Adrian's updates - August 1997

Friday 1 August 1997
Ken was at the end of his tether, Daniel had given him another sleepless night and as the day started Ken had just got the boy to sleep. He was sticking by his decision to take Daniel back to Scotland and his mother Denise. He was sure his decision to look after Daniel had been a mistake with him being so young.

The morning brought some disquiet to Kevin's life as well thanks to a solicitor's letter from Sally. The subject matter was all about money and how a fair share should be apportioned for the welfare of the kids. Kevin of course hit the roof when he discovered he was to be 'fleeced' for his earnings. Natalie told him to calm down but Kevin was on his high horse now and was all set to go in all guns blazing.

Meanwhile Chris was another unhappy little soul thanks to the living arrangements over at Des's place. It looked like there was some elements of jealousy creeping in as he resented their conversations about the past and things they had said and done together. Angie told him to lay off with his repetitive whingeing but still he continued.

Jim warned Alan off giving him and Steve any more grievance than he had already. You could fair see Fiona quaking as she thought Jim was going to drop her in the mire by confessing to his little fling with her in front of Alan.

Ken got some help packing Daniel's belongings from Dreary who was planning a little holiday in Scotland herself with John. As they got Daniel's things together Ken couldn't help but sink into despair at his shortcomings as a parent. He had failed Daniel and lost his position to Brian as the child's father. In the one time he had nothing in his life Daniel was a much needed commodity. Ken's loneliness was of some concern to Dreary and Emily.

Kevin picked a ripe moment to tear strips off his wife Sally, storming into the Underworld workshop he began screaming blue murder about his wife's intention to eat into his money. Mike quickly rushed out and tried to quell the situation. He was heading out on to the shop floor anyway because he had seen Janice stealing knickers and putting them in her bag. Luckily for her the argument and confusion created by Kevin gave her a chance to sneak them back out of her bag when she realised she had been rumbled.

The evening brought a successful date from the coupling of Sam and Des, rather than playing the ice maiden she seemed to have melted in Des's presence. In fact she was the one who appeared to be making all the moves on Des rather than the other way round. When they kissed it was Des who pulled away sensing that something wasn't quite right.

He asked her what the problem was and she acknowledged she had some feelings which were inhibiting her. She asked Des if he would be the man to bring down her barriers as it were (yes, I know it's the first time you've heard it called that). However just as they resumed their kiss the door flew open and in walked volatile couple of the week Angie and Chris mid argument. This frightened Sam off and effectively blew Des's night out of the water.

In the Rovers, Jim was limbering up to make a fool of himself again. Declining a final one for the road drink from Alec he set off across the road with the destination in mind being Fiona's flat. Alan was out for the night at work giving Jim free range access to the object of his affections. He launched into his now familiar "Alan is not the man for you" spiel. However this time rather than offer no solution to Fiona's problems he had a new angle. The parting words to this episode were "Marry Fiona....Marry Me".

Sunday 3 August 1997
Love and relationships were the preoccupation of the episode and for the most part the path of love was most certainly not running smoothly. For starters the ever sulky Chris was running home to mother's for a week for a little holiday. Angie was the last person he had told and from my viewpoint his actions were a knee jerk jealousy reaction to Angie and Des being close.

Kevin was all set to begin talks with Sally regarding the money aspect of their splitting up. Sally was struggling financially thanks to Kevin and this matter had to be sorted out for the sake of the children as much as anything else.

Fiona was in a permanent preoccupied daze following Jim's proposal of marriage. It was made worse by the fact that every time she opened her door to go out Jim seemed to be staring at her from afar with a leering expression on his face.

Fred and Ashley conspired in the kitchen to cook up a feast and a half for their respective lady loves. As Ashley slaved over a hot cooker Fred explained some of the more important facts of life. According to his way of thinking marriage was something of an essential institution for a man. He lamented that marriage rather than National Service had been the making of him in his formative years.

Martin and Gail returned from France and their holiday to all intents and purposes had been a successful break from the stresses and strains of Weatherfield. In fact judging by the state of most of the Street's relationships they were probably the most stable couple.

In the Rovers, Des was all smiles for Sam as they spoke about the night before. It would Sam's apparent attraction for Des had not been some passing fancy because she was as keen as he was to rekindle the romance of their little interlude and meet again. I'm surprised Des could keep his libido in check till the day of the date which was to be Wednesday.

Kevin went to see Sally, the meeting wasn't as frosty as I expected it would be with Sally giving an honest and heartfelt breakdown of what her expenses were and how she was struggling to keep up with them. Even a hardened Kevin couldn't help but sympathise with his wife's plight and vowed he would help to keep the ship afloat as it were.

The meal at Fred's house was going swimmingly with the good food and fine wine on offer. However Maureen was edgy fearing another marriage proposal jumping out from Fred at any time. She wasn't wrong either, as soon as Ashley and Maxine were shunted out of the way into the kitchen then Fred was out with "will you marry me" lines.

Once again Maureen declined his offer despite Fred's promises that he would be her ideal suitor and would provide for her every need especially gastronomically. To make matters worse in the kitchen Ashley was more or less mimicking his Uncle's actions with a down on one knee proposal for Maxine.

Maxine's reaction was less reserved than Maureen's and she nearly jumped out of her skin claiming she didn't want to marry anybody for years yet. Ashley was crestfallen and Maxine reckoned she had better leave.

Later the two would be married men reflected on their respective defeats, Fred of course took the opportunity to do a complete about turn with his opinion on marriage. In his new revised opinion Ashley had been a complete fool to ask Maxine to be his wife and he would be lucky if he ever saw her again now.

Meanwhile the night ended with Jim performing his "he's not the man for you" speech. He rambled on explaining why Fiona was rushing headlong into marriage with Alan. Apparently in Jim's exalted opinion Fiona's actions could be described as some form of "rebound" from him. Nonetheless Fiona wasn't deterred (she never is, this is getting like Groundhog Day with the same scene repeating over and over....) and the marriage to Alan would still be on.

Monday 4 August 1997
Jim's obsession with Fiona was starting to eat into other areas of his life, the day began with him deciding to take the day off work much to Steve's annoyance. What irked Steve was the fact that they now had some big money on the horizon and it was all about to be made rocky by Jim's behaviour.

Jim eventually decided to go to work though and apologised for his behaviour to both Bill and Steve. In fact as they started work on the site Jim and Bill both set Steve up for a date with a young woman dealing with the paperwork for the contract. It looks like she will become Steve's latest interest on the love scene. She arranged to meet him in the Rovers Return after work.

Fiona was on cloud nine because it looked like her wedding was being rescheduled yet again. This time the magic date was November and she celebrated by snogging Alan in the salon while Maureen waited to have her hair done.

Ashley was tending his hurt pride by blanking his young lady Maxine, she was trying to grab his attention outside the butcher's shop window. However Ashley was rudely trying to avoid her gaze and was not getting involved in any conversation with her. This came as a result of one of Uncle Fred's miserable anti-pep talks. You know the sort waffling on about how miserable being single is when you are old fat and bald etc.

Gail was in the cafe showing her photographs of Paris to Roy, the city of love had been everything she had dreamed it would be and she had loved the chance to escape the humdrum for a few days and was very grateful to Roy. The only sour face through this matter was Audrey who complained about the facial cream she had been bought from Duty Free (remember it was bought from Honest John folks).

Sally bared her teeth to Natalie in a mini showdown in the garage, she came looking for Kevin to hand over her list of monetary needs only to find her successor in the office. Natalie tried to be civil but Sally's new found temper gave her the power to be snappy to her adversary.

When Kevin received the list his knee jerk reaction was to scream 'No!" to Sally's demands. He worked out that the Sally would bleed him dry with her needs and it was an unworkable situation. Natalie however convinced Kevin they could live off her money and he needn't worry about the consequences of handing over his wages to Sally. When Kevin went and explained this later on that day you could almost see a thaw beginning in their recently confrontational relationship. Mark my words these two still have feelings for each other.

The afternoon saw a frustrated Fred revealing his plans of marriage to Maureen outside the corner shop. He explained he would not give up on trying to win her heart and hand in marriage. This of course set Maud on the warpath just for a change. Long suffering Maureen of course would have to suffer the whining of her mother as she deliberated the merits of being stuffed in an old peoples home.

Ashley meanwhile kissed and made up with Maxine outside the salon, she explained marriage and kids were not for her yet. However having fun was definitely on the agenda and she wanted to have fun with Ashley.

In the Rovers the McDonald's were drinking with Jim buying the rounds, the lady who wanted to speak to Steve turned up looking to conclude business with him on the understanding he was the boss (a wind up perpetuated by Bill and Jim). Steve was distinctly cool until Fiona and Alan walked in, he then turned up the heat and tried desperately to impress his ex and her copper boyfriend by buying champagne.

Alan tried to make friendly with Jim but received nothing less than an earful of abuse. Alan tried to explain his grievance was with Steve and offered to buy the man a drink. However at this point Jim's jealousy boiled over. He slammed his drink down and got ready to walk out of the pub. When Alan asked what the problem was he pointed at Fiona and reckoned she was the one who should explain "the problem".

This left Fiona stood shell shocked, gob open (nothing new there ) and with Alan about to turn and ask for some answers.......

Wednesday 6 August 1997
Des started the day with some heavy preparation for his hot date with Sam tonight. Angie of course was doing the decent thing and was going to keep herself scarce for the evening to let Des work his magic with the latest in his long line of female conquests.

The day wasn't beginning any easier for Kevin as he found himself trying to run a garage with his two young daughters underfoot. The problem was caused by Sally's baby sitter crying off due to illness leaving Sally in the lurch. Her motto was Kevin wanted access, well the guy gone and got it.

At the factory Janice Battersby was pitching in her daughter Leanne's corner in the hopes of finding her employment in the factory. The only prospect was as a cleaner and Angie was all up for that. Mike however drove a harder bargain and only took her on when he had knocked the wages she would be earning right down to the bone.

Jim seemed to have calmed down over the Fiona/Alan incident in the pub since last night. Whilst he was working with Steve he apologised for the scene he had caused and reckoned he might be better off going to apologise to the woman of his mad obsession. My skin crawled at the prospect of another pointless scene at that particular moment. Thankfully these days Steve has distractions in the form of the lady he had taken out the other night, another date appeared to be on the cards.

Kevin needed someone to offload the children on while he completed umpteen important jobs in the garage. Luckily for him Natalie was up for playing Auntie and offered to take the kids out to the park for the afternoon while Kevin got his work finished.

Toyah got herself in hot water for entertaining a couple of boys in the Battersby household while Janice and Les were out. The drink was flowing and the boys appeared to be getting too sure of themselves. Luckily Janice came home briefly and turfed them out on to the street and sent Toyah upstairs to sleep the booze off.

Leanne received a roasting for letting the boys into the house in the first place. She pleaded innocent claiming she was upstairs washing her hair. Janice didn't cut her any slack though and told her to grab an early night so she would be fresh as a daisy for her new job at Baldwin's in the morning.

Janice then went out to meet Les in town leaving Leanne in the house and in charge. Unfortunately the two boys came back and began scrounging for beer. When Leanne didn't play things their way things became heated and the boys forced their way into the house. Leanne screamed at the boys to get out which alerted Sam next door.

She quickly charged round to the Battersby house and slamming her way through the back door laid into the boys. The first ran off down the street clutching his face with a significant amount of blood running down it. It looked like Sam had hit him with a piece of piping she had picked up on her way in. The second boy was pinned up against the wall with Sam seething at him in a most threatening manner. She appeared to have taken on the rage of Jim McDonald and Leanne almost had to prise her off the boy so he could escape.

What was disappointing to Sam was the fact that Leanne didn't seem to take what had happened to her with any serious attitude at all. She almost laughed it off and was more concerned about her top being ripped rather than the consequences of coming to harm herself.

A distraught Sam went home clearly shocked by what she had seen and as she stood alone in the house she ran to the kitchen sink to be violently ill. Of course Des was waiting for her to come round to his place unaware of what had gone on in the last half an hour.

Sally came to pick the girls up only to discover that they had spent the day in the care of her arch nemesis Natalie. She exploded in anger demanding to know how Kevin could do such a thing. He pleaded innocence claiming he had no other option while Natalie kept a respectful silence throughout. Sally stormed off claiming Natalie was now trying to steal her children from her.

Alan once again tried to bury the hatchet with Jim only to be faced with more hostility from the fiery Irishman. He told Alan to back off and not speak to him and if Alan wanted to get to the root of the problem between them then he ought to ask Fiona. Once again another turn of the knife from bitter Jim McDonald. How soon before Alan starts asking more questions and the entire situation gets blown sky high ?

Des went to see Sam and could instantly see something was wrong, she explained her rage at what had happened today and explained the reason behind such anger from her. Here we found out the truth behind some of Sam's mystery past. It transpired that she was something of a child tennis prodigy who was doing so well her father called in a pro to coach for the county finals.

The coach unfortunately was something of a pervert it would seem who used his position to abuse his young charge. He started out touching Sam in ways that didn't seem comfortable to her and after a while this eventually graduated to full blown rape. Sam was so terrified she felt she could never say anything about what had happened. In essence all her feelings were bottled up and this was why she reacted like she did today. Des listened in what seemed like genuine sympathy and at that moment it seemed she would not just be another notch on the bedpost but someone he would care for genuinely....

Friday 8 August 1997
Leanne's first day at work had arrived and she grudgingly prepared to start at Underworld. A job doing cleaning hadn't exactly been high on her list of priorities but then again it looked doubtful that working at all in any given field would appeal to her.

Anyway she went across to start her job wielding her attitude in front of her like a sabre. It wasn't long before her mother Janice was the only thing keeping her from the dole queue once again as Leanne showed high levels of incompetence in her new job.

Meanwhile Les was hardly keeping the lowest profile on the Street either as he pulled up outside his house in what could only be described as the shell of a Lada Estate car. The vehicle looked like a mix and match of cars with each and every panel varying in colour and most of them showing signs of damage and rust.

Needless to say this was an eyesore to the residents and Judy was the first to raise her voice in protest about the offending vehicle. It fell on deaf ears with Les though who just kept on doing what he was doing and to be damned with the consequences.

Sam was irritable that morning, a somewhat jealous Curly Watts was quizzing her on the previous night spent with Des and was asking her if anything had happened between them. This only served to annoy Sam who had in fact spent the night talking to Des explaining her checkered history to him.

As Sam got the third degree and got annoyed so did Des, he was getting it in the neck from Angie who as ever was out to get all the gory details. Obviously life was a bit dull now Chris was away for a week or so at his mothers house.

Mavis was sombre tonight as well because it was Derek's birthday, a day she would have spent in preparation with a nice meal on the table for when he got home and the like. She found sympathy from Gail who had lost her husband Brian years ago but no sympathy from Audrey who for some reason tonight seemed to take a fancy to Les Battersby. Obviously she was up for a bit of rough then.

Across the bar Sam was very much the antisocial towards Des, it was like she regretted telling him her secrets and now she wanted to forget she had ever let them loose. However Des wasn't prepared to let the subject go and kept pushing her not to deny the hurt she had been bottling up for so many years about being raped.

Tension was mounting between Judy and Zoe, the baby was due soon and Zoe was not being the most considerate person regarding it's future. Judy had to put her foot and to her credit did so tonight. She reckoned Zoe had to leave as soon as the baby was born and she was in fit enough condition. The reason being so that the baby could bond with it's mother who in this case would be Judy Mallett. Zoe continued to put on her tough as nails act for Judy's benefit but I could swear I saw a chink in her armour when all this news came out.

Jim confided in Bill over a drinking session at home about his recent behaviour. He explained his circumstances and how he had fallen for a woman and gave out the entire sorry story about Fiona without mentioning her by name. Bill reckoned Jim should forget this mystery woman and get on with his life but Jim flatly reckoned that was impossible.

Sam came to see Des to round of his evening by apologising for her behaviour and being so snappy towards him earlier that day. They sat down and talked some more and Des got to hear more of Sam's past including her famous two day marriage. She explained how she had not seen her family for close on four years. Des reckoned she would be best going to see them and explain everything that had gone on in her life which she had kept secret from them including the rape. Des even explained that he would go with her to help her in an hour of need.

Sunday 10 August 1997
Starting with Les Battersby mourning his misfortunes of buying a pile of rubbish for a car, Kevin Webster was the man to tell him that the vehicle he was attempting to resurrect was in fact a dead loss and would need £500 spending on it to bring it up to MOT standards. Les of course didnít like hearing the truth and told Kevin that he didnít no what he was talking about.

Sam was having second thoughts about going to see her parents and break the four year absence that had occurred between them. This wasnít what Des wanted to hear and he told Sam that he thought if she put the event off today then she would do it again and again. Curly kept butting in as well trying to play the well meaning Sir Galahad to Samís ìdamsel in distressî. However it wasnít appreciated mainly because Curly had not real idea of what was going on between her and Des.

Tensions mounted in the Mallett household and it was clear that Zoe was the cause, Judy was desperate to get her out of the way as soon as the baby was born. However Zoe didnít seem too happy about this and mentioned it deliberately in front of Gary over the dinner table. The once cold hearted Gary seemed to side with Zoe on the issue and didnít think kicking her out so soon after the baby was born would be fair.

It was only when Zoe was out of the house and off somewhere else did Judy explain her reasons for wanting Zoe off the scene. Her worries were all related to the unborn child Zoe was carrying on their behalf. She feared that Zoe might have a change of heart and want to take the baby away after it was born which was something she couldnít take happening. However Gary explained she would have to be around for at least a month or so to keep the health visitor happy. If she was gone before that time then suspicions would be aroused and they might lose the child to the authorities anyway.

Fiona overacted her way round a bridal shop tonight looking for a dress, Maxine wasnít the best company because she was looking at dresses that would have put a Royal wedding to shame. Eventually after much deliberation (mainly on Maxineís part) a simply white affair was found and it looked like everyone would be happy.

Steve was slipping back into his old lying ways tonight with his new girlfriend Rachel, his motive for going out with her were not purely romantic. He was pitching for more business for the family building firm on the side. When Rachel asked why Steve was not living in a more swanky residence he explained that his ex wife Vicky had cleaned him out of all his finances. He also explained he was effectively looking after his father who had ìa bit of a drink problemî. I have to give credit where itís due he carried it all of quite comically complete with the wide eyed innocent look.

Sam had a change of heart and decided to confront her parents after all, she plucked up courage in the Rovers with a drink and then collared Des to give her a lift to their old house. On the way however Sam decided a detour was in order. She wanted to stop off at the house of her old tennis coach and the man who raped her Ian Phillips. Des advised against it but Sam was insistent about seeing him so Des pulled over and let her get out to face some of her personal demons.

She would be disappointed however , Sam discovered that Ian Phillips was in fact dead and his family had moved away about a year ago. Sam would never get the chance to speak to the man who raped her but as Des said at least she had been ready to face him. The journey continued and Sam went to see her family. After she had been indoors with them for a while she came out and told Des he might as well go home because she was going to be talking to them for a while. Judging by the tone of the conversation Des was worried that now she was home and settling things with family she might not return to the Street.

Monday 11 August 1997
Stormy waters ahead especially for the Mallett family in tonight's episode, Gary's doubts about Zoe's baby came to a head as he reckoned calling the entire plan to a screeching halt would be the best bet. Zoe unfortunately overheard what the Mallett's were saying about her and as a result stormed off in anger claiming the whole deal between them was now off. Judy was heartbroken while Gary was evidently glad the situation had been resolved.

Des was chivalrous in coming to the rescue of Sam and covering for her while she spent a few days with her mother and father filling in the gaps of the last four years. He told a distrusting Curly that she was looking after her mother who had been taken ill.

Leanne was trying to portray herself as a one woman Spice Girls as she spent the morning doing minimal work whilst strutting round the office singing their hits. This backfired when Mike walked in with a buyer while she was parading round in some articles of Underworld clothing. This ended up causing some friction between Mike and Angie over how to deal with disrespectful employees.

Steve was out to cause jealousy and I think he succeeded to an extent by parading off his new girlfriend Rachel. He introduced her to Fiona and Maxine and the potential for a bit of verbal sparring was introduced as the women picked spots off their respective careers.

Kevin faced up to problems with the two women in his life tonight as Natalie complained she wanted more involvement in some sections of his life namely his daughters. Kevin was hesitant because he was wanting to keep a calm scenario in these times of stress in his life.

With Natalie eventually sorted Kevin took his girls to the swimming baths and upon returning the girls asked him to stay for tea. Kevin was persuaded when Sally told him there was enough to go round. After the meal there was a mixture of awkward silences and longing looks from the estranged couple as Kevin asked what had gone wrong between them for the marriage to fall apart like it had.

Judy had spent the day off work in tears mourning her loss of Zoe and the child. Gary had tried to console her by convincing her that they could go through the appropriate channels to adopt a child. However before they could take these plans on board Zoe returned saying the deal was back on but only if half of the adoption money was paid up front.

Wednesday 13 August 1997
A time of reflection for Jack and Vera as their Ruby wedding anniversary loomed ahead of them in the next week or so. Jack was trying to forget where the last 40 years had vanished to while Vera complimented herself on being able to stay married to Jack for such a long time. Vera of course was keen on a big celebration to mark the occasion. Skin flint Jack was keen to work in the opposite direction though.

Judy and Gary and Zoe seemed to be working thief problems out, Gary wisely wouldn't budge on his refusal to hand over half the "adoption" money up front. Instead he promised to make Zoe's life a little more comfortable up to the birth and told Judy to buy her some new clothes in town that day. However she had to promise she would not drink or abuse her body during the pregnancy.

Leanne was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard in the factory today, her skills as a cleaner were neglible and when she was asked to clean the toilets she simply sat down and had a cigarette or five. As a result she set off the smoke alarm and the factory was evacuated. Mike was relieved to find that the factory was intact but insisted that Leanne be sacked. Angie for once was in agreement and set about sacking her, however Leanne walked out before she got the chance.

The thugs who had attacked Leanne a week or so earlier were back in the Street and looking to rob the Corner Shop. They went in early to case the shop and see what resistance they would have. Maud was serving and thus the shop would be easy pickings for them. They would get a car and return later to clean the shop out of fags and booze.

Natalie wanted to meet some of Kevin's friends so Kevin invited Martin round to their place that Friday for a meal. Martin agreed to go but Gail being a friend of Sally's wouldn't set foot within the doors of Natalie's house.

Later that day the thugs returned to the corner shop, they had been in Roy and Gail's cafe and had sketched a map of their planned robbery on a table in the cafe itself. They then pulled up at the shop and set about simply ransacking the shop. They pulled Maud out of the wheelchair and used it to barrow stuff into the boot of their stolen car. Maureen all this time was on a break in the Rovers and had been convinced by Des to stay for 'just one more'. When she returned to the shop she just saw the thugs leaving at speed with Martin coming across the road to help a stricken Maud who was lying face down in the shop.

Friday 15 August 1997
Starting at the shop with Martin tending to a dazed and confused Maud Grimes who had been left sprawled across the floor in the shop following her attack by the vicious thugs. Martin raised her up (shouldn't he have been more careful about moving her trained nurse and all that) and noted she had received a cut to the head but seemed lucid.

Maureen of course was wracked with guilt and confided her feelings to Fred who was as ever her shoulder to cry on in such times of need. He sat and listened and occasionally mouthed suggestions such as putting Maud in a home. As it happens Maud wasn't off the scene for very long because she was in the shop again the next day. Essentially she wanted to be back in the swing of things rather than be home and alone.

Steve queried why Jim hadn't been invited to the wedding of Fiona and Alan, of course Steve didn't know the full history between his dad and his ex so it didn't quite click why he should be omitted from the guest list. Steve talked to Fiona about this and it led to Fiona paying Jim a visit and giving him an invitation for appearances sake only.

Leanne's sacking had repercussions for Angie tonight, Les of course sat at home on his backside like the north's answer to Homer Simpson seeing injustices in his daughter's sacking where there was in fact none at all. He let this stew in that peanut of a mind of his till dinner time when he collared Angie in the Rovers and began getting very abusive towards her as he talked about how upset his daughter was about losing the job. That in itself was a lie of course Leanne couldn't care less she was out of work.

In turn Angie went back to work and tore strips of Janice in front of a surprised Mike Baldwin. She explained the grief she had just been given by Les and she concluded that if it happened again she would be out of work. Mike was impressed by the fact that Angie had bared her teeth and judging from what had happened any soft streak she had possessed in business was now gone.

Jack had to explain to Vera that they didn't have the money for a big posh bash to celebrate their Ruby wedding anniversary. Vera took it surprisingly well although she was clearly upset. Alec added insult to injury by insisting Jack couldn't use the pub for free on the night of the celebration as he had to keep the books in order.

Sam came home from her parent's house to see Des, she announced she was sticking around in the Street rather than running back to them. It had obviously been a tough few days explaining all that had happened to her and the fact that she had been raped by her old tennis coach. They would need a chance to let all this settle into their heads and Sam would obviously need to readjust her perspective a little now she had family again. I don't think there is going to be much romance on the horizon for Des and Sam in the immediate future judging by the somewhat cool reception she had for him tonight. I didn't explain her to leap into his arms and snog him silly or anything but she seemed especially distant towards him.

Martin and Gail went to Natalie and Kevin's place for dinner, the atmosphere was colder than the Antarctic. Gail and Martin bitched and argued and Natalie could see they didn't really want to be there. When things calmed down a bit Kevin and Martin went into another room to have a natter while Natalie confronted Gail and the home truths came out.

Natalie knew Gail had no good feelings for her and told her as much, Gail recounted how her first husband Brian had run off with someone and how that had hurt her so badly. She also remembered how he eventually came back to her and issued that almost like a veiled warning. Needless to say the night was a disaster and Natalie acknowledged that as she went to bed upset.

While this all went on poor lonely Sally sat at home with a bottle of wine and no company as the kids were in bed. She sneaked across to Gail's and spoke to Audrey who explained without any tact whatsoever where Gail and Martin were tonight. Sally returned home fighting back tears from this apparent betrayal by her friend, if only she knew Gail had been standing he corner.

Sunday 17 August 1997
Starting off early at Gail's house with Audrey explaining how she had been "forced" to tell Sally how her best friends had been over at her arch enemy Natalie's house. Gail knew this would have ramifications on her friendship with Sally but quite how deep it would run would be hard to tell.

Vera was disgusted to find that Alec was insisting they pay for their wedding bash in the Rovers. This little caper of Alec's meant that they were too skint to even buy presents for each other. Actually though that little scenario was one of the few things that made Jack smile through the entire build up to the anniversary fiasco.

Fred had called in the cavalry namely Ashley to help out in Maureen's shop while Maud was in on her own. The boy was a great comfort to old Maud Grimes and his considerate manner in the shop would certainly be winning some new custom. However none of this made Maud's attitude towards Fred thaw at all and she still saw him as a big useless tub of lard.

It was when Ken walked into the shop and the conversation turned to Maud's attackers that things got interesting. Toyah was over by the shelves and listened to Maud describing the boys who had robbed her. She quickly concluded from what she heard that the boys were none other than acquaintances of hers namely Mickey and his friend. She went home with the bright idea that she would turn them into the police and collect whatever reward was going. Leanne advised against it if she valued not getting beaten up as a consequence.

Sam was spending plenty of time with Des and this was driving a frankly jealous Curly and a frankly nosey Angie crazy. Neither could work out Des "Romeo" Barnes's motivations with this new flame of his. Apparently all they ever did was talk which as we know from past viewing is not usually Des's approach to things. Maybe a quick chat before blowing people's lives up but that's about as far as it went.

The truth behind it all was that Sam was very grateful for all the assistance she had received from Des in her recent times of stress. She wasn't promising a relationship with him either but advised him to be patient with her and things might happen given time. Des was happy to run things at her pace without any pressure.

On a final note on Sam as she went to work and walked down the Street the two thugs who had hurt Maud poked their head out from the corner of an alley and Mickey who had been given a bit of a beating from Sam fixed her in his hateful stare, what vengeance could he be planning if any ?

Over at the garage Martin and Kevin were doing a post mortem on the previous night's little dinner party. They ended up agreeing the woman got on about as well as oil and water but being blokes this little matter of slinging the wife and going off with some old slapper wouldn't affect the feasibility of going out for a few beers.

Vera sneaked over to Underworld designs to collar Angie Freeman for a word, she was showing an interest in some of Angie's underwear designs and was looking at an example of the items on offer. This was no doubt sparked by Jack ogling the pictures of Sam at the bar earlier in the day.

Gail put on her best hamster face and came round to try and calm the stormy waters with Sally. She should have known better than bring any high hopes with her though because these cast iron Sally isn't known for her forgiveness. It all ended sourly with both women fighting back tears and Sally claiming she would never have betrayed a trust like Gail had. Gail tried to beg forgiveness but was shown the door for her trouble.

Les's day ended badly as he lounged in the house lecturing Toyah on not going to the police and helping them with their search for Mickey. His attitude changed when he heard the sound of his clapped out Lada being started (after many attempts) and then driven away by Mickey and friend. He was the first person to jump out of his seat and sprint down the Street(his bad back came good) screaming about the injustices wrought on him. Now he knew the culprits it was time to change opinions and call the police.

Monday 18 August 1997
The Battersby clan took something of a centre stage again tonight with the police turning up early doors to ask lay about Les a few questions about his missing Lada. The car had been found but alas not in a drivable condition so he had to go and identify the vehicle.

The discovery of the Lada opened up a whole can of worms as the police officer involved in the case explained to Les it was stolen. Les of course screamed blue murder and insisted he knew nothing of the vehicle's history even though he had bought it off a known 'dodgy geezer'.

Ashley was more or less installed in the corner shop as Maureen's little helper and was on her beck and call every minute of the working day. There was a distinctly terrible piece of action from Ashley though regarding some shopkeeping tradition of treating one's self to an item whenever a sale was made, If you saw the scene you should get the idea.

Back at the station Les was up for a bit of plea bargaining to save his own skin. He was prepared to name name's when it came to the bloke who sold him the dodgy Lada. He also explained how his daughter could identify the two suspects who had stole the car and burgled the shop.

Natalie and Kevin returned home to her house to find a surprise awaiting them within. It was none other than Natalie's husband who had come to drop a little bombshell on them. He explained how he had been keeping Natalie in the lap of luxury more out of guilt than anything else and now Kevin was on the scene his payments towards her would end. This could signal the start of worrying times ahead as both Natalie and Kevin acknowledged this would leave them short of cash.

The police turned up at the cafe to speak to Toyah with Les in tow, she begrudgingly explained who the villains of the piece were and as a result Maud would later go and confirm their identities in a line up parade. As a result of their successful arrest Maud would reward the Battersby family with some free groceries. Les as it happens would find himself getting away with his misdemeanours (no TAX, no MOT, no Insurance)although he had lost out on the car.

Jack found the frillies that Vera was planning to surprise him with on their Ruby Wedding night. All kitted out in shocking red Vera promised to be quiet a site and contrary to normal behaviour he didn't seem ready to run a mile at the prospect.

Martin implored Sally to make peace with a very upset Gail, he explained the night at Natalie's had been his fault and the mood when they were there was very cold indeed. Sally listened to what he had to say and it looked like she might forgive and forget.

Des meanwhile was in for a shock as he hoped to get closer to Sam, in light of everything that had happened she had decided it was time to take charge of her life and start again somewhere else. She would be going down London for a few days to get things in perspective before planning ahead. Des looked devastated at the prospect the one woman he might truly be in love with.

Wednesday 20 August 1997
An episode which was tightly wound around the evening of Jack and Vera's Ruby Wedding celebrations. Starting with couples slowly filtering across into the Rovers to celebrate the host and hostess and their long lived life of almost marital bliss.

Alec meanwhile was planning the night like a military operation, the first drink over the bar for every punter was free and he was there swooping over the pumps and noting every glass of booze sold so he could bill the happy couple the following day.

Vera was in good spirits and delighted in telling all and sundry what she wearing beneath her clothing. Angie's now famous sexy lingerie was Vera's choice and it was a sure thing that even early on in the night she was getting amorous. Jack of course was playing his usual disinterested and looking for a way out of any sexual encounter ploy. Vera of course had seen this all before and wasn't falling for it.

Kevin and Natalie were sat in her house, pondering over their evening ahead. Natalie was going to see her estranged husband to try and get him to resume paying her a monthly cheque to keep her financially afloat. Kevin rather than sit at home like a loose end was going to the Rovers to spend the evening in different company.

The night began to wear on and Alec looked like he might be making a tidy sum out of the entire affair. Jack was still walking around with a pained expression on his face as the thought of what would be happening to him later that night when Vera got her hands on him.

Sally turned up and drank with Martin and Gail while Kevin stood alone until a dejected Natalie turned up. Her efforts to bleed her husband out of some more money had failed and she was fast approaching being financially embarrassed. This situation was inflamed by Sally splashing out on a round with her friends much to Natalie's annoyance.

It soon came time for the toast's to be said and good old dependable Ken was on hand to say a few words with Jack reluctantly following up the occasion with a few jokes and witty asides of his own. He reckoned rather than stay married to Vera for 40 years he would have been better marrying four different women for 10 years.

As the glasses were clinked for the toast it all became too much for Sally who had been stood with a face like a cobblers thumb throughout the proceedings. She fixed Natalie with a frosty stare and asked her loudly how she could stand there celebrating the joy of marriage when she had just destroyed hers. Natalie wasn't caught reeling in this potential verbal battle and rather than let words hurt her simply asked where Kevin would be sleeping tonight. That was a body blow for Sally and fighting back the tears she was consoled by Gail while Natalie and Kevin left.

Slowly but surely the revellers were starting to pour out on to the Street with only the last few stragglers hanging on at the bar. Fred was amongst the last to go and it seemed even he knew of Vera's knickerbox surprise.

Sally invited Gail and Martin back for a coffee and a little chat about tonight's little blow up in the Rovers. Sally and Gail were both curious to know what Kevin found attractive about Natalie and asked Martin. He was bluntly honest and said she was attractive and sexy, luckily the women looked a bit stunned but didn't lynch him.

Back at chez Natalie, the two not so young lovers discussed the future and how impending financial disaster was upon them. Kevin volunteered to move out while looking very hang dog about it all. Natalie of course wouldn't hear of that as an answer and vowed there must be a way out of this mess. I reckon Kevin isn't suited to this relationship at all as he always looks totally miserable.

Des walked Sam home and took the opportunity to ask her why she was going to London. She replied by saying she was more or less sorted out in her head and thus wanted to make a new start in a new place. Maybe even get into a fresh relationship with someone. This was a proper kick in a sensitive area for Des who had been pinning his hopes on possible real love with Sam only to be dismissed like someone who didn't exist.

In the Rovers, Alec was gone the pub was empty and in Weatherfield no one could hear Jack scream. As he drained his glass of whisky Vera came prowling dressed in silk nightie and with ideas full of promise all aimed at Jack. She recounted tales of how she used to run upstairs shedding clothing madly for him to pick up and follow her with. The memory made Jack wince but not as much as when Vera gave him a flash of shoulder and a quick show of the fancy undies she had invested in.

With a cheeky giggle she was off upstairs and Jack was obliged to follow looking very much like a man going to the gallows.....

Friday 22 August 1997
The morning after the night before and a frazzled Jack looked like he had been pulled through a hedge backwards by his lusty wife Vera. As it happened he did recover fairly quickly only to have a bombshell dropped on him by Alec Gilroy who handed him a £175 bar bill for the free drinks the night before.

Meanwhile Kevin and Natalie still had money worries and Kevin didn't seem to be taking too much action towards helping alleviate them. This led to Natalie taking some action of her own that very morning. She paid an irate Sally a visit in an effort to explain the situation. Natalie told Sally that her and Kevin's financial situation was dire and if he went under which looked likely then not only would she and Kevin suffer but everyone including the kids would lose out as a result.

Sally couldn't care less about Natalie's predicament and told her to get out of the house. She left but not before Sophie crept outside upset by all the commotion in the house. She went looking for Daddy at the garage and instead found Chris who being the general good sort he was took her back home to safety.

Sally was very grateful and was so relieved the daughter she didn't even realise was missing had turned up safe and sound she burst into tears. Chris consoled her with a hug and stayed with her until the situation had calmed down. They then sat and talked about Kevin and Chris explained how he thought his boss regretted his actions.

In the Rovers there was a game of cat and mouse going on between Jack and Alec with Jack being the ultimate loser in the battle from my view. To his credit he managed to whittle Alec's exorbitant bar bill down to £90 but he lost out to Alec's suggestions for revamping the pub. Alec's first suggestion was a juke box to bring in the younger fraternity and spice the place up a little. Jack was against the idea but when Alec coupled it with the idea of bringing in some pretty young barmaids he began to see things differently. This was all of course a knee jerk reaction to Sam's departure which Alec carefully sprang on Jack.

Alec's idea was for him and Jack to man the pumps while shoving Vera backstage doing the food with Betty. Also in the bar would be a couple or three bright young things to appeal to the youngsters. Of course this appealed to Jack's supposedly dormant lecherous nature. All he had to do was convince Vera it was a good thing.

A heartbroken Des meanwhile was preparing to give Sam a farewell meal that Sunday. He wanted a quite affair but she unwittingly wanted to invite a load of friends round to see her off. Sam still didn't realise the depths of his feelings for her.

Meanwhile over at Natalie's there was a row going on between Kevin and Natalie. He was angered by her going behind his back and trying to interfere with his family matters. She was upset that he was doing nothing to alleviate the cashflow crisis that was impending for them. Either way something had to give as the money ran out and mortage payments were due on Wednesday.

Sunday 24 August 1997
Tonight dealt with skullduggery in the Rovers Return courtesy of Alec Gilroy ably assisted by his unwitting partner in crime Jack Duckworth. Starting with Vera getting all hot and bothered about the planned changes in the pub that were being implemented in her absence.

Vera thus called a board meeting to order and decided to iron out any misgivings about what was intended. Alec spoke up and explained how he wanted to broaden the age range of drinkers in the Rovers Return. He would achieve this by attaining two goals. Firstly the prompt installation of a juke box which would entertain the younger end of the market. Secondly the recruitment of some younger and more aesthetically pleasing bar staff. Vera was in full agreement with both points but thought that Alec meant get rid of just Betty from behind the bar rather than her as well. A complex web was a weaving....

Meanwhile the day started for Kevin with Natalie showing him a solicitor's letter from her husband Nick. He was now asking for a divorce siting Kevin's involvement with his estranged wife as grounds for the split. Natalie explained how he would now want to slice of a half share of everything for himself which would take them even further into monetary difficulty than they already were. Once again Natalie told Kevin to pull his finger out and tell Sally to brace herself for a big drop in income as it was her financial needs which were crippling them.

Maureen was having a hard time in the shop, it was all starting to get on top of her with the physical hardship she was going through now Ashley was no longer around as well as the long hours and possibly the endless wittering of Percy Sugden and her mother. Maureen decided it was time to call it a day and sell the business.

Meanwhile in the Rovers, Vera decided to tell Betty she was effectively being pensioned off by Alec. Betty with her nose put truly out of joint decided to have it out with Alec and discuss the matter further. She stormed into the back to catch Alec working on the books and asked him what he thought he was playing at intending to recruit "the Spice Girls" to work behind the bar.

Alec ever the coward had to think fast and explained he was not actually getting rid of Betty but merely adjusting her role at the Rovers. As part of his new master plan Alec would be expanding the culinary range of the Rover's kitchen and Betty would be ruling the roost in that department. Betty of course acted unimpressed but it looked pretty clear that Alec had done a good job of buttering her up anyway.

Kevin finally got round to seeing Sally, he spent some time with his kids before trying to plead poverty to his estranged wife. This went down like a lead balloon and Sally got angry at his attempts to cut her support money. She screamed at Kevin to leave the house and not to come back. A very sheepish Kevin was left to skulk out of the door and return to the nagging tongue of Natalie.

Betty came over all smug to Vera explaining how she was now the Queen of The Rover's Return kitchen. Vera of course was non plussed about what was going on so it was her turn to speak to Alec. In turn he tried to convince Vera she would soon be lady of leisure when bar duties were taken over and Betty was running the kitchen. Vera twigged that she was being put out to pasture and kicked against the idea. She angrily told Alec she would only leave the bar feet first.

Fred meanwhile was being used as a sounding board for Maureen's plans to sell the shop. He agreed with her idea to get out while the going was good but showed concern over how she would support herself after the income was cut after the sale. Fred came up with the solution of marriage and effectively merging the two businesses together. Maureen was unsure as usual and explained she couldn't love Fred like he might want her to. Lonely old Fred explained he would take whatever love she could give and in whatever form although it seemed clear from Maureen's tone that physical affection would be out of the question for the time being. Maureen mulled over the proposal for a while and then said "Yes!"

It was Sam's leaving party at Des's house and after what appeared to have been a very cordial evening in the company of Curly and Chris and Angie they were finally alone. Both confessed they cared a lot for each other and kissed. Sam backed off though which was fine with Des but as she left the house he implored her to stay in Weatherfield. She simply smiled and left....

Meanwhile Natalie ended the night by nagging Kevin about how weak he was for not standing up to his wife. Kevin admitted he wasn't strong enough to cut his families income and this merely made Natalie worse. Finally Kevin snapped and walked out of the house with his new relationship looking decidedly in tatters.

Monday 25 August 1997
An excellent little episode starting with more back room shenanigans at the Rovers. Alec was still striving to create his perfect pub with Vera well and truly out of the picture and doing the cooking in the kitchen. Vera of course was still standing firm and refusing to buckle under the pressure he was exerting. Even with Jack on Alec's side Vera was still against fading into the background and disappearing.

Meanwhile Kevin had spent the night at the garage following his split from Natalie. He knew now he had made the worst move of his life in leaving his wife and family and confided in Chris what a fool he had been over Natalie. Speaking of which Natalie soon came along in an effort to talk to Kevin and win him back but he stood firm and refused to go to her.

Maureen was in more of a tizzy than usual with her head turned by events of the last day or so. Her proposal of marriage from Fred had left her with no choice but to break the news to Maud but the question was how and when. She tried to break the news that morning but couldn't force the words out and kept conveniently changing the subject whenever Maud got suspicious of her daughter's odd behaviour.

In the end though the news would be broken for her while she was on her dinner break and Ashley was working as relief in the shop. He took gleeful delight in explaining about the proposal leaving Maud in a state akin to complete shock.

While Maureen was in a spin earlier that morning she had sold a bottle of Vodka to the heavily pregnant Zoe. She had then toddled off to sit in the yard of her makeshift home from home with Leanne Battersby drinking rather large glasses of Vodka and smoking as many cigarettes as she possibly could in the space of one afternoon. There was the usual round of girl talk to be had before a tipsy Zoe came clean about the selling of her unborn child to Judy and Gary.

Des was using the bank holiday to prop up the bar at the Rovers and thanks to Angie's advice trying to talk Sam into staying in Weatherfield and call of her London plans. Sam was showing signs of resistance despite the undeniable attraction she felt towards Des. However not to be put off easily Des persisted.

Maureen announced to Fred she hadn't told her mother about the wedding, both of them thinking she was still in the dark drank their drinks and steeled the nerves for the inevitable confrontation in the Corner Shop. They weren't however prepared for Maud sat in her wheelchair wielding a fire extinguisher. Her wrath was vented at the would be happy couple along with a stream of foam which soaked it's primary target Fred from head to foot. She claimed they would be married over her dead body which she thinks is what Fred wants. Ashley of course was hiding in the back with a cheshire cat grin on his face.

A melancholy Kevin with a few hours to himself went to visit Sally, he offered to babysit for a few hours while she and Gail went for a drink in the Rovers. She must have had sixth sense because as she drank with Gail she predicted that he had rowed with Natalie and had gone off in a sulk. She was shocked to hear though that they had split up which Kevin announced when she got back. He pitifully tried to wheedle a bed on the sofa in his old marital home but it was no good. Sally showed signs of buckling but held firm and told him he would have to find somewhere else to stay.

Des's persistent behaviour paid off and he got what he wanted, Sam agreed to stay in Weatherfield for the time being so they could give things a go. This worked double in her favour as she got a £1.50 per hour raise on her wages thanks to Alec's desperation to keep "attractive staff". Sam then informed Judy that she should ask for a raise as well as she had just been given one.

No sooner had that little matter been cleared up than Toyah came bursting into the Rovers. Zoe had gone into labour, she had been suffering with pains all day and whether the booze and fags had helped thing along or not the baby looked like it was going to be born anytime soon.

Judy went mad when she saw Zoe had been abusing her body with alcohol and cigarettes. However she calmed down enough to take control of the situation and get Toyah to ring an ambulance....

Wednesday 27 August 1997
Signs of a definite thaw in hostilities between Kevin and Sally, he was for his part trying to play the dutiful husband and win her back again or so it seemed. As he left their house to take the children to their child minder Natalie looked on from her car and got the wrong end of the stick believing that Kevin had run back to his wife.

Meanwhile in the hospital Zoe was still in labour but the going was slow and the baby was showing no signs of being moved this side of a stick of dynamite. Unfortunately this was leading to panic in Zoe and Judy both while Gary remained surprisingly calm around the scene.

Alec decided it was time to throw Vera into the fray with her culinary skills. He had been sampling the delights of various other establishments in the name of market research so he could build a suitable menu for the Rovers. Today's first experiment for Vera would a Tex Mex dish of Chilli and Tacos. Vera was hesitant at first but with some gentle persuasion she was soon brought round to Alec's way of thinking.

In the corner shop there was a showdown waiting for Maud Grimes of all people. She had been bad mouthing poor Fred Elliot all morning claiming he only wanted her daughter for her assets. Fred heard of this from Ashley and stormed into the shop to defend himself. With a voice as loud as thunder he proclaimed his intentions as honourable and stated that no matter what she might think Maud would not be going into an old peoples home. It has to be said it made a refreshing change to see Maud with her head bowed in defeat as Fred talked her into submission.

Des seemed to be gradually melting the ice maiden Sam, the two of them spent the best part of the episode kissing but doing nothing else of course. I didn't like this storyline it was *soooo* forced with Sam and Des spelling out her problem with sex every verse end. They should try telling us something we don't know.

Meanwhile in the hospital Zoe finally gave birth, suddenly after all the waiting she was now the mother of a baby girl. There appeared to be no turnaround in her maternal feelings however Judy couldn't keep away and was fawning over the baby almost all the time. Gary too despite his initial reservations was clearly as pleased as punch about being a father.

Kevin's resolution was tested tonight in the cafe, he had vowed his relationship with Natalie was over yet when she followed him into the cafe at dinner time begging forgiveness the idiot rolled over like a dog and was at her beck and call again. Unfortunately in the presence of Gail who is to all intents and purposes Sally's eyes and ears in Kevin related matters.

Vera's chilli was put to the test by Curly who paid the price for being a guinea pig by forfeiting the roof of his mouth thanks to Vera's potent mixture. The chilli was strong enough to strip walls but nonetheless it could still be stomached by Les Battersby who was up for any food that seemed cheap even if it was industrial strength.

Back home in their house in Coronation Street, Judy reckoned Gary should officially pretend to be the baby's father to cover their little adoption secret. He looked a little uncomfortable with the idea in all honesty but these days Judy always seems to get her own way.

Sally meanwhile ended the day speaking to Gail saying she was thinking of having Kevin back in the house. They had all suffered enough in her eyes and his return would be welcome by the girls. However after what Gail had seen in the cafe at lunch time.....

Friday 29 August 1997
The Mallett baby saga continued with Judy pushing Gary to put his name on the birth certificate as the father of the child. He would do this to cement his legal rights as the child's "father". Initially though Gary had reservations about doing this because of the legal standpoint involved in such an action. He even started showing signs of backing out again much to Judy's upset.

Kevin and Natalie were all hug, hug and kiss kiss tonight following thief reconciliation. Sally meanwhile was unaware of how things had turned out and was still intent on winning her man back. She confided in a cautious Gail about her intentions and was duly warned from her best friend it might not all be as cut and dried as she thought.

In the Rovers, Alec had got some paperwork regarding some cookery course for Vera. Of course this was all very hush hush as to keep Betty in the dark about her not so good looking future in the Rovers. Vera wasn't overjoyed about going and doing the courses and thought Betty would be the person for the job more so than herself.

The Malletts visited Zoe and the baby, they showed concern over Zoe who was putting on a hard as nails act for thief behalf. Underneath though i'm sure she was starting to have second thoughts about her decision.

Natalie finally got off her backside and went to look for a job, she didn't have to look far as she discovered one at the Rovers thanks to Chris. She spoke to Alec about the bar work and before long soon found herself gainfully employed part time at Weatherfield's most famous pub.

Kevin meanwhile was summoned by Sally back to thief old marital home, there Sally had something to say to him. She sat down and told a shell shocked Kevin she wanted him back. She even went as far as to suggest that the breakdown of the marriage was as much her fault as anybodies. Kevin looked dumbstruck but when he spoke it wasn't what Sally wanted to hear.

Kevin explained he was in love with Natalie now and they were the ones who had a future together. Sally was heartbroken to discover this and in conversation with Gail later continued to drag herself over the coals blaming herself totally for the death of her marriage. In fact not to put to fine a point on the matter she totally humiliated herself in front of him literally begging him to come back. A complete and in my opinion unrealistic role reversal.

Fred and Maureen announced thief wedding in the Rovers that lunchtime with only Maud being unpleasant marring the event. The happy couple were toasted and the drinks were all on Fred making Alec's eyes almost turn into pound signs.

The night more or less ended with Gary finally agreeing to sign the papers as the baby's father. He had decided that they should now be a proper family and he was prepared to take any steps necessary to ensure that happened. Although I reckon the more this goes on the dodgier it gets.

Sunday 31 August 1997
After something of an absence from the Street of late we saw the return of Dreary's boyfriend John away on one of his flights or should that be flights of fancy. He returned with tales of how he had been diverted through Libyan airspace and delayed here there and everywhere which explained why he hadn't called.

Dreary ended up nipping off to the corner shop to buy some food for the breakfast table leaving John to make a phone call to work. He explained to a colleague how a cash till would be out by so many pounds and pence thanks to an error. Hardly the words or tasks of a globetrotting pilot is it.

As the two of them sat down for breakfast at Dreary's the subject of her moving into his nice house was broached once again. John seemed hesitant when this subject was mentioned which put warning signals into Dreary's head.

Meanwhile Judy and Gary went to collect Zoe from the hospital with the new baby Katy. Judy was over the moon to have her own little treasure coming home with her despite the obvious problems that could be waiting on the horizon.

The Rovers was the scene of some friction as well with Natalie starting her first day on the job as a barmaid. Vera looked on in astonishment as Natalie swanned in before opening hours and walked behind the bar. Alec it would seem had not told Vera about the latest addition to his little recruitment drive in the Rovers and needless to say Vera was not a happy bunny as a result.

The result was a pow wow round the table in the back room as Vera called for Natalie to be kicked out on her ear. She was afraid of the negative effect a known marriage wrecker would have on some of the customers in the pub. Alec scoffed at the suggestion claiming people were a lot more open minded nowadays. Unfortunately he was more or less on his own with this suggestion as Betty was against Natalie as was Sam it would seem. Jack took Alec's side but when Vera is in the room when has his opinion meant anything.

Chris woke early and started preparing a Sunday roast for him and Angie, an attractive idea just for the two of them followed by a nice day out together. It was spoiled when Angie invited Des to join them for the meal which obviously irked Chris who wanted his girlfriend to himself for the day for a change.

Thanks to Alec, Natalie had managed to keep her job just so she could face an opening salvo from the staff as the doors opened and everyone got ready to face the working day. Vera took every opportunity to belittle Natalie with such procedures as working the till and the like. However Natalie wasn't put off by Vera it would seem she was made of stronger stuff.

Zoe came home and the new family tried to adjust and settle in, Zoe was immediately looking for signs of a pay out. However the Malletts dug their heels in and reckoned no payment was due until after the health visitor had been and confirmed everything was O.K and Zoe had left their home for good. I don't think it was going to be that easy though because Zoe appeared to be showing signs of possible maternal instinct although she hid it well under that steely veil of hers.

Des, Angie and Chris enjoyed a delicious Sunday lunch, Angie of course was showing a keen interest in Des's love life or rather lack of it at the moment. In fact as per usual she paid more attention to her old friend than she did her boyfriend which continued to annoy Chris.

In fact he had to sit and feel like something of a gooseberry in the company of Angie while she washed the dishes with Des and the time they were supposed to be together ticked away. Eventually however enough was enough and an angry Chris stormed out. However he was at least followed by Angie....

There was a little show down between Rita and Natalie in the Rovers as one of the inevitable clashes occurred. Alec smoothed the waters almost but Rita still left and took her business to The Flying Horse. This of course prompted much wailing and gnashing of teeth from Vera who was quick to remind everyone she knew this little scenario had been waiting to happen.

Sam called round to see Judy and witnessed an argument between Zoe and the Malletts. From that point onwards Judy and Gary elected to be much more careful about how they were with Zoe to avoid upsetting the apple cart. Hence it was "Yes Zoe, No Zoe, Three Bags Full Zoe" from now on.

Angie and Chris had a talk about their relationship or rather lack of it, he explained how he thought they were falling apart at the seams thanks to her spending all her time with Des. Angie looked worried she had obviously not seen this all coming.

Meanwhile Natalie survived her first day at work and came home victorious but bruised from the verbal pasting she had endured. She explained though how she would return and not give them the satisfaction of beating her down. They would have to sack her to get rid of her from the Rovers Return bar.

After a confessional chat with Liz about the worries she had over her relationship with John she confronted him and asked if he had experienced second thoughts about her moving in. He said not and explained any hesitation on account of wanting to decorate the house for her. He explained how he was looking forward to her presence in his home and as a result she would be in before the next weeken


Back to updates index page		Back to `corrie.net`