Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Alan Grint

David's off to a grief counselor and freely admits he only did it to make his mother stop nagging him. She makes him go anyway.

Caz asks Audrey for Pablo's address so she can send Maria a thank you card for being a good friend. Audrey doesn't buy it and asks why Caz hasn't left or found a job and is told that the army owed her some back pay. Nice for some people. Audrey seems to accept that (I don't).

David finds out that Max didn't do his homework on the weekend because David didn't ask him to. There's a man sitting in a car watching them walk down the street. It's Lauren's father.

Sally's seen David go by, too and expresses sympathy for him to Tyrone who reckons grief counseling will do until there's a time machine invented. Oh, Sally reacts, they have, you know. Someone told Tim about it... in ... the........pub. And realizing that Tim was probably suckered, she makes her way quickly into the factory, pretending she didn't really believe it after all.

Michelle moans about all the unopened mail and the paperwork getting all cluttered. She pulls out a spelling test Amy did several years ago. Steve, lying on the sofa, asks her to test him on one of the spellings. She doesn't and continues to look for a bridal magazine for a potential client. She mentions that the fiance plays for County, Tommy. Steve jumps up with excitement, Tommy Orpington!! He's anxious to meet him, which was Michelle's reason for not bringing it up earlier in the first place and doesn't want Steve showing her up with his autograph book. Steve begs, just one selfie?! He's nearly gasping for breath in his star struck excitement. She wants to get the gig first before she introduces them and makes him promise not to tell his mates.

Eileen is looking at porcelain tiles for the flats. Rita and Sally sigh over them then Rita mentions she might be buying one. Sally is disgusted to find out that she's thinking of buying one for Jenny though Rita insists it was her own idea. Sally has nothing good to say about Jenny, of course.

Steph finds Andy coming out the door. He was up late writing his short story but he's finished it. She asks if he's called someone about the dishwasher. He hasn't but he will do, he promises (why wouldn't they just ask the landlord, i.e. Eileen). He enthusiastically tells her about the story but she's more interested in the dishwasher.

Steve is still chattering about the footballer, barely able to contain himself. He skips off and Michelle greets Nick and Leanne who are back from holiday, having had a good time. Eva comes up behind them, too. Michelle goes off and Nick and Leanne go the other way.

Steve, naturally, has told Tim about the Footballer and Tim is just as excited. Steve then tells him that he's not allowed to meet their idol because Michelle said so. Tim is crushed. He begs, he pleads. Steve promises they will get to meet him but he says they'll work something out. But don't tell Kevin!

We're in the salon now. Freddie is telling Audrey that the Zambezi club is closing down. Both of them have memories of the club, Freddie working the door just before and after 1970 and Audrey dancing the night away on the sticky floors! Apparently there is a farewell do tonight with two tribute bands, Herman's Hermit Crabs and Manfred Woman. He asks her if she wants to go but she doesn't want to go cavorting. He doesn't want to go alone.

Steve and Tim are mapping out the Rovers and planning their assault on the pub so that they can see Tommy Orpington and work out a "chance" encounter. Steve is afraid of Michelle but they're going to go through with it anyway. The anticipation mounts. They start singing a football anthem about Tommy O when Eileen comes in. Sheepish, they go quiet and turn to the switch.

Gail is with David at the counseling session and she's making small talk about Max's homework and phone cases while they wait. The doctor comes out and David follows him into the office, leaving Gail waiting outside.

Steve criticizes Eileen for surfing the internet for tiles while she's supposed to be working for Streetcars. Tim's remark about juggling two jobs strikes a chord with her. She realizes she's spreading herself too thin. Steve is scared she's going to quit and quit she does. She's going to work full time for the building project.

David is unresponsive, spending more time on his phone than talking to the counselor. David agrees Gail came to make sure he did and he did it to shut her up. The counselor chuckles, recognizing his mother as well. He tells David this isn't an exact science. David lies that some of the lads are going out and he's checking on the plans to go to the pub, the Dog and Gun. Uh oh.

After the break, we're in the cafe. Eileen is having a snack with Phelan and she's wondering if she did the right thing. She then tells him about the tiles. He suggests she price them up and they can look at it later. At another table, Andy is still enthusing about his story but Steph is dismissive, unfortunately, rather than supportive.

After the session, Gail asks David how it went. He fobs her off and says it was easy talking to a stranger. She's delighted. He continues to tell her what she wants to hear. He even tells her that he cried. As they chat, we see Lauren's dad in the car across the road. We know he's supposed to be a wrong'un because he's listening to heavy, pounding industrial music, not pop or a friendly country song. (that's sarcasm, by the way. I, for one, love pounding industrial music and I'm certainly not a wrong'un!) Gail tells David she's proud of him. They walk down the road as Mr. Lauren watches.

Leanne offers Eva a cuppa and apologizes for being short with her earlier. Eva is a bit cool and asks if she's still saying it's Nick's baby. Leanne insists it is, that the one night stand she told Eva about was long before but it doesn't look as if Eva really believes her.

Audrey sees Caz coming back with her arms full of shopping bags (via Maria's new credit card, I presume)

Freddie tells Tyrone about the old club. Rita comes round the corner and has overheard the word Zambezi and asks them about it. Freddie is surprised she heard of it but she confesses, she performed there. Mostly the Gatsby but she did a turn on the stage at the Zambezi too. Freddie realizes she was Rita Littlewood and she suddenly recalls him from his days on the door, though he used to have big hair back then. Who didn't? he offers (She still does!) Small world! She's dismayed to hear the club is being shut down and turned into a fast food place. She remembers it fondly as does he. He invites her to the last Hurrah tonight and she accepts.

David is helping Max with his fractions homework at the table. He's not doing very well, actually. Max offers to help him! Gail whispers to Michael that the counselor seemed to help. David gives up. He asks Gail if she'd babysit, he thought he might ask Nick for a drink since the doctor suggested he relax. That does the trick and she agrees.

Nick is in the garage getting a tire fixed on his car. They must have been having a "fantasy" conversation, such as where and when in time would you like to visit. Nick's ideals are Louis XIV Versailles or the 1930s Chicago (Al Capone et. al.) Tyrone says the Zambezi club in the 1960s because he'd love to see Rita dance back in the day. They determine that the club has had a great many names over the decades. Nick seems a bit put off at that ideal and besides, he probably would have run into his own grandmother (yes, yes he would have if Audrey's story was right). Tyrone teases that he could cop off with her by mistake, just like what happened in Back to the Future. Nick grimaces. Tyrone and I chuckle. (I love little scenes like that!)

Vinny comes to Number 11 looking for Phelan, angry that 30 grand has disappeared from the bank account. Eileen confesses that was her. She ordered some tiles. Very posh ones, it turned out, and they were on sale. He's enraged. She says they got a good deal, and the sale ended today. He calls her names, "irresponsible bint" being two of them.

David arrives at the Dog and Gun. He sees Macca and his friends inside but is grabbed from behind by Lauren's father before he can go in. He's man handled around the corner, planning to beat David up. David tries the lie that he only cut her hair but this enraged father starts throwing him around, accusing him of threatening to cut Lauren's throat. David, now shaking in his boots and probably needing new underwear, apologizes to the man that's about three times his size and very, very angry. David tries to put him off, this isn't a good time, he'll meet him tomorrow and he can do what he likes. He tells the older man that his wife died and he's got two kids. No dice. The man hauls off and punches David in the face. Blood comes streaming down as the episode ends.

Tvor

Written by Mark Burt and directed by Alan Grint

The scene opens outside the Dog and Gun where Phil does his best to ensure David never goes near his precious daughter Lauren again. He beats the living daylights out of David who collapses in a bloody heap in the middle of the car park. Meanwhile, we see Macca and his mates driving off in a car, oblivious to what's going on and their narrow escape from David's revenge.

Meanwhile, Nick has turned up at the Platts', hoping to spend an evening with Sarah and Bethany. This is a surprise to Gail who thought he was having dinner with David. They all look confused and wonder where David has got to and why he would have lied to them.

Over at Eileen's she's in big trouble. An angry Vinny informs Phelan and Todd that she's just spent £30,000 on tiles for the new flats. Phelan tries to calm Vinny down and takes him off to the pub leaving Todd to tell his Mum that Vinny isn't the sort of person you want to get on the wrong side of. But Eileen reckons she knows best and tells Todd that Vinny is all mouth and no trousers.

Freddy and Rita are ready for their night out at the Zambezi club although we gather that Freddy is more interested in trying out the cocktails than setting foot on the dance floor. Audrey comes hurrying up the street just in time to see them driving off together in the back of Ty's cab. She makes out to Fiz she knew all about their night out together although clearly she didn't.

Back at the Platts' they're on the point of going in search of David when he turns up looking distinctly the worse for wear. "Oh my God!" declares Gail seeing the state of him.

Vinny is having a row with Phelan in the back yard of the Rovers. He tells Phelan Eileen's a liability but as Phelan points out, she's a means to an end. He promises to keep her under control and tells Vinny that in a couple of months Eileen will be heartbroken, disgraced and 'potless'. Phelan says he'll sort it but, in the meantime, he needs Vinny to do something for him.

In the Rovers Steve and Tim are planning how to introduce themselves to Tommy Orpington when he comes through from the back with Michelle. The two men are completely star-struck and unable to speak so Tommy introduces himself. Michelle is mortified when Tim asks for a selfie but Tommy is more than happy to oblige and even agrees to stay for a pint with the boys.

We return to the Platts' where Bethany declares David looks like road kill. They all want to know what's happened so David agrees to tell them if they promise not to go to the police. He admits to Lauren's dad beating him up but claims it happened in the precinct. Nick's ready to break his promise and goes to call the police but Bethany stops him. If they arrest Lauren's dad they'll arrest David too, she says. She tells them what David did to Lauren in the salon.

Todd is still trying to convince Eileen that it's not worth antagonising Vinny but she really can't understand what the big problem is with the tiles. Just then Vinny comes back with Phelan. To everyone's surprise he says he's come to apologise. In an effort to call a truce Eileen invites him to stay for tea. He doesn't exactly look overjoyed at the prospect but, as Eileen says, their team could do with a bit of bonding.

David is now on his own with Nick who tells him he worries about him. He asks David about the counseling but David says he only agreed to it to get Gail off his back. Nothing's going to change the fact that Kylie's dead and Clayton will be out in a few years, he says. David thinks Nick's a fine one to talk but like him, Nick says, David's going to have to find a way to channel his anger. David lets slip that he wasn't at the precinct and admits to Nick that he went to the Dog and Gun with the intention of hurting Macca.

In the Bistro Steph has a go at Andy for spending time on his writing when he should be serving customers and he tells her the job's going to her head. Leanne arrives back and she's barely got her coat off when Steph raises the subject of covering for her when she goes off on maternity leave but it seems Leanne plans to advertise for the job of manager. A dejected Steph tells Andy he needn't worry any more about the job going to her head.

Round at Eileen's the atmosphere round the tea table is somewhat strained. It gets even worse when Eileen announces she's given up her job at Street Cars to work on their project full time. Through clenched teeth Vinny says he trusts Phelan's judgement completely.

Back in the Rovers Ty has joined in the hero worship for Tommy Orpington. Michelle's worried Steve might put his foot in it with the football star and scupper her plans to organise his wedding. Audrey doesn't think she needs to worry as Steve can be quite charming she says. Of course, not a patch on Freddy, she adds. In that case, Michelle teases her, how come she turned down the chance to go with him to the Zambezi club? Tommy announces he has to leave and needs a taxi. Tim, Ty and Steve fall over each other to offer their services but Steve gets lucky.

Nick is trying to talk some sense into David who is still determined to get his revenge on Clayton. Nick warns him of the consequences and tells him the children need a father, not a martyr. David says Nick's probably right and that Kylie wouldn't have wanted him to destroy his life over Clayton. He announces he's going for a stroll to clear his head. Nick offers to go with him but David insists he'd rather be on his own.

In the Bistro Andy gets Leanne on her own and puts in a good word with her about Steph. He tells her that even if he didn't love Steph he still reckons she'd be the best person to take over as manager. He asks Leanne not to mention their little chat to Steph.

Freddy and Rita arrive back from their evening out. We gather Freddy didn't do any dancing, preferring to spend his time sitting on a bar stool. The moment Rita goes inside, Audrey hurries across. Freddy says he wishes she'd been there. Audrey is delighted at the prospect of going out with Freddy and showing off some of her dance moves. At the mention of dancing, Freddy's face falls.

Back in the Bistro, Leanne shares some good news with Steph – provided Nick and Robert are happy, she's got a promotion. It doesn't take Steph long to work out who was behind the decision. She gives Andy a big hug and declares that, for a horror writer, he can be dead romantic.

Nick is on the phone to Leanne. If she's happy with her decision then so is he. As he hangs up, Gail comes home. She's in a state about David and even more worried that Nick has let him go out alone. Nick tells Gail he thinks he's managed to get through to David. It may not be all sunshine and rainbows but he thinks David is ready to move on.

The scene moves over to a cyber cafe where David is sitting in front of a computer screen. He's reading an article headed "Unnamed Youth in Murder Trial". David types in a comment under the article, naming Clayton Hibbs, aged 15 as Kylie's murderer.

Karen

David is doing some sort of dodgy deal with a youth in a hoodie, it seems he wants him to put up a load of posters and wants him to put lots up around the Dog and Gun. The guy in the hoodie wants an extra 50 quid danger money.

In the taxi office, Steve and Tim are talking about their hero, Tommy Worthington, when Eileen comes in. She's walked into the wrong office by mistake, force of habit. Steve reckons she was drawn to them and really wants to come back, but Tim reckons they've all moved on now. Eileen goes off out, with Steve after her, and just then the phone rings. Tim takes the call, it's Tommy Orpington!

Nick, Gail and Audrey are staring in horror at the posters that David and the young guy have put up on every available wall. The poster shows a photo of Clayton with the words 'My name is Clayton Hobbs, I murdered Kylie Platt'. Tyrone pulls up in his van and tells them the posters are all over Manchester. "Stupid boy!" mutters Gail, "if those thugs see this....." Just then a police car goes past them. "That's the least of his worries," says Nick.

On her way to the yard, Eileen meets Pat and Vinny. She asks if they shouldn't be employing contractors by now. Vinny tells her he's on his way to the site now, where he's interviewing all day. As he walks off, Eileen pokes her tongue out at him. Pat tells her he knows she doesn't like Vinny, but as soon as all the flats are sold he'll be out of their lives forever.

Standing by a taxi cab, Tim makes a phone call to Tommy and tells him he's found his phone.

Over at the garage, Tyrone and Luke are teasing Freddie about his night out with Rita, and telling him Audrey will be jealous. He tells them that actually he's going to take Audrey ballroom dancing.

Luke reckons that's really boring.

Rita is in the cafe with Billy and Todd. She's a little worse for wear after her night out with Freddie, three vodka tonics and a boogie! She tells Todd she's decided to go for the flat, she's got her eye on number 8, so she wants to pay her reservation fee. Todd tells her he'll get the contracts drawn up today.

Gemma is sitting with them, looking glum. She's in the last 3 for the Weatherfield Good Samaritan award, one of the other contenders is a policeman who has done a lot for the community, and the other is a 12 year old who played basketball all day for charity. She feels she hasn't got a chance, but Rita is sure she'll win.

Eileen sees Tim outside the taxi office, who tells her that he's just dropped Vinny off at the casino. She's furious!

Freddie meets David in the Street, and points at the posters of Clayton. He remarks that whoever did it, it wasn't the smartest move. David can't see anything wrong, but Freddie says that everyone deserves a fair trial. As David walks off towards home, he sees a police car parked outside the house.

Eileen storms up to the office at the yard and tells Pat that, after saying he was interviewing all day, Vinny has gone to the casino, and he's frittering away their money. Pat tries to reason with her, but Eileen won't be calmed. She wants to go down there to see what he's up to. Pat refuses to go at first, but when she says she'll go on her own, he goes after her, sending Vinny a quick text as he goes.

David walks into the house where the police are waiting for him. They tell him they want to talk to him about the posters, and some postings online that identify Clayton. "You do realise this could affect the trial," says the police woman, and points out that Clayton is a minor and as such is entitled to complete anonymity prior to court proceedings. "Yes, well of course, it's his rights that matter, isn't it," says David, sarcastically. The police then arrest David on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, and take him away.

In the casino car park, Vinny gets into a parked car and hands the guy behind the wheel some money. In return, the guy gives him a passport with a photo of Pat in it, under the name of Alan Frost, and then another with Vinny's photo in, under the name of Gordon Reeves. Just then Pat's van pulls up and Eileen jumps out and rushes over, practically snarling. "What are you doing here? Who is that?" she demands to know. Vinny just smiles and, thinking quickly, tells her he's the buyer for flat number 8, and introduces him as Mr. Russell. This well and truly knocks the wind out of Eileen's sails and she stutters that he has fantastic taste.

David is being interviewed by the police. They ask what happened to his face and he tells them he fell. They ask if he knows anything about the posters, but David says he's not saying anything until he gets his lawyer. Then he says that he doesn't know anything about the posters. They have an IP address for the online posting, the internet cafe on Tile Street. The police woman tells him that whoever is doing this is just handing ammunition to Clayton's defense team, who will claim that he can't have a fair trial and it is likely to be postponed or relocated. They ask him where he was between 7am – 9am, and he tells them he was walking the streets, he doesn't get much sleep these days, worrying about the kids and trying to make sense of why his wife was stabbed to death in the street. Just then the police woman is called outside.

Pat and Eileen have arrived back in the Street and it's his turn to be furious. He shouts at her saying he told her to leave it, and now Vinny deserves an apology. She nearly scuppered the deal. Suitably chastened, Eileen says she's sorry. Pat says he feels like she doesn't trust him, and if that's true it's more than just the job that's in jeopardy.

Luke and Freddie are ballroom dancing in the garage when Norris walks in who tells them that it's painful to watch their attempts. He goes on to tell them that he's won, or been runner up, in numerous dancing tournaments. Then he gets hold of Freddie and tells him he'll show him how it's done!

Tim is in the taxi office, playing fantasy football, when Tommy comes in for his phone and ends up playing with him.

Back in the garage, Norris is still giving Freddie dance lessons when Freddie trips over a toolbox and falls to the floor. "I think I've broken it!" he says, holding up his arm.

Billy, Todd and Rita are now in the Rovers, and Rita is signing the contract for the flat that she wants. Gemma comes in, all full of beans, telling them about her interview for the award.

Eileen comes into the pub, looking rather gloomy and sees Rita at the table. She goes over and congratulates her, telling her she's made a wise investment. Rita tells her she's bought number 8, the one with the lovely lake view. Eileen nods, but looks thoughtful.

The policeman and woman go back into the interview room, and tell David there's been a development. Someone has thrown a brick through Clayton's brother's window and he's now in hospital with a serious head injury. David chuckles, until he realises that they think he did it. "It wasn't me!" he protests, but it seems he's not believed. "This is a very serious offence," says the policewoman, "if Mr Hibbs dies, you could be up for murder!"

Anne Logan

Ooh, it's all getting exciting now!

The first Friday episodes opens yet again in the Rodwell-Platt household where breakfast is always chaos. Gail can't get through to anyone at the police station who can tell her about David (this will be: A. Because he won't be at the police station but at a custody suite; and B. Because no information about anyone is passed over the phone!), Bethany's going off to school without her breakfast, thought she swears she's got fruit in her bag and the police are at the door wanting to speak to Mrs Rodwell.

In an interview room, David's saying he wasn't at Macca's but was out walking yesterday and he got his injuries falling over a dog. The police officer tells him this could be a murder inquiry if Macca's condition doesn't improve. David's pleased to hear it and he reckons all coppers would welcome a murder inquiry - much more interesting than dealing with traffic.

Freddie's having trouble getting something out of a packet and Audrey comes out of the salon to ask him why his arm's all braced up. Tyrone apologises and offers to go to Roy's for a cuppa. Audrey and Freddie sit on Maxine's bench and he tells her how the accident happened. She invites him to come and stay at Grasmere Drive. She says she'd welcome the distraction of looking after him.

Gail and Michael answer questions together. It's only when the officers leave that we see Sarah is also there with a baby who looks remarkably like Gary Windass. Michael points out to Gail that she lied about David's injuries (she said he never said how he got them). He hopes David's not saying something different.

Eileen turns up at the project's sales and marketing suite to talk to Todd and to demand a list of who's been sold which apartment. She's not having her friend Rita done out of her flat. Todd explains that it's a standard tactic to show off the best apartment and then tell customers later that there's been a mix-up and offer another. Eileen stomps off and Todd calls Phelan. I don't know how Eileen got there. We never see her driving or catching the bus.

David's in luck. Someone saw Macca's neighbour lobbing the brick through the window. It was someone who'd seen David's posters and got angry at living next door to a murderer. David calls this a nice bit of collateral damage and the police let him go.

In the taxi office, Tim gets Steve to talk about his friend Tommy Orpington and then breaks it to him that Tommy was there yesterday and is coming to Tim's later on for a beer tasting session.

Eileen stomps up to the office and tells Phelan she's not happy with their clients and friends being lied to. She tells him to sort this out with Rita today.

Izzy, Gary and Jake are in the street with Gary talking about how reluctant Sharif is to spend money on the gym even though there's plenty of money in the account. They see Bethany pound past, running at a furious speed.

Gail's on the phone again and someone breaks data protection rules and tells her David was released three hours ago.

David's at the hospital, with grapes and flowers, pretending to be Macca's worried cousin. A nurse tells him Macca's being prepared for surgery and he'll have to wait.

In the space of an ad break, Macca's gone off to theatre and David's still waiting.

At the garage, Freddie tells Kevin and Ty about Audrey's offer, but he doesn't want to be a burden on her while they're still just getting to know each other. Tyrone offers to have him stay with them. Fiz won't mind. They're always putting people up.

Gary tries to talk to Bethany. She's annoyed and tells him she's not taking diet pills and wasn't bunking school but was running in her lunch break. Gary says he's there if she ever needs to talk.

Macca's wheeled past David. There doesn't seem to be a waiting room on this ward.

Tim's already pouring home brew for Kevin and Tommy when Steve arrives.

Sarah's working at the Rovers and Izzy mentions seeing Bethany running.

Phelan comes into the Rovers to talk to Rita. He tells her there was a mix-up and No 8 was sold twice. But he says it's all sorted. They offered the other buyer a discount to take another flat.

There's a game of street football going on, though Tim and Steve end up squabbling like small children.

Michael comes home with Max and a large trophy. David's still missing, though, and Max is annoyed that David didn't get to see him win.

The nurse tells David that Macca will make a good recovery but that David can't see him tonight. He'd best go home. David says he will, then sneaks into Macca's room. "It's just you and me now, Macca," he says.

The end of this episode.

Margaret Carr

At the time this episode aired I was in the USA taking in the delights of New England in the Autumn. I had a great time, the autumn colours were wonderful and the sun shone - one day I even wore shorts. Some great food notably in Boston but also Falmouth and now I have to catch up. This update comes courtesy of the itv hub and the wonders of the internet. It is episode 9008; written by John Kerr and directed by Alan Grint. Copyright remains the property of itv to whom many thanks. In the hospital David is at Macca's bedside asking if Macca can hear him. David tells him that the guy who stove his head in made one mistake - he did not finish the job. And he tells Macca to say hello to Callum from David as he removes the oxygen supply. He then goes to smother Macca but a nurse spots him and David says he is making Macca comfortable! David departs very sharply.

On the Street Bethany is running hard but Sarah calls her. It is Bethany's second run today and she is doing because everyone is being weird and she needed to get out of the house. And she cannot go to the gym as Sarah has canceled her membership. Sarah wants to know why Bethany is obsessed with working out all of the time. Bethany denies it is an obsession and calls Sarah dramatic. Sarah tells her that she can give it a miss and go with her to Roy's for a chat and a bite to eat. Bethany does the teenager eye rolling and denies being hungry. Sarah drags her into the cafe.

Steve, Tim, Kev and Tommy are having a kickabout in the Street, with the ball going into Eileen's lap as she sits at the bus stop. There is a bit of argy bargy and Tim injures Tommy - who is not amused as it hurts.

Anna delivers sandwiches to Bethany and Sarah - the former is wearing a face like thunder. Sarah wants to know what is up with Bethany. Sarah wants to know why she is doing all of this exercising and we see Bethany casting some suspicious looks at the doorstep on her plate. Sarah asks her if it is because of how she thinks she might look? Sarah assures her she is beautiful. Sarah recalls being a teenager and apart from boys and music the only things she thought about were clothes, hair and how they looked. Bethany says she is not Sarah and wants to get off now. Sarah says she cannot go until she has eaten the doorstep. Sarah says she cannot remember the last time she saw Bethany eat - so she has to eat it. Bethany point blank refuses. Sarah continues to encourage her. Eventually Bethany picks it up - looks at it and throws it back on the plate and starts crying. Sarah begs Bethany to talk to her. Sarah hugs her.

In Tim's front room Tommy has his sore leg up on the sofa and Steve, Tim and Kev are all looking worried. Tim apologises - not welcomed and he starts arguing with Steve. Tommy wants a taxi to A&E as he has a big match next week. Tommy has had it before - he thinks it is cruciate ligament. Tommy then tells Steve and Tim off for winding each other up - which has led to him being where he is with a bag of frozen peas on his knee.

Over at the Platts Michael comes downstairs but Gail and Nick have not been able to contact David. Max is playing on his Xbox. David appears through the front door, looking the worse for wear. He refuses to say where he has been. Michael tells him that the family liaison officer is on her way over. She has some news about the trial. They tell him Max came first and won the swimming trophy - but David is unable to show pleasure.

Sarah is now asking Bethany how many runs she has done today. Twice. Yesterday three or four times. Anna is earwigging. Sarah says that is not normal. Bethany says that having a dead body in the house or someone getting murdered in the family is not normal either, or your mother going off her head. Sarah assures Bethany that it is not her fault - none of it. Sarah wants to work out what all this is about. Sarah wants the truth - has Bethany been making herself sick? Bethany denies it. But it is why she exercises so much. She works out what she has eaten in calories and then how many kilometres she has to run to burn it off. She claims it is good for her maths. So is it all about weight asks Sarah. Bethany admits that when she is running or at the gym it takes her mind off all the things which have happened and she can stop thinking about them. She needs to find a way of not thinking about things. Sarah suggests renewing the gym membership - on condition that Gary works out a proper training plan that will not make her ill. Bethany says she is a teenage girl so of course it will not make her happy. Sarah insists that Bethany needs to promise to talk to her if there is something wrong. Bethany agrees - and Anna wants to close up.

Pat is ordering a pint of lager and a whisky chaser. Vinny arrives - he got the message so where is the fire? Pat says the problem is fixed. Eileen had found that one of the flats had been sold twice. Vinny asks if she knows what is going on - Pat assures him that she still does not know. Pat says he has spent the day keeping Eileen and the old cow who runs the newsagents happy (Rita we must assume). The longer it goes on the harder it is going to get. Pat says he cannot do it any longer. Pat downs the whisky in one and Vinny looks troubled.

Sarah goes into the gym. Both Gary and Sarah seem pleased to see the other. Sarah asks to renew Bethany's membership. Sarah tells Gary that she has sorted a few things out with her daughter. Gary is glad as she is a nice kid. Sarah quite coquettishly waggling her head thanks Gary for all of his help with the recent bullying. He says it was nothing and she asks if he is always this modest. He reckons that it is one of his most attractive features after his rugged good looks. He wants Sarah's credit card details and Bethany will be good to go. Sarah says there is something else - she is working in the Rovers tonight but she thought she could buy him a drink and she is flashing those big eyes as she asks. Just to apologise for being a mardy cow? Gary looks excited by the idea.

Back at the Platts the liaison officer is saying the CPS have been in touch and David will no longer be required to give evidence. With Clayton's name in the public domain it could discredit David's evidence. Gail thinks it will be good for David not to have go through it all again. David tells his mother that she has no idea what he is going through. He has had his heart ripped out and every morning he looks at the empty space in the bed where Kylie is no longer. He says his life means nothing now. And he says that someone has to pay for that. He stomps out and Nick goes after him. Gail is stunned by David's venom. Michael comforts her.

After the break Gary is running into the Street meeting Anna who wants some help to carry the shopping in. He is not keen as he has to go and get changed. With whom? He admits he is meeting Sarah. He assures his mother it is just a drink. Anna says just as well as they have enough problems with him getting involved with her and that lot! He gives Anna a kiss and dashes away.

In the Rovers Vinny tells Pat he cannot walk away from their scheme. Pat reckons they have made enough already and should cut and run. But Vinny says if they do not pull it all off then a few people are going to get really upset. The sort of people you do not upset. Vinny tells him to man up - he is tougher than a few old biddies. Pat says he is tough enough. Vinny says they have to keep it together and in two months they will be on a beach sipping a cocktail watching the bikini clad birds walking past. And it will be forever.

Nick comes into the Rovers looking for David, Michelle says he is in the back yard. David tells Nick he has nothing to say to him. Nick assures him the family simply want to help him. David challenges Nick to find a way of helping him beyond platitudes. Nick asks him about someone paying for Kylie's death. David claims he was just shooting his mouth off. Nick asks where David went once the police released him. David admits he went to see Macca in hospital.

Across at the salon Freddie walks in to see Audrey. He tells her he will not be coming over for tea as Ty and Fiz will be putting him up. Audrey is upset as she had been looking forward to making his tea. Freddie wants to explain. Audrey however decides that Mrs Farquar takes precedence and will not hear him out. She will see him in the Rovers later.

David is admitting to putting his hand over Macca's face. Macca was struggling and David knew he had to press harder. He was watching, wanting him to die. But a nurse came in and he had to go. David assures Nick that there was no CCTV. And Macca is fine for now. Nick tells David he has to let it go or he will go to the police himself. Lot of help that is says David. Nick is trying to keep David out of prison for the rest of his life. What about Max and Lily - but David says he is no good for them. David says he cannot forget about Macca. The only time he has felt anything other than pain and hurt recently is when he found out that Macca was hurt and when he was close to smothering him. Macca does not deserve to live. Nick tells David it is not his decision. It is not gong to make David feel better, or take away his pain. After all it was Clayton who killed Kylie and not Macca. So what will David do - go to prison and try to kill Clayton in the showers? Nick tells David to let the courts do their job. David has to promise that he will stay away from the hospital and Macca. Eventually David promises.

Back inside the Rovers Vinny is checking that all is well between him and Pat. They go their separate ways. Pat promises to try and ensure that Eileen does not screw things up. Ah well it is a lot of money.

Sarah hands a smart looking Gary a bottle of beer. He thanks her and continues staring - she has dolled herself up and Gary says she looks really nice. She denies making an effort (I have seen less makeup on Liz). He denies making an effort either! She likes his shirt! He tells her it is new. So he did make some effort she observes. They both smile at each other.

Audrey comes into the bar. Freddie has bought her a drink. She is clearly not happy. Freddie explains that he enjoys her company. But he does not want her looking after him - it is not right. But he has a broken wrist she points out. He says it should be the other way round - he should be looking after her. She has come round and thinks that he rather kind and rather sweet.

Steve's phone rings. Oh dear, it is Jim McDonald so it is. Steve is not interested and is going to hang up. Before he does Jim tells him there is something wrong.

David returns home. Gail of course has been worried sick. He has been at the Rovers having a drink with Nick. David does not want any dinner. He sees Max sitting at the top of the stairs waiting for him. David has seen the trophy and that Max won his race. David is sorry he missed Max winning by a mile. David says that there will be times when he cannot be there for Max - and the poor lad has already lost his two natural parents so is unhappy at this. David lies and says it is down to work and so on. But David knows Max will be fine because he is already so grown up. He is nearly as tall as David - Max laughs and points out they are sitting down. David says he is smart as well. David gives him a huge hug. David sends Max to bed.

Eileen returns home to find Pat has flowers and lit candles and is waiting for her with an apology. Pat assures her he has spoken to Vinny and sorted things out with Rita as well. He offers her a glass of wine. She says it will take more than some cheap plonk to get him off the hook - which he accepts. Pat accepts they need a break - Eileen asks if that is from each other? He counters - no with each other. They can go in three or four months time. Beach, clear blue skies - together. She melts, smiles and they kiss. That is his answer.

Sarah is being walked home by Gary and she is thanking him for a nice night. He responds that seriously it was fun. She agrees. She says she needed a night with a friend as things have not been easy lately. He tells her they will get better. They look at each other meaningfully and Gary closes in to kiss her. She kisses him back. Gary then apologises that he should not have done that. Sarah is not sorry. And they close and kiss again. She has her hand on the back of his neck. She had better go. They exchange smiles and he watches her go indoors.

Inside David is looking at a computer. He tells Sarah he is checking his emails. Sarah is off to bed and will see him in the morning. David is looking at pictures of the court building and is no doubt working on another plan.

The Street is getting close to a pressure cooker - the Flats, David and Gary are all close to exploding, whilst Bethany is close to imploding. Something has to give very soon now I think.

See you next week.

Richard

Written by Susan Outdot Directed by Neil Alderton

Steve is deep in thought when Liz comes through, chuckling over a cheeky brewery rep who flirted with her and made her morning. She sits down and asks Steve why the long face? He says he's nervous about Michelle's scan. Liz reassures him. There's an awkward moment when Liz refers to the baby inside "her" and Michelle comes in, hoping they're talking about her.

Anna is moaning about a possible union between Gary and Sarah Platt. Faye is busy with her phone and then asks her mother if they can invite Izzy round for tea. Anna isn't too keen but Faye butters up her mother and the invite will be forthcoming. Tim and Kevin come in as Faye is sent off to school. Around the corner she makes a phone call and tells whoever it is that "It's sorted, we're in".

Leanne, sporting an obvious bump these days, and Nick walk along talking about David. She's assuring him that David will get through all this with his family's support. They encounter Steve and Michelle who are on the way to have the scan. Steve and Nick can barely look at each other and the tension is thick in the air but Michelle doesn't twig on to it and the two couples make haste and depart.

David is lounging on the sofa, brooding. Lily is on the floor drawing and Gail and Audrey are in the kitchen fretting about David. Gail asks where Maria is and is told she's in London for a few days helping a friend. Gail wants her to ask David to come in to work to keep his mind occupied. The bring up the subject to David who says he is going to be busy but is persuaded to agree.

Sarah's ordering breakfast with extra toast and sits down with Bethany who's still kind of avoiding hers. Sarah reminds her to have some lunch later and offers to meet her at the gym later. Bethany thinks Sarah is trying to keep an eye on her but admits she's only teasing and is fine with the workout date. Bethany notices that Sarah keeps watching the door and figures out that she fancies someone. Sarah admits there is someone she's interested in but it's very early days. Bethany is cool with it and encourages her mother to go for it, as long as he's nice. Anna brings over the toast and hears the end of the conversation and when Bethany teases her mother by telling Anna it's about Mum's new boyfriend, Anna glares daggers behind Sarah's back.

At the builders' yard, Vinny tells Phelan they only have to hang on for two months though Phelan's worried about having to keep Eileen sweet for that long. Vinny suggests he find something else that will keep her occupied in the meantime.

Gary hands Izzy a bag she'd forgotten. He sees Bethany come out of the cafe and greets her. They chat about the new flat and their workout schedule. Gary is quite interested to hear that Sarah has a new boyfriend. He offers his help if she needs anything and turns to go, with Bethany smiling after him.

Steve and Michelle are at the hospital in the middle of the scan. We can hear the heartbeat. The technician turns the screen around so they can see. Both of them are emotional and absolutely thrilled. The technician says everything looks fine.

Eileen is looking at holiday brochures in anticipation of their fancy break. He advises they not book too soon as they can get a better deal on a posh holiday if they wait. He starts making noises about them being together all day every day and that they need some time on their own to appreciate the time they get together. They each should have their own thing. He remembers when his ex got involved with his business and it didn't end up well. Eileen admits she misses Steve and Tim and decides to go to see if she can get some shifts back at Streetcars. Phelan promises she can still be involved in the project, too. He's pleased and suggests they look for holiday dates for about three months' time.

Steve and Michelle are back on the Street. Michelle wonders if they should find out the sex of the baby next time and maybe they should start thinking about names, too. She figures they should get in there first before Leanne decides what she's going to name hers. Yes, she agrees, that's a bit childish but she doesn't care. Steve just looks as if he wishes the ground would swallow him up. She witters on, not noticing. He interrupts and finally gets her attention. He's serious. He tells her he's heard from his father and then proceeds to reassure her that he loves her and the baby, no matter what happens. She's serious now and a bit scared. He says there might be something wrong with the baby because there might be something wrong with him.

After the break, he's told her what it is. His father has it which means Steve might have it and therefore, Michelle finishes the sentence, the baby might have it. What is it? It's Myotonic Dystrophy, is what it is. Steve doesn't know anything about it and has only been concerned with finding a way of telling her. Michelle is determined to find out what they have to do, now. She sees Rana coming out of the medical centre and calls her over.

In the cafe, Gail is telling Anna about her guilty pleasure watching afternoon telly. Anna decides to stir the pot and tells Gail that Sarah has a new boyfriend which is news to Gail. (What's she got against Gail? or does Anna just like to cause trouble? Don't answer that.)

Rana is trying to tell Steve and Michelle not to believe everything they read in the internet, which is full of rubbish. Rana advises them that they need to talk to the doctor and takes the laptop off them to find them a reputable medical site in the meantime. Rana finds out that there's a 50/50 chance that Steve has the gene. Michelle wants to know what can be done if he does have it. Rana shakes her head. Doesn't seem too hopeful that there's a cure.

David did make it to the salon but only stayed a short while. He tries to leave but Audrey insists that he finish the client he's working on. He's not impressed but he leaves as soon as her back is turned.

In the cab office, Tim is soft soaping a client who's still waiting for a cab. Eileen comes in and assumes she can take her shifts back. Tim is about to agree but Sally comes in and interrupts with a warning, it's probably better to take on the best person for the job, not just anyone that walks in. Wha'? Eileen objects but Tim thinks Eileen should come back for an interview which offends Eileen. She storms off. He tells her to come back at 4:30. Sally looks smug.

Steve is in the back, quiet. Michelle comes in and sits with him. He figures he's messed everything up. She tells him this isn't his fault. How would he have known about this issue and it's definitely something out of his control. She tells him they can't "what if" or they'll go mad. Doctor first, then figure out what they do from there. Steve reckons he'll have to tell Liz but Michelle figures they should wait until they know more. Michelle is sure they'll get through it and it'll be fine. Michelle decides to go and get them something nice for tea. She kisses him and leaves. In the hallway, after closing the door, she tears up, just as scared as he is.

David is at the crown court. He empties his pockets but still beeps the detector. He is then scanned with a handheld unit. He comments that people must try to smuggle all sorts but the guard is not forthcoming. We can see through the CCTV from various angles that David is casing the place, spotting where all the cameras are.

Izzy is in the cafe, with Jake and Kevin and Jack. Jack tells them that Faye offered to babysit and when she comes in, she also offers to mind Jake, both of the kids at Izzy's flat. They all agree that's ok. Faye goes out looking pleased with herself.

Gail talks about maybe taking Tai Chi, good for stress, she says. Especially if she's going to be doing more babysitting now Sarah has a boyfriend. Sarah looks at Bethany who shrugs. Gail admits Anna told her. Sarah says it's very early days but Gail thinks it's probably a good thing, it'll take her out of herself. Gail hopes he's decent and Sarah assures her. She then asks Bethany if she's seen her compact mirror. Bethany offers her own, pointing to her handbag. Sarah digs in to try to find it and doesn't, but finds something else. The diet pills. She turns around and shouts at Bethany.

Leanne finds Michelle sobbing at the bus stop. Leanne is instantly worried, thinking there's a problem with the baby. Michelle tells her the scan did go well but there's something else. They've found out that Steve may be carrying a gene for Myotonic Dystrophy. Leanne blanches and asks if it's bad. Yes, yes it is. Michelle sobs that she's trying to be strong but she's scared. Nobody knows yet if Steve has the gene for the disease and if he does, there's a chance the baby has it too. Leanne looks like she's just had the breath knocked out of her as this episode ends.

Tvor

Written by Susan Oudot and directed by Neil Alderton

As Leanne and Michelle wait at the bus stop. Leanne strokes her baby bump protectively while a tearful Michelle tells her a bit more about Myotonic Dystrophy. She says all she knows so far is that it's a genetic condition that can affect different muscles in the body and the symptoms can be very severe. "And Steve's definitely got it?" asks a worried Leanne. Michelle replies there's a 50% chance and there's no cure. Michelle becomes upset at the thought of how this might affect her baby while Leanne has to keep her identical thoughts to herself. Michelle asks Leanne not to tell anyone for now as they haven't even told Liz.

Round at the Platts' Sarah is having a shouting match with Bethany over the diet pills she found. Bethany swears she's stopped taking them. She tells Sarah that Gary tried to tell her how dangerous the pills were but she didn't listen. "Gary?" asks Sarah. Bethany tells her not to blame him, she told him not to say anything. Bethany apologises and Sarah gives her a big hug.

David is waiting outside the Crown Court. He watches as a prison van arrives but the gates close behind it before he can see the prisoners leaving the van.

In the cab office Tim is attempting to conduct an interview with Eileen. He consults Sally's list of questions then adds one of his own – how does the boss like to have his tea? Having answered that one correctly and reacquired her job, Eileen tells Tim they haven't discussed her pay rise.

Liz comes across Steve looking, as she puts it, as though he's lost a shoe and found a sock. He decides to come clean and tells her he might have a disease. What kind of disease, Liz wants to know. "One that could kill me," replies Steve.

The reason Faye was so keen to babysit and get everyone out of the house is revealed. As she puts some final touches to her make-up the doorbell rings and she lets in a young lad. The two of them sit down on the sofa and start to kiss …

Over at the Bistro things are fairly quiet so Nick suggests he and Leanne should go home for the evening but then he realises something's up. He tells her not to worry, she and the baby are fine. He looks confused when Leanne asks what about the father, what if there's something wrong with him?

Out in the street, Sarah encounters Gary and lays into him about keeping quiet over Bethany and the diet pills. Gary tries to defend his actions but Sarah doesn't want to know. She tells him she gave him a second chance and he blew it and from now on he must stay away from her daughter and stay away from her.

Steve has filled Liz in and she's furious that Jim is expecting Steve to break the news to Andy who could also be affected. She asks if they can do a test. Steve says they can but there's no point in getting ahead of themselves. Liz has more questions: what about Amy? And the baby? Steve claims that Michelle is dealing with the whole thing really well but Liz tells Steve she's going to need his support. And then there's the elephant in the room, Liz points out. She tells Steve he has to consider Leanne in all of this. He promises he will tell her … when he's ready.

Leanne has told Nick about the condition and he's looked it up on the internet. He tells her they can do genetic testing which involves a simple blood test. He does his best to reassure Leanne that everything will be fine and they just need to find out when Steve's going to take the test. If he takes it and it's negative, he tells Leanne, then they're home and dry. But Leanne doesn't want Nick to get in touch with Steve because Michelle has asked her not to tell anyone. Nick can't believe Leanne is worried about upsetting Steve. He says he'll text him and ask him to come to the flat.

Gail goes round to the salon looking for David who's gone AWOL again. Audrey says she knew he wasn't ready to come back to work but he'll turn up when he's ready. In view of her son leaving Audrey in the lurch Gail rolls up her sleeves and offers to help clean up the salon. After hearing about Bethany and the diet pills Audrey comments that she's getting too old for all these family dramas.

Faye and the lad are so busy kissing on the sofa they don't hear Anna and Kevin come in. "What's going on here?" demands a furious Anna. Kevin remarks he would have thought that was fairly obvious.

Out in the street David has turned up. He's sitting on the bench with Max, telling him he's too young for violent video games. Max is playing with some toy cars. He smashes one against the other and it falls to the ground. David looks up – it seems to have given him an idea.

Back at Izzy's flat, Anna is laying into Faye and the lad. Faye tries to defend herself and tells Anna Seb's been her boyfriend for three weeks. Seb, who seems very polite, decides it's best to leave. After he's gone Kevin says he didn't seem like a bad lad but an angry Anna screams at Faye that even good lads get girls pregnant and she won't go through all that again.

In the Rovers Steve tells Michelle that he's told his mum. She goes through to the back where Liz is coming down the stairs. Liz says she knows Michelle's putting on a brave face for Steve but she doesn't need to do it in front of her as she must be going through hell right now. Michelle admits that she's been driving herself mad with worry since Steve told her.

Out in the bar Eileen is keen for Tim to tell Steve that she's got her old job back but Steve is distracted by a series of messages from Nick. Steve doesn't even react when Tim mentions giving Eileen a pay rise and then hurries out of the pub.

Sarah and Bethany are curled up on the sofa together watching a film while David is giving Lily and Max their tea, acting as if nothing's wrong. Gail comes in and wonders where he's been. She seems confused by David's transformation from earlier and this unexpected scene of domesticity.

Steve arrives at Nick's flat. While he's on his way up the stairs Leanne reminds Nick to be sensitive and try to stay calm. Leanne opens things by saying that Michelle has told her about his condition and saying how sorry she is. Steve reacts by being offhand and dismissive so Nick asks what his plans are and when he's going to take the test. Steve says he hasn't decided, he might not even take it. Nick can't believe what he's hearing, and tells Steve he has to take it. Steve replies that he doesn't have to do anything. Leanne wonders if Michelle knows he might not take it. Nick says that Michelle is used to Steve not telling her stuff. Steve doesn't take kindly to this and warns them to back off. He says that he may not have any control over the disease but he does have control over this and so he's reached a decision – he's not going to take the test and there's nothing they can do about it.

Karen

There's a large skip outside Dev's house, and Norris peers into it, then he asks Dev if there's going to be any space left when Dev's new bathroom has been fitted. Dev assures him that there won't be, he's going to use all of it.

Sarah and Michael are walking along pushing the pram when they meet Gary and Izzy. Izzy asks how baby Harry is and Sarah, looking awkward, mutters that he's fine. Gary asks if he's sleeping any better. "I said he's fine," snaps Sarah, and then tells Michael they should get inside, so they walk away. Izzy asks Gary what that was all about, she noticed how Sarah was with him. "It's a long story," says Gary.

Over in the garage, Tyrone stops Freddie and Luke from working on a car. The owner has apparently bought a new one and doesn't want to pay for any repairs on this one. It's going to be scrapped.

In the back room of the pub, Steve is feeling down about the possibility of him having the muscle condition. Michelle tries to be encouraging, telling him to wait for the counseling. Steve can't see any point in going, he just wants to bury his head in the sand. Right now he feels fine, he doesn't want to know if he's got it. Then he gets up and goes to walk the dog.

In the cafe, Anna and Kevin are talking about Faye and her boyfriend. Kevin tells her it's normal, but Anna says that for Faye it's not, she can't risk her getting pregnant again. Kevin is sure that's not going to happen, but Anna states that Faye is her daughter and she's not going to discuss it any further.

Gary has told Izzy what happened with Bethany, how he knew she was being bullied at school, taking diet pills and failed her exams and yet he still didn't tell Sarah. He admits that he handled it badly, he messed up, but now it's time to move on. Izzy points out that he obviously likes Sarah, they went for a drink. He says it's weird talking about this to her, but Izzy thinks it's ok – unless he still has romantic feelings for her. "No!" says Gary. She asks if he's just going to give up on Sarah. He replies that it seems the right thing to do.

Simon wants to ask Peter if he'll come to see him pick up his football award. "He probably won't come," he says. Leanne tells him that they'll be there, whatever happens.

When Simon has gone, Nick asks if Leanne has heard anything from Steve, the suspense is killing him. Leanne tells him she hasn't, and all they can do is wait. Just then Rana comes in, wanting coffee.

David is putting on his coat and tells Gail he's going out, but won't say where. She tells him she's worried about him. He tells her he's worried about himself too, but he has found something that helps – visiting the cemetery with flowers for Kylie, and talking to her. It makes him feel like they're still connected. "Say hello from me," says Gail as he goes out of the door.

Back in the Bistro, Nick and Leanne ask Rana if she knows anything about myotonic dystrophy, explaining that they have a friend....."Steve!" says Rana, "Steve McDonald." They agree that that is who it is, and she tells them she's already spoken to Steve and Michelle but she can't discuss anyone else's medical conditions.

David comes in and asks Nick if he can borrow his car. Nick hands over the keys and David goes off.

When David has gone, Leanne tells Nick that she'll have a word with Michelle, maybe she can persuade Steve to take the test.

Liz is talking to Erica in the back room of the pub, and tells her how Jim has been diagnosed with a muscle wasting disease and Steve and Andy could have inherited it, and Steve might have passed it on to Amy. Just then the door opens and Michelle walks in, and Liz tells her how they were talking about Jim and his condition. Michelle tells them that Steve has now decided not to take the test to see if he has a disease there is no cure for.

David has parked behind the court building. He walks over to the large wooden gates and stands there. Then he pulls a cigarette lighter out of his pocket and lights it. "Boom!" he says.

David is now in a large and seemingly deserted car park. There are a lot of rubbish bins in the centre and he goes over to them and starts pulling out large cardboard boxes.

Leanne goes into the pub and asks Liz is Michelle is about, but she isn't. She then asks for Steve but he's not there either. Liz asks if she wants them for anything important, but Leanne says she just wanted to chat. When she's gone, Liz turns to Erica who was at the bar and asks what she thought that was about. "She was lying," says Erica, "not important? My eye!"

David has piled the cardboard boxes, which are conveniently all the same size and shape, on top of one another to form a wall. He then starts counting paces as he walks away from them and over to Nick's car.

Izzy is in the cafe with Sarah, trying to plead Gary's case. She says he knows he was in the wrong. Sarah asks what it has to do with her, and Izzy tells her that Gary is a good, caring, generous man, there aren't many around like him. Sarah asks how Izzy feels about him now. "He's a mate," says Izzy, "and he's Jake's dad, he's no idea I'm talking to you, I just want to see him happy." Sarah isn't sure, she says her priority is Bethany now.

Kevin comes into the cafe and tells Anna that he's brought up two teenage daughters and made lots of mistakes, but he knows that if they're banned from doing something they want to do, they'll do it anyway. Anna just waves slices of bread at him. "White or brown?" she asks.

Dev brings in a cardboard box full of old and broken bric-a-brac found in his skip and plonks it on the table where Norris is sitting eating.

Over at the garage, an excited Sophie tells Luke that her sister is off to Miami for promotion work for three months and has asked Sophie to go with her, but Sophie is worried that they're too busy at the garage and she doesn't want to let her dad down. Luke reckons Kevin will be only too pleased for her.

David is sitting in Nick's car with the engine running. With the lighter in his hand he suddenly revs the engine hard and then accelerates towards and through the wall of boxes, flicking the lighter on as he does so. The boxes scatter in all directions.

Kevin brings Faye into the cafe and Anna tells her that maybe she was a bit hasty about the boyfriend and maybe she should make an effort to get to know him a bit better. Kevin suggests they all go for a family meal tomorrow at the Bistro, if Seb is free. Faye grins and says she'll text him.

Sophie rushes into the cafe and excitedly tells Kevin and Anna about Rosie's invitation to Miami. "She lives in cloud cuckoo land, our Rosie, as if you could have three months off work!" says Kevin, bursting Sophie's bubble. Anna sees Sophie's face and points out that he hasn't asked Sophie if she'd like to go or not. "I don't need to, I know our Sophie," says Kevin, oblivious, "she's a worker."

Outside the Bistro, David is handing the car keys back to Nick. Nick notices a mark on the front of the car and isn't happy. He tells David to borrow someone else's car next time. David looks up and sees the Tyrone, Freddie and Luke standing chatting by the old car that's going to be scrapped. He walks over to them and announces that he needs a car.

Sarah goes into the gym and apologises to Gary. He asks if they can start again, maybe go out for a drink sometime. Sarah says she thinks it's best they keep things as they are, she has to put her family first, but once outside the door she doesn't look very happy about it.

Leanne goes back to the pub and finds Michelle miserable in the back room. She tells Leanne that Steve is in denial, he won't take the test and won't even discuss it. Tearfully she tells Leanne that she doesn't think she's ever been so scared. Leanne reckons Michelle should make Steve take the test, for the baby. "You're right," says Michelle, "I have to make him take that test."

David is all set to buy the old car. Tyrone. Freddie and Luke try to put him off it, saying it won't get through the next MOT and would cost more to fix than it's worth. David tells them he only wants it to take Bethany up to an empty car park to give her a few driving lessons. "Are you sure about this?" asks Luke. "Yes," says David, "it's perfect."

Anne Logan

It's October, and that's ratings time, so you can guarantee some big stories. Tonight's episode pushes us nicely towards some of those coming to a head.

We start with breakfast time at the pub. Steve's trying to jolly along Michelle. She didn't get much sleep. It's killing her not knowing whether the baby's going to face a lifetime of pain. Steve points out that even if he takes the test and it comes up positive there's nothing they can do. She says at least they can prepare. She pleads with him to take the test and give her peace of mind.

Leanne's also worried about him taking the test, though she tells Nick as they walk with Simon that she's worried about Michelle. Simon's cheerful because Nick's coming to his presentation.

David's at the garage holding a whole heap of money. Tyrone teases him about it but David's just interested in whether the car's ready. It's not and Tyrone tries to persuade him he could get something much better for the money. This one won't make it through its next MOT (That's a WOF to you NZers). Tyrone insists David let him finish the work, then. He'd never forgive himself if David took it out and something happened. David doesn't realise Nick's seen him from across the road.

Sarah and Gail are at home. Gail gets a call from the school - Max has been in a fight. She thinks David's at the cemetery and isn't answering the phone. Sarah says he's spending too much time there. Gail goes off to get Max.

Tracy's finally out of the arms of Morpheus, though she tells Ken (when he explains who Morpheus is) she doesn't go much for Mediterranean types. Ken tells her Peter's coming to see Simon but Tracy's very scathing about that. Ken calls her a dreadful cynic and she calls him a dreadful sap. Ken says it takes courage to strike out and make a new life. Tracy asks if Ken can strike out and help her in the shop this afternoon.

Gail arrives home with Max. She tells him he's had more to cope with than anyone his age should. She says David is proud of him but Max doesn't think so. He hardly sees David any more and knows he keeps disappointing him. He urges Gail not to tell David about the fight. He'll only be angry.

Tommy's in the florist shop looking for something to thank Tyrone and Fiz for having him. Tracy tries to sell him a 35-pound bunch. He takes a 12-pound one. Ken asks after his arm and hears that he did it dancing in the garage. When he's gone, Ken seems morose. He can't remember the last time he danced. Tracy suggests the one o'clock club!

Gail's at the cemetery where it's clear there haven't been any fresh flowers on Kylie's grave for some time.

Tim arrives in the taxi office and finds Steve looking at a health website. Steve admits it's about him.

David's in the cafe and Nick says he saw him with Tyrone. David says he's bought a car. Gail comes in the confronts him about the grave. At first he says someone must have swiped the flowers and then says he's been walking to get some time on his own. Gail tells him about Max and says Sarah's taken him to the park. She tells David that Max has already lost his mum and now he fears he's losing David. She's not going to stand and watch the family fall to pieces. "Max and Lily need you and they need all of you all the time."

Fay talks to Seb about needing more money of her own. She can't afford a 35-pound top she has seen. She might get a job. She reminds him about the meal at the Bistro though he's not keen because her family obviously doesn't like him. "Please come!" she says

Steve and Tim talk about the test. Tim points out that Jim's had no problems until now so even if the test is positive he'll know he has a good amount of time before it affects him. "If I had the chance to get the all-clear I'd grab it with both hands.

Ken's taking a phone order. Or not taking it, once he's given the caller a lecture about American cultural imperialism when he hears the corsages are for a "prom." The caller hangs up on him. Tracy's furious at him and Ken starts to take off his apron. He gets a call from Peter who is no longer coming to see Simon's presentation. "No, you're not sorry, Peter, or you wouldn't be doing it." He refuses to hear any more explanation and ends the call.

In the Bistro the family's waiting for Seb. Fay's just about to make his apologies when he arrives. He hands her a gift and it's that top she liked.

Nick and David chat in the kitchen. David says he promised Kylie he'd look after the children but the truth is he can't. Nick thinks he's coping brilliantly. He says his love for Kylie and his love for the kids will help him see it through. It's what Kylie would have wanted. David points out the trouble Nick had when his father died, even though Gail's ten times the parent he'll ever be. Nick says he'll be there to help, too, but David thinks it will be different when Nick has his own child to focus on. Nick says he'll come to David for advice but David says Nick will be a great dad and won't need to do that.

In the Bistro the blokes chat about football while Sophie and Anna ask Fay whether Seb has a job which means he could afford the top.

Michelle gets back from an unsuccessful meeting with Tommy Orpington and his fiance to find Leanne in the bar. Leanne asks about Steve and the test and is quite indignant when she hears he's not having it. Michelle says she has to tread carefully because depression's always there, waiting for someone to push the button. Leanne says it's not all about him. What about Amy? She says Tracy wouldn't let him get away with not taking the test.

David's on the sofa with his laptop, writing something on a piece of paper. He then plays the video, which is clearly a farewell message for the kids. He says he's not sorry for killing the man who killed Kylie, but he is sorry for what that's done to the children. "The last thing I wanted was to hurt you. Being your dad has been amazing, joyful, but I can't be the dad you need. You need the man I used to be but he's gone." He's crying on the screen.

"Your mum was my heart - the only bit of me worth bothering with." He tells them they need to get past the pain and sadness of losing her and can't do that with him because he can't get past it himself. The tears are just streaming down his face now.

"It hurts more than I ever thought it would do." He says he can't go on in a world where "that animal" can laugh and make plans for when he gets out. He says Nick can give them what he can't and Gail loves them almost as much as David does. "Let them guide you. Grow up and go out into the world and make me and your mum proud. Take care kids. I love you so much."

Sniff.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. Tonight's episode is the final one before Super Soap Week when both Emmerdale and Corrie have melt downs. So if you are wondering what has happened to Pat's flats or Sharifgate or Alya's knickers then these will re-appear no doubt once the Platt (and Barlow) family fortunes are settled next week.

Sadly a huge plot was accidentally given away by Helen Worth / Gail Rodwell when she appeared on "This Morning" - but never fear - just the last few seconds of the second episode of Monday 17 October are harrowing for all concerned - and all I can do is alert you to find ways of watching it. I hoe Karen can convey the sense of shock felt in this household.

Back to my allotted stretch on the mean Street of Weatherfield. This is episode 9013 and was written by Chris Fewtrell; it was directed by Neil Alderton; copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open at the Platt household where David has finished recording his Goodbye - you can find the video here: http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/news/a811189/coronation-street-david-platt-full-goodbye-message/ - and he snaps the laptop shut as Gail returns with Max and Lily. David gives both children hugs. David tells Max that he does not have to worry about anything and seeks to re-assure him. Then he sends them both for a biscuit. Gail reports that he liked going to the park with Sarah, She asks about the laptop and David casually lies he was looking at the internet. He tells her is finished with Clayton and there is no point to it. He is off to the garage to collect his motor with the kids, go for a drive and get them a burger on the way back. He tells Gail it is nothing flash but it will do "the job". Gail says it is good to see David looking forward. The kids bring David a biscuit and the discarded note gets even more scrunched on the sofa under Max's behind.

In the Bistro Seb is proving too good to be true - he is exchanging banter with Kev and Tim whilst Sophie is hoping he will convince Kev to change his mind about her trip to the sun with Rosie. Anna supports Kev saying Seb would not be there if Victorian Kev had not talked her round. Anna reckons that he is worried about Rosie's friends.

Simon is "Player of the Year" (an odd time for the award - mid season?) and Ken is duly pleased - Simon is not because as usual Peter has let him down by not getting there. Ken recalls David Barlow who was a good player. Simon is more concerned about Peter's absence. Ken believes Peter had a work problem - but Simon does not believe it. Leanne says she has given up trying to work out Peter. Simon's evening was ruined by his absence. Even Leanne cannot defend Peter this time - I am drinking, I am not drinking, I am neglected, I am suffocated - he has an excuse for everything. Ken agrees. She is off to work and tells Simon there is chicken and salad for tea. Ken offers to make Simon some tea and he is happy to stay.

David has returned to the car park which had the mysterious cardboard boxes (which have equally mysteriously vanished - those runner elves do a good job!) in the Corsa (a small 4 door Vauxhall). He apologises for not being around very much to Max (and Lily, who is supposedly in the back seat but we never see anyone else in the shots of her - it looks like she was shot separately). David assures them both he loves them. Lily says "I love you Daddy". They are the best kids he could ever wish to have, he loves them very much and is very proud of them. He explains to Max that he only wants him to grow up so that he can help look after Lily as he (David) might not be around so much in the future. Max asks if he is going away - David says no. He is not going anywhere - but nobody knows what the future might hold. David assures Max that where-ever and whatever happens David will be there for him - in the same way as his mother. Max says he does not understand. David says it is not important. David tells him that from now on things are only going to get better for the two of them. Then he offers to let Max drive the car. Lily wants some fun as well.

Back at the Bistro, Kev, at the bar admits his error to Anna and is glad she listened to him. She points out he is not so wise with Sophie. Kev does not want Sophie falling into Rosie's "world". He does not want Sophie exposed. He does not want her going down Rosie's road. Rosie was bright (really?) but she is easily led. Kev thinks he should have been stricter. Anna says Sophie is very grounded. Kev does not want her head turned. Anna pleads Sophie's case. But she is my little girl says Kev. Sophie hears the last part of this. Kev says he is looking out for her. He feels he failed Rosie and does not want to fail Sophie. Sophie observes that Rosie was away with the fairies a long time before she went to London. Kev reckons Rosie's friends are a bad influence. Sophie calls the friends ridiculous and she will not take any life lessons from them! She wants to catch up with her sister and do some sightseeing - she promises not to come back as Kate Moss (although a makeover might not be a bad thing!). She promises. Kev responds "Well, bring us back summat nice then, won't you?" and off she goes to tread the boards (good luck chuck - have fun). She asks if he will keep her job open and he says he would not sack her. She tells him he will not regret it. And they give each other big hugs, both much happier.

At Plattsville Gail finds the discarded piece of paper and starts using the laptop. She reads the crossed out words and stops the internet search on voggle and looks on the laptop desktop for a new file which she tries to open - and eventually the password "Barney" - David's late lamented pet rabbit is the key to open the file. She watches the video mentioned above. She is inevitably shocked.

Back at the car park Max is on David's knee steering the car around the car park as David gives a running commentary. Max becomes F1 World Champion. Max is laughing happily as he wins at Silverstone. Max has a day to remember and wants to go round again. Lily agrees to another trip round Silverstone.

Gail is rapping on Ty's front door - she is looking for news of David. Ty says he looked good and was joking with the kids. Ty also tells her that the car is not worth it as it will fail the next MoT. But Ty says David insisted on having it. Apparently David is no worried that it will fail the MoT. Gail's face is a picture as we go into the break.

We rejoin Tracy buying (using contactless payment) a much needed drink in the Rovers from Michelle and retelling the business lost from employing Ken. Michelle observes that Tracy does not share his genes and Tracy responds it is an inheritance she is happy to pass up! Michelle is definitely "showing". Steve returns early. He has been talking to Tim - meanwhile Michelle has been fired by Tommy Oprington's "wag" because he is out for the season. She tells him not to feel responsible for that on top of everything else he is going through. She is not going to put a gun to his head (Tracy is desperately trying to earwig from one of the booths). Steve says he has been thinking and he will do the test. Michelle hugs him.

Sarah and Nick enter the Platt house where Gail is searching through papers. Nick wants to know what the panic is - but Gail reckons it is far more serious than a mere panic. Have they seen David? Nick recounts his earlier conversation with him. She tells them to watch the video and see that David is planning the biggest mistake of his life - killing Clayton and himself, as she observes David is very good at lying.

At Number One Ken is clearing the table and offers to use some Brasso on Simon's trophy. Ken tells Si he is very proud of him. Peter's absence does not change that achievement. Ken says Peter flourishes when he has structure and discipline - the Navy was good for him. Simon agrees. Simon asks very politely if he can use Ken's laptop. He opens it up and it shows a page relating to a "Grand Tour". Ken explains it has been his fantasy for many years. Ken explains it is a trip around the great cultural centres of Europe. He has wanted to go for 50 years. But never managed it. Simon rightly points out that there is nothing stopping him now. Ken thinks - he could see the Duomo, the Uffizi, coffee at Piazza del Campo in Sienna - but a solo traveller at his age. Simon shuts him up - Emily can manage Peru can't she (the second reference to her now 10 month absence)? Tracy storms in and tears Ken off a strip. The customer wanted corsages for the entire year group! Ken repeats his feelings on "proms". Tracy points out it was worth £800. She says he can come into the shop next week - but he cannot answer the phone. Ken reveals that he cannot help next week as he will be away. [Finally, Ken is going to do the Grand Tour ... I wonder how many times it has been floated!]. Tracy thinks he means the library - but Simon smiles as he knows what is coming. Ken tells her he is going to Italy. Tracy does not believe it. Enjoy Ken, enjoy.

Video finished Gail closes the laptop. The other two are now equally stunned and worried. Nick knows that David would go through with it and reveals his knowledge of the incident with Macca. Nick explains that he was simply trying to inflict as much hurt as he had suffered. Based on what they know Nick thinks David must be planning something for the trial. Gail does not think they can reason with David any more - they will need to take more drastic action. Sarah suggests the police or have him sectioned. Nick points out that they would then need to explain why they are raising such concerns. Nick does not think that they could be shown the David's video ravings or that he attempted to kill Macca. Gail says they need to come up with a plan quickly.

Seb has his arm over Faye's shoulder as they walk to the bus stop. And then the image starts to crumble - Faye I hate to break it to you - but he is just not that into you. He keeps looking over his shoulder to see if the bus is coming so he can get away from her. She does not know what job he does (but he can afford £45 blouses). He calls Tim and Ken are like those old blokes out of the Muppet films {Statler and Waldorf}. He says he will call her. He does not give a backward look.

David and the kids return home where Gail and Sarah pretend they know nothing. Max reveals that David let him drive. Gail calls David reckless. David assures her it was safe. He tells the kids tog et ready for bed. Max asks if they can do it again and David agrees if there is a chance. Max calls it epic. David is sure both kids will be all right.

Steve and Michelle are lying on the sofa obviously watching a wildbeeste being consumed by lion. Steve reckons they will soon be releasing celebrities onto the game reserve for the sake of tv. Australia does not count - it is only big spiders and not cheetahs. Steve puts on a suitable Geordie voice as Ant and/or Dec - "Will Luke Goss be able to out swim an angry crocodile?" Michelle is pleased about the decision he has made. He says he just did not want to face up to it. He says sorry again. She repeats that he is her man (well it is a step up from "idiot" she used last time around) and she does not want anybody else. She knew he would make the right choice eventually. He promises to try harder in the future.

Gail wanders into an almost empty Bistro. Gail does not think David is a lost cause yet. You can see is struggling when the kids are around. Talking to him would spook him. Gail says if they are going to challenge him they need to have complete control so he cannot disappear. Gail has an extreme idea. She needs Nick's help to pull off a plan of last resort. Nick swallows hard.

Roll credits.

Before anything else. The non-continuity fairy had a real problem on Friday with Tracy Barlow's (Kate Ford's) hair over the two episodes. We know that scenes are shot out of order and at some point Kate had added highlights to the left hand side of her head. So we had some shots with minimal highlights, then more, then less. I even got non-brownie points for spotting the changes on the grounds that I never know when my wife has had her hair done. I wonder if something had to be reshot and this led to the "error". I was busy rewinding to prove my point!

My prediction is that Seb has heard about Faye's "history", has decided she must be "easy" and wishes to lose his virginity and he will then vanish. but I may be wrong.

No doubt next week will commence with Gail's plan of last resort (and that is not a holiday resort).

The jungle drums tells us that Peter Barlow will finally turn up on Monday - luckily as Ken is off on the Grand Tour there will be a spare bed at Number One.

And in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop.

See you next week.

Richard

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Tony Prescott

Robert is not best pleased to hear that the electrics are off at the Bistro but Nick assures him he's got it all in hand. He's called the electrician that originally did the work and sends Robert off to get breakfast. Gail watches through the upstairs window and Sarah is lurking around. She runs across the road to Number 8. Gary and Anna are coming up the street and he calls out to her but she ignores him. Anna suggests that it would never have worked out with her anyway.

Inside Platt Towers, David is a bit distracted. Michael is making breakfast, Bethany is putting on her makeup, Sarah comes in with the milk for morning tea/coffee. Gail comes downstairs and tells them she's got the day off due to the electrics. She asks David if he's ok and he says he is, or would be if Lily would eat her breakfast, he tousles her hair affectionately. He confirms that he's planning to go to the trial that starts tomorrow. Wouldn't miss it. Gail says little. Bethany offers to take Max to school and Michael goes out to get a newspaper. David gets a kiss goodbye from Max before he runs out the door and then takes Lily upstairs to dress her. Sarah and Gail whisper conspiratorially. Sarah seems hesitant but Gail insists they have to stop him.

Leanne is trying to get hold of Steve but he's screening her calls. She expresses frustration to Nick about how "he" can be so selfish. Coming in on the end of this, Simon assumes she's talking about Peter, remarking that he's been leaving messages and his dad hasn't replied to him either. He and Leanne argue about him not having breakfast. Nick gives him the party line about breakfast, clearly only doing it for her sake and hands Simon a banana as he goes out the door. This is acceptable to the teen. He tells Leanne not to fret about his dad and he leaves. But of course, it's Steve that's on her mind and she's upset that, as far as she knows, he's refusing to take the test. Nick suggests the "nuclear" option, tell Tracy and watch the sparks fly. Steve couldn't get out of taking it with Tracy's stiletto in his back. She is reluctant because Michelle would be upset with her for telling. Nick feeds her the story about the dodgey electrics at the Bistro.

Steve feeds the dog something off his breakfast plate. Liz comes in looking a bit worse for the wear, not having slept well for worry about him. Even though he's having the test, she's worried about the test, too. She reckons this to the same kind of worry when he had severe depression. At least when he was small, she could fix most of his hurts. He counters with a story of him hurting his arm after a skateboard fall and his mother and father wouldn't believe that he was badly hurt. Turned out, he'd broken his elbow. She chuckles and apologizes. Michelle is here by now, too. They both assure Steve the test will be fine. He wants them to stop fussing and being nice to him. But when Michelle heads to the kitchen, he whinges for her to make him a bacon barm to help get through this day. She smirks and tells him not to milk it. He might have nothing wrong!

Sarah comes home with all the things her mother wanted her to pick up. But Michael is clearly not been put in the loop and thinks all that's going on is a family dinner with David to show their support. He goes off as well with another list of things she needs for the dinner, leaving Sarah and Gail to continue arranging their plan, whatever that is.

Over at Number 1, Ken has been showing Amy all the places he's going to visit on his grand tour. Tracy is already tired of hearing about it. Ken has booked it already in the traditional manner of soap arrangements able to be made at the very last minute. He's leaving tomorrow, for Rome, and his grand tour will include a Mediterranean cruise, too. He'll be gone 8 weeks. Tracy's not happy, she'd thought it was all talk so she's surprised he actually did it. Ken remarks that he tried to call Peter to tell him but couldn't get through. That's two references to Peter now. What do you think that means? Watch this space. Tracy goes on feeling very put upon that he's leaving though Amy is quite happy for him. Tracy moans that she'll have to do everything while he's away. That's probably the main reason she's unhappy! Ken really wants her to be happy for him but she can't be, calling him a geriatric Jack Sparrow.

David has gone to a petrol station and has filled up a few petrol "jerry" cans. As he pays for it, with a glance at a photo of Kylie in his wallet, he takes a call from Gail who has told him about the family meal tonight. He's ok with it, thinking it's a good idea.

Back on the Street, Robert has brought Phelan over to have a look at the electrics. Nick catches them and tries to insist they wait for the man he'd called, but Phelan thinks it might just be something simple. Nick pushes Robert aside, insisting on taking Phelan inside himself, asking Robert to pick up the wine.

Amy tells Tracy she's jealous she isn't going on the trip with Ken. No way, Tracy declares. They exchange a few chuckles taking the mick out of Tracy's inability to do any housework and go into the shop just as Leanne passes by looking worried.

David loads the petrol cans in the boot of the car and takes a phone call from the family liaison. Turns out the trial is starting this afternoon to cover a few formalities, points of law etc. David tells her he wants to be there. He looks at Kylie's photo and gets closes the boot.

Sarah and Gail are rearranging tables in the Bistro for the family meal. Nick hurries in to keep them quiet, telling them Phelan is looking at the electrics. Gail asks if he can tell what they've done? (sabotage, obviously!) Nick tells them he'll handle it and thinks they should go home for the moment.

In the car, David is now parked by the courthouse, waiting. HE sees a police car drive around the corner. He has a petrol can in front by his side and uncaps it, fiddling with the lighter as he nervously waits.

After the break, he's still fidgeting. There it is, he sees the van and a police escort in the side mirror. He starts the car. Or tries to but it won't start. The van goes through the gates and the moment is lost, much to David's frustration.

Andy is in the cafe writing another short story. Anna tells him she loves horror stories. Gary comments from another table that his lovelife is a horror story. Luke, sitting with him, snickers. Gary tells Luke that Sarah gave him the knock back. Gemma has come in. Anna talks to her about Kylie. Gemma admits she's scared about testifying at the trial. Anna reckons she can only tell the truth, that's all anyone can expect.

Mary asks Tracy why the shop is called Preston's Petals. Tracy tells her why. Mary assumes she's still pining for Robert, hoping he'll come back to her. Tracy tells her the reason she kept the name is because she'd already bought and paid for all the stationery and business cards, she'd mistakenly ordered too many online. Ken comes in to try to get Tracy's blessing but she cuts him short. Mary asks about his plans and is quite excited for him. Tracy has no patience for her babble and tells her father to do what he wants since that's what he always does. A bit of a pot calling the kettle black, there. He does his trademark Ken Sigh and leaves.

Kevin has brought David's car back to the garage on the breakdown truck, driving past Phelan and Nick talking to Robert. Phelan tells Robert the electric problem is a bit tricky. Nick concurs and says the electrician has been and it can't be fixed for a couple of days. Robert sees all that income draining away. Robert goes away in disgust as Nick hands some cash to Phelan who asks no questions.

David tries to find out when Tyrone can fix the car. Tyrone promises to have a look at it and see if he can fix whatever's wrong. David is frantic to have the car for tomorrow. Tyrone makes no other promises, repeated that he already said the car was knackered. David sees Gemma who tells him she's been rehearsing in her head so she keeps it all straight and promises not to let Kylie down. He says offhandedly that neither of them will and heads home.

Gail and Sarah are busy making the meal. Audrey tells him that they're going to cook there and eat in the Bistro by candlelight. David mistakenly calls his mother "Mum" which she picks up on since he usually calls her "Gail" these days. He excuses his slip by saying his head's all over the place. Audrey asks how he is with the trial starting tomorrow. David tells them about the pre-trial stuff on today but it starts properly tomorrow. Audrey thinks he's handling it ok but Gail knows better.

Mary chats to Tracy about Ken's holiday plans. Tracy does sound a bit jealous but Mary hits the nail on the head, suggesting that Tracy might be feeling a bit like Ken is abandoning her, where both Deirdre's death and her breakup with Robert are still very fresh in her mind. Mary reminds her that the last year has been hard on Ken and suggests she's angry because she'll miss him. It certainly seems like she's touched a nerve with Tracy.

Gary and Luke talk women over a game of darts. Luke thinks Gary should tell Sarah how he feels. Andy and Tyrone remind him about the trial starting tomorrow which makes Gary feel like an idiot for asking her out when she has so much on her mind. He starts to text her to apologize but Luke thinks a text is too impersonal. Gary decides to go speak to her later, in that case. Tyrone makes a brief remark about David's car breaking down outside the court earlier.

Steve and Michelle are back from the hospital where he'd taken the test. He tells his mother it wasn't painful. Now they have to wait for the results. Steve feels the need to be on his own a bit and tells them he's going to walk the dog.

Tracy tells Mary that she was right and feels like she owes her father an apology. Leanne comes along just then and calls out to her, the last thing Tracy seems to need is a conversation with Leanne. Leanne asks he if she's spoken to Steve. Tracy sighs and wonders what Steve and her has to do with Leanne.

We're in the Bistro now with the Platt family dinner underway, candles reflecting golden light on their faces. It's time for trifle and Nick asks David to go into the cellar to help him choose some wine. David is reluctant but Nick gently insists. Gail has whisked David's phone from off the table and hid it on the bar.

Ken comes into the living room with his shopping and sees a pack of cigarettes and a lighter on the table. He goes into the kitchen, tentatively calling out, Hello? From the back yard, the door opens and a smiling Peter comes in, face looking like it's taken a bit of a beating. He grins and says hi to his dad. Surprise!

Nick and David go into the cellar. David notices a blanket and wonders if someone is living down there. Gail has followed them and tells David she's sorry. This is for his own good. She and Nick race out the door and lock him in the cellar.

Tvor

Written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Tony Prescott

As David bangs on the cellar door, demanding to be let out, Gail shouts from the other side that it's for his own good and he'll only be in the for a few days. David yells back that he'll call the police before discovering, horror of all horrors, they've taken his mobile phone.

Over at the Barlows', Ken tells Peter that he almost missed him as he's off on a tour of Italy. Ken notices a nasty cut over Peter's eye. Peter passes it off as a sailing injury but something about his manner tells us that, as usual, he's hiding something.

We move to the back room of the Rovers where Michelle and Steve are enjoying a quiet meal together when Tracy comes bursting in, demanding to know why Steve hasn't told her about the Myotonic Dystrophy. She even has a go at Michelle for carrying Steve's baby and keeping quiet when all Tracy is concerned about is how this might affect Amy. Steve finally gets a word in and tells her he's had the test and he'll get the results in a couple of weeks. The wind is taken out of Tracy's sails and she asks to be kept in the loop from now on. After Tracy's left, Steve wonders aloud who could have told her.

Back in the basement of the Bistro, David continues to bang on the door while Nick shouts from the other side. He tells David they know about his plans to kill Clayton. David looks shocked when he hears that they've seen the video.

Meanwhile upstairs Gail is doing her best to explain David's absence to the rest of the family. She tells them he got a bit emotional because of the trial and suggests that, in the circumstances, they should finish the dinner now. But Audrey doesn't understand the rush, the children haven't even finished their pudding.

Out in the street Gary is leaving a voicemail on Sarah's phone. He tells her he's there if she needs him and he wants to help her because he really likes her and he can't face the thought of them just calling it quits.

We return to the basement where Nick is trying to counsel David. David believes the kids are better off without him and tells Nick he died the day Kylie died. He shouts that if they all really loved him they'd open the door and let him get on with it. Nick flinches as he hears David throw a box on the other side of the door.

Over at Preston's Petals, Tracy almost jumps of her skin when Peter comes up behind her. She doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms but when Peter tells her he's really glad to see her, Tracy admits it's not often she hears that from anyone and gives her brother a big hug. But then Peter admits he has a cash flow problem and could do with borrowing a few quid, just until he gets himself sorted.

Back at the basement David listens from the other side of the door while Nick takes a call from Leanne. Apparently she's been suffering twinges and Nick tries to calm her down. David apologises for how he reacted before and then tries to get Nick's sympathy as to how he's feeling. He reminds him how he reacted over the bloke who stabbed his dad. Nick claims that was different, he was young and hot headed without David's responsibilities and he nearly made the biggest mistake of his life. They start to shout at each other again. As far as David is concerned justice won't be done in the courts as only the death penalty would be good enough for Clayton. Nick shouts back that this way at least he'll get to see Lily and Max grow up and that's what Kylie would have wanted. David starts to cry. Then Nick gets a message from Leanne on his phone. He tells David he has to go. As Nick climbs the steps David bangs on the door again, begging his brother not to leave him down there.

Tracy's returned home with Peter. She's trying to get to the bottom of how he's got himself into trouble this time. He says he had a falling out with the owner of the yacht he was skippering. This bloke has a friend in every port so Peter can't get a job down south for love nor money. Ken comes downstairs having heard the end of the conversation and now knows why his beloved son has decided to slink back home. There's a knock at the door. Ken says it'll be Simon – Peter begs him not to tell him anything. Simon gives his dad a hug although he's hardly brimming with enthusiasm. He asks how long he'll be staying. Peter says he needs somewhere to kip. "Can't he stay here?" asks Simon. Ken says he can have his room after leaves on his trip. Tracy is distinctly underwhelmed at this prospect.

Nick arrives at the Platts' and has a quick whispered catch-up with Gail and Sarah. He explains Leanne has a problem so Sarah volunteers to take the night shift listening out for David.

Simon says goodnight to his father and Ken. After he's gone, Ken hands Peter a pile of bedding for the sofa and 100 Euros to tide him over. "Just as long as it doesn't disappear over a bar'" he says. Peter swears he hasn't touched a drop for over two years. Ken's due to leave in the early hours so Peter wishes him goodnight and a good trip. The moment he's on his own Peter makes a call to someone he appears to know well.

On her way over to the Bistro Sarah is stopped by Gary who asks where she's off to. She's very distracted and says she hasn't seen his message. She tells him she's got too much on her mind right now to talk about them.

Michelle and Steve are locking up the Rovers and she has something she needs to tell him. She admits that she was the one who told Leanne about Jim. He seems remarkably understanding and says all she was doing was confiding in a friend. Michelle says Leanne's no longer a friend of hers. She had no right to take matters into her own hands, says Michelle and she's going to tell her.

Back in the basement David discovers Sarah is now on duty so he starts trying to talk her round. He says if Kylie hadn't picked up the wrench that night, Sarah might have been raped, she might have died. Kylie saved Sarah and she suffered for it. David begs Sarah to let him repay her debt to Kylie. Sarah looks as though she might be wavering.

Peter lets himself in through the front door of number 1 and is surprised to find Ken is up. Peter promises he hasn't been out for a drink, he just went out to meet someone about a job he says. Ken is understandably unconvinced since it's now gone 1 o'clock in the morning. One of the few things Peter ever showed an aptitude for was deceit says Ken, so don't tell him he's lost his ability at that too. Ken demands Peter tells him the truth, otherwise he can take his things and go.

David and Sarah are still talking through the door. She agrees that everything has been a nightmare but says killing someone else won't end it. Sarah seems to have found some resolve and she tells David to try and get some sleep.

Peter is still trying to convince Ken he went to see someone about a job on a charter boat. Ken asks whereabouts near Weatherfield it's moored – on the canal? A garden pond? Ken starts to get angry. He wants to know what Peter's hiding. He'd hoped he came back for Simon. Ken continues to get worked up and shouts that Peter had nowhere else to go, probably because he's knee deep in something illicit. Peter starts to argue back and tells his father that all his life he's talked the talk but the only walking he's ever done has been away, from his kids, marriage and responsibilities. There's a knock at the door. Ken says it will be his taxi. But as he goes to open it his face falls and he collapses against the bottom of the stairs. "Dad, dad!," cries Peter as he tries to catch him. Ken's face is contorted and he's unable to reply.

Karen

Down in the cellar, David is searching for something to use as a tool. He eventually finds a metal shelf support and pulls it off the wall.

Tracy and Peter are at the hospital, waiting anxiously for news of Ken. Tracy asks Peter if Ken seemed stressed just before it happened. Peter tells her that Ken was fine and was just about to get in his taxi.

Using his new 'tool', David finally manages to get the grille out of the cellar window, and although he's making a fair bit of noise, Sarah sleeps on outside the door.

In the cafe, Audrey remarks to Anna that she thought she saw Peter Barlow last night, although it probably wasn't him. Just then Craig, Gemma and Eva come in, they're about to go to the court. Gemma is nervous, but Eva has promised to sit with her until she goes in. Audrey says she isn't going, none of them are. Gemma thought David was going, but Audrey tells her that he's changed his mind. They were in the Bistro last night when he and Nick went down to the cellar, and that's the last she saw of him, and then Gail told her this morning that he's gone to Martin's. Robert is standing a little way off, and hears all this with interest.

It seems that Sarah has now woken up and is on the phone to Gail, who asks how David is. Sarah tells her he's all right, at least he's got food which is more than she has! She tells Gail that he tried to persuade her to let him out. "You didn't?" asks Gail. "Of course not!" snaps Sarah. Gail tells her it's not an easy time for any of them, she hasn't slept for worrying about it. Sarah concedes that it's better than him being dead, and Gail promises to come as soon as she can.

David is now using the shelf support to remove bricks from around the window. He then hurts his hand and, as he draws back, clutching it, his wedding ring falls off and drops down a grating on the floor. He tries without success to remove the grating, moaning "No, no!" Sarah calls through the door, asking if he's all right. "What do you care?" he shouts back. "Of course we care," she says, "that's why we're doing this."

Mary meets Beth in the Street, who tells her that Craig is in court today and she'd really like to go but she has to start her community service at 1 o'clock and she'll never be back in time. "He'll think I don't care, he already hates me," she says. Mary thinks for a moment, and then offers to drive Beth there in Tracy's florist van.

Tracy and Peter are at Ken's bedside. Ken is asleep, and the doctor tells them not to be alarmed, but the stroke has affected his speech and movement on his right side. He may make good progress with rehab, or may be left disabled. Tracy stares at Ken for a few moments and then says she can't cope with it all and rushes out. When she's gone, Peter sits down beside his father. "I'm sorry" he says.

Anna is in the garage talking to Kevin. She's worried about Peter being back, worried he might put her rent up, and if he does she'll have to find somewhere cheaper. Kevin looks thoughtful and then tells her that he might know somewhere. "It'd mean sharing with a few others, but the bloke is gorgeous apparently," he says. Anna grins, "I think I know the place you mean," she says, "but I heard that the bloke was dog-rough!" Joking aside, Anna isn't sure, it's a big step. Kevin tells her she doesn't have to give an answer straight away, but asks her to think about it. She says she will, and goes off grinning from ear to ear.

Nick catches up with Gail in the Street and tells her that Ken has had a stroke. Tyrone runs over from the garage and asks Gail to tell David that he'll have his car ready as soon as he can. Gail looks a bit confused and tells him that David has gone to Martin's. Tyrone is puzzled, David had been adamant he wanted it ready for this morning. Gail explains that David decided to go last night on the train. "Well, he could've told me!" huffs Tyrone, until they remind him that David had other things on his mind, the trial starts today. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking," he says.

Nick and Gail continue on up the road and go into the Bistro, and as they do so they're spotted by Robert as he comes out of the corner shop.

Meanwhile, down in the cellar, David has made a large enough opening to be able to crawl into some sort of air vent.

Nick and Gail arrive outside the cellar door and ask Sarah how David is. She says she's heard him moving about a bit, he seems to be ok. As Sarah goes to leave, Robert comes down the cellar steps. "So," he says, staring at the three of them, "does someone want to tell me what's going on?"

While Nick is waffling on to Robert about the possibility of a leak down there, David is crawling through his tunnel and finding that he has rats for company. Robert asks why it took three of them to come down and look for a leak, and Sarah tells him they were just passing and thought they'd drop in. Nick then tells him that there was no leak, he must have imagined it, but Robert says he'd better check for himself, and then picks up the pillow that Sarah used. A flask falls noisily to the floor. David, meanwhile, has crawled far enough along to be able to look up and see daylight through a grid way up over his head. He shouts loudly for help, and this is heard by Robert. "Is there someone in there?" he asks, and tries to open the door. "Why is this locked?" he asks them, and there's an embarrassed silence. "Right you lot," says Robert, "I want to know exactly what you're up to." Nick tells him it's nothing to do with him, but Robert points out that he owns half the premises, so it is. Gail tells him it's family business. "Oh? What family would that be, Gail?" asks Robert, "the Sopranos? Only looks like you've got someone locked up in there and they're not very happy about it." Gail tells him he's got a vivid imagination, and Sarah states that that is ridiculous, but at that moment David hammers on the door. "Let me out! Let me out!" he shouts, "so I can kill the bastard!"

Kevin rushes over to see Anna who is outside the cafe, asking if she's thought about it. She protests it's only been ten minutes, but he says it has seemed like an hour and begs her to put him out of his misery. "OK, I'd love to," she says, laughing, and he's delighted.

Michelle sees Leanne coming out of the flats and marches over to her, and has a go at her for telling Tracy about Steve. Leanne apologises, but says she thought she had a right to know. Michelle tells her it wasn't her decision to make, and adds that they were going to tell Tracy once Steve got his results back. "Has he had the test?" asks Leanne, and Michelle confirms that he has. Leanne asks when he's going to get the results. "Like I'd tell you?" says Michelle, "it'd be round the Street in minutes." She adds that she thought they were mates, she thought she could trust her, but obviously she was wrong. "Stay away from me from now on," she says, walking away.

Back in the Bistro, Robert is incredulous. He says he thought Tracy did crazy stuff, but this makes her look like a girl guide. Sarah says she know it looks bad, but it's better than David murdering someone. Robert can't see why they couldn't have sat David down and reasoned with him, but Nick explains that he's beside himself with grief and anger and won't listen to anyone. Robert wonders how long they're going to keep him down there, and Sarah says it's just until the trial is over and Clayton is locked up. Robert thinks they're all mad. Nick then pleads with Robert to let them do this, and Sarah says it's for the kids' sake, they've already lost their mum. Robert thinks for a moment then tells them they've got until tomorrow morning and then David's got to be out, or he'll call the police.

Craig, Gemma and Eva are in the waiting room at the court when Beth rushes in. She tells Craig that she's dead proud of him, and she knows she's been wrong about a lot of things. "Yes," says Craig, "you have." Beth then rushes over to Mary who has come in behind her, and tells her to go, she's staying there. "What about your community service?" asks Mary. Beth says she doesn't care, her son needs her. Mary says she thinks she has the solution, and drags Beth away by the hand. "You see," says Eva, "she does care." Craig replies that his mum makes loads of promises, she just never keeps them.

David, with his hand bleeding profusely, is sitting on the floor by the door, talking through it to Gail. He asks her whose idea it was, and she tells him it was hers. "Well congratulations Gail, I never even saw it coming," he says, and tells her that she's taken the only thing he had and crushed it. She says she's glad, because that thing would have destroyed everybody who loves him, his kids most of all. David reckons the kids would've understood when they're older, they might even have thanked him. "By putting yourself behind bars?" asks Gail. David laughs. "Come on Gail, you saw the film, you can't go to prison if you're dead." Gail thinks he wouldn't have gone through with it, he would have changed his mind. David then tells Gail how he was going to take the car and all the petrol to the court, douse himself with some of the petrol and then, when the prison van approached, he was going to drive into the side of it and flick on the lighter. He says the nasty young man who killed Kylie would be gone forever. Of course, so would David, but he didn't mind that, in some way it would be a sort of relief. "This isn't a fairy tale, Gail," says David, flicking the lighter on and off, "there are no happy endings."

At the hospital, Peter seeks out Ken's doctor and tells her how, just before the stroke, he and Ken had just had a blazing row. He wonders if that is what caused it. The doctor says that while stress can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, it could have been caused by anything, especially given Ken's age. She tells him that the best thing to do now is to concentrate on helping him to recover. The doctor walks off, and Peter turns round, to find Leanne standing behind him. She's heard it all.

Gail is talking through the door to David. She asks how he could do that to his kids, leaving them when they've only just lost their mum. And what about all the other people whose lives he would have destroyed, the driver, the guards, the people passing by. She bangs on the door. "How could you be so selfish!" she says. She continues to talk to him, until, after a while she realises that he's not responding. She jumps up and shouts through the door for him to answer him. Just then Sarah comes down the steps, and asks what's happened. Gail gets increasingly agitated and tells Sarah how David said it would be a relief to kill himself. She turns back to the door. "David! David!" she shouts.

Anne Logan.

I told you there was drama coming. Luckily, it's arrived on Friday night so we have the weekend to get over it. This update might be short, seeing as it mostly consists of people shouting "DAVID!!!"

The first person to do so is Sarah, as she bangs on the door of the basement we never knew about until this story line. I mean, who ever heard of railway arches having a basement? After shouting "DAVID!!!" at the door, Sarah very loudly tells Gail they'll have to go and get Nick. Gail catches on and agrees but they both wait there, listening for any movement inside.

In the hospital, Leanne and Nick chat. They talk about the row and Peter tells her that Ken's a much better Grandad than he was a Dad, but Peter still loves him.

In a park, Mary and Beth swap clothing. For the next few hours, Mary's going to be Beth. She puts on Beth's woolly hat and a scarf which covers the bottom half of her face.

In the cafe, Tyrone's being refused service. Anna tells him that's because he's coming to the pub with her and Kev to celebrate their new co-habitation arrangements. Tyrone says the cakes and doughnuts he wants are for Fiz and the kids - Hope, Ruby and Lily, who is with them while the trial of Kylie's killer goes on.

Sarah and Gail wait outside the door. Gail says he could be dying in there. Sarah shouts and bangs on the door. "I know you're there! Come on, answer me. I know what you're doing!" Inside the store room, David lies still on the floor.

Fiz goes into the yard where the girls are doing some painting and admires their art works. Lily seems a bit sad and says she wants her Dad. Fiz promises her he'll be back soon. Tyrone is off out, having delivered the doughnuts, and checks Fiz will be all right on her own.

Kev's doing some welding on the car, with sparks flying everywhere. Despite their close attention to it, neither he nor Luke have spotted the line-up of petrol cans in the back. They talk about the pub celebration. Kev is going to take the afternoon off.

Craig is sworn in to give evidence. Beth arrives loudly and excuses her way down the row to sit with Eva, in front of Macca. Craig stares at Clayton.

David's not answering his phone. Gail is at the door, pleading with him to make a sound. "DAVID!!!" She tells Sarah she can't get David's words out of her head. He could be dying in there. Sarah warns her that David is a devious liar and warns her to wait for Nick. Gail works herself up into a right state and Sarah says she'll go and get Nick. She'll only be two minutes. "Don't open the door!" Yeah. Right.

Back in the cafe, Anna's praising Kevin to Gary. She invites him to the Rovers for the celebration. Gary sits at one of the tables. Audrey comes in in a flap, knocks into Kirk, who drops part of the factory order on the floor. Audrey asks after Maria and Kirk says she's fine but she's asked him to get rid of Caz and every time he tries, Caz comes up with a different excuse. "She's stickier than a sticky bun," he says. Audrey gets a phone call from Rita, telling her about Ken.

Anna sits down with Gary. She realises he's pining for Sarah. She says she wants him to be happy, even if it is with Sarah Platt. Gary implies he's over it and Anna tells him to get back out there, looking for the rest of the fish in the sea.

Mary's not built for community service. She's skipping along singing to herself as she litter-picks. The supervisor calls "Beth Sutherland!" and Mary makes a run for it, going through a gate and into the loos, where she locks herself in. The supervisor follows her and shouts through the door that if she doesn't sign the worksheet in the next half an hour she'll lose the session.

The lawyer for the defense tries to get Craig to agree that the events amounted to no more than a petty scuffle until Kylie stopped in. Beth gets a text. Craig says it was more than a scuffle - Gemma had been knocked out. Did he call the police? Did he try to break it up? Craig says No to both. Beth races out just as he's asked if he did nothing.

Peter has been texting someone. He asks Leanne if there's any news and then talks about how strange it is that she's with Nick now. He says he's happy for her. Leanne asks about him and he says he was seeing someone, someone who reminded him of Leanne.

The sparks from the welding have set fire to a cloth on the floor of the garage. Luke spots it and Kevin stops welding and they put out the little fire. Then they go off to the pub, leaving the cloth still smoking a little bit.

The Community Service supervisor bangs on the toilet door and warns Beth she'll be in big trouble if she doesn't sign. Beth comes out and we see Mary climbing out of the toilet window.

Nick wants to go to see Leanne at the hospital but Sarah says he needs to come to the Bistro basement now. "Mum's going mental."

"DAVID!!! DAVID!!!" screams Gail. She sees the keys hanging from the lock and has no self-control. She spots David on the floor and races in and rolls him on to his back. "DAVID!!! DAVID!!! Please talk to me!" Instead, David opens his eyes, leaps up and locks her in the rooms. She shouts that she'll call the police. David opens the Bistro's front door, spots the car and races for it.

Robert, Nick and Sarah are in the street. Nick's just got a call from Gail and tells her to calm down.

David's in the garage, hunting for the car keys.

Kevin, Luke and Gary are in the pub, telling Michelle why they're celebrating.

Audrey comes in, spots Caz and goes over for a word. She asks if it's true Maria has asked her to move out. She points out that as well as being Maria's employer and friend, she's also the landlord. She says she's asking Caz very politely to move out. She understands Caz has been rejected, "but it's time to face facts. Maria doesn't want you. Go and pack your bags and you go today, yes?"

Sally and Tim come in and get invited to the celebration, though when Sal finds out what they're celebrating her lips tighten.

David's in the car trying to start it when his family spots him.

Gemma's giving evidence and the lawyer has managed to get her to brag about how well she handles trouble from kids in the kebab shop. The lawyer suggests she was in control and had forced Clayton out of the shop, and then Kylie waded in and physically attacked him. Gemma says she wasn't handling it. She'd been knocked out. Aha! If she was knocked out then she won't have seen what happened next, the lawyer points out. Macca gives Clayton a satisfied nod.

"DAVID!!! DAVID!!!" The whole family seems to be shouting and banging on the car windows as he tries to get it started. Robert is there, too. Nick sprawls over the windscreen and says he's going to smash the window and drag him out. David sprays petrol over the window and takes out his lighter. "If you come anywhere near, I'll blow you all up!"

Fiz finds Lily gone from the back yard.

As the car starts, Lily runs round from the ginnel to the front of the pub.

"DAVID!!! Think of Kylie!" Gail shouts.

Gemma talks about Kylie's good heart.

"DAVID!!! Stop it! You're scaring me!" shouts Sarah.

Gemma tells the court that Kylie never looked for trouble, never carried a knife. She was the mum of two kids and didn't deserve to be stabbed in the middle of her own street. She looks at Clayton. "You can stare and scowl all you like. I'm not scared of knives and I'm not scared of you any more!"

David wheelspins away from the garage, down towards the pub and spots Lily standing in the road. Gary sees her as well and races towards her. "Lily! NOOOOOOOOO!!" screams David, pulling on the steering wheel. The car veers, hits the skip outside Dev's and rolls. David's upside down and we see Gary and Lily right in the way.

The end.
More shouting in the next episode.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. What a week. Emmerdale has had a massive pile up on the main road with the stunt team no doubt working overtime. On the Street there has been plenty of drama with Ken failing once again to make his Grand European Tour. Perhaps when he is better he can do it as a Street spin off - been a while since we have had one of those. Looks like he has some real hard acting ahead too!

This is episode 9018. It was written by Joe Turner. It was directed by Tony Prescott. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. Debbie Rush (Anna Windass) did all her own stunts - brave girl.

We open with David's Corsa lying on its roof almost against a white car towards which we saw it sliding at the end of the previous episode. David is upside down and disoriented. There is a smell of petrol everywhere and steam escaping from the radiator. Half the cast run down the Street towards the cars. Others emerge from the Rovers. Fiz is apologising to Gail saying she did not know they could get out of the back gate. Anna has seen it all and she is on top of car shouting into the gap to Gary to see if he can hear her. The Corsa and the other car are close - but not touching and we can see Gary between the two cars. Fiz returns to the other girls and Robert is on the phone summoning ambulances and police and fire service. David is helped out of the Corsa and does not seem badly injured.

David saw Lily as the Corsa slid along upside down and knows she is trapped as well. Ty notices that there is petrol leaking from the Corsa and the extra petrol containers in the car. Kev urges people back for safety but David is still trying to reach Gary and Lily. Gail thinks David has killed Gary and Lily as there is no answer to Anna's frenzied shouts.

In the hospital Leanne and Tracy are getting up to date with Steve and the tests. Leanne says Tracy made her look like a total fool. Leanne just thought Tracy had a right to know. They are whispering as Amy, Si and Peter are in the room. Tracy reckons she has the sword of Damocles hanging over her (Leanne has it worse luv). The doctor returns wanting to check if Ken was taking any medication - apparently not as he does not like taking pills. The doctor tells Peter not to blame himself - after all people row frequently and it may well not be the cause of the stroke. Tracy looks at Peter again.

Back on the Street a blue Toyota which was in the way is moved by sheer muscle so that they can get between the two cars where Gary is trapped. We are reminded that there must be no sparks because of the petrol. Gary has regained consciousness and he cannot move - the Corsa is resting on him. He can see Lily. Anna assures Gary they will get him out. Kev assesses the situation - he reckons there are enough of them to lift the car and get it off of them. Sal says they should wait for the emergency services - but Kev points to all the petrol and the need to do it now. Anna asks Kev to do it. Ty, Robert, Luke, Nick, Kev, Caz, David, Tim and then Sarah all grab hold.

Gemma is being praised by Eva for the way she socked it to the barrister in court. Macca (remarkably showing a full recovery) pushes past and says he hopes the jury will give the right verdict when they come back). Eva says it will be guilty. Gemma thinks she should be joining witness protection. Eva says she will support Gemma. Craig catches up with them - he has not heard from Beth. Eva gives Gemma a hug from Kylie.

Gary assures Sally he can feel his toes and fingers and the lift goes ahead. Anna gets right between the cars with Sarah. Gary can see Lily and pulls her towards him. And passes her to Anna and onto Sarah. They have to lower the car and it becomes clear that they need more lift to get Gary out. David is checking out Lily but she seems OK. Robert has cut his hand on something - Sally is quite worried and Michelle goes to get the first aid kit from the Rovers. They go for another lift of the car and David goes to get Gary moved - he says he is fine apart from the car on his chest! They all lift and Anna pulls at Gary's shoulders - and there is petrol dripping everywhere.

Over at the hospital Tracy is giving out the evils so Leanne takes Si and Amy (who do not want to go) to the cafe. Once they are gone Peter tells Tracy not to start! Tracy tears Peter off a strip - she was there when Deirdre died. They argue. Peter says he cares about Ken - but Tracy points out they were arguing when he had the stroke. Tracy continues to point out that Ken will not want to see him now. She says Peter should go. She means it - he is to get out of the house. He has to leave because nobody wants him there.

Lift! Up, up, and up again. Gary says he is free and Anna pulls but it is not enough. Caz runs round and helps her. And he is finally clear. Kev and Nick help Gary away. Suddenly there is a spark and Ty orders everyone to run away. Beth arrives around the corner and hears the shouting and turns back. There is then a huge blast as at least one petrol can explodes. Anna is still nearest to the cars and the blast throws her to the ground. It blows out the windows of the Rovers (and I would assume the health centre, Preston's Petals and the salon although this is not clear). Kev sees Anna thrown to the ground and the cobbles are swilling with petrol. Anna starts to pick herself up and she tells Gary that she is fine. There is another fireball which heads straight at the now standing Anna. We see a petrol can on fire bouncing towards her and suddenly her trousers are on fire. Kev and Nick lie her down on the cobbles and smother the flames using their coats. She is screaming in agony. We get a shot of David who realises he has caused all this carnage. There is a final shot of the flames licking around the petrol can as we go into the break. I am gong to take a break now and will finish the update tomorrow!

So after the break we open with David surveying the devastation he has caused. Ambulance staff are tending to the injured. Anna is on a stretcher, head in a restraint and shaking from pure shock and pain. Kev tells Gary that he needs to be checked out as well. Fiz walks up to David and apologises once again. He cuts her dead. Robert is asking Nick if he still thinks it was right not to call the police? Nick tells him that he saw it was all an accident. Robert says David was totally out of control. Robert suddenly realises he has not seen Michelle. David takes Lily to hospital to be checked out.

The policewomen want to talk to David Platt. He tells them he lost control of the car. Nick backs him up saying he took the car before it was ready. Tyrone had said the car was not safe. Gail denies he was driving fast. Sarah agrees he was not driving fast (and given that he had turned a corner just after starting he cannot have been going quickly - there was a wooden ramp up to the skip - remember the skip? - and he caught this and it simply flipped the car over). The policewomen have spotted he is covered in petrol. Apparently he had bought some for the mower. David agrees. He was in a hurry to get to trial of his wife's murderer, so he was not concentrating and got distracted. The he suddenly saw Lily, he swerved and the car tipped over. He thought he had killed Lily. He just wants to go to the hospital with her. The police agree but will want to interview him later for a full statement. Gail tells them it was an accident.

Robert, Beth and Ty enter the Rovers with glass littering the floor. Still no sign of Michelle. Beth goes through to the back and calls the others as she has found Michelle sitting on stairs shaking like a leaf and sobbing. Beth wants to help her out to the paramedics. She says she is fine. She was coming downstairs and the explosion unnerved her. She says her ears are still ringing and there was glass flying everywhere. She was so scared and did not know what to do. Robert reassures her.

Outside Steve arrives back and the cordon will not let him through.

At the hospital Tracy, Simon and Amy approach Ken's bed. Ken is finding it difficult to speak but he can hear and they should talk to him. Tracy explains to Amy that he cannot speak because of the stroke. She tells Amy he will not bite! Tracy tells him not to worry as everything will be OK. Ken is silent.

Michelle emerges from the Rovers with Robert and Beth - she is calmer and Ty tells Robert to get his hand looked at. Steve sees Michelle and pushes through to get to her. They hug on the corner. She says she was in the hallway when it all exploded. She thanks Robert as he goes to get his hand inspected. She just hugs Steve again.

Ambulance men plus Gary and Kev are taking Anna to A&E. Gary is asking Kev why there was all the petrol but there are no answers. Eventually they are told they must wait. Anna has not spoken but Kev tells Gary it is just shock and that she will be OK. Kev knows that she will recover. He tells Gary to get himself checked out and then to stay with Anna. He will find someone to look after Jack and Faye.

Back on the Street firemen are knocking out damaged glass to the salon. Craig, Eva and Gemma arrive on the disaster scene. Ty tells Craig that his mother is in the Rovers. She is sweeping up broken glass and Michelle is sat recovering. Tim is nursing his shoulder. Craig arrives and Beth says she is sorry for leaving court earlier. He says he was worried about her. They discuss giving evidence and Kylie would have been proud of both of them says Eva. Craig and Beth admit they have both missed each other. Craig asks if he can come home and Beth says that he does not need to ask. They hug. Michelle is still looking distraught. Steve tells her the glaziers will be there in the morning. She tells him to stop fretting but he says he will not stop. Tim recalls Armageddon and says that took weeks to clear up. Sal tells him stop making jokes - did he see Anna? Ty and Luke have done the windows which should keep the rain out and Steve gets them a pint on the house. Tim's phone rings - it is Kev. They will take Faye to the hospital. News on Anna is obviously not great. The camera looks around the pub and there are a number of concerned faces worrying about Anna. They are not sure what they are going to tell Faye just yet. Sal tells him to use his instincts - he is a good father. Tim and Sal leave. Michelle, Eva and Gemma continue to look very worried.

Gary is waiting. Sarah finds him. Lily is OK she reports and David has taken her home. How is Anna she asks? Gary tells Sarah that a few hours ago she was joking and cheering him up and smiling. Celebrating moving in with Kev. Now he says her clothes have melted into her skin. He has seen burns before - but nothing like this. Sarah hugs him. He tells her this is bad.

Tracy, Si and Amy return to Ken's bedside. Apparently the food in the hospital canteen is amazing. Amy had the lactose-free ice cream in six different flavours! She would like to eat all her meals there. Tracy tells him that it is no good looking for Peter, she knows that they had had a row and she has sent him packing. Ken is not to worry as the three of them are there for him.

Now home Max tells David that he smells really bad (the petrol of course). David tells Max and Lily that he loves them both very much. And he is never, ever going to leave them. He kisses Lily again. Gail sends him for a shower. Max agrees. Gail suggests Max takes Lily upstairs. David looks at Gail and Nick both radiating huge disapproval and almost whispers "Sorry.". Gail tells him to get cleaned up. He stops on the stairs, out of sight of Gail and Nick. Sarah has phoned Gail. Kevin's hands are burned. Gary is merely bruised. But it is not looking good for Anna. Gail close to tears asks Nick if David will be OK? Nick says he is not sure. The police will be asking many questions. And Robert knows everything. David hears all of this - which cannot be reassuring.

At the Rovers Fiz and Ty are discussing events. Fiz does not know how she could have let Lily go. She feels so stupid. Ty also told David the car was not safe. But then David has been through a lot. ANd now he almost killed his own child. Fiz thinks David will hate her forever. Ty doubts it.

Also in the Rovers Beth is telling Craig she is proud of him. She is going to cook his favourite tea. He asks for fish finger sarnies - but she is making spag bol! He questions this but then realises that it is his favourite. (Girls the way to Craig's heart is a fish finger sandwich!).

Eva and Gemma are at the juke box. It appears they have the same taste in music. Gemma asks Eva if Kylie would have been proud of her. Eva is sure - she stood up to Macca and the barrister. Took guts. Gemma's guts do not feel so good now. The song playing is by Oh Wonder "All we do":

All we do is hide away
All we do is, all we do is hide away
All we do is chase the day
All we do is, all we do is chase the day

All we do is lie and wait
All we do is, all we do is lie and wait
All we do is feel the faith
All we do is, all we do is feel the faith

I've been upside down
I don't wanna be the right way round
I'll find paradise on the ground
I've been upside down
I don't wanna be the right way round
I'll find paradise on the ground

All we do is hide away
All we do is, all we do is hide away
All we do is chase the day
All we do is, all we do is chase the day

All we do is play it safe
All we do is live inside a cage
All we do is play it safe
All we do, all we do

I've been upside down
I don't wanna be the right way round
I'll find paradise on the ground
I've been upside down
I don't wanna be the right way round
I'll find paradise on the ground

All we do is hide away
All we do is, all we do is hide away
All we do is chase the day
All we do is, all we do is chase the day

All I did was fail today
All I wanna be is waits and waste
All I did was fail today
All we do, all we do

This plays as the cameras look a number of scenes:
a) Peter with his head in his hands in a corner of the hospital waiting room (line "chase the day")
b) Ken in his bed (for the line "lie and wait") with the rest of the family into the line "feel the fade"
c) then David in the shower (line "I've been upside down") he sobs - the line is "Can't find paradise on the ground"
d) Anna unconscious with Gary at her side.

Roll credits.

Well it has been a week. At least no-one has died yet. Great stunt work. And we still do not know the result of Clayton's trial. Will Anna make it? I hope so but I fear she will have a long road ahead of her. Will Ken make it - he has to of course and he has been talking about acting his way along the recovery. Will he ever make his grand tour?

And I rather think that we are due a return to the Sharif affair story.

And in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop.

See you next week.

Richard

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Abe Juckes

Michelle and Robert observe David's car which is on a breakdown truck about to be towed away, likely to a junk yard. He asks about Anna. Michelle hasn't heard anything new and suggests Anna is lucky to be alive. Robert doesn't think he'd use the word Lucky. He walks away as the truck pulls away. He passes Tracy and asks after Ken who hasn't shown any change. He passes on his regards. Tracy wonders if he'd come to the hospital with her but he gently turns her down. She sighs with regret as he walks away. He then sees David coming out of the corner shop and he looks thoughtful.

In the hospital, David and Gary are wearing sterile pinnies (though their hair and arms are uncovered so I'm not quite sure how much protection against any infection Anna gets from that). The doctor is explaining that Anna is being kept in a medical coma and will soon need skin graft surgery with skin taken from her back. There is a lot they can and will be doing for her including physio therapy, painkillers and they are warned that there will be psychiatric trauma as well including flashbacks and post traumatic stress. The doctor says it's difficult to say how long her recovery will take, there are too many unknown factors.

Caz is with Kirk and Liam in the cafe, telling him she has a mate in Nottingham she's going to visit for a bit until she finds somewhere to live back in Weatherfield. Aidan arrives as Caz leaves and notes that Kirk is up early for being on his day off. Kirk explains that he's babysitting Liam and Aidan calls him a mug (which is eye raising to me. Why is Kirk a mug for helping out his family?) Cathy passes Sinead a takeaway coffee. She seems to be in a low mood. Off she goes, leaving Rita to ask Cathy if she's seen Anna yet. Cathy's going to wait to hear from Kevin first. Norris comes in, in a knot over the shop wondering who's looking after it since Rita is there. Apparently Mary is. Norris expresses pity for what Anna's going through, echoed by Rita. He also passes on the news that Peter Barlow is back. Rita rolls her eyes but Cathy wants to know what's so bad about Peter. Norris leans on the counter, metaphorically rolling up his sleeves in readiness, with Aidan behind them all rolling his eyes with impatience because he wants to be served!

At the Nazirs, Alya is cool to her grandfather who reminds her he's bankrolling her venture. Yasmeen comes downstairs and overhears that last bit and inquires about "this venture".

Leanne is angry with Nick for the plan that ended up landing Anna in hospital. She feels like now that she knows, she'll be implicated if the police get involved though it sounds as if she thinks they should be. Nick is anxious she get on board, pointing out the police involvement isn't going to help Anna now and David could go down for a very long time for his attempted murder that went wrong. She understands but doesn't know if they can get Robert to see sense.

Alya admits that her grandfather gave her a business loan. Yasmeen doesn't mind that he did that, but she doesn't understand why he didn't tell her. Alya fields the inquiry, telling her that Sonia is the reason. Sharif had also put up the money for the deposit on the flat where Sonia would be living. Yasmeen asks why the secrecy and why was he arguing with Alya. He stumbles over his excuses, the longer he waited, the more he didn't know how to tell her. Alya admits she's a bit on edge as the new machine is arriving today. She gives her grandfather a curt "Sorry". Yasmeen admonishes Sharif for keeping secrets and leaves. He then thanks Alya for not saying anything.

Gail is unpacking the groceries. David has to go out, he wants to go to court. Gail doesn't understand why he would, and worries he might yet do something stupid. He scoffs and said he wouldn't, not after yesterday's events. He knows he messed up, he nearly killed his daughter, scarred Anna for life and could be in trouble with the police. He's not going to do anything stupid.

Michelle is about to make an appointment with the genetic counselor to get the test results (Friday) but turns around and sees Amy. She cuts the call short. Amy prattles on about the cinema but Michelle nearly bites her head off accusing her of listening to a private conversation. (which she's been holding in the hallway of the pub, not behind a closed door) Amy protests. She wasn't listening at all. Michelle hollers a bit more and Amy stomps up the stairs as Liz comes down. Michelle tells Liz that she doesn't know if Amy overheard but even if she didn't, Liz points out, Amy's going to wonder what the fuss was all about.

Kevin wonders how fast David was going to flip the car. He's angry and scared. Gary is quiet, thinking about what the doctor said about flashbacks. He can certainly identify with that. Faye comes in and mentions that Tim is talking to the doctor. Gary says her mother might be able to hear so Faye tells her mother that she loves her and can't wait for her to be better. Kevin grumbles and fumes, his temper simmering on the hob.

Robert is deep in thought when Nick arrives at the Bistro. The lights are back on, took an electrician about 5 minutes. They talk about the results of what David did. Robert feels put upon that they all want him to keep the secret about them trying to keep David in the cellar and what David was trying to do. Nick understands how Robert feels. He says David will feel guilty for the rest of his life. Nick points out what would happen if David goes to prison and the effects it would have on the children and assures Robert David has turned the corner. Robert is devastated that he might have been able to stop it and Anna's critically injured as a result. He isn't sure he can forgive himself and wants to tell Anna the truth at the very least.

In the courthouse, the trial is over and the jury is out deliberating. Eva thinks the verdict will be murder but Craig isn't confident it's a sure thing. Macca slinks over and hisses to Gemma that he's hoping for the "right" verdict. He's got one small bandage on the back of his head under his hat, amazing for someone that was at death's door just a week or so ago. Eva steps in front of Gemma and tells him to do one. He backs away but gives Gemma a knowing look. David and Gail arrive. Gemma and Craig go for coffees with Eva behind them.

Alya unwraps the new embroidery machine. Sinead is sulking but Aidan assures her that they need her expertise and will make sure her pack packet matches his confidence in her. She takes the instruction book from him. Jenny and Johnny arrive fresh from their holiday in the sun, glowing in more than one way. But his mood doesn't last when he spots the machine.

Tracy talks to Ken, passing on everyone's love. Hard to tell if he hears her because he's not looking in her direction while she talks about having a welcome home party when he's released. A doctor comes in and asks how he is. He turns his head and mouths something that might be "Fine". She tells Tracy that she knows it's confusing and frustrating not knowing how long he will be in this condition. They have to be patient. She implores that Ken needs support most of all and warns her that he'll get tired easily.

Peter is lurking around the ginnel and is startled by Steve. They greet each other with a handshake. Steve asks after Ken and mentions Tracy not being thrilled he's back. Steve jokes that Peter still has a sense of humour and Peter tells him it's the only thing that keeps him going sometimes.

Inside the pub, Liz sits with Amy who is still in a snit about Michelle having a go at her earlier. She insists she wasn't listening to what Michelle earlier and she was minding her own business. Liz slips and says hormones can do funny things and Amy is plenty old enough to pick that up and come up with the right answer. She asks Liz if Michelle is pregnant and Liz is too flustered to be able to lie. Amy is thrilled and promises to keep the secret.

Aidan comes into the office. Johnny is not best pleased that Aidan bought the new machine without consulting him, not even a phone call. Johnny reminds him he's in charge of the finances but is taken aback when Aidan tells him that Alya paid for it. He's not happy with that either. Aidan points out that he was in charge while Johnny went away for weeks on a holiday and Johnny accuses him of waiting for his absence to do it behind his back. Jenny supports this theory. Aidan loses his temper and slams the door.

Steve and Peter have coffees in the back yard of the pub. Peter tells Steve that things went pear shaped in Portsmouth and it didn't have anything to do with a woman for once. He tells Steve his injury came from a boom on a boat. He also tells Steve that he was responsible for Ken's stroke as they were rowing and was trying to avoid running into Tracy so he could determine if he could visit the hospital without seeing her. He admits he doesn't know what he'd do without his dad.

Kirk comes along with Liam, heading to the park. They find Aidan sulking on the bench by the salon and in the end, they all go to the park together for a kickabout and an ice cream.

Norris asks Nick if there's any idea how the verdict is going to go, reckoning that David will go mad if the lad only gets done for manslaughter. Nick doesn't want to get into it with Norris and walks away. Norris thinks he might go to the courthouse to see the verdict for himself. Nick meets Leanne and tells her that he doesn't know if he got through to Robert who's on his way to the hospital to tell Anna the whole story. He notices the police pull up to the house and finds out they're looking for David. When told he's at the court, they demand that David get in touch with them as soon as he's able.

Steve and Peter are now inside the living quarters of the pub. Steve has told Peter about the baby, due in May (another Corrie "big week"? There's always fireworks in May, right?) Steve tells him to keep it to himself because they're keeping it quiet for now. Michelle comes in and is shocked to see Peter making himself at home. Steve admits he's invited Peter to stay there for a short while but Michelle is adamant he's not stopping.

Robert arrives at the hospital and comes into Anna's room which is now crowded with Tim, Gary, Faye and Kevin. He says he came to see Ken and wanted to drop in there first. Gary thanks him for the help getting him out. They all mention various injuries they all had from the incident, that is, except for David, Kevin spits. He decides to leave them to it for a bit, thanking Robert.

David and Gail are sat waiting at the court. Gail wonders if David really should be there, wondering what he will do if it's not the verdict he wants. David promises he'll keep it together. Craig and Gemma come and get him, saying the verdict is about to be given. Gail warns him to think carefully (about his reaction, I guess). David follows Gemma, Craig and Eva.

Stay tuned for the verdict at the start of next episode

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Abe Juckes

As Clayton climbs the stairs into the dock for his sentencing, Gail instructs David to stay right where he is. There's a commotion as Norris comes in late. Gemma tells Craig not to get any funny ideas before asking him to hold her hand for moral support. There's a collective sigh of relief from the crowd as the foreman delivers the jury's verdict .... guilty!! Macca is outraged and shouts out that it's a disgrace and they'll get Clayton out.

Back on the street Peter is offering to go and find himself a room at the Weathy Arms but Steve insists that, whatever anyone else might have to say, he's welcome to stay until Ken is better.

We move to the hospital where Faye, Gary, Tim and Robert are gathered round Anna's bedside. Nobody's quite sure what Robert's doing there and Tim suggests he should go home as it's family only. Then Sarah arrives. Robert says there's something he thinks everyone should know but he's interrupted by Sarah receiving a message on her phone from Gail with the news that Clayton has been found guilty. Faye asks Robert what he was about to say. He changes his mind and tells her that everyone wishes her mum well and asked him to pass on their regards. Robert catches Sarah's eye as he leaves.

Kirk is in Roy's Rolls with Liam and Aidan. Liam asks if he can stay the night with Uncle Aidan. Kirk doesn't mind as it'll give him a night on his own. Aidan can't really say no but he doesn't exactly look overjoyed at the prospect.

Over in Underworld, Sinead has no idea how to work Alya's new machine. She thrusts the instruction book at Alya and tells her she's the one who stands to make a fortune out of it so she can work it out for herself.

Kevin is on the warpath. He goes round to number 8 in search of David to be told he hasn't got back from court yet. Audrey accuses Kevin of being very aggressive and she's not wrong. Kevin says he doesn't know what David's playing at but when he sees him he's going to kill him.

Back at the hospital Gary and Sarah are having a chat in the corridor. To Sarah's surprise Gary doesn't seem to be at all angry over what David's done and tells Sarah it was an accident.

Meanwhile Robert is feeling very different. He's in the Bistro kitchen with Nick telling him how close he was to spilling the beans. Nick asks him what good that would do. Robert says it's called justice. He tells Nick that David is the one who should have been burnt to a crisp. He adds that they'll get David for it eventually and, when they do, they'll all be accessories.

Craig and Gemma have arrived back from court. Craig grins like a Cheshire cat when she suggests going for a drink. She makes it clear that they're just going as mates.

Across the street Kevin spots David on his way home. He shouts at him to stay just where he is.

It's lucky for David that Kevin's hands are bandaged. He has to make to do with shouting threats while Gail and Kirk try to intervene. Gail tells Kevin David's said sorry, what else can he do? But Kevin is determined to get to the bottom of what happened and, one way or another, he'll get David to pay for what he did.

We return to the hospital but this time it's to Ken's bed where Tracy is reading out theatre reviews from the paper. Leanne arrives with Simon and Amy but Ken doesn't really look up to visitors. Simon asks if Ken's stroke was his dad's fault. Tracy says yes and she's sent him packing which upsets Simon. Ken, meanwhile, is lying in bed presumably listening to the whole thing.

Michelle turns up at the Bistro to find it closed. Robert invites her in for a coffee and apologises for being short with her earlier. They start to have a friendly chat and she tells him how upset she is about Steve inviting Peter to come and stay. After all, what sort of man has an affair with someone on their wedding day? Robert doesn't think it's such a big deal. Michelle tells him to forget the coffee.

Kevin's in the garage, ranting over David like a bear with a sore head while Tim tries to calm him down.

Over at Underworld Johnny's having a word with Alya in his office. He wants to know if she's got the machine working yet. Not exactly she explains but the sooner he lets her get on with it, the sooner they can all get rich.

Michelle arrives back at the Rovers where Steve is propping up the bar with Peter. Steve points out that Peter's drinking water and tells her that he's only staying a couple of nights. Michelle sighs that Peter is the least of her problems and does her best to be civil.

We move over to the Platts' back garden where Gail watches David as he stands over a bonfire as he finally burns his hoody that was soaked with Kylie's blood. She tries to comfort him by telling David that things could have gone a lot worse this afternoon if the verdict had gone the other way. She reminds him that he still has his whole life ahead of him. David replies that he would have much rather spent it with Kylie.

Michelle is talking to Liz over a cup of tea. She still can't understand why Leanne told Tracy about Jim. Liz does her best to defend Leanne and says it was just a misjudgment. And, on the subject of misjudgments, she has something to confess to Michelle. Michelle puts her head in her hands as Liz admits that she's told Amy that she's pregnant.

Peter has taken over reading the paper to Ken. Getting no response he puts down the paper and says to Ken that if he wants him to go, then he will. He tells him to just say the word and he'll leave. Tracy wants him gone and so does Michelle he says. Ken gathers his strength and manages to get out a single word: stay. He repeats it and nods his head at Peter.

Michelle is furious with Liz for sharing her news with Amy but as Liz points out, Amy was bound to find out sooner or later.

Eva is at home with Aidan. She's in a frivolous, chatty mood whereas he clearly has something on his mind. Eva cuddles up to Aidan on the sofa and says it's the first time she's lived with a boyfriend. He tells her not to start talking about kids. But, unlike Aidan, Eva's thoroughly enjoying having Liam to stay and tells Aidan she sent a photo to Maria of him reading a bedtime story to Liam. Aidan does not look impressed.

Gail and Sarah are talking about the day's events over a cup of tea. Sarah reveals she went to the hospital and thought Robert was on the point of saying something. But Gail's more concerned to know what Sarah was doing there. Sarah claims she wanted to see how Anna was and tells her mother that she and David could take a leaf out of her book. Gail advises Sarah to steer well clear of Anna and Gary, otherwise it could all come crashing down around them ….

Karen

Kevin, with bandaged hands, is in with Sally and Tim. They talk about Anna, Tim reckons she's tough, she'll be ok. Kevin says they're taking her off the ventilator this afternoon, and Sally offers to go the hospital with him later. Faye comes in then, she wants to go with them, but Sally reckons that's not a good idea, and Tim says they'll take her over later on.

Peter is in the bar at the Rovers, as Steve cleans around him. Peter thanks him for letting him crash there. Michelle wanders in, obviously annoyed to see Peter still there, so he leaves quickly. Steve tells Michelle he wants to go into town and get a cot and a baby-changing table, but she think it's too early, and besides, she doesn't want Peter and everyone knowing what's going on. Steve tells her that he kind of already does, and she's aghast that Steve has told him. He says he was excited and it just slipped out, and today he reckons he just wants to keep busy to take his mind off the results of the tests. Michelle says she's sorry, she wasn't thinking, and tells him to go off to town to shop.

Tim and Faye meet Gary in the Street, and Tim tells him that Kevin and Sally are going to the hospital later. Gary tells Faye not to worry, he's sure Anna will be fine. They walk on, and then Gary notices Sarah pushing the pram on the other side of the road. Just then, Bethany jogs up to Sarah, she's off to the Red Rec, and as she jogs on, Gary waves across to Sarah. Sarah just turns around and walks away.

Outside the florist, Tracy is in the van when she sees Peter coming along. She wants to know why he's still around, she thought he'd gone. He tells her that Steve is putting him up, so she'll have to get used to seeing him around. She tells him to stay away from the hospital, but he says it's too late, he saw his dad last night. She asks when he's going to get it into his thick head that no one wants him around. He asks her to give him a chance to put things right, so eventually she tells him to go and get Ken's address book and ring round family and friends and tell them what's happened – and then stay away from her!

David tells Sarah that the police are charging him with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. It'll either result in a fine or a prison sentence. He's planning on taking Max and Lily away to see his dad for a while. Sarah asks if Gail and Audrey know and if they're all right about it. He assures her he's not planning any more mobile barbecues, he just wants a change of scenery. He then gives her and card that Lily has made for Gary and asks her to pass it on, with his thanks.

Kirk is in the cafe when Caz comes in and tells him that Nottingham didn't work out, she can't stay at her mate's, she'll try and sort something else out. He tells her she better had, Maria is coming home on Monday. She asks if Maria and Pablo are off the hook then, and he tells her it looks like it, and then repeats that she'd better get a move on, Maria won't be happy if she's still around.

Gary is sitting with Izzy in the cafe when Yasmeen comes in and asks how he is, and tells him that they're all thinking about Anna.

Sarah has a visit from her nurse, and tells her that she's feeling a lot better, and the nurse thinks she's ready to be discharged. Sarah is a bit scared, she won't have her nurse to talk to any more. The nurse tells her she won't be on her own, she'll have to attend an outpatient follow up every three months at the hospital.

Izzy has left the cafe and is spotted by Michelle who comes over and asks about Anna. Izzy tells her that Gary has gone to the hospital now. Michelle asks how he is, and Izzy tells her that he's being a typical bloke, making out everything is ok when he's actually worried sick. She also tells Michelle that she's worried how he's going to cope with Anna as well as helping her with Jake, she can't manage Jake 24/7. As she moves on, Michelle looks very worried.

Kevin and Gary are at Anna's bedside as she comes round. "Where am I?" she asks. Gary tells her she's in hospital. "Why? What's happened to me?" she asks, "why am I in hospital?"

Aidan is looking after Liam when Eva comes in and tells him that Alya can't get her new machines to work and Johnny is in a foul mood. Aidan tells her that when they've dropped Liam off they could head into town for something to eat, but she likes having Liam around and would like to keep him for one more day. Aidan promises to have a word with Kirk.

Sally and Tim have joined Gary and Kevin, as Anna slowly remembers what happened, the bang and the flames. Kevin says he tries to put them out, and Sally tells her he saved her life. "What's left of it," says Anna, adding that she can't feel her legs. She then starts crying, wondering if she'll ever walk again.

Peter is in the back yard of the pub, ringing Adam to tell him about Ken, but having to leave a voicemail message. Tracy suddenly appears, all stroppy, and asks if she's made the calls yet. He says he's working his way through them as fast as he can. "Well work faster," she snaps, "because thanks to you we might not have much time."

Sarah tells Bethany how she's been discharged, and will only need a check-up every three months. Bethany is delighted and offers to babysit so Sarah can go out and let her hair down, she suggests she calls the guy she wanted to see a little while ago. Sarah smiles. "Do you know what? Maybe I will!" she says.

Faye is sitting on the bench in the Street with Seb, talking about Anna and how much she misses her.

Aidan is in the pub with Kirk, and, despite promising Eva he would ask if they could keep Liam a little longer, is actually doing the opposite and asking Kirk to pick him up soon. Then he asks Kirk not to tell Eva that he's asked him.

Robert walks into the pub and gets the sharp edge of Michelle's tongue. Liz overhears and comes over, asking if everything is ok. "No it's not!" snaps Michelle, and goes off on a break. Liz turns to Robert looking puzzled.

Kevin and Gary are beside Anna's bedside when Gary gets a text from Sarah asking how Anna is. Kevin remarks that at least she seems to care, unlike her toe rag of a brother. He adds that he hopes the police throw the book at David, if they don't he's going to have him. Gary tells him he's not worth it, Anna needs him now. Kevin urges Gary to go home and get some rest.

Sharif is cooking, with Monica in the kitchen doing the tasting in a flirty sort of way, while Yasmeen sits and reads a book. Just then Alya comes in and takes it all in. Sharif asks if she sorted out her problem, she says she hasn't. Then he tells her to come and have some food, it's her favourite. She declines, frostily, saying she's not hungry, and goes off upstairs.

Liz finds Michelle outside in the yard of the Rovers, and asks if they can talk. She apologises for telling Amy about the baby, but says that Michelle can't take it out on the punters. Michelle sighs and says that seeing as Steve has now told Peter, they might as well stick a banner out the front announcing it. Liz points out that she's having a baby – people are going to find out. Michelle confesses that she's terrified, after talking to Izzy she wonders if Steve will be like that in a couple of years. Liz tells her there's no point worrying until they get the results, but Michelle says it's not that easy.

Kevin is dozing in a chair at Anna's bedside, when she wakes up and asks how badly burnt her legs are. He says he doesn't know, it all happened so quickly, they'll have to wait and see what the doctor says, but they'll get through it together.

Sarah meets Gary in the ginnel, she says she just wanted to see him. He reminds her that she blanked him this morning. She says she's sorry and asks how Anna is. She says she's sorry and reaches for his hand, but he draws back and says he doesn't understand what's going on, one minute she seems to like him and the next she doesn't. She apologises, she says she really likes him a lot, but it's complicated, and she just doesn't want people to know about them right now. He goes to walk away but she pulls him back. "What do you want?" he asks, and the next minute they're kissing passionately!

Anne Logan.

We begin in Maria's flat where Kirk comes into the kitchen to find a Caz's clothes on a rack. He asks her what the plan is - Maria's due back on Monday. Caz goes into tense-voice-almost-weeping mode and tells him she's under enough pressure from Maria already. It's a surprise to Kirk that Maria's been in touch but judging from Caz's face when he turns his back, she's made it all up.

Steve's been busy in the pub, changing barrels and things. Michelle quickly shuts her tablet when he comes in. He's going to Streetcars before they go to the hospital, trying to keep himself busy.

Sarah's pushing the pram and gets a text "Can't stop thinking about you."

Outside the factory, Johnny confronts Alya, telling her to get that machine sorted. It might be her money which bought it but it's his factory, his time and his materials. "Get it sorted!"

Beth and Craig see Kirk walking Eccles. Beth says everyone said to give him space but she thinks the gap between them is just getting bigger. Craig suggests making a big gesture, though he has no suggestions for this big gesture.

In the Bistro, Leanne thanks Robert for not saying anything about David. Robert isn't happy. If he'd gone to the police, Anna never would have been hurt and now he has to face her and Kevin and say nothing. Leanne says she understands his anger but what good will it do to say something now? She says Nick wants to buy him a beer and suggests he go to the Rovers. But Robert's staying away from there. Michelle bit his head off for no good reason so he's avoiding the place.

Simon's reading to Ken when Peter and Audrey come in. Simon snaps at Peter and tells him none of them would be sitting there if not for him. Audrey talks to Ken, telling him everyone sends their love, Rita and Norris especially. Simon says only two visitors are allowed in at a time. Audrey says she'll go but Peter says Simon's made it up so Peter will go.

Gary talks to Roy about Anna. She's conscious now. Gail and Michael come in and Gail wants to leave again but is forced to face Gary and say how sorry she is. Gary says it was an accident and nobody's fault. He turns back to Roy.

At a table, Fay and Seb chat and Gary says he's ordered Fay a baked potato and offers Seb a milkshake. Seb keeps looking past Fay at a handbag which has been left on a shelf.

In the kebab shop, Dev's all dandied up for a day in the golf clubhouse. He tries to persuade Steve to rejoin but Steve's more interested in his kebab order. It's clear he's a regular - Gemma knows his order off by heart. Steve takes his food and goes and a bloke comes in and introduces himself. He's Colonel Kebab, who has a chain of 17 kebab shops. Gemma's a big fan of their pita patties. The Colonel asks Dev how he's doing and says he seems to be doing well. "Maybe not so well when I drag your backside through the courts, eh?"

Liz and Amy are in the back room. Amy's putting together a playlist for her Grandad. Liz doesn't know much about classical music but suggests she ask Roy, or Google it on Michelle's tablet. Good idea. Amy gets the tablet down from the dresser and opens it - directly on to the abortion clinic website Michelle had been looking at.

The Colonel and Dev shout at each other. Dev is being accused of copying the Colonel's uniform. "I'm doing you for breach of copyright!" Ches points out that Dev's probably never been to one of the Colonel's shops. Gemma says he's not even a proper businessman: "He just has this and the corner shop." "And a gym!" snaps Dev. The argument moves outside with the Colonel shouting that Chesney and Gemma should look for new jobs. Alya comes past and stops him, saying you can't copyright a colour. The name on the uniform is completely different to his and the uniform itself is pretty generic. "I'm not going to listen to a little girl!" he shouts. Alya points out that this little girl has studied business law. The Colonel backs down and drives off. Dev insists on giving her a free lunch and Gemma drags her into the shop.

Sarah comes into the cafe and exchanges meaningful glances with Gary. Fay realises Seb is looking at the handbag and deliberately knocks it off the shelf and apologises to the elderly ladies at the table nearby - it belongs to one of them.

Michelle's back home and Liz comments that she seems a bit bright. She says Amy's been making a playlist for Ken. "On my tablet?" asks Michelle, obviously thinking that making a playlist involves waiting for your favourite song to come on to the radio, pressing record and then waiting for the end to press stop, hoping the DJ doesn't talk over the ending!

Caz sees Kate coming towards her in the street, whips out her phone and starts to shout, "Maria, please stop shouting at me!" She says she's got nowhere else to go but Kate isn't interested.

Craig and Beth plot how they can get Kirk to come to the house. Beth suggests Craig tell Kirk there's a problem with the ballcock. "Is that a real thing?" asks Craig. It is. Beth listens as Craig calls Kirk and arranges for him to come round later. He says Beth's going to be out.

Dev's pumped up and pompous in the kebab shop. Johnny looks through the window and tells Alya she hasn't got time for lunch. On her way out, she suggests it might be wise to change the uniform, just in case. She offers to design something a bit more elegant. "Yeah! Pimp it up!" agrees Gemma. Dev asks how much it will cost. "Less than a lawsuit," says Alya. She says she'll put something together with no obligation.

Amy's kicking the pillar box. Robert and Leanne rush to see what's wrong and she tearfully tells them Michelle wants to kill her baby. "Michelle's pregnant?" asks Robert. Amy refuses to be taken home so Roberts offers a sundae in the Bistro while Leanne goes to talk to Michelle.

Audrey witters on about shops and Christmas. Simon suggests doing the crossword. Peter goes off to find some drinks and Audrey finds the crossword page. Ken just looks frustrated as Simon reads the clues and then makes a very loud, angry noise. Audrey says he wants his rest.

Kirk arrives in what seems to be an empty house. He finds a handwritten sign which says something about being loyal and faithful. He pulls off the cover which held the sign and finds a cage with a very cute dachshund puppy.

Leanne goes to see Michelle and tells her Amy is upset and why. "Is it true?" Michelle says it's none of Leanne's business but then admits that if Steve's test comes back positive, she thinks she'll have to abort the baby. How can she have a baby knowing it's going to die early? She's scared for Steve, scared for the baby. "Until you've walked in my shoes you can't tell me I'm wrong!" she wails, not realising Leanne's already in the same shoes.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Hello. Welcome to another Friday night update. Somewhat less dramatic this week you might be pleased to know. This is episode 9023; the writer was Ella Greenhill; the director was Abe Juckes; copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

In the back room of the Rovers Leanne is dispensing tea to Michelle whom you may recall is contemplating an abortion as discovered by Amy. Leanne of course has similar concerns and asks if Michelle has told Steve how she feels - but Michelle cannot as Steve needs to stay positive and she needs to upbeat and smiley. Michelle asks Leanne if she will tell Steve like telling Tracy about the test. Leanne says she is sorry for that, she did not mean to cause trouble. Michelle asks what Leanne would do if her baby had this condition, Leanne says she does not know and Michelle acknowledges it was an unfair question. Michelle says she could not cope - does that make her selfish? Whilst Leanne says not Michelle does not believe Amy would be understanding. Michelle is worried - Amy is not grown up yet - and Amy may also have the same problem.

Sat at the bus stop Faye wants to know if Seb was simply going to take the purse. He thinks she would not miss it. {Faye - dump him NOW!]. He tells her he would have taken it for Faye, he knows she is sad about Anna - so he wanted to cheer her up because he cares for her, like when he got the top. She tells him he does not need to steal. But he thought he could rob the woman and buy Faye something nice. He realises he has annoyed her. She smiles and says it was nice really.

Heartbreak at Sutherland Towers. Beth returns. No sign of Kirk. And the beautiful dachshund is back in its cage and the note on it says "NO THANKS". Kirky!

Amy returns to the back room at the Rovers, arms crossed in full self defense / confrontation mode and Leanne tactfully makes her departure. Amy tells Michelle she is not a little kid who can be fobbed off. She knows what Michelle wants to do. Michelle says that it is odd, a little person growing inside you and you feel like you know them. She tells Amy that there might be something wrong with the baby. And if there is then you need to think about what the baby's life might be like. Amy wants to know why Michelle is thinking that there is something wrong. Michelle says there is only a possibility - and she wants this baby more than anything. But she wants a happy and healthy baby. If not then she was just looking at the options. Does Amy understand now? No she doesn't and she storms out.

Kirk is back in Maria's flat with the annoying Caz. The buzzer goes. He answers the door phone - but the buzzer merely goes again. He goes downstairs. He finds the puppy in a cage. This time the note says "Never gonna give you up, let you down. COME HOME KIRKY!" He tells the dog not to give him that look! Which it does of course. He picks the dog up and says he knows its game - it is working for the other side. He is Beth's flying monkey. (Worth looking up that reference as I did not know the term). Beth of course is hiding just behind the corner and we can see her in shot as Kirk continues to the dog "But a cute one, with little chocolate button eyes" as he cuddles it. He chuckles and Beth emerges and asks "How about it Kirky? Will you come and live with us again?". Kirk reiterates that she cannot click her fingers and expect him to come running - he does have his dignity. But she is rubbish without him. A cheese sarnie with no pickle. Kirk points out the pickle is the best bit. She asks him to come home and be her pickle again. He asks the dog how he can resist that little face? And of course he means Beth's as well as he finally smiles. They hug and kiss.

Michelle walks into the Bistro kitchen. She demands Robert keep his mouth shut. She knows Amy has said something and it is nothing to do with Robert. She rants on. He says he will not shout her business from the rooftops. She is clearly distressed. She says it is all just a bit much. She carries on steadily calming down. She tells him that Steve may not be very well and she must be feeling the strain. She admits it is hereditary and that Amy is at risk as well but she does not know. She tells Rob about Steve's test and that the baby is at risk as well. He moves to comfort her - but she says no, it is just a lot to deal with and staying upbeat for Steve. He tells her it is alright.

In the factory Alya is showing off the new Prima Donner uniform to Sinead. 1950's Grease rip off. Sinead reckons more American than Greek. Sinead is reluctant to run up a mock up for Dev. She insists Sinead stops her other work and Alya will sort out Johnny who emerges from his office and reminds Alya that she is staff and he is the boss and must do what he says. She explains that the fancy machine could make uniforms as well - so there is synergy. He just wants results! She asks for three weeks to make it a roaring success or she will quit. He does not say yes or no.

Back to Michelle and Robert who is patiently listening to Michelle saying that she is scared, trying to be positive in front of Steve as she does not him worrying. She does not think she could cope with bad news. She is not strong enough to look after Steve and a poorly baby. [Explosion here in our house. Given it is only impacting Jim McD it seems unlikely the baby will suffer at all]. Rob tells her she is wrong - he has watched her with Carla and knows just how tough and strong she really is. And she is a tiny bit terrifying. He saw how much Carla relied on her as a rock when she was in trouble. Michelle acknowledges that Carla is her best mate. [Phone her up then Michelle, get her back on t'Street]. Robert calls Michelle pretty amazing. Robert tells he she can cope with life because she is Michelle Connor and she is tough. She just needs reminding of it.

After the break we are back in the back room at the Rovers to where Michelle has returned for a word with Amy. She tells Amy to stop behaving like a child and to listen for a minute. Amy calls her a liar and refuses to listen. She tells Amy that there are a load of reasons why people look at a termination, it is a BIG decision and not taken lightly. Michelle wants the baby to have the best life it can. Amy tells her that it will and it will have a great Mum and whilst her dad can be a bit daft sometimes she would not swap him for anyone else. Michelle stands and hugs Amy and tells her that she has forgotten someone - the best big sister there is. Michelle is sure the baby is going to have a great life with them. She says that she is going to have the baby, providing she can count on a number one babysitter. Amy says she will look after it anytime. They can watch Powerpuff girls together. Michelle says it might be a boy and Any's rejoinder is "Well, I don't believe in gender stereotypes, Michelle". Both are smiling and hugging as Steve comes in. They lie and tell Amy they are going to a breathing class. Amy wants to go and Steve suggests next time!

Leanne returns to their flat. Nick offers her a glass of orange and lemonade. She pats her tummy to remind us she is pregnant. Nick passes her an appointment letter for the next scan and will they be asking if it is Bernard or Bernita? He would like to know. He has spotted a Superman baby grow in the precinct. Leanne's face is etched with worry as he blathers on. Leanne says Steve will get his results today and Michelle has been looking at options and might terminate her pregnancy. She tells Nick that she wants this baby more than anything - but if he does not want the work, she will understand. He can hardly believe her - he has not been looking at Superman baby grows for nothing has he? He wants this baby as much as she does, whatever the situation. She is stuck with him!

On the Street Caz suddenly starts crying. She is sat on the flower beds outside the boarded windows of the salon. She had spotted Ty walking along the Street and he crosses over and offers to buy her a drink. They go into the Rovers.

At the hospital Peter is assuring Ken that Si is all right. Probably eating a huge burger. Ken is trying to say something about Simon - but it is unclear. Peter tells Ken not to worry. Ken thinks Simon is upset but Peter says that Simon understands. Peter picks up the paper to read it to Ken. Ken says no forcefully. The doctor wants a word with Peter. She explains that Ken is showing signs of aphasia. Aphasia affects the person's ability to read, write, speak and understand words. Peter says that sometimes Ken seems to understand and at other times he is staring blankly. She says that a lot of stroke survivors have trouble with speaking and understanding - but it is not related to intelligence. Speech therapists will be involved to help Ken understand. Peter will help as well.

Caz is working her magic on Ty. She thought Maria was a mate but she has been sending some terrible texts which threaten Maria. And if Caz does not respond then Maria calls at all hours. She shouts at Caz and tells Caz to get out of the flat. And Caz says she will go - when she finds somewhere. Caz says she does not get freaked out easily - but some of Maria's texts are a bit scary (well it is Halloween; Ty and Fiz of course have experience of Maria's dark side - so he is very likely to believe this load of old codswallop). Caz tells Ty to forget what she has said, Maria must be stressed. Caz says she feels daft getting so upset. Maria's a mate forget it.

In the Rovers Alya is showing the design to Dev and Sinead wanders past. Alya is being helped in the sales pitch by Rana for reasons which are not obvious. Alya suggests some sketches for the shop staff as well. Dev has to go and Sinead walks across to the two girls and asks if Alya was ever going to give her credit for her work on the project. Alya apologises badly. Sinead says that Alya is out for herself and Sinead will not trust her.

Peter is acknowledging to Ken that it must be frustrating. But recovery is possible. Ken calls himself useless. (Grateful for the subtitles as I could not understand Ken!). Peter tells him he is not useless, Peter thinks he is brilliant. He is the only one who can stop Tracy and Peter from killing each other. Literally. Peter knows that Ken will get through this. Peter goes to help Ken sit up - but Ken pushes him away and says that he does not want any visitors. None of you. Don't be stupid says Peter. Ken responds that he is not stupid. Peter apologises for that but insists they will all come and see him. Ken turns away as far as he can and ignores Peter.

Liz (with new frizzy hairstyle) is serving Robert when Tracy comes in and asks if she is alright - OF course her thoughts are with Steve and the results but she says there is nothing wrong. Robert asks if there is any possibility that Tracy could for once be nice about someone. She asks if Steve is back - after all Amy is her daughter. It is always about Tracy of course. Liz walks out the back not having served Tracy who walks around behind the bar and serves herself as she is almost family. Robert wanted to talk to Tracy - she senses a change and is all smiles - yes about Peter - smile vanishes. Michelle said Peter was staying at the Rovers and Robert was wondering if Tracy would let Peter move back into number one. He is asking her to prove she is a decent human being. Steve and Michelle return from the appointment. They call Liz and Steve reports that it is the all clear. He is fit as a butcher's dog. Liz says that is great and Tracy is smiling again. Liz orders Tracy to the public side of the bar. Tracy takes the opportunity to say she has been thinking and it would probably be for the best if Peter moved back in with them. Michelle does not need the stress. Michelle thanks her and Tracy says it is not a problem. Tracy nods at Robert and Michelle catches the shared look and knows he has put in a word. Steve suggests opening a bottle - the second cheapest bottle of fizzy white! Michelle asks Robert if he had anything to do with Tracy's change of heart? Robert admits to a nudge. Michelle thanks him. Not only for Tracy but also for listening earlier. She gives him a hug and kisses him on the cheek.

Roll credits.

So order has been restored in Sutherland land, hope we see the puppy regularly. Caz is weaving another story. Ken is inaudible and no doubt there will soon be a load more Barlows helping him recover. We have to hope that Anna is getting better (she and Ken both have long journeys to full recovery ahead). Steve and Amy and both babies are clear of that gene. Alya looks like being out of a job. And is still ill treating Sinead. Both Leanne and Nick seem very keen on having the baby - will their scan bring bad news? And can I hope that something is NOT going to develop between 'Chelle and Robert ... pretty please?

And in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop.

See you next week.

Richard

Written by Debbie Oates Directed by Judith Dine

Gary finds Faye by the bus stop and offers to make her excuses to the school if she wants to be at the hospital for her mother's skin graft operation but she insists she wants to go to school. Gary promises to text her to let her know how things go.

Aidan and Eva are leading Liam down the road, he dressed in his Halloween skeleton costume. Fiz and Tyrone come out of the house and make a big deal about being scared of the skeleton. They pile in the car and are off. Fiz and Tyrone talk about Maria's impending return today. He tells her that Caz is upset at the bombardment of texts she says she's getting from Maria. Fiz reckons she's exaggerating. Caz looks out of the flat window above.

Anna is waiting to be taken for the op, Kevin by her side. She's reflecting on the last time she had an operation, at the age of 12 for her appendix. He reassures her. They know what they're doing but she seems to be a bit anxious. It's upsetting that they are going to take skin that still looks ok to fix the skin that isn't. There isn't really anything Kevin can say to that, but he holds her hand.

Rana tries to persuade Zeedan do knock off early because she has the day off. He promises to try but it won't be until after lunch if at all. She bounces off, assuming he will.

Kirk and Beth come outside. Beth is holding the puppy, Peanut and it turns out she isn't going to go out to the pub with him that evening because she doesn't want to leave the dog alone. But she insists that Kirk go and dress up as well. He complains about wearing a bald cap thingy but it's necessary if he's dressing up as Uncle Fester. They meet Caz who asks when Maria is due back. She tells Kirk she has to clean up properly, insinuating that Maria is being off with her but instead of giving Kirk the keys, she decides to keep them and give them to Maria herself, perhaps with flowers as thanks.

Sonia asks Sharif if he's spoken to Alya about her attitude towards Sonia. He makes excuses for her, not wanting to upset his granddaughter in case she spills the beans. Sonia warns him to sort Alya out our she will and strides off just as Dev comes in complaining about the printer in the office. They talk about flats and Dev comments that he hopes Erica might move in with him one day. Sharif notices Dev has some paperwork from the bank. He snatches them out from Dev, insisting on looking after the accounts himself.

Liz posts a notices on the pub window about a Halloween party in the pub tonight. Michelle runs down the list of supplies they need. Steve comes outside wearing The Scream as a mask. He's in a jolly mood, having had the all clear, medically. Liz mentions that Andy has had the same. They all trade a few more jokes and then Steve and Michelle head out.

Leanne and Nick are walking down the street, also joking about Nick wanting a tattoo of the baby scan. They are going to the hospital for the 20 week scan and encounter Steve and Michelle. Baby talk ensues. Michelle asks if they're going to find out the sex and that Steve wants a boy since he already has a girl, though she'd prefer a girl since she's already got a boy (remember? you'd be forgiven if you forgot, she rarely mentions Ryan anymore). Steve doesn't really confirm he wants a boy though it kind of seems that way, but he, like all parents, does want it to be healthy. They part ways and head in opposite directions. Steve chides Michelle for being a bit sly with Leanne, making a dig about secrets. Michelle thinks she and Leanne will be fine once both babies are born.

In the factory, Caz has come in to see Kate to say good bye and apologize. Everything she did was because she loved Kate and she really wants Kate's forgiveness. She gets it, and does forgive her. Caz makes sure she gets in another reference to Maria hating her, wanting to "stave" her head in, before asking Kate to go for a drink. That's one too far for Kate who ends up getting angry with Caz who doesn't seem to want to take no for an answer.

The scan is going well and the baby is fine. The technician asks if they want to know the sex. Nick and Leanne dither but Leanne wants to know so they find out it's probably a boy. Leanne is happy, Nick looks not so much, probably thinking about Steve's desire for a son.

Maria has arrived home and is short of money for the taxi driver. Tyrone comes along and lends her the rest of the money for the driver. He gets it back in short order when she finds the fiver she was looking for. Tyrone reluctantly wants to tell her something about Caz but Maria is to tired to hear it now.

Down the road, Eva and Kate are leaving the factory for dinner. Kate's phone rings, from Caz, but she doesn't answer it, telling Eva that Caz is history.

Maria and her bags are up in the flat. She notices that the place is in a bit of a mess, a lot of a mess in fact, furniture tipped over and everything.

After the break, Gary and Kevin are both with Anna in the hospital. Anna doesn't want Faye to be made to come see her if she isn't up to it. the doctor and orderlies come to take Anna to theater for the op, assuring her it will all be ok. Kevin and Gary watch her being rolled away.

Maria comes striding out of the flat looking for Tyrone. Aidan is outside the factory and tells her the garage is shut at the moment. She tells her that the flat is in a tip and she's sure Caz did it. She says she can't phone the police, pretending it's because Caz has already gone (when really, it's because she was away seeing her pretend husband) and she wants to find out what Tyrone was going to tell her about Caz. Aidan insists on taking her to the pub in the back room for a drink to calm her down.

Leanne and Nick have arrived back. She asks who they should tell first, family or Norris who will do the job of spreading the news. Nick says they should make everyone wait until after a nice lunch but Fiz and Tyrone come out of the cafe, with Fiz excited for them about the scan. She heard it from Norris who'd heard it from Sean who'd heard it from Eva. Case in point. Steve comes out the door of the cafe behind them and is drawn into the conversation. Fiz asks about the sex but Nick jumps in and says they're going to keep it as a surprise. Fiz offers them her babies' castoffs if they have a girl. Steve just gives them a calculating look.

Faye is not at school. She's in the park with Seb. She's got a bottle of something in her hand and is encouraging him to ask an adult to get them more. She's making all these suggestions about robbing people or running away. Seb realizes she's just upset and worried for her mother. She bites his head off but he holds her and lets her cry her worries out.

Eva is in the back room with Aidan and Maria and sympathising with her. Maria admits she doesn't want the police involved and she admits to them that she married Pablo and did it so he could stay in the country with his boyfriend. She regrets it now. She'd thought all that was involved was signing a few papers and that would be the end of it but it turns out it wasn't. Eva is surprised she's done it for free, too. Eva calls Maria too soft. Aidan confirms that Caz knew. Maria is furious at Caz for using her.

In the pub, Liz, Eva and Michelle are in their Halloween costumes, done up like the three Witches of Eastwick. Liz is the character played by Cher with a huge, black, curly wig. Eva has a long red haired wig on with little spiders in it and looks lovely (Susan Sarandon's witch) with Michelle in a long blonde wig as Michelle Pfeiffer's witch. They all look pretty good though Michelle looks more like Farrah Fawcett. Steve is keeping his costume a secret. Beth is at the bar, mentions that Kirk is dressing up but isn't saying as who. Liz notices Eva pouring a drink for Maria which she promises to pay for. Liz doesn't get much out of Eva other than Maria's upset that Caz left the flat in a tip.

Zeedan comes in the gym looking for his grandfather to borrow 20 quid. Dev is in a snarling bad mood and we find out that he's seen the accounts and found out that Sharif transferred 14,000 to his own personal account. There may be an explanation but Zeedan is mystified.

Aidan walks Maria back home. She's in a better mood. She sees Kirk and scolds him for leaving Caz on her own. Kirk protests, he wasn't going to stay there now he and Beth are back together. He talks about the upcoming Halloween party and they bicker again about his Uncle Fester costume. Maria goes home to clear up before Liam gets home. Kirk mentions that Caz wanted to give her the keys but Maria doesn't want to see her or she'll wish she hadn't.

Steve sees Nick and Leanne again and approaches. He assumes they're having a boy, he figured out that was why Nick was being cagey earlier. He insists vehemently again that he doesn't care if they have a boy or a girl. It's *their* baby, not his and they have to trust him or it isn't going to work. Leanne sees the reason to it and Steve and Nick shake hands.

Sharif and Sonia are in the kitchen and bickering about moving her to a flat before the new one is built. She's refusing. Zeedan comes storming into the house, angry. He shouts at his grandfather for the secrecy, for assuming nobody would find out. Sharif and Sonia clearly think he knows about their affair.

Maria is sweeping up broken glass and comes out to the hallway by the door. She stops short, seeing a bloody hand print and dripping blood stains on the wall by the door. Which she obviously didn't see when she came home the first time.

We end the episode there.

Tvor

Written by Debbie Oates and directed by Judith Dine

Kirk is even more confused than usual. Maria's rung him at work to complain about him playing a Hallowe'en prank on her flat. He flatly denies having anything to do with it but Maria doesn't listen. She thinks he's put fake blood on the walls and taken her rug. Maria insists he goes round to the flat straightaway. Kirk tells Kate what's happened and asks Aidan if he can take a few minutes off work. Aidan offers to go with him.

Zeedan confronts his grandfather about the money he's taken from the gym's bank account. Sonia makes a discreet exit just as Yasmeen and Rana appear, wanting to know what the row is about. Sharif goes on the defensive and claims he only borrowed the money to help out Alya. He tells Yasmeen their savings account requires 60 days to make a withdrawal so it was only a temporary loan, which is why he never told Dev. Yasmeen believes him although Zee looks suspicious. Yasmeen sends Rana and Zee off on their date and then begs Sharif not to be too hard on their grandson.

In the Rovers, most people are dressed up for Hallowe'en, although Steve has yet to put on his costume. Michelle wants him to go as Jack Nicholson but Steve's being very secretive about what he's going to wear and tells her to get ready for his grand entrance. Mary is dressed as "Mystic Mary" and Dev decides to make use of her psychic powers. He asks her what would happen if he asked Erica to move in with him. It takes her no time at all to predict she would say no. She tells him Erica is not a happy bunny because of the new uniforms. In fact, says Mary, she'd class her more as a bunny boiler at the moment.

Gary and Kevin are waiting at the hospital when Seb arrives with Faye in tow. He tells them she's bunked off from school because she was so worried about Anna. Gary gives Faye a hug. She's upset to think Anna will believe she doesn't care because she wasn't there went down for her operation.

Kirk is examining the blood in Maria's flat. He's impressed with how realistic it looks. Maria now believes it wasn't down to him. She's decided Caz must be the culprit and she's furious. Aidan receives a phone call.

Dev's in the shop with Erica. She's sounding off about the uniforms but has the wind taken out of her sails when Dev interrupts her tirade and asks her to move in with him. Erica looks surprised and puzzled. As she leaves she asks Dev if she can think about it.

Sharif then comes in to apologise to Dev about his "loan" from the gym account. He asks Dev to forgive him and Dev reluctantly shakes his hand.

Aidan is outside in the street with Kate who has received a message from Caz on her phone. Kate says she sounds terrified. Aidan listens to the message and looks worried. Kate asks him what time Maria got back.

Zeedan apologises to Rana for ruining their date and they sit down in the bus shelter to talk. He's confused and wishes his parents were around to give him guidance. She tells him all her parents ever do is judge her and try to change her. As they talk an idea forms in Zee's mind – they should go away together and start afresh somewhere else. Rana points out they're both happy in their jobs. "Marry me!" declares Zeedan, seemingly out of the blue. Rana is completely taken aback.

Rana is so confused by Zeedan's proposal that she rushes off up the street and throws her kebab box into the bushes. As he calls after her she tells him she needs to think.

Kate goes storming round to Maria's. She's been taken in by Caz's message and is convinced Maria has done something to her. Aidan tries to calm her down but for some reason Kate has conveniently forgotten just what a nasty piece of work Caz is.

Back at the hospital, Faye has now fallen asleep. Kevin reckons she may have been drinking but Gary says they'll let it go this once. Gary is worried he could have done more to help at the accident but Kevin tells him if he can let things go with David Gary should also stop torturing himself. Kevin says their priority now should be helping Anna with her long road to recovery.

In the Rovers Rana is telling Eva about the proposal. She doesn't think it was a real proposal because Zee was so emotional about everything that had just happened.

Across the room Erica is telling Michelle about Dev. Michelle asks what the kids think – after all, he'd never ask her to move in without clearing it with them first, would he? Erica's not sure they'd be keen - in her eyes they're like Chucky 1 and Chucky 2.

Michelle's attention is caught be something being thrown from behind the bar. A hand appears and Michelle tells Eva to ring the bell – it looks like Steve is ready for his grand entrance. He emerges as Uncle Fester from the Addams Family but is confronted by Kirk in the identical outfit. Steve grumpily pulls off his mask – it looks like he'll have to go as Jack Nicholson after all.

Aidan is now alone with Maria in her flat. He tells her Eva's going to take Liam back to their place. There's a ring at the door. Maria looks shocked when Aidan tells her it's the police.

Peter arrives back at number 1 to find Simon there. Peter makes an emotional speech about Ken and their relationship. He's on the point of tears as he tells Simon how upset he was when he thought that he was going to lose his father. He knows he's been a terrible father himself. He doesn't expect anything from Simon but he's going to try harder to be a better Dad to him. Simon is on the point of leaving but suddenly turns round and flings his arms around Peter.

The police are questioning Maria about Caz. They ask Maria if there's anywhere else she can stay tonight if they can't locate Caz as they need to follow procedure. Maria says it's her home and she wants to stay there. The policeman questions this as Maria had said her home was in London. He mentions her husband Pablo. Maria quickly tries to recover and says she calls both places home. She's instructed not to try and clean up and to gather her things as she can't stay there.

We move to Dev's where Mary has organised apple bobbing for the twins. At that moment Erica arrives, clutching a bottle of Champagne. The twins are surprised when she agrees to bob for an apple but if that's what it takes to move in with Dev, begins Erica …. It's clear Dev hasn't spoken to the children so Mary hastily removes them upstairs. Dev is thrilled and ignores Erica's quizzical face over whether he's told the twins.

At the hospital Anna has returned from surgery. She's still sedated but the doctor tells Gary and Kevin that the operation went well. Gary puts a protective arm around Faye and reassures her that her mum will get better.

Maria is reunited with Liam at Aidan and Eva's. As she takes him off to bed, Eva catches up with Aidan over what's been going on. Eva asks about the message from Caz and concludes that Kate wouldn't have called the police if she wasn't worried. They're interrupted by the door buzzer – it's the police again. They've found a phone lying on the pavement below Maria's flat. Maria of course knows nothing about it and says she feels like she's in the middle of a bizarre dream. Aidan asks the police to confirm that they think this is a hoax but they're non-committal, especially if the phone turns out to belong to Caz. The police tell Maria her flat is secured and she can't go back there as it's now being treated as a crime scene.

Karen

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

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