2016



Friday 1 July

We open proceedings tonight with Tracy having a cuppa on the sofa in Ken's front room. She seems to still have some pain and ignores a knock at the door but Beth shouts through the letterbox and Tracy lets her in. Beth tells her she looks worse. Tracy says she's fine. She's going to the hospital to be checked over but she hasn't told Ken - she's waiting until after she's seen the specialist. Beth insists she's going with Tracy.

Izzy's helping Jake cut up some fruit when Gary arrives to see if she's OK for this afternoon's court appearance.

Sophie asks Luke to cover for her in the garage. She's got a meeting with a cab company to talk about a contract. But Luke refuses. It's Liam's birthday, with a Mexican theme. He does mention that Kate will be there.

Caz is in the salon getting a hair don't from Audrey. It seems to consist of coating her hair in something. Maria comes in in a panic because the cooker is on the blink and she's got to get the food ready for the party. Caz generously offers to let her hold the party at theirs. She even offers to get a pinata for the party. It's only when Maria mentions all the walking and carrying that Caz remembers she's got a dicky ankle.

Liz and Amy talk about Amy's nerves for her recital this afternoon. Erica arrives and asks Liz to come out with her but Liz plans to attend the violin recital. Kate's in a booth and asks Luke if he's going to the party at Maria's. Audrey overhears and tells them it's now at Kate's place, which is news to her. Kate goes off to find out about this and Sophie tells Luke that Caz is a weirdo. Luke says he's not getting involved.

Out in the street, Erica's going out on her own and Liz and Amy wait for their ride to the recital. Phelan and Eileen come along and Erica announces she's treating Eileen to lunch. Tracy comes past and asks where they're going. Amy says it's none of her business. Liz tells her about the recital and Amy threatens doom if she turns up at the school. Ken brings the car round from that secret garage where all the residents keep their cars. Amy pointedly tells Tracy there's no room for her. Ken says Tracy should respect Amy's wishes.

Gary tells Anna he's worried that Izzy's just trying to put on a brave face. She's even made up a rota for care of Jake in case the sentencing goes the wrong way.

Beth arrives to accompany Tracy to the hospital but Tracy won't go. She says she's going to Amy's recital.

Gary, Izzy, Jake and Anna are in the street. Beth wishes Izzy good luck. She tells Jake to be a good boy for Kevin and Anna takes him into Kevin's house.

Ken and Liz are incredibly rude and talk about Amy while she's playing. It all goes wrong when Amy sees Tracy slip into a seat at the back. Her bow screeches across the strings and she runs off stage.

Ken's furious and tells Tracy she never listens. She had to come and spoil it. Tracy says that's not fair but Ken says what's not fair is the way Tracy treats Amy. "She'll be devastated she made that mistake." "Come off it," says Tracy. "It's not like she's Vanessa Mae, is it? She can only play four notes." She turns to see Amy listening to her. Amy runs off again with Tracy shouting after her. Ken tells Tracy to just go.

A van pulls up by Jason's yard. Phelan's pal "Alistair" gets out and tells Phelan he doesn't usually return to the scene of the crime. Phelan tells him Jason will be gone for some time and he's in charge - in charge of a few tools and a very healthy bank balance. He asks if "Alistair" remembers the Naylors. "We can do the same here only with even easier access to the money."

In her flat, Izzy cries, which is a relief to Gary, who says he was starting to think she was made of stone. Izzy tells him she could lose her job and if she goes to prison she won't be able to pay the rent on the flat. "My life could be ruined in that court today."

Poor Liam. He's having a party which consists of four adults in sombreros and a pinata. Luke makes conversation with Caz and asks when she'll be going back to work. She says it's when her foot gets better. She's standing up when Liam bumps her and she moves out of the way very quickly. Luke sees this.

Phelan and the other bloke are in the office when Eileen comes in. Phelan says they're going to be working together and have just been talking about replacing the van and getting some more equipment to help with the bigger jobs. Eileen tells him to make a list. Why? "So I can clear the funds, you daft beggar." She says Jason didn't think he should lumber Phelan with everything, so he put Eileen in charge of the money. "We're going to be working together." She talks about always fancying herself working in an office, seemingly forgetting that she once did admin in this very office for Owen.

Tracy's in tears on the sofa and seems to look to Deirdre's picture for solace (or guidance). Eccles whines that she wants to go out and Tracy puts on the leash.

Gary tells Izzy she'll be back tonight for a chippie tea. Izzy admits she's terrified. Gary tells her to remember she's Izzy Armstrong and to remember what she deals with daily. "We're all here for you and we love you." He wipes away her tears and suddenly they're kissing.

Tracy is in the ginnel struggling with the pain. "Go on then, have a wee," she tells Eccles, then collapses to the ground.

The end.
Richard's update of the next episode will follow immediately.

Margaret Carr

The big news this week is that sometime next year Corrie will move to six programmes a week, in line with Emmerdale. Some of us have noticed that they are actually pumping out the equivalent of six episodes at the moment! Anyway - it means we need another person (or more) to join the update panel - so let us know if you are interested. 6 episodes will mean 132 minutes of drama per week, from 110. EastEnders with no adverts has been producing 120 minutes (less credits), so Corrie will now be ahead again.

This particular episode is number 8935 and it was written by Susan Oudot and the director was Ian Bevitt. As ever copyright remains the property of ITV and our thanks to them.

We open with Izzy and Gary kissing. Izzy seems to think that they are getting back together. But the taxi is sounding its horn and so they have to go. It is not clear that Gary is as keen on the reunion.

Eccles is acting his little tail off this evening standing in the ginnel over a collapsed Tracy whimpering - but no-one comes. Border Terriers are nice. Tracy does not wake or move. He sits with her.

Johnny has made a hedgehog cake with chocolate buttons standing on the end, Kate is describing it - looked good, tasted rubbish. Caz's old man was even less competent. Liam has a radio control car running around the room. Kate offers to make Caz a cake. The car runs up against Caz's injury and she goes into meltdown with the pain. Caz acknowledges it is an accident and Liam apologises. Liam is asked to play a little further away. Caz manages to get up and get a painkiller.

Izzy, Anna and Gary are almost late arriving at the court and this time Izzy has some proper representation. Anna goes into the courtroom and Izzy asks Gary seriously if he meant what he said earlier- about always being there for her and so on? Gary says he will always be here for her. He promises. (Which is not the same as saying they are back together - which is what she thinks). And whatever happens he tells her not to worry about Jake. She heads into court with the solicitor.

Caz is telling an army story when we return to Liam's party. Luke takes a mug over to the sink and finds a white painkiller tablet lying in the sink. He stares at it and then at Caz as the chatting continues between Caz, Kate and Maria. His suspicions are aroused.

The solicitor is doing what Izzy should have done last time and thrown herself on the mercy of the court with a plea in mitigation. The magistrates have heard it all before of course. Apparently she is now full of remorse for her conduct! The bench decides to retire to consider sentence.

Eccles is character of the episode as his acting reaches a new high. Sat on the edge of the cobbles he whimpers at Beth as she approaches. Beth looks around for Tracy but she is not in sight. When she gets to Number One the knocks are unanswered. Beth phones Tracy's mobile but can hear it ringing on the hall table. Robert is passing and asks what is going on. Beth explains that Tracy is ill and Eccles was loose and Robert apparently still has a key which he goes to get.

Eileen is getting stuck into the admin at the yard - to Pat's obvious displeasure but as he has his back to her and face to the camera Eileen cannot see it. Eileen spent her youth in front of a dartboard and had a s Saturday job at the bookies, so luckily she has a head for figures. Pat is fuming that Jason did not tell him as it feels like he is untrusted. He was no doubt planning to rip off the money and eventually do a runner. Poor Eileen another wastrel. I am close to thinking we need a campaign to find Eileen a good and honest man for a few years. Eileen reassures him that he remains in charge of the building side of the work - without having to bother about the admin. Eileen will cut her hours at StreetCars to balance it out. She wants to do it right and she sees herself as the new Karren Brady, spreadsheets and shoulder pads! She also tells him there will be no familiarity in the workplace, at least not when there are punters around. She kisses his head and hugs him - but the nasty look does not leave his face.

Beth and Robert enter number one and there is no obvious sign of Tracy. Beth checks upstairs - nothing. Eccles (star of the episode and actor of the week) is whimpering by the back door and they head out into the yard and then the path at the back. Beth keeps telling Robert she really was sick. Eccles scampers along the ginnel to the prone figure of Tracy and Beth thinks she looks dead. Robert says there is no time to call for an ambulance and he lifts her (and she is tall) - Beth issues an amazed "wow" - and he strides along the ginnel.

After the break Ken, Liz and Amy have returned from the concert and Liz is telling Amy she was a trooper for carrying on. She liked the Beatles song near the end as she met Paul McCartney once - but refuses to expand on the subject. Ken's phone goes - it is Robert. He listens and then ends the call and assuring Liz and Amy all is well but he has to go now. Apparently Robert needs some advice he tells Amy. He tells her she was fantastic. Ken drives away as Liz and Amy return to the Rovers.

In court the magistrate has listened with sympathy (ie no sympathy at all) and they cannot imagine her suffering. But she broke the law and has every intention of repeating it. She assaulted a police officer and had shown no remorse prior to this hearing. So it is a two month custodial sentence. (Have a nice holiday). Gary assures her it will all be fine.

In the hospital Beth is again telling Robert that Tracy had looked dead rough. Robert acknowledges he should have listened before. Ken arrives - no news except it is definitely her kidney and the doctors are doing checks. Ken says that Tracy had said nothing to him whilst Rob passes on the news that she has been ill for a while. Beth adds some more background but Tracy felt Ken did not care. And she could not go to an appointment because of Amy's concert.

Pat is telling Eileen that as a minimum they need a new van and bigger so they can do bigger jobs. Pat estimates a new one will be around £17k. Eileen has bought a house for less than that! She suggests either second hand or leasing - it needs to be cost effective. Pat is not impressed.

At the garage Liam is showing off his presents (some games) to Luke who tells him to wait until he gets back. Liam runs into the garage. Maria observes it was good of Kate and Caz to allow them use of their flat. Luke reveals his suspicions about Caz's ankle. Sophie arrives and she departs with Maria and Liam.

Beth is on the phone explaining to Kirk how to pierce the film on his ready meal which then needs to go in the microwave. If it is too difficult he will have to go to the chippy! She ends the call and Ken thanks her for staying. Robert refuses to go too. A doctor emerges. Tracy has an infection and as a result her kidney (remember she only has Samir's) is failing. She is on emergency dialysis and close monitoring for the next few hours. They will not know for a few days if the transplant has failed completely, if so she would need regular dialysis. The doctor is hopeful the kidney will respond and recommence working. Tracy is lucky she reached the hospital when she did. Ken thanks the doctor as her pager goes off. Ken thanks Robert again. Robert looks very thoughtful.

With a new angle from above we can see into the new Websters bodyshop under the Arches. Sophie leaves Luke to lock up. But he stops her going. He tells her that he thinks Caz might be faking an injury. He recounts the earlier events. Luke says that it is not enough to tell Kate. Sophie resolves to get proof which Kate will believe.

Ken is apologising to Tracy. He has not told Amy as she does not need the worry. Ken says he will phone Amy now to bring her up to date. Robert enters as Ken leaves (for years now our local hospital has allowed "live" phones to be used at the bedside and so on - are they still banned 'oop North?) Robert asks how she is feeling? Tracy admits with a smile that she has felt better and that she did not expect to see him. He tells her that he cares about what happens to her. Before they can go further Beth wanders in chatting on her mobile to an aunty with a new fella. So phones are allowed! Tracy fails to dislodge her and Robert goes to get some teas. Beth tells Tracy that she then worried. Then Superman Robert airlifted Tracy to safety! (Lovely well written and delivered). And so Tracy discovers that Rob got her to hospital in the nick of time! But Tracy was literally swept off her feet (had she been on them!). Just like Richard Gere in an "Officer and a Gentleman". Tracy would have loved it ... had she not been unconscious! He is a bit of a hero says Beth. Tracy cheers up a lot.

Amy does not see the point in long division fractions and she would like pizza for tea. Liz agrees. Liz gets Amy to sit down. Ken phoned earlier. Liz explains that he is at the hospital with Tracy because of her kidney. Amy thinks Tracy is probably pretending. Liz assures her that Tracy is very poorly. Amy refuses to go and see her mother despite Liz's attempts. Amy asks again if she can choose the pizza for tea changing the subject.

At Anna's flat Gary has put Jake to bed; he wants to know where his mother is. Anna says that he will get through it and she will help as well. He then reluctantly tells Anna that Izzy kissed him. She asks if it is serious - but Gary does not know, it just happened. He admits he kissed Izzy back. He wanted to make her feel better. Anna knows that Izzy will see it as something more - and he needs to be honest with her. He agrees he will explain - but how can he whilst she is in prison?

We see the prison cell where Izzy is arriving in her wheelchair. She wants to make a phone call. No chance. She wants the photo that was in her purse - the officer says she will have to ask tomorrow. The door slams and the locks are turned and she starts crying.

Tracy has perked up and is telling Beth to go. Robert returns with the tea, Beth takes hers and wanders away. Tracy says she knows he saved her. Tracy knew that he had not stopped caring for her. She takes his hand and says she wants to start over. She wants them to try again. He removes his hand and says he would have done the same for anyone. He adds that in time maybe they can be friends but not now. Tracy buries her head in the pillow when Ken and the doctor come in. Robert leaves them to it. The doctor reports that the kidney is showing signs of recovery. They need her to stay in for a few days to monitor progress, but there should be no regular dialysis. The doctor departs. Ken calls her one very lucky girl. Tracy asks if Amy is coming in to see her. No answer from Ken and Tracy realises that even now Amy does not want to see her. Tracy says she would die for Amy and yet her daughter does not care if she lives or dies. Ken says that Amy is angry and needs time. Tracy realises that if she had not been found she would have left her daughter behind hating her. And she knows it is her own fault. Tracy is scared that she has lost Amy forever. But because Tracy loves Amy she is going to put it right. Amy is her baby and she cannot lose her.

Final shot is of a determined but weepy Tracy.

Roll credits.

No doubt Tracy will get forgiven yet again.

Plaudits to Eccles - performance of the week.

See you the same time next week.

Richard


Monday 4 July

Written by Ella Greenhill Directed by Menhaj Huda

Kylie is stressed about the family therapy meeting at the hospital. She worries that Sarah could have told the psychiatrist anything. David isn't worried. Kylie just wants the whole thing over. She still feels Callum kind of haunting her. Bethany comes down. Kylie hands her a folder and lets her know that Gail's had copies of her CV made so she can start looking for a summer job. Bethany sighs. Does it have to be today? Kylie points out that the early bird and all that. She takes them and goes back upstairs. Kylie remarks how summers now fly by and it rains all the time as compared to when she was a kid and they seemed to last forever.

Ken is trying to persuade Amy to go see Tracy at the hospital. He does assure her that Tracy is getting better but Amy has no intention of going even if she's glad her mother isn't going to "peg it". Todd has come in and overheard some of this. Amy leaves for school and Ken tries to get Todd to go see Tracy. Todd doesn't want to as he's swamped at the shop (and after all, is the only other employee). Ken won't take no for an answer and railroads him into it.

Eileen is on the phone to Jason, talking about finances, it seems. He's doing ok in London at Violet and has his tickets for Thailand and is looking forward to it. Eileen worries about Jason's safety in Thailand. There's a knock on the door and Phelan lets Andy in. He's dressed for diy work. He apologetically hands over the rent, a bit late and explains he's painting the bedroom today. He leaves and Phelan questions whether they are always late with the rent, little bells going off in his head.

Sophie is dreaming up schemes to prove Caz is faking her injury. Luke doesn't fancy her ideas and thinks they should leave it but she refuses. Freddie overhears and when is wonders if it really matters if Caz is faking. It matters to Sophie. Freddie discovers that Sophie fancies Kate and then *really* thinks she shouldn't get into the middle of it.

Todd arrives to see Tracy who is tickled because the doctor has said she can go home. He's pleased she's coming home, though warns her to take it easy. They share a few laughs before she tells him that Amy hasn't come to see her. She's determined to win her daughter round.

Dev arrives at the shop and springs a lovely surprise on Erica, a night in a posh spa hotel. Mary is wistful and Steph is impressed. Erica takes a call while the others chat. It's bad news, Erica's mother is in hospital and she's needed.

We're at the hospital now, at the family session with the counselor, Sarah, David, Kylie and Gail. He lets Sarah know that she has a support network behind her. When David questions whether she'd be better off with that network at home, Sarah hastily says she doesn't want to come home yet. She likes it there. She seems a bit reluctant to elaborate when Gail tries to get more detail. She doesn't really understand Sarah's illness. The counselor tries to explain that the post-partum psychosis means many symptoms such as insomnia and even hearing voices and paranoia. David asks and is told that something in addition to the hormones that could be contributing, perhaps something that happened before Harry's birth. Gail zeroes in on Callum. She tells the doctor the body was found under the annex. The doctor tries to encourage Sarah to talk about anything that is bothering her, backed by Gail.

Eileen has made strong builder's tea for the builder. Phelan notices that Andy and Steph are paying lower than market rent. Eileen defends them as good tenants but Phelan thinks Jason should be making more money out of it. Eileen starts to think it over, perhaps they should be charging the going rate. If Steph and Andy have to give up the flat, he says, someone else will snap it up.

Sarah continues to be encouraged but not pressured. Kylie establishes that if Sarah doesn't talk, she might not get better. The doctor agrees and Kylie assures her they only want her to get better. Sarah is scared of what will happen. Kylie looks Sarah in the eye and tells her with meaning that she needs to say whatever it is she has to in order to get better, that's the most important thing. David doesn't look too happy. Sarah looks dubious and scared. David finally looks at her and nods in agreement.

Erica waits for a taxi at the shop. She apologizes to Dev for having to ditch the spa but he knows her mother comes first. Erica suggests he take Mary instead. Dev doesn't think she'd want to go but of course she does! She says she'd insist on separate rooms, naturally. And he agrees. Naturally. The cab horn sounds and Erica takes her leave after telling Dev she'll even pay for the extra room.

Luke and Sophie are in the cafe. Sophie has found a phone number to call someone in the Army about Caz and she thinks it's worth it. Freddie joins them and comments that he doesn't think it is. Bethany comes in the door, armed with her CVs but is disappointed when Anna tells her there's no openings. She orders a cuppa and a bun instead. Freddie speculates that someone like Caz will show her true colours eventually. Sophie insists that she and Kate are only friends even if nobody believes it. He reckons that if Caz is lying, the truth will come out sooner or later.

Gail wonders what is scaring Sarah. She admits she's scared of Callum. She is afraid of his body, though she knows he's dead she says. Gail thinks it has to do with the body that was in the house. Sarah haltingly says that it has to do with what happened before.

Tracy comes home but nobody is celebrating. She even tries to tempt Amy into taking the afternoon off school or share a DVD tonight but again, she's not having any of it and is rude to her mother before stropping out back to school. Ken sighs as Ken always does. Tracy is determined and has a plan.

Gary comes into the cafe. Anna asks if he's spoken to Izzy. He hasn't and she's upset because he was meant to set Izzy straight about the two of them but Gary interrupts. Izzy has been moved to a more wheelchair friendly prison. In Hull (which is quite a distance away for anyone that isn't familiar with the geography). Bethany is in the cafe as well and is surprised when Lauren approaches and wants to sit down. She's very friendly to Bethany and makes out that her "mates" were bullying her and making her be nasty to Bethany. Bethany isn't sure she believes it even when Lauren apologizes, free to do so now that school is over.

In the pub, Dev has arrangements made at the spa with two rooms. She's perusing the spa treatments and discusses them with him. He is reluctant to try any of the men's foot treatment but she gently but not so tactfully instructs him to get a pedicure. Phelan and Eileen approach Steph and Tony with a rent increase with two months' notice. As expected, they're not best pleased and Andy immediately suspects Phelan is behind it. Eileen points out it's market value for the flat. Just then, who should come through the pub doors but Michael! He's back! He looks at Phelan, noticing the tension in the air. Andy hands Michael the letter about the rent increase. Phelan immediately takes a shot at Michael but he doesn't rise to it. Eileen assures Steph she doesn't want to push them out. Michael knows Phelan is up to something and he's not letting him take advantage of the young couple.

Sarah explains that she thought setting Callum up to get him to admit to everything was the way to go. He came to the house, he was angry, she explains, and tells them about Callum attacking her. She tearfully tells them she was terrified for her life. He was on top of her and she was screaming and in a panic, not able to get away and then Kylie came in and... The doctor asks what happened after Kylie came in. David and Kylie grasp hands as the episode ends.

Tvor

Written by Martin Allen and directed by Menhaj Huda

Kylie and David are on tenterhooks as Sarah tells the doctor and Gail what happened the night Callum died. She describes lots of screaming, Kylie and Callum fighting, she thought he was going to kill both of them. She tells them David came in and, as we hold our breath in anticipation, Sarah says that Kylie and David somehow managed to get Callum out of the house and they saved her life.

In the Rovers Michael's furious at the way Phelan has influenced Eileen over Steph and Andy's rent increase. His suspicions are aroused even further when he learns that Jason has gone away. Eileen's angry that Michael is interfering and changes the two months' notice to four weeks and Phelan adds that they'll need to redecorate back to how the flat was before they leave or risk losing their deposit. Steph sarcastically thanks Michael for throwing petrol over the flames.

Bethany's looking really uncomfortable as she sits in Roy's Rolls with the bully from school. The bully is making a big play of being really friendly and chatty. Todd comes in and tells Anna how busy he is with Tracy off sick. Anna mentions Bethany's looking for a job. Then Alex asks Bethany how her mum's doing in the psychiatric ward. These are both pieces of information Bethany would rather keep to herself.

Meanwhile in the psychiatric ward, Gail is questioning her family about why she wasn't told about what happened with Callum. David says they didn't want to worry her. She complains it's one secret after another with "you lot".

Dev and Mary arrive at the spa hotel after a horrendous three hour car journey only to discover there's been a mix up with the booking and their only option is to share a double room. Mary says she's happy to sleep on the sofa while Dev looks horrified but concedes they have little choice.

Eileen's having lunch with Phelan and reflecting on what happened with Steph and Andy over the flat. He tells her she's done nothing wrong and says that all the poison in the conversation came from Michael.

Todd's having a bad day. He's swamped with orders and then a delivery van knocks over the buckets of flowers outside the shop. Along comes a knight in shining armour, a.k.a. Billy, who offers to lend a hand.

Back in Roy's Rolls, Bethany's school "mate" says that she's keen to get a summer job, too and tells her she knows someone who works for House of Fraser and maybe she could help them both. Bethany still looks unconvinced but agrees to go with her. Of course the whole thing is a set up and as they step outside the gang are waiting. As soon as they hear about Sarah they surround Bethany and start chanting "psycho, psycho, psycho".

The gang continue to torment Bethany, calling her fat and pulling her hair. Hearing the commotion Anna opens the door. They immediately step back and the gang disperses. Anna looks worried and asks Bethany if she's OK. She claims she's fine and they were just messing about but as soon as she's walking away, Bethany begins to sob.

At the spa, Dev has decided to indulge in a back waxing. His screams of pain can be heard from the reception where Mary is booking herself in for some of her own treatments.

We return to the hospital where Sarah is now alone with Kylie and David. Kylie's concerned for Sarah that she still hasn't told the whole story but Sarah insists she'll be fine now. Bethany comes into the room just as David's hugging Sarah and telling her he's proud of her. Bethany wonders why David's being nice to her mum for a change.

In the Rovers Steph and Andy are looking in the paper for flats to rent while Michael buys them a round of drinks. Gail comes in and is surprised to see Michael. They have a stilted although friendly conversation in which Michael explains he came back as he read about what happened to Callum in the paper and expresses sympathy about how hard it must have been for Gail.

We return to the spa where Dev is lying on the bed in his dressing gown while Mary, who is all dressed up and ready to go down for dinner, drools over the menu. But Dev's in so much pain from his earlier waxing he can't face moving from the room. Then Mary sees a mote from the management – as an apology for the booking mix-up they have free use of the mini bar. Dev gets stuck into the Scotch and Mary happily joins in.

In the hospital Sarah's also lying on her bed. Bethany is with her. Sarah notices something's wrong but Bethany claims she's just tired.

David and Kylie arrive home. He's convinced all their troubles are over but Kylie's not so sure. Is Sarah really OK and what happens if Gail starts digging around again?

In the Rovers Andy and Steph are considering their options. They can't afford a rent increase so now what? Michael has a suggestion – he's kipping on a mate's floor but if he moved back in they could split the rent three ways. Judging by Steph's reaction the idea of being homeless is preferable.

Dev and Mary have consumed almost the entire contents of the mini bar and are finding everything hilariously funny. Dev pats the bed beside him and tells Mary it will be their little secret. She takes this the wrong way but it's the waxing that Dev doesn't anyone knowing about.

Billy gives a flower display a final flourish with the spray can, then asks Todd to make him a brew. They've clearly enjoyed their afternoon working together and there's a moment of sexual tension over the tin of custard creams. Billy looks flustered and says he needs to go.

We return to the Rovers where Andy and Steph have made a decision. Eileen is delighted when they tell her they've decided to accept the rent increase but it's more than can be said for Phelan when Michael steps forward and announces it's because he's moving in. Michael takes Phelan to one side and tells him he's not scared of him anymore and that he's sticking around. He says he won't rest until people round there see Phelan for what he really is.

Karen


Thursday 7 July

There was no Wednesday episode this week, so here's the update for Thursday 7th July.

We open in the hotel bedroom where Mary and Dev lie, sound asleep, clad in bathrobes, and cuddled up together.

Over at the Platt's, Kylie is trying to get Max ready for school and out of the door. David offers to do the school run, even though it's her turn. Bethany is heading off out of the door, job hunting.

Back at the hotel, Dev awakens and is horrified. He leaps up from the bed and tells Mary she was supposed to be on the sofa. She asks why he should have the Egyptian cotton sheets while she was on the lumpy sofa, but she's really happy and tells him that it was a great night, they both had a lot to drink. He was hurting and she comforted him. Just then there's a knock on the door – she'd ordered room service, a full English breakfast and a basket of pastries. Dev is aghast and goes and shuts himself in the bathroom.

Billy arrives at Eileen's to see Sean, who tells him that he's got the tickets for The Lion King. Billy wonders whether Dylan likes musical theatre, but Sean is sure he does. Sean asks where Billy has been, he's been ringing him. Billy tells him he's lost his phone, and Todd, in the kitchen, looks up. Sean asks where he went, and Billy says he went to see Sarah, he doesn't mention his call at the florists. They arrange that he'll call into the pub later when Sean is working there.

Ken meets Amy in the Street and tells her he's arranged with Leanne that they go round with Simon's present later. He warns her that Tracy is going to go there too and wonders if she minds. Amy says that it's Simon's day and she doesn't want to spoil things for him.

Todd opens up the florist shop and finds Billy's phone on the counter.

Nick goes round to Leanne's with a present for Simon, she offers him a coffee, and they seem to be getting on very well. Simon is talking on the phone to Peter who has forgotten his birthday, and then goes off to school Leanne invites Nick over later when everyone else is coming.

Ken meets Tracy in the Street and tells her that Amy was OK with her coming to Simon's birthday tea.

Todd sees Sean going past the shop and goes out and gives him Billy's phone, telling him that Billy came in there yesterday when he was buying flowers for Sarah. As they're talking, Billy's phone starts to ring, it's the bishop. Sean answers it for him.

Bethany goes into the gym and asks Gary for a job. He tells her that they don't have any jobs going at the moment, so, looking at a poster on the wall, she asks for her free assessment and training session. He tells her she should be out with her mates, having fun. She tells him she doesn't have any, and she still wants her free session. He tells her to come back in 20 minutes.

Billy goes into the pub and a stern-faced Sean hands him his phone. Billy asks where he found it and Sean gives him a hard time over buying flowers for Sarah and not for him. Then he tells him how the bishop's office rang and that they want Billy on a last minute training course in Cardiff. Sean hopes he's going to tell them he can't go. Billy says it's not that simple, but he'll try.

Tracy and Ken are talking about Amy. Ken tells her Amy needs time, but Tracy is getting impatient and says she needs to up her game.

Billy goes into the florists and demands to know why Todd gave his phone to Sean. He nearly dropped him in it. “Oh,” says Todd, “so that was what the funny look you gave me was all about.” Billy says he just wanted him to hang on to it until he could come and get it. Todd can't see why he wanted to lie in the first place. Billy says he just didn't want Sean to get the wrong idea. “You lie very easily for a vicar,” says Todd.

Billy is still in the florist, telling Todd that he judges and points the finger, and wonders what his motives are. Todd replies that he's not the one having a relationship. “Is that what you want?” asks Billy, but before Todd can reply Tracy walks in and Billy leaves. Tracy makes a bitchy comment about Todd running the business into the ground the minute her back was turned.

Gary is showing Bethany around the gym. He wonders why she's there and she tells him she's just trying to get out of the house, things have been pretty grim.

In the florist's, Tracy says she's not coming back to work, she still feels delicate and anyway, she wants to concentrate on getting back into Amy's good books. Then she asks why he was rowing with the vicar. Todd tells her that he and Sean wind him up, especially the way Sean drools over Billy. Tracy wonders why it's bothering Todd so much – he's not jealous is he? Does he have the hots for Billy? Todd protests at the idea but Tracy's not convinced.

Bethany has just finished her first gym session, she's really enjoyed it and wants to come back. Gary tells her that she'll have to join up.

Dev is back in the shop when Mary comes in shopping. She tells him she's been on Trip Advisor and given a review, including the hitches about the sleeping arrangements. Just then Dev's phone rings, it's Erica, and he answers it with trepidation.

Sean is working in the pub when Billy comes in and tells him he's not going to Cardiff, he's told them to find someone else. Sean hugs and thanks him.

Ken, Amy and Nick are at the flat as Simon is opening his birthday presents. Then Amy arrives and says she didn't know what to get Simon so has got him a gift card. “What's in the bags then?” asks Ken, and Tracy tells her they're for Amy. “But it's not her birthday,” says Ken.

Billy leaves the pub, saying he'll be back. Sean remarks to Eileen and Todd that he thinks they'll grow old together. Todd pulls out his phone and finds Billy's number.

Back at Leanne's flat, Amy throws the shopping bags back at Tracy, saying she can't believe Tracy thought she could just be bought. It's Simon's birthday, he's the one Tracy should be making a fuss of. She tells her mother to get out, she's spoiling the party.

In the Platt's house, Gail suggests that David and Kylie take over the annex as a little love nest. She suggests that if she was upstairs she could see to the children if they woke in the night. She tells them the annex gives her the creeps now, so could they please swap? After a moment's thought, David agrees.

Todd has sent Billy a text, and Billy arrives to meet him in the park. Todd says it's obvious that Billy doesn't love Sean any more, the two of them are doomed and he can't stand by and watch the two of them wreck each other's lives. Then Todd steps forward and tells Billy it's not going away and he doesn't want it to. They stare at each other for a long time, and then Todd turns and walks away.

Anne Logan.


Friday 8 July

Whew! I've watched four episodes in one day to bring you this. I'm weeks behind! Never mind. . . on with the show!

We begin at Ken's, where Tracy looks mournfully at Deirdre's photo. Ken comes in and they make arrangements to visit Deirdre's grave (it's the first anniversary of her death) at different times so Ken can take Amy without upsetting Amy by having Tracy there at the same time. Tracy's not arguing. She says today's about her Mum and no-one else.

Over at Eileen's, Sean's packing 15 shirts for his week away. Todd's hung over. He tells Sean he went to Canal Street last night. Sean's excited to be showing Billy "my London" but Todd thinks he's making Billy sound like a country bumpkin.

As Simon gets ready for school, he tells Leanne he knows she doesn't like her new job. He reckons a trip to the cinema would cheer her up - and him. Leanne agrees and says they'll go out for tea, too.

Gemma's cleaning in the kebab shop when Chesney arrives late. His mum's in hospital in Wolverhampton. Gemma tells him to go and says she can handle things there. There's an order coming and Chesney tells her how important it is that she checks the order before signing for it (and when someone says that on a soap you know exactly how it will end!).

Todd arrives at the flower shop saying he's never drinking again. Tracy tells him about Amy refusing to go to see Deirdre if Tracy's there and he tells her he's told Billy he likes him. Tracy congratulates him but says he has to take it to the next level. "Life's way too short."

Bill himself has turned up to see Sean, asking if they can catch a later train. After some protesting, Sean agrees.

Leanne and Robert see each other in the street but keep walking. Leanne has an aching back and drops her key, just as Nick jogs up to pick it up for her. She tells him she hurt her back trying to move a can of olive oil. Nick insists on helping her up the stairs.

Robert goes to see Tracy - she's forgotten all about the flowers for the Bistro. He agrees to go with her to the cemetery.

Billy goes into the flower shop. He tells Todd he's there to talk about last night. Todd says he was too drunk to remember anything. And anything he said would have been just drunk talk. Billy says he can't get on a train with Sean without having this talk with Todd. "I know you care about me." Todd ignores this and tells him to say hello to London for him.

In the flat, Nick tells Leanne she should report accidents that happen at work. Leanne says the manager did offer to help her but she refused because he's such a creep. He massages her shoulder for her and offers to take Simon out so she can rest.

Kylie meets Beth in the street. She's exciting about joining the gym.

Gemma's cleaning the kebab shop windows. "You've missed a bit," says Nick as he jogs past. Kylie stops him to ask if he can look after the kids later but he refuses. Then Kylie tells Gemma she's missed a bit. "Your family needs to get better material," Gemma says. They talk and Gemma says she's doing a double shift at the kebab shop. She says she was out of order at the funeral and they sort of make peace, with Kylie agreeing to give her mates's rates to get her nails done.

Tracy takes the keys to Todd so he can lock up later. He tells her she looks really lovely. Tracy's dressed in a dress that her mother always said made her look ladylike. She goes to choose some flowers but Todd has already prepared a huge bouquet. They hug and Tracy tells him to let Billy make him happy.

Ken and Rita are in the pub talking fondly about Deirdre and laughing at some of the things they remember happening, at stories about Ray and Tricia Hopkins and a Cinderella pantomime. They don't see Amy at the door through from the back. She watches them and seems in a bad temper.

Billy arrives at Eileen's ready to set off but Sean's just popped to the shop for a magazine. Eileen asks him what's going on. He tells her he's just nervous about meeting Dylan. It's a big step. And no, he hasn't talked to Sean about it. "I'm scared of disappointing him." Eileen tells him he's the answer to Sean's prayers.

Amy's on Maxine's bench and Robert sits with her. He asks if she's been crying but Amy says it's hay fever. Amy says she wants to be on her own. "Tough," says Robert, telling her to let him know when she's ready to talk. She tells him she heard Ken and Rita talking about Deirdre and they were laughing. "They should have some respect." Robert says it wasn't disrespect - more likely the opposite. They discuss Nana Blanche's attitude towards Deirdre - she loved her but could also express her feelings when she thought there was a problem. "She was allowed to," says Amy. "She was her mum." Robert asks her how she thinks Tracy is feeling today.

Tracy's at the gate to the cemetery. She checks her phone. There's no message from Robert so she goes in.

Sean and Billy get into a black cab. As it goes past the flower shop, Billy sees Todd inside and shouts to the driver to stop. "This is wrong. I can't do this, Sean!"

The end for now.
The second episode is coming soon.

Margaret Carr

The last couple of weeks have been very strange in the UK. We have given a masterclass to the world in how not to run a modern democracy, even we do not know who is in charge of anything. Luckily such matters are remote from the Street and hardly get mentioned. Hopefully sterling will recover or I will have to stop traveling the world (next stops are Yorkshire, Norway, USA, Mexico, Cyprus, Devon, Brazil and Argentina)

Here we are with the second part of Friday night and with the football over we are on six episodes a week for the next couple of weeks. I will not be here next week but there will be a double dose the following week. This is episode 8940. Written by Damon Rochefort and directed by Menaj Huda. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open at Eileen's house with Sean, wearing a rather bright shirt enters with Billy behind him. Sean wants an explanation - what is Billy's excuse this time for not heading off. A bunch of Satanists squatting in the vestry? Billy says it is not to do with work. Sean asks why he is being dumped out of the blue - there must be someone else. Billy says Sean should know him better than that and he denies there being anyone else - but Sean rightly does not believe him. They argue - but Sean is convinced Billy is lying. He reckons yelling stop in the taxi is pure drama queen. Sean calls himself repulsive - Billy cannot like him. Billy cannot say anything right. Sean accepts the truth that Billy no longer loves him and he shouts at Billy to get out. He departs and Sean is heartbroken.

At the cemetery Tracy is placing the huge bunch of flowers on Deirdre's grave. Tracy admits she has lost everything and asks for advice.

Gemma is checking the delivery at the kebab shop when Callum's old mates come in to terrorize her wanting a free kebab each. She signs the delivery note in the wrong place because she is nervous. The delivery driver goes and she tells the visitors that she has to put things away. Again they call her job really difficult. She points out they have never done a real job. She tells them to go, but they will hang around unless she gives them a free kebab.

Simon and Nick return to Leanne's flat - she is still holding her back in pain. Apparently Ghostbusters has not been released (released this week not last) so they spent the afternoon in an amusement arcade. Simon is in a very good mood. The two males joke and laugh. Apparently Nick was not good at the Formula 1 game and Simon beat him easily. He thanks Nick - who wants a rematch - but Simon calls him a sucker for punishment. Leanne is still in pain. Leanne is so pleased that Simon is a happy, funny little lad that she asks Nick to stay for a drink as she owes him a massive favour and she has been alone all afternoon.

Along at the Platts Kylie returns to find Bethany at the table staring at her phone. David is collecting Max and has taken Lily. Kylie wants to know why Bethany is out of sorts. Bethany explains that she cannot afford the gym and she needs Sarah's signature. Kylie takes the form and a pen and forges Sarah's signature. She then takes Bethany to the gym to negotiate a discount membership as Gary is an old mate of hers.

As Steve enters the cab office Eileen is taking a phone call from Sean about Billy's behaviour. Sean comes into the cab office with his case and Steve finds an excuse to go and check his cab. Steve tries to be positive - but Sean is not feeling positive at the moment! Eileen wants to gossip - Sean says Billy just refused to go. And Sean reckons that as far as the two of them are concerned the fat lady has sung and it is all over. Eileen wants to know where Billy is. Eileen suggests they should talk and get to the bottom of it. Sean knows Dylan is waiting for him in London. So he is going and not have Billy ruin his life any more. Billy can play silly beggars with whomever he has been seeing behind Sean's back. Sean knows there is someone else involved when dumped like this.

Along at the Kabin someone else (Todd) is staring at knitting pattern magazines. Rita asks if he is going to make a pullover. Todd claims to be miles away and picks up a magazine and says he is busy at the shop. Wedding tomorrow and he is on his own. Todd denies being upset and refuses to confirm Rita's probes about his love life. He admits there is someone he likes but thinks he has made a massive mistake by not fighting harder. Rita says she has been around the block more often than a Mr Whippy van and playing it cool does not work. If you like him then you have to tell him. Todd agrees but it is too late now.

Tracy is still talking to Deirdre. Robert has left her, Amy will not talk to her. If me Mam were still here she would have knocked our little heads together. Tracy recalls the time they visited Blanche's grave and she saw a woman talking to her late husband's grave and said to Deirdre "Look at that silly cow". Deirdre gave her a very dirty look and now Tracy is the silly cow talking to a grave. She is convinced that Deirdre could put things right. She wishes Deirdre could - because at the moment Tracy does not see the point of it any more.

When we return Tracy is kissing the headstone and saying bye to her mother - but she has turned around and cannot see that Robert and Amy are standing just a little way off. Amy says sorry - Grandma Deirdre had taught her not to sneak up on people. Tracy is surprised to see Amy as she had been earlier. Amy says that she should have come with Tracy. Reluctantly Amy gives Tracy a much needed hug; the latter mouths a heartfelt "Thank you" at Robert behind Amy's back.

The two ne'er-do-wells are still annoying customers in the kebab shop. Gemma has given them nothing. Chesney appears through the door and Gemma is pleased to see him. Callum's mates decide to depart.

Kylie has got a good deal out of Gary and Bethany is impressed. And Kylie wants Bethany to take her bad moods out on the gym equipment rather than the family. Kylie has paid for the first month - but thereafter Bethany is on her own. The two kebab "customers" are coming in the opposite direction and ask Kylie about Callum's body being in her foundations. They shout after Kylie and Bethany if a double date is possible - all of which Chesney observes. Kylie calls them old friends but it unsettles Bethany.

Leanne is asking Nick about Simon. Nick responds that children do not talk about their feelings. Leanne recalls her family - tight if noisy. Leanne's pains have moved into her shoulders and Nick gives her a shoulder massage. There are a lot of oooohs and aaaahs and "hitting the right spot".

On the Street Eileen spies Billy and calls him over. She tells him Sean is in bits - Billy wants to explain but Sean is not returning his calls. Eileen tells Billy that Sean has gone to London to see Dylan just because Billy has had a meltdown. Steve took him to the station - but had the radio on to drown out the noise of Sean's crying! Eileen tells him off and Steve spots Tracy so heads across to talk to her.

Tracy is trying to get Amy to come and help in the shop after school. She even offers to pay Amy. Steve knew that Robert had taken Amy to the cemetery so was not worried. Apparently Amy has even eaten a load of pizza. Amy responds to an invite for tea tomorrow that she is glad they have had today - but it does not change anything. Tracy turns to Robert and thanks him for today. She suggests a drink but much as with Amy the situation has not changed and Robert refuses. He hopes Tracy will sort things out with Amy.

Back to Eileen who is asking Billy why he was begging Sean to come back a few minutes ago - Billy says he was kidding himself. Eileen is incredulous. Tracy wants a word with Billy. Eileen says she is going for a drink. Tracy wants to know why Billy is not in London - he says he could not go through with it and he has finished with Sean. Tracy gets Billy to come with her to the flower shop.

Inside the shop, "Right you two. Todd this is Billy, Billy this is Todd. You are both gay and fancy the pants off each other. And you are both single. Sort it" And she leaves them to it. Billy explains he could not go to London. Todd is finishing up in the shop so he will let Billy in to collect his stuff.

In the Rovers Ken is telling Amy she was mature to do what she did. Rita observes that it was good of Robert to sort it out. Eileen wonders if Tracy and Robert might sort it out - but Amy is certain that Tracy's doings prevent that. Amy also makes it clear that her position on Tracy has not changed either. Amy cannot forget all the rotten things that Tracy keeps doing. Ken knows that Deirdre knew how to manage Tracy and he wishes he did. They are all missing Deirdre today. Amy gives Ken a hug.

Simon wants to know why Leanne is looking so happy - she observes that her moody teenage of a son is suddenly a bindle of sunshine and lollipops. He asks if something else put a smile on her face. He reckons the massage might be responsible. He could hear the moaning in his bedroom so peeped out. Simon always knew that he was the bloke for Leanne. Leanne says they are just friends but Si not so sure.

The door to number one opens and Ken says that Tracy has a visitor. It is Amy and she has a list of demands. Amy's first joking demand is that Tracy learns a foreign language - and Tracy agrees. Amy knows that will not happen. Tracy would do anything to get Amy home and the latter observes this is going to be easier than expected. Condition one - pocket money. Amy has a multi page aide-memoire so Ken goes to put the tea on - this is going to take some time. Tracy observes that in a funny way Deirdre has sorted it for them once again and Ken concurs. Nice shot of the framed picture of Deirdre on the side. Tracy offers an immediate 10% pocket money raise and a review at Christmas.

At Eileen's Todd is making himself smart as Billy collects his clothes from upstairs. A couple of pairs of socks, three pairs of pants and a Nighty Night box set. Todd offers him a cup of tea. Billy asks if Todd wants to know what happened. Todd believes he knows the answer. Does Billy still fancy him? Billy eventually admits that he does. As the discussion continues they get closer to each other. And then the serious snogging commences. Todd warns Billy that he is trouble. Billy's speciality is trouble. And the snogging resumes.

Roll credits.

Richard


Monday 11 July

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Nickie Lister

Billy ambles over to see Todd and they exchange a few flirty looks. Michael comes across to get some flowers for the flat and when he asks why Billy hasn't gone to London, Billy stammers and stutters and doesn't say he and Sean broke up. Billy leaves them to it.

Across the road, Leanne and Nick are walking with Simon to the bus stop. Leanne had taken too much painkillers, she thinks, and it made her sick. Nick is upset she's going back to the job that made her sick in the first place and thinks she should swerve work and go to the doctor this morning and meet him later to report back...but it's not a date, he swiftly adds. Leanne agrees to both. After he leaves, Simon teases her that it is, too, a date. She blushes.

David blindfolds Gail to show her the decorating job in the annex that he and Nick have fixed up for he and Kylie to move into. He's even got Kylie a dressing table to make her feel more positive about the future. He hands Gail a basket of a few of her things, noting a framed photo of Michael that she still has. She protests that she's not still hung up on him. Oh yes, you are!

Billy is in the cafe while Audrey is waiting to be served. Roy is upstairs, apparently but she gets a text from Ken to cancel their meet up. She tells Billy she was concerned as it was the anniversary of Deirdre's death and wanted to make sure he's ok. Freddie comes in at this point. He teases Audrey about Ken's harem but she is short with him about teasing Ken about something like that at this time. He totally understands and says it's his wife's birthday today and his face then falls with the memory and he leaves, with Audrey now feeling guilty that she's upset him. Billy comforts her but she goes out, angry with herself. Steph has come in and is talking to Leanne who's at one of the other tables. She's grousing about Robert putting a lot of extra work on her and isn't backing her up. She really wants Leanne to come back but she's not inclined. Simon joins her for his lunch and teases her again about her date but she bites his head off as well as Steph's over it. Simon doesn't smash the cup over her head like he might have done this time last year and apologizes, he thought she liked Nick. She continues to look uncomfortable about Nick.

David sweeps up in the salon. There is discussion about the annex, Gail's keeping Michael's photo and Audrey's missed lunch with Ken and upsetting Freddie. She doesn't want to talk about it. David can't get over all these old women with their fellas and Kylie scolds him again for giving Gail back the photo of Michael. He reckons she'll just bin it like she says she will.

In the kebab shop, Sinead comes in to find Ches who is at the wholesaler's with Dev. Gemma is working on a new special, a night and day kebab that has a happy face stuck inside the lid made of cucumber slices and a sliver of green pepper! That's the "night time" kebab and the daytime one has a frowny face made of the same. Gemma offers her one for free since she's family though she declines and picks up her phone to call Chesney. Meanwhile, Macca's friend Clayton comes in the shop, insisting on free chips because he's a friend of Macca who's as good as family.

Kylie comes home for the day. Gail offers to get Max from school. They chat for a minute about the new dressing table when Kylie mentions that Michael's photo is still on the table. Gail insists she's going to bin it but feels strange as it's a photo of a person. You can't just bin people, she muses. Kylie suggests that she should try to go out with Michael again and maybe work things out if she'd be happy with him. She thinks too much has happened but Kylie reckons you just work harder and you make it work. Gail tries to bin the photo but can't. Obviously she still has feelings but denies it.

Outside, Nick and David are unloading the dressing table. Nick sees Leanne and is about to call to her when Robert comes up and scolds her for interfering with his staff. She holds her own with Robert, not taking any stick. Steph comes out to apologize for dropping her in it but she can handle Robert, she assures Steph. Steph hurries back inside. Nick comes over and she says she's on the way to the doctor's now, complaining that the painkillers are making her sick. David teases them about a date, too, which is stoutly denied.

Billy has come back to the florist. Todd is showing him a version of virtual flowers on his phone. Billy isn't so sure it's a good idea, he prefers real things. Because there's another client in the shop, Todd picks up the phone and assures Billy he can make up that arrangement and deliver it, tonight, perhaps? Billy picks up the hint right away and says with a smile that he will be in tonight. They set a time for 7, exchange a smile across the shop while Todd deals with the next customer.

The doctor is entering a new prescription for Leanne, advising her to take them with food and having a look at her medical history. She asks Leanne if she could be pregnant. Leanne stops short, looking a bit shocked but says no, she's not pregnant. She takes the prescription from the doctor and walks away thoughtfully.

Gemma cleans the windows. Macca comes back with Clayton and they're both looking for another free kebab but her refusal just rolls off their shoulders and they both go in the shop.

David and Nick have finished their moving job. David asks Nick for a pint but he's busy.

Clayton has snapped a container of chiles and is throwing them about outside. Gemma rushes back out and drags them back in and says it's the last time (for a free meal, I guess).

Nick sees Robert drive up in the Bistro's van and goes over to take him to task about giving Leanne a hard time as she's not been well. He's unrepentant. Nick accuses Robert of being out of his depth with the restaurant and to stop taking it out on the innocent. Robert scoffs at the idea of Leanne being innocent. Lucky for him, Nick doesn't knock his block off.

Leanne comes out of the medical centre just as Kylie comes out of the chippie with Lily, having given in to the little one's demands for a snack. They exchange a few words and Kylie laughs that at least Leanne only has one kid to pander to. Leanne laughs nervously.

Billy comes downstairs, clearly just out of the shower. Someone's at the door and it turns out to be the Bishop! He does let him in, getting a good look at a towel-clad Billy who is sporting some lovely tattoos. This is a new Bishop checking out the parish. He suggests that he make a cup of tea while Billy get dressed. Billy points the way to the kitchen, and rushes up the stairs, flustered, trying to contact Todd to stop him showing up. He has to leave a message.

Todd arrives in the pub, a large floral arrangement in hand. Michelle asks who the lucky boy is. Todd explains it's just a delivery though according to Michelle, he's wearing nice aftershave, giving the game away. His phone bips with a notification of a voice message. Over in a booth, David is teasing Nick about all his women that have left him when his head was a mess. Nick assures David that Leanne knows him better than anyone and chides David about how Kylie could put up with a schemer like him. He agrees he got pretty lucky, there. Todd has listened to the message and smirks, then leaves with the flowers. Robert comes in. Nick sarcastically suggests he should be running his restaurant but Robert points out that everything is well in hand.

Leanne takes a pregnancy test out of a bag but dumps it back in when Simon comes home. She's a bit short with him but tells him she's fine, the doctor gave her new painkillers.

Michael has brought some tools over to Gail's, obviously at her request. Or so he thinks. Kylie has been playing matchmaker, it seems, and has asked Michael to see to a broken door handle on Gail's behalf and of course Gail had no idea she'd done that. Gail said there's nothing wrong with the door handle, goes to pull on it and pulls it right off. Sabotage! Michael goes into the annex as David comes in. He's confused, too, to hear there is a broken handle.

Billy and the Bishop are having tea and a biscuit. Just as they're about to start a parish discussion, the doorbell rings and Todd comes in with the flowers, loudly calling Billy "Vicar", knowing full well the Bishop is there. He introduces himself to the Bishop and pretends he's brought flowers for the church and wine for the raffle. He offers it to the Bishop in case he wants to open it now (he does). He also invites himself to stay because he wants the chance to big up Billy in the Bishop's eyes. They all chuckle, the Bishop goes for a corkscrew and Billy looks mortified! Todd is thoroughly enjoying himself.

Audrey approaches Freddie at the garage and apologizes for earlier. He apologizes, too, for making her feel bad. They chat about Sadie for a few minutes and she invites him for a drink. He doesn't have to talk about her any further if he doesn't want to and he agrees.

Gemma is adding up the takings. Sinead overhears Macca and his mate joking about free kebabs and storms into the kebab shop to give Gemma a hard time about the free kebabs, calling her a thief. She orders her to stay put while she calls Chesney.

Leanne is sat on the edge of the tub while she waits the allotted time for the test results. The alarm goes off but she has to work up the nerve to pick up the stick. Tune in next episode to see what it says.

Tvor

Written by Jan McVerry and directed by Nickie Lister

Leanne waits anxiously in the bathroom with her pregnancy testing kit and listens to a message from Nick on her phone. He wonders if she's still stuck at the surgery. Finally it's time to check the result – as she feared, Leanne is pregnant.

There's a different kind of drama going on in the kebab shop where Sinead confronts Gemma. She's sure she's been stealing money out of the till. Craig comes in for a kebab but Sinead sends him packing – this is now a crime scene she announces. Ches turns up and wants to know what's going on.

Round at the vicarage, Todd is having fun. Not the sort he was planning, admittedly, but he's enjoying a good debate with the bishop over a bottle of wine. As he challenges the bishop on the church's attitudes to gays and political issues, Billy's jumping around in the background like a cat on hot coals, wondering what Todd's going to say next.

Nick orders himself another drink in the Rovers. He can't resist telling Robert that he's waiting for Leanne to join him but she's been held up. "Or you've been stood up," suggests Robert.

Audrey and Rita are having a drink with Freddy. Ken comes in and Freddy immediately moves to allow Ken to sit next to Audrey. Ken tells them he's been out for lunch. Audrey looks put out until she discovers he's been enjoying jam tart and custard at Bessie Street infants' school, rather than being wined and dined by some mystery companion.

Kylie arrives home to find David in the sitting room, listening to a row going on between Gail and Michael in the annex. Michael's trying to fix the 'broken' door handle. He's on his hands and knees, looking for a missing grub screw. Then Gail yelps in pain as she steps on it.

Back the kebab shop Ches has been counting the takings and there's nothing missing from the till. Gemma tells Sinead she saw her putting money in, not taking it out. Everything's been paid for, she declares. Sinead's forced to apologise but she does it with bad grace.

We return to Gail and Michael where he's massaging her foot. He tells her she's like the princess and the pea, far too delicate for her own good. She thinks this is why he's been avoiding talking to her about the divorce but Michael looks shocked and says it's the last thing on his mind. He offers to kiss her foot better. This causes much sniggering from the other side of the door where David and Kylie are listening in.

Leanne is doing her best to pull herself together. She applies make-up to her tear-stained face before throwing the offending pregnancy test kit into rubbish bin.

Back at the Platts' Kylie admits she broke the door handle on purpose to lure Michael round there. He thinks Gail was in on it. "Do you think I'd be that desperate?" she asks. Before the row has a chance to escalate, Kylie steps in. She tells them to shut up and says that everyone knows they belong together, including Eileen. David tells Michael to kiss it better. He does as he's told, just as Bethany comes through the door and asks if she's seeing things. Kylie says yes, something nice for a change. David suggests they should celebrate with a take-away curry. Michael opts for a chicken Korma and says that he likes his curries like his women – delicate and sweet.

In the Rovers Freddy is playing matchmaker. While Ken and Rita are at the bar he tells Audrey she should ask Ken out. But she's worried – what if she makes a fool of herself? Freddy offers to sound Ken out.

Nick and Robert are still standing by the bar when Leanne comes in. She's in a real state and tells Nick she can't have a drink with him after all and says it was a bad idea. Robert can't resist giving Nick an "I told you so look" as Leanne leaves.

Robert follows Leanne out of the Rovers. He questions whether a bad back is really her problem and why is she giving advice to his staff? He admits he likes her and he didn't want to lose her. Leanne replies that he didn't get the choice. Fine, says Robert, if that's the way she feels. He parts with a warning to be careful and make sure she doesn't back the wrong horse.

We return to the vicarage where the Bishop is still discussing gays and the church. He assumes that Todd has 'come out' as a Christian. Billy says he thinks that they've snared him.

Leanne's at home. She's on the phone, leaving a message for Eva, telling her she needs to talk about something. Ken arrives with Simon who's been confiding in him. He's worried there's something seriously wrong with Leanne. She's been acting "all weird" and, since his mum died of cancer, maybe that's what's wrong with her? She promises it's nothing more than a bad back and she'll be as right as rain by the weekend.

Kylie's been out to buy cushions in an attempt to make the annex look more appealing. While she arranges them on the bed David talks to her about Leanne and Nick and whether they might be getting back together.

The bishop is finally ready to leave. He offers Todd a lift home but Todd says he'd prefer to walk. Once he's safely out of the way. Billy jokes that he has a stack of literature upstairs to share with Todd, enough to keep him engrossed for hours. They start to kiss …

David and Kylie are lying in bed. David starts snoring in moments but Kylie is clearly uncomfortable about where they are now sleeping.

Over at the vicarage just as things start to get passionate, Billy suddenly puts a halt to proceedings. It's nothing to do with Sean he tells Todd, he's just the sort of guy who likes to take things slowly.

Leanne's lying on the sofa clutching a hot water bottle when Eva calls. She tells Leanne she won't be home for another fortnight. Before Leanne can tell her why she wanted to talk Nick turns up. He's confused about what happened earlier. Did he do something wrong? Is there someone else? Leanne hesitates before answering no. Nick asks her not to string him along. Leanne says she's in a funny place, she doesn't know what she wants. She needs to be around for Simon but for how much longer? Nick reminds her that it hasn't been long since Carla and he's not prepared to be her plan B. As Leanne closes the door on Nick, she wells up with tears and rubs her tummy protectively.

Karen


Wednesday 13 July

It's breakfast time at the Platt's, but Max doesn't want his toast and heads off up to his room. David is all for calling him back but Kylie tells him to leave him. He's having a tough time. Gail comes downstairs and is just exclaiming that there's no milk when Bethany comes through the door holding some. When asked what she's up to today, she tells them she's going to try job hunting and then will go to the gym. David wonders if there's someone there she fancies.

Leanne is cleaning up in the kitchen, but retching as she does so. Simon comes out of his room and says he's off to school, then he looks at her and asks if she's ok. She assures him she's fine, but as he goes out of the door she rushes off to the bathroom.

Kate and Caz are outside the factory. Caz tells Kate she wants to take her out somewhere special. As they part company, Sophie is watching from the garage. Luke tells her to let it go, but Sophie says she can't help it, Caz is a liar. Freddie tells her that if she's right, it will come out sooner or later.

Over in the kebab shop, Gemma turns up for work and Chesney tells her he's off to the cash and carry. As he goes out of the door, the guy that wanted Gemma to give him free food is standing outside. He peers through the window.

Freddie goes into the cafe and sits down with Ken and engages him in conversation. Ken tells him he likes music, reading and going to the theatre – in fact there's a play on in town he's thinking of going to on his own. Freddie suggests that he asks Audrey to go with him.

The guy who was hanging around outside comes into the kebab shop and asks Gemma to change some dodgy £20 notes for him. Gemma tells him to get lost

Sophie comes along the Street and sees a woman knocking on Kate's door. The woman tells her she's looking for Caz, so Sophie tells her she'll find her in the Bistro.

Kylie arrives home with shopping and asks Bethany to get some of the bags in from outside. As she goes out, Bethany's phone buzzes with a message and Kylie looks at it. It is an abusive message from one of the girls who was bullying Bethany before. Bethany comes back in and demands to know what Kylie is doing with her phone. Kylie tells her she thought all this was over with, and refuses to give the phone back until she gets to the bottom of it all.

A tearful Bethany is telling Kylie how she thought that now school was over the bullying would stop, but it's just got worse. Kylie wonders why she didn't tell them it was still going on. "Like who?" asks Bethany, "my mum? How could I with everything she's been going through." She then tells Kylie that they're right, she's a fat, useless, ugly cry-baby! Kylie grabs her and hugs her.

Caz is at a table in the Bistro when the welfare officer woman who was looking for her comes in. "Good afternoon Private Hammond," she says, "how's the ankle?" Caz mutters that it's not great. The woman goes on to say that she needs to talk to her about her court martial proceedings, and why she missed her physio appointment. Just then Kate comes in, pauses by the table, and then walks to the bar. Caz nervously asks the welfare officer if they could do this another time, but she just sits down at the table.

Freddie goes into the salon and asks Audrey if she's free for a drink after work. She agrees to meet him in the Rovers.

The guy Gemma told to get lost is outside the kebab shop, advising potential customers not to go in there. She comes out and demands to know what he's doing. He starts saying that he could tell her boss a whole load of stuff about her, so she marches him into the shop. All this is watched by Steph.

Inside the shop, Gemma pulls notes out of the till and hands them to the guy, and then pushes him out of the door just as Chesney comes back.

Steph has arrived to see how Leanne is, and to see if she'll come back to the Bistro. Leanne tells her she's not going back there, but offers Steph a cuppa. She goes off to the bathroom to wash her hands leaving Steph in the kitchen, who then spills water on the worktop and mops it with kitchen roll. As she puts the used paper towel in the rubbish bag, she spots the pregnancy test kit, just as Leanne comes back into the room.

Kylie is telling Bethany that she never needs to go back to school again. Once she gets her exam results she'll be able to get a job or go to college. Bethany stops her, she won't be able to go to college because she messed up all her exams. She couldn't concentrate, not with everything that was going on. Just then David comes in, and asks if Kylie's going to pick up the children. Bethany offers to go and do that, and heads towards the door. David goes off to have a shower to Kylie follows Bethany and tells her that she can't avoid her. Bethany says that it's her problem and she'll deal with it.

In the Bistro, the welfare officer is leaving, but tells Caz her appointment is on Friday, 9 o'clock sharp, and she's to be there. When she's gone, Kate comes over and asks what that was all about. Caz tells her it was just work stuff. Caz then goes over to the bar where Kirk is standing. He tells her that Sophie told the woman where she could find her.

Back in the flat, Leanne has told Steph that the pregnancy test was Eva's, but it was negative, and asks her not to tell anyone.

David comes out of the shower and realises that he and Kylie have the house to themselves. He has amorous intentions but Kylie says she's not in the mood and then walks out.

Over in the Rovers, Freddie is talking to Audrey about Ken, and how he dropped a few hints about her. He tells her about the theatre tickets, but Audrey is a bit dismayed to hear that. She may not like it. He tells her she may love it. She leans forward and touches his hand, just as Ken comes into the pub. He sees this and turns around and walks out again.

In the Bistro, Kate and Caz are eating their meal but Caz is quiet and Kate asks her what the problem is, wondering if it was anything to do with the welfare officer that came. Caz then asks her how she'd feel about the pair of them eloping. Kate is shocked, and reminds her that they'd agreed not to rush into things. Caz eventually gets her to promise to think about it.

Gail and Michael are walking down the Street, she says she feels relaxed and happy, and says that next time he can choose where they go. "So there's going to be a next time then?" he asks. She smiles and says she's missed him and invites him to stay the night. They kiss, and then go in through the front door. Kylie watches from outside the Kabin, and sighs.

Anne Logan


Thursday 14 July

Well tonight is an extra episode and is broadcast the day before something major is going to happen. Just in case you don't know about it, I won't repeat it here, but there has been a lot of speculation in the tabloid press over here. I wonder if there will be any clues in tonight's episode? So, if you are all sitting comfortably ... I will begin ! (where have I heard those words before?!).

Young Max comes downstairs holding some wet sheets. He gives them to Bethany to put in the washing machine and asks her not to tell anybody. She wants him to promise that in return for washing the sheets that he tells his mum.

We now cross to the cafe. Kate and Caz are settling down for a drink, and as Kate has the day off, Caz says she will spoil her rotten for the rest of the day.

Ken comes in with Eccles. Audrey who is already in the cafe seems excited to see him. However, Alex orders the dog out of the premises. Audrey follows him over to the door. He then offers her two tickets for the theatre that night. He suggests she goes with Freddie. Audrey wonders why he can't go, but he says he has a reunion to go to instead. She reluctantly takes the tickets.

Back at the Platts, Kylie is getting Max ready for school. David comes in with Aadi and Asha. He tells her the school is closed with a burst pipe, and as Dev has a meeting, David is bringing Dev's kids back with him. Kylie is a bit reluctant to look after them, but agrees to do so.

Freddie arrives at the Salon for his trim. Audrey tells him that Ken had given her the tickets; Freddie thinks it is good news for her and Ken, but Audrey explains that they are for him and herself. Freddie is not enthusiastic about going to see men in tights banging on about horses !!

At the pizza shop Gemma has made a pizza which is supposed to be a cartoon figure of Chez. They are laughing and joking as Dev comes in and he is not very pleased. It seems there was some fake money in the till and he wants to know if either of them know anything about it. They both deny it. Chez 'confesses' saying he was on the till all day. Dev slopes off and hopes that it won't happen again.

Over in The Rovers, Caz and Kate are there, and mention to Michelle about the wedding, just as Sophie comes in. Michelle is pleased it is back on.

Max is playing with Dev's kids. Asha suggests they play a game of 'Truth or Dare'. He says he will Dare. Aadi suggests that the annex is haunted because of the body they found in there. Asha then says he should go in there alone, As he goes in Asha shuts the door with him inside and the lock falls off. Max can't get out.

In the loo of The Rovers, Caz is accusing Sophie of tipping off the Army Officer where she was. Sophie accuses Caz of lying, and suggests that when Kate finds out she won't want to marry her. Caz accuses her of being a "sad cow" and not able to get herself a partner.

Back over at the Platts, Kylie hears Max screaming. She rushes downstairs to find him locked in the room. She manages to get him out, and then calls Asha and Aadi as being evil. At that moment David and Dev walk in and Dev takes his kids away.

Over at the pizza shop, Chez demands to know from Gemma about the money. She insists she had nothing to do with it. He believes it was her mates. He issues her with an ultimatum that if they come back, it is either them or the job.

David and Kylie are talking through what happened with Max. Kylie is very upset for him. She tells David that he wet the mattress; he is psychologically upset. She tells David that it will be a matter of time before David finds out how Callum was killed. Kylie suggests that they move to Barbados. David scoffs at the idea. She says there is family there, her sister. David is more interested in playing with the remote control car on the table. She says the whole family have been caught up with the events, and now another one is going to get involved. David suggests they should just move on. Kylie blames herself saying that everything that has happened has been her fault. David says it is because of him. He adds that he got everything he deserved.

Max comes down the stairs, still visibly upset. Kylie tells David to put the dinner on while she hugs Max. She tells him that she will always love him and look after him.

In the pizza shop Gemma goes out to get some change. She sees Callum's friends who call out they will be in later. They go to the Rovers, where one starts playing with Kate's hair and the other starts to help himself to a drink behind the bar. Michelle comes out and tells him to get out. The other is confronted by Caz and tells him to put Kate down. When he refuses she shoves him out of the door. Kate is surprised that Caz has such movement in her legs. Seeing this Caz grabs her ankle and feigns pain. Kate suddenly doesn't believe her. Sophie adds to this by saying that she has been faking her injuries. Kate accuses Caz of lying to her.

Kylie is still trying to persuade David that moving away is the best for them and their family. David is worried what the effect maybe on Gail. Kylie goes through the advantages of moving, and pleads with him to understand.

In Caz's flat, her and Kate are arguing. Kate again accuses Kate of lying. She thought Caz would be gagging to get back to work. Caz says that it would mean them being a long way from each other. She considers their relationship is more important than the army and asks for forgiveness. She promises not to lie again.

Ken is in the Rovers reading a book when Audrey (with a motorcycle helmet on!) comes in laughing with Freddie. They said they enjoyed the play, but surprised that Ken is there and not at his reunion. He explains that he slipped out early.

Kylie puts the phone down from speaking to Becky. She is "up for it" ! David comes round and agrees that it is their best move. He thinks it is a crazy idea, but is going to go with it. Obviously Kylie is very excited.

So what next ? I can say there were no clues as to what is about to happen. I will leave it in the capable hands of Margaret and Diane to report what happens next.

Martin Rosen


Friday 15 July

We begin this Friday episode with good news for Kylie - she's been talking to Becky on the phone and the resort is extending its spa and needs staff, so there's a job there for her if they want to emigrate (She seems to have failed to check the immigration regulations of Barbados which would appear to rule this out). David doesn't seem very keen but Kylie thinks it's a fantastic opportunity.

In the factory, Kirk tells everyone about Caz's miraculous recovery. Katy get differing advice from Beth and Sally on what that means for her relationship with Caz. Either it would be amazing if someone loved you so much they'd fake an injury to stay with you, or think long and hard about how devious she's been.

Chesney and Gemma talk about Macca and Clayton being thrown out by Caz. Gemma tells Kylie about the counterfeit notes. Kylie says she should cut them loose but Gemma says she's got no-one else. After telling her about Barbados, Kylie says that if she can put the world of Macca and Clayton behind her, then so can Gemma.

In the salon, Audrey tells David and Maria about Waiting for Godot and how much she and Freddie hated it. David seems a bit off and Kylie asks him what the matter is.

Clayton turns up in the kebab shop and Gemma taunts him about being kicked out of the pub by a woman. She refuses to do what he wants. "You can take your Monopoly money and clear off!" Chesney arrives and with new boldness Gemma shoves Clayton out of the door. "I'm proud of you," says Ches. "I'm proud of me, too," says a very chuffed Gemma.

Back in the salon, Michelle's arrived to have her pony tail cut. Audrey says she's doesn't know what's up with David and Kylie. Freddie arrives and asks Audrey out for a drink. She hesitates slightly and agrees to go.

Kylie and David have gone back to the house for a heart-to-heart. David confesses that he doesn't want to go to Barbados just yet because he's been talking to the council about adopting Max. He wanted it to be a surprise. They talk about it and David realises he can continue the process from there. Kylie's really looking forward to a new life in Barbados. "Who's going to Barbados?" asks Gail, who's just come in with Bethany and Max.

The army welfare officer is at the flat giving Caz a right rollicking. Kate arrives and tells the officer she's glad Caz got in touch with her. The woman says it's the opposite. She's had to chase up Caz. She wants Kate to talk some sense into her. "If I have to report her as AWOL, it won't go down well at the court-martial. The last thing she needs to do is add to her charges at this stage."

Gail's really annoyed by the Barbados plan. A family argument develops. Sarah needs her family around her. It's a chance for a new start. The kids will love it. It'll take them away from everyone and everything they know... Kylie tells David to take everyone else out - she needs to talk to Gail, Mam to Mam.

Gail accuses Kylie of running away. "It breaks my heart." Kylie says: "You know what breaks my heart, Gail? The thought of Max having to grow up in the house where his Dad's body was dumped." She points out that Gail won't even sleep in that room any more - they're all afraid of Callum's ghost and now Max is having nightmares and wetting the bed. Just as Gail would do anything for David, Kylie will do anything for Max. They come to some peace over this and Gail says they have to celebrate. Kylie heads out to buy some bubbly.

Kate now knows that Caz didn't hurt herself in a parachute jump but in a fight. She's horrified to think what happened to the other girl if the fight was vicious enough to break Caz's ankle. Caz says that Kate's all she cares about. "You're all I have left." "Had left," corrects Kate and tells her they're finished. She wants Caz out by tonight.

Michelle chats to Sally and Kirk in the Rovers and Kylie comes in to buy the bubbly (no, I have no idea why she walked down the street to the pub, which doesn't seem to have an off-licence, rather than going over the road to Dev's, which probably does have an off-licence, or calling in to get a cheap bottle off Nick - plot device, I expect). She tells them about the Barbados plan. "Have you told Gail?" Sally asks. Kylie surprises her with the news that the champagne was Gail's idea.

Audrey and Freddie are in one of the booths and Kylie tells them, too. "We can start out with a clean slate and I can be the person I always wanted to be." She invites them back to Gail's to celebrate and says she'll ring David and tell him it's safe to come home.

In the kebab shop, Craig admires Gemma's kebab artistry. He sits down to eat his kebab just as Clayton comes back and tries to open the till. He's distracted when Craig says "Don't hurt me!" and Gemma pushes him out of the door and they struggle outside.

David chats to Kylie on the phone just as he comes out of the Bistro with the family and she steps out of the Rovers. She's looking forward to celebrating with him. But she hears a noise and says she has to go and check on Gemma. David tells her to leave it but she runs round the corner. David leaves Max with Bethany and runs after her.

Clayton hits Gemma and she falls unconscious to the cobbles. Kylie attacks him, the champagne bottle breaks and glass and fizz drop to the ground. Clayton steps back and we see he has a bloody knife. Kylie looks at the blood with a horrified look on her face. In the background, Craig stands in the doorway of the shop.

More in the second episode.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Written by Chris Fewtrell Directed by Nickie Lister

This is one of the most difficult updates I've had to write. It's important to find the right words and the right way to tell the story but when it comes to tragedy, it's often difficult not to end up sounding trite. I hope I do it justice.

Kylie staggers around the corner, one bloody hand on the tree in front of the salon and the other over her bleeding chest wound. David, seeing her from the other end of the street, runs and catches are as she sinks to the cobbles. She gasps that she was worried about Gemma and she apologizes. David frantically calls out for help as he bunches up his jacket over her chest. Luke runs down from the garage. David says it's something to do with the kebab shop and they need an ambulance. Luke runs off down around the corner while David cradles Kylie who is gasping for breath.

Luke sees Craig on the ground with Gemma out cold. As Luke rings 999, Craig explains that there was someone trying to rob the kebab shop and he ran off down Rosamund Street. Luke passes Craig the phone to tell the operator to send an ambulance and then to get Roy, the neighbourhood First Aider. Luke then speeds off down the road to see if he can catch up with the assailant.

David is encouraging Kylie, insisting the ambulance will be there soon but she's intent on telling him what happened. He wants her to stay calm. Like you, she grimaces. She's in pain. Audrey and Freddie come out of the pub and are shocked to see the situation. David orders her to get Gail. Roy has come out along with Leanne and is trying to find out exactly what happened. Poor Craig can only repeat the goings on, how the man tried to rob the kebab shop, threw Gemma to the ground and then stabbed Kylie. Roy springs into action, running inside to get a first aid kit. He instructs Leanne to keep talking to Gemma but not to move her.

Kylie gasps that she's ruined everything and apologizes. She went to help Gemma even though David asked her to leave it be. David is nonplussed. She adds that she's always charging in where she shouldn't but then, shaking, admits she's scared. She doesn't want to die. David tries to reassure her that she won't. He tells her she's brave. How many people would move halfway across the world at the drop of a hat? He's frantic, scared at the way she's talking, telling him he should still go to Barbados and insists they're all going to go, trying to swallow his dread. She nodes and agrees with everything he says, descriptions of the multicoloured fish and snorkeling adventures. Then she convulses with a wave of pain and David desperately looks round for any sign of an ambulance while she goes whiter by the minute.

Roy comes up behind them, asking if Kylie is still conscious. Kylie asks if Gemma is ok but all he'll tell her is that she's being looked after. When David exposes the chest wound, asking if Roy has a dressing for it, Roy's face tells us more than we want to know as his face reveals an understanding that this isn't good, it really isn't. He assures David that putting pressure on the wound as he has been doing is all they can do. He implores David to keep Kylie focused and, more seriously, tells David that it's important that he talk, no doubt thinking of all the things you want to tell someone before it's too late.

David shores himself up as Gail and Bethany come running. Bethany is clearly stunned as Gail kneels down and cradles Kylie's head. David repeats, she's going to be fine. Kylie lays back and manages a chuckle, telling him as a doctor, he makes a great hairdresser then says hi to Gail and apologizes for everything she's put her through. She knows. Gail strokes her face and tells Kylie she's glad she's part of the family because she loves her son. Kylie agrees that she does love him and David says it back to her, again trying to assure her she'll be ok. Kylie wants David to know that he made her happy no matter how she ended up screwing things up. He declares he's not giving up on her but she insists on having her say. She needs him to tell the kids she loves them and they're the best thing she's ever done.

Realization and tears wash over David's face as she makes him promise to carry on and be a good dad to their children. He still tries to insist she will be ok but she as much as admits she knows she's dying when she says that if the kids had to lose one of them, it's better if it's her because he was the better parent. She cries too, regretting the mistakes she's made but makes him promise to tell the kids she never stopped loving them. David cries that she's not going to leave them. She agrees. But not in the way he's hoping, of course.

In Number 8, Audrey is looking through the window while Freddie hands her a cup of tea. He thinks Kylie could be ok, she's young and strong and the doctors can do a lot. Max is playing on the table with a car while the camera pans past a family photo of he and Kylie and David. Audrey whispers to Freddie that she's seen people that are dying. It's a definite look and she saw it on Kylie. Max comes over to ask if there's anything to eat. He joins Lily who's sitting on the sofa with a book. Audrey tells him David and Kylie will be a bit late so she and Freddie will give them their tea in a bit. Freddie admires Max's car and tells him he will show him pictures of a real Lamborghini online. The boy runs upstairs to get the laptop.

Roy is pacing around as they all wait for the ambulance. Sally and Maria are standing outside the pub, looking on in horror. Maria mentions that she and Kylie were laughing in the salon just a few hours ago, it was just another day. Sally muses with sympathy that it's always just another day and expresses pity for the kids. Sally walks over the road where Gail is sat on the kerb holding Bethany, David continuing to talk softly to Kylie to keep her awake. Kylie's breathing is getting rougher and she is devoid of any colour aside from her lippy. She keeps talking in bits and pieces, telling David she loves the boy inside the man, the one that cried when his pet rabbit died and jokes that he better not bury her in the garden. He laughs in spite of himself. Only she could say that now!

In the distance, we can hear the ambulance. Kylie struggles for breath. "It was great wasn't it? We were great" she whispers. David looks up as the ambulance approaches but when he looks down again, he can see she's gone. David's face crumples in anguish. He lifts his face and screams in agony, almost a feral howl of pain, cradling his dead wife in his arms. The camera pans back across the street as he continues to cry out, Gail and Bethany approaching on one side, and the EMT paramedic running up, too late.

After the break, we have a camera shot of the broken bottle of champagne back by the kebab shop. The paramedics are working on Kylie while Gail holds David over to the side. He watches them, knowing it's futile. The paramedics discuss the time of death, unable to bring Kylie back. One of them comes over to express his sympathy. David gets up to go to Kylie. The EMT doesn't know if he should, as it's a crime scene but David isn't having it, he aggressively insists she's his wife, not a crime scene. That's him told. David goes back and lies on the cobbles beside her.

Around the corner, another crew is seeing to Gemma. Chesney has arrived and Leanne has told him what happened. He feels terrible. He'd only nipped home as it was quiet and he took the opportunity to Skype with Joseph. He mentions a lad that's been hanging around hassling Gemma for a few days. Leanne orders him to tell the police. Gemma starts to come around. Chesney, with no tact at all, leans down and says she was attacked and Kylie was stabbed, but died. Poor Gemma is still face down on the cobbles. Terrible timing, mate. Craig is still looking like he's in shock but Kirk is now with him.

David whispers to Kylie that he won't let her or the kids down and will make sure she's remembered. Gail gently tries to pull him back while a police officer quietly and respectfully also tries to get David to let them do their job. David cries that he can't leave Kylie on her own. The police officer exchanges a glance with Gail who understands. She explains to David that they have to do their job if whoever did this is going to be caught. He isn't quite ready, describing how he used to watch Kylie sleep and how he thought all the aggro she could cause was still worth it. He cries. Why Mum!? Gail's in tears, too but manages to lead him away though he has one last chance to stroke her cheek and he kisses her goodbye before he gets up. He walks towards his house, completely shocked and numb.

Gemma is loaded into the ambulance. Luke has returned. He couldn't catch up with Clayton. He tells Craig he'll have to give the police a description. When he asks how Kylie is, their silence tells him what their words can't.

In the house, David holds Lily's book. Audrey offers to take the kids to her house but David wants them with him. He asks where they are and if they've eaten. Freddie is playing with them in the garden and Audrey has given them their tea. David decides he has to talk to the kids now though Audrey isn't sure now is a good time. It's never the right time, but David insists he has to tell them so they don't find out any other way. He gets up to wash Kylie's blood off. Gail offers to stay but he wants to do it on his own. She understands and agrees but has something very important to tell him first.

You may recall that Nick and Sarah's father, Brian Tilsley, was stabbed outside a nightclub so Gail knows exactly how David's feeling and what he has to face telling the children who are pretty much the same age that Nick and Sarah were then. She makes sure David knows that it's crucial that he tell Max and Lily what happened, that he's clear, and that they understand it as best they can. She made a mistake by glossing it over, trying to protect them, and Nick in particular had a very difficult time accepting his father's death. It took a very long time. David takes this on board and promises to try his best. Gail recalls it was just about the worst conversation of her life, then does that half-sob, half-laugh and adds that it's had some competition. Even David smiles, knowing that's true. David hugs his mother and thanks her.

In the cafe, Roy looks bereft while a tearful Leanne remarks on the futileness of it all. Kirk is sitting with Craig when Beth comes rushing in, only just finding out. Craig expresses his guilt, he didn't do anything at all to help. Kirk tells him that since he saw everything he will be a big help to the police. Beth's first instinct, however, is to protect her chick. Craig tells her everything is still a blur, happening so fast as it did. Beth tries to establish that he might not be able to identify the person. Craig isn't sure, but might be able to when he calms down.

David watches Max and Lily playing at the coffee table and takes a deep breath. He goes over and sits on the floor with them. Max talks about his car for a minute but can clearly see David's upset. David looks for the right words and starts haltingly to tell them. He says that Kylie had to leave though it wasn't her choice. He says that Kylie had an accident and she's died though she didn't suffer. She's in Heaven waiting for them. Max wants to know what kind of accident but David doesn't go into detail. He's tearful again and trying not to cry so it's difficult to talk. He says Kylie will always be with them in their hearts and gathers the kids close to him, trying to assure Max they'll get through it together. He promises they'll make her proud. Lily reaches her little hand over and asks for a pinky promise. David links his little finger with hers and promises. The episode ends with David and his children gathered in his arms.

Good bye to Kylie, with all the best to Paula Lane. Tonight's episodes were Corrie at it's best with performances that will stay with you a long time.

Tvor


Monday 18 July

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Matt Hilton

The crime scene tape is being removed from the end of Coronation Street, opening it to traffic once more. Roy waits with a large bouquet of flowers in his arms which are admired by a subdued Maria. Becky sent the flowers, unable to be there. A tearful Maria is finding it hard to accept. Roy backs away from the tears and lays the flowers on the ground. Kate comes by and hugs Maria. She and a newly arrived Caz both look sober but Kate doesn't want to talk to Caz. She leaves.

In number 8, David is sitting with Max and Lily, some of Kylie's last words resounding in his head. Audrey offers him boiled eggs. Lily accepts but Max says he's not hungry. David understands and tells him he's not very hungry either but is going to eat anyway which encourages Max to ask for toast. David goes to the kitchen to make the breakfast. Bethany mutters that it doesn't feel right her not being there but David cuts her off, not in front of the kids, ok? She apologizes just as the doorbell rings. David scoots over to get it. Bethany chats to Audrey about how to tell Sarah. Audrey thinks the best move is to talk to her doctor first. It was Michael at the door. David lets him in. Audrey offers Michael a cuppa while Bethany goes upstairs to get dressed. He talks to Audrey about how the children are and is told that Max is taking it very hard though Lily doesn't seem to understand. On the sofa, David challenges Max to a toast-eating duel. (gosh that toast was made awfully fast! Audrey must have had it started already) That raises a smile from Max but David's face soon falls as he remembers again "It was great, weren't it? We were great!"

Outside near the salon, Sally walks over slowly with flowers, muttering that she's sure Tracy has put the prices up since Kylie died. She joins Maria and the two of them sit on the bench. Even Sally is tearful and feels terrible for the children especially. They talk about David and Kylie's tempestuous relationship and how David always took Kylie back, mad about her. Sally puts the flowers down on the pavement at the side of the Salon with the others and sits back down. Yasmeen looks down the road, joined by Alya. She looks upset but it isn't just for what happened. She wonders if it isn't selfish to have someone else's grief remind you of your own. Alya assures her she feels the same way. Yasmeen thinks she'll take a casserole around later.

Gemma is making a statement to the police but is making out like she can't describe the man that attacked her. The police suspect that she probably knows the man and maybe he's threatened her. He suggests she's scared and they can protect him. She maintains she doesn't remember. They ask her about Kylie, a friend? Gemma admits Kylie was a good mate. The Inspector gently urges her to tell them what the man looked like, for Kylie, for the children. Gemma stays schtum.

David is trying to get hold of D.C. Spenser to get an update while Michael talks to Gail. He understands that her family is her priority and reminds her that he's there when she needs him. David is getting aggravated, the police saying they don't have a lot to go on. The descriptions are vague. Vague?! Gail and Audrey try to reassure him but David's angry that the attacker might get away with it.

Leanne sees Nick outside the shop and expresses her condolences. She asks if he's been thinking of his own father and he admits he is, which seems to have surprised him. He worries about David, who seems to be handing it very well but if and when it hits him, he reckons it'll hit his brother hard. He takes the bottle of milk across the road. Leanne tells him she'll be there if he wants to talk.

David is pounding on the door over at Number 5 to talk to Craig. Beth doesn't want him to talk to Craig but Craig comes to the door and tells David what little he does remember which isn't much since it happened so quick. Nick has clapped eyes on the potential situation and is walking down the road towards them. David urges Craig to try harder to remember, but Beth defends Craig and pulls him back inside, with Nick moving David away from the door. David accuses Nick of not understanding but of course Nick does. David storms across the road, needing to be alone for awhile. He goes to the salon, unlocking the door with a glance at the flowers. Inside, he catches his breath then spots Kylie's hoodie over a chair. He tears up looking at it and her manicure gear, picks up the jacket and breathes in the scent, breaking into sobs.

After the break, Gemma is outside the salon looking at the flowers and talking to Kylie, apologizing. She goes around the corner. Her phone rings and it's Clayton's name that shows on the screen. She doesn't take the call. Beth and Craig are heading to the cafe but when Beth sees Gemma she tries to divert Craig. He's intent on talking to Gemma. He tells his mother to go to work and goes around and sits with her at the bus stop. Craig asks after her and tells her he told the police he couldn't remember anything but admits he can see the man's face clearly. He thinks he should tell them but Gemma insists he can't do that. Craig feels very badly and wants to put it right but she reminds him that if they tell, Clayton will come after them. She pleads with him. She says if they keep their mouths shut, they'll be safe. The camera pans around the corner and we can see a jittery Clayton who is not actually around the corner but hiding in the entrance to the ginnel.

In the factory, everyone is talking about what happened. Johnny urges them to do their best even though they're short staffed. Jenny rushes over and tells him she's been practicing at home and she's still interested in becoming a machinist. She even flirts and tells him she's still interested in "the whole package". He swallows visibly when she tells him he won't be disappointed.

Clayton comes out of the ginnel and starts to head across to Gemma but David approaches her first. He asks her again about the man that attacked Kylie and she continues to insist she's never seen him before. She gets a bit upset and Chesney comes over and leads her off to get a drink, giving his condolences to David.

Aidan arrives back at the factory, excited because he's bagged two new clients. Johnny scolds him for letting Eva and Sean both go on holiday while they're already short staffed. He suggests that Jenny could help. Jenny adds that she's been practising but both Beth and Sally scoff at her optimism. Jenny offers to prove it. She sits at a machine.

Maria comes into the cafe, still listless and a bit shocked. She doesn't know what she wants really. Roy suggests hot chocolate and she agrees. She sees Caz at a table and joins her. Caz admits about the lies but it was a reaction to one of her workmates giving her a hard time about Kate. She saw red and it all went downhill from there. Maria is sympathetic. Caz says Kate won't listen to her and in the meantime, she has no place to stay. Maria invites her to stay with her. Caz seems surprised at the offer. (or she's still lying and this was her intention once she spotted Maria) Maria says life is too short to be falling out.

Leanne comes into the Bistro on Steph's invitation. Robert raises an eye but Zeedan is pleased to see her. Robert is sardonic about her potential business with Nick. He keeps digging until she loses her temper and tells Steph it was a bad idea. Robert backs down. Leanne suddenly feels ill and runs for the toilet.

In the cafe, Chesney has assumed that the attacker was one of the two men that had been hanging around. She can't look him in the eye and still insists it was a stranger. She assures herself he hasn't said anything to the police and repeats that it was a random bloke.

Yasmeen has brought a casserole to Number 8 and takes it into the kitchen and notices a similar casserole already there She's a bit taken aback to be told by Audrey that Sally had brought it. David, still hearing Kylie's voice, grabs his jacket and leaves. Audrey tells Yasmeen she doesn't know if David will ever recover. Yasmeen recalls that it was Kal's children that helped him get through when his wife died. Audrey asks how she could bear it, likely meaning losing Kal as well. Yasmeen admits she can't but she carries on anyway. Audrey smiles with mutual understanding.

Steph gives Robert a hard time for upsetting Leanne, backed up by Zeedan. Steph goes down the corridor where Leanne has come out of the loos. She's guessed that the pregnancy test was in fact Leanne's.

Clayton grabs Gemma and wants to know what she's told the police. She cries out that she's not told them anything and neither had Craig. But David has come along and heard her. He grabs a pipe from outside the builders' yard and comes around the gate. He looks Clayton in the eye and accuses him of killing his wife.

The credits roll

Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Matt Hilton

As David confronts Kylie's killer Clayton, Gemma tries to step in. Seeing his chance, the guy makes a run for it with David in hot pursuit, clutching a metal pipe he's grabbed from the builder's yard. They run through the back gardens but by the time David makes it back onto the street, there's no sign of his quarry.

In the factory the girls gather round as Jenny tries to demonstrate her prowess on the sewing machine. But it's clear she needs more practice so Aidan goes off to call the temp agency.

Clayton is hiding in the garage. When David spots him he makes a run for it. Ty goes to call the police while David chases Clayton up onto the builder's yard balcony. David is finally in control and he has Clayton pinned down with the metal bar. But just as he about to hit him, Bethany comes round the corner with the children. "No!" yells Max as he sees what David is about to do. Seeing his chance, Clayton makes a run for it. David hurls down the metal bar in frustration. Max runs home and bangs furiously on the front door. "What's going on?" asks Gail as Max rushes past her and up to his room.

Back in the factory Johnny finds Jenny sitting miserably on the stairs. But she soon perks up when he gives her a pep talk and tells her all she needs is a bit more practice.

Over in the Bistro Leanne is having a talk with Steph who offers to listen to her problems. They make it clear Zeedan isn't welcome to join them as they're "girl chatting". Steph asks Robert if she can nip out for a bit. As they're leaving Robert asks Leanne if she's feeling OK.

Maria arrives home with Caz who promises she'll only be staying one night. She asks if Luke will be OK about it. Maria says not to worry, she'll deal with him. But Maria is distracted as the shock sinks in about what's happened to Kylie.

The police have arrived in the street where they're questioning David and Ty about what happened. Gemma slips away while Sophie tells Tim that the guy David was chasing is the one who killed Kylie.

While this is going on Kate comes to find Sophie. She wants to apologise for not believing her suspicions about Caz. They agree to meet for a drink later.

Gemma is in the kebab shop taking money out of the till when David walks in. When he comments she insists it's only her wages. She also insists she doesn't know where Kylie's killer is and she's going to get as far away from there as she can. David closes the door behind him and tells Gemma that she's going nowhere.

David's laying into Gemma who is upset about what happened to Kylie but even more worried about what could happen to her if she says anything to the police. She tells David about what happened with the dodgy banknotes and that he's called Clayton and is Macca's half-brother. Armed with this information David wants to go after him but Gemma grabs his arm and begs David to think of his kids. She promises to go to the police and tell them everything. She says she owes Kylie that much.

Now that they're back at her flat, Leanne tells Steph her whole sorry story. Through her tears she explains how she once had a miscarriage, developed an infection and believed she may never be able to get pregnant again. Until now. Steph says she should go to the doctor and get herself checked out. She asks who the father is but Leanne doesn't reply.

Robert and Zee are in the Bistro kitchen discussing Leanne. They obviously both like her but do either of them having feelings that go deeper?

Gemma arrives at the police station to find Craig is already waiting there. He's also come to make a statement. Gemma's about to leave him to it but then has second thoughts. She tells Craig he can go home but he decides to stay and tell the police what he saw and back up Gemma's story.

We return to Leanne's flat. The doorbell rings and Steph goes downstairs to speak to the caller. It's Robert who wants to know if Leanne's OK. Steph tells him she has a stomach bug. Robert asks Steph if she'll speak to Leanne about coming back to work. He says they made a great team and she's the best.

At the police station Gemma's giving her statement. She claims the trauma of the attack made her forget what happened initially. She wants to know if she'll be alright, if the police will protect her.

Steph passes on Robert's message to Leanne and then they continue talking about the baby. Leanne still hasn't told her who the father is but as Steph says, it sounds as though Leanne is thinking about keeping the baby, in which case she'll have to say something to the father sooner or later.

Round at Maria's she's pouring her heart out to Caz and remembering how she felt when Liam died. So Caz tells Maria a story about when her cousin died in a car accident. They're interrupted by Luke coming home full of the story of David chasing Kylie's killer. He doesn't look best pleased when he discovers Caz has come to stay but, as he says, it's Maria's flat. Maria advises Caz to ignore Luke, she hasn't finished training him yet, she says.

Gail's worried about Max who has shut himself in his room and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Bethany tells her what Max witnessed in the street. Gail is really concerned but promises to sort Max out and then talk to David.

Steph arrives back at the Bistro. Robert asks after Leanne. Steph tells him Leanne's not coming back to work any time soon. Zee comes out of the kitchen. He also asks after Leanne. Steph wants to know why everyone is so interested in Leanne all of a sudden.

Sophie is sitting contemplating on the bench when Kate comes along and joins her. Sophie says she was sending a prayer to Maddie to look after Kylie. They get up and go off to have their drink together while Caz watches them from across the street.

An angry David arrives home. As he helps himself to a beer his phone rings. It's the police with an update. Gail comes in. She tells David she's just taken Max to Audrey's as he's traumatised from watching David almost cave someone's skull in. David doesn't seem concerned so Gail tells him he needs to focus on what's important. David tells Gail that Gemma has been to the police and given a statement. Good, says, Gail, now the police can do their job and David can concentrate on his family. David says that's exactly what he is doing. Gail shakes her head and asks David to promise he won't go after that lad but, judging by the expression on David's face, it doesn't look as though it's a promise he's keen to keep.

Karen


Wednesday 20 July

Bethany offers to go with David to the hospital to tell Sarah the news about Kylie, but he says he'll go alone. Just then he gets a phone call, and tells Bethany that they've released the body and at some point he'll go the chapel of rest and visit Kylie.

In the cafe, Simon is worrying about Leanne, and keeps asking if she's all right. She assures him that she's fine.

Craig and Gemma are also in the cafe, she tells him she feels bad, she's a grass. Craig tells her they did the right thing. Gemma says they must watch their backs until Clayton gets arrested. Craig says he's just worried for his family. Just then Beth comes in and immediately senses that something is up. So Craig tells her that they went to the police station and told them what they saw. Beth sighs, and looks worried.

Tim is on his doorstep taking a delivery of a whole lot of parcels. The delivery man then puts one on top, asking if he'll take it in for next door. Just then Sally rushes up and exclaims that her parcels from Rosie have arrived. She takes the top one off and starts to open it without looking at the address. Inside is a throw and Sally is delighted with it. She then tells Tim to take Yasmeen's casserole dish back to her. Tim says he will, and he'll invite them for drinks tomorrow night. Sally tells him that if he values his life, he won't. "Watch me," grins Tim as he goes out of the door.

Back in the cafe, Beth is panicking over Craig telling the police about Clayton. He tells her he did the right thing and he wishes he'd done it sooner.

Jenny is in the cafe, when Johnny comes in and asks if she still wants a sewing lesson later. She says she does.

David and Bethany have arrived to see Sarah in hospital. She asks how they are, and then asks after Kylie. There's a silence. Then David starts, hesitatingly, to talk about Kylie. He falters. Bethany tries to intervene, but David carries on. "The thing about Kylie is.....nothing's ever easy, is it?"

Yasmeen is on the phone, trying to find out what happened to her throw. She tells them that she's been in all day. Sharif mutters that she wasn't in all day. When she gets off the phone she tells him that she nipped out but only for 10 minutes. She starts to say that if they had been they would have left a card, just as Alya comes up behind her with just such a card. She sees that they left her parcel next door at Sally's. Sharif is doubtful about that, because Tim just brought the casserole dish round and didn't mention anything about a parcel. Yasmeen tells him to go and get it, he says they'll get it tomorrow when they go round for drinks.

Back at the hospital, David is telling Sarah a story of what he and Kylie did on that last day, how they took the kids to the Red Rec......then he starts to cry. Sarah, puzzled, asks if he's all right. "Sarah, Kylie's dead," says David.

Sarah asks how it happened, and David explains. He goes on to say that he couldn't stop the bleeding, but he was with her to the end. Sarah is devastated, she says it doesn't seem real, and then she asks Bethany to leave them for a while, to go and make a cup of tea. When they're alone, Sarah asks if it had anything to do with Callum. David gets cross then, and says he doesn't want Callum mentioned in any connection with Kylie's death. He'd crawled his way into every part of their life, he's not getting into this one.

Yasmeen knocks on Sally's door and asks for her parcel, showing her the card. Sally assures her that all the deliveries were her own. Sharif is standing behind Yasmeen, and tells Sally he's looking forward to their drinks together tomorrow. Just then Tim comes along, and Sally tells them that she doesn't think she'll be up for the drinks, she thinks she's coming down with something. However, as they go inside, Tim tells the Nazirs he'll see them tomorrow.

Amy and Simon arrive back from school. Simon tells Amy that he thinks his mum is dying. Amy points out that she's already dead. He explains he means Leanne, and she becomes rather more sympathetic.

Gail arrives at the chapel of rest, and finds David sitting in a chair. He asks her if the police have phoned, but they haven't, so Clayton still has not been arrested. She tells him that he should be more worried about Max. "But Max is safe," says David, and goes on to say that he's more worried that his wife has been murdered and the bloke that did it is in a pub somewhere, downing ale and eating pork scratchings. Gail says she's sorry.

Back at the Barlow's, Simon tells Amy that he was 5 when his real mum died, but he's forgotten what her voice sounded like. The only mum he's really known has been Leanne. Amy says that when Tracy collapsed, she thought she would die, but she's fine now. Simon, however, thinks that Leanne has cancer.

Jenny is sewing at a machine, supervised by Johnny. As he leans forward to help her, their hands touch, and then within a moment they're kissing.

David stares down at the motionless Kylie in her coffin. Tearfully, he tells her how he caught Clayton and would have killed him if Max hadn't been there.

Simon takes Amy back to the flat to have tea with him and Leanne. Amy thinks Leanne looks fine. When Leanne is out of the room, her phone sounds with a text. Simon looks at it. "If she's fine, why has she got a message from the medical centre, confirming her appointment?" he asks.

With tears running down his face, David is telling Kylie he's sorry he didn't protect her, and begs her to come back. "I can't do this on my own," he says, "I need you to tell me what to do. I don't ever want to say goodbye to you – ever."

Anne Logan.


Thursday 21 July

An extra episode again this week and an extra dose from me. When this was transmitted I was in deepest brightest Yorkshire. Great break. Anyway on with the motley.

This is episode 8950. The writer was Susan Oudot and the director was Matt Hilton. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

We open this evening with Leanne and Simon with the latter worrying about the former not eating. Leanne says she is going out - but does not tell Simon the truth. The doorbell goes and it is Stephanie. He wants to stay home with Leanne but she says it is the last day of term. He departs obviously reluctantly. The doctor's appointment is at 4:30. Steph seeks to reassure her. She is also insistent that she will go with Leanne to the doctors.

Jenny arrives in a very good moor this morning - instantly noted by everyone. Aidan arrives with a couple of temp machinists and tells them to get themselves sorted - Paula and Louise. Jenny is instantly downcast that she does not have a machinists job. Aidan vanishes to a meeting and passes Johnny on his way in. Jenny and Johnny exchange brief smiles. The camera lingers on her downcast face.

In the cab office Tim wants to know what they are having. Sally has reviewed Jamie (Oliver) and Nigella (Lawson) but has decided on Gordon (Ramsay). According to Steve Michelle thinks he is too shouty (I have met the man and found him to be kindness personified and have every reason to be very grateful to him). Sally is more worried about Yasmeen being difficult, she will criticise the canapes and sneer at the smorgasbord. Sally is afraid that after the dispute over the throw (which was entirely Tim's fault) the food will not be made with love. Anyway Gordon's the man in an emergency and his mini tuna fish cakes will be just the job. Tim observes it is a good thing that Yasmeen and family are not vegetarian. Sally realises that she had not even thought to ask! She dashes out and Tim asks Steve what he has done wrong now. Steve says it is not even worth worrying about - once their is a ring on the finger - and he waves his hand around, then realises he is not wearing his wedding ring and goes into absolute panic mode. He runs back and forth whilst Tim observes that he probably put it in his back pocket when he went clubbing. Steve is now really worried. Tim tells him to borrow Chesney's metal detector whilst Steve heads home to search there.

David is giving the police short shrift over not catching Clayton. Bethany and Gail are listening then Audrey, Max and Lily arrive after going to Roy's for breakfast but they only had tea and toast and Roy would not charge them. Max wants to play on the computer. Gail has found Lily's lost dolly. Bethany wants to go and see Sarah. David has stormed out to get a paper so they talk about him and how he is doing. Gail observes they both know how bad grief can be.

Steve is cleaning the shelves behind the bar - Michelle is off out and gives him a kiss. He then explains to Liz that he has mislaid his wedding ring, which is why he is spring cleaning. Liz is certain it will be around somewhere. After all if he doesn't then he has to tell Michelle - they have promised to always tell each other the truth.

At the waiting room Leanne (with Steph) is awaiting her turn. Audrey emerges from the doctor's room and Leanne says how sorry she is. Audrey has just been collecting a prescription for Max's medication. Leanne passes on her love to David. Simon arrives (hardly a surprise for a 4:30 appointment). He is upset with Leanne for not telling him what is wrong with her. He knows she is sick, she tries to re-assure him but he does not want to be treated like a kid. Steph tries to get Si to leave with her but he insists on staying. Then he tells Leanne that he does not want her to die.

We cut away to Sarah and she is looking and sounding a little more normal when she spies a newspaper which has a picture and the story of Kylie's end. She reads the story of the murder.

Leanne tells Si that she is not dying of cancer and she cannot believe he has been so worried. At this point the receptionist calls her. She tells him to go home and wait for her. She promises him it is nothing bad. Steph thinks he should have been told but Leanne is having enough trouble with the idea herself. She goes into the doctor's room.

Bethany arrives to find Sarah packing and the latter asks Bethany to call her a taxi so that she can go home. She has not asked the doctors - but she has to leave to be with David. She cannot stay and do nothing. Bethany says she is not doing nothing - she is getting better. Bethany says that she and Harry both need her - and need her to be better. David has his Mum and his Gran - Bethany needs her mum back as well. Bethany keeps saying that Sarah has to stay and get better for her and Harry.

We take a break.

Leanne is explaining that her back is better but she has discovered her pregnancy. She admits she is not really sure how she feels about the pregnancy. Her medical history is not great. The doctor will look through the notes whilst Leanne tells her the story. Back in 2011 she was pregnant; but lost it, an accident and a damaged Fallopian tube. [Soap history actually says she was unable to get pregnant and has not taken precautions apparently - so history has been re-written]. She had pelvic inflammatory disease, she (and Tracy) did not think she could get pregnant. The doctor reassures her that she can have a perfectly healthy pregnancy. Leanne cries with joy - her face lights up as she realises it is real and going to happen!

Sarah is talking to Bethany. She knows what happened and knows the details of the events. She feels she needs to be with David in this difficult time. Bethany assures her that David knows she would be at home if she could. Sarah says she owes David and Kylie a lot as they have always been there for her. Her recovery is down to them. Bethany says that her return can wait until she is better. Sarah cannot understand how they are dealing with something so awful, whilst she is thinking about herself and talking about herself. Bethany assures her that is the right thing to do as she has to get well. Sarah finally agrees to stay where she is. Bethany hugs Sarah,

David is not sure how he will get through the next minute, let alone the rest of his life judging by his face. He is hearing Kylie's voice. Max wants to know if he can watch the tv. Gail asks David if he can and David agrees. She suggests that Max and David play a game. David makes a decision and asks Max to turn the tv off. David wants to talk about when Kylie as killed. Max interrupts and asks if David was going to kill Clayton when he caught him? David says he wanted to kill him because he loved Kylie so much - but he didn't do it. Gail answers the phone - it is the police, they have arrested Clayton.

At the factory everyone leaves apart from Johnny in the office and around the corner the cleaner, Jenny. He apologises for being a bit ... - Jenny responds that she thought he was regretting it. She tells him she is not only interested in him because he is the boss, she is not using him. And he did not want her thinking that he was taking advantage of her! Both have smiles which steadily widen as they both realise there might be something more. And Jenny adds he should feel free to take advantage of her. Johnny admits he has thought of little else all day (randy old man). Neither has Jenny (randy but slightly less old woman). And then Johnny kisses her, several times.

Yasmeen has brought Sally some flowers to help brighten up the conservatory. Sharif and Alya are present as well and Tim observes that Sally likes flowers. Yasmeen observes that it is lovely considering it is such a small space. Sally continues smiling and offers Yasmeen a drink. Tim quietly observes to Sharif that he knows it cannot be alcoholic and the latter responds that he is sorely tempted. Sally has pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, Yasmeen had forgotten that the conservatory was double glazed. Yasmeen makes the point that it is environmentally friendly. At the council Sally is spearheading a campaign on sustainability! She has to address global warming! Yasmeen is looking to develop a sustainability project at the community centre (and we realise that perhaps there is little difference between the two women). Yasmeen confirms that they do eat fish - which is lucky as Sally had seen Sharif eating a tuna baked potato. And it "Cheers" all round.

At the Rovers Steve has Rover on his lap and earphones of a metal detector on his head. He puts the dog down and starts to run the metal detector over the dog fearing the ring has been swallowed. Liz wants help in the bar - but Steve knows he needs to find the wedding ring. "Honour and obey and till death do us part". Liz reckons the ring is not important. Steve says the ring is the important symbol of the vows, at which point Michelle appears through the door and hears his assertion. And he admits it is lost. Michelle smiling tells him he left it by the sink. And she has told him about taking it off so many times. So for a surprise she has had it engraved - and pulls it from her pocket. Liz goes into the bar and she gives Steve the ring in a little box. He looks at the engraving "You're MY idiot". Steve does not know what to say, so Michelle suggests that he does not deserve her! She puts the ring back on and tells him not to take it off again. They hug. And I should just note that this whole sequence is emblematic of the slightly surreal comedy which Corrie does so well. Sadly for Steve and Michelle I will chronicle tomorrow night some rather more disturbing news.

Leanne returns home and Simon wants to know precisely what the doctor said and what is wrong with Leanne. She denies anything being wrong but Si still thinks she is lying. There is nothing to worry about. They sit down and he says he does not want to lose her. Leanne responds that the fact is that Si is going to have a baby brother or sister. She spells it out - she is pregnant.

Yasmeen says that the fishcakes were delicious as the family walk back through the living room at Sally's. Gordon Ramsay you know! Sally says she is having a little soiree on the following evening with some council colleagues - perhaps they would like to come if they are free. Yasmeen is about to accept when she sees the throw over the sofa and asks where Sally got it. Yasmeen explains that she ordered it for her orangery! But it never arrived. Tim looks very embarrassed. Yasmeen observes that Sally would not want her council friends to be seen lounging on stolen goods at the soiree. If Sally wants to know how to make proper fishcakes then she should come round on the following evening at her drinks party! She picks up the throw and departs. Sally is struck dumb and Tim is going to have to explain!

Gail is telling David that she thought he would be relieved with the news. As he says it will not bring Kylie back. Gail knows he is pain but it is the best they can expect. She says Max must be confused, David is a good father and his "son" needs him, as does Lily. David sits with Max and admits he has been distant. He seeks to re-assure Max that he is not going anywhere and he is going to look after Max (whom we must remember has lost both parents in a short period). Max reminds him that when Kylie returned she said she was never going to be away from them again. Max asks what if he had beaten up that man and they had put David in prison. David tells Max he was not thinking straight when he chased that man. Secondly he is not going anywhere. And thirdly no matter what happens Max will always have someone who looks after him and who loves him. It might be David, or Gail, or Nick or anyone. Max knows that Gail does not love him like Kylie did. David knows that no-one loves you like your mum loves you. But Gail does love Max and so does David. David promises that they are going to care for him and make sure he is all right. It just David, Max and Lily from now on. And they bump fists. Then hug. Gail watches no doubt remembering her own time with Nick following Brian's stabbing. David and Max hugging get the closing shot.

Roll credits.

So against all the odds Leanne is pregnant. Which male resident is responsible? All soon becomes clear.

Lovely comedy piece from Steve this evening. The double act with Tim is not up to Lloyd (Craig Charles can be heard in the background as I type this - he does five hours every Saturday for the BBC) yet - but simply does not have the years of cross chat.

David was touching with Max. I remember Brian being stabbed but not the follow up. But it must be a terrible echo for Gail - we ought to have a scene with Nick but I suspect we will not.

See you tomorrow night for the big reveal.

Richard


Friday 22 July

Leanne asks Simon how he's spending his day – he's meeting a mate. She asks him not to tell anyone about the baby until after the 12-week scan. Simon demands to know who the father is and storms off in a huff when Leanne won't tell him.

Sally's on the phone to someone about her soiree. Craig arrives and Tim checks how he is. He assures Craig he did the right thing and offers him some backbreaking work to take his mind off things. He has window-washing in mind but Sally has different ideas and asks Craig to help Tim bottom the house. She's scored the mayor as a guest.

Out in the street, Yasmeen's trying to find guests. Even Freddie's going to Sally's.

Robert finds Nick staring at the flowers laid to remember Kylie. Things are a bit tense between them. Leanne comes out and Nick raises a hand to wave but she ignores him.

Kate, Aidan and Johnny are in the office bickering over things. When Kate leaves the room, Aidan and Johnny discuss the need for a new machinist. Aidan wants to get on to the agency but Johnny suggests hiring Jenny. Aidan's not keen. Aidan thinks Johnny just can't resist a lame duck.

Audrey's trying to buck up David. He has to make some funeral decisions. Audrey suggests a humanist service. The police ring to tell David they've charged Clayton. It doesn't cheer him up any.

Erica arrives back and Dev is awkward with her. Mary comes into the shop. Erica asks Dev what's wrong and Mary agrees he seems subdued. He says he's fine and goes into the back.

Michelle leaves the pub, chased by Liz because she's forgotten her purse. Simon walks past but the bottom's come out of his carrier bag and a small babygrow drops out. Liz and Michelle pick it up and coo over it. Leanne comes along and says it's for a friend of hers. As she and Simon walk off she reassures him there's no harm done.

In the factory, Beth's annoyed the radio is off. She's dressed in white leggings, a fluorescent layered skirt and a green stretchy top that might have cupcakes or something on it. Luckily she's wearing a fluorescent hair tie and a bra that at least has fluorescent straps to bring the whole outfit together . . . Johnny calls Jenny in and everyone assumes she's being told off. Jenny's straight out. She's been offered a one-month contract.

Yasmeen thinks about hanging some bunting and Sally sneers it'll take more than that to liven up her party. Yasmeen sneers back that Sally's had to resort to shop-bought food but Sally waves her carrier bags a bit and announces all her food has come from some swish deli. Money is no object . . . Yasmeen thinks ostentatious displays of wealth are common. Sally drops the mayor into the conversation. Yasmeen tries to top that with the president of the Weatherfield master traders.

Leanne meets Steph outside the Bistro and says she was stupid to think she could keep the pregnancy a secret so she's telling the father today. "I know it's going to blow his world apart but he deserves to know the truth."

Jenny's happy in the pub. Steve says at least she can sit down at work now. She thanks Johnny saying Rita's the only other person who's ever given her a chance. He invites her out for a meal, starting a bit later so she can nip home and get changed.

Craig's being the waiter at the soiree. Norris is impressed by the food, as is Ken. Freddie was hoping Audrey would be there. Sally's fretting about her croquembouche – she'd like to unveil it. The mayor arrives, bringing his partner and their dog, Barry. Craig admires the dog but Tim worries about his allergies. As Craig takes their coats, the mayor asks if he's Sally's son. She laughs in a very posh way and says No, "He's staff." That stops Ken, Norris and Freddie in mid-chew.

In the orangery next door, pleasant classical music plays and the chairman of the retailers is impressed the British kite mark is on the fittings. Roy is impressed by the standard of work. Cathy would like an orangery, though they'd have to weld it on to the side of the house. Raucous laughter from next door has Yasmeen peering through the curtains to see what's going on.

Leanne asks Simon if he's ready for his sleepover but he would rather stay. Leanne says she has to go out. She thanks him for getting the babygrow and as they talk she discovers Simon assumes she's going to love her "real" child more than she loves him. It's only natural. Leanne assures him she won't love him any less.

Erica mithers Dev to tell her what's going on. Dev hisses that women always have a way of finding out everything so he's going to tell her. He and Mary went to a spa together, "and I'm sorry, Mary, I can't do this any more – we slept together!" Mary drops a jar.

Audrey and Gail tell David that Clayton's arrest is good news. But all he can think about is how he can get through the next hour. Max and Lily are playing at the table. Gail says David has to be strong for them. "This is just the start. There's the funeral to get through."

Johnny's got dressed and tells Kate he's going out for a drink – then he has to discourage her from wanting to come with him. She gets a bit mournful saying he's sick of the sight of her. He says he'll chuck some food together before he goes out, though he looks anxiously at his watch.

Yasmeen's seething because all that can be heard is Sally's music. Roy asks when the other guests are arriving but Alya says this is pretty much it. Sharif says he told her it was too short notice. "These things have to be planned." Yasmeen ignores him. She says she's going next door to complain about the noise.

Leanne sees Robert go into the pub. Then Nick and Zeedan walk down the street chatting (briefly interrupted by Yasmeen, who snaps at Zeedan that he has time to hang around the streets but he's far to busy to support her!). Leanne watches them both go into the pub.

Sally's brought in the pastry tower with a firework in the top. Everyone's ignoring it, apart from Norris and Freddie, who think it's a fire hazard. She reminds me of Mrs Overall as she pushes the trolley. The doorbell goes and Yasmeen stomps in, demanding that Sally turn down the music. Her guests can't hear themselves think. Sally says nobody should be thinking at a party. She tells Tim to put on a 70s compilation. The mayor, Martin, and his partner Simon get up to dance and realise Barry, the dog, is missing.

Leanne stops outside the pub and calls someone. She says she's outside the pub. Aha! So it's someone in there. That rules out Craig, Tim, Norris, Sharif, Ken, Freddie and the Mayor. . .

Roll on the next episode.

Margaret Carr

Where am I? Oh yes in Yorkshire when this was transmitted but home again now, so time to write the update. On 22/7 we took lunch at the Box Tree in Ilkley and had probably the best meal of the holiday. Excellent meal. I was driving so could only briefly taste the wines but I am assured all were excellent. It opened in 1962 so has a long existence as a high class restaurant and was one of the establishments which had a hand in training Marco Pierre White. So if you have never been and live in Yorkshire - why not? And to balance matters whilst on holiday we ate at the White Swan, Fence, which is in Lancashire and is easily recommended as it was equally excellent (and actually has the better cheeseboard too!). Also to balance matters we visited Esholt near Leeds which used to be used for outdoor shots for Emmerdale and the pub is still called the Woolpack and drove through Holmfirth (the setting of "Last of the Summer Wine").

Turning to the Street in Weatherfield this is episode 8952; it was written by Julie Jones and it was directed by Matt Hilton. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

If you have been following closely you will not be surprised with the opening shot as we see Leanne standing outside the Rovers with Maxeem's bench in the foreground as she waits for the baby father to emerge from inside - where earlier we saw Nick, Robert and Zeedan enter in the last episode. She looks small with red top, jeans, beige jacket and large handbag. {The new set is life size so no longer do the people seem larger than life against the buildings}. The camera moves and catches a pair of trainers emerging from the pub with disheveled jeans above them. It then pans up and we see that it is Steve McDonald who wants to know what Leanne wants as he has a pub full of punters. She tells him she needs to talk in private and can they go around the back. Craig shouts over asking if they have seen a cockerpoo - they have not. Leanne marches around the back of the pub. Steve follows.

Mary is scrubbing the floor of the shop saying that everyone gets a crush from time to time and we have all been there. Dev says that this is not about a crush. Mary is saying he has been carried away with his fantasies. Erica says he must be joking. Dev tells her it was at the spa and they hit the free mini-bar hard. He next remembers waking up and they were both on the bed ... together, draped around each other. Mary refers to the evidence - too much drink and two passed out people on a bed proves nothing. Neither capable. And whilst she is flattered Dev is no Brendan! Dev looks uncomfortable and Erica is having a good laugh.

All of the party are out looking for Barry (a cockerpoo [a cross between a cocker spaniel and a toy poodle] - a very placid type of dog). Norris, Ken and Freddie reckon he cannot have gone far. The mayor and his partner are regretting not getting gps tracking. {We lost a dog once; hiding in a wardrobe in our bedroom after the daughter insisted she has searched the house and checked everywhere}. Anyway the phone number is on the collar. Sal organises the troops and sends them all off in different directions. Sally tells Yasmeen it is her fault!

Leanne is sat in the Rovers' back room and Steve puts down a cup of tea. Steve reckons she needs something stronger. She tells him he is not going to like the word she wants. "I'm sorry, Steve. I'm pregnant and it's yours." Well there was no easy way of saying that was there? Steve is struck dumb.

Jenny, all dressed up, is leaning against the Kabin window, nervously looking at her silent phone. Rita is surprised to see her and tells her off for lurking, she responds she is merely waiting. She tells Rita she has a date with Johnny. Rita thought they were just friends which is a lot less complicated. Jenny knows that life is too short and she does like him and things ... have moved on a bit. Jenny adds with a smile and Rita shares her amusement. Rita says she will save her breath. And when is Johnny due? Jenny admits he is 25 minutes late. Rita offers to make her a cup of tea. Jenny says she will wait a little longer. Rita says that she must not let him make a fool of her. As Rita goes Kev emerges from Number 13 and asks Jenny if she is all right. He asks if she is off out. She was. Kev asks her to join him for a drink in the Rovers (I would have thought Anna would kill him - but given everything it is a really nice gesture). She agrees.

At the bottom of the stairs Max asks David why do nice people die? When he thinks about his mum it hurts his heart. David says that the more you love someone the more it is going to hurt when they go away. He feels the same. David tells him it will be a long time before it stops hurting so much. David then compares it to the time Max hurt his knee when he fell over - it does eventually stop hurting so much. But Kylie will be in their hearts forever. They will never stop thinking of her. The camera stays on David as he thinks and thinks.

Kate is feeling better and she is not going to waste any more tears over Caz, she just feels so stupid over it. Sophie and Luke saw through her. Johnny says he is no judge of character so he cannot help. He thought she was good for Kate and then again - his own track record is not good either! She says he should write a book about his dating disasters - Samantha the gold-digger, self-obsessed Helen, Shirley with the button phobia ... Johnny says if he had given up on women and put the effort into his business he would be a millionaire by now. Kate reckons they should both stay single forever. She is certainly not gong to put herself through it again. Johnny agrees. Then glances at his watch.

Sally and Yasmeen are looking for Barry and the former is saying that what happened amounts to social suicide and the latter is to blame. Yasmeen counters that it was an accident. Sally moans about her reputation and Yasmeen calls her over-dramatic. Sally says she will be a laughing stock at the council. Yasmeen is sure Barry will turn up as he is a pampered pooch. Apparently Terence and Martin love the bones off him. Sally thinks they might even sue! Yasmeen is sure Sally will see the funny side tomorrow. "Barry" they cry.

Steve is Victor Meldrew "This cannot be happening!". "We only did it once." "One stupid mistake and now this!". "It didn't mean anything, it was pointless!". Even Leanne looks disgruntled at that remark. He reminds us that he thought Michelle had gone for good. Leanne counters that he was not her finest hour either, after all he is not Tom Hiddleston [for our overseas readers the named actor recently had a huge hit in the "Night Manager" mainly for displaying his bum as far as I could tell]. Steve asks if she is sure that it is his. She is not a slapper - Steve has been the only one since Kal. Steve then calls her irresponsible. Neither used protection. They are both angry. Leanne understands - she did not want this either.

In the bar are Norris, Ken, Freddie, Liz serving, Roy and Cathy. They have abandoned the search for Barry. Cathy is glad Yasmeen's party finished early as it all felt a bit flat to be honest. Roy would rather have been at home watching the documentary on animals without backbones. Ken had seen that in the TV guide. Freddie observes that it sounds riveting. Norris observes that with his intellectual prowess he never struggles with discourse. Freddie asks for an English translation. Under the juke box Kev is telling Jenny she is looking glam. She asks him not to talk about it but she has been stood up. Kev hope that she will tell him where to go. Jenny won't because she does not have a queue around the block of other fellas. Kev more seriously tells her that she is a good woman and that she must not let the man treat her as a doormat. She deserves better. Jenny smiles. Michelle returns and asks if she has missed anything. Liz says nowt and so Michelle says she will put a brew on. Michelle just wants to get her shoes off. She heads out back.

Leanne is telling Steve that insulting each other is not helping. She did not expect him to be this nasty. A bombshell like this and you expect me to stay cool responds Steve. Leanne makes it clear it that she did not do this on purpose and Michelle comes in frowning having heard raised voices and wants to know what is going on. They eye each other uneasily.

After the break Michelle repeats her demand to know what is going on. Steve looks at Leanne and she tells them that it is Amy and Simon and that they have been playing up. Michelle thought with the shouting it was far worse. Steve says it all got out of hand. Michelle wants the details, but Leanne decides that she is over-reacting. Both Steve and Leanne make apologies for their child with Steve calling Amy cheeky, mouthy and pushing her luck. Michelle observes that Simon gives as good as he gets. Steve says that he feels that they have all said all there is to say now. Can they leave it? Leanne agrees that they must not give it another thought and she will sort it. She goes and Michelle observes that Steve should be a diplomat. Steve has much to ponder.

Gail tells Audrey that David and Max are working on a playlist of Kylie's favourites for the funeral. David plays something and Max observes that he and Kylie danced around the house to it. Max has drawn a picture of the family with Kylie floating up to heaven. David adds that they want it to go in the coffin (we sent our baby with her favourite toy and a piece of her original baby blanket). Audrey turns away to cry. Gail says it is late and Max should go to bed - but David wanted him to stay up a bit longer. Audrey is distressed.

Mary is telling Erica in the corner shop that Brendan has a lot for which to answer. She still misses him. Her passionate nature, his manly physique, made the perfect storm. She calls him a latter day Michelangelo's David, but less wiggy. Erica hopes he was better endowed. Mary says it is a heady feeling being desired even if she was just one in a long line of women. She believed he looked at her and saw someone who was loveable, she knows now that he saw loneliness and desperation. She should have had more dignity. Erica tells her to chalk it up to experience and move on. Mary says she has a huge capacity for love and just needs to find a man to lavish it on. In the meantime she has the children (Dev's), her friends and if needs must her mother! (Come on we all want to meet Mary's mother). Erica knows there is someone out there for Mary, she can feel it in her bones. Meanwhile if she is pining for Brendan she should of all the bad things about him. Mary says kissing him was like a car wash with the windows open. They both laugh and Erica says bring on Mr Right! I think they are drinking wine!

Sally and Yasmeen are leaning against the railings outside the medical centre. Sally knows that she is called Snobby Sally. She merely wants to better herself. She remembers first coming to live on Street and lodging with Hilda Ogden. Sally calls her "common as muck", decent and always with her rollers in, her muriel, outside bog and she looked down on Sally as she came from a rough family(!). Sally calls her dad a right layabout, lazy, heavy drinker. Doled out a slap when it suited him. Mother was a dogsbody. Sally looked at them and decided she wanted more from life. She was determined to go out there and get it. Yasmeen says she has done very well for herself. Sally wants to do better. It sounds pathetic but she wanted to impress Terence and Martin tonight with a memorable evening. And now it will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Yasmeen tells her she is resilient and will bounce back. Yasmeen admires her for that. Sally is surprised by that comment. Sal returns the compliment admiring the way Yasmeen had handled Kal's death with such dignity. Yasmeen says it might look like that outwardly but inside she was broken, she wanted to follow Kal to the grave but needed to be strong for Zeedan and Alya. She had to keep going. Sally says had it been one of her daughters she would have fallen apart. Yasmeen is not so sure she is a force to be reckoned with. Sally says life is a battle and she wants to be Queen Boudica. Yasmeen says that the two of them are of the same kind. Sally smiles in recognition and acknowledgement. Time to go and face the music Sally decides. But they stay leaning against the railings a little longer.

Michelle is showing off her shopping to Steve who is not paying attention. He is cuddling Rover and she shows a tiny leather jacket - it will make Michelle (in her own words) look a bit chesty!! Even Michelle notes his lack of attention. Steve denies it is anything to do with Leanne. He talks Michelle out of talking to Amy as they did say they would leave it alone. Michelle thought that once out of the baby stage it would get easier - but it doesn't does it? Steve decides it is time for Rover's walkies. Michelle observes that Rover is his baby now. And a lot less trouble than a real baby.

Rita opens the door to the very late Johnny. She tells him that she does not want him messing Jenny around. He is an hour late. Jenny returns from the Rovers. Rita tells her to give Johnny his marching orders. Johnny says that she is all sweetness and light in the Kabin - but he can see can be a real battleaxe. Johnny claims it was a family emergency which has held him up. But they can go out now? She says it is a bit late. He calls himself an old git and he can take the pace and he is sure she can. She keeps turning her head away from him. She suggests calling it a night. He was right, he is her boss and it could get complicated. He tells her it is a bit late to backtrack now. She says she has had time to think and it is best if they take things slowly. Night Johnny - see you at work. Johnny seems a bit stunned.

Leanne is at her flat. Steve arrives with Rover. he apologises for being angry and Leanne knows it was a shock - for her as well. He assures her she is not on her own. He will support her. And he is happy to come to an arrangement over the money. She tells him that is decent but there's really no need. He insists on paying half. She says it is her decision and she cannot expect him to pay maintenance. Steve is stunned as he had presumed she was having an abortion. This gets him a severe wigging from Leanne. She is keeping it. He tells she can't and she says watch me!. It is her last chance to have a child and whatever Steve might say she is keeping it! Now he is even more worried.

Sal, with Yasmeen, returns home and commences an apology addressed to Terence and Martin who have Barry on their knees and with Tim and Sharif are all watching tv and eating the food. Apparently Tim and Sharif had told the others to keep the women in the dark a bit longer. Sharif and Tim are sick of their stupid feud. Fate is telling them to stop. Sally observes that Fate is telling her she has a pillock for a husband. Yasmeen feels the same about Sharif. Ultra politely Sally invites Yasmeen into the conservatory and she is equally excessively polite in accepting and they link arms as they walk away!

Leanne has made a brew which she places in front of Steve who is still holding the lead. To her it is a miracle given her age and medical complications. It is her last chance. Steve says it is all about her - how is he involved what is he supposed to do? Amy' brother or sister, Liz's grandchild. Knowing it will sound harsh Leanne says that what they do not know cannot harm them - providing no-one finds out. It is her responsibility and she expects nothing from Steve. She promises she will not come knocking and asking for money. He says she is asking him to live a lie for the rest of his life. It will be so hard watching the child grow up and not having a single part in its life. And what will he tell Michelle? Leanne says she does not need to be told. They each get on with their lives. End of.

And Steve knows that is breaking his promise to Michelle about telling her everything.

Roll credits.

That brings another week to an end.

Just how far did Je-Jo go? The hint was a long way. And how quickly will he come round?

Leanne secrets cannot be kept on the Street. A baby? Most of the Street will know next week!

And once again I note that the Street seems to be retuning its funny bone. Losing a dog is no fun - but the bits around that were nice and easy.

And finally and with some regret I note that we are seeing no sign of Emily's return. I fear that she will not and hope that I am wrong.

Richard


Monday 25 July

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Peter Rose

Poor Steve. He's sat in the back yard with the dog, gurning and frantic about that one stupid moment. He's at a loss as to what he's going to do whereas Leanne has got what she always wanted. He's so distracted that he pops one of the dog's biscuits in his own mouth and then, grimacing, spits it out again. He hears Michelle calling and runs to the gate with the dog to get out of the way. Michelle peeks out the door but he's managed to be gone by then.

Audrey has told Rita in the Kabin about the arrest of Clayton. Gemma comes in and Audrey thanks her for going to the police. Audrey offers her a free hair style later on. Gemma smiles, quite proud of herself. Rita lets her have her mints for free too. Jenny arrives as Gemma leaves. Jenny is feeling a bit down over giving Johnny the heave ho even though Rita thinks she was justified. Jenny second guesses herself and defends Johnny for putting his family first.

Steve comes around the corner and runs into Simon and Leanne. Simon scratches Rover's neck while Steve and Leanne exchange awkward glances over his head. Steve gets away as soon as he can and Leanne sends Simon into the Kabin for a treat.

Caz tells Luke and Maria that the court martial is in about a month. She worries if she'll get thrown out of the army because it's her whole world, especially after losing Kate. Maria assures her. Kate will come round and she's welcome to stay as long as she wants. Luke says nothing and gets up from the table. Caz, feeling the tension, heads for the bathroom. Maria gives Luke grief for being rude and says Caz likely won't be with them the whole month if she and Kate make up. Maria insists she can't throw Caz out but Luke thinks Caz is a nutter. Maria roundly defends Caz and then reminds him it's her flat. Ouch. Caz pops out to get permission to use Maria's toothpaste and reckons Kate might have cooled down by now so she's going to try to talk to her today.

Steve untangles the dog from her lead. Leanne nips round the corner of the ginnel, angry that Steve's very obvious attitude is going to spill the beans. She assures him she has no hold over him and no wish for Michelle to find out from her. Steve reminds her he's going to have to life the lie. Leanne is ok if Michelle finds out but Steve shudders and says he isn't. Stalemate, I think. She orders him to man up and get a grip or Michelle will find out.

Sally is still mortified that the mayor's dog got loose but Fiz reckons it would have been far worse if it had been run over in the street. Fiz changes the subject and asks if anyone is interested in a "bums and tums" class at the gym. Sally smugly tells them all she has been exercising while talking to them, pelvic floor exercises. Definitely too much information for Fiz. Johnny and Aidan arrive and discuss a meeting later with Matthew Singh. Jenny listens with interest. Sally whispers to Fiz that she's going to nip in to use the photocopier for council paperwork. She wants Fiz to distract Johnny and Aidan if they come back so she can get it finished. Jenny listens with further interest.

Maria and Audrey talk with Rita in the salon about the arrest. Audrey says David seems to be handling things fairly well. David comes in just then, ready to work. Audrey doesn't think he should be back to work so soon. He's defensive and doesn't want to be treated like an invalid and goes back to make cups of tea. Audrey mutters that she spoke too soon (he's not doing as well as she thought)

Aidan and Johnny come back onto the factory floor, Aidan getting ready for his meeting with a new supplier. Jenny calls Johnny over for a private word and they go into a storage room where she tells Johnny she didn't mean for them to finish. He thinks maybe it's for the best, he needs to focus on Kate and mixing work and pleasure. She become offended, thinking now he'd got what he was after, he doesn't want to know. He tries to protest but she stalks out.

Liz finds Steve in the back room. She soon realizes something's on his mind. He doesn't tell her at first and she won't let him out of the room until he talks to her rather than bottling it up. He's reluctant but she tells him things aren't as bad as he thinks they are. So he tells her. He's got Leanne pregnant. She's stunned. After the break, Liz establishes that it wasn't an affair, just a one off. She's shocked that he'd do that after everything that he and Michelle have been through. He tells her it was when they were split up. She points out that every time he's on a break, he gets someone pregnant! In one go! He's wallowing now and thinks Michelle is better off without him. Liz is further flummoxed to hear Leanne isn't going to have a termination.

Sophie brings Luke a cuppa and has noticed that he seems down in the dumps. He admits that he and Maria are having some problems. Kate comes out and offers Sophie a cake as she's on the cake run and then invites her to the exercise class. She agrees to both! Luke has stuck his head under the hood of the car he's working on and Sophie knows something's up. He has to admit that Caz is staying with he and Maria. He doesn't agree with Maria's actions but he didn't have a choice and now Sophie has to keep the secret too! She's not so keen on that, let me tell you. Luke pleads. He tells her that Maria is a sucker for a sob story. Sophie agrees that Caz tells them well.

Leanne and Simon come out of the flat and are planning to go somewhere to eat but Leanne looks a bit uncomfortable. Michelle sees them and comes over to say hello and see if all is sorted between Simon and Amy. Simon, of course, knows nothing about Leanne's lie. Leanne jumps and doubles over in pain. Simon is concerned and asks if it's the baby which lets the cat out of the bag. Michelle is concerned that Leanne is having pain and leads her over to the cab stand to take her to hospital.

David is keeping busy, cleaning around. Audrey looks and sees he has no more appointments so he could go home. He insists on staying. He's got most of the arrangements for the funeral made and Billy will be over tomorrow for the service detail. Gemma bounces in and David is less than pleased to see her, especially when he hears that Audrey is giving her a free style as a thank you. He doesn't see there's a lot to be thankful for and Gemma backs out quickly, telling Audrey she was only there to cancel. David turns around and starts throwing all of Kylie's manicure equipment and products into a bin bag. Audrey starts toward him but Maria says to let him be.

In the factory, Sally thanks Jenny for distracting Johnny while she was photocopying (this seems to be at Fiz's prompting). The Connor men come out of the office on their way out. Jenny says she's going to finish her batch. Aidan asks her to put the alarm on when she leaves. He exits and Johnny scurries over to her, trying to apologize again. He doesn't want things to end like that. She accuses him of wanting her to be subservient so he doesn't feel guilty. He argues that he only wanted them to be sensible, he didn't really want them to split up. No joy there and Aidan comes back to drag him out with him.

In the bar, Steve is frantically begging his mother not to tell Michelle. She assures him she won't but thinks he should. He doesn't want to lie but he doesn't feel he's got much of a choice. That doesn't fly with Liz who points out you always have a choice. Steve then tries to blame God for making a joke out of him, throwing more stuff at him to see if he can handle it. Tim comes in for a pint and mentions he dropped Michelle and Leanne off at the hospital but reassures Steve it wasn't Michelle who was ill. Not much of a reassurance, in this case, is it! He reckons Leanne's stomach pains are probably appendicitis. Liz points Tim to a booth while Steve freaks out and grabs his jacket. He rushes out the door.

Fiz rushes into the gym, late for the class. Kate and Sophie tease her, telling her it's now going to be a boot camp type class. Caz comes in and Kate is shocked to see her. Caz and Sophie exchange a few barbs. Kate decides to leave. Caz begs her to give her a chance but Kate tells her in no uncertain terms she never wants to see her again. Caz slinks out with her head down. Kate thinks Caz knew she was at the gym. Sophie looks guilty and says she's got to tell her something.

Audrey has sent David to the supplier and tells Maria that it upset her to see him clear out Kylie's things. Maria understands, however, recalling her own anger after Liam died. Luke comes in and tells Maria he can pick Liam up for her. They apologize for earlier but are interrupted by a sobbing Caz. Maria gathers her into a hug. Caz says she has no place she can stay, not knowing anyone else in the area (couldn't she just go home wherever that is?). She doesn't want to outstay her welcome, though, and will sleep on the street if she has to (there's the sob story Caz is so good at). Maria takes the bait and tells her she can stay as long as she has to. Caz pretends it will just be for a few days. She leaves and Luke scolds Maria for not discussing it with him first. But then reminds her about her ownership of the flat, it's not his, is it? She accuses him of being jealous he's not getting all her attention. He shouts that he's just going to go pick up *her* kid.

Leanne is told by a nurse to go to the early pregnancy unit and goes off to fetch a wheelchair. Leanne sends Simon for drinks and tells Michelle that she's really scared. She's still in a lot of pain. Michelle offers to tell the father but is cut short by Leanne's refusal. Never mind. Michelle tries to be reassuring and hugs Leanne.

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Peter Rose

Leanne is still waiting at the hospital with Michelle. Her anxiety level raises several notches when Steve arrives, much to Michelle's surprise. It's all a bit awkward. Steve says Tim had told him he'd rushed Michelle into hospital. Michelle explains Leanne's the one with the problem but it's all a bit "personal" so she'll stay and look after her and Steve can run Simon home.

Matthew Singh is waiting for his appointment with Johnny at the factory. He chats to Jenny who's on her own and working late. She lets slip she's footloose and fancy-free. Matthew is impressed with her dedication to her job and asks if she fancies a drink.

In the salon Audrey is giving Maria a hard time over allowing Caz to stay. She tells her what happened in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" – he never left. David is doing a customer's hair. She says she might come back next week and get her nails done. Everyone exchanges awkward glances when she asks if Kylie's around so she can book an appointment.

We return to the hospital where Leanne's been told she's to have a scan. Michelle insists on staying with her. Leanne breaks down as she tells Michelle how she had a miscarriage before.

Meanwhile in the Bistro Steph has told Robert she's heard Leanne has a problem with her appendix. He goes off to ring her. Johnny and Aidan arrive and find Matthew having a drink with Jenny. He says they were about to eat but Johnny says she's free to go now. Jenny pointedly says that isn't there against her will and kisses Matthew goodbye. He apologises but Jenny tells him not to worry at all, she enjoyed it. Johnny can't take his eyes off Jenny as she sashays out of the Bistro.

Back at the hospital Michelle is asking Leanne the obvious question – who's the father? She runs through the possibilities. Nick? Robert? Leanne says it was a one night stand, the friend of a friend. She makes up a name and says he was called Scott. They carry on chatting and Michelle starts reminiscing about Ryan. She says she loved having a baby as it gave her a reason to exist. She never went anywhere without him she adds wistfully and now she's lucky if she gets a phone call once a fortnight. Michelle wishes Leanne good luck as she's called in for her scan.

While this is happening, Liz is sitting Steve down with a large drink to talk about what he's going to do. Perhaps Leanne will lose the baby she says but Steve doesn't want that to happen. Liz wants him to tell Michelle the truth but Steve's convinced she'll leave him in a heartbeat if he does. Liz points out how hard it will be, seeing his own child all the time – perhaps a boy this time round - and not being able to have any part in his life or give him advice as he grows up. But Steve says who'd want advice from him, what kind of example is he? Liz begs him to tell Michelle the truth before she finds out anyway.

Kate confronts Caz in the cafe. She's furious that Maria has been duped into taking her in and she tells Caz she's going to see Maria right now to put her straight.

Meanwhile it's better news at the hospital. Leanne can't quite believe it but all seems to be fine with her pregnancy. Michelle is delighted for her. She's happy to agree to Leanne's request to keep it a secret, at least until the three month scan. Although she would like to tell Steve she says, on account of the fact they've promised to be totally honest with each other from now on. Leanne is lost for words.

Kate and Caz's row has moved to the salon where Maria is piggy-in-the-middle. What was she supposed to do? Caz is her friend, Maria tells Kate. Kate is furious with the pair of them.

Steve is pacing the floor of the cab office when Michelle comes in. She comments he seems to be uptight. Steve asks after Leanne. Michelle thinks his concern is sweet and tells him the news about the pregnancy. She gets him to promise not to breath a word to everyone, especially his mother then fills in some more details about Leanne's one night stand with 'Scott'. Steve casually asks if the baby's OK. Michelle confirms everything's fine but then adds that Leanne seems a bit daunted by the prospect of brining up a baby on her own. Still, they can help out with babysitting, says Michelle because Steve loves babies. She adds that she didn't want to keep it a secret from him, after everything they've gone through.

Maria's at the garage giving Luke a hard time for telling Kate about Caz moving in. He tells her he's going for a pint after work. When she looks annoyed he retorts that Caz can keep her company.

Michelle has left Steve on his own in the cab office, deep in thought, when Leanne comes in. She asks why he came to the hospital, does he want to be a part of the baby's life? Hypothetically yes, he replies. Leanne gets upset, there's nothing hypothetical about this she cries, it's happening to them right now. If he wants to be a part of it then he'll have to tell Michelle. She explains how hard it was having to look Michelle in the eye and lie to her when she was being so kind and supportive. She tells Steve that she's prepared to bring up the baby on her own and not say anything to anyone but if they do that they'll have to live with the decision for the rest of their lives. Steve tells Leanne that if she's a good a parent to the baby as she is to Simon then it will be in good hands. Leanne says in that case they'll never speak about it again. Steve wishes Leanne good luck.

Johnny meets up with Jenny. He wants to apologise. Now she has the upper hand she's milking it for all it's worth. She tells him that either they start again as equals or they call it quits right now. As she makes to go inside Johnny asks if he can have a goodnight kiss. Jenny says you have to earn kisses, they don't just grow on trees. She tells him if he treats her with the respect she deserves the kisses will come thick and fast.

Liz is the next person to pay Steve a visit in the cab office. She's just seen Michelle and says she doesn't look like a woman who's just been told her husband has got another woman up the duff. Steve tells Liz what he's agreed with Leanne – she'll bring up the baby on her own and they'll never talk about it ever again. "Dumb and dumber. I'll look forward to the fireworks," sighs Liz.

Leanne is at home with Steph. She's just told her about 'Scott'. Steph asks if it's definitely not Robert's. Leanne gets annoyed and says her sex life is nobody else's business and she's never slept with Robert. She apologises for flying off the handle and Steph goes back to work. Steph was convinced it was Robert's and reckons if it had been, that would have been the gossip to end all gossip …

Steve arrives home where Michelle is looking at a home interiors magazine. She has plans for some redecoration and is somewhat taken aback when he readily agrees. Michelle turns the conversation to this afternoon in the hospital. She admits she was almost surprised by his reaction, taking his concern for her welfare as proof of his feelings for her. Steve says yes, he loves her more than anything. Well, anything apart from Amy, of course. As they cuddle on the sofa Michelle admits that she was jealous of Leanne today. She asks Steve if it would be the end of the world if they had a baby of their own. "If you wanted one then I think I might too," smiles Michelle.

Karen


Wednesday 27 July

Steve and Michelle are sitting at the breakfast table discussing the possibility of having another baby. He's not keen, he points out it's not long since she wanted him to have the snip, she feel that she's 40 now, and hasn't got much longer to have the option. He says he wants more time to think.

Over at the Platt's, the liaison officer has brought round some bags containing Kylie's things. David pulls out his jacket, which is very bloodstained. Gail tells him she'll get rid of it, but David says he wants it to remember Kylie by. Gail points out that Max might be upset if he knew it had his mother's blood on it. David wants time to think it over.

At Eileen's house, Todd gets a text from Billy, and tells his mother and Pat that it's from Tracy when they see the look on his face.

Beth rushes in to work late, saying she's got a hangover and couldn't get out of bed. Fiz is worried but Kirk says it's ok, he clocked her in, and Johnny never notices anyway. Jenny, however, has noticed. Just then Johnny comes out of the office and calls Jenny in there. Once inside, his stern face disappears and they're both all smiles. He says he thought about what she said and realises he can't expect her to wait around for ever – they're on! He wants to book a table for the Bistro tonight. "What? And go public?" says Jenny, amazed. Johnny says he doesn't care what people think, he'll be proud to be seen with her. "Can't wait!" grins Jenny.

Gail sees David standing outside the salon, and reminds him that Billy is coming round later to finalise the funeral arrangements. Then he tells her to bin the jacket, he doesn't want Max to see it. As she walks away, Eva comes by and tells him she was really sorry to hear about Kylie.

As he walks away, Leanne comes along and is pleased to see Eva, and they talk about what happened to Kylie. Eva comments that it's going to be hard for David to bring two kids up on his own. They then decide to meet up later for a catch up.

Liz finds Michelle sitting in the back room looking glum. She tells Liz that she wants a baby, and she thinks it would be nice to have one with Steve, but she's not keen. Liz tells her it's all a bit sudden. Surely it wouldn't be the end of the world if she didn't have a baby? Michelle tells her that the way she's feeling it wouldn't be far off. She then makes Liz promise not to tell Steve how she's feeling. As soon as she's left the room, Liz picks up her phone.

In the corner shop, Steve's phone starts to ring, but he sees it's his mum and doesn't answer it. Tracy is in the shop too and wonders who he's avoiding. "I know that guilty look!" she says. After she's gone, Dev reminds Steve that they go back a long way, and he hopes he would talk to him if there's something wrong. Steve says nothing.

Billy is at the Platt's, discussing the service for Kylie's funeral. When David leaves the room for a moment, Gail tells Billy that she thinks David is bottling too much up.

Dev sees Steve sitting in his taxi and gets in beside him. He doesn't want to go anywhere, but he can see that something is eating away at Steve and urges him to tell his old golfing buddy what it is.

Billy is still sorting out the funeral with David. Gail gets off the phone and tells them that Sarah is coming home on Friday for a short time. When Gail has gone, Billy remarks that David seems to be bearing up quite well. David says he has to, having two kids to look after.

Steve and Dev are in the taxi office. Steve has told Dev about Michelle wanting a baby. Dev points out that children are wonderful, and Steve has to agree and says that he loves Amy to bits, but she's more than enough. The next 20 years will be a write-off, and then there's the money to think about. Dev asks if that's the only reason, and Steve says that it is. Dev feels that later on Michelle might start to resent Steve and might start to look for someone else. He feels that if he loves her he's taking a huge risk in saying no.

Billy goes in to the florist's and tells Todd that Sarah is coming out for a while on Friday. Todd tells him that they were nearly rumbled this morning when Billy sent him the text. They talk about how they're going to tell Sean. Just then Tracy comes in, so they hurriedly arrange to meet later and talk about it.

Over in the factory, Johnny tells the workers that Alya is moving back into the office to help him manage his diary. Jenny goes over to Johnny and quietly tells him that she hopes Alya will keep a better eye on his diary than she has been doing on the factory floor, and explains that Beth was half an hour late this morning, Kirk clocked her in, the only people to miss it were him and Alya.

Eva and Leanne are chatting over a cuppa, and Leanne tells her sister that she's pregnant, but won't say who the father is. She says that she always thought she couldn't get pregnant, so although it wasn't planned she's going to have it. Eva asks if she's told the father, and Leanne doesn't answer. "Do you think that's right?" asks Eva. Leanne says she doesn't care if it's right, this is about what she wants, not him.

Billy and Todd are back at Eileen's, discussing how they're going to tell Sean about the two of them. Just then Eileen and Phelan come in, so Billy tells them he'd come to tell Todd that Sarah is coming out of hospital. Eileen then tells them that Sean has called, he's coming home on Friday too.

All the workers are leaving the factory except Jenny who is staying on to practice, but as they're leaving Johnny calls Beth and Kirk over and tells them he knows about her being late and Kirk clocking her in. He docks their wages and tells them that next time it'll be the sack. When they've gone, Jenny tells Johnny that maybe they should keep their relationship secret for a bit longer, then she can be his eyes and ears.

David goes to put rubbish in the dustbin and finds the bloodstained jacket. Just then Max comes out asking what's for tea, so he slams the lid shut in a hurry. David gives him a hug and kiss and sends him back inside. Then he opens the bin and pulls out the jacket and looks at it.

Liz finds Michelle in the back room and asks if she's heard from Steve, but Michelle hasn't. Liz says she's knows it's hard, but she can't make Steve want to have another child. Just then Steve comes back in and says he'll try for a baby. Michelle is delighted and hugs him, and then rings her mum. When she's gone out of the room Steve tells Liz he doesn't want to hear anything she has to say. "I bet you don't," says Liz, "this has got disaster written all over it."

Anne Logan


Friday 29 July

Hello, After a quick flurry of visits to Scotland and Wales, I'm back at my desk to bring you this Friday update.

We begin at Eileen's, where Todd and Billy would like to get away together but Billy has to cover because someone can't take the play group. Eileen comes in and comments that Billy can't seem to keep away. He says he left a few bits and bobs in Sean's room. She starts going on about it being bad enough that Billy dumped Sean once. . . but she's interrupted by Phelan pointing out their food is getting cold.

At the Platts' Nick arrives with Sarah. Her first thought is to ask how David is doing.

It's mayhem at the playgroup. For some reason, big kids are there - it's more like a holiday club. Aadi is being awkward and there are complaints that the board games are for old people. Leanne, Simon and Amy arrive, followed closely by Todd, who tells Billy quietly that he's standing by his man. Then he asks if they can drugs the kids.

In the back of the pub, Liz is mithering Steve yet again about his decision to stay out of the baby's life. She insists it would be better to tell Michelle all about it. Steve points out that Michelle would dump him. "Fine," says Liz. "Keep your mouth shut. Say nothing and see how long that lasts because, trust me, the truth always comes out sooner or later."

At the kids' club, Amy watches Billy and Todd together and tells the other kids they're going to get it on.

At the taxi office, Eileen trawls for some gossip by asking Steve about Leanne's visit to hospital. Steve says as far as he knows, Leanne is fine. Tyrone comes in and complains about the radio in the car he's using. it is knackered and can send but not receive. Eileen says she'll text him if he gets a fare.

Sarah thinks it's far too soon for David to be making decisions about throwing out Kylie's stuff. David plans to take Kylie's clothes to a charity shop a long way from here - he can't bear the thought of seeing Liz McDonald squeezed into one of Kylie's tops. Anyway, he says, Kylie's last outfit is all washed and ironed and hanging in the wardrobe ready. "The funeral is the last thing we can do for her - it's got to be right."

In the cafe, Rana is talking to Anna and trying to ignore a random stranger who is trying to pick her up. Zeedan and Yasmeen come in but Zeedan sees what he thinks is Rana flirting and walks out again. Rana finally gets rid of the bloke and Gemma admires the way she did it. Michelle comes in and sits down with Leanne to tell her about her baby plans with Steve.

Phelan goes to the taxi office to see Eileen. She has just got off the phone to Sean, who was in tears. Phelan suggests he and Eileen go out but she says she can't. Sean needs her.

There's a noise outside. It's Aadi, Simon and Amy kicking a ball. Billy and Todd come after them and Eileen sees this and asks what Todd's up to. He says he's just hanging with the Rev and reminds her there are two sides to every story. He denies there's anything going on between him and Billy.

Back in the cafe, Anna tells Yasmeen that Rana wasn't flirting but trying to get rid of the other bloke. Michelle's still trying to talk Michelle out of getting pregnant. Michelle thinks it will bring them closer together but Leanne points out that Tyrone and Fiz are like tag-team parents. Michelle says she knows it won't get easy but she's doing it anyway. They part on slightly bad terms as Michelle goes off somewhere.

Audrey and Gail make dinner. Audrey believes everything will hit David at the funeral. They both chat about Blanche's love of funerals and her high standards for them. David slams in with Kylie's jewelry case. Sarah thinks some of it must be of sentimental value but David says it's mostly fake. He wants to throw out the lot and isn't keen on keeping anything back for Lily to have. He puts the case in a black bin bag

Billy and Todd go to leave the community centre. They haven't enjoyed the day and when they see Tyrone heading for a cab and his sift, they order the taxi.

Yasmeen suggests Zeedan should ask Rana out tells him what Anna said about Rana trying to get rid of the flirter, not encouraging him. She points out that everyone wants the same things out of life - love, happiness and a soulmate.

Sarah and David are in the cafe talking about Gail. David is sick of hearing "how are you?" all the time. Gemma comes in to ask about Kylie's funeral but David flips. He shouts that this is all her fault. If she'd just said No or called the police... Gemma tries to say how scared she was but David doesn't think she would have been as scared as Kylie was, lying on the ground bleeding to death. Anna tries to shut him up but David insists that if not for Gemma, Kylie would still be alive. And if she goes to the funeral he'll put her in the ground.

Todd and Billy get into the taxi and Tyrone remembers the key is in the office. They talk about being together and kiss. Neither realises the radio is actually stuck on Send and Eileen can hear every word.

Oops.

The end of this episode.
Margaret Carr

We get few direct comments on our updates. Looking at last week's again I wondered if it was too long? Any other comments positively or negatively (within reason - be constructive please) welcomed as it is nice to know if we are hitting the spot out there!

This is episode 8957 and the copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks. The writer was Ben Tagoe and the director was Peter Rose. In the background if you listen closely you may hear strains of the Craig Charles House Party (a Radio 2 programme).

Eileen bustles out the taxi office and stands in front of Ty's car ordering the two in the back out of the cab NOW - referring to Todd and Billy who have been caught "in flagrante delicto". She is surprised but should not be and she tells Todd to stop looking innocent. She heard every word and Ty tells them is radio is broken and it transmits every word. Ty is sent to look after the switch. Eileen tells them it was Radio Sordid on 86FM. Eileen orders Todd home like a five year old and she tells Billy she will deal with him later. As they head home Eileen slaps Todd around the head! Once home she continues to dish out the earache. How long has their tawdry secret been brewing? Why has Sean not been told? She tells Billy to go! He does - to the Rovers.

David and Sarah are walking along the Street. She is trying to talk him into allowing Gemma to attend the funeral. David is not having it - he is organising Kylie's funeral, so no drug dealers or skanks.

Michelle is telling Steve that she was surprised that Leanne was not excited for her when she was told they were going to try for a baby (or perhaps they have already started trying?). Steve is reading from a beer bottle they are taste testing. "Richly spiced with notes of fruit and vanilla". Michelle adds that Leanne listed 100 reasons why a baby is such a bad idea. Steve remembers when people were only pretentious about wine {There are two completely separate conversations going on}. Michelle wonders why Leanne could not be happy for them (never mind Michelle you will find out). Steve observes the beer smells like soap in a school. Michelle sniffs and says carbolic and Steve agrees. Michelle says it taste like it as well! Billy arrives. Steve offers the tasting beer to Billy who looks at Michelle's face and says she is distinctly underwhelmed. Steve rightly observes that no-one is ever whelmed - it is either over or under - never just the right amount of whelmed (it means to engulf or bury, so is possible)! Billy has a pint of the usual. Leanne arrives and wants a quick word with Michelle. They go through to the back and you can Steve worry about what Leanne might have decided to tell Michelle!

Eileen is still ranting at Todd. Fed up Todd tries to make a joke saying it is like Brokeback Mountain meeting Romeo and Juliet for months! He admits he does not like the situation, but they cannot help how they feel about each other. He reminds her about how quickly she got together with Pat after splitting from Gail's husband Michael. He calls it hypocrisy. He will move out if that is what she wants.

Leanne is apologising to Michelle. She admits she was negative. Leanne says she is wrapped up in herself at the moment. She says Michelle was really brilliant at the hospital. Michelle says they should just forget it and they both smile before Steve falls through the door wanting help. Michelle talks about the way Steve tracks her and heads back to the bad giving Steve a chance to ask Leanne what she is going. Leanne turns it back on him, saying that whilst she told him to be good to Michelle she did not tell him to start having kids. Steve says it was Michelle's idea and he wants Michelle to be happy! Leanne says that perhaps they could start a commune (I think Steve fancies himself as a man with a harem actually). Both Steve and Leanne agree that the commune idea is a non starter and she leaves.

Gail is thinking it is time to get Sarah back to the hospital. Sarah wants to talk to David about how they are all feeling first. He does not see talking as a magic cure! He tells them both to back off. Max comes downstairs and David wants Max to work on a playlist of Kylie's favourite songs. Well now Max needs to pick one for the funeral - Max knows instantly it will be the Pussycat Dolls. Gail is not sure - but Max knows it was Kylie's favourite. But David says that there is no Gail's Guidebook to funerals and they will have it. [Over the weekend my wife stated that she wanted "I predict a riot" from the Kaiser Chiefs at her cremation]. David asks Max if there was anything else his mother would - only stuff that will make people think of her he answers. David agrees.

At number 6 Zeedan lets Rana into the house. He had been watching Notting Hill! She was surprised but obviously pleased to get his text. She senses he is nervous and teases him slightly. He wanted her to know that he was sorry but he could not give her what she wants. She is absolutely amazing and that there is a huge queue of guys wanting to take her out. But he cannot change. She sits down properly on the sofa and says that perhaps she should be saying sorry. She should respect his beliefs and not pressurising him into anything. She has met so many guys after only one thing and Zeedan is not like that. She asks if he wants to give it another go? Zeedan cannot believe it but agrees and they lean in and kiss each other.

Sean returns home wearing a Union flag t shirt! His journey home was opposite a troll stuffing a pork pie into his gob! Then he fell asleep and drooled down his front. Sean has taken loads of photos of Dylan and he will show Eileen later. He has a present for Todd. Anyway Sean has to go as he has a shift in the Rovers - and he has a week of London sightseeing to pay for. Eileen tries to delay him from going as she is pretty sure that Todd and Billy will be together in the Rovers.

Max, Sarah, David and Gail are sat around the table and the next subject for discussion for the funeral is food. Max wants burgers and chips from the kebab shop. Bethany comes in and David agrees to the food. With loads of sweets Max adds. David tells Max it is his day to remember Kylie, so he can have what he wants. Gail asks David if he has thought about a eulogy. Max wants to know what it is? Bethany explains. Bless him - Max wants to do it! Gail is not sure as he might get nervous. The women all try to dissuade him - but Max knows that he wants to do it. Max tells them that Kylie said about Callum that a funeral was the last chance to say goodbye to the person. Gail agrees and Max insists he wants to do the eulogy. David takes him upstairs to talk about it. Sarah tells Bethany and Gail that she cannot go back to hospital as David so clearly needs her. We can see and Gail tells her that she is not ready to come home full time.

After the break we are still at the Platts with Sarah on the phone to the hospital - decision made and with family support she is not returning. She will come in tomorrow to collect some more medication. (Was she formally committed either voluntarily or involuntarily - if the latter then she cannot walk away?) Gail wonders if her progress will be undone but Sarah insists she is fine to come home. Bethany says she should go back but Sarah is insistent. They need to trust her on this. (This is going to go horribly wrong ... you can see it coming). Sarah maintains that she needs to be there for the family as they have for her. End of conversation Sarah makes clear.

Eileen leads Sean into the Rovers telling Todd who is sitting very close to Billy that he is back from London. They move apart rapidly. Dylan wanted to know about Billy and Sean made excuses. Sean notes that they have had a drink - just a quick one after work they both say. He has a present for Todd. And he turns on his heel and walks behind the bar. Michelle appreciates his dedication as it less than an hour since he got off the train. He pushes it and asks for a pay rise - but it goes nowhere. Anyway Michelle is taking a trip with Steve to his surprise. She has booked them on the overnight ferry to Ireland. They are having a few days away visiting her parents. She is looking forward to a bit of walking and maybe some other physical pursuits. Steve smiles but gets told off for not being suitably enthusiastic! She sends him to do his packing as it takes so long.

Sadly a plot device in the form of a middle ear infection prevents Becky from flying (and therefore from attending the funeral). She sounded gutted on the phone but there is nothing that can be done. David is more relaxed about Sarah not going back to hospital. Max is busy writing his eulogy. David is going out to get some fresh air. Before he goes Gail decides to tackle the Gemma issue again - she is part of Kylie's past like it or not. David counters that if it was not for Gemma than the scumbag murderer would not have been on the Street. Gail suggests he allows Gemma to come providing she keeps the rest of them away.

Eileen is still giving Billy and Todd a ticking off. They did not know that Sean was coming into work. She insists the sneaking around has to stop! Billy goes, saying he will see Todd tomorrow. Eileen goes as well deciding she has changed her mind and wants a quiet night in front of the tv. She will look at the remaining photos tomorrow. He asks Todd if he has been upsetting Eileen again. Todd says he can get little right at the moment. Sean says he is always there if Todd needs a shoulder to cry on! Todd says he knows that.

Yes - the background music is now courtesy of Cerys on 6 (Music).

Rana and Zeedan are now a lot closer and she is not even sure why she likes him so much. He points out he is clever, gorgeous and brilliant in the kitchen. Sharif returns and they spring apart. Rana assures him they were not doing anything. Anyway Rana is going. She has a lot to do. Sharif asks if the path of true love is running smoothly again. Zeedan is not sure if it is true love, but Sharif is sure it is going smoothly! Zeedan confirms his principles are unchanged - Sharif observes that we all have to have our integrity.

Ty is buying a kebab when David arrives wanting a word with Gemma. Ty by the way is looking slimmer. Gemma tells David that she will get him a kebab but she does not want any hassle. David tells her that she can come to the funeral on Monday if she wants as Kylie's mate. He wants a favour. He wants Macca and gang from the Dog and Gun kept away. She is not sure she can do that. She is not popular on the estate having grassed up Clayton. David says that is her problem. She also accepts that she should have said something before it all got out of hand. She then says she is really sorry. She says she will try her best to keep the low lifes away from the funeral.

Todd asks what Eileen is watching but she ignores him. She turns the tv off and tells him he is like a puppy in the park unable to decide which ball to play with and wanting them all - when is he going to learn? Todd says he has learned and tells Eileen that Billy is the one and nothing will stop them being together. Eileen asks if he really believes that? Todd says he has never felt like this before about anyone else. He really wants to make it work. And Sean's heart is already broken. Eileen reckons it will get a lot worse once he finds out. Todd swears that he did not want this to happen. And Eileen is worried about Sean's reaction when he discovers that she knew and said nothing to him. She wants Sean told as soon as possible and Todd agrees - once the funeral is over. Well if they do not then she will. She tells Todd that he is her son and if he is serious about Billy then she will support him. Providing he is honest with himself and with Sean. Todd nods.

David returns home and Sarah is on the sofa looking distressed. David confirms that he has asked Gemma to join them at the funeral. Sarah assures him he has done the right thing. David says he will have done the right thing when the murderer is six feet under. He wants to see the coffin lowered in to the grave and he will savour every minute. She reminds David of his conflicting promise to Kylie that he would look after Max and Lily. But he also promised he would get revenge. Sarah says that the two promises are a complete contradiction and that he needs to focus on the kids as Kylie would have wanted. David cannot forget the need for revenge and he cannot let them carry on with their lives. Sarah knows it must be hard. He lies awake for hours every night. Then on waking after a brief sleep you do not understand why you feel sick. Because briefly you have forgotten she has gone. They have to pay he insists. She tells him to concentrate on Max and Lily. And he agrees. Then he hugs Sarah. We get to see, over Sarah's shoulder his "devil look" with eyes looking upwards under the eyelids with a line of white under the iris. Nasty and perhaps foreboding of the return of the Diabolical Dave of old.

Roll credits.

Do I care about Zeedan's virginity? Rana is clearly a slapper based on past discussions. Alya threw away her virginity on Jason. I realise that the Nazirs are the first Muslim family on the Street, but is this really the most important part of the religion that the writers must examine? I know other points have been made (eating habits and so on). But we seem hung up on one element of something much larger and I am not sure that is right. Also if he is sticking to his integrity then I would have thought he would want his partner to have similar values?

And the next question is who will fall in the grave at the funeral. Blanche did so like a good funeral.

If you like podcasts you may wish to follow Conversation Street as one of my fellow updaters contributes nearly every week with observation on the week on the Street. Usually posted on Saturday mornings and all respect to the couple who do two hours or more each week.

Richard



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