Written by Joe Turner Directed by Audrey Cooke

It's Monday Morning on the cobbles. Rob heads to the shop, Tracy heads to the Kabin to get some promised sweets for Amy. Rob greets Peter and Carla coming around the corner. Carla comments on Peter's civil greeting. Peter's taking a meeting later, a client she usually deals with and when it turns out Peter knows the guy side of him (what football team he supports), she's confident he'll reel in the client. Behind them, a taxi has pulled up and Tina gets out. She tells Lloyd she's only back temporarily to sort out her stuff and is going back to That London. Lloyd refuses to let her pay for the drive. Izzy comes around the corner on her way to work and happily greets Tina and when hearing Tina's plans, makes sure she knows she can see as much of Jake as she wants.

Sophie's thoughtful this morning before work. As she leaves, Tim bounces down the stairs and when there's no bacon on offer, says he'll do bacon butties. Sally smiles and does the honours instead. Sophie's forgotten her phone and it sounds for a text message. Sally picks it up and sees that it's from Maddie. She wants to read it but Tim warns her it's none of her business. Sally thinks better of it for now and turns back to the stove.

Tracy is paying for the cola drops for Amy but Norris tells her that the paper bill is three weeks overdue so he can't serve her. Tracy protests that it's Deirdre's bill but Norris is unswerving. He looks up the amount owing and it's nearly 19 pounds. Tracy doesn't have that much cash on her so Norris takes back the sweets and Rita backs him up saying she can't control Norris (and after all, it *is* his business) but she shoots him a dirty look after Tracy leaves.

In the builder's office, Katy is talking to a vendor on the phone and Gary is doing sums for Owen. Tina arrives to tell Owen she's leaving by the end of the week and says she's sure.

Tina is complaining to Rob who looks as if he's going to offer to pay the bill. Tracy doesn't want him to but he tells her to leave it to him.

In the cab office, Eileen and Todd are mithering Lloyd over who he's got a fancy for. Lloyd isn't saying who. Jenna arrives and joins in the fray when she finds out Lloyd has a secret crush. Nothing Lloyd can say will put them off so he admits he likes Andrea, Steve's mate. He is then tormented to ask her out. Eileen reckons he could ask Steve for her number.

Peter spies Tina down by the medical centre. Mary and Norris are hassling Tim who's about to clean the windows. Norris goes back across to the Kabin as Peter approaches Tina who's putting rubbish in a bin. He wonders if she wants to talk. She tells him she didn't come back for him and she'll be gone for good. He doesn't look like he's taking her seriously, big smug smirk on his face.

Steph is buying chewing gum in the corner shop. She is officially now a bubble head (pun intended) and I claim this because she wonders how she's supposed to breathe if she chews with her mouth closed as Sophie has advised. Steph tells Sophie that actually, talking is more dangerous while chewing gum because you could swallow it and choke or spit it out on someone. Superb! Sally comes in, and admits she did read Sophie's text from Maddie but only after thinking about it for a very long time. Sally can't understand why Sophie wants to help Maddie when she seems perfectly capable of helping herself. Steph agrees with Sally on this one and stays past her break from the Bistro because this argument is too good to miss. Sophie tells her mother just to keep out of her business.

Rob is in the shop, playing Norris smoothly. He has indeed paid the paper bill. With pennies. He also gives him 70p more in pennies for the sweets. Norris is nonplussed. Rob 1. Norris 0. Outside, Rob sees Tina who confirms that Tracy hasn't found out about their kiss though she winds him up pretending she's going to tell her. Rob takes off and Tina heads round to Rita's door since Rob had said he didn't see Rita in the Kabin. Carla comes out of the factory, sees Tina and says she's seen Rita get on the bus a little while ago (doesn't Rita have a car?). She's perturbed because Tina had left without a word to her and she'd thought they were mates. Tina apologizes. She tells Carla she found some bar work. Carla tries to find out why Tina left. We can see Norris has come out of the shop just around the corner of the building but they haven't noticed. Tina's fresh start includes a mention of "me and Rob" not having a future and Carla mentioning the kiss. Norris' big ears catch all of that. Tina is planning to move on.

In the cafe, Izzy tells Jenna it feels different in the factory. It's been busy in the office and Owen comes in to find all his staff in there instead of in the office answering phones so Katy takes her lunch and returns, to keep Owen from shouting any further.

Rob has returned to the shop with Amy's sweets, telling Tracy he took the pennies out of Amy's piggybank though he did replace it with non-penny cash. Tracy thanks Rob and kisses him. A punter arrives to interrupt them.

In the Bistro, Dev and Kal are going over plans and prices for equipment at the bar. Dev is excited and has bigger ideas than Kal knows will work efficiently in a small gym. They are viewing a space in Victoria street for the gym premises.

Sophie meets Maddie in a park. Sophie asks her why she kissed her but doesn't get much of an answer, really, aside from "because I felt like it". Maddie seems to be pretty casual about it all whereas Sophie thinks kissing someone should mean something more. They argue but Maddie spies Sally over Sophie's shoulder. Maddie runs off as Sally comes up, protective of her daughter. Sophie hollers at Sally for scaring Maddie away and stalks off after Maddie, followed by Sally.

Lloyd is in the pub chatting to Steve about favourite roads. Eileen comes up and nudges Lloyd into asking for Andrea's phone number but ends up telling Steve herself what Lloyd wants. When Steve finds out that Lloyd wants to ask her out and really likes her, he decides he shouldn't give it to him without Andrea's permission (and rightly so). Michelle comes up behind them and, hearing the situation, thinks it would be ok if Steve gave it out to his best mate who isn't just anyone. And anyway, she thinks Lloyd and Andrea would make a nice couple. Steve isn't giving in which gives Michelle yet another reason to growl at him.

Sally and Sophie have trailed Maddie to a run down looking house. She's been in there awhile and Sophie wants to knock on the door to see if Maddie is ok. Sally crowds up behind her, protectively.

Dev returns to the Bistro and tells Stella that the space they looked at seems fine. Kal stayed behind to get a "feel" for it. Dev doesn't think Kal knows how to run a business, whereas he does but as Kal comes in, Dev reverses and is excited to Kal's face. Dev goes to the mens' room. As soon as he's back, Kal takes his turn to complain about Dev meddling in every decision, declaring he knows a lot more about this type of business than Dev. Stella reckons they are meant to be in business together.

Maddie opens the door to Sophie and is upset to see her. A woman comes up the hallway behind her and gets frantic, wondering who these strangers are.

In the pub, Tina tells Rita she's staying on a mate's couch in Shepherd's Bush. Rita gets off as Rob and Tracy come in. Rob freaks out a bit and decides they should get a bottle of red and go home but Tracy insists on talking to Tina. Rob tries to charm her and she seems amenable but decides to go to the loo first. Rob orders a bottle of red. Eileen and Lloyd are wondering why Steve is making a big deal out of giving out Andrea's phone number. He insists on propriety and no, he's not jealous which was Todd's suggestion. Andrea comes up to the bar and wonders whose number they're talking about.

Down the road, Norris and Mary come out of Number 3. Norris hasn't told Mary about the gossip yet. Tracy and Rob come laughing out of the pub. Tracy is her usual charming self and call Norris and Mary "Daffy and Donald". Norris takes the opportunity to wipe the smile off Tracy's face by telling her that Tina and Rob shared a snog. It certainly wipes it off Rob's face, too. Rob tries to make out like Norris is lying but Tracy wants to know what Norris means.

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow and directed by Audrey Cooke

Tracy wants to know what Norris overheard so, always keen to impart a bit of gossip, he obliges. Needless to say, Rob hotly denies it and tells Tracy he doesn't even fancy Tina but, realising even Norris wouldn't makeup something like that Tracy lets out a scream before stalking off. Rob then turns on Norris and soon wipes the smug expression off his face.

In the Rovers Steve and Lloyd are awkwardly trying to explain to Andrea why Steve wouldn't give Lloyd a telephone number without letting on it's her number they're talking about - Todd steps in and tells her what's going on. Steve makes out he doesn't mind if Lloyd asks Andrea out and Lloyd's really embarrassed so Andrea sweeps Lloyd off to a table on their own so she can talk to him without Steve hanging on their every word.

Sophie and Sally are standing in the front hall where Maddie lives. A very haggard looking woman ­ Maddie's mum ­ comes out and asks them what they want, believing them to be social workers. Maddie tries to explain they're friends of hers but then a young boy also appears. Maddie's mum thinks they've come to take him away. Maddie explains to Sophie and Sally that he's her little brother and he's run away from his foster carers. She says she'd been on the point of convincing her mum to see sense and to let her take him back until Sophie and Sally turned up. Maddie tells them to clear off.

Tracy is sitting all alone in their shop with the lights off when Rob comes in. "So, you snogged Tina," she says. But Rob's not about to admit anything and tells her that Norris got the wrong end of the stick and says that Tracy has sole rights over his entire body. Tracy reminds him that he cheated on Eva but Rob tells Tracy that was different. Grabbing his chin and forcing him to look at her, Tracy asks him if he promises that he's telling the truth. Rob's response is that he's into their relationship and into her.

We return to the Rovers where Andrea is gently teasing Lloyd who is still awkward about asking her out. They agree to start again and he asks if she would like to go out for a drink sometime. All the while, Steve is watching from behind the bar.

Peter comes in and, spotting Tina, offers to buy her a drink. She declines and then Tracy comes in and tells her they should compare notes. Tina looks confused so Tracy says she's talking about Rob's kissing. Tina says she's sorry, it was a mistake and they're both mortified it happened. As Tracy starts to react to the realisation that Rob's been lying to her, he comes bursting through the door. "What have you told her?" Rob asks Tina.

Sally and Sophie are standing in the road outside Maddie's wondering what to do when Maddie comes out with her brother Ben. He wants to stay with his mum but Maddie explains that he can't do that as she's not well and can't look after him so he has to go back to his foster home. Sophie offers to call a cab and drop them off wherever they're going.

Back in the Rovers, Tracy's laying into Tina for trying to steal someone else's bloke. When Rob says they both wished it had never happened, Tracy turns hysterical and lashes out at Tina. Peter is all ears as Tracy accuses Tina of sleeping with Rob. She denies it of course and then Rob tries a new tack. He makes out that Tina has become obsessed with him and tells Tracy that he didn't encourage her and he's not interested in Tina. Tina is outraged as she reminds Rob that he was the one who kissed her. Either way, the fact is that Rob lied to Tracy and she angrily shouts at him to get his hands off her as she storms out of the Rovers.

In the Kabin Mary is giving Norris the benefit of her opinion. He goes positively pink when she lists what she considers to be his good qualities, including the fact that he is community minded and a stickler for detail, but his face falls when she adds that he is also a small minded, despicable busybody, forever sticking in his nose where it's not wanted. When Norris accuses her of being a hypocrite Mary adds that it is only a very foolish man who is prepared to risk the wrath of Tracy Barlow and she warns him that he's stirred up a hornet's nest.

And how right Mary is. Tracy is at home, filling in her mum on what Rob's been up to.She tells Deirdre that he's done the dirty on her and adds that she's going to make Tina pay for it.

Anna and Owen are just about to eat when Phelan and his wife turn up. Their faces fall when Phelan announces he's had second thoughts about transferring the money. But it's a wind-up and Phelan produces a bottle of wine from behind his back ­ he's actually come round to celebrate their new business partnership.

Back at Deirdre's Tracy is giving her mum more details on the Rob and Tina saga. When Deirdre hears it only involved a kiss she says she can't believe she's saying this, given her views on Rob, but she thinks Tracy should give him a second chance. She suggests Tracy just needs to keep him on a tighter leash in future. Tracy announces she's going out for some fresh air.

Carla, Peter, Rob and Tina are still in the Rovers. Rob is avoiding going home because he's still in the doghouse. He asks Tina why she didn't go along with his story but she says it made her look like a bunny-boiler. Carla asks hopefully if they're sure it didn't go any further and Rob is quick to deny it. Peter recommends Rob should buy Tracy a present then go home and grovel.

Sally and Sophie are sitting outside in a taxi while Maddie takes her brother back to his foster family. While they wait Sophie asks her mum if she can invite Maddie back for something to eat. Sally just doesn't get why Sophie is so keen to help her but, before she has a chance to answer, Maddie reappears and Sophie invites her to go back for her tea.

Back in Coronation Street, Dev and Kal are waiting for Jason to show up for a meeting about doing the building work for their new gym. Kal would rather they used Owen but Dev tells him he's snowed under at the moment. Then Jason arrives, with his father in tow. Jason suggests his dad should go over to the Rovers and he'll meet him there later but, whether he likes it or not, Tony insists on staying to help out his son.

Maddie has arrived back home with Sophie and Sally. While Sally puts the kettle on Maddie reveals that it's her birthday and shows Sophie what she's been carrying around in a bag - a bottle of perfume from her mum. At that moment Tim arrives home and looks more than a little put out to see his assailant ensconced on the sofa.

Tracy returns home from her walk but she's still in a foul mood. She says she feels humiliated because the whole street must know about Tina and Rob. Deirdre advises Tracy that if she was in her shoes she would milk the situation to her advantage and use it to get what she wants out of Rob ­ such as a romantic mini-break, she suggests. She points out that Tracy also has the business to consider. Just then they hear Rob coming home and Tracy asks her mum to leave them alone for a minute. Rob comes in and tries the apologetic approach. He tells Tracy that what they have is amazing. "What we had," replies Tracy, emphasizing the past tense. As far as she's concerned the fact that Rob could even look at another woman means the relationship is over. He tries to protest but Tracy puts her hand out and asks for his keys.

In the Rovers Tony and Jason are at the bar and Tony is taking his son to task for offering "mate's rates" to Dev and Kal. He asks Jason if Dev would give him "mate's rates" when he goes in to buy a pint of milk.

Lloyd and Andrea are still enjoying a drink together and they've been joined by Eileen. Andrea goes up to the bar to buy another round and asks Steve whether he's cool about her and Lloyd going out together. He insists it's fine and she should go out with whoever she likes but it looks as though Andrea can tell Steve's not being totally honest.

Maddie's making the most of a decent meal while Sally is making the most of giving Maddie the third degree. Sophie tells her mum to leave it but Sally can't help questioning Maddie about what's going on and asking why her mum was so worried when she thought they were from social services. Maddie replies that it was social services that were responsible for breaking up their family before telling Sally to stick her pie and storming out. Sophie goes rushing out after her but Maddie tells Sophie she should tell her mum to keep her nose out of it. Sophie says that she can't help how her mum is any more than Maddie can help hers. Maddie says she doesn't need her pity. "But Maddie I really like you " Sophie begins. Maddie tells Sophie to leave her alone and walks off.

Across the street Rob is being bombarded with black bin bags as Tracy hurls all of his possessions out of the house. Carla and Peter come along at that moment but Rob doesn't see the funny side of it when Carla says it looks like he's going to have to bunk up with Tina. "What am I going to do now?" he asks.

Phelan and his wife are still round at Anna and Owen's. As Owen goes off to get another bottle of wine Mrs. Phelan asks how long they've been married so Anna explains their domestic arrangements before glancing towards Owen and adding that she's never been as happy in her whole life. Phelan then proposes a toast to The Mill and a formidable new partnership.

Carla and Peter have arrived home. They're accompanied by Rob and his black bin bags. As he goes off to make himself comfortable in Simon's room Peter tells Carla he'll have a word with Tracy about taking Rob back. Carla can't quite understand why he suddenly wants Rob to get back together with Tracy when he didn't want them to get together in the first place. Peter makes out that he doesn't want to see Tracy get hurt and then adds that the two of them deserve each other. He says that it's the rest of the female population that he feels sorry for if Rob is out on the loose. Carla says that Tina had better watch out in that case as it's obvious they fancy each other. Peter's face is a picture as Carla adds that she might just give the two of them a little nudge.

Karen

Breakfast time at Anna's house, and she and Owen are discussing the new flats he's building. Faye wants to know if they're going to live in one, he tells her the plan is to sell them and make a profit. She wants to know if they're going to be rich. He says they'll be a whole lot better off than they are now.

Peter is quizzing Carla about how long her brother will be staying with them, he's obviously not happy about the idea. Rob appear then, and Carla assures him that he can stay for as long as he needs to.

Tracy tells Deirdre she's not going to work today, she doesn't want to stand next to HIM (Rob) all day. "So you've given up on the shop as well as on Rob," says Deirdre. Tracy assures her that she hasn't, the shop is half hers, but he can run it by himself for a while and see how he likes it. "And what if he does like it?" asks Deirdre. Tracy asks if Deirdre could just be on her side for once, Rob is to blame for it all, him and Tina, the neighbourhood tart. Deirdre wonders if the whole thing is serious enough to let it spoil everything.

Over at the yard, Owen and Gary are getting ready to go to the site. Gary reflects on how when he first knew of Pat Phelan he was told he was a lying, cheating scumbag, and now they're all best buddies. Owen reckons it's because they stood up to him and he knows not to mess with them. Katy then appears from the office upstairs and tells Owen that the money he has borrowed from the bank, the 80,000 thousand, has gone into the account, but the money due from Phelan, 120,000, has not appeared. Owen is a little taken aback, but then thinks that it will probably show up in a while. He tells Gary to go on and take the loaded truck to the site, he'll wait at the yard until the money shows up. He tells Katy to keep an eye on it.

Tina is in the shop, and Rita is quizzing her about whether she really wants to go to London. Tina says she does and says she will come and say goodbye before she goes.

Ritchie comes into the shop, and Dennis is delighted to see him. They have a gig coming up and there are still details to sort out, he suggests a meeting later, and tells Dennis to get 'young Gloria' along. When he's gone, Rita (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) asks if 'young Gloria' is someone they know. "Well, she's younger than you......" Dennis starts to say, and then stops himself, and asks Rita if she'll join them too. "What, to talk about your silly pop group? No thank you!" huffs Rita, obviously offended.

Over in the pub, Michelle is asking Steve why he didn't want to give Andrea's number to Lloyd. Steve blusters that it was just a joke, and starts to head off out the door to work at Streetcars. Michelle reckons that Lloyd and Andrea's one date may turn into more, and then something more serious. She wonders if Steve will be pleased for them. He says of course he will.

Carla goes into the shop to see Rob, and notes that Tracy hasn't come in. She says that she knows Rob was fond of Tracy but it was never going to work out and he's better off without her.

In the taxi office, Lloyd tells Eileen and Steve that he's going home to wash and iron his shirt for his date tonight. "Have you only got the one?" asks Eileen. Lloyd tells her it's his 'first date' shirt, he wants to dress to impress. Sulky Steve is brooding in the armchair and tells Lloyd that Andrea won't be impressed by a shirt, and anyway Lloyd is wasting his time, she's not his type, she's intelligent, she'll want conversation. Lloyd asks if Steve thinks he's too thick, because he doesn't go to college like someone they know. "Oh yes," says Eileen sarcastically, "we know someone, don't we? Someone really clever.....!" Undaunted, Lloyd goes off to wash his shirt.

Katy is looking at the bank account online again, and tells Owen that Phelan's money still hasn't gone in. Owen has been trying to ring him, but Phelan isn't answering his mobile phone. "Right, I've had enough of this," says Owen, and heads off out.

In the cafe, Anna tells Izzy that she hasn't heard anything from Roy, but is sure she will soon as there are bills to be paid and only Roy can pay them.

Carla sees Tina in the cafe and asks her if she'll come out with her later for a drink and a natter. They arrange to meet at 7.30 in the bistro.

Gary returns to the yard with the van just as Owen gets outside. Owen tells Gary that the money still hasn't gone in, so he's off to look for Phelan.

Owen arrives at Phelan's home, and asks his wife where he is. She says she doesn't know. Owen isn't convinced and thinks he may even be in the house, so she tells him to search the place, anywhere he likes.

Deirdre is trying to convince Tracy to forgive Rob, she says she didn't like him at first, but he's grown on her. She can't understand why Tracy won't let him come back. Tracy talks about Steve and how he went off with Becky, and then went off with Michelle. She says she now wants someone she can rely on. She says she's not necessarily finished with Rob for good, but she wants him to realise he must behave himself in future. Deirdre warns her that if he thinks she's not interested any more he might look around for someone else.

Back at Phelan's house, Owen tells his wife that the money that was supposed to be put in the account to kick start the project isn't there, and Phelan isn't answering his phone. She says she wishes she could help, and Owen says he wishes he'd never got involved in the first place.

Carla tells Peter that she's taking Tina out. He says that's fine, but he doesn't want to be left with Rob all night. She tells him he won't be, because she's taking Rob with her, she's doing a bit of matchmaking. Peter, of course, does not like this idea at all and says he'll come along as well.

Andrea and Lloyd are in the pub. Michelle wonders why they are there on their first date. Andrea says it was her idea, she thought they could come and say hello to Steve.

Dennis, Rita and Gloria arrive in the Rovers. While Dennis goes off to get drinks, Gloria remarks that she's surprised Rita has joined them. Gloria teasingly asks if she's afraid to leave her husband on his own, and asks if she'll be coming to the gig to keep an eye on him there as well. Rita assures her that she won't be. Just then Ritchie arrives, all loud mouth and flashy blazer. Rita raises her eyes to heaven!

Steve comes through from the back and comes over to talk to Andrea and Lloyd, and then gets embarrassed when Lloyd repeats some of the things Steve said earlier, about his shirt and about how he's not intelligent enough for Andrea. Andrea puts her hands on Lloyd's shoulder and laughs, and they look for all the world like a very happy couple.

Anna, Owen, Gary, Izzy and Katy are all at Anna's house, discussing the missing Pat Phelan and the missing money.

Carla, Peter and Rob have arrived at the bistro. Carla mentions that someone else will be joining them, but won't tell Rob who it is. Just then Tina arrives. She's rather surprised as she thought it was just going to be herself and Carla. Rob apologises to Tina if it's embarrassing for her (if he only knew the half of it!) but Carla, all happy and jolly, can't see a problem. Rob then suggests that he and Peter go off and get fish and chips, as Tina has been misled. Peter asks Tina what she would like them to do, and she tells him to do what he likes. Carla gushes that no one is going anywhere, and hands round the menus.

Back in the Rovers, Andrea and Lloyd are leaving to go on somewhere else, and Lloyd has to prompt Steve into wishing them a good time. Eileen comes in then, and asks if Steve's not going with them? She then says that she thinks Andrea is trouble. Michelle comes in then and hears this, and agrees with Eileen. Steve is sure they are both wrong.

Dennis is excited about the tickets sales for the gig, and thinks that soon they may need an office. He thinks they could use the spare bedroom, but Rita says she's not having strangers traipsing in and out of her house. Gloria says they could use her house, she's sure they'd be very welcome. Rita gets up and says they obviously don't need her, and she leaves, saying she should never have come. Dennis looks somewhat crestfallen. "She must be very difficult to live with," says Gloria.

Carla, Rob, Tina and Peter are eating their meal in the bistro. Carla asks Tina if she's still set on going to London and asks what they could do to change her mind. Just then Tracy and Deirdre walk in, and Tracy is furious to see Tina at the same table as Rob. She marches over, asking if he's still going to tell her there's nothing going on, and refuses to listen to his protestations of innocence. She flounces out, and a deflated Rob sits back down. "Thanks for that, Carla," he mutters. While he and Carla argue, Peter catches Tina's eye and winks.

Owen tells Anna he's been a fool, Phelan has tricked him once again and now it seems that he's done it again. Anna can't see the problem, they haven't spent any money yet. Owen points out that he's signed contracts, he won't be able to get out of them, and the loan company that they got the money from will want the house.

Anne Logan

Hello, this update sees your updater weeping into her knitting crying out, "Will this never end?" over the Tina storyline. (Don't answer the question, please. I do know the answer)

We start with Tina emerging from her flat with a large pot plant she tries to give Michelle. Michelle's not interested in anything but whether or not Tina got off with Rob last night.

Next, Michelle sees Lloyd and Andrea emerge blinking into the daylight and (a gasp of horror is appropriate at this point) she's wearing the clothes she had on yesterday. She's also moaning about Lloyd not having any tea in the house and tells him he'll have to get some in for "next time." Oooh.

Owen's trying to ring Phelan (again) with no luck. He leaves yet another angry message. He doesn't know what to do and says he should have followed his instincts. Why would Phelan run away from a project he's sunk 700,000 pounds into. Anna points out that Owen's the one who has put in the money and Owen's the one likely to lose his house if the deal collapses.

In the cafe, Jenna teases Andrea and Lloyd. Steve comes in. Andrea makes some teasing remarks to Lloyd about him and then Steve plonks himself down at their table.

Tracy's weeping over her mother's table. Deirdre's not exactly being sympathetic. Tracy gets a text message from Rob telling her she should be in the shop because it's her turn. She goes on about Rob a bit more and asks Deirdre if she thinks Tina and Rob slept together. Deirdre just saw Tina in the Kabin trying to give a plant to Rita. Tina was on her own. Tracy moans that she thought she had a boyfriend she could trust.

In the cafe, Anna's miles away and Carla has to rouse her to get extra caffeine.

Andrea's talking to Lloyd about her Dad and Steve tries desperately to join in the conversation. Her Dad works at the recycling plant. "He didn't happen to mention a tortoise, did he?" asks Steve.

Dennis has gone to see Gloria at home. He needs to sort out directions to the venue for tonight's gig. Gloria asks him in and Rita sees this.

There's a house been broken into on Tile Street. Sophie wonders if it's the same burglar who hit Tim and asks him how big that bloke was again. "Burly" is how Tim would describe him. "Girlie," is how Sophie would. She tells him the girl who hit him was Maddie. She thinks they should both keep this secret from Sally - Sophie thinks Maddie's in need of help and Sally won't agree if she knows it was Maddie who broke in. And Tim has no wish to have Sally find out he lied to her. "Everyone's a winner!" Sophie says.

At the builder's yard, Katy goes into the bank account online to check whether the money's there. It isn't. But Phelan is - he's come up the stairs before they know it, demanding to know why Owen's not at the site when there are tonnes of sand being delivered. Anna arrives just after him and starts to shout at him that he's a con man and a liar. He says the money has gone through and invites Owen to phone the bank and find out. Owen rings but his call is placed in a queue.

In an amazing piece of scheduling, Deirdre, Rita and Stella are all in the salon having their hair done. Rita's under the drier, though, so can only hear part of the conversation. Deirdre's talking about Rob and Tina being on a date last night and about he and Tracy making up last time they rowed. She seems to hope they won't make up this time. The conversation moves swiftly from Tina and Rob to Dennis and Gloria and Stella defends her mother, saying Gloria and Dennis just have a working relationship. "I'm not daft, Stella," shouts Rita from under the hood. Audrey has to calm things down a bit and Maria fills the conversation gap by praising Marcus. Rita's still fuming about Gloria. The conversation might have moved on but she hasn't noticed. "I've seen the way she looks at him, Stella! I'm not daft!" she shouts.

Owen's got through to the bank. They tell him that yes, the money's there. The fact that it didn't show up online was a bank error (plot hole! How could that happen?). Phelan is remarkably calm. Owen tells him to ignore all the messages on his phone. "We'll say no more about it," says Phelan, with a very bright "Bye!" to Anna as he leaves.

Eileen's at work dealing with a difficult phone call (Todd, asking where her nail scissors are). Lloyd comes in looking very cheerful and followed closely by Andrea, who needs a taxi to take her home so she can get some fresh clothes. Before Eileen can call one of the drivers, Lloyd says he'll do it. As they leave, Eileen calls out: "Don't invite him in. He's supposed to be working!"

In the pub, Steve seems to be thinking about something other than work. We get the distinct impression he's not listening to Michelle's long list of instructions and jobs for him to do, including contacting the brewery about a couple of things and putting out the bins.

On their own in the salon, Audrey tells Maria that even she can see that Dennis has got the hots for Gloria. In reply to a question, Audrey says she doesn't miss being part of a couple. There's no point unless you can trust your partner completely. Maria says trust is everything for her and Marcus.

In the Rovers, Michelle moans to Carla that she thinks she's turning into Norris - she found herself taking far too much interest in the gossip this morning.

Carla goes to sit with Rob and tells him he and Tina are the subject of gossip. Rob protests that he likes Tina but not like that. He wants Tracy back. He wonders if it's safe to pop into the shop. Carla points out that having to wonder if it's safe isn't really a good basis for a relationship.

Tina comes in, still with the plant. Carla doesn't want it either. Tina agrees she and Rob are not an item and Rob's welcome to Tracy. Carla asks why she's not gone and Tina says she's going on the train tonight. She's got an open ticket so the time doesn't matter. (Yeah, it does, because if she leaves after 9.27pm she'll have to spend seven hours at Birmingham New Street and get a morning train to London from there!). Michelle asks if there's any chance of her working a shift because Sean's just called in sick. Tina agrees. Some of us are throwing our own houseplants at the telly by this stage.

Sophie's been to the shelter but can't find Maddie. Tim points out she'll be out begging in the rush hour. Sophie blackmails him ("I'll tell Mum") into driving her to Maddie's mother's house to see whether she's there. He agrees but says if Maddie's not there they're coming straight back.

In the taxi office, Lloyd and Steve wonder at Andrea's amazing connections with the county football team. She can even get free tickets from some mate of her father's. Steve's very animated but his face falls when he realises Lloyds talking about going to the game with Andrea, not with Steve.

Rob goes into the shop. Tracy isn't speaking to him. Oh, wait, she is. She tells him they're nothing but work colleagues now. He asks if there's any chance of a works outing. Nope. How about a Christmas do? Nope. "A bunk up in the stock room?" Tracy's not very impressed with his attempts to woo her with humour. Rob suddenly stops trying when he sees his cufflinks in the showcase. And there's his digital radio. And his headphones. An unrepentant Tracy says when he left them at her place she assumed he didn't want them. Kirk's already bought Rob's watch and iPad.

In the bistro, Dennis, Stella and Ritchie discuss the directions to the venue and the set list. Both blokes go to the loo at once, giving Stella the chance to warn off her mother. Gloria, like Tracy, is unrepentant. Why shouldn't she let men admire her and pay her attention? She wants to feel good about herself. She tells Stella to leave her alone. Stella reminds her that Rita's got feelings too.

Michelle asks Steve if she's getting old and turning into a busybody. Is she getting nosey because her own life's not exciting enough? "Thanks very much," he mutters. Michelle thinks Andrea and Lloyd are well suited. Steve agrees. She asks if he thinks they're more well suited than the two of them are. "No, we're fine," he says, adding that they could do with less conversation about the brewery and putting the bins out. This annoys Michelle, but he goes on that that's life. "We can't all be sat in a cafe staring into each other's eyes, spending the afternoons in bed!" Michelle's surprised he doesn't seem pleased for Lloyd and Andrea. He goes into a little rant about Lloyd's sudden interest in football. And neither of them said two words to him today. "It's like I didn't exist!" And what if this romance lasts. What will that mean for him? "Who am I left with?" Michelle points out he'll be left with her. He says that's obvious. She points out that she doesn't support County and she makes him put the bins out. Steve, trying desperately to dig his way out, says putting the bins out is a vital public health action. She does right to nag at him to put the bins out. Nag? Uh oh. Michelle asks Steve if he's jealous. He denies it. She says she doesn't mind if he's jealous but she wants him to be honest with her. "All right then, I might be a tiny bit jealous."

Anna's gone to see Phelan on her own. She gabbles a whole lot of stuff about ignoring what she said and Owen being up to the job and capable of doing it. Phelan asks her in for a drink. He says he can't complain if he gets to see Anna each time he's been to see Owen. "I think it's the eyes - specially when you're angry." He ushers her inside.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Chris Fewtrell
Directed by: Audrey Cooke

We start of with harpy Michelle yelling and screaming at Steve because he admitted he is a tiny bit jealous of Lloyd and Andrea's relationship. However, whereas I got the impression he is jealous because he is losing Lloyd as a mate, she is convinced it's because he has feelings for Andrea. She is shrieking that she can't believe she has allowed him to do it to her a second time. He protests he hasn't done anything, and he is not jealous in the way she thinks. She demands to know exactly which way it would be then.

Phelan has Anna sitting down on the sofa and is offering her a drink. She nervously refuses. He tells her he accepts her apology, and hopes they can become friends, as he is looking forward to sampling one of her breakfasts, as his wife's assets don't include cooking bacon and eggs. He tells her he is looking forward to her pleasant company over breakfast. Anna stutters that it gets pretty busy at breakfast time in the cafe. and she doesn't really get time to chat to the customers. He suggests she delivers it instead, and she quickly tells him that isn't part of the service. "Pity", he tells her.

Deirdre is chatting to Tracy over a drink in the Rovers, asking her if she hasn't been a little hasty with Rob. She assures her she hasn't, and should have done it sooner. The topic of their conversation comes over, wanting to speak to her. Tracy tells him hers is a red wine, but he refuses to buy it, saying she has made enough from him for one day. He admits that what he did was wrong, but selling his stuff was way over the top. She spits back at him that he was lucky he wasn't still sleeping with her, because she would have had a kidney off him as well, just for fun. She menacingly tells him she doesn't do 'let bygones be bygones'.

She then turns her venom on Tina, telling her she is lucky she is running away to London, or it might be her turn next. Tina retorts she is running away from no-one, least of all her, and offers to give her new address to her. Tracy gets up ready to sort her out, but Deirdre grabs her arm, telling her and Rob to go back to the house and sort out their differences. Rob says he has nothing more to say, he has said he is sorry, and it won't happen again. "Oh change the record", says Tracy. "Oh you can't can you, since I flogged all your CD's!" Rob tells her she can have it her way, because he doesn't intend to spend the rest of his life apologising. With that, he turns on his heel and leaves.

Tim and Sophie arrive home, and tell Sally they have been out looking for Maddie. Sally tries to be the voice of reason by telling Sophie to stop fretting over her, that she will surface when she wants to be found. Sophie is riddled with guilt though, she feels that instead of helping her, she has made things ten times worse. Sally tells her she looks worn out, and suggests she has a bath, and in the meantime she will pop out and get them a chippy tea.

Anna joins her family back in the Rovers, and tells them she has sorted everything with Phelan. Owen is very pleased that everything is back on again, and gives her a kiss of thanks.

Michelle is still giving Steve a hard time behind the bar, and he is trying to explain to her that the jealousy he feels is one of being left out. She immediately thinks he has designs on a menages à trois, but he quickly assures her that's not what he meant either. He tries again to explain that he feels he is losing his best friend, except this time it's a double whammy because he is losing his two best friends. Never happy, Michelle rants again at him that this is even worse, it's a meeting of minds, and she almost wishes he did fancy Andrea. She asks him when the last time was that they talked in the bedroom, accusing him of only being interested in one thing when they are in bed. "Or should I say two things?", she says, indicating her breasts. Someone should tell Michelle not to indicate towards her breasts if she doesn't want a man to look at them, because that is exactly what Steve does, and she flies off the handle again, and storms out to visit Carla.

The geriatric rockers have arrived at the working men's club for their gig. Gloria feels the back of a van is no way for a lady to arrive, and muses that with her share of the money she intends to buy a little sports car and drive around Europe. Dennis longingly reminisces that he wanted to do that, but Rita wouldn't have any part of it.

Andrea has made herself comfortable in the tatty chair in the cab office, that now appears to have gained a couple of cushions. She and Lloyd are talking about their past relationships, both agreeing they have had their share of frogs in the past. Andrea tells him she now has no expectations of a relationship, and just goes with the flow to see where it goes. Lloyd is in full agreement with that plan.

Steve is now ringing Carla's buzzer, and Michelle finally comes to the window. She doesn't want to discuss the matter with him any more, and tells him to bog off. He walks away totally confused as to what he has actually done, while Michelle fills Carla and Peter in on what he has done in her eyes. Carla is of the opinion that if it was Peter, she would much rather he was spending time with a woman because he liked having a laugh with her than if he was sleeping with her. Peter asks her to leave him out of it, but Carla goes on to say that she knows if Peter was sniffing round a woman, it would only be for one thing anyway (she's not wrong there, is she?) Peter objects to this, but she points out he is incapable of being just friends with a woman - at least a woman under 85 anyway. He objects again, pointing out he is friends with Michelle, but Carla reminds him he had a crack at her in the past. She tells them she is just pointing out that Steve and Peter are two completely different people.

Michelle doesn't agree though, saying he is hardly Cliff Richard. She reminds them he has been married five times (yes he has, if you count both marriages to Karen), and not forgetting what he did to her over Becky. Carla points out that he also has a platonic friendship with Eileen, so can be friends with women. She tells her if he was having an affair, he would be making more of an effort to keep it quiet, like he did with Becky. She goes on to say that if he was having an affair, she would be the last to know. The camera pans in on Peter's face - is that a flicker of guilt we see?

Phelan and Val have now joined the Windass/Armstrong clan. Phelan immediately starts throwing compliments at Katy, then starts making Anna feel uncomfortable by throwing a few in her direction as well.

Sophie has left a perfectly delicious looking plate of fish & chips uneaten, she is still fretting over Maddie. Tim sends Sally off to watch Gok Wan on television. (For those who don't know who he is, he is a fashion consultant and presenter of the show 'Look Good Naked'. Sophie thanks him and they set to washing up the dishes. Tim tells her it is pretty obvious to him that she is in a state because she fancies Maddie. Sophie begs him not to tell her mother. He agrees to keep her secret.

Lloyd and Andrea are now standing at the bar, and notice that Steve is pretty quiet. Tina comes through to tell him that Michelle is back, and she has been instructed to tell him he has a sleeping bag on the sofa. Steve is all for going to sort it out with Michelle, but Tina advises him against it if he values his life. He storms outside to have a smoke instead.

Tina remarks to Lloyd and Andrea that the street has way too many angry women in it. Lloyd asks if she is including herself in that statement, but she assures him she only gets angry when she has a good reason, unlike some, pointing her gaze over at Tracy. Lloyd points out that she did snog her boyfriend after all, and Andrea congratulates her on her good taste. Tina tells them she is not the slightest bit interested in Rob, and only kissed him for a laugh. Lloyd sagely replies that Rob is hardly laughing now.

This hits home to Tina, and she attempts to fix the problem by going over to Tracy and apologising. She tells her she has every right to be angry with her, but Rob genuinely appears to love her. She goes on to say it was a game that got out of hand. Ignoring Tracy's snide remarks, she goes on to tell her she doesn't give a stuff about her, but Rob seems to be alright, and if she ends up losing him through this, she is an even bigger fool than she thought. She walks away, leaving Tracy to think about that one.

Andrea joins Steve in the back yard and asks what is going on. He tells her nothing is going on, but she replies that being kicked out of his own bed doesn't sound like nothing to her. She begins to say "Look, I know it has nothing to do with me, but..." He interrupts her, saying he wouldn't exactly say it had nothing to do with her. She wants to know what he means, as she has done nothing wrong. He admits to her he had told Michelle he was jealous of her and Lloyd. She has a hopeful look in her eyes now, and asks "Jealous?" He tells her he knows it's stupid, and doesn't understand it himself, part of him is happy for her and Lloyd, but he liked things the way they were, they clicked, and got on, and things are not going to be the same any more. Her face softens, and she says his name, but before she can say any more, he tells her he knows he is being ridiculous and unreasonable, and he will get over it. He slaps her on the shoulder, and asks her not to tell Lloyd, and heads back inside, leaving Andrea with a little smile playing around her lips.

The gig is over, and they were a great success. Ritchie suggests to Gloria they go for a drink, and she is well up for that. Dennis too, but Ritchie, throwing Dennis the keys to the van asks him to drop the lads off before he goes home to his cocoa, as he and Gloria will get themselves a cab. Someone else is feeling left out methinks.

As Val and Phelan leave, the latter makes a point of giving Anna a farewell hug, and rubs his hand up and down her back a little too long for Anna's liking. He makes her flesh crawl, but Owen doesn't notice, he is far too excited about the mill project being back on, and suggests kebabs all round to celebrate.

Deirdre and Tracy are back inside No. 1 now, and although Deirdre is busy trashing Tina, Tracy tells her she was spot on, that she does love Rob, and knows he loves her too. She continues that she really wants to forgive him, but doesn't know how to.

Steve has now joined Andrea and Lloyd in a booth, and when Lloyd disappears for a few minutes, Steve takes the opportunity of apologising to Andrea for what he said earlier. She assures him he doesn't have to explain because she feels the same way about him. She tells him that Lloyd is a sweet guy but compared to how she feels about him.... Before she can say any more, Steve jumps in and says "It's not the same, because you are lovers, and we are just friends" Obviously terribly disappointed, but recovering quickly, she agrees with him. Steve tells her he didn't want her to think by what he had said that he wanted them to be more than friends. "Oh no," she says, "Can you imagine?" Lloyd returns and they decide to go. Andrea slaps her 'buddy' on the shoulder as she bids him goodnight.

Anna is setting the table at home for the kebabs, and is still very upset and flustered. Izzy wants to know what is troubling her, and she breaks down and tells her of her suspicions that Phelan was making a play for her at his house. However, she warns Izzy not to say anything to her father, because she is afraid of what he will do about it.

Christine Warren

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Duncan Foster

It was a cold and windy night. Fiz and Anna talk on the street. Neither have heard from Roy and Fiz is concerned. Anna, worried that Fiz's remarks might clue Owen in to more than he should know, brushes it off, saying Roy's family will look after him now. Fiz turns to go to work. Owen seems none the wiser though wonders why Anna seems a bit off. Anna says she's finding it difficult now that Hayley isn't at the cafe. He leaves her at the cafe door with a kiss. She goes inside and finds Jenna has opened up and the floor is flooded and the water is still pouring in. Anna doesn't think they should bother Roy, grabs another mob and gets stuck in. Anna calls Owen as Mary arrives.

Tracy is looking down and depressed, listening to gooey love songs on the radio. Deirdre turns the radio off. Tracy is tetchy and short tempered. Deirdre knows very well it's because her heart is in turmoil over Rob. There's a knock on the door and Tracy races up the stairs. Sure enough, it's Rob and Tracy doesn't want to see him. Deirdre tells him the truth, if he's serious about making it work, he's going to have to take his punishment like a man to soothe Tracy's ego and she just might come round.

Owen reckons the pipes probably froze and burst. He pries open a board and water comes shooting out. Mary runs to turn off the water and why nobody has done that already, I don't know. Fiz comes in to see the chaos. The power has been turned off and the water stops shooting into the nether. Anna again says she doesn't want to bother Roy. Fiz offers help but it is not needed. Anna is going to get a plumber's number from Owen so he can get back to the Mill project. She's got it all in hand, she tells Fiz who looks dubious.

Tracy comes back downstairs, dressed now and ready to talk. He makes his excuses, apologizes, grovels, the lot, including telling her that Carla set him and Tina up. She feels humiliated and he apologizes again and tells her he regrets it all. He thinks if the situation was reversed he'd think about what he had to lose. She isn't quite ready to give in and drags him out the door to the shop where he can clean the mucky windows. And so it begins.

Liz is in the back room, observing to Michelle that there's been an atmosphere between she and Steve and asks if there's anything wrong. Michelle pretends they're fine but glares at Steve when he comes in with the books. Liz orders them to sort it and leaves them to it. Steve figures Michelle has told Liz everything but no, Liz just has eyes, Michelle says, she can tell there's something up. Michelle declares she knows there's nothing on with Steve and Andrea and insists he proves it by them all going out for drinks together. Steve hesitates and doesn't think it's a good idea. We know Michelle will get her way.

Rob is finished with the windows (still wearing his suit and good shirt) so Tracy sets him to the next Herculean task. The paintwork. Tina strolls by with a smug remark. Rob tries to make her leave before Tracy emerges but it's too late. Tracy shouts at Tina and calls her a few choice names. Tina doesn't really rise to the bait and reminds them she'll be gone soon anyway. Don't come back, Tracy adds as Tina walks away, biting her tongue.

Anna has finally found an expensive plumber that's free to come. Fiz has returned with Maria in tow. Fiz and Anna are both rather nasty to each other, totally rude and uncalled for. Fiz suggests Jason might help or know someone reasonably priced and Maria agrees but Anna's already booked the other one. More rudeness and daggers drawn. If looks could kill!

Norris asks Dennis if Ritchie's career is headed back up. Dennis affirms this. Norris wonders what's next. A good agent isn't going to have only one client. Dennis mumbles something while Norris figures it all depends on how many more rockers Gloria has an appetite for. Dennis is not amused. Jason and Eva come in with Gloria who smiles at Dennis. Gloria's after some party decorations as it's Eva's birthday. Rita is downright chilly. Jason takes a call from Anna and takes off with a kiss for Eva. Gloria mentions she's inviting Ritchie. Dennis' eyebrows raise.

Anna's happy to have Jason but scowling that the plumber wants a 75 pound cancellation fee. Anna and Fiz start bickering again. Fiz reminds Anna she's supposed to look after Roy but Anna reminds Fiz that she was left in charge of the cafe. I think Anna trumps Fiz on this one. Fiz is determined she's not going to leave Anna to sort it herself, looking out for Roy's interests being a priority.

Maria and Marcus are perusing real estate listings in the salon. They've seen a listing for a likely candidate so Marcus calls to make an appointment for a viewing. Turns out the house is around the corner from Audrey's.

In the Bistro, Gloria and Ritchie are chatting at the bar about the old days. Dennis arrives, interrupting their chat with some ideas for a new set list. It's clear Ritchie isn't all that interested in business tonight.

In the Rovers, Tony is in for a drink. Liz serves him and they exchange a few flirty words. Tina comes in for her final hotpot. Liz thinks London might be good for Tina, a change of scenery and new opportunities. Tina is now planning to leave tomorrow. Liz suggests a leaving do so she could say goodbye to her friends. Tina thinks about it and agrees.

Fiz and Anna are cleaning up the last of the mess after everything is repaired. Fiz finds out that Anna hadn't left the heating on at all and criticizes her for that. It's probably what caused the problem in the first place, and yes, they get into it again. I'm surprised Anna doesn't slap that mop across Fiz's face. Shout, scream...endless aggravations.

Marcus runs into the cab office to get a cab, urgently. They were late getting back from the child minder. Todd gives him grief, adds some flirtatious remarks but when Norris runs in to get his cab, booked for 4:45, the one outside is given to Marcus, Todd lying and saying that Marcus had booked for 4:30 and was waiting for the cab to show up. He tells Norris it's been really busy. Marcus thanks him and leaves quietly.

Peter sees Tina coming out of the Kabin. He asks when Tina is leaving and wishes she wasn't turning her life upside down on his behalf. She does mention she's having some drinks in the Rovers when he asks about a leaving do. He says he'll pop in but if not, wishes her good luck.

Michelle and Steve are in the Bistro having a drink waiting for Lloyd and Andrea. At the bar, champagne is handed out for the Eva Price birthday party. Rita arrives and is handed a glass of fizz. She notices that Dennis hasn't arrived yet. Stella points out that Gloria's attention won't be on Dennis anyway now she's got Ritchie on the string. Rita had noticed and hopes they'll be happy. Back to Steve who's impatient but the other couple arrives. He and Andrea awkwardly shake hands and hug. Michelle goes to the bar.

Tyrone comes to pick up Fiz. Anna has been speaking to Owen on the phone and he's advised they contact the insurance company. Fiz isn't sure they should go through Roy's personal things (though wouldn't he have a file for business related things?) Anna doesn't want to wait until Roy comes back because the insurance company might consider that too long to make a claim. Fiz doesn't think they should wait until Roy comes back and maybe they should call Roy now. But Anna is still reluctant. Fiz and Tyrone both think the insurance company would think it odd that Roy isn't the one that contacts them and it could penalize his claim. Anna still hesitates but is persuaded to dig out Auntie Jean's number. Fiz knows where the address book is because she's lived there so she heads up to the flat to get it. Anna isn't happy about it.

Andrea wonders if she should explain what she meant the other day but as they are being watched by Michelle and Lloyd, Steve squirms out of that conversation. At the same time, Stella is birthday toasting Eva. Dennis arrives and looks like the Fonz. He's got his gray hair slicked back, wearing a white tshirt under a black leather jacket over jeans. He's got chains around his neck and rings on every finger. Rita is shocked. What does he look like! (I can tell you, and it isn't flattering). It's also made just about everyone else in the Bistro that knows Dennis go speechless but Dennis looks proud as a peacock.

Fiz calls Jean, explaining who she is and asks for Roy. But it turns out he's not there and hasn't been there at all. She asks if Jean will get Roy to call if she hears from him. She rings off and tells the others Jean hasn't heard from Roy in six months and Sylvia is in Tenerife. Where is he?

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Duncan Foster

Anna, Fiz and Tyrone are in the cafe, worrying about Roy. Fiz is all for ringing the police but Anna's worried they might ask awkward questions. She suggests Roy might be with friends but, as Fiz asks her, what friends?

Round at their shop, tensions are still high between Tracy and Rob. But as she leaves to go home, Tracy asks Rob if he'd like to go round for his tea this evening. She stresses he shouldn't start getting any ideas but it looks as though the ice queen might be starting to thaw.

Back in the cafe Fiz and Anna have been making phone calls but with no joy. Anna says Roy can't have disappeared off the face of the earth but Fiz is worried he may have had an accident and ended up in hospital. Much to Anna's concern Ty says he now agrees with Fiz that the time has come to call the police.

In the Bistro Eva is enjoying her birthday dinner with her family and friends. Jason hands her an envelope with her birthday present and she manages to hide her disappointment when it turns out to contain some vouchers. Unfortunately for Jason his father manages to completely upstage him. Eva's face lights up when she unwraps Tony's gift of an expensive-looking scarf. Rita makes a dig at Dennis by telling him he should wear it as it would go well with his jacket.

Marcus and Maria arrive in the Rovers after coming back from their house viewing. While Maria nips to the ladies Todd takes the opportunity to speak to Marcus who tells him the house turned out to be a dump. Todd apologises for his earlier behaviour and tells Marcus he'd hate to embarrass him and ruin their friendship. Marcus looks rather bemused.

Steve, Michelle, Lloyd and Andrea are having dinner together in the Bistro and Michelle is using the opportunity to tease Steve. But, judging by the look on Andrea's face, she wouldn't do that if he was her man . . .

Round at Deirdre's, Amy causes Rob and Tracy to choke on their tuna bake when she tells Rob that her gran thinks Rob should be neutered. Amy then wants to know what neutered means. Rob swiftly tries to change the subject and starts joking with Amy who says she's glad her mum's not angry with him anymore. "Me too," says Rob.

Back in the Bistro Michelle has left the table and is chatting to Ritchie about her time in the music industry. Dennis is put out that Ritchie's giving his attention to Michelle and Rita is put out that Dennis is giving his attention to her. Meanwhile Lloyd gets up to order more drinks and have a closer look at Dennis's outfit, leaving Andrea and Steve on their own. "Alone at last," says Andrea before realising the implications and telling Steve that now she feels even more stupid. Steve tells her he doesn't want her to feel stupid and they kiss and make up. Or rather, they don't kiss at all but instead Steve suggests that they'll pretend what was said earlier never happened and they have some light-hearted banter just like any good friends would do.

Ty goes home to look after the children, leaving Anna and Fiz in the cafe to wait for the police to arrive. Anna says that if she's not up to it she'll speak to them but there's no way Fiz is going to let her do that. Anna asks what she's going to say to them. "Whatever it takes," replies Fiz as they hear a knock at the door. As she goes to answer it, Fiz tells Anna with a menacing tone that she wants Roy home and nothing else matters.

The police are questioning Anna and Fiz about Roy. Fiz's bitterness and anger are plain for all too see. Although she's responding to the police she directs her answers at Anna as she says that all Roy has got left are heartbreak and guilt. "Guilt about what?" asks the policewoman, showing a sudden interest. Anna looks imploringly at Fiz who replies that she meant guilt at the one being left behind.

In the Bistro Tony is leaving Eva's birthday party. Eva is wearing his birthday gift while Jason is wearing a scowl. There's a similar expression on Rita's face as she sits and listens to Ritchie, Gloria and Dennis discussing the set list for the next gig. As Ritchie lists the songs he'll play, Gloria suggests ‘Suspicious Minds'. "Personal favourite of mine," she says, glancing towards Rita. Gloria and Ritchie start to sing a few bars together, much to the annoyance of Dennis who says he thought they were supposed to be having a meeting. Ritchie suggests Dennis should go and sit with his wife while he "finishes negotiations" with Gloria. "Dream on. I'm not leaving you with Gloria for one second," replies Dennis, not noticing Rita coming up behind him. She says she's going to the Rovers but when Dennis says he'll go with her Rita tells him in no uncertain terms that it wasn't an invitation.

Meanwhile in the Rovers Carla's having a drink with Tina and the girls form the factory. She's telling them that she's been invited to go to France to do some consultancy work for a friend who's setting up a factory. As the others wonder what the cakes would be like in a French version of Underworld Carla takes Tina on one side for a word. She says that, as an expert in running away herself, whatever reasons Tina has for going she should do it for herself. She tells her to use London as an opportunity and not an escape. She says she'll catch up with Tina when she gets back and to take care of herself. Tina can hardly bear to look Carla in the eye.

Back in the Bistro Leanne and Stella are taking Gloria to task over her behaviour with Dennis and Ritchie. But Gloria says she refuses to apologise for enjoying her life or making Dennis feel good about himself.

We return to the Rovers where Todd is telling Marcus he may be able to help him with his house-hunting. He supposedly has a friend of a friend who works in an estate agent's and could give him a heads-up if any suitable properties come up for sale. Todd describes it as a favour and his way of saying sorry to Marcus. Marcus looks a bit wary but agrees so Todd says he'll pass on his number to his friend. But he doesn't actually have Marcus's number, he says, so Marcus obliges by typing it into Todd's phone. A minute later, as Todd leaves, Marcus's phone beeps with a text. It shows one single x. He glances up to see Todd smiling back at him from the doorway.

It's a scene of domestic bliss as Amy, Rob and Tracy play on the Wii. When Rob and Tracy sit down on the sofa together Amy asks if they're going to kiss now and gets packed off upstairs to put on her pyjamas. Tracy comments that Amy has Rob wrapped round her little finger and Rob says it's ‘like mother, like daughter'. "Once, maybe," says Tracy but Rob insists nothing's changed. He says it won't happen again and Tracy replies it has better not for his sake before launching herself at him for a full-on snog. The moment is interrupted by Deirdre so Rob scurries off to see to Amy. Deirdre says she guesses that means Rob's moving back in. Tracy nods and tells her mother that she knows she thinks she's an idiot. Deirdre laughs and replies that if she is, they both know where she gets it from.

The policewoman has finished checking the flat and talking to Anna and Fiz. She says they'll file and missing person's report and start making enquiries then gives them her card in case they think of anything else. Rather too quickly Anna says they've told her everything they know. After she's gone Anna says Fiz did the right thing by not telling her. "You mean I did the right thing for you," says Fiz, bitterly.

Dennis goes into the Rovers to join Rita but the first thing she tells him to do is take off his ridiculous jacket. He can't understand what her problem is so Rita tells him that she's the one who's going to have to pick up the pieces when his ridiculous new career goes up in smoke. They start to argue and get onto Rita's real issue which is Gloria who she describes as a cheap, manipulating, conniving money-grabber. "Who is also ten years younger than you," adds Dennis. The moment the words are out of his mouth he realises he shouldn't have said them but it's too late. Looking shocked to the core, Rita tells Dennis to leave her alone and he has no choice but to get up and go.

Andrea and Lloyd come out of the Bistro arm in arm. He suggests going on somewhere else but Andrea says she needs an early night. She also declines his offer of a lift home and doesn't even want him to walk back with her. Lloyd says it sounds like she's giving him the brush-off but she kisses him on the cheek and tells him he needs to get his ears checked.

Back in the Rovers, Tina is asking Rita what's happened. She's reluctant to tell her at first but, trying to hold back the tears, Rita tells Tina that Dennis called her old. She says that Gloria's behind it all. Tina asks if she means they're having an affair to which Rita replies not yet. They sit down at a table and tearfully Rita tells her how each time she chooses a man she thinks it's going to be different but it always ends the same. "Promise me you'll choose better, promise me you'll choose happiness," begs Rita. Tina promises as she puts her arm round Rita.

Fiz is back at home with Ty. Hope has just had a nightmare and Fiz tells Ty she was asking about Roy. As she starts to cry Fiz says that she told Hope she'd seen Roy yesterday and that he sent his love. Ty tries to reassure Fiz that the police will find Roy but Fiz is beside herself. What upsets her the most is that she promised Hayley she would look after Roy. Ty tells her that she wasn't to know that Roy would do something like this but Fiz blames herself and said she should have seen it coming a mile off.

Karen

Owen, Katy and Anna are all about to start work for the day. Anna seems worried and Owen reassures her that Roy will be fine, and will come back when he's ready.

Fiz and Tyrone are talking about Roy, too. Fiz says she was upset and Tyrone tells her that Anna was upset too, and was worried that Fiz would say something that would get Roy into trouble. Fiz says she just wanted the police to do something. Tyrone says that whatever did or didn't happen on the night that Hayley died, Roy and Anna loved her and were only acting in her best interests. Then they both agree that Fiz should apologise to Anna.

Tina is out by the bins when Carla, Peter and Simon walk by. Simon sees her and rushes over, saying he thought he would never see her again. Simon wants Tina to take him to school, but she says she has a few more things to pack, and Peter hustles him away.

Jenna and Anna are cooking in the cafe when Tyrone and Fiz walk in. Fiz takes Anna aside and says she's sorry, she should never have said what she said. Anna says that they were both upset, and then they hug.

A teartful Rita is talking to Audrey, who is astounded at what Dennis said. Audrey reckons that Gloria has been nothing but trouble since she set foot in Weatherfield. Just then the door opens and a very contrite Dennis comes in. Rita says she doesn't want to listen to him and tells him to go.

Chesney goes to the taxi office and tells Steve and Lloyd about the search party for Roy, and asks them to ask their drivers to look out for him. Lloyd is fed up because Andrea hasn't contacted him, and tosses his phone down on the desk. Steve picks it up and puts it in his shirt pocket, so when it rings a few moments later a frantic Lloyd can't find it at first, and Steve doesn't let on that it's in his pocket. Lloyd does track it down before it stops ringing, but it's just Tina ringing for a cab at 4pm. Peter has wandered into the office to book a cab for Carla while all this is going on, and hears all this.

Julie is in the cafe and tells Anna that she knows they'll find Roy safe and sound. A dejected Dennis comes in and sits down looking miserable. It's a busy morning, and Audrey and Tina both come in. Anna tells Audrey that Dennis has been sitting there for a while with a face like a wet weekend. Audrey replies that poor Rita is in bits because he's made a fool of himself over Glora, and just as she's saying this, Gloria comes through door and stops to listen and then turns and goes out again. Tina is cross and goes over to Dennis and asks how he could do this to Rita, she has always, always been there for him. Dennis agrees that he's been an idiot who doesn't deserve Rita.

Carla and Peter come out of the factory. She's off to her meeting and is giving Peter a whole lot of last minute instructions, but he seems distracted. He waves goodbye and then, guess what? Tina comes walking down the Street. He rushes over and asks if they can talk. "What is there to say?" she snaps, and carries on walking. "Don't go," he says. She says she has to go and see Rita. "No, I mean don't leave," he says. She stops in her tracks, frowning.

In the taxi office, Lloyd is going through agonies about Andrea and talking to Todd and Eileen about it, much to their amusement.

Tina and Peter are standing outside the Kabin. He says he can't bear the thought of not seeing her every day, and begs her not to go. "You're unbelievable!" she says and walks off.

The search party, consisting of Norris, Mary, Jenna, Fiz and Anna are all in the cafe waiting for Beth, Kirk and Sinead. Once they're all gathered they take maps and plan where they are each going to search.

Tina is having a cuppa with Rita, asking why Rita didn't tell her what was going on. She then tells Rita that she's going to stay and stand by her. "I can't believe you'd do that for me," says Rita, little knowing that Peter Barlow is the real reason.

Sinead and Chesney are wandering the busy streets of Manchester, at one point they think they see him, but it turns out not to be Roy.

The searchers all reunite in Coronation Steet, but no one has seen Roy.

In the Rovers, Lloyd is delighted, he's had a text from Andrea saying she's looking forward to seeing him. Todd and Eileen continue to pull his leg about it. Marcus comes over and asks Todd if he's heard anything from his estate agent friend, but he says he hasn't. Eileen takes all this in, looking suspicious.

At Anna's house, Owen tells her they've been invited out with the Phelans for dinner at the bistro on Valentines Day. She's not happy, and says that with all that's going on with Roy at the moment she doesn't feel like dinner at the bistro, with or without Phelan. Owen and Katy persuade her that they need to keep Phelan on side, so eventually she agrees.

Rita is in the pub with Tina, and says she's glad she's staying, she would have missed her. Just then Carla and Peter come in and Rita tells them Tina is staying. Carla is delighted, and then says that maybe Tina will keep an eye on Peter while she's away.

Dennis is out on the bench in the Street, when Gloria comes along. She discovers that Rita has thrown him out and tells him he can stay on her sofa. Gratefully he accepts.

In the pub, Eileen tells Lloyd that since Todd has been back he has seemed harder and more manipulative.

Tina is with Rita and Audrey at the bar, but flashing looks across at Peter. She then says she's going out to make a phone call. Once outside, it's not long before Peter comes out as well, and asks if she's staying because of what he said. She admits that it is. He tells her that he thinks about her all the time. They start to kiss until suddenly Tyrone comes out and they jump apart.

Anne Logan

Welcome to this Friday episode where the sending of Valentine cards seems fraught with complications!

Peter signs a Valentine card with a simple X, but then puts it in an envelope he addresses to Carla, which is a bit of a surprise. Carla's going to France today, even though she's worried about Roy. She tells Peter she's left his card at work, which he thinks means she forgot to buy one.

Faye's on her way to school but pauses long enough to pick up the post - it's a Valentine card for Anna, which Owen denies is anything to do with him. Anna's also worried about Roy.

Over at the Rovers, Steve's forgotten to order any pickled eggs. If they order them separately they won't get the discount they get for bigger orders, Liz points out. Steve says nobody eats them anyway but it seems Liz's trim figure is down to these low-carb little balls of protein. Ewww... Tina knocks on the door. She's come to see whether she can have her old job back. Steve says Yes before Liz has a chance to cross-examine her. Does this mean she's back in Weatherfield for good? Yes it does. Where will she live? She's still got the flat, though she'll need a flatmate. Does Peter know? Yes, he does. Liz goes to check the roster which just gives Peter time to come in and tell Tina he'll be on his own in the flat tonight because Carla's going away. He nips back out the door just before Liz comes back to tell Tina her first shift is at seven tonight.

Dennis sneaks out of Gloria's front door. He's spent the night on her sofa but had too much whisky to notice whether it was comfortable or not. They both refer to Rita as the Ice Queen but Dennis takes offence when Gloria talks about her as an "old stripper." She was an exotic dancer, not a stripper.

Marcus and Maria send texts to each other, but there's no point because they meet in the street. Marcus has just seen Emily in the Kabin and she's offered to babysit while they go out tonight. He says he'll book somewhere swanky for dinner (He'll be lucky - restaurants are booked up for St Valentine's Day weeks ahead).

Emily is indeed in the Kabin. Rita's being very cynical about her marriage ending. She admits she should have taken Dennis more seriously and should have risen above Gloria's mind games. She says the heartache never ends and says she was always having her heart broken in the past. Emily points out she probably broke a few, too.

In the cab office, Todd's getting very ratty with a customer and ends up inventing an enormous fatal pile-up on Inkerman Street to excuse a taxi being late. Eileen can't understand how her sweet son ended up so twisted. She tells him she'll be babysitting Julie tonight and expects tears.

Carla seems to think it's a long-haul flight to Paris. She's buying more magazines than she'll be able to get through in two-and-a-half hours. She and Rita discuss their worry about Roy and she confides in Rita and Emily that she's surprising Peter - she's bought him tickets to Paris for the weekend! This is also a surprise for Tina, who is eavesdropping while browsing magazines. Emily plays up the romance of Paris, which doesn't cheer up Tina at all.

When Carla's gone, Emily tells Rita she's about to start watching a boxed set of DVDs - Breaking Bad. She thinks it's about a diamond dealer or crystal dealer or someone like that.

Jason comes out of the proposed gym with Kal and Dev, all of them pally. Kal and Dev are particularly pleased because Jason's quoted them mates' rates for doing the work on the gym. Tony comes along and hears the news. He's proud of Jason.

Izzy has somehow levitated to get into the cafe on her own in that heavy chair. She's doing the cake run. She teases Anna about the mysterious Valentine. Jenna speculates that it might be a customer but Izzy asks Anna privately if she's worried it might have been from Phelan. Anna hopes it wasn't because she and Owen are dining out with the Phelans tonight.

Fiz has seen a police-person leave the cafe and wonders if there's news about Roy but there isn't - they were just checking whether anyone had heard from him.

Steve carries two very heavy cases out of the factory. Carla follows, telling Peter she'll miss him. Tina's watching from across the road. Katy approaches her to say she's heard Tina needs a flatmate and her friend Steph might be interested. Tina gets rid of her as fast as she can so she can watch what's happening on the factory steps. Carla tells Peter she's really not going to miss him at all and hands him a copy of his flight booking. As she moves away, Peter looks devastated.

Fiz is at one table in the cafe and Rita and Tina at another. Fiz thinks she'd better get back to work, though Rita points out that Carla won't be there to give her a rollicking. Fiz asks whether Tina's back for good and Rita says Tina's come back for her sake. "I'm very touched." Tina gets a text and is immediately grumpy. She wants to know why everyone is obsessed with what she does. She tells Rita she's just in a weird mood.

Anna's got dressed up and Owen's shining his shoes. She's still worried about Roy. Owen hopes Roy is just taking time out. Owen asks about the card and is going to say more (we assume he's going to confess to sending it) when Anna tells him she's ripped it up and put it in the bin. It was probably someone taking the mick and anyway, it was cheap. That shuts him up.

I think Emily's started watching Breaking Bad because she's in the pub making excuses to get out of babysitting. She tells Maria and Marcus she has to see a friend who has broken his hip. Walter White, his name is. (For those who don't know, this is the main character in Breaking Bad). She goes off with a bottle of something (sherry?) and a bag of snacks.

Maria and Marcus are depressed and talk about cancelling their reservation at the bistro (I told you they wouldn't get in anywhere swanky!) but Todd steps in and offers to babysit.

Peter and Tina meet briefly in the ginnel. She tells him she knows he's going away and they exchange a quick peck of a kiss and part.

Rita meets Dennis in the street. "How can I make this right?" he asks. Rita tells him how hurt she feels. He's sorry. He's not proud of himself. Rita says she's too old to feel like this. "It's Valentine's Day," he says. "I know, I sell the cards." Dennis says he wants to draw a line in the sand and move on but Rita says that's fine until the next time he hurts her. Dennis gives his word that he'll try his hardest to never hurt her again. "Queen of my heart," he calls her. They don't know that Gloria is round the corner eavesdropping. They head off to the bistro together.

Tony's in the pub hearing more about Jason's work on the new gym. Eva makes Jason reveal what he's charging - he'll end up with 80 pounds a day. Tony's aghast. That's a labourer's rate. Jason says he knows what he's doing.

Owen and Anna are already sitting at their table in the bistro when Phelan and Mrs Phelan arrive. Phelan says Anna is a vision.

Marcus, Maria and Todd leave the pub and meet Eileen, who's walking past eating chips. No, I don't know why she's not eating with Julie. They tell her Todd's babysitting. Eileen holds him back from following the others. "What's in it for you?" she asks. "Twenty quid," he says.

Peter gets a phone call from Carla. He's almost finished packing and the taxi should be there soon, he tells her. The door buzzes and he ends the call. But it's not the taxi. It's Tina, all dressed up. She walks inside.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Carmel Morgan
Directed by: Duncan Foster

We are opening the second episode on this Valentine's Day with a lot of huffing, puffing and discarding of clothes. Peter and Tina can't wait to get into the bedroom, in fact they are barely making it inside the front door.

In the Rovers, Liz is irritated with Tina for not being in attendance for her shift, and Tracy is feeding her anger with jibes about Tina. However, Rob doesn't want Tracy to waste another moment on Tina, he has other things on his mind, with Deirdre being out in No. 1. Tracy doesn't need telling twice, and takes his beer from his hand and leads him out the door.

Over in a booth, Eva is nagging Jason about Dev and Kal ripping him off over the gym job, and insists he does something about it. He feels this is all coming from Tony, his dad, and thinks Eva has been won over by the scarf his dad gave her. However, she tells him it has nothing to do with it, and that in this instance Tony is talking sense.

Marcus and Maria are having a nice meal in the Bistro, and are discussing how grateful they are to Todd for coming to their babysitting rescue. At another table Owen and Anna are sitting with Phelan and Val. Phelan remarks that Anna keeps looking at him, which flusters her no end. She tells them she didn't know she was doing it, and apologises, saying she has a lot on her mind. Owen chuckles, explaining that she is trying to decide if she wants wood or marble worktops for her new kitchen.

They obviously made it as far as the bedroom, because Peter and Tina are now lying there exhausted from recent activities. She jokes that she only came round for a cup of sugar too.

If Tracy has her way, the same thing is about to happen in No. 1, but Rob is having second thoughts as he is starving hungry. He is beginning to wish Deirdre is home, because unlike her daughter, she would rustle up some egg and chips for him. Tracy tries in vain to entice him upstairs, and although he is tempted, his growling stomach takes over, and he heads to the fridge to see if that Scotch egg is still in there.

We are back in the Bistro now, at yet another table where we find Dennis and Rita. Steph comes over to give them a menu, and compliments Rita on her jewellery, calling her 'Kabin Lady'. She rather likes her new nickname, but Dennis feels it should be 'Lady Kabin' instead. Rita tells him she is more than happy with the title of Mrs. Tanner. Dennis apologises to her for being so cruel. She tells him she forgives him, and asks his forgiveness for sneering at his hair, his band and his friend Ritchie etc. etc. He quickly tells her she is forgiven and it's forgotten. He goes on to tell her he finds her utterly irresistible. She can't forgive herself for throwing him out in the winter though, but he hushes her, saying it's all water under the bridge. Right on cue, in walks Gloria, and Rita is not best pleased to see her.

Anna comes out from the Ladies, bumping into Stella, who asks her who the fellow is at her table who can't keep his eyes off her. Anna explains it's Phelan, and Stella remarks she is surprised his wife hasn't thumped Anna by now, as it's very obvious he fancies her. Stella moves over to Gloria at the bar, who complains that she is sure Dennis must be losing the will to live, sitting with boring Rita. She tells her daughter she knows he would rather be jitterbugging with her than listening to the sales figures of fruit bonbons.

Back to Peter & Carla's bedroom, and Tina is remarking that Carla would be an hour ahead of them in Paris. Peter urges her not to think about her, but Tina assures him it's fine - or rather it's not fine, but it's OK for now. By the looks on their faces, Tina obviously thinks things will change one day, and Peter thinks he likes things exactly as they are - after all, he has form for having two women on the go at once doesn't he? Think he will marry this one too? She asks what they will do when Carla returns, and he tells her they will find ways to be together, as there is no way he can give her up. She smiles and tells him that will do for her - for now.

The conversation in the Bistro has now turned to Faye. Val is asking if they are foster parents. Anna tells her she is adopted, and is a full fledged Windass. She explains she adopted her before Owen came along, but that he is a great father to her. Phelan tells Val that Anna and Owen are not married, so Val tells her today, as Valentine's Day would be a good day to seal the deal if either one wanted to propose. Owen tells them that Anna binned the Valentine's card he sent, so doubts she would want to marry him. Anna is shocked, saying she had asked him if he sent it, and he had denied it. She apologises, saying she would never have thrown it in the bin if she had known. Phelan asks her who she had thought it was from, and she answers "I don't know, and I don't care!"

Tony has now joined Jason and Eva in a booth in the Rovers, and both are now having a go at Jason for being a mug over the rates he is charging for the job. Jason's attitude is that he now has eight weeks guaranteed work, and a bird in the hand etc. Eva harps on that he has eight weeks of being ripped off. They finally get to him, and he promises to contact Dev and Kal tomorrow with an amended quote.

Tina is now behind the bar, and Liz wants to know why she was so late. She tells her she fell asleep in the bath, but Liz doesn't buy that at all, saying her fingers would be wrinkled, and they're not. Tina explains she fell asleep reading a book, so her hands didn't go under the water. She apologises for being late, saying she will make the time up. When she is out of earshot, Liz tells Steve and Michelle she knows she is lying, because if she fell asleep in the bath, her hands and the book would have ended up under the water, ergo she should have wrinkled fingers - and she doesn't.

Rita and Dennis are still getting along like a house on fire, watched like a jealous hawk by Gloria over at the bar. Dennis kisses Rita's hand, telling her she is magnificent, but I don't think magnificent is the word Gloria would use for her.

Marcus and Maria are shocked to see Todd come into the Bistro carrying Liam. He tells them the lad had a bad dream and he was having trouble calming him down. Maria comforts the boy, asking if he had a bad dream, and Liam calmly replies "No". However, they decide to take Todd's word over Liam's, and Maria suggests Todd stay to keep Marcus company, and eat her dessert, while she goes home with Liam. This was obviously what Todd had in mind all along, and doesn't need asking twice. Marcus looks suspiciously at Todd, but the latter insists that Liam was screaming the roof off ten minutes ago.

Gloria comes over to Dennis and Rita, and sarcastically remarks how nice it is to see such a pair of lovebirds. Rita tells her they have kissed and made up. So with wide eyes, Gloria says, "So you won't want to sleep at mine again tonight Dennis?" Furious, Rita drops money on the table and gets up to leave. Dennis pleads with her, saying he slept on the settee. She tells him she doesn't want to hear it, but then asks why it had to be her settee, and why he hadn't told her where he spent the night. Not giving him a chance to answer either question, she storms off to get her coat. Gloria quietly smirks from the bar. Dennis begs her to stay, saying absolutely nothing happened. She tells him even if that is true, it's only a matter of time before it does. She goes on to say she will pack up his clothes and leave them outside her (pointing to Gloria) knocking shop! With that she leaves in tears of hurt and anger.

Both Owen and Val have taken off to the toilets at the same time, unfortunately leaving Phelan alone with Anna. He tells her she has beautiful eyes, they remind him of Elizabeth Taylor, he waxes lyrical about her having Elizabeth Taylor's eyes with the voice of Mrs. Merton. Having never seen Mrs. Merton, I had to stop typing this update to check who she is/was, and discovered she was a talk show host, and was played by Caroline Aherne - and he's not wrong, Anna does sound somewhat like her. Here she is interviewing the wonderful Martin Clunes, whom people know these days as Doc Martin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBUj79_nBZg

Peter catches Tina in the ginnel before he leaves for the airport. He gives her the key to his flat, and kissing her, he tells her he will be back before she knows it, and they will take up where they left off. She tells him to have an OK time - but not a good one.

Liz is now sitting in a booth with Tony, and getting along really well. He has a different approach, he pretends to read her palm, and foresees himself and Liz on a date. She doesn't look averse to the idea.

Peter is just in Steve's cab, when he receives a call from Carla. Steve looks at him surprised when he tells her he is well on his way to the airport, just getting onto the M56. After he hangs up, he explains to Steve he didn't want to stress her out, worrying that he might miss the plane. Steve asks him how he manages to lead this life of Riley - meaning jetting off for a weekend in Paris. However, Peter is obviously thinking he doesn't know the half of how good he has it, and sits there smirking. (We can only hope it all comes crashing down round his ears - and knowing Coronation Street, it probably will).

Back at No. 6, Owen can see something is bothering Anna, and presses her to tell him. She tells him Phelan is playing mind games with her. He immediately gets angry, and asks if he has touched her or come onto her. She denies it, telling him he told her she has nice eyes, and sounds like Mrs. Merton. He immediately finds this funny, and on reflection she does too. However, he offers to have a word with him, but she tells him not to say anything, that she will just give him a wide berth, as she doesn't want to cause any trouble because of the job.

He kisses her, still chuckling that she would be so upset over something so trivial, but after he goes upstairs, she sits there with a troubled look on her face. She knows it's not what he says, it's what he doesn't say that is upsetting her.

Christine Warren

Written by Joe Turner Directed by John Anderson

Peter's back from Paris in a black cab, not Streetcars so you know he's hiding out. He makes a beeline straight for Tina's and is buzzed up. She greets him with arms open, surprised he's back this morning rather than tonight. He says Carla had an early meeting so he came back early. Everyone else thinks he's still in Paris. He came back for her birthday. The postman buzzes her door to deliver some parcels. They make a date to meet at his flat later. She leaves him there to leave after she goes down to get her parcels and cards from the postman on her way to work. She walks away looking like she's the cat with the cream.

In Number 9, Fiz is having sleepless nights. Tyrone thinks Roy just wanted to get away and have some time on his own. She runs off to work.

In the Kabin, Mary is wittering on about some band's breakups and makeups, likening Rita and Dennis to same. Emily is flummoxed, Rita is just annoyed and in this instance, I can hardly blame her for telling Mary to shut up. Emily does agree that Rita should talk to Dennis who very likely wasn't doing anything he shouldn't at Gloria's but Rita points out that if he'd wanted to make up with her, he shouldn't have been staying over under Gloria's roof. Point to Rita, I think. Emily reckons Dennis is genuine. Rita in turn reckons he can make the first move.

Over at Number 13, Dennis' back is suffering after a night on the sofa. Stella agrees her mother should have kept out of it and tells Dennis he needs to sort himself out. He agrees. After Dennis leaves to use the loo, Stella criticizes and unrepentant Gloria who doesn't think the Tanner marriage is worth saving.

Peter is on the phone to Carla, pretending he's still in Paris wandering around on his own while waiting for his late afternoon flight. I guess she's not expecting him to meet her for lunch or anything. He's writing out a birthday card for Tina while he talks, decorated with a few Xs. She's going to be there all week apparently.

IN the pub, Izzy has given Tina a birthday card. To fob off an invite for a drink she says she's got plans but can meet her and the girls there later on. She then gets a text from Peter but before replying, she asks Michelle if she can have the rest of the day off for her birthday, pretending some mates wanted to do something with her last minute. Michelle relents.

Amy is playing with a video game in Barlows Buys but she's bored and tells her mother she doesn't really like all these games. She prefers museums. Tracy looks astonished as am I. Whose child is this? Tracy whispers to Rob that she thinks the hospital gave her the wrong baby. When Rob asks if Tracy has ever been to a museum, she says of course she has but can't remember which one, only that it had creepy stuffed bears and birds. Natural History, we all tell her. Amy tells her mother that there's a Victorian day at the Museum of Science and Industry tomorrow and when Rob says he can manage without her for a day, Amy is pleased that she and Mum can do something together.

Tina comes out of the Rovers but before she can use the key to the bookies' flat, Tyrone comes around the corner so they exchange a few words and a Happy Birthday before he nips back to the garage. Looking over her shoulder, she sees nobody watching and slips into the flat.

Marcus and Maria are discussing who's the boss of Ozzy (in Ozzy's eyes, that is) when Todd comes moseying around the corner. He apologizes again for ruining their Valentine's evening, saying he's not really used to kids. They are ok with it and Marcus seems to think it was Liam just playing up. Well, someone was.

Tyrone is opening the garage door and talking to Chesney about Roy. They worry that he could have done something stupid. No sense calling the hospitals because the police will be doing that. Tyrone remembers the hotel in Blackpool and they don't think anyone has checked there. Tyrone closes the garage again (he was only going in to do paperwork) to go to the house to find the details.

Peter has a cupcake lit with a candle for Tina and sings Happy Birthday to her, passing her a gift as well. It's a pretty bracelet and she pretends she's seen Carla wearing one just like it. He's upset, he picked it out for her himself but then she admits she's winding him up. She really does love it, he assures him. She decides she's going not going to get her sugar from the cake, not just now, and pulls him in for a kiss.

Outside the shop, Tracy muses that they could get Deirdre to mind the shop if Rob wants to come to the museum. He says he won't intrude on mother-daughter time. Daughter, meanwhile, is in the shop with Daddy and working on his guilt about not taking her "anywhere!" She persuades him to come to the museum tomorrow but doesn't tell him Tracy is going as well until Tracy comes back in. Both of them look put out that the other is coming. Rob realizes that Amy has played them both! Like mother like daughter! She's got them both on a spot and well they know it so they can't back out, much to Rob's amusement. Oh but it gets better, they have to dress up in Victorian clothes!!

Julie's trying to reassure Fiz about Roy but you can see she's really at her wits' end with worry. Fiz isn't assured and she apologizes for being short with her friends. A parcel has been delivered for Roy. Isn't that a good sign, Julie wonders. Fiz is determined to open it but the others won't let her.

Dennis comes into the Kabin to see Rita. She's not best pleased to see him. He grovels. He protests that he's lazy and didn't think and there isn't anything going on with him and Gloria. She's not so inclined to accept it. He offers to do more groveling and when she says she's not sure what she wants, he gives her the space to figure it out. Just as he leaves, Mary arrives with Emily in tow. He asks Emily to put in a good word for him.

Post rumpy pumpy, Peter is cooking for Tina who's starving. Cheese sarny? yes, please. But they bicker when she wants ketchup on it, which, he thinks, does absolutely not go on cold cheese. There's more conversation about various types of sarnies with odd fillings (cream cheese and marmite???). Izzy texts Tina about her birthday drinks.

While Dennis stews in Number 13, Gloria tries to undermine him by saying he and Rita were never suited. Stella protests as does Dennis. Gloria digs a few more knives in.

Lloyd is in the pub when Steve arrives. He buys Steve a pint. Steve notes that there's a light on in the bookies' flat though they all thought Peter wasn't due back until tonight. Michelle is afraid there might be a break in and wants Steve to check it out. She's got a spare key. Steve takes Lloyd with him because it turns out, Steve is a wimp. Lloyd agrees to go after establishing that fact but they decide they need to make a plan first and make themselves comfortable at the bar.

Over at the flat in question, Tina is getting out of bed after another session to take a shower before meeting Izzy and the girls. He tries to persuade her to stay or else let him join her in the shower.

Todd comes into the cafe where Marcus is just leaving. He apologizes again and Marcus tells him he can babysit again sometime to make up for it. Todd invites him for a drink, both he and Maria if they can get a sitter. He agrees on spec and will text him later if they can get away. Todd looks smug.

Chesney has checked the hotel and Roy hasn't turned up there. Fiz is determined to open the parcel, Julie and Jenna object but Fiz thinks the contents might help them find him. A police officer arrives with a bag inside a plastic evidence bag. It was found and had the cafe address inside. It's Roy's satchel. It was found in a canal. Fiz goes white.

Steve and Lloyd approach the flat. Steve wonders if the flat has lights on a timer but can't remember if he'd seen a light on yesterday. Steve wonders if they should call the police. Lloyd figures if there are intruders it's not likely to be armed robbery which makes Steve even more determined not to go up and check but Lloyd offers to go first. Steve takes out his phone ready to call for help if need be. Lloyd doesn't seem bothered at all and leads the way. Upstairs, Tina is just coming out of the shower and she's naked. They get an eyeful before she covers herself with her coat.

Tvor Written by Damon Rochefort and directed by John Anderson

Tina is trying to cover herself while Steve and Lloyd are trying to cover their confusion. Tina hastily makes up a story about her boiler being on the blink and taking advantage of Peter and Carla's shower while she was minding the flat. As soon as the coast is clear Peter emerges from the bedroom and sets about uncovering Tina all over again.

Round at the café Fiz a policewoman is showing Fiz and the others some photos taken from CCTV footage. The good news is that they can quite clearly see Roy but the bad news is he's down by the canal and, in view of his vulnerable state, they're considering using divers to check under the water.

Dennis is drowning his sorrows in the Bistro with Gloria when who should show up but Richie. Although Gloria asked him to drop by he says he was going to call in anyway . . . on his way to the airport. It seems he's had a better offer and is off to tour Europe. Gloria protests that they had an oral contract but, as Richie points out, it's not worth the paper it isn't written on. Unlike Gloria, Dennis seems quite relieved that their dreams of a career as music promoters are over before they even started.

Back in the café Fiz has got herself in a right state. While the others tell her to calm down she's frantically opening Roy's parcel, convinced it will hold a clue to Roy's whereabouts. When she finally unwraps the box she discovers it contains a gift from Hayley. She reads out the note inside which says that she'd had it made specially for Roy as it was something he'd always wanted but she knew that it might not arrive until after she had gone.

At Peter's flat he and Tina are fumbling around in the dark and giggling like two teenagers. It looks like they'll have to risk a few stubbed toes from now on to avoid anyone else spotting a light through the windows.

Eva and Jason are having a drink with Tony and Todd in the Bistro when Marcus and and Maria come in. Todd makes an excuse to join them at the bar and tells Marcus and Maria how hard it is watching Jason with his Dad. He pulls on their heartstrings a bit more by adding that he doesn't even know whether his own father is alive or dead.

Tina walks into the Rovers to find that Lloyd and Steve have just told everyone about finding her in a compromising position in Peter and Carla's flat. Michelle says she didn't know she had a key so Tina says it's because of looking after Simon. Izzy wants to know if she's mentioned to Owen about having a problem with the boiler. Then Rita and Emily arrive and Rita says she's been trying to ring her for the last hour so Gary fills her in about Tina's boiler. Rita says she should have gone round to her's for a bath and adds that you never can be too careful where boilers are concerned.

Out in the street, Fiz, Ty and Chesney are setting out in different directions, armed with photos of Roy, to start a search while Sinead stays at home and minds the children.

Back in the Rovers, Rita admires Tina's new bracelet. Tina claims it was a birthday present from her mum. At that moment Peter walks in carrying his overnight bag, and says he's just got back from Paris but he thinks he left his keys at the hotel. He asks Michelle if she has the spare ones to the flat and she tells him there's a funny story about that as she gestures towards Tina. Tina explains to Peter about her boiler and says she hopes he doesn't mind but she used his shower and then Michelle tells him about Steve and Lloyd copping an eyeful. Barely hiding her smirk, Tina offers to give Peter back her spare keys but, quick as a flash, he tells her to hang on to them as she never knows when she might need them again . . .

Peter has gone round to Deirdre's to pick up Simon who is delighted to see his dad back. Just as they're deciding to stay and have pizza for their tea Tracy arrives back from her trip into town. She went to hire a costume for her outing to the museum with Amy but all she's managed to find is a Victorian maid's outfit in a size 24. As she points out, the entire family could fit in the one costume. As she rants on Peter and Simon decide to go home and leave them to it.

Out in the street they bump into Tina who's just leaving the Rovers. When Simon discovers it's Tina's birthday he begs his dad to invite Tina to go back and have pizza with them. She doesn't need much persuading and the three of them set off together.

Down by the canal Fizz and Ty are still searching for Roy. Ty suggests it's time to call it a night but Fiz won't hear of giving up and rushes off to show Roy's photo to yet another passer-by in the hope they might recognize him.

Dennis arrives in the Rovers clutching a bin bag. Rita says she hopes he hasn't brought her his dirty washing but when he empties it on the floor we see it's his ‘Rock ‘n Roll' outfit. He announces that he's decided to give up his clothes, along with his music career. Emily is delighted that she has some new stock for her charity shop while Rita is more interested to hear Dennis tell her that he loves her and that he doesn't want to be away from her for another minute. She asks him whether he's told Gloria about his retirement from the music business. When Dennis says no, not in so many words, Rita looks rather pleased. No doubt she's relishing the thought of breaking the news to her.

Round at Deirdre's Tracy is standing on a chair and tucking into a bag of popcorn while Deirdre attempts to pin her Victorian costume into a size she can wear. Deirdre asks Tracy whether Michelle is going on the outing. Definitely not, Tracy tells her, although if she was Tracy reckons she should go dressed as a "gin-soaked, toothless old prozzy, like out of Oliver". Deirdre wonders whether Tracy is doing this just to get one up on Michelle but Tracy claims it's just about supporting her daughter. But if it puts Michelle's nose out of joint at the same time she says then that's all the better.

It's getting late and, back at the canal, Ty finally persuades Fiz that it's time to call it a night and go home.

Peter, Simon and Tina are having a fun evening together, eating pizza and telling silly jokes. It's time for Simon to go back to his mum's so he goes off to get his stuff together. Peter tries to take the opportunity to kiss Tina but even she won't take that much of a risk and tells him to back off. She wants to know what he'll say to Carla about her spending the evening with him and Simon but Peter says he'll tell it just like it happened. Right on cue Carla phones at that moment and Tina takes her leave.

Dennis arrives in the Bistro with Rita who can't wait to see Gloria's face when Dennis breaks the news that he's decided to jack in the music business. Unfortunately it's Rita's face that falls when Gloria says she already knew because it was Richie who dumped her and Dennis. However, Rita isn't about to let Gloria get one over on her so when Dennis gets down on his knees and tells Rita that he'd do anything for her she laughs and calls him a silly old fool. Dennis tells Rita that she's the one he loves and that should come before anything. Rita says yes it should and then asks Gloria to see the Champagne list because they feel like celebrating.

On the other side of the room Tony is holding court with Jason and the others. Todd gets up and goes over to the bar and Maria comments to Marcus that he seems very down at the moment.

Fiz is sitting at the kitchen table in her dressing gown. She can't sleep and Ty comes in to find her. She tells him that when Hayley was ill she kept thinking that she couldn't ever imagine Roy without Hayley. She asks Ty what if Roy also can't imagine life without Hayley? As Ty sits and puts a comforting arm around Fiz she tells him that she fears the worst; she thinks that Roy is dead.

Karen

It's early morning, and Fiz is up, worrying that Roy is dead. She tells Tyrone that when she's got the children sorted she's going back to the canal.

Tina meets Owen and Katy on their way to the builder's yard. Owen sends Katy on ahead and then talks to Tina. It seems her rent is 2 weeks overdue. He says he's glad she's sticking around but she has to get herself sorted out. He advises her to get a flatmate and asks if she's spoken to Steph yet. She hasn't, but she will.

Tracy, Amy and Steve are all dressed up in Victorian outfits and are on their way to the museum. Tina comes along, tells Steve he's looking good and makes remarks about Tracy being a skivvy. Just then Peter comes up and refers to Steve as Willy Wonka!

Todd is taking over from Eileen in the taxi office, just then Marcus comes in asking for a cab. Todd sorts it, and talks to Marcus in a flirty way, and then Marcus goes off out again. Eileen raises her eyebrows and looks at Todd. "What?" he says, all innocent.

Steve, Amy and Tracy have arrived at the Museum of Science and Industry, only to find that it is just the staff who are dressed in Victorian clothes, much to Amy's amusement.

Stella is talking to Gloria, she says she knows she's upset about Ritchie. "Ritchie who?" says Gloria. "And Dennis?" asks Stella. Gloria says that they've got their sofa back, Rita has her lapdog back, everyone's a winner. Stella tells her no more stirring.

Back at the museum, Amy is enjoying herself looking at the exhibits, while Tracy is bored. Steve starts showing off to the other customers, pretending he knows all about the engines and what horsepower they are, until someone asks him a question he can't answer. As he dries up and flounders, someone comes up and explains all about it – it's Roy!

After the break we see Tracy, Roy and Steve sitting on the steps in the museum. Steve asks where he's been. Roy wonders if that is important, but says that he was planning to return. Steve explains that people have been worried about him. "Fiz, no doubt," says Roy. Steve adds Anna and Tyrone and Mary to the list. Roy says they can see he's fit and well. "Earth to Roy," says Tracy, "they think you're dead!" Steve jumps up and pulls Tracy to one side, and they squabble about what she has said to Roy. Just then Amy comes up and tells them that Roy is leaving. Steve rushes after him.

Stella goes into the Kabin and is pleased to see Dennis and Rita back together again. She is just telling them that her mother is not a bad person, just ruthless when it comes to men, when she realises that Gloria has come in behind her and is standing in the doorway. "Well, at least I'm not a bad person," she snaps, and walks out again. Stella rushes after her.

Outside, she catches her up and apologises, but says that Ritchie and the tour were a pipe dream, it was never going to happen. She tells her mother to stop chasing rainbows. "But what if that's the only thing that keeps me going?" asks Gloria, and adds that she's not going to give up on her dreams. "What do you mean?" asks Stella. "You'll know as soon as I do," says Gloria.

Steve is back in the cafe, explaining how Roy made a hasty getaway. "At least we know he's alive and well," says Jenna. "But he's still missing, what if you've scared him off?" snaps Fiz. Mary wants to know how Roy seemed. Steve says that physically he seemed ok, but mentally not really with it, just kept staring at the steam engines.

Steve goes off to have another look around the area, and as he gets into his car we see Roy appear at the corner of the street. Tyrone comes along, goes to speak to Owen but then spots Roy and rushes over. He tells Roy they've all been really worried, and takes him back to the cafe where Fiz falls all over him.

Todd sees Marcus outside the taxi office and says he's sorry he was short with him before. (Was he? I didn't notice.) He says he's got more time now..but Marcus has to take Liam swimming. Todd says he wouldn't like to get between him and a pair of Speedos. He goes to walk off, but Marcus calls him back and says he'll go for just one drink.

Back in the cafe, it seems that Roy has been staying in a B&B. Fiz gently scolds him, saying he had just disappeared and they got the police involved. Mary tells him that his shopper was found in the canal, they thought something bad had happened. Roy explains that it was stolen from him on a bus. He goes on to ask if they really did think he was dead, as Tracy had said, or a risk to himself. Tyrone says the term the police used was 'vulnerable'. He asks if they were all of the same opinion. There is silence round the table. Roy says he's truly sorry, and Anna says that maybe they panicked a bit. Tyrone says that what matters is that he's back, safe and sound.

Marcus and Todd are enjoying a drink together, and swapping life histories. Todd makes a reference to how Marcus used to be gay, and Marcus tells him he's still gay, he just happened to fall for a woman.

Steve comes into the cafe, back from his search for Roy and is surprised to see him sitting there. Tyrone apologises for not calling him, and Roy apologises for his hasty departure from the museum. Steve is pleased to see him back and goes to change out of his velvet jacket. Fiz and Tyrone are about to get off home when Fiz remembers the parcel that came for Roy from Hayley. She explains that they had to open it, they thought it might help find him. She tells him it's upstairs on the table, and they leave.

Sean is at home in Eileen's house, getting ready to go out for the evening when Todd comes in. Sean asks if he'd like to come out with him, but Todd tells him no, he's a funny, drop-dead gorgeous guy but there is someone else he's in love with.

Roy goes upstairs to the flat above the cafe and stops and stares for a moment at Hayley's red anorak hanging on the hook. Then he sees the box on the table.

Sean is asking Todd the name of this person he's in love with, but Todd isn't saying, and he tells Sean not to say anything to anyone else.

Roy is looking through the book of photo memories that Hayley compiled, and then he opens the box and takes out the model (it appears to be a castle) and then reads the typewritten card. It says: 'Roy, I know you've wanted this for ages. I finally tracked down someone to make it but knew it could take a while and I might not be here with you. All my love, Hayley. X

He looks at a photo of a smiling Hayley. "Thank you," he says.

Anne Logan

It's Friday again and here we go with great lumps of storylines involving Marcus-Todd-Maria and Peter-Tina - not my favourite plots. We're too anxious about Roy to care about those!

We start in the cafe, where Fiz gets a fright when Roy pops up from behind the counter. He tells her it's business as usual though she tries to tell him no-one's expecting anything of him and they'd all understand if he had things to do in the flat.

There's a blonde crisis meeting at Stella's place, where she and her daughters try to persuade Gloria to stay. Gloria says she feels like the invisible old woman in the Post Office queue now they don't have the Rovers. She says this isn't about Ritchie or about Dennis or about the agency. She's got her health and her dreams and money in the bank. "I just want to enjoy it while I can - suck the marrow out of life!" She tells them she's got a ferry to book. She's got far too much luggage for a flight. She asks Stella not to begrudge her an adventure. Stella hugs her with tears in her eyes.

On a big building site, Phelan gives some football tickets to Gary and Owen. He can't use them because his wife's taking him to Venice for the weekend. He comments on how hard they've been working.

Todd goes into the cafe and is nauseatingly nice to Roy. I worry when Todd's nice to anybody. He goes to sit with Maria and Marcus unasked and helps himself to some of Marcus's meal. M&M have another house viewing and Todd isn't as nasty about it as he could have been. Instead, he has a little moan about having to put up with talk of Tony everywhere he goes and how he'll just have to stay in if they won't go for a drink with him.

Tina and Peter meet outside the factory where, for some reason, Sean is trying to fit two big cartons of lingerie into the boot of Peter's car. What, no van? No Kirk? It's all a plot device to get Sean out in the street. Once Peter has finished pretending to tell Tina the news that Carla's away for another week, Sean is handily placed to meet Marcus walking past. Sean has a bit of a moan about his tragic love life and drops into the conversation the fact that Todd's apparently in love with someone. "In love? Todd?" asks Marcus. When Peter calls Sean back inside, Sean asks Marcus not to say anything to Todd.

Mary's admiring Rita and Dennis as a couple in the Kabin. Stella comes in to buy a couple of suitcase padlocks and reveals that Gloria's leaving. Rita gives her the padlocks for free. "Are you sure?" asks Stella. "If you're really sure she's leaving," says Rita. After Stella has left, Rita tells Dennis that Gloria's like one of those cockroaches that crawls out after a nuclear blast. "Doesn't that make you the nuclear blast?" asks Mary. Rita's quite taken with that description and almost giggles.

Todd's drinking with Jason and Tony when Marcus comes into the pub. He goes to join him.

Gloria is packing and Eva is sulking. Gloria tries to point out what Eva's got - a boyfriend, family, a job with prospects - and makes her promise to visit wherever Gloria ends up.

Michelle, Marcus and Todd joke around. Marcus asks Todd how long he's been back. Three months. Marcus wonders what's keeping him here since he hasn't got a job. Todd says nothing outright. He says he's got to go - he's got DVDs to watch. He makes it clear he's going home to an empty house. Once he's gone, Marcus finds Todd's phone on the table.

Marcus takes Todd his phone and accepts the invitation to come in for a drink. He's got half an hour before he has to meet Maria at the house.

In the salon, Maria's talking house viewing with Kylie and Audrey's rolling her eyes about it all while she does Eileen's roots. The house belongs to some local celebrity and Kylie's dying to see inside.

Peter goes to Tina's and they sit and cuddle on the sofa.

Marcus asks Todd outright about Sean's claim that he's seeing someone. Marcus admits trying to look at Todd's phone to see whether there were texts from this mystery man but the phone was locked. "Anyone would think you're jealous," Todd says.

Gary's starting to think Phelan's OK. Owen reminds him that this is the undischarged bankrupt who tried to stiff him.

Fiz helps Roy clean up in the cafe. They talk about him going missing and she says she understands he just needed some time off from himself. Roy wonders about all the emphasis everyone puts on family, since his father, his mother and Hayley all left him. Fiz says people need people. "Even if some days you can't see what you're getting from us, try to see what we're getting from you," she tells him. He agrees to take one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.

Tina and Peter talk about her being behind on the rent and Owen insisting she take in a lodger. Where has her thirty grand from the surrogacy gone? Train tickets to London and back are expensive but not THAT expensive. Peter offers to help her out financially and she immediately takes offence. Does he want to pay by the hour? "Is that how you see me?" Peter backs off and promises her that even after she's got a lodger they'll find some way to continue seeing each other.

Eileen's in the pub showing off her new 'do. Sean thinks the new beehive-type hairdo makes her look like a Schnauzer.

In the bistro, Stella comments on how mysterious Gloria's being. She's booked the car ferry even though she doesn't have a car. Dennis comes in and asks to see Gloria on her own.

Maria and Kylie arrive at the house that's for sale. The agent is anxious because he's got another viewing straight after but Maria promises him Marcus will be on time.

Dennis and Gloria are outside the bistro. He asks her to stay. She asks him to come with her. She says she's got another ten good years left and wants to go out in a blaze of glory. She urges him to take courage and run. "I promise you you won't look back."

Marcus wonders whether Todd pretended there was another man just to throw Sean off the scent. He knows Todd didn't just forget his phone. "Who's the lucky man?" Todd asks who's playing games now. Marcus leans in and kisses him.

Maria leaves a message on Marcus's phone. They can't afford to wait - she and Kylie are going to view the house. She doesn't want the next viewers to put an offer in before she and Marcus can.

Marcus has his shirt off and is in a clinch with Todd. "Let's go upstairs," says Todd.

Uh oh.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Julie Jones
Directed by: John Anderson

Maria and Kylie are looking round the house and the former is well excited. She loves it, and in her mind's eye has them already moved in. Unfortunately she can't snap it up without approval from Marcus, who still hasn't arrived. Her face falls when another couple arrive and is looking favourably around. Afraid they will lose this one too, she frantically calls Marcus again.

Speaking of Marcus, the naughty boy is coming down Eileen's stairs half naked, followed closely by Todd, who is also in the same state of undress. He is already being eaten up by guilt, but Todd tries to persuade him to stay a little longer. His phone rings, it's Maria - ignoring the call, but panicking now, he tells Todd to stop, and starts throwing his clothes on.

Oh so much infidelity going on at the moment, you have to wonder if Weatherfield Council have put something in the water. Down the street Gloria is trying her best to persuade Dennis to leave Rita and ride off into the sunset with her. He is flattered - rather too flattered, but tells her he can't leave Rita, it would break her heart. Gloria assures him she would get over it in short order, and would be laying a trap for some other mug in no time if he left.

He protests that Rita loves him, but Glo tells him she suffocates him. She gives him a choice, to come with her and live each day as if it's their last, or spend the rest of his days shuffling around in that God forsaken sweetie shop until he dies of boredom. Telling him it's up to him, she leaves him standing deep in thought as she flounces into the Bistro.

Valerie Phelan has arrived at No. 6 to invite Anna and the family for another meal at the Bistro on Monday. Anna is reluctant, but Val tells her that she should be making the decisions, not waiting for permission from Owen, so she finds herself agreeing.

Eileen comes down the street and sees a downcast Marcus sitting on the bench at the bus stop. Asking what is wrong, he tells her he is fine. She asks if he has seen the house yet that Maria was so excited about. Reminding him, he jumps to his feet, and tells her he is sorry, but has to go. Now it is Eileen's turn to look thoughtful.

Marcus doesn't go far though, only as far as the Rovers. Not in any mood to chat to Michelle behind the bar, he orders a pint, and goes to a booth to sit with his head in his hands.

There is a lovely looking stew on the go in No. 9, made by Fiz. Tyrone remarks there is far too much for them, and she tells him she is planning to drop some round to Roy's. He cautions her not to be in his face, reminding her that he ran off the last time, and she doesn't want that to happen again. She assures him they can be subtle, just drop it off, make sure he is OK and let him know they care about him. Tyrone is still not sure, but Fiz insists, saying they are all he has.

Talking about Roy, he isn't starving to death, as we speak he is sitting eating a bowl of something or other, while eyeing his parcel from Hayley. Finally, he puts his spoon down and takes out the lovely little castle she had arranged to be made for him. Standing it in front of him, he stares at it, then a little smile plays at the corners of his mouth.

Eileen arrives home to a jubilant Todd. Immediately suspicious, she asks him if he is on drugs. Ignoring that question, he offers to make dinner tonight, which really makes her even more suspicious. Not able to resist, she tells him she has just seen Marcus, who appeared to be in a bad way. He glibly suggests that maybe he and Maria had a row. Eileen is not buying that one, saying how happy and excited she had been earlier in the hairdressers. Smiling, he replies that a lot can change in an hour. She wants to know what he means by that remark, but he says he doesn't mean anything by it, just relationships in general can be up one minute and down the next. Looking at him intently, she tells him she hopes he isn't stirring things up for them again, because they are buying a house together. "If you say so", quips Todd with a smirk, and pops off to Freshco's to buy the ingredients for dinner.

In the Rovers, Rita is still being the cantankerous nag that she has been lately, and is asking Dennis if Gloria has left on her broomstick yet. Looking miserable, he asks her how he would know. She accuses him of missing her already, he snaps at her that he doesn't know why she is being like this, when she has won.

They are joined by Mary and Emily, and the latter witters on about having a discussion with Norris about redecorating the living room. She asks Mary if she has ever re-upholstered a couch. Mary tells her she did once take a pair of scissors to Mother's chaise longue, but it didn't end well. While this conversation is going on, Rita sits silent with a scowl on her face, and Dennis looks bored out of his skull. Emily notices the atmosphere, and takes the hint, suggesting to Mary they both go and put some music on the juke box. Mary thinks this idea is hilarious, but then catches on and hastily leaves Rita and Dennis to continue sorting out their differences.

Maria and Kylie come into the Rovers, and Maria is furious to see Marcus sitting there. Laying into him about letting her down, she asks if he has been there all evening. He denies this, saying he got called in to work. Maria snaps at him "You know what your trouble is? You don't know how to say no!" (She's not wrong there is she?)

We are in the Bistro now where a little farewell do is going on for Gloria. Gail is there, and is complaining that they haven't laid on some proper food for the occasion.

Karl comes in, and is invited to join them, but he declines, saying he doesn't want to intrude on a family occasion. They talk about where Gloria might go, Leanne reckons she told her she was off to Europe. Gail sadly remarks it is where she should be right now, and Stella remembers Lewis, the one Gail had thought she was going to Europe with. Karl asks where Gloria is, but nobody knows, saying she is a free spirit, and could be anywhere. Outside, we hear a car horn beeping continuously, so Eva goes out to check what's going on. Gail is still miserable, saying she needs something wild and wonderful in her life, and muses on the possibility of dying her hair purple, or having a seahorse tattooed on her left buttock. Jason finds the latter idea hilarious and asks why she would opt for a seahorse. "Why not?" answers Gail. "It's time I threw caution to the wind".

Eva comes running back into the Bistro, telling them to come outside right now, there is something they HAVE to see.

Everyone runs outside to find Gloria, looking very Audrey Hepburnish, wearing a long flowing skirt, jacket and scarf draped round her head, sitting perched on a beautiful red sports car with the top down of course. (Ooh I'm jealous, I would love one like that, might have a bit of trouble getting up out of it these days though!).

The family are every bit as impressed as I am, and ask where she got it. Apparently it's all bought, paid for, taxed, insured and ready to roll - only in Weatherfield can you do all that in an hour! Gail thinking along the same lines as me, remarks she's likely to need a winch to get in and out of something that low slung, but Gloria's not worried, she's basking in the glory, saying it's taken ten years off her just buying it. She's all ready to head down the M6, but they won't let her go until they have drunk her health in the Bistro.

Rita is still nagging Dennis in the Rovers, asking him who is going to turn his head next, harping on about the humiliation he has caused her, etc. etc. She tells him it's going to take time before the trust comes back. He replies that he doesn't know how he is going to make it up to her. She suggests he might learn to appreciate what he's got, and he assures her he does appreciate her, he loves her. She replies that she loves him too, but she is feeling a bit let down. He tells her he knows, and he is sorry, but he doesn't know how many more times he can say it. She softens towards him, and he lifts her hand and kisses it. Emily and Mary, standing at the bar watching them, smile to see this progress. Mary remarks that she does love a happy ending.

Maria is telling Marcus and Audrey all about the fabulous house, saying it just felt absolutely right. Audrey advises them to get straight on the phone and get a second viewing. Maria assures her she has already left a message to that effect.

Noticing Marcus is sitting with his head down, Maria apologises for going on and on about the house, and asks him what happened at work to make him so upset. He quietly tells her that nobody died. Just then, Eileen comes in with Todd, and the latter asks how the house hunting went. Maria tells him she loved it, but Marcus hasn't seen it yet. "Why was that Marcus, did you get a better offer or something?" smirks Todd. Eileen also asks him if he is alright, as he had seemed shaken when she saw him earlier. Maria explains it to them by saying he has had a day from hell at work. Audrey backs this up, saying the worst that can happen to her is a dodgy perm, but with Marcus it can be life or death.

Todd offers to get him a drink to settle his nerves. The tone in his voice rings alarm bells with Eileen, who looks at him suspiciously.

At the bar, Dennis is waiting to be served, at the same time is listening to Rita and Emily nattering in the booth, and is looking very jittery and nervous. Mary comes back from the ladies, and tells him she is so pleased to see he and Rita have patched things up. With a shaking voice, he thrusts money into her hand and tells her to get the drinks in, and heads towards the door. Mary asks him where he is going, but all he says is "Might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb", and runs full pelt out the door.

Fiz and Tyrone are having a rare quiet night in. Sinead and Chesney have both children, so they are eating their stew in peace. Ty asks Fiz if Roy has said anything about what he got up to while he was away, but she shakes her head, saying she didn't like to press him into telling her. They chuckle about finding him in the museum of Science & Industry, saying only Roy could disappear for two weeks, and look at nothing but steam engines.

Talking about Roy, he is busy setting up his track, and the little castle has pride of place. The phone rings, and he doesn't welcome the interruption, in fact he pulls the wire out of the wall, going back to his labour of love.

Fiz and Tyrone have decided to have a pint for dessert in the Rovers. Fiz is saying she wishes she could install a secret camera in Roy's flat so she could keep an eye on him, making sure he is alright. Tyrone tells her that is all kinds of wrong, but Fiz goes on to say she would have him micro chipped as well if she could. Ty can't believe his ears, but she points out, they do it with dogs and cats, so why can't they do it with vulnerable humans. Tyrone tells her if Roy could hear her, he would do another runner, and no-one would blame him. She smiles, saying she knows she is a nightmare. Which is exactly why Tyrone loves her.

Maria gets a phone call from the agent to say the couple who came while she was there put an offer in on the house, and it has been accepted. She is bitterly disappointed, and Marcus apologises, saying it was all his fault. Audrey tries to console Maria, saying it wasn't meant to be, and there would be other houses. Todd, looking directly at Marcus, says "That's the thing about fate, you can't fight it". Marcus goes to the bar to get the drinks in, and is followed by Todd. He tries to hold his hand, but Marcus snatches it away, asking him if he is mad. Todd says "Isn't that what love is? a form of madness?" Marcus looks at him shocked and moving away, tells him to stop this right now. Todd is left at the bar with that same self satisfied smirk on his face that you just want to kick in.

He doesn't stay at the bar long though, he follows Marcus out into the smoking shelter. The latter asks him what he is playing at, and tells him to back off. Todd replies that he wants him, and is pretty sure he feels the same way. He moves in for a kiss, but Marcus grabs him by the collar and throws him against the wall, telling him if he breaths a word to anyone about what took place today, he is dead. Todd agrees, looking a little concerned, but also a little turned on by the aggression.

Mary is sitting back down in the booth again with Rita and Emily, and Rita asks Mary what Dennis had said to her before going outside. She replies that he had said something about livestock. Rita thanks them for giving her and Dennis the privacy they needed to sort out their differences, saying it will take time to put things right, but feels Dennis is worth the effort in the long run. Rita decides Dennis must have gone home, and opts to follow him. The others say they will walk with her.

Farewells are done, and Gloria is leaving. Getting into her heated leather seats, and donning her sunglasses (to drive at night!), she is ready to roll. Waving goodbye to her family she starts to move off down the cobbles. Suddenly Dennis runs out in the street, packed rucksack in hand. He asks her if she still wants him, and she smiles, saying he is cutting it a bit fine, but hop in.

The family all protest, telling Gloria she can't take another woman's husband just like that. So she asks Dennis if he is absolutely sure, because if he isn't, he should step away from the car right now. He's sure, he tells her he wants adventure, there is plenty of time to relax when he is dead. With that, in he hops, and away they go. Coming to the Rovers, he spots Rita, and tells Gloria to slow down. Waving his hat at her, he says "Bye Rita, take care of yourself love". and Gloria sings out "Bye Rita", and away they roar, leaving Rita standing there open mouthed.

So there they go, we say goodbye to Dennis and Gloria. Not a very nice way to go was it? I wonder if he will be back when Gloria's money runs out?

Christine

Written By Susan Oudot Directed by Tony Prescott

Gary doesn't think it's so bad working for Phelan but Izzy, knowing Anna's predicament, is circumspect. Phelan catches Anna and Owen snogging and makes Anna admit she's looking forward to dinner tonight but really, she's not looking forward to the group hug at the Bistro tonight at all and we all know Phelan is the reason. She admits it to Izzy, as well, and then plays right into Phelan's hands by texting him to come and see her. She wants to tell him once and for all to leave her alone. Izzy isn't so sure that's a good idea. You know darn well he's taken all this as an invitation and moves in to kiss her. You can see where he'd take that signal and she should have known better.

Poor Rita. It's her birthday. Some birthday! Her friends know she's hurting. Everyone offers tea, sympathy and birthday pressies but Rita being Rita, she is putting on a brave front, telling them things could be worse. "Nobody's died" but inside, her heart is crushed and naturally, getting a text from the errant husband saying he's sorry only makes matters worse. That's got to hurt! And why would he want Rita to forgive him unless he's hoping to come crawling back some day?

Probably the worst thing about it is that the gossip is rampant. She's catching everyone talking about it. There was a lovely scene between Norris and Rita. Norris, for a change, is very kind to her and supportive.

Todd's sucking up to Eileen making bacon butties but is short with Sean. Todd does admit that him and Sean had no chance of a relationship. Eileen still doesn't trust Todd, though. Marcus is acting quiet and like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulder, which he blames on changes at work when Maria notices. As a result, though, he's working on making it up to Maria for something she doesn't even know he's done. Sean later tells Eileen that he never had a chance with Todd and reveals that Todd is in love with someone else. That's news to Eileen but her radar goes up straight away. Todd knew darn well Sean couldn't keep it to himself and as we know, Sean has already told Marcus and we saw the end result of that. Now Eileen gets to do the math and she's adding it up correctly, you can tell.

Roy seems to be functioning as normally as he ever does, maybe, his friends think, he's moving ahead? I think it's a tad too soon to assume that, mind you, but for Roy, a normal routine is what gets him through the day. And when Roy is explaining the history of the Doner "shish" kebab, and of croissants, we know he's at least upright and in the "normal" groove, no matter that he is probably hurting inside. Roy's still getting parcels delivered, too. Mary's more curious about what's in it that Roy is, leading us to believe it's just something he's ordered. Another train model, apparently. Seems Hayley's gift has sparked an interest for him.

Kal has to finance his part of the gym through a loan from his father because the banks weren't too cooperative. No choice or they would lose the location. It was his last choice but his father was happy to stick his fingers in the pie. You know his father is going to want to take over the whole thing from the sounds of it.

Chesney seemed pretty interested in a passing remark Dev made about the ownership of a kebab shop. Maybe he'll buy Prima Doner and start his business empire!

Tvor

Good evening readers. Karen has asked for a stand in this evening so I have been summoned off the bench to provide a report on events in the mean Street in Weatherfield which we all know and love. After the distressing departures in recent times I am hoping my first update for a while will be a little easier on the soul.

This episode was written by Susan Oudot, directed by Tony Prescott and the material is copyright ITV Studios Limited.

We open where we left off with Anna looking extremely scared as Phelan presses his advantage. Anna goes to hit him and he grabs her wrist and they struggle with Anna saying that he disgusts her and tells him to get out, she pulls the door open; as he departs he tells her it is their little secret and he will see her later - which leads Anna to feeling sick.

Doris is sympathising with Rita - she had been on her own before Dennis and did not expect to find anyone else - but Dennis came and she loved him and he loved her - and that part of her life was re-awakened. She felt they were lucky to find each other and now she feels humiliated, disappointed and sad. She reckons it is much harder to cope with such matters when you get older. Doris re-assures her she is strong and she is going to come through this.

Owen returns home for a cuppa but Anna is still uneasy and tells Owen she has a virus or something and she wants a paracetamol and she cannot go to the Bistro. She tells Owen to go without her.

At the cab office Todd comes in and Eileen starts telling off when Steve and Lloyd come in - Steve wants the full story from Eileen when Todd goes. She reckons it is serious but obviously cannot tell them that Todd has slept with Marcus.

At the Bistro the Phelans are waiting, Gary and Izzy arrive but no sign of Owen and Anna.

Marcus arrives with an absolutely enormous bunch of flowers for Maria who reckons they are gorgeous.

Owen eventually arrives and apologises for Anna's absence. Izzy is obviously concerned. They drink to Anna's speedy recovery.

At the Kabin Rita is feeling better and is recalling her visit to the Street when Dennis was the only person she knew and he offered her a place to stay - fifty years ago. She believed he had changed from being a chancer - but it seems not. Roy comes to the door and had not collected his magazine - Hayley used to do it. Roy offers his apologies to Rita. Norris hands over the copy of the "Platform" magazine and Rita offers to arrange delivery in future. Roy departs and Rita observes that there is a man who is entitled to a broken heart.

Back at the bistro Phelan is buying even more wine as Dev arrives to buy drinks for his partners. There is no obvious love lost between father and son. Although Dev can see little wrong with Sharif.

Back at the Kabin Rita is not keen on going home and Rita finds her present from earlier and opens it - declaring it thoughtful. She is genuinely pleased. Rita makes a couple of calls to Emily and arranes drinks at the Rovers.

Lloyd and Jenna are chatting in the cafe when Fiz comes in. Roy is more cheerful when last seen which reassures Fiz.

Meanwhile Phelan is complaining about a £200 phone bill when he was away on holiday. Izzy decides to depart because she is worried about Anna and so she motors away from the table.

After the break we see Izzy arrive to find Anna drinking a glass of red wine and Anna feels the same, so Izzy asks why she is drinking. Izzy guesses that Phelan's visit is to blame but Anna does not tell her the whole story, claiming she marked Phelan's card. She denies that Phelan tried it on, but Izzy does not want to let it drop.

Maria is enjoying her Valentine's Day and is noting how much her life has changed in the recent past.

Rita is joined by Emily and Mary and Audrey who are pleased to see her. Rita does not intend to crawl under a stone and everyone wishes her a happy birthday. Rita orders a vodka tonic on the house and Norris buys everyone else a drink.

More discussion over the gym. Sharif tells his son and Dev that Jason has seriously over priced it and they can get it cheaper.

Eileen goes over to Marcus and makes him aware that she knows something is up and Marcus gives it away and admits sleeping with Todd. Eileen reminds Marcus that she is worried for Maria. Marcus tells her it was a huge mistake and that Maria must not know. Eileen departs but Marcus is worried.

In the cafe Roy leaves Jenna and Fiz chatting, Fiz offers to help sort Hayley's clothes and so on for a cancer charity or a hospice. But Roy is not ready and will take care of it in his own time.

EIleen returns home to confront Todd - she tells Todd to leave Marcus alone - and Todd says he can't.

Owen returns home - they have consumed five bottles of wine. Anna is feeling a little better. Owen complains that the last three hours have been too long. Izzy asks if Anna is OK - which Gary notes when Anna is short with her. So he knows something is wrong.

Norris offers to see Rita home and they walk down the Street together. Norris tells here there will be happy days again. Half way there she sends Norris back and thanks him for looking after her. He drives her to distraction sometimes - but she calls him her friend and means it.

Gary quizzes Izzy and she eventually has to tell Gary that Phelan has been coming on to Anna because if Owen knew he would blow up. Gary heads away but Izzy insists he has to keep it to himself.

And what did we learn?
So another affair is underway - and Todd is a nasty piece of work, again poor Maria.
Rita realises that Norris is a true friend.
And Anna knows that Phelan is a nasty piece of work - nothing new there then.
And the discussions about the gym are driving me to distraction.

K Richard W

In the cafe, Anna and Izzy are worried about Jake who is hot and fretful. Izzy then asks Anna what happened with her and Phelan last night. Anna is cagey, but says that's all finished with now. Izzy presses her for more information, and just as she starts to explain, Gary comes in so all conversation is at an end. When Anna moves away, Gary asks Izzy what's been said. Izzy tells him he came in at the wrong moment, but if he would just leave her to get on with it, she'll find out what's been going on.

Although Beth has only just started back at Underworld, it seems that she and Sinead have holidays owing and they have to take them before the end of the month. They thought they'd take the same day off together and go shopping, except that, being the end of the month, they have no money. Kirk offers to lend Beth some, but she says no, she doesn't feel like shopping anyway.

Owen and Gary arrive at the building site and are greeted by Phelan who asks how the 'lovely Anna' is, and whether she's recovered. Owen says she's ok, and has gone to work. Gary is surly when Phelan asks if everything is all right. "Yeah," he mutters, adding "for now....." as Phelan walks away. Owen asks him what that's supposed to mean. "Nothing," says Gary.

Izzy is still in the cafe with an unhappy baby, and most of the customers have left. She asks Anna again what happened with Phelan and, after making her promise not to tell anyone, Anna confesses that she asked him round to the house to make it clear that she's not interested. (Yes, I'm not quite sure how clear that is, either!) She says how it all got a bit physical and how he pushed her up against the wall and how she was scared. She says how he stopped at that point, but she couldn't bring herself to sit at the same table as him in the restaurant.

Kal and Dev are in the premises of their new gym. Kal's dad, Sharif, is on his way and Kal is trying to impress upon Dev how his dad will try and force his ideas on him, and how hard it is to say no. Dev assures him that he won't have any problem saying no. Just then the man himself arrives and says that he's spoken to his builder, Graham, and he's ready to start as soon as they give the word. Dev seems to accept everything he says.

Back on the building site, Owen has detected something not right between Gary and Phelan and asks if there's something going on that he should know about. Gary assures him that there isn't. Owen tells him that whatever the problem is, they should just keep on good terms with Phelan while the work is going on.

Eileen meets Maria and Marcus in the Street. She asks how things are. Maria tells her they couldn't be better. "As long as they stay that way," says Eileen. Maria is puzzled as to why she's said that, but before anything else can be said, Todd comes along and asks if Eileen is trying to cause trouble. Maria and Marcus continue on their way, and Todd asks Eileen if she was going to tell Maria Marcus's little secret. Eileen walks on.

Izzy is going down the Street with a baby who is still unhappy and crying. She meets Stella and tells her that he just won't settle. Just then Izzy's phone rings, it's Gary wanting to know what Anna has said. Izzy tells him that Anna said everything's ok. Gary doesn't believe it and pushes for more information and in the end Izzy tells him that Phelan came on to Anna. She says that she promised Anna she wouldn't tell Owen, so Gary mustn't tell him. There's a long silence, but eventually Gary agrees not to tell Owen.

Beth has changed her mind about borrowing Kirk's money and taken some from his wallet. She and Sinead head off to the bistro for lunch.

Phelan asks Owen for the number of Streetcars. He needs a taxi to go and get his car which has been in for an MOT. Owen tells him not to get a taxi, they'll give him a lift. Gary jumps up and says he will take him. As Phelan walks off, Owen asks Gary what he's up to. Gary points out he was told to be friendly.

Tony is asking about Jason's job on the gym conversion, has Jason got it sorted yet? Jason says he hasn't, so his dad pressures him to go and sort it out. Eileen comes in and Tony persuades her to make him a sandwich.

Marcus and Maria are in the corner shop, talking to Dev about the house they want to buy. Marcus's phone bleeps with a text, and Maria is getting exasperated, someone keeps texting him every five minutes. M\Marcus checks his phone and mutters something about someone trying to sell him something. As they go out, Jason comes in, and he asks Dev if it's still on for the gym conversion. Dev looks embarrassed and tells him no, it's not, they've given the job to someone else. Jason can't believe his ears and wants to know why, are they cheaper?. Dev mumbles that they are, but also points out that he's not the only person involved with this. Jason says he thought they were mates. Dev says they are, but Jason doesn't think a mate would do this to him, and slams off out of the shop.

Gary gets a call from Izzy, prompting Owen to ask if Jake is ok. Gary says he is, he's just having one of those days. Owen knows it isn't like Izzy to phone, and suggests that Gary gets straight off home, and he will give Phelan the lift to pick up his car. Gary won't be moved however.

Dev goes to the bistro and meets up with Kal and his dad. He says how Jason came to see him and how upset he was. Sharif is unrepentant, business is business, and Jason should have been cheaper.

Beth and Sinead are in the bistro, enjoying their lunch and wishing they could this every day.

Eileen has made Tony his sandwich when Jason comes in furious, and says how Dev has given the job to someone else, someone who was cheaper, after Tony told him to put up his prices.

Dev, Kal and his dad have finished their meal. Kal's dad repeats that business is business, and Jason was only a friend because Dev was giving him work. Dev says that's not strictly true.

Marcus goes into the taxi office and tells Todd that he doesn't want to keep getting texts, if Todd splits himself and Maria up it will be little Liam who suffers. "Leave my family alone," says Marcus. Todd says he would, if he thought Marcus meant it, only that wasn't the impression he got. Marcus shouts at him to stay out of his life, it is nothing to do with Todd.

Beth and Sinead are now in the Kabin, browsing through the magazines, much to Norris's annoyance.

Dev is pouring out his worries about Jason to Stella, he doesn't know how to put things right. She points out that Jason put up his prices after they'd agreed on the job, so maybe he brought it on himself. Dev tells Stella she is kind and sympathetic and he's lucky to have her as a friend.

The workers are leaving the building site, and Owen repeats his offer to take Phelan so that Gary can get home to Jake. Gary still refuses, he's sure Jake is fine, Izzy tends to overreact. So Owen goes off home, leaving Gary to wait for Phelan.

Beth and Sinead are home now, telling Kirk and Chesney about their day. Beth tells Kirk that she borrowed money from him and he's fine about it. They then say that they want to take Kirk and Ches out....to bingo! Chesney is adamant, he's not going to bingo, but he says he'll give them stake money, so that whatever they win they all share.

Alone on the building site with Phelan, Gary informs him he's not going to give him a lift, and says he knows he tried it on with his mum. Phelan smirks and asks if Gary knows that Anna invited him round, his mother is a tease, she leads men on. Gary is furious and pushes him. Phelan laughs and shouts mockingly that his mother is a tart. Gary loses his temper punches him hard, and in a moment the two men are fighting amongst the rubble. Phelan throws him down backwards, and then Gary picks up a plank of wood and whacks Phelan round the head with it. Phelan fall unconscious to the ground and lies there, motionless, as Gary shouts at him to get up.

Anne Logan

Pat Phelan's lying very still on a pile of dirt. Seems appropriate, somehow. Gary's shouting at him to get up and stop messing around. There's blood coming from Phelan's head.

Jake's got a temperature and Izzy's worried, though Anna and Katy try to assure her it'll be nothing. Izzy snaps at them. Katy fetches the thermometer and they discover his temperature is 39.6 - very high. Anna says she's sure it'll be fine but they'd better take him down the General if Izzy's worried. Nobody thinks of phoning NHS24. Nobody thinks of checking whether the medical centre is open. Izzy phones Gary to tell him but Gary can't answer because he seems to be across Phelan's body - presumably checking he's breathing. Izzy's really panicking now. Jake's taking a healthy interest in the boom mike above his head and out of shot. Katy says she's sure Jake will be fine. "We don't know that! Stop saying that!" shouts Izzy. Katy agrees to stay to look after Fay (and presumably Joseph, though nobody mentions him - there are so many babies in the Street now it all gets a bit confusing!).

Gary's pacing now, shouting at Phelan, asking if Phelan can hear him.

Eileen and Tony leave her house together, talking about Jason. Jason comes past and stops to talk just as Tony's saying the house needs repointing. Jason disagrees. Mary comes along and commiserates with Jason over losing the gym job. Kal's father told her about it. Tony's still going on about the pointing.

Jake's crying as Anna and Izzy head for the taxi office.

Jason tells his father that if there's any work needs doing on the house, he'll do it himself.

Gary phones Owen. We don't hear Gary's side of it, just Owen's. "What kind of accident? Where? How did it happen? Where is he now? Is anybody else there? Have you called an ambulance?" He tells Gary to calm down and stay put.

Izzy's panicking the taxi office won't have a people-carrier available. She can't get into the other taxis.

In the back of the pub, Amy tells Liz she likes her hair. Liz appreciate the compliment. She prissies herself up a bit and asks Amy how she looks. "Gorgeous!" says Amy. (Are we sure this is Tracy's child?). "Gorgeous? Oh, that's what I like to hear," says Liz. "I don't hear that enough. Your Grandad used to say it occasionally." She tells Amy that a compliment goes a long way. She muses for a while on the value of compliments. Amy asks where she's going. Liz is going out with Deirdre, into town. She stands up and adjusts her decolletage. "That's me. Let battle commence!"

Beth and Sinead are already out. They've arrived at a big bingo hall and Beth thinks it's going to be a bit of fun. Sinead warns here it won't be. It'll be deadly serious, very intense and there will be people there working their cards with two dobbers! Beth's got a blister and asks a passing bingo-goer if she's got a plaster she can give up. "You should wear shoes that fit," the woman says, but she hands over a plaster.

Lloyd finishes loading Anna, Izzy, the baby, the buggy and the wheelchair into the people-carrier. Izzy urges him to drive fast but safely.

Owen meets Gary and Gary tells him he and Phelan got into a fight. "I just lost it." He tells Owen that Phelan is on the ground where he left him. "Does he need an ambulance?" asks Owen. "He's still breathing," says Gary. Owen's appalled that this is the best Gary can say.

Jason moans to Todd about Tony. Todd thinks Eileen would like Tony back. He points out to Jason that although it was Tony's suggestion for him to raise his bid for the gym work, nobody made him do it. He could have said No. "So who are you really upset with?" Eileen and Tony come into the house after Tony's checked the pointing in the back. Jason makes some pointed comments about Tony running off with seven hundred quid but Tony doesn't rise to this. He tells Eileen Jason's a good lad and he's proud of him and he's sorry about the gym.

Although Phelan's apparently lying unconscious from a head injury, Owen and Gary sit in Owen's ute cab (aka pick-up cab) and Gary tells Owen why he confronted Phelan and what Phelan said about Anna.

Mary reports back to Dev that Jason's upset. Dev regrets not giving him the gym work. Friendship's more important than business. Kal comes in and says he warned Dev not to let his father railroad him into anything. "But how did it happen?" asks Dev. "It was like some sort of magic trick." Kal says he's had 40 years of it. Stella arrives and Mary tells her cryptically that a "certain someone" is 50 tomorrow. Stella congratulates Mary, who's only in her late 30s! Mary grumpily points out she meant Dev. Dev accepts Stella's congratulations and as soon as he's out of earshot, Stella tells the others they should throw him a surprise party.

Owen's having a go at Gary while they walk to the back of the site. There's a surprise when they get there - Phelan is gone!

In the pub, Steve, Lloyd, Andrea, Kal and Stella discuss Dev. Steve says Dev throws out hints about his birthday every year. Stella says Dev's had a horrible year and deserves a party. It'd just need some nibbles and a bowl of punch.

Liz comes back. Deirdre had backed out of their night out and claimed to have sent Liz a text saying so, which Liz didn't get. Liz sees Tony sitting on his own and looks thoughtful.

Gary and Owen look for Phelan. Gary hopes this means Phelan wasn't as badly hurt as he thought. Owen thinks it's possible Phelan woke up and didn't remember how he got there. Gary doesn't think Phelan will have got far and he's worried the man will have fallen into a ditch somewhere. "If he's dead, I'm finished," he says. Owen replies: "If he isn't, mate, we both are!"

Over dinner at home, Todd tells Eileen and Jason that Tony was just trying to help Jason but it backfired. He suggests Jason forgives Tony. Where did Todd learn to become such a manipulator?

The bingo's over and Beth's grumpy. Not only has she got a blister but she didn't win anything, though someone in the room won big. They see the plaster lady walking towards them counting a lot of money. The woman recognizes them and asks after Beth's foot. Beth replies that they'll have to get the bus home because she can't walk. "You do right, kid. Treat yourself," the woman says. As she walks away, our two speculate she'll be the one going home in the pink Hummer.

Liz has a drink with Tony. She appears to be cross-examining him about past relationships. They discuss relationships in general and Tony's against them. He likes being single. So does Liz. They toast being single. Liz says, though, that a bit of company doesn't do any harm. Tony agrees. Their heads get closer.

At the bar, they're still talking about a possible surprise party. Stella says it can't be at the Rovers - that would be too much like just another night in the pub. She suggests they have it at her place. She'll invite Dev out to the bistro and then take him back home so everyone can surprise him. Dev comes in and they change the subject.

Beth and Sinead head for the bus stop and realise the plaster lady is catching a bus, too. They discuss buses and taxis. The plaster lady doesn't trust taxi drivers - once they find out where you live they can come back and rob you. Sinead defends taxis drivers, saying you can't say they're all the same. She says people have a down on traffic wardens, too, but she's sure some of them must be lovely. The lady doesn't like bus drivers, either - her ex-husband was one and she says they're worse than taxi drivers. "But it's cheap and it stops outside my house." Beth removes her boot because her blister's too sore. There's a lad waiting for the bus, too, though it seems he isn't really. While Beth fusses with her boot he lunges for the plaster lady's bag. Beth isn't having that. She struggles with him, hitting him with her boot and shouting at him. He lets go the bag and runs away. Beth hobbles after him but can't catch him. The plaster lady's quite shaken and Beth's annoyed she wasn't able to catch the boy. But Sinead is full of admiration. "Auntie Beth, you completely saw him off!"

Gary and Owen have been looking but there's no sign of Phelan. Owen says they can't mention any of this to Anna, not even Phelan's behaviour towards her. Gary's worried about the police. Owen's more worried about any retaliation from Phelan or his friends. "We don't know what this lunatic is into." Gary wants to call the police and claim self-defence but Owen tells him not to. There are no witnesses and they don't know what Phelan will do or even whether he's alive. He says they'll have another drive around and if they don't see Phelan they'll sit tight. His phone rings - it's Anna telling him about Jake. Owen says they'll be at the hospital in ten minutes. He tells Gary the plan has changed because Jake's at the hospital. "Is he all right?" asks Gary. "I dunno, but if Phelan's in a ditch he'll have to stay there."

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

Written by: Simon Crowther
Directed by: Tony Prescott

Owen drops Gary off at the hospital, and then makes a call to Phelan, leaving a message on his answer machine about normal work stuff. Inside the hospital Izzy and Anna are being told, to their relief, that little Jake has a bit of a urine infection, but apart from that is perfectly fine and fit to go home with medication.

Gary shows up, and both women want to know where he has been, and why he didn't pick up his phone. He struggles to find an answer.

The police have arrived at the bus stop now, and Beth, Sinead and Maureen, their Bingo friend, are explaining what happened. The latter sings Beth's praises to the policeman, telling them how she had chased after the robber and managed to get her handbag for her. On being asked for a description, Sinead tells them he was white, 5ft 8 1/2", wore glasses and had his track suit bottoms tucked into his shoes. (Wow! She really got a good look didn't she? Right down to the half inch!) Maureen remarks that her grandson always wears his trackies inside his shoes too, doesn't understand it. Beth agrees, wondering if they do it because they are afraid of mice.

Maureen goes on to say she is so grateful to Beth, because she had just won at the Bingo, and would have lost a small fortune, but more important than that, she has her husband in her bag. "You what?" says Beth. She has though, she pulls out the tiniest little urn you ever saw. Beth asks, as Sinead struggles to keep from laughing, "Was he quite a little fellow then?" Maureen explains that the rest of her bus driver husband is at Windermere, where they had their honeymoon.

Beth complains to the policeman that they have missed two buses home while they have been talking to him, so he promptly offers them all a lift. (I have to tell you here that Maureen is a wonderful Corrie character, and would love to see her come into it full time. Incidentally, she is played by Enid Dunn, Antony Cotton's (Sean) mother)

Liz is enjoying having a drink with Tony in the Rovers, Eileen comes in and is shocked to realise they are together. She sarcastically mentions to Tony that Jason is at home licking his wounds, and is glad to see he is as upset as his son, and not to mind, she will pick up the pieces like she always has where he is concerned.

He retorts that she shouldn't have to pick up the pieces as he is 28 years old. "He's 30", snaps Eileen. Liz looks shocked that he didn't know his own son's age.

Liz has a bit of a go at Tony after they are left alone. Giving him a hard time about being a dead beat dad. However, he soon charms her round, and she agrees to sit with him a bit longer. Over at the bar, Andrea asks Steve if that is Eileen's ex, and Steve tells her it is, and she can't stand him. She remarks it didn't look that way to her.

Katy is trying to help Faye with her homework, but it's like the blind leading the blind when it comes to composite and prime numbers. The rest of the family arrive back from the hospital ready to celebrate because the little fellow is fine. (They sure don't need much of an excuse to crack open a bottle of wine in Coronation Street do they?).

Looking out the window, Faye notices a police car outside, which makes Gary jump out of his skin. He is very relieved to see Beth and Sinead getting out of it. Unlike Chesney and Kirk, who want to know if they are in trouble. Sinead tells them on the contrary, Beth is a heroine. "She's on heroin?" says poor Kirkeh.

Owen and Gary are in the back yard now, and still trying to reach Phelan on the phone. Still no answer though, and Gary is extremely worried, his feeling is that if he was alive, he would have contacted them by now.

Beth and Sinead are going over their escapade with Kirk and Chesney, they are quite impressed at Beth's good deed, and decide to head to the Rovers to celebrate her heroic actions.

Gary is taking Izzy and Jake home, and she asks him again why she hadn't been able to get hold of him earlier, and why he is acting so cagey. He blusters that he is just a bit upset about Jake being taken to the hospital, but doesn't really give her a straight answer. She wants to know why he has to go back to the yard tonight, as she wouldn't have thought it would take two of them to lock up. He explains they have things to sort out for tomorrow, but wouldn't be long.

Liz announces to Steve that she is off into town. "With 'im?" he wants to know. She retorts it is none of his business. "Then watch your purse!", says Steve. Tony overhears this, and is not best pleased.

Faye is still fretting over her Maths homework, and asks Anna and Owen if 953 is a prime number, neither of them know, but tell her it's time for bed. (Yes it is Faye!) Owen gets a call from Gary, and giving Anna the same story about having to sort things out for tomorrow, takes off to meet him.

Todd and Jason are doing a bit of brotherly bonding over a glass of whiskey. Todd makes excuses for Tony, saying he is only trying to stick around to be near him, Jason doesn't really believe him though.

The foiled robbery story is getting another airing in the Rovers, and the punters are trying to show an interest, but Lloyd and Andrea are having to stifle their laughter when it comes to the bit about Maureen's husband being in her handbag. Especially when Kirk chimes in that he was nearly taken from her a second time. The story is good enough to get Beth a drink on the house though, so she is happy.

Instead of going to the yard, Gary and Owen head over to Phelan's house, but nobody is home. Gary's imagination starts running riot. He figures his wife has either taken him to the hospital, or is down the morgue identifying him. Owen tells him to calm down, and assures him that whatever it is, they will find out soon enough.

This will be my last update for a while, but Friday's second episode is being left in the very capable hands of Richard.

Bye bye, it's been a blast!

Christine

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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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