2016


Wednesday 2 November

Breakfast time at the Nazir's, and Zeedan is sure Rana will 'bin him off', sure that he made a complete fool of himself. Alya tries to reassure him that all will be fine, and even if Rana doesn't want to get married, what does it matter, marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be, half of them end in divorce anyway. Yasmeen comes downstairs then, and tells him that his parents were happy together, and look at her and his granddad- he is her rock. Alya then leaves the room with a disgusted look on her face. Yasmeen tells Zeedan that she's sure Rana will say yes, if she doesn't she's a fool!

Audrey, Steve and Maria are out on the pavement as the police go into her flat. Maria is shocked that it's being treated as a crime scene. While Steve makes crass jokes, Audrey leads her away to the salon, she's a customer in at 9 o'clock and that will keep her focused.

Zeedan sees Rana walking along and runs to catch up with her. He tells her she's off the hook, he should never have laid something so massive on her. She says it's fine, but they should talk. "You're in the clear," he says, "forget I ever said it." He goes to walk away but she calls him back. She tells him she's confused, one minute he wants to marry her, and the next he doesn't. "Do you want to or not?" she asks him. He says he does, and she admits that she wants to marry him too. He's really delighted and they kiss there and then in the Street.

Tyrone is in the cafe collecting sarnies and chatting to Cathy about Anna. Michael comes in and starts talking about Lily. He tells them they are so grateful to Gary, he saved her life.

Sharif tells Sonia to collect her stuff, Dev has said she can move into the flat above the shop. Yasmeen comes in from the garden, just as Zeedan and Rana burst in through the front door with news of their engagement. They all hug, as Yasmeen welcomes Rana to the family, as Sonia looks on, looking somewhat less than happy.

Aidan tells Tyrone and Fiz that the police found blood on the wall in Maria's flat. When he's gone, Fiz tells Tyrone they must tell the police how Caz was in tears when she told them how Maria was hassling her. Fiz is worried that Maria is going all weird again, while Tyrone urges her not to jump to conclusions, and tells her to leave it.

Kirk comes into the salon and tells Maria that the police are still in her flat. Maria starts to get really worried, but Audrey is sure that Caz cannot have disappeared off the face of the earth, sooner or later she'll turn up and Maria will be off the hook.

Johnny, Aidan and Jenny are in the cafe when Kate comes in. Aidan calls her the Weatherfield Snitch and asks why she dropped Maria right in it. Kate tells him to keep quiet until he knows what actually happened, there's loads of evidence against Maria. Aidan is sure that Caz set the whole thing up. Johnny says he's keeping an open mind, but if he had to call it he would agree with Aidan, he doesn't think Caz is right in the head.

Sonia comes into the gym and startles Sharif who isn't pleased to see her. Just then Yasmeen comes in and so he blusters about signing Sonia up for gym membership. Yasmeen says she's decided to throw an engagement party tomorrow night, they need to meet Rana's parents. She says she's sorry that Sonia is moving out, and hopes she's sure that's what she wants. Sonia says she thinks it's for the best. Yasmeen then leaves, saying she's got lots to do. Sonia turns to Sharif and says she must get something new to wear for the party. He tells her it's a family affair and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to come.

Johnny tells Alya that they've just had an order for 30 units of her vintage range. He gives her some money and tells her to go and buy a couple of bottles of wine, they'll raise a glass. She points out that she doesn't drink, but he reminds her that the rest of them do.

Fiz asks Kirk how Maria is, and he says she's not good. Kate comes past and says that she's worried sick about Caz, but no one else seems to care. Fiz takes her to the kitchen area and tells her that Caz told Tyrone that Maria had left threatening messages on her phone, and she goes on to say that Maria did it once before and caused trouble for herself and Tyrone. Kate urges her to tell the police. "Caz has gone missing, anything could have happened to her," she says.

Sonia stops Alya in the Street and tells her about Zeedan and Rana. "Are you serious? My brother and my best friend and I've got to hear it from you?" she says. They end up having a slanging match, Sonia says that the flat is dingy but at least she'll be getting away from Alya. Alya retorts that she'll be glad to see the back of her, she has no dignity. Sonia then tells her that she and Sharif have been together for 7 years. Alya is incredulous. "You're lying!" she says. "Ask him," says Sonia.

Alya chases Sonia down the Street, telling her she's lying. She says that her husband didn't want her and now she hates to see anyone else happy. Sonia tells her to take it up with her grandfather. Alya points out that her grandmother is supposed to be Sonia's best friend. Sonia says Yasmeen had it ok, she was the wife, she got the home and the family, but now she (Sonia) has had enough of being second best.

Zeedan and Rana go into the Bistro and ask for something sweet and fizzy. Steph asks what they're celebrating and then sees Rana's ring. Michael is there and says it's lovely to have a big family celebration to look forward to, it does everyone the world of good.

It's lunchtime, and Audrey says she'll take Maria for lunch at Roy's. They notice that the police car has gone, and Maria says she'll be able to get back into her flat now. Just then, however, Maria is dismayed to see a policewoman talking to Fiz and Kate.

Michael, having seen how happy Zeedan and Rana are, tell Andy that they need to do something to make everybody smile, and he decides that he'll ask Gail if she'll join him in renewing their vows. Andy could be their best man, and then they could all have a big party.

It seems that Gemma has been sleeping in the kebab shop, she can't go back to the estate, not now she's a grass. She flaps about, putting away her bedding and talking to Alex, as Chesney arrives.

Yasmeen is in the conservatory looking through a box of old photos and keepsakes, when Sonia and Sharif enter the house. Sonia is saying how she's sick of all the creeping around, and Sharif shushes her, which makes Yasmeen sit up and listen, and not answer when Sharif calls out to see if anyone is at home. She then overhears all their conversation, Sonia complaining about Alya, and also about the situation. Sharif wonders if they should call it a day. "But we love each other," says Sonia, which obviously comes as a big shock to Yasmeen, who sits down, stunned. Sonia tells him they can't end it. "You mean the world to me," she says. They pick up her bags and leave the house, leaving Yasmeen looking shattered.

Audrey and Maria are in the cafe having lunch when the two detectives come in. They want to talk to Maria about her 'husband', and her whirlwind romance. Audrey asks what this has got to do with Caz's disappearance. "Nothing," says the detective, adding that they're just trying to build a picture of what kind of person Maria is.

Alya arrives back home and finds her grandmother sitting stunned and upset and when she asks why, Yasmeen confides that Sharif has been unfaithful to her with Sonia, she heard them talking. "How can he betray us like this?" she asks, and then tells Alya that she's not going to let him get away with it.

Anne Logan.


Friday 4 November

We start in Yasmeen's kitchen where she's busy cooking for the engagement party. Alya comes in and Yasmeen tells her onions and adultery are a lethal combination. Yes, the party's going ahead. She tells Alya that her marriage is a sham but why not keep up the pretence for another day. Her mind is focused on Zeedan and Rana and nothing's going to spoil their day.

Chesney's found a bra in the storeroom, though Gemma can think of lots of reasons why it might be there - maybe a lady on her way back from the laundrette popping in for a kebab . . . Chesney says he'll put it in the lost property. Gemma tells Alex she owes him one for keeping her secret.

The police are at the garage talking to Tyrone about Maria. He says she's got a good heart and is a good person. Aidan asks what it was about and Tyrone tells him what Caz said about Maria sending her texts. Fiz comes over and joins in the discussion. Tyrone's annoyed that he had to speak to the police at all but Fiz says they know better than anyone what Maria's capable of. Aidan doesn't think she's capable of anything but Fiz says, "I thought I knew John. How wrong can you be, eh?" Aidan looks worried.

Zeedan's gone to see Rana's parents because he thought that was polite before they come to the party. Sonia comes in and Yasmeen is very polite to her. Sonia says she won't be coming to the party. She has a prior family engagement. She leaves and Sharif puts on his jacket and says he has to go to the gym. As he leaves, Alya asks Yasmeen if they're going to their little love next and Yasmeen tells her off. "You and I are two generations apart but when it comes to this sort of thing it's a million years." She says Sharif isn't the first man to take a mistress. Maybe it's partly her fault - after all, she knows she can be difficult to live with. "If the truth comes out it's over." She doesn't want the family to be shamed. Alya says she's right, they are light years apart.

Maria telephones Pablo and warns him the police might come to see him. Aidan arrives to see how she is. He tells her the police have been talking to Ty and she says Fiz and Tyrone are the last people she wants the police to talk to. Aidan suggests she get out, rather than shutting herself up in the flat.

In the cafe, Michael talks to Andy about asking Gail to renew their vows. Cathy thinks it's romantic and says they can't even get around to making their vows, let alone renewing them. Behind the counter she talks to Roy about it and reveals that she'd like to get married in church. Roy is opposed to this. He'd feel like a hypocrite and would be uncomfortable. But if Cathy's set her heart on that. . . Cathy changes the subject as Alex comes in. They have something to ask him - would he be Roy's best man? Alex would love it, but can he bring a guest? He'd rather not say who. Cathy says of course he can but she looks worried.

David and Kylie are back. He doesn't want to go to the park for the public fireworks night. He'd rather have fireworks and sausages in the back yard (Have you seen how small that back yard is? If they retreat the recommended safe distance from the fireworks they'll be down in Sally's garden!). As everyone goes inside, Sarah asks him how he is really and he says he's fine.

Maria goes to see Tyrone at the garage and asks if he told the police about the texts she sent to them. He didn't. "Ancient history," he says, telling her he believes her. He gets a call from Fiz and looks worried.

A psychologist has come to see Anna, who is in a burns unit where they really don't understand the level of sterility needed for serious burns, though someone has told them Kevin should wear a plastic apron, so he is. The psychologist tells Anna that it's normal to feel overwhelmed but it's important that she looks at her legs so she can see the progress she's making. Anna agrees and tearfully asks Kevin to leave for a bit.

Tyrone's rushed home. Fiz tells him she's found something in the bin - it's a rug with bloodstains, though it's sticking up out of the bin and the lid can't possibly have been closed, so why has nobody seen it until now? "I'm phoning the police," she says.

Yasmeen's fiddling with a gold necklace. She tells Sharif the clasp is broken so she's going into town to get it mended. It was Zeedan's mother's and she and Kal aren't here. It's important to Yasmeen that Rana wears it. Sharif tells her he's sure Kal is looking down on them (He probably isn't. The Muslim faith teaches that people will stay in their graves until the Last Day and will only go to heaven or hell then) and he's sure Zeedan will make a good husband and father.

The psychologist shows Anna pictures of her leg before and after the skin graft. "It's already healing," she says.

Beth and Sarah meet Gary in the street and Beth invites him to the fireworks in the back yard to thank him for what he did for David and Lily.

Cathy says she shouldn't have assumed Roy would want a church wedding. She wouldn't mind if they got married on Mars as long as they get on with it. She's worried that Alex wants to invite Nessa. She says she can't object if he does because it'll be a big day for him, too. They see Yasmeen at the bus stop and Roy points out the bus won't be there until 20 past. She explains her errand and shows them the chain. Roy thinks he can mend it himself.

Anna and Kevin talk about bonfire night being the burns unit's busiest night of the year. She says she saw the pictures but couldn't really take it all in. Her legs don't feel as if they're healing, no matter what the psychologist says. Kevin tells her they'll just have to get through one day at a time.

While Roy fixes the clasp, Cathy asks Alex about his guest for the wedding. "A girl," he says, though he won't say who. Cathy's relieved to hear it's not Nessa. Sonia comes in and Yasmeen asks her about her prior engagement, then tells her to skip that and come to their party. "Come on, I want you to be there. You're my closest friend." And when she says "come on" she means right this minute.

Sharif asks Alya if Yasmeen seemed a little "off" today. They're interrupted by Mary and Dev arriving. Then Rana's parents, Hassan and Syra, come in and are introduced to Sharif. Yasmeen and Sonia arrive, to his surprise. Yasmeen says she twisted Sonia's arm. She thanks everyone for coming and hopes they all have a wonderful time. When she goes to the kitchen to get some drinks, Alya asks if she's all right and Yasmeen says she is.

In the pub, Sarah speaks to Gary and he kisses her in the middle of room, though nobody seems to notice. Michael is nervous and he and Andy tell Sarah the renewing-the-vows plan. She thinks it's a lovely idea.

In Roy's flat, Alex opens the door to Gemma. She's been invited to have a shower there while Roy and Cathy are at the party. He gives her a robe to borrow and says he'll go out, but Gemma says he doesn't need to go on her account.

Kirk and Maria are in the street when the police arrive and ask her to go down to the station. They say her rug has been found with quite a lot of blood on it. Kirk looks upset.

Sharif takes the repaired chain and presents it to Rana and Zeedan. Yasmeen's very annoyed - that was her surprise. Zeedan says he'd like to read a poem that expresses how he feels about Rana:

"From the beginning of my life
I have been looking for your face
but today I have seen it.

Today I have seen
the charm, the beauty,
the unfathomable grace
of the face
that I was looking for.

Today I have found you... "

It's by the Sufi poet Rumi. I'm not sure whether the programme makers were making a point with it because Zeedan doesn't read the next bit:

and those that laughed
and scorned me yesterday
are sorry . . .

That seems more relevant to Yasmeen.

Anyway, Zeedan says he thinks his grandparents are truly amazing people and hopes that in 50 years' time his and Rana's marriage will be rock solid like theirs. Yasmeen wishes them every happiness but says that if they're looking for a role model they look at someone other than Sharif. "My husband has been having an affair with that woman!" Uh oh.

The end for now.
Margaret Carr

Hello. Episode 9028 tonight, written by Mark Burt; directed by Judith Dine; copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. In the background I am listening to the football; I may get diverted.

This update opens in the Nazir house where most of the guests have departed Yasmeen tells Zeedan, Rana and Alya that she, Sharif and Sonia need some privacy. Sharif is scowling but Sonia is looking relaxed. Alya with a backward glance is last to go. Yasmeen's first question is the inevitable "How long?". Sharif confirms the 7 years we know.

Roy and Cathy are at Anna's bedside (why oh why has she got an oxygen feed to her nose? - Corrie always use this but it not normal). Anna observes that this is the longest she has ever been off her feet, she might get used to it! Anna then expresses her concern that Kevin has not signed up for this, she has got burns over half her body and it is a lot to take on. Roy does think Kevin would see it like that. Cathy says that Kevin adores her, they are busy at the garage but the only person Kevin is worried about is Anna. And that is why he has not told Anna that they are busy. Cathy assures Anna that Kevin is in for the long haul, just like she is with Roy. Anna smiles unconvincingly.

Back at the Nazir's Yasmeen is wondering how she could be so blind. It is not clear how often they met as it varied. When Kal died Sharif turned to Sonia for support. Sonia asked him to come and he obeyed like a good dog. Yasmeen tells Sonia to get out. She goes, leaving Yasmeen and Sharif.

Being 4 November there are a lot of fireworks going off in the background and we now see some as David and Max wave sparklers round and round in front of Lily. Sarah is looking at the rockets exploding. She tells Gail that it was Bethany who invited Gary - not her - and she could not uninvite him. Gary and Jake arrive. He says that Bethany made it hard to refuse. Michael thinks it is great that they can all come together like this. Gary gets a sparkler for Jake. Bethany adds to the good humour by asserting that they will have to excuse Gail because she swears she can suck the fun out of a bouncy castle. Gary and Sarah keep exchanging glances.

At the local police station two of Manchester's finest tell Maria that they have checked Caroline's phone records and they are not the source of the abusive text messages. They have come from a pay as you go phone acquired with a credit card in Maria Connor's name. Maria Jane Connor applied for a car which was issued on 23 August. Maria gets out her two cards. She admits applying for a new card but never activated yet. So Caroline must have stolen it and bought the phone and then sent the messages pretending to be Maria. Maria calls Caz mentally unstable. The policewoman asks if that was like the time when Maria sent texts to Ty and Fiz? Maria denies being unstable but the policewoman seems unconvinced.

Alya, Zeedan and Rana are in a corner in the Bistro. Rana seeks to comfort Alya who is distressed because she knows it is all true whilst Zeedan still does not believe it.

In Roy's flat Gemma emerges from the bathroom and tells Alex that she does not think she has ever been this clean or smelled so good. Once prompted Alex says she always smells lush. She laughs - he can lie with the best of them. And then Cathy and Roy return. They spot she is wearing Roy's dressing ground and Cathy's slippers. Alex told her to make herself at home. Alex tells them it is not how it looks as Gemma goes to get dressed.

Gail is now watching the fireworks as Michael comes into the garden. Gail remains unhappy with Gary and Jack being there. Anyway now he has Gail to himself and she knows that he loves her and that they have been given a second chance. She agrees. So to celebrate their amazing fortunes he suggests they renew their marriage vows. He asks if she will do Michael the honour of marrying him again. She hesitates. Then says yes 5 times! And the face finally finds a smile. They hug and he lift her off the ground, two youngsters in love! He puts her down and we see fireworks going off behind them!

Yasmeen is giving Sharif a hard time as he has undermined her family memories with his long term affair. He has dishonoured their son and grandchildren. She mocks him as the role model to them all. He tells her to leave the grandchildren out of it - but at this point Zeedan and Alya return. She now decides that they should stay as it concerns them as well. Alya is reminded how she was treated by Sharif after her mistake with Jason. He questioned her morality and integrity whilst he was sneaking off to sleep with Yasmeen's oldest friend. Zeedan still does not believe it. Yasmeen tells Sharif to tell the truth. Alya does not want to hear it, then she admits that she has known for weeks.

After the break we hear Gemma singing in the shower as Cathy dispenses tea and observes she has a set of lungs on her. Apparently her old boiler is not working well (silly Alex - if he told the truth about her being scared Roy in particularly would be highly sympathetic - because that is Roy). Gemma appears claiming that to look this hot takes effort! She does not seem to think she has a boiler and that Alex is talking about her mother! Possibly the heat exchanger has failed! She thanks Roy and Cathy for their hospitality. Roy says she is welcome and she observes that it what makes them class people. (And she means it). Alex tells Roy and Cathy that he wants to invite Nessa and Gemma to the wedding. Cathy agrees even if she is doubtful about Nessa. She observes that you need to hang on to family - despite the odd falling out. Roy has a compromise of his own to announce. He thinks that they should have a church wedding if Cathy wishes it. He feels his personal feelings outweigh his philosophical convictions. Cathy considers that is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to her. She hugs him.

Sharif admits he ordered Alya to say nothing. Zeedan cannot believe Alya did as she was told. Yasmeen says that Alya is not on trial at the moment. Sharif says he is to blame - no-one else and tries to send the young people to their rooms. Zeedan argues. Yasmeen wants to know how long Alya has known. Under pressure Alya admits to blackmailing Sharif for her silence. Zeedan cannot believe that was how she got the money for the new machine. She admits it was her idea.

Apparently "Maria's" new credit card was used for cash withdrawals in London whilst Maria was in London with Pablo. She denies the withdrawals and having the card; the police do not believe her. Maria guesses that Caz followed her to London to cover her tracks. Maria has watched all the TV cop shows and reckons there must be CCTV to prove the point. In the meantime they will be speaking to Pablo. They are surprised her loving husband is not waiting for her.

Gary comes in the back door at the Platts looking for another beer. David tells him to help himself from the fridge. They chat politely. He gets one for David and having taken the tops off he does not pick them up and put them in the bin. Messy boy. Things are not easy between them. David asks after Anna. Fragile is the response. Gary goes on "Look, it was an accident. Right, it could've happened to anyone." Sarah creeps downstairs and hears the rest of conversation. Gary makes it clear that he does not blame David for what happened to Anna. David still thinks Gary should hate him, but Gary observes that will solve nothing. Gary says he does not need an enemy, he needs a mate and David echoes the sentiment. They notice Sarah, but it is clear that Gary's willingness to put the problem out of their way will ease matters (and after all he did save Lily's life). Jake comes in and Gary takes him outside again. Sarah admits to David that she heard most of the conversation. She tells David that she believes Gary meant it.

In the hospital Kevin arrives in Anna's room; she hides the photos of her legs from him as he enters. She is still wearing the oxygen tube (wrong) and she tells she has had Roy and Cathy for company. She challenges him over being busy at work. He denies it and asks how she is feeling. She says she is tired so he offers to make himself scarce. No she has something she wants to over and done with. She has been doing a lot of thinking and has decided that it is best if they call it a day. Kev asks her to "Come again?". She says she is sorry but this is just not working.

Alya says she was angry with Sharif but as Yasmeen points out not too angry to extort money from him. She says punishment, Yasmeen says opportunity. Alya counters that she was told it was a one-off and ancient. Zeedan says she put her career before her grandmother. She tells Yasmeen she is sorry. So is Yasmeen. Yasmeen has made a decision - she tells Alya and Sharif to go upstairs and pack a bag and leave the house. NOW! she adds when neither move initially.

Kevin blames the drugs but Anna makes it clear that her future has no place for Kev. He tells her that is rubbish, but she is determined. Kev says he will be back tomorrow. She says that she cannot face having Kevin as her burden. It is uphill for her and she cannot carry him as well. He says he will help her but her response is to show him the pictures of her legs before and after the skin grafts. She does not believe he can help her cope with that. She tells him he is a kind and decent man but the new Anna cannot afford to settle anymore. So he is to go away and not to come back. Kev acknowledges that is fair enough and he knows where he stands. She turns her head away from him. She sobs as he goes.

Zeedan is comforting Yasmeen.

Outside the front of the Platt house Gary is doing up Jake's coat and Sarah comes after him - she wants to say a proper goodbye. She admits it was all a bit weird this evening but both are glad he came. She tells him he was very good with David and admits to overhearing the conversation. She leans forward and kisses him - which Jake sees. She goes indoors. Gary floats down the Street on cloud nine.

Maria emerges from a black cab and Aidan greets her. Liam enjoyed the fireworks - Eva not so much. She was bribed with a hot chocolate and marshmallows - he pulls a bag out of his pocket. Maria says the police think that she has killed Caz. Maria does not know what she is going to do (get a solicitor?). Aidan hugs her and as they blur out of focus in the foreground we see (very clearly) Caz hiding in the shadows but with her face in the light under a railway arch. She slinks back into the darkness, her plan is obviously working. In the closing shot Maria comes back into focus - looking worried.

Roll credits.

So will David be as easygoing when he finds out that Gary is seeing Sarah-Louise?
Will Michael and Gail actually manage to renew their vows?
Will Yasmeen make it up with Alya or will she be leaving as well?
Will we ever get back to Pat's flats or the Todd / Billie story - both have been missing in action for some weeks?
Is the Rovers a pub with no beer (rare that there are no pub scenes) and does Leanne know that Steve is not afflicted - has anyone told Andy yet?
How is Ken's recovery going?
And just how much fun can be extracted from the Gemma / Alex pairing?
Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 7 November

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Audrey Cooke

Anna tearfully deletes photos of her and Kevin from her phone.

Aidan makes breakfast for himself while Eva tucks into a grapefruit as they discuss Maria's situation. He tries to tempt her to have some of his bacon but she stays strong. Eva admires how loyal Aidan has been to Maria. He likes her as "almost" family and you have to do what you can.

Maria and little Liam are having a bite to eat in the cafe. Cathy is sympathetic and reckons they need to have an APB (All Points Bulletin, as seen in American television) out for Caz but Roy point out the British version is APW (W for Warning). Maria frets that it's not Caz that's the suspect anyway, it's her.

Many phones are ringing in the Nazir home, so called friends wanting all the gory details. Yasmeen wonders how she could be so wrong as to think she had a happy marriage and a loyal granddaughter. Zeedan can't answer that but comforts her with a squeeze on the shoulder.

In the cafe, Cathy is concerned about Yasmeen. Roy assures Cathy that telling lies doesn't come easy to him and he can't imagine how anyone could keep a lie going for 7 years. Cathy tells him that's one of the reasons she knows she's marrying the right person.

Gary comes to see his mum and she's pleased to see him. She tells him that she's split up with Kevin. She tells him when she saw his "sickened" face after he looked at the photos of her burns she knew it was over. Gary thinks she's got the wrong end of the stick. Anna doesn't want Kevin's pity but Gary gets her to admit she didn't discuss any details with Kevin. Gary wants to talk to Kevin but she makes him promise not to.

In the garage, Kevin is looking tired and fed up. Ty hands him a bacon butty and commiserates. Kevin isn't really comforted.

Dev finishes a phone call as Gary comes round the corner and asks how Gary's physio is doing. Apparently, his strained back is healing very slowly and he's been put on light duties. Dev and Gary talk about finding him some cover at the gym while he sticks to admin work. It won't be cheap. Dev decides he'll have to talk to Sharif and get the money back from him or they might not be able to keep the gym afloat.

Eileen is tidying up and has the music on very loud. (Rasputin by Boney M). Phelan comes in and cringes at how loud she's got the music on. She doesn't even hear him. He turns it off, to her dismay. He reckons the neighbours will be complaining soon. Just then, there's a knock on the door. It's Sarah who mentions it's rather early for a disco, having heard the music out on the street. She is there to ask if there's any estimated move-in date for the flats. He tells her Vinny is working on a schedule and he'll get back to her soon, though it shouldn't be over long. Eileen ushers her out.

Sonia is trying to get hold of Sharif who hasn't returned her calls. She leaves a message and walks past Zeedan and Rana. Zeedan springs up and intends on giving her a piece of his mind. She holds him back, telling him he'll only make things worse. It's up to Yasmeen and his grandfather to clean up the messes.

Maria arrives for work only to be told that her clients have all canceled, all being a bit upset that she's up on a murder charge. (Has it been in the newspaper? How do they all know so quickly?) She's horrified when he tells her she'll be bad for business if she sticks around the salon. He reminds her that he had to take a break when things were bad for him as well and it was the best thing he could have done. She's not happy about it but she leaves.

Andy is up a ladder, clearing the leaves out of Gail's gutters. He tells Michael he needs to find a good theme for his wedding vow speech. Gary comes along just as Sarah and Bethany come out. Bethany wants to set up some training sessions but he tells her that he's got to take it easy. He does advise her he'll be in the gym if she needs anything else. Michael asks Bethany to put the kettle on before she goes. She balks and indicates he ought to do it himself but he points out he's got muddy shoes from the yard work (which he would then track in the house anyway to actually make the tea, I should think). Bethany does go back inside. Sarah asks Gary why he's upset and he tells her that Anna has binned Kevin. She invites him to go for a coffee to talk.

Rita finds Rana in the pub and asks after Yasmeen. She's told that Yasmeen is putting a brave face on it. Rita recalls going through the very same thing with one of her husbands, Len who went off with a floozy. (I guess she forgot about Dennis who went off with a floozy rather more recently). Rita conveys her best and tells Rana to tell Yasmeen it will get easier. Tyrone is in the pub and looking glum. He tells Michelle that Anna has finished with Kevin. Robert overhears (he's come in to get a couple of lemons off Michelle and have a cheeky half) Michelle asks Tyrone about Maria, deciding it's ridiculous that Maria has been accused. Tyrone agrees, though recalls she was the reason he and Fiz nearly broke up. Before he can continue, he's accosted by Maria who calls him a two faced pig. He sputters, he *is* on her side, he protests. She shouts at him but both Michelle and Rita both try to calm her down but she's not having it, and gives Michelle a push away from her. Michelle lands a couple of inches away, stomach first into the edge of the bar which takes her breath away. Maria immediately apologizes only for Jenny to make a nasty crack at her expense. Maria looks crushed and leaves. Outside, Eva sees Maria who's clearly upset. Maria rushes across the road to her door, in tears because everyone hates her and she's upset she could have hurt Michelle. She's about to unlock the door and on the other size we see Caz (who has a bandaged hand) who was about to slip out!!! But Eva invites Maria for a drink and Caz's presence doesn't get detected.

Zeedan encounters Dev coming out of the gym. Dev tells Zee that Sharif hasn't been at the gym today and Zee tells Dev that his grandfather hasn't been at home either. They both promise to let the other one know if he does surface.

Kevin sees David come home and storms over, shouting the odds and telling David he better watch his back.

Sarah and Gary are in the cafe. Gary has told Sarah that his mother didn't think Kevin could cope with her injuries. She's sympathetic and thinks he really should talk to Kevin about Anna's fears. He promised his mother and can't break it.

Robert has brought Michelle a cuppa while Rana is suggesting that Michelle get checked over even though the baby is likely pretty well protected. It would put her mind at east. Robert offers to mind the pub, there's a new sous-chef can keep an eye on the Bistro for a bit. Michelle accepts his offer and goes off with Rana.

Maria is at Eva's flat and is worried about Michelle. Eva tells her that Michelle won't hold it against her. Maria thinks it's going to make her look even more guilty, lashing out like that. She worries about Liam, too. Eva assures her that Caz will turn up. Maria is frantic, the police are close to finding out her marriage to Pablo is a sham, too and she could get done for that even if Caz turns up. Eva thinks the best thing to do is to tell them outright.

Caz is still in Maria's flat. She picks up a knife from the knife block and looks at it. Then she spies Maria's hairdressing kit that she'd brought back home with her. An evil look comes over her face.

Zeedan comes home to find his grandmother sitting in the darkened room. He opens the curtains and tells her he'll make her something to eat. She sighs and shows him a letter. Sharif has sent a letter and informed her that he's left town, left his responsibilities and his family.

Rita and Jenny encounter Phelan outside of the Kabin and greet him with smiles. They ask about the flats, and are told everything is going to plan. Jenny wants to come look and see how it's going. He tells them it's a bit early but they could come as long as they have wellies, as it's very muddy up there at the moment. Rita in Wellies. There's an image! He assures them he'll let them know when things are ready for them to have a look.

Phelan passes Gail's garden where Michael and Andy are still working. Well, Andy's doing most of the hard physical labour. Phelan exchanges some insults with Michael, inferring he's old and weak and needing medical assistance if he exerts himself in the least. He passes along, with Michael glaring daggers at his back.

Eva really thinks it would be in Maria's best interest to come clean about Pablo. She's not sure. She doesn't want to go to jail. Eva gushes over the sacrifice Maria gave to help Pablo and his boyfriend, a sympathetic judge would see it as romantic. Maria's dubious even though Eva thinks the police would see she's decent and honest. It's changed Maria's mind and she takes Eva with her before she changes her mind.

Eileen is having trouble hearing the drivers over the radio. The phone rings again and she still can't hear. Phelan has come in and he picks up the headset and assures her that the sound is perfectly clear. He reckons she's been having trouble for weeks and it's getting worse, she needs to have her ears check. She looks disconcerted.

Caz unwraps the bandage on her hand. She's already got a cut there and takes Maria's scissors and draws blood from the same wound. This woman is a nutter! She looks at the bloody scissors and slides them into the leather case, wiping her own prints off the handles.

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by Audrey Cooke

Sarah decides to put Kevin straight about Anna and why she finished with him. Kevin confirms that he loves her to bits so Sarah advises him to tell Anna how he feels.

Aidan and Eva are waiting at the police station for Maria who is confessing all about her sham marriage. Unfortunately for Maria it seems to be backfiring. The policewoman in charge of the case asks if Caz knew about Pablo. She hints that this might give Maria a reason to want to get her to keep quiet once their friendship ended. Maria is told she can go but she's advised to find herself a solicitor.

Yasmeen is devastated about Sharif. She can't believe he's abandoned her on top of everything – how will she cope on her own? Zee says she's not on her own, she has him, and he promises to look after her. (Although if the rather unappetizing plate of baked beans on toast he's prepared for her is anything to go by, she may soon wish she was on her own.)

Eileen is also upset but in her case it's because she thinks she's getting old and decrepit. Her hearing seems to be getting worse by the day. Phelan tells her he'll love her no matter what but they should go to the doctor's to find out what they're dealing with.

Michelle has also been to the doctor's but it seems all is fine with the baby after her run in with Maria. Steve is greatly relieved and the two of them head off to share a kebab and chips on the bench in the street to celebrate and discuss baby names.

Zee is getting into his stride as his gran's keeper. He bumps into Sonia in the street where he tells her that Sharif is gone and is never coming back. He says exactly what he thinks of Sonia because, thanks to her, he'll never speak to his grandfather or sister ever again. He shouts at her to pack her things and leave Weatherfield for good.

Over in Maria's flat Caz has now re-bandaged her hand. She carefully puts the scissors back into the case and then goes to leave but then hurriedly slips back inside when she spots Steve and Michelle on the bench.

It's happy families round at the Platts'. Sarah tells David she's glad he's getting his life back on track but it's more than can be said for Anna. Gail reckons what's done is done and there's no point in making David feel guilty. He says he was planning to go to the hospital to see her but Gail is horrified and thinks that's the worst thing he can do. She says she'll go in his place. She tells both Sarah and David to stay away from the Windasses.

Zee goes round to see Dev to break the news that Sharif has gone. Dev is up in arms – how will he get his £14,000 back? Zee vows he'll find a way to pay him back but whatever he does, he doesn't want Dev worrying his grandmother about it.

Maria has arrived back home but she can tell something's not quite right in the flat. She nearly jumps out of her skin when she hears footsteps on the stairs but to her relief it's only Kirk and Beth. They didn't want to leave her on her own so Beth has decided to cook her a meal. Maria tells them that she could have sworn she'd left Liam's bedroom door closed but when she got back it was open.

Alya bumps into Rana. Although their friendship is still intact Rana reluctantly tells Alya that, as far as Zee is concerned, her betrayal is almost as bad as Sharif's. Alya is distraught but at that moment Gary comes along and offers her a shoulder to cry on. He takes her back to the gym where they sit and have a chat about it. Alya changes the subject and asks Gary what's going on in his life. He admits he might have the hots for someone. A few feet away we see Bethany smile to herself as she overhears the conversation. Gary tells Alya it's really complicated, he can't say who it is yet as there are some people who wouldn't approve but he thinks they could have something really special.

Gail and Michael go to the hospital to visit Anna. They have a rather stilted conversation where Gail tries to explain that David would have come but he's busy looking after the children. She tells Anna that he feels very guilty and it's something he'll have to live with for the rest of his life. Anna gives her a bit of a look and points out they both will. Gail goes off to fetch a cup of tea leaving Michael to tuck into Anna's chocolates and fill her in on life back on the street. He decides to confide in her about his concerns over Phelan. He tells her about the flats and the weird way Phelan fobbed off Rita and Jenny when they asked if they could go and visit the site. Michael is convinced Phelan's hiding something but Anna advises him not to get involved.

Yasmeen has gone to bed, exhausted while Zee and Rana sit downstairs talking. He tells her about promising to pay back the £14 grand but admits he only has £300 in his savings account. Rana is really worried about Zee. She promises she'll help and always be there for him. She adds that so will Alya. But Zee replies that Alya is dead to him.

Beth, Kirk and Maria have finished their meal and are talking about how helpful Eva and Aidan have been to her. Right on cue, Maria receives a text from Aidan asking if she's OK. The scene cuts to a bedroom where Caz is sitting with her laptop watching and listening to all that is going on in Maria's living room via the webcam.

Karen


Wednesday 9 November

Bethany and Sarah meet Gary in the Street. After a few minutes, Sarah takes Harry off to the medical centre for a routine checkup, telling Bethany not to be late for her exam.

Caz is spying on Maria via the webcam she's hidden in the flat. She watches as Maria tells Aidan that she has told Pablo about her confession to the police, and how he wasn't too pleased. As they talk, Maria opens her credit card statement and is shocked to see a purchase from a shop just down the road from where Pablo lives. She tells Aidan it must be where Caz bought the phone from – and Caz sees and hears all of this.

Anna, obviously in a lot of pain, is struggling to take a few steps. As she eases herself into a chair, the doctor asks how she feels about going home – she's apprehensive. The doctor asks if there's anyone at home who will help her. How about Kevin. Anna tells her they're not together any more.

In the cafe, Kevin asks Gary how Anna is doing. Gary tells him she's preparing to come home, and Kevin asks him to give her his love. Gary reckons he could do that himself, and urges Kevin to go and speak to her. Tracy has come in and stands behind Kevin, and just then Luke comes in and asks Kev if he's ordered. Tracy objects to this apparent queue jumping, and says so, loudly.

Tracy then sees Peter and goes over to speak to him. He's just finishing a call to the hospital, it seems that Ken doesn't want to see them.

Over in the factory, Kate is arguing with Aidan and Eva about Maria. She doesn't see how they can keep sticking up for Maria, she thinks she's a head case.

Leanne sees Bethany in the Street, and remarks on how much grown up girls are than boys at around the same age. As Bethany goes off, Roy rushes up and hands Leanne her phone that she'd left in the cafe. Just then Yasmeen comes out of her house and they all seem a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable. They asks how she is, and say they're really sorry. She tells them that Sharif has gone – for good.

Aidan goes to see Maria, telling her that Kate thinks Maria has had something to do with Caz's disappearance. He thinks they should try to find her, and tells her to go put her coat on.

Phelan comes out of the kitchen with a nice cream dessert which he puts in front of Eileen. He says he's going to accompany her to her appointment.

Kate and Johnny are walking across the cobbles when the police arrive. Just as they're all about to go to the office to talk, Maria and Aidan come along and Maria says she wants to know what Kate is saying about her. She points out that she told the police about her sham marriage, even though she knew it would land her in a load of trouble. "Oh it's done that all right," says the policewoman, adding that as Caz knew about the illegal marriage, that gives Maria motive.

Eileen has had her ears syringed, and as they come out of the medical centre, Phelan tells her that no matter what happens he'll always be grateful to her for taking pity on a big, ugly brute like him. She asks what's brought that on, he says he cares for her. She jokes that she'll be welling up soon.

Leanne calls on Sarah with a dish of food that wasn't used at the Bistro, Nick thought they might all like it for their tea. She asks Sarah how it's going, and Sarah confesses that sometimes it's a bit hectic there. Leanne tells her that as she and Nick are going away for the night, Sarah is welcome to go there and get some peace and quiet, a nice soak in the bath, a dvd and a bottle of wine. She could stay over if she wanted to. "Are you sure you don't mind?" asks Sarah, and Leanne assures her it's fine.

As Leanne steps back out into the Street, she sees Alya and asks if she's ok. Alya says she can't actually remember the last time she was actually ok, and Leanne says she's always there if Alya wants to talk.

Behind them, Rana and Zeedan come out of the Bistro. Rana looks across and wonders if Alya knows about their granddad going. Zeedan doesn't know and doesn't care, as far as he's concerned she's not part of their family any more.

Sally summons Kevin to her house and tells him she overheard what was said in the cafe about Anna and him. She tells him that to take Anna on now, with her injuries......well anyone would think twice about it. No one would think any the worse of him if he walked away, better that than stay out of duty or pity.

Johnny is out in the Street when Aidan and Maria come back, they've searched every homeless shelter and hostel but haven't found Caz. Aidan goes off then, saying he's going to have a word with Kate, and Maria heads home.

Eileen and Pat are in the pub, but while Eileen chats to Michelle, Vinny has a quiet word with Phelan, wondering if he's going soft in his old age. Pat assures him that he's not, he just wants to move on. Vinny reminds him that soon he's going to be enjoying sun, sea and 70 degrees. Michelle overhears this and asks if they're going somewhere nice. Eileen walks past just at that moment and says that yes, they are, when they can decide whether it's going to be Greece or Portugal. As she goes off to the loo, Phelan shoots Vinny a look, which Michael notices as he approaches the bar.

Bethany and Sarah are walking down the Street when they see Michelle who is now outside of the Rovers trying to put up balloons for a 40th birthday party that's happening there later. She asks Sarah if she can work an extra shift as Sean has just phoned in sick. "Tonight?" asks Sarah, obviously thinking about losing her relaxing night in Nick's flat. However, she agrees to do it and says she'll go home and get changed. Bethany stands thinking for a few moments with a little smile on her face.

Alya and Sally are in the kitchen at Underworld. Sally tells her that she knows her grandmother and herself haven't always seen eye to eye, but they are both women and her heart goes out to her. Sally knows what it's like to be on the wrong end of an affair, and explains how she was once married to Kevin. "The fact that I'm now married to Tim shows that it didn't end very well," she says. Alya says she hopes that her grandparents can get through this, so Sally breaks the news to her that her grandfather has gone. Alya is shocked and stunned. "I thought somebody would have told you," says Sally.

Aidan is back in Maria's flat with her. Maria is worried and panicking, she can't go to prison. Aidan is sure they'll find Caz, and takes Maria by the arms. "I'll find her," he says, staring into Maria's eyes. There's a long pause as they stare at each other, then, awkwardly, he steps away.

Peter and Tracy are crossing the road when Luke starts backing a car out. He hoots and slams on the brakes, causing Tracy to drop her phone onto the cobbles. "Look at my phone!" she yells, "you are going to pay for this!"

Bethany goes into the gym and asks Gary if he'll come round to Nick's flat later for a catch up. She explains about Nick and Leanne being away, and tells him there'll be food. "See you later," she says, leaving Gary very puzzled.

Maria and Aidan are chatting over a cuppa. She tells him she was worried that after they spent the night together she was worried that they would never get back to the way they used to be, but they have now and she's so glad. He looks uncomfortable. "It's in the past," he mutters. Unbeknown to them, Caz is watching and listening with interest to every word. Maria tells Aidan that she doesn't know what she would have done without him, she owes him big time. He jokes that he'll know where to go for a free haircut in future. She looks at his hair and says he's missed a bit and picks up her pack of hairdressing scissors, however, she then gets a shock when she pulls out her scissors to find they're covered in blood!

Anne Logan


Thursday 10 November

Hello. It's a Thursday episode for a change, so let's get going.

We begin in Maria's flat, where she stares with horror at the bloody scissors. She tells Aidan not to touch them. He asks but she has no idea how they got there. "I'm so scared," she says.

In the Bistro, Tracy's trying to get champagne from Luke for almost killing her - or at least for seriously injuring her phone, which she dropped when she jumped out of the way. There appears to be some flirting going on as well. Robert pours some Cava, telling Luke Tracy never could tell the difference, but warns him she's dangerous. If he was Luke, he'd leg it right now. Tracy overhears and refuses the drink, saying she'd probably choke on it anyway.

Aidan wants to call the police. Maria doesn't. The door buzzer goes and it's the detective sergeant. While Maria goes to the door to let them in, Aidan shoves the scissors into a handy carrier bag and stuff them into his pocket, just getting the blood wiped off the countertop when the police come in. It seems they're here to search the flat. They don't appear to have a warrant. Aidan says he was just leaving and scarpers.

In the pub, Freddy's able to use both hands again now that his cast is gone. He'd like a game of rummy but nobody wants to play until, for some bizarre reason, Eileen offers Phelan's card-playing skills. Phelan accepts and ropes in Vinny. Tyrone can't play as he's needed to do something urgent at the garage. Phelan changes the game to poker.

Kevin visit Anna in hospital. He doesn't care what she says. He's not going to let her go through this on her own. It wasn't disgust on his face when he saw the pictures but shock and fear. "I know you're scared but so am I." He says he wants to make everything OK for her but he can't. What he can do is hold her hand when she's fright and hold her at night when she can't sleep. "You've got me for as long as you want, as long as it takes."

Sonia's in the street waiting for a taxi. Dev and Erica see her and point out she appears to be doing a runner without paying the rent. Sonia says they need to talk to Sharif, though Dev points out Sharif has done a runner and has already cost him a lot of money. Sonia sees Yasmeen and goes over to grovel, saying Yasmeen is still her dearest friend. It's when she claims they've both been deceived by Sharif and he's broken both their hearts that Yasmeen slaps her. "He was my husband and I loved him!" she growls. Luckily, the cab arrives and Sonia is taken away.

In Nick's flat, Bethany sets the table with romantic red roses, looks at it then leaves the flat.

Yasmeen's gone back into the house, with Alya helping. She offers water and sympathy. She says that if Kal was still there she thinks he would have wanted to kill her grandfather. Does her grandmother want her to stay for a bit? No, she wants her to go now. "And Alya, I don't think your grandfather is the only one Kal would have been disappointed in."

The birthday party at the pub has been canceled, which leaves Michelle kicking herself that she didn't take a deposit and with two extra bar staff. Eva says she'll stay because she's meeting Aidan in there later. But Sarah is happy to go. Over at the poker game, Eileen, Michael and Andy watch as Phelan, Vinny and Freddy play. Vinny wins the hand. Michael offers Freddy a game of dominoes and when that's refused he decides to sit in. Gail arrives and can't understand what she's seeing. The blokes cut the pack to see who deals.

Outside the factory, Aidan employs the standard Soap tactic of always putting incriminating evidence somewhere it is sure to turn up and dumps the carrier bag with the scissors in a big bin outside the factory. Tyrone sees him by the bins as he comes out of the garage and chats, trying to explain that when Maria overheard him in the pub he was defending her, not gossiping. Aidan can't stop to hear it. David comes out of his house. He's off to open up the salon so the police can search it.

Sarah goes into Nick's flat and sees the table set for a romantic dinner. Gary's tailgated someone into the building and knocks on the flat door. He says Bethany invited him round. They decide she must have worked out what's going on.

Outside the salon, Aidan tries to argue with the police that they won't find anything. Maria tells him to leave it. Quietly, she says that if Caz has been into the flat, "who's to say she's not been in the salon and all?"

The search continues, with David warning the police not to mess up Audrey's curlers.

Gary tells Sarah that Kevin and Anna are back together. He's just had a call from Anna and it's the first time she's sounded normal since the accident. He asks Sarah about going public with their relationship but she wants to keep it quiet for now. "Not forever," she assures him.

In the pub, David, Aidan, Maria and Eva talk about the police. Eva is horrified and asks Maria to come and stay with them. But Maria wants to keep things as normal as possible for Liam. Eva then volunteers Aidan to stay with her.

Bethany sees Michelle taking down the birthday banners from outside the pub and hears the party has been canceled. So where's her mum? She heads for Nick's and sees the "secret" relationship in full clinch on the first-floor balcony. She's holding a new packet of candles so it's obvious she just popped out to get them and was hoping to have a cosy meal with Gary on her own while her Mum was at work. Awww. . .

Peter arrives home where Tracy's sitting in her dressing gown sipping tea. He talks to her about coping with Ken. "You know what an independent beggar he is," and says they just need to be patient with him. He heads off to the Bistro and a semi-naked Luke appears from the kitchen. They resume where they obviously left off.

Back at the poker game, Freddy folds but Michael is still in and raises the stakes another ten pounds. Vinny triumphantly puts down two pair. But Phelan tops that with a straight flush to the Jack. He's about to grab all the money when Michael stops him, turning over a Royal Flush. Michelle comes back inside and tells them to stop. She could lose her licence if they play for money in the pub. Michael offers all the money back - he doesn't play for money any more. He buys drinks for the others, including Michelle.

In Maria's flat, Liam's asleep and she's brought the pillows and duvet (that's a doona to you Ockers) to make up a bed on the sofa. She's sorry Eva railroaded Aidan into staying but he says it's fine. Things are a bit awkward between them.

Caz is watching the whole thing, including sound, on a tablet in a darkened room somewhere.

Michael talks to Gail about why it was important for him to bring Phelan down a peg. He says something's going on. Gail thinks that something's none of his business and he should be concentrating on helping organise the renewal of their vows. She heads off home, giving Phelan the chance to tell Michael he might have won tonight but he's really a loser and always will be. Michael warns him that he won't win. As he leaves the pub he gets that full Phelan glare.

The end.
Margaret Carr


Monday 14 November

Written by Martin Allen Directed by Tim Dowd

Aidan has spent an uneventful night at Maria's. Eva meets them outside and she and Aidan go to the cafe for breakfast. David comes out of the salon and assures her he doesn't believe she killed anyone and asks her to come back to work as Audrey's off. She's grateful for something to keep her mind off her troubles.

Luke tries to leave Number 1 quietly, the morning "after", but he meets Tracy who's on the way in after getting a newspaper. He offers to call her sometime but she turns him down, quite sensibly. He doesn't seem too bothered though from the looks on their faces, it was an enjoyable encounter for them both.

Gary and Sarah have also obviously spent the night and they're all loved up this morning, too. Gary admits he's falling in love with her. She doesn't say it back because she has to go home.

In the cafe, Jenny and Johnny are having breakfast. Johnny is still fussing over his presentation to the Weatherfield Retailers. Aidan and Maria sit at the table next to them. Jenny makes a sarcastic remark about Aidan being Maria's saviour but he comes right back with an equally underhanded statement. "If a woman were trying to get one over on me, I'm sure I'd know" and Jenny most definitely gets the point.

Michael found it chilly the night before and needs to seek out his electric blanket. Gail asks Sarah how her evening went at Nick's. Sarah lies and says she relaxed, watched telly and a nice bath. While Gail and Michael bicker over the loaves of bread, Sarah whispers to Bethany that she knows she had set up a romantic scenario for she and Gary and is grateful to her. She makes sure Bethany knows they want to keep it secret just for now.

Peter's been out all night. He doesn't give Tracy any indication of where he's been and finds a man's undershirt on the floor. Peter has called the hospital and is told that Ken still doesn't want to receive any visitors. Tracy mentions that Adam is flying in from Canada tomorrow, maybe he might be able to talk Ken into seeing them. Tracy plans to go to the hospital later anyway.

Eva thinks Aidan should stay at Maria's until Caz is caught. Aidan looks less than impressed (the sofa wasn't very comfortable). Jenny pops in to say there's a mess outside by the bins because the collection date has been changed. Aidan looks upset that the bins haven't been taken away. Eva has obviously been kept in the loop because she thinks he ought to retrieve the scissors but he doesn't dare do it in broad daylight where he might be seen. She thinks they should be ok, in there all wrapped up.

Andy is still writing short stories. His latest idea has to do with a chef who murders his punters, cooks them up and gets a Michelin star. Roy recognizes the story and recalls it from the 1940s. So much for Andy's idea. Phelan comes in. Michael apologizes for his behaviour lately and offers his hand in peace. Phelan shakes it though he doesn't seem to feel Michael will be able to hold his tongue for long.

Peter comes out of the Kabin and notices Luke watching Tracy cross the street. He teases Luke that he's got no chance, Tracy would eat him for breakfast. The leer on Luke's face says it all.

Gary is about to leave to fetch Anna home from the hospital. Faye asks him if Kevin knows she's not going to go to Number 13. He doesn't know yet. Gary goes around the corner and nearly crashes into Bethany who's been out running. He thanks her as well and suggests that once they are out in the open about the relationship, they can all go out for pizza, little kids included. Bethany makes a quick excuse to keep on running, and it's clear from her face that she's heartbroken.

Johnny is practicing the latest version of his presentation for Aidan who looks unimpressed. Maria sends Aidan a thank you message using an online messaging service, thanking him.

At the hospital, Gary is helping Anna gather her things. Kevin is there as well. Anna finally tells him she's going back to her own flat until she gets herself well on her way to recovery. She promises she will still move in with him but needs a bit of time first.

Maria is glad to be back to work. David continues to try to reassure her. Aidan comes in to check up on her and asks if she wants him to stay over again. She does if he's ok with it, too. He also mentions the message but Maria denies sending it. When he says she used the phrase "above and beyond the call of duty" she recognizes it as something she said the other night and they both realize that somehow Caz heard them. They think Caz must have been hiding in the flat and is trying to freak them out.

Johnny is digging through the skip. He threw out the wrong draft of his presentation. Jenny finds him and offers to help. She pulls out a folder right off the top. Johnny finds a carrier bag that he recognizes. Maria had one like it the other day. He opens it and finds the wrapped bloody scissors inside. Oh heck. He and Jenny are stunned.

Faye is at Craig's. She looks nice, with some makeup on and all. They chat a bit and Craig tells her that he appealed the rejection from the constabulary and they changed their minds. He can join! Seb knocks on the door, Faye had asked him to come over (cheeky!) He doesn't look so impressed with Craig's choice of career, something Faye must have told him prior.

Jenny and Johnny discuss the bag and scissors in the office. Jenny thinks they need to ring the police. Johnny worries that Aidan is going to get pulled into it and suggests they throw them away again. Jenny insists they ring the police, they'll be in over their heads.

Craig, Faye and Seb have watched a film. Craig realizes Seb has a backpack full of illegal pirate dvds and is not best pleased.

Kevin and Gary have got Anna home and are settling her in a chair. Kevin's put out that Anna didn't tell him she wasn't going back to hers. He offers to stay with her but she tells him that Gary will take care of her. He is a bit ticked off but reminds her that he's there for her and she is grateful.

Michael has found his electric blanket but it's missing the cable which he thinks is probably still at Eileen's. He doesn't want to take the chance of running into Phelan if he tries to fetch it but the alternative, buying a new blanket, is also not a consideration. He picks up his jacket and when Gail goes upstairs, Michael tells her he saw she and Gary that morning and hopes it all works out for her. He leaves, suggesting she could now tell her mother while he's gone.

Tracy has arrived at the hospital. She sees Rana who is visiting a patient. Tracy tells Rana that her father doesn't want visitors and wonders if someone could talk to him and get him to see reason because they're all worried for him. Though she doesn't work there, she offers to see what she can do.

Michael sees Todd come outside and asks him to fetch the blanket cable. Todd is in a hurry to get to work so he lets Michael into the house when he promises to get it and make sure the door locks after him on the way out. Michael scurries inside.

Sarah runs into Gary outside the Kabin. She admits she does feel the same for him as he feels for her.

Rana finds a nurse (Orderly? Don't think he's a doctor, anyway) and gets permission to talk to Ken. He recognizes her. Rana asks if he would see Tracy but Ken says it's too soon. She backs away gracefully but the nurse tells her that there has been a visitor there most afternoons over the past two weeks.

Sarah tells Gary that she wasn't ready to reveal her feelings straight away because there was something she's been keeping from him and she decided she has to be honest. He tells him that David is to blame for the accident. He had been on his way to try to kill Clayton.

Michael is coming downstairs but jumps back when Phelan comes in. He's on the phone so he doesn't notice Michael up the staircase. Michael overhears him tell someone that he's been keeping up a pretense with Eileen and mention to the other person that they'll soon be sunning themselves in Mexico. He leaves the house again. No names were mentioned but Michael knows something dodgey is going on.

Sarah has finished telling Gary about David and the petrol and his plans and how it all went wrong. She apologizes for not telling Gary. He doesn't look happy.

Tvor

Written by Ella Greenhill and directed by Tim Dowd

It looks as though Sarah's honesty with Gary might have cost her their relationship. He's fuming as he goes in search of David and tells her to leave him alone.

Over at the factory Eva and Kirk have their own concerns as the police go into the office to talk to Johnny and Jenny relishes sharing the news that they found Maria's scissors in the bin, caked in blood.

Meanwhile Tracy's annoyed to hear from Rana that Ken's been accepting visits from a stranger and yet he still doesn't want her anywhere hear him. Rana says it might not be a stranger, it could be a family member. Tracy suddenly realises who it could be – a sneaking, lying family member.

Sarah tracks down David in the salon to warn him that she's told Gary who then comes storming in. David wants to know if he'll go to the police. Think of what it will do to Max and Lily, begs Sarah. Gary vents his anger with a punch to David's face then warns him to stay away from him and his mum.

Craig is playing gooseberry in his own home with Seb and Faye. When Faye goes to use the bathroom Craig warns Seb not to let Faye get mixed up with illegal stuff like his dodgy DVDs as she's got enough problems in her life at the moment. But Seb makes is quite clear he isn't about to be told what to do by the likes of Craig.

Aidan's at home with Maria. He tells her he'll arrange to change the locks but Maria reckons it'll take more than that to stop Caz getting to her. Aidan offers to pay for her and Liam to stay in a hotel for a few nights. He hugs her tenderly and says that all he cares about is that she and Liam stay safe.

Faye arrives home and a minute later the doorbell rings. It's Michael who has come to tell Anna about Phelan. But Anna is in so much pain she really hasn't got the strength to deal with it. Faye listens in the background as Michel tells Anna what he heard Phelan saying about going to Mexico. He knows there's something dodgy going on but he hasn't worked out what it is yet. Anna asks him to keep her out of it as the last thing she can deal with right now is Phelan.

Aidan arrives back at the factory. His phone's been on silent so he hasn't seen any of Eva's messages. She just has time to whisper that his Dad's found the scissors before Johnny calls Aidan into the office and closes the door. Sean's most put out – he was hoping to hear all the juicy gossip about the police.

We return to the salon where David receives a call with the news that Clayton has been given a sentence of a minimum of 15 years. It may not be enough as Far as David's concerned but at least it's over now Sarah tells him. It would have been if she hadn't have gone blabbing to Gary, says David. Sarah says she's sure he won't go to the police and then realization dawns as David works out that she and Gary have been seeing each other. Sarah says they were but it's all been ruined because of David.

In the factory office Johnny discovers that, far from protecting his son as he thought, he's put him in the frame in a murder investigation as Aidan admits that he was the one who hid the scissors in the bin.

Michael sees Phelan loading up his van and decides to haven an "innocent" chat. He feigns interest in buying one of the flats for him and Gail but they both know he couldn't possibly afford it. He asks when they'll be ready. Phelan looks really annoyed as Michael goes wandering up the street, smiling to himself.

Phelan calls Vinny. He says they have a problem and they need to talk.

The police confront Maria in the street where she's with Kirk, Aidan and Johnny. The police have the scissors in an evidence bag. Maria tries denying they belong to her. Despite protests from Kirk and Aidan, the police arrest Maria on suspicion of murder. Kirk promises to look after Liam as Maria is driven away.

Peter is having a (non-alcoholic) drink with Dev in the Rovers. He tells him that Adam is arriving tomorrow, hoping to visit Ken if he'll agree to see him. We learn that Adam is now a qualified solicitor. Tracy comes in, all guns blazing. She's convinced Peter is Ken's mystery visitor. Peter finally convinces her it isn't him. In which case, they wonder, who could it be?

Gary goes round to see Anna. He gives Faye some money to go to the shop so he can talk to her in private. But before he can tell her about David, Anna breaks down. She can't cope, she sobs and wishes she was back in the hospital where she felt safe.

Phelan arrives at the builder's yard office to find Eileen working late. He turns on the charm and gives her some money to buy a chippy tea and a bottle of wine as he needs her out of the way so he can talk to Vinny. Phelan tells him they have a problem with Michael but he promises he'll deal with it. As long as it's sorted by Monday says Vinny, handing him a packet. It contains a ticket to Cancun in the name of Alan Frost. Vinny reminds him to pack his factor 50 as it's going to be sunshine all the way from now on.

On her way back from the shop Faye spots Seb sitting on the bench. He seems to be annoyed about something and wants to know why she hasn't been answering his calls. He tells her that Craig clearly fancies her but he's not prepared to be threatened by him. Faye is confused – what's he talking about?

Peter and Tracy are on their way home. Peter admits he's nervous about seeing Adam as he hasn't been in touch with him over the past few years and he's feeling guilty about it.

Phelan arrives home and drops his bag on the sofa. Eileen picks it up in all innocence and Phelan accuses her of going through his things. She is understandably put out and he immediately apologises but Eileen is now annoyed with him.

Maria has been taken to the police station where she begs to be allowed to phone Liam and say goodnight. But this cuts no ice with the policewoman who locks her in a cell. Maria bangs on the door and sobs that she hasn't done anything.

Karen


Wednesday 16 November

The workers are waiting outside the factory, it's Kate's birthday and Sally hands her a card, it's from all of them though, not just her. Kirk remarks that she's got the present she wanted – his sister being arrested. Kate says she never wanted any of it, but Maria's done what she's done. "She's done nothing," says Kirk. Just then, Aidan comes along to open up. "About time...." mutter Sean quietly, but not quietly enough as Aidan hears him, and warns him to watch his mouth.

Phelan comes downstairs and puts his bag on a chair with his coat on top. Eileen remarks that she's surprised he hasn't got an armed guard. He apologises for snapping the night before, and she says anyone would think he had the crown jewels in there. "Maybe I have," he jokes, "do you want to take a look?" She declines, so he apologises again, and tries a hug, but she's frosty.

Over at the Platt's, Michael puts his coat on saying he's got a few errands to run, when David walks in with a black eye. "Would you believe me if I said I walked into a door?" he asks Gail, then he turns to Sarah. "Are you going to tell her or shall I?"

Peter is dusting the framed photos in the living room when Tracy walks in. She reckons he's doing it for Adam's benefit, and Peter admits he doesn't want Adam telling Ken they're not looking after the place. Tracy says not to expect her to run around after Adam, she doesn't care what he thinks of them. Peter, however, reckons it's important to Ken that they all get along. Tracy, on the other hand, has been thinking about the Ken's mystery visitor, what if it's some weirdo recruiting for a cult? Peter thinks it's probably some befriender from a charity, but Tracy has grave misgivings. Peter says he hopes Ken will agree to see Adam as he's their only hope.

In the hospital a tall young man wearing a beanie hat arrives at Ken's bedside. He sits down beside the sleeping figure in the bed. "I told you I'd be back," he says.

Michael arrives a the site of the flat conversions to find it fenced and gated, and the gates locked. As he fiddles with the chain and padlock, two large guard dogs come running over, barking furiously. Michael backs off and hurries away as Vinny appears, calls dogs away and stares after him.

Sarah confesses to Gail that she's going out with Gary, and Gail is aghast. Sarah says he's a good bloke, he saved Lily. Gail reckons Gary will tell Anna about David and Anna will call the police, but Sarah is sure he won't. She says she feels like all the family ever does is lie, and she just wanted a relationship based on truth. "With Gary Windass?" says Gail, wrinkling her nose. Sarah retorts that Gail's in no position to judge.

Kevin arrives at Anna's with chocolates and magazines, and asks if she'd like a bit of lunch at the cafe, but Anna doesn't want to go out yet.

A furious Faye goes to see Craig and asks what he said to Seb. Craig says he told him not to get Faye into anything dodgy – because he's dodgy, he's illegally downloading films. Faye points out it's hardly robbing banks, and he's the only good thing in her life at the moment, it's so hard at home with her mum. "Seb's all I've got," she says. Craig tells her that's not the case, but she goes off telling him not to get between her and her boyfriend.

Sarah sees Gary in the Street and runs over, telling him she loves him. She tells him she knows why he's angry, and he interrupts her saying David nearly killed his mum and she's his sister, he can see that she's a bit caught in the middle. She tells him she needed to tell him the truth because she wanted to be honest with him, it was a really, really hard thing to do, but she begs him not to punish her because of what her brother did. Gary tells her he needs to think about things, and walks away.

A red Jaguar car drives up the Street and stops outside Underworld. Adam Barlow steps out and lights a cigar, then throws it down and walks into the factory. Once inside he walks over to the office door, apparently unnoticed by any of the workers, and goes inside where he looks through file boxes until he finds a bottle of whisky and a glass. He pours himself a drink and then sits down behind the desk. "Cheers Dad," he says, as he raises the glass and takes a sip.

Michael gets off the bus, looking at his phone, and bumps into Rita. As they're talking, Eileen comes along and Rita tells them she's looking for Gemma as she's runner up in the 'Good Samaritan' award and Peter Andre is going to be at the ceremony. Rita continues on her way and Michael tells Eileen how he heard Pat on the phone to Vinny saying that keeping up pretences with her was taking it's toll and it wouldn't be long before they're sunning themselves on a beach in Mexico. Eileen says she doesn't believe him, but Michael urges her to ask him and see how he reacts. "Do you honestly trust him, Eileen?" says Michael, "is there nothing that doesn't add up?" Looking somewhat thoughtful, Eileen shakes her head and walks on.

Johnny and Aidan walk back into the office at Underworld to find a stranger sitting behind the desk. "Who are you?" asks Aidan, and Adam leaps to his feet and introduces himself. "Is that my whisky?" asks Johnny, and Adam explains that his dad, Mike Baldwin, used to own the place and he himself worked there for a bit too. Aidan tells him that now they own it, so he can sling his hook. As he leaves, he bumps into Eva who's walking past the door, and flirts outrageously with her. As he walks through the factory to the main door, Sally and Fiz look up in amazement. "Catch up with you soon, ladies," he says, "I'll be around for a while."

Outside in the Street, Kirk is on the phone to Maria. "They can't do that," we hear him say, and then, "yeah, I'll tell them."

Tim is in the cab office when Eileen comes in, she wants to change her shift as she's heard Peter Andre will be in town and she wants to be in the front row. As she looks at the rota sheet, however, she's puzzled, the day is already booked off for her. Tim tells her that Pat booked it off for her, and then says he hopes he's not spoiling some sort of surprise.

Seb tells Faye that if she's his kind of person, she has to prove it. "How?" she asks. "I'm sure you'll think of something," he says.

Peter and Tracy are just thinking that Adam isn't coming when he walks across the Street with Rita on his arm. They hug and then set off for the hospital.

Mary is helping out at the cafe. Pat is in there picking up a bacon roll when he gets a phone call. He takes it quickly and then puts his phone down to collect the food, and then goes off without it. Faye has come into the cafe and, seeing the phone, slips it into her pocket.

Back in the factory, Aidan is huffing and puffing about Adam and the way he looked at Eva. "The way you look at Maria you mean?" asks Johnny. Aidan protests that Maria is just a friend, but Johnny points out that he hid a murder weapon.....just as Kirk comes into the room. "You hid those scissors?" he asks. "I was just trying to help," says Aidan. "Well they've charged her with murder," says Kirk, close to tears. "She didn't do it, I know she didn't," he says. Johnny says he's sure the police will find out the truth, and when Kirk's gone he turns to Aidan. "You tried to help her? You've ended up damning her. Why couldn't you just leave it alone?"

Pat arrives at the cab office and Eileen asks why he's booked her off on Monday. He says it was meant to be a surprise, he thought she'd like a shopping trip to London with a hotel so she could make the most of it. "So you're not coming?" she asks. He says they've got contractors coming and he and Vinny wanted to wine and dine them and he thought she wouldn't want to be a part of it. Eileen tells him she has things to do on Monday so she'll leave her 'Christmas shopping' till another day. He repeats that he thought it would be treat for her, but she tells him she knows when he's lying, first he's hiding something in the rucksack and now he wants her out of the way. "Why would I want that?" he asks. "Mexico mean anything to you?" she asks. Just then Tim, who's been listening in the hallway, knocks over the charity collecting tin and makes a noise, so they both realise he's been listening. "We'll continue this conversation later love," says Pat, "somewhere private."

Peter, Tracy and Adam have arrived at the hospital only to be told that someone is currently with Ken. Peter says that surely family take priority. The doctor tells them that he'll pass the message on, but in the meantime they're to stay in the waiting area and keep their voices down.

Michael and Tim are in the pub and asks Sarah if she's been to the site to see her flat yet. She hasn't, but is sure Todd would tell her if it wasn't all going to plan. Michael says that Todd doesn't know everything, like the fact that Phelan is planning a trip away. Tim hustles Michael to one side. "Is this about Mexico?" he asks, and tells him about the conversation he heard between Pat and Eileen, adding that Pat is hiding something in his rucksack.

Back at the hospital, Tracy has had enough of sitting about waiting and says they need to find out what's going on. She marches through to Ken's ward and pulls back the curtain to find the young man still beside the bed, reading aloud. She orders him to get out, telling him he should be ashamed of himself, preying on old men. Peter tells him that Ken doesn't need befriending any more, they are there now, and they're his family. "So am I," says the young man, "I'm Daniel, I'm Ken's son."

Eileen walks into the pub and when Tim offers to buy her a drink orders a glass of champagne. Sarah points out they don't sell champagne by the glass, so she orders a bottle. Tim baulks, but then says to get her what she wants.

Gary comes into the pub and tells Sarah he's had a think and doesn't want to lose her. Then they kiss. Just then Pat comes in and tells Eileen they need to finish their little chat. Michael walks over and comments on the big rucksack and how they can be used to hide things. "What would I be hiding?" asks Pat. Michael goes to look but Pat snatches the bag away, and then pulls out a ring box and gets down on one knee in front of Eileen. "This wasn't how I planned it, but Eileen will you marry me?" he says.

Anne Logan


Thursday 17 November

Hello. Due I think to football and so on we have a Thursday episode this week - so double helpings from me. We are looking for another writer to join the rota - or even two. We know that the Street is moving to six episodes a week and I am taking some holidays so need someone to cover absences. Ability to watch a tv a programme essential, as is the ability to type. Otherwise not much in the way of rules - apart from the rubric which appears next for credits.

This is episode 9036. It was written by Ellen Taylor. It was directed by Tim Dowd. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open where the last episode closed with Pat Phelan proposing to Eileen in the Rovers on his knees which are killing him. Todd and Billy arrive to view this touching scene. Michael is dumbstruck. Of course Eileen will marry him and tells him to get up. We see Gary hugging Sarah in the background. Lots of applause. Sadly the ring does not fit but Eileen would have settled for a hula hoop. Gail is dismissive as she arrives and Michael is unhappy too. Todd is pleased and to Eileen it explains the fuss in recent days and so she is no longer suspicious. Vinny will be best man. Pat declares his love for Eileen, he just wants to make her happy. He demands champagne.

Over at the hospital Tracy observes tartly that Daniel is the son of that slapper Denise. Ken says that this is not the way he had wanted them all to meet. Denise obviously got Peter's message. Daniel thought his mother had got in touch. Ken is glad Peter could be there - but he is actually talking to Adam, and he reassures that he knows that Peter is Peter! The words just come out wrong adds Ken - who is actually making a speedy recovery. Daniel explains he arrived when Ken was asleep and started reading to him (King Lear; if someone wants to read to me then let it be The Tempest - and even that has its downsides). Ken claims it helped his recovery. Daniel is doing a degree in English Literature - to Ken's pleasure. Peter apologises. Ken reiterates that he was the one not wanting visitors. Adam observes that they are all here now and in dropping everything it was what Ken did for him (do we know what was wrong with Adam that caused Ken to go to Canada?). Tracy tries to make Daniel leave as Ken's proper family is here now. Ken tells her that Daniel is proper family and she needs to get used to it (remember Tracy and Ken share no genes!).

In the Rovers Sarah is pouring glasses of champagne. Tim gets the dregs of the bottle. Glasses are raised to the happy couple. Gary is looking unhappy and is chided by Sarah whom he responds to by kissing - so there is not just one happy couple observes Billy. Gary admits it has been going on a few weeks and Gail looks ever more concerned! Sarah has not told anyone - she wanted to be sure. Eileen observes young love is a nightmare and she is glad she is over 40 and knows her own mind. Eileen says she has to go and kiss her fiance. Gail wants a word with Gary.

In the cafe Gemma is doing a dance. She is not worried about only being a runner up - she will still get to meet Peter Andre and he's minted. (Note to Gemma - he married again in 2015). Gemma knows she will touch him and kiss him! Rita is surprised she did not know as she had been sent a letter. She says she probably thought it was junk mail and threw it out. And Rita will be coming as it is a chance to dress up. Gemma does not know what she will wear. Her gold boob tube makes her rack look massive. Cathy is open mouthed at this! Rita suggests she might be able to borrow a frock and asks Gemma's size - six to eight apparently, or a 12 depending on which shop. Rita is off to face the enemy aka Norris and Cathy is off to see to the freezer. Alex asks her if she is still sleeping in the kebab shop, she says she cannot find anywhere until she gets paid and asking for an advance will leave broke next month. She likes the kebab shop - if she gets hungry in the night there is a lot to eat. She asks Alex to wash some clothes for her. He nods.

At the Rovers Gail is waiting for Gary when he emerges from the toilets. She is not best pleased about him and Sarah, Gail calls her a vulnerable young girl and he is the most volatile young man on the Street. Gary suggests that individual is closer to Gail's home than his. Gail asserts that David is a devoted husband and father, well father she admits. Gary is there for Jake and relationships break down as Gail needs to admit. Gary then points out that Anna will be scarred for the rest of her life because of what David did - but he will never tell Anna what happened. For her sake and for Sarah's. Gary claims that he did those things in the past - but he has grown up now and is a different person and he loves Sarah. He wants to give her and the children the life they deserve. Gail thinks she believes him and she acknowledges that Gary and David are very similar, she loves her son and does not want another one like him in the family! Warm welcome from Gail!

At the hospital they are in desperate need of beds and so Ken's progress is going to be speeded by sending him home. tomorrow. He got out of bed yesterday after all! Apparently no motor damage and he will get his strength back soon. And all these people to help look after him. And the aphasia will get better over time and there will be medical support (well not in the UK of course). Adam knows he will need speech and movement therapy. He suggests Ken goes private - but of course Ken is dead set against that. Adam offers to pay. Before an argument breaks out Peter suggests they discuss it later. Peter says he and Tracy are taking Adam and the kids out so perhaps Daniel would like to join them (Tracy is clearly not enamoured by this). He notices Tracy's face and says Daniel will get used to her - she is like that with everyone.

Vinny arrives in the Rovers and is surprised. Pat explains quickly that it was his idea for a honeymoon in Mexico. Pat admits he had to come clean a little earlier than expected. As they head to the bar Vinny wants to know what Pat is playing at. Circumstances. Vinny says Monday is cut and run time. And did Pat get his voice message about Michael being at the site this morning until Pinky and Perky chased him away. Pat has lost his phone. Over on the other side of the bar Michael is talking to Sarah, Gary, Todd and Billy suggesting all the buyers should be visiting the site. Todd assures them it is all going to plan. Michael says they really should check progress and Gary could go as well to lend some professional assessment. Michael challenges Todd over the schedule and Billy wants to know when he will have the money for their trip. Todd is feeling pressured and sends Pat a text message for help. Gary asks if the plumbing has been done. Michael reiterates the need for the buyers to take a viewing.

After the break we are in Roy's Rolls with Faye pretending to do some maths until Seb arrives. She shows him the smartphone she lifted when Pat put it down earlier. Seb knows a guy who will give them a few quid for it tomorrow. We briefly see the text message from Todd to Pat. Back in the Rovers Todd accosts Pat as he enters the toilets to say he is in deep doo-doo. Pat tells him he last his phone. Todd updates Pat on Michael's conversation over visiting the site. Pat tells him to meet him and Vinny in the back yard in 5 minutes.

The Barlows are assembled in the Bistro. Peter, Daniel, Tracy, Adam, Amy and Simon. Tracy points out that she is full time worker and a single mother so will not be able to do as much on the care rota as the others. Apparently Amy is moving in with Steve and Tracy only works when Mary is not there. Peter says as he is not working he does not mind doing the lion's share. Adam insists they split it - he is staying as long as needed as Ken did for him - which was over a year. Daniel can be around between lectures. Amy wants facts - who is Daniel's mother? How come Granddad is his dad? Amy wants to know if Ken had an affair, Peter says no - but Tracy says it was as good as an affair. Peter says that Ken and Deirdre were on a break. And not because of Daniel's mother. (History: Ken had an affair with Wendy and Deirdre went off and married Samir, then dallied with a Jon Lindsay the conman. Whilst Deirdre was otherwise occupied Ken saw Alma, Maggie Redman and Denise Osbourne [Daniel's mother]). Peter merely asserts that life is complicated sometimes to Amy! Peter asks Daniel if it is just him and his mum - but apparently she is away a lot with the new boyfriend (in fact we have seen her get married to Zak Dingle in Emmerdale). Amy thinks she sounds like a right slapper. {Yay Amy is the new Blanche - go girl go!}. Peter tells her to be polite. Adam wonders why no-one has taken their order. He shouts "Hey" at Robert. He tells Adam that a member of staff will be with him shortly. Adam reasonably points out that they have been waiting ten. {History Tracy married Robert in 1996, returning in 2002; Adam was around in both 2001 and 2002 - so they probably have met and the latter would have seen photos at some point ...). However Tracy tells Adam that he is her ex. According to Tracy he cheated on her, broke my heart and then he dumped me. Adam eyes Robert.

Johnny is having a kebab with everything on it - he is having a tough day. Gemma has to go in the back room to get more salad. Then there are some banging noises and Gemma claims she is tidying up. And accidentally a bag of clothes falls on the floor. Chesney wises up that Gemma has been sleeping in the store.

Todd is recounting the discussions with Michael to Pat and Vinny. Pat instructs Todd - they will have an open day next Thursday (remember he is cutting and running on Monday). They will hire some machinery, get some lads in and make the place look busy. Pat tells Todd to big it up - buyers, friends, family. They cannot do it sooner as the site needs to be safe and secure before visitors. Michael overhears this. Todd agrees. They are nearly there Vinny assures him.

Back at the Bistro the Baldwin family are in familial conversation! Johnny and Aidan arrive. Aidan and Adam have a staring contest. Johnny just wants a pint and chance to discuss a new order. Daniel downs his meal in no time at all and Peter observes that he must have been hungry - apparently he has forgotten to eat today. Adam calls him an intellectual floating on another cloud. Adam apparently played ice hockey as an amateur. Amy reveals her interest in music and Daniel plays the clarinet which Amy calls "sad". Steph checks all is well with the food but Adam wants a word with the chef so she summons Robert. Adam tells him the steak is tough. Robert says he wanted it rare - not bloody responds Adam (I have checked and he can use that word - although there is no sign of blood on the plate). Robert thinks Tracy has put Adam up to it - so Adam stands and he is eyeball to eyeball with Robert and tells him that if anyone attacks a member of his family it is his business. He suggests that Robert changes his tone when he speaks to Tracy in future. Aidan and Johnny are watching this exchange. Robert responds in kind. Peter tries to calm the situation - but Adam continues as he is not prepared to pay for the steak. Steph ushers Robert away and agrees to taking it off the bill - although Robert would not have done so. Aidan observes that Adam is really making friends. Steph leads Robert to the kitchen. Tracy is very pleased that she now has a tame attack dog at her side.

Gemma is telling Chesney about her windows being smashed and grass being written on her front door - so she had to leave the estate. And she knows she did grass Clayton. He suggests an advance - but Gemma refuses. She asks if she can stay at his for a while - but they are crowded already. But she cannot stay in the back any longer. She promises to move tomorrow and he agrees to one more night.

The Barlows return to Number One. Daniel is going to stay for a while. Adam and Daniel can have Ken's bed and Peter will use Amy's bed whilst she has moved to the Rovers. They go upstairs and Tracy says she is glad Adam is back, a complete turnaround from earlier. But now of course she has seen his car and his cash. Peter is not impressed - anyone can hire a flash car. Both had not expected Daniel to be the mystery visitor and he is like a mini-Dad says Tracy, Peter agrees and they share a laugh - for the first time in a very long time.

Faye returns home. Pat's phone goes off with a strange ring tone - Faye lies, saying she changed her ringtone and then says it is Seb's; Anna does not believe her. She alleges she found it but Anna accuses her of stealing it. Anna is not happy and sends Faye to her room. Anna looks at the display and sees there is a voicemail - so she listens to Vinny telling Pat that Michael has been snooping at the building site.

At the Rovers everyone seems to think the open day is a good idea. Rita will tell Jenny. Todd will give them all details on Monday. He extends the invitation to Michael given that he cares so much. Eileen was really surprised today. She is looking at the engagement ring which does not fit but being the happiest she has ever been in her life. "Love You Pat Phelan". She says he makes her feel safe and for the first time in her life she is not worried about the future. They kiss. Michael watches them across the Rovers.

Roll credits.

This week has of course been dominated by the return of the Barlow family to centre stage. I know I watched and recorded Adam on his earlier visits but I have had trouble recalling the young scamp who has returned with his second head still in place. Daniel is of course a new head. And of course Adam has Baldwin blood as well - be nice if he had heard from Danny Baldwin recently.

I will be back for the Friday night super spectacular - see you shortly.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire. The most recent report is that she has not yet indicated to ITV when she will wish to return to the Street. This has been interpreted that she will not return in some quarters.

See you next week.

Richard


Friday 18 November

Here we go with the first episode for Friday.

Anna struggles to the door on her crutches and lets in Michael, who is late because he's been looking at renew-your-vows menus with Gail. Anna shows him Phelan's phone and tells him there is a message on there which shows that Michael turning up to the site frightened the con-men to death. It also makes clear there will be no interiors and no flats. Michael wants to go to the police but Anna says they need something more solid if they're going to help Rita and Sarah get their money back and get rid of that man.

Daniel finds Adam looking in drawers in the living room and tells him he should be more methodical in his searching. They snipe at each other until Tracy comes in. Daniel shows them the rota he's drawn up. "We need to be organised," he says. Tracy laughs because Peter's cooking dinner tomorrow night. He money's on takeaways but Daniel thinks they should be giving Ken food that's more nutritious.

Anna goes to the yard to see Phelan, who is clearly looking for something. She tells him she needs to see him tonight. "No offence, love, but you're not really my type any more," he sneers. "I like my bacon well done, not my women." Anna insists he has to come to the flat tonight but won't tell him why.

Brian locks up his bike outside the cafe. Yes. Brian.

Rita's inside, asking for lemon drizzle cake and Roy discusses the difficultly of finding the perfect recipe with her and with Sean. Brian comes in and gets a big hug from Rita and Roy seems tickled pink to see him. Sean, less so, and he leaves. Julie's not with Brian, though she will always occupy a corner of his heart - they've split up. "I sooner not pick at that particular scab," Brian says. He asks Roy how things are and Roy says there have been certain developments. Just then, that development comes downstairs, kisses Roy and rushes out to meet a friend. Brian's surprised.

Phelan arrives at Anna's door and checks to make sure she's alone. Why she is, I do not know. He tells her she was never more than an entertaining sideline.

On a building site not too far away, Michael puts on gloves, opens the gate and lets out the dogs who race to eat something he's thrown, then goes into the site and shuts the gates behind him.

Brian has apparently been back for a while and has retrained as an environmental health officer. He's not been to visit because the street brings back too many memories. Today, he's here in a professional capacity, though not for the cafe. He tells Roy he hopes he'll move on from environmental health - he wants to be the council's recycling Tsar. Or Czar. He isn't sure which spelling would look best on headed paper. He tells Roy he'll see him in the Rovers later.

In the Bistro, Tracy arrives to see Adam, who has summoned her there. Brian comes in and asks Steph if she's the proprietor. He's here on official business. Robert comes out and Brian tells him there have been serious allegations about the Bistro's standards of hygiene. The person who made the complaint is meeting him there to discuss the concerns. Adam smirks. Robert fumes because Brian's mentioned this allegation in front of his customers and Brian asks if he could have something to eat while he waits.

Michael's just starting to search the building site when he sees a bloke coming towards him. But it's just a delivery driver who has a load of tiles to deliver. They weren't meant to be coming until Thursday but he was in the area. . . He says he's tried ringing a couple of times to see if it's OK. The tiles are worth thirty grand and he wouldn't give them house room but there's no accounting for people's tastes - or Eileen's, apparently.

In her wheelchair, Anna tells Phelan the last few weeks have been hell and that he makes her flesh craw. He tells her to get on with it and she says he can't intimidate her. He just makes her feel sick. He gets fed up with her going on and gets up to leave. Anna shouts after him to wait. She says she's got two grand together and it's his if he agrees to go. Phelan is less than whelmed. "Wow, a whole two K? How am I going to spend it?" It would just about buy a ten-year-old Mondeo. Anna tells him it's more than he has now. Suddenly, his phone rings with its distinctive ring-tone and he gives Anna That Look. "I think that might be for me," he says.

Anna tells Phelan that Fay found his phone under a table in the cafe. He won't believe her. There are some missed calls and he rings back and speaks to the tile delivery bloke. "Who let you in? What bloke?" He asks for a description. "Was he still there when you left?" Anna's face tells the story. Phelan asks if she knows who it might be on the site. She faces up to him but he tells her, "You are SO going to regret crossing me - you and little Mikey Rodwell!" He slams out of the flat.

In the Bistro, Steph and Luke discuss Adam. Luke says Tracy's all right when you get to know her. Steph is horrified and warns him off having anything to do with Tracy. Robert comes out. It seems Brian's finishing up his third bowl of mussels. Robert says it's obvious that whoever made the complaint isn't going to turn up. Brian says he won't be taking any further action, though Robert's still annoyed at the way he acted over the whole thing. Brian doesn't apologise. He says his job is to shine a light on all unsanitary practices. That doesn't make Robert feel any better. Robert tries to charge Brian twenty-two pounds for the mussels and Brian says that while he's there he might as well take a look at the kitchen. Robert waives the price.

"My work here is done," says Adam and Tracy twigs that he was the one who phoned the council. He says he was just standing up for her.

In the pub, Gemma sits with a carry-all on her knee and bemoans her homelessness. Rita comes in and sees the bag and wants to know what's happening. She thought Gemma had a little flat. Gemma did, but she can't go back there now. "It's not safe. I'm homeless." Rita hugs her.

Brian and Roy chat at a table in the cafe. Cathy comes in and is introduced. She's thrilled because she's found an outfit for Zeedan's wedding and her friend Iris has given her a wedding count-down clock. She shows it to Roy - 23 days and counting down. Brian looks startled.

Michael's in the site office opening all the drawers. There's nothing in the filing cabinets at all. Then he sees a small unit under the desk and breaks into it. He finds a passport with Phelan's picture but a different name and an airline ticket. Something makes him look up and there is Phelan with a metal bar in his hand. "Evening," says Phelan.

Uh oh.

The end.

Margaret Carr

Hello. ITV prefixed this programme with a warning that it would contain distressing scenes. So be aware that this update is not all sweetness and light. This is my second offering this week. If you can do better then we would welcome a few volunteers to assist - please make contact.

This is episode 9038. It was written by Chris Fewtrell and directed by Tim Dowd. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks as usual.

We open in the site office at the flat with Michael telling Pat (holding a jemmy) that he is not scared of him. Funny, says Phelan, Anna said the same thing - and they are both lying. Michael is instantly worried for Anna. Michael threatens to go to the police - he has seen the evidence that Pat was going to disappear to Mexico with the money - weren't you Alan? Pat shuffles thinking quickly. He asks Michael what is going to happen now. The latter realises he is going to get beaten to a pulp. He tells Pat to take the ticket and make a run for it, a s long as he goes Michael does not care. Pat does not fancy being stuck in Cancun without a peso to his name. Michael is sore that Pat is not a murderer. He could go to the police and confess. Michael adds that there is a world of difference between being sent down for fraud or being sent down for murder. Pat prefers the difference between being sent down and being free. Pat is sorry and he tells Michael he will try and make it quick. Michael manages to pick up a chair and throw it at Pat, flooring the latter. Michael rushes past and out of the portakabin. Pat recovers and looks around the yard and cannot see him.

In the Rovers Gemma is bewailing her situation to Rita - she still misses Kylie - the whole thing has been a nightmare. Rita tells her she is coming home - she does not want to see Gemma suffering for sticking her neck out. Jenny apparently spends half her time at Johnny's anyway these days. And Gemma can try on her new outfit - Rita has bought her a new frock and some shoes so she looks her best at the awards. Gemma sobs - no-one has ever done anything like that for her before. Rita gives her a big hug.

Cathy has spent the afternoon talking wedding with Iris she tells Roy in a booth. Iris thinks they are underprepared for the wedding. Brian (welcome back Brian) adds "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." And normally Roy is so meticulous. Iris reckons that organising a wedding is like a military campaign. Brian observes they have similar outcomes -years of conflict and bloodshed and no winners at the end of it. Roy almost drags Cathy home to get dug into the preparation work. The countdown clock is ticking. Cathy is pleased.

At the Platts' Sarah, Gail and Mike are worrying about Michael. They came back from looking at wedding venues and he dashed out again when they got home. The doorbell rings and Gail lets Anna in. She whispers to Gary that Michael is in trouble, explaining the flats are a scam and he has gone to the building site. Anna is worried about what Pat might do. She is worried that if they tell the police that Michael will be back in prison.

Adam and Peter help Ken into his corner chair at home. Tracy brings Eccles for a cuddle. Adam is cooking tonight, Peter knows he is good at stirring. They assure him there will be one of them there around the clock - there is a rota! Ken feels strange to be at home. Peter reassures him that he is getting better now.

At the building site Pat calls out for Michael. He is hiding behind a portaloo. Pat keeps calling. Michael tries to make a run for it. Then Michael suddenly says "No" grabs his chest and collapses. "Please not now" Michael says. He falls on some sand bags or similar and Pat stands watching taking no action. Michael is obviously having a heart attack.

Gail and Sarah clear the table. Gail says they should not get involved as they have had enough trouble recently. Gail tells Sarah that she does not think it ideal for them to get together today. Gail tells Sarah that she has marked Gary's card. Sarah tells Gail she should not stick her oar in. Gail says neither of them can risk upsetting him now - because of what he knows. Gail is telling Sarah she is trapped. Only Gary can call an end to it.

Michael is groaning. Pat is still watching him. Pat says Michael will have to stop doing this to him. Michael pleads for help. Pat recovers his "passport" and papers. Pat remarks that like Napoleon's favoured generals he is lucky. Michael on the other hand was winning and now he has blown it completely. Pat wins again. But Michael was right - he is not a murderer. Pat tells a story about shooting a rabbit when he was a youth - but only seriously wounding it and then sitting and watching it die because he was too soft to kill it. All the time the rabbit was making funny noises. Similarly Michael is suffering in pain and struggling to breathe. And the rabbit struggled until it died. And Michael is struggling too. But this time he is not to blame - Michael's time is up - simple as that. Pat says he will leave Michael to it whilst he clears up some of the mess he has caused. He will check back later - but tells Michael not to wander off. Michael cannot move.

After the break it is late evening in the Cropper flat and Roy is puzzling over the wedding seating plan when Cathy gets up. He has solved most of the problems - but has no idea where it would be safe to seat Nessa. Cathy suggests a barbed wire and a ditch between Nessa and Ken should be adequate. Cathy says he should relax - no-one will want to spoil their big day. She tells him to make a cup of tea and takes over.

Gary is at the flats building site. Michael is whimpering quietly but Gary does not see or hear him. Gary finds the site unlocked. Michael calls Gary very quietly and the noise is masked by a passing tram. Michael manages to get his mobile phone out of his pocket but the drops it out of his own reach. Gary finds Pat drinking a cup of tea and the latter denies seeing Michael at all, although he must have let the dogs go free. Pat says he has done nothing to Michael. He tells Gary to get lost.

In the Rovers Sean is telling Tracy about her Adam visiting the factory the other day. She does not want to know - families are nothing but trouble most of the time. Tracy is not pleasant to either Sean or Tracy. Brian Packham asks after Ken and she assures him he is getting better. We are reminded that Brian and Ken are old friends. Luke appears next to Tracy as Brian goes and asks after Ken. She is sharp with him as well - and then she relents and says she is on edge justifying her actions - she does care about Ken and Luke says he knows that. Luke knows people have ups and downs with their parents and Tracy is instantly softer. She is glad Ken is home - but she is worried seeing how ill and frightened he still looks. She asks if Luke is doing anything tonight. How about going into town? She could do with letting her hair down.He says it sounds like an offer he cannot refuse. She takes her bag and they head out into the night!

Outside she sees a strange man peering into the window of Number 1 and she asks him what his game is. Luke says she lives there. Obviously lying he says he is selling broadband. He claims he was trying to see if anyone was at home. He claims to have knocked and got no answer - but Tracy knows there are five people and a dog in the house. He goes and Tracy tells him not to bother coming back. Anyway she has changed her mind and they are not off into town after all.

Outside the builders' compound Gary phones Anna and tells her there is no sign of Michael. Anna is convinced Pat is lying - and Michael is still not answering the phone. {It would have been a good idea for Gary to phone Michael - he would have heard the phone ringing}. Pat is watching Gary - who is returning home having found nothing.

Rita has popped round to see Ken. She cheers Ken up by telling him how well Andrew Marr recovered from his stroke. Rita says Ken is fitter than men 20 years younger than he is and she used to think he kept a portrait in the attic of him getting older whilst he stayed so young. He reckons it might be a good likeness now - and both smile. In the kitchen Tracy is telling Peter about the mystery man. Peter denies that it is to do with him (I am not so sure). He turns away from Tracy - but looks worried.

Roy is still re-organising the seating plan when Cathy ushers in the solution. Michelle, pink wedding planner folder at the ready. Cathy says she does not want to marry a nervous wreck and Michelle can take away all that worry. The girls go to get started and Roy looks at the ominous countdown clock.

Gail is now really worried about Michael's absence. She had planned a special dinner. She had found his wedding ring, she has had it cleaned and she was going to ask him to start wearing it again. She decides to give him another ring.

Michael's phone shows a picture of Gail, but is on silent as it lays on the ground and the camera pans (and we are looking at a very black picture) to Michael who is now dead. Standing over him is Pat Phelan who crosses himself and walks away into the night. Michael sadly denied the leaver's final round of drinks in the Rovers gets the closing shot tonight.

Roll credits.

In the credits the person outside Number One is credited as "Man".

I think we all knew Les Dennis would never be a very long term resident on the Street. I am not sure the last year has served him well - he chose to be absent to undertake other commitments and discovered that he feels at home on stage - I see he has a number of roles lined up in the months to come and so should thank him for being Michael Rodwell.

Gail of course lost Brian - dead, Martin - divorced, Richard - dead, Joe - dead, Michael - dead. One might think Martin had a lucky escape. Will she ever get a happy ever after? I believe that apart from Ken she has the most Street appearances on record.

And Rita has always been one for waifs and strays - will Jenny's nose be out of joint with Gemma's arrival or will Johnny ask her to move in full time?

And almost finally I really think that we should be seeing far more of the home life of Sean and Norris. I had hoped for some Street comedic genius from pairing those two (as with Norris and Kirk a little while ago). But apparently not. Come on Ms Oates - bring on the comedy.

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 21 November

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Jordan Hogg

Phelan gets home in the wee hours of the morning and calls Vinny. Vinny is dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and is parking though pretends he'd been sleeping. Pat tells him that Michael showed up and while things might look too good for them, he isn't a problem anymore and insists he didn't lay a hand on him. We see Vinny thumb the fake passport and flight ticket. Phelan thinks they should skip town earlier than planned but Vinny puts him off, telling him to come to his place at 4:30 and lie low in the meantime. Phelan looks a bit flummoxed when he hangs up, as if to wonder what he's going to do and how and if he's going to get out of this one unscathed. He turns off the light and goes upstairs.

Over at Platt Towers, it's a bit later now and Gail is leaving the umpteenth voice message for Michael who's been gone all night and Gail hasn't had any word from him. She's frantic with worry. David cracks "another woman?" and even Gail wonders if it could be Eileen. Sarah scoffs that one, even if it were another woman, he wouldn't go back to Eileen. David also suggests maybe he's been arrested, he does have history. Sarah wonders if maybe he crashed at Steph and Andy's.

Eileen is up and telling Todd how happy she is, job satisfaction and the man of her dreams. (That's a sure way to jinx it, you all know that, right?) She's bubbling about the wedding and holiday and wedding dresses while Phelan overhears from the staircase. He comes in and kisses her on the cheek. Todd asks if Phelan has spoken to Vinny. He says not and goes into the kitchen, followed by a nervous Todd. He is anxious about them pulling the plug on the project and what will happen. Phelan assures him it will all work out.

Vinny is about to get into a cab. His nosy neighbour comes out and asks if he's going on holiday and where. She's told he is, to Hawaii, and won't be coming back. With that, he instructs the cab driver to head to Terminal 2.

Cathy is waiting for Michelle who rocks up shortly after with her wedding planner and preliminary thoughts. She reassures them she won't be pushing them in any particular direction or to a decision unless it's the one they want. She wants their day to be just the way they want it. Meanwhile, Platts, Windasses and Andy are discussing the possible whereabouts of one Michael Rodwell. Andy suggests a search party and Gary agrees.

Over at the Barlows', Tracy is still wondering about the man they caught peering through the window. Neither Adam nor Daniel is forthcoming with any ideas. Someone knocks on the door and as Adam goes to answer it, Daniel looks towards the hall nervously. Tracy sarcastically asks if he's lent a book off somebody and gets her grammar swiftly corrected. It was Brian at the door, he's come to visit Ken.

Phelan tells Eileen he's off to the site. She wants to come and check out the tiles that were delivered but he puts her off. He does tell her it looks like they're going to be ready to break ground next week which pleases her but confuses Todd. Phelan suggests she and Todd work from home and hugs her, saying a somewhat heartfelt Bye Sweetheart. Surely he's not got growing feelings for her? He looks back at her in the kitchen, and murmurs "All the best" as if he'll never see her again. Todd teases her about Peter Andre at the Samaritan ceremony but she is disappointed, she couldn't get tickets. Todd decides to go to the office after all, pretending he's left paperwork there.

Brian is wittering on about Czars and then jumps back to a mention of a city in Italy and gets into an argument with Daniel as to the location of Trieste. His interview with the council about the recycling "Czar" job is this afternoon.

In the kebab shop, Gemma is telling Chesney what life is like at Rita's, gushing over all the hair products they have. She is impressed by the dress Rita bought her though the new shoes are too small. She's really looking forward to meeting her idol. They chat a bit more about the kindness Rita is showing her.

Todd arrives at the site and walks right past the skip that sits in front of Michael's dead body. He notices the door of the office open. He approaches it cautiously in case whoever broke in is still there and notice papers all over the place. He immediately tries to call Phelan but decides against it and goes back outside where he finally spots Michael.

Brian is now in the cafe talking to Cathy about the upcoming interview. Cathy moans about Roy being unimpressed by any of Michelle's suggestions for the wedding. Brian isn't interested and continues to talk about himself while Roy defends himself. He doesn't know why they need a wedding planner but Brian does think that's a good idea, someone to do all the donkey work. At a table, Rita and Gemma are having lunch and talking about the event tonight. She tells Rita she had two posters of Peter Andre on her wall when she was a kid and she used to kiss his photo on the nipples of one of the posters. Ew. Jenny then comes charging in accusing Gemma of using her shampoo.

Todd approaches the body and verifies that it's Michael and he's most definitely dead. His phone rings just then and it's Jason. He doesn't tell him anything upsetting and manages to end the call quickly. He turns to the body again and crouches down, looking uncertain but calls the police.

Peter has told Tracy that he might get a job as at taxi driver. She scoffs then tells him that she asked the other two about the dodgey bloke and got nowhere. She still suspects it's to do with Daniel.

Gary comes home and tells Anna he didn't find Michael. She mentions that Kevin has gone to see his sister (and thus acknowledging that Kevin even has a sister, a fact that hasn't been mentioned on the show in at least a decade or more). Anna wants to go to the police about what they know but Gary doesn't think it's a good idea if they find out Michael was about to break and enter the building site. He could end up back inside and Gail won't thank her for it.

Adam and Peter are standing with Simon outside the house. Simon is more interested in his phone and it turns out he's got a girlfriend called Daisy. Adam is on side while Peter teases the lad.

The police have arrived and are questioning Todd. He explains that he sells the apartments for the business and confirms Michael's identity but that he doesn't know why he would have been there. He mentions that Michael had a bad heart and has a record for burglary.

Cathy is gushing on the phone to Michelle about various ideas. Roy keeps glancing over his shoulder at her while also listening to Brian go on about the interview, bragging about how well he felt he did. Roy keeps getting distracted by Cathy's conversation. Brian advises Roy to let her have what she wants. A wedding is pretty much the bride's day and suggests he write his speech.

In the pub, Eileen is at the bar. Gail and Andy are sitting in a booth with Sarah and David. She even asks Eileen if she's seen Michael and continues to fret. Gail wonders if they should call the police. The general consensus is that it's still a bit too early. In another booth, Gemma is unsure she looks ok. She actually looks really nice in a sparkly hair decoration with a dress that's also glittery around the edges. Rita and Chesney both say she looks nice. She asks if her lipstick is ok. It is. But Jenny comes in and spots her and again charges her... is she wearing Jenny's lipstick? Gemma does look guilty, it has to be said. Eileen's phone rings. Todd is calling to break the news. Gemma and Rita make a move and leave. Eileen is shocked at the news and looks over towards Gail.

Brian observes that Roy hasn't written much. Nothing, in fact. Roy defends himself. He's still thinking about it.

Phelan knocks on Vinny's door. Of course, nobody's answering but the old lady from next door comes out and tells him that the man that lives there has gone on his holiday, early this morning. She tells him the man said he was going to Hawaii and was even dressed for it. She goes back inside and he tries to call Vinny but the phone number is no longer available. That's not good, is it?

Tvor

Written by Simon Crowther and directed by Jordan Hogg

Gail listens in shock as Eileen breaks the news that Todd has found Michael's body. She tells her it looks as though he suffered a heart attack.

Across town, Phelan is also in shock as he rings the bank and discovers that the company bank account has been cleaned out by Vinny.

Back in the Rovers everyone takes in the news about Michael's death. Andy reckons Phelan is behind it which doesn't go down well with Eileen.

Over in the cafe Roy is outraged at Brian who has been reading his speech. Not that there's anything to read as Roy is suffering from writer's block. Brian questions why – does Roy have feelings for Cathy? Before Roy can answer Cathy comes through, full of excitement at Michelle's ideas for the wedding which include a horse drawn carriage. Roy looks rather bemused.

Anna and Gary arrive back from her physio appointment as Eileen comes along and discovers they don't know about Michael. Anna is shocked as Eileen breaks the news.

We return to the Rovers where Roy goes in to tell Michelle they'll no longer be requiring her services as he's decided to organise the wedding himself. Michelle is a bit put out and asks if Cathy knows about his decision. Roy looks awkward as he admits he hasn't told her.

Round at the Barlows' Ken sleeps in his chair while the rest of the family chat. Daniel has his head in a book, Peter informs them he's applied to be a cab driver at Streetcars and Adam receives a call from Simon who needs picking up after his date. Tracy asks Daniel if he's got a girlfriend. She's intrigued and wants to know more about him. (All I want to know is how the suddenly-expanded Barlow family are managing to fit into Number 1).

Gary has taken Anna home. They're wondering what happened at the building site. Gary says there was no sign of either Phelan or a break-in while he was there and wonders if Michael really did just have a heart attack. But Anna is convinced it was Phelan's doing and decides to call the police.

Gemma and Rita arrive back from the Good Samaritan awards and go for a nightcap. Gemma still hasn't recovered from the disappointment of Peter Andre canceling. Rita comments that it seems very miserable in the Rovers this evening and Gemma asks who's died. "Michael'" replies Jenny.

Back at the Barlows' Peter tries talking to Daniel but he doesn't get any more out of him than Tracy. He says he's just there to spend time with Ken and prefers to keep his personal life to himself. Adam arrives back with Simon who seems to have had a successful date. According to Tracy, who heard it from Amy, Simon's friend Daisy is really hot.

Eileen is having a glass of wine with Todd at home. She can't understand what Michael was doing at the building site. She's tried calling Phelan countless times but he's not answering his phone. Todd feigns ignorance on both counts.

The scene moves to the airport where Phelan is about to check in for the flight to Cancun. But as he stands in front of the desk he looks at his wallet containing a solitary five pound note and then scrolls through the dozens of missed calls from Eileen on his phone.

Nick and David arrive back from identifying Michael's body. As the rest of the family bustle around, deciding who will buy the fish and chips for supper, Gail sits amongst them all looking totally distraught.

The police have arrived at Anna's flat to interview her. She tells them about everything Michael told her and then explains about the voicemail she heard on Phelan's phone. Gary adds to the story and tells them how when he went to the site there was no sign of Michael. Anna starts to get worked up and becomes almost hysterical, convinced that the police aren't taking her seriously. She tells them that if they don't do something about Pat Phelan then she won't be responsible for her actions.

Cathy arrives home to find Roy doing table plans for the wedding. She thinks he's upset by her plans for the wedding but all he's worried about is having it taken over by someone else. She tells him that if he's happy then she's happy.

Pat arrives back at Eileen's as though nothing has happened. Eileen asks why he hasn't been answering his phone and he claims he left it at the site. He calmly sits and listens while Eileen tells him all about Michael. He denies all knowledge. Then he does remember something odd, he tells them Gary turned up at the site looking for Michael. Todd sits and glares at Phelan.

Back at the Barlows' Peter is still trying to talk to Daniel who announces he's going out. Peter asks if that bloke calls round again whether he wants to leave a message. Daniel ignores the question.

Eileen takes herself off to bed, leaving Phelan and Todd to have a whispered conversation. Todd is shocked as Phelan breaks the news that Vinny has gone, along with all their money.

We move briefly to the Rovers where Rita and Gemma decide it's time to go home. Chesney looks thoughtful as he wishes them goodnight.

Back at Eileen's Todd is trying to take Phelan to task. For once in his life Phelan is telling the truth as he reveals to Todd that Vinny has gone off to Hawaii and taken all the money. He suggests to Todd that maybe Vinny had something to do with Michael and claims to be as much in the dark as Todd. Todd demands to know what they are going to do. What will they tell Jason? What will they say to Eileen? For once Phelan doesn't have an answer as he takes himself off to bed clutching a hot water bottle for Eileen.

Karen


Wednesday 23 November

Todd comes downstairs and finds Phelan dozing on the sofa. He remarks that he half expected to find that Pat had done a runner, but Pat points out that he couldn't even afford a bus ticket now. "At least you've not lost 65 grand like Jason," says Todd.

In the cafe, Roy has organised his Cathy's wedding reception at the Bistro, and he asks her advice about canapes.

Rita and Gemma are sitting at a table, Gemma is upset because Peter Andre wasn't at the award ceremony. Chesney is there, collecting coffee when he gets a phone call. "You can do it?" he says, looking across at Gemma, "great!"

Eileen comes downstairs, trying to work out why Michael would have broken into the site office. She tells Todd and Pat that if they know anything they should tell her now, but they both remain silent. Eileen says she'll go and check on Gail. When she's gone, Todd asks Pat why he didn't tell her about Jason's lost money, but Pat reckons she was upset enough about Michael. Todd can't understand how Pat let Vinny shaft him. "I trusted him, schoolboy error," says Pat. Todd points out that both Jason and his mum trusted him. Just then someone comes to the door – the police to see Pat.

Tracy asks Daniel why he doesn't sleep at home, he could still come and visit any time he likes. Daniel just replies that if Ken wanted him to go he would say something. He goes off to sit outside the salon, which is closed, and when David comes along he asks if he can go in to make an appointment for later in the week.

Tyrone and Luke are walking down the Street and Ty notices Tracy across the road staring at them. Luke says Tracy is staring at him and when Tyrone asks why he just raises his eyebrows. "No!" exclaims Tyrone, and then tells Luke to tell him everything.

Daniel is wandering round the salon looking thoughtful, and remarks that it looks like it's been like that for a long time. Daniel asks if David remembers who owned it before, and is told that it's David's gran who owns it, not him. When David asks if he wants an appointment or not, Daniel says he's fine and leave, leaving David a little puzzled.

Eileen has arrived at Gail's. Andy is there, wondering if they're sure it was a heart attack, and thinks Pat had something to do with it. Gail can't work out why Michael was at the building site at all. Just then Anna arrives and tells them that Michael was there because she sent him.

Back at Eileen's house, the policeman tells Pat that they have a statement from Anna telling them that Pat was in her flat the night Michael died, and that he left her flat intending to do him harm. Pat laughs it off, saying Anna has had it in for him for a long time, but assures them that when he left the site there was no sign of a break in and no sign of Michael. The police then ask about Vinny, they'd like to speak to him. Pat tells them that he's emptied the bank accounts and left the country.

Anna is telling Gail, Eileen and Sarah how she and Michael realised that the flat development was a scam, there weren't going to be any flats. Eileen scoffs, but Anna explains that when Faye got hold of Pat's phone they found a voicemail from Vinny laughing about it, and Vinny was telling Pat he was worried about Michael sniffing around. Eileen snaps that Anna has always had it in for Pat. Anna goes on to say that Michael went to the site to try and get some evidence. Eileen snaps that this is a ridiculous accusation, Anna is a vindictive woman living in cloud cuckoo land. She says that Anna sent him there, so if anyone has Michael's blood on her hands it is Anna.

Leanne is in the Kabin buying sweets, and remarks that there was a time when she nicked them. Peter is looking at magazines, and as he leaves he puts something in her coat pocket. She puts her hand in and pulls something out, and while Rita isn't looking puts it back on the counter. Nick has come in a sees this and is puzzled.

Eileen has gone home and is wondering what the police said. She's told it was just routine. She tells them that Gail is wondering why Michael was at the site office. "Sure you don't know?" she asks Pat, and goes on to tell him what Anna said, how the development was just one big scam. "Why would she think that? Any ideas?" she asks Pat and Todd. Todd sighs, "because it's true," he says.

Nick and Leanne are out in the Street and she's trying to explain Peter's little joke. Nick just doesn't get it.

Back at Eileen's, she's furious, her son's money is at stake. She wants to know where Vinny is, Pat says if he knew he wouldn't be there, he's emptied the accounts. Eileen is horrified to hear all is lost and shouts at Pat and slaps his face. Then she stops... "Please tell me you had nothing to do with Michael's death?" Todd jumps up, and assures her that he didn't. Then Eileen yells at Pat to get out.

Over in the kebab shop, Gemma gets a text message, apparently from Peter Andre, telling her he's sorry he missed her big night. Then Chesney looks through the window where outside is 'Pedro Andre' a Peter Andre lookalike dancing about to the sound of 'Mysterious Girl'. Gemma laughs, and asks if Chesney organised it. Gemma rushes over and grabs Pedro, asking Chesney to take photos.

Eileen pours herself a drink as Todd tells her that Pat is packing a bag. "For once I don't think you were the major player," she says. Todd assures her he had no idea what Vinny was up to. Eileen wonders what she's going to tell Jason, and what she's going to say when all the people who've been ripped off start banging on the door.

David is in the pub, telling Nick and Sally how weird Daniel was when he came into the salon and just stood looking around. Sally explains that his mother is Denise, and she used to work in the salon. David laughs and says the guy is a weirdo – just as Daniel comes into the pub behind him. None of them see him. "His mum abandoned him as a baby so it's no surprise," says Sally, tactful as ever. "No surprise what?" snaps Daniel behind them, "or do you only like talking about people behind their backs?" Nick tries to calm the situation by offering to buy him a drink, but Daniel won't be placated and tells them they are small people with small minds.

Roy is in the Bistro tasting sample vol au vents. He says it's Cathy's wedding and he wants everything to be just right.

Sarah is outside the pub with Daniel, telling him to keep a lid on his temper, when Tracy and Peter come along. Tracy asks if he's been chucked out of the pub, and Sarah says he got a little bit upset. "I didn't mean what |I said," says Daniel, and walks away.

Pat Phelan walks away from Eileen's house with a rucksack and a black bin bag in his hand. Todd runs after him and says he can't leave now and leave him to deal with all the mess. Pat points out that Eileen has thrown him out, and Todd might want to think about packing a bag himself. He walks on, leaving Todd staring after him.

Anne Logan.


Thursday 24 November

Welcome to another edition of Coronation Street. The bosses of CS have told us that from next year there will be 6 episodes a week of your favourite soap, but they seem to already be sneaking in an extra episode, by the back door. I wonder do you think like me that because of the extra episodes, the storylines are suffering and a bit weak?

Anyway, let us move onto tonight's episode.

The episode starts with Billy and Todd going over what has happened. Todd is annoyed with himself as he felt he could have protected his mother and Jason, but Billy re-assures him that it is not his fault.

In the builder's yard, Phelan is ringing up a friend obviously trying to find somewhere to stay, but without success.

Over at the Barlows, Peter comes down for breakfast and tells Daniel that Ken is still in bed. Daniel says he is going to a mate to return some books that he borrowed. They argue, and Peter accuses Daniel of hiding something. Tracy comes down and asks where Daniel is going. She has taken Daniel's keys so she can see his mother or have a snoop about.

Alex is complaining to Cathy that he has not had a day off for ages. She says that with Anna not being in, they are short staffed and as Roy is planning the wedding it is just them two. Roy then announces he has not been able to organise a horse drawn carriage for the wedding, He asks if she has a preference for a car. She says she is not worried provided it gets her to the church on time. He then says he will carry on working upstairs. Rita tells Cathy that she saw Roy in the Bistro yesterday testing vol-au-vents. He said he didn't want any skimping and is willing to pay whatever it costs.

Gail is working out who is going in which car to Michael's funeral. Sarah says there is no rush but Gail says the funeral is tomorrow and she has to get the information to the undertaker. Todd rings Sarah, to say that he is arranging a meeting for people who were buying one of the new properties in the Rovers, but doesn't go into any detail.

Andy is talking to Kevin and Andy. Andy says that Michael was a good man. When Andy wonders if Pat (Phelan) was capable of murder, Anna says he is capable of anything. Andy didn't realise how dodgy he was until Anna filled him in. Gary comes in and says he was speaking to Sarah and that Todd has called a meeting. Anna insists on going. Gary says it is for investors only, but Anna says they can try and kick her out if necessary.

Todd is talking to Rita on the phone. He says that he wants to tell everybody together. Billy asks if he knows what he is going to say, he says he doesn't. Eileen comes into the room and tells him to "tell them fast, and tell them straight". She says she has just called Jason. He said not to blame herself, the money wasn't really his. She insists coming to the pub with Todd.

In the garage Luke is working under a car when Tracy comes in and switches it off. She wants a lift to Daniel's house, and afterwards they might ...... ! Luke calls to Ty that he is off to a breakdown !!!!

Various people contemplate what Todd will have to say. Todd then starts to explain why he has called everybody in. At that point Phelan walks in. He says he has bad news. He is sure everybody knows Michael was found dead on the building site, but they probably don't know what he uncovered. He explains that their business partner, Vinny has "shafted us" and done a runner with all the money. There is no money, he has taken everything. He says that he and Todd have spent hours talking to the police about what has happened. He says he will try to answer any questions. Rita says that nearly everyone gave £15,000 and now he claims it has all gone? Phelan says that is correct. Vinny has taken the money and as soon as he realised he checked the business accounts and it has all gone. There is a lot of shouting as the news sinks in. Rita reminds everyone that Michael died, and they have not had the funeral yet. Todd says he found him. It looked like he broke into the office and had a heart attack as he left. Anna is still accusing him, but he says he is a victim not a villain. He says he persuaded Eileen to invest her son, Jason, money - £65,000 into the business and that it would make a profit. Instead he has lost it and he has lost Eileen. He says he is the only one to blame.

Daniel is searching through his bag. Peter walks in, and Daniel asks if he has seen his keys. He also mentions that Ken was on his own when he got in. Peter says he went to get a paper and Daniel is somewhat annoyed. Peter explains he doesn't need a nursemaid. Daniel says he will go back to the flat in case he left them there. Peter rings Tracy to warn her that Daniel is on his way over.

Cathy comes into the cafe and tells Alex and Brian that she has bought an expensive wedding dress.

Yasmeen tells Zeedan that the money has gone. She doesn't know how they are going to pay Dev back. Zeedan says he will sort it. Yasmeen says that they are not his debts, they will do it together.

Sarah asks Todd how he didn't know that it was going on. She says he is supposed to be a friend, and he let this happen. Eileen chips in, saying her son lost £65,000. Billy says he hopes the police will find Vinny, but she doesn't believe in miracles. Anna calls over to Phelan saying that he deserves an Oscar for that performance, and wonders where his share is hidden. He replies, she hasn't lost anything, other than an opportunity for revenge. She retorts that if it wasn't for him, Michael would still be alive. Phelan says if it wasn't for her Michael may still be alive. She calls him a monster.

Cathy tells Yasmeen that she was contemplating buying a flat. She is obviously glad she didn't. Roy says it must be awful to lose that money. Yasmeen blames Sharif; he was going to buy a flat for his mistress. She wishes she never married him.

Adam is walking down the road with Simon and finds that his car has gone from outside Ken's house.

Phelan is pouring himself a drink in the builder's yard. Eileen comes up and says it was very brave to do what he did. He could have walked away and left Todd with the problem. Phelan says he was always told not to make promises that he couldn't keep. He says he will work his fingers to the bone to pay back every penny of Jason's money. He realises it may take awhile, but doesn't mind grafting. Eileen understands he has nowhere to live. She says she doesn't trust him or like him anymore, but as he is going to work to pay Jason back, he can stay in Sean's old room until he finds something better.

Adam comes in and asks Peter if he has moved his car. Peter says no, and is surprised to hear that it has gone. Adam presumes it has been stolen. Tracy comes in and wonders what the shouting is about. Peter explains that someone has nicked Adam's car. Adam asks Tracy if she knows anything about it. She says no, but people do get jealous very easily. Peter asks if Tracy got his text (it was actually a voicemail!). She says she discovered something interesting at Daniel's flat. There was no sign of Denise or any woman staying there. There is hardly any furniture or photographs there. She thinks it is weird, and therefore he has been lying to everyone. She says that he had loads of student debts so maybe he stole the car. Peter asks Tracy to keep her voice down as they don't want to give Dad any further distress. Tracy says she doesn't trust him, and next time she sees him she is going to find out exactly what is going on.

Well what is Daniel up to? Will Phelan make enough money to repay Jason, or has he another scam? What of the relationship between Eileen and Phelan as he will be living in the same house again? Keep following the Street for all the developments.

Martin Rosen


Friday 25 November

Hello, and it's off with the show!

Ken's home and making the fastest stroke recovery in history. I know he might have received the thrombolysis treatment which reverses the effect of the stroke if treatment is quick enough, but there was no mention of that. There was mention of aphasia but there's no sign of that.

Anyway, Adam's car is missing and Adam blames Daniel. Ken blames Tracy for making Adam think it was Daniel. She reminds him that she's coming with him for a doctor's appointment later. Ken refuses Peter's offer to help him get dressed but then asks Adam for help. Amy slams in the door, furious that Adam's made up a story about having his car stolen in order to avoid taking her to school. Peter wonders where Daniel is.

Eileen is very down because they're burying Michael today. Phelan isn't even pretending to be sorry. He tells Todd that Michael had had more heart attack's than he's had games of cards. Eileen's annoyed. She says Michael deserves a good send-off and she's not going to spend the day refereeing Todd and Phelan.

Sarah's talking to Gary about Michael and Jenny barges into the cafe demanding to know whether they've heard anything about the flats. She apologises to Gary when it's pointed out to her that it's Michael's funeral today. Cathy asks Gary when Anna might be coming back to work.

Max and Lily want breakfast in bed. They're going to Sally's while the funeral is on. Bethany and Leanne are making sandwiches - a great huge pile of horrible looking white sandwiches with the fillings hanging out. Gail thinks the neighbours will be making jokes about how many husbands she's buried but Audrey says they'll just be thinking about Michael and what a wonderful man he was.

Zeedan and Rana have a cuddle. Zeedan says his gran is cooking - it's always what happens when she's stressed. But Yasmeen says she's just making sure that his 21st is a proper celebration. Zeedan comforts her and she tells him how proud she is of him.

Adam and Tracy come out of the house and spot Daniel. Adam demands to know where his car is. Daniel says he's got no idea what he's talking about. They want to interrogate him but Tracy says they should go to the cafe because she doesn't want Ken being upset by it. She sends a text to Peter to get him to come over.

Norris is wiping bird much off the window. Brian approaches and asks how Norris feels about having him as a lodger. Sean comes across from the house and tells Norris very coolly that he's making a fish pie. He asks Brian why he's back. "Come to break another woman's heart, have you?" He leaves and Norris tells Brian he's already got a lodger, thank you.

Ken enters the flower shop looking for Tracy. When Mary tells him she's not there he takes himself off for his appointment.

In the cafe, the Barlows order four teas, though Adam has to say Please on Tracy's behalf. Peter comes in and they demand to know where Daniel's been. He says he was out with a mate and couldn't find his keys so crashed on the mate's sofa. Tracy tells him she went to the flat and it's clear he's not living with Denise as he said. There's no sign a woman lives there. "Where is that tart of a hairdresser?" Daniel is angry at the description. Peter asks where she is.

"She left, OK," Daniel says. In fact, Denise left when he was 15.

At the Bistro, Steph talks to Andy about Michael. Rana's there and so is Alya, who has a present for Zeedan and wants Rana to take it. But Rana says she should bring it over herself. "Someone's got to make the first move."

Daniel says Denise went through a bad patch after Ken went back to Deirdre. She asked him to leave with her but Daniel refuses. He had his GCSEs and his mates. Peter says they should go and tell Ken about this. Adam leaves a big tip by way of apologising for Tracy's rude behaviour to Cathy.

Norris and Brian discuss whether Norris should throw out Sean. Brian pours poison into Norris's ear and offers to pay ten pounds a week more than Sean is paying.

The hearse arrives and people come out of the houses. Andy sees Phelan but Steph stops him from going to confront him. Gail goes over but not to have words with Phelan. She asks Eileen if she'd like to travel in the car with her. "You loved him too, once, and I think it would make him smile," she says. Eileen accepts and the cars leave, with Andy glaring at Phelan as they go. Ken comes out of the medical centre and watches the hearse go by, then heads for home.

Yasmeen admits to Zeedan that she's worried about the money she'll need for the wedding - Rana's parents will expect the traditional payment. Rana comes in with flowers and tells them they have a visitor. It's Alya.

Norris is surprised Mary's managed to work with Tracy for so long. Mary says it's refreshing to work with someone who truly doesn't care what anyone thinks. She says Tracy's not so bad underneath. That's the trouble with Mary - she always sees the good in people, Norris says. Norris asks Sean how he fancies a rent reduction by five pounds a week. He admits it's because someone else wants Emily's room. Sean can always go in the front room. There's a very comfy fold-up bed in the attic and if he just pushes the piano out of the way. . . Sean's indignant and insulted and more than a little bit hurt. "I thought we were bobbing along nicely," he says, bidding Norris a frosty good-day.

Round the dining table, Daniel tells the family that Denise left a debit card and put money into the account and he just pretended to everyone that she was still there. He was terrified of being taken into care. He'd get a phone call or a visit every so often but didn't know Denise's address and didn't see calling Ken as an option. Tracy is surprisingly sympathetic and says it must have been hard for him. Adam wants to know who the bloke is who's been hanging around. The one who looks like a loan shark. Daniel says the payments into the account became erratic and he fell behind with the bills and took out a loan. Then he fell behind with that. Adam is now sure Daniel must have taken his car. Ken is angry.

Zeedan's still angry with Alya. Yasmeen tells him to at least have the good manners to open the gift from his sister. It's a set of what are probably expensive knives but Zeedan just tells her the next time she should sort out her debts instead of spending money on rubbish like this. Then he and Rana snap at each other.

Ken's in the yard with Eccles. Peter comes out to talk about Daniel and Denise. Ken says he hates seeing everyone at each other's throats. He says he went to see the doctor who told him his blood pressure is still way too high and that he's got to avoid stress of any kind. The next stroke could be fatal.

The end
Margaret Carr

Hello. Christmas is coming. Be prepared for some fun when it arrives on the Street, all now safely recorded. This is episode 9044. It was written by Damon Alexis-Rochefort and directed by Jordan Hogg. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

We open in the back yard of Number One with Ken, Peter an Eccles sitting on a bench which I do not recall being there before. Ken thought having the Barlows together would help but having seen the doctor he has found that his blood pressure remains sky high and another stroke could prove fatal. In addition now they know about Daniel having been deserted Ken realises he has let his son down. Peter assures Ken that Daniel is resourceful like all Barlows. And Peter has an idea.

Yasmeen brings Rana back and tells Zeedan to apologise. Yasmeen does not want to see the two of them at each other's throats. Rana explains that she is feisty. Yasmeen understands why Zeedan may not yet be able to forgive Alya, but Rana was only doing what she thought best for the family. Zeedan does not like anyone going behind his back. And Rana is not keen on pig-headed men! His macho rubbish is making things ten times worse. She stomps off to work, slamming the door behind her.

Over in the Rovers Rita cannot remember when she last cleared out her kitchen cupboards she tells Mary. Brian and Norris (who appears bored). Mary keeps Dev's shelves in order and takes goods reaching use by dates is donated to charity. Apparently there are always a lot of tins of pilchards. The twins cannot bear them and Dev says he is allergic. And she keeps buying them through force of habit. Apparently her mother had her life saved by pilchards so Mary has a soft spot for them. She was locked in a church hall after a Scout jamboree, too long in the toilet and when she emerged she tripped in the dark and was trapped under the tombola overnight. When she was hungry in the night she reached up into the tombola and found a tin of pilchards to eat. Norris does not believe a word of it. Mary tells Norris off very forcefully for telling her what to do - he his just like her mother. Very angrily Mary asserts it is her way or the highway. Rita sympathises - she is like that with Norris three times a day. Rita sends Norris for another round. Brian offers to pay, Jenny is looking after the shop apparently. Norris is still grumbling at the bar. Brian asks Norris if he is OK about renting a room - but Sean is not keen on moving, in fact he was so insulted he might move out - which cheers Brian. Ken and Peter join the group. Ken is not sure the pub was in the doctor's mind when he was told to take it easy. Peter points out it is better than being next door. And Ken reckons one little drink is OK. Peter wants a word with Mary.

The funeral party return. Beth does not know how a funeral can be lovely when someone has died. Andy looks at the door of No 11 - he reckons Phelan had something to do with Michael's death. Steph asks him not to do anything daft.

In Number One Adam is worried how he is going to explain the missing car to the hire company now that they know Daniel did not take it. Daniel wonders why that is more important to Adam than his revelation or Ken's stroke. They realise Ken must still be in the yard and when they check are worried that he has gone missing! Adam does not entirely believe Daniel's story. Daniel storms out of the house.

Peter and Dev have agreed something - but we do not know what it is. Dev claims Sharif is an adulterer, a liar and a thief. And he does not really want to ask Yasmeen for the missing money. Peter tells him that you have to do what you have to do. They emerge in front of Roy's Rolls and opposite the bus stop where Peter sees Daniel waiting for the Weatherfield Whippet (is it still called that?). Peter says he will pop into the shop later. He approaches Daniel who tells him he is going home - anything is better than the Spanish Inquisition he has been suffering in Number One. Peter hits the nail on the head: "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition". Daniel has found a kindred Python fan and cheers up instantly. [Oddly I would have thought Daniel was too young and Python did not attract youngsters - but then I was at the Southampton show on the first night of their UK tour - and that was a long time ago]. Daniel also claims to have heard of Queen Victoria (he does know he is not on EastEnders right?). Peter tells Daniel that Ken is really concerned about him and he cannot leave.

Dev arrives at Yasmeen's and wants to see Zeedan who is helping him out. She asks if it is about money and Dev is non-committal. She admits she is not happy but he can cheer her up as she has a large lunch and she hopes he is absolutely starving. He agrees he has had no lunch and is absolutely starving. She tells him that she knows Sharif has left him as well as the family in the lurch. She admits money is tight - but Dev has bills to pay - he can wait a few weeks until the wedding is out of the way. She puts a large plate of food on the table and tells him to stop talking. She will pay him what he is owed by the family and the wedding will go ahead as well. He asks about the Haq Mahr (sometimes spelt Mehr so if I have it wrong I apologise. It is a mandatory payment in money or possessions from the groom or his father (or grandfather) to the bride at the time of marriage giving her, her own property. It is NOT the same as the English dowry and can be paid in parts and in the circumstances it seems odd that this has not been mentioned. It is intended as a means of sustenance in case of a sudden death, divorce or other emergency) which has to be paid on the day of the wedding. Yasmeen assures Dev that she will manage.

Andy has gone to Number 11 to see Pat. He wants to know what happened as he hates to think of Michael dying in the cold, alone and scared. They sit down and Andy asks if Vinny could have been involved. Pat does not answer but says that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one (so damning Vinny without lying). Andy asks how it could be that Michael suspected something wrong but Pat did not? They were working so closely. Pat is not sure what happened between Michael and Vinny - but in the end it was Michael's heart which simply gave up and he was a hero trying to expose a crook (yes you Pat Phelan). He tells Andy to drink a toast and not torturing himself about events. Andy nods in agreement and says he should head back to the wake. As he leaves Pat tells him to tell Gail that he is thinking of her. Andy thanks him and goes.

After the break we return to the Barlows where Adam is finally reporting the Jaguar as stolen. Peter and Daniel return and Peter reminds him that Daniel is part of this family. Tracy comes in from the yard and can find Ken nowhere. Peter stops telling off Adam and turns on Tracy for not going to the doctor's with him earlier. Amy is worried about Ken. Peter tells them he is having a drink next door with Rita and he is safe. He tells them Ken can hardly call it his home with all the arguing going on. He tells them that the stress will kill Ken if they continue. Tracy backs down. Peter tells them about the high blood pressure and that another stroke could be fatal. So Peter tells them to forget their petty squabbles and act like a family. They need to pull together and put Ken first. Whether they like it or not Peter concludes.

Erica asks if Sean is considering moving on from Norris's. Sean likes it there - boiled eggs in t'morning, immaculate housekeeping. So unlike Eileen's. And Norris can play some mean dominoes. Sean reckons it is like that Yorkshire programme "Last of the Summer Wine". Norris comes to tell Sean he did not mean to insult him earlier. He is after all a very good lodger and Norris has no complaints. Sean interjects that he has had a better offer and Norris cannot deny it. Norris refers to the free-market economy. Sean ups the ante - he will pay £5 more a week than Brian. Brian thinks he has it sewn up.

Maria is to be charged with the fake marriage as well as murder. (Oh come on - no body and the evidence is flimsy to say the least - CPS would be thinking at least twice). Audrey is telling the adults at the wake in David's house. David thinks they should be talking about Michael, not Maria. They send Max to give David a cuddle. Sarah finds it hard to believe that Max has stayed such a sweetheart given all he has endured. Audrey credits David and Gail. Andy tells Eileen he has seen Pat - but got no light on events. And Eileen says that Pat has also lost a lot to Vinny as well. Andy checks that Sarah lost £15k. Sarah attributes Bethany being unhappy to the loss of the flat (but we all know she thinks that Sarah has stolen Gary from her). Eileen wishes none of the locals had been involved. Sarah absolves Pat from blame and is taking a positive attitude. Bethany asks why Gary is not with them - he is on his first shift in the gym answers Sarah. She is seeing him later and asks Bethany to granny sit Gail. She agrees. Answering her concern David assures Sarah that he is OK now - shaky when they went to church but OK now. And he knows that Sarah and the two kids will be living there for a long time to come. Eileen tells Gail she is leaving. Gail thanks Eileen for coming. And she responds by thanking her in return. They one time enemies hug in shared loss.

At the Rovers bar Brian is telling Norris that he refuses to be gazumped like this. Sean points out he started the gazumping! Mary listening from the booth wishes she still had the motor home - she could make a fortune! Brian ups the anti - £80 a week and a Friday night take away every Friday night. Ken asks them all to calm down a bit. Sean ups it further - no take away. He will add a delicious home-cooked three-course dinner, soup starter and Viennetta to finish! Norris decides. They can both live at his house. How asks the audience of Ken, Mary and Rita. Sean will stay where he is in Emily's room. Brian can have his room. And with this income he will budge up in the front room by the piano. And he offers to buy a round! Norris is very happy. He buys a complete round and even buys Sean a drink.

Eileen comes into the bar and joins Pat at a table in front of the one armed bandit. He offers to get a drink and they swap words back and forth. He apologises and she says he can get a drink now.

Tracy comes in and apologises to Ken for missing the appointment. He asks about Number One. She takes him to one side.

Gail is looking out of the window, Max is working on something with Sarah. Gail keeps thinking he can hear the tinkle of the ice-cream van. Sarah observes that the ice cream vans will be a constant reminder in the summer. Gail agrees, almost crying. Max brings over what looks like a decorated shoe box. He hands it to Gail - it says "Memories" on the top - and as Michael helped him with a Memory box for Kylie he has made one for Gail for Michael. Gail (and the audience in our house) is crying as well. She gives Max a huge hug.

Rana returns to where Zeedan is sitting waiting. He says he is sorry. And she is sorry too. He wished she had been honest and talked to him about Alya, instead of just bringing her round. He wants his decisions respected. And Rana wants her decisions respected too. She agrees she is on his side with all that is going on. They are cuddling to Yasmeen's pleasure when she comes downstairs. Rana goes to the bathroom. Yasmeen tells Zeedan that she has found a way to get the money for the Haq Mahr and tells him not to worry about how. And we see her removing her gold rings from her fingers as she says this.

The Barlows are cleaning the house as Ken returns. Peter has cooked dinner and Ken thinks he is the wrong house. Ken tells Peter that it was about time he took charge. They all wanted to apologise for being pains in the neck and missing the doctor's appointment. Amy absolves herself on both counts. Peter adds that there will be some more changes. Mary is going to cover more shifts at Preston's Petals. Daniel and Adam will be moving into the flat above Dev's shop. Adam says they will be around to help but not so much that Ken will want to kill them. Daniel agrees he is sticking around. Daniel then observes that he has never before sat down as part of a big family to eat a meal (it is lasagne). Tracy actually apologises for being a massive cow before. Adam's phone goes and he takes the call out in the yard.

To no-one's great surprise his mate has sold the missing car for more than they expected. The hire company know and he can delay things until the car is safely out of the country. With new plates it will never be traced. He will see him tomorrow and is expecting his half of the cash. He has a big smile on his cheeky chops as he goes indoors.

Roll credits.

You may note the writer has acquired a double barreled surname. Congratulations to Damon and Daniel Alexis.

Sad that Brian and Julie did not last. Hope Brian will help look after Ken - I do not believe that the zombie Barlows we saw in this episode will last long. Adam is clearly a bent lawyer - surprised Ken did not spot that when he was in Canada for so long. Perhaps he should open a firm and employ Todd?

Finally in the words of Mrs Dale I am still very worried about Emily Bishop or perhaps that should be Eileen Derbyshire.

See you next week.

Richard


Monday 28 November

There's only one episode tonight.

Written by John Kerr Directed by Durno Johnston

Yasmeen appears to be about to sell her jewelry. She's on the phone to someone but hangs up when Zeedan comes downstairs. He tells her that Rana's parents have invited themselves over to have a "get to know you" dinner, even bringing the food themselves. Zeedan figures they want to see what kind of car crash their daughter's marrying into.

One of Erica's ornaments got broken. Aadi denies it was his fault. She hands them their lunches and discovers a letter in Aadi's back that busts him. He's not been handing in his homework. Erica orders them to the shop after school where they will do it under their watchful eye. Two faces fall.

Kirk asks Johnny if he can go collect little Liam who is upset at school, missing his mother. He's given permission. I didn't realize Maria isn't out on bail, she's still in prison on remand. Johnny insists he isn't getting soft but the child is innocent. He then asks Aidan to tell Kate she's going to be on her own at work for the rest of the day. He does that and she sneers at him. Eva invites him to lunch but he declines and goes back into the office to get his coat. He informs his father he has some business to take care of.

Zeedan is feeding his grandfather's chickens and is resentful of them because they remind him of his grandfather, still in everyone's bad books. Yasmeen makes quite a good joke about the chickens' beady eyes and smell being similar to her husband. She is about to run into town and assures him she'll be back when Rana's parents are there. He's worried that they'll think he's as big a screw up as Sharif but Yasmeen reassures him that nobody is going to think that, and reminds him that Rana loves him and that's all that's important.

Audrey arrives, greeted by Bethany who's just off for her run. She asks after Gail and is told she's not in great shape. Audrey commends Bethany for her energy but Bethany remarks that she exercises to keep her mind off things.

Inside Barlow Towers, Daniel is making himself busy in the kitchen only to be teased by Adam about rooting around for the silver. They exchange a bit of banter. Ken comes downstairs and Adam leaves. Daniel offers his father food or drink. Ken expresses regrets that he was not there for Daniel, before or after his mother left though Daniel recalls he was angry at his father back then. Ken lets Eccles in from the back yard and says he's going to take the pet for a walk. Daniel offers to come with him. This pleases Ken.

In the Nazir house, five people are squeezed around a very small table, making room for the camera to be able to see them all. Rana's parents, Saira and Hassan, have brought quite a lot of food apparently. Saira asks Yasmeen how she's doing and is told, one day at a time but they'll get through. She is looking to the future. Hassan explains that he always thought Rana wouldn't settle down. Saira cuts him off and says her daughter is a free spirit but Hassan continues and things that Zeedan is far better than some of the others Rana brought home. Rana is embarrassed. Zeedan takes a text and tells them he has to nip over to work for a bit.

Daniel and Ken are sat on the bench with the dog. Ken has noticed there's still tension between Daniel and Adam which Daniel puts down to them just being different. Nothing more. Ken again expresses regrets for all the missing years. Daniel allows that they'll just have to make up for lost time. Ken makes him promise there will be no more secrets. He does but you get the feeling he's still hiding something.

Zeedan is thoughtful at work but is glad he's there at work. He has been thrown by the idea of all the former boyfriends his fiancee has had, he doesn't really know her at all. Leanne reminds him that everyone has a past. Zeedan is worried they're making a mistake and is worried he and Rana could end up in a bad place down the road as well. Leanne advises he talk to her and work it out but he worries further, what if they can't? It's a natural reaction, really.

After the break, Zeedan returns as everyone else is clearing up. He tells Rana they'll talk later. Zeedan and Rana start to carry the clean dishes back to the car but he stops when he overhears Rana's father politely offer to pay for the traditional haq mahr (dowry) as they are all going to be family. Yasmeen isn't offended but assures him it's all in hand, nothing to worry about. Zeedan looks confused.

Mary brings an armload of red flowers into the salon and says they're for Gail. They talk about Gail and family and how quickly they can be lost. She looks wistful. Outside, Mary looks lost in thought.

Zeedan comes back inside and asks his grandmother about the dowry money. She is reluctant to tell him where she got the money but he notices she's not wearing her wedding ring. She admits she sold it, some heirlooms from her mother, and a few other pieces of jewelry. She did it because she wants him to be happy but it looks like it's made him feel worse. Rana comes in and decides she needs a brew. They're out of milk so Zeedan offers to go.

The twins are moaning about being bored doing their homework. They want to do it at home or with Mary who makes it fun but Erica points out that if they were home they'd only be watching telly or playing on a device. She insists they do it so they can pass exams so that they won't have to get a rubbish job. Wait for it... Aadi pipes up "Like you?" Yep, knew that was coming. Erica just gives him a look. Bethany arrives in the shop and picks up a basket. Erica goes back in the office to pick up the ringing phone. The twins uncover a handful of scratch tickets they've stolen and guess what? One of them uncovers a prize of 300 pounds. But there's a problem, they can't claim the money without their father finding out. Bethany comes to the counter. The twins smile at each other.

In the pub, Eva finds Mary necking a drink and watching Ken with Daniel in a booth. They toast each other. Mary runs back out again. Sally arrives to find Kevin looking moody in a corner and joins him. Aidan comes in with a man in a suit, he's a solicitor that Aidan's arranged to help Maria.

Rana has been talking to Yasmeen about Zeedan who clearly has something on his mind. Yasmeen says she doesn't really know specifically though she knows he has been upset over what happened with his grandfather and Alya. Zeedan returns home, having taken a walk along with the milk run. Yasmeen decides to have a bath and leaves them to talk. Rana asks him what's up. He sits down and tells her he can't marry her.

The twins are done their homework and ask if they can do it in there all the time. Erica isn't quite that keen. Bethany comes back in and hands over the ticket, saying she has won something and looking rather pleased when Erica tells her it's 300 quid. She says she bought it from Dev a couple of days ago. Erica goes in the back to get some money. Aadi can't figure out what his one third share of 300 is. I think he better knuckle down on that maths homework.

In the pub, Aidan is discussing Maria's case. Adam comes in and is told by Eva he's just missed Daniel and Ken. Adam, of course, pretends he's glad but avows that he does love his family. Adam asks her for her phone number but is turned down because her fella wouldn't like it. Kevin admits to Sally that things are tricky with Anna at the moment. Unsurprising. Sally advises he just be there for her but Kevin feels like Anna keeps pushing him away. Sally thinks Anna is scared he won't feel the same way about her due to her injury. Kevin tells her that Anna says she's coping but Sally wisely points out that saying and thinking are two different things. She's right. Kate comes in with Johnny who notices Aidan and the solicitor. He comes over and finds out who the man is, and the solicitor has agreed to take Maria's case. That gives Kate reason to call Maria a liar. Aidan points out that Kate was involved with a nutter herself. Kate leaves in disgust. Johnny warns Aidan that his attitude is threatening the family and the business but Aidan counters by saying that Maria *is* family and needs the help. Johnny knows very well that Aidan fancies Maria but just shakes his head.

Back to Rana and Zeedan. She's furious that he proposed and she told her family and friends and now he's messing her about. He says that after all this happened with his family he feels they're rushing into marriage. They still have so much they don't know about each other. He tells her he's changed, that maybe he doesn't believe in marriage anymore. He cares for her but it's not enough. She cries that if he really did love her, he wouldn't care about anyone else's marriage, only theirs. She thanks him for revealing that he's a spineless, weak little boy. She leaves. They're well and truly finished.

Tvor


Wednesday 30 November

Due to the change in the ITV schedules, I bring you the first half of an hour long episode that aired in the UK on Wednesday 30th November.

Written by Debbie Oates and directed by Durno Johnston

Tonight's episode opens outside in the street where Faye is cleaning a car. She listens while Aidan gives Kirk the good news that he's going to pay for a solicitor to help Maria.

Rana bumps into Alya outside the Kabin. Alya tells her that Zeedan is still refusing to speak to her and she hates the thought of not being there for their Nikah (marriage ceremony). An upset Rana tells her she needn't worry, there isn't going to be a wedding as Zee has called the whole thing off.

Erica is having a row with Dev. She's found £200 hidden inside the toilet cistern and has worked out that the twins are behind it and asks if Dev sold Bethany a lottery scratch card. Mary comes in at that point. She's in a strange, philosophical mood and clearly has her mind elsewhere. Erica continues her row with Dev who, as usual, doesn't want to know about his kids' bad behaviour. Erica tells him this isn't working. Dev asks what she means by 'this'. Everything, says Erica and stomps out.

Back out in the street, Faye is still cleaning cars. It's her punishment for taking Phelan's phone but Tim sees it as a useful way of Faye picking up gossip. He's just asking her about Aidan when Sally comes along. Tim swiftly changes the subject and makes out he's talking about the great outdoors. Sally tells him she loves it when Tim's passionate about something and says he's just given her an idea. Sally hurries off before Tim has a chance to find out what it is.

In the factory office there's a family row going on. Kate is furious that Aidan has appointed their solicitor to help Maria. Johnny is piggy in the middle. Alya comes in and asks Johnny if she can have a meeting with him later.

A very pregnant looking Leanne goes round to see Yasmeen. As she asks her why Zee has called off the wedding, Rana bursts in. She's just come to pick something up. Yasmeen wants to know what's happened so Rana tells her that Zeedan said he considers Rana to be just like Sharif. As she leaves Rana adds that if that's what Zee thinks of her, she's glad she's not marrying him. Yasmeen tells Leanne that Zeedan has taken out all of his fear and hurt on Rana and they can't let it happen.

Kate is having a heart to heart with Jenny amongst the packing boxes in the factory. She tells her how much Caz hurt her but now she blames herself for not answering her phone to Caz on the day she disappeared. Whatever happened between them, she tells Jenny, Caz was the first person she fell in love with. Jenny says they don't know for sure that she's dead but Kate is convinced she is.

Meanwhile, Maria is having a meeting with her solicitor in the prison. He tells her she mustn't give up because her liberty could depend on it.

Back in the street, Tim goes over to the garage to offer Faye's car cleaning services. He's interrupted by Sally who drives up and tells him to get in the car as she has a surprise for him. Tim looks dubious and asks Sally why she's got a scarf on the seat next to her but his eyes light up when she tells him it's a blindfold.

Yasmeen decides to take matters into her own hands. She finds Zeedan in the Bistro kitchen and tells him she'll be at a table in the restaurant and she won't leave until he finds time to sit down and talk to her.

Meanwhile Dev is also trying to sort things out with Erica. He takes her a bunch of flowers and, to show how serious he is, they're not even from the bucket outside the shop. She declares she's not a natural stepmother and wonders if she should move out again but Dev begs her to give it another chance and promises to sort it.

Alya goes for her meeting with Johnny. She's decided to try and help her gran out by selling the machine and getting back her investment. But Johnny's not buying it – her plan, or the machine – so bang goes that good idea.

Mary is still acting very strange and emotional. She's writing a message for a flower delivery and, thinking it's for a funeral, starts to cry. Even when Tracy points out they are for a 90th birthday party and the customer is very much alive Mary can't turn off the waterworks.

Sally and Tim arrive at their mystery destination. Tim is wearing the blindfold and looks very excited when Sally tells him that they could be doing it in the garden but here they'll have the chance for a bit of variety and to try new things. Sally jangles some keys and Tim eagerly wonders if they're for handcuffs. Imagine his disappointment when he discovers he's at an allotment and the keys are for the shed.

Ben the solicitor has gone to the factory to fill in Aidan on his meeting with Maria. There's a long way to go and in the meantime, Maria will have to stay in prison. Kirk comes in. He's found Maria's credit card statements which he thinks might help to prove Maria's innocence but Aidan says the police have already seen them. He tells Kirk what would really help is if he can convince Maria that they'll get her out. The solicitor has said that Caz is bound to have made some mistakes and that's what they need to find in order to help their case. Aidan says he's going off to check out some contacts on their database and in the meantime Kirk's job is to try and keep Maria's spirits up.

Zee finally goes out into the restaurant to talk to his gran. She tells him that Sharif destroyed more than her marriage. He also destroyed Zeedan's belief that people can be trusted. She reminds him his parents had a good marriage but despite that Zeedan's father panicked the night before his wedding that he may have got it wrong. A year later on their anniversary he wondered how he ever had a moment's doubt. Yasmeen says that life is full of risks but some people are worth taking risks for and she thinks Rana is one.

Over at the allotment Tim is checking out the shed. Things look up when he finds a bottle of whisky but his hopes are quickly dashed by the arrival of Sally brandishing a spade. Faye has come too and doesn't look impressed when Sally announces she can help out there as her punishment instead of washing cars.

The twins arrive home from school to find Dev sitting miserably with the pile of money in front of him on the table. He tells them he knows about Bethany and the scratch card and how disappointed he is. If they were attempting to drive Erica away he says then congratulations because they've succeeded. The twins exchange a triumphant look. Dev tells them they can go and see their friends after school because he needs to be alone. Aadi asks his dad if he's OK. Dev says he wished they'd talked to him and tried to find a way for the three of them to work things out because Erica made him happy. The twins now look very contrite.

Aidan is sitting in the car outside a customer's offices. He's on the phone and asks if he can come in and drop off some samples. While he talks he glances across the street where the workforce are returning from lunch. One of them looks very familiar. "Caz!" exclaims Aidan as she disappears inside the building …

Karen

Aidan has talked his way into the factory on the pretext of being something to do with Health and Safety. While he's talking to the boss he's looking around at the workers who all seem to have to wear green baseball caps so it's not that easy to see their faces. Caz however, spots him and ducks behind some piles of stock. Aidan is asking the boss if he has a staff list, and does the name Caroline Hammond mean anything to him? At that moment, Caz does a runner out of the emergency exit and Aidan spots her, so he dashes after her. He chases her down some stairs but, once out in the open air there's no sign of her. He pulls out his phone and rings the police.

Kirk is visiting Maria and telling her how Liam has been picked for the school football team, he's brought a photo of him in his kit, but isn't allowed to give it to her right now. He's given it in, she'll get it later. She reflects that she's already missing important things in Liam's life. Kirk tells her that the solicitor is sure Caz will have made mistakes, and adds that Aidan is footing the bill. Maria is worried she'll get a life sentence, but Kirk is sure she won't go down.

Tim and Faye are walking down the Street talking about the allotment when they see Tyrone and Freddie are looking at the contents of a trailer. Freddie says that they found a box of props in a skip outside the playhouse, there are a lot of Grecian-looking urns and pots. Tim asks if he can buy one, but as the money is changing hands it gets dropped and broken. This doesn't seem to worry Tim and he picks up the pieces and walks away, with Faye asking what he's up to.

Rana is just about to leave the health centre when a notice flashes up on the board. It reads 'Rana, I'm sorry, I love you, Z', but she doesn't look impressed and continues towards the door. Leanne suddenly appears in front of her and urges her to come with her. Rana isn't keen, she's not going to be dragged to some restaurant or bar to have Zeedan bleat on about how sorry he is. She's not going, she can't trust him, he's moody. She points out that her parents blame her, they've said she's flighty and couldn't hold on to him, but she doesn't want him any more. Leanne pleads with her to come with her and just talk to him.

The twins go into the shop and tell Dev they're sorry about Erica, and ask if she's called the police about the flowers. They ask if she's going to stay with them and he asks what would be the point? They might just chase her off again with their mean pranks. They promise that they won't do it again, they didn't mean to make him upset. He sends them away and says he'll talk to Erica and see what she says. As soon as they've gone he calls Erica out from the back. She says she's not sure she should stay now that she's seen his manipulative ways, but they hug and laugh.

Aidan is sitting in his car, he's been there for an hour, and he's waiting for the police after telling them that he's seen Caz.

Tracy is in the flower shop on the phone to a dissatisfied customer when Erica comes in looking for Mary. Tracy tells her she's sent her home, she's neither use nor ornament. It seems she sent a card to a grieving family telling them how she was weeping for them. Erica wonders if Mary is ok, and Tracy hopes not, because if this is normal behaviour for Mary she's going to be looking for another job.

Leanne delivers Rana to a car park where Zeedan is standing in a full Indian wedding suit. He says he's sorry and asks her to marry him, he should never have broken off the engagement. She is stunned, and points out that everything was canceled. He tells her the Imam says he can still do it. "Rana, will you be my wife?" he asks.

Rana is stunned. "I don't know," she says, "how do I know you won't change your mind again?" He tells her he loves her, he just stopped believing things could work, and he apologises for saying she was like his granddad. "I got scared, I'm an idiot, let's spend our lives together starting right now, marry me?" She kisses him, but points out that she can't right now – in her uniform. Just then Yasmeen, Rana's parents and Leanne all appear and there are hugs all round.

Aidan, fed up with waiting for the police, has gone back into the factory and is trying to find out more about Caz but the boss isn't happy, especially when he's told that Caroline is a murder victim. He tells Aidan he's insane. Just then the police arrive and DS McKinnon tells Aidan she told him to leave it to them. She orders him to leave, saying that interfering with a police inquiry is an offence.

Tim is at the allotment, he has partially buried the pieces of the broken pot and is on the phone to the Weatherfield Archaeological society telling them he's uncovered something of interest.

Aidan rushes back to Underworld and tells Kate, Johnny and Jenny that he's seen Caz alive, and she legged it. The police are looking for her now. "She's fake," he says to Kate, "and Maria is innocent."

Back at the mosque, Rana has changed into a beautiful, red, wedding dress, and the wedding ceremony is drawing to a close and the Imam pronounces them husband and wife. There are hugs all round.

Mary is tearfully chopping vegetables in Dev's kitchen when Erica comes in. Mary says she's fine, it's the onions making her cry, but Erica points out that they're carrots. She says she's concerned about Mary, but Mary says she's concerned about Erica and Dev and the children, they shouldn't argue. Erica tells her it's all sorted and they want her to join them for dinner. Mary says she'd like that and rushes off to get changed.

Aidan is looking after Liam when Kirk comes back, they're expecting Maria to be released at any time. Just then Aidan gets a call, the police are coming over.

Mary comes downstairs and Erica asks what's bothering her. Mary confides that she's found a lump in her breast. Erica urges her to make an appointment with her doctor.

The police have come to talk to Aidan about what 'the person' he saw was wearing. "Did you see her face?" asks the policewoman. Aidan says he knows it was Caz and asks when Maria will be released. The policewoman wants to know if, just by him saying he saw Caz, he thinks that would be enough for them to release Maria. Aidan says he's not making it up, he saw her. The policewoman says they will just wait to see if the young lady who ran away turns up for work in the morning. When they've gone, Liam comes out of the bedroom. "Is my mum in prison?" he asks. Aidan hugs him and says he'll get his mum back, whatever it takes.

The wedding reception in underway at the Bistro. Rana's mum is fairly critical, but tells her she worries about her because she's her child and she's watched her constantly try to make her life more difficult. "I only try and live it, Mum," says Rana.

Alya and Johnny come into the Bistro, talking about work. Alya looks round and sees the wedding party – to which she wasn't invited. She's horrified and leaves in a hurry.

Maria is on the phone to Aidan and he's telling her how he saw Caz but she ran off. Maria says they'll have to let her go soon then, but hears the doubt in Aidan's voice. "They don't believe you, do they?" she says, "I can hear it in your voice." He tells her they don't need to believe him, he'll prove it to them. "I'll get you out of there, trust me," he says.

Anne Logan




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