Brookside

The Grants invite all their neighbours to their New Year's Eve party. Roger and Heather return home, and discover that their alarm has been tampered with, and Gavin has erected a multicoloured shed to house his cookers.

Barry is determine to get revenge on his attacker, Paul receives some encouraging news, but Petra is still feeling fed up and depressed.

It is an upsetting Christmas for the Collins family, while Karen has a hangover, Bobby has an emergency meeting, Roger's burglar alarm goes off again, and Damon has no presents.

Lucy is rescued from a kiss under the mistletoe by one of her class-mates. Karen wants to go to a party instead of attending the midnight Mass. Derek makes a pass at Heather.

Roger does his Christmas shopping, all of which is then stolen. Bobby is under increased pressure to end the strike as Christmas approaches.

Roger has an alarm installed, Gordon is resentful, Lucy is being followed, Petra is ovulating and Barry is stabbed.

Gavin plans revenge, Barry delivers his new doors, and Petra fills in her chart. Damon advises Karen to keep quiet about her decision for the moment.

Sheila is hassled, Bobby is pressurised, Gavin is visited by the council and given a week to dispose of his cookers, and Arthur dies.

A buyer for Gavin's cookers turns up at the Huntingtons'. Barry tries to persuade Sheila to bump up their insurance claim.

The whole close is burgled, but Petra has more reasons to be upset than most. Not only are her house contents not insured even though she works for an insurance company, but she is still not pregnant.

Barry makes Duane understand that boasting about his "conquest" of Karen was really not a very good idea. Meanwhile, Lucy is being physically intimidated at school.

New neighbours arrive.......in a large frozen meat truck. Karen wants to persuade Bobby and Sheila to allow her to go on holiday, and Heather gets her revenge on Roger.

Heather wonders why Paul is always at home, Roger is becoming agitated about the cookers in the next garden, Karen's period starts, and a strike looks imminent.

Paul's digging amuses Damon and his friends. Barry tells a horrific tale of an accident on the building site. Karen brings home her new boyfriend, Demon Duane.......

Roger tries to assemble a shelving unit, despite having not enough screws and no instructions. Bobby plans a strike at work, and there are cookers on the move on the Close.......

Paul registers for benefit, Lucy struggles at the local comprehensive.school, realising that her posh voice and background will be a disadvantage. Barry has a dodgy suggestion for Annabelle.

The Grants are taken to church by the Collins when there car breaks down and Heather wants Roger to come back to bed instead of watching what is going on in the Close.

Although he has nothing to go on, Paul Collins accuses one of his new neighbours of stealing his toilet. But Barry believes that Damon's poor spelling clears him of responsibilty for the graffiti found in Gordon's bedroom.

The Collins family have a party on New Year's Eve, but Gordon is out getting drunk elsewhere. Mike comes to visit Karen, but ends up playing cards with Barry and Terry.

Having Lucy home for Christmas doesn't improve Annabelle's mood, but can she be persuaded to see a doctor? Mike hears a few tales when he returns home on leave from the Army.

Heather dashes back to Ireland, Marie and Michelle discover that Petra has sent them a Christmas card, and Barry and Terry discover a more profitable use for their perfume.

As Christmas approaches, Heather battles to save her client's business. Marie receives news that George has been injured and taken to hospital. Bobby and Matty deliver Christmas hampers, and Barry and Terry try to sell dodgy perfume.

Polly and Sydney disturb Heather when she has work to do at home. Harry is asked to dress up as Father Christmas. Samantha returns home earlier than expected.

Harry discovers that some of his gnomes are up Alan's Christmas tree, and that his is the only garden without a sapling. Marie and Michelle face a gruesome task. Heather and Polly gain a third lodger.

When Alan refuses to tell Harry why he has dug a pit, he starts to fill it in. Heather spends a day at Mr Johnston's printing firm in Billinge, and agrees to let Polly come and stay with her.

Marie decides to try to contact Petra by putting an ad in the paper. Heather is invited to the firm's annual dinner with Roger and feels that she can't tell her boss that her marriage has broken up.

Barry and Terry go to the beach to burn the Jaguar, but discover they haven't enough petrol. When they return with some, they find the car is sinking into the sand.

Paul tries to pacify Jack when he discovers Gordon has the stolen drum-box. Everyone on the Close is having car trouble.

Karen arrives home late with Mike, and Bobby throws him out. Karen and Bobby then argue over her giving away her bingo winnings.

Sheila and Karen go to bingo, and Karen wins £75. Alan continues his search for the missing disk, and blames Gordon when it turns up damaged.

Barry works on Bobby's car. Gordon and Mark go to a recording studio to hand in their demo tape. Gordon asks the receptionist for a date, but she turns him down.

When Harry's attention is diverted, Damon and Gizzmo start moving his gnomes around. Barry helps Samantha retrieve a valuable disk Alan has accidentally dropped behind a cabinet, but then she spills coffee on it.

Paul and Heather see Gizzmo being beaten up by his brother. Damon fights with Mark, and wins - but Bobby tells him off.

Harry and Edna move in. While Harry tells Paul about his boxing medals, Mark steals them - but Damon and Gizzmo are blamed.

The Jacksons' bonfire has some surprising contents. Marie finds that her kitchen is full of water. Mike tells Karen he is joining the Army.

Bobby tries to negotiate a fair settlement, Barry and Terry need some cable, and Marie's washine machine needs to be repaired.

Sydney takes Heather and Roger out for the day in an attempt to reconcile them. Sheila puts forward strong arguments in her interview, but returns home to bad news.

Sheila is invited to appear on television, and George buys Paul's cardigan at the bring and buy sale.

Sheila is disappointed when the newspaper coverage of the pocket line is dominated by Samantha. Terry and Barry are not the only ones selling jeans....

Annabelle gets carried away, Sheila joins the picket line, and Barry and Terry discover that some of their jeans have gone missing.

Heather talks to Will about her marriage, and prepares for life on her own. Annabelle takes Sheila for a driving lesson.

While Heather visits her parents in Belfast, Roger returns to the Close and almost burns her house down.

Barry and Terry's attempts to store their knock-off jeans are continually thwarted. Alan discovers who bit his bottom. The residents meet their new neighbours - Edna and Harry Cross.

Sheila tries to set up an action committee. Barry tries to tempt Terry. Alan's bottom is bitten during a rugby match.

Both Samantha and Val think a message Alan has left is for them. Sydney prepares to escort Heather, and Gizzmo is beaten up.

Roger gets a shock when he goes to see Diane again. Bobby and Sheila plan their 25th wedding anniversary party.

Marie finds a letter from Petra, and calls the police. Heather hears conclusive proof that Roger is having an affair with Diane, and throws him out.

Barry goes shopping for Bobby and Sheila's anniversary. Bobby discusses the factory closure with George Williams, and Heather and Roger fight. Annabelle has an unexpected guest.

Heather receives her exam results, but Roger is too busy with Diane to ask her if she has passed.

Damon and his mates find a new way of making mischief. Alan has a setback in his bid to earn more than Samantha.

Paul has to deal with a problematic trainee. Diane and Heather finally come face-to-face.

On Paul's first day in his new job, he is called up for jury service. Roger is reluctant to commit himself to going on a holiday to Corfu with Heather. In return for a favour, Alan lets Val move in with him for a while.

Diane wants Roger to go away on holiday with him, so he tells Heather more lies. Damon gets into more trouble, and Lucy leaves to spend six months in France.

Sheila is convinced that Val is not really unable to speak English, and proves it by having Alan pretend to by a fluent Chinese speaker. Diane gives Roger an expensive tie-pin for services rendered.

A parcel arrives for Heather, but it might not distract her from questioning Roger about his movements. Barry returns home, but he is not alone. Lucy and Karen receive their O-level results, and there are more birthday celebrations in the Close.

Maureen Lomax arrives to collect the kidney machine money from Sheila, who can only give her a cheque. Heather accuses Roger of being unfaithful.

Annabelle and Paul suggest that Lucy goes to France for six months, and she agrees. Heather discovers that Roger isn't where he should be - but she doesn't know where he is. Sheila decides that if Bobby isn't going to fight, she will...

A policewoman tells Michelle that Petra may have committed suicide. Paul convinces Lucy to come home. A chance remark cause Heather to become suspicious of Roger.

Gordon reveals that Lucy is staying at Janice's. Mr Johnston thinks Heather is a secretary, then discovers that she is his accountant. Marie is convinced that Petra will come home.

Petra's car is found, and Alan mistakes the detective who arrives to speak to Michelle for the flasher. Lucy storms out after Annabelle slaps her during an argument.

Damon and Gizzmo play a trick on Karen and Susi while they are sunbathing. Bobby persuades Sheila to take a holiday in Anglesey. Petra returns home from the shops, packs a suitcase, and leaves home.

Roger helps to mend Michelle's cassette recorder - but Damon is equally keen to repair Samantha's broken window.

Sheila is upset at the possibility that Bobby may have to seek work abroad, and even more upset when Barry leaves for London with her kidney fund money. Roger is worried when he is spotted dining out with his rich client.

The closure of the factory is announced, and redundancy is now only 90 days away for Bobby and Jonah. Meanwhile, someone is lurking in the undergrowth and observing the residents of the Close...

Roger tells Heather a convincing lie about where he was last night. Lucy and Gordon discover that the family holiday will have to be postponed.

Gordon chooses a jacket that will "express his personality". Lucy loses her knickers. Roger misses out on a partnership, but Paul is offered a job, and decides to accept it.

Practising her driving alone, Sheila crashes into Alan's car. Petra believes Gavin has returned from the dead, but it's someone else.

When Barry refuses to do Petra's decorating, Terry volunteers. Bobby is concerned when Alan Torenson questions him, fearing that the secret report has been leaked.

Heather is called in to work for a crisis meeting. Betty is keen to further the campaign to free George, but Michelle has other ideas. Paul finds that there is not enough space for his car in the garage.

On Christmas Day, Marie is depressed about George, and refuses to let the twins keep a donkey they find. Paul is annoyed because he has lost the television page from his paper. Sheila is confined to bed while the others cook dinner, and Harry fears that he is having a heart attack.

On Christmas Eve, Sheila has to make a mad dash for the hospital....

Bobby is called on to assist with a case of sexual harrassment. Paul has a serious surplus of turkeys. It's time to switch on the Christmas lights at the bungalow - but will they work?

The twins are sent home from school for fighting. Annabelle and Paul view Christmas with mixed feelings. A rift develops between Terry and Michelle.

Marie meets a journalist. Heather and Stuart's plans are dashed. Bobby learns the truth about the case he is pursuing. Annabelle prepares for a dinner party, not realising that some of the guests are vegetarians.

Paul receives a lunch invitation. Marie is supported by her neighbours, and Stuart gets a surprise from Heather. Sheila is depressed when Bobby brings a woman home.

Kevin wants Edna to consider going to Gamblers Anonymous - but will Harry agree? Marie goes to see her MP - but can he help her?

Edna continues to gamble, even though it means she has to pawn her rings to raise some cash. Bobby takes on a case of unfair dismissal, and Michelle becomes disenchanted with having to look after Terry.

Terry comes home from hospital. Barry says his farewells. Edna's money worries increase, and she has to take drastic action.

Heather prepares for a dinner guest. Paul tries to convince the Board of the need to introduce external contractors. Edna has a run of bad luck with the horses.

Sandra comes out of the shower to find Harry rummaging through her drawers. When she finally allows him to go home, he finds Ralph stripping in his lounge.

When Harry reappears in the nurses' home with a donkey instead of an invtation, Pat decides to have the locks changed. Barry seeks help from Celia, but will she offer it? Michelle is reluctant to employ someone to take Terry's place while he is recovering.

Heather impresses her boss by her handling of a delicate matter on the NSAOS audit. Pat warns Harry not to turn up uninvited at the nurses' home. Barry makes a major decision, and Edna finds out that Grace has died.

Heather begins her audit of NSAOS. Bobby asks Barry to clear out the garage while he recuperates. The Crosses return from holiday, but Harry is still grumbling.

Heather realises that she is the victim of a confidence trick, but by chance she has the last laugh. Bobby is annoyed with Barry, and Sheila is worried.

Paul makes a morbid discovery. The atmosphere at the hospital is tense. Celia and Michelle consider what to do about the tool-hire business.

Pat, Sandra and Kate throw a party. Terry and Barry hear that their shop has been burgled and hope to turn this to their advantage, but something nastier is planned for them.

Barry gets Sheila a pram, but discovers that she won't allow it in the house before the baby is born. Marie reflects on the outcome of the trial.

On the second day of his trial, George speaks in his own defence. Barry and Terry finally decide to help him, but fear they are too late.

The case against George begins, with the prosecution calling a key witness, and his chances look poor.

Paul's never-ending search for a spare part crucially depends on finding a man called Wilf. Marie asks Michelle for money to pay for George's barrister. Damon telephones Linda.

George's solicitor tries to reassure him. Paul discovers that getting a repair done late on a Friday is not easy. An elite group selected by computer includes everyone living on the Close and visiting it.

Karen refuses to spend the night with Andrew. Sheila tries to help Damon to find a job. Ralph offers Harry and Edna a cheap holiday.

Paul complains to Harry about Pat's mode of transport; but, surprisingly, Harry defends his tenants. Andrew suggests to Karen that they go away for a weekend to look at universities. Damon tells Sheila he is thinking of moving to London.

Harry confronts Pat. George receives another unexpected visitor - but will he be able to help? Things develop for Gordon and Cathy.

Cathy and Gordon plan to turn a bathroom into a darkroom. After watching their new tenants move in, the Crosses begin to suspect that one of them is a man. George reads of his heroism in the newspaper - but will Marie respect his decision not to reveal his identity?

Prospective tenants Sandra and Kate arrive at the Crosses, and Harry incorrectly assumes that the third tenant, Pat, is also female. When Linda finds out that Damon has lied, he has no girlfriend and no job.

Harry produces a questionnaire for prospective tenants to complete and tries it out on Edna, who scores 23%. Michelle wants Terry to tell his father that he is moving in with her - or, failing that, to bring his record player over.

While on a day trip, George heroically rescues a drowning child, but his glory is short-lived. Sinbad tells Edna that he didn't place her bet, and she panics because she has already given Marie her share of the winnings.

Marie suggests to Edna that George can help them move house - but Harry won't allow him to. Cathy suggests to Gordon that he has an ear pierced, so that he looks less like a bank manager.

Marie worries that George won't turn up for his court appearance - but he does, and pleads not guilty. The young lady who wrote to Gordon turns up at the Collins' house.

Gordon receives a mysterious letter from a young lady demanding money from him. A depressed George tells Marie he is going to plead guilty. Can Annabelle or Paul talk him out of it?

Tommy McArdle assures George that he shouldn't worry if he is sent down. The twins start their new school. It's Karen's 18th birthday - but will Bobby spoil it for her?

Michelle returns from London and finds out what has happened to George from Terry - the couple spend their first night at the flat. George confronts Tommy McArdle, and soon regrets it.

Celia warns Barry that he will have to mend his ways if they are to continue in business, but their problems are not over yet. Karen returns from holiday, but her lies are soon discovered.

George sees his solicitor, while Barry and Terry try to work out how they can help him. Damon and Gizzmo arrange to go to London with Yvonne and Dawn.

Damon and his mates meet up with some girls from London. Barry accidentally reveals that he knows more about George's predicament than he should. The Hardwicks visit Harry and Edna.

When prospective bungalow buyers the Prides arrive, Harry shows them round his house instead. Some familiar faces return to the Close, and one of them desperately needs a bath.

Paul advises Annabelle to keep her distance from the Jacksons, but she agrees to stand bail for George anyway. Damon tells Linda what he heard about her and Danny. Rose leaves for Ireland.

The police call on the Jacksons', and George is taken away for questioning. Rose tells Heather she is returning to Ireland, then her fiance turns up on the doorstep....

Sheila and Bobby arrange a Spanish reunion with Ken and Doreen, but it doesn't quite go according to plan. Victor is in a spot of trouble.

Bobby and Sheila receive a surprising telephone call. Michelle becomes an official partner in the tool-hire business, and Terry proposes to her - but they decide to try living together first.

Marie is concerned when George fails to return from helping to quench a big warehouse fire. Celia receives money from her father to invest in the tool-hire business.

Andrew asks Karen to go on holiday with him to the Lake District. Heather sorts out Alan's boat, and Marie voices her suspicions about Michelle and George.

Marie and Michelle prepare for their cocktail party, but at least one of them may be in for a disappointment. Barry and Terry have to make a deal with Victor - but Celia isn't satisfied with it.

Sheila has made her decision about the tests the hospital has suggested, but will Bobby agree with her? Michelle decides to train as a beautician, and Marie advises her on how to dress.

Alan prepares to leave the Close for good. Marie tries to persuade George to change his mind. The Grants visit Sheila in hospital, and the doctor has some disturbing news for Bobby.

It is Samantha and Alan's wedding day - but there is a terrible accident.

Harry makes an offer for Alan's bungalow, but Edna discovers that it involves blackmail. Marie receives some bad news about the twins' prospects of private education, and confronts the headmaster.

Bobby and Sheila learn from Barry that the heroin belongs to Jane. Joyce tells Heather she is setting up in business, and invites Heather to join her.

Barry discovers that Jane hasn't kicked her habit and confiscates what he finds. There's trouble between Billy and Bobby at the picket line. Joyce turns up at Heather's in need of somewhere to stay.

At Billy's factory, many of the men are made redundant just before Christmas, and it's time for Bobby to take action. An ex-girlfriend of Barry's turns up and has a few surprises for everyone.

Lucy feels trapped as Annabelle sets a date for James's visit. Billy is asked to work over Christmas. Sheila is surprised that Father Christmas knows so much about Claire. Pat, Sandra, and Terry celebrate early.

Sinbad introduces Trevor the Turkey to the residents, most of whom decide that it's slightly too fresh for them. Karen is flattered by the weirdest Guy she knows.

Sinbad tries to interest the residents of the Close in fresh turkey for Christmas. Karen discovers that her tutor originally wrote the essay she handed in to him.

Sheila takes steps to clear Damon's name. Sandra is not pleased when Harry wakes her up. Karen obtains a second-hand essay to save her some time.

Damon confesses that he has been suspended. Pamela encourages Karen to crib an essay. Pat and Terry blame Harry for sending them on a wild goose chase.

Damon is in a spot of bother at work but won't blow the whistle on the guilty party. Harry and Ralph man the phones.

Lucy invites James home. Pat and Terry meet a potential new customer. Damon starts work in a stately home. Ralph and Harry are bored.

Pat and Terry are summoned by their bank manager. Doreen confronts Julia. Heather has a visitor, but does she still have a job?

Rod arrives home with a black eye, but finds that it wasn't worth getting. Doreen's turkey fund becomes a little under-done.

Heather has serious doubts about marrying Tom. Lucy tells Paul and Annabelle that she has a boyfriend. Harry inadvertently causes a fight between Billy and Doreen.

Heather struggles with her preparations for the wedding. Harry and Ralph go to the cemetery to see Edna's grave.

Heather discovers that Tom has bought her a new house and handed in her resignation. The appearance of Gummy George on the Close results in Paul getting a black eye.

Annabelle's homewatch meeting doesn't quite go to plan. Terry and Pat take on an awkward customer.

Jim has a proposal for Tom. Ralph and Harry go on a trip to Blaenau Festiniog. Julia discovers a love letter written by Tracy to a lad at school. Or is it?

Lucy is confident about her job interview but finds that it isn't the walkover that she expected. Julia appears in court.

Heather is confused when Tom refuses to invite his daughter to the wedding. The Corkhills are more confused about what has happened during the night.

Doreen discovers that Julia has nearly burned her house down. Lucy tells Annabelle her plans. Damon sets about returning the Corkhills' alarm without them knowing.

Karen goes to a party without telling Bobby and Sheila and does something she later regrets on the way home. Heather is not sure how to answer Tom's proposal.

It's Lucy's birthday, but she has disappeared again. Damon and Rod make a bet, and Harry agrees to adjudicate.

The cleaner meets the daughter, but who has more reason to be suspicious? Heather reflects on becoming a free woman again as her divorce from Roger becomes absolute.

Rod plans to impress Heather by washing her car, but then the water supply is cut off. Lucy Collins returns to the Close.

Billy's new shutters are causing a bit of a stir. Damon and Rod are determined to outdo each other in their displays of support for different football teams.

Billy Corkhill has forgotten about a little electricity job, but it's someone else who is caught red-handed. On Karen's first day at university, her worries turn into outright fear when she meets other students.

Tom asks Heather to be "Mrs Curzon". Sandra gives Pat three months to make the van-hire business a success. Damon needs plenty of initiative when Karen asks him to change a book he has given her, and he almost succeeds.

Heather is worried when she receives some mysterious phone calls. By chance, a cigarette end found down the toilet ends up in Sandra's meal.

Doreen's mother, Julia, reveals a few home truths about Billy's criminal past. Annabelle is startled when she questions Paul over his reunion dinner. Harry sells, then buys again.

Terry and Pat go to the bank. Karen and David play monopoly. Paul sets off for a military reunion dinner but has no intention of arriving there.

Sandra is feeling the strain of being the only breadwinner in the house. Heather regrets lying to Jim. Doreen needs help with the building of her fireplace.

Terry and Pat discover that televisions dug up from the garden don't necessarily work. Billy has a surprise for Doreen: a ready-to-assemble fireplace kit. Jim hears something he shouldn't hear on Heather's answerphone.

There's an unfortunate case of mistaken identity, as the vicar puts his foot in it at Edna's funeral. When Terry returns from the funeral, he discovers that new arrivals the Corkhills have dumped his belongings outside number 10.

Pat and Sandra return from Glasgow and find Harry in their house, distraught because Edna has died.

Harry and his family maintain a vigil at Edna's bedside, but she is not going to wake up. Matty is disappointed when he is unsuccessful at his job interview.

Harry is hopeful that Edna will be able to come home. Sandra is surprised when someone from the Close turns up while she visits her mother in Glasgow.

Damon and Neil find out that the photo of Karen they entered for a competition has won. Harry's spirits are low, as Edna's condition remains unchanged.

Edna has a relapse and is in a critical condition. Paul and Annabelle prepare to camp out in their back garden, but is their tent waterproof?

Paul and Annabelle prepare to go on holiday, but first he wants to know why an extra television set has appeared in the house. There is no hospital bed available for Edna. Karen's exam results arrive.

Ghoulish appetites for a glimpse of the scene of the crime make matters worse. While Harry is arguing with other residents outside, Edna suffers a stroke in the kitchen.

As a result of the newspaper coverage of the siege, Annabelle and Harry both receive letters from the tax man. Terry and Sandra have to go to London for a funeral.

Reporters are swarming around the Close, and Terry accuses Harry of profiteering from the death of one of his tenants.

After gunshots ring out, the police move in, but there are only dead bodies to be recovered.

The Close is evacuated, and the residents monitor the situation as it is reported on television. Harry becomes concerned when Edna goes to the toilet and doesn't come back.

The siege continues, and Pat undermines Kate's attempts to end it peacefully.

Annabelle becomes suspicious after speaking to Kate and hearing about her encounters with Harry and the milkman, but Paul doesn't believe her. Damon and Neil prepare for a seance. The captor becomes increasingly unhinged.

Pat, Sandra, and Kate find themselves at the mercy of an unbalanced man with a gun.

Harry discovers that running a car will be expensive. Tom suggests to Heather that they cancel a date. Neil asks Damon for a divorce. The stranger returns.

Neil and Damon plan the seduction of their girlfriends. Heather forces Tom to admit the truth about the girl she saw him with. At the hospital fete, some of the residents get Russell Grant's autograph, while others encounter a stranger...

Heather plans a celebration with Tom but gets a shock when she calls unexpectedly at his office. Sandra returns from her holidy in Rimini, and Neil persuades Damon to go busking.

To Rod's dismay, Billy just can't keep his hands off the electrics. Gail gate-crashes a party Damon has gone to. Bobby and Barry have a long chat in the pub.

Guy is distraught because Karen has finished with him and is moving to London. Rod receives potentially useful press coverage. While Doreen confides in Sheila about her financial problems, the electricity at number 10 is disconnected.

It's party time on the Close, and Gail is trying her luck with more than just one man. Harry overhears Jack explaining his scam, and turns it to his own advantage. Rod's time alone with Kirsty is interrupted when burglars strike next door.

Jimmy brings a Christmas present for Billy, but Doreen isn't convinced that he should accept it. Harry observes some suspicious behaviour involving Father Christmas and some hampers.

Gordon and Annabelle are not impressed that Paul is gloating because Barry is still expecting Lucy to come home for Christmas. Charlie discovers that Nick is dead. Tracy arrives late at the salon on her first.

Annabelle finds her first day in court as a magistrate to be something of an anti-climax. Paul accidentally sets off Heather's burglar alarm. Rod wonders whether he really stands a chance of making it into the police force.

Pat receives a letter from Avril. Tracy signs up for a hairdressing job. Tragic news forces Heather to decide about her future.

The police bring Heather the news that Nick has been found. Gordon discovers that Chris has gone on a skiing holiday. The Corkhills' television is repossessed, and Annabelle decides to give up the catering business.

After the meal she has served has not been received quite as well as she hoped, Annabelle feels that she must makes enquires about the state of health of her neighbours. Harry blames himself for the loss of his grandchild.

When Annabelle goes round the Close to collect all her food, she discovers there isn't as much as she remembered. Vicki is suspicious of Terry. Harry puts pressure on Sally to move into his house.

Nick tries to raise money so that he can go into a clinic. Doreen wants rid of Jimmy in case he ruins Rod's chances of joining the police. Annabelle has to ask her neighbors to look after a lot of food - and most of them eat it.

Pat and Terry find out that they have been duped, and that Tommy now requires them to go to Glasgow. Nick reaches rock bottom when the council decide he is a liability. Annabelle has problems with her freezer.

Sheila discovers why the trial has been postponed, and is annoyed with others for interfering. Paul confronts Barry, believing he is being disloyal to Lucy. Gordon buys a motorbike.

Tommy McArdle's attempts to chat up Gill are not appreciated. Mrs McArdle gives her minders the slip, and Annabelle is irritated when Paul video-records her in the kitchen.

Rod takes his police exams. Heather discovers that Nick has been using her cheque book. Pat thinks he's in love. Harry decides to confiscate a hi-fi from his tenants' home, and Paul treats himself to a video camera and recorder.

Things get tight for the Corkhills. Pat and Terry set off for Barbados, and although they believe Mrs McArdle is slightly senile, she secretly conceals a package in a locker at the airport.

Gail prepares a meal, but is missing a vital ingredient. When she starts to talk about marriage, Damon starts to panic. Barry makes a prediction.

Julian Tyler is determined to find Billy. Pat and Terry collect their tickets for Barbados. Doreen reaches her credit limit. Heather asks Barry's advice.

Pat and Terry win a trip to Barbados. Billy is not keen on Tracy's intention of becoming a model. Nick begs Heather to let him stay with her.

In his interview, Rod begins to worry about the reputation of the Corkhills. When Sheila finds Gail and Damon coming out of his bedroom, she doesn't believe they were just tidying it. Barry decides it's time to take the law into his own hands.

Gordon goes for a job interview. Barry takes Sheila shopping. Harry does some scheming.

Andrea makes it clear that she's only after one thing. Sheila tries to be left alone, and Nick is going to be found out.

Heather is determined to reform Nick. Annabelle is reluctant to give Damon driving lessons.

Annabelle begins her training to be a magistrate and isn't very successful. Pat wonders why Gill keeps staring at him. When Bobby comes home, he finds that Gail has taken over.

Nick has some hard choices to make. Sheila tells Damon he can leave her alone in the house, but a salesman calls and unwittingly reminds her of the rape.

Harry insists on helping to select a new flatmate for Pat and Terry.

Terry has a small problem with the rent. Damon has to run to catch Gail. Harry buys a huge teddy, but no one seems interested in knowing why. Ruth is forced to reveal the horrifying truth about Nick to Heather.

Ruth seems to know more about Nick than Heather does. Gail plans to have sex with Damon in a hotel room, but there's a man in the bath. Sandra leaves the close with Tony.

Bobby and Sheila go to tea with Guy and Karen, and Bobby ruins everything with one remark. Heather is being tormented by Nick and Charlie's behaviour.

Karen tells Sandra she plans to move in with Guy. When Sally comes to stay, Harry wants Ralph to give up his bed. A mix-up by the paper boy causes Billy to discover that Gordon is gay.

Gordon is appearing in a television interview, and Paul and Annabelle try to ensure that none of the neighbours watch it.

Nick and Charlie have a brush with the law. Dr. Hurrell returns to say goodbye to Sandra and stays overnight. After Damon catches them in bed together, Karen and Guy go to view a flat. Damon meets a girl.

Sandra disapproves when Pat continues to see Andrea. Billy has a narrow escape from a serious accident at work. Harry and Paul's race to Delamere Forest ends in a draw.

While Pat is with Andrea, her husband turns up, and Terry has to distract him. Harry challenges Paul to a race. Sandra is determined that Pat is not going to force her out of the house.

When Andrea calls, Terry locks Pat out in the cold with only his pants to keep him warm, and his appeals to Heather for help lead to her discovering that Nick has lied to her. Ruth has tea at the Corkhills', and Paul and Annabelle meet Chris.

When Carol discovers that Gordon is gay, she refuses to go on working for Annabelle. Karen and Guy have a row. Heather is back from Hong Kong, and her first visitor is Charlie. Nick throws him out.

Ruth discovers where Charlie is. Kathleen's aggressiveness could jeopardise the road safety campaign. Terry warns Pat that he could be in trouble if he sees Andrea again.

Annabelle and Paul meet Gordon's friend, but are they right to be optimistic? Charlie is behaving suspiciously. Guy finds accomodation for himself and Karen.

Sheila has some relieving news, Rod receives his "O" Level results, Doreen holds a clothes party, and Annabelle has her interview.

Paul thinks he has found a way of blocking the dangerous road legally, but it leads to him spending time in a police cell and losing his bike. Sheila believes the rape has left her with more than memories.

Bobby returns to his work, and conflict with George. Harry decides that it is time to raise the rents payable by his tenants.......including Ralph. Karen confides in Sandra that she plans to move in with Guy.

At Teresa's funeral, Matty's family blame him for her death. Adam teaches Paul to ride his bicycle. Sandra fails to convince a reporter to cover her story, and Tracy is too fully clothed to interest him either.

A confession convinces the police that they have found the guilty man, while Harry tries to discover the identity of the victim. Billy finds himself locked out, Paul finds himself with a bicycle he can't ride, and Teresa decides there is only one solution for her problems.

Matty is questioned by the police and encouraged to admit that he is the rapist. Bobby tries to return to work, but is prevented from doing so by George.

Following their investigation, the police believe they now have enough evidence to make an arrest.

Nick discovers that Ruth has disobeyed him. Tony has an announcement to make about his future. Matty does nothing to improve his situation with the police

Bobby feels that there are things to be cleared up between him and Sheila - but she disagrees.

Sheila isn't telling the police everything she knows. Matty tells Bobby who he thinks is the rapist.

Sheila is persuaded to call the police and discuss the attack, and Pat becomes the prime suspect.

Sheila arrives home shaken and dazed, and although she tells Bobby what happened, she doesn't want to involve the police. The police pick up a drunken Pat, who looks like he's been in a fight.

Jonathan is not amused to find his room occupied when he returns home. Bobby makes a resolution, but has he left it too late? Frank and Chrissy solve the mystery of the Lone Ranger.

Sammy is left in charge when Frank and Chrissy go out to celebrate New Year, but her idea of fun isn't exactly safe. Terry plans a romantic New Year, but the best-laid plans.......

Laura's parents disapprove of Jonathan's plans for Christmas and the future. There is conflict in the Rogers household on Christmas Day, while the Collins family find Mona's allegations difficult to believe.

The Grants are about to go away for Christmas, but something is holding them back. Gordon makes a confession, and so does Terry. When Chrissy asks Frank to invite a couple of the neighbours for a drink on her behalf, the ones that arrive aren't who she is expecting..

Sitting in for his father as Santa, Terry decides to try to impress Sue by leaving the present she asks for at her office, but she thinks she is being stalked and gets Jonathan to lodge a complaint with the store. As Christmas approaches, Billy hopes that his luck is changing.

Terry is full of Christmas cheer, until he is stranded with nowhere to go. Billy receives a letter from Doreen.

Harry finds that he has to seek reassurances that his new tenants have no mad dogs, pet snakes or grass growing in their living room. Paul and Sammy are both aware that "Growler" is playing truant, but will either of them tell his parents?

Harry makes an effort to be nice to his new tenants, the Rogers family, but starts to regret it. Rod becomes romantic with Kirsty. Paul and Annabelle agree to let Chris stay with them for a while.

At Damon's final farewell, Barry decides to set the record straight. New residents arrive on the Close.

Damon's body is brought home, and Sheila prepares for an all-night vigil. There are other unexpected arrivals.

Bobby and Sheila go to identify Damon's body, leaving Billy to break the news to Barry. Sheila blames herself, while Bobby blames Debbie....... A visitor to Jonathan's makes Terry wonder what the new year will bring.

Harry is still taking his role at the Commonwealth and Empire Club seriously. Barry and Sinbad return some stolen property. Bobby and Sheila prepare for a night out, unaware that some terrible news is about to be brought to them......

Laura's parents are concerned to find that Terry has moved in with Jonathan, and refuse to prepare for the worst. Billy's hopes of a reconciliation with Doreen are dashed. Ralph finally gains entry to the Commonwealth and Empire Club, only to discover that he isn't actually allowed to do anything there.......

Barry puts two and two together, and Jonathan discovers what - and who - caused Laura's accident. Doreen has to decide whether she will go back to Billy. Now that Harry is the Commonwealth and Empire Club doorman, Ralph has no chance of meeting the entrance requirements.

Bobby is concerned when Barry gets Sheila a video recorder, and annoyed when he finds out why. Terry moves in with Jonathan, who helps him to reach an amicable settlement with Harry. Billy and Jimmy confront Riordan, and Sizzler outlines his community s-s-s-service requirements.

Sinbad makes a series of bad moves, and there is bad news for Terry. Harry is offered the post of Part Time Joint Membership Co-ordinator of the Commonwealth and Empire Club, whose responsibilities sound suspiciously similar to those of a doorman.......

Sizzler turns up on the Close in search of his missing bathrobe. Jonathan receives bad news about Laura. Billy has to choose between Doreen and Riordan.

Barry tries to convince both his new girlfriend Ursula and Terry that he has turned over a new leaf and branched out into the tree business, but then he has to made a quick getaway minus his underpants from the home of a gangster with a sh-sh-sh-shotgun.

Geoff becomes less optimistic about Laura's chances of recovery, and tries to find out how the accident could have happened. Annabelle is concerned by Paul's twinges before and during the Marathon, but Matty reassures her. Doreen pleads with Billy not to go along with Riordan's plan. Damon and Debbie leave, and Sheila feels that she and Bobby have let them down.

Billy discovers that he is going to have to pay a price for his freedom. Paul runs the Marathon, but will he finish it?

Damon wants Debbie to come and stay, but Bobby and Sheila have other ideas. Paul and Annabelle hear that someone they know has died. Jonathan is not prepared for what he finds when he returns home to look for Laura.

Annabelle is not convinced that Paul should be running the Mersey Marathon, or that he should be allowing Matty to use their shower. It's Laura's 24th birthday, but she is totally unprepared for the shock which awaits her.......

Damon puts his foot in it in a big way with Debbie. Ralph finds himself following a treasure hunt.

There is a happy reunion for Damon and Debbie, but there have been one or two changes while they have been apart. Ralph tries to find out who is putting flowers on Jean's grave.

Ralph decides to go to the cemetery in search of clues about his ancestors. Julia is not amused when she finds out that Jamie has been staying in the Corkhills' garage, Laura spends the whole day searching for her ring.

Laura takes her ring off, but when she goes to put it back on she can't find it. Jamie needs somewhere to stay, but discovers that Julia is looking after Rod and Tracy.

Billy cannot understand why Riordan failed to recognise him at the identity parade. Jonathan attempts to demonstrate his barbecuing skills. Paul brings Mona back from Kendal, but it is clear that she still needs help.

Rod is sent home while Billy is questioned, and Doreen's panic increases when she hears that there is to be an identity parade. Harry cannot agree with Alison on what is to happen to his furniture. Ralph discovers that his advert is open to misinterpretation.

Annabelle is concerned when she can't get any answer when ringing Kendal. Doreen is concerned when Billy is taken away for questioning by the police. Sinbad's roof-tiling money-making scheme is not one of his greatest successes.

Harry decides that he and Ralph should prepare their wills, leading Ralph to wonder of he has any living relatives. Mona readily accepts Gordon's suggested solution to Paul and Annabelle's problems. Billy is convinced that he is about to be arrested, but he gets a bigger shock when he goes into Tracy's bedroom.

Annabelle draws the line at Paul's ideas about repelling ants. Doreen decides to leave Billy. Laura tells Jonathan where he can stick his new CD system.

Gene spills the wrong beans when he is arrested. Mona sees more than she bargained for when she turns up unexpectedly at Harry's, and reports him to the police for indecent exposure and possession of chocolate. Ralph fails to heed Paul's warnings about the dangers of trowels.

Both Jonathan and Harry take the credit when there is a flurry of activity around the hole in the Close. Laura has second thoughts about her job offer, but so does Jonathan. Harry is determined to sell his house, but is unaware that there is a conspiracy against him.

The honeymooners return, and Jonathan finds out that Laura has been applying for a new job. Harry places a bet on the results of the Mersey Marathon. Mona decides to change her will to leave her home to Gordon.

Paul and Annabelle receive an unexpected visit from a social worker. Pat leave the Close for Dubai, but not before double-crossing Harry.

Both factions of the band plan to dump the other after the gig. Tracy sees Billy in town talking to the man who attacked her. Paul finds it hard to keep the pace when he unexpectedly meets someone else who is training for the Marathon.

Harry's meeting is not very well attended. Gene comes to the Close to confront Billy and threaten Tracy. Paul and Annabelle are disappointed when Mona's doctor refuses to sign her committal forms.

Harry wants to show potential housebuyer Alison what a quiet close she would be moving to, but Tracy returns home in tears after being attacked, and Mona starts throwing crockery out of the bedroom window, accusing Paul and Annabelle of attempted murder.

Bobby and Sheila have a tense lunch with Stan and Mrs Higgins. Billy tried to find out the condition of the stabbed supermarket manager. When Harry finds his tomatoes all over the Close, he decides to set up an action group. There is not much harmony among the members of the band.

The robbery attempt goes disastrously wrong for Billy. Bobby finally plucks up the courage to tell Sheila what he has done.

With only a few hours to go until the wedding, Laura disappears. Meanwhile, Billy prepares for the robbery, and needs to establish a good alibi.......

Laura reassures Jonathan that she does want to marry him, as they have a joint mortgage, but he's still not convinced that it will go ahead. Billy receives some instructions, and Ellie and Trish drop Pat and Fran from the band.

Laura has bad news. Terry decides it's time to call a halt to Pat's behaviour. Bobby extends the hand of friendship, although he knows Sheila is unlikely to co-operate with the promise he makes.

Surprisingly enough, the mix of their song on the demo tape causes the girls in the band to resent Pat. Billy is offered a job, but it's not the sort of job he can tell Doreen or Rod about.......

The marquee arrives, and it looks as if someone hasn't been very accurate regarding the measurements, or in which garden it is to be installed.......

Now that Laura and Jonathan's big problems are behind them, the little things like cork tiles are getting them down. Damon has to decide whether to look a gift McGrath in the mouth.

A window opens for Damon, but will it shut the door on his relationship with Debbie?

Someone forgets to pick up rings from the jewellers, while all the evidence seems to be supporting the view that Alison is on the game.......

Jonathan and Laura's first wedding guest arrives, not having received the message about its postponement. Rod is desperate to make a first arrest, but it turns out to be a real anti-climax.

There's trouble for Chris when Paul and Annabelle find out where Ralph has been staying in the Lake District. There's a surprise in the post for Pat on his 28th birthday.

It's New Year on the Close, and a particularly subdued one for the Collins'. Sinbad has something for Ralph, and Barry's scheming causes Kirsty and Rod to be apart as 1989 arrives.

Jonathan wants to pay his dues, and Sheila is saying her goodbyes, as Sinbad and Barry continue to hunt for the missing seals.

Tracy seeks help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, while Sheila consults a priest. Gordon tries to help reconcile Paul and Annabelle. A dramatic rescue is required, and Terry is the hero.

As Christmas Day continues, Billy dishes out the rosaries, and makes a major admission about Doreen. Sinbad and Barry are breaking and entering, while Paul is a broken man.

It is a rowdy Christmas Day at the Corkhills', and there is a surprise arrival. Chrissy has a theory about Growler's problem, while Frank is called into work. Sue tries to convince Terry that he was mistaken, and Paul confronts Annabelle and Brian about their affair.

Terry sees something disturbing at a wine-bar, and Tracy gets the sack. Paul discovers Brian's Christmas present to Annabelle. When Ralph receives some bad news, Barry and Sinbad need to act quickly.

Barry and Sinbad enter a Christmas venture together, but it gets off to a slow start. Billy receives a card and a note from Doreen. Sheila and Julia argue.

Gordon learns a few tricks and makes a sale. Brian and Annabelle get their cover-stories mixed up, and Rod is confronted about his lost trousers.

Tracy tells Gerrard to back off, and there is bad news for Billy as Julia confesses to telling a lie. Rod's superintendent tries to persuade him to reveal more about Operation Hickory.

Brian thinks that Gordon lacks motivation. As they await Doreen's return, Billy and Rod argue. Tracy confides in Sheila, and Terry receives an offer.

The furniture is getting on top of Harry, and Gerrard is getting Tracy down. Terry looks for a partnership, while Sheila looks for somewhere else to live.

Harry is expecting a family of Arabian brain surgeons to move into his house, but is about to be disappointed. Julia is causing conflict.

Kathy and Julia's cunning plans turns out not to be cunning enough. Gerrard returns from his holiday, determined to convince Tracy to go out with him. Katie is upset because Growler makes her believe she was adopted.

Gordon confronts Brian over what he is up to with Annabelle, and is surprised by his reaction. Kathy enlists Julia's help to get rid of Linda.

Sue has to explain her reaction to Martin, and Terry doesn't find her explanation entirely convincing. Sheila has to face the anniversary of Damon's death alone.

Rod faces a police enquiry, Kathy adopts a new ploy to win Billy, Gordon reads a disturbing rumour on his first day at work, and no-one mentions the war.

Gordon receives good news and resolves to turn over a new leaf. Kathy hopes that a new dress will help to lure Billy away from Linda.

Tracy is bonding with Nikki as a result of their mutual hatred of Gerrard. Sheila is bonding with Billy over money, but Kathy is stood up on a dinner date when he gets a better offer.

Gordon is worried about his health as he begins to show the early warning symptoms of AIDS. Sheila discovers that Bobby has gone to Poland, and worries about her financial situation.

Katie finds out that in the nativity play she will be playing a sheaf of corn instead of the Virgin Mary. Frank decides that it is time for new tactics over the toilets, and blocks them. Terry proposes to Sue.

Jimmy has to extricate himself from the Grants', while Tracy is persuaded to meet up with Gerrard. Annabelle finds that she will have to go on her weekend away with Paul instead of Brian, whose carelessness results in Sheila discovering her affair.

Paul becomes suspicious as to Annabelle's whereabouts and quizzes her when she returns. Kathy, meanwhile, wants to know where Linda is.

A chance comment made by Chrissy gets back to Ralph and causes offence. Paul and Annabelle are surprised when they see their new bathroom suite.

Frank decides that he is not going to stand for the post of shop steward, despite the protests. Barry turns the water back on at the Grants', with disastrous consequences.

Ralph employs undercover tactics to find out what Chrissy is up to. When Jimmy has an accident while cleaning the Collins' windows, he needs to lay his hands on a bathroom suite at short notice.......

Rod's sergeant initiates a search for the purse that was handed in, so he needs to decide whether to confess. Gerrard is making life difficult for Tracy, and there is some devastating news for Chrissy and Frank.

Sheila insists on paying for her keep, but for Billy there's no smoke without fire. Frank tries to find somewhere to hide a bicycle, while Rod's forgetfulness could have serious repercussions.......

As Jonathan is about to head out for a night on the town with Cheryl, he drops his car keys down a drain. There is a birthday surprise for Billy.

Cheryl settles into her new home, but Sue is worried about Terry's feelings. The contracts are exchanged on the Grants' house, leaving Barry homeless.

Harry has an offer on the house, and Sammy starts her new job. Tracy's work situation doesn't get any better, but there's a comforting arm close at hand.

Harry's romantic tea with Betty is interrupted by an unwelcome guest. Kathy visits Sheila, and can't believe what she finds.

Frank has a series of confrontations, some more successful than others. Harry has a decision to make, and knows who he has to consult first. Cheryl has her interview, but is too nervous to tell Jonathan.

Sheila returns to the Close and finds Barry trying to recover from his break-up with Penny. The second part of Operation Hickory doesn't go as planned for Rod.

Annabelle's liaisons with Brian don't go entirely unnoticed. Sammy and Growler both have medical appointments, Jonathan is reunited with Cheryl, and Barry and Penny are appalled when they finally get to see Sizzler's tape.

Paul is surprised when Annabelle insists on going to her conference. Barry tries to make Ma Johnson see sense. Harry aims to maximise his chances of a committee victory, and a house on the Close is broken into.

Barry has to decide whether to follow Sizzler's instructions and kill Ma Johnson's dog. Frank decides that it is time to take some direct action, as Growler has been bunking off again. Jonathan unwisely offers to shake hands with Deburau while standing on the riverside.

Sizzler has another job for Barry, but this one involves something gruesome. Annabelle has some secret plans for a weekend away. There are a few problems for the Rogers family on the first day of term.

It's rehearsal time for Cheryl's wedding, but there is a surprise in store for her. Chrissy blames Growler for leaving the bath in a mess - until the true culprit arrives, wanting to use it again.......

All Jamie's endeavours at the Job Club come to nothing. Annabelle refuses to go out with Paul because she has other plans. Jonathan is put in a difficult position, in more ways than one.

Sheila leaves the Close, declining a farewell drink with Kathy. Sizzler has a job for Barry to do in return for the tape. It is Tracy's 18th birthday, but there is no card from Doreen.

Rod becomes involved in an allegation of police brutality. When the Corkhills don't confer with Jamie on what to get Tracy for her birthday, the results are obvious. Annabelle is surprised to discover who Paul has asked to remove the car, but there's a bigger shock for Jonathan in Vancouver.

The solidarity of the Close sees off the queer-bashers, but there's a price to pay. Jonathan reveals to Sarah that his next destination is not Liverpool.......

Paul tries to enlist help from his neighbours when the thugs threaten to return, but no-one seems to be willing, and there are ugly scenes when they turn up. Jonathan and Sarah fly off to Calgary.

The burnt-out car is still on the Close, and the callers are on the line again. Harry, however, has some good news to celebrate.

Penny fears for Barry's life if he insists on playing the tough guy. Paul doesn't know what he is letting himself in for when he tries to provoke a reaction from the thugs. As Rod and Kirsty plan to celebrate good news, there is an unexpected arrival.......

Sue tells Terry what she has done for him, but will his male pride be able to accept it? Paul and Annabelle settle Mona in her new home - but while they are away, the mysterious white car turns up again.......

The Collins family are receiving some frightening phonecalls, then things turn violent. Annabelle makes it clear just how far she is prepared to go with Brian.

The Rogers' holiday doesn't start off very well. Jamie has an unfortunate encounter. Sheila is beginning to have doubts about her course - can she regain the confidence she needs?

Growler's disappearance brings back memories of Damon for Sheila, while Frank and Chrissy are blaming each other. Terry continues to have a hard time, and a wanderer returns.

Frank and Chrissy steel themselves to expect the worst. Terry has a nightmare experience at the wheel of his taxi.

When Michael and Stephen are reconciled, Alison feels isolated. Katie tells her mother about the bullying. The Christmas tree has to be returned.

Michael tries to explain to his father the contradictions involved in being a Scouse Chinese. Harry finds out the truth about Billy's Christmas present. Jimmy and Sinbad become lumberjacks.

It is Christmas Day on the Close, and Terry and Sue end up with more dinner guests than they are expecting. Tracy invites Barry to a party, and Jimmy and Sinbad's present for Billy results in a cold, dark Christmas for Katie.

Alison is annoyed with Sammy, and Barry is furious when he finds out what has happened to his money. After angling for an invite all around the Close, will Harry get his Christmas cheer?

After her run-in with Alison, Sammy hits back. Coral attempts some Christmas matchmaking. Growler forces Katie to tell Mr Jenkins that she is being bullied, and Bagga is suspended.

Written by Frank Cotterell-Boyce - As one vendetta comes to an end, it looks as if another war may be about to begin. Michael has more conflicts at work, and doesn't show very good judgement when selecting a babysitter for Jessica.

Written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce - Jonathan proposes to Cheryl, but what will her answer be? James wants to take Caroline for breakfast in Amsterdam - but what are his true intentions? Judith makes a discovery about Gordon, and the wool shop war escalates further, as a bulldozer arrives on the Close.......

Gordon is questioned at the police station, and has to think fast to explain his presence at the bottling plant. Chrissy confronts Katie about the money she has been taking. Billy is annoyed when Jimmy's visit to the wool shop causes more retaliation involving the windows of number 10, but is talked into taking further action against the Trevors.

Annabelle reassures Louise that she and Paul still want to foster her, and that she won't forget her while visiting Lucy in France. Gordon's idea lands him in police custody. Sammy finally goes to see Owen, but only after getting herself drunk.

Billy finds that all the doors of his car have been removed. Growler and Bumper take matters into their own hands to try to help Katie, and blame Sammy when things go wrong. Caroline has an unexpected visitor bringing lights and a boomerang.

Jimmy adopts a few strong-arm tactics to prove that Billy is being too soft on Mr Trevor. Michael doesn't like the idea of freebies for favours. Paul tells Louise that Annabelle is going to stay with Lucy in France, which only makes her feel worse. Katie feels that everyone is against her.

Paul decides to go to the Lake District for a few days. Sheila wants to get a part-time job at the pub, but Billy isn't keen. Judith is scared she will lose her job, and Katie is seen giving in to temptation.

There is friction in the Rogers home, as Sammy doesn't want to go to see Owen. Gary tries to turn Louise against Annabelle. Gordon investigates the bottling plant.

Chrissy is worried that Frank may become too involved with Lenny's tender. Sheila has a job interview at the school for the deaf. Gordon confirms Judith's suspicions about the quality of a new wine.

Lenny encourages Frank to join a group of workers tendering for the maintenance contract. Paul is even more uncertain about Louise. Chrissy notices that Katie is stealing money, and is keen to find out why.

Sheila receives a letter from the girl she met at the deaf school, but Billy receives a letter from Doreen's solicitor which adds to his financial worries. After her latest theft, Paul begins to have second thoughts about fostering Louise.

Cheryl confronts Jonathan, Caroline unblocks a sink, and there is an unexpected arrival at the Corkhills'. Feeling guilty over Owen, Sammy turns to drink. Paul discovers that Louise has stolen a wallet to give him as a birthday present, and arranges for her to have a severe talking to by the manager of the shop.......after which she runs away again.

Frank's suspicions that he is being set up by management prove to be correct. Paul discusses the possibility of fostering Louise with Mrs Mackay.

When Louise's father calls, she runs and hides, and Paul makes a decision. Rod's obsession with Kirsty continues. Sue tells Cheryl she wants to have another baby.

Frank suspects that he is being set up by management. Rod gatecrashes Kirsty's first date with Tommo.

Sammy is blaming herself for what happened to Owen, but things take a turn for the better. Caroline returns from Hong Kong, and is not pleased with what she finds at home.

The police interview Sammy again when there is a discrepancy in the joyriders' statements. Rod is finding it hard to be "just friends" with Kirsty. Michael makes a decision. Paul talks to Louise about curry, and Harry needs Mick's help when he has a puncture.

Lana and Ralph prepare to leave, but there's a huge rift which looks as if it will not be healed. Sammy waits by Owen's bedside, but there appears to be no hope.

Sammy and Owen are in a critical condition after the car crash, and the bad news has to be broken to Frank and Chrissy. Harry overhears something he wishes he hadn't. Paul discovers that Louise has run away to Kendal.

Lana plans a honeymoon in the West Indies, but Ralph is terrified of flying. Michael reveals that he may be able to move to the USA with Alison. Sammy and Owen plan a trip to Wigan, but their journey has tragic consequences.

Stephen is convinced that Michael should be looking for a Chinese wife instead of going out with Alison. Rod and Kirsty consider whether they can really be "just good friends".

Rod and Tommo discover that it's not a good idea to talk about the woman they have shared while on a stake-out. Paul is annoyed to find that Louise has used all his staples, and takes drastic action.

Rod finds his CID work rather dull, Frank receives the bill for the clearance of his dry rot, and Ralph proposes to Lana.

Jessica walks in on Michael and Alison. There is trouble for Paul when he finds Louise is still at the house, and for Sammy when Owen sees her holiday photos.

Mick has a sleepless night thanks to Ralph's weak bladder. Mrs Mackay seeks Annabelle's help with Louise, but Annabelle is cautious. Hattie discovers that Alison is sleeping with Michael. Rod has his first success in CID, and Harry has a few words with Lana.

Jessica brings Alison and Michael together. When Ralph returns from his holiday, he finds a hearse parked outside the bungalow, and fears the worst. Gary and Louise have a chance to talk through their problems.

Annabelle stands firm when Louise's father comes to take her away. It's Rod's first day at CID, and he is given a rough ride. So is Mick when he agrees to give Harry a driving lesson, and so is Jonathan when he buys Cheryl a car with child safety harnesses in the back seat.

Louise wants to speak about what her brother has done, but is frightened of the consequences. Chrissy has some ingenious ideas about where she can find some money. Harry reacts strangely when Mick plans to leave.

When Louise gives her a clue, Annabelle arrives at a dreadful realisation. Katie tries her hand at bereavement therapy, but isn't very successful. Sue gives birth to a baby boy.

Stephen quizzes Caroline about how Michael got on with Amy. Chrissy wants Frank to call a proper builder rather than let Lenny attempt to put right the damage he caused. Sheila tries to convince Billy that he shouldn't dwell on the past.

Sue wants to make sure that she will be able to hear her new baby puke from anywhere in the house. Harry acquires a new lodger, and assures him that it's the colour of his money that he is interested in. Doreen admits defeat and leaves again.

Annabelle cannot convince Louise to name the guilty party. Just back from the Emerald Isle, Sheila is not so green about Bobby once Doreen has had her say.

Louise has some disturbing facts to reveal. Caroline tells Alison that Michael's family won't let her take their only grandchild away from them.

Alison meets a rival, and gives Michael an ultimatum. The continued presence of Lana causes arguments between Harry and Ralph.

Louise promises not to tell anybody else about the contents of Annabelle's letters, but can she keep a secret? Michael takes Alison for a meal at his father's restaurant.

Louise stumbles across some of Annabelle's private things. Tracy disagrees with Julia about what Doreen should do. Harry is irritated by the amount of time Lana is spending on his telephone.

Harry is not well, and an unexpected arrival doesn't improve his mood.

Doreen changes all the locks. Another visitor arrives at the Collins', but Paul finds the solution in a book of raffle tickets.

Terry and Sue's wedding day arrives, and Sheila returns, forcing Billy to make a final decision as to which woman he wants.

Barry is back on the Close for Terry's wedding, but Louise runs away. Harry receives a letter from the Queen.

Paul is annoyed that Louise has eaten his bacon. Cheryl finds out that Jonathan has his own method for hanging pictures. Doreen tries to convince Billy to try again.

Sue is not impressed with Jonathan's definition of "furnished". Doreen offers to scrub Billy's back for him. Paul cuts himself shaving, and Rod and Tommo are attacked by a particularly rare breed of dog.

Tracy is determined that Sheila will not separate Billy from Doreen. Annabelle's dressmaker admits defeat - but Louise doesn't.

Doreen receives some support in her bid to move back into number 10, but faces opposition too. There is also a new arrival at the Collins'.

Everyone in the Corkhill household is feeling apprehensive as they await Doreen's return. Harry is looking for signatures for his petition.

On New Year's Eve, Rod finally discovers the venue for the dog fight, Mike's behaviour disgusts Jacqui, Julia has two men fighting over her, Jimmy plans a new venture, and the Farnhams are mistaken for Princess Diana and a bouncer.

A shock awaits Ron and DD when they return from the cash-and-carry. Barry will not allow mild hypothermia to prevent him from getting even with the Fishers.

It is Christmas Day on the Close, and there is no power. Julia discovers that the Corkhills have gone to Basingstoke, the Rogers family wonder whether Frank will be home for Christmas, and Terry hears something that makes him think. Max has an extravagant Christmas present for Patricia, and Ron needs a favour.

Grandad Dixon makes a grand entrance. Katie and Siobhan's dancing is a great success, which is more than can be said for Sinbad's pre-Christmas special.

Nikki is sacked, an official complaint is lodged against Mick, and there is a case of mistaken identity, which leads to a kidnapping.......

Ron discovers that his father has gone missing. Tracy sneaks out of the house for a good reason in the early morning. Max discovers that someone has stolen his sleigh. Barry's business partners visit to check up on him, but he outsmarts them.

Mick is concerned when the police telephone him about "unreasonable force". Ron installs his Christmas lights, Katie's wings are drooping, and Sinbad and Jimmy have to think of two or "tree" ways to repay Max.

There is a surprising Christmas card for Chrissy. Terry and Sue must decide whether to accept a loan from Barry. Margaret tells Patricia about the bet she made with Max. Carl and Mike discover that the scrapyard has some unexpected guards. Mick takes the law into his own hands.

Max receives messages for Ron on his fax machine. Barry makes Tracy a generous offer. Josie suggests that Margaret makes a decision, and it isn't one that pleases Patricia. Jacqui's swimming trial times aren't good enough.

A "For Sale" sign goes up outside the Sullivans', but a knight in shining armour may yet help them out. Mick has to see Leo's teacher about his refusal to play the King in the school play. Rod and Tommo find out more about the dog-fight.

When Mike explains his reasons for attacking Sinnott, his actions seem more justified. Sinbad plans to sell pieces of the Berlin Wall. Rod and Julia each have very different plans.

Max makes a deal with Margaret in order to force her to change her night off. The Dixons have breakfast. Rod and Tommo identify the thief at the supermarket.

Rod tells Diana a cover story, but she isn't deterred. Frank returns home, and Katie can't stand Growler being so nice. Margaret can't get the Farnhams to confirm her holiday dates.

Leo's spirits rise when Sinbad offers to go to see him in the school nativity play. Sinnott disapproves of Mike pronouncing his name with a silent "i", and the Farnhams interrogate their prime suspects in the mystery of the catalogue fraud.

Mike's ghetto-blaster is stolen. Rod makes a date with Diana. Mick is uneasy about Josie working at a club. Margaret tells Patricia she feels she is being asked to do things that are not part of her job.

Jimmy has business plans, and the Farnhams discover just what it will take to clear their debt. Margaret and Sammy discuss AIDS. The Dixons' is not a happy household.

Ron buys a rhinocerous head, and he and DD receive written confirmation of the action the school are going to take regarding Mike. Patricia is determined to get to the bottom of their bad-credit-risk address, no matter who she upsets.

The Dixons are summoned to the school to discuss their children's behaviour. Mick accidentally superglues his plastered arm to the table. Patricia confronts Josie about her suspicions over the catalogue money, then returns home to attend to a swollen shin.

Rod and Tommo discover that working undercover at a supermarket isn't much fun. Mick is concerned that Josie has been overspending. Mike and Jacqui both refuse to explain what happened on Friday afternoon. The Farnhams try to decide between a dishwasher and a new television.

Terry isn't sure whether he should trust Josie with the money the other taxi-drivers have collected for Mick. Max buys a fax machine, and receives a court summons. Julia finds some new customers for Tracy.

Working double shifts is beginning to affect Terry. Ron and Jimmy have both caught the entrepreneurial bug. While Margaret is outside talking to Mike, baby Thomas injures himself.

Rod gets a new car, and threatens to book Tracy if she borrows it. Patricia wants a second car, but Max receives his phone bill. Mick is in hospital, and Mike is turning into an Arthur Daley.

Ron's skip is finally removed, and so is most of the tarmac on which it has been standing. Chrissy hauls Growler out of his football practice. Tracy takes her driving test, and Sue shows Terry what she has bought.

Sinbad's tyres just won't go away. When Anthony discovers what Tracy has been up to, he sacks her. Growler discovers that Chrissy has been having words with some of his teachers.

DD's brother Derek arrives for a visit, and Jimmy insults him. Bonfire Night goes off with a bang, and Max's fireworks are a real hit.

Bonfire Night approaches, and Max looks forward to spending it with his children, but Susannah has other ideas. It is Terry's birthday, but he plans to go out with Barry. Patricia thinks she has discovered who is responsible for the Farnhams' catalogue of problems.

Sue has a long wait for Jonathan and Viv, and it gives her time to re-evaluate her status. Chrissy thinks her new glasses make her look older. Patricia is locked out, and has to make a deal with Tony Dixon.

Jimmy's tip pays off handsomely. Sinbad is selling smoke detectors. Terry receives a phone call about his divorce, and his wife answers it. Tracy is looking for someone to coach her for her driving test. Mick tries to heal the rift between the Dixons and the Farnhams.

Romance is not dead for Nikki and Tracy. Frank's willingness to be flexible and cunning use of a sunlamp help him to get a new job. Chrissy and Katie visit the opticians, but will glasses be needed?

Frank gets himself in debt to Growler to the tune of &pound

The park gang have stolen the bonfire pole and plan an act of retribution. Nikki and Tracy have very different opinions about what happened to Sam.

Tony's bonfire pile and Max's blood pressure are both mounting. Jimmy tries to make amends with Kathy, but she has had enough. A day out for Nikki, Tracy, Sam and Aki goes disastrously wrong.

Jimmy can run from Kathy, but he can't hide....... Terry builds himself up to ask Sue to come home. Tracy's miserable attitude is spoiling Nikki's holiday.

The wrong things are said and done when Sue and Terry return from the funeral. Barry turns a good deed into something underhand. Ron discovers that someone has dropped a fridge into his skip.

Sammy finally does the right thing by Owen. Jimmy is approached to set up the neighbourhood watch scheme. Terry helps Sue to arrange her mother's funeral.

Terry has a difficult job to do. Patricia isn't keen to let Max increase his time with Matthew and Emily. Sinbad makes a deal with Ron, and Harry's armchair covers a lot of ground.

Max wants to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme, but no-one else is keen to run it. Frank tries to repair his window. Tony and his friends collect for Guy Fawkes Day. Tracy and Nikki decide on a holiday.

Sammy is mortified when Owen tells Mike about her drinking. Patricia returns home to find a mad fruit and veg man forcing carrots across the Farnham battle line. Mick discovers from Leo's teacher the true nature of his problem at school.

Mick convinces Leo to go back to school. Sinbad tries to rebuild his window round by calling on the new residents of the Close. Barry goes undercover to investigate a new warehouse for the next rave.

Leo looks forward to his first day at a new primary school. Terry considers whether to invest in another of Barry's ventures. The Dixons - DD, Ron, Jacqui, Mike and Tony - move in to the Close.

Barry's plans go with a bang, but to what extent is this due to the police? Mick worries that Josie is starting to overspend, and Max and Patricia become concerned that their new neighbours aren't going to be the sort they were hoping for.

Barry gets rid of the evidence, and makes a big dent in Jimmy's pride. Mick tries to set up his own version of a home computer. Margaret wants to go out for the evening, but she can't if Max isn't home on time.......

Barry takes the law into his own hands and makes Godden realise he has met his match. The Farnhams' healthy regime is turned upside-down by a piece of toast.

When his burglar alarm goes off again, Patricia summons Max home from a Round Table dinner. Sheila decides that she and Claire must leave the Close. It's Leo's birthday party, and someone is going to be splashed with fizzy drinks.

While Patricia is arguing against a crocodile, her boss is naming it, colouring it and giving it a family. Barry takes his own precautions to protect Sheila and Claire. When Max's alarm won't stop ringing, Mick's balloons escape.

Frank is job-hunting. Jimmy's plans for revenge on Joey Godden go wrong. Max loses interest in plumbing in the washing machine and sets about installing a burglar alarm, and Patricia is bitten by crocodile crisps.

Sheila throws Doreen out. Mick panics when he gets a call from Josie to say that Leo has disappeared. Terry bottles out of the rave party when he finds out from Barry that it's only semi-legal. Max discovers that all his tools have been stolen from his shed.

There are unforeseen consequences when Max and Patricia Farnham enlist help from Growler and Bumper to move into their new home. Mick gives Josie an ultimatum. Sheila is irritated by how nice Doreen is being, but Jimmy agrees she is right to be suspicious.

There's doom and gloom in the Close, as the surviving Corkhills gather for a funeral, Terry is called to the hospital when Daniel is taken ill, and Mick is summoned to see Harry, who has made a decision about the bungalow.

Bumper causes Geoff to be dropped from the football team. Jimmy stand up to Godden, with tragic results.

On a typically quiet New Year's Eve on the Close, Susannah takes advantage of Max, Ron plans to sell Mike's keyboard, Fran is on the warpath, the Harrisons move in, a thief is caught in the act, and a dead body is discovered.

Margaret and Derek have to face up to reality. Ron discovers Mike's credit card slips. Max tries to resolve things with Patricia, but will she listen?

It is Christmas Day in the Farnham household, as Susannah has a very expensive Christmas present for Max, Patricia confronts him about his involvement with his ex-wife, and Margaret and Derek talk about how they feel.

Patricia picks Max up from his office Christmas party, and he is in no fit state for a conversation. Craig turns up on Rod and Diana's doorstep, and there is only one possible course of action. When Derek comforts Margaret, one thing leads to another.

Patricia needs support, but when she telephones Max at home, Susannah answers. Angela is grateful for the help Barry has given her, until she realises that the only way to his flat is through her salon.

Patricia worries about her presentation, missing the Nativity play, and something else. To his parents' surprise, Mike thinks about selling his car. Rod and Diana go to the annual police Christmas party.

Diana gets the truth out of Rod, but it's not what she wants to hear. Margaret and Mick notice Patricia's anxiety, even if Max doesn't.

Margaret realises that the odds are against her when she is competing with God for Derek's love. When Ron mentions that money has been going missing from the till, both Jackie and Julia walk out on him.

After seeing Derek at the Dixons' shop, Margaret is still confused. Mick and Ellis argue, Ron's takings are down again, and Rod's sergeant visits him on his honeymoon.

Mike has a cash-flow problem. Diana and Tommo anxiously await news of Rod. Margaret bumps into Derek.

Preparations are underway in the Spence household as Diana's wedding day arrives. Rod is determined to be a good samaritan, but will he make it to the church on time?

There is a confrontation between Jimmy and Little Jimmy, who reveals why it is that he hates his father so much. Barry gets a surprise when he meets the new salon manager. Margaret is not impressed to find that Max has invited a young man to have dinner with her.

Patricia has something on her mind, but it takes a while for the penny to drop with Max. On their 20th wedding anniversary, Jimmy and Jackie have dinner together and receive a wedding invitation.

On Diana's hen night, the girls become extremely tipsy, and there is an embarrassing moment for the bride-to-be. Susannah has plans for Christmas, and Fran wonders where she stands with Barry.

Margaret visits Father Thornton to find out why she can't have a relationship with Derek. Diana's father turns up at the Corkhills', determined to cause trouble.

Margaret's mind is not on her work, which nearly results in a serious accident. Rod tries to convince Diana that he still wants to marry her. Ron finally makes a decision.

Ron is still in a dilemma about whether to give the job to Jackie or to Julia. Rod disobeys orders and returns to the arcade in search of Craig. DD is angry to find out that Derek is going to Gloucester.

Rod is told to keep away from the arcade. Father Thornton tells Derek that he may have to move to another parish if his relationship with Margaret doesn't end. Jackie and Julia are both interviewed by Ron.

Derek tries to explain his vow of celibacy to Margaret. Freddie tries to ensure that Rod does not make contact with Diana. Jimmy tries to ensure that there is only one applicant for the job in the shop, but so does Julia.

Ron confronts Mike, and Terry finds an answer. Jimmy tries to impress his ex-wife with his new job. Rod discovers what Craig is up to, and wishes he hadn't.

Mike's keyboard secret becomes hot news in the Dixon household. Jimmy feels sorry for himself. The future looks bleak for Terry, despite everyone's attempts to convince him that he didn't murder Sue and Danny.

DD refuses to give up her job, Frank has to explain a few things to Katie, and Jimmy is reunited with someone from his past.

It is the morning of Owen's wedding day, but when his father goes to his room, he is nowhere to be found.

Chrissy and Frank each have some last-minute advice for Owen. Marcia is desperate for Sinbad to stand up to Ellis. Katie tries to find out the difference between a liquidiser and a vibrator.

Diana tells Nikki she doesn't want Rod to find out her secret, Chrissy asks Katie not to tell Frank what she has accidentally discovered from her teacher, and Barry asks Fran not to tell anyone that he slept with Sue.

Terry remains unconsolable, and Diana's secret is out. John and Barbara Harrison decide to make an offer for the bungalow.

Something is bothering Diana, but can she tell Rod what it is? While Frank is helping Sammy with her plans, Chrissy has been doing some serious thinking.

Despite the arrest of Graeme, Terry still blames himself for Sue and Danny's deaths, and his despair turns to violence. Mike has an ultimatum for Tina, and Julia feels like a camel with its head buried in the sand.

Terry decides to take the law into his own hands, but the police are one step ahead. Mike's gig doesn't go according to plan. Chrissy and Frank have something to discuss with Owen's parents.

Jack Sullivan is questioned by the police, but will his alibi hold up? Mike has to tell a lie to explain the appearance of the keyboard.

Sammy and Owen make an announcement. Barry tries to prove Terry's innocence.

Graeme turns up at Sue's funeral. Marcia and Sinbad get closer. Sammy and Owen tell Frank of their decision, but how will he react? Cyril tries to apologise to Ron, but will he accept it?

DD and Jacqui finally reach a compromise about the trainers. Ron finds out the truth about his father. Terry receives more shattering news.

Fran, Barry and Mick are interviewed as the police investigations continue. Elsewhere, there is a pregnancy, and an engagement.

Terry fears that he may be responsible for the deaths. Max tries to reason with Patricia, who is still sulking over Susannah.

The Dixons' shop finally opens, while Terry is suspected of being involved in the deaths of Sue and Danny. Max is forced to make a few confessions to Patricia.

A full police investigation begins into the circumstances of the deaths of Sue and Danny, and the Dixons feel unable to go ahead with their grand opening.

A day off work leads to disaster for Sue.

Marcia gives Sinbad a friendly kiss. Sue confronts Graeme again. Diana becomes frightened after overhearing an argument. DD wonders who Ron will get to open the shop, and why Jacqui has thrown her new trainers in the bin.

Graeme is still hassling Sue at work, and she has had enough of him. Chrissy is offered a place at teacher-training college. Rod and Mike both have different reasons for visiting the bank, and a schoolmate pokes fun at Jacqui's trainers.

Sue tries to convince Barry that she has not been encouraging Graeme. DD tries to persuade Margaret not to have a relationship with Derek.

Margaret and Derek's friendship is becoming very awkward. Mick has a job interview. Graeme brings Sue's scarf to her home, but she doesn't believe his story.

Sammy tells Margaret that she and Owen have slept together. Rod is approached by a suspicious character in the arcade. It is Mike's first day at college, and Graeme continues to pester Sue at work.

It's the morning after the barbecue, and Patricia has a few tricky questions for Max. All he can think about, however, is being caught on camera by Ron.

There are more and more unexpected arrivals at the Farnhams' barbecue, making it far from free of drama.

Mick wants to give Leo a birthday he won't forget, and enlists Marcia's assistance. Max is expecting only a few barbecue guests, but Patricia ends up inviting everyone on the Close.

Max is behaving so strangely that Patricia may become aware of his little secret very quickly. Jimmy looks for work, but nobody wants to know.

Katie confides in her teacher about her family troubles. Ron and DD discover that their shop has been vandalised. Geoffrey ensures that Max is still accompanied to the Round Table function, even though Patricia won't go. Margaret's efforts to see Derek are thwarted.

Terry and Sue plan a conservatory. Chrissy is annoyed with Frank when he brings Katie into school late. Max and Ron have plans involving DD and Patricia - but what will they say, and in what language?

It is Danny's second birthday. Frank must decide whether to take a risk. Ron and DD have a night out, but meet someone they know.

On New Year's Eve, Patricia is furious with Anna, Terry prevents Barry from talking to Fran, Joe gets a free hairdo, Leanne tries to lose her baby by drinking a full bottle of gin, and Peter refuses to leave the Close with John and Barbara.

Barry gives Fran and Terry something to worry about. Peter receives an unexpected Christmas card. Ron tries to persuade people to come to the Legion on New Year's Eve.

On Christmas Day, Frank gets his wheels back, Max has an extravagant present for Patricia, Peter tries to convince Diana to change her mind, and Jimmy has to decide who should be allowed into the nightclub, and who shouldn't, on its opening night.

Christmas Eve brings an unexpected visitor for the Farnhams. Margaret has an unusual present for Derek, and Frank discovers that all the wheels of his car have disappeared.

John has some advice for Peter, but he might not want to take it. Diana needs to find somewhere else to stay, and Max gives a helping hand. DD confides in Lyn about her suspicions regarding Katie.

Terry convinces Fran to join him for Christmas dinner. DD is in a dilemma about what to do when Jacqui misleads her about Katie. Joe gives Barry a stern talking-to. Peter gives his evidence.

DD confronts Jacqui about pregnancy tests. Max suggests that Diana should go home to her father's. After Anna gives her evidence in court, Patricia gives her an ultimatum.

As the trial continues, Max gives his evidence. Ron asks Jimmy to encourage Jackie to come back to work for him. Leanne takes more and more pregnancy tests in the hope of getting the result she wants, and DD finds them under Jacqui's bed.

The rape trial begins. Barry warns Terry that he can't keep his secret for long. It is the day of Patricia's fashion show.

Mick's night out goes painfully wrong. Patricia discovers that all her guests have apparently had a sex change. Leanne takes a pregnancy test. Ron invites Jackie for a weekend away.

Ellis lines up a special night for Mick. Diana visits her barrister to prepare for her court case. Ron's efforts to get closer to Jackie are frustrated.

Jackie and Ron take their relationship one stage further. Peter appears in court. Barry wrecks Jimmy's plans. Katie and Leanne try to discover whether Christmas is becoming more commercialised, but Leanne has something more pressing on her mind.

Barry assigns Jimmy the task of trailing Terry to find out what he is up to. Patricia finds herself invaded by the Corkhills. Ellis and Marianne seek Mick's blessing for a Valentine's Day wedding.

Diana is shocked to discover that someone has returned to number ten, then has an argument with Tracy and decides not to move in with Julia after all.

Tommo helps Diana move out of number ten. Terry asks Barry for money, but won't reveal why he needs it.

Mick and Ellis need to talk to the police, but want to convince Ron to go with them. Tommo comes round to Diana's to collect some of Rod's belongings. George is forced to leave the garage, but not without making a final threat.

Julia starts to clear the Corkhills' house, and enlists Max's help. George discovers that Ellis has redecorated his windows.

Patricia encourages Diana to go to counselling, and press ahead with the rape allegation. Ron joins Mick and Ellis in an attempt to force George to see the error of his ways.

Ron visits Jackie late at night, Barbara is worried that Peter will run away from his troubled, and Barry is being enigmatic.

Peter discovers that he has an ally against Diana. Barry has an ulterior motive in offering to help Karyn with her charity work, and Max unwittingly helps him.

Jacqui thinks about changing her name again, while Katie has to do some quick clothes-changing. On his way home after his big night, Ron discovers George attempting to burn down Mick's bungalow.

DD interrupts Leanne and Paul at an extremely awkward moment. Diana considers whether she could go to court. Marianne is not sure that she can put up with Ellis's violence.

Ellis finds out what happened to Mick, and tries to teach George a lesson. Patricia tries to reassure Diana. Derek opens a charity shop, but Ron brings him some bad news.

Mick comes home after being interrogated, and wonder who was responsible. George takes Ron to his local and introduces him to his "mates".

Ron becomes the new compere at the Legion. Peter worries about what Max will tell the police. Mick is visited by officials from the immigration department.

The rape investigation continues, and Patricia becomes involved. Paul comes to see Jacqui, but she wonders what she ever saw in him.

George follows Mick home to find out where he lives. Ron finishes off his joke, but no-one finds it amusing. Terry insists that Barry gives Derek rent-free use of the vacant shop until Christmas. Peter is interviewed by the police.

Diana is examined by a police doctor. Ron tries to drum up support for an objection to the liquor licence, and to tell a joke about a fish, but doesn't have much success with either endeavour.

Tracy calls Rod, but he won't come home. Jimmy is at a loose end, and Jackie considers buying Ron's Moby for him. Jacqui receives a letter from Paul.

It is the last day of Peter's course, but he has other things on his mind. Jacqui gets a job at the petrol station. Diana confides in Julia.

Anna has some big plans, but Jimmy can only survey the wreckage of his shop. Barbara has a surprise visitor.

Marianne takes Ellis shopping. Jimmy confronts George. Max returns early from his holiday and allows Anna's party to go ahead, with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Mrs Shackleton returns to discuss a few things with Diana. Tracy makes Julia tell Brian what she has been saying about him. Barry takes steps to wreck Jimmy's business.

Mike makes a film in which everyone is taking part. Peter gives Anna a lift to Manchester. Ellis and Marianne have some news for Mick. Sammy tries to convince Katie to have tea with Lyn's children.

Terry returns home and tells Derek he can stay on in the flat. Tommo reappears, with a message for Diana from Rod. Mick is concerned about his children, and needs to decide whether to report the attempted arson attack to the police.

Julia wonders why Tracy's bed hasn't been slept in. Patricia asks about the missing teddy, Frank meets Lyn's children, and another member of her family.......

Brian and Tracy have a romantic evening with a twist. Max plans to take Patricia on a holiday to Spain. Anna is asking questions about Peter.

Mick has an interview at the building society regarding his failure to pay the mortgage. Ellis finds something unpleasant in a milk bottle. Terry and Sinbad begin their holiday in Spain, but there may be a surprise in store for them.

In the middle of making a speech to Max's Round Table, Patricia collapses in agony. Terry discovers he is going on a journey, but with whom?

Max is surprised when he meets the new nightclub owner, Joe Halsall. Diana confesses a lie to Peter. Derek needs to find somewhere to live.

The pizza parlour is under threat, while Terry has no intentions of moving out of his flat. Barbara confesses to Peter that she fears she has lost John forever. Marianne takes Ellis and Mick van-hunting.

Rod returns to try to make things up with Diana, but it doesn't go well. Max serves Terry with a notice to quit. Patricia is determined not to lose the baby.

Patricia agrees to be a speaker at Max's Round Table meeting, and makes sure that Ron comes up with a cunning plan. Barbara suggests that Peter gives Diana a lift to work, and Diana discovers that Rod turned down a desk job in the police.

George Webb's unpleasantness means more headaches for Mick. Ron opposes the new nightclub development.

Margaret isn't in the mood for her engagement party, but her mother convinces DD to come along and give Derek her blessing. Mike and Matty receive a sinister threat.

Strange stickers reading "Strength Through Purity" appear on the window of the pizza parlour. Rod and Terry are rivals for a job. Max entrusts the repair of the dresser to David, who dyes it dark green.

Julia is shocked to see a "For Sale" sign outside the Corkhills', and Rod has some explaining to do. Barbara is getting worried about John's disappearance. Max and Patricia try to convince Patricia's parents that they like the Welsh dresser.

Everything comes to a head for a distraught John. Marianne has a date, but is it with the right brother? Patricia's parents are coming to visit, and she has sold their Welsh dresser.......

Margaret's mother says she won't come to the engagement party because she thinks Margaret is too young to get married. Tracy gets an offer she can't refuse. Ellis plans a date with Marianne, but has to deliver pizzas instead.

Frank confronts Barbara about Katie's stolen coat. Rod studies his bad eye, and becomes distressed. Mick discovers that Ellis has misled him about the loan.

A new year beckons for the residents of the Close, but some of them don't have much to celebrate. Bev leaves hospital and prepares to go it alone, while Anna prepares to become Terry's wife, but.......

Anna's worst fears come true. Marianne needs space, but has trouble getting it. Simon and Katie starve themselves to keep the devil out. Jackie advises Jimmy to get help.

Barry and Anna's arrangement is well and truly off, so Barry exacts a devastating revenge. Beth goes to Oldham in search of Margaret.

Beth declares her feelings for Margaret. A broken and inconsolable Jimmy goes on a bender. Bev has a Christmas Day she is not likely to forget.

Mick sides with Carol when Marianne has some bad news. Terry asks Sinbad and Simon to be secret witnesses for his wedding. When Jackie flushes Jimmy's drugs down the toilet, he confesses why he needs them.

Katie has a decision to make. Terry and Anna set a date for their wedding, but Barry has other plans. Sinbad suddenly deduces who it is that Beth fancies.

Lyn is surprised by a visitor. David wastes no time making his feelings known at the Farnhams'. Ron receives more bad news at the hospital.

The full implications of Lyn's fall become apparent, which doesn't improve the atmosphere at the Rogers'. How the photograph of Penny got into the wrong hands becomes clear.

Anna and Terry decide that the wedding is on again. Beth breaks up Keith's romantic dinner. Jimmy is a hero, and everything comes to a head on the Rogers' staircase.......

Penny's photograph appears in the newspaper. Katie has to choose between Simon and Jacqui. Beth reveals her true feelings, and Barry almost catches Jimmy in the act of taking drugs.

Sinbad is determined to play matchmaker for Margaret and Keith, but only ends up losing some of his clothes.

Sinbad hints to Beth that he thinks something might be going on between Keith and Margaret, but Beth isn't admitting who she fancies. Mike sells his photo of Penny to the press.

Ron is determined to help Tony recover, no matter what the cost is. Jimmy breaks down, and turns to drugs to take his mind off his problems.

Ron is ecstatic by what he sees at the hospital, but his elation soon turns to devastation. Things go from bad to worse in the Rogers', forcing Katie more towards her strange friend Simon.

Jimmy returns to the club, wanting his job back. A letter from Derek raises Keith's hopes, but there is no hope for Penny.

Mandy's obsession with the dead man in Trevor's grave makes Sinbad concerned that she will ruin everything. There is no good news for Penny, and when Jimmy visits the hospital he sees what he has done.

Animosity continues at the Rogers' home, and between DD and Bev at the hospital. Terry and Anna go shopping. Mike and Keith move a piano into the Farnhams'.

Ron is determined that Tony will pull through. The talent night is a great success. Terry tells Anna that he loves her.

Penny comes face-to-face with Mike and Keith, and David declares war.

Anna hears the horrific truth about Barry. Sinbad convinces Mandy to have a night out. Adrian introduces Penny to someone she really didn't want to meet. David tries to obtain proof that Mike and Keith have been living with Margaret.

On the day of Frank's funeral, a secret is revealed.

Mandy can find no reason to prevent Rachel from going to see her father's grave. Mike begins to come to terms with what has happened to Tony.

Keith manages to spend the night at the Farnhams'. A journalist arrives on the Crosbies' doorstep. Chrissy arrives to support her family.

A guilt-ridden Ron keeps vigil at Tony's bedside, praying that he will wake up. Lyn learns some horrifying details about the crash, but can't bear to tell Frank's children.

The bad news is broken at the reception, and a distraught Lyn is at Frank's bedside when he dies. Jimmy decides he has got to get away.

The Crosbies return home. DD and Bev come face to face at Lyn and Frank's wedding.

Jean and David find a crowd of waiting journalists when they arrive at Banbury. Jimmy is desperate to dump his stash of drugs, but Brian won't help him.

Barry and Anna receive their test results. Ron is depressed when DD sets out her terms, and Max and Patricia are unable to discover why Clive's cheque has bounced.

Mick and Marianne are celebrating, but Charles has the last word. Lyn is annoyed when Bev turns up at Frank's stag party.

Charles is smug in the knowledge that Marianne will drop the sexual harrassment charges, but there is still time for the smile to be wiped from his face. Anna insists that if she is to have an AIDS test, so must Barry.

Anna and Barry come to a business arrangement, but both of them have conditions. It looks as if Charles will walk away scot-free - but Marianne has other plans.

An innocent good luck kiss is wrongly interpreted. Barry returns from his holiday, discovers that Anna and Terry have broken up, and is determined to find out why.

It is the final of the dancing championship in Preston, and most of the residents of the Close turn up to support David and Julia.

David needs to decide whether he will go to Max and Patricia's wedding, and Anna also has a decision to make. Ron learns the truth about Bev, and walks out on her.

Frank's guitar comes in handy. and Terry is called to a hospital urgently when Anna is beaten up by one of her clients.

Ron is worried because he hasn't heard from Bev. Lyn lays down the law to Alison. PC Coban turns up to follow up a complaint made by Charles against Mick.

Max is definitely up to something, and Patricia is getting suspicious. Mandy has some good news, and Jimmy gets an ear-bashing from Julia.

Marianne considers Charles's offer and, with Mick's backing, gives him her decision. Lyn and Frank resolve to be with each other, come what may. Ron's credit card reaches its limit.

Max is anxious to remarry as soon as possible, but Patricia is not sure. Steve tries to cause trouble between Bev and Ron.

Max is busy packing his things, when Patricia turns up. As their wedding day gets closer, life is far from uneventful for Lyn and Frank.

When Barry spoils Terry and Anna's plans, she appeals to Peter to take her away with him. Steve advises Bev to leave Ron, and makes her a tempting offer. It looks like it is all over for Max and Patricia.

Mick finds out about Garry, and Geoff reveals what his problem is. Mike and Keith try to interest Barry in a new opportunity, and Max tries to persuade Patricia to think again.

Mick is made to realise how wrong he was. Max is determined to speak to Patricia, even if it means that he has to steal a bicycle. Peter decides to stay in Oxford. A compromise is reached over Alison, and Frank has a surprise visitor.

Marianne and Mick both lose their appeals. Max returns home, and finds it isn't just his marriage that's cracked. Terry encourages Anna to show off the engagement ring he has bought her.

Mick wants to know the truth about Marianne and Charles. Anna and Terry fell embarrassed when everyone congratulates them on their forthcoming marriage.

Mick's remarks to Charles make Marianne feel that she has only one remaining option. Peter decides to go with Margaret to Oxford for a couple of weeks. Barry tries to find out why Terry is marrying Anna.

David takes Alison under his wing, which just makes things more difficult for Lyn and Frank. Charles is relieved to hear that Mick knows nothing about the reason for Marianne's resignation.

Patricia has another date, in which she takes things a stage further. Frank buys Alison an expensive computer to try to encourage her to support his plans to marry Lyn.

Patricia has first-date nerves. Marianne has even more problems with Charles at work. Alison comes home from school, and sneaks out to David's while Frank is asleep.

Jackie is curious about why Brian has invited Jimmy to a party. Anna, aware of Barry's impending return, suggests to Terry that she should leave his flat, and he proposes to her.

David adds up the pantomime takings, but Audrey reveals that they are almost entirely cancelled out by the costs of repairs to the church hall. Mandy tries to repay Kenny with Sinbad's money, but he says it will cost her another &pound

Mandy tries to find out whether Rachel slept with Lee. Sinbad attempts to pay off Kenny, but just gets roughed up. Jimmy overcomes Max's reluctance to allow him and Jackie to have a meal at his restaurant. Julia tries to teach Mike and Beth to dance.

Cornered by Audrey during the final preparations for the pantomime, David activates the fire extinguisher, drenching Ron and wrecking the electrical systems. Max is nervous to hear from Penny that Sam has gone to proposition Barry regarding the buy-out.......but who does Sam find managing the club? Mandy tells Beth the truth about Kenny and Sinbad.

Sam gives Penny an extravagant Christmas present, and when she hears that Barry isn't returning until after Christmas, she agrees to spend it with Sam. Rachel realises what she is getting into, and leaves Nick. Max asks Jimmy to run the club until Barry returns, and Penny asks him to look after the house and use the food she's bought.......

Lee arrives home, delivered the last few yards of the way by Jimmy, but Mandy is distraught to learn that Rachel is still in London. Anxious to avoid Audrey, David goes down with Sinbad to search. Ron is offered a role in the pantomime.

Beth invites Mike to a ball, but Carl isn't convinced that he stands a chance with her. Rachel splits from Lee, but may he heading into even more trouble. Penny gets Jimmy to decorate the house, and Marianne leaves for Glasgow.

David feigns illness to avoid seeing Audrey at the pantomime rehearsal, but the players arrive at the bungalow, and he is drafted in to play the dame. Sam agrees to buy into the partnership with Max. Greg promises not to let Garry down again. Rachel books a room at a guest house, and sneaks Lee in.

Leo and Garry go to be cautioned at the police station, but Rachel and Lee run away to London. Greg also plans to disappear rather than confess what he has done to Mick. Carl, Mike and Beth hold a party at Jacqui and Katie's. Sinbad plans to gift-wrap number 10, but gets a terrible shock.

Sinbad overhears David and Audrey discussing their "affair". The parents of the shoplifters are disgusted with their offspring, particularly Greg, who can't believe Garry was so stupid that he got caught. Bev practises her songs, and almost gets a few notes right.

Mick pleads not guilty, and Marianne gives him his engagement ring back. Then Leo, Lee, Rachel and Garry are arrested for shoplifting. David tries to distance himself from Audrey, but she threatens to tell Jean what they have been doing. Max and Penny wonder if Sam would buy Barry out.

The Farnhams find gifts on their doorstep, while Jean finds Audrey on hers. Kenny arrives at Mandy's with a new television. Marianne wants to take the Glasgow job, but Mick doesn't want her to take the kids with her. David takes Audrey up on her offer, and Mike and Beth also share a bed.

Patricia wants Max to exert his authority over the business while Barry is away.......so he delegates the decisions to Penny. David talks Katie into taking on the role of choreographer of "Bing Crosbie's Christmas Cracker", while Audrey is only too willing to come over and look at his script. Meanwhile, Mandy's television is repossessed.

Barry plans to get Terry out of the country. Mandy invents a tale to explain why Kenny has been paid off, then finds that it's not over yet. Jean makes a "living will", while David holds auditions for the pantomime, and must decide who to cast as the ugly sisters.......

David finds out that Terry has been admitted to a mental hospital, but Barry plans to get him out. Jacqui and Katie return to DD's after their flat is robbed. Kenny arrives at Mandy's, but she is not keen to go through with his plan.

Mick invites Greg to run the pizza parlour while he is on "holiday", but Greg is planning to disappear. Barry takes Terry to Simon's funeral, where they meet his father - and on the way home, Terry ends up in police custody after attempting to walk across a busy motorway. Mandy agrees to sleep with Kenny.

David believes he has won his wheelie bin battle when his rubbish is collected, but it is Jimmy who, on Barry's instructions, has disposed of it. Sinbad plans to surprise Mandy by buying her house for Christmas. Mick asks Jimmy for tips on surviving prison life. The bailiffs arrive at the Jordaches and repossess Mandy's sewing machine, just as Max needs repairs done to his Santa costume.

David repairs Max's window, but Penny is unmoved as her deadline approaches. Terry rides away on Lee's Christmas mountain bike, and is reported to the police. Sinbad receives news that he is &pound

Eddie and Rosie get Lee a mountain bike for Christmas. Mick wants to stay at the parade until things are resolved, and the wedding is also put on hold. Penny becomes more irritated by Terry's behaviour, especially when he gets into bed with her, and Barry's attention to him - so she gives Barry an ultimatum. Josh says his first word - which he could only have heard from Ron.

Emma and Beth set up a picket line, and Mo refuses to cross it. Mandy goes out with Kenny. Mick has to go on an identity parade, and when the cleaner picks him out, he is charged with robbery.

DD tells Ron that she is not willing to divorce him. Penny is not surprised to hear that Beth and Emma's new uniforms are in the wash. Barry tries to get Terry to do ordinary everyday things. Mick and Marianne are arrested at their wedding.

Mandy can't understand why she is finding money she didn't know she had. Beth and Emma object to the new waitress uniforms Barry has chosen. Police investigations begin into the armed robbery, and Mick realises that he may be a suspect, as Garry switches the snatched money with cash from the pizza parlour till.

David refuses to use the wheelie bins, so the binmen refuse to remove his rubbish. Terry discovers how to get to the front of a hospital queue. Greg is nervous as he prepares for the wages snatch. Marianne wonders whether she and Mick should postpone their wedding. Eddie and Joey confront Foy and gain a victory.

The Banks family wake up to find someone in their kitchen. Marianne and Mick invite Sinbad to be their best man, but Marianne has another offer to consider. So does Mandy, as Kenny tries to obtain repayment in kind - but Sinbad offers her money to help her pay back her loan.

Mick overhears Marianne enquiring about the Glasgow job again, while Greg gains more information about Litrotech when she collects her belongings. David starts to wage war on wheelie bins, but agrees to help the deranged Terry. Mandy tries to stand up to Kenny and gives him a meal, but he has another idea about how she might clear her debt.......

Beth tracks Kenny down at the local betting shop, and accuses him of ripping Mandy off. Terry discovers that Simon has died, and turns up at the opening of Barry's new restaurant to accuse him of murder. Greg decides on his robbery plan, and Eddie and Joey's counter-plotting causes Marianne to lose her job.

Beth encourages Mandy to request receipts and further information from Kenny, and she ends up having to pay him more. When Carl reveals to Eddie that the union's phone calls have been tapped, they discuss with Joey what action to take - in the garden, just in case. Patricia loses a potential client after taking Alice with her to the interview.

When she is asked to transcribe tapped telephone conversations between Eddie and Joey, Marianne considers resigning. Then Carl manages to take a photocopy of her work....... Penny is surprised by Barry's concern for Terry, while David wants to protest against the introduction of wheelie bins.

Joey drafts in flying pickets to prevent the "scab" labour arriving, but the police turn up too, and Eddie wonders who tipped management off. Ron makes another attempt to retrieve his clothes. Patricia is determined to continue working. Simon and Terry decide to make a final statement, which involves stealing Barry's car.

Carl finds another job, and Eddie likes it even less than the previous one. Patricia insists on joining Barry, Max and Penny at their meeting, feeling that they are spoiling her campaign - and Barry sacks her. Beth confronts Kenny about the loan repayments, but to no avail. Terry isn't convinced that committing suicide to become a martyr is a good idea.

Marianne is called back to work due to the strike, and has to help out in the canteen, to Joey's amusement. However, his theft of the storeroom keys doesn't cause the problems he hoped. Max tries to make Patricia rest after her collapse, but she escapes with Alice.

Barry is annoyed when Penny offers Emma a job. Rachel gets Lee to back up her lies. Alice's christening doesn't go entirely without hitches. Simon decides that he and Terry should save the world by taking their own lives.

Carl looks for a job with Barry and Max, but is taken on by Kenny instead, It is the renewal day for Ron and DD's wedding vows, but not everyone can stay until the end.......

Kenny makes Barry a proposition involving pirate videos. Simon desperately tries to work out why God allowed him to be viciously beaten up. Bev tells Barry and the Farnhams that she wants to leave to go to London. Jimmy has concerns about his health, but Barry has the answer.

Although Jimmy is initially sceptical about Greg's criminal intentions, he becomes convinced that he is serious. The residents meet to discuss how to get rid of Simon - but they can't agree, and some of them act alone. Garry, Rachel and Lee go shoplifting.

Max and Patricia wait for news of Alice, and Max is surprised to find that Patricia is still keeping in touch with her PR work. Mike misses a job interview by being in police custody. Simon is trying the patience of Barry and others on the parade. Greg makes Jimmy a tempting offer, and the Dixons try to keep up with Barry's bay trees.

Ron wants Mike to keep quiet about what he has discovered, but he tells Beth, who thinks he needs more proof. Simon's attempts to "spread the word" are not appreciated. Mandy finds that Kenny hasn't been paying off her debts. DD has an idea which Ron has doubts about. When Greg holds a party, Garry telephones the police, but who will be arrested?

Marianne is offered a job in Glasgow, but intends to turn it down without telling Mick. Patricia leaves Alice with Bev while she sees an agent, and Barry and Penny go to look at cars. When Mick leaves for his "honeymoon", Greg moves into his flat. Simon tells Terry he has seen the light, and Jimmy has shrubs to plant for Barry.

Barry and Penny baby-sit for Max and Patricia. Mick sees Leo take a can of drink, and follows him into the woods. Beth returns to college, Sinbad is given some gardening work, and Bev reacts angrily when she finds out that Ron has returned to DD and now wants his clothes back.......

Jimmy boasts about his good deed, and claims expenses from Patricia. Penny agrees to stay with Barry, and Ron agrees to stay with DD. But Bev is back from her holiday.......

Thomas breaks Patricia's fax machine, she tells him off, and he runs away - but Jimmy, out selling drugs, finds him. Leo discovers where Simon is living, and is sent on a secret mission. Mick asks Mike to look after the pizza parlour while he is on his honeymoon. Jacqui moves into her new bedsit.

When Mandy can't pay her loan instalment, Kenny agrees to a postponement in exchange for a favour, and Patricia is amazed when Penny agrees to go out with him. Jacqui and Katie go to inspect "studio flats" which look more like crummy bedsits.

Barry consults his new PR woman, Patricia, about Penny - and Penny consults Max. When Jacqui returns and finds that Ron has moved back in with DD, she decides to move out. Terry is concerned when Simon leaves the flat to do something alone.......

Ray brings Emma to apologise to Barry, but Penny insists that he pays her. Simon is released on bail. Greg is annoyed to find that Garry spent another night at Mick's, and wants to continue to stay there. Audrey gives David some tense moments on Jean's outing to Blackpool. Ron moves back into DD's bed.

When Mick goes to invite Garry to Leo's birthday party, he finds a card school in progress and clashes with Greg. Joey seeks Eddie's help, but Rosie won't allow him to give it. David and Barry are not impressed to learn that the Son of God is staying in the flat with Terry.

Barry plans to solve the problem of nosey neighbours by inviting them to a housewarming. Garry's father is released from jail, but Mick is worried about whether Carol will he happy about her son going home with him.

David and Audrey do their dance demonstration, but they have a very limited audience. Max can't bring himself to hold Alice. Marianne and Mick find another house they like. Barry receives an enquiry about the salon from a local "businessman", Eddie loses the ballot, and Sarah tells Carl that his interfering mother has made her decide to go home to Reading.

Max and Barry are faced with a surprise applicant for the post of maitre d'. Rosie takes Sarah and Rebecca to New Brighton for the day. Eddie faces rivalry from Joey at Litrotech, and Jean's new over-55's club is a success, although Audrey plans to revive hers too.

Jean enlists Penny's help to find a new venue for the over-55's club. Mike has a job interview at the BBC, but hasn't enough experience. Eddie tries to help Sarah get her job back, but Mick refuses. Barry gives Jimmy another chance, and sends Max home to Patricia.

The Banks family visit the Hogfest in Southport, leaving Sarah without a babysitter and Mick furious when she brings Rebecca into the pizza parlour again. Barry and Penny return from Florida, and David sees them kissing.

Jean competes with Audrey's slide show by performing aerobic exercises. Carl begins to feel that he is fighting a losing battle. Ron thinks he can move back into Bev's flat, but finds that she has changed the locks. Marianne takes Mick to view a house, and they decide to make on offer on it.

Mike's advertisement attracts considerably more custom than he anticipated. Lindsey tries to find out why there is friction with the Dixon family. Max decides that it is time to take drastic action, and two people who have had near-death experiences try to rationalise what happened to them.

Max has to cater for two parties of residents of the Close, but not everyone turns up on time. Bev and Lindsey both see potential stardom for their offspring. Jacqui receives a note from Shane.

It is a quiet Boxing Day on the Close, except that there are members of two different households who want all the Christmas presents to be sent back to where they came from.

There is an unexpected winner of the "Best Decorated House" contest. Mo is suspicious of Rosie when she finds Max at the house, and jumps to the wrong conclusion. Some of the residents are amazed to discover what they are getting for Christmas.

Realising that Max is going to be spending most of the Christmas holiday at the restaurant, Patricia decides to move there to be with him. Eddie discovers at a very awkward moment that his credit limit has been exceeded. Katie collapses on the opening night of the pantomime, and the hanging of a door requires more attempts that Gary anticipates.

Max is having problems with stock control, and is prepared to sack the thief, even at Christmas. Jacqui is worried about Katie, and wants her to see a doctor. Peter is not prepared for the reception he gets at Casa Bevron, and there is a rude awakening for the Corkhill household.

When Mo refuses to give Rosie a loan, she steals food from the restaurant. Bev can't bear to let Ron go. Jimmy buys the whole family expensive Christmas gifts.

DD returns to the Close, and soon discovers that the newspaper coverage of Ron's death has not been totally accurate. Rosie appeals to Mo for help, but it may be too late. Patricia discovers that Max has poached her only member of staff.

Patricia sees expansion possibilities in the untimely demise of her next-door neighbour. Rosie is still confident that she can replace the missing money, but Mo believes that she should talk to Eddie. Gary plans to turn his discovery to his advantage.

Christian confronts Katie, wondering why she hasn't rung work. David advises Max to change his attitude or risk losing his family, and Jimmy trains his new employees - some of whom are more willing than others.

David is horrified at the first actions of the new BRA chairman, Katie feels that her life is over, Max is embarrassed at the restaurant, Rosie gets a part-time job, and the residents of the Close are shocked to hear that Ron Dixon is dead.

Max has a double-booking dilemma, Rosie and Mo fail to scratch their way out of their predicament, a poorly attended meeting results in the appointment of an unlikely new BRA chairman, and there is at least one death in the Dixon family.

Patricia wants Max to get rid of their house-guest, especially when he puts up their shop rent. Mo decides to sell her car, and quickly finds a willing buyer. Ron's worst fears appear to be confirmed. Jacqui receives news which has devastating implications for Katie. Lee asks for money for Christmas presents, so Eddie.......finds him a job.

To Jimmy's surprise, Jackie insists that Gary joins Lindsey to celebrate their anniversary. Someone is unexpectedly made redundant, and isn't pleased. Mike takes his driving test, and Ron and Jacqui congratulate him on what he tells them is the result. Then Ron hears something that makes him fear for his life.

Max receives a fax from Barry instructing him to pick up a V.I.P. from the airport. Ron and Mike attempt to use some of the very latest technology to obtain proof of Bev's infidelity. Lindsey's estranged husband, Gary, is not made welcome when he turns up at the Corkhills'.

David's impeccable record of forty years' accident-free motoring comes to an end just minutes after he borrows Max's car. Mo reveals to Rosie that she knows exactly where the missing money is going. Ron's suspicions increase when Bev suggests that he amends his will to provide for her and Josh.

David thinks he has found the perfect tenant.......then he discovers who her parents are. Mick considers packing up and moving away, and Sinbad attempts to dissuade him. Bev proposes to Ron, but he feels that he can't believe anything she says. Rosie manages to retrieve her cash-card from Mo, but someone else then catches her spending the money.

Ron discovers from Julia that Bev has been lying to him. Eddie confiscates Rosie's cash-card, but she convinces Mo to make a withdrawal from their joint account. Mike tries to reassure David, and Jenny's father speaks up in her defence.

After discovering that Rosie has spent &pound

David is already missing Jean, and tries to fill the void in his life, but no-one seems interested. Peter has problems with his lodgings, but Julia has a solution. Rosie pops out for a cheesecake, but buys more scratchcards instead.

Ron is having twinges, but Mike agrees not to tell Bev. Jean prepares to leave, and is led to believe that no-one will be coming to bid her farewell - but.......

Rachel leaves the Crosbies', albeit not empty-handed. Patricia tries to make her parents see sense regarding their holiday plans. Lindsey turns up at the Corkhills', and tells her parents that she has left her husband. Eddie follows Rosie, and confronts her about her gambling.

Max has to apologise for missing another appointment.......or does he? Rachel decides to move in with Jacqui and Katie, but there are some other people who want to look around her new accomodation. Mike thanks Bev for looking after Ron, but she is arranging another liaison with Peter.......

Jean tries to clear out some old junk, while David and Patricia wonder why she is getting rid of so much of the family history. Jackie and Jimmy try to cheer Sinbad up, but only make things worse. Mike tries to find Rachel somewhere to live, and Eddie looks to Sarah for a shoulder to cry on.

Unable to trust herself, Bev hands in her notice at the salon. Sinbad forces Mandy to be honest about her feelings for the job. Jean plans a round-the-world holiday, with or without David. Eddie suggests that he and Max hold a joint fireworks party, but who has the biggest rocket?

Mike takes another driving test, but will it be second time lucky? Sinbad returns home to find some unexpected visitors. Max tries to make amends for missing Alice's check-up, and to be careful of what Patricia sees on the fax machine.

Peter tries to convince Bev to go out with him. Mike shows Rachel a video he has found. Patricia takes Alice for her tests, but where is Max? Jean is desperate to travel the world, but David just wants to redecorate the bungalow.

Sinbad finds that Mandy has gone out with Mrs Shackleton and left Ruth with Jimmy. The Crosbies and the Bankses both want to resolve their differences, but who will surrender first? Katie has a date with one of the dancers she is working with, and warns Jacqui to keep off!

Sinbad is looking forward to family life, but Mandy wants to take on a job at a women's refuge. Rosie finally finds someone on the Close who is still willing to talk to her. Eddie can't believe Carl's decision, but will Susannah want to do the same thing?

Carl asks Sarah to come to Dubai with him. Mandy receives a tempting job offer. As ill-feeling against Eddie and Rosie increases around the Close, David decides to "be economical with the truth". Susannah gives Max an ultimatum.

Mandy feels that she must go and visit a woman who has written to her. Rosie and Eddie plan a party, then find that nobody wants to come. Katie has an audition for a panto, and David considers taking legal action.

Carl is annoyed to discover that Jimmy has spoken to Sarah, but pleased that he has removed the money from the loft. Jean has a plan, but David has his doubts about it. Max and Patricia have different views about Susannah's job offer.

Katie considers giving up dancing, and Jacqui offers her a job. Jimmy needs a lift for himself and a bear. Sarah goes to play bingo with Rosie and Mo, and finds an intruder in her loft when she returns. Mandy and Sinbad celebrate the arrival of baby Ruth.