“Contains scenes which include violence and distress which some viewers
may find distressing including dangerous activity which should not be
copied.” That’s the warning on this episode on the ITV website, along
with one that warns me to tick the box and confirm that I’m over 18
because it contains material that would normally be broadcast “after the
watershed.” (That’s not the name of another programme but the arbitrary
line drawn at 9pm which separates “adult” material from the rest) That’s
all fine, but this episode screened at 7.30pm on a Friday night . . .

As for the dangerous activity which we mustn’t copy, that’ll be having
anything to do with Terry Duckworth.

We open in the hospital where Tina is on a ventilator machine. As alarms
from the next bed distract the staff, Terry steps in and is about to
pull out some of the lines in Tina’s arm when Tommy appears by his side.
He tells Terry they might be bringing Tina round today. Terry urges him
to go and get the money, otherwise he might find himself in the bed next
to Tina’s. After all, Tommy’s seen what Rick can do. Terry assures him
he’ll get the money.

At Eileen’s, Marcus tries to persuade her to at least go out to lunch.
Otherwise she’ll just be wasting her time off. Paul and Lesley come in
with Lesley in a very good mood, singing away to the radio. Marcus goes
off to work and Paul corners Eileen in the kitchen to ask if she’s OK
and to promise her they’ll go on plenty of holidays. “Do you love me?”
he asks. Of course Eileen does. “Then marry me.” Eileen points out his
wife is in the next room, a living, breathing, singing human being. Paul
insists that he’s Lesley’s carer rather than her husband. He asks Eileen
to watch Lesley for a while so he can go and talk to a solicitor about
his legal position. “I need to know there’s some light at the end of the
tunnel.”

Tommy weeps at Tina’s bedside and urges her to keep fighting.

Terry’s gone to the garage to demand the money directly from Tyrone.
Tyrone points out that he’s on his own and the banks aren’t even open
yet. He shows no fear of Terry and says he’ll go to the bank once
Kevin’s back from his lunch.

Nick and Eva leave the bistro together, discussing the chef’s wholesale
order and see David shouting in the street. Eva comments that he has no
shame and Nick demands to know what she means. She says it’s just that
David was hammered in the Rovers.

In that very pub, Karl and Sunita talk about the flat. Tyrone comes in
and tells Kevin he’s got an appointment and has to go – he’s locked up
the garage.

Jason comes home to find Lesley in a snarly, angry mood, claiming “they”
have hidden something. Eileen tells him about Paul proposing. Jason’s
worried about her rushing into anything.

Anna sees Tommy in the cafe. He’s not hungry but she says that’s fear –
she saw the same before Gary went off to Afghanistan. But even if fear
makes him think he’s not hungry, he won’t be much use to Tina if he
doesn’t get something inside him to help him stay strong. Tyrone comes
in with a package and passes it to Tommy as soon as he can.

Lesley’s even more agitated now. Eileen’s on her own and tries to
restrain Lesley but is whacked in the face. They struggle out into the
hallway and Lesley lashes out again. Eileen instinctively flees out the
front door, her face covered in blood.

[break]

Tommy meets Rita and Dennis as they emerge from a black cab. They’ve
just been to see Tina and are surprised Tommy wasn’t there because the
doctors plan to start bringing Tina back to consciousness. Tommy
commandeers their taxi, heading for Weatherfield General. Terry sees him
and tries to give chase but with no success. Rita comments that wherever
Terry is there’s always trouble. When Terry hears that Tommy’s gone off
to the hospital and Tina’s being brought round, he also races off.
“Don’t try to pretend that you care!” Rita shouts after him.

Eileen’s sitting on Maxine’s bench when Jason finds her. Her nose is
bleeding and there’s damage to the bridge of her nose. He wants to take
her to A&E but she refuses. She does agree to go for a coffee, though.
“I can’t go back there just yet.”

In the pub, David empties his pockets and tries to order a whisky and a
lager. Stella shoos him away. She asks Sunita if she can hold the fort
for a while. Sunita tries to say she has to pick up the kids from school
but Stella persuades her to stay. Sunita says she’ll get Dev to pick
them up.

Eileen’s being fussed over by Anna and Jason. They assure her that
Lesley will be OK for five minutes. While Anna’s getting Eileen a cup of
hot, sweet tea, Eileen tells Jason that Paul’s a good man who’s just got
too much to cope with. She thinks everyone is judging her but says if
Paul was single she’d marry him tomorrow. Jason tells her that if she
wants to get married then she should.

Lesley remembers cheese on toast (probably because she had it for lunch
just now) and goes into the kitchen to prepare some. She picks up a
slice of bread and looks around, confused.

Terry’s at the hospital. He demands the money from Tommy, saying Rick’s
in the carpark and might be after Tina. “Give the money to me and you go
to Tina.” Tommy does. The medical staff are still keeping an eye on Tina.

David’s in the bistro now, emptying his pockets once again and once
again ordering a whisky and a pint. Eva points out that what he thinks
is a Euro is a carwash token. “You haven’t even got a car and it won’t
buy you a pint in here!” David demands a pint and Nick comes over to
order him out of the bistro. David accuses Eva of running crying to her
boyfriend and Nick demands to know what happened. “I want to know what
he did!”

Dev finds Karl skulking by the pillar-box. He thinks Karl’s just trying
to avoid the temptation of the bookmakers at the other end of the
street. Karl asks if Sunita’s picking up the kids and Dev scurries back
into the shop saying, “Don’t tell her I forgot, OK!”

Nick shoves David out of the bistro and tells him he’s banned for life.
“Yeah, well, it’s poncey, overpriced and fake, just like Eva,” sneers
David. Whack! With one very impressively staged punch Nick knocks David
to the ground so hard that he bounces. David sits up spitting blood.

Karl’s in the pub hearing that Sunita couldn’t get away. He offers to
help out and she tells him Stella’s warned that he’s to keep his hands
out of the till. Karl wonders how he might keep his hands occupied.

Tommy’s at Tina’s bedside when she coughs and tries to remove the
breathing tube.

Lesley’s remembered how to make cheese on toast. The bread’s in the
toaster and she’s dropping slices of cheese on top. She suddenly
realises that’s wrong. “No! No! Dirty! Dirty!” she snarls. She picks up
the toaster and puts it in the sink. Oops. Her hair actually stands on
end as the current races through her and she drops to the floor.

Tina’s awake and Tommy assures her she’s safe now. She has nothing to
fear from her attacker because he’s got the money, with Tyrone’s help,
and he’s gone. Tina thinks Tommy will miss “him” – though Tommy can’t
understand why he’d miss a loan shark. Tina puts him right. “It wasn’t
Rick who did this. It was Terry.”

Terry’s packing his stuff as quickly as possible.

Tommy’s racing home as quickly as possible.

Eileen gets home to find Lesley on the floor. It’s clear what’s
happened. She picks up the phone then flings it down and races to the
front door. Marcus is in the street and she calls him in. He takes a
quick look at Lesley and urges Eileen to call for an ambulance as he
starts CPR.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

It’s Friday and as Nick opens the blinds in the hotel room, Kylie wakes
up, mascara smeared across her face, and has a bit of a moan. But she
accepts a cup of coffee, finds out that Nick slept on the hard upright
chair. Nick thinks she should speak to David but Kylie isn’t sure that’s
a good idea. But she agrees to at least talk to David once she’s
collected Max from a friend’s.

Eva, meanwhile, appears to be having bile for breakfast – she’s got a
face like thunder.

Dev’s quite pleased the twins will be away overnight because he and
Sunita can spend some time together. Sunita, however, points out that
she’s going out for a drink with an old school friend, Jody. Dev says
he’ll be fine on his own, then.

Tommy makes sure Tina’s set up for the day with a rug, magazines, lunch
ready for her. She appreciates the attention but tells him to get to work.

Kylie, Max and Nick share a taxi back to the street. Kylie and Max get
out and head for their former home while Nick sorts out the fare.

Inside the house, David’s got a sore head. Gail suggests that if he’s
feeling down (not that she’s saying he is, she says) maybe he should see
a doctor or someone about it. Maybe it would do him good to talk to
someone. And, yes, maybe get some pills. There’s a knock at the door.
David answers it and flings his arms around Kylie.

Eva’s going to work. Stella warns her not to go in all guns blazing,
though she says Nick will have her to answer to if he has been cheating
on Eva. Sean has apparently been summoned by Stella. She tells him she
needs more hotpots and insists he give up his lunch hour to do them.
Sean insists in return that it’s impossible to do a batch of hotpots in
60 minutes.

Karl passes Eva in the street and wishes her luck. She purses her lips
and strides into the bistro. She asks how Nick slept and he says he got
a full eight hours. “Can we talk later – sort things out?” he asks her.

Eileen tells Marcus she’s not heard from Paul and doesn’t expect to.
She’s still determined to move away, though she doesn’t like the idea of
making him and Sean homeless. Julie bounces in, using her “emergency
key,” admires Marcus’s sandwich and says she’s come to see if Eileen is
OK. She also reveals that the growth they removed wasn’t malignant. She
assures them she’s fine and keen to get back to work.

Gail’s keeping an eye on Max while David and Kylie talk. Kylie brushes
off questions about where she was and how she got money to live on. She
tells him how hurt she was that he turned on her. They both agree
they’re sorry, though Gail pipes up and warns David not to take Kylie
back too quickly because there was fault on both sides. That does it and
David decides to take Kylie out to talk, leaving Max with Gail.

Sean’s made 30 hotpots and will now be late back from his lunch. Stella
insists that’s not good enough and he has to make some more. Sean points
out he’s already got a full-time job and his landlady is threatening to
move. “I won’t be bullied.” Stella accuses him of not being
professional, so he quits. “And if you think you’re getting that recipe
you’ve got another think coming!”

At the garage, Kevin’s a bit grumpy but Tyrone defends Tommy, saying
he’s as much a victim of Terry as anyone. Tommy gets a call from Rick,
who says he’s got a job for Tommy and arranges to meet him later.

[break]

David and Kylie go to the bistro, where Nick acts surprised to see
Kylie. Eva just acts nastily, calling Kylie a liability.

Underneath some arches, Tommy meets Rick who tells him a car will be
delivered to the garage later today. “I want you to put this in it,” he
says, handing Tommy a holdall. Tommy looks inside – blocks of cocaine!
Rick says, “you’re a face now, Tommy – one of mine.”

When Nick steps out to the cellar, Eva takes the chance to search his
jacket. She finds his wallet and the hotel bill. She puts on her coat
and leaves immediately.

Marcus and Maria are having a quiet drink when Sean flounces in, weepily
telling them he’s just flounced out of the pub. When Nick hears about
it, he offers Sean a job straight away. He’d like to put hotpot on the
bistro menu, he needs another waiter, there’s a big function on Monday
and Sean will only have to work evenings. See, all sorted. They really
should put the Corrie writers on to sorting out the economy! Sean
accepts the job, if only to see the look on Stella’s face when she finds
out.

In the pub, Julie’s wittering on about weekend outings with Brian until
Eileen interrupts to tell her she’s thinking of moving away. Eva storms
in and shows Stella the hotel bill. She’s determined to prove he was
there with another woman and rings the hotel but the number’s engaged.
“What kind of hotel is engaged?” Stella knows exactly what sort of hotel
this one is – a dodgy one “and you only go there for one thing.”

Sunita has apparently called for a taxi and when Karl turns up they
begin this little charade of a taxi driver asking his fare where she’s
going. It turns out she’s booked the honeymoon suite at a boutique hotel
in Didsbury. “Put your foot down, driver, we’re wasting precious time.”

Eva manages to get through the hotel and makes up a story about leaving
her jacket behind when she stayed in room five with Mr Tilsley last
night. The receptionist checks and there’s no jacket been found. But
then she says Eva wasn’t wearing one when she came in last night. A
triumphant Eva tells Stella that this proves Nick was with another woman
last night.

Rick drops Tommy off right outside the garage and assures him he’s got
nothing to worry about. He says he’s a bit sorry for Tommy having Terry
for a father. Tommy takes the holdall and heads into the garage.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

One from me and one from Karen

Written by  David Lane   Directed by   John Anderson

Eva's wallowing, her pity party in full swing. She is convinced that
Nick is having a fling with Kylie and presents the circumstantial
evidence to Stella and Leanne. Leanne mentions that she and Peter will
be in court later about the custody. Eva promises to make Nick pay and
makes Leanne promise to make Peter pay. Agreed? Sorted.

David and Kylie have found Nick in Platt towers using the washing
machine as his is on the blink. He's got a big event on that evening
at the Bistro and really wants it to go well. Since his waiter has a
broken ankle. David offers his services but is turned down. Kylie on
the other hand, offers and though she has no experience, Nick seems to
be amenable to it in the wake of her confidence.

Rick is congratulating Tommy on doing a good job hiding the drugs.
Tommy doesn't want to keep doing it but Rick assures him he will. He
drives off as Tyrone approaches. Tyrone sees Fiz in front of the
factory and calls over to her while Beth starts to slink all over
Tommy. He almost visibly shudders. Sean pulls Beth away. Tyrone asks
Fiz to sound out Kirsty about a potential birthday present. The
conversation ends before Kirsty approaches and Ty makes a joke about
Beth wanting to make a man out of Tommy. She takes custody of his
bacon barm for a bite but gives it back even though he offers it to
her.

Dev is banging about in the kitchen and reveals to Sunita that he's
invited Karl and Stella to dinner. Tonight. She looks horrified. Dev
admits he's been wrong about her working in the pub and says he can
see she's different, more confident and he feels a bit left out. He
thought that if he got to be closer to Stella and Karl he'd feel
closer to her. She tries to talk him out of it, thinking some quiet
private time might work better but he doesn't want to cancel. She
looks disappointed.

In the Bistro, Kylie is setting up tables, while Lewis remarks that as
the mayor is attending the function, they may even get a notice about
it in the Gazette and it will do their reputation no harm. (cough) Eva
comes in and is not happy to see Kylie. She's snarky about it while
Nick defends Kylie doing them a favour. The women snipe at each other
and Nick pulls rank. Eva may have overheard Kylie say something about
her stint being the least she can do after what he did for her.

In the factory, tea break is underway. Sean is taking some time to
make up a batch of hotpot for the Bistro function tonight. Fiz, in
order to start up a conversation about birthdays, reads out her
horoscope from the newspaper. Fiz is a Libra and Kirsty is a Gemini
but says she doesn't believe in that stuff. She admits tomorrow is her
birthday but doesn't really like them and, when Beth suggests a party,
states she really *really* hates parties.

Nick is showing Kylie how to uncork wine. Eva observes them getting on
well together, with a frown. Stella arrives and asks if Eva has talked
to Nick yet. Eva turns a little greener and when Stella moves to tell
Nick a thing or two, Eva pulls her back, vowing that she will get her
revenge, no worries. Sean comes out of the kitchen and that gives
Stella reason to rant about the hotpot having a new home. It's simple
pub food and shouldn't be in a "poncified poncy place".  Lewis tries
to smooth things over but Stella threatens them with her solicitor. As
she stalks out, Eva whispers that she knows how to exact her
vengeance.

Sunita and Karl walk down the road and she's trying to get Karl to
find an excuse not to come to dinner tonight. Stella carries over her
ranting about the hotpot as she catches up. Sunita pretends she's
looking forward to tonight. Karl and Stella proceed on to the pub
where Leanne is waiting for a lift to the courthouse. She looks ill as
she spies Carla and Peter emerge from the flat, stop, and kiss.

In the Bistro, Sean is nearly finished his work but he's worried about
Stella's legal threats. Nick rallies the troops to keep everyone happy
tonight. Go team. He even offers Kylie a full time job if it works
out.

At the courthouse, Peter's solicitor tells Peter they can try to get
concessions from Leanne but Peter needs to be reasonable too and allow
Simon to spend time with Leanne or they won't be able to persuade the
judge to their side. Leanne and her solicitor arrive and it's clear
Leanne is ready for a battle when Peter makes sure to list all the
things he's got in his favour. They start to bicker, politely and it
descends into a row and Leanne throws at him the time he got drunk and
set fire to the flat. His solicitor's eyebrows raise alarmingly. I
don't think this is going to go well.

Karl tries to get out of the dinner party and says Steve wants him to
work. Stella seems disappointed and sighs as he moves away.

In the court room the judge asks if they have been able to work out an
agreement and asks Leanne why she brought the matter to the courts.
Peter interrupts before she can answer and spews another mouth full of
nasty about Leanne trying to put the boot in because he left her for
someone else. It's all spite. Leanne tries to explain Simon wants to
be with her. Peter points out he's Simon's father, who is she? That
lights off the old Battersby temper and she brings up his confessing
to a murder that he didn't commit. They shout and bicker until the
judge shouts them down. Leanne insists she doesn't think Simon would
be better with his father. The judge decides that they need a further
investigation and they'll review it again.

Tommy and Ty close up the garage. Tommy asks Tyrone if it's ok to do a
few more jobs after hours to help him pay off what he owes  him.
Tyrone agrees. The factory girls come out and tell Tyrone that they
weren't very successful finding out any information from Kirsty.

In the Bistro, Guests are arriving. Audrey is one of them and is
sipping soft drinks to start off but is not best pleased to see Kylie
working there. Nick defends her and Kylie points out that Audrey
thinks she's sponging if she's not working. Nick turns to greet
another  VIP and the Mayor who also gives Audrey, an old friend, a hug
and a line of flattery that makes Lewis look uncomfortably jealous.
Audrey, of course, laps it up. They all toast to a successful evening.
Eva mutters "Don't count on it"

In the pub, Tommy and Tyrone are playing darts. Tyrone thinks he'll
organize a surprise party for Kirsty, reckoning Kirsty is just shy. At
the bar, Leanne arrives and tells Stella it didn't go well and it'll
drag on longer. Stella has just got off the phone checking up on
Karl's excuse. Steve said it was ok for Karl to have the night off
apparently. Leanne reckons one of them is lying and Stella is pretty
sure it was Karl. She and Leanne both glare at a newly arrived Peter
and Carla. Stella makes a few snarky remarks but Peter insists they
stay. Leanne reckons Peter knows down deep that it didn't go as well
as he hoped in court but Peter plays it with confidence.

At the Bistro, a photographer is now present and taking photos of the
guests. Nick is all smiles and announces the starting course, hotpots.
Sean is one of the servers bringing out the dishes on platters. The
mayor invites Audrey to sit with him as his plus one. Lewis grumbles
about the flattery while David sits at the bar, as Kylie is gathering
drinks.  The guests tuck into their hotpot. The mayor's flattery is
interrupted by all the guests sputtering and coughing. Audrey thinks
it's Kylie's fault but Eva pipes up and admits she's the one that
spiked the hotpot with extra hot spices. She thought Nick "Liked it
hot" and offers to cool him down, using the old soap cliche of a drink
over the head. Class.

In the pub, Marcus sits with Maria. He asks about Tim and they giggle
over the disastrous date. Maria thinks she should just give up on men.
Marcus offers to find her a fella. Karl comes in and is confronted by
Stella who asks why he lied. He says he doesn't really like Dev so he
made up an excuse. She wants him to put up with it for one night for
Sunita's sake. He can't get out of it so he agrees.

Nick shouts at Eva who snipes about revenge being much better served
very hot. She tells everyone that Nick slept with Kylie. Kylie
vehemently denies it. Eva presents her evidence, including the hotel
bill. David's hackles rise. Nick admits to the hotel but can't really
explain. The evidence is enough for David to launch himself at Nick
and the photographer is gleefully shooting lots of frames of the
ensuing all out fight. Oh dear. Looks like the Bistro is definitely
going to be featured in the Gazette. And it's reputation will be
cemented. Not in a good way, methinks.


Tvor

Written by Martin Allen and directed by John Anderson

David is going ballistic in the Bistro.  Nick is reluctant to tell him
about what happened in the hotel so Kylie steps forward and admits
they spent the night together. But without waiting for any further
explanation, David grabs a conveniently-placed fire extinguisher and
before any of the large crowd watching can stop him – not that anyone
in their right mind would want to get in the way of David when he’s
riled – he rushes out into the street and smashes the windscreen on
Nick’s car.  Kylie pleads with him to believe her that Eva’s got it
wrong and nothing went on between them while Lewis tries the
gentlemanly approach, pointing out that whatever’s happened, smashing
up Nick’s car is not going to help the situation.

Sunita’s checking her phone in vain for a message from Karl while Dev
is busy worrying about which type of wine glasses to put on the table
for their dinner party.

Out in the street Ken is asking Leanne how the court case went.  She
tells him that Peter is refusing to budge and wants total residence
for Simon and, on top of that, she bumped into Brian who told her that
he’s playing up at school again.  Just then Peter and Carla come along
and Peter gets all aggressive, accusing Leanne of getting her side of
the story in with Ken first. Ken tries to raise the subject of Simon’s
behaviour at school, sending Peter into defensive mode.  Ken suggests
they should try to sort things out between them and bypass the
solicitors for Simon’s sake. Carla says that isn’t such a bad idea and
Ken suggests they should meet to talk about it later in the Rovers.

All the customers have left the Bistro (probably not surprising) and
Nick sits down with David and Kylie to talk about what happened.  He
explains about the night he and David went to the club, how he saw
Kylie, didn’t tell David in case he was embarrassed by what she was
doing and went back later. Kylie takes over telling the story at this
point and tells David how she and Nick had a row and he took her to
the hotel.  Nick explains that he spent the night in a chair to make
sure she didn’t do a runner but then Eva rang him at the hotel, knew
he was lying when he said he was at the flat, and put two and two
together.  David wants to know why they didn’t tell him but Nick
points out he wouldn’t have believed them and Kylie says it just
seemed easier to keep quiet. David doesn’t look convinced so Kylie
swears on Max’s life that nothing happened.

Eva has gone back to the Rovers and is telling her mum all about the
fracas at the Bistro. Stella and Karl are on their way out to Dev and
Sunita’s and Karl ‘kindly’ offers to cancel so that Eva can stay and
talk to her mum but his plan doesn’t work.  Eva declines and tells
them she wouldn’t want her problems to spoil their fun.

Out in the bar Ty is asking Tommy and Tina if they’re coming to the
party. Quick as a flash Tina says she can’t because she’s working but
Tommy says he thought she had the night off, forcing her to admit she
doesn’t want to come.  She thinks Kirsty wouldn’t want her there.  Ty
tries to say she would but Tina doesn’t want to take the risk.  At
that moment Kirsty walks in and Ty quickly tries to change the subject
to football.  Kirsty is starting to look suspicious that something may
be up.

On their way to Dev and Sunita’s, Karl and Stella bump into Sean.
Stella tells him that she’s been to see her solicitor who informed her
that Betty’s Hotpot recipe is the intellectual property of the Rovers.
  “Oh, puuuleez!” is Sean’s response before they exchange a few choice
words on the subject.  As Stella informs him that he can argue all he
likes but the law is the law, Sean flounces off in a huff.

Dev is putting the finishing touches to the dinner when Stella and
Karl arrive.  Sunita gives Karl a look and he returns it with one
which is meant to convey “sorry but I couldn’t do anything about it”.
We hear Abba playing in the background and discover that it’s a
favourite of both Dev and Stella. Dev suggests they could have a croon
together later and Stella says she’ll have to get drunk first.  It
looks like it could be a long and awkward evening ahead for Karl and
Sunita.

In the Rovers, Ken, Leanne, Peter and Carla have assembled for their
discussion.  Ken starts by suggesting a compromise. Peter objects
before he’s even heard what it is so Carla gently suggests he should
listen to what Ken has to say.  Ken proposes they try a joint
arrangement with Simon staying part of the time with Peter and the
rest with Leanne but Peter doesn’t want to know and has no intention
of agreeing to anything which Ken has to suggest.

Ty is outside on his phone, calling people about the party. Tommy
comes out to tell him that Kirsty is getting twitchy inside the pub so
Ty asks Tommy to take over. Ty’s excited because he’s just spoken to
Kirsty’s mum and her parents have agreed to come.  Tommy is quite
surprised as Ty hasn’t even met them yet but Ty doesn’t seem to think
it’s a problem.

Back inside the Rovers, Peter is still digging his heels in about
reaching a compromise over Simon.  Ken offers to act as a go-between
but Peter sees this as him taking Leanne’s side. He refuses to see
sense and even throws in a snide comment about Leanne not even being
Simon’s parent. As he gets up to leave he tells them that Simon is his
son and he will not be dictated to.  “Nice try, but the answer is no,”
he shouts before marching out. “Do you know what? I give up!” says
Leanne to Ken as Carla follows Peter out.

In the Bistro Nick tells Kylie and David that he’ll clean up in the
morning.  He’s off to fix his windscreen and put Eva straight.  David
is still scowling so Nick tries one more time to convince him: he asks
him when he and Kylie would have had the chance to get their stories
straight if they were lying. Kylie says that Nick was only trying to
help and Nick tells David that he’s his kid brother, he might not
always like him but he loves him and he wouldn’t do something like
that to him, not in a million years.  After Nick walks out Kylie tells
David that Nick managed to talk some sense into her and that he should
be thanking him. David than changes tack and asks Kylie why she’s was
stripping. She tries telling him it was no worse than when he met her
in Aya Napa and she was cage dancing but, as he points out, they
weren’t married then. Kylie tells him she needed to get money somehow
to feed Max.  He can’t see why she didn’t just go back to him so she
tries to get him to understand that it was her pride that was stopping
her. She tells him that she hasn’t been unfaithful to him since they
met and that she would never do that to him. “You’ve got to believe
me,” she says and, from the look on David’s face, the penny might
finally be dropping that she’s actually telling the truth.

Sean is rabbiting on to Marcus about Hotpotgate but Marcus isn’t
listening; his mind is preoccupied with his promise to Maria to set
her up with a man.  Sean tells him that he’s become obsessed and if he
carries on much longer, he’ll be the one looking for a fella.

Audrey and Gail  are discussing the David/Nicky/Kylie saga over a
bottle of wine.  Still assuming Eva’s got the story right, Audrey says
she thought Nick had more sense and Gail says no wonder Eva went
ballistic. Looking on the bright side, Audrey says at least it will
get Kylie out of their lives but Gail is concerned about how it will
affect David.  Just as Audrey is saying that, for one night at least,
they can enjoy never having to set eyes on her again, David and Kylie
walk through the door. David tells them that Eva put two and two
together and made five, he’s listened to Nick and Kylie’s version of
events, he believes them and he and Kylie are very much back together.
  Gail is keen to know more but David says he’ll tell her more later;
right now he and Kylie want a cup of tea. It looks as though Audrey
and Gail will be in need of the rest of their wine.

Over at Dev and Sunita’s, the meal has come to an end and Dev is
cranking up the music. As “One of Us” by Abba comes on, Dev starts to
join in. Sunita tells him nobody wants to hear him singing – never was
a truer word spoken – but it’s one of Stella’s favourites and before
anyone can stop them, she and Dev are doing some Karaoke.  As they
croon “one of us is crying, one of us is lying, in her lonely bed,
staring at the ceiling, wishing she was somewhere else instead,” the
significance of the words is not lost on Sunita and Karl who sit
awkwardly listening to the performance.  When Stella suggests to
Sunita that she should join in and dance with Karl it finally gets too
much and she gets up and switches off the music.  Her excuse is that
they’ll wake up the kids if they carry on.

Outside in the street it’s pouring with rain.  Kylie and David are
sheltering under an awning and re-bonding over some takeaway fish and
chips.  As Kylie says, there’s nothing like a good row to work up an
appetite.  They seem to have sorted everything out between them and
are genuinely happy to be back together.  It looks as though Audrey
and Gail will be stuck with Kylie back in their lives, whether they
like it or not.

In the Rover, Tommy and Ty are discussing the list of guests for the
surprise party. As Kirsty comes back from the ladies, they hastily
change the subject but she knows something is up.  She says she hopes
it hasn’t got anything to do with her birthday. She reminds Ty that
she doesn’t want a fuss and he tells her he’s got the message. “You’d
better,” says Kirsty.

Back at the dinner party, Karl and Sunita have snuck out to the
backyard.  Karl is using the excuse of smoking a cigarette while
Sunita is filling up her brandy glass. Karl is suggesting that the two
of them should go away somewhere together but Sunita tells him she’s a
very busy lady.  Just as Karl is saying she’s a hell of a flirt when
she wants to be, Dev comes out with some cigars.  He suggests Sunita
should go inside to keep Stella company and discuss something like
make-up while he and Karl talk man to man about stuff that really
matters

At Eileen’s, Marcus and Sean are getting all loved up on the sofa.
Sean apologises for having a go at Marcus earlier over Maria and says
he’s just concerned they don’t get enough time for each other anymore.
  Marcus agrees and then suggests they should have an early night.
Sean says that’s the best idea he’s had all week.

Peter and Carla are in their flat arguing about earlier events.  For
once Carla is being the reasonable one and trying to get Peter to see
that perhaps Leanne was only trying to reach a compromise and that Ken
was genuinely only trying to help.  Peter disagrees completely so she
asks exactly what he’s achieved by what happened earlier.  She points
out that this could go on for months and months and, apart from what
it’s going to do to Simon, the legal costs could end up crippling
them.

Nick has gone over to the Rovers to speak to Eva.  She’s really angry
but so is Nick. She still believes she’s got her story straight but
Nick is furious that she’s been spreading lies about him and says he’s
past caring.  Leanne steps in and Eva agrees to go through to the back
with Nick to continue sorting out their differences.

Dev and Sunita’s evening with Karl and Stella is finally coming to a
close but not before Stella says it would be nice to get together
again.  Dev asks Karl if he likes golf.  “No,” replies Karl, quick as
a flash.  “Yes you do,” chips in Stella.  “You’re always saying you
wish you had someone to play with.”  Dev suggests the four of them
make a day of it and Stella thinks it’s a great idea.  She and Sunita
can pamper themselves in a spa while the men play a round together …
as opposed to Karl and Sunita playing around together.

In the back room of the Rovers, Nick and Eva are continuing their row.
  Nick points out that David believes what happened and is now back
with the girl he loves.  He says they didn’t tell Eva what happened
because they knew she wouldn’t believe them.  Eva says Nick will have
to do better than that if he wants to get back with her.  When Nick
asks if she really thinks he wants to get back with her after what’s
happened, Eva changes tack and says she was only trying to show him
that she wouldn’t be pushed around. She says that it doesn’t mean she
doesn’t still love him.  “You call that love?” asks Nick,
incredulously.

“I don’t do mad, vindictive, women.  You and me are finished,” Nick
tells Eva before walking out and leaving her sobbing, with tears
streaming down her face.


Karen

Hello, I’m standing in for Annie on this episode. When she comes back,
try not to mention laptops or cups of tea.

Sometimes Gail reminds me of a vulture perched in a dead tree waiting to
pick over the entrails of some accident victim. Perching on a bar stool
in the bistro isn’t so different and she’s revelling in the Gazette’s
picture of mayhem and hotpot. She blames Kylie. Nick blames Eva. Gail
thinks he attracts needy women – they can see the goodness in him.

Kirsty and Tyrone have lunch at the bistro for Kirsty’s birthday. She
has a little moan that she hasn’t even had a card from her family.

Eva’s in the pub and she’s sorry. Stella tries to justify what Eva’s
done. They’re interrupted by David and Kylie coming in and slinging
sarcasm. Eva and Stella try to sling some back but David insists he
believes what Kylie and Nick told him. “I trust my wife and my brother
and so should you.”

Stella reminds Karl that it’s their sixth anniversary. She’s not doing
anything as obvious as going out for a meal. They’re having a romantic
meal in the back room instead.

Sean’s browsing the magazines in the Kabin while Rita tries to get a
straight answer from Dennis as to which wedding invitation he prefers.
She asks Sean’s opinion instead. He’s trying to forget about Eva’s
hotpot sabotage – before that the hotpot was perfect. He thinks Betty
would have been proud of him. Rita disagrees. She reckons Betty would
turn in her grave if she knew the recipe had left the Rovers. Dennis
wonders whether the sabotage was Betty’s revenge from The Other Side.

Beth and Fiz chat to Tyrone near the garage. He asks them to take Kirsty
out for a while after work while he gets everything ready for the party.
Beth says she won’t be at the party because RCraig has an upset tummy.
Oh, and here are Chesney and Katy. They won’t be there either, because
they can’t get a babysitter. After intense questioning . . . oh, OK, a
raised eyebrow . . . Beth confesses that nobody wants to come because
none of them really know Kirsty. Fiz points out they should go for
Tyrone’s sake so they all agree.

Back at the pub, Sunita finds out about Stella’s plan for a romantic
night in with Karl.

Over at the salon, Audrey and Lewis have a chat and agree that neither
of them really wants to go on this cruise.

Everyone in Tyrone’s house faces the door, party poppers at the ready.
When Kirsty opens the door and they all shout “Surprise!” she’s clearly
not pleased.

In the bistro, Eva arrives and tries to beg Nick’s forgiveness and to
say she’ll never do anything like that again. Nick points out that if
she needed to check up on him then the relationship wasn’t right. It’s
too late for sorry. But he tells her she still has her job at the bistro
if she wants it.

As some of the party guests reflect that Kirsty did tell them she didn’t
want a fuss, Kirsty tells Tyrone it was a lovely idea, if a bit
misguided. There’s a knock at the door and Tyrone goes to answer it,
saying it’ll be his mystery guests. He returns with Kirsty’s parents.
Surprise! Tyrone thinks they should get to know each other before the
baby arrives. Baby? “You’re pregnant?” roars her father.

[break]

Kirsty’s dad’s not happy at all that she’s pregnant and he tells her so.

Sunita’s on her own in the pub, she tells Rita and Dennis. She tells
them about Stella and Karl’s romantic dinner in the back room. She
doesn’t know what all the fuss is about. They’re not even married! That
exclamation mark is a visual representation of her slamming their drinks
down on the bar.

In the back room, a romantic Beach Boys’ track playing, Stella can’t
relax. She doesn’t think this was such a good idea because it’s so hard
to switch off from the job. She asks Karl if they can make the
relationship work and he says they can. They toast each other.

Kirsty’s mum sees her engagement ring and realises Kirsty and Tyrone are
engaged. If you thought her father was angry before . . . Kirsty and
Tyrone assure him they’re happy. “Happy? What? Living in some two-up
two-down and marrying some loser who works in a garage?” Tommy steps up
to tell him he’s out of order and an offended Tyrone points out he’s
co-owner of the garage. The dad points out that Kirsty’s police career
is likely to suffer if there’s a gap. She’s got a chance of making
sergeant. This makes Beth snort and call out, “Oh no she doesn’t! She
works in the knicker factory with us!” Kirsty confirms that she was
sacked from the police. As Tyrone orders Beth out of his house, Kirsty’s
dad demands to know why she was sacked. “You’re a disgrace, you know
that! You had prospects. You were going somewhere because of me and you
throw it all back in my face!” He tells her that if she wants to mess
her life up she can do it without her parents. He storms out. Kirsty’s
mother stops to assure Kirsty, “Don’t worry. I’ll be all right.” Then
they’re gone.

Stella’s reminiscing about meeting Karl. She was standing crying in the
rain, her purse lost, when a cabbie called Karl took pity on her. Karl
apologises for everything he’s put her through and promises to make it
up to her. They’re having a quiet lovey-dovey moment when Sunita barges
through on her way to get more cheese-and-onion crisps. She tries to
make some eye contact with Karl but he won’t meet her gaze.

Over at Gail’s there’s been a family dinner. David apologises to Nick.
Audrey and Lewis announce they won’t be going on a cruise after all. And
Audrey announces she’s going to employ David and Kylie again. Yay!
Everyone’s happy except Gail. Yay!

Stella’s going to sort the washing-up in the morning and asks if
Sunita’s all right to lock up. Karl stops to get a nightcap and makes
Sunita admit she came barging through the dinner because she missed him.
But Karl tells her he can’t do this any more. He loves Stella and it’s
over between him and Sunita.

Kirsty’s furious. Tyrone has screwed up, “as usual,” she says. Poor
Tyrone points out that she told him she’d told her parents about the
baby. That doesn’t help her temper and she smashes a glass. Tyrone says
he’s going to bed. He can’t cope with her when she’s like this. As he
heads for the door Kirsty grabs him and slams him against the wall. His
face bleeding, Tyrone gets away from her and staggers out into the
street. Behind the front door, Kirsty collapses, crying.

The end.
Margaret Carr

Yep, me again.

It’s morning and Tyrone exits his front door with Kirsty close behind,
pleading with him to come back. What? So she can hit him again? Not
likely. He demands to know how he’s going to explain his injuries. He’ll
have to say it was an accident, just like last time. He says he thought
he was doing the right thing by inviting her parents and Kirsty says she
realises that now. Something just came over her, maybe it was the
hormones . . . “Don’t you dare blame this on our baby!” snarls Tyrone.
“This was your fault, no-one else’s, and until you can admit that I am
not even going to look at you!”

Dev’s ironing a shirt for Aadi. Sunita thinks he’s having a go at her
for being a bad mother but Dev says he just thinks she looks tired and a
little tense. He suggests she call in sick.

Karl’s “Hello, gorgeous,” to Stella tells us that their renewed
closeness is still there after last night. He’s glad she didn’t give up
on him and they agree they’re stuck with each other.

Peter thinks Simon needs a haircut. Simon wants to grow it so he can
have dreadlocks. Peter explains to him that the Cafcass (Children and
Family Court Advisory and Support Service) woman will be there to talk
to him after school. He says it’s nothing to worry about – she just
wants to know that Simon’s happy at home with Peter. “If I tell them
that, does that mean I can’t see Leanne?” asks Simon. Peter utters those
words that annoy children so much: “Don’t you worry about that.” When
Simon goes to fetch his school stuff, Carla suggests they go to the
cinema or something tonight but Peter says he’s got a support group
meeting to go to. He’s already been to one this week but sometimes one
isn’t enough, he says.

Karl’s off to work and finds Stella in a much grumpier mood when he goes
to say goodbye. She says Sunita’s called in sick and she can’t organise
cover.

Emily’s at the salon. She’s had her hair done and when Marcus comes in
she confesses that she’s meeting a man in town but they’re just friends.
Marcus is there to tell Maria a new nurse has started at work and he’d
be perfect for Maria. Marcus is meeting him for a drink tonight and with
a bit of persuading Maria agrees to come along.

Lewis is surprised to see Nick in the bistro because Nick had planned to
take some time off. Nick says he was bored. Lewis tells him that if this
is to do with Eva, he should realise it’s never too late to patch things
up. Nick doesn’t plan to get back together with Eva because she’s a
bunny boiler. Eva strolls in with a really cheerful look on her fact and
compliments Lewis on his tie.

At the garage, Tyrone tells Kevin he’d had a bit to drink and hit
himself with the cupboard door.

Karl meets Sunita in the street. He tells her he knows why she called in
sick. But he says he loves Stella and she deserves the best. Sunita says
that makes her feel as if she’s being chucked out like a bag of old
rubbish. Karl assures her that he also cares about her.  They’re
interrupted by Emily coming out of the cab office. She’s booked a taxi
to take her into town and Steve says it’s Karl who will be taking her.
Karl asks her to wait in the car. He and Sunita arrange to meet at the
flat at three. Dev will be at the cash-and-carry and the kids are away.
They part and Karl opens the door of a car and tells Emily she’s sitting
in the wrong one.

[break]

At the bistro, Eva’s involved in a long, flirty phone conversation with
a new wine supplier. Lewis thinks she adds a touch of glamour to the
place. An attractive woman walks in and Nick hastens to show her to a
table. It appears she’s only just moved to the area after time living in
Tokyo and Barcelona. Nick offers to show her around but she says her
boyfriend wouldn’t be keen on that. Nick tells her he used to live in
Canada but the glamorous-international-man-about-town image is spoiled
when Eva comes over and tells him his Mum rang and wants to know if
he’ll be home for his tea.

Tyrone’s finished working on a car and Kevin tells him to get off home.

Leanne and Peter meet in the street and he tells her about Simon’s
appointment with the Cafcass officer.

Tyrone gets home to find Kirsty packing her bags. He doesn’t want her to
go but when she moved towards him he flinches. Kirsty says that’s why
she has to go – Tyrone’s scared of her now. “I’ve seen that look before.”

In the flat above the shop, Sunita tells Karl she sees no reason to stop
seeing each other and go back to their mundane life and boring partners.
She knows Stella’s a good person, “but there’s nothing wrong with two
people wanting to be together.” She says no-one has to find out, not if
they’re careful. Karl says she makes it sound so simple, as if there’s
no risk. Sunita says there is a risk. “That’s what makes it so exciting
– it’s like gambling.” They kiss.

Sean’s been to the dentist but comes back with shopping bags. He tells
Marcus he’d budgeted for one or two fillings but his teeth were declared
so spotless you could eat with them. So really the new clothes haven’t
cost him anything. Marcus tells him about the new nurse and invites him
to come along on a double-date with the new guy and Maria. Sean refuses.

Kirsty’s talking about his father. He wasn’t always a bully but when
things started going wrong at work and others were promoted over his
head, he got frustrated and started to drink. He took it out on Kirsty.
Tyrone asks where her mum was and Kirsty says her mum was often standing
between them, taking the punches herself. Her mother didn’t ever try
defending herself from his beatings and eventually Kirsty started hating
her for putting up with it. When Kirsty was 18 and was late home, her
father met her at the door and punched her in the stomach, winding her.
Then he grabbed her by the throat, called her cheap and said she was a
disgrace. “I was so scared.” Kirsty said she left home a week later. She
felt bad leaving her mother alone with him, but what could she do? She
swore she would never let anyone treat her like that again, “but now I’m
turning into him. That’s why I can’t be with you. Much as I hate the
thought of leaving you, I hate the thought of hurting you more.”

Karl and Sunita cuddle on the sofa in the flat and agree to move to the
bedroom.

Ken and Eccles meet Carla in the street and Carla tells Ken about the
Cafcass visit and about Peter needing two group meetings in a week. Ken
offers his help but Carla thinks they’ll get through this – she and
Peter have been through a lot worse.

Peter hovers around in a school corridor.

Inside, the Cafcass lady tells Simon she’s not on anybody’s side. Simon
admits he hates it at home. Carla looks like a witch and is a rubbish
cook and he wants Leanne. She’s still his Mum. “And I’ve already lost
one mum and don’t want to lose Leanne as well,” the poor wee man says.

Kevin’s in the corner shop when he gets a call to say he’s missed out on
a flat he wanted. He moans about his need for a flat. Dev comes in,
moaning that the robbers who held up the cash-and-carry didn’t have the
decency to wait until after he’d done his shopping. Sophie asks if the
flat upstairs is still available. Kevin likes the sound of it and Dev
goes to get the key.

Upstairs, of course, Karl and Sunita are in bed together. They’ve just
resumed their cuddling when they hear someone coming. “Who else has got
a key?” hisses Karl. “Dev!” says Sunita.

The end of episode one
Margaret Carr

Written By  John Kerr  Directed by   Laurence Moody

There are flowers everywhere on the street, in baskets and planters.
Karl drives up and sees Sunita outside the shop and they have a bit of
a flirt and arrange to meet up later just as Dev comes out of the
shop. He has a friendly word with Karl and he drives off.

David brings Kylie across the street and suggests that they should buy
Eileen's house. He reckons they could probably get a mortgage as they
both have jobs. She's tickled and hugs him tightly. Eileen comes out
and grimaces to see them snogging. They ask her if they could look
around the house with the view to buying it. Sean pulls Eileen back
inside and wonders if she's making a mistake selling up. She thinks
she's doing the right thing. They come back out, Sean goes off to
work. The Platts Junior and Eileen talk a bit of business and arrange
to view the house after work.

In the Kabin, Sean talks wedding to Dennis and Rita. Dennis takes a
call from someone and goes outside to talk. Norris comes in from the
back and mentions that Paul's wife's funeral is today. Sean didn't
think Eileen knew about it and wonders if he should tell her. Rita
reluctantly agrees with something Norris said, if Paul wanted Eileen
there, he would have called her to tell her.

Leanne is industriously mopping the pub floor, still fuming over
Carla's "offer" to pay her to leave town. Stella advises her not to
get Carla get to her. She isn't to worry about Simon, either, the
courts will see things her way.

Norris is up a step ladder watering his baskets. Faye gets a face full
of water as she passes under. He's unrepentant. She wasn't looking
where she was going. Anna hollers at him too, calling him grumpy and
he protests that he's not. Faye shouts the line of the night "Which
one are ya?" (Ha!) Anna and Faye head back home. Faye asks if her
mother can take her to the cinema but Anna cries poor. Dennis returns
from his phone call. Norris tries to find out what it was all about
but Dennis wisely keeps his business to himself.

Karl comes into the shop.There's suggestive comment, flirting, and
overnight assignation is made. Sunita will make some excuse to Dev.
They switch to general talk as Sophie comes in. Sophie is a bit cool
to Sunita which makes her look concerned but she leaves.

Rick pulls up to the garage and Tommy is ordered into the car. He
describes the next job but Tommy refuses to do any more. Rick asks for
the 9 grand instead and installments won't suit. Rick tells him he'll
up the amount per car to 500 pounds so the debt will be paid off
sooner, 18 cars. (but how many has he already done? Don't they count?)
Tommy sighs and agrees reluctantly. Rick will be in touch. Tommy looks
sick.

In the factory, Sean and Kirsty talk about the funeral and if they
should tell Eileen. Kirsty thinks he should tell. Eileen returns from
the loo and the room goes quiet, figuratively. Carla warns her to stay
sewing as the order is due today and that goes for everyone. Work late
and through lunch and if anyone disagrees they can leave. (Loved
Carla's scarf, gray with little skulls all over it. Kind of suits her,
doesn't it?) Beth reckons Carla is just jealous of her. Eileen has
already noted the silence when she'd arrived and Sean admits about the
funeral. Eileen is upset that Paul didn't tell her so he obviously
doesn't give a toss about her and is like all other men, lying toe
rag. The camera pulls back and there's a suited shoulder standing
there. "Or maybe just a coward" it says. It's Paul, dressed for the
funeral.

After the break we're outside and he's asking her to come to the
funeral. She gives him grief and he protests, she wanted a clean
break, so he thought. But he can't forget about her.

Dev arrives back after meeting with the bank manager. Sophie said it
was nice seeing Sunita in the shop (she'd been covering until Sophie
arrived). Dev moans about Sunita working in the pub and wonders if
she's trying to get away from him. Sophie suggests she wanted a
change. She thinks Dev should surprise Sunita and take her out, be
spontaneous. Dev, skeptical at first, sees the merit in this and
decides to do just that. He'll make reservations somewhere nice, get
Anna to cover and Sophie offers to babysit. Dev teases her that she
wants to earn extra money.

Peter smoking and waiting outside for the court officer. Carla tries
to keep his spirits up and it's clear he's worried. Carla hugs him and
Leanne spots it from across the road.

Paul is still asking Eileen to come to the funeral. She knows Lesley's
friends and family won't be pleased to see her there. Carla passes by
and hollers at Eileen to get back to work. Eileen ascertains the time
of the funeral (2 pm) and says she'll be thinking of him then. They
say goodbye and Paul leaves, with Eileen looking sad as she watches
him go.

Sunita arrives in the shop and Dev invites her out tonight to a nice
Italian place. She tells him she bumped into a friend of hers, Laura,
and she's invited her over to Liverpool overnight. Dev throws his
hands up, let down, and mentions it was Sophie's idea to start with.
This concerns Sunita.

The court officer is at the flat and going over some of the history.
Peter tells her that he and Simon have had ups and downs but he loves
his son. The alcoholism is brought up and Peter admits he's had his
moments but he's been going to meetings and been doing well until his
marriage broke down. He admits Simon has been upset and wants things
to stay as they were. Peter declares there's no going back to Leanne
but he'll do anything else he can to make Simon happy.

Sunita spies Sophie walking by and hurries out to talk to her, calling
her on why she has been acting odd towards her. Sophie tells her she
overheard Sunita and Karl in the ginnel. Sunita says she was mistaken.
Sophie politely but firmly says she's not blind nor stupid and neither
is Dev and turns to go back to work.

In the factory, it's 2:30 on the clock and Eileen is on her tea break
and staring off into space and alternately watching the clock.  Sean
and Kirsty ask if she wants to be alone but when she says yes, they
sit down and join her. She tells them Paul asked her to the funeral
and told her he loved her and needed her there but she had told him it
was too late. Kirsty thinks she should have gone and even Sean reckons
it should be about her feelings not about what she should do. She
admits to being scared that things would go wrong. Sean makes a good
point about looking back at the end of your life and thinking "What
If" and that seems to do the trick. Eileen jumps up and asks them to
cover for her.

Rita comes to the pub to remind Tina there's a fitting for her dress
tomorrow. They talk about the wedding and Rita tells Tina she's like a
daughter to her. She teases her and asks her not to look too beautiful
or she'll overshadow the bride. Leanne orders another drink from
Stella and grumbles about Carla, having seen them snogging in the
street. Stella thinks if Leanne kicks off it will only make things
worse. Tommy arrives, Rita leaves. Tina asks him to take her out but
he turns her down to do some extra work "For Tyrone". Sunita comes in
for a drink and asks for something that she knows Stella has to go in
the back to fetch. Karl is there as well and she tells him she can't
go overnight with him, frowning that Sophie knows.

Eileen arrives at the funeral and is introduced to Lesley's sister,
Yvonne, who is clearly seething with resentment when she realizes who
Eileen is. She and Paul bicker over Eileen's presence but Paul takes
Eileen inside the church.

Leanne comes across to talk to Peter. Carla puts her off saying Peter
is talking to the court officer. That's all Leanne needs to hear and
she pushes past Carla and runs up the stairs. In the flat, Peter and
the officer (Rachel) are surprised to see Leanne. Peter tries to get
her to leave but Leanne brings up Carla's financial offer straight
away. Peter looks to Carla for an explanation as the episode ends.



Tvor

--
Diane Johnston   http://members.accesswave.ca/~tvor/index.html
"You might be on the right track, but you'll get run over if you stand still."

Written by Martin Allen and directed by Laurence Moody

As the mourners file into the chapel for Lesley's funeral, Eileen tells Paul
that she's not sure this is a good idea. He tells her that he wants her
there but, as she points out, nobody else does.  Paul then gets Lesley's
sister Yvonne to budge up in the front row so that they can sit next to her.

At Peter's, the meeting with the CAFCAS officer isn't going too well.
Leanne and Carla are going at it hammer and tongs, arguing about the bribe
which Carla supposedly offered to Leanne.  Leanne finally shuts up long
enough to say that she's sorry for interrupting the meeting but says she
feels very strongly where Simon is concerned.  "Now, where were we?" asks
the CAFCAS officer after Leanne is eventually persuaded to go.

Paul is addressing the congregations at Lesley's funeral.  He talks about a
dream he had in which Lesley was the wonderful, carefree, happy woman he
married.  She was running towards him . and then he woke up and the reality
of what she'd become hit him.  He says he still can't believe how quickly
she changed and that he was living with a complete stranger by the end.
"Funny, I thought he was living with you by then," Yvonne says in an aside
to Eileen. Paul goes on to thank the people who helped him during that time
and says he certainly couldn't have done it on his own.  As for the future,
he tells everyone, it's the old Lesley they should remember and not the
desperate shell that was left behind after the illness took hold; the Lesley
whose laughter filled their house, like she filled his life.  "Sweet dreams,
Lesley; you'll live with me forever," Paul ends.  "Or 'til the wake's over,
anyway," comments Yvonne in another aside to Eileen.

Sunita is serving David and Kylie in the Rovers.  They're having a quick
drink before going off for a meeting about getting a mortgage.  As soon as
they're out of earshot, Sunita starts talking to Karl about Sophie.  She
tells him Sophie overheard them talking, plus there was all the business
before with his wallet.  Sunita is sure that Sophie knows what's going on
and Karl asks Sunita whether she thinks Sophie will say anything.  Sunita
points out that Sophie is big on sin; she goes to church and something like
this will be eating away at her.  She says that Sophie works for her and Dev
and she'll feel responsible. Sunita tells Karl that Sophie has confided in
her about relationships in the past so Karl tells her to leave it with him.

Lesley's funeral service has come to an end and Yvonne starts in on Paul.
He tells her that it isn't the time or place but she retorts that they've
just cremated his wife and that he can hardly talk about timing when he's
there with her replacement.  Paul tries to tell her that Eileen has been his
rock through all of this but Yvonne accuses him of not looking after Lesley
properly.  She says he abandoned his sister and that's why she's dead and
she hopes he rots in hell.

The CAFCAS officer is leaving Peter's flat.  He apologises for what went
wrong but it certainly can't have helped Peter's cause and the moment the
door closes he lays into Carla for trying to bribe Leanne.  She's contrite
and says that she was only trying to help but he keeps shouting at her. She
says that whatever she does she always manages to get it wrong. Eventually
Peter calms down and apologises for shouting.  He hugs Carla and tells her
that they have to pull together because, if they don't, Leanne will win.

As the mourners leave the funeral, Eileen takes the opportunity to speak to
Yvonne.  She tells her that she's got Paul all wrong and that he did
everything he could for Lesley.   When Yvonne reminds Eileen that she was
the one who left Lesley on her own the day she died, Eileen admits that's
what happened but says she was at the end of her tether. She says that's
something that Yvonne would understand if she'd ever had to look after
Lesley but since she hadn't been near her months, she wouldn't know.
Realising she's probably said too much, Eileen apologises to Paul and then
goes to leave.  Paul calls after her to stay but Eileen climbs into a
waiting taxi.

Karl goes into the corner shop on the pretext of doing some shopping and
then casually engages Sophie in conversation. He tells her that he
understands she's concerned about something she overheard.   "It's all
rather embarrassing," he goes on. "We were trying to keep it quiet." But
instead of confessing to their affair, he makes out that Sunita is seeing
him on the quiet to help him with his gambling addiction.  Sophie is
completely taken in by his story and, not only agrees to keep their secret,
but even goes so far as offering to do anything she can to help.

BREAK

Tyrone and Kirsty are having a drink in the Rovers when Rita asks if she can
join them.  They have a chat about Rita's forthcoming wedding and she
mentions she timed it rather well as it means she won't have to dress up as
a pop star which is going to be the theme of the street party.   Rita asks
Kirsty when the baby's due and it gets her chatting about the nursery.  She
tells Ty that they need to give the nursery a makeover before the new baby
arrives.  After all, Kirsty points out to Ty, they have savings so they can
afford it. Ty doesn't say anything but we can see he's worried.

Eileen is talking to Sean and Jason at the bar when Carla comes in.  She
tells Eileen that, thanks to being one machinist down, they missed their
deadline on the order.  Carla wants to see Eileen in her office first thing
in the morning and she warns her she'd better have a good excuse.

Karl is on the phone to Sunita.  He's filling her in on his little chat with
Sophie.  Sunita ends the call in order to answer the door and, who should it
be but the person they've just been talking about.  Sophie is full of
remorse for accusing Sunita of carrying on with Karl.  She apologises
profusely, feeling terrible for the fact that she nearly told Dev, having no
inkling that she was actually right all along.

Back in the pub, Sean informs Eileen that he told Carla she was at the
dentist. "That old chestnut," sighs Eileen, realising her days at the
factory are almost certainly numbered.

Dennis arrives and Rita wonders where he's been.  He claims he was picking
up his wedding suit but Rita doesn't look convinced.   Then Tina is the one
to look perplexed when she says something to Ty about making Tommy work
late.  Ty says he doesn't know what she's talking about but it's definitely
what Tommy told Tina.

Over at Anna's, Faye has another scintillating evening in the company of
Mary to look forward to while her mother goes off to work.  She perks up
slightly when Mary tells her she's brought round a film for them to watch
but Faye has never heard of "National Velvet", let alone Elizabeth Taylor
and she doesn't share Mary's enthusiasm for their evening's entertainment.

Tommy is in the garage, working on the car for Rick, and he nearly jumps out
of his skin when Ty walks in unexpectedly.  Tommy tells Ty he's doing a job
for a mate again and makes out he's doing it out of hours so that he can
earn enough money to pay Ty back without it interfering with the garage's
regular work.  Ty, gullible as ever, seems convinced and tells him to make
sure he locks up afterwards.

Eileen is sitting on her own in the Rovers when, to her surprise, Paul walks
in. She's quick to apologise for what she said to Yvonne at the funeral but
Paul tells her she's got nothing to apologise for.  He thinks what she said
was spot on and says that he and Lesley hadn't seen Yvonne for years and
that, by the end, they didn't even get a Christmas card.  Paul then mentions
that he's seen Eileen's 'For Sale' sign.  He asks where she's thinking of
going and Eileen replies that maybe she'll go down to London, if she can get
a job.  "I wish you wouldn't" he says.  When Eileen asks why he tells her
that it's because he wants them to get back together.

Tommy has finished his job on the car.  He watches it being driven away,
seconds before Tina turns up.  She wants to know why he lied to her about
working late. Tommy tries to make out that Tina misunderstood.  He says he
meant he had to work late to earn extra money for Ty to pay off the loan,
not that he had to work late because Ty told him to. Tina doesn't seem
totally convinced.

David and Kylie arrive back at Gail's and she's delighted to hear that they
had a successful meeting and have been given a mortgage offer (if only real
life were that easy).  David says they'd stopped by Eileen's to share the
good news but she was out so Gail tells them she last saw Eileen in the pub.
They decide to look for her there so Gail offers to go with them, stopping
only long enough to give her competition entries a quick drink of water.

Anna's back from work and Faye is relieved to see the back of Mary. As they
cuddle up on the sofa, Faye asks her mum why she has to work all the time.
Anna apologises but says that unless she can conjure up and extra fifty quid
a week they're going to be stuck with the situation for quite a while.

Back in the Rovers Eileen is asking Paul if he really meant what he says.
She wants to know whether he'll still love her when the pain from Lesley's
death fades and if he'll move on to someone else when he no longer needs her
support.  He replies that he'll always need her support.  She tells him that
she needs to know where she is and protect herself from all the
disappointment and that she couldn't bear to lose him again.  Paul is
pleading with her to take a chance with him when they're interrupted by the
arrival of David, Kylie and Gail.  David tells her that they have the
mortgage and Kylie wants to know if when they can go round and see it.
Eileen is lost for words so Paul speaks for her and tells them that the
house isn't for sale any more.  "Is this true?" asks Gail.  "Um, well, yes,"
stutters Eileen.

The Platt-McIntyre clan are up in arms as Eileen and Paul get up and walk
out of the pub together, arm in arm.  Gail is outraged on behalf of her son
and daughter-in-law while Eileen is enjoying the pleasure of getting one
over on her arch rival.  "I thought you two had broken up, anyway," says
David as they follow Paul and Eileen up the street.  "Well, you thought
wrong," says Paul.   Gail is furious and Kylie tells Eileen that they had an
agreement.  "Only to view it," points out Eileen.  Paul, once again, tells
them that Eileen isn't selling.  When David says that they'll see about
that, Paul shows them exactly what they'll see as he reaches up and rips
down the For Sale sign and hurls it across the street.  And in case anyone
is in any doubt he tells them that he and Eileen are going to be living
there together and that they must leave them to get on with it.

"So, have we got a deal?" asks Paul.  "I daren't back out now, even if I
wanted to," replies Eileen as she envelopes him in a hug and gives him a
kiss.

Karen

It's Friday and here's the first episode.

Bang! Bang! Bang! That’s Norris hammering on Gail’s door, almost giving
her a heart attack. He’s furious that she’s got third place in the
Weatherfield in Bloom competition. She’s furious that he’s banging on
her door and banging on about it.

Over the way, the workers gossip about Eileen being sacked and it’s all
news to Kirsty. Eileen comes out of her house and they are all
sympathetic to her, but she’s philosophical. She says she doesn’t want
any help.

Tommy’s on the phone with Rick, arranging to meet him at 2pm. Tina asks
him to meet her for lunch but he says he’s arranged to pick up a
customer’s car then. She’s overheard him on the phone and isn’t fooled.

Fay’s in the cafe getting a drink to take to school. She pleads with
Anna not to tell anyone she took the flowers from the baskets. Anna
promises – but only because she’s going to make Fay confess when she
gets home from school.

Leanne comes into the cafe and tells Anna she has a meeting with the
Cafcass officer today. Anna’s very sympathetic because of all the
meetings like that she had to attend when trying to adopt Fay. Leanne
doesn’t realise Peter’s behind her. As she turns to leave he says he’s
talked to his solicitor about her accusation that Carla tried to give
her money. The solicitor says this would just be an advance on the
divorce settlement and Peter says they might just have to bring up
Leanne’s past if necessary.

At the factory, the workers discuss the jubilee party and plan their
costumes. They burst into a bit of Girls Aloud but Carla shouts at them.
They’re a machinist down and have an order to get out. If they don’t
knuckle down they’ll all be following Eileen to the job centre. Kirsty’s
appalled and indignant at Carla’s attitude.

Tina takes Tommy a sandwich. Sunita comes past collecting money for the
jubilee celebrations and Tommy very shortly tells her he’s skint. Tina
tells him off and he says he’s worried about all the money he owes
Tyrone. He says he’s got work to do and Tina goes away, though she gives
him a hard stare as she’s going.

Norris expounds his theories about the flower theft. He wouldn’t be
surprised if it was Kylie or David or both. Rita’s very relieved to see
Tina. Tina asks to borrow the car but can’t tell Rita what for. Rita
hands over the keys anyway.

Eileen’s in the cafe chatting to Anna when Steve comes in. She tells him
her troubles and seems hopeful that he might be able to help (Job on the
switch, anyone?) and he will – he’ll buy her lunch.

Tommy meets Rick at an outdoor cafe. He doesn’t see Tina parked across
the road watching.

[break]

Carla’s very demanding and wants to know if the workers are on a
go-slow. Kirsty speaks up and says it’s not fair to sack someone and
then expect the same volume of production. Carla sneers that Kirsty
should leave business to the grown-ups. Kirsty’s just pointing out the
obvious. Behind her, production has ground to a halt as the others
listen, mouths agape. Carla says it’s her job to run the factory and
Kirsty’s job to put knickers in boxes. “So let’s stick to what we’re
good at, hmm? Is that obvious enough for you?”

Steve asks whether Eileen’s big gob got the better of her and she tells
him why she was sacked. Carla’s done her a favour, she says, because she
didn’t like working there anyway. She’s got Paul and the boys to look
after her.

In the pub, Stella, who won’t let Karl anywhere near the till, leaves a
big bucket of charity cash right in front of him.

The factory workers are in the bar. Kirsty’s amazed that she was the
only person to speak up. She reckons Carla’s under pressure and needs
the workers as much as they need her. She thinks they should walk out.

Tommy goes home, telling Tina he’s been at the garage all day and has
just broken for a late lunch. She says she’s going to get ready for work
and slams the bedroom door on her way.

Nick’s with Stella in the back room of the Rovers. They plan to talk
about the street party for the jubilee. But Leanne comes in. She’s
annoyed that Nick’s there and he takes the hint and leaves. She tells
Stella what Peter threatened.

Tina slams back into the kitchen. She’s been crying. “How can you just
lie and lie and lie?” she demands, telling Tommy she saw him with Rick.
“He killed my Dad and you’re meeting him for lunch!”

Nasty Norris accuses Gail of sabotage, vandalism and theft. Anna and Fay
have come into the Kabin during this and Anna has to shout to interrupt
him, saying it was Fay. Norris turns his ire on to Fay while Rita tries
to tell Fay she’s done the right thing by owning up. Norris is furious
that Rita should say anything nice to her.

Stella sends Sunita off to a warehouse to buy more decorations for the
party. But when Sunita goes to get the cash from the collection bucket
there’s just five quid and a few pennies left. She grabs her coat and
hurries out.

Tommy tries to tell Tina he didn’t want to get involved but he didn’t
want to put her in any danger. He confesses that Terry ran away with the
money and now Rick’s trying to get it from Tommy. He says he didn’t want
to upset Tina by telling her this when she was in hospital. When Tina
hears Tommy’s working for Rick she orders him out of the flat.

Stella and Leanne sort out the existing decorations, some of which
Stella reckons must date from the Silver Jubilee. Leanne thinks maybe
they’re from Queen Victoria’s jubilee. Stella sends Leanne to the pub
with some bunting for Nick.

Dev comes in and demands to know where Sunita is. Sophie’s called in
sick and he needs Sunita to pick up the kids. Stella realises Sunita’s
been gone a long time. Dev shouts that wherever she is, Sunita better
have a good reason for being there.

Sunita’s in the casino. She finds Karl sitting at the roulette table.
He’s won a lot and Sunita has to stop him putting the money on another
number. “You have to walk away, Karl.”

Tommy goes back home. Tina wants to know what he’s doing for Rick. When
she finds out she’s furious. Tommy protests that he didn’t have a
choice. “Yeah, that’s what my Dad said,” she says. A week later she was
identifying his body. She tells Tommy that she does have a choice. “Me
and you are done!”

The end
Margaret Carr

Surprise! Yes, it's a Sunday episode. Expect the schedules to be all
over the place from now on, first because of the Queen's Jubilee, then
Euro2012 (some sort of ball game, apparently), Wimbledon and then the
Olympics. Now, on with the show:

Jason’s off to work but on his way tells Tommy he should go to the
police about his mugging. Tommy says there’s no point because they’ll
never catch the mugger. When Jason’s gone, Tommy tells Tina they should
pack up and leave. Tina’s not convinced. She gets a text from Rita
asking her to the hen do tonight. Tommy says he’ll go to the pub as
well. Rick can’t do anything to him there. They’re startled by violent
banging on the door but it’s just Jason. He’s forgotten his keys.

Kirsty and Tyrone discuss the cost of things for the baby. Kirsty
doesn’t think they should worry about the cost because they’ve got the
money. Tina and Tommy arrive at their door.

Ken’s in the Kabin organising a stag do for Dennis – a meal at the
bistro. Norris sneers that it’ll be a table for three, because Dennis
doesn’t have any pals. They’re interrupted by Dennis getting a text
message on his phone. He tells Rita it’s a mate wishing him luck. He
says he has to go and pick up his suit. Yes, he did pick it up last week
but the fit still wasn’t right and he took it back. Rita looks very
thoughtful and when Dennis has gone asks Norris whether Dennis seems a
little distracted to him. But when Norris dares to suggest Dennis is up
to something, she orders him out to sweep the pavement.

Outside, there are new flowers in the hanging baskets. Fay seems just as
surprised as Norris is.

Tina confesses that they need Kirsty and Tyrone’s help. Kirsty’s
appalled and says Tina’s crazy if she thinks they’d lend Tina and Tommy
any money. They explain about Rick and the drugs. Tyrone is furious
Tommy’s had drugs in the garage. Kirsty’s calling the police. No, not to
report Rick – to report Tommy.

Ken’s recruited Roy and Lewis to the stag party guest list, though Roy
only agrees to go when he finds out Ken plans to finish in time to get
home and watch a documentary on TV.

In the cafe, Fay tells Owen about the mysterious appearance of flowers
in the baskets. She thinks maybe it’s someone trying to get back into
Anna’s good books. Owen suggests it might just be someone who could
afford it and knew Anna could not.  “Anyway, she’ll be well chuffed,”
says Fay. Owen promises to pass on the message if he ever finds out who
did it.

Kirsty says she has to report Tommy so Tyrone won’t get into trouble if
it all comes out about the drugs. Tommy tells them about Terry running
off with their loan. It’s the first Kirsty’s heard of the loan.  “That
was everything we had!” she says. Tina says that because Kirsty was in
the police they thought she might have advice on how to deal with Rick.
Kirsty’s appalled they’re even asking. She lost her job because of Tommy
and Terry. Tyrone tries to calm her down but Kirsty tells Tina she’s not
a pushover like Tyrone. Tina argues that Tyrone’s a mate and he did what
mates do – they help each other out, but Kirsty wouldn’t know that
because she’s never had any mates.

[break]

Rita’s off to pamper herself and tells Mary she’ll see her at the
Rovers. Dennis returns with his suit and while he’s talking to Norris
and Mary his phone goes. He claims it’s nobody important, rejects the
call and puts his phone down. Norris takes his chance and says it’s
Dennis’s turn to make the tea. As soon as Dennis is out the back he
snatches up the phone and sees the rejected call was from Norma,
Dennis’s ex. And here’s the text Dennis sent to her this morning:
“Thinking of you.” And there’s a kiss, an overexcited Norris tells Mary.

Kirsty’s getting very angry with Tyrone, calling him spineless. But
Tyrone stands his ground and calms her down. If helping his mates makes
him spineless and pathetic “then that’s who I am.” But Kirsty says it
makes him kind and decent and that’s why she loves him.

As they go their separate ways in the street, Mary urges Norris to tell
Rita about Dennis. Norris tells her to go to the hen night but urges her
to say nothing to Rita.

Anna sees the baskets and Fay tells her it was Owen’s work. At first,
Anna is annoyed because she doesn’t need charity but Fay says, “It was
dead nice of him. You should be pleased.”

As the hen party gets going down one end of the pub, Tommy, Owen and
Garry chat at the other end about Tommy’s mugging.

The hens discuss what a catch Dennis is and Mary looks awkward.

In the bistro, Ken reminds Dennis that he and Rita were sweet on each
other in their 20s. Dennis says they were just pals but Ken reminds him
that Rita spent the night at Dennis’s house, to the fury of Elsie. Roy’s
at the bar trying to order a dandelion and burdock. Dennis gets a text
message and says he’ll have to go out for a few minutes. As soon as he’s
out of earshot, Norris remembers the oven might be on and follows him.
Through the corner windows of the Kabin he sees Dennis greet Norma and
let her into Rita’s flat.

In the Rovers, Tina checks with Tommy that he’s all right and suggests
they go home since neither of them is enjoying it. Norris comes in and
tells Mary what he’s seen. She urges him to tell Rita. “She’ll be
heartbroken,” he says. “She’ll be heartbroken if you don’t tell her,”
she says.

At the bar, Sunita tells Stella she’ll be coming to the jubilee dressed
as Beyonce, though she’s worried about the skimpy outfit. Stella tells
her not to worry. Eva’s coming as Madonna so will probably be wearing
even less.

Rita’s tearful at the news and hurries home. Mary has a job to stop
Norris going with her.

Karl accuses Sunita of trying to torment him with her planned Beyonce
outfit. Sunita gives him 50 pounds of his winnings, saying she thought
he could give it to Stella and pass it off as money from tips. Karl
grabs her and pushes her against the door as they kiss.

Dennis and Norma chat on the sofa. She’s thanking him for something. “I
couldn’t have got through it without you.” Rita comes in. “How could
you?” she asks Dennis. She wonders if he planned to jilt her like he did
Norma. Norma is surprised Dennis hasn’t told Rita what’s going on.
Dennis explains that Norma’s son was badly injured in a car crash and
she had no other family to turn to. “That’s why we’ve been in touch.”

Tommy tells Tina he’s sunk because he’s confessed to hiding drugs and
he’s done it in front of witnesses. His phone buzzes. It’s Rick.

Norma tells Rita she just came round to tell Dennis the good news that
it seems her son will be OK. When she’s gone, Rita wants to know why
Dennis kept it a secret and he says it’s because he didn’t know how
she’d react. “I would have understood if you’d just tried me,” she says.
He admits he’s been stupid. But now Rita’s beginning to wonder what sort
of man she’s marrying. Dennis has lied to her about where he was and
what the texts were about. They’ve got to be able to trust each other.
Dennis says he’s been an idiot and asks if Rita can forgive him. “Just
go. I don’t feel like talking to you now,” she says. Dennis sighs and goes.

Tommy tells Tina that Rick wants him to do one last job to pay off the
debt for once and all – he’s to put drugs into a car as before but this
time he’ll be driving the car to Amsterdam. Tina shouts at him but Tommy
points out that if he says No he’ll be dead. “I just have to do what I’m
told and hope this is the end of it.”

The end.
Margaret Carr

Written by Joe Turner    Directed by  Kay Patrick

Wedding/Jubilee day dawns. The bunting flags flap in the wind across
the road and Stella puts more up on the front of the pub. Everyone is
busy carrying boxes of decorations and smiling. Sunita glances at Karl
as she passes and Chesney takes a photo of Katy and Joseph. Rita looks
out her door with a worried look on her face as Audrey and Emily
arrive while, across the road, Dennis looks equally dismal.

In the garage, Tommy looks even more ill. Rick has come to Tommy and
is warning him not to mess it up. He's go to take a shipment to
Amsterdam and then their debt will be settled.

Anna, dressed like Dolly Parton is singing in the kitchen. Faye isn't
dressed up because she wasn't allowed to go as her favourites. Anna
makes her go put on an outfit that will make her look like Sporty
Spice. This does not impress Faye.

Tommy goes into the flat. Tina's dressed in her bridesmaid dress and
looks nice but she's determined to talk Tommy out of doing the job.
She points out that Rick never gets his hands dirty and it'll be Tommy
that goes down for it. He is desperate and asks her to trust him, he
can do it. She mutters that her father said that and all. She leaves
to go to Rita's. Tommy tells her not to worry.

In the cafe, Mary is wittering on. She asks after Sylvia who has been
nowhere to be seen. Roy says she's a lifelong republican and
curmudgeon and isn't coming to either celebration. Sean comes in with
rattling pots and pans and he begs Roy for help. The Bistro oven has
packed in and he wants to use Roy's ovens for a tray of 60 hotpots for
the party. Mary surmises Betty's ghost is plaguing him for taking the
hotpot out of the pub. Sean begs and Hayley agrees over Roy's
potential objection. Sean sets Jason to help.

Audrey teases Tina that she's too pretty to be the bridesmaid. Rita
asks her friends if she's making a fool of herself. She is upset that
Dennis lied to her but Emily and Audrey remind her that Dennis loves
her very much. Tina glances out the window and sees Rick's thug
handing Tommy a carryall case. We know what's in that. Rita wonders if
Dennis is going to make mistake after mistake. They reassure her but
she asks Tina for her opinion. Tina is distracted and asks how you
know when you're doing the right thing. Exactly Rita's point and she
doesn't know. Tina doesn't either. Audrey reckons the champagne should
be opened and that will help. Can't hurt!

In the pub, Stella and Karl have a snog. She's dressed as Dusty
Springfield and he as Tom Jones. Sunita (Beyonce) and Dev (Adam Ant)
come in and show off their costumes. Dev has a voucher for a five star
hotel night as a prize. Eva struts out, wearing a corset and very
definitely Madonna-ish.

Outside lots of people are costumed up. Tracy arrives at the pub
looking like they are Sonny and Cher but Steve insists he is John
Lennon. Tracy is delighted that they "match" however much Steve
objects. (Steve looks more like a young Elton John to me) Outside,
Maria finds out that Marcus didn't go to London to see Dylan after all
and he's quite down about it. Maria endeavors to cheer him up.

Tyrone finds Tommy in the garage. Tommy lies that he's only waiting
for the car to be picked up and he's not doing any more jobs. Tyrone
believes him and leaves Tommy to worry some more.

Rita is dressed in a peachy chiffon dress and looks very nice. She
tells Audrey and Emily that she's decided to go through with the
wedding. Guess the champagne did make the difference. Tina has
disappeared but Rita reckons she'll be back soon.

Norris arrives at Number 1 to see Dennis. Norris wants an explanation
for what went on the night before. He's determined to find out why
Norma was at the flat and declares he has every right to know because
he was the one that told Rita all about it. Dennis is infuriated!
Norris wants Dennis' side of the story and the nasty little oik is
glad if he's made Rita see sense. Ken gets between them before Dennis
can do Norris harm and Norris gets out safely. Ken tells Dennis not to
take any notice but Dennis is clearly worried.

Tina arrives at the garage to try again to talk Tommy out of it. Tommy
was in the process of starting to put the drugs in the car. She
threatens to phone the police and he won't hear of it. She locks him
in the garage office and impulsively drives off in the car, determined
to sort it out herself. She's not letting Rick win this time.

After the break, Anna and Faye come outside. Faye looks glum as
always. Owen comes up, he's dressed as a country singer complete with
stetson. Anna assumes he's Kenny Rogers though he jokes that he's
actually Willie Nelson.

Tina drives the car up along a canal and stops. She takes the carry
all from the back seat of the car and then pulls out her mobile.

Back to the street, there are games being played and drinks being
supped (mobile pumps out in front of the pub) and a puppet show on for
the kids. Tracy is following Steve around, much to his chagrin. Dennis
and Ken emerge to go to the registry office. Dennis fusses over his
suit and wonders if he should go see Rita. Ken puts him off and
assures him Rita will show up. He says he knows Rita well enough to
know she wouldn't leave him standing at the registry office, she'd
tell him if she wasn't going through with the wedding. Hayley comes by
and wishes them luck. Across the road Norris is moaning to Mary about
taking the camper van to the wedding rather than travel with Rita who
didn't want him with her. He tells Mary that Rita thinks he witters.
Really?? No!

Tommy bangs on Tyrone's door desperately. Karl follows Sunita to the
shop where she's unlocking the door.

Tina has called Rick, oddly having Rick's number in her phone.  Rick
orders her back to the garage to Tommy but she's refusing. She tells
him he's got to come get his stuff. Rick makes a death threat against
Tommy and against her. She doesn't care and tells him she'll throw it
all in the water if he doesn't come.

Tyrone can't get hold of Kirsty who's gone to see some mates. Tommy is
desperate for help. His phone buzzes and Tina tells him to stay with
Tyrone and not to go out anywhere and not to answer the phone if Rick
calls. She makes him promise not to call the police and to stay there.
He's begging her to come back but she's determined. She hangs up and
Tyrone tries to get Kirsty again. Tommy sees Rick's number flashing on
the phone and takes a deep breath and cuts it off.

Sean and Jason come to the cafe. Sean is dressed like Freddie Mercury
and Jason makes a great Elvis! Sean is horrified to see his hotpots
haven't been put in the oven yet. Roy's had too many other things in
the oven (his own little revenge?). Sean freaks out and says they need
an oven and they need one now! "uHUH" Jason quips (ha!). Where else
are they going to get an oven on short notice, I wonder?

The bride is ready and sends Audrey and Emily off ahead of her. She's
still waiting for Tina and she is confident Tina will be there. She
tells them she's not been late for a wedding yet. They wish her good
luck and take off. Rita tries calling Tina again.

Maria and Liam have come to Number 11 to find Marcus moping. She's
brought a costume for him to wear and she insists.

Outside the office, Julie is fussing over Dennis who isn't sure Rita
is going to show up. Norris sends Mary inside, intent on a last minute
rant hoping to deter Rita from going through with the wedding.
Everyone does wonder where Rita is, she should be there by now.  Lewis
charms the women. Norris asks Audrey how Rita was and if she had cold
feet. Nothing, he's told. Sally, Kevin and Sophie arrive. Sophie warns
her father not to embarrass her at this wedding (her outfit of short
shorts, matching jacket and big, ugly, fake flower on the side of her
head will do a good job of that with out Kevin's help) Dennis frets,
Julie tries to keep him calm.

Rick is pounding on the garage door. Rita comes down and recognizes
him from the other day. She wonders if he's heard from Tina and he
takes the opportunity for a new plan. He says Tina sent him to pick
her up and ushers her into his car, a big, black, beast of a Land
Rover. She says she's not quite ready so he hustles her back into the
flat for the last minute earrings and things.

In the shop, Karl and Sunita are going at it against the counter. She
tells him the office, the inner sanctum might be a bit more romantic.
Outside, Dev is looking for Sunita. Karl is also missing. Marcus is
now dressed as Donny Osmond to Maria's Marie and Liam is little Jimmy
O. Dev does a little Adam Ant pose with the crossed wrists, making
them all chuckle.

Rick ushers Rita into the back of the vehicle. Rita is a bit confused
about it all but goes with him as the episode ends.


And for those of you that haven't seen the wedding, here's a blog post
with photos
http://corrie-on-weatherfield.blogspot.ca/2012/06/congratulations-rita-and-denni\
s.html
(including some from part two, so there's spoilers until the other
update is posted!)  Here's another blog post with lots of photos from
the Jubilee party.
http://corrie-on-weatherfield.blogspot.ca/2012/05/corrie-jubilee-street-party-in\
-pictures.html


Tvor

Written by Joe Turner and directed by Kay Patrick

Tommy is round at Tyrone's, tearing his hair out with worry about what Tina
has got herself into. Meanwhile, Rita is in the back of Rick's car,
wondering whether he has much experience of being a cab driver. When she
points out he's going the wrong way, he tells her they're taking the scenic
route.

At the register office, Dennis getting twitchy. Ken tries to reassure him
that Rita's just fashionably late but there are mutterings amongst the
guests. Mary wonders whether Rita's having second thoughts and Norris admits
he almost feels sorry for Dennis.  Sally is more concerned whether Kevin's
bothered to clean his shoes properly and Lewis reveals that he's managed to
get a red wine stain out of his shirt with bicarbonate of soda which, for
some reason best known to Audrey, prompts her to give him a loving kiss.

On the street, the Jubilee party is in full swing both outside and in the
corner shop where Karl and Sunita are getting frisky in the back office.
Their fun is brought to an abrupt end when they hear the door being
unlocked.  Karl just has time to lie on the floor behind the counter before
Dev walks in. Sunita explains her lengthy absence by a wardrobe malfunction.
Dev tells her she looks perfect before leading her out of the shop and
locking the door behind him.

Marcus and Sean run out of Roy's Rolls with a batch of hotpots while Chesney
and Katy wander past. Chesney comments that he wishes he'd dressed up after
all. He thinks he should have gone as Mick Hucknell from Simply Red while
for some bizarre reason Katy reckons she'd have made a good Jarvis Cocker.

In the Rovers, Dusty Springfield, a.k.a. Stella, is telling Madonna a.k.a.
Eva that it's typical that Karl has disappeared when there's work to be
done. Elvis, a.k.a. Jason, comes in to ask her a favour on behalf of Sean;
he has 60 uncooked hotpots in need of an oven.  "Sean the traitor, you
mean?" asks Stella who looks rather pleased at the thought that she now has
the definite advantage in the war of the hotpots.

Tina has arrived at her destination. She's sitting in the driver's seat of
Rita's car with the bag of drugs in the passenger seat beside her.  She
looks at her mobile phone, sees that Tommy has been desperately trying to
contact her and shakes her head.

Sunita is trying to rescue Karl from the corner shop but just as she's
discreetly trying to unlock the door, she's pounced upon by John Lennon,
Britney Spears and Cher (Steve, Beth and Tracy) who are in need of fags,
chewy and tea bags respectively.  They're most put out when Sunita refuses
to let them in to make a quick purchase.

Down at the docks, Rick has arrived for his rendezvous with Tina.  He parks
his car and the two of them face each other fifty yards apart. Tina tells
him that he can have his drugs if he promises to leave her and Tommy alone
but Rick doesn't want to play ball. But she's a tough one, that Tina, and
she reminds Rick that it's Terry that owes him the money so he should go
after him and leave her and Tommy alone. "And what if I say no?" asks Rick.
"Then this bag is going in the water," replies Tina, dangling it over the
dockside.  So Rick goes back to his car and brings out his passenger.  "What
on earth's going on?" asks Rita as Tina stands there, open mouthed.

Fred Mercury (Sean) and Elvis (Jason) stagger into the Rovers under the
weight of 60 hotpots.  Stella points out that an apology might be in order.
So Sean grudgingly obliges and then says that as it's the Jubilee as well as
Rita's big day it should be an occasion to put their differences aside.
Telling Sean that she's taking advantage of his misfortune to score cheap,
political points, Stella ushers the boys in the direction of her oven.

Back at the docks, Rick is holding onto Rita.  She's completely bewildered
and says that Rick told her this was Tina's surprise. "You really are scum,
aren't you?" says Tina before giving Rita a potted version of the whole,
sorry saga. With that, Rita twists round and gives Rick a quick kick in the
shins with her stilettos, Tina screams for Rick to let go and Rick drags
Rita towards the edge of the dock. Tina is dangling the bag of drugs,
threatening to toss it in while Rick says that, if she does, he'll throw
Rita in after it.

BREAK

At the register office, concern for Rita's whereabouts is mounting. Dennis
is blaming himself and Mary accuses Norris of looking smug. Audrey tells Ken
that they left Rita at the flat to wait for Tina.  Lewis asks if anyone's
tried phoning the flat; it seems that he's the first person to come up with
this inspired idea and Audrey says she'll do it straight away.

We return to the docks where Rita is shouting to Tina to drop the bag in the
water but there's no way Tina will risk it.  Finally Tina agrees to give
Rick the bag if he'll let Rita go.  She throws the bag of drugs towards Rick
and he releases Rita who runs to Tina's arms.  Rick tells them that if he
doesn't make it to the ferry on time he'll be back to wreak his revenge.  At
that moment we hear the welcome sound of sirens and, before Rick has a
chance to make his escape, he's surrounded by police cars.  As a couple of
officers grab hold of him, Kirsty comes wandering into the scene. She
catches Tina's eye and they give each other a knowing smile.

Back at the street party, Owen is buying a burger from Roy.  He asks him if
his burgers have a theme to fit with the Jubilee celebrations. They don't.
Roy then asks Owen exactly what his Kenny Rodgers outfit has to do with 60
years of the British Monarchy. This is a question I was also keen to ask
although, sadly, we don't get an answer.  Stella Springfield then moves over
to the microphone to announce that they are about to draw the raffle.

At the docks, life if looking up for Rita and Tina.  Rick's been arrested
and Kirsty informs them that he's going to go down for a very long time.
Tina tells Kirsty that she owes her big time. Rita then points out that
she's dressed in her finery for a reason. Tina looks as though she's
forgotten all about the wedding but Kirsty's on the case and, with the help
of her ex-colleagues, she says she'll sort everything out.

The first of the prizes for the raffle is being announced and Faye is very
excited to learn that she's won a break for two at a luxury five star spa.

We go back to Ty's where he and Tommy are still in a panic about Tina's
whereabouts when Kirsty walks in to announce that all's well that ends well.
Tina and Rita are safe, Rick's been arrested and she has a car waiting
outside if Tommy still wants to go to the wedding.

Faye is talking to Anna and Owen about her prize.  She points out that it
includes a romantic dinner for two with Champagne.  Anna says she's sure
they would have other fizzy drinks but Faye thinks it would be a much better
idea if Anna and Owen made use of her prize.  She says it's her way of
saying sorry for stealing the flowers and, just in case they need further
convincing, tells Owen to give Anna a kiss.  He seems happy to oblige.

In the Rovers, Jason and Sean have emerged from the kitchen with 60, now
hot, hotpots. They come face to face with Stella and Nick who inform them
that Stella has taken out on injunction and their hotpots are going to be
impounded.  Sean is horrified, especially when he learns that he is going to
have to go out and inform the hungry masses that they won't have anything
else to eat. But it turns out to be a wind-up.  Nick has reached an
agreement with Stella, he's cut a deal and Sean, along with his hotpot
recipe, is being transferred back to the Rovers.

Dennis is on the steps of the Register Office.  He is now convinced the Rita
isn't coming and believes she's giving him a taste of his own medicine.  He
stood up Norma on their wedding day so now he thinks Rita has done the same
thing to him.  Norris offers to go and tell everyone that the ceremony's
been cancelled. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" asks Dennis, on the point
of starting a fight with Norris. Ken steps in between the two of them as we
hear the sound of a siren.  Dennis is overjoyed when a police car draws up
and Rita steps out.  Tina is alongside her, looking as though she's just
come from a morning in the beauty salon, despite the fact that ten minutes
earlier she was completely dishevelled.  "Am I too late for my wedding?"
asks Rita.  Ken assures her that she's just in time before hauling Dennis
back into the building.  Norris tries asking Rita if she still wants to go
through with it but Rita tells him to shut up and takes his and Tina's arms
before following the others inside.

At long last the registrar is able to begin the wedding ceremony and Rita
walks in on Norris's arm, to the strains of the very appropriate: "I Have
Often Walked Down This Street Before".

We return to the street party where Stella is announcing the winners of the
fancy dress competition.  In third place is Dev as Adam Ant.  Sean comes
second as Freddie Mercury.  But in first place, and winning the prize of
dinner for two at the Bistro, are Maria and Marcus as Donny and Marie
Osmond.  Sean was robbed, in my opinion, as his costume was far superior but
then of course that would spoil the plot line which you will learn more
about next week.

Rita and Dennis have finally reached the part of the ceremony where they
make their vows.  As Rita tells Dennis that she offers him not the summer of
her life but the autumn, warm and mellow, we see the various expressions on
the faces of the assembled guests. Kevin looks wistfully at Sally, Julie is
bursting with happiness at the romance of it all, Audrey looks thrilled,
Tommy looks hopefully at Tina and she mouths back "not now".

On the street, Sunita is finally rescuing Karl from the corner shop.  They
both agree that things are getting too close for comfort and Karl suggests
he should use some of his winnings for them to spend a night away in a hotel
somewhere.

Most of the guests are now seated at the tables.  Just as they're wondering
where Rita and Dennis have got to, Stella announces that the guests of
honour are about to arrive and Dennis and Rita drive into the street in the
back of a vintage Rolls Royce.  They get out and Rita gives a short speech
in which she says that she's finally got the title which she always wanted
but thought she would never have: Mrs. Dennis Tanner.

While all this is going on, Tommy and Tina have moved to the back of the
crowd.  Tommy goes to put his arm around her but she moves away. With tears
in her eyes Tina tells Tommy that she loves him more than anything.
However, he lied to her meaning she can't trust him and so, because of that,
it's over between them.

Karen

We've got an hour long episode for you tonight. Here's the first half.

Written by Simon Crowther Directed by Graeme Harper

Simon is determined to be a contrary little boy. He's playing on his
hand held game which Peter had hidden from him as punishment, he's
refusing to get further ready for school while Peter rushes around
gathering his school things and he's being rude and smart-alecky with
his dad. He wants to stay home from school but that's not happening.
Peter's temper reaches the end of its tether when Simon calls him a
loser and he goes outside to wait. Simon grabs a set of keys from a
hook on the wall as his father hollers at him to get a move on.

Stella is still sympathetic to Sunita and Karl isn't. Sunita kept her
up for another night unburdening on Stella's broad shoulders. Stella
wonders if maybe Karl should talk to Sunita and give her a man's point
of view. Yeah, like that's going to happen. Sunita arrives in the
room, having realized she'd missed the kids going to school. Stella
goes to the kitchen to make tea and Sunita whispers to Karl that Dev's
figured out she's having an affair. He's a bit freaked out to say the
least.

Dev is late getting the kids to school. He's discovered Aadi's undone
holiday homework and requests for dinner money. The lad points out his
mother usually takes care of things like that and wonders where his
mother is. Dev insists she's gone to an early dentist appointment.
Asha confesses that she's broken 3 of her mother's bottles of perfume.
The kids bicker, there's a knock on the door. Sophie is at the door
wondering why the shop isn't opening and we can hear the children
warring behind Dev.

Maria is at the builders' yard looking for Jason but it's all locked
up. Marcus comes across the road and she tells him her key broke in
the lock when she went back to get a teddy bear that Liam needed for a
picnic at school. Marcus takes over and offers to take Liam to nursery
and will even buy a bear on the way so Maria can get to work where a
client is waiting. He'll also call Jason for her. What a star!

Simon has been brought to Brian's office. He'd been crying in
assembly. Brian tries to find out what's wrong but Simon is not
forthcoming. Brian starts to witter on about the joys of being 8 years
old. He stands up and turns his back to look out the window as he
talks and when he turns around, Simon is gone and he's closed the
office door behind him.

Leanne greets Dev in the shop and comments that he looks frazzled. Dev
tries to say that Sunita is just busy but of course Leanne living at
the pub knows Sunita stayed there and pretty much figures what the
problem is. Dev insists Sunita will be back later. Gary arrives and
says he's been looking after Faye and can hardly wait for his mother
to get back. I don't think it went that badly but it opened his eyes a
bit! He leaves, Nick arrives. He asks Leanne why Peter looked a bit
overwhelmed getting Simon to school this morning. Dev mentions the
broken perfume and both say it's just first day back to school after
half term.

In the pub, Sunita is helping get the pub ready for opening. Stella is
offering her the day off but she declines. She goes back to wake Eva.
Sunita quietly tells Karl that Dev had found the money and she's left
him and it's probably for the best anyway. They can't finish the
conversation because Eva and Stella return.

Ken comes into the betting shop to talk about Simon. Peter can see a
lecture coming his way. Ken says they miss Simon and reckon Simon is
acting out from all the tension he's living under. Peter is sarcastic
back. His phone starts ringing and he isn't inclined to answer it as
he gives his father grief for trying to tell him what to do. Ken takes
it in stride and says they want to be there for Simon.

In the cafe, Marcus has come to let Maria know that Jason can fix the
locks for 25 quid. Audrey is cooing to Lewis on the phone. Lewis is
apparently ill with a summer cold.  Maria tells Marcus she'll take him
for a drink to thank him. David teases her after Marcus leaves. "My
hero!" he twitters.

Peter is still arguing with Ken about Simon and who he sees. Ken
accuses Peter of using Simon like an "emotional commodity". Peter
scoffs. Ken starts to whinge about having bought Simon a book on
weather and he can't give it to him. Carla interrupts with the news
from the school that Simon's gone missing. That was probably the phone
call Peter didn't answer.

After the break, we're in the pub where Peter has come to ask if
anyone has seen Simon. Leanne is told that Simon has disappeared.

Sophie, who has probably been listening to Dev cry about Sunita all
morning, asks if he's spoken to Sunita today. No, and Dev, nearly in
tears, tries to finish an unrelated conversation he was having. She
asks what happened. Dev sobs the whole story out, about the fictional
friend and the obvious conclusion about the affair. Dev asks Sophie if
Sunita has said anything to her. Sophie, knowing what she knows or
suspects, avoids a direct answer and thinks he should be strong and
work on his marriage a bit harder. Sunita must be going through a
crisis and really needs Dev. She says the kids are so young and
shouldn't have to watch their parents split up. Sophie thinks there's
always a way and he should fight for her if he loves her. If he just
gives up it says he's not bothered.

Leanne follows Peter out of the pub, screaming at him and blaming him.
Carla runs over, and they try to figure out a plan. Simon comes
strolling along and hides behind a car when he sees them all talking
about finding him. Carla thinks someone should stay at the flat and
wait for the police but they all go off in different directions to
look for him. Simon crawls out from behind the car and lets himself
into the flat with the keys he'd taken.

Up in the flat he looks around. Now what? He goes to the table and
picks up his game console but he's looking very sad and near to tears.

In the Bistro, Nick has heard from Audrey who's calling Lewis in sick.
Eva realizes it's just the two of them to mind the Bistro. Gail comes
in from the back having finished her cleaning. Nick asks her to fill
in as a waitress. She says she will for a price!

In the salon, Maria has spent all morning singing Marcus' praises.
David makes fun of her. Audrey hushes them with their teasing. Audrey
says Lewis will be missed at the Bistro, particularly since they have
a party of 13 in for lunch.

Dev has brought flowers to Sunita at the pub. She asks after the kids
and he explains the excuse he made. He says they all need her and he
admits he got the kids away late. She points out that usually when he
has the kids, something gets broken. Dev laughs and thinks Leanne has
been telling tales and Sunita immediately realizes Asha has been
playing with the hair dryer again (which she uses as a gun which had
been what happened to the perfume bottles). Dev implores her. If she
says there's nobody else then he believes her and asks her to come
home.

Dev hears Peter coming up the stairs and hides in the utility
cupboard. Peter and Carla come in with a police officer. They get a
photo. Peter is standing right beside the cupboard which appears to
have venting holes in it but fails to hear Simon who seems to be
breathing very hard and audibly.

Sunita tells Dev she's not coming back. She going to come and pack and
take the kids with her. He hollers that she's not taking her kids away
from him again. He gets angry and hisses that maybe she wanted to be
worshipped? She snipes that might have helped. He's very sarcastic and
a bit nasty to her for rejecting him and it all feels very realistic,
this conversation. He wonders if she's just after looks and thrills
and if that's the case, whatever man it is will only let her down
sooner than later. She looks defiant but it also looks like his
remarks have hit home. He asks if any man would dote on his children
or love her like he does. She fires back that if he did love her, he'd
pay her more attention and respect her opinions. She thinks he likes
having her around because it's convenient. She does admit he's a good
father but it's not enough. He looks crestfallen.

Peter first tries to fool the police officer that Simon was just
acting up on first day back to school after mid term holidays. The
officer wonders if there has been any bullying at school and Peter
slowly admits to the police officer that Simon has been having a hard
time at home with the upheaval. Carla tells all, that Simon doesn't
like her and the divorce is taking its toll. Peter wonders why they're
talking instead of looking. He's defensive about things and starts
ranting on about Simon's recent behaviour. Simon squeezes his eyes
shut trying not to cry out loud while listening to his father. It
probably sounds to him like Peter is blaming him for everything. Carla
tries to placate him. The police officer thinks Peter should stay home
and wait while others are out looking. He leaves and Peter leaves
right after, shouting that it's all got to stop. Simon lives *there*
and where is he anyway! Carla shakes her head and decides to go with
him.

They leave and Simon comes out of the cupboard, with a small rubbish
bin or box clanking out of it behind him. He turns and sees a wine
bottle in it. He picks it up and looks thoughtful.


Tvor

As schedule changes confuse your updaters and the Olympics loom large,
here's a Wednesday episode for a change.

It’s morning and Ken meets Carla in the street. He asks after Simon and
Carla admits she spent the night at Michelle’s. They both agree the
current situation is bad for Simon and the fighting has to stop.

Peter’s with Simon at the hospital. He looks up and sees Leanne looking
through the window. He goes out to argue with her and she introduces him
to Claire, from Social Services. Peter turns nasty and has a go at
Leanne for calling Social Services and they argue until Claire manages
to get a word in to say that it was the hospital who notified her.
Leanne says it was only a matter of time before someone did. “Two
alcoholics in charge of a child? Like that was ever going to end well!”
she sneers.

Stella and Karl discuss Simon over breakfast. Stella asks Sunita if
she’s well, because she doesn’t look it, but Sunita says she’ll be out
from under their feet as soon as possible. Stella tells her to stay as
long as she likes. Once she’s left the room, Karl snaps at Sunita,
saying he doesn’t know what she hopes to gain by hanging around. She
says she has nowhere else to go and Karl tells her to go home to her
family. Sunita thinks he’s worried she’s going to confess all to Stella
and says she just might do that.

Leanne, Peter and Claire sit in what looks like a playroom for a chat.
Leanne’s very nasty. Though it might not be a crime to have wine in the
house, it was utterly stupid when Simon’s got a role model like Peter,
she says. Claire from Social Services listens, her lips pursed, until
there is a brief pause in the nastiness. She tells them that all Social
Services cares about is Simon’s welfare. “Me too,” say Peter and Leanne
almost together. “Well, at least you agree on something,” Claire says.

Maria wants to leave early because she’s going out for a drink with
Marcus. She goes on about how wonderful he is.

Simon’s sitting up in bed, laughing with Peter. The doctor comes in and
says there seems to be no long-term damage so Simon can go home. She
makes Simon promise he’ll never do anything like this again. Simon
promises. “Wine tastes horrible anyway!”

Back at the Rovers, Leanne tells Stella the story of the morning. She’s
starting to think maybe Peter was right and if she hadn’t been around
Simon would have come to like Carla. Stella says it doesn’t work like
that. “That little lad loves you with all his heart. You’re his Mum.”
Leanne hates to think how unhappy Simon must have been to drink the
wine. Stella urges her to stay and fight for him. “What? Like you did?”
asks Leanne, apologising almost immediately. But Stella says that’s why
she knows what Leanne must do. “If you don’t, you’ll regret it every
single day of your life.”

Jason’s bringing in a new sink bench for the bistro. Eva eyes up his
muscles at the same time as he eyes up her very low cut dress.

Simon’s home and when he hears feet on the stairs he races towards it,
thinking it will be Leanne. But it’s just Carla. He goes to his room.
Carla asks Peter if she should keep on packing up her stuff but Peter
apologises and says of course she must stay because he loves her. Peter
worries that alcoholism is hereditary but Carla tells him not to be
silly. Peter insists he’s bad for Simon. “I’m a danger to my own son.”
He wants to help Simon but he doesn’t know how.

[break]

Eva’s made Jason a steak sandwich and she’s not just admiring his
muscles but squeezing his biceps. He asks her out. Eva says she’s
working in the evenings but Nick overhears and tells her to take Monday
off.

Carla’s gone to work. Peter’s on the couch and Simon comes out to lie
beside him. They chat and Peter assures Simon he’s not in trouble. Peter
just wants to understand. Simon explains that Peter doesn’t listen to
him and doesn’t care about what he wants. Peter stopped him from seeing
Leanne, “but she’s my Mum. All kids get to see their Mums. It’s just
normal!” And he wants to see Grandad and Grandma, but Peter won’t let
him. “And you’re always shouting and it makes me sad and I totally hate
my life. Simon says he knows Peter hates himself too and when he does he
drinks. “I thought maybe if I had a drink all my problems would go away.”

Maria and Marcus are in the Rovers. Maria’s made a real effort and is
all dressed-up and made-up. She and Marcus are going on a pub crawl down
Canal Street. Peter comes in and Leanne is furious with him for not
telling her what was happening, when Simon was coming home and for
ignoring her text messages. Ken tries to find out when he can see Simon
but Peter brushes him off. Stella snaps at him too, but Peter just wants
to talk to Lorraine. She takes him through to the back. While nobody’s
look at them, Karl has some more nasty remarks for Sunita.

In the back, Peter assures Leanne she can see Simon and says he’s
desperate to see her. He asks if they can stop sniping for a minute.
It’s not helping. Simon is eight years old and has already had too much
pain in his life. Leanne points out that Peter didn’t have to cut her
out of Simon’s life. He can’t force Simon to love Carla. Peter says he
thought he was doing the right thing and that he thought he had to be
cruel to be kind. “All you’ve done is shown him his feelings count for
nothing,” Leanne says. Peter agrees and says Simon’s already pointed
that out. He asks Leanne to come and see Simon. Leanne says she will if
he asks Carla to do the decent thing and make herself scarce during the
visit.

In the bar, Sunita thanks Stella for being so understanding. Karl hears
this and as soon as Sunita’s out of earshot he tells Stella he’s stick
of the sight of Sunita’s miserable gob.

While Marcus is at the bar, Audrey goes to talk to Maria. She agrees
that Marcus is a lovely man but says she thinks Maria’s falling for him,
even though she knows nothing is going to come of it. Maria denies it
and when Marcus returns Audrey makes her excuses and moves away.

Leanne arrives at the flat and is annoyed to find Carla there but Carla
says she’s part of this family too.  Peter tells Simon that sometimes
adults get it wrong. He did, but now he’s going to do his best to put it
right. How would Simon like to live with Leanne? Simon points out that
Peter won’t let him. Peter replies that he will if that’s what will make
Simon happy.

Marcus is ready to make a night of it but Maria suddenly doesn’t feel
well. She just wants to go home and refuses Marcus’s offer to look after
her.

Simon’s packing his alien blasters and other essentials. Peter is close
to tears but he tells Carla he’s made hi decision and this is what will
make Simon happy.

In the pub, Karl tells Stella to put her feet up. Then he puts the paper
down in front of Sunita and tells her to start looking for somewhere
else to live. He says she’s had her fling and now should move on. This
is his home where he lives with the woman he loves and he wants Sunita
out of it. Tears well up in Sunita’s eyes but Karl just snaps that she
should have a bit of pride.

Leanne’s carrying the alien blasters and Simon’s other luggage. “I’m not
making you sad, am I, Dad?” he asks Peter. Peter says he’s got a touch
of hayfever. All the adults are near tears. As the door shuts behind
Simon, Peter collapses to the floor weeping, Carla at his side.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Written by  Carmel Morgan  Directed by Graeme Harper

Simon's first day back at school after being handed over to Leanne.
Peter comes along and makes arrangements to bring Simon's things to
him after school and take Simon out for his tea. Simon cheers and
Leanne feels backed into a corner so she agrees. Ken has now come out
of Number 1. Peter ruffles Simon's hair and leaves. Ken ascertains
things are ok and offers his services if needed. She sighs about Peter
still calling all the shots but goes off with Simon in the direction
of school.

Eva has come into the living quarters, moaning about Sunita hogging
the bathroom. She's further dismayed when she finds out that Sunita
isn't paying any rent for staying there. Stella points out Sunita is a
guest and it's temporary. Stella goes into the bar and Karl shows
support for Eva's side of the argument.

Peter's packing up some of Simon's toys. Carla is congratulating him
on doing the right thing and never mind what anyone else would say.
Peter sighs and admits it's quiet in the flat without Simon. She
agrees quietly. He consoles himself that Simon will be smiling when he
picks him up and Carla reminds him of the few hours of one on one time
they'll have.

Beth and Tracy emerge, bickering over Beth's kippers that are stinking
the house out. They both turn around and notice an Estate Agent sign
attached to the brickwork above their heads (didn't hear any of that
knocking and hammering?? they must have been screaming at each other
about kippers!) Tracy doesn't think Steve can sell the house without
her say so (and I think she's right since her name is apparently on
the deeds). Beth tries to take the sign down and Tracy assures her the
sale is not going to happen.

In the pub, Sunita is dismayed to walk in on Karl and Stella giggling
and cuddling as he tries to help her put on a necklace. Sunita says
she didn't sleep well. Eva shoots off a few nasty remarks and after
the two Price women leave the room, Sunita asks Karl if he's been
dripping poison in Eva's ear. He's kind of nasty too, saying Eva
recognizes a sponger when she sees one. He's clearly anxious to get
her out from under, too.

Leanne comes out of the Kabin and Nick catches up with her. She says
things are settling down and tells him that Simon is with her now.
Leanne wants to get things formalized and in writing. Nick agrees
that's a good thing to do. She's happy, it shows and he smiles at her.
She smiles back. (Are you thinking what I'm thinking?)

Sunita's busy serving in the pub while Eva, St. Ella and Karl are
huddled over a newspaper and getting people to guess the ages of
celebrities. Lewis and Audrey are participating. Stella asks Sunita if
she's got a guess but Sunita's short with her. Lewis and Audrey go to
a table. Karl whispers to Eva that Tina is a better barmaid than
Sunita and casts aspersions on Sunita's suitability as a parent since
she walked out on her children.

Beth comes in to the taxi office to give Steve a hard time about the
sign. He says she might be able to stay on as a sitting tenant
depending on the buyer. That doesn't satisfy her. Steve tells her it's
a financial decision.  Tracy joins her and points out her legal
ownership. He doesn't think she's got a leg to stand on. She plays the
Amy card, Beth points out her son will suffer as well. Steve says
there's a viewing that evening and he's selling the house. End of. He
answers the phone. Tracy doesn't look quite so confident.

Sunita sits down with a plate of lunch. Eva snarks at her for having a
cushy deal staying there. Stella comes through. Eva points out there
really isn't enough room for her with Leanne and Simon staying. Stella
whips back through to the bar, telling them to play nice. Which they
don't. Karl enters with nice things to say about Stella. Eva remarks
that Stella has enough to worry about with her own family to be
worried about Sunita's problems on top of it. Looks like she's
touching a few nerves there. Sunita asks Karl what he thinks and he
says Stella has been a true friend. Sunita agrees and says she's going
to do something about it. She goes out into the bar where Stella tells
Sunita to ignore Eva. Sunita says she's going to go back to Dev and
the kids. She reckons she's been focusing on the wrong things. He may
be rubbish around the house but he's a good man and a good father, not
vindictive or cruel and doesn't play mind games (with a glance at
Karl). She says he'd never play mind games and is kind and honourable.
Stella is pleased she's made the decision and knows Dev has been
missing her. Sunita makes another pointed remark about there being a
lot of scum bags "out there". Stella asks if she's sure? Karl
interjects that Sunita knows her own mind. Sunita says if she didn't
before, she does now, exchanging a bitter look with Karl and retreats
to the back.

After the break, Steve is seen getting into a cab by Beth and Tracy.
Beth is really annoyed at the probability of losing the nicest place
she's ever lived. Tracy pulls her across the road and tells her they
must stick together and come up with a plan. She talks solidarity.

Leanne has brought Simon back after school. Stella tells Leanne that
Sunita has gone back to Dev. When Leanne tells Stella that Peter is
taking Simon out, Simon is sent upstairs to change and Stella pours
her own version of poison into Leanne's ear, calling Peter drunk and
manipulative. She thinks it's a bad idea and Simon needs to set a
routine. Peter is calling the shots! Leanne doesn't think she can do
that to Simon but Stella warns her she's setting a precedent and Peter
will be calling all the shots and leaving her with the hard stuff,
with him getting all the easy bits. Leanne reluctantly agrees she's
probably right.

In Number 13, Tracy knows that Steve can't sell the house if she
doesn't sign on the dotted line. Beth makes a catty remark about Tracy
bashing Steve over the head. Three words, Beth.. Miscarriage. Of.
Justice! Tracy asks Beth if she's got any more kippers!

Sunita is all packed and ready to leave. She tells Stella it might not
work but she's going to try. Sunita offers to work the end of her
shift, giving Karl a dirty look.

Peter's brought Simon's things and Leanne tells him the visit is off.
He gets angry and doesn't understand why she's changing her mind. Why
is she playing games? She says she wants him to get used to a new
routine and says burgers are weekend treats. Peter even begs but
Leanne stands firm (and to be fair, I think she's in the wrong here.
She complained about wanting Simon to be happy and she's doing the
same thing Peter was). She hurls back at him that it's his fault
they're broken up and throws him out. He storms through the bar,
noticed by Karl and Sunita. He makes a few comments to her but she's
very cool to him. Stella comes through and reckons Sunita should have
warned Dev she was coming so he could put out the red carpet.

Tracy and Beth have strewn junk around the room and it looks a tip.
They let in the estate agent and client in. The estate agent, Shirley,
looks dismayed at the mess in the room. The client asks what the awful
smell is. Tracy and Beth play up that it's always there and you get
used to it after awhile. They also pretend there's dodgey electrics as
the client is taken upstairs for a look.

In the pub, Simon is near tears that Leanne has not allowed him to see
his dad. She tries to pretend it's because it's a school night and
she's making the rules now. She admits Peter was disappointed but will
work out all the times he can see his dad. She hugs Simon but he
doesn't look too happy.

Peter is in the flat, smoking and when Carla comes in he tells her the
news. He didn't even get to see Simon at all. She's sympathetic. He
figures she's starting as she means to go on. He's really upset. Carla
suggests that she move out. She's not sure she's worth the sacrifice
he's made for her and is worried he will hate her after awhile. He
won't hear of it and says he can't imagine life without her in it. He
promises they'll be happy. All this aggro is just making them
stronger.

Sunita is ready to leave the pub and is in tears. Karl slips into the
room and catches her. She says she's not decided if she's going to
tell Stella or not (about them). He says he didn't mean to hurt her.
She figures it was all meaningless on his part. Out in the bar, Eva
thinks a little jealousy will be good for Nick. Leanne comes in and
says Simon is upset but is ok. Leanne overhears Eva's plan to use
Jason to make Nick jealous and she rolls her eyes. Stella thinks Jason
isn't such a bad catch and lo and behold, he appears. He confirms
their date tomorrow night. Stella asks her to remind Karl he's going
to be late for his shift at Streetcars. Eva goes back and overhears
Karl and Sunita arguing. For some reason Sunita has all Karl's
gambling cash in her hand though where she got that from, I don't know
unless she had it in her rucksack all this time. She throws it at him
and hollers that she's not keeping his grubby secret anymore. Eva
bursts through the door. Sunita rushes out and Eva grabs the money and
wants to know what's going on. He tells her to mind his own business
and exits.



Tvor

Written by  Julie Jones  Directed by Duncan Foster

Leanne has dropped Simon off to school early and as she's returning,
she runs into Carla and Peter. They argue about Peter not being able
to see the boy. He says he'll make his side clear in court. She
agrees, there will be no misunderstandings once it's all legal. She
storms off. Peter's fed up and rants about Leanne a bit. Carla tries
to tell him he's got to stop this. He did the right thing for Simon
and he needs to give himself credit. She holds him close and kisses
him. From across the road, Leanne watches, and it's clear that seeing
them together still hurts. Nick approaches her, concerned. She admits
she's still not over it all. He sympathises, knowing how she feels.

Sean has made a nice breakfast for Marcus and he's late getting home.
Eileen compliments him on his efforts. Paul comes home (they both must
have been working a night shift) and smiles at Sean's romantic
gesture. When Marcus does get home he has to disappoint Sean, he's
already eaten with one of his colleagues. Paul and Eileen are the
grateful recipients of the cooked breakfast. Marcus apologizes but is
perked up when Sean tells him that Dylan and Violet are coming for a
visit.

Leanne is in the back of the pub with Stella and Eva having tea and
toast. Stella congratulates Karl on  his decision to contact some
gambling support groups. He says, rather unconvincingly, that he's
going to ring round later. Eva remarks that she's glad Sunita is gone
and thinks it's weird that she and Dev are now engaged after she
previously couldn't even stand to be in the same room. Karl scolds
them all for their gossip. He and Stella have a cuddle before he heads
out of the room. Stella tells the girls she's optimistic he's going to
knock this on the head.

The twins are glad their mum is back. Dev decides to tell the kids now
that they are getting married again. The kids cheer and Asha asks to
be bridesmaid. Dev continues as he means to go on by making decisions
without consulting Sunita and says of course she can.  Sunita just
smiles and tells Asha the tiara may have to wait. Dev is bubbling over
and even Sunita looks a bit happy.

Mary and Norris are discussing a postcard Rita has sent from her
honeymoon. Spain, it sounds like. Hayley comes in asking for a
particular magazine on ballroom dancing, one they don't have but
Norris offers to order it.  Mary didn't know Hayley was a dancer (but
she's been taking salsa lessons for a couple of years and even had a
Latin dancer at her hen night so where has Mary been?) Hayley talks
about her dance classes and mentions that Norris has had a dance
history, too. She recalls that Norris had even won a competition.
After she leaves, Mary is nearly faint with excitement at the fantasy
of Norris tripping the light fantastic twirling her around the dance
floor.

Eva warns off Karl and tries to get to the bottom of what she saw
between he and Sunita. He warns her not to say anything to Stella and
she's jumping to conclusions again. It's the reason she's not with
Nick anymore. Sunita arrives for her shift and Eva makes a really
witchy remark about the cleavage on display. In the back, Leanne is
ironing furiously. She tells Stella that she saw Peter and Carla
kissing on the street. It's obvious she still hurts over the whole
affair. Leanne moans that Peter is the one that behaved badly but he's
happy and she's got nobody. Stella tries to placate her, telling her
she's young and will find someone and be happy again. Leanne admits
she's happy she's got Simon but wants him to have a proper family.

Gail is moaning about the cleaning chemicals having an affect on her
hands. She's sucking back wine at the Bistro bar and wittering on.
Lewis makes nondescript noises. Nick wonders if the daily glass of
wine is becoming a habit. She then asks Lewis for a "virtuous" glass
of water. "Sparkling or still?" he asks. "Still...." says she, "I'm
sparkling enough" (lovely!) Nick asks her how things are going with
Jason and when she says it didn't work out, he hints that someone
closer to home probably has their eye on her. She perks up and it's
clear she thinks he means him. Gail observes the goings on and asks if
Nick and Eva are reuniting. He says he's just being polite. Gail takes
another sip of wine and comments that someone ought to tell Eva that.

In the bar, Karl apologizes to Sunita for Eva's nasty demeanor. Sunita
admits that Eva confronted her and thinks she knows there's something
going on between them. Karl is horrified and demands that they make
sure to keep apart so Stella doesn't find out. Sunita is cool and says
it's not her problem anymore. Stella comes out with some print outs of
local gambling support groups. Oh. Great.

In the Bistro, Eva sits down at a table where Nick is. She broaches
the topic she's been working up to. She thinks they shouldn't be
messing about and they should put everything behind them. She
apologizes for the Kylie incident and admits she knows she can be
jealous. Eva wants to go back to how they were but he says that though
what they had was nice but it's run its course. She objects but he
stammers that there's no point prolonging the agony. Ouch. She
realizes he's seeing someone else and though he says he's not, she's
sure. He admits there's someone but nobody she knows. She's betrayed
and hurt and rejected and feeling humiliated. (I don't think that's
what he was doing)

After the break, she's in the bar crying on her mother's shoulder. She
feels like Nick strung her along, knowing she wanted back with him.
Leanne sits down quietly and takes it all in. Stella says all the
right things to her heartbroken daughter who feels dejected that she's
got no man and no job because she quit that too. She couldn't possibly
work with Nick now. She sobs and wonders what she's going to do now.
Leanne looks concerned and tells her she must forget Nick and they'll
both help her through it. Eva appreciates the support.

Marcus is on the phone to Aiden when he runs into Sean. Sean is snarky
about Aiden who has just finished a night shift with Marcus and is
back on the phone with him already. Marcus says Aiden has just come
out to his family and needed someone to talk to because it's not going
well. Sean is sarcastic and jealous. Marcus assures him there's
nothing there and offers to take him out to the Bistro tonight. Sean
grudgingly accepts.

In the Kabin, Norris is perusing the obituaries and admits he's been
feeling his age lately. Mary thinks he needs a hobby. He ruminates on
bee keeping but she suggests dancing. He objects straight away. She
begs. No way. That's end of it for now.

Leanne is off to get Simon and tells Eva to keep her chin up. After
she leaves, Stella mentions how nice it is to see them acting like
proper sisters. Eva remarks that Karl has led Stella a merry dance
over the years. She agrees but also says that she'd probably have been
bored to tears if he'd been a saint. Eva realizes her mother really
loves Karl. She looks concerned when Stella says Karl is her world.

Audrey arrives at the Bistro to see Lewis on a break from the salon.
She orders a glass of red and notices that Nick looks dejected. He
tells her about the conversation he had with Eva and that he'd
admitted there's someone else....

Mary is badgering Norris to take her dancing tonight. She follows him
around the shop like a puppy, complimenting, flattering, but he's
still reluctant. She has fantasies of them reenacting Hollywood
musicals and points out that it would be good for his blood pressure
and joints. He finally agrees. Just the once.

Sunita pops into the back to ask about the supply of cheese and onion
crisps. Stella jumps up to go get some from the cellar and Eva
immediately grabs Sunita and pushes her against the door. She warns
her to keep away from Karl. Sunita tells her she's totally wrong. Eva
orders her not to break Stella's heart. Grow up, Sunita hisses. Eva,
having said her piece, leaves.

Audrey is interrogating Nick but he's still not told her who the other
woman is. Finally he does admit that it's Leanne. Audrey is shocked.
Nick compares him and Leanne to her and Lewis. He says it feels right.
Audrey cautions him though she admits she doesn't regret getting back
with Lewis. She councils him to tell Leanne how he feels, what has he
got to lose? He agrees. He'll do it.

Paul and Eileen are cuddling in the kitchen while Sean irons. He tells
them that he's got a date with Marcus tonight. Paul and Eileen go out
the back door to do some shopping as Marcus comes in the front, with
Aiden. Sean's smile becomes pasted on and tells Aiden they're getting
ready for a date. Marcus says there's time for a cuppa.

Nick comes to the pub and tells Leanne he wants to talk to her. She
closes the door and he takes a deep breath and goes for it. I love
you, Leanne. Wha??? Eva comes into the bar and Sunita tells her that
Nick is in the back, seemingly all fired up about something, in a good
way. In the back, Leanne is angry that he could break up with her
sister and come to her and say that. He promises he's never stopped
loving her. Eva walks in on Nick telling her he loves her SO much. Uh
oh...


Tvor

Hello and welcome to Friday’s first episode, which is full of moping and
glaring before it turns to menace and laughing.

It’s morning and Sean mopes in the kitchen.

Not so far away, Marcus and Elmo lie awake on Maria’s couch. Well,
Marcus is awake. It’s hard to tell with Tickle-Me-Elmo.

Eileen seems to have been out and she comes in and sympathises with
Sean. He says the worst thing is that he’s driven Marcus to stay out all
night.

Peter’s awake and seething. He’s appalled that Leanne’s gone back to
Nick. He says he’s Simon’s father, not Nick. Leanne’s making a mockery
of the whole thing. Simon’s his son, not Nick’s . . . If you’re fed up,
think how Carla feels. She tries to change the subject by saying there’s
nothing in and they’ll have to go to the cafe for breakfast. Peter’s
suddenly furious that there’s no food, but just as quickly he apologises
to her.

Deirdre’s welcome for Nick is quite amazing. I assume Ken is on Leanne’s
side so you’d normally expect Deirdre to oppose him. But no, she tells
Leanne he’s more than welcome to come in.

As Nick, Leanne and Simon walk towards the cafe, Leanne feels invincible
and certain her job centre interview is going to go really well. Nick’s
taking Simon to the cafe for breakfast and will drive him to school in
his convertible.

Stella’s off to a Newton and Ridley training day. Sunita’s reading a
magazine story about phobias. Whatever Eva’s phobia is, she refuses to
name it for fear of getting a picture of it in her head. She’s more
forthcoming when she hears that she and Sunita will be left to run the
pub. After all, as the landlady’s daughter she must have seniority. As
the door closes behind Stella, Eva and Sunita glare at each other.

Hayley’s very perky, mainly because Norris has agreed to stand in as her
dance partner.

Simon and Nick come into the cafe and Simon begins to put Nick through a
sort of step-dad job interview. If Leanne was out, what time would Nick
make Simon go to bed? Cunning Simon manages to make Nick say he’d let
him stay up until 10pm.

Peter comes in and spots Simon breakfasting with Nick. “Well, well, well
. . .” He goes over to talk and is very very menacing indeed. Simon
doesn’t notice and cheerily tells his dad that Nick would let him stay
up until 10. Carla comes in and Peter moves away but he’s still glaring
at Nick.

Marcus is up and moping now. Maria advises him to tell Sean how he
feels. Marcus says he’s got to get to work. He’s wasted too much time
and energy on his relationship already.

As Tracy empties rubbish around the flat, Beth tries to persuade Craig
to go to school. Craig manages to sneeze all over his laptop and Tracy
suddenly sees that having a sick Craig hanging around the house might be
just the thing to help make the right impression on potential buyers.
Though she’s not so certain about Beth’s new furry mobile phone cover.

Sean’s still at home and still moping. Marcus comes in and Sean demands
to know where he was all night. Marcus tells him but he needn’t have
bothered because Sean doesn’t believe him.

Hayley greets Norris in the street and they natter about the dancing.
Mary is at the pillar box outside the shop, glaring at them, and Hayley
calls a cheery hello. “Mrs Cropper,” says Mary, dipping her head
slightly. Hmmm. . . I think she might be harbouring a grudge!

Eva’s had a phone call from someone at the Flying Horse. They’ve just
had the council health inspector call in and it’s likely the Rovers is
next. Eva wastes no time ordering Sunita to get the stain remover, a
bucket and a cloth and to start getting hotpot stains out of a
banquette. As for Eva, she’s going upstairs to change. “If some bloke’s
coming round, I was to show him we . . . I can scrub up well.” Sunita
glares at her.

Sean sees Maria going to the salon and asks her about Marcus. She
confirms that Marcus slept on her sofa with just Elmo for company. All
that does is prompt Sean to start cross-examining her. Maria avoids
answering and tells him he has to talk to Marcus.

[break]

Sean’s at work now and his anger shows. Julie takes him aside and he
tells her Marcus didn’t come home because he’s having an affair. Julie
tries to calm him down. “You’re not behaving in a rational manner.”
Sean’s determined that everyone is in cahoots to keep the truth from
him. He makes up his mind to go to the hospital and off he goes. When
Michelle asks where Sean is, Julie says he’s in the toilet.

Tracy makes a perfect first impression by calling the potential buyer
Simoney instead of Simone. Twice. Craig lies on the sofa stroking his
pet rat, Darrell, and coughing loudly. Beth, stroking his fevered brow,
pleads with Tracy not to evict them. She tells Simone the place is
infested with rats but they’re quite tame. Simone has suddenly decided
not to bother with the upstairs. The place isn’t really what she was
looking for.  When she’s gone, Beth gets up to go to work, startling
Darrell, who runs off somewhere – nobody sees where. Tracy insists Craig
start to hunt for the rat.

Emily visits the Kabin to get her knitting magazine but falls right into
the middle of a stand-off between Norris and Mary. Mary is in full flow
about feeling humiliated and she waves Emily’s money about to make her
point and has to be asked for the change.

At the hospital, Marcus’s boss suggests he apply for a more senior job.
After all, he has an unblemished record. As he greets a patient, Louisa,
and heads for the examination room, Sean comes in. Marcus tells him
firmly to wait.

Carla’s miles away in thought. Michelle tells her it’s totally normal
for a man to be jealous of another man spending time with his son. But
Carla thinks it goes much deeper than that. She thinks Peter resents
Leanne being back with Nick.

While Sean waits, he sees Aiden and furiously accuses him of being there
because he’s having an affair with Marcus behind Sean’s back. Aiden
tries to point out that he does work at the hospital but Sean doesn’t
even pause in his tirade. Marcus comes out and tries to get Sean to go
home. “Get out, Sean! This is completely inappropriate!” Marcus goes
back to the examination room and Sean demands to know who he’s got in
there. He bursts into the room and stops dead at the sight of a
semi-undressed pregnant woman, lying waiting for her examination. Back
in the waiting room he’s stopped by Marcus’s boss who wants to know who
he is and what he’s doing. They’re interrupted by Marcus pursuing the
fleeing patient. “Louisa! Wait!”

Beth’s on her way back to work and sees nothing wrong in stopping in at
the Rovers for a drink. I mean, it’s not as if she has to use scissors
or sharp needles in her work, is it? Eva’s behind the counter shouting
at a scrubbing Sunita to put her back into it. Eileen’s at the bar with
a drink. A mobile phone rings and they all check whose it is. Beth puts
her hand into her bag for her fur-covered phone and, of course, ends up
holding Darrell to her ear. She squeaks. He squeaks and she drops him.
Suddenly we know what Eva’s phobia is. Sunita’s half on a table. Eva’s
screeching and panicking, Beth’s chasing poor Darrell and Eileen’s
laughing hysterically. The door opens. Mr Brownlow from the council
introduces himself to Sunita. “I’m here to do an inspection.” Luckily
Beth’s out of sight and Eva’s screeched her way out of the bar. Sunita
calmly greets the inspector and asks him through to the back.

Marcus finds Sean sitting in the waiting area and tells him he has to
go. He reiterates that he’s not having an affair, though Sean thinks
Marcus, Maria and Aiden are all plotting to keep the truth from him.
Marcus asks if they can talk about it later. He could lose his job if
Sean keeps disrupting his work. “I am not lying to you,” he tells Sean.
“Aiden’s not lying. Maria’s not lying. You are the one lying to
yourself. Now go home!” He tells Sean he’s too angry to talk to him
right now. That’s when Marcus’s boss comes to ask him into her office to
explain what’s been going on.  “I need to know what the hell you are
playing at!”

The End of episode one.
Margaret Carr