Welcome to another Friday and the first of two episodes from me. I'm standing in for Duncan again while he's off dealing with real life. I'm just back from a week on the South Cumbria coast. On the way there and back I was very tempted to turn off to visit Cartmel to see where Mavis went to live.

We begin in the pub where Becky and Steve are trying to get ready to open while Max races around. Neither Becky nor Steve got much sleep thinking about Jim's offer and Becky's keen to take the money and run. Steve wishes they didn't have to snatch the kids. Becky gets Max's lunch organised and tells Steve she just can't lose him or Amy. "It's a big decision," Steve says.

Tyrone and Tommy seem to be getting on all right, mucking in over breakfast. That's until Tyrone realises Tina's also in the house and he makes an excuse and races off, embarrassed. Ladies, be warned - Tommy has been brought in as the thinking woman's crumpet and spends an awful lot of time without his shirt! Well, I suppose the boys have had Rosie Webster to keep them awake, so it's only fair . . . Anyway, it's clear that nothing happened between Tommy and Tina and he promises to put Tyrone straight and make sure Tina's honour is intact. She tells him she couldn't see him as Jack's grandson at first but now realises he has the "Ducky twinkle". He tells her he might stick round for a bit if Ty lets him stay.

Nick's missing breakfast because he's got a bistro to open. David's still not talking to him. He's busy telling Kylie he promises not to upset her again. She sulks that he's hurt her and he's supposed to love her. He protests that he does love her. She finally admits he's forgiven. He goes to make a brew and refuses Gail's offer to make it. "Back off. You've done enough damage!" he says.

Sophie's about to have her breakfast and Sally's racing for work. She isn't pleased to be interrupted by a knock at the door. It's a man called Dougie who asks if she's prepared because he loves this moment. Behind him is a gift-wrapped brand new Fiat 500. "Take it back. Get rid of it now! I don't want it!" Dougie is stunned. "I've never had this before!" Sophie's also amazed. "Get it out of my sight now!" says Sally. Dougie's still confused. "Do one, Doug!"

As the argument continues, Fiz and John and Hope come out of the house, off for a walk round the Red Rec. "This buggy . . ." asks John. "We didn't have that before, did we? It's brand new!" Fiz tells him her workmates had a whip round for her while he was in hospital.

Betty greets Liz by demanding to know what's going on with Becky and Steve. They've shut her out and she can't get her tea. She's no happier when Liz offers to fetch her a tea. "And where am I meant to drink it? Propping up the bar? Eeee, I've a mind to down dusters!"

Back at Sally's, Sophie's trying to persuade Sally she should hang on to the car but Sally can't believe the money Kevin's wasted.

It's pouring with rain but Graeme's busy washing windows. He's bent down to wet his sponge again, which is why Tina doesn't see him when, laughing, she leaves Tyrone's house with a shirtless Tommy at the door to see her out. Graeme's clearly furious. He dashes over to see Tyrone and asks what the story is. Tyrone won't say anything but Graeme pleads. Tyrone refuses to be drawn. He says he wasn't the one shacked up with some other woman and due to be married, so he's not telling Graeme anything. Norris, out sweeping the pavement in the rain (clearly on a tight shooting schedule which meant they couldn't wait until the rain had stopped!), listens as best he can. "Sorry mate. She's single now. You've made your bed," Tyrone tells Graeme.

Kylie's in the pub, talking to Becky. She says she doesn't want to fall out with Becky. Things are different now. She asks if Becky will come to her wedding. Becky refuses. Kylie tells her Max will be there as her pageboy. "I'm not asking. I'm telling. I can make this easy or hard for you." Betty and Liz listen every bit as intently as Norris listened to Tyrone and Graeme. Becky tells Kylie that neither she nor Max wants anything to do with her or her wedding. "Get out."

Tommy, now with a shirt and vest, goes over to see Tyrone, who tells him about Graeme being upset. Tommy's come to see if there's any more work going. Tyrone explains they're flat out but Tommy's not qualified to do the work. Kevin, in a particularly rude mood, comes round to talk to Tyrone and calls Tommy a skivvy. Tommy says from what he's heard, Kevin shouldn't show his face in the street. It seems like it's about to kick off when Sally arrives demanding to know what Kevin's playing at. "I don't want anything from you and if you think you can win me back with stupid gestures like that then you're sadly mistaken. And the colour [red] stinks!"

Becky's getting hysterical about Max being Kylie's page boy. It's not particularly believable but it's enough to make Steve say: "Enough! We're selling!"

Becky and Steve discuss their plans. He says Tracy will sell a rat as soon as they announce they're selling but Becky says no-one's to know. Liz bursts in and demands to know what's happening. Jim arrives and Steve asks if he's still serious and has the money. He does. "Then the pub is yours." Steve says the condition is that nobody says anything until the deal is done. Liz immediately asks why but Jim shushes her, saying he's sure Steve and Becky have their reasons.

In the salon, Audrey's trying to teach David the intricacies of stockbuying. Claudia comes in and Audrey thanks her for Marc saving the day for Nick. Claudia says she's here because of him. They've only just got back together and he's already cancelled their date for tonight. Now Claudia's all dressed up with nowhere to go. She asks Audrey to come for a drink.

Kylie's arrived back at Gail's in a real strop. Gail tries to be friendly and apologises for yesterday but Kylie's determined to sulk. Gail says she wants to help and to build bridges. Kylie tells her about her conversation with Becky. "I wouldn't mind but sad cow's all I've got! Her and Max and she's keeping him away." She says the whole wedding is a disaster. She hoped it would be a dream wedding and it's turned into a nightmare. As well as no Becky at the wedding, there'll be no son and no money to buy a wedding dress! "Oh, and my mother-in-law hates me!" Gail says she'd like to help by taking Kylie dress shopping. "My treat. My contribution to my son and his new wife." David comes in, expecting trouble and is startled to find Kylie and Gail talking, not arguing.

Fiz and John are back home. John wants to know where the Moses basket came from and Fiz says Emily found it in a charity shop. "I gave her the money- wasn't much." Fiz changes the subject by asking if he wants to go to the pub after tea. John's spotted there's still a tag on the basket so Fiz pushes him back into the sofa and lectures him about the need for him to go out and meet people. He agrees.

In the Rovers, Steve tells Becky the sale should go through in about a week. She says she'd better get weaving. They discuss where they're going and Steve suggests they go to Spain first, hire a car and decide where to go from there. But he can see the first problem - Amy's passport.

Audrey and Claudia arrive and Audrey passes on an invitation for Rita, Emily and Norris to attend the wedding. Claudia's interested to hear David and Kylie will marry soon and she says it will be "interesting." Audrey sits down while Claudia goes to the bar and gets a phone call from Marc. She can barely make out what he's saying and tries to get Rita and Norris to be quiet. Marc apparently doesn't want to talk to Claudia. He wants Audrey to go to the police station. "Is there a problem?" asks Norris - of course he knows there must be because Audrey repeated everything Marc said! Audrey denies it, though, and asks Rita and Norris to let Claudia know she's had to go.

Liz appears behind the bar. Claudia gets to the booth and discovers Audrey's gone. "What? Stood up twice in one night? Where's she gone?" Norris is about to tell her when Rita interrupts by waving madly and shouting at Liz that it's good to see her back. Jim says there are some things that are just meant to be, including Liz behind the bar of the Rovers. Under his breath he promises her the Rovers will soon be theirs. "What's mine is your, Elizabeth. Have you not spotted that yet?" Liz is still wondering what made Steve suddenly change his mind. "Something's not right."

In the ginnel, Steve pulls himself up to see over the wall of the Barlow residence. Amy's skipping, though in those yards she'd have a job. . . Steve calls her to the gate and suggests a new game. He's got his passport and suggests they play a matching game. She has to find her matching one and the trick is she has to do it as quickly and as quietly as she can without anyone seeing or hearing her do it. "Easy peasy!" she says, and races indoors.

Audrey walks up to the desk at the police station and asks to see Marc Selby. "Audrey," croaks a voice nearby. She looks round but the only person in the public area is a very sorry-looking woman, a bit bruised and battered, on a bench. She looks away then back again as she realises who it is. Marc.

Mission accomplished as Steve arrives back in the Rovers back room with Amy's passport. He said he felt bad doing it because he had to make her promise not to tell Tracy. Liz comes in just in time to hear that last bit and demands to know what Becky's suddenly put behind her back. "What's going on?"

The end of episode one.
More to follow.
Margaret Carr

Jus' like that, here's episode two.

"There is a perfectly simple explanation for all this," says Steve. Liz asks if this is the bit where he makes up a story. Becky tells Steve they might as well tell Liz the truth and before he's even finished objecting, she says, "We're running away. We're going to Spain, hiring a car and just driving. And we're taking our kiddies with us." She shows Liz the passports. Liz can't believe it. "I can't be a part of this! You know, I want the pub, this pub, more than anything in the world, but your price is too high!" She tells Steve the deal's off.

Marc tells Audrey he was walking in town and some lads were following him. He wasn't doing anything but then he heard one of them running and everything's a blur after that. Audrey apologises for being a bit shocked to see him. She wants to take him to hospital but he says he just wants to get away from prying eyes. Behind the police counter, the cops are busy winking and nodding in Marc's direction as if they're joking about him. [Please note that real police would usually get an assault victim to hospital or at least a doctor, rather than leaving them in their waiting area!] Marc realises he can't find his keys. Audrey says he can come to her place where they can get him cleaned up and decide what to do next.

Gail's in the Rovers' bar with Kylie, reminiscing about going late-night shopping with Sarah. Kylie thinks Gail must have missed having a daughter until she moved in. They're interrupted by Xin and Gail suddenly thinks maybe it would be more appropriate for Xin to go instead of her. Gail hands Kylie a handful of cash to pay for the dress and leaves. Xin waits expectantly but Kylie tells her if she thinks she's going shopping she can forget it. Kylie's not going to look for a dress. "Not when I've got money to burn on booze."

Out the back of the Rovers there's only one smoker. Liz. Steve comes out to chat, suggesting he knows how Liz must be feeling. "Don't try and analyse me!" she snaps. "You're not Pamela Anderson!" "Stephenson," corrects Becky. Steve says everything he touches turns to rubbish – his friendships, his business, his relationship with Liz. He and Becky will never be free of Tracy and Kylie and this way they'll get a clean start. Jim comes out. Liz says she's got to get out of here and takes him off to Roy's for a cup of tea.

Kylie finds David in the street, tells him she's found a really nice dress and invites him to the bistro for dinner. She won't say how come she's got money all of a sudden.

At the bistro, Nick opens the doors for the first time. Kevin wishes him luck. The first customers arrive - David and Kylie. Kylie orders a bucket of ice with loads of alcopops in it. She selects a table and sits down. Nick says they don't serve alcopops. "We're slightly higher-end than that." Kylie says he'd better tell her what they do sell, then. David asks if family get a discount.

In the cafe, Jim tells Liz they should stay in Steve's good books. If they cancel the sale, Steve will easily find another buyer and they'll probably run off then anyway.

Becky's at the bar very anxious. Tracy looks at them suspiciously but they say everything's fine.

At the bar, Julie's telling Sean she's there to support John and Fiz when John comes out for a drink. Mental illness is no laughing matter. "I remember when my second fiance was sectioned . . ." She says the worst thing was the gossip blaming her for driving him to it.

Liz and Jim arrive back and ask Steve and Becky for a word out the back. Tracy asks if Steve's in trouble with his mum and Liz tells her to shut up and get back to work.

A rather battered Marc, now in a bathrobe instead of women's clothing, comes downstairs. Audrey gives him some ice for his bruises and a G&T. She asks if he'd been to a fancy dress party and when he says No admits she's a little out of her comfort zone. "It's no big deal. I just like to wear women's clothes," Marc says.

Becky doesn't want to chat to Liz because she assumes she knows what's coming. Liz shouts at her to sit down. "The one thing that means more to me than anything thing in the world is you lot, my family - and yes, Becky, that includes you, too." She says that though she's uncomfortable with it, she'll go ahead with the plan. She wants them to be happy and she wants this pub. "The deal's back on."

Liz doesn't have to work tonight so Jim suggests they go to Nick's bar, even if it is the opposition.

Audrey tells Marc she can't get her head around why Marc is seeing Claudia if he's gay. He says he isn't. "I'm straight. I'm just an ordinary bloke." He tells her he dresses up because it's a compulsion. Most of the time he's Marc, but sometimes he's Marcia. His wife knew and didn't cope at first. But given time she accepted it and supported him. And then she died. "And my confidence flew out the window." Audrey tells him that Lionel the colourist, her gay friend, used to think she was fabulous. And when he died she thought nobody would ever say that again, but she was wrong. Marc weeps on her shoulder as she promises him things will work out.

In the bistro, Liz promises Nick a free pint next time he's in the Rovers. As Liz and Jim look at the menu, Jim toasts "fresh starts" and Liz thanks him for being brilliant these last few weeks. "I've been thinking, I don't want to run the Rovers - not unless you're by my side." Jim toasts "us".

Julie's trying to psychoanalyse John. Fiz suggests they talk about something else. But Julie says she won't buy into the idea that mental illness is a taboo subject. "I will not suppress John!" John thanks them for putting their hands in their pockets to help Fiz. Sean and Julie look confused but nod and smile.

It's bill time at the bistro and Kylie and David owe Nick 68 pounds. Kylie hands over 80 and tells him to keep the change. Gail walks in and is surprised to see Kylie and David. She asks Kylie how the dress shopping went. David's confused because he thought Kylie went with Gail. Gail clicks that Kylie didn't go shopping at all and asks if she just used the money to get drunk. "We had tapas!" says Kylie defensively. "Do you know what, Kylie? I don't like you and I never will. And do you know why? Because you're common," Gail tells her. "There's 20 change," says Kylie. Gail doesn't want it if Kylie's touched it.

Marc would rather Claudia didn't know. Audrey doesn't think he should be hiding who he really is. He says he likes her but can't work up the courage. "I've got no choice but to stop being Marcia." Audrey wonders if that's wise. Marc thanks her and says he should go home but Audrey points out the only thing he's got to wear is Nick's dressing gown. "You've had a shock. I don't think you should be on your own tonight." Audrey tells him the bed in the spare room's made up and she urges Marc not to let the bad guys win.

On her way out, Liz suggests the waitress check Kylie's handbag for nicked cutlery on the way out. Jim goes to pay but his card is declined. He tells Nick he's probably got enough cash to cover it. He's a tenner short but Nick lets him off. Jim asks him not to tell Liz.

Xin shows Tina her wedding gown. Tina wonders if it's maybe a bit too beautiful. They hear Graeme coming and Xin rushes into the other room because it's bad luck for the groom to see the gown before the big day. "It's not a real wedding!" Tina calls after her. "I still need good luck!" replies Xin. Tina tells Graeme what just happened. "Jealous?" he asks. He's less than sympathetic and he mentions Tommy. She says she didn't sleep with or snog Tommy and she didn't want to. She storms out.

Liz and Jim walk home up the street. Jim says he's got something to say. "What you said earlier was a wonderful thing for me to hear," he says. Liz tells him she doesn't just want him in her pub. "I want you in my bed." They kiss passionately. "Promise me you're not messing with my head," he says. Liz promises. "Get in that pub. Get up those stairs and remind me what a real man's like."

The end.
Margaret Carr

Written By Simon Crowther Directed By Noreen Kershaw

Steve is pleased to see his parents snogging in the back room, apparently reconciled. He's happy if they're happy and if they're sure about it. They are, Liz assures him. "We can't choose, can we?" Steve remarks pointedly, but Liz seems to have missed his point.

Gail's growling about Kylie's antics the night before, taking the money she offered for a wedding dress and boozing it all away. Kylie comes downstairs looking pretty hungover. David offers Gail the apology he says Kylie had asked him to deliver, but Kylie seems like she has no idea what he's talking about. She's heading back to bed but when David takes a call from Audrey telling him the paperwork is ready for him to sign transferring the deed to the salon to him, her hangover mysteriously disappears and pound signs *ching ching* in her eyes. Gail is not best pleased.

Cheryl is feeding Russ a pile of breakfast in the cafe. Leanne and Simon arrive and discover that there's a school play and Cheryl is making Russ try out for the lead, Joseph (and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). She reckons Leanne should make Simon audition too but Simon doesn't want to. Leanne insists. Izzy is having breakfast with Katy who, it turns out, has nothing to make toast on at home. Owen promises to buy her at toaster if she graduates Uni. He also hands over a wad of cash to Gary as a loan to buy himself a van. Don't let me down, boy!

Audrey is gathering papers and Marc comes downstairs wearing a bathrobe and looking very bruised. He's embarrassed and wishes the whole thing would just go away and never be spoken about again. Audrey is very sensitive to him and points out that though she doesn't understand the compulsion, she doesn't think it's all that awful either and it's none of anyone's business. He thinks he got what he deserved and plans to avoid everyone until the bruising goes away. Audrey lends him some old men's clothes she has packed away.

Gail is moaning to Tina about Kylie and all her antics and smoking in the house. Gail is on her way to speak to Audrey about the salon. Becky comes in and the conversation stops because they were talking about her sister. Becky gets some eclairs from Anna and chat about Jim. "He's all right is Jim if you like your men bitter and abusive" is Becky's assessment. Fay tells her that Faye is coming to live with them permanently today. Becky is quietly pleased.

Chesney and Katy are hauling a tatty old chair they got from a skip. John laughs and remembers his first flat. He offers Chesney and Katy a few things he's got in the loft that came from his gran's house. Across the road, Leanne is telling Peter about Cheryl crowing about Russ and about the play. She's making sure Simon tries out too. Peter reckons Simon does have a talent for mimicry.

In the Kabin, Rita and Norris gossip about Audrey, wondering what Marc's phone call the night before had to do with anything. Graeme and Xin are in the Kabin as well but when Tina walks in and sees them, she spins around and walks out, as per the plan.

Katy, Chesney and Schmeichel are sitting on ... I think it's probably just a mattress and contemplating the rubbish chair they brought in. Shabby Chic, Chesney tells her, trying to make it seem a little less awful than it is.

Jim arrives in the back room for a meeting with Steve, Becky and Liz. Steve says his solicitor will have things ready to sign in a week. Liz is not happy about the upcoming midnight flit, leaving her to take the heat from Tracy. She continues to scold them and warns them that Tracy will blow the lid off everything including Max. They aren't worried if they're gone anyway and will worry about schools for the kids when they need to. Steve questions his father's ability to come up with the cash and Jim loses his temper (protesting too much?) and insists Steve show him a bit of respect like he used to (did he? I don't remember he ever really did). Jim storms out in a temper.

After the break, Steve and Jim are in the smoking spot behind the pub. Jim insists he's back on his fit and wants to do the best for the family. Steve is just worried because there's a lot at stake.

Tina meets Xin at the bus stop. Seems Tina wasn't so sure she was acting when she stormed out of the Kabin "upset" earlier. Xin assures her it will all be over soon and again expresses her gratitude. She tells Tina she's off to shop and to a yoga class. They part ways. Tina passes Cheryl and Lloyd. Cheryl is going on about Russ and the kids while Eddie is polishing a cab and attaching big ribbons to it for Faye. (Awww!)

Chesney comes over to the house to look at the bits John mentioned. Fiz has just taken a call from Joy's solicitor. There is a buyer for the house which means even more money. Fiz is still feeling guilty and still hasn't told John about any of this. She has apparently bought a bunch of baby stuff on her credit card and now is going to have to take some money out of the account to pay for it. John comes down stairs so they stop their conversation. Fiz slips out to do an errand and John says he has a doctor's appointment so Ches says he'll mind Hope.

In the bookies, Lloyd and Peter are chatting about women and why they fall out so easily. They agree it must be a deficiency. Men wouldn't fall out that easily. (?!) Peter thinks all four of them should go out for a drink and try to get Leanne and Cheryl to make friends again instead of constantly one-upping each other over the kids. Agreed.

Gary and Izzy are at Anna and Eddie's. Gary is perusing the newspaper looking for a suitable van. Anna is rushing around making things nice for Faye. She's even got the Snakes and Ladders board game out from somewhere to make it seem all happy families. Eddie and Faye arrived, much to Anna's delight. She tells Anna that the ribbons on the car were naff! She also hands Anna a pair of earrings that she says she saved up for. She makes herself at home on a chair.

Tina and Graeme are about to have a secret afternoon tryst at the flat while Xin is at yoga. Tina's not pleased to find out that Graeme bought Xin a leafy plant as a nice gesture and also because buying presents makes it all look authentic. But Tina gets a bit stroppy, her jealousy spiking to new heights. He apologies for the other day with Tommy and she teases him about getting married. He compares himself unfavourably with Tommy but she says Graeme makes her laugh and they start to cuddle.

Rita makes an appointment for her hair with Audrey and tries to find out what happened with Marc. Audrey says it was just a misunderstanding and says no more. Rita leaves just as Gail arrives. She wants a word. Uh oh. Audrey figures she knows what this is all about.

Jim is seen on the phone to someone obviously trying to get a loan approved through a banker. Apparently not because Jim thinks the person for nothing just as Owen comes strutting around the corner. There's a bit of male posturing back and forth between the two erstwhile rivals. Jim calls him "Vernon" and when corrected "Owen", Jim sneers that it amounts to the same thing. (Ha! Nice touch, dismissing Owen as no more important than Liz's last husband!) Jim looks frustrated. Now what?

Fiz is approached as she is withdrawing some cash from a bank machine. She thinks she's rumbled but the man only wants to sell some bank services. She takes the advert and thanks him and leaves, shaking.

Rita comes across the road when she sees Xin who is returning from yoga. She wants to speak to Xin and Graeme. Now. Please.

Gail is ranting about Kylie to Audrey about the wedding dress money debacle, similar to what she was saying to Tina earlier. Now she starts in on Audrey for the salon. Audrey insists she's still the owner in everything but name. David gets the salon when she dies. Gail gripes and moans and figures Kylie could easily walk away with half of everything. Naturally, David walks in on Gail warning Audrey to call the plan off. He snaps that he'd always choose his wife over his mother and tells Gail that she drives everyone away. Audrey goes after him, leaving Gail looking thrown for a loop. Be careful, you might just push your son away yet!

Tvor

Here we are again. Another week, another update.

Events in Weatherfield tonight were written by Debbie Oates and directed by Noreen Kershaw. Copyright belongs to ITV Productions and I acknowledge their ownership in the original material. Sarky comments are all mine.

And where do we start - with David storming out of the hair salon, followed by Audrey and Gail, the former telling the latter that if she carries on like that she will lose her youngest son to the charms of Kylie!.

Tina and Graham are kissing but - Tina is allergic to some throw - which has been washed by Xin. They hear steps on the stairs and Xin and Rita arrive and Tina hides. Xin insists on giving Rita some tea as she has a cob on.

Xin produces a cup of tea and Rita drinks it. Rita tells Xin and Graham off for showing Tina no respect. In the back of the room Tina sneezes and Graham thinks it is a mouse - but she gives them a piece of her mind - Tina needs a bit of consideration. Tina throws of the throw and does up her blouse. Tina is unhappy that they are lying to Rita and refuses to kiss Graham goodbye - she tells him that they have to be strangers for now as the on / off arrangement is not working.

In the Rovers Norris wants to know what the argument with Steve and Liz was about - but Bet is giving nothing away. Mary's colour of the month is lucky magenta. Jim is helping Liz behind the bar and gives Jim a kiss. Even more surprises.

At the Platt residence David and Audrey argue over what he heard - and yet Audrey is on his side! David behaves childishly and Audrey tells him off for it - she thought he had grown up but he is not demonstrating it. Eventually she gets him to sit down and listen to her properly.

Anna introduces Fay to Becky - Fay would like blonde hair but Becky says her own hair looks good and does not need dying. Gary has bought a new van - and Izzy turns up to look at it. Fay wants to get in - but the back of the van is full of manure and no-one is prepared to help him clean it out. Anyway Gary has a van and a business.

David tries to explain how important Kylie is and why he loves her. David and Audrey discuss the situation more reasonably. Audrey tells David that the salon is going to be his - they hug and make up. Anyway to sort out the inheritance bill the documents need to be signed. Kylie finds him a pen and the deed is done. The pen is engraved Betty Williams - which Kylie claims to have found in the Street. Audrey keeps the pen. David says that Audrey will not regret this. She is sure she won't. We are sure she will.

After the break the three of them share a beer - to long life and a successful business. Gail comes in and says "Oh Mum" but Audrey tells her it is done and tells Gail to say nothing. Gail knows she will regret it.

At the Stapes Fiz is still being careful with the money and is not going to touch the Fishwick money ever again.

Kylie tries to talk Gail round - but she gets nowhere. Gail claims she is not fooled. Gail is going to make sure David sees Kylie for what she is.

Leanne comes into the Rovers and tells Peter that Simon has got the lead - Joseph. She is very happy. Lloyd and Cheryl arrive. Russ is a bit gutted in the chorus. And Cheryl then drops the news - the mums have to make the costumes - and Leanne finds out what she has let herself in for. Apparently the making of the costumes is very competitive.

In the new bistro Gail is ranting at Nick - who reminds his mother of past interference. He pours her a drink - she studies it and then drinks it. Some bar worker phones in to say they will not be working. Gail asks him to help her stop the wedding - Gail knows the salon has been signed over - but Nick knows it is Audrey's decision. Cheryl appears and asks if there is any work going. He puts her on duty immediately as he is short handed. And Nick promises his mother he will find a way of stopping the wedding.

Audrey returns Betty's pen - who admits she is always losing things. Bet is pleased to get it back. Once her break is over Liz tells her Bet can go home early as Jim is helping behind the bar. She tells him that it will be just the two of them against the world. She feels she has a future and she had not realised she had given up on that.

And all is well with two of them so it is.

See you next week.
K Richard W

Gail and Nick are in the kitchen when David and Kylie come downstairs. Kylie is moaning that she's getting married and not having a hen do. Gail suggests the bar, as a wedding present she and Nick could lay on some bubbles and nibbles. David wonders why they're being all sweetness and light, and Nick tells him it's not every day that his little brother gets married. Gail tells them that she's realised she has no right telling anyone who they can and can't married, so she'd like to be there. She also tells David that his suit is hanging in her room waiting for him to take it to his gran's. Kylie tells Nick that she wants 'proper' bubbly, none of that cheap rubbish. Nick grins at her, but as she goes out to smoke a ciggie Nick tells Gail he'll stop smiling now.

David sees Graeme out in the Street and tells him about Kylie's hen do in the bar. He thinks Xin should go, it'll look funny if she doesn't. Then he says that he and Graeme ought to do something, it'll look odd if they don't. Graeme isn't keen but eventually concedes to a couple of drinks in the Rovers later.

Gary's in the cafe talking to his mum about Faye. Anna says she's settling in ok. Just then Peter and Leanne come in. Peter persuades Leanne to show them what she's got in the bag, and she pulls something out. "What is it? A car seat cover?" asks Gary. Leanne explains that it's Simon's costume for the school play - it's Joseph's coat of many colours. Anna asks if it should have sleeves. Gary suggests it could be Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour poncho. Leanne stuffs it back in the bag, she knows it's rubbish. Gary suggest she asks Izzy or Sean to do it, they could knock one up in no time, and Leanne is delighted with the idea.

Over in the factory, Maria is stressing over the fact that they are way behind with Frank Foster's order. She tells them they'll have to work through their lunch hour. This does not go down well, and Julie tells them they'll have to have something or they'll be passing out. A good boss buys lunch for the workers and brings it in if they have to work through, but Maria doesn't seem to understand how to get the best from people, and she grudgingly allows them ten minutes to grab a sandwich. Just then Leanne arrives with Simon's costume and asks Sean if he can help. Maria is outraged and tells her to go and try a costume shop. Hayley, Julie and Izzy set off out, moaning on the way at how they're being treated.

An angry Leanne marches out of the factory and runs into Cheryl, who asks what's in her bag. Leanne tells her it's just some bits of material she got from the factory to make Simon's costume with. Cheryl thinks she should be worried about making it, other parents can be so critical. While they're chatting, Nick comes along and asks Cheryl if she can work at the bar that evening, for Kylie's hen do. She agrees and he walks off. She asks Leanne if she's all right about it. Leanne says she is. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Chesney and Katie are in the cafe sharing a plate of chips and talking about their lack of money. Anna asks if that's all they're having for tea, and Katie tries to tell her she's not hungry. Anna isn't fooled and won't accept any payment.

In the factory they're getting the order boxed up, but Maria is still stressing. Hayley gingerly approaches her and asks if everything's ok. She tells her she's fine, just under the cosh with the order. Hayley thinks it's more than that, and presses her. Maria seems just about to tell her when Julie rushes in, her machine has broken down.

Anna and Faye go to visit Fiz. While Anna and Fiz coo over the new baby, Faye glances around the room and then asks to use the toilet. Fiz sends her upstairs, and off she goes. When they're on their own, Anna voices her concerns about Chesney and his lack of money. She confesses that she's started giving them stuff past it's sell-by date so they don't go hungry. Fiz is visibly shocked.

David goes back home to collect his underwear and tells Gail and Nick that he's really pleased that they're behind him, especially as he knows they don't really like Kylie. He gives Gail a hug, although she doesn't look comfortable with It.

Norris and Mary are in the pub, discussing Graeme and Xin. He feels there's something fishy going on, but Mary thinks it's romantic - east meets west. The workers come in then, moaning about Maria and calling for alcohol.

Kylie is sitting with Graeme and Xin, talking about the hen night celebrations. Becky comes by collecting glasses and Kylie asks if she'll come for a few drinks to toast her future happiness. Becky walks off without so much as a sideways glance. "I'll take that as a no then," mutters Kylie, so the next moment she's up on a seat and calling to all the people in the pub. "You lot! Me and her (points to Xin) are getting married tomorrow!" "How very modern," mutters Sean. "Not to each other, Cupcake," says Kylie, going on to say how they're having drinks over at Nick's bar later, and they're all invited. No one seems that keen, and then suddenly Maria walks in telling all the factory workers that Frank is coming early to check his order so they all have to get back across the road. Sean tells Maria they can't, they're all going to Kylie and Xin's hen do. They can't leave her on her own, a stranger in a strange land. There's not much else Maria can do, except say she wants them in an hour earlier in the morning instead. They all hurry off to get ready, and Becky comes to collect more glasses. Kylie remarks that she must be more popular than she thought, but Becky puts her right, telling her they only said they'd come to get out of going back to work.

Kylie goes off to the ladies, followed by Becky, who asks her if David has any idea that she'll leave him as soon as she's leeched what she can off him. "I love David," says Kylie, and asks if Becky's going to wish her luck. "I wish you were dead," says Becky.

Chesney and Kirk arrive at Fiz's to collect some furniture. Fiz asks her brother if he's feeding himself properly, and he assures her he's fine. She asks if he and Katie would like to come round for their tea, but he gets cross, telling her they're fine, they can look after themselves, they're not kids. As Ches goes off upstairs, John asks Fiz what that was all about. She explains how Anna reckoned they were too skint to eat. He thinks they're probably better off than him and Fiz at the moment. Fiz looks guilty.

The hen party is underway in the bar, and Kylie is being very loud and knocking back the champagne. Julie has brought fortune cookies as a bit of fun and Kylie reads hers. "Help! I'm being held prisoner in a fortune cookie factory!" Then she laughs and says her mum used to do that all the time when they got a takeaway. Then she gets serious. "At least where she is the old cow can't ruin tomorrow for me," she mutters.

David and Graeme's party is getting started in the Rovers. David says he can't believe Graeme is doing all that for Xin and not getting any money out of it. Across the room, Norris seems to prick up his ears and looks over, puzzled. Tina quietly tells them to keep it down, Norris has them on his radar. "Listen," says Graeme, loudly, "if you can't be happy for me and Xin I'll thank you to keep your nasty comments to yourself!" As he and David leave the bar to sit down, Norris comes over for another drink. He tells Tina it must be hard for her. "Que sera sera," says Tina, adding that she doesn't want to talk about it.

Gary comes in then, and remarks to David that it's all a bit quick. David says he's marrying the girl of his dreams. "I'd hate to have your dreams," says Gary.

John is cuddling baby Hope, and tells Fiz that he wants to go back to work, they've had a reminder for the gas bill. Fiz says the doctor said he shouldn't, she's got money for the gas bill and they're going to follow what the doctor said, then she goes off upstairs for a bath. A few minutes later she's down again, in a panic, asking if he's seen the old handbag she had hanging on the back of the bedroom door. "No, sorry," says John.

Things are getting wild over at the bar, and Kylie gets up on the bar and wiggles around to the music. Izzy glares at her and Cheryl tells her to get down and behave, she's bothering the other customers. "The customers aren't marrying the owner's brother, are they?" snaps Kylie, but Nick arrives at that moment and lifts her down.

Julie is talking to Xin about her whirlwind romance with Graeme, and Gail says what a lovely lad he is. "So were the Elephant Man," says Kylie and shrieks with laughter. Xin shouts at her to stop it, saying that Graeme is the kindest, most wonderful man she's ever met, he's given up so much for her and she doesn't deserve it. She runs out, followed by Julie.

Fiz has gone to see Chesney, and starts by saying that she knows how tough things are financially. "I wish you'd come to me," she says. "About what?" asks Chesney, puzzled. "I'd have quite happily lent you some of Joy's money," she says. Ches doesn't know what she's talking about. "The handbag," says Fiz, "it was hanging on the back of the door at dinnertime." The penny starts to drop with Chesney and he's offended and furious. He tells her to go. "How could you think I'd steal off my own family?" he says, "you've got some nerve!"

Kylie staggers outside the bar for a ciggie, followed by Gail, who tells her she wants her out of David's life and pulls an envelope out of her bag, saying that there's a thousand pounds in there, enough for a one way ticket somewhere. "Tell David, and I'll swear blind you're lying. Take it and go, I never want to see you again." Kylie takes the money out of the envelope and looks at it thoughtfully as Gail walks off.

Anne Logan

Audrey's made a hearty breakfast for the condemned man, though David doesn't think that applies to him. They talk about it and David tells her sincerely that he thinks Kylie is the one for him. Audrey's pleased for him and reassures him that there's no way Gail will mess things up for him today.

Gail and Nick have woken to find that Kylie has left the building. Gail wants to tell David before the wedding but Nick doesn't think that's such a good idea.

Katie and Chesney share a few bonding moments before their day starts.

Julie thinks last night was a good do. Sean's head is pounding and he can't wait till lunchtime. But Maria knocks that idea on the head. There's no lunch break until the order for Frank is done. It must be ready by the time he arrives. There's a lot of protest. "Look, I'm trying to save your jobs here!" Maria shouts at them.

Graeme's polishing shoes and talking to Xin about the wedding. He's never done a good deed before and he's counting on this one to cancel out all the bad things he's done. Xin comes out in her gown and Graeme seems stunned by the way she looks.

John's munching his toast and talking about going round to help Chesney and Katie get their flat sorted later on. Fiz has to confess they've had a bit of a falling out. She tells him about accusing Chesney of taking the money. She feels really bad and doesn't think Ches will forgive her. John's sorry she kept it from him. He assures her he's fine now and she doesn't have to protect him. He asks how much the money was and Fiz says it was twenty quid.

Xin comes out on her way to the wedding and there are whoops and whistles from the factory staff, gathered outside to see the two brides. Maria's desperate to get them back inside but they want to see Kylie, too. Gail and Nick tell Sally that Kylie's not quite ready and told them to go on ahead. Sally's wearing a fascinator. Xin gets into a car and Graeme is about to follow when he sees Tina. The two of them go around the corner for a private chat. Tina tells him she's still fine with this. Graeme asks for a quick snog.

Emily, Rita and Norris step outside and are disappointed there's no taxi waiting for them. Norris goes round the corner to see if it's coming . . . uh oh. His jaw drops and his hand goes to his mouth as he sees the snog!

"Of course I don't have a guarantor because I'm not a wee child!" Jim says to someone at the bank. He tells them where they can stick their loans but changes to saying something positive and grateful as Liz comes in. He tells her he was just sorting out something with his solicitor to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The taxi finally arrives and as he helps the ladies in, he excuses himself and goes to talk to Tina. He commiserates with her on what a hard day it must be. When she agrees he calls her a liar and tells her he's worked out the wedding is a sham. "It's also illegal and I shall do everything I can to stop it." He's hurt that he and Rita felt so badly for her when she broke up with Graeme and all the time she was lying to them. He gets in the taxi.

Deirdre comes in for a hotpot and a red wine and Jim gives it to her on the house. Liz can't work out what he's doing but he insists they go to sit with Deirdre. He demands to know how long they've been mates and says it must have been a hell of a thing to make them fall out. "It was Amy . . ." says Deirdre. Jim demands to know what wee, gorgeous Amy has done. Aha! "If it wasn't her then maybe it was the two of youse," he points out, leaving them to think on. His strategy works and they make up.

Gail arrives at the registry office and tells her story about Kylie running late. Audrey takes Gail and Nick aside to tell them to at least look cheerful and they break the news about Kylie being gone. Audrey thinks Kylie probably just got too drunk to come home and stayed at a mate's. "There is still time for her to turn up." She won't let Gail or Nick warn David. Rita, Norris and Emily arrive, relieved to find they're not too late. Sally arrives and Rita admires her hat. "It's not a hat, it's an amazer," says Kirk, who got a lift with Sally. Rita can't work out why Norris has cheered up. She thinks he's going soft in his old age. First he had a word with Tina and now he's looking forward to the wedding.

Faye has bought a present for Anna. It's a handbag. She says she bought it from a dead posh shop. Anna doesn't really believe her. And when she opens the bag she finds a lot of money. "Is this yours as well?" she asks.

Still no Kylie, and Gail tells Nick she now feels like Judas and wishes they hadn't paid off Kylie.

Eddie's counted the money - five hundred quid. Faye insists she's telling the truth and is cajoled into admitting she got the bag from Fiz's. Anna says they're really pleased she's told the truth and asks where she got the other gifts. Faye admits she took the earrings from her foster home and the chocolates from the Kabin. "I just wanted to give you nice things." Anna hugs her.

The machines are running hot. Maria says she's going out for sandwiches and cakes and they can eat while they work. Once she's gone, Izzy says it's a health and safety issue. Hayley tries to calm them down but Julie rouses everyone to protest and they stop the machines and head for the Rovers.

Audrey lies to Sally and Rita and says Kylie's stuck in traffic. The registrar is trying to get things started. Graeme reassures Xin that they'll still get married whether Kylie arrives or not. Tina arrives and takes Norris aside. Sally and Kirk discuss why Tina might be there and Sally is positively gleeful at the thought Tina might be there to wreck the weddings of both her ex-boyfriends, David and Graeme. Tina and Norris sit with the rest of the guests and discuss the situation in hushed voices. Norris makes it clear he saw Tina and Graeme kissing. Tina pleads with him and he's surprised to find there's no money involved. David's getting more and more worried as he fails to rouse Kylie on her mobile phone.

Anna takes the handbag back to Fiz and explains what happened. Fiz's face gets very very ugly and she says viciously that Faye had no right snooping round like that and taking other people's stuff. Anna becomes tearful and Fiz apologises for shouting. She invites Anna inside and Anna bursts into tears and says she's at her wits end. John comes in and Anna explains what she's doing there. Fiz thinks she's got away with kidding John about the money being only twenty pounds, but then Anna says: "It's all there isn't it - five hundred pounds."

In the pub, Steve tells Liz and Jim that the solicitors reckon the paperwork will be ready for signing by Monday. "This Monday?" asks Jim. He assures them he'll have the money ready by then.

Maria arrives back to find the factory empty. Just as Frank arrives. He asks if the order's ready. "Not exactly," says Maria. "In that case, where the hell is everyone?" he demands.

At the registry office, Norris tells Tina he's not going to say anything. "At least, not until they say ‘any lawful impediment.' I've always wanted to say Yes!"

David's looking distraught and Audrey tells Nick it looks as if they were right after all. Gail goes to tell David about Kylie being gone. She's just opened her mouth when the door opens and in walks Kylie, decked out like a saloon-girl dancer. "I didn't think you were coming," David says, hugging her. "Nothing could have stopped me turning up," says Kylie, with a pointed look at Gail.

The End of Episode One.
Margaret Carr

The two couples stand before the celebrant. Gail mutters to Nick that she bets she paid for that hideous dress. She says the red outfit makes Kylie look like a prostitute from the Wild West. Norris mutters as the celebrant continues. Tina tries to talk to him but he tells her to hush because he doesn't want to miss his cue.

Fiz tells John another lie - that the money came from Cilla and she didn't tell him because Cilla said to keep it to herself, probably because she hadn't sent anything to Chesney. Fiz apologises to John and regrets accusing Chesney.

Tina tells Norris that Graeme could go to prison and Xin will get deported. As they get to the bit he's been waiting for, he shakes his head, torn over what to do.

In the pub, Hayley tells Maria it was her idea to take a break. Maria points out that she's in charge. "Oh, we're not disputing that," says Hayley. "But sometimes it's just that if you're working long hours without a break, well, sometimes it's counterproductive." Izzy says she's not going back until Maria agrees to hire another machinist. "You can't expect us to hit our deadlines when we're one worker down," says Julie. Frank mutters that he already said that. Maria orders them back to work and agrees to hire someone, but Frank suggests they be allowed to finish their sandwiches first. Out of hearing of the others he tells Maria she promised him the order would be ready by close of play on Monday and if it isn't then she can stick the whole order in the bin.

The wedding is nearly finished and Norris hasn't said anything. Wooh hooh! That's Kylie leaping on David as they're declared husbands and wives. Audrey urges Gail to crack her face into a smile. Sally suggests throwing a bucket of water over David and Kylie.

Liz tells Jim she can't get over the idea of the two of them behind the Rovers' bar. Tracy comes through and asks if Steve and Becky are going on holiday. They deny it and she points out there's a bag of clothes in the back. Becky says she's having a bit of a clear-out. Tracy says Becky's clothes are so bad even Vicki Pollard wouldn't be seen wearing them. Becky mutters that it's time for a change, then, and goes out the back. "Have you got her on Valium or what?" Tracy asks Steve.

Kevin comes in and Jim says it's good to see he still drinks there even though he's got a bit of money.

Kylie signs the register, then Graeme and Xin are asked to sign. Xin does so quickly but Graeme seems to hesitate. He then signs. [Point of order: Both brides sign in their new married names. Is that what happens? I signed my marriage certificate in New Zealand with my maiden name and my ancestors signed theirs in Scotland with their maiden names.]

Fiz has gone to apologise to Chesney. She says that when you've got a poorly baby your whole world shrinks and things seem out of proportion. Chesney says it's wrong to blame Hope for this. He realises the money's turned up and tells Fiz that if it hadn't she'd still be blaming him. "You've really hurt his feelings," says Katie. Fiz bursts into tears and Chesney sighs and hugs her.

Steve points out to Becky that people will get suspicious if she doesn't act normally. She thinks she has been but he points out that Tracy slagged her off and she just took it. Becky realises he's right and immediately orders "Moose Features" to clean the ladies' bogs because someone's spilt something nasty on the floor. Despite her protests to Steve, Tracy has to do it.

The wedding parties have arrived at the Rovers. Kylie says she's putting a hundred quid behind the bar so everyone should get stuck in. She gets up on the furniture to tell everyone she wants to thank Gail, who not only paid for the dress but has paid for them to go on honeymoon to Tenerife. David is amazed. "From the minute I met Gail, she was so warm and welcoming I felt like one of her own," Kylie continues, saying from now on she's going to call Gail Mum.

Jim takes Kevin his drink and suggests he come through the back, since it'll get really noisy in the bar once the wedding guests have had a few.

Nick decides he can't stick round any longer. Kylie's come up smelling of roses and he's a grand down.

Graeme gets up to give a speech. He's very sincere and explains how he feels quite sentimentally. "To my soul mate. I love you, babe." Tina is standing with Xin, so I thought he was addressing Tina, but she doesn't seem to think so. Emily's bought Graeme and Xin a wedding night room at a lovely hotel in town. Graeme tells her she shouldn't be spending her money on them but Emily says she can afford it. Graeme can't get out of accepting.

There's dancing in the Rovers. Rita explains the concept of "a bottom drawer" to Graeme and Xin. Claudia's arrived and immediately starts to criticize the dress and the buffet. Kirk announces free kebabs all round. Graeme sits down with Tina and suggest they use the hotel room tonight. Norris overhears (not accidentally) and is appalled they would take advantage of an old lady's generosity like that. Tina explains to Graeme that Norris saw them kissing. Rita wonders what's going on and despite Tina's protests, Norris tells her. Rita's annoyed that Tina lied to her and took her sympathy over breaking up with Graeme.

In the back room, Jim asked Kevin if he'd be interested in investing in the Rovers. Kevin doesn't want to get involved in running a boozer and Jim explains that Liz would see to that. Kevin seems quite interested. If the money was tied up it would keep Sally off his back.

Rita's in tears now. She's remembering all the hours she sat in her flat worrying how Tina was going to cope after all that she'd been through. Graeme and Tina look very shamefaced. Rita says she thought she and Tina were friends but friends don't manipulate each other. Tina and Graeme try to explain. Rita tells them their nasty little secret is safe with her but Norris says if an immigration official asks him he'll tell the truth.

Eddie thinks they should search Faye's room and find out what else she's got stashed. Or tell her to up her game and go for Carla's bag next time. Anna defends Faye but Eddie says it's not too late to change their minds and send back Faye. Anna says they can't do that. Faye is there for keeps.

Kirk's a bit mournful. There's no Mrs Kirk. He tells Audrey he's just too nice and women don't go for nice. Audrey says she thinks the "treat ‘em mean and keep ‘em keen" theory is overrated. She orders Kirk a drink. He worries that she's coming on to him. "You're very nice and everything, but I don't do really older birds." Audrey has no answer to that.

Graeme asks Xin to come outside for a private word. Kylie goes to sit with Gail. Gail is angry. She tells Kylie she gave her that money in good faith. This makes Kylie laugh. "You were trying to blackmail me." Gail says she was trying to protect her son. "Yeah, well, that's my job now," says Kylie, "so you better just back off." Gail says Kylie's a nasty piece of work but Kylie thinks that's rich coming from a woman who tried to pay her son's fiancée to leave him. "Let's see what he thinks of that." That shuts up Gail.

Outside, where no smokers ever venture, Tina, Graeme and Xin discuss the situation. Xin says everything can get back to normal once her visa comes through. She thinks it'll take about a money or six weeks (the Border Agency website says to be prepared to wait six months just to transfer a residency stamp from my old passport to my new one, so good luck with her six-week wait!). Graeme says it's done now so they should just keep their heads down and hope for the best.

Liz asks Jim what he and Kevin were talking about. He says they were just old mates catching up. Liz points out she knows Jim and if there's something wrong he should say. Jim denies he's having any second thoughts. He says she's always been the one for him. Liz kisses him passionately.

David carries Kylie over the threshold and tells Gail she hopes she's got some earplugs because she's going to need them. "Nighty night. Sweet dreams," she calls to Gail, as she slaps David's backside to get him upstairs. Ewww.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Written By Mark Wadlow Directed By Laurence Moody

It's gonna be a bumpy ride tonight, folks!

It's morning. The pub isn't open yet but Liz is behind the bar surveying her soon-to-be kingdom. Jim approaches behind her and she tells him she thinks they should have a party to celebrate the pub being under new management. She's brimming with plans and fizzy with excitement. Jim seems thoughtful as she says she wishes it wasn't at the expense of Steve leaving with Amy but it's always been her dream to own the pub outright. Jim says he'd move heaven and earth to give it to her. (and he is about to do pretty much that!)

David brings in some weedy looking flowers that are apparently from a shrub Gail's been nurturing for years and it's only just flowered. He's bringing Kylie up some breakfast in bed and isn't worried about the brush in the back garden. David says they're staying in bed all day as their flight isn't until later in the evening. He teases Gail about grandchildren which makes her shudder but David says they have an empire to build first, not to worry. "Daaaaviddddd..." Kylie calls. "Coming my angel!" He chuckles, and heads up the stairs leaving Gail to mutter, wondering if the Angel of Death is a better comparison or Hell's Angel. Nick reckons Kylie might not be an angel but she fooled them.

Steve and Becky have Liz and Jim in the back room to go over things. Liz repeats her doubts about them taking off with the kids. Steve and Becky insist that lots of people start new lives by living abroad. Liz promises not to be the weakest link in the chain, though, and will keep up her end of things while Jim looks distinctly uncomfortable. Steve explains, the solicitor will be there by 1 and Jim assures him the money will be with him by 1:30 latest. Flights are booked for 5:30 and they have to be there by 2:30. Becky will pick up Amy from school. They discuss Tracy's reaction and manage to stop the conversation just as Tracy comes in for her shift. Jim leaves for the bank.

In the factory, Sally notices that there's a nice selection filling the biscuit jar. The workers are complaining and Maria points out they are under the gun and the order has to be ready by today. She's definitely feeling the pressure and offers them bonuses if they get the order done in time. (Can she do that?)

Outside, Anna is dismayed that Eddie took Faye to school in the cab. She wants him to make more of an effort to spend time with her. Next we turn to the garage. Jim has come to see Kevin and Kevin drops the bomb. He decided not to buy into the Rovers. Jim tries desperately to convince him but there's no chance and he's not about to lend Jim the money either. Jim begs his last chance but it's no use. Oh dear. Now what? He takes out his mobile and makes a call.

In the Bistro, Gail is mithering Nick about Kylie again. Nick remembers how it was with he and Leanne, all that "childish enthusiasm" and then it blew up in his face (and who's fault was that?) Gail worries that will happen and Kylie will take half the salon from David. Nick thinks maybe they're just trying too hard and leave things be. Gail refuses. Nick moans about losing 1000 quid and Gail says she'll find a way to pay him back. Audrey comes in and congratulates Gail for paying for the honeymoon. Nick says it was him and she doesn't believe it.

There's a dodgey looking bloke in a car. Jim gets in with him. They talk about a mutual friend, Nozzer, that has passed away. He tells his friend that he and Liz are back together. Turns out this is an ex-cellmate named Spoony. He explains he wants to buy the boozer and came to him for help getting the cash. Spoony hands over a duffle bag that probably doesn't have money in it. Jim thanks him and gets out again. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, is the order of the day. Considering Spoony is a convicted murderer, that apparently gives Jim a lot of leeway.

Becky is helping Max to put some toys in an old handbag. She impresses him the importance of not telling anyone and assures him they'll always be a family (phrase of doom there?) Steve comes in with a ball cap on, chewing gum. Steve admits he feels a bit bad for Tracy. You can imagine how that goes down with Becks. The solicitor arrives and is introduced. Becky takes Max to go off and pick up Amy. Liz hugs them meaningfully.

Meanwhile, Jim is across the road from a bank. He opens up the case and we see there's a sawed off shotgun in it!!! Eek!

Eddie and Anna discuss Faye. Anna is looking out the window waiting for her to come home and she's coming in the back door. Naturally she over hears them saying things about her, making it sound like Eddie doesn't want to keep her.

Roy tells Hayley that it's his step father's funeral that afternoon. He regrets not sending a condolence card. Hayley points out that he'd said his step-father pushed him away and caused nothing but grief. Roy still feels he should have done the proper thing out of respect. Xin comes in for a Diet Coke. Roy congratulates her on her wedding. She sits down and her new hubby arrives. He's apparently had a night with Tina in the honeymoon suite, the one Emily gave he and Xin as a wedding pressie. Xin is nervous that people suspect their marriage isn't real and takes his hand for show for a minute. They make plans to sort out the Visa forms as soon as.

Jim puts a flat cap on and heads across the road to the bank but sees a mum with a pram go in and stops.

Liz and Steve are making small talk with the solicitor, still waiting for Jim. Diets, detoxes, holidays in Spain. She then points out where Steve has to sign with all the various papers. She asks Liz if they know where Mr. McDonald is. Liz says there must have been a hold up somewhere. (You can say that again!)

At the bank, the lady with the pram comes out and Jim goes in. He is carrying his bag, glances at the CCTV (no face covering, mind you) and waits patiently in line for his turn.

Xin and Graeme are giggling over the forms. Tina comes in and is upset about having to pay bills when she doesn't even live there and says that Rita wants her out, and all! They seem to be too preoccupied with the paperwork to take much notice. Tina leaves, spinning on a heel. Not happy.

Maria chivvies the workers on just as Frank comes in and criticizes Maria because the order isn't ready. He threatens to cancel the order until Maria says he can have a discount. Carla comes in and starts to diffuse the situation, order Maria to make coffee.

Jim's turn at the bank teller window. He leans in and shows her the gun and says he wants £120,000. She has to get it from the safe and we see her press a panic button under the counter as she gets up. Game over buddy!

Gary finds Faye in the cafe. She says Eddie and Anna were rowing but she over-eggs the pudding and says it was hammer and tongs and Eddie hit Anna. Gary doesn't quite know what to believe. Roy gives Hayley a peck on the cheek and thanks her for making him see there wouldn't have been any use to go to the funeral. All his family are strangers to him (apart from her!) and had he gone, all those awful memories would have been stirred up. No, those memories belong in the past. Yep, you guessed it, a memory clad in black comes in the cafe and glares at Roy. "I knew this was a bad idea" she says. Roy looks up at her a bit sideways and utters "Mother..." Hayley's eyes bug open as mother and son look at each other, a confrontational look in Mrs. Cropper's expression.

Jim nervously looks at the clock which shows 2:15. The teller returns to ask if 5s and 10s are ok, stalling for time no doubt.

Audrey has been filled in on the bribery charge and is astonished they even considered it let alone went through with it. Gail repeats her fears that Kylie's out to con everyone. Nick thinks she should just tell David what she thinks Kylie is doing, planning on taking David for everything. She won't do that because it will drive David away. Naturally David comes downstairs and overhears Nick telling Gail to tell David. Tell David what?

Steve and Liz are still in the back with the solicitor. Becky rings and he tells her they're still waiting for Jim.

...who has his cash and is about to walk out of the bank but he bumps into a woman who spots the gun and starts screaming. A man wallops Jim across the back with a chair and the gun goes flying But Jim grabs him before he can get the gun and thumps him. He gets the gun back and waves it around, telling everyone to get to the floor as he backs to the door. He turns around and sees the cops are all arriving. They have their sirens going. Funny he didn't hear them blazing down the street before then, though.

Tune in next half hour to see how it all comes out.

Tvor

Events in Weatherfield tonight were written by Joe Turner, directed by Laurence Moody and are copyright ITV productions to whom thanks.

We open in the Building society with the staff and customers on the floor and Jim McDonald wandering around with a sawn off shooter which he uses to threaten the various extras. The phone starts ringing - so he answers it as "the gunman". He confirms that no-one has been hurt - he wants to see his wife and he wants to see her now - she is the Rovers Return. And if she turns up no-one will get hurt.

David's ears are burning because the family are talking about him. Anyway he and Kylie are off on their honeymoon - which has cost Gail and Nick a grand - but they thought they were getting rid of Kylie - but she took the money and thanked Gail for her generosity in paying for the honeymoon for which David thanks his mother - he cannot understand why if she hates Kylie she was prepared to pay for the holiday. But we know boys and girls - we know!

Along at Roy's Rolls a formidable battleaxe has arrived in the shape of Roy's mother. She is complaining about Roy's absence from her husband's funeral. Hayley introduces herself as Roy's wife - which comes as a complete shock to his mother. She pays for her tea and walks out. Roy tells Hayley to let her go.

Two policemen arrive at the Rovers and ask Liz to go with them now. Steve sends Lloyd to get Becky and abort mission as he leaves with Liz in the police car.

Carla is guaranteeing completion of his order by the next day. Carla agrees to deliver but not to reduce the price and Frank shakes his hand.

Jim is on the phone again - he wants his wife now. No food, no drink. Liz and Steve go into the comms van where they can see Jim on CCTV system (how?). Liz explains why Jim has done it. The officer wants to keep calm and will not let Liz speak to Jim. There are 14 hostages and the officer wants to keep it calm.

Gail tells Kylie that it will not last but Kylie gives her a big cuddle and says she is pleased to be part of the family. David and Kylie depart on holiday.

Becky and Amy return to the Street and are intercepted by Tracy who grabs Amy and who gives Becky a huge telling off for taking Amy without approval. And Lloyd wants to know what is going on.

Jim and Officer are talking - but he slams down the phone and insists on talking to Liz. Steve reckons that Liz can talk Jim down - and she is probably the only one. As this is being shown before the watershed we can be sure that nothing untoward is going to happen - or can we? Jim is stomping around inside the building society office waving the gun around and looking pretty dangerous to me. So it must be time for the break.

Back at the Rovers Becky explains to Lloyd what the plans were. Lloyd reminds Becky about the partnership and Becky explains that they wanted to keep the kids. Lloyd is far from happy.

Hayley suggests Roy should phone his mother to put right her upset and he sends Hayley back to work.

Jim makes it clear that there will target practice if he does not speak to Liz. Liz is on the line and wants an explanation. She tells him to put the gun down and come out. He says she makes it sound easy. He knows that there is an armed team outside - and he cannot come out - he is beyond help. The officer passes some notes to Liz - it is not too late, he has to stay positive. Jim says it is too late - there is no way back from here.

Tina enters the Kabin and apologises to Rita and says it is entirely her fault as it was her idea. Tina explains the back story - she thought she could help Xin stay and she asks Rita that she would not report them. Rita makes it clear she will not volunteer unless she is asked a direct question - but she will not lie.

Carla and Maria argue - Carla does not reckon that Maria has been running things right. Carla sends her out to tell the machinists are not getting their £100.

Steve talks to Jim and tells him that as no-one has been hurt it will be alright. Jim asks to talk to Elizabeth. Jim knows it is time to end it - and it cannot be a happy ending. Liz says that if he comes out they can talk about it. Jim reckons he will get shot if he walks outside. Liz tells him again to put the gun down and walk out. Jim ways it is time to say goodbye - and they will not be able to say he went out gently.

Jim is going to let the hostages out.

Eddie and Anna confront Faye over her lies - but they cannot get through to her. Eddie reckons they are not good enough to sort it out.

The hostages rush out and head to one side of the building. Jim remains inside and still has the gun. Liz wants to talk to him - so they call him again. The phone rings and Jim answers it. Liz says she loves him, she always has and she always will and she needs him alive and in her life. She tells him to put the gun down and come out and hold her - she only feels safe when she is in her arms. He says he is coming out.

He unloads the weapon and then puts it on the floor. He puts his hands on his head and is told to kneel down. The police cuff him and as he goes he shouts out "Liz I'm sorry".

See you all next week.
K Richard W

Lloyd comes along as Norris is putting the headline sheet about the robbery on the board outside the Kabin. Norris thinks it doesn't reflect well on their community. "The bank job?" asks Lloyd. Norris reckons that Jim McDonald with a stocking on his head is hardly The Thomas Crown Affair.

Steve and Liz are sitting in the back room of the Rovers looking somewhat shell-shocked. Becky comes in and remarks that Tracy is suspicious of Amy's whereabouts yesterday. Liz is wondering why Jim didn't just come out with it and tell her he didn't have the money. She can't see how he could think he would've got away with it in this day and age, what with CCTV, and forensics. The pig headed arrogance of it! Becky puts a comforting hand on Liz's arm and tells her Jim was desperate. Desperation does stuff to people – she's been there and looted the T-shirt! Steve goes off to answer the phone and when he comes back he tells Liz that Jim wants to see her.

Chesney and Katy are wondering how to pay their electricity bill. The money they've put aside isn't anywhere near enough, and everything else seems so expensive too. Katy suggests that she gets a little part time job but Chesney won't hear of it. If she fails her exams her dad will knee-cap him.

Becky is behind the bar in the pub, fielding sarcastic comments from Norris, when Tracy marches in, furious, because Jim has heaped shame and humiliation on his innocent granddaughter. (Excuse me? She didn't worry about Amy having a murderer for a mother when she was beating Charlie around the head!) "Poor little Ames," says Becky. Tracy points out that her name is AMY and she's been picked on at school so Deirdre has had to go and get her. "Why? Because you've lost the use of your legs?" asks Becky. This enrages Tracy further and she tells Becky she should show her more respect, she could blow their house of cards down in one puff. Becky looks round nervously, and Tracy is smug. "That's more like it." She asks where Steve is, but is told he's out the back, drying Liz's tears. "You can go through if you like, but it ain't a pretty sight." Tracy declines and walks out.

Steve comes out from the back then, and whispers thanks to Becky. Lloyd walks in and Steve invites him through to the back but he refuses, saying that's where Steve takes his mates, Lloyd is just the business partner he was trying to shaft by disappearing into the great blue yonder. Steve tries to hush him and rushes round the bar. Taking him to one side he explains he was going to pay him back with the money from the sale of the pub. "What with money Jim didn't get, from the bank he failed to rob?" asks Lloyd. "Correct," says Steve. Lloyd asks if he knew about it. "Course I didn't," says Steve, and goes on to say he was going to tie up all the loose ends, he wouldn't have left him in the lurch. "I'm supposed to be your mate, not some outstanding piece of paperwork," grumbles Lloyd. Steve says he's sorry he couldn't tell him. "Trust me, you mean," says Lloyd, adding that he's against kidnapping kids. "Call me old fashioned!" he snaps, and walks out. Meanwhile, Mary and Norris have been watching all this with great interest from their position at the bar.

Owen is not pleased to find Katy sitting on the bench in the street, reading the job ads when she should be at school. She tells him they've got bills to pay. "Welcome to the real world," he says, but won't hear of her giving up school. He says he could be prosecuted. She tells him she's 16 and has only got two months more, the authorities are not interested in skiving 16 year olds. He tells her to go and get her uniform on and he'll drive her up there. "Dad, I've got bigger things to worry about than my GCSEs." He says she shouldn't have, she's a kid. "Newsflash – I'm a householder!" she says and walks away.

Kevin sees Sally in the Street and tells her he paid extra for the winter pack on the car. She says she's not interested, and fantasizes about him moving away. He says she should check out the parking sensors. She stares at him. "Never mind that you betrayed everything I held dear, forget Molly, forget the love child, I've got parking sensors! My cup runneth over!" She turns and walks into her house.

Maria is eating in the Rovers when Tracy and Frank sit nearby. Tracy starts making cruel and sarcastic remarks to Maria, asking her where she cut her razor-sharp business teeth. "Was it when Audrey made you head of the biscuit money at the salon?" Maria puts down her fork. "I think it was when you were serving time for murder!" she snaps, and then warns Tracy to get out of her face. "Maria, she's just playing with you," says Frank. "it's harmless fun." "Oh, right, where have I heard that one before?" says Maria, "oh, sorry, am I misreading the signals – again?" Carla comes in then and tells Maria to go back to work. As she passes, Maria tells them they're both warped. At the door, Carla hisses to her that Frank is a client, a paying customer, then she goes back to the bar and asks them both what they're having.

Liz goes to see Jim. He comes out and sits across the table to her, telling her she should have let him pull the trigger, and he's sorry, so sorry. She tells him he's an idiot and asks why he didn't just tell her he didn't have the money. She realises that his auntie didn't leave him anything. He says he thought he could get the money together, it was like the old days, the good ones. She says she could've coped with the truth, but he says that he couldn't. He just wanted her and Steve to have their dreams, but he hit a dead end, so he marched into the bank with a sawn off shotgun. He says he's not expecting her to take a vow of chastity while he's away, but he'd like to think that on the day he walks out of the big house...... She touches his hands across the table. "Where else would I be?" she murmurs.

Chesney comes home to find Katy's been crying after her spat with her dad. Ches tells her Owen's right, she's bright, she should be at school. Katy says they've got bills, she needs to go out and earn. She loves having independence, their own home. Chesney says she's university material, but she gets cross then. "I can't believe you're siding with him!" She goes off to the bedroom.

In the back room of the Rovers, Liz says she's now upset for herself. Steve says she should be, and he can't believe she's going to tie a yellow ribbon. "He was going to shoot himself," Liz says, pointing out that she stopped him, she gave him something to live for. Liz wonders what is so special about the Rovers that makes her so obsessed with it. Becky tells her it's because she's good at it. Liz and Jim were made for each other, she and Steve were getting away, all the pieces fitted together. She touches Liz's shoulder. "This is your home for as long as you want."

It's past going home time, and Maria is working at the factory. She tells Carla she'll lock up, but she wants to get the hang of the accounts. Carla wonders about Liam's bath and story time, but Maria says what Liam needs is a mum with a successful career, she needs this job to work. Carla says if she just gives the clients a bit of courtesy and respect they'll all be laughing. Maria says Carla didn't hear what Tracy said. Carla says that right now her boyfriend is the only thing between them and receivership.

Mary's at the bar buying crisps. She's very patronizing, and asks Liz how she's bearing up. Becky fields off the interrogation by turning the conversation round to Norris.

Kevin sees Sally in the pub and starts talking to her about the car. He's dismayed when he learns that she's sold it. "Give me a break, Sal," he says. "Give me half, Kev, a hundred grand for boring old wifey who always had your dinner on the table, and ironed all those shirts that Molly tore off your back when you were rolling around in hotel beds." He gets up and walks away.

It's dark and Maria is locking up the factory. Frank comes up behind her. "Burning the midnight oil?" he asks cheerily. She turns, shocked. "What are you doing here?" she gasps. He says he's standing on the street, he's allowed, he's paid his council tax. "Can I walk you home?" he asks. "Get stuffed!" she snaps. He says her manners are something else, he was about to apologise if Tracy went a bit to far earlier. "Outside office hours I've got nothing to say to you," spits Maria, and marches off.

The Rovers has closed for the night, and Becky, Liz and Steve sit having a drink. Liz remarks that that's the worst bit over with, now that she's faced the punters for the first time. That is, until Jim is up in court, and then he's sentenced, and then she'll be trekking goodness knows where to make small talk with him for an hour a fortnight. "Can't wait!" she mutters, sarcastically. She gets a bit tearful and tells Steve and Becky to go up, she'll sort out the bar, it's therapeutic. As they stand up to go, she hugs Steve and says she loves him, then she hugs Becky and says she's sorry that she and Jim messed up all their plans. Becky reminds her that none of it was her fault, and she and Steve go up. Once alone, Liz cries. Then, after standing for a while deep in thought and memories, she turns and puts on her jacket. With a suitcase in hand, she steps outside the front door, locking it behind her, and gets into a waiting taxi. "Airport please," she says, and the taxi drives off down the dark street.

Anne Logan

Chris wants to know what's bugging Maria. He thinks Carla works her too hard. As they get to the factory, Carla arrives and Chris has a go at her.

Becky's found two letters, one addressed to Steve and one to Jim. Steve opens his and discovers his mother has gone.

Katie was going to make Chesney breakfast but she's overslept and says she feels funny. Ches isn't very sympathetic and heads off to work. "You can't just walk out!" says Katie.

Hayley's handing out the work assignments for the day. Sean asks if they've finished with Frank Foster's orders completely now and Hayley says they have. They look at the work and realise it's only about two days' work.

In the office, Carla is admiring a fabric and thinks the new line will put Underworld back on the map. Maria confesses she had a run in with Frank last night. She says he didn't say much. "It was more his manner. It's hard to put into words. I just find it scary, that's all."

Kevin sees Sally heading for the factory and cuts her off at the pass. He tells her the car was a gift and she's made him look a right idiot. "Good. Then I'm quids in all round," she says, walking away.

Izzy meets a very grumpy Katie at the bus stop. Owen's told Izzy that Katie's been missing school. Katie's upset about her argument with Chesney though she's not sure what the argument was about. She misses having fun with him and says he's got dead serious. Izzy points out he probably feels under pressure to provide for her. She advises Katie to try to make Chesney feel special.

As Izzy heads for the factory and Carla walks in the other direction, Frank is on the Barlows' doorstep with Tracy's tongue down his throat. Ick! He stops to ask Carla if she's got time for a chat. There's something he's been meaning to discuss with her. She looks worried but he assures her it's all good. They agree to meet in the bistro for lunch.

Deirdre comes out. Amy has a letter as well, she tells Becky. Deirdre supposes it's for the best in the short term. Becky says Steve's on his way to the prison to see Jim.

Kevin's shouting down the phone at some supplier when Tommy arrives at the garage. He asks Tyrone if he's up for a pint at lunchtime.

Jim's reading his letter. He's pleased to hear Steve will attend the trial. Whatever Liz has written is a secret but Jim says it's enough to keep him going. Steve blames himself as much as he blames Jim. "We drove her away weeks ago. You just finished the job."

It's lunchtime and Maria sees Frank and Carla going into the bistro.

Was Tommy still living with his mum's parents? Whoever he's living with, they're at each other's throats and he tells Tyrone he can't stay there or he'll go mental. He knows Ty has a spare room. He pleads to be allowed to stay. Tyrone reluctantly agrees. "It's what our Jack would have wanted." He says Jack was like a dad to him, which makes Tommy almost family. At the bar, Tommy sweet-talks Tina.

Carla's telling Frank all about the latest line - control and support vests and underpants for blokes! He's very impressed when he sees the price. "I am in awe." He doubles his order for them.

Tommy and Tyrone are at the dartboard and Tommy asks about the house rules. Tyrone says there aren't any and Tommy says that's just asking for trouble. Ty says he trusts Tommy.

The factory workers are all very glum and tell Maria they're concerned for their jobs because there are no orders. She tries to gee them up but they're not convinced there are more orders ahead. They think they'd be dead in the water if not for Frank. "We need Carla to land us another sugar daddy," says Izzy.

Steve arrives back to find Tracy's told the bar staff about Liz. He says she's staying with Andy in Spain. Tina can't understand why Liz didn't just front it out. Betty says it's shame. Steve's solicitor arrives to talk to him.

Frank suggests they order a bottle of wine and Carla has trouble refusing. He tells her it's too early to go back to work. They've done A dead but not THE deal. He says he wants to be part of the business.

Maria's outside the bistro glaring at the door when Chris finds her. He can't understand why she's upset. "She shouldn't be pinning the factory's future on that man," she tells him. She rants that she's the one getting it in the neck from the workers and she's sick of Carla keeping her in the dark. Chris tries to calm her down but she tells him that discussing her work is off limits now.

Steve's seeing the solicitor out - she's brought her bill along, apparently. Tracy asks about her visit. She thinks Steve tried to get rid of the woman as soon as he saw Tracy. She demands to know what's going on. "In the back," says Steve.

Tommy and Tyrone are still playing darts. Tommy is an ace. Tyrone realises the time. He says he can't bunk off for the afternoon. Tommy says Kev's not the boss of him. Ty's phone goes. Kevin appears to be shouting at him. Tyrone tells him to calm down and that he's his partner, not his boss. He announces he's taking the afternoon off. After he disconnects the call, Tina warns him not to let Tommy lead him astray.

Steve tells Tracy he was thinking of selling the pub to Jim. Tracy is annoyed she didn't know Steve was planning to leave, especially because of Amy. She can see from Steve's expression that he's trying to cover up something and puts two and two together. She realises he was thinking of taking Amy with him. He denies it and say's they'd already looked into buying No 13. He says they wanted to rationalise their finances, build up Streetcars. . . Tracy doesn't look entirely convinced.

Hayley tells Maria one order is finished. She says Carla usually likes to do a final quality check but Maria just signs off on it anyway. She's getting quite ratty and the machinists take it as a sign that the business is in trouble.

Katie's at home alone, setting the table for a romantic dinner. She gets a pregnancy-testing stick out of her bag and puts it in the middle of the table. Ewww! I presume she's done the test so that's not the most hygienic thing to do!

Maria apologises for being sharp and admits she's as clueless as they are about what's going on. A very cheerful Carla arrives with Frank. She's got good news and bad news. Frank is no longer a client (bad news) but he's agreed to buy into the factory (good news). "People, we are back in business!" They all start to celebrate, apart from Maria.

The End
Margaret Carr

And we're off with episode two . . .

It's champagne all round at the factory. Maria sits apart looking so glum that even Kirk notices.

Kevin's ringing a client to delay collection of a car. Chesney comes past and says Kev looks as if he's having a bad day too. He's worked all day for just twenty quid. Kevin admits he's had a bad day and Ches points out that at least Kevin's won a lot of money. Kevin says money's not everything and points out that Ches still has his sense of humour. "I'd rather have the money," Chesney says.

The darts game continues. It's Claudia's birthday and she's chosen to have a drink with Marc in the Rovers. Lloyd comments on Tommy's darts ability. Tracy comments on how good looking he is. Tyrone explains to Lloyd that Tommy is Jack's grandson.

They've finished the champagne. Frank gives them cash to go to the Rovers for another drink or two. In the office, Maria tells off Carla for keeping her in the dark. Carla wants to know what Maria would have done if she'd known Frank was going to surprise her with an offer. "I'd have said ‘don't do it,' but what I think doesn't matter. You're the boss." Carla points out that so is Frank now.

Chesney arrives home and Katie hides the test stick under the table. Ches says he's just been to the shop to get some food but his money was gone. He must have dropped it getting off the bus. Katie says she's got a curry for their tea and has something to tell him. Chesney asks where she got the money and is annoyed to discover she's taken it from the kitty that was supposed to last them all next week. He says he's just lost their money and she's blown the last few quid they had on a curry. Katie wishes she hadn't bothered. "So do I!" snaps Chesney. He dashes out to look for the dropped money.

Carla, Frank and Maria are in the office discussing the new lines. He wonders whether the workers are up to it. Carla's thought of that and plans to split off the best workers for a specialist team. He suggests he oversees the new line, assisted by Maria. "No," says Maria. She refuses to do it, gets her coat and leaves.

Lloyd's playing darts as well, watched by Jason. Chris comes in and challenges Lloyd to a game. Kevin comes in and demands to know whether this is what Tyrone's been doing. He points out he's been slogging his guts out all afternoon. Chesney comes in and tries to order a lager. Betty gives him short shrift. Kirk sees Chesney and offers to listen to his problems. Maria flounces to the bar and snaps at Chris when he expresses concern. He takes the hint and goes back to the darts.

Frank and Carla discuss things. Frank's concerned that Maria won't come round. He says he's apologises and hoped they'd have moved on. He would hate to see anything or anyone get in the way of the great team he thinks he and Carla can be.

Lloyd seems to be winning the darts match. Audrey tells Marc to cheer up and asks about Marcia. He says she's gone.

Chesney tells Kirk he and Katie seem to argue all the time. Kirk thinks that's nothing. He used to argue with Fiz and with Julie. Chesney points out Kirk split up with them. "Oh, yeah." Ches wonders if he's maybe too young to be living with anyone. He tells Kirk they're trying for a baby. Kirk says until Maria came back with baby Liam he never realised what hard work babies were. "Don't get me wrong. Apart from the crying and the not sleeping and the smell, he's a right laugh – or he will be when he can talk a bit."

Lloyd tells the other blokes he and Cheryl plan to buy No 13. Tracy overhears and says she thought Steve was interested but that's news to Lloyd.

Hayley and Julie are both a bit tiddly and wonder what they would have done if Underworld folded. Sally tells them that prostitution's loss is Frank Foster's gain and proposes a toast to them. This drives Maria out of the pub.

Tracy phones her mother (you'd think she could just bang on the wall!). She doesn't care if Deirdre's in the middle of cooking. She asks her to stop stuffing a marrow and go upstairs and look in the top drawer of the bedside table.

In the back, Becky finds Steve drinking. She decides to join him. He says that with his mother gone and his dad in prison for who knows how long, he just keeps wondering what's next. Tracy is. She marches in and demands an explanation – Amy's passport is missing. And she knows Steve didn't even put an offer in on the house. "You shut your face or I swear to God I'm going to rip your throat out!" she says to Becky before launching into a full-on rant about being in prison and not being able to see Amy. She says Steve will know what that's like because she's cutting him off from all contact with Amy. And if he makes a fuss she's going to rat on Steve and Becky.

Maria stands and stares at the factory as Frank leaves.

Marc, Claudia and Audrey leave the pub. Claudia goes back to get her mobile phone. Marc and Audrey chat about the mess left by smokers. Marc used to smoke. She tells him it takes a lot of willpower to give up something you enjoy. She says he can't pretend his cross-dressing isn't part of him. Claudia's very liberal. She calls Marc a coward just as Claudia reappears. She and Marc go off.

Maria arrives in the factory to talk to Carla. She asks what Carla thinks she's doing.

Chesney arrives back. He and Katie apologise to each other. He realises that all that matters is the two of them are together. "Three, actually," says Katie. "It's not just a take-away curry I've got in the oven." Chesney is thrilled.

There's a lot of money riding on the latest darts match. Chris wins and Lloyds hands over the cash, commenting that he'll have to go because Cheryl's waiting for him. Chris looks around for Maria only to discover she's left without him.

The machinists are still drinking. Hayley has to go. Kirk counts up what's left in the kitty – one pound twenty. Sally says she's had a windfall and goes to the bar, only for Kevin to accuse her of saying that just to wind him up. As they snarl at each other a man comes in and serves Kevin with notice that Sally's taken out an injunction and the lottery money is now frozen. He's ordered to attend a court hearing next week. "You did this?" he demands. "No," says Sally. "You did it to yourself."

Carla's trying to sound understanding. Maria's very short with her. "He did attack me, in case you've forgotten." Carla says that's not how Frank tells it. Carla tells her to drop the little girl act. She says Maria lied to Chris and went round to Frank's house dressed up to the nines and knowing he fancied her because they needed his money. Carla says Maria could have said No. Maria says she did but Carla wouldn't listen. "Are you saying I was asking for it?" "Let's be honest," says Carla. "You really love playing the victim." Thwackkkk!!! Maria belts her across the face, grabs her bag and stalks out, shouting that Carla can go to hell.

Chesney and Katie discuss the baby, though Katie says it's more like a slug at the moment.

Carla chases Maria and tells her: "Don't make me choose." Maria says she'll make things easier for her. "I quit!" She hopes Carla knows what she's letting herself in for.

The End
Margaret Carr

Written By Damon Rochefort Directed By John Anderson

We get a look at little Liam as Kirk and Maria chat over a morning brew. By'eck the lad's growing! Kirk doesn't understand why Maria left the factory and misses working with her. She's circumspect and doesn't say anything. A shirtless and betoweled Chris comes out of the bathroom for his morning cuppa, as well. Kirk takes Liam to get ready to go to nursery and Chris asks her again about the factory, confused because she had loved her job. He tries to snuggle and she pushes him off.

Meanwhile, Carla has told Frank that Maria has resigned. He knows it's because of him. Outside, the girls are all abuzz, too, and none of them know why Maria quit so speculation is rife. Carla comes out and tells them officially that Maria has resigned for creative differences. Sally tries to get herself first in line for the job but they are all told there won't be a PA hired now that Frank is around. Frank interjects and says he won't be the new tea boy! Carla tells the workers that they are more valuable as machinists and she and Frank both butter up the girls. Eileen volunteers to get the cakes and Sally reminds Carla she's got a hearing that afternoon to attend.

Kevin is on the phone trying to find someone to mind baby Jack while he's at the hearing. I thought he had a proper child minder or creche yet he's saying that Sunita was going to mind him but can't now. Rosie has come along and, probably thinking that sucking up is a quick way to the riches, volunteers. Kevin, completely forgetting that he was annoyed at her for forgetting Jack a few weeks ago, gladly accepts the offer.

Maria comes out of the cafe and sees Chris by the builder's yard. She'd been asking if Roy needs any help. Chris wants to meet her for lunch but she's a bit offhand and says she's got a lot to do. Cheryl walks by and Chris asks her if she's been shooting her mouth off to Maria about him, his insecurities starting to flare up. She just scorns him and tells him to "do one".

In the Windass house, Eddie has come down for breakfast which, it looks like, he'll have to make himself. Faye and Anna are already at the table having theirs. Faye asks if she can have a bath and Anna gives her some nice bright pink new towels. Eddie accuses Anna of giving him the cold shoulder and is trying to make up to her. Anna criticizes Eddie for picking on Faye for every little things and she hollers at him for all the little annoyances that she never used to be bothered about. They have a fresh start and he's acting like it's a load of bother.

Katy is suffering morning sickness already. Chesney doesn't want to go to the stall and wants to take care of her. She says he needs to make money but he thinks she should go to the medical center to make sure everything's ok. She's reluctant in case word gets back to her father. It's all confidential, Chesney assures her but she's not too sure and runs off to be sick again.

Tommy is helping Tyrone in the garage today and flashes a cheeky grin to Julie and Eileen as they come out. Julie, as predicted, has a little swoon. Maria comes by and they ask if it's true she's resigned and why. She doesn't answer them. Carla comes out and they have a few sniping words. Carla persuades her to go for a coffee to talk.

Fiz is cuddling a somewhat fussy baby and gets excited because Hope gave her a little smile. John has slept late and is still a bit groggy. He blames the pills and she thinks he should go see the Doctor.

Rosie has told Sally that she's babysitting. Sally isn't overly happy but Rosie points out that none of it is Jack's fault. Kevin comes across from the pub and he's wearing a new suit that he says came from a discount shop. Sure. Kevin asks her if she wants a ride but Eddie's come around the corner in the cab for her.

In the cafe, Carla and Maria are chatting but Maria thinks it's a waste of time. Carla reiterates that having Frank buy into the factory is good for the jobs. Hayley and Sean are trying to earwig from a couple of tables over but it doesn't seem like they're getting much information. Carla reveals that now she's got to know Frank a bit better, she's not so sure Maria didn't overreact. Her reaction is seen on her face but we don't hear what it was because just then, Roy's mother, Sylvia, comes in and Hayley bounces up and rushes over to greet her.

Sylvia moans about the shabby service of the bus driver. She's there to see Roy but it's the busiest time of the day so Hayley directs her to a table. We're back to Carla and Maria and Maria is incensed at Carla's opinion. She warns her about Frank but Carla can handle him. Maria throws Tony's name in her face and storms out just as Tommy and Tyrone cross over. Tommy, of course, tries to charm her with cheese and is told to get lost, much to Tyrone's amusement.

Maria encounters Frank and tells him to keep away from her. Carla comes up behind her and takes Frank away by the arm. Maria unlocks her door and Chris, coming up behind her, scares the wits out of her and he, too, is told to get lost.

In the cafe, Hayley introduces Sylvia to Sean who is tickled to hear Roy actually has a mum and calls her the final piece of the puzzle. Hayley offers to drive Sylvia home if she's still there later. She and Sean head for the door to get back to work. Sylvia is fed up waiting and gets herself behind the counter to help, much to Roy's discomfort. She's going to interfere with his system! (Has Anna quit?) She takes Tommy and Tyrone's order, agrees that Tyrone he doesn't look the "salad type" when he orders a meat and potato pie and orders them to Sit! (I think I'm going to like her!)

The Webster hearing is about to be under way. This is a hearing on Sally's injunction freezing Kevin's lottery winnings. Kevin tells her he doesn't want a divorce and she reminisces about the first time they met when he splashed a puddle over her. She seems to have some regrets but tells him he's ruined the best thing that ever happened to her.

Anna and Faye are building a tower out of blocks. Faye is still clearly unsure of her status, she's asking to use the toilet now, like a guest. Anna seems to be getting a bit frustrated and worried that Faye isn't settling. Eddie has arrived and when Faye goes upstairs, he tells her his brother Len, who's working in Germany, has said there's a good job over there for Eddie. Anna can't understand why he would go over to foreign parts to work but he says he wants them all to go. She wanted a fresh start and this would be a good way of doing that. She wanted solutions, he's found one. New job, new house, new start.

Hayley has come back from work to get the car keys. She's going to do some errands for Carla and she finds Sylvia still there, cleaning the tabletops and Roy on the phone. Sylvia accuses her of checking up on her but that's not the case. Sylvia grumps that Roy seems to be avoiding her and is probably on the phone to the speaking clock, not the egg supplier he said it was. Hayley sorts it out in short measure, hanging up the phone, ordering Roy to speak to his mother, and putting the kettle on.

It's a lovely scene, with Roy and his mother sitting at a table. She pulls out a box from her bag that she says she'd found while clearing out the attic. It turns out to be the very first train set that she and Roy's dad had bought him when he was a child. Roy is astonished to see it and even thanks her as he looks through the box's contents. Sylvia says she's sold the house and living in a very nice senior's home. Roy gets up to serve a customer and Hayley re-offers her a lift home. Since she's missed the bus, she agrees. Hayley goes for her keys and we see a very quick gesture that Sylvia makes, reaching a hand out to touch the train set box as the scene changes. Kind of makes her look just a little vulnerable. Maybe a side she rarely shows, I think.

Chris has come to see Maria. He's looking very worried. Seems he is expecting her to break up with him. She's been upset for weeks and uncomfortable around him and he thinks it's because of his past reputation. He admits it's true, he's hit Cheryl in the past and regrets it. His jealousy got the better of him but he wanted to make a clean start without it following him around forever. He really does blame himself but she tries to assure him her problems have nothing to do with him. It's to do with the factory and why she left.

Chesney is at Fiz's and he's enjoying a visit with the baby. She asks what's new and he doesn't say anything about Katy and his baby. John takes a call from the surgery who have had a cancellation and can fit him in. Ches asks Fiz how things are and she says John wants to come off his pills. Fiz's phone rings but she doesn't take the call. It was Joy's solicitor and she's too scared to take the calls. Ches thinks he could come round looking for her if she doesn't.

Izzy sees Katy who's taking a break from her revising. She tries to get Katy to come in for a cuppa but Katy has an appointment at the surgery. She says she's just feeling a bit under the weather and wants to be ok for her exams. Izzy offers to come with her but is turned down. She worries over Katy who assures her she's fine.

Maria has told Chris what happened. She didn't say anything because she was embarrassed over how it would look. Chris is struggling to take it all in, kisses her and then gets up and leaves quickly. You know where he's going....

But first we are at the injunction hearing. The solicitors are arguing their cases. Sally's points out that they were still married and Kevin's points out that she was the one that wanted the divorce. Sally's temper flares and she starts hurling insults at Kevin about his affair. Kevin's solicitor hurls it back in her face, reminding her of her own affair with Ian Davenport and finally, Sally admits it did happen and is furious that Kevin had told about it. Kevin looks shamefaced.

Chris has arrived at the factory to see Frank. He bursts into the office and goes up against Frank, face to face, for a little chat. Somehow I don't think that's what he has in mind, do you?

Tvor

Good evening. Events in Weatherfield move rapidly and I hope you have caught up with the multiple posts from Margaret. This episode was written by Debbie Oates and directed by John Anderson with the copyright in everything other than my comments being the property of ITV Productions.

Carla tells Chris to get out or she is calling the police because he is trespassing. Frank tells him it was a misunderstanding. He has apologises and they have all moved on. Chris is not keen on believing him. Carla sends the staff home and payment until 5. Sean will also have his machine fixed. Maria arrives and does not want anything to happen. He hits Frank and Maria pulls him off saying that if he loves her that he should not do this.

Elsewhere Sally is on her hind legs sounding off. The chairman has considered the facts and decides that Kevin is unlikely to abscond with his winnings and therefore he is going to lift the injunction. Sally sounds off yet again about men sticking together. Sally is told to learn some court etiquette or she will not stand much chance when she is in the divorce court. Kev says he did not know they were go to bring up all the bad behaviour. Kev says he feels awful and Sal tells him to go shopping to take his mind off it.

The doctor tells Katie that her secret is safe with him. John wants to come off the drugs - but the doctor does not want to rush things. The medication is important.

Chris is shouting at Maria in the Street. Indeed the voices are so loud that I can only think that an Enders writer wrote this bit. Calm down dears it is only a soap. Maria tries to explain to Chris that beating Frank up means they are over - she wishes she had never said anything. She makes it clear that she is the important one.

Chesney is cuddling Faith and Fiz asks that if anything happens would he and Katie take on the baby. Chesney tells Fiz to phone the solicitor to found out what he wants. John returns and tells them he is can come off the drugs - so John is lying again.

Eddie and Gary are sharing a can and Eddie is talking about going to Germany. Faye wants to sort out Eddie's hair (I wish someone would) but he refuses to let anyone near it.

Hayley takes Sylvia home but she insists on getting out short of the destination. Hayley is not taken in and having turned round, parks and follows Sylvia on foot. She watches through fencing as Sylvia goes into a care home which looks run down and Hayley takes a picture of the front of the home.

Chris has calmed down and returns to the flat. She did not tell him because she was afraid of his actions and she is also worried that it was her fault - but she knows that is not the case. So he asks if he can report it to the police. She is reluctant - she got dolled up, went over to flirt with him and Chris tells her he got it wrong with Cheryl and he wants not to be that man. He tells her she has nothing to be ashamed of.

Carla and Frank come into the Rovers and it is clear that Carla is no longer a alky as she is drinking wine and Frank is drinking beer.

Kev is discussing his success with Bill who did not know what has been going on. Kev is not happy about the way the solicitor brought up past events - and Kev has apologises. Bill says he must tell Sal again how he really feels.

Elsewhere Sal and Gail are also discussing events. Gail suggests they head home for a shared bottle of white.

Hayley shows the picture to Roy - the home is shabby - very shabby, if she had money she would not be staying there. Roy is hardly interested - but his mother has to tell the truth first.

Maria and Chris continue to discuss the events - but he at least has calmed down.

Faye has plaited Eddie's hair. Eddie starts talking in German - but he only knows the odd word. Anna refuses to move to Germany and Gary makes it clear that they should not move. Eddie feels outnumbered and heads to the pub.

Katie and Ches discuss their baby - but a secret for now. John finds a credit card bill which is over £500. Fiz says she is sorting the bill. She had not wanted to worry him. And John has just bought a car - and they have had no money. Fiz has put the money away - she did not pay the credit card bill.

Gail and Sal are doing a scratchcard - but they do not win. Sal says she deserves to be lucky - because he does not deserve to be lucky. There is a banging at the door and Gail lets Sally in. Kev gets out his wallet and hands Sally a cheque for all of his winnings. Kev hands over the cheque and tells Sally he loves her and he always will. Gail points out that writing a cheque like that is not lightly done.

Carla comes round to Maria's flat and tells her to be honest. Carla reminds Maria that she said she could handle it. It is time Maria accepted the apology. This makes up Maria's mind and as Carla leaves, Chris returns and Maria phones 999 as she wants to report an attempted rape.

See you all soon.
K Richard W

The police have called to take a statement from Maria, so she kisses Liam goodbye and Chris takes him off to nursery.

Tyrone tells Tommy there's no work for him at the moment and suggests he tries to find something more permanent. "You'll feel better about yourself once you're contributing."

Sally arrives at the factory, and as she passes the garage she remarks that Kevin looks tired. Just then Sean comes up and starts berating Kevin, saying he owes Sally and he owes her big time. Sally tries to hush him up, but he won't be quiet. Just then Rosie comes along and hugs her dad. "You are the best dad, two hundred thousand pounds! How generous is that?" she squeals. The other workers look shocked and Sally looks embarrassed.

Carla and Frank are in the office when Hayley comes in and asks for the afternoon off, she has some errands to run. Carla tells her that's fine.

Frank thanks Carla for covering for him with Chris, and she tells him it's all part of the job. "It isn't, that's what makes you so special," says Frank. Carla tells him if he really wants to show his gratitude, he can sign the partnership agreement. He says it's with his solicitor as they speak.

John catches up with Peter as he strides down the Street. (When did he lose the crutches? I must have missed something!) He asks if he can have his job back. Peter's doubtful that John will cope, but eventually agrees to let him come back part time, starting tomorrow. John is delighted.

Eddie comes downstairs to find Faye and Anna writing a shopping list for a picnic tomorrow. Anna reminds Faye that the social worker is coming today to arrange the once a year visit to her mother. Faye doesn't want to talk about her, Anna is her mum now, her birth mother is nobody.

Back at Maria's, the police officers want to know why she's left it so long to report it. Maria says that it's only since telling Chris about it that she felt strong enough to do it. They point out that she told Carla straight away, and ask what her reaction was. Maria tells them that Carla was supportive and wanted to call the police straight away. "What stopped her?" asks the police officer. "Me," says Maria, adding that she was confused about the factory and the order, and she thought that it would go away, that HE would go away, but he hasn't.

Eileen, Julie and Izzy go into the cafe. Eileen is moaning about Sally and her windfall. She always fancied herself as Lady Muck, now she's flush they'll never hear the end of it. Julie thinks maybe she's entitled to the money after all she's been through. At a table nearby, Tommy Duckworth listens to all this with interest.

Hayley makes a surprise visit to Sylvia in her shabby care home. Sylvia demands to know how she found her and Hayley confesses that she followed her the other day, but that Roy knows nothing about it. Somewhat embarrassed, Sylvia points out that her surroundings are not quite the picture she painted, but the place does have its charms. Hayley thinks she could find Sylvia somewhere nicer, but Sylvia tells her to mind her own business. "At least let me talk to the manager," Hayley persists. "I said NO!" Sylvia is adamant, and then tells her they're about to serve lunch. She gets up to leave the room. As she passes, Hayley tells her she just wants to help. "Well, if you really want to help, just forget you found me," says Sylvia.

Frank and Carla are in the office at the factory when Sean shows two police officers in. They've come to arrest Frank, and start reading him his rights. "This isn't happening!" he says, but they assure him it is.

After the break, we see Frank being put into a police car while Maria stands a little way off, watching. One of the police officers asks to talk to Carla, and as they go back inside she warns Sean not to say a word about it to anyone. He promises, but then runs over to Maria and drags her off to the pub.

Back at the home, Hayley is talking to the care assistant. She reveals Sylvia's predicament. "Dead hubby, dead skint," she says.

Sean puts a drink down in front of Maria and asks what's going on. "It doesn't concern you," says Maria. Sean says it does, he's just seen the new factory boss dragged off by the police. He knows she and Carla are hiding something, and there's no way Maria just resigned. He says he's worried about her. "Worried about your job more like," says Maria, but then tells him that a few weeks ago Frank tried to rape her.

Back at the factory, the police woman is talking to Carla. She says that in her statement Maria has said that Carla asked her to dress provocatively. Carla agrees that she asked Maria to seal the deal. The police officer asks Carla how she gets on with Mr Foster. Carla says he's always been very professional. The police woman thinks that as Frank is buying into the factory it is obviously in Carla's best interest if he's exonerated. Carla hotly denies this, saying that nothing means more to her than the welfare of her staff, but things are rarely black and white.

Sally comes into the cafe and the factory girls immediately stop talking. "Am I interrupting anything?" asks Sally. They assure her she isn't, but aren't very convincing. Tommy Duckworth leans over from his table. He says that while some people find the rich and beautiful intimidating, he doesn't. He tells her she could make an investment in body and soul – his body to be precise! Jaws drop as they all turn to look at him. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" asks Sally. He tells her he can't promise her love, but for everything else there's him! Grinning, he gets up and walks out. "There's not much you can say about that," mutters Eileen. "Except....Yes!" breathes Julie.

Maria and Sean step out of the Rovers. She asks him to keep it quiet and he assures her he will. He says he's sorry for what happened. "Not as sorry as Frank's going to be when the police are done with him," says Maria.

Faye is upstairs when Hilary, the social worker, arrives at Anna and Eddie's house. She tells them that Faye's mother was found dead two days ago, a suspected heroin overdose.

John tells Fiz that he saw Peter and he's offered him his job back, on a part time basis. Fiz looks shocked, and he says they need the money. "Your health is more important," she says, adding she'd prefer it if he waited another week. He argues that he feels completely ready, bills need paying now, she'll have to trust him on this. She leaves the kitchen and John throws his packet of tablets into the bin.

Eddie asks Hilary who is supposed to break the bad news to Faye. She tells them it would be better coming from the two of them. Anna says that she'll tell Faye tomorrow, after the picnic. "Why not now?" asks Eddie. Anna says she wants Faye to have the day. "But I'd like you here as well," she says to Hilary. "Of course," says Hilary and asks her to let her know what time she'd like her to drop by.

Maria gets a phone call. "Oh hi, Detective," she says and listens to the caller. "Is everything all right?"

Hayley arrives back at the cafe with Roy's mother in tow. Roy is speechless when they walk in, especially when Sylvia tells him she's just come to step into the breach as Hayley has explained their staffing problem. "I'll see myself up," she says, going through the back door, "and the rest of my bags need fetching out of the car." As she disappears Roy turns to Hayley. "Errrr....I can explain..." stammers Hayley.

Sally and Rosie are sitting down to eat. Sally tells her how everybody's talking about her behind her back. Rosie's sure it's her imagination, but Sally tells her how Tommy Duckworth invited her to become his 'Sugar Mummy'. Sally thinks she's now seen as an opportunist. "Mum, you are no gold-digger," says Rosie. Sally says they both know that but there's such a thing as public perception. Rosie says Sally is a good person, and good things happen to good people. Sally hugs her. "What would I do without you," she says. "Take me to Harvey Nicks..." says Rosie.

Hayley and Roy are discussing the situation. He's not happy that she went behind his back, she says she didn't act out of malice, but she didn't know what to do, Roger left Sylvia destitute. Roy thought she'd inherited a small fortune, but Hayley assures him that according to the carer he died up to his neck in debt, and she had to sell everything. "Why didn't she tell me?" asks Roy. Hayley points out that Sylvia is a very proud woman. Roy is totally baffled by the offer of employment. Hayley said she had to make something up so Sylvia could save face. "She is a very cantankerous woman, totally unsuitable," huffs Roy. Hayley insists it's only temporary, until she finds Sylvia a new retirement home. "Please, love, let me do this for her." Roy stops mopping the floor. "For you then Hayley, only for you."

Chris comes home to find Maria sitting on the sofa. She tells him the police won't be pressing charges, it's her word against Frank's. Chris is furious and wants to know Frank's address, he needs to pay. Maria tells him it's not the answer, he'd go to prison. "It'd be worth it," fumes Chris. "How?" asks Maria, adding that hate won't see her through this, won't help her raise her son. "This can't be how it ends," says Chris. "It has to be," says Maria, "for the sake of my sanity it has to be." She leans against him and he puts his arms around her.

Anne Logan.

John's already downstairs when Fiz gets up. He's looking forward to getting back to work, though Fiz isn't as confident.

Sean arrives at Maria's with a bunch of flowers. She says she can't eat or sleep and he thinks she should go for counseling. She says the police believed Frank, not her, and Carla didn't back her up.

In the street, Sally meets Rosie who is desperate for some hair extensions like Katie Price's. While they chat, Kevin answers the phone at the garage. Sally thinks Rosie's just desperate to get her hands on the money. When Rosie goes away, Sally asks Kevin what his worrying phone call was about and he says it was the childminder putting her prices up again. Sally agrees that childcare is expensive.

John's very cheerful, though Peter worries that he might feel stressed. Peter says he dreads to think where he'd be if someone hadn't given him a second chance.

Frank arrives to see Carla and tells her the police dropped the charges. Carla thinks that's an end to it but Frank thinks people will gossip. "That's why I'm out of here. I'm sorry Carla but the partnership is over as of now." He walks away and Carla wants to chase him but she's backed back into the office by Sean, who demands to know why Carla didn't do anything when Maria was first attacked. Carla tells him she urged Maria to call the police. Carla tells him Maria lied to Chris. She wonders if Maria came on to Frank and then panicked. "I think he genuinely scared her but I honestly think he didn't mean to."

Anna and Faye put a picnic together, despite grumpy Eddie. Anna sends Faye to the shop and takes the chance to talk to Eddie about the problem of breaking the bad news about Faye's mother. Eddie thinks a social worker should do it but Anna says it's down to them.

Gail wonders if it's too late to retrain. She's seen an advertisement for a counseling course. Audrey pooh-poohs it but uses the subject to mention that a friend unburdened himself to her. She talks in riddles, confusing Gail. Nick races downstairs. He's in a rush because he's interviewing for a new bar manager. "I wonder why he never said anything. He knows I'm desperate for a job!" Gail says when he's gone. When Audrey suggests he'll be looking for someone with experience Gail gets quite indignant. "I did a few shifts behind the Rovers' bar once." She works out it was 1976! "Anyway, I was borderline manager at the health centre." She says she picked up her best blazer from the cleaners this morning. "I'll take that as a sign!"

Rosie's at the bookies' with Jason but she's not happy about it. John's there and it stinks. She starts to go on about John and he's sanguine. Peter compliments him once Rosie's gone, saying his tablets must be good!

The Windasses pack up the picnic stuff. When Faye's out of the room, Anna tells Eddie to look happier. He moans that he counts for nothing any more and telling Faye about her mother has nothing to do with them. Anna points out they're her parents now but Eddie just wants a quiet life. They're talking quietly but Faye overhears some of Eddie moaning about her not being their flesh and blood.

John tells Fiz about Rosie but says it was water off a duck's back. He feels solid and settled he says. There's a knock at the door – it's the solicitor, who assumes John is Colin and greets him like an old friend.

Frank finds Carla in the bistro and tells her to stop texting him. He agrees he can spare ten minutes to talk. Carla pleads with him to come back. She says nobody will know what's gone one but he says such secrets always come out – she can't guarantee Maria or Chris won't say anything, even if Sean keeps quiet. Carla suggests he take some time off and come back but he refuses.

"I knew you'd get me in the end," John says. Fiz calls him Colin and sends him into the kitchen to take some deep breaths and calm down. From the kitchen, John can still hear the solicitor say Joy's house has been sold and there are a couple of documents to be signed, then he can release the money.

Faye doesn't want to go on a picnic. She thinks Anna and Eddie don't want her any more. Anna denies it. Faye says the house is too small and she could hear them arguing about her. She says they tell her to lie and now they're lying to her. Eddie tells her Anna was just trying to protect her but, of course, Faye demands to know why. Anna urges her to come to the park but Faye refuses to move until they tell her what's going on. Eddie kneels down by the sofa. "A bad thing happened yesterday. Your mum died. She took a drugs overdose." Faye turns to Anna to check if this is true.

John comes in with the tea. The solicitors commiserates with him over his illness and says although money isn't everything, at least it's one less thing to worry about. Fiz urges John to sign "Colin Fishwick" on the document she holds out to him.

In the pub, Jeff's telling Sally how good it would be to get away on holiday. Sally interrupts him to go and talk to Kevin. She gives him a cheque and says they should call it quits. He's got a baby to bring up and they're not cheap. Kevin smiles and they seem to have reached an accord.

In a booth, Eileen and Hayley quietly discuss the possibility that Underworld is going bust.

Jeff can't understand Sally. He hopes Kevin doesn't read anything into her gesture.

Kirk's bought some biscuits to cheer up Maria. He says he knows something's going on. He hopes she's not ill and asks what it is. Maria says it's complicated and she doesn't really want to talk. Kirk says he's no good at the serious stuff, emotions and all that, but if she ever needs him to listen he's up for it. Awwww...

Fiz sees the solicitor out. John looks at if he's fallen off the edge of his sanity. He demands to know what Fiz has done. "I thought all this had gone away!" Fiz briefly explains what happened and John realises where all the money came from for the baby stuff. "It's fraud, Fiz! We could both be sent to prison for this!"

Nick's interviewing Cheryl but doesn't think she has enough managerial experience. Gail comes over and asks him about her. She's come to apply for the job. He laughs. But Gail says she's happy to wait her turn and sit with the others.

John can't be doing with lies any more. Fiz is very agitated. "It just seemed like a terrible waste when I was desperate." She says it seemed fate was on their side, and John brought Joy so much happiness he deserves the money. "I don't deserve it! Not after what I've done!" he shouts. "What have you done? John, tell me, what have you done?"

The end for now.
Margaret Carr

And we're off with the second episode.

"I can't tell you," says John. Fiz says he can tell her anything. He rants that he thought everything was over but he was just fooling himself. He gets a call from Peter and says he has to go back to work. Fiz wants him to stay and talk but John says he can't talk about it now.

"Job murderer!" Julie's not happy to see Frank walk into the pub. He's come to talk to Carla. He says he used to have a nice, peaceful life. But she's right. They were a good team and he doesn't want to miss out on that. He's changed his mind about leaving the business. They tell the machinists it's full steam ahead. He agrees Julie had every right to shout at him. He buys a round. Jeff tells Sally he's bought them a two-week holiday in Paris.

Sylvia (Roy's mum) comes in and moans to Hayley about Roy. There's a dearth of conversation in the cafe, it seems. Hayley says Roy just doesn't like wasting words. "Does he know any?" snaps Sylvia, my new favourite character (though she is quite like Diana Trent in Waiting For God). Julie reminds Sylvia they met in the cafe. "Ah, yes, the one with the dubious dress sense," says Sylvia. She demands to know who Izzy is. "The one in the wheelchair," says Izzy, getting a laugh out of Sylvia.

Fiz wheels Hope towards the bookies. She meets Katy and asks where Ches is. He's at the market. She heads for home again.

It's Gail's turn for an interview. Nick tries to dismiss her for lack of bar experience. Gail points out he's looking for a manager, not a barmaid. She discusses her managerial experience in the home, then details what she learned working at the medical centre. When Nick mentions patient records she says that's not fair. But he points out the interview isn't fair. She asking him to forget she's his mum, but she wouldn't even be there if she wasn't. He reminds her that she falls asleep in front of the telly by 10 and she's too old to work until the early hours of the morning. "Punters want to see someone young and sexy . . . "Gail says she gets the message.

In the Rovers, the background music is Adele, Rolling In The Deep, as Gary sits with Eddie. Gary assures Eddie that they'll get through the problems with Faye. He says Anna will be stressed too, but hiding it better.

Sylvia takes issue with the sherry. It's sweet and it's not a full measure. "It's dry and that's cause you've drunk some!" says Sean. Hayley tries to get Sylvia to leave. She swigs back the supposedly undrinkable sherry and leaves. Eileen gets a text. It's from Todd, who wants to bring his new boyfriend to meet her this weekend.

Nearby, Sally's asked about leave so she can go on her romantic break with Chris. Carla thinks it's very short notice but Frank says they'll cope. "I take it you're gonna be good cop, then," Carla says to Frank. He says if you reward workers occasionally they'll work all the harder.

Kevin wishes Sally the best for her break. Jeff intends to spoil her rotten.

In the bookies' Peter's annoyed by John drumming his fingers. He asks if John's OK. John replies by quoting from a Claudius speech in Hamlet.

Sally goes to chat to Kevin. She apologises for Jeff trying to rub Kevin's nose in it. They reminisce about Paris. Kevin says he'll see her when she gets back and leaves her standing at the bar looking thoughtful.

With Todd coming up from London, Sean's decided to go down to see Dylan. Julie wonders if she can meet Todd and his boyfriend but Eileen's nervous too and wants to wait and see how it goes. Julie will be on her own for Easter. They discuss Frank and Sean warns them to steer clear of him, though he says it's just a feeling he has.

Anna's spoken to the social worker. She goes to sit with Faye. Gary brings Eddie home and Eddie apologises. He gets down on one knee and asks Anna to marry him. She's furious and takes Fay to eat their picnic in the garden. Eddie's a bit confused. He tells Gary that's always softened Anna up before.

Sean's in the gents when Frank comes in to have a word. "You don't like me very much, do you?" Sean says he doesn't really know him. That's Frank's point. He says Maria's wrong. It's a shame she's left and it would be a shame to lose Sean, as well. "You know what? I'm really glad we've had this chat. Here's to a fresh start." There's a menacing tone to his words and he leaves Sean looking a bit scared.

Fiz is still anxious to find Chesney, but she doesn't explain to Katy. Katy suggests they go for a coffee in the bistro.

Roy's annoyed because Sylvia's not putting anything away properly. Hayley moves her away and tells Roy Sylvia might be a bit tipsy. Roy says she always did like a drink and when she had lavish dinner parties she'd banish him because she found him an embarrassment. "I FOUND HER AN EMBARRASSMENT, TOO!" he says loudly enough for Sylvia to hear. Sylvia's at a table near Gail and Audrey, who discuss Nick and the job. Sylvia takes the chance to join in a conversation about sons and says Roy's been blatantly hostile since she arrived.

Fiz confesses to Katy that Roy's not really all right. She thinks she might have made things worse. Katy admires Hope and asks Fiz if giving birth hurts. Fiz says it does but it's worth it.

Peter tells John he should call it a day. John snaps that he's fine. Peter says he's trying to do John a favour. A policeman comes in and asks if he can have a word. Whoooosh!! That's John making a break for it and shutting himself in the office!

"Is this as exciting as it gets, then? Taking tea with the neighbours?" Sylvia asks. Audrey excuses herself and asks Hayley for a word in private. She mentions she knows of someone who likes to dress up in women's clothing and wonders if Hayley can shed any light on the matter. Hayley is deeply offended but very restrained. But it's clear she'd like to whack Audrey. "For your information, transsexuals and transvestites are two very different things. A transvestite is a man, whereas I am a woman. I'd thank you to remember that!" Audrey's mortified as Hayley scuttles away.

The policeman's come in to alert Peter to some new fraud. When he leaves, Peter discovers the door to the office won't open. John has a chair wedged under the handle. He tells Peter to go away. Peter shoves the door hard enough to see John sitting on the floor. "Don't let them take me. I'll do everything I can to put things right, I promise." Peter assures him the policeman's gone. John doesn't believe him and refuses to move the chair. Peter sighs and tells his customers he's going to have to close up for a bit.

"Don't you dare sulk," Anna tells Eddie. She tells him how inappropriate his proposal was when Faye had just been told about her mother dying. Eddie's annoyed they took on another child at their age. He just wanted to make her happy. She's livid. She says he was fine about it when he thought it would be a little girl he could bake cakes with, but when he finds out there's a problem he doesn't want to know. Eddie agrees he's not capable of dealing with a kid that lies, steals and makes up little stories. "What's more, I don't want to." He says it's not too late to send Faye back. There's a good life waiting for them in Germany and they deserve it. Anna says there's no way they are deserting Faye now. Eddie says he can't take any more. "It's either her or me. You choose."

Peter's hammering on Fiz's door when he sees her coming from the bistro. He explains about John. She asks Katy to look after Hope and races over to the bookies, sending Peter to fetch Dr Carter. Little do they realise John isn't there.

He bursts into the house, startling Katy. He ransacks the sideboard, looking for something, then finds a Colin Fishwick bankcard in Fiz's coin purse.

Katy's rushed out to tell Fiz, the doctor and Peter where John is. "You should never have let him go off his medication," Fiz shouts at the doctor. He says he didn't and she realises why John is acting strangely. Dr Carter thinks he should go in first to avoid scaring John. Fiz refuses and says he'd never hurt anyone. They go into the house to discover that John's gone. The back gate is open but the ginnel's empty. Peter and Dr Carter urge Fiz to call the police but she says it was the police who spooked him. "He just needs some time to calm down. I'm sure he'll be back."

The end of the second episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by Jonathan Harvey Directed by John Anderson

It's Easter Sunday and there's a lot going on so settle in with a cuppa and relax.

Eileen is up early, running the Hoover and tidying in preparation for Todd's arrival. Since she's woken up Jason and Rosie, they're off to the cafe for breakfast (Roy opens on an Easter Sunday morning?) so as not to mess up the kitchen. Rosie isn't very complimentary about Eileen's ministrations about the house. Jason doesn't know why she's making such a big deal. Not as if the Queen's coming...oops, bad choice of words, he jokes. Eileen just wants to make a good impression. Rosie thinks it's really weird that Sean is on his way to London while Todd is on his way up from the very same place! What if they passed on the road! Freaky! (This *is* Rosie speaking, don't forget. It's a lot to get her head around.)

Sean has arrived in That London, with a soft bear almost half his size. He leaves what seems to be another message for Violet to let her know he's arrived and on his way.

Todd and Jools have arrived. Jools seems a bit snobbish, making a joke about the small size of the houses but Todd takes it to heart and makes all kinds of excuses, asked Jools not to judge him. He's very nervous about his posh looking fella meeting his working class family. Jools calls him "Toddly" and tells him to relax. They get out of the car just as Gail's coming down the road. Todd calls over to her and she ignores him so he whispers to Jools that's Sarah's mum. Gail figures they're talking about her behind her back (serves her right for not acknowledging his greeting civilly) and hollers a few insults as Eileen comes out. There's a bit of a slanging match with Jools and Eileen getting the upper hand. Jason and Rosie come along and greet them all warmly. They're ushered in for dinner (lunch).

Sean tugs the bear along a street in the Clapham area of London, knocks on a door a couple of times and is finally let in by Violet who looks less than happy to see him. She'd forgotten and is in the middle of a domestic, it seems. Jamie is there and it's very clear that they have been arguing. Jamie accuses her of not loving him anymore and indeed, it seems like things have broken down between them irreconcilably. Sean offers to take Dylan out for a walk to give them some time. Jamie brings up a tree surgeon that Violet had been involved with somehow (but nothing happened) so she throws his fling with his step-mother back in his face. Sean retreats to the kitchen where Dylan is at the table with pencils and paper and a telly. Sean leans down to talk to him and discovers Marcus in the kitchen as well!

Eileen has made an unidentifiable mash of something made of tomato soup. peas, tuna and some chopped boiled egg with a side of roasties. It doesn't look very appetizing to anyone at the table besides her and possibly Jason. Todd looks mortified, Jools is trying to be polite but professes to be full. He mentions Todd's nickname and it's apparently because his last name is Cream, "Toddly and Cream". (Apparently it's a play on words, for "Godley and Creme" who were a pop duo. No, I didn't get it either.) Eileen offers them Sean's room but they've checked into a chic boutique hotel in the city centre. Jools makes out like it was his preference. Eileen is pleased that Jools suggests a drink at the pub but Todd tries to talk them all out of it. Eileen smacks him on the head with the side of a knife and accuses him of turning into a snob. He says he's not but clearly he is or at least is worried about making a bad impression. He's outvoted.

Marcus tells Sean that Violet and Jamie and he have been mates for ages. Sean invites Marcus to go out on a walk with he and Dylan.

In the pub, Eileen introduces Jools as her common-law son-in-law all around. Sally greets him warmly but Gail gives him the cold shoulder and makes some disparaging remarks about how "funny" Todd and Jools are. Sally calls her on it, saying she has a daughter that's "funny" but Gail brushes that off as a phase. (Um, no. No phase. I thought Gail was only spouting homophobic garbage because of how much Todd hurt Sarah but it looks like she might actually be of that persuasion, sadly.) There are more killer stares that descend into a few more insults across the room between Gail and what seems like an increasingly inebriated Eileen though that wouldn't stop her from an argy bargy with Gail anyway.

Jools says he's in publicity and Todd remarks unkindly that at least he has a brain in his head. Jason takes exception to this and Rosie points out that there are a lot of models who are indeed thick, clearly not counting herself as one! Eileen knocks over some glasses when she reaches for her phone to take some pics and Todd starts hollering at his mother for being drunk and showing him up and he storms out.

After the break, we are back in London and, to a soundtrack of London's Calling, we see Sean, Marcus and Dylan tour London on foot and on a double decker tour bus, eating ice cream and seeing the sights, including the view from the London Eye. At the end of the afternoon, when Dylan is tucking into yet another ice cream, Sean says he's had a lovely day. Marcus mentions that he made a special trip to Violet's to see Sean. Sean gets uncomfortable and realizes he's late getting Dylan home.

Todd is in Eileen's kitchen making tea when she comes back. She accuses him of being a snob and he says it was a mistake to come back. She comes up one side of him and down the other for how he's treated her. He protests that his life has changed and he only wants Jools to like him. He stalks out to go back to the hotel.

Just as Sean and Marcus arrive back to Violet's, Jamie is getting in a cab and going off. Inside, she's upset. She says it's finished and is upset even though it seems to be what she'd wanted. She's been unhappy for a long time but scared on her own. Sean offers to take Dylan home with him for a few days to give her some time to get herself together but she strongly objects to that. Even if he's not trying to steal her son away, she says she doesn't want Dylan to become like his dad. Sean realizes she's spouting some pretty judgmental stuff and agrees with her, that she has changed and not for the better. She tells him he was only meant to be the sperm donor and is a leech. She throws him out and the bear as well. Marcus follows him.

Outside the back of her house, Jason brings Eileen a cuppa. She's clearly upset.

In London, Sean, Marcus and the bear sit on a bench in a park, probably meant to be Clapham Common, and look at the London night skyline that includes the Eye. Marcus says the view always cheers him up. He assures Sean that Violet didn't mean what she said. Sean thanks him for trying to cheer him up. Marcus says it goes both ways. He lost his job yesterday. Sean gives him the bear. (Funny, the buildings and the London Eye now seem to be farther away than at the start of the scene.) They both admit they've not had much luck in love. Sean would love a big romantic gesture. Sean has to go to his hotel and Marcus offers to walk him to the tube unless he wants to run down the hill together. They do, but they leave the bear behind on the bench!

It's the next morning, and Jools and Todd have arrived back on the Street to pick up the car they'd left there the day before as they'd been drinking. Jools clearly wants Todd to make up with his mother but Todd doesn't seem to have any intention. Even Jools comments that Todd has changed since they've been there and not in a good way. Jason comes out of the house and shoves Todd around a bit for how he treated his mum. He points out that his mother supported him all the way when he came out. Jools insists he sort it out.

Inside, Eileen feigns disinterest but Todd apologizes and said he over thought the whole thing, was too worried about what Jools would think. He comes from money and has a posh lifestyle. Todd was a bit ashamed of his background but admits Jools loves Eileen and he does as well. Eileen worries that she didn't do right by Todd raising him but is told otherwise. Todd says he was at fault, hugs and kisses her and promises to call more often.

Sean gets on the bus and settles in with a book. Marcus is seen running through the bus depot with an armful of roses! Unfortunately, he's too late and though he jumps about and waves at Sean through the glass walls, Sean doesn't see him and Marcus' big, romantic gesture goes unnoticed. Aw, Bless!

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by Griff Rowland

A bit of a summary today rather than a scene by scene depiction.

Easter Monday and Fiz has been up all night waiting for John to show up. Chesney can't understand why she puts up with it but she protests that she loves John, no matter what but agrees he wasn't ready to come out of hospital. All she can do is wait. Kirk and Chesney head out to look for John and Maria keeps Fiz company to try to help. John calls Fiz and tells her that he's all right, there's something he has to do and will come home after but this scares Fiz even more. He has Colin's bank card and takes a wad of money out of the cashpoint. Maria tries to keep Fiz optimistic and though she alludes to her own problems, skips out of telling about them.

What does John have to do? Well, he's gone to the house where Charlotte's parents live but they aren't in and a neighbour says they'll be back later. He runs off to return later and she shouts "Who shall I say is callin'?" (which sounds like Colin and I admit to snickering. I don't know if it was deliberate but I like to think so!) When John returns, the Hoyles still aren't home but they come up the path just as he's shoving wads of cash through the letterbox. What's all this then?

There's a lot of tension between Anna and Eddie. He really feels like he's being pushed out of his own house, intentional or not. Anna sympathises with Faye who's just lost her mother. Eddie points out that they promised to be honest which is what he is doing. Anna snaps that if he wants her to choose, she's choosing Faye so think on. Gary and Izzy try to cheer up Faye with a walk but she's feeling pretty sad. Gary tries to support his mum and Anna feels let down.

Gary tries to talk to his father. He is planning to go to Germany and admits he shouldn't have gone through with the adoption, something he only did to please Anna. He's at a loss as to what to do and if he apologizes, like Gary suggests, would it work? He admits, no, it wouldn't and he doesn't really want to raise a child at his age. He heads back home to pack and yes, promises to talk to Anna but he does exactly what he has to do. They send Faye upstairs. Eddie does apologize for things like proposing to her. Anna just accuses him of lying to her about the adoption. He admits he went along with it because he thought they'd be turned down. She tells him that if he'd told her the truth even six months ago, she'd have let him have his way like always because she was too scared to be alone. Now she isn't and she wants Faye to have a home. She chooses Faye. Nothing more to be said. Eddie goes upstairs to pack. It's heartbreaking, really.

Steve still has the Easter Egg hoping to give it to Amy himself. Becky has her eye on it for her and Max but Steve is determined to give it to Amy. He tries to give it to her and Tracy gives him the knock back, telling him that Amy has had too much chocolate already. Steve says he'll figure something out. Something walks into the pub in the form of Ken and Steve explains to him the situation, asking Ken to give Amy the Easter Egg.

Tina has a cob on about Graeme and Xin. She just wants it to work out so she and Graeme can be happy together. Graeme comes in to get water for his bucket and exchanges a few curt words with Tina, while they play the game of ex-lovers. Outside, Xin tells Graeme she's got a job interview. Tina comes outside and stops short when she sees Xin. Pleased that she's got an interview but it seems that Xin and Graeme have their own thing to do. Xin plans on helping Graeme with the windows!

Sean returns from London and Leanne asks him to help with the costume for Simon's play. Sean is more than happy to lend his skills and does a bang up job of the Coat of Many Colours. Cheryl and Russ come along. Leanne and Cheryl exchange a few insults but it's clear they're both dead jealous and put Simon's Dreamcoat down as being too over the top for a school play. Sour grapes anyone?

That's yer lot for this episode!

Tvor

Good evening. We are a little behind on updates so down to business. Copyright remains with ITV Productions to whom many thanks for the programme and events on the cobbles.

A reminder the Hoyles are Charlotte's parents and John wants to confess his unfortunate mistake to them, but the ask if he was responsible for the tram and as he wasn't they do not allow him to admit to his murderous behaviour. Mr Hoyle in particular will not hear another word about it. They want to move on and it is time that John, sorry Colin, did the same. Alan Hoyle rings Fiz to tell her that Colin is safe but he has no idea who John is. Fiz's brain clicks and whirrs and jumps into gear ... just in time. She hurries to the Hoyle residence where Alan shows her the money which Colin/John had been stuffing through the letterbox. Alan tells her that there is no reason for John/Colin to feel guilty and she agrees, grabs the money and the useless husband and hurries away. Dorothy Hoyle gives Fiz her telephone number saying that she must tell them how Colin/John gets on as he meant a lot to them. Fiz looks confused to say the least.

Norris and Mary weren't pleased to be caught in Xin and Graeme's japery on the street as the they throw wet sponges at each other and cover each other with foam. Norris does not know how they can be so light hearted and full of fun after the terrible crime they have committed at which Mary who knows nothing gives him a very funny look.

Along at the Windass residence a tearful Gary confronts his dad, telling us that Steve says he has given in his notice. Anna tries to get him to clam down (calm down dear it is only a soap) but Faye comes downstairs and hears what is going on. Eddie says it was too late, yes they had all said they were sorry but he has to go. Gary turns on Anna and asks if she is just going to let Eddie go? [Good riddance, I am afraid I never understood about the hair or how such an attractive and wonderful woman as Anna would go anywhere near him].

Once in the Rovers Norris tells Mary in a stage whisper that the fighting twosome only got married so that Xin could get a visa to stay in the country and amazingly Tina knows all about it. Norris tells Mary to wind her neck in from staring at Tina and she must not whisper a word.

Later on the Street Gary and Eddie hug as the latter departs. Anna watches through a window and we see Eddie depart in a StreetCars cab as he shakes the dust of Weatherfield off his feet.

Back home, Fiz starts questioning John(Colin) about Charlotte and wants to know if he really had been having an affair with his stalker. John grabs her and slams her against the front door telling her repeatedly to shut up. He apologises immediately and he will tell her - but at the moment his head feels like it is going to explode. Fiz is clearly terrified by his outburst and lack of control. (Well and she was shouting at him and accusing him of an affair so he was just a little wound up and let us remember he has just had a mental breakdown).

Kylie argued with Tina in the pub, and reveals the play fight in the Street earlier in the day, which Tina does not take terribly well. Graham tries to defend himself saying he was trying to reach the sponge but Tina has trouble believing him. Kylie rubs it in telling her not to settle for Peter Kay (Graham) when she could have Peter Andre. Xin leaps to Graham's defense saying that he is ten times better looking than Tommy (who is trying to get into the pants of any available female). Xin says Graham is the kindest funniest man she has ever met. Tina gives Xin a very dirty look.

After their row, Fiz rang Dorothy to reassure her that 'Colin' was fine, but Fiz is not.

See you all again next week.
K Richard W

Xin arrives back at the flat looking very smart, ready for her job interview. She's brought Graeme a gift – one of those Chinese lucky cats and this one has a squeegee attached to it's paw. They put it next to the one they already have that's wearing a nurse's hat, and discuss what to call them. They eventually decide on Graeme and Xin, but decide it's best not to tell Tina, it'll be their little secret.

Fiz is sitting on the sofa looking dazed. John comes downstairs saying he slept like a dead man. Fiz asks what he was doing there, and he says he felt guilt at Charlotte's death. "Why?" Fiz demands to know. Haltingly, John says that Charlotte was obsessed with him, it was her who sent the letters, the dvd, the flowers to the factory, the funny phone calls, everything.

As Xin heads off for her interview, Tina arrives at the flat. "He's all yours," says Xin. After she's gone, Tina tells Graeme that she wasn't wild about what she heard last night, apparently they were out in the Street with their hands all over each other. Graeme says he didn't have his hands all over Xin, he was showing her how to use a squeegee. Tina remarks on the fact that Xin has a photo of Graeme in her purse. "She's my wife," says Graeme. Tina isn't happy with this response and also thinks that Xin is being funny with her now, there's an awkwardness. Graeme then brings up Tommy Duckworth, even he could feel the sexual tension between him and Tina. "I'm pretending babe, just like you," says Tina.

As an angry Fiz paces the floor, John continues to try and explain that once Charlotte found he was stealing Colin's identity the blackmailing began. She wanted him, dangerously so, and he had to do everything he could to try and contain her threats. "Including sleeping with her?" shouts Fiz. "No!" replies John, going on to say that she knew he loved Fiz and she hated that. The night the tram crashed she was there, at their house, threatening to go to the police unless he had an affair with her. He hesitates...is he going to tell Fiz the truth at last? No – he goes on to say that Charlotte went off and the next thing he heard was that the viaduct had collapsed and she was found under it. Fate stopped him getting into trouble. "What? So you start shoving £20 notes though her mother's letter box?" Fiz is incredulous. He says he feels it was all his fault for wanting to teach again. If he hadn't Charlotte wouldn't have got close to him and her parents would still have their little girl. "Why didn't you tell me this before?" Fiz yells. He says that he thought he could deal with it and spare her. "Weren't things already bad enough?"

Ken slaps a few leaflets down on the table in front of Deirdre. They're for evening classes, he thinks it's something they could do together, and it's free for OAPs. "You'll have to pay of course," he adds hastily. Unimpressed, Deirdre flicks through them. Armchair Archaeology, Archery, Pottery...... she throws them aside, they're not for her. Ken thinks she might like pottery, but she dismisses his suggestion. Tracy comes in then and asks where Amy is. Deirdre says she's upstairs with a cob on. "Why? Because I wouldn't let her eat Steve's egg?" snaps Tracy. Deirdre says Amy thinks she's being mean to Steve. Tracy says she'll have to toughen up, and calls her down. Ken wonders what the reason is for all the hostility, but Tracy says he could keep his nose out of her business. She picks up a leaflet. "Pottery? You?" she scoffs, looking at Deirdre.

Anna is looking thoughtful in the kitchen when Faye comes downstairs. She asks if Anna has heard from Eddie. Anna tells her he's landed safely, and has his brother out there for company. Faye asks if Anna will have to tell Hilary, and Anna looks like the thought hadn't occurred to her before.

Dr Carter is visiting John at home. He thinks maybe John ought to go back into hospital for a few days, just so they can get the balance of his medication right. John confesses that he threw them away. "What?" Fiz is shocked. The doctor points out that the medication is to stop him having these episodes. Fiz asks if he could just write another prescription, she'll make sure he takes them. Dr Carter tells John he's lucky to have someone who cares. "I know I am," he says.

Tracy comes into the Rovers, hanging on Frank's arm, and talking loudly about what a lovely time Amy has had with the two of them and how she's really taken to Frank. Steve is working behind the bar and Frank looks really uncomfortable, saying he's not trying to take anyone's place. Tracy says Steve's not even an ex, just a conquest really, a one night stand. Steve asks where Amy is, and Tracy says she's gone to a friend. "Which one?" asks Steve, conversationally. "Like I'd tell you!" spits Tracy with a sneer on her face. This seems to be too much for Frank and he suddenly remembers he has calls to make and leaves, just as Ken and Deirdre come in. "At this rate she's going to be calling him Daddy soon," says Tracy. "Yeah, he seemed well up for that," mutters Steve.

Tina's in the flat and suddenly notices the cat ornaments with nurse cap and squeegee. "What's this?" she asks. Graeme says they're props in case anyone comes round. Just then the post arrives, and they hurry to open the letter, hoping it's Xin's visa. Tina reads it with a worried face and hands it to Graeme. He looks at it, and then looks stunned. "Someone's grassed us up," he says.

In the Kabin, Mary tells Norris and Rita that the motor home is going in for its service. Just then Tina and Graeme come storming in. "What have you got to say for yourself?" Tina demands of Norris. "You told them, didn't you?" says Graeme, slapping the letter down on the counter. "Told who? What?" splutters Norris, but Mary, browsing at the magazines, has a sheepish look on her face. Graeme says that David wouldn't have said anything and neither would Rita, so that only leaves Norris. Norris assures them that although he respects marriage and values English jobs, he would never have exposed them to that danger, he's not the mole and he resents the accusation. Across the shop, Mary holds a magazine high to cover her face. "Then who is?" they ask. Rita glances at Mary and they all follow her gaze. "You?" exclaims Graeme. "Indeed," says Mary, lowering the magazine. "It is I."

Chesney sees Fiz pushing the pram up the Street. He goes over and asks if she's had any sense out of John. Fiz tells him he's explained what he can. "Really?" asks Chesney, doubtfully. "Like why Charlotte's parents were calling him Colin? And how he knew where they lived?" Fiz says she's getting there, bit by bit, but John isn't well and she can't risk him going back into hospital.

Back in the Kabin, accusations are flying. Graeme tells Mary she did it out of spite, he knew she was mad but didn't realise she was completely demented. Norris tells him to watch his mouth, but Tina points out that Graeme could go to prison. "And you want him to watch his mouth?" She turn to Mary. "How could you do this to us?" Mary replies that their predicament is not her responsibility. Rita points out that they were helping a friend. "They're just kids." Graeme asks Mary what she's doing there. "You live in a van. You could be anywhere in the world." Simpering, Mary tells him that love continually eludes her. Graeme says now they're getting somewhere. Her own life is a disaster, she's hankering after a sugar-daddy in a backstreet sweetshop.... "We also sell a wide range of magazines and newspapers," butts in Norris, indignantly. Graeme tells Mary that Norris doesn't want her, he rolls his eyes every time she comes into the Rovers, people laugh behind her back. "That's enough young man," says Rita, and Tina agrees. As they start to leave, Graeme turns back. "These are our lives, Mary. Mine, Tina's, Xin's, so what if no-one's ever made you happy, what right does that give you.....?" Mary says she could never justify a marriage on administrative grounds. While this last part of the exchange has been going on, Tommy walks in to the Kabin and hears it. Graeme and Tina leave, and Rita turns to Mary and tells her that the hurtful things Graeme said aren't true, but nevertheless it was a reckless thing she did.

Out in the Street, Tommy runs after Graeme and Tina asking what's going on. They tell him, "Nothing!" but he persists, saying he heard enough and he's not daft. Tina thinks they should tell him, and although Graeme doesn't agree, she explains about Xin and the visa. "Well, I didn't see that coming," says Tommy. Graeme warns him not to say anything to anybody. "Does this mean that Xin's available then?" asks Tommy, grinning. Tina tells him it's not a joke, someone from immigration is coming round to interview them tomorrow.

A distraught Anna is telling Gary how she phoned the social services to check that Eddie's leaving won't change anything, but was told that it will. "What if they take her off me? What have I done?" wails Anna.

Back in their flat, Graeme and Tina are discussing the forthcoming interview. He's really worried, but Tina says that even in their lie he hasn't known Xin very long, so can't be expected to know everything. Graeme starts to panic, it's sink or swim and he can only do doggy paddle. They start to raise their voices at each other. "You'll get through it, you have to," she says, "if they cart you off......" "If they cart me off there's always Tommy Duckworth," he shouts back. She slaps him. They stare at each other. "Well, I love you too," he murmurs. Just then Xin comes in. "I didn't get it," she says. They show her the letter. "I think you'd better sit down," says Tina.

Mary takes the motor home to Tyrone for its service, and he says it'll be ready first thing in the morning. Tommy asks where she's going to sleep tonight. She says she has spare keys, she'll be sleeping in the motor home as usual. "Is that ok with you?" Tyrone asks him. "Fine with me," says Tommy, "you won't catch me interfering in other people's lives." Tyrone looks puzzled and Mary gives him a dirty look.

Fiz dials the number on a scrap of paper. Mrs Hoyle answers. Fiz seems to change her mind and she hurriedly hangs up and tears up the phone number and throws it in the bin as John comes downstairs.

In the Barlow residence, Ken tells Tracy that the way she's treating Steve is despicable, and if she thinks Amy is too young to realise it, she's mistaken. "If only you knew," mutters Tracy. "If only you'd tell us," says Deirdre. So Tracy tells them how Steve and Becky tried to snatch Amy, they were planning on moving away, and had even pilfered her passport. "Getting involved with that poisonous bitch was the worst mistake he ever made," she says. Ken and Deirdre are shocked, and Tracy goes off to read Amy a bedtime story. "Pottery for beginners?" says Deirdre, "sign us up!"

When Tina arrives at the flat, Graeme tells her that Xin has gone and left a note. Tina reads it, it says that Xin can't risk them getting into trouble so she's gone. She wants Graeme to tell the authorities that she tricked him. "Well, at least it's over," says Tina, sitting down. Graeme is shocked. It may be over for them, but Xin could go to prison or be deported, or be on the run for the rest of her life. Surely she cares about Xin? Tina shouts that she does care, but she cares about Graeme more. He thinks they should get her back and then face whatever is thrown at them. Tina knows he's right. "Who knows, if the immigration officer sees those cats, we might have a fighting chance."

Anne Logan

Here are both of Friday's episodes. And thanks to Margaret for covering my episodes whilst I have been away.

Graeme is panicking over Xin's whereabouts. He can't get in touch with her but Tina insists that he has done everything he can and it's possibly for the best. Graeme says that he refuses to give up and gives Tina a commemorative Royal Wedding plate to nail to the wall to show their patriotism. Tina points out that the plate will mean nothing if Xin isn't here.

Mary arrives at the garage to pick up the camper van. Tommy butters her up with some flirting and she is appreciative of all the work he has done on it.

Fiz asks John if he has taken his medication. He assures her that he has, he isn't doing anything that will risk him being taken away from Fiz and Hope again.

Mary is spouting off to Norris and Rita on how she dislikes the Royal Family and the subject of weddings brings them round to discussing what Mary has done to Graeme and Xin. Rita tells Mary that Graeme has done a selfless thing and Mary has sabotaged it. Mary begins to see that she didn't think things through before reporting them.

Ken is reading up on pottery in preparation for the class while Tracy tells him that she doesn't believe Tracy's tale about Steve planning to snatch Amy. Tracy comes through and thanks her mother sarcastically for her lack of faith.

Graeme is still refusing to give up on Xin and has been phoning around all of her friends but to no avail. Mary comes round and offers an apology and, while Tina is cold, Graeme forgives her, before seeking her help.

Tracy gets Amy to tell Ken and Deirdre what really happened and Ken admits that there is little doubt that it is true. Deirdre can't believe that Steve would do such a thing and storms out to confront him.

Mary has been taking Graeme around searching for Xin. As she tucks into chicken in sweet and sour sauce, Graeme loses hope as he was so sure she would be at this friend's home. Mary spots Xin walking up the road and Graeme dives out. When Xin tells him she's not coming with him, Graeme picks her up, leaving her with no choice.

Becky and Steve are disagreeing over where to take Max on a day out to on Sunday when Deirdre comes in and demands a word.

Graeme and Xin are arguing over going back to the interview as Xin doesn't want him in any more trouble while Graeme thinks they have come too far to give up now. Mary blasts the horn and says that the arguing is getting them nowhere but, as she revs up the engine and prepares to set off, she discovers that she has a flat tyre.

As Mary sets about replacing the tyre, Graeme and Xin start rehearsing possible questions which they may be asked.

Deirdre is having a big go at Steve and telling him that she no longer has any sympathy for his rights to Amy. Any rights he did have, have now been forfeited by his actions.

Ken is surprised when James turns up out of the blue. After being introduced to Tracy, he tells Ken that he is now working closer to Weatherfield but has nowhere to stay. Ken immediately offers him a place to stay

John is telling Fiz that he can't bear to touch any of Joy's money as it is tainted. Fiz tries to convince him of the good it could do them but he is adamant that he wants to burn it. As a compromise, Fiz suggests they give it to a charity and John likes the idea.

The immigration Officer has arrived and is in the pub. He is having a rant about the Royal family and, after finishing the drink, he decides Graeme and Xin have had enough time to show up. As he gets up to go, Tina persuades him to give them some more time.

As Graeme takes a call from Tina, Mary tells Xin that she can see how she feels about Graeme but tells her she will have to accept that it can never be. When Graeme comes back, Mary announces that they are good to go and they set off.

Ken is telling James it will be good to have him here, but Deirdre doesn't seem keen. After James leaves, ken is angry at Deirdre. She apologises but goes on to talk about how annoyed she is at Steve. Tracy picks up the information that Steve and Becky are planning a day out with max on Sunday and starts to form an idea.

The immigration officer has set off, but as he prepares to drive away, a camper van reverses into his car. Mary and Graeme burst out, layered in sweet and sour sauce. As Xin joins Graeme, they discover the man's identity and he agrees to see them for their interview.

Part 2

Mary is arguing with the officer over the damage to the vehicles but Graeme encourages Mary to do the right thing and she slinks off to get her insurance documents.

Tracy tells Steve that she and Amy are going to Blackpool on Sunday and he is welcome to join them. She makes it clear that this is his only chance to see her.

The officer makes himself comfortable in the flat and eyes the plate on the wall with distaste. He lectures Xin and Graeme on the sanctity of marriage before preparing to grill them separately. It's Graeme's turn first and he looks stumped when he is asked where Xin keeps her nail polish.

Deirdre is a bag of nerves as she and Ken arrive at the pottery class. They are asked to introduce themselves by the teacher, Alex and, while Ken introduces himself as a teacher and regular contributor to the Weatherfield Gazette, Deirdre shyly introduces herself as Ken's wife.

Steve is picking Lloyd's brains for ways to get out of the trip to Alton Towers with Becky and max. They eventually hatch a plan to lie about a cab customer's family funeral and only Steve can be the driver.

Tina asks Mary how it is going but Mary seems unsure whether the crash could affect Graeme and Xin's chances.

Graeme is asked what he bought Xin for her last birthday. He lies that he bought her the cushions which are on the settee. The officer then ass who the Royalist is and, when it emerges that the officer isn't a royal family fan, Graeme smashes the plate!

Ken is envious as Deirdre is excelling at pottery and getting a lot of positive attention from Alex.

Tyrone is asking Tommy how he is so naturally good with the ladies. Tommy suggests that they go out on the pull together one night.

Xin is asked what Graeme bought her for the last birthday. She answers perfume but when Graeme gestures towards the cushions from the doorway she adds that answer too. When Graeme is called back in, the officer says his investigation is complete and he will be in touch.

Steve calls on Tracy and confirms that he can go to Blackpool but he makes her promise not to breathe a word to Becky. Tracy looks very satisfied.

Alex is asking Deirdre if she has done pottery before as he marvels at her good work. Ken, meanwhile, is having a lot of trouble with his ‘pot'

Tommy tells Tina that she has an eyelash and Graeme walks in to see him picking it off her cheek. Tina follows him out and professes that it was innocent. Graeme tells her he has been through hell today while she sits and flirts with Tommy. Tina sighs that she hates all this arguing. Graeme replies sadly that he is losing her even if she doesn't know it yet. Tommy follows Tina and offers her help when she needs it but she walks away from him. He then turns and sees Mary's motor home and gets a mischievous glint in his eye.

Alex is going around everyone's finished work and, as he congratulates Deirdre, there is a lot of laughter at Ken's phallic shaped offering.

Mary comes outside to see her motor home is gone and Norris is forced to offer her a place to stay.

As Steve puts on a show to Becky by saying how much he is looking forward to Alton Towers, he gets a phone call from Lloyd. Becky is dismayed as Steve tells her he is having to work. Tracy watches with amusement.

Deirdre and ken arrive home and Ken storms up to bed early as he has clearly been stung by Alex's criticism. Deirdre on the other hand has really enjoyed herself and seems amused by Ken's tantrum.

Graeme is lying awake. Xin comes through and says she can't sleep. They sit in silence for a while. Xin looks at Graeme longingly.

Tracy is heading out and tells Steve she is glad he picked her. He points out that it was Amy he picked. She smiles and says she is looking forward to Sunday. Left alone, Steve looks troubled by his latest lie. It can only end in tears…

So what have we learned tonight?
-Mary has more than a passing interest in basic motor maintenance
-The royal family have burnt their bridges with Mary
-According to Mary, while the Royal Family are vintage champagne, Kate Middleton is brown ale.
-Sorry starts with an ‘S' and rhymes with Lorry.
-There's a brown sauce stain on Steve's bedroom floor
-Graeme's favourite food is Gumbah Chicken (whatever that is) while Xin's is kippers
-Ken and Deirdre doing pottery is more ‘Generation Game' than ‘Ghost'
-The immigration officer would line The Royal Family against the wall and...we never hear the end of the sentence but it's safe to assume it isn't ‘shake their hands'
-Mandarin is a fascinating tongue
-Mary's feet are size 8 broad fitting
-Pottery is more therapeutic than chain smoking in the yard
-Tracy has a mad glint in her eye
-The following are four letter words: Love, Visa
-There's nothing quite like adult education
-Steve's quite good at faking phone calls... and it proud of this skill
-82 year olds are spring chickens according to Betty

Dubious Awards
Person most accepting of their lifestyle: "Is that what this has become about? Survival?" Fat chance of that with you around, John!
Best Health and Safety News: "I'll be slipping into a semi coma anytime now" Now you know how your victims feel, John!
Royalist of the year: "I'll need something to keep me occupied while the royal Wedding's on." Mary
Most dubious comparison: "You can't compare Graeme Proctor to a prince of the realm." Mary
Shortest series of phone calls: "That's the last of Xin's mates" Graeme, after hanging up the phone
Most arguable statement: "There's no point beating her up." Graeme about Mary
Least likely new couple: "Why don't you two swap numbers?" Graeme to Mary and the immigration officer
Potentially longest conversation starter: "Why don't you two introduce yourselves." Alex to Deirdre and ken. Where do they begin?
Most worrying thought: "I feel more like myself again!" Mary
Most hardcore resident: "I was involved in a speed walking contest." Norris
Line of the evening: "He wouldn't know a Tuscan vase if Tracy hit him over the head with one!" Ken about Alex.

And the five most nauseating quotes of the evening?
"Shall I rub it?" Xin to Graeme
"I'd love to see you in action with the girls!" Tommy to Tyrone
"I don't like white knuckle rides!" Steve
"You get used to having to service yourself" Mary
"I've been rear entered!" Mary

And on that revelation...
See you next week!
Duncan Lindsay

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

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