Hello. There was no Corrie on the Friday so here's the hour-long episode which screened on the Sunday.

Michelle and Ryan are in her flat. She plans to spend the day with him, not sure she can trust him to be left on his own. When they run out of milk he offers to go and get some but Michelle snaps at him and refuses to let him go. She'll get Steve to bring some round.

Tommy's looking for a job to supplement his work at the pizza place but there's nothing. Tina suggests that Jason put in a good word for him with Own but Jason says after what Tommy's done there's nobody will give him a job round here. Jason certainly won't put in a good word for him. 'We're screwed,' says a despondent Tommy. Tina says she'll just have to find some extra work.

Eileen's browsing through a recipe book but Paul reminds her that he's on a double shift and won't be home until tomorrow. Jason turns up and realises there's something different about the room. It takes him a while but then he notices there's a new sofa, new sideboard and new ugly vase. 'It's special,' he comments when Eileen tells him it was Lesley's. He's going to see Maria and Eileen invites them both for dinner.

Steve arrives with the milk and hands it over to Michelle on her doorstep. She refuses his offer of coming out because she's on Ryanwatch. Steve says she's going to have to start trusting him some time. She can't keep him under house arrest forever. They kiss and are seen by Tracy, who wants to ask Steve a favour. Can he look after Amy while she has a job interview at a bar in town? He agrees and Michelle makes a catty comment about Tracy being unlikely to get the job.

In the Kabin, Rita tells Tina she can understand why Kevin sacked Tommy. But she promises she'll always be on Tina's side. They're interrupted by the alarm on the smoke detector. Rita bashes it with a broomstick to make it stop and tells Tina it's the fourth time it's gone off today. She doesn't have any shifts in the Kabin for Tina but Owen's left a card in the window. He wants a part-time clerical assistant, experience essential. Rita tells Tina she should have a go, even without the experience. As Tina leaves, smoke-alarm seller Karl comes in.

At the garage, Owen hassles Kevin about getting his vehicle finished quickly. Tina approaches him about the job but Owen says curtly that he wants an experienced secretary, not a barmaid.

Karl, looking a bit stunned, comes out of the Kabin and is immediately shouted at by Kevin, who wants an immediate refund after the smoke alarm kept him and Jack awake half the night.

Ryan's slumped on the sofa watching a cooking programme on TV and rejecting all of Michelle's suggestions for something they could do together. Michelle gets a phone call from Rob. A client, Big Sid, wants a meeting. Yes, it's a Sunday but she owes him after Ryan lost them an order. He arranges to meet her in the bistro. Ryan refuses to go with her and says he's not going to rush off to score drugs as soon as she's gone. Anyway, he's got no money. But the minute she leaves he makes a bee-line for her cashbox. There seems to be no cash so he starts rummaging through the drawers.

Big Sid isn't so big but thinks he is. He demands a Diane sauce with his steak and won't take 'It's not on the menu,' as an answer. He tells Lewis the wine is corked and sends it back. Rob asks him how big an order they're talking about the Sid says it could be their lucky day - and pats Michelle on the knee as he says it.

Karl gives Kevin back his money just as Sunita comes down the stairs. She's alarmed to hear some of the alarms are faulty but Karl assures her it's just one or two and he can keep selling them. As Karl puts the returned alarm in the box with the others it goes off.

Sid complains about the standard of the Diane sauce he's been served and sends back his steak. At the counter, where Audrey's having a glass of wine, Lewis tells her how annoyed he is. She wants him to think of the tip.

The alarm won't stop but Karl assures Sunita that it's just one or two of them that are faulty and he'll demand Tez give him his money back. She doesn't want him to sell faulty alarms but she's worried they won't be able to replace the money they took from the joint account. She stomps off, saying she's going to pick up the kids.

Ryan's still hunting for cash. He gives up, grabs some keys and goes out.

Eva arrives at the bistro just as the deal with Sid is finalized. Sid kisses Michelle's hand before leaving.

As Michelle leaves the bistro, Ryan spots her, pulls up his hood and crouches down behind Owen's truck. When the coast is clear he lets himself into the factory using Michelle's keys, leaving the front door ajar.

Eileen meets Sean in the street and invites him to dinner. He agrees but they're joined by Marcus and Aiden, who have some gym details for Eileen. As they discuss the Body Pump classes, Sean changes his mind about coming to dinner, claiming he's got a hot date. When he's gone, Eileen invites Sean and Marcus to dinner.

Michelle arrives home to a Ryanless flat.

In the factory, Ryan rejects her phone call and continues his search of the office, finding the cashbox in the bottom drawer of the desk. He tries to open it, clearly not thinking Michelle might have the key on her work key-ring.

At the bistro, Rob tells Eva he can't come out with her because he's got to go to the factory for a while (Can you see where this is going yet?).

Steve and Michelle are about to get into his taxi to check out pawnbrokers in the precinct. Tracy sees them and wants to know what Steve's doing - he's promised to look after Amy. Deirdre can't do it because she's gone to stay with Bev. And Ken's at the last library in the country with Sunday opening hours and has booked a microfiche reader, so he's not going to give that up. Steve says it's an emergency. He can't tell her what it is but it's definitely an emergency.

Ryan drops the cash box to the floor and starts trying to lever the lid open.

Rob sees the front door is open and enters the factory very quietly. He sees someone in a hood on the floor with the cashbox in the semi-darkness and whacks him hard with an industrial-strength stapler. Then he sees it's Ryan lying unconscious.

Rob calls for an ambulance while trying to wake up Ryan. Then he calls Michelle.

In the Rovers, Eva and Sean order drinks. Owen comes in and does the same but Tina refuses to serve him until he hears her out. She offers him three days free work as a trial for the office job. 'No win, no fee,' she says. Owen agrees but then asks if there's any chance of her starting tonight. He's got a new client coming tomorrow and he can't find the paperwork.

Dev and Sunita are in the shop with the twins. Dev starts talking about using the money from the joint account to buy them new uniforms and other stuff for school. Sunita confesses that there's no money in that account. She gave it to Karl to buy the alarms.

Michelle, Steve and Rob all follow the paramedics taking Ryan down a corridor and shouting stuff like 'GCS Three!' Rob protests that he didn't know it was Ryan. He has the right to use reasonable force to stop someone trying to steal from him. Steve tells him that's rubbish. Ryan's just a kid. 'He's a thieving cokehead who was trying to rob* me!' says Rob.

Dev tells Sunita it was bad enough that she cheated on him. Now she's robbed* him. He says that money was for their children and he earned every penny of it. 'And it wasn't for you to spend on some pathetic, sponging boyfriend!' Stealing from her children to pay for her lover is a new low, even for her, he says.

At Eileen's, wine is served but there's no beer, much to Jason's disappointment. Luckily, Marcus and Aiden arrive and Aiden has beer. Maria can smell burning.

Owen shows Tina the office, which looks worse than the factory office did after Ryan ransacked it. He doesn't expect her to tidy up the whole lot tonight - just find the paperwork he's after. He's off to sort out a boiler and will be back in a couple of hours.

In the hospital, Rob reluctantly doesn't call the police but Ryan wants to. He wants to report an assault. He went to the factory to look for his mum and Rob attacked him.

Eva's annoyed that Rob's not turned up in the Rovers as he promised, but she's not desperate enough to want Sean for company. Sean tells Stella he'd rather be at home watching the telly and eating comfort food, so she persuades him to go and do just that. If she sees Marcus she'll mention that Sean went into town with a gorgeous fella.

Audrey and Lewis come in. Lewis knows Audrey's up to something and she confesses she's booked them a cruise even better than the one they cancelled. And she's had a word with Nick to make sure Lewis has the time off.

In the hospital waiting room, Michelle's angry with Rob who still can't convince her he didn't know it was Ryan. 'Your son's not Harry Pottery, he's Pete Docherty!' he says. The police arrive and want to take him away for questioning. He tells Michelle that if he's charged his parole will be revoked and he'll go back to prison. Does she want that on her conscience?

Eileen's food is not a success. But the dinner party's attention is diverted when Sean comes in singing. He's startled to see everyone and tells him his date was going really well but the date, a heart surgeon, got called back to the hospital. He swigs down a glass of wine in just one gulp.

Dev sees Karl outside the shop and wonders whether he'd like to go in and help himself to anything. He threatens Karl with what will happen if he steals from Dev's children again and gives him one week to put the money back in the account.

Ryan, Steve and Michelle are back at the flat. Michelle wants Ryan's jacket so she can wash out the blood. The factory keys fall out of his pocket and she realises Ryan's also opened her cashbox. 'You were out to score!' she says. Ryan tells her he wanted to buy her some chocolates. Michelle doesn't believe him. Ryan shouts that she's never wanted him around. She's always wished he was out of the way so she could be with her latest boyfriend -all her boyfriends are pathetic loses like Steve. She's had so many it's a wonder there isn't a red light outside her door. Thwack! That's the sound of Steve slapping him. 'Don't ever talk to your mum like that!' Steve says. 'Hah! Some mother!' snorts Ryan, stomping out.

Tina's sorted out most things and has found the paperwork that show the expected clients still owe almost a grand from some previous work. Owen's impressed and she's got the job.

Steve finds Ryan at the bus stop and hands him his guitar. Michelle and Steve bought it back from the pawn shop. Ryan and Steve have a little heart to heart. Steve tells Ryan that Michelle just wants to help him. Ryan ends up in tears with Steve's arm round his shoulders.

Sean's had far too much to drink and wants to play truth or dare. Marcus refuses to play but Jason agrees to 'Dare.' Sean wants him to slap Aiden round the face. Aiden wants to play and Sean agrees to 'Truth.' 'What was the name of your date tonight?' asks Aiden. Sean suddenly can't remember.

Ryan talks to Michelle about how nervous he felt at university. Cocaine made him brave enough to play his guitar and before long he needed it for everything. Michelle hugs him and says that's all in the past. From now on she'll do anything to help but there must be no more lies. Ryan says he has to go and talk to the police.

Tommy's got a job as a security guard at a warehouse and Tina's got four days a week with Owen, so they decide to go to the Rovers to celebrate.

Sean's drinking lots of water, under Marcus's supervision. He confesses there was no date. Marcus pretends to be surprised. Sean knows their relationship is over and Marcus has moved on but confesses he feels a bit stuck, like a tractor in a ditch. Aiden comes in and apologises for trapping Sean with the Truth question. Sean decides to say goodnight and goes back to the living room to take a bow. Crash! That's Lesley's vase turning into a million little pieces!

Kirsty and Tyrone take their drinks to a booth in the Rovers. Kirsty thinks Stella's looking at her in a different way but Tyrone says nobody believed Tommy.

Steve and Michelle sit at a table with Michelle worrying about Ryan. Eva asks if Michelle's seen Rob but Michelle lies and says she doesn't know where he is. Tracy comes in and accuses Steve of neglecting Amy and making her miss her interview just so he could have a drink with his girlfriend. Rob's come in behind her and tells Eva very loudly that Michelle's drug addict son tried to rob* the factory and then accused him of assault. Eva apologises for being annoyed with him and Tracy gloats to Steve that obviously Ryan is more important to him than Amy. But with Michelle as a mother it's no wonder Ryan's turned out badly . . . Michelle hurriedly leaves.

Tracy sits down with Beth and starts to tell her all about Ryan.

Steve finds Michelle out the back. He tells her to ignore Tracy. She's the cupid of hate and her arrows are very sharp. Michelle thinks Tracy must be right about her being a bad mother. Ryan said the same thing. She can't begin to think how she's going to deal with Ryan and his problems and still hold down her job. Steve says he'll help. In fact, why doesn't he move in so he can?

Back in the bar, Tina and Tommy come in to celebrate their new jobs. Kirsty laughs when she hears them. Tyrone tells them to remember there's a payment due tomorrow. Kirsty says she's not feeling well and wants to go home. As she and Tyrone leave, Tina calls to Tyrone, congratulating him for heeling like a good dog.

Michelle and Steve lug Steve's stuff to her flat. Ryan arrives. He's been fined 80 pounds for wasting police time. He's happy with Steve moving in, he says. 'She deserves a good bloke.' Tracy sees them and when she hears what's happening her face momentarily drops but she puts on a smile and congratulates Steve. But to Beth, at her side, she says if they think she's going to let them play happy families they've got another think coming!

The end. Whew!
Margaret Carr

*To rob is to take property from someone while using force or menace. Burglary is breaking and entering. Ryan did not rob or burgle - he's guilty of attempted theft and maybe unlawfully damaging the cashbox.

Written By Joe Turner Directed by Peter Rose

Tommy has worked a night shift and creeps in first thing in the morning, greeted by Tina. He tells him about his new coworker who told him his life story all night. He says he's got the opportunity to work extra shifts next week.

Ty is perusing an A to Z for the best routes to the hospital. Kirsty comes in and he's clearly anxious to see the baby. He's got bags packed, phones charged and the route mapped out three ways in case of delays. Today is Kirsty's due date but, as she points out, it'll come when it's ready. She suggests breakfast at the cafe. He's worried about leaving the house but she insists. (You'd think he'd never did this before, wouldn't you?)

Michelle buzzes Rob up to the flat and hauls Ryan out of bed. He comes out wearing just his undies and apologizes to Rob. It sounds like he means it and Michelle believes him. Rob seems skeptical when Ryan mumbles something about not going near drugs ever again. Rob accepts the apology and leaves. Ryan is feeling very down about himself and thinks he should move away because everyone thinks he's a waste of space. Michelle suggests it will just take time.

Kirsty and Ty amble to the cafe. She complains about her size while he thinks she looks beautiful. Pregnancy cliche scene number 23 sorted. She fakes a pain to wind him up. They come across Leanne and Simon who exchange a few words and move on to the bus.

Karl tells Sunita he's got a quick job for some cash in hand. She's suspicious that it's another dodgey one.

Sean is moaning on that new sofa. He's going to have to tell Paul about the vase, isn't he? Eileen says she'll support him but when he hears Paul come in, Sean panics. She goes through to the doorway and manages to persuade him he looks very tired and should go straight up to bed. He's a bit confused but between she and Sean's babbling, he goes up.

In the cafe, Tyrone is driving Kirsty mad. She makes him agree to go to work if she stays near earshot of the garage. She thinks she could get this week's installment from Tommy but Tyrone says he is going to bring it by after work. Tyrone goes and Tina arrives for coffee. She tells Anna they've both been working two jobs to pay of debt because you know how nasty people can get. Yes, Kirsty hears that as she's meant to. She also hears Tina tell Anna that Tommy is getting a few hours' sleep before his pizza delivery job.

Beth is trying to find out from Rob what happened to Ryan and if he was high at the time he tried to rob the factory. Rob shuts her down and when she sees Michelle come in, Beth scurries away. Michelle is worried sick that Ryan might leave.

Kirsty leans on the doorbell of the flat, clearly waking up Tommy. She puts pressure on him to pay them hours before he was planning to until he gives up and says he'll get dressed and go to the bank now.

In the corner shop, Dev has asked Tracy to help him out working in the kebab shop. (Really? He'd actually hire her? I don't believe that). She's refusing to work in place that far beneath her. Steve comes in and is curious to hear of Dev's dilemma (his best kebab cutter left for Wigan). Steve thinks he might have an answer to Dev's problems.

Tina spies Tommy on the street and when told that Kirsty has insisted on the money, Tina says she'll sort the cash. She wants him to go home for a sleep or at least a rest. He says he'll just tank up on coffee in the cafe.

Sean is surfing the net for a replica vase on the sites for local shops. He finds one except it's 65 pounds. Eileen points out it was Lesley's favourite vase. He could also just tell Paul the truth. Sean sighs and it looks like his bank account is going to be lighter by 65 quid.

Ken is trying to convince Tracy to take the job in the kebab shop but she's got no intentions. Elsewhere in the cafe, Anna wakes up Tommy who's nodded off at the table. He jumps up and runs out, late for his pizza delivery job. He runs into Tina who's back from the bank but plans to hand over the money when she's ready. She starts griping that him being late is Kirsty's fault. He makes her promise not to start an argument. She agrees and he leaves her with a kiss. Around the corner, Steve is leading Michelle to Prima Doner Kebab. She's dragging her heels all the way. She's never liked them! Steve is trying to convince her that they're worth a try. She reluctantly follows him in the door. No staff in sight so he bangs on the counter. Up from behind pops Ryan in a red uniform shirt. Michelle is delighted to see her wayward son has a job and Steve is smug because he engineered it. She's grateful to Steve.

Karl arrives home, but he's 2 hours later than he said he'd be and Sunita turns on the nagging. Where were you, why are you late, why can't you get a proper job? He gets angry and storms out.

Tracy walks along the pavement and is joined by Leanne. She's spied Ryan outside the kebab shop and is looking thoughtful. When she finds out from Leanne that Dev is still in the shop, she turns and rushes back down that way.

Sean has replaced the fugly vase. He and Eileen wonder if Paul will notice that it's shiny and new. He takes it into the kitchen to wipe off a mark where the price sticker was. Paul comes in and notices the missing vase immediately. We can hear water running in the kitchen and then comes the sickening sound of a smash. Eileen's face blanches but Sean pops back in to say he's broken Eileen's favourite mug while cleaning the vase. Sean replaces it on the sideboard and runs out. Paul picks up the vase and tells Eileen Lesley had dropped it three times and you can see where the crack ... oh wait. no crack? He realizes the vase has been replaced.

Tracy is trying to convince Dev to hire her. He did say he had two vacancies, right? Well yes, but as one is filled, the emergency is over. She uses the argument that Ryan is unreliable (pots and kettles?). Dev says Ryan deserves a second chance but Tracy doesn't think Ryan will live up to expectations. He needs someone he can trust. Like you? Dev asks sarcastically. She promises, hand on heart, she won't let him down.

Kirsty is counting the money. They start arguing about everything. Finally Tina starts throwing Kirsty's abuse at her, wondering if she hits Tyrone to cheer herself up. The women are on their feet now and Kirsty's ire is well and truly up. Tina pushes a bit more and Kirsty grabs a ketchup bottle but doesn't use it. She slaps it back down and sits down and tells Tina that she's picked a fight with the wrong person this time. She'll get Tina. Never fear.

Dev has indeed hired Tracy and has brought her to the shop. Why did she change her mind? She says she thought it would be fun working with Ryan. Dev leaves and Ryan seems a bit unsure of how much fun it's going to be. Tracy asks straight up if Ryan is off drugs. He promises he is. She continues to flirt while extracting information, such as Steve helping him get the job. He admits his mother hates Tracy. He goes into the back to find a shirt that might fit her. Beth comes in and Tracy tells her she's got a great plan. She knows Michelle will really hate it if Tracy starts dating her son! Hmmm...

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Peter Rose

Tracy emerges from the back room of the kebab shop before she's even finished doing up the buttons on her blouse. Ryan nearly turns the colour of the bright red uniform as Tracy asks him if hers is too tight. She asks him if he has a girlfriend and then says that if they're going to work together she figures they might as well get to know each other. Ryan looks more than happy to comply with her suggestion.

Kirsty emerges from the house and Tyrone rushes across the street to check that everything's O.K. with the baby. An amused Kirsty tells Tyrone that she knows he's excited but she hasn't had any twinges yet and has only popped out to buy some chocolate.

At Jason's flat, a furious Tina tries to tell him how Kirsty just tried to attack her with a bottle of ketchup but Jason clearly thinks Tina is the one who's deranged. He starts to laugh but seeing this isn't the reaction Tina was hoping for, offers to make her a brew instead.

Julie and Brian are talking to Norris in the Kabin. They are full of excitement about Brian's "performance related increase" (pay rise to us mere mortals) and in hushed tones Brian tells Norris that this marks him out as a 'superhead'. They go on to tell Norris that this means they can now afford to buy themselves somewhere to live and are looking to move as soon as possible. We then see Kirsty listening in by the chocolate display. She tells Julie and Brian that she might know of somewhere suitable and reminds them that Jason is looking to sell his flat. Julie comments that she thought that's where Tina and Tommy are living but Kirsty says she's sure they could find somewhere else to live if Jason wanted to sell. There being no time like the present in the world of soaps, Julie and Brian hurry off in search of Jason. After they've gone Norris suggests Kirsty should charge a finder's fee if they end up buying the flat but she says she just likes people to get what they deserve. The conversation moves on to Kirsty's due date and, when she tells Norris it's today, he tells her how he practically delivered Curly Watts' baby single-handedly. However, he soon regrets embellishing his story when Kirsty starts winding him up by suggesting she won't need to bother calling the ambulance now as she can just send Tyrone to fetch Norris as soon as her waters break.

Julie and Brian are already round at Jason's having a look at the flat. Julie says she feels a connection with the place and asks whether Jason would be able to do a deal seeing as they're family. At that moment Tina appears; she doesn't look too happy and is curious to know whether Jason still has the flat listed at the estate agent's. Before he can answer, Julie chips in and tells her that it was Kirsty who let them know it was for sale. Seeing Tina's reaction Julie asks her if that's a problem but Tina says not to worry, they'll find somewhere else to live but as Julie and Brian hurry off to check out the bedrooms we can see the look of fury on Tina's face because Kirsty has found another way to get at her.

Round at Eileen's she's explaining to Paul about Sean replacing the broken vase. It turns out of that Paul also thought it was hideous; Lesley was fond of it and he thought Eileen would be too. Eileen tells him that she thought that he wanted to keep things which remind him of Lesley but he says that's not the case at all and that he only brought round all of his stuff so that it would make it feel more like their home together. Eileen raises her eyes to heaven realising that they've had all of that fuss over the vase for nothing.

Kirsty is lying on the sofa enjoying her chocolate when Tyrone comes in from work. She's being all sweetness and light to him but it's obvious her scheming mind is at work. She has a present for him on the table: the latest installment of Tommy's repayments. Tyrone is surprised as he said he'd collect it but Kirsty tells him she's a multi-tasker. She sends him upstairs for a bath so that she can put her next nasty plan into action and picks up the phone to order a takeaway pizza for their tea ...

In the Bistro, Karl is standing at the bar begging Leanne for a job. He tells her he's prepared to do anything, including standing at the door to keep out undesirables. At that moment Stella walks in and asks if that's a dig at her. Karl looks upset and asks her to stay and have a drink with him. He tells her he misses her and that they were good together but she reminds him that it didn't stop him running off with Sunita. He tells Stella he doesn't want Sunita, he wants her but Stella looks him straight in the eye and tells Karl she doesn't want him.

Over at the Kebab shop a very happy Michelle and Steve call in to see how Ryan's getting on. But their euphoria is short-lived when Tracy pops up, rather like a jack-in-the-box, from behind the counter. Tracy milks it for all she's worth, putting an arm possessively round Ryan who grins from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat, while Michelle seethes with fury on the other side of the counter at what is clearly Tracy's latest scheme to get at her. Steve takes the non-confrontational approach and leads Michelle out of the shop before a full scale row breaks out.

Tommy has arrived at Kirsty and Tyrone's with their pizza order. When Kirsty opens the door she comments that Tommy looks tired and asks if he has a night shift to go to afterwards. She asks how much she owes him and then opens the box. It has black olives on the top and she tells him she specifically ordered it without olives. He suggests picking them off but she tells him to take it back and collect the one he ordered; if he doesn't she says she'll ring the shop and tell them he's rude and incompetent. Tommy says it will make him late for his security guard job but, knowing full well what she's doing, Kirsty tells him to go back and bring her the right pizza or else.

Tina is working in the Rovers but she's completely distracted so Stella wants to know what's going on. Tina tells her that it's down to Kirsty and how she woke up Tommy when he was trying to sleep and has now instigated the selling of Jason's flat. Stella tells her to go and take a break and calm down. Just then Sunita comes in and asks Stella if she's seen Karl and Stella is suitably caustic with her reply. She tells Sunita that she saw him in the Bistro and wants to know if they've had a row. Sunita responds curtly that they're fine.

Tyrone comes down after his bath and is surprised to find that their takeaway hasn't arrived. Kirsty tells him that the pizza company got their order wrong and that you just can't trust these places. The pizza's not the only thing they're waiting for as Tyrone's still on tenterhooks about the arrival of the baby. They start to have a friendly play fight over a bar of chocolate and Kirsty teases Ty by pretending to have a contraction.

Tracy and Ryan have finished their shift at the kebab shop so she suggests they should go to the Rovers for a drink "to get to know each other better". Then she comes up with an even better idea - why not go over to his place and share a bottle of wine since they know Steve and Michelle are out? "You are so bad," Ryan tells Tracy admiringly. "YOu ain't seen nothing yet," Tracy replies provocatively.

Back at Eileen's, she and Paul are still discussing his belongings over a bottle of wine. Paul reassures her that bringing his stuff to her house has nothing to do with memories of Lesley and tells Eileen not to try and guess what's going on in his head. He says that he's always been completely honest with her (well, apart from omitting to tell her he was a married man, that is) and says he wants Eileen to be honest with him. So she tells him she hates the vase. Paul says so does he and, to prove a point, he smashes it on the floor. Except, as Eileen points out, it was the one Sean bought and he could have taken it back to the shop. Oops. They have a laugh about it and, in the spirit of the moment, decide that they're going to redecorate the whole house. Paul claims to be a dab hand at wallpapering, Eileen says she can run up some curtains and they seal the deal with a kiss and a cuddle on the sofa.

Outside, a furious Tina is storming up the street towards Ty and Kirsty's when she sees Tommy drive up with the replacement pizza. When he tells her what happened she tells him what else Kirsty's been up to, how she found a buyer for the flat and then threatened Tina. Tommy looks so exhausted he's beyond caring and tells Tina they've got to get on with it. Just then the front door opens and Ty and Kirsty collect their pizza. Tommy tells Ty it's on the house because it was their mistake and Kirsty looks horribly smug. After the door closes Tina realises Tommy's late for his security job because of Kirsty. Tommy says he'll take the pizza van. He's not supposed to but he reassures her he'll get it back in the morning before anyone notices it's gone. He kisses Tina and tells her not to worry. They'll find somewhere to live together and that Kirsty can huff and puff all she likes but she'll never have what they do.

Round at Michelle's, Ryan and Tracy are getting cosy on the sofa. He tells Tracy he can't understand why Michelle dislikes her so much and she points out the slightly obvious detail that she's married to his mum's boyfriend. Tracy says she can't believe she's there and she feels like a couple of naughty teenagers but Ryan says they're just a couple of co-workers having a drink after work. Yeah, right. They chat for a bit longer and Ryan tells Tracy he's not sure what kind of signals he's getting so Tracy says she'll make herself perfectly clear. This she does, a bit too graphically for my liking.

Sunita has finally tracked Karl down in the Bistro where he's trying to sober up with some strong coffee. She lays into him about how humiliating it was having to go and ask Stella if she knew where he was. Karl tells her he's the king of humiliation. Sunita asks if he's coming home so Karl leaves some money on the bar. Sunita looks horrified when she realises he's spent his whole day's wages on drink.

Michelle and Steve arrive home to see the lights are on but there's no sign of Ryan so they assume he must have gone to bed early after a tiring day in the kebab shop. Well, they're right about the first bit. They cuddle up on the sofa and Michelle tells Steve how grateful she is that he found Ryan the job and helped to get him back on the straight and narrow. They start to kiss and the camera pans down, revealing Tracy's shoes which are lying on the floor underneath the sofa.

At Ty and Kirsty's they're enjoying a cup of tea after their pizza. Ty tells Kirsty he's not drinking in case he has to suddenly drive her to the hospital. He asks Kirsty if she's scared about having the baby and she tells him she is a bit but she'd be a lot more scared if she didn't have him and that he's the best man in the world.

Back at Michelle's she and Steve are drinking a toast to a new start but their happy mood is soon shattered when Ryan's bedroom door opens and who should appear but Tracy, followed by a bare-chested Ryan who's looking more than a little pleased with himself. "Has anyone seen me shoes?" asks Tracy without a by-your-leave, as she rummages under sofa. Michelle is incandescent with rage. Steve wants to know who's looking after Amy. Tracy tells him that her dad offered to help now that she's got a new job. Steve tells Tracy she's only doing it to get back at him but Tracy laughs and says he's flattering himself. She tells Steve to look at himself and then take a look at Ryan. She's relishing every moment of winding up Michelle who has to be physically restrained by Steve to stop her physically attacking Tracy. Tracy ostentatiously kisses Ryan goodbye then leaves and Ryan goes off to bed with a grin on his face, telling his mum that he's exhausted. Michelle looks ready to explode and Steve advises her to count to ten.

In the Rovers Tina seems in a much better mood and apologises to Stella for going off on one earlier. Stella tells her that violence is never the answer. Tina laughs and says that depends on the question. She says that she just needs to remember she has a great bloke in Tommy. Stella agrees and tells her they make a lovely couple. "Yeah, I've got a good 'un," says Tina "and there's nothing Kirsty can do to hurt us."

We move to a shot of Tommy driving the pizza van. He gives a huge yawn and is clearly trying to keep his eyes open. He tries turning up the volume on the radio. We cut back to a shot of his face and see his eyes close. The camera pulls away just as the van ploughs into the back of a truck which is parked by the side of the road.

Karen

It's late at night, a taxi pulls up outside the pub and a blonde woman gets out. She looks at the pub with distaste and asks the taxi driver if he's sure it's the right place. He says that's the address she gave him, and drives off. She starts banging loudly on the pub door, and Ken opens his front door to find out what all the noise is about, it's midnight. She apologises, and says she's still on Spanish time. Ken points out they're an hour ahead. 'Exactly!' she replies, and bids him goodnight in Spanish. She goes back to banging on the pub door and Stella comes rushing down. She opens the door and is shocked. 'Mum!' she says. Her mother walks in to the bar while Stella heaves her cases off the pavement. Eva comes down to see what all the noise is about and is delighted to see her grandmother.

The police have arrived at the scene of Tommy's accident. One of the officers asks Tommy his name and if he's all right. He tells him they'll get him out, and an ambulance is on its way. 'The boss is going to kill me,' mutters Tommy.

Stella's mum says that she was expecting something rather more upmarket. Stella tells her it suits her just fine, and wants to know why her mother is there. Eventually her mother tells her that she's on the run from some business associates of a man called Cliff. She then asks about Karl, but Eva quickly motions for her to be quiet.

Tina has arrived at the hospital in a panic and the nurse tells her that Tommy has broken his ankle and is waiting for an operation to put it right. He's a bit shaken up and they've given him some drugs for the pain. She then takes Tina through to see him. He tells her he must have fallen asleep at the wheel and he crashed the van. They then come and wheel him off for his op, and Tina stays behind and cries.

Eva and Stella are at the breakfast table. Eva thinks it's great to have Gloria, her grandmother, home. Just then the lady in question comes downstairs, and Stella tells her that she's spoken to Leanne and they're going to have a little party this evening. Gloria feels nervous about meeting her. Stella warns her in the meantime she's to have nothing to do with Karl. 'That man is dead to me,' says Gloria, but when Stella goes out to the kitchen she asks Eva where Karl is.

Steve and Michelle are in the cafe. She's moaning about the Ryan/Tracy affair, but Steve is sure Tracy is just trying to get at them and they mustn't rise to the bait.

Tyrone and Kirsty are in the cafe, and Anna brings them two cooked breakfasts, and they talk about her pregnancy. Kirsty just wants it over with now. Just then Lloyd comes in and tells Tyrone about Tommy's accident and the fact that he's now in hospital.

Rita and Ken are chatting in the Street when Gloria comes along. They all introduce themselves to each other and then Gloria walks on and knocks on Sunita's front door.

Inside Karl is reading the paper so Sunita opens the door. Gloria walks right in and looks Sunita up and down. 'So it's you who has made my little girl cry,' she says. Karl leaps to his feet, amazed to see her, and tells Sunita this is Stella's mum. 'Also known as your worst nightmare, love,' says Gloria. Sunita storms off out of the door, leaving the two of them alone. Gloria then lands a hearty slap on Karl's cheek and demands to hear the whole story from the beginning.

Tommy is back on the ward with Tina, who tells him that the doctor has said he'll be on crutches for about two months.

Karl is telling Gloria how it was Sunita who pursued him all the way, although he did admit that things weren't great between him and Stella at the time. Gloria asks if he would go back to Stella. 'In a heartbeat,' he tells her. Gloria says she'll have to see what she can do.

Kirsty goes over to the garage to see Tyrone. As they're chatting he sees Rita walking along and runs over to her, asking if she's heard anything about Tommy. Rita says she didn't think he cared any more, but goes on to tell him about the broken ankle and the few cuts and bruises.

In the pub, Eileen and Paul introduce themselves to Gloria. Sean is also behind the bar and is pouring the flattery onto Gloria. Just then Leanne comes in, with Nick close behind. 'Is this her?' asks Gloria. Stella confirms that it is, and warns her not to mention Peter. Gloria steps forward. 'You must be Gran,' says Leanne. 'Gloria is better,' says Gloria, 'you've all grown up, Angel.' She adds that she never gave up hope, never.

At Sunita's house, Karl comes downstairs and grabs his coat, telling Sunita he has a few things to sort out.

The party have moved to the back room of the Rovers, when Karl comes marching in through the pub doors. As he moves towards the door to the back, Sean tries to stop him. 'It's ok, Stella's expecting me,' he says, and carries on his way. He knocks and walks into the room, where all heads turn to look at him. Gloria steps forward to welcome him to the party, but Stella and Leanne are furious, and Eva reminds her that she said she wouldn't interfere. Stella orders Karl out, but Gloria won't let him go. 'I want my family around me, ALL my family,' she says.

Tina is sitting with Tommy when a man comes up to his bed. He tells Tina he's Tommy's employer. 'Or should I say – FORMER employer,' says the man.

In the back room of the Rovers, Stella asks what on earth Gloria was thinking. Leanne points out that Karl betrayed and humiliated her. Gloria says Karl deeply regrets it, and Stella must ask why he left her in the first place. Leanne is outraged. 'so you're saying his affair is all her fault?' Stella tells Karl it's time he went, and he gets up and leaves. Stella then turns to Gloria and tells her that if she ever pulls another stunt like that she'll never speak to her again.

Back at the hospital, Tommy is aghast to hear that not only is he sacked, he owes two grand for a new van. Tommy tells him he's skint, but his boss tells him that's tough, he's running a business not a charity. 'You'll be hearing from me.'

Anne Logan

We begin this hour-long Sunday episode with breakfast in the pub. I love Gloria. She can't understand why Stella's still sulking about having Karl back in the pub to work. Eva's packing her bags to go off on holiday so Gloria's determined to muck in and help.

Tyrone keeps asking Kirsty if she's having any twinges. I don't recall him being this nervous with Molly, and she was overdue by the time she had baby Jack. He tells Kirsty he's going to refuse any call-outs.

Steve and Michelle are playing it cool with Ryan over breakfast, commenting how nice it must be to work with his girlfriend. 'You really don't mind?' he asks. Nope, they lie. If they don't mind then can they lend him twenty quid to take out Tracy, then? Nope. Ryan grumpily leaves and Steve promises Michelle they only need to keep up the front for another week at most.

Eva goes off in a taxi. While Stella and Gloria wave her off, they see Tina and Tommy arrive home, Tommy on crutches and Rita and Dennis there to give a hand. Tyrone and Kevin also watch. Stella goes over and introduces her mother. Rita points out they've already met. 'Oh, yes,' says Gloria. 'Another busy top. You must tell me how you get away with it!' I love Gloria. Tina asks if she can have some time off work to get Tommy settled. Stella's about to agree when Gloria jumps in: 'You'll be lucky! You had yesterday off!' Kirsty brings Tyrone his snap tin and she and Tina exchange glares. She asks Tyrone: 'You wouldn't be feeling sorry for him, would you?' Tyrone agrees he wouldn't.

In the flat, Tommy is settled on the sofa. Rita takes Tina aside and warns her that even though there's bad blood between her and Kirsty, Tina will only make things worse if she goes looking for arguments. 'Turn the other cheek.' Tina promises she will do. Once Dennis and Rita have gone, Tina gives Tommy a birthday card and they have a little cuddle.

Izzy and Beth are in the cafe making loud, snide comments about Ryan and Tracy. Michelle, standing at the counter, does not seem to react. But as she turns to leave she tells Beth that Tracy doesn't like other people talking about her, and what with her having a conviction for murder, it would be a shame if she found out.

Dev goes into the kebab shop and finds Tracy and Ryan canoodling. He warns Tracy that she's still on trial. Then he's startled to find how much money they've taken. Tracy's apparently found time to have a flyer made up and distributed. Ryan suggests that Dev keep the two of them rostered on shift together if he wants to see the takings improve.

In the pub, Gloria's idea of helping isn't very helpful. She can't carry too much from the cellar while wearing high heels and she has to wear them in case she needs to impress some bloke. And apparently you're more prone to accidents when you're jetlagged [For those who don't know, Spain and the UK are just an hour apart in time]. Gloria is critical of Brian for standing at the bar nursing a pint for too long. Stella points out he's the local headmaster. 'Is he spoken for?' asks Gloria. She gets her answer when Julie rushes in. Jason arrives and Gloria thinks he's just the sort of guy they need to help with the cellar. 'I wouldn't mind wearing my flats if it meant helping him.' Brian and Julie want to talk to Jason about the flat.

Beth goes to see Tracy in the kebab shop and tries to get a freebie but Tracy refuses. Ryan goes off out with some more flyers. Tracy tells Beth she wants to wind up Michelle and is disappointed to hear that Michelle didn't react the way Beth expected this morning. She'll have to try harder. With Ryan gone she offers Beth a free kebab.

Chesney rushes into the cafe to tell Katie he's just heard from his mum. She's in South Africa with her new fella and he's offered to pay for Chesney and Katie and the baby to fly there for Christmas. Katie's thrilled but then Izzy sticks her oar in and points out that Katie might be pregnant by then. Should she be flying in the early months? There's a greater risk of miscarriage, she says. Katie immediately changes her mind but poor Chesney looks very disappointed.

Jason goes to the flat and breaks the news to Tommy and Tina that Brian and Julie have made him an offer he can't refuse. They've paid until the end of the month but then they'll have to leave. They protest but he says he can't afford to turn down the offer because he might have to wait another two years for another buyer. [Storyline suggestion: A Citizens Advice Bureau opens at the end of the street to teach residents all they need to know about tenancy laws and employment regulations!]

Tommy and Tina talk about their situation. Tommy blames himself. Tina blames Kirsty. Then she leaves to get back to work.

Jason goes to see Maria and tells her about the offer on the flat. She asks where he's going to live - at his mum's? He's not keen but would like to stay near Maria. He says he's hardly been in his flat because he's been spending most of his time at Maria's. She says he'll still be able to do that - there are loads of places to rent nearby. Kylie listens without saying a word.

Ryan's blindfolded in the kebab shop as Tracy tests his ability to recognise kebab sauces. Ryan says his mum's been a bit weird – it seems she's OK with him and Michelle being together. So was Steve but they wouldn't lend him any money. Tracy says they'll have to have night in at his, then.

Tina meets Owen in the street and updates him on Tommy's situation. Her eyes tear up as she says Tommy can't work and she doesn't know what they're going to do. Owen tells her to keep him updated and wishes he could do more to help.

Back at the salon, Kylie points out to Maria that Jason was hinting that he'd like to move in with her. Maria thinks that's a ridiculous idea. They've only been going out five minutes.

In the street, Katie and Chesney discuss the Christmas plan and Izzy's point about it. She tells him they have to stop going over it.

At the garage, Tyrone has no sympathy for Tommy but Kevin tells him he shouldn't stay angry. 'If me and you can make up after what's happened, I don't see why you and him can't.'

Michelle cooks dinner while Steve pours them some wine and listens to the story of her day. Michelle's just decided to light some candles to make the place cosy when Ryan and Tracy arrive with take-away food. Michelle tells Ryan he can't just bring people back when he feels like it. Ryan protests that he lives there too. Steve says Michelle means she'd like some warning.

In the pub, Gloria warns Tina there are plenty of others who'd like her job. Stella tells Gloria to leave the staff alone. In a booth, Dennis and Rita see Kirsty come in and hope Tina will stay calm. Kirsty asks Tina if they're still doing food and Tina tells her there are only sandwiches. 'I'll have to have a pizza later, in that case,' smirks Kirsty. Tina just grits her teeth.

Tyrone goes to see Tommy. Tyrone tells him he still wants his money back but there's no great rush. He says Tommy is Jack and Vera's flesh and blood and the two of them are mates. Tommy agrees but says he doesn't like what Kirsty's doing to Tyrone. Tyrone says that's getting sorted.

I love Gloria but she's no match for Rita. When Glo flirts with Dennis, Rita warns her off.

Tina's out near the doors to the loos when Kirsty taunts her about Jason selling the flat. 'I told you I would get you!' she says. Tina flings down her cloth and rounds on Kirsty. 'You evil little cow! Tommy's lost his job because of you!' 'Me?' asks Kirsty in her best wounded kitten voice. She tries to walk out but Tina hasn't finished with her and grabs her by the arm. There's a brief struggle and Kirsty falls against a table. She sits on one of the seats and all of a sudden her waters have broken. Marcus rushes to her side. Maria calls an ambulance.

Marcus and Stella walk Kirsty through to the back, past a distressed Tina and despite Gloria giving them instructions. Apparently being a mother is more qualification for midwifery than whatever Marcus has. Maria races out to find Tyrone. Julie tells Tina she's disgusted with her. Tina walks away. 'Don't you dare go after her!' Dennis warns Rita. She wasn't going to.

Tommy tells Tyrone he'll have to pay to replace the van he wrote off. The two of them seem to be mates again. Tyrone tells Tommy the new baby will be the making of Kirsty.

Does Coronation Street have the slowest ambulance response times in Europe? Or does it just have really fast babies? Gloria's perched at the business end of Kirsty, where Marcus says he can see the baby's head. He checks that Kirsty's back is OK after her fall in the bar. Stella tells Gloria to get back up the other end. Kirsty's angry that Tyrone's not there. Maria rushes back in and says she can't find him. Marcus utters the TV-drama standard delivery line: 'Big push after three . . .'

Back at the Connor-McDonald household, Steve and Michelle try to ignore Tracy spoonfeeding Ryan and talking baby-talk to him. Steve and Michelle start to canoodle too, to Ryan's disgust. He tells them to get a room. Tracy tells him to ignore it but he can't. Steve points out that Ryan and Tracy ruined a romantic night in for him and Michelle. He asks where Amy is, though Tracy thinks he's left that a bit late. Amy's with Ken. Steve snaps and tells Tracy to stop being stupid – she's pushing 40! He and Michelle decide to go to the pub.

Brian's ordering drinks and snaps at Tina as she serves him. Stella's come out for a rest. Tyrone comes in and is told about Kirsty so rushes through to the back. Tina follows him but Kirsty screams at him to get her out of it. Gloria's still coaching Marcus. Marcus suggests she get out of the way and Tyrone also tells her.

Gary's at home babysitting Fay when Izzy arrives. She feels sorry that Chesney won't get to see his mother for Christmas but Gary's very hard-hearted about it. He's sure Katie would rather give Izzy a lifetime of happiness instead of two weeks abroad on a sun-lounger.

The baby arrives (It's a girl!) and Marcus wraps her in some of Stella's flannelette sheet and lies her in Kirsty's arms just as the paramedics arrive. Marcus gives them a report on what's happened so far, including the comment that Kirsty might have a back injury. This is news to Tyrone. 'Courtesy of my barmaid, I'm afraid,' Gloria tells the paramedics. I love Gloria.

Kirsty's wheeled out to the ambulance, watched by half the street and by Tina, who keeps well back. Tyrone spots her as she comes over to apologise. 'If you weren't a girl I'd knock you into next week!' he says. Tina's even more upset when Rita snaps at her for breaking her promise to turn the other cheek. Rita's sick and tired of trying to guide Tina.

Michelle and Steve don't feel like a drink now, as the ambulance departs. Michelle's annoyed that she let Tracy get to her. Steve points out that Tracy has a particular talent for winding people up. 'If she went on Mastermind her specialist subject would be Winding People Up, 1977 to 2012.'

Katie, Izzy and Gary are chatting about Ryan and Tracy when Chesney arrives with takeaway food, annoyed that Katie hasn't put any plates on to warm. Gary and Izzy try to apologise about South Africa but Chesney says they can go next year. When Gary and Izzy have gone he tells Katie they're doing his head in.

Kirsty's back is just bruised but the hospital plans to keep her in overnight so she can see the physiotherapist about her back in the morning.

Michelle's ironing and Steve's vacuuming as Tracy and Ryan try to watch a DVD. When they protest, Steve and Michelle sit with them to watch it – talking and making comments all the way through.

In the pub, Marcus talks to Jason and Maria about the evening's events. Maria makes a comment about him delivering the baby and Gloria corrects her. 'We!' Did I mention I love Gloria? Stella asks Tina for a word and Gloria follows them out the back. Jason's absent for a minute so Maria tells Marcus about Jason wanting to move in. She's made up her mind to ask him to do that.

Out the back, Gloria keeps interfering with Stella's chat with Tina. Tina tells Stella she didn't hear what Kirsty was saying. 'She's not on the payroll. You are,' Stella says. 'And that could easily change!'

Things aren't right between Chesney and Katie. This was supposed to be a romantic night in but he's being so narky, she says. He complains that he can't move for Gary and Izzy checking up on them. Katie's health and happiness is all he cares about but all they're interested in is the baby.

Jason and Maria also have takeaway food. They sit on Maxine's bench to eat it and Maria asks him to move in. Tina walks past and Jason tells her she's wrong about Kirsty. Anyone could see how much Tyrone loves her. There's no way Kirsty is knocking him about. Tina says they don't know the half of it. Maria points out Kirsty wouldn't have gone into labour if Tina hadn't pushed her. Tina says it'll probably make them happy to know that she and Tommy will be living in a cardboard box in a couple of weeks.

It's quarter to 12 and Steve and Michelle play Monopoly. She won't let him buy The Old Kent Road unless he sings a cockney song. He bursts into 'Fings Ain't Wot They Used To Be,' 'Lambeth Walk' then they duet on 'My Old Man.' They hide smiles as Tracy can't take it any more and gets up to go. But Ryan follows her. He's going to 'sleep' at her house tonight. When they're gone, Michelle refuses to accept defeat. She won't have Ryan being collateral damage.

Tyrone holds the baby and tells her how her life's going to be. He's going to put her name down for Bessie Street School and she can look forward to a clean uniform every day. Nobody will laugh at her for being the smelly one. He cries as he talks to her. Kirsty moves in her sleep. Tyrone tells the baby it's as if she's mended everything.

Tommy's angry with Tina. He doesn't care what Kirsty said to her – he and Tyrone had mended their mateship. Tina's even angrier. 'I was trying to defend you!' she snaps. Tommy says everything was back on track and she's just come in like some mad wrecking ball. 'Oh, what's the point!' mutters Tina. 'This relationship is screwed!'

The End.
Margaret Carr

PS - I might love Sue Johnston as Gloria but Michelle Keegan (Tina) is by far the best actress in the cast at the moment.

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by David Kester

Part of Katy's 18th birthday is going to be spent in the fertility clinic but she doesn't mind. Izzy and Gary arrive with a birthday present for her. Chesney is in a mood about the whole thing and she accuses him of spoiling her birthday, not the visit to the clinic. She reminds him she's doing it and he better not mess things up at the clinic.

Stella accuses her mother of using the last little bit of her perfume and why is she bothering to tell her it was 50 quid a bottle? It's not as if Gloria used up the whole thing. Anyway. Gloria seems to have reorganized the kitchen too. Gloria has a gift voucher for a spa visit for Stella as a thank you and Stella backs down and accepts though it being today might pose a problem. Gloria says she'll look after the pub. Stella doesn't think she'll cope but reassesses it and decides to go anyway.

Ty and Kirsty bring the baby home to admiring glances from Jason, Rita and Dennis. There's no name yet, they haven't been able to agree.

Tina is being snarky with Tommy while she's getting ready for work. Jason arrives and lets them know Kirsty's home and is ok as is the baby. Tommy wonders if they should go congratulate Ty but not Kirsty which makes Jason give them an earful. Tina insists Kirsty is a nutter and hits Tyrone but he won't hear it.

In the clinic, the councilor is talking to the four. Izzy explains how her condition makes her nervous to try to carry a baby, especially after the miscarriage. Gary avers he's quite happy with the arrangement. The councilor coos a bit over baby Joseph before asking Katy some questions. Katy says she is healthy and her pregnancy was fine. Chesney hesitates a bit when asked how he feels but says he'll go with whatever Katy wants.

Deirdre arrives home from visiting Bev and interrupts Tracy and Ryan in the middle of a make out session on the sofa.

Back to the clinic it's time for a chat just with Gary and Izzy. She suggests that Katy is making an emotional decision rather than an objective one and they have to consider if Katy would give the baby up. The legal implications are discussed and apparently the woman who gives birth is legally the mother until Izzy formally adopts the baby though Katy still has to give her consent.

Gloria is sat behind the bar and ignoring customers until she notices it's Jason as well as Maria. Sean runs in, apparently Gloria called him in on his day off. Maria and Jason finally get some service so obviously Glo is just holding court but not really doing anything useful.

Ryan makes himself scarce (loo) so Deirdre can holler at Tracy. She points out the age difference. Tracy says it's the same age difference as between Deirdre and Ken but is shot down when Deirdre further points out that she wasn't in nappies when they started dating. Tracy says Ken is upstairs sulking. They argue more about Ryan, Tracy insisting that Ryan is off the drugs. Deirdre accurately guesses that Tracy is doing it to get at Michelle though it's denied, of course. Ryan comes back in the room and is invited to tea for Deirdre's stuffed Marrow. He even calls Deirdre Mrs. Barlow. Suck up!

Gary is clarifying the issues, it's all just forms in the end. But the councilor wonders if Katy at her young age can give up the baby. Gary, in his well fitting blinders, isn't willing to consider anything possible could go wrong and the councilor is just finding picky things to throw at them. Not so. She says she just wants them to know all the possibilities. Izzy looks thoughtful but agrees it's what they want to do.

Back at Number 5, Gary's firing on all cylinders, though Izzy says there's a lot to go through first, the medical, committee approval etc. Mere formalities, Gary utters. Katy is excited and Ches goes to put the baby down for a nap. Izzy asks Katy what she and the councilor talked about. Katy says she'll be fine handing over the baby then runs to answer the door to Anna and Owen. Anna's excited too. There's a barbie over at the Windass house later.

Tina gets back from working at the yard. She tells Tommy that she is upset that everyone seems to be against her. Tommy has decided they're going shopping.

In the pub, Sean is run off his feet while Gloria is helping herself to a drink. She flirts with Dennis even though Rita is by his elbow. Dennis orders hotpots. Gloria says there isn't any, she's chucked it all. Sean is highly offended when she calls hotpot boring and old fashioned and nobody eats it anymore. Rita says she still does. "You are what you eat" Gloria quips. Sean declares that hotpot is a tradition. Too bad, Gloria reminds him that she's in charge today, not Stella and orders him to bring some mixers up from the cellar. He refuses.

Ken is not going to come down and make an appearance apparently. Steve arrives, bringing Amy home and is invited to stop for tea. Because Amy begs him, he says ok because Michelle is working late anyway and just after that,Ryan arrives. Deirdre is already on the red wine and the stuffed marrow is in the oven.

Chesney has put balloons up all over Number 6. Chesney admits it's tough being a dad but he wouldn't change it for the world. Izzy wonders if they couldn't do without the extra load they're putting on them. Ches says that at least they can hand this baby over once it's born.

Ryan insists he's loving the stuffed marrow though most of the other dinner guests are just pushing it around their plates. Deirdre is tiddly and is quite pleased Ryan loves her cooking. There's a knock on the door and she jumps up to answer it, scowling up the stairs with a holler for Ken who is studiously ignoring her. Well looky here, it's Michelle at the door. She's not working after all and isn't best pleased to find Steve at the dinner table with Tracy and Ryan. She's invited to stay but Ryan mutters that Michelle disapproves. Deirdre giggles that Ryan has lovely manners and good taste. Michelle puts a nice face on it and decides to stay after all. Deirdre offers to microwave Ken's portion of marrow.

Maria has come to see the baby. Ty and Kirsty banter about the baby name choices they've suggested and rejected. There's a knock on the door and when Ty opens it, he's faced with a giant teddy but it's Tina and Tommy behind it. He wasn't going to let them in but Tina insists they want to apologize and put things right so he leads them in. Kirsty is immediately on her guard and rejects the present. Tina apologizes and Tommy says he wants to start fresh. Tyrone, clearly willing, glances at Kirsty who spits insults at Tina for what she'd done and Tommy's lies. Even Maria agrees she wouldn't forgive them. Tina says they weren't lies but they're willing to forget it all. Kirsty isn't having any of it and accuses them of spoiling their day. Tyrone throws them out and orders them not to come back.

Deirdre, well into her cups now, gets Amy to go insult her grandfather on her behalf. Tracy simpers about the sticky toffee pudding and then she and Michelle exchange a few age related slings. Ryan feeds Tracy a bit of pudding and they coo over the table. Ugh. Deirdre reminisces about her own toyboy, Samir he was called. Everyone thought she was mad but she married him anyway. She calls Samir the love of her life! Oh and Tracy has one of his kidneys! (This really was funny)

At the barbeque, everyone is having fun. Chesney chases Katy around with a champagne gush out of a bottle. Fiz pours her a glass as everyone gets ready for a toast. To Katy! But Gary jokes that she must make the most of it now while she's still allowed to drink and that makes Chesney tell him to back off. Gary further jokes that they'll have more to say when she's pregnant with their baby and Chesney objects strongly about Gary going on about it all the time. He feels like Gary and Izzy are taking over their lives already and she's not even pregnant yet. He and Gary kick off until Izzy shuts them all up and announces that the deal is off. She refuses to let Katy be the surrogate.

Tvor

Written By Julie Jones and directed by David Kester

Katy's birthday celebrations have been somewhat marred by Izzy's announcement. Anna's all for sitting down and talking about it, Gary would do anything to have a baby but Izzy knows it's tearing the family apart. She tells Katy that she'll never forget what she was prepared to do for her but she can't let her do it because it's not fair on her and it's not fair on Chesney.

Tina and Tommy have returned home after their abortive attempt at a peace offering. Showing a rare flash of intelligence Jason comes in, takes one look at the giant teddy they've bought and tells them he doesn't think that it's likely to cut it with Kirsty and Ty. Believing their falling out is all down to Tina's and Tommy's behaviour, he's got no sympathy with their plight. He tells them that Maria has agreed he can move in with her, so they'd better get themselves sorted.

Across the cobbles, Gloria is in meddling mode again. She turns up on Sunita's doorstep with a proposition for Karl. she asks he if he'll come over and do a few hours' work at the Rovers shifting crates. He's reluctant at first, bearing in mind Stella's reaction the last time he turned up there but Gloria manages to persuade him when she points out that Stella is a sucker for a knight in shining armour. At that moment Leanne comes along and, seeing what Gloria's up to, reminds her that Karl is a liar and a cheat. Gloria's retort is that from what she's heard, Leanne's no Snow White herself.

Back at Anna's, Faye tries to get everyone into the party spirit by asking if they can have the birthday cake. Owen helps her light the candles but Izzy and Katy look like it's the last thing they can face. Gary starts to have a go at Izzy, telling her she's unbelievable. Fiz tactfully suggests they should give Gary and Izzy some space so she invites Faye round to her's to help bath Hope and slips Chesney some money so he can take Katy to the Rovers and buy her a drink.

Over at the Barlows' Deirdre has had three too many glasses of wine and is standing at the bottom of the stairs, flapping a piece of toast, in the hope that the smell will waft up towards their bedroom and tempt Ken to come down for something to eat but clearly the thought of her stuffed marrow has sent him running for the hills because he's nowhere to be seen. Ryan asks if there's any more of the sticky toffee pudding left, prompting Deirdre to say that she likes a man with an appetite and Tracy to add some suitably lewd comment. Michelle finally decides she can't take any more and she tells Steve they're going. "Aren't you staying for the party games?" asks Tracy as they make their escape.

We return to Anna's where Izzy and Gary are arguing about the surrogacy. Gary can't understand why Izzy changed her mind so she tries to explain that she thinks Katy's doing it because she feels guilty that Izzy's the one in the wheelchair and that it's unfair to allow her to do it. Gary thinks Izzy's only repeating her Dad's words but she says perhaps he was right all along. Izzy thinks it's unfair to put Katy through it when she's so young and she also worries that she might find it hard to give the baby up. Gary is adamant that Katy knows what she's doing and that wouldn't happen.

In the back room of the Rovers, Sean is furious with Gloria for binning his hotpots and he tells her she's offended Betty's memory. He is even more outraged when Karl emerges from the cellar with a pile of crates and he tells Gloria that Stella will kill her when she finds out. But Stella tells Sean that he's no use to her with his hissy fits and that she's asked Karl to help out. Gloria goes out to the bar to serve Owen who is buying drinks for Katy and Chesney. Katy only wants half a lager, despite being her 18th birthday and it prompts Gloria to comment that she's seen livelier wakes. Katy tells her dad that she still feels so sorry for Izzy and Gary but Chesney reminds her that it's not her problem anymore and she should try to put it out of her mind.

Back at Anna's Gary is trying another tack. He suggests to Izzy that things are moving too fast for her and she's panicking. He uses the emotional approach and asks her to imagine the world through the eyes of her own child. He reminds her of the positive effect of fatherhood on Chesney and Ty. He tells Izzy that he knows that's what he wants and asks Izzy if she's really going to take all that away from him. "I'm so sorry," Izzy sobs as Gary gets up and walks out of the house.

Out in the street Tina is sitting on a bench. She calls out to Rita as she walks past. Rita stops and sits down. She tells Tina she looks like a lost soul. Tina tells Rita her life is a mess and that nobody wants to know them anymore and Rita asks if she can blame them in view of what's happened. Tina tells Rita that everyone hates her. Rita says that nobody hates her but they're annoyed and disappointed and that her behaviour in the way she pushed Kirsty was appalling. Tina tries telling her it was an accident. "Oh yes," says Rita. "The latest in a long line". Like everyone else, Rita doesn't see Tina's side of the story and she tells her that she needs to keep away from Kirsty and let the whole thing go.

In the Rovers Katy is still going on about the baby. She says that what really gets her is that Izzy didn't trust her but Chesney tells her not to be daft. Owen says that Izzy just came to her senses and Anna asks him whether he really needs to sound quite so smug about it. Owen says he's sorry but he's relieved and Chesney admits that he is too.

Stella has returned from her spa day feeling relaxed and a petulant Sean tells her to make the most of it as the feeling won't last long. She goes out into the bar to ask her mother why Sean is still working and then goes ballistic when she spots Karl in the background. Gloria tells her to calm down and explains that she asked Karl to help her out but Stella doesn't want to know. Karl can see when he's not wanted and wisely makes a swift exit. After he's gone, Stella lays into Gloria who still tries to convince Stella that she and Karl were good together. Stella reminds her mother that he broke her heart so Gloria tells her that broken hearts can be mended and says she'll be sorry when she's old and lonely and passion's just a distant memory. "Oh that's enough, mother," says Stella in exasperation. Gloria tells her that they respect their elders in Spain so Stella retorts she should go back there, then. Gloria tells Stella that, in that case, she's going but a bit like a small child who threatens to run away, it's pretty clear she doesn't mean it.

At Michelle's she is telling Steve that she's had enough of the Ryan/Tracy situation. Steve tells her to hang on in there as he can feel it in his bones that Tracy has almost reached breaking point.

At Anna's, Izzy is still sobbing on the sofa when Owen comes home. He tenderly hugs her and tells her that she's no idea how grateful he is. He says that he knows she's made the right decision for Katy's sake but Izzy sobs that it's not the right decision for Gary and that he hates her. Owen tells her that Gary would never hate her. She tells her father that Gary really wants to be a dad and asks Owen what right she has to take that away from him. At that moment Gary comes back and apologises for going off on one earlier. Owen tells Izzy not to do anything rash and then discreetly leaves the two of them alone together.

Back in the Rovers Gloria is putting on her coat and tells Stella she'll be going. "O.K., then," replies Stella, seemingly unconcerned. Gloria tells Stella to take one last look at her face as she might never see it again. Her final parting gesture is to grab a packet of peanuts from the display on the wall.

Tina is having a heart to heart with Rita in the back office of the Kabin. Rita tells Tina that she and Tommy are made for each other and Tina agrees that a few months ago she couldn't have been happier but now they do nothing but argue. She is really upset and can't see a way out of her situation so Rita kindly suggests she should go and spend the night with her.

Izzy and Gary are now talking on the sofa. He tells her to give him a bit of time and he'll get over it. But Izzy tells him he shouldn't have to. He says so what if they can't have kids, it doesn't matter, they've still got each other. Izzy says she can't live with him resenting her for not being able to give him children but Gary says that's not going to happen because he loves her. But Izzy has made up her mind that she's going to set him free and, as she wheels herself out of the door, she tells Gary that one day he'll look back on this and realise they did the right thing. Gary is now the one left sobbing on the sofa.

At the Bistro Leanne tells Nick she's off to pick up Simon from Gail's but before she has a chance to go, Gloria comes in wheeling a large suitcase. She settles herself down at the bar, orders a large drink and then tells Leanne that she and Stella have had a falling out. We can see where this is leading and, against Leanne's better judgement, within moments Gloria has talked her and Nick into letting her have a bed for the night at their place.

We return to Anna's where Gary is still crying on the sofa. Anna and Faye come home and, after giving her brother a quick hug, Faye is dispatched upstairs to put her pyjamas on. Gary tells Anna that Izzy's left him and, as Anna takes Gary in her arms, he sobs to his mum that he was going to have a family with the girl he loves and now he's got nothing.

Karen

Tina goes back to the flat, where she and Tommy sit down to talk things through. They both love each other, and Tommy says he knows he's been a total nightmare to live with, but he's going to change.

It's breakfast time at Anna's house. Gary doesn't feel like eating anything. Then Owen comes in, he's been round to Izzy's but she's not opening the door. Faye doesn't see why Gary and Izzy had to split up, it's not as if either of them did it with anyone else. Anna is shocked but Gary tells her gently they just thought it would be better if they weren't together any more. "Does that mean you don't love each other?" asks Faye. "No," says Gary, "but it would be so much easier if we didn't."

Leanne and Simon are waiting at the bus stop with Gloria. She's moaning about how cold she is, and how much warmer it was in Spain. Stella comes along and Leanne urges them to apologise to each other. Gloria asks what she's got to apologise for, and Leanne reminds her about Karl. "OK," says Gloria, "I will if she apologises first." Disgusted, Stella walks off.

Tyrone goes into the cafe to buy sticky buns for Kirsty, and tells Roy they still haven't got a name for the baby. As he's leaving he bumps straight into Tina and Tommy who are coming in. Without a word, they just skirt round each other and carry on.

Tommy sits down and starts going through the job pages in the paper. Tina asks what he thinks he can do in his condition. He wonders about office work or telesales. She tells him he'd hate it. He says he knows, but he'd do it for her.

Paul comes home just as Eileen is off to work. She moans that they hardly get to spend any time together these days. He says he'll cook a meal and get a bottle of wine so they can have a nice evening in together.

In the bookies, Gloria is criticising Nick and his wearing of aftershave, to Leanne, and comparing him to her Cliff, who, she says is a real man! She tells Leanne to imagine a grizzled Rock Hudson. "Although one who's on the right bus, if you see what I mean," she adds. Just then Lloyd comes in and Gloria is quick to introduce herself. As Lloyd starts to fill out a betting slip, Gloria closes her eyes and sticks her pen down on the list of runners. "That one," she says, "bet on that one." The horse is 20-1 and Lloyd says it has no chance. Gloria tells him she has 'the gift' - she's had visions and premonitions since she was a child. In the end, Lloyd goes along with it.

Owen is talking to Izzy. She still reckons Gary is better off without her, she hasn't split with him to hurt him. Owen tells her he is hurt, the lad loves her. Izzy gets tearful but says it doesn't change anything, she can't give Gary what he wants. Owen hugs her.

In the bookies, amazingly, the horse Gloria picked out wins, so Leanne has to pay Lloyd 200 pounds. (Which she pays out instantly, by the way, without waiting for the weigh-in!) Just then Kirk comes in so Gloria tries the same trick for him.

Tina is up in Owen's office working with him. She notices that he seems a bit down, and he tells her about Gary and Izzy splitting up over the whole baby thing. Tina says she'd heard that Katy was going to help, so Owen explains how Izzy thought it was all too much for Katy. Tina is sure there are other places that could help, and they might well be able to find an organisation that would put them in touch with the right person. When she goes off to do her shift at the pub, Owen looks thoughtful and sits down at the computer.

Lloyd meets Paul in the shop and tells him he just won in the bookies, but is miserable because he has no one to spend it on. (There's no pleasing some people!) He asks Paul if he'd like to join him in the Rovers later for a game of darts. Paul says he would have loved to, but is busy. Lloyd looks so dejected, however, that Paul quickly changes his mind and says he'll meet him in there shortly.

Owen calls a meeting at Anna's with Gary and Izzy and tells them he's been doing some research into surrogacy. He's found a website that puts couples in touch with surrogates. He shows them a sheet he's printed out and tells them that whatever it costs, he'll pay.

Leanne goes to Stella and begs her to take Gloria back. She's doing Leanne's head in! Stella however, stands firm. Until her mother apologises there's nothing happening.

Back at Anna's, Owen is brushing aside Izzy's concerns about the money. He would do anything to make her happy. The whole thing is now about whether she and Gary want to be together and whether they are willing to go through with it all. Izzy says she does, and Gary jumps up and kisses her.

Lloyd and Paul are playing darts in the pub when Eileen comes in. She asks whether Paul should be slaving away in a hot kitchen. They joke about it and then Lloyd leaves.

Kirk comes in and is just telling Tina about his loss on the horses, when Tyrone and Kirsty bring the baby in and announce that her name is Ruby. Paul, Eileen and Kirk fuss over her and Tina just glares from behind the bar.

Gloria is in the bistro talking to Nick, when Gail comes in for her wages. Nick goes out to get them and Gloria strikes up a conversation and learns that Gail is the cleaner.

Tommy goes into the pub and tells Tina that if he doesn't pay for the van that he crashed, his employer is going to call the police. He doesn't know where he's going to find the money. Tina is sure they can get it sorted, but doesn't know quite how. Tommy goes back out again, and Tina starts to run after him. "Where are you going?" she asks. "Home," he says, "while we've still got one."

Just then Owen and Gary come down the Street, and Owen goes over to talk to Tina. He asks what the matter is and she tells him about their need for two grand. She says he looks better than he did earlier. He tells her that's all down to her and her suggestion about surrogacy. He tells her how they will have to pay the surrogate's expenses, and thinks there'll be little change out of £15k. "Flamin' 'ell!" says Tina, "maybe I should have a baby for them." Owen asks what she means, and she tells him that might solve all their problems. He says there are easier ways to make money. "Not the sort of money I need Owen," she says. He then says he'd better go, and hurries off along the Street.

Anne Logan

Tommy's up and distressed. Not in the making-furniture-look-scruffy way but in the sneaking-out-of-bed-for-a-quiet-cry-in-the-kitchen way. Tina finds him there and tells him everything's going to be OK. She thinks Tommy's Grandad and her dad are watching over them. Tommy tells Tina he hopes his Grandad isn't watching because he's ashamed of how much he's messed up. She gives him a hug but they're interrupted by Jason, barging in to see to the toilet roll holder (fixtures and fittings). They plead to be allowed to stay another week but Jason refuses.

Tyrone's fixing the baby monitor. Kirsty thinks he broke it singing to Ruby last night.

Gloria knocks on Gail's door and demands to know if she's opening up the bistro. Nick isn't there. Gail points out that it doesn't open to the public until 11 but Gloria's decided she's family and she wants in to give it a good bottoming. Gail draws herself up to her full height and declares, "I'm the cleaner, Gloria. I bottom. I bottom every morning." Gloria thinks it's clear Gail didn't see the cleanliness standards in Gloria's bar in Spain. Apparently the Spanish bottom is thing of wonder. They're interrupted by Kevin, having a whip-round for Tyrone and Kirsty. Gloria takes advantage of the distraction and snatches the bistro keys.

In the cafe, Anna and Garry laugh about whether she wants to be Nana or Granny. Jason has come in and asks if that means it's all back on with Katie having their baby. Izzy tells him they're going to find a proper surrogate.

In Owen's office he asks Tina if she was serious about renting out her womb. She hasn't really thought about it since she said it. Though she does know she's not doing it for nothing. Owen offers five thousand pounds. No. Tina scoffs at the amount. He tells her to name her price. Tina explains what their debts are. She likes Izzy and she'd like to help, but if she does this she wants to come out the other side with a new start. If this was Friends, this would be The Episode Where Jason Interrupts Everyone. He comes up the stairs and Owen and Tina stop talking.

Julie's trying to describe an erotic dream about Brian to a horrified Fiz during the factory tea break. Nearby, Kirk finds a piece of paper on the floor. Apparently some bright, bubbly, buxom Barbie who'd like to find her Ken. Hunks only and no timewasters. A furious Beth snatches it out of his hand.

Lloyd is trying to persuade Steve to come out on the town tonight to see OFO - Oldham Funk Outfit. Apparently they were big in the 80s and Lloyd was practically a groupie but none of this persuades Steve it's a good idea to give up his pizza night with Michelle.

Tina's been working out some sums and tells Owen she can't possibly carry Izzy's baby for under 30,000 pounds. Now it's Owen's turn to scoff. Ten? "That would barely pay off Tyrone." They've negotiated their way up to Owen offering 15,000 when it's Jasonus Interruptus again. This time he's got Gary with him. They've overheard the 15,000 pounds comment and think that must be what Tina's going to earn for a bit of office work. Owen tells them it'll be pro rata because she's only doing a few hours. Tina starts a conversation with Gary and finds out just how much he's looking forward to being a dad. It's what he can see in his future. Once he and Jason have gone, Tina goes out on to what must be the shonkiest balcony never to have been torn down by Weatherfield Council. She calls to Owen, down in the roadway, "I'll do it!"

Kirk's trying to apologise to Beth but it isn't going well. He tells her she's not plastic and brainless like Barbie. And that she'd be better off describing herself as an Afghan hound, blonde and graceful. Beth's horrified that he's called her a dog and pushes him away. Julie and Fiz try to tell Beth that Kirk must fancy her. He loves dogs. Julie thinks Beth should ask Kirk out, but Bath snarls that she's not ready to scrape the bottom of the barrel. She doesn't care if both Fiz and Julie have been out with him.

Izzy's at home looking at surrogacy web pages with Gary when Anna comes in, summoned by Owen, apparently. When Owen arrives he's with someone else. He introduces Tina as the answer to all their prayers.

Tommy takes Tina's lunch to the yard. She isn't there and Jason reckons she's probably off celebrating earning more than him. Tommy's confused but Jason praises Tina's haggling skills. He's not impressed with her lunch, though - piccalilli sandwiches with nothing else on them. Kevin arrives with his collection envelope.

Tina tells Gary and Izzy she wouldn't be making an offer if there wasn't money involved. The others look concerned. It's illegal to pay more than expenses but Owen says that's all he's offered. Tina doesn't correct him. Izzy worries that Tina hasn't thought things through. The baby will be hers legally. Perhaps a stranger would be more likely to give up a baby. The conversation stops when they hear a noise on the stairs. Fay has come home for lunch, even though she's supposed to go to the cafe. Anna tells her off, gives her a verbal clip round the ear and sends her back to school.

Dev and Kev are outside the shop when they see Tyrone and Kirsty and the baby on the other side of the street. "What's his name?" Dev asks Kev. Kevin looks puzzled. "Their little boy - what's his name?" "Ruby," says Kev. Dev goes across the road and makes a big fuss of the baby. Kevin gives Tyrone and Kirsty the collection envelope. Tyrone says they can buy a new baby monitor now. But Kirsty spots Tommy limping towards them and says loudly that they shouldn't spend the money on practical things - they have other money coming in for that. She suggests they use it to wet the baby's head properly. Tommy awkwardly pushes his way into the shop on his crutches. Tyrone watches his difficultly with what looks like sympathy on his face.

At Anna's, Izzy tries to talk to Tina about the decision she's made. Tina tries to explain that it's not all about the money. She really does want to help. She sees it as her doing Izzy and Gary a favour and them doing one for her in return. "Have a think about it and let me know." She leaves and the family discuss it. Anna, Gary and Owen all think Tina is sincere. Izzy asks whether Owen can afford it. He says he can if it will make her happy.

Dev's back in the shop and despite Lloyd's enthusiasm seems no keener on OFO than Steve was. Tina comes in and Dev asks her if she can find out whether her boyfriend has any intention of buying anything. Tommy is hiding until Tyrone and Kirsty have gone. Tina suggests they do something together but he's going to go and get his stitches out (how strange. There's a medical centre at the end of the road and usually they'd do this under the NHS). He doesn't want to come to the pub because everyone will be there to celebrate the baby.

Gloria's flirting with customers at the bistro, dropping hints that she was involved with gangsters in Spain and telling them about her bar on the costas. Gail is at the bar with Nick. She wonders if, like killing one's brother (fratricide) and father (patricide) there's a word for killing one's son's grandmother-in-law. "Gloricide?" suggests Nick.

A small, worried looking man wearing a small backpack comes in. He approaches Gloria but she grabs him and pushes him up against a wall, saying casually to Nick that she'll deal with this. "He tried this in the Rovers earlier." He seems to be pleading with her but she wags her finger close to his nose and says: "This face, in this town - never again." He argues that he's taken a bus, plane, train and taxi to get here. She insists he go and he unhappily leaves. Gloria tells Nick and Gail that he was after a job as a pot man and clearly isn't up to it. Then she heads for the kitchen, avoiding any further conversation.

Tommy gets off the bus with Fay, who is delighted to hear him swear when he stumbles on his crutches. She says he should buy a car with the money Tina's getting from Owen. He says her wages are needed for other things. Fay tells him that's not the money she's talking about. She means the money Tina will get from having Izzy and Gary's baby. Eh? "Do you want me to go and tell Anna that her daughter's a liar?" Fay tells him the whole story of what she overheard.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Mark Wadlow
Directed by: David Kester

Beginning where we left off in the last episode, Tommy is quizzing Faye as to whether she is telling the truth or not. She insists she is.

Gail catches up with the stranger that Gloria threw out of the Bistro, and learns from him that he is not job hunting at all, but that Gloria had been the love of his life at one point in Spain. He complains that he is hungry, and can't even buy anything to eat, as he only has Euros. Gail, with that terrifying smile painted on, links her arm through his, and tells him she would like to treat him to some dinner.

In the Rovers, Beth is showing Fiz the various fellows who have replied to her ad. Kirk is unhappy about this whole thing, and advises her that what she is doing could be dangerous. She dismisses his warnings and goes on to say she has a date to meet one of them tonight. She is really looking forward to it, and gushes about how cute he looks in his photo. Our Kirkeh looks very troubled.

Over at Roy's, the stranger is tucking into a bacon sarnie, and unloading his life story onto an eagerly listening Gail. She discovers that his name is Cliff Pughes, that Gloria is a destitute woman of his dreams, and that instead of running a bar, she has merely been an employee of a dry cleaning company called 'High & Dry', worked there that is, until she burned it down! Our Gail is lapping this one up I can tell you!

Inside No. 6, there is a dinner table discussion going on between Owen, Anna, Gary and Izzy. The natural topic of conversation is Tina and her suitability to be a surrogate. Izzy has a few misgivings, saying she is not sure she is entirely stable. Owen defends her, saying that she has had lots of problems with Tommy, but has stuck by him, that she is the type of girl to see things through to the end. Anna interjects that she always liked her, even when she was going out with David. Owen goes on to say that he too has come to like her since she started working for him, he finds her open, honest and reliable, and besides, he would never have considered letting her do something like this if he wasn't confident he was doing the right thing.

Over in the cafe, Gail is still pumping Cliff for information. He is explaining that Gloria had left a kettle plugged in overnight, which resulted in the dry cleaners burning down, which destroyed some very expensive frocks belonging to some celebrities. She had left Spain under a cloud of arson accusations. Gail remarks that Gloria had fabricated her past somewhat, but Cliff is not surprised about that, and tells her that her fantasies are one of the things that attracts him to her.

They are still discussing the pros and cons of using Tina McIntyre over at No. 6. Izzy is starting to come round to the idea.

Tommy comes into the Rovers spoiling for a fight with Tina. He tells her that she shouldn't be working in a smoky pub in her condition. (Er - excuse me? Isn't there still a non-smoking law in place there?) Tina is confused, but not about that, more about what he is going on about, as she doesn't have a condition. Tommy is furious now, and demands to know why she is willing to have Izzy's baby, yet didn't want his. Also why he had to hear about it from Faye and not from her. She tells him she can explain.

Gail arrives back in the Bistro, and decides to have some fun with Gloria. She asks her if she isn't finding Weatherfield rather dull after the exciting life she was leading in Spain. Gloria replies that you can have too much excitement, and in Weatherfield she can sleep with a hot water bottle under her pillow instead of a gun. Gail asks about Mr. Big, whether he is really high up in the underworld. Gloria tells her that he undergoes a lot of plastic surgery, that if she doesn't see him for a week, she wouldn't recognise him. Gail asks where he is now, and is told that Interpol are after him, so is lying low. With a smirk, Gail says "I thought he's left you 'High and Dry'!" Gloria has a stricken look on her face as Gail goes on to tell her that she just had a long chat with him in Roy's Rolls.

Gloria is trying to make a quick exit, but Gail bars her way, tackling her over all the lies she has been telling. She lets her know that she has heard the whole story from Cliff, and that she is going to take great delight in telling everyone else. Gloria changes her tune then, even calls Gail sweetheart, and begs her not to breath a word. Telling her she just got carried away, she explains that she just can't go back to Spain, it's too painful and humiliating. Gail tells her she will think about it on the condition she stops coming into the Bistro, and gets herself out of Nick & Leanne's. Gloria protests that she has nowhere else to go, and Gail offers to go with her to plead her case with Stella. (Hmmm is this the beginning of a new friendship? It's been a long time since Gail had a friend to talk to.)

Tina is now on her break, and is sitting down with Tommy. He is pressing her again to explain why she would even entertain such a crazy idea without even discussing it with him first. She replies that she knew he wouldn't like the idea. As she takes a sip of her lager, he points out she shouldn't be drinking in her condition. She points out that she is not pregnant yet. She also points out that she is not the one who keeps secrets, she just hadn't had a chance to tell him about it yet, and besides, it isn't a decided deal, everyone is still thinking about it. He asks why she is even thinking about it, and she explains that she wants to help Izzy and Gary, as they are having problems. Tommy exclaims that we all like to help a friend in need, but this is huge, especially as she is not that close to them. Tina then explains about the money that is involved too, that she is doing it to get them out of financial trouble. Tommy insists that they can get by, and accuses her of selling her body for money. Tina looks at him as if he's slapped her, and tells him it's a horrible thing to say. He doesn't take it back though.

Lloyd has bumped into an old girlfriend called Mandy in the lineup for the gig. They are both really surprised to see each other after 29 years, and he discovers that Johnny, her partner had died of a heart attack about a year ago. Turns out they are both there alone, so decide to go in together.

Tommy is still angry, and is hammering on the door of No. 6. He accuses Owen of dangling money in front of Tina, knowing how hard up they are. Gary explains that it was Tina's idea to offer to do it, and he felt it was the kindest thing. Tommy replies that it is weird and wrong and he is not going to let it happen, and he turns tail and storms out as fast as his crutches will carry him.

Stella makes it clear that she has nothing to say to her mother, but Gail begs her to hear her out, whispering to Gloria to lay it on thick. Gloria hangs her head, and profusely apologises to Stella, saying she knows she was wrong to interfere, and never would again. Stella reminds her that she interfered twice where Karl was concerned, and she has to understand that she will never take him back - never! Gloria looks at her feet, and tells her she understands, and will never interfere again. She then begs her daughter to take her back. Stella also reminds her mother that she doesn't need her help to run the pub, that she was managing perfectly well before she arrived, and doesn't even know why she arrived. Gail gives Stella her two cents worth then, and tells her to look at her mother, that she is 'knocking on a bit', and that she may not have her much longer. Gloria is enraged at this, and points out that she is as fit as a fiddle! Gail is not to be stopped in her mission though, and barrels on about Gloria not having much time left, and that Stella should feel very grateful that her selfless mother has turned her back on Spain's high life, and has chosen instead to spend what time she has left with her daughter.

Stella is wavering, she says she will take her back on the condition she does not interfere with the running of the pub, to which Gloria immediately agrees. She then asks her to agree not to interfere with her life, this one is hard, and Gloria asks "What, not even if you are making a fool of yourself?", then catches the glare in Stella's eye, and backs down and agrees. Stella makes it quite clear to her that she is not secretly hankering after getting Karl back, that she is well rid of him. Gloria assures her she understands that. Stella finally tells her that she can move back in then. Gloria hugs her, and tells her she will be on a mission to find her a man worthy of her. Stella tells her not to overdo it. As she leaves to pick up her things from Leanne's, she smiles warmly at Gail and thanks her. Gail smiles back, and for a change, it's not one of her scary ones!

Izzy is wavering on using Tina as a surrogate, she points out that there is no way she wants to split her up with Tommy. Owen points out that he might have felt differently if Tina had been given a chance to speak with him before he heard it from Faye, and that by tomorrow he might feel differently about it. Izzy is not convinced, and is afraid that he will hate the idea even more.

Just then Faye arrives home from choir practice, and all eyes turn on her. Everyone is expecting her to get a rollicking from Anna for blabbing her mouth off, but when she asks if she is in trouble, Anna strokes her hair, and assures her she's not, but that they need to sit down and talk about keeping their family business private. Faye tells Anna that their house is always either full of secrets or people are rowing with each other, and she just wants everyone to be happy. After she goes upstairs, Izzy feels that this whole thing is causing too much trouble for too many people, and maybe they need to take a step back.

Lloyd and Mandy are catching up on old times at the bar after the gig. He obviously is still attracted to her, and finds out that she doesn't have anyone waiting up for her before he buys her a drink.

The Rovers was dead, so Tina has been allowed to leave early, she arrives home with some cans of beer, thinking they could talk, but Tommy is very silent. After changing out of her work clothes, she apologises to Tommy, saying she should have spoken to him first.

He tells her he feels ashamed. That he was the one who got them into this mess, and she is willing to do something as drastic as this to get them out of it. He says he knows he should feel touched, but in actual fact he feels disgusted. He goes on that he thought that when she got pregnant for the first time, she would be carrying his child, not someone else's. She points out that the child would not be hers either. She also points out that they have no choice, but Tommy, who is crying now, tells her that it boils down to what they can and cannot accept, and this crosses the line for him. She still says she is prepared to do anything to get them out of the mess they are in, and Tommy loses it. Tells her he has said 'No', and asks if that counts for nothing.

Mandy and Lloyd are still reminiscing about the good old days, but when Lloyd suggests they go on somewhere else, she freezes up. He apologises, and asks if he can at least drive her home. She tells him there is no need, that she can make her own way. He then tells her that he has a taxi firm. She agrees to the ride home, and he tries to give her a business card so she can call even if it's just for a cab. She tells him she uses a local firm, and she really doesn't think it would be a good idea for them to see each other again. He wryly remarks that it has taken her almost thirty years to give him the brush off a second time.

She says it's been lovely talking over old times, but that they should leave it there. He points out that at one time she was the most important woman in his life. She obviously doesn't want to hear that, and tells him it was ancient history. He reminds her that she had been the love of his life, and he would have done anything for her. She replies that she had loved him too, but was married at the time, and it had to end. Lloyd was not to be put off, he tells her that he feels it's fate that has brought them back together again, and it would be rude to ignore it. Mandy is obviously annoyed now, and firmly tells him, as she gets out of the car, not to contact her again.

Tommy and Tina are still arguing the toss about this not yet existent baby. He is adamant that she must not go ahead, and she asks him to tell her where else they are going to get the money they need to get them out of trouble. Ignoring that question, he tells her seriously that if she goes ahead with this, he won't be behind her, that they will be finished as a couple.

(Now if Tina was smart here, she would have taken the opportunity to get shot of him along with his debt load, then she wouldn't have to consider being a surrogate, but she's in love, and it's a soap, so she probably won't!)

Christine

Written by Jonathan Harvey Directed by Kay Patrick

It's another Monday Morning and another argument ensues between Tina and Tommy. This time it's because Tina has offered to be the surrogate while Tommy is not happy about it. She thinks it's their only way out of the crushing debt. He insists that if she goes and does this, he's out, they're over.

Beth is excited. Her date is tonight. They ask for more details about the man. She shows them a photo of a nice looking man with dark hair and eyebrows. Kirk looks distinctly uncomfortable, a fact that does not go unnoticed by Fiz. Beth says she's not nervous at all. Kirk asks how she's going to the meeting place and she isn't sure so he offers her a lift since he'll be delivering an order in that area (he'd remembered where because she'd said the day before). She accepts, pleased.

Stella tells Gloria she can move back in but she needs to remember that she's the boss. Gloria keeps watching Dennis and thinks he's winking at her. He's really just got something in his eye and Gloria's attentions are annoying Rita. Stella makes her mother agree who's boss.

Karl tells Sunita that he feels like a dead weight is on him and is finding it hard to keep going. She knows he's fed up but still wants him to work harder at getting a job like she is.

Lloyd and Eileen have a cuppa while he tells her about the gig last night. He tells her he bumped into an old mate, someone he used to be quite close to, along with her fella, Johnny. He says he and Mandy got on really well but then she got cool at the end of the night. He doesn't think he'll see her again, probably best left in the past (virtually guaranteeing he'll see her before the day is out. It's soap law!)

Tommy hobbles up to see Owen and begs him not to let Tina be the surrogate. He reckons Tina's a grown woman and can make her own decisions and he can't tell his daughters what to do or how to run their lives either (really? who are you and what have you done with Owen?) Tommy shouts across the street at Gary and Izzy, telling them he and Tina will split up because of them. Gary isn't sympathetic though it looks like Tommy's reaction has Izzy worried.

In the corner shop, Anna tells Dev she doesn't want to work there for a little bit, her family needs her attention at the moment. Sunita is in the back of the shop, listening. Dev says he'll manage. After Anna leaves, Sunita brings her purchase to the counter. Things are awkward of course. Sunita wants to use her debit card but he won't let her as it's under five pounds. House rules. He's sarcastic but then backs down, apologizes and lets her take the turkey burgers.She thanks him and leaves.

Dennis is snickering about Gloria in the Kabin to Rita who isn't finding it funny one little bit. She says Gloria's sort will fling themselves at anything though does admit Dennis is a handsome man. He thinks Glo's stirred up the green-eyed monster in Rita who counters with "As long as she doesn't stir anything up in you!" He laughs "I wouldn't even let her stir me tea!" (Correct answer!) Tina arrives just then, wanting a friendly shoulder. She asks if she could stay with her if she and Tommy split. Dennis heads for the kettle.

At the end of the day, Beth is looking forward to her date. Fiz talks to Kirk who insists he's just doing Beth a favour with a ride but then mentions he's got to go home and have a bath (before the ride!)

Tina tells Rita that she and Tommy have hit a bad patch. They aren't seeing eye to eye but doesn't tell Rita what the real issue is. The debt isn't helping but they just can't seem to get on the right side. Rita doesn't think Tina is a quitter and should fight for the relationship.

Sunita has told Karl about Dev giving her the food. She was embarrassed and felt humiliate but Karl doesn't mind. There's a knock on the door and it's Dev, speak of the devil. He actually greets Karl with a handshake. He offers Sunita Anna's job temporarily to help out. Sunita doesn't answer and he leaves that with them to think about. Karl is chuffed but she doesn't want to do it. Sounds like a rock and a hard place.

Kirk arrives at the pub where Beth is meeting this Dave. She's all dolled up with her hair curled and lots of slap on. He tells her she looks great and the man is lucky. She squirts more perfume on and takes a deep breath. She gets out with him watching her sadly.

Tina arrives for work. Tommy is sulking at the bar. Tina orders him to stop feeling sorry for himself and asks him into the back to talk.

Beth is waiting at the bar. She looks again at the photo and turns around to see a man standing there, a man who is bald and about 40% heavier than the man in the photo. He's wearing a gray tshirt with an ugly plaid shirt on over it, looking very much like he didn't make any effort at all. Beth?? Um.. Dave?? He looks annoyed that she wants another drink and is hungry. Nuts? Yes please.

Tina tells Tommy that she worked any job she could to make ends meet ever since she left school and this offer is like winning the lottery. He realizes she's not changing her mind. She doesn't want to split up but doesn't understand why he is willing to struggle for years and years then she gives up. She'll leave and move in with Rita.

Sunita returns to the shop and accepts Dev's job offer.

Beth is talking to Dave about all those get-to-know-you things like taking walks and stuff, and asks him what kind of dvds he likes. Martial arts and what is alluded to be porn I think, with a nudge nudge "know what I mean?" look. Beth keeps trying but he gets impatient with the questions and says he isn't prone to conversation. It turns out this, for him, was little more than a booty call and he expected her to go with him for a roll around on his fake sheepskin rug. She tells him she can't go with him because his shirt's all wet and then pours a beer all over him and runs outside. He follows her, angry and shouting. Kirk drives up quickly, obviously he'd been sat at the end of the road waiting, and she is pleased to see him. Kirk gets out of the van and ends up getting a punch in the face for defending Beth.

Tommy and Tina are still at it. She wonders if he feels threatened and feels less of a bloke. The insult stings and he lurches to his feet and tells her she won't have to leave him, because he's leaving her first.

Outside of Streetcars, Fiz comes along for a cab. Lloyd is summoned and ushers her to a cab. She spots a bracelet in the cab and he recognizes it as Mandy's. Do tell? Eileen susses that Lloyd must have driven her home. Eileen teases him and it seems like he's going to take it back to Mandy later.

Tina runs after Tommy across the road. They shout and argue in front of the flat door. Rita overhears it and watches Tina stalk off back to work. She goes over to the door. Around the corner, Sunita and Karl walk towards home, still bickering about something.

Upstairs, Rita has let herself in as he's not closed the door. He comes out of the bedroom, snarling but she calls him on it and he apologizes. She sits down with him and urges them to talk their troubles through. He doesn't want to talk to Rita about it. Rita thinks it could be the biggest mistake of his life if he lets Tina go and Tommy realizes she doesn't know the whole story. He gets emotional and drops the S-bomb on Rita. She's having a baby for money. Rita is stunned.

Tvor

Written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Kay Patrick

Rita is devastated to hear Tommy telling her about Tina's decision to be a surrogate for Izzy and Gary. She and Tommy are both in tears as he explains to her how Tina won't listen to what he wants and Rita tells him that she doesn't think there'd be another man in Britain who wouldn't feel the same way as he does. Through her tears Rita says she thought Tina was always such a sensible girl but Tommy says there's no arguing with her. "Isn't there?" asks Rita. She tells Tommy she's going to speak to her.

Back at the scene of Beth's unfortunate date, she and Kirk have returned to the van. Beth's concerned whether Kirk's O.K. to drive but he insists he's fine. Unfortunately it's more than can be said for the van because when Kirk goes to turn the key he discovers the battery's dead.

Anna, Owen, Izzy and Gary arrive in the Rovers for a drink. Gloria catches sight of Tina's face and wants to know if she and Tommy have had a falling out. Her mood doesn't brighten but Tina tells Gloria it's just a simple disagreement. Gloria turns her attention to Owen and starts to flirt with him as he attempts to buy a packet of crisps. At that moment Rita arrives. She wants word with Tina and tells her she's just been speaking to Tommy. Rita suggests they go though to the back unless Tina wants her private life discussed in front of everyone. Gloria tries to protest that Tina's meant to be working but it falls on deaf ears. Stella comes through from the back at that moment and, assessing the situation, gives permission for Tina to go through with Rita. Gloria moans to Owen that the situation with the staff is outrageous. She tells him that nobody's pulling their weight and there are going to have to be some changes.

In the back room of the Rovers, Rita wants some answers from Tina. She knows she's not agreed to be a surrogate for purely altruistic reasons and accuses Tina of doing it for cold, hard cash. Tina protests that she's not being fair but Rita doesn't understand. In desperation she gets out her chequebook and offers to pay whatever it takes to stop Tina from going ahead. When Tina finally admits it's £15,000. Rita looks visibly shaken but then Tina tells her that she doesn't want Rita's money. She asks Rita if she can understand now why she has to go ahead with her plan but Rita isn't going to give up that easily and she tells Tina that she wouldn't offer to give her life savings to just any Tom, Dick or Harry. But Tina clutches her heart in a dramatic fashion and tells Rita that in here what she's doing feels right and that she's sick of people thinking she's vile because of what happened with Kirsty and Tyrone. She's hoping that by doing this it will show them she's not. Rita still doesn't get it and, as she puts away her chequebook, sadly admits to Tina that the world moves on and sometimes she can't keep up with it. Rita says she gathers Tina won't be broadcasting her plans to the world and points out that you can't hide a baby but Tina says she'll cross that bridge when she comes to it.

Across town, Lloyd draws up outside Mandy's house. After a quick squirt of fresh breath spray he gets out of his cab and rings the doorbell. When Mandy answers she doesn't look best pleased to see him but after explaining he's returning her bracelet, he eventually persuades her to let him come in for a cup of tea.

In the corner shop, Sunita is trying to get on with her work while Dev is trying his best to get on her nerves with questions about Karl and his lack of employment prospects. Sunita tells him in no uncertain terms that she is now a mere member of staff and he wouldn't ask those sort of questions of Anna.

Back in the Underworld van, Kirk and Beth are still waiting to be rescued. Just as Beth is thanking Kirk for the umpteenth time for rescuing her, her date staggers out of the pub and the two of them dive down to hide until the coast is clear. Their close encounter causes Beth to notice Kirk's wearing aftershave. Kirk seems oblivious to the fact that it meets with her approval.

At Mandy's Lloyd is trying hard to keep the conversation going but Mandy is on edge and, for some unknown reason, seems desperate for Lloyd to leave. Lloyd tells Mandy he's confused after she seemed so happy to see him the night before but she tells him she doesn't want to rekindle any old relationships and gets up, indicating he should leave.

In the Rovers Tina is back behind the bar and Rita is leaving. She looks angry and, as she walks past Anna and co's table, she tells them that she hopes they all know what they're doing. Anna tells Owen to go after her. He catches Rita by the door and asks if Tina's alright. "Why don't you ask her yourself?" asks Rita. "I'm not her mother." Seeing that Tina is in no fit state to work after her encounter, Stella gives her the rest of the night off.

Rita has gone back to see Tommy. She tells him that she tried but agrees that Tina's mind is made up. She sobs that, despite everything she's been through in the past, this news has totally floored her. And then she notices that Tommy has packed his bags. Despite knowing what Tina is planning she can't believe that Tommy is going to give up on her, especially after the way Tina stood by him though all the problems with his father and the drugs. She tells him that if Tina goes ahead she's going to need all the support she can get.

Back in the Underworld van, Kirk admits that the day hasn't been all bad for him. Beth starts to talk and tells him that her life is rubbish. She says she's a disaster area when it comes to men and Kirk admits he hasn't had much luck with the ladies either. Beth decides they're like peas in a pod and Kirk tells Beth that any man who turns her down must be mad. It looks like we might have a new romance in the offing.

Tina has returned home to the flat. There's no sign of Tommy and she sinks down onto the sofa as it dawns on her that he may have left.

On cue we move to the bus stop where we see Tommy waiting with his bag. At that moment Owen comes along and realises what he's planning to do. He tells Tommy exactly what he thinks of him, pointing out the sacrifice that Tina's prepared to make in order to rescue him and tells him that he's unlikely to be lucky enough to ever find another girl as good as Tina. Tommy says that nobody understands his point of view, apart from Rita. Owen snorts and walks off, telling him to have a nice life.

In the Rovers, something has caught Gloria's eye in the magazine she's reading; Lancashire Leisure are running a "Pub of the Year COmpetition". Stella laughs when her mother reads it out. She tells Gloria she can't seriously think she'd want to enter. As Stella points out, the magazine is aimed at toffs and they'll be used to places with roaring fires, belly pork and beetroot reductions, not sticky floorboards and Newton and Ridley. But the first prize is £5,000 worth of Selfridges vouchers and Gloria clearly thinks it's an opportunity too good to miss ...

Lloyd returns to the cab office after his visit to Mandy. Eileen can see he's looking despondent and Lloyd explains how she was with him. Eileen suggests it's probably because she's still grieving after losing her husband, now Lloyd's giving her the glad eye and maybe she's not ready to move on yet. "I suppose," sighs Lloyd but he doesn't look convinced.

Out in the street, Kirk and Beth have finally made it back home. Kirk apologises for the problems with the van but Beth doesn't seem too concerned and Kirk agrees that at least they had a laugh. Beth points out that if you can't laugh you'll cry which impresses Kirk no end and he tells Beth how he loves the way she says such dead deep things. Kirk wants to know what she's going to tell everyone in the factory about her date and together they concoct a story which will avoid making Beth look stupid. Kirk promises to back her up and she tells him that he's dead nice and that she'd never really noticed him before. Kirk tells Beth that he'd bet fifty quid on her finding Mr. Right really soon and she says "what if I already have?" before planting a kiss on his cheek. Kirk looks really awkward and shakes Beth's hand before telling her to have a good sleep and dream dead nice things (as opposed to dreaming about nice dead things, presumably).

Tina is getting ready for bed when she hears the door open. It's Tommy, returning home. He tells her he's sorry and that he just couldn't leave. He sat at the bus stop and realised that he can't keep running away every time something bad happens and Tina tells him that she doesn't want this to be a bad thing and that it doesn't have to be. Tommy tells her it also had something to do with the fact that Owen told him he'd never find anyone as good as her ever again. Tina says she doesn't know about that but Tommy says he does. He says he knows they'll get through this and he might not like what Tina's doing but he'll be right by her side, every step of the way.

Karen

Tina and Tommy are getting ready for the day ahead. She's off to work and he's going to look at a flat. She asks if he meant what he said, that he's ok about the surrogacy. He says he is. She assures him they'll get through all this and be ok.

In the cafe, Gary and Izzy are eating breakfast, as Owen and Anna talk quietly at the counter. If Tommy's really gone, as the debts were his, Tina won't need to go on with the surrogacy and Gary and Izzy are going to be broken hearted. Just then, however, Tina comes in and tells them all that while Tommy isn't wild about the idea, he's willing to go along with the surrogacy idea. She tells them that she and Tommy talked it all through last night, and everything is ok between them now. Izzy says that she'll call the clinic, and thanks Tina, who assures her she won't let them down.

The factory girls are clocking in. Beth tells them all a tall tale about her gorgeous date of the night before, how handsome and fit he was, every woman's dream. Just then Kirk appears with a black eye. Michelle asked how it happened, did he walk into a lamp post? Kirk says he did, he didn't see it coming. As they go off, laughing, he and Beth wink at each other.

Tina takes an cash installment round to Tyrone and Kirsty. She tells them it's 20 pounds short, they just haven't got it this week. Kirsty is cross and asks if she knows how much it costs to bring up a baby. Tina tells her that they'll get their money in full as soon as possible, she and Tommy are working on it. "What are you going to do, rob a bank?" snaps Kirsty. "You'll get it!" retorts Tina, and leaves.

Paul goes into the taxi office to tell Eileen that he'll take her out to dinner. Lloyd is really glum and grumpy, so Eileen invites him to come along, but Lloyd doesn't want to be a gooseberry. When Paul's gone off to make the booking, Eileen asks Lloyd what's wrong. He tells her that everywhere he goes he sees couples, and he's got no one. Eileen tells him he's a lovely bloke and not to do himself down. He tells her that Mandy doesn't seem to think so. She tells him to forget Mandy and stop feeling sorry for himself.

At Underworld, Beth has a quiet word with Kirk and thanks him for rescuing her last night and for keeping mum in front of the girls. She offers to buy him a pint at lunch time to thank him properly.

In the pub, Gloria is reading a glossy magazine called Lancashire Leisure, and enthusing about a pub that offers cream teas in a jacuzzi. She tells Stella that if she were to win Pub of the Year, she could hob nob with all sorts. Stella says she's not interested, even though Gloria continues to go on and on about the five thousand pounds worth of gift vouchers to be won, and all that could be bought with them. She adds that she's going to phone later and tell them they're entering. Stella wags her finger at her and says she's not to, she must stop meddling now!

Tyrone and Kirsty are pushing baby Ruby down the street. Proudly, they stop and show her off to Lloyd.

Izzy arrives at the builder's yard and tells Owen, Gary and Tina that she's been offered a cancellation by the fertility clinic and they have their first appointment tomorrow.

Tina sees Gary limping past on his crutches and runs out to talk to him. He seems miserable so she asks what's wrong. He tells her he went to see a flat, but it was a dump, it was horrible, they are going to have to pay about 500 pounds a month for anything decent. She tells him not to worry, they're going to sort it. "How?" he asks. "You know how," she says, "by making two people very happy."

Lloyd knocks on Mandy's front door and is surprised when it's opened by an attractive young woman. It turns out her name is Jenna, it's her house, and she's Mandy's daughter. Lloyd is amazed, he didn't know Mandy had a daughter, she'd never mentioned it. Mandy is out, so Lloyd leaves a card with his number on and asks her to ask Mandy to ring him.

In the pub, Beth buys Kirk his promised pint, but is put out when he takes it and goes off to play darts. She sits down with Fiz and Julie. Fiz wants to know why Beth is so friendly with Kirk all of a sudden and tells her not to mess with his feelings.

Up at the bar, Gloria's constant badgering has paid off and Stella gives in. She tells her mother ok, she'll enter, but Gloria can sort it all out, she wants nothing to do with it.

A troubled Lloyd goes back into the taxi office. Eileen wants to know where he's been for so long, and he tells her he's been driving around trying to clear his head. He tells her he went to see Mandy but she wasn't in. Eileen says she thought he was going to put her out of his mind. He sits down and confesses that thirty years ago, he and Mandy had an affair, although her husband was his best friend. He wanted to make a go of it with Mandy, but she chose to stay with her husband. He says he really loved her, she was the love of his life.

A desperate Tina asks Owen if there's anyway she can have an advance on the money he's going to give her for having the baby for Izzy. She and Tommy are desperate, they're going to be homeless. He tells her he can't do it, she has to become pregnant first. She apologises for asking, and in the end he softens and suggests they see how it goes at the clinic and then he'll see what he can do.

Gloria is on the phone to the magazine. She tells them that she's the landlady of the Rovers Return, and she wants the pub entered in the Pub of the Year competition. She assures them that her hotpot suppers are legendary.

While she gets the tea, Owen is chatting to Anna about Tina and Tommy's plight, and how they're not going to have anywhere to live. She suggests that he lets them have his flat, adding that he could move in with her! After initial surprise, he agrees that it's a good idea.

Back in the taxi office, Lloyd is chatting to Eileen, mulling over the situation with Mandy. He can't understand why she never mentioned that she had a daughter. "You don't think......?" begins Eileen. Lloyd says he doesn't think anything....yet. Just then Mandy herself walks in! "What the hell are you playing at?" she says.

In the factory, Fiz and Julie are continuing to question Beth about her date, and want to know why she's not seeing him again, if he was so wonderful. In the end Beth confesses that he had a face like a pit bull terrier and tried it on. Kirk turned up and tried to stop him, that's how he got the black eye. He was her knight in shining armour!

Gloria has put up a notice, banning working clothes from the pub. Then Owen walks in and she asks him to give Stella a quote for painting the gents loos. Stella tells her to stop interfering and takes down the notice.

Owen has gone to sit with Tina and Tommy. He tells them they can have his flat, no rent and no deposit, they just have to pay their bills. They can move in tomorrow. Tina is delighted, although Tommy looks less so.

Eileen makes a hasty departure from the taxi office, as Mandy tears into Lloyd, asking why he turned up out of the blue and wanting to know what he said to Jenna. Lloyd wants to know why she never told him she had a daughter. He wants to know what she's keeping from him. She tells him she's going, and she never wants to see him again. "Leave the past alone!" she shouts, as she slams out of the door.

Anne Logan

Lloyd's telling Eileen about his suspicion that Mandy's daughter is his. Eileen tries to think up other reasons why Mandy might not want to see him but he's sure that there's something there. "It's more than a hunch."

Jason helps Tina and Tommy move to Owen's. They don't seem to be taking any furniture, though at least their belongings don't consist of just a few bin bags. They meet Kirsty and Tommy and when they say they're moving, Kirsty's first reaction is, "What with?" Tommy says it's none of her business but she says it is when he owes them a king's ransom. Tina heads away for an appointment.

In the pub, Stella reads a letter about a competition she didn't enter, with her mother's name down as landlady. Gloria insists it was so Stella wasn't bothered with all the correspondence.

Fiz and Julie tease Beth about Kirk.

Owen's moving his stuff to Anna's. He's taken anything that might get broken. Other than that it's just clothes, knick-knacks and CDs. "It's amazing how little stuff I've got, really."

Tina, Izzy and Gary wait at the fertility clinic.

Gloria polishes a new comments box which seems to have been provided by the contest organisers. Stella tells her to get on the phone and change the name of the landlady.

The three amigos talk to the surrogacy counselor. She wants to talk to Tina alone. They also have to discuss the legal implications - contracts, responsibilities etc.

In the taxi office, Lloyd's trying to work out some dates. With the help of Eileen, he works out that if Jenna is his daughter she would have been born between March and June, 1984.

The counselor's talking to Tina, taking time to find out how Tommy feels about the whole thing. She wonders how Tina will cope being around the baby as Izzy and Gary raise it. Tina says she won't think of the baby as her own because biologically it won't be. "I'm just trying to do a good thing." The counselor tells her she'll be doing a brave and selfless thing.

Lloyd's watching Mandy's house and sees her leave it. He's straight up to the front door asking if Mandy's home. Jenna says she isn't but will be back soon and invites Lloyd to come in and wait and to have a cup of tea.

Tina tells the Armstrong-Windass family about her chat with the counselor. Izzy and Anna try to empathise with her but Gary and Owen keep just insisting everything will be fine. Tina wants to go off and see how the move is going. She jokes that before long she'll have Tommy fetching and carrying for her. Anna says there has to be an upside to all this. "Yeah, 15 thousand quid's worth," says Owen abruptly. An awkward silence follows. Jenna asks Lloyd how he knows her mum.

Fiz thinks Beth should just ask Kirk out. Beth reckons she's shy. She asks Fiz and Julie how Kirk was in the bedroom. Apparently he didn't make the bed, liked to watch TV quite late and laughed in his sleep. That's not quite what Beth meant. Julie's not comfortable talking about past lovers now that she's with Brian. Fiz says all Beth needs to know is that Kirk is gentle and considerate. She tells Beth she'll arrange to meet Kirk in the pub and won't turn up, giving Beth a chance to swoop.

Tina and Tommy walk together as far as the pub so Tina can go to work.

Lloyd asks Jenna for a glass of water and asks about her job as a physiotherapist. He seems to be getting quite emotional. Jenna blames this on talking about her dad when Lloyd's only recently found out about his death. Lloyd says he's trying work out when it was he lost touch with Mandy and her husband. Jenna tells him she was born on April 24, 1984. Aha! They discuss a story about a squirrel getting into a house. Jenna knows the story and is thrilled that Lloyd was the person who was with her father when it happened. Lloyd rocks nervously in his chair and then starts to weep. He asks Jenna if she's happy. They're interrupted by Mandy's return home. She's shocked to see Lloyd there.

Gloria tells Stella she's stubborn and lacks drive. All the best English pubs are in Spain, she says. They're interrupted by Owen, Gary, Izzy and Anna arriving.

Mandy demands to know what Lloyd's been saying to Jenna. She doesn't want him in her house.

Owen and Gary, at the bar, discuss how good it is to see Izzy smiling.

Beth approaches Kirk and tells him something's come up and Fiz won't be coming. He offers her the pint he got for Fiz. She sits down and tells him straight: "I want you, Kirky. Really really badly." "What for?" asks our hero.

Back at Mandy's house, Jenna picks up on the tension and realises Lloyd and Mandy had a fling. She doesn't see what this should cause so much tension. Mandy reveals that her father knew about it. As Mandy and Lloyd exchange cryptic comments, Jenna realises the implications. Mandy's angry with Lloyd. "If you had kids of your own you'd understand!" "And have I?" asks Lloyd. Jenna is horrified. Mandy turns to her. "I am so sorry."

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: David Lane
Directed by: Kay Patrick

Jenna is in total shock, her whole world has crumbled in the last few seconds. The man she grew up believing was her father is suddenly not, and this stranger standing in her living room is. She is hurt and furious with her mother for not telling her sooner, she bursts into tears and rushes out the door. Mandy turns on Lloyd telling him he had no right telling her. Lloyd is just as furious with Mandy for keeping him in the dark about his child all these years.

In the Rovers, Gloria and Stella are still sniping at each other over the 'Pub of the Year' contest. Gloria wants to put a suggestion box up for the punters to put all their nice comments into. Stella resignedly tells her to put it wherever she wants. Just then, Owen comes to the bar, and Gloria asks him if he would mind fixing the box to the wall for her. He tells her he will do it Monday, but that's not good enough for Gloria, and of course Gloria always gets what Gloria wants. She achieves it by telling him that Stella will be heartbroken if she doesn't win, and if she doesn't get the box up by midnight, they will be disqualified. What can he do but agree to do it now.

Owen moves over to Tommy and Tina before he gets his tools out, and asks if they are settling into the flat OK. They tell him they are. He goes on to ask if Tina has told him how well things went at the clinic. Obviously uncomfortable talking about it, Tommy tells him that she did tell him that.

Back in Mandy's house, Lloyd is asking why she didn't come clean about him having a daughter years ago. Mandy tells him that Jenna adored Johnny, her husband, and if she had told Lloyd he would never have walked away and left them in peace. She goes on to say that now, thanks to him, Jenna hates her, and she has every right to. Lloyd tries to reassure her that she will come round, but Mandy snaps that he has no idea what she is going to do, he doesn't know her, he doesn't know anything about her.

Lloyd tries explaining that he had always wanted a family, always wanted kids of his own, and all the time he had one that he knew nothing about. Mandy spits that all the time that was going on, they were bringing Jenna up as a proper family, her and Johnny. Lloyd is angry now, and tells her that Jenna's life was based on a lie, and so was his! He demands to know how she got away with it, told so many lies to Johnny, how she managed to get him to agree never to see his best mate again and move away. Mandy replies that she didn't lie to Johnny, that she had told him the whole truth about her and Lloyd, but that he still loved her and wanted them to stay together even though she felt she didn't deserve it. She went on to say that she wasn't about to hurt Johnny all over again by letting Lloyd back into their lives.

Stella is surprised to see Owen installing the box at this late hour, and asks him why. He explains that he is doing it for her, as he knows how much it means to her to win the competition. The penny drops, and Stella glances over at her dear mother, who is busy selling the good points of the establishment to a couple of punters.

Gloria then moves over to Kirk and Beth, who are enjoying their first date. She asks how they met, and they tell her they have known each other for ages, and work together at the knicker factory. Gloria is not impressed, and feels that is not romantic enough, and moves away, telling them she will do them a favour and fill in their comment card for them.

Norris and Mary arrive in the Rovers, and immediately notice the box on the wall. Gloria is only too happy to explain it to them, telling them it is their chance to make a difference in their community, flattering Mary right off the bat by referring to Norris as her father. She corrects her however, and informs her that they are merely friends. Gloria immediately reads more into that remark than meets the eye, and nudges Norris, telling him he's a bit of a dark horse.

Stella calls out to her mother to stop pestering the customers. Mary turns to Stella in shock, asking if that woman is really her mother. Stella wryly admits she is, and Mary recognizes a fellow suffering soul at the hands of an overbearing mother, and offers her sympathies.

Brian and Julie arrive, and Brian is unloading his frustrations of the day - namely Meredith, the chair of the board of governors, onto Julie, who is only half listening because she is far more interested in the goings on over in the booth between Kirkeh and Beth, who are getting down to more kissing and cuddling than drinking. Gloria appears from nowhere, and suggests to Brian that if his workplace is hell at the moment, doesn't that make the Rovers his little bit of heaven? They look a bit bewildered, but she shoves a comment card in their hands telling them to write that down.

Tina is collecting glasses from the smoking area, and is surprised by Owen who comes up behind her. He asks how she and Tommy are coming to terms with the surrogate idea. Tina tells him that they are getting there, that she still wants to help Gary and Izzy. Owen tells her he is pleased about that, because she knows how much it means to all of them.

Tina goes on to explain to Owen about her father, how he had found himself in all kinds of debt, how he had tried everything to get himself out of it, and how his last mad scheme to resolve the problem had resulted in his body being found in Lake Windemere. She goes on to explain that Tommy has shown all the same kinds of patterns as her father, and she is afraid that he might try some mad scheme to get his debts paid off and that the end result might be the same. This, she goes on, is why she had asked for some money up front, to take the pressure off them and to prevent this from happening.

Mandy and Lloyd are still hashing things over. She is telling him that they were just kids when it happened, and Johnny was exactly what she needed, he was her rock, someone to lean on and make her grow up. Lloyd protests that they were in love, and she hadn't given him the chance to be what she needed. She explains that it was after she had come clean about Lloyd that she found out she was pregnant, and it had crossed her mind to pretend it was Johnny's, but didn't. She felt that if he had kicked her out it would be only what she deserved. Jenna is listening at the door now, and hears her mother say that Johnny hadn't kicked her out, possibly because he didn't want her to go to Lloyd. Jenna explodes now, she can't believe that she was raised by a man who knew all along that she wasn't his child.

Methinks Gloria is going to be sorry that she put comment cards into the hands of Mary & Norris. They are tackling them in earnest, and are finding it a wonderful way to make all their complaints known. Only a 6 for the food, because the Hot Pot hasn't been the same since Betty died, and only a 3 for cleanliness, because the ladies' loo hasn't had a good bottoming for months.

Fiz arrives, having received a text from Julie, who sent it at the same time as she was 'sympathetically listening' to Brian's tales of woe. Brian thinks he has another shoulder to cry on, but they are both far more interested to see if the plan for Kirk and Beth is working. Julie directs Fiz to look over to the booth to see just how well the plan is taking off, and they decide to join them, leaving Brian to stew in his own misery.

They plonk themselves down opposite the lovers, who hardly notice they are there. Kirkeh makes a remark to Beth that he has never met a girl as gorgeous as her. The two sitting opposite widen their eyes in indignation, having both been out with Kirk in the past, and remind him of that fact. "Oh yeah", says Kirk, "Sorry". Beth is preening.

Norris and Mary are taking this questionnaire very seriously, very seriously indeed. They are testing The Rovers on their knowledge and selection of drinks that they offer, and at the bar, Mary orders a Mojito from Gloria, who looks at her with her mouth open. Mary repeats that she would like a Mojito please. She goes on to tell her what is in it, that is lime juice, soda, white rum and a spring of mint - including stalk. Gloria tells them that Tina is unfortunately their cocktail Queen, and she is on her break - "Sorry". Mary and Norris look at each other, and immediately fill in the answer to that question! Gloria looks worried, as well she might.

We are over in No. 6 now, and Izzy is eating her first meal for days. She explains that she has been too nervous to eat, but now the first clinic visit is over, she is feeling tons better, and admits that her Dad was right all along about Katy not being the best one for the job, and that she feels a lot more confident in Tina, that she is allowing herself to get hopeful that it will all work out. Owen suddenly says he should pop out and get a bottle of wine, so they can celebrate properly.

Mandy is trying to console Jenna, telling her that the bottom line is that it doesn't change anything. Jenna cannot believe her ears, and tells her mother that it definitely changes everything. Mandy tells her that if only she hadn't bumped into Lloyd, she could have gone on believing that Johnny had been her father, which is the way she wanted it. Jenna snaps that if only she hadn't slept with his best mate, none of this would have happened. Mandy protests that it doesn't change the fact that Johnny had loved her with every fibre of his being, and that she loved him.

Lloyd tries to offer words of comfort, but Jenna snaps at him to keep out of it, that none of it is any of his business. Mandy pleads with her daughter, asking her what would she have gained if she had told her. Jenna tells her that she doesn't know, that she has had years to come to terms with this, whereas she has only had a few moments. She tells her that she does know that she had a right to know who she really was. Lloyd tries again to speak, but Mandy snaps at him to just go - please! Looking troubled, he decides to do as she asks and leaves.

Tina is telling Tommy that she has a really good feeling about their new flat, and Tommy is wondering if Owen will let them stay on after the baby is born. Tina doesn't see why he wouldn't, but that at that time they will have to pay rent. Owen arrives at the door, and tells them he is so grateful that they have put a smile back on his Izzy's face, and as a gesture of good faith, he would like them to accept £5,000, and they will get another £5,000 when it is confirmed that she is pregnant. Tina tells him that he can trust them, and Owen looks her right in the eye, and says "Don't let me have to remind you of that". Was that a threat? Tina chooses to take it as a joke.

After the break, Mary and Norris are finishing off their questionnaire, taking them over to the ballot box, Gloria tries to intercept them by offering to place them into the box for them. However, they are much too smart to allow that, and furthermore they are not about to let her know what kind of marks they have given the Rovers either. She is decidedly worried as she watches them fall into the box.

At Streetcars, Eileen is asking Lloyd if everything is alright, which it obviously isn't. He asks Eileen if he was wrong wanting to know the truth, she assures him he wasn't, and assumes from his dejected look that Mandy hadn't agreed with her. Lloyd is crying, so Eileen presses him to tell her what happened. He relates that the truth is now out, not only for him, but for Jenna, who had been lied to her whole life. He tells her that the only person to know the truth before this, apart from Mandy had been Johnny. Eileen asks what the truth is, and he sobs with a smile that he has a daughter, that he is a Dad.

Tina is counting the money Owen left, and Tommy tells her that he thought he should be feeling better than he does. He points out to Tina that by accepting this money they are committing to going through with the surrogacy, there will be no going back. He begs that it's not too late to give the money back and find another way. She sarcastically replies that they will do that, and pick up a couple of balaclavas and sawn off shotguns in order to get the money another way. She calms down and reminds him once again that while she is doing this to help Gary and Izzy, and is happy to help, but the main reason she is doing it is for the two of them. By this time next year it will be all over, and they will be out of debt and can make a fresh start. She asks if that isn't what he wants too? He agrees that it is. She puts two thousand pounds of the money in one pile, and tells him that it will pay the pizza people for the van. He asks what she plans to do with the other £3,000. She tells him to get his coat and come with her.

Stella walks into the back room and catches Gloria filling out questionnaires, which of course have nothing on them but glowing marks and remarks. Stella questions about the validity of having most of the questionnaires in the same handwriting, and really questions one remark which states that the landlady's mother is wonderful, and is called 'Golden Glow'. Gloria protests that some people do call her that in Spain. Stella gathers up the cards, stating categorically that they are not going in the box. As she turns her back, Gloria hides the rest under the table mat.

Eileen wants to know all about Jenna, and Lloyd brags that she is dead good looking. Eileen chuckles that she would be if she is his daughter. She asks if she looks like him, but Lloyd isn't sure about that, but feels she has a look of his Mum, or his cousin Grace. Just then Paul appears, telling Eileen that he has just seen Fat Brenda who is on her way, but is just picking up an order from the kebab shop. Eileen is shocked, asking why she would be in the kebab shop, what about her gastric band? Paul doesn't know, all he knows is that she is also picking up a side order of chips and curry sauce, and would Eileen like to go for a drink in the Rovers when she gets there? He then notices that the two of them are having a drink, so asks Lloyd what the occasion is. Lloyd replies that they are celebrating him becoming a father. Eileen tells a very confused looking Paul that she will explain it all in the pub.

Tina and Tommy arrive at No. 9, and Kirsty immediately has a go at them for talking too loud as she has just got the baby down. Tina relishes giving them their £20 installment, then gives them a wad of £2,000, they want to know where they got it from, so Tina pulls out the other £1,000 and tells them they got it from the same place as this wad of cash. For once in her life Kirsty is speechless!

Fat Brenda must have arrived at the cab office because Eileen, Paul and Lloyd are now in the Rovers, still discussing Lloyd's new state of fatherhood. He is feeling badly about the way his daughter found out about her parentage, but is quite excited at the prospect of them getting to know each other, and filling her in on her new family. He said he will understand if she wants to take it slowly at first though.

Kirsty has obviously recovered from the shock of receiving so much money at once, and is busy counting it. Tyrone asks where they got it, but Tina tells him it is none of his business. Kirsty interjects that it is definitely their business if it is dodgy. Tommy replies that it isn't, and that they will get the rest to them as soon as. Ty starts to say that there is no rush, after this huge repayment, but one glance from his girlfriend stops him in his tracks, and he mutters that it will be good if they do.

Kirk and Beth, who still seem to be joined at the hip are finishing up their drinks, and Kirk suggests they go into town. Beth tells him she is not really dressed for town, he looks her up and down and says she looks gorgeous to him. She suggests taking a couple of drinks back to her place, as her Craig is at his mates. She then seductively asks if he is getting any ideas of taking advantage of her. He innocently tells her that he isn't. "Well there's still time" she smiles as they depart.

Who should walk into the Rovers but Jenna, she is looking for Lloyd. She spies him sitting with Eileen and Paul and marches over. Lloyd is surprised and introduces her to his companions. He offers her a drink, which she refuses angrily. Eileen & Paul get up, saying they will leave them to talk. She realises they know all about her, and asks if they know what kind of man Lloyd is? According to Jenna he is the kind of man who would sleep with his best friend's wife, then when he hasn't been dead five minutes, would go in and destroy everything he ever loved.

Lloyd begs her to sit down so they can talk, but Jenna is not in a talking mood, saying the only reason she is there is to tell him not to come anywhere near her ever again. She then turns and runs outside, followed quickly by Lloyd. He begs her to stay so they can talk, and apologises for the way he has handled it. She is crying now, and sobs angrily that she had fantastic memories of her Dad, memories she could treasure for the rest of her life. He protests that Johnny will always be her Dad, and she should hold onto those memories. She angrily spits back at him that having an affair with her mother does not give him any rights, and certainly does not make him her father. As she gets into a car and drives away, she tells him he means absolutely nothing to her.

Christine Warren

Written by Susan Oudot Directed by John Anderson

Kirsty is struggling. The baby isn't interested in feeding and Kirsty doesn't know what to do. Ruby calms down a little when Tyrone picks her up. He offers to get a bit more time off but she says she'll manage. Tyrone leaves Kirsty to fret.

Julie is perusing wallpaper for the flat with excitement but Brian is far off in his thoughts. Roy offers the history of flock wallpaper but when he mentions it's popular these days in restaurants, her face falls. Brian's mood is attributed to the sudden death of the Chair of Governors, Meredith (the grandmother of the bully, remember her?). But in fact, Brian's actual train of thought is trying to work out why the vice-chair, Mrs. Papadopoulous has called the emergency meeting. I should have thought that was obvious. He thinks she's pushing to be made Chair herself. The vultures are circling. He thinks he can find a new chair that he can work with. He tells Julie that Meredith was the bane of his life and Mrs. P. might not be much better. He needs someone that has gravitas, someone that shares his vision, and he thinks he knows just the candidate.

Michelle proposes to Ryan that he should be contributing to the housekeeping bills...food, electricity etc. It's only fair (too right!). He protests that he's skint. She says she's proud that he's trying to get sorted.

Gloria is trying to break into the comments box when Eva walks in, fresh back from her holiday. She hears about the competition, and more particularly the prize of thousands of pounds worth of vouchers to Selfridges' and runs for the screwdriver that Karl always kept behind the bar. One pop and it's open! Hurray! They peruse through he cards. Some are good but Eva finds one that's distinctly unflattering, calling the landlady's mother is vulgar and loud!

In the cab office, Mandy arrives, surprising Lloyd. She is looking for Jenna. Seems Jenna has thrown her out of the house, blaming her for the situation. Mandy is staying at a B&B. Lloyd has seen Jenna but as you may recall, it didn't go well. He offers to help look for Jenna but Mandy won't have it, accusing Lloyd of being concerned after only 5 minutes of being a dad. He pulls her up short by spitting that he's been one for 28 years but didn't know it. Mandy wants him to keep away from Jenna. Full stop.

Tyrone wants to run across and see how Kirsty is doing but Kevin is giving a hard time because they're busy. Fiz returns from the cake run and mentions how difficult it was leaving Hope the first time when she went back to work. Kevin reckons Fiz could go visit Kirsty instead (hello? Work?) and even offers Sally's services too. Tyrone doesn't want to object though he knows Kirsty wouldn't want Fiz there so says it's ok with him.

Deirdre is serving up a new recipe which apparently didn't quite work out. She can't understand why, she followed the directions and snipes 'That Jamie Oliver isn't as pukka as he thinks he is!'. Ken looks unhappily at his plate. There's a knock on the door and Deirdre goes to answer it, letting Brian in. Ken gratefully hands over the slice of cake he's been served. Brian gets to the point, he wants Ken to fill the empty Governor's seat on the board. He'd be just the person. Ken is flattered but not sure and wants to think about it. Brian tells him he needs to decide soon as the meeting is tonight. Brian takes a bite of the cakey thing and grimaces.

Kirsty has just got Ruby to sleep. Relax!!! But wait, there's a gentle knock on the door and Hurricane Sal and Fiz barge in. Kirsty says she's fine but it doesn't stop them. They admire the baby. Fiz offers Hope's outgrown clothes. Sally thinks Ruby is waking up and decides she will pick up the baby even though Kirsty doesn't really want the baby disturbed.

Ryan may be skint but he found the cash to buy Tracy a bracelet and presents it to her in the pub. Michelle notices and confronts him angrily. She goes back to the bar, leaving Ryan and Tracy sucking face behind her. Julie is wittering on to Eileen who isn't as enthusiastic. Julie points out she listened to all Eileen's discussions about their redecorating. Brian arrives. Julie has been on Ken-watch, Ken just exiting the gents'. Ken tells Brian that he thinks he should take Brian up on his offer, feeling it's his duty. Brian is thrilled. Michelle is not thrilled and, in sympathy, Gloria hollers at the smooching pair to pack it in.

Sally is still cuddling the baby and reminiscing about when Rosie was a baby. Kirsty finally has enough of the small talk and takes the baby for changing, suggesting that they should go. She's stunned when Sally insinuates it was Tyrone's idea that they visit but Fiz says it was Kevin's idea. Kirsty asks them to leave which they do. You can tell she's working up a temper now.

Eileen finds Lloyd filing, upset things are out of order. Clearly something is wrong. He tells Eileen about Jenna blaming Mandy and them falling out. He blames himself for pushing things. She suggests that Jenna needs to figure things out and maybe Lloyd should find a way to talk her . He doesn't know where to find her but Eileen suggests he check some of the private physiotherapy clinics. Good idea!

Kirsty puts the baby back in the pram. Tyrone pops in to check and gets a cold reception. She wonders why he sent reinforcements to check up on her. He repeats what Fiz already said, that it was Kevin who thought she might like the company but she feels like the two were showing her up. He tries to placate her and is told never to embarrass her again.

In the pub, Norris is doing a crossword at the bar. Gloria is curious and watches him write as Dennis tells a story about a person he used to know that could do the crossword without a mistake. Turns out he was doing the one from the day before all the time, checking out the answers in the current day's paper first! Is it me or does Norris look a tad guilty? Norris laughs it off but Gloria snatches the newspaper and compares the handwriting to that on the unflattering comment card and isn't surprised to see they match! Norris is appalled at the lack of confidentiality. Gloria lays into him and bars him and Mary both! Norris says plenty of folk agree with him. He's summarily ejected.

Kirsty is clearly getting more and more worked up as she sorts the baby's laundry. Nice sound effects with the kettle coming to a whistling boil in the background.

Ken prepares for the meeting and is second guessing himself. He worries that he's too old. Deirdre utters a phrase of doom "There's life in the old dog yet" (she may live to regret that!) She points out he hasn't even been officially offered the position yet. She encourages him because she knows he's right for the job.

Kirsty lays the baby down again, covering her carefully and winding up the mobile over the pram. She paces the room. The baby starts fussing a bit and Kirsty boils over like the kettle, sweeping dishes off the table and starts to scream at the baby and throwing the mobile into the corner.

Lloyd is sitting in a clinic. He's found the one where Jenna works and is waiting for her to come out. Eileen calls and Lloyd expresses doubts but she tells him he'll always have doubts if he doesn't stay and face her and try to get to know his daughter. Jenna comes through and is not happy to see him. She is busy and takes another client in to her office, glaring at Lloyd.

Ken has been successfully offered the governor's seat and now they have to elect a chair to replace Meredith but Mrs. Papadopoulous has not shown up yet. Brian is prepared to move on without her so that they can fill the Chair position but just then Mrs. P. rushes in and she's a familiar face to longtime viewers and certainly to Ken who gets that pained look on his face that he gets. Ken! Wendy! Yes it's Wendy Crozier as was! Brian wonders where they know each other from but she changes the subject and is trying to jump in and carry on. Brian suggests a tea break first, leaning in to ask Ken what's up. Ken admits he knew her as Wendy Crozier and she broke up his marriage to Deirdre. (She did???? She??) Needless to say, the gossip gene in Brian's make up has been piqued.

Tyrone arrives home to find Kirsty sweeping up pieces of broken crockery and mobile. He's horrified and she's upset, trying to defend herself. The baby wouldn't stop crying and she didn't know what to do and she snapped. Tyrone immediately assumes she's hurt the baby but of course she hasn't and is upset he'd think so. He insists on taking her to the doctor to be checked. She protests that she wouldn't hurt Ruby for her life and Tyrone menacingly says she'd better hope that's true!

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by John Anderson

This evening's second episode opens in the medical centre. As luck would have it Doctor Carter comes into reception just as Ty rushes in with baby Ruby, convinced that she may be hurt. Realising it may be serious the doctor ushers them straight through to his surgery.

Back home Kirsty is anxiously trying to call Ty's mobile but it goes straight through to voicemail. She leaves a desperate message, sobbing as she insists that although Ruby's crying all got too much for her, she didn't harm her. She adds that she knows she has no right to ask but asks Ty not to say anything to anyone.

Lloyd has gone round to see Jenna where she works but she's none too pleased to see him. She thinks her mum has sent him but he insists she hasn't and tells her that her mum's worried sick. Lloyd tries to get Jenna to see that he's just as shocked about the situation as she is but she threatens to call security if he doesn't leave.

At Bessie Street school, Wendy Crozier is addressing the governors' meeting and telling them why she would make a good Chairperson while Ken looks on with a perplexed expression on his face. Brian just looks bored. They stop for a brief break, giving Brian the opportunity to ask Ken for the lowdown on his relationship with Wendy. Ken tells him how their affair was over twenty years ago but when Brian suggests that Deirdre obviously managed to forgive and forget, Ken says that she may have forgiven him but she certainly hasn't forgotten. Ken tells Brian that there was never a dull moment in their relationship but it was totally exhausting and Brian observes that Wendy's not the obvious candidate for the role of Jezebel.

Back at the surgery Doctor Carter has finished examining Ruby and declares her fit and well, much to Ty's relief. He advises him to learn how to use the pram properly which was Ty's excuse for his concern over Ruby.

Over at the factory Kirk and Beth are having a quick kiss and a cuddle behind the packing boxes. Kirk takes a deep breath and tells Beth he could sniff her all day and never get bored. Beth takes it as a compliment when he tells her she smells better than a pie although she does look slightly alarmed when he adds that she smells even more gorgeous than the top of a dog's head. At that moment they're spotted by Michelle who tells them to get back to work. Beth explains that she and "the Kirkster" are now an item and Kirk wants to know why they can't be allowed a snog break if they're allowed a wee break. Beth suggests that Michelle's just jealous but it's a step too far when Beth points out that Steve's away admiring the Spanish senoritas and Ryan's busy getting it together with Tracy so Michelle puts her on a warning.

We return to the governors' meeting where Brian is introducing Ken and bigging up his achievements. Ken looks embarrassed when Brian suggests that Martin Luther King had nothing on him as an orator and even more so when he stands up to make his speech and has to fumble around in all of his pockets and briefcase to find his notes.

In Coronation Street Ty is sitting on bench with baby Ruby. His phone rings but when he sees it's Kirsty calling he switches it off. At that moment Fiz comes along with Beth and Kirk who, rather untactfully, says what a little cutie the baby is, adding that she looks nowt like Ty. Beth invites Ty to join her and Kirk for a swift half but he declines and Fiz stays for a chat with him. She sits down and asks Ty what's up. He tries saying everything's fine so Fiz tells him that Kirsty sent her and Sally packing and asks if Kirsty kicked off at him as well. Ty tells Fiz that she doesn't know the half of it so she suggests he goes back to hers, she'll stick the kettle on and they can have a good old chin wag.

Stella goes into the Kabin to buy some bonbons and is somewhat taken aback when Norris refuses to serve her. All becomes clear when she discovers that her mother is behind it. Norris doesn't explain exactly what went on but he advises Stella to go home and put her house in order while she's still got one.

Ty and Fiz have arrived at her house and she asks Ty what's bothering him. He starts by saying he's just had one of those days but then he decides to open up. He tells Fiz how Kirsty has pretty much trashed the place. Fiz starts to look concerned but tries to reassure Ty that Kirsty would never hurt Ruby because she loves her. So Ty says that she loved him too but it didn't stop her hurting him. At first Fiz thinks he means verbally but Ty puts her straight and tells Fiz that it's just like Tommy and Tina said: Kirsty hits him.

Fiz is shocked by what Ty's just told her but she swings into practical mode and tells Ty that he should go and fetch his stuff and that he and Ruby can stop with her for as long as they like. But Ty points out that's not going to help and that Kirsty is still Ruby's mum and they have to try and find a way to make things work. Fiz apologises and says she just can't bear the thought of Kirsty hurting him. She wants to know how long it's been going on and Ty opens up and tells her all the gory details of how it first started and all the times since. He tells Fiz that the worst bit was when she ruined the photo of him and Jack, the one which was taken just before he died. He says it was the first time he realised how cruel she could be. Fiz takes it all in and then tells Ty that nobody deserves to be treated like that. He apologises but Fiz reassures him that she's glad he told her. Ty then tells her that at least Kirsty's now seeing a counsellor but Fiz gently points out that it's obviously not working very well. She suggests Ty should try talking to the counsellor himself. He thinks it may not be allowed due to patient confidentiality but Fiz says he must try because he's leaving his baby alone with Kirsty every day and who knows what she might be capable of. Fiz tells Ty that the counsellor is trained to deal with situations like this and she'll know what to do. Ty thanks Fiz and tells her she's a good mate. At that moment his phone rings and he leaps up; it's Kirsty again. Fiz repeats her offer for him to stay with her but Ty starts to panic and asks Fiz not to breath a word. He says that if Kirsty finds out ... and then leaves the possibility of what might happen hanging in the air. Ty is going to go back home but Fiz tells him that if anything happens, night or day, he should grab Ruby and go straight to her house.

We return to Bessie Street where Brian is announcing the name of the new Chair of Governors. The winner, by one vote, is Ken. Wendy shakes his hand and offers her congratulations. Brian grabs him round the shoulder and tells Ken that he might have got off to a slow start but once he warmed up he was dynamite. As the others walk away, Ken is left talking to Wendy. He apologises and tells her he had no idea she was a governor at the school. She says it's not a problem but there is clearly a lot left unsaid between them. As Wendy gathers her things Ken tells her that it's good to see her. "You too," she says as she leaves...

In the Rovers Stella is trying to find out what Gloria did to upset Norris. Eva steps in and tells her Gran to enlighten Stella about opening the competition box and reading the comment cards. Stella can't believe it when she discovers that her mother not only read the cards but then barred Norris for writing uncomplimentary remarks. She insists her mother apologises so Gloria says sorry. "Not to me, you daft bat," says Stella. "I meant Norris."

On the other side of the pub Lloyd is telling Eileen about what happened when he went to see Jenna. He's all for ambushing her outside work but just as Eileen's advising him to back off, Doctor Carter comes in and Lloyd ambushes him instead. He tells him he's got a bad back and asks him how he should go about booking into see a physiotherapist. He has a particular one in mind and is pleased to learn from the doctor that he doesn't need a referral and can book himself an appointment to see Ms. Jenna Camara. Eileen rolls her eyes and tells Lloyd he's an idiot.

Along the street Tyrone has arrived home with Ruby. When Kirsty comes running down the stairs Ty says he's surprised to see her and that he thought she would have done a runner. Kirsty's contrite but when she says she's sorry Ty's responds by saying she always is. When Kirsty goes to take the baby from him to give her a bath and put her to bed, Ty hesitates before handing her over. "You do trust me with her, don't you?" asks Kirsty but from the look on Ty's face it would seem not. The moment she's safely upstairs, Ty opens her bag and takes out her mobile phone. He scrolls through the numbers and then makes a call to the counsellor. After he's explained who he is he tells her that the violence is getting worse and he's really worried. But as Ty listens to the response we see him begin to frown ...

Back in the Rovers Gloria is telling Stella she can't possibly bring herself to apologise to Norris. Her timing is less than perfect because just as she's complaining that Stella should be fighting her corner, not making her kowtow to "that little Hitler", who should walk in behind her but the man himself. Not surprisingly he tells Gloria he's never been so insulted in all his life.

At another table, Ken is having a drink with Brian who can't believe Ken is looking quite so miserable in view of his victory. But Ken feels far from happy with the situation and tells Brian he thinks he'll have to resign. Just at that moment a cheerful Deirdre comes bouncing in, wanting to know how Ken got on. Before he has a chance to reply, Brian grabs Ken's arm and imparts the good news. Deirdre is delighted and can't understand it when Ken tells her he thinks he may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Over at the bar Gloria is mumbling an apology to Norris who insists she speaks up. Stella offers him a couple of drinks on the house but Norris doesn't think that's much compensation in view of how he was treated and he gives Gloria a meaningful look as he tells her that he doesn't know what the judges are going to think of her cheating.

Michelle returns home to find Tracy and Ryan snogging on the sofa. "Oh, hi" says Tracy cheerfully as Michelle shoots her a filthy look before depositing a "present" on Ryan's chest. Her gift turns out to be a rent book. Ryan protests that he's skint and Dev only pays the minimum wage. Michelle offers a solution - he'll just have to stay in more. Tracy tells him that'll be fine, they can have lots of cosy nights in on the sofa so Michelle joins in her little game by telling them she's going to go on-line later and order a whole load of board games to keep them all amused.

Across the street, Kirsty comes down after putting Ruby to bed. Ty is waiting to confront her; he's just discovered that Kirsty has been lying to him and hasn't been going to see the counsellor. He's really, really angry but mainly because Kirsty promised she would never lie to him. He tells her that if they haven't got honesty in their relationship they've got nothing. Finally Ty is the one in control. Kirsty says she's sorry and that Ty means everything to her but he doesn't want to know and says she was given every opportunity but she obviously didn't care enough to want to fix the problem. Kirsty says she was too ashamed but Ty comes back at her that she thought it was alright to hit him but she didn't have the courage to try and speak to someone about it. Kirsty promises she'll get help and says Ty's got to believe her. "Why the hell should I?" he asks. Kirsty begs him not to give up on her but Ty replies it's too late, he already has. He adds that he's not going to go anywhere, that he's going to stay and look after Ruby and keep her safe. He tells Kirsty that Ruby's his priority now, not her.

Karen

Ken meets Brian in the street, and tells him he can't continue on the governing body. His relationship with Wendy cost him his marriage, Deirdre would be furious if she found out that he was seeing her again, in any capacity. Brian tells him to come to his office at about 1pm to sort out all the paperwork.

Michelle is making breakfast when Ryan comes out of his room, closely followed by Tracy who is wearing Michelle's dressing gown. "Sorry," says Tracy when this is pointed out to her, "I didn't realise. I found it hanging in the bathroom." Michelle asks if she thought it was Ryan's. They exchange a few more bitchy remarks before Tracy goes off to get dressed.

Tyrone pushes baby Ruby over to the garage and tells Kevin that he won't be in, and possibly not for the rest of the week. Kevin is furious, he's got lots of work and tells Ty he can't mess him around like this. Tyrone points out that Kevin himself had a lot of time off with Jack, and walks off.

Lloyd is in the taxi office, on the phone, making an appointment to see his daughter for an imaginary back problem. Eileen points out she'll recognise his name. "I haven't used my own name, I'm not that daft," says Lloyd. Eileen isn't sure this is the right way to go about it.

Along the Street, Tyrone meets Fiz and tells her how Kirsty hasn't been going to the counsellor, so now he can't trust her with Ruby. He looks across the road and sees Alison, Kirsty's mum, waiting at the bus stop. He rushes over and asks her if Kirsty called her. Tearfully, Alison says no, she arrived on the bus about an hour ago but has been sitting there thinking ever since. She wasn't sure they would want to see her after the way Ed was at their party. Tyrone assures her that wasn't her fault, and gets Ruby out of the pram and hands her to Alison for a cuddle.

Jenna is furious when she finds out that 'Mr Grimshaw' is in fact, Lloyd, but takes him through to her consulting room.

Tyrone takes Alison back home to Kirsty. "What are you doing here?" asks Kirsty, and wants to know if her dad knows she's there. Alison breaks down then, and tells her that she's left him. She packed her bags and now they don't have to be afraid of him any more.

In Jenna's room, Lloyd says he just wants to talk to her, they're in the same boat. "No, we're in different boats, and Mum's put a hole in mine," snaps Jenna. Lloyd begs her to spend some time with him so they can have a talk, and after that if she doesn't want to see him again, he promises she never will.

Alison tells Kirsty and Tyrone that she's staying in a refuge until she finds somewhere else. Kirsty wants to know if her dad knows about it. Alison assures her that he doesn't. Kirsty is worried that he'll turn up at their house, he could go berserk. Tyrone says they can't live their lives in fear. When Alison goes off to the loo, Tyrone tells Kirsty that her mum could stay with them and help out with Ruby. It could be the answer to their problems, after all they're hanging by a thread. Kirsty says she can't stay, it would be putting them all in danger from her dad. "You have to trust me on this," she says.

Michelle arrives at the salon for her appointment with Maria. David tells her Maria's gone for a doctor's appointment and not come back yet. Just then Maria comes back, looking a little flustered. At the same time, Tracy comes in, asking if she can be squeezed in. Maria can't do it, she's fully booked, but David says that he could fit her in. She sits down next to Michelle, saying how cosy it is, she and her boyfriend's mum enjoying an afternoon in the salon together!

Alison is about to leave Tyrone and Kirsty when Kirsty tells her they'll get her stuff from the refuge and she can have their front room.

Ken is waiting in Brian's office, while he faffs about with the printer. Just then Wendy comes in and Ken realises that he's been set up. Wendy says she was worried at first, but has slept on it and thinks it'll be fine. Ken however, isn't so sure. Wendy suggests they meet up another time and talk about it.

In the salon, Michelle and Tracy are both having rollers put in what looks like dry hair. Kylie says that even Madonna would find the age gap between Ryan and Tracy weird, and asks Michelle if she's all right with it. Michelle refuses to rise to the bait and says that Ryan is not a kid any more, he can do what he likes.

Kirsty and Alison arrive back home with Alison's things from the refuge. As she goes off to unpack, Tyrone says they didn't have any option, Kirsty needs help with Ruby. "What if it brings my dad round?" asks Kirsty, obviously terrified. Tyrone says he'll be there to protect her, and he hugs her.

In the salon, the conversation has turned to parenting skills. Michelle says that Amy spends so much time with Steve, Ken and Deirdre, it's a wonder she even recognises Tracy. Tracy then, in a loud voice, starts talking about Ryan and the cocaine. David tells her to keep her voice down, there are other customers present. In another moment, the two women are attacking each other, and David hustles them both out of the door, where they continue to brawl in the street, where they're seen by Ryan in the kebab shop. He comes running over and pulls them apart, and Ken comes along then too. Ryan tells Michelle he thought she was fine with it, but she says no, she's been waiting for him to see what an idiot he's been, and she doesn't want Tracy anywhere near her flat ever again.

In the taxi office, Lloyd tells Eileen that he and Jenna are meeting up tomorrow for a chat.

At Tyrone's house, there's suddenly a furious hammering on the front door. They tells Alison to get out into the back yard, quickly, and Tyrone opens the door. Kirsty dad bursts through it, shouting for Alison. "Where is she, I know she's here!" he yells, and runs upstairs. When he comes down, he comes face to face with Kirsty, holding the baby. "Come to see Ruby, have you, your granddaughter?" she says. He stops short, and then asks if she's seen her mum. "What do you mean, where is she?" asks Kirsty. He says that she's gone. Tyrone tells him to get out, and threatens to call the police, saying he's not scared of him. "Just go, you sad old man," says Tyrone as Ed goes off out of the door. Kirsty goes to the back door and lets her mother back in. "You're safe, Mum, he can't hurt you any more. He can't hurt either of us any more," she says, as Alison sobs on her shoulder.

Anne Logan

It's morning and all is calm at Tyrone's place. When Kirsty's mum, Alison, gets up there's a brief moment of panic as both women hear the phone ring and assume it must be Kirsty's dad. It isn't. Alison goes to see to Ruby and Tyrone tells Kirsty that this arrangement seems to be working. She tells him he can go back to work now her mum is there.

Ryan and Michelle breakfast together but there's tension over the toast. Michelle insists that she's the parent and she knows what's best for Ryan. Tracy's just using him and won't be welcome in the flat ever again, not ever, never!

Izzy and Gary breakfast in the cafe and are joined by Tina and Tommy. Oh, and Owen, which is a surprise. He wondered if they're all ready for the clinic, insists on buying the coffee and says how nice it is to see them all together. Controlling? Owen?

As Fiz wanders home from buying milk, she somehow diverts past the garage and is surprised to see Tyrone there. He tells her how much better things are now that Alison's staying and thinks this is the solution to all his problems. Fiz isn't so sure.

Ken's dressed in a swish jacket. Deirdre wonders why and then realises he wants to dress to impress for the governors' meeting. She suggests a different shirt and a tie and tells Ken she doesn't have to be in work for another hour or so, so why don't they have a fashion show.

Rita's in the cafe and has a few kind words for Tina, wishing her luck.

Lloyd straightens his tie using a taxi window as a mirror. Tie? "Are you in court today?" asks Eileen. He's not. He wants to impress Jenna and has just one hour in which to do that. Eileen suggests he just be himself but Lloyd thinks Jenna deserves better than that.

Tina, Tommy, Gary and Izzy wait at the bus stop for the bus to the fertility clinic. Owen comes over. He's got some time to himself and thinks he might tag along. Oh, for. . .! Izzy's a bit distressed by this but Tina bets her a pound she can gross him out with detailed talk about the workings of the female body.

In the cafe, Kirsty and her mum bond. Kirsty thinks Alison seems more relaxed than she's ever known her. She wants Alison to stay and admits she's been having trouble coping. Alison says Kirsty didn't have a lot of patience growing up and that she's happy to stay as long as she's needed.

Tracy rings Ryan and says she's outside. She suggests coming up, since Michelle is out but then sees Michelle heading home for lunch. As Michelle heads inside, Ryan says quickly that Michelle will be out tonight around 6pm.

As Alison and Kirsty head home a man is watching. Oops, it's Kirsty's dad. He's about to approach them but sees Tyrone coming and hides.

Tracy arrives and Ryan lets her into the flat.

Jenna and Lloyd are in the bistro. Gail assumes Lloyd will want a lager and is so startled when he asks for the wine list that she double and triple checks that he does really want to see it. Lloyd makes out the bistro is his local and that he's a big wine drinker. Jenna says she isn't and she tests him a bit by asking about his favourite wine or wine-growing region. She still seems quite defensive.

Ryan and Tracy snog on the sofa. He hears someone on the stairs and pleads for Tracy to hide in the bedroom but of course she doesn't and Michelle comes in looking for her phone. She's furious. Tracy tells her she can't stop two people who love each other from being together. She refuses to get out. "If you want me out you're going to have to throw me out." Ryan asks her to go so he can talk to Michelle one-to-one.

Tyrone, Kirsty and Alison finish their meal and have a brief argument about who should do the washing up. Alison says Kirsty looks tired and sends her for a lie down. The washing-up question is settled when Ruby cries and Tyrone goes to settle her.

Michelle's really angry that Ryan couldn't even last 24 hours after she banned Tracy from the flat. He can't understand why she's so against Tracy. Michelle wants him to be happy but not with someone twice his age.

Wendy and Ken enjoy a coffee together and discuss Brian and the school. Both agree there are improvements to be made at the school. Wendy says there's a school inspection coming up and Brian needs guidance from them.

Lloyd's presenting himself as a businessman who's pulled himself up by his bootstraps. He and Jenna look at the menu and she admits she's more a pie-and-chips kind of girl. Lloyd admits his favourite meal is hotpot - at the Rovers. He admits he only brought her to the bistro to impress her and he thought that since she had a degree she'd like that better than the Rovers, his real spiritual home. They agree to move to the Rovers and to cancel the hour at the bistro.

Tyrone's in the yard drinking from a can and rocking Ruby in her stroller in the hope the fresh air will make her go to sleep. He hears a crash inside and rushes in. Alison is distraught because she's broken something and you can see she fears Tyrone reacting in the same way her husband would have. She's almost cowering. Tyrone settles her down and helps her clean up.

Michelle's got a calculator and is trying to work at the table in the flat. Ryan interrupts to ask if he can ask just one question. "Can you accept Tracy as my girlfriend?" No, Michelle can't. He goes back to his room and returns with his guitar and a packed bag. "This is never going to work so I'm going to live with Tracy."

Tyrone finishes helping Alison and goes back into the yard. His lager has been knocked over and the back gate is open. The stroller is empty. "Ruby!" He races down the ginnel and out to the street but there's no sign of the baby.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Martin Allen
Directed by: John Anderson

Tyrone is in a blind panic, after running down the ginnel and out onto the street there is no sign of Ruby, or who took her. He runs back into the house and yells to Kirsty to come down, and screams the news at them that Ruby has been kidnapped.

Lloyd & Jenna have arrived at the Rovers, and they seem to be really enjoying each other's company. They order lagers and hotpots, and Jenna is delighted to hear that it is also served with red cabbage. (I must say, I never saw anyone eating red cabbage with it in Betty's day!)

Tracy answers the door to Ryan, who invites himself inside carrying a backpack and a guitar. Tracy tells him they are just about to have their tea, and asks him why he has all the stuff with him. Ryan informs her that he has just had a mega row with his Mum, and has told her he is off to live with Tracy. "You're cool with that aren't you?", he says, as Tracy's jaw drops and Deirdre looks positively horrified.

Kirsty and Tyrone are frantically going from house to house asking if anyone has seen Ruby, when they get to Fiz, she immediately tells them she will get Katy to look after Hope while she helps look for her. I knew this was coming, Kirsty, while she should be busy looking, takes the time to rant at Tyrone and her mother for leaving Ruby alone, as if they don't feel badly enough already.

Ken and Wendy have moved on from school business and are now discussing more personal things. Wendy asks if Ken has told Deirdre that he is working alongside her. Ken admits that he has been dragging his feet on telling her, because she hates her, with good reason. Wendy wants to know what happened when he left her to go back to Deirdre, and he tells her that it wasn't easy, that they had divorced, he went on to have a son with someone else, (Daniel with Denise Osbourne if you have forgotten), and that Deirdre had married a man she met on holiday in Morocco, (Samir - remember?). Wendy asks what happened, and Ken explains that Daniel is 17 now, living not far away, and he sees him when he can. (When he can? he has been retired until now, he has no excuse! Sorry, but Ken's poor parenting with all his children has always been a thorn in my side!) He goes on to tell Wendy that he and Deirdre remarried 7 years ago. (He omits telling her that she wasn't his last fling, that he has cheated on Deirdre since then with Martha - and she on Ken with Dev!)

He asks Wendy about her story since they last met. She tells him that she was alone for a year, then met Christos Papadapolous, with whom she fell in love and married. She goes on to say that his company had moved him to Norfolk, so they lived there for 15 years until he died of lung cancer. Ken asks if she had been happy, and she replies that she had been extremely happy, and had moved back to Manchester because her house in Norfolk held too many memories for her.

Ryan is relating the story of his split with Michelle, he is relishing the memory of the look on his mother's face when he had told her he was off to live with Tracy. (Tracy is smiling, but methinks this was not in her overall plan, and I know it wasn't in Deirdre's - and won't be in Ken's when he gets home either!) Tracy is obviously thinking along the same lines as me, because she tells Ryan that while she would love for him to stay there, her Dad would never allow it, and will probably throw her out as well. Deirdre steps in at this point and surprises both Tracy and me by saying that she should speak to Ken, that he might not be as unreasonable as she thinks, in fact she is willing to speak to him on her behalf. Tracy protests that he will say that she is just using Deirdre to do her dirty work for her, but Deirdre insists. As Deirdre leaves for the kitchen, Tracy turns to Ryan and explains to him that her mother is just being kind, and the truth is that her father will hit the roof, she asks if there is somewhere else he can stay. Ryan is crushed, he thought Tracy would be over the moon to have him live there with her. She assures him that if she had her own place she would be, but surely he can see how she's fixed? She strokes his face and tells him she is sorry.

Lloyd and Jenna are still getting along well over their hotpot meal. She apologises for giving him such a hard time, as it's her mother she should be upset with, not him. He defends Mandy by saying she did what she thought best.

She asks him to tell her all about the real Lloyd, and he tells her she already knows about the humble back street cab company. She asks why he is putting himself down, and he explains that he feels she is doing much better than him, with her university background and everything. She explains that after all the lies she has been told, she just wants him to be straight with her.

He assures Jenna he is being straight. She asks if he is married, and he replies that he has always been unlucky in love. She asks if he loved her mother, and he replies that he worshipped the ground she walked on, but she chose Johnny and he didn't see her again for thirty years. Jenna remarks that they both had their worlds turned upside down. Lloyd tells her that his was for the best after meeting her. She snaps that he doesn't know anything about her, but he says he is learning, and besides, he is a good judge of character.

Jenna tells him it feels weird talking to him, she feels as if she is betraying her Dad. She pulls herself up short, and says the man she thought was her Dad. Lloyd reassures her that he is not looking to take the place of her Dad, so she asks what exactly it is that he is looking for. He tells her he just wants to get to know her, but only if she wants that too. She smiles, and tells him she appreciates him saying that.

Tyrone, Kirsty and Alison run back into No. 9 intending to call the police. As they burst into the living room, who should be standing there, holding Ruby, but Kirsty's father. He is very calm, and hands a congratulations card to Kirsty, at the same time telling Alison that he came looking for her the other day, but couldn't find her. Kirsty holds her shaking arms out, and asks him to give Ruby to her. He does, telling her she has been as good as gold. The moment Kirsty sees that Ruby is alright, her demeanour changes, and she snarls at her father to get out. He replies that it's not very nice to have your nearest & dearest suddenly taken from you, and wanted them to know how it feels. Tyrone is incredulous, and asks if that is why he snatched her? "Snatched?" he replies, "You make it sound as if I wasn't going to bring her back!" He explains that he is not a nutcase who would put a baby in harms way, this is his granddaughter. Kirsty asks him what his game is, as he has never shown an interest in his granddaughter before. He replies that he just wanted to have a chat before he takes his wife home where she belongs. As they look at each other in horror, he goes on to say with a smile that he could murder a cup of tea if there is one going.

Ryan is sitting at the bus stop on the phone to a mate, and getting nowhere on finding someone to put him up. Sophie comes along and asks what he is up to. She feels he has had a lucky escape at Tracy turning him down. He protests that everyone has Tracy wrong, they just don't know her like he does. Sophie is obviously not convinced, but lets it go. She suggests his best bet would be to make things up with his mother, but he tells her he would sleep in a shop doorway before he crawled back to her. She then tells him she will ask her mother if he can stay with them for a bit. He rather likes that idea, but Sophie looks a bit worried.

In No. 6 everyone is back from the clinic and having a cup of coffee. Owen has decided to take care of his investment, and is reading all the literature, telling Tina what she should and shouldn't be doing, like drinking black coffee - in fact no caffeine at all. Gary assures him it is decaf, and Izzy tells him to stop causing Tina stress, that they have all read the literature, and know what they are doing. She points out to Owen that if he keeps it up, Tina will run a mile. She assures Owen it isn't that she doesn't want him involved, but needs him to back off. He takes the hint and leaves them to it.

Back in No. 9, Ed is finishing his tea. Kirsty tells Alison she mustn't go home with him, because she knows what will happen as soon as she gets there. Ed snarls at her that Alison is going with him, and there is absolutely nothing Kirsty can do about it.

Ken is asking Wendy if she holds any grudges against him for rejecting her all those years ago. Wendy points out that it was 20 years ago, they have both moved on since then, met different people and led different lives. She tells him that there is a whole new dynamic between them now, and she couldn't work with him otherwise. He smiles and tells her that as long as she is sure, then it's OK with him too. She says that they are now friendly, relaxed and professional, what could possibly go wrong? (Soap Opera Phrase of Doom alert?)

Sophie is begging Sally to put Ryan up. She really doesn't want to, not only because of his reputation of late, but also because she works for Michelle and feels it would be awkward to say the least. Ryan gets up to leave, and winces. Sally asks what is wrong, and is told he has a back problem that plays up from time to time. Gullible Sally relents and tells him he can stay. Ha ha! Maybe not so gullible, because as he is going up the stairs, she calls him back and tells him to lose the bad back routine as he is a terrible actor. (She might be right about one thing, but it has nothing to do with his back, and nothing to do with Ryan for that matter! OK, I am saying that I'm not impressed with the acting abilities of Sol Heras so far.)

Kirsty comes down from upstairs, and Ed asks if Alison is ready to go yet. She replies in the negative, and he makes to go and help her. Kirsty bars his way, telling him he is making her go somewhere she doesn't want to go, and accuses him of being an evil bully. He is furious and lunges at Kirsty, but Tyrone jumps between them. Ed, still shaking with anger tells them that he will go and get the car while he is waiting for her. As he leaves, Tyrone tells Kirsty not to provoke him as it will make it worse for her mother. Kirsty replies that it's already too late for that.

Ryan, Sophie and Sally are walking back from the chip shop when they bump into Michelle. She asks why he is with them when he had said he was staying with Tracy. He explains that Ken didn't want him there, and she retorts that he is stupid if he thinks it was only Ken who didn't want him there. She asks him to come home, but he says he can never trust her again after only pretending to like Tracy. She points out that it is Tracy who doesn't really want him. This just angers him, and he takes off into No. 4 with Sophie and Sally.

Back in the Rovers, Lloyd is asking Jenna why she became a physiotherapist. She explains that she hurt her knee when she was 14 and decided it looked like an interesting job, so went to University and never looked back. Just then, Gloria appears at their table gushing syrup, and suggests if they are enjoying their visit, it would be a good time to fill in the comment cards and help them win the pub of the year contest.

Ed comes back, and after shouting to Alison upstairs to hurry up, he decides to have a go at Tyrone, who is folding Ruby's laundry. He makes a snide remark about him being one of these 'new men', Tyrone scowls and tells him he is helping Kirsty bring up their daughter, if that is what he is referring to. He is not backing off, and tells Ty that it's too bad that Kirsty lost her job, otherwise he could have been a full time househusband. That remark gets to Kirsty, as he knew it would, and he suggests to Ty that perhaps he is with the wrong person. "Like Mum is, you mean?", says Kirsty. "I BEG your pardon?" says Ed, and Tyrone urges Kirsty to leave it, but she can't, and goes on to say "Under a tyrant's thumb, wondering where the next slap is coming from". He is angry again now, and tells her to watch her tongue, but she is on a roll, and tells him that is his idea of being a man, and asks if that is what he is going to do when he gets Alison home, to teach her a lesson. He loses it, and jumps at her, telling her not to dare talk to him like that. Once again, Tyrone jumps between them, and tells him to leave and wait outside. To make sure he does, he pushes him out the front door, which looks a little silly, because Ty is only about half as tall as Ed.

As soon as they get outside, Ed spins around and takes a swing at Tyrone, who ducks, and it all kicks off, which attracts the attention of many of the neighbours. However, Alison appears and steps between them, saying to leave it, she is coming home now. Kirsty urges her to stay, but she knows her leaving is the only thing that will diffuse the situation, so gets her bag. Tyrone shouts at Ed that he only thinks he is a big man, scaring a mother and a little baby. Ed tells him to get back to his nappy folding, and Ty retorts that his little girl will grow up to love him, which is something he, Ed, will never have. Ed tries to take another swing at Tyrone, but many people intervene this time, and Beth offers to call the police. Ed checks himself, grabs Alison's bag and throws it angrily into the car. Kirsty once again begs her mother not to go, but she assures her she will be fine. She pleads with her to call when she gets home, but Alison is silent, doesn't want to make a promise she might not be able to keep.

As they drive off, Fiz asks Tyrone what that was all about, but he just mutters that it's over now, and herds Kirsty back into the house.

Deirdre is asking Ken how his meeting went, and how people liked his suit. He tells her it went well, but doesn't think anyone noticed the suit. She asks if he feels differently about it all now, as he had been talking about standing down the other night. He tells her that he has decided to stay with it, which pleases her a lot. She tells him he has a lot to offer, and "Besides, it will keep you out of mischief, which is never a bad thing", says she knowingly. (Oh dear Deirdre, if only you knew how much mischief he could get into).

The gossip in one corner of the Rovers is about the shenanigans at No. 9, with Beth and Sean speculating on what could have occurred, between one minute everyone looking for the baby, and the next Kirsty's Dad taking swings at people in the street. Juicy gossip indeed!

In another corner, the topic of conversation is Owen, Tina is telling Izzy and Gary that she understands where he is coming from, and she really doesn't mind. Gary points out to Izzy that at least he has promised to back off now, so it should all be OK. Izzy nods.

In yet another corner, Tracy sits herself down next to Michelle, asking if Ryan is back with her. She delights in telling her he is with Sally Webster, and gloats that he hadn't told her himself.

Kirsty has managed to speak to her mother, who tells her she is OK, but Kirsty doesn't really believe her. As soon as she gets off the phone, she turns on Tyrone, blaming him for the whole mess. He tries to stick up for himself, but the row escalates and escalates and she finally screams at him that if he hadn't invited them to her party in the first place, none of it would have happened. That if she had had her way all along, none of this would have happened. She is beside herself with anger now, and picks up the silver rattle from the sideboard and throws it across the room, hitting Tyrone in the head.

The episode ends with her looking horrified, and him looking totally betrayed and injured once again.

Christine
P.S. I hope that either Wendy is here for a short visit, or stays and marries Ken, because I don't want to keep having to look to see how ITV spell the name Papadapolous!! Personally I would have spelled it Papadopoulos, but the former is how it is on the ITV website.

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

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