Hello, it's the morning and while Nick is cheerful, Carla is the opposite. She tries to goad Nick but he refuses to rise to her taunts. Carla says she doesn't know what to do with the information that she has a new daddy.

Leanne's having her breakfast when Eva comes out of her room and asks whether Simon's left yet. That turns out because she doesn't want him to see that Aidan has spent the night. When Aidan's out of the room, Leanne tries to warn Eva of the perils of sleeping with the boss. Eva says she's older and wiser and she won't be jumping in with both feet first. "Yes, I can see you're trying to play hard to get," Leanne tells her.

Roy's head first in a deep clean of the cafe, though Cathy thinks he'd be better off chilling out - a concept Roy doesn't understand. Michelle and Kate come in, hoping for some food and drink. I suppose the Closed sign on the door and the fact all the chairs were on the table weren't enough of a clue that the cafe was closed. Cathy agrees to make them something to eat in return for a donation in the hospital charity collection box. Michelle tells Roy she knows how difficult it must be at this time of year for him. Cathy decides she needs a new start and asks Roy to come with her to begin clearing out the rest of the stuff in her house.

At the Barlows' place, Amy appears to have been doing some vacuuming and has woken Ken. He doesn't feel well. Liz arrives to talk about going for a walk and Tracy is very rude to her. There's a loud crash from the kitchen and Nessa comes through with a mug in one hand and the handle of it in the other. "Lucky it wasn't one of your good ones," she tells Ken. "Deirdre made that!" Liz points out.

Nick and Carla walk down the street. He has to go and open up the bistro but he doesn't understand why Carla feels the need to go into the factory. As they part, Johnny spots Carla and follows her. He demands to know whether she's going to say anything to her new brother and sister. Carla says she won't as long as he promises to sell his share in the factory and moves a long way away.

Nick's in the bistro, in a grumpy mood now, and he snaps at Robert for being seven minutes late.

Emily and Billy are browsing internet information about Peru, much to Norris's disgust. Emily tells him she 's going because Spider's project needs help. Norris can't picture her as a hod carrier but Billy says all sorts of help is needed. The workers will need someone to feed them, for a start. Emily wants to see new places and be of use while she still can. Norris suggests a trip to Jersey if she wants new places. "I am going to Peru and if you can't be supportive of my trip then you and I have nothing left to say to one another," she says. Norris decides it's a good time to go to the Kabin to stocktake.

Michelle goes to the factory, although Carla realises Nick's sent her. She and Michelle discuss the visiting order she's got from Rob. Michelle thinks it might be a good idea to go. They have sharp words and Carla stomps out of the factory, hailing a passing handy black cab.

Nessa tells Cathy about the broken mug. Cathy tells Nessa she's going to clear out the house. Nessa doesn't think she will. In fact, if Cathy gets rid of a bootload today she'll cook Roy and Cathy a meal at Ken's tonight.

Ken and Liz are going dog-walking and wait outside for Nessa. Tracy and Amy refuse to go - they're going ice-skating instead. Nessa turns up and Liz goes inside to fetch Rover (I'd forgotten all about that dog). Nessa tells Tracy and Amy they should come for tea, though Amy can't believe she's inviting them to dinner in their own house. Tracy sees Robert down at the bistro end of the street but he pointedly ignores her.

Michelle reports back to Nick and tells him to leave Carla alone. "She always does this and she's always fine." Robert stomps out of the kitchen, still in a bad temper, and Leanne suggests he take a few hours off. Michelle and Nick discuss Rob stirring up trouble with Carla. Michelle believes he's ruined his own life and now he's trying to ruin other lives.

Rita goes to sort out Norris. She tells him that most people would rather die doing something they loved. Surely Emily would prefer not to moulder away in a nursing home but to go while floating down the Amazon. Norris snaps that he's not worried about her floating down the river but about her falling in and being eaten by piranhas. "Be happy for her," Rita says. "Because if anything did happen, God forbid, you do not want this to be the way you said goodbye."

There's been a bit of a relapse in the room which had been cleared in Cathy's house. She says she's going to start on the cupboard under the stairs. She asks Roy if he could go through the desk - it's something she doesn't feel able to do.

Carla's at a casino where she's on first-name terms with the croupier at the roulette table. Robert comes in and sits beside her.

Aidan and Eva meet Kate in the street and she recognises that Aidan is wearing yesterday's clothes. Eva tells her nothing happened. Aidan slept on the couch. They were too bladdered for anything else to be going on.

Back at the casino, Carla loses on 11 Black. Robert throws caution to the wind and puts all of his chips on a number. It's 27 Red and that's just where the ball stops. Yippee. They decide to cash them in and buy champagne to celebrate.

Roy's going through the papers in the desk and finds a dried rose. He finds something that seems to worry him and reaches out to close the door to the study before continuing to read.

Liz is back and in the Rovers' bar, telling Michelle she missed a lovely walk. Kate says she's hungry but Liz says they're not doing food today. Kate, who must have worms because she had a sausage sandwich at the cafe earlier, says she can't afford the bistro. That's the cue for her dad to give her some cash. Nick comes in. He's worried because Carla isn't back yet. Michelle tells him about the visiting order and says that just because Carla's not answering her phone, that doesn't mean she is on a bender.

Meanwhile, out on a bender, Carla's in a bar with Robert, drinking bubbly. He leans over to her. "Want to take this upstairs?"

Ooooh!

The end.
Margaret Carr

Happy New Year and welcome to my first 2016 update. No time for chat so straight over to the mean Street in Weatherfield for your latest fix.

This episode (number 8808) was penned by Damon Rochefort whilst the director was Durno Johnston. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. Subtitles by Deluxe help comprehension (and sometimes spelling) and these days the ITV Hub aids delivery for second viewing.

Before I start can I say that the departure of any long serving resident of the Street is always the cause of distress so in writing this update we can only hope that the rarefied air in Machu Picchu will not cause harm to Emily and that Eileen Derbyshire will return to the Street in six months as planned. One might feel a little for the writers at present with the recent absences of Fiz, Kylie, Eva, Maria (continuing), (all maternity) Dev, Steve, Emily, Michael and Roy (all supposedly returning) plus Jason who is not renewing his contract and now the announcement that Carla's temporary departure is in fact permanent needing to be covered. I did predict Carla would not return at the time; both Roy and I will be distressed by her departure.

On with the motley.

Carla drags Robert into a bedroom and he snogs her against the wall, then puts down the bottle of champagne, before they fall on the bed ripping each other's clothes from their bodies. Need I say more? Well it looks like Gail is about to become a granny once again as she wished on Christmas Day.

'Chelle advises Nick that her call to Carla has gone to voicemail. Nick thinks of visiting her favourite casino but 'Chelle advises against given the mood she is in. Liz suggests tagging Carla - it would be easier. Aidan emerges and wonders what is going on but Johnny assures him it is nothing and offers to buy a drink.

Roy arrives at Cathy's where she is looking at box of bottles of chutneys, pickles and jams - Alan left nothing to waste from the allotment. Roy suggests they could be donated rather than thrown away - but as Cathy explains food banks and charities will not take such things these days due to "Health and Safety". Roy proposes "friends and family" instead and Cathy concurs. She calls Roy a fine man {and he of course feels like a heel given the letter burning a hole in his pocket}. He says he has found some documents which might peruse later. She calls Alan a generous man like Roy. Time for a brew.

Later in the Street Nick is still not getting a response from Carla - but perhaps he is overreacting he tells 'Chelle. It is just her odd behaviour since Johnny told her he was her daddy. She is pushing Nick away as usual. 'Chelle says Carla will blow off some steam, drink too much and then slink back with her tail between her legs, looking for some aspirin. She loves Nick and she would not do anything to jeopardise that relationship asserts Michelle who would bet her life on it.

Meanwhile Carla is now dressing as fast as she can whilst Robert is sporting a fetching bath robe. She says no-one can ever find out about this. He agrees as he quite likes his job. She calls it a mistake which upsets him. She says no blame - it just should never have happened. She runs out of the room away from him.

Back at the Rovers Aidan calls Eva over for another round. She is not overly friendly. Johnny tells Aidan a lie about why Carla is upset, claiming he approached one of her contacts. And Carla is territorial asserts Michelle. Aidan calls both Johnny and Carla stubborn as mules. Kate joins them and orders a red wine. Michelle wants to know what is going down between Eva and Aidan. Eva denies it. Eva eventually tells her that if Aidan wants her he is going to have to work very hard. Back at the bar Kate admits that Aidan won the best and she is buying the round. She tells Eva that there was a wager on them copping off before the end of the year (and technically it was the New Year ... whoops). Eva goes ballistic. Aidan slept with her for a bet? Aidan says that he bet on not sleeping with her - so Kate is angry because they said nothing happened. Eva was trying to keep it quiet, not have a book on it. Michelle is killing herself laughing. Aidan loses and has to pay for the drinks, Eva picks up both pints and pours both of them over Aidan.

Emily's checklist - credit cards, passport and jabs (when has she had time for them). All done and dusted. Her plane tickets are on her app on her phone (amazing that - it never works for me). Rita does not believe it either! Amy has made her a good luck card. Mary arrives to wish a bon voyage and proffers a diary to allow Emily to record her adventures. Mary kept one when she was traveling. She often rereads the pages and uses different colour inks - red for an exciting day, blue for a calm day, green if in a leafy place. So it became a mood diary - flicking through the pages quickly then it might look like the jottings of a mad woman. And she does not re-read the days with black ink. "Selling ice creams on a beach in Acapulco might sound all sunshine and bikinis, but there is a dark underbelly." Ken says that Emily must be excited. She agrees - she cannot remember when she last had butterflies. Mary can - again it was in Acapulco, a local delicacy, deep fried but not very filling. Still no sign of Norris.

Michelle arrives at Carla's flat where the occupant is wearing a towel on her head and a robe. Carla insists she take the glass of red as she will be needing it. Carla said no-one must know to Robert - so she immediately tells Michelle that she has not been in the bath all afternoon but in bed with Robert.

Nick tells Robert off again for being late. Nick then asks if he has seen Carla but Robert denies it.

Having got the full story Michelle wants to know why Robert? Simply because he was there. Nick's chef and Tracy's boyfriend (actually not at the moment, but never mind). 'Chelle rants. Carla says she was angry with Johnny and Nick. 'Chelle says Nick was trying to care for her. Should Nick ignore it or support her? Carla says she is going to have to tell Nick. She cannot lie to Nick. He will be destroyed. Lies also destroy people says Carla. Michelle tells her to think about it. Carla says there are no options she has to come clean.

After the break we are on the Street. Emily is about to depart and Rita, Billy, Ken, Anna and Mary are there to see her off. Billy wants regular updates for the congregation. Emily says she has always felt at home here since she arrived but now it is time to get out of her comfort zone. She hugs each in turn and then eventually we near Norris calling her name as he bustles across the road. he has brought a huge bag of pencils and pads - Spider says there is a shortage. This is the most useful thing she could take. Norris calls her the bravest person he has ever met. Emily and Norris hug and it is time for her to go. Nessa appears and insensitively tries to drag Ken away. Then her mobile goes. Alex has got drunk at the Trafford Centre on M&S premix cocktails. He is posing for selfies with mannequins in shop windows. Apparently he likes a caipirinha. She has to go and fetch him and dumps the shopping for dinner at Ken's feet. Mass goodbyes for Emily and the Streetcar moves out into the night. Farewell Emily. Norris looks rather lost.

In the Rovers Eva tells Aidan not to talk to her - she is busy on Tindr. And she gets a match. Kate agrees that the guy is hot. And keen as a message arrives. She wants a break so she can do some flirting. Liz gives Aidan a work of advice - not to mess with her barmaids.

Cathy and Roy discuss pigeon pie (go to Morocco - they eat it). Ken appears at his front door in a robe (the kimono has gone by the way). Cathy thanks Roy for his help today. Nessa has not called them to cancel. Apparently this is not the first time he has had cocktails. Cathy rails about her sister and they leave Ken to his bath. Roy has some shepherd's pie in the freezer.

Carla arrives at the Bistro where Nick is lost in thought. He instantly apologises for banging on. (No it was Carla who did the banging). Carla says she is terrible. He hugs her and tells her he loves her. He will always be there for her. He goes to kiss her and Robert inevitably emerges from the kitchen. Nick tells Carla to sit and he will bring a drink over. Robert merely wants some wine for a sauce. They have a shifty look at each other and Robert returns to the kitchen.

Norris is on his own does not fancy his dinner. He has lost his friend. He turns the TV on, he changes channel repeatedly, he turns it off. He sighs. A magnificent performance.

Anna comes into the cafe where Roy is mopping the floor. Cathy is cooking upstairs. Anna senses there is something wrong. Roy does not want to say anything but then decides to share his burden and shows Anna the letter he found in Alan's desk. And Anna reads it to find that Alan and Nessa were having an affair. Roy is pretty certain that Cathy does not know. Roy believes if he gives it to Cathy then it will cause a lot of damage.

At the Bistro Nick has organised for Robert to knock up Carla's favourite antipasti - and it is free. Nick attends to a noisy table. Robert asks if she is OK. She says she is not OK. She has got one of the best fiances on the planet and she has just cheated on him. She wants to make it clear that this afternoon never happened. Robert says she is repeating herself. And she does it again. Robert is a touch nasty suggesting she should have thought of that before she tore his clothes off. Nick returns and apologises for being short with Robert earlier. Robert goes and Nick asks Carla how she can be such a pain in the backside and yet he feels like he is the luckiest man in the world. Carla says that is her personal magic. She then reckons that he must be pretty daft to take her on. Nick claims to love roller coasters and they kiss and we then see Carla wracked with guilt.

Roll credits.

With thanks to Wikipedia I can confirm that Emily first appeared on 27 January 1961 - so just short of 45 years - in episode 15. Reading the article I find that she was originally approached to be in the programme much earlier but was in a Christmas show and not available - remember originally they only planned for (I think) 12 episodes.

Like everyone else I am sure we look forward to her return.

Regards

K Richard Whitbread

Happy New Year!

Written by Ben Tagoe Directed by Diana Patrick

Carla brings Nick's breakfast over from the counter, citing Roy being busy. Nick assures her everything will be fine. She can see Rob and then put it all behind her. She doesn't think it's as simple as that. Carla can see there's something on Roy's mind but he brushes it off. Anna arrives late because Faye had a melt down at breakfast. Roy comments that it's difficult when the past interferes with the present. He's talking about his own situation, of course, but Carla is unaware of his discovery. She goes back to the table leaving Anna to ask Roy if he got any sleep. This all has to be sorted. Anna thinks he's got to talk to Nessa sooner than later. He changes the subject and asks after Gary. It didn't work. Anna insists he go talk to Nessa and when Cathy comes into the cafe from upstairs, Anna makes excuses and sends Roy off for bacon once Cathy offers to help. Roy has no excuse now, and looks a bit terrified at what he's got to do and who he's got to face.

There's a special delivery at the garage, a wicker hamper filled with sweets for Kevin, from Joanne. Luke teases him but Sophie is distinctly unimpressed. She does help herself to one of the sweets, however.

Roy has arrived at Number 1 and since Ken isn't around, gets right down to it, in his roundabout way, that is. He finally shows Nessa the letter, explaining what's in it just as Ken comes in the back door with the dog. Nessa snatches it from his hand but she doesn't deny it. She's outraged when she discovers he's found it in Alan's desk but Ken's presence in the room, asking if everyone is all right (when I'm sure the atmosphere is thicker than a Victorian London fog).

Aidan wonders what's been going on with Johnny lately. Kate thinks the factory and the upcoming wedding are probably keeping him busy. Aidan asks Carla who merely snaps back at him.

Ken has been apprised of the situation. Nessa refers to the affair as a mistake. Roy intends on speaking to Cathy once he is sure of the truth. Nessa nearly chokes and tells him it's far better if he just burned the letters, all of them. Ken and Roy realize there are more than just the one Roy found. Roy quietly puts the letter back in his bag. Nessa begs him not to say anything to Cathy but he leaves. She is desperate to get the letters back before Cathy sees them. Alan had promised her he'd destroyed them years ago. Ken is highly disapproving. Not just because of the affair (though he did seem pretty offended about that, thus showing his hypocritical side) but because Nessa has insisted Roy keep quiet to save her own skin and it's put him in a very awkward position.

Anna tells Cathy that things have settled down so she can leave. Roy will be back soon. Cathy decides to go to her house and do some clearing up on her own rather than always having to depend on Roy. She takes off her pinny and asks Anna not to tell Roy, it'll be a nice surprise. She gives a returning Roy a peck on the cheek as she brushes out the door.

Tracy has gathered several floral bouquets from various sources including Freshcos, Dev's and a petrol station and has brought them to the shop. Todd can't believe she's going through with the change to the florists. Tracy is optimistic that once the shop is up and running and successful, Robert will be unable to resist her. Tracy hands Todd a large, heavy book and he's to study it to learn all the different flowers. There will be a test later!

Rita asks Norris how he's coping on his own. Norris, of course, is affronted at the very suggestion that he couldn't cope and Emily's only been gone a few hours. He describes things as a cooperative relationship and he can certainly take care of himself. Rita reckons that remains to be seen. Mary is browsing the magazines morosely while they bicker. Norris goes to put on the kettle. Rita notices Mary is distracted and asks if she's having trouble with her fella but that only elicits a sarcastic remark about Rita hoping to be able to say "I told you so". She insists, angrily, that everything is "positively blissful" and strides out.

Nessa arrives in the cafe to ask for the key to Cathy's house so she can retrieve the letters before Cathy sees them. He doesn't want to be any further involved. Anna gives Nessa a 10 yard glare. Roy won't give Nessa the key, it's a betrayal of trust. Nessa suggests he go with her, pretending they've come to help clear out or something (how do they know that's where Cathy has gone?) She reminds Roy it will destroy Cathy to find out the truth. He can see her point and asks her to come back after lunch and he'll take her there.

Cathy comes into the living room, looks around, takes a deep breath and picks up a box.

Liz and Johnny are chatting about the situation. Liz doesn't think it's such a big deal to tell Aidan and Kate the truth. There are worse things to find out. Johnny points out that he did cheat on their mother even if it was before they were born. Liz reminds him how long ago it happened. She thinks the sooner he tells them the better but apparently the night his wife died, Carla's mother had told her about the affair. It upset Lou and she went off in a rage, hysterical, and she ran out of the house and a drunk driver hit her. Johnny reckons if they hadn't argued she'd not have been in that place at that time.

Carla enters the prison visiting area slowly and nervously. Rob enters from the other side and their eyes meet. They sit down. He smirks. She sits with her arms crossed tightly against her body. After the break, he tells her that he didn't think she'd come. She can't understand why he'd cause so much trouble for money he can't even spend in prison. He says it's about his future and he gets angry, blaming her for him being locked up. (No, that would be you killing Tina) She asks Why again. His only answer is because he could. She recalls him being an adorable baby brother, someone difficult not to love. He says it was her fault that he changed. She gave him a second chance, she reminds him. He hisses that she then pushed him right back down and now it's his turn to do it to her. What goes around comes around.

Luke ducks into the garage and warns Kevin that Joanne is on her way to visit. She arrives a few seconds later and invites him to lunch. He thanks her for the sweets. She nervously witters on about being called "forward". Kevin politely declines the invitation as they're snowed under. Her next tangent is about being presumptuous. You've got to feel sorry for the poor woman, she's a nervous wreck! Luke talks Kevin into going to the cafe or the pub. Joanne then runs on about a nice cup of tea so the cafe, it is. She's pleased.

Rob repeats the story that his mother told him while drunk and when he saw the photo of Johnny in the paper he thought he'd have a little fishing trip to see what he could catch and it worked. He didn't think of the consequences for everyone else, she hisses. Ah, Rob smirks, that was the best part, watching the consequences play out. Carla plays it cool and declares her unmoved by the truth. So what? He brings up Aidan and Kate. Not her problem. Rob rubs her face in it a bit over how different her life could have been but she keeps calm. He's pretty sure he's touched a nerve just the same because he knows her well and urges her to tell Johnny to pay up. He thinks the truth will eat away at her and she'll self destruct, he only wishes he could see it for himself. She leans in and reminds him he won't because he's going to rot away in prison and warns him not to come looking for her when he does get out. (Excellent scene with two actors that have always had great chemistry and are a believable brother and sister)

Back in the Kabin, Norris is accusing Rita of being stuck in the past. But Norris has noticed that Mary is distracted these days and isn't acting like a person in love. Rita tells Norris that Brendan is married.

Erica comes into the cafe and notices Joanne and Kevin. She and Anna discuss how Joanne doesn't seem to be playing hard to get then tells Anna they have to go out on the tiles again. Anna isn't really up to that again. Kevin comes over to the counter to pay for the teas. Kevin doesn't think it's such a bad idea for Anna and Erica to go out to another singles night. Joanne joins them and mentions a line from a well known "chick" flick that Kevin's never seen, Dirty Dancing. All three women tease him and it looks like Joanne maybe planning to introduce him to it sooner than later. Yep, she owns the dvd and offers to bring it over. Kevin genially agrees so Anna tells Erica she'll join her on a night out after all. Might be her lucky night! Good byes all around. Roy comes downstairs and says he's popping out for a bit.

Cathy sits at the desk and opens it, finding a tin. She lifts the lid to find a stack of letters. She opens one and reads it and catches her breath in dismay.

Nick and Robert come out of the Bistro to unload the van. Nick sees Carla drive up and leaves Robert to it. He runs over to her and asks how it went. She says it was fine, being a bit short with him.

Cathy and Roy arrive at Cathy's. She thanks him but wishes he hadn't brought the subject up when Ken was around.

Amy quizzes Todd on flower names. He's not doing well! Ken comes in to see Amy going on to the next question.

Nessa comes into the house, looks around and sees Cathy in the study. Cathy whips out a letter in her direction. Busted. Cathy looks devastated and angry. She throws the letter at her sister.

Liz and Johnny come into the bar from the back room. Carla and Nick come in to join Aidan and Kate who are already there. Carla tells them she has to talk to them. Johnny tries to stop her but Carla tells him he had his chance. She asks Liz if she can go to the back in private which Liz allows. Johnny's protesting. Carla apologizes but it has to be done.

The episode ends there.

Tvor

Written by Ben Tagoe and directed by Diana Patrick

The Connor clan assemble in the back room of the Rovers. Johnny begs Carla to let him tell Kate and Aidan the news in private but, as Carla points out, he's had 4o odd years to do that so she drops the bombshell. Aidan is the first to react and it doesn't look as though he's taking the news too well.

Someone else not taking the news well is Cathy. As the penny drops about what her sister did, she shouts at Nessa to get out of her house. At Cathy's bidding, Roy leads Nessa away, leaving Cathy sobbing her heart out.

Back at the Rovers, Johnny's trying to explain himself but the news isn't going down well. Liz suggests to Nick and Michelle that they should give them some privacy and they leave the others to it.

Cathy's wondering out loud to Roy how Alan and Nessa could have done this to her. Roy says he wanted to tell her about it immediately. Cathy's face changes when she realises he knew about the letters but didn't tell her. Roy tries to explain himself but Cathy is now angry with him, too and she leaves the room.

Over at Barlow's Buys Amy finishes testing Todd on his flower knowledge. He doesn't get a single question right and reckons he's not cut out to be a florist. Tracy says she'll have him licked into shape in no time and now to make it up to him she'll take him for a drink in the Bistro. Realising this is just an excuse to see Robert Ken advises her to leave things alone but Tracy isn't one to take advice from anyone.

Johnny is still trying to explain himself to Kate and Aidan. They want to know whether he knew all along that he was Carla's father. He tries to avoid the question but admits that, deep down, he did know but he tried not to think about it. Kate is upset, while Aidan is angry. They ask whether their mum knew. Johnny can't bring himself to answer.

Erica and Anna are of to the singles' night. They bump into Kevin who's quick to point out that his evening with Joanne is no big deal – she's only coming round to watch a film. Anna turns to look back at Kevin and Erica tells her not to mind him, this evening is about the two of them.

Liz, Michelle and Nick are discussing the Johnny and Carla drama while Sean pretends to polish the beer taps and tries to listen in. He flounces off when Liz tells him it's a private conversation and immediately goes off to join the gossip with Mary and Eileen. Billy tells them all it's none of their business but then pretends he knows exactly what's going on.

Cathy is having it out with Roy. She thinks he should have just handed her the letter when he found it rather than sneaking into her house with her sister. Put like that it doesn't sound good but poor Roy was only trying to do what he thought was best. Cathy starts to piece things together, remembering whispered conversations between Nessa and Alan and how he used to supposedly go off to his allotment for hours on end. She sobs that Alan's not even here any more so that she can shout at him and ask him why. Roy tries to placate her but Cathy doesn't want his sympathy. She tells Roy that she expected better of him and asks him to leave.

Back in the Rovers, Eileen, Mary and Sean are desperate for Billy to tell them the gossip. Lowering his voice he tells them he's heard that Johnny's been using the factory as a front for all sorts of activities – guns, drugs, dodgy booze. Eileen looks skeptical but Mary says she always thought he looked shifty. Billy claims found all this out from one of his parishioners who used to be in the police but he couldn't tell Sean anyone because he was sworn to secrecy.

Liz is dying to know what 's going on in the back room. It's all gone very quite so she decides to go in and offer them a drink. Michelle says she's going with her.

In the back room Aidan is shouting at his father. He describes Carla's mother as a slapper so Kate tells him he's out of order. Liz and Michelle come in just as Johnny is telling the others that his wife was all over the place and inconsolable when she found out about the affair. Liz chips in and tells Aidan that what happened to his mum wasn't Johnny's fault, it was an accident. Aidan looks confused and asks his dad what Liz is going on about. Liz realises with horror that she's put her foot in it big time.

Aidan sums up the situation by saying that this means Johnny killed their mum. Liz says the accident could have happened at any time. Michelle advises her that she's probably said enough. Johnny begs Aidan and Kate to understand that he loved their mum but they are now blaming him for her death and Aidan says after he walks out of that room he doesn't want any more to do with him, ever again.

Mary hurries into the Bistro to join Rita and Norris and impart news of the gossip from the Rovers. Norris is all for going over there until he realises that drinks cost more in the Bistro and he's bought the first round so they might as well stay their until the others have had their turn. He changes the subject to the other gossip – Mary's relationship with Brendan. She's very upset that they've been discussing her and accuses Rita and Norris of being a moralistic double act, a sort of disapproving Sonny and Cher. Norris says he can't endorse adultery so Mary tells him that she will be seeing Brendan, with or without his approval, and then flounces out in high dudgeon.

Johnny is still trying to apologise. He tells his three children that he loves them and that they're a family. But as far as Aidan is concerned his father has his mother's blood on his hands. Aidan tells him to make sure he stays away from him as he wants nothing more to do with him and then storms out. Johnny tries appealing to Kate and tells her that he only kept it a secret because he loves them all so much. Carla says she hasn't had Johnny's love for 41 years so she has no need for it now. Kate says that goes for her as well. Johnny winces as the two women walk out.

Johnny follows Kate and Carla out into the bar. It's obvious everyone's been gossiping so Kate puts them all straight. Sean looks agog when he learns that Kate is Carla's sister. Eileen asks Billy what all that nonsense was about drugs and guns so he tells her that you'll never get the truth while you whisper behind people's backs. But his attempt to teach the others a lesson has obviously fallen on deaf ears as Sean and Eileen can't wait to start gossiping about the latest revelation.

Tracy's sitting at the bar in the Bistro with Todd, busily touching up her lipstick. She's totally confident about her ability to win back Robert and tells Todd that she's his Achilles heel. But Robert comes out from the kitchen, catches sight of Tracy and heads back the way he came. Tracy calls out that she's a customer. Robert abruptly replies if she wants something she should ask a waiter.

Nessa comes home to Ken in a right state. He's concerned about how Cathy is feeling but Nessa tells him that she's not the only one who's been hurt in all of this. Ken is furious and asks Nessa if she's truly incapable of thinking about anyone other than herself. Nessa looks shocked when Ken angrily tells her that he only hopes for her sake that Cathy can find it in her heart to forgive her.

Joanne and Kevin come out of Streetcars. As usual she's chatting nineteen to the dozen, not letting him get a word in edgeways. She witters on about the film and then about him and then apologises for being too forward. Trying to be polite Kevin says it's fine. Joanne misreads this and grabs him and kisses him full on the lips. At that moment Erica and Anna come tottering up the street but fortunately they don't see what's going on. Kevin, on the other hand, is distracted and watches Anna going into the kebab shop. He helps Joanne into her waiting taxi. She asks when they can see each other again but Kevin says it's a bit difficult for him, what with Jack and all that …

Kevin joins Erica and Anna in the kebab shop. They ask him about his evening and he admits he's not too sure about Dirty Dancing or Joanne, come to that– she does go on rather. Erica leaves them to it. Kevin asks Anna about her evening. She tells him he knows what those events are like, full of creeps and losers, then adds that it's not as though she's catch of the century herself. Kevin tells her that she scrubs up quite well from where he's standing. He offers to walk her home. Anna points out she only lives across the road then laughs and says he might as well.

Aidan has a heart to heart with Michelle. He's devastated about what's happened and blames his dad for his mum's death. Michelle tries to comfort him. She says his dad may have messed up but he should know that it's not that simple.

Carla finds Roy sitting on the bench in the street and joins him. She says that the secret's now out and Roy tells her it's probably for the best. He says that the past certainly has a habit of catching up. Carla asks Roy if he's alright but he says he doesn't think there's much to be gained from a prolonged discussion and bids her goodnight. Carla tells Roy he knows where she is if he needs her. Likewise, says Roy.

Carla strides off up the street and passes Robert going the other way. He calls after her. He tells her they mustn't carry on like that, not speaking to each other and making things awkward. Carla asks why not, they haven't got anything to say to each other. He points out that it happened but it doesn't have to be a big deal. As Carla turns to go, Robert grabs her arm. In measured tones he tells her that he's trying to be nice and that it may have escaped her notice but she's the one with everything to lose. He adds, in a slightly more threatening manner, that he suggests she thinks about that some more before she starts with the attitude because he could make life very difficult for her if he wanted to.

Karen

Michelle has called round to see Carla and is amazed to find that she's planning on going into work. Wouldn't she like a few days to let it all sink in? Apparently not, so Michelle says she'll make her some breakfast first.

Johnny is in his flat with a headache. He asks Kate if she'd like to talk about it. She says that talking is for people who know how they feel – she hasn't even started to get her head around it. Just then Aidan arrives, shocked that Kate let him stay. After ranting and raving for a few moments he tells Johnny he doesn't want to see him at the factory.

Ken and Nessa arrive at the cafe, and Nessa gets a few glares from Anna. Roy has the theatre tickets he was going to give Cathy, and he throws them in the bin, telling Anna there is no way he'll give them to her now. As soon as he's out of sight, Nessa rushes round and fishes them out of the bin, telling Anna that she's the one who made the mess, so she's the one who is going to sort it.

Kate is now over at the factory, and Aidan has another go at her for taking Johnny back. She tells him that Johnny is still her dad, no matter what he's done. Aidan reckons their mum is dead because of him. Just then Sean puts his head round the door, he has a problem with his machine. The atmosphere is decidedly frosty as Kate and Aidan sit in silence. Sean asks if Mrs Connor is coming in. "What do you think?" snaps Aidan. Sean then wants to know if Johnny is going to put in an appearance. "Do you like working here Sean?" asks Aidan. Sean tells him he loves it to bits. Aidan warns him to be very careful in that case.

Erica is in the cafe, and Anna has filled her in on the latest gossip about Carla and Johnny. Just then Kevin comes in and starts chatting to Anna about the dating website. Just then Joanne, Kevin's last date, comes in, she's been looking for him on the pretext of looking for her missing brolly. When he says he hasn't seen it, she asks if he'd like to meet up for lunch later, but Kevin tells her he's too busy to stop for lunch.

Carla arrives at the factory and announces to the workers that yes, Johnny is her dad, no, she didn't know and Kate and Aidan didn't know either. They won't be seeing him in there again.

In the office, Carla tells Kate she's sorry for springing it on her, she knew it would open a can of worms, but didn't know it would be this big. Kate reminds her that it's not Carla's fault, what Johnny did, and they all had to find out some time.

Nessa and Ken arrive at Cathy's house. Nessa pleads with her not to blame Roy, she's the one who did it. Ken tells her that Roy is devastated by what's happened. She tells them to go, so Nessa pulls the tickets out of her pocket and tells her that if Cathy were to ring Roy she's sure he would still go, she can't let what Nessa did destroy her relationship with a good, innocent man. Cathy tells them to just go, so Nessa puts the tickets down and they leave.

Eva tells Aidan she knows how he feels, and explains to him how she only found out that Leanne was her sister a few years ago, her mum had kept it from her, and although initially they fell out big time, now they're closer than ever, and she's glad she has Leanne in her life. "It will get easier," she says.

In the garage, Kevin tells Luke and Sophie how he found Joanne's missing brolly down the back of the sofa. Sophie reckons that's the oldest trick in the book. Just then the lady in question arrives, she's brought Kevin some lunch, much to the amusement of Luke and Sophie.

Billy is in the cafe, he's ordered a toasted cheese sandwich but Roy has his mind on other things and it starts to burn. Just then Cathy walks in and slaps the tickets down on the counter, telling him that next time he should do his own dirty work. Roy doesn't understand where she got them, he tells her he threw them away. "There was a time I would have believed you, but not any more," she says and turns to the door. "We're finished."

Roy rushes after her and stops her, assuring her that he threw the tickets away, but Cathy is in no mood to listen. "First Alan betrayed me, and now you," she says, sobbing, "I can't take any more chances. Don't come after me."

Mary, Dev and Erica are in the shop talking about food and cooking. Just as Mary is offering to babysit so that Dev can go to Erica's and taste her shepherd's pie, Brendan comes in. Mary hustles him out so they can go somewhere and talk.

Johnny is in the pub knocking back shorts. Liz is surprised that he's in there feeling sorry for himself, she tells him to fight to win back his children's love. If he puts his back into it, he'll win.

Mary is sitting in Brendan's car, he tells her she means everything to him, he's never been so happy since she became his girlfriend, his home is like a prison, but she clearly wants something from him that he can't offer, so if she wants to call it a day, who could blame her? Mary reckons they shouldn't be too hasty and they end up kissing.

Johnny walks into the factory, but Aidan rushes over and shouts at him to get out. Johnny tries to reason with him, saying that he loved Aidan's mother. At that point Aidan gets really cross and punches him, knocking him over. Then he drags him to his feet and sends him packing.

Anna walks into the pub and comes up behind Kevin, making him jump. "It's only me, who did you think it was?" she asks. "Three guesses," he replies. He tells Anna that there's no chemistry between him and Joanne, but doesn't know if he's got the heart to dump her. She tells him he's got to be tougher.

Johnny is back at home bathing his cut lip. Kate comes home and helps him, but tells him her whole world has been turned upside down, she's not ready to forgive. "Why are you doing this?" he asks. "Because like it or not, you're my dad and I've still got feelings for you," she says. He offers to move out for a while to give her time to think.

Dev and Erica are about to go off to her flat for the shepherd's pie, when Mary appears all set to go out. Dev reminds her that she agreed to babysit, but she tells him that 'life' happened. She now has a date tomorrow night and needs to go to Chess Club tonight to mentally prepare. (It calms her, apparently.)Erica says she'll go and get the ingredients and cook at Dev's house.

Johnny is walking down the road with a suitcase, and meets Carla and Nick walking the other way. He tells them he's going to stay with a mate a ten minute taxi ride away.

Joanne has arrived at the pub and is sitting with Kevin. Over at the bar, Sophie, Anna, Luke and Michelle are discussing the situation. Sophie reckons the poor woman needs putting out of her misery, but Kevin obviously isn't going to do it. "Well somebody has to do it for him," says Anna, downing her drink and walking over to them. She tells a rather startled Kevin that she's had time to think and she's not getting rid of his baby! Joanne asks if she's the woman from the cafe. "Oh cafe, chip shop, taxi office, he's had them all round here love," says Anna, "anything in a skirt is fair game to him!" Joanne gets up and leaves in a hurry. "And I thought I'd finally found a decent man," she says.

Anne Logan.

Here we go with another Friday.

Carla, Kate and Aidan walk towards the factory. They need to talk about things but it will have to be later.

Nick and Robert talk about Carla and Robert says he's there if they need anything.

Kevin and Tyrone talk about Hope's operation. Tyrone says he's still got debts. He asks for a 200-pound advance but Kevin gives him the money as a gift. Tyrone object. He's not a charity case. Kevin suggests he give it a long and technical accounting name but he tells Ty that it's basically what partners do for each other. Kevin sees the garage doors have graffiti all over them again and Tyrone says the bus stop's the same. Kevin rings the council. He knows the council won't clean the paint off private property but they will clean up the bus stop. Sophie and Tim arrive. Ty and Kevin chat with them about what happened on Kevin's date and for a moment Tyrone thinks Anna's really pregnant. Sophie sees an announcement that a particular band is back together. She looks thoughtful.

Anna asks Roy about Cathy but he says his love life is none of her concern. Liz and Audrey come in asking about what colour Liz is going to have put into her hair. They realise Roy's not himself and Anna tells them Roy and Cathy have broken up.

The twins ask Mary where her boyfriend is taking her. Dev appears in a skin tight gym shirt and says some scathing things about Brendan. The twins giggle at the shirt but Mary admires it. However, once the twins are out of earshot she tells off Dev for his remarks about Brendan and tells him the shirt makes him look like an overstuffed giant pork sausage.

In the factory, while Carla frets about being behind with a camisole order, Kate pops into the office to say the staff need reassuring. Sally pops her head round the door in her most annoying smiley mode and asks about the cake run. Really, she just wants to grab an opportunity to get back on the management team now Johnny's not part of it. Carla turns her down flat.

Ken and Nessa arrive at the cafe. Ken is sympathetic but Roy says the situation was of his own making. All Nessa's worried about is whether she's forgiven.

Sophie tells Kevin she and Maddy said they'd go to the gig if the band ever re-formed. Kev offers to go with her. Anna comes to collect the dirty plates and something about her manner makes Sophie realise something. Anna's after Kevin.

At another table, Ken tells Nessa not to dwell on things.

Sally comes in and asks Kevin and Sophie if Tim's told them. Told them what? She says they'll have to come with her to see what the problem is.

Meanwhile, Cathy appears to be making progress, boxing things up. She stares at the desk.

In the ginnel, a little gaggle of people waits for Sophie. The council's only gone and cleaned off Maddy's mural. Yep. Kevin blames himself for calling the council. Sally's just annoyed.

Norris and Rita snipe at each other in the Kabin. Aidan comes in for some chocolate and Norris asks if that's for Carla. Aidan asks whether this is Norris's way of trying to dig the dirt on his family. "It is," Rita assures him. When Aidan's gone, Rita tells Norris how much she likes that young man. Mary rushes in asking if the latest copy of Brendan's magazine has arrived. Norris wonders why anyone would pay good money for it. Then he wonders why Mary isn't getting a free copy.

Roy's trying to give someone the wrong meal. At a table, Kate and Carla discuss family. Carla points out that this is all new territory for her. Kate's sorry for being a pain but Carla says she's really just being a sister.

Anna tells Roy to stop serving and go and do the washing up. Carla goes to check up on him and Kate asks if they're close. "As close as you can get," Anna tells her.

Ken and Liz are going to take the dogs for a walk. I'd forgotten all about Rover and so had Liz, it seems, as she has to go back inside to fetch her. Audrey chats with Ken from outside the salon and a clearly annoyed Nessa comes out to put a scarf on Ken - the Nessa equivalent of marking her territory. "See you tomorrow," she says cheerily. Audrey smiles on the outside but underneath mutters, "Not if I see you first,Sweetheart."

Roy tells Carla he's not sharing his problem because she'll just try to fix it. But he tells her Cathy has ended their relationship. Carla can't believe it. She says Cathy won the lottery when she met Roy. "Come on. We're going to have it out with her." Roy mutters, "I knew this would happen."

Kevin is at the garage with Sophie and tells her nobody round here will forget Maddy. Sophie says the mural and the band have just made her realise she no longer thinks about Maddy every day. Kevin says that's natural and part of the healing process. Sophie tells him Anna fancies him but Kevin says they're just mates. Sophie doesn't believe this. "Promise me one thing," Sophie tells him. "Please let me be there when you tell my mum."

Carla's still trying to convince Roy that all is not lost.

Cathy's sitting at the desk, looking at the dried rose.

Norris is outside the Kabin trying to point out streaks on the windows to Rita when he sees Brendan arrive outside Dev's. He's off across the road like a foxy seeing a rabbit. "This man is using you!" he tells Mary. Dev comes to the door to find out what's going on. Norris tells him he has to stop Mary making a terrible mistake. Dev says he won't. It's Mary's mistake to make. Norris can't believe this. Surely Dev can tell Mary's just being used. Dev tells him that he's just being a good friend and supporting Mary. Norris scuttles back to the Kabin.

Roy's going out.

Carla chats to Nick in the bistro. It seems he got her there under false pretences. He's really got her there to make some decisions on the menu for their wedding reception. He calls for Robert to come and join them.

Roy tops up the oil in the Woody. Nessa wants to know where he's going and when she hears it's to Cathy's she demands to go with him. Roy refuses. "This is about Cathy and I. It's nothing to do with you." [Personally, I think Roy would have used the correct "Cathy and me," but scriptwriters aren't perfect.]

Cathy looks at some letters and the rose. She flicks a match and tries to set light to the rose, then flicks out the match and drops it in the waste paper bin just as the phone rings and distracts her. As soon as her back is turned, flames lick up from the bin.

Ken arrives back from dog walking and admits to Liz that sometimes he seems overwhelmed by Nessa. "If it's not working it's not working," she says. "Don't let it drag on."

Cathy sees the flames and tries to get out but there are piles of boxes in the way. She coughs and appears to collapse.

The end (or is it?)
Margaret Carr

Well it must be 2016 - I have had to write a couple of cheques as HMRC was pretty insistent that I cough up the money needed to run the State. Just have to hope they spend it wisely.

Not sure where we are with Corrie at the moment - the management is about to change with Stuart Blackburn departing to be replaced by Kate Oates (http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-09-18/emmerdale-boss-kate-oates-appointed-new-coronation-street-producer) who has had some success over the Pennines in Emmerdale. She will take over once she has had a holiday but what we are seeing will have been recorded in November / December. Ms Oates learnt her craft on The Archers so I have high hopes that she will know what she is doing with a fly on the documentary.

Early rumours are that Rosie (no), Ciaran and Toyah (yes and yes) are wanted by Ms Oates to return to the Street who plans to concentrate on humour and the old guard on the Street - so plenty of work for Emily when she returns.

Am I alone in not understanding why the decomposing body of Callum is not causing an unbearable stink in the granny annexe? Answers on an email to update towers please.

Now on with the action in this episode which was written by Perrie Balthazar; it was directed by Diana Patrick; the copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks for allowing these reports to continue. Finally in the final credits Stuart Blackburn was recorded as the Producer.

We open at Cathy's house where the unwatched match caught the wastepaper basket alight and Cathy is crawling around the floor in the smoke unable to find an exit.

Outside Roy has been followed by Nessa and they argue oblivious to Cathy's problem. Nessa tries to convince Roy to go and see Cathy. Eventually she shuts up allowing Roy to think.

Caitlin, Craig and Faye are talking an eyesore which is apparently a modern art installation (no me neither). Anna may have a job for Craig later if he wants one. Hurry up Cathy's on fire.

At the Bistro Nick, Carla and the chef, Robert, discuss wedding menus - apparently it is either chicken or lamb. Robert does not want to be involved. Carla would be happy with beans on toast. Kate arrives - the party is important not the food and can Carla sign these papers? Nick recalls they had chocolate berry torte on their first date so that has to be on the menu. Carla disputes it was a date and heads back to the factory to check out the papers before signing them. Oh hurry up Cathy will have been burnt to a cinder.

We return to the fire - she is coughing and spluttering and lost. She shouts help a few times. Outside Roy hears a muted cry and starts moving towards the house with Nessa following. She gets to the front door first and looks through the letter box identifying there is a fire inside. Roy produces a key and opens the door. He tells Nessa to phone for help.

In the Rovers Sally is getting all political over the council fat cats who have removed all of the local graffiti including the tribute to Maddie. Sal will be taking up the mantle of councilor Alf if she carries on like this. Anna arrives and asks Sophie to pop outside as there is something she will want to see. Sal, Tim and Kevin follow them. Oh please Cathy will have a hair out of place by now.

Roy makes it into the living room as a box of rubbish falls down to catch fire. He eventually finds Cathy and starts helping her.

Brendan and Mary walk into a downmarket pub. He observes "a beautiful woman, five hours of freedom and a mixed grill which includes a lamb chop." He checks his watch carefully as he says this. He reflects on the discussion with Norris earlier to the effect that if he had anything important to do he might be dangerous. Mary agrees that they are there to enjoy each other. The waitress tells them they have nine minutes until the "two for a tenner" offer expires - so what do they want? He claims to be a passionate man and then cannot remember Mary's usual drink (Dubonnet and bitter lemon).

Roy is helping Cathy out of the house. Nessa says it is all her fault. Cathy looks at Roy and says he has saved her life. Finally we hear a fire engine arriving.

Mary ends up with a rose wine - which would be cheaper by the bottle spots Brendan. Apparently his wife is out playing bingo this evening and will not be in for some time. He says it is wonderful that Mary does not see his marital status but sees the man beneath. Mary jumps thinking he has put his hand on her leg; looking under the table there is some kid sitting there! Mary grabs his hand and tells him she knows their time is limited tonight; but she also knows her feelings which refuse to be quelled. He is free and Dev's house is empty and she thought ... they could finish their evening there. They leave without ice creams.

Cathy is getting in the ambulance. Roy goes with her. Cathy tells Nessa that she was burning the latter's letters to Alan. The ambulance doors close.

Following the break we are in the ginnel with Anna and the rest as Craig has created a new memorial to Sophie with Caitlin. Sal guesses (wrongly) that this was Tim's idea - but Craig puts her right - it was Anna. Kev seems particularly interested in that piece of news. Caitlin reveals that Craig was promised free crumble for the week but Kev will pay for it. They all thanks Anna. Sal is not impressed and is unkind. Craig merely observes that art will always divide people.

In the Rovers Liz is telling Ken to get shot of Nessa - he does not have time to waste on her. Liz says when she is Ken's age she will spend every second making herself happy. She will watch a Bruce Willis film every day. Nessa arrives and reports that Cathy has burned her house down. Cathy and Roy are at the hospital. She admits that Cathy has read the letters. Ken is more worried about Cathy and Roy than Nessa's distress over the letters. Nessa breaks down. Ken offers to take Nessa next door for a calming drink. As they go Liz mimes cutting her throat to Ken.

In the corner shop Robert finds Carla buying some orange juice. He tells her that if she keeps over-reacting then Nick will guess something is wrong. She says she is not going to bin everything in the light of recent events. Nick comes in - a large party has arrived in the Bistro.

Ken pours Nessa a brandy. She witters about herself, she witters again. Eventually Ken takes the glass and putting it down with a bang says he thinks they should stop. Seeing one another he adds. Ken says he has tried to make it work but they want different things. Nessa says she wants the truth - is there someone else and Ken admits that there is. Ken has not got over losing Deirdre. Nessa concedes defeat. She goes quietly and Ken turns to look at Deirdre's ever present picture.

Sal and family meet Norris who has spotted the new mural. Sal says that she does not think Sophie could manage losing another tribute and Norris indicates that he will leave alone.

Roy and Cathy return to the Street - Roy has offered her a bed. Nessa sees them together and then Cathy sees her and tells her to lower her car window. Cathy tells her to go now she has seen she is alright. Nessa reveals that Ken has dumped her. Cathy is not providing any sympathy. Nessa tells Roy and Cathy that her silly selfish mistakes should not get between the two of them and what they have. Cathy absorbs this and tells her to drive safely.

Nessa drives around the corner into the Street and seeing Audrey she stops and tells Audrey that Ken has dumped her - she concludes "He's all yours" and she drives off into the night.

Mary has cheese curls and balls for Brendan, one of them is tipped over the floor. Brendan tells her cannot do this. Other men may be able to charm women into bed, but he is not like that - she is not a mistress or a bit on the side. Mary wants clarity, honesty and integrity. She needs to know he is genuine and that he is not just stringing her along. He tells her he would be half the man without her, she has taken his heart and soul. And he leads her upstairs [note he did not say he was genuine and she was not a bit on the side really!].

Roy has made a pot of tea. She pours. In the future she may well consider the fire a good thing. It is a clearing of the decks. Roy was thinking how difficult it must be for people like Cathy so attached to their possessions, going up in smoke. She says there are other things which are more important, looking at Roy, and which she does not wish to burn to the ground. Roy responds by saying that the thought of losing her today was difficult to bear. She calls herself a total cow for flying off the handle. Roy says that it is her honesty, stubborn nature is what make him love her. She grabs his hands and tells him that she loves him. They snuggle together.

Downstairs Anna is putting the chairs on the tables. Kev puts his head round the door to say thank you for all that with Craig. She is glad it cheered people up - particularly Sophie. Kev helps her stack chairs having briefly touched her hand and she is a bit short. He makes to go but she reconsiders and apologises. She is just used to doing it all herself. She acknowledges how well he co-operates with Sal over Sophie. He admits they have not always been civil. But it is because they no longer have feelings for each other. Not even when you snogged her recently asks Anna? He asks if she was jealous. She doesn't answer but has a big grin on her face. When they are done Kev makes to go and Anna looks uncertain. Then Kev turns around walks back to Anna gives her a good snogging. To which she eventually concedes. He suggests she forgets singles night and he will take her out. They agree that Sally does not need to know. Anna reckons Sal will kill her. And what does Anna want? Answer to kiss Kev again.

Roll credits.

Regards
K Richard Whitbread

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Tim Dowd

Nick has heard about a good review for the Bistro but can't find it. Leanne sends a text to let him know that it's not in the local Gazette, it's in the Manchester Evening News, and that's big! Lots of compliments for the chef! Nick isn't much of a chef though, because he burns the bacon that's under the grill. He whinges and asks Carla if she'll still marry him but also asks her not to say much to Robert since his ego will already be exploding due to the review.

Tim and Sally chat outside. Sally urges him to ask Tracy if he can do the windows for her new shop. They part, Anna and Kevin greet each other across the road, all smiles. Kevin tells her that Jason is looking at the new premises to put in a quote. Anna prefers not to speak about Jason. Oh right. Sally calls to Tim, spurring Anna and Kevin to call out a hello to her. Kevin asks Anna for a date after work, she says she'll have to see how busy they are. Tim comes back over to Sally at her call. She's asked for a pound.

Over at the garage, Luke has come across and scolds Ty in a pretend-Gail voice for sliding up the garage door in the early morning hours, waking everyone in Platt Towers. Luke has already been given a hard time by Gail when she saw him in the cafe. Tyrone is dismayed, he tried to be quiet but came over early to get a few hours in before heading to the hospital. Today is Hope's operation. Luke offers whatever support Ty and Fiz need. It's clear that Tyrone is apprehensive about the operation, as you would be.

In the factory, Johnny and Aidan are arguing over Kirk who's holding a box. Aidan is angry that Johnny's back but Johnny admits he only stayed away a few days for a cooling down period. Trying to head off the bickering, Carla calls out for Kate and Sally while the men continue to argue. Carla clarifies that Kate packed the box for O'Driscoll's and Sally initialed it. Therefore, the shipment is approved and can be delivered, so says the boss. she shouts at Aidan and Johnny that it's all done, move on! Johnny tells Aidan he's not giving up.

In a busy cafe, Cathy comes in with Fresco bags and offers to cook him a late lunch once the lunch rush in the cafe is done. Roy is trying to deduce what the insurance company name might have been because Cathy can't remember, Alan being the one that did that sort of paperwork. He witters on about insurance companies but she's trying to get an answer about lunch. Anna offers to hold the fort while Cathy cooks later. Over at a table, Tracy and Todd are having a coffee and talking about the launch of the new shop. She wants to ask Robert to do the catering. Todd seems to admire her for not giving up. She reminds him that she doesn't lose, either.

Steph and Andy are perusing the review. Nick chunters them back to work. Andy continues to read the review out loud just as Carla arrives. The review bit that he's up to is now expounding the talents of the chef who comes out of the kitchen just at the right time. Carla invites Nick to lunch but he's busy and promises they can talk about the wedding later.

Mary is full of the joys of spring today, warbling "You Can Keep Your Hat On" (a stripper song from an 80s movie!) while she washed the front door of Number 7. Dev interrupts her, mystified at the industry on a January morning. She witters on about the door and cleaning and says that she's warm when he expresses a bit of dismay with the door being open to the cold. He shakes his head and hurries down the road towards the shop, passing Tyrone and Luke who are investigating why Tyrone's car won't start! Fiz is horrified.

Cathy is setting up a nice table for lunch. She and Anna chat and she suddenly remembers the name of the insurance company, Meadowbank. The phone rings just as he makes a note. Anna takes the call while Cathy lures Roy to sit down to a nice homemade fish pie. It's not to be. The call is from Tyrone. Roy takes the call while the view shifts to Carla and Michelle over in the corner. Carla is observing how happy Cathy seems to be and muses that she'd be happy working in a caff and living over it. Michelle guffaws at the very idea! No, no, Carla insists, she would! At least she wouldn't have to referee Johnny and Aidan kicking off at the factory and listening to Nick singing Robert's praises and wanting to talk about the wedding. When she questions why they do it (get married), Michelle admits that, for her, she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her big lummox because she loves him. Carla is a mess and Michelle doesn't think she can get married in this state, slow things down maybe. She needs to either tell Nick or find a way to live with it. She's hardly a happy bride. Michelle suggests postponing it and blaming all the stuff with Johnny as the excuse. Meanwhile, Roy has his coat on and satchel in hand and off to drive Tyrone and Hope to the hospital, leaving Cathy on her own with the fish pie.

In the new flower shop, Todd attempts to open a box of business cards but Tracy stops him. Tracy hasn't told anyone including him what the name of the shop is going to be. Tim saunters in just then, suggesting he be hired as the regular window cleaner. He also tries to guess what the name of the shop is...two words beginning with the same letter like Barlow's Buys was. Um. Maybe she admits. He suggests Barlow's Blooms. She still has no intention of giving him the job!

In the hospital, Hope is being settled in a bed with Fiz fussing over her while Tyrone is trying to pay Roy for the parking fees which Roy won't accept. Fiz tells him he doesn't have to stay with them. Fiz is about to read her a story but the porter, a very jolly man with a great way with kids comes in to fetch her. Fiz goes along with them to walk to the operating room.

In the pub, Carla arrives for a glass of wine. Michelle doesn't want to hand it over until she finds out if Carla has talked to Nick yet but she hasn't had the chance. It's only just quitting time (Aidan and Kate are in a booth behind her). Michelle insists on not serving her so she can take up the task in hand. Aidan is confused as to why Kate isn't still angry. She points out it isn't helping anyone. She tells him she only has a few memories of their mother. She reminds him of all the times and things their father did for them, including letting her to be who she is and accepting it. She is unapologetic and points out that Johnny only made one mistake and regrets it. Johnny comes in but Aidan gets up without a word and leaves. Johnny sits with Kate who says Aidan's anger is understandable. Carla is starting to feel a bit crowded now Johnny's arrived. Again, Michelle nags her to go talk to Nick until she finally agrees.

Tyrone and Roy sit in the corridor. Tyrone has Hope's old rabbit, something she's had since she was a baby. He expresses a heartfelt wish that she is able to grow out of old childish toys, she should have that chance. Roy offers the advice not to think on the negative side, difficult as it is. They need to continue to hope that this is the last step to her recovery. Fiz comes out to find them to get a magazine. Tyrone doesn't have his wallet with him but doesn't want to accept money from Roy and snaps at him. Fiz takes the money from Roy while scolding Tyrone. Tyrone sighs that he's useless.

Cathy sits Anna down, preparing to give her some of the fish pie so it doesn't go to waste. Kevin wanders in just then and sits with her. He'd wondered why she didn't meet him in the Rovers but understands when she tells him that Roy went to the hospital. No, there's no news yet. Kevin wants to ask Anna out on a proper date. She agrees and they set a time for 8 p.m. but they still need to keep it quiet. He agrees and leaves. Cathy, with an arm full of a casserole dish is then dismayed that Anna will only accept a tiny portion though she doesn't say why.

Ty and Roy are still in the corridor talking with Roy giving very good advice about making sure a child is loved and listened to. Tyrone expresses the fears any father would in the situation but of course we know there's the added guilt about the debt he's incurred, something Roy doesn't know about when he says Hope and Ruby will always remember this Christmas as magical. He also points out that Ty and Fiz are giving the children a childhood neither of them experienced themselves. Tyrone recalls that he did get that love and respect from Jack and Vera and what would they think of him now? If he could just do it over again...But Roy doesn't understand and Fiz has come back. She hands the money back to Roy because the magazine stand didn't have what she wanted. Tyrone jumps up and fishes the coins out of his pocket and goes to get her a drink.

Mary is now warbling songs from My Fair Lady, recalling that she could have danced all night. Dev is looking on, bemused but not really enjoying the impromptu concert. She's now wiping off all the DVDs. He finally stops her and asks her what's going on. She has looked at her life through fresh eyes. Asha comes down and tosses a sock at her father, saying he's left a dirty one on the landing. Dev denies that it's his and points out his socks don't have men's faces on them like this one does. Mary leaps forward and snatches it. She tells them it's Mulder, from the X-Files and insists it's her sock.

Tracy comes in for a large drink, looking like she's had a long day. Behind her, Tim throws out another guess as to the business name. Tracy isn't impressed. Sally and Tim discuss possible names, Sally thinking Tracy will go with something simple like "Flowers by Tracy" though Tim accurately reminds her that the last shop wasn't called "Knock off gear by Barlow". Todd arrives with Ken, both of them looking tired. Tracy asks if they got the glue off the window and it seems they haven't which aggravates her. They had put the tape around the window to protect it from the paint. Tim pipes up and tells them they'll need a professional to get that off the window. Kirk nips in to tell Tracy that the men delivering the sign have arrived. She's anxious that they keep it covered up while installing it so she rushes out, followed quickly by Todd who's hoping for a peek. Tim asks if he gets to do the windows and is rudely told to get on with it. Success, more or less!

In the Bistro, the restaurant review has been framed and is being installed on the wall behind the bar. Carla arrives, noticed by Robert. Carla tells Nick he needs to take a break but he insists he's too busy and will be with her when Leanne gets in.

Tyrone has lost some money in the vending machine and he's lost his temper, kicking and shaking the machine in anger. The porter from earlier comes by and when Tyrone shouts at him, defends himself and threatens to call security. Roy talks him out of it and Fiz is hollering at Tyrone for losing it while she's trying to hold herself together. She storms off, followed by Tyrone, while Roy thanks the porter for not escalating the issue. He passes by the drink machine, gently presses the coin return and picks up the coins that have clattered down.

Nick has finally arrived home with an armful of flowers for Carla. She's sitting there with a drink working on her courage. He says he can't stop long but she floors him by telling him she can't marry him. He's stunned and wonders if it's something he's done.

Tvor

Written by Susan Oudot and directed by Tim Dowd

Carla struggles to explain to Nick why she's not ready to get married yet. Understandably, he just doesn't get it. He asks her if there's someone else. She looks at him and then, after a long pause, denies it.

Fiz is sitting on a bench outside the hospital where Ty finds her. She's upset about what's just happened but her worry about Hope is even greater. Ty holds her tight and says everything is going to be just fine.

Dev sends Asha upstairs so he can confront Mary about the mysterious X-Files sock. Her claim that it was part of a multipack she bought for herself from Freshco doesn't convince Dev but he tells her that it's her home too and she's welcome to bring back Brendan, or indeed any man, if she so wishes. Mary is acutely embarrassed and she also heads upstairs.

Nick's still trying to understand what's going on with Carla so she tells him the problem is what's happened with Johnny. She starts to get hysterical and tells Nick she's feeling suffocated by everyone and everything. Nick's solution is that they should get out of there.

Someone in the Bistro's complains their steak is overdone so Robert sends Zee off to the kitchen to cook another one. Tracy arrives with Todd and congratulates Robert on his glowing review then asks if he'll prepare the canapes for her grand opening tomorrow. He tells her to discuss it with Leanne then heads off back to the kitchen, presumably to check that Zee's not about to ruin another steak, along with his reputation.

Anna drops Faye off with Sally and Tim so she can go on her date. She lets Sally think it's someone she's met at the singles club. True to form, Sally gets Anna's back up by telling her it must be a relief to have found someone as it's difficult for a single woman of her age to meet a man. Sally adds that she'd have to be dragged kicking and screaming before she'd subject herself to the humiliation of going to a singles' night. She advises Anna that if she's found someone she should hold on to them. "Do you reckon?" asks Anna. Faye's starving but she looks like she's lost her appetite when Sally announces it's broccoli bake for tea.

Rita and Audrey are talking to Cathy in the cafe. Cathy tells them she hasn't heard from her sister. While Cathy goes to answer the phone Rita advises Audrey that with Nessa out of the picture, now's her chance but Audrey's decided she's going to keep her distance for a while. Cathy puts down the phone and tells them it was Roy's Aunty Jean who wants Roy to call her about his mother. Roy comes through and Cathy tells him about the call. But Roy appears to ignore what she's told him and simply asks if she can lock up while he goes upstairs. Cathy looks somewhat surprised by his reaction.

At the hospital the doctor comes in to give Fiz and Ty news about Hope. Everything went as well as it could and the tumour was successfully removed. Hope will have to stay in for a few more days and it will be another week or so before they get the results back from the analysis. Fiz thinks all they ever seem to do is wait but the doctor and Ty tell her it will be worth it in the end.

Nick and Carla are walking and talking by the canal. He says that all she does is think that she's not worthy. Carla replies she's just thinking of him. In that case, Nick tells her, she mustn't do that because he doesn't want to be the reason she won't give their relationship a chance.

Kevin arrives to pick up Anna and compliments her on her appearance. She tells him he doesn't scrub up so bad himself. He suggests they get a cab from Streetcars so they can go for a drink before dinner. Anna's not so sure that's a good idea – maybe they should get an anonymous black cab. She asks if he fancies having a quick one there first and hastily corrects herself – she was referring to a drink! They smile at each other awkwardly and Kevin settles himself on the sofa while Anna gets out the wine.

Back by the canal Nick asks Carla what's changed. All she can tell him is that she can't do it. But Nick won't take no for an answer. He says Carla loves him, right, so surely that's all that matters? Nick quotes from a business book he once read: "there's nothing more intoxicating than certainty". He goes on to say that if you believe something enough then you'll be able to persuade other people to believe it too. He tells Carla that he's certain that they should be together and he's certain that Carla Connor, with all her faults, is the woman he's going to marry. "Intoxicating enough for you?" he asks. Carla nods silently as he takes her in his arms.

Tim and Faye are struggling to eat Sally's broccoli bake. She tells them proudly that it's a Jamie Oliver recipe although she did adapt it a bit as she was missing half the ingredients. Sally asks Faye about Craig and comments she's surprised he's so good at art given he's Beth's son. Sally reckons he wouldn't know the difference between a Banksy and a Botticelli. Faye looks blank so Sally explains he was an artist from the olden days. When Sally's back is turned Tim swaps plates with Faye so the poor girl ends up with all his food to eat and then announces he's off to the pub.

Chesney and Sinead have arrived at the hospital where Fiz is in a state worrying about Hope. But the doctor comes out with good news. Everything went well and Fiz can go in and see Hope.

Tracy and Todd are eating in the Bistro. He says he hopes it's worth her piling on the pounds eating in there every night just so she can see Robert. Tracy assures him it is.

Nick and Carla walk in and Leanne remarks sarcastically that it's nice of him to drop in when they've been rushed off their feet. Nick asks to see the reservations book but Carla takes it from him and asks about the fourth week in May. Leanne asks what it's for and Carla replies it's for getting married. Both Tracy and Robert react when they overhear this and even Nick seems surprised. Andy comments that it'll be cheaper for them holding it there and Steph tells him not to say things like that in front of the bride. "Bride to be'" corrects Robert. Tracy suggests she could save herself some money by wearing her last wedding dress since it'll still be in fashion.

Anna and Kevin are on their way out when Erica walks past. Anna hastily pushes Kevin back inside before Erica sees him.. Anna apologises to Kevin as they get in the taxi but he says he quite enjoys all this cloak and dagger stuff. As soon as they're safely inside the taxi they start to kiss, unaware that Tim is watching from across the street.

Erica is in Dev's shop and he's telling her about the incident with the sock. He asks whether Erica thinks that Mary and Brendan have … well, you know … and goes quite pink at the thought. Unfortunately he doesn't see Mary come in behind him and carries on talking. The moment he realises he tells her that he and Erica think it's great she's got a boyfriend but Mary takes it the wrong way and is still mortified about what happened. She promises Dev that there will be no more socks, or other incidents, under his roof. He assures her he doesn't have a problem with it but Mary grabs a loaf of sliced bread and hurries out of the shop in embarrassment.

At the hospital Hope is still asleep. Fiz thinks she's coming down with a sore throat and shouldn't get too close to her. Ches, Sinead and Ty step outside the room and Ches tells Ty how amazing he's been and says he doesn't know how Fiz would have coped without him. Ty can't speak and his face falls as he thinks about the financial mess he's got them into. Ches goes off to get coffees and Sinead asks Ty if everything's alright. She offers to listen if he wants to talk. He seems about to say something when Fiz comes out to say Hope has woken up, so the moment is lost.

Michelle is having a heart to heart with Carla back at her flat. She's heard via Tracy that Carla's decided to get married at the Bistro. She asks her what happened to her decision to put things off for a while and wants to know what made her change her mind. Carla replies simply that Nick did. She says he loves her, really loves her and asks why she would want to throw that all away. Carla answers her own question by saying that's what she does – she screws up and then wallows in the fact that she's screwed up. So she's decided to marry him because she loves him too and she wants to make him happy. "We can be happy, you know," says Carla. Michelle agrees and says that Nick will do everything in his power to make that happen so now it will depend on Carla.

Karen

Tyrone brings Fiz back home and insists she lies down and rests, even though she wants to go back to the hospital. She's got a rotten cold though and Ty points out that she'll just cough germs all over Hope.

Tracy is giving Todd lessons in flower arranging. He's not happy because it's his birthday and there are other places he'd rather be. Just then Ken arrives with coffee and Tracy gives him a job to do. He sees the box with the new name sign in it and tries to have a peek, but Tracy stops him and says it's going to be a surprise.

In the cafe, Cathy tells Roy that his Auntie Jean has called again, and will he please call her back. Anna asks if something has happened and is told that there's concern about Roy's mother, Sylvia, but because Roy won't call his aunt back they don't know what.

Just then Alex, Cathy's nephew comes in and says that Nessa is driving him mad, he's lost his job and is stuck in the house all day. He asks Cathy and Anna if he can hang out in the cafe.

Tyrone is at Hope's bedside, with Sinead and Chesney, and he tells her that her mummy isn't feeling well so can't be there. Tyrone's phone keeps ringing, so in the end he answers it and mutters that now is not a good time. Sinead asks who it was. "A cold call," says Tyrone.

Carla call Kate into the office and asks if she'd like to be her bridesmaid at the wedding in May. Michelle arrives then and is keen to organise the venue, the food, the music etc.

Sophie tells Kevin that she's read Jason's proposal and it seems okay. Kevin says they'll have to get a few more quotes before they decide, this is business after all.

Luke gets a phone call then, and walks outside to take it. "You actually saw him?" he says to the person on the other end. Then, just as Steph and Andy come walking down the road, he turns and kicks out at the newspaper sign outside the Kabin. Steph asks what's going on, but he won't say.

Kirk and Beth have arrived to see Fiz with medicinal supplies, such as paracetamol, honey, lemons and whisky! They can't stop long, however, they're off to the opening of Tracy's new shop. Just then there's a knock at the door and when Kirk opens it and large man bursts in, demanding to know where Tyrone is. He tells Fiz that Tyrone owes him money for the Christmas experience he provided. "Oh, you're the elf!" says Beth.

Tracy is getting the outside of the shop ready for the opening. Zeedan brings over the canapes from the bistro, but Tracy is disappointed because she wanted Robert to bring them. Amy tells her that she'll go and get Robert – for a fiver!

The 'elf' man tells Fiz that Tyrone's cheque bounced, and he needs the money, he earned it fair and square. Fiz says she thought he'd done it for free, and is shocked to learn that they owe him 1500 pounds. Beth tries to push the man out, but he's considerably larger than she is, and doesn't budge. Fiz tells him he'll get his money, she'll call him as soon as she's been to the bank. When he's gone, Fiz asks Kirk if she knew Tyrone was paying people. He shakes his head. "What else hasn't he told me?" she says.

The moment of the grand opening has arrived, and Tracy is getting nervous, standing outside the shop and wondering where everyone is. The first to arrive are Beth and Kirk, closely followed by Sean and Billy. They take glasses of bubbly from the tray that Todd is holding. As they go inside, Carla drives by in her car, with Michelle and Kate on board. They laugh at Tracy and Michelle remarks that they'll use a 'proper' florist for Carla's wedding.

Andy goes to see Luke to find out what his problem was earlier. Luke tells him that Jamie has been released on bail and is now working in some fancy bar in town. Andy is worried about Steph finding out, and hopes Jamie doesn't come looking for her.

Tyrone arrives home, all cheery, until Fiz tells him she had a visitor – an elf who wants his money. She reminds Tyrone that he told her that he pulled in favours and Christmas hardly cost a thing. Tyrone protests that that's true. "So why haven't you paid him?" she asks. Ty tells her he forgot, he'll do it tomorrow. So Fiz then tells him she looked at the bank account and has seen that they're 4 grand in the red. "Please tell me that's as bad as it gets," she says. Ty then confesses that he got a Pay Day loan, too. "How much?" demands Fiz. "Nearly ten grand," says Ty to a horrified Fiz.

Amy is in the bistro, arguing with Steph. She wants to go into the kitchen to speak to Robert, but Steph says no children are allowed. "That's rubbish, you'll have to do better," says Amy. "All right, no cheeky children are allowed," says Steph, but eventually gives in and lets Amy through. Once in the kitchen, she goes up to Robert and tells him his canapes are rubbish and people have been taking one bite and leaving them. "Did your mum tell you to say that?" asks Robert. Amy tells him to come and ask her himself, so in the end Robert agrees to go.

In the cafe, Cathy tells Anna she wishes she knew a bit more about Roy's relationship with his mother, she then might be able to get through to him. Anna tells her that Roy left when he was 16, his mother is not a warm woman, and explains that although she lived there for a while and they got along all right, when Hayley was diagnosed Sylvia just upped and left, she couldn't deal with it.

Fiz is asking Ty why he spent so much on Christmas. He says it was to see Hope's face, he had promised her Lapland and if he couldn't take her he wanted to bring it to her. Fiz says he lied to her, it's like what he did with the garage, all over again, only this time it's worse because this is his family. "I just wanted to make her happy," says Tyrone, adding that it could have been her last Christmas. "Only it might not be," says Fiz, "and now you've given her a miserable future where we can't buy her any nice clothes or treats."

Robert is over at Tracy's shop, sampling the canapes. Kirk, Billy and Beth say they are amazing, delicious. Robert is cross at having been dragged out of his kitchen and turns to walk off, when Tracy begs him to wait to hear her speech. She pulls a piece of paper out of her pocket and starts to read it, but when Robert looks like he's going to leave, she pulls the tarpaulin off the sign above the window. It reads 'Preston's Petals'. Beth is puzzled. "We're miles from Preston," she says. Tracy says she's thinking ahead because she thinks it's only a matter of time before she gets to be Mrs. Preston again. She takes a rose and puts it in Robert's buttonhole. "You're incorrigible," says Robert, but walks away with a little smile on his lips.

Tim and Kevin are enjoying a pint together in the pub. Tim tells him he saw Kevin with Anna yesterday, canoodling in the back of the taxi. Kevin tells him not to tell Sally, they're trying to keep it quiet for the time being. Tim asks if it's going to last. Kevin reckons it will.

Fiz and Tyrone are still thrashing out the problem. She tells him she asked him many times if they could afford it, he just lied to her. "I'll never lie to you again," he says. Then he asks what now. She tells him she needs some space to get her head around it, so he gets up and leaves the room.

Ken and Tracy are clearing up in the shop. They tell Todd to go home, but he says he's going into town to celebrate his birthday. When he's gone, Ken looks at the sign and tells Tracy it was a somewhat risky gambit. "Oi," says Tracy, "when have you known me not get my own way?"

Tyrone is knocking on Kevin's door when Chesney and Sinead come along. They ask what's wrong and Ty tells them that Fiz will explain. Then Kevin opens the door. "She knows," says Tyrone, so Kevin stands back to let him in.

Anne Logan

We begin this episode in Fiz's house, where Luke is having his breakfast. They discuss the situation between Fiz and Tyrone and Luke suggests it would help if he went to stay with his parents for a few days to get out of the way.

Todd isn't impressed with Tracy's sign stunt and tells her so. But Tracy believes she always gets what she wants. That's not what Robert says when he comes to the shop door. He tells her it won't make any difference what she wants. There's only one business in this street he wants his name on. Oh, and by the way, here's Tracy's bill for the canapes. He goes away. Tracy realises he thinks he'll get a share in the bistro but she tells Todd he hasn't got a chance. Nick doesn't appreciate him.

Roy's acting out the shower scene from Psycho, stabbing a tray full of sausages. Cathy tries to talk to him about Sylvia. He says his relationship with his mother improved and she even lived with them for a while. But then when Hayley got sick, Sylvia fled and he finds it hard to forgive that. Cathy thinks he should giving his mother credit for raising him to do the right thing and to be a better person than she is.

Kevin's in the cafe and he's on the phone telling someone the price is a bit higher than he was expecting, but yeah, he can have the job. So having made a deal over the phone, the builder can start on Monday. What kind of parallel universe is this? Of course, Jason walks in just as Kevin remarks this builder is a lot cheaper than Jason. Jason says the bloke must be cutting corners. He's disappointed in Kevin's lack of loyalty to a mate. Anna mutters that he's a fine one to talk after what he did to Gary. She invites Kevin round later.

The phone rings again and again at the bistro with people wanting to book. Nick refuses to believe it's anything to do with having Robert there, despite the reviews raving about the food. "He's only a chef!" he says. Robert comes out and asks whether Nick has five minutes. He wants a chat.

Andy goes to see Luke at the garage. He's been thinking - he can't believe Jamie's new employer knows about his history. Maybe they should.

Nick tells Robert he doesn't want or need a business partner. Robert says he's come into some money recently and all he wants is to invest it in the bistro. Nick says something about the whole workforce having an investment in making the business a success but Robert tells him he sounds like a corporate training video. He does. Robert says the good review wasn't an accident. It was down to Robert's work. Nick says he'll give him a rise or a bonus or something.

Craig and Tim chat in the cafe about the difference between a fresco and a mural. Anna asks Tim if he can have Fay tonight. Tim's eyes light up and he asks Anna if she has a date. She says no, she has some admin to do.

Roy gives Carla a little pep talk about never being able to change the fact that her father is her father. Cathy suggests he give himself the same talk about his mother.

Zeedan is fed up being in the kitchen while Robert's in such a foul mood. A stranger comes in and asks to speak to Robert. Nick refuses. The bloke says it's important. His place opens soon and he wants the best. He leaves his number and asks Nick to get Robert to call him. Of course, Nick rips up the number and bins it. He tells Leanne he's not going to help someone else poach his chef. Robert's staying exactly where he is.

Andy and Fiz arrive at the garage about the same time. Andy and Luke go off and Fiz tells Tyrone he can come home.

There's a horrendous crashing noise coming from the bistro kitchen. Robert's slamming pans around. He tells Leanne he's finding it difficult to cope with being near Tracy. She's more addictive than booze or fags. He's thinking of moving away. "Tracy's not giving up and I'm just a wage slave here." Leanne tries to explain that Nick's built up the business from nothing and he doesn't like the idea of sharing it with anyone.

Roy phones Sylvia and discovers she's broken both wrists when she fell executing a tricky line-dancing move. His aunt has a trip booked to Australia so he's going to go down there to make arrangements for his mother's care.

Andy and Luke go to a trendy bar and tell Jamie they don't want any trouble. They just want to talk to the owner. They hear a woman ordering the staff around. She's the manager. Jamie tells her Luke and Andy are just there to cause trouble. "Not half as much trouble as you caused my sister," Luke says. It turns out the manager didn't know Jamie was on bail when she hired him and she's horrified to hear he's posted revenge porn online. Another staff member tells her it was nothing. "You knew about this and you still vouched for him?" She sacks both of them.

Sally's a bit surprised to find Fay's staying the night. She tells Tim that when someone adopts a child they should take some responsibility for looking after that child. She then wonders if Anna has a date. Time tells her Anna's doing some admin. Sally doesn't believe that for a minute. She asks Fay if she'd like to watch a DVD. Fay would. Tim says he'll go out for popcorn. Fay would like to watch Mama Mia. Sally doesn't have a copy of that but Fay says it'll be easy enough to fetch Anna's copy. Sally says they shouldn't disturb her. . . then we see the cogs whirring in her little blonde head and she smirks.

Leanne tries to persuade Nick to let Robert have a piece of the business. It doesn't have to be a very big piece - just enough to make Robert feel he has a stake in the business and can't leave. Nick turns to Carla, who has just come in, and fetches two glasses so he can join her in a drink.

Andy and Luke come in and Steph hears them mention Jamie's name. Luke breaks the news to her that Jamie's out on bail.

Anna and Kevin relax in her flat with some wine and some tinnies and some kissing.

Tim and Jason leave the corner shop together. Tim spots Sally and Fay letting themselves into Anna's flat. "Oh no!" he says, and hurries towards them.

Robert knows about the bloke who came looking for him and he's angry. Very angry. "You've got no respect for me at all!" he shouts at Nick. Nick tells him to calm down and get back to the kitchen. Robert looks straight at Carla. Is he going to tell all?

It's The End, so you'll have to wait!

Margaret Carr

Welcome to another update. It has been quiet since our last holiday - but there is another one on the horizon. Anyway after my recent prognostications on the future of the Street I will get straight into the action this week.

This is episode 8818 and it was written by Perrie Balthazar and directed by Tim Dowd. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Action commences in the Bistro with Nick unaware of the sub-text happening between Robert and Carla as Robert pitches for a share of the business. Nick is not interested and Robert is clearly looking to spill the beans. Leanne intervenes to prevent bloodshed. Robert observes that Nick has nothing to be smug about. Nick is still waiting for the big revelation. Carla makes to leave and Leanne tries to get everyone concentrated on customers! Leanne orders the two men in the kitchen and says she will play referee. Carla stomps out.

At her flat Anna is snogging poor Kevin to death as Spandau ballet belt out "True" and we hear the front door opening. Sally's voice can be heard and Anna pushes Kev into the bedroom like a teenager. It takes Sal a long time to climb stairs and she empties the wine glasses, disposes of the tinnies and throws a blanket over herself. Faye leads the party and wants the Mamma Mia DVD. Anna denies she is wearing new blusher. Faye reckons that Anna has been watching the DVD in bed but Anna prevents her from going in the bedroom. Tim tries to get them all to leave. Sal thinks there is a surprise for Faye in the bedroom but the latter reckons it is the hidden chocolate stash.

Ty comes home. Fajitas for tea. Fiz says they will talk later. Time for Ruby to get a bath which Ty volunteers to do whilst Fiz cooks. The two adults are very distant with each other.

In the Bistro kitchen Nick is observing that Robert's pronouncements sounded very personal. Leanne suggests it is merely passionate, committed approach. Or volatile like most chefs. Nick thought it sounded personal. Robert starts rowing back and Nick makes it clear that he thinks Nick is good and did not allow him to be poached - which then needs some explaining - he and Leanne do not want Robert to leave. Robert says he loves his job but all of this arguing has made it clear that he wants a shareholding in the success of the place. So he wants to stay as a partner.

Michelle is seeking to calm Carla in the bar at the Rovers. Tracy sticks her oar in and wants to know what Nick and Robert are arguing about. Carla observes that if Nick has any sense (Tracy buts in to observe that he has none when it comes to women) he will tell Robert to get lost. Tracy says rightly that he will not want to lose his star chef. Carla calls Robert unmanageable. They argue with Carla assuring Tracy that as his partner Nick will listen to her. Michelle tells Carla to stay put so she does not wind Robert up even more. Michelle says Robert will place his career ahead of anything else and will not spoil by telling all. Carla believes Robert is seriously mixed up - as one nutcase observing another.

Faye goes to get a drink and Anna cannot get the visitors to leave. Sally is convinced Anna has met someone at the Singles' night and he is hiding in the bedroom. She says she cannot imagine dating at their ages, learning sexting, getting together with Kev took ten dates because of his disgusting habits. Tim intervenes and they finally leave. Kev emerges from the bedroom to deny the 10 dates story. She had proposed about 30 minutes after meeting! Anna and Kev resume snogging.

At the bistro a bullet proof vest is needed in the kitchen according to Leanne the boys are like two boxers waiting to fight. Steph tells Leanne about the photos not really being over and that Jamie is out on bail. Leanne reckons Jamie will get his just desserts at trial. Leanne reckons that Jamie cannot hurt her any more - all the damage is done. This seems to cheer her up - so much so that Andy and Luke agree not to tell her about events earlier as she offers to buy them drinks.

Cathy wants to know why Roy is not packing. He is going to visit his mother and he tries to defer departure to the morning - but Cathy does not allow it. Ty arrives and Roy goes to pack when Ty asks him about his mother.

Back at the Bistro Nick is telling Steph off for not paying for two beers consumed by Luke and Andy. Behind Nick Tracy is fuming - she really wants words with Robert. Nick snaps at her which Carla observes as well. Robert comes out of the kitchen still in a temper. Leanne is waving around a bottle of whisky and with everyone watching it is clear there is something to celebrate. Robert will be buying into the Bistro - 20%. Carla is unhappy, Tracy has a wide smile on her face. Tracy tries to kiss Robert but he is having none of it. Nick is happy that the chef is going nowhere so they all toast Robert. Carla has trouble raising a smile in Robert's direction as he nods at her.

After the break we find Kev has his arm around Anna. Apparently the moussaka will be ruined. And she wants to know about his disgusting habit. They both laugh. Kev admits that Tim knew before he got Sally out and it will not be long before she finds out. Tim saw them snogging in the cab. Anna wanted to keep it quiet - it is a big step going public and she has to think about Faye. Kev promises he will not mess either of them about. Kev reckons it is time to go public. Is he asking her to go steady? She initially says she will need time and he looks downhearted - but she relents and they move much closer to each other.

Roy has packed and Cathy has made sandwiches. 300 miles to Hastings is too far to drive. Roy dives into the freezer and pulls out an arctic roll for Fiz and Ruby.. Finally he accepts he must not miss the train.

Zeedan is slicing a chicken. Carla comes into the kitchen, inspects the perfect butterflied chicken and tells Zeedan that Nick wants him out front. She asks Robert if he is doing this just to get at her. He tries to defuse the situation - but she continues. He makes it clear that she is the one with the problem. She calls him unbearable. He just sees the cash that he is making - she gets a better honeymoon, a new car, endless possibilities. He says he will continue to be stuck in the kitchen flat out. She looks at the bank of knives and suggests they need to be locked away and storms out. He takes his anger out on a steak which needs tenderising.

Cathy and Ty walk Roy to the cab, he calls it an act of duty rather than loyalty or love. Anyway Cathy is proud. Cathy hopes she can visit Sylvia another time. This time Roy needs to go alone. Roy is to ring if needs anything. And if he wants to talk - well she will talk and he can listen patiently!

Ty has returned home where Fiz is ironing. Fiz wants to talk. They sit. She is so angry - but she is also exhausted. She does not understand how he could have done it if he loved them. But that is it - he only cares about the family. No more fighting says Fiz - we need to get back to normal. They must not argue - the kids deserve more than that. Ty promises to find solutions. Fiz has been to see Aidan and she has asked for her job back. Right now they have got bills which need paying. And she gets up and puts the arctic roll in the freezer.

Anna and Kev have eaten the moussaka. She wishes him good luck telling Sally. He has to do it because she is his ex-wife. But she is Faye's step-mum - but Anna does not let him get away with it. Kev quite likes having Anna as a secret. Perhaps once in the open it will be boring. She assures him there is nothing boring about Anna Windass. So they are still a secret at the moment. One last night she says and adds they had better make the most of it nodding at the bedroom. And she drags him off screen.

Praise for the chicken - and it was all Zeedan's work. (Nice how the team can turn the lad from being a typically useless teenager to cracking cook in a few weeks). Robert confirms that he is happy even if it is not obvious in his face. Michelle and Carla observe the banter between the new partners and Leanne who is clearly the boss as she got them to see sense. Michelle assures Carla that she can trust Robert now as he has got what he wanted.

Outside a white pick up van drives around the Street as Luke, Steph and Andy walk down the Street. Robert tells them off for being late back. Tracy hears his voice and turns around.

Two lads sitting in the parked white pick up see Steph go into the Bistro. One of the two is Jamie. They have both identified her.

Andy and Luke agree that their meeting with Jamie earlier does not need to be shared with Steph and they go into the Rovers.

Tracy tells Robert that he is very welcome. It turns out that she laid on the visit from the "head hunter" earlier in the day that tried to poach him. Oscar, an old friend of Deirdre's who is into am-dram. She set it all up. She adds that she thinks Robert is amazing. Robert correctly calls her a nightmare. She rephrases it as a beautiful, dark, exciting nightmare. And look her ruse worked! She is waiting for her thank you. The white pick up drives away. She tries to kiss him - he backs away. She asks him to come back - he always does. She grabs him and gives him a big kiss. And he eventually kisses her back.

Roll credits.

"In memory of JAMES BAIN"

It says at the start of the credits. Investigation shows that James Bain was casting director for Granada Television and was deeply involved in the casting for Granada output but of course for the Street for many years, including casting the McDondald twins.

Regards

K Richard Whitbread

Written by Joe Turner Directed by John Anderson

Robert has stayed over and even Ken is pleased for Tracy though does wonder how long it will last. Gee, thanks. Robert insists they both want it to work. Tracy coos that between her selling flowers and Robert cooking romantic meals, they have the corner on catering to the romantic. It'll work. (Sure.)

Craig is working on the Maddie memorial with Faye watching. Craig has improved on the original somewhat. Sally comes around the corner and likes what he's done. He tells them he has a few lessons in the morning and will try to finish it later but urges Sally not to tell Sophie until he says it's ready. Sally takes Faye off to send her to school.

Anna and Kevin are happy but shy over the breakfast table. She reminds him that Gary and Faye will both be back home tonight. He asks if she's sure she wants to go public. She is if he is and he agrees. They need to act like grownups before they get caught. He wants to wait until after Craig has done the mural and has shown Sophie, then they can all go to the pub and the news can come out. At Anna's query, he thinks Sophie will be cool with it. Sally, that's another story. Anna thinks it'll all work out in the end or they can just stay secret. They both laugh.

Outside the new garage premises, a foreman is hollering at one of the workers who's outside drinking from a water bottle. We can only see that he's clad in a hard hat, safety goggles and has a breathing mask just pulled down over his chin. The man sighs and corks his water bottle.

Andy and Luke come along the road, teasing each other about women and girlfriends. Over the other side of the street, Carla and Nick are crossing over in front of the cafe. Carla doesn't seem to be too happy that Nick is going to let Robert buy into the business. Nick is now all for it, it'll be a good investment. Carla wonders if it would make a difference if he was back with Tracy. Nick says they aren't but Carla's "Eyes left" command reveals Robert and Tracy snogging on the doorstep. Nick does a classic double take and shouts out. The couple break apart and smile over at Nick happily. Nick assures Carla it will all be fine. They're signing the contracts later.

Sally has been telling Sophie that the mural is almost done but Craig doesn't want her to see it until it's finished. Sophie crosses the road, with Izzy coming round the corner behind her. Sally seems to know that Izzy had a DVD night last night, watching Kevin Spacey in House of Cards who is one of her favourites. Sally was under the impression that she was with Anna whom Sally didn't think was a Kevin Spacey fan. Izzy confirms that fact and confirms she wasn't with Anna. Sally is instantly suspicious and is sure Anna had a fella in the flat. and it wasn't Kevin Spacey.

In the cafe, Cathy tells Anna that she's not ready to go back to her house because it now doesn't feel like home anymore. Sean and David are waiting impatiently at the counter for service while the Agony Aunt session is going on. Anna apologises and runs behind to take their orders. She and Cathy get busy just as Roy comes in the door. (He's been to Hastings to take care of organizing help for his mother). Cathy and Anna go to greet him, leaving Sean and David sitting there cooling their heels.

Kylie is cleaning Audrey's sidewalk sign outside and moaning about David being overworked since Nessa ran off and left them short handed. Over Kylie's shoulder, we can see Ken leading Eccles across the cobbles coming towards them. He greets Audrey but she tells him she's busy. David comes back from the caff and Audrey hurries both Platts inside, apologizing to Ken.

In the Bistro, Andy is trying to give Steph a little surprise. Nick and Robert discuss going to the solicitor's. Just as Andy puts something in Steph's hand, the power goes out. Everyone is at sixes and sevens while Nick and Leanne try to work out what's wrong. Steph had dropped what Andy gave her, it was apparently a marshmallow that Andy nicked from the kitchen, knowing she liked them. Leanne sends them both to get candles.

Tim apologizes to Kevin but Kevin says he and Anna are going to come clean to the kids today. Tim wants to know when he's telling Sally because he wants to be as far away as possible when it happens. Jason comes along and tells them he's got some sub contracting work on the building site. The foreman comes out as does Nick. The foreman tells them they have a problem, his crew may have accidentally severed a power cable. Oops!

Gail is in the salon which has all hands on deck and a few customers waiting. It sounds like Audrey was canceling Gail's appointment to fit regular paying customers in, since she's family. Gail's not too pleased about it. Kylie directs Audrey's attention to the door where Ken has come in. He wants to ask her for a quiet drink after work. Audrey seems flustered and tells him she and Gail are going to a film. Of course Gail has no idea what she's on about but finally clues in and agrees. When Ken asks what film, Gail finally pulls one out of the bank and says they're going to see the new Mad Max film. Audrey is apparently "mad" for it! Kylie's confused and David reminds them it's all car chases and guns in a dystopian future. Gail reckons she and Audrey both like dystopian futures! Ken offers another time. Gail looks mystified at her mother's performance while Audrey looks flustered again. Anna pops in to see if she can be fit in for a "tidy".

Nick and Kevin are discussing the power outage with the foreman. Nick's angry because he has customers sitting in the dark. The foreman gestures to the man behind Kevin who has told him who to call for a quick fix. Kevin goes over to him and introduces himself as the owner of the site. The man pulls up his goggles and pulls down his breathing mask and introduces himself, Pat Phelan! Oh my gosh, it is, too!

In the pub, Leanne is sitting in a booth with Luke, Steph and Andy with Nick pacing the floor on the phone. Turns out the power won't be fixed today and agrees with Leanne's suggestion of calling their insurance company. Steph and Andy are chuffed to have the rest of the day off. She suggests going ice skating. Andy can't skate but she jokes that she likes watching people fall over. Carla comes in while Nick is still arguing on the phone.

Over at the bar, Sean is telling Tracy about he and Billy, and when they finally find a few hours to spend together, they end up rowing sometimes. Tracy isn't impressed. Shouldn't the bar staff be listening to the customers' sob stories? Over in the booth, Carla has joined Leanne who has told her what's going on and they've all got the day off except Robert who is in the restaurant handling deliveries and canceling bookings, all alone in the dark. Tracy overhears that and smiles. Carla confirms that they haven't gone to the solicitor's yet due to the crisis.

In the cafe, Jason is chatting to Izzy about a restaurant she's heard of that puts the customers completely in the dark during their meal. Jason reckons it's a scam to get rid of leftovers. They exchange a few more jokes before he leaves. Behind the counter, Cathy muses about four different carers refusing to take Sylvia on as a client. Anna doesn't seem surprised at all. She starts to compare Sylvia to a force of nature like a hurricane but quickly changes the subject when Roy comes in through the door to the flat. He's had his aunt on the phone. Turns out Sylvia has fired yet another carer and refuses to have any one else so nobody is there to take care of her.

Gail is quizzing Audrey about Ken. Audrey insists they're just friends and she doesn't want to give the gossip mill any fuel. Gail reckons Ken knows Audrey was lying about the Mad Max film and Audrey ended up making Gail look as daft as she is! As they walk out of the camera shot we see Carla coming out of the pub while Jamie and his mate are sitting in a car that points down towards the Bistro end of the street. Jamie tells his friend they're there to make sure Steph is inside and they can give her the shock of her life later on. His friend doesn't look too happy about the plan.

Tracy comes downstairs in a bathrobe. She takes it off to reveal a sexy sheer piece of lingerie. She takes her outdoor coat off the hook and belts it around her, checking her makeup. Her father calls out asking what she's doing. When he discerns that she's going out he realizes he's responsible for Amy yet again.

In the bistro, Carla comes in and locks the door. She goes through to find Robert at the bar just finished a phone call. She wants to talk. He offers to open a bottle of wine and confirms he hasn't signed the deal with Nick. She doesn't want him to because of their fling. He says it's a good opportunity for him but she insists it's too dangerous. He is determined. He is back with Tracy, he's got a good investment opportunity and even has his name over a shop so there's no reason to throw it away just because she's feeling guilty. Outside, Tracy finds the door locked but strides around the corner to what must be a kitchen delivery door.

In the ginnel, Sophie and Sally are admiring the finished mural and indeed it is lovely, with added butterflies and flowers under a rainbow on it. They're quite pleased with the results. However, two men come around the corner with power washers intent on cleaning off the wall again. How they found out about it, I have no idea. They are determined to rid the wall of illegal graffiti but Sally has her back up and is equally determined they will not. Craig and Sophie and Sally stand in front of the mural to defend it. The council worker threatens to power wash them if they don't move.

Tracy lets herself in the back entrance of the Bistro. She pulls up her stocking and walks toward the exit to the restaurant but pauses when she hears Carla and Robert's voiced. They're talking about keeping a secret. Carla is still trying to convince Robert not to buy into the Bistro. Tracy keeps within earshot, confused at the conversation. But she hears Carla give vague threats about being careful not to do something very stupid.

Anna has come to the garage to see Kevin who's annoyed at the power cut crisis. She tells him they can wait until another time to tell people about their relationship. She establishes that they are alone in the garage. She then smiles at him and offers to help with his stress levels and they move in closer together and kiss. Just then Sally comes running in shouting for Kevin to come help them defend the mural and sees the snog. What the flamin' hell are you doing, she shouts!

In the Bistro, Carla tells Robert she doesn't want him to ruin what she and Nick have. He doesn't see how that will happen. Tracy, listening, still looks confused. Robert says he's got just as much to lose, meaning Tracy. Carla lets loose a string of invective, calling Tracy every evil name in the book. Robert reckons she's a pot calling the kettle black and defends he and Tracy's relationship, saying they have a future. They continue to go around the block, not quite revealing the nuts and bolts of the subject until Robert says that what they did made him realize how much he loves Tracy. Carla hisses sarcastically that sleeping with her made him realize how he feels about Tracy??? And Tracy has heard the whole thing. Her face freezes in shock.

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by John Anderson

Tracy listens from behind the kitchen door as Carla and Robert argue in the bar. She now knows that they slept together, it's Robert's intention to make a go of it with Tracy and that Carla hates his guts and wants him as far away from there as possible. Carla smashes a glass in anger and then Robert leaves. He points out that Nick's keys are on the bar so she can lock up and then makes a final, barbed dig as he reminds her to blow the candles out.

Out in the street, Jamie and his sidekick watch from a car as Robert leaves the Bistro. Jamie's mate says he doesn't like what they're doing but as far as Jamie's concerned, Steph is guilty of dropping him in it and now it's payback time.

Tim arrives at the garage where an outraged Sally tells him how she's just encountered Kev and Anna groping each other like a couple of school kids. Anna admits Tim already knows but before Sally has a chance to take him to task over that she suddenly remembers why she was there and tells everyone there's an emergency with Sophie and they have to follow her. Phelan watches from across the street as Anna and the others hurry across the cobbles.

In the car, Jamie's mate wants to know how long they're going to sit there for. Jamie says they'll wait until Steph goes in and then come back at closing time. He intends to scare her so badly that she'll never open her mouth again.

In the ginnel there's a stand-off with the men from the council. As they wield their power-washers like a pair of semi-automatic rifles, the assembled crowd make a barrier in front of Craig's mural and Kevin acts as the voice of reason. The men from the council back down and tell them that they can go through an appeals procedure. Sally says then that's what they'll do. Anna gives Kev a congratulatory hug. Sally pulls a face. Of all the people Kev could have chosen – she thought he had better taste than that.

Back in the Bistro Carla is all alone in the bar. She gets out her phone to reply to a text and helps herself to a large glass of wine. Out in the kitchen, Tracy is looking genuinely distraught at the recent revelations.

Gail is in her bedroom with Audrey. She's complaining how cold it is. What it needs, she decides, is some under-floor heating. Audrey reckons that's really expensive and she'd make do with a rug and some fluffy slippers. Audrey jumps at the sound of mysterious knocking. It turns out to be Jason at the front door wanting to find out if their power is working ok. What perfect timing! As Audrey goes off for a much-needed G and T, Gail invites Jason inside to pick his brains about under-floor heating.

Jamie and his sidekick are still keeping vigil. They can't work out why all the lights are off and his mate is keen to go home but Jamie insists they're doing it tonight. He wonders whether Steph might have been inside all along, perhaps doing a stock-take or something whereas what is actually taking place is that Carla is still in the bar drinking her wine. In the kitchen Tracy takes out her phone to look at a text message from Robert asking her where she is.

Kevin and Anna are talking to Faye about their new relationship. They reassure her that nothing's going to change. Anna acknowledges it can require a few adjustments being part of a blended family although in their case, she admits, it's a bit like their family's been put in a blender. Faye asks Kevin about Rosie. She likes the idea of having a model/actress in the family.

Out in the street Jamie's decided he's waited long enough. As he and his mate done black hats and scarves, he issues his instructions: the mate has to rob the till and leave Steph to Jamie.

While Ken does the washing up at home, Robert asks him if he's seen Tracy. All Ken can tell him is that she said she was going out.

In the Bistro Carla drains the last of the bottle. As she's about to leave, the two men burst into the darkened bar. Tracy listens from the kitchen as Jamie grabs Carla from behind and shoves her hard onto the floor. As he pins her down he tells her to stay where she is and no one gets hurt.

Kevin listens while Anna talks to Izzy on the phone and tells her they are now an item. Kev goes off to check things at the building site and they agree to meet at the Rovers in a few minutes.

Jamie still has Carla pinned to the floor in the Bistro. He wants to know where Steph is. As he continues to shout, Tracy slips out of the back door of the kitchen.

Jason is taking some measurements of Gail's bedroom while she tries to quiz him about things at home, specifically Michael. Jason is more interested in pricing up the job and asks if Gail's had any more problems with her damp patch. He wants to move the furniture so he can have a quick look at the floor.

Back in the Bistro Jamie wants to know where the safe is. When he discovers Carla doesn't work there he loses his temper and starts smashing things with his baseball bat.

Things are busy in the Rovers. Steph and Andy are supposed to be going ice-skating but he's feigning a twisted ankle. Nick and Leanne are discussing his decision to let Robert buy into the Bistro. Leanne thinks it's a good decision but Nick says for some reason he can't fathom Carla is dead set against it. Over by the bar Sophie tells Sean the news about Anna and her dad. Steph tells Andy she's going over to the Bistro to check on Robert but Nick sees her leaving and says there's no need and the electricity will be back on tomorrow morning. This pleases Steph as now she and Andy can go ice-skating. Nick wonders why Carla's taking so long to come and sends her a text. In the Bistro Carla asks if she can check her messages. Jamie responds by smashing her phone. He's now convinced that Steph's not there so he asks Carla again about where the money is. She explains in words of one syllable that there is no money because they've been closed since lunchtime due to the power cut.

A distraught Tracy walks down the ginnel and goes into number 1 through the back door. She just about manages to compose herself before she joins Ken and Robert in the living room. Robert suggests going for a drink but Tracy doesn't feel like going out so he says he'll go and buy them a bottle of wine. Tracy goes up stairs and Robert asks Ken if he can find out what she's been up to.

In the Bistro Carla and the two men are all arguing with each other. There's nothing to steal, so why don't they just walk away while they can, Carla wants to know. She decides she's going home but Jamie shouts that nobody leaves until he says so.

Back at the Rovers, Audrey is telling Andy and Steph about Gail's cold room. Andy agrees that the best solution is under-floor heating. Steph tells him it's time to go ice-skating.

Meanwhile Sally's giving Tim a hard time for not telling her that her ex-husband and the adoptive mother of his child have been getting jiggy together while Sophie is far more concerned about Maddie's mural. Sally says if the council want a fight, they know where to come.

Carla is trying to reason with Jamie. She says the only damage is a few broken glasses, her phone is due an upgrade and she won't tell anyone if they just leave now. But Jamie's decided he's not going away empty handed. He makes a grab for her bag and Carla falls to the floor. She rushes out after the two men as they jump in the car. Carla manages to open the passenger door and is half inside as Jamie drives away. As the car speeds up, Carla is pushed out onto the street. Seeing what is happening, Phelan steps out in front of the car and tries to stop it while Kevin rushes across from the other side. Jamie speeds away. Robert also comes along and goes over to Carla who is lying in the street. Anna comes out and throws her arms around Kevin. "Cheers mate," says Phelan to Kevin as a horrified Anna looks up into his face.

As Robert leans over Carla's motionless body the titles roll.

Karen

Carla is lying on the cobbles and Robert says he can't find a pulse. Phelan comes over and manages to find one, faint, but it's there, so he steps away to call an ambulance and the police. Anna and Kevin are there too, and Anna says that someone should call Nick, so Robert goes off to get him.

A taxi pulls up along the Street and Max gets out, quickly followed by David, Kylie and Lily. Max reckons someone must have been knocked down, but David and Kylie hustle him indoors. While Kylie takes Lily up to bed, David goes into the kitchen but is alarmed when he hears a man's voice in Gail's room. It turns out to be Jason, talking to Gail about under floor heating, and rolling back the carpet. David is horrified and pushes the carpet back into place. "What on earth is up with you?" asks Gail.

Outside in the Street, Nick and Michelle have arrived at Carla's side. Robert explains about the two guys in a pick up truck, trying to take Carla's bag. Then the ambulance arrives, along with a lot of other residents, including Tracy, who looks quite upset. Todd stares at her, looking surprised.

Kylie arrives in Gail's bedroom and is equally emphatic that Jason cannot dig the concrete up to put down under floor heating. Gail wants to know why not, it's her annex. "But it's our house," says David, so Jason makes a hasty exit. Gail thinks they're being ridiculous and argues, so Kylie tells her that the dust and mess won't be good for the kids. Gail starts to say that they can seal round the door, but David is adamant it's not going to happen. "So I'm just supposed to freeze am I?" asks Gail. "Yes, you are, subject closed!" says David, and leaves the room.

As Carla is being put in the ambulance, Robert says that Carla came into the bistro just as he was leaving. "What was she doing in the bistro?" asks Nick, "she was meant to be at the factory." As the ambulance drives away, siren blaring, Anna asks Phelan what he's doing there. "Just trying to earn a living," he says. She tells him she wants him gone, but he says that's no way to talk to an old friend. "We were close – once," he says, smirking.

Roy and Cathy are clearing up in the cafe. Cathy wonders if Roy is going to go back and see his mother, she's sure Sylvia will be regretting what she said to him, she might even be lying somewhere, helpless, waiting for Roy to come and help her. Roy says he knows she's trying to make him feel guilty, just like his mother always did, but eventually says he'll go tomorrow.

Sophie, Tim and Sally are in the pub, trying to make sense of what happened to Carla. Liz says that if someone took her handbag she wouldn't be able to go out again, all her make up is in it! Leanne, Tracy and Robert come in and Leanne wonders out loud what Carla was even doing in the bistro, and asks Robert if he knows. Robert gets a bit shirty and snaps that he's already told all that to Nick. Tracy looks at his suspiciously, and when he says he wants to go out for some air, she offers to go with him, but he says he'd rather be alone, which doesn't please her. Todd comes over and sits down with Tracy. He remarks that she looked quite upset – or guilty, and wonders if she arranged it. She tells him not to be daft, but he reckons something is going on. She tells him he watches too many detective movies and needs to get a life.

Anna is on the phone to Izzy. She tells her something has happened, and asks if she'll come round.

At the hospital, Nick, Michelle, Johnny, Kate and Aidan are waiting for news. Just then a doctor comes in and tells them that Carla has some fractured ribs, a broken wrist and a dislocated shoulder, but what's more worrying is that there is some internal bleeding so they need to take her to theatre to see where it is coming from and if they can stop it. She is in a critical condition.

In the pub, they are all still talking about Carla when Ken comes in, asking if it's true. Just then the phone rings, it's Michelle with the news about Carla and the internal bleeding. Tracy tells Ken she'll see him later, and leaves.

Audrey has gone to Gail's, who tells her that if Nick stays at the hospital she'll take him some essentials later. Then Audrey asks how it went with Jason, and Gail tells her it didn't. David pipes up that they decided it wouldn't be worth the mess. "You decided," says Gail, "and you're not the one sleeping in a fridge!" Audrey leaves, so Gail gets up and says she'll be fine in her room when she's put on another jumper and a couple of pairs of socks. She goes off to fill her hot water bottle.

Nick is still at the hospital, worried sick. He tells Michelle he never thought Carla would ever look at him, he can't lose her now, they've only just begun. Johnny tells Kate he feels like an imposter, like he shouldn't be there. Kate tells him not to be daft, he's her dad. Just then the doctor comes back to say that they've removed Carla's spleen, which is where the bleeding was coming from. She's still sedated, but they're hopeful she'll be okay.

Just then Kevin brings Phelan into the pub, Liz tells him to put his money away, after what he did the drinks are on the house. Then she gets a text from Michelle with the good news about Carla. Over at the table, Sally remarks that there should be a 20 mph speed limit on the Street, or speed bumps. Audrey tells her that's a good idea and she should contact the council. Sally is disparaging about councilors, so Audrey reminds her that she used to be one. "Yes, but you weren't very good at it were you?" says Sally, "you were only in it for the perks." Ken says that Deirdre was a councilor for a while. Audrey then reminds them all that Alf was a councilor too, and then mayor, and the highlight of it all for her was having lunch with Prince Charles. Sophie wants to start a petition to keep Maddie's mural. It's only on hold at the moment, the council could wash it off. Tim tells Sally that maybe she should stand for the council, they need someone on the inside. Sally looks thoughtful.

Anna tells Izzy that the monster she thought she would never see again is in Weatherfield. Izzy reckons that when Gary comes back he'll see him off, but Anna doesn't want a repeat of what happened last time. Anna is upset that he's now working for Kevin who thinks he's some kind of hero. "If only he knew!" she says. Izzy points out that Anna could tell Kevin, but Anna doesn't want Kevin to know that she prostituted herself with Phelan to get her family off the hook. She doesn't want anybody finding out about it, ever. "Do you understand?" she says. Anna says Phelan took her pride and her self respect, she's not going to let him take Kevin from her.

Roy and Cathy go into the pub, and Liz tells them that Carla's op went really well. Roy is puzzled, he didn't know anything about it. Kevin tells him what happened to Carla, and Roy rushes straight out again.

Sally has really taken on board Tim's suggestion, she thinks he could be right about her standing for the council. Tim says he was only joking, but Sally is not amused. She thinks she'll make a very good councilor, she's got all the right skills, she's tactful and tolerant, honest and outspoken. Ken points out it's a lot to take on, Deirdre was always out at some meeting or other, but Sally won't be put off.

Phelan tells Kevin he used to be property developer, but his wife caught him 'in flagrante' a couple of times and everything was in her name as he'd been bankrupt a couple of times, so she upped and left and took the lot. He then asks Kevin about Anna, and what had happened to Owen. Kevin tells him that Owen and Anna finished ages ago, Kevin didn't know Phelan knew him. Phelan says that they worked on a project together, and that Kevin should probably know that he and Anna have a bit of history. Kevin looks startled.

Out in the Street, Roy has been on the phone to the hospital. Carla is not having any more visitors until tomorrow. "But you're going to see your mum tomorrow," says Cathy, but Roy says he can't go to Hastings until he's seen Carla.

Anna says goodbye to Izzy who goes off down the Street. Just then a hand grabs Anna's shoulder and she jumps round to find herself face to face with Phelan. She tries to get inside her front door but he blocks her, and says he's sorry to hear about her and Owen. She's terrified, but tells him to get away from there if he knows what's good for him. "What are you going to do, tell on me?" he smirks. Then he tells her that he won't cause her any trouble if she doesn't cause him any trouble. "Deal?" he asks. She nods and he releases her. She jumps inside and slams the door shut. Then she sinks to the floor, shaking.

Nick is sitting with Carla, who is still unconscious. As he tells her she has to get through this so they can grow old together, Tracy appears at the door. Then she turns away, looking thoughtful.

Anne Logan

We begin with Carla in hospital on a ventilator. With her are Nick and the whole Connor clan. The doctors are going to sort out her wrist and then try reducing the sedation and taking her off the ventilator. Nick's not going anywhere until she's woken up.

Tracy can't find her phone. Robert's going for a walk. He's been upset by what happened to Carla. She could have died. Tracy tells him it's not as if any of them were there and could have stopped it.

Steph's busy telling Andy she wants to learn Kung Fu when they meet the detectives looking into what happened at the bistro. The detectives tell Leanne they'll talk to Steph and Andy first.

Sally meets Gail and asks about Carla. It's a ruse to steer the conversation to law and order and the fact Sally's thinking of standing for the council.

She then meets Izzy and asks some cringingly tactless questions about Izzy's experiences "as a minority." Izzy laughs at her.

In the cafe, Roy's worried about Carla but only close relatives are allowed to visit at this stage. He plans to catch the 18:35 train to go and look after Sylvia but he'd like to see Carla before then. Alex comes in, talking about matricide. I suspect Roy empathises more than he says.

Leanne tells Steph the power cut at the bistro meant the CCTV wasn't working. The female detective comes from the kitchen with a phone and asks if they know whose it is. They don't, but they do recognise the picture on the screen - Amy.

Phelan is being modest about saving Carla. He shows Jason the delivery docket for the materials which have just arrived. "That's way too much," Jason says. Phelan believes "Ron" is ripping off Kevin.

Tracy answers the door to the two detectives.

In the cafe, Roy tells Gail he plans to go to the hospital this afternoon.

Alex doesn't like Nessa's new bloke and he's down because he can't find a job. People change their minds once they see him. Roy tells him there's temporary job going in the cafe. Yay!

Tracy tells the detectives she went to the bistro to surprise her boyfriend but he wasn't there. She wasn't surprised that the place was unlocked and apparently deserted and assumed Nick or Leanne were in the office or somewhere. The detectives don't think she's taking this seriously enough. Tracy tells them there are enough witnesses who saw two blokes driving away from the scene.

The Kabin counter is deserted - Rita's in the back struggling to work with her new tablet (computer type, not pills). Sophie offers to help her with it later. Rita says Norris told her that giving her a tablet would be like giving a mobile phone to a cocker spaniel.

As Aidan and Johnny snap at each other at Carla's bedside, her eyes open.

Sally's in the cafe. She tells Anna she saw the two detectives go to see Tracy. Jason and Phelan come in. Anna's a lot less than friendly.

Alex is already all aproned up. Izzy comes in and is horrified to see Phelan there. She tells Anna to stay strong. He'll be gone soon.

Rita's getting a tablet-driving lesson from Sophie with Tim making jokes on the side. Sally arrives home and turns off the TV so she can phone all the political parties and ask for copies of their policies. She doesn't know which party to align herself with. Tim's not impressed. He was watching that programme. "Dennis and Maggie Thatcher - the early years," says Rita.

Cathy makes sure Roy's ready for both the hospital and his trip. He's having a mild panic because he's in a rush and can't get the steering lock off the car. Cathy gives him some cash and sends him off towards the taxi office.

Jason tells Kevin what Phelan said about being overcharged. He tells Kevin not to sack the builders and says he'll keep an eye on it for him.

Leanne tells Robert about Tracy's phone being found in the kitchen. He can't understand what it was doing there, unless he's somehow picked it up by mistake.

Roy's at the hospital. He can't see Carla right away because they're changing her dressings.

Robert is back at No 1. He demands to know what's going on. "Enough of your lies, Tracy! I want to know what you were doing in the bistro last night and I want to know now!"

Excellent. Sally being supercilious and Tracy in trouble all in one episode!

The end.
Margaret Carr

Friday nights come and go. So it is time for another update. 22 January was interesting here in update towers as we have been changing ISP moving from pure copper wires to what is known in the UK as "fibre to the cabinet" (fttc). Morning came and went but at 16:00 we were disconnected. By 16:30 the new system was working and it is definitely faster; although it is not always obvious.

Anyway time to go to Weatherfield and this episode is number 8823 and was written by Jan McVerry, whilst it was directed by John Anderson. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Action opens at the Barlows' with Tracy explaining to Robert how she had planned to ravish him in the kitchen at the Bistro as a bit of fun. And as he was not there and nor was anyone else it fell flat; she simply forgot her phone. He accepts that is the story told to the police - he wants the truth. Tracy tells him that Carla was drowning in a vat of red wine. Robert seems surprised that Carla was on her own. Neither of them know why she was there without Nick (well obviously Robert does but he is not admitting it). Robert is struggling to get his head round it all. Why did Tracy not tell him? Normally she would enjoy a story like that. Anyway Carla did not see Tracy - who then admits to running out the back when the burglars came in the front.

At the hospital Roy is waiting patiently with the Connor family to see Carla. Nick emerges and says two at a time and Johnny indicates that Roy should go in.

Tracy is trying to defend her cowardly exit. Robert expresses concern for Carla but Tracy calls her indestructible and adds "She is Teflon totty, it is all part of her allure!". Throughout this Tracy is downing red wine. Robert accepts the story but does not understand why Tracy did no call the police - but Tracy points out she had left her phone behind. She claims she was in shock and it all happened very quickly. Tracy cannot understand why Carla was so attached to that handbag (she does not know that Carla had put the engagement ring in it). Why did Carla get dragged along the cobbles for a few quid. Tracy adds that people are unpredictable and sometimes we do things we regret, she says looking at Rob. He agrees with something on his mind. Little does he know what she knows.

The phone is ringing at Webster's garage and Kev is under a car with Anna trying to tell Kev that she wants a private word this evening. From the look on his face he reckons he is about to get dumped.

Back at the hospital Nick is worrying about Roy getting off to see Sylvia. Carla wakes (would she really have the oxygen tubes to her nose?) and Nick says Roy must go (Manchester - Euston - Charing Cross - Hastings according to the script, in reality it would be Euston - St Pancras - Ashford - Hastings because it is faster) and asks Johnny to run Roy to the station. Roy says he will ring Carla and he departs [to spend some weeks with Chris Gascoyne at the Glasgow Citizens theatre (http://citz.co.uk/whatson/info/endgame/) and Manchester - the earliest we can expect him back on screen is around mid-April].

In the Rovers Rita is telling Sean, Audrey and Sophie that her status page (Facebook?) is a work in progress, holding her tablet in front of her. Rita did not know they could have photographs, looking at Sophie - and then when Sophie took some Rita had to redo her lipstick. Sophie has done a good job on the profile with some sweetie jars. Sophie is her first "friend". Ken comes in to see them all staring at the tablet. He says he prefers face to the top of heads - although apparently he is the king of twitter (which I thought was Norris). Sally and Tim appear behind Ken and she refers to him as "The Oracle" - which surprises him slightly and gets Tim to buy him a drink. She points out to Ken how she achieved a consensus over ordering drinks. She then asks him how he stands on the "conviction versus consensus" debate (is there one?). Sophie reckons that is a big question for a tea-time drink. And Sal just keep the politics speak rolling. Sal gets Ken to sit down. He looks alarmed.

Kev has poured some wine when Anna appears. She does not want a drink and is clearly flustered. Is he dumped? She makes it clear he is not dumped and takes the glass needing some Dutch courage. She has a problem with Pat Phelan and she knows she should solve it - but it is not easy. Kev responds that Pat has already explained everything and that he has some history with Anna etc. But Anna knows that Pat will not have told the whole story.

After the break Kev is telling Anna what Pat Phelan told him. Kev reckons Phelan had a mid-life crisis - and apparently he has now lost it all - he is bankrupt. Kev believes he is a better man now - Anna has serious doubts. Kev says he is grafting and has shown the contractors are ripping him off. Phelan could have sided with his employer. Anna says he is poison and a dangerous man. They are almost in an argument - but Anna cannot bring herself to tell him what happened. Anna says he is not listening and before it gets worse she leaves.

Ken admits to being a bit of a firebrand in his day to Sal and Tim. Sal says at times she has supported most of the parties. And she can see the point of aspiration and also is au fait with LGBT community. So to which party should she be aligned? Tim admits he does not vote! Audrey has been listening and chips in that her Alf was a proud Independent. Ken adds that Alf spoke without fear or favour. Ken says Independents have no profile and no party machine. But there is a certain freedom to set the agenda. She is rapidly filling her notebook.

At the hospital Aidan and Kate are leaving as Leanne arrives. Aidan adds that Carla is not a pretty sight but talking. Nick emerges from the room and thanks Leanne for coming. Nick reports they are hoping there is no lasting damage. And he is struggling being back in a hospital after his own accident. She reports that they are planning to open at lunchtime, all bookings rescheduled and deliveries retimed. The police have found nothing apart from Tracy's phone in the kitchen. So why were Tracy and Carla in the Bistro - no-one really knows. Leanne thinks Robert might be involved - but Nick does not think so.

In the Rovers Rita has found Sheila Speke. And is looking at her pictures. Of grandchildren. Rita tells everyone how wonderful it is. Audrey is concerned about internet security - but Sophie and Rita have discussed it. Sal says it is all coming together and after some soul searching she has decided to stand for the council as an independent. Sophie will handle social media and she asks Ken to be her campaign manager as she reckons they could be a winning team. Ken agrees and is rewarded with a big hug. Team Metcalfe - prepare for Victory announces Sal.

Faye finds that Anna has been crying - which she denies. The intercom buzzes. Faye lets Kev in. And then she goes to tidy her room! Kev apologises and tells Anna he will do whatever she wants. She wants Phelan sacked - but Kev points out that he works for "Ron". And he needs the job done so he cannot sack Ron. Kev will tell Phelan to keep his distance. He admits she has got under his skin. He asks her to grit her teeth for three weeks. She thinks she can if Phelan stays out of the way. They hug.

Back to Carla and Nick. Carla says she went to the Bistro to meet Nick and then got herself a good bottle of wine and drank it. Nick does not quite buy it - but there is no other explanation. He is upset at being unable to protect her and Carla says he is the best thing to happen to her. He promises her that when they are married nothing will hurt her again. It will be kittens and candyfloss all the way. And rose petals she adds. He gently kisses her.

At Preston's Petals Todd is annoyed over waiting for a delivery. He merely wants Tracy to say thank you! He has a damaged shirt and Tracy reckons her life is ruined again. Todd wants to know what is wrong with Tracy's life. Tracy says that Robert does love her - unlike Carla and Nick. She tells Todd that Carla is using Nick. And Todd guesses that Tracy thinks that Carla is waiting for Robert to be available.

Robert is sitting in a booth at the Rovers, thinking. Leanne enters. She refers to the mystery of Tracy's phone in the kitchen. He thinks he must have picked it up by mistake. But Leanne does not remember seeing it at the Bistro when she left. Leanne thinks Tracy came into the kitchen after they had gone - but Robert disagrees. He wonders if Leanne is jealous of Tracy. She scoffs. Leanne just says it is odd - Tracy's phone at the Bistro and Carla attacked at the Bistro. And she asks if the police checked the call history. She does not believe in coincidence. Robert supports Tracy. She tells Robert to watch her face when she spins him another pack of lies and see if he can sleep then.

Todd and Tracy are sharing a drink with some added alcohol back at the shop. He apparently knows that Robert has done the dirty on Tracy after jumping through hoops to be with her. Tracy points out that at the time they had split up - so he was technically a free man. Tracy says it happened once and he regrets it. As he told Carla when she was listening. Todd is enjoying this. And at the moment Robert does not know that she knows - which hurts Todd's head. And she did not put Carla in hospital. However it seems Karma is on her side for once. But the bitch has not paid the price yet asserts Tracy. Tracy says that she has only suffered damage which can be repaired. Tracy intends to make her feel the hurt properly. Really feel it.

Roll credits.

And I reckon that is about it for another week. Good night.

Regards
K Richard Whitbread

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Brett Fallis

Robert and Ken both are still baffled over Tracy leaving her phone at the Bistro, the timing doesn't add up. She's defensive, naturally, and explains things step by step (about to text, investigated the ruckus, legged it, forgot the phone) She goes on the offensive, accusing him of accusing her of lying, saying she'll remember the next time she's afraid for her life to leave the premises in orderly fashion, so he does back off while she stomps out of the room, putting the "I rest my case" lid on her defense.

Cathy is showing Alex the ropes. Alex appears to be almost as pedantic as Roy can be. Sean asks after Roy and is told he's arrived safely and they don't know how long he'll be looking after his mother. Izzy rocks up so Anna comes round to talk to her. She tells Izzy that Phelan told Kevin almost the whole truth but didn't tell him about what happened between them. He's made himself out to be a reformed man. Izzy thinks Anna should tell Kevin what happened but she can't face it. She also hasn't told Gary that Phelan's back. (Gary has been away on a health and safety course, apparently, because a huge city like Manchester wouldn't have anything like that locally) Both women are pretty sure Gary's not going to take Phelan's return well.

In the garage, Sophie's been doing some research and has proven that their contractor is stiffing them. Kevin's mind is not on this but the knowledge that he's picked a wrong'un only adds to his problems. He blames himself and is snappy with Sophie who suggests he look into whether he can get out of the contract. Kevin is clearly miles away.

Kylie, Max and Bethany pass by the salon where Audrey is outside setting up the sign. Max is bragging that he's got a swimming lesson and quite excited about it. He even seems to have Olympic dreams and why not? Kylie chivvies them on to the bus and Ken ambles up behind them, asking if she can fit him in for a trim. She can, but not this morning so will ring him with a time.

Nick comes into Carla's room. She's awake and smiles at him. He's brought her a Danish and she complains about hospital food. She wants to get home. The police are going to see her this afternoon.

Rita is still finding old friends through the social media. Mary is in the Kabin and asks after Emily. Norris gets a report from Emily regularly and says she seems to be enjoying herself. But he gets defensive when Mary surmises he's missing her. She and Rita both point out that his face lit up when he spoke of Emily but he won't agree that he's lonely. While he and Mary talk, Rita's face changes as she looks at her tablet and she seems perturbed. Norris finally looks over and seeing her expression, asks if she's all right. She covers up and says she certainly is. But she glances down again and looks disturbed.

Sally and Sophie are in the cafe. They chat to Alex until Billy comes in. Sally tells him she's standing for the council election. Billy makes sure she knows that while he does vote, he never says who he's supporting because he'll always upset someone in his parish. Alex also tells Sally she's wasting her time buttering him up because he can't vote in that district, either.

It's tea break at the building site. Jason and Phelan talk about the ancient and traditional art of building. They mention their boss. Jason asks how Pat can stand working for him but Pat (Phelan) reckons it's fine until something better comes long. Kevin calls over to speak to Phelan on his dinner break.

Steph has been ordering flowers. As she leaves, Tracy arrives. Steph looks uncomfortable. Apparently the flowers are going to be for Carla but Tracy puts on her game face and acts pleased that Carla is doing well. When Steph leaves, the smile disappears. Tracy reckons Steph and everyone else think she had something to do with the robbery. Todd advises Tracy to come clean, admit she knows about Robert and Carla. She says it suits her not to say anything yet. She's going to pick her time.

Phelan comes to Kevin's house and he wants to talk about Anna who really isn't happy her nemesis is still hanging around. Phelan tries to find out what Anna's told him and it becomes clear Kevin doesn't know the gory details. He says again that he regrets what happens. Kevin asks politely if he could keep his distance until the job is done and he agrees but then teases Kevin again that Anna didn't tell him everything. He tells Kevin that Gary whacked him over the head with a plank of wood and left him for dead. If Anna is determined not to let things go, he reckons Kevin should know there's two sides to every story. Oh, he's a master at manipulating, isn't he?

Audrey apologizes to Ken for the confusion. She was able to do his hair rather than David after all. He talks about Amy's violin lessons. Kylie tells them about Max's Olympic ambitions and they all agree that having a dream isn't a bad thing. Ken muses that all his dreaming at his age are through the ambitions of other people. Kylie reckons that's totally the wrong attitude. He asks Audrey if she has any ideas. She thinks he has to work out what his heart's desire is on his own and they share a glance in the mirror.

Back to the building site, Phelan brings a tea over to Jason who wonders what Kevin had wanted. Phelan glosses over it but Jason asks about the history between Owen and him. Phelan tells him that Gary assaulted him after taking a dislike to him. He doesn't say why. Jason reckons Gary's got a temper and admits there was a clash over Gary's girlfriend. Phelan jokes about Jason's track record with women. They laugh and Phelan looks down the road at something.

What he's probably seeing is Anna going into Kevin's house. He tells her that Phelan won't be bothering her but he brings up the incident with Gary. Anna still can't tell Kevin why Gary went after Phelan but Kevin really wants to know both sides of the story. She sidesteps Kevin's questions and reckons if he leaves her alone like he says he will, that's all that matters.

Sophie is in the Kabin and moaning about how Sally embarrassed her earlier in the cafe. Norris seems to think that Sally should do very well in politics. She's Thick skinned and able to bounce back no matter how stupid they've made themselves look. He might have a point. Rita gets a point or two by surmising that by those standards, Norris should be Prime Minister. Norris whispers to Sophie that Rita has been quiet all morning. Sophie advises that "social media" can actually make you anti-social if you aren't careful. The mention of cyberspace makes Rita's face cloud over again. She says she won't get addicted to social media, while Norris makes scurrilous remarks about people spending too much time on their phones. Then he pulls his own out and defends himself by saying "if you can't beat them,..." Sophie realizes there's something going on with Rita.

Carla tells the police officer that she went to the Bistro to get a bottle of wine and had Nick's spare keys. When asked why she didn't go to the corner shop, she chuckles and says "What, and pay for it?" and the officer smiles, too. Carla is asked if she knows if anyone has a motive for doing that but Carla doesn't have a clue. When asked if she can remember anything else, she mentions something else....

Norris asks Sean if Sally has cornered him with regards to the upcoming election, yet. It appears not but in come Sally just then. Sally compliments Norris on his dapper overcoat and even if it's a soft soap line, Norris eats it up in spite of his immediately previous remarks about her buttering up everyone. Sally's eyes start to glaze over and she nods while she pays for her drink. She finally excuses herself. Ah, Norris smugly tells Sean that Sally won't be bothering him again in a hurry. Smart move! He admits to Sean he's had the overcoat for donkey's years. He then mentions that Rita's in a mood and it came on suddenly.

Rita closes up the Kabin and walks back to the counter where her tablet is. She picks it up and looks at it, trying to decide what to do.

Gary has got off the bus and greets Zeedan who asks him to the Bistro for a catch up. Gary agrees and says he'll be along later once he puts is gear away. He sees Izzy pass by but she just greets him and carries on.

Billy asks Norris how he's doing and suggests attendance at one or two groups at the church. That sets Norris off again about everyone being so solicitous about his welfare. Billy apologizes. Mary and Brendan come in to keep Norris company. Norris is cool in his greeting.

In the Bistro, Tracy comes in to return Steph's bank card, left in the flower shop (hours ago!). Nick is a bit nasty to her but she insists that if he thinks she had anything to do with the robbery, he should tell the police and she'd be happy to accompany him. Speaking of the police, they arrive asking for the owner (surprisingly enough, they haven't actually talked to him yet!) They shake hands. The DI is trying to track down someone in conjunction with their inquiries. Steph Britton. Steph steps up and they go to one side to talk. Everyone else looks intrigued.

Zeedan and Gary are heading to the Bistro. Zeedan is telling Gary what happened the other day with regards to the power cut and the robbery. They come near the garage and spot Kevin talking to Phelan and Jason, the light of the open garage door making it easy to identify Gary's former enemy. Gary stops, can't quite believe his eyes. He rushes over and shoves Phelan up against the wall. Phelan makes out he is terrified, crying "Nooo Not again, Gary!!!" Anna comes around the corner as the men are pulling Gary off. Gary insists that Kevin doesn't know what Phelan did. When asked, though, Gary points threateningly at Phelan, saying "He knows!!" Anna is imploring Gary not to say anything. Will the situation be diffused? Will the truth come out? Wait until Part 2!

Tvor

Written by Ben Tagoe and directed by Brett Fallis

Gary is on the point of thumping Phelan but Anna begs him to leave it. As the others lead Phelan away, he smirks to himself. “We have to move on,” Kevin tells Anna. “We?” asks Gary. Anna looks awkward.

Steph's being questioned by the police in the Bistro. They want to know if she can think of anyone who might have it in for her. The only name she can come up with is Jamie's. On the other side of the room Andy's looking worried.

Out in the street, Sophie sees Rita locking up. She can see she's worried about something. At first Rita denies there's anything wrong but eventually she agrees to talk to Sophie. But not now – they'll meet for a drink later.

Luke's phone rings. He has to go, he tells Sophie. What about the car he's working on? it's an emergency he tells her as he strides off towards the Bistro.

Luke arrives at the Bistro just as the police are leaving. Steph tells him and Andy that she gave Jamie's name to the police. Not that he would be stupid enough to do something like this, surely, she says because he's out on bail. Seeing Luke and Andy's faces she asks if they know something.

Gary is having it out with Kevin and Anna. it's not their relationship he minds about. He wouldn't have batted an eyelid but for the fact that Kevin is employing Phelan. But as far as Kevin knows, Phelan is the one who ought to be bearing a grudge since Gary hit him over the head with a plank of wood. Anna shoots a desperate don't-say-anything look at Gary. Kevin can tell there's more to this than meets the eye but Anna isn't about to tell him what really happened.

Mary's having a drink with Brendan and Norris in the Rovers but the two men have taken a total dislike to each other. Brendan sarcastically asks Norris if he's always this cheerful.

At another table Jason is talking to Phelan who is coming across as a perfectly nice bloke. Jason has a suggestion. With his hard work and Phelan's experience they could do Kevin a big favour and take on his job themselves.

Back in the Bistro Andy and Luke have told Steph what they did. She says the pair of them make Laurel and Hardy look like Sherlock Holmes and Watson. She adds that if it turns out that Jamie is the one who put Carla in the hospital it'll be down to them and she'll strangle them both with her bare hands. As Nick comes over, Steph swiftly changes the subject.

Ken bumps into David and Audrey as they're locking up the salon. He stops for a chat and asks Audrey if she's free to go for a drink. She claims she's busy so he suggests the following evening. Kylie and Max arrive. he's excited about his swimming and asks if Audrey can go round for her tea so he can tell her all about it but she has to turn him down since she's already implied to Ken she has plans.

Anna is at home having a row with Gary about Phelan. She wants him to promise to stay out of Phelan's way but he says he can't. he's furious that Phelan has Kevin and Jason wrapped round his little finger and just as angry with Anna for not telling Kevin the truth. (I must admit I feel much the same way but then I don't write the scripts).

In the Rovers, Brendan and Norris are still at loggerheads but Brendan is prepared to stay for one more round just to make sure Norris pays for his turn. He tells Mary he'd much rather have her all to himself but it's worth it just to watch Norris squirm.

At the bar Rita is talking to Sophie. Norris is waiting to be served and trying to listen into their conversation so Rita calls Sean across. He asks Norris what he wants - Rita suggests a pair of binoculars and a bugging device. She turns back to Sophie and explains what her problem is. Since she's started using the internet she's been getting all sorts of friend requests. Sophie's face falls as Rita admits that one of those requests has come from Jenny.

Norris hurries back to the table to impart the latest gossip. He couldn't quite hear but he was sure Rita mentioned Jenny. The problem was she was speaking too quietly. Brendan tells him that was because it was a private conversation. Norris retorts that he won't be lectured to be a shameless philanderer.

Sophie is furious about Jenny getting in touch with Rita. She hopes Rita isn't considering going to see her. But Rita seems to have forgotten all that went on and says she's worried about her. She adds that she might be Jenny's only hope. Sophie tells her that when it all goes wrong, don't say she wasn't warned.

Jason and Phelan are talking to Kevin and trying to convince him that he should dump the builder who's taking him for a ride and let them take over the job. And best of all, Phelan tells Kevin, he knows he can trust them.

Out in the street Todd goes over for a word with Gary. He wants to know what's going on with Phelan – Jason obviously thinks he's the salt of the earth whilst Gary hates his guts. Why? Before Gary has a chance to say much more, they're interrupted by Izzy who tells Gary that Faye's dying to see him. Before he leaves Gary advises Todd to tell Jason to be very, very careful where Phelan is concerned.

Tracy is moaning to Ken about the fact that she's always the whipping boy when she's not always the guilty party. He suggests she tries staying out of trouble and then she won't be the first to have the finger pointed at her when something goes wrong. Robert comes into the room and Ken leaves. Tracy closes the door and tells Robert he owes her an apology. he's on his way to the Bistro but Tracy tells him that actions speak louder than words and starts to kiss him. It looks like Robert will be late for work.

In the Bistro Zeedan's stressing that Robert hasn't turned up so Nick goes out into the kitchen to give him a hand. Luke comes in to apologise to Steph. She seems to have forgiven him and Andy but says that if Jamie is the guilty party it's not just her that they need to be apologising to.

Faye is sent off to her room so that Anna can talk to Gary and Izzy about Phelan. Izzy can't understand why Anna won't tell Kevin about what happened since it wasn't her fault (I couldn't agree more) but Anna is adamant. She tells them both to ignore him as she refuses to rake up the past all over again.

Todd goes into the Rovers just as Jason, Kevin and Phelan are raising their glasses. Todd asks what they're celebrating so Jason explains they're all going to be working together.

Audrey's having tea with David, Kylie and Max. David teases Kylie about becoming a pushy mother over Max's swimming. There's nothing wrong with encouraging sport, Kylie tells him. After all, his greatest achievement was coming seventh in the egg and spoon race. Meanwhile, Audrey seems distracted. David reminds her she was meant to be going somewhere and suggests it was just an excuse to put off Ken. Audrey dismisses the idea but David's spot on.

Kevin arrives at Anna's with a peace offering. He doesn't want them falling out he tells her and promises that once Phelan and Jason have finished the job, Phelan will be out of there. Anna looks confused – Jason and Phelan? Kevin explains what's happened. Anna doesn't look happy but as she still refuses to tell him what Phelan did she doesn't have a leg to stand on.

In the Rovers while Phelan is buying a round and ingratiating himself with Sean, Todd asks Jason if he's sure he knows what he's doing. Phelan listens in as Jason insists that Pat is sound but Todd reminds him he hardly knows the bloke.

Kevin and Anna are sitting on the sofa. He knows something's not right but Anna refuses to say more. He asks straight out if there's more to the story than she's telling him. For a moment it looks as though she might say something but then Anna shakes her head and says of course there isn't. She says she might have an early night – a good night's sleep and she'll be as right as rain. Kevin puts his arm round her and says everything will be fine. The garage will get finished, Phelan will be gone and the two of them can get on with the future ….

Karen

Ken sees Audrey just letting herself into the salon and asks if they can still meet up later for a drink. Audrey is hesitant and offhand, and makes excuses – she's busy, Nessa has left them in the lurch etc. Ken asks if he's done anything to upset her, but she brushes aside his concerns and then rushes inside, leaving him somewhat puzzled on the pavement.

He then walks on and passes Mary and the children. She makes a big thing out of making sure he doesn't push them into the road. He remarks that he's not that fat, so she apologises and walks on chuckling.

Nick arrives at the hospital to find the police woman just leaving Carla's bedside. Carla tells him that they have caught Steph's ex, who has admitted everything.

David and Audrey are busy with their clients in the salon, Audrey asks Kylie to make some teas and coffees, but Kylie is busy looking online for some swimming trunks for Max.

Erica is in the shop, chatting away to Dev about her life in Spain, when he looks at his watch. She apologises for boring him, but he says he's waiting for Mary to arrive, she's going with them to Asha's cross country. He moans that since Mary met Brendan she's neglected them. Erica asks him to cut her some slack, Mary is in the first flush of love, even he must remember what that is like. Dev smiles and says he'll go alone.

Ken then meets Gail in the Street and quizzes her about Audrey, he wonders if there's anything playing on her mind. Gail wonders why he asking and he confesses that he's found Audrey rather offhand with him lately, has he done anything to upset her? Gail says she'll do some subtle digging. (Yes, we all know that 'subtle' and 'Gail' are two words that don't go together in the same sentence!)

Mary rushes into the shop, wondering if she's too late. Erica confirms that Dev has already gone. Erica offers her a cuppa, but Mary says she'll go home and make a crumble. “You really are very nice, Erica,” she says, “you should ignore what people say about you!”

Gail goes into the salon to ask if Audrey can fit her in for a blowdry, but she and David are too busy. Audrey seems stressed, harassed and tetchy so Gail asks what's wrong.

Mary is wandering down the Street when Brendan comes up behind her, clutching a bottle of wine. He's got a few free hours, and Mary knows that Dev and the children won't be back for some time, so she drags him into the house.

Rita is walking into the park, and walks up to Jenny who is sitting waiting on a bench.

Jenny and Rita are chatting, Jenny seems relaxed and happy, telling her how everything is wonderful now, and she's living in a flat on the Quays. She tells Rita she knows she was a mess, but her treatment has finished now and she's ready to make amends. Rita isn't sure whether Kevin will be ready to forgive so quickly, forgiveness is a funny thing. Jenny suddenly becomes very agitated and upset and says she has to go, and gets up and runs away, leaving a puzzled Rita calling after her, because she's forgotten her purse. Rita picks it up and heads off after her.

Gail and Audrey are in the cafe. Gail says she's worried about her, she's not herself, and she's not the only one who thinks so, Ken does too. Audrey says that Ken is imagining things, but makes a hasty exit back to work.

Rita walks up to the front door of a block of flats, and presses a buzzer.

Nick is sitting with Carla when Steph arrives, so Nick goes off to get coffee, leaving them alone to chat. Steph tells Carla she's mortified, but Carla reassures her that she's not responsible for Jamie's actions.

As the last client leaves the salon, Audrey is in the back room rubbing her temples. Kylie asks if she's ok, but she assures her that she is and urges her and David to go and leave her to clear up.

Jenny takes Rita into her rather dingy little bedsit, which isn't a flat on the Quays after all. Jenny says she didn't want Rita to worry about her. As they talk, it seems that Jenny is having dark thoughts about her life, and Rita becomes quite concerned. Jenny tells her that all she wants is to say sorry to her, Kevin and Sophie. Rita tells her that Kevin and Sophie won't be ready for any of that, especially Sophie.

Anna is outside the cafe when Dev and the children come by, and he tells her that the cross-country was called off, there was snow on the moors.

Meanwhile, in Dev's house, the red wine is flowing and Brendan has stripped down to his vest. He suddenly pushes Mary down onto the sofa in a passionate embrace, just as the front door opens and Dev and the children walk in! Dev sends the children upstairs as Mary and Brendan jump to their feet, highly embarrassed. “What are you playing at?” asks Dev.

Audrey is tidying up in the salon when she suddenly lurches forward, gasping and clutching her chest. She falls back onto the sofa, as things crash around her.

Ken comes out of his front door and is puzzled to see the lights still on at the salon, and the door ajar. He walks across the road and puts his head round the door. When he sees Audrey he immediately calls an ambulance. Then he sits down beside her and she tells him she's in so much pain she thinks she's dying. She begs him not to leave her. He says he won't, but he gets up and makes another phone call.

Dev comes downstairs as Brendan and Mary are adjusting their clothing. Dev is pretty annoyed and tells them they're turning the place into a knocking shop. Mary protests that Dev wasn't expected back for ages. Brendan gets up and leaves in a hurry, as Mary goes to her room.

Back at the salon, Audrey tells Ken that if she never sees him again he must know that she loves him. Just then Gail rushes in as the ambulance arrives outside.

Anne Logan

It's the morning after and Audrey's snuggled on Gail's sofa watching a Joan Crawford film. She tells Gail she's been there since 5am because she couldn't sleep. Gail's worried about her but Audrey says there's no need. She plans to hide out at Gail's rather than face a barrage of visitors at home.

Mary creeps downstairs to some questions from the twins about whether or not her boyfriend stayed over. When they've gone back upstairs, Mary tells Dev how ashamed she is that the twins saw her in that situation. "It's like seeing Mrs Doubtfire in the shower," she says, before handing Dev her letter of resignation.

Tyrone and Fiz talk to Luke at the garage, reminding him that they'll be at the hospital for Hope's results.

Gail meets Ken in the street and lets him know Audrey is staying with her. She says Audrey talked about him all the way in the ambulance. Gail tells him how grateful they both are for his help.

Norris and Rita are exchanging some snappy chat about bonbons when Mary comes in, in tears. She tells them she's resigned because she's let down Dev, she's let the children down and she's let herself down. "But that's a live-in job!" Norris points out, just in case Mary didn't realise this.

Sally chats to Anna about her plans to get a seat on the council, but it's clear she just sees Anna as a publicity opportunity - poor single parent, Fay's situation with the baby, Izzy's disability, Gary's army service ("Does he still have his uniform because that would look really good in the photographs?"). She tells Anna she's just spitballing a few blue sky ideas going forward. Mary comes in and when Sally mentions the word "council" she launches into a story about the uneven paving stones outside Mother's and how she chained herself to the railings but it turned out to be the smoking zone and nobody could hear her voice after that. She tells Sally that those who lust after power are exactly the sort of people who shouldn't get it. "As Duncan Bannatyne says, I'm out!" Sally tells her that for a start, "it's Duncan Ballantyne" (it's not!) and tells Mary "don't come crying to me when the council tows your caravan and you're homeless!" She escapes out the door as Mary shouts that it's not a caravan and she doesn't live in it any more. Mary leaves her fifth message for Brendan.

Aidan and Johnny are carefully not talking to each other in the factory office. Kate comes in and says Caz will be back next week and can they please all pull together as a family for her sake. Johnny points out that a hostile environment won't be new to Caz.

Rita's feeling a bit wiped out because she didn't sleep very well. Norris tells her that's because Jenny's been in touch and Rita admits she's been to see Jenny. Sophie comes in as Norris is shouting at Rita about this. She snaps at Rita and storms out again.

In the shop, Dev discusses Mary's resignation with Erica and Liz. He asks Erica if she'll have a word and persuade Mary to stay. Since Sunita's death, Mary's the glue that's held the family together, he says. Liz offers to help Erica.

Three young folk hassle Rita as she approaches Jenny's building. She gets through to the door and tells Jenny, "I've come to take you home, sweetheart."

Audrey's still on a Joan Crawford binge. Luke arrives to visit her, bringing chocolate. Audrey's quite flustered and quickly tries to tidy herself up a bit.

Rita tells Jenny she can stay with her as long as she needs to. Jenny can't understand such kindness and weeps when she remembers how she treated Jack. Rita says it might be hard at first but they'll get through it together.

Audrey appears to be flirting with Luke. As he leaves, she tells Gail to give her some warning when she's got a male visitor because she looks like a fright. She doesn't realise until it's too late that Ken is right behind Gail with a huge bunch of flowers. Gail makes herself scarce and Ken tries to talk to Audrey about what she said last night, but Audrey won't talk about it. She tells Ken she just wants to forget about it.

Mary goes into the Rovers, leaving yet another voicemail on Brendan's phone. She snaps at Sally, Erica and Liz, thinking they must be talking about her, but they've been talking about Sally's council bid. Liz and Erica tell her that Dev doesn't want her to resign because the children love her. Liz points out that they won't have been startled by anything they saw - kids learn all that stuff at primary school now. Mary starts to tell the story of how she was told about the birds and the bees but her phone rings. It's Brendan!

At the hospital, Fiz and Tyrone learn that Hope now appears to be cancer free and if she remains that way for five years she'll be officially cured.

Richie O'Driscoll arrives at the factory with gold-enveloped invitations for a party at his home.

Erica and Mary have a drink together and giggle about their respective awkward mothers. Liz has to go and fetch Amy from school and she asks Erica to keep an eye on the bar.

A stranger comes in. She asks Mary's name and says she recognises her from the picture on Brendan's phone. It's his wife, Bridget.

Jenny and Rita arrive in a taxi at exactly the right time to be greeted by Kevin, Anna, Sophie and Jack. When Jenny steps out of the taxi, Kevin's jaw drops but Jack waves at her.

The end.
Margaret Carr

During Friday part 1 I was particularly touched by the handling of the return of Jenny Bradley (Sally Anne Matthews) after 7 months in an institution. She was of course a slightly less difficult person than Tracy - but I wonder if the two of them will come to grips in the same way as Carla and Tracy have in the recent past. I cannot see Jenny remaining on the path of best behaviour for very long.

To add to my recent of absentees Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) will also be taking 6 or so weeks off to allow her to appear on stage for a period next October. Les Dennis (Michael Rodwell) will be found on stage in Liverpool between 11 March and 9 April if you want to see him live. For someone like Brooke Vincent this gives her an opportunity to find out about working as an actress in a completely different environment as well as probably ensuring a decent take up seats - provincial theatres in this country are struggling. I also sense a more mature approach from the ITV Management as they now seem to be regularly agreeing such temporary absences - which is a very different approach to the early soap years. And variety of work should help prevent regular cast members becoming bored; after all few have the dedication of William Roache these days!

Anyway back to the Street where in an episode penned by Mark Wadlow, directed by Brett Fallis (and with copyright remaining the property of ITV) we witness the arrival of Rita and Jenny in front of the most welcoming crowd you can imagine - Kev, Anna, Sophie and amazingly the boy Jack in Sophie's arms who ventures a welcoming wave at Jenny. Rita makes it clear that Jenny is no longer sectioned. Kev wants a word with Jenny and she asks for privacy - so Kev takes her to the house and sends Anna and Sophie to Roy's with Jack. Sophie protests but Kev insists.

Along in the Rovers Mary is explaining her wicked ways to Brendan's wife saying that she can be slapped as she deserves it and the missus does just that! She admits she has been sleeping with Brendan and that the wife deserves to know. 'Chelle, Erica and Dev are watching this scene and Mary asks for privacy, unlike Jenny she does not get it. Mary says their attraction was immediate and she wonders why the wife is surprised - the affair started four weeks ago in earnest. The wife says she does not sound ashamed - indeed she looks pleased with herself. As Brendan walks in Mary says she had pleaded with him to tell her. And she marches to Brendan's side to claim him.

Ty and Fiz rock up at the garage in high spirits - successful operation and tumour gone they declaim to Luke. Fingers cross no more chemo or radiotherapy. Home in a few days. They pass on the good news to Kylie and Eva on the other side of the Street. Huge smiles all round. Eva convinces Kylie to join her for a drink that evening, despite Kylie protesting over all the hours she needs to spend with Max and his swimming lessons.

In the Kabin Norris is not in a forgiving mood and reckons that Jenny is lucky not to be in Styal Prison. He does not know why Saint Rita has to take in the waifs and strays! And he calls Rita as mad as Jenny. And he tells her that Jenny is not working in the shop. Rita has merely said she can stay until she is back on her feet and is she already upstairs asks Norris? Told that she is with Kev he observes that he will give her short shrift.

And in Kev's kitchen Jenny asks about Sophie working in the garage. Kev said he his giving her a chance as they are expanding and she is capable. Kev says he would do anything for his kids as they mean everything to him. He cannot believe he has let her in the house. Jenny says that RIta has been her only link to civilisation. Through all this Kev is pacing relentlessly disturbed not only by Jenny but also his memories of his own lost son. Kev is surprised she has shown her face here. Rita has offered a safe place. Jenny pleads for a chance to rebuild her life. The treatment has helped sort herself out. But she has nothing. She knows what she did was wrong and she is so sorry (and sounds it too). But it was out of character - that is not her. They have known each other for years - he knows it too. Kev says he does want to hear it and sits down to listen and softens.

Along at Roy's Anna is getting Jack some refreshments. Jack has taken it in his stride and Sophie is feeling bad for shouting at Jenny earlier in front of him, she just thought that Jenny would not appear in the Street again. Meanwhile Anna is worried that Kev will get back together with Jenny! Even Sophie thinks that is pretty unlikely.So why did Kev not send her away? Sophie reassures her. Anna is simply not sure where she and Kev stand. Sal pokes her head around the door and gets updated on the gossip of Jenny's arrival.

Meanwhile back in the Rovers Mary is declaiming that this is not some sordid affair - they are soul mates and have fallen in love and she invites Brendan to confirm this. He stands mute staring at his wife. He tells Mary that she might have got the wrong end of the stick (Brendan there is only one end to your stick!). He turns to his wife and says some very strange people are attracted to his hobby. They get ideas in their heads. Mary ties to stop him saying they had said they were going to live together. The wife intervenes and tells Mary that she is not the first and she will not be the last, but she says with an appraising look that Brendan must be getting desperate. The wife orders Brendan out of the pub as Ty arrives spreading the good news on Hope.

Mrs Brendan leaves, followed by Brendan who is told he is on the zed bed tonight. He meanwhile looks back at Dev and tells him that he will phone Mary later. Norris is of course watching all of this and pieces the story together.! He will remove every single copy of Brendan's publication from the shelves.

Kev remembers he lost a son (which is a bit more than he managed the last time Jenny was around) which destroyed him. There is nothing worse. Jenny says she could not get over it; she carried on - but had not got over it. It is easier not to deal with things says Jenny - just sweep them under the carpet. She was a walking time bomb. Kev says he was serious about them being together. And she was serious about him. He observes that she was sick but she took his son. She admits it was a mental breakdown but she has dealt with her problems now. She makes it clear that she has not returned to pick up where they left off - but she hopes his family will not cross the road when they see her coming. Kev does not think he can agree that.

Erica delivers a brandy to Mary. Dev is surprised she is fallible - he thought she was an old-fashioned kinda girl. She turns away disconsolate. She wants to be alone. 'Chelle observes to Ken that Mary has been led down the garden path. Married and the missus was on the warpath. Ken observes that Mary probably felt lonely - and he notes that he had a surprising encounter the other day, someone he thought had no interest in him. 'Chelle wants to know who - but Ken says that she would not know the other party. But life can be surprising. Steve is still in Spain and 'Chelle is left to do everything. Ken offers to spend more time looking after Amy. And if ever wants to tell about his encounter she is happy to listen.

Jenny is in the Kabin bringing Rita up to date when Sal (with Tim) announces her surprise at seeing her face. Tim tries to restrain her. Sally says she is disappointed in Rita (after all the help that Rita has given that woman!). Rita says that Jenny has been ill and is getting stronger. And Rita makes it clear that she does not want to have to choose. At this point Jenny realises the size of the mountain to climb and throws in the towel.. Kev comes in to hear Jenny saying she will leave again. He buts in to say that she does not have to go on his account. And Jenny looks relieved.

After the break Kev adds that if Rita is good enough to give Jenny somewhere to live then it is fine by him. With one condition - Jenny must go nowhere near Jack. And Ty pops through the door to say that Hope is in remission. Kev and Ty hugs and the latter goes. As Kev goes Jenny thanks him. Tim drags Sal out before she ruin the good atmosphere. Rita gives Jenny keys, tells her to let herself in and make herself comfortable.

Ty is at home -just about everyone has been told the good news. Chesney and Sinead enter to join in the celebration.

At Dev's Mary is sat sitting on her own with piano music on the hifi. She is crying and no doubt regretting her actions. Eventually she seems to reach a decision and gets up.

Jenny has returned to the Kabin, unpacked and watched some tv. Rita refuses rent - but Jenny insists she should help out. Cook some nice meals. And wash up. And do Rita's washing. Run the cleaner round and tidy up. She feels like Rita has given her a second chance (only second - and the rest, we remember!). She promises not to let Rita down.

Sophie slams the door into Kev's house demanding to know if Sal has told her the truth about Jenny. She calls Jenny evil as Kev and Anna are trying to eat their dinner. Kev tells her Jenny will be keeping her distance at Rita's until she gets back on her feet. (Let me guess, Rovers barmaid, Bistro waitress or Underworld?). And he thought Sophie was a Christian - but as Sophie says that does not make her a complete idiot. She stomps out still furious. Kev asks Anna if he is being unreasonable and she says she thought she would be spending the evening calming him down! Kev says he is trying to Do the right thing by telling others not to hold grudges when he does not. And he turns it round to ask her to stop holding a grudge against Pat Phelan. Now Anna is not hungry either.

Fiz and family are having a drink. Ches and Scout, sorry Sinead, say they do not understand how Fiz and Ty managed to get through it all without collapsing and they are both amazing.

At Dev's Mary is packed as Dev and Erica return to the house. She is leaving him in the lurch - but she has to go, perhaps to go scuba diving in the Maldives. She cannot stay she has made a fool of herself. She calls Brendan a two-timing manipulative, lying, hairy-backed; at which point Erica intervenes - if she had been told that she would have warned Mary off! Mary says people did -but she carried on deluding herself. And now she is a laughing stock. Erica tells Dev to go, so that she can have a private talk with Mary.

Kylie and Eva walk into the Rovers for a warm welcome. Eva is still complaining how difficult it is to get Kylie to have a drink (well she is always pregnant). Kylie feels however that after 12 grueling months (whilst she and Eva were not together) things are starting to get back to normal. Lily is sleeping through, so she is sleeping through. (Lily is 2 and a half years old - she should have been sleeping through for a very long time now!). And we hear again of Max's swimming prowess. They order two blackberry ciders which sounds terribly hipsterish to me). And both have huge smiles on their faces.

Ty says that he has been a turnip getting them so far in debt whilst Fiz has been amazing in looking after the girls. She kept Hope positive. And him. Comforted Hope and sat up with her at night. And made sure Hope was not scared. And Fiz stayed strong. And she repays the compliments. If they can get through that they can get through everything. And they have a huge hug.

Mary says she is the scarlet woman and the talk of the Street. Erica says it will soon go away - people have bigger problems than her love life. Mary says it will more than a few days for her to get over it. She did not see it coming. Erica calls Brendan a good liar and she has been in Mary's shoes many times. You get chewed up and spat out and it hurts. But Mary will get through this because you have to. Men have always cheated on their wives and it will never change. Mary thought Brendan lover her, but she was being used, the latest in a long line. Erica observes that married men - are married. Erica tells Mary about Brendan's message to Dev and how it means that Brendan merely loves himself and is cheating on both women. Have some self respect Mary - she is too good for the Brendan's of this world. Mary agrees. And Erica says she should enjoy the brief notoriety. No longer spinster of the parish - more a dark horse! Mary smiles and can see the way through.

Kev is saying that he does not know the gory details (tell him Anna tell him) - but sometimes you have to let these things go. Live and let live. He asks Anna if what Pat did was worse than what Jenny has done to him. She is not letting it go - he might be able to forgive - but she cannot and it seems that it does not matter what she thinks. Pat's presence sickens her. Surely that should count for something? She now thinks that Kev is on Pat's side and collecting her handbag gets up and goes, because if he feels so different to her about this then she does not think they have a future together. Kev is stunned by this.

Roll credits. Interestingly these include credits for Gail, Audrey, Aadi, Asha, Johnny, Kate, Aidan, Liz, Dr Sasha Brown, Richie O'Driscoll none of whom appeared in this episode (I would need to check if they were in the first part). Brendan's wife is named Bridget Finch.

Regards
K Richard Whitbread

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

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