Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Alan Grint

A quick update today...

Tyrone's very happy to be free but he seems reluctant to go out and face the world. He'd rather stay inside, just he and Ruby. Fiz is blanking Julie, still unwilling to forgive and even the temptation of a pint with Chesney isn't enough to get Tyrone out the door. He's not keen to face the people that turned against him. I don't blame him. Kirsty is being charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice, with a psych evaluation on top of it all. Fiz expresses her concern to Tina. Tina and Tommy chat about Tyrone. Tina knows what it's like, self-isolating and they put their heads together to figure out a way of bringing Tyrone out of himself. Between the two of them and Kirk, they come up with a plan. Tommy invites Fiz and Ty to Tina's for a meal, making it sound like Ty's presence is required because Tina doesn't really want to be alone with Tommy. What's really happening is that they're having a surprise party for Tyrone with Anna doing babysitting duties. Tyrone is chuffed to walk into the party with all his good friends and supporters there.

Paul is anxious to go back to work. Eileen doesn't think he's ready and reckons he's putting on a front. Eileen and Julie discuss the situation and, mentioning the party, wonder if they should go there and apologize to Fiz and Tyrone. Paul arrives and says he might be able to go back to work next week. Julie thinks Eileen might be worrying overmuch.

Dev is still putting the children off visiting Sunita. Lloyd and Mandy commiserate and insist that Sunita couldn't have started the fire. They offer to keep the kids for the day and find them some Easter eggs because Dev is all at sixes and sevens. Sophie and Jenna visit Sunita while Dev is at home and Sophie offers a little prayer. Sophie later tells Jenna that Sunita was really good to her, really supportive. Later, Dev ascertains that there is no change. The doctor says he's doing the right thing being there. He's really confused and worried, maybe hoping against hope. Lloyd and Mandy do their best with the kids who are optimistic about mummy's recovery.

Sylvia is still suffering arthritis and still imbibing in the herbal brownies. Dennis is in on it but Rita doesn't know yet. A busy cafe doesn't stop Sylvia from trying to abandon Anna, the lure of the demon weed! Stan has brought a refill on the brownies, saving her a trip to the One O'Clock club. Gary fusses over Tina and later asks Owen to give Tina extra hours. Roy returns from the Cash and Carry and in the confusion, Anna sells Rita some brownies. Yes, you guessed it, they're the strong stuff. Sylvia later discovers the missing brownies and freaks out when she finds out they've been sold to Rita.

Stella is discharged from hospital. The main topic of conversation is why Sunita allegedly tried to kill Stella. Nobody remembers that Sunita had no idea Stella left the Bistro after Sunita was chucked out for being drunk and belligerent so even if Sunita *had* lit the fire, she wouldn't have been trying to kill Stella, would she? Anyway. I digress. Karl is also staying at Number 13 and Jason isn't happy about it but Stella defends it. Karl and Jason butt heads over who gets to take care of Stella so Stella puts Jason out to pasture to do his estimates. I guess he's back working at his builder business since the pub job went up in flames. Literally. Karl and Stella survey the ruins of the pub, he consoling her and expressing regrets, wishing he could change things with a wish more loaded than she realizes. Karl is in major suck up mode, he's even doing the Hoovering. Gloria offers to treat them all to a meal but Stella doesn't feel up to it and Karl thinks the same and suggests that Gloria and Eva go on their own. Obviously his agenda is to be alone with Stella, like the old days. He finds her later having a bit of a wobbler, overwhelmed by losing so much but Karl takes the opportunity to tell her he never stopped loving her and they kiss.

Tvor

Written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Alan Grint

Stella and Karl are getting up close and personal on the sofa when there's a knock at the door. Stella hastily straightens herself up and then lets in Jason who's come to ask if she wants to go for a meal at the Bistro. Guilt gets the better of her and she agrees to go, much to Karl's annoyance.

At Roy's Rolls, Sylvia is shutting up shop early. She's on a mission to track down her "special" brownies. When she lets Dennis in on what's happened he thinks it's hilarious - until he discovers they were inadvertently sold to Rita.

The party for Ty is in full swing when Owen turns up with some good news for Tina - he'd like to offer her some extra hours at the yard. She's more than delighted to accept and realises that she has Gary to thank for putting in a good word on her behalf.

Everyone thinks Kirk's being insensitive when he says he's always wondered what it would be like in prison but Ty seems happy to talk about it. After he's finished Sally takes him on one side to apologise for believing Kirsty over him and admits that she's not always a very good judge of character. Ty accepts her apology and even gives her a hug.

Over in the Kabin, Rita, Mary and Norris are just about to get stuck into Sylvia's brownies when she comes rushing in with Dennis and grabs them back before they've managed to take the first bite. Sylvia claims they were intended for a charity cake sale. Norris and Mary look surprised but Rita looks suspicious. She asks Dennis what it's all about but all he does is shrug guiltily.

Dr. Carter goes in to Streetcars to order a cab but he comes out with more than he bargained for. After a chat with Eileen reveals that she's worried about Paul going back to work before he's ready he offers to have a casual word with him.

Jason's plan for dinner in the Bistro with Stella to make her feel better isn't going too well, although choosing to give her the third degree about Karl may have something to do with it. Stella says she feels sorry for Karl and reminds Jason once again that Karl saved her life. Jason, not unreasonably, points out that Karl isn't homeless and has his own flat he could be staying in. Stella asks Jason to give her some space so he tells her if it's space she wants, he'll give it to her and he picks up his jacket and walks out. Karl watches from an upstairs window as Jason strides across the cobbles.

In the hospital Dev continues his vigil by Sunita's bedside. The doctor gently suggests to him that he needs to go home and get some rest and tells him that the children need to spend some time with him, too. After getting her to confirm that she has all his numbers and that she'll call if there's any change in Sunita, Dev eventually agrees.

Back in the Bistro Stella's trying to make sense of her life by staring into her glass of orange juice when Karl comes in with the excuse that he was out for a walk when he saw Jason leave. He asks her whether she was trying to decide whether to get back with him. She doesn't say yes but she doesn't say no either and Karl tells her he loves her and reminds her (again!) that he saved her life and would do anything for her. He says he's hers and she only has to say the word. Stella doesn't reply but she looks as though she may be on the brink of giving in.

Eileen bumps into Dr. Carter who's on his way to see Paul. She's now worried about being worried and wonders whether she should have said anything but now she has he thinks he should follow it up. Next to come along is Julie and to her great dismay Eileen announces that they're off to Tyrone's party to try and make amends. Julie thinks it's too soon to try and speak to him but Eileen says there's no time like the present. They don't exactly get a warm welcome from Tina when she opens the door but when Eileen tells her they've come to apologise she agrees to let them in. "Look what the cat's dragged in," says Fiz when she sees them. Ty wants someone to ask them to leave and Tommy steps forward but Roy intervenes. He makes a little speech about how they were all taken in by Kirsty to a certain extent and says that sometimes in the book of life one has to turn the page and move on. So Ty and Fiz listen, po-faced, while Julie and Eileen do their best to apologise.

Dr. Carter turns up at Eileen's for his word with Paul but when he explains to him that he just called by to see how he's getting on, he gets very short shrift. Paul shows him to the door and tells him to go and see some sick people instead.

Mary and Norris are in the cabin trying to pump Sophie for gossip about Sunita and the fire when who should walk in behind them but Dev and the children. He's so angry that he bans them from the shop and tells them to take their custom elsewhere.

At Ty's party, Fiz is finding it hard to accept Julie and Eileen's apology and everyone listens as she gives vent to all of her pent up feelings. But Ty is more ready to let bygones be bygones probably because he was also taken in by Kirsty. After a few minutes it looks as though they're beginning to clear the air and, whilst they're certainly not friends again, bridges are beginning to be built.

In the Bistro Mary and Norris are complaining to Rita and Dennis about how Dev has just thrown them out of his shop but Rita has absolutely no sympathy. She knows exactly what they're both like and her sympathies lie firmly with Dev. She then turns her attention to Dennis and asks him why he's suddenly as thick as thieves with Sylvia. Rita suspects it has something to do with the mysterious brownies although she hasn't worked out what as yet.

Dev is at home with the children trying to make it seem like a normal evening when his phone rings. We don't know who's on the other end but we hear him say "what?" in a surprised tone.

Eileen arrives home from Ty's party to be confronted by a very angry Paul. He's very upset that she's been speaking to Dr. Carter behind his back and wants to know why she didn't just ask him how he was feeling. "I did," screams Eileen angrily as she slams down her keys.

Fiz and Ty arrive home to take over from Anna who has been babysitting. It seems like something has worked its magic because Fiz tells Anna there was a lot of love in the room. But their euphoria is short-lived when Anna tells them there was a phone call while they were out. It was Kirsty who rang to say she wants to see Tyrone.

Out in the street Karl and Stella are on their way back from the Bistro. The stars are out and Karl loses no opportunity in pointing them out to Stella. But the romance of the moment is interrupted by Dev emerging from his house. He looks excited and Stella asks what's happened. He tells her that it looks like Sunita is coming out of her coma and he's off to the hospital to see her. "Well at least we'll know now one way or the other what happened," says Stella. Which is the very last thing which Karl wants to hear and the look on his face as the titles roll says it all.

Karen

At the hospital, Dev is upset because he was called in and expected to see Sunita conscious, but although there has been some improvement she's still under sedation. The police arrive, but obviously, they can't speak to her either.

Sylvia is in the Kabin, and Dennis is making veiled jokes about her 'having the munchies', which she ignores. Rita comes out from the back and sends him off on a paper round. As he bends down he groans with pain, his back hurts.

Stella and co. are having breakfast in Kevin's house. (I can't remember exactly where Kevin is supposed to be – away somewhere as I recall). Gloria thinks it might have been better if Sunita had gone up in flames with the pub. Stella points out that she's on the mend. Karl can't obviously can't stand any more of this conversation and goes out for a ciggie. Gloria wonders what's up with him. Stella says he's got a lot on his mind. "Yeah, he drove a woman to murder," says Eva.

Out in the ginnel, Karl sees Marcus who is looking after Liam and the twins. Karl asks if there is any news and if Sunita has said anything . Marcus tells him that they are reducing Sunita's sedation, so today could be the day. Karl goes off looking worried.

In the cafe, Sylvia is going into raptures over the icing on a cupcake, while Gary, Izzy and Tina are talking about the impending 20 week scan, and wondering if the baby is a boy or a girl.

Sunita's eyelids are fluttering, Dev gets all excited. The doctor pleads for caution.

Dennis goes into the cafe, moaning about his bad back. Sylvia comes over to take his order, and he begs for one of her special cakes. She's cross because he mocked her before, and so she tells him she hasn't enough.

Tyrone has gone in to see Kirsty at her request. He's angry with her and tells her that what he would like to hear is her promise never to contact him and Ruby again.

Sunita is lying still in her hospital bed. The staff leave the room for a moment and who should appear at the window? Yes, Karl, looking very shifty. He enters the room and stands over her. She opens her eyes and stares at him. "It's always you, you ruin everything," he mutters. Sunita's eyes open wider.

Kirsty tells Tyrone she never set out to hurt him, she loved him from the start. She knew he was a good man, every time she hit him he gave her another chance. She tells him she's going to get herself sorted out. He asks her not to have any more kids.

Alarms are ringing in Sunita's room, and the staff come running. Karl strolls coolly away down the corridor, unnoticed.

Kirsty and Tyrone continue their heart to heart, she tells him that it was Ruby who brought her to her senses. She came close to shaking her and then knew she needed help. Tyrone says he wishes her luck, but she's the past he wishes to forget. He says she will always be Ruby's mum though.

Sylvia is sweeping the cafe floor around Dennis. He's still in pain with his back and apologises for laughing before at her 'herbal remedies'. As he goes to hobble out, she tells him she'll speak to Stan.

At the hospital, the doctor breaks the news of Sunita's death to Dev. He can't accept it, he says she was getting better. The doctor explains that very sick patients often rally just before the end. They also think she must have dislodged her own breathing tube, she suffered a cardiac arrest.

Gary is urging Tina to let him know the sex of the baby if the radiographer tells her.

Marcus leaves Dev's house with the twins, on their way to the hospital to visit their mum, when the gets the call from Dev with the bad news. He takes them back indoors.

Tyrone gets home to his house where Fiz is looking after the two babies. He thinks she should move in with him, then they can be a proper family. She, however, doesn't want to leave Chesney at the moment, while he's so upset. Tyrone understands.

Karl goes into the bistro where Stella, Gloria and Eva are drinking wine. Rita comes hurrying in with the news of Sunita's demise. Stella is very upset, and Karl offers a comforting arm.

Anne Logan

Sophie's worried when she doesn't get any answer to banging on Dev's door and shouting through the letter box. She tells Marcus she's worried and just then Dev opens the door looking as if he's just been woken. He has no idea what the time is and tells her the kids are still asleep. She hugs him and asks if there's anything she can do. Dev is worried because he hasn't told the kids that Sunita is dead and he'll have to do it before someone else does. He starts tidying up in a manic sort of way. Sophie says she'll look after the shop and asks for the keys. I thought this was a bit odd - surely she had the keys while Dev spent time at Sunita's bedside?

Sylvia slips Dennis a brownie. She says Stan didn't have time to bake so she's cooked these ones herself.

Tyrone and Ruby are going to the park. Fiz is working in the cafe and can't go with them. Hayley comes in. She's a bit upset because she's just seen Sophie and asked about Dev. She tells Fiz that Tyrone seems to be coping well and Fiz explains they'd like to live together as a family but neither feels able to give up their house - Fiz because she's worried about Chesney and Tyrone because his house is his link to Jack and Vera.

Karl's outside the salon, trying to light a cigarette with his bandaged hands. He asks Sophie about Dev. She's very short with him. He asks if there's anything he can do. "I think you've done enough, Karl!" she snaps.

Gary takes Tina some cakes in Owen's office. She knows he's just trying to keep her sweet so she'll ask about the sex of the baby when they go for the scan later on. She won't ask unless Izzy says it's OK.

Gloria's grumpy because Karl's not eating the lunch she prepared. Jason arrives. He wants a quiet word with Stella. He wants to know how she's coping with Sunita's death and asks if she wants to go for a drink later but she doesn't feel like doing anything. Jason wonders if she's dumping him but she says she's not - and she'll Tippex his pencil case if it'll make him happy. Karl's hanging around behind them like swamp gas and Jason says what would make him happy would be if she got rid of Karl. In the same tone of voice in which Vera used to say, "But Jack, Terry's changed!" Stella says her own mantra: "He saved my life."

Izzy, Gary and Tina are at the hospital with Gary trying to persuade Izzy to find out the sex of the baby.

Paul's arrived home. He's been out for a run. Eileen's got some flowers for Dev and he snaps that that was a waste of money.

In the ultrasound clinic, Izzy relents and the three parents discover Tina's carrying a boy. Tina stares resolutely at the ceiling rather than looking at the screen.

Dev's restless but he girds his loins and calls the children downstairs. They're hungry and want to know if they can go and see Sunita after lunch. He gathers them close and says he needs to talk to them. The camera pans back from his front window . . .*

Rita's been to the dentist and arrives back at the Kabin to find Dennis slumped on the floor. She thinks he's collapsed but he says his back was sore so he lay down and must have gone to sleep. She's annoyed. If Norris had come in he would have stripped the place just to teach Dennis a lesson (now that I'd love to have seen!). The place is littered with sweet wrappers because Dennis felt peckish. He wants some fresh air and heads outside leaving Rita to discover half a very pungent brownie left on a plate.

Paul and Eileen wash and dry the dishes companionably until Paul confesses he's been into work to see about a return-to-work assessment. Eileen's annoyed because she doesn't think he's ready. Paul's annoyed because she can't accept that his job is part of who he is. And Toni died on the job - if he doesn't carry on then that was all for nothing.

Hayley turns up at Chesney's with Toad-in-the-Hole, claiming Roy made too much but confessing she's worried about him. She also makes the point that while Fiz looks after Chesney, nobody's looking after Fiz.

Dev's twins are cuddled up under a rug on the sofa. Sophie asks how they took the news and Dev says they cried. He realises he hasn't even told Sunita's family yet and he needs to organise the funeral and sort out the shop. Sophie says she and Jenna have worked out a rota. Dev seems about to burst into tears and asks Sophie if she can keep an eye on the kids for a few minutes.

Once Izzy's gone back to work, Gary asks Tina if she's OK. She didn't look at the baby on the ultrasound screen. Tina tells him it's not her baby and it's better this way.

Dennis comes back from his walk and Rita tells him she ate the other half of the brownie. He's a bit worried and suggests she go for a lie down. She refuses but then appears to come over quite dizzy. Dennis cries out that he's sorry, this is all his fault. Rita makes a miraculous recovery, tells him she knew something was wrong and his precious brownie is in the bin. She phones Roy and suggests he come over. "And bring your mother!"

Karl, Stella and Gloria are in the bistro. Leanne still can't believe Sunita would deliberately start the fire. Gloria badmouths Sunita (again!) and but Stella and Karl won't rise to her bait. Gloria goes to the loo and Nick comes in, saying he's just been talking to Dev. Karl goes outside for a smoke and Stella follows. They walk along the street chatting. She says it breaks her heart to the see the Rovers burnt out. Maybe she was wrong to bring the family here.

Tina gets home to find her front door broken in. She calls out but there's no reply and she calls the police straight away instead of going in.

Roy and Sylvia arrive at the Kabin. Sylvia wants about ten kilos of sweets and then stands admiring the lid of a tin.

Karl and Stella sit at the table back at the house. The police arrive and are glad to see Karl there. He's next on their list. They have some questions to ask about Sunita.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

* Has it always been the case that the big dramatic moments happen off screen? Whenever someone has bad or dramatic news to impart, we never see it happen on screen. I can understand it in this case because the actors are young children but it seems to be the rule now.

Written by: Mark Burt
Directed by: Alan Grint

Stella and Karl are being interviewed by the police who tell them that following Sunita's death, they now have a completely new investigation. Karl, looking a bit sick says he thought her death had been an accident. He is told they are considering all possibilities at the moment.

Rita and Dennis break the news to Roy that his mother is a drug pusher (Rita's words, not mine). Poor Roy is lost for words when Sylvia doesn't deny it, just rolls her eyes.

Izzy and Gary are excitedly showing Anna and Owen the latest scan of the baby. They are most impressed by how much it has grown. Izzy is bursting, and although Gary reminds her they were planning to keep it a secret, she blurts out that they know the sex. Anna and Owen think for about half a second whether they want to know or not, then ask. Gary happily tells them it's a boy. The news goes over very well indeed.

Roy is questioning his mother on how she managed to get her hands on the Cannabis, and she informs him it was an acquaintance at the One O'clock Club. Rita chimes in that his real title is 'Drug Dealer'. Sylvia, who obviously doesn't believe in honour among thieves tells him it was Stan. Dennis defends him, by saying Stan and the others take the stuff for medicinal purposes. Rita is horrified and asks how many others are involved, and Dennis tells her it's five or six. (I wonder how he knows so much?) Rita turns to Roy totally aghast, and tells him the club is no more than a drugs den.

Dennis protests that she is being a bit harsh, but Rita is just getting going. She accuses Sylvia of being no better than a pusher, and tells Roy she had given Dennis some brownies to try to get him addicted. Sylvia protests that she was just doing him a favour. She asks Roy to defend her against Rita's verbal onslaught, but on the contrary he tells her Rita has a valid point.

Our Reet is all for calling the police, but even Roy feels that might be going a bit over the top. Dennis assures Rita that the two of them had made a mistake due to being in pain, but had learned their lesson and it wouldn't happen again. Sylvia doesn't agree however, and feels she is quite justified in trying to help her friends relieve some pain. Roy points out that she broke the law by doing it. "Yes", she says, "And I would do it again!"

Rita then issues Sylvia with an ultimatum. She will either go with them to speak to Dr. Carter about the situation, or she can enjoy a nice prison cell. Dennis tells Sylvia that having had first hand experience with a prison cell, he would vote for the doctor. Reluctantly Sylvia agrees.

Tina is inside her wrecked flat, and on the phone to the police. Gary comes running up the stairs having noticed the door had been kicked in. He immediately tells Tina off for coming inside, saying they could have still been in there. Tina tells him it's lucky for them they weren't.

Eileen and Jason are sitting chatting. He asks her if she is still worried about Paul, She tells him she is, but will talk to him about it when she is good and ready. He tells her he thinks Stella is about to break up with him, admitting he had kind of kicked off over Karl always being around. He tells her that since the fire, it seems she needs Karl more than him. He goes on to admit he is serious about Stella, and doesn't like the way it is going. Eileen tells him if that is the case, she should be worth fighting for.

Chesney asks Fiz if it is true she is not moving in with Tyrone out of pity for him. She tries denying it, but he can see right through her, and tells her she can't put her life on hold because of him. After all, she will only be two doors down the road, it would hardly be deserting him. She still protests that he can't afford to live there alone, but he assures her he will get some lodgers in, and promises he will find some way to make it work. She still hates to leave him alone though. He tries and tries to convince her, but she is not having any of it.

Dev is crying at the bottom of the stairs when there is a knock on the door. He asks who it is, and it's Steve, and he is insisting he opens up whether he wants to or not. He has a bottle of whiskey in his hand, and tells Dev he has brought refreshments. Dev tells him he can't drink, and to please go away. Steve replies that he can't do that, and he will do the drinking, and doesn't care if he doesn't want to talk, they can both just sit there in silence. Dev relents and lets him inside.

The police are still questioning Karl and Stella. They are pointing out that Sunita's husband is convinced she is innocent. Karl replies that it is hardly surprising he would think that way. The policeman points out that she was a loving mother, respected in the community and has no previous convictions. Stella tells him it sounds as if he also believes she is innocent, but the detective tells her he is just trying to establish a motive.

Karl tries putting the boot in, saying Sunita had been obsessed with him, and wasn't all sweetness and light that everyone makes out she was. The policeman replies that it is his understanding that Sunita had been about to reconcile with her husband, and Stella admits this was true. She is then asked for her version of the row that took place between herself and Sunita on the night of the fire. Stella tells him she had blamed her for ruining her chances of getting back with Dev, and that she had told her she would regret messing with her family. He asks if there was anything else, and Stella tells him there wasn't, and starts to cry. Karl steps in and tells them to leave, as they are upsetting her. They decide to leave them in peace for now and make tracks.

Stella tearfully tells Karl that Sunita died hating her. Karl puts his arm around her, and assures her that if she hated anyone, it was him not her. Stella leans on him and asks him what she would have done since the fire without him. He kisses her forehead, but she breaks away to go and make a cuppa.

We are now in Dr. Carter's office, and he is not impressed with the onslaught of pensioners wanting to discuss the evil weed. He finally tells them he is not very comfortable with the topic of conversation, so will get to the point. First point being that cannabis is illegal. Sylvia tells him she is fully aware of that, and is not concerned. He goes on to ask her if she is aware of the possible side effects, and she poo poohs that, saying all drugs have side effects, so he lists them off for her, short term panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia, plus there is also evidence of links to long term mental illness, and can affect blood pressure and increase heart rate. Sylvia obviously didn't know this, and is now feeling rather foolish. Dr. Carter tells her he doesn't want her to feel foolish, and they can argue all day about the rights and wrongs of cannabis use, but at the end of the day, it comes down to what is the right treatment for her. He informs her he runs a pain clinic every Friday, and invites her to come along and they can talk properly. He also extends the invitation to Dennis, then dismisses the group, telling them it has been 'an experience'.

Gary has made a brew while Tina checks to see what is missing in the rest of her flat. She comes out of the bedroom very quiet and subdued. He asks if they have taken much, and she quietly tells him it wasn't a lot, as she didn't have a lot. He can see she is close to tears, and presses her to tell him. She admits they stole her father's wedding ring. She tells him it wasn't particularly valuable, but.. with tears running down her face, she tells him she thought she had moved on, but when something like this happens... she can't finish the sentence. She then bursts into proper tears, and asks Gary why they had to take that? She sobs that she really wishes he was here right now. Gary puts his arms round her and comforts her as best he can.

Outside the Medical Centre, Rita is still furious with Dennis for getting mixed up with Sylvia and her drugs. She tells her to stay away from Dennis from now on, and that is not a request. Roy tells his mother he also wants her to stay away from the One O'clock Club from now on too - and that too is not a request! Sylvia's response? "Hmph!!"

Fiz and Tyrone are discussing living arrangements in the Bistro. She is explaining it is her decision not to move in with him at the moment because of Chesney. Ty tells her he understands perfectly and is fine with it. She is a little hurt that he isn't a bit more disappointed than that, but he tells her that compared with what life has recently been for him, he is extremely happy with his lot at the moment. Safe at home with Ruby, and can hold her hand any time he wants without looking over his shoulder, and what she is doing for her brother is what he loves about her. He has no complaints whatsoever.

Tina and Gary are back in her flat. He has fitted new locks on her door, and she has been to the police station. She reports they told her not to hold her breath on getting her Dad's ring back. He offers to help her clean the place up, but she insists he has done enough already and to go home. He suggests she get an early night, as she looks knackered, but she feels she probably won't sleep very much. Gary tells her she is more than welcome to go to Anna's, as he knows she will be happy to have her. (Tardis walls again then? She already has Owen, Faye and Katy there) Anyway, Tina tells him there is no way the little yobs are going to chase her out of her own home, and she will be OK. After he leaves and she has locked the door behind him however, her bravado slips and she shakily breathes a big sigh.

Stella and Karl are in the kitchen, a picture of domesticity, and he is enjoying every second of it. There is a knock at the door, it's Jason, and she doesn't seem very pleased to see him, but not as displeased as he is to find Karl with his feet so firmly under Stella's table. She takes him into the back yard to talk.

Back in No. 6, Gary is relating why it has taken him so long to pick up a bottle of wine. They are shocked and feel very bad for Tina, especially Izzy who is concerned that she is over there by herself.

Stella and Jason are talking out in the ginnel. He is apologising for his behaviour earlier, and thinks that make things OK between them. However, Stella is not of the same mind. She tells him that although she forgives him, things are far from right between them. He asks her to promise him she will never get back with Karl, but she can't promise him that. Jason is gutted. She goes on to say that whether it happens or not, she can't offer Jason the commitment he wants. Poor Jason is dumped once again - he doesn't have a lot of luck with women does he?

Dev is still talking things over with Steve, and doing pretty well for someone who originally didn't want to talk. He tells him he was told by the police that they have a theory that Sunita had started the fire, and stayed in there to kill herself. Steve thinks that's ridiculous, but Dev begs him to tell him how he is supposed to explain to his children that their mother hadn't wanted to live, and be with them any more? Steve points out that there is absolutely no way Sunita would have given up on her children, and to forget what the police said, it's what he knows inside that counts, and he knew Sunita better than that. Dev replies that all he knows inside is Sunita is still dead, and what is Steve's answer for that? Unfortunately he doesn't have one.

Gary is back at Tina's flat. She's a bit annoyed that he is back to check up on her. He tells her he isn't there to check up on her, he is there to spend the night on her couch in his sleeping bag. She protests, but he tells her he is under orders from Izzy. He goes on to say they both know how tough she is, but thought they would give her a night off from being tough, so she could get a good night's sleep. She can't argue with that, so has a ginger haired bodyguard for the night!

Jason is still fighting for his relationship in the ginnel. He can't believe she has chosen Karl over him. She implores him to believe her that it has nothing to do with Karl, it's just that since the fire, everything has changed, and nothing makes sense any more. She tells him the old chestnut - "It's not you, it's me". Just then Karl comes down the ginnel and asks her if she needs any help. This just makes things worse, and Jason gets angry. Karl tells him they should just settle things between them once and for all, here and now. Jason looks for a minute as if he is going to take him on, then tells him he just isn't worth it, neither of them are. (He's got that right!) Stella tells him they will always be friends, and he spits at her "I don't need any more friends!!". He goes on to suggest to her that when he breaks her heart again, she should remember what she threw away. With that, he turns his back on them and walks off. (I think we need a petition for the writers to find a nice girl for Jason - one who deserves him!)

The credits roll as Karl slips his arm around Stella's shoulders.

Christine

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Diana Patrick

Eileen is commiserating with Jason about his breakup with Stella but she's not overly sympathetic. Paul is going in to see someone from Occupational Health to be assessed to see if he can go back to work next week. Eileen doesn't look happy.

Faye and Anna are off to town to shop and a movie. Tim comes by and Faye asks him to go. He's inclined to but Anna gives him a look and he backs down. Faye senses what's happened but he brushes it off and says he's got things to do, handing over some money for popcorn. That's enough to please Faye.

Stella is talking to Owen about the contract to rebuild the pub. Karl keeps sticking his nose into the negotiations though he's not got anything to do with it anymore (not yet anyway). She's had to get three quotes and is hesitant because the last time he tried to rip her off. But seeing as he's the local builder in the show you know he'll get the contract and she offers him 10 grand to start off, with the rest coming when the insurance is settled. Which it isn't yet. She hasn't had the approval from the insurance company but wants to start anyway. I have a bad feeling about this. Karl is urging a quick start too and in the end Stella succumbs to Karl and Owen's pressure and gives Owen the go ahead without providing the insurance company with the proper paperwork for approval.

Tracy wanders in after a lie in, having sent Amy off to Steve. Ken, sitting at the dining room table in his kimono, is paying absolutely no attention to her. Deirdre arrives, full of the joys of spring and it turns out it's hers and Ken's anniversary. He's forgotten. Deirdre presents her with a card and tells her his part of the occasion is all in hand. Deirdre is going to visit one of her mother's friends who has had a fall.

Dev comes into the shop and asks Sophie to put a notice in the window to get a new tenant for the flat. Dev mentions that the kids had been invited to two birthday parties the day before and managed to enjoy themselves. He was a bit upset that the gossip about Sunita had spread. Seems to me it was nothing to do with gossip. You'd think the newspapers would have been filled with all that aftermath from the fire. Dev answers his mobile just as Norris arrives. Dev finds out that the coroner's inquest has a result and they're coming to see him later this afternoon. Norris, of course, has stretched his ears to their full extent. Dev is anxious to get the results hoping it will exonerate Sunita.

In the cafe, Jason tells Tim he's got a lead on a small job. Tim admires Fiz though is admonished because Fiz is taken. Jason tells Tim he and Stella are splits. Over at another table, Paul tells Eileen the assessment went fine. She's a bit quiet. He's excited to get back to work. She makes a joke about him being a green grocer instead.

Ken returns home from errands. Tracy is on the phone with Steve but gets cut off. Ken ruminates on the old fashioned ways of letters. Tracy asks Ken what he's got for her mother. He's bought ingredients for an ocean pie and suggests that Peter and Carla come over as well. Tracy moans that Rob isn't invited and Ken says he can come too if he wants. It's also clear that he's still forgotten a card.

Julie is sitting with Eileen in the cab office. Eileen is fretting about Paul going back to work less than three weeks after the fire. (are all the other fire fighters on that shift also still off work? or just Paul?) Eileen doesn't think Paul is coping. Julie doesn't think Eileen is coping. Eileen has the bright idea of going to Paul's manager to tell him her opinion.

Karl chats to Stella about possible improvements to the pub. What about changing the name? He's not too inventive in his suggestions though. "The New Rovers Return" or "The Rovers". Tim and Jason are at the bar and Jason is a bit surly. He tells Stella he's relieved to be shot of her. Norris comes in crowing to Mary about the results of the post mortem being told to Dev today. Norris reckons that there must be a twist afoot if they won't tell Dev over the phone. Stella is interested. Karl needs new shorts.

After the break, Tyrone is chowing down in the cafe. Carla and Rob are in the cafe too, and Carla makes Rob apologize for sacking her. Carla asks her to come back. Fiz is not sure she wants to work with the friends who all turned against her. She promises to think about it.She tells Tyrone that loyalty is worth something. Tyrone tries to convince her that everyone makes mistakes and Roy has plenty of staff. Peter and Ken come in and extend the invitation to Carla and Rob to dinner. Peter tells them it's due to the wedding anniversary and when Carla makes a remark about the traditional card, Ken winces. Still forgot!

It's after work, by now, and Julie is back with Eileen in Number 11 this time. Eileen is still determined to talk to Paul's manager. Julie tries to dissuade her but Eileen manages to talk Julie into driving her because she'd have to change busses twice (but...but... Eileen works for a cab firm. Surely she can get a freebie?) Eileen figures nobody will find out that she's intervened virtually guaranteeing that someone will find out.

Tim sees the card in the shop window and wants to rent the flat. Sophie takes his name and number down. Karl arrives as Tim leaves. He tries to get information out of Sophie about the post mortem but she doesn't know anything yet. She seems to be a bit suspicious of Karl's questions and assumptions that Sunita did light the fire but she notices that his hands are shaking as he pays for his loaf.

Hayley and Mary are in the corner shop gossiping about Sunita. Tyrone arrives and asks Hayley to talk to Fiz about taking her factory job back. Fiz won't take it because of the traitors and Tyrone thinks maybe Hayley could talk Fiz round and get some of the others to help. Norris butts his big nose in and makes a few nasty remarks about Fiz's abilities as a waitress. Hayley agrees.

At the fire station, Julie and Eileen arrive. Julie tries to assure her that it doesn't mean that Paul will ever get hurt in a fire. Eileen says there's no guarantees and she doesn't want to bury him. It has to be done and she gets out of the car.

Karl is pacing in the house and supping whiskey, worried. Meanwhile, Dev has been told that Sunita died from smoke inhalation as a result from the fire. The police can't explain why she didn't get out in time if she set the fire. Dev insists she didn't start the fire, she's a wonderful person and good mother and just wouldn't have done it. The police say that Sunita disconnected the tubes herself, either accidentally or out of panic and a head injury could have happened as she tried to get out. There really are no answers. The police are closing the investigation. Dev tearfully says he still loved Sunita and had hoped they could bring him answers that he could tell his children.

At the fire station, Julie sees Paul approaching the building and tries to call her to warn her but she's not answering her mobile.

Tracy is putting her makeup on. Ken is busy in the kitchen. Carla, Peter and Rob arrive. Ken watches Rob snog the face and makeup off Tracy. Rob flatters Ken's cooking. Deirdre doesn't know about the party and is thrilled to find everyone there when she gets home. Tracy gets drinks, Carla decides to have just the one and she and Deirdre make small talk. Ken *still* hasn't got a card!

Eileen tells the fire chief that Paul isn't sleeping well and is snapping at her. She doesn't think he's coping no matter what he says. The inspector is interested to hear what Eileen says and wants to put it on the record which she doesn't want. Paul knocks on the door and comes in and sees her. Uh oh. Busted!

Tvor

Written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Diana Patrick

Eileen asks what Paul's doing turning up at the fire station but he points out he works there. More to the point, he wants to know why she's there, talking to his boss.

The Barlows are attempting to play happy families round the dinner table but Tracy misses no opportunity to make digs about Ken's fish pie and Carla's drinking habits. Rob tries to change the subject by asking Deirdre about her hand made candle holder but unfortunately he mistakes her sculpture of frolicking nymphs for a pair of camels.

Back at the fire station Paul is not happy to learn that, thanks to Eileen's interference, his boss no longer thinks he's ready to go back to work. He tells Paul that he needs to go home and discuss things with her and that he doesn't want him clocking in tomorrow.

Ty and Fiz are enjoying a cosy night in with some fish and chips when their evening is disturbed by a visit from Izzy, Hayley and Beth. They've come to say sorry but Fiz isn't too keen to accept their apology until Ty admits that he was the one who asked them to come round. He says that Kirsty tried to cut him off from all his friends and asks Fiz to at least hear what they have to say.

The police are leaving Dev's house. They apologise but the case is closed and they say they've done all they can. Stella comes along at that moment, clutching a handy pint of milk and seeing the state Dev's in, suggests she goes in for a cuppa.

Across the street, Anna and Faye are on their way back from the cinema when they bump into Tim who has some good news for Faye. She's ecstatic when she learns he's about to move into the flat above the corner shop. The news couldn't be worse for poor Anna.

Meanwhile, things are not going well at the Barlows'. Rob is making punch in the bowl which Deirdre normally uses to soak her feet and Ken is furious when Rob tries to offer some punch to Peter. At first Carla refuses to join in but the temptation for alcohol is too great and Deirdre is already too drunk to care. Peter decides to go home before he gives Rob another sort of punch.

Dev is having a heart to heart with Stella. He tells her that he was hoping for a scrap of evidence which would exonerate Sunita but nothing's turned up. What he can't understand is why she would have done something like that. He knows she didn't love him but she loved the children. He tells Stella that in their faith they believe that the things you do in this life affect what happens to you in the next and so what will he say to the twins? Stella reassures Dev that he'll say all the right things but he's worried about what other people will say to his children. All Stella can do is offer him her support.

While this is going on, Karl is at home brooding over what happened. Gloria comes in and asks him to give her a lift to the late night chemist. But he's not in the mood for doing favours and flies off the handle big time, telling her that he's an ex-taxi driver and the sooner she can get it into her thick head the better. Gloria looks positively shocked at his reaction.

Paul and Eileen have returned from the fire station and he's questioning her about why she went to see his boss. She finally comes clean and admits that she's worried about him going back to work; not because she thinks he's not ready but because of what might happen to him. Paul looks at her and asks if she means she wants him to quit his job and she says that's about the size of it.

Eileen admits to Paul that everything changed for her the night of the fire. He tries to reassure her with a kiss but it's not enough. The only thing which will make Eileen happy is if Paul changes his job for something safer. They're always looking for cabbies at Streetcars she suggests, hopefully. The conversation is starting to get heavy but it's interrupted by the inopportune arrival of Julie.

Dev is pouring his heart out to Stella about Sunita. She asks him about the funeral and he tells her Sunita's family won't be going as they can't face it. Or, in other words, it saves having to introduce a bunch of new characters just for one episode. Stella reassures Dev that she and Karl will be there to give him support. He says there's no need under the circumstances but she insists.

Round at Ty's the atmosphere is much more lively, thanks to the bottle of sparkling wine that's just been consumed. As they all roll around laughing at one of Beth's stories about Kirk, Fiz tells them how much she's missed everyone and Hayley manages to persuade her that she should go back to work at the factory.

Carla returns home to Peter in an amorous mood, having consumed more than her fair share of the punch. He's sulking over a bowl of ice-cream and is hacked off with Rob's behaviour. Carla doesn't reckon Tracy's any better. As they head off towards the bedroom Peter says imagine if Rob and Tracy had a child together. Carla says she doesn't need to imagine - she's seen The Omen.

Over at number 13, Gloria's complaining to Stella about the way Karl spoke to her earlier and she wants Stella to mark his card. At that moment Karl comes in so Gloria leaves the room. Karl tries to explain away his behaviour but Stella wants to know if there's something on his mind.

Meanwhile there's a touching scene with Dev and the twins (which is pleasantly surprising given the usual standard of Jimmi Harkishin's acting skills). He's telling them what will happen at Sunita's funeral and he explains that when they see her body she won't really be there because she has moved on. He reminds them again how much she loved them and how she will always be watching over them and how proud she'll be. As he's doing this there's a knock at the door and he sends them upstairs. Anna has come round to ask a favour - she asks him not to let the flat to Tim. But Dev has more important things on his mind and says he's sorry but he can't add financial problems on to everything else and so the answer is no.

Stella is quizzing Karl about what's on his mind but she puts it down to the trauma of being in the fire and she tells him that she doesn't think she'd have been able to cope without him around. She says that now the police investigation is over they can lay Sunita to rest and move on. Karl perks up at this news, especially when Stella tells him that the police are now satisfied that Sunita was the one who started the fire. "I don't suppose we'll ever know what happened," says Stella. "No, I suppose we won't," replies Karl.

Paul and Eileen have resumed their discussion about his job and he admits that he is scared about returning to work and going on his first shout. But Eileen says he's right, she's the one who can't cope. She tells him she can't sleep but when she does she has nightmares about him burning in a fire and they seem completely real. She says she's sorry, she knows what being a fireman means to him but that's what it means to her. As she starts to cry and Paul takes her in his arms Eileen tells him that she doesn't know where to go from here.

Karen

Dev and the children are getting ready to go and view Sunita's body and, naturally, the mood in the house is sombre.

In Eileen's house, Paul is on the phone to the station manager. He says he's coming round after work to see if Paul is fit for work. Eileen knows that if she goes on being paranoid about Paul's work, she'll lose him.

Peter are Carla are drinking their morning coffee and discussing the events of the night before at Ken and Deirdre's. She says she needs alcohol to be able to spend any time with Tracy, Peter points out that he doesn't have the same luxury when it comes to Rob. Carla asks him to cut Rob some slack, he is her only brother.

Faye is off to her holiday play club, and she and Anna are talking about Tim moving in across the road. Faye wants to borrow some money from Anna to buy him a flat-warming present. Anna says no, they can't afford it. Faye's mood is sulky.

In Stella's house, she asks whether Gloria and Eva are planning to attend Sunita's funeral. They're not. Eva says it would take wild horses to drag her there. Stella turns to Karl and says she thinks he should come with her. He is adamant that he won't be going, he says it wouldn't feel right. He gets up and leaves the room.

Fiz sees Carla on the steps of the factory and asks if she can have a word about getting her job back. Carla tells her to consider it had. "Welcome back!" she says. The other workers, including Julie, all apologise to her for believing 'that psycho' over her, then they all go inside.

Dev is in the cafe with the children, they've been to view Sunita's body prior to the funeral on Friday. Stella comes in, she offers to look after the children for the afternoon as he has lots to do to prepare for the funeral, and assures him she'll be there on Friday and will bring Karl. She says she thinks it will help to heal old rifts. He says if Karl wants to come, then it's fine.

The station manager is talking to Paul and Eileen, she tells him she's now fine about him going back to work. He says he'll rota Paul in for work on Friday, and Paul is delighted.

The twins are playing DS games with Simon, under the watchful eye of Stella. Karl comes in, and then she gets a message on her phone, Owen needs to see her over at the Rovers about the renovations. She rushes off, leaving Karl with the children.

Faye is coming back from her holiday club with Anna. They meet Tim in the Street, and she pulls a box of chocolates out of her bag to give him. Anna wants to know where she got the money to buy them, and Faye confesses that she used her dinner money. Anna is horrified to think that Faye hasn't eaten all day.

Simon is chatting to the twins about mothers. He tells them that his mother died too, and now she's in heaven. "Do you think your mum's in heaven too?" he asks, "only she did burn down my gran's pub." Asha rushes out of the back door, while Aadi squares up to Simon and it looks like there's going to be trouble. Karl rushes out after Asha, but when he gets into the ginnel there's no sign of her.

Looking back in the yard, Karl sees Asha's shoes under the privvy door, and hears her sobbing. He crouches down and talks gently to her, calling her sweetheart and saying he knows how she feels. He says that he and her mum were good pals and he misses her too. He gets quite choked up saying this - has Karl got a heart after all? Asha slowly opens the door and comes out, saying she wants her mummy. "I know you do, Sweetheart," says Karl, hugging her. Asha asks if the fire was her mummy's fault. "No," sniffs Karl, "I promise you, your mummy had nothing to do with it, she was a really, really good person, I want you to remember that."

As the workers return from lunch, the talk is about how quiet Fiz was that morning. Then Fiz comes in and Julie gives her a cupcake as welcome back present. "So is Kirsty in the loony bin now?" asks Eva. Everyone makes shocked noises, but Eva points out she only said what everyone was thinking. Fiz says that she's and Tyrone are fine, they just want to put it all behind them, and she wants everyone to start treating her normally. Julie worries that Fiz hates her, but Fiz says she doesn't, Kirsty was cunning and fooled most people.

Carla and Rob are in the office. He starts making snide remarks about Peter, so she tells him to grow up.

Eileen is chatting to Steve in the cafe. She tells him how she told Paul's boss she was fine about him going back to work. "And are you?" asks Steve. "I'm going to have to be, aren't I," she replies.

Back at Stella's house, Simon is still going on and on about heaven, and people who have died. Asha tells him to stop going on about it. Karl gets cross. "What is the matter with you, you little brat," he snaps, "why can't you keep your nasty little gob shut!" Just then Leanne comes in the door and hears all this, and shouts at Karl not to speak to her son like that. A row develops and Leanne takes Simon off in a huff.

Carla gets Rob and Peter together in the bistro and tells them they are the two most important people in her life and she wants them to get on. Eventually they shake hands.

Steve goes into the bistro and sees Paul. He tells him that Eileen is a changed person with him, in the past it was her way or no way, but with him it's different, she's biting her tongue.

Tim knocks on Anna's door and gives back the chocolates. He says he couldn't eat them knowing that Faye went hungry to buy them, so he thought they could share them.

Stella and Karl go round to see Dev. Dev tells Karl that Asha told him all the lovely things Karl said about Sunita.

Paul is being very affectionate with Eileen and thanks her for supporting him. She says she'll be fine, she's dealing with it.

Jason is in the bistro when Stella comes in with Karl, Eva and Gloria. He leaves in a hurry. Karl apologises to Leanne for shouting at Simon. Stella quietly tells him she was impressed with the way he was with the children, and she's seen another side of him now. She wants him to come to the funeral. He starts to protest, but she says it will mean a lot to her. He's coming!

Anne Logan.

It's Friday and Dev's ironing while his twins argue about whether Sunita is in heaven or not. Aadi's sure she can't be, because someone told him Sunita burnt down the Rovers. Dev tries to explain they have to release Sunita's spirit so she can be reborn. Sophie stops the argument by telling the kids their mother was one of the kindest people she knew, so of course she'll go to heaven. Dev has to go and pick up his suit but little Asha follows him into the street to ask if he'll come back. Sniff. From up the street, Karl sees this.

Eileen's made a fry-up for Paul on his first day back and she's packed his lunch for him, too. Paul's in a rush and offers his breakfast to Jason.

In the cafe, Karl's not drinking his tea. He tells Stella he can't go to the funeral. Stella tells him he can't throw that back in Dev's face. Karl says he can't face seeing the twins. Stella takes his hand to comfort him.

Jenna's in the shop. She says she's just come in to help out while Dev goes to the funeral and Ches has to help her work the till. This is very strange. Didn't Sophie draw up a rota for herself and Jenna when Sunita was in the hospital? Fiz comes into the shop and is surprised when Chesney says he's got to get to work. It seems he grovelled until he got his stall back. He insists that he's fine and she should stop worrying.

Dev wells up when he sees Asha in her white funeral outfit.

Faye talks to her Dad in the street. She tells him he can get on the right side of Anna and Owen by inviting them round to tea - tonight! She's checked they're available and has written out a list of their favourite foods. Tim's never made half of it before but Faye assures him it'll be fine. She pleads until he agrees.

Steve's got a problem with his suit - he's had to leave the button on his trousers undone and can't do up the jacket but it's his only dark suit. He and Lloyd knock on Dev's door and get a bit of a shock when he answers it dressed all in white and tells them it's the traditional colour for mourning. Dev says none of Sunita's relatives are coming because she dishonoured them. Not even the aunties are coming, which is a shame because I really enjoy them. Dev confesses he's never felt so alone in all his life.

Stella ties Karl's black tie for him. He apologises to her for everything but Stella says that's all in the past. Eva and Gloria are very scornful about them going to the funeral but Stella says if the situation was reversed, Dev would have come to her funeral.

Anna's got the radio up very loud in the cafe with a bit of Led Zeppelin blasting out. Roy's not impressed. It's ruining the ambience. It doesn't matter anyway, because Anna's sudden interest in a song which was a hit when she was three is just a plot device so Roy can knock the radio to a station broadcasting a breaking news story about a massive fire with (apparently) nearly every firefighter in the northern hemisphere fighting it - and so Eileen, who's in the cafe, can hear it. And when she hears the part about several people being injured she races away.

The funeral cars arrive in front of Dev's house. Asha wants to know whether Mummy's in there. Aadi sternly warns her not to cry in front of Dev. There's some sorting out of who is going in which car and then the cortege moves away. All the construction workers in the Rovers (where did Owen get all these extra hands from?) come out on to the street and take off their hard-hats as the cars pass.

In the cafe, Owen and Anna discuss the funeral procession, annoying Sylvia mainly because she didn't get to see it. Tim comes in and asks them if they'd come to tea tonight. He explains the lengths Faye's gone to to organise things and they reluctantly agree. Sylvia tells them children needs parents who get on. She looks sideways at Roy as she adds: "Otherwise they're liable to turn out very odd."

As everyone arrives at the crematorium, Dev asks that Sunita be carried inside by her family and friends. He asks Karl to be one of the pallbearers. Karl is stricken but has to agree. Steve struggles to do up his jacket.

Eileen has gone completely bonkers. She has the radio and television both turned up very loud and is switching manically from one station to another for news of the big fire. Jason tells her to stop all this.

The priest leads the pallbearers and Sunita into the chapel. Karl stumbles when he sees the big picture of Sunita displayed at the front.

With neither one of them looking where they're going, Chesney and Tim bump into each other in the street. "Idiot!" snaps Tim. They almost come to blows but Fiz drags Chesney away.

The priest says some prayers and speaks about the soul being immortal, then asks Dev to say a few words. Steve's button pops off. Dev tells the 10-or-so mourners that he looked on the Internet and saw some advice which said he should include some precious memories in what he says, but he can't remember anything except the day Sunita gave birth to the twins. She was so exhausted but so beautiful "that I knew I would love this woman for the rest of my life." He moves towards the coffin and breaks down weeping. He calls her his soulmate and best friend and the best mother. "She lived for her children and you only have to look at our two wonderful, wonderful kids . . . I'm sorry . . ." He can't continue and Aadi rushes forward to hug and comfort him. Karl flees the building.

Eileen's getting no answer from Paul's phone. His shift finished hours ago so why isn't he home? She wants to find out more about the fire. Jason's a bit cagey about letting her see his laptop (duh! Why's he left it on the dining table, then?) but he looks up what she wants and discovers two people are reported to have died as a result of the fire. It doesn't say whether they were firefighters. Jason tries to calm Eileen down. Paul probably wasn't even there. He was probably off rescuing some woman stuck in some railings.

Anna calls in at Tim's only to find kitchen chaos. She whips off her coat and rolls up her sleeves to help.

Stella finds Karl outside. "I know this is hard for you," she begins. Karl tells her she doesn't understand. He's responsible. "It's my fault. It's my fault Sunita's dead. I killed her."

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Susan Oudot
Directed by: Diana Patrick

We open with Stella begging Karl to explain what he meant when he told her he killed Sunita, but he realises he has said enough, and tells her he can't talk about it. She concludes he is just blaming himself because he started it all by having an affair with her. She tells him he must stop blaming himself, because he wasn't responsible for her death. (Oh yes he was!) She assures him she will stand by him, and help him get through this. He tells her he doesn't deserve her, and the nation agrees with him, but Stella just gives him a passionate snog.

The service is over, and Dev leads the way out holding his children by the hand. Steve is bending over trying to find the button that popped off his jacket, and Lloyd advises him that if his trousers split too, he is on his own.

Outside Karl and Stella are still wrapped in each other's arms, both are crying, and he is declaring his undying love for her. Before she has a chance to reply, Dev and family come out, so they break apart.

Eileen is still frantically trying to reach Paul, and is only getting his answering machine. As she turns to face Jason, it is obvious in her mind that Paul is now burned to a crisp somewhere deep inside a gutted building.

Chesney arrives at No. 6 and asks Katy if she is on her own. She starts to explain where Anna and Owen are, then realises he is insinuating she might have been there with Ryan, so tells him of course she is alone. Undaunted, she invites him to stay for his tea, but he tells her he has other plans, that he is only there to see his son. Katy puts Joseph into his arms, and tells him he said a new word today - cat, (which is pretty amazing considering there never has been a cat in his life, and has probably never seen one), anyway, cat is his new word, and Chesney looks a bit gutted that he missed hearing him say it.

Talking about babies, Tyrone is sitting happily on the sofa with two of them, Ruby and Hope. Fiz is cooking the tea, and is absent-mindedly adding sugar instead of salt. Tyrone notices and tells her about it. She is horrified, but Ty assures her it will be fine, as he has a very sweet tooth, and Chesney will just be glad he hasn't had to cook his own. He asks her what she has on her mind, and is told she is worrying about Chesney, explaining he has gone to see Joseph, and she is afraid he will say something to cause them to fall out even more. She explains to Tyrone she has been worrying about Chesney all his life, worrying about whether he was getting bullied, or getting into trouble, and had thought when he met Katy her worries were all over. Tyrone tells her she brought him up just fine, and all she can do now is sit back with tea and sympathy, and possibly a sweet bolognaise. She smiles and kisses him.

Back at the funeral, Steve is telling Karl he understands why he had to leave the church the way he did, as he too had been in bits just carrying the coffin. Karl is lost in thought, and when Steve presses him to know if he is alright, he tells him he is, he just wants it to be over. Everyone is having kind words for Dev, he tells them his children are too young for this, and doesn't know how he is going to help them get through it. Stella tells him all he has to do is love them.

As he takes his leave, Dev kneels down with his children and tells them they have been very brave, and that their mother would be so proud of them. Asha asks him if she has gone now, and he tells her she has. They both throw themselves into his arms and hug him. Karl's feelings of guilt are washing over him once again, and he has to turn away. This doesn't go unnoticed by Stella, who puts her arm around him. If only she knew why he was upset, I don't think she would be so sympathetic.

Dinner time at Tim's flat, and round the table is Tim, Faye, Anna and Owen. Faye remarks how good it tastes, much better than when Owen had tried to make it. Owen points out that Katy and Izzy had survived his cooking, so doesn't think he was all that rubbish at it. Anna agrees with him. Changing the subject, Anna asks Tim if he is looking forward to the football match the next day. He replies that he is, that he has been a fan of County since he was a kid, in fact had a trial for them when he was 14 years old. Faye's ears prick up, another reason to find her Dad a superhero. It comes out in conversation that Owen is a United supporter, so that explains a lot of the animosity between them! Faye tells her Dad that Owen has a framed photo of Alex Ferguson that Anna won't let him put up. Anna explains herself by saying there is little room enough for family photos without adding football managers into the equation.

Talking of photos, Tim asks Anna if she has any of Faye when she was little, but she doesn't. Faye asks him if he has any of her, and he shakes his head, then remembers he has one in his wallet. As he hands it to Faye, Anna looks at Owen in dismay. One more thing to draw Faye away from her and towards Tim.

Steve is about to go into the Bistro, and sees Paul on his way home. He tells him he looks like he feels, and Tony explains it has been a tough day at work, and asks him what his excuse is. Steve tells him he has been to Sunita's funeral. Tony stops and apologises, saying he forgot it was today. Steve tells him he and Lloyd have been trying to encourage Dev to stay positive, and give him the support he needs. He tells Tony he feels like he does when he has done a day's shopping with Michelle.

Steve then invites Paul to come to the Bistro, he declines, but Steve tells him he understands how he feels about Sunita, but a few of them are going there for Dev, and begs him to join them, saying he looks like he could do with a drink anyway. Tony agrees to go for just one, so turns around and heads into the Bistro with him. A few people are there ahead of them, and it looks as if Karl's ordeal isn't over yet, because he is there too, having to listen to everyone talking about Sunita, and how hard it is on Dev and the two children.

Lloyd asks Paul what he is having, but he is having second thoughts, saying he really should get off home. However, Lloyd is not having that, and insists he have just the one, so he relents and orders half a lager. Over at a table Gloria, Eva, Leanne and Tina are sitting discussing the fact that Karl had left during the funeral. Leanne has no sympathy at all, saying it was his way of being manipulative. Gloria of course sticks up for him, saying he hadn't wanted to go in the first place as it was upsetting for him, that he had only gone to please Stella. Leanne's not having that, and tells her he will never change, and reminds her how he had spoken to Simon. Eva accuses Leeanne of never liking Karl, and Leanne tells her she is right, and for good reason, and she only hopes Stella has more sense than either of them.

There is now a bit of light bantering going on over at the bar about how uniforms turn women on, and Steve asks Paul if he might possibly borrow his uniform. Paul replies that he doubts he would be able to get into it, which amuses Lloyd no end. Poor Steve, he's not that fat really!

Paul tries to leave again, but they persuade him to stay for another one. He agrees, but tells them he really must call Eileen first. He is shocked when he turns on his phone to find he has eleven missed calls from her. The others rib him that he will be in big trouble.

Karl whispers to Stella they really need to talk, as he is going crazy. She puts her hand over his in comfort, which doesn't go unnoticed by Leanne. She groans, saying she can't believe what she is seeing. We then have a great shot of Gloria and Eva craning their necks forward to look in the same direction as Leanne, Eva looks surprised, but Gloria is grinning from ear to ear.

Eileen has received a text from Paul, and she blows her top when she realises that instead of being dead and buried, as she had imagined, he is in the Bistro, and is planning to stay there until he has finished his drink. Jason warns her to calm down, but she is ready to make her imagined picture of him into reality. True to her word, we next see her marching into the Bistro, ready to kill him. She is in the middle of giving him the tongue lashing of the century when she has the wind taken out of her sails by Dev, who comes up and thanks them for coming. Steve takes the opportunity of Eileen being quiet for a second, and does his best to smooth the situation, but she gives him short shrift. When they are alone, she explains to Paul that Jason had been reading the reports of the fire to her from the internet, and it had sounded awful. Paul reassures her that the press always make it sound far worse than it is. He apologises to her for not checking his messages, but it hadn't occurred to him that she would be worried. Eileen is still very shaken, and asks if they can go home.

The dinner is still going in a very stilted manner at Tim's. Anna and Owen make a move to leave, saying they are tired and have a long day tomorrow. Faye tells them she's not tired, and asks if she can stay the night at her Dad's. Anna points out there is nowhere for her to sleep, but Faye insists, saying she can sleep on the floor. Owen interjects and tells her that her Mother has already told her 'no', but Anna makes it clear she wants him to stay out of the discussion. Faye presses her argument some more, saying she will only be across the road, and she really doesn't care where she sleeps.

Tim tells Faye that her mother is right, there is nowhere for her to sleep, and she should go home like a good girl. She does as Tim tells her, but glares at Anna, saying it's not fair. Anna ignores that, smiles at Tim and thanks him for dinner. He suggests that maybe he should get a futon, or a beanbag bed, Faye jumps at that idea, and asks Anna if she will let her sleep there if he does that. She tells her they will see, but you can tell she is thinking "Over my dead body!"

Now they are home alone, Eileen is laying into Paul once again, trying to get it across to him just how scared she had been, and that he had the nerve to have his phone switched off. He reminds her they have been through all this, and she had assured him she was OK with it, that when he gets a call at work, she cannot expect to be foremost in his mind. She admits that when she told him she was OK with it, they were just words, that she is not OK with it at all. She loves him, but she hates what he does for a living. Paul tells her she can't love just a bit of him, because being a firefighter is what he is, and she has to accept all of him. Eileen is in tears now, and tells him she really can't cope with him being a firefighter, and runs out of the room. In No. 9, Chesney is complaining to Tyrone and Fiz about Katy. Tyrone tries pointing out that he might be over reacting just a tad, and he is about to throw everything away on a misunderstanding. Chez gets mad, and accuses Tyrone of blaming him for the whole thing, there is no reasoning with him, and he storms out.

Back in the Bistro, Gloria is giving Stella her seal of approval on the idea of her getting back with Karl. Stella tells her she is not sure, even though she does believe he loves her. Glo points out that finding someone who loves you doesn't happen very often, and she should grab it with both hands. She is still not sure, and Leanne, who, along with Eva has now joined them, points out she shouldn't, as she knows he will only hurt her again.

Stella reassures her they are not back together, it's just that today has been hard on both her and Karl, as well as Dev and the kids, and they have just been there for each other - that's all. "Good", says Leanne, and then she apologises to her for getting the wrong end of the stick. Shortly after that, Karl makes a move to leave, saying he is done in. Stella immediately tells them she is too, and thinks she will also have an early night, and as they leave together, a suspicious Leanne watches them go.

Anna and Owen are alone in their living room, Faye and Katy having gone to bed. I guess Owen didn't eat much of Tim's meal, because he now has a huge doorstep of a sandwich. He congratulates Anna on the way she handled things with Tim, saying if he had been in her shoes, he would have wanted to kill the guy. Anna tells him she feels the same, but for Faye's sake she has to keep a lid on it. But once she gets started on how she really feels, she can't stop, saying how she wishes Tim had just forgotten all about the fact he had a daughter, because now there he is, living just across the road, and buying her futons and everything. She wails that she knows he is her blood and everything, but she can't lose her - she just can't! Owen points out that Faye is her legal child, and he cannot take her away from her. She doesn't owe him anything, certainly not a daughter.

In No. 7, Dev comes down the stairs and extinguishes the candle which is burning in front of Sunita's photo, at the same time doing the worst crying and sniffling that I have ever heard. I'm sorry, but sometimes his acting is just so cringeworthy. He collapses onto the floor and sobs his heart out.

Back in No. 11, Eileen and Paul are now sitting at either end of the sofa. She is telling him she has really tried to get her head around it, and she knows he has tried too. Paul tells her he knows she has, but firefighting is in his blood. She agrees she knows it is, and for that reason she cannot see a way forward for them. He is shocked, saying there must be, but if there is, neither of them can see what or where it is. Neither of them can believe it, but it's over.

Now we are in No. 13, watching Karl and Stella talking over a glass of wine. It's white, so hopefully things won't end up where they usually do over a bottle of red. Karl asks Stella if she kissed him because she felt sorry for him. She replies that she doesn't really know, other than the fact she hated to see him in pain, and that she cares about him. She goes on to say that going through what the two of them have since the fire has made her realise what she once had, and what she has lost. He tells her he knows he doesn't deserve her, but loves her so much. She tells him she loves him too, and the credits roll over the two of them clinched in another passionate kiss. Oh blech!!

Well, this has to be about the most depressing episode I have ever had the misfortune to write up. I knew it wasn't going to be a barrel of laughs when it had to cover the aftermath of a funeral, but normally Coronation Street will balance it off with lighter storylines. This time we had the depressing sagas of Anna/Tim, Chesney/Katy, Eileen/Paul and Karl/Stella. Can one episode get any worse? Off to have a stiff drink before I kill myself!

Christine

Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by David Kester

Anna's determined to cope better with the situation. She doesn't like it that Tim has moved into the Street but has to find a way to deal with it.

Steve and Lloyd chat in the cab office. Steve is trying to cut back after struggling with the too-tight suit. They discuss Sunita's death and how to be supportive of Dev and the kids. They plan to go round and see him.

Julie tells Brian that Eileen thinks their relationship is dead. Brian says he'd give up his job if she'd asked. They pass Jason who's telling Tim he's not got any work on at the moment. Jason then spots Karl and Stella snogging on the doorstep.You can imagine how that goes over. He lays into Stella for getting back with Karl who says she knows what she's doing.

Steve and Lloyd encounter Dev on the street. Steve is a very poor excuse for support, putting his foot in it one way or another while Dev seems to be feeling like he's ready to tackle the future and since the official mourning period is now over, he's allowed to drink alcohol again. Steve's answer is to get hammered together. He continues to make a prat of himself while Lloyd assures Dev they are there for him.

In Number 11, Eileen is upset that Paul has spent the night on the sofa. Why, I don't know, because she told him it was over. What did she expect? Well, she expected him to come back up the stairs and forget it all. He says he was tempted but he can't change the situation and she's not changing her view either. Paul decides he needs to move out. Jason comes in and interrupts, ranting about Stella and Karl so Paul slips out the door to go upstairs. Eileen tells Jason that Paul's going to move out.

Faye appears to have other ideas and tells her mother she feels sick. But it's all about them not letting her stay overnight at her dad's no matter that there's no place for her to sleep. She's insistent that she's ill.

Karl tells Stella that Jason's opinion doesn't count. Stella surprises him and tells him that they should officially get back together. (While "Let's Hear it for the Boy" is playing on the radio). They have a cuddle as Gloria arrives. She's spotted the new closeness but doesn't say anything because they haven't but she has it figured out already. Stella tells Karl she needs to go to the pub to oversee the work and denies Karl a trip up them stairs.

Anna tells Owen that Faye doesn't have a temperature and decides to keep her home just in case though she still suspects she's faking it. She's go to work and Owen can't mind Faye so she's taking her to the cafe with her.

Jason apologizes to Eileen but it is only seconds before he's ranting again. Paul has gathered his things in a hold all. Eileen had thought he could stay while he's looking for a place. He thinks a clean break is better. He leaves.

Karl and Stella discuss their reunion as they walk to the pub. Stella isn't worried about Gloria's reaction, she's worried about Leanne's. (what about Eva's?) Owen greets them outside the construction zone. He tells Stella the next installment is due so she promises to chase the insurance. Owen offers to show them the work in progress but Karl is quick to turn it down. He's more interested in getting Stella back to the house. Gloria sees them go back inside together and smiles from across the way. Leanne comes across the road and Gloria tells her that Stella and Karl are back together. Not if she has anything to do about it, Leanne vows.

Inside, Karl and Stella are snogging hard when Leanne and Gloria come in. Leanne hears the news. Gloria is pleased but Leanne throws Stella's words back at her, just "being there for each other" she said. Leanne spits insults and accusations. She was lied to!

Anna brings Faye into the cafe and tells Roy that Faye wasn't feeling well, a tummy bug Faye says. Roy is horrified, she can't stay and risk infecting his customers. Tim is there and offers to look after her for a few hours. Faye is happy to hear that and it seems there's no other choice so Anna has to give in.

Stella defends her choice to Leanne. She still loves him. Gloria reckons Sunita was a pyromaniac and a scrubber and seduced Karl. Now she's dead and Stella has forgiven him. Leanne stomps out.

Jason returns back home again to a depressed Eileen. He witters on about his low paying job that morning then tells her she was better off without Paul. She begs to differ. He reaches out and hugs her.

Between Friday night, which was supposed to be "last night" and today, Tim has bought a sofa bed and had it delivered, for Faye to use if she is allowed to stay over. They talk a little of what Faye's biological mother was like before the drugs got hold. Tim tells her they both adored her when she was a baby. Faye wants some ice cream and he's fine with it. He sets her up on the sofa with a duvet.

Julie finds Paul and his bags in the cafe and is shocked to hear he's moved out. She protests but he says they have given up trying to compromise. Anna is wibbling to herself to keep herself from going mad. She tells Owen that she feels she's been duped.

Faye is quite happy in the flat but asks him why he and her mother split up. He described that her mother changed. They had rows and she got into drugs and he left. He regrets it and should have taken her but didn't and her mum wouldn't let him near after that. He promises never to let her down again.

In the Bistro Leanne and Jason are comparing notes, agreeing on the utter wrongness of Karl and Stella together. Dev comes in for a drink and hears the news which throws him.

Lloyd and Steve tell Eileen they're going to have a drink with Dev and notice Eileen being quiet. Paul comes in to return his keys. She hadn't had the chance to tell the lads who look surprised to hear that Paul has moved out and is going to stay with Julie for a few days. After he leaves, they ask what happened. They're a far better comfort to her than they were to Dev earlier.

Back in Tim's flat, Faye asks if he's got any dvds. He doesn't and she asks if she can bring some of hers over for some other times. The door rings and Tim jumps up to get it.

Brian has discovered that Paul is staying at his and when he sees Julie outside, he's not happy about having to share his space. He leaves, Eileen arrives and shouts at Julie for taking Paul in. Julie says she's trying to help and takes her for a drink.

Anna has arrived to take Faye home but Faye has no intention of coming with her. Anna tries to persuade her but Faye announces she wants to live with her dad.

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow and directed by David Kester

Faye thinks that now her Dad's bought a sofa bed she can move in with him. Tim tells her she can't do that because she lives with her Mum. So Faye plays the "she's not my real mum" card. Anna asks Tim if she can have a moment alone with Faye.

Over in the Bistro, business is booming while the Rovers is out of action. Mary thinks it's time for another theme night and has an Australian evening in mind but it won't be happening if Leanne has anything to do with it. Eileen is having a drink with Julie but she's furious with her for taking in Paul without consulting her first. Julie says she felt so sorry for him, sitting all along in the café with his little bag and, as she points out to Eileen, at least this way he's nearby and hasn't moved away to the other side of Manchester.

Anna is trying to reason with Faye but she can't get through to her so Tim sends her off to his bedroom so he can have a quiet word with Anna. Tim tells Anna that he didn't intend to split her family up and he only wanted to get closer to Faye, not take her away. Anna asks him what did he expect, moving in to a flat so close and buying a sofa bed? She reminds him how vulnerable Faye is, given her background. Faye comes back in and makes it quite clear: she wants to stay with her Dad. Tim suggests to Anna that she goes home and promises to talk to Faye and bring her back later. After Anna's gone Tim talks to Faye about how he and her "real" mum let her down and had to find her a new family. He tells her that she has to live with Anna until she's older and then she can live with whoever she wants. But Faye wants to live with her Dad now.

In the Bistro, Mary is still going on about her Australian theme night but as she waxes lyrical about her fusion cooking concept of wallaby hotpot, Leanne is making manic "no" gestures at Nick behind her back. Mary, who has eyes in the back of her head, says it's clear who wears the chef's whites in this relationship. She tells Nick that Leanne has got him wrapped round her little finger and she won't stay where she's not wanted.

Julie is quizzing Eileen about Paul's breakfast preferences. Eileen can't believe Julie's being so insensitive and Julie can't believe Paul likes to eat bread dipped in bacon fat and smothered in ketchup. Eileen reckons that Julie should be one hundred percent on her side. Just to make the situation even more difficult, at that moment Brian and Paul come in together. Paul looks awkward and Eileen can't face him so she chooses to leave.

Fiz is cooking tea when Ty arrives with Ruby. He thought they'd agreed it was his turn to cook tonight but Fiz has already made a shepherd's pie. It's all very happy families but it looks as though they will have to do something about sorting out their domestic arrangements.

In the Bistro, Brian's in trouble from Julie for taking Paul in there for a drink and causing in a scene with Eileen. Brian is obviously keen that Paul should sort things out with Eileen a.s.a.p. and suggests buying her a bunch of flowers might do the trick.

Across the room, Steve and Lloyd are trying to take Dev's mind off things by chatting about golf but the arrival of Karl, Stella and Gloria soon changes the atmosphere. Leanne glowers from behind the bar as Gloria revels in the fact that Stella and Karl are back together. Steve tries suggesting to Dev that it's a good thing which is hardly tactful, given the circumstances. "It's not like anyone's died, right?" asks Dev, sarcastically as he drains his glass.

As Ty and Fiz tuck into their tea he says that it's mad that they don't live together. He says he has loads of room but Fiz doesn't want to leave Chesney on his own. As they discuss the Chesney/Katy situation, Fiz says she knows Ches still loves Katy and asks Ty whether he reckons they should give them both a little nudge.

Back in the Bistro you could cut the atmosphere with a knife so Stella decides to go over and have a word with Dev. But he's not a happy bunny and when Karl comes over and offers to buy him a drink Dev makes his feelings very clear by walking out.

Roy and Hayley are closing up for the night when a tearful Anna arrives. Hayley takes Anna in her arms as she sobs that Faye has said she wants to go and live with her Dad.

Stella and Karl arrive home. He's full of righteous indignation about the way everyone's been treating them. He makes out he's upset on Stella's behalf and says they should just pack their bags and leave. Stella says they can't do that but Karl tells her they can do what they damned well like.

Karl is making the most of the situation and making out to Stella that he's upset on her behalf. She's completely taken in and tells him that he's always looked out for her. She agrees that it would be nice to go away somewhere together, even it if is only for a couple of days.

In the café Roy and Hayley are giving Anna some tea and sympathy. She tells them that going to live with her Dad is all Faye's idea. In fact, she admits that it would probably be Tim's worst nightmare (never was a truer word spoken - it would probably be everyone's worst nightmare!). Anna says she wishes she'd nipped it in the bud before things got this far. Talking it through with Roy and Hayley makes her realise that she has to take control of the situation.

Eileen is lying on the sofa under a duvet when Paul arrives. He's come to say that he's sorry about what happened in the Bistro earlier but it's clear to him that they can't carry on with him living so close so he's asked for a transfer and he'll be moving to North Yorkshire in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, Julie and Brian have said they can stay with him. After he's gone, Jason comes in to offer his mum some sympathy. However, poor Eileen is not exactly cheered up when he says that maybe she should accept that at her age she should give up the idea of finding a man and suggests perhaps she should get herself a dog instead.

Meanwhile Julie's doing her best to make Paul feel loved and wanted but when she starts buying magazines for the coffee table and croissants for her breakfast, Brian has his suspicions that she may have designs on him. Not only that but, while they have a house guest, it means that they'll have to give up their romantic Sunday mornings in bed.

Fiz and Ty have invited Katy round for a word about the Chesney situation. They establish that she still loves him and wants to get back together. Fiz asks her if she's told Chesney and she says she's tried so Fiz says she'll have to try harder.

Dev and Steve have arrived home. Dev apologises for his reaction over Stella and Karl getting back together but he's still very raw and angry. Steve thinks that a game of golf would be the best way to try and get over everything. "Not a full round, mind" he says. "Just half a round to get your eye back in."

After her talk with Fiz, Katy decides to start as she means to go on so she's straight off round to the kebab shop to hand in her notice. Ryan tells her she can't jack in her job and adds that he wants her. Katy tells Ryan that she wants Chesney and she can't even bear to look at him then walks out.

Anna has also acquired some steel in her backbone after her talk with Roy and Hayley. She arrives at Tim's flat to collect Faye but when Faye refuses to cooperate Anna grabs hold of her. She forces her into her coat and Tim assists her by shouting to Faye to go home and adding that he doesn't want her there. As Anna frogmarches Faye up the street, Norris is sweeping up outside the shop and calls out to ask if everything's alright. Anna is really, really angry and they continue to shout at each other. Faye screams that she hates her and then starts to pull things off the shelf and smash up the hi-fi system. Owen arrives home at that moment. Anna shouts at her to get to her room and as Faye runs up the stairs she turns back to Owen and screams that she hates him as well.

Chesney is on his way home with Joseph in the buggy. Katy joins him by the front door, attempting to engage him in conversation. She tells him that she's packed in her job and told Ryan to stay away from her. Chesney visibly perks up for a brief second and then mutters "whatever" before taking Joseph inside the house.

Back at Anna's she's picking up the pieces after Faye's rampage. As she does so she tells Owen that she's made a decision: she's going to ban Faye from seeing her dad altogether. Owen says that it's music to his ears but asks her if she's really sure about that. Yes, says Anna as Owen takes her in his arms, she's never been more sure about anything before in her life.

Karen

It's breakfast time at Anna's house. Faye is sulky and says she's not going to school and she hates Anna. Eventually she agrees that she'll let Katy take her to school.

At Eileen's, the post arrives, bringing with it her and Paul's holiday tickets. They had booked two weeks in Egypt. Jason wonders if she can get a refund. Eileen would like a refund on her whole life. It seems that Paul paid for the tickets, so Jason tells Eileen she must give the tickets to him. Reluctantly, Eileen agrees.

Dev goes into his shop and moans to Sophie about how disorganised his twins are, he had to do the school run twice because they forgot lunch boxes and p.e. kits. Sophie points out that they are only 8 years old. Dev reckons he was a perfect child at eight, but then says he's not so perfect now, he's a complete mess and can't stop feeling angry. Later, he and the twins are going to scatter Sunita's ashes, and that's going to be hard. Sophie offers to help in any way she can, she and Jenna will work round the clock if necessary.

Anna is at the yard, talking to Owen and Gary about Faye. She's upset because Faye hates her. Owen reckons it's all just a flash in the pan, she will be Faye's mum forever, they're all in it for the long haul.

Mary goes into the bistro to see Nick. She says she'll give him a second chance. He says he doesn't want a second chance, he doesn't want her back working there.

Fiz meets Katy in the street. Katy says she's tried everything to try and get Chesney back, but he doesn't seem interested. Fiz urges her not to give up and says she will speak to him, she has a plan!

Brian is in the cafe, having lunch with Paul. (I've never known a head teacher spend so much time out of his school).

Tim comes in and asks Anna how Faye is. Anna tells him how angry Faye is with her, and how from now on things are going to change. Faye isn't going to be allowed to wander over to her dad's any time she feels like it. Anna tells him to stay as far away as possible for the time being. Tim points out that he took the flat so he could be close to Faye, and he's not going to walk out of her life just because Anna can't cope. Faye is his daughter. "You stay away!" snaps Anna, "stay away from all of us!" Brian hears this and looks up, quizzically.

Kirk knocks on Chesney's door and asks him to meet him later at the bistro. They are just discussing this when Fiz comes along. She says they can't meet at the bistro, she has promised that Chesney will help Roy at the cafe, to move a big chiller cabinet. Kirk reckons that won't take them long. "No, not you Kirk, just Chesney," says Fiz, quickly, adding that Beth wants to see Kirk after work.

Julie goes into the cafe and runs into Paul. She is just asking how she is when Eileen comes in. Julie scuttles off to work and Eileen hands over the tickets to Paul. He tells her to have them, and suggests she takes Julie.

Back at school, Brian sees Faye standing outside her classroom door. She confesses that she kicked another pupil's chair and stabbed another in the arm with a pencil. He tells her that violence is wrong. Faye tells him to tell that to Anna, she hits her. Brian tells her that this is very serious and asks her: "Does Anna hit you?" There's a pause, then Faye answers: "Yes, she does."

Anna's walking down the street with Mary, who is begging her to put in word for her with Roy about a job. Just then Anna's phone rings and she walks away talking.

Sophie is in Dev's house, helping him with the washing and ironing. He says the place is a tip and he needs help - someone to help with the kids and the cooking and cleaning, a nanny/housekeeper.

Anna is indoors when the doorbell rings. There are two people at the door, wanting to speak to her about Faye. One woman introduces herself as a social worker, the other is a policeman with the child protection unit. They are following up an allegation of abuse. Faye has told staff at school that Anna hits her.

Eileen meets Julie coming out of work. She tells her about Paul's suggestion that she takes Julie with her to Egypt. Julie is delighted and immediately starts talking about the excursions to take in the culture.

Chesney walks into the cafe and finds Katy sitting at a candlelit table. He's not happy at first, but eventually agrees to sit down and hear what she's got to say.

Anna tells the social worker she has done nothing wrong. She explains that Faye wants to go and live with her dad, Anna has said no, so it's obvious that Faye is making it up. The policeman says they need her permission for a doctor to examine Faye. If Anna refuses permission, Faye will be taken into care. They won't allow Faye home this evening and ask if there's anyone else she can stay with. Anna suggests Gary.

Dev goes to see Stella, and apologises for his behaviour the other day.

Chesney and Katy are talking. He asks why she did it, but knows that she doesn't love him and he'll never be enough for her. He's sure she'll do it again. She says she really, really loves him and wants to prove it to him. He gets up and walks out.

Gary is at Anna's, collecting a bag for Faye. He goes off with the social worker.

Chesney arrives home and is cross with Fiz. "Why did you do it?" he shouts. He tells Fiz it is over with Katy, she cheated on him.

Anna and Owen are alone. Anna is so upset, wondering where she went wrong and what she should do now.

Anne Logan

As we bask in the sun of a bank holiday weekend here, let's go back to a Friday night and the introduction of the wonderful Katie McGlynn to the Street.

It's breakfast and Anna's worrying about Faye going to the police station, even though Izzy will be with her. Owen assures her that no-one will believe Faye. "What if you're wrong?" asks Anna.

Mary's outside the corner shop and spots a notice in the window advertising for a nanny.

Fiz and Chesney come out of the house bickering about Fiz fussing over him.

Mary goes into the shop and inquires about the advertisement. Dev asks who she has in mind and she says she'd like to apply for the job. Dev is aghast but all he can do is mumble about there being a proper interview process. That's fine by Mary and she immediately agrees to 7.30pm. "Smashing! Prepare to be dazzled!" she tells him, before going off to work on her CV.

At the police station, Faye asks Izzy why she couldn't have just told her story at school with Mr Packham. Izzy tells her the police take this sort of thing very seriously. How seriously? Faye suddenly realises Anna might go to prison. She doesn't want that. Izzy tells her that if the police believe her story then she won't have any choice. She says it's not too late for Faye to stop it. It seems Izzy isn't going to be the "appropriate adult" in the interview. The social worker comes out and introduces Faye to Steven, who's going to conduct the interview.

Mary's in the Kabin, where she's told Norris and Rita about the nanny job. Norris scoffs in a very Norris kind of way. He talks about the children being vulnerable and Mary needing diplomas. Rita points out that the children have just lost their mother and a familiar face might be exactly what they need. Norris doubts she'll get it any way because Dev will want a certain sort of nanny. "Dolly bird?" asks Rita. Norris doesn't deny it. Mary pities Norris for his cynicism.

Michelle's off out somewhere but reminds everyone there's a staff meeting tonight. Kirk asks Fiz about Chesney. He's meeting Ches for lunch. He tells Beth he really feels for Chesney. He thought Ches and Katy were for life. When Kirk's moved away, Beth whips out her phone and calls someone, asking them to meet her for lunch. She's got someone she wants them to meet.

Eileen's in the Kabin buying toffees, eliciting comments from Norris about comfort eating and binge eating. Eileen huffily points out the toffees are for Lloyd. Rita points out that Norris is having a tact-free day but they have heard from Julie that Paul's moved in there. Eileen's able to shut Norris up by pointing out she's not wallowing but is going to Egypt for two weeks. When she sees her first dusty, moth-eaten mummy she'll think of Norris.

Policeman Steven interviews Faye. She asks whether Anna will go to jail and he tells her not to worry about that. The main thing is for them to make sure she's safe.

Mary's revising her CV in the cafe but Anna is very distant and not interested. She snaps at Owen and Gary and then has a little set-to with Michelle. Roy asks if she'd like to go out for some air but Anna refuses. In that case, Roy thinks she should apologise to Michelle. Anna does but when Michelle mentions Faye she explodes. Gary leads her away so Owen can take her home.

Steven tells Faye he knows this is hard for her but the only way to make it better is to let it all out. "I'm scared," says Faye. "Of what?" asks Steven. "You can tell me."

As Owen, Katy and Gary try to soothe Anna the social worker arrives. Faye's still at the police station but she's admitted she made up the allegation about Anna. The others leave Anna to talk to the social worker, who says Faye didn't want to get Anna into trouble. She thought they'd just take her away from Anna so she could live with Tim.

Outside, Gary chats to Tina and finds out she's off to Freshco. He offers her a lift and won't take No for an answer, even though he and Owen are supposed to be going to the builders' merchants.

The social worker tells Anna that Faye needs time to adjust to having her father in her life. It's all a novelty for her. They have to find a workable solution but she assures Anna they're going to get through this.

Katie McGlynn, who played the wonderful Scout in Waterloo Road, sits in the cafe but isn't ordering anything just yet. She charms Sylvia by complimenting her on her perfume. "I love sandalwood, especially with a hint of vanilla." Sylvia compliments her on her "nose" and it seems the young woman makes soaps. Beth comes in and we discover this is her niece, Sinead. Kirk goes over to join Chesney and Beth and Sinead sit down for a chat.

The social worker suggests Anna come to a meeting in the office. Faye arrives home and awkwardly says Hello to Anna, then slopes off to her bedroom.

On the doorstep, Katy and Izzy chat. Katy seems to feel as if she's just another burden for Anna and Owen. Izzy invites her out for a drink tonight and says she'll arrange for Fiz to babysit.

Beth's trying to convince Sinead to go out with Chesney. She promises Sinead will really like him. Sinead finally agrees and Beth sends a text to Kirk telling him it's on and to sort out Chesney. Kirk invites Chesney out tonight.

Mary sees someone reading the nanny ad and tells her she's really brave. Then won't answer questions because "after all, it's only rumours about the father . . ." She says Dev has a reputation for being "hands-on" with his employees and walks away. Dev chooses that moment to come out of the shop door, followed by Sophie, who says there's a phone call for him. The would-be nanny pauses only to tell Sophie to run for her life and scarpers. Across the road, Mary watches with a satisfied smile, annoying Norris who can't believe she's still going after the job.

Owen's annoyed when Gary finally gets back with Tina and her shopping. The men are waiting for supplies. Gary tells Tina that it doesn't matter that Owen is his boss. He'll always put her and the baby first.

Eileen's talking to Jason about her holiday in Egypt. The package is all-inclusive so she has her days planned out - starting with breakfast at 10.30am and including sunbathing by the pool, drinking cocktails and generally turning off her brain. She notices the hotel has three pools and says she'll have to get another swimming costume (togs, cossie, bathers... whatever you want to call them). "And a good pair of walking shoes!" announces Julie, who comes in piled high with guidebooks. "We need to talk excursions!"

Katy's been up to check on Faye and tells Anna that Faye feels really bad. The fact that Anna's been so understanding makes Faye feel even worse. Anna asks Katy's advice on what she should do, "mum to mum." Katy tells her she doesn't think Tim's going to go away any time soon.

There's a well-planned manoeuvre going on at the bistro. When Chesney arrives he's introduced to Sinead and then Kirk and Beth retire to the bar to buy the drinks. It seems Chesney and Sinead both hate their names - him because he was named after a pop singer and her because her surname is Tinker (S. Tinker, get it?). Beth's heartened to see them hit it off.

Julie's list of places to see is endless. Eileen's alarmed that they all seem to involve getting up at dawn. She'd rather have a lie-in than see an Egyptian sunrise. Julie leaves her the guidebooks and goes off. Jason points out that at least Eileen won't have a second to herself to think about Paul.

Owen's home and asks what the plan is. Anna doesn't have one. She's heartbroken that Faye felt she had to lie. She doesn't see the point in fighting Faye. She'll never win. She thinks maybe Faye should go to live with Tim.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Mark Burt
Directed by: David Kester

Anna is telling Owen she has no choice but to let Faye live with her Dad. Owen tells her she is just making that decision because she is running scared, and she tells him she is exactly that. She points out that Faye has lied to the police about the abuse once, and who knows what she will do next. She feels she has to admit defeat and let her go. Owen insists that what she needs is to hear Anna say no to her. He reminds her of all the heartache she went through to adopt her, and if she gives in to her now, it will all have been for nothing.

Gary has shown up at Tina's once again, this time armed with new window locks for her flat. She reminds him it's Friday night, and he must have better things to do, but he tells her he will feel much better if she allows him to do this for her, so he knows she is protected. When he puts it like that, she has to agree, but asks how Owen had been with him earlier, as he had appeared hacked off with Gary, and she doesn't want him to get in trouble with his boss over her. He assures her he was fine, and knows the score. He tells her Owen was just worried about Faye, and wasn't really annoyed with him. Tina is satisfied, but tells him he is never to bunk off work again for her.

In the Bistro, the conversation has turned to Sinead's soap making skills, with Beth remarking she didn't get out much as a child, hence her interest in the art. Chesney is quite impressed, and remarks she must be pretty smart. She tells him not so much smart as passionate about her hobby. Beth interjects that the Tinkers are pretty big on passion, prompting Sinead to tell her Auntie Beth to give it a rest.

Kirk, bless him, tells them he is a big fan of soap. Forget all them gels and stuff, when he is in the bath he wants something to hold onto. This leaves the group with an awkward silence, well there is not much you can add to that is there? Chesney breaks the lull by asking Sinead if soap is her hobby then. Beth brags that she is more of an entrepreneur, but Sinead tells him she is not exactly, but does go to car boot sales, and is thinking of getting a website.

Kirk tells her that Chesney has his own business too. She wants to know all about that, but Ches admits it is just a stall down at the market. When she hears it's selling dog products she is delighted, saying she loves dogs, but her Mum won't let her get one. So he then asks her if she lives at home then, and she does, with her Nan and two older sisters - a complete mad house. She then asks him about his living arrangements, and he tells her he lives with his sister, and - it's complicated. Chesney gets the next round in, and we discover Sinead is a non-drinker, hates the taste of it, which Auntie Beth has a bit of difficulty understanding, saying she doesn't know how to have a good time. Sinead points out to her that at least she remembers her good times. She looks at Chesney and asks if he thinks she is weird too, but he tells her he doesn't, because if he is honest, he is not mad about the stuff either.

Beth is overjoyed at how much the two youngsters have in common. She promptly tells her they need to head to the ladies to touch up their makeup - or rather she wants to get Sinead's impression of Chesney. She tells her she thinks he is nice. Back at the table, Kirk asks Chesney what he thinks about Sinead, but just as he is about to answer, in walks Katy with Izzy, which takes the words right out of his mouth.

Dev has been interviewing prospective nannies, and is getting nowhere. Sophie is skeptical that they are all as bad as he thinks, and accuses him of trying to find a Sunita. This hits home, and he admits he is finding it very hard, because every question he asks reminds him what his children have lost.

Gary is finishing up, and is just explaining about the locks to Tina when she gasps, Gary junior has just given her a right kicking, so hard she has to sit down. Gary hesitatingly asks her if he can feel him too. She obliges, and holds his hand in the right place. He is overjoyed to feel how strong the baby is.

Katy's presence in the Bistro has put a damper on the foursome, especially as she keeps looking over at them with a hurt look on her face. Sinead suggests they go somewhere else, but Chesney agrees with Beth that they should stay, it's not as if they are doing anything wrong. Katy too is feeling very uncomfortable, and wants to leave, but Izzy tells her she can't put her life on hold for Chesney. The only people who seem to be really enjoying the situation are Beth and Kirk, who are too thick to realise it's not ideal.

Beth is getting louder and louder, and we find out she is a shrinking violet compared to Sinead's Mum. Which makes me hope Sinead is going to become a regular character, and we will get to meet this goddess at some point. Beth then hands her camera to Nick with the request to take a picture of the four of them. She insists Chesney put his arm around Sinead for the picture, which devastates Katy, and I don't think Ches or Sinead are exactly thrilled either. Beth checks the photo after and is pleased with the outcome. She remarks that Ches and Sinead look as if they are made for each other.

Katy has had enough, and storms over to the table, accusing Chesney of just trying to pay her back, and tells him "Consider it done!" With that, she turns and leaves.

Sophie is just getting off the phone with Jenna, who is obviously babysitting Asha and Aadi, and she reports to Dev that everything is fine, and the children are being very well behaved. Just then, Mary Taylor comes in, dressed very smartly, and shakes Dev by the hand at the same time introducing herself, as if he didn't already know who she was. She explains she is just keeping it formal and above board. She is there for an interview, and he invites her through to the back, but you can see by his face he is only going through the motions, there is no way on earth that he would consider her for the job. Sophie is chuckling in the background, knowing too that she doesn't stand a hope of landing it.

Katy is storming down the street with Izzy trying to catch up with her. She begs her not to let the little fiasco in the Bistro spoil her night. Katy replies that it's too late for that, and, telling her she wants to be alone, she marches away. Just then Gary comes along, and Izzy asks him what he has been doing until that hour. He explains about fixing Tina's windows, and tells her that Tina had let him feel the baby kick. Izzy looks as if someone just slapped her, and quietly says "I wish I had been there" Gary just breezily tells her there is always next time, and heads off home. Looking hurt, Izzy trails after him.

Faye comes down from upstairs and asks Anna if she hates her. Anna tells her she could never hate her. Faye has a hard time getting her head round this, considering how she lied. Anna reminds her that she then told the truth. She then tells her she thought she had been happy living there, and Faye confirms she is. So Anna asks her why, if that is the case, she wants to leave so badly. Faye figures she is still angry with her, but Anna tells her she is not, she is just trying to understand.

Faye tells her she doesn't want to do any more mean stuff. Anna reassures her it's because she hasn't had it easy in her life. Faye contradicts her, saying there are kids at school who have had it way worse than her, and are not as bad as she is. She goes on to say she had nearly got Anna locked up, and feels she must be really messed up.

Anna asks her if she thinks she would be less messed up if she lived with Tim. She nods, and tells Anna she thinks she would. Anna quizzes her as to why she thinks that way, and Faye tells her that although she will love her forever, she feels different with her Dad. She then asks Anna "Now do you hate me?" Anna is close to tears and can't answer. Instead she hugs Faye to her.

Ryan bumps into Katy in the street and asks how she is. She reports on the humiliation in the Bistro, saying she thought Chesney still loved her, but now has a new girlfriend. He offers to take her into town to cheer her up, but she turns him down. He suggests tomorrow night instead, but she still cries off. Peeved, he tells her he gets the picture and walks away. Katy looks after him as if she's thinking he gave up too soon.

The interview is still going on in the back of the Corner Shop. Dev is telling Mary that looking after her aged mother hardly qualifies her to look after two eight year olds. She agrees, saying they are hardly likely to keep telling her to find herself a man, and would speak in the third person all the time, which was a habit of her mother's which would drive her to distraction. She quotes a few more of her mother's idiosyncrasies, then apologises for getting a little carried away, explaining she was just trying to point out that it wasn't an easy job.

Dev tells her he understands it wasn't. He goes on to say Asha and Aadi's well being is the most important thing in his life. Mary gushes that she knows that, and is prepared to devote her life to them. Dev tells her he is sure she would, but he just doesn't think she is suitable. Close to tears, she asks him why, and is told it's a personality thing. She comments that it is the usual old stumbling block. He tells her he is sure she has many wonderful qualities. She tells him the children are very lucky to have a father like him. Shakes his hand and tells him she will see herself out.

After she leaves, Sophie asks Dev how 'Mary Bobbins' had been. He looks a bit disconcerted, and tells her she was not what he expected.

Beth, Kirk, Sinead and Chesney are leaving the Bistro. Beth announces they will hit the Flying Horse for a couple, then head to their place with a fish supper. Chesney tells them he thinks he will just go home, and Sinead is fine with this. Beth argues it is only 8 p.m., but Sinead snaps at her that it is what Chesney wants to do. Beth tries to persuade them, but Kirk tells her to let it go. Sinead turns to Chesney and tells him she hopes he and Katy work out their problems. He thanks her, and tells her he will see her around. As he walks away, Beth can't believe she has let him get away that easy. She tells her "Auntie B, I love you to bits, but you're the one who hasn't got a clue sometimes."

I absolutely love Katie McGlynn in this role. She was great as Jodie (Scout) Allen in Waterloo Road too, a cracking little actress. I hope she sticks around for a long time.

Anna has called in on Tim, who has apparently been trying to call her for a while. She explains she hadn't felt like talking before. He wants to know what has been happening, and she tells him Faye has admitted she lied. Tim tells her that for the record, he hadn't believed she was telling the truth. She tells him she would like him to forget about the past, about Owen, everything, she just wants him to answer truthfully when she asks him if he is ready to be Faye's Dad. He looks a bit confused, and tells her he thought he already was. She goes on to explain she doesn't mean just someone to hang around with, and asks him if he is ready to be a real Dad 24/7. He looks shocked, and asks her if she means she would live with him, Anna nods and tells him yes, in the short term. He is not sure that would be a good idea, and Anna agrees, saying the idea of it stinks to high heaven, but it's what Faye wants.

There is a knock on the door of No. 11, and Jason lets in a very excited Julie and Brian. They are full of travel plans, and maps and phrase books and even a downloaded travel app to make sure not one second of their holiday will be wasted on rest and relaxation. Julie starts practicing her Arabic on them, and only Brian knows she just ordered a mint tea. Eileen tells them she knows they are only there to try to take her mind off Paul, and assures them she will be fine in a few days. She goes on to suggest they all head over to the Bistro so Julie can practice ordering for real. (Since when did anyone at the Bistro speak Arabic?)

Tim and Anna arrive back at No. 6, and Owen is not best pleased to see Faye's father, demanding to know what he is doing there. Anna tells him to stay out of it, Faye immediately owns up to Tim that she had lied about Anna hitting her, saying she would never hit her. Anna then turns to Faye and asks her to think carefully and answer truthfully if she would like to stay with her Dad temporarily. She does think hard, and tells them she would. Anna then tells Tim she will bring her over in a bit, as she can go today.

Chesney and Fiz are talking, or should I say arguing. Fiz is furious with him for being there with another girl. He points out he didn't know Katy was going to be there, but Fiz is not having that, saying he shouldn't have been there in the first place. She accuses him of trying to get one over on Katy, and he admits he was trying to make a point. Fiz reminds him that Katy loves him, and asks him how he expected her to react. He asks her advice as to what he can do to put things right, and she tells him all he can do is talk to her, try to make it right.

Owen may have stayed out of it at the time, but now he and Anna are alone he certainly has plenty to say. He doesn't like this idea one bit, and warns Anna that if she goes down this road there is no turning back. He correctly points out that Social Services should have been involved in this decision, but Anna is adamant that the decision has been made. She points out that Faye has had decisions made for her all her life, and this time she gets to make her own, regardless of the consequences. She stresses upon Owen that it's not forever, and he should trust her.

Julie is spouting Arabic to Nick, who is looking at her blankly. Eileen excuses her by telling him she's on medication. She translates to Nick that she would like a glass of water, then looks up and catches the look on Eileen's face. She apologises for getting a bit carried away, but it doesn't stop her. She is beside herself with excitement over the upcoming trip, and is being egged on by Brian, who is almost as excited as she is, and he's not even going! Eileen on the other hand gives the impression that a tooth extraction would be more fun than spending this holiday with Julie.

Anna is at Tim's flat. She is listing off all the things Faye likes and doesn't like to eat, plus what time she should be in bed on a school night etc. etc. Tim tells her it is only for a few days, and is sure they will muddle through. This puts Anna's back up, and she tells him if he is going to be a parent, then he should be a proper one, because she needs her routine. She also asks him not to skimp on the hugs, because although Faye acts cool, it's something she really needs. Tim assures her she won't go short of anything. Faye comes down the stairs and they say their goodbyes. Faye assures her they will see each other every day, and Anna tells her tearfully that she loves her.

Faye has arrived at No. 5 to pick up Joseph. Fiz tells her she will get him from upstairs, and glares at Chesney in a meaningful way that says "Talk to her while I'm gone!" As soon as they are alone, Katy asks where his girlfriend is. He explains that Sinead is not his girlfriend, that it had been a setup by Beth, that he hadn't even wanted to be there. She then asks if that was the case, why he hadn't left when he saw her come in, why he had felt the need to rub it in her face. He replies that he doesn't really know, except perhaps he had wanted to show her he wasn't boring. Katy thinks for a minute, then remarks that they really know how to hurt each other, Chesney agrees with her. She then gets serious, and tells Chesney they really need to sort this out as Joseph deserves better from them. She suggests they go out on a date and get to know each other all over again. Chesney is well up for this. She then leaves with Joseph, both of them smiling at each other, and Chesney even leans over and kisses her on the cheek. Awww.

Back in No. 6, Anna comes home and slumps down on the bottom of the stairs. Owen comes down and takes her in his arms, she sobs uncontrollably against his chest.

Christine

Written by Peter Whalley Directed by Tim Finn

Chesney and Katy smile at each other in the street and Chesney asks her to go out later so they can follow through on their plan to get to know each other. It's a date.

Faye wastes no time swinging the lead, promising her father that she always has toast slathered with Nutella and chocolate milk for her breakfast. She worries that he thinks she's going to be trouble after what she did with the police. He assures her it's in the past and they can start again.

Meanwhile Anna is staring off into the distance while at work. Roy asks after Faye and she tells him she's afraid she's losing Faye. Tina's reading a magazine. Anna brings over her tea and hopes Tina's involvement with other people's kids turns out better than her own. Tina most definitely has a confused look on her face at that. Tommy arrives and is about to join her when Gary and Izzy come to confirm the time for the ante natal class they're all attending that afternoon. Tommy is a bit put off by the interruption but Tina asks him to come round later if he's not busy.

Katy tells Owen she's going out with Chesney and Owen tells Owen he's got to take time off too. Owen agrees to mind the baby and hopes she and Ches work things out.

Carla is pleased. She's sold her flat. (So where's Rob living? I thought he was living in it). Out in the factory the girls are on their tea break and talking about the ante natal class. Beth questions why Izzy wants to be there as she doesn't see the point. Fiz defends Izzy, saying she wants to be involved all the way. In the office, Carla sets up a date for drinks with Peter, with Rob and Michelle bagging an invite as well. Carla tells them Michelle can bring Steve and Rob can bring Tracy. He is reluctant but she insists.

Peter is messing around in the very quiet bookies when Leanne comes in shouting the odds. He's not paid her the money he owes this month. He points out that it's very quiet and the betting shop isn't doing all that well at the moment. She just moans about her money and storms out.

Dev has the kids in the cafe. They have been sent home from school. Mary arrives and asks if he's found a nanny. No, not yet. She offers to look after the kids on a temporary basis. Even though he didn't think she was suitable as a nanny, he takes her up on the offer. He gets up and she takes his chair in front of the kids. At the counter, Tim has popped in for a bite and tells Anna that Faye was fine and got to school on time. He promises to keep her informed. Anna isn't really reassured. She'd hoped Faye would have been miserable.

Izzy and Gary meet Tina at the clinic for the ante natal class. Gary assures her she should be there, he wants her there. She's having doubts about whether she fits in, you see. You can see as she wheels along behind the other two that Gary's reassurances really haven't done the trick.

Leanne is moaning to Nick about Peter. Nick is busy scurrying around and just doesn't have the time but that goes right over her head.

In the clinic, couples are asked to find space on the floor. Izzy in her chair is in the middle and feels in the way. She awkwardly wheels to the back of the room and they don't change where they're sitting to be nearer her. The midwife starts her introduction. Izzy watches Gary and Tina giggle together and really feels out of place.

Katy has brought Joseph to Owen at the yard. He gives her encouragement and sends her off.

Nick brings a coffee to Leanne now that things are quieter. She complains that Peter's making excuses for not paying her and she wants her money. Nick doesn't really have advice.

Timing is everything isn't it? Yet again, Katy encounters Ryan on the street and they exchange a few mumbled words. She tells him she's getting back with Chesney and guess what? Chesney comes around the other corner and sees them and from his point of view they look very friendly. This isn't going to go well.

Exercises at the ante natal class are beginning. Assume the position, folks. Tina and Gary have got it right and the midwife makes an example of them. Izzy has had enough and leaves in tears.

Katy is at Chesney's and is ready for their date. Chesney starts in on her, hissing about her going off with Ryan. She doesn't know why he's going on about it. He accuses her of still seeing him, he saw them talking with his own eyes. She's affronted that she can't even talk to Ryan. She defends herself and wonders why she's even bothering if he's not going to believe her.

Dev arrives home. The kids are quiet and reading on the sofa. Mary asks him if he would allow them to drink a sugary orange drink they wanted. He doesn't know why not but she suggests in future he stock pure fruit juice instead and does pour two small glasses of it. Dev asks her if he sent them back to school too soon and when he tries to talk about Sunita they go quiet. Mary suggests the children are worried about him in the same way he worries about them. Good point. He's happy to have the advice and the conversation. Mary says most people find it hard to know what to say. He asks her to stay a bit longer and she agrees. He's impressed that they're so well behaved for her!

Katy says she won't talk to Ryan if that's what he wants. So now Chesney complains that it will make him look like the bad guy. She promises again to have nothing to do with Ryan and he says he's happy if she means it. She does, apparently. She nips upstairs to use the loo before they go out and as soon as she leaves, he sees her phone edging out of her jacket pocket.

Gary and Tina are done the class which has tired Tina's out. They've seen a birth video too, which has scared the both of them. They only just notice that Izzy has left. Gary checks his phone and there's a text from Izzy saying she thought she should get back to work. Tina susses that Izzy must have felt out of the loop and insensitively comments that Izzy could change places with anytime. I'm sure she'd love to.

Izzy is back to work and tells the girls she left early. She admits Beth was right, she didn't need to be there.

Michelle is off to find something nice to wear at the Bistro.

Fiz asks if the hospital knows about the surrogate arrangement. They do. The girls chatter while Izzy is clearly upset.

Katy comes downstairs and finds that Chesney has been looking at all the texts on her phone, old ones from Ryan that she'd not bothered to delete. She rightly lambastes him. He says she shouldn't have left it just there. (She didn't, it was in her pocket) She gives him hell and hollers at him. She thinks if she moves in again he'll be checking up on her all the time.

Michelle comes into the kebab shop to say hello to Ryan before going to the flat. He's a bit down over Katy. Michelle points out that there's lots of other women. She offers to treat him and hands over some cash so he can go out tonight. (got a job, pays no rent.)

Carla has come to the bookies to tell him about the drinks do. Leanne comes in scowling again. She's come to tell him what she wants him to do.

Katy and Chesney are at odds. Her phone sounds and he accuses her of still being in contact with Ryan. She doesn't know that's who it is and they holler some more. Turns out it is from Ryan, who tells her he's broken hearted and is going out clubbing. Chesney is right back to square one and Katy is sick and tired of his attitude. She hollers that she and Ryan are finished but Chesney is never going to believe it. She's not going out with him, not moving back in and they're done. For good!

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by Tim Finn

Peter's got financial problems and he's defaulted on one of his payments so Leanne decides the best solution would be for him to buy her out of the bookies. Of course, how can he possibly do this when he has no money? Carla happens to be present when this exchange occurs and we can almost see her ears prick up and the cogs turning in her brain.

Katy arrives home in a foul mood and Owen can see the date with Chesney didn't exactly go well. She tells her dad that Ches was going through the texts on her phone and says she's not going to have Ches treating her like she's some sort of slapper (wonder where he got that idea?!) so as far as she's concerned it's over between them.

While this is going on, Ryan's preening in front of the mirror, ready for a night on the town. Michelle tells him that she knows he's upset about Katy but it's for the best. Ryan chooses not to answer.

Tim's taken Faye to the cafe for her tea before a trip to the cinema. Anna's horrified when she hears the film won't end until 10.30 and it's a school night. What would Mr. Packham say? In fact Mr. Packham has heard the entire exchange. He can see Anna has a problem on her hands and promises her that he'll keep an eye on Faye at school.

Tina and Gary have arrived back from the ante-natal class. They still don't know what's happened to Izzy but they bump into Fiz who tells them she went back to work and has now gone to the Bistro for a pint. Fiz looks a bit embarrassed and says that she thinks Izzy felt like a spare part. Tina can see where she's coming from and says she wouldn't want her bloke getting all touchy-feely with another woman. She's all for going to talk to Izzy but Gary says no, he'll deal with Izzy and he heads off towards the Bistro.

Carla and Peter are in the bookies and the place is dead. She asks why he didn't turn to her if things were tight but there's no way his macho pride would allow him to go to her, cap in hand. Carla doesn't see the problem, she tells him they're a team, but Peter says he's been running the place for twelve years and he knows what he's doing.

Izzy and Gary are in the Bistro, arguing about the ante-natal class. She's really upset and tries to explain to Gary how hard it is for her seeing him and Tina together when she can't be a part of things. He obviously doesn't get it and tells her that her time to become involved will be after the baby's born. But Izzy doesn't see why Gary has to go to the classes at all, she's sure someone like Anna would be more than happy to support Tina.

Mary seems to have transformed into Mary Poppins overnight. Come to that, Aadi and Asha also appear to have had a personality transplant. Mary is looking after them again and they are behaving perfectly as they make gingerbread people together. The twins confide that they hear Dev crying in the night so Mary advises they should give him a big hug and kiss those tears away.

Anna is trying to hold it together and she tells Owen that she keeps expecting Faye to come down the stairs in a strop at any moment. Instead, it's Katy who comes stomping down wearing an outfit which would justify Chesney's concerns about her fidelity. She tells Owen and Anna that it's over for good with Chesney this time, Joseph's asleep upstairs and she's off out, whether they like it or not. She tells them she's sick of all this aggro and she thinks it's about time she enjoyed herself.

Tommy and Tina are enjoying a companionable evening at home. He even seems to be enjoying her funny story about the ante natal class - at least until Gary's name is mentioned - and they settle down to watch a DVD together.

Katy is waiting at the bus stop, all dressed up with nowhere to go, when who should come along but Ryan. she tells him that she's finished with Chesney and he hardly misses a beat before telling her that he's off to a club and they walk off arm in arm together.

Izzy and Gary are still in the Bistro talking about the baby but Gary won't back down. She's really unhappy but Gary tells Izzy that this is the last chance he'll get to be a dad and he wants to be a part of the whole process.

Fiz comes home to find Chesney sulking over a sandwich. He tells her that Katy's been carrying on behind his back but when Fiz discovers that what he means is that Ryan has been sending her texts and she didn't even reply, Fiz points out that Katy hasn't actually done anything wrong. Ches is angry and stomps off up the stairs.

Dev comes home to find that Mary has worked her magic. The twins are quietly reading on the sofa, they've had their baths and there's a casserole in the oven. She tells him that she's discovered skills she never knew she had and it makes her wonder what other lights she may be hiding under her bushel. He's so impressed that he asks whether she would like to look after them again. She jumps at the chance before giving Dev a few sympathetic words and telling him that things will get easier.

Katy and Ryan are in a club and she's knocking back the drinks like there's no tomorrow. The night is still young and someone's going to have a hangover in the morning ...

Peter and Carla are having dinner in the Bistro with Steve and Michelle. Nick's furious that Peter's ordering expensive wine when he claims he can't even afford to pay Leanne what he owes her. Rob and Tracy arrive and listen in to the conversation. Carla explains that she's the one who's paying the bill because she's just sold her flat. She's not sure yet what she'll do with all that money.

Back at the club Katy's so drunk that Ryan's moved her on to water. Katy moves in to kiss him and he asks if she's sure. Of course Katy's sure - she's three sheets to the wind - so she gives him a full on snog to prove the point.

Tina and Tommy are having a lovely evening together and it almost seems like old times. Until Gary turns up, that is. He's come to tell Tina that he's had a word with Izzy and everything's cool. She's delighted to hear it but Tommy takes it as his cue to leave and looks wistfully back through the window as Tina gets Gary a beer.

Ryan and Katy arrive home in a taxi just as Michelle and Steve are leaving the Bistro. Katy can barely stand up. Michelle's all for taking her back to Anna's but Ryan points out they'll have to face the wrath of Owen so Michelle reluctantly agrees to take her home with them.

Tommy's moping over a pint in the Bistro so Nick offers him a friendly ear. Tommy tells him about Tina and how the evening they've just spent felt like old times. Nick says his problem is that he always bottles things up and he advises Tommy to tell Tina how he feels. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room Peter appears to have gone home leaving Carla looking like thunder and Rob gloating over the news that the bookies is going down the tubes. Leanne slaps the bill on the table and Carla says she's a good mind to knock 15% off in view of the fact she'd gone in for a relaxing evening and not to be mouthed off by Leanne and her husband. Carla says she's had enough of her situation and one way or another she'd going to get it sorted.

Round at Michelle's Katy's been put to bed in Ryan's room to sleep off her hangover. Michelle wants him to sleep on the sofa but he assures his mum he'll not try anything on with Katy while she's in that state. Michelle gives him a lecture about the unsuitability of a relationship with Katy who has responsibilities in the form of a baby, just in case Ryan had forgotten that little detail. But Ryan doesn't care, he says he and Katy are together and his mum will just have to get used to it.

A few doors away, Fiz is also giving a lecture to Chesney. His as miserable as can be but he still can't come to terms with the fact that Katy lied to him. Fiz tries a bit of tough love and tells him he needs to man up. She reminds Chesney that he's a dad and says it's about time he started acting like one. Fiz tells him that he needs to find a way to forgive Katy or accept that he's going to lose her forever.

Karen

Morning at Fiz's house, a very gloomy Chesney comes downstairs, regretting being 'such a plank' with Katy. Fiz suggests chocolates or flowers to make it up with her.

Over at Ryan's, the aforementioned Katy is waking up on the sofa. Ryan gives her a glass of water and headache pills. Katy is worried about what her dad will say. He goes off to get a shower, and Michelle comes back in, she'd forgotten her phone. Katy apologises for being legless, and Michelle tells her not to worry, they've all been there. She then adds that she knows that Katy and Chesney have had some problems, but getting drunk is not the answer, and neither is this fling with Ryan. Katy tells her it's not a fling, but Michelle tells her that she has Joseph to think about - they are a family and nothing matters more than that.

Over at Peter's, he's grumpy and Carla tells him that just because he's annoyed with Leanne he shouldn't take it out on her.

Sean is just about to tuck into a bacon sarnie he's made for breakfast, when there's a knock at the door. It's Tim, with Faye in tow. He asks Sean to tell Jason he'll meet him at the site, he just going to take Faye to school first. Faye stands there yawning, she's obviously tired after her late night at the cinema. As they go to leave, she asks Sean if she can have a bite of his sandwich, she hasn't had time for any breakfast. Sean hands his whole sandwich over, saying she will be doing him a favour really.

Over at the yard, Tina gets a phone call. The police have caught the person who burgled her flat and recovered a lot of his haul. She's going to go down to the police station later to identify it, and she's hoping she'll get her dad's wedding ring back, so Gary says he'll give her a lift.

Over in the bistro, Leanne tells Nick she thinks she'll have to put in some hours in the bookies, as Peter is running the place into the ground. Nick isn't at all happy at this.

Chesney goes into the cafe clutching a large bunch of flowers, and finds Owen with Joseph. Owen tells him that Katy didn't come home last night, she sent a text saying she was staying at a mate's, so he's been left holding the baby. Chesney is worried, but Anna tells him that she's probably just sleeping it off somewhere.

Steve and Tommy are in the bookie's, betting on the same horse that Steve thinks is a dead cert. Leanne comes in and marches behind the counter. Peter asks what she's doing. She says he might be happy that the place is going down the toilet, but she's not.

Back in the cafe, Chesney has tried phoning Katy but it keeps going to voicemail. He tells Owen he's going to go and ask around to see if anyone has seen her, and goes off.

Sean comes in and orders a meal, telling Anna that thanks to Faye he hasn't eaten all morning. He explains about the sandwich. Anna is shocked to think that Faye wasn't given breakfast and wonders what Tim thinks he's playing at. She turns to Owen, furious, but Owen warns her not to go round there all guns blazing, that would only upset Faye.

Katy and Ryan are taking leave of each other in the street. He offers to walk her home, but she doesn't want him to. He wants to know when he can see her again. She says it's complicated. He tries to kiss her, she pushes him off. As she walks away she bumps into Chesney, who is disgusted and flings the flowers at her.

Mary calls in on Dev with bags of shopping. He's not feeling at all well and seems to have a temperature. She tells him to sit down while she makes him and the children some lunch.

Katy arrives home, and almost immediately, Anna and Owen walk in, with baby Joseph. They demand to know where she's been, and Owen is cross when he finds out she stayed at Ryan's. She tells him she tried to make it work with Chesney, it's not all her fault.

Leanne is having a go at Peter. She tells him he's taken his eye off the ball. The bookies is drab, dull and could do with a lick of paint. The televisions are old and need updating. Peter responds by telling her that people come in to place bets, they don't come in to admire the decor. As they continue to bicker, Carla comes in. Leanne storms out, and Carla points out to Peter that unless he can buy Leanne out, he's stuck with her.

Michelle is talking to Ryan about Katy. She thinks that Katy ought to go back to Chesney as they have a child together. Ryan says that it doesn't mean that Chesney is the right person for Katy, or can make her happy. Michelle thinks what Ryan feels for Katy is just a crush and will pass. Ryan gets cross then, he's tired of her interference and tells her to back off.

Tina and Gary get back from the police station and meet Tommy outside the flat. She tells him that they got most of her stuff back, but not her dad's wedding ring. She tells him that although it wasn't worth a great deal, it was inscribed inside with the name of her dad's favourite John Lennon song - Love is Real. Tommy starts to say that if there's anything he can do.....when he's interrupted by Gary who ushers Tina away quickly. They leave Tommy just standing there.

Nick goes to see Peter and tells him to buy Leanne out, and stop messing up their lives.

Katy goes to see Chesney again, but he's still not having any of it. He tells her he knows that Ryan is the one she really wants to be with.

Rob arrives back to the office in Underworld. Carla tells him how annoyed she is that Leanne has decided to go back and work with Peter.

Mary has finished washing up and tidying the kitchen while Dev and the children have cuddled up together on the sofa, watching tv. She's about to leave, when Dev asks if she'd like to stay on and have some ice cream and play Monopoly with them. She accepts gratefully.

Tommy sees Tina coming out of the shop and invites her for dinner at the Bistro tomorrow. She hesitates. He says it's just as mates, so she accepts.

Ryan sees Katy sitting outside the fish and chip shop. She tells him that she and Chesney are finished as Chesney can't forgive her for one mistake.

Fiz arrives home and finds Chesney sitting glumly on the sofa drinking lager. He tells her that Katy spent the night at Ryan's. When she starts to tell him not to give up, he shouts at her and tells her to leave him alone.

Anne Logan.

Carla questions Peter over breakfast. He says if he could get the money he'd buy Leanne out. But, unlike her, he can't just flutter his eyelids at the bank manager and get a bigger overdraft. Carla can foresee problems if Leanne stays involved with the business.

Michelle's annoyed with Ryan for buttering his toast too loudly. And for leaving the toilet seat up. He knows this is all really about Katy. Ryan says he likes Katy and it's none of Michelle's business. She's just worried for him.

Dev's burnt something in the kitchen but I don't know what because he's serving cereal. He's all in a tizz and isn't that pleased when Mary arrives at the door but she's brought breakfast rolls with her - fried egg rolls. Ick. But Dev's pleased and suddenly doesn't seem to want to get rid of her.

Ryan sees Katy heading for the medical centre for Joseph's checkup and asks her to meet him later.

Tommy sees Tina and checks they're still on to meet later.

Ken and Eccles go into the bookies' and he is startled to see Leanne behind the counter. I'm not sure what Eccles' reaction is. She tells him she's troubleshooting. The phone goes and Peter ignores it so Leanne goes into the office. This gives Ken a chance to find out more. Peter's not that happy about it. He takes the chance to ask Ken if there's any chance of a small loan. "What, like a couple of hundred?" asks Ken. Well, no. Peter was thinking of a couple of grand but Ken refuses. He doesn't have that sort of money to spare. Peter asks him not to mention anything to Carla.

Gary's been missing in action and when he finally turns up he answers the phone and disappears again. Owen's really annoyed and shouts at Tina in lieu of Gary - she's just as shocked at Gary's behaviour as Owen is.

Chesney's wallowing, though when Fiz pops back home to see whether he's gone to work he denies it. He doesn't see the point of going to work when he isn't putting food on the table for Katy and Joseph. Fiz reminds him that Joseph still has to be supported and packs him off to see whether it's too late to take up his pitch.

Tim and Jason get their lunch from the chippy and discuss whether or not to go out for a drink tonight. Tim says he really can't leave Fay. Owen sees them and makes some sarcastic comments.

Gary's back and asks Tina if she fancies going to Roy's for some lunch but Tina says she's already meeting Tommy at the bistro. Gary says he's surprised Tina's friends with Tommy again after the way Tommy's behaved. They're interrupted when Tommy turns up and Gary suddenly becomes very sullen and goes off again.

At the factory, a jubilant Rob has secured another order but Carla's not celebrating. She's miles away. She tells him she and Peter had words this morning but she's got a plan to make sure Leanne stays out of their hair for good.

Mary's made Dev a hot toddy. She's ironed everything except his underwear. She tells him about seeing a Tennessee Williams play with the line "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" (A Streetcar Named Desire) and says she's tried to base her life on this. Dev seems strangely moved. He perks up and starts getting ready to go to the shop but Mary tells him: "You can do this, you know. But it's a marathon, not a sprint."

Leanne's busy with a calculator when Carla arrives and asks if she'd consider selling her share of the business to Carla. Leanne says she'll have to think about it.

Tommy and Tina and happy and cheerful and enjoying lunch in the bistro when Gary arrives at their table. He hands Tina a jeweler box and Tommy worriedly asks if he's going to go down on one knee. No, Gary's somehow got hold of Tina's dad's ring. He says he just kept his eyes out as he was driving around for work and that he got lucky at the second pawn shop he tried. Tommy's not nearly as happy as he was five minutes ago.

Carla's looked at the books and makes Leanne an offer. Leanne laughs and adds another nought to the cheque. Carla rips it up and doubles her first offer. Leanne says she's got herself a bargain. Yes, sold! Carla says Leanne will be hearing from her solicitor. Leanne, though, seems to think the deal is done. She's off shopping.

Tina thinks it's weird having the ring back. Tommy's lost his appetite. He's really annoyed that Gary's still there and asks him straight out whether he realises he's having the baby with Izzy, not with Tina. Tina's annoyed with him and Tommy just gets up and leaves. Tina tells Gary that Tommy's spoilt things again.

Carla's told Rob what she's done. She's not sure how she's going to break it to Peter. Rob tries to advise her on how to sell it to him but Carla's just annoyed that he thinks she doesn't have any idea. She brightens up, though, when Rob mentions someone he knows who deals in gambling software. He reckons what Peter's business needs is some gaming machines and touch screens. "He needs dragging into the 21st century."

Michelle takes Fiz aside for a quiet word about Ryan and Katy. She's a bit surprised when Fiz reacts angrily, blaming Michelle for letting Ryan and Katy sleep together just as Katy and Chesney looked like getting back together. Michelle says if she's talking about Monday then she knows for a fact they slept in separate beds.

Katy and Ryan are in the cafe. Ryan tells her he likes her and wants her to be his girlfriend. After a pause, Katy agrees and they hold hands.

Fay's dancing around the flat singing into her hairbrush when Tim gets home but she is maturely brushing her hair by the time he opens the door. He's brought her the film Bridesmaids, even though the person in the shop told him it was really for adults. Fay says all her friends have seen it. He's a bit hesitant but asks whether she'll be OK on her own for half an hour, maybe an hour, while he goes out with Jason. She enthusiastically encourages him to go, saying that Anna left her on her own all the time. But when Tim goes to have a shower her face shows she's not all that keen.

Leanne calls round to see Peter, taking the original directors' agreement and some other bits and pieces she thought might come in useful. It's clear he doesn't know what she's on about. Carla arrives home and Leanne suddenly wishes she'd brought popcorn with her. She settles down in a chair and refuses to leave. "I wouldn't miss this for the world," she tells Peter, adding that she's already sold her share of the business. "Who to?" he asks.

Now THIS is going to be entertaining. But you'll have to wait for the second episode.

Margaret Carr

Written by: Carmel Morgan
Directed by: Tim Finn

Peter is incensed! He cannot believe Carla has gone behind his back and bought Leanne's share of his business, and kicks off at her big time. Leanne has a ringside seat and is enjoying every second of it. Actually it's at times like this that you can see Leanne is not a very nice person underneath.

Peter tells Leanne he will buy her share, but she tells him it's too late, it's a done deal, and sits there making sarcastic remarks as she watches him squirm. Finally Carla tells her to get out, which she does, laughing all the way down the stairs. Once alone, Carla tries to explain to him that she is sorry he had to find out that way, but surely he can see it's all good in the long run. Now he has Leanne out of his hair, and the only thing they have to share is Simon. She tries her best to convince him she did it for him, and surely he must see she has thrown him a lifeline.

Not convinced, he tells her she will be a sleeping partner, no more. She is not happy with that idea though, and tells him they can build the business back up together. He looks at her in astonishment, and telling her he can think of nothing worse, he storms out of the flat. Carla is horrified, thinking he would rather work with Leanne than her.

Izzy tries passing the time of day with Tommy as she wheels past the garage, but is puzzled to see she gets blanked by him. As she rides away, he asks her how she is getting along with Gary. On being told they are fine, he warns her to watch him - that's all. She asks what he means, but all he will say is she should ask her boyfriend.

Peter accosts Leanne in the street and begs her to rip up Carla's cheque with the promise he will write her a bigger one, but she is having none of it, and tells him so. He pleads with her to sell her share to anyone in the world except Carla, and accuses her of sniping and point scoring, to which she admits he brings out the worst in her. That being said, no matter how he begs, and he does, she will not back down, and tells him that for once, he is not calling the shots.

Dev is in the corner shop, still suffering with his cold, or man flu. Sophie asks why he is there, and he whines he had to get away from Mary. He concedes she is great with the children, but is getting very sick of being treated like a third twin (Dev, I rather think that would make you a triplet!) Just then, the subject of the conversation breezes in, and Sophie loudly says hello to her to warn Dev to shut up.

She asks him if he has had a chance to sign the consent form for the twins to go on the school outing to the safari park. Through gritted teeth, he tells her he hasn't yet, but has it in hand. She pleasantly tells him she has put the form, along with a pen, by the kettle to help him to remember. Sophie, obviously not finding her as irritating as Dev, reminisces about the last time she went to a safari park, making Mary want to go too, and murmurs she should mention it to Norris. Dev jumps at this idea, and suggests they go tomorrow. However, Mary won't hear of it, assuring him that he and his family are her priority at the moment.

Anna is unloading on Izzy about Tim. Telling her it's pretty bad parenting taking Faye to the pictures on a school night, she feels he is becoming way too popular with Faye by allowing her to do things she would never be allowed to do at home. Izzy tells her not to worry, it's just a honeymoon period, and things will soon settle down and she will be bored.

Gary arrives, and Anna can't wait to tell him too about Faye going off to school with no breakfast because of the late night before. Gary advises her to ignore it, just sit back and let Tim make a pig's ear out of it. Anna however is worried about where that leaves Faye.

Izzy then brings up the conversation she had with Tommy, relating what he had said. Gary shrugs it off, telling them he had found Tina's father's wedding ring in a pawn shop, and had bought it back for her. Izzy asks where he got the money, and he tells her it was only 20 quid (pounds). Both Izzy and Anna then tell him it was a nice thing to do. Gary reports that Tommy hadn't thought so, and was jealous that he had thought of checking the pawn shops and he hadn't. The women are happy with the explanation, but as Gary moves into the kitchen to set the table, he looks a little guilty.

Peter comes home and the argument takes up where it left off. Carla feels he should be grateful because she has bailed him out of a difficult situation. Peter feels defeated, and tells her Leanne won't change her mind, so he has no choice but to suck it up. He is not happy though, and tells her she has her own business, the bookies has always been his, and is not wanting her calling the shots in there. She points out that he should be looking upon her as an asset, but he can't, he tells her she knows nothing about running a bookies. She mutters that lately she is not convinced he does either, judging by the lack of income coming in. He tries to defend himself, saying it is just because they are in the middle of a recession.

Carla argues that he can teach her, she is a fast learner. She ends by saying she thought he would be pleased. Peter is totally shocked by that remark, he cannot believe she thought he would be pleased that she had gone behind his back and made a deal with his ex-wife. She agrees she could have handled it better, but he must know she thought she was doing the right thing. He is still sulking though, and when she suggests they go out to eat, he sarcastically asks if he is allowed to order his own meal now she is the boss.

Tina comes into the Garage and gives Tommy a right dressing down for making a fool of her. Tommy is not apologetic though, and tells her it is obvious that Gary fancies her like mad. Tina tells him she is over the moon to get her Dad's ring back, and it was very kind of Gary to do it, as a friend. Tommy again accuses her of not being able to see things as they are. She angrily tells him she is not having this conversation as it's not good for her or the baby. Telling him to leave her alone, she storms off.

If Carla and Peter thought they were going to be able to talk through their differences over a quiet meal in the Bistro they were very much mistaken. Who should come in but Rob and Tracy, the very last people Peter wants to see. He makes it quite clear he doesn't want them to join them, but Leanne, who has come up to greet them, insists the family should eat together, and with a smirk on her face, pulls a table over so they can all sit together. If looks could kill, Leanne wouldn't have had the capability to walk away the way she did.

Anna is knocking on Tim's door, and it is answered by Faye. She hands her some books she found, and asks her if she would like to come for her tea next Monday. Faye says she would, so Anna makes to go in so she can clear it with Tim. Faye stops her, saying he is in the shower, but will be sure to ask him the minute he comes out. With that, she bids Anna goodnight, and closes the door.

Back in the Bistro, Rob decides it will be fun to stir things up a bit by mentioning Carla's latest acquisition. She immediately changes the subject, and the three of them kibitz around, but it is very noticeable that Peter is not finding the jokes at all funny. This obviously make's Rob's day, and he can't help having a snipe at Peter by telling her he can't understand why she would want to buy into a no-win business like the bookies.

Obviously this puts Peter's back up a little more, and he points out to Rob that he knows nothing about the bookie business. Rob snipes back that he does know a lot about manufacturing, and he does place a bet, but would never place one in his shop in this lifetime. Carla, adding fuel to the fire, asks Rob if he knows where Peter has been going wrong then, and he replies he would have trouble choosing where to start. His main suggestion however is to sell up, as a High Street chain would have the money to turn it around.

Tommy is crying the blues to Rita, who can see only too clearly why Tina would have been pleased to get her Dad's ring back. But Tommy is still suspicious as to why Gary would go to that much trouble for someone who was just a friend. He begs Rita to have a word with Tina, warning her about Gary's intentions, but she feels it might look as if they were ganging up on her, and suggests he lets Tina sleep on it. Tommy is still not happy though - not happy at all.

Behind the bar at the Bistro, both Nick and Leanne are snickering to themselves at the sorry situation that has developed between the people sitting at the two tables. As Nick says, Carla paying over the odds and Peter hating it has just made their day, and they decide to open a bottle of bubbly later to celebrate.

As Peter goes to the bar to get himself another orange juice, the other three talk over the situation. Rob accuses Carla of only buying into the bookies to keep Peter away from Leanne. She denies this. Rob tells her it is a losing situation, and Peter is running it into the ground. Tracy sticks up for her brother, saying he has made a decent living out of it for years. Carla then tells Rob there is no way she would let him sell up, him a recovering alcoholic with that kind of money burning a hole in his pocket. She then looks up to realise Peter has been standing behind her, and has heard every word. He storms out of the Bistro.

Owen is having a half hearted go at Gary for buying Tina's ring back for her, but he explains he did it because she is carrying their baby, and it's not good for her to be so stressed out like she was over losing that ring. Anna then notices a button hanging off Gary's jacket that is on the back of a chair, and tells him she will sew it back on for him. Then nosy Anna just happens to find a receipt for the ring in Gary's pocket and looks shocked when she reads it. Personally, I think it is very rude of her to open a folded note in his pocket and read it. She doesn't say anything, just crumples it up. Which again is very rude, it isn't hers to crumple!

Mary is brushing Asha's hair, and they are having a conversation about Rapunzel. Asha mentions that her mother had lovely hair. Mary agrees, saying it was very thick and glossy. Aadi tells her he thought his mother was beautiful. Mary agrees with him too, and tells them both that their mother had been very kind too, telling them about the time she had allowed her to take the goods from the shop when she had been short of money, and had trusted her to pay for them the next day. Dev is sitting quietly at the back of the room listening.

Asha then asks Mary why grown-ups keep crying when they talk to them. Aadi chimes in that Mrs. Bishop had cried that morning, when all he had said to her was "Morning Mrs. Bishop". Without hesitation, Mary explains to them that while the grown-ups are very pleased to see their sweet little faces, it makes them sad because it reminds them that they have lost their mummy, and they know how tough that must be. Dev sitting in the back of the room is obviously most impressed with the way Mary is handling the children's questions, truthfully but with lots of sensitivity.

Back in the Bistro, Carla is toying with the idea of going after Peter, but decides she would rather have a bottle of wine instead. Tracy, to her credit, tries again to stick up for Peter, and suggests Carla tries building his confidence instead of trampling all over him every chance she gets. Carla retorts that she spends most of her time walking on egg shells around him as it is. Rob suggests she forget Peter's feelings and concentrate on her investment instead. If they are not going to sell it, they should re-launch, re-brand it and put themselves out there. Carla is thinking....

Tim comes home from the pub, and Faye is still up, telling him the film she was watching was awesome. He apologises for being later than he said, but now is tired and wants to go to bed. Faye is wanting his company for a little while, and suggests she makes him a Horlicks or perhaps they could have just one computer game first. He tells her he is too shattered though, as he goes towards his bedroom, she tells him she got 8 out of 10 on her spelling, which he tells her is good. Then, to please him more than any other reason, she tells him he can go to the pub any time he likes. He tells her he might every once in a while, but from now on, she is his priority, and takes off to bed. She is left there alone in the living room, not feeling much like his priority tonight.

Carla, Rob and Tracy are now in the bookies, and Rob is going over the books. Tracy is uncomfortable, knowing her brother would be furious if he knew, but Carla all of a sudden is looking up to Rob's business abilities like he is Lord Sugar or someone - she, who couldn't wait to get him out from under her feet at Underworld. Looking at the figures, Rob tells her they are not as bad as he was expecting, so she asks for his ideas. He tells her it needs an immediate face lift, needs bringing up to date altogether, attracting the right clientele and she will be able to turn it around in no time. She thinks for a minute, then tells him she won't, but he will.

He tells her he will need a pay rise, and a title, plus a percentage of the profits. Tracy is flabbergasted, she can't believe they are doing all this without consulting him, but they carry on negotiating as if she isn't there either. It's done, Rob is in and Carla will take a back seat, and Carla figures she will handle Peter. Oh dear.

Anna is tackling Gary in the kitchen about the pawn shop receipt. Instead of £20, it was for £200. He tries to justify it, saying Tina had been in bits over the ring, and wanted to do it for her. Anna asks him how Izzy would feel, especially now he has lied to her over the cost. She goes on to ask if Tommy has a reason to be jealous of Gary, which he hotly denies, saying he was just trying to do something nice, because of what Tina is doing for them. "Yes she is," says Anna. "For both you and Izzy.

Peter sees Carla leaving the bookies, and he tells her she doesn't believe in letting the grass grow under her feet. Luckily the other two had already gone, so she tells him she was just casing the joint. He apologises for storming out of the Bistro, saying he knows she didn't mean what she had said. She tells him she thinks he knows she will always have his back, and he agrees he knows this. She starts to kiss him and kiss him, wearing him down, and it's working, he tells her if he has to work with someone, it might as well be her, his best friend. Kissing him and leading him home, tomorrow will be soon enough to tell him about the plans that were just made.

Christine

Written by Jan McVerry Directed by John Anderson

Today's the day that Paul is leaving Weatherfield. She's curled up on the sofa depressed when Hurricane Julie comes knocking at the door frantically. She witters on about The Graduate (the movie) and tells Eileen she thought Paul was feeling obligated to go. She urges Eileen to come say goodbye. Eileen doesn't seem inclined.

Carla has made Peter a lovely breakfast. What's up? She springs the new on him, she's got him some help for the bookies. It's Rob. She tries to defend her decision but Peter doesn't want anything to do with it. Carla reveals that Rob has got keys and he's opening up as they speak. Peter lifts off.

Brian is putting all Paul's gear into the car and complaining. Paul comes out and Eileen has obviously been persuaded to come say goodbye. He's on the 3 o'clock train, and he thanks her for everything. But when he wants a hug, she can't do it. He gets into the car and Brian drives them off, leaving a tearful Eileen watching.

In the cafe, Peter is sulking in the corner. Fiz has Hope there before a routine hospital checkup. Gary and Izzy arrive and there's a discussion about Eddie's gambling habits. Tina arrives, too. They're going to another ante natal class and try to persuade Izzy to go but she's not going to go along with them. Up at the counter, Anna gives him short shrift over the money he spent on the ring for Tina.

Karl and Stella have arrived back from Cornwall. Tyrone sees them and greets them. Stella notices the pub is still under hoarding. She'd hoped they would be further along than they were a week ago. They probably are on the inside.

Back to the cafe, Carla has come to find Peter who never showed his face in the bookies. She extols Rob's virtues and asks him to trust her. Rob has lots of good ideas then she tells him she's got a good surprise for him. I don't think he's anticipating it.

Jason finds Eileen burning old photos and memorabilia in the back yard. He thinks she should save something and she does have a photo of them to hand. Round the corner, Jason finds Deirdre and asks her to look in on Eileen later. Steve comes along too, as Eileen hasn't shown up for work. But he backs down when he finds out Paul has left. Steve and Jason both remark that they grew to like Paul quite a bit. Deirdre reckons it's better to pick on his bad points but nobody can come up with any.

In the betting shop, there's new video screens and computers and a coffee machine, all on lease. Peter isn't happy with the financial output for all that stuff and has a rant. Rob insists that all the upgrades is what is going to bring in the punters. Peter shouts that he would have done all that years ago if he'd been able to afford it. Rob fights back just as hard and Carla backs him up. Peter doesn't see a way out of it. Carla defends it as an investment. Peter is further annoyed because Carla organized it all behind his back. Rob says he could leave but he's the one that knows how to use it all. He's had training (when? Do they have gambling machines in the nick?) and he has the manuals. Peter is backed into a corner and he knows it.

Eileen lets Deirdre in. Deirdre has brought a bottle of wine. Eileen has a soppy love movie on the telly, Ghost. Deirdre pours the wine and points out she's got a lot of things good in her life. Eileen says she feels cheated of her happy ever after.

Gloria brings a few cans of ale out for Karl and Stella for a toast. I think it's Karl's birthday, or just a day or two after and he's turned 50. Karl is optimistic, he's got the woman he loves.

Eileen is leaning on Deirdre's shoulder, literally. She lists some of the fellows, good and bad and tells her Paul was the love of her life. It's a lovely little scene. "The finest, the funniest" Deirdre interrupts "The fittest!" Eileen continues "fella I've ever shared my bed with and I've just let him slip through my fingers". Eileen continues to list all of her own shortcomings that led inevitably to Paul's departure. She's just sitting there and waiting for him to get on that train to a new life and probably a new woman. Hmmm.. She asks the time and realizes there's 45 minutes until Paul's train leaves. She calls Jason to take her to the station now!

Stella is flipping through the mail as they three chat. She opens a somewhat official looking letter and it seems to upset her but she doesn't say anything to the others. She hides it in her handbag.

Tracy is at the garage badgering Tommy who hasn't fixed her (Ken's) car yet. Tommy is on his own apparently as Kevin hasn't shown up and has only sent one dodgey text. Tyrone and Fiz and the kids some along and see the argument. Tracy explains that the car is making a knocking when it goes around corners or over 50. She wants him to look at it. Tyrone glances at Fiz which makes Tracy roll her eyes thinking he's asking for permission. Fiz doesn't mind if Tyrone helps out and Tyrone goes inside for some overalls. Fiz nearly gets run over by Jason's van speeding up and coming to a halt in front of his mother's house.

In Number 13 Gloria and Karl and yammering on about this and that while Stella is sorting laundry and clearly in a state. Gloria mentions the pub but Stella isn't anxious to go and have a look. Gloria takes a phone call and goes out of the room. Stella considers, and says she and Karl both should go down to the pub and check things out.

Tyrone gives Tracy a bunch of geek-speak and tell her it's going to cost 900 quid. She's horrified but Tommy then says ah, but for you, just a fiver. Turns out the knocking was from a roller skate in the boot rolling back and forth. The fiver is for a light that needed replacing. Sally comes out and tells them she's heard from Kevin. His father had a massive heart attack and Kevin is en route to Germany now. (Mind you, we haven't heard a dicky bird that Bill and Pam had in fact moved back to Germany have we? But there you go. They needed to write Michael leVell out for a bit). Tommy is worried about the garage. Sally asks Tyrone to come back to the garage but he says he has to talk to Fiz and sort out child care.

Jason zooms up to the train station and Eileen runs into the terminal.

Stella and Karl walk down to the pub. He looks very uncomfortable having to go inside.

Tracy arrives at the bookies, admiring the new gear and coffee machine. Peter is narky and Rob is smug. She defends Rob and Peter calls him a human oil slick. She goes into the office and warns Rob to lay off the "humour" and back off a bit. Rob can't understand how Peter can get all the female attention, loser that he is. Steve has come in and noticed the new upgrades. Peter pretends it wasn't all down to Carla. Steve shudders when he hears Tracy's laughter and the pair of them commiserate over Peter having to work with Rob. Peter brags that he can break Rob easily. Steve bets him a tenner. Peter raises it to a 20.

Eileen spots the platform and goes running down the side of the train. The guard isn't able to stop her as she runs along the side of the train to see if she can find Paul.

We must wait until the next part to find out if she manages to find him.

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by John Anderson

The episode opens with the obligatory scene of Eileen running up the station platform shouting "don't go" and Paul suddenly noticing her through the window when it's too late to get off the moving train. Jason tells her not to cry but Eileen insists she only has smoke in her eyes.

Stella and Karl go to check out the progress on the building work at the Rovers and Owen reminds Stella that she needs to make the second payment. In fact, he says, it's the second time he's asked. Stella promises to chase up the insurance company but from the look on her face there may be a problem brewing.

Over at the bookies, Peter is doing his level best not to let Rob wind him up. Then Carla comes in, followed by Tracy with the news that Deirdre's invited them all round for their tea. Rob tries to get out of it by saying he has to go to the gym but Tracy offers to give him a personal workout later. It's an offer he can't refuse and anyway, as he points out to the consternation of Peter and Carla, he's practically family now.

Deirdre has to start on her coq au vin - a bit of a gastronomic step-up from her usual stuffed marrow - but she just has time to pop in and see Eileen first. But Eileen isn't about to be cheered up. She's on the sofa, wallowing in self-pity, convinced that she's made a complete idiot of herself with Paul and believing that, as usual, nothing can ever go right for her.

In the cafe, Anna notices Gary is short of cash. He claims it's because Owen can't pay the wages but she knows it has as much to do with the ring he got back for Tina. Meanwhile Izzy comes in with Fiz. But she's only on the cake run and declines the offer to join Gary and Tina at the antenatal class - she's not about to put herself through that again.

Eileen goes into Streetcars to check the rota and gets caught up in conversation with Steve and Lloyd. Steve tries to cheer Eileen up by telling her she's better off without a man but when he starts to list Paul's bad points, like his taste in bomber-jackets and dodgy haircut, Eileen springs to Paul's defense. "At least he had hair," she points out.

Ty is happily chatting away to Fiz about his day helping out Tommy at the garage. In fact, he tells her, Sally's asked him if he could help out some more because with Kevin away, Tommy can't cope on his own. Ty's worried what Fiz will think but she says it's a brilliant idea and, unlike Kirsty, she just wants him to be happy.

Out in the street, Eileen is sadly looking at a photo of her and Paul when who should call her mobile but the man himself. There's a strange echo on the line and that's because Paul's standing right behind her. "I couldn't do it," he tells Eileen as she turns round at the sound of his voice.

Meanwhile, over the road Jason is having a run-in with Karl. He tells Karl that Stella's only with him because she's grateful. He adds that sooner or later Karl will slip up, she'll see him for what he really is and he'll be out on his ear. But Karl tells him they're together for good. He stands up to Jason in a menacing fashion and warns Jason that if he comes between them he won't know what's hit him.

Eileen and Paul are having a drink in the Bistro. He tells her how the sight of her running up the station platform looking distressed made him realise that their love is worth fighting for. He got as far as Huddersfield and then turned round and came straight back to her arms - assuming, he asks, she still wants him? Eileen jokes that Colin Farrell never turned up so it looks as if Paul will have to do.

Ty and Fiz break the good news to Tommy and Sally that he would be pleased to go back and work at the garage and he'll be starting first thing tomorrow morning. Ruby will be off to the child minder's and everyone is delighted with the arrangement - if only all our lives could be sorted out that easily!

Stella's on the phone having a heated conversation when Karl comes home with the shopping and she hastily stuffs some paperwork back into a file. Karl wishes they could leg it back to Cornwall together. Stella says she wishes it too but they have to get back to reality sooner or later. She adds that as soon as they get back behind the bar of the Rovers they'll be fine. "I want more than that, Stell," says Karl. "I want more."

Round at Fiz's, Ty and Tommy are bonding over a tea of mini chicken kievs and a bit of macho banter. It's just like the old days and, with Ty about to start back at the garage, their friendship seems right back on track.

There's some more bonding going on between Tina and Gary who come back full of stories about their latest ante natal class. Izzy still feels really out of it so Anna tries to persuades her that she really should go along so that she can feel part of the whole process. Izzy is reluctant but when Owen reminds her that she's used to standing up for herself and isn't normally worried about what people think she finally agrees to give it a go.

We return to Stella and Karl and he has something important to ask her. Yes, you've guessed it. He wants to know if she will marry him.

Round at the Barlows' the whole family, together with Rob and Carla, are gathered round the table having tea. It's hard to know whether Deirdre's Coq au Vin - made from scratch with almost an entire wine box as she points out - is more likely to cause them all to have indigestion or Ken's insistence that they discuss the bookies. He's worried where all the money's coming from but Rob tells him that you have to speculate to accumulate.

Paul and Eileen are on their way home. First they meet Steve and Lloyd who are really pleased to see Paul back - they tell him Eileen was neither use nor ornament without him. Then Jason comes out of the house and seems genuinely delighted Paul has returned. Paul goes to pick Eileen up and carry her over the threshold, telling her that if he does it they'll be as good as married. "You do that and we're as good as divorced," quips Eileen.

Back at the Barlows' Rob is boasting to Peter that one day he'll be able to buy him out while out in the kitchen Deirdre's putting the finishing touches to a chocolate gateau. But with Carla spotting the box and Tracy pointing out it looks like one of Freshco's finest, she's not going to get away pretending she made it. Never mind, it's nothing that a quick squirt of cream won't sort out. She sends Ken out to the kitchen to fetch the can and he takes the opportunity for a quick word with Peter. He tells his son that he doesn't like Rob and he doesn't trust him and he's also not happy having him around Amy. Peter agrees but he says he's met men like Rob before. He thinks he's all mouth and no trousers. Peter also believes he'll get bored and move on and he thinks he'll do the same thing with Tracy. Ken says he hopes so then adds that he knows who he reminds him of: Mike Baldwin. And look at the chaos he caused.

Paul is sending a text to his old boss to see if he can get his old job back. Eileen says there's no harm in asking and makes light of it by saying she won't be able to see her toy boy if he's hanging around like a bad smell. Paul asks her if she's alright about it all but Eileen doesn't want to talk about it and asks if they can just enjoy the evening before they have a fresh start tomorrow.

Karl is still waiting for Stella to give him an answer. She wants to know why he's asked her now but he says why not? After all, he adds, it's not as though they haven't discussed it before. But Stella is being practical - she points out they have no home and no business. Karl starts talking about the fire and tells Stella that if he hadn't got her out of there alive then life wouldn't be worth living. She responds by telling him that she loves him, she's sure that they will get married but when the time is right. Karl says he needs to know that she loves him and that she wants to stay with him. He adds that she has to marry him because it's the only thing which will help him to make sense of what's happened. Stella replies that she's not saying no, she's just saying not now.

"After everything I've done for you?" asks Karl, starting to look angry. He gets up and walks out as the title music plays.

Karen

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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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