Written by John Kerr Directed by Peter Rose

Gary seems to have stayed out all night and he isn't returning Anna's messages. She tells Faye he's probably got drunk and stayed at a mate's. Faye hopes he'll be around to see her in her school show.

Zeedan finds Alya out in the back garden with the chickens. He's actually being ok with her, telling her she made a mistake and can't keep beating herself up over it. She heads inside to get ready for work. She can't pull a sickie, his suggestion, because all the others are out all day and she's in charge. She reckons she can hide in the office so she can't hear them all gossiping about her. How will they know? Take your pick, Izzy, Anna, you name it. He promises to back her up but she reckons she'd deserve it if anyone gives her a hard time.

Max has dirtied a clean shirt. Kylie sends him up to change as David brings Lily downstairs. Kylie's in a mood, slaving over a hot iron. Turns out she had a sleepless night and she can't understand how David can be so calm. He points out that it was us or him. They did what they had to do.

Izzy and Eva arrive at work, followed by Kirk and Beth. Beth is keen when she finds out most of the management is out but Alya warns them against skiving and then pulls Sinead into the office. She tells her that she told Gary the truth and Gary knows it was Jason. The wedding is off. Sinead comforts her.

Mary is in the Kabin and is searching for a roll of sellotape that was right there (by the till) a minute ago. Norris sarcastically teases, no, it's more than that, he's taking the mick out of her and thinking they might have a poltergeist. Perhaps Billy can recommend an exorcist? (he really is a lot of words I can't actually say here, isn't he?) She reminds him he thought Blanche's ghost was haunting Number 1 recently. She accuses him of being jealous of her friendship with Brendan. They start to bicker when Dev comes in. The two of them start up again and Dev quickly intercedes. He offers her a drink after work. She gratefully accepts and tells Norris he's not welcome.

We're in the salon now. Audrey and David are chatting about a client. David asks Kylie to get him some more foils. She hesitates but he needs it now so she swoops out back. Audrey reckons they've had another row. David denies it. Kylie shoves the foils at him. Audrey doesn't believe David's denial. She heads out to the shop and warns them not to have a domestic while she's gone.

Liz moans. There's a leak in the ladies' loo and they need a plumber. Closing the ladies' isn't really a great option, Michelle thinks she should get Tony in to look at it since it's his pub after all. No chance, Liz declares.

Tony and Jason are in front of the yard. Jason is loading up getting ready to go to a job. Anna trots up and asks if he's seen Gary. Gary isn't meant to be working, Jason tells her. She still hasn't heard from her son, not since yesterday. Clearly, she hasn't heard the news. Jason advises her to speak to Alya.

Ken, Audrey, Dev and Emily are outside the salon. Audrey has been canvassing for donations for the community centre. Ken offers to help since she's tiring herself out, covering two areas on behalf of another person who's unable to do it today. Ken and Emily head over to the cafe. Audrey mentions that Ken is a kind man, and a lonely one. Dev comments that it will be difficult to replace someone like Deirdre. Audrey looks thoughtful.

The factory workers are chatting about winning the lottery and what they'd do. Alya is at her desk pretending to look busy (and, by the way, her desk is out on the main factory floor outside the office now.). She hears her phone go and sees that it's Anna. We get a look at the photo on the phone screen and it's a cozy looking one of she and Gary. She doesn't take the call. Aidan arrives, his meeting canceled. He offers his help if she needs anything.

Outside, Anna finds out from Zeedan that Alya's at work. When asked if she's seen Gary, Zeedan looks uncomfortable but says he hasn't seen Gary. Anna assumes Alya and Gary have had a row but Zeedan won't say anything. Anna is determined to find out what's going on so she heads to the factory, followed by Zeedan who can smell trouble.

Anna storms into the factory, with Zee trying to hold her back. She wants to see Alya who comes out of the office, looking nervous. Anna wants to know what's going on. Zeedan tries to stop her telling but Anna says everyone will find out anyway and tells Anna they've finished. She even tells Anna that she slept with someone else and it was Jason. The factory workers are stunned and Anna is furious. Eva's shocked that it was "her" Jason. Alya tries to apologize but you know Anna isn't having any of it. Alya wishes it had never happened. Aidan sorts them all out. Back to work.

Cathy's helping Roy in the cafe and thanks him for not reminding her how he prefers the butter to be spread. He admits he can be a bit pedantic. Ken and Emily discuss their plan off attack for the charity canvassing. Nessa comes in with a big smile on when she sees Ken sitting there. She makes herself at home and sits with them and is impressed to hear Ken is doing charitable work. She even offers to go with him. Ken agrees. Company would be nice. Cathy watches her sister with a decidedly skeptical eye.

Tony's doing paperwork in the office. Liz comes up into the office. She's uncomfortable but tells him she needs his help with the leak in the loo. There's a bit of awkward banter and she accepts his offer to help, reluctantly.

Brendan has come to the Kabin. Mary is quite happy to see him. He's going to talk to a man who purports to have been abducted by aliens and he invites Mary for a drink at 6. She accepts and after he leaves, Norris reminds her she's meeting Dev. She points out that date is for 7 so she's got time for both.

We're back to the cafe, some time later. Nessa and Ken have returned from canvassing and they've filled up their yellow pot. Nessa reckons they deserve a drink and Ken offers to buy. She accepts with a flirty reply. Audrey arrives as they're leaving and is told they're off for a drink, though Cathy doesn't seem to be too pleased.

David is cheerily chatting to an elderly client. Kylie and Max come in. Max had a boring history class and tells them he has to do a family tree. Not too keen on it under the circumstances, at least the ones he's aware of. David suggests he just leave Callum out of it altogether. Max asks "like he never existed?" David agrees but Kylie looks disturbed. She goes out for some air.

Zeedan is waiting in the builder office when Jason arrives later on. He wants an explanation.

Kylie's come into the pub for a drink with Eva coming in behind her. She needs a drink, too. She tells Kylie that Jason slept with Alya but Kylie doesn't understand why that upsets her since she's been broken up with him for ages. Eva asks Michelle, as an older woman, why life seems so complicated. All that used to be important was getting drunk, dancing and copping off with fit blokes. Michelle raises an eyebrow, tells them not to feel so sorry for themselves, and suggests a night out in Manchester where they could very easily get hammered, go dancing and whatever else pops up. Kylie decides they should go into town. Eva begs of that, she's not got enough money for taxis and clubs but suggests the Bistro. Better than here, Kylie decides. Let's go.

David locks up the salon with Max in tow. He sees Kylie come out of the pub. She asks him to look after Max and Lily, they're going to the Bistro. David doesn't think it's a good idea, but he's worried she could get drunk and spill the truth. She doesn't care what he thinks and she follows Eva down the street, with a kiss towards Max.

Jason tries to tell Zeedan what happened...Alya was upset, they were drinking and one thing led to another but he didn't get her drunk and he didn't take advantage. He does say he's sorry it happened. Zeedan accuses him of ruining Alya's life, it's about honour and family. Jason shouts that he only did what she wanted him too. Mistake. Zeedan punches him hard in his already tender ribs. Jason staggers towards the balcony railing. Zeedan is in full temper now and Jason can't defend himself. Zeedan presses him up against the railing. What's going to happen!?

Tvor

Written by Ben Tagoe and directed by Peter Rose

Alya and Eileen come hurrying along the street just as Zee looks as though he's about to finish Jason off. They rush up the stairs of the builder's yard and Alya shouts at her brother. She tells him none of this is Jason's fault, she was the one who made it happen. Zee glares at Alya before rushing off down the stairs. Eileen can't believe what she's just heard.

Faye is ready to go into school for her performance but Gary hasn't turned up. He promised faithfully he'd go and watch her, so where is he? After Faye leaves the room Izzy tells Anna he'll just be licking his wounds somewhere and she's sure he'll be back soon. Anna is furious he hasn't even been in touch and swears she'll kill him when he eventually makes an appearance.

Nessa is in the Bistro with Ken. She's busy buttering him up with her views on teachers. She tells him in some countries people worship the ground they walk on which is not too far short of how she seems to feel about Ken.

Over at the bar Eva is trying to find out what's up with Kylie. She's sure it has something to do with David but Kylie is just intent on studying the drinks menu.

Back at home Zee confronts Alya. She tells him that whatever derogatory term he was going to use to describe her, he would be right. She hates herself as much as he does for what she's done.

Cathy's having a drink with Audrey in the Rovers and talking about her sister. She tells Audrey that Nessa was always the one who could flutter her eyelashes and men would come flocking. Audrey tentatively asks about Nessa's husband. Cathy says she hasn't clapped eyes on him for years but he got out while the going was good. Or, to put it another way, Nessa's not always been the best behaved of women.

Mary is waiting at another table when Dev comes in. She looks awkward because he's turned up early for their rendezvous whereas Brendan is late. On cue, Brendan then arrives, full of apologies. In a snide aside to Dev, Norris observes that Mary is obviously not on the top of Brendan's list of priorities.

Steve is the next person to walk in. He hears a noise of an electric drill coming from the Ladies and asks Liz what's going on. She tells Steve she's got someone in to fix the leak but says everything's under control and suggests he goes through to the back to put his feet up. She almost gets him out the way but not before there's the sound of cursing and Tony emerges, clutching his hand. "What's he doing here?!" exclaims Steve and tells his mother to get him out immediately.

Yasmeen and Sharif arrive home where Alya is waiting. Sharif is angry and says he's going for a nap. Yasmeen tries to reason with him and says they can't keep ignoring what's happened but he doesn't want to talk about it. He goes upstairs while Alya grabs her bag and leaves the house.

David is helping Max with his family tree homework. Max asks him why some people get married lots of times. David tells him that it's so they can get in practice to get better at it. Max asks in that case, since Gail's been married six times, does that mean she's really good at it? He complains there are too many leaves on Gail's branch and he can't fit them all on. Then he asks if his mum will be home soon.

Steve is giving Liz a hard time about using Tony to fix the leak. She says it was an emergency. Steve tells his mum she should have come to him, he could have fixed it. He reminds her he used to own a building company. Liz says all Tony has to do is the retiling and then he'll be gone. At that precise moment Tony comes in. Steve tells him to get out and not darken their doorstep again. He'll finish off the job and do the tiling, Steve announces.

In the Bistro Andy's been trying his cocktail-making skills on Eva and Kylie. He's mastered a "French 75" and says he could try making them something else. Kylie suggests he should probably quit while he's ahead. Eva's still trying to pump Kylie for information about what's going on with David. She ascertains he's not been hurting her or having an affair so what is it? Eva tells Kylie she should know that she'll get it out of her sooner or later, especially after a few more drinks, so she might as well spill the beans now.

Eva still going on at Kylie. Now she wonders whether she still holds a torch for Callum. Kylie snaps at her and promises that she'll never, ever have anything to do with Callum ever again. She asks to change the subject and says she just wants to have a good time and let her hair down. Kylie asks Eva about Jason but that's an equally sore subject so she suggests they go into town after all.

Ken's about to call it a night. He thanks Nessa for her company and says they must do it again some time. She simpers and says she was about to say the same thing. Ken says, on second thoughts, it's still early and suggests they have a change of venue and go to the Rovers.

Alya goes into the Bistro. She asks Andy for one of his cocktails. He's not keen to serve her alcohol but holds up his hands in submission when she gets annoyed.

Ken and Nessa arrive at the Rovers just as Cathy and Audrey are leaving. He tries to persuade them to join them for a drink but Audrey says they have to go. Cathy stops for a quick whispered conversation with Nessa who makes it clear she's got the hots for Ken. Cathy warns her to go carefully as Ken's only recently become a widower. Nessa tells Cathy she's a fine one to talk but Cathy says she and Roy are not the same thing at all.

Over by the bar Norris is observing Mary and gossiping to Dev. He's worried that she throws herself at anyone that shows her the slightest bit of attention. In fact, Mary and Brendan are getting on like a house on fire, even if he takes matters of the paranormal a lot more seriously than she does. They also have something in common; Brendan's phone rings and it's his mother calling for the umpteenth time. Mary tells him she has her sympathy – or rather empathy – as she also has experience of a demanding maternal presence.

Zeedan goes into the Bistro. Andy sent him a text about Alya and he's come to find her. She hasn't touched her drink yet and Zee points out that's what started all her problems in the first place. He tries to persuade her to go home. He tells her that their grandfather will come round eventually. She doesn't believe him but Zee tells her she may have made a mistake but now they all need to get over it and move on. He gives her a big, brotherly hug.

Brendan tells Mary he has to go – we are led to assume it's because of his demanding mother – but he takes her hand and says he would like to do it again some time. In the background Norris complains to Dev about Brendan's behaviour towards Mary. Dev tries to defend him and tells Norris to let Mary have her fun. Norris says that's all well and good but asks who's going to pick up the debris after the emotional car crash.

Yasmeen and Sharif are walking along the street. She's trying to reason with him about his attitude towards Alya. He tells her he can't just change the way he feels. They meet Izzy and Anna coming the other way and Yasmeen asks if there's any sign of Gary. Anna says Faye is devastated he missed her show and Izzy adds that it's all the fault of their granddaughter. Yasmeen starts to defend Alya and Sharif leads her away.

Kylie arrives home where David is asleep on the sofa. As she goes to cover him with a blanket he wakes up. Kylie is at the giggly stage of being tipsy but David's not in the mood for her light-hearted banter. He wants to know what she talked about with Eva. She tells him she wouldn't be that stupid as to tell her about what they did but David's worried about the two of them going out together. He knows what they're like when they go out on the lash. He says they're not going to bed until this has been sorted but as he looks down at Kylie he realises that she's fallen asleep. He covers her with the blanket.

Karen

It's Sophie's 21st birthday and when she goes into the Kabin for a magazine, Rita, Norris and Mary sing to her.

In the ladies' toilet at the Rovers, Steve is attempting to tile the wall. Michelle, Liz and Anna don't have a lot of confidence in his tiling skills, but he's determined to prove them wrong.

Alya has gone in early to factory, before everyone else. Her phone bleeps with a message and she looks at it eagerly, but it's just from Zeedan hoping she's ok. Just then Izzy arrives, and she's not happy. She tells Alya that Jake needs his daddy, he was up in the night, he doesn't know what's going on. (Sorry, but I don't think Gary would have been there in the night anyway!) Alya asks if there's anything she can do, and then gets the sharp edge of Izzy's tongue. Izzy asks her if she hasn't done enough? They split up because of her, the only consolation was that Alya and Gary were going to get married. "You conned all of us!" she snaps.

Back at the pub, Steve has found a 'how to tile a wall' video on the internet, by someone called Dab Andy. Liz and Michelle leave him to it.

Sophie is at the garage, getting a hug from her dad. She shows him the bracelet that Rita gave her, and Luke remarks that it looks expensive. She tells her dad she's expecting lots of cash from him. Kevin says he'll give her her present later.

In the bar of the Rovers, Liz and Michelle are wondering how Steve is getting on. He comes out with the last tile in his hand, telling them he's almost ready to begin the grouting.

In the office of the factory, Alya is getting more and more stressed. She tells Aidan that she can feel Izzy giving her dirty looks because she drove Gary away and Izzy's been left to pick up the pieces, and now everyone hates her. Aidan tells her he doesn't hate her.

Liz and Michelle are in the ladies loo, admiring Steve's handiwork, which actually does look rather good. However, as they gaze at it, all the tiles fall off the wall at once!

Alya arrives home unexpectedly. "What are you doing home at this time of day?" asks Yasmeen. Alya snaps that it's not a very warm welcome, she could do with their support, but they needn't worry, she's moving out! With that, she goes off upstairs.

Back at the Rovers, and much to Steve's disgust, Liz appears with Tony in tow, he's come to sort out the mess. Steve asks how they can be sure he won't rip them off, but Tony says he'll do it for free, and goes off to get his tools.

In the bar, Steve is moaning at Liz, reminding her how Tony humiliated both of them. Why did she call him? She points out that this is an emergency, and it would cost a small fortune if they sent for somebody else. "Oh do what you want!" snaps Steve, and storms off.

Anna and Izzy are sitting at a table when she gets a call from Gary. "Where are you?" she asks.

In the Kabin, Mary tells Rita, Norris and Audrey that she is going on a ghost walk at Butterthorne Hall, with a certain gentleman. Audrey is surprised that Mary believes in 'all that nonsense'. Mary tells her that they are kindred spirits with a fascination for the supernatural. Audrey thinks that Rita seems a bit quiet, so they arrange to meet later in the Rovers.

Tony arrives back at the Rovers and tells Liz he's cleared his diary, so he's all hers. She tells him he will never be all hers, not in any capacity.

Alya arrives at the foot of the stairs with her packed bags. Zeedan and Yasmeen tell her that running away is not the solution. Yasmeen turns to Sharif and asks if he's just going to sit there, doesn't he care? "Haven't we lost enough, without losing Alya? This family needs to stick together," she says. Sharif says that Alya cheated on Gary with his friend, he can't just take that on the chin. "I love you and I will always be there for you, but we need some time."

Liz calls Tony out to the bar for a cup of tea that she's made him, and they start chatting about old times, then she tells him that now, every time she looks at a gift he gave her she wonders if it was because he felt guilty. She asks why he destroyed everything. He says he can't explain, he's just very sorry.

Anna arrives at Alya's house, and tells them all that she's had a call from Gary, he's in Hamburg with his dad. Then she starts shouting at Alya, saying Gary should be with his family at a time like this but he can't bear to be near her! She reckons that Alya has ruined Gary's life. In the end, Sharif tells Anna that's enough, this is their house and Alya is their granddaughter.

Sophie goes into the pub where her dad is with Tyrone. She tells Tyrone that they've put in an offer on premises, and if it's accepted they just have to apply for planning permission. Kevin hands Sophie an envelope, but before she can open it Dev comes in and hands her a card, which she opens.

Rita and Audrey are sitting at a table, the reason Rita was so quiet is that she's had divorce papers through from Dennis.

Nessa has come into the pub and is standing at the bar when Ken comes in. He joins her.

Tony comes out from the back saying he's finished for the day, and could murder a pint.

Sophie finally gets round to open the card from Kevin. Beside a large 21 on the front, he has added a % sign. He explains that he's giving her 21% of the new business!

Ken and Nessa go and sit down with Audrey and Rita, so they stop talking and it all seems a bit awkward for a moment. Nessa asks if they've interrupted something, so Audrey thinks quickly and tells her that she's just been saying that she's a bit short staffed at the salon as Maria is away. Nessa says that she's a trained stylist and could help out!

Liz takes Tony his pint and tells him that she thinks he's a coward the way he scarpered when the truth all came out. He says he vowed he'd never show his face around there again, but he couldn't stay away from her. He thinks they were great together, they could be again. She tells him she doesn't give second chances, and tells him to go. Just then Steve comes up and starts ranting at his mother. "Have you not got one ounce of self respect after everything he's done to you? Promise me you won't let him wheedle his way back in. Promise!" "I promise!" says Liz, although not very convincingly.

Anne Logan

Well here in the UK, tonight's episode is being broadcast on November 5th. If you don't know this is known as 'Bonfire Night' This is to 'celebrate' Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up the House of Parliament. Some people wish he had been successful ! I am normally out on a Thursday evening, but stayed in to look after my cats who don't like fireworks going bang!

Anyway, onto tonight's 'extra' Coronation Street.

We start at Tyrone's house where Chesney suggests to Tyrone going with the kids to a firework party, but Fiz thinks Hope is too poorly to go.

Kylie thinks it is nice that Max has come home for dinner. Max has produced a family tree. He thinks he has a big tree because of all of Gail's husbands!

Mary asks Dev about her clothes, and wonders if she will be okay for Brendan. Brendan comes in and tells Mary that she shouldn't bring her phone, even switched off it could interfere with the spirits.

Tony comes to the living room of the Rovers asking Liz for a biscuit. He then invites her to go with him to a Rod Stewart tribute act. Michelle comes in and sees them both and refers to an annoying smell.

Sophie tells Dev that she is handing in her notice as she is going to be working with her Dad now. Dev queries with Sophie why Brendan should insist that Mary doesn't take her mobile phone with her. Sophie warns him about horror stories about people that have gone missing. Dev gets worried.

Brendan takes Mary to an old 'stately house'. He has packed sandwiches and ready to go.

Nessa arrives at Audrey's "reporting for duty". David asks her what experience she has in hairdressing. She says she has been doing it for many years. She even cut Sheena Easton's hair! In the meantime, Audrey's client runs out without paying!

Brendan and Mary are walking up the stairs of the house. He takes her to a bedroom where it is alleged that Guy Fawkes planned his plot.

Tyrone and Kevin talk about finances. Tyrone tells Kevin that he is seriously short of money. He wishes he had canceled the Lapland trip. At this point Fiz comes in and overhears him and he confesses he was too late to cancel.

David and Ken come back to the salon, out of breath. They didn't catch up with the woman.

Fiz comes into the house. She says she bought him a cake, but didn't realise they couldn't afford it. Tyrone tries to comfort her.

In the bedroom, Mary hears noises. Brendan suggests that it maybe a visitor from the 'other side'. He even suggests it maybe Guy Fawkes, himself. The doorknob rattles. Brendan gets up and goes to open the door, Mary screams – it is Dev.

Tony produces Liz an invisible invoice! He tells her she doesn't owe him anything. Before he goes, Liz tells him very quietly that she will go the gig with him.

David plays 'Hide and Seek' with Max. Kylie comes into the room and grabs her ankle, he was hiding under the bed. Kylie is visibly shocked.

Tyrone and Fiz are having a bonfire party in their back yard. Chesney and Sinead try to persuade Fiz to let Hope go to school, at least part-time. She is worried.

In the Rovers, Dev tries to apologise to Mary. She accuses him of ruining her day out. He apologises again. Brendan comes back for the toilet. He says the toilet seat was wonky! Dev apologises to her as well. Brendan says that it is good to have friends to look out for her. Dev goes to the bar, and Mary and Brendan chuckle away.

Tyrone tells Fiz that he has put the girls to bed. They apologise to each other. He says if he can't take the girls to Lapland he will bring Lapland to them. Fiz says they have no money, but Tyrone says he will think of something. They both cry into each others arms.

Martin Rosen

Ken's walking Eccles and meets Audrey outside the salon. She admires the dog's festive collar and they chat about the difficulty of Christmas. Nessa arrives for work and positively fawns over Ken. As he walks away, both women gaze after him.

Hope's not feeling very well and Tyrone looks very depressed about it all.

Nessa finishes putting up Mary's hair and takes the opportunity to quiz her about Ken. Before Mary can say too much, Audrey tells Nessa to take her break.

Max is off school because he's not feeling well. David and Kylie are putting the finishing touches to the granny flat before Granny Platt (yeah, I know it's Rodwell, but that doesn't rhyme) arrives back from Italy. David notices that Kylie is very reluctant to go into the new room and calls her out on it. Kylie denies she's avoiding it but tells off David for his callous attitude. No matter what, Callum was still a human being and she killed him.

Nessa cross-examines Roy about Ken, though she's not very impressed that he's vegetarian. And Roy uses words like "polymath" and "erudite," which Nessa thinks means he likes maths and glue. Cathy arrives and snaps at her sister for going after anything in trousers. Nessa says Cathy's never wanted her to be happy. Cathy tells Roy that Ken doesn't stand a chance.

Kylie's just saying she has a client and has to go, when Gail and Bethany arrive home without Sarah. They say she threw a strop at the airport and refused to get on to the plane. Gail just wants to moan about the flight and how it's not natural to be flying anyway. Kylie and David are quite alarmed and want all the details of what Sarah said and how she was behaving. Gail's dying to see her new annexe and everyone but Kylie goes to have a look.

Kev explains his plans for expansion and Dev wishes him the best for it. Dev sees Erica walk past the garage and she gives a cheeky wave. Kevin tells him Erica is out of his league, which Dev disputes.

Gail thinks her new room is very chic. Bethany suggests Gail gets a shed to live in so Bethany can have this room.

In the pub, Liz and Michelle agree that a new nettle beer is awful. Liz gets a text message from Tony about going out tonight. She tells Michelle it's from Erica, who needs a night out because of the trouble she's been having with her mother.

Audrey arrives and sits with Rita in a booth. She needs a drink because Nessa's driving her mad. She confesses that she thinks she's falling for Ken.

Nessa tells Cathy that Ken's got a thing for hairdressers. Some old dear at the charity shop has told her all about Val and Denise. Presumably this is supposed to be Emily, but she's about the only person on the street who doesn't gossip - certainly not disclosing private information like this. Nessa's decided that with Ken's left-wing background he must be Weatherfield's very own Che Guevara. Cathy tells her to shut up. Nessa snaps that Cathy's just jealous. There's a right old sisterly squabble going on and Roy has to shout at them. Nessa storms out.

Rita tells Audrey that some people say men and women can't just be friends but that Audrey shouldn't go confusing sympathy and caring for something else. Audrey admits she gets jealous seeing Ken talking to other women and when anything happens her first thought is to tell Ken about it.

Fiz takes the girls to see Tyrone at the garage. She's giving Hope a small outing but Tyrone still seems very worried. He tells Kevin he's going to give the girls a Christmas they'll never forget.

In the corner shop, Mary and Bethany have a meeting of minds over the supernatural while Erica has a quiet argument with her mother over the phone. Dev offers Bethany some part-time work for a whopping three pounds 87pence per hour, which Bethany pooh poohs. When Erica gets to the counter and Dev asks how she is, she says it's too complicated to explain - so her asks her out so she can explain over a drink.

Marion, Callum's mum, has been clearing out Callum's flat and has turned up with the last of Max's things from there. Gail offers her a cup of tea but Marion's worried about David finding her there. Gail agrees David can be very rude and Marion knows Callum was no angel.

Liz piles on the make-up. Erica arrives and says she wanted a word but she can see Liz is going out. Michelle is there and Liz quickly covers by laughing and accusing Erica of forgetting they were going out. Michelle doesn't look convinced.

As Gail and Marion chat, Max comes downstairs and Marion tells Gail she hopes David might let her see Max occasionally. David comes in and shouts, "You've got to be kidding me!" Max asks if Marion's going to make him see Callum again. He doesn't want that. He hates Callum.

Liz and Erica tiptoe across the cobbles. Liz has told Erica the real story and Erica thinks she's barmy. How can she go near Tony after what he did? Liz explains that Tony is really sorry "and I believe him." She's not ready to give up on him yet because when things were good between them, it was the best. But she doesn't want Steve to know yet, so Michelle mustn't know.

Rita continues to advise Audrey. She says that if Audrey thinks she and Ken can make each other happy, then why not? Audrey doesn't know if the feeling is mutual so Rita says she has to sit down with Ken and tell him honestly how she feels.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Welcome to a Friday update - we reach the end of another week. A few observations at the other end of this message.

This contribution was written by Julie Jones and directed by Peter Rose. This is episode 8768, or series 56 episode 225 and copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Tonight the action opens chez Platt where Callum's mum, Marion, is talking to Kylie, Gail, David and Max - and it is only her contact with Max that helps her get through some days. Max refuses to talk to her - he associates here too closely with the evil Callum. David sends Max upstairs so the grown ups can talk. David says that Max is scared of her because of Callum. David lays into Callum - and Gail then says David has been a nightmare in his time! Marion says she did not come to cause more trouble and she will go. Kylie has to make some tea and Gail wants to talk to David in the annexe.

Ken welcomes Audrey into his house for a chat. Although she does not quite know what to say. Audrey has been thinking ... but gets no further when Nessa descends the stairs and exchanges a joke with Audrey who apologises and says it is not important and she departs. Ken and Nessa are sharing a bottle of wine.

In the yard office Tony is reminiscing about some great nights his biggest regret of his night was the way he treated Liz. He asks if they can find a way together again - but Liz is only interested in the tribute act they are seeing. He asks here if she will forgive him - she says it is a big question but does not say no.

In the annexe Gail is pleading Marion's case and suggests she should be given a chance. Gail continues - but David simply rolls his eyes.

Fiz has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Poppy - a friend of Hope's - has lost her grandmother to cancer and asks if Hope is going to die too. Fiz has told Hope that the person was a very old lady and the medical team are doing the best they can do. Ty assures Fiz that Hope will get better.

In the Rovers Rita is telling Sean that her favourite was Rock Hudson - so debonair. Which leads Rita to acknowledge that the world has changed and things like homosexuality are out in the open now as no-one should be made to feel ashamed of who they are. Sean suggests Rita for Pope! She would not be keen on wearing the red shoes! They both laugh. A rather dejected Audrey enters behind Rita who buys her a drink. Audrey reveals the presence of Nessa and she is feeling lost.

In the Bistro Erica notes that Dev has put on a clean shirt - just for her - which he denies. She gets a text message from Lee her brother. He is slagging her off for redecorating their mother bedroom as a Ukrainian brothel - Erica admits to it being in red and gold. Erica is about to respond with a suitably sharp text but Dev talks her out of it - so that she does not make matters worse. Dev suggests an application of zen! And he then goes to get another drink.

Marion is talking to Kylie about her mistakes and that Callum got out of his depth. Kylie did love him once - and Marion sees the good side of Callum in Max. Marion hopes that Callum will return and put things right one day. Kylie says he will not return and that Max was used to get at them. Marion admits that Callum was a blight on their life. Gail and David return and Gail puts forward a compromise - Marion can see Max but it should be here (in the Platt house) with one of them (probably Gail) present. Marion says she is very kind but she has come to the conclusion that she should not see Max at all. Max is scared of her and she does not want to put Max through any more pain. Max is a credit to all of them. Kylie weakens and says Marion should not say a final goodbye to Max as she has already lost enough.

After the break Erica reveals that she and her brother were being pushed by their mother to become the next Torvill and Dean! But she was too tall! Erica has no job and is living with her mum and that will be difficult with Lee living at home again. So Dev offers her a job in the Corner Shop although she wants more than the £3.87 an hour on offer earlier. Sean pops into get some change for the Rovers and cops an eyeful of Erica giving Dev a grateful kiss for the job she has just accepted. They are looking very friendly.

Marion is apologising to Max for Callum's actions but hopes he have some happy memories and she also says David will be a good dad to him and the family will look after him. Max goes back upstairs and Marion departs having handed over a phone number and asks for some photos of Max's progress. David sees her out. Gail could murder a cup of tea. David smiles at the result achieved - which stuns Kylie.

Liz is laughing with tears running down her face - the tribute act had not been what she was expecting as they return to the builder's yard office. They had seen a fat "Rod Stuart", overdosed on the pies. But he could sing. Tony has had a great night and moves closer to Liz - but she backs away. She dropped an earring earlier which he finds. He offers her a nightcap and she accepts a quickie - and makes it clear that nothing else is on offer and that is the closest he will get. They sit very close together on the sofa. She admits they always had a connection. Tony moves in for a kiss - and she lets him kiss her before breaking it off and telling him to stop. He wants her so badly and he is an idiot he says. She says that she hopes that he has learned a lesson this time. See ya she says and departs.

In the Rovers Cathy and Roy join Audrey and Rita. Nessa has bigger fish to fry reveals Audrey - who reports on earlier visit to Ken's. Liz returns to the bar and Sean notices her lippy is smudged and she has been snogging someone. Liz gives nothing away. Did they manage to cheer up Erica asks Michelle? But Sean saw Erica earlier so the alibi collapses. Liz snaps - Sean and Michelle look at each other!

Rita observes that inevitably Ken is vulnerable she hopes that Nessa does not break his heart; which is the cue for Ken and Nessa to arrive with the former ordering two glasses of red wine and the latter has her hand on Ken's shoulder as she gives him a kiss. Audrey is upset and heads to the toilets.

Fiz reports the children are finally asleep. Ty likes this quiet time to themselves and Luke is out as well. Fiz notes that Ruby will soon by trying to wake him. Fiz says he can go to the Rovers - but he wants to stay home quietly with her and recharge the batteries. Fiz is dreading more chemo next week. Ty assures her they can do this.

Audrey is crying in the toilets when Rita comes in - she blames the drink - but Rita tells her not to be too hard on herself. Rita observes that age does not protect you from heartbreak. They discuss Ken making a choice.

Back at the Platts they are discussing the situation, Gail retires to her annex - all quiet and the rest of the world locked out - the freedom is making her giddy, she can do whatever she likes. David observes the endless possibilities - standing, sitting, drinking a cup of tea! - she threatens to put on her crasz momma dance till you drop CD and David suggests that it should have been soundproofed! Gail wants an annexe warming do with some swanking in front of the neighbours. She goes and David suggests they open some cans. Kylie is upset by David's attitude towards Marion - she suggests that David sees it as a game - she is going to bed and she tells him not to bother to join her.

Roll credits.

Observation 1 - Kylie killed Callum; evil he may have been and created to deal with a maternity absence but soap morality is usually pretty high - commit a crime and pay the price (unless apparently you are called Tracy Barlow who has now killed three (at least) and only served a short sentence). I assume Callum will rise from the dead at Christmas (the Platts never have much luck on 25 December) - so is Kylie leaving in the New Year?

Observation 2 - Is it likely that Liz would take Tony back? So either she is breaking with her own rules or there is a game being played out over the Rovers. Or just perhaps the sex was very good ...

Observation 3 - I assume Sarah is not staying in Milan permanently - just taking a longer break - but do we know for sure?

See you next week.

K Richard Whitbread

Written by Chris Fewtrell Directed by Menhaj Huda

Tracy doesn't approve of the new purple jumper Ken has (which he's wearing over a pink shirt). He has to skip taking Amy to her lesson and it turns out later, he's got plans to see Nessa. Meanwhile, Nessa is going on about how lovely Ken is while she's in the salon, much to Audrey's chagrin. Later, Tracy discovers Nessa at Ken's table and she's horrified and hurt that he seems to be moving on so soon after her mother's death. She's really vile to Nessa though you can understand things from her point of view.

Later, in the Kabin, when he comes in for advice from old friends, it's clear that Emily doesn't really approve, either though doesn't say it outright. Hers and Tracy's words do seem to have an effect on Ken and he wonders if he should back off. Nessa continues to defend herself to her sister and to Emily but is upset when Ken suggests they cool things down. He's not sure it's right to move forward just yet, not at the expense of Deirdre's memory and it's not fair to upset so many people.

Sally and Tim are back from their month-long honeymoon and get invited to the party. Sally's polite. Tim is bemused.

There's another chemo session for Hope today. Tyrone tries to distract the child by suggesting they make a letter to Santa later. She breaks the hearts of everyone watching later on when she asks her mum and dad if Santa can make her better. He promises Fiz that with the help of friends, they can give Hope a special Christmas.

Erica gets stuck in at the corner shop, with Dev showing off and being quite patronizing to his "shop girl", a term that offends her mightily, leaving Dev scrambling to cover his tracks.

Steve has taken off to Spain because he's finding it difficult with Tony lurking around the pub again. Even Michelle has noticed that Liz has obviously had her eyes on Tony again though Liz insists she's not getting back with him. Even Tracy's radar is up, especially when she sees Tony smile at Liz when Liz walks past him, though Liz studiously blanks him. But Liz is definitely showing signs of interest, bringing Tony his post and a hotpot and taking his flirting on board. And he's trying hard and pouring on all his humility and charm. She's keeping him at arm's length, still reluctant to letting him back in again.

Michelle's taking Amy to her violin lesson, later. After they leave, Tony shows up and he and Liz end up kissing. But Amy has forgotten something and when she pops back, she gets an eyeful. She's quiet, doesn't let them know she's seen them, grabs her music and slips out again. Liz seems to enjoy the kiss but is uncomfortable still with the situation.

Gail is enjoying her annex but Kylie is still jittery about the whole thing. She really doesn't want to join the party because it feels like she'd be dancing on Callum's grave. David is calm and Kylie can't understand it. She's trying to back out of the party but David knows it will look strange if she doesn't go. Gail is in full preparation mode for the room-warming party and seconds Kylie to help clean the house while she does the shopping. While cleaning, Kylie's so worked up that she thinks she can smell the rotting corpse and freaks out, spraying a half a can of air freshener around the room but David can't detect anything. They fight over his advice to just forget it.

In the course of the argument, she calls him a psycho. He admits he doesn't like what he's had to do but defends himself. He remembers that Callum nearly destroyed his family. He can't see any other way of handling it and neither can she, who accuses him of boxing them in. He claims that if he hadn't she'd be boxed in, in prison but just then, Gail comes in and overhears the last bit!

Tvor

Written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Menhaj Huda

Gail goes into her room to find out what's going on. And why have David and Kylie moved her bed? David does some quick thinking and tells his mother the first thing that comes into his head – Kylie's back on drugs. Gail looks shocked but not half as much as Kylie. David says they'll get it sorted and he'll do whatever it takes to protect his family. Gail tells them do something about the awful smell in the meantime. Kylie's expression turns from shock to horror but Gail's talking about the air freshener – she says heaven knows what people will think they're trying to cover up.

Ken's talking to Robert about Nessa. He'd hoped to talk to her on his own terms but Tracy waded in as usual with her size ten boots. Robert says Tracy does care but it should be up to Ken who he chooses to see. Ken is worried about having a relationship with Nessa. If Deirdre's friends all think that it's inappropriate then maybe he should pay attention to them? Robert tells Ken that he doesn't answer to anyone but himself and says neither should he.

Now they're on their own, Kylie lays into David. Why did he tell Gail she was back on drugs? Better that than tell her the truth he says. Her conscience will just have to take a back seat for a while. And what about his conscience, Kylie wants to know. They carry on arguing. David says he's trying his best. Kylie retorts that the problem is, David's best is most people's worst nightmare. Kylie threatens to leave and tells David if he thinks she's going to stay, he's even madder than she thought he was.

Out in the living room Gail is handing round a plate of chicken drumsticks. Kylie marches out just as Nick, Emily and Bethany arrive. Nick wants to know what's going on. Gail tells him it's a long story. Sally's keen to have the grand tour and Bethany jokes about how it will go. She says that in pride of place will be the garden ornament that used to stand in the garage. Nick recalls the hideous frog on a unicycle. Sally is most upset – it was a statue of Mr Toad on a penny farthing, she corrects and she bought it for Gail claimed it had been smashed. Nick goes through to help Gail with the drinks and asks her what the score is with Kylie. She tells him that score is the right word – Kylie's back on drugs.

Round at the back room of the Rovers, Amy is murdering a tune on her violin. She tells Michelle her teacher says she's really coming on and if she doesn't pass her grade 1 in March she will do the second time. Amy offers to play some more but Michelle hastily says it's time for her tea. Amy asks if her gran can join them. Michelle looks a bit puzzled and says she thinks Liz has already arranged to go out. Perhaps she could go out after they've eaten, suggests Amy, and maybe they could invite Tony to join them, she adds innocently. Michelle looks surprised. Amy says that he's been around a lot recently. Michelle explains that it's only because he's been doing some jobs in the pub but that he did some very bad things before and he's not welcome around there any more. "Really? So is that what gran thinks as well?" asks Amy, keeping up her innocent expression.

Out in the bar Luke and Ty are playing darts and talking about Ty's plans for giving Hope a Christmas to remember. Over at one of the tables Erica is having a drink with Eileen and Michael and telling them about Dev calling her a shop girl. Eileen says he doesn't intend to come across as demeaning, he's just a bit old school. Erica admits that what upset her most is that Dev's right – she's 50 years old and no more than a shop girl. Eileen reckons that Dev fancies Erica. That may be so but Erica declares she's gone off men. Right on cue Dev walks in. He tells Erica he owes her a drink. "Amongst other things," she replies.

Amy, Liz and Michelle are having tea together. Liz is dressed up, ready to go out. Amy starts talking about her dad. She wonders why Steve didn't take her and Michelle with him to Spain. They tell her that she has to go to school and they have to run the pub. Liz says he just needed to recharge his batteries. The conversation continues and they get onto the subject of beards. Amy asks Liz if she likes beards. "Like Tony's", she adds. Liz looks awkward. Michelle says that her gran told her never to trust a man with a beard. Amy asks if Liz misses Tony. Liz tells her that she's happy being single. And even if she wasn't, Michelle adds, Tony could be the last man alive and Liz still wouldn't have him back. Amy directs a ‘butter wouldn't melt' expression at her gran.

Ken is at home with Nessa and trying to explain his position. He tells her that if he'd led a blameless life while Deirdre was alive it would be easier but, as it is, people will just assume he's reverting to type. Needless to say she doesn't agree at all and tells him he's overthinking it and all he needs is some pleasant company and someone to spend a few nice days with.

Meanwhile Tracy's discussing the same topic with Robert in the Rovers. She can't understand how Ken could move on so quickly and says it's like her mum never existed. Robert tries to defend Ken and reminds her what they did on the day of the funeral. Tracy says that was different, she needed to feel wanted. Robert says so does Ken – he's just a lonely guy looking for some companionship. Tracy wants to know whose side Robert is on – her mam got stuck there with Ken when she could have been off living it up with Mike Baldwin. She says Ken turned his back on her grave and is now off with the first trollop who'll have him. She tells Robert she'll not have anyone tarnishing her mam's memory.

Michael is talking to Luke and Ty about the Christmas plans. He's turned down the offer to play Santa as he doesn't think folk will appreciate the irony of him dropping into their living rooms in the dead of night with a sack. However, he's very keen to help with the lights.

Round at the Platts' the party has moved into Gail's new room. Sally admires the colour of the walls. Gail tells her it's called ‘clotted cream'. Tim says it's something to lick off if you're feeling peckish which earns him a dirty look from Sally.

Nick has taken David to one side to ask him about Kylie being back on drugs. David says he thinks it was a one off and they have it under control. Nick tells him not to try and handle it on his own; he's there to help.

While Sally goes off to admire Gail's new taps, Tim – who by now is clutching a can of beer in both hands - tries to engage Emily in a conversation about football. Sally comes to Emily's rescue and realises it's time she took Tim home.

Kylie has come home. She's about to give Max his medication. Gail asks if that's wise – maybe they need to keep his pills under lock and key again? David says no, the only way they're going to get through this is by trusting one another. He tells them both that they're going to have to move on together because what they've got is worth fighting for. As he says this he looks directly at Kylie.

In the Rovers Dev is now sitting with Erica, Eileen and Michael. Dev is grovelling to Erica and tells her they're going to make a great team. "In the shop?" asks Erica. She makes sure Dev has got the message by telling him she's over guys. Dev says so is he; women, that is. He says he's had a basinful and they're more trouble than they're worth. Dev picks up on a look from Eileen and quickly adds that what happened with Julie was all his fault. He starts to tie himself up in knots and makes his escape by going off to buy another round. Erica says that at least he knows where he stands now. Eileen agrees. Standing next to Erica … all day … every day … behind that little shop counter … hmmm.

Tracy and Robert arrive home to find Ken sitting with Nessa. Tracy lays into them and accuses Ken of pleasing himself, the same way he always did. Ken asks her who else he's got to please. He tells Tracy he would have happily died instead of Deirdre but he didn't and he has a right to happiness. He says there's nothing wrong with what he and Nessa are doing and advises her to get used to it. With that Ken takes Nessa off for a bite at the Bistro.

The children have gone to bed and David joins Kylie on the sofa. He tells her that if she wants to leave she can, they don't both need to stay. Kylie replies that she never wanted to leave then adds that Callum will always be there. David tells her she may not believe him but things will go back to normal. He says this isn't the life he wants, he'd much rather it was mundane and ordinary. Kylie wonders if that sort of life has gone for good. David tells Kylie he's not expecting her to love the worst of him, he just wants her to love the bloke on the couch. Kylie agrees to give it time. David puts his arms round Kylie and thanks her.

At the builder's yard Tony has laid out a table. He's lighting the candles as Liz comes up the stairs. He tells her he was starting to give up on her. Liz replies that it wouldn't be the first time. Tony offers Liz some Champagne but she tells him she's not stopping. It was one kiss, she says. She enjoyed it but she reminds Tony that he nearly destroyed her family, especially her son and while he's still so fragile she can't do this to him. Tony says he doesn't need to know, not yet. He promises to make it up to Steve but Liz asks how can he, when he conned him out of his share of the pub? How will Tony convince Steve that he's changed? Tony says he'll do whatever he has to. Liz says they may as well save themselves the heartache and put a stop to it now. "What, and let Tracy win?" asks Tony. He tries to tempt Liz by telling her that they can stand together behind the bar, look Tracy in the eye and show her that they're are stronger than she'll ever be. Liz says there's nothing she'd love better but unless Tony can win Steve round, it's just not possible.

"I'll find a way," Tony calls after Liz as she walks back down the stairs.

Karen

In the pawn shop, Tracy is moaning to Beth about Nessa. She's worried she's going to snare Ken and Tracy will lose her inheritance. Tony arrives with some stock and suggests that Tracy might help him unload the rest. Outside, Liz walks past and Tracy notices a look pass between her and Tony. “Are you two back together ?” she asks, but he claims he doesn't know what she's talking about.

It's just on 11.00 o'clock and Roy is observing the two minute silence in the cafe – that is until Audrey walks in and exclaims loudly that it's like a morgue in there. When the two minutes is up, she apologises to everyone, and has a brief conversation with Ken, as he puts on his coat and leaves.

Leanne and Eva are preparing a 'welcome home' celebration for Simon, as Leanne is about to leave to meet him from the station. Just then her phone rings, it's Robert calling her in to work as there's an emergency with the staff wages. Eva says she'll go and get him, but Leanne is worried as she'd promised to be there. Eva points out that Simon is a big lad now, he'll understand. “I hope you're right,” says Leanne.

Erica is having a cuppa with Liz and Michelle, and tells them that she and Dev are at the 'setting up of boundaries' stage. Just then Tracy barges in and tells Liz that Amy has broken her violin bow and Michelle will have to get it sorted out as Steve is away. An argument breaks out, until Liz calls a halt and tells Tracy that she'll have to wait until Steve gets back and then he will sort it out. Miffed, Tracy turns to leave, but then says to Liz, “I bet you wouldn't treat Tony like this!” When she's gone, Michelle asks Liz what she was on about, and Liz replies that she has no idea.

In the salon, Audrey is moaning about Nessa's ever extending lunch hours, as David finishes a phone call. Then he turns to Kylie and tells her that her old counselor can fit her in – they need to nip this in the bud. Audrey agrees that this drugs malarkey must be stopped before it gets any worse. When she's left the room, Kylie is furious with David. “How could you?” she spits. He tells her to calm down, he had to do something as Gail had already told Audrey, and anyway, he didn't really phone the counselor, but it adds weight to the lie.

Liz meets Tony out the back of the Rovers, and tells him about Tracy dropping hints about the two of them. He explains that she saw him smile when Liz walked past the shop earlier, and apologises. Liz says it's ok, but she hates the thought of the two of them working together. She tells him that if she and he are to move forward, it's not going to be easy with Tracy being part of his life.

Erica is sweeping up some spilt flour in the shop when Dev comes in. Just then she gets a phone call from her mother, her brother is causing trouble and, despite Dev's protests, she has to rush off.

Tony sits Tracy down in the pub and tells her that if she can give him his six thousand pounds back, she can have the whole business. Tracy protests that she hasn't got the money, but eventually says she will try to find the money. “As soon as you can,” says Tony, “you wrecked my life once, I'm not hanging around for you to do it again.” He gets up and walks out, leaving Tracy looking puzzled.

Tracy's in the bistro talking over the situation with Robert. He thought this was what she wanted, and she agrees that it is, but right now she just hasn't got the money. She's got a bit in hand, but needs it to keep the business ticking over. She keeps pondering on why now....and then works out that the reason is Liz. She'd seen now Tony's face lit up when Liz walked past earlier. “She's put him up to this,” she decides.  The flat is all decorated with “Welcome Home” banners when Eva brings a rather sullen Simon home. Nervously, Leanne tries to hug him, and explain why she couldn't be there to meet him. Ignoring all the party food laid out, he says he's going to his room, he's tired. When he's gone, Eva tells Leanne that Peter wasn't on the train with Simon, he'd just put him on and left him. Leanne is appalled.

Liz and Michelle are in the back room of the pub when Tracy barges in again and accuses Liz of putting Tony up to it. “You are the reason Tony is pulling the plug on Barlow's Buys,” she says. Liz acts dumb and tells her it's the barmiest thing she's ever heard in her life. “So you're denying it?” asks Tracy. “Yes,” says Liz, while Michelle sits there looking at her quizzically.

Kylie is sitting helping Max with his homework when David comes back. Max goes off upstairs and David remarks that she seems happier. She tells him they have to get their lives back on track, she's sorry she doubted him.

Erica arrives in the pub with a large bag. Dev is there, and she tells him that, after a row with her mother and brother, she's left. Dev asks where she's going to stay, and she says she was wondering if there was room at the pub. Michelle hears this and tells her they're full to bursting, so Erica reckons she'll look for a B&B. Dev suggests that she could move into the flat above the shop if she can hold on for a day or two while he sorts it out, as it's currently being used for storage. She gratefully accepts, but when Dev has gone Michelle asks her if she thinks it's wise. “No,” says Erica, “but have you got any better ideas?”

Tracy comes in to meet Tony and tells him that although she's been asking around, she can't get the money right now.

Ken is over at Leanne's, and they're all sitting round the tea table with Simon, who seems a lot more cheerful. Then Ken and Eva leave, and once he and Leanne are alone, Simon's demeanour reverts back to sullen and sulky. He wants to know why Leanne sent him away. She tells him that they decided it was best to have some time apart. “You mean you decided!” he snaps. She tells him that she thought some time with his dad might help. “So I'm meant to come back all smiling and grateful?” he asks angrily. She repeats that she thought some time apart might help. It obviously hasn't, and he gets up from the table and, after making a threatening gesture towards her, he stamps off to his room.

Liz meets Tony out in the ginnel. He tells her how he told Tracy he wanted out of the shop. She tells him how Tracy came round, accusing her of putting him up to it, but that she'd denied it. He says that as Tracy can't afford to buy him out, he's going to clear out their joint business account tomorrow. “Won't that take all of her money?” asks Liz. “Every last cent,” says Tony, and Liz grins. She then tells him she needs to tell Steve next, and he's not going to like it. She'll need to pick her moment and be ready because then all hell will be let loose.

Anne Logan

Just one episode of Corrie tonight.

Good evening. England were playing at football this evening (badly as it turned out) and so there was only one Corrie at 19:00. I am sure England blamed it being Friday 13 - but I reckon they simply did not turn up.

Anyway back in Weatherfield this is Episode 8772, also series 556 Episode 229. The delights this evening were written by Simon Crowther and directed by Menhaj Huda. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Action commences in the back yard of the Rovers with Liz denying entrance to Tony. She tells him there are people milling around all over the place (he is the other side of the gate) and it is too risky. 'Chelle could be back any time. Tony reckons they have 15 minutes and Liz soon works out what he can manage in that time. 'Chelle would phone Steven - but Tony is hardly scared of Steve! Liz is worried that Steve would be so put out by this news and keep going - Africa, Australia and the South Pole? Liz tells him that she will be out later and they will have the place to themselves. She shuts the gate as he goes.

Tracy is waking to a different nightmare. The business account is empty and it is not a hacker - she has been cleaned out by Tony. So much for the time he was going to give her to pay him back.

In Roy's Rolls Eva (good to see her back and looking better now), Leanne and Simon who has one more day of freedom before returning to school. He has not done his homework - he fed it to the dog he adds with a smile. Eva is going into town later and he could go with her and she might give him some spending money - to which his only comment is "How much?". Not the most polite youth around. He says to call him when she is going and he leaves. Leanne is clearly upset by this poor behaviour. Leanne hopes Eva will get through to him as she is getting nowhere. He might be better back in Portsmouth!

Sally has returned to work and is about to tell Carla the finer details of their holiday before being cut short. Johnny arrives and is introduced to Sally Metcalfe; she tells him how excited she is to be working with him and there is instantly a look of pain on his face. Anyway Carla says no time to discuss honeymoons as they are all very busy this morning. It turns out that Sally is sitting right next to Johnny. [That office seems full - Carla, Aidan, Alya, Johnny and Sally - can they actually get five desks, chairs and computers in there? Johnny does not seem entirely happy with the revelation. Carla sends Sally out to get on with the Quality Control or QC as a catchy little sound bite. Johnny cannot walk with her he tells Carla. Apparently her voice goes straight through him, his ears might bleed. Carla has never really noticed just how irritating it is now he mentions it. Johnny wants her sacked (clearly he has not worked in a British business with our employment laws in the last 20 years!). Carla says a grating voice is no grounds for a sacking. Carla was wondering if they needed a PA and perhaps Alya could do more of that. Johnny asks if Sally could be a good machinist. Johnny suggests demoting her and asks Carla to tell her - but Johnny has to do his own dirty work.

At the builder's yard Tony is planing down a door when Tracy arrives. They argue - according to Tony a day is a long time in business and she should have sorted it! He was owed £6k and he has only got £4k - he should have taken £2k of stock as well. Tracy is glad he is gone. And will she go - he has to take a quarter of an inch off the door (should be using a power saw, not a plane then!).

Over at the Bistro Leanne is leaving another message for Peter as she knows he is avoiding her! She could do with his support and a call back!

Sally is not very keen on the idea of being a machinist - an idea which Johnny tries to suggest was Carla and Aidan - he is just doing their dirty work. Anyway he suggests that as Aidan does not like the new technology then Sal is not needed. Sal knows this is nonsense. She thinks they have used her absence to realise she is not needed - but Johnny assures her she is essential - but on the machine floor. She believes she belongs in the office because she is management material. As she talks he flinches and she notices and asks why. So he decides to tell her the truth - her voice annoys him.

Amy is trying to get Ken to pay for new clothes for her violin exam - next March. Apparently presentation is important! Ken mentions "in my day" and this gets him an Amy-earbashing (she is Blanche's great grand-daughter as well as Tracy's daughter - genes will out; nice approach from the team!). Ken calls her Tracy before correcting himself (yes we have all been there!). Perhaps she could save her pocket money? Turns out the exam is next March! Tracy returns and agrees with her daughter that an exam deserves a new dress! She reports on Tony wanting stock for the other £2k. Ken cannot believe it is next March and gets told off by Amy for getting out of the grumpy side of the bed! Tracy tells her to ask her father for the money. She says Steve is in Spain so perhaps she will ask Tony. Why Tony asks Tracy. Well Amy points out that now he is back with Grandma Liz - and she knows because she saw them together the other day - and wouldn't Tracy like to know what they were doing!!

Simon and Eva return to the flat above the kebab shop. Simon is still being awkward so Eva sits him down and subjects him to the third degree about Portsmouth. It turns out that Peter spent little time with Simon - Peter was always at work; there is a new girlfriend (Sharon) who drinks; he did take Si to see HMS Victory (great day out is Portsmouth Dockyard) but Sharon came too. He was left to doodle for eight whole weeks as Peter took no time off work. Eva can hardly believe it.

In the Rovers Michelle is supping a cuppa when Tracy and Amy arrive with the latter instructed to tell 'er what you told me. Amy sat Grandma Liz canoodling with Tony, all over each other, earlier in the week. Michelle asks if she is certain and Amy says they were back together, 'Chelle. The latter knows that Liz is not that stupid - but Tracy reckons she is. 'Chelle has a headache.

After the break we are in the factory where Sal is sat sitting doing nothing. She asks Sean if she has a penetrating voice. Sinead thinks it was cruel of Mr Connor to make the comment and it is not grounds for demotion. Sal is not sure if it would stand up in court however. "Nails on a blackboard"! In the office Johnny is reporting to Carla that they face an industrial tribunal. Carla reckons she will adjust but Johnny is less sure and points out that she has done no work at all. Carla suggests he appeals to her vanity - after all us girls have fragile egos. She has to be made to feel special. She has to feel that she is a mate of the bosses - Carla uses the trick from time to time. Anyway offer her a drink compliment her superb machine skills and make her supervisor. Johnny objects to the drink because of the "voice".

Liz and Tony are in the back room of the Rovers - she wishes he had done this months ago and spared her the pain and humiliation! Tony wishes he had too - but Tracy has got her just desserts in the end. Tony may have lost a couple of grand - but what does money matter? Tony says she is looking at a new man and she chuckles. He assures he comes with an extended warranty and moves in for a smooch. Tracy, 'Chelle and Amy wander in and catch them. Surprise, surprise.

Over at the Bistro Peter is still not available and Leanne is not surprised at his unreliability. Eva reckons that Si does not see that as a problem. Peter's new girlfriend Sharon works in a petrol station down the road and really likes a drink. And Simon has asked Eva not to tell Leanne.

At the Rovers Liz is defending herself pointing out that Tony is a new man and Tony assures them he still has the price tags on. 'Chelle is shaking her in total disbelief and then wants to know if she remembers what he did to her (Liz) with 'er (Tracy). Tracy says that is all in the past. Liz says it is all different now. 'Chelle reckons she sounds like a lovestruck teenager. Steve would go spare - Tony ripped them all off and sold them down the river. And Tracy says she has been done as well - taking food from Amy's mouth (who is watching each person as they make their contribution). Liz reckons it is payback as far as Tracy is concerned. Liz has tried her best to hate him - but he is sorry and he has changed. He promises Michelle that he will never hurt Liz again - a gold plated promise. Liz insists she must be the one to tell Steve. Michelle says in million years she never thought Liz would stoop this low. Tracy observes that you do desperate things when you are desperate. Michelle calls her a fool and goes. Tracy reckons they make a lovely couple and goes. Tony reckons they both have short memories - he did bail them out. Amy asks for some money for her outfit.

Carla comes into the Rovers with Billy. He was visiting Emily sorting out the church Christmas calendar. In front of the fireplace Johnny is sat down with Sally and he has apparently been told just what an excellent, nay supreme, machinist she is, possibly in the whole history of Underworld (excuse me we do not forget Hayley that easily). Confidential Information or CI as he prefers! Sally is quite entranced by this! She immediately names Sean and Beth as not being in her class! Anyway Johnny wants her contribution to raise the quality of the sewing pool. In addition she will be management's eyes and ears in the pool. Their "Girl in Havana". He wants to make her supervisor . She asks if that means she has been promoted - apparently she took the words right out of his mouth. A huge smile spreads across her face.

At number one Leanne is talking to Ken. Peter had told Ken that he and Simon were having a good time. Ken has not really been told about Sharon although he knew there was someone - but casual. Leanne reports that Si's view was that she was permanently present and there was never a single father-son conversation. Ken is not inclined to believe Si completely - but he is on Leanne's side. Leanne now believes she got it completely wrong in sending him away for eight weeks. But Peter paid Si no interest and Ken admits that Peter has a weakness for women. As Leanne observes we know where Peter gets it from.

Sal is telling Sinead and Sean she is being promoted. Sean spots that she will be back sewing. Sean points out it is all flattery - but Sinead is pleased for her. Sal is off to tell Tim the good news. Carla returns and Sean and Sinead explain the events.

Leanne and Eva are talking to Simon asking if Peter went out much in the evenings and if he was left on his own. Leanne is angry with Peter and asks him not to cover up for him. He was not left on his own. He turns on Eva as she promised to say nothing. Eva points out Leanne is his mum - but Simon says she is not. Eva is going to leave them to is as she has to paint her nails. Simon recalls that Sharon was a laugh! He prefers Sharon to Leanne and she does not blame him for that. He claims that Leanne did not want him - she did, but she did not want the aggression. She was at the end of her tether when he went and 8 weeks later nothing has changed. Si stands and says he is going out and does the teenager door slam as he goes. Leanne does not know where to go next.

In the Rovers Liz is handing Tony a drink and both are smiling broadly observed by Sean, Billy and Sinead. Sean reveals they are reconciled - despite Tony ripping her off. Sean says minds would boggle at events in the back room! Billy reckons it is worse at church socials where people walk around literally with knives sticking out of their backs! You learn something new every day.

Tony is asking Liz how he can make it up to Steve - and she says that is simply not possible. Steve was conned out of his livelihood. Nothing short of returning his share of the pub will achieve anything. Tony says he has already kissed goodbye to a couple of grand this afternoon. Liz tells him she was not being serious as she knew he would not dream of doing it, she was just answering the question he had asked. Tony asks if they have to put up with Steve sulking for the next 40 years then? Maybe - but as Michelle put it Steve will go spare and perhaps will not return to Weatherfield. Tony says he cannot give half the pub back - Steve will just have to get over himself. Liz completely agrees but Steve is stubborn. And she leaves Tony to think about it.

Roll credits.

Now I realise Steve has gone away at short notice, so presumably there has been some re-writing of bits of this - it all seems to work well. However who is running StreetCars? Lloyd has gone and the two of them jointly own the business.

Sal fell for the "promotion" just a bit too easily. Someone ought to have mentioned money!

I hope something gets Si back on the rails - he was a great kid when he was younger and I hope that has not been lost forever.

See you next week.

K Richard Whitbread

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Tim Finn

What will these episodes of Corrie bring, I wonder? Starting with the writing credit of Damon Rochefort, I think they will be fabulous!

Morning in the pub back room, Erica has come to see Liz who thinks she's there to add her objections to everyone else's regarding Tony. Not exactly. Erica fills in Liz on a bloke she knew in Spain who ended up conning her and stealing from her. Point taken. Michelle enters and asks if Erica has had any luck yet. Erica maintains a non-judgmental stance but Michelle is ready to have Liz's head examined.

Meanwhile, Tony is at Eileen's, gloating. Both Eileen and Jason are flummoxed. Jason points out Liz only just removed his photo from the dartboard and Steve hates him and flew off to Spain. Tony knows he's got his work cut out for him on that front. Jason doesn't blame Steve for high-tailing it. Tony took his and Michelle's home from them.

Back in the pub, Michelle is trying to understand why Liz is getting back with Tony. She even tells Liz she doubts her and Steve would be able to remain living in the pub with Tony as boss and betrayer. Aidan pops in looking for his phone charger but is hustled out quickly so the women can finish their discussion. Michelle asks if Liz is willing to make Steve's exit permanent and lose one of her best friends. Hmmm...If Liz has something up her sleeve, she better not hesitate too long in implementing it.

Leanne is ironing and moaning about Peter to Eva. Simon comes in and both he and Eva make weak excuses for Peter's weakness for women but Leanne isn't having it. Simon spews a mouthful of hurtful sarcasm at Leanne's expense. Eva scolds him and even Leanne takes him to task for saying things he doesn't mean on purpose to hurt her. He insists he means it and Eva shouts at him again, in defense of Leanne. Eva manages to get a genuine sounding "sorry" but points out it's Leanne that deserves it, not her. Eva leaves them to it and Simon does apologize. He then tries to get out of school, feeling upset about his dad but that doesn't wash and when Leanne insists he's going to school, his face hardens again.

In the cafe, Mary asks Michelle, who's distracted, if everything is ok. Eva comes in behind her and also notices that Michelle looks down. Mary launches into a recollection of going to Sunday school as a child, mainly due to her mother's excuse that she need to clean house but, Mary recalls, her parents were usually still abed when she got home. Michelle and Eva exchange glances.

It's Kate's birthday and Aidan and Carla bring in a cupcake and sing a raucous birthday song. Carla asks if they're going to meet Caz but Kate says Caz's next leave isn't until Christmas. Kirk shows up late and has an on-time alarm clock as his excuse (Beth normally keeps it 15 minutes ahead but set it back to normal because she was too early for everything). Aidan interrupts Kirk's stream of consciousness about the clock to chivvy him to work.

In the pub, Eileen has joined Erica and Liz and Liz is still defending herself. Liz declares it's nobody else's business but her friends repeat their concerns for Steve's feelings. Liz has decided that Steve has made his feelings known and then proceeds to give chapter and verse on the losers Eileen has had in the past few years, from the racist fireman to Jesse the clown. Eileen comes back on her. She would hope that Liz would try to make her see sense if she was heading for a fall with a bloke like Tony after everything Tony's already one. It's not just about Steve, it's about all that betrayal. She's right. Michelle agrees from the corner. Eileen leaves as does Michelle and Erica asks if Tony is really worth it. Liz states that sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do. (Now that doesn't sound like a woman following her heart. I reckon she'd have said something along those lines if that was the case.)

After the break, we're in the garage. Sophie's verifying some information on Luke's phone. Steph and Andy rock up, entirely too cheerful for a Monday morning. Luke is not having a happy Monday, however. Sophie tells them he's had a face on him all day and thinks he might be feeling a bit in the way over at Number 9 where he's still living amidst a family dealing with a sick child. Steph chides herself for not spending much time with her brother lately. They head to the Bistro.

Across the road, Leanne meets up with Nessa and Ken. Ken asks after Simon and is told that Simon played up a bit but she sent him off to school. Nessa points out Ken's new jeans (Ken? Jeans?) that she'd encouraged him to buy. She witters on about upgrading his wardrobe. Leanne looks a bit mystified. Ken hopes Simon has turned a corner as does Leanne herself and they part ways. But Simon has bunked off school and is hiding around the corner. When the coast is clear, he runs back to the door of the flat and lets himself in.

In the factory, it seems Aidan has accompanied Eva on the cake run. Kate teases him and then tells Eva that Aidan "likes" her. Kate reckons they'd be cute together and she'd be far better than his usual sort of woman. Eva sort of seems interested. Outside, Kirk is seeing off an order in a van. Kate comes out and suggests they take an early lunch seeing as it's her birthday.

Simon is on the phone inviting some mates over for a gaming session.

Liz is outside having a coffee. Tony comes around the corner to bring her something important. He hands her an envelope. He wants to show her how sorry he really is and wants to make it right. She looks at the paperwork. It's a contract that signs his half of the pub back to Steve. Liz smiles.

Kirk and Kate have been dragged back to work from the pub. Seems the order they sent off that morning wasn't the right one. The company was sent someone else's. Oh dear. Aidan is really angry though Carla tries to keep him calm. Kirk is about to take the blame but Kate steps in and says it was her fault. She promises to sort it. Carla scurries them back to work to do just that and gives Aidan a pointed look. Outside, Kirk can't understand why Kate took the blame but she reckons Aidan couldn't fire his own sister, especially on her birthday.

Steph comes over to the garage and insists that she and Andy are taking Luke out tonight to cheer him up since he's obviously missing Maria. Sophie thinks that's a good idea, Luke has had a face like a "yard of gravy" all day, a saying her granddad used to say (Bill Webster, I presume). Sophie is invited to go along with them and she's up for it. They make a time to start up at the Rovers.

At the Bistro, Erica and Eileen are gossiping about Liz to Leanne, Ken and Nessa. Ken is surprised, Leanne wonders if Liz saw Tony as the better option to Dan. Not much of a choice, Eileen reckons. Ken thinks Deirdre would have had something to tell Liz and Eileen promises she'll do them both justice. Andy hands Leanne a tray of drinks and just as he does, the heel on her shoe breaks. Erica grabs the tray in time and Leanne takes her shoes off. Erica delivers the drinks and Leanne takes a message from the school to tell her that Simon has bunked off. (Sure took them long enough) She's not happy and leaves the Bistro to change her shoes and go track him down. Ken wonders what Tracy will think of Tony and Liz back together. That, at least, makes Eileen grin, anticipating an explosion worth watching.

Jamie comes into the garage where Luke is industriously working on a car. Luke's not happy to see him. Jamie wants Luke to drive in a warm up race. Luke tries to get out of it but Jamie insists.

Kirk and Kate sit outside. He thanks her for covering. She calls Aidan a bully but Kirk takes all the responsibility. Behind them, the door opens quietly and we can see Aidan and Carla peeking out. They overhear Kirk saying how Carla's always been good to him and he hates letting her down. Carla and Aidan look like they're about to burst into giggles as we can hear a taxi engine in the background. Kate sees them and when they say they're about to give her a birthday present, she shouts that she didn't want a lot of fuss. Behind her, a woman gets out of the cab. It's Kate's fiancee, Caz. Kate launches herself into Kate's arms and they kiss joyfully.

Michelle is in the cab office with Eileen and they're continuing to discuss the situation. Michelle is really upset. Neither of them can understand how Liz can forgive the double dealing and betrayal and the hurt Steve is going through over it. Michelle gets a message and it's from Liz who wants to see her. Eileen decides to come across too, curiosity getting the best of her.

Simon and four or five of his mates are running around the flat. Music is on loud and the boys are horsing around. Simon brings a tray of something out of the oven, burned as Leanne comes in, shocked at the sight. The music is turned off and she screams at them.

Liz is on the phone with a solicitor verifying that the contract is good and Tony's share is now hers (or Steve's). Tony closes the door and turns to her as she hangs up. He knows she's been checking up on him. He then declares he's done with Barlows Buys and he's done with the past. He can't change it but he can make it right. He reaches into his pocket and goes down on his knee, declares his love and asks her to marry him just as Michelle comes through he door. She's horrified! Liz tries to interject. Michelle wants to know if that's why Liz called her back to the pub? Liz looks down at Tony.

What's going to happen? Read on. Part two is just down a few lines!

Part 2

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Tim Finn

Michelle shouts at Liz and tells her that she and Steve will be gone as soon as they can arrange it. Tony's still on the ground and looking up hopefully, waiting for an answer but Liz needs to go after Michelle, first. He agrees and heads into the kitchen to put champagne in the freezer. Liz looks overwhelmed.

Leanne throws all the kids out of the flat. One of them apologizes to her as he leaves. Simon is sat there looking humiliated. She tries to find out what he was thinking. He bluntly grunts "I blame the parents" and takes himself out the door with his backpack, saying he's off to school.

Michelle is out in the bar and telling Eileen and Erica what she's just seen. Tracy is in the pub and overhears and joins the conversation with excitement. She's delighted, Robert is trying to get her to stay out of it but she's no intentions of that. The gossip's too good! The "happy" couple come into the bar from the back. Tracy gloats. Tony comments that she'll be out on her ear if she keeps it up but Liz grabs a bottle and brings it over, saying she owes Tracy a drink. Wha? Liz turns around and explains, she took a leaf out of Tracy's book and proceeds to tear Tony apart. He couldn't expect she would really marry him after all those lies, could he? (Here it comes, payback!) He looks confused. She hisses that it's one thing to go after her but when he takes aim at her family "It's time to duck and cover, pal" and she decided to do what Tracy would do. Cheat, lie, and sell her own grandmother up the river to get what she wants. She thanks Tracy who accepts gladly, enjoying what she knows is coming. Erica asks Eileen what's going on. Eileen has a pretty good idea what's coming too. Michelle is confused, trying to understand that Liz doesn't want to marry Tony after all? Liz does not. She tells Tony he's finished and she never wants to see him again. (What a woman! Bev Callard is knocking it out of the park!) Tony is still trying to get his head around what's happening, not quite believing it. Liz tells Michelle that Tony's signed over the pub and it's legal and above board. The contract is in the safe. Michelle finally realizes that's been Liz's plan all along. Tony is quiet and walks to the door. In a rather pathetic attempt at a comeback, desperately trying to have a little dignity he tells them all they deserve each other and they're all pathetic. He goes out the door. Michelle laughs and hugs Liz while everyone else applauds.

Leanne cleans up the mess. She discovers an old card Simon made for her when he was younger and sighs.

Kate is sitting on Caz's lap in Carla's office. Johnny joins them and hugs Caz. Carla sends them over to the Bistro where Johnny has a table booked for them. Kate and Caz leave but Kate invites Carla and the girls over later on to meet her stunner of a girlfriend.

Liz is on the phone to Steve, she and Michelle have given him the good news. Steve's going to stay on a little longer. Michelle teases Liz about having to run the place on her own but she's only messing. She's really happy. Liz admits it wasn't easy but it was worthwhile. She crows about Tony's ego and didn't expect the proposal. She assures Michelle she didn't have to sleep with Tony to be convincing. Michelle thanks her again. She tells Liz about the family invite to meet Caz but Liz prefers to stay in and relish a nice, hot bath but encourages Michelle to go.

Simon returns 2 hours late after the end of school. Leanne shouts at him and follows him to the bedroom where he heads directly. Simon slams the door on her and turns on his music loudly. She despairs, near tears. Eva arrives home and finds her upset and crying. She hugs Leanne.

After the break, we're in the Bistro with the birthday party. Robert and Tracy are at the bar. He's surprised she was happy about what happened at the pub, he thought she hated Liz. She denies that, after all, Liz is Amy's grandmother and not a bad one. She's just glad this will get Tony out of all their lives. Over at the party table, Johnny is moaning about the expense of the amount of prosecco they're knocking back. Carla offers to buy the next two bottles on her tab. Caz is only visiting for a short time. Sally pipes up that her daughter is a Lesbian. She tells them how broad minded she is and that she'd have supported Sophie even before it became fashionable. Aw, she means well, doesn't she? Johnny changes the subject and proposes a toast to the birthday girl. He is looking forward to welcoming Caz into the family and hopes the next time he makes a toast it will be her wedding day.

Eva sits down the Leanne and asks what's going on. Leanne says he's done a lot of other stuff but passes it off as typical teenage stuff.

Caz asks Kirk if it isn't a bit much being surrounded by women all day. Our Kirkey matter-of-factly explains he's used to working with dogs. Eh? Of course, he's referring to the kennels his parents used to own. They'd be up early and covered in muck all day so this job is a walk in the park. Sophie, Steph and Andy come in and Sally shrilly calls her over. Sophie is reluctant to go over, thinking her mother is a bit tiddly. Steph can't get hold of Luke and asks Nick if he's been in. Nick hasn't seen him. Nick asks if anyone would mind working a bit of extra overtime to help him out seeing as they have an unexpected party. Andy offers to work and Nick says the girls can have free drinks. They've already missed the start of the movie they were going to see so the women make themselves comfortable at the bar and Andy goes round to help. Michelle arrives with a smile, grinning from ear to ear. She tells them all the good news about the pub. Everyone cheers.

Liz is out back having a cig, an electronic one as it happens. Erica joins her. Liz muses that it was probably the wrong day to try to quit smoking! She tells Erica she didn't feel much like celebrating. She wonders how people like Tracy manage to lie over and over so blithely. Erica tells her she's an honest woman, which is what made it so difficult. Liz is glad it's over. Erica wonders if there was some small part of her that wishes it was different, that it could have worked out? Liz admits there was, if he hadn't been so stupid and if he'd been a lovely as he has been the past few days but they can't change the past. Erica congratulates her on the best revenge on a bloke she's ever seen.

Simon's music is still thumping. Leanne is on edge. Eva urges her to tell what's going on. Leanne doesn't think she can, it's too horrible and then cringes that the music is driving her mad. Eva goes over to Simon's door and screams through it for him to turn it down or else. He does. She goes back to Leanne who finally admits that Simon's been hitting her. Eva is stunned.

The party is getting raucous now. The birthday girl wants to dance! They tease Beth about what kind of inappropriate song was the first dance at her wedding. She can't remember what it actually was. Kirk belts out "It were 'Push It'!" much to the delight of the others. Nick keeps insisting there's no dance floor. Over at the bar, Luke and Jamie come in. Luke apologizes and Jamie buys the drinks. Steph is cool to Luke. The girls go to the ladies' and when they go, Jamie gets cheeky and Luke tells him he can't drive in the big race. He's lying to Steph and he doesn't like it. Jamie again threatens to put the photos of Steph online. Luke tries to call his bluff but isn't too sure Jamie wouldn't do it.

Outside, Michelle is on the phone to Steve, a bit tiddly from the party. She says she'll call him again before she goes to sleep and they say good night. She's very happy. Down road she spots Liz outside the pub and they wave to each other.

Leanne has told Eva the truth but makes excuses for Simon's behaviour due to the troubles he's had. Eva points out she sounds like a battered wife making excuses. It's abuse. She agrees, she knows, and Eva's angry. Leanne admits she's scared of how far Simon would go if he was in a rage. Eva feels bad she wasn't around for her having to deal with it alone. Leanne is at the end of her rope with an out of control kid on her hands. She cries on Eva's shoulder again.

Tvor

It's early morning, and a somber Tony has called in on Eileen and co and made them all a brew. Eileen asks him what his plans are.

Someone has painted the word 'Whore' on the wall outside the bistro. Sally, Nick, Steph and Kirk are staring at it when Leanne and Eva come along. Nick reckons it's kids but Leanne looks horrified and says she reckons it's 'a kid', and it would explain Simon's early start.

Tony goes into the pub, he wants to speak to Liz, but Michelle tells him to get lost, He's sure that deep down Liz still has feelings for him. Michelle tells him that if he still has feelings for Liz he shouldn't come back.

Tracy and Todd are outside the shop when she spots Tony. She says she thought he'd be off somewhere licking his wounds, and he should face it – Liz must really hate him.

Leanne is hard at work, trying to scrub the paint off the wall, but it doesn't seem to be fading at all.

Kate's girlfriend Caz suddenly arrives at the factory, bringing a bag with lunch in it, and leads her off out the back.

Tony is sitting in the office at the yard, deep in thought, when Jason comes in, happy because he's just landed another job. Tony then tells Jason that he's leaving.

Luke has a go at Jamie because he thinks it was him who painted the bistro wall. “No one calls my sister a whore!” he shouts, and starts pushing him. Just then Steph comes in. “Luke!” she shouts.

Jamie tells Steph that he just made a wisecrack about Luke's dress sense. Luke backs him up on it, but Steph doesn't believe either of them, and storms off. When she's gone, Luke tells Jamie that he's not driving. “Oh yes you are,” says Jamie, “because if you don't that art work won't be a patch on the abuse Steph gets when I post those pictures!”

Kate and her girlfriend are enjoying their lunch in the factory.

Tony tells Jason that he's can get some work with an old school friend in Birmingham. Just then Todd arrives and Tony tells him that he's leaving.

Simon arrives home so Leanne goes straight to his bag and finds the can of spray paint. “How could you be so cruel?” she asks him, “do you really hate me that much?” Simon says he just wrote what everyone thinks about her.

Tony, Jason and Todd are enjoying a few lagers up in the office. Tony then tells Jason how he and Todd torched Callum's car. He tells Jason he's telling him now because he wants a clean slate, and Jason should move on.

Simon is giving Leanne a load of spiteful backchat until she almost loses her temper. She raises her hand as if to strike him, and then screams at him to get out of her sight. He runs off to his room.

Kate confesses to Michelle that although it's great having her girlfriend around, it's all a bit too intense. In the seven months they've known each other they've only spent a total of three weeks together.

Sean tells Billy they should go away on holiday, and how about next week? Billy, however, has weddings on the agenda, and then it's going to be the run up to Christmas with nativities and carol services etc. Sean then suggests January, but Billy tells him there's a lot of funerals then. They realise then that for the next six months or so a holiday is out of the question.

Kate's girlfriend tells Aidan and Johnny that she wants to set a date for the wedding, so Aidan hustles her around the bar to where Kate is standing. She tells Kate she wants to get married in April. Kate blusters that it's a bit sudden..but eventually says OK.

Eva comes home and Leanne tells her that she almost hit Simon. She confesses that she's got nothing left, she's running on empty. Eva tells her she can't throw the towel in, but Leanne reckons she can send Simon to live with Ken for a bit. Eva tells her that the last thing Simon needs is to feel abandoned again. “You're his mum, he needs you,” she says, but Leanne reckons he needs better than her.

Outside the pub, Tony is taking his leave of everyone, then he gets in his van and drives off. Upstairs in the Rovers, Liz is looking out of the window, looking visibly upset.

Anne Logan

Hello from an unusually warm UK - temps still in double figures as we head into Christmas week. There's cherry blossom down the road from my house.

We start this episode with Leanne getting all flustered as she sorts the washing and spilling the washing powder. Eva tries to calm her down but it isn't helped when Simon comes in angry because he can't find the washing basket and announces he's spilt toothpaste down the front of his school jumper.

I don't know whether they're planning to get Sophie and Kate together (but Soapland rules say if there are two lesbians in the same show they MUST get together) but as the rest of her family talk about her fiance's visit, Kate doesn't seem particularly happy.

Caitlin's sending Craig minute-by-minute updates about her journey to Weatherfield and he rushes off to meet the bus. Beth and Kirk walk towards the factory - Kirk's exciting about a packaging tape innovation.

As Eileen and Sean chat in the taxi office, Michael takes a call that seems to change everything for him - he recognises the address 22 Station Road and it doesn't make him happy.

Steph ignores Luke's attempts at peacemaking and he's so annoyed he slams down the bonnet of the car he's been working on.

Leanne meets Ken and asks if they can have a cuppa later. Ken agrees and tries to continue on his walk with Eccles, who is growling towards Gail's house. Ken wonders if she was a vet in a previous life. Zeedan comes along and tells Leanne he's got some freebies - "sweatbands and that" - at the gym. Should he drop some off for Simon? She tells him she's decided Simon should go and live with Ken and Zeedan assumes Simon's hit her again. Leanne puts him straight and Zeedan says he'll bring the stuff to her and she can give it to Simon.

We all love seeing Sally's nose out of joint, don't we? It seems Kate is our friend in this. Sally starts to witter on about her "expertise" with lesbian weddings and almost gets her mouth shut with the packing department's whizzy new tape machines.

Eileen comes back into the taxi office with tales of 22 Station Road. It seems the woman who booked the taxi from Freshco to there asked the driver to check the doors and windows when they got to the house and kept going on about the local crime wave. She was so paranoid she left all her shopping in the boot.

Caitlin's arrived and she and Craig head into the cafe.

Kirk's thinking about making plans to go and see Maria and talks to Luke about it. All he does is make Luke angry. He snaps at Kirk and then he snaps at Sophie.

Kate's outside the factory when the rest of the Connors return. They've been to a meeting where it seems Aidan made unrealistic promises about how soon they could deliver an order.

At No 1, Leanne and Ken chat. She tries to talk about needing to change the way they manage Simon but Ken brushes her off until she has to shout at him that she's not coping. Apart from that, she thinks Simon needs a male role model. "How does Simon feel about this?" asks Ken. That's the next challenge - telling him.

Aidan gives the staff a pep talk, though it's not easy with Kate sniping from the sidelines. He wants the staff to do overtime to get through this order. If they put in the extra work now and get this client onside, it will mean job security further down the line.

A woman turns up at Streetcars demanding her groceries back and complaining about the bus fare and her patella - I'd say it was in the same sentence but she doesn't use full stops, so it's more like a never-ending stream of complaint. When Michael realises it's her from 22 Station Road he rushes to help her get a cab home, leaving Eileen holding the cakes.

Steph tells Luke once again that she knows he's been racing. When she's gone, Sophie tries to talk to Luke about it but he refuses to talk.

Aidan discusses with Carla just how stroppy Kate is and how it was a mistake for her to get a job there. All of this is overheard by Kate, who's come to apologise but has now changed her mind.

Leanne's washed and folded all Simon's clothes. Eva tries to tell her it will all work out but it doesn't seem like that when Simon comes out and is still being very aggressive. "Am I going into care?" he asks. Of course not, but he is going to live with his grandfather. It seems that to Simon this is just as bad as going into care.

Craig's at home with Caitlin, giving her some lessons in how to get better graffiti skills.

Kate's dad tries to calm her down. Aidan comes out with a sign-up sheet for the overtime. As an incentive, anyone who signs up for all the available overtime will get a £10 music voucher. Kate suggests time-and-a-half or an extra two pounds an hour might be more appropriate. She suggests a walk-out but some of the machinists protest that they can't afford to lose their jobs. Kate says that's exactly it - Aidan has them all over a barrel and they don't have a choice. And she walks out.

Luke has finally told Sophie what's going on. She asks him what he's going to do. "This," he says. "Let her hate me until I can think of something better."

Simon stomps into Ken's and tells Leanne to go. He protests that he always ends up being in the way and he doesn't want to see her.

Craig plans to help Caitlin practise on the yard wall but it seems Caitlin has bought a new shirt (Craig if very flattered) and doesn't want to get paint on it. She's wearing a vest top under it, though, so she pulls off the shirt just as Beth walks in, making assumptions about what they've been up to.

"Mum! Mum" Don't go!" calls Simon as Leanne walks away from Ken's. "I don't want to stop here." Leanne tells him it'll be all right. But Simon says if she walks away he'll never speak to her again. With tears in her eyes, Leanne keeps walking.

The end.
Coming soon: Episode Two.

Margaret Carr

This update is from Richard, who left it in my incapable hands while he went off to find a warm place, little realising he could have stopped here for a barbecue Christmas dinner!

Here's his update:

ITV player appears to have had a makeover - and there was no request for the annoying sign in. We will have to wait and see if it continues to fall over whilst playing back.

As part of the makeover we seem to have lost the episode numbers. Research shows this is episode 8777, I think. This episode was written by Jan McVerry and directed by Tim Finn. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Katie Connor is sat on Maxeem's bench when Kirk happens by bemoaning her departure but she says he will soon get over it. He reckons she has revolutionised packing - she moved the tape dispenser 5 inches and the pain in his side which he blamed on their mattress has gone completely. She admits she was kidding herself - the boss's daughter can never be one of the gang.

Meanwhile lothario Michael Rodwell is escorting the woman from 22 Station Road (I assume he burgled the property leading to her insecurities) along the street - she has not slept in two years. Leanne steams past ignoring Michael's greeting. She feels she needs someone there and Michael gets in the taxi with her.

Leanne is taking a call from Nick - she has been held up. She will be in in a couple of minutes. She rests against the wall not knowing what to do next.

Craig is explaining why Caitlin Ryan (who has re-appeared again) was taking her blouse off as she did not want to get chalk on it. Beth says she can get that clean and in the meantime Caitlin can borrow one of his tops. And get this mess sorted says Beth waving at the room. Then they can sit down as she wants a chat with the two of them. Craig protests at "The Chat".

Along at Number One Ken is trying to involve Simon in some cooking - but he is playing on his phone. Ken says Robert has been giving advice and he is getting to be a dab hand. Simon does not want to know. Ken keeps trying but Simon is at best monosyllabic if he answers at all. Tracy and Robert return - with Amy sent to the bathroom to wash her hair - she had a lollipop stuck in it. Simon does not even acknowledge them coming into the room. Tracy says that Si's got lovely curls ruffling them and he ducks away. Ken breaks the news that Simon will be living with them. Leanne has been struggling and it ill be better for Si.

Eva is leaving the factory for her shift at the Rovers - but Aidan is showing a lot of interest! Carla wants to know what is going on with Kate? Aidan and Johnny say she was showing off and undermining them publicly. And anyway Kate does not want to work at the factory observes Aidan.

Back at Beth's she is saying the family is up front. So she has some advice to share with Craig and Caitlin. Its Craig's job to try and Caitlin to ensure he is denied. Caitlin tells her that is rubbish. Craig is a good 'un and should not be told to act like a sleazebag. Craig agrees. She asks if they are taking precautions. Caitlin says a couple of aprons and a plastic floor sheet would be a good idea. She adds they are only just getting to know each other but he is her boyfriend (which surprises and pleases Craig in about equal measure). But they are taking it slowly and doing what suits them. Beth approves and if they need protection just ask.

Tracy is reminding Ken that Leanne has just had a break. Why should they get lumbered - Si is 12 year old brat and he is damaged goods. No-one has ever said no to Simon. She calls Leanne a flake but Ken is sympathetic. Rob supports Leanne and this annoys Tracy. Ken insists they provide familial support as Leanne would for Amy. Tracy warns that Si had better be nice to Amy or he goes.

At the Rovers both Sean and Billy have found their perfect holidays for one week in April. Eileen listens as Sean announces a week clubbing Ibiza and Billy proposes a week on the Isle of Mull. Neither seems excited by the other's choice! They each extol the holiday they had chosen. Best beaches or glorious seclusion? Nightclubs or baby puffins?

Carla comes into the Rovers she hears Eva telling Kate how lucky she is now that when the morning alarm goes off she can kit the snooze button and roll over. Kate is not so sure her bank manager will be keen. Eva says Kate should see it as a springboard to an entire new life. Carla decides an intervention is in order. Weak lager is not the answer - and Carla has a flat full of good wine and they can put the world to rights. Kate is waiting on Caz - and Kate sees it as drinking with the enemy. Finally she agrees and Carla enjoins Michelle to join them. As Kate leaves she gives the juke box a smart smack and it starts playing - which it had failed to do when Sophie dropped the money in - so she wrinkles her nose in disgust.

Have you ever heard an individual in the early stages of learning the violin. Me and Si neither. As portrayed by Amy it is not obviously musical. Si asks if she can practice elsewhere - so she winds him up by moving closer. Perhaps he can go elsewhere - move the telly upstairs? She suggests he watches the tv in his own room in his own home. But he cannot because he has been kicked out and she continues to wind him up. Eventually he cannot stand the "music" and grabs Amy's arm and they are in dispute when Ken enters and wants to know what on earth is going on.

After the break (and the new ITV hub now needs sign on just like the old player - obviously getting their act together). Amy accuses Simon of trying to break the violin and he accuses her of screeching close to his ear! Ken tells them some more give and take is needed. Ken determines that Simon has the living room until the film finishes in 30 minutes then Amy has it for the next 30 minutes. Si suggests Amy does it in her bedroom and Ken sees the sense in that. Ken tells Simon that he is going to have to be more clever than this for all their sakes. Ken realises that Simon can be a problem and that Amy's playing leaves much to be desired.

Nick has just finished preparing dinner when the three girls arrive. Hmm. He looks bemused. Carla tells him they she has a crisis and she is staging an intervention.

In the Rovers Eva serves a Spanish sherry and a Scotch whisky to Sean and Billy. Neither seems terribly keen on the other's holiday choice.

Beth is praising herself on giving the "talk". But Caitlin might need telling that all black clothes are not a good look! Beth reckons she could write a book on advice like Supernanny!

Billy returns from a visit to the gents and has solved the problem. A week in Ibiza, half of it up in the mountains (so much warmer than Mull); then down to San Antonio and paartaay! He was struck by a bolt of lightning from above, but Eva reckons the fluorescent light needs fixing!

Nick arrives looking for line-caught salmon with hollandaise sauce in a packet and 2012 Pouilly Fume; he ends up with a pinot and offers Johnny and Aidan drinks as well.

Back at the flat Michelle and Carla are pointing out to Kate that if she wants to keep buying £120 jeans then she needs to keep working. It was a good walk out - but what can Kate do next? Where does Kate see herself in five years' time? Kate is waiting for a light bulb to go pink (try the gents in the Rovers then). 26 years of waiting so far for nothing (is she really 26?), she has been a holiday rep, dance teacher, waitress and failed. And Underworld won't work whilst big brother Aidan is there. She likes some of it - even likes Kirk. Carla suggests she tries working around Aidan - nodding and smiling. Kate says Carla will look stupid if she returns to work. Carla suggests they give Kate a written warning - and more bad behaviour and it is the sack. Kate looks principles and Carla looks decisive so both sides win. Kate agrees providing they open another bottle.

Michael returns home to Eileen. Apparently the woman is very anxious. Dee of 22 Station Road. Eileen tells him he is luck - there is no-one else in the house and how often does that happen? So she is hoping they can both slip into nothing more comfortable - but first Michael has to check a long list of jobs he has agreed to do for Dee. Eileen is not amused. They argue and any thoughts of an early bed time vanish.

Leanne is about to sit down after a busy shift when Tracy and Robert walk into the Bistro. Leanne knows she has failed as a mother and needs no lessons from Tracy - she tried and it did not work. Tracy tells her that all kids are selfish brats and Simon has seen some pretty bad stuff, perhaps she should be glad he still has some fight in him. Tracy tells Leanne the break will do her good and Leanne observes to Robert that Tracy must have been replaced by a robot.

Meanwhile Sophie and Steph discuss Luke who is not being honest. Sophie defends Luke - an almost impossible task which Steph sees through, the former claiming it is simply busy at the garage.

Nick returns to the flat - the girls have consumed the Pouilly Fume and she has split some on the rug - so Nick has to clean up. With the other two gone Carla tells Nick that she owes him one. He says not as he has had a good evening with Eva and the lads. Nick observes that Carla is behaving like a little mother hen which suits her as she worries about Kate. Hot head but a good heart Carla describes Kate which reminds Nick of someone he knows only too well. And he is glad he gave the Connors a call. They then have a huge snog.

Simon is still playing video games when Ken descends to the living room in his dressing gown. Si wants to know why the wifi is so slow. Ken reckons it is fast enough. And it is time Simon was in bed [I am lost - I thought these houses had only two bedrooms?]. Leanne has sent a text "Good night. Love you." Si is not impressed. Ken reminds him that he never wanted to speak to Leanne again. Ken says she does love him - but Si denies it as she has not brought his quilt and who uses stupid sheets and blankets these days? As he goes to bed Ken says that he loves him as well.

At her flat Leanne is awaiting a response from Si - and as she tells Eva there is not even a return message - not even a good night. They always say good night - even if they have had a little row. Eva observes that he wants to make her feel angry and upset. He used to send such loving little notes - and she has kept them. Leanne thinks she has lost him, probably forever. Leanne dissolves in tears and Eva gives her a huge hug.

Roll credits.

Not sure why Carla feels that she has to get Kate back on side - no doubt all will become clear.

Too many light bulbs coming on everywhere!

And Simon needs attention. People to sit down with him - he is not even a teenager yet. Attention which he has not been getting. It will take time and effort on both sides and I hope that he is not turning into a permanent bad boy a la David - years and years of being trouble.

See you next week.

Richard

Written by John Kerr Directed by Lee Salisbury

Robert's waiting for the bathroom and Simon and Amy have already started picking on each other. Robert and Ken both scold them but it does no good. In one ear and out the other. It descends to name calling and Simon threatening Amy. Tracy overhears and threatens Simon right back which sends Simon running off in an angry strop, claiming to hate everything and everyone. Tracy defends her harsh words. Robert advises going easy on Simon who's having a difficult time. Tracy is unrepentant. Ken just wants them all to try to get along. Amy doesn't think it's going to happen.

Anna's sweeping outside the cafe. Izzy comes zooming past at top speed. Apparently, Jake's playing up (though he wasn't anywhere in sight). Anna apologizes, wishing she could help more. Izzy says it's not her fault and just then, Alya walks past so Anna takes the opportunity to snipe at her, implying it's her fault. Anna assures Izzy that Gary will be back.

Inside the cafe, Steph and Andy are having breakfast. Andy observes that Steph looks tired and worried and she admits that Luke hasn't returned her call. Andy isn't sure Luke is racing again but Steph feels sure he is and it seems to be a bit of a stand off. Andy reckons one of them will have to blink first and suggests she makes the first move because she's worried about him.

At the garage, Luke takes a call from Jamie confirming the time and place for the race. Luke is so upset that he biffs one of the tools against the wall. Sophie comes out hollering at him. Luke won't tell Sophie what's up.

Eva's got a day off. She's going to do a bit of shopping and some relaxing. Robert comes out and joins them, telling Leanne that Simon hasn't mentioned her and is spending most of the time playing games on his phone. That reminds Leanne that she's left hers at home. She runs off and Eva asks how Simon really is. Robert admits that Simon is really angry at everyone.

Norris is reading an issue of ChitChat and wondering why Kim Kardassian is so famous (I wonder that, myself). Mary reckons the exposure of KK's backside and a lot of selfies must be the reason though neither of them is quite sure if she manages to take any selfies of her backside. Just as Mary's contorting herself to see if it's possible, Erica comes in for a card for Dev to say thank you. After she leaves, Norris and Mary speculate on whether Dev has his sights set on Erica, his "next victim" according to Norris who criticizes Dev for parading a series of women in front of his children. Mary looks perturbed.

Simon has come home from school, apparently feeling ill at school. Ken has collected him. Simon is very rude to him, accusing Ken of thinking he's skiving. Ken takes him to task for his unacceptable tone of voice, both with him and with Amy that morning. Simon is not sorry and tells his grandfather nobody wants him there and he doesn't care anymore. (But he does, really) Ken looks pained. Simon goes out in the back to kick a football.

Robert is at work, hearing Leanne is unreasonably stroppy on the phone with a customer who's canceled a booking. Robert suggests she takes the day off. He's sympathetic and thinks a bit of time off with Eva, shopping in town to have a break. She agrees.

Andy and Steph come by the garage looking for Luke but he's out on a breakdown. Andy tells Sophie that Steph is still worried about Luke. She apologizes for being short with Sophie the other day and notes that it feels like Luke is avoiding her. Jamie swaggers in and is told Luke is out. Jamie decides to wait and asks Steph for a drink. She actually accepts and Andy decides to tag along.

Robert nips home for something and notices that Ken seems a bit out of sorts. He tells Robert what happened and that he argued with Simon. He's worried. He's never seen Simon so upset or so "profoundly alone". Robert offers to have a word, it might help coming from someone not so close. Ken thinks it's worth a try. Out in the back, Simon is still bashing the football against the wall, full of aggression. Robert comes out and sits on the bench. He recollects his own anger as a teen, in particular when he and his father didn't get along. He says it just seemed to happen overnight, his father just got on his nerves all the time. He realized that his father was always there for him no matter what. His point is that Leanne is always there for him. He tells Simon that he told Leanne he was ok but knows Simon isn't. Simon gets overwhelmed with tears and launches himself into Robert's arms.

After the break, we're in the pub with Andy, Steph and Jamie. Things are awkward. She asks Jamie if Luke is in trouble and she knows there's something going on between the two of them. Jamie is sarcastic and cocky. Steph wants to know if Luke is racing, where and when so she can stop him. She's scared he'll be hurt. Obviously, Jamie doesn't want the race stopped so he patronizes her, saying nobody's going to get hurt. Steph leaves, upset. Jamie and Andy face off, with Andy promising to do more than give him a stern talking to if he upsets Steph. Jamie looks smug.

Dev is applying first aid to a somewhat damaged finger Erica acquired while fixing something in the flat with a drill, something he'd promised to do but not got round to. Never mind, Erica tells Mary who's come in, she can do it herself, and, slinging the hefty drill, takes herself off to do just that. Gotta love women that know how to use the business end of power tools! Dev asks Mary to cover for him so he can help Erica. Mary is already riled over seeing him fawn over Erica and doesn't think Erica needs his help. She expresses her concern for him and his children, worried that he's flinging himself into a new relationship. He denies any such thing and only wants to help her in the flat. He offers to pay her twenty quid so she decides to accept the offer to stand behind the counter while he's playing Mr. Fixit.

Izzy nearly runs into Jamie who's coming out of the pub. She drops her packages and Alya helps pick them up for her. Izzy says she's going to the cafe to pick up Jake so Alya offers to take her bags over for her. She reluctantly accepts and zips off, making Alya have to run after her.

Simon has Eccles on a lead and is knocking on the door of Leanne's flat (I thought he had a key?) Leanne and Eva are just coming around the corner down the other end of Rosamund Street, having been to the shops. Simon sees them heading to the pub and his face falls and darkens in anger. Norris mithers him about having a plastic bag for the dog's leavings and that only gets him a mouthful of insults from Simon.

In the garage, Sophie is telling Luke about Steph's visit and that she didn't say anything. Jamie arrives. Sophie overhears him talking to Luke and realizes he's going to race. Luke tells Sophie he doesn't have a choice.

Izzy arrives at the cafe with Alya to get Jake. They order two coffees. Anna grimaces. Alya apologizes again to Izzy for everything. She thinks Gary would have been better of with Izzy but Izzy takes that the wrong way, reckoning she was a consolation prize. Alya apologizes again, and realizing she can't win, decides to go back to work. Anna tells Izzy that Gary is coming back tomorrow.

Tracy is trying to help Amy with her maths homework, not very successfully and pulls out a calculator. Amy points out that's cheating. "Only if you get caught" is Tracy's typical response. The door slams and a surly Simon arrives back home. Tracy makes Simon sit at the table to do his homework. Simon does, but isn't happy about it. Tracy takes a call from Todd and has to go back to the shop for a bit. She warns the kids to behave while she's gone.

Sophie beats on Steph's door to tell her that Luke has gone racing. Steph immediately decides they have to go after him, even though none of them has any idea where the race is. Steph knows Luke's friends and figures one of them will know.

In the bistro, Leanne and Eva have arrived for a drink. Leanne is relaxed and laughing, having had a drink already. Robert tells them he's had a chat with Simon earlier, and thinks Simon might be round to see her later. (Oops, too late)

We're now looking at a dark street or road through a park maybe, where cars are starting to gather and people are walking up a ramp towards the road where Jamie is giving the drivers of two cars last minute instructions on the rules. Or lack of rules. He leans in and orders Luke not to mess it up.

Amy is tapping her pencil on the table, methodically, and it's clearly getting on Simon's nerves, the intended effect. The pair of them start bickering, with Amy telling Simon nobody wants him here or at his own house. That does it. He gets aggressive. Amy tries to phone her mother and he rips the phone from her hand and threatens her.

Tvor

Surprise - an extra dose from me tonight. Karen is away in a country I shall never visit, so I am hoping she has a good time. This is episode 8779 and it was written by Ellen Taylor whilst the director was Lee Salisbury and the copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open at the Barlows where Amy is running upstairs away from the menace known as Simon. Ken and Nessa enter via the back door and Amy comes back downstairs and announces Simon hit her - which he denies. Tracy arrives at the front door and Amy tells her the same fact and Tracy immediately rushes to get Simon. Ken restrains her. Simon does not deny it.

At the "race road" Luke in his tiny car is lined up against a big beefy BMW, so this is only going one way, especially when the latter gets a clean clear getaway and Luke is left consuming exhaust gases. Steph and Andy have arrived in time for the fun. They race to a roundabout go round and back the way they came. Luke cornering more tightly than his competitor. Steph is worried for Luke.

Eva at the Bistro overhears Leanne taking a call from Ken.

The race continues. Is Luke going to be forced off the road? Luke survives as they go around the loop at the other end and Luke gets a better exit from the corner.

Leanne is asking Simon why Amy was hit - because she deserved it. Amy insists she did nothing but Simon says she was winding him up but Amy denies it. Leanne says that being wound up is no excuse for violence and she tells him to apologise. Robert tries to calm down Tracy. Simon refuses to apologise and argues back at Leanne. Eva and Robert both tell Simon to calm down - but it has little effect. Leanne tries to get him to and he pushes her away very hard. Ken is upset. He tells Tracy to take Amy away. He then suggests to Nessa that she should return home.

They are still going around the course with Luke trailing the other car. And then suddenly he seems to rocket past the other car and slides to a halt as the winner. Luke is exhilarated.

Mary is reading Love Hearts in the Corner Shop. Dev and Erica come in joking with each other in a flirty manner. Apparently the sideboard is now properly secure. Erica wants a drink from Dev as a spectacular failure deserves a spectacular forfeit.

At the race Steph is laying into Luke for being stupid and selfish. Jamie wanders over with bundles of cash which he has just won. Steph tells Luke to go to hell. And a distant voice shouts "Police" and the crowd scatters rapidly.

Ken cannot understand the anger pouring out of Simon and the way he spoke to Leanne. Ken asks if Leanne has ever seen him like that before and Eva presses her to tell the truth. Tracy says the bruise is already showing through. Eva pushes Leanne to tell the whole story. She admits that Simon has been hitting her for months.

Sharif and Yasmeen are arguing about lemons. Alya is sinking ever further into a slough of despond, she allegedly has a headache. Alya has taken painkillers and she is wondering if she is going to be punished forever for one stupid mistake.

Luke brings Steph back to the Street and she has another rant at him. Then he finally explains what it has all been about - protecting the world from Jamie's photos of her. She is surprised he kept them. And now she understands.

After the break we resume Luke is explaining that the win should mean that the photos get deleted. Jamie arrives and Steph faces him in the ginnel. Jamie is in a lot of debt - and he has lost his job and is a mess. He points out that perhaps she should not have agreed to the photos - she trusted him. Jamie is desperate. Steph tells him to delete the photos and never show his face again. Jamie wants one more race.

Leanne is explaining her reticence about revealing Simon's behaviour. She thought it was directed at her for being a poor mother replacement. Simon always pulled the trick of saying sorry and saying it would never happen again and so she never told anyone. Ken knew something was wrong and he had asked - but as Tracy points out it has now got completely out of control. Leanne did not want Social Services involved - she believes Simon is a good kid really. Tracy reckons it could have been nipped in the bud much sooner, but now he has hit Amy. Eva threatens to hit Tracy but Robert points out that violence is hardly the answer. Tracy and Ken feel that Simon must return to Leanne's and she concurs. And he needs proper professional help quickly adds Robert.

Steph goes to the Rovers to join Andy and Luke. The photos remains unsorted.

Dev and Erica are sharing a drink. She is drinking him under the table. Mary is with them (so who is looking after the children?). Mary is quite brusque with Erica reminding her that Dev is the father of two. At the bar Izzy tells Alya that Gary is returning the next day - he called Anna and she felt Alya should be warned.

Back in the ginnel Ken is trying to get Simon to talk. Simon says he did not mean to do it - but he gets so angry. Ken says they will support him but he cannot stay at number one any longer and should return to the flat. Si says he loves Leanne. Ken and Si hug.

Dev looks like he is going to be sick and heads to the gents. Erica asks Mary if she loves Dev; she denies it. Mary explains some history and how the children do not need more upset. Erica says she is not in the market for a relationship at the moment. So they agree they can be friends. Dev returns and then goes again.

Andy tells Luke and Steph to sort their difficulties whilst he goes to the gents. Steph reports that Jamie wants another race. Luke is not happy and storms out into the night.

Ken has said goodbye to Si and Tracy never wants him near the place again. Ken seeks to calm troubled waters - he is part of the family and Tracy has her own history of bad behaviour. Anyway Tracy reckons that it is Leanne's fault and not Simon's, a poor mother who cannot have children of her own. Robert is none too impressed by this and goes for a walk.

Simon has gone to bed and Eva reckons that now that everyone knows it will not happen. The intercom buzzes and it is Robert who has come to check how things are. Leanne says they are both OK and invites him in. Leanne explains about her hoping that the time away would make things better - but it has made it worse. Eva points out that anything is better than being abused in secret. Leanne will see the doctor in the morning to see what needs to happen.

Alya returns home crying and Sharif goes after her. She explains that Gary is returning and she does not know how to face him. Sharif advises dignity. And she knows she is sorry. A mistake was made and the price paid. He dries her tears.

Tracy is feeding Eccles. Robert returns and Tracy asks if he is hungry. She is making spag bol. She hates it when they fight - where has he been? To check on Leanne and Simon he replies. Tracy immediately turns nasty for going to see them behind her back. He did not think he needed permission. She calls it a betrayal. He does not agree with her. Tracy says she expects his support. And that says Robert is the problem. She asks if he fancies Leanne. He tells her not to be daft. So why else is he taking Leanne's side? They argue. He is going to bed and does not want waking when she comes to bed. Eccles whimpers and gets told off by Tracy as well.

Roll credits.

K Richard Whitbread

We open with Gary striding across the Street. Alya sees him and calls out to him, but he's curt with her and keeps on walking.

Steph sees Luke and asks if he's seen Jamie, but he hasn't. He urges her to tell Andy about the photos.

Gary goes into the cafe and surprises Anna. He says he's sorry for legging it, but she tells him it's Izzy he should be apologising to. He says he's going to see Izzy later, but he needed some space to get his head straight.

Leanne tells Eva that she's seen a doctor who was very nice and understanding and has agreed that Simon needs to see a counselor. There's a long waiting list though, so Leanne is going to pay for him to go privately.

Tracy asks Robert if he can get the night off so they can go out somewhere. Rather half-heartedly he says he'll ask, but he's in the kitchen talking to Ken about Simon and the issue of the domestic violence. Tracy loses patience and points out that Simon has no respect for Leanne or anyone else for that matter. The situation couldn't be his fault for being a thug, or her fault for being a terrible mother – it has to be "domestic violence". Ken points out that Simon has been through a lot and has deep emotional problems. Tracy thinks this is all the more reason for Leanne to put her foot down. Just then there's a knock at the door, it's Leanne. She apologises for sending Simon there, she knew he had issues. She says that he's sorry, but Tracy wonders why he's not there apologising himself.

Yasmeen goes to the gym and tells Sharif and Zeedan that Gary is home. Zeedan reckons that he and Alya will put it all behind them and get on with their lives, and he's pretty sure that Gary won't be showing his face around the gym.

Andy and Steph walk up to the garage. Andy gets cross because he knows there is something going on that Steph and Luke aren't telling him about, and walks off. Luke tells Steph she should tell Andy, he's a decent guy, he'd understand. At first, Steph is adamant she doesn't want him to know, but eventually concedes that she'll have to tell him.

Mary is standing in the doorway of Dev's shop, on the phone to the new man in her life. Izzy can hear every word and is amused.

Over at Ken's, although Tracy is of the opinion that a thick ear would do the job, Leanne says the GP has arranged for her and Simon to see a counselor. Robert thinks it's a good idea, much to Tracy's disgust. Then Ken tells Leanne that he's told Peter. She seems a bit taken aback. "Really?" she asks.

Back in the shop, Mary tells a very hungover Dev that Brendan wants to take her to a UFO hotspot so she needs him to look after the children later. Just then Erica comes in, she's fine, she says she doesn't get hangovers. She tells Dev that the tv in the flat is on the blink again, so he invites her to come and watch her favourite programme on his tv at home later.

Gary arrives at the gym and tells a rather shocked Sharif and Zeedan that he's still a partner in the business and is going nowhere.

Zeedan and Sharif are trying to convince Gary that now he's not marrying Alya he won't want to be a partner in the business. Gary reminds them that it was all put in writing. Sharif wonders if he's just doing this to get back at Alya, because he was hurt. Gary says he's got a son to support and he just wants to work in a business that he part owns, and he wants his share of the profits. Dev overhears this and agrees that it's fair enough, telling Sharif that Gary is a good lad and will work hard. Gary says that he will work hard, and he won't back down.

Tracy tells Robert that she knows she's been a cow, she's just really protective of Amy. She says that if they go out later she won't talk about Leanne and Simon. Robert tells her he can't go out, he's working. She then suggests a 'date lunch in bed' but Robert tells her he's not hungry.

Gary is in the cafe with Izzy, talking about the gym business. Anna wonders if he shouldn't get a job somewhere else, but Izzy thinks he's right, they can't give with one hand and take away with the other. Gary says he would love to be able to blot the name Nazir out of his head for good, but that's a luxury he can't afford.

Back at the gym, Sharif, Zeedan and Dev are talking about Gary when Alya walks in. When she realises what's happened she says she'll go and talk to Gary. "Then it will get messy," says Sharif.

Leanne is telling Eva about the forthcoming counseling appointment. Just then Simon comes home and Leanne sits him down and tells him about the counselor. Simon asks what she's already told her. "The truth," says Leanne. Simon starts to get agitated, it's bad enough that she told his granddad and Auntie Tracy, now everyone will think he's some kind of nut-job. Then he says he won't talk to a stranger and wants her to cancel the appointment. He gets tearful, saying they'll take him away and lock him up.

Dev is cooking in anticipation of Erica's visit. Aadi has made a candle holder at school, so Dev lights the candle and puts it on the table. Then he sends his son upstairs. Just then Erica arrives and is alarmed at the sight of the table set for dinner with a candle burning. She puts Dev straight, he's a colleague and just a friend. He assures her that he never thought anything else and will buy a new tv for the flat in the morning.

Mary is all excited about her date with Brendan. Norris tells her she's like a walking Mills and Boon, but wonders if this saga will have a happy ending.

Jamie pulls up in a car and puts his phone to his ear.

In the kitchen of the bistro, Robert wonders what's up with Andy. Andy tells him that there's something going on with Steph and Luke but they won't tell him what it is. In the bar, Steph gets a call from Jamie and tells Robert she needs to pop out.

Tracy comes in, all dressed up in a sparkly top. Robert asks if she's going out somewhere. "Yes, here," she tells him.

Steph is now sitting in Jamie's car, telling him she used to think he was a laugh until he started blackmailing her and her brother. She said she loved him, he was a nice guy, but this is nasty. She urges him not to do it, to think about it. Just then Luke appears and drags Jamie out of the car, shouting, but Jamie whispers that if he doesn't let go of him, well, he knows what he'll do. Steph also pleads with Luke to let him go. "You save your energy for the next race," says Jamie, getting back into his car.

Dev and Erica have been eating while watching tv with trays on their laps. Erica is enthralled by the programme, but Dev is dropping off to sleep and leans on her. She jumps up, accusing him of touching her. He tells her she's always reading into things, things that aren't there. A shrink might say it was her who fancied him. She is outraged and tells him that he loves himself. "What's not to love?" he says, and then they both end up laughing.

Leanne comes in to work in the bistro, and tells Robert that Simon has finally agreed to see the counselor. He touches her arm and tells her she's doing a brilliant job. She thanks him, and puts her hand on his. Tracy sees this and jumps up, asking Leanne if she shouldn't be at home restraining that thug of a son. "Who's looking after him?" she demands to know. Leanne tells her that Eva is with him. Tracy says he might escape and should be tagged. Robert has heard enough and turns to Tracy. "Get out!" he says, "you poisonous little bitch!"

Anne Logan

Good evening. This is another of the 'occasional' Thursday episodes (a bit too occasional for my liking!), so I am here on duty for you. As I am posting this on the eve of Christmas Eve (!), I would like to take this opportunity to hope everybody enjoys reading our reports and from us all, a very Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year !!

So we start off with Tracy complaining to Ken that Robert was out all night, and had his phone switched off. Ken suggests that when he turns up she should listen to what he has to say. However Tracy decides to rush round to the Bistro, where she thinks he and Leanne are together.

Leanne arrives at the bistro and Robert is sitting, waiting outside.

Over with Tyrone and Fiz and Luke, the kids are writing a letter to Santa and doing some painting.

Steph is walking down the street and sees Jamie waiting for Luke. He wants to give him details of his next race. Andy and Luke come along. Andy is annoyed seeing him with Steph again. He wants to know what their big secret is. He asks Steph if she has told him about …. to which Andy shouts "tell me what?" , and Jamie leaves.

The scene cuts to the gym where Sharif, Gary and Dev are discussing the business. Sharif is annoyed that Gary seems to be taking over. Dev tells them to try and work together, and gets up and leaves.

Steph explains to Andy, that she made a drunken mistake and if Luke doesn't race, then the photos of her will go all over the place. Andy is annoyed. He doesn't want anybody else seeing her. He wonders if he will go ahead, but Steph thinks he is desperate. Steph says that Luke has to race, there is no other way. Steph goes.

In the shop, Dev asks Mary if she is seeing her friend, Brendan, again. She thinks that he is a bit jealous, but tells him that he obviously has her best interests at heart. Dev, who really is more interested in the magazine he is reading, says that as long as he is making her happy then he is okay about it. She says he has other interests other than UFOs. Then the phone goes, and Mary jumps saying it is Brendan and wants to take the call in private.

Leanne and Robert are discussing Tracy in the bistro. Robert believes she had turned over a new leaf, but Leanne is skeptical that she has heard that all before. Tracy then comes into the bistro. She wonders where he stayed the previous night. Robert starts to question why she has come. She says she is sorry and doesn't want to start a fight. She says she came to say "sorry". She realises that he is the type of bloke that would stick up for other women, but knows he wouldn't really give Leanne a second look. Leanne feels that she should be the one that Robert defends. Leanne tells Tracy that she is a pro at defense to which Tracy asks Robert if he is going to allow her to speak to her like that? Robert tells Tracy that Leanne is still waiting for an apology from her. Leanne is not interested and goes to the kitchen. Tracy thinks that Leanne enjoys winding her up. Robert tries to allay her fears by saying that he wouldn't have given everything up for a fling. He says he will see her at home.

In the cafe, Gary is buying some sandwiches. Eva is there and gives him a comforting hug. Of course Jason walks in at that moment. Jason tries to apologise for what has happened, and says he realises that Gary wants to hit him, so he suggests they go outside and 'sort it'. Gary tells him if he wanted to hit him, he would be in hospital by now, and says to Jason that if he wants Eva, he will have her!

In the garage, Luke tells Andy that if he races the photos will not be published, as he is only doing it for money.

Leanne tells Simon that he must go and apologise to Amy for hitting her.

Mary comes back from the phone call. She says that Brendan has to go to his Aunt with a gastric problem, and therefore can't see her. Dev tries to be positive and tells her that it shows he has a good heart and caring. Dev comforts her and tells her that the next time he calls, tell him that you have to check your diary. Mary says she is going to have to cancel her blow-wave!

Steph is sitting alone in the Rovers when Jamie comes in. They have obviously arranged to meet there. He says that he doesn't mean to hurt her, and if Luke races everything would be 'cool'. Steph says that it has hurt her, she has had to look her boyfriend in the eye and tell him about the pictures. She then tries to call his bluff, by saying that nothing can make her feel worse than she already does. She tells him to go ahead and post them. He calls her bluff, and asks whether she really want her friends and family to see her in that way. She tells him to do it, and he pushes a button on his mobile phone (note from MR – are we to believe that he had them ready loaded, with a list of contacts to send them to?!)

Tyrone comes in to the house to Fiz. He has bought a lot of presents for the kids. He tells her that tomorrow he has a massive Santa Claus to put on the roof! He says he wants to give the girls a Christmas to remember.

Over at the Barlows, Simon has come to apologise to Amy. He says he won't do it again. After that Leanne wants to leave with him. Tracy feels that Amy should be able to speak. She primes her by telling her to say how out-of-order he was and how it made her feel. At this point Ken interrupts to say that he thought she wanted to take Simon for a pizza. Amy immediately accepts Simon's apology and tells Ken that she wants to go. Just as they are about to go, Tracy asks Leanne if she is doing anything special tonight. She says that her and Robert are planning a romantic evening in. Leanne replies that she has been with Robert all day and says that he has said that he would rather boil his head than spend another second with her !!

Back in the Rovers, Jason comes in to chat to Eva. He suggests that they go in town as mates for a few drinks. Eva jokingly reminds him what he is like when he gets drunk.

In the cafe Steph is sitting there crying. Andy comes in Then Luke comes in and says that her phone is switched off. She says that it is because she doesn't want to see or hear .... they realise what has happened. Andy wants to go and hit him, but Steph asks him to stay with her and not leave her on her own.

Gary speaks to Alya in the street. She apologises to him. He is not interested and tells her that he has moved on.

In the Rovers, Eva tells Robert that if he is hiding then that would be the first place Tracy will look. She considers that Tracy is a strong woman. Gary comes in. Then Jason comes in to go with Eva, but as Sean hasn't arrived he says he will wait outside. Eva goes outside to see him, and he tells her not to let Gary use her to get back at him. She wonders what made him say that, and he says he more or less admitted it. She says that it may be a stupid idea he has got in his head, like her sleeping with his Dad. She tells him that they are not going out.

Tracy comes up behind Leanne and warns her to keep away from Robert. Leanne says they work together, and wonders if Robert knows that she is sneaking around in the dark issuing silly threats. Tracy threatens her by saying Leanne knows what she is capable of, and says she is not a woman that she would want to mess with.

Martin Rosen

This episode begins with Luke coming downstairs and telling Fiz and Ty things are hopeless. They'd be more sympathetic but Fiz has just realised there's something wrong with the TV - a notice has come up saying the subscription has expired. Tyrone assures Fiz he's paid it (hah!) and says he'll sort it out.

Steph and Andy receive lots of messages. Andy can't bring himself to look at the pictures or read the comments. Steph tells him she can take care of herself.

Sinead's bought some colouring things for Hope. In front of Fiz, she and Chesney snipe at each other because Linda's offered to pay for them to go to Portugal to see Joseph and Sinead doesn't want to go. Fiz makes her excuses and leaves.

Tyrone's in the yard talking to someone about his payment bouncing. He tries to pay with a different card but that is also rejected. He says he'll get another and goes indoors.

In the Kabin, an 11-year-old Mary (emotionally) is thrilled by another call from Brendan. But she says she's worried about Dev, who is throwing himself at Erica.

Simon hides around a corner in the flat, eavesdropping on a conversation between Zeedan and Leanne - Zeedan has come to wish him well with the counseling and to suggest taking Simon for a kickabout later on.

Luke goes to see Steph at the bistro. She tells him this mess is nobody's fault but hers and Jamie's. Luke says their parents have been trying to get hold of her - they've seen the pictures. Steph insists things will be fine. Robert comes out and suggests she get on with her work.

In the gym, Gary's been signing people up for boot camp, with sessions on the Red Rec to show passers by that gyms are for everyone. Dev likes the idea of taking the gym to the community. Zeedan tells Gary this is proof he's got what it takes to run the gym. "But don't you do that?" asks Gary. "For now," says Zeedan.

The TV is back on and Tyrone says the technical support helped him just move some cables around. A bloke called Baz delivers an inflatable Santa. Fiz tells him how very grateful they are - she seems to think they're getting it for free but Tyrone assures Baz he'll be paid. He just doesn't want Fiz to know he's paying 150 pounds for it.

At the bistro, Steph serves a table of blokes who keep laughing, making her paranoid.

In the cafe, Hope isn't keen on eating beans. Cathy offers to make her a special milkshake. Roy hears about the inflatable Santa and offers to help. Tyrone insists they're fine but Fiz tells him he has to accept help - he can't do everything.

The blokes in the cafe are still laughing and Steph snaps, demanding they tell her what's so funny. It turns out they're watching some of the Icebucket Challenge postings from last year. Steph has to apologise, then rushes off with Andy in pursuit.

Roy and Sinead sit in deck chairs on the pavement, supervising the erection of Santa. Chesney is upstairs hanging out of a window. He asks Sinead to switch on the electric pump.

In the pub, Eva talks to Mary about Brendan. Norris, Rita and Emily come in and Norris is very scathing about Brendan. Mary tells him Brendan will be there soon, "so please rein in your rudeness, Sweetcheeks." Emily worries that Mary seems to be investing an awful lot in what appears to be a casual friendship but Mary insists they are soulmates. Emily should butt out. I'm not sure when Mary became American. Brendan arrives and Norris suddenly changes his tune, trying to sound a bit posh.

Leanne and Simon are back from the first counseling session, which doesn't appear to have gone well. Leanne is optimistic about him feeling more comfortable next time but Simon says he's not going again.

Over at the garage, Andy says he feels powerless to help Steph. Luke things they should teach Jamie a lesson.

Across the road, the huge Santa slowly inflates.

In the gym, Zeedan tests Gary on procedures. Gary is a bit distracted when he sees two very muscley blokes exchanging something.

Dev's twins see the Santa and are very impressed.

In the pub, Mary needs someone to slap her cheeks to bring her out of her Brendan-induced hysteria. They're boring the others witless.

Gary breaks off from his training session with Zeedan to confront one of the muscley blokes, who's just put something in his locker. It's steroids. "Begone, and darken our doorstep no more!" he tells the bloke, though maybe not in those exact words.

Tyrone and family arrive back to discover a flaccid Father Christmas. He and Santa are both deflated. He sees Roy and Cathy and stomps across the road, furious with Roy. Roy tries to assure him the Santa was fully inflated last time Roy saw him. Cathy tries to back up Roy but Tyrone snaps at her. He tells Roy he's let Hope down.

Poor Roy.
More in the second episode.

Margaret Carr

Time for another update. And I have spotted that the episode numbers remain visible, this is 8783 - we march on towards 9000 which should happen before the end of next year.

This episode was written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Lee Salisbury. Copyright remains the property of ITV and this update comes to you courtesy of the new ITV Hub which does not seem to fall over quite as often as the old itv player.

This episode opens in Roy's Rolls where Roy is explaining a little of Ty's history to Cathy as part explanation of his uncharacteristic outburst and how Fiz has made him a better man. When he was shouted at Roy just wanted to put his arms round Tyrone - which is highly unusual for Roy. Chesney comes into the caff wanting service. Cathy explains there has been a run in with Tyrone over the inflatable (but flat) Santa.

Leanne enters the Bistro and notices the absence of staff and people waiting to be served. Robert finds Steph sobbing on the kitchen floor (quite unsanitary) and sends Leanne to talk to her, whilst he deals with the clientele.

Back at the Rovers Brendan and Mary have been deserted. Brendan is glad they are on their own. Brendan asks her if they are pals and she agrees - with a capital P. There is another Inexplicable Convention coming up and she interrupts to say that she would love to go with him. He will be honoured to have her by his side. He really does not want to go alone and (red alert) there's no way in a million years that his wife would want to come. The pain is etched across Mary's face as she hears the "wife" word. She heads for the ladies to powder her nose. As she passes Eva asks if there is a problem and Mary responds "What do you think?".

Out on the Street Fiz, Sinead and the girls return to see Santa fully inflated on the top of the bay window. Sinead had unplugged the Hoover to do a quick clean before Hope got back. All is well now. Ty is not answering his phone and is missing. Chesney reports on the disagreement with Roy - but the latter seems to be alright.

Steph has to confess what has happened to Leanne. Steph cannot stop thinking of all the men who must have seen the photos of her wearing very little. And what they night have been doing. She just feels sick but Leanne says she does not deserve it.

Elsewhere Andy and Luke are looking for Jamie but he is not at home. They head off to the pub he uses.

Sinead is sympathising with Fiz - her mum used to have "strange" periods and Sinead would leave notes around the flat to cheer her up when depressed. But she also knows that a few post-it notes are not going to make this right. Fiz says they will get there and what is Sinead going to do about Portugal. Sinead clearly does not want to go and see Katy. Sinead nods - but Fiz reassures her that she is Chesney's ex. And Chesney has always hated history. Sinead does not feel comfortable around Katy - she never has and last time they visited she felt uncomfortable facing the Disney eyes and princess hair. She has to go for Chesney's sake.

Brendan is reviewing the treats on offer at the convention. Mary is quite distressed. Mary denies to Brendan that she is upset. He spots she is flustering. Mary asks outright if his wife minds him taking her to the convention. He responds that Bridget is fully aware that there are areas of his life in which she does not wish to participate. Dev arrives and offers to buy drinks. Brendan departs and after some dissembling Mary accepts an orange squash.

Leanne is recalling her experiences as an "escort" (well before the watershed but even Steph knows what she is talking about). Some of the blokes would get rough - a part of it makes you think you deserved it she says - but you don't. But she would not let it define her - she wanted to prove the locals all wrong. And that is a walk in the park compared with Steph's problem. Jamie is the one responsible and how many others could be exposed in the same way? Leanne has an idea however.

After the break Ty looks unhappy as he comes home. Fiz is on the phone trying to find him. He has been for a walk down the canal to clear his head. Hope loved seeing the inflated Santa - and Ty is upset he went off and missed it. Fiz sees all the bad bits about him; but she tries to cheer him up over the Lapland comes to the Street as she thinks it is beautiful. She just has no energy left to look after him. He reckons he keeps letting them down. She suggests a date night. Ty agrees - but first there is someone else who needs an apology. He heads off to find Roy.

Dev asks if Brendan had to go. Mary said he had to return to his ... cat. He is a man of many surprises adds Mary. Dev asks if Brendan has upset her. She says they are going to another convention and perhaps some people think it is odd - but they understand each other. Dev says that he is very happy for her. Mary says she has to sort her wardrobe - so many frocks and so little time. And she goes.

Leanne is telling Eva and Robert in the Bistro that the counseling for Si was a disaster. He refused to speak and refuses to return. Leanne had hoped for light at the end of the tunnel - but now she does not where to go. Robert says that no-one of that age wants to discuss his feelings. Rob says she managed to sort out Steph. He praises her skills and he calls her a special woman [Heavens above Robert - if Tracy hears you talking like that you will be sleeping in the gutter with your head caved in]. Even Eva gives Robert a warning! Steph emerges and is ready to go.

Andy and Luke walk along the canal and find the pub ("The Bridge Inn"). They find Jamie at the pool table with a girlfriend. Jamie calls Steph a bit of a goer. Andy lands a punch flooring Jamie. They are pulled apart and the girl is asked if she is seeing Jamie - she says she is. Andy tells her not to let him take any pictures of her with no clothes as they will end up on the internet. Jamie does not deny it. She picks up an unfinished pint and pours the remainder over him, entertaining the rest of the pub. She leaves.

Cathy is looking after the cafe when Ty comes in. She points out that in difficult times you need to rely on your pals. Roy comes into the cafe. Ty is apologising. Roy overhears and knows that Ty is sorry. Before Ty can complete the apology ROy stops him - they both understand. Cathy will make them a brew and he can sit down and have a chat with Roy. Ty thanks Roy for being so understanding. He just wants perfection and when it failed he overreacted. Ty admits to being a mess. Roy asks if there are any other troubles - which Ty denies with a shake of the head.

Zeedan tells Sharif that Gary has done a good job today. Which is good says Zeedan because he has had enough. He wants out for good. Sharif knows he has not been happy there - but is Gary really the answer? Zeedan only stayed because he did not want to let Kal down. But he cannot do it forever and he knows Kal would get that. He also thinks Kal would approve of Gary. Zeedan says they can go out and get a professional - but for him having Gary there would still honour Kal's memory. Eventually Sharif nods in agreement. They should not blame Gary for what Alya did. Gary has been watching them talking and asks if everything is alright? Sharif responds that is down to him as the new manager and Zeedan removes the badge of office and passes it over. Gary smiles happily.

Andy and Luke are leaving the Bridge Inn when Steph and Leanne arrive from the other direction. Jamie appears and says to Steph that he did not recognise her with her clothes on. At this point two policemen appear and ask for Jamie Bowman. They have been shown the pictures and are arresting him on suspicion of disclosing private and sexual images with intent to cause distress. They read him his rights. He is put in the police car and goes. Steph is feeling deflated - but Andy points out that Jamie is scum and she has got him. And she reassures Luke she has not mentioned the blackmail so there is problem over the illegal racing. Andy suggests he and Steph go away for a few days and she cannot think of anything better.

Fiz is saying that she knows it is nothing fancy. Ty says it is lovely but he does not deserve it. Fiz reckons she could not ask for a better fella. Or a better dad for the kids. But there a re a few tough week and they can look forward to Christmas. She did not think they would get there. Ty assures her they will. But looks even more worried.

Later Roy comes to see Ty. Roy wants to know if he can help Ty - he thinks Ty is hiding something. Ty denies it - he and Fiz are fine. Roy asks if Ty needs money but he denies it. Ty says he has the wrong end of the stick and Roy apologises for getting it wrong. Roy tells Ty that if he does have any financial worries he does know he can come to him. Ty says that is kind. Roy departs. Ty has an advert from the paper for payday loans, he calls the number and then goes out into the yard to ask for a payday loan.

Roll credits

Well that is it for me this week and for a couple of weeks. Martin will be sitting in the Friday part 2 hot seat whilst I am away somewhere warmer.

Richard

Just the one episode tonight.

Written by Susan Outdot Directed by Ian Bevitt

Max isn't so keen on the part he's got in the Christmas Nativity, the Innkeeper. There's only one measly line! When David realizes the Innkeeper was the one that closed the door on Joseph and Mary, he advises Max to have a word and get them to beef up the part a bit! Max thinks it's going to be rubbish. Gail comes into the kitchen and tries to make Max feel better by recalling that David always had to be the back end of the donkey, out of sight, out of trouble! Max heads up to get his school things. Gail offers to talk him to school and is just about to say something about Sarah when Bethany swans in. Seems her mother said it was ok to wag off school for the day so she can be there when Sarah gets home later and school is out early anyway. So the Rover returns! Gail tries to make her go to school but isn't successful. Max gets the hump because he has to go and Gail ushers him out the door, leaving David sat at the table looking less than impressed at the news. Kylie attempts to reassure the pair of them that it's all going to be fine and neither look too confident.

Over in the Rovers' living quarters, Aidan, clad only in a towel, (ahem) comes into the room drying himself off and looking for a brew. Michelle offers him the Streetcars' flat but is turned down because Steve had told him it was a bit of a tip. He takes a cup of tea and leaves again, Michelle sighs, with a glance at a photo of she and Steve.

Michael and Eileen are arguing outside Number 11. She didn't wake him up in time and he's going to be late for his shift though she points out that Brenda will not mind waiting a bit as she likes to get home after her husband goes to work. They continue to argue, with Michael insisting that he'll be the one to set the alarm in future and she defending her actions as only trying to let him get a bit of extra rest because she thinks he's been overdoing it. That sets him off further. Gail comes along and gleefully peeks around Eileen, asking if everything is ok?

Across the road, Tim is walking Sally to work after a cake run. Sally makes disparaging remarks about Gail not letting go and that Michael isn't much of a catch anyway. She and Tim canoodle a bit while Sophie comes out of the garage and spots them and teases them. She tells her mother that she's really enjoying the job, especially, she jokes, getting to order men around all day! Kate comes out of the factory on her phone and Sally notices that Sophie notices this. Sophie also takes a few more glances in Kate's direction over her shoulder as she goes back into the garage.

Carla is sitting with Carla in the factory office. She invites her and Nick for Christmas but is told that Gail would never let them get away with it. Michelle laughs and Carla reckons if she survived the Barlows, she can survive the Platts. Johnny comes in complaining about his back. The bed at the B&B he's at is awful. Michelle decides to offer him the Streetcars flat since Aidan didn't want it.

David at Kylie are both at home at lunchtime which surprises Gail. Bethany is lounging with a magazine hoping someone will make her a toastie. You can hear the diesel rattle of a cab outside. Sure enough, the door opens and it's Sarah. Bethany and Gail are delighted to see her. Sarah asks Bethany why she's not at school (So Bethany really was wagging school!) Sarah manages to get her mother to make her a brew *and* a toastie so Bethany gets in on the act and then proceeds to tell the others about some of the things she bought while away.

Eileen and Tim come into the cab office to find Michael snoring in the chair in the corner. Tim has come in to get paid for window cleaning. He and Eileen both give Michael a rude awakening, with Eileen screaming about all the extra work he's doing for that Dee which raises Tim's eyebrows. Gossip? Where?

Craig is on the bench reading a book about Banksy. Caitlyn sneaks up behind him and surprises him then joins him on the bench. She looks at his book and then asks what he fancies doing. He invites him to his place as it will be empty due to everyone out shopping. They head across the road, watched by Faye from over the other side of the street.

Bethany is sent to pick up Max from school. Sarah is still in post-holiday mode until David interrupts her. He doesn't buy her "act". She says she's pulled herself together, which was the plan and anyway, they seem perfectly fine. David said they've had to be. Gail comes out and invites Sarah to look at the new room. Sarah tries to get out of it but David pushes her into it. She enters reluctantly, while Kylie shuts the door behind the three of them. David tells Sarah she's the weak link and won't be able to handle the fact that Callum is under the floor. Sarah looks a bit disturbed and leaves the room, then tells Gail that Michelle has called her to talk about work shifts. David knows Sarah's not as fine as she says she is so things are not going to be ok.

In the pub, Sarah is now working and flirting with Aidan over the bar, talking about Italy. Michelle tells her she's going over to the flat to clean it up a bit. Over the other side of the pub, Sophie doesn't want to talk to Sally about Christmas dinner choices. Sally does understand but Sophie doesn't think she does. She tells her mother that she just doesn't care this year and leaves, with Tim overruling Sally telling Sophie to get off if she wants to. Tim tells Sally that Sophie has to get over her grief in her own time and Sally, well Sally is worried about her daughter and only wants her to be happy. Nick and Carla come in see Sarah giggling over the bar with Aidan, a clear "up side" to having to leave lovely Italy behind. Aidan grins at Carla.

Craig and Caitlyn are discussing music. Turns out Beth used to recite the lyrics to Abba's Take a Chance On Me as if she was really giving him advice. Just as the two sit and lean in for a kiss, there's a knock on the door. Craig let's Faye in, who pretends she didn't know Caitlyn was there. The two older teens look at each other ruefully.

Back to the pub, Carla is telling Sarah, Aidan and Nick about the worst Christmas present she ever got from her mother, a set of plain old pens that her mum probably nicked from the bookie. There's more flirting between Sarah and Aidan. Gail, David and Kylie arrive and Aidan leaves but not before Sarah makes a date to see him tomorrow night. Gail is amused, she's moving on quickly but Aidan is definitely an improvement on Callum. David and Kylie don't look amused. Billy has arrived and Sarah doesn't look too comfortable. Sally rushes over, however, to monopolize him. Kylie reckons Eva might be jealous of Aidan flirting with Sarah. David is surly about it all. Kylie points out that Sarah is obviously moving on and they should too. The mood is ruined now, though, and she decides to go home. David stays and glares at Sarah.

Aidan has come over to the taxi flat and gets buzzed in. Johnny and Kate are in the flat with Michelle and they're arguing over who gets the bigger room. (Mind you, considering that little building which houses a salon and the cab office and a two bedroom flat (at least) over the salon and another one over the cab office, neither of the bedrooms can be all that large, can they?) Aidan announces he's going to take the flat after all but Johnny tells him he's out of luck. Now, what?

Nick and Carla take off, leaving David and Gail on their own. Sally and Tim have been getting advice on how to help Sophie over Christmas and he seems to have said the right things. Sally then joins Gail. Sally noticed the argument that Eileen and Michael had that morning outside, absolutely shameless. Gail muses that she isn't shameless enough. Sally asks Gail if she shouldn't just let go of Michael, implying she might look a bit desperate but Gail came right back at her with one word. Kevin. Point to Gail, I think. David's at the bar. Billy says that he knows it's not his business but asks if Sarah is ok and is told it's none of his business. Ouch. David moves in to torture Sarah a bit more, and he wants her to go back to Milan but Sarah will not be threatened. She tells him she's not guilty and nor is Kylie. They could have made a case for self defense. It's David's fault they're in all this mess. He blusters a bit but it appears he probably realizes the truth in what she's saying and runs away, tail between his legs.

Johnny and Aidan argue about the flat. Nick and Carla comes in and Carla, who takes no prisoners, grabs a hand from each man, knowing how to fix the problem, giving each of them a knowing look.

Eileen is answering the phone while Michael yawns. After she hangs up, she proposes a night in with the telly. When the phone rings again, it's Dee. Eileen tells her Michael is out, home in bed exhausted. Michael is angry but so is Eileen who shouts at him that she needs him, not Dee. He apologizes and suggests they do have that takeaway but then his mobile rings, and yes, it's Dee, rudely calling Michael who, she was told, is home in bed! I guess she didn't believe it. If she's got his mobile number, why didn't she just use that in the first place?

Turns out, Carla has instigated a match of Rock-Paper-Scissors between Johnny and Aidan. Kate gives her father advice and Nick jokes that Carla can never make fun of his family again. Michelle smirks in the background. Carla counts down and the men come out with their choices. Johnny, the Rock beats Aidan, the Scissors. Carla hands over the bottle of champagne she's brought as a housewarming.

Faye, Craig and Caitlyn are having a snack. The conversation feels very awkward though the girls find common ground about a particular movie they both like. Craig sighs, seeing his romantic evening a deux float away.

Kylie comes in to the pub looking for David who's been gone awhile. She tells Sarah that David is worried about her. Sarah points out that David only worries about people and how it will affect him because it's always about him. She's right. She tells Kylie that David will sell anyone down the river to get what he wants and she knows it's true. (Oh, and Sarah didn't do the same thing when she wanted the job in Milan, framing David for drugs possession to get it?)

Tvor

---

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

---

Back to Updates index page		Back to corrie.net