2017


Wednesday 2 August

Kevin and Anna are in the cafe. He thinks he might have sold the garage so wants to go out to celebrate later, but Anna is being more cautious and wants to wait until the money is in the bank. Tim overhears their conversation and comes over, suggesting a meal at the Bistro, that won't break the bank. Anna, however, would rather eat fish and chips in the street than be served by that sneaky cow Erica. She goes out, so Tim then asks Kevin what's up? He thought Anna and Erica were mates. Kev is evasive but Tim works out what he thinks has happened. "You'd better not have, Kev, after all she's been through these last few months!"

Over at Dev's, he wondering if he ought to tell Kevin that he has someone coming to view the gym, the same person that Kev thinks might buy the gym. Erica doesn't see any reason why he should, would Kevin tell Dev if it was the other way round? Erica tells him he's not sold the place yet, why make a fuss? Dev then tells Erica he wants to offer her a new job – project manager of the expansion plans he has for his kebab shop empire. She smiles and looks very pleased.

Leanne and Steve are in the cafe, both looking tired and shattered. Toyah and Izzy come in, and can see that they haven't had much sleep. Izzy tells them she's been where they are, and Toyah turns and asks if she'd do it again. Izzy thinks probably not, not after all the problems with the surrogacy. Toyah says she didn't know they'd used a surrogate, and looks thoughtful.

Michelle is leaving for a trip to see a friend in Leeds. Robert wishes he could go with her, but she's sure he has no need to worry.

Toyah and Izzy are sitting in the cafe together, talking about surrogacy. Izzy wonders what's holding her back, and she says it's like she would be giving up ever carrying her own baby. Izzy points out that it would still be her baby, same genes, same sleepless nights.

Gemma and Chesney are also in the cafe, eating breakfast. Chesney is worrying about seeing his attacker in court, and Gemma cheerfully points out that it's not just him but his mates too, that Chesney will have to look out for.

Dev is now suited and booted and is off to show the potential buyer round the gym. He kisses Erica goodbye and then leaves. When he's gone, Liz comes down the stairs, asking how he took it. Erica confesses that she didn't say anything, Dev made her an offer of a great new job she couldn't refuse.

Billy and Todd are looking through the contents of Summer's box and have found a photo of Summer with a lot of metal. Just then she comes out of her room and they ask her what she was doing. She tells them she was building a robot. Billy wonders if they could all have a go at building something like that and suggest going round to Tyrone's later, he's got lots of scrap metal. Summer tells them they can do what they want, but she's not coming.

Over at Eileen's, she's enjoying the peace and quiet and suggests to Pat that they go out and do something nice with the day. Just then his phone bleeps with a message, Nicola has the results of the DNA test and is on her way over.

Mary is getting some flowers out of the back of the van when she overhears Tim talking to Kevin about the fling he almost had with Erica. She pricks up her ears and listens with interest.

When Tim has walked away, Kevin sees Dev across the road, talking to the person he thought was buying his garage.

Chesney goes over to the Bistro and asks Robert if he knows when the court date it. He's very stressed and worried and asks Robert if Rich has lots of violent mates. Robert tells him not to worry, with any luck Rich will go to prison and they can all get on with their lives. Chesney isn't convinced.

Mary gets back to Dev's to find him really happy, he's sold the gym and he tells her he's offered Erica the job of looking after all his expansion plans. Mary suggests he think twice about that, and goes on to tell him that Erica and Kevin have been having an affair.

Dev marches out of his house towards Kevin's garage, followed by Mary begging him to wait and not cause a scene. Kevin sees him coming and walks forward, saying his buyer has pulled out, having found new premises, some warning would have been nice. Dev asks if he gave him warning before he slept with his girlfriend. "I didn't sleep with her," mutters Kevin, but Dev isn't listening and bangs on about integrity and loyalty. The two of them start to grapple in the Street, and Tim and Tyrone rush over, followed by Gemma who urges Dev to 'knock him out!'. Tim tells Dev that nothing happened between them, and Dev takes that to mean that the whole street have laughing behind his back.

Nicola has arrived at Eileen and Pat's, and opens the envelope. The letter inside confirms that Pat is her father. He looks very pleased, she less so. He says he's not a rich man, but if there's anything she needs she only has to ask. She snaps that she's managed perfectly fine up till now, and he goes out to the kitchen, hurt. She follows him out and says it's a lot to take in and so she suggests they go out for a meal tomorrow evening.

Anna sees the Dev and Kevin and the rest of them standing on the cobbles and rushes over, asking if it's what she thinks it is. Dev is amazed that she knew, she tells him it was Erica who made all the running, sat in her hotel room, waiting. Kevin saw sense and didn't turn up, it's her he should be angry with. Dev turns to go, but tells Kevin to stay away from him in future.

Steve and Leanne are in the flat, Oliver is asleep and they are watching him on the baby monitor.

Eileen has called to see Billy, Todd and Summer, and tells them that Pat is Nicola's dad.

Toyah tells Peter she thinks they should look into surrogacy. Peter thinks it will be worth looking into.

Robert is talking to Rich at the end of the ginnel. He tells him to stop the intimidation, the smashed window, the silent phone calls. Rich says he has no idea what Robert is on about and thinks he must have an enemy somewhere. Robert tells him to stay away from him. As he walks away, Michelle drives up and sees him.

Mary is telling Dev that Erica has now shown her true colours, Dev has only ever shown her kindness and respect and this is how she repays him. He then goes off to find her.

In the Bistro, Michelle tells Robert he should be keeping well away from Rich. Robert tells her he swore blind that the latest problems were nothing to do with him. Michelle reckons he's a good liar.

Dev comes in then to see Erica. He starts shouting at her about seeing Kevin behind his back. She tells him that nothing happened, neither of them could go through with it. Dev tells her that's not what he heard, and he tells her she's free to go and do whatever she wants, she and Dev are history!

Anne Logan.


Friday 4 August

This is episode 9222. It was written by Ian Bevitt. The director was Ian Bevitt. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. Once again thanks to the ITV Hub as I was behind with my viewing at the time this update was written. Again this will be a short form update.

Phelan walks past Gail who is tending to the rockery which Michael installed. Phelan tries to tell Gail that he is not a monster. Gail is not for placating - she misses Michael. Phelan leaves her to it.

Steve and Leanne sleep on the sofa as Oliver is crying over the baby monitor. Steve stops Leanne going into Oliver. And almost magically the crying stops. Liz comes in - she has had no sleep as Erica has been snoring in her ear. Steve is worried Dev will be unhappy that they are harbouring his cheating ex-partner. Liz remarks that Steve and Leanne are getting on well. Steve admits he is glad Oliver is there but will go no further.

At Dev's Mary finds him clearing up Erica's things. She feels he needs to tell the children whom she has just brought back from the rec. He needs to be honest with them. He gets sharp with Mary and the children come downstairs because of the raised voice. He leaves with a bag of Erica's things.

On the Street Toyah meets Leanne and is able to tell her that she is meeting someone from the surrogacy charity. Leanne and Steve managed 3.5 hours sleep last night. Toyah invites Leanne for a few drinks and Steve volunteers to baby sit. Eva wanders up, admires little cherub cake and gets invited for drinks later as well. Although she cannot have the wine.

Phelan returns home - apparently he had something to do early this morning. Eileen is looking at Pat's old photos and suggests giving some to Nicola as EIleen says from angelic choir boy to big bad Pat Phelan. Pat is not amused by this description. Eileen re-assures Pat that Nicola will love him when she gets to know him. Pat seems to be in a thoughtful mood.

Norris and Mary are running the Kabin whilst trying to organise a wedding. Mary has very shapely lobes apparently. Norris accuses Mary of not listening to a word he says - just like a married couple. Mary calls him old fashioned and sexist.

Liz and Erica stroll along the Street with the former trying to find ways of ameliorating the latter's snoring. Erica is convinced she will be back in Dev's bed before long. As they discuss it Aadi and Asha overhear and vow that no-one treats an Alahan like that.

Steve is pushing the pram and meets Billy. Steve tries to offer some advice on fatherhood - but he isn't, merely remarking that they are both rowing the same canoe now! Billy is not sure how single parents juggle everything and is glad he has Todd to help him. Steve agrees that being on your own must be tough.

In the Bistro Michelle gives Maria a green light to go out with Will. Michelle suggests to get over any awkwardness the four of them should have a drink. She brings Robert up to date and effectively he is forgiven - providing there is no more running off to the casino. He has to be honest with her. They must not keep things from each other. Kate observes this and remarks to Alya that she hates working with couples - snogging one minute and arguing the next - it fair does her head in. Alya tells Kate about Robert turning up and ruining her and Luke's evening in with a risotto. Luke had to fix a broken car window. Michelle overhears and wants to know whose car window has been broken.

After the break it is clear that Alya has told Michelle about Luke fixing her broken window. Robert returns and it looks that promise in the last paragraph has been broken already! Nicola arrives in the Bistro and wants a large glass of Malbec. And Erica is summoned to a meeting on the Street in 10 minutes apparently by Dev who must have forgiven her.

Summer is reading and Billy has collected some scrap from Ty to build a "robot". He has no idea what he is doing and initially Summer refuses to get involved. After a while we see Billy's attempt is rubbish and Summer has to show him how it is done.

Aadi and Asha sent the message without Dev knowing and are up on the top of the builder's yard with some buckets. Erica and Liz emerge from the Bistro and the buckets contain water bombs which rain down on Liz - they miss Erica. Dev, Mary and Norris all observe events. The kids make it clear that Erica was the target for cheating on their Dad. Erica takes Liz home as she pulls off one displaced false eyelash. Mary takes the children home.

The three witches of Eastwick, sorry Leanne, Toyah and Eva are starting a party in the back room of the Rovers. Eva notes that Leanne has some sick down her back. Leanne decides she is not going out with them. Leanne puts herself down - Eva takes it as a challenge and they go to her flat where Leanne can wear something of Eva's (not wishing to worry you girls but looking at you I sense I slight difference in dress sizes?). Eva reckons she will look well fit.

A little later Leanne returns to Steve's flat wearing a nice little red number (and if that ever fitted Eva as well as it fits Leanne I would be very surprised actually amazed if Eva could get in it!). Even Steve notices that Leanne scrubs up well and calls her gorgeous. Oliver is asleep without the toy which she had found. Steve has a secret skill as a baby whisperer. Steve is then a bit naughty saying how much Oliver will miss her when he wakes in the night. So Leanne decides to stay with Steve and have a pizza. She picks up a piece of pizza and starts eating even though she knows Eva will be mad with her. Steve smiles - he has a beautiful woman on the sofa with him for the night. (And well done to Jane Danson for chowing down on the cold pizza with relish).

Mary tells Erica that she pities her for letting a man like Dev slip through her fingers. Erica says she loves Dev - but Mary says it is an odd way to treat someone you love. Erica simply saw it as harmless fun. Mary insists that Dev and the children deserve better.

Michelle and Robert are arguing about the latest revelation. She is not going to be made out to be a fool. She had enough of that with Steve. She is having trouble with all his lying. Meanwhile in the front of the Bistro there is no sign of Pat and Eileen delivers the envelope with the photos to Nicola. Eileen assures her he must be running late. Eileen goes and Maria (and Will) arrive catching Alya and Kate listening at the kitchen door as Michelle storms out followed by Robert, she is arguing and he is not talking. Is it a bad time Will asks.

Steve has made some frothy coffees. Leanne reveals she would choose fluffy slippers and a film any night over a night out in heels! The chosen film is Jaws! Steve observes that she could not be more perfect. She stops the film - she has got Steve a present. She shows him a Weatherfield County shirt - she took it from the wardrobe and has added "Daddy" on the back and she has a matching "son" shirt for Oliver. Steve is really struck by all of this. Indeed he could get used to having her around. She tells him she is pretty perfect and he agrees. Steve says "Maybe we should get married". "Yeah" replies Leanne. She restarts the film. And Steve looks at her and adds "Maybe we should". Leanne turns with a look of alarm and cream on her top lip and realises he means it "What?" she utters. "Marry me, Leanne" Steve says. Leanne look very alarmed - but still has that cream on her top lip!

Roll credits.

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

This is episode 9223. It was written by Jonathan Harvey. The director was Ian Bevitt. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. Once again thanks to the ITV Hub as I was behind with my viewing at the time this update was written.

We open in the flat above the cab office which now houses Steve, Leanne, Oliver, Liz and Erica (not sure where Simon is living - Rovers?. Leanne is laughing because Steve has just proposed and she has some white cream on her top lip from the frothy coffee he has just made. She says that for a moment she thought he was being serious. Steve suddenly is serious he asks "Well?". Leanne is taken a back: "Have you just actually asked me ... to marry you?" She asks. Steve says it seems that way. Leanne says that they are not the romance of the century. Steve thinks they a bit past the romance and flowers and stuff. She asks for a glass so she can take her teeth out. Steve decides to list the facts: They are both single, they have a kid together, they have got on well this week, they are a good team. Leanne says that Leicester City were a good team for one season. She stomps out telling him that when she gets back they will forget this discussion. As she goes Oliver starts crying.

Nicola is fed up with waiting for Pat at the Bistro and leaves, apparently without paying her bill. Robert, Will, Maria and Michelle are not being at all awkward around a table - nothing is being said by anyone! Robert goes back to work and Will goes to the little boy's room. Even Maria can spot this is not going well. Michelle explains that Robert is keeping secrets from her. Maria suggests she and Will leave shortly. Michelle offers to give them a lift into town. The drive will do her good as well. Erica arrives for work and Michelle wants to know why she is late. Erica says she got waylaid and Michelle tells her it had better not happen again. Michelle is wearing a black and white dress.

Eva and Toyah are at the back of the Rovers bad discussing surrogacy. Sean announces that the Sugababes can reform as a clearly angry Leanne marches past him to her two sisters. Why is Leanne (who earlier had on "Eva's" little red dress and is now wearing velour slacks and a pink jumper) channeling Waynetta Slob? She tells them to pour her a large vodka. But she will not tell them why as Sean is listening and they go in the back. Toyah tells Sean that he is minding the bar. Leanne explains that Steve has just proposed.

On the Street Mary is seeing Asha and Aadi home and telling them to support their father. The Seddon sisters are behind them and Gina hears that Dev is "all on his own now" from Mary. Sal does not know but does know he deserves someone better than Erica. Gina is interested in any single man, Sally says he is not her type - but then goes on to accept that any single man with a pulse is Gina's type!

Leanne downs a vodka, asks for a double and the other girls decide it should be a treble. Eva is still laughing at the idea of Steve proposing. Leanne admits she laughed initially - what like me asks Eva and R'Toyota points out that no-one laughs like Eva! Eva and Toyah continue to laugh at the whole idea. Leanne tells them it is not funny. When she left school Leanne thought Marti Pellow was gong to whisk her off her feet. And look at her, she is bringing up another woman's baby and she has had another baby ... Eva and Toyah laugh again as Leanne knocks back another vodka ... then Steve McDonald proposes! Leanne needs another drink and she will join the other two on their night out providing no-one plays Wet Wet Wet.

Summer and Billy are bonding over a robot and discussing Drew.

Eva and Toyah are singing "Goodnight Girl" by Wet Wet Wet. Leanne tells them to stop it, it is too painful. Leanne says they should get a cab. Eva agrees - from her fiance - even though he is no Marti Pellow. Leanne tells them he is not, but he is Oliver's dad and they should leave "my" Steve alone. So she does fancy him! No she doesn't, but would rather have him than that Aidan Connor! She is not faking a pregnancy ... and then realises that R'Toyota does not know about the deception. Finally Eva can have a vodka as well.

Outside the Bistro Maria explains to Will how Robert and Michelle are having a hard time. Maria tells Will how Rich has been harassing them recently. Anyway Will says Maria is amazing and a good friend. They snog. Michelle joins them - she has the car keys. And they head off.

In a surprise twist we find Pat Phelan in a Catholic confessional wondering if people know he is a bad man as they pass him on the street. He has done and is doing bad things and whilst the confessional seal means the priest cannot reveal confessions Pat does not admit to his actual wrong doings and leaves the confessional without admitting the deed he is still doing. He walks out.

Erica approaches Mary cleaning the flower shop. Mary had to tell Dev because she has seen him with a broken heart before. Erica says she was bored with the shop - it was not the life she wanted. Erica tells Mary that once she has sorted it with Dev Mary will be on her way - so she had better start packing.

After the break we find Michelle in a bar having a glass of red. Robert sends a text message asking where she is and she responds that he is to leave her alone. (Note to ITV - white text on a light blue background is unreadable - why not check before transmission?). She asks the barman (Josh?) to keep an eye on as she heads off to the powder room, as she goes she looks around anxiously as if she half recognised someone.

R'Toyota is reminding Eva what she said when they met about needing to watch her back with that old kennel maid (Maria). Once a slapper, always a slapper, that one. Eva says she just wants Aidan to hurt. Yeah - but he will still have Slack Alice from the salon observes Toyah. And she is a lousy hairdresser. Leanne has been thinking about it and Steve is quite a catch compared to Aidan. Toyah points out that Steve cheated with her - but at the time Michelle and Steve were on a break. They agree that all men are useless. Leanne defends Steve. The others tease Leanne - but she has had enough and leaves.

Steve has Oliver on his lap in the cab office. Tim wants to know why Steve proposed. Tim calls him a serial monogamist - if he were ever faithful. Steve just cannot be single can he asks Tim who adds that Steve must be addicted to proposing (pity it is not Lloyd here at this point - he would know the history). Tim tells Steve he needs a break of a couple of years before getting hooked up. Tell Leanne you were sleep deprived and did not mean it.

Now Todd is admiring the robot as well. Summer takes a selfie of the four of them (including the robot).

Dev is devouring the bar in the Rovers. Gina, Mary and Sally are discussing Erica's earlier ultimatum to Mary. Erica comes in wearing a tight red number showing her assets and she sits in the booth with Dev. Gina decides to stand up to bullies and walks over to Dev and snogs the face off him. She just wants to show Dev that he is not the only fish in sea, cock! Gina then reveals what Erica said earlier to Mary. Mary reluctantly admits it is true, Erica assures Dev that they can make it work. But Dev says they cannot go back from this. Dev says there is nothing worse than the smell of a desperate, middle-aged woman. This sinks in rapidly and Erica departs.

Leanne arrives in the kebab shop and orders herself a large doner no chili but with garlic. We discover Brian is a proficient lover and a good companion. Gemma is astounded. And Cathy adds Brian will be there because he is kind. Leanne is listening to all of this. Cathy says you need someone you can chat too, have a laugh with and share a kebab. She delivers Leanne her kebab for £3.50 and Leanne orders a second one. Gemma calls her a greedy cow.

Nicola is at Eileen's when Pat comes in with a cock and bull story about a difficult job. Nicola refuses to stay and listen. He asks if she will be free tomorrow - but Nicola says she is going to be busy for the next few weeks. Pat merely tells Eileen that he had a chat with someone - but refuses to say more and goes for a bath.

Dev returns home slightly the worse for wear. They are going to watch the Long Good Friday and eat pizzas. Dev has decided he does not need a woman. Dev's mobile phone goes - message from Gina asking if they might meet soon? With KISSES! Obviously she does not let the grass grow!

Oliver is asleep, Leanne returns with two kebabs, she is clearly a little more tipsy than Dev was! She gives Steve his doner. She snuggles up against him. He asks if she might have had a little drinky but she is stone cold soda. Then she does not like the onion on the doner! She tells him the answer is "Yes". What? asks Steve. "Yeah" she answers. I would marry the backside off you Steve. He asks again for confirmation which she gives. She puts his arm around her and says again that she will marry him. She sighs, hugs him and then promptly goes to sleep.

In the Street Eileen meets Erica who is climbing into a Streetcar. Erica is off to Spain. There is nothing keeping her in Weatherfield and she asks Eileen to tell Liz. Erica is just keen to get on her way.

Kate is in the Bistro kitchen asking if Robert has heard from Michelle - she told him to leave her alone and she will not be back any time soon. Kate sympathizes but Robert is not interested.

The screen goes to black. we see some white and black, remember the dress Michelle was wearing earlier? The camera pans left and we hear some whimpering. Eventually in some very limited light we see Michelle regaining consciousness; she probably has her hands tied and her legs are definitely tied up. We then get an external shot of her car in a quiet unlit car park and it seems likely that she is in the boot of the car. It looks like Rich has struck again, although how did he know where Michelle would be? And if it is aimed at Robert why abduct Michelle?

Roll credits.

Recently I am sure I noted a sense of change underway on the Street. Even more so tonight. Comedy and entertainment from the three sisters plus Gemma and Cathy interchanges. Gina working on Dev, the interplay between Tim and Steve. A real Corrie mixture.

Also high drama - Michelle abducted and it looks like Pat's recent black eye and long days are linked to something he is doing . So is Pat unraveling in front of our eyes?

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 August

Written by Owen Lloyd-Fox Directed by Michael Lacey

Robert's freaking out, trying to get through to Michelle. She's not been home all night. Michelle is still in the car boot, freaking out, screaming, crying and trying to pound on the lid. Not one car parked anywhere near her and she's been there since the dinner hour the night before. In a Reserved spot that nobody has claimed. I've been in city centre parking garages and they're busy, even overnight so I find it hard to believe, once she woke up and started screaming, that nobody would hear her.

Leanne wakes up and looks terribly hungover. She also has that look as if it say "Did I really say I'd marry Steve Flamin' McDonald?"

Sarah's looking for a house to rent though Gary's moaning about money again. He was talking to someone that might have a line on some work. Sarah reassures him.

The Friends Crowd from the builder's flat is in the cafe, too, and after some banter (Rana included), Kate and Rana figures out that Luke has a crush on Alya. Apparently, trying to cook a dish like risotto is the clue. Luke admits he tried it on but was knocked back. After Rana and Alya leave, Kate is not best pleased since she's the flatmate that's going to feel like a gooseberry if Luke and Alya get together.

Todd has been going around during the morning drumming up guests for the grand opening of the law firm. He wants it to seem busy to impress potential clients. He lures them all in with free wine and nibbles.

Someone finally hears Michelle and is easily able to open the lid of the boot. No key. If it wasn't shut tight, Michelle could have easily pushed it up. It's also her own car, by the way, that car that nobody knew she owned.

Liz is giving Erica a few hard words over the phone for leaving and not saying goodbye. Steve comes out, having overslept, looking for Leanne and looking shifty. Leanne has already left and Steve tells his mother he might be engaged to Leanne but she was drunk when she said yes so he doesn't know if they really are or not. Across the road, Eva and Toyah have made up over the fake pregnancy. Leanne shows up and both sisters know something's up. She does remember, she's pretty sure she said yes and tells them she's pretty sure she and Steve are engaged. She thinks. Now what?

Rosie tells Norris that she's getting fed up with window washing because wearing overalls, even if they're pink, is boring. I'm surprised she lasted as long as she did.

Michelle has been interviewed by the police and is a shaking, hot mess when Robert gets there, frantic to see her.

Leanne and Steve both are trying to figure out the proper protocol for texting that they need to talk.

Dev brings a box of Erica's things to Liz who's going to ship them to Spain. Steve returns and exchanges commiserations with his mate who leaves. Steve tells Liz that he reckons they might get on quite well. He recalls all his relationships that started with love went spectacularly wrong. Steve thinks liking each other and sharing a baby might be better to start off with than the heat of passion. Perhaps he's right. Liz tells him that if he's going to propose, do it right. She thinks it's worth a try but keep the receipt for the ring All these scenes did have me chuckling.

Michelle tells the female officer that she had one drink after dropping off her friends in town (Will and Maria), had one drink which seemed to go to her head, remembers leaving the bar but doesn't remember anything after that and her car keys are missing. They had a diamante M on the fob. She's in a state, terrified that whoever did this could have raped her while she was unconscious. Robert looks like he's going to lose his mind or his lunch. They're both assuming Rich was the one that did this. He's been threatening and harassing them for weeks.

The party is underway. Ken is proud of Adam. The Bright Young Things are all there, sipping fizzy wine and trying to look like potential clients. Gary is moaning about not having a job. Luke is still trying to reassure Kate. Rosie was supposed to do the windows of the law office but has forgotten so heads over there just as the party is underway.

Rosie finds out that Adam and Todd need a PA and wants an interview.

Michelle has to have a physical examination and at first, isn't going to do it but she does in the end. Smart. DNA evidence might be there and will be the nail in the coffin for whoever did it if indeed something happened. I reckon whoever did it is only trying to scare her, not rape her. We shall see.

Gary apologizes for being miserable and tells Sarah to book a viewing for a house. He gets a call from someone that has some work to offer him and it might lead to something more. Sarah worries that he's been drinking but he assures her he's only had a couple.

Rosie isn't very good at promoting herself, focusing on her qualities rather than experience. Every time Todd reminds her she has zero experience she forgets to tell him and Adam that she does indeed have said experience. You might remember she was Carla's PA at the factory for awhile. I can't believe Rosie has forgotten.

We've already established that Luke fancies Alya and now Alya tells Rana that she fancies Luke. Rana suggests Alya ask him out. Go on, you know you want to!

Leanne comes back to the flat to talk to Steve who's not there, he's out buying something, but Liz is. They dance around it for a bit and Leanne then realizes that Liz knows about the proposal. Leanne freaks out a bit worrying that Steve is out buying a ring. Amy overhears and wants to know what's going on.

While Michelle is being examined, the police officer tells Robert that Rich has a solid alibi for the night before. Robert is sure he's lying but there's no proof at this time. The detective warns Robert not to take matters into his own hands. Robert says he understands but it looks very much like he's probably going to ignore the advice.

Tvor

Written by Ellen Taylor and directed by Michael Lacey

Michelle has returned from the police station with Robert. She's completely traumatized by what's happened, particularly as she can't even remember whether or not she was physically abused. Her distress increases when Robert breaks the news that Rich had an alibi. They're both convinced he's the guilty party. Michelle goes off to have a shower and try to scrub herself clean.

Leanne tries to convince Amy that she misunderstood and she's not getting engaged to Steve. But Amy thinks it sounds like a great idea and she sends a text to Simon to share the good news. This whole thing is getting out of hand so Leanne dumps the baby with Liz and hurries off to try and sort out the mess.

Maria and Will have gone round to Robert's. Will asks about Rich and suggests to Robert that he must want to kill him. Robert doesn't disagree. He asks Maria and Will to stay and keep an eye on Michelle as he has to go out somewhere. Maria hopes he isn't planning to do anything stupid.

Rosie is still trying to land the PA job with Adam and Todd. She waylays one of the candidates as she's about to go in for an interview and manages to put her off before she's even walked through the door. But the boys aren't budging – Todd tells her they need someone with experience.

Luke follows Alya into the cafe where Yasmeen is serving. She overhears Alya offering to cook a meal for Luke that evening. It's clear Alya fancies Luke but for some reason he's holding back. After he's gone Yasmeen offers her granddaughter a bit of relationship advice. She tells Alya it's obvious Luke is keen so she just needs to play him a bit. For example, she suggests, her car might break down. Alya points out she doesn't have a car. Yasmeen tells her she's a clever girl, she'll think of something …

As Leanne hurries down the street she discovers her news has started to spread. Peter knows, along with Eva, Toyah, Amy and now Simon. They all gather on the pavement just as Steve drives up with Liz. She gets out of the taxi carrying Oliver who is wearing a t-shirt with the words "Mummy Will You Mary Daddy" emblazoned across the front. In what Amy describes as the worst proposal ever, Steve tries to get down on one knee, gives up and suggests very unromantically that they might as well get married. To Leanne's surprise Simon thinks it's a good idea. Nick's gone and he wants someone to take care of her he says. To everyone else's surprise Leanne shrugs her shoulders and says OK.

Across town Gary is working on the building site. He's climbing a ladder with a load of bricks when he checks a message on his phone, misses his footing, the ladder tips over backwards and he falls with a resounding crash. He appears to be unconscious.

Elsewhere we see Rich returning home. Just as he's about to enter his house Robert jumps on him from behind.

Robert beats the living daylights out of Rich and says if he ever goes near Michelle again they'll be looking for his body in the canal. Rich is too badly injured to reply.

Sarah is waiting to hear from Gary but instead she gets a call from someone else. "Oh my God, is he OK?" we hear her say.

Michelle emerges from the bedroom to find Will and Maria waiting. Just as she's asking what's happened to Robert he comes in, looking the worse for wear. He tells Michelle that Rich won't be coming near her again. As Will and Maria leave, Will turns to Robert and says he would have done the same. Robert tells Michelle not to worry, Rich isn't dead, he just won't look too pretty for a while. She flings her arms round him and says thank you.

In the Rovers they're having a drink to celebrate the engagement. It's pretty obvious to everyone, including Steve and Leanne, that this isn't exactly the love story of the century but … well … it's practical and they do have a baby together. Liz proposes a toast to the happy couple just as Gail comes through the door. She's outraged and tells Leanne she didn't let the grass grow, Nick's only been gone two minutes. Liz tells her to keep her meddling nose out of it. She strokes Oliver's hair and says pointedly that he's her grandson. Gail tells Steve it's scandalous and asks how many failed marriages he's clocked up. Liz says to Gail he's had no more than her.

Alya has put a plan into action to seduce Luke. She's wearing an alluring outfit and fiddled with the electrics on the blender but he spots the screwdriver and works out what she's been up to. She admits it – how else could she get his attention? Luke replies she has his attention but says Kate thinks it's not a good idea. Perhaps Kate fancies her instead, he suggests. Alya dismisses that idea – she bats for the other side. Her mouth starts to run away with her so Luke grabs her and kisses her before she can say any more.

Sarah arrives at the hospital to find Gary's not in such a bad state as she feared. A few cuts and bruises but he'll be OK and he can even go back to work. His boss is with him and says, as he's self-employed, Gary's liability insurance will cover any damages. Uh, oh! Judging by Gary's expression that may prove to be a problem …

We return to Robert's flat. Will has gone but Maria is still there. The doorbell rings and it's the police. Anticipating what this is about, Robert asks Maria if she can stay the night to look after Michelle. His worst fears are realised. They arrest him for causing actually bodily harm. Robert kisses a sobbing Michelle goodbye and leaves her with Maria as he is taken off by the police.

Back in the Rovers, Gail still looks like she's been sucking on a lemon but Steve is surprised when Leanne offers him her congratulations and says that if Leanne, with her skinny legs and less-than-C-cup breasts, makes him happy then he should go for it. Gail perks up when Todd and Adam come in and she overhears they're looking for a PA. They look alarmed when she says she's looking for a job and tell her she'll have to get her CV in quick as they've been inundated with applicants.

Michelle is out of the room so Maria is alone. She's on the phone to Will and telling him about the arrest. We now watch the phone call from Will's end. He's getting out of his car although he says he's leaving his office. He offers to come over and stay so Maria says she'll check with Michelle. After he hangs up we see that he's holding Michelle's keys. He looks around to make sure nobody is watching before dropping the keys down a drain. His mobile beeps. There's a message from Maria saying that Michelle would like him to come over ….

Karen


Wednesday 9 August

Gary is talking to Adam Barlow about the consequences of his accident and the fact that he had no insurance. Adam tells him he's going to have to cough up for the damage he caused, and it could be thousands.

Leanne is talking to Eva about herself and Steve. Eva asks if she fancies him, and Leanne points out that they did make Oliver. Eva tells her they've all done stuff with beer goggles on that they wouldn't do sober. Leanne hedges, and says she thinks Steve is cute. Eva isn't sure that Leanne with Steve is a good idea, but Aidan says that Steve is the father to her child and that changes things and some people want to be a family – like them. Leanne and Eva glance at each other and Eva hastily says that they love each other, and the sex has never been a problem. "Until recently," mutters Aidan. "Hang on, who says it's going to be a problem for me and Steve?" asks Leanne, so Eva asks why it hasn't happened yet. Leanne gabbles about the fact that he was married, she was pregnant, they don't live together....... Eva says she's not against it, but Aidan says it sounds like she is. She asks Leanne if there's a spark and Leanne thinks there is.

Over in the florist, Tracy asks Steve how long he and Leanne have been 'getting it on'. He hesitates and she realises that nothing has happened yet. He tells her that not all relationships are about sex. Tracy tells him that he really should get on with it soon, what if it's terrible?

A traumatized Michelle is in the flat with Maria and Will. Just then Johnny arrives, he sits down next to her and asks how she's feeling and if the police have anything on Rich yet. Michelle tells him that Rich has an alibi, but they're still waiting on the examination results. Johnny grumbles that Robert has been pulled in for assault but that scumbag roams free. Maria is sure Robert will get bail. Michelle starts to cry and says she doesn't know what she'll do if he doesn't. Will steps forward and puts his hand on her shoulder. "If he doesn't," he says, "we're all here for you."

Sinead and Chesney are walking down the street, when Izzy comes along in her wheelchair and jokes about giving Sinead a lift to work. Just then Gemma runs up behind Chesney and shoves him playfully. He jumps a mile in the air and snaps at her that she made him jump. She's all happy because in 24 hours he'll be back at work with her. As she witters on, Chesney becomes increasingly agitated and then tells Sinead he's going to the shop, he'll see her later, and he rushes off across the cobbles.

Sarah sees Gary waiting at the bus stop and tells him that the guy from the estate agent says they can put a deposit down. He gets angry with her and tells her to ring him back and say she's made a mistake. She starts to argue but his bus comes along and he gets on it. "Just do it, Sarah," he says as he leaves.

Adam and Todd are interviewing candidates for the PA job. They're waiting for Elle Woods when Rosie Webster arrives – she's Elle Woods! (name stolen from the film Legally Blonde.) Just as they're saying she's not going to get the job, a rather worried looking woman arrives and Rosie goes into full PA mode. "Good morning, how may we help you?" she asks, smiling and confident. The woman tells her she wants advice on divorcing her husband, and Rosie tells her that divorce is their speciality. She shows her into the office and offers her a cup of tea. Watching all this, Adam smiles broadly and Todd shakes his head in disbelief.

Gary has arrived at the building site and his boss asks him for his insurance details. Gary confesses that he's not insured and the boss is very angry and tells him he'll have to pay for the damages himself, and it's going to come to about £10,000. Gary tells him he hasn't got that kind of money, but is told he'll have to find it. Then he orders him off the site, he's fired.

Robert is back at home, Rich is apparently in intensive care, and Michelle is worried he'll go to prison. Robert tells him he had to make sure Rich couldn't hurt her again, and if it means going to prison it will be worth it. She puts her arms round him and kisses him. Will is still there and he looks away. Just then the intercom buzzes and Johnny answers. He tells them the police have arrived, they want to talk to Michelle. She wonders if it's her test results, and Will looks worried.

Gary is in the cafe talking to Izzy about the financial situation. He's tried 5 different people to get work and there is nothing out there. Pat Phelan comes in and tells them the building game is a small world and people talk to each other. When Gary gets up to pay, he finds a card in his pocket with a name and phone number on it.

The worried Mrs Banks is talking to Rosie as she drinks her tea, wondering if she should give her errant husband another chance. Rosie tells her that any man who could cheat, after 20 years of marriage to a woman as strong and beautiful as she is, doesn't deserve a second chance. Mrs Banks tells her she has no actual proof that he's cheated, and Rosie says that's where they come in. Adam and Todd are still watching all this (no other work to do?) and Todd says no, it isn't. Adam tells her they'd be happy to represent her in divorce proceedings but they are not a private detective agency, so she gets up and leaves, saying she'll consider her options. When she's gone, Rosie reckons she's proved she's up to the job, but Adam disagrees, so she stalks out, saying they've made a big mistake.

Pat sees Sarah in the Street and says he's sorry to hear about Gary losing his job. Sarah is puzzled, she has no idea what he's talking about. Pat tells her to tell Gary he'll keep his ear to the ground and if he hears of any work he'll put Gary's name forward. Then he walks off, smirking.

The police have told Michelle there was no evidence of sexual assault, but they did find traces of rohypnol in her urine which would explain the blackout, but they have found nothing in the car or anywhere that links to Richard Collis, but the investigation is still ongoing. Robert is blaming himself for bringing Rich into their lives, but a distraught Michelle tells him that she loves him and for what he did to Rich she loves him even more. Will quietly tells Maria he thinks Michelle is very forgiving, he thought they would be screaming at each other. Maria says that sometimes things like this bring people closer together.

Gary arrives at the pub to meet his friend and asks if the security job is still available. It was filled, apparently, but the new recruit didn't work out so it's available again. There's a risk involved, but it's minimal, especially considering the paycheque. He needs someone in Odessa for a few weeks, Gary will need a valid passport but he'll give him money for anything he needs. "Are you in?" he asks.

Leanne has arrived at Steve's flat and he hands her a glass of prosecco, which she downs in one gulp. They both seem to be very awkward with each other.

Sinead asks Chesney if he's ok about going back to work tomorrow. He says he's fine, he's just enjoyed taking it easy. He says he's fine, but he looks worried.

Steve and Leanne are a bit more relaxed, and are chatting and laughing. Then they kiss, but just then they hear Oliver crying outside the front door. Aidan has brought him back as he wouldn't stop crying.

Gary arrives home and Sarah asks him why he didn't tell her he'd lost his job. Then he lies and tells her he's going to work with his dad in Hamburg for a few weeks. The money will be good and then they can get a place of his own. "I'll be back before you know it," he says.

Anne Logan


Friday 11 August

Good evening. Hi, me again. We desperately need some more people to write updates. Please get in touch if you can help.

This is episode 9227. It was written by Damon Alexis-Rochefort. The director was Michael Lacey. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks. This will be another rapid update, with Fairport's Cropredy Convention playing in the background.

Chesney is opening the kebab shop early to do a stock take. He is welcomed back by Gemma and Rita. Fiz also stops by to wish him well and to tell him to take care of himself.

Leanne is leaving Steve's flat with Oliver. Neither of them seem to know what to do. Liz observes that it was most uncomfortable kiss she has ever seen. There is no chemistry. Liz says there is more sexual tension between Steve and Rover! But Steve and Leanne is not working is it? Still no action between the sheets apparently. Liz and Steve argue and she then goes back to putting on her make up.

Izzy, Gary and Sarah are on the Street discussing Hamburg which seems to have little going for it. Prophetically Sarah says that she simply wants him back in one piece. Sinead emerges from home and is stopped by Daniel who wants to know how Chesney is doing. She reports he has gone back to work. Their exchange is seen by Fiz who shakes her head. Behind Fiz Aidan emerges from Preston's Petals, which Eva sees as she is heading for work. Later we Sinead getting some special sexy underwear - Chesney is on a promise tonight. Fiz is not sure that she is over Daniel.

Inside the flower shop Mary is making up orders and Eva goes in to be told she has just missed Aidan. She asks why Aidan was buying flowers. She is told it was not for an Underworld client but Tracy does not let Mary explain the real reason. Tracy does assure Eva the flowers were not for her.

Liz is working in the medical centre when Steve comes in. The discussion about Steve's sex life continues. Alya joins the end of the queue and can overhear the discussion. Liz reminds Steve of the chemistry he had with Becky. Steve thinks he should take things slowly - Liz points out they already have a baby! Moira emerges and overhears the discussion as Liz asks if they are going to wait until Oliver is going to school. Moira asks if Liz has a problem. Steve says that if he has a problem he will talk to a mate; Alya drops in that the Samaritans might be more appropriate. Steve tells Liz that his sex life is none of her business. Steve goes and Moira tells Elizabeth that she wants one of their little chats!

Rosie is walking along a street and we see the woman who visited the solicitors yesterday leave her house with another woman waiting at a nearby bus stop. The latter drifts inside the house as the former drives away; the woman approaches the front door and is greeted by a man, Rosie takes photos, but her phone refuses as the memory is full.

Leanne is talking to Toyah in the Rovers when Eva arrives calling Aidan names. She is on a tea break and demands one from Toyah. Eva recounts Tracy's reluctance to talk about the flowers, so they must be for Aidan's floozy. Toyah says that Will and Maria were all over each other last night. Eva reckons Maria has two men on the go and asks Toyah for biscuits as well. Leanne is pleased not to be talking about Steve any more. Eva observes that the engagement will not last.

In their flat Michelle is looking at getting a panic alarm, like old people wear. Robert tries to convince her he will keep her safe. Robert is going to get an alarm installed in the flat. And if she really wants an old lady alarm she should get one. Later Michelle clumps into the Bistro and tells Robert that she is not going to live as a scaredy cat - it is not her style. "Old lady alarms" are not her style. If Rich shows his face around here again it is the last time he will do so. Robert suggests that they go to Brighton for the big opening party of a mate's new restaurant. And they can have a bit of a break down there. Agreed. Gary is getting himself ready for his trip to Odessa and his friend Joe is sure he will do more than one tour of duty for the money. Joe reminds him to make sure he has a valid will (so this is really safe then?).

At the factory Aidan has a surprise for Eva when she arrives. It is not flowers - but they do now own the flat. In front of him she is happy over his shoulder she is distressed.

After the break Dev is hounding Chesney to ensure the kebab shop is clean for his pending visitor. Dev is planning a string of kebab shops and he wants Chesney to be behind him on the ladder to success.

Over at Preston's Petals Tracy has guessed that Steve and Leanne have still not engaged in mutual congress. He orders £40 worth of flowers with the card to say "All my love. Steve". As he goes an evil grin spreads across Tracy's face.

At the house Rosie is again taking photos when the husband emerges from the house is a short dressing gown and asks what she and Tim are playing at. Rosie claims that Mrs Banks had asked them to clean the windows. he challenges her taking photos - and TIm alleges that she was using the "Smudges" app to spot smudges and ensure a proper cleaning. Rosie suggests Mr Banks is hanging out of the bottom of the dressing gown which means that Tim and Rosie can make an escape. Tim wants an explanation but Rosie is saying nothing.

Sinead comes into the Rovers and Fiz takes the chance of a word. Sinead makes it clear to Fiz that the underwear is for Chesney and not Daniel. She was only hiding them from Fiz because she is Chesney's sister. Sinead is really trying to do the right thing and she understands Fiz's concern. (Tears here - as many of the original Fairport as are still alive launch into "Time will Show the Wiser" from the first album - 50 years ago). Eva arrives in the Rovers and tells her sisters that now the flat purchase has gone through she is having doubts over fleecing Aidan again. She is racked by doubt.

Chesney lets Gemma leave a little early as four lads on a stag do stagger into the kebab shop.

At the flat Aidan has opened a letter to Eva - she has a scan appointment for later. She does not know what to say. Aidan has no intention of letting Eva go by herself - she says it slipped her mind. He does not intend to miss it. Eva says she has to get ready to go - he should go to his meeting and then join her at the hospital. He really wants to see his baby for the first time.

Steve and Leanne are at the Rovers' bar. Simon is baby sitting Oliver upstairs. She and Toyah talk Steve into another drink. Steve goes to point Percy at t'porcelain and R'Toyota observes to Leanne that she and Steve are really just friends. Gary is looking at legal services when Sarah delivers a drink and suggests that she visits him in his nice hotel in Hamburg. He looks very worried.

The stag do guys start ragging Chesney. After a couple of comments Chesney rushes out of the kebab shop leaving it unstaffed and customers unserved. He runs out and round a corner, pulls his hat off and starts panting.

In the medical centre Moira is making it clear to Liz that personal and professional lives cannot cross. Moira then goes onto try and find out why Steve was in earlier, was it for an appointment, an addiction or perhaps erectile dysfunction - perhaps Steve is wetting the bed? Liz assures Moira that is not the case, he just popped into see his mother. Moira will let it go this time! Moira, being OCD (possibly - watch out for the tuna custard bake) turns a vase of flowers through about 4 degrees and returns to her office. Liz moves them back by 4 degrees. Chesney comes into the medical centre still panting and dramatically collapses on the waiting room floor, clutching his chest. Liz moves to help him and shouts for help.

Roll credits (well actually there are no credits until the end of the second episode - but you know what I mean). {Fairport now doing Suzanne}.

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

See you shortly.

Richard

Good evening.

This is episode 9228. It was written by Damon Alexis-Rochefort. The director was Michael Lacey. Copyright remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks.

Tonight opens on the Street with Tim chiding Rosie for taking photos through customer's windows - she is looking through the pictures she grabbed. He tells her it is in the window cleaner's code - but Rosie did not get a copy - of course not it is unwritten! She sends photos but does not admit what or to whom.

Dev is trying to convince a potential investor, Joan, of the worth of the kebab business. Sadly there are no staff in the kebab shop and four lads are running riot. Cathy arrives, ten minutes late for work. The lads leave. For some reason Dev decides to rush off instead of helping to get things straight. Joan offers to help Cathy clear up. Cathy sends Chesney a text message but his phone is on the counter.

Dev knocks on Chesney's front door and Sinead lets him in. Dev explains Chesney is missing, but is more worried that his shop could have been burned down. Sinead follows him out on the search.

Chesney is in the medical centre having his blood pressure taken by Rana. He is OK and she diagnoses a panic attack. It was not a heart attack. Later Liz escorts Chesney back into the world reminding him to avoid stress. Chesney asks Liz not to tell anyone before he heads off to the kebab shop.

Gary arrives in the Rovers where Sarah suggests she could go and stay with him for a weekend in Germany. She reckons she could sneak in and out of the hotel. He says the job is not a good idea for surprises. Tracy comes in and finds Steve and Leanne at the bar. Steve and Leanne move to a booth. Before they can do so Eva arrives, grabs Leanne's wrist and drags her into the back of the bar with Toyah. This gives Steve a chance to ask Tracy where are the flowers he sent? Tracy thinks Mary has delivered them to the flat. He tells Tracy to get the flowers brought to the pub NOW. The three girls have the problem of Eva's 12 week scan being in 45 minutes and all it will show is half a tuna sandwich and an Eccles cake. She wants Leanne's scan photo of Oliver; Leanne refuses. A solution is offered by Toyah says she will download one from t'internet and doctor it. Eva just needs to stop Aidan making the scan. Leanne scowls as the other two put their plan into action. Leanne looks after the bar so Tracy joins Steve in a booth and phones Mary.

Adam and Todd's recruitment is not going well. Todd's phone rings - it is Mrs Banks, the woman looking for a divorce earlier; well Sophie turned up at her house

Sarah is still trying to convince Gary she should visit him with Bethany as well. Gary knows it cannot happen. Eva and Toyah return with the fake picture. Leanne warns it will be on the fridge for the next six months. R'Toyota wishes Eva good luck as she leaves - which Leanne finds odd! Toyah reckons Aidan deserves it. Mary arrives behind a huge bouquet of flowers which are delivered to Leanne. Mary explains she is late because her boss has been supping. Tracy makes her employee of the month again, but Mary is not falling for it a second time. Mary will be charging for overtime. She hands the flowers to Leanne who pretends surprise and then reads the accompanying note. Leanne simply says this is disgusting and smacks Steve. He reads the card - it is not the message he wrote and Tracy is smirking to herself in the background. Tracy admits to spicing the note up a bit. Mary is not sure what part of the body it is (and despite trying to enlarge the picture it is not clear enough to read). Tracy says that Leanne should not be wound up - she is engaged and it a few dirty words on a card make you react like that, especially as she is a woman of experience, then ... Leanne warns her. Tracy tells Steve it is not a good sign. Steve apologises to Leanne for Tracy and she also apologises for hitting Steve.

Chesney wanders into the kebab shop. Dev and Cathy are behind the counter and Sinead is there as well. Dev wants to know what happened. He denies anything happened, merely that his shift finished and he went home, well not home he went for a drink in the Rovers. Dev points out the shop was unstaffed and he left his phone behind. He just repeats he had finished his shift and Cathy admits to arriving late. Chesney does not take kindly to the criticism and resigns on the spot. And he leaves. Sinead knows there is something wrong.

After the break Eva is at Weatherfield General and she phones the police to report someone in a pink Range Rover for drink-driving. She has just spoken to Aidan and he is trying to get there rapidly. She tips Tim 20p on a £9.80 fare.

Gary is off to seem Jake and Sarah says she will see him later. As he goes he tells Chesney he has a lot to be grateful for. Chesney cannot see it for himself. Fiz comes in and joins Chesney. Sinead sent her - she is cooking a special tea. She knows about the row with Dev - but Chesney does not want to talk about it. Meanwhile Steve can feel Tracy's eyes boring into him as he sits at the bar with Leanne. In the booth Mary tells Tracy that she understands her jealousy. Tracy denies feeling jealous. Mary knows that Tracy and Steve share a bond over Amy and now he has a similar bond with Leanne. Tracy tries to change the subject to Mary's love life. Liz joins Steve and Leanne at the bar - feeling weird by being a punter. Leanne explains that Tracy has upset Steve as she played an immature trick on them. Steve says he feels grubby. Leanne suggests they have a chat out the back. They go and Liz tells Toyah she hopes they are going to be honest with each other.

The pink 4by4 arrives at the hospital and Eva is waiting for it. Aidan explains he was stopped for drink driving. She tells him it is not a problem and gives him the photo of "their" baby. Aidan appears genuinely touched. She assures him he can come to the next scan. It looks like Eva is starting to have doubts about the scam when she finds the flowers on her seat which Aidan has not had time to put on his mother's grave for her birthday (which we saw him ordering earlier and she thought they were for Maria).

Adam and Todd visit Rosie and upbraid her for speaking to their client - but she was not their client because they turned her down. Rosie said she merely gave Mrs Banks what she wanted - proof her husband was cheating. Tim is listening and realises what Rosie has done. Apparently she confronted her husband with the photos. He admitted it and now they are going to try and start again. Rosie says that is brilliant. Tim still wants an explanation. Rosie tells him that love wins in the end and that is all he needs to know. Apparently Mrs Banks has sent Adam a fee because she was so grateful. And they will split it with her, although she should not be rewarded for breaking the law. She has shown some barking mad initiative today - so she can have the job. Rosie is so pleased to finally be in the crime game. Todd clarifies she is in the answering the phone and making the tea game really! She will update her social media pronto! And Tim will need another window cleaner.

In the back room of the Rovers Leanne takes control. Marriage and engagement is not them is it? They both hate it when Tracy is right! They both know it is not going anywhere and she passes back the ring. After a little joke Leanne says she can see why the girls go for Steve - because he is really funny.

Gary is assuring Jake lots of presents when he returns - he will not be gone long really. Jake goes upstairs to listen to some stories with Harry. Sarah uses the opportunity to tell Gary that she was wrong early to try and get a trip to Germany - she realises that the trip will be hard for him, leaving Jake. Gary says that if Sarah should need any help whilst he is away then she should ask Anna. Sarah says she can manage two weeks. Gary assures her he is only doing this for her - well for all of them.

Back in the Rovers, Chesney is reviewing his life - Sinead left him, she got pregnant and then he got stabbed. He has seen it as a wake up call to stop wasting his life. She wonders if Chesney has PSTD and perhaps should make a doctor's appointment. Fiz also thinks he should talk to Sinead - but Chesney says not as she is only with him out of pity. He says he does not need to talk to anyone. Fiz tells him that Sinead is making a lot of special effort for him this evening. Ty does not do that for her. Chesney does not want his sister telling him that sort of thing! Fiz tells him to put his happy head on and go home.

The news that Steve and Leanne have broken up receives a cheer from Tracy. She reckons she has done her good deed for the day. She says she has saved two people from a terrible mistake. As Tracy leaves Mary catches her and tells her she might be good at looking into other people's hearts but rubbish at her own. Tracy does not get it. Mary says that it is clear as day that Tracy still has feelings for Steve. Tracy stares at Steve and then leaves. Eva and Aidan have arrived and he wants the picture of the baby to he shared around. Liz wants to know if they are going to find out if it is a boy or girl. Eva says they do not want to know.

Sinead is finishing her preparations when Chesney returns. She has been making chicken kievs from scratch. He hands over a bottle of wine. Chesney said he had just had enough of Dev taking advantage. He just wanted to teach Dev a lesson. Sinead asks if he will go back - but Chesney says not. He is sick of being taken for granted and sick of the job. He will find something else tomorrow. He says he would tell her if there was anything else wrong but as she hugs him we see his worried face over her shoulder. Then smiling he asks her about the chicken kievs. As she busies herself in the kitchen he locks and bolts the front door. In her flirtiest way she asks if that means it is "Do Not Disturb" night and offers him a can. He sits on the stairs with a worried look on his face.

Roll credits.

So Steve and Leanne is over but will he get it on with Tracy? I think he should make a play for Moira, there is a story there waiting to be told.

Rosie has her job - just how wrong can it go?

And I don't reckon that Eva can keep up the pretence much longer - she should soon be starting to show.

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 14 August

Written by Julie Jones Directed by Tessa Hoffe

Eva is starting to crack under the pressure of all that guilt after watching Aidan take photos the scan photo, the one Toyah helped her print from the internet. I'm surprised she got as far as this because she's a good person, really, just very hurt. Eva decides to put an end to it all and call off the engagement. We'll see. She doesn't want anything from him anymore, she just wants it to be over, she tells Leanne.

Gemma is dismayed that her cohort and partner in all things kebab has quit his job and tries her best to talk him round when he comes in to get some of his stuff. She gets her head bitten off for her trouble so she's in a mood and bars him but you can see she's upset.

Sally's starting to notice how much Gina is spending. Tim has discovered websites with shopping carts full of things like makeup, handbags and leather trousers! He then takes another delivery for her and opens the box to find more collectible plates. Sally wonders if her bipolar is coming into play here.

Gemma and Cathy are going to have to work extra shifts to cover for Chesney and Gemma's not happy that she's not getting a pay rise out of it, but at Cathy's suggestion, Dev says he'll give Ches his job back if he apologizes. Something tells me there will be July ice on the Irwell before that happens.

It's the birthday of Mama Connor (wait, I thought that was Friday when Aidan bought the flowers?). It's another dose of guilt for Eva as she sees Aidan's family supporting each other like good families do after Johnny makes a speech about the family having so much to look forward to, his wedding, the baby, and Eva and Aidan's wedding as well.

Jenny is in the Kabin with Rita when Gemma comes in moaning. Even though she says Dev goes mad when she shuts the shop, that's exactly what she's done for her break! Jenny wants Rita to be the official mother of the bride but Jenny makes a rather harsh joke at Gemma's expense and is chided gently by Rita.

Eva tells Adam she's backing off and needs the hard drive back to return it. Again, how on earth is Underworld managing with a computer with no hard drive all this time? Why don't they notice? And I really find it hard to believe that Eva has enough technical knowledge to remove and reinstall one. It's ludicrous! Anyway, Adam actually seems sympathetic and agrees to give it back.

Rita wants Jenny to ask Gemma to be a bridesmaid and inserts a guilt trip by telling her it would mean the world to her (Rita, that is, but Gemma too). Not quite the image I think Jenny has in mind for her wedding party. She says she'll think about it.

Cathy is trying to play peacemaker between Dev and Chesney and has arranged a meeting for them at the Bistro. She suggests he apologize but he seems reluctant. It's not going to go well, is it?

So there's Eva, crouched under the desk in the office about to replace the hard drive on the computer (I thought they all used laptops but perhaps there's one desktop and something becomes a bit clearer. What she's holding looks more like one of those portable drives, not the hard drive from inside a desktop computer so I am no longer affronted!). Johnny and Aidan come into the office. Oh heck! Then she overhears a conversation that makes it clear that Johnny has known of Aidan and Maria's affair and how long it's been going on.

Sally and Gina come into the house at dinnertime. Gina runs for the loo and Sally picks up her handbag for a snoop. Sally finds notices for bills in Gina's handbag, final notices, and asks her sister how much she owes. Gina doesn't know. Sally instructs her to add it all up as a first step but Gina is starting to get defensive. Anyway, Sally mentions her fairy godmother, Saint Rita, who's helped her out of a financial bind in the past. Sally offers to help Gina herself but Gina says she's got it all under control but the mention of Rita's money sends the pound signs flashing in Gina's eyes.

Two of Gemma's old muckers from the estate show up at the kebab shop. They're pretty rough looking snippets but then Gemma really hasn't softened up a whole lot, either. Gemma is pleased to see them and even offers them a freebie.

Meanwhile, Chesney has holed up inside and is trying to convince himself to leave the house and can't do it. Fiz arrives. When he finds out her child minder has left the city, he offers to babysit Hope (who's being played by a new little one) and Ruby until she finds someone new.

Gemma is bragging up her job, making out she is more of a boss than her boss, and the nice flat where she's living. The other two goad her into shutting up shop and taking them to her flat. She shuts up the shop so you know Dev is not going to be happy about that.

Eva is back in the flat, fuming. She takes a photo of her and Aidan and throws it to the ground.

In the Kabin, Gina is sucking up to Rita. They can hear the music upstairs making a loud ruckus through the ceiling.

Mary chats with Jude via Skype (or an un-named video chat probably cleverly named something similar). But Aadi and Asha get in on it and they tell Jude about the upcoming wedding because Aadi can't keep a secret. Backed into a corner, Mary has to admit to Jude that she and Norris will soon be Mr. and Mrs. Norris. Jude is flabbergasted but their connection isn't very good so he rings off. After he goes, Mary shouts at the kids.

Rita's Vodka and Gin supply is being seconded by the mates from hell (including Gemma). There's a post-it on the cupboard door which has the shop alarm code on it to jog the memory of our octogenarian redhead. One of Gemma's friends takes a photo of this with her phone just before Rita charges in. Uh oh.

Eva tells Leanne and Toyah in the pub what she overheard. She's come to the conclusion that the whole Connor clan knows and her resolve for revenge is renewed. Toyah and Leanne think she would be better off out of it but a woman scorned has nothing on Eva's fury now.

Tvor

Written by Julie Jones and directed by Tessa Hoffe

Poor Rita. Gemma's two mates are absolutely vile. The more upset Rita becomes, the more they tease her. Rita can't think straight and they call her senile before deliberately smashing her precious casserole dish on the floor. Meanwhile, Gemma watches on, making no attempt to step in or apologise over what's happened. The girls tell Gemma she's become a "saddo" before taking their leave.

Unaware of this turn of events, Jenny is complaining to Johnny that Rita has practically begged her to ask Gemma to be a bridesmaid. But worse is to come. Eva wanders in, complaining that she's getting stressed over plans for the wedding, what with being pregnant and all. Johnny plays straight into her hands and suggests they bring the date forward. Just what she was thinking, says Eva –why don't they make it a double wedding? "Over my dead body!" declares a horrified Jenny.

Chesney's struggling with his baby-sitting duties. The kids are going stir crazy and Hope is desperate to go out but Chesney can't face leaving the house.

Back at the factory, Eva takes Aidan on one side for a quiet word and a few more tall tales about her pregnancy. She says her blood pressure was up at her last appointment and since her mum had pre-eclampsia there's a risk she might get it too. Stress is the last thing she needs so she wants Aidan to step in on her behalf and persuade Johnny and Jenny to agree to the double wedding.

We return to Rita's where Gemma apologises for what happened. Rita seems to have forgiven her but she tells Gemma she thought she'd learned to make better choices. Gemma gets upset, at least her dreadful mates are better than having no friends at all she says. Even Chesney's abandoned her. She tells Rita she has no idea what it feels like to have nobody and slams out of the flat.

At Underworld everyone's enjoying the thought of Jenny having a double wedding. Johnny calls her into the office and they're entertained by the sight of an argument through the windows. Jenny flounces out and announces that Eva's got what she wanted. "Five weeks until D-day," Eva mutters under her breath.

Over at the corner shop Cathy is still trying to persuade Dev to take Chesney back on, even though he never showed up at the Bistro. Gina comes in and hears that there's job on offer but Cathy is determined Chesney should be taken on again. Besides which, Gina clearly has designs on Dev and she warns him to be careful.

Jenny goes storming into the Rovers in a foul mood, demanding a large glass of red wine. She plonks herself down in front of Gemma and gracelessly breaks the news she wants her to be a bridesmaid. Gemma can't believe her luck and she's even more thrilled when she discovers it's going to be a double wedding. She'll have to look twice as hot now, she declares!

Eva goes into the cafe to find Adam and hands back the hard drive. (An aspect of the storyline that it best not examined too closely by any computer geeks out there). Adam is confused, he thought their plans were now off. Eva tells him she's discovered the family all knew about the affair and must have been laughing at her behind her back. Adam promises none of them will be laughing by the time they've finished with them.

Gemma flies into the cabin and hurls herself into Rita's arms. She's ecstatic about being bridesmaid and apologises again for what happened with her so-called mates. She tells Rita that she thought she didn't have any friends but Rita is the best friend anyone could have. They head off home for the night and we see Rita set the burglar alarm before closing the door behind her.

The minute Rita and Gemma have gone, Gemma's mates come round the corner. The check their phone for the alarm code and then get read to jemmy open the door. But there's no need because Rita was so busy chatting to Gemma she forgot to lock the door …

Eva's still talking to Adam in the cafe. She's been so hurt by what's happened and can't believe the lengths she's going to in order to get revenge. Adam seems to be turning into her counselor and he suggests she gets away for a few days and leaves him to sort everything out. Then Adam admits that at first he was only in this for the money but now he wants the Connors to get everything they deserve. Eva tells Adam that underneath his pillocky exterior she thinks she caught a glimpse of a guy with a heart. She thanks him and gives him a peck on the cheek.

Cathy goes round to see Chesney and find out why he didn't go to the meeting she set up with Dev. But Ches is uncharacteristically rude. He tells Cathy he doesn't want the flaming job and she's no friend of his before showing her the door.

The atmosphere is much more cheerful at the Alahan's where Mary is in a jubilant mood. She's summoned Norris to break some wonderful news – Jude and his family are coming over for the wedding! Norris is surprised – fancy coming all that way for a sham marriage. Mary's face falls – perhaps she hasn't been entirely honest, she admits. Norris can't believe she hasn't explained why they were going to get married but Mary doesn't want to miss out on this opportunity as she's missed all of the milestones in her son's life up until now. She tells Norris that they are going to put on an act and make him believe they are a proper couple, whether he likes it or not.

Eva arrives home and breaks the news to Aidan and Johnny that she's off to visit her mum in France for a few days. Aidan's a bit taken aback, can't her mum come here he asks. Eva's becoming a bit of a dab hand at this lying lark and quickly explains her mum can't leave the animal sanctuary. Funny she's failed to mention the twelve donkeys and the collection of ferrets before now. But the men are more worried about the wedding and Eva leaves them tossing a coin to decide who is going to break the news to Jenny that she'll have to organise things while Eva is away.

Outside we see Gemma's mates leave the Kabin. They hurry off up the street laden with arms full of sweet jars.

Adam meets Eva in the street. She tells him about going to France and thanks him for all his support. They continue to chat away happily together and they're spotted by Maria who watches from a distance. Adam puts up a hand and gently strokes the hair away from Eva's face. She clears her throat and moves away but from where Maria's standing it looks like quite an intimate gesture.

Round at Sally's Gina is unpacking some shopping. She's been splashing the cash at an expensive delicatessen but tells Sally she could afford it as she's sold some of her belongings. Gina also mentions that she's asked Dev for a job at the kebab shop and reassures her sister that everything is under control. Sally looks skeptical.

Aidan goes round to see Maria to break the news that they've brought the wedding forward. But Maria has some news for him. She asks if Aidan has any idea what Eva gets up to when he's not around. Is he even sure the baby's his? She suggests Aidan should watch out for Adam Barlow. He may not believe her but Maria is sure that something is going on between him and Eva. She adds that if Aidan goes ahead with the wedding, he's more of a fool than she thought.

Karen


Wednesday 16 August

Sean is worried about Norris who, he says, is not himself. Norris admits to a headache and a sleepless night worrying about this fake wedding, although he says that Mary is convinced they can pull it off.

Sean then goes on his way and Norris arrives at the Kabin to find the door open. Stepping inside he is met with a scene of devastation – sweet jars emptied and stock all over the floor, the place is a mess.

Aidan is talking to Eva about her trip to see her mum. Fishing, he casually mentions that she'll need to say her goodbyes to Leanne, Toyah, - Adam...... Eva wonders why he would think she would need to say goodbye to Adam, he's not even on her Christmas card list.

Gary has met his friend in the cafe and is filling in the application form for the job in the Ukraine, and says he'll go and pick up his health certificate. He's told to be at the airfield at 5pm tomorrow for his flight. Just as his friend is leaving, Sarah walks in, and tells him that there's great news, the appointment has come through for the parent support session, so now they can help Bethany. Everything's on the up. As she turns and walks out, Gary's smile disappears and he sighs.

Over in the Kabin, Rita, Norris and Mary are surveying the damage. Rita wants to start picking things up but Norris tells her they can't touch anything until the police have been. Rita is surprised she didn't hear anything, but Norris points out that no glass has been smashed and the door hasn't been jemmied. Mary says that at least no one was hurt, it could have been worse. Norris asks Rita if she's sure she set the alarm, and she assures him that she did.

Maria tells Eva she's surprised she's off to France when she's got a wedding to plan. Eva says she's tired, the baby is sucking the life out of her. Then Maria tells her that she and Adam looked 'pretty tight' when she saw them yesterday. Eva reminds her that she's about to marry the love of her life. Maria reckons that even so, Adam seems pretty smitten. Eva then picks up the file containing all the wedding plans and hands it over to Maria, telling her that while she's away, Maria is in charge of her big day. Maria looks somewhat startled, and less than delighted! Then, as Maria gets up to leave, Eva asks her to sort the hen do. Maria says she thought Leanne and Toyah would be sorting that, but Eva tells her that she's only person she trusts to do it. As Maria heads for the door, Eva waffles on about her gorgeous fella and the baby on the way. "Sometimes it just feels too good to be true," she says. "It all looks very real from where I'm standing," says Maria, almost through gritted teeth and with a fake smile on her face. "You are an absolute legend!" gushes Eva, as Maria turns and heads out of the door.

There's a policeman in the Kabin who tells Norris and Rita that the burglar had a key, or else someone forgot to lock up. Rita is adamant that she locked the door. She says she might have forgotten to put the alarm on, but she knows she locked the door. Norris reckons the insurance company will laugh in his face, and the policeman agrees, as there's no sign of forced entry. Norris produces his keys, and asks Rita to show him hers. She goes to her handbag and pulls them out, and then says that her money is gone – a hundred pounds that she got from the cash machine. She produces the receipt to show them. The policeman remarks that it looks like someone has been in her handbag.

Bethany is sitting in the cafe and Shona comes and sits with her. She asks how she's doing and Bethany says she's not sure, the court date has come through, it's in 6 weeks and 5 days. She's worried that the jury might fall for Nathan's lies, but Shona tells her to credit them with more sense. Then Shona asks her if she can do her hair for her, so Bethany tells her to come to her house after work. Shona looks doubtful, but Bethany assures her that David won't be there.

Adam comes into the florist where Mary is working with Tracy, and mentions Mary's fiance. Tracy is puzzled. "What fiance?" she asks. Adam tells her it's Norris, and Mary blusters that they've been trying to keep it quiet. Tracy can't believe it and reckons she's kidding. "Nice try though," she says.

Rita is sitting in her flat when Gemma comes back from a shopping trip to town. When she asks how come the shop is shut, Rita tells her that they've been burgled, the shop has been robbed and ransacked. Gemma is full of concern and asks Rita if she's ok, until Rita turns and says she thinks she knows who did it – Gemma and her pals! She thinks she borrowed Rita's keys and let them in, and also she thinks she stole the £100 from her purse. Gemma hotly denies it, she can't believe Rita would think it was her, but Rita is angry and tells her she's lucky she hasn't talked to the police.

Gary and Sarah are in the garden in the sunshine with Jake and Harry. Sarah tells him he's going to miss it all when he's in Hamburg. He says he's going to miss all of them too.

Jenny has arrived to see Rita, and Rita tells her how she thinks Gemma and her friends had something to do with it. Jenny is sure that there's no way Gemma would steal from Rita, and she certainly wouldn't trash the shop. Rita thinks she wanted to impress those girls.

Over in the Platt's kitchen, Bethany is just finishing Shona's hair when David comes in. "Playing salons?" he mutters, and Shona jumps up and leaves, quickly. Bethany explains that she thinks Shona asked her to do her hair to take her mind off everything. "She's really kind, I really like her," says Bethany. David doesn't seem impressed.

Aidan walks into the Rovers and sees Adam throwing darts at the dartboard. He goes over to him and tells him to stay away from his fiancee. "Sorry?" asks Adam. Then he tells Aidan that his beautiful fiancee is far to classy to play away, Aidan should have more faith in her. As Adam leaves the pub, Maria walks in, orders a glass of wine and tells Aidan that Eva has entrusted her with planning the wedding. "I'm a single parent with a full time job," she says, "when am I supposed to find the time to source teal tea lights?" Aidan however, has other things on his mind and tells her that there is nothing going on between Eva and Adam, and he wishes he hadn't listened to Maria yesterday.

Outside, Adam is on the phone. He tells the person on the other end that he has a date for him. 18th September – 2 weddings and a kind of funeral.

Gemma and Cathy are standing in the doorway of the kebab shop. Cathy tells Gemma that she's sure Rita didn't mean it, she must be in shock. Gemma shouts that she's in shock too, Rita thought she would rob her. "She's a vicious old biddy!" says Gemma, and goes on to say that no one sees the real Rita except her, and she thinks that because she put her up she can say whatever she likes to her. "I hate her!" she shouts, running into the shop. Unfortunately all this has been heard by Jenny who is just around the corner. However, Jenny then doesn't hear the next bit, as Cathy follows Gemma into the shop. "I don't hate her, Cathy," says Gemma, who is now upset but calming down, adding that Rita is like a mum, gran and teacher. Kathy gives her a hug.

Jenny sees Eva getting a suitcase put into a taxi and marches over, annoyed, reminding her that the double wedding was her idea. Eva tells her that this will be a day to remember, and explains that she has left Maria a long list. "She's chomping at the bit to help," she says. Adam comes up then, and when Jenny has gone he tells her to have a good time and not to worry about a thing, it's all in hand.

Jenny has gone back to see Rita and tells her that she might be right about Gemma, she heard her talking to Cathy calling Rita every name under the sun.

Norris goes into the pub and tells Sean that the events at the Kabin hijacked the day, thanks to Rita. Just then Tracy and Mary come in, and Mary explains that Adam has let the cat out of the bag. Norris doesn't know how Adam knows, but Mary says that Sean told him. "Two blabbermouths!" says Norris, irritated. Tracy then comments that poor Jude is traveling halfway round the world for this circus. Norris tells her that his and Mary's friendship deepened unexpectedly, it took them both by surprise. "But we're very happy about it," he says, putting his arm round Mary's shoulders. Tracy stares at them in disbelief.

Gemma arrives back at Rita's flat, saying she wants to clear the air, and assures Rita that she had nothing to do with the break-in. Rita doesn't believe her and tells her if she had a scrap of decency in her she would own up to it. Rita reckons that as soon as those girls turned up Gemma clicked back into her old life in the blink of an eye. Gemma tells her she would never hurt Rita or rob from her. "Do you seriously think that it was me?" she asks. Rita just turns her back to her, so Gemma says she's going to bed. When she's gone, Rita picks up the phone, and dials the police. She asks to leave a message for Constable Timms. "Tell him I know who stole my money and who burgled the shop – Gemma Winter!"

Anne Logan.


Friday 18 August

This is episode 9232 and it was written by Martin Allen. The director was Tessa Hoffe. Copyright as always remains the property of ITV to whom many thanks for permitting this record of events.

Outside the factory, Sal, Fiz and Gina are watching Rita sweep the pavement. There is a lot of verbal finger pointing at Gemma over the break in. Rita recalls Gina being in the shop shortly before the girls burgled the shop. Jenny joins in and says that Gemma must be responsible. Gemma comes downstairs and denies being involved. The police arrive and a WPC asks Gemma to join them at the station to answer some questions. Cathy sees Gemma's departure and does not believe she is responsible.

Luke gets up and is surprised Kate has not already gone to work. Kate wants to know if he has seen Alya but Luke alleges she went to work early. Kate leaves and Alya emerges from Luke's room. They are about to kiss when Tyrone appears - he came in as Kate went out. He needs the tow truck keys.

In the Kabin Rita tells Cathy that she reported Gemma. Rita says there is no other explanation. Rita backs it up with the comments made Gemma previously of which Jenny only heard the bad bits. Cathy redresses the balance. Rita remains convinced that Gemma was involved in some way.

Alya has popped into see Rana at the medical centre. Alya makes it clear that whilst she might have slept in the same bed as Luke she did not sleep with him. Alya says Luke has been a perfect gentleman - but perhaps she wants to go further. Alya is enjoying things the way they are but they cannot stay like that forever. (Excuse me what happened to remaining chaste until marriage - yes I know she broke that once but again?). Rana does not think Kate will mind, we know that Kate will mind a lot. Alya has to work out what she wants and to do it. Gary wants a certificate of health which Liz gives him. He does not give anything away, but Alya overhears what it is. Outside she also hears Gary tell Sarah that he has collected something for Izzy. His flight is 5:30pm and he has loads to do.

Alya passes Luke and Ty going the other way which prompts Ty to ask if something is gong on between Luke and Alya - it looked like it was this morning - Ty is convinced and Luke cannot dissuade him.

Nicola pops in on Pat at Eileen's. She wants a favour - will he come and look over a flat she is thinking of buying. Pat is absolutely charmer mode and he agrees.

In the Rovers the factory girls discuss Gemma - they do feel she has tried hard to improve since Kylie died. Sal asks Gina about being in the Kabin on the day of the theft and Sal knows that Gina has a lot of bills to pay. Sal says that Dita reported £100 stolen from her purse as well. Gina looks concerned.

At the station Gemma has a perfect alibi - she was with Rita whilst the shop was robbed. But of course the police want the names of her two friends. She tells the police that the alarm code is on the fridge so anyone can see it. Gemma maintains her innocence.

Gary has time to sit in cafe where Alya joins him. She wants to know why he lied to Sarah earlier. She knows something is troubling him and invites him to share it. He explains he is off to the Ukraine on private security work and he explains why. He says he will be fine - but does not believe it. She reminds him of the PTSD he had after Afghanistan. He says he has to do it - he needs the money. She reminds him he has a family and she knows what it is like to lose a father and she will never get over that. Gary should pull out before it is too late.

Gary leaves the cafe where Izzy catches him and shows a letter she opened by accident - Don is chasing him for money. He says that Hamburg will fix it - although Izzy does not really believe it. He books a taxi with Tim for later.

Nicola and Pat return - it is a good conversion but corners have been cut so she should offer £5k less than the asking price. She acknowledges she has been busy for two weeks and asks about guarantees on the flat. Pat continues to dole out good advice. She refuses to talk about any form of partner or why she is only buying now.

Kate catches up with Alya in the cafe and ribs her for being missing this morning. Johnny in the corner is working on the wedding seating plan. Kate wants to bring both Luke and Alya to the wedding, even though the invitation is plus one. Kate gets her way.

Gary returns to the cafe where he joins Alya and he refuses to speak to Sarah - but he has written letters for Izzy, Jake, Mum, Dad and Sarah if things go wrong. Will Alya pass them on? She is not happy but takes them. Izzy arrives with card from Jake for Grandpa. Gary reckons he will have settled all the debts once he is back. Alya picks up some stuff from the table but drops one of Gary's letters, probably the bottom one for Sarah.

At the medical centre Liz is on t'internet looking at shoes which she sows Rana! She buys but her card is declined. She used it at lunchtime for opening an account for free vapes. Well the first ones are free - that is why you need an account. Rana looks at the flyer and knows it is a scam. Liz sent her bank details 90 minutes ago. Rana tells her to call the bank.

In the cafe Pat admits to Todd that Nicola wants a builder more than she wants a father. However she then appears - her offer has been rejected. She tells Pat that Rod Kempson is the developer who laughed at her offer. Meanwhile Shona finds the envelope dropped by Alya, addressed to Sarah.

Gary goes into the Rovers and says farewell to Sarah. She tells him to keep his eyes off of the Frauleins. He tells her not to worry. It is only ten days. Having hugged her he goes to get in Tim's taxi.

Gina wanders into the Kabin. Rita has found the magazine which Gina was looking for when she came in the other day. £3.50. They discuss Gemma. Gina reminds Rita that when she came in for the magazine she had told Rita about struggling to pay her bills and Rita lent her £100 from her purse. (Ralph McTell and Fairport are playing "White Dress", written by Dave Swarbrick and originally sung by Sandy Denny). As Gina speaks Rita's face changes as her memory clears and she realises she has her wires crossed.

Shona comes into the Rovers glad she found Sarah to give her the letter. Sarah opens it and starts reading. Sarah asks why Gary might not be coming back. Sarah continues reading and says she knew something was wrong. He acted shifty earlier. Sarah knows she needs to stop Gary getting on that plane.

Roll credits.

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

See you shortly.

Richard

Well this is episode 9233. It was written by Mark Wadlow and it was directed by Tessa Hoffe. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

Opening in Tim's cab on way to WIndler(?) rather than Terminal 1 for Hamburg. Gary's phone keeps ringing and if anyone asks he was dropped at T1. Tim has made solemn vows to the CCC (Cabbie's Confidentiality Code) so it is safe for Gary to tell him - like the confessional.

At the cab office Eileen, Steve and Todd discuss Pat and Nicola as a filler before Sarah bustles in to make contact with Tim and Gary. She has checked flights and there are no more to Hamburg today. Sarah shows Steve the letter which makes no sense, although apparently he loves her but will never see her again. Steve is bound by the CCC (last week I am sure it was the window cleaners' code), which Eileen tells him to over ride. Steve tells Tim to get some jammie dodgers. Tim tells Gary that the car has a power problem and pulls over. He opens the bonnet and starts stalling for time.

Rod Kempson joins Pat at the bar in the Rovers. Rod remembers Pat from the failed Calcutta Street development. Pat points out some shortcuts taken by Kempson in his conversion. Pat says Nicola is a first time buyer with a mortgage. Later Kempson has gone and Nicola arrives with Todd in tow. Apparently her low offer has now been accepted. Pat denies all knowledge, Todd is not so sure but Pat assures him there was no strong arm stuff. Todd reckons there is a decent man under the surface. Pat stares into the distance.

Norris is cleaning up after the break in - sweets all over the floor. No chance of claiming on the insurance. And it was not Gemma - Rita lent the money to Gina. Rita says she might have forgotten to lock the door - she cannot remember. Rita decides she has to go and explain that Gemma did not steal the cash. Norris says he will go with her.

Liz is telling Rana that the "phishers" have cleaned out her account. Moira overhears and tells Elizabeth that she needs to be more careful (frankly it is my view that Moira dunnit). Then she chides them for gossiping. And tells Liz off for web surfing at work.

Steve arrives to Tim's breakdown with Sarah in another cab. Steve and Tim leave the couple to shout at each other. They sit in Tim's cab. Sarah cannot understand why Gary told Alya and not her. He says this argument was what he was trying to avoid. He admits he is off to Ukraine to do some gentle security work and he did not want Sarah to worry. Sarah says it is not good for trust when he cannot tell her what he is doing. Gary says he will be back in ten days with a big fat cheque. Sarah says he did not tell the truth because she would be against him going. She reminds him of the PTSD - but Gary insists on going. She says they are finished. Gary says he needs the cash to meet his debts and refuses Sarah's help. She gets out of the car and stalks away. Gary just wants to get to the airport.

After the break Rita and Norris arrive at the police station and Rita tries to explain to the desk sergeant why she is there. Cathy is also there and Rita explains she remembers lending the money to Gina. Gemma emerges - freedom for the one! It is not nice having the finger pointed by one you could trust she says staring at Rita. Rita does not apologise but does say that she that she lent the money to Gina. Norris says no harm done - but Gemma is not so sure. Her friendship with Rita is destroyed.

Luke and Alya are canoodling in the flat. Alya appears to have forgotten her religious problems when they discuss which bedroom they will use. As they kiss again Kate comes in. She looks completely put out. Luke and Alya do not understand why Kate is so angry - they like each other. She reminds Luke he said he would not touch Alya. ALya says they are both free agents. Kate says they are all sharing a flat. She does not want to walk in on their shenanigans. She feels she is in the way and does not want them to continue whilst they are all sharing the flat. And when they break up Kate will be forced to take sides. Kate assures them she wants them to be happy - just not with each other. She slams her bedroom door behind her.

Steve does not have much sympathy for Liz either. Eileen tells Steve off - but he hopes Liz will be less gullible next time around. The flyer was on the notice board at the medical centre. Steve says it looks dodgy - but it was on the notice board somewhere that you would trust. Liz vows vengeance. Someone in Weatherfield is capable of scamming people.

The next shot is of an eventually revealed Pat Phelan in a red hoodie with the hood up as he moves some temporary fencing, parks the can and closes the fencing behind him. We are what looks like a dump of a house that we have not seen before.

At Rita's Gemma is worried that Zoe and Roxy are going to kill her. Gemma really wants to improve herself but people will not let her, even Rita does not trust her. Or perhaps Rita is losing her marbles? Rita does not want to be spoken to like that. Perhaps Gemma should think about moving out. Gemma goes to pack.

Pat is taking some Freshco bags into the house. He goes through the house, unlocks a door and then down some steps into a cellar. He seems to be talking to himself - it is just a flying visit and on the bright side the chocolate eclairs were on special offer.

Sarah returns to the Rovers (Shona stood in - without training!) and she tells Izzy where Gary has really gone. Luke and Alya come into the Rovers and the latter can understand Kate's problem. Izzy admits she knew Gary was in debt. Sarah shows Izzy the letter which Alya gave her - Alya is listening to all of this conversation. Alya admits she dropped the letter which Shona found - she could not tell Sarah because she was in a difficult position. Sarah thinks she might have been able to talk Gary out of this job. Izzy tells Sarah not to blame Alya - Gary is the only one to blame. Sarah accepts that - but if anything happens she will blame Alya as well.

In deep gloom with one weak strip light not providing much light at all Pat says that he was having his final meal on death row, he thinks he would have a chocolate eclair. He had them as a kid - they gave him a taste for the good things in life. [He is clearly talking to someone and not to himself - but who?] The good things are easier to get by doing the bad things. Pat finds himself at a crossroads. He signs a snatch of Fagin reviewing the situation. Should he go left and make people who care about him proud. Or go right - we all know where that leads. Another voice screams "Pat Wait!" as he leaves up the stairs - and we see Andy Carver's face showing absolute terror as we hear Pat resecuring the locks on the cellar door as he leaves.

Roll credits.

Whilst some of us were worried that Andy's body had never materialised it is so many months since his departure that I am not sure we were expecting such a superb return. Well done Corrie, no leaks.

More seriously Rita's decline is accelerating rapidly. Is this leading to the end of Barbara Knox's amazing contribution? I hope not - but it can only go one way surely?

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

See you shortly.

Richard


Monday 21 August

Both episodes Written by Debbie Oates and Directed by Nickie Lister

We're changing things up a little here at Update Towers. I will be bringing both Monday episodes to you while Karen is moving over to Fridays. Most of the time I will be writing both episodes together as one larger summary rather than posting two separate episode updates. And away we go!

The major story of the day concerns Phelan and his prisoner, Andy. Did you guess that's what good old Uncle Pat was up to? It sounds like he put Andy in the basement of that old house after he severely injured him and thought he wouldn't recover but then he did.

Andy's getting desperate to escape and with that in mind, he's stripped the cord off his mattress and intends on trying to strangle Phelan with it. He doesn't get far with it, but Phelan ends up with another unexplained injury that he's got to lie away to his wife. Now he's stuck between a rock and a hard place. He can't let Andy go and he can't quite bring himself to kill him but when he discovered that Andy used the edging off the mattress and was going to try to use the springs as weapons, too, he lost his rag. He's really showing signs of being a right psychopath, isn't he?

It's interesting seeing Pat use Andy as a sort of sounding board. He even confessed he felt nothing while watching Michael die but then admitted he'd had strange symptoms that could be guilt. Andy promises the promise of the desperate, he'll leave the country, he won't tell, but Phelan can't bank on that. It sounds like Phelan really doesn't want to kill Andy and that's probably true because he'd have done it by now if he was going to. But how is he going to get out of it? He can't keep Andy there forever.

Nicola diverted Phelan from his morning visit to The Prisoner. She still seems to be using him for his builder skills. Later she manages to track him down (he's got her phone in the van) just as he's hauled the mattress out of the house. She's concerned about that gash on his head (from the fight with Andy) but he brushes it off.

Anyway, Nicola and Eileen clean up his wound at home and she's managed to persuade him to donate the mattress to a homeless shelter. What they'd want with a mattress that's had bits torn off remains to be seen. Phelan discovers that Andy has put a note inside the mattress hoping someone might find it and that ticks off our builder to no end. He loses his temper and shouts at her and scares Nicola off again. Naturally, Phelan blames Andy for that too, for making him into the monster he already is, and warns him. This has only one ending. Andy uses his feelings for Nicola. It comes very close. Sounds like he's going to leave him there without further food or water for awhile. Meanwhile, he burns the mattress and all its DNA in the back yard. He later apologizes to Nicola and buys her good side with a receipt for three new mattresses donated to the shelter.

He's not letting *anything* get in the way of trying to be a better man, he says. Meanwhile, Andy is sharing his prison with a big, shiny rat.

It's wedding week and Mary is getting more and more excited. To keep up appearances, she has even written and sent herself engagement cards from people that would have sent them if she'd been allowed to tell them about the wedding. It does make some sort of sense but it does seem illogical to keep up the scam now that Jude is coming to Weatherfield since the whole idea of the wedding was to back them up for the contest in the hope that they'd win and be able to travel and see Jude. Mary thinks Jude wouldn't take it well if he found out he was brought there under false pretenses. And after all, Mary's booked a wedding and by Golly she's going to have one!

Jude, his wife Angie and they little lad George arrive, much to Mary's joy. The reactions of the neighbour to the sudden wedding have Angie's radar up and she notices Norris is a bit less than happy about something. Jude seems like quite a nice fella and he was tickled that she asked him to walk her down the aisle.

Chesney's turning into an agoraphobic. The panic attacks are crippling and he's still trying to hide them from everyone. Sinead suggests taking Hope and Ruby to a fair but he says the weather might not be great and he doesn't even want to leave the house and look after them at their house where their toys are. Sinead finds a flyer for a puppet making workshop at the community centre so he promises to take them to that. He can't face getting out the door, however so he keeps them home and entertains the girls with a puppet show at home. Finally, Fiz and Sinead are seeing through his bravado and realize there's a problem when they find out from Yasmeen that he didn't show up at the community centre. He gets very defensive when questioned.

Liz is determined to find the person behind the vape scam. She reckons she can lure in the culprit by using a fake email. I don't think it's quite that easy. Norris has seen a similar leaflet for nicotine patches and Liz notices it has a different email address. Rana worries she's getting into a situation but Liz knows what she's doing. Here's the thing, though, she's skiving off work to start her research into this whole phishing scam and Moira's not happy about it.

Bethany decides that cheap scratch cards are a nice thank you for people that have supported her (Mary, Shona) and been there for her. I suppose it is nice if you actually win and that's just what happens to Shona who's had a very lucky 6000 pound win on hers. Apparently, she offered to split it with Bethany but Bethany wouldn't hear of it. One of Gemma's pretend mates overhears and goes right to Macca with the news. Macca then comes round, reckons he can get his hands on it and lays a guilt trip on Shona about using the money for a solicitor to get Clayton out of prison on appeal. She wants to save it for Clayton for when he does get out, to give him a fresh start. Macca lays it on thick, saying that Clayton is suicidal and hearing that, Shona is starting to weaken.

Eileen is right, Macca wants the money and if Clayton isn't coping, that's a different matter. She advises Shona speak to Todd and when she does, he thinks Clayton hasn't got a proverbial's chance of getting out. There are some lawyers that can find minute loopholes bit it really isn't likely in this case. Not to mention that David will probably restart his kill-on-sight revenge plan if she should manage to get Kylie's killer released. Save your money, luv. She decides to visit Clayton to try to judge for herself.

Tvor


Wednesday 23 August

Pat Phelan comes around the corner and sees a policeman talking to Seb, asking where he is, so he dives quickly into the cafe.

It's coffee time at the factory, and Sinead is worried about Chesney. She tells the other workers that he hasn't left the house in over a week, she thinks he's got agoraphobia, caused by his attack. Fiz asks if she'd like to pop home at dinnertime to see if he's ok, she's glad Sinead is looking out for him.

Shona is about to leave the house to go and see Clayton. Eileen points out that this is all on the word of Macca, a bloke she doesn't trust. Shona isn't sure Clayton is coping, and says if anything happened she would never forgive herself if she hadn't been to see him. Eileen understands and says she would probably do the same if it was one of her lads.

Pat is sitting in the cafe, looking thoughtful. His phone rings, it's a call from Seb, but he doesn't answer.

Mary and Norris are chatting about their forthcoming wedding. Norris is a little frosty about her enthusiasm, and she tells him he takes the fun out of everything. As they squabble and snap at each other, Jude and his wife Angie come in, and Angie notices this. Mary is going off to a spa with her later, so Jude suggests that he and Norris do some male bonding over a pint. When they're on their own again, Mary implores him not to say anything to Jude about the reason for them getting married.

Nicola comes into the cafe and finds Pat sitting there. She asks him to come back to the yard, there's someone there she wants him to meet – Scott, a policeman she met through work.

Chesney is looking after the two little girls, Ruby and Hope at home, but the children are getting bored and want to go to the park. Just then Fiz and Sinead come back and Fiz says that she doesn't think it's fair for him to be looking after the kids while he's still recovering and suggests that she takes some holiday leave. He starts to protest, so Sinead points out that he's hardly been out of the house since he packed in work. Chesney says that he feels great now, and he's planning on taking the girls to town. As soon as Fiz and Sinead have gone, though, Chesney seems quite worried.

Nicola has been to an auction and bought a derelict property which she wants to turn into a youth centre. Pat tosses the pictures and plan aside, saying that she's crazy, it's a total wreck. Seb points out that teenagers need somewhere to go, they're not allowed in the pubs and clubs, they're like second class citizens. Pat eventually concedes that the structure is probably sound, it will just be the inside that needs gutting, he'll take a look. Nicola is delighted, and her policeman friend smiles and says she told him Pat was a good mate, she was right. Pat and Nicola exchange glances.

Shona is at the detention centre (or wherever it is that Clayton is being held) and he is brought into the room to see her. He starts by saying he told her not to visit him again, so she tells him that if he wants her to go, she will. "No," he says, and hugs her, but over her shoulder we see him smirking.

Chesney and the little girls are on a bus, but he's not looking at all well. He's closing his eyes and breathing deeply. Suddenly the bus stops, but the driver keeps hooting at the traffic ahead. Ches rushes to the front, asking what's going on. "The stupid idiot isn't looking at the lights," says the driver, hooting some more. All this proves too much for Chesney who shouts at him to open the doors, and when he does, under protest, Chesney jumps off the bus and runs off into a nearby park, leaving the two little girls on the bus, unattended!

Chesney arrives beside the canal, and sits down on a bench, breathing heavily. "Oh no!" he says, as if suddenly realizing where he is, and pulls out his phone.

In the factory, Sinead's phone rings and she answers it, to find a distressed Chesney gabbling that he's left the kids on the bus. It takes her a few moments to work out exactly what he's saying, and by the time she has, he's hung up. Fiz hears something of the conversation and demands to know what's happened. Sinead turns and tells her that Chesney has left the girls on the bus. Fiz shrieks and leaps to her feet, telling her to phone the police while she goes to get Tyrone.

Back in the park, we sees Chesney drop his phone and walk to the water's edge.

Fiz has arrived at the garage and told Tyrone the news. He says they'll have to drive the bus routes and look for the kids, and Fiz rings the bus company. Sinead comes out of the factory and tells them she's rung the police. Then she tries ringing Chesney back, but he doesn't answer.

Clayton is telling his mother that he can't cope inside, but didn't say anything before because he didn't want to worry her. The guard leaves the room and then he brings up the subject of the money that she won, and there's a bloke who can get him off. She tells him it's not that simple, how can she fund an appeal when they both know he did it. She tells him she's put the money aside for when he gets out to give him a fresh start. She urges him to speak to his case manager – if he won't, she will. He tells her not to, they'll start watching his every move and he's got stuff to do. She wants to know what stuff and eventually he tells her that he gets 'stuff' for the lads, through Macca. He says that's trouble with these places, they make you worse than you were before. "Please Mum, you're the only one who can help me," he says.

Angie and Mary are enjoying their spa experience and are lying wrapped in towels with a face mask on their faces. Angie comments that things seemed a bit strained between Mary and Norris earlier. Mary puts it down to pre-wedding nerves, so then Angie asks who the other bloke was that Mary had a grand passion for. Mary bushes aside her feeling for Brendan and says that what she has with Norris is a much grander passion. Angie doesn't seem convinced.

Jude and Norris are in the pub, and Jude tells him he just wants his mum to be happy. Norris seems to be on the verge of telling him what the marriage is all about when Jude goes on to say that Mary has had such a sad life, especially with what happened with his dad, dying like that. He says that now she is just so happy, and that's because of Norris.

Eileen and Pat are in the Rovers when Nicola comes in. While Eileen waits for the drinks, Pat and Nicola move to a table and she apologises for not telling Scott that Pat is her dad. He says he knows she's still trying to get her head round it, it's ok. She thanks him to for his offer to help with the youth centre, he's got a heart of gold, even though he does try to hide it. She kisses him on the cheek.

Cathy, Roy, Gemma, Kirk, Beth and Sinead are all at Chesney's house, waiting for news. Just then the front door opens and the two girls come running in with Fiz and Tyrone. The bus driver noticed them when he got to the terminal and rang the police. Sinead asks if Chesney has been found, but Fiz says he hasn't. Tyrone is angry and says it's just as well, because if he got his hands on him....He turns to Sinead and says she should have kept a better eye on him. "Maybe if you weren't so busy mooning over that Barlow lad," he snaps. When he and Fiz have taken the girls home, Sinead turns to Beth and tells her that Tyrone is right, it's all her fault. Beth tells her that if Ches is having a breakdown it's because of the attack, not her, and she's sure he'll be back soon.

Mary and Angie get back to the Rovers and Mary sends Angie to sit with Norris and Jude while she goes to the bar for the drinks. She's very stressed and when Norris gets up to join her she asks if he told Jude the truth. "Yes," he says, "I told him that I care very much for your happiness and he will be honoured to be her husband." Mary beams and hugs him.

Shona has arrived at the pub and Eileen asks if she saw Clayton. Shona sees David at the bar and quietly says she'll tell her later. David however, has heard, and later goes over to Shona. She tells him not to have a go at her, because she's not in the mood. He says he thought she would overjoyed at seeing her long lost son. She tells him there was no joy in it, there's no joy in any of this. She tells him the place is bleak, and so is he. David says he'd better go, and leaves.

While Mary and Norris are at the bar, Jude looks at them and tells Angie it's such a sweet tale, friends who have become lovers. "Yes," says Angie, "it's too romantic to be true."

Sinead is still trying to get hold of Chesney, but his phone keeps going to voicemail. She leaves a message saying the girls have been found and they're fine, so will he please come home. She hangs up and after a couple of moments dials again. This time we see Chesney's phone, in the grass, beside the canal.

Anne Logan


Friday 25 August

In case anyone is wondering why I'm writing a Friday update instead of Monday, we've had a bit of a change round since we're now an update writer short. This means that if any of you wonderful readers fancies having a go at writing, now is your golden opportunity – we would love to hear from you! In the meantime, without further ado, here is the first episode for Friday 25th August which was written by Susan Oudot and directed by Nickie Lister.

It's the wedding day and, while Bethany works her magic with her make-up brush, Mary pauses to reflect that she's more than a little ashamed that she's lying to Jude about the nature of her marriage.

Meanwhile Sean is helping Norris to get ready. He tells Norris that it may not be a conventional wedding but he thinks they make a lovely couple. Norris, who seems to have forgotten the touching scene in the previous episode where he told Mary he'd be honoured to marry her, shrugs it off and replies that it's what Mary wants.

Gemma arrives back at Sinead's to report that she and Roy have searched everywhere but there's still no sign of Chesney. Fiz and Ty try to reassure her that he'll turn up soon but she's in a right state.

Todd meets Shona coming out of the cab office. Tim is driving her to the estate where Macca lives so Todd says it looks like she's made her decision. Shona gives him a bit of a look and gets into the cab without replying.

Ty is waiting to be served in the cafe while Yasmeen takes a call. She comes off the phone and tells Ty Roy won't be pleased – apparently someone's broken into his allotment shed. Ty has a lightbulb moment and hurries off. While this is going on, Sarah is having a heart to heart with Todd. She's worried about Gary, not to mention everything else going on in her family, but she can see Todd has something on his mind. Todd looks hesitant then says there is something and it has to do with Shona and Clayton.

The scene moves to Rita's flat. She wanders into the sitting room in her dressing down. There's a smart outfit hanging up and a wedding present sitting on the table but Rita looks confused. Instead of getting ready to go out she settles down on the sofa with a magazine.

Out in the street the wedding party are gathering. Jude's wife Angie picks up on Tracy's comment that the whole thing is a bit weird. Mary comes out and Angie tells her she looks lovely. After a big nudge from Sean, Norris mutters that she looks very nice. Mary gives Norris a knowing look.

Sarah goes over to the salon to tell David what she's just heard from Todd – Shona is planning to use her scratch card winnings to fund an appeal for Clayton. The news doesn't go down well.

The wedding ceremony is about to start and Tracy can't understand why they didn't invite more people. As Jude waits with Mary outside he brings up the subject of his father. He wonders if she feels sad that she never had the chance to marry him and then tells Mary that he thinks he's like to try and track down his family. Mary, who is already in a state, becomes even more flustered and then Sean appears to say they're ready.

With a good deal of hesitation, Norris manages to recite his wedding vows, followed by Mary who sounds considerably more sincere. The registrar pronounces them man and wife and they shake hands. realizing more is expected of him, Norris leans in to kiss Mary on the cheek. She uses the opportunity to whisper in his ear that Jude wants to find his father's family.

Maria and Will have the day off but they're spending it making some rather bizarre wedding favours for Eva which involve making necklaces out of sweets. Will suggests they ask Michelle to come and join them. Maria says she'll call her but Will offers to go over to ask her as she'll find it harder to say no if he does it in person.

David is brooding over Shona when he sees her arrive back in a taxi and go into the cafe. He locks up the salon and heads over there.

Shona takes over from Yasmeen who leaves just as David comes storming through the door. He starts to lay into Shona about what she's planning to do but she stops him. It turns out she went to see Macca to tell him she's not going to use the money to fund an appeal after all. She's angry that David assumed the worst of her, as usual. As David goes to leave Shona gets to the door first, locks it and tells him that they're going to have things out and he's going to listen to what she has to say.

The wedding party have arrived at the Rovers for the reception. Jude is worried he's upset Mary by mentioning his father. Angie tells him she's not sure what the problem is but clearly something's wrong.

Ty arrives at the allotment where he discovers his hunch was right. He finds Chesney hunched on the floor of Roy's shed. Ty puts his arms around Ches as he sobs.

Back at the reception Jude brings Norris a plate of food and they have a chat. Norris tells Jude that Mary seemed upset earlier and he gathers Jude was asking about his father. Norris doesn't elaborate but suggests it may have been insensitive of Jude to mention it. Jude tells Norris he simply wants to find out more about his family. Just then Rita arrives and swaps places in the booth with Jude. She's acting strangely and doesn't seem bothered that Norris is upset she didn't make it to the wedding. Across the room Angie is quizzing Mary about Norris's proposal. Mary gets flustered and tries to deflect any more questions by telling Angie that the baby needs changing.

The scene moves to Roy's shed where Chesney is now talking. Ty tries to reassure him that the girls are fine, nobody's angry, they're just worried about him. Chesney describes his breakdown and how he thought he was going to die but part of him wished that he had. Ty tells Ches he understands and he empathizes after what he went through when he was with Kirsty. But Ches gets upset again, he's not sure he has the strength to get through this.

We now go back to Roy's Rolls where Shona is arguing with David. There's no escaping the fact that she's Clayton's mum but she wants David to look at her for one moment without hating her for what Clayton did. Shona decides she's had enough of David's anger and goes to the door but as she gets there David grabs her and kisses her hard. She returns the kiss with passion …

Angie has taken the baby through to the back where she's joined by Gemma. They have a chat and, as usual, Gemma's mouth runs away with her. Before she realises what she's done, she starts talking about the bad experience that Mary had with Jude's father. Angie questions her further. As far as she understood it, Mary and Jude's father were in love and then he died. At least, that's what she told her son, adds Angie. As she says this, she turns to see Mary standing in the doorway behind her …

Karen

Well this is episode 9238. It was written by Susan Oudot and it was directed by Nickie Lister. Copyright remains the property of ITV Studios to whom many thanks.

Action commences in the back room of the Rovers with Gemma (who is regretting opening her gob), Mary in her wedding dress and Angie Appleton - the latter is Jude's wife. No-one wants to tell a long lost child that they are the result of a rape from a much older family friend Mary eventually admits to Angie. She asks Angie not to tell Jude - but as Gemma leaves the back room she finds Jude at the door who has clearly heard everything. Jude goes out the back door.

Along at Roy's Rolls there are a series of discarded shoes and the camera comes to rest on David and Shona refastening clothes leaning against the counter having no doubt made the beast of two backs. "Heat of the moment" observes Shona whose hair hangs down softening her appearance. David says not - if he is honest he has thought about it for ages now. A smile lights up Shona's face as she asks Really? He knew she knew. Then knowing Clayton was her son changed everything. Shona suggests they just forget it. David stops her. He likes her, although he wishes he didn't. She likes him too. David did not think he could get past what Clayton did. Shona explains that she has had not relationship with Clayton in years. But Clayton is her son, she had to try, hence the visit. Can David look at her and not see Clayton?

The evil Will is talking to Michelle in her flat. Will tells her he is looking to avoid making favours for Eva's wedding so Michelle agrees to go shopping and he tells Maria that Michelle is having a wobble and that he needs to stay with her for a bit.

Seb tries to stop Pat leaving the yard - eventually Eileen arrives with Nicola as passenger. She has passed her driving test. Nicola adds that she was brilliant. She is going to take them out to a nice country pub. All are smiling.

Sinead and Fiz are still worrying over Chesney, Fiz almost suggested the allotment. Chesney and Ty come in and Fiz gives him a warm welcome. He says he would never do anything to put the kids in danger on purpose (Chesney that is exactly what you did - sorry but do not rewrite history). Sinead however walks up to Chesney pushes him hard and asks how could he put her through that? She is not accepting any explanation for his failure to return home. He says he was ashamed. So he went and sat in a shed whilst she thought she had lost him. She continues to shout at him denigrating him further. Ty and Fiz leave Chesney to it.

Canoodling alert - David and Shona on his sofa, so slightly more comfortable than earlier, as Gail brings the children in. Gail's face is covered in disapproval. David finds out what Max and Lily have been doing at summer school. Gail summons David into the (new?) kitchen alcove and before she can start he assures her that she cannot say anything which he has not already thought about. David cuts her off short, he knows what he is doing.

Sorry Chesney you whining you were not thinking is no defense. You abandoned two children. End of story. Cannot be bothered to write it up. Man up.

David, Shona and the children head to the park together observed by Eileen and Todd.

Jude comes across Norris in the Rovers yard. Norris confirms it was rape. Norris asks Jude not to be hard on Mary. He recalls it being difficult to grow up as an adoptee. And the story Mary had told of him being wanted had eased the load - but that was now unwound again. Norris emphasizes it was a lie to protect Jude as a child. And to Mary he is still a child adds Norris. Mary had decided to give him the past he deserved. Norris also explains that Jude was taken from Mary the moment he was borne - she did not give him away because she could not stand to look at him.

After the break Jude is in the back room of the Rovers asking Mary to confirm Norris's story. Her mother took the baby to St Jude's hospital, hence the name. She emphasizes that he was the good thing to come out of the bad times. And Mary tells Jude that he is nothing like his father externally or internally. Nurture over nature is Mary's view. She had taken a long time to realise that she was not responsible for events and she did not want those events to be Jude's story. He must not let the truth dominate his life. Mary asks if he is upset that she is his mother? Jude smiles and shakes his head and they embrace. He tells her he loves her.

in the bar Gemma, Angie and Norris are clearing the air.

Will and Michelle have returned from shopping and Will is blaming Robert for recent events. Michelle tells Will about Robert's history with Rich. Will alleges that Rich is out on bail, which Michelle does not believe. Michelle instantly leaves and ignores Will's thanks for his present.

More Chesney and Sinead. Not worth typing.

Back at home David asks Shone if she thinks they can make a go of it. She thinks they can. David has rules. No taking about "him" (Clayton). Nada. It is the only way David can deal with it. And no mention of his name in front of the children. Shona says she is heading home to get a DVD.

Gail is quick to tell Sarah about events. No honeymoon for Norris and Mary, indeed she is not changing her name. And then Mary who cannot face telling more lies explains how they got into this mess with the competition and the chance to visit South Africa. Jude calls Mary a real one-off. Neither Norris nor Mary have yet discussed how the marriage will work. Sean excuses himself. Mary is sorry her family came from South Africa under false pretences. Jude and Mary are both glad they did come however. Apparently Jude and Angie have been discussing future plans (Angie does not show any sign of remembering this conversation) - apparently a move to rain soaked Manchester might be perfect for them rather than sun-soaked South Africa. Angie looks completely stunned. Mary has trouble believing it as well.

Todd catches Shona going upstairs. He wants to know how she will splash the cash as she is not spending it on lawyers. Shona says she wants him to draw up a trust with Clayton as the beneficiary for when he is freed. And with client solicitor privilege in place Todd cannot talk about Clayton's trust to anyone else. A fresh start for when he gets out. Todd still wonders what David sees when his eyes are open - Kylie's killer staring back at him? Which leaves doubt in Shona's mind as well.

Roll credits.

Rumours of future stories:
1. Carla Connor will return at Christmas with her balls entirely re-instated. Stand by Toyah and Tracy.
2. Rita's problems are allegedly terminal and she will depart in a coffin as a result.

One of the above is known to be true. The other is wide spread speculation (all major papers) so may not be true. Which is which?

The next two are true:


3. Vinny (remember him - ran away with the cash from Pat's flats?) is on his way back
4. Kate's new squeeze will turn up shortly and contrary to my earlier theory it is not Rana - apologies for that one, but we are still waiting for Rana's long promised back story which has not materialised (nor has Speedy Dahl which I thought had legs).

What happened to people having dates and getting to know each other and not just bonking on the nearest cafe floor? Is this normal behaviour these days?

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

See you shortly.

Richard


Monday 28 August

Written by Mark Burt Directed by Tim O'Mara

Sarah thinks it might be fun to have a paddling pool party and barbecue and she even thinks David should invite Shona no matter what Gail says.

Sarah has been going to a parental support group in order to help Bethany and Gail wants to go as well. Probably not a bad idea on the surface of things but we all know Gail. And Sarah is still worried about Gary. She did finish with him but is fretting because he hasn't called from Ukraine. Why would he? Because he's actually just got back and has come to the support session to see her.

We'll find out soon enough but first we hear how Sarah feels guilty about what happened to Bethany. She doesn't think she's been a very good mother and support for her daughter, she didn't give her the stability she needed. Gary tells everyone she's much better than she thinks and she's her own worst enemy. She'd never let her kids down. He says he loves that she always bounces back stronger.

He walks her home and after she goes inside, he takes a call from Joe with the offer of another job for more money. Tempting. She softens and takes him back. Again.

Gary is later evasive when David starts asking questions about the job but before he can tell Sarah, she gets called in to work. Gary follows her over to the pub late so they could have a chat. Sarah is not pleased when Gary tells her he's taking another job but she doesn't dump him this time but she does tell David about it and he thinks there's nothing wrong with trying to provide for your family. She backs down and accepts it. Later, after a water fight with David and the kids, He avoids getting intimate with Sarah and when he changes to a dry tshirt of David's, reveals to the viewer that he's covered in bruises and cuts. In fact, it looks like he's been stuck by Wolverine or something else with claws for fingers.

Meanwhile, Shona has a meeting with Todd so she can arrange a trust account for Clayton with most of her scratch card winnings. Todd is going to set it up with a condition that he doesn't get the money for 2 years after he gets out of the youth jail and he has to keep his nose clean. Shona also wants a drug free Clayton as well. She later joins the paddling pool party at the Platts'. She tussles with David and pushes him in the pool at one point which actually makes Gail crack a smile for a minute. She can tell that David actually seems happy. David even asks her to stay over. That's a big step for someone who's lost their spouse.

Norris showed Gemma some wedding photos. She's still feeling bad that she let Mary's secret out but he tells her that Mary and Jude talked and Mary's not angry at Gemma but things are still awkward between Gemma and Rita.

Gemma discovers that someone set up a dating profile of her which has been attracting men to the kebab shop all day, men that don't think she looks anything like her profile photo and leave disappointed. Turns out those two miscreants from the other week are behind it, that's their idea of revenge for her dobbing them in. I guess if that's the worst they could do, they haven't got a lot of brain cells between them. This is proven later on.

Norris finds out that Gemma turned in her former friends and tells Rita. He hopes Rita can help and maybe that will mend fences with Gemma who's still kipping at Yasmeen's but Rita seems reluctant at first.

Rosie offers to help Gemma and dressing up in a power suit and wearing serious looking spectacle frames, she pretends to be a solicitor. Rosie threatens Zoe and Roxy, Gemma's "mates", with legal action by accusing them of cyber-terrorism, invasion of privacy, fraud and all sorts. She sounds very up on all the terms after only a few days working in the law office and very believable, I must say. She insists they apologise to Gemma and never darken her door again! This was absolutely brilliant! Rosie is so daft and silly but she's got such a big heart. It turns out Rita was the one that asked Rosie to help Gemma and when she finds out, Gemma forgives Rita and all is well but Jenny still doesn't trust Gemma and lets them all know it. Gemma moves back into the flat in time to catch Rita having put on the washing machine without anything in it. Rita brushes that off but this is happening more often.

Jenny convinces Maria to go for a bridesmaid dress fitting. I'm confused, I thought Maria was Eva's bridesmaid or are the two brides sharing the attendants? They enlist Rita's help with a very long list and Rita hands it over to Gemma when she comes to thank Rita for her help. Rita and Norris convince Jenny to reinstate Gemma as bridesmaid, too, which she does with gritted teeth.

Sally and Gina make up their differences but it doesn't last too long. Sally puts her foot in it by expressing her concern that Gina's bedroom is "chaotic". Later, a box of Gina's junk turns up in the back room of the corner shop, getting in the way, outing her lie that she had sold it off. She has a quiet go at Gina in the factory but Gina gets right back in her face calling Sally patronizing. Sally points out that at least she's made an effort. When Gina goes to fetch her box of stuff from Dev's, she gets a nice surprise. Dev offers her a part time job in the shop. Naturally she takes the opportunity to hug him and tells Sally she thinks Dev fancies her. Dev is given a heads up by Gemma later on when she tells him that Gina fancies him. He seems to know. He doesn't seem to mind the admiration. Could backfire on him.

Sally accuses Gina of using her bipolarity as an excuse. Gina tells Sally she wants to use the laptop to sell more of her things but in reality, she's looking up those dodgey payday loan companies, using Sally's name as a guarantor, obviously getting herself deeper and deeper in debt. Oh, this isn't going to end well, is it?

Will is still sucking up to Michelle by apologizing for talking trash about Robert to her. Robert is seeing good reviews for the Bistro in the paper. The only problem is, the owner is called Nick in the paper so Robert thinks he might have to change the name of the place after all and do a refurbishment along with it. Will offers to do a bit of design work for Robert who fancies an Art Deco vibe. Robert is touched but Michelle doesn't seem to be so much. Will brings some designs to Robert but he has a meeting and leaves Will in the office on his own. Will finds one of Michelle's scarves, sniffs her perfume from it, and nicks it. Robert has found out he has a court date on September 6 and decides not to go ahead with the re-design after all.

Tvor


Wednesday 30 August

Nicola is in the cafe eating dahl, and Yasmeen strikes up a conversation with her. Nicola tells her about the plans to open a youth centre in a old pub and they have a builder who is going to do the alterations at cost price. Yasmeen then realises that the builder in question is Pat Phelan, and asks her if she's parted with any cash yet. "Why?" asks Nicola, "is there something I should know?"

Gemma is in the cafe also, and Sinead comes in. Anna asks after Chesney and Gemma remarks that she's not been allowed to see him. Sinead tells her that the doctor said he needed complete rest, but he was a bit brighter this morning so she can go and see him if she wants to. Gemma certainly does, so Sinead tells her to go round at about 5 o'clock.

Yasmeen has been sitting with Nicola and has obviously told her all about what happened with the flats and how Sharif lost so much money. She adds that she hopes she hasn't spoken out of turn, but Nicola tells her that forewarned is forearmed.

We then see Andy, still captive in the dank, gloomy basement. Suddenly his one, dim light bulb goes out and he's terrified. He jumps up and twists it about and it comes back on again.

Gemma arrives back at Rita's flat to find her going through lists for Jenny's wedding. Apparently the bridesmaid's are needed for a fitting with the dress designer at 4.45pm. Gemma looks pained, (realizing that's close to the time she's going to visit Chesney) and asks if they can push it back at little bit. Rita tells her they can't, the designer has another wedding to sort out.

Gary and Sarah are planning to go to town for lunch, as it's his last day. Sarah grabs him around the body, not noticing that he winces.

Gemma has arrived at Jenny's for the fitting, and is impatient to get on with it, but Rita has yet to show up and Jenny doesn't want to start without her, seeing as she's the mother of the bride. Eventually though, they get started and the dress designer reveals Gemma's dress first. A strapless, dress with a burgundy jacket. Gemma doesn't look thrilled, and there's silence from the others too. Maria questions the colour...it's like putty. Then Kate's dress is revealed, it's burgundy all over with a bolero top. She looks a bit stunned too. Jenny seems tearful, so Kate tells her that there's weeks left yet, they can be restyled. "Restyle them?" gasps Jenny, "they're perfect!" Then Maria's dress is revealed, purple and black, full length. This one is from Eva. The only person seemingly impressed is Gemma who asks if she can swap. "No you cannot!" snaps Jenny.

Sally and her sister are walking down the Street when they're accosted by Brian who starts talking about the local mayor who has stepped down from office, so the position is up for reelection. Sally is stunned, she didn't know, and rushes off.

Rita has arrived at the dress fitting, and, seeming confused, manages to knock a cup of tea all over Gemma's bridesmaid's shoes, which have apparently been dyed to the exact same colour as the dress. Jenny throws a hissy fit and rushes out of the room, wailing.

Gary and Sarah are now in the cafe, looking at the details for some new houses being built. Gary reckons he only needs a few more jobs abroad and they'll have saved the deposit. This bit is overheard by Izzy, who is cross because she says that Jake is missing his daddy. Anna hears this and comes over, wanting to know what's going on. Izzy tells her that Gary is going back to the Ukraine to be shot at or kidnapped, or worse.

Gemma and Rita are back at the flat, and Rita's laying the table for Len, who, she says, will be home any minute. Gemma is puzzled. "What Len's that?" she asks, and is worried when Rita tells her he's her husband.

Back in the cafe, Anna is sitting with Gary, Sarah and Izzy and she's questioning the wisdom of what Gary is doing. Sarah says she trust Gary, and if he's telling her that the job isn't dangerous, she believes him. She then says she has to go and do her shift at the Rovers and leaves them.

Back in Sally's house, she's on the laptop, she going to go for it, to become Mayor of Weatherfield. Gina tells her Tim will have her guts for garters.

Kate and Rana are in the cafe with Luke and Alya. Kate is feeling like the gooseberry with Alya and Luke being all loved up. "It could be worse," says Rana, "you could be the bridesmaid in a really bad frock.....oh wait, you are!"

Nicola meets Pat in the pub and asks him about Calcutta Street. He looks a bit lost for words and she explains how she was speaking to Yasmeen. He tells her he was devastated for a lot of people, and considered doing a flit, but realised that would make him look guilty, and he wasn't guilty. Just then Sarah brings their drinks over and confirms that she lost £15,000. He tells Nicola that his business partner, Vinny, escaped with the lot. He tells her that since then he's been trying to get back on his feet and rebuild his reputation.

Gemma has gone back to Jenny, wanting her to go with her to see Rita. But Jenny is still upset about the stained shoe and isn't in the mood to listen.

Pat goes to the derelict property to find a distressed Andy who hasn't had anything to eat or drink and is worried about his cut arm which seems to be infected. Pat however, doesn't seem interested in Andy's arm, but just asks him what people think about him. Andy tells him they think he's a decent bloke, salt of the earth. He says people respect the way he was knocked down and has got back up again. Satisfied, Pat turns and walks out again, leaving Andy more distraught than ever, saying he needs some antiseptic. "Pat!" he shouts, but in vain.

Gemma is running across the Street as Sinead walks up to her front door. She is scathing because Gemma is so late, and tells her it's too late now, Chesney is asleep. She goes in and slams the door.

Dejected, Gemma crosses the road and meets Sarah who offers to take her for a drink.

Kate is showing a very amused Rana a picture of herself in the bridesmaid's dress. Kate is fed up because she hasn't got anyone special in her life. Rana tells her that tomorrow night they'll go to town and sort her out.

Pat is walking across the overgrown garden of the derelict property with a pickaxe and a shovel. He stops and starts to dig a hole in the ground.

In the bistro, Gemma tells Sarah that Rita is getting very confused, and explains how Rita laid a place at the table for Len. She feels out of her depth and doesn't know what to do. "I think she's gone senile," she says.

Anne Logan.





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