Wed, Jan 7, 1976
Everyone advises Ken not to talk well of the Marshes. Tricia is tired of being unemployed. The Bishops worry about their reputation. They search for the postal order. Ken tells Douglas Marsh he can't speak up for the lads. Marsh begs him; the lads need a friend, so Ken agrees. Blanche puts Albert off the idea of a lodger. Ernie is asked to resign from his role as scout secretary. Tricia refuses to serve Ken at the shop. Ernie finds the postal order in an exercise book. The Marshes get three months in a detention centre. In court, Ken blames the parents for showing a "couldn't care less" attitude. Marsh is furious and blames Ken. Ken urges him to make a fresh start with the boys when they get out. Marsh calls him a walking manifesto with too many principles and no sense. In the mission, Ernie shows the postal order and gives a talk about trust and honesty and rumour to a shamefaced congregation including Alf, Blanche, Betty and Tricia.
Mon, Jan 12, 1976
Deirdre is shocked that Blanche is selling her dressmaking business. Blanche says it's too much for her while she's running the shop. Ray advertises for a joiner. Ethel Needham is interested in the business but Blanche doesn't know how much to ask for. They agree on £300. Jill Marriott applies to be a joiner at the yard. Ray doesn't think it's a job for a girl and tells Deirdre to get shot of her. Deirdre realises Jill is talented and decides to fight her corner. Alf puts Albert down for meals on wheels as the old man is tired of cooking for himself. Betty tells a shocked Blanche that Gordon is strongly considering selling the shop and this will leave her with no job whereas she previously had two. Ray gives Jill a test which she passes with flying colours and takes her on with a month's trial when Deirdre threatens to leave the yard if he doesn't.
Wed, Jan 14, 1976
Blanche waits anxiously for news about the shop. Jill starts working for Fairclough and Langton. Albert is ready to criticise her work when she repairs a leaky window frame at No.1 but he has no complaints. Deirdre suggests Blanche go back on her deal with Mrs Needham. Blanche comes round to the idea but when the moment comes she doesn't have the heart to tell her. Ray is pleased with Jill's work. Betty tells Blanche that Gordon isn't sure about selling the shop at the moment. Blanche doesn't know what to do with her corsetry business sold and her other job finishing should Gordon make up his mind to sell the shop. Deirdre is upset by the fact that she has no real skills, unlike Jill. Mavis cooks Albert and Alf a meal but the men swap their dishes round as Albert would prefer Alf's steamed fish while Alf doesn't want slimming food but would prefer Albert's beef ragu. Jill tells Ray she doesn't want to work at the yard; it's not a proper firm as neither Ray or Len served trained apprenticeships. Betty tells Blanche that Gordon wouldn't object if she found another job.
Mon, Jan 19, 1976
Gail is bothered by anonymous phone calls. She worries about their dole being stopped because they keep refusing jobs. Dave Smith returns to the street. Annie wonders what he's up to. John Lane continues to phone Gail. Brenda Holden borrows Rita's flat whilst she's singing at a club in Northampton. Ernie is pleased with his new sports jacket. Bet flirts with Dave and is annoyed when he goes after Brenda instead, having heard of Rita through Benny Lewis. Gail worries about the phone calls and asks Tricia to cancel her date with Philip Harper. Tricia suggests she alerts the Exchange instead. Dave takes Brenda out. With Tricia away, Lane calls on Gail posing as a GPO engineer.
Mon, Jan 26, 1976
Emily starts a petition against the nightclub. Deirdre isn't impressed by her "Uncle Dave". He is shocked to find she is married to Ray. Blanche tells Dave she might be unemployed soon. Ernie refuses to help Emily with her campaign as the club is just a rumour. The residents get suspicious when they see Dave talking to Alf. Hilda returns from Chesterfield to find the house suspiciously clean. Hearing from Annie that Stan hasn't been in the Rovers much lately, she thinks he's been spending his time with Clara Regan. Deirdre thinks Dave is too smarmy. Bet tells Hilda that Minnie has been looking after Stan. She refuses to believe them. Alf tells Emily that Dave doesn't want to open a nightclub but a wholesale cash and carry. She is even more concerned because of the traffic it will cause. Dave asks Blanche to manage the staff at his country club in Kenilworth for him.
Wed, Jan 28, 1976
Deirdre tells Blanche that everyone calls Dave a villain. Bet kids Hilda into buying a magazine that gives tips as to how a woman can keep her man. Hilda buys it and tarts herself up to make Stan more interested in her. Emily and Ernie grow nervous at the amount of time that Alf is spending with Dave. Alf tells Dave he has a 50% chance of getting the cash and carry through. Hilda is cross when Stan has to be pushed into making nice comments about her appearance. Deirdre asks Blanche not to go off with Dave as she fears he'll meet someone else and cast her aside. Blanche tells her she wants to marry him. Stan convinces Hilda he loves her. Emily and Ernie try to interest the community in a protest at the cash and carry, marching on the Town Hall if necessary. Deirdre makes her peace with her mother. The residents drink to Blanche and Dave in the Rovers. The two leave for Kenilworth together.
Mon, Feb 2, 1976
Tricia and Gail take over the running of the shop, with Betty overseeing and looking after Gordon's interests. They're eager for her to go and leave them to it. Tricia starts skiving immediately. Ray and Ernie tell Rita that council men are inspecting the warehouse site for Dave Smith's new cash and carry. Ken tackles Alf about having an adventure playground on the site but is told that the land is too valuable. Ken starts art classes at the community centre and Hilda and Mavis enrol. With Annie and Bet ill, Betty advertises for temporary staff at the Rovers. Hilda spreads gossip that Alf is involved in pushing Dave Smith's plan through, for his own advantage. Emily thinks she has a point. The girls show an interest in Terry Bradshaw who returns to his childhood haunts. Deirdre admits she's not happy with her mother being with Dave Smith. Alf shows off a new digital watch. Rita is suspicious where he got the money for it from. Ken is pleased to see old pupil Terry who is struggling for a job after leaving the army. Ken takes him to the Rovers where Betty takes him on for a couple of weeks. He gets Annie's approval for a trial run. Hilda, Deirdre, Tricia, Gail, Ken and Mavis go to the art class. Alf buys scotches in the Rovers, watched by an interested Ray and Rita. Tricia shows talent with her drawing of Paul and Linda McCartney. Teacher Peter Milton promises the excited women a male model next week, though the very thought makes Mavis want to quit.
Wed, Feb 4, 1976
Alf acts out of character, spending more and more money and thinks of taking a winter break. Hilda spreads gossip about him being in cahoots with Dave Smith. Mavis worries about the male model at the art class, preferring to draw a bowl of fruit. Alderman Chapman tells Alf that the council have had an anonymous letter, accusing him of taking a bribe from Dave Smith. The women rush to the art class to see the male model. They are shocked when a fully-clothed Albert turns out to be the model. Alf asks Mavis whether she and Rita have heard what everyone is saying about him. Gail draws Albert nude. Betty tells Alf what people have been saying about him spending money. Mavis wishes she'd gone to the art class when she hears they were drawing Albert. Alf angrily lectures the regulars about their gossip and pins the letter to the dartboard for them all to see. It reads, "Ask Roberts if he can get Dave Smith to get us a new watch and bung us a few quid or is it just for councillors".
Mon, Feb 9, 1976
A TV detector van roams the area. Len and Rita have a date at the Gatsby Club. A reluctant Stan poses for Hilda as part of her art classes. Rita is furious when Len spends their date chatting to a woman her recognises there - Donna Parker. He arranges to see her again. Fearing that they haven't a licence, Stan tries to hide the TV but drops it. Hilda then reveals that she's just bought a licence. Len explains to Rita who Donna is and tells her that he intends to get £500 out of Donna for what she did to Alf. The Ogdens' TV is bust. Annie offers Terry Bradshaw a permanent job but he wants to return to being a chippie. She is caught with an out-of-date TV licence by Brian Howe of the detection agency.
Wed, Feb 11, 1976
Annie pays for a new TV licence but is made to feel guilty. Rita feels that Len might fall for Donna Parker. Donna asks Len to give her an estimate for extending her salon. Len begins to fancy Donna. Annie doesn't like Betty disappearing to help at the shop all the time and is sharp with her. Donna tells Len she's going to look for another shop to add to her empire but needs more money. Ray puts the Ogdens on to an electronics genius called Vic Nelson who will mend the TV for £40. Not being able to afford this, Hilda tells Stan to go to the rental shop and come clean. Ray offers Terry a job at the yard. He agrees to also work at the Rovers at nights until Bet is well. Realising that she might lose her, Annie starts being nice to Betty. Donna tells Len she has £600 of her own to put up in new premises. Len tells Rita that he plans to get the £500 that is Alf's portion back off her.
Mon, Feb 16, 1976
Terry settles into working at the yard. Len talks Rita into showing Donna Parker the flat above The Kabin as premises for her salon but it is a ruse to get a £500 deposit off her so they can return it to Alf. Ray meets Donna. When she tells him about her plans he considers getting Blanche to sell her the house. Sid Wilson, the TV repair man, realises the TV was dropped by the Ogdens and refuses to touch it. Donna tells Len about the Langtons' plan. Betty tells Stan about a friend whose TV caught fire and was replaced by the rental people. Rita tells Donna she wants £3,500 for her flat. Stan sets light to the TV with lighter fuel but goes too far.
Wed, Feb 18, 1976
Stan informs the rental shop that the TV burst into flames. Len tries to convince Donna Parker to rent Rita's flat not Blanche's house. Sid Wilson, the TV man, realises what's happened and tells Stan he owes them £75 to replace the set. Rita tells Donna she'll accept £3,000 - £500 on it in advance. Donna agrees. Terry flaunts his fitness at Ray. Donna gives Rita £500. Alf is called to The Kabin and Len gives him the money in front of Donna. Alf tells them Donna paid back the money a few weeks ago and gave him the digital watch he was showing off as a thank-you present. Donna and Alf storm out and Len and Rita feel guilty.
Mon, Feb 23, 1976
Apprentices Brian Jones and Pete Dawson hang round the corner shop and Tricia and Gail. Annie doesn't like the way they run the shop with the radio blaring. Stan tries to fix Ena's radio after he's dropped it. Ena returns for it but the Ogdens manage to put off returning it until later in the day. Ken tries to interest Mavis in returning to the community centre's art classes but she refuses. Bet returns to work after being off sick with flu for a couple of weeks. Len agrees to mend the radio for the Ogdens. Annie tells Betty about the girls, the lads and the radio in the shop. Betty checks up on them and warns them about not giving out credit. She is shocked when the girls admit they are still drawing the dole as well as working in the shop, albeit for free food and board and not for wages. After reading in the paper about a man's success in winning various competitions, Hilda decides to enter them herself. The lads return to the shop with their mate Keith Mills who Gail is interested in. They lock up early for lunch to drink and play cards in the back room. Hilda tries to get magazines cheaply from The Kabin to look at their competitions. Salesman Derek Wilton starts work in the area and gets a cup of tea in The Kabin's cafe. Pete refuses to pay for goods at the shop. Tricia goes against Betty's rule and allows him credit. The Ogdens complete their competitions in the Rovers to the residents' amusement. Hilda blags an answer out of Ken. Len can't repair the radio. Hilda overhears Len and Annie discussing rich TV rental man Ted Wilson being a Mason. Derek chats to Mavis and they are attracted to each other. Ena tells the Ogdens she's going to bill them for repairing the radio. Knowing that the Masons help each other out, Hilda tells Stan to join them.
Wed, Feb 25, 1976
It is Rita's 43rd birthday and she's depressed at the thought but likes Mavis's present of a mirror. Derek Wilton calls at The Kabin again. The boys ask for barm cakes on tick from the corner shop and kid the girls that they get a monthly bonus on Friday for trips out. Tricia and Gail take this as a sign that their debts will be paid off. Hilda skives off work to enter more competitions, much to Stan's derision. Bet isn't pleased to have to complete her Rovers' cleaning in her absence, and under Annie's close supervision. Len and Ken are amused at the thought of Stan joining the Masons. Derek calls into The Kabin again and invites Mavis to lunch at The Crusty Loaf. She is flattered. Gail and Tricia entertain the boys in the back room during their lunch. Tricia is insistent that the tick has to end on Friday and the boys' debts settled. Derek and Mavis enjoy themselves and arrange a date for Saturday night. They compare their childhood experiences as only-children. Rita warns Mavis that he's probably married. Stan visits the Fullbright Lodge where he discovers that another Mason has to propose him. He gives the idea up. Annie buys Rita a drink for her birthday. Hilda braves the Rovers, although she's supposed to be sick, and tells Betty about the boys coming into the shop at dinnertime, having heard them through the wall. Betty tells her that Gordon is coming up from London to check the books. The girls discover they're owed £26.70 from the tick.
Wed, Mar 3, 1976
Gordon does the books and sees that the corner shop is doing badly. He decides to get rid of the girls. Tricia and Gail beg the boys for the money they owe but get short shrift. Gordon plans to buy the shop off Maggie and give it to Betty. She is overcome. Hilda buys four packets of peanuts for the world cruise competition. Mavis can't give Derek an answer about the Lake District trip, saying it's complicated. Rita is exasperated with her. Emily is livid when the heel on a new pair of shoes she's bought comes off. Gordon overhears the girls arguing with Ken and thinks they're losing him trade. He deducts rent, food and the slate from the girls' wages for three weeks and advises them to return their dole. They tell him they've spent it all. The Ogdens have entered eight competitions during the week. Stan fancies the safari that's the prize in one of them. Betty tells Gordon she doesn't want the shop; the responsibility would be too much for her. Emily gets her money back on the shoes after a struggle. She's amazed and pleased with herself at the fuss she made in the shop. Gordon throws the boys out of the shop. He tells the girls he's putting the shop up for sale. Rita continues to nag Mavis about not making her mind up and tells her when Derek rang at dinnertime she declined the trip on her behalf. Gordon leaves for London. The "For Sale" is put up on the shop. Mavis has agreed to go away with Derek, knowing that Rita was fibbing. Hilda wins a competition - a two-minute trolley dash at a delicatessen.
Mon, Mar 8, 1976
The brewery run a promotion for "Yokohama" tropical fruit drink. Deirdre and Rita wonder where Mavis has got to. Rita thinks Betty should have accepted the corner shop gift. The Ogdens don't know what a delicatessen is. Stan thinks it means "delicate grub". Gail gives Hilda running shoes to wear on the dash. Wendy Nightingale calls on them, doing a survey in the area on people's reading habits. They have very little information to give her. Alf tells Len there's no hard feelings over Donna Parker. Mavis returns late from Kendal, the bus back having broken down. Her mood ring is green for contentment but won't give any details about what happened. Hilda can't do a proper practice run. Gail offers her a few goes in the corner shop. Wendy is relieved to find Ken reads books as no one else does. He offers to show her the community centre. The Ogdens practice their dash with a baby's pram, horrifying Annie as they ransack the shop. She alerts Betty who stops them and makes them put all the items back where they belong. Ken tells Wendy his ambitions for the centre, including a Literary Appreciation Course. A shattered Stan puts all the items back on the shelves as Gail calculates they grabbed £98.04 on their last effort, £10 worse than the previous time. He complains his back is sore. Rita is annoyed that Mavis won't gossip about her weekend, aside from talking about the scenery. Albert wants an assurance that Betty won't sell the shop to anyone who makes it self-service. Wendy offers to run the class for Ken. Hilda asks Stan not to drink the night before the dash, so that they'll be on top form.
Wed, Mar 10, 1976
Annie tells Stan that she thinks trolley dashes are distasteful displays of greed. Ken tries to drum up attendance at the Literary Appreciation Course but only Annie and Alf agree to go. Rita annoys Mavis when she teases her about Derek. Delicatessen owner Mike Nikopolos won't let Hilda into his shop ahead of the dash to work out the layout of the shelves. Gail and Albert get annoyed when they can't find a can of sardines in the corner shop after the chaos that the Ogdens caused. Deirdre gives Hilda a diagram of the shop that the yard obtained for alterations. Because Hilda has taken all the wrappers off the tins for the competition entry forms, Stan eats dog food by mistake. His back goes suddenly. Hilda rings the shop who agree that Deirdre can stand in for him after she volunteers her services. Reporter Eddie Royle takes pictures of Deirdre posing before the dash begins. Hilda picks a lot of frozen foods but hasn't got a freezer. Annie checks with Wendy that she will be including her favourite authors - Austen, Gaskell and the Brontës. The trolley dash gets £107.32 worth of goods. Mavis is delighted to get a brooch from Derek through the post. Deirdre tells Hilda she did the grab for a laugh; she doesn't want any of the goods herself. Gail and Tricia also join the class as its introductory session takes place. Annie tries to push the class away from popular literature. Mike brings the goods to No.13. Stan doesn't like most of what's been won. Mike agrees to give the Ogdens £75 and caviar instead of the goods so they can pay the TV bill. Wendy goes back to No.11 with Ken after the class. He confirms he's separated from Janet. Wendy's pleased.
Mon, Mar 15, 1976
Wendy calls on Ken for a book on First World War poetry for her opening lecture. Albert is there and butts into the conversation with his own knowledge of verse from the period, annoying Ken. The Ogdens eat caviar and chips. Stan prefers the chips. They realise the jars cost £8 each and decide to sell one of them. Wendy is taken with Albert's war stories and his medals, boring Ken. Annie and Bet refuse to buy the caviar for £6. Bet, Betty and Len gossip about Ken seeing a married woman. Albert invites himself along to join Ken and Wendy in the Rovers. Emily confesses to Ernie that she's bought a new bed for £130 on HP for their redecorated front bedroom. The Langtons also refuse the caviar. Annie avoids the lecture when she finds out that Albert is taking part. He takes it over and makes it a success with even Ena congratulating him. Wendy joins Ken for a Chinese takeaway afterwards and they swap their life stories and ambitions. Hilda enjoys watching The Sweeney on their new TV and eating caviar on crackers. The Bishops settle down for the night and find out that the bed squeaks badly every time they move. Ken tells Wendy about his children. She admits that she can't talk to Roger about things that matter to her. Ken kisses Wendy before she leaves and she agrees that he can meet her again. Betty shows an interest in the caviar but Hilda has eaten it all. Stan and Albert carry crates down the cellar for free drinks from Betty but get locked in by mistake by Bet before the pub is closed for the night. Stan is quite happy to spend the night with all the barrels of beer.
Mon, Mar 22, 1976
Bet avoids going into work on time to avoid having to clean up the cellar after Albert and Stan, wanting Hilda to do the job as promised. Fred Gee looks for Len. Ena reminds Rita that he's Edna's widower. Bet ends up having to clean the cellar when Hilda fails to come in and do the task herself. She's livid. Rita tells Fred to try the Rovers and see if Len is there. He has been made redundant from his job as a storeman at the foundry and is looking for work. Hilda claims Stan hasn't slept all night due to his experiences. Albert scurries out of the pub before Annie sees him. Douglas Cresswell's son, Richard Cresswell of the brewery sends for Annie. Whilst Roger Nightingale is away, Ken waits for Wendy outside her office and asks her for a meal. She tells him she's going out with her girlfriends. Cresswell tells Annie they are worried that she is on her own now Billy has left and they want her to take on a resident potman but she isn't keen. She calls into The Kabin on her way home and tells Rita of her visit. She puts Fred on to the vacancy. Wendy changes her mind and comes round to No.11. Annie is surprised to see Fred and tells him that it's a live-in job. Annie warms to him because of his bereavement the previous year. They agree on a two-week trial. She rings Cresswell who gets Warren Coates to check up on Fred. Bet and Betty are surprised to find they have a new colleague. Wendy apologises to Ken for her previous attitude. Bet is suspicious of Fred. Ena leads Stan and Albert into the Rovers and asks for them to be let back in but Annie refuses to unbar them. Hilda sees Wendy's car outside No.11 and tries to find out who's in there. Wendy cooks a meal and likes being with Ken. Bet and Betty agree with Annie that it's better to have Fred in the pub rather than a stranger appointed by the brewery. He is due to move in tomorrow. Ken persuades Wendy to stay the night and they head upstairs.
Wed, Mar 24, 1976
Wendy Nightingale cooks Ken breakfast. She feels guilty as she's never been unfaithful before. She wonders what Hilda will say about her car being outside all night. Deirdre calls into The Kabin for aspirin, feeling off. Fred plans his move into the Rovers, feeling lucky as he's the only one of his twenty-seven work colleagues to find work after being made redundant. Betty tells Bet to keep her hands off Fred but she makes it clear she's not interested. They agree to pool their tips as they feel Fred will get more than they do. The brewery summons Fred but tell him not to tell Annie. Hilda spreads the news in the pub that Wendy's car was parked outside No.11 all night. Annie, Bet, Betty and Hilda sit down to a coffee to gossip about the implications. Ken tells Wendy he's not bothered about any gossip as she leaves. She makes no firm commitments and tells Ken to just let things happen. Richard Cresswell gets information from Warren Coates about Fred before he meets him in his office. He tells Fred that they view Annie as a friend and want to make sure that she's looked after. Annie is annoyed when Bet says she misses Stan at dinnertimes. Ena reminds Annie that it was Albert who raised the alarm when Les Grimes and Neil Foxall broke in and she unbars him. The regulars successfully get her to do the same with Stan. Rita asks Ray what's wrong with Deirdre but he denies knowing anything. Ken meets Wendy in Manchester. She asks him not to rush her but promises to call in on the way home. Cresswell calls into the Rovers and tells Annie that they care about her very much and he's therefore vetted Fred. Wendy tells Ken that Roger's coming home but she's staying with friends. He tells her that he thinks he loves her. She refuses to stay the night but says she'll see him again as she's carrying on the lectures, asking for more time to think. When a drunk, Arnie Tossell, pesters Bet and Rita, Fred evicts him. Deirdre asks Ray to leave the pub and come home. When he tries to put off doing so, she bursts into tears.
Mon, Mar 29, 1976
Deirdre is off with Rita when she calls into The Kabin. Rita asks Len for a chat that night in her flat and asks him round for 7.00pm. Deirdre won't let Ray touch her. She confesses to a headache and he tells her to call in sick at the yard but otherwise can't get through to her. Bet calls but she refuses to go out with her to town. Once she's gone though, she nips out herself. Rita speaks to someone on the phone who's eager for her to do something quickly. Bet knocks at Carlos's flat and finds a new occupant - Tom Russell, who's got the room as Carlos has gone back to Spain. Ray comes home for his dinner and finds Deirdre gone. Len calls and sees that something is wrong with him. He takes him out for a drink. As the day ends, Rita prepares a special meal for Len. She tells Mavis she needs a spot of advice from him. Bet offers Tom a glass of wine and they settle down to chat and get to know each other. Ray is bored watching University Challenge and can't get conversation out of a silent Deirdre. Len arrives at Rita's flat and is surprised to find a meal prepared. He thinks he's in for a nice night with someone who is "normal" and has no problems, but Rita tells him not to bank on it. Ray demands to know from Deirdre where she spent the afternoon but she refuses to tell him. Bet and Tom talk about places in the world and she shows him her photos of Majorca. Rita makes it quite clear to Len that their evening isn't going to end up in bed. Tom admits he's married with two children but he's left them for good. Rita tells Len she's had a proposal of marriage. Tom has gone and an upset Bet prepares to go out. Ray pushes Deirdre to talk. She yells back at him that she's pregnant. He's delighted but she breaks down in tears.
Wed, Mar 31, 1976
Bet leaves her flat and goes out. She calls at The Kabin but Mavis, in the middle of doing the VAT return, tells her that Rita isn't available as she is with Len. Bet has no option but to return home. Deirdre has calmed down and can't contact the doctor to find out if her test is definitely positive. She and Ray look forward to being parents but he insists that she gives up work and that they need a bigger place to live in. He's calm but happy at the prospect and she admits that she's chuffed too. Rita tells Len that her proposal comes from Harry Bates. He's got a divorce and fancies marrying her and she fancies him too. Len tells her he can't advise her as it's a personal matter to her. Harry is now a site foreman and marriage will give Terry a settled home. Len doesn't think she'll go through with it. Bet returns and calls on Tom Russell. She invites him round to share a half bottle of whiskey. Ray returns home with a celebratory drink to the news that the doctor has rung to say it was a false alarm. Deirdre admits she's disappointed as she got herself excited at the thought. They both feel a bit flat. Tom tells Bet about his dead marriage and how he wants to start trying to find romance again. She tells him that he has little chance of meeting a girl of his dreams and to go back to his family. Sat with Len, Rita starts to talk herself out of marriage, thinking that she's satisfied with all that she's got. Len tells her he never got married again because of sheer inertia but he's also happy with his lot. He asks her if she's definitely going to marry Harry and she shakes her head. Deirdre thinks of what might have been as Bet settles down for another night in bed alone.
Mon, Apr 5, 1976
The word spreads that Deirdre is pregnant. She puts the gossipers right. Len gets a phone call to say that someone is coming to stay and gets Hilda to tidy the house in readiness but he won't say who his guest is. Ray enjoys everyone buying him drinks before Rita tells them he's not going to be a father. Rita thinks Len is making the house tidy for her but it is Elsie Howard who arrives at Len's, suitcase in hand.
Wed, Apr 7, 1976
Elsie feels at home, back in the street. She tells Len she's having a trial separation from Alan; she didn't like looking after him. Deirdre tells Ray she wants a cheque book. Len enjoys watching Rita and Elsie weigh each other up. The residents react as Elsie and Len drink in the Rovers. Elsie tells Ken she's looking for a job. Rita is jealous of her friendship with Len.
Mon, Apr 12, 1976
Elsie searches for a job. Ena sees that Elsie is back and tells her that she's showing her age. Ena advises Elsie to move out of No.9; she's still a married woman. Wendy Nightingale's friend Sheila Flynn warns Roger that she is seeing someone else. Ken phones Roger not knowing he suspects him. Elsie tells Ken she wants No.11 back. Ken refuses to leave. Betty offers Elsie the living accommodation at the corner shop. Wendy feels torn between Ken and Roger. She feels that she can't give Ken up. Rita is pleased Elsie is moving into the shop's accommodation. She shows her a job advert; she's worried that Len will give Elsie The Kabin. Ken tells Wendy to leave Roger and move in with him. Roger arrives, punches Ken to the floor and forcibly takes Wendy out of the house. Ken is left behind unconscious.
Wed, Apr 14, 1976
Gail finds Ken bleeding in No.11. He tells the neighbours that he slipped and hit his face. Len realises what happened. Elsie goes for an interview at Sylvia Matthews' lingerie shop - Sylvia's Separates. Wendy Nightingale arrives at Ken's and tells him she's left Roger. Elsie proves to be a match for Sylvia and gets the post of manageress on £40 a week. Wendy refuses to move in with Ken. He accuses her of using him as an excuse to leave Roger. She tells him she needs some peace. Elsie discovers the sales assistant Kim Wilson is leaving at the end of the week. Roger blames Ken for the marriage break up. Betty, Rita and the girls clear up the shop room for Elsie. Ken tells Roger he loves Wendy. Roger tells him he wants her back.
Mon, Apr 19, 1976
Auntie Edie goes away for a few days and Mavis doesn't want to sleep in an empty house. Emily invites her to stay at No.3. Ernie is annoyed as it's their fourth wedding anniversary. Ray tells Deirdre he's doing a foreigner but really goes to a charity stag night at the Gatsby Club with Alf. Ernie agrees to join them. Annie considers putting on a Mastermind competition. Ernie gets drunk and is used as a prop by a stripper. The brewery promise a prize to Annie. Deirdre feels sorry for Ray working not knowing he is catching strippers' bras. The Gatsby is raided by the police.
Wed, Apr 21, 1976
Ernie and Ray return after questioning. The Gazette runs a picture of Alf with a report on the raid, including Ernie and Ray's names. Emily refuses to talk to Ernie. He blames her for driving him out by inviting Mavis to stay. Ray sports a bruised face where Deirdre threw something at him. Annie holds the first round of the Rovers' Superbrain. She reads the questions. George Benton answers questions on pigeons while Stan answers on Manchester United and wins with seventeen points. Deirdre and Bet hit the town together to get back at Ray. Emily locks Ernie out.
Mon, Apr 26, 1976
Ernie spends the night with Len at No.9. Elsie grows tired of having to flatter merchandising manager Roy Thornley. Stan picks 'The Western Desert' for his next round in the Superbrain contest. The council raps Alf for being at the Gatsby Club. Ena advises Emily to stick by Ernie. Tricia and Gail both ask Elsie for the assistant's job at Sylvia's Separates. Emily dumps Ernie's clothes at Len's. Ernie apologises to Emily and asks if they can start again. She agrees. Elsie decides to take Tricia on but the girls toss a coin and Gail wins.
Wed, Apr 28, 1976
Ernie is depressed that the Mission circuit superintendent, Ivor Mortlake, is going to call on him. Ena tells him to say he was at the Gatsby Club to study filth and obscenity. Gail starts work with Elsie. Ernie tells Mortlake he went to the Gatsby out of a sense of duty. Stan doesn't know as much about the Western Desert as he thought. The regulars decide to nobble him and send Bet instead to answer on detective novels for the next round of the Superbrain contest. Ernie agrees to deliver a sermon on his experience. Len gets Stan drunk and sends him to the wrong pub in a taxi, whilst Bet gets through to the semi-finals.
Mon, May 3, 1976
Sylvia's Separates holds a sale and Hilda buys a hideously ill-suited teenager's smock top. Ray feels there isn't enough work for Terry. Everyone is too embarrassed to tell Hilda she looks a fool so Tricia plucks up courage and tells her that she looks like mutton dressed as lamb. Terry agrees to work part-time at the yard. Alf is told to train a lad in his job at the Post Office but he feels he's getting too old to work. Elsie tells Stan he ended up at the wrong pub on purpose. Gail refuses to take the top back. Hilda says she'll force Elsie to give her the money back.
Wed, May 5, 1976
Elsie refuses to take the top back as Hilda has worn it, ironed it and scorched it. Sylvia Matthews also refuses to exchange Hilda's top. In revenge, Hilda tells her that she's employing someone who has been accused of shoplifting. Alf fears he's going to be made redundant. Terry worries that his sister Renee Bradshaw is coming to see him. Not knowing that Hilda meant Elsie, Sylvia asks Gail if she's ever been in trouble with the police. The Superbrain quiz semi-finals take place at the Rovers. Emily tells Elsie what Hilda told Sylvia. Bet loses the quiz to Herbert Siddall but goes out with the quiz master, Philip Lightfoot.
Mon, May 10, 1976
Renee Bradshaw looks around the corner shop. Gail worries that Sylvia Matthews thinks she's a thief. She decides to resign. Ken contacts Wendy Nightingale at Diana Kenton's address. She tells him that she's missed him. Di thinks she's mad. Ken invites Wendy to move in with him. Diana accuses him of breaking up the Nightingale home. Elsie tells Sylvia that she was up in court and resigns. Fred has to have four stitches in his hand from a glass wound. Wendy moves into No.11.
Wed, May 12, 1976
Betty shows Renee round the shop. Len tells Gail that someone else stole the dresses and Gail tells Sylvia Matthews. Rita is embarrassed by Fred's attention. Elsie goes for Hilda in the Rovers but is stopped by Fred. Diana Kenton tells Wendy Nightingale that Roger wants her back but she's not interested. Renee secures a loan from the bank to buy the shop and she also plans to make a good home for Terry but he isn't keen. Sylvia asks Gail to give Elsie her cards but Gail tells Elsie that Sylvia wants to apologise. Elsie arrives and she and Sylvia apologise to each other. Elsie returns to work at the shop. Hilda tells Albert that Wendy has moved in with Ken. Renee tells Betty that she'll make Gordon an offer and in the meantime she'll work in the shop with Tricia. Albert tells Ken he's disgusted with him. He says that he's finished with him.
Wed, May 19, 1976
Elsie advises Tricia to try to please Renee in order to keep her job. Wendy worries that her happiness won't last. Fred enjoys himself at the Gatsby Club. Mavis discovers that he danced with Rita. Alf writes his letter of resignation when a lad he trained is put over him. Rita kicks Mavis when she taunts her over Fred. Renee assures Elsie that Tricia can stay at the flat, although she'll lose her job. She tells Elsie that she'll want to live in the shop, so Elsie will have to move out. Ernie plans a camping holiday but Emily wants to go to Italy. Rita wonders how she can put Fred off. Len is amused at Fred's infatuation with Rita. Fred gives Rita a single red rose. Alf chickens out of resigning. Ken tells Wendy he's sure they will marry. Len and Alf tell Bet and Elsie that Ken could lose his job due to him 'living over the brush' with Wendy.
Mon, May 24, 1976
Ken organises a bank holiday street party, in aid of the deprived. Bet and Betty persuade Fred to donate a bottle of sherry to the tombola in Annie's absence. Ken tries to get the community centre committee enthusiastic about the party. Alderman Chapman and Mrs Rankin of the committee tell Ken they've had complaints about his living in sin. They spell it out that he has to give up either his job or Wendy. Ken is angry that Ernie didn't tip him off about the ultimatum. He calls them both hypocrites over the Gatsby Club raid. Elsie asks Len if she can lodge at No.9. He refuses as he's a councillor and he would start to fancy her again. Renee agrees to buy the shop on the condition that the whole shop and flat is vacant. Renee tells Betty that she'll have to tell Elsie and the girls. Emily thinks Wendy knows about the meeting and asks her not to hold it against them. Wendy forces her to tell her about the ultimatum.
Wed, May 26, 1976
Fred starts putting sandwiches on at lunchtimes. Bet and Betty decide he's after his own empire. Ena accuses Renee of leading the residents into temptation by opening the corner shop on Sundays - but still buys a loaf of bread for herself. Ken's temper cools and he tells Alf that he doesn't really blame him or Ernie as Chapman's had it in for him ever since he got the job over his nephew. As senior barmaid, Betty is annoyed as Fred acts like landlord. Ken accuses Emily of meddling in his affairs when she tells him she told Wendy. He is surprised as Wendy hasn't mentioned it. Wendy offers to move out but Ken refuses to let her. She knows she can't support him on her wages. No one wants the sandwiches. Ken and Wendy decide to stand against the committee. Her friend Diana Kenton calls with her mail that's been delivered to her old home. She is touched when she discovers Roger has paid her car insurance. The residents prepare for the party with trestle tables and bunting..
Mon, May 31, 1976
Stan's friend Wally Fisher arrives to be the escapologist at the party. Wendy doesn't feel part of the street's oneness. The street celebrates with clog dancers, a barrel organ and Punch and Judy. Ken takes care of special guest M.P. Geoffrey Hardcastle. Wally proves a success. He offers £5 to anyone who will try to escape from the sack and chains. Stan volunteers. Wendy leaves the party to meet Diana Kenton. Stan is let out of the sack when he can't breathe. He can't get out of the chains and Wally disappears. Wendy meets Roger.
Wed, Jun 2, 1976
Stan tries to get out of his chains and Len refuses to saw him out. Hilda enjoys having Stan chained up. Roger meets Wendy at a restaurant where he tells her that he needs and wants her. He tells her she doesn't belong living in a slum with Ken. He gives her his front door key and asks her to return. Ena wins a glass goblet in the raffle. Renee finds Wally Fisher trapped in the ladies' toilet at the Rovers, drunk. He gives Len the keys to free Stan. Betty tells the girls to vacate the flat in a fortnight. Len advises Elsie to get Ken out of No.11. Wendy tells Ken she's returning to Roger; she doesn't feel right with him. She leaves.
Mon, Jun 7, 1976
Ken is surprised when Albert shows him compassion. Albert tells him he still cares what happens to him. Derek Wilton returns. Mavis is annoyed as he hasn't kept in touch but forgives him. They arrange a meal. Ken is angry and bitter as he loved Wendy Nightingale. He tells Elsie she can have No.11 back. Fred asks Rita out. She tells him that she's going out with someone else although she isn't. He gives her a pot plant. Derek has to work and cancels the meal. When Fred arrives to see if Rita's date's turned up, she pounces on Derek and passes him off as her boyfriend. Fred admits defeat.
Wed, Jun 9, 1976
Derek is scared of Rita even after she has explained her actions. When Fred tells the regulars in the Rovers about Rita's boyfriend, Mavis realises he is talking about Derek. Mavis accuses Rita of being man-mad. Ken assures the committee that his private life is now beyond reproach. He tells them he has no confidence in them and is taking two weeks' holiday to think about whether or not he wants to remain in the job. Renee is furious when Tricia drinks in the Rovers instead of delivering an order. Albert invites Ken to move in with him and Ken agrees. Tricia tells Renee she's sick of her - she can have the job and the flat; she's leaving. Rita convinces Mavis that there is nothing between her and Derek. She phones Derek to apologise on Mavis's behalf. Tricia leaves the street and returns to her mother. Gail is upset. Fred realises Derek is Mavis's boyfriend and gets the picture. Tricia leaves as Ken leaves for his holiday.
Mon, Jun 14, 1976
Renee thinks of opening an off-licence in the shop. Elsie moves back into No.11. Surveyors look at the warehouse. Annie is furious to discover Renee will be in opposition to the Rovers. Rita lets Mavis use The Kabin flat to cook Derek a meal. Albert enters No.11 and takes Ken's things from under Elsie's nose. Terry and Ray plan a fishing weekend but Renee wants Terry to do some jobs at the shop. Mavis and Derek are both nervous as she entertains him. Bet invites Rita to stay with her for the night to give Mavis and Derek a boost.
Wed, Jun 16, 1976
Deirdre wonders who Len has taken out when Elsie, Rita and Bet are all in the Rovers. Annie gives Elsie a letter from Newcastle for her via the Rovers. Derek and Mavis have a romantic time together. Terry agrees to move into the corner shop flat so long as he keeps his independence. Rita, Bet and Elsie hit the town together. Rita phones Mavis and asks her to stay the night and do the morning papers. The women pick up a couple of reps - Neville Radd and George MacDonald. They take them back to No.11. Elsie reads the girls Alan's letter; he wants to know if they have a future together. To Mavis's delight Derek kisses her and refuses to apologise. He leaves the car with her, shakes her hand and takes a taxi home. She cries as she wanted him to stay the night with her.
Mon, Jun 21, 1976
Terry paints over the "Clegg"'s sign. The day arrives for Gail to vacate the flat but she has nowhere else to go. Renee tells her that she has to go as it's a condition of her bank loan that the flat is vacant. Mavis is furious to discover Rita set her and Derek up. Renee becomes the legal owner of the shop. Eddie Yeats returns to area with his friend Monkey Gibbons from Walton Jail. No one is happy to see him. The new shop sign reads "Renee Bradshaw". Elsie takes Gail in as a lodger despite her better judgement. As Minnie is away at Handel Gartside's, Eddie is homeless. Ray tells him Ken is away and No.11 is empty. He and Monkey break in whilst Elsie and Gail are at the pictures seeing Jaws. They return home to find Eddie and Monkey in Elsie's bed.
Wed, Jun 23, 1976
Eddie and Monkey Gibbons spend the night in Elsie's living room after she chucks them out of her bedroom. Elsie threatens them with a milk bottle and asks Gail to phone the police. Eddie convinces her not to report them. Elsie asks Ray to put new locks on the windows. Bet tells Elsie it was Ray who set Eddie up. Renee refuses Hilda credit. Hilda threatens to take her custom elsewhere. Elsie lets Ray off the hook until he tells her that he thought she'd be desperate for two fellas. She puts a glass ashtray in her handbag. The regulars try to stop her but she belts him with the bag. Annie throws Ray out of the Rovers. Mavis doesn't understand what she can do to show Derek she wants him. Rita asks Derek to take a liberty with Mavis. Annie threatens Elsie with legal action if she lets rip again. Fred gets a job as a storeman in the afternoons and plans to work evenings at the Rovers. James Buckley, an inspector, calls on Renee and tells her she has been reported for opening after 9.30pm, selling tobacco after 8.00pm and selling non-perishable goods on Sundays.