It's the first Friday episode and as Lewis and Audrey arrive on the street, he wants to discuss how good a Ceanothus will look in the garden in a couple of years' time and she wants to change the subject.

Ken's in the dog house. How many times does he have to explain? A: Several thousand and Deirdre still won't believe him. She's quite sure he cheated on her. Ken tells her to meet him for lunch next door so he can prove she's wrong.

Audrey's gone to Gail's where she says her nerves are shredded. Gail claims it's all for Audrey's own good and Gail will be delighted to be proven wrong. Yeah, right!

Kirsty is very very grumpy indeed. It seems Ruby woke five times during the night and Tyrone didn't wake up once. Now Kirsty's slept through her alarm and is late for work.

Of all the physiotherapists in all the world, fancy Jenna being the one assigned to work with Sophie in the hospital. After a quick chat, Sophie and Kevin realise where they've seen Jenna before.

Gloria's in the cafe and grabs Audrey to tell her how well the plan is going. She's going to ask Lewis to run away with her and then they can all go round to Audrey's to catch him packing his clothes. He's only after her spondulicks, Gloria reckons. Audrey thinks Gloria is dreadfully mean spirited but Glo points out that Lewis has already lied to Audrey.

Tina and Tommy are barely talking. Tina suggests a movie but Tommy thinks that would be just burying their heads in the sands for a couple of hours.

Back at the hospital, Jenna discovers the joy of trying to work when Sally's around. She tries to get across to Sophie that her recovery is going to be a long, hard slog. Sally would rather tell Sophie she'll be doing cartwheels in no time.

In the back room of the Rovers, Lewis goes to see Gloria. She wants to make the most of the time she's got left. She's got a hankering for the sea. Lewis suggests going to Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormley's iron men (I'm with Lewis on this - they're brilliant). Gloria has warmer waters in mind. Preferably with some Mediterranean sand thrown in. Lewis suggests she book a holiday and take Eva with her but Gloria tells him she has a different companion in mind - him! Before he can react, Stella arrives home.

In the Rovers, Wendy arrives at Ken's invitation, followed soon by Deirdre. Neither woman is very keen on this but Ken urges Wendy to tell Deirdre exactly what happened the other night.

Stella's still in the way, checking the mail, talking about presents and unpacking. Anyone would think she'd just got back from time away. Oh, wait. . . Once they've hustled Stella off upstairs, Lewis tells Gloria he can't possibly go with her. "Sorry."

Wendy tells exactly what happened the other night, to Ken's relief. He fell asleep sitting upright and Wendy left him there. Deirdre agrees she's telling the truth, but she wants more. She wants Wendy to resign from the board of governors - it's the only way to prove she's not a homewrecker. Wendy has no intention of resigning and Deirdre walks out.

Lewis tells Gloria he's obviously been giving mixed signals. He thinks she's terrific and he's glad to be her friend but he loves Audrey. Awww! Gloria's mistaken his friendship and brotherly concern for something more. Gloria points out that he lied to Audrey about them going to the dog track. Lewis says Audrey would have asked more questions and Gloria had sworn him to secrecy about her condition. He wishes she'd tell Stella about that. Gloria's ill, vulnerable and lonely but he and Audrey are rock solid. "I adore her. I just want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Away from Sophie's room, Sally approaches Jenna about her negativity. She says Sophie's just a child and things have to be sugar-coated. Jenna disagrees. This is going to be hard work and she's being honest with Sophie.

Gloria's gone to Gail's to report in. "He turned me down." Gail's appalled. Audrey's triumphant. Gail thinks Lewis is just playing the long game and will soon change his mind. Gloria tells her she has to admit defeat. Gail? Hah!

Lewis has arranged to meet Stella and Eva in the cafe. He breaks the news to them that Gloria is terribly ill. Terminally ill. They're stunned. Gloria loves to be the centre of attention. The slightest sniffle has her reaching for the medical dictionary and calling things by their Latin names to make them sound worse. She doesn't do stoical. Lewis admits Gloria thought they were more than friends and now he feels as if he's kicked her while she's down. She needs support.

Tina sees Owen and Izzy in the cafe. They ask her and Tommy out for a drink. At first Tina refuses but then she agrees they'll meet in the Rovers later. Tommy's not completely on board but he can't refuse a free pint.

Rob has a go at Kirsty who's not having a good day. He tells her there are plenty of workers out there who are better timekeepers than she is.

Lewis, Stella and Eva have gone to see Gloria? Who on earth's in the bar, then? Stella and Eva are terribly solicitous and Gloria has to confess she's not ill and it was all a honeytrap dreamed up by Gail. Lewis realises even her 12,500-pound win was fake.

Ken's round at Wendy's. She asks him about Martha and they chat. She invites him to kiss her and Ken recoils in horror.

Lewis arrives at Gail's to confront her. He says a story about someone dying was a terrible thing to cook up. Audrey acts unconvincingly horrified. Lewis realises she isn't horrified enough. He demands to know whether Audrey was in on this. She admits she knew about the plan. "But I certainly did not sanction it." Lewis is stricken. "You stood by and did nothing? You?"

And that's it for the first episode.

Margaret Carr

Written by: Debbie Oates
Directed by: Griff Rowland

We open with a right barney going on between Lewis, Audrey and Gail. He is furious, mostly because Audrey didn't have enough faith in him to put a stop to the honey trap when she found out about it. She is pleading with him to let it go, he passed the test as she knew he would, and that is the end of the matter. He doesn't see it that way however, and feels betrayed by her. He tells her that only this morning he was so sure of their relationship, even thinking about marriage and their future, and now he can't believe that he was being tested in such an underhanded way with her knowledge. He storms out of the house, leaving Audrey devastated.

Someone else is storming out too, this time it is Ken, and he is storming out of Wendy's, he is absolutely affronted that she made a pass at him. She tells him she is sorry she misread the signals, he assures her he was giving out no signals whatsoever. She begs to differ, saying he was always going on about what a trial it was at home, and the fact that he hadn't been telling Deirdre when he would be seeing her. Ken retorts that the only reason he did that was to protect Deirdre, and that was all he ever cared about. Wendy now shows her true colours by telling him that they can still protect Deirdre, that she can live with that. She understands that he won't leave her, but they can be discreet. In desperation, Ken tells her that he doesn't find her attractive, and would happily never see her again in his entire life. "How much clearer do I need to be!!" He yells as he marches out the door, leaving a very crushed Wendy.

Audrey is trying to reach Lewis on his mobile, but he is not answering. Gail tells her that in time she will look back on today as a good thing. It was the day that Lewis finally proved to her that he was trustworthy, and that he should understand after all the stunts he has pulled on her in the past. Audrey is not so sure about that, she is really upset that he has been so hurt. Gail barrels on regardless though, and tells her that it is just his pride that is hurt, and that now he has said out loud that he wants to marry her, she is sure that a proposal will be coming her way very shortly.

Nick arrives and in the course of conversation Audrey finds out that he had seen Gloria and Lewis having dinner in the Bistro, and is put out that he hadn't had the foresight to tell her about it. She leaves to go home and eat humble pie where Lewis is concerned.

Deirdre is back from the supermarket with some aubergines to bake up for dinner, remarking to Tracy it's because Ken hates them. Ken arrives home with some steaks and offers to cook dinner, but Deirdre is not about to be won over, and tells him she doesn't want to look at his smug face while they eat. She suggests he ask Roy to cook his stupid steak because she doesn't want it in her grill pan.

Kirsty arrives home from work to find Tyrone dozing in the chair. She tells him she can smell something burning, which he thinks is his chicken pie, but is relieved to find out it is only something on the bottom of the oven. She has him apologising for having the heating on all day in order to get the washing dry, and apologising for having a nap during the day when he couldn't wake up to Ruby during the night. In fact she accuses him of pretending to be asleep at night so she has to do it, then it is his fault that she was late and got a verbal warning at work. Just then Ruby starts crying, and she tells him to see to her as she is going for a bath.

Audrey is back at Gail's, and this time she is in tears. She tells her that Lewis has gone, taken all his clothes and left a note to say that she had made it evident that their relationship was a sham. Through her tears, she angrily asks Gail why she had ever listened to her.

Lewis enters the Rovers, and refuses the offer of a drink from Gloria. He tenders his resignation to Stella, telling her he is leaving town. He is evidently still boiling angry, especially with Gloria. He tells Stella to make up his wages and to give them to Audrey to pay for his share of the utility bills. He then turns to Gloria and gives her a piece of his mind, he tells her she is nefarious and utterly without conscience, and he hopes he never has the misfortune of seeing her again. After he leaves, Gloria turns to Stella and asks "What's nefarious?".

Kevin comes out of the Kebab shop in time to see Jenna ringing Lloyd's doorbell. He tells her she just missed him, that he has gone for a romantic meal with his girlfriend. Jenna corrects him, saying that Lloyd had told her he didn't have a girlfriend. Kevin replies that he certainly does, and that her name is Mandy. Jenna laughs and says that she's not his girlfriend, they are mates from way back. Kevin contradicts her once again, saying that Lloyd had told him they were seeing each other. Jenna is not best pleased to hear that!

Nick is driving down the street and sees Lewis walking along with his bags packed. He pulls over to speak to him. Lewis tells him that if Audrey has sent him, he is not changing his mind. Nick assures him that Audrey hasn't sent him, and that he knew nothing about Gail and Gloria's scheme. He tries to explain to Lewis that the whole thing stemmed from a misguided worry of Gail's for her mother's well being, and that he shouldn't allow it to destroy his relationship with Audrey, because he knows she loves him and that he is sure they can work things out given time. Lewis, still angry, tells him he is equally sure they can't, and that he has moved out, and quit his job. Nick asks him if he doesn't think he is over reacting somewhat? He suggests he sleep on it, because what he is doing will break his Gran's heart.

In the Barlow's kitchen they are finishing up their delicious meal of baked aubergines. Just then there is a knock at the door. Tracy answers and is shocked to see Wendy P. standing there. Wendy remarks that the last time she saw her, she was a sulky teenager, and Tracy bites back that the last time she saw her, she was a homebreaking cow! Not deterred, Wendy walks right in. Deirdre demands to know what she wants, because whatever she has to say, she is not about to trust a single word that comes out of her mouth. Wendy informs her that back in the pub this afternoon, she would have been right not to trust what she said, because she wasn't telling her the whole truth. Deirdre doesn't want to hear it, and tells her to leave, but Wendy is determined she should hear what she has to say. She tells her she will be putting in a formal complaint to Brian Packham about Ken, as he has been making improper advances towards her. She goes on to tell her that when she told her earlier that Ken had slept on her sofa, it was true, but only after she had ordered him from her bedroom after he had made three attempts to persuade her otherwise.

Deirdre demands that she leave her house immediately. Wendy quietly tells her that she thinks she knows that she is not lying this time, and that she would like her to tell Ken to keep away from her. Deirdre looks totally crushed as she leaves. Tracy tells her mother that she must be lying, but Deirdre believes her, saying she just knew it was happening all over again.

Tyrone is checking his phone in his living room, then gets up and is almost out the front door when Kirsty comes down the stairs wanting to know where he is going. He looks nervous, but tells her that he needs to go to the shop for some baby lotion, and that as Ruby is asleep, and he didn't want to wake her, he thought he would nip out quickly. He was expecting her to kick off, but she is sweetness itself, and suggests he picks up a nice bottle of wine while he is out, for which she gives him the money, but tells him to be sure to put the change back in her coat pocket, as she will need it for her lunch tomorrow. She then apologises for the way she spoke to him earlier, saying it was just getting a reprimand at work, it made her feel like she was back in school.

She may be the one apologising, but it is Tyrone who is saying he is sorry it happened, that it was all his fault, and that it will never happen again. He promises to take all the night feeds himself, and says he will even make up a bed in Ruby's room, so she won't be disturbed. That suits Kirsty just fine, and she tells him not to be long.

Kevin sees Jenna standing outside Lloyd's flat, and excitedly tells her that Sophie is doing well, and has insisted on sitting up. He apologises to her if he put his foot in it earlier by telling her that Lloyd was going out with Mandy. He is under the impression that Jenna is interested in Lloyd. She puts him straight, saying that he is her father. She then accepts his earlier offer of a drink while she waits for him.

Tina is just going into the flat as Tommy is leaving. He tells her he is off out to pick up some cans, so she tells him she has agreed that they will meet up with Gary and Izzy later for a drink. He is not pleased about that at all, and slams the door in her face.

Audrey is having no luck contacting Lewis from Gail's house, and is very agitated. Gail on the other hand points out that he didn't leave a cheque behind for the £10,000 she paid to Penny on his behalf when he left. Audrey doesn't want to concern herself about that however, she is more concerned about finding him.

The doorbell rings, and in comes the topic of their conversation. Gail decides to be tactful and leaves them alone to talk, however, warns her mother to keep what she has been saying in mind. Audrey tells Lewis she has been home and has seen his note. She begs him to allow her to explain things properly.

Tina is in the flat now, and is trying to get Tommy to explain his mood swings. He is having trouble explaining it, but tells her he is finding it difficult getting his head around it, even though he is trying his hardest to support her in the surrogacy thing. He points out that she should have asked him first before agreeing to go out with Izzy and Gary. It's one thing to support her, but quite another to have to be happy about it, and go out playing happy families with them. He tells her he really loves her, but he finds all this a struggle sometimes. She replies that she loves him too, and that they should forget about going out with the others tonight, but should spend some time together instead. She tells him that it is fine if he struggles with it sometimes, just as long as he tells her, so they can handle it together. Tommy agrees.

Gail is now having a go at Gloria, telling her she went right over the top with the dying thing. Pointing out that it hadn't been part of the plan to do that. Gloria tells her that it would have been except Gail has no imagination. She points out that no con-man is likely to tie himself to a wealthy woman if he is going to have to stick around for thirty years before he gets any of it. Eva comes up and suggests to Gail that she takes off and does her old lady plotting in the Flying Horse. Gail says she was just pointing out that the dying bit wasn't her idea.

Kevin and Jenna are getting along well. Kev tells her he is very grateful to her for all she is doing for Sophie, and knows Sally has been giving her a hard time, but he knows she is doing the right thing by her. Jenna tells him that Sophie has a lot of grit and determination, which will get her through. The subject switches to Lloyd and Mandy, Kevin suggests that the reason he hadn't told Jenna about her is because it's a new relationship, but Jenna tells him that the reason is more likely to be because she is her Mum. Jenna feels Lloyd is just trying to make her look stupid, but Kevin tells her that he isn't like that, that he would trust Lloyd with his life. He suggests she gives him a chance, because he figures she and Lloyd have a lot in common.

Audrey is still trying to convince Lewis that she trusts him implicitly, he asks her if she needs proof, which she denies vehemently. She tells him that he can't really blame Gail for not trusting him. He replies that he doesn't blame Gail, but it was her not trusting him that hurt so much. Audrey insists that she just made a mistake, that she got drawn into someone else's nonsense.

Lewis tells Audrey that although she may think he's a hypocrite, but it was her believing him so implicitly that made it all seem so possible, made him believe in himself again, to believe he had the ability to change, and face all those people who looked at him with such doubt. He could go home to her each evening and shut the door, and know that she believed in him, and loved him. Audrey assures him that she does love him, that she just had a momentary doubt, fueled by Gail, that when Penny showed up, she wondered how many more there would be. She begs him to forgive her. He thinks about it for a moment, then tells her he needs some air, and off he goes.

Back at No. 1, Ken comes back home through the back door, and asks if it's safe to come in yet. He gets a very cold reception from Deirdre and Tracy, and they let him know about Wendy's visit, and what she had to say. He is shocked, and of course denies it, but Deirdre tells him she has been put in this place too many times before, and doesn't have the strength to listen to his pathetic excuses and lies. With that she takes off to bed.

Over at Gail's, Audrey is relieved to see Lewis come back inside. He tells her he needs to ask a question, and wants her to answer completely honestly. He asks, "When you heard I had turned Gloria down, what did you feel?" She replies that she felt she had been right. That she felt relief that Gail had been proved wrong. He jumps on the word 'relief', and tells her that she would only have felt relief if she'd had fear, fear that she'd been doubting him. Audrey protests that the relief was because Gail had been wittering on for nothing. Lewis insists that what Audrey had felt was hope that Gail was wrong, and relief when she found out she was. He goes on to say that she wasn't the woman he thought he knew, and tells her it's over.

Audrey follows him to the door, she can't believe he can call it a day over this, considering some of the things he has done in the past. But he bids her goodbye, and leaves, just as Gail arrives. Audrey turns on Gail, and tells her this is all her fault, hers and Gloria's. Gail asks if she asked him about the money, and Audrey really loses it, telling her to shut up - she doesn't want to hear it! She rushes out, saying she is going to lock up the Salon. She doesn't get far though, running in the pouring rain, she just gets to the nearest wall, and leans against it sobbing her heart out.

Poor Audrey, I really want it to work out with Lewis for her. But what if Gail's right? He could be in on it with Penny. But let's look on the bright side, Nigel Havers who plays Lewis is booked to do Pantomime over Christmas, so maybe this is just a storyline to give him a break from the Street for a few weeks. Hopefully he will be back when he is done with being a Panto villain!

Christine Warren

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Peter Rose

Lewis and Nick are wandering up the street, reminiscing about Guy Fawkes night. Nick says the council have put a stop to the bonfire on the Red Rec but the Rovers are having a do later. Lewis thanks Nick for allowing him to stay. They draw level with the salon just as Audrey's going in and she and Lewis greet each other awkwardly. Next to come along the street is Gloria. Lewis makes it very clear how bitter he's feeling. He tells her that he even shed a tear for her when he believed she was dying but all he's got for his troubles was a wonderful relationship going up in smoke. We see Audrey peering out at him through the salon blinds.

Over at Maria's Marcus and Aiden are having breakfast together when Maria's phone goes. Aiden is reading out snippets from the paper but Marcus isn't paying attention: he's distracted by the fact that Jason has rung Maria.

The Barlows' breakfast has also been interrupted by the phone. In this case it's Brian ringing to tell Ken that there's going to be a formal investigation. Tracy says rightly so and Ken tells her to cut it out. Ken says Wendy's acting like Monica Lewinsky and Deirdre retorts that Ken reckons he's Bill Clinton. "Better hide the cigars," quips Tracy. But Ken's in no mood for jokes. He says he should never have driven Wendy home or gone in for a drink. "So why did you?" asks Deirdre, not unreasonably. Ken tells Deirdre she drove him to it because of the hostility he felt at home. He vehemently denies anything went on and insists Wendy was the one who made a pass at him but Deirdre tells him that, for an innocent man, he's doing an awful lot of fretting. "This is slander," declares Ken as he leaves to take Eccles for a walk.

Over at the Rovers, Gloria is painting her toes and fingernails when the phone rings. With no one else available to answer she hobbles into the hallway. As she takes the call and hears who's on the other end, her initial curt response alters and her voice suddenly changes. "I beg your pardon?" she says, with a look of astonishment.

Out in bar Stella is talking to Mandy and discussing menus when Gloria comes rushing in from the back. "We've won it!" she exclaims. "Pub of the Year!" before hurrying back to speak to Mr. Mathers from Lancashire Life who's hanging on the other end of the phone. We gather that there will be a presentation in the Rovers that evening, with a photographer. When Gloria comes off the phone she asks Stella if she's going to congratulate her. "It's my pub" says Stella. "I entered," replies Gloria. "Well I'm the landlady," Stella reminds her. Gloria wonders if they're booked up at the salon.

At the Barlows' Deirdre's invited Rita over to discuss the Ken situation. Deirdre tells Rita that Ken's anger and sense of injustice is making her think he may actually be telling the truth. She says this new role has given him a new lease of life and a sense of purpose but Tracy asks her what she thinks has suddenly put a spring in Ken's step - hanging out with Brian Packham or Wendy Crozier's heaving bosom?. Rita says no one could blame Deirdre for having doubts, given Ken's track record, but if she really thinks Wendy Crozier's lying then why doesn't she go and ask her and put her on the spot. Rita offers to go with her and tells Deirdre that her lie-detector's in full working order.

In the cab office, Steve is trying to order flowers on-line for Michelle but he's struggling with the computer. Ryan comes, followed by Rob who asks Steve for Michelle's parents' number in Ireland. Steve tells him he doesn't want to go bothering her while she's there. Ryan says he's got it and, with a couple of presses of his smartphone, sends it to Rob, thus making Steve look even more incompetent. He finally gives up and goes for the old-fashioned method of ordering them over the phone.

In the Kabin, Mary and Norris are airing their grievances to Nick about the Rovers winning Pub of the Year and how Gloria's going to be publicly celebrated when she should be publicly shamed. Lewis comes in and seems most interested to hear them explaining how they're sure it was a fix because their negative comment cards were weeded out. Mary says it's Florida 2000 all over again. Lewis suggests they should ring Lancashire Leisure but Norris says they haven't got any proof and, anyway, the winner's been announced. "Announced, but not presented," says Lewis before asking what time the presentation's going to be that evening.

Audrey's in the salon trying to hold it together but she'd not doing too well. As Maria lends a sympathetic ear, Audrey works her way through a man-sized box of tissues.

Gloria has gone over to the Bistro to gloat about her win but Leanne doesn't seem wildly impressed and mentions the forged comment cards. Seeing Lewis come through the door, Leanne adds that she doesn't want Gloria ever to ask her to lie for her again as she considers him to be a friend. Not one to be easily put down, Gloria asks Nick and Leanne to join them in the Rovers at 7pm in time for the presentation.

Many has popped home for some olive oil. As she reaches the front door Lloyd comes out and they stop for a quick kiss and a cuddle when who should come round the corner but Jenna. She has a go at them for groping each other in the street and they look totally shocked - until they realise it's a wind-up. Jenna lets on that she already knew they were an item thanks to Kevin and says she doesn't mind. Mandy is delighted to learn that Jenna is cool about everything and gives her daughter a hug.

Further along the street we see Lewis on his phone. He's calling an old mate who's a journalist on the Gazette. Lewis is telling him to be at the Rovers Return that evening where he promises there will be fireworks.

Gloria's in the salon, having her hair done for the presentation but when Audrey comes in she makes it clear she's got no intention of helping her celebrate. Gloria says she was only trying to help but Audrey doesn't want to know. As Gloria leaves, in comes Aiden with news for Maria: he's been offered a job in London. She's full of congratulations but Aiden points out it's over 200 miles away. Maria tells him that loads of people are in long-distance relationships but Aiden's not so sure and then it transpires he hasn't yet broken the news to Marcus. He's thinking of asking Marcus if he'll move down to London but, as someone who knows Marcus better than anyone, he wants to know what Maria thinks he'll say if he asks him. From the look on Maria's face we can see she doesn't like the idea one little bit.

Steve's at home in the flat, wondering why Michelle hasn't called and if she's received his flowers. Ryan starts to wind him up by saying she's probably been on the phone to Rob all day. He knows Steve's jealous so he tells him Rob's better looking and in better shape and points out that Michelle and Rob spend all day together, cooped up in a tiny little office ...

In the Rovers, everyone's started to gather for the presentation. There's Mr. Mathers from Lancashire Leisure, a photographer, many of the regulars including Mary and Norris and then Lewis and a friend who he introduces to Stella as the features writer on the Gazette. Stella's delighted and says that a few words on page five wouldn't hurt but it looks as though Lewis has a far more prominent piece in mind. But the smile drops from Stella's face when a certain blonde bimbo saunters through the door. It's ex-employee Carol - a.k.a. "Caz" - who she sacked after she had a fling with Karl. Carol informs her that she's just taken over running the Weathy Arms. Meanwhile, Gloria is busy chatting up Mr. Mathers and telling him how she turned around the Rovers single-handedly.

Deirdre and Rita have turned up at Wendy Crozier's. She wisely decides to invite them in rather than risk having a conversation on the doorstep.

Back at the Rovers Mr. Mathers gives a little speech to the assembled company about the things which Lancashire Leisure value in a local pub. When he mentions the Bed and Breakfast, Mary comments that she never knew about that and we see Carol frowning. Then he gets onto the part about the wonderful comments people left and Lewis says that they would love to hear some of them. Gloria says it's really not necessary but Lewis tells her not to be so modest and then turns to his journalist friend and tells him to get his pen out. "Lloyd wrote that?!" Mandy asks in complete disbelief as the first comment gets read out and is attributed to him.

At Wendy's she's doing her best to tell Deirdre and Rita that Ken was the one who forced himself on her. She claims that she was cornered and frightened but Rita says that doesn't sound anything like Ken. Rita spots and photo of Wendy's husband on the side. She asks about him and then tells Wendy that just because someone's sad and lonely it doesn't give them the right to go wrecking other people's marriages. Wendy still won't back down but Rita obviously doesn't believe her story.

In the Rovers, Mr. Mathers is still reading out the glowing comments. He gets to one which he says is from Norris Cole. "I never wrote that!" exclaims Norris. He tells Mr. Mathers that what he actually wrote was that Gloria is a vulgar woman. He says it was anonymous and before he knew it he was being barred. The journalist is writing furiously in his notebook as an indignant Norris asks Lloyd if he wrote the comment attributed to him. Lloyd says it's not even his handwriting and a delighted Carol says that she smells scandal. Mr. Mathers is shocked when he realises that Gloria read the confidential comments which were in a locked box. As Stella tries to get her mother to go through to the back, Carol steps in and asks Mr. Mathers if he's visited the Weatherfield Arms where, she tells him, her pipes are as clean as a whistle.

Gloria tries to grab the winner's plaque from Mr. Mathers but he hangs on to it for dear life.

PART 2

Written by Carmel Morgan and directed by Peter Rose

Stella is tearing Gloria off a strip in the back room. She tells her mother that what she did was fraud but Gloria can't see what the fuss is about. Eva comes in to tell Stella that the man from Lancashire Leisure is still in the bar and Carol from the Weathy Arms has just got a large round in.

Out in the bar, Norris and Mary are posing for photos, the hack from the Gazette is thanking Lewis and Carol is gloating because the winner's plaque has now been passed onto her on behalf of the Weathy Arms. Mary asks Stella if she and Norris can have free drinks since they are the injured party but all they manage to wangle out of her are a couple of hot dogs and some chili.

Gail is still trying to make peace with her mother. She offers to buy her a drink but Audrey declines so Gail suggests she should go over and talk to Lewis. She tells Audrey that there's only one reason he's still hanging around Weatherfield. Meanwhile, Lewis is saying goodbye to his hack friend who's going off to write his story. Stella comments that she'd ship her mother off back to Spain if she thought it was safe to do so. It looks as though this remark has sparked off an idea with Lewis. Just then Audrey comes up to him. Looking at her meaningfully he says that it seems that Gloria turned out to be the confidence trickster. Audrey apologises once again and says she's glad that he's come back but Lewis tells her it's only until he's paid her back and then he has to head for pastures new. He finishes by telling her it's over between them.

At Maria's, she and Aiden are waiting for Marcus to come out of the shower so they can take Liam to the fireworks. She asks him if he's spoken to Marcus yet about moving to London. He says he keeps bottling it but he'll try to speak to him this evening so Maria offers to sound Marcus out for him. At first he's reluctant but then he agrees. He's terrified Marcus will say no and tells Maria he can't imagine life without him. "Yeah, I know," says Maria with meaning.

Out in the street the fireworks party is in full swing. Steve and Ryan are making the most of the free food Stella has provided as an attempt at damage limitation. Rob delights in showing Steve up when he can't get the lid off a jar of ketchup. Lewis goes over to apologise to Stella. He explains that Gloria was his target but she ended up as collateral damage. Eva tells Stella that Gloria was only doing it for her but Stella replies that she's never done anything for her. As Stella goes off, Gail walks up to Lewis and tells him she's come in peace. She says she's made a complete mess of everything and has never been more ashamed of herself. Lewis says that she and her "gangster's moll" should have been drummed out of town. At this, Gail starts to laugh. Lewis says he thought Gloria's shady past in Spain involved a man who ran a nightclub but Gail puts him straight and tells him he owned a dry cleaner's shop or, at least, he did until Gloria burned it down and had to do a bunk.

Deirdre and Rita get back from visiting Wendy Crozier. Rita tells Deirdre that the woman is a fantasist and says that poor Ken has been maligned. Deirdre agrees and says she's going to see if he's at home.

In the hospital Sophie's celebrating her 18th birthday lying flat on her back. Jenna is pleased with her progress but reminds Sophie that it's a long haul. Sally makes it clear she still isn't convinced by Jenna's methods. Kevin tries to step in but Jenna says it's alright, she's used to getting verbals form parents. But Sophie says it's not fine. She tells Sally in no uncertain terms that she's way out of order and that Jenna's been amazing.

Deirdre's arrived home but there's no sign of Ken. Tracy's anxious to get going to the fireworks and has no truck with Deirdre's insistence that she was completely wrong about Ken and Wendy Crozier. But Deirdre is sticking to her guns. She can't get hold of Ken on the phone so in the end she has to settle for leaving him a note to say she'll be back later.

At the Rovers things have come to a head between Gloria and Stella. Gloria has really gone too far this time and Stella goes to town and tells her mother that she is the parent in their relationship. Gloria asks her if she ever felt unloved by her. Stella replies that love is a doing word. She tells her mother that she betrayed her, she rides roughshod over her feelings, all she does is take, take, take and she never says she's sorry. Gloria looks non-plussed and replies that she'd better pack her bags. By this stage Eva and Stella have come into the room and, realising that Stella clearly means what she's saying, Leanne tells Gloria she can stay with them until Stella calms down.

Ken has returned home. He smiles to himself when he spots Deirdre's note on the table. There's a knock at the door, he opens it and Wendy comes bursting in before he can stop her. She tells him she hasn't come to cause trouble. "Five minutes, please Ken," she begs.

Lewis bumps into Leanne as he's coming out of Dev's shop. Leanne tells him that Stella's kicked Gloria out and so they're going to need their sofa-bed back. He doesn't seem unduly concerned but suggests everyone might be better off if Gloria was persuaded to return to Spain. Leanne agrees but thinks there might be some problem to do with clubland war so Lewis tells her to go and talk to Gail because he believes she knows the true story. Leanne rushes off to speak to her before Gloria gets herself ensconced and takes over the tv remote.

Back at the Barlows', Wendy is full of her usual bluster but Ken is having none of it. He puts her straight about the situation she's landed him in and finally Wendy puts her head in her hands and tells Ken she doesn't know what's happening to her. She claims she thought Ken was coming on to her but he says he says categorically not. Wendy tells Ken she hates the fact that he doesn't fancy her but Ken says it's much worse than that: he doesn't even like her.

In the Rovers, Gloria is making a big show of buying herself a drink, just in case Stella thinks she's after a freebie, when Leanne comes in and tells Stella she should make sure the money she's paying with isn't fake. She reveals what she's just learned - that Cliff "the gangster" owned a dry cleaner's in Toromolinos. Well, he did do until Gloria burned it down. That's it as far as Stella is concerned. She says she'll never believe another word that comes out of Gloria's mouth and tells her to finish packing and go. Gloria turns to Karl and asks what she should do but, as he points out, Stella hates his guts even more than she hates Glo's.

Outside in the street people are enjoying the fireworks. Aiden catches Maria and asks if she's spoken to Marcus yet. She said she hasn't had a chance but when Aiden says he'll do it, quick as a flash she says no, she'll speak to him.

Tracy goes up to Ryan for a chat but when he doesn't seem keen to talk she says him she thought he'd be over it by now and tells him he's "such a girl".

Maria's having more success at a friendly chat with Marcus. She asks if he misses London. Not understanding why she's asking he says not really and that he likes having all his mates on his doorstep. Maria smiles to herself at his response.

Wendy and Ken are still talking. She's tries to explain how she's lonely and how she felt when Ken came back into her life after all those years. But when she dares to suggest that Deirdre doesn't appreciate what she's got, Ken springs to Deirdre's defense and shouts that Wendy doesn't know the first thing about her. Wendy says she knows that Deirdre is lucky to have him and she doesn't deserve any of this. She apologises for turning into a bunny boiler and promises to ring Brian first thing in the morning to withdraw the allegations and step down as a governor. They go to the front door and, as they shake hands, Wendy tells Ken to look after himself and asks him not to think too badly of her.

Deirdre is outside in the street with Amy. Just as she's promising to buy her a toffee apple she looks up and sees Wendy rushing from the house, tissue in hand. Deirdre smiles to herself and tells Amy they'll have one more sparkler and then they'll go home to grandpa.

Nearby, Aiden goes up to Maria and asks what Marcus said. She tells him that Marcus said he was kind of done with London. Aiden says at least that doesn't mean that he's the problem. Maria says she's sure Marcus wouldn't want Aiden to turn a really good job down but he says the idea of a long-distance relationship is really hard. Maria asks him what he's going to do and looks bemused when he suggests he might propose.

Deirdre arrives home from the fireworks. She apologises to Ken and he apologises to her. She says he must have just thought she was a jealous old bat and he says he's glad she was jealous. Ken thanks Deirdre for fighting her corner. He offers to make her a cup of tea before bed. "Smashing!" laughs Deirdre. And they all live happily ever after ... well, until the next crisis.

Back outside, Aiden is standing behind Marcus and Maria, looking like a spare part. As Marcus goes off to get a drink, Aiden tells Maria he might turn down the job. "You can't!" she exclaims, a little too quickly. But Aiden tells her it may be early days but he thinks he and Marcus might go the distance.

A taxi draws up outside the Rovers where Gloria is waiting with Eva, Leanne and Stella. She gives her granddaughter a hug and Eva says she hates seeing her go like this. Gloria tells her it's her own fault but not to quote her on that. Stella looks awkward and Leanne stands there scowling. "Bye Mum," says Stella as Gloria gets into the taxi. Just at that moment, Lewis opens the taxi door and leans in. He tells Gloria that he didn't want her to leave without letting her know that he did this to her. He says he pulled a few loose threads and she unraveled nicely. He tells her that Tweedledum is getting packed off in disgrace and now he must turn his attentions to Tweedledee. At this he indicates to where Gail is standing in the distance. She looks back and smiles innocently.

As the taxi drives away and the title music plays, Lewis looks across at Gail and raises his pint of beer to his lips.

Karen

Marcus is helping Maria to get Liam ready for nursery. He's obviously really good with the little boy. Aiden comes in then, and has a quiet word with Maria, thanking her for the chat, and saying he's glad he never mentioned the London job, it would probably have meant the end for them.

A very glum Stella is looking at the newspaper article about the Pub of the Year award. The headline reads: Landlady stripped of prestigious award. She sighs. Eva tells her it will all blow over, but Stella is furious with her mother, she made her look like a cheat.

Kylie arrives at the salon and gives David his phone, she'd found it in Max's backpack. Maria makes a bitchy remark and before a moment has passed the two girls are sniping at each other. Audrey comes in and sends Kylie off, and then tells David to go and get cakes. When he's gone she asks Maria what's really the matter. Eventually Maria confesses about Aiden and the job, and how she told him that Marcus wouldn't want to move. Audrey asks what Marcus thinks, and Maria has to tell her that Marcus doesn't know anything about it. Just then a customer comes in, so Audrey tells Maria she'll talk to her in the Rovers at lunch time.

Over in the bistro, Gail is leaving a message on Audrey's phone, trying to make peace. Lewis comes in then and Nick gives him a week's wages in advance. Lewis gives it straight to Gail, asking her to pass it on to Audrey. He then tells Nick he can't continue to stay at his flat, and will move as soon as he can. Nick says that with Gloria gone, he can stay as long as he likes. Lewis points out that he is no longer a member of the family and Nick needs his privacy.

Ryan gets a call from Michelle, and Steve gesticulates wildly, wanting to speak to her and is upset when the call is finished and Ryan hangs up.

Brian goes round to see Ken and tells him that Wendy has dropped all charges, and has resigned. He says that Ken can now come back to the board of governors. Ken is astounded that he should ask him after all the trouble it caused, and shuts the door.

In the Rovers, Audrey scolds Maria for interfering in Marcus's life. "How do you know what he wants to do?" she asks. "Not this daft crush again? Sweetheart, the man is gay, what do you think is going to happen?"

Stella is standing at the bar talking to Lloyd, and bemoaning the fact that there are hardly any customers. He suggests that if she wants to improve things, maybe she should look at the food. She admits that since Betty died, things have gone downhill. Lloyd says he might just have an idea.

Audrey tells Maria that the reason she and Marcus get on so well is because they are not romantically involved. Maria confesses that they kissed a couple of weeks back. She doesn't love Jason, she loves Marcus. She knows that she will have to come clean eventually and tell Marcus about Aiden's job offer, but she's worried about what he will think of her then.

Deirdre comes back home and Ken tells her about Brian's visit, and how he told Brian he wouldn't be coming back. "Why?" asks Deirdre. She thinks that now Wendy has gone, it would be good for him to go back, she knows how much it meant to him. "Really?" asks Ken. "Really," says Deirdre, "I don't see why that scheming cow should ruin things for you." He says he'll fix dinner if she goes and has a nice soak in the bath.

In the salon, Audrey urges Maria to leave ten minutes early and go and sort things out with Marcus. Gail comes in, but Audrey is frosty. Gail gives her the money that Lewis asked her to pass on.

Maria arrives home just before Marcus. When he comes in, she tells him they need to have a chat about her and him. He tells her that was something and nothing, he can't hang about he's meeting Aiden and they're going to the cinema.

Steve and Ryan go into the pub and find it very quiet. Stella tells them that she's decided to fight back, she's going to put together a 5-a-side football team to play in Newton and Ridley's tournament. She thinks Ryan, Steve and Lloyd would be good team members. Lloyd thinks his playing days are over but is happy to manage the team. Steve says he's too busy to play, what with the taxi office and all.

Deirdre comes down from the bath to find the house empty and no dinner cooking. She then finds a note from Ken saying he's gone for a drink at the bistro. "Right!" she says, and heads for the door.

In the bistro, Kylie tells Lewis that she didn't approve of what Gail did, and he has her support. He thanks her. Over at the bar, Gail tells Ken she's delighted that he's going to continue to be involved with the school. Just then Deirdre arrives, wanting to know why he's there when he's supposed to be fixing tea. Kylie then steps forward and shows them both to the table he's booked!

Rob arrives in the pub and tells Lloyd he was pretty good at football at school and says he'll play in the team. Steve hears this and tells Lloyd to put his name down too. "But you said......." says Lloyd. "Put me down!" snaps Steve.

Aiden arrives, and wonders where Marcus is.

Marcus comes out of his bedroom, ready for his night out with Aiden. He apologises to Maria for earlier and asks if they're ok. She says they are, and when he's not looking she gets the letter out of the bin and puts it in a pile of post on the table. She says she's off to pick up Liam, and tells him there is mail on the table. As she goes out of the door he picks up the post and finds the letter.

Mandy comes into the Rovers and joins Lloyd. He asks if she'd like to work there.

Marcus comes in then, and shows Aiden the letter he's found. He wants to know why he didn't tell him he'd had the job offer. He confesses that Maria said he might lose him if he went to London. Marcus is furious that Aiden discussed it with Maria and not himself, and tells Aiden he wants to go and sort it out.

Mandy is talking to Stella about food. She says she can bring sample menus round. Stella then tells Sean, tactfully, that she knows he's been under pressure in the kitchen so has offered Mandy a few shifts. There's a pause as Sean takes this in, then he smiles and says thank goodness for that! He says he'll continue to make the hotpots though, as it's what Betty would have wanted, and he won't share the recipe with anyone.

Marcus comes back to the flat with the letter in his hand. He wants to know what Maria was doing interfering. "I thought we were mates? Is that how mates behave, scheming and manipulating?" She says she didn't want to lose him "I love you, you idiot!" she cries. He stares at her for a moment, then the next minute they're kissing passionately, and he takes her off to the bedroom!

Anne Logan.

Maria's wearing a glamorous nightdress and robe. Really? Do people do that? Get carried away by passion and move to the bedroom, then take the time to put on a glam outfit? Marcus is on the sofa and looks very glum. Maria tells Marcus she loves him. He says it's all a bit much. "It's a really big thing for me." Maria just wants him to come back to bed but he says he's has to go. He's got things to do.

Gail bumps into Lewis in the street - except we know there's nothing accidental about it. He's been watching for her. He has a case with him and tells her he's taken the flat above the butcher's and has negotiated a lower rent because of the awful decor. He lets slip (hah!) that he's pawned his father's watch. Anything to help pay Audrey back as soon as possible.

Maria seems to have followed Marcus into the street, though she's dressed. Where's little Liam supposed to be? Maria wonders how come they had a wonderful night but now Marcus can't look her in the face. He says he's confused. The whole thing is a mess. They have loud words, ending with Marcus saying he's sorry. They don't seen Sean watching from a distance.

Nick and Audrey are in the bistro. She's talking about getting used to being on her own again. Gail arrives, fresh from installing the new air fresheners in the loos. Lewis comes in and gives Audrey 300 pounds, promising to pay her the rest of what he owes her as soon as he can. He talks about it being time to put things out for the lunch service and goes to look at his watch - thereby drawing attention to his bare wrist. Audrey asks what's happened to his watch and he says he's lost it. But at least he still has his memories. "No-one can take those away."

Sean follows Marcus into the cafe. In a jokey way he tries to find out what the argument was about. Marcus tells Sean he's all over the place because Aiden's asked him to move to London. He confesses he doesn't seem to know what he wants any more. Aiden comes in and Sean babbles at him. When he's gone, Aiden asks Marcus if Maria explained herself and whether he and Maria are cool. "I wouldn't go that far, no," Marcus says. Aiden says they need to talk and asks Marcus to meet him in the Rovers at two.

In the Rovers, Lloyd greets Mandy and Stella exclaims over how clean the kitchen is since Mandy got there. Stella's rival from the Wethy Arms comes in and gloats, including about how good their five-aside football (soccer) team is going to be. She's heard that all Stella's punters are ancient. Punters? She must have the Rovers mixed up with the bookies'.

In the factory, Sally thanks Rob for giving her the time off to be with Sophie. Kirsty's looking at something on her phone and Julie thinks she might be cheering herself up by looking at pictures of kittens (as we all do) but Kirsty's got a little recording of her baby. A short distance away, Fiz tries to discreetly ask Sally whether she's seen Tyrone out and about with Ruby at all. When Kirsty senses trouble and comes over, Sally makes a joke about Fiz thinking Tyrone's locked up at home.

Maria's in the salon, on her phone, putting off seeing Jason. David's giving a sarcastic running commentary as she does this. Audrey sees Maria's upset and gives her a break, leaving David to deal with Mrs Bramwell. David hates Mrs Bramwell. "She's a right gobby cow - moan, moan, moan. . ." "Well, she'll be good company, then, won't she!" says Audrey.

Marcus is in the pub and seems on the point of phoning Maria when Aiden comes in. He's got pictures of a flat in London they can have cheap if they give his pal an answer by Monday, when the pal's going abroad for five years. It must be posh because Aiden calls it an apartment rather than a flat. He pressures Marcus for an answer. Marcus tries to stall by saying he'd be leaving his job and all his friends. "We could have a fantastic life together," Aiden says. "Come on, babe, it's decision time."

Out of David's hearing, a tearful Maria tells Audrey about sleeping with Marcus and about Marcus blanking her today. Audrey tries to add some reason - if Marcus has never slept with a woman before then this is a big thing for him. Maria thinks maybe she should just walk away. After all, the situation will be a prime target for the gossips. "What do you want?" asks Audrey. Maria wants Marcus. Audrey tells her that she herself has just lost someone because she let narrow-minded people cloud her judgement. She let others destroy something wonderful. "Go with your heart, Maria."

In the bistro, within Gail's hearing, Lewis asks Nick if there are any extra shifts going. There aren't. While Lewis deals with a customer, Gail tells Nick the watch wasn't lost but pawned. She says that deep down Lewis is a very good man with a good heart. It's such a shame things didn't work out between Lewis and her mam. Nick is aghast. "didn't work out?" He says their relationship was derailed by busybodies.

In the pub, Sean tells Eileen and Paul that Aiden's asked Marcus to move to London with him. Marcus is still talking to Aiden and doesn't look too happy. Aiden demands an answer from Marcus just as Maria walks in. Marcus looks at her and makes up his mind. Yes, he'll go to London! Aiden's so thrilled he announces it to everyone, including a hurt-looking Maria.

Back in the bistro, Gail has a chat with Lewis. She thinks he regrets pawning the watch. Lewis admits he feels as if he's been disloyal to his father.

they're discussing the five-aside team in the pub, with most of the blokes making a pitch for inclusion. Even Sean wonders why nobody's mentioned his name as a potential player. "That's heterosexist!" But he admits he'd be horrified at the thought of playing. Stella and Lloyd retire to The Back to finalize their selections.

Maria tells Marcus she needs a word in private. He's reluctant but she says if he doesn't come with her then she's going to say what she wants to say right here in the bar in front of everyone.

Gail's finished work but she's back in the bistro. She proudly presents Lewis with his father's watch. Lewis got 300 pounds for it and hates to think what they must have charged Gail. Lewis says he's touched but he can't take it.

Steve expects to be captain. Instead, he's not even in the team, though Rob is, along with Gary, Chesney, Paul and Ryan.

The Rovers has the lowest percentage of smoking patrons of any pub in the known universe, so the smoking area is empty and Maria and Marcus can talk in private. Maria says she knows Marcus is scared and she understands. Marcus is sure she doesn't. She's never doubted her sexuality and nor has he, until now. But he's made up his mind. He's moving to London and doesn't want to see her again.

The end of episode one
Margaret Carr

Written by: Jayne Hollinson
Directed by: Peter Rose

Marcus is trying to convince Maria that he is not the right fellow for her. He points out that he is gay, and it would never work. She sobs that they made love - that he told her he loved her, and he tells her he does, but just as friends. He's sorry, but it would never work. He leaves her there in the Rovers back yard, sobbing her heart out.

Audrey sees him come back in without Maria, and heads outside to pick up the pieces he left behind, namely Maria, whose heart is shattered.

Steve is hurt that he hasn't been picked for the team. Rob can't help but rub it in by telling him that Michelle used to love to watch him play when they were younger, so is sure she will enjoy it now too. Steve accuses him of being childish.

Aidan is all excited about their trip to London, and Marcus suggests he gets back to the flat to get packed and ready to go. So they head out, agreeing to meet later all ready to leave. Sean is putting a brave face on it, but he is definitely not happy to see Marcus go either. He tells Eileen and Paul that he can't understand the sudden turnaround by Marcus, that only this morning, he had said he was having second thoughts about the whole London thing, and now this. He is convinced that he doesn't really want to move. Eileen suggests that possibly it's just wishful thinking on his part, but Sean tells her he knows Marcus, and can tell when he is not happy.

Over in the Bistro, Gail winds Lewis up by asking him the time. He looks at his bare wrist before remembering he no longer has his watch. She points out that he really misses his watch, and he tells her he will buy himself a cheap one. She pulls out his watch again, and tells him he doesn't have to, not when he has a perfectly good one right here. He protests again, but is finally persuaded by both Nick and Gail to take it back.

Audrey has managed to get Maria inside again, and is persuading her to get a stiff drink down her. The bantering is still going on at the bar, Lloyd is trying to placate a disgruntled Steve by telling him it's only a footie match, but Rob has to get another couple of jabs in by telling him that if he sits on the bench, they will put a tartan blanket over his knees - or he could be the team mascot, he could be their own 'Mr. Blobby'.

Before he has a chance to flatten him for that one, Stella interrupts the group by telling them that the match is tomorrow, so they need to get out and practice tonight at 7 p.m. sharp. The people who had other plans try to protest, saying it's only a charity match, but Stella is not having it, she tells them that this is a serious fight to the death between the Rovers and the Weathy Arms, and one she intends for them to win. She sweetens it a little by telling them there will be a free pint waiting for them after the practice. She tells them she will see them in half an hour. Lloyd is shocked that she is coming, pointing out that he is the coach. Stella assures him that she won't interfere, but will just sit and watch.

Audrey is apologising to Maria for encouraging her to follow her heart, saying she feels awful now. Maria assures her it wasn't her fault. Audrey suggests that maybe it's good in a way that she did go for it, because otherwise she would always have wondered 'What if?". Maria says she is certainly in no doubt now, and decides not to go home until Marcus has left. Audrey insists on staying with her, as she has nobody to go home to either.

Marcus is sitting on the sofa back at the flat, lost in his own thoughts. Kirk comes in with Liam, very relieved that Maria isn't home, because she wouldn't be pleased at him keeping Liam out this late. Marcus asks where they were, and is told they had been for a pizza. Marcus guesses correctly that Liam had plumped for ham and pineapple, as he knew it was his favourite. Kirk tells young Liam to go and get into his pyjamas, but Marcus insists on a hug first. He is realising how much he is going to miss the little lad. (The little lad who looks to me as if he has had a change of head).

Kirk notices the suitcase, so Marcus tells him he is off to London for the weekend, and is planning to move there as soon as he has worked his notice at the hospital. Kirk tells him sincerely that he will miss both him and his steak & kidney pie and fruit crumble. Marcus tells him he will have to come down for visits, and bring Liam with him. "And Maria", says Kirk. "Yes", says Marcus flatly, "And Maria".

Marcus is collecting his things together, when he spots Maria's photo on the sideboard, picks it up and gazes at it. Over in the Rovers, Julie is trying to persuade Sean to go and talk to Marcus if he thinks he is having second thoughts. Sean points out that he can't as they have nobody to cover, and besides, he doesn't want Marcus to think he is still carrying a torch for him. "Even though you do", says Eileen. Sean admits that he does, that he always felt that if he waited long enough, Marcus would tire of medicine man, and come back to him.

Julie is all set to go and talk to him herself, she wails to Eileen that it is two star crossed lovers, that she can't stand by and do nothing. Eileen firmly holds her arm, and assures her that she certainly can stand by and do nothing. Sean agrees, saying that it isn't two star crossed lovers, there is only one.

Audrey is still trying to cheer Maria up, but it's not working. She points out that she still has little Liam, and he will help her get over Marcus. That only makes things worse, because Maria then thinks about how much Liam is going to miss Marcus, that he had become like to Dad to him, and it's all her fault that he's going.

Eileen comes over, and tells Maria that she can see by her face that she is really missing Jason, and she just heard from him, saying he was really missing her too and can't wait to get back to her. This cheers Maria up - NOT! It just serves to remind her that she has got to hurt Jason too. Audrey points out that she doesn't have to hurt Jason if she likes him, because he obviously likes her, why tell him? But Maria doesn't feel it is fair to make Jason second best, and that she has to finish with him, but she doesn't plan to tell him about Marcus, she feels she will be hurting him enough without that, especially as now there is no Marcus.

Just then her phone rings. It's Marcus. However, she decides not to talk to him. She is sure he is just calling to make sure she is OK, and now the hard bit is done, she doesn't see any point in prolonging it.

Fiz is knocking on the door of No. 9, but is getting no response, just as she is bending down to look through the letterbox, who should appear at her elbow but Kirsty, demanding to know what she is doing. Fiz quickly comes up with a lie, telling her that her washing machine is playing up, and was wondering if Tyrone might know what the problem might be. Kirsty looks her squarely in the eye, and suggests she call a plumber. Fiz answers that she would if she had the money, and might as well ask him while she is here. Kirsty tells her he is out with Ruby, which surprises Fiz, as it's so late. Kirsty replies that she wouldn't settle, so he took her out for a walk, "Not that it's any of your business!", she spits. Fiz asks her to tell him she called, and to ask him to pop round. "Of course, if I remember", says Kirsty as she slams the door in her face.

Mandy arrives at Streetcars looking for Lloyd. Steve tells her through gritted teeth that he is off playing football, on a team that he didn't invite him to join. While angrily throwing darts at a dart board that really doesn't deserve to be punctured at such a force, he tells her that he wasn't picked, unlike Rob, who is probably loving it enormously. Mandy, quite bravely I thought, considering Steve is armed with sharp pointy objects, remarks that Steve forgot to describe Rob as sexy among all his other nasty attributes that he was listing. Steve replies that he can't see it himself, although he grudgingly admits that some women might find him attractive if you like that sort of thing. Mandy catches on that this is all about Michelle, that Steve is afraid of losing her to Rob.

She tells him he is being daft, that he has Michelle, not Rob, and when she is working all day in the factory with him, they are surrounded by the workforce. Steve is not convinced that he will have her for long though, not if Rob has his way. Mandy gives up, and decides to put the kettle on instead.

The lads are back from footie practice, and Gary is saying he is surprised how unfit he has become since leaving the army. Stella sends them off to the Rovers with instructions to tell Sean to give them all a pint on the house. She then stops to have a word with Lewis outside the Bistro. He laughs at the way she is dressed, which results in Stella losing her temper. She points out that she is dressed like that because she is doing her best to salvage the reputation of her pub, which he helped to destroy. Just then Gail appears on the scene, so Stella turns her wrath onto her, saying that she also blames her for embroiling her mother in her stupid plans. Gail snaps back that Gloria embroiled herself, that it certainly wasn't her idea that she should say she was dying. Stella accuses Gail of trying to pass the buck, so Lewis jumps to Gail's defense, telling Stella that she is the one passing the buck, that the ringleader in the whole thing had been her mother.

As Stella storms off, Gail turns to Lewis, and thanks him for springing to her defense, saying she didn't deserve it after what she did to him. Lewis is very gracious, and tells her he does understand that she only had Audrey's best interests at heart. She asks him how he can be so forgiving, and he replies that sometimes he wishes he wasn't, but unfortunately it's in his nature.

Kirk is off to bed, and wishes Marcus a good weekend in London before he hits the sack. Aidan arrives, and Marcus picks up his bag ready to leave, but suddenly seems to be frozen to the spot. Aidan asks what is wrong, and Marcus admits to him that he can't do it - he can't move to London with him after all.

Chesney is complaining of the pain in his legs, how he is going to be too sore to play tomorrow, how Stella is a real slave driver, then realises his complaints are falling on deaf ears, as Fiz is busy looking out the window for Tyrone to come home. When he asks why, Fiz tells him she is watching out for him as she wants to give him some baby clothes that Hope has grown out of. She then persuades Chesney to drop round on her behalf tomorrow, and asks him to check on how he's doing while he's there. Ches is very reluctant, but she manages to guilt him into it.

Back to Marcus and Aidan, who is demanding to know why the sudden change of mind. Marcus explains that it is all too much, that there are people in Weatherfield that he cares about, and doesn't want to leave. Aidan tries compromising, saying they can visit any time, or he can give up the job, as Marcus is more important to him than any job. Marcus knows then that he has to finish with him, and does so. Totally devastated, he accuses Marcus of still carrying a torch for Sean, seeing a way to avoid telling him the truth, Marcus agrees that he's right.

It's time for Audrey to go home, and asks Maria if she will be alright. She assures her she will, that she will be going home herself just as soon as she is sure Marcus has gone. Moving over to the bar, she and Sean commiserate about how much they will miss Marcus. Sean tells her she will be OK, because she will be able to go down and visit him. She replies that she is not sure she will do that, because sometimes it's best to just draw a line under things. Sean ruefully tells her he has never been very good at that, and Maria confesses that she hasn't either.

The footballers are drinking their free pint, and Mandy, who has found her way from Streetcars is telling Lloyd that he has really upset Steve by not picking him for the team. Lloyd is not worried, and feels he will soon get over it. They are all complaining how tough Stella has been on them, saying how sore they are. It is pointed out that Lloyd was supposed to be the coach, not Stella. Lloyd said he was until Stella nicked his whistle. Cue much hilarity! Just then the topic of their conversation comes over, and Lloyd asks her for his whistle back - please. Everyone convulses into laughter again.

Stella then sends Sean home early as a thanks for covering for her while she was ordering the footballers about. Just as he is leaving the Rovers, he bumps into a very upset Aidan, who tells him that he will be pleased to hear that he has been dumped by Marcus, dumped he adds because Marcus is still in love with him. Sean manages to look a little concerned for Aidan's sake, but the minute he leaves in his taxi, we can see that our Seanie is chuffed to little mint balls about that.

However, our attention is drawn across the street where someone else is getting into a car. It's Lewis, who greets the man inside like an old friend. The stranger asks him if he got his watch back, which Lewis assures him he did, and tells him he assumes he made a fair profit on it too. Aha, the man is the pawn broker, and the two are obviously in league with each other, because he hands Lewis £300, and tells him he has kept £100 for himself. "Not bad considering you never sold me the watch in the first place", he says. He goes on to ask Lewis how he managed to get Gail to fall for it. Lewis tells him he knows him well enough to know he had no trouble there. His friend tells him it's good to see him back in business, as he had been afraid he had gone soft. Lewis assures him it was a temporary lapse, which has now been rectified.

Eileen and Paul arrive home to a very excited Sean. He can't wait to tell them that Marcus hasn't gone, and has dumped Aidan for him. He goes on to say that he tried to see Marcus and ask him about it, but the lights had been off, so he didn't want to disturb him if he had gone to bed. However, he assures them it must be true, because he got it right from Aidan. Eileen is so pleased, and hugs Sean, telling him that the two of them belong together.

Maria arrives home, switches on the light and is shocked to see Marcus sitting on the sofa. She asks him what has happened, and he tells her that 'she' is what happened. He tells her that although it's crazy, and he doesn't understand it, and it scares him to death, he is in love with her, and there is nothing he can do about it. Maria takes him in her arms and says "Yes, there is".

Christine Warren

Written by John Kerr and directed by David Kester

There's a bit of an awkward moment for Maria when Kirk tells her he heard strange noises coming out of her bedroom during the night (eww, too much information!). Kirk takes Liam off to the park and as soon as the coast is clear, Marcus emerges. He and Maria agree that if the situation's difficult for them to get their heads around it will be even harder for everyone else. Maria says they should keep it between themselves for the time being. She says she'll tell Jason this afternoon that it's over between them but she won't tell him there's anyone else involved.

Tommy and Maria are trying to enjoy their breakfast in the cafe but Anna and Izzy are fretting about the fact that today's the day that Tina can take a pregnancy test. When Gary arrives it becomes a family conference. Anna suggests she should go round to her house so they can all be together so Tommy makes up some excuse about being busy seeing a mate about a job. But he doesn't get out of it that easily because they reschedule for 5pm meaning that Gary will now have to miss out on taking part in the pub football match. Poor Tina must be wondering if they all plan to join her in the bathroom while she does the test.

Steve is on the phone leaving a long, mushy message for Michelle but he quickly ends the call when Ryan comes in. Ryan has been for a run in preparation for the football match and he winds Steve up about the fact that he's unfit and past it. Steve's nose is seriously out of joint and he makes it very clear that he has no intention of going along to support them.

In the factory, Kirk is trying to have a friendly chat with Kirsty about tv police dramas but she's not in the mood. Fiz asks Sean if he heard the way Kirsty snapped at Kirk but his mind is on other things. Fiz asks Sean if he's alright and he tells her about the conversation he had with Aiden. Fiz is surprised when Sean reveals that Marcus has split up with Aiden because he's in love with someone else and that someone else is him. Fiz asks what Sean is going to do about it. At first he says he's going to leave it to Marcus to say something but then he says sod it, he's going to go and see him at lunchtime. He says if Marcus asks if they can get back together he'll tell him that splitting up was the worst decision they ever made and yes, he'd love to.

At the salon Maria has told Audrey that she and Marcus are now together. Audrey says he's happy for her but that she must let Jason down gently. And, talk of the devil, who should walk through the door but Jason himself. His job finished early and he couldn't wait to get back to Maria. She tells him to go back to the flat and she'll see him there later. After he's gone Audrey says that Maria's got to tell him the truth but Maria says she can't tell him about Marcus yet. "But what if he finds out?" asks Audrey. "He can't," replies Maria.

Steve and Lloyd are outside the cab office when Rob comes along with a football shirt which he's bought for the match later. He doesn't miss an opportunity to wind Steve up about the fact he's not playing. Lloyd asks Steve when Michelle's coming home but he says he hasn't spoken to her. He keeps leaving messages but she hasn't called back. A gleeful Rob reveals he had a long chat with her that very morning and tells Steve she'll be back on Wednesday.

Fiz is chatting to Dev in his shop. She's commiserating with him about the fact that he hardly gets to see the twins nowadays when Ty comes in with Ruby. Fiz rushes to help him with the door. She's relieved to see he's O.K. and he tells her he's fine, he's just been very busy. Dev says it's hard work bringing up a baby and he has to make sure he gets some time for himself. In fact, he says, why don't the two of them have a boys' night out together? Ty says he can't, he has to bath Ruby and put her to bed. Dev suggests Kirsty could do that but Ty is anxious to go and says another time perhaps.

Sean has gone looking for Marcus and finds him in the cafe. He sits down and tells Marcus that he's seen Aiden who told him that they'd split up and why. Marcus tries to say that it's not that simple but Sean takes hold of his hand and says he doesn't need to explain. He says O.K., they made a mistake by splitting up but now they have a chance to put it right. So Marcus tells Sean he's the one who's made a mistake. Sean says he doesn't understand so Marcus tells him that whatever Aiden said he was upset and Sean has got it wrong. He says that their relationship is over and that he has to go. He gets up, leaving Sean looking upset and confused.

Maria returns to the flat to see Jason. She tries to tell him that they have to talk but before she can say anything he gives her a present of a bottle of her favourite perfume. She tries again and Jason starts to realise something's up. Finally she gets the words out and tells him: "I'm so sorry. I can't do this. I can't be with you anymore."

Tommy goes into the Kabin looking like a wet weekend. He confesses to Rita about the pregnancy test and how he's hoping it's negative. Rita understands and tells him that Tina might not be pregnant and, if that's the case, maybe he can persuade her not to go through with it if that's what they both want.

Back at Maria's, Jason's trying to absorb what she's just told him. He can't understand why she's ended it, especially when she insists that there's nobody else involved. She gives him all the usual platitudes about how he's a lovely bloke, it's not his fault, etc., etc. but Jason's heard this story so many times before it's hardly surprising he doesn't believe her. He starts packing his bags and when Maria asks what he's doing he tells her he doesn't want to outstay his welcome.

Over at the factory, Sean comes back late from his lunch break. He tells Fiz he saw Marcus but none of it makes sense. He's sure Aiden was telling the truth but he also knows Marcus is lying about something but the problem is he doesn't know why.

Jason's gathering the last of his possessions while Maria tells him that she didn't mean to hurt him. "It didn't stop you though, did it?" Jason says.

In the Rovers, Lloyd is discussing tactics with the footy team. Eva asks Stella whether they were really the best players she could find. When her mother tells her they're the cream of the crop, Eva says in that case she should shoot the cow. Just then Tommy comes in and orders a pint. Gary goes up to him and asks why he isn't at the house because they're due to do the pregnancy test. Tommy wants to stay and have a drink but Gary insists he goes with him. He tells Lloyd he's pulled something in his leg and he'll have to pull out of the match. Paul and the other members of the team want to know what they'll do now. Lloyd says he knows someone who might be prepared to play. "You've got to be joking" the others chorus when they realise who he's referring to.

At Anna's they're waiting anxiously for Gary and Tommy. When they finally walk through the door, Tina wants to know where Tommy's been all this time.

Back at the Rovers Lloyd and Stella are trying to persuade Steve to join the team. He's milking it for all it's worth and makes Lloyd tell him how much they need him before he agrees to stand in for Gary. The other four players make it quite clear they think they'd be better off without him.

Eileen goes home to find Jason on the sofa and a pile of his boxes in the hall. He tells her that Maria has ended it but he can't understand why because they were fine before he went away. He asks if Eileen has seen her with anyone else but she says no, only Marcus, and he doesn't have anything to worry about there. Eileen tells him it's Maria's loss but, as Jason says, in that case why is it always him that's left with nothing?

The footy match is about to begin but as Lloyd gives his players a pep talk, Rob and Steve look more like opponents who are ready to start a fight than members of the same team. Meanwhile the girls have gathered on the sidelines ready to support their men. Carol sidles up to Stella and the catty remarks between the two of them come thick and fast.

Meanwhile, at home with Ty and Kirsty, things seem far more harmonious for a change. He tells her about his day and mentions that Dev asked him out for a pint. Kirsty says he deserves a night out and, sweet as pie, insists that he goes. She takes over with Ruby while Ty goes upstairs to get changed. They almost look like a normal, happy family.

Over at Maria's, Kirk is upset by the news that she's no longer with Jason. When Marcus comes in she asks Kirk if he can go out so they can talk and he obligingly leaves them to it. Once he's left Maria tells him how awful it was ending it with Jason and how she hates lying to him. Marcus tells her that none of it is Maria's fault, it just happened and he's glad it did because he loves her.

Just as Kirk is leaving he sees Sean arriving. Sean asks if Marcus is in because he wants a quick word so Kirk lets him in through the front door. He tells Sean that Marcus is with Maria who's a bit upset because she's just split up with Jason. Sean looks surprised at this news but not as surprised as he is a few seconds later when he walks into the flat and sees Marcus and Maria in a passionate embrace. They all stand there looking totally shocked. "Sean, just let me explain ... " begins Marcus.

Part 2

Written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by David Kester

A devastated Sean is being chased up the street by Marcus. He's utterly confused and nearly gives us too much information when he reminds Marcus that he wasn't straight when they were in bed together. Marcus begs Sean not to say anything on the basis that there's no point in upsetting anyone else but Sean thinks Marcus has completely lost his mind and wants to know where his feelings feature in all of this. As he marches away in a huff Sean tells Marcus to "drop dead, straight boy".

Everyone is waiting at Anna's on tenterhooks for Tina to do the pregnancy test. When Anna puts on some music, Owen has to point out that they're not at a party. Tina comes downstairs with the result: it's negative. Tina says she's sorry but Anna points out she can do the test again tomorrow, Izzy looks disappointed and Tommy's keen to get Tina home.

Meanwhile Marcus has returned home to Maria. She points out that Sean has a gob bigger than the Mersey tunnel and now he knows they'll have to take control of the situation and go and tell Jason for his sake and theirs. Marcus isn't happy with the idea but he knows Maria's right and reluctantly agrees to go with her.

The five a side football match is in full swing but there's more rivalry on the pitch between Steve and Rob than between the two teams. Meanwhile, Stella and Carol use the opportunity to make more catty remarks to each other. "Your lads steal the ball like you steal other women's fellas," observes Stella.

Sean has returned home and is torturing himself by looking at old photos of him with Marcus and Dylan. Eileen comes in and finds him crying. He tells her that he wasn't the one that Marcus wanted. Eileen says she's sorry and then tells him that stupid cow Maria's only gone and dumped Jason. Sean wants to know if she said why but Eileen says no and then adds that nothing would surprise her about that girl. "You never know," says Sean. "She might have a few more up her sleeve." Eileen wants to know what he knows but Sean says sorry, he needs to talk to Jason first. Eileen tells him that Jason is drowning his sorrows in the Rovers so a tearful Sean says he'll go and fetch him, bring him home and then they can all talk.

Mandy's holding the fort in the Rovers. Fiz jokes to her that she hopes the only kick-offs tonight are on the footy pitch and not in there. A cheerful Dev and Ty come into the bar and order a couple of drinks then Ty goes over for a word with Fiz. He tells her that everything's good between him and Kirsty and she says she's pleased for him. Next to come in is Sean. He goes up to Jason and tells him to go and sit in a booth while he gets them a drink.

Back at the footy match, Steve is being utterly useless. Meanwhile, Rob comes in for the attack, kicks the ball and scores a goal. The factory girls are ecstatic while Carol makes more catty remarks to Stella. Rob goes to give Steve a hug and rubs his nose in the fact that he's scored his second goal.

At Tommy and Tina's he's in a good mood due to the fact that the pregnancy test was negative and wants Tina to go to the pub for a drink. But as she points out, it's not good news and it's about Gary and Izzy and not all about him. She carries on preparing the meal she's cooking and tells him to go off to the pub without her.

In the Rovers, Jason's talking to Sean about Maria. He doesn't know why she's ended their relationship and said he'd find it easier to understand if she was seeing someone else. Sean tells him that there are some things which are difficult to get your head around. Jason thinks it's his fault but Sean insists he's done nothing wrong and that he's a lovely person. He suggests they should finish their drinks and go home but Jason says he wants to stay there and get wrecked.

Next to come in are Audrey and David. Gail's at the bar but Audrey's not speaking to her so Gail goes across and plonks herself next to Anna who tries to protest that she's waiting for Owen.

Then Maria and Marcus arrive. Assuming Sean has already spilled the beans he goes up to him and says "you couldn't wait, could you". Jason looks confused and Sean tells Marcus to shut his face. Sean tells Marcus that actually he hasn't said anything but now that they're there why don't they have it out now. "What are you on about?" asks Jason, looking more confused than ever. Sean tells him that Maria lied and she is seeing someone else. "Who is it?" asks Jason. "Me." replies Marcus. Sean tells Jason that he bets he didn't see that one coming, Maria asks him to let her explain but Jason gets up to leave and starts to barge his way past everyone.

Jason has retreated to the gents' where is quickly joined by Sean and Marcus. Marcus says he still wants to be Jason's friend but, surprise, surprise, Jason doesn't feel the same way. Sean says Marcus is lucky Jason didn't thump him one, Marcus says Sean would enjoy that but Sean spits back that if Marcus thinks that then he doesn't know him at all.

The three men return to the bar and join Maria who tries to explain what's been going on. Jason starts to sound off at Marcus and as he says in a very loud voice "you've been sleeping with my girlfriend", the rest of the pub goes quiet and everyone turns around to look at them. Jason gets himself more and more wound up and accuses Maria of being thick because she didn't realise Marcus was gay. When Marcus tells Jason not to be an idiot he finally snaps, leaps up and punches Marcus. Sean tries to pull them apart and a fight breaks out. Mandy intervenes and says she doesn't know what they're playing at but it stops right now. As everyone watches, Jason says he isn't playing at anything, it's Marcus who's playing at being straight. He tells Maria to let everyone know what's going on but she's lost for words so Jason gives his version and tells the assembled company that the gay man and the fag hag (his words, not mine!) have taken things to a whole new level. At this moment Eileen arrives and wants to know what's going on. She looks shocked when Marcus admits he's been seeing Maria and wants to know what he's been playing at but her concern is for Jason and she tries to get him to leave. Sean and Marcus continue to shout at each other and Marcus says he loves Maria. Jason turns back and shouts that Marcus loves Kylie Minogue and Canal Street, not her. "What are you looking at?" Maria screams at Gail and Anna who are watching on open mouthed.

As Eileen and Sean lead Jason home, Maria runs out into the street and cries out "Jason, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you." As Marcus joins her, Jason tells him that he still walks like a gay boy.

Meanwhile, the five a side football match is coming to an end. Steve is playing as badly as predicted and allows the Weathy Arms team to take possession of the ball and score the winning goal just as the final whistle blows. Rob tells Steve he's going to text Michelle and tell her how Steve lost them the match. Stella catches Steve's eye and tells him that maybe if he'd concentrated on playing rather than bitching they might have got the game in the bag.

Ty and Dev have returned from their evening out and Kirsty is still in a good mood. As Dev says goodnight he tells Ty he envies him his happy family and adoring wife. Dev reckons theirs must be the happiest family on the street. Ty looks a bit awkward but even after Dev leaves Kirsty's cheerful mood continues. She hugs Ty and tells him how pleased she is to have him all to herself.

Back in the Rovers, Gail is still talking about Marcus and wondering if this means he's bisexual. She can't believe Audrey knew about it all along and didn't say anything but Audrey says it's nobody's business except Maria and Marcus's. Just then everyone arrives back from the footy match. Mandy tells Stella she'll never guess what went on in the Rovers this evening but Stella says it can't be as shocking as what happened on the footy pitch. Everyone is blaming Steve for the fact they lost especially Rob whose view of him has sunk to new depths. He tells Steve he's a loser and Steve replies that they're all losers. "Yeah, 'cos of you," grumbles Rob. Steve tells Lloyd that Rob's been winding him up all day and he's going to find a way to get back at him.

Sean and Jason are back at home and trying to make sense of what's happened. Eileen's gone off to buy a bottle of wine and Jason's keeping his alcohol level topped up in the meantime with cans of lager. Sean reckons Marcus might actually have gone mad. He tells Jason that it feels like everything they had together was a lie and says he'll never trust a man again. "I thought he was gay," says Sean. "He is gay," replies Jason. "He's just taking the Mick."

Meanwhile, Marcus and Maria are also back home and talking over events. As Maria applies a bag of ice to Marcus's face. he optimistically tells her that he thinks Jason's probably got it out of his system now. "He was bound to kick off. You know what he's like," says Marcus. Maria feels dreadful but Marcus says they've done nothing wrong. Maria tells Marcus she's scared so he goes to give her a reassuring kiss then remembers that he's in severe pain. "Don't be scared darling, I'm here," says Marcus as he puts his arms around her. "Everything is going to be O.K. Trust me, I'm a midwife."

Karen

Just to confuse everyone, the midweek episode was show on Thursday this week.

Michelle returns, and finds Steve and Ryan in the cafe eating breakfast. Much to Steve's annoyance, Ryan tells his mum how great Rob was at the football game. Just then, to annoy Steve even more, Rob himself comes in, and tells Michelle that he's set up a meeting with a very important customer today. She cancels the coffee she's ordered and goes home to get changed for work, despite Steve's protests.

Over at Anna's house, Izzy is wondering if Tina is pregnant, and Gary asks Anna if she can get home at lunch time, when Tina's going to do another test. Anna points out that lunchtime is their busiest time. Just then Faye comes in, wondering what's happening at lunch time. Anna fobs her off and hustles her off to school.

Up in their flat, Tommy is protesting about the fact that Tina has said she'll go to Anna's at lunch time to do another test. He can't see why she keeps having to do all these tests, and wonders why she can't just do it at home, it is her body after all. She says it's not, not as far as this is concerned, and she's promised them. He storms off into the bedroom.

In Maria's flat, Kirk is trying to get his head round the Maria-Marcus relationship. "Did you feel yourself slipping the other way, or did it just happen when you weren't looking?" he asks. Marcus tells him it's complicated. Kirk doesn't get it at all. When he's gone Marcus worries about what everyone else is thinking.

Eva and Stella are in the pub. Stella is upset about the latest newspaper article which mentions the 'recently disgraced Rovers Return' and their 'shambolic, squabbling five a side football team'. Then Eva hands her mother a card from Gloria. Apparently she's now shacked up with some guy in Istanbul and is selling rugs. Stella goes off in despair, and Eva tells Leanne how Rob is taking her out for a posh meal later, and has given her the day off to get her hair and nails done. Leanne asks if it's serious between them. Eva says she thinks it might be.

Fiz meets Tyrone out pushing the baby in the buggy. He's off for a walk round the Red Rec and Fiz says that's good, it will stimulate the baby being out and about. She mentions a playgroup called Super Tykes, she thinks Ruby would love it. She tells him that Katy take Joseph, so Ty says he'll check it out.

In the factory, Michelle and Rob are in the office when Steve arrives, asking if Michelle wants to go out to lunch somewhere romantic, he wanted to be spontaneous. She says he knows she's got a meeting coming up, so could he be spontaneous some other time. "The client will be here any minute," says Rob, tetchily, and Michelle asks Steve to go.

Tina comes downstairs at Anna's and announces that she's pregnant! They all pass the test stick around (yukk!!) and are all delighted - except Tommy, who looks devastated.

Steve is outside the factory, talking to Kirk who is in the van, ready to drive away an order. They have a moan together about Rob. Kirk starts up the engine and then realises that the van doors are open at the back. Steve says he'll shut them, but as he walks to the back of the van, Rob comes out of the factory with a large box. Kirk has forgotten it. He walks right into the van to pack it in properly, and Steve shuts the van door, shouting to Kirk (who is playing loud music) that it's done. Kirk drives away, with Rob inside!

We open after the break in the office at Underworld. The important client has arrived and is wondering where Rob is. Michelle is trying to keep him happy, and is sure that Rob will be there at any minute. Saying she'll make coffee, Michelle rushes outside and asks Kirsty where Rob is. Kirsty couldn't find him, she says he's disappeared, he's not outside. Michelle is mystified, and despairing. She can't call him because he's left his phone on his desk. She asks Kirsty to go and check the Rovers and Roy's, she needs him urgently.

Somewhere on an open piece of ground, Kirk is standing outside the back doors of the van while Rob hammers on the inside, shouting for him to open up. Kirk says he'll only open the doors when Rob calms down. Eventually Kirk opens the doors and an exasperated Rob steps out, takes the keys and tells him to strap himself in.

Marcus and Maria are in the cafe, when Sean and Eileen come in. Sean says he can't understand it, he's a gay man and he knows he will never be anything else. "Jason really liked you," says Eileen to Maria. Maria replies that she's sorry she hurt him. Eileen thinks it is a disastrous relationship that will only end in tears. Then they turn round and walk out again.

Rob arrives back at the factory only to be told by Michelle that the client left five minutes ago. She asks where he was. He tells her that Steve locked him in the van and Kirk drove him half way to Clithero. Michelle refuses to believe that Steve would do that, she knows Steve. (I don't think so!) Rob says he'll phone Sid (the customer) and start groveling, they need that order.

Faye arrives home to Anna's, and wonders why Anna is making a cake. Is it someone's birthday? Anna says no, she just felt like making a cake. Faye is sure that something is going on.

Kirsty arrives home as Ty is dishing up the dinner. As they sit down to eat, Ty (walking on eggshells) cautiously mentions the playgroup. Kirsty wonders if Ruby is a bit young for all that, but Ty tells her how it will help her development. Kirsty then says that it sounds like a good idea, so, almost with a sigh of relief, Ty says he'll give it a go.

Tina and Tommy are back in their own flat, and Tommy is not happy. Tina says the only thing that's keeping her going with it is the sight of Gary and Izzy's happy faces. Tommy says he just needs time to adjust, but he does love her. Tina says she's off to work, which surprises him, but she points out she is only two weeks pregnant, it's no biggie.

Rob Is in the Rovers, and Eva is all over him. He asks if she heard what happened, and says how Steve locked him in the van on purpose. She asks why he would do that. Rob tells her it's because Steve thinks he fancies Michelle. Eva steps back and stares at him. "Oh, not you as well," says Rob, adding that if she's going to start playing games he's going to go home. Eva tells him she didn't say anything. "That bloke has really wound me up!" snarls Rob.

Maria and Marcus are lounging on the sofa. Maria wonders if they're doomed to fail, but Marcus points out that no relationship comes with a cast iron guarantee.

Michelle and Steve are eating dinner. She tells him how her day was a complete disaster because Rob missed the important meeting, and he then blamed Steve for the whole thing. "As if you'd do something as stupid as lock him in the van!" she says. Then she looks at Steve's face and knows that it's true. "How could you?" she says. He splutters that it was a joke. "A joke? We lost a crucial order today because of you, and that's a joke?" She shouts at him that Carla depends on them to keep the place going. People's jobs depend on them. She tells him that he's behaving like a spoiled, selfish little child. "When are you going to grow up?" Steve puts on his jacket and heads for the door. "If you want Rob you can have him!" he shouts as he disappears.

Anne Logan

Tyrone talks to Ruby about the playgroup. Kirsty discusses how enthusiastic he is about it and promises him that her packing job is just the beginning. They have a great future ahead.

In the street, Nick suggests the cinema tonight but Simon has already been booked to go to Ken and Deirdre's. Nick tells Leanne the final payment is due for Simon's school trip but she doesn't seem to be listening.

In the cafe, Owen warns Gary that he looks too happy. Steve comes in and Ryan tells him just how much he's in the doghouse. It seems Steve spent the night at Lloyd's. Michelle comes in for a take-away coffee. She's still very angry with Steve and tells him it's her career he's messing with. She and Rob have to go to Sheffield today to try to smooth over the mess he caused. She and Rob are colleagues and mates and that's all they ever will be, she says. Tommy comes in and Owen insists on paying for his drink. Though he worries whether Tommy's OK with all this.

Outside, Rob taunts Steve. He says Michelle thinks Steve's a moron and that before yesterday he'd never thought of Michelle romantically but Steve's made him think differently. "It's become a matter of principle."

Marcus and Maria plan to go to the bistro tonight. Marcus thinks it'll help get past the gossip. It's time people got used to seeing them together.

Michelle's nervous about the Sheffield trip. She and Rob are interrupted when Sally panics about an order being wrong. Somehow she's inputted it wrongly. Kirsty says she noticed that and corrected it earlier in the week. She always double-checks. Robs very impressed and decides to leave Kirsty in charge while they go to Sheffield. Sally's most put out and Eva glares at Rob through the office window.

Stella goes to the bookies to ask Leanne out to lunch but Leanne snaps her head off. When Stella's gone, Leanne calls Peter and leaves a message on his voicemail telling him the Decree Absolute arrived this morning. She asks him not to say anything to Simon about it if they talk. When she hangs up she sits down and weeps.

Rob's annoyed at how long it's taking Michelle to get ready to leave. Eva comes into the office and asks him if she should be worries. He bats away her concerns. When she asks what they'll do tonight he says they should play it by ear. As he and Michelle leave, Eva glares after him.

In the factory, Sally snipes at Kirsty, saying she'll be back in packing tomorrow. She needs to sit back and learn the business before she can be promoted. Kirsty disagrees. What good has that done Sally? Kirsty reckons she'll be promoted within a couple of months.

As Michelle and Rob wait in a hotel meeting room, their samples displayed around the walls, Michelle is nervous but Rob's busy making eyes at the staff member who brings their coffee.

Leanne goes to see Stella to apologise for earlier. She tells her about the divorce papers. She'd kept quiet about the divorce and put it to the back of her mind. So the papers' arrival felt like a kick in the guts, she says. Stella reminds her that Nick is ten times the man that Peter is.

Big Sleazy Sid finds every opportunity to touch Michelle. He suggests they discuss the final details of a deal over a drink and then he'll take them to his private club so they can get leathered. He leaves the room to ring his wife with an excuse for not coming straight home. Rob tells Michelle he'd better go and book a couple of rooms because they won't be in any state to drive home.

In the Rovers' bar, Stella wants to talk to Leanne but Leanne says she doesn't want to talk about anything right now.

Eva comes in, exhausted because Kirsty's been on a power trip all day. Steve hasn't heard from Michelle all day. Eva realises she's had her phone turned off because of Kirsty so switches it on. She finds a voicemail from Rob saying he and Michelle will be staying over in Sheffield.

Marcus and Maria are nervous as they enter the bistro. Kylie's keen to serve them. She gives Marcus advice on how to seem straight and makes it clear she doesn't believe he's not still totally gay. Marcus is alarmed to see his boss walk in.

In a hotel bar in Sheffield, Sid encourages Rob and Michelle to drink more. They're interrupted by a call from his wife. Apparently his toe-rag son has stolen the car. He goes off, telling Rob and Michelle they've got an order and he'll send the paperwork through on Monday. Once he's gone (after hugging Michelle tight), Michelle hugs Rob in relief.

Eva's ringing Rob but he's still not answering. Michelle's not answering Steve, either. He and Eva discuss Sheffield - it's an hour-and-a-half away at most. Why aren't they coming home? Steve and Eva both become furious at the same time and leave, telling Stella they're going to Sheffield.

Marcus tries holding the menu in front of his face but it's no use - his boss sees him and comes over. She introduces herself and her husband and asks Marcus to introduce his dinner companion. When Maria tries to explain their relationship, Marcus stops her, implying to his boss that they are just friends.

Rob and Michelle dissect their meeting with Sid. Rob turns the talk to when they first met. Apparently Michelle kissed him when they were 14. She doesn't remember but he remembers every detail. He tells her it was his first kiss. And she promised him another. He says Michelle is his Miss Right and tells her he's still waiting for that promised kiss.

Ooooh!

You'll have to wait for the second episode to find out whether she gave it to him, I'm sorry. That's the end of this one.

Margaret Carr

Written by: Chris Fewtrell
Directed by: David Kester

Tyrone is rushing Ruby home, because she is fussing. Rita stops to talk to him, and he tells her all about the play group, how much fun it had been for Ruby. Fiz appears, and remarks she hopes he is still saying that in three months. He tells her that Super Tykes has been a lifesaver, and wishes he had gone weeks ago. Rita's parting comment is "It must be nice being a super daddy amongst all those young mums". Ty looks stricken, and mutters "Don't let Kirsty hear you say that!".

Fiz invites him in so Ruby can see Hope, and to have a cup of tea with her. He then looks very flustered, and tells her he has loads to do, and is all behind, as he hasn't even got Kirsty's tea on the go yet. Fiz looks worried as he bustles away.

Steve and Eva have arrived at the hotel. Eva is all for going in with guns blazing, but Steve advises caution, and tells her they have to do it carefully. He approaches the desk by himself to try to find out what Michelle's room number is. He gives a cock & bull story to the desk clerk, who is not buying it, and is refusing to give out the room number. Frustrated he goes back to Eva, who loses patience with him. Removing her coat revealing her ample assets, she tells him to watch and learn.

We leave her piling on the flattery to 'Neil' the desk clerk, while leaning on the desk, making sure he gets a good look down her cleavage.

I say we leave her, because we are now in the Rovers. Nick is getting some change from Stella, and Leanne is standing at the bar, snapping his head off. He wants to know what is wrong with her, because he can't do anything right lately. She tells him she is just sick and tired of hearing about the Bistro all the time. He snaps that he is sorry if he is boring her, but the Bistro happens to pay their bills. She tries to apologise, but he takes off back to the unmentionable place.

After he leaves, Stella has a go at Leanne for being so rude to Nick. She mutters that she has a lot on her plate. Stella replies that if she would just tell Nick what was wrong, he might be able to help. Leanne tells her she needs no help, the divorce is done with. Stella warns her to let Nick in, or it might be too late.

Rita notices a very glum Tommy sitting drinking by himself. She goes over and tries talking to him, and he tells her he is on top of the world, wetting the baby's head. (He was being VERY sarcastic here!) He tells her that everyone is thrilled about Tina's pregnancy. "And you?" asks Rita. He tells her he doesn't know what he is. Rita points out that he is the man that Tina loves, and that he needs to talk to her. Tommy replies that he wouldn't know what to say, that he was the one who got them into this mess, and they are now trapped. Rita tells him that maybe they are, but if they are going to get through it together, they need to talk to each other.

Kirsty is home from work, and compliments Tyrone on the nice smell of the dinner. He makes the mistake of saying that one of the mums at Super Tykes gave him the recipe, so before she has a chance to kick off, he tries to diffuse the situation by talking about other things. She then asks if he would mind if she takes a bath before eating, or whether his girlfriend's meal won't warm up. He nervously laughs, and tells her that the Risotto is probably better looking than the woman who gave him the recipe, and that she should go ahead and have a bath. Situation diffused - for now.

In the Bistro, Marcus' boss is saying that it's a shame he broke up with Aidan, as they had seemed so well suited. Marcus replies that appearances can be deceptive. "They certainly can", says Maria through gritted teeth. Boss lady tells him she is glad he has a friend (meaning Maria) to support him, but that is no substitute for a romance, and asks Maria if she agrees. Maria tells her that she does, that there is a big difference between friends and lovers, "At least I think so", she says - glaring at Marcus, who looks rather uncomfortable, and says that both friends and lovers are supposed to care, and understand your situation.

Maria has had enough, and tells them it is time she was off - and off she gets. Marcus hurriedly leaves money on the table, and tells his boss that he has to go too, and runs out after her. As he goes out, Leanne comes in. She apologises to Nick, and asks if he has a minute to talk as it's important.

Eva has managed to get Michelle's room number, and they are now outside, preparing to knock when room service comes along. They duck behind the corridor door, and see the fellow knock on the door opposite, and call out Rob's name. Eva is immediately full of doubt, realising they have separate rooms, but Steve figures it's just to cover their tracks, and the two of them barge into the room before Rob has a chance to close the door. As he stands there wearing nothing but a towel, all ideas of handling the situation carefully fly out the window.

Eva demands to know where she is, while Steve bangs on the bathroom door, and yells at Michelle to come out. Michelle comes out of her room across the hall, and demands to know what he is doing. Oops! However, Eva demands to know who is in the bathroom if it's not Michelle. Her question is answered when the hotel girl who had been eyeing up Rob earlier emerges. Eva calls her a 'dirty mare', and throws her out. She then goes over to Rob and knees him where it will hurt the most. He collapses in a heap, and Steve hands him the ice bucket for his crown jewels. Michelle tells him not to give him too much ice, as he might be needing some of it for himself yet.

Back in the Bistro, Leanne is letting Nick in on what has been troubling her. She tells him about the divorce. That she had known it was coming for months, and now it is absolute. Nick is furious that she has kept something like that from him. He is angry and hurt. He tells her that if she can keep something like this from her, maybe Peter is not the only one she is divorced from.

We are back in the hotel room now, and it is all coming out how Eva and Steve had figured that Rob and Michelle were sleeping together. Michelle is furious with Steve, as is Eva with Rob. Although Eva had been right about the act, just wrong about which girl. After Steve and Michelle leave, she asks why he had done it. His only excuse is that the hotel girl had meant no more to him than a hotel facility, just the same as the trouser press. This just angers Eve more, and tells him it didn't look like she was putting a crease in his kecks to her.

You have to hand it to Rob, he has nerve (I was going to say something else, but remembered they are badly bruised!) He picks up the champagne, and seductively tells Eve it is a shame to let the champagne go to waste. He suggests they put this little misunderstanding behind them and make a night of it. She moves in with a smile, takes the bottle from him so he can pick up the glasses, then pours the champagne over his head. Telling him to sleep tight, she marches out of the room.

Across the hall in Michelle's room, Steve is trying to wriggle out of trouble himself. He tells her it wasn't her he didn't trust, it was Rob, and although he knows she won't believe him, he had been constantly winding him up, telling him he was planning to take Michelle away from him. Michelle tells him that she does believe him, which surprises Steve enormously. So she tells him that Rob had tried it on with her earlier, but she had knocked him back because she is in love with him.

Steve asks her if she still loves him after the way he behaved tonight, and she tells him she does, especially because of the way he behaved. She points out that if she had been suspicious that he had been with a woman in a hotel room, she would have left scorch marks on the M62. She loves him because he cares. They kiss and make up, deciding that Eva can go back to Weatherfield by train, as they are going to make the most of the company paid for king size bed for the night.

Kirsty and Tyrone are having a nice cuddle on the sofa. She is telling him how happy her job is making her, that looking after Ruby is important, but she needs something more. She asks if that makes her a bad mother, and Ty assures her she is a brilliant mother, and if this job makes her happy, it makes both him and Ruby happy too.

Marcus and Maria are talking things over. She is accusing him of being two faced back in the restaurant. She tells him she went in with a boyfriend and came out with a mate. Marcus protests that he was caught on the hop, that this whole thing is massive and complicated for him. He goes on to explain that he is not who he thought he was, and is bound to make mistakes.

Maria protests that if they can't be open and honest with each other, how can they expect others to take them seriously as a couple. Marcus replies that his work is the one place he can forget all the aggravation and confusion and just get on with his job. Maria questions whether all she is to him is aggravation and confusion, which Marcus denies, telling her the one thing he is certain of is that he loves her. He finally concedes that she is right, there should be no more lies, and from now on, he is going to be 'In and Proud'.

Stella and Leanne are rehashing the conversation Leanne had with Nick, and Stella tells her she had better decide why she kept her news from him, because he is going to want to know.

Just then Eva comes home in drama queen mode. She fills Stella in on what Rob has done to her, and gets no sympathy from Leanne. She nastily tells her that her and man trouble go hand in hand. Eva is furious at Leanne's attitude, and Stella tells her to leave if she can't be supportive, which she does.

Eva asks Stella why she didn't see it coming, and Stella replies that she should have told her that Rob had made a play for her a few months ago too, and she hadn't told her because she didn't want to hurt her. Just then, the topic of their conversation walks in, arrogantly asking for a drink. Eva tells him that if he is there to apologise to her he is wasting his time. He tells her he is not, as far as he is concerned, he hurt her, she hurt him back, which makes them even. Stella is about to bar him, but Eva tells him that he can drink there, that she will even serve him, because from now on he means absolutely nothing to her - less than nothing, he is dead to her. She leaves the room and Stella reinforces the threat about him being dead to everyone else as well if he ever hurts her daughter again.

Rob has a smirk on his face after that, but outside Eva is not as brave as she was pretending to be. She is sobbing her heart out. Noticing Rob's car parked right in front of her, she pulls a metal nail file from her handbag, and is about to leave her calling card right along the car when a hand grabs hers. Looking up she sees Nick, who tells her he doesn't think that would be a good idea, he knows who the car belongs to, and he's not worth it.

She tells him she never learns, that she pushes the good blokes away, and lets the bad ones make a fool of her time and time again. Nick suggests a glass of wine on the house over at the Bistro, as he too has had a bad day, and could use one.

Gary makes a joke about how sad it is to see a guy playing darts on his own. Tommy doesn't find it funny however, and practically throws the darts right through the board. Gary goes off to buy him a drink, and Owen hands him an envelope of money. He tells him it is because of Tina's positive test, that he hopes it will make their life a bit easier, as he doesn't want Tina living on baked beans now she is carrying his grandchild. He tells him the next installment will be after the 12 week scan. Tommy takes it, but you can tell he is not happy about it, because the dart board takes another beating.

Eva and Nick are pouring out their troubles to each other. Eva makes it clear that her biggest regret was blowing her chances with Nick, but he tells her not to beat herself up, because he shouldn't have led her on, knowing how he felt about Leanne. When he tells her about the divorce that Leanne hadn't told him about, she sympathises, telling him she doesn't deserve him.

Steve and Michelle are basking in the afterglow. Steve, trying to explain his behaviour, quotes the song "When you're in love with a beautiful woman, it's hard". Michelle tells him that she appreciates the compliment, but he has nothing to worry about. Steve however is still perplexed as to why she loves him, he points out that he is losing his waistline and his hair, and she is gorgeous. She tells him they may defy all logic, but she loves him anyway.

Eva is just coming from the chip shop, when Nick is leaving the Bistro. Leanne meets him in the street, and tells him she is sorry, Nick tells her he is also sorry, that he should have been more understanding. They kiss and make up, leaving Eva standing there in tears once again.

Christine Warren

Written by Ellen Taylor Directed by Duncan Foster

It's chaos at Platt Towers first thing in the morning. Leanne is testy waiting for Max to get ready for school as she and Nick are taking him as well as Simon this morning. Kylie's in the slow lane as well, having worked late the night before. Leanne is critical of Kylie's ability to be supermom (like she's any better?) while Nick plays peacemaker. Kylie tries to give Simon a chocolate bar but Leanne says it's against the rules in the week. Kylie and Leanne exchange insults before Leanne and Nick leave. David and Kylie immediately decide to take advantage of a free 30 minutes and charge up them stairs, laughing.

Eva's face is on the ground. She doesn't want to go to work and tells Stella she's going to resign. Eva reckons Rob probably has been cheating on her all along.

Tyrone and Kirsty wheel Ruby along the road. They meet up with Sally and Beth and Tyrone shows off the baby. Sally and Beth coo over Ruby dutifully. Tyrone takes a text from one of the moms at Supertykes about a birthday party tomorrow.

Eva arrives at the Bistro to thank Nick for being kind her her the night before. He's sympathetic. Eva asks after Leanne and is told that Nick and Leanne have sorted out their differences. Eva's skeptical but Nick thinks Leanne's as over Peter as she promised him she was. When she tells Nick about resigning, Nick thinks she doesn't have to resign and she can face him with confidence. He points out that Rob wins if she resigns. He encourages her and she finally seems to bend a little.

In the salon, Maria is cutting Ryan's hair. Kylie brings butties for David. Kylie razzes Maria about having a gay boyfriend. David hustles Kylie out before blows are exchanged. Outside, Kylie whines that everyone thinks she's a terrible mum, just like Leanne that morning. David gently suggests that she's probably working a bit too hard, they miss her. She wants Max to have the same things other kids do and David understands that but wishes they had a bit more time together. David suggests a night off, a family night. She promises to speak to Nick about getting the time off.

At the factory, The girls have heard that Eva is apparently off sick. In the office, Rob pretends that he was joking when he came on to Michelle. She gives him stick for the way he handled things with Eva, who walks in just then, dressed in a hot red dress with a little bit of chiffon covering a lot of cleavage, and a back completely out of the dress (showing all of her bra). She's got makeup on and red lippy and looks a million (until she turns around). She outs Rob's bad behaviour and bad bathroom habits and says she's not going anywhere. If he tries to make her, she'll have him up before a tribunal. She leaves no doubt as to the type of behaviour he's been indulging in, either, much to the delight of the factory bees. Score one for Eva.

Later, now everyone's heard all about it, they all express sympathy. Julie gushes about Brian and Sally figures all men are frogs. Beth makes a comment about all the young mums at the baby group which gives Kirsty pause for thought. Rob chastizes them for standing around gossiping. He doesn't get taken serious.

Lewis is enjoying a good cup of coffee in the Bistro and talking to Gail about wonderful smells (coffee, babies etc.) Kylie's contribution is the smell of Vodka and Redbull which makes Lewis laugh and spill his coffee all down his shirt. Gail runs over with a napkin. Lewis proposed that all his shirts are not clean and his washing machine is broken. Gail offers to do his laundry for him, eliciting oozing compliments from Mr. Slick. Nick takes a booking for 13 for tonight just before Kylie was going to ask him for the night off. She doesn't ask after all, knowing her services will be needed.

Kirsty meets Katy in the cafe and finds out a few more details about the baby group. No other dads, and of course they all socialize with each other. She tells Kirsty that Tyrone is popular and has fit in well. She's not all that happy to find out that the mum who texted Tyrone about the baby birthday party is really nice, very maternal, everyone likes her. Uh oh. Kirsty's got that look in her eye again.

At home, Tyrone is cooing with the baby when there's a knock on the door. Tommy has come to give Tyrone another payment. Tyrone is concerned that there's so much and he doesn't know where Tommy's got it from. Tommy assures him there's nothing dodgey about it. They say goodbye awkwardly. Inside, Tyrone looks regretful.

Rob is watching the women through the office blinds, wondering why they're laughing and watching him back. He wonders what Eva's telling them. Michelle is highly amused he's got himself hoist with his own petard. i.e. it's his own fault and he deserves it. He charges out to the factory floor and snarls at them all. If they're not going to do any work they might as well go home. Taking this up, they all make out like he's being serious, not sarcastic and they wear him down so much that he finally tells them to get out from under his feet and leave! Result! They're all happy with Eva for leading the attack. Even Michelle heads to the pub with everyone else.

Leanne is having her tea with Simon and Stella. Simon tells her that he's ok if she wants to marry Nick. Leanne puts him off, saying she's happy as she is for now and there's no need to get married. Simon wants her to know he approves if she does. He likes Nick. Eva comes in to ask if she can open a tab at the bar. Stella notes her good mood but when Simon brags that Nick and Leanne are getting married. Leanne corrects him but Eva snarks that she's rushing things. That makes Leanne defensive and she snaps that she'll get married when she wants to, it's nothing to do with Eva. She takes Simon off to go home.

Kirsty comes home early and finds Tyrone making a meal. She wastes no time quizzing Tyrone about Angela and why she's texting Tyrone. He says he's just making friends. She lets it drop for now while he runs upstairs to see to a crying baby. While he's gone, she checks his phone to see a message from Angela, sealed with a kiss (X). That would be the X of death, right?

David is cooking a chicken, which surprises Gail. Max comes downstairs dressed like a pirate. David jumps into a sword fight with him (wooden spoon and toy cutlass). Max asks when mummy is coming home but David is dismayed to hear Kylie will be working late after all. He calls her as Lewis arrives with his laundry. He verifies things with Lewis and leaves to go talk to Kylie.

Eva is sulking in the back room. Stella comes in to tell her the factory girls are asking after her. She sees Eva feeling down and tries to pump her up, saying she doesn't think Leanne is ready to marry Nick just yet. She loves him but it's too soon, in her opinion. That gives Eva something to think about.

In the Bistro, Kylie is thriving and buzzing around the busy table. David comes in moaning. Nick says Kylie never asked for the night off. David hollers at Kylie who doesn't have the time to argue while the customers distract her. Leanne has come in too and Kylie shouts at her for looking at her the wrong way. Leanne has brought Simon to say goodnight and Simon hugs Nick before they leave. Nick chides Kylie for arguing in front of the customers.

Tyrone has seen to Ruby. When he returns, Kirsty immediately gives him the third degree about this Angela woman. Her temper is simmering over the "kiss" on the text even though Tyrone protests that he hardly knows the woman. He insists there's nothing going on with Angela or anyone else. She forbids him from going to Supertykes anymore.

Eva arrives, still wearing that red dress and tells Nick she made Rob suffer. Nick laughs. Eva notices that Kylie is in a mood, mainly because of Leanne. Eva agrees with her. They have a bitch session about Nick and Leanne and Eva says she's got a plan to blow them apart.

Intriguing...

Tvor

Written by Jan McVerry and directed by Duncan Foster

Eva and Kylie are sitting in the Bistro having a chinwag about Nick and Leanne. Eva's all for trying to split them up but Kylie tells her they're all loved up and she should leave well alone. Eva tells her Nick might be all gooey-eyed but Leanne's final divorce papers came through and she hasn't even told Nick which, admits Kylie, is a bit weird. At that moment Nick comes over and reminds Kylie she's meant to be working. So Eva gets up to leave which is probably no bad thing since she must be lowering the tone of the place: she's wearing a top which is so non-existent that ... well, the entire back half seems to have fallen off.

We move over to Ty and Kirsty who are on the brink of a major row. He's seething with her for going through his phone and she's going into a jealous rage over the perfectly innocent messages she's found from Angie. Ty slumps on the sofa and says he can't even be bothered arguing with Kirsty anymore.

Over at Gail's, David is playing pirates with Max. They've both dressed up for their game and Gail laughs and says she wishes she had a camera.

At the Bistro Kylie's doing a good job of keeping the large party happy which doesn't go unnoticed with Lewis who says as much to Kylie. She says it's a pity the boss doesn't notice because she can't seem to do right for doing wrong at the moment. Lewis offers to have a word with Nick on her behalf and Kylie tells him he's not as bad as people make out.

Back at Gail's she's singing happily to herself as she does the ironing. David - who is still sporting a moustache, having ditched the rest of the pirate outfit - is horrified when he realises his mother is ironing Lewis's underwear. He tells Gail she should get him to bring round a wallet stuffed with £50 notes next time rather than his washing.

In the Bistro the large party have left and as Kylie's clearing the table she spots an almost full bottle of open wine on the table. "Finders keepers," she says to herself.

Steve and Michelle come in and he's being his usual uncouth self. Michelle jokes he could make a night at the Ritz feel like a greasy spoon but we get the sense they've put their differences behind them and seem happy together.

Behind the bar Kylie decides to have a quick swig of the open bottle of wine: unfortunately she times it just as Leanne walks through the door. Leanne lays into her and Nick tries to intervene as it doesn't look good in front of the customers. But Leanne's on a roll and keeps going so Kylie tells her to shut her face. Leanne says that's a sackable offence and tells her to get her coat while Nick, now aware that everyone is listening, says he can handle it. In the end, despite Lewis protesting that she should wait, Kylie grabs her things and stalks out, saying as she does so that she's not going to be spoken to like muck, especially by some jumped up little scrubber who doesn't even work there.

Fiz and Katy are on their way back from a power walk round the Red Rec when they spot Ty on his way home with a six pack of lager. They're discussing what the babies are going to wear to tomorrow's birthday party but Ty looks awkward and says he can't go because Ruby's got the sniffles. Fiz sends Katy off on an errand to buy some chocolate raisins so she can invite Ty in for a quick word. Once they're inside Fiz's house Ty comes clean and tells her he can't go because Kirsty found a text on his phone from Angela inviting him to the party. Fiz can't believe Kirsty's banned him from going but Ty says she's still insecure no matter how many times he tells her he loves her. He's also worried how their rows will affect Ruby so he thinks it's better all round if he misses the party. But Fiz doesn't agree and asks Ty what he thinks will happen in the future if he gives in now and puts Kirsty before Ruby.

In the Rovers, Kylie is sounding off to Eva about Leanne and what happened in the Bistro. She tells Eva that Leanne made a right show of Nick and was acting like she was the boss and he was just the boyfriend. Kylie says she wouldn't be surprised if Leanne was seeing Nick just to get back at Eva. Eva, who hates Leanne even more than Kylie, agrees and then shares her cunning plan with Kylie. She says she know for a fact that Leanne doesn't want to get married again so she reckons they should convince Nick to propose to Leanne which will send her running for the hills. Kylie's worried about hurting Nick but Eva says she'll be waiting in the wings to console him as someone who loves him for himself and not what he earns. She tells Kylie it's not about how much they hate Leanne but because they want Nick to be happy.

Back in the Bistro things have calmed down now that the floor show is over. Nick tells Leanne that they should have handled the Kylie episode behind closed doors and, despite what happened, he thinks Kylie has real potential. He reminds Leanne that she's not Kylie's boss and so she reluctantly agrees to apologise to her and Nick says he'll have a word about her behaviour - assuming she comes back, that is. Nick kisses Leanne and tells her to go home and relax.

Round at Platt-McKintyre Towers, David is scrubbing something frantically by the kitchen sink. When he turns round, Gail is amused to discover that Max applied David's pirate moustache using an indelible pen and it doesn't look as though anything's going to shift it this side of Christmas.

Kylie has returned to the Bistro and Nick's having a gentle word with her. He says Leanne apologises too, at which Kylie goes into a strop and asks if she broke a nail or something and was too busy to do it herself. So Nick sits Kylie down and explains that Leanne's having a tough time of it at the moment because her divorce just came through. They have a bit of a heart to heart and Nick confesses that he seems to care more about Leanne than she does about him but Kylie says that's not true at all, Leanne loves the bones of him. She cleverly manipulates the conversation round to making a suggestion: Nick should put a ring on Leanne's finger. He gets up from the table, thinking about what she's just said, and then Kylie calls Eva to tell her it's time for a bit of fresh air.

Ty comes back home and Kirsty wants to know what took him so long. She doesn't even give him a chance to reply before she starts having a go at him. She's watching a DVD and orders Ty to take his cans of lager and leave the room so, with nowhere else to go, Ty trudges miserably up the stairs.

Steve's evening in the Bistro with Michelle looks like it's about to be ruined by the arrival of Rob. Michelle tells him to behave but Steve's threatening to punch his lights out. However, it seems Rob's only come in to apologise to Steve. He says he had no idea that Michelle was so smitten with him and, as a gesture of goodwill, has paid their bill for dinner.

Nick's standing outside the Bistro looking pensive when Eva comes along. He asks her if she knows how Leanne's feeling about her divorce. Eva says that Leanne's pride has taken a knock, she's scared for herself and Simon and she probably misses the best bits about Peter such as the passion and the danger. Nick thanks Eva who tells him that's what she's there for and wishes him good luck. As she walks away we can see she's on the verge of tears.

Back at Ty's, Kirsty appears to have gone to bed and Ty is back down in the sitting room when the message "Come round?" appears on his phone. It's from Fiz. He replies "2 mins".

We move to the Bistro where Nick is putting some Champagne on ice. When Gail comes in Kylie asks if it's a special occasion in her honour but Gail has only come in to see Lewis to tell him she's finished all his ironing. Lewis tells her she's a diamond, the Kohinoor of Coronation Street. Just then Leanne arrives and Kylie realises the bubbles are in her honour. Leanne tells Nick she's not in the mood but he's on a mission. He says he knows she's not expecting it and she's going to think he's mad but he has to ask: "will you marry me?" A look of shock comes over Leanne's face and, with a response which was probably not what Nick was hoping for, she says: "Have you listened to a word I've said? My marriage failed. I feel like a failure. Like someone's died." They start to shout at each other and, with Kirsty and Gail watching from the sidelines, Leanne storms out of the Bistro.

Ty arrives at Fiz's via the backdoor. She wants to find out what Kirsty said about him taking Ruby to the party but he tells her he didn't have time to ask and he's not going to bother going. Fiz says this isn't like him but Ty's annoyed and says he thought Fiz wanted to speak to him about something important. Fiz tells Ty that he's important to her but it's the end of the discussion and he leaves.

Leanne is standing forlornly in the street when Nick comes out to find her. He's upset and says he thought she loved him. Leanne says she does love him but the ink has barely dried on her divorce papers and does she really expect her to jump from one disaster to another. Nick gets really upset at the implication that marrying him would be a disaster. He starts to shout hysterically that she says she loves him but it's Peter that she really wants, going AWOL, throwing punches and giving her a thrill. Leanne can't believe what he's saying but Nick carries on. He wants her to say that she loves him as much as she loves Peter. "I do," Leanne begins but Nick is convinced she doesn't mean it and walks away from her with the words "at least now we know...". As Leanne gives a deep sigh the camera focuses on a shot of Eva, watching from an upstairs window.

Karen

It's morning in Tyrone's house. Kirsty is all bright and breezy, Tyrone is quiet. In the end she snaps that he could sulk for England, and all over some stupid playgroup, which was full of germs. Who knows what Ruby could have picked up? Tyrone says he's told her, he's not going any more. "Good," says Kirsty, and goes off to work, kissing the baby and then Tyrone. "Love you," she murmurs. "Me too," mumbles Ty, but doesn't sound very convincing.

In the Platt household, David is trying unsuccessfully to get the inked on moustache off his top lip. Kirsty tries to rub it with salt, but he howls and stops her. Nick comes downstairs, very sad and down. Gail and Kylie try to tell him that maybe it's for the best, but he can't see it. He can't believe he's back at home again.

Sophie has just finished a physio session with Jenna, and is told she can go home and come back for more treatment as an outpatient.

Kylie and Nick are walking across to the Bistro when Leanne comes hurrying over. She says she's sorry about last night and asks Nick if they can go somewhere to talk, but he says he has to go, and walks off.

Tyrone is at home with Ruby when he gets a text message. It's from Angela, reminding him that it's Bella's birthday and there's cake! He grabs the nappy bag and the baby, and heads off out of the door.

In the factory, Fiz is having trouble with her machine. Rob tells her to do what she can, and says he'll call someone to fix it once they've got the order out. Kirsty volunteers to go and phone the engineer. It's Beth's birthday, and she's trying to get all the workers to go out for a drink with her after work.

Audrey, David and Maria are chatting in the salon when Marcus brings Liam in. He's got a picture for his mummy that he did at nursery. When he's gone, David remarks that Marcus is very good with Liam, and Maria agrees. Liam couldn't wish for a better dad. "And neither could Max," says Audrey, adding that she never thought she'd say that. She'd always thought it would be Nick who would settle down with a family first.

Kevin and Sally arrive at the hospital to pick up Sophie, who is going home with crutches, and a wheelchair for long distances.

In the factory, Fiz asks Kirsty how Ruby is, and then adds that she's heard that Tyrone isn't going to the baby group any more. She thinks it's a shame. "Been complaining to you, has he?" snaps Kirsty, "telling you how hard done by he is?" Fiz says she's just saying it's hard being on your own all day with a little one. Kirsty snaps at her to mind her own business.

Meanwhile, the man in question walks into the hall where the playgroup is being held.

Kirsty arrives home to find the house empty. She tries ringing Tyrone but his phone goes to voicemail. Then her eyes fall upon the flyer for the toddler group, pinned up on the fridge.

The birthday party at the playgroup well is underway, as they all sing 'happy birthday' to the baby, when Kirsty turns up. Angela jumps up and introduces herself, and says she's pleased to meet her. "You too," says Kirsty, but then turns to Tyrone. "Can I have a word?" she snaps, and they go outside.

Kylie rings Eva, she's worried about Nick who is sitting in the Bistro looking really sad. Eva reckons he will thank them in the end.

Out in the hallway, Kirsty is having a go at Tyrone for coming to the playgroup. Ty says it was just something to do for a bit of fun. "So I'm packing knickers in a sweatshop and you're having a bit of fun with the yummy mummies!" snarls Kirsty. She takes the baby from him and tells him to go get her things, she'll meet him outside. "And don't take all day!" she snaps. He walks back in to get the buggy. Katy and Angela ask if all is ok. He says that he'd promised Kirsty they'd meet for lunch and he forgot. He hurries off, leaving them looking worried.

Eva arrives at the Bistro to see if Nick's ok. Nick is blaming himself for springing the proposal on Leanne, just after her divorce papers had come through. He thinks maybe she doesn't love him after all, he's been kidding himself. He starts to get emotional then. Eva tells him to listen to her, he's a great bloke, kind, funny, and wonders why Leanne can't see how fantastic he is. He deserves better.

Leanne is standing in the bookies looking thoughtful, when Ken comes in. He asks if everything is all right, and she tells him how Nick asked her to marry him - and she ran away! She just couldn't say yes, she felt like it would be making a massive commitment. Ken asks if she still has feelings for Peter. She says she doesn't know. Ken tells her that what she had with Peter is all in the past, he destroyed it when he fell in love with Carla. Now they are on the other side of the world and possibly never coming back. Nick is everything that Peter isn't - caring, responsible, dependable. Isn't that what she wants for Simon?

Tyrone and Kirsty have arrived home. He's not happy because she made him look small in front of everyone. She's furious because he went after saying he wouldn't. Then she asks if he's been having cosy little chats with Fiz, is that why she felt sorry for him? He says he doesn't know what she's talking about. "I told you to stay away from her!" screams Kirsty, and she picks up a vase and hurls it against the wall. Ruby starts crying, and Kirsty storms off back to work.

Sophie is struggling on her crutches, with Sally and Kevin trying to help, when Ryan comes along. She says hello to him and he says she looks good, it's good to see her back.

Kirsty gets back to the factory and gets a few comments from Beth who seems to think that Kirsty went home to have a 'siesta' with Tyrone in the lunch break. Then Rob comes out and tells her she's 15 minutes late. She apologises and says it won't happen again. Fiz wanders over and says that Katy told her Kirsty turned up at the baby group. Kirsty says that Katy needs to mind her own business - and the same goes for Fiz.

Sally and Kevin have settled Sophie on the sofa and are going back to work. Sophie asks if they can go to the Rovers later. Kevin isn't keen at first, but is eventually persuaded.

Beth is upset because Kirk has gone to the Isle of Wight by mistake, instead of Preston (only Kirk could do that!) and won't be home for her birthday celebrations. Rob wonders how he didn't realise, when he drove past London, that he was nowhere near Preston. Suddenly Fiz yells in frustration, her machine has gone wrong again. Rob asks if she can try to sort it out herself, so she asks Julie to switch it off at the mains for her. Julie jumps up and pulls down the switch to the 'off' position. Just then Sally comes back in and apologises to Rob for taking longer than she thought with Sophie. All eyes are on her for a few moments so Kirsty goes over to the machine switches and switches Fiz's machine back on again. As she tries to untangle the thread round the needle the machine suddenly bursts into life - stitching right through her fingers!

There's a lot of kerfuffle at the factory as, with blood everywhere, they try to bandage Fiz's fingers. Fiz wails that she feels sick, her heart is pumping and her mouth is dry. Rob says she needs to go to the hospital and Kirsty offers to take her.

Leanne has met Simon from school, and on the way home she tells him that they can't live at Nick's any more and will have to move back to the Rovers. Simon isn't happy about this, he likes living at Nicks. Simon can't understand why, he knows that Nick loves Leanne, he told him so. "He doesn't make you cry, or get drunk and shout like me dad," he says, "so why don't you love him no more?" Leanne looks thoughtful. "I do love him, I do," she says.

Marcus is in the cafe with Liam when David comes in with Max. They sit together and Marcus asks David if he thinks he'll have any more children. David says yes, he wouldn't want Max to be an only child.

Kirsty and Fiz are waiting at the hospital. Kirsty says she knows Fiz thinks she's a big bad ogre, and Tyrone is a downtrodden doormat, but there are two sides to every story. Fiz asks if he's lying when he said she stopped him going to the baby group. Kirsty starts to get angry again, and says it's a lot more complicated than she or Tyrone thinks. She then accuses Fiz of wanting Tyrone for herself, that's why she's making up lies about how Kirsty is trying to control him. Fiz tells her that's ridiculous. Kirsty grabs Fiz's arm and pulls it towards her, looking at the injured hand. "You're really lucky, it could have been so much worse," she hisses, glaring at Fiz.

Kylie comes into the cafe to find David and Max. She tells David that she has to work tonight because Nick is so upset.

Kirsty has taken Fiz back home to Chesney and Katy, all smiles and helpfulness. Fiz just looks stunned. "Take care, won't you," says Kirsty as she leaves.

Rob has taken Beth and the other girls into the pub and is buying everyone a drink for Beth's birthday. Julie however, is worried, she feels responsible for Fiz's accident. Eva steps behind the bar, offering to help her mum get the drinks. Stella quietly says that she seems to be handling herself well as far as Rob is concerned. Eva tells her he wasn't the real deal, just a distraction.

Just then Sophie comes in, along with Sally and Kevin. Rob offers to buy them drinks too, and Sally thanks him for all his support.

Leanne goes into the Bistro to talk to Nick. She tells him she's sorry. Nick says he knows she doesn't love him. She protests that she does, but he says he knows that she'll never feel the same about him as he does about her. She kisses him, and says she can't lose him, she wants them to be together more than anything. He pulls back, saying he can't put himself through it all again, it's self preservation. Kylie comes over then, and starts to interfere. Leanne snarls at her to mind her own business and go away. Then she turns and asks Nick if they can meet in the Rovers later and talk.

Kirsty arrives home to an angry Tyrone. He tells her to mind where she puts her feet, there might still be broken china on the floor. She tells him she can do without snide comments, she's had the day from hell, and explains about Fiz's fingers and the visit to A & E. He's shocked by what happened to Fiz, and touched by what he sees as Kirsty's kindness.

In the Rovers, Beth is telling Rob and the workers about her modelling career. "Why did you stop?" asks Julie. "I would have thought that was obvious," says Eva.

Jenna comes in and sees Lloyd and her mum, she goes over to them and then spots Sophie sitting with Kevin and Sally. She goes over to her and tells her she needs to rest.

Beth gets a phone call from Kirk, he's missed the ferry!

David goes into the Bistro to see Kylie. He's been thinking that as he's such a good dad to Max, he and Kylie ought to have a child of their own. "A kid? Us?" says Kylie. He asks what she thinks, but she's too busy to answer him.

Julie asks Sean if she should ring Fiz. He thinks she might be asleep so should leave it till the morning.

Beth has had a few drinks and is bemoaning the fact that Kirk is stuck on an island and it's her birthday. She was hoping to have a man by her side this year, to spoil her. It's been rubbish, there's been no cake, no singing, not even a measly toast. She wanders off, and Kevin turns to Sally. "Go on, make her day." Sally says ok, and tells him to get the drinks in.

Nick arrives and sits down with Leanne. She's worried that she will lose him for ever. She really loves him and wants to be his wife. "Will you marry me?" she asks. He looks at her for a moment and then says of course he will. Stella gets the champagne, but when Eva hears what's happening she's stunned and drops a glass.

Tyrone calls round to Fiz's house to see how she is. He wants to know how it happened and she tells him that she thinks Kirsty did it. He's sure it was an accident, he won't believe it at all. She tells him that he must leave Kirsty, for his own sake and for Ruby's.

Gail has arrived in the pub and is toasting the newly engaged couple.

Leanne goes over to Eva and says she's sorry if it's difficult for her. Eva says it isn't, but isn't sure that Nick is really the one Leanne wants to spend the rest of her life with.

Sally and Kevin help Sophie back across the road, and when she's gone indoors Sally moans about Jenna and how she put the damper on their evening. She invites Kevin in for a nightcap, but he refuses.

David is playing a card game with Max, and then asks him if he'd like a brother or a sister one day. Max says a brother would be better.

Tyrone goes back home and tells Kirsty that Fiz is ok, but a bit shaken. Kirsty pours wine and tells him that she knows she went a bit over the top earlier, but it's important that they trust each other, she needs to know he won't go back to the baby group. He says if it's that important, he won't. He tells her it wasn't Fiz's fault that he went, and she says she knows. She says she'll run him a bath, give him a head massage and they'll try and forget what happened to Fiz.

Anne Logan

It's morning and Fiz tells Chesney and Katie that Kirsty as much as admitted deliberately causing her injury.

Not far away, Kirsty talks to Tyrone about Fiz and tells him she doesn't think Fiz appreciated her help in taking her to A&E.

David and Kylie argue over his plan to have a baby together but the way he's going, she won't want to be in the same room, let alone the same bed as David. And that silly moustache doesn't make him any more attractive.

Outside the Kabin, Kirsty asks Chesney about Fiz. He wants to know whether she deliberately hurt Fiz but Kirsty laughs that off and points out that Fiz is on painkillers and can't be thinking straight.

Nick, Leanne and Simon have a plan. "Let's do it!"

In the factory, Michelle points out to Rob that the whole sewing machine problem was handled in the wrong way. He goes out to the machinists and explains that he was wrong to tell them to have a go at fixing their own machines. In the future, they're to turn off the machine if they have a problem and report it. While he's talking, Fiz comes in to see him and Michelle. He takes her into the office, watched by a very angry Kirsty. Beth's sure Fiz will have come to begin the process of claiming compensation.

In the office, Fiz explains that Kirsty caused her injury. "She as good as admitted it." Michelle and Rob can't believe her.

Maria and Audrey discuss Marcus taking little Liam to school. David thinks maybe every woman really wants a gay man - someone to help out while they go off and have a wonderful career, "say, waitressing in a restaurant. . ." Though when Maria says he's talking about Kylie he denies it. Maria tells him Marcus helps because he's kind and supportive. David says that's because he's gay. "No, it's because he's Marcus," she says. David says almost proudly that he's NOT kind and supportive and wants a family and that's not what women want.

Julie's been called in for a chat about Fiz's injury. She feels guilty and explains to Michelle and Rob that she must have turned off the wrong machine. She asks why they're questioning her and Michelle says they just have to do a report.

Out in the teabreak area, Beth's written "Don't spend it all at once," in Fiz's card - it's a joke about the compensation, she explains. Julie comes out of the office. She's quite sure they're planning to sack her. Kirsty says they're just covering their backs.

In the bistro, after being invited to the family dinner to celebrate Nick and Leanne's engagement, Kylie explains to him what she and David have been arguing about. Nick is surprised that David wants another child when they've got Max but Kylie says he wants one of his own - a child with "David Platt" running through it like a stick of rock. David's sulking and he could sulk for England, she says.

Kirsty's asked for her version of what happened yesterday and she's specifically asked whether she turned the machine on again. With wide, innocent eyes she denies everything. When she's gone, Michelle points out there is a history between Fiz and Kirsty. But Rob says Kirsty must be innocent or she wouldn't have taken Fiz to A&E.

In the salon, Nick asks Audrey and "Monsieur Poirot" to the engagement dinner. He also asks David out for a drink beforehand.

Julie and Beth call on Fiz to deliver the card and invite her for a drink but she says she can't because she's on painkillers. When they've gone she sees Kirsty smirking at her from the other side of the street. "What are you grinning at?" demands Fiz. "The fact that everyone believes me and not you," Kirsty says.

Fiz goes to see Tyrone and tells him what Kirsty's done and said. Tyrone tells her he doesn't believe it and she should tell someone at Underworld. Fiz says she's already done that but they don't believe her. She suspects that underneath it all, Tyrone knows Kirsty is capable of this. He denies it. He knows and loves Kirsty.

Leanne's in the pub inviting Stella and Eva to the dinner. All Eva can say is that Leanne isn't properly engaged if she hasn't got a ring. Rita overhears the conversation and Leanne tells her she and Nick are getting married again. Rita's pleased for them. Leanne invites her and Dennis to the dinner too, in return for Rita's kindness in giving her a job when she and Nick married the first time and returned from Scotland.

In one of the booths, Kirsty, Beth and Julie discuss Fiz. Kirsty thinks Fiz plays the victim and believe her life has been harder than anyone else's.

Stella has a word with Eva, hoping she'll behave more graciously tonight than she did to Leanne just now. Instead of being contrite, Eva throws a little strop accusing Leanne of being thoughtless and says there's no way she can be happy Leanne and Nick are engaged.

Fiz asks Tyrone what Kirsty's going to do next. He snaps and says he's not having Fiz here accusing Kirsty like this. Fiz says Kirsty is violent but Ty says everyone loses their temper. "No, not like she does," says Fiz. "She's injured you and now she's injured me. Who's going to be next, eh? Ruby?" She tells Tyrone she's not going to stop making accusations until she finds someone who will do something about it.

Sophie's off to the hospital for her physiotherapy. She's got all dressed up for it, too. Rita and Sally help her into a taxi. Sally tells Rita that Sophie likes the physiotherapist but she's one of those physios who think the more you suffer the better it is.

Across the road, Fiz steps out of Tyrone's house and calls the police to report a physical assault.

In the pub, Eva's sulking.

Nick and David chat but as soon as Nick turns the conversation to David's plans for a family, David accuses Nick of being on Kylie's side and of being asked to talk to him by Kylie. He somehow warps what Nick says into thinking Kylie has accused him of not spending enough time with Max, when he spends twice as much time as she does with the boy.

At her physio session, Sophie makes sure Jenna knows she's gay by carefully mentioning Sian in conversation.

Kylie's doing Gail's nails for tonight (no, Gail doesn't want rhinestones or stripes, thanks) when David barges into the house, shouting at Kylie for discussing things with Nick. He opens a beer and tells her it's none of Nick's business. "What I want to know is, why are you so good at talking to him and not to me?"

The police arrive to see Fiz and she tells them about the accident and what Kirsty's said since.

As Sophie's physio session continues, she can't take her eyes off Jenna. When Jenna says she's going to see Lloyd late, Sophie asks for a life, but Jenna says that would be against the rules.

Gail's doing her face as Kylie explains to her just why she likes working in the restaurant so much. It's not just that she likes Nick. But every night is like being on stage, with everyone arriving all dressed up. David isn't dressed up. He stomps down the stairs, still in his T-shirt and puts on his jacket. He says he knows Kylie doesn't want him and so he's not going to the dinner.

At the factory, the police arrive and ask to see the manager. In the office, they tell Rob they're here to investigate an allegation against one of his employees. Out by the locker, Kirsty gulps.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Martin Allen
Directed by: Duncan Foster

Rob is protesting to the police that he has done his own investigation into Fiz's accident, and feels her accusations are unfounded, however, they are not about to take his word for it, and insist on speaking to the girls involved anyway.

David is swigging from a bottle outside the Rovers, Ryan comes by and immediately makes fun of his inked on mustache, but David warns him that he is not about to talk about it. He asks a surprised Ryan if he would like to go into town with him to get bladdered, he is both surprised that he would ask him, as they are not exactly mates, and surprised because it is only 5:30 in the afternoon. He turns him down, saying he has to be on his best behaviour since Sophie's accident.

Kylie comes along, and tells David they need to talk, giving Ryan a good excuse to escape. David asks her if they need to talk, why did she talk first to Nick. She apologises for that, but he is not impressed with her apology, and walks off. She asks where he is going, but he will only say he is certain he is not going to Nick & Leanne's poxy engagement do. He walks away, leaving Kylie shaking her head.

The police are still questioning Rob and Michelle on the sequence of events, and request a list of staff members who were present when the accident occurred. They ask about the relationship between Fiz and Kirsty, and Rob admits there was a bit of bickering between them, but that was quite normal in a place like that. Rob points out that Kirsty was the first one to give Fiz first aid, and then had taken her to the hospital and looked after her, he points out that he just can't understand why Fiz would accuse her of something like that.

The gossip is buzzing out on the workplace floor, Beth is still convinced the police are there because Fiz is hoping to get compo. Sally points out that she wouldn't be able to claim compo, because she shouldn't have tried to fix her machine herself. Julie points out that the police wouldn't be interested in compo claims anyway, and figures they are there after her, because she turned the wrong switch off. The girls try to reassure Julie that it would be very unfair if anyone blamed her, because it was an accident pure and simple. Kirsty is standing with her arms folded, looking rather worried though. Beth is of the view though that no matter who was at fault, in the end management are responsible for letting it happen, and figures Rob is probably bricking it in the office.

Michelle comes out and explains that the police would like to speak to some of them regarding Fiz's accident, and they should wait. Beth immediately wants to know if they get overtime for it. She doesn't answer that one, but tells Kirsty to come in first. Sally points out that Sophie will be coming back from the hospital shortly, and needs to get home, so Michelle tells her she can go in next. Beth points out she has to get home for her Craig, so Michelle tells her she can come in last! LOL!!

Kylie is frantically trying to reach David on his mobile so they can go to Nick & Leanne's dinner, but he is not picking up. She complains to Gail that he is so childish, she questions whether he is mature enough to be a father. Gail points out that he is pretty good with Max, but Kylie feels that it could be a different story with two of them, and if he discovers he can't cope, she will be stuck with raising them both by herself. Gail then tells her she will have to decide how much she loves David, and how much she is willing to give up for him. (Gail's attitude boggles my mind, why is she not upset that she wasn't consulted before David decided he wanted to increase the size of his family? It's her house they are living in after all, if he was my son, I think I would be telling him straight to find them a place of their own before they inflict another child on me! It's a strange relationship to be sure)

Kirsty is being questioned, and is asked if she turned the switch back on deliberately. She looks shocked at the thought, and tells the police officer that Fiz is only saying that because she is jealous of her ex-boyfriend now being with her. She tells him that things have been bad between them for a long time, and it all stems from Fiz's jealousy. He asks her outright if she had told Fiz at the hospital that she had been lucky, and that next time it could be much worse. She denies this emphatically, and is outraged that Fiz would have said something like that after she had done all she could to help her. The police seem to buy her story and let her go. Back in the workplace, she tells the rest of the staff that she appears to be suspect number one, which surprises the others, but Kirsty makes sure they understand that this ridiculous story must have come from Fiz.

Audrey arrives at No. 8 looking for David, as he had been in a funny mood earlier. She gathers from Gail and Kylie that he and his wife had been at odds with each other, but Kylie indicates they can't talk about it in front of Max. So Audrey leaves, telling them to let her know if they hear from him, because she is on the warpath. As she is going out the door, Gail asks if they can put their differences aside this evening for Nick and Leanne's sake. Audrey is obviously still peeved with her daughter but tells her she will see her there at 7 p.m. Max asks his Mum where David is, and whether he will be back in time to read him a bedtime story. Kylie assures him he will.

Sophie is arriving home with Jenna's help. The latter tells Sally how well Sophie is doing, and Sally replies ungraciously that she must be if even Jenna is saying so. Out of earshot, Sally has something nasty to say about Jenna giving Sophie a lift home.

The police are back at No. 5 now, and Fiz is not best pleased to discover that they too have decided to believe Kirsty over her. She tells the policeman that Kirsty used to be a copper herself, so knows how to manipulate an interview to her advantage. He asks why she isn't one now, but Fiz just tells him he should ask her. However, he informs her that he won't be speaking to Kirsty again, as it is just a case of one word against the other. As the speaking and the non-speaking policemen leave, Fiz stands there with tears rolling down her cheeks.

A happy Nick and Leanne are greeting their first guests, who happen to be Rita and Dennis. They raise a glass to their engagement, and tell them they hope they will be as happy as they are.

Ty and Ruby happen to be in the Corner Shop when Beth and Julie come in, Beth is saying she is definitely going to try to claim overtime for having to stay so late for the investigation. Tyrone asks what has been going on, and is told that it looks as if Fiz has complained about Kirsty to the police. He rushes out of the shop toot sweet.

Break: I must admit I am rather enjoying the little Meer cats of http://www.comparethemarket.com/ since they started sponsoring Corrie. This time, one was sitting in Roy's Rolls trying to get into a tomato shaped ketchup bottle with his teeth, he ended up with it squirting all over his face - I guess you had to be there.... But then I enjoyed the Harvey's ads when they first started being Corrie's main sponsor, at first they had all those little animated household ornaments that were rather cute, but in the latter days, they had a couple of stupid looking women that nearly drove me mad.

Back at the Bistro, David and Kylie are conspicuous by their absence. Audrey is accepting a drink from Lewis, but looks extremely uncomfortable in his presence, and Lewis for a split second looks rather longingly at her as she walks away. Stella and Eva arrive, and when Stella raises a glass in congratulations to Nick and Leanne, Eva takes a big swig of hers before she too congratulates them.

Sally is still bitching to Kevin about the fact that Jenna has driven Sophie home. I am not sure I understand why Sally has such a hate campaign on against Jenna, as she has done nothing to the woman - yet! Kevin tells her that it doesn't really matter whether she gives her a lift home or not, the fact remains that under her care, Sophie is getting better. Just then the topic of their conversation comes to the door, as soon as Sophie realises who it is, she preens herself up a bit - methinks she rather fancies Jenna. She explains that she forgot to give Sophie her exercise sheets. To Sally's horror, Sophie invites her to stay for her tea, as they have plenty. However, Jenna declines as she is meeting her Mum and Lloyd. Sophie looks crestfallen, until Jenna says "Maybe another time?" Oh yes, Sophie definitely fancies her, and I think the feeling just might be mutual.

Fiz is still crying when there is an angry rapping on her front door. Drying her eyes she opens it and in barges an irate Tyrone, who is furious with her for calling the police on Kirsty. He accuses her of having the whole thing in her head. He shouts that he doesn't believe Kirsty would do anything like that, and tells her that it has to stop, or their friendship is at an end.

Nick makes a touching speech at their dinner, saying how thrilled he is to be marrying Leanne again, and promises he will always make her happy. They all drink a toast to Leanne. Leanne replies that she might make a speech later when she is drunk, but not on an empty stomach, so instructs everyone to get eating.

David finally arrives home, and Kylie accuses him of being childish, going out and getting slaughtered just because they have a row. The fight starts up again, resulting in waking Max up, who had fallen asleep on his mother's lap. He asks about the promised bedtime story, but Kylie tells him he is too sleepy for one, and maybe he would get one tomorrow, and takes him up to bed.

Leanne speaks to Eva, and tells her she understands how difficult this must be for her. Eva assures her she is fine with it, and wishes them all the luck in the world. Leanne tells her it would mean a lot to her to know they have her blessing, and is assured they have it 110%. But the look on Eva's face as Leanne walks away hints that she might not have been telling the truth 110%.

The angry voices have stopped in Number 5 now, and Tyrone and Fiz are sitting on the sofa, with Fiz cooing over Ruby. However, they are still disagreeing over what has happened. Just then, there is a knock on the door, and peeking out the window, Fiz tells him it's Kirsty. A look of panic comes over Tyrone's face, so Fiz tells him to just go into the kitchen with Ruby. Kirsty barges in, and demands to know if she is alone, which Fiz assures her she is.

Back to the fight going on in Number 8. David is figuring he is doing all the babysitting while Kylie is off out enjoying herself. She points out to him that what he calls enjoying herself, she calls working. She also points out that unless she does work, they will never have a place of their own. David insists that unless they have a child of their own, they will never be a proper family. He loves Max, but wants one of his own as well. He tells her that a child of their own would be the glue that cements them together forever. Kylie is touched by this, and tells him that if it means that much to him, then OK, they will try for one. As they hug, his face looks elated, hers - well, not so much.

Kirsty is boiling mad, and is having a go at Fiz for getting the police onto her. She tells her it was embarrassing to be questioned by them in front of Rob and Michelle. Fiz gives as good as she gets, telling her she shouldn't have done it if she didn't want consequences. After a bit more verbal sparring, Kirsty finally loses it, grabs Fiz by the hair and slams her up against the wall, as Tyrone watches in shock from the partly opened kitchen door. She then makes it quite clear that she had indeed hurt Fiz in the factory, and if she didn't keep her mouth shut, she would sew that up as well.

With one last shove against the wall, she tells Fiz she hopes she has now got it - and storms out of the house. Tyrone emerges from the kitchen with a look of absolute horror on his face. Fiz asks him if he heard it all, and he nods. So she asks if he now believes her, and if he will now leave this terrible abusive relationship.

Christine Warren

Just the one episode tonight...

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Mickey Jones

Eva and Stella are chatting over a morning cuppa. Eva is fussing with her hair, which is tied up in a big red bow. Stella notices a few drops of water landing in her cup, looks up and sees a great damp patch on the ceiling. Oh 'eck! She gets up on a chair and sends Eva for a bucket. She knows what to do because she says she's seen Karl do it. What to do? Poke a knife at it. Right. And the whole damp patch collapses dousing both women with dirty water, because she didn't poke it, she sliced it, not that I think that would have made any difference with that much water sitting on it.

Kirsty compliments Ty on the scrambled eggs he made. She is a bit critical that he didn't get a top laundered that she'd wanted to wear but passes it off as a joke. He runs upstairs to see to Ruby who's grizzling just as his phone is buzzing. Kirsty picks it up and sees a call from Fiz. She answers it and naturally Fiz hangs up. Kirsty, in a fit of anger, grabs the phone and Tyrone's keys and walks out to work, locking the door behind her.

As she leaves the house Jason comes around the corner where Eva grabs him to have a look at the damage.

David is anxious to get started on baby making but Kylie thinks it's all a bit weird with his mother lurking around. Mother comes downstairs and David tells her that they're going to try for a baby. Kylie unenthusiastically agrees. Gail questions it, remembering that Kylie wasn't too keen. David says they've decided so Gail says she's happy for them. Kylie doesn't look happy.

Jason has found a leak behind the bathroom panelling and has turned off the water. It could take a couple of weeks to fix. As he describes all the work, she realizes it's going to be expensive. She asks for a quote so he goes to let Owen know where he is.

Tyrone chats to Ruby and suggests a walk to the shop but he can't find his keys or his phone. The back door and the front are both locked (those kinds of doors can apparently be locked and you'd need the key from the inside to get out).

Eva is a bit late for work and is chatting about why to Kirsty when Kirsty's phone rings. It's Tyrone of course but she doesn't answer it and pretends it's a telemarketing call.

Owen has come to have a look at the damage. He says he can't turn the water back on and they'll have to use the pub toilets. He sends Jason to a simple job rather than leave him there. Jason goes off looking less than happy.

Lewis is lugging crates of wine in the Bistro. David comes in to apologize to Nick about skipping the party and he queries Gail about her work schedule so he and Kylie can schedule their activities. She goes to get a copy of her rota when he asks, rather than risk walking in on the happy couple.

Rita and Dennis join Steve in the pub. Steve has just had a hotpot and says it was wonderful. He had just complimented Mandy when the Tanners arrived (but Mandy doesn't make them, Sean does. Maybe she's just really good at heating them up). Rita hands Dennis some cash to order a couple of hotpots for themselves. Steve notices and teases Dennis about it before leaving. Dennis is embarrassed but Rita thinks there's a better way. He could use the cash card she'd given him. Turns out he's never used it because he doesn't know how.

Fiz has come to the back door but Tyrone doesn't want to talk. He pops open the window and tells her she can't be caught there. He tells her that he's locked in and Kirsty's not answering the phone. Fiz realizes Kirsty's locked him in because of the phone call. Tyrone shouts at her for making things worse. She probably has Tyrone's phone and will see all the messages from Fiz on it. Fiz urges him to leave, he can't go on like this. He thinks he can ride it out and hope things get better.

After the break, we're in the cafe with Jason and Eileen. He's in a bad mood and tells her he feels like he's in a dead end. Can't keep a woman and now feels like Owen thinks he's too thick to price up a job. Eileen doesn't think that was why. Jason moans and Eileen says if he wants to change his life, do something about it.

Rita shows Dennis how to use the cash card with a one pound purchase and reminds him to memorize the PIN. He's delighted it was that simple. Why didn't she tell him that before!!?

Owen shows Jason his quote, evidently far over estimated. Owen says he sent Jason away this morning because he knew that Jason wouldn't pad the estimate. Jason then asks if he can buy into a share of the business. Owen doesn't like the idea at all. He has worked for years to build up the business and isn't going to share it with anyone especially someone wet behind the ears (not really fair. Jason's been a builder for a long time now). Jason objects but takes the order to brush out the yard. For now.

Kirsty comes home to find Tyrone ironing. They exchange some small talk and then he mentions that he couldn't find his keys and has been locked in. He asks if she picked them up by mistake and she pretends to discover them in her handbag. She also says her phone was on silent but was busy and forgot to ring him back and lies that she doesn't have his phone. She then suggests he doesn't need a mobile anyway since he's home with the landline most of the time. He doesn't say much. She goes upstairs.

Kylie comes in and David rushes her upstairs, showing her the work rota. They have a half hour before he has to go get Max. She whines a bit about a sandwich but doesn't object too strongly.

Kirsty shouts down that she's going to have a bath. Tyrone picks up her handbag and finds his mobile and Kirsty catches him. Aha!! He jumps and defends himself because he knew she lied. She grabs his phone and points out that Fiz has texted and called him dozens of times and he's replied to many of them. That's why she took his phone! When is he going to learn, she hisses.

Nick says they're going to be busy tonight. Lewis and Gail say they're all set. Gail and Lewis chat about children and Lewis muses how he would have liked children. He flatters her parenting skills. He thinks she did quite well and flatters her further on being a young looking granny. It works. She smiles brightly at him.

Kirsty accuses Tyrone of encouraging Fiz. She blows up and smacks him then pounds him to the ground, screaming at him and she kicks him a couple of times in the ribs before insisting he apologize. He does though she whacks him one more time just for good measure. She gets up gasping and says she's going for a bath and he can get her tea ready. She leaves him shuddering on the floor.

Jason is in the pub and tells Stella he can do the job if she hires him directly and he can do it for nearly half the price. He implies that Owen is overcharging her and overestimating time and materials. Eileen comes in and hears the end of the conversation. Jason wins Stella's agreement and they shake on it. Jason will deal with Owen. Eileen mutters that she knew Jason could do it if he wanted to.

Tyrone is sitting outside in the back yard. Fiz is emptying her rubbish and sees him down the ginnel. She realizes Kirsty has been hitting him again. Tyrone admits it's the worst ever and is in tears. Fiz urges him to leave before Kirsty kills him. She promises to get him out but Tyrone cries that there's no way out and sobs in Fiz's arms.

Very difficult to watch but most excellent acting!

Tvor

Here's the update for Wednesday 28th November, when we were treated to another 1 hour episode. This is the first half.

Tyrone is taking painkillers when Kirsty comes down. She's totally unrepentant, she reckons he's looking for sympathy. He stammers that he's not, he's just in pain. "And that's all my fault, I suppose?" she snaps, and conveniently turns it all around by making it his fault for antagonising her with Fiz, after all that Fiz has done to her.

Chesney isn't going to market today, as he's run out of stock. (Are there many market traders who let this happen?) Fiz asks if he can look after Hope as she has something to do in town.(I thought Hope had a nursery place?) He asks what it is she's doing, and is horrified when he learns that she's doing a favour for Tyrone. "Are you off your head?" he says, "look what happened last time you got involved." Fiz, however, won't be moved.

There's a loud knocking on the door of the Rovers. Stella opens it to find Jason, come to work out what materials he's going to need for the job. Meanwhile, in the cafe, Owen is on the phone to him, leaving a message telling him to turn up for work at the yard. He then turns and asks Roy if he's seen Jason, but Roy hasn't. Gary thinks Jason probably got lucky with a new girlfriend last night, but Owen thinks he probably has a hangover.

Fiz meets Tommy out in the Street, and they talk about Fiz's allegation that Kirsty caused her to hurt her fingers. Fiz is aware that it sounds mad, but Tommy knows what Kirsty is like. Fiz says she hasn't finished with that cow yet. Tommy warns her to be careful, Kirsty is mental. Fiz can't stand by and watch Kirsty beat seven bells out of Tyrone. Tommy asks how she knows, and Fiz tells him that Tyrone told her. She explains that Tyrone's name isn't on Ruby's birth certificate, so if he leaves Kirsty he'll lose the baby too. Tommy is amazed at this, and asks what Fiz is going to do. She says she's off to see a solicitor. Tommy advises her to save her money, it's a waste of time, he doesn't think Tyrone will ever leave Kirsty.

Tyrone is in his kitchen, with the pot of painkillers. He tips the entire contents out into his hand, thoughtfully. Just then baby Ruby cries, and he hastily puts them all back and goes to see to her.

Tommy gets back home to find that Tina isn't feeling too well. Just then his phone bleeps. He's got an email from Tyrone, he wants to see him.

David, Kylie and Max are having breakfast in the cafe. David is still full of the idea of being a dad, and talks about going on a detox, giving up the booze and the fry-ups. He doesn't want to be a dad that's wheezing his way round the park with his kids. Kylie thinks he could be getting ahead of himself, it could all take ages yet, she's only just come off the pill.

Just then Chesney and Katy come in with Hope and Joesph. Katy gets a call from a friend whose dad has had a heart attack, he's in intensive care, and she's really upset. Chesney asks if she's going to go and see her. Katy says she'd like to, but they've got the kids, and it's not fair to leave them both with Chesney. Kylie suddenly pipes up that she and David have got the day off, and they can mind the children. David looks shocked, but says he doesn't mind. Quietly he asks Kylie why she did that. She says it will be good practice for him at being a dad.

Over in the Bistro, Nick is in a good mood because takings are up. Gail wonders aloud about a staff bonus. Nick tells her that's in her dreams. Lewis then says that if anyone deserves a bonus it is Gail, the care and attention she puts into her work is inspiring. As he walks off, Nick asks her if she paid him to say that. She tells him she didn't, but admits that they do seems to be getting on a lot better lately.

Tommy calls to see Tyrone as requested, and Tyrone tearfully tells him he has to get out of there.

David and Kylie are at Tyrone and Katy's house with all the children, and Joseph is howling, he needs a nappy change. Kylie suddenly realises that she is supposed to be at work, and hurries out of the door, ignoring David's protests.

Dennis is in the shop, buying a carton of milk for 47p. He presents Dev with his debit card, but Dev won't take it for such a small amount. Gail is also in the shop and tells him to put the milk with the things she has bought.

Owen and Gary turn up at the pub, ready to start work. A rather embarrassed Stella asks if he didn't get the message she left about finding another, cheaper builder. "What? You found someone cheaper than me?" says Owen, and demands to know who it is. Stella hesitates, and Gary points out that they'll find out eventually. Just then Jason comes in from the back. "It's me," he announces, and adds that this is his official resignation. "So, you're making a stand, are you?" says Owen, "you'll be burning your bra next." Jason says he's sick of being taken for granted and being talked down to, so from now on he's working for himself. Owen tells Stella to keep his number, it's only a matter of time before Jason cocks it up. He and Gary then leave, and Stella congratulates Jason for standing up to him, she says she's impressed.

Tyrone tells Tommy that things are getting worse, and shows Tommy his latest bruises. E says he's getting out and taking Ruby with him. Tommy is horrified, this is Tyrone's house, his home, Kirsty should be the one to leave. Tyrone says that then he would never see Ruby again. Tommy urges him to wait, telling him that Fiz is seeing a solicitor to find a way out for him. Tyrone says he can't risk hanging around any more. If Kirsty got wind of anything, that would be it - game over.

Gail is washing the Bistro floor. Lewis waits until her back is turned and then lays himself carefully down on the wet floor, and throws the tray of glasses down, yelling. Everyone rushes over, and as they pick him up he staggers and says he must sit down.

Owen is seething about Jason. Gary tells him not to take it personally, Jason is all right, not like some of the tools round there. It's like a light has gone on, Owen stares for a moment and then suddenly says that he thinks he owes him a pint. "Back in a bit," he says, walking off.

Lewis is still sitting down at the Bistro, wincing and groaning about his back, saying the fall has sparked pain from an old skiing accident. Gail is full of remorse, this is all her fault. Nick suggests calling a doctor, but Lewis hastily says there's no need for that. In the end he says he'll walk to the surgery and if it's no better he'll talk to the doctor.

Over at Tyrone's, Tommy asks what his plan is. Tyrone says he has a bit of money, and then Tommy is another one full of remorse, he wishes he could have paid Tyrone back what he owed. Tyrone's plan is to go to the coach station and buy a ticket out. He doesn't know where. He needs Tommy to take him to the coach station in their car and then bring it back, so Kirsty has no idea where they've gone. Tommy goes off to start the car while Ty has a last look round. Then he picks up the baby. "Come on you, let's get out of here."

Owen and Gary are outside the yard when Jason turns up. He's not come for his job back, he's come for his tools. "Help yourself," says Owen, but Jason can't find them. Owen acts the innocent and says he doesn't know where they are. "You're not seriously going to steal my tools because I undercut you on that job, are you?" says Jason. Owen says he did more than that, he stabbed him in the back and then took money from his pocket, so if someone has taken them he'd say that was payback. Jason says he won't let him get away with it, but Owen isn't bothered.

Lewis hobbles back into the Bistro, saying he's been to the doctor and nothing is broken, just very badly bruised. He's got painkillers but won't be able to work for at least a week. Nick tells him not to worry, he'll get his wages. Lewis says he might as well go home, and Gail offers to accompany him, to make sure he gets home safely.

Tyrone and Tommy are at the coach station, and Tyrone is planning to go to Glasgow. He doesn't think Kirsty will look for him there. He then says sorry to Tommy, for the way things ended up between them. "You're my mate," says Tommy, "nothing will ever change that." Tyrone tells Tommy to go and take the car back, so that Kirsty doesn't miss it. Tommy thinks this is all wrong, but Ty says he has no choice. Telling him to look afer himself and Ruby, Tommy leaves.

More in the second half, coming up soon.

Anne Logan

And here, following on from Anne's update for the first half of the episode, is part 2:

Written by John Kerr and directed by Mickey Jones

Beth is in the corner shop demanding a refund on a packet of biscuits which she complains were broken. But since she ate them all and has no proof of purchase, Dev isn't about to cough up.

Outside in the street, Fiz is running after Tommy wanting to know if he's seen Tyrone. She tells him she's just been to see her solicitor and he thinks there may be a way that Ty can get shot of Kirsty but still have custody of Ruby. Tommy breaks the news to her that it's too late as Ty's done a runner. There's nearly a nasty moment when Beth and Kirsty come walking up the street towards them. Kirsty looks suspicious but luckily she doesn't seem to have picked up on their conversation. As soon as she's out of earshot Fiz has a go at Tommy and calls him an idiot for helping Ty to leave. Tommy says he had no choice but Fiz says he'll never get away with it and as soon as Kirsty finds out, he'll lose Ruby for good. Fiz decides to call Ty but Tommy tells her Kirsty has his phone so Fiz grabs Tommy and says they need to get to the coach station as fast as they can to try and stop him.

Round at Fiz's, calm has descended and David appears to have everything under control. He's reading a story to Liam while Max draws a picture of what David thinks is an alien but turns out to be a portrait of him (an easy mistake to make). Katy and Chesney come home and seem impressed that David has managed to look after all three children on his own.

Jason goes into the Rovers and breaks the news to Stella that he can't complete the job on her bathroom. He explains that his tools have gone missing and he's almost certain Owen's taken them. He can't borrow any and it would cost too much money to buy a new set so all he can do is tidy up the mess he's made. He tells Stella she'll have to call Owen after all but she says over her dead body and she'll sort it. When Mandy asks her if she's alright her response is that she's 49 years old, she's single, has a huge hole in her bathroom floor and is reduced to washing in her kitchen sink.

Outside in the street, Lewis is really hamming it up and is hobbling along like an old man and clutching onto Gail's arm. When they reach the front door he says he's not sure how he's going to get up the stairs. Gail decides he can't possibly cope with living on his own and comes up with a solution: he can stay at her house until he's better. She'll give him Max's room and Max can move in with David and Kylie. Lewis turns the charm up another notch and is incredibly grateful. They both seem to overlook the fact that he'll still have to climb the stairs at Gail's to get to Max's room ...

Fiz and Tommy have arrived at the coach station. They're just in time to see Ty sitting on a coach which is pulling away from the curb. They bang on the window and the driver stops to let them on board. They rush onto the coach and Fiz tells him he has to get off. He says he's going but Tommy tells him it's O.K., he should listen to Fiz. The driver wants to know whether he's getting off or not and, to Tommy and Fiz's great relief, Ty says he's going to need his bags.

Back on the street, everyone's filing out of the factory. Tracy sees Beth and Kirsty and wants to know what's going on. Beth explains that the leccy's off so they've been let out early and they're going to the Rovers to get bladdered. She invites Tracey to join them. Kirsty's keen to go home but fortunately for Tyrone Beth manages to persuade Kirsty to go to the pub for a drink first.

Kylie sees David on his way home with Max. She asks him how he got on and is somewhat surprised (and, one imagines, secretly disappointed) to hear that the babysitting went really well. He jokes that if the hairdressing doesn't work out he can always open a crèche instead.

Lewis has established himself on Gail's sofa and she's just in the middle of plumping up his cushions in what appears to be a rather compromising position when David and Kylie come in. Gail explains what's happened and Kylie confirms her story about the accident but David is horrified when he hears that not only is Lewis moving in but Max will be in with him and Kylie which will affect their baby-making plans. David storms out in a huff, Kylie goes after him and Lewis settles himself down on the sofa with a satisfied grin.

At the coach station, Fiz and Tommy are sitting with Ty in the cafe and he wants to know what's going on. He still thinks he should have gone while he had the chance but Fiz tells him that there may be a way to keep Ruby and get Kirsty out of his life forever. "And how am I going to do that?" asks Ty. "By setting a date for the wedding," replies Fiz.

Beth's trying to make the most of her unexpected afternoon in the pub but, with Tracy claiming she's skint and Kirsty reminding her she's only staying for one round, Beth declares it's like going drinking with the Amish.

On the other side of the Rovers, Stella has called Owen in for a word. Jason asks what's going on so she tells him to take a seat as he's going to enjoy it. Owen assumes Stella wants him to do the work on her bathroom after all but she soon puts him straight and tells him to give Jason his tools back. Owen tries making out he doesn't know what she's on about so Stella issues him with an ultimatum: either he gives them back by the end of the day or she'll be straight on to Trading Standards to tell them about the dodgy quote he gave her. She adds that they'll probably also be interested to know about all the customers who were overcharged for materials he never used. Owen tells Stella it's blackmail and she agrees but adds that it's effective. As soon as Owen's out the door, Jason asks if she was telling the truth about ringing Trading Standards. "Of course not!" exclaims Stella. "But he doesn't know that, does he?"

Dennis comes in and asks Mandy if he can use a credit card to pay for a drink. She tells him there's a minimum charge of £10 so he's upset to realise that means he'll need to buy at least four drinks. Beth's ears prick up at this and she tells Tracy and Kirsty to watch and learn. Beth sidles up to Dennis who looks at her in surprise and asks if he can help her. "I think we can help each other," she replies.

Back at the coach station Fiz is explaining to Ty that if he marries Kirsty he would get automatic parental responsibility for Ruby. She adds that if he runs now he'd be the one in the wrong and he could lose her for good. Ty says there's got to be another way so Fiz tells him there's something called a "Prohibitive steps order" which might work but the problem is that Kirsty could stop it if she found out what he was up to before it went through. Ty says he needs to get his head round it but Fiz points out he'll have to hurry up because they're running out of time.

In the salon, David's telling Audrey all about his mum and Lewis. Kylie tries to play it down and says that Gail's only trying to help but David wants his gran to have a word with her. Audrey points out that whatever Lewis does isn't her problem anymore. "What, so it's mine now?" grumbles David. Kylie tries to pour oil on troubled waters and says that Lewis isn't that bad when you get to know him but David retorts that he doesn't want to get to know him.

We return to the coach station where Ty's decided the plan isn't going to work as he'd have to persuade Kirsty that he really wants to marry her and he hates what she's become. He adds that every time she goes to touch him he feels scared and sick. He says he's always been a terrible liar and if he asks Kirsty to marry him now she'll see right through him. And then what? Another beating? Fiz tells him that nobody says it's going to be easy but he's got to give it a try. Ty asks her to give him one good reason so Fiz says she's right here, as she looks down at Ruby. She adds that they'll be right there for her, whatever it takes, and he's not going to be alone any more. Tommy nods his agreement and Ty says "let's go home."

In the Rovers, Jason's done all he can for Stella without his tools. He's not convinced he'll get his tools back and tells Stella that Owen's the most stubborn man he's ever met. "And then he met me," says Stella as she turns away to serve a customer.

On the other side of the bar, Dennis is decidedly the worse for drink and has his arms round Beth and Tracy. Beth waves his credit card in the air and tells him it's time to flash his plastic again. Kirsty protests she doesn't want another drink but Beth points out that Dennis has a captive audience and tells her not to be so selfish. But as Dennis is up at the bar, Rita arrives with Emily and reminds him that he was supposed to be taking them both into town. Dennis is clearly very drunk and Rita wants to know how he's been paying for all his drinks. When he tells her he's been getting in a bit of practice with the credit card she frogmarches him out of the Rovers. Fortunately for the girls it's not before he's paid for their next round.

Outside in the street, Ty has arrived home with Fiz and Tommy. He says he hopes Kirsty didn't come home for her lunch or notice that the car had gone. As he hurries inside he asks Tommy and Fiz not to mention a word to anyone, even Chesney or Tina.

Inside the house Ty tells Ruby that mummy won't be back for an hour. He leaves her in the buggy while he goes upstairs to unpack.

Back in the Rovers Kirsty tells Beth and Tracy that she's had enough and she's going home.

Meanwhile, who should come in but Owen with Jason's tools. He tells Stella that it has nothing to do with what they discussed earlier. Jason asks where they were and Gary and Owen both reply at once - with different answers. Stella says it calls for a drink but when she says she meant with Jason, not Gary and Owen they beat a hasty retreat to the Flying Horse.

Ty is on his way downstairs when he hears Kirsty coming through the front door. He just manages to get back in the sitting room in time. He seems a bit breathless but for once Kirsty doesn't seem suspicious and he breathes a big sigh of relief as she picks up Ruby and takes her off to get changed.

Over at Tina and Tommy's she's asking him what Ty wanted to see him about. Tina thinks it's a bit weird when Tommy replies that Ty just wanted to thank them for keeping up their end of the deal over the money repayments. She asks him where the teabags are that he was meant to buy. "Don't, Tina, just don't, alright?" he says as he picks up his coat and walks out. Tina is left looking confused by his bad mood.

At Gail's, Lewis is still lying on the sofa. She takes Max upstairs to help her rearrange the bedrooms but before she goes stops a for a quick word. Lewis says that he understands that Gail always had her mother's best interests at heart but she replies that she wished she'd handled things differently and trusted him a bit more. Lewis says that what's important is that they learn from their mistakes. The moment that Gail is safely upstairs Lewis jumps up and starts going through the drawers in the sideboard and finds what he's looking for: a bank statement.

Ty is cooking dinner when Kirsty comes into the room. He says he wanted to make something special. She looks a bit suspicious and asks what the occasion is so he tells her that he's been doing some thinking about what she's said and how he should try to meet her halfway. He goes on to tell her that he hasn't been there for her and he guesses what he means is that he's sorry. Ty adds that he cares for Kirsty and he just wants to put everything behind them and start again. Kirsty smiles and puts her arms around Ty. "I love you," she says. "Yeah, I love you too," replies Ty. Although, as we can see from his face over her shoulder, it's hard for him to get the words out.

Karen

Season's Greetings, everyone, and welcome to the first update for this Friday.

Tyrone's having his breakfast and Kirsty's off to work. He feels obliged to tell her that he and Ruby will be out for part of the day as Ruby's scheduled for her inoculations. Kirsty doesn't think she'll have a good day at work because it's Fiz's first day back. But Tyrone says Kirsty's building a career over at the factory. She shouldn't let Fiz wreck that for her.

In Gail's house, Lewis struggles down the stairs and Gail fusses round him. He says he slept well but David mutters than his gran probably didn't. He tells them Audrey knows about Lewis staying there. When David's gone, Lewis apologises to Gail for putting her in this position. He looks worried.

Tina's getting ready for work but she's running late. She didn't know morning sickness would wipe her out so badly. Tommy worries about her working while she's feeling so sick but she points out that hers is the only income. Tommy feels bad about not finding a job but Tina's sure things will get better.

In the Kabin, Emily comes in and comments to Rita about the state of Dennis last night. Of course Norris is very interested in any thing that could put Dennis in a bad light and he's even more interested when the cashcard is mentioned. Emily thinks Dennis's generosity is only to be applauded. Generosity? "The plot thickens," says Norris. "The only thing that's likely to thicken is your ears if you don't stop stirring it!" Rita warns him. She suggests to Emily that they continue their conversation over lunch at the bistro.

Audrey comes to visit Gail. Lewis is asleep upstairs. "How could you take him in, Gail?" asks Audrey. Gail says it's complicated. And anyway, she feels his accident was her fault. When Audrey tells her she's responsible for a lot more than that, Gail gets upset. "How could you betray me again?" Audrey asks. Gail says she's not going to feel guilty for having a kind heart. "What about my heart?" asks Audrey. "The one you broke." She tells Gail she's robbed her of her future and now she's rubbing Audrey's nose in it. Before Gail can protest any more she walks out.

There's a knock on Tyrone's back door. It's Fiz checking up on him. He's worried about their plan but she tells him Ruby will be so proud of him one day. She promises to try to keep her gob shut with Kirsty at work.

Stella must have a perfectly good flat upstairs but for some reason she's doing her ironing half dressed and in the hallway behind the Rovers' bar. She's singing at the top of her voice to a radio which she must have brought out especially to listen to while she's ironing. It is, of course, all a clumsy device to have Jason see her in her scanties when Mandy brings him through. No, I have no idea why Mandy did that when she must have known Stella wasn't dressed because Stella's ironing is blocking her way to the kitchen. Jason tells Stella she's got a good voice and when she says she can't decide what to wear he tells her the blue dress will match her eyes.

Fiz arrives at work and is greeted with kind words and hugs by everyone except Kirsty, who didn't think she'd have the nerve to come back. They're both called straight into the office and Rob shouts at the machinists to get back to work.

When Norris sees Dennis in the street he comments that Rita's finances aren't a bottomless pit. Dennis, suffering a bad hangover and in no mood to suffer fools, tells him to stay out of his business. Dennis sees Gail and gives her the money he owes for the milk. She asks whether he got his cashcard working properly and he tells her it's his best friend in the world.

In the factory office, Fiz apologises to Kirsty. Kirsty demands that she apologise in front of all her co-workers but Rob tells them to get out of the office. They glare at each other.

Tina's working at Owen's. He's got quite a lot of work on so Tina suggests he employ Tommy and Owen agrees.

Emily and Rita are at the bistro and Rita tells her about Dennis making free with the cashcard. She's also looked at some receipts that fell out of his jacket (though she admits she might have helped liberate them) and at the rate he's spending, they'll be bankrupt by the end of the year. She doesn't want to make him beg for pocket money but can't work out what to do for the best. Emily advises her to wait. Dennis isn't stupid but at the moment his cashcard is like a new toy. It will all settle down. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the bistro, Mary's making plans for her first theme night - Jamaican or German? Kylie wants Jamaican so that's what it is.

Kirsty just happens to drop by Fiz's workstation. "I told you nobody would believe you," she says quietly. She moves away as the others try to entice Fiz to the pub for lunch but she doesn't want to go. Julie stops back to try to persuade her to change her mind about the accident. Julie turned off the wrong machine and Kirsty can't be responsible, she says.

Tommy arrives at the pub, worried that Tina's summoned him, especially since she felt so sick this morning. That's news to Owen but he puts his concern to one side to offer Tommy a labouring job. Tommy's not worried about the lowly status - he's just glad to have work. But when Owen goes to the bar, Tommy snaps at Tina that he doesn't need her to beg for him.

The machinists tell Kirsty that Fiz has stayed behind at work.

David and Audrey discuss Lewis. David's livid about the whole situation and now he's been invited to dine with Lewis, who's treating the whole family to a Chinese takeaway tonight. One grandson's opinion isn't enough for Audrey and she heads off to find out what Nick thinks about it all.

Outside the Rovers, Tina snaps at Tommy for being ungrateful and tells him she didn't beg for him to be given work. She's all set for a ding-dong argument in the street, in the best Elsie Tanner tradition, but Tommy sees Tyrone with the pushchair and says he's got to go and have a word. He does, but Tyrone gives him the brush-off and says he can't risk them being seen talking.

Stella's wearing the blue dress. She chats to Jason as he eats his sandwiches in the back room. He hasn't really thought through this self-employment thing and is clueless when it comes to tax and VAT. Stella offers to give him . . . ahem . . . private lessons tonight.

Tommy's overheard the machinists say where Fiz is, so he goes to see her at the factory. They discuss Tyrone and Tommy says Tyrone just blanked him. Fiz assures him that Tyrone knows what he's doing.

Audrey rants at Nick but he's sure the Lewis thing is just temporary and is because Gail felt guilty about the accident. After a slight fuss over whether Emily or Rita will pay the bill for lunch, Rita hands her card to Kylie. The machine declines it. Rita is very embarrassed and Emily pays.

The factory staff discuss Fiz and Kirsty. Julie again says she can't understand why she's not the target of Fiz's anger. Sally says Kirsty does push people's buttons and wonders if there's more to this than meets the eye. Kirsty has overheard and demands to know what that could be. Julie tries to say they were just talking but Kirsty's annoyed and heads back to the factory.

Tommy and Fiz, of course, are still there talking about Tyrone. "At the end of the day, all we can do is trust Tyrone to sort things," she says. "Trust Tyrone to sort what?" demands Kirsty.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Debbie Oates
Directed by: Mickey Jones

Rita is on the telephone in the Kabin, and Norris is making his usual horrible remarks to Emily about Dennis, as he is convinced that he has run off with all her money.

When she hangs up, she tells Norris that her account has not been cleaned out, but the bank had put a block on it, due to unusual activity, she realises what a disappointment that must be for him, but all is well.

Far from being embarrassed however, he retorts that he doesn't know how he ended up the villain, when it was Dennis who has been going wild with Rita's plastic.

Over in the factory, Tommy and Fiz are desperately trying to talk their way out of being overheard by Kirsty. Tommy tells her that it was to do with getting Tyrone to try to sort him out a job with Kevin. Fiz backs him up, but Kirsty is not buying it for a second. Michelle comes in with the staff behind her, and asks Kirsty and Fiz if they are falling out again. Fiz denies it, saying everything is fine.

As Michelle goes into the office, Fiz tells Tommy to leave, but Kirsty snaps at him to stay where he is. Sally looks surprised and asks what's going on. Kirsty replies that they are trying to mess up her relationship with Tyrone. She relates to Sally how Fiz has been sending texts to her fiancé and now they are saying that Tyrone will sort it. The more she talks, the higher her voice gets, and she ends up shaking with anger. The row escalates and Fiz finally cannot take any more, and lunges at Kirsty. Unfortunately before she can land her a good one, Rob comes in and stops it. He then tells Tommy to get out, and he is only too glad to escape at top speed.

Dennis comes home loaded with shopping bags, very excited as he has something to show Rita, unfortunately, he first bumps into Norris and Emily outside the Kabin. He asks Norris to please tell Rita to come up to the flat, so he can show her what he bought. Norris remarks to Emily afterwards that he would give anything to be a fly on the wall when Rita gets up there. Then Emily comes out with the line of the episode, she says "I think a lot of people would love you to be a fly on the wall Norris, if only for the opportunity to swat you".

Tommy goes looking for Tyrone, and tells him that he needs to get to the factory to calm Kirsty down, as she is out of control. Speaking of Kirsty, Rob is threatening her with the sack if she walks out the door. Kirsty is saying she cannot work with Fiz, and wants Rob to make her swear she is not trying to break up her and Tyrone. Rob refuses, and Michelle tells Kirsty and Fiz to get to work right now, or they will both be sacked.

Tyrone arrives, much to Robs further anger. However, Michelle tells him he can stay for one minute, then all this had better be sorted. Ty asks Kirsty what the matter is, because Tommy had told him she was upset. She rounds on him, and accuses him of being in on it with Tommy and Fiz. Tyrone tells her he doesn't know what she is on about. She asks him what it is that he has to get sorted then, as she had overheard Fiz and Tommy talking about it. Tyrone looks at Fiz in horror, and you can almost see his brain ticking over as he tries to come up with a reasonable answer.

Finally, he blurts out the only thing he can think of on the spur of the moment, and tells Kirsty that he hadn't wanted to upset her by telling her that Fiz is obsessed with him, that he has told her and told her to back off, but she won't stop with the texts and phone calls. He berates Fiz in front of everyone, telling her that he is in love with his wife, and that her harassment has to stop. At first Kirsty doesn't believe him, but the more he puts Fiz down, the more she comes round to buying the story.

He tells Fiz to leave him alone, or next time he will call the police. Fiz, still wanting to protect him, admits to everything Tyrone has said, much to the shock of everyone in the factory. Tyrone then kisses Kirsty, who is obviously thrilled at having her paranoia verified, and he tells her he will see her at home later. (Poor Fiz)

Stella is giving Jason his first lesson in the joys of doing the VAT, a subject he is struggling with. He bemoans that she must think him thick, which she denies, saying that it would be unusual for a man of his skills, and good looks to also have a hidden talent for paper work. Just then Sean comes out of the gents, realising he is late back to work when he notices that all his co-workers have gone, so hotfoots it back across the road.

Rita comes into the flat and cannot believe her eyes at all the parcels Dennis has brought home. He excitedly tells her to close her eyes, as he has a present for her. Instead of closing her eyes, she opens her mouth and asks him what exactly he is playing at - and how much he has spent! She accuses him of behaving like a WAG (that is a footballer's wife or girlfriend for the uninitiated), and reminds him that they are pensioners. Dennis however is not to be brought down, he urges her to feel the gloves he bought her - cashmere. Rita is in no mood to look at gloves, cashmere or otherwise, and tells him about the embarrassing episode of having her card declined in the Bistro, and that she is really disappointed in him.

Needless to say, the topic of conversation among the workers in the factory is Fiz and her obsession with Tyrone. Sean is checking with Fiz as to whether it is true or not. He asks her outright if she is in love with him. She thinks for a minute, and tells him she is.

Kirsty comes out of the office and tells her they want to see her next. She no sooner gets into the office, but finds herself sacked. They explain that she has been nothing but trouble, what with getting the police onto them, then fighting with a co-worker on her first day back, they just cannot have them both working together. Fiz pleads that she really needs the job, being a single mother and all, Michelle asks her if what was said out there is true, she admits it is, so is handed her P45 and is out.

Fiz comes out of the factory in tears, and Sean comes running out after her. He assures her they will always be friends, and will stand by her. He persuades her to agree to meet up for a drink later.

Kylie meets up with David, and asks him if he will still love her if she does away with his mother. He replies that he is not ruling the idea out, by wants to know why. She tells him that the way she is fawning over Lewis is doing her head in, and informs him that Lewis is buying them all a fancy Chinese meal tonight, and all are expected to attend. He responds that he hopes he is not expected to wear his tux, as it needs ironing.

A little conversation takes place between Jason and Stella, and it is very obvious they fancy the pants off each other.

Kirsty arrives home, and Tyrone nervously asks her if she is OK, whether he should make her a coffee, and whether Rob was OK after he left. She tells him that Fiz got sacked, and he tells her he is glad it wasn't her. She spits back at him that it easily could have been, with her kicking off at work like she did, she then starts losing it again, blaming him for the whole thing, telling him she knew all along that something was not right, and he allowed it to get to the level it did.

As her voice raises once again, Tyrone grovels and apologises. He tells her he hadn't told her about Fiz pestering him because he didn't want to upset her, that he thought he could handle it himself, and stop her. He tells her he was stupid to think so, and was totally in the wrong. She tells him she had thought she was going mad, and surely he could see how it looked from where she was standing. He apologises once again, but she tells him she can't live like this, and that she has to pack her and Ruby's things and start all over again without him. This panics Tyrone, and he begs her not to leave, he then proposes to her, begging her to marry him right away, that if they are married it will fix everything as they will be a proper couple. She tells him she has to think, and runs upstairs.

Gail is under the table. No, she is not drunk, she is under there trying to persuade Max to come out and eat his dinner. He has burned his finger on the hot plates that Gail is trying to impress Lewis with, and is refusing to go near them again. David is making it quite clear that Lewis is not welcome there, but Gail is having none of it, and tells everyone that he is their guest, and they will treat him with respect.

Kirsty comes downstairs, and Tyrone immediately apologises to her again, this time for springing the proposal on her without warning, saying he is sorry if it upset her. She interrupts his grovelling, and tells him that Ruby has a couple of questions, apparently she wants to know if bridesmaids have to be old enough to walk and talk, or whether they can dribble and be carried.

A wave of relief washes over Tyrone's face, when he realises she is accepting his proposal, and he is one tiny step closer to getting custody of his little girl. She then suggests they get a babysitter and go out and celebrate their forthcoming nuptials. He goes to call one from the hall phone, but she calls him back, and tells him he can use this phone - and hands back the mobile that she confiscated. She hands it back with an apology for not trusting him, but in the same breath tells him she has deleted Fiz from it. "Good Riddance", says Tyrone, which brings a smile to Kirsty's face.

Dennis tells Rita that all the bags are in the hall ready for him to return to the shops tomorrow. Rita apologises to him for being angry earlier, but he assures her she was well within her rights. She goes on to tell him that she loves him, and even if he made paupers of them both, she would still love him. He assures her that he won't be doing that, because he had already decided this morning, before all this blew up, that he is going to get himself a job. He elaborates by saying that he has been rather enjoying splashing out and treating folk, and would like to do it more often, so to that end, he has decided to find some work.

Rita tells him that all she wants is a little comfort for them both as they grow older, that they can put the heating on whenever they've a mind to, go out somewhere expensive to celebrate a birthday, or the occasional day out. Dennis agrees that he would also enjoy a nice bus ride in the summer time into the countryside. Rita chuckles, and tells him (tongue in cheek) she was thinking more of white water rafting, and he says in that case, she will, but he will be the one treating her to it.

He then pulls out the cashmere gloves again, and begs her to at least keep them, as they are so soft and lovely, that only she should wear them. He also promises to pay her back for them when he gets a job. Rita chuckles, and tenderly strokes his cheek.

Gail is clearing away the remnants of the Chinese meal, and remarks that David didn't finish his prawn balls, she offers them to Lewis, who declines, so throws the container of them into the bin. Just then Lewis groans and holds his hand between his shoulder blades. A concerned Gail rushes over, and remarks that she thought his problem had been in his lower back. He agrees that it is, but that he has referred pain. She promptly starts to massage him, but instructs him to remove his jumper first. Just as he is stripping off, David appears and makes a remark about Lewis stripping. Gail explains that he has referred pain, which of course brings about a sarcastic scoff from David. He then goes looking for his missing prawn balls, discovers them in the bin, and to Gail's disgust removes them and takes them away to eat. (Ugh!!)

Lewis tells Gail that he seems to cause disharmony wherever he goes, Gail contradicts him by saying she is the one who has caused all the disharmony by destroying his relationship with her mother. He assures her he is fully aware that she only had her mother's best interests at heart, and that he had misjudged her, that he now realises she is totally devoted to her family and would do anything for them with no thought for herself. (I am not sure what Lewis is up to, but whatever it is, it seems to be working, because Gail is becoming utter putty in his hands).

Tommy is giving Tina a nice meal, and is in the process of preparing her pudding. Things are going well until she makes the mistake of mentioning the fact that she is going for a baby scan shortly. The atmosphere immediately changes, and she apologises for mentioning it. He snaps out of it right away though, and gets back to his crumble and custard that he has lovingly prepared for her. However, she has other things on her mind, and puts her arms round him and kisses him passionately. He pulls away, saying it doesn't feel right, what with her carrying another man's baby and all. She looks crushed, and goes off into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. So I guess no crumble and custard either then?

In the Rovers, while Fiz is sitting at a table talking to Sean, she is the topic of conversation at the bar between Beth and Julie. The latter is quite disgusted with Fiz, asking how she could do such a thing when there is even a little baby involved. Fiz and Sean are sitting close enough to overhear, and she tells him she has to go. Sean assures her they will soon find someone else to gossip about, and she shouldn't worry. However, Fiz tells him she is not concerned with the gossips, her bigger problem is the fact that she is a single mother with no job.

Before she gets a chance to leave though, Tyrone and Kirsty come in and ask for something fizzy to celebrate. She then asks everyone, including Fiz to join them, letting everyone know they are setting the date for the wedding. Fiz declines and leaves, but she and Tyrone exchange knowing glances as she heads out the door.

Christine Warren

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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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