Coronation Street - Season 23 (1981)

Bert goes for a job at a dairy but he is too old. Ralph Lancaster tries to interest Rita in singing in Stockport. She agrees but tells him not to tell Len. Frankie returns. He tells Mike the vice squad are after him. He tells him that his business partner Terry was also making blue movies using Gee Wizz Video Enterprises as a front. Terry has disappeared and Frankie refuses to hang around. Frankie swears to Mike he knew nothing about the venture. Len tells Rita that she can sing at Stockport when she swears Ralph isn't involved. Gail is adamant that Elsie will be ...

Rita tells Hilda that the phone message was about a singing engagement. Brian asks Ivy to accept Elsie as Godmother as he doesn't want any more fights. Hilda feels she should give Len some marriage guidance before Rita goes astray. She advises him to take more notice of Rita. Fred doesn't have a bank account so asks Mike to cash his cheque. Mike says that it's too much money for him. Alf cashes Fred's cheque and agrees to put money into the venture himself. Rita sings at the Ace of Clubs. Mike knows Frankie hasn't got enough money in his account to cover Fred's cheque...

Rita enjoyed singing but found it hard. Ken asks Deirdre for a date. She agrees. Len feels that Hilda is trying to tell him something. A Dutchman called Dirk van der Stek calls to see Deirdre - he's a friend of Ray Langton's. Ray has made Tracy a present and Dirk delivers it. Deirdre feels awkward about giving the present to Tracy. He tells her that Ray has split with his girlfriend Annie after she lost her baby. Bert sets up a baby alarm for the Tilsleys. Dirk asks Deirdre out for a date on the evening she was to see Ken. Dirk tells her that he can't make any other ...

Len thinks that Hilda suspects Rita has a fella. Rita tells him to ask Hilda. Fred's cheque bounces when Alf banks it. He demands his money back from Fred but he has already spent the money on a new jacket. Bert does DIY for Gail to fill in time. Gail finds the baby hard work, she had no idea it would be so difficult. Det Sgt Cross of the CID calls on Fred and questions him about Gee Wizz Video Enterprises as he's got financial interest in the blue movies they produce. Fred tells him all about Frankie. Mike refuses to honour Frankie's cheque for Fred. Tracy's present ...

Eddie acquires an accordion, swapping it for a washing machine off the tip. The exhaust falls off Ken's car. Eddie and the dustcart crew, including Arthur Webster, enter the cleanest dustcart competition as the prize is cup final tickets. Father Harris sorts out the christening with Gail and Brian. Ivy insists on being around for the preparations. Dirk van der Stek tells Deirdre that he's staying longer in England and he enjoys her company. They arrange another date. Hilda tells Elsie that Ivy doesn't want her to be godmother. Elsie drags Hilda to the Rovers to see ...

Ken quizzes Dirk van der Stek about his intentions towards Deirdre. Audrey and Ivy are surprised by the Tilsleys' choice of names - Nicholas Paul as the baby is christened by Father Harris at St. Boniface Church. Elsie and Andy Rowlands are godparents. Eddie and the crew clean their dustcart in the Street. The Tilsleys toast Nicholas Paul in champagne. Deirdre is sad to see Dirk leave for Holland. Bert asks Dirk if there is any chance of a job in Holland for him.

Annie complains to Eddie about parking the dustcart in the Street. Ken is short with Deirdre. Bert tells Ivy he wants to work in Holland. Fred is jealous that Eddie could win cup final tickets. Ivy is upset at the idea of Bert working abroad. Deirdre decides she must make the first move if she wants Ken. She asks Albert to tell Ken that she's available for the evening. Eddie fears Fred will try to sabotage the dustcart. Brian and Gail upset Ivy by agreeing with Bert that he should go where the jobs are. Albert doesn't pass on Deirdre's message to Ken. Eddie parks ...

Ivy tells Bert to go to Holland; she realises how much he needs a job. Fred throws pie crust onto the dustcart so that birds perch on it and dirty it. As a result, Eddie has to clean it again. Deirdre is cool towards Ken for not seeing her. He realises that Albert never gave him the message. Bert is offered a three-month contract as a fitter in Holland but tells Ivy that he hasn't got a job as he doesn't want to leave her. She is delighted he's staying. Stan buys Hilda a pendant for her birthday. She is touched. Ken tells Albert to stop interfering in his life. Elsie ...

Ken books a restaurant to take Deirdre out to. Elsie is run ragged as Lorraine Tindall is useless. Lorraine agrees to go to Liverpool with Kevin, a lorry driver. Emily is pleased Ken and Deirdre are back together. The Brewery sends Gordon Lewis to the Rovers as temporary manager. He assures Annie that the pub will be safe in his hands. Elsie is furious when Lorraine walks out of the café early. Annie tells Fred that she's brought Gordon in as she doesn't trust him to look after the pub in her absence after previous problems. Deirdre gets ready for her date with Ken ...

Lorraine Tindall fails to come into work at the cafe and Elsie can't cope on her own. Deirdre agrees to go to the pictures with Mike. Elsie docks Lorraine's wages when she turns up two hours late. Johnny Webb plans to leave Maureen and he contemplates asking Elsie to take him in. Ken apologises to Deirdre. They agree to make another arrangement some other time. Annie goes off on her cruise, she nearly misses her train as Fred thinks 13.19 is 3.19pm instead of 1.19pm. Johnny asks Elsie if he can be her lodger. She refuses to take him in as he's married. When Lorraine ...

Elsie takes a shine to café customer Wally Randle. Gordon Lewis charms Betty and Hilda but shows contempt for Bet and Fred. Mike asks Deirdre for a meal. Instead of accepting she invites him for a meal at her flat, he agrees. Emily is upset that Deirdre is seeing Mike and not Ken anymore. Elsie takes a liking to Sandra Webb and takes her on at the café. Ken asks Deirdre out for the evening. She tells him that she's busy. Stan accuses Betty of short-changing him. Gordon sides with Stan and gets Betty to give him the extra money. An angry Betty accuses Gordon of making ...

Gordon Lewis does the cellar just as he wants it. Fred is furious but Gordon tells him that he'll check it every day. Ken tells Deirdre she should have told him that she is seeing Mike. Len puts a new washer on at the Rovers. Gordon is furious when Bet gives him a drink before opening hours. Bet apologises and tries to flirt her way out of the situation. Ken asks Mike what he feels for Deirdre. Mike tells him that he's enjoying himself. Johnny Webb is annoyed when Sandra doesn't give him discount at the café. When a lorry driver, Terry paws Sandra, Johnny warns him ...

Deirdre isn't sure what Ken wants from her. Bert hears that Aspinall's are taking men on. Ken tells Deirdre that he'd like to end their open relationship and become unofficially engaged. Bert is too late at Aspinall's to get a job. He wishes that Len had told him about it earlier. Hilda is the only one not at odds with Gordon Lewis. He thinks business is slack and suggests hotpot suppers during the evenings, but with no extra staff to prepare it though. Emily is pleased that Ken has proposed to Deirdre. She pushes Deirdre to accept. Deirdre feels confused about her ...

Mike tells Deirdre that Emily warned him off. When questioned, Emily tells Deirdre that she has her best interests at heart and points out that Ken is reliable. Gordon Lewis stops Bet from smoking behind the bar. Deirdre tells Ken that he's been unreliable with her in the past and she will not marry him. They are over. Ken tells Mike the field is clear for him and asks him not to hurt Deirdre. Gordon throws a hotpot supper but he sees Fred helping himself to a short and confronts him. Fred argues that it's a perk of the job. Fred threatens to hit him when Gordon ...

Deirdre looks over the flat Mike is planning to buy - 46b, St. Mary's Place, for £28,000. Annie returns from Casablanca to find Carole and Diane behind the bar. She cannot believe that Bet and Betty have walked out and that Fred has stolen from the bar and threatened Gordon Lewis. Bert asks Len to take him on as a labourer. Len feels embarrassed as he's a skilled man but agrees. Fred puts his side of the story to Annie. She sides with him. She arranges to see Betty and Bet only to discover Bet has another job and could also get Betty one. The customers seem happy with...

Annie forces herself to be nice to Carole and Diane. Bert enjoys working again, even if it is labouring. Bet likes working at The Rifleman but misses the Rovers. Gordon Lewis is furious that Annie has taken Fred back. He tells her that she's made a mistake but she tears him off a strip. Mike buys the flat and furniture for £25,000. Annie realises she made a mistake not trusting the staff by bringing Gordon in. He tells her that she's too old to run the pub. Annie tells him that she's made a report on him for Richard Cresswell at Newton and Ridley's. Betty gets a job ...

Emily tells Arnold to leave her life but he tells her it's not possible. He is upset she reported him to the police. He tells her he has no regrets. Bet is upset when the customers don't show their gratitude in her return. She tells Annie she wants to leave but Annie sorts things out for her. Arnold is obviously mentally disturbed and frightens Emily. He tells her they must be together in the next life as well as this life. Emily threatens to call the police if he doesn't leave her. He physically stops her from leaving the house. He tells her he knows God wants them ...

Len puts a new lock on Emily's door. Rita takes care of Emily and takes her to the Police. Sonia takes a fancy to Ken. Emily is upset when the neighbours what to know all the details of Arnold's visit. She feels sorry for Arnold. He phones Emily and asks to meet her at the park. She tells the Police and they ask her to act as bait for them to catch Arnold. She feels she is betraying Arnold. Ivy feels sure that Len will keep Bert on at the Yard. Bet flirts with Wally Randle but Elsie sees her off. He asks Elsie if he can become her lodger - she refuses. Mike plans a ...

Fred amazes Bet and Betty by being cheerful. Sonia Price asks Ken to take her to Mike's flat warming. He is pleased to agree. The Police tell Emily that Arnold has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Sonia uses Mavis as her model for the beauty classes. Sonia takes Ken for a drink. They enjoy each other's company. Emily decides to get away from the Street for a break and invites Mavis to come with her as her companion.

Bet and Betty are amazed to discover that Fred has got a girlfriend. Rita gets a singing job in Eccles. Sonia Price thinks that Ken loves Deirdre. He assures her that Deirdre's in the past as far as he's concerned. Len agrees to Mavis going on holiday. Vera and Ida measure Mike's flat up for curtains. Rita refuses to do the early papers in Mavis' absence as she's singing - Len will have to do them. Emily puts an advert in the paper saying that she's changing her name back to Bishop. Mavis and Emily decide to go to Malta. Bet tricks Fred into telling her that his ...

Gail asks Brian to take more responsibility with Nicky and stop acting as if he is single. Annie returns from visiting Joan to discover that Fred has a girlfriend. Eunice Nuttall arrives at the Rovers. Annie and Bet are amazed that she seems so nice. Len refuses to give the paper boys a rise. One of them, Richard Dickinson, threatens a strike. Len doesn't believe him. Gail is annoyed when Brian tries to get out of spending an evening at home with his family.

When Len still refuses to meet Richard Dickinson's demands for an extra £1 a week, Richard brings the paper boys out on strike and blacks the Kabin. Gail assures Brian that things will get better as Nicky gets older. Annie lays on a duck supper for Eunice. She wants to make sure that Fred doesn't entertain Eunice in his bedroom. The Tilsleys get a huge rates bill. Gail is frightened to show it to Brian. Rita offers paper girl Penny Shaw an extra £1 a week on the quiet to do the papers but Richard frightens her off. Annie interrogates Eunice and encourages her to ...

The Ogdens search through the rubbish tip all morning looking for their missing washing. Bert rows with Ivy about the paper round, while Len negotiates a new pay deal with Richard. Deirdre tells Mike that their relationship is over.

Stan, Eddie and Hilda spend the morning searching through the tip for their washing. They give up as there are thousands of identical bags on the tip. Hilda is distraught. Ron Sykes has told Brian that due to the recession there will be no more overtime. Len offers Richard Dickinson a 50p rise instead of £1 demanded. Mike apologises to Deirdre for taking her for granted. She still maintains that their relationship is over. Eddie organises a whip-round for the Ogdens but the residents are reluctant to chip in. Len and Richard settle on a 65p pay rise and Richard calls ...

Mavis and Emily return from Malta. Fred considers marrying Eunice to get a pub of his own. Betty tells him it's obvious that Eunice is keen to marry. Brian is upset when Gail cuts down on his food to save money. Elsie misses Wally Randle when he has to work away. She is delighted when he turns up. Eunice tells Fred that she's having too much fun being divorced to think of marrying again. Rita and Len grow bored of Mavis' holiday stories and are embarrassed when she gives them presents. Betty tells Fred that Eunice is bound to accept a proposal if he tells her that he ...

Elsie and Wally Randle enjoyed a night out together in Macclesfield. Fred checks with the brewery that he's still entitled to his own pub if he's married. Annie is surprised that Fred is planning to marry to get a pub. Brian apologises to Gail for being so horrid. He realises that he has to grow up and fight for his family. They agree to face the future together. Fred goes to the Brewery to see Richard Cresswell where he is told he can certainly have a pub of his own. Brian pleases Gail by taking her out for the evening. Rita babysits. They thank Bert for helping them...

Bet is astounded to hear that Fred is engaged. Fred tries to keep the engagement a secret but Eunice tells everyone and he is forced to buy drinks all round. Mike entertains Sonia Price to an intimate dinner at the flat. Elsie shows Wally round No. 11. She is glad to have a man about the house. Mike gets drunk on purpose so Sonia has to spend the night in the flat. He is furious when Frankie arrives and ruins his plans. Sonia cooks a meal for him. Eunice tells Fred that she has faith in him. He is touched. Frankie invites himself to spend the night on Mike's sofa. ...

Fred lays into Frankie about his bounced cheque. Mike stops Fred from hitting him. Frankie swears that he'll get the cash from the bank. Alf is furious when Fred believes him. Wally Randle moves into No. 11. Eunice tells Fred she'd like an engagement ring. Frankie repays Alf and Fred in full. The Police have dropped their enquiries and the video business is booming. Ken plans an Easter trip to see Susan. He invites Deirdre to join him but she has promised to take Tracy and Emily to Blackpool. Mike gets rid of Frankie and entertains Sonia Price again. Emily tells ...

Brian works through Easter as they need the overtime. Elsie forces herself to go into work. When Hilda insults her about throwing herself at Wally Randle, Elsie tells her to drop dead. Elsie hits the gin in her depression. Gail goes to see Elsie and is offered a part-time job at the cafe but Brian refuses to let her return to work. She doesn't feel they can cope as they owe so much money. Brian tells Gail that only a slut would return to work with a baby. Ivy advises Gail and Brian to sell up and return to living with her and Bert at No. 5. Eunice shows off her ...

Emily takes Tracy to Blackpool. Gail refuses to live with Ivy again, even if they have to starve. Ron Sykes advises Brian to send Gail out to work for more money. Fred and Eunice hear that they're in line for the tenancy of The Crown and Kettle. Ron finds it difficult running the garage and his filling station. When his night shift employee resigns he offers the job to Brian. Annie gets Douglas Cresswell to agree not to give Fred a pub until she has found a replacement cellarman. Gail gets a part-time job at the cafe but Brian refuses to leave Nicky with a childminder...

Elsie is filled with regret after allowing Bill to spend the night, and the gossip-mongers are out in force. Annie announces her intention of charging Eunice for her bed and board at the Rovers. Fred asks Alf to be his best man.

Elsie can't believe she was so drunk as to spend the night with Bill Fielding. He insists on staying for his breakfast and is upset when he tells her he must have been desperate to have picked her up. His wife Muriel turns up when he's on his own. She thinks Elsie is his regular tart. Annie tells Fred she wants an extra £10 a week if Eunice is to live in. Fred and Eunice set the date for 13th May. Elsie returns home to find the house is ruins and all her clothes cut to shreds by Muriel.

Vera boasts about a night on the town she's had with another man called Harry. Elsie realises that all her clothes have been ruined. She tells Len what happened but refuses to contact the Police. Vera tries to get Jack to take her out but he doesn't want to be seen out with her. She plans another night with Harry and tells Jack that she's seeing Ivy. Elsie is disgusted with herself and sick of everything. Fred and Eunice shop for a wedding ring. He buys her one for £89. Eddie's friend lets him down with the minibus for Fred's stag night. He looks around for another ...

Bert is horrified to find Vera sleeping on the sofa. Annie assures Fred that he and Eunice can stay with her as long as they need to. Elsie's insurance company tells her that she can't claim if she hasn't contacted the Police. She is frightened of the newspaper headlines and refuses. She just wants to get things back to normal. Bet and Len are forced to tell the residents that Elsie has had vandals at No. 11 when Hilda starts snooping. Eunice feels that the wedding ought to be postponed until they've got a pub. She doesn't want to start her married life living with ...

Deirdre returns home from seeing Blanche. Eddie organises Sugar La Marr to appear at Fred's stag night. Bet warns him that Annie will not stand for a stripper. To help Eddie out, Bet phones Nellie Harvey and gets her to invite Annie over for the night. Bet wants to see Fred with a stripper. Sugar La Marr arrives for Fred's stag night - he is horrified. Albert wishes Deirdre happiness with Ken. Fred refuses to let Sugar perform at the Rovers. Vera finds the Tilsleys' house too quiet. Ivy gets rid of Vera for ten minutes by getting Bert, under protest, to take Vera to ...

Brian is tired from working nights at the petrol station. Ken assures Albert that he'll keep an eye on him when he moves out but Albert pretends not to be bothered. Vera feigns illness to get away from work to entertain Harry at No. 5. Hilda witnesses Vera kissing Harry and letting him into No. 5. She tells Ivy. Ivy dashes home to find the door bolted. Harry escapes and Vera answers the door. Ivy is furious. Gail and Brian entertain neighbours Sue and Colin Jackson. Bert asks Jack to take Vera back. Jack claims that he's enjoying his peace too much. Bert persuades ...

Ivy is upset that the residents know Vera has been entertaining a man in her house. Albert feels alone with his memories. Jack doesn't care if Vera wants to return to him or not. Vera thinks that Jack will beg her to return and is stunned when he tells her that if she doesn't give Harry up and return home he'll change the locks and never take her back. As a result she returns home. Colin Jackson mends the Tilsleys' stereo for them. Gail expresses her thanks to him. Beattie Pearson contacts Albert, saying that she's going to visit him. Colin tells Gail that she needs ...

Beattie Pearson arrives. She congratulates Ken on his engagement but doesn't think much of Deirdre as she's divorced. The Gees return from honeymoon. Eunice starts bossing Fred around and makes herself at home in the Rovers. Beattie looks through Albert's Post Office account. Albert complains to her that she hasn't seen him for six months. The Jacksons and Tilsleys have a picnic. Colin flirts with Gail but Brian thinks he's harmless. Albert accuses Beattie of wanting something. She tells him she wants to know what arrangements Ken has made for him. Eunice starts to ...

Annie tries to keep her meals solitary but Eunice feels that she needs company. Ken and Deirdre look at houses. Colin Jackson apologises to Gail and asks her not to tell Sue. She agrees. Eddie considers advertising for a lady companion. Sue invites the Tilsleys on a caravanning weekend. Gail isn't keen and tells Brian about Colin's pass. Brian wants to thump Colin but Gail thinks it would be a bad idea. Ken and Deirdre find a house in Meadow Bottoms, five miles out. Deirdre tells Beattie they will not be taking Albert with them. She tells Beattie that Ken has been ...

Emily and Mavis decide to travel to London to watch the Royal Wedding. Ken starts to organise Social Services for Albert. Eddie has a day off and digs Albert's allotment over. Len doesn't understand Rita when she is moody. Annie feels that the Gees are putting up with her. She wants them to leave. Albert refuses to have a home help. Eunice sits behind the bar and acts as hostess of the Rovers. Annie bites her tongue. Rita tells Len that she wants to be a mother and she'd like to adopt. She feels she needs a child to fill a gap in her life. Len feels too old to have a ...

Albert recovers in bed after his fall. Ken thinks that he's making the most of it. Len tells Rita they'll be too old to adopt. She can't accept that she'll never be a mother. Fred wants to spend his day off at Old Trafford but has to chauffeur Annie and Eunice to Altrincham. The brewery writes to Fred giving him an interview as they've got a vacancy. Dr Judith Hollins tells Ken that the only thing wrong with Albert is his age and he shouldn't be left on his own. Fred gets drunk as a celebration and slaps Annie's bottom. Surprisingly, she is amused. Ken tells Albert ...

Len agrees to talk about a child. Deirdre agrees to live at No. 1 on the condition that Albert moves into the front parlour so that Tracy can have his room. Len gets holiday brochures to take Rita's mind off children. Eddie plans to attend the Sports and Social Club stag night. Albert refuses to sleep downstairs. Rita begs Len to agree to have a child. Eddie offers to get Stan a ticket to watch strippers. Stan tells Hilda that he's going to go to the Legion. Len agrees to see the adoption society. Rita is delighted.

Deirdre threatens not to live at No. 1 if Tracy has to sleep downstairs. Stan pays £3 for a ticket to the Sports and Social Club stag night. Ken feels he can't win as he tries to do his best for everyone. Eddie makes Albert see that he can't expect Tracy to sleep downstairs and points out he'd have privacy in the front parlour. The Faircloughs go to the adoption society. They say they'd like a five-year old and say a child would be well-loved by them. Albert tells Ken that he's moving into the parlour but wants it decorating. The adoption officer, Mrs Ramsden, tells ...

Stan returned at 3.00am. Hilda refuses to believe he spent the whole evening at the Legion. Stan and Eddie say that there was a snooker tournament on. Annie writes Fred a glowing reference to Richard Cresswell. Elsie returns from Birmingham. Legion steward Ernie Sadler agrees to swear there wasn't a stag night on to please Eddie and Stan. Rita hears that Gladys Turnbull's daughter is expecting an unwanted baby. John Ridley interviews the Gees. Fred is very uncomfortable trying to sell himself. John tells them that there will be vacancies very shortly. Hilda overhears ...

Hilda is convinced that Stan is lying to her, and goes in search of Freda to obtain proof. Rita is in for a disappointment when Gladys arrives with bad news. Fred receives a letter from the brewery.

Ken plans to decorate No. 1 himself, Deirdre doesn't think that he's capable. Len goes to the Social Services about fostering. Jim's wife Alma Sedgewick tries to cope at the café single-handedly. Eunice thinks that Annie's reference might have put the brewery off. Social Worker Don Worthington interviews the Faircloughs at No. 9. The Vicar at St. Mary's Church refuses to marry Ken and Deirdre as she's divorced. John Ridley tells Fred that he was turned down as the Gees are unsuitable. The Faircloughs fill in fostering forms. Annie interviews Frank Pritchard, the ...

Ken and Deirdre struggle with the decorating. Elsie feels it's a bit of a comedown to be a waitress. Alf and Emily agree to provide references for the Faircloughs. Annie phones Douglas Cresswell and discovers that the Gees have been rejected because Eunice was sacked for stealing in a previous job at the Foundryman's Arms. Bert is thrilled when Deirdre asks him to decorate for them. Ken gets a vicar to marry them on 27 July. The Faircloughs go on holiday to the Cotswolds and look forward to fostering when they return. Annie tells Eunice that her past has caused the ...

Annie tells Eunice that she must tell Fred about her past before the brewery do. Bert decorates No. 1 for Ken and Deirdre. Ken pays him £30 in cash. Alf is upset that Len is Ken's best man. Eunice tells Fred about the £30 she supposedly stole from the Foundryman's Arms. She swears she didn't steal the money but he tells her that he only married her to get a pub. Fred swears to make the brewery change their mind as she's innocent. Ken and Deirdre buy her wedding ring. She asks Alf to give her away. He tells her that he'll be proud. Fred phones the brewery and arranges ...

Elsie is run off her feet at the cafe as Alma Sedgewick is so lazy. Deirdre tells Ken that she'd like another child. Maurice Dodds starts work at the Rovers. Fred goes to the brewery and is told that Eunice is a thief. She accuses Fred of wanting to believe she was guilty. She swears her innocence and tells him that it's up to him to believe what he wants to. Deirdre doesn't know what to do with Tracy whilst they honeymoon. When Frank Pritchard rings the Rovers, Fred tells him to look for another job. Eddie offers to sell Maurice's paintings for him. Maurice tells him...

Stan refuses to work his round as his back causes him pain when he climbs the ladder. Annie agrees to exhibiting Maurice's paintings in the Rovers. Bet tells Eunice that Fred was suspended for drinking from the optics. Ken is delighted when Susan agrees to be a bridesmaid. Eunice tells Fred his suspension was just as bad as her sacking. She calls him a hypocrite. He tells her that he's had enough of married life. Eunice suggests they move back in with her dad but Fred refuses. Eddie tries to sell Maurice's paintings but no one is interested. Deirdre asks Emily if ...

Fred and Eunice agree to face the future together. He goes for a job interview as relief manager for Grassington's Brewery. Deirdre asks Emily to be her Matron of Honour. Emily is pleased. Stan starts with his new poles. He finds them much easier. Annie phones from Derby to remind the Gees that they have to leave. Fred is put on a waiting list of twenty-five and is told the brewery are looking for a younger man. All of Stan's customers want to buy poles, saying they can do their own windows with it. He demands his money back from Eddie. Maurice Dodds takes Mavis ...

The Faircloughs return from holiday. Annie returns from Derby and is furious to find the Gees still in residence at the Rovers. Eunice tells Annie that she can't throw Fred out - she owes him so much. Mavis enjoys drawing with Maurice Dodds. She thinks he's romantic. Annie feels as if she's got squatters. The factory girls plan a send off for Lynn Watts who is marrying and emigrating to Australia. Maurice tells Mavis that she needs to be more confident and express herself in her paintings. He wants to try drawing a nude but needs a model. He tells Mavis that he'll ...

Rita is astounded that Maurice Dodds wants to paint Mavis in the nude. She advises Mavis to steer clear of him. Annie phones Billy and tells him that she's being held hostage in her own home. Mavis is upset when everyone thinks that Maurice is kinky. Annie tells Fred that Billy is returning and his room is being decorated so he'll have to have Fred's room. She tells Fred he must leave before Billy's return. Mike is annoyed to find the girls having a party for Lynn Watts. The girls win him round. Maurice wants to start painting Mavis but she puts him off. Elsie asks ...

Eunice has walked out on Fred. Blanche and Susan arrive for the wedding. Peter can't get leave from the Navy. Fred refuses to make the first move towards a reconciliation with Eunice. Betty warns him that he could lose her for good. Emily puts Blanche up at No. 3. Fred finds Eunice at her dad's house. He tells her that he doesn't want them to split and she agrees. Susan is planning to go to University when she gets her exam results. Rita assures Maurice that Mavis is dead keen to be painted. Eunice tells Fred to ask Annie about him keeping his job but living off the ...

Fred stays with Eunice at Sid's house. Susan considers getting a hotel holiday job. Blanche organises a hen party for Deirdre. Fred works at the Rovers under sufferance. Betty advises him to be gracious and let Annie feel obligated to him. Mavis worries about posing for Maurice Dodds. Fred gives the Rover a special polish to please Annie. The effect is spoilt when Annie sees him talking to Eunice in the car. She takes the car keys off Fred causing him to tell her that he's finished. She warns him that if he doesn't serve notice she will black him at the brewery. ...

Deirdre and Ken are married before their family, friends and neighbours in church. Fred mopes about his future with no new job in the offing. The wedding party reconvenes in the Rovers for the reception.

Mavis and Betty set off to London to see the Royal Wedding. The residents have prepared the Street with Union Jacks to celebrate the Royal Wedding. Hilda is upset that she has to watch the wedding on a black and white television. Annie moves her television into the Select for the customers to watch. Emily enjoys looking after Tracy. Eddie borrows a colour TV for the day for Hilda. She takes her curlers out to watch and settles down. Annie tells Fred she'd rather employ him than Frank Pritchard. Fred tells her that he'll let her know his decision. Annie's TV breaks ...

Elsie starts as a machinist at Baldwin's Casuals. She tells Ivy that she realises she's going to be treated as one of the girls. Rita isn't sure if she's up to fostering. Glenda Fox asks Brian to look over her car personally. John Spencer and his rabbit George arrive at No. 9. He is sullen and frightened. Fred moves his things into Eunice's room. Rita tries to win John's confidence. Elsie's work isn't up to scratch. Ivy finds it hard to tell her what to do. Glenda flirts with Brian. He finds there's nothing wrong with her car. Len is put out when John doesn't like ...

Vera considers warning Ivy that Brian has got another woman. Fred hates living with Sid. The small bed gives him a bad back. When Ivy reprimands Vera for gossiping all day, Vera tells Ivy about Brian's girlfriend. Glenda Fox takes Brian to lunch. Len borrows Bert's rod to take John Spencer fishing. Ivy hears from Gail that Brian always works late. John and Len don't catch anything so bring fish and chips home. Ivy tackles Brian about Glenda. Brian tells her that she's just a customer.

John Spencer starts to enjoy living with the Faircloughs. Len feels that Rita is spoiling him. She hopes that they can hang onto John for longer. Brian finds it exciting that Glenda Fox fancies him. The Barlows return from Corfu. Ken carries Deirdre over the threshold. Glenda tries to get Brian drunk with champagne and feeds him. John's schoolmate punk Matt Stapleton takes him to a pop concert. Rita feels that Matt will be a bad influence. Ken is horrified that Mike got Susan a job in London. Brian gives his overalls to Gail to be cleaned, forgetting that he has one ...

Gail tackles Brian about the hankie with "G" on it. He tells her that he doesn't know where it came from. Gail asks Elsie for advice. She tells her that Brian loves her and must be trusted. Brian is cool towards Glenda Fox when he sees her. Jack is made redundant from driving lorries. Ken accuses Mike of sending Susan off without his permission. Mike tells him the whole plan was Susan's idea, and his problem is that he's got a guilt complex. Glenda takes Brian to a posh pub. She tells him that she just wants a laugh with him. Ken phones Susan and demands her return ...

Jack signs on the dole. Gail finds out that "Mrs Fox" is called Glenda. She confronts Brian, telling him that she saw them together and it's obvious he fancies her. He swears that he's done nothing. Bert tackles Brian about Glenda, warning him that he could be putting his marriage on the line. Vera looks forward to her wedding anniversary. Rita is alarmed when John Spencer copies his friend Matt Stapleton by having his ear pierced. Harry Fox comes to the garage and Brian discovers Glenda has gone on a Greek holiday. He feels that she has dropped him.

The van driver at the factory leaves, Mike advertises for a replacement. Brian tells Gail that Glenda Fox is no longer in the country. Jack plans an anniversary party foursome with the Tilsleys. They get drunk together. Gail and Brian make up. John Spencer wants to go to a Reggae show with Matt Stapleton. Len refuses to let him. Ivy tells Bert that he could get the van driver's job, Vera thinks Jack should get it. Len and Rita discover that John has slipped out to a pop concert.

Rita wants the police called in when John hasn't come back by 2.00am but John returns. Rita stops Len rowing with him. Len tells John that if he doesn't tow the line he'll have to leave them. Jack doesn't want to work with Vera and tries to put her off going after the driving job for him. Brian assures Gail that he fancies her more than he fancied Glenda Fox. John buckles down and becomes more domesticated. Vera asks Mike to give Jack an interview, Mike agrees. Ivy tells Vera that he's also seeing Bert for the job. Hilda tells Stan that he should apply for the driving...

Bert is upset as Ivy falls out with Vera over the driver's job. Hilda forces Stan to go for the driving job by threatening to withhold his food. John worries about his mother's operation. Eddie starts breeding rabbits. Ivy and Vera row over who deserves the driving job. Mike interviews Bert, Jack and Stan. Hilda refuses to let Eddie breed rabbits to be eaten. John's mother's operation goes well. Mike gives the driver's job to Bernard Clough, Ida's son. He tells Ivy that Bert didn't get the job as they'd have wanted to take their holidays together. He didn't give Stan ...

The Faircloughs take John to Jodrell Bank. Tracy goes down with chickenpox. Albert worries that he'll catch shingles from her. Eunice house-hunts whilst Fred works. She doesn't get anywhere. Mrs Spencer is coming out of hospital and John prepares to leave No. 9. Rita is sad that he's leaving. Albert decides that he can't stay at No. 1 whilst Tracy is ill. Emily takes him in as no one else wants him. He starts bossing her around.

Emily is interested in doing more work for the community and Ken tells her that he is looking for a caretaker-cum-assistant at the Community Centre. She tells him that she's interested. Mrs Spencer calls for John: Rita and Len are sad to see him go. Fred discovers that Emily is thinking of moving. He and Eunice pounce on Emily and ask if they can rent her house when she takes over at the Centre. Eunice is furious when Fred tells Emily that she'll have trouble with vandals at the Centre.

The brewery starts a "Mr and Mrs" competition to encourage couples to drink together. Emily decides to drop the idea of the Community Centre flat because of the risk of vandals. Fred and Eunice are upset that Emily isn't leaving No. 3. Alf refuses to let the Corner Shop flat to the Gees as he needs it for a new assistant. Fred tells him that Eunice will work in the shop but Alf isn't keen. Tracy is upset that she's missed her first day at school. Annie searches for a compere for the competition but no one is interested. Bet agrees to compere it herself. Alf puts Fred ...

Alf pushes Ken to employ the Gees, fearing that he'll be lumbered with them. Tracy is given the all clear but Albert prefers to live with Emily. Annie is delighted that Nellie Harvey is celebrating her sixtieth birthday tomorrow. Hilda considers coaching Stan in the right answers for the "Mr and Mrs" competition. Bet questions the stability of the regulars' marriages to enlist them for the contest. Fred isn't keen to take on the Community Centre but Eunice wants the flat. Emily tells Albert she wants him to leave when he keeps criticising her cooking. He tells her ...

Bet acts as compère for the Rovers' 'Mr. & Mrs.' contest. Hilda goes to a job interview and is taken aback to find Mike is her prospective employer. A stranger spends the day attempting to track down Bert.

Hilda doesn't switch off Mike's burglar alarm at his flat in time before it goes off and the siren alerts the Police. She is questioned by PC Reed who recognises her as Eddie's landlady and calls Mike in to identify her. She is relieved when Mike laughs it off. Vera tells Hilda that Stan gave the right answers in the quiz; she is useless and he is worthless. They argue in the Street about Jack's answers about his other women. Vera turns on Jack and he tells her to get lost once and for all. Vera agrees to stay away from him and persuades Elsie to take her in for the ...

Tracy starts at Bessie Street School. Bert is ashamed at the prospect of being stigmatised a fraud and a cheat. He doesn't want Brian to find out. When Tom Elliott talks to Len, he refuses to confirm that he employed Bert. Audrey visits Gail with a bruised face. She tells her that she bumped into a cupboard. Tracy is upset at school as she's called "Langton" whilst Deirdre and Ken are "Barlow". Ivy asks Ken not to tell Elliott about paying Bert for decorating. Ken and Deirdre decide to change Tracy's name to Barlow. Ken tells Deirdre that they should inform Ray ...

Audrey makes herself at home with the Tilsleys. Her smoking gets on their nerves. Rita doesn't like the idea of Len covering up for Bert. She rows with Ivy over getting them into trouble. Ken refuses to make a statement about Bert's decorating. Tom Elliott warns him that he could be subpoenaed. Bert's conscience gets to him and he signs a statement admitting illicit earnings. Ivy thinks he's a fool to himself. Alf is keen on Audrey and tells her that he's available if she finishes with Tony Ditchburn. Ray Langton phones Deirdre and tells her that he refuses to let her...

The Tilsleys try to tell Audrey that she's not welcome. She tells them that she's planning to move out. Frankie motors up to see Mike with his girlfriend Sylvie Hicks. Mike is amazed that he is so affluent. Elsie takes Audrey in for a few days, sympathetic with her cause. Mike is amazed when Sylvie turns out to be a glamorous twenty-year old. Tony Ditchburn turns up at the Tilsleys' house looking for Audrey. Brian tells him to keep his fists to himself. Fred and Alf are sick to discover business is booming for Frankie. Sylvie makes Frankie feel good. At the filling ...

Ronnie Burgess is taken to hospital. Brian has to make a statement. Audrey fancies a day shopping with Elsie, so she phones Mike and tells him that Elsie is ill and won't be in work. Ivy hears from the factory girls that Brian has been involved in a fight and she fears he's been hurt. She is relieved to find he's alright. Alf wants to take a holiday but doesn't want to leave the shop as Deirdre is only part-time now. Gail tells Tony Ditchburn where Audrey is staying, knowing that Audrey wants him back. He calls at No. 11. Elsie tells him that he's got a cheek turning ...

Stan advertises his window round for sale; he's fed up with working and plans to live off the Social, Hilda and Eddie's rent. Brian fears that Ronnie Burgess will die. Mike fears that Sylvie Hicks is after Frankie's money. Hilda reads an advertisement for a window-cleaning round for sale and considers buying it for Stan without telling him. Audrey refuses to work Alf's hours and closes at 5.30pm. Brian discovers that Ronnie is out of danger. Detective Sgt. Whiteley tells Brian that he's got to be charged with unlawfully wounding Ronnie. He is taken to the police ...

Gail fears that Brian will be sent to prison. Mike makes his dislike of Sylvie Hicks show. Audrey fails to take the shop as a priority and makes her hours very flexible. Stan receives a letter from Hilda wanting to buy the round for him. He is appalled. Eddie finds the situation hysterical. Stan tells Hilda that it is his round; he doesn't want to spend another winter cleaning windows. She tells him she doesn't like her life either. Ivy grows hysterical at the news that Brian has been arrested. Frankie decides to throw a party at Mike's flat. Audrey closes the shop to...

Vera organises a donation box towards Brian's legal fees. Bet thinks that she is responsible for getting most of the tips in the Rovers. Betty thinks she's got a cheek. Brian has to appear as a witness against Ronnie Burgess at his trial and then appear in court himself, charged with unlawful wounding. Mike gets the girls to work through their lunch hour to get an important order out to Johnson's. Bert is annoyed that Jack is so cheerful about his moonlighting. Bet sets out to prove to Betty that she gets the most tips. Fred is furious when Eunice orders £60 curtains....

Mike is horrified to discover Johnson's have closed down. Brian celebrates his twenty-third birthday. He is determined to enjoy himself. Fred flirts with Audrey, annoying Eunice. Mike discovers Peter Johnson has run his business down. He is annoyed with himself for not finding out sooner. He starts looking around for another buyer. Bet dresses up in order to win more tips. Fred and Betty are annoyed at her smugness. Audrey stirs things between the Gees by telling Eunice she thinks Fred is sexy. No one wants Johnsons' order. Audrey and the Tilsleys throw a party for ...

Mike tells his workforce that if he can't find new outlets he'll have to make a third of them redundant. He tells Ivy and Ida that he'll close the factory if they don't produce twelve names for him to lay off. Ron Sykes returns from Spain to the news of the filling station robbery. He tells Brian that he's an idiot for leaving the till in the first place and refuses to help him. Audrey does Bet's hair in the back of the shop. Ivy and Ida can't make up their minds who to make redundant. Mike gives them another day. Ivy feels that Ron owes Brian and wants to tell him so...

Ivy is worried when Mike tells her to call for voluntary redundancies as she can't accept last in first out. Audrey closes the shop to style Mavis' hair. The factory girls raise £28 towards Brian's solicitor. Ivy assures the girls that Mike is in a bad way but Vera doesn't think things are that bad and demands a three-day week. The rest of the girls back her. Ivy is forced to join the vote. Brian tells Ron Sykes he risked his life for him and he feels that he owes him some support. Fred goes to Audrey to have his hair cut. Mike can't believe the girls want a three-day...

Elsie returns from holiday to find herself on a three-day week. Alf returns from Scarborough and keeps Audrey on as Deirdre is ill. He discovers that Audrey has been opening the shop at irregular hours as well as running a hair salon in the back room. Solicitor Roger Mulholland talks to Ron Sykes and Brian. He fears that the prosecution will make a lot of Brian's fitness. Mulholland fiercely questions Brian to make him crack, accusing him of using his strength to beat Ronnie Burgess up. Alf feels that Audrey has got initiative doing hair. Mulholland agrees to take on ...

Alf lets Audrey continue with her salon. Vera and Elsie start on the market. Mike puts them on 5% commission on top of their wages. Vera hopes she'll click. The regular denim seller, Jimmy, takes all the customers as his prices are much cheaper than Baldwin's. Ronnie Burgess pleads guilty to the robbery charge so Brian doesn't have to give evidence against him but still has to appear in court himself. Mike sorts out the market stall rival by threatening a price war. Audrey helps Alf to paint out Renee's name above the shop. Mike tells Ivy and Ida he's booked another ...

Deirdre is alarmed to find that she has to man the shop whilst Audrey spends the day in her back room salon. Ida and Ivy find the market stall hard as they are too shy. Mike takes them off and puts Vera and Elsie back on. Vera leaves Elsie to man the stall whilst she helps George Carter on his lingerie stall for a larger commission, splitting half with Elsie. She enjoys the work and is tempted when George offers her a permanent job. Audrey decides she wants a car and tells Alf that he should have one so he can have more fun. Ronnie Burgess is remanded for social ...

Audrey goes with Alf to choose a car. Ivy discovers that Vera is spending all day on George Carter's stall and lays into her, telling her that she's meant to be trying to save their jobs. Vera decides to leave Baldwin's to work for George. Annie tells Alf that people are talking about him and Audrey. Alf tells Annie he likes the way that Audrey makes him feel young again. Elsie warns Audrey that Alf could be thinking of a long-term relationship with her. Jack refuses to let Vera work for George. Ronnie Burgess disappears from police custody.

Brian hopes Ronnie Burgess will not be found as the case will be dropped. Annie accuses Audrey of leading Alf on. Audrey tells her to mind her own business. Alf buys a black MG sports car. Audrey is delighted with it. The Tilsleys go to court and wait to see if Burgess turns up. Deirdre refuses to be taken for granted by Alf and Audrey anymore. Brian is alarmed when Burgess arrives for the court case.

Brian is charged with unlawful wounding. He agrees to be tried by the Magistrates and pleads not guilty. Audrey goes for a drive with Alf rather than watch Brian's case. Michelle Fenton gives evidence against Brian, saying that Brian was all over her and turned on Ronnie Burgess out of jealousy. Gail is upset when Michelle swears that Brian made eyes at her. Audrey changes her mind and says she wants to go to court but the car breaks down. The Magistrates find Brian not guilty. The police are pleased at the outcome.

Eunice doesn't want to spend long living in a council flat. Fred finds Debbie Nuttall and boyfriend Jeff Walters snogging in the Rovers' Snug. John Spencer tries to escape the arguments at home as his mother's boyfriend hits him. Audrey asks Alf to take her to the wrestling. He fears that she'll go out with another man if he doesn't agree and asks Deirdre to work late. She tells him that she's not a mug and walks out, giving her job up. George Carter asks Elsie to work with him on the markets, running a stall for him. He tells her that she's got the knack. She is ...

Fred is forced to sleep on the sofa as Debbie Nuttall sleeps with Eunice. John Spencer spends the night in his old room at No. 9. The Faircloughs find him. He tells them that he wants to stay with them but they tell him that he must return. Mrs Spencer takes him home and makes it clear to the Faircloughs she doesn't want them to see John again. Elsie tells George Carter she won't be able to cope with the market work and refuses his offer. Audrey expresses an interest and talks it over with George. She realises that she can't leave Alf in the lurch. Debbie and Jeff ...

Mr Wormold dies and the residents of the Street are given the chance of buying their ground rents for £48. Debbie Nuttall tells Eunice that she's turned into a skivvy living in a rabbit hutch. Eunice is upset by the truth. Len buys the plot of land where No. 7 used to stand off Wormold's estate. Bert realises that he's applied for sixty jobs since he's been redundant. Councillor Ben Critchley tells Alf that people are complaining about Fred and Eunice's attitude at the Community Centre. Fred has had a row with the Town Clerk's sister-in-law. Fred rows with Debbie ...

Eunice is upset by Fred and Debbie's constant rowing. Ben Critchley forgets all about the complaint when he sees Eunice. He makes her feel uneasy. Audrey tries to avoid being alone with Alf. Ivy and Bert are upset that Len has bought the land space of No. 7 and is building a new house as they had plans to buy it themselves but didn't have the money. Alf closes the shop and offers Audrey a future at the shop as his wife. She tells him that she doesn't want to be tied down at the moment and turns him down. He feels dejected. Critchley tells Eunice that he doesn't want ...

Hilda returns from visiting her brother Archie Crabtree. She is taken by Archie's new house and feels that No. 13 is a dump. Ben Critchley tells Alf that it looks as if he pulled strings to get Fred the Community Centre as he's a friend. He says there'll either have to be an official investigation or he can tell the Gees to leave. Alf tells the Gees they have to vacate the flat in two months. Eunice blames Fred. Mavis is intrigued by rep Bobby Simpson, a voice on the phone. He asks her for a date but she feels that she couldn't go on a blind date. Hilda decides to ...

Eunice feels nothing will ever go right in her marriage. Critchley offers the Gees jobs at his hotel, the Park View. Eunice is thrilled at the chance of being a barmaid again. The Ogdens look round the show house. Hilda thinks that it's a palace. Deirdre feels sorry for Alf and agrees to return to the shop. The house salesman tells the Ogdens that they could sell No. 13 for £7,000 and use it as a deposit on a modern house. Mavis agrees to meet Bobby Simpson. Fred feels that Critchley is a creep and refuses to work for him. Hilda tells Stan she wants to sell No. 13.

Hilda wants to buy the River Park Estate house for £17,000. Ben Critchley offers Eunice a job, with or without Fred. Mavis tries to get out of her blind date. Stan refuses to move house. Eunice looks round the Park View Hotel and wants the job. She urges Fred to see it but he refuses and accuses her of fancying Critchley. Hilda tells Eddie that he can move with them and works out that, with his rent, they can afford to move. She puts the house up for sale. Mavis stands Bobby Simpson up. Bet is horrified to hear that she's let a man escape and meets him herself, ...

Annie is amazed that the Ogdens can afford to buy a new house. Fred feels that Critchley just wants to break up his marriage. Elsie encourages Hilda to use her phone, hoping the Ogdens will quickly move. Bet finds Bobby Simpson boring. She promises Rita that she won't tell Mavis. The Bells view No. 13. They like the house and are cash buyers. Bobby calls at The Kabin. Mavis apologises to him for standing him up and they arrange another date. The Ogdens are denied a mortgage as Stan doesn't earn enough. Bet is shocked when Mavis takes Bobby into the Rovers. He is ...

The Bells tell the Ogdens they want to buy No. 13 and offer them £7,500 cash. Hilda tells them that the sale is off. Fred pretends Eunice is ill and tries to cover for her at the Community Centre. Elsie is disappointed that the Ogdens aren't moving. Len encourages the Bells to offer Hilda more money to move. The Bells offer the Ogdens £8,000 and leave a cheque for £800 with them as a deposit. The Ogdens don't know what to do.

Stan and Hilda are tempted by the £8,000 but realise they need a house. They decide to try for a council house. Fred is forced to tell Ken that Eunice has left him. Mavis waits for Bobby Simpson to contact her. Stan offers Alf money to secure a council house for them. Alf throws him out. Stan goes to the Town Hall and is allocated a three bedroom house on Lime Kiln Road for £10 a week. Elsie tells Hilda that the road is in a rough area and she returns the Bells' cheque, deciding not to sell. Betty urges Fred to fight for his marriage.

Ken warns Fred that if Eunice doesn't return he'll have to leave the flat. Alf tells him that a new caretaker has been appointed. Fred accuses him of letting him down. Albert feels in the way at No. 1. Fred is too proud to beg Eunice to return. Eunice comes back for her clothes. He begs her to stay and promises it will be different. Ken asks Albert to be more considerate towards Deirdre. Eunice enjoys the security that the hotel job gives her and refuses to return to Fred.

Deirdre invites two extra guest to spend Christmas at Number 1 with the Barlows. Mavis takes umbrage at Bet muscling in on her date. Fred's attempt to win back Eunice fails miserably.

Sylvie Hicks calls on Mike whilst visiting her parents as her mother is ill with a heart problem. Eddie tells Annie about a pub which has started a happy hour. She refuses to consider the idea. Emily phones the solicitors and discovers that Arnold has died. Annie hears from Mike and Sylvie that all the best London bars have a happy hour but they call it a "cocktail hour". Pleased with this more "up-market" name, she feels it could help trade. Mike asks Elsie to help him win a business deal by making up a foursome for dinner with buyer Wilf Stockwell. She agrees. Emily...

Vera accuses Elsie of being Mike's favourite when he gives her time off to have her hair done. Elsie is forced to tell the girls about the date. Vera is jealous. Mike takes Sylvie Hicks on the date as Sonia Price is ill. Hilda refuses to feed Stan as he spends all his time at Annie's cocktail hour. Nellie Harvey starts a Happy Hour between 6.30 and 7.30. All of Annie's customers desert the Rovers for the Laughing Donkey. Emily discovers that Arnold has left her £2,000 in his will. She doesn't want the money and feels Arnold is haunting her from the grave. Annie ...