2014


Monday 1 September

I can hardly believe it. There I was enjoying a doze in my comfortable chair when I get a nudge. "Oi you", "errr me?" "Yes, you. You haven't done a Corrie report in ages. It is time to get writing again" "Okay ... now where did I put my quill pen ..." !!!

Kylie and David rush down stairs in a panic. They had overslept, and blame each other. The psychiatrist is coming to assess Max and the place is untidy. David tries to reassure Kylie that she is coming to see Max and not looking at the house.

Ken is on the phone to Leanne. Tracy makes some snidy remarks, but Ken assures her that she cares about Simon and wants to protect him from what is happening. Ken says that the worry about Peter has become a strain on the family. Deirdre has 'one of her heads' (how many has she got?!!) and is resting. Tracy says to Rob that if Peter dies then her Dad wouldn't be far behind as it would finish him.

Fiz and Ty visit Luke in the garage. He says he is very busy and has had to turn away customers (never seen it busy previously!) Luke goes off to answer the phone. Fiz says she is worried about the hole in their bank account because he is not earning. (Don't they have 'rainy day' savings?). Ty tries to assure her that Tony and Jason have offered them compensation (compo) as well as fixing the ceiling. She wants Tony to up the offer.

Gail and Michael walk in while Kylie is vacuum cleaning. She is surprised to see that and wonders what it is all about. Kylie explains about the psychiatrist coming. Kylie looks very tired. Gail suggests she goes to bed and gets some rest.

Tracy says she is looking forward to going to the Wedding Fayre, but Rob is a bit reluctant in view of the Peter 'situation'. She wishes she could do something for Peter. (What Tracy wants to help somebody?!).

Rob goes over to chat to Carla. They only manage to make small talk and don't discuss Peter.

Katy is doing her make up. Steph wonders if it is for her brother's benefit, and then says she is not concerned who she (Katy) sleeps with!. Katy thinks Steph has been 'off' with her all morning, and says if she and Luke got married then they would all be family. Steph just thinks it is funny that her brother and her best mate are together.

Carla and Sally are trying to put a bra and knickers on a dummy. There is a discussion on why they don't put a head on the dummy! Beth arrives late at the factory and Carla asks her why. She says she got held up by Tracy telling her about Peter. When she mentions that he has been rushed into hospital, it is obvious Carla didn't know.

Todd tells Tony that he is working in the office, but Tony tells him no as he may order straw instead of bricks! Tony tells him to start unloading the van.

Ken and Tracy are at Peter's bedside in the hospital. Tracy is talking about the colour of crushed raspberries, but Ken is more concerned about Peter. He wonders how Peter could have got alcohol in prison. Tracy says if you want something you can get virtually anything. Ken understands that Jim McDonald found Peter, raised the alarm and saved his life.

Carla comes into Rob's shop. She wonders why he hadn't told her about Peter's condition. He says he didn't want to upset her. He explains that Peter may not make it, but it is his own doing. Rob suggests she goes away on holiday so she isn't reminded about Peter. It would give her time to clear her head.

Ken is talking to an unconscious Peter about Simon when Rob walks in. Him and Tracy start a row. Peter then starts to regain conscious. All he can mutter that he wants to see Carla. Rob thinks it is not a good idea to worry Carla, but Ken says it is Peter's request.

Todd brings Tony a cup of tea that looks like gravy. Tony tells him to make it again, properly. Todd says he is not the teaboy, but Tony tells him he is and to make it again.

Katy surprises Luke in the garage. She says she really likes him and hints that they could get together. Luke explains that because they have been mates for too long, getting together wouldn't work. They agree they would still be friends. Steph walks by and gives them both a stare. It annoys Luke, saying it is none of her business who he sees.

Tracy with Rob in the hospital wonders if Carla will come to see Peter. Tracy thinks the only reason she would come would be to gloat. Tracy mentions that the Wedding show starts in half hour.. Rob suggests she goes because it is not as if Peter will notice. Rob says it is what he would want. Tracy says she realises that Rob doesn't like him, but he is not to unplug him while she is out; she doesn't want to be a prison widow !

In the factory, Ken has arrived to see Carla. He tells her that Peter regained conscious,although he is still critical, but is anxious to see her. Ken realises that Carla has no reason to go and see him, but tells her that he is desperate to see her. She says there is no reason for her to go. He says if she doesn't go, she may regret it forever. He tells her that Peter just wants to make peace with her (he didn't actually say anything like that - he only said he wanted to see Carla !). Carla doesn't want to go, but Ken says it maybe his son's last wish. She will not be persuaded, she says she can't

Fiz arrives home and asks Tony and Jason when the work will be finished. Jason says hopefully by the end of the week. Todd comes down with a bag of rubbish, and Tony tells him there are more bags needing to be brought down and their cups as well. Fiz mentions about compensation, saying that Tyrone can't work and they have kids to feed, and they have bills to pay and won't be able to manage. Tony says he will look at the figures and will get back to Ty.

Kylie is getting ready for the psychiatrist to come round. She yells to Michael to cover up his ankle bracelet (police security tag). She tells him not to look like a criminal! She thinks the place smells and says she will get some of her deodorant to spray. Gail thinks they will be choking. Max offers to show Michael one of his toys, but needs to find it by tipping over a crate of toys onto the floor. Kylie panics and blames Michael. David then walks in with Amanda, the specialist nurse.

Carla is mulling things over in the factory. She rings a travel agent to book a holiday.

Rob is talking to an unconscious Peter. He is saying that probably the person he hates the most in the world, is there probably to waive him off. He tells Peter he deserves everything that is coming. If he doesn't like it, they will meet in the future in the 'same place' where neither of them will need a coat! Peter then starts fitting. The alarms go off.

And that is where we leave this part. I reckon Karen will be along shortly with her report of part two.

So what did we learn from this episode ..

Duncan didn't write this report !!!!!

(Back to the bath chair for me now !).

Martin Rosen

Thank you to Martin for dusting the cobwebs off his keyboard and entertaining you all with the first episode. I now bring you part 2 which was written by Susan Oudot and directed by Jo Johnson

Peter's lying in his hospital bed having a fit while Kylie's having another sort of fit over Max and his toys. The psychiatric assessment lady really isn't worried about the mess, she just wants to see Max in his normal environment but that's what Kylie's afraid of. Gail puts on her posh voice, causing Max to ask why she's talking funny. St. Michael comes to the rescue and suggests he and Gail should take Lily for a walk and leave the others to it.

Carla's talking to Michelle, Steve and Liz in the Rovers. She's explaining why she won't be going to see Peter but it almost sounds as though she's trying to convince herself she's doing the right thing. Michelle suggests she might live to regret it but Carla's mind is made up and besides, she tells them, she's booked herself a last minute holiday. So last minute, in fact, she asks Steve if she can have a cab for 6.30. Steve changes the subject back to his current favourite topic: the cricket team. He's decided he needs some younger players and sets off in search of Chesney.

Out in the street Ken bumps into Gail, St. Michael and Fiz. Just as they're asking after Peter Ken's phone rings. It's the hospital and he relays the news that Peter has had some kind of seizure.

We return to number 8 where the psychiatric-assessment-lady is watching Max and David play cards. Max decides he's bored with that game and demands they play something else before bouncing on the sofa and throwing the cards in the air. Kylie apologises. The psychiatric-assessment-lady says it's fine.

Ken's arrived at the hospital to find Rob in the waiting room. Rob tries to explain what happened. Tracy arrives in a flurry of carrier bags, worried Peter's breathed his last and she's missed it. Ken's furious at her for swanning off to a wedding fair then apologises for losing his rag.

Steph comes in from work, exhausted, to find Katy stirring something on the stove. To Steph's horror, Luke wanders in from the bedroom and Katy explains she's invited him round for his dinner. Steph tries to make out she doesn't mind and says Luke can stay the night for all she cares but her face tells a different story. Luke and Katy make a big show of cuddling up to each other then burst out laughing the moment Steph leaves the room.

Round at number 9, Jason and Tony are packing up for the evening. They ask Fiz and Ty if they'd like to join them for a drink in the Rovers. Todd's face lights up, he says he could murder a pint, but Tony tells him to stay behind and finish clearing up the rest of the mess. After the others have left, a disgruntled Todd angrily kicks one of the bags of rubbish.

The psychiatric-assessment-lady is about to leave. She explains to Kylie and David that she'll be going to observe Max at school next. Kylie's keen to know what she thinks after today but the lady patiently explains that it's like a jigsaw puzzle - she needs to have all the pieces before she can see the whole picture. She leaves just as Gail and Michael arrive back with Lily and ask how they got on. David says they don't know yet but Kylie's convinced that "he's got it". We presume she means ADHD. Kylie goes upstairs to check on Max and St. Michael says he doesn't need to be back for a while. He suggests David should take Kylie to the Bistro for a break while he and Gail look after the kids.

In the Bistro, Michelle, Liz and Carla are having a laugh about Tracy and the demands she's making for the wedding. Tony, comes in with Jason, Fiz and Ty and says he's glad to see someone's happy. Ty's on the orange juice on account of his medication and he can't even enjoy a game of darts with Jason because of his broken arm. Then Liz has an idea - she has Jack's box of dominoes under the bar. Ty says he's happy to give it a go. As he goes off to play a game with Jason, Fiz whispers to Liz that Jack taught Ty to play and he never loses.

Fiz goes over to Carla and asks if she's heard about Peter. Carla says she has. Then Steve comes in and tells her that Peter's taken a turn for the worse and says it seems like he might not make it. Carla hesitates for several moments before commenting that it's too bad.

Carla hugs Michelle goodbye and then leaves the Rovers. Liz says you can see she's putting up a front but reckons that Carla is doing the right thing by just going away.

At the bar Fiz is having a word with Tony about his offer. She says she's not talking about compensation or anything like that, she only wants to cover loss of earnings. Tony replies that if they could offer more, they would. Just then Jason comes up to the bar. As Fiz walks away he tells his dad to give them what's fair. Tony accuses him of panicking but Jason says he just believes in being straight with people. He says that if Fiz and Ty find out about the materials it's going to cost them a fortune. "Yeah, but they're not going to," says Tony.

Carla may have only had five minutes to pack but she still found time to shove half a ton of bricks into her suitcase. At least that's what it looks like Steve is hauling into the boot of his taxi. As they get into the car Carla asks Steve if he thinks she was wrong by refusing to see Peter. Steve replies that he can't tell her what to do but that there have been times in his life when he's ignored everybody, thinking he knew what was best, but sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees.

Over the hospital, Ken is in a state as he waits with Tracy and Rob. But it seems there may be a glimmer of hope as a doctor comes out to tell them that Peter's condition has stabilized. She says he's not out of the woods yet but he could pull through. She suggest they all go home and get some rest.

Katy and Luke are still having fun winding up Steph. Luke suggests that if Steph ever found herself a boyfriend they could double date. Steph looks more miserable than ever as she knocks back another glass of wine.

Back in the Rovers, Ty and Fiz are making tracks for home. After Ty has left, Tony calls Fiz back and suggests he gives them two grand. Fiz looks taken aback - she thought he couldn't afford to pay them any more. She says she'll have to speak to Ty. When Fiz has left Jason tells his father that he almost believed him for a moment. Tony says he's only trying to save his business. The two of them go off to play a game of darts, giving Todd the cold shoulder and leaving him standing at the bar.

Steph has finally had enough. As Luke and Katy cuddle up next to her on the sofa she says it's like being trapped with your mum and dad in a room when a sexy movie comes on. And what happens when they break up? Steph says she'll be stuck in the middle with them both bad-mouthing each other. Finally Katy and Luke can keep it up no longer. As they dissolve into laughter, Steph can't help smiling. She throws bread rolls at her brother and tells him to leave. But it's all very good humoured.

Liz is asking Steve about Chesney and the cricket team just as Luke walks into the Rovers. Steve's eyes light up - another potential player! But Luke reckons he's not the sporting kind, until Michelle says she'd heard that he'd done a trial for Weatherfield Football Club. Luke says that was before his .er .. um . knee injury. He suggests Steve should ask Steph - apparently she was captain of the school rounders team. They're interrupted by the arrival of Ken, Tracy and Rob. Liz says she's so sorry to hear the news and offers them a drink on the house. Rob is anxious to know if Carla made it to the airport O.K. and Steve confirms he drove her there.

Liz is pleased to hear that Peter is now stable but looks very surprised at Ken's next revelation. He says they have Jim to thank for raising the alarm when Peter collapsed. Tracy adds that, according to the prison, he's a bit of a hero. "Jim doing something for someone else," Liz mutters, glancing at Steve. "I'm speechless". Ken tells Steve that before this happened Peter told him that Jim really wants to see him. He adds that he knows that there are some issues but everyone deserves a second chance.

We see Peter lying in his hospital bed. Suddenly a face appears at the window and looks at him: it belongs to Carla.

Steph and Katy are talking over a bottle of wine. Steph wants to know if they broke up because of her but Katy assures her they didn't. She says it just felt weird. Steph's phone rings. She answers it and is surprised to hear it's Steve calling her.

Tracy, Ken and Rob are leaving the Rovers when a taxi draws up. "Carla?" calls out Rob. Tracy comments she thought leaving was a bit heartless, even for Carla. "Been shopping?" asks Carla, spotting Tracy's bags. Rob is just worried to see Carla hasn't gone. He's all for driving her back to the airport, there should still be time to catch her flight. Carla reveals she's just been to the hospital. She says Peter wasn't conscious but she's going to go back first thing. "Thank you," Ken smiles at her as he and Tracy leave.

Rob has a go at Carla. He tells her that she can't do this to herself to help someone like Peter. But Carla replies that she's not doing it for him, she's doing it for herself. "Closure, that's what I've come back for. I'll talk to you in the morning," says Carla. She turns away, leaving Rob with a very concerned look on his face.

Karen


Wednesday 3 September

Max is off to school, and David tells him that the lady who came yesterday is coming to see him at school today.

Tracy and Rob are discussing the wedding when Ken comes in, just finishing a call to the hospital. Peter's condition hasn't got any worse, and he's hopeful that Carla's visit will give him the boost he needs. Looking worried, Rob asks if Peter is actually talking. Ken tells him he is, but intermittently and it takes a lot out of him. Rob looks even more worried. Tracy continues to witter on about her wedding plans, and Ken is irritated. "Are you so crass and insensitive? You're still planning your wedding when we nearly lost Peter last night?" he rages, telling her she should cancel or at least postpone. To Tracy's disgust, Rob says that Ken could have a point, and she should let Michelle know.

Fiz and Tyrone are in the cafe eating breakfast, and talking about their finances. Fiz tells him that two thousand pounds from Tony won't cover what they need for bills etc. "We need what we're properly owed," she says.

Tracy meets Carla in the Street and asks if she's been to visit Peter yet. Carla says she's on her way, but doesn't know what she's going to say to him. Tracy tells her she's off to see Michelle to tell her the wedding is off because Peter is so ill. Carla tells her not to let 'that man and his selfishness' destroy her life like he's destroyed Carla's. She walks off leaving Tracy looking thoughtful.

Eva is in the salon having her nails done by Kylie. She then notices that Kylie, who obviously has her mind on other things, has put a false nail on her upside down. Kylie rips it off, causing Eva to yelp with pain. David suggests that Kylie goes home early, and Audrey realises that it's today that Max is having his assessment. Kylie wants to keep busy. Just then the phone rings - it's the school, they want Kylie and David to go in immediately.

Carla arrives at Peter's bedside. Ken tells her he had internal bleeding but has had a transfusion so it's under control.

It's break time at the factory and the workers are sitting outside. Sean is checking out potential boyfriends on an app on his phone, and Beth is flicking through a bridal magazine and chatting about weddings.

Carla is sitting at Peter's bedside. He's awake and thanks her for coming. He tells her he doesn't want her sympathy, he just wanted to see her one last time. With gasping breath he tells her not to worry, he'll take the blame. "For what?" she asks, puzzled. He tells her to stop pretending, he'll take her secret to the grave. "I know you killed Tina," he says.

Carla tries to make sense of what Peter is saying, and can't. She asks if he's trying to mess with her head. He tells her he knows why she did it, he understands. She asks him again what he's trying to do but it's no good, he's fallen asleep. Furious, she leaves the room.

An unhappy Tracy arrives at the back room of the Rovers to cancel her wedding, to hear harp music playing. Opening the door she sees the harpist playing while Steve and Michelle watch from the sofa. Michelle beams and tells her they've found a harpist, she's really good. Tracy, in a sour mood, makes a rude remark about the poor woman's dress and leaves. Michelle rushes after her.

Outside, Jason is throwing all the chipboard into the skip outside Tyrone's house. Tyrone asks why he's throwing all of it away, some of it wasn't damaged. Jason falteringly tells him that because of the accident he wants to get all new stuff, to be on the safe side.

Tracy comes out of the ladies loo and walks into the bar where Michelle tells her she'd get a gold if they gave medals for rudeness. Liz thinks Tracy has been crying, although she denies it. Tracy then tells them that the wedding is off. Liz wonders if Rob has finally come to his senses. Tracy explains that Ken thinks it would be insensitive in the light of Peter's situation. Tracy says she thought it would be something to bring happiness to the family at a difficult time. (She's all heart, Tracy!) Michelle thinks Tracy should talk to Ken again before she starts chucking all her plans away.

Kylie and David have arrived at the school where they are shown a classroom wall that Max has thrown a pot of red paint all over. Apparently the teacher couldn't stop him, he was out of control.

Beth and Kirk come into the Rovers and ask Michelle if she'll plan their wedding for them. Michelle hesitates and Liz butts in and says it's a pricey service. Michelle agrees, saying it's a bespoke service and the costs can add up. Beth is insulted and asks if she's turning them away before they've even seen the figures. Kirk points out that they're both working. Michelle backtracks and says she didn't mean to offend them and goes off to get the diary.

Rob and Ken are chatting - Rob is fiddling with his phone, wondering why Carla isn't replying to his texts. Tracy comes in then, and Ken tells her that he really appreciates her cancelling the wedding. He then goes off upstairs. When he's gone, Tracy tells Rob that she hasn't cancelled, Michelle thinks it's good to give the family something to be happy about. "Of course she's going to say that," says Rob, crossly, "she's set to make money out of us." Tracy says that Peter is her brother. If he doesn't make it, she'll cancel, but if he pulls through, if he makes a miraculous recovery and they've cancelled, they'll just be sitting there twiddling their thumbs.

Carla wanders into the Rovers and Liz and Michelle can see immediately that all is not well with her. Michelle takes her straight through to the back.

Kylie and David are back at home, talking about Max. David mentions the fact that it's Max's birthday tomorrow. Kylie is aghast, she's forgotten! (No wonder the poor child is disturbed!)

Carla and Michelle are sitting down with a glass of wine. Carla tells Michelle what Peter said about taking her secret to his grave. Michelle is puzzled. "What secret?" Carla explains that Peter is convinced that she killed Tina - so that means that he didn't! Michelle struggles to make sense of all this. "Then...if you didn't kill Tina, and he didn't......who the hell did?"

Anne Logan


Friday 5 September

Tracy and Rob arrive for work and she points out there are six flutes in the window. Has Rob ever sold a flute? No, but he did sell an electric clarinet a while back... Rob asks if she's spoken to Ken yet but Ken's still at the hospital. Rob sees Carla but she can't stop. She'll tell him later how yesterday went. Michelle watches Carla from an upstairs window.

There's a skip outside Tyrone's house and Owen's having a good old rummage. There's a lamp on top and Tyrone has no idea where it's come from - it looks like the sort of thing Emily Bishop would have, he thinks. Owen plans to come back when the skip's a bit fuller. Steve wanders past and looks at the lamp. He thinks it's familar. He asks Tyrone about getting the taxis their MoTs (certificate of roadworthiness) but Tyrone asks if it can wait a few weeks - Luke's trying to cope on his own. (I have no idea why the taxis are all due at once} Steve suggests using a different firm this year and Tyrone gets annoyed. Steve blames Lloyd.

Ken's quite cheerful and Peter's awake. The doctor warns Peter he'll be at risk of internal bleeding if he ever drinks again. He doesn't feel too bad - at least he wakes up without smelling his cellmate's feet, he says. He assures Ken he's got the message about drinking.

In the cafe, Beth tells Chesney and Sinead she's going to have a wedding planner because Tracy's having one. Kirk spots a story in the Gazette about Miss Weatherfield being crowned. Beth snatches the paper from him. "What's she got that I haven't?" she demands. "A tiara!" says Kirk. Beth's pleased with this answer. Anna asks Chesney about the cricket team to play the Flying Horse.

Tyrone tells Jason and Tony about Streetcars taking their business elsewhere. He's losing custom. He asks awkwardly about the two grand compensation they offered. Could they stretch to three thousand?

Tracy's trying to play a flute but for Rob this is just "trying" full stop. He's watching out the window and says he's going to go to the Kabin. He stops when Tracy gets a call from Ken. She's pleased Peter's recovering. After the call, she tells Rob what the doctors said about Peter being at risk of internal bleeding if he drinks again.

Kylie tells David she doesn't think much of the new Miss Weatherfield, though David thinks she looks well fit. Gail doesn't think much of the beauty queen either. They discuss the coming appointment to confirm Max's diagnosis.

Tony's gone to see Steve to ask him to reconsider taking the taxis to another garage. Steve's in the pub and he's wearing a cricket sunhat. Most of the rest of the team are in a booth wearing a variety of cricket gear. Chesney comes in in full whites, though the trousers were his mother's and he keeps having to hitch them up. They're joined by Dev, fully padded up and chewing gum as he strikes a pose to be admired.

Fiz tells Tyrone about a no-win-no-fee law firm she saw advertised. Tyrone's a little reluctant - he doesn't really want to lose a friend.

Rob and Carla discuss Peter over a cuppa at the cafe. Carla tells him Peter thought she had killed Tina. Anna comes over to talk about cricket. This stops the discussion, though Rob tells Carla that Peter's got inside her head.

At cricket practice, where they're playing a cricket version of five-a-side, Steve annoys everyone by giving a radio commentary. Ches isn't sure how he should position himself as wicket-keeper. Should he crouch or stand? Dev's annoyed that he's been put too far out in the field. Sharif is batting, full of stories about his cricketing past. Dev wants to know if he should move in a bit. Gary bowls, Sharif hits it and the ball is caught by Kal. Sharif tells him he'll give him some more practice catches before the game starts properly. Gary (and everyone else) thought the game had started. Sharif argues but is stopped by a bloke on the sideline calling, "You're out, papa-ji!" It's Alya's brother, Zeedan.

Tyrone visits Jason - they are quite matey, despite the circumstances. He tells Jason about the no-win-no-fee lawyers. Jason says he'd like to pay Tyrone more but he's already paid him back the money for the loft conversion and now he's skint. Jason says he asked Roy about the lamp on the skip. It's not his but he does recognise it. "Steve said that too," says Tyrone. "Weird."

Zeedan hits big, though with no crease or boundary lines it's hard to tell whether it's a four or a six. Kal's really annoyed with Dev. If Dev had been in the position where he was put, he could have caught it. Sharif starts to give orders but Kal says he's not the captain. Dev wants to be captain. Dev and Sharif start arguing about India and Pakistan's cricketing merits. "Guys, can I get up yet?" asks poor Chesney, who apparently decided to crouch.

Jason tells Tony about the no-win-no-fee plan. He thinks they should have just told Tyrone the truth. Tony argues that even if a lawyer is brought into it, they're bulletproof because the damage has been patched up now. "We're bulletproof." Jason still thinks giving another thousand pounds to Tyrone and Fiz will make a big difference. Tony wishes Jason was a harder businessman.

David and Kylie are back from Max's appointment. The diagnosis is confirmed and he'll have to take pills to control his hyperactivity. Kylie thinks it's her fault he has a hereditary condition, though Gail points out Max had a father, too. There's a lamp in the living room - Michael found it on a skip and thought Audrey might like it. David thinks it looks familiar.

Hmmm... now where could Steve, Roy and David have seen that lamp?

Cricket practice has finished but Alya can't persuade her brother to go to the pub with them. She tells him Sharif was really please Zeedan came along.

Tyrone gets home just as Fiz finishes a call to the lawyers. They've told her Tyrone should get a minimum of five thousand pounds. Tyrone is not sure - if the lawyers fail, he'll have to sue. Fiz is annoyed the damage has been repaired now - it was evidence. Tyrone points out it was her idea to get it put right. Tony knocks on the door and asks if he can come in. He tells them he's prepared to stretch to three thousand. Fiz says they could get more. "And you might end up with nothing," he points out. Tyrone says they'll let Tony know.

The cricket team's in the pub. Steve's anxious to know whether Zeedan will play. Rob's keeping an eye out for Carla.

Kirk and Beth arrive to see Michelle. They have a wedding planning appointment she seems to have forgotten about. But she tells them to come through the back.

Carla arrives and she and Rob have a quick word before Ken comes in. Ken has a message for her: Peter says he meant what he said. Ken's curious but says he won't pry.

Tony and Jason are in the yard when Tyrone and Fiz arrive. They've decided to accept Tony's offer. Tony has the cheque all written and waiting for them.

Tracy's still trying to play a note on the flute. She's tells Rob someone's taken the old lamp from her bedroom after she put it in the skip (Aha! Steve, Roy and David!). "It just goes to show, some people will have any old tat." (I like to think this is a metaphor for Tracy herself!)

David has put the lamp back into the skip. Kylie's doing the dishes. She wonders if the pills are a quick fix for Max. "Is this the easy way out?" Max will have to take them until he's 18 or 19.

Owen's back rummaging in the skip and pulling out bits of hardboard. He sees Chesney in his whites and is surprised to discover the pub has a cricket team. On their way home from seeing Jason and Tony, Tyrone and Fiz are surprised to see the lamp again. Owen asks if it's OK if he takes the hardboard. "Are you laying a floor?" asks Tyrone. Owen laughs. No, he's not. Fiz asks why he laughed. Owen says you can't use these panels for a floor. They're much too flimsy. There's such a thing as regulation. The penny drops. "Is this what they used for the floor?" he asks. Fiz and Tyrone realise they've been lied to. Who's lied to them? "Jason Grimshaw," says Tyrone. "I'll kill him."

The end of the first episode. .

Margaret Carr

Good evening. I have been away for a couple of weeks so thanks to Duncan for sitting in for both myself and Margaret. I have been in Orlando catching up on the theme park changes since our last visit and doing many new (and old) rides. We had a great time but now it is back to keyboard.

This episode was written by Martin Allen, directed by Jo Johnson and copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open this evening with the skip outside the Tyrone residence with Ty, Fiz and Owen where the latter is explaining the need for the flooring to meet building regulations - and this stuff is just about good enough for shelves - not for standing on. Owen reckons Jason should know better. Ty now knows why Jason did not want to claim on his insurance.

At Jason's yard Todd is getting some more new business - a property developer has a flat which needs fitting out - and there may be more business. Ty arrives and starts shouting the truth at Jason - Todd and Tony stay silent.

In the back room of the Rovers Michelle is hearing the list of requirements for the Beth / Kirk wedding. Given they are on minimum wage at the factory I am surprised they can afford anything - but they keep asking for more than Rob and Tracy. Michelle simply writes it all down. Michelle asks if they have a budget but Beth is not worried - she wants Michelle to record the requirements and they will worry about money at the right time.

Ty and Fiz go through what they have been told by Owen and Tony tries to buy some time whilst Jason looks guilty and Todd looks very troubled in the background, especially when Fiz says that they must have known they were cutting corners. Once they have gone Tony turns on Todd and asks how they are going to get out of this one?

Along at Plattville David and Kylie agree the time has come for Max to be given his first tablet. Max initially refuses - but soon takes it. Michael arrives with a present for Max - who starts jumping up and down. According to the medics it should kick in within the hour.

In the Rovers Jason is bringing Eva up to date. He tells Tony they should have come clean from the start - but Tony says not.

Elsewhere in the Rovers Rob the murderer is talking to Ken about Peter having pulled through from his excess alcohol consumption. Still a way to go before he is out of the woods. Ken is convinced Peter is innocent and assures Rob, Carla and Audrey that there must be some evidence out there exonerating Peter. Ken joins Audrey at the bar and Rob starts on once again making sure that Carla does nothing. She is not convinced.

Most of the cricket team is discussing the forthcoming game in the gym. The main problem is the lack of an effective captaincy. Dev and Sharif are in a real head to head over who is best at cricket and which of their countries is better! The rest of the team despair. This keeps going back and forth! Eventually Alya points out their individual strengths - one with the bat and the other with the ball - and perhaps they should agree on a real leader. But who?

Back in the Rovers Beth is still listing ideas - morning suits - which confuses Kirk because the wedding is in the afternoon. A limo for transport - but they do not want the camper van. Wedding favours - a framed engraved photo of the happy couple. And one more bridesmaid than Tracy! Michelle adds it up on a calculator and shows them the total - Beth is stunned and Kirk says if that is what she wants then he will find the money.

In the bar Eva is trying to get Jason to cheer up - but he knows he has lost a good friend - a mate. Indeed he is going round now to say sorry. Eva says the situation is at least diffused - just as Liz appears and she wants to know what situation. Eva rushes off to serve a customer. Liz looks to Tony for an explanation.

Carla and Rob discuss Peter - she is starting to think someone else did kill Tina and she needs to go to the police and tell him what Peter said.

After the break Rob knows he has to stop Carla doing anything rash. So he points out that Peter plays mind games - that he was on drugs and his mind was addled. She should just leave it alone. She might - but wants to talk to Ken first.

Back at the gym the team start suggesting other captains - Steve turns it down - he cannot get the best out of people. And eventually someone suggests Alya and in the absence of any other volunteers and there are no objections - but she makes one condition Dev and Sharif have to shake hands and eventually Dev holds out his hand and they shake - spoken like a captain.

Back at the Rovers Tony has now brought Liz up to date with the events surrounding Ty's accident. If it is Todd's fault - why not just own up? Tony thinks he may have to - but it will cause Eileen a lot of grief. Tony denies that he get Todd to do it - he simply lied.

At the Platts 30 minutes have passed and Max seems much quieter. Michael has to go but his tag comes off tomorrow - in time for the cricket as he is a batsman. He was quite handy in his day and batted three averaging 42 for one season. Kylie tells Max it is bedtime and he grumbles but then goes almost meekly up the stairs. But the pills appear to be working - control by drugging him up to the eyebrows - well one pill three times a day and if this is the result it has to be worthwhile. No more phone calls from the school. And it will be for as long as it takes.

Dev is moaning about Alya as captain to Rob - but does not want the responsibility himself.

Ken and Audrey discuss the forthcoming trial following which he will take another holiday with Deirdre - he has always fancied the Great Tour - as Audrey says like Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan - although they spent more time in fancy restaurants than searching out the great poets [For those not aware there have been two series - one in Northern England, the other in Italy and both shown on BBC2 - this was a wonderful touch by the writer to get such a positive review!] Ken has no idea what she is talking about! The two share a laugh and look happier.

Rob tells Carla not to rake it all up again - he has to live with Ken - she will sleep on it.

Fiz and Ty discuss the need to pursue a proper claim for their losses - they will need evidence - in the skip outside.

Owen approaches Todd, Jason and Tony about the flooring - which Gary laid. Owen asks and Jason agrees that Gary is in the clear. If they do not sort it soon the business will be gone.

Rob is at the Barlow residence when Ken returns and they share a whisky. Rob has a very fixed look on his face. Ken has just had a word with Carla - he tends to forget what she has gone through - the sooner this is over the better for everyone.

Despite calming words from all around him Jason insists on going to tell Ty now and he insists Todd and Tony join him.

In the Street Ty and Fiz are recovering evidence. Jason has come to own up. Jason tells them the truth. Ty wants to know why they did not say anything before. Fiz tears up the cheque for 3k and Ty tells them to get a good lawyer - they are going to need one.

Roll credits.

Will Carla tell all or will she go on holiday?
Can Alya really captain a cricket team?
Can Michael bat?
Will Jason lose his business?
Will Todd ever be anything other than a waste of space?

All the questions and many more will be answered in future episodes of Coronation Street with regular updates - as we see 'em, we write 'em!

Richard


Sunday 7 September

Written by Jan McVerry and directed by Alan Grint

Steve is ringing the doorbell for Steph's flat trying to gather his team whilst Rob comes around the corner, just missing walking into Fiz, asking if anyone has seen Carla who is clearly not answering the call he is making on his mobile. Fiz says it is a day of rest - waving a tin of paint - but not for some! Rob assumes Carla is sleeping. Steve observes that at least Rob got the message about a practice session this morning - otherwise they will be "has beens and no hopers" by the Flying Horse. Rob threatens not to play and Steve backs off. Steph appears and wants to know what all the noise is about - but before he can much Steve is reminded this is a "pub friendly". Steve has never known Dean Upton to be "pub friendly" over cricket - more like the bull in pit bull. Steve wants the troops to gather at Roy's to talk tactics. She slams the door in his face.

Across at Roy's Tracy tries is waiting for Rob when Roy delivers two cooked "Full Englishes" and she suggests that Roy keeps them warm on the "Pass". The pass is a concept which is alien to the caff as Roy tries to explain which Tracy acknowledges - if he did have one then the beans would be in a "swoosh" [fine dining in Weatherfield seems unlikely somehow] and the eggs would not be eggs - they would be foam; as Anna points out it would not be £3.45 (which seems exotically cheap to me) as she delivers the toast. Luckily Rob arrives before the plates freeze; Tracy sends Roy on his way to think about the swoosh! Rob tells her to eat up so she can go home to bed - by herself, he has a cricket match. And he still cannot raise Carla and is afraid she has gone to talk to Ken. He leaves a voicemail.

Steve arrives in cafe looking for a party discount - but Roy points out this is the most competitively priced breakfast in Weatherfield and he could charge less for sausages of dubious origin or more if the beans were in a swoosh. Anna clarifies - do not ask for a discount as a punch in the mouth often offends! Now clarified he sits down to await the team.

At Eileen's Jason is looking at the cheque and asks who rips up a cheque for £3k. Todd reckons Fiz is a greedy cow; Sean comes to the defence of Fiz. Todd knows about lawyers - double it, add a nought and then start thinking about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suggests that the claim will be at least £20k. But then there are the accident report fees, the travel expenses and the success fee - which no-one talks about! Once the whole thing is finished Fiz will wish she banked the cheque and named her next child Jason.

In the Corner Shop Ty is trying to do some shopping - but reaching hurts his arm. Sharif and Yasmeen arrive. They are planning the tea for the cricket match and Sharif explains that producing a good spread is necessary for the honour and reputation of the team - but Dev does not give way easily. Once they have gone he phones Steve and offers to upgrade the catering arrangements from the usual packet of crisps and three pints.

Michael arrives at the Platt residence to show he is now a free man - with no tag. Michael is looking to scrape a 50. Max is being delightful and well behaved and is going to Audrey for the day. Emily has found David some whites in the charity shop for £2.50 - they fit, but Michael has had to let his trousers out as he is regularly eating choc-ices. Kylie appears - the baby has gone to sleep but she is not taken by David wearing someone else's clothes and tells him to take them off.

Rob finally finds Carla who has been at Cardio Funk - and is wearing a black leotard; she has not been to the Police as yet. She re-iterates she is going to talk to Ken before seeing the cops. She does not want an innocent man to go down, but Rob reckons it is cruel to give Ken any hope of Peter's freedom. Anyway she has not got the energy to argue with him - she needs to shower and sit down. Rob wants her to call him before she bothers Ken, so they can talk about it. Ken is living on the edge - pacing around at 2am and necking antacid like she drinks Shiraz (probably because he has turned veggie I reckon). She cannot believe Rob has finally got a heart, but she agrees to call him first.

Owen and Gary walk around the corner discussing some work he has heard of at "The Arches" a poncy new name for a new development which pricks Rob's interest as he wonders just where this might be - then they say Tinder Way, up by the lock; full of winos says Gary - no longer rejoins Owen - it has been cleaned up. Rob looks at them departing - this sounds serious judging by the look on his face. Apparently yesterday's dump is tomorrow's sustainable living!

Emerging from the Kabin Jason sees Ty and tries to talk to him about no win no fee - hidden charges and commission and he does not want to see Ty stung. Ty responds he already has. Jason points out that Ty needs the money now and not in a year or maybe two down the line. Fiz refuses to talk about it - it is their business. How come Jason knows about it - he explains that Todd knows a lot. If it is Todd's advice then they will see Jason in court. The door is slammed.

Some of the team are assembled in the cafe and Alya has a few words. Anyway no inspirational speech has been prepared and Dev needs some additional catering hands to prepare the food. Luke suggests Stephanie who complains that is sexist - but then they do have a woman captain! Alya's advice is simple - Harrass the off stump, bowl dry and wait for the six. "Bowl dry" apparently means to bowl defensively. Owen and Gary arrive, followed by Rob who wants to know what is going in Tinder Way. Owen explains that it will be 9 months before they need white goods and so on. Rob agrees but he used to have a den in the area when he was a kid and knows it well. Owen tells him it has all been fenced off to keep out the undesirables. Digging commences tomorrow. The den will become a bijou pied-a-terre! Rob departs at high speed. He has a problem. He also ignores Steve.

Tracy and Tony are discussing some e-readers he has available - he reckons there is a market. Rob arrives and wants to know if they are talking shop. Rob reckons Tracy is dumping on her own doorstep by having such discussions inside number one. Ken is in the bath and Deirdre is out with Amy and Eccles. Rob is furiously hunting for car keys whilst talking. Tracy assures him that he will be involved in any decisions and gives him the car keys. Tony needs the deal - he needs the cash. Rob tells them to discuss the deal elsewhere and goes. Tracy suggests the pub for the rest of the discussion. Tony says what discussion so Tracy says: How Many? How Much? And just how desperate is he for the cash?

Already in the Rovers are Lloyd and Andrea wrapped around each other. He thinks she wants to watch the cricket but she says she wants to stay with him. Sean reckons that cricket is the most boring thing in life. Lloyd is on stand by in case Fat Brenda's daughter goes into labour. Standby, sober and bored stiff. Todd sticks his oar in and suggests they use their imagination - a quick pina colada and they could be on Copacabana beach. Andrea agrees with Todd and they will do "Copacabana".

At "The Arches" on Tinder Way Rob has parked under an arch and can see the fenced off area ahead. Tracy is on the phone about the price for the e-readers but Rob says he is helping a mate and tells her it will take longer than a pedicure but less time than a shopping trip. He then approaches the site watchman claiming to have lost his dog. The watchman denies him entry and sniggers as he walks away.

On a cricket field somewhere the bits of the team which have assembled are mainly in whites. They are trying some fitness exercises but Michelle doubts if Steve knows where his toes are to touch. Anyway Alya has decided that Steve is to be scorer - so he is 12th man! He is unamused. Dean Upton starts flirting with Michelle and asks if she is quaking in her kitten heels. He claims his lads have been on fire this season (and they have matching kit too). A lone Trumpeter (Bobby) wanders around this and the remaining cricket scenes playing "Ring of Fire" and nothing else. Steve arrives - sledging should only be on the pitch.

Rob is pursuing his missing dog line with a couple of irks who want a tenner up front and another tenner if Eccles can be found. They head to the building site and pretend to have kicked a football over the fence. Rob gets a black plastic bag and a spade out of the boot of his car. They cycle past the guard and go round and round in circles. Rob slips in and heads to another arch further along.

After the break we resume at the cricket match with Steve wanting a convincing win. Alya has a small problem - so far their star batsman (Rob apparently) has not turned up and she has no message and no idea where he is or why he is late. She will tweak the batting order for now to give him time. She reviews the team - Chesney could be a dark horse but is putting his pads on upside down so that seems unlikely. Despite everything she does not seem to want Steve to play!

Rob is digging and in the background we can hear the guard chasing after the two kids. Rob finds the murder weapon and recovers it placing it in the black plastic sack. He grabs the spade and leaves.

Alya phones Leanne who is avoiding the cricket because she does not want to come face to face with Zeedan (whom we all know as Chesney in Shameless). Leanne knows Zeedan is likely to be difficult and does not want to make things worse and anyway Yasmeen is not keen on her either. Alya says it is a family day and she is part of the family whether they like it or not. Alya says she needs to come to make Kal happy and Yasmeen is probably wondering why Leanne is not there to support Kal - so Leanne cannot win either way. It will make Kal happy and they need the support of the crowd. Leanne agrees to go.

Rob puts the stuff into the boot and has calls from Tracy and Steve - who tells him to get a move on. He drives off not having given the kids the remaining money.

Alya re-orders the batting and gets the team onside. She reckons they have not got heart and class. And the chant of "Rovers" goes up.

Andrea and Lloyd are planning a picnic in the pub. She thinks a cronut - a mix of croissant and doughnut is a hit in New York. They are being watched by her husband.

The Rovers lose the toss and will field. Alya goes around the team encouraging them and talks to Zeedan who refuses to suck up to the slapper girlfriend. Called Leanne says Alya - but Zeedan is not interested. Zeedan is convinced it will not last and there is no point in learning her name (and frankly he does have a point - just how long do any of Leanne's entanglements last - by the way who can list them all?). In the short term slapper will do fine. Michael is perhaps not as fit as he thought as he slips over.

Back on the Street Rob arrives to see Ken and Carla chatting - there is news from the hospital. Peter is comfortable and Ken is going to see him. Carla would like a chat with Ken - but Rob cuts her off and says he will run Ken to the hospital now, thus preventing the discussion. Ken asks about the cricket but Rob says that is later and he ushers Ken away from Carla and into the car. Ken bids Carla farewell and prevents Ken from opening the boot putting the bag of clean clothes on the back seat. Carla will wait for the discussion. Ken is very grateful.

At the cricket the trumpet is keeping Kylie's baby awake. Kylie turns her back and misses David taking a decent catch. The Flying Horse are 135 for 9; so it is almost tea time. Gary bowls and the batsman prods forward and sets off. Dean Upton tries to stop him but both batsmen are at the bowler's end when Steph picks up the ball and runs to the stumps and uses the ball to knock them over. Innings ends and it is time for tea,

In Rob's car Ken is waffling about there being programmes for prisoners like Peter. Rob refuses to be drawn - he has been in prison but is not qualified to comment. He has been out for two years and was in cat D for the last year. He reckons that things have changed and are a lot softer. At which point there are police sirens and a police car is behind Rob and wants him to pull over. They park around a corner in a side street and it is time for another break.

And that is me done for today. I will be back for Friday as normal.

Richard

With apologies in advance, since I don't have the first clue about what goes on in a game of cricket at the best of times, I bring you the second half of tonight's hour long episode where much of the action involves people running around in white trousers and silly hats and trying to hit and/or catch a ball.

Well, at least I understood the first bit: the scene opens with everyone at the match enjoying the half time tea which Dev announces has been sponsored by Alahan's Mini-Mart. As Steve and Dean tuck into large platefuls of food, Michelle is horrified when the two rivals challenge each other to a bet on the outcome of the match. The stakes? The Flying Horse's Space Invaders Machine against Betty's Hotpot recipe. Steve's convinced that Betty will be smiling down on them from on high but Michelle doesn't appear to share Steve's confidence in the Rovers' victory.

One person not participating in the cricket match is Jason. He's at home with Eva who is trying her best to keep him off the subject of Ty's loft conversions but Eva's suggestion of playing games of the board variety is leaving Jason looking …. well, bored.

Meanwhile Rob's dealing with the police officer who pulled him over. Or rather, Ken is dealing with it by being as polite as possible and explaining they're under a lot of stress due to his son being at death's door in hospital. Despite his surly attitude, Rob gets away with just ticket for having a faulty brake light.

Back at the cricket match, Gary and Zeedan are running up and down between the wickets and everyone is clapping so I think this means they're playing well. Then Leanne turns up. Kal's pleased to see her but Zeedan most certainly isn't. When it's his turn to bat he doesn't even attempt to hit the ball and hurls down his bat before marching off. Kal goes on to replace him while Alya persuades Leanne not to leave. As Zeedan comes off the pitch he lays into his sister. He thought his father was the one who invited Leanne along but now he realises it was her and he's furious. He tells her that their grandmother can't stand Leanne. Alya tells Zeedan to grow up.

Lloyd and Andrea are enjoying their picnic a deux in the back yard of the Rovers. It's not exactly the most salubrious of locations but Andrea tells Lloyd to close his eyes and imagine they're at Glastonbury. She's thought of everything, right down to a spare pot of strawberry jam to place on another table and keep the wasps away from their food. She tells Lloyd that she feels mean saying it but she's glad that her mother in law is ill, meaning the Neil is at least a two hour drive away.

Zeedan is licking his wounds in the changing room when Gary joins him. Gary tries giving him a pep talk. He asks what's bothering him. Is it Leanne's past, the fact she's not Muslim, or is it because she's not Zeedan's mum? Gary delivers a speech about his time in the army with Kal. He tells Zeedan that although they got up to all sorts while they were on tour, Kal was never tempted to look at another woman because he loved his wife and his kids. Zeedan snorts and says his dad missed them so much he was missing half their lives. He tells Gary all the names they got called by the kids at school because his father was a squaddie. He's clearly carrying a huge amount of resentment. And on top of that, using Zeedan's own words, he now has a dad who dates a prozzy. We see Alya listening to this exchange around the corner. Gary tries to stick up for Leanne and Kal but Zeedan's had enough. He leaves, pausing only to glower at his sister as he walks past.

Sean's chatting to Todd in the Rovers when a customer comes in. He tells Sean he's looking for Andrea as he's a friend of hers from night school. Sean very obligingly tells him that Andrea's round the back with Lloyd. He even offers to pull a pint and bring it through to him. The only trouble is, the "friend" is none other than Neil.

We move to the back yard where Lloyd is feeding Andrea with olives. As he's about to pop one into her mouth we see Neil appear in the background. Lloyd and Andrea are too shocked to speak, while Neil does his usual trick of acting like there isn't a problem. Then he tells Lloyd that he though he liked surprises after the surprise he played on Neil. "He must have told you about our unexpected visit from Billy, our friendly neighbourhood clown," Neil says to Andrea. Lloyd looks awkward. Andrea shakes her head at him in despair.

Back at the cricket match Michael is lamenting the fact that he was out for a duck. (N.B. this is the only cricketing term I know. I gather it means he didn't score any runs). Kal is batting and then something happens and apparently he's out. I'm not really sure why but all the Rovers supporters look disappointed. However, just as Kal is about to walk off, Zeedan comes down the pavilion steps. He announces that it was a ‘no ball' because the bowler's foot was over the line. Dean denies it, it's Zeedan's word against his. He tells his players to get back into position. But as luck would have it, Leanne was filming the whole thing on her phone. "No ball," says Zeedan to Dean. Kal starts to thank him but Zeedan has already walked off again.

Down by the canal, Rob is busy getting rid of the evidence. We see him toss the wrapped weapon and spade into the murky waters.

Andrea is furious with Lloyd. As she lays into him for the stupid stunt he pulled with the clown costume, Neil sits watching and enjoying the show. Lloyd and Andrea stalk off and Neil starts helping himself to their picnic.

At the cricket match, Kal is the next player to be knocked out. With still no sign of Rob, Alya tells Steve he'd better get padded up. But at that moment Rob arrives. Dean tries to object to the umpire because Rob hasn't even found time to change into his cricket whites. On the sidelines Kylie's confused. "I don't get it. Have we won?" she asks. For the benefit of those of us whose knowledge is on a par with Kylie's, Michael explains that the Rovers need four more runs to win and this is the last ball. All eyes are on Rob as he faces the bowler. There's a satisfying thwack as he hits the ball and, although we don't see where it goes, presumably it sails over the edge of the pitch because a huge cheer goes up from the Rovers supporters. Even Zeedan joins in the victory dance.

Back at Eva's flat, Jason has finally found something to amuse himself. It's some sort of irritating electronic toy. Eva comes through and asks him to change a bulb in the bathroom. The moment he's out of the room she takes out one of the batteries. Jason comes back in and of course his toy's stopped working. "Oh dear," sighs Eva. "I don't know WHAT you're going to do with your time now," sighs Eva exaggeratedly. Jason appears to miss her point entirely and says they'll sell spare batteries at the garage. But he was only joking and finally Eva gets her way and they start kissing and cuddling on the sofa.

Outside in the street the victorious cricket team is returning. Kal tells Leanne that it's thanks to her filming. Leanne laughs it off and says she doesn't know the first thing about cricket. She tries to involve Zeedan in their light-hearted banter but he just glares at her before walking off. Kal runs over to Zeedan and asks him to give Leanne a chance. "You don't even know her," adds Kal. Zeedan replies that he knows enough.

Zeedan walks away and then turns back. He tells his father that he just doesn't get it and that he assumes Zeedan resents him being happy. "Life is for living. Go for it'" he says. "With anyone but her."

Alya apologises to Leanne and tells her not to take it personally but, as Leanne asks, what other way is there?

Round at the Platts', Michael is still lamenting his poor performance. He says he's going to hang up his bat and the next time he sees a cricket crowd he'll be serving 99s with extra sprinkles. Gail tells him he's just a bit out of practice, along with a few other things. Such as, Michael wants to know. "Like staying out after curfew," suggests Gail. Michael giggles and then says it's confession time, he got caught out on purpose to conserve his strength. Gail joins in Michael's giggles and gives him a kiss which causes Kylie and David to look distinctly queasy.

Leanne and Kal are back at her flat. She's feeling despondent and reckons that sometimes situations don't get better because some personalities just don't gel and just because they want things to work doesn't mean it's going to happen. Kal says that Zeedan's stubborn but they will dig in and show him – assuming Leanne has the stomach for the fight. Leanne replies that it's in her blood and she never backs down from a fight.

The two cricket teams arrive in the Rovers, pushing what we assume must be the winning bet - the Space Invaders machine from the Flying Horse. Steve is feeling magnanimous and offers to buy the rival team a pint and a bowl of Betty's Hotpot. Dean is quick to accept and then asks team if he'll look after the machine until next year. "Next year?" asks Steve, looking puzzled. "When we win her back again," explains Dean A bit like the Ashes. Michelle says there's no way she's going through that again. Dean tells her it's bit like childbirth, once the pain wears off, all you're left with is the glory. Dev arrives with his leftover sandwiches and the party soon gets into full swing. Apart from Steve who is still feeling put out that he didn't actually get to play.

On the other side of the room, Carla gives Rob a kiss on the cheek and tells him it's from Ken. Rob looks confused. Carla explains that Rob's right. Ken's too good a man to turn his life upside down again. "For what?" asks Carla. Rob asks about the police. Carla says he should forget it and that it's the last time Peter is messing with her head. "So, you got away with it," says Carla. Rob looks at her, then relaxes as Carla goes on tell him that he'd managed to convince her he can play. Steve confirms he can play and the whole team crowd round and start congratulating Rob before raising him up in the air and chanting LEGEND, LEGEND.

Karen


Wednesday 10 September

Now, on with the Wednesday episode. There were none on the Monday.

It's morning at Gail's (yes, David and Kylie's, really. I know) and David's amazed at the change in Max. Max is working quietly on a jigsaw puzzle. Kylie's not so happy. David slept with earplugs and she had to get up three times to attend to Lily. And she's grumpy because Max's pills have been left on the bench in easy reach of Max.

Rob and Tracy have got themselves coffees from the cafe. They discuss how difficult it's been to avoid mentioning the wedding in front of Ken. Tracy's had a call from the caterer about the heart-shaped cupcakes which they're having instead of a wedding cake. She's also said No to oysters being on the menu.

Jason couldn't sleep for worrying. He tells Eva he's worried about the cost of a solicitor. He's worried about losing Tyrone as a mate. He knows Tyrone hates his guts now.

At another table, Lloyd, Steve and Eileen discuss Neil and Steve tells her about sending a clown round to Neil's house. Andrea comes in, worried about her daughter, Jess. Jess was due back from Cambodia yesterday. She's a sensible girl and would have got in touch but Andrea's heard nothing and nor has Neil. Jess's phone goes straight to voicemail. "I'm going to have to ring Neil," Andrea says.

Fiz and Tyrone walk the girls down the street, bemoaning their current lack of money. Fiz wants Hope to have her hair cut and Tyrone says they can afford that (We had no money when I was little, so my mother cut my hair... just sayin' ...) Little Ruby is obviously fascinated by the microphone boom above, out of our sight but within hers. Jason rushes across to talk to Tyrone but is just told not to call Ty "mate." Eva follows him, saying Jason's really upset but Fiz has no sympathy with that.

Audrey's frustrated by the state of the accounts. They're due at the accountant's tomorrow but Kylie hasn't done her own accounts, even though that was the agreement. Kylie says she'll take the paperwork home and get it done. Audrey thinks she looks tired. She is but she she's got 12 bookings today. Maria corrects her. Thirteen. Mary has rung asking to have her nails done. Fiz and the girls come in wondering whether Hope can get her haircut today. She can if it's right now, Audrey tells her. Audrey asks whether Hope will sit quietly in the chair, because lots of toddlers won't. Fiz assures her Hope will be fine.

Andrea gets a call from Jess. It turns out her plane landed safely and she DID ring her dad and told him she'd lost her mobile phone. Andrea tells Lloyd that Neil lied. She's going to see him. Lloyd persuades her not to. "He's trying to reel you in."

In the salon, Mary's wittering on but Kylie is mute and uninterested. She's watching Hope get her hair cut and following instructions about leaning her head forward. Fiz chats to Audrey about how quickly time flies and how soon children grow up. "You can't turn back the clock," she says.

Liz and Tony sit in the back room having a cuppa and toast. There's a jewellery box on the table. It's a pair of drop earrings which Liz thinks are gorgeous. Tony tells her to try them on. Eva comes in and tells Tony he should have a word with Tyrone because he's just blanked Jason. Tony says he's busy. "Not too busy to buy your girlfriend presents," Eva snaps. "This is top priority," Liz says. Eva says this isn't a playground squabble. Tyrone is going to sue them. Tony disagrees. "It's just handbags," he says. "They're just trying to screw the maximum amount of dosh."

Mary's nails are finished and she tells Kylie she can't fault the work. However, it wasn't service with a smile. She points out she could have gone to any number of other nail bars but chose to support her local beautician. "Next time, I'll think again." Hope's hair is finished and Audrey praises their behaviour and tells Fiz they're a credit to her. Eileen comes in to book an appointment and greets Fiz cheerfully. She's surprised by the reaction. "Have I done something to upset you?" she asks. Fiz tells her she knew Tony was dodgy but Eileen has to take some of the blame, bringing up two lying, conniving little rip-off merchants. Eileen's surprised. "Two?" Fiz says Todd might have done the dirty work but Jason was just as bad, covering up and lying. Eileen's stumped. Fiz realises she has no idea what's going on and tells her about the floorboards. "Tyrone could have died. So could I. So could one of the kids!" Eileen turns to leave. "I'll throttle 'em," she mutters.

"Todd! Jason!" Eileen's screams up the stairs at the yard are raucous enough to collapse the place.

Neil arrives in time to see Andrea and Lloyd having a cuddle outside their flat. He tells Andrea he came as soon as he got her message. "I didn't want you to come. I want you to stay away. Can't you get that through your thick skull?" she says. Neil asks if this means she wants him to just give up on 20 years of marriage. Andrea lists some of the things he's done - gatecrashing the picnic, stalking her. Does he think any of that is going to win her back? It isn't. Neil says Jess told him Angkor Wat was amazing. He and Andrea always talked of going there. Maybe if he gets some brochures . . . Andrea screams at him: "Neil! Leave me alone!" and goes indoor, taking Lloyd with her.

Michael meets Steve in the street and comments on the cricket match. It seems Michael watches a lot of sport. He says the whole match was a team effort and gives Steve a little mock punch - just enough to knock Steve's post to the ground. (No, I don't know why Steve's carrying it - can the Rovers not get mail delivered?) When they pick it up, Michael recognizes one from the prison service. He's been there, got the t-shirt with arrows on it, he says. He dreaded visiting days because he knew nobody would be coming to see him.

Kylie has quite enjoyed seeing Mary lose her rag - it makes her seem more human. Audrey thinks Mary was justified in being upset. Kylie says not everyone can be a cheerful supermum like Fiz. Audrey says Fiz does a good job - her kids are lovely. Kylie snorts that it was like Crufts seeing the kids obey orders. "Sit!" Kylie asks if she should be at home with her kids, too. David points out they both work hard so the kids can have the latest games consoles. Kylie says she's going out for some fresh air.

Rob and Tracy arrive in the Rovers and the chat is of cricket until Ken arrives to ask if Tracy can visit Peter later. Steve remembers a message from Michelle about the doves for the wedding. Oops. Ken's appalled she's still making plans despite Peter being at death's door. "Thanks for that Steve!" she snaps. Ken leaves and Tracy follows. Rob waits just long enough to take one sip of his beer before he follows them.

Eileen's at home with Toss. . . sorry, Todd, waiting for Jason and Tony. Todd wants to know what this is all about but she tells him to shut up, sit down and stop acting all innocent.

Tracy tries to explain why she's carried on planning. Peter's on the mend and lots of plans are in place for the wedding in a couple of weeks' time. It'll give Peter something to look forward to now that he's on the mend. She did go to see Michelle to put the plans on hold, honest she did. But Michelle and Steve convinced her that with venues booked years ahead and Amy excited about being a bridesmaid, it would be best to give the family something positive for a change. "But if you really want us to cancel then we will," she says. Ken sighs.

At the salon, Katy's arrived for her nail appointment but Kylie's still out. In another part of the salon, David talks to Maria about Kylie. He says that even though Max's behaviour has improved, Kylie's more stressed than ever. Once upon a time she didn't care what people thought and David loved that, but now she's the opposite. Maria says Kylie's got children to be worried about now. She's got something to protect. David says Kylie doesn't think she's good enough and Maria tells him it's his job to make her see she is. Kylie comes in, swigging on a can of energy drink. Katy says she's been waiting ages but Kylie argues that she can't have been because "I only went out for ten minutes." Katy's had enough and leaves to pick up Joseph.

Eileen is furious with Tony and her sons. She's got friends blaming her for the way the boys turned out and yet the boys don't think she's important enough to be told they nearly killed someone. Jason argues that he was ashamed. Eileen wants to know how he could take such a risk. Todd, for once, says he's to blame. "I give you my word. . ." he starts but Eileen says his word is worth nothing. She rounds on Tony. "How could you let this happen?"

Liz tries to get Steve to admire her new earrings. Steve asks if they're from her sugar daddy. Tony's just a normal boyfriend, she says. Jim never surprised her - not in a good way, anyway. Steve says his father wasn't all bad. Liz wonders if the earrings are expensive. They look expensive. She's going to keep them for best. Steve says she's obviously moved on with Tony. But Steve can't move on from being Jim's son. Liz says they're all entitled to wash their hands of Jim after the way he behaved. "I'm going to see him next Monday," Steve says. Liz bristles.

Kylie tries to keep Lily quiet with Peppa Pig. She sits at the table with her paperwork and is interrupted by David, Gail and Max coming in. Max has a certificate of achievement for making a good start to the school term. He wants Kylie to play a game with him but she says it will have to be short, then David can give him his bath. Oh, no he can't. Nick's called asking him to help out at the bistro. Gail can't either. Left to herself, Kylie slumps over the table with her head in her hands.

Tony follows Fiz in the street and tells her this row has got out of hand. Jason and Tyrone are supposed to be mates. Fiz tells him Jason lied to them. Tony says he's offering compensation and a judge might not rule they're entitled to as much as he's offering. He says it's a generous offer and there's no point in them holding out for more. Fiz says it's not just about the money. "You know, this could get ugly," Tony says. "Are you threatening me?" Fiz asks. "Go to hell!"

Tyrone's at home enjoying time with the children when Fiz comes in. She tells him about meeting Tony and says she felt scared. Of course, Tyrone leaps to his feet and heads for the door. He's going to have it out with Tony. "Ty, stop!" shouts Fiz. She follows him into the street, leaving the door open and shouting to Katy to ask if she can look after the girls for five minutes.

In the pub, Tony tells Eva he's sorted things. That's disputed by Tyrone racing in and asking him if he was trying to scare Fiz. Tony says he was just trying to talk sense. "Why not talk to me?" demands Tyrone. "It's because you knew what I would say. You can stick your offer!" He demands that Tony stay away from them. As he storms out he meets Jason coming in. Fancy getting his dad to do his dirty work! Tony tells Jason it's nothing to worry about but Eva says Tyrone accused Tony of threatening them. Liz is listening. Tony says Eva was the one who asked him to speak to Tyrone and Fiz in the first place. "Well, you've both done a good job," says Jason. "You've just made it ten times worse."

Lily is crying and so is Kylie. She goes to the cupboard and gets down the packet of Max's pills. Then she puts them back and returns to the mess of paperwork. She weeps.

The end.
Margaret Carr


Friday 12 September

David comes downstairs to discover Kylie slumped over the paperwork. He wakes her with a cuppa. It's just gone seven and the last thing she remembers is noticing it was 1.30am. He suggests she grab an hour's sleep because they've got a busy day with a bridal party coming in. But Kylie told Audrey she'd get the books done and she's determined to keep her word. Gail comes down and comments on how tired Kylie looks.

Eileen sees Jason out the door and Tony comes along. He invites Jason to a fry-up but Jason's going to work. When he's gone, Tony tells Eileen to just say it - it's Tony's own fault for being a strong handed idiot. He thinks coming back might have been a mistake. Though he says Eileen's probably got better things to do than listen to him feeling sorry for himself. "You'd think so, wouldn't you?" she says, moving aside to let him through the door.

Steve and Lloyd discuss Steve's planned prison visit. In front of them is Fat Brenda's crash helmet. Her bike is in the garage having the suspension fixed. Lloyd opens the Gazette to find that Neil has placed a big ad, with photo, saying happy anniversary to his wife.

Audrey's busy with a customer when Kylie arrives 15 minutes late but with the accounts all done. Though if she ever has to look at another receipt she's going to kick someone's head in, she says. Audrey tries to turn the remark into a joke and Kylie apologises for saying it. Audrey tells her to go and get her lotions and potions ready. They've got a busy day.

Tony and Eileen do the dishes together. Tony says he was just trying to put things right with Fiz, not scare her. Eileen points out that he looks scary anyway. Sean comes in and is disgusted to see Eileen being friendly with Tony. After making a few sneering remarks he leaves. Eileen tells Tony he's upset because of his friendship with Fiz and Tyrone. She suggest the best thing Tony can do is to give Jason some space. "Stop trying to run his life."

Steph and Tracy both claim to be next in the cafe queue. Anna can serve them together, except they both want a bacon roll and there's only enough bacon for one roll until Roy gets back with more. They solve the dilemma with a quick Paper Scissors Stone and Tracy loses.

At a cafe table, Michael's eating very very fast. He says he's got a shift and doesn't want to be late. He tells Gail he's still got a few quid left from his inheritance and wants to treat her to a posh meal in the bistro. Now that he's without his tag it doesn't have to be breakfast or lunch. Gail starts to question him about his aunt and he gets defensive and angry.

Steve's wearing the crash helmet and Lloyd's whacking him with various things. He's just got the Yellow Pages raised over his head when Andrea arrives. She's not impressed. When she picks up the Gazette to read, Lloyd snatches it from her and shows her Neil's ad. She despairs of her husband. Lloyd says he'll take her to the bistro later to take her mind off it. Whoomph! That's the noise of Steve, with helmet, charging the door like a bull.

The salon is filled with a fairly coarse sort of wedding party. The groom gets out of jail tomorrow morning and will be married later the same day. One woman can't believe David's not gay. Being a hairdresser is a funny job for a bloke. David asks what she does. She works in an abattoir. Kylie spills something. She says she's got a banging headache and is going to get an aspirin. She walks out, followed by the shouts of one customer: "Oi! What about me pigging nails?"

Julie rejoins the gym. For some reason, Yasmeen is behind the reception desk with Alya. Dev comes in and tries to apologise to Julie for what he said last time she was a member but she doesn't want to be reminded of it. She scuttles away and the Nazir women congratulate him on his PR technique. They both obviously think Dev fancies Julie.

At home, Kylie takes two of Max's pills.

Gail and Nick arrive and Kylie quickly puts back the pill packet, makes excuses and hurries back to work. Nick asks what's up with her and Gail says Kylie's running herself ragged.

Tim arrives in the Rovers where Neil is propping up the bar. Tim's very cheerful. Another window cleaner has fallen from his ladder and broken both wrists. That means Tim's covering his round until the bloke can work again. Neil thinks there's more to life than work. It's his anniversary today. But his wife's not here. Tim thinks he's saying his wife is dead but Neil says she's not. "I can see her any time I want."

Ken chats to Simon about school and his new friends. Tracy arrives with Amy, whom she says has been a right moody mare, giving attitude all the way home. Ken tells Amy she'll cheer up when he tells her Simon is staying for tea and they're having sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Simon pipes up that he's feeding Eccles. Amy immediately says she wants to do that. Ken tells her she can do it tomorrow. But Amy's got a face on her just like her mother's.

As the bridal party leaves, the bride compliments Kylie on her work and the abattoir worker tells David that if he ever wants any beef or pork . . . Audrey's just glad they got through it. David is impressed with how well Kylie kept it all together. She tersely says she's going to sort out the back room

Gail takes some cake to Michael in the cab office as a peace offering. She thought they finished awkwardly. Michael tells her his family background is complicated. Gail can't understand why he doesn't want to contact them. Surely he misses them. Michael says you can't miss what you've never had and puts on his earphones, signaling the end of the conversation.

Yasmeen leaves the gym. Alya watches as Dev goes over to clean the machine next to where Julie's been working out. He tells her he was impressed with her technique when using the medicine ball. "You've got a lot of upper body strength." After a short pause he adds that he wouldn't want to get into a fight with her. Julie says that's unlikely. There's another awkward pause and Dev apologises for rattling on "while you're sitting there dripping with sweat." Er. . . not really dripping. . . He tries to backtrack and then gives up, saying he has to go and restock the drinks machine. Julie mutters sarcastically that she feels much better now. Alya has heard and tells her Dev didn't mean things the way they sounded. And why does Julie care what Dev thinks. Julie snaps that she doesn't.

Ken's going out so Tracy agrees to keep an eye on Simon and Amy. But as soon as Rob calls she goes upstairs to chat to him. Simon gets up. He's going to feed Eccles. Amy objects. Eccles is her dog. Simon says he's feeding the dog. Amy takes Eccles out into the yard and shuts the door, holding the handle so Simon can't open it. He bangs on the glass.

Jason's not cheered to see Tony in the pub. "Leave me alone!" Liz points out that, like it or not, Tony is Jason's dad. Tony slumps against the bar to chat to Liz. Sean sneers that he gets around. "He was round at our house before, crying on Eileen's shoulder." Tony says he just came in for a pint. Sean makes a comment about him threatening Fiz and Liz tells him to remember it's her pub. "If you don't like Tony being here, there's the door." Sean turns away.

Steve discovers Tim and Neil playing darts. He tells Tim that Neil shouldn't be around sharp objects. Neil's married to Andrea and she doesn't want to know. Instead of accepting it and moving on, Neil's been stalking her and Lloyd. He's not welcome here. Neil gets his coat and says he'll go to the bistro, then. Steve tells him it's closed and Neil realises Steve's trying to keep him away from there. That must mean Andrea and Lloyd are there. "Thanks for the heads up." Off he goes, leaving Liz to say, "Nicely handled, Steve. Very tactful."

Simon managed to wrench open the door, hurting Amy's hand as he does so. Tracy has heard the noise and comes rushing. Amy claims Eccles bit her and shows Tracy the scratch we know was made by the door.

Eva calls at the salon asking for a manicure. Kylie's free now. They tell Eva about the wedding party and Eva asks about Max. David is full of praise for the way the medication has calmed him down. Suddenly Kylie has a headache and says she has to go.

Lloyd and Andrea look at the menu and are shocked when Steph shows Neil to the table next to theirs. Steph realises they know each other and says how nice it is.

In the pub, Liz asks Tony if he wants another drink but he says getting plastered won't make him feel any better. Liz coos that she knows another way. . .

Kylie's sitting at a pub table. Eva arrives and asks what's wrong. She says David told her how well Max was doing. "Considering he's got me for a mum!" Kylie answers. "What kind of mother steals her own kids' medicine?" Eva wants to know what she means. Kylie says she took some of Max's pills. "Kylie, what is wrong with you" asks Eva. "That's it. I don't know any more," says a tearful Kylie.

The end of the first episode.
Margaret Carr

This episode was written by Damon Rochefort, directed by Alan Grint and the copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open this episode with Kylie and Eva discussing the former's use of Max's drugs. Sadly even now I do not understand her motivation for taking it so I will pass on with little comment. She thinks the tablets would help her "focus"! Her current focus is how to explain the missing tablets.

Jason tells Eileen that she was right about his father but both Liz and Eileen think Tony may have turned over a new leaf despite , as Eileen expresses it his dodgy dealing and smarmy charm with gullible women - whoops Liz takes offence although none intended - he does seem to have turned over a new leaf [boys and girls - we know a different story don't we?]. And he loves Jason.

Gail is making tea - even David has noticed that Kylie has been moody today - as Gail observes "Kylie moody? Surely Not?" And tells David to pour a glass of wine. He has to get a corkscrew out as it is not a screw top and he observes that if it is expensive Mr Softee must be coming round tonight - but Gail says not. Apparently it is something to do with his family and he is being evasive. David guesses there are skeletons in the cupboard.

Deirdre returns home to be told that Eccles has bitten Amy. Now Eccles is a Border Terrier and they tend to be mild animals, although they were originally bred to flush foxes into the open to be chased by fox hounds. They are very good with children, although of course it depends on the child and any offspring of killer Tracy Barlow is likely to be slightly unhinged at the best of times. Amy shows Dreary the scratch and Tracy asserts that Amy could catch rabies. Deirdre knows that this is unlikely because Eccles is not running around foaming at the mouth, although she feels like it most days with the carry on in No. 1. Deirdre tells them all to calm down - there has been no harm done although Tracy begs to differ. Tracy refuses to share the house with "that dog" and Deirdre enquires if she is moving out. Tracy responds that the dog has to go and Simon asks Deirdre not to do that. Deirdre goes to let Eccles in and mad Amy is worried she will be bitten again. Tracy promises the dog will not be around much longer.

In the Bistro Lloyd and Andrea are not enjoying the presence of Neil over their shoulders as he praises the fish - tuna carpaccio. Steph delivers champagne for Andrea - provided by Neil who toasts their anniversary. Lloyd and Andrea look at each other unable to believe their ears.

Kylie arrives and Max behaves and gives her a nice cuddle. Kylie gives him a tablet so hiding the missing ones from David. Michael arrives. Kylie wants to talk to David, but it will have to be later.

In the Rovers Eileen, Eva, Liz, Jason and Tony discuss the rift and Jason and Tony make it up. Tony offers to buy a round so Jason orders a whisky chaser and a hot pot! So they are all friends again, laughing when a thunderous looking Todd walks in, takes one look and turns on his heel and departs.

In a booth Mary and Dev are having a laugh when Julie arrives looking good. Julie offers to buy both of them a drink and as they both want red wine she orders a bottle from Sean. Good lord can you imagine what Ena Sharples might say? Wine? Good grief, a small bottle of stout in those days. When was the last time anyone ordered a small bottle of stout or indeed a Mackeson?

Michael is noting how warm and friendly the entire Platt family are - compared to his own car crash. David offers to put the children to bed and says he will chat to Kylie once they children are asleep.

Neil continues to show the dining couple the first house, first trip abroad to Paris and the sights (oddly on his phone which given they are about 20 years ago would take some work converting). He thinks back to that trip - they hardly left the hotel room; as Andrea points out due to food poisoning from the mussels eaten in a dodgy cafe. Apparently they did conceive Jess that weekend. Finally Lloyd loses it and suggests he and Neil go outside for a discussion.

After the break Nick tries to separate Lloyd and Neil. Lloyd does not want his evening ruined although Andrea has had enough.

Michael has not seen his son in 25 years when his son was three when his marriage broke down. He told himself that because he did not have a father he did not know how to be a father and so never stayed in touch. And that is why he admires Kylie - her childhood was not a bed of roses - but he can see how well she looks after the children. Kylie knows it is not true and goes out to the garden to look at the missing tablets.

Back at the Bistro Andrea orders two treacle tarts from Steph. Lloyd asks Nick if Neil can be removed but Nick points out that he has not actually done anything objectionable. Andrea tells Lloyd how much she loves him and how he must not let Neil ruin that.

Along at the Rovers Deirdre cannot believe how selfish Tracy is being. [Is there a micro dot of Tracy which is not selfish?]. Tracy denies it - Amy will need tetanus shots - which as Deirdre points out the child had booster shots back in January - as a good parent would know. Tracy says the dog will have to be put down. Dreary observes that Eccles is all she has left of her mother and the dog is the only friend which Simon has - the others are either dead or locked up! Deirdre orders a red wine and then sends Tracy home because if she is worried about Amy she will have to be sure Ken has not nodded off and the poor child is not cowering a corner from the ferocious dog.

Tony and Jason are playing darts. From now on Jason says he will do the talking with Fiz and Tyrone. Liz, Eileen and Dreary discuss the difficulties of parents with sons - as compared to daughters.

Mary feels that Spiderman, rated 12, was unsuitable for Dev's children who are nine. Julie believes that all super heroes are worth watching and finds support from Dev. Mary wants to know if therefore she should let them see the Texas Chainsaw massacre or Rosemary's baby? Dev accepts there needs to be some limits.

Todd returns and notes that Jason and Todd are pally again. He sits at the bar and just glowers at them when in the back of other Rovers shots.

Gail only met her father in the recent past (although he has become invisible again). She says that time heals all wounds - and it is true. David comes downstairs and then joins Kylie in the garden, asking Gail and Michael to listen out for the children. He looks through the window and we see Kylie lost in thought and not looking quite as slender as perhaps she does normally. Gail and Michael agree.

Kylie just wants to go to bed - and David suggests they go to the bistro for a pud.

Mary is leaving the Rovers for her chess night with Roy whilst Julie quotes Oscar Wilde and can resist everything except temptation and goes to the bar for another drink.

Dreary tells Eileen and Liz about the Eccles attack and then points out that the poor dog can hardly chew her own food. She could not hurt Amy - no jaw power. It took her 20 minutes to retrieve a ball in the Red Rec the other day - she had to nudge it back to Deirdre with her nose! Dreary knows that Amy is doing this because of jealousy - Simon likes the dog a lot - half spite and half attention seeking. Deirdre says that Amy takes after her mother - which Eileen says cannot be said. Liz agrees with Eileen.

Eva tells Jason he can get a double six in his sleep - which he does, claiming game, set and match. Todd tries to shake hands with Tony saying no hard feelings. Tony ignores the hand and says no feelings at all. Jason and Tony head off for a curry. Todd is not invited!

Julie asks Todd to join her and Dev but he does not want to as they slobber over each other. Julie says she and Dev are friends and she is only asking because Todd does not have many friends at the moment - and with that attitude she is not surprised!

In the Bistro David and Kylie arrive - he wants something to take away the taste of Gail's spag bol.

In the other corner Neil is saying how much he has enjoyed the anniversary meal and looks forward to doing it again next year. Andrea says she is sorry for the way events unfolded and that she should have been more honest. But it is over with Neil - and she tells him again it is finished - and if she had any doubt tonight was the final straw and now she wants a divorce.

David remarks how much Kylie has changed since he first met her, she knows about food and she is not the mardy girl he met. Steph comes to take the order and remarks on how nice it is to see a happy couple. David orders a couple of beers. Finally Kylie gets to tell David that she has lost a strip of Max's pills - but he does not think it is important - explain to the doctor that it happened and they will prescribe replacement. She cannot bring herself to tell the truth.

Roll credits

Wonderful Eccles' story in the park pushing a ball around!
Neil is getting under Lloyd's skin - and mine.
Kylie lacks a real motive for taking the tablets; sorry this one does not rock my boat.
I am having trouble with the Dev / Julie concept. It is growing on them - perhaps I will see the error of my ways.
A new character can be overused and I fear that with Michael, first the whole redemption thing and the ice cream thing and the insults from David and Kylie and now the missing family thing. Too much too soon.
And is it possible that Tony will turn out to be a mass murderer or similar? Or is just small time?

I will be back on Wednesday I think.
Richard


Monday 15 September

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Matt Hilton

Bad news for Jason this morning. He's had a solicitor's letter. Fiz and Tyrone are suing. Todd thinks Jason should fight it but Jason has already given up.

There's no biccies in the cab office, which annoys Lloyd. Steve reminds Lloyd that he was charged not to let Lloyd have any. Never mind, Andrea ducks in to get a cab because she's seeing her solicitor about the divorce. Lloyd leaves Steve on the switch to take her.

Deirdre and Tracy discuss the washing machine that's on it's last legs. She lets Simon in, who's come to look for a schoolbook. Tracy winds up Simon about the dog eating chunks out of Amy's arm and then eating Simon's homework. He looks through the sideboard while Deirdre mops up the washing machine spillage in the kitchen, discussing it further with Tracy. But the way they're talking about it, without being specific, and Simon overhears. He clearly thinks they're talking quite casually about getting rid of Eccles and he runs out in a panic.

Todd has come to see Tyrone, trying to make Tyrone give Jason a break. He even offers to be the target of the lawsuit instead since it was his fault. He will get a job and pay any amount needed. He's trying to put things right but Tyrone and Fiz are having none of it. Talk to their lawyer.

Across the road, Maddie and Sophie are coming back from the gym where they have been showering because the boiler is on the blink. They find Simon on the bench in tears. He tells them that Tracy is getting rid of the dog and has talked Deirdre into it. Sophie isn't sure but Simon is. Maddie promises not to let anything bad happen to the dog.

Steve is chipper and looking forward to seeing Jim. Liz is skeptical. He shouldn't get his hopes up. Steve defends Jim's loyalty much to Liz's chagrin. She tells Steve that his dad is a user and doesn't want Jim upsetting him. Steve is a big boy but Liz promises to have Jim if he upsets her son.

In the salon, Kylie is doing Eva's nails. She tells Maria she has an appointment later but can do another appointment later than that. She's going to get more pills for Max as she's "lost" some. She whispers to Eva that she hasn't told David about taking them herself, it was a one off and a moment of madness. Maria remarks that doctors can be funny about being careless with medication. Kylie snaps at her.

In the cafe, Yasmeen has brought more books. Mary offers to help as she's strong. Yasmeen agrees, having seen Mary with the weights in the gym. Roy doesn't want any more books, there's just no more room. She objects and tries to tempt him with a book on bats. He doesn't have the strength to resist. At a table, Mary overhears Andrea talk about her upcoming divorce and comments on how quickly love turns to hate. Funny stuff as she describes how cute habits now can turn one to violence down the road. Neil calls Andrea. She takes the call and tells him she's seen the solicitor. He says something and hangs up, saying he can't live without her. He's crying and she worries maybe he's going to do something stupid so maybe she should go to see him. Lloyd offers to go instead, just to check he's ok. She gives him her house keys.

Peter comes back to the jail and his old cell. Clelland greets him and asks after him. He admits he could still drink but he's determined to stay away from it. He's signed up for a councilor and the thought of what he put his family through has hit home.

Back to the cafe, Mary is now ruminating on being replaced in someone's affections by someone new, and it seems like she's probably talking about Dev's new interest in Julie which hasn't really got off the ground of friendship that we can see but she has other ideas. It's clearly Julie that she thinks is pushing her to Dev's number 2. Eva takes her lunch to the table where Jason, Tony and Eileen are. Todd arrives and sees he's been left out and both Tony and Jason have harsh words for Todd who turns his back and leaves. Eileen, however, follows him out. Todd is upset with Tony but Eileen demands he comes up with something to make things right.

After the break, Sally is serving lunch to Tim with a flirting demeanor. They lean in for a kiss just as Sophie and Maddie come in and interrupt what looks like it was going to be a little bit of "afternoon delight" to ask if they can come stay until the boiler's fixed. Sally agrees. Tim sighs.

Peter and Clelland are playing cards in the cell when Jim arrives. Peter thanks him for saving his life. Jim has good news and bad news. Good news is that he's going to see Steve today. Bad news is that he's had to shut up the flow of booze and all his regulars are blaming Peter for it. That means Peter might be at risk. Mind how you go.

Kylie has come to the doctor. She tells her that the meds are helping Max and then confesses that she has lost some of the pills, thrown them out accidentally. The doctor seems hesitant and makes a note on the file but is going to give her a new prescription because they can't risk more going astray. I wonder if she thinks Kylie is overmedicating Max.

Sophie and Maddie are in the pub. Maddie is nervous in case Carla comes in because she's not issued any punishment for that stunt with the car the other week. Maddie brings up the promise to save Eccles. Has to be today. She says that Simon needs someone on his side after all he's gone through. She's not going to break her promise to him. Steve comes out, dressed rather smartly. Liz admires him and reminds him not to get his hopes up. Steve thinks Jim has changed but it doesn't look like Liz does.

Todd is lurking around outside the builder's yard. He slips a banana up the exhaust pipe of Jason's van.

Back in Platt Towers, Kylie takes the prescription out of the package and replaces one of the blister packs in Max's old box, looking at the one she's removed.

At Andrea's house, Lloyd knocks on the door. No answer so he lets himself in. We can hear Barry White on the stereo as Neil comes in from the back yard. Lloyd realizes Neil was hoping it would be Andrea coming when he sees the table set nicely. Neil orders him out of the house or he'll call the police on him for trespassing. Bit difficult when the other owner of the house gave him a key.

Jason gets in the van, starts it up but it won't start. I'm pretty sure a banana up the tailpipe shouldn't stop it from running.

At the prison in the visiting room, Steve waits for Jim. He comes in, delighted to see his son. They shake hands and sit down. Jim makes nervous jokes as does Steve but he tells Steve he missed him. Steve brings up Jim saving Peter. Jim reckons it's so difficult inside that you can find yourself doing crazy things. That's why family means so much.

Jason has run across to see if Luke can look at the van but he's swamped. Todd is lurking around the corner listening. Jason begs and Luke agrees. Luke shuts the garage door and goes with Jason. Todd lets himself in a back door to the office. Why isn't it locked?

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Michael Lacey

We see Todd sneaking out of the back office of the garage clutching an apple, while Luke and Ty are wondering why the alarm's gone off on the car that Todd's been working on.

Meanwhile, out in the street, Maddie and Sophie find Simon sitting on a wall. Maddie breaks the good news to him ­ they're going to protect Eccles "until his psycho aunty decides to calm down". On that basis they could find themselves dog-sitting indefinitely. Trouble is, where will they take her? Number 13's no good because Simon says she can't be left on her own. Sophie's not about to move back in there with no hot water. Which only leaves Sally's house. Once again, Sophie finds herself being talked into one of Maddie's madcap schemes.

Round at Neil's Lloyd's worst suspicions are realised when he glances into the dining room and sees a table laid for two with candles. Barry White is playing in the background. He tells Neil if he doesn't leave Andrea alone he can expect a call from the police. Neil says Andrea wouldn't do that. Lloyd says maybe not but he would and that this is his final warning.

In the prison Steve and Jim are having a heart to heart. Steve gives him a photo of Amy which gets Jim talking about how important families are. Jim obviously has the gift of the gab because Steve offers to come back for another visit on Friday and he even promises to bring Amy along.

Over at the garage, Luke and Ty are trying to solve the mystery of the intruder. None of their expensive tools have been touched but Luke's apple is missing from his lunch box. Fiz arrives and asks what's going on.

Out in the street, Steph and Katy are all dressed up for a night on the town but before they've even made it as far as the bus stop Nick rings Steph and asks her to work.

We return to the garage where Todd just happens to pass by as Fiz and Ty are leaving. He gets them to tell him what's just happened and then, without actually saying so, gets them to think that "someone" was trying to leave them a message and that "someone" is Tony. Fiz tells Ty they're going to go and sort this out once and for all.

Liz finds Steve in the back room of the Rovers, clutching a glass of brandy. She assumes that means the prison visit didn't go well but Steve puts her straight. Liz does her best to look pleased but she points out he hasn't heard a peep out of his father for two years. But Steve isn't going to be put off that easily and tells Liz he's going to be seeing a lot more of his dad now..

Out in the bar, Lloyd fills Andrea in on his visit to Neil.

Liz is talking to Tony about Steve and Jim. She's worried about Jim's sudden interest in Steve but Tony says he's not going to criticize a man for trying to reconnect with his son. Their conversation's cut short by the arrival of Ty and Fiz. Ty confronts Tony about what happened in the garage but Tony doesn't know what he's talking about. Ty says Todd told them he did it but Tony has an alibi ­ he was visiting a customer at the time the mystery apple pincher struck. But on hearing that Todd has dropped him in it, Tony instructs Ty and Fiz to stay where they are and we then see him striding off up the street.

Sophie and Maddie are standing nearby. Sophie's worried they'll get into trouble for dog-napping. And she's even more worried about Tracy. Maddie says she's not scared of her. Sophie says she should be.

Tony arrives at no. 11, looking for Todd. Eileen tells Tony he's not in but then realises something's up. "Tell him I want a word," says Tony, ominously, leaving Eileen looking very concerned.

Maddie and Sophie are putting their plan into action in the ginnel. Simon hands over Eccles, along with her favourite toy and instructions not to leave her alone too much. Simon's worried but Maddie promises they won't let anything happen to Eccles. Simon gives her a big hug. Sophie says her mum will go mad if she finds they've hidden a dog in the bedroom. Maddie says they'll just have to make sure she doesn't find out.

Fiz and Ty are still waiting in the Rovers. They admit to each other that they believe Tony had nothing to do with the apple incident. Then Eva and Eileen come in, followed by Jason. The moment Ty sees him he asks what the heck he and his family think they're playing at. Jason and Eileen exchange mystified glances.

Round at no. 1 Deirdre has realised that Eccles has gone missing but she's not getting much sympathy from Tracy who's far more interested in her wedding plans. Deirdre tells Tracy that if they don't fined Eccles she'll never forgive her.

In the Rovers Jason's trying to protest his innocence to Ty and Fiz, with back-up from Eva. He tells them that he was also a victim ­ in his case he had a banana shoved up his exhaust pipe. Fiz works out that if Tony isn't the guilty party and nor is Jason then it must be down to Todd. Fiz and Ty leave. Jason declares he's tired of all this. Eileen promises that when Todd shows up they'll get to the bottom of everything. Jason goes off to check the house again.

Eileen starts to chat to Sean and Liz. Always keen to impart a bit of gossip, Sean tells Eileen about Steve visiting Jim in prison. Liz comments that Steve came back as though he'd been brainwashed. Eileen observes that Steve has turned gullibility into an art form.

Sophie and Maddie are back at Sally's having lunch. They've found Sophie's old baby monitor to keep an ear out for Eccles. Unfortunately for Sophie, no sooner have they started tucking into their baked beans on toast than Eccles starts to bark and Maddie orders her upstairs to check on her.

Katy's changed out of her glad rags and back into her casual gear. She goes over to the Bistro to hand over a pair of comfortable shoes to Steph. Katy promises to wait up for Steph at the end of her shift and tries to reassure her that her job as manager will get easier in time.

Back in the Rovers, Eva, Jason and Eileen are still waiting for Todd to show up. Eva advises Jason to go easy on Todd when he does but Jason has reached the end of his tether. Tony comes in and tells Jason he had nothing to do with Todd's plan. Jason looks skeptical so Tony tells him about his alibi.

Lloyd and Andrea's cosy evening at home is interrupted by a ring on the doorbell. Andrea's worried Neil has shown up but it may be worse than that. Lloyd answers the intercom and tells Andrea that it's the police.

We return to the Rovers where Deirdre has come in to break the news that Eccles has gone missing and ask everyone to keep any eye out for her. Then Todd arrives. Jason starts to say something. Tony simply give Todd a filthy look.

Round at Lloyd's a police officer as asking him and Andrea about their relationship with Neil. He tells Lloyd that Neil has made a complaint of harassment and then asks him to accompany him to the police station. As Lloyd leaves he instructs Andrea to lock the door after him and call the police if Neil shows up.

The Grimshaws have all gone back to Eileen's where they proceed to give Todd the third degree. Eileen has first go but Todd won't admit to anything and says he refuses to be bullied. Eileen hands over to Tony and Jason and walks out, saying she washes her hands of everything. Tony has a go. Todd's excuse is that allowing Fiz and Ty to walk all over them is an embarrassment. Jason tells him he's the only embarrassment around there. Todd calls on Eva for support but Eva says no way, this is between him and Jason. Jason tells Todd to go back to London, nobody wants him around there. Todd replies that it's his house as much as Jason's. Jason says that nobody wants him around there. He and Eva leave Todd alone with Tony. "If that moron knew about his precious Dad . . ." begins Todd.

Tony pushes Todd up against the wall. "I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you," threatens Tony.

Karen


Wednesday 17 September

Good afternoon. Anne is taking a small break and I have already been away so I am doing an extra. I shall get my own back next year when I am having more holidays than normal people.

I am never sure what people like best about our updates so today as a bit of a change less story and more esoteric ramblings.

This episode was written by Cardy O'Donnell (which is a new name to me and on checking I find it is indeed his first episode). Director was Michael Lacey and copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Eccles has had more storylines recently than Emily and Norris put together - what has happened to the occupants of No 3? Anyway it appears that Tim is allergic to dogs and therefore Maddie and Sophie keeping one upstairs has got him sneezing and suffering; which given he has to put up with Sal most of the time really is unfair. Amy of course wants nothing more to do with that dog - after all gangrene is setting in and the arm will have to come off. To hide the dog Sophie has to pretend she has a dog bark text alarm (which sounds like a good idea). Tim considers throwing a sickie which alarms Sophie. Sal reminds him that no work means no pay! Later Tracy asks Sophie and Maddie if they have seen her mum's dog. It has run away but when it returns it is going to the doggie basket in the sky.

Jason has lost a piece of work and Todd suggests hiring a plane to advertise his innocence. Tony talks Jason into getting into work and chasing customers.

Jim has a word with Peter in private; Steve is visiting again and he might bring Amy. But Simon is not so forgiving. Jim says it was Peter who managed to get Steve to see him by saving Peter's life. So it is important that Peter does not reveal who supplied the booze. Jim does not get his point across. So Jim has another go later - Peter asks Jim to leave him alone - Jim makes his point by pushing Peter around and telling him he has made a really bad move when Peter threatens to tell Steve the truth.

Lloyd spent three hours in the police station and is now under a warning to stay away from Neil. Andrea will not report him because it will upset Jess. So Lloyd takes his anger out on Steve - and still no-one has sorted out the mots for the cars.

Gail has been using the internet - they are looking for his father and it could be worth a try as she goes through a list of possibilities.

Tony waves 5k in Fiz and Ty's faces but they turn him down flat. And Liz loses the sale of two hotpots. Eileen reckons it can be solved later. So a little later we see Eileen and Eva talk to Fiz and Ty about taking the £5k and ask them to think about it.

Carla tells Maddie that from Friday she is an unpaid intern reporting to Kirk in packing as they have extra work on - in exchange for not getting reported for TWOCing. PTF in evidence as Maddie accepts without a strop. A transformation.

Using the internet Gail and Michael find a possible cousin "Bob Rodwell" and they send him a message asking about Keith Rodwell. All a bit too easy if you ask me.

Neil turns up to wind up Lloyd and Andrea in the Street. Andrea tells Neil again that she wants a divorce. They both tell Neil to shut up - as he plays and sings to Andrea - he ignores her.

Sophie and Maddie are running out of possibilities - both have to work on Friday, so there is no-one to look after Eccles.

Ty and Fiz arrive in the Rovers and they have decided to the offer and finally Jason and Ty are talking football again. Great work by Eva and Eileen in talking them out of pursuing the case with solicitors. They all sit down with drinks bought by Tony. Todd comes in, sees the happy faces and turns round and leaves.

At some point Jim has Peter's cell trashed - the mattress has been badly cut up and water thrown around. Eugene (Peter's cell mate) cannot believe that Peter threatened Jim so he did. Peter is shouting at Eugene and wants to get out of his cell to phone Steve. Eugene tells him that Peter cannot win - not in here. So Peter sends the prison officer away - but he wants to stop Jim one way or another.

So inevitably is the new writer up to it? No great one liners but all the story lines moved along. Inevitable PTF for Maddie as we have to assume she is staying. Would Gail really know her way round the internet that well? Seems unlikely.

Overall where is the Street at the moment?

I think they might be over using Eccles - he will suffer burn out if he gets any more stories.

Amy is clearly her mother's daughter; it is not so obvious that Tracy is her mother's daughter.

No shifty looking Rob in this episode at all - which is a relief.

On the whole I feel that whilst not scaling any particular heights at the moment we are moving along without the shouting and angst that has made me turn off one other soap.

Kal, Leanne, Dev, Julie, Roy and the library, Rita, Nick, David and Kylie amongst many others all missing from this episode. Not enough humour this evening and if Neil is as unbalanced as we are being led to believe how come Andrea did not spot this much earlier?

As a flag to our readers there is a long term story around Steve which needs watching as our rushed updates will not mention it - but the signs are floating around. Forty seems to have hit Steve hard - remember his promise that he and Michelle will not always run a back street boozer. He tries to patch things up with Jim - but? Michelle is a rock - and I am surprised she took him back but he cannot see where his life is going; same old same old and even when he tries something new with the camper van it is slow to develop and then gets misused and he is not dealing with the issues - witness the mots which have not been booked. And he did not even get to play in the cricket team he setup. The CS team have revealed where it is going - but I am not going to mention it. We are told there will be laughs along the way and because it has been flagged up dramatically I want to let the story develop - and hopefully we will try and publish the signs along the way.

And the CS team have three happy developments to handle as well. Fiz (already being carefully shot), Kylie - not so carefully shot and her clothes are looking tight - and Eva have in real life announced pregnancies and will be taking time out - storylines to cover this are in progress - welcome back Cilla for a few weeks and for Kylie we shall find out more of her past. With Eva the route is not clear but I hope like the others it will only be a temporary departure as her presence is very welcome (perhaps a trip to see how her mother is getting on in America?)

A ho hum evening this evening - but there is a wedding around the corner and we all know soap weddings never go smoothly.

Richard


Friday 19 September

Hello. I hope none of you southern hemisphere folk are expecting Spring any time soon. We're not finished with summer yet, so Autumn is on hold.

It's Friday and in the prison Peter and Jim meet as they move about the wing. Jim mutters that he hopes Peter hasn't been making any phone calls. Peter tells him that Tracy's coming in later and she still sees a lot of Steve. Jim says Tracy will be glad to see Peter looking so well. She'd hate to see him in another hospital bed.

Maddie's getting ready for work, though Sally points out that packing isn't as high up the ladder as the machinists. Being a machinist is a skilled job. Packing's just manual. "Don't you need your hands to sew?" asks Sophie, but this seems to go right over Sally's head. Tim comes down sneezing. He hasn't been like this since he was little and they looked after the neighbour's dog. Maybe he's allergic to dust, he wonders. "There's no dust in this house," Sally informs him. "There's dust in every house," he says. Not in Sally's. She tells him Michelle wanted to remind him the Rovers windows need doing.

Kylie slumps on the sofa, tired out. Michael heard Lily crying in the night and there's a moment of bonding as he seems to understand just how she feels and offers to make her a strong coffee. Gail arrives back, annoyed that the posh clientele of the Bistro still put graffiti on the toilet doors. It's taken her an hour to clean it off. Kylie know where they're going wrong - they should carve the words with knife, just as she used to do. The laptop on the table pings - it's an email for Michael from his cousin Bob. He sits to read it. Bob confirms that he did have an Uncle Keith, Michael's father. However, he's sorry to tell him that Keith died about 20 years ago.

Michelle uses the curling tongs on Liz's hair. She tells Liz that Steve's taking Amy to see her grandfather tonight - she hardly knows Jim. And has Steve told Tracy? Michelle says he's putting it off. He's putting off everything these days.

Maddie's not that impressed by Underworld's products but she's efficient. She's already completed the packing up of one order and is ahead of Carla, who tells her which order to pack next. She's already done that, too. But she's really bored. Carla tells her it's not as boring as staring at a prison cell wall all day. She gets Maddie to start making the cups of tea and coffee. Sally looks smug but then Carla sends her out to get some digestive biscuits.

Michael's upset. He was prepared to hear that his father was dead but not that he'd died so young. He must have been only 58 or 59. Gail suggests he can still get to know his father through his aunt, Barbara, because Bob's given him her number. But Michael's going for a walk.

Tracy arrives at the cab office to book a taxi to take her to the prison this afternoon. Steve's left with no option but to tell her he's taking Amy to see Jim tonight. Tracy's appalled. She's doesn't want Amy getting to know her grandfather who is a convicted criminal. Steve points out that so is she but Tracy says that was different - that was self defense. Steve points out that Peter wouldn't be alive if not for Jim and promises to come straight home if Amy seems distressed in any way.

Gail's ironing and Kylie's channel-surfing when Michael comes back. He's decided to ring Barbara. He'd like to know more about his father - his mother only ever said negative things.

Carla's doing her stretches at the gym when Julie comes over to chat. She doesn't notice that Carla's not keen to chat (putting in her earplugs should have been a clue) and witters on about needing your own space and coming to the gym to get time to yourself. It's only when Carla turns on the treadmill and starts running very fast that Julie stops talking. She goes over to reception to get a drink. Dev is there and comments on how keen she is, going to the gym three times in one week. Mary pops in to check what time Dev wants her for babysitting but Dev's pals have cancelled and he's not having a lads' night out after all. Julie says she's free if he still fancies going out for a drink. "You're not a lad!" blurts out Mary before she can stop herself. She suggests bringing round some board games she and Dev can play with the children but Dev says Julie asked first. "That's a date!" says Julie, " Er.. . not a date . . . I mean . . ." Dev saves her embarrassment by saying he'll see her at 7.30. Poor Mary looks bereft.

Tracy and Peter chat awkwardly across a prison table. She tries to talk about the wedding (the looks of the registrar aren't up to scratch for her wedding, apparently). She says she hates these places and doesn't know why she agreed to let Steve bring Amy. That's a shock for Peter. He tells her she mustn't let Jim see Amy. Tracy says she couldn't refuse after Steve kept going on about Jim saving Peter's life. Peter snorts. Jim's got them all exactly where he wants them. Tracy demands to know what he means.

Michael hangs up the phone in a much better mood. He's spoke to Barbara, who's in her 70s. She wants to meet him and is coming from the other side of Manchester to meet him in the Rovers at 5.30.

In that very pub, Tim drops hints about what thirsty work window-cleaning is. Liz pours him just a half, so he won't fall of his ladder. He'd be happy with that if she didn't then say she'd take the cost out of his pay. Lloyd comes in looking for Steve, who has abandoned his post and closed up the cab office. So much for a 24-hour service. Michelle can't get Steve on the phone. Liz says it's just all this stuff with Jim - Steve's head is all over the place.

Tracy still wants to know what Peter means, especially if it affects Amy. He tells her it was Jim who sold him the booze. She realises this means it was effectively Jim who put Peter in hospital. She's appalled. "Steve thinks he's some sort of hero and he's got Amy thinking the same," she says. But if she stops Steve bringing Amy, Jim will know Peter's said something. "You have to tell him the truth," Peter insists.

Michelle still can't raise Steve. His phone's switched off. He went to pick up Amy but hasn't been seen since.

Barbara comes into the pub and recognizes Michael - he's the spit of his Dad and she's taken aback by the resemblance. She sits in a booth with Michael and Gail and tells Michael his father never forgot him and always loved him. When Michael's mother moved away she didn't tell anyone where she was going. Keith tried to find them but it wasn't as easy to trace people in those days. "He thought the world of you." She tells Michael his father died of heart failure, a condition called HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), which was the same condition which killed Michael's grandmother. She was only in her 50s, too. It's a genetic condition. She sees how worried Gail looks and hurries to say that this doesn't mean Michael has the same condition. After all, look at Barbara herself - she's still here.

Maddie's glad the working day is over as everyone leaves the factory. Sally grudgingly admits that her work wasn't too bad. They meet Tim, who says he's stopped sneezing now he's outside. Maddie suggests he might be allergic to mice. "Mice?" squeaks Julie. Sally says the mice are Pinky and Perky - Sophie's looking after them for a friend. Sinead thinks that's lovely. Maddie thinks it's funny. When her workmates have gone, Sally tells Tim he'll have to go and buy some mousetraps. She can't, because then people will think she's got mice. Maddie is worried as she hears Sally tell Tim to put the traps in the loft but to check the bedrooms in case there's any sign of mice in those.

Steve and Amy have been off buying new clothes for her visit to Grandad Jim. Tracy takes Steve to one side and tells him he can't take Amy to see Jim. Steve accuses her of just playing games and messing with his head. They start to argue, with Tracy managing to avoid saying what she knows until Steve uses the "my Dad saved your brother's life" card. She says Jim nearly killed Peter. It was Jim who supplied the booze.

The end for now. More in the second episode.

Margaret Carr

Now in Weatherfield this episode was written by Carmel Morgan and directed Michael Lacey by with copyright remaining the property of ITV to whom many thanks for all they do.

We open in the back room of the Rovers with the Steve and Tracy telling Michelle and Liz hearing about Jim's contribution to Peter initial access to alcohol. Steve brands his father a liar. Liz would like to say she is shocked - but words fail her as she is not entirely surprised. Michelle moves to comfort Steve. Steve departs to tell Jim some home truths.

In the bar Auntie Barbara is on the point of going having given Michael the family history. Michael is now worried about his life span with two generations having died early. It has all been a bit overwhelming - but he does need to get a check up.

Hiding Eccles is preposterous. Even Sophie and Maddy are falling out about it as Sophie does not have a breathable hold all in which to keep the poor animal. Maddy reminds Sophie they are doing it for Simon. And if Tracy finds out they will both get put down.

Jim greets Steve and then he asks after Amy. Steve says she was looking forward to it - her new jacket. Steve is going to have to upset her by telling her about what Jim did to Peter - getting him smashed. Steve tells Jim that he now knows the truth.

Back at Platt Villas Gail is talking about internet searching - it is so easy to find people and Michael brings David and Kylie up to date with news. Michael looks a lot like his father, who died at 59 from heart disease.

The boiler is being repaired so Maddy and Sophie can go back to Kev's. Tim is setting a mouse trap - although Sal cannot believe they can find anything to eat in her deeply cleaned kitchen. Sal and Tim head to the Rovers for their tea.

Julie arrives at Dev's looking extra smart and Mary offers her a salted cashew. Julie feels a bit odd waiting for Dev. Mary assures her they have eaten and will have a snackette when Dev returns acting entirely proprietarily over Dev - she has her feet under the table already. Julie cracks a joke about her friend Ruth moving to Australia and therefore needing to change her name to "Strewth" but Mary does not laugh. When Dev appears he and Mary are able to share a story about the kids and laugh and Mary points out how they are the four musketeers, making Julie feel about as welcome as a eunuch at an orgy.

Jim and Steve argue about events - Jim wanted his son back, looking up to him. Steve says he fell for it. Steve tells him their relationship is dead in the water. Steve then gets up and walks over to a warder whom he tells that Jim has been brewing alcohol and supplying it to other inmates.

After the break the Platt family are eating dinner and Michael is worried about his health. They try to re-assure him - but it does not work well - Kylie has a great story about a customer's husband having a triple heart bypass and out of hospital in a week. David returns to the table to provide a name for the husband and to report that he croaked it whilst watching "City" [and there you have it - given recent performances he is more likely to have croaked watching "United" particularly when they played Leicester recently]. Michael has had enough.

Tracy and Steve are in agreement - Amy should go nowhere near Jim ever again! Steve has reported Jim - but the backlash is likely to be against Peter. They try to talk Tracy out of telling Ken and Deirdre. Steve takes an airport run to get out.

In the Big House Jim finds Peter and tells him the events which have passed. Two guards drag Jim off of Peter and tell him he is getting his cell searched but as he is dragged away he issues a threat that Peter will suffer if he has lost contact with his family again. Peter knows he is in trouble.

Sophie and Maddy are sneaking down the ginnel when Ken sees Eccles and they have to hand him over.

Michael is at least glad to know that his father loved him and looked for him - so there are positives and no-one knows what life style he had. Michael however admits that he sometimes have a heart problem with it racing and doing strange things. He had not told Gail because he was afraid she would do a runner. But Michael knows he has a heart problem and will not see 60.

A great gathering at the Barlow residence where Sophie and Maddy are being accused of dog napping. Simon speaks up for Eccles - saying that he was going to be killed. Tracy makes the case - the dog bit Amy and needs to be put down to prevent repetition - simply the dog is not safe around children. Ken does not believe it. He talks to Amy and wants to know what happened. Simon begs Amy to tell the truth. Ken browbeats Amy until she tells the truth. Amy did it because everyone cares about Simon. Sal takes the dog nappers home. As she goes Maddy turns round and congratulates Amy on telling the truth because that took guts. Amy tries to make it to Eccles.

Dev returns having enjoyed Julie's company. Mary tries to pretend that she likes Julie who is devoted to Brian she says. And she brings out the snackette and suggests they watch 4 in a Bed on Catch up. [For our overseas readers 4 in a bed is series of programmes - there are four each week looking at 4 bed and breakfast establishments with the other contestants visiting and deciding how much they would pay for the night's stay.]

Sal and Tim discuss events and in particular Maddy - given her difficult upbringing Sal decides she is a good kid (ptf at work here) - she's got a mouth on her, untidy, disrespectful, rules are for breaking - but she is kind to animals and she makes Sophie very happy. Tim accuses Sal of U turn.

Gail makes hot chocolate for herself and Michael. Michael feels calmer now. Gail is not normally so forward but she hopes they will be doing this for 10, 20 or thirty years. Michael says when he knocked her over it was one of his dizzy spells and another one at the cricket match. So on Monday they are going to see the doctor. She says that all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.

Jim comes to see Peter to tell him that the cell search did not turn anything up except a pair of nail scissors. He reckons Peter must have lost a lot of brain cells to the drink - but Peter points out that Jim has lost his son. Jim departs telling Peter that this does not make them even.

Steve is sitting in the dark playing with a Rubik's cube. Michelle tries to tell him that Jim loves him - she is not defending him. Steve says talking is not going to help - she suggests he comes to bed it is 2am and has a cuddle. Steve turns down a brew. He just wants to be left alone. The closing shot is Steve - he feels lost and does not know where he is going.

So what have we learnt?

If you have napped a dog then do not take it where it can run to its owner!

If you have good writers then a bad person can turn good - look at Maddy go!

If you have great actors then they can switch back and forth - so is Jim good or bad? Are his threats likely to come to fruition?

Will Michael make 60? Odds are not good at the moment.

I will be back (hopefully on time) next week.

Richard


Monday 22 September

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Tim Dowd

Tracy looks thoughtful. Amy wants her hair in plaits (braids, for non-ukers). Ken wonders how Peter is doing and if "it" will all start again. Amy knows he's talking about Peter and his drinking. Little Pitchers. Tracy sends her upstairs and reminds her father that Amy isn't daft. Tracy avoids telling Ken when he asks where Peter might have got the alcohol from. Ken comments that Jim is looking after him. Tracy is able to avoid that subject when Amy returns.

In Number 11, Todd is being given the silent treatment by everyone. He doesn't think they can keep it up but it sure looks like they're giving it the old college try.

Sally and Maddie are walking to the factory. Sophie is on the phone behind them and it turns out her dad is coming back tomorrow. Sophie is happy. Sally expresses regret that Sophie will move back out again.

Kylie plays with the baby. Gail praises Kylie for her interaction with the baby, making her feel loved. Kylie notes the pills in her handbag. Michael arrives and he sounds like he's backing out of seeing the doctor in spite of Gail trying to persuade him. Kylie backs up Gail and Gail uses a bit of guilt as well. He reluctantly agrees to go to the health centre this morning.

Andrea has a day off. She gets a call from an unknown number but answers it. It's someone from a telemarketer. She tells Lloyd they can't be jumping every time the phone rings. He leaves for work and tells her to call if she has any problems.

Beth and Kirk are considering buying a chip fryer from Tracy for Beth's sister. Kirk is fascinated by the little window through which he could watch chips cooking. Tracy asks how the wedding plans are going. It turns into a one up contest between the two brides. Swans, violins, harps...

Carla arrives to bring a birthday card for Roy (belated as it was yesterday). Turns out that he's turning 60 and nobody believes it. Mary is taking him to a Beethoven concert (Beethoven's Ninth Symphony) on the weekend and he remarks it was one of the only classical pieces that Hayley liked. Michael's got a cancellation appointment and agrees that she can go with them. Roy exchanges a few words and Gail fills Michael in on Hayley's death, 6 months after she went to the doctor just to get Roy himself to go. Michael looks terrified.

Todd is perusing job ads in the pub. Everyone seems to be avoiding him. He asks Kal if he's hiring and Kal shoots him down in flames, "I run a very successful business. Why would I hire you?" Good grief, even I cringed at that one. Todd is suitably put in his place just as Eileen comes in the door. Todd pops up to buy his mother a drink which she refuses. He tries, he really does. He tells her he's been looking for job postings but she just wonders if there's anything in Australia. Todd pretends he isn't hurt but he ends up sloping off, fluttering his newspaper.

In the prison, Peter jumps when Clelland bangs into the cell. Peter's repaired a photo. Clelland has had a bog roll disappointment but is grateful he doesn't have to deal with Jim McDonald. Peter pretends he's not too worried about retaliation but he probably is.

Back in the cafe, Gail gets up to use the ladies', planning that they'll both leave together when she returns but Michael leaves when she does, noted by Anna. Liz arrives to get some change from Roy and joins Deirdre. Deirdre tells Liz she and Ken are seeing Peter later and Liz lets the cat out of the bag, telling Deirdre it was Jim that supplied the booze, assuming Deirdre knew. Ooops!

After the break, Deirdre is horrified and asks Liz how she knew. Now she finds out that Tracy knew as well and Liz tells her the whole story including the fact that Steve told the prison guard the whole story. Gail returns and wonders where Michael went. Anna tells her he left. Oh dear.

Jason is loading the van by hurling supplies into it to burn off some anger. Sean comes along and advises Jason to put the anger behind him or it will take over his life. Jason tells Sean he's decided to move out into Eva's because he knows his mother is too soft to make Todd leave.

Ken comes into the shop. He's already heard the news and scolds Tracy for not telling them before now. Tracy defends herself, and Peter and explains that Peter only told her because he found out that Steve was going to bring Amy to see Jim and she didn't want Jim to see Amy after finding out all that. Ken thinks the authorities should know but Tracy reminds him that they can't watch Peter all the time. She reckons Peter can look after himself. Ken is clearly worried.

Gail comes into the salon to see if Kylie has seen Michael. He's not answering his mobile either and Kylie puts the idea in Gail's head that Michael could have had another funny turn.

Back in the cafe, Anna presents Roy with a card. Roy says he's looking forward to the symphony. Kal pays for his takeaway and offers Roy some sympathy as someone that's been through the same kind of loss. Roy isn't feeling any lessening of the painful edge that Kal says will ease in time. Not yet. But I think he appreciated the gesture anyway.

In the factory, Maddie is trying to get Kirk to decipher his order book where all the names of the clients are in codes that only Kirk knows. She suggests he just use their real names, and Carla, overhearing, agrees that might not be a bad idea. If he dropped dead, they'd all be stuffed! Beth objects to that concept. Maddie compromises. He could still use his coded nicknames in brackets. Ok, that's ok then!

Andrea has cleaned the flat from top to bottom. Lloyd expresses approval. It looks good and he thanks her. She assures him she's had no contact from Neil. He's a bit concerned, though, she arranged his records in alphabetical order. Uh oh. He already had them organized in his own method. It ends in a cuddle on the sofa, though, so that's ok.

Peter and Clelland muse about food they like and miss. Two young men come in and tell Peter someone wants him. They barely look like they can shave. Clelland tells Peter he doesn't have to go but Peter reckons he might as well get it over with and goes out the door with them.

Kylie and Maria come back from getting coffee and spot Michael coming around the corner. Kylie goes over to him and tells him Gail is looking everywhere and is worried sick. She warns him that if he's going to start sneaking around and lying, he'll lose Gail. He looks suitably sheepish.

Ken and Deirdre wait in the prison for Peter who doesn't come through with the rest of the prisoners. Clelland spots them as he goes to meet his sister. They are even more worried when he doesn't show up.

Gail is frantically trying Michael's mobile again as he knocks on the door. Whew! He pretends he had something to do in town. She gripes at him and he hangs his head and admits he's scared what he'll be told. If they tell him he's only got months to live, that's the end of him and them. (Well, if that's the case, it's true either way you look at it!) He was trying to pretend it wasn't happening. She explains that if he has a condition they can manage it, or he just might be fine! He's thinking the worst and she's hoping for the best.

Ken and Deirdre are still waiting and worried. They must have noticed that Clelland keeps looking at them and ask if he knows Peter. He admits he does and says Peter went off with a couple of fellows a few hours ago. He only says Peter's had a falling out with someone. Ken, of course, knows it's about Jim and Clelland says Peter insisted he could handle it. The episode ends with Deirdre and Ken not knowing what to do.

Tvor

Stepping in for Karen this week and Next, and bringing you part 2!

Written by Ellen Taylor Directed by Tim Dowd

We begin with Ken and Deirdre horrified at the idea of Peter being beaten up. Deirdre is about to report the assault when Peter strolls in with a smile pasted on his face. Peter tells the guard he hasn't been assaulted and then queries Clelland to find out what he'd said. He tells his father he's fine but winces when he sits down.

Michael is still fretting about having to have tests. Gail promises to be there for him. He doesn't want her to stick around if he's going to die but she tells him there's nothing worse than being with the man she loves. He is taken aback at the L-word but insists he doesn't want the woman he loves to be his carer.There you have it, they love each other even if it was a round about way of saying it. Gail isn't to be moved or sent away. He emotionally accepts.

Peter tries to pretend he's only been working out but Ken and Deirdre don't believe it. Peter insists everything is sorted. Ken thinks the guards can protect him but Peter reminds him that he'd be in more trouble if he reported it and warns them not to either.

Todd is talking to a potential employer on the phone but it isn't going well. Sean arrives and the pair trade insults and tells Todd that Jason is moving out. That's news to Todd.

Sally, Maddie and Fiz some out of the factory, gossiping about Kirk's nicknames for some of the staff. Tim and Sophie come over. Seems Maddie has done a good job. Fiz asks Sally when Kevin gets back tomorrow. Tim is gobsmacked, clearly this is news to him and he turns around, hurt that Sally didn't tell him. Fiz spots Tyrone in the garage and gives him grief but he protests, he wasn't working, he was just having a cuppa with Luke. He was bored at home. Jason is with them and Todd comes across to talk to Jason but Jason doesn't want to talk to Todd in private as requested. Todd reluctantly agrees they can all hear it but Fiz abruptly leaves. She has no use for anything Todd has to say and takes Tyrone with her. Todd ends up not bothering telling Jason what he'd come over for.

Peter takes his shirt off in his cell and we can see his torso is covered in bruises. Clelland gets an eyeful. Peter is annoyed that he told Ken and Deirdre. Clelland worries that Jim isn't going to let this go.

Sean tells Liz, Eileen and Tony that he'd found Todd stretched out on the sofa at home. Tracy sees Ken come in. He doesn't look happy. He tells Tracy and Liz that Peter was attacked and he places the blame squarely on Tracy who blames Steve for blabbing. Liz insists Steve did the right thing and Ken calls her selfish.

Lloyd is fretting over his record collection, the one that Andrea re-organized alphabetically. He pulls one out and puts it on the turntable and they have a slow dance and a cuddle.

Audrey is talking to Nick in the Bistro, worried about Gail's involvement with Michael and the upcoming tests. Gail and Michael comes in. Gail tells her that she'd got the appointment time wrong. The two of them are fairly giddy with each other, flummoxing Audrey and Nick.

Liz and Ken are arguing about the whole mess, Liz thinking Peter has to take responsibility for his own actions. Deirdre arrives just as Ken is getting the wrong end of the stick, accusing Liz of insinuating that Peter deserved getting beaten up. That wasn't the case and Tony soothes tempers by rephrasing what Liz was trying to say, in effect, that Peter can take care of himself and knows what he's got himself into. Liz explains that she's glad to be shut of Jim and doesn't want him near her or her family. Fiz and Tyrone come in moaning about Todd. Tony suggests Liz, Deirdre and Eileen go into the back room with a bottle of wine while he helps Sean behind the bar. Sean isn't too keen but Eileen and Liz take advantage and head to the back. Deirdre was going to skip it but Ken wants her to take the opportunity to ask Liz if she can get Jim to lay off Peter (after she just finished saying she wants nothing to do with him!) Ken doesn't think Jim will let up on Peter, Liz is their only hope.

In the back room, wine is distributed. Eileen is fed up with Todd and wonders where it all went wrong. Deirdre is furious with Peter and Liz reckons she gets frustrated with Steve, too but they still all love their children, no matter what. Eileen doesn't think Todd is worth saving this time. Sean comes in to fetch Eileen for Jason. When she leaves, Deirdre breaks down in tears. She asks Liz to go see Jim and ask him to lay off Peter. Liz can see Deirdre is desperate but doesn't think she can do it. Jim knows he will get to her eventually. Liz just can't take that risk. Deirdre seems to understand.

Michael and Gail discuss planning a trip, maybe Niagara Falls! All that talk of water sends Michael into the gents'. Audrey thinks they should wait until after they know what they're dealing with. She promises she'd look after Michael and is willing to face whatever the future brings.

Jason has come to the pub to tell Eileen that he wants to move out, in with Eva. Neither of them can stand being around Todd anymore. Eileen understands but she doesn't want Jason to go. He doesn't feel he has a choice.

Over at Sally's, Tim is sulking over tea. Tim says he's not jealous, he's just annoyed. Sally sneezes and thinks she's coming down with something. The pair of them bicker until Sophie and Maddie speak up. Come on, Kevin knows they're together and happy so what's the problem? The girls act like parents and Sally and Tim concede.

Tracy finds Ken at home alone trying to write poetry as a way of getting all the angst out of his system but it's not going well. Tracy apologizes for not telling them about Jim, she really didn't want to worry them. Ken apologizes as well. He even offers to listen to wedding preparations. She perks up and sits beside him and starts to chatter about all the plans she's made. Then she asks him if he'd be willing to give her away. He smiles and says he'd be honoured. Deirdre staggers in. Tracy offers to make her a brew and toast. Deirdre tells Ken that Liz declined to speak to Jim. Ken hopes that Jim will just leave it alone now.

Eileen is slumped over the bar moping, feeling very sorry for herself. Liz decides that Eileen has had enough and they ask Sean to take her home. He gathers her up and ushers her out the door with Tony offering to have a word with Jason. Liz thanks Tony for offering to help close up and for helping earlier. She tells him what Deirdre had asked. She said no but wonders if she did the right thing. She is concerned for her friends. Tony doesn't look too happy but tells her she will make the right decision.

Eileen and Sean are sat in front of the telly about to watch Titanic. She's still drunk and talking about Todd and why he's changed so much. Todd is listening in the hallway and hears his mother wish he'd never been born. Ouch. Even if she doesn't really mean it, no child should hear that, even Todd!

Ken is pouring himself a drink. There's a light knock on the door. It's Liz and she informs Ken that she's going to talk to Jim. There are no promises but she'll try. He thanks her.

Tvor


Wednesday 24 September

In Leanne's flat, Eva and Jason are getting ready for work. Jason's worried that Leanne will think it's too cramped in the flat with the four of them (Simon lives there too, remember) and says he'll start looking for somewhere else. He just can't stand living under the same roof as Todd.

Tony and Liz are at their breakfast table, and he comments on her restless night and tells her it's not too late to pull out of her visit to Jim. Liz however, says she's promised, and Tony is just asking if Steve knows about it, when Steve himself walks into the room. He asks Liz what she's doing later, he's going to be busy in the cab office and Janet from the brewery wants to visit. Liz says she's going to be busy, and Steve presses to find out what she's doing. Eventually she tells him that she's going to see Jim, and explains that Deirdre has asked her because Peter was beaten up – with Jim being behind it. Steve is aghast, it's all his fault because he grassed Jim up, he was so angry he wasn't thinking straight.

We then go over to the prison where Peter is examining his bruises when Jim walks into the cell. He's all pleased because Liz is coming to visit, and says that's the great thing about people you love, they stick by you no matter what. "How's Carla?" he then asks, pointedly, adding that Peter will probably see her at the trial, although that may be the last time for a very long time. Peter says that in two weeks time he'll be at home, and Jim will still be stuck in there. Jim doesn't seem convinced of this and tells Peter he'll be waiting for him, and who knows – he may even end up on Jim's wing!

Michael is on the phone, making another doctor's appointment for Friday morning, when Gail comes back from shopping. He's nervous, but she points out that if there is something wrong, the sooner he sees a doctor the sooner he gets treatment. He tells her he's thinking of giving up the ice cream round, he's worried he'll hurt someone if he has another dizzy spell.

Andrea finds Lloyd cleaning out one of the taxis. He suggests they go over to the cafe.

Todd is sitting on the bench outside the salon when Tony comes along. He asks why Todd is still around and asks if he's going to keep sponging off his mother. Or maybe find himself a rich boyfriend? Tony says Todd had a cushy number with Jason, why did he have to ruin it? Todd says that Tony didn't complain when he was bringing the money in. Tony tells him it cost him 5 grand to sort out the mess Todd got the business into. He sits down intimidatingly close to Todd and tells him to do Jason and his mother a favour, leave and don't come back. Todd points out that he can't even afford a tram into town, so Tony pulls £50 out of his wallet and tells him to go – anywhere!

Sally is all bunged up and full of cold, and in the cafe with Sophie and Tim. She asks Sophie if the house is ready for when Kevin gets back, and Sophie says it is, more or less.

Lloyd and Andrea come in and see Neil sitting there, and Lloyd wants to turn round and leave, but Andrea persuades him to stay. She goes over to Neil's table, all chatty, asking how he's been etc. then Lloyd comes over and joins in, all smiles and saying how much he likes Neil's jacket. Neil looks somewhat thrown.

In the pub, Eva is working and Jason is at the bar with a drink. Sean tries to persuade him to come home, but he won't. Just then Todd walks in and starts spending Tony's money on vodka. Todd and Sean leave.

Kirk and Maddie are loading the Underworld van. Maddie is putting them in in the best order for the route to be delivered. She says if they make good time they'll be able to stop for a chip barm. Kirk says he always delivers them in alphabetical order, and Maddie points out that's why he's gone for three hours at a time. As Kirk goes in to get the invoices, Maddie walks round the van to find Kevin standing there with little Jack. Just then Sophie and Sally come along and Sophie gives her dad a big hug. Sally explains that she's full of cold and leaves them. Kevin asks if the house is all right – no fires? Wild parties? Red wine spills? "I stole a car and we kidnapped a dog," says Maddie. "Good one," says Kevin, and goes off to check on the garage.

It's visiting time at the prison, and Liz tells Jim she's there for Deirdre. She wants to know what Jim did to Peter. Jim says he never laid a finger on him, but Liz knows he set attackers on Peter. She tells him to leave Peter alone. He asks what's in it for him, and then says that she will have to do something for him in return.

Lloyd and Andrea are still in the cafe, still sitting with Neil and still being all chatty and friendly. Neil looks somewhat nonplussed by this behaviour. Just then Kevin comes in, and Lloyd greets him and introduces him to Neil before going on to explain that he's taken the taxis elsewhere for their MOTs as Luke was snowed under. As Kevin moves off Neil tells Lloyd and Andrea that he knows what they're up to, but he won't get bored if they don't get wound up by him. He tells Andrea he's not going to let her be happy with Lloyd, he's going to be her shadow, every which way she turns, he'll be there.

Jim is laying down his deal....he wants regular visits from Liz. She's shocked, and refuses. He goes on to ask how Ken and Deirdre might feel if Peter got beaten up just before his trial. He asks how she thinks he feels when everyone else gets visitors and he usually has no one. If the only way he can get a visitor is by blackmail, then so be it, that's how desperate he is. Eventually she agrees to do it, but says she'll stop if anything else happens to Peter.

Michael is in the taxi office, asking for time off to go to the doctor. Lloyd understands and says it's fine. Eileen asks if there are any men in the family who didn't just drop dead, but Michael says not that he knows of, and is now wishing he'd not wasted the years by not speaking to his family. He always thought that one day it would all get sorted. Eileen is scared that if she throws Todd out she'll be in the same boat. Lloyd thinks Todd has had chance after chance and should now fend for himself, but Michael can understand what she means, and she wouldn't want to not know where he was and whether he was alive or dead.

Sally, still full of cold, sees Kevin outside Underworld and he asks what she thinks of his beard. "It's all right," she smiles, and goes back inside. From outside the Kabin, Tim sees this and comes over to say hello. Kevin tells him he knows they got off on the wrong foot when he came back before, but he doesn't have anything to worry about regarding him and Sally.

In the shop, Sophie is just serving Michael when Todd comes in and rudely shouts for a bottle of vodka. Sophie asks him to wait a minute while she serves Michael, who is counting out the pennies. Todd pushes in front. "Come on, I've got the right money here," he says. Michael stands aside and tells him to go ahead. Todd flings a ten pound note down on the counter towards Sophie who looks both surprised and annoyed. Michael tells Todd that his mother is really worried about him, but Todd doesn't want to hear it and launches into a verbal attack on Michael, accusing him of leeching off Gail, among other things. Sophie rushes round the counter and puts the bottle in his hand, telling him to take it and go. "You're just as bad," leers Todd, "bringing back skanks from the soup kitchen!" However, Eileen has just walked through the door and hears all this and is furious. "Get home now!" she snaps at him, holding the door open.

Jim goes into the Peter's cell and tells him he's called in some favours and he won't have any trouble any more. Then he tells him to phone Deirdre and tell her that Jim is now looking after him so he'll be ok.

Back at Eileen's house, she's tearing him off a strip for his behaviour. Sean comes in and tells him he's a liar and a cheat, arrogant, selfish and mean. Just then Jason comes in with Eva, to get his stuff. Eileen tells him to give his bag to Todd because he's the one who's going. "Pack that bag and get out!" she shouts to Todd and he goes off upstairs.

Liz gets back to the pub and tells Steve and Tony that Jim will lay off Peter now.

Todd comes downstairs and says he's sorry, but the atmosphere is frosty and unforgiving so he picks up the bag and heads off out of the front door.

Anne Logan.


Friday 26 September

Hello. It's time for the first Friday episode.

Gail's trying to calm down Michael and tells him to try to stay calm and away from loud noises. But as soon as she sees Eileen she's bawling at the top of her lungs across the street, telling Eileen that Michael's going to the doctor to see whether he's going to drop dead from a genetic heart condition and Todd could have killed him. She and Eileen insult each other's children.

Neil leaves the cafe and crosses the road towards Lloyd and Andrea. They're both really, really, really nice to him. Lloyd tells Andrea he wishes they'd thought of this before.

They find Eileen slumped in the bus shelter looking depressed. She says she's chucked out Todd.

Sally has a bad cold and Tim's trying to troubleshoot the telly. Sally needs it fixed by tonight because there's a new period drama on. Tim thinks it might be a problem with the aerial and says he'll nip up there later to check it out.

Over at the Brown-Tinker-Sutherland home, Sinead seems to have new hair. Beth has hers wrapped in a towel. They're discussing the swans Beth wants to have at her wedding to Kirk. Kirk's trying to work out the budget and says that despite all the overtime they're doing, they won't have nearly enough. Chesney suggests they scale things back. "Tracy's having a helicopter. Why should we scale things back?" snaps Beth. Craig, who's being ignored while he hunts for his maths textbook, asks if they're having cheese on toast for tea again. No, Beth's got him a can of ravioli. Kirk plans to ask Steve if there's any bar work going. Sinead thinks the wedding plans are tacky.

Michelle wants Steve to come with her to Tracy's wedding venue later. They need to discuss the table layout. Steve's not keen but Michelle points out it's their joint business venture. They discuss the demands for swans and helicopters. Tracy sent a text at 3.30am to ask whether the helicopter was white. Michelle doesn't think Rob's that keen on the idea. Steve philosophises on the way folk dress up and be like the aristocracy for a day and then spend the rest of their lives paying for it. "Listen, don't knock it," Michelle tells him. "It's going to make us rich!"

Tyrone is over at the garage chatting to Kevin. He asks if Kevin wants to go to the Rovers later but Kevin's already promised to spend time with Sophie.

In the factory, Kirk, Beth and Sally are slumped over the tea table. Carla asks what's wrong. Kirk and Beth are knackered because of all the overtime. "You asked for it!" hoots Carla. Sally's still feeling poorly. Worse than yesterday, she says. Carla tells her to go home, then she tells Kirk and Beth to get back to work.

Tim praises Roy's cooked breakfast. He says Sally doesn't cook the bacon for long enough. Kevin comes in and Tim tells him he'd better get off because he has to fix the TV aerial. Todd comes in and tells Roy, "Cup of tea, please, Roy. Make it snappy!" Unfortunately, I am unable to reach through the screen and slap him.

Lloyd's sitting in a booth in the Rovers with Michelle, laughing about how over-the-top some of the wedding plans are. Michelle says that's all part of the business. Lloyd asks more about it. Say he and Andrea were getting married, what could Michelle do for them. Michelle lists all the services, from booking the venue to helping Andrea choose a dress. Neither she nor Lloyd notice Neil come into the pub and listen to half of this. It's clear he doesn't realise it's all hypothetical.

Outside, he slumps against the Rovers' wall and watches Tim on the roof, adjusting the aerial while Sally trots back and forth to tell him whether the picture is improving. "Hurry up because I'm feeling awful!" she shouts, then tells him there's a job going as part-time caretaker at Bessie Street school. He can get the application form online.

Roy offers Todd a refill on the house. Tyrone and Jason come in and Jason's annoyed to see his brother still hanging around the street. Todd says he can't just vanish into thin air. "You deserve it - everything she said to you!" Jason says.

Kirk is at home trying to do some sums. Chesney wants to know why the wedding has to be such a big production. Dang! He's made Kirk lose count.

Sally trots back outside to give Tim a TV update. The picture is now fine. Tim's relieved he'll be able to get off the roof. Then he realises his ladder is gone. Neil's putting it up across at the Rovers. He ignores Tim's shouts. Tim calls Sally but it's no good. She's now snuggled down in front of the telly, box of chocolates at her side. Neil sits by the Rovers' chimney.

"This is my final warning - get off that roof and bring me my ladder!" shouts Tim, oblivious to the fact that he can't get down to enforce any threat. Dev and Lloyd come out of the pub. Lloyd sighs when he sees Neil and tells him that whatever he's trying to prove now, he's proven it. "I'm not talking to you," says Neil. "Only Andrea." Liz comes out to see what all the shouting is about. Tim calls down to Dev and asks him to fetch his ladders. But Liz isn't having that. "That ladder is going nowhere till that lunatic is down from my chimney." Dev tells Tim that Steve's mother says No. "But they're my ladders!" says Tim. "But it's my roof!" snaps Liz.

Kirk is spark out on the sofa at home when Sinead wakes him. He panics. He's supposed to be on the cake run. He dashes off and Sinead tells off Chesney for letting him sleep. Chesney says Kirk's exhausted and not eating right. Beth won't listen to reason about the wedding preparations. "She's blinded by wedding bells," Sinead says. "He's worse," says Chesney. "He's groomzilla."

Tyrone's wittering away while Kevin works. The phone goes and Kevin suggests Ty get it but he's too late and has missed the call. Kevin says they're losing business. Tyrone might not be able to use his hand, but he can sit in the office and be the receptionist if he wants something to do.

Maddy goes to see Mrs Barlow but is corrected - the name is Connor. Carla tells her she's making Kirk look bad by working so fast. "You'll cost him his job." Maddy didn't realise. Then she's surprised when Carla hands her some pay and suggests making the "payback" arrangement permanent. Maddy now has two part-time jobs. "Wait a minute," says Carla. "Where IS Kirk?"

He's outside, cakehole wide open and the cake-box in his hands, watching the drama of two men on two rooftops. Andrea turns up and Neil tells her he'll only come down if she and Lloyd break off their engagement. He doesn't believe her when she says there is no engagement. Lloyd explains that it was all hypothetical to help him understand Michelle's new business. "You're a liar. You're all liars," shouts Neil. Dev takes pictures on his phone. Tim shouts that he wants down.

Eva goes into the cafe where Todd has just finished a free breakfast. Eva asks where Todd slept and Todd tells her that even Julie won't take him in, and she takes everybody in! Eva says he has only himself to blame.

Neil says he'll come down if Andrea promises to move back in with him. Lloyd's had enough and wants to leave him up there. Liz suggests they wait and see how he likes being up there at three in the morning. The crowd now includes Izzy, Beth and Craig, who wants to know whether 68 pence is enough to get some bread. Beth and Kirk seem to realise maybe they are being stupid trying to have an expensive wedding. Dev goes to fetch the ladder for Tim but Liz opens an upstairs window and warns him off. Tyrone is in the crowd but gets a call and rushes home. Lloyd thinks Neil will come down eventually but Andrea doesn't think he will. She starts up the ladder.

The doctor calls Michael in for his appointment.

Eva is now part of the crowd. She says Neil is just attention seeking like a three-year-old. Andrea says she's right. All Neil's stunts aren't going to get him anywhere. She's not going back to him. "Deep down you know that." When he tries to bargain she tells him he's not listening. He's stood on top of a pub. Neil realises she's right. "What have I become?" he asks. He sits down and begins to move down the roof towards the ladder. "Hallelujah!" calls Tim.

It seems Eva has taken in Todd. He's in no mood to look at the entertaining spectacle of a man stuck on a roof. He says he doesn't want to run the risk of seeing Eileen. Eva goes to have a shower and leaves Todd in the living room, reminding him that he's there just for tonight.

Neil makes his way down the roof slope and is almost at the ladder when a tile slips. Andrea loses her grip and the ladder falls away from under her, leaving her hanging from the guttering*. Liz makes the 999 call. "Fire service please," she says, then adds, turning away from the crowd, "and there's a possibility we might need an ambulance and all . . ." Lloyd races across to the ladder but it's broken. A piece of spouting breaks away and Andrea almost falls. "My fingers are killing me! It's digging in!" she shouts. "Why couldn't you just take No for an answer?" she shouts at Neil. "I'm so sorry!" he says.

The end for now. More in the second episode.

Margaret Carr

*I've often wondered exactly what Andrea's job is at that hotel. However, after seeing her hanging from the guttering, her arms slightly bent and quite wide apart, and because we've not seen her working out in the gym, I've deduced the correct answer: She's obviously one of the chambermaids, changing hundreds of duvet covers every day. That's the only thing that could give her arms that strong!

Time to start another update. As usual on a Friday evening by the time transmission happens I had consumed my share of a bottle of wine with my wife. Now you would expect my share to be about half; which is true but as usual it is the smaller half. My wife always pours the wine and somehow my glass always has slightly less than hers. Frequently I consume my wine at a slower rate and so there is usually some left in my glass when the rest of the bottle is poured (we have large wine glasses). But oddly mine then still has less in it than my wife's glass. So I might consume my allocated share but it is rarely half a bottle.

This updates comes to you therefore courtesy of the writer Susan Oudot (who should probably be pitied for having to handle such an impossible situation), the director Tim Dowd (who thankfully did his best), ITV Productions who own the copyright and to whom many thanks and also ITV Player who provide a wonderful way of watching a tv programme where I was otherwise not sober enough to make notes at the time!

We open with the frankly unbelievable situation of Andrea hanging onto the broken guttering with Neil sitting on the roof above her unable to help despite all his demands for her to return to him and (in case you had forgotten) Tim on another roof top across the road. Move along please - nothing to see here.

Maddy, Sean, Liz, Beth, Kirk and others watch from the Street and Lloyd usefully suggests that Andrea should "hang on - he is coming". Dev and Lloyd try to get her in the window, but it does not work.

She slips and Neil ends up hauling her up onto the roof. Frankly I don't believe that would be possible! They both end up lying on the roof.

Tim wants his ladder replacing and Maddy brings Sal out from the house. Odd that Jason is not around with ladders.

In fact he is at Eva's and finds Todd in residence. Jason cannot believe that she took Todd in - Jason would prefer he was on the street or in a B&B or almost anywhere else. Todd says he will go but Eva tells him not to go. Leanne comes in as they all shout (too much like 'Enders for me). She wants to know what is going on.

Max is playing up and Kylie won't give him his tablet. David does it. Michael returns with Gail and he is now officially "in the system" and he is being referred to a genetics clinic (which seems odd - surely he should see a heart specialist first).

Neil asks Andrea for her forgiveness. She does not want him - she wants to get on with her life and she loves Lloyd - and finally Neil seems to accept it.

Jason, Eva and Leanne bicker. Leanne goes off to her room. Todd wants to put things right but Jason is not listening. He then departs.

David and Max are playing cards. Kylie still has a cob on her. She goes out to get some ice cream. Gail is cooking both roast and mash.

The fire brigade arrive with a cherry picker to get everyone off the roofs. In the meantime Neil finally admits that none of it was him - he knows she will never come back to him. They were happy once and should remember that.

After the break Dev and Sean have to prevent Lloyd attacking Neil and then Andrea throws herself at Lloyd. Kev has found some ladders and helped Tim down and Sal offers Kev a cup of coffee for helping. The police take Neil away - he wishes Andrea and Lloyd well.

Nick is taking a phone call in the Street - two of his staff have rung in sick (with the same ailment) as Kylie walks past. He has no-one for cover and she volunteers. But then oddly goes into the Bistro to start work without telling the rest of the Platt family or delivering the ice cream - come on everyone inject some sense - it is just across the road. And everyone has a phobile moan - so she could at least phone home like ET! She is offering to save his bacon - take it or leave it.

Kal catches up with Todd as he wants a word. Todd just keeps talking. Kal tells him that if Todd brings any trouble to Leanne's door or upsets her or Simon then he will have to answer for it. Todd tries to assure him that he is simply grateful for somewhere to go. Todd agrees.

Eileen, Andrea and Lloyd discuss Neil - but Andrea says it is OK - she is safe here with him and they snog.

Jason is at the bar when Eva arrives (hiding under a heavy coat). Eva explains why Jason is out of sorts. Eva tries to put Todd's case - he is his brother. Jason says he will not go to her place whilst Todd was there - and the flowers he had been carrying when he came round were lovely.

Sinead has some ideas for great weddings without blowing all the cash. Beth thinks it will make her seem a cheapskate - but Kirk says no - they will have the best wedding ever.

David wonders where Kylie might be and goes out. She is in the Bistro talking a customer into a new order. Nick observes that the place has missed her and she has missed it as well. He also says Max and Lily are lucky to have her - but she cannot agree in the circumstances. At least he makes her laugh.

Gail is more worried about the chicken with both David and Kylie missing. Michael reckons he knows what a family is like - the Platt family? Even Gail admits that they are dysfunctional! Michael wants to meet his son and goes on about it at length. Gail tries to express it more positively and she tries to reassure him.

David is looking for a disappeared Kylie - who is taking an order from customers - observed by Eva. Nick apologises and Kylie apologises. She sends David home. Eva keeps watching.

In the kebab shop Leanne serves Kev and Sophie - Kev is glad that Maddy makes Sophie happy. Sophie gets Kev to admit that he has loved Sal for 30 years and always will. But he knows that Sal and Tim are happy together and that Sal has moved on. He will move on and look to the future. Leanne tries to Kev to spice his life up with some chilli sauce on his kebab.

Jason and Eva are still eating. Jason takes a call and Eva wants to know why Kylie is working. Kylie says she just needed to get out. She denies taking any more pills. Kylie hints that she knows something about addiction and she gives Eva the pills she took. Kylie says Eva must get rid of them. Kylie admits that she has done drugs - not when she was pregnant but before and after. She hints that her life was much darker than we have been told and she has never told David or anyone else. And David must not know. She is an addict and admits it to Eva. She asks Eva to get rid and to promise that David cannot know about this. We close with Eva looking troubled.

So this episode started poor and ended on a high with a major new development.

No doubt we will soon find out rather more about Kylie's past and her addiction. However will anyone remember that Leanne has done her share of drugs and get her to help Kylie through it? If Eva were to confide in Leanne then maybe it might help. Somehow I rather think it has been forgotten.

It looks like the end of the road for Neil as he has finally admitted that Andrea and Lloyd are together and in a similar fashion Kev admitted that Tim and Sal are now together. So Kev needs a new woman and I cannot think of any candidates at the moment, Steph and Alya are too young I suggest; perhaps Michelle should find a new barmaid of the right age?

And has Alya met Luke - I think those two might go together rather well?

I know I opened on a critical note; I shall end on one. Any character has a limited number of stories. I think that Michael is being heavily overused in a short period of time, so can only assume that Les Dennis is not around for the long term.

Elsewhere on tv tonight Nigel Havers was being interviewed about his current stage show and admits that appearing on the cobbles was one of his career highlights and he promises Gail that the £40k cheque is in the post.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 29 September

Written by Chris Fewtrell Directed by Audrey Cooke

Kylie complains about having to be organized enough to remember to pick up Max's prescriptions. David is calm, cool and collected. He's used to it. Max asks if the pills are bad for him but David explains that they're what he needs and points out that he's just fine and has been on medication for years. David takes Max out, leaving Kylie looking at the pills again but she stuffs them in a bag when David returns for Max's lunchbox. Her darling little boy gives her a hug before he leaves.

Gary is picking up a sausage roll at Dev's who tries to convince him to try something different like a Scotch egg, perhaps. Gary reckons there's too much work that goes into making them (though what difference that makes to eating them, I don't know) and Mary makes a sarcastic remark about a pig in a pastry blanket. Julie comes in and discusses her new health conscious regime, suggesting to Dev that as she's going to the gym later, might he be there as well? Gary shames him into going so Mary decides she will go as well and reckons she and Julie can be workout buddies. Julie's smile doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Tim is nursing Sally who seems to have lost her voice now. Tim is shouting at her because of course because she can't speak, he reckons she can't hear either. She manages to sign the fact that she can hear just fine so he starts whispering. She passes over to him an application form for a part time caretaker's job. The form looks like it's the size of a year 10 maths book! Well, not quite, but it's got an awful lot of pages for that sort of application. Tim takes it from her because he doesn't have a choice when she says the deadline is today. He glances through it and when her back is turned, he chucks it in the bin.

Audrey is making scurrilous remarks about one of their clients. Kylie is preoccupied. Maria makes scurrilous remarks about sedating children and Kylie gets defensive.

Andrea is keeping Lloyd company in the cab office. He's made her a cuppa and hands her a fancy bit of sweet. Lloyd says her hanging off the roof scare made him realize how important she is to him. They have a cuddle.

Kylie is still rude to Maria. Audrey reminds David he has to go with her to the old folks' home. David is worried about leaving Kylie and Maria alone. From the sounds of it, it's a very valid worry.

Yasmeen is in the cafe trying to organize some more activities to hold in the cafe/library. Roy is serving Kirk who's there on the cake run, barely taking notice of her. She tries to get forceful until Roy finally puts his foot down.

Mary is getting her hair done by Maria and wittering on about how well she takes care of her hair and how she feels it's a responsibility to the greater community that she do that. Kylie insults her until Maria goes at her for it and Kylie walks out even though she's got appointments.

Sophie is taking an inventory in the shop. He's over ordered scotch eggs against her better judgement, hence his earlier attempts to sell one to Gary. Tim comes in so Dev tries to tempt him to one. The girls ask after Sally who apparently has septic tonsillitis. Tim tries to get Sophie to fill the shopping list but she's not having it. He can do it himself. Dev takes the list instead and offers to do it but teases Tim when he reads "Love you, Mr. Sweetlips" on the bottom. Tim looks a bit surprised, did he not notice that?

Kevin's buying Luke a drink in the pub in thanks for holding down the fort. They chat about Jack getting older and where has the time gone. Eva comes over to talk to Kylie who quickly stashes the pills in her bag again. She's a bit short with Eva who backs away. Kylie takes the pills out again and takes one.

Roy is complaining to Tim that the cafe is really not fit to be any sort of library. Tim admits he's not a reader. Maddie comes in and joins him. She manages to get part of his sandwich as payment not to tease him. He pretends he didn't notice Sally's endearment because her writing is so bad and notes that Dev mentioned there was also a note about jobs on it. Maddie takes the note from him and reads that Sally wanted him to cut the grass and sweep up the leaves. Tim remarks that maybe he just needs his eyes testing. Maddie thought the writing was very clear and maybe he's just got "selective" reading, i.e. he only sees or hears what he wants to. He's a bit defensive and gets up and goes, leaving the note on the table.

Back in the pub, it comes to light that Dev has at least tempted Luke into a Scotch egg but he didn't seem to enjoy it. He's not quite sure how Dev talked him into it, either. Eva clears the glasses from Kylie's table and she apologizes to her mate. She's calmer now. Eva sits down and Kylie tells her it was just one of those days. Eva thinks Kylie's a bit drunk though she protests she's not. Kylie's phone rings and it's David but she doesn't take the call.

We switch to David who's leaving a voice message for her. They had a bit of a bump in the car and he's taken Audrey to A and E to be checked though she's ok. He says he'll pick up Max and take him to his gran's for a bit. Kylie will have to pick up the prescription. Audrey protests that she's fine but David is concerned that she looks shaky and he's taking her home.

Lloyd has a Scotch egg as well, now Dev's selling them as "buy one, get one free". Eileen teases Lloyd about being all loved up. Lloyd protests, this is the real thing, the long haul. Uh oh, Eileen reminds him that's the kiss of death. Lloyd thinks they can survive anything if they can survive Neil and he reckons they've seen the last of Neil (there it is again. Another Phrase of Doom).

Gary's up a ladder, putting a lick of paint over the old Elliott butcher sign when, no surprise, Alya comes along with Yasmeen. Gary says nobody has bought it, he's just been asked to spruce up the paint a bit. It's open so Yasmeen goes in to look while Alya and Gary make eyes at each other.

Julie has headphones on and is signing to a bouncy song. Dev comes in and they share a mutual like for the pop song. Mary comes in to see that Julie is just finishing her workout as she got off from work early. Julie invites Dev for a drink later and Mary invites herself along because the twins are on a sleepover (on a school night??)

Andrea arrives back at the cab office and she and Lloyd get all cuddly again. Eileen leaves in disgust just as a visitor arrives. You won't be wrong in guessing who it is. Yep. Neil. What did I tell you? He tells them that the police let him off with a caution. He's come to say goodbye and book a cab to the airport. He realizes it's over. He's leaving the country for good and putting the house up for rent.

Sophie and Maddie bring chocolates for Sally. She can't eat them now but she won't let them have any, either. Tim gets home. Sophie is making a brew. Sally hands him another note asking if he's posted the application form. He says he has but she hisses Liar! (that's about all she can do!) She hands over the rubbish coated papers. Busted!

Outside, Kylie has a go at Norris. He has already heard that Mary has had the brunt of Kylie's claws so he reckons it must be her day for it. Kylie's rude and drunk. Norris insults her for being a bad influence as a mother, she's not a fit mother. He's managed to say the one thing that's bound to hurt her in her present state and she turns and runs into the house in tears. Out come the pills again and she takes one. David comes downstairs and catches her. Uh oh.

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by Audrey Cooke

David grills Kylie and she eventually admits she's taken Max's pills a couple of times. She needed help getting through the day. David is outraged that she's helping herself like they are sweets!!!

Neil confesses that he felt mortified after the roof incident and feels like a weight has been lifted. He'd lost himself along the way and seems to have regained his stability. He loves her and always will but he knows now it's over and she's got someone else. He's taken a two year contract in the Philippines. He leaves tonight. Lloyd is so delighted that he offers to drive him to the airport for free, no hard feelings. (Ever get the feeling you're being run out of town on a rail, Neil?) Lloyd practically drags Neil out.

Kylie admits it was a stupid thing to do. David says he would never do it. She doesn't think it's a problem, David was meant to pick up the refill. He tells her he left her a message. He had to take Audrey to be seen to after that minor car accident and didn't get to the chemist. She's just take Max's last pills. She offers to go to the chemist but he doesn't trust her, not even to look after the kids if he goes so he gets both of the children to take with him.

Tim pretends he just missed the deadline for the application. Sally can't shout at him, but she squeaks out her disapproval. He sidetracks her by telling her she looks dreadful and has a fever. He shushes her and puts a thermometer in her mouth. He says he didn't fancy the job and he's busy nursing her anyway, then asks Sophie to fetch him a cold beer. Sophie recalls when she was young, and one of them was sick, they'd play board games. None of the ones Tim likes are in house, but word games like Boggle are. Sophie goes for the game and Tim offers to do the ironing instead.

Lloyd has the car loaded up with Neil's cases. Neil asks Lloyd to look after Andrea for him and the formerly married couple hug. You can see Neil's heart is breaking. Lloyd beeps the horn to hurry him along. He gets in the car and they're away, with her waving after them.

Kylie answers the door to Eva. She admits she took Max's pills and David caught her. Eva wonders why she did it and she's got a lot of groveling to do. Kylie is sure David hates her. Eva sits down to comfort her mate. She tells Kylie that now it's out in the open, it's better than having a secret. Kylie is determined never to tell David about her past, that would kill her marriage.

Julie is trying to persuade Sean to join the gym. He's not inclined. She's insistent but fails. Oh well. She comments that she gets a discount if she can get someone to join. She joins Mary in a booth. Mary looks like the devil is on her shoulder. They're waiting for Dev. Mary tries to get Julie to leave, saying that Dev is forgetful. She makes sure Julie knows she is Dev's Go-To person and she loves the children. Mary reminds Julie that there are unscrupulous women that would love to get their claws into a handsome, wealthy man like Dev. She pretends shock. Mary professes she'd like to see Dev have love again but he has to be careful. Julie points out that men and women can be friends, she has plenty and Mary, too has male friends, citing Roy and Norris as examples. Dev arrives just then to join them.

Kylie jumps when David and the kids arrive back. He got the meds but it's too late for Max to have his pill. He takes the kids upstairs for a bath.

Sophie, Maddie and Sally are playing Boggle while Tim irons. Kevin arrives and is impressed that Tim is doing the ironing. There's a discussion on the correct spelling of "Colour" (Maddie had the American version without the U) Tim invites Kevin to the pub for a pint to get himself out of the line of fire.

Kylie apologizes again and says now there's no more secrets. He brings out a small lock box and locks the pills away. She keeps defending her case, she'd never hurt Max and continues to apologize to the stone wall. He's not giving her any quarter. He's disgusted with her and shouts. Max comes downstairs but is hustled back up the stairs quickly.

Yasmeen hurries into the gym and wants Katy to come outside with her. Katy won't because she can't leave the desk empty. Yasmeen tries to insist but Alya and Zeedan come in and are charged to hold the fort. Yasmeen pulls Katy out, leaving the other two mystified. They agree. She's up to something.

David comes back downstairs. Kylie asks after Max. He's ok. She's trying to be helpful and trying to persuade David to talk to her but he pushes her back. Michael and Gail come in, having done a grocery shop. They giggle over the cheese while David stares daggers at a tearful Kylie.

Kevin and Tim belly up to the bar talking about how Sally is while she's ill. He tells Kevin about missing the job application deadline. Andrea comes in looking for Lloyd. He texts just then to say he's on his way back from the airport. Andrea tells Sean she's glad Neil is gone and buys a beer and one for Tim to apologize for getting stranded on the roof. She feels a bit responsible. Dev is telling Julie and Mary about the story behind the Taj Mahal. Julie is swept away with the romance of it. Mary pretends to be discreetly spiritual and then breaks up the party, leaving Julie on her own. Dev and Mary walk down the street. Dev refers to Julie as a nice "girl" giving Mary a chance to state the obvious, Julie is 40 if she's a day. Mary infers that Julie has a crush on him. She leaves him with that thought.

Kal finds Alya and Zeedan in the gym. Katy comes back but won't tell them what Yasmeen wanted. Kal tries to get it out of her but his mother comes in behind them and brings them outside to show them what she's been up to.

Tim gets home after Sally's gone to bed. Maddie passes Tim a note from Sally. He barely glances at it. She accuses him of not being able to read. He says that's silly. Maddie and Sophie leave him to try to decipher the note, when he has trouble doing.

Yasmeen brings her family across the road and tells them she's rented the old butcher shop and will be turning it into a community centre!

Gail and Michael have had a snack and finally realize there's tension in the air. When they find out there's been a row, they decide to make themselves scarce and head upstairs to watch some telly. Kylie thanks him for not telling them the truth. She asks if he wants her to leave. He doesn't know what to do. He does tell her she's reached the depths of being a bad mother.

Tvor




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