2014



Monday 1 December

Only the one episode today.

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Durno Johnson

Sean has received his first Christmas card and tells Izzy he'll be spending Christmas chez Grimshaw as per usual. Izzy mentions that she and Gary are getting along better these days, "fingers crossed". Sean sighs that he won't have anyone to kiss under the mistletoe.

Todd's back to work. Nick comes in the shop looking for a new speaker. It's an emergency but he's fussy. He doesn't like the look of the plain one Todd shows him and he doesn't want more than one, so the pair of bluetooth ones are not up to the job either so he leaves. Todd worries that his scar (which is hardly visible) is putting people off. Nonsense, Tracy huffs, get over yourself. But she's worried, you can tell, business isn't very good.

Michelle has a surprise for Carla and drops a bag on her desk. It's an Advent calendar. 2 for 1 special at Tescos. Carla hands Michelle a spa voucher in return, with one for herself, offering her a day out. She says she was going to ask Tracy to go to cheer her up (I don't think she was serious) but thinks Michelle is more deserving. Let's go tomorrow? Carla tells Michelle the workers won't mind, especially after she makes an announcement about a Christmas bonus in the offing.

Out on the factory floor, Sinead asks what Alya's position is. Manager trainee, is the reply, trained by Sally apparently. Sally comes out with Alya behind her and announces the bonus, 100 pounds which is pretty decent but lest they all get lazy in the wake of their newfound riches, Sally warms them they must all work extra hard or they might not get it at all! That warning was Sally's own little addition to Carla's message, so she tells Alya. You need to do that, she tells Alya, it's called "middle management initiative". Next up on the learning list is how to deal with a spreadsheet but Alya has done that at university. Never one to let someone else get the better of her, Sally assures Alya that real life is vastly different than school work! Alya sighs, and patiently follows Sally into the office.

Steve approaches the garage where his car is sitting. Luke has found a replacement engine that needs to be imported and it's going to cost him 3500. Steve goes for it and shakes Luke's hand sealing the deal, much to Lloyd's astonishment.

In the cafe, Gary asks Katy how things are progressing towards the paramedic future. Katy has registered to do her A levels (And I'm glad they remembered she hadn't had any previous qualifications and are sending her back for them first). Zeedan, Anna and Gary all discuss the types of cases she could get called for, the critical and the petty. Alya arrives for coffees and danish. Zeedan teases her but Gary makes her smile.

Tony comes in to see Tracy. He's asking again if she'd be interested in dealing with him. This time it's XBoxes but she's still not interested. He leaves, Todd comes back in from an errand and warns her that Tony's bad news. She just brushes him off, basically telling him she can take care of herself. She then takes a call from Leanne to remind her that the rent is due. (you may recall Peter said the rent from the shop will go to Leanne for Simon's upkeep)

Gary meets Alya outside the cafe and they try to think of a place they can meet up. Leanne passes by and gives them the evil eye. Gary suggests she ask Leanne if they can use the flat. Not really a good idea, Alya heads back to work.

In the gym, a couple of men are working out. Leanne arrives. Katy affirms that she should make posters for the Christmas openings of the gym. Leanne and Kal have a few words about Zeedan. The two blokes working out together are pushing each other. Kal intervenes as they're not being safe.

Lloyd advises Steve that he's wasting his money but Steve has been researching other people who have spent money restoring cars and reckons it's worth it. Lloyd adds up the costs so far, which are in the region of 7000 quid. Seriously? Steve and Lloyd argue. Lloyd backs off and leaves but Steve does look concerned about the points Lloyd made.

After the break, we're back in the cafe. Kal and Alya are having a brew when Leanne arrives. Yes, Kal says, he did invite Zeedan to tea. No, he didn't accept as expected. Leanne sits down and Alya thanks her for not saying anything. Alya says it's difficult getting to know each other behind everyone's backs. In secret. With no place to go. Leanne gets the hint and it's not happening. She's not using the flat. Leanne thinks she should just come clean and tell her father but Alya's not ready.

In the pub, Maddie has told Liz about the bonus and that she's using it to buy Sophie a nice Christmas present. But Liz throws cold water on it, saying some companies only give bonuses to employees that have worked there longer than a year. Uh oh. She advises Maddie to check. Tracy overhears about the bonus and looks sour. Her complaining shows her up. Liz reminds her that Carla's pulling her life together. Tracy might want to try the same thing and grow up! Tony arrives and leans in to talk to Tracy who walks away. Liz doesn't think Tony should get involved with Tracy. He knows what Tracy's like and thinks he will get her company in time.

Sean is feeling down. What he thought was a Christmas card was a wedding invitation for next spring. Izzy reminds him that the couple had already been together, it was not news really. He admits he's not happy being on his own. Izzy tells him he has to get out more. Really??? Sarcasm is not his best point but it gives him something to think about. Maddy asks Alya if everyone gets the bonus because she's not worked there long. Alya doesn't know but doesn't advise she ask Sally lest that give Sally ideas. Meanwhile, Tim has come in to ask if she could help him with his reading tonight, worried about the upcoming school auction.

Amy is talking to Tracy about Steve's obsession with this car while Tracy is trying to do the accounts. Amy then asks her if she could help her make some buns for the school for Christmas. Tracy doesn't have the time and Amy's face falls. Ken is on the phone in the hallway and finishes his call. He was talking to Peter and tells Tracy and Amy that Peter's got a job (in a bookies!) and a flat and is still sober. Tracy moans that everyone is doing better than her. Rather than continue to listen to her mother moan, Amy decides to go to her dad's for tea even though her dad was annoying her, too. Ken is stern with Tracy for taking her mood out on Amy.

Gary and Zeedan fool around a bit while they're clearing up the van. Alya comes by for a smile and pretend she's come to get Zeedan to walk her home. Zeedan goes up stairs to get his stuff. Alya tells Gary that Leanne doesn't want to let them use the flat.

Ken has taken Tracy to the Bistro since Amy has gone to Steve's. Tracy asks Nick if he got a speaker. Oh yes. Got one half price. That doesn't help Tracy's mood which gets worse when she sees Michelle and Carla come in. Naturally they take the next table. Liz and Tony come in, too and they are invited to sit with them. They chat about the spa. Tracy gets stroppy and walks out in disgust.

Sally has Tim playing word games. Word Bingo. While Tim searches for words, Sally mumbles about Alya being uppity and how Alya could end up taking her job! Tim struggles with the varieties of pronouncing very similarly spelled words (flour, four) and takes Sally's encouragement as patronizing him (it is, a bit but she means well!) The end up snapping at each other.

Tracy complains about Carla and Michelle rubbing her nose in it while she's struggling to keep the business going. Ken tells her she's blowing it out of proportion. She points out she's sold her wedding presents and all of Rob's things and she's not making money. She accuses Carla of destroying Peter and Rob and now her. She's not having it, no she's not!

There's an hour of Corrie on Wednesday!

Tvor


Wednesday 3 December

It's that time of year again. No, I'm not referring to the annual ritual of decorating our homes with tinsel and over-dosing on mince pies but the point in the calendar when the important things like Coronation Street are unceremoniously shifted around in the television schedules to make way for other things like football. Which means that, instead of my usual second episode on a Monday, I am bringing you the first half of an hour long Wednesday evening showing. So, without further ado, here goes:

Written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Durno Joynston

Carla and Michelle are setting off for their day of pampering at the spa. They agree that Steve is a banned topic of conversation and Carla is going to forget that tomorrow is her wedding anniversary. Tracy catches sight of them from across the street and is fuming at the thought of Carla swanning off for a day of treatments. She tells Beth that she'll give Carla a few treatments of her own if she manages to cop hold of her.

Sean and Jason are discussing what they can do to help Todd get over his assault when he comes into the room. He admits he's been hard to live with and apologises for taking it out on them. To Sean and Jason's surprise he suggests they should cheer themselves up by going out for a night on the town. Sean wonders if that's wise. Todd thinks he's worried that his scarred face will cramp Sean's style. But Sean's just concerned it's the first time he'll have been out since he was attacked. I'm wondering what all the fuss is about since the scar is so small it could hardly be described as a disfigurement.

Kev's livid. Jack has been drawing pictures of Spongebob Squarepants all over his sofa with a permanent marker pen and he can't afford to buy a new one (sofa, not a marker pen). Sophie winds her dad up further by telling him that Spongebob is a gay icon and suggests he covers it up with a throw. Kevin's not impressed.

Anna, Owen, Gary and Faye are having breakfast and everyone seems to be in a cheerful mood. Gary, in particular seems to be full of the joys, despite having to sleep on the sofa now they're in the flat. This does not go unnoticed by Anna who wonders what's up. Owen teases her - she worries about her son when he's miserable and now she's worried because he's happy!

Sally asks Tim what he'd like for his tea but he's not keen on the idea of fish - he's just watched a scary documentary about sea creatures. Pie also doesn't meet with his approval - he'd rather save that for a special occasion. Sally goes off on one. Why can't he make a decision for once in his life without leaving everything to her? Sally then dashes across the street to the factory. One of their clients, Mr Miller has arrived and is chatting to Kevin outside. To Kevin's amusement Sally puts on her posh voice and explains that Mrs Connor is away so Mr Miller will be dealing with her today.

Carla and Michelle arrive at the Spa. They're pretty impressed by their surroundings but even more so when they are greeted by one of the masseurs, Claudio, who explains that he and his colleague Phil will be taking care of them. Both women practically have their tongues hanging out at the sight of Claudio but Michelle claims first dibs. Carla tells her she may regret her decision when she sees Phil and she's not going to do swapsies. Carla suggests they should turn their phones and Michelle sees she has a voicemail. There's no signal inside so she goes off to get her message and tells Carla she'll meet her in the changing room.

In the factory Sally's nose is seriously out of joint. Alya is chatting to Mr Miller and he's clearly impressed by her. Alya mentions she's just graduated with a degree in Textiles and Business Studies. Sally says that they won't hold that against her but her attempt at humour falls flat when Mr Miller says he has very similar qualifications. Sally dispatches Alya to go and fetch the coffee.

Ken walks past Tracy's shop and stops for a chat. He's worried about her and suggests she needs to stop wasting her energies trying to get back at Carla. Tracy reminds Ken about his feud with Mike Baldwin but Ken explains that was different. The feeling was mutual in their case but Carla isn't interested in getting back at Tracy. She says perhaps her father's right although her face tells a different story. Ken walks away and Tracy gets a call on her mobile. We hear her ask when and how long he's likely to …. Whatever the news is, Tracy looks worried.

At the garage, Kev is moaning to Maddie about the state of his sofa when Mr Miller walks out of the factory and overhears the conversation. Guess what? He just happens to have a sofa in really good condition that he needs to get rid of. He tells Kevin it's his for £100 if he can arrange to collect it today. Even at such a bargain price you might think Kevin would ask for a few details but he's so delighted to solve his problem he shakes hands on it.

Back at the Spa Michelle is still outside getting her phone message when Claudio comes over to Carla to introduce his colleague, Phil. Phil turns out to be short for Philomena who turns out to be a very sour faced and unfriendly masseuse, the sort of person you wouldn't want to encounter in an alley on a dark night. Just as Carla's getting over her disappointment, Michelle comes back looking even more miserable than Phil. The message was from one of the suppliers for Tracy's wedding who has told Michelle if she doesn't pay what she owes by the end of the week she's going to sue her.

Beth is having lunch with Tracy in the Rovers. While Beth witters on about Sally and the factory, Tracy picks at her food distractedly. Beth complains that Tracy keeps drifting off then says that she has some news that will cheer her up. "Carla's been run over?" asks Tracy, hopefully. Beth says it's way better than that. She wants Tracy to be Maid of Honour at her wedding! Tracy can't believe Beth can be so insensitive after what's just happened to her. Beth apologises but Tracy says it's alright - she was upset after a call she had earlier. She tells Beth that the police rang to say Rob's hearing has been set for next week. He's confessed so now it's just a matter of sentencing him. Tracy tells Beth bitterly that Rob's had it, she's had it and meanwhile Carla is sipping Champagne in a Jacuzzi.

Out in the street Kevin has arrived home with the sofa. And what a sight it is! It's very large, bright red and is made in the shape of a pair of lips. Still, Kev tells Owen he's not bothered what it looks like. It's in good nick and it's wipe-clean so it will suit him just fine. Owen helps Kevin to position it ready to carry into the house. Jason comes along and they go to lift it but, looking at the width of the front door and the size of the sofa, it's clear there's going to be a problem.

Over at the gym Katy and Alya are working out on the cross-trainers together and having a chat when a man using the weights cries out in pain - it's clear he's injured his hand badly. Kal instructs Katy to fetch the first aid kit but Katy takes one look at all the blood, turns green and rushes off in the direction of the ladies'.

Meanwhile, back on the street it looks as though Kevin may have to start using his back door because the new sofa is well and truly wedged in the front one.

Back at the spa Carla and Michelle are finally having their massages while they discuss Michelle's business. She thinks she needs to throw the towel in but Carla tries to convince her it's not all bad. She tells Michelle she just needs to clear her head but Michelle reckons she needs to clear off and escape from it all. She says everything is going wrong for her in Weatherfield and maybe she needs a fresh start.

Karen

Kevin, Jason and Owen are pushing the bright red sofa along the ginnel to Kevin's back gate. However, they then realise that there's no way they are going to be able to turn the sofa to get it through the gate, it'll get wedged between the walls. Kevin then suggests lifting it over the wall but it's too heavy. "What am I going to do?" he asks. Owen suggests buying a smaller sofa or a larger house.

Michelle and Carla are lying back with face masks and cucumbers on their faces, discussing the situation. Carla tells her that running away doesn't solve anything, it just takes your problems on tour. Michelle agrees with her, but she's not thinking straight at the moment. Carla tells her to start fighting back, right now.

Kevin, Jason and Owen are now sitting on the sofa in front of Kevin's house, debating what to do next. Just then Tim comes along and, on learning that it won't fit through Kevin's door, asks what he's going to do with it. Kevin tells him he'll have to take it to the tip. Tim says he'll have it, he thinks it'll look great in their living room. They can get it in through the conservatory. He tells Kevin that he can have their old sofa. Owen wonders if he shouldn't run it past Sally first, but Tim is convinced she'll love it.

Carla and Michelle are winding up their day in the spa. Michelle thanks Carla for talking some sense into her. Carla tells her she's stronger than she thinks.

Tim has met Sally from work and taken her to pub for a drink. She thinks he's up to something. He grins and tells her she's got a suspicious mind - but also an amazing body to go with it. Compliments as well - she's even more suspicious. "What have you done?" she asks. Anna and Owen, Katy, Izzy and Gary are sitting nearby and speculate on what Sally is going to say when she claps eyes on the sofa. Just then Kal and his dad come in and ask Katy if she's feeling better. Katy obviously hasn't mentioned anything to her family, and looks very uncomfortable when Sharif goes on to say how upset and unwell the accident at the gym made Katy. "And you're going to be a paramedic?" laughs Owen.

Sean and Todd are planning a night out. Todd just wants to go out for a beer and feel normal again.

Back in the pub, Katy confesses that she's always been a bit squeamish but she thought she'd get over it. She just wanted to make a better life for herself and Joseph, now she doesn't know what she's going to do. Anna tells her there are plenty of other careers out there, she just needs a rethink. Izzy quips that it'll be a full time job getting her up the stairs at their new flat, but Owen says they've got hold of a second hand stair lift and Gary says they can fit it between them so she'll be able to come and visit. "Thanks Gary," says Izzy, smiling warmly at him. Just then Gary's phone bleeps with a message, it's Alya summoning him to meet her at the factory - now!

Ken comes home and hands Tracy a set of keys. He says Emily found them in a pocket of some of Rob's clothes that Tracy had given her for the charity shop. Ken assumes that they're a spare set for the shop, but Tracy takes them and heads out of the door, saying she'd promised to meet Beth for drinks.

Tim takes Sally back home and covers her eyes as he leads her into the living room. When she opens them she is shocked and horrified. "What is this thing doing in my house!" she shrieks. Tim says he got it for her and it's very comfy. Sophie, who is sitting on it, agrees. Sally, however, is furious and says it looks like Mick Jagger blowing a raspberry, she tells him if he doesn't bring her old sofa back he'll be sleeping on it!

Gary has gone to the factory and Alya, who has the keys because she's been told to lock up, takes him inside. She starts to make him coffee when they hear someone coming in so they run out the back way.

The person coming in is Tracy, who smiles when she sees that the alarm has not been set. She goes into Carla's office and starts throwing things around and smashing the place up. Then she goes out into the factory and picks up a chair, hurling it through Carla's office window.

Alya and Gary are in the ginnel. He tells her they can't keep their relationship secret forever, but she says she's not ready to go public yet.

Ken is in the pub looking for Tracy, but Liz says she hasn't been there all night. He tells Liz he thinks the news of Rob's hearing next week has hit her harder than she thought it would. Just then Carla and Michelle come in, home from their trip to the spa. Ken asks Carla if the police have been in touch.

Sally is knocking on Kevin's front door. Tim is behind her, telling her to calm down. When Kevin opens the door she demands her sofa back, but Kevin says that he and Tim shook hands on it. Sally points out that it wasn't Tim's to give away, it was hers. Kevin says they bought it between them, for the family, and two of the family are now living in his house, so the sofa is exactly where it belongs. He shuts the door.

Ken has told Carla the news about Rob, and she says she has to go and check something at the factory. Telling them to get her a drink in, she goes off across the road.

Sally is back at home, still furious about the sofa and letting everyone know it. Tim falters that he thought she'd be pleased. Maddie points out that red sofas are in at the moment. Sally doesn't care what's in, she wants it out!

Jason, Todd and Sean are back early from their night out. It seems a gay guy approached Jason and he didn't like it. Just then they see the police knocking on Eileen's door across the street.

Carla goes into the factory and is shocked when she sees the mess. "Who's there?" she calls. Tracy comes up behind her. "Tracy, what have you done?" gasps Carla. "What am I doing you mean?" says Tracy, and runs over and locks the door. "I haven't finished with you yet!"

Back in the pub, Michelle is wondering what is keeping Carla. Ken says he's planning to visit Beth to see if Tracy really was seeing her earlier.

Back in the factory, Tracy shows Carla the keys she got in with, and tells her that the alarm hadn't even been set. Carla tells Tracy that she did what she had to do, although it killed her to do it. She doesn't need this on top of everything else. She tries to get past Tracy to get to the door, but Tracy pushes her back. Carla rushes forward again and they tussle, then Carla shoves Tracy hard and she falls backwards. Carla then says she's going to call the police, but Tracy begs her not to. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't?" says Carla. "I LOVED him!" shouts Tracy, "and he loved me."

Alya takes the factory keys back to Sally and tells her she likes the sofa, explaining that a mate of her dad's has one similar and it cost an arm and a leg. Tim says it came from a house in Hale Barns. "Oh so it's second hand?" says Alya. Sally hustles her out of the door, saying she'll see her tomorrow.

Tracy and Carla are still in the factory, talking it all over. Carla says she was never out to humiliate her, but would she really have wanted to marry Rob, knowing what he did? "Yes!" says Tracy, adding that she would marry him tomorrow if she could. "I'm nearly forty, my life has been one long list of let downs and disasters," she says. "Join the club," says Carla. Tracy tells her that when people talked about 'the one' she always thought it was nonsense. Then she met Carla's brother, and she loved him and he loved her too, he knew her and he still loved her. That was a first for her. She says that now Rob won't let her go and see him, he'll never forgive him for what she did. She sobs into her hands.

The police are just leaving Jason's house. It seems they've been round to say that Todd's assailants have been caught. Todd isn't all that happy though, he still has the wound on his face.

Sally is suddenly looking at Tim in a whole new light, and brings him a cuppa and biscuits. She's now seeing the sofa in a whole new light too, it's actually quite stylish. It is, apparently, a Le Court, part of their Manhattan range, and they cost over two thousand pounds. She snuggles up to him, saying she's proud of him. "And if you did want a reading lesson, we could always have it upstairs."

In the factory, Carla is providing Tracy with tissues. She points out that at least they're able to sit there and discuss it, which is more than Tina can do. "She gave him no choice," says Tracy, but Carla tells her not to make excuses for him, there are none. She says she has barely slept since it happened, Rob is her brother, they grew up together. She still loves him, but she couldn't let him walk away from this. She tells Tracy to focus on Amy and everything that's good in her life, it's the only way to find peace.

Ken goes back into the Rovers and tells Michelle that Beth knew nothing about any arrangement with Tracy, he doesn't know where she's got to. Michelle says that Carla hasn't come back from the factory either, but just then Carla and Tracy come in together. Michelle takes one look at their faces and asks if Tracy has been causing trouble. Carla says it's been dealt with and they'll say no more about it. She tells Ken to take Tracy home. As they go to the door, Michelle asks Carla what's been going on. Carla just tells her they've had a talk and can put things to bed now, and move on. Tracy stops in the doorway and hears all this.

Anne Logan


Friday 5 December

Well, here's an interesting story (not really!). I was watching a programme on the recorder last night, and although Corrie was set to record at the appropriate time, I suddenly realised it hadn't started recording. So I immediately switch it on manually to record. When I went to watch it, it was just starting the ad break half way through. So I saw the second half of part 1 and then today, watched the first half of part 1 !!!! You will be pleased to know I have scrambled it around so that you will read it in the correct order !

If you are interested the weather here has taken a turn for the worst. Single figure temperatures (centigrade) during the day, and going down to -2 overnight. I had to scrape frost of my car this morning. I read in North America you are having a heat wave ;-) :-D

And now .. on with the show !

We start off with Tim lying across the new sofa. Sally, annoyed, tells him to get his boots off, and tells him in future to leave his boots at the front door. He is told to take any sharp objects such as penknife, keys out of his pockets.

Jason and Sean are talking. Sean says he is going out with the guys from the factory that evening. He invites Jason to come along, as long as he doesn't cramp his style ! Jason wonders how he can go out two nights in a row. Sean wonders if Jason is feeling old ?

Tony comes to see Kevin with some cans of beers. He tells Kevin that Sally likes the sofa. He says it is very expensive and that Kevin got himself the bargain of the century, until he had to give it away. Tim has brought the beers to show his gratitude and asks if he gets any armchairs to send them to him!

Michelle tells Carla that she has received two e-mails from creditors asking for money that she owes as a result of Tracy's wedding. She says she can't continue to stall them. Carla then hands Michelle a cheque. She is amazed that it is exactly what Tracy owes her to the exact penny. Michelle is reluctant to accept it, particularly after Tracy trashed Carla's office. Carla says Tracy will be annoyed when she finds out, and that is why she is doing it.

A woman comes into Kev's garage. She says that her husband sold him a sofa.

In the gym Yasmeen asks whether Kal and Sharif if they have been promoting the Family Day at the Community Centre. Sharif winds up Yasmeen by asking a client if he is interested in old bric a brac etc. She tells him to ignore him, and explains that it is much more and hands him a leaflet.

Yasmeen then tells him that she has picked up a Santa suit. Sharif thinks Kal will look a bit silly in it, until she tells Sharif it is for him! She also tells him that no.6 Coronation Street is up for auction. and that she is interested in it.

The woman back at the garage tells Kev that her husband says that he got £100 for it. She offers to buy it back for £100 plus more. Kevin wonders why he sold it in the first place. She explains he sold it out of spite. They are going through divorce proceedings. He doesn't need the money, he is doing it to make her suffer. Kevin explains that it wouldn't fit through the front door, so he sold it onto a guy in the pub. She asks if she offered him more money would he take the bait? She wonders if it is the pub on the corner, in which case she'll go over to see him. Kevin assures her that he wouldn't be there now. He makes up a story that he has been banned from the pub. She says she really wants it back.

In the cafe, Anna tells Sally and others from the factory what happened in Freshcos that morning. A checkout girl was weighing up some bananas when a giant tarantula came out and bit her. She tells them that she was rushed to hospital and they have closed the shop. Sally doesn't believe her and tells everyone to go back to work. Sean then asks if everyone has their outfits ready for the night. Sally says she has changed her mind. She would rather sit in watch tv and stretch her legs. Sean thinks it is because of the new sofa. Sally says not. Maddie says that she and Sophie are still up for it! Tim comes into the cafe and asks if they have heard the story about Freshcos. It is more exaggerated than Anna's version.

Michelle comes into Tracy's shop. Tracy immediately says she hasn't got any money. She says she has asked both Ken and Steve and neither can help. Michelle then pretends to threaten her for the money. She says she hasn't taken a penny in commission she did it for the photographs. However, all she got was a blur of the bridegroom running away. from the police. Michelle then tells her the good news, that she has just cashed a cheque and paid off all her suppliers so Tracy doesn't owe anything. She tells her that someone has bailed here out. Tracy wants to know who but Michelle would only give her a clue that she had smashed her office window.

Tracy goes round to the factory, where Carla is on the phone. Carla says she thought her and Tracy had come to an understanding. Carla wonders if there was anything else Tracy wanted to say. Carla wonders if she has ruined Tracy's pride, and whether she should keep her nose out of Tracy's business. Tracy says no, that she had come to thank her. Tracy says it is a weight off her mind. Carla says she did it for her own sake to ease her guilt. Carla hopes that one day somebody would do her a good turn.

Kevin and the new woman are in the Rovers. Kev says that the guy he sold the sofa to has not been seen. She wonders what the guy looked like. He says he is difficult to describe, and in response to her asking his name, he says Barney. She persuades Kev to stay for another drink.

In the factory Sally is showing colleagues a photo of her sofa. Alya says she doesn't like it. Sally says it is an acquired taste! Sean then asks Alya if she is coming tonight, and she says she can't because she is seeing a friend. He then asks Beth who says she is saving up for the wedding. Sinead confirms she is still okay for the evening.

The woman talking to Kev says about her husband that she used to work for him many years ago. They then start to talk about their respective families. She is feeling cautious about 'starting again' looking for men. (How long before she moves in with Kev? ... this is a guess and not a spoiler!). Jason comes over and asks Kev if he got sorted with the sofa. Kevin quickly interrupts to say that Jason helped him trying to get it into his house. Kev says it wouldn't fit, would it. Jason says it is the most tasteless thing he has ever seen! She explains it was her sofa, and Kevin is helping to track it down. Jason said that won't be difficult because he struck a deal with ... and Kev interrupts again and says "Barney" ! Jason says he doesn't know him. Kev says it doesn't look like he is coming in, so they should go. She says she has an appointment with her divorce lawyers. They exchange pleasantries and she goes off. Jason then asks about 'Barney'. Kev explains he doesn't exist.

Sharif tries on the Santa suit, but it doesn't fit. He tells Kal that he will give him £20 if he does it instead. Kal says he would do it for a £100. Gary then walks in. Kal asks him if he could make a sauna for him between the two changing rooms. It seems simple enough, but Gary explains it has to conform to building regulations. He says he will discuss it with Jason.

Yasmeen comes in and says she has spoken to Anna about no.6 and she loved it. She thought she was a bit resentful. She says she has expressed an interest. Kal tells her to go easy as they got kicked out

Kevin tries to tell Sally that he wants the sofa back. She accuses him of wanting it back since he found out its value. He offers her £300 for it. He then says £400, but she says a deal is a deal. She says he could offer her £5000 and she would still say no.

Carla and Michelle chatting in the pub. Carla says that she never thought she would ever hear Tracy say "thank you", but she did it. It almost got stuck in her throat!. Then Carla asks Michelle where she buys her bananas. Carla says not a Freshcos, the girls were talking about it. Michelle says that Liz was in there 5 minutes before it happened. Luckily she didn't buy any, and the rest of the story has become even more exaggerated !

Maddie is on the phone in the factory. She then explains to Sean that Sophie wants to stay in that evening. Sally calls out for them to stop chatting as she can hear them through the window. Alya looking at the hole in the wall asks what window? Sean hopes that Maddie is still coming. She says she would stay with Sophie. Sean is quite annoyed about everybody dropping out. Sinead confirms she is still going.

Kevin sees Tim in the street and explains he needs a favour. He needs to swop the sofas back before Sally gets home. He explains the guy sold it without permission of his wife. He says he told her that he sold it to a guy down the pub. He needs to give it back to Diane (this is the wife of the guy that sold Kev the sofa). He admits that he fancies her. However, Tim refuses saying after all the problems he is not going to take it out without her looking. She then texts Kevin and he shows it to Tim. He looks at it and then asks Kev how she worded it. Kev reads it out saying that she wants to meet him in the pub tonight. Tim says that she fancies him. He can't take her into The Rovers, it is too risky. He wonders what he is going to do.

So will Kev manage to get the sofa back? Will Sean and Sinead go out together? Is Freshcos going to be overrun with spiders? Richard will follow on shortly.

Meanwhile I will sort my brain back into order !!!

Martin Rosen

Good evening. This report has something more important to consider than Weatherfield and this is recent events in London where a small homeless bear has arrived from Darkest Peru; he is homeless and has no clothing apart from a hat. He has a great affection for marmalade as a marmalade sandwich provides all of the vitamins needed daily by a small bear. He is found at a London station by the Brown family and they take him for the night before taking him to the authorities. Sadly he has a slight accident in the bathroom before Millicent Clyde discovers his existence and decides she needs to stuff the bear so goes into action wearing some wonderful snake and animal print clothes. Family loyalties become important before the pigeons of London get involved. Muchly enjoyed.

For those of you have not yet seen Paddington get to the cinema soon!

And you still want an update from Weatherfield? Well events tonight in series 55 episode 237 were written by Simon Crowther; the directorial skills were those of Durno Johnston and the copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks for this update to be sent. Although broadcast before the watershed it carries a warning that it includes dialogue about drug abuse.

The story opens in Eileen's where Sean is getting ready to go, listening to Mariah Carey singing "All I Want for Christmas is You". He checks his hair in the mirror and then puts two thumbs up and heads off.

Kevin emerges from his house to meet Diane. They both greet each other warmly and Kev is keen to avoid the regulars in the Rovers so suggests going to look for "Barney" in the Wethy Arms. Diane says that it is not the sofa she is interested in - Kev does know that doesn't he? She is interested in the principle - which is not what Kev wanted to hear! She does not fancy the spit and sawdust of the Wethy and they head to the Bistro instead.

Sean knocks for Sinead and she is ready to go too! They head off to the bus stop. Scout is looking very smart this evening.

Faye and Craig are eating crisps on the "sofa" - and Sal cannot relax. Tim says they have nearly finished. Sal worries about where Craig will wipe his hands. And Sal does not want Faye doing her homework on the sofa later either. No pens near the sofa - Faye is told to use the kitchen table. Tim wants to know if he has any homework. Sal tells him to write lines "I will not put my dirty boots on Sally's sofa." This teaching lark is not going well.

Tracy is jealous of Ken sitting around reading - she is looking forward to retiring as she is doing her VAT return. He is re-reading the Great Gatsby - Tracy is surprised they wrote a book about it. Ken tells Tracy she was lucky today as Carla went above and beyond. She still moans that she does not have the money for the rent - it is never ending. Ken welcomes her to the real world and real responsibility. Ken says that he wishes he and Deirdre could do more to help. However it is good to see her trying. She smiles.

Diane and Kev are chatting - two drinks in one day, almost a date. Kev says he has not seen a woman in ages and his ex-wife has got shacked up in the meantime and she lives just across the Street. They get on OK. Diane asks about Jack and Kev tells her the story of Molly.

Also in the Bistro is Yasmeen and Sharif with the latter getting a hard sell on the need to move onto the Street. [Sorry readers, I shall declare my hand here - I have a real problem with this family, I do not think I believe in them and the only one I have time for is Zeedan and at some point he will get converted. I realise that they are intended to add a different dimension to the Street and that I praise - but there is a lack in the acting skills in my view - so them moving onto the Street will not be welcomed here]. Apparently they have a big petrol bill.

Sal tells Tim that Kev wanted the sofa back - but she was not selling. Sal actually speaks highly of Craig. Sal suggests they go to the bistro for the 2 for one offer on puddings at the moment.

In some dive Sinead is refusing alcohol because of the last time she got drunk she was off her head (last year in the Bistro she reminds us). Her head was clanging for a week and she was mortified and she does not need a drink to enjoy herself - and she starts dancing by herself to prove it. Hardly any mates Sean takes a drink from his cocktail and looks in the mirror - it is going to be a long evening.

Sharif and Yasmeen leave the bistro. And they are still talking about the spider at Freshco. Kev says that yes he and Ty are just about working together. Nick takes the order and asks if it is business or pleasure? Diane responds that she is not quite sure yet but will order another bottle of wine. Sal and Tim arrive at the bistro and Sal asks Kev who is his friend. Diane explains she knows the family history and Sal observes that unusually Kev is drinking wine. Diane insists that Tim and Sal join them. The two girls order the same food and the two men also order the same. And the four sit down together.

After the break Sal says how she and Kev met. And they had some good years and two wonderful children. So how did Kev get Diane to the bistro? Diane starts to talk about the sof - Sophie agreeing to babysit finishes Kev! Then Kev suggests it was Diane's exhaust which was the problem. But Diane is not to be swayed and reveals how her soon to be ex-husband has behaved in recent years. Apparently he has a 26 year old secretary! Diane asks about Tim's job and Sal goes on a riff about the window business - double glazing, French etc etc making out he sells them - not that he cleans them until Kev gives the game away.

Back at the night club Sean is still by himself when he spots a nice piece of crumpet at the bar. Sinead tells him to go and talk to the new guy. The two men smile at each other.

Back at the bistro they are eating the 2fers puds. Sal makes out they go out regularly to more salubrious places to her new friend from "Hale Barns". Sal suggests Diane come back for a nightcap and both Tim and Kev think this is a bad idea. Diane accepts the invitation. Kev tries to get the bill. Sal wants to talk her new sofa but every time she starts talking about the boys try to distract her - Tim allegedly stung by a wasp. Sal soon catches on that something is up.

Sean is chatting up the new man - he was in Manchester as a student and it turns out that Billy lives in Weatherfield and they are pleased to meet each other.

The bill arrives at the bistro and Kev says he will pay. Diane is off to the little girls' room and Sal says she will go with her - but Tim wants a quick word about tomorrow. Diane leaves her behind. Kev tells her the story of the sofa - and so they cannot go back to hers because Kev will be exposed as a fraud. Sal says that Diane has been treated despicably by her husband and deserves to get her sofa back. And then realises what she has said - she has to stay schtum to keep the sofa. Sal reckons they could come to some understanding - but Sal does not want to lose the sofa. Diane returns to find that Sal has a terrible migraine and she needs to go home and lie down. Diane suggests they do the nightcap some other time and Sal agrees.

Billy and Sean are still chatting about the evening. Billy has moved to a new Parish - St Mary's near the park. Given the noise Sean has to tell Sinead that Billy is a vicar - and yes it is allowed but not exactly celebrated. And he might be allowed a boyfriend if he and Sean hit it off. Sean suggests a dance but Billy has to go - he is on church business first thing tomorrow. And Sean and Sinead are heading home as well. Billy gives Sean his number.

Tracy is still doing the books. According to Ken bookkeeping is the only word in the English language with three double letters consecutively. Tracy yawns and goes to bed.

Diane and Sal are saying farewell to each other and Diane gives Sal her numbers. Sean returns and is annoyed because Sal has gone out. Sal and Tim go and Diane accepts an offer of a coffee from Kev before going.

Sean sees Sinead home and they discuss the possibility of it working with Billy - but Sean seems a lot more cheerful.

Sal knows she has to give the sofa back. Sal is singing the praises of Diane. She blames Kev and Tim. Tim points out it is either Diane or the sofa.

Diane is going - Jack has been playing up. She will come back tomorrow for her car but before she goes she kisses Kev who reckons he has still got it.

Roll credits.

Interesting new character in Billy. A homosexual vicar. And clearly likely to become a friend of Sean. Will it work this time for Sean.

And will Sal choose Diane's friendship or the sofa - it is worth £2.5k and is a Manhattan from the La Court range (or something like that).

Finally Tracy - never one for the quiet life and unable to make ends meet - how will she balance the books?

See you next week.

Richard


Sunday 7 December

Written by Perrie Balthazar Directed by Peter Rose

Kylie is a mess. She's fidgety and tense and contemplates the plastic bag of drug powder she's hidden in her compact mirror, nearly empty, then nearly jumps out of her skin when her phone rings. She tells the caller to stop ringing her and that she doesn't want anything. (Presumably, it was Callum). David calls down from upstairs to ask her to put the kettle on.

Sean drags himself out of bed on Sunday morning and Eileen is surprised to see him up earlier than usual and with no hangover. Hmm.. curious. She asks what happened, citing his usual chapter and verse retelling of the evening. (In this case, seeing as chapter and verse is a Biblical reference, she's more right than she knows!) He's reticent but she drags it out of him. He met someone and the fella has a very interesting career. He describes the career as belonging to a global organization that has lots of buildings and does lots of charity work! He is playing it cool.

Kylie hands mugs of tea out to everyone. Gail reminds her of the family photo shoot at the community centre. She wants a good photo of them all as a keepsake. David's going to cut Max's hair. Kylie is sent up to wake up Lily. Gail's wearing black but David suggests her nice green top rather than something that looks funereal. Michael offers to help her choose and they run up the stairs giggling, much to David's disgust. David unlocks the tin that has Max's meds in it and counts them. He looks a bit puzzled.

In the cafe, Sally and a suited up Tim are having a coffee. Kal and Leanne are at another table. He mentions that it was his late wife's birthday and is glad the kids will be with him today. Tim is practicing the speech for the auction while Sally is wittering on about her new best friend, calling Diane a breath of fresh air. Alya arrives, as does Gary and Zeedan. Alya is concerned that Gary is with Zeedan but he'd only bumped into Z. outside. Kal tells his two that they can wear what they want but Zeedan doesn't want to take part in the photo at all. He doesn't want to be around happy families. Kal is contrite and he understands. He offers to do something with Alya and Zeedan, just the three of them. Leanne assures him she doesn't mind at all. Zeedan prefers to be on his own and he leaves. Seems that he and his father have never been that close, Kal explains, not like he and Alya. (Sounds like Zeedan was his mother's son)

Sophie scolding Luke for eating a sugary breakfast before doing some overtime at the garage and they both tease Kevin about his flirtation with Diane. He teases Sophie and says it's all going well, that is, he whispers to Luke, until she finds out Sally has her settee!

At the community centre, Alya has been waiting for her grandparents who have just arrived. Sharif tries to get out of playing Santa once more but is handed the suit with a smile from his wife. He doesn't have much of a choice, it seems. He moans and complains but it's a losing battle. Yasmeen tells Alya she's the only one that never lets her down but Alya's face changes to "oh heck" because I'm sure she and Gary have been trying to organize some time together and it looks like it might not happen thanks to Grandma.

Gary is playing with his phone over at the flat, gazing at photos he's taken of Alya. Owen comes in and finds Katy looking through the newspaper at the career ads. Gary takes a text from Alya and smiles but he pretends it's from Izzy who wants him to go with her to take Jake into town to see a talking Moose.

Sean bounces out the door, a song on his lips. He encounters Emily who's off to church early this morning. We can hear the local church bells pealing as she tells him she's introducing the new vicar today. Sean doesn't let on he knows exactly who that is. They have a discussion about church being attractive to people of all ages but when Emily suggests he come along, he says he's after milk for Eileen's tea and doesn't dare come back without it! After Emily leaves, he even crosses himself!

Kylie has decided to give herself a jolt to get through the day, and it's not with a coffee. She's in the back at the salon but when David asks what she's doing she spills a bit of her tea, pretending she's cleaning up. She makes an excuse and tells him she's got an emergency and has to leave.

Diane has come to see Kevin to invite him to brunch. He's got Jack and has promised to take him to see Father Christmas. They make a date for a bistro Brunch. We then see Tony looking in the window at Barlows Buys. He comes back across, seeing Zeedan sitting on the bench in a world of his own and tells him he's got an emergency job on, he'll pay time and a half. Zeedan's not interested. Tony offers triple time and if he doesn't work today, he doesn't get any more work from Tony. Zeedan sighs and gets up and goes with him as David comes out of the salon with Max and heads for the community centre.

Meanwhile, Kylie's at the Dog and Gun but Callum hasn't got any gear with him. They're waiting for Macca. Callum takes her inside for a drink while they wait.

Back at the cafe, it sounds like Luke might have just got a room in a flat. Maria brings Liam in and they exchange a few words with Luke who then tells Steph that the new flat will have a jacuzzi big enough for two, and glances at Maria saying it will come in handy. (nudge, nudge, know what I mean?) Maria seems less than impressed, too. That's shot Luke down.

In the Community Centre, there's a queue for Father Christmas. Yasmeen hands Alya an Elf costume. That wasn't part of the deal! Too bad. Alya tries to get Leanne to do it but Leanne's not touching it. Gail is castigating Kylie's character while David juggles Lily and Michael distracts Max. Gavin arrives. Sally comes over to invite Gail round for nibbles sometime. Gail seems hesitant. Sally tells Gail she hasn't seen her new sofa yet but when Tim agrees but reminds Sally to tell Gail where she got it, Sally's face freezes and she backs away slowly. (heh) Nobody knows where Kylie is so Michael suggests that he and Gavin have their photo taken while they wait. Gavin, needless to say, is uncomfortable with the idea. Sharif comes out, wearing his Santa costume but alas, he's got no boots! The white and blue trainers look very odd! Michael is affronted! He played Santa for 12 years and he knows all the ins and outs but before Gavin can steer Michael over to help Sharif, Gail sidelines them by pushing the two of them to have that father and son portrait taken. Gavin reluctantly follows Michael.

Zeedan is resentfully unloading the work gear for Tony who makes a sarcastic remark about daddy not being happy that Zee is working Sundays. Zeedan tells him off quietly for it, he's not allowed to talk about his father like that and admits it's his late mother's birthday. Tony does apologize.

Michael is giving Sharif Santa advice after the portrait session. Sharif just rolls his eyes. Meanwhile Jack has kicked Alya in the shins for being asked to get in line. Kevin apologizes. Gail is still banging on about Kylie while Michael offers to buy one of the prints for Gavin. David calls Kylie and then, getting no answer, decides to go out and find her himself.

Katy and her did discuss the possibility that Gary and Izzy could be getting back together. Katy had noticed Gary's reaction to Izzy's text but has got the wrong end of the stick. It seems she's going to encourage Izzy by telling her she thinks Gary is interested. This is going to end badly, isn't it?

David has gone back to the salon to call some of Kylie's clients, hoping to track her down. Eva comes in, thinking the salon is open. David asks her where Kylie is, having lied about seeing a client. Eva is distinctly uncomfortable but won't break confidence at first. David can tell there's something Eva knows and explains that Kylie's not sleeping, is always going awol and he's got two kids waiting for their mother. Eva doesn't know where Kylie's head is at. David really needs to know if Kylie's in trouble. Eva looks guilty.

Tvor

At the community centre Alya is taking a break from her elf duties for a quick word with Gary but they're interrupted by the arrival of Izzy. She's taking Gary off into town with Jake. Meanwhile Yasmeen's worrying that the toilet's blocked and having to deal with Sally who's not happy with the photo of her and Tim. Then Katy lets slip to Alya that Izzy's hopeful she and Gary will get back together. Poor Alya - as if dressing up as an elf isn't enough to cope with.

Meanwhile, in Dev's shop someone else is letting something slip. In this case it's Owen who has just met Diane. He overhears her tell Sophie she's looking for her sofa so he very obligingly tells Diane all about his mate Kev who acquired this sofa and then passed it on to his ex-wife. Owen suggests Diane should have a word with him. "Oh I will," says Diane with meaning.

On the other side of town Kylie is with Callum in the seedy Dog and Gun pub, waiting for his mate Macca to turn up with her fix. She threatens to leave, making out she doesn't need it but Callum knows full well that's not the case.

Back at the community centre it's getting crowded. Maria and Liam are next in line for a photo but just as Maria's applying her mascara one of the boys barges into her and she gets the brush in her eye. Who should be on hand to come to her rescue but Luke who takes one look and offers to take her to A&E.

Kevin and Diane are having lunch together in the Bistro. She seems all sweetness and light and Kevin looks like he's enjoying himself. She starts toying with him, playfully mentioning his friend Barney, the sofa and then asking if Sally's over her migraine. Kevin starts to look slightly puzzled by the way the conversation's going.

In the community centre tensions are beginning to show between the Nazirs. Yasmeen's having a go at Kal about Zeedan, Sharif is fed up with playing the part of Santa and is cross with Alya for shirking her elf duties. Alya, who has just told Leanne she thinks she's blown it with Gary suddenly snaps and tells her grandfather to get off her back. Alya apologises for her outburst and promises her father she'll try having a word with Zee. Kal gives her and hug and tells Alya the family would crumble without her.

David has arrived with Eva outside the Dog and Gun. Before they go in he demands to know if Kylie's seeing someone behind his back. Eva assures him she knows nothing and is just as worried about Kylie as he is. They go inside and at first there's no sign of Kylie but as they're about to leave they hear her voice. Turning round, Eva and David spot Kylie taking a package from someone and then hurrying off into the ladies.

Meanwhile, Sally is still trying to get her photo retaken but she's having no more luck persuading Alya than she did with Yasmeen. Tim's more concerned about his lack of progress with his reading. Sally suggests they should go home for a bit more practice and a cuddle on the new sofa. Tim's eyes light up at that idea and off they go.

At the Dog and Gun, David's taken matters into his own hands. He bursts into the ladies, grabs the packet off Kylie and tosses it onto the ground before storming off. "David, wait!" she calls after him. But David isn't waiting for anyone.

Eileen goes into the Rovers for a Sunday afternoon drink and to interrogate Sean a bit further about his new bloke. As they're chatting by the bar, Emily comes in and orders a sherry and half a lager. Eileen and Sean are a bit surprised until she explains the lager is for the new vicar who's given her a lift and is just parking the car. Sean just has time to plaster an awkward grin on his face before a smiling Billy walks in and introductions are made.

Outside the Dog and Gun, Eva is giving Kylie a piece of her mind. She tells her she needs to get off her backside and go running after David to apologise. Unless, of course, she wants her kids to grow up with a junkie for a mum.

Luke, Maria and Liam have arrived back from A&E. He's being quite the knight in shining armour, even offering to put the drops in Maria's eye because she's feeling too wobbly to do it herself. Just as he's doing this - in the middle of the street for some strange reason - Steph comes round the corner. She asks her brother if he'd like to go for a drink then smirks to herself when Luke declines as he has to look after Maria.

Kevin and Diane have finished their lunch and are walking down the street together. It seems he still doesn't know she knows the truth. Suddenly Diane announces she thinks it's time to take Sally up on her rain check and go round for the drink she promised. Kev tries to stop her but Diane is on a mission and heads straight for Sally's front door. Unfortunately for Kev, Sophie turns up at that moment and opens the front door. She asks if they're coming in but before the words are out of Sophie's mouth, Diane pushes past and into the house where they find Tim and Sally having their promised cuddle on the sofa. Everyone tries to explain themselves at once but Diane is on the moral high ground. She announces that first thing in the morning she'll be sending round a van to collect her property. She adds that if they don't cooperate she'll sue. She tells them to enjoy their last night with the sofa and then asks them to put a sheet over it until it's collected.

Maria, Liam and Luke have returned to the community centre but how can they have their photo taken now with Maria's eye looking all red and swollen? Good old Luke comes to the rescue once more. He finds a couple of eye patches and some hats and suggests Maria and Liam should dress up as pirates. Maria seems tickled pink with the idea.

Kylie arrives home with her tail between her legs but ex-bad-boy-turned-perfect-father David doesn't want to hear any more of Kylie's excuses. She tries to explain how the drugs helped her to cope. "Are you saying they made you a better mum?" asks David, his voice full of contempt. Kylie says yes. "Not now, though. Look at me," she adds, sadly.

They are locking up the community centre at the end of what Yasmeen considers to have been a successful day. Sharif has his doubts having spent it dressed as Santa. Leanne and Kal are with them and they see Zeedan arrive back in Tony's van. Kal has a go at Zee for spending the day working when he should have been with his family and, worse still, lying about it and using his dead mother as an excuse. Kal tells Zee she would have been ashamed of him. Zee asks his dad if he's thought about the fact that he might have wanted to do something to take his mind off today. Tony steps in to defend Zee and tells Kal it's no wonder Zee can't stand the sight of him. The women have to hold Kal and Tony back from starting a fight.

In the Rovers, Eileen is relishing the news that the man Sean met in the gay bar is the new vicar. Sean is trying to explain why he was economical with the truth. Emily and Billy come over to join them. They're on their way back to the church to set up the nativity scene but they stop long enough for Sean to explain to Emily that he and Billy have already met. It's hard to know who is more embarrassed, Emily or Sean. Billy seems quite relaxed with the situation, even when Eileen can't resist telling him that she's sure Sean would be happy to show him the sights. Sean promises to call him.

Kal goes round to Tony's workshop to have it out with him. He makes it clear he's not going to let Tony intimidate him and accuses him of being an aging hard man who thinks he's top dog.

David's talking to Kylie. He wants the low-down on what she's been up to, who has been supplying her and how she's been paying for the drugs. She tells him she hasn't always paid which makes David even more suspicious. What has she been doing in return? After all, it's not as though she hasn't slept around in the past. Their conversation is cut short by the arrival of Gail, Michael and ‘Gavin'. Gail fails to pick up on the atmosphere and starts having a go at Kylie for going AWOL. Then Max runs in and gives his mum a hug. David asks them all to leave but Gail says she needs to put the dinner on. David shouts at her and finally Gail gets the message and they all beat a hasty retreat, leaving Kylie and David on their own.

Kylie thanks David for not saying anything but he replies he didn't do it for her. Kylie wants them to try again to sort things out, she's sure they can do it. But David issues her with an ultimatum. She has to choose between the drugs or her kids. Kylie asks him if he's mad - of course she'd choose the kids. "Well you can stop right now," says David, referring to the drugs. "Else you can go out that door and never come back." Kylie doesn't reply. Realising she's not going to respond David hurls her coat at her and tells her to get out. "Don't you realise? I can't!" cries Kylie back at him. "I can't. I can't stop!" she sobs.

Karen


Wednesday 10 December

Eva calls on David to find out how Kylie is, she's worried that David might have chucked her out. Although he says he thought about it, Kylie is apparently upstairs, spark out, it's all right for some. Eva tells David that Kylie would go under without him. "That's me, dependable Dave," mutters David. He says that from now on he's going to have to watch her like a hawk, if she's going to live under the same roof as their kids, he needs to know that she's not on anything.

Kal goes into the cafe where he finds Alya and Zee. Zee is still furious with Kal, he says was happy to work, glad of the distraction. Kal feels he was being exploited. Gary pops his head round the door and calls Kal to come work. Kal rants on at his dad, saying that he only did it because he's over-compensating for the situation with him and Leanne, he decided to play the hero to get Zee's approval. Kal wants to know why Zee has to bring Leanne into everything.

Kylie and David arrive at the salon late for work. Audrey is cross, she's run off her feet and Maria isn't there, having stabbed herself in the eye with a mascara brush. She tells them to get the kettle on, and Kyle offers to go and get the milk. David, obviously worried about Kylie being let loose, hurriedly says that he will go. As he puts his coat on he tells her not to try sniffing any of the perming lotions while he's gone.

Sally is putting deck chairs up in her living room, and thinks they look ridiculous. Faye has called to see her dad and whispers to him that it was only a sofa, she lost her whole house. Tim tells Sally the deck chairs are a practical and stylish solution, but Sally isn't convinced. She then moans about how lost she is with Diane, they were on the same wavelength. She's sure Diane is right now sitting on the Le Court sofa, with a cafetiere, organic yoghurt and blueberries...... Tim tells her she shouldn't compare herself to others, it makes her vain and depressed.

Maria, with one eye shut, bumps into the Luke and tells him how she's been given the day off. He's just arrived to move into Fiz's house while they're away, and starts getting bags out of his car.

Zeedan is helping his grandmother move bookcaes in the community centre. She tells him that they're thinking of buying Anna's old house, she's had a peek through the curtains, it's immaculate. He asks if Kal knows. She tells him that Kal knows that brawling in the street was a bad idea, but anniversary of Zee's mother's death was hard on him, and everybody. He loved her, and always will, regardless of Leanne. She hugs him.

Kylie has gone across to the bistro for pound coins, and chats to Gavin over the bar for a few minutes. Eva comes in and takes her aside for a quiet chat, urging her to tell David everything. "Why?" asks Kylie, "he's already got me pegged. Bad Kylie - dirty druggie!" She goes on to say that she'd got everything under control, Eva should just trust her. Eva says she can't, she doesn't want to see Kylie's life fall apart and if Kylie doesn't tell David everything, then Eva will.

David arrives back from the wholesaler's and asks where Kylie is. Audrey says she sent her to the bistro for change 10 minutes ago. David says he'll give her a hand and walks to the door, just as Kylie comes back in.

Alya and Gary meet up in the ginnel. She tells him she's sick of skulking around like they have something to hide. She brings the conversation round to Izzy and wonders if Gary is getting close to her again. Gary tells her they're just getting civilised and grown up, it's all about Jake. She thinks they should be brave and out themsevles - she should sit down with her dad and break it to him gently.

Yasmeen is outside Anna's old house, staring at it, and the For Sale board. As she turns to walk away, Sean comes out of Eileen's house. Yasmeen comments on his shirt and he confides that he's off for a first date and is nervous. She tells him that his date will be nervous too, it's a two way process.

Tim and Kevin are in the pub. Tim confides that Sally hoped Diane would be her new best mate. Just then Sally comes in and tells him she wants a new sofa. Tim talks about January sales, but Sally wants one in time for Christmas. Tim thinks Kevin should give them back the original, Kevin says that he and Sally bought it together and she agreed that he could have it. Sally tells them to stop bickering and states that she is not going to watch the Queen's speech from a deckchair!

Sean is in the bistro with his date, Billy the vicar. It seems to be going well, despite Sean's nerves. They arrange to see each other again next Monday.

Maria goes into the pub and finds Luke talking to Kevin. She offers to buy Luke a drink, telling him he can return the favour on Friday night.

Kylie is doing some sewing when David comes down from bathing the kids. He tells her that her domestic goddess act is fooling no one. She thanks him for getting Gail off her case and asks what he said to her. He said he played the old card of poor little Kylie and her rotten childhood, but now it's Max and Lily's childhood he's worried about, they might have a druggie for a mum. "If you knew how far I've come....." she starts to say. He tells her he caught her in a grubby toilet, does she think that's coming up in the world? She weeps and tells him she's turned her life around, it might not look like it to him but she has come a long way. "Whatever," mutters David, staring at the tv. She tells him that before she met him, years ago, she'd done a lot worse than speed. "What? Are you telling me you WERE a druggie?" asks David.

Kal find Zeedan closing up the yard and offers him a lift home. "If I'm in charge of the music," says Zee, after a pause. He then goes on to say it wasn't that he didn't care about his mother's anniversary, he thought work would make the day go quicker. Kal says he understands, and misses her too, more than he'll ever know.

Back at the Platt's, David asks if Kylie was using drugs when she was expecting Max. She tells him that as soon as she found she was pregnant she stopped and stayed off it till he was one. David wonders if it's in Max's blood. She tells him she was clean for years. She wanted to tell him but she didn't want him to hate her. "Please don't hate me," she says. He thinks she's already gone back to that life, but she tells him she hasn't, and he's going to keep her on the straight and narrow. "You love me, we're a family, you've turned my life around," she cries, "you!" He thinks she's getting sucked back into it. "I'm out of my depth!" he shouts. She cries and begs and pleads with him. "I'm your wife," she says. "Trouble and strife," says David, adding that he can't handle it and wonders if they'll make it. He goes off upstairs leaving her wailing at the bottom.

Anne Logan


Friday 12 December

Well it maybe dark, dismal, wet, rainy or even snowy where you are at the moment, but the sun is always shining on Coronation Street (I think I will move!).

So what is going on down The Street?

We open with the Nazir family in the cafe. All talking together, there is obviously nobody else in the cafe or somebody would have come over telling them to keep their voices down! They seem to be talking about what is good food. Kal and Zeedan leave and Yasmeen starts philosophising to Alya about life.

Eva and David bump into each other (on the subject of bumps Catherine Tyldesley's little bump is becoming prominent now, so they are giving her loose fitting clothes to wear!)./ She asks David how are things. He says that he can't get his head around what has happened. Eva says she is going to need his support. But David thinks she would rather see her drug dealer than him. He really doesn't know what to do about the situation.

Beth and Sinead are discussing wedding plans, with Kirk and Chesney looking on. Beth comments there is so much to do, and Kirk agrees. Beth then asks Kirk what has he had to do. He says that he has to get the suit, arrange for a Best Man, organise the Stag 'do'. Sinead asks what of these things has he done so far. He says he hasn't done anything yet. Chesney thinks he ought to prioritise. It will be the Best Man's responsibility to organise everything else for him, .like picking an outfit for him and organising the Stag Party. Kirk thinks that it is a good idea, and then has a think on who to choose. Despite Beth and Sinead hinting and rolling their eyes towards Chesney, he is thinking about Dev, Gary or even Sean. In the end Beth suggests Chesney. Kirk think it is a brilliant idea, and asks Chesney if that is all right with him. Chesney willingly agrees. He turns to Beth and Sinead to say that he has sorted it without any problems!!

David comes into the Platts house having bought a bottle of milk. Kylie thinks he has been a long time and thought he had gone to milk a cow ! He looks at the breakfast plate and asks Kylie what it is. She says it is a 'full English breakfast' except without the sausage or the beans!

Max is making a list of requests to Santa. He asks what else he can ask for. Kylie suggests instead of more toys ask for something nice. David suggests World Peace. (I don't think Santa keeps that in his sack !).

Michael comes in with a box of Christmas lights as a surprise for Gail. Michael goes out to get the rest of the stuff, and Kylie then asks David what is wrong. She believes he is bottling something up. He asks her if she has been taking any drugs. She says she hasn't and she is trying her best.

In the cafe, Owen mentions to Izzy that a Dutch club signed up a player about Jake's age to play football. Gary says to Izzy that he told her and she wouldn't believe him. Izzy says to Gary that she will buy the net, Gary corrects her - the goal - if he will buy the ball. Gary says he will soon be walking around with a WAG (normally a footballer's wife or girlfriend) hanging on his arm. Izzy says that he won't be dating until he is at least 25 !

In the garage Zeedan and Tyrone are talking. Zeedan said he got up early and went to use the bathroom because he didn't know when Tyrone would want to use it. Tyrone said he is used to sharing the bathroom with a woman with very untidy. hair and two kids that want the potty !! So he tells Zeedan not to worry and make himself at home.

Zeedan then asks Tyrone about Maria. Does he mind if he dates her seeing that she and Tyrone have a past. Tyrone says he doesn't mind. Zeedan is pleased because he considers her 'hot' !!

Yasmeen and Sally are talking in the cafe. Yasmeen is setting up classes for people to make their own Christmas cards and decorations. Sally thinks it is a good idea, She says she has always been artistic and that is why she ended up in the fashion business! Yasmeen then says she is bidding to buy no.6 at auction that afternoon. Sally says as it is empty then she could move in straight away, and it would be nice to have an intelligent neighbour. All this much to Anna's annoyance.

Kylie is doing Julie's nails in the salon. She is chatting about her date tonight, and turns round to David not to chat 'boys talk' to Dev about her feelings. David assures her what he hears in the salon remains in the salon.

Alya surprises Gary by coming round to the Yard. Gary wants to know if she is ready to tell her father about him. She says she wants to because she doesn't like skulking around. She says she wants to be alone with him, not with a a lot of other people. Gary then remembers he still has the keys to no.6 and they could go there.

Julie is still talking to Audrey about her forthcoming date with Dev. Then David rushes off. He wonders what Kylie is doing. She assures him that she is not doing anything, and as they are about to argue about trust, Audrey steps in to get them back to work.

In the factory Beth is discussing her wedding dress. She says she quite fancies a basque, because it gives an uplift. She doesn't want a cheap one but realises they are expensive. Sinead suggests that she makes one herself. Sally asks her what colour she wants She says she wants white with lots of bling and tasteful. Sally interrupts that surely is a contradiction in terms.

Back in the salon, Julie has obviously left as Audrey is gossiping about her. She would never have thought her and Dev would be a pairing. She turns to Maria and tells her that she has struck lucky with Luke. Maria doesn't seem too sure. Alya asks Kylie how long she has been married, and then Audrey says that if her Alfie had been alive they would have been married for 29 years. Then Kylie;s mobile phone rings. She doesn't want to answer it, but David thinks it maybe important and goes to get the phone. It is Gail.

The Windass' are in The Rovers. Kal wants a sauna built in the gym. Gary says that he will get it done. Kall says he may not be in first thing, but not to take any instructions from Sharif. If there is a problem to ring him.

Audrey and Maria are leaving the salon, Maria is surprised that David and Kylie are going to lock up. Audrey says she shouldn't 'look a gift horse in the mouth'. Maria wonders if they will be okay. Audrey say they often 'blow hot and cold' but they will be okay. They spot Luke in the street. Audrey thinks they would be perfect together. Maria is not too sure, and finally admits she is concerned about the age difference. Audrey laughs and says that she shouldn't be concerned about a couple of years.

Chesney and Kirk are checking what the Best Man duties entail. They dismiss most things anyway. Chesney asks Kirk what he would like to do and he suggests bungee jumping. or sky diving! Alternatively they could get bladdered Kirk asks Chesney what he is going to say in his Best Man speech. Chesney says that he has to thank various people and make the odd joke. Kirk asks him not to mention other women as Beth gets jealous. He recalls that he once gave Julie the last chocolate eclair. Chesney tells him he has to do the Bridegroom's speech. Kirk wonders why there are two speeches, couldn't Chesney cover it all. Chesney tells him that he has to talk about Beth.

Gary brings Alya into no.6 She has not told her family about him yet. She explains that they expect her to marry a Muslim boy and he isn't one. Gary thinks that because her dad is with Leanne, he maybe a bit more sympathetic. She is positive the family will understand ... eventually. They have just got to pick their moment. They then sit on the floor and start their take-aways.

Back at the Platts, Michael sees David and Kylie and asks if he can give him a hand with the lights. David says he will in about 10 minutes. Kylie sees concern on David's face, and promises it will get easier. She says it has only been a few days. David is not certain about her assurance.

Over at no.6 Gary and Alya are 'fighting' over the last sausage. Both make a grab for it. Gary ends up with sauce over his t-shirt. He takes it off just as Kal and Yasmeen come in (well they would, wouldn't they?!!). That is where the episode ends !!

What is going to happen with Gary and Alya now they have been found out? Has Kylie managed to stop her drugs problem? As if by magic, Richard's report follows this .. almost immediately ;-)

Martin Rosen

The highlight this week was a trip to Bournemouth to see Madness. Suggs is in good voice and the band are still greatly entertaining with the sax player still blowing well. Further Madness promised for next summer so be prepared. Key to our activities over the next six months will be seeing oldies as they tour before they drop down dead! But only in venues where we can sit down - The Who at Hyde Park got turned down because the authorities for some reason do not allow chairs; I am too old to stand for long periods or to lie on the grass! This is my last update for a little while but have no fear I shall be back. Thanks to all the volunteers standing in.

This episode was written by Susan Oudot and directed by Peter Rose. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks for providing some first class entertainment.

We open where the earlier episode closed in No 6 - formerly the Windass residence and now owned by Sharif and Yasmeen. Gary confirms to Kal and Yasmeen that he has not laid a finger on Alya - and Alya agrees. They try to explain why he had taken his T shirt off - because it was dirty - but it is clear Kal does not want his daughter touched. Alya finally admits that they have been seeing each other and Kal looks angry. Before an explanation can be offered Kal starts the talking by lashing out and flooring Gary.

In the Rovers Anna is justifying her need to visit a member of the family who is not well. Katie is hopeful that she can do more at the gym and get a wider job and more responsibility. Katie and Izzy head off to cook dinner for the family. Anna and Owen hope that they will soon be back on their feet. They discuss the house being auctioned and Owen is resigned.

Kal and Gary argue in the Street in front of Alya and Yasmeen and Leanne arrives and soon guesses that the secret is out from the raised voices. Yasmeen apologises about the disagreement between friends to Dev and Julie as they head off out on their date. Gary says they did not want anything to happen but they do like each other and it is as simple as that. Izzy rolls up with Katie and also want to know why the shouting match is happening. Kal wants to know in what universe does Gary think he is good enough for Alya (well this one actually). Kal has a go at him for having an ex-partner and a kid (with Izzy in earshot). Kal warns Gary to stay away from his family as it is important to him. At this point Anna and Owen arrive and Anna points out that her son is not fine and her family is important to her. She threatens him with the police and an assault charge. Kal backs off being restrained by Alya and Yasmeen. Izzy is distressed and she and Katie leave. Yasmeen tells Alya that her mother would be ashamed but Alya responds that there is no need for that. Alya wants to explain and Leanne sides with her. Kal agrees to listen to Alya but does not want Gary present. The parties walk away.

In the Bistro Dev and Julie are talking to Luke and Eva, the former is waiting for Maria. D&J sit down and Eva and Steph take the mickey out of Luke for using too much aftershave so he heads to the gents to see if it is as bad as they say. Whilst he is gone Maria arrives in a rather nice blue dress - fashionably late. Eva, trying to hide a growing bump, comments that getting ready for first dates and butterflies in the tummy is all so exciting. Maria sees them watching her and sees Dev and Julie canoodling and assuming that Luke has decided to stand her up she decides to make a run for it and heads towards the door when Luke returns through the door. After sorting out their stories they sit down - but clearly Steph is not impressed by her brother's latest choice of slapper.

Kylie, sporting a large bump which nothing can now hide, comes downstairs with a list of all her usernames and passwords and hands them over to David. She also gives him her phone. David asks for the name of her dealer and she lies - claiming it is Macca and he deletes the name from her contacts list and gives her the phone back. Max, Gail and Michael return but David asks them to get him a drink. David goes to help Michael with the decorations and Kylie gets a text message from Callum - whose name is clearly still in the contacts list! She looks haunted.

Alya is being talked about by her family. Yasmeen is explaining the story to Sharif with Kal and Leanne looking on. "Well brought up girls do not go round having relations" says Yasmeen but Alya interrupts to point out that she has not had relations! Kal adds the observation that Gary is not the one for her. Alya says they are not listening to her. Leanne chips in that Kal was in a similar situation - which he claims was different but Leanne thinks not. Finally they let Alya explain. It was not planned - it just happened. She has hated lying to them. Kal doubts it but Leanne chimes in saying how upset Alya has been. Kal asks how she would know that?

After the break Leanne explains that she has known. Yasmeen and Kal now turn on Leanne - subverting first Kal and then Alya. Leanne stands her ground. She has known for about a month. Kal is not impressed but Yasmeen maintains the attack - which at least takes the pressure of Alya. Leanne says that she loves Kal. She wanted to give Alya the chance to see if there was something between her and Gary and then she would have sat Kal down and talked to him about it and got him to see. Yasmeen continues in kill mode but finally Sharif says it is enough. Sharif wants to talk to Alya and so the others all leave, Leanne reluctant to leave Alya alone.

David and Michael are erecting the external illuminations. Eva talks to Kylie about the drug supplier. Eva tells her she needs to concentrate on beating this and to stay away from Callum.

Owen is tearing into Gary - making Izzy believe he wanted a re-union whilst chasing Alya. Anna tries to calm Owen down. Gary is sorry if that is what Izzy thought - he never wanted to hurt her. Gary thought that both and Izzy considered it over. He and Alya have had to keep things quiet because of Kal. Gary shouts at Owen that it is obvious that once again he has screwed up everything for his family. Owen goes to check on Izzy. Katie follows him. Anna just shakes her head at Gary. Anna says he has been silly with both of them and she will have to cancel her trip to her cousin. Gary says it will be sorted once everyone calms down.

Decorating the Platt household continues and Kylie and David are still arguing. There is grand countdown to switching on the lights. They go on - BANG - they go off.

Luke and Maria walk slowly down the Street discussing relations with Steph and Kirk respectively. Laughing over the usual family squabbles. Maria is cold so Luke puts his arm around her. They agree to another date. Luke gives her a snog and then goes to get his keys out, when he finds his pocket is empty. Ty is spending the weekend with Fiz so cannot let him in. (I must have missed him moving in with them). Luke tries to phone Ty to see who has the spare key.

Back at the Platts Michael has solved the problem and the entire house lights up - with figures inflating in the garden. David reckons they can see it from space! He and Kylie are both smiling. Max wants a fishing rod for Christmas - he wants to catch a shark. Kylie can come - so long as she carries the bait. David asks for no more secrets and he and Kylie are reconciled.

Sharif is recalling that Alya would not have velcro on her trainers - she had to have laces - she was always stubborn. Sharif says Alya is all he could want in a grand-daughter. Sharif is disappointed that she would throw away her skills and ambition by being with Gary. She points out that she still wants her own business. Sharif echoes Kal that Gary will never be the man for her. She goes.

Luke has got nowhere with phoning Ty. Maria tells him to come back to her flat - so they are not standing round in cold. Maria knows it is not a plan to get her to bed. They head along the Street arm in arm when Steph appears and tells him to come back to hers - and he can thank her in the morning with a full English. Luke and Maria say goodnight.

Alya finds Kal at the bus stop. She is not her little princess any longer. She is a grown woman with a brain. Kal points out that Gary is bound to fancy her - just look! {Actually with those wet eyes and running mascara from crying I am not so sure}. Alya emphasises that nothing has happened. Kal says that Gary is not the person she thinks - she will never be able to rely on him. He walked away from one child. Alya says that Gary and Izzy were already over. Kal asks her if he could be happy if she was in a relationship with someone as unpredictable and violent as Gary. She points out that the only violent person was her father! Kal is worried about what she will be sacrificing. Kal tells her that her and Gary is not going to happen and walks away. Tears roll down Alya's face.

Well what have we learned this evening?

David cannot tell when Kylie is lying.

Alya should listen to Sharif and Kal. Unless of course Gary is going to be completely reliable in future?

And did Izzy have any real reason to think that Gary was coming back?

Have fun, I will be back before too long.

Richard


Monday 15 December

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Menhaj Huda

Owen is rude and nasty to Gary who insists he would always put Jake first no matter what. Not good enough. Gary grabs his coat and leaves.

Simon chats to Carla about a school charity auction. Leanne comes out of the Kabin with her contribution, a box of chocolates as Alya comes down the road to work. She stops and tells Leanne that she got through the weekend but everyone is against her. Gary comes down the road behind her just as Kal comes toward from the other direction, just like High Noon. Kal proceeds to sack Gary from the sauna job. Zeedan and Yasmeen and Kal are moving cleaning materials into Number 6. Even though they assume Anna cleaned before she left, Yas is still going to bottom it out anyway.

Amy is pretending to have a cold to get out of the school auction, mainly because Tracy's contribution is some bought buns. Ken, however, does have a cold. Leanne and Simon arrive. Leanne was going to ask Ken to take Simon with him to the auction but he's not sure he'll be going. We'll see. Meanwhile, Simon scoffs at the buns and shows Amy the designer googaw keyring Carla gave him. She's jealous, of course. Tracy is nowhere to be seen, having run out the back when she saw Leanne come in but Leanne knows Tracy's avoiding her.

Kylie takes a call from Callum and tears a strip off him, insisting he leave her alone. She then yells at David for the mess in the kitchen. He reminds her of the school Christmas thing later that she can't get out of because he's got to mind the salon while Audrey nips to the shops.

Someone's banging on the pub door. Eva lets in a glam middle aged blonde woman who teases her about being an inspector until Liz comes through from the back. Turns out they're old friends from Spain. She's here for three weeks, partly to see her old ma. She seems like a live wire and she and Liz were quite good friends. She'd sent a postcard but it hasn't got there so Liz didn't know she was coming and of course she can stay there at the pub! (no asking Steve or Michelle)

Sean has invited Billy for tea at home tonight. Partly it's to introduce him to a few more people. Julie bags an invite. Across the road, Izzy is moaning about Gary to Katie.

In the salon, Kylie's still avoiding Callum's texts. Luke is charming Audrey and Maria and trying to get himself an invite to their works do. Kylie finally has had enough, tells Audrey her phone has packed in and takes off to "sort it".

Kal is in the kebab shop to apologize to Leanne. She is pretty confident Alya hasn't done anything a good Muslim girl shouldn't, they're taking it slowly. Kal prefers stop, or reverse. Leanne reminds him that his father probably felt the same way he does when she and Kal got together. Gary comes in to ask for his job back but Kal is silent and walks out. Leanne passes on a message to Gary from Alya to meet him in the cafe after work.

Kylie heads to the bus stop, having run back home to get some utility bills. David comes out of the salon and in the end, she admits Macca has been bothering her so she's going to change her phone and number, the works. He isn't so sure he believes her and wants to come along but she won't let him. She insists she's not spoken to the dealer and he can trust her.

Ken is in the pub topping up on a hot whiskey toddy to help with that cold he's nursing. Erica returns from a shopping trip to Frescos. Eva takes her bag and turns her to the tall dark handsome bloke at the jukebox. Not sure if she's trying to stir trouble or not because the bloke is Tony! Erica heads towards Tony as Carla comes in and joins Ken at the bar. Ken asks how she is, seeing as it's Rob's sentencing hearing this week. She's coping. She offers to go to the school auction with Simon so Ken can get back to bed. He's clearly feeling rough. Liz comes out with Eva and sees Erica practically salivating over Tony and orders her hands off, "He's mine!" Erica realizes Eva set her up and Eva chuckles. But fair enough, Erica won't go after a man that's already taken, especially taken by her mate, so Liz assures Tony. But when she asks him how soon he told her he was taken, he just laughs and her face kind of freezes a bit.

Back to the salon and David's trying to get hold of Kylie. Clearly he didn't believe her excuse about getting a new number. Luke comes in escorting an older and regular client. He's still trying to charm them all!

Yasmeen comes into Number 6 and finds Sharif looking out the back window. She warns him he shouldn't be thinking about putting a shed in the back. He brings her over to sit down for a rest. They discuss the trouble with Alya and Yasmeen can tell Kal is going about it all the wrong way, the way he's trying to prevent the young couple from seeing each other using a heavy hand. Kal and Zeedan come downstairs and his mother directs him to a shopping list and wants to make sure Alya comes for their inaugural meal. She also warns Kal not to turn Alya and Gary into Romeo and Juliet. He seems unconcerned because he's ordered her to come straight after work. And when is that? He doesn't know.

In the pub, Erica's postcard has arrived! She's now off to see her mother though it sounds as if they have a contentious relationship. Liz tells Tony that she and Erica have long been supports for each other, especially after Erica escaped a violent bloke and showed up in Spain at the bar Liz worked in. She then worked her socks off to get herself back on her feet. She had signed the postcard "Shirley" which refers to the play/movie Shirley Valentine (about a woman who went on holiday to Greece and stayed there). Kal comes in to the pub to find Owen to offer him the sauna job.

In the cafe, Katy and Izzy are chatting when Gary and Alya come in. Everyone's face falls. Izzy asks Gary to take Jake to nursery tomorrow and then backs out the door. Roy brings over the coffees the girls had ordered and Gary and Alya take them instead. Yasmeen comes in and finds them. Gary tactfully leaves them to talk.

Sean is anxiously setting the table with Julie and he's nervous as a cat on hot bricks. He's afraid that Eileen is going to say something stupid.

Yasmeen apologizes to Alya for bringing her mother's name into the argument the other day. Alya reminds her that mom always taught her to stand up for what she believes in and is sure her mother would have supported her. It's not that simple, Yasmeen says but apologizes again. She knows Kal loves his daughter and is afraid for her choices. She asks Alya to take her time and if Gary's worth it, he will be patient and understanding.

Tracy comes into the Kabin, must have followed Carla in. She asks about the auction and offers to walk to the school with her. Carla freezes her smile and agrees.

Kylie's finally back and fussing over a new phone. David's angry that she's been gone so long but she blames the Christmas shopping queues. She had taken her SIM card out of the phone so the dealer would leave her alone while she was sorting out her phone. She apologizes, should have called him. He backs down and says there's just one client left and then once that's done they can go to the works do. She promises to be on her best behaviour, not even one drink. They enter the salon. Maria is washing the client's hair. Audrey is rooting through a box of decorations. The client goes to the chair. It's Callum!!! Talk about invading your space! He smirks at Kylie when he catches her eye in the mirror.

Tvor

Written by Debbie Oates and directed by Menhaj Huda

Kylie is in total shock. The others, oblivious to the way Callum is looking at her, chatter on. Audrey suggests she, Maria and Kylie should go to the Rovers to get themselves in a party mood. But Kylie says she'll stay behind and help David. Callum says it's no problem, he and David can find plenty to talk about. David asks if he'd like Kylie to make him and drink. Callum says he could murder a brew. In fact, he adds, smirking at Kylie, he's getting withdrawal.

Round at Eileen's Julie's fussing over the table decorations while Sean's on tenterhooks worrying about whether he has the right shirt on. He instructs Julie to remove the candles as he's going for the casual look. Eileen decides it's time to open the wine but puts it back on the table when Sean catches her eye.

Round at the gym, Kal's telling Owen that he's waiting on Gary to order some wood for his building work. No problem, says Owen, he'll sort it. It looks like Gary's got a lost job to add to his woes. Owen tells Kal he'll break the news to Gary.

Erica's in the Bistro but there's nobody behind the bar so she helps herself to a glass of wine. Gail appears from round the corner, and is incensed when she sees what's going on. There's a marvellous bit of dialogue where Erica simultaneously puts Gail in her place, makes it clear she had every intention of paying and that she knows her Spanish wines. At that moment Nick walks through the door and Gail tells him to chuck her out. But Nick is more interested in Erica's knowledge of wine. "Oh Mum!" he wails when Gail kicks off again. Erica is amused by this revelation. She says she only came in to book a party. Nick perks up even more at this piece of news. Gail then announces that he either kicks Erica out or she'll resign. She catches Nick giving Erica what she interprets as an apologetic smile. It's all too much for Gail who rips off her apron and storms out. "About this party?" asks Nick. Erica admits it's a party for one. But she adds that since she's caused the problem the least she can do is keep things ticking over and with that she dons Gail's apron and reassures Nick that she knows bars before installing herself behind his.

David's finished Callum's hair. They've been chatting about the family and when he pays, Callum gives David an enormous tip. He tells him he can use it to buy something for Max. Say it's from Santa, he says, looking at Kylie. Then he asks about where they're going for their Christmas do. David tells him it's at the Bistro. Guess what? Callum says he'll be in there later.

In the Rovers, Liz has had a text message. She tells Tony it's from Erica who's been waylaid and they're to reheat the Paella. Liz says knowing Erica, it will either involve money or a bloke.

Gary comes in and asks Tony if he needs any labour. But Tony says it's up to Jason and he doesn't need anyone right now. He advises Gary to wait until Kal's calmed down and then speak to him.

David and Kylie come in and join Audrey and Maria. David's waving the money he's just been given and tells them about the tip. Kylie's keen to stay and have a drink as she's in no rush to get to the Bistro for obvious reasons.

Round at Eileen's they're awaiting Billy's arrival. They've now been joined by Todd and Sean begs everyone not to say anything irreverent in front of the reverend. "Nobody be themselves. Act normal," is Sean's final request as the doorbell rings. Sean does the introductions and then his mouth goes into overdrive as he tries desperately to keep his cool and fails miserably.

Kylie and Co arrive in the Bistro where Callum's already established himself at a table. Audrey sends Kylie off to the bar to buy some wine which seems a bit odd in an establishment where they offer waitress service. However, this gives Callum the chance to have a quiet word with Kylie. She may have changed her phone number but, as he's proved, it's not about to stop him harassing her. Cocky as ever he tells her to meet him at the corner shop in ten minutes. If she doesn't he threatens to pay Max a visit.

While this is going on, Nick and Erica are carrying on a conversation over a dustpan and brush and a broken bottle of wine. Nick offers to pay Erica for her help but she refuses. She says she'll settle for a drink sometime and will give Nick her number in case he's ever short-staffed.

Back at the dinner party, Sean's still a bag of nerves while Eileen does her best to steer Julie away from talking about their father's past or Todd discussing the gory details of his assault. While Sean and Julie are out in the kitchen preparing the Pavlova, Eileen asks Billy about how he became a vicar and he admits that he spent about five years enjoying the nightlife before deciding on his calling. There's a loud crash from the direction of the kitchen and Sean returns with the dessert which has transformed into an Eton Mess.

Gary's hanging around in the street outside when Zeedan comes along. He winds Gary up about the fact he's lost the job with Kal before threatening him to leave his sister alone. We see a worried-looking Alya across the street observing this exchange.

In the Rovers Erica has been filling in Liz about her encounter with Gail. They disappear through to the back room with a couple of white wine spritzers, no doubt to continue their girly gossip. Out front, Carla arrives and joins Tracy at the bar. They are being civilly polite to each other. Then Leanne comes in. Pointedly looking at Tracy she says that she would pay for the next round if she'd been paid the rent money she was owed on the shop. Tracy can't stand any more and leaves. Leanne says she's not sure what she finds more disturbing: Tracy kicking off at her or Tracy being nice to Carla.

At the other end of the bar Gary goes up to Owen. He's miffed that Owen took the job from Kal and didn't think to put in a good word for him but that's the last thing Owen would do after the way Gary's treated his daughter. Seeing he's getting nowhere, a miffed Gary tells Owen all that matters is he's got Alya and he'd choose her over a job any day of the week.

Sean's dinner party has come to an end and he goes into the hall with Billy to see him out but if Sean was hoping their goodbye hug might lead anywhere he hadn't allowed for Todd hovering in the background. Billy says he'll see Sean on Sunday. Sean looks momentarily alarmed when he realises Billy's referring to church. But Billy laughs - he was only joking. He looks forward to seeing Sean again soon and Sean asks him to text to let him know he's got home safely.

Gary and Alya meet in the bus stop. She tells him they need to let things settle for a while but Gary's concerned he's losing her. He says everyone's trying to mess with their heads and they need to keep seeing each other. He's obviously getting worried that Alya is beginning to slip away from him. She promises to meet him later for some chips. Gary goes to kiss her but Alya says not here. She'll see him later.

Gail is sitting on the sofa when David and Kylie arrive home. We see Kylie slip off her rings before declaring she must have taken them off to wash her hands and left them on the side of the sink in the Bistro. She says she'll pop back to get them - she'll only be ten minutes.

Sean's analysing a text from Billy and stressing over a missing comma. Did he mean to write ‘Lovely to see you all, love Bx' or perhaps he really intended to say ‘All love, Bx'? Eileen raises her eyes to heaven and goes off to help herself to some cold toad in the hole.

Gary's waiting in the street with a bag of chips when Alya comes out but she's accompanied by her dad and brother. Gary's put out as she'd promised to meet him but Alya berates him for putting pressure on her and goes off with her family, leaving a dejected looking Gary with only his bag of chips for company.

Round the corner, Kylie has met up with Callum who's winding her up by making jokes about close shaves. Callum asks Kylie if it makes him a thrill seeker, talking to ‘her hairdresser' while he's holding a sharp blade. Kylie is incensed and reminds Callum that David is her husband and he's her drug dealer and she doesn't need him anymore. Callum says she'd better spend that £20 on Max as he'll be checking up. How? Kylie wants to know. Callum says she should ‘keep him up to speed', pun definitely intended, or he could come round and peer through their windows. At this point he deliberately starts to raise his voice. "Why can't you just leave me alone?" wails Kylie. Callum reminds Kylie that she's always been a thrill seeker which is why they got on. He says she's got his number and when she wants something - or someone - to cheer her up she should give him a ring. "You'll be back, we both know it," he smirks before striding off.

Karen


Wednesday 17 December

Katy and Owen watch as the removal people unload a van and carry boxes into their old house. Gary walks past and within moments he and Owen are having a slanging match about the job that Gary lost. Alya watches from across the street with a frown on her face.

Inside the house, Yasmeen is giving directions to Kal and Zeedan regarding the positioning of the furniture etc. whilst Sharif stands about giving encouragement. Gail and Michael arrive with a tray of tea, saying they thought they might like a tea-break. Yasmeen is all set to refuse when Sharif gratefully accepts. Gail thinks Sally must have beaten them to it, but Yasmeen tells her they haven't seen Sally yet. Gail starts to look at the vases and ornaments around her but Yasmeen rushes to take them out of her hands as if she were a small child about to smash something. Sharif suggests they come round for tea sometime and Gail smiles and says she loves a good curry. Looking somewhat insulted, Yasmeen says that Sharif makes a lovely Sunday roast. Gail and Michael leave, and Alya arrives, somewhat distressed. Yasmeen asks what's wrong and Alya says that so many people are getting hurt and she feels it's all her fault. Zeedan tells her to get rid of that idiot Gary.

Over in the salon, Kylie tells David that someone she knows has got her 6 year old a tablet for Christmas, and she feels they haven't got Max a proper present. David tells her not to worry, he's got loads. Just then Gail and Michael come in, and Gail suggests to Michael that he invites Gavin to Christmas dinner. She then tells David that she's seen a lovely Christmas tree outside Dev's and it would be good to get the tree up sooner rather than later and she wants to do everything properly this Christmas, after what happened last year. David grabs his jacket and heads off out of the door, saying it will all be done before she gets home.

Gary is sitting in the flat reading the paper when Owen comes in asking if he's seen his chisel. Gary doesn't respond in any way. Owen hunts about for a few moments and then tries talking to Gary, telling him it's just a job, it had nothing to do with Gary. Just then Gary's phone rings and he has a brief conversation, telling the person on the other end to come round. When he hangs up, Owen is scathing about him bringing Alya round, and says he thought he might show a bit of decency and take her somewhere else.

David goes into the corner shop where Sophie is on the phone. It takes a while before Sophie pauses long enough in her conversation to ask David what he wants. He asks the price of the Christmas trees and is told £30. He says he'll have the big one and then realises he's left his wallet behind. He tells Sophie he'll be right back, and goes off to get it. As he's leaving, he passes Tyrone coming in. Tryone goes up to the counter and Sophie finally gets off the phone and gives this customer her full attention. Tyrone asks her how much the big Christmas tree is.

Tony is talking to Tracy in the shop. She's pretty fed up with the whole situation. Just then Leanne comes in and tells her she's spoken to Peter. If Tracy doesn't pay the rent by the end of the week the shop is going up for sale. Tracy asks how she is supposed to give Leanne the money if she doesn't have it. Leanne just repeats that she's got until the end of the week, then she leaves. Tony tells her that he's got some stuff in the pipeline that could help her. Tracy snaps that if it's such a good money spinner why doesn't he sell it on himself, get his own fingers dirty. "You're sexy when you're angry," says Tony, winking. Then he leaves.

Tryone is just picking up the large Christmas tree from outside Dev's shop, when David comes back with his wallet. They then get into an argument , with David saying he got it first, and it quickly becomes a tussle and a tug-of-war, until David gets hit in the eye with the top part of the tree. Tyrone makes a hasty departure, carrying the prize!

Erica comes into the bistro, much to Gail's annoyance. Nick greets her and then turns and bends over to get something. Erica remarks that he's got a lovely bum, and she's sure Steph must have noticed. Steph grins saying it's one of the perks of the job. "I'll thank you not to gawp at my son's bottom, thank you very much!" sniffs Gail. Nick laughs and says he likes to keep in shape and asks her if she's into fitness. "I'm into fit men," says Erica. Gail, overhearing, is at first shocked and then scathing. "You're making a fool of yourself," she scoffs, "as if he'd be interested in you!"

Alya is now sitting beside Gary on the sofa. She apologises for the night before, he tells her it's weird because she's now living in his old house. He tells her he'll get some work and then when he can afford it he'll take her out for a meal. She starts to look distressed, and stops him, then she tells him she can't see him any more.

Gary is trying to take in what Alya has told him and is arguing with her. She tells him they've hurt everyone they care about, he tells her they're over the worst of it and it will get easier. She jumps up and grabs her jacket. "I'm sorry," she says, and leaves.

Back at the bistro, Erica is still flirting with Nick, much to Gail's disgust. "I don't know why he's encouraging her," she mutters to Michael, and Steph remarks how nice it is to see Nick smile again. Just then Gavin comes in, flirts a little with Steph, and then asks Michael what he wanted to see him about. Michael asks him if he's been to the doctor's yet. Gavin looks decidedly uncomfortable and says he can't get an appointment until the new year. Erica gets up to leave, saying she must get back to the Rovers. Nick asks her if she'd give him a Spanish lesson later, and she says she will.

Leanne is helping the Nazir's unpack. As she unwraps what looks like a large candle in a glass jar, Yasmeen snatches it out of her hands, muttering that they can manage. Kal comes in carrying a large box labeled 'china'. "Careful, careful," cries Yasmeen, "that's my best china." She obviously thinks that no one is capable of touching a single thing without smashing it to smithereens. What is wrong with this woman? Just then Alya comes in with a face like a wet weekend and heads for the stairs. They ask her what's happened. She supposes that they are all happy now, she's broken up with Gary.

David and Max are decorating a somewhat smaller Christmas tree than the one he nearly bought earlier. Kylie comes in and says that Sophie told her he nearly had a fight with Tyrone. Kylie says she thinks the small tree is quite cute, and who wants a great big tree taking over the living room anyway?

Tyrone is in the pub talking to Todd. He reveals that after all that fight over the Christmas tree, they are going to Cilla's for Christmas.

Todd goes to sit with Tracy, and his mother is at the bar talking to Liz who shows her the new, expensive bag Tony gave her. Tracy remarks that someone was selling them in another pub for 20 quid. A bit of bickering ensues, with Todd taking Tracy's side, much to Eileen's surprise. "Why are you sticking up for her?" she asks. "She's the only one who gave me a chance when no one else wanted to know," says Todd. He then tells Tracy they can get the business going again, buy for less, sell for more etc. Glumly she tells him she knows what she's got to do and she'll see him tomorrow. As she goes out she makes a phone call. "Meet me in half an hour," she says.

Nick leaves Steph to carry on at the bistro, while he goes off to meet Erica. Gavin, who is sitting with Gail and Michael, comes over to get the drinks. Steph asks him his plans for new year's eve, and suggests he comes there for a drink first. He says he doesn't know if he'll have time.

Gavin goes back to sit down and Gail asks what he's doing on Christmas day. He looks uncomfortable again and says he was going to spend it with his mother. Michael asks if she knows about him yet. Gavin says he hasn't told her and Michael suggests that he has a word with her. Gavin hurriedly tells him he'll tell his mother soon. They talk again about Christmas day and Gavin says he might be able to get away for an hour, he'll see. He then walks over to a quiet area of the restaurant, pulls out his phone and makes a call. "Gav, it's me," he says, "look, this is getting ridiculous now, as soon as you get a signal call me."

Gary is in the flat, drinking lager from the can. Owen comes in and says if that's what he's been doing all day he can't be that desperate for a job. Then he realises that Gary is drinking his beer. "Looking out for number 1," says Gary, waving the can at him. Owen tells him it was a 2 day job at the gym, he should get over it. Gary tells him that Alya has finished with him. "Breaking news, Gary has messed up again!" says Owen. They then start to argue and Gary walks out.

Tony arrives to see Tracy and tells her his contact has a whole lot of electrical gear from a wholesaler. He's been sitting on it for a couple of weeks so Tracy should get it for a good price. Then he tells her there is another way, and asks how much rent she owes. He says he'll cover it for 50 percent of the business. She protests, saying she and Rob built it up from nothing. "And where is he now?" asks Tony, adding that if he comes on board she won't be looking down the back of the sofa for rent money. She says she'll buy the stock, but that's it. He says it's a shame and hopes she changes her mind.

Erica and Nick are enjoying a bottle wine in the living room of the Rovers. He tells her he thinks she's gorgeous, and they start kissing.



Friday 19 December

A very good day to all of you reading this report. As I am typing this it is the big build up to the big day Yes, there are only 51 weeks until Christmas ! ;-)

Onwards we go with tonight's episode.

We start in the back room of The Rovers where Nick is looking for something under the table. Liz comes in and is a little surprised to see him there. She is followed by Liz's friend Erika. Liz turns to Nick and says that he has seen more of Erika than her. She arranges for them along with herself and Tony to go to a bar where Tony's friend is on the door.

Michael is picking up the Christmas lights that have been pulled down in the front garden. He blames it on a gang of scallies that have been hanging around.

At no,6 the Alya, Zeedan and Yasmeen are having breakfast. Yasmeen suggests she keep busy to stop her mind wandering. Alya presumes she means Gary. She bickers with Zeedan. Alya complains to her mother of all the houses that are for sale, she picks this one.

Nick and Erika are about to go into Victoria Court. Carla is leaving. Erika presumes Carla is an ex. Nick says definitely not. Gary comes over to see Nick. He tells him that the Bistro needs its annual maintenance check. Nick says they are okay and it is not needed.

Leanne is in Roy's Rolls drinking her tea when Carla and Michelle come in. Roy mentions that Rob is being sentenced today. Leanne wonders what time Carla is going? She says she is not He has requested that no friends, families etc. should be there. Leanne would like to wish him good luck, but cannot in these circumstances. She also realises that it is probably not an appropriate day to chase Tracy for the rent. She remarks that the money is earmarked for Simon. Michelle comments if the boot were on the other foot and if the money was owed to Tracy she would have sent in the heavies by now.

Over at the garage, Kevin is on the phone to Steve about his car. He says the car hasn't been resprayed yet. Tyrone calls out that is the least of his worries. The parts are extremely expensive and one person wanted £60 (pounds stg) just to deliver the seats. Kevin is surprised that he is happy to pay for it all. Luke shows Tyrone some photos of other expensive cars that he has on his phone from the Motor Show.

In Tracy's second-hand shop, Todd asks Tracy about Rob's hearing. He offers to cover for her if she wants to go. She tells him not to try and read her mind. At this point Leanne comes in. She says she comes in peace and that she has spoken to Peter. He has said because of what has been happening there is no rush for the money. Tracy turns and says he can have his money. Leanne corrects her and says it is Simon's money. Tracy tells Leanne she can have all the money today. She goes off to make a phone call. Meanwhile Leanne and Todd chat. He says it is a roller coaster world working with her.

In the bistro Steph is complaining to Gail that Nick has gone off to a 'meeting with suppliers' leaving her in the lurch with the lunch orders. There are people coming with food allergies. She suspects he is really having a 'duvet day' ! Gail defends Nick and says he wouldn't be so unprofessional and tells her she'll manage. Steph says it will get them a bad reputation with just her and the chef to cope. Then Gavin walks in. She coerces him to work for the day.

Tracy is waiting for Tony to turn up. When he arrives in his van she complains he is late. He tells he that she will be home in time for tea as he has a date. Tracy tells him that she can't pay all the money today. She suggests that if he pays, he can have 50% of the profits. Tony says he would be taking 100% of the risk. He then offers her a 60 / 40 split. Tracy does not agree with this. He suggests that she shuts up puts the keys through the letterbox and walk away. Tony suggests other forms of employment. He thinks she would be good in sales. She needs to just hit her target, pocket the bonus and go home ! Tracy says she would listen if he was Richard Branson, but he isn't ! She gives him an ultimatum of doing the deal or else she is out.

Sally is in the cafe with Alya collecting an order for the factory and remarks to Roy about the lack of festive decorations. He tells her she can put the idea in the suggestion box. Sally wants to check that they have everything, Alya tells her it is on her phone, but Sally says she prefers pen and paper. Then Gary walks in and sees Alya and Sally and turns to go out.

Mary asks Roy what he is doing on Christmas Day. He says all the traditional things like mince pies, sherry for Santa, decorations etc., were Hayley's domain.

Tracy and Tony are brings stuff into Tony's flat. He asks Tracy to make him an offer for the stock. She wonders if he is worried about his investment She confirms that Barlow Buys is her company and if he is not happy with that arrangement then he can find some other mug. She tells him that her cash flow problem is only temporary and she will be back on her feet shortly.

Sally is telling Carla that is very nice to have professional neighbours. She considers the Nazirs' a breath of fresh air. Although she thinks working at the factory with Alya, and then going home to peg out the washing might be a bit embarrassing. Alya then hands Carla the phone saying it was solicitors on the line. Carla thinks it must be about Rob. Sally takes Alya away so neither can overhear the conversation.

Back at Tony's flat, he is bringing in the last lot of goods. He sees Tracy with her head in her hands. She explains she has just heard that Rob got 25 years because he murdered someone, lied and tried to frame somebody else. They threw the book at him (ouch!). She then comments she will be 62 by the time he gets out.

In the Rovers, Carla, Eileen, Liz and Michelle are all talking about the sentence. Michelle says she is sure he will survive. Carla says when the phone rang, she thought it was him, and that he would be allowed one final phone call. Eileen says that they would have taken him straight away. Michelle assures Carla that he still loves her.

In Tony's flat, Tracy says she has nothing to live for. Tony assures he that she has her family, friends, a business and young daughter. She confesses most people think that she is a bitch, but to Rob she was Joan Rivers wrapped in a body of Kate Moss. She wonders whether she should wait for him or just move on.

In the cafe Mary congratulates Michael on the lights saying they look very festive. Michael says he is sure he knows the vandals responsible for pulling down the decorations. Roy says he would not like to speculate without proof.

Tyrone and Luke come into the cafe. Tyrone explains that Cilla is not very well, so he and Fiz will be with her and tells Roy that he is welcome to join them. Roy says he already has plans for the day. Steph comes in and tells Luke that their mum called and wants him to go round to their Nan's as there is a problem with the back door. Nick is sitting in the cafe with Erika and tells Steph that he won't be in tonight. He tells her that he has tweaked the rota and will explain tomorrow.

Steve is at the garage. Kevin says if he buys parts from an online dealer he will pay double what he could get from scrap merchants. Steve says he saw the Motor Show online and he has inspiration. He now wants the respray in green and not red as originally ordered. Kevin says that he will have to pay for the return. Kevin shows him the bill. Steve says he hasn't got his card with him, Kevin suggests he drops off a cheque later. Steve says he would prefer a card and he would have to transfer some money to it. He also wants whitewall tyres all the way round.

Tracy and Tony are finishing off a bottle of wine. Tony repeats to her about Love Only Comes Once. He asks did she read that in a women's magazine. She says she has just 'lost' fiance. Tony thinks she should get out more. She suggests is it a partnership with a tall, dark wheeler-dealer? She knows where this headed. He tells her to forget work, that this is about her. Within moments they start kissing. Tony picks her up and carries her away.

Are Tracy and Tony going to become an 'item' ? What would Liz say? Does Steve have the money to pay for the car repairs?

I am still a bit hungover so can't quite see who is in the writing booth for the next part. It is either Richard or Tvor !

Martin Rosen


Monday 22 December

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Menhaj Huda

Today's Monday but it feels oddly like Friday. That's because this first episode today was originally meant to be broadcast as Friday's second episode but was postponed due to Text Santa. So we'll just pretend it hasn't been three days, shall we?

Kevin and Lloyd and Andrea are discussing Steve's obsession with his kit car and how much it's costing him. Lloyd agrees to have a word. Andrea nearly slips up (she knows Steve's been to see a doctor but not why) but insists she is keeping the secret she has.

Tracy and Tony are putting themselves together in the aftermath of their bedroom adventure. They are regretful and agree it was a mistake. She tells him he was only a stand in and she won't say anything. It was enough that she made him want her.

Izzy is in the cafe for one of Roy's hot chocolates. Gary comes in and Izzy gives him the evil eye and a sarky remark. Gary asks why she thought they were getting back together. She explains that they had been getting on really well, just like the old days but she realizes he was happy because of "her". She's bitter when he tells her that he and Alya have split up. She warns him not to let Jake down like he has her.

Steve is sitting in a cab in front of Streetcars looking at an invoice from the garage and gazing balefully at his credit card.

Norris comes into the cafe and sees Gary looking down. Norris complains that Izzy nearly ran him down. Mary invites Roy to go to the Rovers with she and Norris who then moans that Roy has no Christmas decorations up. Roy ignores him and Mary's hints at his likely reason for it and declines politely to join them.

Todd notices Tony's van pulled up by the builders' yard and sees Tracy getting out. He's dead curious about what he just saw. What might it mean?

The Bistro is hopping and Gavin is busy behind the bar while Steph runs back and forth with orders. They do manage a flirt in between customers. Gail and Michael are at a table. Gail has noticed the flirting and isn't so sure it's a good thing. Unprofessional, you know. Gail recalls that she was a great flirt back in the day with her curtain of hair. Her attempt at being coy falls flat when Michael gently points out she has lipstick on her teeth! She rushes off to the loos, horrified. Gavin joins Michael to see if he needs anything else. Gavin still hasn't decided about joining them for Christmas day.

We're in the pub now. Liz is tarted up but Tony hasn't shown up yet and Erica's only just getting herself out of Nick's bed so it seems. Liz admits to Audrey that she's knackered after the long day's work so maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Carla orders another red wine. Mary gives her condolences to Carla. Very sensitive, that. Carla retorts that Rob isn't dead yet. Norris reckons he might as well be. Nice. Liz reassures Carla on her decision. Some of the punters try to support Carla and some of them castigate Rob for what he's done. Carla is fed up and leaves and stands outside the pub, thinking. She notices Tracy coming out of Number 1 and asks her if she's ok. They talk about Rob in prison. Tracy is bitter and accusatory but Carla insists that she loves him too. Todd has seen the women talking and comes across the road as Carla whisks past him. He tries to be sympathetic but Tracy goes on the offensive, telling him they should have had a better day at the shop. He lets her know he saw her get out of Tony's van, assuming perhaps they had done a deal for some more stock. She blanks him on that one, telling him to keep his nose out.

Gary is still in the cafe while Roy is cleaning to get ready to close. In a lovely little scene, Roy sits with Gary who wonders how he got it all so wrong. He wishes Anna were there (she's gone to see her cousin) because she's the one person that would stick up for him. Gary points out that he has no job, no money, no real home. Can't even afford a gift for his son. Roy remembers he and Hayley buying something expensive for Hope who was more interested in the bubble wrap. Gary hands Roy some coins for the tea. Roy doesn't want to take it but Gary insists, and then leaves just as Carla comes in.

It's another beautifully written scene where Carla muses on what Rob is thinking tonight, having had his sentence decided. She wishes she could speak to him even if she doesn't know what she'd say. Roy declares it's a sad waste of a life. When Carla wonders if he means Rob or Tina, he says "Both". Carla's tears start to fall. She apologetically asks Roy for a hug and he does just that for her. Even uses both arms after a minute.

Lloyd is nagging Andrea to spill her secret. She finally admits that she saw him coming out of the medical centre and that Steve implied "man" trouble and was subsequently embarrassed to have admitted it. Lloyd doesn't see the connection between that and his spending all this money on the car, though. In a booth, Audrey, Norris and Mary are talking about being in prison for decades. Mary focuses on the worst aspects of prison, as she would. Todd arrives with a smile to see Liz all dolled up. Tony comes rushing in from out back, claiming to have got caught up in a job with a phone out of battery. Todd takes all this in and leads the discussion in the direction of Strangeways, and when he asks Tony if he's seen Tracy, he lies and says he hasn't.

Nick and Erica arrive at the Bistro so that Nick can get some cash. Gail has a not-so-subtly go at Erica, questioning her morals. Steph tells Nick she's hired Gavin. Gail objects as Nick is the one who hires and fires but Steph stands up to them all and threatens to walk out if he makes Gavin go. Gail gives respect where respect is due. "Bolshy madame!" Nick knows when he's beaten. On their way out, it sounds like they're going to skip the drinks date with Liz and Tony and head back to bed. Who's going to tell Liz, you or me? Nick laughs.

Back in the pub, L&T are waiting impatiently. Liz admits she's not really bothered. She suggests a night in. Nick runs in to make excuses but Liz knows exactly what the excuses are going to be and jokes about it. Tell Erica she's a dirty mare! They all laugh and Liz gets to take off her heels and snuggle up with Tony for the night after all.

Steve is snoozing in the cab office. Lloyd wakes him up. He makes small talk and cracks that Steve seems to care about the car more than anything else. Steve realizes Lloyd and Kevin have been gossiping about him and gets shirty about it. Lloyd reveals he knows that Steve has been to the doctor's.

Carla has retrieved the box of Christmas decorations and helps him put them up around the cafe. Roy has apparently bought gifts for a few people but reckons they won't be very good ones as it isn't his forte. He and Carla recall in appropriate gifts given to them by their respective mothers in their childhood. Carla says she'd love to sleep through Christmas and New Year. They both assure the other that they'll find happiness again. Carla jokes that she and Roy should shack up. He looks rather nonplussed before realizing she was joking.

Steve isn't forthcoming. Michael comes in but Lloyd asks him to retreat for a few minutes. Steve tries to overrule but Lloyd wins this one. He's trying to find out if Steve is ill. Steve ignores him. It descends into an argument and Steve goes on the offensive. He's really angry and shouts that Lloyd means nothing to him and he needs to back off. Oh heck.

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by David Kester

Faye's showing Gary the card she's made for Anna. She can't wait for her to come home tomorrow and is looking forward to Christmas. Owen comes in and the mere sight of Gary is enough to give him doubts.

David's also having doubts. Kylie seems to have everything under control for Christmas but can he trust her? She comes home bowed down under the weight of carrier bags. The only thing left to sort out is Lily's Christmas present. Eva says she's probably too young to notice but Kylie wants everything to be perfect.

Liz has a new nickname for Steve: Eeyore (the miserable donkey from Winnie the Pooh). This jibe seems to get through to Steve because he suddenly makes an announcement to his mum. He knows just how to liven things up: they'll hold a big Christmas party and invite everyone to come. Unfortunately for Liz, the next person through the door is Tracy. She's more than happy to cancel her plans to spend Christmas with Deirdre so that she can join in the festivities at the Rovers with Amy and Steve.

Gary bumps into Alya in the street. They stop for a brief chat but even that is too much for Kal to bear. He comes across to have a word with Gary and makes it quite clear he doesn't even want him speaking to his daughter. In fact, he tells him to cross over onto the other side of the street if he sees her coming.

Across the cobbles David has spotted the perfect present for Lily in the window of Tracy's shop. The trouble is when he goes in to buy the large doll's house he discovers Ty's beaten him to it. He offers £10 more than Ty's paying for it. No way, says Ty, he got there first. David ups his offer to £30 plus his watch. Todd's enjoying the bidding war. Ty points out he's paid a deposit and has a receipt and if the doll's house isn't there later when he comes to collect it he'll report Todd to Trading Standards.

Gary's drowning his sorrows with a cup of tea in Roy's Rolls when Izzy and Katy arrive. Katy asks what time she and Jake should come round on Christmas Day. She says she can't wait to see Jake's face when he opens his presents. Gary's face falls. Izzy is seriously unimpressed when Gary admits he's so broke he can't afford to buy him anything. He looks grateful when Izzy offers to buy Jake some toy cars and make out they're from Gary.

Sally's getting herself all organized for Christmas. Her plans include a Victorian centerpiece for the table with bunches of cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices but Tim isn't exactly pulling his weight. She gives him one task to do and that's to sort out getting a replacement sofa in time for Christmas Day.

Steve has gone over to the garage to pay Kev what he owes him on the car. We see him hand over his Streetcars company credit card. Just then Andrea and Eileen appear. Andrea shouts out that she wants a word with Steve. She's fed up with Lloyd mooching around the flat "with a face like a smacked backside" and she wants Steve to make it up with him. Kev calls out from the back - he needs Steve's pin number to put through the payment. Steve looks very shifty. He distracts Andrea and Eileen by inviting them both to come along to his Christmas party. He tells Eileen to bring the family - everyone's welcome.

Across the street David is carrying a large box into the house. It has a photograph of the doll's house on the side. Ty spots it and shouts across that it had better not be the one from Barlow's Buys. David grins at him. It's not, he tells Ty. It's identical but he bought it in town and his came with a whole load of furniture and accessories.

Meanwhile a car draws up outside the garage, just as Kylie walks round the corner. She's horrified with Callum gets out. What's he doing here? Getting his car serviced he tells her. Of all the garages in all the world he has to choose the once right next door to where she lives. Kylie tells him to do one. But cocky Callum tells her to play hard to get if she wants. He says it's fine by him, she'll be all the sweeter when she comes back to him. Kylie gives him a look of contempt.

Gary's pushing Jake along the street in his buggy when he meets Alya. They stop for a chat and Gary fails to notice Jake dropping his comfort blanket. With his back turned, he also fails to notice Izzy and Katy coming round the corner at the precise moment that Alya is brushing some stray glitter out of Gary's hair. It's all perfectly innocent but it doesn't look that way and Izzy tells Gary in no uncertain terms that if he can't look after Jake properly then she won't let me look after him at all.

Alya arrives back at work. She's late but it doesn't stop her having a chat on the phone to Zee about a Christmas present for her grandfather. Sally's unsuccessfully trying to assert her authority over Alya for making personal calls on company time but she's also intrigued by the present. Then Tim arrives with some good news. He's found them a sofa. Sally's delight is short-lived when he shows her a photo. She tells Tim she'd rather sit on a sack of spuds, especially now she's decided that Alya and Zee's mystery present is some fancy new garden furniture for the Nazir household.

Jason's in Barlow's Buys looking for an extra last-minute present for Eva when she comes in. She rumbles what he's up to and teases him about the fact she's been dropping hints about what she'd like since September. Jason promises her that if she's a good girl she'll get the perfume she's after. Eva kisses him and says she'd much rather be a bad girl.

Poor Gary, it's just not his day. He's minding his own business with Jake in the cafe when the gang of youths that have been bothering Roy turn up and start harassing him. Telling Jake to stay where he is, Gary does his duty and throws out the thugs. In the thirty seconds while his back is turned, Jake manages to stab himself in the arm with a fork and draws blood.

In the gym Katy's sounding off to her dad about Gary and telling Owen how much she dislikes Alya and the way the two of them are behaving. Her timing's not great because Kal and Alya come in behind her and hear it all. Kal reminds Katy that he's her boss, Alya is his daughter and Katy needs to show them some respect.

It looks like Steve's been splashing the cash again as a large delivery of food for the party arrives at the Rovers. Tracy comes in and, seeing Tony alone behind the bar, has a bit of fun winding him up. She tells him he's going to have fun on Christmas day with his girlfriend and his bit on the side all sitting round the same table together. "You're coming here?" whispers Tony, looking shocked. He tells Tracy he's warning her. She replies that she's the one warning him since, unlike Tony, she has nothing to lose. Their little exchange is interrupted by the arrival of Liz. Tracy thanks her for the invitation and promises that they're going to have lots of fun and games.

Izzy and Katy arrive at flat to pick up Jake and spot the plaster on his arm. What's happened now? Gary tries to explain about what went on in the cafe but nobody wants to listen any more. Owen starts to have a go at him and says they wouldn't be in this mess or living in the flat if it wasn't for his mistakes. Gary mutters bitterly that's right, blame him, everything's all his fault.

Back in the Rovers, Tracy looks on while a worried-looking Tony suggests to Liz perhaps they could go away for Christmas, see if they can get a last minute flight somewhere but Liz says she couldn't do that and leave Steve in the lurch. She goes to serve a customer. It's none other than Callum who has a bit of fun flirting with Liz while Eva glowers at him from behind. Liz turns away to get the drinks and Eva has a go at Callum, telling him to leave Kylie alone. Across the room Jason watches this exchanged with a perplexed expression. Eva goes over to join Jason and Todd. When Jason asks who the man is Eva says it was someone who'd been in earlier giving her a hard time and she was just marking his card.

Liz returns to give Callum his drink. He tells her he's been looking for a new local pub and she's going to be seeing a lot more of him from now in. Callum looks over at a stony-faced Eva and catches her eye.

Karen


Wednesday 24 December

David is trying, with difficulty, to assemble the doll's house, and getting frustrated. They hear Max coming downstairs and hurriedly cover it up with a blanket. Gail doesn't know why they couldn't just get Lily a dolly. "Because Santa is bringing a dolly," says Kylie. "Yes, and her mum and dad want to give her the doll's house and the best Christmas ever. Kyle points out that won't be difficult because she's only had two.

Over at the Windass's, Faye is opening a Christmas card from Anna's auntie and finds a 20 pound note inside. She's delighted and asks Gary if he got one. "At my age?" says Gary, "I should be sending her money." Owen is about to go out, and curtly instructs Gary to clean the flat while he's out. "You can be trusted with that, can you?" he snaps. Faye chips in that it's not Gary's fault that Jake hurt his arm, toddlers are always falling over. "Yes, and there's usually someone there to catch them," snaps Owen. When he's gone, Faye jumps up and grabs a cleaning product. "You do the kitchen, I'll do the bathroom," she says. She then asks him what he's bought for Anna and Jake for Christmas. Gary hasn't bought anything, he didn't realise he was going to be this skint. Faye hands over her 20 pound note, telling him to pay her back later.

Kylie is standing outside the garage, watching Kevin and Tyrone working on Callum's car. Eva comes along and tells her Callum was in the pub last night. Kylie wishes they'd cut the brake cables and he'd crash into a wall, the world would be a better place. Eva tells her she needs to work out what she's going to do. "You know what's coming next, don't you?" she warns.

In the taxi office, Lloyd is showing Michael and Andrea a postcard he's had from Jenna who, it appears, is driving around Spain with a girlfriend. Just then Steve comes in with a Santa hat of names for those going to his Christmas dinner, and gets them to pick one each for the Secret Santa. "What are you getting – boxing gloves?" remarks Lloyd. When he's gone, Lloyd reminds them how Steve had him up against the wall, he wasn't far off chinning him. Andrea reminds him that she blabbed Steve's secret, but now he's trying to put things right. "Christmas dinner, free bar and presents, and you don't think that's an apology?" she says. Lloyd doesn't.

Yasmeen is in the cafe asking Roy if he can spare a few hours on Christmas day as the community centre might be doing lunch for 60 – 100 people, maybe more. He says he'll be glad to help, and it would make sense to hold it there. Yasmeen is very grateful.

David goes over to the garage where Tyrone is in the office trying to put his doll's house together, with difficulty. David is critical but Tryone is sure he'll have it done tonight. Kevin comes in and tells Tyrone to get on with car servicing, but Tryone says he'll just have to do it.

Andrea is in the pub talking to Tony and Eva about Christmas dinner there, when a very shocked Lloyd comes in and tells them that Jenna has been arrested, something to do with fraud on a car hire firm. She's been banged up and had her passport confiscated. He has to fly out there straight away.

Gary rushes over to the factory just as Carla is coming out of the door. He wants to have a quick word with Izzy about Jake's Christmas present. Carla tells him it's not happening, he's caused too much disruption in her factory in the past.

As Callum arrives at the garage to pay for his car, David comes over and says that he's left his phone in the office, and goes inside. Once there, he slips a piece of the doll's house under his jacket and leaves, grinning. Just then, Kylie comes along with Max and Lily. She sees Callum and turns and walks off again.

Faye is just finishing off the hoovering when Owen arrives back with Anna. She gives Faye a hug and remarks how clean the tidy the flat looks. Faye explains that it was all Gary's doing, but now he's had to nip into town. "What? Just as his mum gets home?" says Owen. Faye says he's gone to get a present for Jake. Owen wants to know what with as Gary's been crying poverty all week. "Tell me you didn't let him take that money from Maureen," he says. Faye says he didn't want to, but she didn't need it.

Sally and Tim are walking down the street. She's moaning about her lack of sofa and he says there's no way they'll get another in time for Christmas, when Sophie and Maddie appear. Just then Sally spots Yasmeen and Zee and goes running over, asking if Yasmeen and the family would like to come to her house on Friday for drinks and nibbles. Yasmeen says she can't think beyond the Christmas lunch – they are still in need of helpers. Sally sympathises. "Maddie was homeless, she was practically feral before she came to us," she says. "Yeah, we tamed her," says Sophie. "Now I can use a knife and fork and everything," says Maddie, sarcastically. Yasmeen isn't sure, but Sally offers the girls' help to her, much to their surprise, and then says it's settled – she'll see them all on Boxing day.

Anna is in the cafe with Katy and Izzy, talking about Jake's injury. Just then Gary comes in and, because he couldn't get to speak to Izzy earlier at the factory, he gone and bought for Jake what he thought was a good idea – a toy toolkit. However, it wasn't such a good idea because Anna bought the exact same thing weeks ago and she claims that Gary saw her wrap it. Crestfallen Gary says he'll take it back. "Get a shift on," says Anna, "the shop's will be shutting."

Lloyd takes his leave of Andrea, gets into a taxi and heads off to the airport.

Kevin and Tim have brought Sally's original sofa back. She comes in and is delighted, telling Tim how perfect it is, because the Nazirs are coming round on Boxing day. Tim looks very worried.

Carla is in the pub, buying all the employees a Christmas drink. Steve comes in with an armload of boxes and a fed up looking Gary slaps the 20 pound note down on the bar and asks for a pint and a shot of tequila.

Gail and Michael are making Christmas decorations, while Kylie, Max and David look on. A light-hearted Gail blows icing sugar all over Michael, and David starts talking about a food fight. Then they head for the Christmas tree and Max gives Kylie a wrapped present. She opens it to find a bauble to hang on the tree, but it's got a photo of the four of them on one side, and Happy Christmas 2014 on the other. Kylie looks somewhat overwhelmed, and hurries outside for some air.

Gary has gone home, where Anna is giving him a hard time about blowing all of Faye's money on drink, despite his denials she can smell it on him. Then he protests that he was miserable, no girlfriend, no cash, no work, and yes, he knows it's all his own fault. He promises he will give Faye her money back. "When?" asks Owen. Gary doesn't answer. (Well, to be fair, he hasn't got a crystal ball, has he?) In the end he gets so fed up with their disapproval that he says he's going to stay at his friend's, and he gets up and leaves.

Tyrone locks up the garage and heads home, leaving Callum outside, collecting his car. Kylie comes along and tells him he's wasting his time. She tells him to leave her and her family in peace. He says he doesn't care about her family he just wants her, and he tells her to get in the car. She tells him to get it into his skull that it's over, it was over the day she got pregnant. She loves David, she wants David. He shows her a bag of white powder. She tells him to go, but he just sneers that her 'hard to get' routine is getting boring. She steps towards him, smiling flirtatiously and pulls the bag of powder out of his jacket. He smirks – until she lifts it high and turns it upside down, spilling the powder all over the ground. He's horrified and angry, calling her mental, a head case. "I love a white Christmas," she says, shaking the bag till it's empty, and then walks away smiling. He stands there, glowering.

Anne Logan


Thursday 25 December

It's Christmas on the cobbles. It's not an utter disaster for most people for a change but it's devastating for two families.

Written by Joe Turner Directed by David Kester

It's fairly early on Christmas morning. Tony's been put to work hanging a Christmas sign on the front of the pub. Michelle, out in public with out makeup on so it *must* be early greets Rita. It's never too early for Rita to be in full face! Steve is gearing up for the Best Christmas Ever. Jason's wrapping Eva's gift in the van and Kal's taken a last minute delivery from the look of it. On her way, Rita finds David stuffing ripped Christmas wrap in the bin. He's just wanting it over so he can celebrate his birthday, he jokes. But Rita hasn't forgotten and hands him a birthday card and gift. Awww thanks!

In the cafe Roy is starting to sort things out for the meal. Carla has come to bring him a gift and warns him not to go all Humbug. She does acknowledge he's got good reason. He hasn't got her a gift but she's fine with that as long as he feels dead guilty. I do, he avers. Good! she smiles. She kisses him and leaves, turning the Christmas music on again.

In the pub, Steve has a stack of gaily wrapped boxes for Amy that look like they reach the ceiling. She thinks they're all from Father Christmas. I would have thought she was a bit old for that but then again, who says he's not real!!!!? The room is filled with gifts but all she can do is complain that there's no snow. He promises to get snow.

The Platts are still opening gifts. Michael has given Gail a new set of pans. She's less than impressed. He thinks he's done well. There's chocolates hidden in one there's perfume and earrings in others. Well done! Good save! Kylie has given David a family weekend away to the seaside. Audrey arrives with Christmas and birthday presents. Michael has found that spare piece that David stole from Tyrone and David admits it. Michael insists he take it back.

Christmas morning at Sally's includes Kevin and Jack as well. There's a cacophony from out the back. The Nazirs are chasing live chickens around their garden. Sharif always wanted them apparently but Yasmeen is siding with Sally on this one. She's not impressed.

Kylie is snogging David in the kitchen. Gail rounds up everyone to go to Nick's and Kylie stays behind to sort out the dinner.

Jason has given Eva perfume but it wasn't her favourite. He feels bad but she doesn't mind, he bought it for her so she'll like it anyway. Sean gets a text from Billy just before they open the rest of their presents.

At the Wind-Strong's, Faye has a new set of headphones, very posh ones apparently. Gary is nowhere to be seen and Faye is unhappy. Izzy says she doesn't mind and Owen is outvoted so Gary is summoned.

David brings Tyrone the missing piece. David offers to help finish the construction on the dolls' house. Tyrone wasn't going to accept but David points out that he should already be on the way to Wolverhampton to see his kids so they get stuck in.

Jack's new electric car track is set up in the Websters' but it's Tim and Kevin who are having fun with it.

Eva has dropped in to see Kylie and notes that she looks different. Kylie agrees, she's happy. And sober. She tells Eva that Callum is history and "nothing and nobody is going to take away what I've got" Uh oh. Callum is watching from across the street.

Alya runs around the corner. It's raining now. Gary is at the bus stop. They exchange some small talk. He says he was invited back to his family's. They are awkward when they part. Callum sees David jogging over to the Bistro after helping Tyrone and puts on a Santa hat.

In the pub, the food is weighing down the tables as the guests are milling around. Steve is busy and a bit frantic. He hands around funny hats, even one for Tracy who puts a fuzzy halo on and winks across the bar at Tony who looks uncomfortable. Eva opens a "secret Santa" gift and it turns out to be her favourite perfume, Liz indicating that Tony was the giver. Jason is put out.

Max comes downstairs to find a bicycle and Callum sat there. Happy Christmas, Max, he smiles. While over in the Bistro, David is being presented with a birthday cake, candles and a chorus of Happy Birthday. Kylie is gobsmacked and horrified. Max is sent outside with the bike (to the garden). Max thanks him when prompted and he says "thank you, son". Kylie demands to know what he's doing there. He pretends it's just to give his son a gift but he also reminds her of what she did yesterday. She makes it clear she only thinks of him as a mate. He recalls her as being wild as a younger woman and doesn't believe that she's truly domesticated. He likens her to a Kylie doll trapped in a box.

Yasmeen and Alya are peeling carrots in the cafe. Yas saw her talking to Gary and repeats that she'd done the right thing finishing with her. Maddy shows up a bit late. She had visited people at the homeless shelter. Sally put her to work on mashing duty. Why she's ready with the mashed potatoes when the carrots are still raw, I don't know.

Gail is bragging Michael's thoughtful gifts. Erica is draped over Nick and making Gail uncomfortable with her obvious innuendo. Gavin opens a gift from Michael, a battered old pewter tankard. It belonged to Michael's grandfather and has the men's names on it, and now Gavin's has been added. As you know, This really isn't Gavin and he's increasingly uncomfortable with the whole situation. David turns down another glass of wine and tells his gran that he's pretty happy and Kylie is his soul mate. Audrey encourages him to go and tell Kylie that. He decides that's a good idea.

Tracy is loitering in the back of the pub snooping. Tony finds her there and she grabs him for a kiss, playing games and he pushes her away. They have a hushed argument until Liz comes in. Tracy pretends she was coming back to help Steve in the kitchen.

Callum is making himself comfortable. Kylie's trying to throw him out. He declares he wants her back and he insists she still wants him. She denies it but he pulls out a drug wrap just as David comes in. It's not what you think. Or maybe it's exactly what you think, Callum tells David. David is disappointed that she brought her dealer to their house. Callum admits he wasn't invited. Callum tells David that he and Kylie are old mates and that he's Max's father. David and Kylie are dumbstruck, for different reasons.

Michelle arrives at the pub. Amy is very happy to see her which makes Tracy look sour. Amy asks if it was snowing yet and that Steve promised there would be snow. Andrea tells Steve that she's heard from Lloyd and he's ok. He jumps into the booth with Andrea and Eileen and they all look very happy. Jason is moaning about not getting the right gift. Eva gives him a mouthful for his attitude and tells him he needs to grow up, while assuring him she likes his gift best.

Callum winds up Kylie and David and David ends up launching at him but Callum gets the better of David and has him roughed up against a wall just as the rest of the family return. David announces who Callum is, Max's dad and Kylie's drug dealer. Everyone insists he leave or the police will be called so Callum leaves, his work there is done. Kylie insists she never asked Callum to come. Michael and Audrey think they should leave but Gail isn't having it. Kylie tries to explain. David orders her to set the table for Christmas dinner. They're going to pretend everything is ok so the kids can have a Christmas dinner. Kylie looks terrified. And so she should. She is pretty sure she's just lost everything.

Over at the cramped Wind-Strong house, everyone is cramped around the little table playing a game. Everyone is joking and laughing but Gary looks sulky. Katy and Owen can't help making sarcastic remarks at Gary's expense. Nice. Gary loses his temper and kicks, breaking Faye's headphones in the process accidentally. Everyone starts shouting and Gary promises to replace them. He'll find the money somewhere. He is then excluded and leaves the flat.

In the pub, Julie and Andrea and Eileen are getting tiddly. Eileen wishes she had two sons she can be proud of. Julie assures her she does though can't seem to pull out a reason why. Jason is still sulking. Steve thanks Michelle for coming for Amy's sake. He ask her up to the bedroom as he has a plan and needs her.

The tension in the air at Platt Towers is thicker than a thick thing. David bastes the turkey while Kylie is trying to convince him she's changed and wants nothing to do with Callum but David shuts her down.

Sharif and Roy are talking chickens and eggs in the cafe as they serve up meals. Maddie notices a young girl who looks like she did last year. Sally calls her to the back to criticize her mashing abilities and then manages to smear some on Maddie's face in retribution for last year. The two of them and Sophie start a mashed potato fight, all the while laughing but Roy breaks it up.

Amy runs to the window in the back of the pub and sees snow coming down. She's pulled Tracy to the window as well as Tony and Liz, all of whom seem confused at this turn of events. It's Steve and Michelle tossing confetti out the window upstairs. Steve tells Michelle he wants to make everyone happy. Michelle has got the wrong end of the stick and leans in to kiss him but he backs off. He tells her he hadn't any ideas in that direction and they bicker.

The Platts are tucking into their meal. Audrey is cheerful, Max is enjoying his sprouts. Gail asks a quiet David if he's ok. He says just a few more hours and then nothing will ever be the same again. Oh dear. That sounds ominous.

Nick gives Steph a Christmas bonus. Gavin hands her a fancy cocktail that he pretends was turning her nose red. Michelle has dragged a sympathetic Carla in away from the pub, she's embarrassed at getting it all wrong. She admits she still loves Steve and she missed them all.

David asks Gail to take the rest to the Bistro. They go, reluctantly, advising David not to do anything rash. Kylie is waiting for the axe to drop. He tells her it's the last time they ever have a family Christmas and tells her she's not fit to be their mother. He tells her to pack a bag and figure out how to say goodbye to her kids. Max hugs her before going upstairs with David, leaving Kylie crushed.

Sophie tells Maddie she's proud of her. Maddie is a bit off hand but Sophie tells her that she's "The One" and they tell each other I love you. Sally scrambles wondering where Tim and Kevin are. They're back at Kevin's still playing with the car track, joined by Rita who's dropped in. she's pleased they've got on so well. Rita asks about dinner and the men realize they're late for it!

In the pub, Nick is watching Tony and Liz behind the bar. He tells Erica they're a solid couple which gives Erica shivers. She'd rather be part of an unstable couple, her. She likes being unpredictable. Nick admits to a few crazy adventures in his past and thinks he's going to have a few more now he's met her. Liz tells Tony that Steve seemed a bit more like his old self today. Jason apologizes to Eva for being an idiot. She kisses him, to the delight of his family.

Carla comes to the cafe as Roy is clearing the last of the tables up, a good day's work. Carla invites him for a drink but he really doesn't want to go. She talks him into it in the end.

Sharif settles his chickens into their hutch. Alya is concerned that he's going to raise them and eat them. He assures her he only wants the eggs.

Tim and Kevin have arrived and Sally and the girls insist that they've already eaten and there's nothing left. Sally points them to the freezer where there are frozen pizzas. Of course they're just joking. The Turkey is still sitting in the oven waiting.

Kylie is telling Max that she has to go help look after a friend who's poorly. She insists she loves him and Lily more than anything. And David (who rolls his eyes).

Kevin and Tim are all pally while sharing gravy stirring duties like brothers. Sally gives them a raised eyebrow.

Max is clutching on to his mother, begging her not to go. She's crying. So is David. She whispers to him Please. He shakes his head no and turns around with Max, back to her and the door so Max doesn't see her going out of it. She looks back tearfully before leaving. Max runs upstairs leaving David alone, heart broken.

Amid the carnage at the pub, Steve is dozing and Amy looks out the window. It's snowing for real now. Kylie looks at the house all lit up. Gary is huddled on the bench looking miserable. Roy stops outside the pub for a minute gazing up at the sky. Callum pulls up. Kylie gets in the car. She's got nowhere else to go, after all. The car rolls down the snow covered cobbles. Steve peeks out the window and sees the snow and starts to smile a little.

Tvor


Friday 26 December

Firstly this was transmitted as a one hour episode, but the commercial break conveniently happened half way through, to enable us to change reporters!

This programme was broadcast on Boxing Day. Christmas is now long forgotten, the decorations are down, and as for the pressies, you have either used them, abused them (?!), or passed them onto somebody else ;-)

I don't think anybody told the residents of Coronation Street that it was Boxing Day though, other than the day after Christmas !

Gary and Owen are arguing. Owen says he has ruined everybody's Christmas. Faye asks them to stop shouting. Gary apologises to her for breaking her headphones, and promises to buy her a new pair.

David is feeding Lily. Michael says she has a good appetite. Meanwhile Gail is struggling downstairs with a heavy suitcase. She is going off to see Sarah (for once it is not an excuse to write out an actress because she is pregnant!). Michael offers to help, Gail refuses because he is not supposed to exert himself. Gail tells Michael she is wondering whether to cancel the trip because David is on his own. He says she deserves the trip and there is always Audrey and Nick he can turn to as well as himself.

Tony and Liz are trying to remember what time they got to bed after the Christmas party. Steve comes down, yawning. He wonders if he missed anything. Tony tells him the clearing up from the party. He apologies and is pleased to hear that Amy enjoyed it. He then turns round to go back to bed. He says he is pacing himself ! Liz is convinced there is something wrong, but Tony is not so caring and suggests a toe up the backside would help.

Nick is trying to persuade Steph in the cafe to take on his shift again. She says she covered for him yesterday, and it is only so that he can spend more time with Erica. Nick offers her triple time and a bonus. She asks for the next two weekends off as well ! j She agrees, but warns him he needs to take on extra staff. He reminds her that she has Gavin, to which Steph says it was because she hired him.

Gail comes in and Nick immediately asks after David. She tells him Michael is with him. She asks for a favour. Because of all the turmoil she forgot to book a cab to the airport. She asks for a lift, which he readily gives her. Like 'red rag to a bull' he tells Steph he won't be long. She tells him to make a day of it, and to take the Chef as well ! Nick says she is sexy when she is angry!!

Sophie, Sally and Tim are on the doorstep talking about the chickens from next door. Sally wonders what the smell is going to be like in the summer. Tim thinks a fox or cat will get to them before that. Yasmeen passes by and Sally calls her over saying they were talking about her chickens. She says they are Sharif's, she says she can't stand them. Sally invites her to a soiree later. Yasmeen politely replies she wouldn't miss it for the world. Sally thinks Tim should wear a suit for the evening, something with a collar and tie. She suggests that Maddie should look smart as well Sophie says she doesn't even own a dress. Sally suggests that she borrows on of Sophie's, but she tells her that it is not going to happen. Sally reminds her that she has embraced her Christianity,. her decision not to go to University and here lesbianism, so she feels Sophie owes her.

Gary is on the phone to a friend to borrow some money, but is unlucky. Then as Tracy goes by so he asks her how much she would buy his mobile phone for, she looks at it and says it isn't worth anything. He offers her his watch, but she wouldn't give him the time of day for it !

In the cafe Sinead asks Leanne what Kal got her. She says some perfume and bits and bobs. He made her breakfast in bed. They are saving up for a holiday next year. Sinead says that Chesney always makes her breakfast in bed. (Hope my wife didn't hear that bit !). Leanne says she finds it a bit boring, as it all has become a bit too commercialised. Sinead says she likes it because Wizard of Oz is always on the telly (is it ?!), and eating chocolate until you feel sick, and the Slade song being played over and over. Yes, says Sinead it is a bit boring! Sinead goes and the youths come back into the cafe. They wonder who the girl (Leanne) is. Then they insult Hayley, by saying how much better looking Leanne is. Carla comes in and between her and Leanne they threaten the youths and they leave.

David is making Max a meal. Michael asks if it is okay for Gavin to come round later. David isn't concerned as he is trying to sort out the food. Max turns his nose up at the food and saying it is not as nice as his Mum makes it. David says she has gone away to a friend. When he asks when she will be back, David says "soon". Max says he doesn't feel hungry but wants to play on the bike that he got from Callum. David says no, but suggests they go into the garden and see how many chips they can get onto Sally Webster's roof. Max thinks that would be fun

Roy tells Carla that he thinks the youths in the cafe were the same as those that broke into his flat. They referred to photographs of Hayley in a nasty way. Carla wonders why he hasn't called the police, but he says he has no proof. Carla offers to cancel her flight, but Roy insists that he be allowed to deal with this in his own way.

Liz, Erica and Eva are discussing sales shopping. They tend to go in for one thing and come out with something completely different. Tracy comes in and teases Tony about whether Liz deserves him. He thinks she is jealous of Liz. Tracy says that he is good in bed and has a good sense of humour!

Owen and Faye come into the room, and Gary is there. Owen asks if he has got the money yet. He says he is still working on it, but will get it. Faye trusts him. Owen tells Faye to wait in the van, and then starts arguing with Gary. He tells him to stop making promises he can't keep. He says he is a liability and that his mum agrees.

Gavin and Michael suggest they go out for a drink. However, Michael is aware that David is not really coping at home. The baby is starting to cry again. Michael suggests that David and Gavin go out, and he would look after Max and Lilly.

Gary is alone in the house and notices that Anna has left the keys for the cafe on the table. He picks them up.

Roy is about to leave the cafe and goes out to see the youths waiting and taunting him as he is about to leave. He threatens to call the police. They taunt him more, and he goes back and locks himself into the cafe. He rings Carla to say he is not coming round because he has a 'tummy ache', but just has to leave a message on her answering machine.

Gavin and David are walking to the pub. He says that according to his Dad that David has had a bad time recently. David says he doesn't want to talk about it. Gary bumps into them and he asks David if he can borrow some money. David says no.

David asks for two beers and a whisky in the pub. Steve says he doesn't usually drink whisky, but David says he wants to try it. Eva comes in and asks where Kylie is. David says he chucked her out last night. She asks if Kylie is with Callum. David, a little surprised that Eva knew about him, but she says she has heard of him. Eva thinks David should get her home. Eva thinks he maybe dangerous. David just says that it is her lookout.

Nick and Erica arrive at the Bistro as Leanne is leaving. Nick wonders why she was there. Steph explains that she was having problems with the accounts and Leanne came in to help. Nick says he was with him mother as her flight was delayed and couldn't leave her on her own. Steph reminds him that he doesn't mind doing that to her. Nick said he would look into getting more staff but it is difficult. Erica suggests hiring Leanne. Nick says it didn't work out previously. Steph says that everybody else liked her.

Sophie and Sally talking as they are walking down the street. Sophie wonders why Rita wasn't invited to the soiree. Sally just says it was going to be a more intimate gathering with the Nazirs. Besides she says she has to make sure Tim and Maddie behave. S

Sinead sees Gary sitting alone on the bench. She asks if he is okay. He says he is. and walks on.

Sally and Sophie come into the house. The sofa has gone. Sally asks Tim for an explanation.

Over at the cafe Gary uses the keys to get in. He is trying to open the till. Roy is upstairs sorting through a few things. Gary knocks a pot on the floor which Roy hears. He goes downstairs with a cricket bat in his hand. Roy sees him opening the till and hits him with the bat, not knowing who it is. Gary is staggering across the cafe. He hits him again and pushes him out to the road. He hits him again, and is just about to inflict another blow when Sinead yells for him to stop. As he rolls over Roy realises who it is.

Well will Gary be okay? What will be the consequences of Roy's actions? Will David show some mercy towards Kylie? Tvor, is looking after the shop while Richard is away and she will follow next. with part 2.

Martin Rosen

Written by John Kerr, Mark Burt Directed by David Kester

We begin where we left off. Roy has just bashed Gary with his cricket bat, witnessed by Sinead. Gary's splayed out on the street semi-conscious, Roy is horrified at what he did.

Sally has no sofa and is furious that Tim gave the sofa back to Kevin which is what they had arranged, probably before Tim knew there was going to be company. Sally can't face having an empty living room so cancels the get together with the guests at the door. But Maddie jumped in and pretends that the loo is broken! That actually causes Yasmeen to embrace what she sees as a kindred spirit, Two peas in the same pod she says. But she will not be dissuaded. My lavatory is your lavatory and they are intent on continuing the party. Sophie steps in and pretends that the house smells. That's enough to put the guests off and they back away. They do leave the gift they brought and Tim snaps that up.

In the smoking shelter, Steve is sat with a plate of leftovers. David has come out for air and to apologize. Steve doesn't really want to hear it. He's actually quite rude, as if he didn't want to be bothered with the apology but we know it's more than that. David goes back in as the siren from the ambulance is heard in the distance.

Sinead is sitting with Gary. Owen and Chesney have run over. Roy admits he did it but it was dark and didn't know it was Gary. Roy also thinks the police should be informed.

Erica is having a drink in the pub. Sean and Eva are teasing her about Nick being a changed man but Sean brings them all down by mentioning that Erica will soon have to go back to Spain. Erica tells Eva that she has a job to go back to. Eva recommends just enjoying the rest of their time together and when Erica wonders how someone young and disgustingly beautiful is so smart, Eva explains she's made a million mistakes to have learned from. Gavin and David are finishing up their drinks in the pub.

Outside, Nick finds Leanne who doesn't seem all that upset that she's missed Sally's party after all. Nick has a proposition. He wants her to go back to the Bistro to work. He knows she hates working at the kebab shop and he needs her in the restaurant. He asks her to at least consider it. David comes out of the pub just then. Nick offers his support which David accepts. Gavin recalls his parents' breakup distinctly. David questions that as Gavin was only 3 by Michael's description but Gavin covers and says it still stays with you. Which is what worries David. Gavin has dodged another bullet.

Chesney is in the cafe with Roy and can tell the cash register has been tampered with. Even though there's no money in it, Chesney can understand the situation. Sinead arrives, having talked to the police. Sinead and Roy are both appalled that Roy hit Gary more than once but Chesney knows Roy was scared even if he didn't know it was Gary. The police come in and arrest Roy. Roy almost looks relieved and goes with them willingly.

After the break, we're at the hospital. Anna has arrived, having been summoned by Owen. He hasn't really got any further information for her. Gary's injuries have been designated as not too serious. The doctor tells them there isn't any significant damage but Gary doesn't want any visitors. Anna is very upset about that but the doctor insists they have to abide by the patient's wishes.

Sally's backside is back in a deck chair and she's clutching a large drink. Sophie and Maddie apologize for the broken loo excuse but it's all they could think of so quickly. Sally is very disappointed with everything and humiliated that the neighbours think her house stinks! She struggles out of the chair, tops up her drink and heads for a long bath. Tim tells the girls they are going to have to put it right.

Audrey and Michael are doing the washing up while David had put the kids to bed. He's a bit short tempered but apologizes. Michael decides to leave and Audrey sits with her grandson.

Leanne has told Kal about the job offer. She admits she misses the Bistro and is pretty sure Nick is just trying to move on himself. Kal reckons she's already made up her mind. Yeah, maybe, but she wants his support. He pledges it. Leanne decides to call Nick but is planning to negotiate terms.

Chesney and Sinead are at the police station. Sinead defends her statement to the police. She saw what she saw and was sickened by it. Of course, she doesn't have the history with Roy that Chesney does. One of the officers tells them they should leave because they're keeping Roy overnight. Chesney defends Roy but is told all the mitigating factors will be considered. Chesney is worried about Roy's emotional state but it's to no avail.

Audrey tells David he has to think of the kids rather than lashing out. David can't figure out how to make Max understand what's going on when he doesn't understand it himself. Audrey advises that he continue to pretend around Max that he's not angry. David protests, he hates Kylie but Audrey reminds him that Max loves his mum and she knows David loves Kylie, too.

Tim is leading Sally, eyes closed, down the staircase after her bath. They've heated up the nibbles, lit candles and put covered beanbag chairs in place of the sofa. The girls leave them with fancy drinks and go out. Tim promises they'll hit the sofa sales tomorrow.

Kal and Leanne have gone to the Bistro. Gavin and Michael are in the Bistro, too, talking about David and Kylie's split. Michael is talking about his regrets. Nick and Erica come in, Gavin is asked to put champagne on ice. They join Leanne and Kal along with Steph. She accepts the offer on two conditions. Steph hasn't been told about this but she's pleased. Except, Leanne wants to be manageress. Steph is then taken aback but before Nick can object, Steph expresses utter delight! The other condition? The restaurant needs a makeover and Steph agrees. Nick agrees, too, and calls for the champagne.

Anna is back home and has told Faye who is worried. She tells them that Gary will be able to come home tomorrow. Owen has returned from telling Izzy and Katy. Izzy is quite upset but it sounds like he hasn't told them the other circumstances. I can't imagine why not, since Roy certainly wouldn't have just attacked Gary for no reason. Faye is told to go to bed so Owen and Anna can talk. Anna believes that Gary has tried to steal from Roy but blames herself for turning her back on her son. They admit it's out of character for Roy to have done it unless provoked. Surely Anna would know they've been plagued by bullies recently? Owen says the police will get to the bottom of it. They shouldn't speculate. Anna is really getting tired. Just once she'd like to look forward to tomorrow.

Roy is led into a cell. He observes that it's noisy but is told it's actually quiet by their standards. He's advised to get his head down but I think it's going to be a long night for our Royston.

Tvor


Monday 29 December

Yes, it's me *again*! Don't worry, though, you seen the last of me until next Monday's update!

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Michael Lacey

It's morning. Roy wakes on the bed in the cell.

Michael and Eileen head to Streetcars. Michael will be on switch and Eileen plans to take on the Herculean task of sorting out the drawer with all the business receipts. Julie and Dev emerge from Number 7. Julie spreads the news about Roy hitting Gary. Dev defends Roy as does Eileen but Julie is horrified. Anna and Owen come down the road and tell them that Gary is going to be ok, just badly bruised.

Steve brings Liz a cuppa. She suggests he take some classes at the gym. She's bought him a membership, it seems. There are other classes besides Zumba and that sort of thing. He's not keen and puts her off, saying maybe he might. But when she encourages him to sign up now rather than miss out, he snaps at her. She retreats to the bar but reminds him he's taking Amy to a Panto this afternoon.

Gavin and Steph are setting up in the Bistro. She assures him that Leanne is good to work for. She arrives and is welcomed. Nick comes in as well. Leanne gives instructions for the day as they anticipate being busy with the cafe being shut. Leanne is manager but she tells Steph she's still supervising. Now onto ideas for a makeover for the restaurant. Gavin suggests modern art even if nobody knows what it means.

Roy is being questioned. He explains that he was scared and thought it was one of the teenagers that have been bothering him. He describes what happened. He saw someone trying to get money out of the till and didn't know it was Gary until after he had hit him. He admits he was scared but hitting the intruder then made him angry. He describes how he threw the man out and hit him three more times and admits he had no excuse. It was anger by then, not fear. Roy takes all the blame and doesn't want to press charges against Gary but he's told that charges will probably be laid anyway. Roy wants to be charged as well.

Emily, Ken and Rita discuss Roy in the Kabin, how much he has been through this year. Norris is getting distracted by satellites in the sky now that he can see them with his telescope. He brings up an app on the tablet that shows aerial photos of their street and house and notice a white smear in front of Number 1, possibly white smoke. The date on the photo is May 3, 2010 at 16:30. Remember that.

Liz and Amy discuss Pantos, Liz recalling the first one she went to. Amy is far more sophisticated and asks if it's true all the actors are cross dressers! Liz is taken aback but says it's just tradition that men dress as women and women as men for the show. Amy points out that's exactly what cross dressing is. Michelle arrives. Amy tells her she didn't think her dad wanted to go. Michelle offers to take Amy for a pampering session before the Panto and establishes with Liz that Steve is at the cash and carry. She'll let him know to pick she and Amy up at the flat.

Eileen mentions that it's payday but when she checks her balance on her phone, she discovers the pay hasn't gone in. She tries to call Steve but the call doesn't go through. Michael suggests it may just be a bank delay. They both worry about their respective mortgage payments (Eileen) and rent (Michael) and Michael mentions that he might be evicted if he's late again.

Anna gently strokes the bruising on Gary's back which wakes him. He's stiff and sore as he sits up. She asks if he really was stealing. He says nothing but looks hugely guilty and she can't understand how he could rob a friend. Owen can't stop himself from being sarcastic as Gary tries to explain. No excuses, though. He says it's not fair that Roy was arrested, he should be the one in jail. Gary thinks he was only hit once. The police arrive to take a statement. Gary admits to the police that Roy was right to defend himself. They're more concerned with Roy's actions. Gary says he collapsed after the first strike but insists Roy only hit him the once no matter what Roy and the witness are saying. Gary puts his bruising down to his fall onto the cobbles.

Erica and Nick sit over in the corner and order lunch. They giggle together, Steph rolls her eyes. Gavin comes out from the back. Leanne suggests he come up with a new cocktail menu. He thinks it's a good idea but can't come up with anything on the spot so he says he'll get back to her later. She asks if he's worked in other bars. He says yes, lots but goes white when she asks for his CV. He says it was a lot of casual work so doesn't have one. And when she asks for a reference, he has to write down a name and number for her.

Back to the Kabin, Emily and Ken have returned. Ken has discovered that on that day, they had been having a barbeque so that's where the smoke in the photo must have come from. He also remembers that it was the day Blanche died and, come to think of it, it can't be smoke from the barbie because that had been abandoned hours before. He leaves them contemplating. Norris is intrigued. Coincidence? He's now calling it a white apparition. Rita is highly skeptical but even Emily considers it a possibility that it could be Blanche's spirit. Rita thinks they're both gone doolally.

Roy comes out of the police station where Chesney and Tyrone are waiting for him. The lads are surprised that Gary hasn't been charged.

Eileen has been fielding phone calls from the drivers who are upset they haven't been paid. Andrea arrives to the news and Steve isn't able to be contacted. Andrea offers to go find Steve.

Outside, Nick and Erica are heading down the road to his flat, he's got an afternoon siesta on offer after their Spanish lunch. Andrea runs up to Liz and asks where Steve is. She says he should be at the Panto with Amy. Andrea doesn't say what's up. She goes off and Liz turns around just as Nick and Erica rush past.

Andrea's back to the cab office and says they'll have to get hold of Lloyd.

Gavin is working behind the bar and is quiet. Before Steph can pass on the cafe gossip, Leanne returns and says she's called up Gavin's reference and was told that he's a good worker but to watch him around the barmaids. Leanne is looking forward to his cocktail list. She also wants his bank details and insurance number because she doesn't like to pay cash in hand. Uh oh.

Tyrone and Ches bring Roy back to the cafe which now has graffiti on the window. Roy feels very badly and wants to be on his own. Anna comes across to talk to him and wants to know what really happened.

Andrea tells Lloyd she'll deal with the problem. He's thinking it was a bank error and has given her his password. She logs in and discovers the account for the business is almost 4000 pounds in the red. Eileen knows right away that it's Steve. There are transactions on the account paid to Webster's Garage!

Tvor

Written by Mark Wadlow and Directed by Michael Lacey

Eileen, Michael and Andrea are staring at the Streetcars' computer screen in disbelief. Michael's sure it must be a bank error but the list of payments says otherwise. Steve's been splashing the cash on toys, jewellery and his car and Eileen says she's going to kill him. Meanwhile Steve's lying in bed. He listens to a message on his phone from Eileen telling him to call her as there's a problem with the wages.

Anna's gone to see Roy. He seems upset so she fetches him a glass of water and tells him that she doesn't blame him. She says she feels Gary's holding something back and asks Roy whether Gary attacked him. But Anna's expression changes when Roy admits it was the other way around; he was the one who attacked Gary.

Michelle pops into the Kabin on her was to the panto with Amy to buy some sweets and Norris takes the opportunity to ask Amy if she's noticed any paranormal activity going on in their house. Michelle is furious with Norris for putting idea's into Amy's head but, judging by the look Amy gives Norris, she's quite capable of coming up with her own evil thoughts.

Roy is continuing to describe to Anna how he attacked Gary. She's appalled as Roy tells her how he continued to hit Gary, even while he was running away. "What kind of person does something like that?" asks an incredulous Anna. "Me," replies Roy simply. Anna starts to look angry.

Round at the cab office Eileen's now having to deal with angry drivers who also haven't been paid. Then Michael comes in and announces that if he doesn't pay his rent within 24 hours his landlord says he's chucking him out. Eileen grabs her coat and heads off with Andrea, presumably on the hunt for Steve.

In the Bistro Gavin seems distracted. Steph thinks he's blowing hot and cold with her but in reality he's worried that Leanne's asked for his National Insurance number so she can put his pay through the books. Gavin suggests he should pop home and get it while things are quiet in the Bistro. Meanwhile Nick comes in to book a table later for him and Erica. He asks Leanne if she received her Decree Absolute in the post today like he did. They exchange a smile and a hug and agree that they get on so much better now they're no longer a couple.

Chesney and Sinead are walking down the street when they meet Rita and Norris who start a conversation about what happened with Gary and Roy. Rita is of the opinion that Roy shouldn't be the one locked up as he was only defending his property. Sinead feels somewhat differently, having witnessed the attack. Then Kal and Alya come past. Hearing that Gary is in hospital, Alya immediately wants to rush to his bedside whereas it only confirms Kal's worst suspicions about Gary.

Eileen and Andrea arrive in the Rovers and ask Liz if Steve's back from the panto but it turns out he didn't go. Liz assumed he was at Streetcars so Eileen puts her straight on that score and tells her what else has been going on and how nobody's been paid on account of Steve taking all the money. Liz looks shocked and also wonders in that case where he can have got to.

Liz finds Steve sitting in the dark in his bedroom. She asks why Steve didn't take Amy to the panto but he simply doesn't reply so she tells him that Eileen and Andrea are waiting downstairs and that half the Streetcars drivers haven't been paid. Steve finally utters a few words. He says the bank must have messed up and he'll sort it in the morning. He tells Liz he's going to go to bed. She looks utterly perplexed. It's only ten past five, she says but makes she no attempt to find out what's wrong and leaves him be.

We see Gavin in ‘his' flat, looking through a chest of drawers. Suddenly he spots what he's looking for. He picks up a National Insurance card and kisses it with a look of huge relief.

Liz goes down to Eileen and Andrea. She tells them that Steve won't come down and that he said there'd been a cock-up at the bank. Just as she's telling them Steve seemed a bit weird, he appears behind her. He starts by saying it's the bank's fault but Eileen reveals his list of spending. Steve gets angry and goes on the defensive. He even tries blaming Lloyd for leaving him in the lurch. Now it's Andrea's turn to get angry. Liz is horrified when she realises Steve even bought her Christmas present with Streetcars' money. Eileen tells Steve how drivers are walking out and Michael might lose his home because of him. Suddenly Steve looks really remorseful but he's not upset about Streetcars. He says he should have gone to the panto with Amy. Liz gets really angry at this point and asks where he's going to find the money to sort this out. She sarcastically suggests it's under the mattress and maybe that's why he's been spending so much time lying on it.

Anna's visiting Gary in hospital and she says Roy's told her everything. Gary says it's still all his fault but Anna says no it's not, not now she knows what really happened. Then Alya arrives. Anna tactfully leaves the two of them alone. When she's gone, Alya gives Gary a hug.

Nick and Erica are enjoying a bottle of wine together in the Bistro when Erica's phone rings. She leaves the table to take the call outside and passes Gavin on his way in. He gives ‘his' N.I. card to Leanne who now wants his bank details. Quick as a flash he says he can't do that because someone hacked into his account and stole his identity. The bank are still trying to sort it all out so if she wouldn't mind, please could he be paid in cash until then. Leanne steps away and Steph jokes that Gavin is an international man of mystery. He replies that the only reason he's staying is because of her.

Back in the hospital Gary asks Alya if she knows what he did. She says she doesn't know all the details so Gary explains it exactly as it was. How he tried to steal money from Roy's till and that he's proved Alya's family right with what they think about him. Gary sounds genuinely remorseful as he lists all the ways he's hurt his family. He tells Alya she should keep her distance. She asks if he's done with all this self-pity. She tells Gary that she knows he's not a saint but she also knows he's not a bad person and she won't give up on him. When she found out he was in hospital Alya realised how much she cares about him.

In the back room at the Rovers Liz is gathering together all of the presents Steve has bought. In amongst them is a small unwrapped box. Steve tells his mum it's a present for Michelle. Liz asks Steve what he was thinking, spending the company money. He tries to play it down, saying he just put through a couple of personal expenses, that's all. Either she's stupid or gullible – probably both – but Liz still doesn't seem to have a clue what's going on with her son.

Erica rejoins Nick at their table in the Bistro. She doesn't exactly look over the moon. The phone call was from her brother to say her mother's had a fall and it looks as though she won't be back on her feet for months. As her mother lives in Preston Erica's going to have to cancel her flight back to Spain.

Roy's attack on Gary is still the hot topic of conversation in the Rovers. Rita is very much on Roy's side whereas Mary says she still doesn't condone violence. Chesney joins in and says that Roy would never have done something like that unless he was provoked. He says the fact is if Gary hadn't broken in it wouldn't have happened. Norris comments that the Windass family have been trouble ever since they arrived and how can Gary go into their shop now without them thinking he's going to steal something. Rita says Norris thinks that about everyone who walks through the door.

Michelle and Amy arrive back from the Panto. Amy asks her dad why he didn't come. Michelle looks seriously unimpressed when Steve tells her it's because they had a problem at Streetcars, they haven't been able to pay the wages and it's all his fault.

Amy wanders over to Norris. He says he's sorry if he upset her earlier but Amy doesn't seem the least bit perturbed. In fact, she has something to tell him about some ‘strange goings on'. Norris wants to hear more. Amy describes a cold gust of wind on a night when the weather was calm and another occasion when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "And sometimes," adds Amy, managing to look positively sinister, "I see dead people." So much for upsetting Amy – Norris looks distinctly pale.

Roy steps outside the cafe to put out the rubbish and sees Anna across the street. He calls to her and she turns and walks across to join him, a look of contempt on her face. As Roy stands listening Anna describes how she sat with Gary in the hospital, looking at his bruises and thinking to herself that Roy did that. Roy replies that he can only say again how sorry he is. Anna says that maybe she's meant to forgive him but she can't and she never will. And with that Anna turns and walks away.

An angry Michael has turned up with Eileen and Andrea to speak to Steve. He wants to know if their jobs are safe. Steve's back on the defensive. He says he doesn't have any idea and that what could cripple the business is vicious rumours going round saying he hasn't paid the wages. "You haven't!" exclaims an exasperated Eileen. Still on the defensive Steve claims they have a cash flow problem. Andrea steps in to try and calm him down but Steve has started to rant about the fact that he built the business up from nothing. Suddenly he announces they can all shove it, he's sick of the hassle. "I want out!" he shouts as he leaves the room.

Karen


Wednesday 31 December






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