Morning at the Grimshaw's. Rosie is glamming up for her audition and she doesn't want Jason going with her, he's got to go job hunting. Paul and Eileen are heading for the front door when he gets a phone call from his neighbour - his house has flooded. He rushes off and Eileen and Rosie tell a reluctant Jason to go with him.

Peter and Carla are walking along the Street. He tells her she only has to say the word and they'll be out of there, but she's not prepared to let Frank chase her out of her own factory. They meet Michelle, and she and Carla head off for work together.

It's all hustle and bustle in the factory. Carla hands her coat to Sally and asks her to hang it up. Sally is affronted - she's not there to hang up coats.

Tina is in the back room of the Rovers, she's grateful to Rita but doesn't know how long she can go on sleeping on the sofa. Stella is on the phone to Leanne who is also sleeping on a sofa, her sister's. Eva is off to Audrey's to get her hair done, Nick's taking her out for a birthday dinner later. Stella points out it's her birthday tomorrow. "Oh, you remembered?" says Eva, sarcastically. Stella thinks they should do something tomorrow for her birthday, but Eva is annoyed and flounces out, saying Nick's taking her out then, too.

Milton tells Sylvia he's booked a table at a fine restaurant for dinner, but won't tell her what they're going to be celebrating.

Gail and Audrey are scraping chewing gum off the window of the salon when Eva arrives for her hair appointment. She tells them how Nick is taking her out for her birthday. "Quite a catch, our Nick," says Gail through bared teeth. "Yes, and so am I," says Eva, quick as a flash. When she's gone inside the salon, Gail remarks that she's far too young for Nick, she has trouser suits older than her. Audrey replies that it says more for Gail's fashion sense than Nick's choice of partner.

Sylvia is singing her way around the cafe. She tells Roy that Milton is taking her to one of the classiest restaurants in Manchester. He's a lovely man, kind, thoughtful, generous. She thinks Roy was a fool not to go into business with him. Roy says he doesn't think they would make good business partners, but will treat him with the same courtesy that she affords Hayley, he will tolerate him for her sake.

Paul tells Eileen that the flooding in his house is worse than he thought. It needs repiping and a new kitchen ceiling. They need to find a builder to start right away, but they won't be able to stay there while the work is being done. Paul is worried about Lesley, she needs familiar places and routine.

Carla tells the workforce that she and Frank have agreed to bury their differences for the sake of the business, and she'd like them all to pull together. She goes back to her office and is followed by Frank. "Nice speech," he says. "I'm so glad we're friends again, it's just like old times."

Stella is stressed because she's worried about Leanne. She yells at Karl to get off the fruit machine and snaps at Tina when she asks if she can leave a little early to go and view flats. Tina then asks Jason what's happening with his flat, and hey presto! In a moment she's his new tenant.

Finished for the day, the workforce leave the factory. Frank asks Carla if she'd like a lift home, but she ignores him.

In the pub, Stella is very curt with Nick. He asks her if she has a problem with him. Stella confesses that she does, he nearly ruined Leanne's life, she doesn't want him to ruin Eva's. Just then Eva comes through from the back, in a backless, halter-neck flowery dress, with a flower in her hair, looking for all the world like she's on a tropical holiday, not going out in Manchester in February.

Outside in the Street, Milton gazes at the butcher's shop and tells Sylvia he's going to go ahead with his plan for the steakhouse - Beef Encounter - without Roy. It will be his present to her, the start of a chain. "A little empire," says Sylvia. Milton thinks it may not be all that little. It'll be their future. "But won't we be in direct competition with Roy?" asks Sylvia. (I can't quite understand this - Roy doesn't sell steak meals does he? More likely to be a threat to the Bistro I would have thought.) Milton shrugs and tells her that's business!

Eileen and Paul are discussing the work that's needed doing to his house. It's going to take a few weeks. He thinks he and Lesley will have to book into a hotel. Eileen, worried about the cost, asks Jason if he could let Paul stay in his flat for a while. Jason says he's already promised it to Tina.

Rosie comes in just then and tells them all that she got the job. However, she has to go to London tomorrow and she's going to be away for 12 weeks. Jason is shocked, but goes off with her to tell Sally the news.

Carla is home alone with a bottle of wine. The phone rings and she jumps, spilling the wine. It's Michelle, but she tells her she's fine but can't talk, she has to rescue the carpet. Mopping up the spill she breaks down and starts to cry.

Rosie and Jason are sitting with Sally and Sophie, and also enjoying wine. Sally is thrilled to think that her daughter is going to be on tv. Sophie asks Jason how he feels about it, after all 12 weeks is a long time. Jason says he'll miss her, but will support Rosie as it's what she wants to do. Sophie points out that Rosie doesn't seem all that excited, she's positively subdued. Rosie says it's a lot to take in. Sally asks what the tv show is all about, but Rosie says they didn't tell her. "So you don't know, but you start tomorrow?" queries Sophie. Rosie tells her to leave it. Jason goes off, to allow Rosie to spend some time alone with her family. Sally comments on how thoughtful Jason is.

Nick and Eva are still in the Rovers with Gail and Audrey. Audrey says how lovely Eva looks, and Nick remarks that she must take after her mother. Stella turns round and asks if he's trying to be funny. Nick replies that he's just paying a lady a compliment. Stella tells him his flannel might work on her daughters but it won't work on her. Eva is furious and suggests they leave, so they all get up to go. Nick tells them to go on, he'll catch them up. He goes to Stella and says that they need to sort it out, but Stella doesn't trust him. He tells her that Eva is a great girl and promises not to hurt her. "Like you didn't hurt Leanne?" snaps Stella. Nick confesses that Leanne broke his heart, not the other way around and it's take him a long time to get over it. He asks her to give him a chance. Stella then pauses, and tells him that, as an olive branch, she'll put on a little party for Eva's birthday in the back room tomorrow at 5pm, and he can bring his mum and Audrey too.

In the pouring rain, Carla knocks on Peter's front door. She tells him she can't stay in her flat on her own. He kisses her and takes her in.

Sally is off to the shop for a bottle of champagne, and possibly even a Vienetta for after dinner! When she's gone, Sophie challenges Rosie to tell her what's really going on. Rosie confesses that she does know what the show is, she just didn't want to tell Jason. It's 12 girls in competition to go out with a rich lord, and you have to be single to go on it, so she's just going to let things fizzle out with Jason while she's gone. Sophie is disgusted that her sister wants a career opportunity more than she wants Jason. Rosie says she loves Jason, but she just can't pass this up, it could be start of everything.

Carla is telling Peter how Frank reminded her that his bail restrictions have been lifted and how he offered to drive her home, all smiles. Peter would like to wipe the smile off Frank's face. Just then Simon comes in, thinking he's heard Leanne. He's upset to see Carla and tells her she's the reason his mum's gone, he hates her. He rushes back to bed, and Carla makes to leave, but Peter tells her that Simon's just going to have to get used to them, like everyone else. It's now him and her against the rest of the world. He kisses her.

Anne Logan

This update is dedicated to the late Davy Jones, who was once Ena Sharples' grandson and who wrecked the long-term hopes of millions of ladies of a certain age by dying this week without marrying any of us!

Anyway, one with the show . . .

Rosie's getting herself ready to move away. Sally suggests she come round for a special farewell supper with the family tonight, including Kevin.

Katy's struggling to sort out Joseph and can't understand why Fiz seems to manage so easily with Hope. Fiz says that when you're on your own you just get on with it. Chesney protests that she's not on her own, though when Katy needs help he doesn't seem to realise it. She got up to Joseph five times in the night and he slept through. He goes off to work without realising that she's not coping and even gives her the job of paying the rent some time during the day.

Jason's slumped on the sofa watching morning TV. He doesn't see the point in showering or getting dressed because Rosie's off to London without him and he doesn't have a job. Eileen suggests he could just as easily not have a job in London and suggests he go with Rosie. "You've faced this choice before, with Sarah, and you didn't go with her. I don't want you making the same mistake again," she says.

Carla, Peter and Simon emerge from the flat with Simon carrying a large painting. He insists he can manage and doesn't need Carla's help. When she says it's a lovely picture he shouts that it's a monster which looks like her. He runs off ahead and Peter tells Carla he'll see if his folks will have Simon tonight so they can have some time alone.

Kirsty speculates on what motherhood will do to her face. Tommy has the day off. Tyrone comes in, tickled pink because today he and Kirsty are going for her 12-week scan.

Sylvia and Roy argue over Milton. She assures Roy that Milton's going ahead with his steakhouse plans. It's her nest egg. Roy had hoped Milton might abandon the scheme and go back to the US.

Nick tells Gail and Audrey there's a surprise party planned for Eva's birthday. Stella's organising it, which annoys Gail but Audrey tells Nick that Gail will be there because she'll be scared of missing some gossip if she doesn't go. She tells Gail to wear the new designer blouse she bought in the precinct.

Katy's struggling with baby, cooking and laundry. When she tries to put Joseph down, he cries.

Paul and Lesley arrive at Eileen's, though Lesley says she's not stopping. When Eileen and Paul have a quiet word in the kitchen and Eileen hears how bad things are at the B&B, she offers to have them stay there. After all, Jason's just decided to go to London so she's got the room. Paul is reluctant but agrees.

Rosie's sorting out which clothes to take and Sophie asks her when she's going to tell Jason the truth. Rosie says she'll handle it. They're interrupted by Jason arriving to tell Rosie he'll go with her. Rosie acts pleased but once Jason's gone it's clear she's not.

Tommy and Tina arrive in the flat, which has definitely seen better days. Tina says it'll look more homely once she's unpacked. "What's homely about a million tops?" asks Tommy.

Gail fronts up at the Rovers to ask Stella if there's anything she can do to help with the party. There isn't. Their conversation is friendly on top and like two sharks circling the same surfer underneath.

Rosie comes in and is surprised to see Sunita working behind the bar but congratulates her. "How sweet, at your age and everything." Sunita asks what she can get her to drink but once Rosie realises Sunita's offering to sell her one, not buy her one, she declines and goes to talk to Owen. She pleads with him to give Jason his job back and says the whole episode with the van was her fault. She made Jason lie so she wouldn't look stupid. Er... more stupid.

In the cafe, Roy's slamming things around and tells Hayley what Sylvia said earlier. Hayley tells him he's got to do something about it. Roy says he'll confront them about it himself.

Katy meets Dr Carter in the street and tells him she's worried about Joseph crying all the time, even though the midwife said it was normal. Hope never cries. Dr Carter assures her that everything's fine.

Eva meets Nick and tells him she can't face going home. He says she has to and tells her about the "surprise" party.

Jason is stopped by Owen, who says Jason can have his job back. Jason refuses because he's going to London with Rosie. Owen is surprised and says it was Rosie who asked him to take Jason back. "Something tells me she doesn't want you down in London."

Peter is at Ken's and asks if Simon can stop the night there. Ken refuses. He says Peter has to be there for Simon. "You're just interested in getting rid of him. Simon needs you, Peter!"

Jason goes to confront Rosie and tells her what Owen said. Sophie gets out of the way as Rosie asks Jason to sit down. She tells him she wants to go to London on her own.

Chesney calls Katy to find out if she's paid the rent. She says she has, but the cheque is still on the table. She looks at Joseph, who is now sleeping quietly, and makes a decision. She picks up the cheque and her coat and heads out, leaving the baby behind.

At first Jason thinks she means she wants a long-distance relationship. But Rosie confesses that she has to be single for the show she's appearing in. He says it's clear she loves her career more than she loves him. "You want to split up because you've got a chance to be on TV!" he tells her. Rosie says it sounds horrible when he puts it like that. "Yeah. Because it is, Rosie!"

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by Jonathan Harvey
Directed by Laurence Moody

Paul and Leslie are arriving at No. 11 with their suitcases, Paul seems very happy with his surroundings, but Leslie has no idea where they are or why they are there.

Jason comes in just as Eileen is coming down the stairs, she immediately sees by his face that he is very upset and asks him what's the matter. He tells her that Rosie has dumped him for a reality show in London that she has to be single to take part. Eileen is furious with Rosie, and tells him that she is not worth his tears. Jason goes upstairs to get unpacked, as he is no longer going anywhere. Eileen and Paul exchange a look that says "What are we going to do now?"

Rosie, who looks as if she is wearing her underwear, black bra, black camisole and black tights, is unburdening her troubles onto Sally, and telling her how lousy she feels about what she has had to do to further her career. Sally is being totally supportive, telling her that she doesn't care if she has a boyfriend or is single, all that matters is that she is happy. She goes on to say that if she is ever unhappy, she must just get on a train and come home immediately. Rosie gets up to answer the doorbell, and Sally does nothing as usual to prevent her daughter from being seen in public dressed like a hooker.

Michelle is complaining to Tommy that she doesn't have any knickknacks for her new flat, that she is not a typical girl as she doesn't even own an umbrella. He finds her fretting amusing, but takes off to buy them some cans.

At the bank, Katy is getting very impatient and worried while standing in the long queue that doesn't seem to be moving very quickly.

Milton is busy taking photos of his intended new enterprise, and Roy rushes out, furiously telling him to stop taking pictures of his premises. Milton tells him to calm down, because when the thousands of clientele flock to his steak house, it will only do Roy's business good. Roy is beside himself and shouts that this is not Manhattan, it is a Salford back street. That statement and one that comes up later on from Jason has caused quite a furore on the internet, as many of us, me included were always under the impression that Weatherfield always was the fictional Salford, but in this episode it is called Salford twice. Mr. Harvey defended the backlash on Twitter by saying that Weatherfield has always been a district of Salford, but people are not buying that, with it having had its own Mayor, Town Council, Court etc. We shall see if he dares call it that again! Hmph!

Anyway, Roy goes on with his rant, now directing it at his mother. He reminds her that he and Hayley had taken her in when she had nothing, and this is the way she repays him, by taking up with the first man who shows an interest in her and stabs him in the back with this hair-brained enterprise. He then spins on his heel, and marches away holding his cardigan up above his head like one of his protected bats. Wonderful stuff!

Gail and Audrey arrive at the back room of the Rovers. Stella comes out to greet them, and surprise surprise, Stella and Gail have the exact same top on. They gasp, and Karl looks bewildered and says "What?". Stella remarks that he is a typical man, and offers to go and change, but Gail assures her she doesn't mind if Stella doesn't. It's wine all round and small talk until Nick and Eva arrive, who feigns surprise. They all wish her happy birthday and drink a toast to her. Stella tells them that she and Gail have come as twins obviously. Karl says "Little and Large", which goes over like a lead balloon. For those who don't know, Little and Large were a comedy act, both males.

At number 11, Leslie has fallen asleep in the chair, and Eileen and Paul are discussing their options now that Jason is no longer moving out. Paul tells her they will move back to the Bed & Breakfast, but Eileen says that wouldn't be fair on Leslie, giving her more upheaval. Just then Jason comes downstairs, so Eileen broaches the subject, asking him if he would be willing to sleep on the couch for the time being. Jason hits the roof, accuses Eileen of planning to get rid of him all along, as after all, it had been her idea for him to move to London with Rosie, just so she could move her fancy man in along with his wife. He tells her again that Paul is just making a fool of her, Eileen responds that they are desperate, having nowhere to live. Jason shouts back that she is the one who is desperate, but if that's what they want, they can have his room, and Paul can move as many relatives in as he wants.

Katy is walking back from the bank when she gets a call from Chesney telling her he is closing up early and is coming home. Panic stations! She breaks into a run, as she doesn't want him to know that she has left Joseph alone in the house.

Tommy arrives back at Tina's flat, and she is quite touched because he has been out and bought her knicknacks. He has a bag of ornaments, gives her a cute stuffed dog to keep her safe and an umbrella, a rather spiffing leopard print one quite suitable for Bet Lynch, which he promptly opens. Tina tells him not to do that, as it's bad luck, but she is very pleased that he has been so thoughtful. He asks why she had misgivings about living there again, so she explains that it was at a bad time in her life after her Dad had died. He tells her that she now has to start inventing some good memories, and they open a couple of cans and make a toast to fresh starts, dogs and umbrellas. Tommy then asks her what she is going to call her new fuzzy companion. She first says "Kirsty", but decides he is too cute to have a name like that, so decides on Tommy instead. This goes over quite well with Tommy needless to say.

Kevin is eating a meal with his family at number 4. He remarks that his eldest daughter is off to 'the big smoke'. Rosie wants to know why they call London 'the big smoke', and Sophie figures it's because of the Great Fire of London, but Sally reckons it was because of the smog during the war. I reckon Sally is the closest, but I don't think it had anything to do with the war, having so many factory chimneys belching out smoke, London was known for its thick smog for many years after the war until they brought out legislation to clean it up, and I hate to say it, but I am old enough to remember it.

Kevin tells Rosie how proud he is of her, and makes a toast to her, which makes her promptly burst into tears and she rushes out into the conservatory. Kevin goes after her, and she tells him that she and Jason have had a row. He advises her to go round there and sort it. She tells him how much she is going to miss them all, and he hugs her and assures her they will miss her too.

After the break we see Katy running towards the house, and stops short when she sees Chesney unloading the van outside. She quickly runs round the back, whips the washing off the line and walks in the back door, telling Ches, who is bending over Joseph, that she had been out for the washing as she thought it looked like rain. He smiles at her and tells her she is funny, putting her coat on just to do that. Whew - I think she got away with it this time. Chesney tells her he is surprised at how calm everything is at home, to which she responds that he shouldn't be that surprised, anyone would think she couldn't cope. He puts his arm around her and tells her what a brilliant Mum she is, which results in a look of guilt on Katy's face, as well it should!

Above the bookies Carla is being a domestic goddess in the kitchen as Peter comes in with Simon. She tells him she hopes he likes garlic as she has put tons in her dish, but Peter responds that he does, but Simon doesn't. Carla had thought Simon would be staying with Ken & Deirdre, and hadn't given him a thought, so feigns her delight that they would all be eating together, and offers the lad some fish fingers instead. "Don't like fish fingers!" says Simon, to which Peter tells him that he does. "Only when Leanne makes 'em!" says the little lad. Carla, obviously a little peeved tells him that unfortunately Leanne's not there any more. He retorts "I don't like fish fingers and I don't like you!". Which gets him sent to his room for being rude. Looks like Simon is not going to make this switch of mothers easy on any of them.

Jason comes into the Rovers to find Owen, who immediately takes the Mickey by talking cockney to him. But Jason is not amused and quietly asks if he can have his job back as he is not going to London after all. Owen offers him a pint, and Jason says he could drink the whole barrel. He unburdens his Rosie/Eileen/Paul/Leslie problems onto him, and Owen remarks that he will get him a whiskey chaser as well.

Milton and Sylvia are sitting having a cup of tea and he is telling her that she should ignore all the things that Roy said to her, but Sylvia tells him she can't, because everything Roy had said was true. She goes on to explain that her husband had died leaving her destitute, and Roy and Hayley had taken her in, and shown her what family really meant, which she had never had before. She goes on to say how proud she is of Roy, and what he has achieved considering his not so brilliant upbringing. She tells Milton she is sorry to have led him on, but she feels there are more important things in life than business, and that she fits well with Roy and Hayley. Oh Sylvia - why couldn't you tell Roy this?

Tommy walks into No. 9 to find Tyrone and Kirsty sitting on the sofa eating. Tyrone can't wait to show him the scan Kirsty had done earlier. "It's a baby!" He excitedly tells him, bless him. Kirsty asks if Tina's move went OK, to which he replies that it did. Then Tyrone apologises that they didn't think to get enough takeaway for him as well. Kirsty then sweetly tells him that she expects he will soon be looking for his own place too, as a bachelor about town like him won't want a baby cramping his style will he? Obviously taken aback, Tommy agrees with her. Job done Kirsty!

Stella is on her feet with a glass in her hand, and is making a toast to Eva, telling her how proud she is of her daughter, and how happy she is that she has found a nice boyfriend like Nick. Gail is looking daggers, but is decidedly slumped in her chair. However, at the mention of Nick, she lurches to her feet and insists she wants to make a speech too. Swaying at the same time, she starts by saying "Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking..." and goes on to say that she would like to convey her best wishes to Eva on her birthday on behalf of herself and her family. Nick is very uncomfortable, and asks her if she is drunk, which she totally ignores and goes on to say that she would like to hold out the hand of friendship to Stella and Karl (not Eva I notice) on behalf of herself and her family, and to thank them for this wonderful spread - the camera pans in on the plate of sausage rolls - and some very lovely drink, as she takes another swig of her glass.

Karl quietly asks Audrey if she is going to sing as well, to which Audrey responds that she hopes not! Gail finishes her speech by leaning in to Stella and telling her that she would also like to point out that she bought her blouse before it went into the half price sale, and smugly and drunkenly smiles at her.

In the cafe now, Roy is stacking chairs onto tables while his mother watches. He asks her if she is enjoying the show, and she replies that it is hardly interpretive dance. He tells her that he once saw a play once by Alan Bennett about a couple who had their house taken apart brick by brick and reassembled inside a museum, and the couple were made to live in it. Roy suggests they do the same to he and Hayley if the cafe is to become an endangered species. Sylvia tells him he no longer has to worry, as she has told Milton he can stick his pipe dream. Roy asks her why she has made that decision, and instead of telling him all the nice things she told Milton, she just says that she doesn't know, that she probably needs her head read, and when the men in white coats come, she will be upstairs.

As she is going through the door, Roy tells his mother that he thinks in time she will come to realise she has made a good decision. She just says "Enjoy". When he tells her he will take scant satisfaction from her decision, she says "No, no - the name of the play was 'Enjoy', I know because my neighbour Phyllis played the floozy daughter".

Jason is still pouring his heart out to Owen when Rosie appears. He looks hopeful and asks if she has changed her mind about going, but when she shakes her head he tells her he has nothing to say to her then. Tearfully she tells him she doesn't want to leave on bad terms. She begs him to wait outside with her for the taxi, as she is very scared and needs him. She tells him it will be closure, and if she has ever meant anything to him he will do this. Now most blokes would tell her that she can no longer call the shots and get her own way, but Jason being the softie that he is, agrees.

Tommy asks Tyrone if he can take one of the cushions over to Tina, as she did after all buy them. Ty immediately agrees, and so does Kirsty, but has to add that she never liked them anyway. Tommy suggests that Tyrone go with him to build some bridges with Tina before the friendship is gone forever. Before he can get his mouth open to answer, Kirsty tells him that there is no way! Tommy begs Tyrone, telling him that Tina needs them, so Kirsty plays her trump card, and holds her stomach, groaning. Tina is completely forgotten by Tyrone as he fusses over whether Kirsty is OK or not. She tells Tyrone that it is the talk of Tina that raises her blood pressure, Tommy sits shaking his head in disbelief.

The taxi has pulled up, and Rosie asks Jason to sit inside with her for a minute. Right off the bat Jason tells Rosie that he doesn't hate her, in fact he is dead proud of her. She says she wouldn't blame him if he never wanted to speak to her again. He goes on to ask her if she remembers how they used to pretend to be David & Victoria Beckham when they were in bed, (now that is information I am not sure I wanted to know about!) but Jason tells her that she was so good in the role that he knew even then that she was destined for great things. He tells her that when you love someone, you want them to be happy, and he loves her enough to let her go. She tells him that she really loves him too, and maybe one day fate will bring them back together. Jason doubts this, as she is going places, and he is just an ordinary Salford lad (see, there it is again) who works in a builders yard and goes to his local boozer. They are both crying now, and Rosie whispers "Night night David", and he replies "Sweet dreams Victoria", and they kiss each other goodbye. The taxi starts up as Jason gets out, tears streaming down his face, and off she goes into the night with Kevin, Sally and Sophie waving and calling goodbye to her.

This has been Helen Flanagan's last appearance as Rosie Webster, but they have left the door open, so maybe she will be back one day.

Christine

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by John Anderson

Kirsty apologizes to Tommy for going on about Tina. They make up but she still manages to get a nasty insult in on Tina's behalf before Tyrone comes down. Tommy brings up the subject of Valentine's day. He offers to go out and give them the place to themselves. Ty's happy that everyone seems happy.

Across the road, Tina gets up and hears someone in the shower. She decides a wisk is the best weapon (?) when Jason comes out wrapped in a towel. He has taken refuge and tells Tina that Eileen has moved Paul AND his wife in! He's fed up with the whole thing.

Back to Number 9, and we've established that Kirsty is working later today. She goes upstairs and Tommy picks up Kirsty's phone and sees "Nathan" calling. She comes back down and snatches it from him but doesn't take the call just then. She keeps the phone and brings it back upstairs with her.

Peter is trying to cheer up Carla. Simon is sulking at the table and is rude to Carla who tries to smooth things over. She kisses Peter goodbye and goes to work. Simon sighs, wondering how long she's going to be there and whines that he wants Leanne. Peter tries to explain that Leanne isn't there anymore. Simon refuses to finish his breakfast or get dressed and sits with his arms crossed, joined by Peter who nicks a piece of toast off the plate.

Tommy overhears Kirsty telling someone on the phone that she lied to Tyrone about going into work and establishes a time to meet the caller at 1 at a particular location. "Bye Nathan". Hmmm. Tommy closes the door harder so she hears, and jumps. He's brought a carton of milk home and leaves again, throwing her a suspicious look over his shoulder.

Eileen has popped back to the house to see if Paul and Lesley need anything and leaves again. Lesley has to be reminded that they're staying at Eileen's while the house is being fixed. Eileen looks around her and states that she feels the house is quite shabby. Paul suggests a walk and she smiles and agrees.

Tyrone is running down a list of things to check on a car. Tommy is distracted and asks Ty if he knows a Nathan. He doesn't. Tommy is instructed to check the brake pads and Ty will check them after. Tommy notices Jason leaving the flat and assumes he's moving in on Tina again, romantically that is.

In the cafe, Brian and Julie are discussing the half term. Julie's taken holidays so they can be together but he's still got work to do including letters to parents about the healthy eating program. Julie reckons Brian's boss is a bully.

Tina comes past the garage and Tommy brings up the subject of Jason. Tina realizes what he's implying, puts the boots to that and is irritated he'd even think it. Paul and Lesley come out of Number 11. He quizzes her about the address. Lesley remarks that that "funny woman" seems to be more a friend of Paul's than hers. Julie notices them and is puzzled as to why they're coming from Eileen's. She's going to find out what's going on!

Michelle and Sally bicker in the office. Michelle reckons Sally should be back on a machine and Sally figures she's doing a much better job in the office than Michelle anyway. Frank agrees that Sally is his PA. Carla throws her hands up and tells Sally to do what she wants. Michelle gripes. Out on the floor Julie comes in to question Eileen who admits Paul and Leslie are staying with her temporarily and assures Julie it's all separate bedrooms. Julie shuts up, keep your nose out right? Right, Eileen agrees, tight lipped.

Tina lets Tommy into the pub even though it's not open yet. He apologizes for assuming and then tells her about Kirsty's phone call. He thinks Kirsty sounded excited to be meeting this Nathan. Tina tells him he's got to tell Tyrone.

After the break, Audrey passes Jason with a hello and then takes a funny spell and nearly falls. Jason supports her and Gail leans out of the window, having seen what happened. He helps her into Gail's.

In the factory, there's still more bickering than work in the office. Carla shouts at them to behave like adults, pretend they're all strangers. Frank agrees but it's still difficult for Michelle and Sally. Carla decides to go for a drink and leaves them glaring at each other.

Gail has made an appointment for Audrey at the surgery. Audrey doesn't want to go but Gail insists and is going with her because she knows Audrey would cancel and pretend the doctor said she was fine.

Gary comes to the cafe because Izzy has something to tell him. She starts... They had decided to take things slowly but she thinks she'd like him to move back in. He shocks her when he says he doesn't think it's a good idea.

At the garage, Tommy takes a call from Tina. He tells her that Kirsty hasn't left the house yet. Tina insists that he follow her and find out what's going on. He reluctantly agrees. She reminds him not to let her see him.

Back to the cafe, Izzy is upset. Gary thinks they need more time in case he messes up again. She gives him grief and tells him it's a lot riskier for her but she thought he was worth it. She cries that the offer is off the table. Forget she even asked. Gary sighs.

In the pub, Carla is explaining to Michelle that they need to be civil to keep the business running smoothly. Michelle isn't sure Sally can keep her mouth shut (I'd say that goes both ways). Elsewhere, Brian has arrived and greets Ken who's at the bar and buys him a drink. They chat about school while the children are on holiday.

Gary runs after Izzy and apologizes. He does want to move back in but he thought he might have scared her off. He says he does want to come back and they kiss and make up.

Eileen comes home and tells Paul that Julie saw them. He talks to her in the kitchen, Eileen gives him the details in case Julie confronts him. He hugs her but Lesley catches them. She shouts at Eileen to keep her hands off her husband and though Paul tries to explain Eileen's a friend, Lesley insists she's not her friend and knows something's going on.

Kirsty leaves the house and Ty and Tommy, sitting on a tea break watch her go. Tommy asks Ty for the keys to the breakdown truck because he'd promised Tina he'd do something. (That's going to be easy to hide, yes indeedy).

In the pub, Gail finds Audrey having a drink and scolds her. Gail also orders a glass of wine. Carla takes off to go see Peter and leaves Michelle with orders to behave. Brian and Ken are still chatting about teachers and teachers' wives. Brian says Julie is lovely and worships him and he admits they're trying for children. But Brian has a secret. He's had a vasectomy and has never got round to telling Julie. He needs advice! (from someone he's never had a full conversation with before!)

At the flat, Peter is massaging Carla's scalp to relax her. They've discussed Frank and now she's on to the subject of Simon who hates her. Peter says it's only because she's not Leanne but that's not her problem.

Tommy drives the big, yellow breakdown truck onto a small street down the corner from a nice bar where he watches Kirsty enter and greet a tall, good looking man with a hug.

Stay tuned for more in the next half.

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley and directed by John Anderson

Tommy arrives back at the garage after following Kirsty and Tyrone tells him he's off to get her a Valentine's card to go with the necklace he's already bought her. After what he's just witnessed, Tommy looks awkward but Tyrone's too full of the joys of spring to notice.

In the Rovers Ken is giving Brian the benefit of his advice on vasectomy reversal. Brian explains he only had it done to make his ex-wife happy and decides his best course of action would be to go and consult the doctor, which would certainly seem to make more sense than seeking the views of a retired English teacher.

Tommy comes in and tells Tina that he saw Kirsty meeting a man in a bar and it looks like she knew him well. Tina asks him whether he's told Ty and, when Tommy says he can't, Tina says she'll do it. Tommy starts to look unsure but Tina is determined to go and speak to him.

Izzy and Gary have gone round to his house to pick up his things. Izzy suggests he should give Anna a call to warn her in case she comes back and is surprised to find he's moved out. She's bright, that Izzy. But when Gary dials her mobile they hear it ringing and realise Anna's left it lying on the table. Izzy suggests he should leave Anna a note instead but Gary thinks it would be a much better idea to go back and see her later and tell her face to face.

Over at Eileen's she's talking to Paul in the kitchen. Eileen tells Paul she's sure Lesley's not happy but he says she behaves exactly the same way in her own home. At that moment Julie turns up and Lesley thinks she's Margaret, her old carer. Paul patiently explains to Lesley that Julie is Eileen's sister while Julie and Eileen leave them and go back to work. Once they're outside Julie tells Eileen she was calling round to apologise for sounding disapproving about her new domestic arrangements. And then Julie tells Eileen her other piece of news: she thinks she might be pregnant. When Eileen discovers Julie hasn't actually done a test yet she suggests she should do that first and, if it's positive, she should then tell Eileen again.

Tommy and Tina are on their way to see Ty. Tommy's worried about how they're going to explain why he was following Kirsty but Tina tells him he should just come straight out with it. When they walk in on Ty, who is writing in an enormous Valentine's card, Tommy is completely tongue-tied so Tina steps in and tells Ty that Kirsty's seeing someone. Needless to say, Ty doesn't look too impressed with their news, especially when Tommy explains how he overheard Kirsty talking on the phone and then followed her. Tina is quick to point out that Kirsty lied and asks Ty why she would be lying if she wasn't seeing someone.

At Gail's house, Audrey is busily insisting to her daughter that there's nothing wrong with her, so Gail asks why she'd so reluctant to go and see the doctor. Audrey says she would be wasting his time but when she says she's going to cancel the appointment, Gail tells her that she's going to go along with her to make sure she doesn't chicken out.

Back at Tyrone's, Tommy is finishing his account of what he saw Kirsty doing. Ty is furious with them and accuses them of simply wanting to prove that they were right about Kirsty all along which, of course, is pretty close to the mark. He asks how Tommy and Tina can be sure that Kirsty wasn't simply meeting a friend that Ty already knows about. Ty tells them both to leave before accusing them of trying to split up his relationship with Kirsty. As they go, Tommy tries one last time to tell Ty that it's not what he and Tina want to happen.

Deirdre goes into the Bookie's to see Peter. Things are pretty frosty between the pair of them. Not, as Deirdre explains, because of what Peter did to Leanne but because of what he did to his own son. The atmosphere doesn't get any warmer when Deirdre tells Peter that Simon has asked if he can stay over with them for the night. Deirdre says she and Ken don't mind but Peter insists that Simon has to go home. Deirdre tells him that Simon hates Carla and when Peter asks how she knows that she tells him that Simon came straight out with it. The argument continues with Peter saying he's trying his best and Deirdre asking how moving Carla in is going to help anything. Peter is adamant that Simon can't stay the night with Ken and Deirdre. So Deirdre walks out of the Bookie's and bumps straight into Julie who is clutching a paper bag from the chemist's. Deirdre looks understandably confused when Julie asks her to wish her luck and then says she'll tell her what it's about later or, there again, she might not.

Outside the garage Tommy and Tina are talking about what they've done to Ty. Tina's convinced they did the right thing by telling Ty the truth but Tommy's not so sure. Just then they spot Kirsty returning to the house and Tina wonders whether Ty has called her and that's why she's come back. But as Tommy observes, it doesn't matter why because, as soon as she walks through the front door, the sparks will fly.

Kirsty goes into the house to find Ty waiting for her; he doesn't look happy. Ty says he thought Kirsty had to go into work but, as bold as brass she tells him that they didn't need her so she decided to come home. Ty starts to question her and when Kirsty asks what makes him think she's lying he says he knows that a man rang her that morning. Kirsty tries to brush it off but Ty accuses her of seeing someone else. He warms to his theme and before he can stop himself says that maybe the baby she's carrying isn't even his. Kirsty tells Ty she can't believe he just said that and then walks out of the room.

Gail and Audrey are in the waiting room at the medical centre. Gail tells her mother that she doesn't need to let her know what the doctor says if she doesn't want to but Audrey, who is aware that Gail thinks she can't be trusted, says she's welcome to go in with her so that she can hear exactly what the doctor has to say.

Back at Ty's, Kirsty comes back into the room to ask Ty why he's said all those awful things. He says it doesn't matter why but Kirsty gets it out of him that Tommy overheard her phone conversation. Ty then goes on to tell her that Tommy talked to Tina and then followed her and saw her meet somebody. Kirsty starts to get sarcastic and asks Ty to tell her what she got up to but of course he doesn't know any more than that. Ty wants to know who the man was and Kirsty asks whether he'll believe her if she tells him. When he says that he doesn't know, it depends, she says she'll ring him so that Ty can ask him himself. At this point, Ty starts to look a little less sure of himself.

Over at the medical centre, Doctor Carter is taking Audrey's blood pressure and tells her it's a little high. He questions her about the fainting fit but when Audrey tries making out she's full of energy and on the go from dawn 'til dusk, Gail steps in and points out she's usually dead on her feet by the end of the day. The doctor suggests she might consider some more gentle exercise and then asks about her alcohol consumption. When she tries playing it down, Gail steps in again and before we know it, Audrey's suggesting that Gail should have her blood pressure checked too and asking her to tell the doctor how much she drinks, bearing in mind she works in a wine bar.

At Eileen's, Lesley is asleep on the sofa and Paul is reading the paper when she comes in for a quick visit from work. She takes Paul out in the hallway to tell him that, whilst Lesley's in the house, she thinks the two of them should just be friends with no hanky panky or sneaking about. Paul agrees that it's her house and her rules but it's clear that they're both going to find it hard to stick to it.

Meanwhile, over at Ty's Kirsty tells him that her mystery man is on his way. "But what if I don't want him in my house?" asks Ty. "Oh, so it might not be your baby but it's definitely your house?" retorts Kirsty. Ty is still convinced that Kirsty's been having an affair and the slanging match continues.

Audrey is helping Gail to put away her grocery shopping while she ponders what constitutes gentle exercise. Audrey decides it must mean walking and suggests Gail should do some too as her blood pressure turned out to be just as high as Audrey's. Gail points out that going walking is the easy bit, it's giving up alcohol which will be hard. Audrey says she'll probably cut down but when Gail laughs and says she couldn't do it, Audrey retorts that she could stop drinking for as long as she wanted to, provided Gail did it too. Eventually Audrey challenges Gail to see which one of them can give up alcohol for the longest. "Great, starting tomorrow," says Audrey. "Starting now," replies Gail.

It's all go in the medical centre today and now it's Brian's turn to consult Doctor Carter. He explains about Julie wanting to start a family and asks whether his vasectomy can be reversed or, to use Brian's words, whether the circle can be squared. The doctor says it may be possible to do something and offers to refer him to a consultant. Despite being told it will cost him, Brian eagerly accepts and says the sooner the better.

Peter has gone round to Ken and Deirdre's to collect Simon but when he says it's time to go home, Simon stubbornly refuses. He asks whether "she" is going to be there and when Peter says Carla will be as it's her home now, Simon replies that if it's her home then it's not his. Ken tries reasoning with Simon, explaining that although they'd be happy for him to stay with them, he has to do as his father tells him but Simon doesn't want to know.

On his way out of the medical centre Brian bumps into Julie. She asks him if there's anything wrong so he quickly comes up with the excuse that he was just calling in to see if they had any leaflets on nutrition. Then Julie tells Brian that she has some news and that he's not going to believe it. She tells him that she's going to say the three words that she never thought she would say: I am pregnant. Brian, understandably, is even more shocked than Julie was expecting him to be and can only utter the word "no". He stands open-mouthed as Julie rushes off to tell Eileen, nearly getting knocked over by a car in the process.

From the garage, Tommy watches as a red Ferrari draws up across the street. He recognizes the driver, so he rings Tina to tell her that the guy who met Kirsty in the bar looks like he's about to go into Ty's house.

Meanwhile, Peter is still trying to get Simon to leave Ken and Deirdre's so when he still refuses, Peter grabs him by the arm, picks him up and carries him out, kicking and screaming. They leave by the front door just as Brian arrives on the doorstep to see Ken. Brian tells Ken that he needs some more advice - a lot more.

Now we return to Ty's where Kirsty walks in with her mystery man and introduces him to Ty as her cousin. Ty wants to know why she would lie to him if he really is her cousin so an angry Kirsty reminds him that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Cousin Nathan works with posh motors and Kirsty takes Ty to show him what's parked outside their front door. She'd arranged for Ty to have the car for the day as a surprise. Ty tries to apologise for thinking there was something going on but Kirsty doesn't look like she's about to forgive him. As Tina and Tommy watch from across the street, Kirsty spits: "Talk to your little friends over there. They're the ones who want to split us up. Now they have."

Kirsty climbs into the Ferrari with Nathan and, as the theme music plays, they drive away.

Karen

No episode aired tonight.

We were without a Wednesday episode this week. Consequently, a couple of the storylines in this first Friday episode had me going back to check whether I'd missed something. You'll see what I mean.

Tommy and Tyrone are at breakfast. Tommy says he wants to talk to Kirsty to put things right. When he says "we" have to sort this out, Tyrone erupts. "There is no ‘we!' There's just me - on my own, back to square one!"

Deirdre and Ken discuss Simon over breakfast. Brian comes in and sits down at the table. (See what I mean!) Apparently he took refuge there when he heard Julie's news. Ken asks if he's decided what to do and Brian says he still thinks Julie's having an affair. Ken suggests maybe the test was wrong and suggests giving Julie the benefit of the doubt.

In the salon, Gail's giving Audrey the news from David and Kylie, who are in Barbados with Becky. (See - again. Who knew they were there? And what about Max? It's term time, isn't it?). She asks Audrey if she'd consider having Kylie back at the salon. After all, she's settled down now that she has custody of Max. Audrey says she'll think about it. Audrey asks how Gail's managing off the wagon. Gail's sailing along - hasn't even given booze a thought, she says. Audrey suggests they exchange notes about it over lunch.

In the cafe, Sally finds Tyrone sitting glumly on his own. He tells her he's messed up and accused Kirsty of having an affair. Sally tells him he mustn't give up if he really wants Kirsty. He should try and try and try again to win her back.

Tommy's in the pub talking to Stella. She tells him he and Tina should forget about other people's relationships and concentrate on their own. Tommy protests that they're just mates but Stella says Tina's face lights up every time he walks in. Tina arrives and she and Tommy discuss yesterday's events.

Gail comes in and orders a tonic water. Stella's glad she's seen sense after Eva's birthday party. Audrey comes in and asks after Betty. Stella says she's still under the weather. Audrey produces a breathalyser from her bag and demands that Gail blow into it. Gail says she's insulted but she blows anyway - negative. Audrey apologises. "I could have sworn you would have cracked before me."

Brian's gone to see Julie, who talks to him from within her hot pink dressing gown at her front door. She's been worried sick. But at least she knows now that Brian can't face commitment. Brian says his behaviour is not what it seems but he won't tell her what he's really thinking. "All this has come as a surprise. I just want to be sure," he says. He asks her to do another test to check the result. Julie's furious. "The result is a baby!" she shouts. "Deal with it!"

In the pub, Sylvia's depressed at the idea of Milton returning to the US. She's too old for a long-distance relationship. So is Milton, he says, producing a first-class ticket to the US in Sylvia's name. "Fly with me tomorrow. We deserve a happy ending."

Tyrone's gone to the police station to see Kirsty but she won't treat him seriously, calling him "sir" and demanding to know whether he's come to report a crime. He snatches her folder across the counter and says she'll have to arrest him now. He puts the folder on the floor and kneels on it so she has to stretch across the counter to see him. "With you, everything makes sense," he says. "Will you marry me?"

Kirsty's round Tyrone's side of the counter now and tells him his proposal was a lovely gesture. Tyrone says it was a genuine proposal. "I'm not trying to replace something I've lost. I'm trying to hold on to what I've found." She tells him there will have to be changes - better communication. And he'll have to talk to Tommy. Tyrone agrees. "Ask me again," Kirsty says. Tyrone kneels and makes his proposal gain. "You bet I will!" says Kirsty, flinging herself into his arms.

Gail's in the corner shop. Dev wants to interest her in his special deal on wine but she explains she's off the wagon. Dev admires that but says that in business, wine with a business lunch is expected. Gail says Audrey used to use that excuse but she's on the wagon too. "So who did she buy that bottle of gin for yesterday?" asks Dev.

In the pub, Tommy's on the phone. He's managed to buy two tickets for Elbow so he can treat Tina for her birthday. Stella's pleased he's making a move at last. Kirsty and Tyrone come in and make their announcement. Tommy's jaw drops.

In a nearby booth, Sylvia's shocked. Milton tells her that sometimes you have to take life by the horns. But they're both still worried about Roy and Sylvia promises to talk to him.

Gail marches into the salon and produces a part-empty gin bottle. "Have you raided my house?" asks Audrey. "I've investigated a tip-off," Gail says. Audrey says she planned to ration her drinks. She takes the bottle from Gail. "See, I even marked all the servings on the . . . Wait! There's some missing!" "Really?" asks Gail in a squeaky voice. She says the cap must be leaking or perhaps the bottle's chipped. "A chip off the old block, more like!" says Audrey, wondering where she put that breathalyser.

Tommy approaches Kirsty while she's on her own. He hopes they can be mates but Kirsty points out that he hates her. She, Tyrone and the baby are a family. "Not you, not anyone is coming between us again!"

In the cafe, Julie produces three more positive pregnancy tests and lays them out on the placemat in front of Brian.* "So there can be no doubt," he says. Julie thinks she's worked out why he's afraid. He's such a good teacher and is seen as almost the perfect nurturer, so he's worried he won't be able to live up to that by being a good dad. But she says he's going to be the best dad in the entire universe. "Say something," she says, when he doesn't reply immediately. "Have a nice life, Julie," he says, getting up to leave.

Gail and Audrey drink at home. They obviously can't stay away from alcohol so they'll have to take up exercise, Audrey says. "Can't we just eat more veg?" asks Gail. She refuses to do anything that involves lycra. Audrey thinks they should go power walking - that can't do any harm. "Shall we just have another to seal the deal?" asks Gail.

Kirsty and Ty cuddle on the sofa. She convinces him that Tommy's a problem.

In the cafe, Sylvia tries to get Roy to sit for a chat. She tells him Milton wants her to move to America tomorrow and she wants Roy to discuss it like a sensible adult. "Sensible? Oh, that I should attain this lofty perch on the eve of your departure!" says Roy. "Bitterness does not become you," says Sylvia. "Nor motherhood you!" retorts Roy. Sylvia's a bit stuck on how to get through to him. "Ask me to stay and I will." Roy says he's asking for what she's always given him - nothing. He says she'll get back to the lifestyle she was used to and he and Hayley will get back their independence.

Kirsty's upstairs lying down when Tommy comes home. He and Ty open a couple of cans and Tyrone says he wants to talk about living arrangements. After all, there'll be less room and lots of crying once the baby arrives. Kirsty comes in and Tommy says this is all to do with her - she wants him to leave. Tyrone asks him to apologise but Tommy says he doesn't apologise to psychos. Bad idea. Tyrone shoves him up against the wall and threatens him. Tommy breaks away and slams out of the house. A smiling Kirsty hugs Tyrone.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Simon Crowther
Directed by: John Anderson

We start with Audrey calling on Gail, and both dressed for jogging. Someone off camera laughs at them, and they decide they would probably be better off going further afield than the Red Rec where nobody will know them. Getting into the car to head out into the country for some healthy activity.

Jason and Tommy are discussing poisonous women and jealous boyfriends over a mug of tea, when Tina comes in wearing her nightclothes. The fellows wish her a happy birthday, and Jason gives her a card which reads 'Dear Grandmother', a little bantering ensues about the fact that she is no spring chicken now she has turned 21. Tommy tells her he has something for her too, but it's over at the garage and will have to wait until the coast is clear. He then goes on to tell Tina that he likes older women, and she smiles and says that it is good to know. Methinks the ice queen is starting to melt.

In number 9, Tyrone is asking Kirsty for a second cup of tea, as the first hasn't kicked in. He asks her if she would like him to go to the investigation with her, which she declines. He says he can't understand why there has to be an investigation now that Tina has dropped the complaint. She replies that there is always an investigation if there is a sniff of a complaint. He asks what the worse case scenario would be, but as she is telling him she could lose her job, she realises he is more interested in the fact that his overalls are damp rather than in her problems. She then switches the conversation to ask if they had gone a little far last night in throwing Tommy out, and kind of wonders if they shouldn't ask him back. Tyrone replies that it's best left the way it is, as it probably wouldn't work having a lodger and a baby in the same house. "I suppose", says Kirsty. Nice one Kirsty, now it has been Tyrone's idea, not yours.

Next is a lovely scene of Gail and Audrey power walking down a country lane. They are doing as much gabbing as walking, but are both deciding that this is really the life. Gail remarks that she feels 17, and Audrey feels 34 - wow, I think it's time I moved to the country, I could do with some of that air if that's what it does! Audrey is saying that she too would like to move to the country, but Gail reckons she would be bored in five minutes. They pass a lady walking in the other direction with a dog, and Audrey remarks that it could be her. Gail snorts and shakes her head smiling.

Eileen is commiserating with Julie over the fact that Brian is on the verge of running a mile now he has had his wicked way with her. She just can't understand how he could tell her he wants a baby, then do a complete about face now that it has happened. In the background, Joseph is airing his lungs in his pram, while an anxious Katy apologises to Roy for the disturbance. Roy is pleasant about it, unlike Sylvia who suggests he be taken outside.

Ken comes in just then, and gets tackled by Julie and Eileen for being a buddy to the dastardly Brian. Ken begs to be left out of it, but they are persistent, saying Brian had led Julie on by only wanting one thing and one thing only. Out of desperation, Ken tells her that Brian thinks she has been unfaithful, and Julie is horrified. He suggests she take it up with him.

Back in the glorious countryside, Audrey and Gail are not finding things quite so glorious any more. They are now walking across a very soggy field and are completely lost. Audrey asks Gail if she has a compass on her phone, she does, and discovers where North is. Fantastic! Except now they are not sure what they do with that information, as they are still lost. They then have a wonderful conversation on the difference between magnetic North and ordinary North, magnetic North being the North pole and ordinary North being... well just North. They decide however that as they don't want to go to the North Pole, it doesn't help them very much. Then Gail remembers that she also has a map on her phone, but when she tries to push that button, she is told that the network settings have been lost. "They invent all these whiz bang things", says Audrey, "But nothing ever works!"

They decide to just trudge on, but as they reach the crest of a hill, they spy a building with a chimney below. "It's a pub!" yells Gail, and breaks into a run. There is no stopping them now with the reward of a G & T awaiting them at the bottom of the hill. Abstinence? What's that?

Milton has arrived at Roy's Rolls, and asks how Roy is today. Sylvia answers for him, and tells him that he is as morose as ever, especially after just listening to some Gregorian Chants that Ken Barlow loaned him. This reminds Milton of the time he almost became a monk. It was July of '77 when New York had power cuts, and there was rioting in the streets. Sylvia responds that England had their share of frightening riots last year, but Milton poo poohed them, saying that old ladies with shopping carts could have done more damage than the UK rioters. Having had enough of that conversation, she tells him that they have to go and buy her flight socks. Hayley suggests they get them at the airport, but Milton says they are too expensive there.

Before they leave on their shopping expedition, Milton asks for a smile from Roy, which of course he doesn't get. He remarks, playfully jabbing Roy on the jaw, that he is the gloomiest guy he has ever met, but that he loves him for it. The look on Roy's face does not tell us that the feeling is mutual. When they are out of earshot, Hayley tackles Roy about the fact that he should be asking Sylvia to stay, as she knows he doesn't want her to go. He tells her that on the contrary, he can't wait for her to leave.

Audrey and Gail have made it, and are ordering from the bar. I was wrong, it's not a G & T, it's a white wine spritzer, at least for Gail it is. Audrey loves the pub, or rather she loves the ambiance, no fruit machines, just total peace. While they are standing there with their eyes closed drinking in the silence, a familiar voice appears beside them, he is speaking to a friend about the merits of some woman or other. Our ladies open their eyes in total shock, it is none other than Lewis Archer. He tries blustering that he is in fact 'Hugh' Archer, Lewis' brother, but just then the landlord comes up and asks if 'Lewis' would like his usual.

Gail's first reaction is that she would like to kill him, but Lewis protests that he has a much better idea, he suggests he pays for the drinks while they take a seat in the snug. He will then join them and explain everything. Gail is reluctant, but Audrey persuades her to go along with it.

Baby Joseph is sweetly and finally sleeping over in No. 5, so Katie decides she deserves a nice quiet cup of tea. However, she realises they are out of milk. She really doesn't want to wake him again by putting him back in his pram and taking him out, what to do, what to do...

In the Snug, Gail is ranting over all Lewis' past misdeeds, how he robbed Peter Barlow, and took her mother for a ride, etc. etc. Audrey tells her that she will handle it, and to leave her to do the talking. Gail looks at her watch and remarks that it has been 9 minutes, just how long does it take to pay for drinks? The get up and go into the other bar, and there he was - gone! The slippery eel has slunk away again.

Katie is coming out of the Corner Shop with her milk - by herself. Owen greets her and asks where Joseph is. She tells him he is home with Chesney who has popped home for his lunch. He says he would like to speak to Ches about going to Belleview later with some of the lads. She says he wouldn't want to go, as he's dead tired and wants an early night. He still makes to come inside the house as he wants to visit with his grandson, and luckily for Katy, Jason pulls up just then and tells him that a customer's false ceiling has fallen down again, so Owen has to go, much to the relief of Katy, as the last thing she wants is for her dad to find out she has left the little lad on his own.

Audrey and Gail are pulling into the street, obviously having finally found their car. Gail is pressing Audrey to report having seen Lewis to the police, but Audrey isn't up to it just yet. She is embarrassed about the whole thing, and doesn't relish having to go over the whole sordid story with the boys in blue. Gail tells her that she must, because of Peter being down £4,000, and Audrey agrees that she will, but not just yet. Gail leaves, telling her that she really does understand.

Tina is thrilled because Tommy has given her a couple of tonight's concert tickets for her birthday, but then looks horrified and tells him she has plans for tonight. Tommy is devastated, then Tina grins and tells him she is winding him up, that she is over the moon with the present. Jason appears and is filled in on it all, and he asks Tina who she is taking. With a dead pan face, she says she might take Gail, as she has some making up to do. Tommy looks crestfallen, but says "Cool". Again, she is winding him up, and tells Jason she is taking Tommy. He is elated, but the euphoria doesn't last more than a couple of seconds, because Tina then asks Jason if he would like to come along as well, as he would be able to get his ticket outside. Jason agrees, and asks Tommy if he minds, well what could poor Tommy say? So much for that date with Tina he has been hankering after!

Katy is stirring dinner on the stove, while Chesney stands holding a sleeping Joseph and chatting. He tells her he has just seen Jason going into the pub, who told him he was trying to get out of going to the dogs tonight with her Dad. Katy looks worried, and asks if he saw her Dad, and when he tells her he didn't, she tells him he had been asking if Ches would like to go to the dogs, but that she had told him he would probably be too tired. Chesney agrees, and says he would maybe go another night.

Gail walks into the Salon asking why it is closed. Audrey tells her she has sent Maria home, and is obviously still upset about running into Lewis. Gail presses Audrey to report him as quickly as possible, but Aud feels he will be long gone by now. Her main feeling at the moment is still one of great embarrassment, and she is still not ready to talk about it to anyone else.

Sylvia and Milton have decided to leave early for the airport, and Hayley is doing her utmost to have them delay long enough for Roy to come down off his high horse and admit to Sylvia he would like her to stay. But Roy being Roy tells them they shouldn't leave it too late in case there is traffic on the ring road. Sylvia takes the hint and tells him they will get out of his hair as quickly as possible. Milton leaves to get a taxi, and Roy, so afraid of a sentimental farewell, immediately decides he has to return Ken's CD right that minute. Hayley does her best to stop him, but he is out the door faster than a dose of salts. The hurt is written all over Sylvia's face, and Hayley assures her he really doesn't want her to go, but will never admit it. Sylvia tells her she is not a mind reader, and even if she was, she would still be on her way to Palm Springs.

Hayley takes the opportunity while they are alone to beg her to think about staying. That they have both loved having her, and she suspects Sylvia has enjoyed being there. Sylvia grudgingly admits it has been mildly distracting. Hayley goes on to point out that while Milton is a lovely man, she hardly knows him, and California is a very long way away. Sylvia replies that she hardly knows Roy either, Hayley tells her that is the very reason why she should stay, so she can get to know him. We look outside, and Roy hasn't made it as far as Ken's, he is sitting on Maxine's bench and his face is showing the anguish he is really feeling about his Mother's departure.

Tina is serving Tyrone and Kirsty in The Rovers, and the barmaid is having a go at Tyrone for being manipulated into throwing Tommy out. Each time she asks Tyrone a question, Kirsty answers for him, which prompts Tina to remark that she has her hand so far up his backside, his puppet lips don't even move.

Brian walks in just then, and Eileen calls him over to the booth in which she is sitting. She immediately tackles him about telling Ken that he figures Julie has been unfaithful to him. Brian in incensed that Ken has spoken out of turn, and tells her that Ken is a 'know-it-all', a phony and a turncoat, and that if he should walk in right now, he would tell him so. A voice at his shoulder says "Hello Brian". "Hello Ken" says our hero with a smile.

Julie comes out of the ladies, and as soon as she sees Brian she makes to leave. When he tries to stop her, she asks him how could he think she had been unfaithful, and more to the point, why would she ever be unfaithful when she had him? He suggests they talk and sort it all out. As they leave, Ken says to Brian, "Turncoat maybe, but phony?"

Outside, who should be rounding the corner by the postbox but Lewis Archer. He stops, straightens his tie and takes a deep breath.

Back in the Rovers, Jason is asking Tyrone what is going on at his place, that his flat is starting to look like a refugee camp with the rejects from No. 9. The ever present Kirsty appears at Tyrone's elbow to prevent him speaking for himself, and asks what is going on. Jason tells Tyrone that he should remember who his mates are. Kirsty wants to know why she is always the villain of the piece, and demands Tyrone take charge for once. He replies that he did take charge, and kicked out his best mate, what more did she want? Ooh wrong thing to say Tyrone. She grabs her coat, and hisses that she will see him at home, that she is only the mother of his unborn child, and is not going to be spoken to like that. Tyrone is left standing there with his mouth open. No doubt he will scuttle off home like a good boy and apologise.

Over in a booth, Julie and Brian are having their heart to heart. Julie is asking him how on earth he would think that she could have been unfaithful, so he finally breaks down and tells her he has had a vasectomy, and therefore cannot be the father of her child.

Peter is pouring over paperwork at the counter of the bookies, when someone comes in, scribbles a note and places it in front of Peter. It reads "I'm sorry". He looks up and sees Lewis, who says "It's the darndest thing, but it appears that some time ago, I robbed you".

Cue the end credits...

Christine

Peter is furious and threatens to call the police. Lewis produces a wad of cash from his pocket, the four thousand pounds he took from Peter, plus another thousand by way of compensation. Peter checks the notes are genuine, but is still annoyed, saying if Lewis thinks he can buy him, he's got another think coming. Lewis tells him he's going to turn himself in to the police, and so Peter hands him the phone, however, Lewis says he has other calls to make, Peter's wasn't the only debt around there, although he wishes all the others were simply a matter of money. As Lewis departs, Peter's parting comment to him is his wish for Audrey to set about him with a cut-throat razor!

As Sylvia and Milton have their luggage loaded into a taxi, Roy and Hayley come out to see them off. Milton shakes Roy's hand and thanks him for everything, apologising for the 'misunderstanding'. He hugs Hayley and says he hopes to see them Stateside soon. He then tactfully gets into the taxi, leaving them to say their farewells to Sylvia. There's a silence, and then Sylvia stiffly thanks Roy for putting a roof over her head. Roy stiffly thanks Sylvia for her industry in the cafe. Hayley tries to ease the situation by saying they've loved having Sylvia there and that it has meant the world to Roy. Sylvia starts to put both hands up as if to give her son a hug, but Roy puts a hand out quickly and shakes one of hers, telling her he hopes she has a safe journey. Hayley rushes forward and hugs her, asking her to let them know that they've arrived safely. Sylvia says she will and moves towards the taxi. She turns to say one last goodbye, but Roy has gone back inside the cafe and is nowhere to be seen. Disappointment flickers across her face, then she's into the taxi and gone.

Lewis walks into the salon and gives Audrey a shock. "Busy at the bar, was it?" she asks, sarcastically. He says he won't even try to make excuses for earlier, seeing her out of the blue threw him. He tells her he'd considered coming back to see her, but was worried about the reception he'd get. He says he never wanted to hurt her, that's why he didn't take her money, and why he didn't remain in the Caribbean, he needed her to know how he felt and wants her to accept his profound apologies.

Julie and Brian are in the pub. She tells him there was a little blue line on the pregnancy tester, so she must be pregnant, and if Brian says it's not his, it's the second coming. She's upset that he never told her about the vasectomy when they were making plans for a baby. "Were you laughing at me?" she asks. He says it broke his heart to lie, but he thought if she knew he couldn't give her children she'd look elsewhere. "Seems like you did, regardless," he adds. Julie is furious and upset, adamant that she would never stray. "You were the one, Brian," she says. He says the evidence appears to suggest otherwise. She tells him she has told the whole truth and nothing but, which is more than can be said for him.

Audrey demands to know what Lewis thought he was doing - when he kissed Deirdre, stole all the money, left her standing in the pub this morning like a fool...? He says he was scared of settling down so he tried to burn his bridges, but seeing her this morning brought it all home to him. She tells him he's a liar and a criminal and after what he did to her and the Barlows there is nothing for him there. He tells her he's paid Peter back and is going to turn himself over to the police. He wanted to tell her this in person, but she can take him to the station if she likes. She says she will, she'd hate him to lose his way again.

In the pub, Tyrone is fretting because Kirsty hasn't replied to his text, so he hurries off home to see her. This leaves Tommy and Tina on their own but just as Tommy starts to chat to her on a more personal level, Jason arrives and that's the end of that.

Brian is telling all his troubles to Karl, who tells him he's sure he's heard of cases where a vasectomy hasn't worked, and advises him to see the doctor and have a few tests done before he ruins it with Julie for good.

Audrey arrives and tells Gail how she went with Lewis to hand himself in at the police station. Gail hopes they throw away the key, but Audrey is a tad worried about him.

In the cafe, Hayley tells Roy she can't believe he let his mother go like that, he should have told her what was in his heart and she might not have gone. Roy says some things shouldn't require saying, she'd made her choice, if she'd wanted to stay she would have stayed.

Ken and Deirdre are also in the pub, having a quiet drink together. Gail and Audrey are discussing whether they should tell them about Lewis. Audrey thinks it's best not to, when Lewis himself walks in. As he starts talking to Audrey, Deirdre leaps up, rushes over and punches him good and hard on the mouth!

After the break, Stella has provided an ice pack for Lewis's cut lip, while Deirdre rants and raves at him and Audrey, convinced his return is all down to her. "A bit of honey from lover-boy here and I bet you were up those stairs two at a time!" she shouts. "Even if that were true, better a bed than a bookies' counter!" retorts Audrey. Lewis tells them he's been to the police and handed himself in, and has been released on bail. He's also paid back Peter all the money he stole from him. He then decides to leave, quickly, muttering to Audrey that he'll be in touch. Gail shouts after him not to bother, her mother wants nothing more to do with him.

Outside, a dejected looking Julie bumps into Brian. She tells him her world has been tipped on its axis, the father of her child is a shameless liar who doesn't trust her. Brian tells her he now thinks there must be another explanation and suggests they catch the end of evening surgery. They head off to the medical centre.

Audrey steps out of the Rovers and spots Lewis across the road, standing outside the Bistro. He opens the door and gestures her inside.

In the pub, Tina, Tommy and Jason are having a drink before they go to the gig. Jason says that it's all over between him and Rosie, and he's keen to get off out and enjoy himself. He and Tommy go off to wait for the taxi while Tina finishes off her drink. Stella asks her who invited Jason along, as it's obvious that Tommy is holding a candle for her, and he wants to be more than just mates. That's what tonight was about, until she invited Jason.

Over at the Bistro, Lewis escorts Audrey to the bar where they're served by Eva. Lewis lays on the charm and compliments her on the cocktail she's made him, and on the Bistro itself. "Thank you, it's my boyfriend's," smiles Eva. Audrey tells him he doesn't change. He admits he's always had an easy manner, it's in his DNA, and there have been times when he's used it inadvisedly. She tells him that if he'd been half the man she thought he was, they could have had a wonderful life. He thinks they still could, he hasn't just come to apologise, he wants more. He went to the police so they can put the past behind them, he wants to win her back.

In the surgery, Dr. Matt tells Brian and Julie that in rare cases there can be spontaneous healing of the tubes after a vasectomy so yes, he could have fathered a child.

Roy is sitting in the cafe after closing time, working out a new rota. Hayley comes down and urges him to show his feelings - if he'd done that earlier Sylvia may have stayed. Just then there's a knocking on the door. Hayley goes to open it, and in walks Sylvia! She tells them that she couldn't bear being surrounded by noisy Americans, and she's also in dire need of a decent cup of tea - another reason for staying. As Roy takes her bags back upstairs, a small smile plays on her lips.

Back at the Bistro, Audrey says there is no chance of her getting back with Lewis. He says that he may have to serve time in prison, so she doesn't have to make a decision right away. He says he loves her and wants the future they dreamed about. "Too late," she says. He writes his number down and hands it to her and says she can call anytime, day or night. As he leaves, he passes Gail in the doorway. She goes straight over to Audrey and demands to know what he was doing there. She says that if Audrey gives him the slightest encouragement he will keep pestering her. Audrey tells her that she's made it perfectly clear she's not interested, but as Gail goes off she looks down at the piece of paper with the phone number on, and doesn't seem so sure.

Anne Logan

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Ian Bevitt

Tommy has taken refuge in the flat with Jason and Tina. Jason seems to really have enjoyed the gig and he's still singing a catchy tune. Tina thanks Tommy for the gig tickets though he seems less than impressed at the outcome. After she leaves, he makes it clear to Jason that he was hoping to make a move on Tina. Jason reckons Tina doesn't see him like that but if that's what he wants, he should make a move sooner than later. (which was what he was trying to do!)

Owen is cuddling Joseph. Katy looks done in. Katy wants Ches to mind the baby for a bit later. He suggests she take the baby with her. She sinks even lower in her chair as Fiz and Owen describe all the faff involved in taking a baby anywhere. Fiz is off to work as is Ches and Owen. Katy is left alone again and looks very unhappy.

Beth has come into the salon for an appointment and is dismayed to see that all the staff appears to be in the "blue rinse" category. Audrey and Gail tell her that David (21) and Kylie will be back later from their holidays and Beth decides to return in a bit. She leaves an insulted mother and daughter behind her. Gail discovers that Audrey plans to offer Kylie her job back on a trial basis but had forgotten the pair were returning from Barbados today (must have been on Danny's ticket, I doubt they would afford tickets for the three of them!) Audrey has been distracted and Gail knows why. Lewis! Gail warns her off and Audrey says she has no intention of falling for him again but it's clearly thrown her. She pulls the phone number he'd given her out of her handbag, looks at it and bins it, somewhat reluctantly it seems.

Outside, Tommy and Jason are heading to work. Tommy and Tyrone exchange a few harsh words about what happened. In the street, Anna has arrived home by taxi and discovers Owen in her house. He's been insulating the loft for her. She's not happy he'd let himself in without her knowing. He asks how her holiday with Faye went (Wales) and is told it was great. Faye's first holiday as it happens. Owen praises Anna's parenting skills. Anna just gives him a look.

In the factory, Michelle and Carla are congratulating each other on their team work and then compliment Fiz on some samples she'd done for them for Jenny, a new client. Frank offers to come with her to meet Jenny but Carla puts her off. He keeps trying, politely, resulting in Michelle snapping at him.

Beth comes into the taxi office. She's off to see a flat because they got evicted. All the neighbours have apparently ganged up on them, not appreciative of her son Craig's skill on the bongos. Tracy arrives to ask Steve to pick up Amy from school. Beth objects to being interrupted but Tracy reckons Steve wasn't even listening to her. Steve objects, he was "borderline alert"! Steve chucks Tracy out, to Beth's amusement.

David and Kylie arrive at the salon, large bottle of duty free rum in hand for Audrey. The holiday was wonderful, Becky is happy as Larry. Before Kylie can leave, Audrey offers her job back, and Kylie is delighted. David asks what's new, has he missed anything good? Just then, coincidentally, Lewis walks in. David is appalled to see him and lays into him, ordering him out. Audrey persuades the young couple to leave and says she wants to speak to Lewis.

Katy is doing laundry when the baby starts fussing. She leans over him and shusshes him but he's working up to a full cry. Katy is at her wits' end, not knowing what else he needs. She backs away, grabs her keys and goes out the door, witnessed from across the road by Faye who watches with a dark look on her face.

In the salon, Lewis tries is best to win Audrey over but she's not having it. She's not accepting any of his excuses, even when he says he truly had feelings for her and he's truly changed (except would he have bothered if she hadn't found out where he was?) He pours on the flannel and flattery. She agrees he's very good at his smooth operating but she wants him to leave. He arrogantly insists she doesn't mean it and she points out that if he respect her at all he'll comply. He sighs and does leave.

Katy returns from her walk and finds Faye at the front door. Faye immediately confronts Katy. She describes her childhood, her mother used to leave her alone all the time until Social Services swooped in and took her. Katy lets her come in. Faye thinks Joseph probably needs a cuddle.

In the pub, Stella tries to persuade Tina that Tommy is a lovely bloke but she thinks he's trouble but one further look from Stella (aka St. Ella) and Tina obediently trots over to the booth where Tommy is sat to find out why he's got such a long face. Tommy says he thinks it's time to move on, he's not got a lot around there to keep him. She points out he's got a job and mates, and her. He perks up but she says she's his mate too. Hmm.. She treats him to a pint to put a smile on his face. St. Ella expresses frustration that she could bang their heads together.

In the Bistro, client Jenny is meeting with Carla and Michelle who are assuring her they can handle an order of that size. Frank shows up offering help with the planning as he's had experience with large orders. Carla snaps a bit but Frank smoothly makes it sound like he's the good guy and Carla's the bickering back one. He backs off graciously and Michelle goes for more drinks. Jenny is amazed Carla is still working with Frank. Carla says they pretty much do their own business and don't see each other all that often, it's all for the business. Jenny admires her bravery. Carla reassures her that they can make a success but Jenny backs off, deciding the situation is too volatile and risky.

Faye is feeding Joseph a bottle. She says she used to help look after twins at her last foster home. Katy can't get over how calm the baby is with Faye. Katy asks Faye if she'd like to look after him while she goes out for a few things. Katy insists that Faye not open the door to anyone. Faye isn't stressed at all and says she'll be fine.

David is telling Gail how happy Becky is. Gail witters on about having a tan as Audrey arrives needing a drink. David slings a few insults Steve's way at Becky's behest. Audrey tells them she packed off Lewis with a flea in his ear though Gail figures he will be able to sway her. Audrey says no way. At the bar, Steve begs St. Ella for the use of her shower. Steve says he's putting up with the situation to wind up Tracy. Stella allows him to use the shower but thinks he should just vacate to the cab flat. No way, Steve says, digging his heels in.

Tommy is having trouble with something he's trying to fit on a car and chucks the part over his shoulder in frustration. Ty hollers at him but then backs down and says he hates being at odds with his mate. Ty apologizes and so does Tommy. Tommy then admits he is upset because Tina wants to be just mates and that's that.

In the salon, there has been a delivery of a large bunch of red roses. Who from? Three guesses and the first two don't count. The card's message insists he isn't going to give up on her (Audrey). 'Love Lewis... kisskisskiss' Kylie thinks it's romantic but David and Gail are both heading for violence. Audrey insists she's going to stay strong though the others don't. They figure her history with men is just going to continue. Audrey insists. Nobody says another word and she takes the card from the florist.

In the Windass abode, Owen has helped himself to tea, and he's covered in dust. He tries to be friendly but she's cool to him. He gets the message but it looks like she might be having a second thought or two.

Over the road, Faye puts cheese on toast under the grill and takes the rubbish out to the back. Joseph is awake but quiet. The door closes behind her and self-locks. Oh dear! The grill starts to heat up the cheese and you can tell what's going to happen next as Faye looks frantic.

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Ian Bevitt

The cheese on toast is burning under the grill, baby Joseph is crying his heart out and Faye is outside the kitchen window, desperately trying to get it open when who should come out into the back yard but Norris. This is the one time when it might be useful if he stuck his nose in but all he does is shake his head at the commotion and go back inside. Faye starts to look desperate as she hears the smoke alarm go off.

Karl is in the Bookie's placing a bet. Peter looks at the betting slip and doesn't reckon on Karl's chances of winning. He comments to Karl that he's surprised to see him in there after what happened recently. At that moment Carla comes in; she's seething about the latest goings-on with Frank. Peter tells her to calm down but she's in full flow and marches straight round behind the counter where she dumps her enormous designer handbag. Nobody notices that this causes Peter's half of Karl's betting slip to get knocked onto the floor. Carla continues ranting about the fact that Frank turned up to her meeting with a client but eventually calms down when Peter gives her a hug.

Out in the street Faye has now run round to the front of the house. She shouts through the door to Joseph that she's going to get help.

At Anna's Owen has finished his work and suggests to her that he might put up a new shed for Faye but Anna is adamant that she doesn't want him to do it. Owen asks if he should build himself a doghouse instead but Anna refuses to take the bait. So he tries a different tack and tells her outright how sorry he is for slapping Faye. At that moment Faye starts banging on the door and shouting from outside. Owen and Anna rush outside to find out what's happened and while Owen sets about trying to open the door to Fiz's house Anna reassures Faye that she's not in trouble and then asks her where Katy is. Owen is horrified when he hears her tell Anna that Katy's gone out while nosy Norris listens in the background. At that moment Owen forces the door open, Anna rushes inside and rescues Joseph and, with the aid of a tea towel, Owen braves the smoke and deals with the burnt offering in the bottom of the grill pan.

In another part of town Audrey has turned up on Lewis's doorstep. He looks a bit shocked to see her and is reluctant to allow her inside. He suggests going out to a cafe but Audrey thinks he has a woman with him so she pushes past him and then discovers why he wasn't keen for her to go in; it's simply that he's embarrassed by his reduced circumstances and doesn't want her to see where he's living.

Back in the street Chesney returns home to find Anna, Owen and Faye gathered outside the front of the house with the baby. He's shocked to discover that nobody knows what's happened to Katy and that she left Faye looking after Joseph. Norris butts in and tells Chesney that such behaviour is usually referred to as reckless endangerment.

At the garage a blonde damsel in distress has called in with a problem with her car. Tyrone starts a bit of friendly banter and when she claims to be rubbish with cars Ty quips that it's alright because Tommy is rubbish with women. Tommy looks embarrassed while the blonde lady looks decidedly interested in him. She says she's meant to be meeting a friend for a drink later so Ty suggests she could wait in the bar across the street and that they might even meet her in there later. Tommy isn't happy with the way Ty's obviously trying to set him up but Ty tells Tommy it's time to move on and he must accept the fact that nothing is ever going to happen between him and Tina.

We return to Lewis's dingy bedsit. He asks Audrey how she managed to find him and she tells him it was through the florist who delivered his flowers. Lewis can see Audrey looking at her surroundings and explains that he's living there because he needed to find the money to pay his debts to Peter rather than by resorting to earning it by more dubious means. He claims that, although he can't clear his conscience for the things he's done in the past, he's hoping that at least he can start with a clean slate. Audrey says it's a shame that his vow of poverty didn't extend to sending flowers. He's pleased that they were obviously spectacular and Audrey tells him with a chuckle that he's impossible. It appears that she's well on the way to forgiving him.

At Fiz's, Owen is pacing up and down. Anna tells him to sit down but he's angry that Katy has abandoned her baby. Faye tries to defend Katy and says that she didn't abandon Joseph because he left him with her. Anna tells Faye to button it while Chesney says he just can't understand how it could have happened. Just as Owen is telling him that it's because he took his eye off the ball, Katy comes through the front door, apologising to Faye that she took so long. She's shocked when she sees everyone assembled in the front room.

In the factory, Ann, Frank and Sally are celebrating with glasses of Champagne. As Carla walks in, Sally explains to her that Frank has just landed the Cartwright order. "Against all the odds," adds Ann as Sally gives more details about what a wonderful deal Frank has done. Frank then asks Carla how she got on to which she replied that she crashed and burned. They have an exchange of words during which he says he hopes she doesn't think that he torpedoed her deal on purpose and, since they're partners, that sabotaging her meeting would just make him an idiot. "We both know that's one thing you're not. Don't we?" asks Carla with a hint of venom. Frank offers her a glass of Champagne but she turns him down and walks into her office where she opens her desk drawer and takes out a bottle of something far stronger which puts it into her capacious handbag.

Over at Fiz's house a tearful Katy is cuddling Joseph while Chesney asks her what happened and Owen gives her the third degree. He then has a go at Faye before Anna steps in to defend her and says that at least she had the sense to raise the alarm. Owen responds that Katy would have done better to have left the baby on his own so Faye retorts that Katy had already done that when she bumped into her. Chesney is shocked at this news especially when Katy reveals that it wasn't the first time. Kirsty arrives home to find Tyrone ironing his best shirt. He explains that he's going out for a drink with Tommy because he's cut up about Tina. Kirsty wants to know if the two of them have patched things up. When Ty says they're getting there, Kirsty tells him he's too soft. She gives him a kiss and instructs him to enjoy himself ... but not too much.

In the Rovers, Stella notices Tina looking pensive and asks a penny for her thoughts. Tina tells her Tommy's talking about moving away so Stella observes that maybe he just needs a reason to stay. She tells Tina the two of them are made for each other. As they're having this conversation, Beth comes in and joins Tracy at the bar. She steers the conversation around to Steve and says she's heard that he's given Tracy the bullet. Tracy tries to deny this and asks why Beth is so interested. When Beth replies that she might have a crack at him herself, Tracy can't keep a straight face and asks if Beth's tried having a look in the mirror recently. But Beth isn't going to be put off that easily and tells Tracy not to say she hasn't been warned.

Meanwhile, in the Bistro, the blonde girl with the car problem is propping up the bar with her friend whilst Ty is trying to get Tommy to go over and talk to them. Tommy is very reluctant but is finally persuaded when Nick tells him he's got to get back on the horse at some point. Blonde girl tells Tommy he took his time and makes it pretty obvious that it could be his lucky night.

Back at Fiz's, Chesney is still trying to talk to Katy and find out why she went out and left Joseph. Anna returns after taking Faye home. When Owen tries to comment, Chesney tells him to keep out of it. Katy tries to explain how she feels like she doesn't know anything anymore and how Joseph has taken over her life. Chesney wants to know why she didn't say anything, Katy replies there's never a chance because he's always at work and soon they are both shouting and telling each other to shut it. Anna steps in to try to get them to stop and then Owen joins the fray. When Chesney brings up the fact that Owen's idea of raising a child is to slap them, Owen responds that he may not be perfect but at least he's a grown up. With that he goes to pick up Joseph and says he's going home with granddad. When Katy tries to stop him Owen tells her that it's her mother all over again. At that moment Fiz arrives back and wants to know what's going on. Owen leaves with the baby and Anna tries to reassure her that they'll get Joseph back before following Owen out through the door.

In the Bistro Tommy, Ty and the two girls appear to be getting on famously after a few glasses of wine. Blonde girl suggests they should have a night out in town. Ty declines, citing the excuse of having a pregnant fiancee back at home. When blonde girl's friend comments that Kirsty's a lucky girl, Tommy replies that Ty's the lucky one.

Audrey and Gail are having a drink in the Rovers and Audrey is trying to explain about her visit to Lewis. She tells her how Lewis is living in a hovel and that nobody would wish it on their worst enemy but, as Gail points out, he is her worst enemy. Gail tells Audrey that he was playing for sympathy but Audrey says that she would stake her life on the fact that something about Lewis has changed. Gail asks Audrey to promise she won't see Lewis again but when Audrey doesn't reply Gail tells her that it's on her head and she washes her hands of it.

Tina walks into the bar, dressed up to the nines. She tells Stella she's really nervous so Stella hands her a drink for calming purposes. Stella asks what her game plan is so, when Tina says she's going to sit Tommy down and lay her cards on the table, Stella suggests she could just kiss him and then get leathered. Stella gives Tina a hug and then tells her to go and get her man.

We then see Tommy and Ty walking up the street with the two girls. The blonde has her arm through Tommy's. All this is observed by Tina who, at that moment, is just leaving the Rovers. As Tina gets closer, the blonde stops to kiss Tommy who happily returns the kiss until he suddenly catches sight of Tina in the background. Tommy and Tina awkwardly say hello and Ty tells her she looks lovely and asks if she's off anywhere nice. Tina replies that she's just going home. Tommy looks really devastated to be leaving Tina standing there as he reluctantly goes off for his night on the town.

At Anna's house Owen is holding baby Joseph while Fiz and Chesney are trying to get him to hand him back. Once again, Anna steps in. She tells Owen to start acting like a Dad and instructs Chesney to go home and look after Katy. Chesney wants to know what's going to happen to Joseph so Anna suggests she should keep him for one night. She says that Katy needs a break and Fiz agrees with Anna. Chesney wants to know what will happen tomorrow so Fiz says they'll sit down and plan what's going to happen as a family. A reluctant Chesney finally agrees but Owen insists on going back with them.

Steve is delivering Amy back to her mother. Tracy sends Amy off to put her pyjamas on and Steve stops to talk to Tracy. He comments that it's a bit cramped in her part of the house but Tracy doesn't rise to the bait and tells him that she prefers to call it snug.

Chesney, Fiz and Owen arrive back at the house but when they call for Katy, there's no response. After checking for her upstairs Chesney finds a note left on the table. It seems that Katy has done a runner and her note says that she thinks they're better off without her.

"This is all your fault," Chesney shouts at Owen.

Karen

It's early morning at Anna's. Chesney tells her that he's been everywhere he can think of to look for Katy, even tried the hospitals. Maybe he should call the police? Anna doesn't think they want them involved, not yet anyway. Chesney says he should have picked up on Katy's struggle to cope, he should have done more to help. Gary comes down and says that Faye thinks everyone is blaming her for Katy running off. Chesney remarks that there's only one person to blame for that, and it's not Faye. "Yes," agrees Gary, "diplomatic service missed out big-time when Owen became a builder." Anna offers to look after the baby as she's got a day off work. Chesney starts to refuse, until she points out to him that they got into this mess because they didn't ask for help. "Now it's being offered - take it," she says. Gary offers to go and look after his stall for him while he goes and gets some sleep. Chesney accepts gratefully.

Steve knocks on Tracy's front door to take Amy to school. He asks her for her share of the mortgage - he's not a charity. Tracy's jaw drops. "How am I supposed to find the money?" she says. He suggests she gets off her backside and finds herself a job.

Tommy arrives home after spending the night with the girl he went out with. Jason asks if he's going to see her again, but Tommy doesn't think so. Just then Tina walks into the kitchen and they go quiet. She tells them not to stop on her account and starts putting on her coat. She stops and sniffs, and then comments that the girl's taste in perfume is as good as her taste in men. Tommy looks very uncomfortable.

Tyrone is cheerfully telling Kirsty about his night out with Tommy and the girl, seemingly oblivious to Kirsty's frosty mood. She wants to know what he was doing while Tommy was chatting up the girl. Tyrone tells her that the girl had a friend with her so they were just chatting. Kirsty snaps that she saw him with her in the street. Tyrone blusters that he just walked her to the cab office. "Plenty of dark corners round there for a quick snog," says Kirsty. Ty is adamant that he wouldn't, and walks across to touch her arm. She whips it away. "Keep away from me!" she snarls, and marches out of the room.

Owen finds Anna and the baby in the cafe and sits down with her. After asking if there's any news of Katy, he starts to criticize his daughter, saying she's obviously not responsible enough to look after a baby. Anna tells him that the last thing Katy needed was him going off on one, and threatening to take the baby off her, she's a teenage girl stressed to high heaven. She says that if someone upsets him he lashes out with his fists or his tongue. He's a lovely man, but sometimes his mask slips and there's a nasty piece of work in front of her. Owen seems to take a moment to digest this, and then gets up and walks out.

Izzy arrives at Fiz and Chesney's house and tells them she's heard from Katy and is going to meet her. She made Izzy promise not to tell them where they're meeting. Chesney says he's been going out of his mind with worry and urges Izzy to tell Katy to ring him.

Tracy goes to see Peter and tells him that Steve wants her to pay half the mortgage. Peter offers her a part time job, on the condition that she doesn't upset the punters. Just then Beth comes past and, seeing Tracy, stops and tells her she's going to drop in on Steve later and remind him what a real woman is. Tracy scornfully says that Steve wouldn't be interested in her, and the next moment the two are having a slanging match. Peter hustles them out of the shop and tells Tracy to forget the job.

Izzy meets up with Katy in the park. Katy asks how Joseph is, and Izzy says that Anna's had him, but he's missing his mum. Katy doubts that. Izzy tells her that everyone, especially Ches, is worried sick, and wants her to ring him. Katy doesn't know what she would say, she doesn't deserve him. Izzy tries to tell her that Chesney doesn't think that, he's desperate for her to come home. Katy says she misses him and Joseph very much, but she couldn't cope with Joseph's crying, he didn't sleep, and she's not fit to look after him. "Dad's right," she says. Izzy tells her he isn't, and she gives her sister a hug. "It's the biggest mistake of my life," says Katy, "and I don't know what to do."

In the factory, Frank is hustling the workers to get the order finished. Carla is in the office, having a quick nip of scotch, when Peter comes in. He asks Carla if she can pick Simon up from school, Deirdre has to work and he has the accountant coming. Frank takes that opportunity to repeat his offer to buy Carla out, that way she would have more time to play happy families. She declines the offer and goes to get her coat.

Back in the park, Katy says she thinks she's taking after their mum, she couldn't cope so she ran off. Izzy tells her that their mum couldn't cope with having a disabled kid. Izzy tells her she's nothing like their mother, she is in this mess because she wouldn't ask for help, admit she was struggling. Katy says that their Dad will be on her case every second of every day, and she can't go back. "Tell Ches I'm sorry," she says, and gets up and runs off.

At the garage, Tyrone is wondering if he should get Kirsty some chocolates by way of an apology, when Kirsty herself turns up. Tommy makes himself scarce, and Kirsty is all smiles. She's brought Tyrone chocolate as a peace offering and apologises. Her ex has caused her to be the way she is, he would say he was going out with mates when he wasn't. Tyrone kisses her and tells her that from now on it's a clean slate, they both trust each other.

Tommy sees Tina walking down the street and rushes over, asking if he's upset her. She says he hasn't, and he's just starting to ask her out for a drink when the girl from last night comes round the corner. She says she was just passing, and adds that she tried texting him but the number he gave her didn't work. There's an awkward silence for a moment then she asks if he'll meet her for a drink. They arrange to meet tomorrow at the Rovers.

Outside the primary school, Simon stops short when he sees Carla. "Where's me dad?" he wants to know. She tries to take his arm, but he snatches it away, saying he's not going with her. Brian is there, and he points out that Carla is not on the list of people approved to meet Simon. She snaps that he knows who she is. "I'm not going with you, you're not my mum," says Simon. Carla grips his arm and drags him off, telling him not to show her up.

Steve has taken Amy home, and Tracy opens the microwave and puts a plate of food in front of her. Amy looks at it and then asks if she can go to Grandma Deirdre's and have proper food - Granddad has told her you don't get proper food out of a microwave. Tracy glares at Steve and says that Daddy has the proper cooker and won't let them use it. Steve asks if Tracy has a job yet. Tracy says she would have, if it wasn't for Beth, who reckons Steve has the hots for her. "'Ave I 'eck!" says Steve. Tracy tells him if he increases her maintenance she'll be able to pay her share of the mortgage. "So you want me to pay you, so you can pay me?" says Steve.

Karl takes his betting slip into the bookies. The horse won, he reckons Peter owes him £200. Peter glances at it, and points out that it's not stamped. Karl reminds him he took the bet himself, yesterday, and then Carla came in, kicking off about something. Peter says he doesn't remember and if it's not stamped he can't pay out. Just then, Carla comes in with Simon. "Oh, not again!" sighs Karl, and storms off, telling Peter he'll regret it, big time! Peter turns to a very angry looking little boy and a fed-up looking Carla. "Let's get to the bottom of this then," he says.

Lewis is in the pub and gets chatting to Kylie, who tells him she's David's wife. Lewis says that being Gail's daughter in law can be kind of interesting. He goes on to tell her that he could have taken Audrey for every penny she had, but didn't because he does care for her.

Stella asks Tina what's happening with Tommy. Tina tells her the girl's name is Jodie, she was a one night stand, and if that's the way he treats women she's better off out of it. Stella is sure she doesn't mean that. Tina reflects that everything was ok when they all lived at Tyrone's until Kirsty turned up. Steve is standing at the bar and comments that world war 3 is just a borrowed lipstick away.

Just then Brian comes in, order a drink and then, spotting Kylie, starts to criticize her over the contents of Max's lunchbox. Crisps, chocolate and a drink with more E numbers than a game of Scrabble. Kylie points out that if she gives him carrots and lettuce he won't eat it. Brian says that in that case there will have to be sanctions. At this point Lewis jumps in and asks if Max is badly behaved at school. Brian admits that he is very well behaved. Lewis says that Max's diet is obviously not causing problems and so for Brian to stand there giving Mrs Platt a lecture while holding a far from healthy drink himself, is a bit rich. Suitably abashed, Brian says he's made his point and will leave it at that. He walks off, leaving Kylie and Lewis laughing. "Thanks," says Kylie.

Izzy is reporting back to Anna, Gary and Chesney after her meeting with Katy. She tells them that Katy thinks she can't cope and can't face anyone. Just then there's a loud knocking on the door, it's Owen.

Kylie has gone home and told Gail and Audrey that she's just had a drink with a gorgeous man. His name is Lewis. Audrey tells her that's not remotely funny. Kylie says she's not remotely joking - Lewis is lovely. Gail mutters that it doesn't surprise her that those two get on so well. Kylie says he's sorry for what he did and wants to make it up to Audrey, what's wrong with that? "And risk being made a fool of all over again," snaps Gail. Kylie tells Audrey that when she's with a man she looks ten years younger, and she shouldn't listen to Gail, or herself, she should listen to her heart. Gail tells her to listen to her head.

Back at Anna's house, Owen tries to tell them all that he thinks the best plan would be for him to get a nanny and for little Joseph to stay with him. Chesney asks him who the hell he thinks he is. "Katy's father!" shouts Owen, "and I don't want her to ruin her life any more than she has done." Chesney asks what about his life, and little Joseph's. He tells Owen that Katy ran off because of him, and Izzy agrees. She tells Owen that Katy can't bear him watching her and judging her. Owen shouts that he's just trying to help. Chesney tells him he doesn't want to help, he wants to control. The baby starts to whimper, and Owen strokes his cheek. Chesney tells him to take a good look, this is the last time he'll be this close to him. "We don't want you in our lives, not me, not Joseph and not Katy!" Chesney takes the baby and goes out of the front door. Anna glares at Owen.

Anne Logan

Kylie's in the cafe telling Ann and Hayley all about Carla's behaviour when she dragged Simon away from the school. "He's practically leaving claw marks in the playground," she says. Brian, breakfasting with Julie, thinks this is a gross exaggeration. Gross, all right! He's got his napkin tucked in like a bib and is talking with his mouth very fully indeed. And the fact that he's eating a fry-up doesn't escape Kylie, who calls him a hypocrite. Kylie says Carla was drunk but Brian says there was just a faint whiff of drink. Kylie's got no sympathy for her and tells Brian to get it sorted. When she's gone, Julie and Hayley persuade him that it might be best if they approach Carla for a quiet word first.

Chesney's finding out what motherhood is like. The baby's crying and he can't find the remote-control for the DVD player so he can put on the recording which quiets little Joseph. Fiz arrives and reckons she could hear the baby from Rosamund Street. She says she'll change Joseph while Chesney gets a feed ready. Ches discovers the remote in the fridge and Fiz laughs, telling him it's what sleep deprivation does to you. They both miss Katie.

Steve's having a quiet moment to himself in the cab office when he swings round on his chair and sees RCraig watching him. Beth's behind him and she bustles through into the private part of the office as does Craig, who quietly raids the biscuit supply while Beth tells Steve she's off to look at a flat on the 19th floor of a building. I'm starting to enjoy Craig's malevolent background presence. But Beth thinks the flat won't do for Craig as it's not on the bus route for his school and he'd have to walk almost half a mile. Steve doesn't think this sounds too bad but Beth points out Craig is a 13-year-old lad, not Sebastian Coe. As she goes on about the flat's unsuitability (before seeing it) Steve has an idea.

In the factory office, Sally's trying to sweet-talk Frank into coming round for his tea - mini-Kievs and he can stay the night. Frank tries to put her off. "Loathe as I am to pass up frozen chicken balls . . ." Carla arrives just as he finally tells Sally that although he has a business meeting after work, he can be at hers about 8.30. Both Frank and Sally are sarcastic about Carla's timekeeping and her appearance.

Tracy answers the door to find Jason there with a mallet. It seems he's been asked by Steve to come round and remove the partition to turn the house back into a single dwelling.

Anna arrives to see Chesney. He's been asleep. Anna's brought dinner and Chesney is tearful as he says so many people have helped them but it's still not enough. "Look how we've ended up." He thinks Owen was right to be angry but Anna says Owen's got a nasty habit of playing judge and jury even though something doesn't concern him. Chesney says he was brought up with rows and swore things would be different with his own child.

Steve's refusing to let a tarantula ride in one of his cabs. "I wouldn't let a poisonous spider into my own house [he spots Tracy at the counter] - usually . . ." He asks Tracy: "Is this an anti-social call or what?" Tracy asks him about the partition and he says he's decided to stay in the flat above the cab office in the meantime. She tells him she's not moving out and is relieved but confused to hear that he doesn't plan to sell the house. Amy needs a roof over her head and it might as well be that one.

The machinists moan about Carla, who bawled out Beth for being late even though she'd given her the morning off. Hayley tries to defend Carla and then they're all shouted at for taking too long over their break. Hayley and Julie ask Carla for a word. Hayley says they've heard about what happened at school. Rather than letting Hayley diplomatically introduce the subject, Julie jumps in to say that drink isn't the answer. Carla is furious. She shouts at the whole room that her personal business is her own and if she wants to have a drink to take the edge off, that's her business too. Too late, Julie tells her that she and Hayley haven't said a word to the others and they don't know a thing about it. That stops Carla in her shouty tracks. "Oh," she says.

In the office, Frank sneers at Carla over what he's just heard. He says it's his business if Carla drinks because it could affect the factory. He urges her to reconsider his offer. Sally mentions seeing a bottle of Scotch in Carla's handbag. Carla is saved by a call from Jenny and arranges to meet her out of the office.

Deirdre and Tracy discuss Steve and the house being whole again. Tracy says Steve's finally realised he can't fight her. "He who knows when he should fight and when he should not will be victorious," Ken says, preaching from The Art of War, by Sun Tzu. Tracy says the war is over and invites her mother over for a tea party to celebrate later.

A thirsty Tommy arrives at the pub after a stressful day at work only for Tina to tell him he's got a visitor. It's the girl he spent the night with and she's very very keen on men in overalls!

Owen arrives at the cafe holding a bandaged hand aloft. It seems Jason trapped his fingers when they were moving some timber. "What kind of idiot goes on two?" Anna examines his fingers and offers to bandage them properly. While she does this, Owen says how wrong he was to compare Katie to her mother. He regrets his temper. Anna must be fascinated because although it's supposed to be his fingers which got trapped, she's bandaged his hand and the fingers are free of all bandaging! Fay comes in and Owen sort-of apologises to her for slapping her. He says he did it because he felt the same as she did when she killed his fish. The difference between them is that she's nine and he's not. Fay tells him she's sorry about the fish.

In the pub, Tommy's conquest is going on and on about some reality show. When she shuts up to go to the loo, Tiny comes over and tells Tommy she had a chat with the girl earlier and she's totally besotted.

At the bar, Ken and Brian chat about Carla and Peter. Brian feels obliged to act in Simon's best interest. Ken offers to have a quiet chat to Peter about the situation first.

At the mini-tea party, Tracy tells Amy that Steve's busy at work so is sleeping in the flat but he'll be back with them soon. Deirdre takes her aside and tells her not to give Amy false hope but Tracy's sure Steve will be back. There's the sound of the front door opening. "Steve?" calls Tracy, a big smile on her face. It's frozen into a sort of rictus when it proves to be Beth and RCraig and all their worldly possessions.

Chesney sings "Let It Be" to the baby. Katie quietly comes in the front door and joins in the song. Chesney's so pleased to see her that he weeps, as does Katie.

Deirdre hugs Amy as Tracy and Beth shout at each other. Tracy's furious. And Beth wants to point out that if Craig's to kip in the front room then he'll need a bucket. Otherwise, with his bladder, he'll be up and down the stairs all night. She's determined they're going to stay. She's got a tenancy agreement and a fair rent and Darryl needs to get settled. Yes, Darryl - Craig's pet rat. Tracy's even more furious. "Steve MacDonald is a dead man!"

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Jan Bevitt

Ken is in the Bookies telling Peter about the altercation at the school gates between Simon and Carla. Does Peter say "Thanks Dad, kind of you to put me in the picture"? Does he 'eckerslike! He blows his top at the fact that he is hearing about it via the grapevine instead of in private from Mr. Packham himself. I guess he has a point, Brian is not exactly discretion personified when it comes to talking about school matters, especially with Julie. Peter storms off to have it out with Mr. Packham.

The next scene starts with an extreme close-up of Beth's son Craig, shoveling some kind of potato crisp things into his mouth, and into the mouth of his pet rat. While Amy hangs onto Grandma Deirdre in fear, Tracy is leaving a message for Steve to call back immediately, as they have 'rats'. As she hangs up, she is horrified to see Beth adding a hideous ornament to the sideboard. Beth justifies it by saying she has to make Craig feel at home, and warns Amy not to touch it, as it's worth thousands - she didn't clarify as to thousands of what though.

Deirdre tells her not to unpack too much as she won't be stopping, and Beth retorts that neither will she (Deirdre) hopefully. Craig just sits there staring, noisily munching.

Katy is sitting on the sofa of number 5 looking lovingly at Joseph. Chesney asks her where she went when she ran away. When she tells him that it was to a friend, he asks if it was a girlfriend. She assures him that it was, and wracked with guilt, asks what Joseph would think of her if he knew that she had abandoned him. Our lad reassures her that he will never tell him. Katy is crying now, and Ches tells her he is sorry, that he should have seen she was struggling and done more to help her. She says she just needed a break, and will try harder in future, "So will I", says Chesney. He urges her to let her Dad know she is back as he is worried sick, but she hasn't quite got the courage for that yet, and says she will after she has cuddled Joseph just a little bit longer.

Sally is in the Kabin boasting she is going to make Frank a nice meal of Port Escalope in a lemon butter sauce. Norris can't resist, and points out that Freshco's do one of them in a meal for two. Sally looks slightly guilty, but feigns ignorance of that fact. Not one to let it go, Norris asks her how she makes the lemon butter sauce then, and she stammers that you get some lemon and butter and kind of smoosh it all together. Rita asks if it is just the two of them for dinner then, and Sally asks if she is angling for an invite. "I am certainly NOT", says Rita, and Sally asks why she can't just be pleased for her. Rita asks "Why do you think?"

Just then Carla comes in to buy some peppermints, and Sally can't resist making a snide remark about them being good for covering up the smell of booze. She goes on to say that if it was her turn for the school pick-up she has missed it, but doubt it was her turn after yesterday's performance. Embarrassed, Carla leaves and Rita tells Sally that her remarks had been unnecessary. However, nosey Norris wants to know all the details, which Sally is only too happy to embellish on, stating that Carla had shown up at the gates drunk, stumbling about and swearing like a Navvy, and had practically dragged Simon away by his ear. More than a little bit an exaggeration! Stella has come into the shop and overhears Sally's tirade. She is not pleased to hear this, not pleased at all! However, Norris has the last laugh, because just as Sally is going out the door, he calls out to her that the sauce comes in a plastic bag, and you just snip off the corner - "All the instructions are there" he cheerfully calls after her.

Carla is in the Bistro with Jenny, who tells her she has called the meeting because she wants her to know that she really wants to do business with Underworld, but feels she can't all the time Frank is in the picture. Carla explains that there is nothing she can do about that, she has checked and it's in the small print that she is stuck with him. She goes on to tell Jenny that Frank has made an offer to buy her out at a ridiculously low price, but she cannot consider selling for that. Jenny tells her that perhaps she should think again, because if she accepted his offer, she would be putting enough work her way if she sets up somewhere else to make it well worth her while, plus she would be rid of Frank into the bargain. Carla is still very unsure, she just hates to let Frank have the factory that she feels is hers. Jenny tells her to think about it, and to keep her in mind.

Tommy is on his first date with Jodie in The Rovers, and is getting more uncomfortable by the minute. One minute she is talking about the kids they are going to have, then when her phone rings, she refers to him as her boyfriend, and he notices she has his photograph as the wallpaper on her phone, he almost chokes on his beer! Tina on the other hand who is ear wigging every chance she gets is finding it all very amusing.

Peter comes in looking for Brian, who is not there. Stella gives him short shrift, telling him he should be ashamed of himself getting himself involved with a woman who behaves like Carla did at the school gates. Another nail in Brian's coffin methinks, as Peter leaves the Rovers absolutely fuming.

Katy shows up at No. 6 to let Anna know she is safe, and asks if her Dad is there. Anna tells her that he is, but only because he left his circuit tester in her loft. As he comes down the stairs, Katy begs him not to shout at her.

Simon is telling Peter all about poor little Amy, who never seems to have what she needs for school any more. He says that she had to do PE in her school shoes this morning as her gym shoes were not in her bag. Apparently this sort of thing happens all the time these days. However Peter is not that interested in Amy's problems, and wants to know what happened at the school gates yesterday. At first Simon doesn't want to talk about it as he doesn't think he will believe him, but at Peter's insistence, he tells him that Carla shouted at him because he refused to go with her. Peter sees nothing wrong with that, as he too shouts at him when he doesn't do as he is told. However, then Simon goes on to say that she grabbed his arm and dragged him away, and that his arm had hurt all night. He goes on to say that Carla had called him a 'horrible little boy'. Peter is concerned now, and asks why he didn't tell him before. Simon shrugs, and Peter lets it go, but has a very thoughtful look on his face.

Katy is trying to explain to her father why she didn't tell anyone she was struggling with motherhood. She tells him that he was right when he accused her of being like her mother, that she must have whatever she had when she left them. Owen apologises for saying that, and tells her she is nothing like her mother, and she didn't have any kind of illness. She just couldn't cope with both Izzy with her problems and a new baby. He goes on to assure her that Joseph on the other hand is as healthy as a horse, and things will get better. He goes on to say that her mother had her own set of problems that manifested before either of her girls were born, but that Katy is different, much stronger. Katy assures them that she wouldn't have stayed away for good, she just needed a break.

Carla is accosted by Stella in the street, shouting at her that she is not satisfied with just wrecking marriages, now she has moved onto child abuse. Carla stops dead in her tracks and asks Stella what she is on about. Stella is on a roll, and tells her that she knows that Simon wasn't part of the planned package, but that he is small enough to bully. "So are you", fights back Carla as she starts to walk away. Stella's not finished though, and she shouts that she knows what happened yesterday at the school gates. Carla is now a mixture of upset and angry, and menacingly tells Stella that she knows that when Leanne was Simon's age, she had already abandoned her and wasn't waiting at the school gates at all. Stella retorts that she was young and foolish, and asks Carla what her excuse is. Carla, who despite her anger is on the verge of tears, spits back that she is doing her best, and manages to turn and walk away without letting Stella see how upset and hurt she really is.

Back in rat haven - number 13, Tracy is telling Beth & Craig that Amy is in the bath, and must not be disturbed by either of them. Just then she catches sight of a large framed photograph on the wall, and gasps for breath. The photo is a glamour shot of Beth lying skimpily clad on a chaise lounge, and Tracy demands to know what it is doing in her living room. Beth tells her that if she would like one done she will give her the photographer's name. She goes on to say that Tracy will probably scrub up OK, but that the photographer has an airbrush if necessary. Of course, he didn't have to use it on hers though she adds. She then refers to her as Auntie Tracy to her son, which thrills Tracy no end as you can imagine.

Peter and Simon are playing a game when Carla arrives home. The moment she opens the door, Simon scoots from the room, which doesn't go unnoticed by Carla. However, not wishing to make an issue of it, she starts telling Peter about her meeting with Jenny Sumner, but he interrupts her by asking her what happened at the school gates yesterday. Taken aback, she asks where that came from. He tells her that it is the talk of the street, and she says that she knows, as she has been hearing about it from everyone. She asks what Simon has said, and he tells her that she hurt his arm. She responds that she wasn't aware she had hurt him. Peter asks if she had been drinking, which she denies, but he tells her that Mr. Packham had smelled it on her breath. She then says that if she had, who could blame her, the way she has been treated lately. She tries to tell him about the way people have been speaking to her on the street, but can't get the words out, and gets up to leave. Over in the doorway, young Simon is standing taking all this in.

Ken and Deirdre are sitting in a booth at the Rovers with Rita and Norris. Deirdre is telling them all about Steve moving lodgers into number 13, describing Craig as 'observant', ha ha! That is a nice way to describe the unnerving way he sits and stares at people. Deirdre ponders about what could be lurking behind that stare, Rita replies that it is nothing much in all probability.

Oh no! Jodie has now named her future children with Tommy. They are Austin, Sasha and of course Little Tommy, and she is asking Tommy what the name of the other one was, as she has forgotten. Tommy decides it would be expedient to make a hasty exit about now, and tells her he is going out for a smoke. She looks surprised, as she knows he doesn't smoke, but he assures her he absolutely does, which is why he has a very low sperm count, but only smokes every other day, which explains why she has not seen him do it. He goes on to say that he only smokes every other day to save money, she asks what he is saving for, and he tells her it is to go round the world - leaving next week - for a couple of years. It takes a minute or so, but the penny finally drops that he is not interested in her. When she asks why, he tells her that she is too full on, and mentions the three kids already born in her mind. She reminds him that it was four kids, and realises he wasn't even listening to her properly. She then asks if they are breaking up, Tommy is astonished and asks how they can break up when this was their first date. Jodie leaves in tears, shame really as she is quite a pretty little airhead. I wonder if we will ever see her again?

Tina can't help gloating after Jodie leaves, but Tommy cuts her down. He tells her that at least Jodie knows what she wants, which is more than she does, or he does for that matter. He leaves her thinking over that remark.

Chesney and Katie are curled up on the sofa remarking on how nice it is for things to be getting back to normal, when Owen comes to the door. He has just dropped by to say goodnight, and to remind them that he is there whenever they need a babysitter, that the two of them need to get out more. He can be a very nice man when he shows his softer side, and is showing Katy now that he understands what she has been going through, and wants to help. She hugs him and wishes him goodnight.

Steve has finally arrived at number 13, and as Tracy lets him in, she accuses him of smirking, which of course he denies. Just then, he hears scratching and rushes into the living room to be introduced to Darryl the rat. He is just trying to absorb the shock of that, when he catches sight of the photo on the wall, and gasps holding his heart. Beth preens and asks him what he thinks of it. He stutters and mumbles that it has a nice...er...frame. Not what Beth wanted to hear judging by her scowl.

Tracy berates Steve for moving two complete strangers into her daughter's home just to get his own back on her. Steve suggests that Amy could always move in with him, but Tracy is not having any of that, and demands that he kick these people out. He tells her that he can't as Beth has signed a contract.

It's after dinner now at Peter's flat, and Carla hasn't left. Simon is now asleep and Peter is advising her on how to deal with Simon's behaviour. He explains that he is acting that way because first he lost his mother, now Leanne. Carla wonders how she can live up to a dead woman and a saint, but tells Peter that if they don't stick together over it they stand no chance. He welcomes her to parenthood, and says "Good fun, eh?" Carla just groans.

We go back to number thirteen just as Steve is being thrown out the front door by Tracy. He has his reasonable voice on, and tells her that given time, Beth could become a good housemate, that they might even become friends. Tracy's answer to that? "Get Lost!!!"

A taxi is pulling up outside the Bookies, and a lady in a red coat and beret looks up at the flat window. Yes, Leanne is back but she is not heading home, just as well, as I am sure she doesn't know that Peter has already moved Carla in, she knocks on the door of the Rovers instead. Stella, who was obviously expecting her greets her with a hug and a kiss, and has a bottle of wine opened in readiness. Stella, who is delighted to have her daughter stay with her, asks after Toyah, and Leanne tells her that she had been terrible company for her, and must have bored her to tears. She slumps and tells Stella that she is feeling very lost, that although Carla was always in the back of her mind, she really thought things were on track after the wedding. Stella tells her that things will sort themselves out, that she is young, pretty, and everyone around there is behind her, including Simon. Leanne asks how he is, and Stella hesitates, and just tells her that he will be OK.

Leanne tells Stella that she is dying to see Simon, but is also dreading it at the same time because it will be the last time she will see him. Stella looks horrified, and protests, but Leanne tells her that she has made up her mind, tomorrow she plans to collect her stuff, and is leaving Weatherfield for good.

Poor Leanne.

Til next Friday,
Christine

Written By Ellen Taylor Directed By Alan Grint

Everyone is reassuring everyone else in tonight's first episode...

Carla is making every effort to be friendly to Simon who is being rude, saying as little as possible. Carla doesn't push the issue. Peter promises they'll be the best of pals. Carla doesn't think so.

Owen asks Anna if she has time to talk about Chesney and Katy later. She agrees though is wary of him. Peter and Simon walk across the street and Peter's assuring Simon that Carla is there to stay. Poor little mite misses his mum and doesn't understand things. Peter can only say "that's life". Leanne watches them from the window of the upstairs in the pub.

Sophie comes down to find Sally singing to the radio and Frank's jacket over the chair. Sally is very happy with Frank. Sophie is pleased for her and is even nice to Frank when he comes downstairs. Sally's all smiles.

Craig tries to shove a bowl overflowing with cereal back into the box. The silent child speaks when his mother comes in and he's full of complaints about Tracy who doesn't like the way he eats, how he leaves towels on the floor, plays music all night. At least I think that's what he said since his mouth was full of cereal but Beth understood every word, especially the ones that Tracy apparently said about her being a shocking mother and only having Craig to get the benefits. Beth is on the warpath. She turns the music up and screams up the stairs.

In the pub, Leanne is shaky. She's going to get her things since she's seen Peter taking Simon to school. Stella affirms that she can stay there if she wants. Eva is even really nice to Leanne, having been through the same thing with her ex-fiance who was also a cheat. She even refers to Leanne as her sister! Leanne thanks her and goes.

Hayley and Julie cross over from the cafe talking about Peter giving Brian grief over how he handled the incident at the schoolyard, talking to Ken and not him. They are shocked to see Leanne head toward the flat. They reckon Carla is going to be in a state and are glad in a way that she's not their only boss, who they suddenly spot coming out of Sally's house along with Sally, clearly having spent the night. Their minds explode.

Leanne picks up Simon's jacket and is in tears. Deep breath. Looks at a photo just as Carla comes out wearing post-shower gear. Leanne wobbles a bit when she hears that Carla has moved in.

Chesney seems reluctant to leave Katy with the baby and go to work. She assures him she's ok. He promises to take over that evening so she can have a break. There's a knock on the door and Chesney admits Anna and Owen. They've brought a rota for times when they can help and two evenings a week they can babysit giving them a break starting tonight. Owen even gives them some money to go to a film. What are families for?

Carla and Leanne get into it in the flat while she fills up bin bags. They drag up their history, including Leanne's affair with Nick and at one point, seeing as she doesn't believe any of Carla's stories, Leanne spits that she isn't even sure she believes Carla was raped. Leanne screams that Carla chased Peter every chance she got. Carla points out that the marriage couldn't have been so great if she was able to catch him. Leanne says the problem was that she had a miscarriage and Carla took advantage of it. There are more harsh words, with Carla hollering back that it doesn't matter, what does matter is that Peter loves her not Leanne. Leanne, in a very insightful statement says "Peter doesn't love you. He's addicted to you, like the booze. And sooner or later, the hangover's gonna kick in". She leaves with her binbags, with Carla looking thoughtful.

After the break, in the factory, Anne comes in in a mood. Frank only had to say he didn't want to have dinner with her rather than make an excuse and stay out all night. He's cool, Sally's a bit smug. No, she's a lot smug and leans over to hug Frank who looks like he's losing patience.

Leanne arrives back in the flat with two big bags. Just then, Nick arrives, arms full of flowers for Eva. He tells Leanne that Peter's an idiot. Stella urges Leanne to stay for lunch at least. They go into the back. Eva looks a bit uncomfortable with the flowers, seeing Nick's concern for Leanne.

Peter pays out a client when Carla comes in to tell him Leanne's back and picked up her things. Carla is clearly shaken by the encounter and it isn't helping anything when Peter seems annoyed he wasn't told. He asks how Leanne was but Carla takes that the wrong way too. Peter reassures her of his feelings. Carla doesn't look overly reassured.

Stella and Leanne talk in the back over cheese toasties. Stella didn't tell Leanne about Carla moving in so as not to upset her. And upset she is, with Carla practically accusing her of being the one at fault for the affair. Leanne is glad her mum is there, though.

Out in the bar, Tracy has been moaning about Beth to Deirdre who invites her back to Number 1 to live. Tracy is reluctant. Too many pots. Oh no, Deirdre exclaims, she's thinking of getting a stall on the market to flog them! Um. Right. Over at the bar, Nick is chatting to Eva. Eva reckons Nick still has feelings and wants to know now. Nick promises he's over Leanne and has the person he wants. Back to Tracy and Deirdre. Tracy is down over Steve and is having to put up with Beth who insists Steve fancies her. They have a laugh at this. When Deirdre reckons Steve would run a mile if she tried to catch him, Tracy gets inspired. She's got a plan and runs off to sort it.

In the factory, Carla has finally arrived. She tells Michelle that Leanne is back. Michelle takes over as the reassurer and tries to make Carla see that Peter wants her not Leanne. Carla points out that Simon hates her and she doesn't know how to deal with kids. Time is all he needs, Michelle says.

In the office Frank takes a call on his mobile outside the door. Anne follows him, trying to find out what's going on. She comes across grasping and needy, trying to find out why Frank is pushing her to one side. He quietly informs her that she's showing herself up in front of the staff. Sally chufties the staff to stop gawping and asks Frank quietly what's up. He's curt and informs her it's none of her business.

Leanne is getting ready to leave. Outside by the cab, Stella says goodbye but suddenly Simon comes running across the street, landing in her arms. Ken has brought him back early because he'd got into a bit of trouble and was sent home. Bullying. Simon promises to behave if she stays. Ken suggests she stays for lunch at least so she agrees to that.

Faye has come home for lunch. Anna leads her outside where Owen is clearing the land around the pond, promising to build her a new shed. She says she's not bothered anymore and has got used to the pond but it's a bit boring. He offers to decorate it up for her any way she wants.

Tracy has apparently invited Beth home at lunch to apologize. She pretends she was jealous because Steve more or less admitted he wanted Beth, not her. Beth is dubious. Tracy swears and says Steve has just been shy admitting it. Tracy thinks he just needs Beth to take the upper hand. Tracy convinces her by saying she's just given up hope and offers to take Amy away for the evening to give her privacy. Beth has been sucked in to Tracy's plan.

Simon cries to Leanne to come home. It's hard to explain things to him. He wonders if they're getting a divorce and is tearful. She tries to er.. reassure him that she will always love him no matter what happens and they'll still get to see each other through visits and talking on the phone. Simon tells Leanne if she came back, his dad wouldn't drink. Leanne is startled, but though Simon doesn't affirm that Peter's drinking he does say that Carla is and is horrible to him. Then he's telling her that Carla picked him up from school while drunk and hurt him.

Beth calls Steve to complain that the boiler isn't working and he's got to come over and fix it tonight. She then brags to Julie that Steve is going to have a memorable night. In the office, Sally offers to cook a chicken for Frank tonight, including carrot and swede mash! That's not enough to persuade him and he cuts her off short when Hayley comes in.

Things escalate and before you know it, Simon is telling porkies about how much Carla drinks and it's not the first time she's hit him.

We see Sally looking at an email on Frank's laptop which spills the beans about his plans to sack the whole workforce and has a new venture about to launch. Frank catches her reading it. She asks him about it. She wonders if he is planning to do it. He says he's asking his solicitor about the implications. She asks if it includes her but before he can answer, Leanne comes storming into the factory to attack Carla for hurting Simon.

Tvor

Written by Peter Whalley and directed by Alan Grint

Carla and Leanne are in the factory, shouting at each other like a couple of fishwives over Simon. Leanne is so furious that it soon turns into a cat fight and, when the fur starts to fly, Michelle grabs hold of Carla whilst Frank does his best to pull Leanne away. As Leanne flounces out Michelle shouts after her to stay out of the factory and Frank tells everyone the show is over and instructs them to get back to work. Sally has a quiet word with Frank and observes that nobody will believe Carla now because everyone knows she lied in court. He's non-committal on that point and then mentions the email which Sally saw. She says he obviously doesn't want to talk about it but he denies this and suggests that they should go for a drink later so that he can explain.

Faye, Owen and Anna are gathered in her back garden, ready for the switch-on of the lights for the new pond. It resembles a fairy grotto, complete with gnomes and a fountain and Faye seems genuinely delighted with what Owen has done. He suggests getting a takeaway for them all to celebrate but Faye is going out. When Anna suggests they could still have one, Owen perks up at the thought of the two of them spending an evening together until Anna tells him that Chesney and Katy are coming round and then she's offered to look after Joseph while they go out.

In the factory everyone has gone home for the evening apart from Michelle and Carla who are in the office, discussing the problem with Simon. Michelle tells her that kids of that age just say what they think you want to hear. She observes that Leanne wants to hear bad stuff about Carla so he's just delivering the goods. Michelle advises Carla to talk to Peter, if only to get to him before Leanne does.

Carla arrives at the Rovers with Simon in tow. Stella settles them in the back room while an angry Leanne tells her how Carla has been hitting Simon. Stella asks what Carla has to say about it and Leanne explains how she's denied it but then points out she's on record for being the world's biggest liar. Stella says she supposes he'll go and tell Peter, causing Leanne to reply that she might prefer Peter not to know. She then turns to Simon and asks him whether his Dad was ever there when Carla hit him. He says no and then says no again when Stella asks him if he's ever told Peter what's happened. When Leanne asks him why not he says it's because his dad keeps telling him how nice Carla is and how he has to like her. Stella tells Leanne that she and Simon are welcome to stay at the Rovers for as long as they like.

In Tracy's living room, Craig is bent over a computer game when Beth comes in and tells him that she has a gentleman friend coming round later and he'll have to make himself scarce. But Craig is hungry so she tells him he'll have to have some crisps and she'll make him something else later. She comments that she might have an appetite herself by then.

Behind the bar in the Rovers Karl is talking to Stella about the Simon situation. In the course of the conversation Karl brings up the fact that he had a winning bet but Peter had refused to pay out because he claimed his slip had never been stamped. In the background we can see that Frank is standing at the end of the bar with Sally and he can overhear every word.

We now tune in to Frank's conversation with Sally. He tells her all about his secret plan to close down the production side of the factory, outsource all the work and watch the money roll in. He reassures Sally her job will be safe but tells her not to breathe a word to the others. As Frank pays Karl for the drinks he asks him about Peter and the betting slip and suggests he should report him. Meanwhile, Sally is worried about what Frank has just told her and is shocked that he's planning to get rid of the workforce.

Michelle is giving Hayley and Julie the benefit of her opinion on Leanne. She thinks Leanne has made the whole thing up so that Peter will kick Carla out and then she can get her feet back under the table. Hayley isn't so ready to jump to conclusions and feels that Leanne seemed really genuine. Frank's on the phone to his mate Len who, we gather from Frank's end of the conversation, just happens to have a job investigating dodgy bookmakers. Well, as the saying goes, it's not what you know but who you know that counts.

Nick is talking to his mother in the Bistro when who should walk in but Lewis. Gail looks none too happy to see him but Nick ignores her comments and gives him a table. Lewis explains he's up in court the next day so thought he would treat himself as it may be his last night of freedom for a while. By the way Gail is shooting daggers at him it's clear she's hoping they'll lock him up and throw away the key.

Over at Anna's, Chesney and Katy have arrived with the baby and Owen has come back with the takeaway. Katy and Chesney seem reluctant to go out but Anna insists they should leave Joseph with her so they can have a night out.

Peter is sitting in the flat while Carla sounds off to him about Leanne accusing her of hitting Simon. Peter can't understand why Leanne would have said those things so Carla tells him she thinks it was because of something Simon said. Peter says he'll have to go and try to talk to Leanne. He apologises and tells Carla that he's not going to let Leanne get away with it.

Steve walks into Tracy's to check the boiler and is shocked to find Beth in full slap and draped provocatively on the sofa. She tells him the boiler's now working thanks to 'our Craig' having a fiddle with it. Steve says he'll go and check it anyway, in a desperate attempt to escape Beth's scene of seduction.

Audrey walks into the wine bar where Lewis is enjoying the final meal of a condemned man. Gail is worried she'd arranged to meet him, a fact which Audrey denies. She claims she'd popped in to invite Gail for a drink, although Nick isn't convinced. When Gail says she can't go out with her mother because she's helping Nick, Audrey decides to go over and say hello to Lewis. He tries hard to convince her to join him but Audrey knows that would be a step too far for her family and leaves.

Back at the Beth 'n' Tracy abode, Steve has checked the boiler and Beth is trying to ply him with a drink. He perches nervously on the sofa in his overcoat while, in considerably flimsier attire, Beth sits on the arm and starts stroking his head. Any hopes of being rescued are dashed when Beth tells him Tracy's out and our Craig's holed up in his room. Unfortunately for Steve, Beth's a lot stronger than he is and before he knows what's happening she's pinned him down on the sofa and is sitting astride him in her leopard print negligee. He must be desperate because he starts calling out to our Craig for help. Our Craig arrives in the nick of time and receives a tenner from Steve for his trouble.

In the Rovers Frank is still trying to talk Sally round about his plans, with talk of the lifestyle they'll have, travelling around the world and living in five star hotels. He tells her that the most wonderful part about it is that they will be together. Sally asks what will happen about Carla and is surprised when Frank says they're going to buy her out. He says she hasn't agreed yet but she's going to.

Deirdre comes in with Tracy and offers to buy Audrey a drink and she apologises for some of the things she said to her. Audrey thanks her but says she's going to go home in case a certain person comes into the pub and Gail accuses her of arranging to meet him.

Peter is the next person to walk into the pub. He's looking for Leanne. Stella says that, against her advice, Leanne's willing to talk to him, and she takes him through to the back and leaves him with Leanne and Simon.

Peter starts by trying to apologise but Leanne doesn't want to know and they start arguing. They keep going until Simon shouts at them to stop and both look contrite when Simon says that they keep telling him how to behave and they should listen to the way they're going on. Things calm down and then Peter says that there is one thing that the three of them need to talk about.

Out in the bar, Steve comes in for a drink. Tracy, who knows full well what Beth's been up to, asks him if he managed to fix the boiler and then has fun winding him about what went on. Deirdre has enough of listening to them and decides to go home.

We return to the back room of the pub where Peter asks Simon to tell him about what happened. He's reluctant to talk so Leanne tells him he won't get into trouble and there will certainly be no more hitting. Peter tells her to let him speak. After a bit more coaxing Simon tells Peter that he told Leanne that Carla hit him and, not very convincingly, confirms to Peter that it's true.

Over at Anna's Chesney and Katy are about to go out but Katy really doesn't want to leave Joseph. They finally go out and then Owen drops several large hints about staying behind to help Anna but she's not falling for it and he leaves reluctantly.

Peter is still trying to coax the truth out of Simon. He reminds him about the time Aadi got a bump on his head and one little lie turned into a bigger one and it all got very serious. He gives him another chance to tell the truth and when Leanne asks again whether Carla hit him, he says no. Leanne wants to know why he said it but Peter points out that they both know why. A tearful Simon tells them that he wishes Carla had hit him because then he wouldn't have to live with her and he could go and live with his mum.

In the wine bar, Gail is pointing to an empty table and telling Nick that Lewis has walked out without paying. Just as she's saying "once a con man, always a con man" Lewis walks back from the gents. Nick quickly smoothes things over and offers Lewis another drink.

In the Rovers Stella goes into the back to see Leanne. Peter has taken Simon home and Leanne tells Stella what happened. She's worried about how desperate Simon must have been to have lied and wants to know how she can help him. Stella points out she'll be of more use to him there than in London. She tells Leanne that she can stay with them. Leanne agrees that, since Simon lied because he thought it would mean he could be with her, she can't leave him now.

Frank and Sally leave the Rovers and, as he walks her back to her front door, he tells her that they're going to have to move quickly on their plan but that she shouldn't lose any beauty sleep worrying about it. He gives her a kiss and walks off up the road and round the corner where Jenny Sumner is waiting for him in her car.

"I like a man who's on time," says Jenny.

"I nearly wasn't," replies Frank. "I had Sally to deal with."

Frank tells Jenny that Sally has found out about the plan. So he says that he told Sally all about it but he just didn't mention the fact that it would be him and Jenny driving off into the sunset rather than Sally. Jenny smiles at him. It's way past sunset but they drive off up the street together anyway.

Karen

---

Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen,Duncan Lindsay, Christine Warren, Ann Logan, Margaret Carr, Tvor, Karen Jankel.

---

Back to Updates index page		Back to corrie.net