2010

Monday 2 August

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by Duncan Foster.

John is creeping down the stairs at 5:30 a.m. telling Charlotte that he's on his way. He's caught by Chesney who's getting an aspirin for his hangover. John pretends he was after one too. Outside, Charlotte has arrived with her spare car keys and opened the boot to get the original set as the newspaper truck pulls away from the Kabin. Charlotte hides behind the car as Lloyd drives by after a night shift on the cab. John runs over and they try to get into the factory but, naturally, it's locked. Norris arrives at the Kabin, yawning, wondering what's going on. They lie and say they're looking for Charlotte's cat, that John and Fiz have been looking after (Schmeichel probably et it for breakfast!). Now what, Charlotte asks.

Cheryl comes out of the bedroom. Lloyd has just come in and is slumped over his coffee she tells him she's determined to get a job today. She's going to try the hairdresser's first but she'll get something. He assures her she can stay as long as she needs to.

Charlotte and Stape are bickering about what they're going to do and how they're going to get in to the factory. They hush-shout at each other and call each other names. You're the worst thing that's ever happened to me, she accuses (Um, I think she was pretty keen to stay involved before all this!) Stape goes home and locks the door behind him. Fiz's shadow emerges from the kitchen. No rolling pin but she hollers at him to tell him what's going on. He denies, denies, denies. Lies, lies, lies. She asks if he's leaving her and he says no but they shout some more because he's not telling her a thing and he orders her to stop asking. She backs off and runs upstairs, hurt.

Tyrone shows Molly some properties he's printed from an internet search. Expensive ones, too. She says she'll look later as she's off to work. They walk to work and she promises to see him at dinnertime. Mary and Hayley come round the corner. Hayley's hungover, too but Mary is perky as always and wonders if Hayley might have the exact recipe for that punch! Mary has made an appointment at lunchtime for her and Hayley to talk to the stylists at Audrey's. Hayley isn't impressed.

Sean comes bouncing out of the house, extremely cheerful. He tells Julie and Sally that Violet has set up Dylan and added him as Sean's "Friend" on Facescene! It's progress! Now he's all on fire to try to get hold of her and find out if he can actually see the lad!

Owen arrives with new keys for Carla for the new door lock. He promises her the floor will be set that afternoon. John peeks through the nets watching the workers go in and out of the factory while he is on the phone to Charlotte. She threatens again to go to the police, hoping that they'll understand they only made a mistake, they aren't murderers. John is frantic. He can't go back to jail! He implores her to let her handle it, he'll get in the factory and have a look around. She's getting near the end of her rope and points out that the longer it goes on, the worse it will look. He shouts "It can't look worse!" She spits "Maybe not for you!!!" She hangs up and he screams with frustration "Why can't someone just give me a break!!!!!!!!!!" which is overheard by Chesney! Eek! What's going on? Nothing.... nobody.... Chesney asks Stape if he's ok. Stape whine that he only wanted to teach but the Gods are all against him. Someone has it "infamy" (sorry...is anyone else having a Carry On moment?)

In the salon, Mary is grilling Maria and Natasha as to how many weddings each of them have had as Hayley arrives. She really isn't in the mood for it but Mary insists. Ok, it seems Maria has done 7 weddings and Natasha has done 25. The two girls bicker about it. Mary challenges them to suggest a hairstyle for the glowing bride (who looks like she's about to throw up, frankly!)

John emerges and sees a lorry in front of the factory and goes over to have a nose. Chesney is asking Kevin how much a car that he's working on is going for. Kevin says it's 500 quid and he can come back when he's saved up for it. Chesney looks thoughtful. John takes the opportunity of an open door to go into the factory just as Owen comes out. He pretends he's just curious. Owen turns him away. He's not authorized. Stape goes around the corner, what do to? what to do?

Well, after the break, we see John's still watching the comings and goings and what's going now is a large cement truck pulling away. The factory is still a hive of activity. Down the road Sian is trying to convince Sophie to try to get her parents to allow her to go to the music festival. Sophie figures it's a lost cause. They pass and John makes a determined beeline to the pub and orders a large Scotch. When Liz asks how he is, he snaps at her, she doesn't want to know. Charlotte calls and he says he hasn't got in to the factory yet. They think they must have found Colin by now. She gives him one last chance to find out what's happening. He hisses that he can't just go in and ask if they've found a body. He downs his drink in one go.

Maria and Natasha are fighting over Hayley and she gets up to leave. Cheryl comes in and hears them all arguing. When they see her, there's another argy bargy over who's the senior stylist so she decides she doesn't want to work there after all, turns on her heel and leaves. Some people! It threatens to start up again and Hayley escapes. Mary says she'll get back to them. The girls flounce to the back and continue poking each other with sharp sticks and claws.

Sunita is sitting in the shop describing her life... she used to think she wanted a posh house in a posh neighbourhood but when she finally got it she hated it. Dev takes exception. He figures the absence of her husband, him, at the time was the reason she hated it. The pair of them bicker, while Molly tries to extricate herself from the middle. Cheryl comes in, hears the Alahans going at it. She asks for a job and Dev says they don't have one going. Sunita begs to differ, there is a job going at the kebab shop around the corner. Cheryl smiles.

Molly is telling Tyrone in the pub how Sunita thinks they might not be happy in a big house. Tyrone hands her the printout of the houses, none of which are *that* big. They go over to a booth and we transfer to one with Sean, Julie, Sally and Hayley who are talking about Sean seeing Dylan on a regular basis. They caution him and he says he's being sensible and will ring her tonight. Or now? Should he? Oh go on. Yes he decides to do it. Sean thanks Liz, he's realized that Liz put in a good word.

John is still drinking at the bar and tells Liz he's got a day off. Lloyd asks Liz if they need any staff. Cheryl comes in and he buys her a drink. She tells him she's got a job and don't turn your nose up at it either! It seems a lot more civilized than some of the places she's looked into. Lloyd doesn't think it will be all that but she's just pleased she's got a job. Sean bounces back and says that Vi has said he can see Dylan. They'll sort out the details later. The girls are all pleased for him. Carla runs in and hands Hayley a set of keys to the factory. Hayley puts them in her cardy pocket, which doesn't go unnoticed by John.

Cheryl and Lloyd come outside and they spy Chris across the road. Lloyd starts to mouth off about harassment. Turns out that he's been taken on as a brickie at Underworld for the rest of the duration. Oh no!!! What a coincidence!!!

Back in the pub, Sally has a look at the property sheet and implies that they can't afford it. Molly meets her head to head and says of course they can even though Ty tries to correct her that it's a bit of a push! Stape leans over Hayley's shoulder as he asks after Fiz. He's using this as an opportunity to life the keys out of Hayley's pocket, of course. Result!

Outside, Sally is mithering Kevin about how much he offered Tyrone for the garage until he admits it's 15 thousand. Sally thinks that is way too much. (sounds like very little if you ask me!) Sally and Sian gingerly approach them. Sally and Kevin know straight away they want to beg them to let them go. No way, Sally and Kevin both agree. Too young. Sally then continues to give Kevin what for before stomping off.

John sneaks in behind the lunching workers and the key turns in the door effortlessly. In the quiet interior of the factory he sees that the pit in the floor has been cemented over. Carla comes out from the back. Oy! What are you doing here? John looks like the deer in the headlights....

Find out what lies he tells in the next half.

Tvor

So Carla has caught John snooping around the factory and in this episode written by Peter Whalley and directed by Duncan Foster she wants to know how he got through a door she had said had to be kept locked - well he did, you couldn't have! Anyway why? He was just curious. As he walks away he smiles. Carla agrees it is all going to plan and there have been no problems. He emerges cheered by what he has seen. He phones Charlotte who is walking the streets looking a complete mess saying that things have turned out better than they could hope. She does not understand and he explains he is working on the curious incident of the dog not barking in the night. She is even more confused. So he explains that if the body had been found then all hell would have let loose. They must have poured the concrete and noticed nothing in the dark - so they are in the clear. They have got away with it. She is going to come round. John says no - all they have to do is nothing.

Kev and Ty are discussing houses. Ches offers £450 for the car - but the offer will not be there forever.

Sophie and Sian are plotting to go the festival. They are going to stay with Sian's mother in Stockport. And they will get to the festival and it will be an easy secret to keep. They share a smile.

Hayley arrives in the cafe but cannot find the keys for the factory. Hayley wants to tell Mary they do not want her to organise the wedding. She recounts the events earlier in the hairdressers when Mary arrives as well and Roy just stops her in time. Roy offers tea all round. Mary starts wanting to make two hair appointments to test the capability of the two potential hairdressers. Mary does another riff - amazing woman. Hayley reckons Mary is trying to do much and offers to step down as matron of honour - but she will see it through as party planner to the bitter end. Mary has to go to help Norris.

Fiz returns to the Stape household and wants to know what is going on. John denies that anything is going on. She relates recent events but he says they are not related. He claims Charlotte had a problem she wanted to discuss. John comes up with a spurious story. Fiz reckons that Charlotte fancies John. Chesney returns to say he has bought a van, even though he is not old enough to drive. John claims he is not risking their marriage for a relationship with Charlotte and claims it is all inside her head.

Claire has about 4 children she is entertaining when Lloyd phones and he asks if Russ can join the nanny group. She agrees. Lloyd wants a drink.

Sally and Kev talk about the offer to Ty. Sophie suggests she and Sian are off to Stockport on Thursday. Sally agrees.

Fiz is still furious when Charlotte phones and insists she wants to see John - either at her place or his. Fiz looks like she could kill someone.

After the break Fiz wants to know what the call was about. John tells Fiz a pack of lies (despite saying that he is telling the truth). John manages to negotiate a visit to the Rovers to see Charlotte and tells Fiz he loves her.

At the building site they discuss John's appearance earlier. The builder and Cheryl's husband head for evening drinks at the Rovers. Chris tells his boss about Cheryl dumping him - and guess who is in the Rovers. Cheryl asks Becky to take no action. Charlotte is still waiting for John.

The Websters plus Sian discuss Stockport - Sally offers to take them - but they have already booked their train tickets so she cannot.

John arrives - and Colin is buried under a slab of concrete. Charlotte cannot accept what has happened and how Colin has been disposed of. She reckons that she should have made sure it was better than that. She says that John says cold and calculating. She wants to get Colin out and bury him properly - but given the concrete slab they can't.

Cheryl and Lloyd discuss her job in the kebab shop. She has little choice at the moment. So they go round to collect Russ from Claire. They then head to the kebab shop, although Lloyd goes to the office. When Cheryl and Russ emerge Chris stops them and Russ is sent to sit with Lloyd. Cheryl says she will never be scared of him again. Chris says he will give up the job - there is only one thing he wants - he wants them to try again. Chris claims he has learnt his lesson. Cheryl asks if it so he can practice his boxing. Chris says he loves her and really wants to try again.

We return to the Rovers where Hayley comes in asking if the keys have been handed in. Charlotte reminds John about the B&B and the episode closes with her asking him if he really thinks that he can get away with it - someone is bound to miss Colin and eventually there will be people looking for him.

Not much outstanding in this episode, apart from Mary's inability to see understand that Roy and Hayley do not want her organising their wedding.

And can someone please tell me how they managed to pour so much concrete so quickly so that it was set solid in such a short time? Are they employing miracle workers?

I shall be back this time next week.
Next episode will be along shortly.
K Richard W


Thursday 5 August

Fiz and Chesney are discussing the van he's buying. She asks if he's sure he can afford it, and wants to know how, at 16, he can register it, as he needs to be 17 to be able to drive it. He says he doesn't know yet, but every problem is an opportunity in disguise. "Well, nearly every problem," he says, as John comes into the room. Chesney goes off out of the front door and John sits down. Fiz remarks that he looks terrible, the double life is taking its toll. "There's nothing wrong with me," he snaps. She withdraws to the kitchen, hurt. He apologises, saying they need the holiday, and then can come back and start afresh. She'll drink to that, if he really means it. As she leaves for work, John rolls the bunch of keys around in his hand.

Cheryl is getting ready to send Russ to Claire's football club, and herself to work. Lloyd remarks that the situation with Chris is making her really stressed. She just wishes he would leave them alone, and Lloyd says maybe he should try easing him out of the picture. She tells him they've had enough violence and confrontation, Chris is best just left alone. Lloyd thinks he won't get off Cheryl's case unless they do something.

John is sitting morosely in the cafe, waiting for an opportunity to return Hayley's keys. She comes down from upstairs and for a moment it looks like she's going to leave her handbag unattended right in front of him - but then changes her mind. However, just as it looks like she's going off to work a bread delivery man comes in and she puts her bag and coat down to help. While Anna is writing the daily specials on the board, John pops the keys back into Hayley's coat pocket.

In the Webster household, Sian is on the phone to someone from Church who is lending them two sleeping bags, they'll pick them up on the way to the station. Just then Kevin comes in looking for a watch, his has packed up. Sally tells him he can make himself useful and run the girls to the station later.

Lloyd goes over to Izzy's dad, Owen, and asks what it's like having a wife beater working for him. Owen asks if he means Chris, and then asks Chris if it's true. Chris denies it, saying Lloyd fancies Cheryl and wants him out of the picture. Owen sends Chris back to work, telling Lloyd he's a builder, not a social worker.

John arrives at Colin Fishwick's B&B, and takes a room, telling the landlady that his bag is in the car, he'll fetch it later. Her husband works away a lot and she flirts outrageously with him. (What on earth is it that women seem to find so irresistible in John Stape?)

Audrey and Lewis are showing Gail their Greek holiday snaps in the cafe. Anna brings their meals and Audrey, who must think she's somewhere other than Roy's Rolls, asks for a side order of black olives. Anna tells her they don't do black olives, but she could get her pickled onions. Audrey tells her not to bother. Gail wants to know if they found anywhere to buy, and Audrey tells her they did in fact find a lovely little hotel perched on top of a hill with whitewashed walls and wonderful views. "You're not seriously thinking of buying it?" Gail is horrified. Audrey shrugs and murmurs that it's early days yet, but......

Back at the B&B, John sees the landlady go out, and then lets himself into Colin Fishwick's room. Then he phones Charlotte. He tells her he knows she was worried about someone finding Colin's stuff, but he's had an idea.

Chris goes into the kebab shop. Cheryl is dismayed to see him but he claims he just wants a kebab.

Over in the makeshift factory, Hayley confesses to Fiz that yesterday she thought she'd lost the keys to Underworld and this morning found them in her coat pocket. "I'm going senile," she says. Fiz reckons she just works too hard.

Chris is still in the kebab shop talking to Cheryl when Lloyd comes in. Chris tells him he's come to apologise for the 'little misunderstanding' they had earlier. He offers to shake Lloyd's hand but Lloyd doesn't respond. After he's gone, Cheryl wants to know what this 'misunderstanding' was.

Fiz is outside and has her mobile phone to her ear and a puzzled look on her face when Chesney comes along. Hastily she puts the phone away. He tells her he's solved the problem, she can register his van and be the registered keeper. "Yeah, that's fine," she says, obviously anxious to get rid of him. "You don't mind?" asks Chesney. She tells him no, it's fine, and off he goes. She pulls her phone out again, this time leaving a voice message for John telling him they need to speak urgently. Just then Carla comes out. "Ahem!" she says, tapping her wristwatch.

The landlady knocks on John's door. "You've got a visitor," she tells him when he opens it. Standing behind her is Charlotte, and John lets her in. As he tries to close the door the landlady asks if he's seen anything of Mr. Fishwick, saying she's not seen him for a few days and hopes he's all right. Behind him, Charlotte looks wide-eyed and terrified. "I'm sure he is," says John, smiling, and shuts the door. Once alone, Charlotte wonders how John can be so calm. He has a plan, however, when the landlady goes out they will go and get all Colin's things and remove them from his room, and burn them somewhere.

Back in Coronation Street, Chesney pays Kevin the cash for the van. Just then Sophie and Sian come out, telling Kevin it's time to go. As he goes to lock the garage, Chesney waves his van keys at them. They tell him it's a pity he's not old enough to drive it. He asks where they're going and they tell him they're off to Southport to stay with Sian's mum. "Living dangerously then," says Chesney. Sian then tells him that actually they're going somewhere else. Chesney is immediately much more interested. "Where?" he wants to know, and Sian tells him about the festival in Leeds. Sophie tells him he's not to tell anyone, if her mum and dad find out they'll kill her.

Audrey and Lewis are in the Rovers talking about Greece. Lewis is worried that they might lose the hotel and convinces Audrey that she should ring her bank and see if she can raise a secured loan against her house so that they can put in an offer for the hotel.

At Lloyd's flat, Cheryl isn't at all happy with Lloyd after what he told Owen about Chris. Lloyd says he hoped Chris would be sacked, then he wouldn't be hanging around every day. Fiz arrives home, not at all happy that John is not there.

Meanwhile, John and Charlotte are throwing all evidence of Colin's existence onto a bonfire. "It's like we're burning his life," says Charlotte, adding that they should have reported Colin's demise. John says they just have to get rid of every trace, then they can get back to normal. He gives Charlotte back the five hundred pounds that she lent him to give Colin earlier. Charlotte remarks that now there's nothing to stop John going back to teaching. She can't believe it when John almost smirks. Then he says they'd better get it all done and get home before they're seen.

Audrey and Lewis are with Gail in her kitchen. Audrey tells her that their offer on the hotel has been accepted and they're going over there again next week to finalise everything. Gail is unhappy to hear that Audrey is planning to sell the salon and her house to pay for it. "Not the house as well?" says Gail, pointing out that she will need it to come back to if it all goes wrong. Audrey tells her she has already taken out a secured loan on the house, and they've opened a bank account in Greece. Lewis tells her it's not too late to pull out, and Gail doesn't think her mum should rush into it, but Audrey won't be swayed. "I know what I'm doing!" she says.

Russ has gone to bed, and Lloyd and Cheryl are enjoying a glass of red wine. He apologises for upsetting things with Chris and she tells him she just doesn't want him to get hurt. Who else would look after her? He tells her he'll always be there for her. "Do you mean that?" she asks, and leans in to kiss him.

It's now late at night and Fiz steps outside her front door in her dressing gown. She tries phoning John again. Across town, John and Charlotte pull up in his car outside Charlottes house. He looks at his phone and see's it's Fiz calling, but he ignores it. She leaves another message, desperately asking him to phone her, saying she's going out of her mind with worry. After a brief conversation, John tells Charlotte he must go. "You're not dumping me here!" she says. He points out they're at her front door, it's hardly dumping her. She won't let him leave her alone, she's scared what she might do. Eventually he agrees to come in for a coffee. Meanwhile, back in Coronation Street, Fiz lies on the sofa and sobs.

Anne Logan


Friday 6 August

Hello. Settle down for the first episode.

In a car parked in a quiet street, it's 4.15am. John gets out and heads inside. No sign of Chesney in the kitchen but Fiz is wide awake on the sofa and wants to know where he's been. John says he fell asleep in the car. She's furious. John says all he seems to do is upset her and lie to her and yesterday he felt he couldn't cope any more. Fiz refuses to believe that's why he slept in the car. Chesney comes downstairs. He's been woken but he needs to start work soon anyway. Fiz tells him everything is all right. John says he's exhausted and needs to sleep and goes upstairs.

In Lloyd's flat, Cheryl leans in for a kiss with Lloyd but they're interrupted by Russ, who woke to find his mother wasn't there.

It's daylight at Fiz's now and she's no less angry. John's changed his story and says he was driving and just kept driving without knowing the time. Fiz still thinks he's lying and wants to know what he was doing sneaking around Underworld. Fiz thinks it's a bit of a coincidence that Hayley's keys went missing at the same time as John claims he wandered in through an unlocked door because he was curious. She screams at him that he's been acting strangely for days and she's sick of him being at Charlotte's beck and call. He promises this has nothing to do with her.

Eileen and Owen have a brief conversation and Claire then accuses Eileen of drooling.

Russ wants Cheryl to take him to school but she's got work so Lloyd's going to do it.

Claire's hanging out washing in the yard and she and Ashley have a conversation about whether it's OK for Josh's football boots to have some mud on. Ashley doesn't think their appearance matters. They sit down to drink their cuppas and during the course of conversation Claire reveals that the washing is clothing belonging to Dev's kids. "Just a few bits and bobs," she says to a worried Ashley.

Eileen's in the salon when Audrey comes in to announce she and Lewis have put in an offer for a Greek hotel and it's been accepted. Maria wants to know if she's set a price for the salon yet and Natasha jumps in as well, not wanting to be beaten to the sale. David thinks they're like a pair of vultures and angles for a place as manager. Audrey wants them all to shut up, though she is determined to sell. Eileen wonders that she wants to take on a hotel, with all that work. "You'll see less of the sun there than you do here." Audrey doubts that.

Russ looks very bored outside the Rovers as Lloyd practises his ball skills and Steve witters on about having to kick a tin can down the street because there was no such thing as football schools when he were a lad. Lloyd glories in the lovely day and Steve realises that something's happened and it's to do with Cheryl. The two of them lift their eyes to the sun and soak up some rays. When they open their eyes, Russ has gone!

Dev's explaining to Cheryl just how to slice doner meat when Lloyd comes in to see if Russ is with her.

In the factory, Hayley finds Fiz crying and Fiz confesses John didn't come home last night. "I know when he's lying," she weeps. Hayley tells her to go home and talk to him.

Cheryl rushes into the building site which used to be a factory, asking if Russ has wandered in. She phones Russ's dad and leaves an urgent message.

Bill's in the salon, thinking about getting a bit of colour put into his hair. Audrey tells him about her plan to move to a Greek island. She witters on about how much nicer the people are there. She asks him why he's interested in getting some colour and Bill says people look at him and think he's past it. But he talks himself out of hair colour.

Cheryl rushes back to the taxi office. There's still no sign of Russ. She's calling the police.

Fiz comes back to the house and fetches John's phone from his coat pocket. She writes down something and rushes out again before John comes downstairs to see who's come in.

Lloyd races down the ginnel, bursting open Claire's yard gate when he hears children's voices, but it's Josh and Dev's boy.

In the pub, Bill tells Owen he's got his card marked. Eileen comes in and Owen buys her a drink. He suggests he'll have some work for Jason.

David tells Audrey her Greek island gets earthquakes. In a booth with Gail and Lewis, Audrey tells him it had one earthquake 50 years ago. David goes on about her selling the salon, pointing out he'll be out of a job and also suggesting she's selling his inheritance. Gail suggests she let David manage the salon until it's sold. Audrey reiterates that she'll think about it. When Lewis goes to buy more drinks, Gail admits to Audrey that Lewis is growing on her.

Ashley comes in and Bill mutters to him about Owen. He says he has no work because some shark stole it out from under his nose. Owen refuses to risk to the bait.

Hayley leaves the temporary factory and is surprised to see John waiting for Fiz. "I sent her home to sort things out over an hour ago," she says.

Claire's ironing while supervising the kids doing some art work when Dev sneaks in and admires her multitasking. Dev goes upstairs and returns with another big basket of ironing. "I brought it downstairs to save your legs," he says. Claire laughs but realises he's joking. She says she can't possibly get through all that but he assures her that if she doesn't get it all done she can take the rest home to finish.

In the street, Chris, Cheryl's husband, turns up with Russ. Cheryl hugs Russ to her at the same time as telling him off. She calls the police to say he's turned up. Russ is startled to hear she told the police about him. She yells at Chris for not calling her and Chris says he's surprised she even noticed Russ was gone. Russ was upset because he saw her carrying on with her new bloke. He accuses Lloyd of bragging about his sex life instead of keeping an eye on Russ. Lloyd says it wasn't like that and that Chris has no right to claim the moral high ground. They front up to each other and Lloyd taunts Chris, saying he won't hit him because he only hits women. Chris pushes Lloyd away and Lloyd fells him with a punch in front of Cheryl and Russ.

Fiz arrives at Charlotte's house, demanding to know whether John was with her. "John is up to something and I'm not leaving until you've told me everything!"

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Charlotte tells Fiz that she can't make her say anything but Fiz makes it clear that she wants answers. Meanwhile, back home, John is agitated and eventually decides to grab his phone. Charlotte's phone rings and Fiz makes a grab for it. Her worst fears are confirmed and she answers the phone. John is stunned when he hears Fiz's voice. Fiz is struggling to hold onto her temper. John assures her he can explain everything. Fiz shouts that she is glad that there is something to explain as she was beginning to worry she was imagining things. She hangs up on John and tells Charlotte that she had better start talking.

Cheryl is wiping Chris' bloody nose. Lloyd apologies and Cheryl looks at him in disgust. Russ tells Lloyd to leave his dad alone. As Chris heads out, Lloyd tries to apologise to Cheryl again but she won't have it.

Fiz is smashing up all of Charlotte's ornaments. Charlotte cries that she is insane and Fiz tells her she will show her what insane is. She picks up a vase and throws it into a mirror hanging on the wall. She warns a shaken Charlotte that she will smash up her whole house if she doesn't start telling her the truth

Maria accosts Roy in the Street and asks if he wouldn't mind coming in for a trim as she is trying to prove to Audrey she can run the salon. Before Roy can answer, Natasha comes over and says that Roy would prefer an Indian head massage. As the girls almost come to blows as they fight over Roy, Audrey comes over and rescues him.

Lloyd asks Becky where Steve is and admits to her that he has just punched Chris.

Ashley is fuming that Claire is doing Dev's laundry. Dev comes in and tells Claire he really appreciates what she is doing for his family before tapping his watch. Ashley looks annoyed.

Charlotte tells Fiz that she and John are not having an affair. Fiz wants to know what is going on then. Charlotte utters Colin's name before hysterically telling Fiz that she can't know.

As Roy teaches Russ about steam trains, Cheryl is voicing her regrets to Leanne about getting involved with Lloyd and the effect it's going to have on Russ. Leanne assures her that kids are strong.

Fiz is asking questions about Colin. Is Charlotte having an affair with him? She denies this and tells Fiz that John has made a deal with Colin to get him to go away so he can continue to teach under his identity. Fiz reminds her that John has resigned her but Charlotte admits that John never handed the letter in. Fiz is horrified that Charlotte knew this and she didn't and she warns her that if she ever tries to get in touch with John again, she will smash her face in.

Becky is holding an ice pack on Lloyd's hand. Steve congratulates Lloyd and tells him that Chris had it coming. Lloyd admits that he regrets it.

At the bookies, Peter is telling Deirdre and Lewis about his upcoming camping trip with Simon. Lewis pays a particular interest in when Peter is going. Peter assures him that the shop will be open and Leanne and Deirdre will manage. As he nips out, Lewis offers to go and get some tea for Deirdre. Deirdre offers to make one here and as she nips into the back, Lewis slides behind the counter, stamps a betting slip and pockets it.

Owen asks Jason if he has thought any more about working with him but Jason declines. Eileen is fuming at him and reminds him that Bill has no work for him

Fiz returns home and John assures her he will explain everything. Fiz tells him that the thing that hurts most is the lying...she can't believe he told Charlotte he hadn't resigned and not her. John is relieved that she doesn't know the full truth and starts smarming up to her, telling her he doesn't deserve her etc. But it's clear she isn't going to be as easily won round this time...

Chris comes up to Cheryl in the street. She tells him not to start and asks for some space so Russ can get used to not having him around. She adds that perhaps Chris should get used to that idea too.

Jason stops Owen in the Street and takes him up on his offer. Owen tells him that he won't regret it.

Lewis watches the bookies and waits for Peter to leave. He slinks in while Leanne is trying to close and he tells her he has got a good feeling about this one. He plays a 5 horse accumulator and Leanne snorts that he will be lucky. He grins at her and leaves as she frowns after him.

Fiz is deep in thought (wonders never cease!). John tells her that Colin Fishwick is gone. From now on it's just John and hopefully, Fiz. She doesn't respond.

Natasha and Maria are bickering as Audrey tries to get to the bottom of their spat earlier. Lewis interrupts and buys everyone a drink. Audrey says that he seems glowing and he tells her that it's just happiness.

Dev is telling Claire that he is delighted with their arrangement. Peter passes and thanks her for feeding Simon at teatime. Dev asks what that was about as she was at his at dinner time. She says that Simon called round for Josh so she gave him some dinner too. Dev is outraged.

Cheryl is in tears and tells Lloyd that she is taking Russ and going to stay with Leanne for a while. She was wrong to sleep with Lloyd, she is barely out of her marriage. Lloyd understands that they can just be friends and promises that he will remain in the spare room. She smiles and says that if the situation were different... Lloyd nods knowingly.

Fiz has reached a decision...she and John need some time apart. She is going on the holiday alone to gather her thoughts and work out if their marriage has any future.

So what have we learned tonight?
-One stupid man is enough for anyone
-The charge for soiling a Streetcar cab is £20
-Maria is clipper happy
-Lloyd's hands weren't made for fighting
-Steam trains can go to 100mph
-There are phones in Canada
-Becky drinks vodka from the bottle
-Spontaneous fishing trips take a lot of planning
-Peter and Ken never ate many cheese and pickle sandwiches together
-The bookie's back room is fully stocked with digestives, ginger snaps and a stale fig roll.
-Natasha's regular customer Ms Thomas has a screw loose.
-Simon loves Claire's fish fingers

Dubious Awards
Hypocrite of the week: "Nobody can shut you up normally!" Fiz to Charlotte
Most accurate inkling: "I was beginning to think I was going mad" Fiz
Most agreeable sentiment: "None of this makes any sense!" I've been saying that from the start, Fiz!
Strangest desire: "I wish he were my dad." Lewis about Peter. He obviously didn't watch the episodes where he was blind drunk.
Most surprising new storyline: "Are you in love with Bill Webster?" Eileen to Jason
Statement most relevant to us all: "I knew this Colin Fishwick thing would end in disaster!" Fiz
Understatement of the century: "There's something wrong with me" John. You don't say!?

Until next week then!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 9 August

Written By David Lane Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

Fiz is packed and insisting on going to Majorca on her own. John tries to persuade her to let him come. They don't even have to stay together, he could find a hotel somewhere else and when she's ready, he'd be there to talk. No way, she knows he's too persuasive and she wouldn't have the peace to think. She calls and orders a taxi for later. She reckons it will give him time to think of what he wants, too but he already knows what that is. She comments that he's got a funny way of showing it.

Lewis has created a Greek style breakfast for Audrey including yoghurt, feta cheese, fruit and strong coffee. She bemoans the fact that the Greeks really don't make a decent cup of tea and teases herself for being too English. She admits she's not slept much. He admits to being nervous but reminds her it's an adventure. There's so much to do, she thinks, but he paints an idyllic picture of life on the island and she smiles.

Cheryl is smiling, too, but a bit nervously. She's heading to the shower and he makes plans for them to have a meal that night and a chat as Russ is going to a friend's.

Jason is heading across to his new job at the factory with Owen's crew and Bill comes along with an offer of a bit of work today. Um. It's like this... When told Jason took work elsewhere, Bill isn't happy but he does understand. Owen approaches and asks Jason if Eileen is in and directs him to the foreman. Maria comes around the corner and exchanges a few words with Rita. They talk about Audrey leaving and Rita jokes that Audrey must be changing the name of the salon to Shirley Valentine! (one of my favourite movies!) Across the road, Owen sets a time after work to look at Tyrone and Molly's house.

In the salon, Maria gripes because she has two clients schedule that will be very difficult. Natasha cattily points out she will be able to prove to Audrey she's capable. Snipe, snipe and they go back to their corners again. Dev arrives to see Natasha and is very snotty about Maria's query as to if he's there for a trim. Like his hair would be caught dead in a backstreet salon. No, he's after a decision from Natasha about the flat. She'll get back to him soon. Maria tells Natasha that she'll not get Nick to make a commitment. Natasha accuses Maria of trying to put the kibosh on their relationship because she's better that Nick dumped her all those years ago.

Molly is bringing flowers to put in the house to make a good impression. Tyrone doesn't see the point and she wonders if it's worth it. He kisses her and says it can't hurt.

Across the street, Eddie arrives in his cab to get Fiz. John follows her and her red case out the door, still whining, trying to persuade her not to go. Molly calls over "Going somewhere nice?" Fiz mutters Majorca and Molly realizes John isn't going. That of course doesn't help John's mood any. Rita says the same thing and gets an earful from John. Chesney scolds him and Rita sticks her nose up in the air. Sorry I asked! John tries to prevent her getting in the car and bleats his love to her as the car pulls away. Chesney hisses "You give scum a bad name!" Point, Chesney!

In the cafe, Cheryl is having a coffee with Leanne. Cheryl is regretting having sex with Lloyd. Leanne thinks she better make it clear to Lloyd it was a mistake if that's how she feels. She needs to tell Lloyd it's friends only and offers her and Russ a place to stay if she needs one. Nick approaches Lewis at another table. Lewis is looking at the betting newspaper, trying to decide on a horse or two. Nick says you never know, it could be Lewis' lucky day and leaves. Roy comes over to clear the table and mentions that there's a rare breed of seal that inhabits the very clean waters of Alonissus. Lewis pretends to be interested.

John has gone straight to Charlotte's house and bangs on the door. He barges in around her and gives her a load of abuse for telling Fiz he hadn't resigned. She figures he's lucky she didn't tell Fiz about Colin. She stands right up to him and tells him off. She's keeping his secret, after all. He figures that's no biggie, she's in it as deep as he is. She points out the whole business was his idea. Once established that Fiz has apparently left John, though, Charlotte does an abrupt about face and tells John it's ok, now they can be together!! He's gobsmacked at this and tells her in no uncertain and rather cruel terms that he doesn't fancy her. He can't face life without Fiz.

In the pub, Ciaran chats to Leanne about Simon and Peter's fishing trip. Nick enters and offers to buy her a drink. He establishes that Peter is still away but doesn't get very much farther when Natasha bounces in and wants to find out about Dev's flat. Nick backpedals and prevaricates and puts her off, saying she should tell Dev they're still thinking about it. (Commit, much?) She slinks away and Leanne turns on her heel to get out of the line of sight as well.

In a booth, Audrey is wondering who she should put in charge of the salon. Lewis' thoughts seem elsewhere. She figures he's already thinking about what it will be like on their Greek island.

John whines about teaching. Charlotte doesn't think Fiz will go to the police. John whines about Fiz and Charlotte points out that Fiz isn't standing by him now and insults Fiz. She moves in for the kill, they can start again (again?) She is all over him like a dirty shirt but he tears a strip off her very cruelly, I might add. "The only person I can talk to is a delusional nutter who's got it into her thick skull that I fancy her, when the truth is, she makes my flesh creep!" He thinks she's lost the plot and he was crazy to come. Poor Charlotte, yet she is ever the optimist "It's us that belong together!" He backs up and shouts that he's done with her. For good.

Cheryl arrives back at the flat. Lloyd is offering to cook or take her out. She says she's going to take Russ for his tea, just the two of them and she offers Lloyd some rent money. She wants to be friends, mates, and says she wants to pay her way so they know where they stand. Ouch.

Tyrone is showing Eileen and Owen around the house with Molly trailing behind. Tyrone is expounding on the virtues of the solid old house. Owen picks on the wiring and the wallpaper paste. Hmmm.

In the shop, Dev is making castles out of tins of baked beans. John arrives for a bottle of whiskey. Dev is effusive in his flowery comments, but just making small talk. However, he's mentioned the academic world and compares it to the retail world which he thinks John is now occupying. He thinks John should share a bottle of wine with his lovely wife rather than dive into the whiskey and John, already in a black mood, tells Dev his wife has left him. Dev says he has been there, and does not seem overly sympathetic to me. He asks where Fiz went and when told, cracks that most women go home to their mothers, but knowing Fiz's mother, Majorca is probably the better option. (snicker) John lets Dev have it with both barrels and calls him a self important imbecile.

Ciaran and Bill are putting bets on. They share a laugh with Deirdre who perks up considerably when Lewis comes in. He lowers his head, gazes up at her with his baby browns and puts a bottle of wine on the counter for the two of them to share. Finding out that she doesn't have a corkscrew, persuades her to run back home for one and leaving him to hold the fort. She is reluctant but decides to take the chance, the lure of the wine and gorgeous fella overruling her common sense.

Owen is now in the back yard telling Ty, Molly and Eileen that there are tiles in the roof need fixing. Tyrone and Molly both are getting fed up with his picking apart their home which isn't nearly as bad as he's making it out to be. Molly suddenly feels faint and Ty and Eileen help her inside and decide she better go to the hospital.

Lewis has his hands in the till when Eddie runs in. Lewis shuffles Eddie out the door then locks it.

Audrey tells Rita in the Kabin that she's excited and a bit scared. Leanne comments about fools rushing in but Audrey points out that at her age, there aren't many chances for adventure left. Rita calls her brave and Audrey reckons it could still all go wrong and she could end up living in the little flat over the salon, God forbid! Leanne and Rita both take offence at that as they both live over their shops. Oh dear!.

Lewis, meanwhile, is fudging betting slips quickly before Deirdre returns. And when she does, the door is locked. He lets her in and says he didn't want any punters in. She asks him what he was doing behind the counter (she could see through the door). Needing a distraction in a hurry, he admits his feelings for her, that it can't be just him, can it? There's something between us! He pulls her in and kisses her passionately...as the CCTV is pointing straight at them. Uh oh.

Tvor

Events in Weatherfield tonight come courtesy of the pen of Mark Burt and the directing skills of Terry Dyddgen-Jones. When we let the Street 30 minutes ago Lewis and Dreary had their faces locked together. When we return they are still kissing, which means the longest snog ever on the Street. Deirdre admits that she wanted it - but it is really not her - she had been carried away by the fantasy. If her situation was different they could pursue. Lewis suggests they pretend it never happened. They agree to be friends and Lewis leans forward and then goes - before he does Dreary says that she will never regret it, but this being the Street she will, I promise she will.

Lewis arrives at the salon and suggests they go to a bistro - Natasha will close up. Audrey is looking forward to her new career. When they get outside Audrey decides that they should have a drink in the Rovers.

Ty is taking Molly to the hospital. Owen and Eileen have been looking around their house and they leave as well. Chesney and Kirk are cleaning up Ches's new van. Looks as good as new. Kirk suggests it should be named as the first vehicle of the empire - Kirk is to be the driver until Ches gets his licence.

Owen and Eileen discuss Ty's house. Owen admits he has been exaggerating - most of the problems were not serious. She is lost for words. Owen says when he is good he is good and when he is bad he is still very good.

Gail visits the salon and is asked for a favour by Natasha. She wants Gail to have a word with Nick over moving to a flat. Natasha just wants him nudged into moving out. Gail does not understand the urgency. Nick arrives from prepping for the grand re-opening - Carla is having kittens. Natasha wants a hand writing a business plan for the salon so she can take it on.

At the hospital Molly is being checked over. No problems can be found, but the blood pressure is high, so they want to take urine sample and stay overnight. Reducing stress is the key. Jack arrives and wants to know what is going on.

In the Rovers Audrey is practicing pulling pints under Sean's tuition. He gives some basic instruction including knowing how to spot a "wrong-un". Audrey points out that task will be Lewis' responsibility to which Sean accurately says that it takes one to know one. If she returns tomorrow night, Sean will give a course on cocktails. Ken And Deirdre arrive and Ken invites Audrey and Lewis to join them for a drink. Lewis tries to duck out but Audrey will not agree. Deirdre and Lewis look suitably awkward.

After the break we are still in the Rovers and Audrey is explaining their hotel keeping plans. Audrey hopes they will visit in October. Audrey talks about the roof terrace which sounds wonderful. Gail arrives and Ken and Deirdre depart. Lewis and Dreary are still being awkward.

Eileen has changed the rota to improve driver availability. The staff have been complaining to Steve. They have ignored her suggestions. She tells him to make an executive decision. Lloyd arrives - he has been dumped, there is nothing going except the rent. Steve tries to go - Eileen tries to stop him - but his executive decision is to go.

Jack (who does not look at all well) talks to Molly about moving. She wants to go - but Jack tells her that Molly needs to look after herself. She needs to be fit and healthy. She listens to Jack.

Lewis and Audrey discuss Deirdre. Lewis tells her she worries too much. Gail buys a round of drinks. Lewis makes a toast to Gail and Audrey says that Greece is not that far away. Audrey tells Gail she will always be there for her.

Steve and Lloyd discuss Cheryl. Lloyd knows that she is way out of his league. He talks about her with a fond smile. Lloyd doubts his own abilities.

Nick and Natasha are working on plans for the salon and she asks Nick to move in with her. He does not know if he wants to buy. She points out that borrowing for the salon will stretch them without a mortgage. She is trying to secure their future. But Nick has to go to meet a client. He tells her they will continue the conversation when she is feeling a little less needy. He goes and she throws the papers in disgust at his unfeeling attitude.

Back at the hospital Ty has arrived with various items for an overnight stay - and as they had no fruit he has brought an ice lolly. He then tells her they should cancel moving house. She knew this was coming. The midwife tells them to leave. Ty tells Molly that he runs this ship and what he says goes. Molly agrees with him twice. She claims she was lying. Anyway Molly has decided that they should stay put. Ty tells Jack that is how to handle a woman not realising that Jack was the deciding factor.

Audrey is packing with Lewis, including a picture of Alf. Audrey tells Lewis that she loves him - and he seems a little taken aback that this is how it feels.

In a scene which would have been meaningless to the blind as not a word is spoken, Natasha has just taken a pregnancy test and the little window is not showing a think blue line which they did when we had a daughter (now blind) but actually has the word "Pregnant" displayed. Natasha looks like she has a few worries at this particular moment.

Audrey's house is steadily getting packed up. Lewis says that if she is having second thoughts it is not too late to back out [clearly he is having second thoughts!] and she wonders why he is saying that. He points out she is saying good bye to all she holds dear. Audrey is going to spend the rest of her life with him - she has a new future in front of her. He points out that she is bank rolling this and tells her not to sell the salon. Running the hotel will be hard work and they will not make a profit for probably three years. She should keep some resource available in these hard times. Audrey says that she thinks he is having second thoughts {well spotted Audrey - now run for the hills - but she doesn't}. He tells Audrey that she has years of clearing his messes and she agrees to hold onto the salon for 12 months. But as she says they commit everything to this move or not at all. He would not want it any other way.

Well Nick has obviously still got it in him.
Alf would have spotted Lewis as a 'wrong 'un'.
And Molly is never going to let Ty wear the trousers.
See you this time next week, some time soon.

K Richard W


Thursday 12 August

In what seems like record time to me, we open with a grand re-opening of Underworld. There is a large red bow tied onto the door handle, and with all the workers, and Owen, assembled outside, Hayley opens the door to much cheering. Then they all troop inside with Carla and Nick leading the way.

Across the road, Audrey and Lewis arrive outside the salon for her last day there. He wonders if she has second thoughts, she says it's just butterflies. He hugs her, just as Deirdre, in her dressing gown, puts her head out of her front door to bring in the milk. Seeing the two of them she drops the milk bottle and hastily ducks back in again, shutting the door. Lewis sees her too, and hustles Audrey into the salon.

Over in the pristine new factory, Julie is sniffing around, literally. She can smell something. Owen tells her it's new, the factory smells new. Julie disagrees, she likes new, this is something nasty. Could it be the corpse under the floor we all wonder. No, eventually Julie tracks down the source of the nasty pong - Hayley's sardine sarnies!

Lewis arrives at Deirdre's door with a carton of milk just as she opens it on her way to buy some. They have a disjointed and awkward conversation on the doorstep, with him telling her it's as well he's moving away so he won't be tempted, and Deirdre assuring him that she and Ken won't be coming to the farewell drinks party or coming out to Greece for the holiday. He wonders if she can be discreet and she assures him she can. "So I guess this is........" he says. "Goodbye," she finishes the sentence for him. "Not au revoir," he adds, and she agrees. As he walks away from her we see him form his mouth into an O, obviously puffing with relief!

In the salon, Natasha is on the phone talking about loan repayments. She's delighted to hear she can take a repayment holiday for up to six months, but not so delighted when she hears that she will have to make repayments for a year before this can be granted. She hangs up and tells Maria the salon is all hers, she can't raise the cash on her own and Nick isn't interested.

Bill is in the Rovers, trying to make small talk with John Stape without success. Just then Jason comes in but as he goes to call him, Owen walks over beats him to it. He and Bill then have a small dispute over who is going to buy the round. Owen says they can't talk shop if Bill won't have a drink with him, and then tells Bill that Underworld needs repointing and he thinks Bill's the man for the job. Eventually Bill says he'll have a look, if it will help Owen out.

Maria is telling Natasha and David about the plans she has for the salon. Audrey overhears and tells them all that she's decided to hang on to the business for another year. Maria is aghast, she's made plans. Audrey says that until the year is up she's going to be appointing a manager. Natasha grins and reckons she's got enough initiative to the run the place standing on her head. Maria reckons she has too, and David says that they've had to learn it, whereas with him it's in his blood.

Carla and Nick have taken the workforce for lunchtime drinks and sandwiches to thank them for their support. Carla then tells them all that if they finish the current order by next Wednesday, she'll give them all the day off for Hayley's hen do. Hayley protests that she's not having a hen do, but they won't take no for an answer.

Gail and Audrey come in to the pub, and Gail urges her mother to consider David for the position of salon manager in her absence. Audrey is understandably worried about this, (this is David we're talking about, after all, and what experience has he had?) saying she won't be there to make sure he knuckles down. Gail brushes this aside, saying that she'll keep an eye on him. She adds that she thinks Audrey is making a wise decision, and Audrey tells her she can thank Lewis for it, he is the one who's urged her to be cautious.

Lewis takes his dodgy betting slip into the bookies and acts amazed when a horrified Leanne realises that every horse on it won. "How much?" asks Lewis. Leanne does some work on her calculator and shakily tells him it's nearly four grand. She says she doesn't think they have that much in the safe and asks him to come back tomorrow. "Tomorrow I'm leaving for Greece," says Lewis, and becomes quite aggressive when Leanne suggests a business cheque, which will take three days to clear. "Did Peter leave you in charge or not? You were happy to take my bet," he snaps. Nervously she asks him to hang on and goes out to the back, returning with wads of twenty pound notes which she proceeds to count out on the counter.

Maria is sweeping outside the salon when Tyrone brings Molly home. Maria greets her and Molly says it's good to be back.

Leanne at Deirdre's house, telling her about Lewis's win and how it's just about cleaned them out. She's barely got enough float in the till and is going to have to go to the bank. She says she knew something like this would happen, he's been hanging around so much, although she knows he's Deirdre's friend. "No, no," says Deirdre, "I hardly know him!" Leanne reckons he bets like a granny and talks like Big Deal McNeil. Deirdre wonders what Peter said, but Leanne hasn't told him yet, he'll go spare and it'll ruin his holiday. Deirdre looks very uncomfortable.

Eileen is in the salon when Maria comes back inside and announces that Molly is back. Eileen is relieved because she was round there when Molly had her funny turn. Maria says Molly looks knackered, and they then all start to talk about how much more knackered she'll be when she's having to get up for 3 am feeds and colic etc. Natasha says nothing but looks horrified.

Leanne returns from the bank to realise she's locked herself out of the bookies, the keys are on the counter. Nick comes along and asks why Peter can't let her in. She explains how he's in Wales with the spare set in his pocket. He offers to kick the door in but she declines the offer. Just then Eddie Windass runs up, he's got a dead cert he wants to bet on, and the race goes in 5 minutes. Nick tells him he'll have to take it somewhere else. When Eddie's gone, Nick rings a locksmith who offer a 24 hour call out service. "We're locked out of our shop," he tells them.

Eileen visits Tyrone and Molly and they break the news to her that they've decided not to sell as she's been told to avoid stress.

Gail meets Audrey in the street and tells her that she's invited people to a soiree for leaving drinks. She's rung round, but hasn't invited Claudia as they haven't seen eye to eye lately. Audrey thinks that as she's going to ride over the horizon with the man of Claudia's dreams, maybe they should extend the hand of friendship.

The locksmith has been and Leanne and Nick are in the shop sorting out the sets of keys. Nick's phone starts to ring, it's Natasha, but Leanne assumes it's Carla and tells him to give her her apologies.

Sophie and Sian are back from their festival and Sally is unpacking Sophie's bag, still under the impression that they've been to Sian's mum's in Southport. She can't understand why the clothes are so dirty. "Er....it was muddy," says Sophie, gesticulating to Sian behind Sally's back. Sally goes off upstairs and Sian pulls a festival sweatshirt out of the washing machine. "What are you doing putting this in?" she asks. Sophie says it was meant to be a present for her, and they hug. They hear Sally coming down again and spring apart.

Gail tells Nick that Natasha has been calling repeatedly. She urges him not to keep her dangling. "She's very needy," he says, "she's got to learn that I've got a life and a busy job, I can't just drop everything the minute she picks up the phone." Gail wonders if he's training her like a puppy, and advises him that if she doesn't suit him now she never will.

Lewis and Audrey are just finishing their dinner. He produces a gift bag and hands it to her, it's to remind them of tonight, great times and fresh starts. It's a gray pearl necklace and Audrey is almost speechless. "These will look great with a tan," she says, fastening them round her neck. He says he'll drink to that - upstairs. "The pearls are staying put," she tells him. "Everything else?" he asks. She says that's negotiable, and they head off upstairs.

Anne Logan


Friday 13 August

Audrey's packing a big bag. Lewis has made her lunch. They discuss how much she's taking and he says he'll be proud to have her on his arm.

Bill and Jason are in the cafe when Owen asks them whether they're available for repointing the factory. They are.

Sian and Sophie and Sally talk about the new factory. Sophie teases her mother by recalling some of the stories Sally's told her about her school days. "ASBOs* hadn't been invented then." Sian asks about Sally's friends Karen Jones and Nikki Furlong and asks if they're still in touch. Sally says she lost touch with Nikki years ago and misses her. [This was a fairly inconsequential conversation - I'm including it just because when someone you've never heard of is mentioned they usually turn up the next week!] Sally hopes Sian and Sophie stay in touch. She realises the time and races upstairs. Sophie and Sian kiss.

Nick and Leanne meet in the street and exchange some banter about ways to make sure you can't lose your keys. Leanne's the welcoming committee. Peter and Simon pull up in the car and Simon wastes no time in giving Leanne a cwtch. "It's Welsh for cuddle," he explains. They've not brought back any fish and Simon says they'll have to have maggots and Whatsits for tea. He goes inside and Leanne tells Peter about Lewis's four thousand-pound win.

Nick's in the salon chatting to Natasha. She tells him she's not expecting him to pull any strings to get her the job of salon manager. She says the salon is 9-5 and they're 5-9 - Nick seems to leap away from her every time she says something about their relationship.

In the shop, Sunita chats with Molly. Dev asks about how long she'll want off work. "If you do come back, you will do a good long stint won't you, before . . . "He means before she has another baby. "Feel free to shoot him with a pricing gun," says Sunita. Natasha comes in and Dev confirms he got her message.

Jason and Bill are up some scaffolding repointing. Izzy wheels herself out of the factory door and tells her father he needs to get the air conditioning sorted because the factory's like a sweatshop and nobody's been meddling with the controls. In this scene it looked as though another door has appeared at cobble level beside the steps at the front door of the factory, which would explain why we've heard no talk of a ramp and Izzy seems to have no problem getting her chair in and out of the premises. Anyway, Bill calls down a joke about the aircon and as he turns back he knocks a large bucket of cement down to where Izzy is. "Ker-thud!"

Audrey's house looks very empty. Lewis is going out and will see her at the party later. He hugs and kisses her and tells her he loves her. He looks very thoughtful, perhaps even worried, as he leaves.

Bill and Jason race down the ladder. Izzy seems fine. She's not bothered about being splashed by some cement but Owen is livid. He calls Bill "grandad" and keeps referring to Izzy as "my disabled daughter" until she screams that her name is Izzy. Bill tells him he wishes the bucket had fallen on Owen's head. Jason hustles Bill away and Izzy shakes off her dad's offer of help. "The only person who makes me feel disabled is you!" she tells him. Owen protests that he's always fought her corner. "I'm not in a corner, you able-bodied idiot!" She hands him the money for the cake run because she can't go now.

In the bookies' Peter asks for the ticket from Lewis's win. "It's a lot of money. I want to double-check it." Peter can't believe the horses which Lewis bet on. He's so angry he shouts at Simon and Leanne has to remind him Simon is only seven. "And what have I told you about swinging on them stools?" Peter asks. "I'll end up in hospital, flat on my back," Simon tells him cheerfully. Peter's still furious and Simon's bored. "Deal with it!" shouts Peter. "I spent half my childhood bored out of my skull." "Pardon me for breathing," says Simon. Leanne laughs and says he got that off Blanche. Peter's not laughing. He's still furious. He works out when the bet must have been placed and Leanne admits she can't remember the specific bet - Deirdre must have taken it.

At Gail's, Audrey's being feted and showered with gifts. Claudia apologises to Audrey and they're friends again. Rita and Claudia admire Audrey's pearls. David's cuddling Leanne. Audrey says he's finally grown up. While she's distracted, Claudia tells Rita the pearls are fake. "They look far too perfect to be real - a bit like the man himself." But she promises not to tell Audrey.

Rosie and Sally discuss what might have happened between John and Fiz. The phone goes and it's someone for Sophie. What is said makes Sally very angry. It was Celia from the Headline Festival. Someone's handed in Sophie's purse. "It's not like she's on crystal-meth or anything," says Rosie. But Sally's appalled at the barefaced lies Sophie told and says she was wrong when she thought Sian was a good influence on her.

Back at Audrey's party, Nick arrives and David comments on Natasha's devotion to him and says she's mad. Nick says she's a sweet girl. Then Natasha breaks the news to him that she's rented Dev's flat in Victoria Court for them. Oops. Nick does not look happy. David just taps his head.

Ken and Deirdre arrive at the betting shop, summoned by an ill-mannered phone message, apparently. Peter tells them Lewis has nearly wiped him out on an accumulator. Ken can't understand why the fuss. "Betting shop in pay-out shocker? What is this?" Deirdre says she didn't take the accumulator bet and Leanne says she didn't. Deidre denies letting Lewis behind the counter. Leanne says Lewis hangs around so much maybe it was her. Deirdre decides to fess up and admits she might have left him alone for maybe 90 seconds. "I left Lewis here because I didn't want the place to be left abandoned," she says. "I wasn't more than a minute. Less than a minute." This spurs Peter into action. The CCTV will have Lewis bang to rights. As Ken puts a reassuring hand on Deirdre's shoulder, she digs her fingernails into her palms . . .

At the party, the food is being served and Audrey can't tell off Lewis for being late because he's turned his phone off. She plans to box his ears when he does turn up. "No you won't," says Gail. "You'll go all girly and giggly and fall into his manly arms." They have a little mother and daughter moment. They're interrupted when David gets Natasha to announce the news about the flat. Audrey's thrilled to think Nick might be settling down. Audrey calls for hush and makes a speech. She's decided David will manage the salon. Blood is thicker than water and he does qualify in two weeks.

Nick's sulking out in the yard. He won't give Natasha any sympathy. He demands to know why she always has to sort everything and why she went behind his back about the flat. She says if they're going to get a mortgage together eventually then it seemed right. She apologises for not telling him in private. But it goes deeper than that for Nick. He tells her this isn't working. Natasha starts to backtrack, admitting she's railroaded him. "It's not working, I'm sorry," he says. An almost-tearful Natasha tries to backtrack even more. Nick says she deserves a bloke who will cherish her and that's not him. "I will never cherish you." He's sorry he's hurt her but she shouldn't waste any time thinking about him. He leaves a now-tearful Natasha in the garden alone.

Peter's about to play the CCTV footage. Deirdre tries to get out of staying by saying she and Ken will take Simon back to theirs, but Simon's with Claire. Deirdre leaves the shop at 16.46 and returns at 16.59, according to the timer on the CCTV. Deirdre's quite distressed now and asks Peter to turn it off. The others are shocked when they see her return with glasses and a corkscrew. And, at 17.00 when Lewis kisses her they're speechless!

The end.
More in episode two.
Margaret Carr

*anti-social behaviour orders

Here we are, episode two, and as I've said elsewhere on my many obscure bloggings, it was, by far, one of my favourite episodes of Coronation Street in a long time!

We open at the bookies and Deirdre is trying (and failing) to recover from the humiliation of her smooch with Lewis being broadcast. She crows that she trusted him and he took her by surprise. She tries to assure Ken that she pushed him away as quick as she could but he retorts that her reactions aren't what they used to be. Still smarting from his lost money, Peter demands to know if Deirdre was in on it. She cries that she knew nothing about it and Peter says that that is the wedding over with...they can no longer afford it. Leanne tells him that they will get the money back and Ken remembers that Lewis will be at Audrey's leaving do.

David is smarming to Maria that nothing will change at the salon and that he is even looking to give her more responsibility. She doesn't seem to be listening and instead notices that his eyes keep wandering to the last Manchester tart a minature cream pie I believe) Audrey tells him that he had better keep his hands off as it's for Lewis, prompting a somewhat tipsy Claudia to wonder if Lewis is even going to show up. Natasha interrupts a potentially awkward spat between Audrey and Claudia by running past in tears. Nick tells everyone she is just upset because her dad has been taken in, but persistent Gail follows him through to the kitchen and gets the real story. She assures Nick that he has done the right thing. The door slams and Audrey thinks that Lewis has finally shown up but it's the Barlow brigade looking for the man himself. Gail is furious to see Deirdre in her home but everyone is silenced when Peter claims that Lewis is a crook.

Sally and Kevin start quizzing Sophie and Sian about Southport and allow them to dig themselves into enough of a web of lies before informing them that they know about the festival. Sophie finds herself grounded and Sally says that she doesn't want to see Sian under her roof again.

Leanne is explaining that Lewis was secretly fiddling betting slips but Gail tells her that she must have it wrong and he won it fair and square. Ken tells her that they aren't wrong but Audrey demands to know how he would have any idea. Peter produces the CCTV DVD and says it's all on here. David suggests that they put it on. Funnily enough, Deirdre doesn't seem to think that this is a good idea.

Sophie watches sadly from her bedroom window as Sian climbs into a car and heads off.

There are gasps aplenty as Lewis is shown cheating the bookies. Deirdre shouts hysterically that perhaps they had better turn it off now. Peter tries but the remote control doesn't work. As Nick and David call advice on how best to work it, as the batteries are dying, Deirdre desperately demands that someone just switch it off at the mains. Rita points out on the screen that Deirdre has come back in and Audrey tells Peter to stop trying to turn it off. The room falls into the most awkward silence imaginable as Deirdre endures her brief moment of passion being played out all over again. Audrey looks crestfallen as she watches the event unfold on screen.

Natasha is sitting alone in the salon, looking heartbroken

Deirdre tells Audrey that she can explain but David points out that it's there in black and white for all to see. Deirdre argues that if there were sound then people would see he was doing the flirting but Ken tells her she is being pathetic. Rita shrugs and says they should all have expected it and Audrey wants to know why. Is it so unbelievable that someone could genuinely love her? Gail tries to reassure her but Deirdre fires up at her, saying she is hardly in any place to dish out advice on men choices...perhaps Audrey has been taking lessons off of her! Gail grabs the remaining Manchester tart and splatters it against Deirdre's face. After a stunned silence, Deirdre screeches for Ken to do something, but he's more than happy for her to face further humiliation. Before long, Deirdre and Gail have their hands round eachother's necks and have to be pulled apart. Wiping cake from her face and glasses, Deirdre tries once again to apologise to Audrey but she tells the Barlows to just get out. Peter departs saying he's lost the most...his and Leanne's wedding can no longer go ahead. David suddenly remembers that Lewis has access to Audrey's money. Deirdre sarcastically wishes them luck in getting that back.

Audrey comes off the phone to the bank and says in a hollow voice that Lewis has left the money where it is. He hasn't stolen from her at all. David and Gail are relieved but Audrey's mind is clearly not on the money.

Eileen's attempts at flirting with Owen seem to be failing but she's not one to give up. However, he spots Bill and Jason and heads over to buy them a drink. Bill reluctantly shakes his hand and accepts the gesture. Owen sends Jason for the drinks and sits down beside Bill. He cuts straight to the chase and asks if he would sell the builder's yard. Owen says he needs the space but Bill says so does he. Owen scoffs that the day's events have proven that Bill is past it but their business discussions are interrupted by the arrival of Sally and Kevin.

At the bar, Liz is asking what was going on between Eileen and Bill. Eileen thinks he was asking her out and asks Liz if it would be okay with her. Liz tells her that she has no problem with it, but is she being entirely honest? Of course not, this is soap!

Audrey is trying to put on a brave face and admits that she never really wanted to go to Greece. Her family, friends and the Salon are all here. David points out that it's better she found out now rather than in Greece and she agrees. Gail demands that she stays the night but Audrey just wants to go home. She bids farewell in a slightly cracked voice.

Deirdre and Ken are sitting miserably. Deirdre snorts that Ken probably wishes he was on the barge with his fancy piece. Ken asks if she was jealous of Audrey and Deirdre says that of course she was. If a genuine Lewis offered to whisk her away, she wouldn't have thought twice about going. Perhaps Ken should try some of Lewis' charm sometime. Ken tells her she is acting like a teenager and needs to grow up. Deirdre points out his hypocrisy and says that her guilt is nothing compared to his so he can stop trying to use this to make himself feel better.

Eileen and Liz are musing over Owen's appeal. They reach the conclusion that it is his dangerous streak that makes him appealing. Charlie Stubbs Mark Two? You heard it here first!!

Claire is telling Dev about her day with Asha and Aadi. After taking them to the library, she took them to watch Josh play football. Dev paints on an interested smile. Sunita asks Claire if she will stay for a glass of wine and Dev pointedly says that Claire must want to go home. Claire takes the hint and goes while Dev moans to Sunita that she shouldn't be being paid to take his kids to watch her son's football game.

While Peter speaks to the police, Leanne spots Natasha sitting outside looking upset and goes to join her. Natasha doesn't see why Leanne would care that she's upset but Leanne offers a shoulder to cry on. Natasha tells her that she and Nick have broken up. Leanne tells her that she can do better. Natasha wonders why men are so afraid of commitment...she and Nick were so close to having a family. Leanne asks if she is pregnant and Natasha confirms her suspicions but makes her promise not to tell Nick.

Audrey comes home and throws her beaded necklace to the floor, sending the beads scattering noisily.

At the airport, a well spoken lady offers a martini. Lewis shows her his martini and says snap. She smiles wryly as he introduces himself. It turns out they are both going to Barbados and, as she is a nervous passenger, Lewis offers to sit with her and old her hand if things get bumpy. Taken in already, it looks like Lewis has secured his next victim.

Audrey finds a photograph of her and Lewis propped against the window. On the back, Lewis has written 'I tried' Audrey burst into tears and sobs her broken heart out as the credits roll...

So what did we learn tonight?
-Audrey has pins that go on forever
-Sally uses the following lingo to try and fit in with the younger generation: snazzy, swanky, trendy
-Sally was never ASBO material
-Natasha doesn't like leaving voicemails
-Owen doesn't hit pensioners
-Peter spent half his childhood bored out of his skull.
-Lewis charged Claudia £75 an hour plus expenses. I think I'm in the wrong job...
-Being on crystal meth is worse than sneaking to a festival
-Nick is a metrosexual
-You have to press stop hard on the Platts' DVD remote
-Lewis could flirt with a lamppost
-Lewis had the following things lying on a plate for him: Audrey's £100,000, a Manchester Tart, Deirdre
-Eileen is very fond of cereal
-Owen finds pepper pots phallic
-Deirdre likes being whispered to
-The best way to get a toddler into pyjamas is to make them think it was their idea
-If Weatherfield residents came with warning signs they would be thus: Owen: Danger, John: Drunk and Natasha: Available

Dubious Awards
Strangest Desire: "I wish I was back at school." Sally
Best audience interaction: "Hello gorgeous!" Leanne. And yes, I said hi back.
Best ambassador for equal opportunities: "Would you leave your business in the hands of a single parent?" Natasha
Most terrifying murder weapon: "Feel free to shoot him with a pricing gun" Sunita to Molly about Dev. And that would achieve what exactly...?
Question with the most complicated answer: "Where you swanning off to?" Audrey to Lewis. Barbados if you must know...
Most complimentary gift giver: "Women our age need a good hand cream" Caudia to Audrey
Person most in need of a reality check: "You've grown up, finally." Audrey to David.
Tonight's biggest understatement: "I'm a bit excitable" Natasha
Most accurate analysis of own intelligence: "I can do slow" Natasha
Least hurtful way to break up with somebody: "I'll never cherish you. I won't be thinking of you." Nick to Natasha
Person most in denial of her showbiz status: "The one time something happens, I end up on the telly!" Should we break it to her that it's been happening to her for the past 27 years?
Most unsurprising twist: "She went behind my back with Dev!" Nick about Natasha. Who hasn't?
Hypocrite of the evening: "Needy women like her can be a burden." This coming from experience, Gail?
Most promising new storyline: "My heart bleeds." Gail
Question with the longest answer take one: "What did we do to bring our daughter up as a liar?" Sally to Kevin. Maybe the constant lies had something to do with it?
Question with the longest answer take two: "You know Nick's problem don't you?" Natasha. Just one?

That's all from me just now. More coming soon!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 16 August

Written By John Kerr Directed by David Kester

It's the morning after the humiliating fiasco. Audrey's holed up in her house, sitting on furniture that's still got dust covers over, with Gail calling and leaving an answer phone message. Audrey's looking pretty defeated at the moment. Back at Platt towers, Gail tells Nick and David that Audrey probably hasn't slept at all. All look worried.

At Barlow towers, the tension is thick. "I just don't know what to do with myself" is on the radio, ironically, but a silent Ken enters the room and switches the station to something classical. Deirdre looks up at him with a pleading look on her face but he ignores her.

Outside, Gail tells David she's worried about Audrey. David hopes she's not done anything stupid. Across the road, Simon is wittering about something and Peter doesn't have much patience. He's still ticked off about the four grand he lost (excuse me, it's a betting shop, surely you have to expect this will happen sometimes? I know it was a blatant rip off but otherwise, people *do* win big bets.) He's snapping at Leanne and spies Gail and David and charges across the road. He wants the money back from Audrey since it was her boyfriend that ripped him off. Gail insists it's nothing to do with Audrey and she doesn't owe him anything. If anyone owes him, it's Deirdre! Peter defends Deirdre's actions as a mistake but that's exactly Gail's point. Audrey made a mistake trusting Lewis. Gail shouts at Peter to leave Audrey alone and continues on to work as does David. Leanne commits the sin of actually agreeing that Audrey isn't to blame. You can imagine how well that goes over. He pushes past her to get in the car to take Simon to football and then to go to the police station. He snipes at Leanne not to bankrupt him while he's gone.

At Webster towers, Sophie is sulking. Sally is demanding that Sophie not leave the house and they'll be checking on her to make sure she's following the rule. Even Kevin agrees with Sally. Sophie strops out, shouting and Kevin quietly says that if she keeps her head down a few days it will probably blow over.

In the salon, David has bought an overpriced jar of coffee but Natasha isn't paying attention, her mind on other things. Leanne comes in to see how she's doing and they go over to one side. Natasha admits she's not told Nick yet. Leanne thinks she should tell Nick no matter what she decides to do. Natasha doesn't think Nick will care either way. Leanne leaves and David asks what it was about. Natasha keeps quiet.

Jason and Owen are on their way out somewhere. They see Bill who says he's got some work on that will take a few weeks. Owen reasserts his offer to buy the yard if Bill wants but Bill doesn't want. Jason scolds Owen for winding up Bill. Owen says the yard is attractive because it comes with a flat (solving a question I've been wondering about for years, that second flat over the betting shop that suddenly appeared back when Peter and Shelly lived in it at the same time that Sarah and Todd were living over the bookies) Anyway, Owen likes the neighbourhood (now that Izzy is working there, no doubt) and would like to be in situ. He also thinks Bill's business isn't all that strong and he'll be lucky to give the yard away in another six months.

Ken is trying to persuade Eccles to go for a walk but the little dog isn't so inclined. Deirdre tries to talk to him but he isn't in any mood. She wouldn't like what he'd have to say anyway. He picks up Eccles and leaves.

Natasha is pulling herself together round the back of the salon when someone comes in. She thinks it's her next client but it turns out to be Nick. Things are awkward as you might expect. She gives him the chance to talk, about them if he likes but he says there is no "us", he only wanted to see how his Gran was. Natasha backs off, still a bit teary. He assures her nothing has changed between them but just as she seems about to tell him about the baby, David shows up and tells Nick that Peter was having a go at Gail about the money. Nick is affronted and angry and storms out to confront Peter. Natasha tries to tell him she has to talk to him but he puts her off.

After the break, Nick barges into the betting shop looking for Peter who's still at the police station. Nick assumes Peter is trying to press charges against Audrey. He also assumes Leanne is on Peter's side with that opinion but she's still upset and says she's not, and Peter has had a go at her all day just like Nick is doing now and she's sick of it. That immediately softens him and he apologizes. He offers to buy her a drink and when she says she's got a customer, Nick pays the man and puts him out of the shop so she can close up and take a break.

Gail has gone to Audrey's. Audrey opens the door to her and Gail pushes in with a bag of groceries that she knows her mother won't have had in. Gail tells Audrey she needs to get dressed and put on makeup too while she puts the kettle on.

Kevin is moaning about Sophie but Bill points out that she's far less trouble than some kids these days are. She's a smart kid and will be fine. Kevin hopes so. Jason arrives back as Bill gets a message that he has lost the contract he hoped to get. He admits he lied about the size of the job which was only small anyway. He gets shouty with Jason but then apologizes but Jason turns away.

In the pub, Sean has apparently spent the weekend in London seeing his son and is showing off photos on his phone. Ciaran is a bit confused. Son? I thought you were..."Oh, I am, but we all have our off days" Sean warbles. (ha!) They continue to chat but Liz gets a bit distracted when Owen arrives. Eileen has a few sideways glances too and he makes eye contact with Eileen and winks at her. She's tickled and Sean is jealous. She admits she's got her eye on Owen too and Sean warns her that Liz has that look about her, the one she gets when there's either a sale on or a new man around. She's got competition!

In a booth, Leanne is enjoying her drink. She excuses Peter as needing someone to take it all out on, being under pressure. Nick flatters her and says she deserves to be treated better. They change the subject and have a bit of a laugh.

In the salon, David accuses Natasha of being a gloomy Gus and says she's had a lucky escape. She won't explain why she's distracted and low no matter that he prods and presses. She snaps at him and he apologizes. He does say he thinks she could do better than Nick. She holds back tears and warns him not to be nice to her, it's not his usual style. He makes a bit of a lame insult but you can see he realizes she really is upset.

At Audrey's, Gail has opened the curtains and presents a dressed Audrey with a cuppa. She also offers to help unpack the boxes. Audrey hasn't heard from Lewis and doesn't expect to but she also defends him as not being all bad, not with her. He didn't take her money after all so he must have had some feelings. Gail figures he wouldn't have lied to her if he'd really cared for her. She refers to herself as a silly old fool and figures they're all laughing about her.

Sophie is talking to Sian on her mobile and admits she's so bored she even cleaned her room, worrying she's turning into her mum, a right Fascist Cow. The cow of course, has just come into the house and caught Sophie on the phone to Sian when she was barred from it. The phone is quickly confiscated. No visits, no phone, no "stripe"... That's Skype, Sophie corrects her. She's not getting the mobile back, though. There's more moaning and groaning and stroppiness.

Ken returns from his walk with the dog and sees Peter who's just as annoyed as he was earlier now he sees that Leanne has closed the shop. He has no idea where she might be (No? didn't think about it too hard, then.) Peter says the police can't do anything because they can't find him. Not only that, he got a parking ticket! He wishes he could get hold of Lewis to knock seven bells out of him. He asks how things are with Ken and Deirdre. Not good, as you might expect. He's ok though and sends Peter off to find Leanne.

In the pub, Owen offers Eileen a drink. Bill comes in and says he has decided to sell the yard if the price is right. Owen pays for Eileen's drink but has to go with Bill. Liz looks pleased that Owen will be sticking around, Eileen seems a tad miffed at her interest.

In the booth, it seems like Nick has been telling Leanne about Audrey. They start laughing about Lewis and Deirdre snogging. He gets all sentimental again and she's just about to leave to go back to the shop when Peter comes in and catches Nick's hand on hers as he tries to persuade her not to go. She jumps back as she sees Peter who dumps all over her for leaving the shop closed. Nick steps in and takes the blame for luring her away. The two men start arguing, with Nick doing more to wind up Peter. Ciaran gets between them but as Peter leaves quietly, he hollers at Leanne to come on so Nick shouts in his face to leave Leanne alone. Peter grabs him and pushes him out the door onto the street. They push and shove and shout with Ciaran looking on and finally he spins around and clocks one on Nick's face and Nick lands in the gutter as the credits roll for the end of part one.

Tvor

Hello and good evening. Welcome to another Monday part 2 update.

This episode was written by Jan McVerry and directed by David Kester and it opens in the Street with Nick and Peter arguing over Leanne, with Ciaran trying to keep them apart.. Peter tells Nick not to talk to her again. He then orders Leanne back to the shop but she points out that she is still on her lunch break and is returning to the Rovers for another drink. Nick offers to buy it but she turns him down and Leanne tells him he deserved a punch for his behaviour. She says they are as bad as each other and heads back inside.

Gail is telling Maria that there is no need for her to worry - Audrey is OK. Gail tells her to keep it vague. There has been no explanation from Lewis and none is expected. Natasha calls Lewis a pig. Gail tells Audrey that she has nothing to be ashamed of - but as Audrey says, if Lewis walked through the door now her knees would turn to jelly.

Sally delivers Sophie to the shop - she cannot be trusted, she has to be collected and cannot use email, phones or computers. And David thought his mother was uptight.

Deirdre arrives at the shop and attempts to start work. Peter reminds her she is sacked. She tells Peter she made a mistake and will never do it again. She reminds Peter of all that she does. She is allowed to start work - providing she gives Peter a biscuit with the tea.

Owen and Bill discuss sale of the yard. Bill wants a fair price to see him through his retirement. They agree a price and Owen wants to get it settled quickly. Jason arrives and the bad news is broken. Bill wants to give up work before life gives up on him like Fred Elliott. Owen will employ Jason and they will have a pint. Jason is disappointed and had hoped to buy the place himself - but Bill could not afford to wait. Jason promises he will always do a proper job. They go upstairs and Bill hands over his second best tools and tells Jason to look after them.

When Peter comes in to the flat it is clear Leanne is not talking to him and Simon gives his father some advice - just be nice to her!

At the factory Janice goes to see Nick about his tumble before leaving for the day. She suggests arnica for his bruises but leaves behind her mobile phone.

Sunita arrives at the salon to hand over the keys for the flat and a bottle of champagne. Sunita hopes they will be very happy there. Natasha seems unhappy when she should be on top of the world.

After the break we rejoin the Street at the Barlows and Dreary is retelling the events at work. Ken is completely ignoring her and gets up and in response to a query says he is going out. She chases after him and asks him to go back so they can talk. He says he needs a drink.

At the flat Peter gives Leanne a peace offering and he apologises and tries to rectify matters. She is going out to meet Janice and will see him when she sees him.

At the shop they are stocktaking when Sian arrives. Sian is at church allegedly. Kevin comes in and Sian is pushed down to the floor and crawls around behind the counter. To get him and his brown sauce out quickly Sunita undercharges him. Sian thanks Sunita - she does not want a fight with the Websters. She tells the two girls to be careful. They hug each other.

At the salon David goes and leaves Natasha and Maria with the latter desperate to know what the problem is. Natasha tells her that Nick has dumped her and she has told no-one. Maria points out that nick will not fine anyone better than her - beautiful, hard working, no baggage and Maria gets to sort out Natasha's hair before she goes to find Nick.

Leanne however has found that her texter was not Janice - but Nick as she finds him at the factory. Nick spends ages running down Peter pointing out how hard her life is. Leanne tells him that she has lived and knows what real life - and she deserves better. They are being watched by Natasha. She comes in and reckons that is not the way mates talk. Leanne tells them they need to talk to each other - honestly. Nick grasps that there is something important and Natasha confirms she is pregnant and she could not get a word in edgeways. Nick storms out - but is stopped by the two girls. But Natasha wants to talk to Peter. He goes out leaves the factory unlocked and drives away. Natasha then lays into Leanne and reckons that Peter was right - she does still have feelings for Nick.

Bill is telling Kev and Sally that he is retired. Bill will do a few odd jobs - but he is going to take life easier. He can join the bowls team and Sally has been looking at a new self assembly kitchen.

Audrey still wants to move to Greece and allows the estate agent to arrange a viewing.

Run of the mill tonight. See you soon.
K Richard W


Thursday 19 August

Nick pulls up in his car outside Gail's house looking miserable. Gail, who had been watching out of her window, comes over and taps on the window. She asks him where he has been. He says that he stayed at a friend's in town. When she asks if he's coming in for a cup of tea and a chat, he tells her he is just going to open the factory early.

Peter asks Leanne if she had a good night with Janice. It takes Leanne a while to remember her lie and she says that she did. Simon pipes up that she should have stayed in as Peter made a lovely meal. He hates when they argue. Leanne says he is not to worry as they're fine now. Peter asks her if that's true and she replies unconvincingly that it is.

Gail is fretting about Audrey moving to Greece. David is keen to persuade her to stand by Audrey's decision but it becomes clear he is just saying this so he has more chance of remaining the salon manager. Gail phones Audrey, who watches the phone nervously from her staircase.

Maria spots Fiz coming out of a taxi and calls over that she thought she wasn;t due back until next week. Fiz says that she wasn't and asks Maria if she has time for a chat. Fiz follows her into the salon which is absolute chaos under David's regime. Maria ignores David's arguments against her taking a break and takes Fiz into the back, where Liam is sitting in a homemade crèche. Fiz tells Maria that she is pregnant as Natasha watches from the doorway. Maria is delighted but Fiz admits that while she wants the baby, it could have come at a better time.

Chesney is miffed that John hasn't moved from the sofa all morning and asks when he is going. John says he has some stuff to say to Fiz first. Chesney asks if it is more excuses and John replies that it's things she hasn't heard before. Chesney shakes his head hopefully and takes Schmeichal out for a walk.

Leanne comes round to see Nick and asks if he has sorted things with Natasha yet. He says that he hasn't seen her and Leanne is aghast. Nick tells Leanne that he doesn't love Natasha and Leanne backs away, saying she shouldn't have come round and doesn't want to hear what he has to say. Nick pursues her and says that they could still make things work but Leanne retaliates that they had their chance once and blew it and she loves Peter now. Nick has no right to come back after all this time and try and ruin it. As she goes, Leanne warns Nick not to hurt Natasha like he hurt her. Nick asks if she would be saying all of this if Natasha was not pregnant and Leanne says she would before storming out. Once she's alone, however, she can't hold in her tears.

David has plastered an 'Under New Management' label across the salon signs. Rita has waited over ten minutes for her appointment. She asks David when Audrey is coming back. When David replies that she is going to Greece, Rita walks out. Peter brings Simon in and asks for a haircut. David says they will have to come back in an hour.

John is surprised to find Fiz waiting for him when he comes home. He apologises for the state of the house and tells her he has a lot to say to her. She replies that it will have to wait as she has some news for him.

Rita calls round at Audrey's. Audrey tries to hide but Rita calls through the letterbox that she has seen her, giving Audrey little option but to let her in.

John is delighted by Fiz's news but she tells him she wasn't sure if she wanted him to know. John asks if he believes that nothing went on between him and Charlotte and Fiz says she does but he still lied to her. John tells her that he has resigned from his job now and proves it by showing the recorded delivery. He proceeds to make his usual promises and Fiz is naturally sceptical this time but she eventually relents.

Natasha arrives at a clinic and takes a deep breath before walking in.

Nick turns up at the salon looking for Natasha. Maria asks why as she thought he'd dumped her. He says he wants them to get back together, even though he knows he doesn't deserve another chance. Maria suggests he checks at the flat.

Natasha is called through for her appointment.

Audrey is telling Rita that she was right all along about Lewis. Rita said that she was just jealous...and Lewis genuinely cared for her. He may not have stayed but he gave it a go. She goes on to say that Lewis is the type of man who will never settle...but if he could it would have been with Audrey. She then asks when she is going to get back to the salon and sort out the mess it's in.

David has cut Simon's hair and suggests to Peter that he leaves a tip. Peter says he can have a fiver. As David asks for the £15 Peter walks out, saying he can take it out of the money Audrey owes,

Chesney is stunned by Fiz's news and says that John was on the verge of walking out. John hastily says that that is only as he thought it's what Fiz wanted.

Audrey tears down David's sign and storms into the salon to see him miscolouring a customer's hair. She takes over and orders him to sweep up the hair.

Fiz asks Chesney to be pleased for her and he says he would if it were somebody else's. He says that they don't need John, he would help her as they've managed before. Fiz says she wants her baby to have a proper family and besides she loves John and Chesney would understand himself when he finds the right person. Chesney retorts that one day she'd realise she'd found the wrong person.

Leanne comes home and sits beside Peter. She apologises for her behaviour and he does likewise. Simon suggests they kiss and make up so they do.

Natasha comes back and is horrified to see Nick outside her door. He tells her that he wants them to give their relationship another try. She asks how he could do this to her and he says he finally realised what it is he wants. She replies that he wouldn't be saying this if it weren't for the baby and he says that that is true but he's glad that the news made him see that he wanted a family with her. She sobs that she wishes that he'd said this yesterday and he asks why it matters, so long as it's what she wants. She says that it is and he pulls her into a hug as grimaces with regret over the abortion she's just went through with...

So what have we learned tonight?
-Simon has smelly shoes
-Lewis can see a mug from a mile off
-Gail blinked 18 times during one sentence
-Both John and Gail enjoy starting their mornings with a public appearance in their dressing gowns.
-Nobody can pronounce the Greek island Ale-thingy-whatever
-You can't cough on Coronation Street without folk knowing
-Nick has whisky for lunch
-David offers half price dry trims and service with a sneer
-John would be willing to undertake the following careers: street sweeper, toilet cleaner and a car park attendant
-John's like a caged lion when schools reopen in September
-Natasha wears her dresses back to front

Dubious Awards
Politest morning greeting: "You stink," Chesney to John
Biggest underestimation of sister's stupidity: "If you think you can win her round..." Chesney to John about Fiz. By the end of the episode, guess what John had achieved?
Most astute observation: "You on your own?" Leanne to Nick who is sitting alone.
Worst psychopath detector: "Natasha is a really nice girl" Leanne
Understatement of the night: "Peter and I have been through a lot. It may not all have been great" Leanne. Was any of it?
Least convincing female: "I don't care what the house looks like" Fiz
Biggest Deja vu moment: "I will never lie to you again" John to Fiz
Most terrifying thought: "Imagine, I'm going to be a dad!" John
Most accurate judgement: "You're both mad!" Chesney to Fiz and John. Amen to that!

More soon!
Duncan Lindsay


Friday 20 August

It's morning in the Tilsley-Platt-McIntyres' kitchen and Nick's talking enthusiastically to Natasha's belly - something she and millions of viewers find upsetting. Natasha grimaces in pain and puts a hand to her stomach, telling Nick it's normal. "Stop giving your mother grief - you're scaring the hell out of your daddy," he tells the non-bump.

Fiz and John are in their own kitchen with John looking at the jobs listed in the paper: escapologist, town crier for Ashton-under-Lyne . . . John says he's been talking to someone who might be able to get him a job putting out cones on the motorway. Fiz is touched that he would do that sort of work for her. They agree to meet for their appointment later.

As they walk to work, Natasha asks Nick to keep the pregnancy a secret. Of course, Nick is Gail's son - the son of a woman likely to blurt out any family secret at the slightest sign of any emotion whatsoever. He asks if he can at least tell Gail that they're back together. Nearby, Peter and Leanne head to the bookies' with him making sarcastic remarks about Deirdre.

Sian goes to see Sophie at the corner shop. Sophie's scared they'll be seen because Kevin and Sally are still making sure she's escorted to and from work each day. Sian suggests they both join the church choir as a way of seeing each other. Apparently the pastor rang her last night to persuade her to join. "So, now we're using church as a cover?" asks Sophie. Nick and Natasha kiss in the street and Sophie sees them. "How unfair is that?" she asks Sian.

In the cafe, Hayley's talking to Roy about the trouble she's having with Mary when Mary herself walks in seeking answers to one of life's big questions: What kind of favours do they want for the wedding?

At the pub, both Steve and Becky are having trouble giving up smoking. Becky grabs Lloyd (who apparently reeks of smoke . . . ick!) and rubs herself against him, breathing deeply.

Ken's in the cafe talking to Roy about changes to the bus timetable. John comes in asking Roy if there's a job available. Peter's also come in and he hears this and asks John if he's interested in a job at the betting shop.

Nick and Natasha tell Gail they're back together. Gail behaves coolly. Natasha has to rush off because the Renshaw twins are due in. Then Gail has a go at Nick, pointing out that he'd only just dumped Natasha. Reluctantly, she says that if Natasha is what he really wants then she's happy for him.

Back in the cafe, Fiz and Roy discuss Peter's offer to John. Then Fiz tells Roy by way of hints that she is pregnant. "May I ask you for permission to come round the counter and congratulate you?" Roy asks. They hug awkwardly but in a very touching way. Roy congratulation her "from the bottom of my heart and, for that matter, from the top." Fiz tells him how much she appreciates everything he and Hayley have done.

At the salon, Natasha makes an appointment. She's seeing Dr Carter at 5pm. And, at last, we get to see the Renshaw twins.

Sophie tells Sally about the choir and says the pastor rang her. This lie impresses Sally no end and she gives her permission for Sophie to go.

In the cafe, Nick and Leanne chat about Nick and Natasha being back together.

John has arrived at the betting shop to talk to Peter about the job. Leanne comes in and is very annoyed that Peter would even consider hiring a convicted kidnapper. Peter points out that an alcoholic and a former prostitute can hardly point the finger. John feels very awkward and steps outside. "My hearing's too good and my ego's too fragile," he says.

As Sally walks Sophie to the bus stop she comments on how mature Sophie is now that she's not seeing "that Sian" any more. Nearby, Steve finally reaches breaking point, snatches a cigarette from Lloyd and takes a long, satisfied drag.

Gail's in the medical centre when Natasha arrives for her appointment. Natasha's surprised to see her because Gail hadn't answered the phone when she made the appointment. She says she's there because she thinks she's got tennis elbow. She speaks to Fiz and John who have been to their appointment and who have an appointment for Fiz's first scan.

Ken is in the bookies' talking to Peter, who is indignant that Leanne should dare to take the moral high ground. Audrey comes in looking like thunder and tells Peter that leaving without paying for a haircut is theft. Peter says 15 pounds for the haircuts hardly compares to 4000 pounds which Lewis took. He was robbed but Audrey just got a couple of days of heartbreak, he says.

In the pub there's proof that Sally's fit and well again - she's exaggerating the story about the choir, telling everyone the pastor's been ringing Sophie for weeks trying to persuade her to join the choir as a soloist. She looks at Steve and says that after her illness she sees anyone smoking as a personal insult and she saw him practically eating the cigarette he robbed off Lloyd. This doesn't go down too well with Becky, who reminds him they have the adoption panel on Monday.

Hayley's outside the cafe and almost falls over trying to backtrack when she sees Mary coming out - her feet slip and slide on the cobbles a bit like Yogi Bear running in mid-air off the edge of a cliff. Mary's very grumpy about Roy's attitude to the favours question and asks Hayley if she's ready to talk about the Matron of Honour. Hayley gabbles that this isn't working. Mary tries to stave off such opinions. She can change things. She can back off a bit. But Hayley's frustration has boiled over and she shouts at Mary that her services aren't needed. Mary's face crumples.

Natasha is with Dr Carter, who is a younger, more good-looking version of Pierce Brosnan. She tells him about the abortion and about getting back together with Nick. She wants to know how soon she can get pregnant again. She plans to pretend to Nick the new pregnancy is the old one and the abortion never happened.

Sophie and Sian arrive at choir practice and are beckoned in by the pastor.

Natasha finishes telling the doctor the whole story. He tries to persuade her that it's not a good idea to fall pregnant again straight away and it might not happen for months anyway.

Nick's in reception making peace with Gail. She lets slip that Natasha's in with the doctor. Nick asks which room. Gail won't tell him but he ignores her and bursts in on Natasha and Dr Carter. "Hi, Nick Tilsley, AKA proud father to be. Everything all right?"

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Here we go with part two!!

Nick has barged his way into the doctor's surgery, much to Dr Carter's annoyance. Natasha looks uncomfortable as he asks if everything is all right. She asks him how he knew that she was in here and he responds by saying that Gail told him. Natasha assures him that everything is okay. As they leave the room, she tells him it wasn't fair of him to do that...nor was it fair of Gail to tell him she was in there. Speaking of Gail, she eyes them closely as she approaches. Nick can't hold his excitement any longer and tells her their big news. She doesn't look impressed at all. Natasha heads back through to the surgery, claiming to have left her phone behind. Nick wonders why Gail isn't happy for him and she warns him that Natasha is trying to trap him. Back in the surgery, Natasha asks Dr Carter if Gail has any access to her records. He assures her that everything is perfectly confidential and tries to convince her to open up to a counsellor. Natasha tells him she just needs to do some damage limitation.

Steve and Becky are having a blazing row over the fact Steve has been smoking. He tells her it was a moment of madness but she accuses him of not taking the adoption hearing seriously. Liz comes through and asks what's going on. She is very disappointed with Steve when she hears what the fight is over.

Leanne is upset with peter for hiring John and doesn't think he is appropriate for the job. Deirdre comes in and asks why only half her wages have gone into her bank account. Peter responds by saying it will continue to happen until the debt she caused is repaid. Leanne is horrified by this but Peter tells Deirdre she knows where the door is if she is unhappy. Upset, Deirdre tells him she is handing in her notice.

John and Fiz are looking at cots and prams in baby books. Fiz is giddy with excitement but John worries that he isn't good enough for her as he has no job. As she heads for a shower she tells him that something will come up. And something does, rather quickly. Peter comes round and offers him the job at the bookies, which he gladly accepts.

Deirdre and Ken are eating lunch in a stony silence. Deirdre eventually pipes up that she was more forgiving than she should have been over Martha. Ken asks if this is what their future holds...constant bickering?

Nick is confused over why Natasha isn't as excited as he is over their baby news. She responds that her mother had three miscarriages before she had Natasha, so she doesn't want to tempt fate.

Gail is trying to talk Dr Carter through the biscuit arrangements but he interrupts by telling her that he is giving her an official warning for telling Nick about Natasha's appointment. If she disrespects patient confidentiality again, she'll find herself out of a job.

Becky and Steve are glaring at eachother across the bar. Liz reminds them that the hearing is coming up and they need to pull together. They agree and make up.

John is burning all the documents that allowed him to be Colin Fishwick. He tells Fiz that this is the beginning of their new life before breaking the news that he's found a job. Fiz is delighted.

Audrey prepares herself to go into the Rovers for the first time since Lewis' departure. As she steps in she attracts stares. She tells everyone to get any clever jibes out of the way now. She goes to sit with Gail and after telling her she's taken the house off of the market, asks her about her day. Gail is clearly huffed and doesn't want to talk about work.

Fiz and John come into the Rovers and tell Julie that they have some big news. Julie guesses that she's pregnant and announces it to the entire congregation. As people raise a toast, Audrey tells Natasha to fill up her drink but when she orders an orange juice, Nick decides to announce their big news too. Fiz jovially cries that they can trade notes, but Natasha looks very uncomfortable.

Sian and Sophie are singing in the choir. They exchange loving looks as they belt out 'You Raise Me Up' and hold hands

Liz asks Becky if she is okay among all of the pregnancy announcements. She assures her she will have a baby one day and Becky puts on a brave face before dashing through to the back room.

Sophie and Sian are walking in the grounds of the church. They are trying to think of a way to celebrate their upcoming GCSE results and Sian suggests they stay behind after choir next week. Sophie feels uncomfortable using the church as an excuse but Sian plants a kiss on her.

Leanne accuses Peter of being awful to Deirdre just so he could give John a job. As Peter jokes that he should be on Grumpy Old Men (A UK television show), Leanne watches Nick and Natasha with a sad expression. Natasha catches her looking and narrows her eyes. Peter realises that Leanne isn't listening to him and storms off. Leanne heads outside, looking tearful.

Deirdre is trying to get through to Ken and apologises again for her actions. She says there must be more to life than wishing for something more and having your head turned everytime a new face comes along. Ken shrugs and says he shan't apologise for being human. Giving up, Deirdre tells him he can sleep in the spare room until he decides what he wants.

Becky is upset and thinks she is a freak for not being able to have children. Steve hugs her and tells her that Fiz and Natasha have to wait 9 months, whereas they could have a child within weeks.

Natasha follows Leanne outside and asks coldly why she is crying. Leanne tells her not to get the wrong end of the stick but Natasha tells her that she knows she is still in love with Nick. She goes on to say that Leanne had better keep her grubby prostitute hands off of Nick...he is Natasha's!

So what have we learned tonight?
-Natasha's not mad, just desperate
-Steve never does housework
-Running a pub gets in the way of stopping smoking
-According to Leanne, John studied advanced kidnapping at university
-You don't get mosquitoes in Weatherfield
-Getting Fiz pregnant makes you 100% man
-Deirdre and Ken struggle to eat fajitas
-Ken and Deirdre's future is comprised of TV Dinners with a side order of resentment.
-Eating on the settee and not at the table interferes with Ken's digestion.
-Julie can't tell the difference between nudist beaches and beaches
-Sophie is fitter than Beyonce
-Deirdre longs for a man that is the same age, with a similar sense of humour, who is mad for her and can offer passion everyday. Good luck with that!
-Ken likes psycho-babble

Dubious Awards
Person who knows his mother the least: "She won't tell anyone will you?" Nick to Natasha about Gail.
Most stunning plot twist: "I don't know what to say." Gail
Most agreeable statement: "I'm surprised she hasn't slapped you!" Liz to Steve about Becky.
Most characteristic statement: "I wasn't thinking" Are you ever, John?
Most subtle plot spoilers: "You just seem suicidal!" Nick to Natasha. And "Drop dead Natasha!" Leanne. Hmmmm, wonder where this could be going?
Understatement of the evening: "I know things haven't been plain sailing between us" Nick to Natasha.
Biggest temptation to fate: "Nothing is ever going to go wrong for us again." Fiz to John.
Statement that should have been much less boastful than it was: "I've been round the block a few times." That's not a good thing, Gail!
Most charming way to announce a pregnancy: "She's going to have a baby-mine hopefully!" Nick about Natasha.
Most accurate self analysis: "I've been a twit!" Why break the habit of a lifetime, Steve?

That's all for now but more soon!
Duncan Lindsay


Monday 23 August

Written By Mark Wadlow Directed by Pip Short

It's the morning of the Adoption board hearing. Steve is wolfing down bacon butties but Becky is far too nervous to eat and feels sick. Betty suggests Mother Nature might be playing one of her tricks and perhaps Becky is pregnant? No such luck.

Nick had a small rucksack of stuff to move to the new flat, the rest of his stuff is in storage. Gail is sad to see him leave her apron strings behind but David is delighted. Gail reveals that Natasha is pregnant and Nick is doing the right thing. David is skeptical about Nick's ability to commit but Nick "assures" his mother that he likes (?!) Natasha and wants to make it work. David snipes "They say the age of chivalry is dead!" and Gail looks apprehensive. Nick gives up and takes his case and leaves.

Steve explains to Betty that they won't get a child straight away after being approved, it could take months. Becky gasps and starts to cry. She's spilled tomato sauce all over her new top, something she'd bought specially for the hearing. There's no time to get the stain out, Becky avers, they'll be late. She insists Steve put a suit on as well. He protests, if they leave now they'll be 2 hours early! Becky won't be told and Steve ends up hurrying to change lest she lost her rag on him altogether!

John is reading a book about racing. Fiz asks him to get some time off on Friday for her 12 week scan. There's a box on the table and Chesney comes down and is pleased. He's ordered business cards online and isn't bothered that the GCSE results are out tomorrow. He shows off his business card. John likes it but says it would be even better with M.B.A. after his name.

The McDonalds arrive at the Children's Services office. They are buzzed in and get their visitor badges. Becky is now dressed in a casual lace up top and Steve has a sport jacket on but no tie. Dawn comes out to greet them as they hear laughter from inside the board room where another couple is having their turn. Dawn confirms that sometimes humour gets exaggerated due to the tension. She tells them to relax and be themselves. Steve is dismayed because the other couple seems to be knocking 'em dead!

In the flat, Natasha already has photos stuck up on the cupboard doors and has already washed and ironed Nick's shirts. Looks like Dev and Sunita must have leased the flat with all the furniture and fittings as well. Nick tells her that David called him a commitment-phobe and asks her if she thinks he's pushing her into this so soon after breaking up with her. (Uh? I don't think he could possibly push her into any of it, she's the one did all the chasing. He asked her to move in and she nearly snapped his hand off!) She assures him he is what she really wants. He promises to make it work and lays his hand on her tummy. She flinches and tells him they have a lot of work to do with the unpacking and then back to work.

Becky and Steve are waiting anxiously. She's craving a cig badly to settle her nerves. Steve tries to talk her out of it, they're both non-smokers now. She pulls out her inhalator but it's useless. The other couple come out, all smiles. "Great," Becky mutters, "Ken and Barbie" and reckons they have no chance.

Natasha arrives at the salon having had a long lunch hour. David grouses about it and Maria reminds him she'll have a lot of time off due to scans and doctor's appointments. More grousing. Audrey tells David that when he gets pregnant, he can have time off too. Audrey asks after Natasha's health and Maria starts talking trimesters which is a totally unknown term to the non-pregnant Nat who says she's just not had time to read the baby books yet.

At the centre, Becky sees a woman outside on her mobile and smoking and goes out the door. She bums a fag off her and is given one. That first drag goes down well!

Sophie asks her mother to take her to choir practice tonight. She is also worried about her exam results but Sally assures her she'll have done well. Chesney arrives to show off his business card. Sally thinks at least Chesney has some business flair and Sophie figures he's just trying to impress that girl he met at his party, Izzy's sister Katy. Chesney, embarrassed, backs out.

It's Becky and Steve's turn. He holds out the newspaper for her to spit her gum into and she turns his badge right side up. Dawn leads them into the interview room, saying they only want to clarify some things on the report. With a kids for good luck, they enter and sit down at the board room table. The panel is introduced and guess what? One of the panel members is the woman who gave Becky the cigarette. Oh crap!

In the cafe, Owen takes a call about an emergency. He and Jason exchange a bit of small talk and Jason says he's not so sure about Owen fancying his mother. Just as they leave, Chesney arrives and introduces himself to Owen, produces a business card and asks Owen for Katy's phone number. But Owen remembers that Ches and Katy were fooling around in Izzy's wheelie and tells Ches in no uncertain terms to keep away from his daughter.

Back to the boardroom, there are questions about the pub environment, working hours. Steve passes out Streetcars cards and makes a few jokes.

Fiz and Natasha are in the cafe. Fiz says she's not been sick at all. Natasha and Fiz sit at a table, Fiz tickled to death to have a pregnancy mate to exchange war stories with. Natasha is too, needing the information! Fiz is due in March and Natasha says she's due in April. She asks Fiz about her symptoms. Fiz says she's gone right off Branston Pickle and curry and can't even walk past the Indian (restaurant) and she also has to go wee every 10 minutes.

Back to the boardroom again and Becky and Steve talk about Amy and Steve continues to make a few jokes. The smoking lady fires her shot, asking whether they smoke or not? They assure her they're non-smokers but knowing glances are exchanged. Later they are sitting back outside waiting and she admits to Steve that she was caught having a smoke.

Back from the emergency, Owen and Jason are in the pub. Liz's phone rings but it's not Steve. Eileen comes in and asks how Jason is doing on the job. Owen makes a joke but Eileen is still a bit narked after he blew her off the other night. He apologizes and says it wasn't his fault. He asks her out on Thursday and she agrees.

The choir is singing a very modern song (Rhiana's Under My Umbrella!) as Sian and Sophie arrive late (they always seem to get there late!).

Steve admits he's sneaked a fag now and then too. He still criticizes her for smoking right outside the adoption centre. They both fret and figure they've blown it since she didn't own up when given the chance. Steve blames Becky for having that one fag.

Natasha has popped into the factory to see Nick. Fiz says she and John are going to the pub and they can make it a foursome. Nick half heartedly agrees. Natasha tells Nick it won't be a late night as she's been tired all day and has been running to the loo every 10 minutes. Then after Fiz leaves the room she makes out the smell of Nick's lunch is making her ill (cheese and .... pickle, oddly enough!) She says that she's been reacting to certain foods. He finds it all amusing.

And... back to the adoption centre once more. Still waiting but the wait is over and the board is ready to give their verdict. In the board room, Becky comes right out and admits she had a cigarette but assures them she has indeed given up and wouldn't smoke near a child. She hopes it doesn't go against her just for one stupid mistake. If they have a child, they'll love it and look after it.

So what's the verdict? Come back in part 2 and find out. (erm, just scroll down a bit!)

Tvor

This episode was written by Joe Turner and directed by Pip Short.

We open in the committee room where the Chairman breaks the bad news that they cannot agree with the agency's recommendation. Instead of listening to the explanation from an actor who I am sure has been this way before and was last seen by me on Waterloo Road and elsewhere. Anyway Becky turns on the women who let her have a cigarette believing that was the reason they were turned down. Becky wants this more than anything. Steve joins in the complaining. The social worker says they can discuss it outside. Becky then threatens the entire panel saying that one day she will have them all. At this point the panel look at each other and know they have made the right decision.

Outside Steve and Becky are still going on about the cigarette when the social worker comes out. Becky says she has been smoke free for weeks. Apparently it was the speed of application following the recent miscarriage and apparently Kylie, Becky's half sister has given a bad reference. Becky cannot see the reference. Becky does not believe that Kylie can know anything - and it is meant to be confidential. Kylie was 8 when Becky left. The social worker does not think it will be the end of the road.

Kat Armstrong summons her father (Owen) at the builder's yard by refusing to go upstairs. She talks him into giving her twenty quid to stop bothering him. Outside she offers to buy Chesney some chips. In the café Chesney asks if she wants to go to a wedding over the Bank Holiday weekend. She says she will think about and goes.

In the Rovers Natasha and Nick are joined by Fiz and John. Apparently Natasha is now off curry - just the same as Fiz. And branston pickle. Natasha does not know if she is coming or going. She is feeling frisky - which is something that Fiz is not experiencing - more winded and bloated. Nick announces he wants an early night - but not the same meaning as Natasha.

Sophie and Sian discuss their problems. Sophie has to go to the wedding and Sian is missing her. But Sophie does not want to be grounded for ever - she will make it up to her. The conductor wants them to concentrate - the County finals are only just round the corner.

Steve and Becky return to the Rovers and she does not want to go out front at the moment. Steve and Becky almost argue, but Steve refuses to participate. Steve lists his failings - convictions and failed marriages. So there are many reasons why both of them are unsuitable to be adoptive parents.

After the break Steve sitting on stairs in the Rovers explains what has happened to his mother. Steve also relates the cigarette incident - but it was worse than that. Steve hoped they might have been able to adopt more than one. Steve recalls a holiday where the neighbours in the next caravan had 7 children and reckons it would be good for Becky.

In the Street Sophie meets Sunita and tells her about the row with Sian. Sunita reckons it will be all right next week. Dev emerges from their house and tells her he has booked a night away. As he does the ball which his son Aadi is playing with bounces into the Street and as Aadi chases it a car comes round the corner at high speed. Dev grabs Aadi hard and pulls him back onto the pavement and shouts at him about the dangers of running out into the street and that he must never do it again.

Back at the Rovers Michelle is annoyed by Steve coming into the bar pouring himself a drink and sitting down when he is supposed to be working. Liz explains that it has all gone wrong. Liz asks her to keep an eye on Steve whilst she talks to Becky who is looking at a list of children for adoption on the Internet. Becky reckons they got what they deserve. Becky thinks getting drunk is a good idea - but she will look after Amy. Becky wants to be on her own, but she is not going to do anything stupid.

Fiz thinks there is something strange about Natasha - especially about feeling frisky. John explains that all women feel differently during pregnancy.

Becky explains to Amy that the planned brother or sister will not be along any time soon. She apologises to Amy who tells her not to cry - she does not mind.

Eileen and Owen discuss Liz's sour face. Michelle stops by to explain why the long faces and Eileen and Owen swop seats. Liz sends Steve upstairs, because she cannot carry him up. Steve keeps drinking his whisky. She tells him it will hurt less tomorrow and he goes to see Becky. He takes a bottle of whisky with him.

Natasha with a black negligee on wants to go to bed. Her hormones are in overdrive and Nick does not need asking twice.

Becky tells Steve she did not even enjoy her lapse - it tasted foul and Steve agrees that once given up it does. Steve suggests ramraiding the local orphanage and picking up some spare children, stopping off at an old folks' home for some extra grandparents. Becky says she needs Steve and he needs her too. Becky tells Steve she has told Amy and that she is in their bed tonight. They cling together as the titles play.

Well what does the future hold for the McDonalds? Could it be that Kylie will hold the answer?

And has Chesney pulled? Already she has bought him chips, will she turn up for the wedding? Although she does not like large dogs preferring little ones you can tuck in your handbag - so Schmeichel will soon be down the road.

And is it me or does Owen just have a taste for Liz and is Eileen going to luck out again?

See you all soon.
K Richard W


Thursday 26 August

Becky sparks up a cigarette looking miserable. Liz tries to start a conversation but she isn't in the mood. Becky sighs that with their track records, they were scuppered before they started and should never have even tried. Steve comes through and, seeing Becky smoking, grabs a cigarette too but Dawn then phones and says she is at the Rovers, wanting a chat. As Steve runs out to meet her, Liz and Becky desperately spray air freshener to disguise the smell of smoke.

Nick calls round to see Natasha and asks her what her plans for the evening are. It turns out they've had a bit of a 'heavy night' last night but Natasha wants round two tonight, much to Nick's surprise!

The Websters are eagerly awaiting Sophie's exam results. Sophie can't bear to read the text so Rosie reads them out...straight As with the exception of a B in Religious Studies. Sally and Kevin tell her they're proud. As Sophie goes outside to phone Sian, Kevin questions their harshness over not letting her see her friend to Sally. Outside, Sophie asks Sian to meet her at the shop.

Becky is having a rant at Dawn over the adoption system which lets people who hate them slate them. Dawn admits it's a flawed system but they do take these things into account. She says it isn't necessarily the end of the road. She then asks to use the toilet. As Steve shows her the way, Becky searches her bag and scribbles down her sister, Kylie's address.

Claire is panicking as she is also having Simon round along with Asha and Aadi. Ashley realises that he will have to make himself scarce if he wants any peace...or dinner.

As Steve sees Dawn out, he goes on to say how proud he is of Becky for handling things so calmly. She tells him she's popping into town for some retail therapy.

Eileen is asking Liz where Owen should take her. Liz tells him that wherever they go, they should spare a thought for those who have to work and bring her back something nice.

Natasha is describing a sexual scenario to Nick called the Lucky Burglar but they are interrupted by John who asks if they're going to the natal class at the GP surgery tonight. Natasha tells Nick she forgot to mention it and he is all for going.

Becky arrives at quite an impressive house. When Kylie answers, she grabs her by the throat and pins her against the wall. Kylie throws her away, causing her to smash a mirror, before throwing a vase at her, which smashes on the wall. Becky lashes out, but Kylie whacks her with an umbrella several times, causing her to fall out of the door. Kylie slams it in her wake and shouts that she was just saving a poor kid from having her as a mother. Becky replies that she can wait all afternoon and night...one way or another they are having it out, once and for all.

Sian has just told Sophie her results. Sophie congratulates her but Sian tells her they aren't as good as hers and orders her to keep her a checkout at Freshcos when she ends up running it.

Kylie and Becky are still talking through the door. Becky asks why she made up lies about her and her dad. Kylie said it's because they were always spending time together and Kylie was left out. Becky tells her that it was obvious why her dad was taking such a keen interest...that's why Becky had to run away...she was only 15, something Kylie forgot to mention when talking to the adoption people. Kylie looks slightly taken aback and asks if their mum knew. Becky says they will never know as she is dead. Kylie opens the door and tells Becky that she didn't know. After a long silence, Becky asks if she had a kettle before following her in.

John, Fiz, Natasha and John arrive at the clinic. Natasha and the doctor exchange an awkward look before he addresses everyone and asks how they're feeling.

Claire bursts into the shop looking for Dev and Sunita...she needs someone to look after the kids as her mum has been taken into hospital. Sophie offers to do it.

Kylie is telling Becky that her pilot boyfriend treats her like a princess and accuses Becky of being jealous. Becky tells her that she always looked out for her and reminds her of a holiday they had. Kylie points out that she left in the end. Becky shrugs and says it looks like it's turned out brilliantly for her. They hear the door and as Becky turns to meet a confused looking pilot, Kylie dashes out the back door. Becky explains that she is Kylie's sister, but the man has never heard of Kylie. Becky clicks what is going on, apologises for the mess in the hallway and runs out.

Sophie and Sian are busy looking after the kids. As they go upstairs to see to Asha, Simon and Aadi fight over a toy and Aadi falls and hits his head on the table. Simon apologises and tells Sophie that everything is okay when she asks what's going on.

Eileen has clearly had a very good night...she's worse for wear and Liz laughs as Owen tells her she was up on chairs singing. As Eileen goes to the toilet, Owen presents Liz with a slice of banoffe pie he has brought back for her.

Lloyd is driving Becky around the estate and she spots Kylie drinking from a bottle of cider outside a shop. Becky gets out and asks what is going on. Kylie shrugs and says she thought the pilot was away for another week. Becky asks where she is going to go now. Kylie wonders why Becky cares. Becky invites her back to hers but Kylie refuses. As Becky walks away, Kylie asks where she lives. When she hears that she lives in a pub, her expression changes.

Sophie and Sian are cuddled up on the sofa. Sian says that it would be nice to do this all the time and, as they share a lingering kiss, Claire walks in and looks shocked. She walks back and slams the door before coming through and pretending she hasn't seen anything. Sophie asks her not to mention anything to Sally that Sian has been over.

Eileen invites Owen in but after listening to some more drunken ramblings, he politely declines before thanking her for a lovely evening.

Sian is worried that Claire knows about them but Sophie tells her that she shouldn't be.

Becky brings Kylie into the Rovers and introduces her to Steve. As Kylie heads through for a bath, Becky asks Steve to let her do this. Roy and Hayley did it for her, now she wants to do it for Kylie: she is family after all. Steve gapes at Becky, but it's clear that he will have no say in the matter...Kylie is here to stay.

So what have we learned tonight?
-Natasha had three appointments booked: two perms and one moustache trim. Finally, Bill Webster is starting to take care of himself!
-Natasha prepares nice food before a 'heavy night' What more could a man want?
-Sally never got her exam results via mobile phone. In her day they were posted up on a cork board
-Steve and Becky couldn't find anyone to provide a reference that they were on good terms with
-Becky clicks a pen 4 times before beginning to write
-A plate of pasta and a bottle of wine suits Liz on a night out
-Natasha received pamphlets on the following: bellies, baby bumps and nipple pads.
-Rosie can't pronounce pomegranate. And I can't spell it...thank goodness for the spell checker!
-The following problems arose from the pregnant women at the GP surgery: tiredness, nausea, bloating and wind pains. Pffff, it's a breeze really...

Dubious Awards
Most effective seduction line: "You're an animal!" Nick to Natasha.
Person with the least knowledge of Becky's life so far: "There's always hope" Dawn.
Most laughable statement: "All that money we spent on your education has paid off" Kevin to Rosie. Sarcastically I may point out.
Most subtle come-on: "When I say night-cap, I mean sex." Eileen to Owen
Most accurate character summary: "She always acts weird" Sophie about Claire
Question with the most potentially offensive answer: "What's your man like?" Kylie to Becky.
Most questionable statement: "I am not a dog!" Kylie

More soon!
Duncan Lindsay


Friday 27 August

It's Friday again and here's the first episode.

There's chaos at the Peacocks' house as Freddie, Josh, Simon and Asha chase around the house. Adi, though, sits on the sofa looking quite glum. Claire thinks it would be better if nobody mentions the girls babysat.

Kylie and Becky are at breakfast. Amy and Liz are introduced to Kylie. Liz says she's welcome and Becky breaks the news to Steve that there's no cooked breakfast for him. When Kylie takes Amy to the kitchen, Becky tells Steve she plans for Kylie to stay. Liz tells Steve quietly to hide his wallet and Amy's piggy-bank.

Sunita's come to pick up the twins. Adi still looks quiet.

Eileen's on the switch when Sean brings in the mail from home. He's on his way back from the cake run. He wants the details of last night and is willing to pay in cakes. When he hears what happened he sympathises. One of the letters is making her homeless! The landlord is selling the property.

Sally and Sophie come into the cafe with a very cheerful Hayley, who's wondering what's on for the hen night. She gets a call. The string quartet can't make it for the wedding. Mary offers to help find a replacement but Sally leaps in and volunteers Sophie's choir. Sophie is appalled. Sally's never even heard the choir.

Sunita's at home with the children but Adi still seems lethargic and she tells him if he doesn't perk up she'll have to call the doctor.

Becky brings Kylie to the cafe to introduce her to Roy and Hayley. Hayley invites her to the hen night. Becky still won't give her a clue what's happening. Sally's managed to get the pastor to agree that the choir can sing at the wedding. Mary mutters something and Becky tells Kylie Mary's a bit loony tunes and she should steer well clear. "People used to tell me that about you," Hayley points out.

Sunita's made lunch and is a bit annoyed that Adi's asleep. But she can't raise him. She goes straight to the phone and calls an ambulance. "My little boy's unconscious."

Norris asks Eileen if she's got any plans for the bank holiday weekend. She wonders if he wants to whisk her off to some exotic location to confess his longstanding infatuation with her, but no. He'll be at Roy and Hayley's wedding. Eileen comes into the Kabin and gasps that she's just seen a mouse in the hall. Norris blames Graeme. Emily says someone's got to get rid of the mice and Norris assumes it will have to be him because Graeme's out canoodling till all hours (nice to see a return of the word "canoodling" - more please).

The paramedics have arrived and look at Adi. Claire comes in to see what's happening and Sunita leaves her with Asha while she goes with Adi in the ambulance.

Sian and Sophie discuss the choir's appointment. Sian points out that the minute Sally and Kevin see them together in the choir they'll know they've been seeing each other. Sophie suggests she tell her mum that Sian is in the choir. "That way she'll think that's all we've been hiding and she'll never guess we've got another secret."

In the pub, Sean and Eileen discuss the eviction notice and order large vodkas. Owen is nearby in a booth looking at some paperwork. Sean's phone goes - it's Violet. Eileen sits with Owen and discovers he keeps his accounts in Freshco carrier bags. He tells her enjoyed last night and asks if she can help him find a particular receipt.

Kylie is scathing about plans for the hen night. Becky tries to get Sean to keep her company but he says Violet's sick so he's going down to help out with Dylan. Kylie spots Ciaran and can barely talk for her tongue hanging out.

Eileen asks Owen if he knows where there's a cheap place to rent. He suggests she buy the house she's living in - getting the price down by making out there's a lot wrong with it. He knows she got the mortgage on Molly and Tyrone's so thinks she should go for it.

Dev pulls up in his sports car and Claire tells him about Adi. She says she's got Asha and he jumps back in the car to head for the hospital.

Sally is sorry she's not going to the hen night. She's tired and Sophie worries that she's OK. Sally says she is. Sophie confesses that Sian's in the choir. "I just hate having secrets from you." Sally takes it surprisingly well.

Dev dashes into the hospital. For the next few episodes I'd avoid Dev if I were you. He's at his absolute worst. Sunita tells him Adi's having an MRI scan. "Where is he? I want to see him. How can they not know? They're doctors!"

Michelle and Liz get very catty about Kylie drooling over Ciaran. Michelle points out Liz can't take her eyes off Owen and Eileen. Kylie and Ciaran are definitely flirting with each other. She sneers at Michelle, calling her desperate.

Norris arrives in the booth where Emily and Mary are having a drink. Norris hasn't caught the mouse but he's found a gap in the skirting and plugged it. He can't understand why Emily was so worried. "We all have phobias, Norris," says a slightly-maudlin-grumpy-tipsy Mary. "Like your aversion to touching cotton wool. And commitment." Norris produces a letter postmarked 1961 and addressed to Ken Barlow. Emily tells him that used to be the Barlow home. He speculates on what it might be. "There's only one way to find out," he says, fingers poised at the flap. Swoop! That's Emily snatching it from his grasp. "Yes. Let Ken have it," she says, firmly placing it into her handbag and snapping the bag shut.

At the bar, Michelle approaches Kylie now that Ciaran is elsewhere. "In the words of your namesake, you should be so lucky," she says. Ciaran is way out of Kylie's league, "and so am I."

A neurosurgeon comes to speak to Dev and Sunita. Adi has an extradural haemorrhage and needs surgery. He can't assure them that Adi will be OK. Time is of the essence. Dev slumps to a seat.

The end.
More in the second episode.
Margaret Carr

Here's episode two for Friday

Sunita is getting emotional over Aadi and wanting answers on how he has ended up with his injuries. Dev tells her to calm down, right now the priority is making sure he is okay. They can ask questions later.

Eileen bumps into Owen in the shop. He is impressed to hear that she has taken his advice and stuck to her guns where the house is concerned.

Fiz brings Hayley into the Rovers to start the hen night. Hayley hopes it's low key so you can imagine her face when Becky, Janice and co come out in kinky nurse outfits.

Ken comes home to see Deirdre tucking into a big dinner. He checks the oven to see if she's made him any. She hasn't. The cupboards are empty. Deirdre comes through and empties most of the plate into the bin and looks at Ken pointedly.

Eileen pops round to see Owen at the builder's yard and laughs as he drops paperwork everywhere. She offers to help him sort it but he warns her they could be there all night.

The hen party are downing shots as Mary looks on in disgust. Becky warns Hayley that the party is going to get messy.

Emily tells Norris once again that she will not open the letter and he is like a child being refused a sweet.

Mary approaches the bar and Hayley offers to buy her a drink. Mary refuses. Hayley mutters in Becky's ear to invite Mary on their night out and Becky reluctantly claims that the invites were mixed up and asks Mary to come along. Mary says she already has plans and tells them in a high pitched voice to enjoy their night of debauchery before downing her drink in one and storming out.

Sunita breaks down in tears and hugs Dev with relief as the doctor comes in to confirm that Aadi is in a stable condition.

Hayley is blindfolded ad put into a taxi which stops outside the café. Hayley is overwhelmed to see the café decorated like a salsa bar and Roy dressed up as a waiter, complete with curly moustache!

Ken buys a drink. Liz asks what his wife was having and Deirdre shouts across that she doesn't want one. Ken snips back that he wasn't offering. Norris thrusts the letter into his hand and makes him open it. Ken is surprised to see it is from Susan, whom he pointedly tells Deirdre was his first love.

Michelle glares daggers at Kyle as she flirts with Ciaran.

The doctor is asking if Aadi is accident prone as the haemorrhage was probably caused by a heavy fall. As he is called away Dev and Sunita go to sit by Aadi's side.

Claire is asking Sophie if she knows anything about Aadi's accident. Sophie snaps that everything was fine when Aadi went to sleep. She apologies and says she is just freaked out. "So am I" replies Claire.

Hayley tells Becky that she is having a terrific time. Becky promises her that the best is yet to come. Anna tells Becky that she has done a wonderful thing

Dev and Sunita are shocked when the police come to the hospital to have a word with them.

A masked dancer (who as Janice points out, looks like Zorro) bursts in and takes a thrilled Hayley onto a salsa dance. By the end of it she has fainted and he tells her that his work is done. Becky tells him that Sean, who must be a friend of his, owes him one

Eileen and Owen have finished the paperwork and Owen is impressed by Eileen's speed. She tells him he just needs to spend a few hours a week on it. He asks her if he can hire her to do it.

The police ask Dev and Sunita what the bruising on Aadi's shoulders was caused by. Sunita is getting angry by their questioning and they insist that they are obliged by law to investigate.

Kylie is telling Ciaran that she thinks they are kindred sprirts as they can never settle in one place for long. Ciaran says he feels ready to settle and Kylie flirtatiously says it depends who you settle with. Liz orders Ciaran into the back where she tells him to tone it down before there's trouble. Back outside, Kylie is antagonising Michelle as the hen party come back in. Kylie tells Michelle that Ciaran is obviously not interested in her as he told her he was available. Michelle tries to punch her, but ends up smacking Becky instead who tells her she is sacked. Liz tries to stop it, but Steve is forced to back Becky up. As Michelle goes, Ciaran says they are out of order and resigns too.

As the police continue to pry them for answers on the bruises, Dev bursts into tears and says he must have squeezed too hard on Aadi's shoulders when he almost got hit by a car. The officers exchange a significant look and say they have al the information they need for now, they'll be in touch. As the go, Sunita worries aloud that they think they have harmed Aadi.

So what have we learned?
-Hitting Canal Street sober is like seeing your grandma naked
-The Barlow kitchen contained only the following foods: two eggs a jar of jam, tomato ketchup and a tin of marrowfat peas. Try winning Ready Steady Cook! With that combination!
-Izzy has a quiet heart
-The costume choices for Hayley's hen night were nurse, nun (from the costume shop) or tart (from Liz's wardrobe)
-Mary has a fish supper on the last Friday of every month
-A 50 year old unopened letter is Norris' worst nightmare
-Eileen can still suck her own toes

Dubious Awards
Sentence I never thought I'd hear: "How can you be so calm?" Sunita to Dev. Dev, calm!?!
Most accurate observation: "You're very sure of yourself aren't you?" Eileen to Owen
Most desirable plot twist: "What am I? Invisible?" Kylie
Person most at risk of receiving a bullet: "If I ever get that desperate, shoot me." Janice, who obviously forgets that she married Les.

Until next time!
Duncan Lindsay


Sunday 29 August

This was an extra Sunday episode - Corrie always gets a bit of a schedule shake-up during the football season (that's soccer season to a lot of you!). Here we go.

Sunita's on the phone to the hospital and when she repeats the news that Adi is awake, Dev does the happy dance in the background. When she disconnects the call she breaks into tears and Dev gives her a hug and reassures her that everything will be all right. The phone goes again. It's Leanne checking on Adi.

Leanne tells Peter the good news, though Simon doesn't seem very impressed. He does agree they could go and see Adi this afternoon, though. Peter wonders what happened. Leanne doesn't know and Simon says that if Adi's all right then it really doesn't matter what caused it. Peter explains that it's some people's job to find out what happened.

Hayley is never going to touch alcohol again. She tells Ken she knows lots of people say that, but she means it. Ken has ordered a cooked breakfast and says he thought he'd enjoy it more in the cafe than at home. He asks Roy about a stag night, but Roy can't think of anything worse. He isn't keen on Ken's suggestion of having a drink in the Rovers but Hayley orders him to go.

At the hospital, the surgeon lets in the detective and the woman from social services to interview Adi ahead of the family seeing him, much to Dev's annoyance. No, I have no idea what happened to the rule that anyone under the age of 16 is entitled to have a parent or other responsible adult present. Dev's reassured that the rest of the day is theirs. Dev demands to know whether the two women have talked to other people, such as Claire. Sunita urges Dev to shut up because he's just delaying things. He allows the women to go through and tells Sunita he won't calm down because they're accusing him of injuring his son.

Liz and Steve clean the bar and discuss Kylie. Steve doesn't want to say anything because he doesn't want to upset Becky. Becky comes through looking for Kylie, who hasn't been seen so far this morning. When she's gone, Liz hopes her wish has been granted and Kylie has left.

At the hospital, the investigators try to get some details from Sunita and Dev but Dev's impatient and angry. Eventually they go in to see Adi, who has his head bandaged and is lying in a position which shows his face to the camera but wouldn't be at all comfortable, as is usual in hospital dramas.

Becky's annoyed that she'll now have to go and find Kylie. Steve agrees to go with her. Liz points out to Steve that Becky's very concerned for someone who hasn't seen her sister for years.

Dev cross-examines Adi about what he said to the women. They wanted to know if someone hit him. Adi says he was asked who had been looking after him and he said his mummy and daddy. Dev tries to correct him, pointing out that Claire has also looked after him, and Sunita is annoyed that he can't leave the boy alone.

Ken's touting for stag-night attendees. He jokes with John and Fiz that it won't really be a booze-up.

The investigators arrive to talk to Claire.

Becky and Steve arrive at the place where Kylie has been staying and talk to the bloke she's been hanging around with. He tells them Kylie has a secret and demands money. He doesn't bargain on Becky pinning him to the wall by the neck. Steve gives him twenty pounds and Becky lets him down.

Claire has made a hot drink for the two women and she and Ashley try to answer questions. Claire tells them that nothing happened which could account for Adi's injury. The only difference was that he seemed a bit tired in the morning, but that's usual after a sleepover. She assures them she didn't leave Adi at all. Uh oh.

Becky's banging on a door. A couple answer and Becky asks for Kylie, explaining she's her sister. The man wants to know if she can prove that. "Let me talk for long enough and you'll see I'm just as daft as she is," says Becky. "That'll do for me," he says. Kylie is in the back. They go through to the yard and ask Kylie if it's true that she's got a son. Auntie Becky is introduced to a gorgeous little blond boy, Max.

Ken's reading out the letter he got from his old girlfriend. Deirdre couldn't be less interested. Liz arrives asking if it's an awkward moment. Ken keeps reading while Deirdre welcomes Liz, offers her a coffee and they sit at the kitchen table and light cigarettes. Ken explains how he'll try to track down the old girlfriend. Deirdre still ignores him. He leaves the room and Deirdre explains to Liz that she should have tried just ignoring Ken years and years ago. "Just letting him go on and on and on and not listening - it's wonderful!"

Max plays with Steve while Becky talks to Kylie about why Max was taken off her. Becky says that for a while she just couldn't manage but now she wants him back. "I'm allowed to see him a couple of times a week. It's like torture."

Peter, Leanne and Simon arrive to see Adi. Simon doesn't want to go in, though Dev tries to assure him it will be all right. Peter tells Simon to take Adi the toy he's brought.

Deirdre tries to explain to Liz how fed up she is with Ken. When Ken comes in to say he's managed to track down a phone number for Susan's sister, Deirdre ignores him and it's left to Liz to say that's good. "I'm going to go or I'll end up as mad as you two," Liz tells Deirdre.

Roy's not looking forward to the evening. Hayley tells him to go and have a good time and when he stops having a good time to come home. "Then tomorrow we can get married."

Liz wonders why Kylie had the child taken away and tells Steve so. Natasha comes to the bar and Fiz leaves Ken and John to have a word with her. John tells Ken that Fiz just wants to show off her baby scan. Roy arrives.

Nearby, Ashley's trying to find out why Claire didn't mention leaving Sophie and Sian in charge of the children for a while. She says it would be wasting police time and scaring two girls half to death.

Natasha looks at the scan and Fiz jokes that it could be anybody's. "You'll be having one of your own, soon." [Duncan would nominate this as "most obvious foreshadowing of a plot twist"].

In the back, Kylie tells Becky that Max was taken from her because she had no job and nowhere to live. Becky suggests it might help if they say she's living at the Rovers. Kylie says the officials never believe anything she's got to say.

It's very quiet in the Roy's-stag-night booth. John tries to start a conversation by asking Roy if he's looking forward to the wedding. Ken says everyone else is because Roy's very popular.

Fiz is off to the loo again. When she's gone, Natasha nicks the scan picture from her bag.

Claire thinks nobody will believe her once they look at her record. She's getting angry because Dev and Sunita sent the police and social worker round to question her. She and Ashley get up to leave and who should they see outside but the Alahans. She demands to know whether Dev suggested she injured Adi. Sunita says they had to give their names. Dev's annoyed they haven't asked how Adi is. Claire demands to know whether they mentioned her past problems. Sunita tries to go inside but Dev stops her. "You mean when you tried to kill your own child?" he asks Claire. "No, but now that you've reminded me we certainly will. I'm going to make sure you can never go near anyone else's children ever again." They go inside. "That hasn't helped, has it?" asks Ashley. Claire tells him she knows she's going to be blamed.

The End
Margaret Carr


Monday 30 August

Written By Julie Jones Directed by Graeme Harper

It's wedding day! Hayley has spent the night in the pub and she, Becky and Fiz are scrambling around getting things ready. Becky and Fiz have had their hair done already and Hayley is really nervous. Fiz can't find the scan photo in her bag. Natasha, starting work on Hayley's hair, looks shifty and asks if she can get a replacement. Fiz doesn't know. But anyway, Becky and Fiz giggle and tell Hayley they all have a big surprise for her and Roy. That doesn't help Hayley's mood any. Neither of them are good with surprises but Becky and Fiz assure them it will be great! They tease Hayley and say the wedding will be at World of Cider. Hayley almost believes it for a moment!

At the cafe, Roy has also been informed of the surprise and he's fretting too. John and Chesney assure him it'll be fine. They share a confidential whisper that makes Roy remember his childhood days and not in a good way. They just smile and hand him his buttonhole flower that he thinks is a bit too bright. Chesney pops a pair of sunglasses on Roy's face. Sorted.

Claire is ironing one of Ashley's shirts. She's not looking forward to the day, knowing everyone will be looking at her and accusing her. Nope, she says, people can turn on you in no time round here and she figures they will always think of her as a nutter. She tells Ashley she's already made that phone call (about Sophie and Sian) so it's all out in the open.

Over at the Websters', Sophie and Sian are looking at magazines while Sally and Kevin are getting ready. Sian is nervous about the choir performance at the wedding. Sally and Kevin tease the girls about singing and Kevin grouses because the red tie Sally bought him seems a bit too Liberal! Rosie comes down in her short, short skirt and low top, to more teasing from Sally. The doorbell rings and nobody moves. Sally lets in a police officer and someone from Social Services to talk to Sophie about Aadi's injuries. Sally is surprised to find out the girls were sitting for the Alahans the night the child got injured. She narrows her eyes when she finds out that Sian was there too (as it was before the grounding ban was lifted).

Outside, a decorated car comes around the corner. Dev and Sunita are also outside the shop. Dev is certain Claire did something to Aadi but Sunita is not so sure. They argue as, in the background, Hayley in her wedding gown is led out to the car. Emily, Norris and Rita come out to see her as well. Norris can't quite find the words to say how lovely Hayley looks. "er... fetching" is his tentative response though Emily and Rita are quite complimentary. And so they should be! Hayley looks really nice. Rita, with huge flowers all over her jacket, is another matter altogether. Mary approaches from the other side. Hayley thanks her for the dress. Mary apologizes for her fault in how things turned out between them though Hayley doesn't agree. Mary makes a speech about being lonely and unloved and tells Hayley she is a lucky woman. She wishes her good luck, turns around, and walks away, her face angry and sour as she overhears Becky making fun her . Hayley is helped into the car and the bridesmaids get in after her.

The police are explaining that they are just trying to find out how Aadi got hurt. Sally jumps to the conclusion that they think Sophie did something and that Claire accused her of it, but this is not the case. They all explain that they have a wedding bus to get to. The police let them get on with it but will need to have another word. Sally make sure she brings up Claire's past mental health issues in Sophie's defense but they knew that already. Sally blames Claire for leaving two teenagers in charge of 5 children and Rosie declares that the two teens are "total Christians" and it's against their code to maim children. The police just ask to be contacted if anything else is remembered. They leave and Sally starts to get worked up about that Claire Peacock and the nerve of her!

Did I say wedding bus? Well the nearest and dearest and the groom and groomsmen are heading to a bus parked outside the cafe, there to take all the guests somewhere. Destination still unknown to at least the groom who is still fretting. He gets on board reluctantly (still carrying that ratty old shopping bag!) to cheers. Janice has a few cans for the journey (and a few already down her neck, I'll wager) and she and Sean tease our nervous groom from the back of the bus. Rita and Emily remember being on a charabanc years ago, and Norris passes over a bag of boiled sweets he'd brought along. Norris is in a crabby mood, as per usual. Kirk runs up, late, and the Peacock and Webster clans come round the corner, also a bit late. Sally wastes no time shouting at Claire who defends herself. Sally warns her, she's not finished with Claire! Everyone is ushered onto the bus. Rosie takes the opportunity to insult John who distracts the crowd by starting up a rousing chorus of Gin Gan Ghoulie.

As the bus pulls away, a great white shark slowly follows it. Ok, not a shark, it's the white motor home, being driven by a suspicious looking Mary.

Natasha is looking through the newspaper looking for something to do that day. In the end, since Nick isn't up for another round in the bedroom, she decides they could go into town shopping. Ohh, great idea, Nick figures they could buy some baby things! Not quite what Natasha had in mind. He's excited, she's reluctant but he wins. She looks upset when he tells her how excited he is about the baby.

Roy is led somewhere, and is blindfolded. Rosie harangues John but he's not bothered. They get to where they're going and take the blindfold off him. They're on a train platform in front of the Lancashire Fusilier, an antique steam train! Roy's face lights up and he's just gobsmacked! They tell him they are taking him and the guests to the wedding on it. He's even going to get to drive it! The bride and bridesmaids are already on board in the last car and everyone else will be in first class cars. Roy is over the moon! Mary's motor home is seen lurking in the background.

A split second later, it seems, Roy and Chesney are peeking out the window of the cab and other guests are waving out windows as well, including the bride and her attendants as the train slowly moves out of the station. As it leaves, we see Mary sitting on the platform, legs waving over the tracks and holding a big piece of metal. She looks a bit breathless and apprehensive at what she's done. I want to know how she managed to do what she did, remove that piece of metal from the train without being seen, even providing that split second timing actually took place over 20 or 30 minutes of getting everyone on board considering this last bit took place before the break, not after it.

After the break, the train is seen chugging through the countryside. Roy is blowing the horn and others are waving out windows. The bride is being fed champagne and Fiz and Becky are taking photos. Becky talks about her first drunken non-wedding and Fiz talks about her prison wedding but she doesn't regret it. Hayley says she used to think a good man was like a unicorn. "White hair, big horn" Becky points out, to gales of giggles from the others. They talk about being lucky with their fellas.

In the club car, champagne is also being passed around though Janice is still elegantly necking cans and wanting the bog. Surely there's one on the car? It looks like Sian and Sophie have just returned from it. As they pass by and Sean says he saw someone that was Sophie's double by the portaloos at Manchester Pride the day before. Sophie just pretends to be surprised but it probably was her! They go back to their seat. Sally is glaring at Claire and Ashley. John leads everyone in "Get me to the church on time". Norris, however, is sour and grousing about it all, much to the amusement of his companions. The more he complains, the louder Rita and Emily sing alone! Honestly, why did he bother coming?

In the engine cab, a boiler-suited Chesney and Roy feed the fire more coal to make them go even faster! Roy is having the time of his life. They don't look hot, tired, or dirty at all doing all that work! Amazing!

The train zooms along the tracks. However, the bridal car is sat still. The girls wonder how much longer they'll be stopped. Apparently not able to tell that there is no train on the end of them like there was a short time ago. (so did the train stop and start again or did they come loose? Surely if they did, they'd have felt a bump or something?) Anyway, we aren't supposed to think about things like that. Eventually, they go and look outside to see if they can find out what the hold up is and discover that the car is stopped, alone, in the middle of nowhere, the only sounds being that of a sheep and a cow.

We're transported back to the Rovers, where some of those that aren't at the wedding are. Nick and Natasha arrive with their shopping. Nick shows Liz and Michelle a tiny pair of booties. Liz offers Michelle a pay packet envelope and says there's no way Steve could have picked her over his wife. Liz wants Michelle to come back but she's not sure, what with Kylie still in residence and Becky with a face on her. Liz figures that will blow over, it always does.

Roy and Ches are still having fun with the shovel. They have no idea they are missing the bride. The sing song is still ongoing in the car with the guests. Claire speaks to Sophie and assures her she's not told anyone what she saw and won't. Sally runs over to find out what Claire is talking to Sophie about and can tell that Sophie is a bit upset about something. She reckons Claire has done that (well she has but not directly). Sally leans in and threatens Claire to stay away from her daughter.

Nick wants to take the baby gear over to show Gail. Natasha reluctantly goes along. Liz finally makes an executive decision and persuades Michelle to come back to work. Michelle only agrees if there's a rise in the deal. Sorted.

The train pulls into the station. Roy gets out, all smiles and thanks John for arranging the experience. Chesney is the one that notices the missing car and they run to the back, telling all the guests to get back on the train. Small technical problem, John hollers but gets the real train conductors to the back where they pick up the loose train car coupling gear. They've just realized the bride's car is missing! Hayley? Roy questions.

Hayley, Becky and Fiz are trying to run along the tracks in their heels. They stop dead when they spy one of those old fashioned hand pump carts on the tracks. (which the steam train apparently didn't run over!)

On the train, the confused guests are milling around the crowded and cramped space and wouldn't you know it, Sally and Claire come face to face again and it all kicks off. Sally grills her, insinuating that an unruly child caused Claire to go off the deep end and hit him. Claire defends herself but though Kevin tries to drag her away and Sophie tries to make them stop, there's no stopping Sally now. Sally pities Claire's children having her for a mother, they'll be lucky if they live long enough to grow up! Claire lunges for her, held back by Ashley. Everyone is watching with great interest. Claire snaps and tells her that the teens weren't watching the kids, they were snogging the face off each other! Gasp!

The credits roll and the fallout happens next episode. Will Hayley make it to the church on time? Will Claire stab Sally's eyes out? Will people believe Sally or Claire? Stay tuned for part two!

Tvor

Written By Debbie Oates Directed by Graeme Harper

The second part of the wedding events opens just after the confrontation between the Websters and the Peacocks. Sian, Sophie and Sally are shouting at Claire, she's lying and saying nasty things! Claire insists it's true, she saw the teens kissing. Sally says it's the worst thing to accuse someone of, to which Sean starts to object, backed up by Julie. Nobody's really listening. Sophie and Sian run out of the crowded car and Sally and Claire stare daggers, shout some more and Sally casts aspersions on Claire's mental stability. She and Kevin walk out of the car and the rest of the guests tut and gossip.

Outside, Sophie is trying to calm Sian down, Sian fearing her father is going to find out. Sally and Kevin catch up and try to calm things down, saying it's only Claire that's delusional. But then Kevin notices that Hayley's carraige is gone and everyone else comes out to see what's going on. The train engineers are examining the coupling and Roy is working himself up into a panic. Fiz isn't answering her phone but that's because she and Becky are industriously pumping that hand cart, Hayley standing tall and looking worried.

Back in Weatherfield, Audrey is reassuring Nick who's sulking that his mother wasn't interested in the baby items they've bought. Ciaran comes in and sees Michelle back behind the bar. He flirts over the bar and a nervous Mary who's stood there witters on about Ciaran being wanted at weddings and probably even funerals as he's probably well liked as a guest. Michelle gets a text off Sean saying it's a train crash of a wedding so far. Mary looks very uncomfortable.

Back at the venue, everyone is inside the building and wondering what's going to happen. Rita, dressed in a very brightly flowered jacket, thinks they should check the other rooms just in case. Ken tells Emily that he's got more news on Susan's letter. He's found out she's got a son called Lawrence and thinks he's managed to track him down. Sean and Julie are singing love songs about teenagers in love. Izzy (who made her way to the venue by other means than the train) joins in and belts out a few lines, surprising the others.

The registrar wants to move things along but Rita and Norris try to get her to wait a bit longer. She's in a bit of a hurry as she has a civil partnership ceremony at the zoo later! Norris is appalled, a wedding at a zoo??? A disheveled Roy comes in. Rita tries to reassure him but he's not so sure things are going to work out.

Outside, Chesney and John are chatting when Kirk comes running up the train tracks. THEY'RE COMING!! And we see the plucky trio wheeling around the curve, waving! Whew!

Guests are sitting down. Norris said someone suggested they have the reception now and the ceremony later. Janice has filled in Izzy on Claire's post natal depression. The subject in question comes along so the subject of conversation immediately changes. Julie takes a phone call and hollers that the bride is on her way!!! Everyone applauds and the registrar is urged to wait just a little longer. Rosie wonders where Sophie went and Sally spits that Sophie is not a lesbian, no matter what Claire Flamin' Peacock says. Claire tries to ignore the gossip and Ashley supports her but it's not easy and her eyes are tearful.

Outside, Sophie is trying to convince Sian they have to go back inside or it will look like they really have done something wrong (i.e. hurt Aadi). Sian wonders if she could go back to her mother's at Southport but Sophie won't have it. Julie calls the girls in to join the choir and they reluctantly turn around. Julie ushers Sian in but Claire and Ashley come out, Claire in tears. Claire rips into Sophie for letting everyone blame her by saying she lied about seeing the girls kiss. Claire and Ashley leave Sophie in tears as Hayley comes running up into the building, veil flying behind her.

After the break, the wedding begins. The choir sings Hayley down the "aisle" to "Lean On Me". Everyone is all smiles. Becky and Fiz are grubby and dirty but who cares? Roy looks at Hayley with much love. Sophie joins the back of the choir and finishes the song with them.

Back to the pub, Ciaran and Michelle flirt shamelessly. Mary asks if there's more news and Michelle tells her that everything is full steam ahead. Mary seems greatly relieved, she must regret what she's done, I guess. Ciaran asks if she didn't fancy going. She makes a speech about her dress being there instead, receiving all the well wishes and joy. All the hopes for a loving future focused on her dress but she wasn't wanted there. She says her mother always told her she wouldn't even be a bridesmaid.

Roy and Hayley take their vows. The registrar is positively delighted to pronounce them husband and wife and everyone, including me, are in tears and so happy for them! Roy manages a quick peck for a kiss and everyone cheers. They really are the Street's happiest and strongest couple and have deserved this happy ending for years!

Leanne leads Simon down the street. She sees Ashley and Claire and goes over to find out why they aren't at the wedding. Simon immediately starts misbehaving because he doesn't want to be anywhere near Claire who was accused of hurting Aadi when we know he was Aadi were tussling when the lad got hurt. He's pretty uncomfortable when he hears Ashley say that he's smack the person that really hurt Aadi.

The reception has started and Roy is making his speech. He thanks the bridesmaids for putting "supreme and imaginative effort" in for their duty. The girls laugh that they are dirty and smelly and everyone toasts to Stinky and Blotchy! Roy then makes a very touching statement of devotion:

"The World can change it's rules, it's laws and it's opinions as frequently as it chooses. But I will remain standing beside you. That will not change."

(*sniff*)

Hayley stands up to say a few words. She says that she wonders why she made a big fuss about a wedding but has realized that she's got friends and people that love them and she feels very lucky and special.

Simon is still being stroppy and Leanne shouts at him for acting up.

Chesney is making his speech and displays a photo of Roy in "his pyjamas". It turns out to be a life sized photo of Roy in the gear he wore for the reenactment. Just then, Ches spies Katy who's come in and he blushes. He makes the toast and then it's time for Roy and Hayley's first dance. It's another song by the choir. Meanwhile Rosie is making an idiot of herself, blathering about lesbians being less competition for her.

Sophie has had enough and wonders if they can leave. Kevin and Sally agree and the three of them leave, though Rosie stays. Everyone watches Roy and Hayley dance and the happy couple even tell each other that they love the other.

The Websters and the young girls arrive back home. Sally goes to get her car keys to drive Sian home. Kevin isn't in the room for a minute, either, and Sophie tries to find out if Sian really will go back to her mum's. Sally returns as they are saying good bye and urges them to hug. "Nobody here thinks you're not normal!" (doh) They do and whisper their affection to each other.

Sophie sits down with Kevin who assures her that if anything did happen, she could tell him and he'd always support her. He's implying that Aadi could have got hurt under her watch. She gets angry and insists Aadi was fine.

Roy and Hayley are showered in confetti as they go out to the decorated Woody. She tosses the bouquet over her shoulder and it lands in Norris' hands instead of the tall blonde woman stood right behind him. The happy couple get into the car and drive off, cans and cutlery clanging on the drive behind them and everyone waving and cheering.

Sophie comes downstairs where Kevin is still on the sofa. She's tearful and nervous. She sits beside him and he can see she's upset. She finally admits that what Claire said about her and Sian kissing is true. They're together. Kevin's eyes widen in shock and the credits roll.

And for those of you that won't see the wedding for some time yet, you can see screen captures here: http://corrie-on-weatherfield.blogspot.com/2010/08/roy-and-hayleys-wedding-day.html

Tvor



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