With BGT running last week my normal Friday episode has been moved along to Sunday evening. So I am a little later than normal.

This has been a busy week. On Tuesday evening we were at the Press night for "Bakersfield Mist" a new to London play starring the wonderful Kathleen Turner. Short - about 80 minutes including curtain calls but concise and entertaining. It concerns the provenance of a "Jackson Pollock" painting - but thereby hangs a story as to what is truth and what is not and how do experts "know"? Go.

And on Saturday it was off to Woking to see "Things we do for Love" by Alan Ayckbourn starring among others one Natalie Imbruglia, formerly an Australian soap star. This is her stage debut and I am not quite sure she has got it just yet. The rest of the cast are very good.

Back now we look North and on the Street our entertainment this evening was written by Chris Fewtrell, directed by Duncan Foster. Copyright is the property of ITV Studios and our thanks to them for bringing high quality entertainment into our living rooms so often.

There are three main triangle stories running at the moment and we open at Owen's house where Anna is folding the washing and talking to Izzy and Katie, trying not to tell them why relations between her and Owen are at all time low. Despite her obvious reluctance Izzy in particular keeps niggling away; they are Owen's daughters and know him better than anyone; as Anna says it is not his fault. She asks them to drop it - but the girls refuse. Anna says she did it for the family and there is no talking this away. She has done something for which Owen will never forgive her - and then she admits she slept with Phelan which stuns the younger two girls [PC alert I am probably not allowed to call them that - the younger two ladies].

And the other story is another triangle, Peter, Carla and Tina. Carla is in the local rozzer shop being questioned by a single female officer. I thought taped interviews always required two officers. Anyway Carla admits to thinking that Tina was a lying two faced bitch and that she sometimes does get a bit physical.

And in the third triangle Nick and Kal are on running machines at the gym. Nick and Kal are discussing triangle two when Kal admits that Leanne was not alone when THEY found Tina lying in the Street. Nick immediately hears the admission that Leanne and Kal were together and goes off on one. And Carla was looking down from the balcony. Kal realises he has put his foot in it. Kal tries to defuse the situation but Nick insists he tells the truth. Kal apologises - they were going to tell Nick last night.

Anna is now telling the young ladies the full story. Owen was never meant to find out. But now Owen knows. Her secret was killing them. Katie says she cannot deal with it and grabs her coat and goes out.

Nick spends a few moments ranting at Kal about what Leanne means to him and how he feels about her and how Kal had encouraged him to try with her. Kal admits he could not feel worse about it. Kal tries to explain the sequence of events - but it makes little difference to Nick. He wanted Nick to be happy.

The factory girls are discussing the evidence of a woman scorned having possibly killed her rival. Eva observes that no man is worth throwing away your life for - particularly piggin' Peter Barlow. At which point the unkempt, scratched, drunk rolls in looking for Carla - but she is still in the cop shop. Eva tells him what he has done disgusts her and Peter agrees he is disgusted as well. Eva tells him that Simon cried himself to sleep last night. Peter says he will talk to him. Eva does not think Simon wants to talk to Peter. Leanne has told Simon everything - she cannot lie.

Now the police want to know if Carla threatened to kill Miss McDonald (finally some respect is being shown, must have read last week's mini-rant). Carla admits that given the circumstances she might have implied bringing some harm to her person. She was angry. Mrs Barlow does not know what she was intending when she went round to the flat. The other officer comes in and in a meeting outside it was not the fall that did the damage. Apparently the fall was first and the blow which has caused the real damage was inflicted when she was in the Street. Which obviously clears Carla.

We now move to the hospital where Steph, Rita, David and Steph's brother are waiting outside Tina's room. Dennis arrives - looking very smart I should add - to provide support to Rita at this difficult time. David offers to send him packing. Steph drags the others off to the caff allowing Dennis and Rita to sit down together. Rita would love to change places with Tina and Dennis offers her paper handkerchiefs to absorb her tears.

Carla has to repeat her story - the flat was empty, the place was a mess and she did not see anyone else. The police believe it was attempted murder.

Leanne is explaining to Gail why Nick has not been told. And the attack on Tina is not a good reason. Gail eventually accepts Leanne's explanation - until Tina is better. Nick storms into the bistro and gives Leanne a real telling off for carrying on behind his back. Nick does not want to hear any story. And he looks at her and says "Once a whore ...".

After the break we are back at the hospital and David takes the others, including Dennis away in a taxi, leaving Rita to stay with Tina. She thanks them all for coming.

Anna feels so ashamed. Izzy does not know what she would have done. They discuss how bad it was and it was the only way out she could find to stop it. Anna still feels she had to do it. It was her choice and she does not think Owen will ever find the other side of it.

At the station front desk Rob is creating about them holding a pregnant woman and making a real fuss; even stating to the officer that he is sure that Carla did not do it - and he knows that for a fact [how can anyone know anything that certainly - of course he did it; but he is in fact attempting to direct the blame at Peter]. Carla and the police officers emerge, with Carla looking tired. Michelle supports Carla and the latter tells Rob she just wants to go home.

Leanne storms in to tear a strip off of Kal. He apologises but said he was not prepared to lie directly. Leanne says that neither Nick nor she will ever trust Kal again. And if you could see the look on Leanne's face you would go into hiding too. Great little performer as always. Kal tries to look on the bright side now that everyone knows about the two of them. She soon puts him right - there is no two of them any longer.

Rob, Michelle and Carla return to the Rovers - Carla has been released for now. Sal says she has been taking care of the factory - "Mrs Barlow". Carla thanks her but says that for reference it will in future be "Mrs Connor". (See proper names). Tina overhears this and says there is nothing wrong with the name Barlow! Deirdre tells Tracy to shut up. Michelle is going to change her bed and Mrs Connor can sleep there and she and Steve will use the sofa. Steve does not look amused. He agrees. But Carla wants to go to the flat. Tracy and Deirdre head to the flat to ensure Peter is not there; Beth suggests that if he is there a bottle of drambuie on the steps outside will soon flush him out.

Nick is at Gail's house and is sounding off to Gail when she lets slip that she also knew something was going on between the other two sides of this triangle. Nick cannot believe his ears (and an after effect of the accident no doubt) that Gail knew and had forgotten to tell him. She wanted to say but accepted their request to do it themselves. David chips in - he does not understand why Nick is surprised, Gail always everything and forgets to pass it on. Gail thinks this is unfair. Nick turns on David and says it is his fault because of what he became after the accident David caused. Nick carries on shouting, saying that Gail and David are never going to be able to help him and he storms out. He does not to be part of that family.

Peter is in indeed in the flat. With a fag in one hand and a half bottle of whisky in the other. Dreary suggests he puts the drink down - but he can't as he has to lift it to his mouth and he has only had a few small ones. Tracy tells him to pull himself together and heads to pack his clothes and suggests Dreary gets him to drink some coffee. Peter assures his step mother he did not do it. She says he can come and stay with them, and he thanks her but Tracy points out the house is not large enough and with Rob there it would be very awkward. If Rob does not like it Dreary responds Rob knows what he can do.

Katie returns to the homestead and she refuses to listen. She has tried to understand and that things were bad - but it all feels so wrong she cannot accept it. So Katie is going to stop with Steph for a bit and goes to pack her stuff. Izzy thinks she will come round in time. Anna gets Izzy to promise not to tell Gary.

Carla arrives back at the flat with Rob and says she hates the place. Rob is going to give the police the man what dunnit. Rob admits that he knew about Peter and Tina and on the basis of a promise from Peter had decided to protect her. Rob assures her she is not going to prison and Peter is going to pay - he is going to make sure of that.

At the hospital David returns and chats to Rita. Dennis is worried about Tina - no-one knows if there has been progress. The doctor emerges to say that things have worsened and they are taking her to the operating theatre to relieve the pressure on her brain or she will die. And we close on a shot of Tina.

And what have we learned this week?

Well frankly if you are married (Peter and Leanne) or in a relationship (Anna) then do not have a relationship with a third party whether you are:
a) ducking your responsibilities (Peter)
b) scared of your partner (Leanne)
c) being blackmailed (Anna)
unless you all want it to go seriously wrong later.

By the way does anyone who is in charge of Corrie ever worry that they are over doing the unfaithfulness card at the moment? There are other stories to be told but three stories and the entire show are about one (well three but you know what I mean) subject. Which just might be overkill for the viewers.

I won't be here on Friday. Martin will. I will be back in a couple of weeks' time.
Richard

Written by Joe Turner Directed by Tony Prescott

Tina's flat is still a trashed mess. Luke has brought Steph home with Katy tagging along. Steph wonders, if Peter was the one that hurt Tina, why did he trash the flat and take her bracelet?

In the hospital, Rita is sitting vigil at Tina's bedside. She's bereft. She's scared. The doctor pops his head in but can't answer Rita when she asks if Tina's going to be ok.

Rob is urging Carla to eat something but she's busy with her address book, looking for her lawyer's phone number. She's taking control starting now. She calls the number and leaves a message.

Peter comes out to the bright light to get the milk. It looks painful! (The light on his head, not the milk). Across the road, Anna asks Tim to pick Faye up after school. They walk on and pass Sally who's come out from under Tim's ladder (he's been cleaning her windows). She offers lasagna for tea at 6 and reminds him of a county flower show on Saturday. He's unimpressed by the prospect of Lasagna. Again. And pretends he's got a stag do on Saturday.

David has brought a coffee for a police officer who is at the hospital. She's been posted there to make sure whoever did that to Tina doesn't try anything again. Inside, Rita is still at Tina's side. David goes in. He tells Rita he thinks Tina will be ok. Finally, someone actually mentions Tina's mother. David said he thinks Gail has her number. Surely, that's Tina's next of kin and she'd have been informed long since? Rita urges Tina to wake up.

Steve and Michelle look a bit glum. Steve wants to go to the hospital but just as they begin to talk about that, they hear the dulcet tones of "Gangnam Style" wafting out from the living room where Amy is practicing her dance for the school show. Steve had obviously forgot. Amy persuades both of them to dance with her as she needs to practice in a group but it's time for school so they'll do it after. I really hope they do. I SO want to see Steve do the moves for Gangnam Style!! Oh heck, I got my wish already as Steve bops around after they leave.

Leanne is moaning about her disaster of a life filled with catastrophes. Simon comes in and asks to go see Tina in hospital. Leanne isn't so sure but says she'll find out if they can go after school. Nick arrives so Eva says she'll take Simon to school to leave them to talk.

Rob tries to find out how Tina is but the hospital won't tell him anything over the phone. Tony walks by and Rob has a go at him for getting Tracy involved in his transport scheme. He points out Tracy changed her mind and he and Tracy need to sort themselves out.

Leanne apologizes for how Nick found out. He passes her wages to the end of the week and says they can't work together. He's also starting divorce proceedings and she's sacked, by the way.

Tracy asks Peter if there's any news but he's in the dark. Carla won't talk to him and the police won't let him go to the hospital. Tracy suggests he eat something, even if only to soak up the alcohol. Peter and Tracy bicker as Rob comes in with a snarky remark at Peter's expense. Rob won't tell Peter how Carla is and blames it all on Peter's drinking, lying and cheating. He rants and rips one out of Peter, grabbing him by the throat raging that he should be the one in hospital, not Tina! Tracy drags him away Leaving Peter with a healthy dose of guilt.

After the break, Tracy and Rob are in the ginnel. She thinks Rob should leave Peter to her and then Rob lays into Tracy for getting involved with Tony's schemes. He's near a freak out, frantic about all the lies. Everything is a mess! She tries to calm him down and he manages to get a grip on himself. She verifies that they are ok and takes him away to the shop.

Julie, Eva and Sally are enjoying lunch in the cafe. Sally is moaning that Tim doesn't want to go to the flower show. They all agree that men make the effort at first, as do women. Eva mentions she even went to a football match with Jason when they were first dating. Sally muses that she and Tim have probably stopped making the effort. Julie advises doing something about it, maybe cook a really nice tea, wear something sexy and put candles on the table. Sally thinks that's a grand idea.

Peter's outside having a cig and sees a blonde woman dressed very smartly in black and white buzz the flat. Carla lets him in and Peter runs across the road hoping to talk to Carla. He starts buzzing but Deirdre tries to pull him away. Inside, the solicitor finds out that Carla's been suspected of attempted murder.

We're back at the hospital. The consultant is in with Tina. David, Rita and a newly arrived Steph wait outside. Steph confirms that she's spoken to the police. The consultant tells them that the surgery was a success and the pressure on her brain is decreasing but she's still in critical shape. Rita wonders if they have any reason to hope. He says she's taken the first step.

Faye is telling her father about photosynthesis making plants green. Anna comes home and thanks Tim for picking up Faye. He's invited for tea. Pizza and oven chips and he agrees.

Pauline (Carla's solicitor) has heard the lot and is leaving, she tells Carla to call her the minute the police call. She meets Michelle at the door. Carla pours Michelle a hot drink and asks her to find out how Tina is. Michelle has bad news, she can't find out anything as she's not family and Carla can't go to the hospital because she's a suspect. Carla's frustrated not knowing. The door buzzes. Michelle answers it in case it's Peter. But it isn't, it's Roy come to visit. Awwww.

Luke is telling Tony and Liz in the pub about the trashed flat that took ages to clean up. Liz asks him to let them know when Steph gives him an update. Tracy and Rob comes in and Tracy even asks if there's news and avers that no news is good news. Liz looks surprised Tracy even cares! She's probably only asked for Rob's sake. She nips to the loo. Michelle pulls Rob to one side for a word. Elsewhere Eva and Julie are gassing about Tina's affair and how tiring it would be to juggle two men at the same time. Michelle tells Rob that Carla wants to go to the hospital and badly wants news. She asks Rob if he could go. He doesn't think Tracy would take it too well but Michelle figures he could get away from her somehow.

In the back, Steve and Amy are dancing (!). Liz leads two police officers in and turns the music off. Michelle comes in behind them as the police officer asks to talk to all three adults again.

Tracy comes back from the ladies' room to find Rob gone. Neither Luke nor Tony know where he went. Sally comes in and asks Eva and Julie if they've seen Tim. He's late. She's pushed the boat out and it'll all be ruined and now she's on the warpath. Liz comes back out and tells Tony what's going on. Tony tells her to imagine them sitting there in their underwear, it'll make them less scary. Liz thinks about this. Hmmmm... Tony realizes one of the police officers is a male and it's probably giving her ideas so he's changed his mind! She chuckles.

Rob arrives at the hospital just as David is coming out to call David. He tells Rob Tina's not awake yet. David leads a very reluctant Rob back in to see Tina.

Steve is telling the police that he's lived on the street nearly all his life. They want him to go over what Carla said again as she was leaving the pub, the threat she said, her emotional state. Steve points out every one says things like that. He also tells them he doesn't think Carla nor Peter could have done it. They bring up Peter's affair and Steve lets slip that he knew about the affair and he had to lie and pretend he didn't know to Michelle and everyone else. Uh oh. Now they wonder if he's forgotten to tell them anything else?

Rob and David stand outside Tina's room looking through the window at her motionless body, hooked up to a ventilator and tubes and monitors. It's a grisly sight. He looks uncomfortable when David says that she could wake up anytime but just then alarms go off in Tina's room. The crash team runs in and starts working on Tina, pushing Rita out and closing the blinds. Rita urges them all to be strong for Tina while Rob looks panicked as the episode ends.

Part 2

Written by Joe Turner
Directed by Tony Prescott

The crash team works to start Tina's heart.

Steve comes out of the interview after an hour. Liz's turn. Steve avoids telling Michelle too many details because the police told him not to discuss the details. He pretends it's so that he and Michelle can't synchronize their stories. She thinks that's stupid. She knows something's up.

At the hospital, people are running in and out of the room but not taking the time to talk to those waiting.

Carla has made Roy tea. He says he's not very good at giving support, not like her. He hesitantly tries to explain, he doesn't really know what she's experiencing. They talk about their chat with the police. He explains that he saw Peter go into the flat and come out looking agitated. He then invites her to go to the pub. She's not sure why she'd want to go. He is unsure but it seems like that's what most people end up doing. He's trying, bless him. She decides to go along with him and asks him to wait while she changes. It's been an awkward conversation to say the least but as Carla passes behind Roy, she grasps his shoulder briefly. Nice gesture. Lovely quiet scene, this.

Liz is back out in the bar talking to Steve, worried that she should have said something earlier and none of this would have happened. Steve reveals he knew as well. He confesses that he told the police which was why he was in there so long. She declares he must tell Michelle but he doesn't know how, though he knows he's going to have to. Michelle comes out with the police and sees them out. Liz watches Steve with a pointed look. Michelle says they wouldn't share anything about Carla. Steve escapes to the cellar, much to Liz's chagrin.

It's not looking good at the hospital. The consultant looks at the clock grimly.

Peter sees Carla and Roy come out of the flat and runs over, trying to apologize for what he'd said but Roy interrupts and soundly puts Peter in his place, pointing out that if he respected his wife, he would leave Carla alone. Peter won't move out of the way. Roy looks at him. "Are you threatening me?" he asks, politely. Peter backs down and Roy brushes past him and ushers Carla into the pub.

Everyone is waiting on tenterhooks. Pacing. Rob clearly feels out of place. Inside the room, we hear it's been 15 minutes. Rita sighs, outside.

Sally blows out the candles and turns off the music. She turfs the lasagna in the bin.

Peter comes home. Deirdre tells him she's having a bath and will leave the immersion on. Oh, and she tells him there's a documentary on later about someone that makes pottery! (Yay! I love that pottery still makes an appearance in Number 1 now and then!) Peter doesn't look inclined to the documentary so Deirdre makes herself scarce. He wanders into the kitchen and digs a bottle out from under the sink.

Still working on Tina. The sounds of the alarms and bleeps of monitors sound over scenes of people waiting in the pub as if they know. Peter's drinking. The consultant advises that they give up. They do and name the time of death at that moment, 19:55. They draw the covers over her body, leaving her bruised face showing. The doctor goes out to tell the "Family". When next we see the "family" Rita is sobbing in David's arms with Steph helping to hold her up. Rob is looking ash white and stricken.

After the break, Rob walks through the hospital corridor. The consultant lets Rita and David in to see Tina. Rita staggers around the bed, hardly able to walk. She smooths Tina's hair as she tells her she didn't mean to shout at her. David has tears running down his face. silent in his grief. He mutters that he's done so many stupid things and it isn't fair that this has happened to Tina. He touches her hand and then turns around sobbing. Rita rushes to hold him and they cry together.

Deirdre comes downstairs to find no Peter and an empty bottle.

Tim comes home to find an angry Sally amid the remnants of a fancy meal, the table still set with the nice dishes. They have an argument about her efforts and why Tim didn't ring her. She worked her fingers to the bone and he never even called. The phone rings and she shouts when she answers it. It's Sophie and Sally apologizes.

Carla and Michelle are talking to Roy about what he'd said to the police and Michelle confirms that neither she nor Roy were told not to talk about their interviews. Roy surmises that different people may be told different things. Elsewhere, Norris is sitting with Dennis and speculating about whoever attempted to kill Tina. He's implying it's someone in the pub (Carla's in the pub) to which Dennis and Sean both take umbrage. Innocent until proven guilty and all that and Sean names Carla as a friend but no, he wasn't there. Neither was Norris who thinks both suspects should be locked up. Rob arrives and they can see he's upset. He quietly tells Carla and Michelle and Roy that Tina died 20 minutes ago. Oh heck. Michelle stands up and tells everyone in the pub. Everyone is stunned to silence. Michelle takes Carla into the back. Tracy comes over to find out why Rob went to the hospital and didn't tell her. He rolls his eyes and says "just this once, maybe it's not about you"

Tim and Sally are sitting together, quiet. Sophie had called to tell them about Tina, having heard from Steph. They apologize to each other for their argument. He tells her that he thinks Anna and Owen are having a rough time, too. Sally and Tim say they should both make more of an effort.

Carla is shocked. She didn't want Tina dead. Michelle describes Tina as a girl that got into more trouble than she could handle. Michelle reckons the police will end up thinking Peter was the one that did it. Rob is looking upset listening to Carla rant that she hasn't got a way of proving she didn't do it.

Leanne knows, too, and doesn't know how she's going to tell Simon. Eva has told her. Leanne worries about Simon and what if Peter really was the one that did it? Eva thinks Nick was out of order sacking her. Leanne says she doesn't know what she's going to do but Simon's her priority. Eva pledges her support.

In the pub, Rob has come back out from the back room. Tracy takes him to a booth to sit down. Liz is upset, too. It's so unreal. She feels a bit responsible. Tony comforts her. Rob is clearly not ok. Tracy reminds him they'd lied about where they were when Tina was killed. Roy in turn reminds her they have to keep lying. No choice.

Rita is in a darkened Kabin. Dennis is banging on the door and won't go away until he knows she's ok so she lets him in. She's in bits over her last awful conversation with Tina. Dennis assures her that Tina knew how much Rita cared and she'd have done everything to help her and Tina would still have done just what she wanted. Rita sobs "They all go...." Dennis holds her at her invitation.

Carla and Liz lean over the bar together. Over to one side, a sympathetic Kylie is there for David. She knows David cared about Tina and asks him not to cut her out if he needs her. Tracy admits life will be less interesting without Tina but at least she won't be causing them any more problems. Steve and Michelle are hugging as well. The door opens. Peter comes in. All eyes turn. He says he doesn't want any trouble. He only wants to talk to Carla. David and Liz both tell Peter to leave. Carla isn't bothered if he stays. He wants her to go somewhere to talk but she has no intention. He begs. There might be a chance if they can talk. Carla realizes Peter doesn't know the news so she tells him Tina's dead. She also accuses him of killing Tina even if he didn't mean to (she doesn't know about the blunt object to the head bit). Peter is crushed but insists he didn't kill her. Rob listens quietly. Carla goes behind the bar to get him a bottle. It makes a pathetic man into a big man, doesn't it??? She shoves the bottle at him, her rage bubbling up, pushing him away and urging him in whispers to go drink himself to death.

Tvor

Deirdre takes rubbish out to the bin and is shocked to find Peter asleep on the ground in the ginnel. She wakes him up and takes him inside.

Over at the flat, Michelle is trying to get Carla to eat some toast for breakfast, but Carla doesn't feel like eating. She hasn't slept, she's shaking trying to put make up on, and she planning on going in to the factory. "How can she be dead, Michelle?" she asks. Michelle asks if Peter has been in touch. Just then the doorbell rings, but it's not Peter it's the police.

Leanne and Eva are whispering about how to tell Simon about Tina. Simon then comes over to them with a large get-well card he's just made for Tina. "Can we take it to her?" he asks. There's a pause, then Eva kisses him on the head and leaves, and Leanne sits him down telling him she needs him to be really grown up.

Over at the pub, Steve tells Liz he hasn't told Amy yet and explains that Michelle has gone round to see Carla. Steve is now torturing himself over keeping the affair a secret, but Liz assures him that none of this is his fault. Steve says he's going to have to let Michelle know. "How am I going to tell her?" he asks. "Tell who, what?" says Michelle, coming in the door behind him. Steve hastily says he was talking about telling Amy about Tina. Michelle tells them that the police have turned up, asking Carla more questions. Steve gets up and gives her a hug, as Liz goes out to the kitchen. Michelle mutters that if Liz has told them about Peter and Tina's affair, none of this might have happened. Amy comes in just then, asking if they're taking Simon to school today. Steve sits her down. "Something's happened...." he says.

Deirdre is mopping the wounds on Peter's head when Rob and Tracy come in. Rob says he thought Peter might have done a runner by now. He offers to take Tracy to the cafe for breakfast, and as they're leaving Tracy advises Peter that boozing will only make it all worse. Now more than ever he needs a clear head. "Take it from somebody that's been there," she says. Peter says that the difference is that he didn't do it. "I know that," says Tracy, "but the police don't." As soon as they've gone, Peter gets up and leaves too.

Out in the Street, Rob sees Carla being taken away by the police, she says they want her to answer some more questions. Rob whips out his phone and calls Carla's solicitor.

Steve and Michelle have broken the news to Amy. Steve asks if she's ok. Amy's fine. "Why wouldn't I be?" she says, and goes on to ask if she can practice her dance routine for the competition, one more time. They tell her she has to get to school, but that Michelle and Steve will be coming to watch her later. When Steve has taken her off, Liz wonders if she should shut the pub today, as a mark of respect to Tina. Michelle is outraged. She says that Tina didn't have much respect for anyone else, she was sleeping with Peter while pretending to be Carla's mate.

Gail is at home, sniveling into a hankie, when Kylie comes in moaning about how David can't stop going on about Tina. When she sees that Gail is tearful she stops, amazed. "What's up?" she asks. Gail is cross. "What do you think, you silly, selfish girl?" she snaps, and goes on to remind Kylie that Tina was her stepdaughter, David's stepsister. Just then the phone rings.

David, Rita and Dennis are putting flowers at the spot where Tina fell, when Peter comes along. David shouts at him to keep away. "You did this, you killed her!" he shouts. Peter gets tearful and says that he cared about her. "You used her," says Dennis. "Like you use everybody," adds Rita. They walk off, and Peter sinks to his knees. "I'm sorry," he says.

Just then a taxi pulls up and Carla gets out and starts walking along the Street. Peter stands up and rushes over. She tells him to keep away from her. "Let me explain," says Peter, grabbing her arm. Carla slaps his face. "It's a little bit late for that, lover, " she spits, and goes inside the cafe.

Carla is in the cafe, asking Roy if Peter is still outside. Roy can't see him. She tells Roy that the police have told her that Tina was hit by a blunt instrument after she'd fallen. She tells him how her solicitor arrived at the police station and she was released. He tells her she needs to take care of herself for the sake of the baby. Carla tells him the baby is the only thing that's keeping her going. She says she's going to the factory and he gives her a selection of cakes for the workers.

On her way across the Street, she meets up with Rob, and tells him that she kept telling the police she didn't do it, so they let her go.

Tracy goes into the pub and asks Steve if he can give her a lift to Amy's show later. Just then the police officer comes in and says she needs to speak to Steve some more about himself and Mr. Barlow. Steve offers to go to the police station.

Peter is sitting in the bus shelter with a vodka bottle. Simon and Leanne come along and he hastily puts the bottle under the seat. Simon shouts at him that Tina is dead and it's all his fault, he hates him! Peter swears that he never hurt Tina, he cared about her. Simon is distraught. "She's still dead!" he cries.

Gail and Kylie are discussing the 'Restorative Justice' scheme that she got the phone call about. Kylie can't see why Gail would want to meet the loser who burgled them. Gail tells her that reoffending rates are lower, and the victims get a sense of closure. Gail's going to do it, she reckons it will empower her.

Leanne and Simon are putting flowers where Tina fell when Tracy and Rob come along. Tracy asks if Simon will be at the talent contest at school later, but Leanne says she's keeping him off for a while. Simon suddenly rushes over and hugs Tracy!

Carla is in the office discussing starting new lines with a very skeptical Sally. Michelle comes in and reminds them at it's half past five so Sally goes off home.

Deirdre is in the pub, telling Liz that Peter would never hurt a woman. Just then Sally and Eva come in, and Eva tells Liz that Carla has been behaving all day like Karen Brady on crack! Deirdre wonders if she's trying to cover up a guilty conscience. Just then Tim comes in and tells Sally that he's realised that life is short so he's decided to cancel the stag do he was going to and go with her to the flower show instead!

Michelle and Carla come in then, Michelle asks Liz to call Steve so they can go to Amy's show. Liz says she doesn't know where he is but is sure he'll be back any minute. Michelle says Amy will be in bits if he misses it. Carla asks Deirdre if she's going to go. Deirdre replies that she's staying in in case Peter needs her. Carla thinks that unless he wants to borrow £20 for a bottle of vodka, she won't see hide nor hair of him. Deirdre says she's sure he's not capable of murder, but everyone already seems to have made their minds up about him. Carla reminds her that she already has one murderer in the family. "It's not much of stretch to think that you might have two," she says.

Outside, Tracy and Rob find Peter in the bus shelter, very drunk, and Tracy goes over to him. Just then Michelle and Carla come out of the pub and see him too. As Carla walks over to him she suddenly doubles over in pain. Rob goes over to Peter and starts calling him scum and starts a fight with him, as Carla falls down in the Street in terrible pain and distress.

Anne Logan

There's lots of screaming on the cobbles and only some of it is coming from Carla. Peter thinks he should be with her. Michelle, in full screaming djinn mode is adamant that he shouldn't be anywhere near Carla. Peter tries to hold Carla but Carla manages to squeeze out "Get him off me!" and Michelle hits him. Michelle sends Rob for the car so they can take Carla to the hospital. Tracy objects. They've got plans. [I also object. I object every single darned time someone in a TV drama decides a car ride is better than calling an ambulance. On another soap, a nurse - a nurse! - said they should take someone having a heart attack in the car because it was quicker than waiting for an ambulance. Grrrrr!!!] [Rant mode off] Rob does go to fetch the car. Peter tells Carla: "This is our baby so if there's a problem I need to be there." That's not what Michelle thinks. I had occasion to pause the recording while making my notes and her face was very scary indeed. "She doesn't want you here, so just do one!" she bellows.

While all this is going on, Rita, Dennis and Norris watch on. Rita wonders if they should be there, since they're not being any help. Norris thinks they should at least wait until the car leaves. "Worried you might miss something?" asks Dennis.

Carla is crying loudly. On pause her hair appears to be made of coir. The car arrives and Carla is helped into the back seat. Peter's almost sober now. "Can you at least let me know what's going on," he pleads. "Can you do that?" Michelle asks for someone to let Liz know where she's gone and Rita says she will.

In the car, a distraught Carla looks at Michelle and shakes her head.

As the car heads down the street, Peter staggers away just as Deirdre arrives. "What's happened now?" she asks.

The detective (played by the lovely Emma Cunliffe, whom you might remember from The Lakes) returns to where Steve sits in the interview room. He wants to know if this will take long because he's got a talent contest to go to. He explains about Amy and realises he's yapping on. "That always happens when I talk to a copper . . . policeman . . . I mean policewoman." DS Hawthorn wants to ask him more questions about Peter and Tina. She doesn't think Steve's telling her everything. Steve admits he hasn't even told Michelle he knew. The detective thinks Peter obviously trusted Steve. Did he tell Steve he was planning to leave his wife? "Yeah, but he changed his mind every other day," Steve says. Peter was going to leave Carla and then he said he was going to finish with Tina and stay with Carla. Now the detective's very interested. "When was this?" This was the day it all kicked off. The detective wants to know how Peter thought he could break it off with Tina without Tina running to Carla. Steve says, "He thought he could get to her - close her down." Steve realises how bad that sounds. "I don't mean permanently. He wanted to bin her off, not bump her off!"

Back at Deirdre's, Peter is crying. "Carla's in agony and I'm not allowed anywhere near." Deirdre can't believe Peter can possibly think he still has a chance with Carla. Peter says this has all made him realise what he's got to use. Deirdre offers to make him a coffee. "I'd rather have a wine," he says. Good try, Peter. Deirdre tells him firmly that there's not a drop of alcohol in the house. Peter's so bereft I actually felt sorry for him.

At the hospital, Carla's taken to a cubicle and tells the nurse the pain is nine or ten on a scale of ten.

"I had everything, Deirdre," Peter moans. "I had everything and I blew it." "You did," she agrees. He says he's the one who should be driving Carla to hospital. An unsympathetic Deirdre tells him he'd probably wrap the car round a tree. "What have I done? I've wrecked everything. Why did I ever go near Tina?" Peter stops short of saying "oh, woe is me" but not far short. Deirdre has the answer. "Because you're vain and arrogant," she says. "You thought you could have your cake and eat it as well. But this time it's not just heartache you've caused. How can you be so selfish? After everything that's happened, you're wallowing! Pull yourself together!" Peter stands up. "You're right!" He says he needs to be with Carla, to stand by her. "You'd better sober up first," says Deirdre. She goes to make some more coffee. Poooof! Peter vanishes out the front door in a puff of smoke.

Maddie tells Sophie she saw Tim go into a jeweler's shop and come out with a bag which he tried to hide when he saw her. She thinks he's going to pop the question to Sally.

In the Rovers, Tracy is annoyed that neither Steve nor Michelle is available to take her to the school talent contest. Liz points out that she knows why Michelle isn't there because Rob's at the same place. She says she's sure Steve will just have gone straight to the school.

Norris, Rita and Dennis are in a booth. Rita wonders whether it would seem like prying if she phoned the hospital. Dennis reckons Norris would do it like a shot. "Why are you still here?" Norris asks him. Dennis tells him one of the reasons he hesitated to come back was because he knew he'd have to face Norris acting like the keeper of the castle. Rita shuts them both up. She tells Norris Dennis is a comfort to her and she's glad he's here.

At the hospital, Michelle reminds Rob that Carla's four months pregnant. Rob's sure Peter deliberately got Carla pregnant just to keep her occupied so she wouldn't notice what he was up to. Michelle says all she knows is that Carla really wants this baby. Rob thinks he's failed to protect his sister, although Michelle says nobody could have stopped Carla falling for Peter. Peter arrives, to their annoyance, but he says Carla's his wife and he's not going anywhere. "I want to know how she is and I want to know now!"

In a room nearby, Carla sits against some pillows. "There's nothing we can do now, I'm sorry," a nurse says.

Sally arrives at Kevin's house. She's bought the girls some washing-up liquid and other supplies and invites them round for their tea. Even though Maddie's made "my tomato thingy" they agree. Maddie drops enough hints to make Sally suspicious and Sophie reveals that Maddie thinks Tim plans to propose.

Rob tries to get Peter to leave and they scuffle. Michelle tells them to stop. "Carla's going through hell in there and you're acting like a couple of schoolboys." She's all flashing eyes and hissing. She tells Peter she'll send him a text message if anything happens. "Just give her some space, please."

Steve's back and wants to know whether his mother covered for him. "Lied for you, you mean," says Liz. She still doesn't understand why Steve won't tell Michelle everything. Steve checks Michelle's not in the building before he says he doesn't know why he's so scared of getting a rollicking. Liz tells him Tracy had to go to the talent contest on her own because Michelle's at the hospital with Carla. Steve and Liz go into the back room so she can ask why the police wanted to see him again. He says the police think he's covering for Peter. He says he'll tell Michelle everything when she gets back.

Sally meets Julie in the Rovers and confesses Tim might be planning to propose. Julie's excited at this little hint of romance and is surprised Sally thinks it's bad news. "I don't want to get married," Sally tells her. "I've been there, done that, burnt the T-shirt and the rest of the clothes." She says she really likes Tim but doesn't want to marry him. Julie says Sally will break his heart.

Rob and Michelle go into Carla's room. The doctors want her to stay in overnight. Carla has nothing with her so Michelle says she'll go to the flat and get some stuff for her. Carla wants to make sure someone tells Peter she's lost the baby and Rob says he'll do that. Michelle says whatever happens, Carla will always have Michelle and Rob. I'm not sure Carla sees this as much compensation.

Amy and Tracy both fairly stomp back into the pub. Amy's grumpy because Steve wasn't there. Tracy's grumpy because Amy only came sixth out of seven contestants. She wuz robbed! About ten mums came up to Tracy afterwards and said how good Amy was. Steve tells Amy he's sorry but says she's his little winner anyway.

Sally's served salad for tea and Tim moans about it. Salad isn't food. It's what food eats. Sally tells him he was dragged up. Maddie's not very happy because she has emailed Ben's foster mother asking if she can see him and she's had no reply. Sophie points out there's not been much time for her to reply. Tim talks about the hotel he and Sally are going to for their weekend away. Sally gives him the chance to say he doesn't want to go (romantic weekend away - more chance of a proposal) but he says he's keen. He's never been to a flower show before. "Flowers and bushes - yippee!" he says. I'm starting to like Tim more now. He seems to be settling down as a character. Sally asks if he's sure he doesn't mind missing the stag do. No, he doesn't. "It's not like it's my own, is it?" Sally's jaw drops and she wisely fills her mouth with salad.

Carla's asleep but Rob talks to her anyway. He's let her down again as her brother. Peter's not the first crazy alcoholic to make her suffer and he didn't protect her either time. "I'm so sorry, Carla. I'm going to put things right. I will never let him hurt you again. I mean it. He's not going to get away with this. I will make him pay." He gets up and leaves the room.

Peter sneaks into it. He also talks to Carla, thinking she's asleep but she isn't. She looks at him. "You lost it," he says gently. Chris Gascoyne plays a blinder in this episode, managing to make us feel sorry for Peter. "I'm sorry," he says, putting a hand on Carla.

In the pub, Steve says the flaming judges could scar Amy for life. Michelle comes in and is so upset they realise straight away that Carla lost the baby. Michelle says she hates watching Carla suffer. She's being kept in so Michelle will fetch some things from the flat. She asks Steve how Amy's show was. He says he was at a brewery meeting and only Tracy went. Michelle goes and Steve tells Liz he can't tell Michelle the truth tonight. Not now.

Rob sees Peter at the hospital. Peter seems really devastated. Rob just seems annoyed. "Another death on your conscience!" he tells Peter. "You belong in jail, Peter! That's where you're heading. I am going to make sure it happens!" He watches Peter leave.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Hello. This episode screened the day I took Sam (24) Corrie-stalking. In two hours outside the studio we saw ten Corrie stars before going off to do the tour of the old set. So I can reveal that "Norris" goes to work in a taxi; that "Mary" is quite little and pretty and "David" has a messy car.

Anyway, here we go with episode one for Friday, in which we get the first delicious hints that Sally might be miserable again soon! Yay!

Peter arrives at the breakfast table and sits down. He's not hungry. He takes some tablets and pulls out his phone. Rob comes in and sees him and yells that he'd better not be texting Carla. Tracy also tries to stop him. Peter says it's all he's got if they won't let him see Carla. Deirdre points out that it might make him feel better but it won't help Carla. "What else can I do?" he asks. "She'll think I don't care." Rob suggests he pick out some hymns for his dead girlfriend's funeral. "Shut up and get out!" Deirdre tells him. Tracy objects. That's her future son-in-law she's insulting. Rob can't wait to see Peter in jail and in the meantime wants to punch him. Peter offers himself for punching. Tracy shoves Rob away from the argument.

The nurse tells Carla she has a visitor. She doesn't want any visitors but changes her mind when she hears Roy's voice outside the room. He comes in and sits down and tells her simply: "I'm sorry you lost the baby." He gives her a hanky, one of Hayley's. "I thought it might bring you some comfort," he says. Carla weeps.

Tim calls out to Rob asking for the latest news on Peter. Rob says Peter's as guilty as sin. "Is that what the coppers are saying?" asks Tim. "The rumour mill's in overdrive." Rob glares at him. "Haven't you got some windows to clean?"

Gail's in the salon and she has the appointment book. Audrey thinks she's going to suggest getting the appointments computerized but she's just looking to see how busy Audrey is so she can ask her to come with her when she meets her burglar for a restorative justice meeting. "It's supposed to be very helpful." Audrey thinks the burglar, Michael Rodwell, will be full of flannel but she reluctantly agrees to go with Gail.

When Sophie goes into the cafe Maddie has good news. She's been invited down to stay with Ben and his foster parents for a week. She's already phoned them and asked if Sophie can come too.

Tim's in the cafe with Faye. She tells him that Owen will probably be back from Aberdeen on Monday but nobody tells her anything. She says relationships are difficult and parrots Anna saying there are bills to pay and washing machines breaking down and if it's not one thing it's another. It's clear she hears more of what goes on in that house than anyone thinks.

Roy and Carla sit in silence until he says: "I hope this is a companionable silence rather than an awkward one." Carla says she's glad he came. Roy says life can be cruel and arbitrary, but she already knows that. "Yeah," says Carla, "and so do you." Roy says there's no point in trying to summon a fresh thought, something profound and wise to throw the tragedy into a new light. "I think you would have made an excellent mother," he says. Carla thinks he's the one person with that opinion. "It was a girl," she says. "A little girl." She says the baby chose to opt out, to press the ejector button. "I don't blame her." Carla says that once she got her head round the idea, she really loved the baby. Her tears fall freely. "Now she's gone. Everything's gone."

Eileen asks Steve how things are. She thinks he must be at the eye of the storm. Steve and Liz reminisce about Tina, the way she'd eat all the biscuits when she had a cup of tea before starting her shift. Michelle adds: "Then she'd nip out for a quick bunk up with her married boyfriend with the pregnant wife!" Liz doesn't blame Tina. She says Tina was just a kid. Michelle thinks she was a weapon of mass destruction. Michelle hopes they throw away the key - Peter's as guilty as sin. Eileen asks what happened to "innocent until proven guilty" but Michelle's having none of that. Tracy, intent on upsetting Michelle, suggests maybe Steve did it. Maybe that's why the police are badgering him. Michelle doesn't think asking a few questions means the police are badgering Steve. Tracy, of course, takes great delight in revealing that Steve wasn't at a brewery meeting during Amy's play but down at the copshop helping the police with their inquiries. Steve says he did go to a brewery meeting but met the police when he got back. Michelle's furious. "So why didn't you tell me and what do they think you know?" [Tracy did say "play" when everyone else called it a show. Either the actor got her line wrong or, since she was the only adult who actually went, everyone else was wrong]

Maddie's at work at the garage and Sophie's visiting. Luke lets the phone ring and ring because he doesn't want to tell a customer they haven't even started work on his car yet. Sophie thinks Kevin will be furious. Maddie seems to have a well developed sense of customer service. She phones the customer back, telling him it's "Madeleine from Webster's Auto Company" and she's rejigged the rota, checked the worksheets and the car will be ready and waiting for him at 10.30am and they'll throw in a free dangly Elvis, thanks. She ends the call before the customer can get a word in. Luke asks where he's going to get a dangly Elvis. Now Maddie's annoyed he didn't even say thanks.

It seems the flower show's been cancelled and Tim is keen to stay in and help Sally give the house a good bottoming. Despite all her hinting he still wants to stay and work with her. He tells her they're going to the bistro tonight.

Steve's now confessed to Michelle, even telling her he knew about Tina from the night he and Peter didn't come home. He sits on the sofa and tries to explain his thinking while Michelle paces, makes faces and doesn't do a very good job of crying (Carla definitely wins the crying prize this episode). Steve says he believed he was trying to save Peter's marriage. Peter told him he was going to drop Tina and make a go of it with Carla. "I thought the genie was back in the box." Michelle's furious. "The genie was back in the box? Carla's in Weatherfield General and Tina's in the morgue! Happy days!"

Audrey and Gail wait in a corridor in the prison. Gail is called in for the restorative justice meeting and Audrey reminds her that she'll be just through the wall.

Sally's sent out a mayday to Julie. She's sure Tim's going to propose and she's going to break his heart and he'll leave and . . . Julie tries to tell her she's just catastrophising. She tells Sally not to say No outright, but to say "not yet." Sally's sure that's just a trussed up way of saying No. Julie changes tack. "Tell him yes, but say you want a nice long engagement." Sally likes that idea more. Julie says it will give her time to make her mind up at her leisure. And she'll keep hold of Tim for the foreseeable. "I'm good at this!" Julie says proudly. "Oh, the irony!"

Steve's still trying to explain himself. Michelle's still sneering and insisting he should have told her what was going on. She would have nipped it in the bud! Steve's pathetic. Now Carla's lost her baby, lost the man she loved and everything could have been different. "I thought I was saving his marriage. I thought I could get him back on the wagon," Steve insists. He says every day he wanted to tell her. Michelle thinks he just wanted a quiet life. He's a coward and a traitor.

Rob's brought Carla home and as she gets out of the car Peter approaches. Rob wants him to go and drink himself to death. Peter tells Carla, "I didn't kill Tina. But I feel as if I killed our baby. I can't make that right but I can hold you or you can use me as a punch bag." Rob tells him to back off. "Please let me look after you," Peter asks Carla. She just stares at him. "I loved you. I loved our baby," he says. As she turns to close the door Carla says, "She's gone." Peter realises the baby was a girl.

In the bistro, Tim makes a show of sniffing and tasting the wine. "I'm getting arsenic," he says. "Scotch Bonnet and a whiff of three-for-two." Sally seems quiet but says she's just tired. He promises he's really going to help her tomorrow, even if she doesn't believe he will. He taps his pocket and gets up, telling her he's left something at home. She urges him to stay. Whatever it is doesn't matter. But Tim insists. He kisses her softly and lovingly and goes to fetch it.

In the pub, Steve's getting sympathy from his mother and Eileen. Michelle told him he had blood on his hands. "How over the top is that?" Michelle comes through from the back carrying some luggage. She's not going to be swayed. Liz thinks they've had enough upsets. Michelle says she knows Steve's the apple of Liz's eye, but his face and his voice sicken her. She heads for the door.

The end.
Margaret Carr

First of all I should apologise. After all these years, just as you thought the coast was clear, I return. My colleagues were so desperate that someone should write tonight's report that they dug me out! I think I am covering for Richard tonight as he is off climbing a mountain (cue Sound of Music!)

Carla arrives home from hospital with Rob. Rob says he hates Peter for what he has done however he does realise that Carla as brother and sister she used to love him. Rob tells her that she should put him behind her now and tries to comfort her.

Tim and Sally are in the bistro. Tim puts his hand in his pocket and realises something is missing. He says he will dash out and get it and would be back in two minutes. When he returns he hands Sally a small box. She opens it and it is a watch he had bought for Faye. Sally looks somewhat relieved. Noting the change in mood Tim asks her what he thought it maybe. Sally tells him that she thought it maybe a ring, and laughs it off.

Michelle comes round to Carla's, very angry. She says that she has left Steve because he knew about Peter and Tina and didn't say anything.

In the yard of the Rovers Peter is there waiting for Steve. When Steve comes in and sees Peter, Steve goes ballistic (!) as he blames him for the fact that Steve that Michelle has left him. They are about to come to blows when Liz comes out and puts an end to that.

Gail goes to see Michael, the burglar (Les Dennis) in prison. It is supposed to help both of them, for her to confront her 'attacker' and for him to apologise to the victim and beg their forgiveness. Gail said she thought she was being targeted and dreaded going to bed at night. Michael explains that she was 'picked' at random. He explains he came upon very hard times thanks to the recession and that he was very sorry. As Gail gets up to leave, Michael offers his hands in friendship. Gail was reluctant at first, but then shakes his hand.

Anna is talking things over with Izzy, what she has done. She is dreading Owen returning on Monday. Then Katy walks in and she is disgusted that they are talking about her father in that manner. Faye comes rushing down hoping that Katy is coming home. However Katy says she has only come to collect her belongings. Faye is disappointed.

Peter is having a chat Deirdre. He tells her that the baby was going to be a girl.

Tracy and Tony are in the pub. Rob comes in and says that Carla is in no fit state to run the factory, so he and Michelle are going in to sort the place out. He tells her that she would have to run the shop on her own. She agrees. Then Steve asks Rob how Michelle is. Rob doesn't want to discuss her with him.

Back in the bistro Tim asks Sally if it had been a proposal what she would have said. Sally says she would have said "yes" (this is a change in characters as earlier she was avoiding him getting too close) So they decide to get engaged.

Katy tells Anna that she is still very annoyed with her. . Anna tries to persuade Katy not to move out. She is determined. Faye wonders what it is all about. Anna is worried that she may accidentally blurt out something about Phelan. Izzy tries to comfort Anna.

Tim asks Sally if they should tell the kids their good news. Sally suggests that they should wait until they have got things sorted between them.

Anna tries to persuade Katy not to move out. She is determined. Faye wonders what it is all about. Anna is worried that she may accidentally blurt out something about Phelan.

Outside Carla's flat Peter is banging on the door He wants to see Simon to explain to him that he had nothing to do with Tina's murder. Leanne comes by and says that Simon is very confused and hitting out at everybody.

Steve is in the Rovers feeling very sorry for himself. Liz says he should not put himself down. He is a good man and Carla was lucky to have him.

Carla and Rob are in Underworld. Peter comes in and says that he is going to do all he can to win Carla back, even if it is the last thing he can do!

Okay, you will be pleased to hear that your regular reporter should be back in this hot seat next week.

Martin Rosen

Written by John Kerr Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

Steve is very glum without Michelle. He's not told Amy the real reason why Michelle has left. Liz advises him to talk to Michelle but Steve is pessimistic on that front. He does try, though, with an armful of Dev's flowers. Michelle rains derision and more verbal abuse on him for it. Lloyd expresses a little sympathy and advices. Kiss her goodbye or fight for her. Grovel. Grow a pair and be a man and tell her how you feel. Steve decides to do just that but still looks nervous. He goes to the factory to plead for her to talk to him. He lays it out for her. He's sorry and he only did it for the best and to stop others from getting hurt. He wants her to believe him. He's sincere but she still isn't looking too receptive. Will she or won't she?

Carla is determined to go back to work, much to Michelle's horror. Carla needs rest but Carla has had enough of the four walls and wants to go back to work. She's also still worried that she'll be banged up for murder because at the moment, she can't prove she didn't do it. Peter keeps trying to contact Carla and his calls are ignored.

Everyone is surprised to see Carla at the factory. She's quiet but tells Michelle she can go. She doesn't want to because she doesn't want to bump into Steve. Carla tries to reason with her. Who's to say none of this would have happened had Steve told about the affair? She reminds Michelle that Steve is a good bloke and none of it is his fault. (implying it's Peter's fault, naturally).

Poor Julie is beside herself with empathy for Carla but doesn't know where to put herself. It's clear Carla isn't amenable to sympathy.

Tim and Sally are still awkwardly circling around each other and their engagement. Sally still wants to keep it secret until she gets a ring. Tim suggests they look for one together. She puts him off, it would be nicer and more romantic to have him pick up one. She also advises him to keep the receipt!

Where does he go to buy her a romantic engagement ring? Why, Barlow's Buys, of course, where Tracy is refusing to give a little boy back the X-Box his father flogged. He tries to pick out the cheapest, smallest one in the tray, because he's skint, not tight and Tracy shames him into spending a bit more but the ring is still pretty small, so small she doesn't know what it's meant to be at first. When he explains, she widens her eyes. Is that a good sign or a bad one?

Kirk gives Todd and Marcus an ear bashing for hurting Maria. Well done, Kirk! You told him! Todd is still smarming over Marcus and manages yet again to get Marcus to treat them to a meal in the Bistro. Marcus seems to know he's being used but accepts it. Eva and Jason are invited out with them.

Owen is due back today and Anna is very very nervous. Gary offers to have Fay at theirs to give them some reunion time but Anna defers. Gary does a quick job for Nick in the Bistro and is awarded a free meal for his family (less dessert, drinks and coffee) for his troubles on Gary's suggestion. His idea of a welcome home for Owen and his family in general. Owen finds out about the meal from Nick. Maybe he was put off by that or the prospect of facing Anna, more like but he doesn't let her know he's back.

Anna hears about the meal from Gary and doesn't expect that's a brilliant idea and is later dismayed to hear Owen has been back awhile. Where was he? In the pub supping beer instead of facing Anna. He later finds out Katy's moving out and is shocked that Anna told Katy and Izzy about her "deal" with Phelan. Owen tells her he doesn't know what he's going to do and won't talk to his daughter about it.

Anna arrives home to a tense atmosphere. The door closes on Katy and the couple finally face each other. His hackles are up already because she told the girls. But they engage in small talk instead of real talk as he sups more ale, fuel for his temper, getting more and more spiteful. She can't answer when he wonders why she told his kids and not Gary. In the end, he goes upstairs for a shower and seems intent that they all go to dinner. Anna can't imagine how they can all sit at the same table (especially when they all know what she's done except Gary. Can you imagine the atmosphere?) She's fearful, contrite and he's snippy and condescending so she gets on her high horse too, suggesting she wear the same outfit she wore for Phelan. That's pushing some big buttons. Will he rise to the bait? Yep, She pushes and he upends the kitchen table. But maybe that's what it takes to get them talking.

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones

Having returned from the most amazing two weeks in Canada and Alaska, I'm now back to the reality of life back on the cobbles of Coronation Street. So, with many thanks to Tvor for covering my updates in my absence, I bring you the second episode for last Monday.

Owen picks up the table that he's just overturned in his fit of rage. As Anna tries to reach out and touch him he tells her that she really doesn't want to know what's going on inside his head right now. And to add to his feeling of anger, he tells Anna, Gary is walking around like he hasn't got a care in the world, while all the while he's the reason they've ended up in this mess.

In the cafe Tim tells Sally through a mouthful of a bacon barm that her engagement ring is a real diamond set in real gold. "I never doubted it for one second," says Sally, hastily closing the box when she spots Sophie walking in.

Steve has gone round to see Michelle. She tells him to take a hike but he's not going anywhere until she agrees to talk to him. Carla can see he means business and sends Michelle home with him. She wishes Steve good luck as they leave.

It seems as though Eagle-eyed Sophie spotted Sally's ring after all because back in the cafe she's telling Tim and Sally that they don't waste any time. Tim looks a bit surprised when Sophie says she guessed it was on the cards. She asks to take a closer look at the ring and manages to hide her smirk as she peers at Tim's purchase. Sophie gives her Mum a hug and tells Sally she's really chuffed. Tim reckons the breaking of their news went quite well, all things considered.

Roy comes over for a word with Sally so Tim leaves them to it. Roy wants to know how Carla is doing. Sally's take on the situation is that she's been putting on a good act. Roy says that it's as he suspected.

Katy and Izzy are in the Bistro waiting for the rest of the family to arrive, while Gary is out of earshot as he's giving Nick tips on how to clean his kitchen knives with an ice cube. No, I didn't make that bit up. "Kayyyeeee!" squeals Izzy when her sister admits she's told their Dad about Anna and Phelan. Izzy asks how he took the news. "Bad," says Kayyyeee. Gary joins them and the two girls make a big pretence that everything's fine.

Luckily Gary can't see what's going on round at Anna's where she and Owen are still at loggerheads. Owen insists that unless she wants Gary finding out what's happened, Anna has to go and get ready to go out for dinner.

At the factory Carla's having problems locating a document on her computer. She's not best pleased when she discovers Eva's changed the filing system under Peter's instructions and tells her to change it back to how it was unless she wants to find herself relocated.

Michelle and Steve have arrived back home for their "talk". Steve tells Michelle he's scared of her before correcting himself: he's scared losing her. Michelle responds by pointing out that Tina's lost her life and Carla's lost her baby then says that she's going upstairs "for a think".

Owen and Anna finally join the others in the Bistro. The only person who seems oblivious to the awkward atmosphere is Gary. He's bought a bottle of wine - nothing expensive mind, he explains - and proposes a toast to things getting better. "I'll drink to that," says Anna hastily.

Back at the factory Eva's about to go home for the evening when Peter suddenly appears. She looks horrified and glances over at Carla. Eva asks whether she should call Rob but Peter points out he has every right to be there since he still owns fifty percent of the business. Carla says she's a big girl and can take care of herself but adds that if Eva wants to earn some Brownie points she should change the filing system back first thing in the morning.

Michelle comes downstairs after her "think". She tells Steve she doesn't want to break up but she adds that she still hasn't forgiven him for his stupidity. He tells her he wasn't being stupid he was just being a chicken. For some reason this remark seems to be enough to melt Michelle's heart, as she smiles for the first time in days and gives him a big hug.

In the Bistro Gary is holding forth as he has announcement to make: he tells the family it looks as though he's landed himself a job, thanks to an old school mate. Katy scowls. The interview's on Friday but Gary's friend says he should walk it. He adds that, once he has his foot in the door he can put in a good word for Owen. "That would be great love," says Anna. Owen says he can speak for himself and tells Gary no offence but he thinks the dinner is charity enough. Gary looks understandably put out.

Over at the bar Eva needs something to put a smile on her face. Nick suggests a Mojito. Todd tells Marcus they have to have one too because they're supposed to be comforting Eva. Marcus is reluctant - one cocktail with Todd usually ends up as three - but he doesn't need much persuading to join in.

Meanwhile Sophie has taken her mum to the Rovers for a quiet drink. Sally thinks it's because Sophie has come back from Devon on her own and his split up with Maddie. She's disappointed to learn that Maddie has stayed on to spend time with Ben and will be returning in a few weeks. The real reason Sophie wants to talk is because she wants to know about Sally's sudden engagement to Tim. Sally insists she loves Tim but Sophie says that's not what she's concerned about.

Over by the bar Liz and Lloyd are on tenterhooks wondering what's going on between Steve and Michelle. They have their answer when Steve appears and gives them both the thumbs up.

In the factory, Carla sits at her desk signing bits of paper while Peter sits on the other side of the desk twiddling his thumbs. He suggests they go for a drink. Carla ignores him. She's rescued by a knock at the door. It's Roy, come to see how she is. Peter looks put out. Carla makes it quite clear she doesn't want to have anything to do with Peter. Roy steps in and tells Peter that he thinks Carla has asked him to leave so he does just that.

Back in the Bistro Gary takes himself off to the gents'. While he's gone, Izzy has a go at the others for their behaviour and says that Gary is just trying to do something nice for the family. "Isn't that your excuse for what you did with Phelan?" sneers Katy. She tells Anna she puts her off her food just looking at her. Owen tells Katy to button it. He says he doesn't want anyone mentioning "that man's" name round him ever again.

At another table, several cocktails later, Marcus is getting tipsy and announces he's going home. Todd calls him a lightweight. "It's lucky I love him," says Marcus, giving Todd a kiss. Eva giggles over the fact that Marcus has said the 'L' word.

In the Rovers Steve is having a post mortem with Liz and Lloyd about his reconciliation with Michelle. He tells them he's not out of the doghouse yet and he's made a resolution that from now on he's a secret-free zone. However good the gossip, he's going to draw a circle of ignorance around himself. Such is his resolve to behave himself from now on, he goes upstairs for an early night, much to Lloyd's consternation.

To everyone's relief, Gary's family meal out has finally come to an end. After the others have left Gary asks Izzy what was up with her dad. She makes out that it's due to the fact that he's a proud man who's hit rock bottom. She tells him a meal of steak and chips isn't going to fix that.

Tonight's episode ends with a very touching scene between Carla and Roy. Now alone together in her office, she reaches into the filing cabinet for a bottle of whisky. Roy tells her that alcohol's a very poor source of comfort and that it's times like these he misses Hayley most of all as he feels she would have been a better friend. In reality he's doing a very good job as he manages to reach beneath the facade that Carla puts up for the rest of the world. As she becomes maudlin Carla says she bets Roy is regretting popping round now. " My only regret is seeing you in so much pain," replies Roy. "How am I going to get through this?" asks Carla. The same way she's always overcome adversity, advises Roy: by being herself - a strong, resilient woman. "That's the problem Roy," says Carla bitterly. "I'm not certain who that woman is anymore."

Karen

The post arrives at Anna's house and there's a postcard from Phelan - he's in Dubai. Owen tells Faye to chuck it in the bin.

Sally's in the kitchen, attempting to sing along to an opera CD, and tells Tim she's a very cultured person, she's multi-cultural! As soon as Tim goes out the door, she turns it off. Sophie asks her why she told him she likes opera when she doesn't know the first thing about it. Sally protests that she does. Sophie reckons she's doing it to put Tim off her. She didn't like the ring, she didn't like the way he proposed, she should just tell him the wedding is off. She should stop being passive-aggressive. Sally retorts that she's not passive-aggressive, she's a go getter. Sophie says that she's gone and got him and now she doesn't like it, she urges Sally to be honest and tell him.

Anna is at work in the cafe. Owen is in there too, on the phone to see if there is any more work up in Scotland, but it appears that there isn't. Izzy is there too and she tells him not to let it get him down. Just then Gary comes in the tells Izzy that Jake took his first steps 20 minutes ago. She asks if he filmed it, but he didn't. Somewhat miffed she goes off to work.

Marcus is in the shop when Julie comes in. She scolds him for coming in late, rolling drunk, and playing Beyonce at full pelt. Marcus can't remember, it's all a bit hazy since he blurted out to Todd that he loved him. Julie is amazed. "And do you?" she asks. Just then Todd himself comes in. Marcus tells him he doesn't know how he's going to go to work today, the room is still spinning. Todd advises him to pull a sickie.

Rob is talking to Carla in the cafe, asking if she shouldn't be at the factory. She asks why he isn't at the shop, and he tells her he's supporting her, his one and only sister.

Dennis comes in with Rita. She sits down and he goes to the counter. Just then a woman comes in and says she's looking for Rita. Anna points to where Rita is sitting. It turns out to be Tina's mother, she's been to lay flowers where she died, she tried to go to the pub where Tina worked but it's not open yet. Rita urges her to sit down and Dennis goes to get another coffee.

Rob is listening to all this and then presses Carla to leave, she doesn't need this.

Tina's mother says that she and Tina didn't have a close relationship, but she's glad that Tina had people in her life that loved her.

Jenna tells Owen that Roy has asked if he'll do some odd jobs around the place. Owen feels he's somewhat over-qualified for that, but Anna tells him they need the money.

Faye goes into the corner shop and asks Norris if there are any vacancies for a paper girl. He says there may well be, and asks if she's 13. She says she is, but Gary has come in behind her and he tells Norris that she's only 12, so he won't employ her, much to Faye's annoyance.

Steve and Lloyd are in the cafe, Jenna's trying to persuade her dad to have a nice healthy meal, i.e. a chicken salad, but he's not keen. Just then Andrea comes rushing in with a plastic box full of a super-food salad that she's made, it will be good for his heart. From behind the counter, Anna calls out that Andrea can't bring food in from somewhere else. "Says who?" asks Andrea, adding that Lloyd nearly died. She tells him to get it down his neck, then walks over to Jenna and demands black tea with no milk. "I don't want him doing dairy," she says. Jenna glares at her.

Michelle is in the office, just finishing a conversation with a customer called Hanlon who is visiting tomorrow, and she's stressed because they're not going to make the deadline. Carla and Rob come in and tell her that they just saw Tina's mum. Michelle asks if they can talk about it later, they need to sort this order situation first. Rob gets cross and shouts at Michelle, a girl has been murdered, and nothing else matters! He storms out. Carla tells Michelle to ignore him, she doesn't know what's wrong with him.

Gary asks Faye what she needs money for, and she tells him that her friends are going ice skating and she wanted to go with them. He gives her ten pounds and says he will be her driver for the evening. She's his kid sister, he can spoil her.

Rita is back in the Kabin, telling Norris about meeting Tina's mother. Rita thought it odd that Tina rarely spoke about her mother, she must have been closer to her dad, but her mother was obviously grieving.

Julie goes into the pub and finds Sally in there, sitting on her own. She tells Sally she can't wait to hear about how Tim proposed. While she's at the bar getting a drink, Sally tells her she's had a text from Sophie and needs to go home.

Marcus and Todd are in the pub, Marcus is still feeling rough, and he tells Todd he feels embarrassed about what he said last night.

Gary and Izzy are at Anna's, having dinner with her and Owen who is not happy that Gary had the money to give Faye for ice skating. He reminds Gary that it's his fault that he's now unemployed.

Sally is at home with Sophie, worrying about how to tell Tim that she can't carry on with this facade of an engagement. Just then Tim comes in, and she sits him down, about to talk to him. He then produces an opera DVD he's just bought her, The Magic Flute, and says she can watch it tonight. She then chickens out of telling him how she really feels.

In the pub, Steve asks Lloyd when he's coming back to work. Jenna and Andrea both turn on him and tell him to stop pressurizing Lloyd.

Gary picks Faye up outside the ice rink. She hasn't been in the car a minute when he guesses that she's been drinking. He's very cross with her, and she begs him not to tell Owen and Anna. He knows he'll get the blame too, and asks how she could be so stupid.

Rita and Dennis are sitting in the pub with Tina's mother. Just then, Rob comes in with Carla and Michelle. The women go to sit down, and he goes over to Mrs McIntyre and tells her that he knew Tina, and wants to say how sorry he is for her loss. He offers to help if there's anything that she needs.

Gary brings Faye home, and although he says that Faye has had a dodgy hotdog and is going straight to bed, Owen immediately realises that she has been drinking and starts shouting.

Next door, Sally turns the volume down on the opera DVD so that she can listen through the wall.

Owen's temper gets out of control and in fury he lashes out at Gary, knocking him down. He gets up with a nasty gash across the bridge of his nose. Anna leaps to Gary's defense, and next thing she and Owen are shouting at each other. She tells him that if he ever touches her son again, he'll be out of the door. Then she sends Faye to bed, tells Gary and Izzy to go home, and tells Owen he's sleeping on the sofa. He makes for the front door - he's off to the pub!

Anne Logan

Hello. Apparently there are some blokes concentrating on games that other blokes are playing. This is supposedly Very Important so Corrie's schedule has been all messed up. Friday's was a one-hour episode and here's the first half:

It's morning and Anna's slamming the cereal plates on the table making enough noise to wake Tina, let alone Owen on the sofa. She snaps at him to get up and hide the sleeping bag before Faye comes down. She snaps at him for not putting the peas back in the freezer and he grumps back that he couldn't do that after they'd been used as an ice-pack for Gary's face. Anna thinks it's a bit much to give someone a shiner and then worry about hygiene. Faye has no plans to drink again - ever. She pleads with Anna not to tell Tim because he'll tell Sally and then Sally will ban Faye from being a bridesmaid. What? Yes, Tim's sent her a text saying they're engaged. And Faye's got plans to walk down the aisle in a big frock. She tells Owen he can't tell her off after he really hurt Gary. Anna says Faye and Owen have both made mistakes so they've got to live and learn.

Julie meets Tim in the cafe and points out he didn't exactly propose in a very romantic way. He didn't hire a violinist or go down on one knee. "I bought her steak and chips and a bottle of plonk. What more does she want?" he asks. Julie settles down to tell him.

Gary worries that his battered face will look bad at his interview. Contrary to what Izzy understood, Gary's mate isn't one of the people making the selection. The job isn't guaranteed. He's annoyed with Owen but Izzy tells him that bringing Faye home drunk won't have helped. Gary never thinks things through. He stomps out.

Eva is in the shop when Marcus comes in. She and Sophie accuse him of skiving and then accuse him of sounding just like Todd.

The workers in the factory sort out some samples for a client's visit later in the day. The police come in looking for Carla and she takes them into the office. That's probably a mistake because Rob's there and all he does is snipe at the police and answer back. He accuses them of jeopardising the business. The police ask Carla to come to the police station to answer some more questions and Rob says she should call a solicitor. They just want to harass an easy target and hope she'll break down. Carla says she has nothing to hide and asks the police if she can drive her own car to the station.

Gary's hurting a punching bag at the gym when Kal comes in. He asks Katy how long Gary's been there and she thanks him for not charging Gary membership. He reminds her that's a secret. He goes over to see Gary and asks how things are going. Gary admits how skint he is and says if they didn't have Jake, he doesn't think Izzy would stick with him. Kal asks how he's going to handle things with Owen. Gary thinks Owen has to apologise. Kal suggests it would make Gary look the bigger man if he apologises in front of Izzy. He shouldn't be proud. This would clear the air. But Gary refuses. Owen's in the wrong, not him.

Marcus goes to order a taxi but ends up snogging the switchboard operator. Todd tries to convince him to throw another sickie so they can buy a car. He tells Marcus he need never catch another bus. He should think of the lure of the open road . . . The taxi will be five minutes so Todd sends Marcus to fetch his phone charger.

Gary's leaving the gym on his way to his interview. Katy offers him some concealer but he refuses. She was only trying to help. "If you want to help then tell me what's wrong with your dad," he says. Is he ill? Having a breakdown? "He did this to me for no reason, Katy." Katy says he should ask his Mum. "Before you go shouting the odds, ask Saint Anna!"

Anna and Izzy chat in the cafe. They agree they hate it when everybody's at each other's throats. Izzy warns Anna that Gary knows there's something up. Anna should tell him. But Anna refuses.

In the police interview room, the police ask Carla about her history with the business. Can she think of any staff she's upset? Friends? Family? "Have any oddballs latched on to you?" DS Hawthon suggests that Carla's a strong, tough woman used to making decisions. yet when her husband was having it off with the babysitter she didn't spot it. "Really?" she asks in a tone suggesting this isn't possible. Carla tells her Peter didn't need to have an affair. He wasn't missing out at home. "That girl drank my wine and smiled at me and acted like my little sister," Carla snaps. She says when she found out the truth, 'hate' didn't cover it. "I wanted her wiped off the face of the earth." She could have killed Tina. "I could have. I had it in me, probably, but someone else got there first. I didn't kill the bitch."

Beth's trying to analyse the murder and whether Carla might be guilty. Julie tries to distract everyone by suggesting they go to the Rovers tonight. When the machinists aren't so enthusiastic she hints that Tim will be disappointed if they don't. Sally's a bit annoyed. She and Tim haven't discussed a public celebration yet. Beth can't understand why they got engaged in the first place. "You're already living together. You're not up the duff and you certainly didn't do it for the bling!" The workers start to change their minds about having drinks after work. Fiz thinks it'll give them something to smile about.

Lloyd likes the cushy life he's having while he recuperates. He tells Jenna he's going back to work. Andrea's with them but gets a phone call and moves away. Jenna takes the chance to tell Lloyd he's making a mistake and Steve shouldn't be pushing him to go back before he's ready. Lloyd says Steve's really pushed. He looks like a dish rag while Lloyd's like a new man. Jenna thinks Lloyd should book a holiday. She's seen a price of 399 pounds for an all-inclusive holiday in Majorca.

Owen comes into the cafe looking for Gary to apologise to him. He asks Izzy to bring Gary round tonight so Owen can have a chance to say sorry face to face.

Andrea's back at the table, telling Lloyd she's got to do overtime next week. He thinks the hotel works her too hard. He tells her Jenna's suggested he and Andrea book a holiday. Both women look a bit disappointed.

Sally and Julie chat about Tim. Sally says he's so laid back it's refreshing. Julie doubts that. She thinks Sally likes things to be done properly. She drops a hint about Tim sweeping Sally off her feet and "doing things properly" tonight. Sally looks miserable. (Yay!)

Tim has gone to ask Anna about all the shouting last night. Anna reveals Faye had been drinking. She says Faye doesn't want Sally to know because she's worried about losing the chance to be part of the wedding. "Wedding?" asks Tim. "We're just engaged!" Anna points out that a wedding usually follows. She tells off Tim for letting Faye know about the engagement by text rather than face to face. He says after all the shouting he heard, he thought the text might cheer up Faye. He says Anna's probably right and Faye feels pushed aside. The boozing is a cry for help. He's going to have to talk to Sally because if it's going to cause grief they shouldn't be having this wedding.

David, Rita and Dennis talk to Tina's mother. She's still surprised by how upset Rob appeared to be. She says she's picked some readings for the funeral but the music has her stumped. She has no idea what Tina was listening to. David says he can take care of that. Tina had good taste, except in men. Tina's Mum produces samples of a bookmark and keyring she can have produced as keepsakes - Tina's photo on one side and a message of condolence on the other. Nobody says a word. She suddenly realises Tina would have hated that. "What am I doing?" Dennis passes her a clean hanky. "Every time I think of her I've got nothing to hold on to," she says. Last time they spoke they talked about shoes and she got distracted by the doorbell. Rita thinks an ordinary conversation is good. "Better than a nasty, bitter row you can't take back."

Tim's now got a text from Faye. It's very excited with smiley faces and a picture of a church.

In the factory, the client, Mr Hanlon, looks at the samples. Michelle takes him into the office to talk figures and Eva offers him his choice of tea, and curtsies to him! He asks about Carla and expects she's on leave. He's been through a marriage break-up and knows its effects. "Don't tell me it'll be business as usual." Michelle asks if his own business collapsed during his marriage troubles. No? "You probably had a team to pull you through and all," she says.

Carla is slumped over the police interview table. Nobody else seems to be in the room.

Gary didn't get the job. He reckons the panel didn't think he was upmarket enough to be dealing with tenants in an upmarket building. The interview lasted just four minutes and now his friend won't answer his calls. Owen accuses him of having a persecution complex. "You're not the only one to suffer," he says. Gary doesn't have the faintest idea what this family's been reduced to. Gary thinks "reduced" is a bit much for Owen's two-bit building business. He's not Balfour Beatty. "I'm not talking about me," says Owen. Who is it, then, Gary wants to know. "Come on Owen, let's hear it. Let's have some honesty at last!"

The end of the first half.
Margaret Carr

After a week away in North Wales I am back this evening. Thanks to Martin for holding the fort last week.

It was mainly dry in North Wales, which is pretty rare. As ever we checked on the Village and there is now a blue plaque to Patrick McGoohan. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways were both busy and coal fired whilst the little Talyllyn was running a train of Victorian rolling stock most of which, in a couple of years time, will be 150 years old. And still in regular service. No-one else can say that. Sadly the loco Talyllyn is a little off colour at the moment but will be back for the railway's imminent 150th anniversary - I am sure there will be huge celebrations.

Anyway Margaret left us with Gary wanting to know the truth and Anna silently begging Owen not to tell him. So after the break the action opens with Anna and Izzy trying to stop the truth emerging, but Gary wants to know why Owen is slagging off his mother. Owen rises to the bait - and explains why they were allowed to walk by Phelan - Anna stepped up and laid back and thought of England and took one for the team.

Carla is distraught when the two police people return and she sounds off at keeping her sat around. Carla asks to be arrested or freed or she will lose her business as well as her husband and child. They had to check something she said (but we are not told what) and eventually they tell her she is free to go - but the investigation is on-going.

Gary, Anna, Owen and Izzy bicker. Anna says she had hoped to live with something but had found she could not. Gary puts his arms around her to comfort her.

At the factory Hanlon is about to go having placed a big order. They are in front of the girls when Carla arrives. He tries to sympathise with Carla, his own marriage having broken down and tells her to take a break, but she interprets what he says as implying she was too interested in her business to care about her husband and having already been wound up by plod lets fly. Michelle tries to apologise, but Carla gives him both barrels calling him a ghoul and a tourist. He cancels the deal and Carla continues to shout at him as he leaves. She shouts What!! twice at the factory girls - who have just seen a load of work go down the drain.

Lloyd is trying to talk Andrea into the holiday - but Andrea suggests that in fact Jenna wanted to go on holiday. Lloyd walks along the Street. Puerta Pollensa - 7 nights all in. Andrea suggests that she is merely go for a wet weekend in Morecambe. Andrea insists that Lloyd needs the break now and manages therefore to get out of going.

Owen cannot get the thought of Phelan out of his head. She calls it Owen's ego, he says it is his pride. They argue - and she cannot get him to see it her way. She makes it clear that she did not want it when he insists on asking - and she says they are finished. Indeed away from his disgust. Owen suggests picking up the pieces to start again - he could learn to forgive her - Anna merely shakes her head.

After the break Tim is talking about alcohol consumption with Faye and the way her mother Jenny started. Sal returns to explain events at the factory. They start talking about the engagement party. Faye wants to know the point of it. Sal explains she was happy as they were but Tim wanted something more permanent. He contradicts her saying she wanted something more permanent. So as Faye points out she was only doing it for him Durrrrrr! Well - but it was what he wanted ... Neither of them quite know how this has happened. Sal was only being polite. Faye observes that marriage is a serious business. Tim observes that the Street is waiting in the Rovers for a proper engagement. Faye observes she spent double maths and geography sketching bridesmaid clothes etc! And to them it is a joke!!!

[By the way. Sally Webster is played by Sally Dynevor, the wife of Tim Dynevor, I wonder if she is ever confused over which Tim is which?].

In the Rovers Eva is trying to bring Carla up to date - whilst downing a few weeks of missed alcohol. Izzy and Gary discuss the events - Izzy tells him that they were trying to protect him for various reasons. The two of them are not on best of terms at the moment.

In the Street Fiz and Beth are discussing just how serious it might all be at the factory - but Marcus thinks they might be discussing him (they weren't). Inside the Rovers Marcus assures Todd he meant what he said the other night (the "L" word).

Sal and Tim arrive and Julie sets the power ballad going - only gets the birdie song! Tim gets down on one knee and asks Sal not to become his wife and she agrees - but had great difficulty removing the ring - which Beth suggests is going back in the cracker. Sal says that living with him in sin brings her great happiness. They don't need a piece of paper or a ring - they are happy as they are. They thank all for coming and the drinks are on Tim.

Tina's mum is about to go when she walks into Carla. Carla says she really loved Tina - she invited her into the family and they are all standing in the ashes. Carla does not understand why Tina would do that.

Anna is refusing to talk to Owen. She says he should be thanking her for ending the nightmare, and reassuring her that everything will be fine if he was any kind of a man. But he is determined to make her feel shabbier than Phelan did. He said she should have given him more time. She believes it was the only way and she will not feel ashamed [and yet if she did not feel ashamed she would have been able to put it behind her - which she could not do].

Back in the Rovers Tim buys a second round and says he can afford it he takes the ring back.

Rob arrives to collect Carla.

At the bar where Tony now appears to be working he is getting Todd and Marcus another round and he tells Todd that he was fooled - he thought Todd was simply using Marcus but hears otherwise earlier. Todd makes it entirely clear that whilst Marcus is flashing the cash and buying cars and making life wonderful it will continue - but he will soon be looking elsewhere. Todd makes it clear that Marcus's age and wage are against him - pastures new will soon be appealing.

In the back room at the Rovers Rob is trying to sober up Carla. Everyone forgets that she is also a grieving matter. She reckons the police are seeking to pin it on her - Rob knows she is innocent (Carla points out he cannot know that - but misses the point). Carla is starting to believe she will go down.

Owen has packed and is leaving - it does not have to be like this he says - but there seems to be no alternative and she will tell Faye the truth. He picks up his bags and wishes it could have ended differently. She says nothing and he goes. She slumps on the sofa, roll credits.

And what have we learned tonight?

Well - you can be happier not being married than being married?

And Carla now knows that Rob knows she is innocent - she simply did not hear him.

And there is a huge gap growing between Izzy and Gary.

And has Carla sunk the factory financially as the orders are drying up?

Not sure when I will be back as it would appear that the football season is now in full flow. The Premier League fixtures will be announced tomorrow.

And in the last 24 or so hours we have booked holidays in Scotland and India. No stopping my wife sometimes. We now have four of our next five trips booked.

Richard

This is a one hour broadcast and there's the first half:

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Griff Rowland

It's breakfast at the Barlows' and all is as per normal. Rob starts up with taking low shots at Peter. Deirdre warns them she'll have to have two sittings for breakfast if they continue like that. Tracy needs implements to mend one of Amy's school shirts and implies that Rob will be running the factory when Carla's sent down. Peter takes umbrage. So does Rob. Tracy's unrepentant. Peter hollers at Tracy and leaves while Rob glowers at the table, defending Carla.

Anna hollers for Faye who's running late. She tells Faye that Owen has left early. Faye moans that they haven't got much money and everyone's stressed out. Anna promises they'll have a chat after work and urges her out to the door.

Beth is glancing through the paper hoping to see if Carla's been arrested because if she has, there might not be any reason to go to work. Norris chides her and then asks for any news about Carla. Beth implies Carla had plenty to say yesterday when she got back from the police station but she won't tell Norris. Tit for tat. Rita is pleased to see Tina's mother come through the door. Ann's brought flowers for Rita for helping her and she needs something else. She's asking if Rita could speak at the funeral. She feels like Rita is just as much of a family member. Rita isn't so sure she could do it. Norris assures her she won't get it wrong. Rita agrees to do it but she's clearly not comfortable with it.

Rob is reassuring a client on the phone, I think the one that Carla insulted last week, him that took the order away after that. Michelle frantically points out that Carla's come in so Rob quickly ends the call. Carla thinks they both look guilty, like she's caught them in the act but he denies it. Beth interrupts but makes the mistake of calling her Mrs. Barlow. Carla snaps "CONNOR!" and sets to making things clear for all the staff. In spades. And in the process, insults several of the workers. Rob asks them to be patient (after she storms into the office and slams the door)

Anna's given Gary a butty. Even though he was supportive of her, he still has a hard time with what Anna's done. She tells him she's not easy with it herself so she understands. She tells him that she hasn't told Faye that Owen has left, yet but will tonight. She sends Gary off just as Owen comes in. Gary gives Owen a look but Anna ushers him out. Owen has come in to talk to Roy who has left a list of things for Owen to do. He asks her about Fay but Anna is short with him.

Peter has his head under the sink. Deirdre finds him and wonders what he's looking for. Well, she knows but she tells him he won't find it. She unloads 4 or 5 large bottles of various soft drinks for him instead. Peter's fidgety but won't go out for a walk, knowing he'd go straight to a boozer. He asks if Deirdre has seen Carla. She hasn't but relates how everyone is talking about her after she was brought in for more questioning. He really wants to see her, knowing that Carla will be a wreck. Deirdre assures him she'll stand by him because she doesn't believe he killed Tina but certainly doesn't approve of the affair. He professes that he really wants to help Carla. Deirdre, in quite a profound statement, says "You can't be the poison and the medicine". And she points out that Peter has to make sure he can prove his own innocence. He admits he doesn't know if Carla's guilty but blames himself if she is.

In the salon, Gail has come to see Audrey but Audrey's busy. Kylie and David know that Gail wants to talk to her mother about a letter she's received from the prison and think they want her to talk to the burglar again. Turns out, the letter was from the burglar himself, Michael. Kylie and David are highly skeptical but Gail said the letter was very respectful and she doesn't know whether to reply or not. She leaves David and Kylie aghast at the nerve of the man.

Faye has asked Tracy for a job but even though Tracy wasn't about to, after Faye insults the shop, she's definitely not going to and insults Faye right back. Tim comes along wondering why Faye is there at dinnertime. She ends up finagling a job out of him as his assistant though he says they'll talk terms after school.

David asks Rita and Dennis about Tina's mother. Rita mentions Ann wants her to speak and ends up manipulating David into joining her, much to his astonishment. All he did was agree that her idea of having more people speak was a good idea. Sorted! Wait a minute!! Dennis takes Rita off to have lunch. David looks less than impressed that he got sucked in!

Michelle, Rob and Carla are discussing potential clients. Carla's not really being very helpful. Rob takes a call and when he sees who it is, leaves the office. Michelle pretends it was probably Tracy. Carla doesn't believe it. It's that same client from this morning/last week. Carla grabs the phone and repeats herself. He can stick his contract! She warns Rob not to treat her like a child in her own factory. She goes off on them all and drags Eva out with her to go shopping, to make the most of what freedom she has left. Beth and Sean worry that their jobs might end up gone. Rob tells them to take a long lunch and give him time to get things sorted.

Kylie finds David looking glum in the salon. She wonders if he's fretting about his mother. He says he's not but tells her that Rita wants him to speak at the funeral. Kylie doesn't have a lot of sympathy or patience. Just say something nice and stop banging on about it is her advice.

Todd is sarcastic because he's the one that's had to make the tea for everyone at the cab office. Lloyd admonishes him. Just be glad you've got a job, my son. Steve takes a call from a client and when Lloyd realizes it's from Andrea, he grabs the headset and offers to come get her himself. But after a bit of flirting and suggestion, it seems she only wants an early tea. Todd and Steve tease him that Andrea's gone off him, because "early tea" means she doesn't want to spend the night. Lloyd decides to get tickets to a gig and that will surely lure her to stay out. Todd doesn't buy it and they shake hands on a bet.

Gary wants to be at the house when Anna tells Faye that Owen has gone. She's not sure but he thinks he can reassure Faye that she still has family that cares. Anna wants to do it on her own, worrying that Gary might make it worse. She knows he's angry and worried and ashamed and it's going to distract her from focusing on Faye. Just then, Faye comes in when she should have been at school. She tells them (and Tim, who's having a cuppa) that she's quit school to work with her father. They need the money. Anna tells Gary to take Faye back to school. She objects but Anna points out that it's illegal and they won't have anything if Anna gets banged up. She orders Faye to go with Gary and they'll talk later. Tim assures Anna he never told Faye she could help during school hours. Honest!

A cheerful Stef serves Andrea and Lloyd in the Bistro. Andrea wants water, Lloyd orders her wine but she says she's working later. He ends up persuading her to a small one. And water, please, but she's not going to skive work tonight.

Kylie comes in to find Gail writing a letter with dictionary in hand. She thinks that a letter that encourages a burglar to change his ways ought to be filled with challenging words. Educational, and all that. Kylie laughs.

Eva carries a shopping bag into the pub. There are white boots in it and she's not that sure she likes them. Carla comes in behind her, breathless, carrying a few of her own bags. Eva wants to nip back to work but Carla wants to dive into a bottle of red. When Carla nips to the loo, Eva tells Steve she's been manic all afternoon.

Andrea cuts the meal short, she's got to get off. Lloyd is determined to persuade her to stay. He's all soppy and romantic with her and even tells her that he's not felt this way about anyone for forever. He's really trying hard to talk her into staying, including waving the gig tickets under her nose. Todd comes in, thinking Andrea would have left already and he'd won his bet. Andrea is suspicious because Lloyd seems to want to avoid Todd and Todd takes very little persuading to tell her about the bet though not quite saying it was an actual bet, only that he thought she'd have gone and Lloyd had told him he could persuade her to stay. She's not impressed, gets stroppy and leaves, saying she needs some time out and space. She slams down her half of the bill on the table and leaves. Oh dear.

Tvor

I don't know whether it's just me but when I came to write this up, it seemed to be a lot longer than usual. Or perhaps it's simply that it's getting rather late! Anyway, without further ado, here goes with the second half of this hour long episode:

During the commercial break Carla's level of inebriation rose by several notches as she's clearly getting quite drunk. Eva is desperate to leave the Rovers but remains perched on a bar stool, wearing the boots she didn't even want to buy. Carla turns her attentions to Tim who does his best not to become involved. He comments to Eva that he's glad it's not Sally who's been put on boss-minding duties. She tells him Carla's drunk the best part of a bottle of wine but Carla is already calling out to Steve to bring her another.

At the other end of the bar Steve's telling Rita it's good that she'll be speaking at Tina's funeral but all Rita can think about is how judgmental she was with Tina the last time they spoke.

As Rita comes over Carla slurs that she knows she's just been talking about her. Rita corrects her - she says they've just been discussing the best way to say goodbye to a young woman who, whatever she'd done, didn't deserve to be pushed off a balcony. "Which I presume you think I'm capable of," says Carla. To Norris's intense interest Carla adds that she's not the kind of woman to go swinging blunt instruments around people's heads. Before Rita or Norris can ask more, Dennis ushers them outside while Beth and Sean exchange glances.

Peter's at Deirdre's , nursing a glass of orange juice, when he hears Tracy and Rob coming home. They're discussing the factory as they come through the door. Peter is desperate to pump them for news of Carla but Rob tells him it's none of his business. Deirdre comes downstairs and attempts to pour oil on trouble waters by offering everyone a glass of elderflower presse. Tracy, on the other hand, is keen to stir up more trouble and opens a bottle of wine. Peter glances at it and announces he's going out. Deirdre announces she's going with him. He does his best to get away but she insists they'll buy some chips and sit in the park together.

Todd's sitting in the comfy chair in the cab office, eating a take-away and chatting to Marcus on the phone when Lloyd comes in and slams a penny down on the counter. He tells Todd to stick it where the sun don't shine and to stay out of his way.

Back in the Rovers Eva's still sitting on the bar stool. She tells Steve that she thinks Carla's innocent but she just wishes she wasn't chief babysitter. Sean and Beth are also discussing whether Carla is guilty. As Sean puts it to Beth, how many murderers does she know who take time out to go shoe shopping? Beth's not sure - she could be double-bluffing. She asks Sean if he thinks what Carla said about a blunt instrument was true.

Carla is getting steadily drunker. Michelle comes in and attempts to talk to her about the factory. She tells Carla that all they're trying to do is make sure the factory is still open when everything is over and Carla comes out the other side. "Oh, business is booming," announces Carla, staggering slightly. Michelle tries to shush her and says Carla should let them all enjoy a nice evening because she'll be texting them all in the morning to tell them not to go in. "Are you shutting up shop?" asks Carla, so loudly that everyone can hear. "Oi, Beth," calls out Carla. "Get hammered. There's no school in the morning." Sean wants to know if it's true. Reluctantly Michelle confirms that they'll be shutting until further notice. Sean and Beth get up to leave but not before Beth's told Carla it's all her fault and Carla's hurled a couple of insults back at Beth and Sean. Then she turns and has a pop at Tim about Sally.

Steve asks Michelle to do something. Carla wants another drink but Michelle tries to get her to leave. Carla turns and knocks some red wine over Eva's new white boots. "I was going to take them back!" wails Eva. "I only got them to get you off my case." On hearing this Carla takes the bottle of red wine and laughs as she pours the whole lot over the boots. Steve's finally had enough and frog-marches Carla out of the Rovers.

Deirdre and Peter come out of the front door just as Carla staggers along the street towards them. She's ranting because Dev refused to sell her any alcohol. Peter suggests that maybe she's had enough. Carla replies she has had enough - of him, Dev and the whole world. Deirdre discreetly takes her leave while Peter offers to walk Carla home. She fumbles for her keys and tells Peter to get off when he tries to take them from her. Carla reaches the door and Peter watches while she tries to get her key in the lock.

Owen's alone in the cafe, doing some odd jobs for Roy. He's singing along the radio then stops, clearing reflecting on the lyrics of the song: there she goes, there she goes again, racing through my brain. He stops and glances at his phone which is beeping with a message.

Gail comes home to find David and Kylie sitting on the sofa with Max who's fast asleep. David asks if she's been out posting letters but Gail says it isn't typed up yet. Gail's not impressed that Max isn't in bed - he has school tomorrow. What are they meant to do if they can't get him to settle, David wants to know, hit him over the head with something heavy? Kylie suggests they use Gail's dictionary which would be better use for it than wasting words on "Michael flamin' Rodwell". Gail takes her laptop upstairs to bed with her. David sniggers and asks if she's going to slip a couple of mucky stories in with her letter. After she's gone Kylie says she hopes Gail asks her to post it ‘cos she'll post it straight int' bin.

Peter's talked his way into Carla's flat. He suggests he should go and get her something to eat but Carla only wants more to drink. She says she'll only let him back into the flat if he comes back with a bottle of booze. "Vodka," she states, grabbing her keys off him. "No vodka, you don't get in."

Faye's at home when Anna and Owen come back. Before they come into the room Anna whispers to Owen that Faye doesn't know he didn't sleep there last night. Faye's doing her homework and she asks Owen what the point is in doing Maths. Owen has a bit of fun, getting her to do a complicated bit of mental arithmetic and Anna looks on fondly as she watches how good Owen is with Faye, then sends Faye upstairs to have her bath. Once she's out of earshot, Anna tells Owen that Faye's had too much disruption in her life. She says that they'll never, ever be able to explain to her what went wrong but she's worried Faye's not settling into her new school and she wants to make sure she stays settled at home. She tells Owen that she wants him to stay. It doesn't mean that they're back together but she doesn't want Faye to know that either so he can't sleep on the sofa. Anna says they'll have to find a way to work things out because Faye's more important than anything else.

Meanwhile, Peter has returned to Carla bearing gifts. She sees the bottle of vodka and grabs it out of his hand. Peter walks in and sees Carla's already found a bottle of wine. It was a gift for Michelle that she had stashed away in the wardrobe. "For being nice," explains Carla. "But she wasn't being nice tonight, so she can't have it," she adds.

Carla sees the vodka is unopened and starts to taunt Peter about it. She jokes that he doesn't take the tops off bottles, he just takes the tops off baby-sitters. Peter is starting to look very uncomfortable. Carla opens the bottle and asks if he wants a sip. Peter says no. Carla says last time she offered it to him he glugged it down. Not this time, says Peter. Carla tries again. She tells him he can stop again tomorrow and that she wants his last ever drink to be with her. Finally Peter can't resist any longer. He grabs the bottle and takes a long drink.

In the Rovers Steve's full of the joys but Lloyd's depressed. He's tried calling Andrea and leaving messages on her mobile but she won't pick up. Steve has a bright idea - he should leave a message on Andrea's land line. Great idea, says Lloyd, because then she'll listen to the message before she realises it's from him. Just one problem - he doesn't have her land line number. No problem, says Steve, going off to find it on his list of college contact numbers.

Rob comes into the Rovers and joins Deirdre and Tracy. He asks where Carla is. He's texted her but not heard back. Deirdre says she was really far gone and she just wishes Peter would stay out of it. Rob looks horrified. Don't worry, Deirdre reassures him, Peter was only making sure she got home safely. Rob makes to leave but Tracy threatens him with sleeping on the sofa if he dares to go and check on Carla and spoil her "Tracy time".

Steve appears with Andrea's number and Lloyd grins at him as he dials the number.

The scene shifts to a neat, suburban house where a phone is ringing. The camera pans into the hallway where we hear Lloyd leaving a message on an answer phone. As he does so, Andrea comes down the stairs. She sits down and stares at the phone with a look of anguish on her face as Lloyd says he loves her and asks her to call him, please. Andrea dashes to the bottom of the stairs and pulls the phone plug out of the wall.

We return to Peter and Carla. They're both really, really drunk. They start to shout at each other, hardly making sense. Peter denies killing Tina. Carla says she knows she's going to prison, she can feel it. What for? Being cheated on, humiliated, says Carla, answering her own question. "Losing my baby," she adds. Peter goes to hold her. Carla pushes him away. "Don't you dare touch me," she slurs.

Back in the Rovers Michelle hands Lloyd his phone. He'd left lying on the bar. She tells him he's just received a message. A delighted Lloyd reads it out: " I know the bet wasn't serious. Sorry I had a meltdown. Need a bit of space, that's all, to catch up with work. Speak soon. Xxx" Lloyd's particularly excited by the three kisses which mean it doesn't sound like it's all off. In fact, after buying Michelle a drink to celebrate, Lloyd tells Steve he's decided he's going to ask Andrea to live with him. Steve suggests it's quite soon but Lloyd's mind is made up. Those three kisses said it all for him.

Carla has reached the tearful stage. She tells Peter she never wanted the baby, he made her want it and now the baby's better off where she is. "No Carla, please," begs Peter. "I hate you, I hate you," Carla begins to scream. Peter tries to grab her. "I love you," he cries back. Carla tries to shake him off then grabs him and kisses him really hard before pushing him away again.

"You should be dead, not Tina, not my baby," sobs Carla. "Get out, go," screams Carla. She pushes Peter down onto the sofa at the same moment as Rob comes bursting through the door.

"What the hell's going on here?" demands Rob. "I love you," says Peter to Carla as Rob grabs him by the collar and throws him towards the door.

Peter turns back. "I didn't kill Tina and I don't believe you did either. You've still got feelings for me, or why kiss me?" he adds.

Rob finally throws Peter out then turns back to Carla. "You kissed him?" he asks, looking horrified.

The scene jumps to Andrea's house where the doorbell rings and we finally find out her guilty secret. She opens to door and lets in a man with a large bunch of flowers. It's her husband who has returned after a three month stint working in Nigeria. Within the space of about ten seconds we discover that he regularly works abroad and he has no idea what his wife's been up to while he's away. She manages to get in the fact that their telephone is on the blink.

Then it's back to Carla and Rob. He's plying her with large glasses of water and stating the obvious: she's not in control when she's drinking. "How could you let him back in? How could you kiss him?" asks Rob. He tells Carla that Peter killed Tina and cheated on her. He says he'll keep telling her until she promises not to go near Peter again. "Only I know best Carla. Only me," shouts Rob.

Karen

Rob has stayed the night with Carla, she's glad she's not going to work. She talks about packing up Simon's stuff, and Rob says he'll give it to Peter, he doesn't want her having any further contact, she's vulnerable, and he says it still looks like Peter killed Tina.

Lloyd is in the cafe, talking to Jenna about the possibility of Andrea moving in. He wants to show her he's committed. Jenna doesn't approve, but Lloyd is going to text her anyway and ask to meet her to talk about it.

Over at Anna's, she's asking Owen if he picked the bedding up, she doesn't want Faye to know he slept on the floor. Just then Faye comes downstairs, she's keen to be helping her dad wash windows after school. She says she's going to buy and make the meal this evening, and she wants them both there at 6pm to eat it.

Andrea is at home with Neil, and gets a text message. She tells her husband that it's from work, they want her to go in. He's not very happy, but she says that her life can't stop just because he's come home.

David has lost the dry cleaner's ticket for his suit to wear to the funeral, and is searching the house. Gail snatches her letter to the burglar out of David's hand, telling him to be careful. Kylie can't believe she's really going to send it, does she want to be bezzie mates with a thief?

Tracy is in the shop, on the phone to Deirdre, who has called asking if she can go shopping for her, she doesn't want to leave Peter on his own. When she hangs up, she and Rob have a difference of opinion on whose fault it all is. Tracy thinks it's all Carla's fault, she has brought this on herself. Rob says that Carla has lost everything, but Tracy says that it's Peter who has lost everything. Rob says that Peter is a washed up alcoholic, Tracy reckons that Carla is a control freak, and a borderline alcoholic herself. They start shouting. Rob says that the whole thing is Peter's fault, whether he pushed Tina off the balcony or not, and his sister is not going down for it. He storms out.

Lloyd is in the taxi office, telling Eileen and Steve of his plan. Eileen wonders - what if she says no? Lloyd is then full of doubt, and asks Steve's opinion. Steve ends up saying he thinks she'll say yes.

Rita is in the Kabin, struggling to write a speech about Tina for the funeral. David comes in then and Rita asks how his speech writing is going. He says he's not writing a speech, he's just going to stand up and talk about Tina, saying the first things that come into his head.

Peter is on the phone, trying to speak to Simon, but Simon won't speak to him. (Isn't he at school?) He tells Deirdre it's not surprising, all he's ever done is let him down. Just then Rob comes in and tells Peter he wants him to go away anywhere, as long as it's away from his sister. Peter scoffs and turns to walk away. Rob says they all know the truth, even his own son. Peter stops and turns round, and goes back and shoves Rob against the banisters, telling him not to speak about his son again. "Did she scream?" murmurs Rob, "did she scream when you pushed her off that balcony?" Deirdre gets between them and tells Rob to get out of her house.

A rather wet Faye goes into the cafe, asking for an iced bun and a milk shake with money she's earned window cleaning. When she realises the price she says she'll just have the iced bun. Anna tells her she doesn't have to buy them tea, but Faye has costed it out and she can afford it.

A despondent David arrives home with his cleaned suit. Kylie says she has something to cheer him up, and shows him a letter on Gail's laptop, which appears to be to Michael, the burglar, stating that Gail felt there was a spark between them. David is incredulous, until Kylie bursts out laughing - she has written the letter, it's a joke! Just then Gail comes back and they slam the laptop shut.

Andrea and Lloyd are in the bistro. She wonders what the special occasion is. "You're not going to propose, are you?" she asks in a panic. He assures her he isn't, but says he would like her to move in with him. Andrea looks worried, and says she's sorry but the answer is no. Lloyd wants to know why. She tells him it's not the right time, things are fine as they are. He presses her, saying he wants them to be a proper couple, have a home together. She jumps up, says she's sorry but she can't do this, and rushes out.

Carla has packed up all of Simon's things. The door buzzes and she thinks it's Leanne, come to collect it. However, it's Peter at the door, saying he wants to talk to her, he needs to know there's still hope for them. She says she hopes he rots in gaol. He tells her he didn't kill Tina and deep down she knows it. She says that he cheated on her from day one, does he think they can just wipe the slate clean and start again? She tells him she wishes it was him who was dead. He stares at her for a moment and then leaves.

Owen hasn't turned up for the meal that Faye has made, and she's very upset about it. Anna says he probably had to work late. Faye says she knows he slept on the floor, and asks if Anna and Owen are splitting up. Anna says they're just going through a rough patch. Faye thinks it's to do with her, and promises to never drink again, but Anna assures her that it isn't anything to do with her. Faye ends up telling Anna that the tea was supposed to get them back together.

Lloyd is in the pub, telling Jenna, Eileen and Steve about the disaster with Andrea.

Rita gets a call from Tina's mother, asking about the order of service for the funeral. Dennis thinks Tina's mother is asking too much, and offers to take her home. Norris isn't happy about this and invites her to tea at his house, with Emily. Before long Dennis and Norris are squabbling with each other, until Dennis orders Norris outside to sort it out. A nervous Norris then apologises.

Andrea is outside and gets a phone call. We see that it's Neil who is calling. She turns her phone off and cries.

Anna is washing up when Owen comes in. Anna points out that he missed Faye's tea, and he says he didn't want to sit round the table pretending. Anna tells him Faye knows anyway, and has asked if they're splitting up. Owen tells Anna he still loves her, but Anna doesn't know how she feels any more - except sad.

Andrea goes into the pub and, much to the amazement of everyone around him, tells Lloyd that she's sorry, she's an idiot and she owes him an explanation. They go to sit down. She says that her last relationship moved too fast and before she knew where she was they had a house and dog and were knotted together, then she realised she didn't love him. But she thinks she and Lloyd are brilliant together, she asks for a little more time, she loves him and needs to get her head around it.

Deirdre comes in and finds Peter swigging from a vodka bottle and packing, he's leaving. Deirdre tells him he can't go, it will look like he's running away. While they are arguing over it, Rob comes into the hall and listens to what they're saying. Deirdre tells Peter to stop wallowing in self pity, what is she supposed to tell Simon? It looks like the act of a coward. "Peter, for once in your life don't be a coward, and if you are innocent, prove it!" she says.

Anne Logan

No Corrie tonight.

Written by Jayne Hollinson
Directed by Diane Patrick

Here's the first half of a one hour episode in which we lay Tina McIntyre to rest.

It's the morning of the funeral. Deirdre is cuddling Eccles, positive the dog is feeling sad about a funeral. Dogs can sense pain and death you know! Peter comes into the room after Rob and the pair, as per usual, take a few shots at each other. The information we need to know at this point, is that neither man is planning to go to the funeral. Rob, because he wasn't that close to Tina and Peter, because people won't want him there.

Leanne is not able to stay for the funeral and is apologetic to a very downtrodden Simon. I don't believe in anyone's world that mother hen Leanne would let him do this without her at his side but there you go. One thing does raise a smile on Simon's face, Nick has buzzed the door and has come to check on him. Simon runs out, eager to see Nick and let him in. Simon asks if Nick if he's going to the funeral but apparently he's not either. We now find out why Leanne isn't going. Apparently, Janice is back in the country, was flat sitting for Toyah who is now living in Liverpool. Janice lost the flat's keys and fell while climbing through the window and broke her ankle. (I wonder if the writers thought that up during a storyline meeting with a bottle of whiskey on the table) Nick ends up agreeing to go with Simon and promises not to cry so as not to set Simon off. They go off to clean Simon's shoes.

Carla is going to the funeral and asks a newly arrives Rob his opinion on which dress. He can't believe she's going after what Tina did to her. Ah, but Carla's motivation is pure self-preservation. She thinks that if she doesn't, the police will think she really is guilty. She wants Rob to go with her for support and because she begs, he looks about to give in.

Owen is dressing for the funeral. Owen is not going, Anna's staying home to mind Jake. Speaking of whom, the Windass Armstrong juniors arrive with said Jake, bickering. Izzy and Katy exchange a look and then Izzy asks Katy how Stef is. In bits is the understandable answer, since Stef and Tina were good mates. Izzy remarks that if it weren't for Tina, they wouldn't have Jake and even that nearly didn't happen (referring to Tina wanting to keep Jake after Gary made a pass at her). Gary gets his dander up because Izzy seems to be having a go at him yet again. Sounds like cracks in the relationship and that's not good.

Peter is pouring vodka into a glass of orange juice. Rob comes back and tells Deirdre and Peter that he's going to the funeral because Carla wants him there for support. Never mind, Peter suggests, he'll do it himself. Cue more bickering because Rob doesn't want Peter anywhere near Carla and shouts the odds that Carla doesn't want him there either. Deirdre doesn't think Peter should go, either. Peter sucks back the loaded juice.

Kylie asks David what he's going to say at the funeral. No idea, yet. They have a few memories to share about Kylie's feistiness. Gail has had a letter from Michael and tells them that he's got a job at a garden centre. Gail sighs over the tragedy of losing Tina so young. Max comes downstairs with pillows from Gail's bed to make a nest. Gail hasn't got the time to clean up and admonishes a whinging Kylie to do it.

Outside, the hearse has arrived and it stops in front of the pub where Ann McIntyre has joined some of the older regulars. Stef comes round the corner. She stops, shocked at seeing the hearse. She's wearing a bright pink dress under a little black jacket and has a sudden wardrobe crisis. She spins around, not wanting to face it all, insisting she has to change. Katy runs after her. Only some of the neighbours have come out to see the hearse. Simon has Nick to lean on and Roy has nipped round the corner to pay his respects. Mary notices. Rob and Deirdre come out of Number 1 as Carla comes across from the flat. More than a few eyebrows raise. Carla stops in the middle of the street, uncertain. Rob goes across to walk with her for courage. Deirdre chats to Liz and it turns out that Michelle has refused to go to the funeral on principle and has gone shopping instead, leaving Liz to finish up with the food for after. Deirdre isn't going, because Eccles is so upset! (Are we about to lose the little doggie? I don't like the sound of this) Peter is skulking around the corner, now dressed in a good shirt and suit.

Steve tearfully asks Luke and Katy about several black dresses. Poor kid is in bits. She dissolves in tears as her brother hugs her close.

Tony comes to help Liz and when he sees her start to cry, he holds her. Liz feels guilty, that she let Tina down. She didn't keep Tina away from Peter and should have tried harder but didn't because it was easier. Tony rightfully points out nobody would have known what would happen. Tony reminds her that she can give Tina a good send off and he volunteers to help make butties.

In the church, the service starts. The police detectives are standing right behind Carla and Rob. Peter comes in the back, staggering. People glance at him, looking very disapproving.

After the break, we're back at Stef's flat. They didn't make it to the funeral. Katy brings her a comforting cuppa. Stef is really upset. Katy tries to make her feel better by saying that Tina always said she hated churches. Luke suggests they have their own little memorial.

Roy looks at the aged flowers still lingering at the fence of the builder's yard. Mary comes over. Roy utters a few lines of poetry by Edward Fitzgerald about dying flowers.

"One thing is certain, and the rest is lies, The flower that once blown for ever dies."

Mary follows him in the cafe and asks if Roy is ok. He's industriously washing the floor of the cafe which is closed. Mary has brought a chess board for them to play, to help keep her mind off the funeral. She didn't go because she feared she's cry through it. He graciously accepts the offer.

Rita is at the podium to talk about Tina. She holds back the tears and says how difficult it is to be an old woman giving a eulogy for a young woman taken from them before her time. She recalls how Tina, though she was stroppy, helped a lot of people she cared for. Peter is sitting at the back, listening, and looking more and more belligerent. Rita talks about how close she and Tina became and how she'll miss her very much. Even Rob's eyes well up when Rita says "Rest in Peace, Tina. You're safe now".

Tony and Liz are making butties. Turns out, Tina loved Marmite. Tony has to comfort Liz again who's breaking down over the jar. Getting hold of herself, she asks Tony if there's a heaven. Tony doesn't think so and thinks it would be boring anyway. She gets another text from Michelle who's been sending Liz instructions but keeping herself well away all day.

Luke, Katy and Stef raise tins of alt to toast Tina. They all agree that Tina was gorgeous. Katy tells them that Tina went out with good looking men too, like Tommy and Jason, but never had much luck. Stef makes fun gently of Luke and warns Katy to steer clear of him, he's bad news, she teases. They then talk about Tina's affair with Peter. Katy thinks Tina was lonely after Tommy left.

David's turn at the podium. He's winging it, talking about Tina's stroppy attitude. That raises a few smiles. There's a close up of Simon but we can see Peter lifting a bottle behind him. Nice. David's comments may not be particularly appropriate (for instance, them all cheering when Tina broke Rob and Tracy's window) but goes on to say she was gorgeous and funny and had a great laugh. He starts to fill up when he is about to recall a memory and turns around for a few seconds to compose himself. He turns around and tells them all that Tina would still be there if it weren't for Peter and points him out. Everyone turns around. Peter looks surprised and instantly defensive. Gail hisses at David but he continues. Simon whirls around and shouts at his father that he hates him. That hurts Peter more than anything else and he staggers out of his seat and heads to the door while Nick puts a hand on Simon's shoulder.

Kylie is clearing out the cupboards. Max is bored and asks for more glue. Turns out he's spilled a whole bottle of white glue on the carpet!

We're in the cemetery now as people gather around the grave. The church bells toll. Nick has taken Simon home. The coffin is lowered into the ground as the onlookers toss handsfull of earth and flowers onto the box. They recite the Lord's Prayer. Eva looks up and sees Peter coming through the cemetery and gives Steve a heads up. Steve heads over to stop Peter interrupting.

Tvor

Tony and Liz are bonding over the butties they've made for Tina's wake. Liz scores Tony a five for his buttering skills but nine and a half for being the best boyfriend - she doesn't know how she would have got through today without him. Liz is about show Tony how he could earn the final half point when they're interrupted by another text from Michelle: if Liz has got a minute, please can she put the washing out? Tony replies on Liz's phone and says she's too busy making mad passionate love to him behind the bar.

Steph is showing Luke and Katy some photos of Tina on her phone. She discovers she also has a video and we're treated to a short clip of Tina larking about in the flat. Seeing this reminder sets Steph thinking that they really should do something to mark the occasion. But what? Suddenly she has an idea. She leaves Luke and Katy sitting on the sofa together, clutching a large bowl of crisps, while she goes off to make a mystery purchase.

Back at the funeral Peter's staggering around the gravestones, clutching a bottle of vodka and sobbing that he wants to see Carla and make sure she understands he isn't guilty, while Steve does his best to restrain him.

Gail and Ann McIntyre stand in front of Joe's headstone and have a quite word together. Ann tells Gail how Tina was always so close to her Dad. Gail confirms that Joe thought the world of Tina.

Rob peers down at Tina's coffin down in the grave. Carla comes and stands alongside him and comments that this seems to have hit him very hard. They're joined by Eva who tells Carla that Peter's turned up and wants to speak to her. Carla's all for leaving immediately but Rob says he has to go and speak to Tina's Mum first.

In the cafe, Roy and Mary are deeply engrossed in a game of chess when they're interrupted by frantic banging on the door. It's Kylie with the kids, desperate to know how she can get glue stains out of a carpet. Max, who appears to have totally transformed into a demon child overnight, runs round making strange noises and messing up the chessboard. Mary gives Kylie a useful tip on how to remove glue using a cloth and a warm iron. After they've left Mary says she feels like they've been hit by a tornado.

Luke and Katy are still waiting for Steph to come back. Talk turns to affairs of the heart. Luke reckons Katy must have men queuing up to take her out but Katy says not once they hear about Joseph. Luke says he wouldn't mind if she had six kids, he'd queue out in the street for her all night if he had to. Luke reckons Katy's out of his league. She says how does he know if he doesn't try? So Luke leans in for a kiss but at that moment Steph comes bounding in with her purchases and they quickly pull apart.

Back at the funeral Rob tells Ann McIntyre how sorry he is. Having no idea about his true meaning Ann tells him how they reckon Tina would have survived the fall if someone hadn't come along and finished her off. "What sort of person does something like that?" she asks. Ann misinterprets Rob's guilty look for embarrassment and apologises. "Forgive me ... ," begins Rob. "For not being able to change things. I wish I could," he adds.

Their conversation is interrupted by Peter who has spotted Carla. He staggers over to try and speak to her but Rob tells him to get the hell out of there. He points a finger at Peter and says if it wasn't for him then Tina would still be alive. "Yeah, well, she destroyed my life so that makes us even," replies Peter. This wasn't the best remark to make since the police are standing nearby, listening to everything.. "Do you hear that?" calls out Rob. "He murdered her, just like he murdered his own baby," he shouts, pushing Peter who responds by punching Rob on the jaw.

Kylie is busy trying out Mary's glue-removing tip and is delighted that the iron seems to be doing the trick. Suddenly there's the sound of breaking china. She turns to find out what Max has done now. "No, no, no!" squeals Kylie, as she turns back to see a large burn mark in the middle of the carpet.

Steve's back from the funeral and breaks the news to Liz and Tony that Peter and Rob have been arrested. He's decided that it's his fault for not trying harder to restrain Peter. In fact, everything's his fault he reckons and goes off for a smoke even though he's supposed to have given up.

Out in the bar Ann is telling everyone that Peter more or less confessed to killing Tina. Liz wonders how Simon will cope with knowing his father's a murderer. They all have their own thoughts on the subject.

Gary suggests to Owen he should go home and take over from Anna so that she can come to the Rovers but Owen says she won't want to come if he's there. Gary says he needs to try harder. Izzy tells Gary that things don't just change overnight. Gary scowls and gets up from the table. He says he's going to the gym. Izzy gives him a look and he says he doubts if anyone will miss him, least of all her.

Tracy and Deirdre arrive and hear the news about Peter and Rob being arrested. Deirdre is upset to discover Peter was drunk but even more so when she hears about his supposed confession. Deirdre insists he couldn't have done it, she knows Peter. "Not as well as you thought you did," comments Gail. Ann comes across and tells Deirdre she's already had her daughter's funeral ruined so at least let her have her wake. Tracy takes her mum off home to phone the police and find out what's happened.

Round at Steph's they're cutting up squares of card and writing messages for Tina. Luke asks where they're going to do whatever it is they're about to do. To the surprise of the others she announces that it will be on the balcony as they should try to cancel out the bad with something good.

At the police station Rob is being questioned. He manages to keep his cool even when the policewoman asks him about his relationship with Tina. She knows about Rob kissing her but Rob says they were just friends, it didn't mean anything. It's only when she mentions how upset he seemed to be at the funeral that Rob gets worked up. He says it was Peter he was getting het up about, he doesn't want his sister married to a murderer.

Back on the street, Leanne arrives in a taxi just as Kal is walking past. She's feeling very fed up and tells him about Janice. Having gone all the way to Liverpool it turns out her broken leg was nothing more than a sprained ankle. Kal soon manages to cheer up Leanne and asks her to go for a coffee. Leanne can't, she has to go and see Simon, but she looks thoughtful as she walks away.

Kylie comes downstairs with a mat which she uses to cover the burn on the carpet. Two seconds later David and Gail walk in. Gail says it's all right for some, looking at Kylie who's flopped out on the sofa. Kylie says she'll have Gail know the kids have been running her ragged all day. David notices the rug which has come from their bedroom. Gail wants to know where the teabags are. Kylie tells her she's reorganised the cupboards. She adds that it's their house and Gail doesn't have to live there if she doesn't want to. David tells the pair of them to shut up. Then Gail discovers Max has broken her favourite mug. As the row escalates David announces he's had enough and he's going back to the pub. Kylie wants to go too but Gail says if Kylie thinks she's going to babysit after the day she's had ... and goes upstairs for a bath.

In the Rovers Liz is telling Tony she's worried about Steve. He's not normally this down about things. Tony suggests she should cheer Steve up by throwing him a surprise party for his birthday which is coming up this week.

Rita, Norris and Dennis are talking to Ann about Tina. Dennis says Tina embraced life and Rita says that the older you get the more you realise how important that is. "Not to be scared of doing anything, otherwise you'll only end up wondering ‘what if?'" says Dennis, looking at Rita meaningfully. Norris tuts into his beer and raises his eyes.

Tracy turns up at Carla's to find out what has happened to Rob and Peter. Carla says she doesn't know but Tracy starts to shout at Carla that it's all her fault that her boyfriend and brother are in this mess. Tracy says she doesn't know how Carla can sleep at night, knowing what she's done and letting Peter take the rap for it. Carla's on the point of throwing Tracy out when Rob walks in. He tells them that they've questioned him and let him go but they're keeping Peter in overnight. Tracy wants to take Rob home but he says he needs to stay for a word with Carla. This doesn't go down well with Tracy but Rob isn't about to give into her and she leaves.

Leanne is walking down the street when she's waylaid by Mary who is keen to know if she's heard the news about Peter. Leanne asks Mary why she's wearing gardening gloves. Mary tells her that Roy wants them to plant some flowers in Tina's memory. Then Mary announces she's decided to learn Mandarin. Leanne looks a little confused as well she might. Mary explains that her new motto is "seize the day" and it's something she's always been meaning to do. This seems to strike a chord with Leanne who has just spotted Kal across the street. She marches across the road and, before Kal has time to draw breath, Leanne announces that she's decided that she wants the two of them to be together. "If you still want me," she adds before giving Kal a passionate kiss. He responds just as his father comes past. "Don't stop on my account," he says with a smile as Kal lifts Leanne in the air and gives a whoop of joy.

Kylie is fed up. David's in the pub and Gail's relaxing in the bath. She spots Gail's handbag on the side with the letter to Michael, still un-sent, sticking out of the top. She goes across to the laptop and prints out the version she wrote earlier and puts it into the envelope ...

Roy and Mary have just finished planting the flowers for Tina. Roy comments that at least Hayley had a full life whereas Tina's had barely started. Above them Steph, Katy and Luke walk out on the balcony. They each release a helium balloon with their messages attached and Roy and Mary watch as they float up into the sky.

Rob and Carla are sitting together, talking about Tina. Carla tells Rob she was feeling sorry for Peter but now that she's seen him for what he really is she pities him. She says she didn't want t believe it but she thinks Rob is right and she wants nothing more to do with him. She adds that as far as she's concerned Peter was buried along with Tina and tomorrow she'll start over.

Karen

Peter has spent the night in a police cell. He's woken up by the female detective who tells him they have a lot to talk about.

Michelle and Rob let themselves in to Carla's flat with coffee and a bacon barm, but Carla isn't there.

Leanne and Kal are smooching at the gym, then Leanne says she'll go and break the news to Nick. They're spotted by Gary who asks if they're an item. "We certainly are," says Kal, and gives Gary a list of jobs that need doing. Just then Izzy comes in and tells Gary she needs him to pick Jake up later, she wants to go out for a few drinks with Katy. Gary is annoyed that she has just assumed he's free (to look after his own child!) and quickly makes up a story about Kal wanting to take him out. Izzy says she's not changing her plans and will just have to ask Anna to look after Jake for longer. When Izzy has gone, Kal tells Gary not to involve him in his domestics, and says he can't go out with him.

Deirdre has arrived at the police station to pick up a dishevelled and hungry Peter, who is free to go, but they'll be speaking to him again.

Michelle and Rob find Carla in the office at Underworld, she's back at work and raring to go, and she's been on the phone trying to rebuild some of the bridges she burned. She hopes Michelle and Rob will pitch in and help, she wants her life back. She sends Rob out for coffee.

The disgruntled factory workers are in the cafe, wanting to get back to work, but not even sure if they still have jobs. Just then Rob comes in for Carla's coffee, and they ask if they can have a meeting. He tells them to come by the factory at 4pm.

Leanne goes into the bistro, and Nick is quick to tell her that she doesn't work there any more. He goes on to say he tried to call her last night, but she wasnt' there, and asks where she was. She tells him she was with Kal - all night. She says she is telling him before someone else does, they've decided to make a go of it. Gail butts in and says there's no need to rub his face in it. Leanne says she's not, then she turns to Nick and says she doesn't want to hurt him, but she's put his feeling before her own for far too long, but not any more. She leaves.

Gail rushes back home and tells David and Kylie about Leanne and Kal. She then admits to Kylie that she knows she's been hard to live with lately, she's been so down about everything. They sit and talk about Tina for a few minutes, and Gail apologises to Kylie who has borne the brunt of her bad temper. She goes off upstairs, and Kylie turns to David and tells him she's done something really stupid - she's sent the fake letter to Michael Rodwell pretending to be Gail.

Rob goes back into the cafe to buy salads for lunch, when Tracy comes in and makes snide remarks about how Carla loves bossing him about. She then asks him when he's coming back to work in their business. He gets a bit snappy then, and tells her to cut him a bit of slack while he helps Carla out. He goes on to say that seeing all the people who loved Tina at the funeral knocked him sideways. Tracy thinks he's acting really weird and wonders if there's something he's not telling her. He gets really cross then and tells her to stop pecking his head!

Kylie and David are in the salon, discussing why Kylie sent the letter. Kylie thought it would be a laugh, Gail's been such a pain lately. David wonders what will happen if Michael turns up, thinking he's on a promise. Kylie is sure that won't happen.

Over at Underworld, Carla is busy making appointments with new customers. Michelle points out that the knicker stitchers aren't exactly on side at the moment. Rob tells them he's got that under control, they're all coming in at 4 o'clock so that Carla can throw herself on their mercy.

Gary arranges to hit the town with Jason who has come into the gym. "Mrs given you a pass out, has she?" asks Jason. "Something like that," says Gary.

Leanne is telling Kal about her meeting with Nick earlier. She says he wasn't happy but will just have to get over it.

The stern faced factory workers arrive at Underworld. A contrite Carla thanks them for coming and apologises. She says she was a prize cow who let her gob run away with her. She explains that things were hard and she didn't cope very well. She asks for their forgiveness. "No, we're sorry," says Julie, "you've been through so much." Sally is immediately on her high horse, saying they don't have anything to apologise for, but Carla pacifies her by asking if she'll be her PA for a while. Sally is stopped in her tracks and starts to smile. Carla points out they've all been together for while, they're her dream team - are they in or out? One by one they all agree to stay.

Liz is talking to Eileen and Eva about the surprise party for Steve when Andrea comes in and hears them. Liz swears her to secrecy, she mustn't even tell Lloyd. Just then Steve and Lloyd come in. "Did I hear the B word?" asks Steve. "Belly? Bum? Banana?" says Eileen. "Birthday!" says Steve, and reminds his mother that he doesn't want any hoo-hah. Liz says there won't be any, and Eileen tells Steve they were talking about Jason's 31st birthday.

Gary and Jason are in a club in town, and before long they're talking to two attractive young ladies. One of them introduces herself as Alya and offers to buy the drinks.

Izzy is in the pub talking to Katy, telling her that she and Gary are drifting further and further apart and she doesn't know how to fix it. Katy asks if she still loves him. Izzy is angry with him, but yes, she loves him and would be lost without him. Katy urges her to ring him there and then and tell him. Izzy tells her that Gary went out to get away from her. Katy is sure Gary will be in a boring old pub, and presses her to phone. Izzy picks up her phone.

Steve is sitting in the pub with Lloyd and Andrea, discussing his birthday. Steve is thinking of treating himself to a Harley Davidson. Lloyd says they could always drink the bar dry and hire a few dozen strippers, after all he's at the halfway mark now, it's all downhill from here. Steve doesn't want to listen to any more, and leaves them. Lloyd tells Andrea that they must sort something out for Steve. Andrea mutters that Liz has probably made plans and tells him to mind his own business. Lloyd gets wind of something afoot and eventually Andrea tells him about the surprise party.

Izzy is still trying to ring Gary, but it's gone to voicemail. She leaves a message saying she hopes he's having a great night and she loves him.

Meanwhile, Gary and Jason are chatting up the two girls. Alya then suggests they all go back to her friend's place, but Jason decides to go home, leaving Gary with them.

Rob sees a tearful Steph kneeling by the flowers that were left for Tina. They are dying, but it doesn't seem right to throw them away. She tells him that behind all that bravado Tina was a sweet girl, she can't believe she's not going to see her again. "What must it be like to end someone's life? To have that in your head forever?" she asks him. She is sure that whatever cruel, cowardly monster did it, they'll get what's coming to them. Rob looks very uncomfortable.

Leanne and Kal are snuggling up together in the pub. Eva is at the bar, looking through the job pages, and tells Liz and Steve she is so over working at the factory. She says she prefers working with the public. Liz suddenly suggests that Eva comes to work at the pub. Steve interrupts and asks if he has a say. "Go on then," says Liz, "have your say." Eva smiles and bats her eyelashes. "Go on then, welcome aboard," says Steve to a delighted Eva.

Nick comes into the pub and is very unhappy to see Leanne with Kal. He tells her to expect a letter tomorrow. He's divorcing her. He takes off his wedding ring at puts it down on the table. "All those promises we made obviously meant nothing to you."

Gary is still in the club, dancing with Alya. He asks if there is anyone at home waiting for her. "No," she says, "how about you?" "No," he replies, and tells her she's gorgeous. She goes to kiss him but he pulls back. She asks what's stopping him. "Absolutely nothing," he says after a short pause, and then kisses her.

Anne Logan

Hello and welcome to another Friday episode. When this first aired I was still on the M6. It was raining and I had the handbrake on. I was coming to the end of a four-hour journey from Birmingham to home - a journey which had taken just an hour and 40 minutes in the other direction.

Children, never let your satnav guide you through Birmingham and always avoid the non-toll part of the M6!

Now, on with the show!

Gary wakes in a strange bedroom with a bottle in his hand. Alya tells him they went to Vegas and got married. They might have done, for all Gary can remember. She teases him about last night but he's now anxious about getting home as well as being hung over.

There's Happy Birthday singing and dancing in the Rovers as Steve arrives downstairs on his 40th birthday. He's presented with a tightly wrapped parcel which Liz assures him is not his main present. It's a pair of slippers, which Amy tells him before he's even opened it. Michelle asks him how it feels to be 40. Steve stares in despair at the slippers which represent his whole future.

Gary walks very fast down the street (something nobody could do on the old set because it was so much smaller). Kal, driving past, sees him and recognises he's in the same clothes as last night. Gary tells him he plans to say he slept on Jason's sofa. Dev comes out and calls Gary Gareth - he always thought Gary was short for Gareth. He mentions Steve's 40th birthday and Gary is surprised. He thought Steve was much older. He knocks on Jason's door but sees Katy across the street and crouches down behind a car, which is where Jason finds him. He realises what's happening and signals Gary to come inside when Katy's not looking.

Inside, he accuses Jason of abandoning him and asks who is awake. It's only Sean, apparently. Gary asks Jason to say he slept on the sofa. "What's it worth?" asks Jason. "My relationship," says Gary. Hearing Sean coming downstairs, Gary leaps on to the sofa and pretends he's been there all night. Sean hopes he let Izzy know where he was. Then he realises he came downstairs for a glass of water during the night, turned on the light and didn't even see Gary there. Gary says he was spark out and the light didn't wake him. He says it was far too late to call Izzy when they got in. He says he's never drinking whisky again. He picks up his phone to call Izzy.

She's in the cafe with Anna and when she finally connects with Gary she's furious. "Where have you been?"

Leanne and Kal are also in the cafe. Lee is furious. Nick's suing her for divorce, citing her adultery. She snaps at David that he must have known about this. Kal tries to calm her down and David just ignores her and orders food from Anna.

Gary comes in and Izzy is still angry. She couldn't sleep and rang Anna seven times. She thought he'd got into a fight or had an accident. Gary assures her it was just him and Jason and a bottle of Jim Beam putting the world to rights. Izzy is a bit calmer and says if he needed a bit of a blow out then she understands - as long as that's all it was. "How do you know if someone's lying?" she asks. David tells her liars have Adam's apples.

Deidre's cooking for Peter and saying he must feel good being in a real bed for a change. He did, but he can't understand why he cooked - Deidre says she and Tracy like the heating on first thing. Peter still feels condemned. He wants to go to work but Deirdre says he should give the factory a wide berth. He asks why he should. "I haven't done anything wrong!" Deirdre reminds him that he's done plenty wrong, "and don't you forget it!" Tracy comes in and asks whether they've noticed anything different about Rob. Peter expresses his annoyance with Rob and threatens what will happen to him if he has another go at Peter. Deirdre says Rob could tear him apart. She says he's really upset about Tina. "It's like he's lost his own sister." And he's not coping with having Peter in the house. Deirdre defends Peter and says if Rob doesn't like it he can go and live with Carla. She also says Rob should be looking after his own business instead of leaving it to Tracy on her own. And it's Peter who should be working in the factory.

In the bar of the Rovers, Steve gets aftershave from Andrea and Lloyd and reveals that his big present was a coffee table. Andrea and Lloyd say nothing. Lloyd has an extra gift for him. It's two CDs, both of which Steve knows Lloyd has. Then he realises there's no cellophane on them and there's not even a CD in one case. "These are you're, aren't they?" Lloyd admits he downloaded the CDs to his iPod and thought Steve might like the originals. Anyway, he's got the aftershave and it's the thought that counts. A very grumpy Steve stomps off to change a barrel. Michelle tells the others Steve's been in a mood all day. "As long as he cheers up for tonight," Lloyd says, too late to realise he's not supposed to know about the party. He says his lips are sealed and Michelle and Andrea charge him with making sure Steve turns up. "What could possibly go wrong?" asks Lloyd.

At the bistro, Gail goes on about Michael Rodwell, pointing out how different his life would be now if not for her compassion and forgiveness. She genuinely thinks he's learned his lesson. Nick angrily points out that Rodwell robbed her house and wonder why she wants to set herself up as his saviour. He keeps looking at his watch and Gail wonders what he's so jumpy about.

Steve's still grumpy but now he's at his other job. He points out to Lloyd that he might run two businesses but they're owned with Lloyd and with Liz. Even at 40 the umbilical cord's stronger than ever, he moans. He got slippers, an A-Z of history from Liz and a coffee table that Michelle's had her eye on for weeks. And the slippers didn't even fit. He's size 11 and they bought him size 12. Even his own family don't know his shoe size. Lloyd says you're supposed to buy slippers a size too big but he doesn't know why. Steve mournfully says there must have been some kind of mistake. He's not long been out of short trousers and he'll be 50 next. And why has Brad Pitt got all the advantages and Steve none? Lloyd takes a call for an airport run - to Leeds Bradford Airport, which is more than 50 miles away across the Pennines. Steve wants to do it. Lloyd tries to persuade him not to go but Steve can't understand why not. "After all, it's not as if they're throwing me a party. . . " Realisation dawns and he even more annoyed now because he specifically said he didn't want a party. "Well, no-one believed you," says Lloyd. Steve's still going to Leeds and says he might even do a ten-hour shift.

For some strange reason, Deirdre and Ken converse via her mobile phone. I'd hate to see her bill. She's walking Eccles back down the ginnel as she chats. When they get into the yard she ends the call and goes to investigate why Eccles is snuffling round the shed door. She finds the bracelet that Rob dropped there when he removed the stuff from Tina's flat.

All is sweetness and light between Izzy and Gary. They're in the Rovers with Katy and it's not long before Jason and Sean join them. Jason asks how Gary is after all that Jack Daniels and Gary corrects him that it was Jim Beam. Sean can't understand how he didn't see Gary on the sofa. Izzy is surprised Gary's snoring didn't wake the whole house. Katy looks very thoughtful and a bit suspicious.

Deirdre talks to Rob while she rinses off the bracelet. He's in the living room and can't see what she's doing. She tells him to lay off Peter. Rob says he thinks Peter is the murderer. Deirdre doesn't. Her common sense tells her Peter couldn't have done it. "You're barking up the wrong tree, Rob.

Leanne barges into the bistro and tells Nick what she thinks about being accused of adultery, especially after she stood by Nick for so long, and after he slept with Kylie first. Nick tells her that if she wants a divorce she should just accept it, wave the adultery accusation through and "accept the charges." She doesn't want to do that. He says if she wants to drag it out she should feel free, but she won't be getting a penny. The business and the flat are his. "Take your chances." She will. "Oh, by the way, I'm coming back to work," she tells him.

Dev and Tony are among those gathering for Steve's party. Michelle thinks Steve should have taken the day off. Lloyd comes in and reveals that Steve's supposedly on his way to Leeds and the M62 is like a carpark. He says Steve knows about the party and is threatening to work all night. He has to get back to the switch. When he's gone, Michelle and Liz blame Andrea for telling Lloyd about the party.

Peter's home. He's a bit miffed at not being invited to the party. Deirdre was thinking of popping in but when she sees the mood Peter's in she changes her mind.

Michelle goes to see Lloyd in the cab office. He tells her Steve's back in Manchester but refusing to come home. He suggests she book a cab to get him to come =she decides her name is Cathy and she wants to go to the roller disco. Lloyd books her in and calls up Steve on the radio.

Michael Rodwell arrives at Gail's door. Well, David's, technically and he answers the door. Michael says, "You must be Nick," and pretends he's an old school friend of Gail's. He says his name is Humphrey. Gail's not home but David wants to know what Gail was like at school. Michael says she was really popular and all the boys used to fight over her. David realises this can't be true (oh, poor Gail!). He demands to know who Michael is really.

Just in time, Gail arrives home. Her jaw drops when she sees Michael. "Lord, preserve us! What's he doing here?"

Gary's finished the repair job at the gym. Katy starts to question him about last night but Gary protests that he's not like her playing away and insists it was just him and Jason. Meanwhile, Kal takes a phone calls and gives someone directions on how to get to the gym. It turns out his daughter is just 50 yards away. Izzy arrives to suggest Gary come with her and Jake to the park, so she's there when Kal hugs a new arrival and introduces her as his baby girl, Alya! Yes, that Alya. Gary's jaw drops.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

Two weeks since my last update have you missed me? The football season has been in full swing but we are getting near the end now. Anyway I have been on my travels again, this week to see the Kent and East Sussex Railway, a delightful preserved light railway based in Tenterden and currently running to Bodiam with an extension to Robertsbridge planned for completion within a couple of years. A nice little railway although it seems likely that the standard of track work is now far better than at any previous time. And the sun shone which was even nicer. They think summer is all over - it is now.

Turning my attention to the mean Street of Weatherfield events tonight were written by Chris Fewtree, directed by Diana Patrick and the output is copyright ITV Studios (ITV Global Entertainment Limited). For those interested in such matters this is series 55 and episode 124.

We open in the new gym where Kal is introducing Alya, his daughter to local builder/handyman Gary, his partner Izzy and his little lad Jake. Kal and Gary were in the same regiment. Alya is pleased to meet them - although Gary is not so sure, after all he did spend last night in bed with her (at her friend's house). Alya has just finished her degree course in textile design and Izzy asks if she is going into fashion. Alya responds with a look at Gary that she does not know what her next step is. Suddenly Gary wants to get going! Alya calls Gary the doting Dad - and then asks Gary if she has ever met him before. He denies it - and Alya says it will come back to her. They are pleased to have meet each other.

At the Platt residence (I know I get confused on this - but it is owned by David and Kylie) Michael (Les Dennis) is being met with outright hostility from David but rather better grace by Gail. He had to come after the letter from Gail. He knew there was a spark between them - but when he read about love and destiny in her letter he knew it was more than that - he has read it a hundred times. David tries to strong arm him out but Gail insists on seeing the letter. Gail reads the letter and apologises that there has been a childish hoax. She has never seen the letter before. So who did write the letter asks Michael. They both look at David who is looking very shifty.

Along at the Bistro Nick wants to know why Leanne is still there. She says that he has to get used to it because if he tries to sack her it will be off to an industrial tribunal faster than he can say "unfair dismissal". They bicker much like children although Leanne says she is the grown up. Nick says if he cannot be happy then neither should Leanne. She reckons he wants to punish her and Kal; which Nick points out is no more than they deserve. Leanne asks about Simon and Nick says he will be good when Simon is around. But he does not like his wife cheating. Nick points out her shift finished five minutes and unless she wants a drink for old time's sake she should go. [Gosh says my memory it only seems like 5 minutes she was staying for a drink with Nick cuckolding Peter before the evening ended - how quickly things change]. However I am not sure Nick really means to be as bad as he seems.

At the Rovers Dev wants to know where the (very reluctant) birthday boy is. Jason wanders in and assumes his mother has put this together for his birthday the next day. Eva explains that it is for Steve's special 40th birthday. At the cab office Michelle is pacing back and forth but Lloyd explains that Steve had a drop off at the Eye hospital and will have got a pasty from the Gregg's down the road. Steve loves his comfort food. It might not be a pasty - he does have the odd meatball lattice according to Lloyd! Lloyd says he does not seem himself. The radio goes - Steve will be back soon, but he did not have a pasty as they were sold out; not a completely wasted visit as they have a new girl ... at which point Lloyd cuts him off! Michelle gives Lloyd a look.

Owen is offering to help Anna. She does not want help and Izzy suggests he plays with Jake's blocks. Gary looks round and says he cannot find his phone and must have left it in the gym. He says he will pop round to look for it.

Back at Platt land Michael is having a cup of tea (probably lucky it is not red wine or Gail would be dragging him to bed) and he had seen the letter as a lifeline. Gail tears a strip off of David and then Kylie arrives to be confronted by her new pen pal. She admits it was her idea but she was angry with Gail and Michael was a good for nothing low life who deserves all he gets. Michael makes to go. Gail tells him to sit still. Gail and David argue and Michael goes - good riddance to bad rubbish says Kylie and Gail screws up the letter and throws it at her.

Alya is marching around the gym and says it is not as bad as she imagined and she could see herself working there - maybe front of house, meeting and greeting - a remark overheard by Katie who instantly looks aggrieved - but then Alya says only until she can find something better! Kal re-assures Katie. Gary wanders in looking for phone and Alya offers to help him.

Gail tells Tracy that Eccles found the bracelet near the back gate - according to Tracy the charms cost £40 each. Rob returns and apologises - all will be back to normal soon. They kiss and make up. Although Rob still looks worried.

Steve returns and Michelle gets in the back of the cab - he knew it was a setup. Steve is having a major crisis over being 40 and is refusing to go the party. The only thing he has which is worthwhile is sat in the back of this car. Steve reckons that Homes Simpson is his role model. He has nothing to celebrate. Michelle insists she is a passenger and wants to go to the Quays. Steve drives away.

Gary and Alya discuss last night. She is giving him a hard time about dragging her to bed last night - he did not mention a wife / partner or a child then. Gary regrets cheating on Izzy - he has never done it before and he does not know how he let it happen. He says he cannot remember a thing about last night. Alya says that he knows how to make a girl feel special - Izzy deserves to know about the sleazeball she is going out with. Gary pleads with her not to tell. Gary asks what she is going to do - but she wanders off to learn about reception work from Katie.

After the break we join Katie's training session and she invites Alya for a drink in the Rovers as it is the end of he shift. Leanne comes in, in a bad row from the run in with Nick and is introduced to Alya. Leanne has heard a lot about her - which is not true in Alya's case. Kal introduces Leanne as her "friend".

Katie has rung and invited Izzy and Gary to join her in the Rovers whilst Owen and Anna look after the baby Jake.

Steve parks at the Quays and Michelle gets out and sits in the front - which is a pit. Steve had a meatball lattice earlier. She wants to know the cause of this mid-life crisis. Steve thinks Tina might be alive if he had done things differently. Michelle seeks to assure him that he could not have known that any of the vents would have happened differently. We all make mistakes she says - but Steve says he does nothing else - he is a coward and he always takes the easy option and he does not even know why she is with him. Michelle says he is not really like that and she knows it. He says she should leave and abandon ship - he is not worth it. She takes him for a coffee.

In the Rovers Deirdre is recounting her romantic history - first boyfriend Jimmy, then engaged to Billy Walker, married Ray, then Dirk the Dutchman; Tracy interrupts pointing out to the not-so-Dreary that there are oly 4 and a half hours to kicking out time! Izzy and Gary arrive to find Katie and new bezzie Alya! Gary tries to duck out, but Izzy insists. Gary goes to the bar where Jason points out that Alya was the girl from last night! Jason suggests that maybe Gary should join the foreign legion is the solution. Alya wants some nuts and asks Jason if he has a girlfriend. He confirms he has and Eva blows him a kiss - and that was why he went home last night. Jason says he is leaving Alya and Gary to it. Gary suggests they meet in the yard for a chat.

Walking along the canal bank Steve is wallowing in his despair; Michelle says he must have been a hippo in a previous life for all that wallowing. She starts pointing out all the good things - a daughter, his own pub - he rejoins that it went so badly he had to draft his mother in - and Amy was an accident. Being in his cab is the only place he is in control. So says Michelle - what is going to do about it. She will support him. He needs to face up to being 40 as that is as good a place as any.

Nick reckons Kylie should be writing for Mills and Boon. David reckons it was a joke which got out of hand. Kylie says she was just so angry and she did count to ten. David suggests she tries getting past three next time.

Back in the Rovers Jason and Gary are still chatting over the latter pulling Kal's daughter, perhaps Gary should try the lottery this week. Gary is not amused. Izzy is feeling abandoned.

Finally Steve walks in and the entire pub sings happy birthday. He thanks them for coming. He makes a brief speech - 40 is the beginning of the end. And then he realises that as he arrives in a decade, Lloyd is such a good friend that he leaves it. Steve says he may not always have done the right thing in the past - but he is going to change and search for the hero inside himself. He is going to be a better partner, a better man and in ten years time he and Michelle will be retired with a small house and a holiday home in Spain and he is going to be a success and he kisses Michelle. Tracy tells them to get a room and Steve replies that he already has one and picks Michelle up and walks out of the bar.

At the bottom of the stairs he sighs and lowers Michelle to the ground and asks her to walk the rest of the way.

In the yard at the back Gary and Alya come face to face. Gary wants to know what Alya is going to tell Izzy. It turns out that nothing happened last night and that Alya will not tell - because of her family - clubbing and kissing a man is a bad thing. And she does not do one-night stands. And Gary needs to think about what he was doing.

And what will happen next?
Will Steve retire before 2024?
Will Alya turn into a woman who does do one-night stands?
Will Izzy find out?
Will Kylie cause more trouble for Michael?
Will Leanne stop bickering with Nick and remember why she was with him?
Will Maria return?
Will Kylie and Fiz go missing later this year?

The answers to these and many more questions will be answered in future episodes of our favourite soap.

See you next week.
Richard

Written by Julie Jones
Directed by Brett Fallis

This is the first half of a one hour episode.

Morning at Platt Towers. Max is thumping around upstairs and Gail is thoughtful, wondering what he's thinking. He, David and Kylie assume, means Max but it turns out, it means Michael. She's feeling bad after the letter disaster. Kylie and David are dismissive. Kylie reiterates her apology. Now can we just forget it, she whinges.

Todd and Marcus are having breakfast in the cafe. Todd cadges one of Marcus' sausages. Kirk and Sean come in for bacon butties and abuse out of the lips of Todd who makes fun of them as a "couple". Kirk protests that he's got a wife, cue more insults from Todd but Kirk stands up to him and warns him. Todd backs down. "I was only joking" he whines but I think he knows Kirk is right, Kirk really could take him out in one punch. Sean leaves but Kirk stops to tell Marcus that Maria is coming back. Todd refers to her as Little Miss Fruit Loops. He's really pushing Kirk isn't he? Kirk wonders what Marcus sees in that nasty piece of work. It seems to suddenly occur to Marcus that Kirk just might be right. Kirk warns Marcus off upsetting Maria so stay away, right? He quietly agrees. After he leaves, Marcus expresses worry for Maria, after all she's done it won't be easy. Todd is dismissive of Marcus' concern. Marcus wouldn't wish a breakdown on anyone. Todd decides to change the subject and tries to lure Marcus into going back to bed and then skiving off to town for the day. He's going to pull a sickie. Marcus finds it amusing.

Tyrone is taking a break and a cuppa in the sunshine. Fiz has stopped off on her way to work but leaves him with a kiss.

Gary is walking Izzy to work. They meet Kal and Alya along the way. Kal invites them out to the Bistro but Gary quickly says he was going to offer to make a curry for Izzy tonight. Awkward situation averted. Izzy goes into the factory and Alya heads to the gym. Kal asks Gary if he and Izzy are back on track but apparently not, they've had another row.

In the salon, Kylie has taken a phone call from Becky who has invited them to Barbados next week. David doesn't know if they can because they'll get fined if they take Max out of school. Steph (getting her nails done) is jealous and Audrey thinks it's all right for some. David wonders if it can't wait a couple of weeks but the holiday is to coincide with the opening of a new hotel and Kylie doesn't want to miss it. Audrey reminds them she's standing there which reminds David that they can't just up and leave Audrey on her own nor can they leave Gail because of Michael in the picture. Kylie declares she and Max will go with or without him.

Steve is revising with music blaring. Michelle finds him there and it soon becomes clear he's still feeling a bit down. She turns the music off and asks what's up. Where's that hero he said he was going to find inside him? He sighs that the hero must have ran away crying. Michelle wonders about all that he said but Steve muses that he might get to it when his exam is out of the way. He still seems discontented and at a loose end. Michelle's face seems to indicate she expected it was all big talk and no action.

Michael gets off the bus just as David and Kylie come out of the salon. He spies them from behind and spins around, not wanting to be seen and crashes right into Steph who has her hands full with two takeaway coffees. He apologizes in whispers, looking over his shoulder to see if they'd heard her cry out. Guess not. They are heading back home, Kylie talking about Max and school. David is still concerned about Michael but Kylie doesn't think he'd have the nerve to show up again. Think again, chuck. Michael's hiding round the corner.

Leanne and Eva are in the cafe. Leanne telling Eva that solicitors are expensive. Eva suggests she just say yes to whatever petty accusation Nick hurls. They agree Leanne will try to let it roll off. Eva reminds her of her birthday tomorrow (33). They discuss it as Nick comes in, giving her a dirty look and an order for her to be on time for her shift. She smiles and says she will be. He gives her a hard time about being late and she continues to insist she'll be on time. He stirs it a bit more, calling her "just an employee". She won't take that lying down and reminds he she's entitled to half the business. Nick threatens to torch it rather than give her half. She says if he sacks her as he threatened to do, she'll sue him for unfair dismissal. Eva reckons they're even for points now. Leanne won that round.

Michael goes to Gail's front door. She opens it, surprised. He wants to straighten things out. He invites her to the cafe if that's easier but she's got the baby asleep. She ends up inviting him in.

A taxi comes round the corner. Todd sees Lloyd driving and pulls Marcus back out of Lloyd's sights (because he'd called in sick. I guess Marcus did too). Lloyd has brought Maria home. Marcus immediately wants to go say something to her. Todd tries to talk him out of it but Marcus heads over. Liam is happy to see him but Maria doesn't seem filled with joy but she does imply that she might let Marcus see Liam another time and takes the lad home. I don't think Todd likes this turn of events. Marcus tells him that it seems like Maria is calmer. Todd thinks Maria is unpredictable and doesn't want Marcus to get hurt again. More likely, Todd doesn't want Marcus in a situation that can't be controlled by Todd.

Gail and Michael are seated and have a cuppa. It turns out Michael might be out of prison, but he's got an ankle bracelet to enforce a curfew. It's obviously not programmed to make sure he stays away from his victims. I still think all this has been rather harsh treatment for a first offender who's clearly sorry) He tells her he came out of prison with nothing and her faith in him gave him some motivation. He's got a bedsit and a job at a garden centre. He says he was mortified when he found out about the practical joke and she was too. He suggests they could be friends, maybe. Kylie and David come in and blow a gasket seeing Michael there. Gail defends him as a guest in the house. That doesn't help matters. Gail points out that David has made plenty of mistakes and calls him sanctimonious. Kylie says Michael knows Gail's a soft touch. Michael hot foots it out of ground zero to go to work. Gail shouts at David while Kylie takes a phone call. It's from the school. Max is causing trouble again.

Maria and Liam come into the salon to surprise Audrey. She's delighted to see them. Maria says she's feeling good and hands her a few pressies. Audrey tells Maria she knows it's going to be tough and Maria admits she nearly didn't get on the plane but she's ready to face it and her neighbours.

In the gym, Leanne comes in to see Kal to cheer her up after Nick was horrible to her. She warns Kal that Nick could put her through this for months. Kal pulls her in for a hug just as Alya comes out. Leanne pulls away quickly, makes excuses and leaves. Alya has seen the affection, however, and teases her father, saying Leanne's dodgey body language probably means she's shifty. But when Kal turns his back, she grins cheekily.

At school, Kylie and David are sat on tiny chairs, waiting. (I don't believe they wouldn't have adult size chairs at the teacher's office for parents). They reminisce about how each of them were in trouble a lot at school. Kylie reckons poor Max doesn't have a chance with her as a mother. They recall their various escapades. Kylie says she was in trouble most for being gobby and the two of them playfully shove each other, with David toppling off the chair as the teacher comes out. Mr. and Mrs. Platt??? Um. Yes. The teacher looks very disapproving.

Audrey is telling Maria that if she avoids people it's only going to be harder. Maria says she wasn't avoiding people and was even thinking of going to the pub that evening. She has also decided to let Marcus see Liam even if she's angry with him. Kirk comes in and hugs her to welcome her. Audrey tells him that Maria wants to go to the pub and suggests Kirk go with her for moral support.

The teacher is telling Kylie and David that Max's behaviour has deteriorated over the past few months and they're concerned. Max is struggling to listen, to sit still, getting into fights. She asks how things are at home. David admits there was some trouble last year. Kylie insists it's all good now. Kylie also insists that Maxi is an angel at home though David's face says otherwise. The teacher looks up Max's records, with notes from Mr. Packham indicating that there had been a conflict between he and Kylie. Kylie is stoutly defending Max and blames the teachers for not being up to the job.

Leanne and Simon are in the kebab shop. Simon is thoughtful and kind of despondent. Leanne gently tells him that she and Nick are getting divorced but he can still see Nick when he wants. She tells him that she and Nick don't love each other anymore. When she tells Simon that Nick doesn't have another girlfriend, Simon moans that he will find someone and then won't want to see Simon at all. Leanne doesn't think that will happen. She also has to tell him that she and Kal are seeing each other. Simon just shrugs.

Kylie is complaining about the Head in the cafe. Max wants a big piece of cake but David doesn't think they should give it to him, feels like a reward for bad behaviour but Kylie doesn't see it like that and tells Jenna to get it for him. Kylie asks Max if he'd like to go see Auntie Becky. That, of course, puts the idea in Max's head and David knows it will be more difficult if they can't go. He accuses her of using Max to get what she wants and they bicker.

Kirk brings out some treats from Cyprus to the factory bees while they're stood outside on break. He tells them that Maria is back. Fiz is cool. Kirk tries to talk to Fiz about making peace but she's not so inclined. Gary comes along with Jake in the pram. He asks Izzy what he can get in from the shops (I thought he offered to make a curry?). Izzy says she'll be late home because Fiz needs someone to talk to (excuses, excuses). Gary twigs right away that she's ignoring him though she's denying it.

Marcus and Todd are walking round the corner. They'd been out for lunch. Steve pulls up behind them and toots the horn. He accuses Todd of skiving. Todd puts a tragic face on and tells Steve the truth. Marcus' family dog, named after Barbra Streisand, keeled over and died. Marcus looks embarrassed. Steve sacks Todd who accuses Steve of being past it, old and boring. Marcus looks horrified and tells Todd he'll have to apologize. Todd doesn't think Steve will stay mad for long. Wanna bet?

Tvor

Gail is confiding to Sally about Michael but Sally is on David and Kylie's side over this one. As she points out, Gail hasn't exactly got the best track record when it comes to her choice in men. Gail looks most put out and reckons her past experiences make her an expert when it comes to spotting wrong 'uns. Kylie and David arrive back from the school and pick up on the conversation then have a private chat in the kitchen. David tells Kylie they can't possibly go away on holiday while Michael's still hanging round. Kylie says she'll sort Michael out and gets David to promise they can still go to Barbados if she's successful.

Leanne arrives for work and Nick has a go at her for being five minutes late. She tells him why: she was telling Simon about the divorce. Not only that, she says, but she was singing Nick's praises to Simon. She tells Nick that every time he kicks her it's like kicking Simon and begs him to keep things civil and not drag her through the courts for Simon's sake. Nick appears to look contrite so Leanne tells Steph that she thinks she may have just had a bit of a breakthrough.

Kylie is putting her plan into action and has turned up at the garden centre where Michael works with David and Max in tow. Kylie confronts Michael amongst the potted plants. He's keen she should keep her voice down but Kylie is quite happy for anyone to hear her tell Michael to steer well clear of Gail, otherwise she intends to make a complaint to the police and accuse him of harassing them. But she's cut short by David who suddenly realises that Max is missing.

Back in the Bistro, Leanne and Steph are chatting away like old mates while they work when Nick decides to stir things up a bit. He tells the two women that he needs a second-in-command and, as from now, Steph is the new supervisor. Steph is shocked while Leanne is furious with Nick for playing games. He tells her that that's what she gets for trying to use Simon as emotional blackmail.

In the Rovers, Michelle is lamenting to Eva and Lloyd that Steve still seems to be down in the dumps following his birthday. Then Steve comes through from the back and Michelle tells him that if they want to take early retirement and enjoy some life together they need to find a way of making some serious money. Eva suggests they could sell one of their kidneys for three grand. Lloyd says that won't get them far. Why not make it one each, asks Eva. They're spared any more of her bright ideas by Lloyd's phone ringing. A customer needs to get to the airport in double quick time. Lloyd says he has no chance but Steve's up for a challenge and says he'll give it a go. He claims he knows the airport run like the back of his hand.

We return to the garden centre where David, Kylie and Michael are frantically searching for Max. Suddenly they hear a voice coming from inside a shed. Max has managed to lock himself inside. Before Michael can stop her, Kylie takes matters into her own hands and kicks the door down. Unfortunately for Michael just at that moment his supervisor appears from round the corner, wanting to know what's going on.

Kal and Alya are walking along the street just as Leanne comes bursting out of the Bistro after her run in with Nick. She apologises and catches Kal's eye before disappearing back inside again. This doesn't go unnoticed by Alya. Kal tries playing it down but then admits there is something between them. He's worried how Alya will react but she seems really cool about it and says it's about time he started seeing someone. Mind you, she tells her father, she's not sure how her grandmother will react when he tells her.

In the Bistro Steph admits she's totally out of depth in her new supervisor role. Leanne is being really helpful to her and says she's so sorry Steph has been dragged into all this. She has one piece of advice for Steph ­ make sure she asks Nick for a massive pay rise. The Kal comes in, looking very pleased with himself. He tells Leanne the good news ­ Alya is delighted that they're together. Leanne is relieved and says they've just got to tell Kal's mother and son now. Kal looks distinctly less upbeat at the thought of that.

Back at the garden centre order has been restored. David's keen to go but Kylie hasn't finished putting the boot in. She asks Michael's boss if he knows he's employing a convicted criminal. He confirms he's aware of his past but Kylie decides to flesh out the truth a bit and makes out that Michael's been hounding Gail. "My office. Now!" commands his boss.

Lloyd is telling Michelle that Street Cars used to make money from owning a limo but it got old and expensive to maintain. Michelle wonders whether it would be worth investing in something more up to date. Then a dejected Steve arrives back ­ he didn't make it to the airport in time so the client refused to pay him. Michelle tries to distract him with Lloyd's business idea. Steve doesn't seem too impressed at the thought of dressing up like Parker from Thunderbirds until Michelle says she thinks he'd look well fit in a peaked cap.

On the other side of the pub Eva is collecting glasses and stops for a chat with Sean, Fiz and Izzy and asks after Jake. Izzy makes out everything's good until she's left alone with Fiz when she confesses all is not well between her and Gary. In fact, she admits, things are even worse than that.

Kylie and David arrive home with Max. He's keen to tell Gail where they've been but only comes out with the fact that he wanted to buy a garden gnome and got locked in somewhere before Kylie manages to shove him upstairs out of the way.

Maria is psyching herself up to go into the Rovers. Kirk is with her for moral support. He tells her people are fond of her and they'll forgive her but Maria doesn't share her brother's confidence. Maria's worst fears are realised when they walk into the Rovers and everyone stops talking. Fiz is the first to speak and says she can't believe Maria had the nerve to show her face. Kirk offers to leave but Maria's determined to brazen it out and engages in small talk about tanning products with Eva. She tells Kirk it could be worse ­ Marcus and Todd could be sitting in there, snogging.

David and Kylie are relaxing on sun loungers in the back garden. She tells him to imagine how much nicer it would be if they were in Barbados. And she did keep her side of the bargain by getting rid of Michael Rodwell. David concedes the point but he's worried about taking Max out of school. Kylie doesn't see the problem, she reckons it would be educational for him. David isn't convinced that swimming and building sandcastles would count.

In the Rovers, Eva has joined in with the discussion about limousines. She tells Lloyd and Steve limos are a bit old hat and what they really need is something "really blingy". "Like that amazing carriage off ŒGipsy Weddings ŒR' Us", she advises. With that Steve announces he's had enough and he's off to practise the airport run. Lloyd and Michelle think he's nuts, which is probably about the size of it.

Across the pub Maria decides to confront her demons and goes over to speak to Fiz, Sean and Izzy. She starts by saying how sorry she was to hear about Tina and then goes on to give a fulsome apology to Fiz. But Fiz isn't about to forgive Maria. Fiz tells her she's sick in the head just as Marcus walks in with Todd. Overhearing what's going on, Marcus steps and springs to Maria's defence. He tells Fiz she's said enough and there's no need to be vindictive. But Fiz makes her feelings quite clear and tells Maria she won't forgive her, ever.

Kylie, David and Gail are sitting at the table, eating their tea while Gail waxes lyrical on the finer points of petits pois. They're interrupted by a frantic knocking on the front door. Kylie draws the short straw and goes to answer it, whereupon a very upset Michael Rodwell comes bursting in into the room. Gail is horrified when she hears that, thanks to the actions of Kylie and David at the garden centre, Michael has lost his job. He apologises to Gail for his outburst and tells her none of this is her fault then leaves before she can stop him.

Maria and Kirk are having a quiet chat in the back yard of the Rovers when Marcus appears. Maria tells him she thought the others might forgive her. Marcus advises Maria to give them time but she asks why should they since she can't bring herself to forgive him. Next to pop his head up round the corner is Todd who listens in while Marcus asks Maria if she meant what she said earlier about allowing him to see Liam. She confirms she did, although nothing too major she adds and suggests perhaps he could take Liam to school in the morning. Todd then makes his presence known and makes a big show of putting his arm round Marcus and saying they should go. Marcus confirms he'll see Maria in the morning, bright and early.

Gail is laying into David and Maria for what they've done to Michael. Kylie tries to defend their actions but Gail doesn't want to know and says that Michael's job meant the world to him. Kylie tells Gail that what's done is done and they should put it all behind them. But Gail sees things very differently and feels they now owe something to Michael. She tells David that his nasty little tricks have misfired this time and she's going to do everything in her power to get Michael back on track.

Karen

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

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