2011

Thursday 1 September

Tyrone tells Tommy he's thought of a plan - they'll take photos of the drug dealer dealing, and use them to blackmail him. That way Fiz will remain safe. Tommy looks at him like he's lost his marbles. "You need your head examining," he says. Tina comes in and wants to know what they're talking about. They fob her off - football, they say. She hands Tommy a copy of the Highway Code and tells him to ask her questions. He does, and she doesn't know any of the answers. However, she then gets a text from Doctor Matt which cheers her up.

Fiz is on the phone to Roy when another prisoner comes along and takes the phone card out of the phone and screws it up. "Rate yourself do you?" she sneers in a very intimidating way, and then laughs, and says she's joking. A prison officer stands nearby, but, apart from asking if Fiz has finished her phone call, does nothing. Fiz moves away.

Leanne and Peter are walking down the street, she's on her way to meet Carla to go shopping for the wedding dress, but she's not sure it's a good idea.

Tyrone and Tommy come out of the house. Tommy is still telling Ty that he's mad, but Tyrone isn't in the mood to listen. When he gets into his car though, it won't start which Tommy feels is someone upstairs looking after him. Just then however, Kirk comes round the corner in the Underworld van. Tyrone flags him down and explains that he's got a plan to help Fiz and he needs a driver. It's a long shot and it might get dangerous. Is Kirk in or out? Kirk straight away says he's in, much to Tommy's amazement. Kirk explains that Tyrone is his mate, so Tommy jumps into the van as well, and off they go.

Anna is washing down paintwork indoors while Faye sits contrite at the table. She asks when Anna will stop hating her. Anna tells her she doesn't hate her, but she can't just switch her feelings off like a light. She wants to understand, but she doesn't. Faye says she was afraid Anna would leave her, when her other mum got a new boyfriend she would act like Faye was invisible, she would go off for days at a time and Faye was left alone and frightened. Anna hugs her and tells her that nothing like that will ever happen again, she's Anna's daughter now and she loves her more than anything.

Nick and Gail are in the empty bistro talking about David. Nick thinks that sooner or later there will be grandchildren, does Gail not want them close by? Just then Audrey appears, but she thinks that David isn't serious about leaving home, it's an empty threat. He knows which side his bread is buttered - and so does Kylie.

Anna takes Faye into the cafe where Owen is sitting. He gets up to leave, saying she made her feelings crystal clear when Faye holds up his phone. "Sorry," she says.

Kirk and the lads pull up close to Leon's house on a run down estate. Tyrone warns them there's no heroics, they just get the pics and get out.

Back in the cafe, Owen tells Faye that Anna loves her and he would never take her away. He tells Faye that he knows Anna loves her. Then he gives her money to go and buy an ice cream. When she's gone to get it, he asks Anna out to dinner but she says she can't, Faye isn't ready for her to have a man friend yet.

The social worker is visiting David and Kylie to check out their situation. She asks about their living arrangements and they tell her that they're moving into their new flat at the end of the week, and also that David has a new job lined up. The social worker comments that this all seems rather sudden, is there a problem somewhere? They assure her that there isn't, even prompting a somewhat reluctance response from Gail that everything is fine, Kylie has been a wonderful addition to the family. David adds that this move is more about them growing, as people, he's lived there all his life, he wants a change of scene, and also, they'd like Max to have his own room. The social worker is worried about them losing the support structure that they currently have in place. "We'll still be here for them," says Gail.

Tyrone, Tommy and Kirk are sitting in the back of the van, eating sandwiches and waiting for the Leon to make an appearance. They tease Kirk because he has a manikin in the back of the van. Suddenly they see him come out of his front door and meet another man outside. Tyrone has his camera at the ready, but all they seem to be doing is chatting.

Leanne and Carla are showing Stella photos of the wedding dresses they've been looking at. Stella then asks Carla what her man is like, she may have met him in the pub but she hasn't a clue what he's really like. Carla admits Frank plays his cards close to his chest, he's like an iceberg, it's all under the surface with him. Her phone then rings and as she goes off to take the call, Stella comments to Leanne that she's glad they seem to be building bridges. "So am I," says Leanne.

Fiz is dismayed to find that Ruth and her cellmate, Ginnie, are on laundry duty in the mother and baby unit. She goes over to them and tells them to leave her alone. They laugh and say they don't know what she's talking about.

Gail is telling Audrey about the meeting with the social worker. She says that Kylie honestly seems to want her little boy back. Audrey reckons Kylie is just a talented liar and a good actress. Gail tells her that David too seemed to have grown up, he had an answer for everything, in a nice way. Audrey is very skeptical.

The drug dealer, Leon, is cleaning and polishing his car as the three lads look out through the side door of the van. Suddenly he looks up and seems to see them and they panic, but no, he's just going into his house. However, a moment later they're panicking again when he comes out with a baseball bat and walks towards them. He opens the door and glares at their terrified faces. "All right lads? Can I have a word?" he says.

Carla and Leanne are having a heart to heart. Carla thanks Leanne for going shopping with her, she couldn't have done it on her own. Leanne says she had a lot of fun, she's missed her mate. "She never left," says Carla, "just screwed up, big-time." They clear the air and finish with a hug.

Tyrone asks Leon to tell his girlfriend to back off. He replies that no one tells Ruth to back off, and asks what Fiz is in for. When he hears it's for murder he reckons she should be able to look after herself. Then he suddenly turns violent, hitting Tyrone and throwing him to the ground, and grabbing Tommy by the neck of his t-shirt and shoving him against the van. Just when it seems he's going to start beating them with the baseball bat he falls, unconscious, to the ground, hit over the head by Kirk, with the dummy's arm! Tommy checks for a pulse, as Kirk and Tyrone want to get in the van and get going, but Tommy reckons they can't just leave him there.

Gail goes back home to find an air of despondency and despair. Apparently, the social worker thought that a new home in a new area, with David doing a new job was a whole lot of change for Max and it might slow things up. "Don't worry," mutters Kylie, "we'll still be out of your hair on Friday." Gail takes a breath. "I want you to stay," she says, adding that she and Kylie are in the same boat, neither want to lose their sons. She suggests they let bygones be bygones and give it another go.

Tyrone and co have managed to get the limp form of Leon into the van. Tyrone says he needs to think. They are worried what he'll do when he wakes up, he'll be sure to find them. Tyrone eventually decides that they'll take him with them back to their home turf and they'll stash him while they work something out. Tommy's worried, this is kidnapping. Kirk is really, really scared. Tyrone says if they let him go now, Fiz will pay, big time. "Are you saying they could kill her?" asks Kirk. "I'm saying there's no going back, for any of us," says Tyrone. So they slam the doors shut and drive off with him!

Anne Logan.


Friday 2 September

Is it September already?

We begin this brace of Friday episodes with Roy hearing strange noises in the street. It sounds like someone calling for help. He's greeted by Denis but the noise seems to have stopped. Then Roy hears it again, but Denis can't. Denis suggests it might be the ghost of Martha Longhurst, though I suspect she'd haunt the Rovers rather than a butcher's shop which wasn't there when she was around.

Inside the shop, Tommy, Tyrone and Kirk, the three messupteers, try to decide who's going to take breakfast to their captive. Kirk suggests someone can live for up to six weeks without food. There are distinct threats coming from inside the chiller.

In the factory office, Frank has plans to view a five-bedroomed detached house in Wilmslow. Carla thinks maybe she can tear herself away to go and look at it.

They're drawing straws back at hostage central. Poor Kirk draws the short one. He gets the breakfast (sandwiches and soft drink) and opens the chiller door. Leon might be tied up but he's got a pretty venomous mouth. Tommy makes the mistake of using Kirk's name and Leon never forgets a name. He's worked out it must have been Kirk who hit him. Kirk tries to tell Leon he won't get any food unless he promises that Fiz will be let alone. Leon just makes more threats. Kirk puts down the foot but Leon points out he won't be able to eat it while he's tied up. He goes to untie Leon's hands but Leon lunges for him and there's a struggle until he's tied up again.

In the street, Eva wishes Kylie luck with her visit to Max. Kylie says she's terrified.

Steve sees Ken head into the cafe.

Inside, Hayley wonders whether Becky's gone to her interview yet. Kirk and the lads are at a table wondering what they're going to do now. Gary comes in and wonders what they're talking about. Tommy claims they're talking about the recession and how grim it's been. "I thought we were talking about that bloke in the fridge," says Kirk. Oh, bless!

Becky comes down and asks for opinions on her outfit. Steve comes in to see Ken and asks whether Tracy's been in touch. Amy has school on Monday. Becky mutters that now he knows how it is to have his child taken from him.

Gary's been let into the secret. Tyrone reckons Gary would be better at making threats than they are, but Gary denies it. He was only in the army three minutes and he got injured, he says. "That makes you even harder," Kirk tells him.

In the bookies, Denis avoids questions about Rita. When he's gone, Stella comes in to place a bet. She wonders if Leanne wants to go to lunch some time.

Chesney's gone to see Fiz in prison. Fiz can't keep the tears from her eyes. She can't stand this place any longer. She feels as if she's been left to rot in here, she says. She tells Chesney not to worry.

Kylie arrives at the foster family's house. Max is in the yard, playing. Kylie tells him happy birthday but Max doesn't seem that interested. She gives him his gift as the foster mother and the social worker watch. Unfortunately, Max already has the toy so Kylie gives him some money as well. His foster mother says she'll put it in the money box.

Kylie plays Snap with Max and they seem to be getting on a bit better. But then he asks where Becky is. Kylie tells him Becky doesn't live with Steve any more and Max asks if he can go outside again. This upsets Kylie and she asks the social worker what she's done wrong. The social worker tells her it's hard for Max because they've been apart for so long. "He needs to get to know you again before he can trust you." Kylie tells the social worker she and David will be staying at Gail's. This is a good thing, the social worker thinks.

Becky meets the pub chain's area manager and someone from HR for her interview. The HR woman asks about the Rovers Return and specifically the turnover. Becky's put in her CV that she was the bar manager there, so she has to hurriedly explain that it was more of a customer relations role. Things don't seem to be going too well, though the manager bloke seems to be on her side. "Tight ships don't float on goodwill alone," the HR woman says. Becky very smartly points out that if no-one wants to get on board in the first place, there's no point in having a ship.

I have no idea why Tyrone and the others didn't gag Leon. Gary can hear him shouting from the street. He sighs and heads towards home, meeting Chesney along the way. Chesney tells him about his visit to Fiz and her weeping. Gary tells him that in prison you have good days and bad days.

Now the HR person wants to know about CSR. Surely Becky came across Corporate Social Responsibility when she worked at McDonalds. Oh, no, that's her surname! Hee hee. The manager explains that Becky seems to have lots of experience but it's all been with small companies. Bar North is a huge organisation. The HR person says they're looking for someone who already has experience of lots of acronyms and jargon (though she doesn't put it quite like that!). Becky thinks it sounds as if they've already made up their minds. The manager asks if there's anything she wants to say. "If you want somebody running your bar shouting gobspeak that nobody understands, then go hire a Dalek," she tells them. "But if you want flesh and blood, somebody who'll make the people feel really special and get them spending all their dosh in a place with a fantastic buzz then you won't find anybody better than me. And if you want to stick that in your CSR audit and see what it prints out, be my guest." Go, Becky! She gets up and leaves.

David comes home to ask Kylie how the visit went. She's very down. David tells her these things will take time. Kylie thinks she's the worst mother on the planet and she doesn't have a job. There's no hope. David says that on the course he attended, they kept saying to focus on what you're good at. "Getting wrecked and making enemies?" asks Kylie. David says she was brilliant at doing nails. He suggests she start up on her own with a mobile nail service. Kylie's pleased with the idea.

Carla and Frank show off the house details to Stella, Leanne and Peter in the pub. Frank says they'll definitely make an offer on it, though this is a surprise to Carla. He tells her people make the mistake of not going for the first house they see and insisting on seeing more, only to find the first one's gone when they decide there's nothing better. Carla still thinks it's a bit quick.

The kidnappers are also in the pub. Gary's decided to help after talking to Chesney about Fiz. He warns them the prisoner can be heard from the street. The others worry that some of the hard nuts from the Clayborne estate will come looking for Leon. "Leon?" asks Gary. "Does he have a shaved head and a face like a pit bull?" Uh oh. Even Uncle Len was terrified of Leon. Gary's thinking of forgetting his offer of help but Tyrone points out the other prisoners have threatened to hurt Hope as well as Fiz. They put their heads together to plan.

Eva's impressed with Kylie's new plan for a nail business. They discuss names for the business but Eva's ideas are rubbish. Kylie says the main problem is getting hold of the materials she'll need. She hopes she can blag it off Audrey.

Becky's telling Roy all about her horrendous interview. Her phone rings and it's the manager bloke. She's got the job! She's really happy. She tells Roy that she bloke told her that if she could handle the HR woman she can handle anyone. The other applicants buckled. Now she just has to get her references organised. Roy points out that he did offer. Becky breaks it to him that she put in her CV that she managed Roy's Rolls. And we all know how Roy feels about lying.

Back to the butcher's shop now and the four amigos open the chiller door to find Leon looking a bit sorry for himself. He asks for a drink and Tommy holds the can so he can sip. However, once he's wet his whistle he starts to scream for help, adding the information that he's in the fridge in the butcher's shop. His abductors leap on him and hold him down so they can put tape over his mouth. He can still make a noise but it's "Mfffghhmmffgh" rather than specific directions on how to find him. The kidnappers sigh with relief and sit back, only to hear a woman's voice. Who is it? Is it the police? They deputise Kirk to go and find out. He shuts the fridge door just in time as he comes face to face with an estate agent showing round a prospective buyer.

The end of episode one. You'll have to wait for Duncan if you want to know what happens next.

Margaret Carr

An estate agent has turned up at the butcher shop with a potential buyer. Kirk is forced to think on his feet and claim that he is here to look after the place as it is what Ashley would have wanted. There is a bang in the background and Kirk explains that it was probably from the cafe next door.

Kylie comes round to the salon and tells Audrey that she plans to move on with her career. Audrey lets her have the nail equipment to set up her own nail service business but it's only to get Kylie out of her hair.

Norris has come snooping around at the butchers and backs up Kirk's tale. The estate agent tries to get rid of them both but the client appreciates Norris' insight into the premises as a fellow retailer. Another bang comes from inside the shop but Kirk covers it up. The estate agent wants to take the buyer to the fridge but Kirk says that the lock is broken on it. The client has seen enough. After he goes, Norris hears another bang and Kirk tries to convince him that it's just rats

Kylie is telling Gail about her enterprising new idea and when Gail comments that she hopes that she isn't going to take Audrey's customers, Kylie gets the idea that she could offer to do hair too.

Tommy, Gary, Tyrone and their hostage suddenly find that they have been closed in. Due to his claustrophobia, Gary starts to freak out, much to the bemusement of the hostage.

Frank is showing Hayley the house but Carla comments that she has probably seen enough. Kylie comes with posters for the nail service and Carla embraces this distraction by asking for a free treatment.

Sean gets a phone call from Violet who is well enough to look after Dylan again. Sean has to take him back next week.

Becky is pleading with Roy to lie about her being a manager at the cafe but he can't in all conscience do it. When the boss phones, Roy tells her that she has taken on managerial responsibilities but was never officially the manager. Becky soon gets a phone call saying that she is not being offered the job.

Kirk comes back and releases his friends. The hostage struggles as they leave and manages to break free. When Gary, Tyrone, Kirk and Tommy get back to the pub they argue over the next step in their plan as they can't just leave the hostage where he is.

Marcus is miffed that it's nearly time to say goodbye to Dylan. Sean reminds him that they always knew this moment would come.

Gary tells his friends that the only option they have is to take the hostage to the police but Tommy points out that they could be charged with kidnap. They eventually agree to wait until night, take him somewhere deserted and put the frighteners on him in the hope to warn him off.

Kylie has done a good job on Carla's nails and Carla gives her some money whilst frank talks about the potential for a swimming pool with the house he wants. Kylie suggests she does Carla's nails and her guests' for the wedding. Carla seems unenthusiastic.

Kylie arrives back home and announces that she has had her first client. Audrey has been told by Gail that Kylie is considering doing hair so demands her nail products back. She calls Kylie selfish and Kylie is hurt. She points out that she is trying to make something of herself and wished that they could just be proud of her.

Norris asks Sylvia if she has seen any rat droppings nearby. She is outraged and Norris' suspicions over Kirk's lie grow. He sneaks into the butcher's and is horrified to find a man locked in the fridge!

Frank is on tenterhooks as he waits for the estate agent call. Peter and Leanne tell him and Carla that the house looks lovely.

Gary, Tommy and Tyrone head out to the butchers but Kirk tells them that he forgot to lock up. They rush over and open the fridge...only to find it empty.

Hayley tells Becky that she has had a word with Carla and got her a job at the factory. Becky is delighted and hugs Hayley.

Frank is disappointed to hear that the house has already been sold. Leanne and peter head home for a romantic night and Carla looks on jealously. As Frank orders another drink, Carla and Peter share a lingering look as they say goodnight.

Duncan Lindsay


Sunday 4 September

Written by Jan McVerry Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

Tyrone has spent the night in a chair parked in front of the back door, nervous that Leo the dealer would come back to have his revenge. Tommy comes downstairs and they talk about the situation but clam up with Tina arrives. They try to make excuses but she sees through them and drags it out of them.

Norris hasn't shown up so Dennis has done one of the paper rounds. Rita says he did get one of the orders wrong and they wonder what happened to Norris. Mary arrives bright and chirpy and when told Norris has not come in, she reckons it's not like him (in spite of the fact that he didn't show up for work just a short while ago when Sylvia locked him in the loo). They all simply think he's not feeling well until Emily arrives and says he didn't come home last night. Dennis jokes that perhaps Norris "got lucky".

Frank and Carla are driving into work and talking about wedding plans.

Leanne is in the cafe looking thoughtful. Peter comes in and she tells him she's not pregnant. Mary and Emily arrive to accuse Sylvia of locking Norris in again. She's unsympathetic to their plight. Says she saw Norris at closing time the night before, lurking around the butcher shop. Gary has overheard, knows what was going on in the butcher shop, at least as far as what they'd hidden inside and tries to make a getaway but Sylvia stops him to fetch his change.

Kirk is showing Becky how to use the packing tape "gun". It's her first day at Underworld. She thinks it's a doddle. Kirk reckons "when you've got tape tangled in your hair and Mr. Foster down your neck, you wish you'd make friends with that baby!" (meaning the tape gun). Becky's first go with it is a bit wobbly. Elsewhere, Frank's parents arrive. They seem nice though his mother is very clutchy and touchy and feely and grasps Carla's hands and kisses her and later clutches her close by her hands clasping Carla's to find out about the dress code for the Bistro. It's overwhelming to Carla as you might expect. His dad has his cardy tied around his shoulders like that stuck up fella of Todd's had but seems a good chap altogether. Frank takes them away leaving Carla at the factory. They will see her later at dinner.

Peter leads Leanne back across the road and suggests she take the day off. They see Stella and Eva who are off shopping. Peter tries to get Leanne to go with them. Stella's happy to have her but Eva pouts. Leanne doesn't really want to anyway and begs off, then tells Peter off a little for pushing her at Stella. He's forgiven when he suggests taking her out for cocktails that evening. Eva watches the pair kiss and is catty about Leanne being a "man's woman" with no female friends but Stella observes that Leanne has time for everyone but herself. Cue more sulking from Eva who needs to grow up and act like a twenty something instead of one of Faye's peers.

Lloyd is ironing to the music and telling Russ about his clubbing days. Cheryl arrives with Chris who's sporting a wooly baklava on his head. Lloyd starts to make a joke but is taken short when he realizes why Chris is hiding his hair. Cheryl sends Russ off with his dad upstairs and tells Lloyd that Chris' hair was coming out so he shaved his head that morning. She wants Lloyd to stay around tonight. She has to work and is worried that Chris might have another weak spell like he had at his radiation session that morning. Lloyd was off out with his old mates and doesn't want to "babysit" thinking Chris will be fine but Cheryl pulls the guilt and sticks out her lip and Lloyd ends up giving in.

In the pub, Mary, Dennis, Emily and Rita (who's minding the Kabin?) are still talking about Norris and wondering if they should go to the police as he's still not turned up. In the next booth, the Keystone Cops are looking very uncomfortable. Norris' friends all agree they should go to the police but before they make the call, Tyrone jumps up and is about to tell them what happened when Norris walks in, highly annoyed that nobody has checked their answer phones. Seems Norris has spent the night in a police cell. He made a citizen's arrest of a local hoodlum. Tyrone and the lads scramble to get him a drink.

In the Bistro, Becky has dragged Sean, Eileen and Izzy in for a drink to celebrate her first day at work. Dev and Sunita are in a corner booth, having got Amber to babysit and are determined to enjoy the evening. Frank, his parents and Carla are at another table and having champagne. Peter and Leanne come in and she's not happy to see Carla but before they can leave, Frank calls them over to meet his parents. They try to make excuses but are persuaded to stay, with a glass of bubbly put into their hands. A toast is made to Frank and Carla. Leanne really doesn't want to be there. Peter watches Carla drink her champers.

In the pub, we find out Norris' story. He said he found the hoodlum in the butcher's fridge. He called the police straight away. The lads are highly relieved to find out that the hoodlum (Leo.. Leon?) has been arrested for breaking his parole and is in jail. We still haven't heard why Norris was held in a cell overnight. He would have had ID, maybe citizen's arrests aren't legal anymore?

Carla comes outside to get something out of the car and sees Peter who's having a cig. She brags that she's got a great life, good job, nice fella, and even in-laws that like her, a first! He's skeptical.

A hatless Chris sees Lloyd and realizes that Cheryl made him stay home. Lloyd says that is not the case, he didn't go out because his old mates weren't going to be going to the gig after all. Chris figures Lloyd is lying and the two of them start arguing.

Dev and Sunita are really enjoying the wine and Sunita is drinking a lot. She's all loved up and giggly. The Foster party are also enjoying their meal but Carla's hitting the red wine hard. Over at the bar, Eva is ruffling Leanne's feathers, saying she couldn't live with an alcoholic, herself. Leanne sticks up for Peter as a recovering alcoholic. Eva is being bitchy but Leanne keeps her cool. Frank has apparently been sending over the drinks and Leanne smiles back over at him weakly. (cranberry juice for Peter, of course).

Russ overhears his dad and Lloyd shouting and slagging each other off and runs out of the house. They realize he's gone off.

Leanne is glaring over in Eva's direction. Eva comes over, *says* she doesn't want to be enemies but hates living where everyone knows everyone's business. Leanne is getting more and more angry by this time. Peter is trying to diffuse the situation. Over at Foster's, Frank's mother tells them about a cottage they've bought in the Lakes with lots of room for company, many even a grandbaby or two??? Carla, still packing the wine away, is not best pleased when Frank says there's no baby yet but they aren't ruling it out. Back to Eva and Leanne. Eva is really laying it on thick, making Leanne out to be someone very unworldly. Leanne points out she's been around and even worked in Australia. She gives Eva a gobful and ends up breaking a wineglass. Nick scolds Eva for picking fights with the customers and tells Leanne not to hog the limelight as it's Carla's night. (eh? it's not as if they've reserved the whole restaurant. That was a bit unfair, I think.) Leanne loses her temper, shouts at them all and leaves.

Outside, Lloyd is running around shouting for Russ. Leanne is bitching at Peter for not sticking up to her as they storm back down the cobbles. Peter tries to point out that war between family members isn't productive, he should know. She spots Stella coming around the corner and goes over to give Stella the rest of her gobfull of attitude. She seems to be putting all the blame on Stella for pushing her way into Leanne's life when she wasn't wanted and shouts her mother to leave her alone and leave Weatherfield. Stella tries to placate her but it doesn't work and Leanne has had enough. She says she's never going to love Stella and if she had a baby, she'd never give it up. She can't forgive Stella for what she did. Peter is very much caught in the middle but has to follow Leanne home.

In the bistro, Frank's mother apologizes for her assumption and Frank excuses himself as just thinking about the future. Carla, drunk, gets bitchy and tells Mom not to tell her how to run her life. Frank drags her to one side to chastise her and Carla calls his mother a nosy old bag. He makes a cutting remark about realising why Peter chose Leanne, probably after seeing Carla drunk. He tries to make her stay but she's determined to get some air.

Stella has told Karl about the fight with Leanne and wants to tell Leanne a thing or two. She won't let him and he thinks she should talk to Leanne, then. It's not too late to go round. Stella isn't sure.

Frank apologizes to his parents for Carla but says she was just nervous. Drunk Carla is not the real Carla. Outside, Carla has decided she's going to drive home.

Down the road, Stella is heading across the road. Chris has come out to look for Russ too. Frank has dashed out after Carla. Lloyd and Chris run down the ginnel, still shouting for Russ. Frank gets in the passenger side of the car trying to persuade Carla to get out as she's too drunk to drive. She puts her foot down and starts to lurch forward. Stella knocks on Leanne's door and rings the buzzer trying to get her to answer but is being ignored. Carla revs the engine and speeds down the street just as Stella jumps back into the street to holler up at the window. Carla slams on the brakes but knocks over Stella and skids into the bookie shop window. Stella lies motionless on the cobbles.

Tvor


Monday 5 September

It is dark in the Street and Frank is on his knees checking on the seemingly lifeless Stella. Peter emerges from the flat upstairs to see his shop turned into a drive through bookies and Frank shouts at him to get an ambulance now. NOW!!! Frank rushes into the crashed shop and opens the driver's door, looking around to ensure no-one is watching him. He lifts Carla out of the car. And carefully moves her into the passenger seat. I always thought that you did not move the injured in case you make the damage worse. It is not clear if Peter spotted Carla in the driver's seat or sees Frank moving her but it seems extremely likely.

In the Rovers Ty is on the phone to Fiz - for whom he has some really good news! The drug dealing better (or worse - you choose) half linked to the girl Ruth who has been terrorizing Fiz has been locked up for breaking his bail. Fiz says it is the best news she had had in ages and she is extremely happy.

Back on the Street Frank is now explaining to a police officer how Stella appeared out of nowhere in front of him and he swerved to try and miss her, but he still hit her. He confirms that he was driving. he admits to having had a drink - it was his engagement dinner. He claims he only had one. In the background we can see that Carla is being loaded onto a stretcher as she and Stella depart for the hospital. Frank is asked to take a breath test.

Lloyd has finally tracked down Russ - in the lean to out the back - he tells Russ that whilst the lad is not in trouble both he and Chris are for the high jump. Lloyd apologises and gets him to unlock the door. He gives Russ a huge cuddle.

At the hospital Frank repeats his story about being the driver and being unable to miss Stella and he apologises. Karl says he saw Frank being breath tested. The test was negative and he was not drunk - but as Karl pointed out he did run Stella over. Frank nods his head.

And the wonderful Cheryl, sadly under-utilised and soon leaving this parish, is giving Lloyd and Chris a real dressing down - her son missing, the Street full of ambulances and police. Lloyd says he felt the same - but as Cheryl pointed out he was supposed to be looking after the lad. Just how difficult is it to sit still and watch television whilst the little lad slept? Fair point Cheryl!

Fiz returns to her room to find that it has been completely and utterly trashed. She shouts at the prison guard asking when is this going to stop? She is asked if she wishes to make an official complaint. Fiz repeats that she just wants it to stop.

Frank is briefing Carla - she blacked out, she does not remember anything that happened. She is to leave it all to him. A police officer comes in and wants to take his statement. He tries to re-assure her.

Fiz gets hold of her enemy Ruth and pushes her against the wall. Fiz updates her on Leon's lack of freedom, because she has mates on the outside too! She tells Ruth she has made a big mistake because the way she feels she could screw the life out of her! Fiz tells her to stay away from her and her baby or she might very well do something she would completely regret.

Lloyd is defending himself. He has welcomed Chris into their home for Cheryl's sake - not his and he feels he has had very little thanks for it. Every time something goes wrong Chris is given a free ride and Lloyd has to take all the s**t [with apologies for my language, Craig Charles would probably prefer to say SMEG]. Lloyd says he is fed up taking the blame and will, like Russ, do a runner.

Frank is with Carla - she must back up his story that he was driving and all will be well. Stella stepped out into the road - and it was an accident. Frank tells Carla that she moved her into the passenger seat. And he thinks no-one saw it. He has passed the breath test. He just asks her to back up the story - it is done and she just has to do as he has asked.

And it is not looking good for Stella - the news is not good - they have stopped the external bleeding but she is losing blood so must be bleeding internally. They are sending her for scans but it is not good - there could be damage which needs to be identified and there may be a need for an operation.

See you next week.
K Richard W


Wednesday 7 September

So here we go with an extra Wednesday.

Karl wishes he'd been run over. He's talking to Eva while Leanne sits apart, head in her hands. Peter tries to calm her but Leanne's convinced it was all her own fault. A doctor comes out and tells them the CT scan was clear but Stella has a ruptured spleen and it might need to be removed. they're all a bit startled when Frank comes in to see if there's anything he can do. you've done more than enough!" snarl Karl.

In the Rovers, Tina's determined Dr Carter is a hero. Tommy looks on grumpily and then abruptly tells Tyrone he's leaving. Tyrone says he should be celebrating and suggests they go into town. Lloyd's upset and asks Becky for a whisky.

Frank tries to explain that Stella was suddenly in the road. This infuriates Eva. Frank insists he's not trying to blame Stella, just explaining what happened. Karl tries to thump him but Peter drags him away. Frank says he's truly sorry and heads back towards Carla. He meets his parents in the corridor. His mother's very distressed. His father demands to know who was driving. "I always drive," says Frank. He tells them to go back to their hotel.

A PC comes in to interview Peter about the crash. He does this in full hearing of everyone, so Eva finds out that Leanne was refusing to answer the door to Stella. "This is your fault!" she screeches. Leanne says that if Eva hadn't been laying down poison in the bistro none of this would have happened. Karl tries to calm them down and tells the PC all he needs to know is that it's all Frank's fault.

Tyrone, Tommy and Kirk arrive at a club in town. Tyrone just wants a drink. His pulling days are over, he says gloomily. He goes to the bar and Tommy demands Kirk give him some money to help Ty.

Carla wants to know how Stella is. Frank says he thinks all three of them will be able to walk away from this. They have to look forward - to their wedding, to their life together. Carla doesn't want him to take the blame but he says they have to stick by their story.

Eva and Leanne are still snapping at each other. Karl suggests Peter and Leanne stop at the pub tonight but Peter says they'll stay at his dad's. Eva's angry that Karl's made the offer.

Frank's lawyer arrives in Carla's hospital room. Carla tries to tell him she was driving but Frank stops her and tells the lie version of the story.

Tommy's talking to two girls. He denies that he's single and says he's trying to cheer up Tyrone. At first the girls are angry, thinking he thinks they're prostitutes. But Tommy says all he's trying to do is help Tyrone get his confidence back. One girl dismisses the idea straight away. But the other, who has a look of Fiona Middleton (Angela Griffin) about her, is curious. She says she's up for it.

The lawyer asks more questions and suggests Frank might be charged with dangerous driving if he's at all culpable. Frank denies there is and George The Lawyer leaves.

Stella's out of theatre. they've managed to save her spleen and she's now in intensive care. The problem is, she's not woken up from the anaesthetic yet and she should have. There's a possibility she might never wake up.

Tyrone's holding forth on the joys of being single. The game-for-it girl comes over and asks Tyrone to buy her a drink. He looks behind him to see who she's talking to!

In the pub after closing, Lloyd tells Becky and Steve about his row with Cheryl. He says she's not being fair. Becky points out that when your child is missing, all sanity goes out the window. He and Becky get set to leave. Steve offers to pay Becky but she refuses.

Chris and Cheryl chat cosily and drink wine while they reminisce. He tells her he knows he blew it, but she was the best thing that ever happened to him. "I couldn't get through this without you. Thank you." He kisses her cheek. Cheryl says they had some great times. They look at each other and he leans in to kiss her lips but she leaps out of the way.

Tyrone and the girl, Kirsty, chat away about cars and motor racing. Her father had a garage, apparently. She says they should get together for a drink some time. Her pal comes to demand that they go on to hear a band as they'd planned, but she insists on getting Tyrone's number before she goes. She tells him she's free most nights next week. He's on top of the world when he goes back to the others.

They've extubated Stella but she couldn't breathe on her own so she's back on the life support machine. Even if she does eventually wake up she might have some brain damage. "All we can do is wait - and hope," says the doctor.

Chris apologises to Cheryl, who's still annoyed at him for misreading the signals. Lloyd comes in with a peace offering from the chippy. Cheryl tells him there's no need to apologise. She hugs him tightly as Chris watches.

Frank's had an update on Stella from the hospital staff (Appalling!! He's not related!). He tells Carla the situation. Carla says it changes everything. They can't go on lying. One of them could go inside for a very long time if Stella dies. Frank tells her he loves her and if one of them has to go to prison then it will be him.

The end.
Margaret Carr


Thursday 8 September

Frank has arrived to take Carla home from the hospital. Carla wants to look in on Stella before she leaves, but Frank isn't keen on that idea, Stella's in good hands, they should just leave. Carla then says they must tell the police what really happened, she can't let him take the blame for it. He tells her that if she tells, then they'll both go to prison, and what would be the sense in that? It was an accident, the outcome is the same.

Peter, Leanne and Simon have spent the night at Ken and Deirdre's, their flat is going to be checked later to make sure it's safe. Deirdre asks if Leanne has rung the hospital, she has, and Stella is still the same. Peter urges Simon to get ready for school. Simon says he can't go to school, he's had a trauma. "Anyway, I want me mum," he says, sitting on Leanne's lap and cuddling up. "So do I," murmurs Leanne.

In Lloyd's house, Russ is going off to school with Lloyd. Chris apologises to Cheryl for his behaviour the night before. He says he'll leave, but she tells him he can't, what would he tell Russ?

Sean and Eileen aren't too happy to hear that Hayley is going to open the factory, they haven't got the day off as they'd hoped. Sean and Marcus are sad at the thought of Dylan going home soon, Marcus thinks they'll be lost without him.

Steve walks into the back room of the Rovers to find Karl on the phone to the hospital as Eva sits, looking worried, at the table, and isn't happy when Leanne comes in. Karl gets off the phone and says they're going to try taking the tubes out of Stella again, so they should get over to the hospital and be there when she wakes up. Eva is pessimistic, what if she doesn't wake up?

Tyrone is in high spirits, and singing around the garage. He tells Kevin and Tommy he's met someone, and Kevin asks who it is. "Like I'm going to tell you!" says Ty, "the next thing I know you'll be taking her "jogging"!" Tommy warns him not to get carried away, he's only known the girl ten minutes.

Frank prepares to go into the factory. He remarks that Carla never told him why she ran off the other night. She tells him she was ashamed of her behaviour when she met his parents. She hit the bottle big time and was rude to his mum. "I don't deserve you, you're too good to me," she says. He tells her she's the most wonderful woman he's ever met, bright and funny. Carla, however, is still full of guilt over Stella and won't be pacified.

At the hospital, things are looking up. The tubes have been removed and Stella is now breathing for herself, although she's still unconscious. All they can do now is wait.

Chris is packing up his stuff when Russ comes back from school. He's horrified that his dad is leaving, he can't see why they can't look after him. He begs his mum to let his dad stay and eventually she says he can, but doesn't look happy about it.

A shocked-looking and puffy eyed Carla is staring at the scene of the accident when Ken and Deirdre come by. Deirdre remarks on how lucky Frank was, to walk away without a scratch. Carla starts to say it wasn't his fault, but Deirdre ploughs on, saying what a lunatic he was to be going so fast in a built up area. Carla asks if they'd heard how Stella is, and Ken tells her that the situation seems to be very bleak, and Leanne is feeling very guilty, as she and Stella had argued earlier, that's why Stella was standing outside the flat. Deirdre says how tragic it is, Leanne could lose her mother before she's had the chance to get to know her properly.

Karl, Leanne and Eva are at Stella's bedside. Karl says he's heard it helps to talk to the unconscious patient. He leans forward. "Stella, it's me, Karl," he says, "can you hear me?" Stella's eyelids flicker, she moves her hand and then opens her eyes!

Coffee break time at the factory, and Sean, Eileen, Julie and Izzy are discussing Stella and the accident. Frank must have been driving like a maniac, pedal to the metal, probably had loud rock music blaring - it's like a prime evil force, Julie reckons. Frank comes out of his office and overhears all this. "That's enough!" he shouts, and they all freeze.

Leanne, Eva and Karl are all looking much relieved and chatting to a sleepy Stella when the policeman comes in and asks what she remembers about the accident. She tells him that she'd been knocking on the door, she stepped back to look up at the window when the car came round the corner, veering like it was out of control. She couldn't see who was driving, the headlights were too bright. Karl tells him to arrest Frank Foster and put him behind bars.

In the taxi office, Lloyd is telling Steve about Chris almost leaving and then staying. He feels that Russ should spend as much time as possible with his dad while he's still around. Just then Chris come in and says he's off to Freshco to get something nice for tea, he wants to make himself useful. Lloyd tells him if he wants to make himself useful he could look after Russ later while he takes Cheryl out, he's got tickets to a gig. Chris agrees, but doesn't look exactly happy about it.

Over at the garage, Tyrone is checking his phone but his new girlfriend hasn't called. He knows it was too good to be true, she was so gorgeous. Just then, his phone actually rings, it's her!! He goes off, talking on his phone, all delighted, and Tommy then tells Kevin that she doesn't really care about Tyrone, he paid her to talk to him. She's phoning him again probably to try and get more money out of Tommy. Kevin says he's cruel and must tell him. Tyrone gets off the phone and comes in grinning like a Cheshire cat - this girl is well keen!

Cheryl comes home to find Chris making Russ's favourite meal, spag bol. He asks if she's sure she's ok about him staying. She looks uncomfortable, but says it's fine. He suggests they go to the cinema - him, her and Russ, get an early show. Cheryl isn't sure, she hasn't spent much time with Lloyd lately. Chris puts on a hurt face, but plays the martyr and says that while he's feeling ok he just thought he ought to get out there and have some fun. This works, and Cheryl agrees, if they hurry they can meet Russ off the bus. Chris smirks.

Sean and Marcus are crossing the road with Dylan, who I believe is 4 years old. They give him 50p and send him into the Kabin on his own to choose some sweets, something I find pretty incomprehensible. Having 4 year old grandchildren myself, I know that they have no idea how much things cost. Anyway, this gives Marcus and Sean the chance to have a chat outside the shop, on their own. Marcus is not happy at the thought of Dylan going back to his mum, visits just won't be enough, he wants to be able to pick him up, to hold him. Dylan is really happy with them. Sean says that Dylan's life is in London, they have to put him first, but, he assures Marcus, they'll be all right, they've got each other.

A tearful Leanne tells Stella she thought she'd lost her, she's sorry for the things she said and she really doesn't want her to go. She lost her once, she couldn't bear to lose her again.

Out in the waiting area, Carla approaches Eva and Karl and asks how Stella is, but she gets and angry and hostile reception. Peter comes forward and tells her that Stella has come round, she's out of danger and she's going to be fine. Karl says at least her old man won't be going down for murder. Carla starts to say that it wasn't Frank's fault, he's done nothing wrong but Peter pulls her away and tells her they've been through hell and they don't need that right now. She tells him it was her driving, not Frank. Peter is shocked.

Lloyd comes home with the gig tickets and is furious to find a scrawled note from Cheryl telling him they've gone to the cinema. When they come home, he sends Russ upstairs and asks Chris what the hell he's playing at, and waves the gig tickets. Chris acts dumb and says he didn't know. Just then Russ calls so he goes off to see what he wants. Lloyd tells Cheryl that Steve was there when he told Chris about the gig. Cheryl thinks he just didn't remember, it's his illness. Lloyd reckons he's playing Cheryl, and outside, on the stairs, Chris smirks again.

Peter is furious with Carla, and angry that she's burdened him with the secret. He thinks she's selfish and thoughtless. She tells him the guilt has been eating away at her, and reminds him that he burnt his flat down when he was drunk, putting Simon in hospital. He agrees, but says that when he does something unspeakable he holds his hands up and deals with the consequences. She says she thought he was her friend, that he really cared about her. "Yeah?" he says, "well not any more!"

Anne Logan


Friday 9 September

It's Friday and after a full week of Corrie, here's the first episode of the day:

Carla's in the flat looking depressed. Frank promises to take her somewhere with palm trees once this is all over. He gives her a stern warning that she needs to get her head together. He says the story they told the police is a version of the truth. It could just as easily have been him driving and they'd still be there wishing they could turn the clock back.

Leanne can't put up with Simon's morning bounciness. Peter has to talk to Owen (the only builder in town) about getting the bookies fixed. Leanne thinks they should get Frank to pay rent on new premises.

It's Dylan's last day and he has a list of things to do. Top of it is "be a pirate." Eileen tells him and his two dads to have a lovely day.

Cheryl meets Chris. She urges him to tell the doctor what happened.

Eva's with her mum in the hospital. they're having a lovely chat with Eva apologising for everything she's ever done. Karl comes in and Eva goes out. Stella tries to persuade him that trying to get revenge on Frank is not a good idea.

Dylan, complete with pirate head scarf, is in the cafe with Marcus and Sean. Maria comes in and is invited to come along with Liam.

Becky's smoking in Kirk's work van. She says she'll walk and gets out, ignoring Steve, who's outside No 1. Lloyd comes along and Steve tells him he's going to see Stella. Deirdre answers the door and Steve shouts at her, wanting to know what he's supposed to tell the school about Amy. Deirdre says he should say Tracy's looking after a sick relative. And anyway, Tracy will be teaching Amy. Steve wants to know why she's said that. Has she been talking to Tracy? Deirdre denies everything.

In the cafe, Roy tells Chris about the use of an Ayurvedic diet for cancer patients. Cheryl comes in and Chris tells her he completely forgot to phone the doctor. He makes a joke of forgetting his wallet, though he's made that up. He tells Cheryl he's got to get some fun out of it but she's still worried. Lloyd comes in and asks if Chris can look after Russ tonight while they go to the gig in Liverpool.

Frank's buying something and Karl comes in. They have words and Karl refuses to tell Frank how Stella is. He thinks Frank already knows about Carla visiting the hospital and warns them off. "She's not welcome and neither are you!"

Carla arrives at the factory. He demands to know where she's just been. He tells her he knows about her visit to the hospital and that she lied to him. He cross-examines her about what she said and who she talked to. "Who did you tell? Who knows what?" He says he's risked everything for her and now she's risking throwing his life away. Carla admits she told Peter. "Were you drunk?" he asks. they're interrupted by Eileen asking if she can leave early.

Leanne's in the hospital with Stella and Eva. They all seem to be getting on. Leanne talks about stepping on something when she was a child. She can't remember how old she was and says she'll have to ask Janice. they're interrupted by Steve coming in. Leanne makes an excuse to leave. Stella gets a bit tearful when she goes and tells Steve she can't work out why she waited so long to come and find Leanne. She missed seeing Leanne growing up.

Frank arrives home. He apologises for being tense earlier but says he understands why she might have felt she needed to see Stella. Carla urges him to be angry. She thinks he's still angry inside and wants him to be honest. She tells him she didn't ask him to lie for her. Frank thinks she sees herself as unlovable. She shouts at him that he's only done it to have something over her. "You made it turn out like this - you!"

In the cafe, Maria and Liam kiss Dylan goodbye. Sean can barely hold himself together. Eileen arrives and takes Dylan back to the house.

Leanne's talking to Peter at home. She's worried that she hurt Stella by mentioning Janice. She has mixed emotions about her mother. If Stella had died she wouldn't have a chance to get to know her. "How can I be narky at a time like this?" There's a ring at the door. It's the police.

Steve's at the senior Barlows' talking to Deirdre. He's sure there's something she's not telling him. Deirdre denies it strenuously. She claims she just said Tracy would be teaching Amy because she knows Tracy. Steve doesn't believe she could sit there looking at pictures of pots if she didn't know where her only daughter was. He slams out of the house.

Across the road and a bit around the corner, Amy sees her Dad and wants to go to him. "Not yet, sweetheart," says Tracy, holding her back out of sight.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Deirdre is leaving a message on Tracy's answering machine pleading for her to ring her back.

Ken comes in with a book from the library. Deirdre tells him that she is worried Steve is going to call the police and whether they ought to tell her where she is. Ken is not sure whether they really know where she is. Then Tracy walks in!

The police are interviewing Peter and Leanne about the crash. Police ask whether he thought either had been drinking, but Peter doesn't think Frank had and Carla was unconscious.

Ken and Deirdre want to talk to Tracy, so she sends Amy to her bedroom. Tracy says that she doesn't want to see Steve immediately.

Frank is in the factory when Carla comes in. She apologies. Frank says they shouldn't fall out. Then a police officer comes in and says he wants to ask them some more questions.

Steve meanwhile is trying to ring Weatherfield Police Station, but finds a toy car on the settee and changes his mind!

The police officer is trying to corroborate Peter's statement with Frank.

Fay asks if she can buy a DVD, but Anna does not have any change. Marcus appears and says he will give her the money.

Chris meets Maria in the street. Maria asks about his radiotherapy. He says it is going okay, but he says that he gets moody at times, and has memory loss.

Steve is clearing out his flat and meets Becky in the yard having a cigarette. She asks Steve if he has heard from Tracy. He wonders if it is some sort of ‘divine punishment' for what he did with Max. Steve tells Becky he is sorry, but he doesn't expect forgiveness.

Carla and Peter meet up outside the bookies. Carla thanks him for not telling the police. Peter says they can't have the conversation there, they go inside the wreck. She says he lied because he cares for her, but he says he sees her as a fellow drinker with problems. He confirms he loves Leanne. Carla tries to convince him that he really does love her. He says that he had a moment of weakness when he kissed her. He claims that she won't let him walk away. Carla says if he told the police the truth she would be out of his hair. She says she doesn't love Frank, but loves him. Peter suggests that if she doesn't love Frank then she shouldn't marry him. He confirms he doesn't love her, and that the conversation is finished.

Sean gets Dylan ready to go back home to Venus. Marcus suggests that they should both adopt. Dylan could then have a brother or sister to play with.

Leanne comes off the phone to the hospital. Stella is responding to the antibiotics and hopefully should be out of hospital by the end of the week. She says she couldn't have managed without Peter, and then they kiss as they say they love each other.

Ken and Deirdre are arguing about Tracy. Ken says she should treat people with more respect. He calls her a "selfish, cruel, manipulative woman".

Becky starts clearing the glasses from the pub tables, and then remembers she is a customer not a barmaid anymore! As she and Steve seem to be getting on well he suggests they go for counseling. She thinks a public slanging match is more their style, but Steve says they know each other far too well. She agrees to think about it. As Becky is leaving she turns round and tells Steve that she does forgive him.

Frank returns home to Carla, and wonders why she is there. She says she couldn't face going to the police station. He tells her they are going to charge him with driving without due care and attention. He says he will probably get a ban, but he would have gone to prison for her. Carla says she wants to talk about the table plans for the wedding.

Maria and Cheryl in the loo of the Rovers . She tells Maria that Chris is very ill. Cheryl is putting pressure on her to keep away from him. Maria tells her that if she does get back with Chris it is none of her business.

It is after midnight and Tracy is watching telly when Deirdre comes in. Deirdre wonders what she was doing up so late. Tracy says she couldn't sleep so she is watching the Shopping Channel. Deirdre says Ken didn't mean what he said, but Tracy says he was right. She says she is uncertain about things, and that she doesn't know what to do. Deirdre wants to know what has happened, and Tracy tells her she is pregnant with Steve's baby.

And on that bombshell ... I will leave you !
Martin Rosen


Monday 12 September

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by Griff Rowland

Tracy is back and just as mardy as she ever was. It takes awhile but she finally tells her father she's pregnant and of course he comes over all disapproving, as you might expect, especially finding out it's Steve's baby. Tracy doesn't want to tell Steve because she knows he's not going to be happy about it. Tracy would love it if he was happy and want them all to be a family but she doesn't think it's going to happen. Deirdre and Ken both think Steve should be told but only when Tracy's ready. Deirdre knows Tracy loves Steve but she doesn't know how Steve really feels and Tracy decides to get it over with and go see Steve.

Steve talks to Lloyd about how he and Becky are getting on better now that they're apart. But later, Tracy shows up, nervous, even more so after a few insults hurled across the cobbles from Becky. Steve is immediately defensive when he sees her and hollers at her for taking off with Amy. He doesn't really give her any chance to talk about what she needs to tell him, so busy is he insulting her and giving her a load of grief over her recent actions. He calls her devious, nasty and evil and wonders why she has to be the mother of his daughter and he throws her out of the pub.

Ken takes Amy to see Steve at the cab office after school. Steve is really delighted to have her for a visit and appreciates Ken's actions. Ken doesn't tell Steve the secret but tries to get him to see that Tracy isn't as bad as he thinks but he's not having that and drops the subject. Amy stays with Steve for a visit.

Tracy is home in tears and is determined now to have an abortion. Deirdre is horrified and needs to stop her somehow. Ken figures if there is an abortion, Steve probably shouldn't know at all. Deirdre and Ken try to talk her out of it but she's determined. Steve doesn't want anything to do with her. She figures she's doing Steve a favour. Ken tentatively agrees but Deirdre most definitely doesn't and marches next door to the pub and spills the beans.

Sean misses Dylan a lot and he's spoken to the lad today, on his birthday. Selfishly, Sean didn't even think about letting Marcus talk to him. Marcus has arranged for them to go to an orientation talk about adopting. Sean doesn't seem to be too keen.

Tina is highly skeptical that Kylie has moved on from the salon and started her own business. The factory bees come in after work for birthday drinks with Sean who is getting annoyed at Marcus sending him reminder texts. Sean deliberately ignores all the reminders and continues to drink, leaving Marcus waiting for him.

Stella is out of hospital today and Frank had to go to court to see if he'd be charged. Karl doesn't want Frank to be welcome in the pub and Steve waffles in his usual fashion. Carla is still feeling hugely guilty about Frank taking the blame but sends him off to court alone, he doesn't want her with him. The end result is that he isn't charged, just fined and lost points on his license. Much relief all around. Frank decides they should go for a celebration tonight. Meanwhile, Karl has somehow found out (I think he must have gone to court to see the proceedings) and is home in a fit of resentment. It's not much considering what could have happened. As you probably expected, Frank is arrogant enough to take the celebration to the Rovers. He's got a lot of brass neck! Karl tries to make him leave, aggressively but Stella intervenes and allows them to stay, much to Karl's chagrin. She insists it was an accident. Show's over. Carla's uncomfortable and Karl is angry. Stella placates Karl and wants the whole thing dropped. Meanwhile, a drink in the Rovers wasn't Frank's surprise for Carla. Sean finally decides he'd better get moving and meet Marcus though he's a bit the worse for wear.

Tvor

Here we are again. A more normal week this week at least for me.

And I had better explain that in another existence, standing in for Glenda on the famous weekly updates I decided that in future I would not call Tracy, Tracy but would instead allude to her only with her new identity, WWW and you can probably guess that stands for the Wicked Witch of Weatherfield. WWW (nee Tracy) is back this week from her summer holidays in London town and already she is spreading death and destruction all around. Just how bad she would be with a real wand is anyone's guess.

Anyway the mother of the WWW, aka Dreary sorry Deirdre has popped next door to bring Steve up to date on his less than beloved's plan to have an abortion. Steve is speechless and cannot even find any words when Deirdre tells him that he really needs to talk to WWW. Personally I use a keyboard when interacting with the web, but battering Tracy with a keyboard would probably amount to murder.

Sean has been celebrating a little too much in the Rovers for someone who intends to attend an open meeting on the subject of adoption. [Not another adoption story line - surely these have been a little too numerous in recent years]. Sean tells Eileen and Julie he wanted a little drink to calm his nerves. And the little drink has not been as small as is prudent!

Carla has consumed most of a glass of wine when Frank arrives to tell her that the surprise has come to fruition and she is to be surprised but will tell her no more as he helps her on with her coat. She observes that men find it hard to tell between endearing and irritating. She is clearly irritated.

In the back room of the Rovers Stella who has made an amazing recovery but still seems to fail to fit into the pub and needs transporting back south - sorry love but the accent just does not work for me - is comforting Leanne who did not sleep last night and just keeps remembering Stella in the Street after the accident. Eva, the other daughter looks totally upset by the attention and care which Leanne is receiving - probably a mixture of jealousy and uncertainty over being usurped by an older sister. Eva in a "voice" says she is getting ready for work as she does not want to mess Nick about. As if Leanne would mess Nick about ever!

Sean arrives at the adoption meeting and causes complete mayhem as he wanders into chairs, a pot plant and disrupts the meeting before sitting down next to Marcus who has been hoping that the floor would open him and swallow him whole - not that he says anything apart from asking Sean if he is drunk - which the latter denies. However Sean then seems to nod off and snore. So he must have had a really hard day.

Carla and Frank are standing outside a completely new house. It is the one they looked at but were out bid. It is back on the market and Frank has the keys so they can look around. Something tells me that Carla's heart is not in it. Inside Frank sits with Carla after they have walked around the house. he says he is so in love with her and he did not think he could feel like this. Frank hands her a glass of bubbly and toasts to "our future". He is smiling. She is not.

Steve has popped next door to number one where he has cornered the WWW (see above) in the kitchen. A cornered witch is dangerous and Steve lays it on the line - just how long will it be before she starts using the new offspring to manipulate him just as she has done for years with Amy. And anyway Steve is not convinced there really is a baby. Is she messing with his head yet again? Tracy says that she will not do that she promises! Steve tells her that he will not let her. Steve keeps shouting at Tracy. The WWW has something which might convince Steve and hands him a letter signed by Dr Carter which is a referral to a clinic for a termination. As Tracy points out he is unlikely to do that for an imaginary baby, unless of course the doctor is also in on this little scam of hers. [Given WWW's history I reckon she could get a doctor to sign almost anything - but let us assume for now that she is telling the truth]. Steve is again silenced.

Marcus explains to Eileen what has happened and the wonderful lady asks Marcus to take a step back and consider if he and Sean have really discussed adoption and how, in particular, Sean feels about the proposal. Marcus admits he been very keen and done most of the research but he feels that Sean is really keen on adopting. Eileen gives a tilt to her head, a murmured "hmmm" and walks past Marcus, clearly sowing the seeds of doubt in his mind.

Ken and Deirdre have returned and WWW is telling them how Steve looked at her. Ken re-assures her that she has done nothing wrong. Tracy says that as soon as she has made Steve's baby disappear then she and Amy will also do another vanishing trick. Steve won't have to worry about them or sort their problems out ever again and she hopes they are both happy now. ken stops Deirdre going after WWW to comfort her. Deirdre is not at all sure she has done the right thing.

And all being well I will see you again next week.

K Richard W


Thursday 15 September

Breakfast time at the Barlow's. As Amy tucks into her breakfast, Deirdre decides that she looks poorly, Tracy should keep her off school. Tracy knows this is a ruse to get her to miss her appointment at the clinic, she says that Amy's fine, and sends off to get her school things ready. When they're alone, Tracy tells Deirdre that this is something she has to do, Steve doesn't want to know, and she won't be able to cope on her own. Then Amy comes back into the room. "I feel sick!" she says.

Over at the Grimshaw's, Sean has a hangover, and Marcus is upset at being let down and humiliated. However, they finally apologise to each other - Marcus for springing the whole adoption meeting thing on Sean on his birthday, and Sean for letting the drink get to him. He'll be much better next time. Marcus tells him there's an open day tomorrow, so Sean promises to go, suited and booted and sober as a judge.

Steve goes into the cafe to check that Becky is still going to the mediation meeting. She confirms that she is, she see him there at 2pm.

Tina kisses Dr Matt goodbye and he wishes her good luck for her driving test. She's sure she's going to fail, so he gives her some last minute tips.

Deirdre and Amy meet Steve in the street. She explains how Amy is off school, sick, and how Tracy has gone for her clinic appointment. She tells Steve she has to go into town for something, so Steve offers to look after Amy, but warns Deirdre he has to be somewhere at 2 o'clock. She promises to be back.

In Tryone's house, Tina and Ty decide they need a rota for the household chores. Tommy isn't keen on the idea, but Tyrone says he might want to bring someone back and he wants the place to look nice. When Tyrone has left the room, Tina demands the truth from Tommy, and he confesses that he paid Kirsty £20 to talk to Tyrone, so he doesn't think there's a cat in hell's chance of Ty hanging on to her. Tina tells him to think of something to put Tyrone off her, something that won't dent his confidence, but put him off her for good.

In the back room of the Rovers, Steve and Amy are playing Scrabble, while Lloyd sits and looks thoughtful. Then he says that Chris is milking his illness to the maximum. He's a real head worker, that was probably what caused the tumour in the first place.

Tracy's at the clinic. The doctor comes in with the consent form, and to talk her through possible side effects and complications. Tracy just wants it all to be over with.

Deirdre comes back to pick up Amy, and points out to Steve that this could be his last chance at fatherhood. She reminds him that Tracy has been at the clinic for a good few hours, it might be too late anyway.

Carla arrives back at her office to find Frank talking to the solicitor dealing with the house purchase. He puts a contract in front of her to sign, but she puts it in her bag, telling him she'll read it at leisure and will be in touch when she's ready to sign.

Becky is at the solicitor's office, waiting for Steve. She tells her solicitor that it was all Steve's idea, she can't understand where he's got to. She tells Becky the diary is packed, she can only give him five more minutes.

Back at Underworld, Frank is not a happy man. He wants to know why Carla wouldn't sign the contracts. She tells him she's never signed a contract in her life that she hasn't given the once-over. They start to squabble and she says she's starting to wish they'd gone for an old house with a bit of character.

Steve arrives at the clinic, asking for Tracy. They won't tell him anything. He begs to know whether she's still there, and in the end is told that all of the days appointments have gone.

Rita goes into the Rovers and Tina puts on a sad face for a few moments and then grins broadly - she passed! Rita tells her she can borrow her car any time, as long as she takes it for its MOT.

Marcus and Sean are in the pub, telling Eileen about the adoption open day. Marcus says that if they were to go ahead they would have to sort out their accommodation issues, they would have to get their own place. "Whoa, whoa," says Sean, "you mean, move out of Eileen's?" Marcus tells him he'll have to cut the apron strings at some point. Sean looks aghast.

Back at the cafe, Becky tells Hayley that Steve was a no-show at the mediation. Hayley is furious, this cost Becky an afternoon's wages.

Steve, meanwhile, has arrived at the Barlow's to see Tracy. He apologises for not going with her, and she tells him she couldn't go through with it, she's still pregnant. Steve sits down, stunned.

Carla arrives home with a takeaway to find Frank looking at older houses on the internet. He shows her one, and says they're viewing it in an hour. "Tonight?" she's shocked. She tells him that with him her feet don't touch. He admits he is always in a hurry. "Just give me time to catch up," she says.

Tracy tells Steve that the decision to keep the baby was 100 percent hers, so the responsibility will be 100 percent hers. She doesn't want anything from him. She'll make a fresh start in London. He tells her he didn't leg it to the clinic to hold her hand, he went to talk her out of it. Tracy wants to know why the change of heart. He says he likes being a dad, he loves it. He had wanted her to have a termination because he thought there was a chance he could get back with Becky, but realises that's not to be. He tells her she doesn't have to go to London, he'll do half of everything, the nappies, the feeds, the changes. They'll be good mates who have put aside their differences to become good parents. He doesn't feel anything for her romantically but he'll do his share, he won't let her down, she won't be on her own. "Our two children will have two parents - agreed?" She pauses, and then shakes his hand. "Agreed."

Anne Logan


Friday 16 September

Hello. This update is supporting the All Blacks and had to get up very early in order to make sure they beat Argentina!

We open with Steve collecting Amy to take her to school. He takes a moment to check with Tracy that they're all right. "We are," she confirms with a smile. You see, that's the thing about psychopaths - they're good at pretending to be nice people!

Marcus sees Eileen and Sean off to work with the instruction to Sean that he wants him at the adoption meeting on time and sober. Sean promises. He tells Eileen that it's all Marcus ever talks about. She explains that Marcus is excited.

Ken gets Tracy to clarify that Steve's happy about the baby and has agreed to help but hasn't actually made any commitment to Tracy herself. Tracy says it's one step at a time and she's happy with the situation as it is. Deirdre isn't forgiven for blabbing, though. Ken's not happy. He thinks she needs to pin down Steve and to think about practicalities, like there not being enough room in the house. Tracy is very taken with the idea. She still has plans to get Steve for good.

Carla and Frank make peace over the house. He realises he didn't leave her any room to express her own opinion about it. "I just want this marriage to work. It needs to be built on trust, openness and, most of all, honesty."

Steve's gone to see Tracy to tell her he thinks it's best if Becky hears the baby news from him. "By which I mean not you. Under any circumstances!" Tracy says she's got better things to do than score cheap points off Becky. She mentions Ken's concern about pinning Steve down. How exactly does he plan to be there for this baby? Steve hopes it won't be legally because of the cost. She tells him she'll likely need a place of her own. Steve would like to help but the Rovers is chocka. Tracy asks if he'd help support them if she did find a place of her own to live. He thinks then nods his agreement.

Frank's still going on about the house and how he did it all wrong. Carla looks very fed up. She tells him she won't be at the factory. She's got to check out a new supplier in Leeds. Once he's gone she picks up her phone and asks for someone called Jennifer.

Becky finds Steve in the street and reminds him he never turned up for the mediation. He tells her something important came up. She says they went ahead without him and she's going to get all the cash, both businesses, Amy and his CDs. He invites her to come with him to pub. He's got something to say he can't say in the street. Without explaining more, he hugs her and sighs. Becky looks him up and down and says she'll come round after work.

The factory staff discuss Carla's hen party. Hayley asks Frank if Carla's coming in and explains they have a surprise planned in the Rovers later. Frank tells her Carla's not big on surprises. He tells Hayley it isn't a good idea but promises to see what he can do to get Carla there.

Steve's confiding in Lloyd. Lloyd tells him there are mice in the flat upstairs and he should do something about them. Steve argues that it's Lloyd who's responsible for finding a new tenant [you'll never guess what's coming...] and putting a card in Rita's window isn't enough.

Sean talks to Eileen about the hen party and she reminds him that he's supposed to turn up at the meeting sober. She wants to give him some advice but he's reluctant to take any. Becky confides in Hayley. She says Steve seemed different and hugged her. In the spirit of moving on, though, she's going to go and look at some flats later.

Tommy and Tyrone talk to Tina about Rita's car, which Tina's apparently allowed to borrow. Tyrone says he's meeting Kirsty tonight. When he goes to answer the phone she whacks Tommy for not telling Tyrone that he paid Kirsty. She warns him that she'll tell Tyrone if he doesn't come clean.

In the cafe, Hayley warns Becky that not turning up to the mediation doesn't mean Steve's changed his mind. She still loves him and wonders if he's changed his mind about the separation because he still loves her.

Tracy's wittering on to her parents about Steve. She's playing the long game. Ken's appalled that she's told Steve she'll be chucked out. Tracy says it forces him to take responsibility.

Tyrone's doing the same amount of wittering but about Kirsty. Tommy tries to warn him she might not turn up. Eventually he admits he paid her to talk to Tyrone. Tyrone's angry and stomps off.

Ken's telling Steve Tracy's over-stated the position. She says she's been looking at flats and houses on the internet. He's appalled that she's been looking as far away as Cheadle Hulme. He wants to be able to drop in to see Amy and the new baby, not spend hours on the ring road. Tracy admits there are vacancies at Victoria Court. Steve points out he's not exactly flush and still has the divorce to sort out. Steve has a flash of inspiration and suggests the flat above the taxi office.

At that very taxi office, Becky arrives to talk to Lloyd about Steve. He says he doesn't want dragging into things. She asks if he's said anything about having second thoughts about the divorce. He refuses to discuss it. Becky says too much has gone on and she's moving ahead. She's looking for a flat. And guess what - he tells her about the flat upstairs!

Tina arrives back with Rita's car, sneaks in behind another almost right on the pub corner, gets out and dashes off.

In the pub, Marcus wonders whether Sean's shirt is suitable and dashes into the loos to remove his own tie (how very very odd!), giving Eileen a chance to have a quiet word with Sean, who tells her grumpily that he doesn't want her interfering. They leave and Frank comes over to tell the other workers he's sent a text to Carla telling her to meet him in the pub and he's left a hundred quid behind the bar. Eileen gets a bit maudlin about her lack of a fella but Sally says marriage is over-rated.

Jennifer arrives at Carla's flat. Carla ignores a text from Frank. It turns out she's a lawyer. She's dug out all the business paperwork.

Tracy's not impressed by the flat. She wouldn't touch it with a flame-thrower.

Becky's on her way with Lloyd. She plans to go to see Steve afterwards.

Upstairs, Tracy's talking about how poky the flat is and how unsuitable. Steve tries to woo her with the promise of laminate flooring. "What are you doing here?" asks Lloyd from the doorway. Becky was about to ask the same thing.

Carla ignores another text and explains to Jennifer that she's not just Frank's partner in the business sense. "There's a but." She wants to know what would happen to her business if the wedding didn't go ahead. Could Frank just shut the place down, for instance?

Back in the flat, Steve says he was just showing Tracy round the flat. Becky says it's too late because Steve's offered it to her. "In fact, I'll take it," she says, looking straight at Tracy. Tracy says she's interested, though Steve points out she wasn't keen a minute ago. "I was playing hard to get," she says. "Makes a change," mutters Becky. She says Tracy's only changed her mind because Becky wants it. Becky says she can pull rank. "I am still your wife, Steve." "Ooh," says Tracy. "I think I can top that." Steve glares at her. He interrupts and says he can't understand why either of them wants the flat. It's horrible and it's got mice. Amy and Tracy can't live in squalor. Becky volunteers for squalor. Lloyd suggests they toss a coin but Becky says it's Stevie's flat and he should decide. Tracy agrees and asks him who should have it.

Who's he more scared of? Find out in the second episode.
The end of this one.
Margaret Carr

We take it up part two, where Steve is protesting that he cannot make a decision. Tracy is trying to force a decision on him. He thinks she and Becky are behaving like kids. Then Steve says Tracy can have it. Becky protests.

Tyrone is talking with Tommy. He says they are no longer friends over what he did to him. Kirsty then turns up the door.

Tracy suggests that Steve tells Becky the news.

Kirsty asks why Tommy mentioned the money. He thought she wouldn't turn up. She says she was 'game for a laugh' but when she got to talk to Tyrone, she really liked him. She thinks it is better she left. Tyrone calls her back, and she says she will come in and start again.

Carla is talking to solicitor about separating the business from Frank. They hear Frank about to walk in. Carla says to him that she has been dealing with her Mum's will.

Steve talking to Becky says that he would have picked her over Tracy. He says that it is bad news for them all. Tracy is pregnant again by him. Becky thinks he has been stupid. He tells her that Tracy was going to abort it, but she couldn't go through with it. It was the last thing in the world that he wanted to happen. He wishes it was with Becky that he was having a baby. He says he going to be 'there' for the baby, and that is it. He wants Becky!

Carla turns up to cheers at the surprise hen-night party in the Rovers. She says she can't stop as she has an important meeting in the morning. The girls then tell her there is a stripper coming, so she says she can hang on a bit!

Becky had hoped that mediation would have got them back together, but this news has just ruined all that. She says this is really the end. How could he have possibly loved her?

Steve comes back to the Rovers shouting at Tracy, asking if she was "happy now". He says he told Becky the truth and that the only reason he is staying with Tracy is because of the baby. A lot of this conversation is overhead by Julie.

Tyrone and Kirsty are chatting. She says she has to be up and ready for work at 5am. He wonders what she does; she tells him to guess. He suggests a breakfast dj. She says she will tell him next time they meet. They leave with a big kiss.

Tommy asks how it went. Tyrone says it was wonderful and that Tommy need not leave after all.

Becky relates her woes to Hayley and Roy. She says Tracy has 'game set and match'. Hayley listens intensively. Roy says that "violence never helps". He understands that her pain is justifiable. Hayley says she should keep calm, and take a step back. She leaves to Hayley shouting asking not to do anything stupid.

Kirsty comes out of Tyrone's and realises her car has been boxed in by Tina's car. They exchange insults. Tina says it was an accident.

Factory girls ask when Carla decided Frank was 'the one'. She says she doesn't fancy him but it they would be more powerful together. Julie says he has a charm, a bit like Daniel Craig or her Brian! Everybody starts laughing and Julie justifies herself by saying he looks good in his trunks!

Eileen phone rings. The stripper has gone to the wrong pub. Julie calls over to Tommy and asks if he wants to earn £50.

Sean and Marcus have a heart to heart. Sean says that he has got caught up in this adoption thing. He had hoped to feel differently, but he doesn't he doesn't want to pursue this at the moment.

Tommy starts to dance around the pub, to the calls of the girls shouting "off, off".

Becky goes round to the flat to see Tracy. She tells her that there has been a change of plan. In slow deliberate tones tells Tracy to get out. She says she is still his wife and therefore she owns half of everything and is moving in.

Carla tells Frank that as much as she appreciated the party it wasn't with her real mates. They asked why she is marrying him. So Frank asks why Carla is marrying him. She quickly says it is because she loves him. She says she wants to talk, but Frank shows her a property on his laptop (computer). It is an ocean villa in the Maldives. Frank asks if she fancies it for the honeymoon. She thinks it would cost a fortune, but Frank assures her it is within budget. He then asks what she wants to talk about, but she tells him it doesn't matter, she is tired.

Tracy storms in to the Rovers and tells Steve that she has been evicted by Becky. Steve rushes out to sort it out with Becky.

Marcus thinks Sean would get used to having a baby; it would be 'our' baby. Sean thinks it will be somebody else's booby that they bring up. Sean confirms he still wants him. Marcus says it would be lying if this didn't change anything.

Steve is round at the flat. Becky says she is now looking after 'number one'. She tells him that she will see him at mediation where she is going to bleed him dry.

Martin Rosen


Monday 19 September

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Noreen Kershaw

Carla gazes at her dress hanging on the door. Frank tells her he's got his suit all fitted and looking good and you can tell he's excited about the upcoming wedding. He's already seen her dress but isn't superstitious. He tells her he will hold with the tradition of staying apart from the bride the night before the wedding. She half-jokes that maybe he'll have a think and decide to back out. He assures her he wants to marry her more than anything. She gives him a quick smile and they leave for the factory.

Sean tells Marcus that he's not looking forward to the wedding and thinks Frank is a creep. Marcus is quiet and Sean thinks he's upset because Sean doesn't want to adopt after all. He can tell Marcus is hurt and upset but Marcus is glad Sean was honest with him. He's disappointed but is ok.

Peter comes over to Number 1 just as Tracy is hollering at Deirdre out the back to move further away from the house with her cigarette smoke. Peter reeks of it too! He'd come to see her after hearing about the row with Becky. She's still determined to move out and Peter agrees that Steve should be contributing.

Hayley and Becky are trotting to the factory. Hayley is worried that Becky living on her own might be a bad idea, with no support. The factory people are actually all supportive of Becky much to her surprise. Carla and Frank arrive to a chorus of "I'm Getting Married in the Morning". Frank dances over to the door and hollers to Peter over his shoulder that they want a day off. Peter doesn't see any humour.

Maria asks Marcus to mind Liam for the day as she's been asked to work on her day off. Marcus is delighted to help out.

Carla is still busy doing work while Frank is looking up the Maldives on the internet, where they're going to be on honeymoon. He bemoans her business dedication so close to the wedding but she points out they have a lot to sort out before they leave. True enough, he admits. Julie pops in and asks for them, implying it's an emergency but when they go to the kitchen, there is a cake and a little celebration. The cake top is a bride man-handling the groom, dragging him along by the scruff of the neck! Frank is quite pleased and Carla is looking uncomfortable. She manages to get away after one slice through for the first piece of the cake, wedding fashion. She says she's going to the Bistro to check on things. She does, but mainly just to have a large glass of wine though Eva needs her opinion on a few more arrangements. Sean muses hoping that Carla knows what she's getting herself into and tells Becky that he and Marcus have had a tiff.

Kirsty arrives at the garage wondering why Tyrone hasn't rung her. She's very forward, and Tyrone is actually quite pleased because he wasn't sure when he should call, not wanting to seem too keen. Looks like she's going to be the one running that relationship! Anyway, she invites herself around later. He tries to be all responsible but Tommy points out he's the boss and can take the time off if he wants. Oh yeah. And he says he will so she'll be back a bit later.

Carla comes back to the factory. Frank is in the office and she says everything is under control. He cuddles up to her but we can see she's got something on her mind. Her mobile rings and it's her solicitor. She makes out it's a client she needs to see and first pretends Frank can come along but then lies and says it's a female going through a nasty divorce and might have a downer on for men so he decides she should go solo. Result.

In the pub, Deirdre is chatting to a bored Stella, who is anxious to get back to work. Tracy has been looking at properties but Steve reminds her he's pretty much skint. She's anxious to move out but Deirdre says they'll manage even with an additional child. Stella offers to go get a bag of crisps from the back but when Karl arrives home, and hollers at her, Steve pretends it wasn't his idea or with his permission. Karl and Eva situate Stella on the couch. Becky and the factory girls come in at dinnertime. She orders the group's drinks. Tracy takes a few shots at Becky who calmly fires a few back until Deirdre diffuses the situation and pulls Tracy away.

Kirsty arrives at Tyrone's. He's nervous and she is a bit too, thinking she has been too keen for his comfort zone. He assures her that he needs that and he really likes her. He's only awkward because he's not used to dating. He tells her he's got a wife but no, she's deceased. He tells Kirsty that his wife was going to leave him just before she died and he's a bit scared going into a new relationship. She decides to stay.

Carla's solicitor tells her that she can't get rid of Frank from the factory without his consent, according to the small print. The solicitor realizes that Carla is planning to split up with Frank and advises she make it as amicable as she can. Carla says Frank is a good man and doesn't want to hurt him more than she has to.

Back to the pub, The girls are trying to figure out what to get for a wedding present with the 53 pounds they've collected. Lloyd asks Steve when he's going to put in some time at Streetcars. Over in back to back booths, Becky and Tracy bicker some more, with Steve and Lloyd looking on from the bar. Steve wishes he could be somewhere else. Lloyd reminds him he owes Lloyd as well. Steve says he knows, and wishes he could pay him back, wishes he could afford a home for his kids, and wishes hasn't let everyone down as usual. I guess he's been told!

Sean arrives home with flowers for Marcus to make up but he spies his fella down the road playing with Liam and he turns around and stalks away. Tommy sees Tina on the street and tells her that Ty has Kirsty at the house so she shouldn't interrupt them. Tina glares at Number 9. Rita and Dennis have come out of the house to discover Rita's car has been blocked in by another one, Kirsty's it turns out. We know that but they don't. They're on their way to the theatre and will have to get a cab now. Tina is incensed that Rita has been inconvenienced by her new nemesis, though she doesn't realize the woman she had the run in with is Ty's new lady, Kirsty. Rita leaves a note while Tina runs around the corner for a cab.

Tracy suggests to Steve that they buy instead of rent but he can't afford it, he repeats. Lloyd remarks that Tracy is as bad as Becky trying to bleed Steve dry. Tracy takes exception to that. Lloyd accuses her of not giving a damn about Steve and Tracy agrees.

Tina returns and sees the note, much too polite she thinks. Dennis and Rita go off in the cab and Tina rewrites the note "Try this again you mad cow and you'll know about it" is her version.

Frank jokes everyone should work overtime but in fact lets them go early. Carla returns and Sean gives her the flowers he'd bought for Marcus. They all congratulate her and look forward to the wedding tomorrow. Carla is distracted. She turns around and looks at Frank and says they need to talk. Uh oh. She tells him he's a good man and he slowly realizes what she's about to do. No no no.... She apologizes and says it's over and can't marry him.

Tvor

Any minute now I will be heading away from the home shores for a brie break in Tuscany. However first a quick taste of events on the Street - after the drama of last week we are now trying to pick up the pieces, or are we about to break a few more things?

Events tonight were written by Jayne Hollinson and directed by Noreen Kershaw. Copyright remains at all times with ITV Productions and I should like to offer my usual thanks to those people who deliver our regular helpings of events on the Street.

We open in the factory with Carla telling Frank that she is sorry she is doing this for to him as she knows he does not deserve it. He says he does not and reminds her of the night that she crashed the car and how he ensured that she was moved into the passenger seat and he took the blame for the accident and was willing to go to prison for her. She knows that and admits that she would not have done the same for him. he realises that she knew that night that she would not marry him - all this time she has known.

Meanwhile Ty is getting much closer to a leg over situation with the long haired Kirsty. He really wants to know what she does and she is being extremely coy on the subject - after all last time she said she would tell him this time. She shakes her head dismissively and claims to work for the civil service. 'Ello, 'ello, 'ello what is going on here then - a bit of creative misdirection I reckon. Ty wants to know what that really means as he thought it meant a load of old men in suits and bowler hats (oh come on Ty, surely even you do not think that there are still men in bowlers? Which reminds me - I have met the grandson of the original Mr Bowler, indeed my wife used to work for him). Apparently it is a load of different departments run by the Government according to Kirsty and she obviously knows about these things. And which department is she in? One protecting the environment apparently, but she does not get around to mentioning her uniform. She loves it but she has to go.

Peter has turned up at the factory. He wants to know if the cancelled wedding and the rest is about him and of course as Carla confirms it is indeed about him. She is trying not to love him and she sends him home to his wife and child - her dumping Frank does not mean that Peter is going to jump into her bed. She tells him repeatedly to go home to Leanne and Simon.

Tina has caught up with Kirsty who has blocked in Rita's car and gives her a huge dressing down for poor parking. Kirsty says she is not so petty. Tina's improved note causing quite a row. I am not sure she realises that Tina is Ty's lodger but she is certainly not keen on Ty's friend and Kirsty departs with Ty reckoning that his leg over opportunity has also vanished. Tina merely shakes her head.

Frank has caught up with Carla at her flat. He now realises that she has been seeing her solicitor and planning to get him out of the business and out of her life and she has been keeping him sweet whilst checking it all out. Frank was right about her - business really does come first with the hard faced cow as he calls her. Carla asks him to leave. Frank says no - he is not ready to go.

Over in the Rovers Rita and Dennis have returned and she says to Tina that things can be sorted out reasonably - except that we know otherwise. And then there is a tender moment between Rita and Dennis when both admit that they are looking forward to further outings together and briefly hold hands. Nicely done by all concerned, touching and effective. Moments like this are precious and should be honoured - hence this mention.

Frank is still shouting the odds at Carla who thinks she can throw him away job done. She asks him to go once again. She opens the door but he slams it shut and slams Carla against the door. She decides that resistance is futile.

Sean is telling Marcus that watching him today he realises that Marcus loves kids and that is not fair to prevent Marcus having children, so he has taken a decision that he is setting Marcus free - he can move on elsewhere and can have children. Marcus finally gets a chance to respond. If he had to choose between Sean and a kid he would pick Sean every time. He hated all those years they were apart (just how long were they apart?) and there is no way that he is going to lose Sean again. Sean seems stunned and asks if he really means it. Marcus says that of course he does "you muppet" and they hug.

Back at Carla's flat she is lying on the floor, a complete mess. She finds a phone and rings Maria and asks her to come round - yes the Maria that she did not really believe, the Maria she got to apologise to Frank for suggesting he had tried a little bit hard and yet he has now done far worse to Carla. Maria agrees to go straight round.

When she arrives she is stunned and Carla confirms that Frank raped her, saying it twice. Maria gives Carla a huge hug. And I think over the end credits we are reminded that if any issues have caused concern amongst viewers then they should contact the Samaritans so I will give the same advice at the end of this update.

K Richard W


Wednesday 21 September

Carla tells Maria to say "told you so". Maria tells her that she is worried that Frank will go for another woman.

Police officer comes to interview Carla. Who wants to know the details, when it happened, if she has showered or changed since? Carla is informed that the CID will be coming to gather evidence. Officer wants to know what her relationship with Frank is.

Carla tells the officer that they worked together. Officer says she can change and have shower after the doc has examined her.

Maria pleased to see it is the same Officer that interviewed her when she was attacked.

Peter tells Maria he has to go out to give Ken money that he owes him.

Frank then wanders into the flat as if nothing had happened. Frank denies the allegations just saying he is getting married tomorrow. The Officer arrests him under protest.

Peter goes to the flat and asks what has happened; he says he saw Frank being taken away. Police say that they are not interested in him, and tell him to leave.

Police take Carla to the interview room at the Police Station.

Frank claims there is no need for him being arrested.

Doctor comes in to to examine Carla.

Another doc takes swab from Frank's mouth, and then tells him to remove trousers and pants.

When Peter comes home Leanne wonders where he has been. He tells her that she has been raped by Frank.

Maria offers to take Carla home, but police say that she can't go home SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officers) have yet to examine the flat. Maria offers Carla, her place to stay. Carla wants to go over what has happened now while it is fresh in her mind.

Peter explains to Leanne what happened. Leanne thinks it is strange that she should call the wedding off on the day before. Peter doesn't think Leanne is very concerned.

Leanne knocks on the door of the Rovers.

Police want to know when Maria made the allegation against Frank, if he was working for the company. The police remind Carla that she believed Frank at that time. She thought Maria may have been giving mixed messages. Carla now says that he was obviously lying through his teeth. She says she got into business and then into bed with him.

Leanne confesses to Stella that something is not right with Peter.

Police ask Frank why he hasn't brought a solicitor in with him. He says he has nothing to hide. Police say that Carla has said that she didn't want him.

Giving his side of the story he said he went out and bought some food. During this time Carla rang the police.

Police thinks it is a strange coincidence that this should happen soon after Maria's allegations.

It was noted that Frank was seen in highly agitated state, by Peter Barlow. Frank claims that Carla is in love with Peter.

Police then tell Carla that Frank has been released, but he must not to enter the home, or the factory.

The police tell Maria that as Carla she has no bruises or scratches, therefore it would not be considered rape.

Martin Rosen


Thursday 22 September

It's morning in the Street and Sean and Hayley are discussing the wedding that they think is imminent, as Carla stares out from an upstairs window.

She wanders out into the kitchen where Maria is making a cuppa. Carla is sorry that she never believed Maria when it happened to her, although Maria points out it wasn't quite as black and white in her case. Carla contemplates going home - back to the place where it happened.

Leanne is leaving the Rovers, having spent the night there. Stella tells her to go and see Carla, she's going to need all the friends she can get.

Tina meets Tyrone and Tommy on their way to work. Ty tells Tina that he's had a long chat with Kirsty on the phone and everything is sorted, and she's happy to let things drop if Tina is, unless she wants to carry on the stupid argument. Tina says she doesn't. "Good," says Tyrone, "apologise to her then, and we're sorted, aren't we?" Tina is a bit lost for words, not really happy about the situation.

Owen goes to Anna's house to sort out a leak under the sink. Gary asks how Izzy is, saying he was thinking of asking her out for a drink. Owen advises him not to, but asks how the counseling is going. Gary says it's good, he's got a long way to go but he's getting there slowly.

Peter is grumpily getting Simon ready for school when Leanne comes back. Peter sends Simon off to brush his teeth and then asks Leanne where she was. She's frosty with him, saying she stayed at Stella's, and she brushes aside his attempts to get her to believe he's not hiding anything.

The police go round to see Carla and tell her she can go back to her flat as soon as she likes. Maria demands to know when they're going to charge Frank. The policewoman tells her they're doing their best to get to the bottom of it, and they leave. Carla says at least she can now go home, and Maria offers to go with her and stay for a few days. Carla is grateful.

Frank arrives at the Bistro where they're busy getting the place decorated and ready for a wedding reception. He tells them the wedding is off - Carla got cold feet at the last minute.

Dev and Sunita are in the shop. He's opening bills and moaning about rising prices when she notices him slip something into his back pocket. She takes it out and looks at it, and is shocked to find it's the reminder for his golf club membership renewal - two and half thousand pounds! They just start arguing about it when the detectives arrive and ask if Frank went into the shop last night. Sunita confirms that he came in and she gave him a bottle of wine as a wedding present, he seemed fine.

Sally, Sean and Hayley are in the pub, stunned over the news of the cancelled wedding. Kirk comes in and tells them that Carla stayed the night with Maria, which puzzles them further.

Carla and Maria arrive at Carla's flat and, once inside, Carla throws both hers and Frank's wedding clothes in the bin, and then breaks down in tears.

Rita comes out of the Kabin to find that her car has a nasty scratch on the door, and she's very annoyed about it.

The woman detective goes round to see Peter, who tells her that he saw Frank come out of the factory with a face like thunder at around 2pm, so he went in to see if Carla was ok and she told him she had called off the wedding. He explains that he left after a few minutes and went to the pub, but later saw Maria who told him that Carla was in a state so he went round to her flat. The policewoman asks if he's happily married. Peter says that he is. "So why this concern for another woman?" she asks. Peter says that Carla is a friend. The detective tells him that Frank Foster says Peter and Carla are sleeping together and they've cooked up this story. Peter is adamant that nothing has ever gone on between them.

Rita goes into the pub and moans to Tina and Tommy about the scratch on her car. Tina is sure it must've been Kirsty who did it, because she was blocked in the other day. Rita can't understand why she would do that, she left such a polite note on her windscreen, she'd done nothing to upset her. Tina is certain it must've been her (but doesn't tell Rita that she changed the note on the windscreen) and tells Rita to get on to Kirsty's insurance. (How would she know who the insurers are?) Rita says she won't do that without proof.

Leanne goes round to see Carla, and looks at her suspiciously, wanting to know how it was that Carla saw Peter just after she'd dumped Frank. Carla explains how he'd seen Frank coming out of the factory and came to see if she was all right, there's nothing going on between her and Peter. Leanne thinks it's strange the way Peter is so concerned about her. Carla tells her that once upon a time she wanted him, but now all that is finished. "If you don't mind, I've got more important things to worry about," she snaps.

Kirsty gets out of her car and is immediately accosted by Tina, telling her she's a nasty, spiteful piece of work. Tyrone, over at the garage, hears the noise and rushes over, just as Tina starts kicking Kirsty's car. She tells him Kirsty scratched Rita's car, at which point Kirsty says she's had enough, and gets in her car and with a quick 'Bye' to Tyrone, drives off. "Great!" says Tyrone to Tina, "now look what you've done!"

Owen needs another part for the leak under Anna's sink. He tells her he'll get it in the morning.

In the pub, Sunita asks Dev if he's cancelled the golf club membership. He tells her it's his one luxury, and anyway, it's for the business, it's all about networking, striking deals etc. He bandies words about like image, reputation. She tells him she doesn't want to stop his golf as it's so important to him, she's got the forms for the municipal course. It's really good and will save them a fortune.

The factory workers are also in the pub, speculating on why the wedding has been called off. Peter is at the bar, listening. Kirk finishes a phone call and tells them that Maria is going to stay with Carla, and taking Liam with her. Izzy thinks that's wonderful, but Sean thinks Maria wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't deadly serious, and thinks it's something Frank has done. Peter walks out.

Outside, he sees Frank go into the Bistro across the road. He's gone to settle the bill, and Cheryl realises she's not cancelled the band. She goes off to the phone and Peter walks in, and starts an argument with Frank. He says they should lock him up and throw away the key. "What for?" says Frank, quietly, "for giving her what she deserved?" He asks if Peter is jealous. Peter lands him a punch which has Frank on the floor with blood coming out of his mouth, and then marches out. Cheryl comes back into the bar. "What's going on?" she asks, as Frank picks himself up.

Peter strides down the Street, and Frank hurries after him and stops him. "Do you want to know what really happened?" he says, "Carla likes it rough so that's what I gave her." Peter punches him hard in the stomach and the next moment the two of them are grappling on the cobbles, as the local residents come running from all directions. A police car also comes along, siren blaring. As Peter is pulled off Frank, the woman detective arrests him for assault. Peter shouts out to all who can hear that Frank is the one who should be arrested, the rapist. Carla dumped him so he raped her. Locals look at each other, shocked. As he's pushed into the police car, people start to wander off, leaving Frank lying in the road and Leanne looking on, stunned.

Anne Logan


Friday 23 September

Peter's trying to explain himself to the detective. She asks how Frank reacted when approached by Peter. Peter says Frank told him Carla deserved it. She asks whether he was jealous and wants to know about his relationship with Carla. "You believe him, don't you!" he says, appalled. He thinks Frank's pulled the wool over the detective's eyes. He admits Carla had feelings for him.

Maria's with Carla. Carla doesn't want Maria to miss work on her account. She might go into work herself. Maria can't believe she wants to do that. Carla agrees to stay home and Maria goes to work.

The machinists discuss the rape and Sean admits he tried it on with Maria. The others can't believe they didn't know this. Kirk is furious. They're interrupted by Frank at the door. He tells them work has to go on and denies anything happened with Maria. "She'd tell you that herself," he tells Kirk. He says Carla's been trying to squeeze him out of the business and now she's made this allegation. It's a convenient way to get herself out of the wedding and to get him out of the business. He urges them to reserve their judgement. Sally asks whether he's got bail conditions and he just says there's work to be done.

Nobody's arrived to fix the leak so Anna has to phone Roy to change her shift. She tells Gary that Owen's a typical landlord, a typical builder and a typical bloke.

In the shop, Sunita tells Dev she knows he wants to be a Somebody. Dev shouts that he is Somebody. "That golf club befitted me and it's not as snobby as you think. They allow women into the clubhouse and everything!" Dev appeals to Lloyd for support but Lloyd just jokes about it. He says the club just made Dev feel he was a Somebody and he should try the municipal course. The posh club made him feel awful, he says. This isn't what Dev expects from a so-called mate!

Peter leaves the police station to find Leanne waiting outside.

In the factory, Julie's worried about working in the same building as Frank. Sean shares what he knows about Frank trying to rape Maria. Sally can't believe Carla knew that and still went into partnership with Frank. Sean tries to explain that it was that or close down. Carla didn't know what was going to happen. "She's just made a terrible mistake."

Kirk and Becky are in the packing department, which appears to be a gap under the stairs. He doesn't know whether to go and see Maria or not and can't think what he'd say if he did.

In the office, Hayley's just taken a call from someone who wants to cancel his order. He said he'd heard some gossip and felt it inappropriate to go ahead with the order. Frank's very annoyed. He decides to go to Bury to confront him. In his anger he tells Hayley that he should be suffering because of what Carla alleges. "She set the whole thing up!"

Leanne and Peter are back at the flat and Leanne's very angry. She demands to know why Peter felt he had to step in to sort out Frank. "It was not your place to get involved!" "Who else has she got?" he asks. Leanne wants to know whether Carla's "got" him now. She's worried by the depth of Peter's feelings. He insists that he cares about Carla as a friend and feels sorry for her. Leanne is still upset.

Dev refuses to accept that Frank's guilty. Sean tries to convince him but Dev believes that wherever Carla is there's trouble. Frank hasn't been convicted of anything yet.

Rita's at the garage but her scratched car hasn't been repaired. Tyrone tells her they sent the wrong paint. Obviously the garage now has a panelbeating and painting workshop out the back somewhere, unless Tyrone's just going to go over the damage with a paintbrush . . . As Maria comes out of the door over the road, Tyrone averts his face so he won't catch her eye.

Maria meets Carla as she arrives at the factory. Carla insists she needs to be doing something.

Owen's got his head down under Anna's sink. She's having a go at him for not turning up earlier. She goes to the supermarket but only after he promises to stay there until the pipe's fixed.

There's nobody in the factory because it's lunchtime. Maria tells Carla this isn't what she needs but Carla insists it's better than being stuck at home in the room where the rape happened. Carla says she needs to make this decision on her own.

On a golf course, Dev's criticising everything. Lloyd tries to persuade him things aren't that bad. Aadi, watching, tells him he's not relaxed. Dev takes offence at being told off by a six-year-old and suggests Aadi couldn't do any better. He hands him the club. Aadi sinks a long putt!

Tyrone goes into the pub and he and Tina immediately start to bicker about whether Kirsty keyed the car or not. Tyrone blames Tina for the fact that Kirsty isn't replying to his texts. He thinks it's all over between them, but while he and Tina snap at each other, Kirsty arrives.

Anna gets home to find Owen still under the sink. He promises he's nearly finished. When he goes to get another washer, she touches something and water squirts everywhere.

Outside the factory, Frank arrives back from Bury. He sits in his car looking thoughtful.

Owen laughs heartily when he sees the state of Anna. He gets soaked too and once the water's off they laugh together and dry themselves on tea-towels. Owen asks if they should get their cossies on . . . and before we know it, he and Anna kiss passionately.

In the pub, Kirsty takes the chance of a word with Tina. She accuses Tina of damaging her car headlight when she kicked it. Tina says she kicked the tyre. "So why's my headlight smashed?" She asks Tina if there's anything she'd like to admit to before it's too late. "Why? Or you'll call the police?" asks Tina. "No need," says Kirsty. "Because I am the police." She holds up her warrant card and Tina goes quiet.

Carla's in the factory, drinking and looking at the computer, when Frank appears at the window. She rears in fright, her chair scooting backwards. She looks terrified. "No, no, no . . . "she says.

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr

As Frank approaches Carla in the office, she is yelling at him to get out. She threatens to call the police. He says they are both to blame, and they should be on their honeymoon. He thinks there is a way out. She should tell the police to say she was messing and she should drop the charges.

In the Rovers, Sean asks Steve if they should serve Frank if he comes in. Steve says he is a publican and would have to.

Kirsty accuses Tyrone of being a bit cagey. She is worried that her being a police officer might put him off. Then Tina accuses her of touching Rita's car, and she is not worried about her being a police officer. Tina storms off. Tyrone follows her out, and they start arguing again. Rita overhears the row and asks for an explanation

Peter and Leanne are talking. Peter tells her that Carla said she still wanted him. Leanne is very confused. She asks him to confirm that they have never really got together; he says they have never ever kissed. He reminds her of her affair with Nick Tilsley. She asks if there is anything more he wants to add as their marriage would not survive any more suspicion. She tells him not to mess up.

Carla tells Frank to walk out of the door or else she will ring the police. He offers to sell back his shares of the company. Otherwise he has every right being there. She says he doesn't have a right to live. He tells her that on the day of the wedding everybody was out, he had to tell his parents it was off. He didn't tell them the real reason it was far too embarrassing. Frank tells her that he had a laugh and joke with DC Malone. She knows he is not evil and therefore they are likely to believe him rather than her. He has constructed the whole thing to make it look as if it is Carla was to blame. He will tell the police that because she was in love with someone else, Had she not left it to the last minute to tell him that she didn't want to get married, nothing would have happened. It will look as if she was manipulating him. If she drags it through the courts it will look very ugly. They will hear how she was two-timing him, and that she set it all up with her solicitor. He says because he got away with the driving of the car that hit Stella, he will get away with this as well. He tells her that the easiest way to get rid of him is for her to drop all the charges.

Rita is shouting at Tina, that she left a perfectly civilized note but Tina altered it. Tina apologies to Rita, but Rita says she should apply to Kirsty.

Maria comes into the Rovers and tells Sean that Carla has gone into work. Sean is concerned, because he knows that Frank is there. Maria rushes out followed by Sean.

Dev is letting his son practise his golf in the Corner Shop, using a tin can! Sunita comes in and is wondering what is happening. Dev explains that he is a 'natural' and that he can beat him and Lloyd. Dev says this is huge.

Frank says it risked life and limb for her. He got her off the drink driving charge, he would have done anything for her. Sean and Maria come in and Carla falls to the floor screaming and shouting while Frank is protesting his innocence, saying he is trying to run a factory.

Back in Carla's flat, Maria confirms with the police that as he broke his bail conditions he will be arrested. Carla is looking to Maria for answers, but she can't help. Carla tells her that he is going to try to set her up. The doorbell rings, Maria answers and it is Peter. Carla is not sure if she wants to see him at first, but agrees to do so. Peter is surprised to hear that she is back at work. Carla says it is up to her. Peter asks Maria to leave, and Carla tells her it is okay.

Dev is in the pub telling Steve about his son's achievement. Steve tells him that Lloyd had already told him.

Sean tells Becky what happened at the factory. As he was talking Frank comes in and says everything is under control. He tries to make it that Carla was there when he arrived. Sean doesn't believe him. Frank threatens him with his job.

Peter tells Carla that DC Malone told him what he did to Frank would not help the case. Peter says he turned her down and pushed her towards Frank, and perhaps now regrets doing so. He says he is still there for her, in a "funny sort of a way'. Carla tells him to leave.

Kirsty is worried that Tina will come between them. Tyrone offers to fix her car light free of charge. Tina comes in and Tyrone tells her that if he fixes it that will be an end of it. Tina still says she didn't do it, but is happy to accept Tyrone's offer.

Back in the Rovers, Dev is still boasting about his son.

Leanne and Peter come in to the pub. She spots Frank there and wants to leave. Leanne thinks they ought to leave, but Peter says they should stay. Then DC Malone comes in to arrest Frank. As he is being led away he shouts allegations about Peter sleeping with Carla.

Martin Rosen


Monday 26 September

Written by Carmel Morgan Directed by Laurence Moody

Sally has kindly done Kevin's laundry. Good thing, too, because he's wearing a blue tshirt covered in black dirt. Rosie comes skipping into the kitchen all excited because she's got a modelling spot on the Lorraine Kelly morning talk show. Sally is thrilled for her.

Carla tells Maria she's planning to go see Frank be charged in court later this morning. Maria is horrified but Carla is psyched up for it and doesn't want Frank to think she's cowering in the corner. Maria insists on going with her.

Anna has overslept. Gary hands her a beeping phone, says Owen has been trying to reach her. She grabs the phone and runs off, avoiding Owen who calls from across the road. She jumps into the phone booth and pretends to make a call but he catches her. The phone isn't even connected. He walks away.

In court, Carla sees Frank's parents arrive. Frank is brought into court, he glances at Carla but can't keep her gaze though he keeps glancing over at her. His case is being sent to crown court.

Owen comes in the cafe and accuses her of knocking him back. He only wanted a drink. Sylvia says Anna will meet him after work for one.

Frank insists he's innocent but the crown prosecutor feels he will break bail conditions and approach Carla so bail is denied. "Rapist!" hisses Carla. Frank's mother jumps up but is held back by her husband.

Kevin is still wearing that dirty shirt. Rosie hands Kevin the phone. His sister Debbie has called. Turns out she's bought a villa in Turkey. He's obviously been kept up to speed on his sister's news because he wasn't surprised (in spite of mentioning her twice in the last 20 years). Kevin says he wants to take Jack but he's got to get a passport for Jack but Jack's birth certificate is going to be a problem since it still says Dobbs. Rosie asks if he's going to sort it. Kevin muses that it's going to be opening a can of worms. Snakes, more like.

Maria gloats to Dev that "his mate" didn't get bail. Dev points out innocent until proven guilty. She gives him a gob full and he keeps a neutral stance. Sunita doesn't take sides but says he's banged up so she doesn't have to refuse to take his money anyway. Carla is on her way into the factory and Maria supports her. Carla hugs Maria and then goes into the factory where everyone is surprised to see her. Hayley offers to get her a coffee. Carla brings out Frank's chair to be either given away or thrown out. Back in the office, Carla is barely holding herself together. Hayley asks if there is anything she can do. Carla grabs her hand though doesn't face her as the tears are starting to fall. She says she won't be in work for a few days and asks Hayley to clear out all of Frank's things, desk, pens, tea mug, everything. It's done, says faithful Hayles.

Aadi is showing his mother his new golf clubs. Sunita sends Aadi to the Kabin for a comic and Amber with him to watch him over the road so she can have words with Dev over how much the clubs cost, considering they're in short supply of funds these days. Dev justifies his purchase for his little prodigy son and Sunita insists he will then have to spend the same amount of money on Asha and Amber.

Outside, Peter sees Carla on the street and asks her how she's doing. He makes a move to hug her but she backs off. She's on her way to see the doctor and he offers to go with her. She thanks him. What are friends for? Leanne sees them go in, Peter's arm on Carla's shoulder.

Kevin comes into the pub, STILL wearing that filthy shirt (I DID see Sally hand him freshly ironed clothes, I'm sure I did!). He approaches Ken. It seems he's put his vendetta against Ken (re his grandson James' involvement in Sophie stealing that money from Kevin) because he wants advice on adoption.

Doctor Matt listens to Carla as she talks about how she's not coping all that well. She just needs to sleep and it's in short supply. The Doctor doesn't seem to be very empathetic as she lists all the emotions she's going through. He does ask her if she feels like harming herself but she says not at all.

Owen is waiting for Anna in the pub but she's clearly late. Kevin has found out that he has to apply for parental responsibility in order to be able to proceed with changing his papers. Ken thinks it shouldn't be too difficult dealing with Tyrone, he thinks Ty and Kevin are managing ok in the garage but Kevin corrects him. Not as good as it looks. But Tyrone has to know.

Frank is in his cell. A guard knocks and tells him he's got a visitor. Barlow. Eh?

Anna comes home from work. Gary has cooked a chili and notices Anna is in a funny mood. She sees the newspaper open to flat rentals and he admits he's looking to get his own place. She doesn't want him to move and it's clear she's upset but more upset than is necessary and Gary realizes something's up. She finally admits she's slept with Owen and it's all a disaster. He confirms that it's definitely over with Eddie so in that case, it's fine with him. She admits she's stood him up and has been avoiding him.

Frank goes into the visiting room to find out that the Barlow visitor is Leanne. She's only there for information. Frank says he's innocent. She wants to find out if Carla really is having an affair with Peter. She contends that the feelings go one way only but she insists on him telling her the truth, as he sees it.

Peter has brought Carla home. She's got a prescription for sleeping pills. He hugs her but makes sure she knows he's just a mate. He does worry but she knows he has to keep away. She says she'll be ok. Frank is in jail, his reputation will suffer and that will hurt him. Peter decides not to leave after all and goes to put the kettle on.

Frank is telling Leanne that he can see all the signs now in hindsight. Carla strung him along. He thinks it was all phone calls, texts, meetings, and meeting with her solicitor. She says she's checked his phone and keeps an eye on him. He's very smooth. He really does seem to believe it though admits he's not actually seen anything definitive. Leanne still isn't convinced. Frank says even if you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't happening. He risked everything for Carla and tells Leanne about the accident. Carla was driving and he moved her and took the blame. He tells her that Carla has told Peter and couldn't bear deceiving Peter. Oh, he's good.

Tvor

Having just had two fairly dramatic episodes to write up I am looking for some light relief this evening from events on the mean Street of Weatherfield where the writing comes from the pen of Mark Burt and was directed by Laurence Moody. Copyright remains the property of ITV Productions.

Do you want a lesson into how to play a blinder? Then at the moment just stand back and marvel at Frank Foster, a man many of us know to be entirely unworthy of any form of adulation or any form of praise and yet have you been watching how he is taking every opportunity to garner sympathy and get support from the very moment he left Carla's flat this time last week (and it was then - I wrote the update) he has been making sure that his story had legs and there were people who could testify to his version of "events".

And now he is playing his mind games on Leanne. Now before I write the update can I issue a warning to all those young girls who may be watching; being as slim as Leanne may not be good for you. Seriously it might even do her some good to put on a little bit of weight. Yes I am being fattist - but it is about the only discrimination left to us and I am not sure she should be quite that lean.

Anyway we open inside the big house where prisoner Frank is being held on remand having allegedly forced himself onto Carla and he is playing with Leanne's mind (a small thing but it is her own). Frank is saying that the stories have always been around that Carla was a tough cookie and indeed would go as far as eating her young. Frank does not know how he did not see this coming. Leanne welcomes him to her world and he is convincing her that Peter, poor blameless Peter, at least this time around, has been playing away (well he does have a bit of a reputation).

Gary is talking to Katy. Their parents need a good kick up the backside and she agrees. So they agree that they could do a little matchmaking as Katy puts it. Big smiles.

Julie tells Sally that she understands the call of true love! Sally wants to make it quite and she will this once and she will only say it once so Julie should listen carefully (I suddenly thought I was listening to Allo Allo again) there is nothing going on between her and Kevin and as soon as his shoulder has healed he is getting the elbow. And as Sally says "No pun intended".

Leanne has left the prison and headed direct to Carla's flat where she finds Peter almost entwined around Carla. She storms in and demands to know if Peter knew as Frank alleged that Carla had in fact been driving at the time of the crash. Peter cannot deny it and Leanne departs as Frank's story is true on that point and therefore he is probably telling the truth about Carla and Peter having an affair. [I did say that Frank was playing a blinder]. She tells Peter to go to hell and he leaves following Leanne.

Rosie has reappeared, more or less fully clothed, but now with cropped dark hair and still working for Jeff and asking if he has sorted out the itinerary for the London trip. For those of you interested there is a new website concerning Rosie and her antics on the modelling scene. I am sure your local search engine will help you find it. Jeff is complimenting Sally on how good she looks but Rosie wants his attention NOW. Sally smiles at him very warmly as she walks away and tells him to take care. He responds in kind.

Leanne and Peter are both back at the flat and he is saying he has been through a lot with Carla and also with Leanne and this is why he would never betray his wife. But Leanne says that he saw her in bits and yet he kept quiet - what was he doing? He tries to explain that she has it wrong because it was not as cut and dried as that - but to Leanne it is. If Stella had died then Peter would have sent an innocent man to prison. Peter does not believe Frank is innocent. But as Leanne points out, neither is he.

Gary has talked Anna into putting on a dress which shows her assets rather well and into sitting down at a table in the Bistro although he does not want Eva to take their order yet. And then Owen comes in and Gary says that perhaps he might like his chair - but Owen says he cannot as he is meeting Katy when his phobile moan pings with a message - it simply says "Gotcha" from Katy and it is clear to both Owen and Anna that they have been setup. They give in with good grace and Gary departs. Eva tells them have been stitched up and Anna agrees.

At the garage, where Kev appears to be working normally so I assume he has no shoulder problems any longer, Ty has gone into the office and found the literature on parental responsibility and Kev has to tell Ty that baby Dobbs is likely to become a baby Webster. Ty is miffed. Kev calls it a formality but Ty reckons that name is all that is left of his wife and family that were torn from him. One word, five letters.

Looks like Owen and Anna have had a good evening and he has even walked her home. Owen tells her that he is not particularly good at this kind of stuff. He builds walls and not just for living. She asks if he has finished and he nods. She puts a hand up to his face and tenderly kisses him.

Peter meanwhile is talking to Leanne saying that they have survived much worse than this. Leanne agrees but tells him that she is tired of surviving and heads off to bed alone. He asks what she is going to do. She does not know, she really does not know.

And once my holiday is over we may find out. See you soon.

K Richard W


Thursday 29 September

Peter's spent the night on the sofa. Leanne walks past, putting her jacket on. He hopes she's not going to the police. Leanne is still fuming - Carla got totally annihilated, ran over her mother, and Peter covered for her. Peter protests he was put in an impossible situation, and says they need to talk about it. What's the point in going to the police? Leanne tells him that actually she's going to collect Simon from Ken and Deirdre, and then have breakfast with him, pretending that everything is all right.

DC Malone calls on Carla, there a few things she needs to go over.

The factory is in full swing, but the workers are worried about Carla, who isn't answering her phone. They think someone should go and see her, but Hayley doesn't think that's a good idea, Mrs. Connor is a very private person.

At coffee time, Julie asks Sally how Rosie got on in London. Sally tries to change the subject, but Sean reveals that Rosie was shown on national tv having a punch up with another model.

Anna is making breakfast for Owen, (who has obviously stayed the night), when Gary comes down. They joke around a bit, and Gary asks how Izzy is. Owen says he'll tell her Gary was asking.

Steve tells Lloyd that Andy can't come to their dad's trial, so it'll just be him and his mum there. Lloyd offers to attend as well for support, but Steve says it's ok.

DC Malone takes her leave of Carla, telling her that if she remembers anything else about the rape or the lead up to it, to get in touch. Carla is sure she's told her everything.

Tyrone is angry, and tells Kevin he's taken so much already, what does he want next - his house? Kevin points out that Jack is actually his son, so should have his name. (I agree actually, Tyrone didn't want to keep the baby and never has anything to do with him, why is he so touchy about his name?) Just then Bill and Pam arrive, they've just got back from their holidays. Bill announces that they're going to get married. Tyrone is obviously delighted, but Kevin, although he congratulates them, doesn't look so pleased.

Steve and Lloyd are in the Rovers, talking about Chris and his condition, when Tracy comes in. She tells Steve she wants to go to town, and Steve offers a free taxi ride. He tells Tracy he hasn't yet told his mum about the baby, she's sure Liz will be pleased and it'll give her something other than Jim to think about.

Becky and Hayley are walking along and bump into Carla, who looks downtrodden and ill with no make-up on, no jewellery, just a hooded anorak. She brushes aside their offers of help and continues on her way. She goes into the bookies where Peter is working and then Leanne comes out from the back. "Can't you leave him alone for a minute?" she snaps. Carla tells her it's her she's come to see. Tearfully she explains that she didn't ask Frank to lie, by the time she'd come round he'd already told the police that he was driving. She wants to know what Leanne is going to do. Leanne isn't sympathetic. "Poor you," she says, sarcastically, "it must be a nightmare having all these blokes running round after you." Carla sniffs that she doesn't know how she'd cope in prison. Peter sits up. "No one's going to prison," he says. "Is that right?" says Leanne. She tells Carla she's a selfish, dangerous drunk and if people hear that she's lied about the crash they might start asking what else she's lied about - being raped perhaps? Peter tells her to stop, that's enough. Leanne says she'll decide when it's enough, and tells Carla she doesn't want to see her face any more, she's a waste of skin. Carla turns and leaves. Peter makes a move to the door, but Leanne tells him if he goes after her not to bother coming back. He stops.

Anna is bright and chirpy in the cafe, when Owen comes in to see her. Kevin comes in with Bill and they order breakfast. Bill is going to order salad, he's watching his weight, but Sylvia and Kevin persuade him he's got nothing to worry about, so he orders a full English breakfast instead. Kevin tells Bill he was surprised at their news, and knows that Pam is not his greatest fan. Bill says she's never got over the business with Molly. Kevin tells him that Sally has managed to move on, he doesn't see why Pam can't. "Really?" asks Bill. Kevin points out he's still living in the family home. Bill thought that was temporary. Kevin says his arm is fine now, but Sally hasn't said anything about him moving out. "So that's it then, you're back in?" "Looks like it," Kevin laughs.

Carla sits at home, puffy eyed and crying. She pours herself vodka from the bottle and drinks it neat.

Back at their flat, Leanne is scrubbing around the kitchen, and banging doors. She picks up a pot plant and goes to throw it in the bin. Peter tries to stop her, he bought that for her. She snaps that some things just aren't worth saving, and bins it anyway.

Tracy is back from the shops and shows Steve all the baby things she's bought.

Tyrone is sitting at a table with Pam, and talking about Kirsty. The subject then gets round to the baby, and Tyrone tells her how Kevin wants to change Jack's surname. Pam isn't pleased, it's what Molly christened him, it should stay as it is. She tells him to tell Kevin that Jack is going to stay Jack Dobbs. Tyrone says Kevin always gets what he wants in the end. Pam says it's not true, Kevin lost his marriage and the respect of his daughters. Tyrone tells her that Kevin is back home, everything is back to normal. Pam looks shocked.

Love-struck Anna is told by Sylvia to go and sit with Owen. Anna says she's already had her break. "Then take another," says Sylvia, "you're neither use nor ornament to me in this state." So Anna sits with Owen and tells him they'll have to keep their relationship a secret until she's told Faye, she has to be handled with kid gloves.

A tearful Carla is still crying into her vodka. The bottle seems to be empty. She looks at a bottle of pills on the cupboard, and goes over to them.

Pam knocks on Sally's front door and, when Sally opens it, launches into a tirade about Kevin and how he's back in the family home with her holding his baby. Just then Kevin and Bill come along and get involved in the argument. Sally protests that Kevin is only there because of his accident, and then Pam mentions Kevin's intention to change the baby's name to Webster. As Bill leads her away, she tells Kevin to stay away from their wedding, and tells Sally that she's letting Kevin make a fool of her all over again. "Shame on you, Sally Webster!"

Peter is still trying to talk to Leanne, when his phone rings. It's Carla, and a furious Leanne tells him to put it on speaker-phone, he has nothing to hide, has he? He does so, and we hear what sounds like a very drunk Carla trying to speak to Peter. Leanne shouts that she got drunk and half-killed Leanne's mother, and here she is, off her face again! There's a crashing sound, and then it goes quiet. We see Carla lying on the floor. Peter shouts her name and she pulls her phone near to her face. He says she should call Maria, she shouldn't be on her own. She slurs that she's going to be on her own for ever now, to tell Leanne that she's sorry, and she just wanted to say goodbye. A frantic Peter then dials for an ambulance.

The factory workers are in the pub, talking about Carla. Sean reckons she's tough, if anyone can bounce back from this, Carla can.

Kevin is ranting on about Pam to Sally, who is sitting looking thoughtful. She then says that people saw her come through the most painful experience of her life, caused by Kevin, and now look at her, she's sleep-walked back into her old life, and now she's playing mother to his love child. "I want you out," she says to him, "I want you out tomorrow!"

Peter and Leanne arrive at Carla's flat. The ambulance crew are working on her, there on the floor, and tell them that she has a pulse, but it's very weak. Peter rushes over and cradles Carla's head on his lap. "Carla, sweetheart," he says, "please don't go, please, stay." Leanne looks on, horrified, her hand covering her mouth.

Anne Logan


Friday 30 September

This Friday episode goes out with many, many congratulations to Glenda and Barry, who became engaged on the Street's cobbles and who marry today. Much love from us all.

We open in the hospital. Peter and Leanne arrive to see Carla and assure her that nobody else knows what she did. She tells them it wasn't just a cry for help. She despises her own weakness. "It's time to fight back." Peter puts his hand on her arm to comfort her and Leanne tries to stay strong when she sees this.

Kevin and Sally bicker about where he's leaving his bags. He says he thought the girls appreciated the stability of having him living there. Sally accuses him of being devious and trying emotional blackmail. Kevin says he loves all his family, new and old, and if Sally kicks him out it won't stop him loving her. Sophie comes down with baby Jack and he goes off to take Jack to the childminder. "It's for the best," Sally tells Sophie.

Carla feels safe in the hospital. She says she's got somebody coming round in a bit, to talk. Leanne apologises for what she's said. Carla forgives her and says there's only one person to blame. She should have been punished - even if she'd gone to jail, at least it would have been the truth. She gives Leanne permission to tell Stella if she thinks that's the best thing.

Steve's very stressed and snaps at Tina. His mother's due in six hours and he doesn't want her to have anything to criticize. Tina revs him up with some motivational slogans. The phone goes. It's Liz.

Rosie's on her knees looking inside the fridge. Sophie tells her people will soon forget. "And stick your head in the oven, not the fridge. It's quicker." Rosie doesn't get the joke. She complains that someone's eaten all the Fruit Corners. Hah! She doesn't even live there.

Lloyd criticises Tina's glass polishing. Tracy comes in and asks for Steve. Lloyd leaps in - he's first in line to see him. Tracy has a present for him but won't let Lloyd take it through.

In the back, Steve's pacing. Liz isn't coming. She can't face it. So Steve's going to have to tell Jim she's changed her mind.

In the factory, Sally asks Hayley about Kevin. She wants to know if she's been a bit of a doormat. Hayley says they were together a long time and Sally deserves great credit. "You had every reason to turn your back on him and you didn't." That makes Sally feel a bit better. Becky comes to talk to Hayley. She thinks Sally's been skiving.

Pam and Bill hand-deliver Rita's wedding invitation. As they chat, it's clear that Pam and Bill still disagree about just who will be coming to the wedding. Emily feels a bit awkward when she comes in to pay her paper bill. Bill argues that Kevin's his son. Pam says if he wants Kevin at his wedding he'd better find another fiancée! She points out that Kevin lied and cheated and destroyed lives. Bill thinks if it hadn't been Kevin, Molly might have cheated with someone else. That really annoys Pam. Rita and Emily look tense and embarrassed. Dennis, his hand to his face to hide his smile, is enjoying it.

Peter and Leanne get back home. Leanne tries to send him to check on the builders. Peter wonders if they should talk. Leanne assures him she's not going to tell Stella. Peter thinks they need to trust each other enough to help Carla. Leanne appeals to him to leave helping Carla to the professionals. Peter, almost reluctantly, agrees. "Good. Maybe we can put some time and effort into our own lives, eh?" says Leanne, heading indoors.

At home, Lloyd explains to Cheryl about Liz and Jim's love-hate relationship. Chris comes in. Cheryl thinks he looks awful. Chris says radiotherapy is the gift that keeps on giving. He's got an appointment with the specialist to see how things have gone. Lloyd gets up to go back to work, looking a bit distracted as he listens to Cheryl chatting away to Chris about Russ.

In the cafe, David chats to Maria about plans to have Max home. Peter comes in for a word with Maria. He tells her he promised Carla not to tell anyone, but she needs all the support she can get. He explains about Carla's suicide attempt.

In the pub, the Kabin trio tell Tina how embarrassing it was to have to listen to Pam and Bill bickering. When Dennis goes to the bar, Emily asks Rita if she's got anything to tell her. "We're just good friends," says Rita.

At the bar, Steve's not so sure about his new "World's Greatest Dad" mug. Tracy asks if he needs any help in the bar. He thinks he might. He explains about Liz and says he might have to give the mug to his own dad to soften the blow.

Lloyd's relieved to get home and find the place empty. He loads some music into the player and turns it on only to have the doorbell ring. It's Julie's Brian and Russ. "This young man has been seriously misbehaving at school." Apparently Mr Rollinson has a nasty bruise to his shin after a kick from Russ. The school is considering not just suspension but expulsion.

It's only just after four and David objects when Maria announces she's going. David says she can't go until she tells him what's going on between her and Peter Barlow.

In the garage, Kevin and Tyrone talk about Sally. They are interrupted by Pam coming to see Tyrone. She wants to invite him to the wedding. While she assures Tyrone Kevin won't be there, Bill tells Kevin he won't just be there, he'll be the best man. "I'm not having her telling me what to do. Not before we're married!"

In their flat, Peter tells Leanne he's thinking about work. He says he can't tell her if he's worried about Carla because she'll just kick off. Leanne says she still doesn't trust Carla. The suicide attempt was a cry for help - it was Peter she called. She believes Carla still loves him and that he can't see how manipulative Carla is being. Peter being near Carla just makes it all worse. He should stay away and give her a chance to recover with professional help. Peter agrees that it makes sense. He tells Leanne he'll stay away from Carla. He promises. "At last. I've got you all to myself again," Leanne says, hugging Peter.

"Is this some kind of a joke?" demands Pam. "He's the worst man. He's the last person I'd want at my wedding." Bill argues she can't stop his son coming to his wedding. Kevin demands to know whether Pam's banning him. She is. So he bans her from seeing Jack - ever! Behind them, Bill grimaces in pain. He rubs his chest as Pam tells Kevin what she thinks of him. Tyrone defends Pam. Bill collapses to the ground.

Ooh!

The end for now. More in the second episode.

Margaret Carr

(still recovering from the nail-biting All Blacks win in the Rugby World Cup!! Well done to them all, especially home-town boy Stephen Donald!)

Bill is being taken by stretcher into the ambulance. Pam is arguing with Kevin whether he should go into the ambulance with him. Kevin says he didn't know his father had been taking blood pressure pills.

Lloyd is having a talk with Russ about the trouble he had got into. Lloyd tells him that the headmaster had threatened to suspend him so it must be serious. Russ said he was fighting with another boy, and went to kick him. At that point the teacher intervened and he kicked the teacher instead.

Hayley tells Sally about Bill. Sally dashes off to the hospital.

Tracy is working in the bar, and Tina comes in and surprised to find her there. Tracy says she is running the pub. Tina asks why she is in charge, Tracy argues that she is more experienced, and although Steve didn't use the actual words, it is what he meant to happen.

Maria goes to see Carla. She tells her she knows what has happened. They have a heart to heart, and Maria confirms that everybody supports her.

At the hospital Kevin tells Pam that he didn't know that Bill had high blood pressure. Pam snipes and wonders why he is surprised that his Dad hadn't seen him for a long time. Then Sally arrives at the hospital. Kevin is surprised because she had kicked him out of the house in the morning, and now turns up at the hospital. She says she came to give support. Pam says Bill's high blood pressure is caused by stress, and she blames Kevin as being responsible for this stress. Nurse comes out and says that Bill had had a stroke, but he is okay, and that they can all go in and see him.

Tyrone talking to Hayley, he is now worried about his health.

Tracy and Tina argue about getting into each others way. Brian and Julie wait to get served. After a few moments they decide to take their custom elsewhere. After more argument Tracy says Tina can be in charge and goes into the back room. Tina thinks it is a trick, and can't believe she has won.

Around Bill's bedside, Pam and Kevin argue again. She says if he was related to her, she would hope he would have a heart attack and die.

Julie and Brian are in the bistro. She says she will be on her best behaviour in future. She has learnt her lesson. Cheryl takes the order, and Brian thanks her, and emphasizes the thanks. He says he is pleased she took it so well. Cheryl is surprised as she doesn't know what he is talking about.

Pam and Sally are outside the ward doors and are talking about Kevin. Sally says that he is still Bill's son and Jack's father. Pam thinks Sally is supporting him, but Sally tells her she kicked him out of the house that morning.

Steve returns to the pub and sees Tina. She tells him that she and Tracy had had a row. He is also surprised that Tracy had let Tina win. Tracy says that she just wants to know how it went with Jim, and tells him to put his feet up while she gets him a pint.

Kevin asks Bill to talk to him as he wants to know what is going on. Bill just wants peace and quiet. He says he could "murder a pint" to which Pam tells him that a "pint could murder you". He is allowed 10 units a week, preferably wine not beer.

Rosie comes in the ward with some grapes. Pam insists that it will be fruit diet from now on. He says what would make him better is to have his family around him. Suddenly Kevin and Pam start agreeing with each other. Bill is surprised, and says he realises it is an act, but is pleased.

Lloyd and Cheryl are talking about Russ. She is surprised she didn't see this coming. Lloyd says that she has been busy. Cheryl is thinking maybe cutting back on her hours at the bistro Lloyd is certain it will blow over and will be sorted. Russ comes in, and the three of them join together for a big hug.

Steve tells Tracy that Jim was livid that his mother or brother couldn't make the Court hearing. Tracy thinks it is a real pity but at least there will be at least one friendly face there.

Carla is sorting out a cupboard chatting to Maria. Carla is picking at everything that Maria says. Maria suggests that Carla moves in with her for a few days. Carla agrees.

Kevin rushes in to Sally's out of breath saying he had problems at the childminders. Sally invites him to stay the night. He can live in the flat from tomorrow.

Tracy suggests to Steve that she could come with him to Court. Steve doesn't think that it is a good idea. She asks him if he told his Dad about the pregnancy. He says he didn't think it was the right time. Tracy says she will look after the pub when he goes. Tina then comes in and asks for a break. Tracy volunteers and tells her to take as long as she wants. When Tracy goes out Steve remarks to Tina, "would the real Tracy Barlow please stand up"! Steve tells her to take the rest of the evening off.

Kevin tells Sally that he misses his daughters. Sally says you never stop being a parent. He apologies for having a go at her in the hospital. He thinks she was great. She says she did it all for Bill. Kevin thought Bill was going to die and it would be his fault. He feared he would be left on his own. Sally says he is not on his own. Kevin confesses he doesn't know how he would have managed without her. They start kissing.

Martin Rosen



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