she says - just as Claire walks in!

Norris is busy regaling Rita, Roy and Emily with his tale of his life being in danger when, "Oh my god!" he says, Mary walks in very cheerfully. Roy suggests she leave but Mary says she's brought the photos to show Norris and she's got some Bronte biscuits for Emily. Norris backs away. "Make her leave, please," he says, scurrying for the back room. "What's he been saying?" asks Mary.

As they walk down the street, Claire asks Becky if she just wants to borrow her clothes because they're frumpy. She says it's deception and she won't go along with it. Becky protests that she'd make a good Mam but sometimes she comes across wrong. "You shouldn't judge a book by its nail varnish."

Emily is confused. Mary's very cheerful but Norris says Mary put him through a terrible ordeal. Mary says her cooking's not that bad. Rita doesn't think Norris would make something like this up. Mary says Norris calling the police was the result of a misunderstanding. She denied having killed her mother and says she was as fit as a fiddle this morning. She didn't keep Norris against his will, though the cottage was remote. She tells them Norris gobbled one painkiller after another and seemed confused. "At one point he called me Angela." Norris comes out to see her off and she crumples and leaves with a wistful wave. It's clear the others now doubt Norris's story.

In the Rovers, Sean complains about all the baby talk. He tells Fiz he never hears from Violet and it hurts. They're interrupted by the social worker and Sean says he doesn't think Steve and Becky are in. She's a bit early.

Steve and Amy are in the taxi office. Liz is at the hatch/counter and tells Steve Amy's been asking a load of questions about Nana Blanche. "I managed to fob her off with pick and mix . . ." Steve thinks maybe he should just tell Amy straight.

Deirdre's getting on with the funeral arrangements and tells Ken Blanche was right. She's just had one of Archie Shuttleworth's minions trying to sell her on cremation. Ken wonders if she's rung the Scots Guards. Ken wonders why Eccles isn't mentioned and wonders how old the letter is. He's not suggesting they ignore the letter, but he says they needn't add stress by trying to follow it to the letter. Blanche could well have changed her mind since it was written.

Becky skids into the Rover wearing a preppy skirt and jumper look. She doesn't realise who the person is sitting near the door. "Claire has given me a make-under. Social Services are going to be loving me!" Becky says, preening. Sean points out they're already here as the social worker approaches Becky from behind. "I'm Dawn Coghill - Weatherfield Adoption Service," says the woman, sticking out her hand. Becky curtsies before shaking it! Becky's about to go into panic mode when Steve, Liz and Amy come in. Steve's a bit startled by Becky's new look. Becky introduces Amy who shouts: "Go away. I hate you!" and runs past.

Steve apologises to Dawn, the social worker, and says Amy's just found out her great-grandmother died. Becky's clearly annoyed at this but tries to keep herself under control. The social worker offers to come back another time but Becky says No. They're about to head upstairs when Fiz comes along and remarks on how smart Becky looks. "You're not up in court again, are you?" Oops.

Ken's pleased to see Deirdre with one of Blanche's bags. It's Blanche's funeral bag and Deirdre thinks she might start using it now.

Steve and Becky start off awkwardly with the social worker and Steve asks directly about the issue of the pub. Becky thinks they're going to be denied a child because they live over a pub. Dawn says some of the children might have issues with alcohol, such as those who are the children of alcoholic parents, and she noticed they brought Amy through the public bar. They assure her they'd be able to avoid bringing a child through the bar if necessary.

Norris and Rita argue over Mary. Norris can't believe his friends don't believe him. Rita points out that his story and Mary's don't quite tally. "Oh, so I must be lying, obviously," sneers Norris. Rita says Mary's story is more plausible. "Plunge a dagger through my heart, why don't you," Norris mutters to the magazine racks. Rita changes tack and says she was joking.

Dawn asks why Steve and Becky want to adopt. When Dawn asks about Becky's miscarriages and the diagnosis that she couldn't have children, she realises it was only weeks ago. She tells them it's very soon to be considering adoption. They need time to grieve for the children they can't have. "She did a lot of wallowing at the time," says Steve. Dawn says the usual advice is to wait a few months." Those of us who know Becky well could recognise an oncoming explosion, a bit like earth tremors before a volcano erupts. "Is that advice or is a rule," she asks almost too calmly. She says the woman at the open evening said it usually took ages to get a baby. "Surely I'll be over it by then." Dawn tells them that babies are rarely available for adoption. Often it's older children who have been abused or neglected. "I don't want you going into this with unrealistic expectations."

Down in the bar, Liz asks Kirk how his love life is. She says he'll never get a girlfriend if he pulls daft stunts like he did with the lass in the wheelchair. Kirk's mates keep telling him to ring her, he says. Liz advises the same. He digs for his mobile phone.

The social worker tries to ask Steve and Becky about Amy's reaction to a strange child in the house. "Why should she accept this massive claim you're imposing on her?" Becky, sitting defensively with her arms crossed and leaning away from Dawn, says if Dawn's worried Amy's inherited her mother's tendencies, she's wrong. Amy's as meek as a little lamb. So, it's out and Dawn has to ask about Tracy. "Her natural mother's inprisonformurder," mutters Steve and has to repeat it louder and more clearly. "It's not going to kibosh our chances, is it?" Becky asks anxiously. Dawn says she'll have to know more about it but it is a concern, yes. "But neither of you have criminal records, do you?" Er . . . "Serious criminal records?" Er . . .

Kirk's in the street and gets a text message. "Yes!"

Mary drives the motor home alongside a hobbling Norris. He refuses to get in because he doesn't know where he'll end up. Mary tries to rationalise her lie that her mother was dead. "I told her she was dead to me." She says this is just a minor glitch in their relationship but Norris shouts that he never wants to see her again. Mary is left fighting back the tears and wringing her hands.

Dawn is trying to find out more about these criminal convictions. Steve talks flippantly about receiving stolen goods. Becky makes light of shoplifting and criminal damage. Dawn warns them there is a proper assessment to come, endless forms, preparation classes, interviews. Lots of people give up. "At times you'll wonder what you've let yourself in for." Becky assumes she's telling them not to bother. "It's been obvious since she walked through the door," she tells Steve. "It takes years, there are no babies and even if there were she wouldn't give them to a couple of ex-cons like us," she says. Dawn denies this but Becky's too wound up to listen. She's convinced Dawn dislikes them. "Sling yer hook!" she shouts, telling Dawn to get out before she's thrown out. "Cow!" she mutters as Dawn hurries downstairs. Steve's jaw has dropped.

More later.
The End for now.
Margaret Carr

Episode Two and Steve’s jaw is still brushing up the floor as he tries to get his head around what Becky has just done. He accuses her of being the cow and not Dawn before flying out to catch up with Dawn. Becky seems to be calming down and a brief glint of remorse crosses her face.

Deirdre finds Ken going through some of Blanche’s things. She demands to know what he thinks he is doing and accuses him of trying to get rid of every trace of Blanche. He says that this is ridiculous and Deirdre isn't the only one who misses Blanche. No matter what she said about him, Ken is also affected deeply by Blanche’s passing. Deirdre apologises and suggests that they sort through everything together.

Sean feels that Steve and Becky are rubbing his nose in it with all the baby talk, when he still misses his baby, Dylan (taken by Violet and Jamie…I felt I should remind you seeing as Sean has NEVER mentioned him until this point) Fiz offers to have a chat with Sean and let him unload his burdens.

Becky feels that she has let everyone down and apologises profusely to Steve. He is very understanding and forgiving but this doesn't cheer Becky up. She sits miserably thinking she has destroyed her final chance of becoming a mum.

Ken and Deirdre are enjoying reminiscing about Blanche as they sort through her belongings. They are getting through it quite quickly. Deirdre informs Ken that they need to write a eulogy and he agrees to help her out with his writing skills.

Kirk is nervous about his date with Izzy. He is getting advice thrown at him from all angles like say nice things to her and don't say anything stupid (an impossibility I would have thought). Izzy arrives and Kirk apologises for pretending to be somebody else. She tells him that it doesn't matter, she would pretend to be someone else if she looked like Kirk.

Amy is asking where Blanche is. Becky sits her down on her knee and explains that Blanche is having a great time up in Heaven and is looking down on them all. As she shares this bonding moment, Steve approaches with Dawn and they listen for a while. After overhearing a lovely exchange, Dawn enters and asks if Becky would like to start again. Becky smiles and says should would like that very much.

Fiz is listening to Sean say how he wonders how Dylan is and how he fears that Jamie will be acting like his dad. Fiz suggests that he tracks Violet down and he decides to log onto Facebook. He finds that she is living in London and puts in a friend request.

Deirdre and Ken are writing Blanche’s eulogy when Deirdre receives a phone call from Tracy. Deirdre wonders if Tracy will be allowed out for Blanche’s funeral.

Mary catches up with Norris but he is not in the mood for listening to anything that she has to say. He says that she was despicable for lying about the death of her mother and informs her that he never wants to see her again. She looks distraught.

Kirk is struggling for a topic of conversation with Izzy. After she tells him she doesn't want to talk about work, he asks what her favourite colour is. Liz comes in and asks if everything is okay. Izzy snaps at her to mind her own business. Kirk jumps to Liz’s defense and tells Izzy that it was Liz who persuaded him to get back in touch with her. I suppose that gives her another reason to dislike her.

Becky and Steve are filling out their forms. Dawn informs them that she will need to speak to previous significant partners, particularly Amy’s mother. Becky and Steve exchange a dubious look.

Meanwhile, Amy’s mother herself emerges from a meeting with the prison governor. Tracy wears a satisfied smile… she has been granted permission to attend Blanche's funeral.

That’s all for now

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 10 May

Well it is not very often they let me loose to write a report, but I am not a 'happy bunny' because I wrote the report, put it in my 'drafts' folder ready to forward on at the appropriate time. I went there the other day to find it has disappeared. Lucky I kept the notes, so I will have to remember what I wrote.

Deirdre is having a cigarette prior to the funeral. She says it is to calm her nerves. She says that she still can't get it into her head that her mother has gone. She recalls that she would slag off people, talking in the Rovers about their sex lives ! Ken offers to ring the prison to find out if there is any news regarding Tracy. Deirdre wonders who might be at the funeral. Ken tells her that everyone she loves will be there.

Peter is sympathising to Leanne about Simon. First he lost his mother, then his rabbit and now this. Leanne tries to reassure Peter that he will be okay, and that he will grow up to be happy and strong. Peter is not so sure, he said Simon really loved Blanche.

Liz comes downstairs in her curlers. She thinks that Steve shouldn't tell Amy about Blanche. Steve disagrees and think it is right that she should know. He and Becky then tell Amy that there maybe a new member of the McDonald family soon. However, she says "I am called Barlow".

The funeral car arrives outside the Barlows' house. Archie Shuttleworth is in charge.

Back at the Rovers, Liz tells Steve that Amy has been practicing saying "Amy McDonald" for the past hour. She warns Steve that Tracy would never agree to them changing her name.

Ken and Deirdre come out of the house, and are joined Peter and Leanne. The neighbours are lining the street to show sympathy.

Anna Windlass is busy doing the vacuuming ready for the social worker's visit. Eddie is in the way, and of no help at all.

Most of the members of the '1 o'clock club' are there, but excuses are made for the others that are not there.

In the church, Audrey tells Deirdre that she has brought some valium with her if she wants it. Deirdre refuses, saying that she needs to keep her wits about her. By the time Ken and the others bring in the coffin, Deirdre is close to tears. Tracy comes in and she and her mother have an emotional reunion.

Everybody else now starts to file into the church. Tracy calls out to Amy, but she ignores her, and doesn't want to know. Peter introduces 'Aunty Tracy' to Simon.

The Priest starts the service with a hymn 'Guide me, oh great redeemer'.

Rosie and Sophie are in the corner shop. Sian comes in and Sophie gives her a kiss.

Back at the Church, Deirdre starts her speech. She says that the only thing that her mother didn't organise for the funeral was the speech! She remarks that there were four generations of the family in the Street, but now there are only three. She tells the congregation that they have had their ups and downs as a family, but doesn't know how they would have coped without the "mean spirited old witch in the corner" !! She was very good with words. At this time Blanche would have said "clear off and let the mourners get to the buffet" ! Deirdre now breaks down into tears. She says she and Ken were trying to think of a couple of words that would sum up Blanche. It was very difficult but they came up with 'loyalty' and 'strength'.

Anna starts to panic as the doorbell rings. It is the social worker. Both Eddie and her look very smart. She makes a nervous joke about who is who (Eddie and Anna)

The funeral service continues as the coffin is taken to the graveside . Archie tells Deirdre that it was a wonderful eulogy that she gave. He said that she was a wonderful woman and would be missed.

Tracy calls over to Audrey. Audrey doesn't want to know her. Prison officer says she is watching her. Tracy then shouts over to Steve about taking Amy away and changing her name to McDonald. Becky shouts and Tracy tells her that she is no better and pushes her.

Right, hopefully I will be able to keep this update, this time, ready for posting ! Another update will follow shortly.

Martin Rosen

Tracy is ranting at Steve that Amy will always be a Barlow. Steve retorts that he was only toying with the idea of making Amy a McDonald for her sake but Tracy says no chance. He had his chance and turned his back. As the argument rumbles on, Amy looks distinctly awkward so Becky takes the girl into her arms but the reaction from Tracy is not pleasant! She tells Becky to get her hands off as she will never take her daughter off her. Becky argues that Tracy lost Amy herself and it's the best thing tat could have happened for the child. Tracy makes a lunge for Becky but is dragged away by the police officers. She screams that no smackhead will take her daughter before begging Deirdre to stop her from trying.

The Windasses are sitting with the social worker who is addressing their application. Anna watches Eddie nervously as he rambles on about a man he knew called Hilary, the same name of the social worker. Hilary tries to get down to business but Eddie asks her if it would not be more convenient to have the same social worker as the McDonalds. He is told that this is not how it works. Anna glowers at Eddie, worrying that he is giving them a bad name to Hilary. Eddie pulls out his secret weapon and thrusts a triple chocolate cheesecake in Hilary's direction but she informs him that she is diabetic so can't have any. Eddie tells her that there are plenty of diabetic recipes out there, he'll try one for her next visit. She smiles warmly at him for the first time and the atmosphere definitely lifts.

Deirdre is sitting in the church crying about the events which have marred her mother's funeral. Liz comes in and holds her comfortingly, urging her to let it all out. Deirdre reminisces about Tracy's baptism, almost 33 years ago to the day and is devastated by the way her daughter turned out. Liz tells Deirdre that Steve isn't trying to hurt Tracy and Deirdre tells her she knows, but the stress of it all is still killing her.

Outside, Archie offers Deirdre the chance to throw a handful of earth onto the coffin but Deirdre points out that if she chucked dirt at Blanche, she's throw it back down from the heavens. She instead throws a bunch of freesias and stands alongside Ken as her mother is laid to rest.

Becky is worried about Tracy's reference to the social worker but Steve points out that they will hardly put much consideration on Tracy's words seeing as she is a convicted murderer.

Sian is sitting on the counter of the shop, helping Sophie with her revision. Dev bursts in and snaps at Sophie that she is there to work not hang out with her friends. Sunita tells him to calm down and points out that females can multitask and the shop is hardly busy. She then reminds him to get in touch with Maria regarding paying rent on the flat.

Audrey, Betty, Norris, Archie and May are sitting reflecting on Blanche. Audrey comments that she would like to leave the world like Blanche, peacefully. And with a man in tow, Betty adds. As May heads for the buffet, Norris comments that he is surprised she hasn't eaten the whole plate judging by the amount of time she has spent there. He goes on to criticize the events at the funeral but Rita tells him that a funeral, fight and free food would have been Blanche's dream. Norris' sniping comes to a halt when Mary enters, saying she's here to pay her respects. Norris makes a show of walking out.

Outside, Peter and Leanne are talking about how well Simon has handled the day. Peter looks at Leanne in wonder and tells her he wants them to get married. She smiles and, after making sure that he is certain, they embrace.

Deirdre is pouring out her heart to Ken, saying she wishes that people knew the nice side of Blanche that she saw. Ken says that people were more fond of her than she thinks. Deirdre weeps that it's going to be hard to get used to her mother not being here.

Mary is upset that Norris made a retreat from her but Rita assures him that he'll come round.

Ken stands up and starts delivering a speech about Blanche. While reminding everyone that she was fierce and always spoke her mind, Ken tells everyone that she was also a loving, loyal and compassionate woman. Everyone raises a glass and Deirdre sheds a tear or two as Ken pays a final tribute to the late, great Blanche.

Tracy's cellmate is sniping at her as she gazes at a photo of Amy and points out she won't even remember her before long. Tracy snaps that she will get out of here and sooner than everyone thinks.

Meanwhile, Blanche's room is empty and quiet and a somber Deirdre gazes at a photo of her late mother fondly.

That's all from me.

More soon

Duncan Lindsay


Thursday 13 May

This Thursday update has been written by a guest updater, blogger "Yoork" who writes updates and other witty things on The Coronation Street Blog http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/

Written by Debbie Oates, directed by Duncan Foster

Ken and Deirdre reminisce over Blanche's opinion's towards some of the 1 O'Clock Club members, Gracie and how she could get three cups from one teabag - tight cow. Apparently Grace was a "wart in human form" according to the late Blanche. Deirdre's not sure if she should take Amy with her when she goes to see Tracy since Tracy might be in a state then she doesn't want to upset Amy. Deirdre decides not to bring Amy after all and tells Becky and Steve about it who think that Tracy will immediately blame them for it. Deirdre says she'll explain that it was her decision but they don't think Tracy'll believe that.

Tracy sees her mum without Amy and immediately kicks off. This girl is a ticking time-bomb. Even if she managed herself to get out how soon before she goes right back in? Tracy thinks it was Steve and that cow that kept Amy away, but Deirdre corrects her. Tracy's sick of people making her decisions for her, and she wants to change that very soon. Deirdre has no idea what she means and later tells Ken about it who also agrees that the threat is empty since there isn't really anything Tracy can do to get out of a life sentence. Tracy instructs her mother to call her solicitor and have him come to the prison so they can have a face-to-face meet. What is she up to now? She talks to her solicitor about something that could change her situation

Just as Gail gets used to her cellmate, the cellmate is being moved to another wing. Another prisoner is mourning (somewhat) the loss of a child more than a gran - Tracy Barlow. Gail calls David to tell him that her trial's been moved up and she's not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing and neither is David. Both parties are worried about the outcome of Gail's case.

No guesses for figuring out who Gail's new cellmate is. MacIntyre, Barlow. Gail? Tracy.

Becky and Steve are filling out their "previous partners and criminal record" stuff for their adoptions papers and seem to be having a difficult time with this blast to the past. Becky's having trouble enough figuring out which "relationships" were significant from the list of men from A to M she's compiled. Hayley wisely advises her just to mention the ones she was engaged to: Jason and Steve. I know she was engaged to Jason, but was that really significant in her eyes? I'm shocked she can even remember A to M. Becky doesn't like the fact that many of Steve's exes are either in jail, or have a record. You know it looks bad when the best looking one of your exes is Michelle Connor.

Hayley awakens to find Roy sitting up awake with no socks on and apparently this is a cause for concern. Roy is up worrying about what will happen to he and Hayley when they both die. He's not even had his breakfast yet, egads. Hayley chalks up Roy's "death" conversation to the fact that she forgot to replace the batteries in their fire alarm therefore he must have been thinking they could have burned to the ground because of it. Roy's onto something beyond the dead fire alarm. Oh joy, can't wait to hear about it. Hayley gets the battery and Anna points out that she doesn't even have a smoke alarm to which Roy goes crazy over. Roy talks to Hayley about his "life audit" again and suggests that he and Hayley get legally married. He does not propose, just makes a technical suggestion. Hayley's upset later that Roy has managed to take the romance out of their entire marriage. Roy manages to take the joy out of everything, she should be used to this by now.

Jason's on Graeme again for a the keys to his flat. If he really needed to get in, surely he could just call a locksmith considering the fact that a) he owns the place, and b) he doesn't even think anyone's up in there. He's really dragging his arse on the sale of that place. Graeme tries to riddle Jason with his words about getting a key cut and it's somewhat successful since Jason leaves completely confused and hasn't bashed his head in yet.

Graeme visits Tina and notices that she's been eating the food that he's left for her and is happy about that. He tries to get her to go outside but she gives him a firm ‘no.' He makes her promise to say "not today" instead of "no."

Theresa watches Lloyd washing his cab and says he'd have been a good nurse, getting in all those crevices with that sponge. I shudder to think about what she's picturing. Eddie comes by and asks for a reference for their adoption plan, and Theresa asks what they're adopting - a brain cell between the two of ‘em? Oh, I'll miss her. She tells him that he's got enough on his plate with cleaning a burger out of his glove compartment and should just leave the kiddies be. Lloyd chastises Theresa and tells Eddie he will write the reference. Later, Lloyd continues to be rude towards Theresa and feels bad about it. Well, it's hard being in relationship of convenience.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Prison's really starting to rub off on Gail, and maybe it's a good thing. Did you hear how she got her back up to that guard for trading out her old cellie? The old Gail would have whispered and no one would have heard.
- Graeme's "yesterday is tomorrow, tomorrow is today" (whatever) speech to throw Jason off the scent.
- Theresa asking Eddie what he and Anna are going to adopt - a brain cell between the two of ‘em?
- Hayley coming back in and telling Anna that she's bought a battery and hopefully that it'll be a better night for the two of them and Eddie VERY curious to know why. Haha, naughty!
- When Becky looks at Steve's list of significant others and sees Ronnie on there and yells at him for not knowing he went with blokes! Haha. I liked Ronnie, but was she really significant?

LOWLIGHTS:

- Hayley thinking that Roy was worried about both of them dying since she hadn't changed the batteries in fire alarm. How does she deal with this OCD? Do you want to know where my fire alarm is? I have no clue. Since I chucked it out the window a few weeks back since it kept going off every five minutes every time I try to roast something!
- Jason hounding Graeme for the key to his flat. If he really needed to get in, surely he could just call a locksmith considering the fact that a) he owns the place, and b) he doesn't even think anyone's up in there. He's really dragging his arse on the sale of that place. As I mentioned above.
- Eddie hearing David make a wise-crack and saying that if he were his lad, he'd feel the buckle of his belt. Since when does Eddie Windass wear a belt? He probably stopped when it got too tight, if you know what I mean.
- Tracy saying she's sick of people making her decisions for her. It's called being a prisoner. Get used to it. And what's with her getting out when Amy's almost an adult? Since when is a life sentence 10-15 years? What does "life sentence" mean these days anymore? I always thought it to mean you lived your LIFE in prison until you died - in prison.
- Ugh, that entitled rude little madame Tina McIntyre ruining my Corrie viewing experience yet again. She treats Graeme like dirt, and she always will.
- Is anyone else just about had ENOUGH of this adoption storyline? It's full-on almost every episode. Plus, with both the Windasses and McDonalds adopting, it's a bit much for me. Especially since they're not even close to adopting yet, they're only just filling out papers!

Overall Episode Review: 5.5/10, Drama: 6/10, Humour: 6/10, Classic Corrie: 5/10, Wow Factor: 5/10


Friday 14 May

We open with the writers making a big mistake by putting a convicted prisoner serving life in the same cell as a prisoner on remand who, so far, hasn't been convicted of anything. And if you think I'm grumpy about that, you should see Tracy and Gail. Both are threatening to tell their mums about the other! Tracy tells Gail they'll just have to get on. It's all she's got time for before one of the screws (Yes, I watched Prisoner AND Porridge) comes to fetch Tracy for the third round of the table tennis competition.

At Janice's flat she still seems upset that Trevor didn't come home last night but he seems oblivious. He's more worried that one of the kittens has a cold and that Janice might not know that leaving a little bit of tea in the cup makes it easier to wash later.

At the senior Barlows,' Deirdre puts down the phone. She's been talking to her mother's solicitor. Apparently Blanche left instructions for the will reading and wants Deirdre, Ken, Peter, Steve and someone else to be present. She pauses mysteriously and doesn't name the someone else.

Out in the street, Hayley and Anna meet and Anna asks if Hayley's had time to tell Roy she wants a proper wedding. Hayley hasn't but Anna urges her to do so. Rita stops to chat and then Claire comes past and mentions the mayor is in hospital again.

Tracy's back in the cell after beating Transparent Kerry 3-0. There are two prisoners called Kerry. The other one is called Perfect Kerry because she's wealthy, with a big house in Knutsford. Gail thinks Tracy's settling in well but Tracy says she was terrified for the first couple of years. Gail says she was sorry to hear about Blanche's death.

In the Kabin, Norris can't understand why he's been invited to the will reading but convinces himself that Blanche wasn't so bad after all and appreciated his company. He leaves Ken to go into the back to ring Rita and tell her. While he's doing that, Mary comes in and when Rita answers Norris says something to her about the mayor being ill. Eddie's heard what Ken and Norris are discussing and before Norris can stop him, he's told Mary about it. "The reading's at Ken's tonight. Your man's as giddy as a kipper!"

Back in the prison, Gail's talking to a very sympathetic Tracy about Joe's death. She admits she and David tried to cover up Joe's plan to fake his own death. Tracy says she killed Charlie because he was coming at her with a knife and she didn't want Amy left without a mum. Gail tells her that if it's any consolation Steve's doing a good job of raising Amy, Becky aside. "Becky aside?!" roars Tracy. "What do you mean, Becky aside?"

In the Rovers, Steve, Rita and Deirdre discuss Blanche's will. Steve isn't quite sure why he has to be there and Deirdre wonders if he's been left some hair restorer. He protests that he's got a widow's peak and Deirdre jokes that it's getting to be a Mohican. Peter's quite excited and Rita calls them all a pack of vultures.

Janice arrives back at the flat but there's no sign of Trevor. She opens his room where the kittens are on his bed. As she straightens his boots she notices a tin under the bed and, of course, opens it. It's full of cash.

Later, in the pub, she tells Leanne about it. Leanne suggests asking Trev. She thinks he's probably just old-fashioned and doesn't trust the banks. Janice doesn't want him to think she was snooping. The man himself comes in and they both decline a drink from him. At the bar, Steve stealthily hands him some more money for the World Cup tickets. Aha! Trevor tells him that Carla's a bit put out because he's told her he won't stay at hers tonight because he's worried about the kittens. "She can't believe she comes second to a cat with a runny nose." Back in the booth, Janice tells Leanne she doesn't fancy Trev.

In the taxi office, Theresa waltzes in and starts wittering on about nothing much. A call comes in from Cheryl and from ignoring Teresa Lloyd goes on to full-alert listening mode. Claire tries to give the job to Eddie over the radio, but Lloyd leaps up and says he'll take the call. Theresa looks very suspicious.

Gail's opening her heart about Joe and how he needed her support after his addiction. Tracy makes a joke about her always picking nutters and Gail is a bit offended. She says Joe's situation showed what could happen to a decent, hard-working man. "I didn't kill my husband. The recession did." She can't see how amused Tracy is.

Lloyd picks up Cheryl in his taxi and they tease each other fondly.

In the cafe, Theresa's moping. Mary's telling Hayley she was in the crowd for the Royal Wedding of Fergie and Prince Andrew. Roy speculates that once they have a licence they'll be able to get married quickly. Hayley wonders if they'll have time for her to have a dress made and to send out invitations. Roy wonders if she already has a suitable dress. He bemoans the wedding industry that convinces people to waste thousands on photographers and wedding cars. Hayley looks very unhappy.

Tracy is bored now as Gail talks romantically about Joe and their Lakes holiday. She says they stayed in one cold day and baked shortbread - they got semolina everywhere and it tasted terrible (I don't wonder, if it had semolina in it! Totally unnecessary. That Delia's got something to answer for!). She says Joe wanted to have another go at shortbread the next day and she had to hide the rolling pin behind the wardrobe to stop him. Tracy's eyes light up.

Lloyd drops off Cheryl and doesn't realise Theresa's watching. She sees his eyes follow Cheryl as she walks away.

Tracy asks if Gail knows how Joe died. Gail is in tears as she says it must have been an accident. She says Joe was angry and they'd been arguing and it was wet and dark. "I have done some terrible things, Tracy. Things I should never have done - out of cowardice and fear." Tracy asks what she regrets the most. Before Gail can answer the door opens and a prison officer tells Tracy the governor wants to see her.

In the pub, Eddie goes to the loo and Hayley goes to sit down at a table, leaving Anna to talk to Roy. She calls him a tightwad and lectures him about the need for a proper wedding.

Tracy is really angry that she and Gail were interrupted. She's talking to the two detectives investigating Joe's death. She says Gail was right on the brink of confessing. They ask if she thinks Gail killed Joe. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life."

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Here we are again with another second half.

Tracy is sitting down with the detectives who remind her that Gail has denied the murder up until now. Naturally they are surprised that she has suddenly confessed to Tracy. She tells them that her and Gail go way back and she trusts her. The detective tells her that unless she has any new information for them then she should stop wasting their time (obviously forgetting that they were the ones who called her there!)

Roy is in the huff with Hayley so, as they sit with the Windasses he fails to see the humour in Eddie's anecdote about a couple who got married in the nude. It makes you wonder whether it was Anna and Eddie them selves …they would have had Windy Asses indeed. Anna senses the atmosphere and suggests she and Eddie leave them alone. Hayley scolds Roy but he retorts that he doesn't see why she has to confide their marital plans to Anna.

Lloyd and Teresa come into the Rovers and Teresa scowls when she spots Cheryl and while Lloyd claims not to know her she smiles at him and says hi. Leanne teases Cheryl that they seem very friendly.

Tina has reached the front door but as Graeme encourages her to come out, she spots David and flies back into the house.

Hayley apologises to Roy but he persists in saying that it is a private matter. Hayley tells him that she wants it to be a celebration. He says that he thought they were doing it to save money which, naturally, causes her to stomp off.

Janice sits Trev down and says that they need to talk. Resisting the urge to tell Janice that she always needs to talk he asks her what it's about, She cuts to the chase and says she found the money under the bed. He tells her he'll explain if she doesn't say a word to anyone and she jumps to the conclusion that he is a drug dealer. He is forced to confess that it's the savings for the World Cup trip but it was meant to be a secret from the lads' wives.

Blanche's will is being read out. Simon has been left an antique watch and Amy a music box with a broken spring. To Ken she has left her collection of Meave Binchy novels and in brackets has written ‘a proper writer' Ken doesn't seem impressed but Deirdre tells the will reader that it is a private joke. He is even less impressed when he is left Eccles and she adds that he must walk her but avoid canals and other places where he may be tempted by women of ill repute. And Deirdre receives all of Blanche's jewellery. She then adds that to Norris Cole, who is no doubt sitting there, his hands clammy with excitement over why he has been asked along, she leaves the knowledge that he got the gossip first hand so he won't need to search for it. She also wants to cancel her subscription to Puzzler Monthly. As Norris huffs that she still owes him for three issues, the will reader concludes by announcing that the remainder of the estate, including Blanche's savings of £14,000 goes to Tracy Barlow

Gail tells Tracy that she always thought of her as an unpleasant woman but now she's thinking she got it wrong. Tracy tells her that what happened with Charlie wasn't her fault. She snapped, just like Gail did. Gail tells her angrily that she's got it wrong, Joe was a good man. Tracy tries to coax her to confess otherwise by saying she can be honest with her but they are interrupted by an officer who says Gail has visitors. She is over the moon to be greeted by David and Nick. David is suspicious when she tells them that her new cellmate is Tracy. Nick says not to worry, she will be home in a couple of weeks.

Tina is telling Graeme that she felt like she was having a panic attack when she saw David. He replies that he had one once when he was caught in bed with a violent baker's sister. He says he never has much luck with women, no matter how he tries.

Cheryl tells Lloyd that she can put a good word in for him at the club where she works as the cab firm they used has gone under. Teresa sneers that he should run after her and throw himself at her feet. He agrees, kind of. He says it can't hurt to follow her and give her a few cards.

Trev manages to convince Janice to keep quiet. She says if anyone drops out though, she gets first refusal. He says he wishes she'd said that earlier as it would have been great to have her along. Her delighted expression fades as he adds that she is practically one of the lads anyway.

Cheryl asks how long Lloyd has been with Teresa. He sighs too long, it's run it's course now.

Roy still hasn't figured out why Hayley is so upset. He says that the wedding is more than a buffet and a mobile disco but she points out that it's more than a business merger too before adding that she'd prefer if he slept in the spare room tonight.

Liz gives Teresa a drink on the house. Teresa asks her what she wants. Liz says kindly that Lloyd has moved on, so should she. Teresa looks tearful as she snipes that Liz would love that so she could pick up the pieces but it's clear that she knows that she is speaking the truth. She advises her to leave with her head held high.

Lloyd spots Teresa leaving the flat with a bag. She tells him that she got a call from an old mate asking her to run a shop in Hyde with a flat thrown into the mix. He could of course talk her out of it. He says that he's sorry and she says he doesn't have to be, he's still treated her better than all the other blokes. She kisses him and walks out of sight. When she turns the corner she breaks into tears and phones her daughter, saying she needs a favour.

Ken and Deirdre are discussing Blanche's decision to leave all of that money to Tracy. Ken says that hopefully Tracy will use it to build a new life for her and Amy.

Back in the jail cell Gail has broken down into tears. Tracy embraces her and says it's okay as Gail wails that she is innocent. A calculating look crosses Tracy's look as she ponders how to get a confession from a woman who has committed no crime.

I'm sure she'll find a way!

Until next time.

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 17 May

Written by Jane Hollinson Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

The talk in the McDonald house this morning is about the money Blanche left Tracy. Steve doesn't think Tracy will ever use it wisely when Amy could benefit. Talk of the devil, Becky has received a visiting order from Tracy.

Roy has spent the night on the spare bed which seemed to be fine when Becky lived there but is now mysteriously transformed into a torture device. Roy's back is stiff and sore and he staggers out to the lounge where Hayley is very cool to him. A new mattress is more practical than a wedding and he doesn't understand why that statement sends Hayley into the kitchen banging things around. He doesn't understand much, does he? Hayley tells him he's like Mr. Spock, not that he'd know who that is. He does, as it happens, and found the character intriguing (no surprise there). She basically accuses him of having no sense of romance and flounces out, leaving him to his aching back.

Nick wants David to share the cost of the bills but David isn't so inclined.

Steve reckons Tracy is up to something and doesn't want Becky to go. Liz agrees, Tracy is probably setting Becky up for a fall but Becky wants to know what she wants and will tell Tracy that she needs to save some of the money for Amy.

Tracy tells Gail that Becky is coming to see her and she wants to get to know her better seeing as she's looking after Amy. Tracy's face falls when Gail says Becky seems to be doing a good job with Amy and Amy's quite happy but she covers and tries to get more info out of Gail about what Becky's like. She hits the jackpot when Gail mentions that Becky can't have kids though it's not widely known. Tracy's evil scheming grin tells us all we need to know about the upcoming visit.

Anna bumps into Becky on the street and Becky asks her how the adoption is coming along. Turns out Roy is writing a recommendation for both of them. Anna arrives at the cafe which is still closed. She hollers for Roy who pops his head out the window to say he won't be down as his back is out. He throws her down the keys.

In the factory, there's water dripping slowly out of the ceiling. Not very safe when you're sitting at an electrical machine. Carla doesn't think it's anything to be concerned about. Sean is still trying to "friend" Violet on Facebook and she's still ignoring him, if it's the right Violet. (pick up a phone! do a little legwork!) Fiz notices that Hayley is upset and Hayley admits she and Roy have had a row. Fiz sympathises and admits it just seems easier to let them have their own way (and that's why Fiz is in the fix she's in now, married to an idiot!)

David finds a notice on the door of the medical centre advertising for someone to do Gail's job. He's upset but Nick says it's only business which upsets David further. Carla snaps her fingers and Nick jumps to attention. David walks away in disgust (and why do these businesses all put cards on their door for open jobs, doesn't anyone use the newspaper at least? or go through the job center!)

Becky's trying to find just the right thing to wear to the prison, knowing that Tracy will be assessing her from top to toe. Steve, being a man, doesn't understand these things. Becky assures him she can handle Tracy. He urges her to be subtle and keep her sweet for when the social worker talks to her. Don't let Tracy wind her up.

Roy is holding an ice pack on his back. Anna comes to the door to find out how he is and says she can be of help. He's dismayed that Kirk is standing in at the cafe for her but she insists he let her in. He staggers to the door to unlock it. She clears a spot on the floor and tells him to lie down on it.

In the taxi office, Lloyd admits to Eileen that Teresa has gone. She's got a better job. Eileen and Steve both tease Lloyd that he's been dumped by Teresa. Steve further teases him that Lloyd now has a clear shot at Cheryl, Eileen is intrigued!

Roy is on his back with his legs up over Anna's shoulder. She's wiggling them around and pushing them back towards his shoulders and it all looks very kinky and dodgey and when Hayley comes in, she's stunned. Roy panics and says it's not what it looks like (they all say that!). Anna pops up and agrees, she was just helping him with his back and indeed he seems to have got up off the floor a lot easier than he was moving previously. Seems Anna's ministrations have worked! Anna's tickled that Hayley seemed a bit jealous but Anna assures her Roy is no match for her Eddie. She gets back to the cafe before Kirk can do any damage, leaving Hayley to apologize to Roy for falling out with them. He allows her to hug him, though he leaves his arms wide open like a scarecrow while she does it.

Tracy and Becky meet face to face. Tracy apologizes for her performance at the funeral. Becky is circumspect, and suspicious but is cool and collected. She agrees they can start again but she gets right to the point. She wants to know if Tracy is going to use some of the money Blanche left her for Amy. But this is all news to Tracy. Tracy is elated to find out she's inherited 14 grand. She is far more excited about the money than sad about the reason she's got it coming. She sends Becky off to get her a chocolate bar.

Roy is offering to make Hayley her favourite meal, tagiatelli carbonara. Hayley is excited. I think she thinks he's come around to her way of thinking.

Lloyd is meeting up with the owner of the strip club to talk about a contract for the cab company. The owner is a real nasty piece of work, showing no respect for the girls and thinking very highly of himself and happy with his own little power trip.

Back to the prison, Tracy says of course she'll use some of the money for Amy. She tells Becky that Social Services have contacted her. Here's the deal. It could go either way. Amy stays a Barlow. Becky agrees. There's more but she demands a coffee first. Becky calmly goes off while Tracy sits there enjoying her upper hand.

Nick is doing paperwork in the office. Carla gives him grief about why he's not brought in any new business like he promised. He says he's working on it. Janice raises an umbrella and two others start spinning theirs as the group all starts singing "Raindrops keep falling on my head". Carla shouts at them.

Tracy lays it out. Becky stops her, making vague threats about keeping Amy from seeing her mother more often. No way. Tracy definitely has the advantage here. She demands Steve tells the prison that Amy needs to see her more often and she's planning on having herself moved to an open prison.

Lloyd arrives at the pub and tells Steve he's landed them a new contract with the lap dancing club. Liz asks Lloyd about Teresa's departure. She makes vague hints about him being a free agent and he makes sure to tell her he thinks they are better off as friends. She insists she had no plans of wanting him back (yeah right) and they agree mates is best. He realizes she knows about his interest in Cheryl but she says Steve never told her, she has eyes in her head and thinks he's got a chance. He leaves, Steve talks to Liz about Becky's visit and they hope it goes well.

Becky tells Tracy she hates how Tracy is using her own child and doesn't care about her daughter. The gloves are off. They start sniping and when Tracy thrown Becky's infertility at her, Becky launches across the table and it's all out war. They are dragged apart, screaming threats at each other.

Fallout continues next half.

Tvor

Hi. Stella is away at the moment and so bearing in mind that we are in the middle of the football season (apparently) the sub has been dragged off the bench to step into the breach.

Becky returns from her visit to prison; her demeanor shows something is wrong - but she is giving nothing away. Liz hopes that she has not wound up Tracy, after all you might as well poke an angry dog with a big stick. Becky shouts at her to back off and heads into the back of the Rovers.

Roy has roses and tells Anna that they were twoferone at Freshcos. She suggests that instead of a vase he scatters the petals all over the bed but Roy refuses - he has already seen some aphids and does not want to cause an infestation. Also in the cafe David and Graeme are working on Nick's laptop, much to the latter's displeasure. They are doing some research and are starting a petition to free Gail and he can wipe that smirk off his face. [What is wrong with Nick's face? Honestly he rarely looks human - I am surprised that Natasha wants to go anywhere near him]. Nick denies smirking and Graeme agrees - Nick has a face that always looks smug. Nick tells him that no-one will be interested in a petition but David will make them listen.

Amazingly Tracy has already managed to get on the dog and bone and is letting Dreary know (from her point of view) how Becky had attacked her and it had needed two prison staff to pull the mad bitch off! Not that Tracy might have wound her up - never mentioned. At the other end the wise old bird asks if she wound Becky up and Tracy admits they may have had words so Dreary calls her daughter her own worst enemy. Tracy pointed out that Becky had said she would not see Amy and even Dreary has trouble believing that. As Tracy's comes to the end of her call Gail catches sight of her so Tracy turns on the waterworks and asks Dreary what will happen if Becky stops her seeing Amy. Gail watches as Tracy tells her mother that she loves her. Gail also seeks to re-assure Tracy that it is not really that bad - but Tracy makes it clear that the place is getting her down. They hug and we see Tracy smiling - just how gullible is Gail?

Becky is providing Steve with an update. Good reference for them if Amy keeps her name and they write a nice letter ensuring that Tracy can see Amy regularly - and Becky knows it has to be in an open prison because she cannot hack it in a proper prison. And then Becky confesses to the argument and the attack but Steve has no sympathy for her and calls her unbelievable before storming back inside.

Along at the factory the leak is leaking and they are worrying about getting an electric shock. Nick points out that Janice was a first aider and could help anyone who had a shock. Carla shows even less concern and that the current order had been doubled so would they please get on the case? The delivery date was unchanged. Hayley pointed out that they were a machinist short and Carla told her they were looking for a trainee. Carla tells them to get stuck in.

Deirdre arrives at the Rovers and starts yelling at Becky. Steve suggests that they go in the back and have some tea. Once there Becky admits that she attacked but in reality Tracy was blackmailing them and it was not right - but as Deirdre pointed out it was the first time she had heard of a prison visitor being chucked out. This surprises Steve who hears the other side of the story. Becky issues a very weak "sorry". Steve says to Deirdre that Becky is sometimes her own worst enemy (rather like Tracy then) and a total hot head. Becky hears this and thanks Steve for slagging him off.

Eddie is rather pleased to hear about the new contract and suggests he could be the account manager so he could provide a personal touch, and Eileen knows just how personal his touch would be. At which point Cheryl and another danced walk in and Eddie gets his first chance to drive on the new account, claiming he used to drive for Angelina Jolie.

David and Graeme are decorating the outside of the house with a "Free Gail McIntyre" banner. Nick actually offers some congratulation and David is surprised. it will look good in the photos as Nick has arranged for a journalist from the Gazette so that David can talk about the campaign and perhaps obtain some publicity. David and Nick seem to be getting along a little better.

Anna is surprised to find that Eddie is working a double shift. He claims he is standing in for one of the other drivers but we all feel it has more to do with the quality of the new passengers. Eileen knows the truth and tells Eddie she could slap him. A phone call comes in for a taxi for Cheryl and this time Lloyd pulls rank and is on his way.

Above the cafe Hayley and Roy are eating and the latter says they are private people and she had never really thought about a large wedding - she would run for the hills, but time moves along and now they are part of the community, accepted and with friends and some even closer so that they are almost family then they have earned the right to a public wedding, a declaration of their love. Roy is merely wedded to the need to secure their finances - they had the public visibility with their first wedding. She acknowledges this but they could have some fun too. He agrees but is worried about the expense, but she says that perhaps for once they could be incautious and hang the expense. Roy did not think they could do and that now he is sorry he asked and he has no choice but to withdraw his proposal.

In the Rovers Graeme and David are collecting signatures for the petition but Janice refuses initially but then follows Julie's example and adds her name to the petition. David is surprised when Eileen signs but the latter is willing to bet anything that she is no murderer, Liz nods and signs as well.

Cheryl emerges from the club to find Lloyd waiting but before they can go when the owner of the club comes out and tells her off for arriving late and leaving early. She tells him something has cropped up and Sam has said she will cover - but as he points out some punters might come just for her. She had better give 100% tomorrow or she it out.

Back at the Rovers Steve tells Becky she has ruined their chances by winding up Tracy and they would have no chance of adopting. She tells him off for humiliating her, he stuck up for Tracy and she could not believe he had done that. He told her it was damage limitation and that if she kept her trap shut she would not need to. She tells him stop it and he says that she is simply kicking off all over again. Liz tells them both off - everyone is listening to them - do a favour and go in the back.

Reaching the end of their journey Lloyd observes that Cheryl's boss has a lot to say for himself. Cheryl said he just likes to chuck his (limited) weight around (you know the sort, short, aggressive). Cheryl reassures Lloyd that it is not a problem he is all mouth and trousers. Lloyd then tries to chat Cheryl up asking if she works all the time, ever has a free evening. But she knocks him back and he realises that he has made a fool of himself.

Back at the Rovers and in the bar Steve and Becky continue to argue publicly. She tells him to be careful, he is winding her up and who knows what she might do, seeing as how she is a hot head with no control over herself. He says they will never get anywhere. They go forward one step and then she throws a huge spanner in the work ruining everything in her life. She tells him that he does not care, he already has his family, his daughter. She is glad this has happened it has made her see what they really knew all along. "We are not fit to adopt a kiddie - look at us, we have no chance."

And that is that. See you soon.

K Richard W


Thursday 20 May

We open at Gail's as Graeme and Natasha quarrel over toaster access. David's received his call to give evidence for the defense.

Steve's doing Amy's hair and then sends her to clean her teeth. The new Amy actually responds to what he says and can even act like a child. Yay! Becky slumps down on to the sofa in her PJs. She's not speaking and Steve gets very sarcastic.

In the prison, Tracy wakes up and asks Gail how she's feeling. She talks about how stressful prison is and says she's looking forward to seeing her mother today so she can ask after Amy. Tracy gives Gail a little talk about how important it is to share her feelings. She says she used to think she didn't have a purpose in life but has now decided that when she gets out she's going to start up a women's charity, "to really help those people who need it to get through prison in one piece."

Against all food-handling regulations, Graeme's out in the street in his butcher's cap and apron. He drops something and bends down to pick it up just as Rosie comes out of the house. She accuses him of trying to look up her skirt and whacks him, which gives Eddie a good laugh. Eileen stops him to ask if he's seen Tina. He denies it. They look at the banner which says "Free Gail McIntyre" and a passing Audrey dares Eileen to pass comment. "I know she didn't do it, Audrey," says Eileen. She's still worried about Tina so Graeme says he thinks Tina said she'd be back next week. Of course that just sets Eileen to cross-examining him about how he knows this if he hasn't seen Tina. "I follow her on Twitter," he blusters. He tells Eileen that Jason shouldn't break in because that wouldn't look good to prospective buyers.

I am NEVER going to make an appointment at Audrey's salon. Apart from specialising in hair don'ts, they're all singing a rousing chorus of "Grandma, we love you." Ick! David's very cheerful and handing out biscuits to Mrs Boothsby and Mrs Finkelstein. Audrey realises it's because he wants something and he admits he'd like to go early because he's got a journalist coming round. Deirdre comes in to make an appointment. Natasha thinks it's weird that everyone's daughter's in prison. "Isn't your daughter in prison, too, Mrs Boothsby?" No, she's not. "Secure psychiatric unit," says Mrs Boothsby. I'd like to see more of her!

Ann and Hayley meet outside the cafe. Deirdre's really tired.

Kirk meets Izzy. She says she's working at Freshco but hates it. Kirk's got an interview at the factory tomorrow but is very negative about it. Fiz, passing by from the kebab shop, tells him she'll help him prepare for his interview after work. Kirk doesn't seem that keen but Izzy encourages him.

Graeme arrives at Tina's and find she's eating. She's much more cheerful overall. He tells her about Eileen. "Oh, and by the way, if anyone asks, you're on Twitter." He suggests they go for a walk. Tina makes an excuse so he suggests they go tonight after it's dark. He nags her into agreeing.

In the pub, the Windasses ask how Steve and Becky's adoption assessment is going. They discover that Lloyd has agreed to write a reference for both couples. Becky says it doesn't matter because they're screwing up the process anyway. "Her temper," says Steve. "Your ex," says Becky.

Gail's lawyer warns her the prosecution will try to paint a picture of a rocky marriage and suggest she and Joe fought and she decided to leave him to drown. Gail's distraught at this.

Becky and Liz are in the smoking area. Liz thinks she should bang Steve and Becky's heads together. She gently asks Becky if it's a good idea to bring a troubled kid into an atmosphere of bickering.

Deirdre's telling Tracy about her journey when Tracy interrupts. "Less you, more me," she demands. She tells Deirdre how angry she is about Becky. "How dare that woman threaten me!" Deirdre tells her Becky didn't mean it and urges Tracy to think positive and to think about the money that's coming. Tracy says it doesn't seem real. "What is real is that my daughter's going to grow up not knowing who the hell I am." She urges her mother to make sure nobody stops her seeing Amy.

Nick and David meet the journalist. David tells him he thinks he should write a miscarriage of justice story. The journalist points out that legally he can't write anything until after the trial.

Kirk is in the factory with Izzy and Fiz showing him how to sew. Kirk thinks it's dead easy and even waves his hands in the air. "Slow down! Slower!" shouts Fiz. But it's too late and Kirk's finger is jammed in the machine! He shouts that he'll be handicapped. "I very much doubt it," mutters Izzy. He frees his finger and Fiz fetches a plaster. Izzy tells him he's not taking it seriously but Kirk protests that he is.

Tracy's giving Gail a manicure, complete with contraband nail varnish, and compliments her on having nice hands. She tells Gail she's learned a lot by keeping her ears open. She reckons Gail could get a much more lenient sentence if she pleads guilty to a lesser offence, such as manslaughter. Gail is horrified. "I'm NOT guilty," she says. "You might be a cold-blooded killer, but I'm not." "I take back what I said about your hands," says Tracy. "Your cuticles are shocking!"

At the salsa session Hayley and Anna dance together. When the music stops, the tutor asks who wants to see the new gowns. Hayley reluctantly agrees to stay because Anna wants to see them.

Graeme and Tina walk slowly along the street in the dark. Rosie insults him and Tina tells him they say that when you're horrible to someone it's because you're fighting your feelings for them. She tells Graeme he's a sex god in human form and Rosie would be a fool to turn him down. Tina spots the "Free Gail" banner and is suddenly down.

Tracy's tried on a gown and Anna and the tutor are both amazed. It really suits her. A fellow student compliments her. He mistakenly thinks Hayley and Anna are lesbians and then says he's glad Hayley isn't, especially after seeing her in that dress. Awwwww... The tutor tells Hayley she can negotiate a bit on the price, but not too much. "Every sequin was sewn on by a blind person." "I'll take it," decides Hayley.

In the prison, Tracy asks to see the police. She has some information.

Steve's eating crisps at the bar. Becky asks to share. She tells Steve they need to think about everything again. She wonders if Tracy sticking her oar in is just God's way of saying they should give up. Deirdre comes in and tells them she's been to see Tracy. She says Tracy's got dispensation from the governor to send out another visiting order so she can sort out her differences with Steve and Becky.

In the prison, Tracy tells the detectives that Gail confessed and she's willing to give evidence if they move her to an open prison. They're not convinced, until Tracy says she knows how Gail did it and knows what the murder weapon was. "She hit him with a rolling pin she found in the house. Afterwards she cleaned it and she hid it somewhere." Uh oh.

The End.
Margaret Carr


Friday 21 May

At breakfast, Becky talks to Amy about going to see her mum. When Amy goes to get dressed, Steve tells Becky he's spoken to Dawn, the social worker, who plans to see Tracy to ask for a reference. Becky isn't hopeful but Steve explains that this is why they're going to see Tracy, to take Amy to see her and to be nice to her.

In prison, Gail apologises to Tracy. An officer opens the door and Tracy tells Gail to go on ahead. She waits behind to ask the officer if she can move cells today. She says she was promised.

At the cafe, Hayley warns Roy that her salsa teacher will be bringing round a special dress, a more flamboyant dress. "It might not be to your taste, I can appreciate that. But then you aren't going to be the one wearing it, are you?" she says sarkily.

Tina has received a summons to give evidence for the prosecution. She tells Graeme she doesn't want to stand up in court, even though she wants Gail prosecuted.

The two detectives search the house on the lake, wondering if they're wasting their time because Tracy's made up the story. But then they find the rolling pin behind the wardrobe.

Tina wonders what will happen when she doesn't turn up at court. Graeme isn't sure she'll be arrested. They make arrangements for him to call back tonight. Tina is still quite cheerful.

At the salon, Deirdre's talking about Tracy to Audrey. She weeps when she talks about how cruel it is to keep a mother from seeing her child grow up. Graeme comes in to see David and tells him Tina has decided not to give evidence. When Graeme leaves, Lewis comes in and is very sympathetic to Deirdre, handing her the tissues. He asks Audrey out and suggests Ken and Deirdre come along as well.

In the factory, Carla is incredulous when she sees an appointment with Kirk marked in her diary. David comes in to tell Nick about Tina. In the work room the machinists talk about the roof leak and the generally poor quality of the building.

Tracy is still trying to get moved before Gail returns. "As soon as she finds out . . . something . . . she'll go crazy!"

In the prison waiting room, Becky points out that if Tracy knows she has any power over the rest of their lives there's no way she's not going to use that. "She's got us over a barrel." Tracy comes out and she and Becky snipe. Tracy tells them there's no way they're getting a reference from her. "When I finish telling them about you two, you are going to be a kiddie-free zone for the rest of your lives."

The salsa tutor, Bella, brings the dress for Hayley and Roy races to ring Hayley and let her know.

Becky takes Amy to the play room. When she's gone, Steve defends her to Tracy. Tracy accuses him of bias but he says that whenever Amy has needed someone, Becky's been there for her. He says he loves Becky partly because of what she's done for Amy and it was Becky who made him bring Amy today.

Kirk is on Maxine's bench talking to Izzy. She's trying to get him to be more positive.

In the cafe, Hayley and Bella admire the dress. Roy says nothing. When asked for his opinion he says he finds it hard to visualise Hayley in it. Hayley's insulted, flings the dress back into its bag and tells Bella she won't ever be wearing it. Bella worries that she's caused a problem but Hayley tells her through gritted teeth that she hasn't.

Tracy tells Gail she's promised not to say anything negative to the adoption social worker. Gail says she believes Tracy is far nicer than she likes people to think, but Tracy says that shows Gail doesn't really know her at all. An officer tells Gail her solicitor is here, but Gail can't think why.

Kirk is in his suit in the factory and looks positively pained. He chats to Fiz as he waits for Carla.

Gail's solicitor tells her about Tracy and about the detectives finding the rolling pin. She weeps as she tells him she told Tracy she hid the rolling pin to stop Joe baking. The solicitor thinks Tracy probably did it to get some kind of reward. Gail thought Tracy was her friend and the solicitor says they'll have to make sure this comes out in court. Gail tells him she didn't kill Joe, "but I could kill her!"

Carla's on the phone as Nick shows Kirk into the office. She hangs up and apologises to Kirk for keeping him waiting. "That's all right, it's only been an hours and seven minutes," he says without any sarcasm at all. He admits he's never had any factory experience. Carla's in a filthy mood. She screams for someone to answer the phone but when Nick does she's happy to interrupt the interview to talk to someone from Truman's.

A furious Gail charges back to the cell but Tracy's been moved. She screams at the officer that Tracy's told "a pack of lies that will keep me in here for the rest of my life!"

Kirk tells Izzy that Carla said he wasn't suited to a factory environment. She's annoyed and points out that nobody is.

Ken's been reading a good book and is reluctant to go to the Rovers with Lewis and Audrey.

Graeme sees Rosie, who tells him she's just had a wasted journey across Manchester for a promotion which happened yesterday. Now she's all dressed up with nothing to do. Graeme takes the chance and asks her out. She agrees to a drink in the Rovers in about an hour but insists it's just a casual thing. "I don't want anyone thinking we're a couple."

In the Rovers, Steve and Becky talk about Tracy. Deirdre introduces the subject of reading and manages to put Ken down nastily in front of Audrey and Lewis. Kirk drinks with Janice, Fiz and Izzy.

Gail talks to her sons. They've put the phone on speakerphone. When David hears what Tracy has done he's furious and races out to confront the Barlows. He meets Janice, who tells him they're in the Rovers.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Friday Episode Two: here we go… Demonic David is in a right flap. He bursts into the Rovers in one of his characteristic rages and storms over to where the Barlows are drinking. Ken and Deirdre are taken aback as David explodes at them, calling Tracy all the unpleasants under the sun (well all the unpleasants you can utter before the watershed) Deirdre wants to know what she has meant to have done. David tells her that she has made up some lies about Gail in an attempt to frame her for Joe's murder. Deirdre, always seeing the good side in her psychopathic daughter, is sure there must be some mistake, but Nick follows and confirms David's story before escorting him out the pub. Before he go however he warns them that if they can't get Tracy to retract her claims then they will be sorry.

Gail's former cellmate comes back wondering what's going on. All worries about being shifted around the place filter away when Gail dissolves into tears.

Izzy catches up with Carla and tells her that the way she has treated Kirk is appalling. Carla agrees to go inside and talk with her. Izzy tells her that Kirk tried really hard and anyone could do the job she was offering. Carla doesn't change her mind about hiring Kirk… but she does offer the job to Izzy.

Graeme is on his way to meet up with Rosie but has picked up a kebab for Tina. He drops it off but sees that she is in a bit of a sorry state. He tells her to get the food down her and he will wait until she has finished and listen to what she has to say. She is grateful for his support.

David is following the Demonic-Platt Law number 5: Whenever something upsets you, break a window. He stands outside Ken and Deirdre's house, holding a brick. Luckily Peter stops him and reminds him that whatever Tracy has done, it isn't Deirdre's fault. Except for the fact she brought her into the world of course.

Izzy tells Kirk awkwardly that she got the job that Carla was offering. He tries to hide the fact that he is miffed and congratulates her.

Tina is telling Graeme that she has been summoned to court to give evidence at Gail's trial but she says that she isn't ready for it. She can't even leave the house so doing something as massive as that will be too overwhelming for her. Graeme assures her that she has to take her recovery slow and she should only do what she feels comfortable doing. No pressure.

And there doesn't seem to be much pressure for him to meet Rosie either. Huffed that she has been stood up, Rosie stomps home.

Carla comes into the Rovers and tells Kirk that she is sorry that things didn't work out with the job. She's evidently in a better mood and says that she's without a delivery driver for the next few weeks and asks if he could take the job on. Oh dear, I smell disaster. Nevertheless, he's over the moon

Graeme knocks on Rosie's door but she is having none of excuses. He promises he will make it up to her but she is in no mood to listen and tells him that he has blown it. A blessing in disguise I'd say.

Amy had overheard David's rant about Tracy and a soothing Becky is assuring her that her mum is a good person and sometimes adults say things in the heat of the moment when they row. All that matters is that Mummy, Daddy and Becky love her. Steve looks on fondly.

David is fuming and trying to come up with another way to get the odds in Gail's favour. He comes up with a plan of bribing one of the witnesses that was at the Lake District. Graeme comes in and warns him that it's a bad idea but goes on to say that Tina isn't going to testify in court. Both David and Nick agree that finally Gail's luck is beginning to change. As there is finally a glint of hope on the horizon, are they being overly optimistic about Gail's chances?

Not long until you find out (especially at the rate these updates are coming through!)

Until next time

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 24 May

Written by Mark Burt Directed by Tessa Hoffe

Just the one episode tonight. The schedule is all over the map for this week and next.

On the morning after, Graeme is head down on the table, beating himself up over blurting out "Marry me" to Rosie the night before. David comes down, not ready for work as it's his day off. Nick is on the phone already drumming up business so David sits at the table with Graeme and whispers his latest plan. He wants to track down the Polish cleaner, Anke, and maybe if they offer her enough money.. Graeme backs up, thinking it's not a good idea in the least but David is desperate to find something to help his mother's case. Graeme tells David it's a suicide mission which is overheard by Nick so he covers and says David has convinced him to have another go at Rosie. Nick tells David to stay away from the Barlows. David has other fish to fry. Nick seems to be more circumspect, life goes on and all that and he thinks Gail would agree. David mutters that would be because she hasn't got a life at the moment.

Roy has made lunch for Hayley but she's still not very responsive. He tries to talk to her about the lack of communication. She says it is about more than just the dress. How does he see her? As a woman? Of course, he emphasizes, that's what it says on her revised birth certificate after all. Hayley's face falls and her head drops. Wrong answer Roy! She just leaves him standing there looking confused. The poor man really doesn't have an idea about feelings and emotions, does he?

Outside, Janice and Trevor are walking towards Underworld. He's excited about the World Cup trip but can't tell anyone so when Carla comes up he covers with an excuse. Hayley totters silently to the factory door. Janice warns Trevor that Carla will go mad if she finds out about his trip.

Sophie is running around gathering her school stuff. Rosie is lounging on the sofa doing her nails and tells her not to worry, she'll do fine on her school exams. Sophie runs into Graeme who has arrived to suck up to Rosie. Sophie lets him in. Rosie shouts at him but he passes over a bouquet of tulips which she roundly rejects as cheap. He begs for another chance but he is ordered to leave.... on his knees!

Ken and Deirdre are going to visit Tracy. They wonder why Tracy has told the authorities that Gail killed Joe, what does she have to gain? They don't believe Gail could have done it but they don't know what Tracy's motivation is. Graeme has met up with David outside. He's dejected, David is optimistic. He's found the Polish cleaner but needs to get his hands on some cash. Graeme is skint but suggests he get the money from Nick. David doesn't think that's going to be productive but Graeme thinks they have nothing to lose.

In the factory, Fiz is showing Izzy the ropes. The others, dodging the drips from the ceiling, are giving her survival tips while Kirk is happily wielding the packing tape gun like a new toy. Hayley snaps at the workers to get their noses to the grindstone and Carla seems happy to chivvy them along as well. Janice complains about the roof and Carla promises to get someone in to look at it. The others aren't too optimistic. David arrives to see Nick for a minute and walks past Carla when she tells him it isn't a good time. She asks Nick about a client, telling him she's got a dentist appointment later. This means she's going to be out of the office which will figure in later on.

David comes in the office and asks Nick for 300 quid. He's reluctant to say why but Nick insists. David tells him he wants to buy a witness! eek!

After the break, we're right back where we left off. Nick is horrified that David wants to get someone to perjure themselves. Carla interrupts and David uses the excuse to leave with an accusation that Nick cares more about Carla than his own mother. It gives Nick something to think about.

At the prison, Tracy arrives in the visiting room but is dismayed that Ken and Deirdre did not bring Amy. They wanted to have a private talk without little ears listening in. Tracy figures out right away what they want to talk about. She can tell her parents aren't sure she's telling the truth and Deirdre is also worried that the other prisoners will find out she's an informer so she could always withdraw her statement. Tracy is confident she can handle herself but Deirdre thinks Tracy isn't taking it seriously. She says she just wants justice but I don't think Ken and Deirdre really believe her.

In the factory, everyone is singing to the radio. Hayley is not her usual self and it's noticed. Jason comes in to have a look at the ceiling. Carla asks Nick what David wanted but he puts her off and promises to bring in new business.

Anna finds Hayley sitting on Maxine's bench near to tears and takes her in for a cup of tea. Hayley defends Roy's insensitivity as it's just his usual self but Anna won't have it. He's being an idiot. Hayley wants a bit more which isn't so wrong. Anna thinks he needs time but after 12 years, maybe that's all there is?

Dev won't give Graeme back the money for the flowers even though they are in perfect condition. He thinks Graeme needs to be more aggressive. Graeme doesn't think scaring Rosie is the path to her heart. He goes across the road and lets himself into Tina's, which is noticed by Sunita.

Carla deals with a customer that's been on her case daily. She goes off to the dentist and tells Nick she'll be back in half an hour. On the way out she asks Kirk if he's doing ok. He's minted! He gets to handle ladies' underwear all day! Jason tells Carla the repairs will be expensive so she tells him just to do the bare minimum to patch it up. She leaves and then Nick comes through and says he's off out too for a minute and leaves Sean in charge. He sees David about to get in a taxi to the train station. He tries to stop him but David is determined even though he doesn't have a set plan. Finally he gives in, pulls David away from the cab and says if they're doing it, they're doing it right. Hmmmm...

Jason is on the phone in the corner shop. He still can't sell the flat and it's frustrating him. He mentions that Tina is staying at her mothers. Then why was Graham going in, asks Sunita?

In the flat, Tina comes out having had a shower. Graeme has called in to see how she is. She says she's decided she's definitely not testifying and he gives her the flowers that Rosie wouldn't have. Tina finds out that he stood up Rosie the night before when he was with her and feels bad. Graeme says he preferred to stay with a friend. Tina is touched. The doorbell rings and interrupts what might be a moment.

Nick is trying to get Hayley out of the office so he can make a phone call. When she finally leaves, he opens the safe and takes out a wad of cash. Oh dear! Carla won't be pleased!

You'll have to wait for Wednesday to find out what happens.

Tvor


Wednesday 26 May

Hello, here I am on a Wednesday instead of my usual Monday episode. Other than that the day's changed this week, it's business as usual.

David is waiting nervously outside his house. Meanwhile, Jason is banging on Tina's door madly. Graeme answers it and Jason barges in, wondering what the hell Graeme is doing in there. Inside Underworld, Nick has pinched a load of cash from the safe. He goes to leave but Hayley stops him. Only to remind him of his meeting; the client is due any time.

Tina screams at Graeme for letting Jason into the flat. Graeme leaves in a hurry and Tina tells Jason to leave too. He doesn't.

Out in the street, Nick and David scoot off in Nick's fancy car while Trev ambles along holding a cuppa and smiling at something.

Hayley is in a panic in Underworld, worrying about the client coming and seeing all the buckets everywhere. The machinists decide to go lunch, leaving Hayley to deal with the buckets on her own. Trev comes in and waits for Carla to come back. He offers to help Hayley just as Carla comes back from the dentist. Hayley explains to Carla that Nick has left just in time for the client, Mr Stokes, to arrive. Mr Stokes insists on being called Paul and mistakes Trev as one of the business managers. He tells Carla there's no problem that Nick will not be in on their meeting. Trev seems to have been roped into the meeting.

Ashley is talking to Sunita and Dev in the shop. Kirk comes in to give Dev and Sunita the keys to number 7. Ashley somehow finds himself with a new lodger as Kirk mistakes Ashley mentioning that his kids would love a dog with Ashley offering him and Ozzie a place to stay at his house.

The meeting seems to be going quite well at Underworld. Trev reminds Paul Stokes that Carla had been running Underworld a long time before Nick came along. Paul gets the hint and suggests they move the meeting to the Rovers where Trev will be buying. Before they leave, Carla tells Hayley to get Nick on the phone and tell him to get back asap or he'll "be wearing his bits as a bobble hat."

In Nick's car, Nick avoids answering the phone, again.

In their flat, Jason is making himself and Tina a cuppa. He wants to know why Tina hasn't been answering calls or anything. Jason tells her that he understands that Tina didn't want to face everyone in the street wondering how she was feeling etc. He wants to know why she could confide in Graeme instead of him. Graeme didn't want anything from her, she says and she confesses that she made Graeme lie to him for all these weeks. They make a promise to talk properly tomorrow.

Nick and David have arrived at the cottage in the Lake District. They see Anka and Nick flashes some cash to give her an idea of what they're there for.

In the Rovers, it turns out that Trev might actually be an astute business man. Even though he knows nothing of the contracts Underworld already has, he manages to negotiate a higher price with Paul Stokes for an order. It looks like the deal is about to go head. Stokes's phone ring and he leaves Carla and Trev alone to answer it.

In the shop. Claire is talking to Sunita about her move. They joke about sneaking out in the middle of the night to chip off the hideous cladding on Molly & Tyrone's house. Claire leaves Dev and Sunita alone. Dev tells Sunita that it's not too late for them to pull out of the deal. Sunita looks worried that Dev doesn't want to move into the teeny tiny terrace house. Sunita is more than happy to make the ridiculous move. Dev jokes that anyway, Gail Platt's bigger house might be on the market soon. Not in very good taste, Dev, but I thought it was funny. Sunita insists that this stupid move into Maria's house will be perfect for a fresh start.

Nick and David bribe Anka the cleaning lady to lie to the police and in court. Instead of being outraged, Anka negotiates £2000 now and then another £2000 when she testifies in court. Nick takes the deal.

Carla and Trev are congratulating themselves on having fooled Stokes into a good deal. They don't know that he is standing behind them listening to how he's been made a joke of. He confronts them and tells them the deal's off. He tells them he's not an idiot. Trev burns the bridges by letting it out that he's not a business man at all, he's a binman. Oh dear, things do not look good for Underworld.

Roy is distracted in the cafe. Anna tells Roy to try harder to talk to Hayley so that they can be reconciled. Ashley and Claire are at a table having a cuppa (like you do, when you live right next door and can have a cuppa for free any time.) and Ashley tries to confess about having Kirk come to stay. Kirk comes in and interrupts them with a bunch of flowers for Claire. He makes it impossible for Claire and Ashley to tell him he can't lodge with them.

Carla and Trev are arguing and arrive back at Underworld. Carla insists she could have saved the deal before Trev opened his big mouth. Carla hears from poor Hayley that since the leak got worse, the machinists have all walked out. Carla tells Hayley that the meeting was a disaster. Trev leaves in a huff after another tongue lashing from Carla.

Anka is in Nick's car, getting her story straight with Nick & David. Nick pays her £2K to go into the police station and tell them Gail was definitely not on the boat when Joe set off in the middle of the night.

Hayley goes home to Roy. Roy tries to apologise for not having considered Hayley's feelings when they talked before. Hayley is sad to tell Roy that her feelings for Roy have changed. She can't imagine staying with Roy now. She thinks they need a break.

Ashley approaches Trev in the pub with the money for the World Cup tickets. Their ridiculous plan to not tell their WAGs about the trip until the last minute is still on, then. (*rolls eyes*) Kirk comes into the pub and sits with Izzy, pleased to be able to tell her that he has found somewhere to live.

Carla comes into the pub and apologises to Trev, who apologises in turn. She orders a drink and unloads all of her problems on Trev. Sunita and Dev come into the pub, arguing about who's going to look after the twins on moving day. Oh look, there's Claire and Ashley who'll take them off their hands.

Carla sees Janice at the bar. She goes to her and threatens Janice and the rest of the machinists with their job. Janice appears to understand that Carla is deadly serious.

Hayley has turned up at the Windass house. Anna welcomes her in and hears the news that Hayley wants a break from Roy. She has moved out and wants to know if she can stay with Anna and Eddie for a day or two. Anna is happy to help her friend, much to Eddie's dismay.

Anka has been to the police and returns to Nick and David. She tells them she has given a statement. David is delighted, now the police will have to drop the case against their mother.

Stella McLoughlin


Thursday 27 May

It's breakfast time at the Platt's, and while Graeme knocks up omelettes, Nick and David are discussing the two thousand pounds now missing from the safe at Underworld, the statement of their bribed Polish housekeeper witness, and Tina's decision not to testify in court. David is sure that the trial will now be cancelled, but Nick tells him they don't just cancel murder trials, and is worried about Carla finding the money missing. Graeme remarks that it wouldn't look good if she reports it to the police at the same time as a surprising new witness comes forward. "Keep out of it, freak show," snaps Nick. "No omelette for you!" retorts Graeme. Just then Nick's phone starts ringing. It's Carla, but he just puts it back in his pocket.

Meanwhile, in her cell, Gail is putting on some makeup. Her cellmate wonders why she's bothering, but Gail reckons her little rituals keep her sane. Just then the door opens and the prison officer tells Gail that her solicitor is there and wants to see her.

In the Windass house, Eddie is eating his breakfast in his vest and pants. Anna, worried about what Hayley will think, tells him to go and get dressed. He gets up to head upstairs, but too late, Hayley is on her way down. Anna apologises for him, but Hayley is more concerned with her own situation. "I'm in the way here," she says, adding that it's not like her and Roy, they don't usually row. Anna urges her to go and see him, but Hayley's going to work.

Nick's in the Street, on his phone, when Julie, Fiz and Hayley pass him on their way to work. Julie tries to talk to him about the leaking roof, but he waves her aside. They all walk on, with Julie moaning about having to wear wellies to work. As they get to the door, Fiz notices Hayley behind her looking miserable and asks if she's all right. Hayley admits she isn't, and the problem is her and Roy.

Inside, Carla is on the phone when she hears loud exclamations. She comes out of her office to find Fiz and the rest looking at the water that's overflowed from the bucket on the floor. "Don't just stand there," snaps Carla, "empty the flaming thing!" Julie tells her that with all due respect, they are machinists, not maintenance men, and it is downright dangerous. "Yes," agrees Fiz, "someone could slip and injure themselves." Carla just shouts at them to get on their machines and get working or they'll be down the job centre by lunch time. As Nick walks in behind her she turns and orders him into her office. "Do you intend keeping this place afloat ? – Pun definitely not intended," she says. She moans at him for going awol when Paul Stokes came in and says that owing to the fact that the workers walked out yesterday because of the leak, they're so behind on the order they have got they're in danger of losing it. Nick tells her to leave Paul Stokes to him, and then tells her to watch a master at work. He goes out onto the factory floor and promises them all a £150 bonus if they complete the order on time. The machines instantly start whirring and heads go down. "I take it that's a yes?" says Nick. "Do you mind?" says Fiz, "we're trying to work here!"

Over at the prison, Gail's solicitor tells her that the cleaner has come forward and said that Gail wasn't on the boat when Joe sailed off. Gail wonders why she's taken so long to come forward, and what was she doing on the jetty at that time of night. "Who cares?" says the solicitor, "Gail, this is good news!"

Over in the taxi office Eileen is chatting to Lloyd. She says she really feels for Gail, even if she gets off she'll never be the same. Just then Eddie comes in and Eileen asks how it went when he dropped Cheryl off. Eddie says that all Cheryl wanted to talk about was Lloyd. Eileen teases Lloyd about fancying Cheryl, and Lloyd protests that he doesn't. (Yeah, right!) "That's what I told her," says Eddie, "I told her you only like older birds like Teresa and Liz, bit rough round the edges, been round the block a few times…." Lloyd is furious. "What did you go and tell her that for?" And beats him about the head with a newspaper.

In the salon, David is learning to colour hair and wrap strands in foil, when Audrey beckons him and Natasha out to the back. She's had a call from the prison and tells them about the new witness who's come forward. They all hug each other joyfully, although Audrey remarks that David doesn't seem as overjoyed as she thought he would be. She does say though, that he's been a wonderful son the way he's stood by his mother and she hopes Gail appreciates it when she comes out.

In the cafe, Fiz and Julie are buying sandwiches for the workforce so they can eat in and get the order finished. They ask Roy if he'd like them to take a message to Hayley but he says he wouldn't.

In town, Cheryl approaches her taxi that's waiting by the kerb. "You're stuck with me today I'm afraid," says Lloyd. "All right if I sit in the front?" she asks, getting in.

Graham calls round to see Tina and finds her clearing up and cleaning. He offers her a yoghurt but she declines, saying she and Jason are going to get something to eat later. Graeme asks if she and Jason are back on and she tells him she doesn't really know where they are at the moment, but he doesn't need to keep a look out for her any more. He remarks that it was no problem and she reminds him how he turned down a date with Rosie Webster because he was worried about her. "What I'm trying to say is, your job here is done," she says, and thanks him with a peck on the cheek. As he leaves the flat he bumps into Jason who is on his way in. "Mate, I was just checking that she was ok," he starts to say, nervously. Jason tells him Tina has told him how good he's been, looking out for her. "Thanks, pal," says Jason, shaking Graeme's hand. As he goes to walk away, Graeme turns and gives Jason the key back.

Lloyd is still driving with Cheryl in the cab, and he's trying to convince her that although Liz was a few years older than him, he's not particularly into older women and will go out with anybody. To stop the conversation getting him into any more trouble, he turns the radio on, and it's Oh What a Beautiful Morning. He goes to change channel but Cheryl asks him to leave it on, Oklahoma is her favourite musical. "It's on in town isn't it?" asks Lloyd. Cheryl admits that it is, but all the tickets are sold out. "Not to a man who knows a man," says Lloyd, grinning.

Tina and Jason are discussing their evening and whether they'll go to the Rovers. "And when this trial's over we'll be able to put this lot behind us," says Jason. Tina, washing up at the sink, starts to cry. He hugs her. "I just want to see him again," she sobs.

Nick finds out that Carla's bin man boyfriend pretended to work for Underworld and spoke to his business contact and he's not pleased. Carla points out that she shouldn't even have to explain herself to him, he should have been there. She marches out of the office, shouting at Izzy who tells her the leak is getting worse. Nick follows her and they start shouting at each other in front of all the workers. Suddenly all the lights go out and the machines stop running, the power has gone.

Eileen is in the cafe buying cakes for the workers. Considering the rain is supposedly pouring through the factory roof, everyone outside of the factory looks incredibly dry. Eileen is only wearing a blouse and her hair is bone dry – obviously Underworld has it's own, private, rain cloud above it. She mentions to Anna that Eddie and the rest of the drivers are all keen to fulfil the contract transporting the girls from the strip club. "Eddie must have mentioned it?" says Eileen. Anna assures her that he has, while her face clearly says he hasn't! As Eileen departs, Hayley walks in, also very dry, saying that she needs her shoes for her evening Salsa class. Anna says she has a few things to sort out with Eddie and rushes past her. Roy waves a bag at Hayley – the shoes. He says he didn't know whether her needing a break meant she wouldn't go into the flat. "Although you're free to use the flat whenever you wish," he says, and carries on with his cleaning. "Right," says Hayley, and turns to leave. "I'll see you," she says. "Yes," says Roy.

Tina and Jason are in the Rovers. She says she's feeling better and once the trial is over with and Gail is sentenced she'll be able to go back to work.

The opens and all the factory workers come in, moaning about the bonus they were promised in the morning that has now been snatched away due to flood and electricity.

Then, in come Audrey, David, Nick and Natasha, in high spirits because of the witness who has come forward. Audrey talks about ordering champagne. Tina hears them and is furious and gets up and goes over. "My dad's dead and you pretend that everything's ok?" she says. Nick tries to tell her it's not like that. "Wait till Gail gets sent down for murder, that'll wipe the smile off your faces," she snaps, "she's as guilty as sin!" David can't resist telling her that a witness has come forward saying that Gail never got on the boat with Joe. Tina thinks he's lying. "Well, we'll see you in court," says David. "Yes, you will," says Tina, and tells them she's decided to take the stand and tell everyone what Gail did, and after that they'll throw away the key!

Anne Logan


Friday 28 May

Audrey's in Gail's house going on about what happened with Tina. She and Nick are annoyed with David for blabbing about the new witness but he's just worried about the fact there's no yoghurt in the fridge.

In the factory, Carla tells the machinists to sew faster because they've got about two hours left. Kirk's late because he'd run out of toothpaste.

Deirdre's smoking in the house again. She's grumpy about having to work with Peter. Ken assures her she'll be shown the ropes. "Who works out the odds? Would I have to do it?" Ken doesn't think so but he reminds her she volunteered to help out.

Audrey and David are busy. David's put in some curlers and Audrey's on the phone. She seems to be calling the police about the new witness.

In the factory, the buyer arrives as the order's just being finished. Mr Rickson thinks it's all a bit last-minute because he wants to start shipping this afternoon. He asks after Tony and Carla says she ripped up the visiting order he sent her. Nick introduces himself.

Natasha's arrived at the salon with cakes. David asks who Audrey rang before and she says it was the police but she has to call witness care. They told her the trial is still going ahead. Natasha wonders if the witness is genuine or just an attention-seeker. When David assures her the witness is genuine, Audrey looks at him suspiciously.

Tina arrives at the yard to see Jason. She's had a dream about the trial and the new witness was her Dad. She woke up crying.

Mr Rickson's drinking coffee and meets Kirk. He mentions that Kirk means Church, which is news to Kirk. Mr Rickson (Boyd) looks at the knickers Kirk is busy packing. Downstairs, David arrives demanding to speak to Nick.

Lloyd's in the pub talking to Steve about Eddie Windass, who's wearing leather driving gloves and a vest to drive the taxi. Cheryl's in the bar and he sneaks out again.

David tells Nick that Audrey's phoned the police about the witness. They bicker a bit about who to blame. Nick says they shouldn't panic or talk about it. He suggests they pray.

In a prison chapel a line of men are taking communion. Eek. One is Tony Gordon!

Mr Rickson is not a happy man. The piping's all to cock and there's no bow. He tells Carla and Nick they can rip the invoice up and storms out.

Ken and Deirdre arrive in the salon for a word with Audrey. Deirdre starts to witter on about working in the betting shop. Ken tells her to cut to the chase and they invite her around to talk about what's happening. "Talk about what? The fact that your Tracy's a scheming liar who's made all this up for God knows what reason?" Ken suggests they leave it at that. Natasha asks if they've heard about the witness.

Tony Gordon enters a cell occupied by Robbie, really him what played Hugo in The Vicar of Dibley (James Fleet). It turns out that what Tony had put into his mouth wasn't a communion wafer but a phone SIM card. Bad Father Lawrence! Robbie has come by a mobile phone and Tony promises him the money will be in his account. Robbie wants to help pay for his son's college PE course at Loughborough.

Ciaran and Steve discuss Lloyd and Cheryl. Lloyd comes to the bar but he isn't sure how it's going. Peter arrives with Leanne and sits to talk to Cheryl. Apparently Deirdre is being a pain in the backside but they've still left her in the bookies.

Carla and Nick seem to be blaming Hayley for the difference between the knickers and the design. Nick is particularly nasty. Carla, surprisingly, is the one who tries to make Hayley feel better. Hayley weeps and grabs Carla in a hug. "It's Roy!" she blubs.

Peter, Lloyd, Cheryl and Leanne chat over lunch, with Lloyd telling entertaining stories of taxi driving. Steve and Ciaran are behind the bar with Ciaran teasing.

In the factory, Nick says there's more work in the pipeline but nothing right now. Carla tells the workers the company's made one monumental cock-up. She says they can go home and stay home while they get the roof fixed and try to get more work. Nick says they're off for a fortnight and the wages will have to be deferred, though there will be bonuses when they are paid.

Peter and Leanne leave and Cheryl says she has to go as well. Lloyd agrees to drive her.

Carla tells Nick in an empty factory that they could have paid the workers with the money in the safe. He says they need that for the roof. Of course, we know a Polish cleaner has it! Carla blames Nick for not being at yesterday's meeting. They might have had another order if he had been. She makes a call to a contact trying to rustle up some work.

Lloyd and Cheryl come close to kissing but she pulls away and apologises. Lloyd says it's fine and then won't take any money for the fare.

Robbie's leaving the prison. "I hope the next 15 years goes like that!" he tells Tony, snapping his fingers together. Uh oh - what's Tony got planned?

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Friday Episode Two...the calm before a very significant storm!

Seeing as we spend 50% of the scenes in a prison of some kind, it's no surprise that we open with visiting time for Gail. Audrey has come to see her daughter and it's the last visit before the big trial. (Already!? Wow hasn't the time flown? *cough*) Audrey tells her about the witness and Gail's hopes skyrocket. She seeks assurance from her mother, but Audrey remains doubtful. And seeing as Audrey is always proven right, this is a bad omen indeed.

Janice is busying herself blaming everyone but herself for the botched order, particularly newcomers Kirk and Izzy.

At the end of the visit, Audrey is less than comforting to Gail, who needs some severe confidence right now. As Audrey leaves, Gail asks to be held, but Audrey doesn't hear her and leaves her standing, in a vulnerable state.

Carla and Nick finally realise that bickering isn't going to get them anywhere and they need to find some new orders and fast before their business goes under for good.

Audrey's suspicious mind has been on overtime and, as usual, she hits the nail on the head by accusing David of having something to do with the surprise witness and warning him that it will all go pear shaped.

As Hayley and Carla part outside the factory, someone is watching them. I wonder who that could be?

Kirk asks Izzy how she got her injuries. She casually said she was hit by a car but this isn't true it's actually the result of a degenerative illness. When Kirk tells her about Liam, she feels bad.

Eileen gets a phone call for a cab from Cheryl. She asks for anyone but Lloyd. Lloyd decides to go anyway.

Jason has listened quite impatiently to Tina's woes but, clearly not wanting to be alone on the eve of the trial, she asks him to stay.

David and Nick are getting cold feet about Anka. Nick tells David that it was a ridiculous idea and if they get caught it's going to make things even worse for Gail.

Lloyd turns up for Cheryl. His face drops as he sees that she has a husband and a son with her. Cheryl looks extremely awkward and guilty.

Audrey gets a phone call from the police. The witness has checked out and is ok to go for the trial. David and Nick look relieved. Could this be the glimmer of hope Gail needs?

Lloyd is back in the office, his heart obviously broken by Cheryl. Eileen reluctantly comforts her boss and tells him that there are plenty other fish in the sea.

Tony allows himself a smile of satisfaction as Robbie phones to confirm that he is in Coronation Street and has also got the gun. The plan is ready to go. Look out Weatherfield!

You'll have to wait until the next update for this plan to kick off!

Duncan Lindsay


Monday 31 May

Written by Martin Allen Directed by David Kester and Ian Bevitt

Here we are, a new week, new opening credits and all sharp and bright for HDTV. I kind of like the new music and credits I think. The HD is lost on me though, I watch it on my puter. Anyway, buckle your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy week!

We start off with Tony in his cell, gazing at his illegal mobile. Meanwhile, Robbie is back in the cafe for another full English ("Those runny scrambled eggs of yours take some beating!") Roy is flattered. They exchange names as relatively new neighbours. Robbie says he's bought a house in Tile Street. Noticing the railway theme, they chat about their supposed shared interest and Robbie encourages him to accompany him to York to a special antique Train exhibition.

At the factory, Jason and Bill have arrived to start working on the roof. Carla says they've closed while the roof is under repair. Nick drops in before going to court and says he's persuaded client Paul Stokes to meet him next week.

Gail is pacing her cell, driving her cellmate mad but her cellmate is kind and understanding and supportive. Gail is fetched up to leave for court and gets a good luck hug.

Eddie is grizzling about Hayley staying. Anna smacks him one. Hayley comes downstairs but is reluctant to talk to Roy or to help Eddie make coconut macaroons.

Trevor and Carla walk over to the pub hand in hand, watched by Robbie.

Tracy is talking to her mother and admits that she will get to see Amy more and maybe get to an open prison if she testifies "what she knows". Deirdre is still skeptical that Tracy is lying but Tracy insists she's telling the truth and swears to it.

Ken and Deirdre leave for court at the same time as Audrey and Nick. David has to stay behind as he's a witness. Natasha and Graeme send their best and then take David to the salon to keep him busy and help keep his mind off things a bit. Norris is earwigging and watching everyone and everything as per.

In the pub, Robbie has followed Carla in and gets a drink in. He makes small talk with Sean and asks about the Rover in the pub name. Sean gives a lame story about a Colonel who went on travels and then came back. More small talk about pub names.

Dev carries Sunita over the threshold of Number 7 but they are not best pleased to see that all of Maria's things are still there. They were supposed to have been moved out. Dev's movers have already arrived so he goes looking for his mobile. Sunita knows he's about to freak out which he subsequently does. She finally gets her way and he slams out the door, leaving her with the removal men and about to call Maria.

In the pub, Robbie asks Sean about Underworld and says he's a market trader looking for seconds. Sean directs him to Carla's table, telling him there's just been an order cancelled so he might be well in there. Robbie approaches Carla and puts forth his case for a cash sale. Carla is interested, a good way to unload her stock. They arrange to meet at the factory tomorrow first thing. 8:30. Robbie leaves and Carla gloats.

At the courthouse, Gail is meeting with the solicitor and barrister and they are warning her that she has to stay calm so that the jury will form a good impression of her no matter what awful things the prosecution says about her. She can't appear to be unstable (that's her banged up, then!).

Back in the nick, Tony's mobile buzzes and Robbie tells him contact has been made. Tony is interested to find out the factory will be empty aside from the builders. Robbie will try to deal with that. They chuckle over their plan. Robbie promises to "be there".

In the cafe, Anna is nagging Roy to go and see Hayley. He's at a loss as to what to do or say. She suggests a present. Robbie arrives to encourage Roy to York some more and nearly makes a slip. He mentions Hayley but Roy doesn't think he's mentioned his wife. Robbie covers and says Sean at the pub told him. Roy wavers about his journey. Robbie manages to wear Roy down and Roy agrees to go.

At the courthouse, (actually filmed in a grand old building in Bradford, thus the two directors noted above). The Barlows are on the receiving end of a snide remark from a passing Audrey.

Tony is in the cafeteria at lunch going through the line for his meal. He sits down and eyes the guard.

Eddie is in the middle of his macaroon making but manages to drop a ciggie butt into the bowl just as there's a knock on the door. It's Roy. But when he finds out that Hayley is not in, he wants to leave a gift for her. He goes up stairs to arrange his gift. Roy notices the coconut mixture (from all the way across the room, mind you) and suggests that Eddie should be using the proper type of coconut lest his macaroons be dry. (I'm pretty sure expert baker, Eddie, would know this). Eddie turns to his macaroons and throws out the mixture (because of the lost cig butt!)

Tony makes googly eyes at the man sitting across from him and stares, causing the other man to object. Tony makes a remark about how lovely the man's eyes are, guaranteed to start a fight, which happens. The other guy launches across the table at Tony and starts using him as a punching bag. Tony doesn't even fight back which makes me think the fight is a set up. Eventually Tony puts his hands up to stop the guy and fakes a heart attack (see? set up!)

At the courthouse, things get underway. (you'd think the trial would start first thing in the morning rather than at what appears to be lunchtime judging from Tony's antics). Norris makes his way into the front row and squeezes in between Deirdre and Audrey (though I fail to believe they'd have sat so close together given the animosity). Norris says he's there to support Gail. I think he's there because Blanche isn't there to be the hangman in the gallery. Gail is brought up to the dock. Her barrister nods reassuringly and she smiles back at her mother and son. The jury files in and Mary shows up. Audrey muses that it's like the front stalls at the guillotine!

Opening statements are made by the prosecution. We alternate between the ambulance scenes and the opening statements.

An ambulance races out of the jail, followed by Robbie in a blue van.

The prosecutor continues on the story of Joe's death, making it sound very much like Gail lashed out after hearing about Joe's hair brained scheme to fake his own death, bashing him with the rolling pin.

The ambulance nee-naws down the road.

More statements.

More ambulance, with Robbie putting a ski mask on.

Tracy Barlow is brought to the stand. She gurns up at her parents. Gail looks stony. Tracy swears to tell the truth. Surprisingly, she isn't struck by lightening.

Ambulance is cut off by Robbie, and forced up to a roadblock.

Tracy describes being Gail's cellmate and Gail sharing her confession. She describes Gail's words in the most garish way. Gail jumps up and says it isn't true but Tracy insists it is.

Robbie holds a gun on the ambulance drivers and the cop that's with them doesn't seem to be much use. They lock the men in the ambulance. Tony makes sure Robbie knows the rest of the plan. Robbie has a motorcycle in the van and he drives it out, Tony gets on the back, with a helmet in hand to put on and they drive off.

And so it begins!

Tvor

So, that evil snake-in-the-grass, Tracy Barlow is in the dock, telling her story. She tells that Gail followed Joe out of the house in the Lake District, onto the jetty. She claims Gail bashed Joe over the head with a rolling pin and that it was premeditated. Gail shouts that every word Tracey is saying is lies. She is quietened by the judge who assures Gail that she will have her time to tell her story as well. He threatens Gail with having to spend the rest of the trial in the cells if she doesn't keep quiet.

In the factory, Carla and Trev are chatting. Trev wants to take Carla out for the day but Carla is too busy to take time off. She sends him off on his way. He promises to take her for something to eat when she is finished. Carla seems quite taken with her handsome bin man. He leaves Carla in the factory, alone.

Dev is talking furiously on the phone, asking some unknown entity how he is supposed to be moving into his house if Maria's stuff is still there. Claire drops round. Sunita wants Dev out of her hair so tells him to go back to the shop and Sunita will get on with organising. She will call him if she needs him.

In the court, Gail's barrister is trying to rip holes in Tracey's story. Tracey swears again that she is telling the truth. The barrister reminds Tracey that the last time Tracey stood in the dock and swore to tell the truth, none of the jurors believed her. He wonders why this jury should believe her now.

The police are in the street. Eddie escorts Roy from his house, joking that the fashion police have come to arrest Roy for the anorak he wears. Roy quotes Burns, "Oh wad some power a gift tae gie us, tae see oursels as ithers see us," as Eddie leaves him. Dev leaves No 7 with Claire. Claire reminds Dev that whatever happens in the move today, it'll never be as disastrous as what happened when Claire & Ashley moved into Sally & Kevin's house. Oh dear, I've forgotten what that was.....

Carla gets a visit from the police. They want to have a word with her about her husband. Carla can tell it's not going to be good news. Meanwhile, a someone wearing a pair of trainers is walking up the ginnel, all suspicious-like.

Tracey is trying to convince the jury that she's telling the truth. Being in prison has changed her, she says. Nick gets angry in the gallery, wonders if anyone can be buying the rubbish Tracey is spouting. Gail's barrister is not giving up though and suggests that Tracey is telling lies because there must have been something in it for her. His words seem effective; Tracey looks downcast and unsure. Deirdre looks on from the gallery and thinks, "She's got to be telling the truth, hasn't she?"

The police have told Carla that Tony has escaped from prison. They assure her that there's a full alert out for him. They encourage her to stay inside, locked in and preferably not alone. Carla is angry. The police insist that they're doing all she can. Carla tells the police she will ask Trev to come for her. She asks them to wait with her until Trev arrives. The police decide to do so for now.

Tony is lurking in Sunita's (ex-Maria's) back yard. Sunita goes out the back with a bag of rubbish and finds him there. He pretends to be a friend of Jack Duckworth. Sunita can see Tony is a bit worse for wear and when he takes a dizzy turn, offers to call an ambulance. He insists all he needs is to sit down and catch his breath. Kind-hearted Sunita invites him in.

Out in the street, Tina is on her way to court. She is worried that she will bottle it and let her dad down. David spies her and despite warnings from Jason and Graeme about intimidating a witness, asks Tina to rethink what she is about to tell the court. David manages to keep under control and Tina drives off to court.

Tony is parked on the lounge in Sunita's front room. Sunita wants to call an ambulance but Tony refuses. She lets slip that the phone hasn't been connected for her yet and she can't seem to find her mobile. All very convenient if you're a deranged killer like Tony.

The police are at the cafe now, telling Roy. No word as to why they left Carla on her own. They urge Roy to be vigilant. Roy thinks that maybe Her Majesty's Prison Service should have been vigilant. The police leave sharpish.

A medical expert is on the stand at court. She testifies that yes, Joe could have accidentally been knocked into the water by the boom and died in the water. Eileen and Jason arrive in the gallery to support Tina. Tina is called to the stand. She looks coldly at Gail.

Sunita is still talking to Tony. She inadvertently tells Tony that Maria's boyfriend was a nasty piece of work who ended up in gaol. "A bit of a nutter apparently." Tony doesn't take this very well, as you can imagine.

Tina testifies that Gail appeared to be a bit of a Stepford Wife to Joe who loaded Gail down with problems with drugs, debts etc; "all normal and loving on the surface but inside there was just this mess of crazy wiring." She thinks that Gail was desperate to keep Joe and was unable to say no to him. She thinks Gail was obsessive about Joe. Audrey observes that Tina is taking her pound of flesh. Tina tells the court that Gail sent her texts, pretending to be from Joe after Joe was dead. Tina thinks only a person with a guilty conscience would do that. Tina is warned by the judge but Tina carries on and claims that Gail might be sick in the head. Either way, Gail's not innocent in her eyes.

Sunita is on the phone to Dev and tells him about her mysterious visitor, the friend of Jack Duckworth. Dev wants to have a rant about the removalists but Sunita tells him she's busy and hangs up. Claire bursts into the shop and tells Dev that Tony has escaped. Dev puts two and two together and realises that Tony may well be at home with Sunita and his children.

The twins are asking their Scots visitors if he's ever been to Balamory when there's a frantic banging on the door. It's Dev. Sunita answers the door while Tony slips out the back door. Dev determines that the visitor was in fact Tony Gordon. He gets straight on the blower to the cops.

The defense is cross examining Tina about Joe. Tina admits to Joe's many, many faults like his drug addiction and dealings with the loan shark. She defends her dad furiously. Gail's barrister is stern with her and tells her that she has placed Joe on a pedestal. He asks her how she's not angry with Joe and points out that she has shifted the blame for Joe being an idiot onto Gail.

Trev and Carla are in the Rovers. Michelle is angered that Tony has escaped. They wonder how Maria will be able to live the rest of her life. Carla takes this to mean that Michelle thinks Tony is out for good. Not a great thought for anyone, really.

At the Platt/Tilsley/McIntyre residence, Nick and Audrey are recalling the events of the day. They think that Gail's barrister managed to make a good defense case for her. Graeme reminds them that Gail will also make a good impression, "everything about her screams innocent." Nick thinks it'll all come down to the star witness, Anka.

Tracey is on the phone to Amy, telling her she's the best singer in the class. She looks hard and is annoyed when she hears that Becky will be there for Amy at Amy's concert. Tracey promises that she and Amy will have more time together soon. Tracey asks Amy to sing a song for her but Amy doesn't want to. Tracey is angry that Becky is there with Amy.

Gail wonders what would have happened if she'd been a better wife to Joe. Oh, Gail, I really can't be bothered with this. It sounds like her cellmate can't be bothered with it either. She tells Gail some home truths about Joe. "You didn't kill him. You loved him and you tried to save him." She tells Gail there was nothing she could have done and Joe would merely have hit rock bottom sooner, had it not been for Gail. She tells Gail to shut up and go to sleep.

In the street, Carla looks down the road to where the police have arrived again and are questioning Dev. She marches down and discovers that Tony has been in the street. Carla is angry. She tells the police how useless they are and is clearly afraid for her own life as she goes back to Trev for a cuddle.

Stella McLoughlin



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

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