Mon, Jan 5, 1981
Brian brings Gail and the baby back home. Audrey and Ivy fuss. Albert tells Ken to move the car from outside his front door. Gail goes off breastfeeding. She can't decide between David or Daniel for a name. Eddie returns a load of papers from The Kabin to Mavis. She realises paperboy Neil Grimshaw has been throwing them instead of delivering them. She admits that she's frightened of him. Eddie promises to sort him out. Albert reports the car for obstruction. The police arrive but let Ken park as he lives at No.1. Ivy thinks the baby should be called David while Audrey favours Daniel. Bert and Brian get drunk together in celebration. Eddie and Mavis confront Neil - he swears he hasn't thrown the papers and resigns. Ivy feels that Audrey's way of child-rearing is wrong.
Wed, Jan 7, 1981
The paper boys don't turn up at The Kabin. Brian feels pushed out of things by Audrey and Ivy. Bert tells him that Ivy won't stop hanging around until Audrey leaves. Eddie accuses Neil Grimshaw of leaning on the paper boys. Eddie threatens him and tells him to apologise to Mavis. Gail and Brian settle on Daniel for the baby's name. Gail is pleased when Audrey says that she must return to her flat. Neil apologises to Mavis. She takes him back. Elsie agrees to be Daniel's godmother. Ken entertains Deirdre at No.1. He rents a garage in Viaduct Street to keep the car. Ivy is horrified to discover that Elsie is going to be her grandson's godmother.
Mon, Jan 12, 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 godmother despite Ivy's thoughts on the subject. Whilst cleaning at No.9, Hilda takes a phone message from Ralph. Fred asks Frankie for his £70 back. Frankie gives him a cheque back for £150, telling him that's what his investment is worth now. Fred is astounded and gives Frankie another £50 to invest. Hilda gives Rita the message, thinking Rita has a lover.
Wed, Jan 14, 1981
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. Frankie asks him to give him the money but he refuses. Alf gives Frankie £100 to invest in the wedding video venture.
Mon, Jan 19, 1981
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 night.
Wed, Jan 21, 1981
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 from Ray is a dolls' house. Dirk van der Stek turns up again and asks Deirdre out. She admires his persistence and agrees to stand Ken up in his favour. Rita tells Len that Ralph Lancaster got her the job in Stockport and Hilda has been thinking that she's been unfaithful. Len finds the news disappointing. Ken stands aside like a gentleman to let Deirdre go out with Dirk.
Mon, Jan 26, 1981
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 Ivy and what she has to say on the subject. Ivy tells Elsie that she doesn't approve of her because of her morals. Annie stops them fighting. Alf can't babysit for Deirdre so she has to let Dirk down. He agrees to spend the evening with her in the shop. Hilda gives Eddie permission to clean the dustcart outside the house. Ken is jealous to see Deirdre with Dirk. Andy Rowlands points out that David's initials will be "DDT". Gail is horrified.
Wed, Jan 28, 1981
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.
Mon, Feb 2, 1981
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 himself in the dustcart for the night.
Wed, Feb 4, 1981
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 tells Len about her troubles with cafe assistant Lorraine Tindall. The dustcart wins first prize. Annie books a winter cruise with Olive Taylor-Brown. Ken cooks Deirdre a meal and they agree to see more of each other; starting with another night out. Annie tells Alf that she doesn't trust her staff and has arranged for a manager to take over the pub.
Mon, Feb 9, 1981
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 cafe 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 but he doesn't turn up. Mike invites her to join him for a meal. She goes with him. Ken breaks down on the moors. He is annoyed to have let Deirdre down. Deirdre and Mike enjoy each other's company. They agree to repeat the experience.
Wed, Feb 11, 1981
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 accuses Elsie of flirting with Johnny, Elsie sacks her. Gordon Lewis takes over the Rovers. He appears to have no sense of humour. Johnny makes up with Maureen. Johnny tells Elsie that his niece Sandra Webb needs a job. Elsie agrees to see her. Deirdre and Mike go to the pictures. They end up kissing in his car.
Mon, Feb 16, 1981
Elsie takes a shine to cafe customer Wally Randle. Gordon Lewis charms Betty and Hilda but shows contempt for Bet and Fred. Mike asks Deirdre out 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 any more. Elsie takes a liking to Sandra Webb and takes her on at the cafe. 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 her seem dishonest. Deirdre cooks steak for Mike. He assures her that he isn't the womaniser that people think he is. He tells her that he fancies her. Gordon tells Fred that his cellar is a shambles and he wants it putting right. Ken sees Mike kissing Deirdre goodnight.
Wed, Feb 18, 1981
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 cafe. When a lorry driver, Terry paws Sandra, Johnny warns him off. The lorry driver threatens to hit Johnny. Wally Randle stops the fight and Elsie thanks him. Ken tells Deirdre that he is jealous of her seeing Mike. He accuses her of taking him for a ride, she tells him that he's got a cheek and he has no right to moralise about her. He tells her that he wants her and finds it painful that she's seeing Mike.
Mon, Feb 23, 1981
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 feelings. Elsie is pleased to discover that Wally Randle is divorced. She fishes for him to invite her out. Emily tells Mike that Deirdre is emotionally confused and asks him to stay away from her for a while.
Wed, Feb 25, 1981
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 accuses him of stealing. Gordon suspends him. Wally Randle takes Elsie to the Rovers. Bet and Betty walk out of the pub when they hear about Fred's suspension. Gordon phones old friends Carole Fairbanks and Diane Hawkins to replace them.
Mon, Mar 2, 1981
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 the new barmaids.
Wed, Mar 4, 1981
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 at The Rifleman as well as Bet. Annie offers Bet and Betty more money to return but they are upset that she didn't trust them to run the pub. Annie apologises. The girls agree to return on the guarantee that in future Betty will be in charge in her absence. Emily finds Arnold waiting for her at home.
Mon, Mar 9, 1981
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 to die. She tells him she is not prepared to die. Wally Randle takes Elsie on the town. Sonia Price starts Yoga and Beauty classes at the community centre. Arnold urges Emily to pray with him before they commit suicide. She begs him to let her go. He demands to see her Bible. She tells him it's in her bedroom. As he goes upstairs she runs out of the house. She finds Len passing outside and hysterically tells him that Arnold is inside. Len checks but Arnold has already left by the back door.
Mon, Mar 16, 1981
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.
Wed, Mar 18, 1981
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's 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 girlfriend is called Eunice Nuttall. At Mike's flat, Vera reads a letter saying Mike owes £1,300. Mike tells her that the letter is for Mr Shuttleworth, the former occupant. Mavis and Emily book for the next day for two weeks in Malta. Deirdre is jealous that Ken is taking Sonia out. Rita tells Len he has to do the papers at 6.00am. Fred tells Bet and Betty that he'll bring Eunice into the pub to stop them joking about her.
Mon, Mar 23, 1981
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.
Wed, Mar 25, 1981
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. Sonia goes home in a taxi. Elsie gives Wally a key to the house.
Mon, Mar 30, 1981
Len employs Bert as paper boy whilst the strike is on. Hilda puts her washing in a black bag. She is horrified to discover that Eddie has taken it to the tip instead of the rubbish, also in a bin bag. Deirdre is furious that Mike dumped her but is pleased she spent the evening with Ken. Ivy is furious to find the regulars joking about Bert having a paper round. Mike plans an evening out with Deirdre. Richard Dickinson asks Bert to stop his paper round as he's strike breaking - Bert agrees. Deirdre refuses to go out with Mike telling him that he's a rat and she's not going out with him again. Eddie confirms he threw out the bin bag from the kitchen. Hilda tells him that it contained all of their laundry. Eddie tells her that the bag will be on the tip until the morning. Hilda swears they'll try to salvage it.
Wed, Apr 1, 1981
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 the £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 off the strike. Brian tells Bert he's fed up with Gail being tired all the time, bills, the mortgage and a crying baby. He upsets Ivy by saying he wishes he'd never married. Deirdre invites Ken for a meal. He accepts. Annie gives Hilda some spare blankets. Fred admits to Betty he'd like to marry Eunice.
Mon, Apr 6, 1981
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's 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 could get a pub for them. Ivy takes Gail out to the pictures so Bert can speak to Brian. Eunice tells Fred that she's always wanted to be a landlady. Fred tells her that he's in line for a pub of his own. Bert tells Brian he needs to grow up and enjoy his family before he loses them. He tells Brian that many more are worse off than him and he has to make the most of what he's got.
Mon, Apr 13, 1981
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. Sonia goes home in a taxi. Elsie gives Wally a key to the house.
Wed, Apr 15, 1981
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 Deirdre that she can take Tracy to Blackpool on her own so Deirdre agrees to go to Glasgow with Ken. Frankie turns up at Mike's flat again after missing the London train. Mike takes him to the station personally to get him on the next one. Fred wants to marry as soon as possible. Eunice wants to wait until they have a pub set up. Elsie tells Wally she enjoys his company. He realises that she is in love with him and wants a relationship with him. She tells him she admires him for not making a pass at her. He tells her that she's got it all wrong, he only wants to be a lodger. She tells him that she wants him but he makes her realise that she's too old for him and leaves. She breaks down.
Mon, Apr 20, 1981
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 engagement ring.
Wed, Apr 22, 1981
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 and decides to take the job at the filling station. Fred and Eunice view The Crown and Kettle. Elsie breaks down and admits to Len that Wally Randle rejected her. She is upset when he doesn't sympathise with her. Gail is upset at the prospect of Brian working nights as well as during the day.
Mon, Apr 27, 1981
Elsie stays away from work. Fred asks Annie if he and Eunice can stay at the Rovers once married until they get a pub of their own. Bet persuades Elsie to have a night on the town to cheer her up. Eunice persuades Annie to let them stay at the Rovers. Elsie is picked up at the Lord Nelson pub by Bill Fielding, Bet feels that he's too rough for them but Elsie thinks he's better than nothing. Bet leaves them to it. Elsie takes Bill back to No.11. She agrees to let him stay the night.
Wed, Apr 29, 1981
Elsie can't believe she was so drunk as to spend the night with Bill Fielding. He insists on staying for his breakfast and Elsie is upset when he tells her that 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 in ruins and all her clothes cut to shreds by Muriel.
Mon, May 4, 1981
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. Eddie's friend lets him down with the minibus for Fred's stag night. He looks around for another car to take to London. Alf agrees to be Fred's best man. Fred discovers that The Crown and Kettle has been given a new landlord and the pub isn't his. Jack finds out about Vera and Harry and throws her out. She dumps herself on Ivy and Bert.
Wed, May 6, 1981
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 Annie. Jim Sedgewick is furious when Elsie takes more time off and sacks her. She feels it's the last straw. Fred is told that the Shipwright's Arms is coming up. He is horrified as it's a rough dockers' pub. Len threatens to summon Linda Cheveski if Elsie doesn't agree to go and stay with her. Elsie talks to Linda and arranges a visit. Hilda touches Elsie by giving her some clothes. Vera refuses to return to Jack and she can't stay with Harry as he's married. Bert and Ivy tell her to beg Jack to take her back but she refuses. Eddie organises Fred's stag night and plans to include a stripper. Ken tells Albert that Deirdre has agreed to marry him and has gone to tell Blanche.
Mon, May 11, 1981
Deirdre returns 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 No.5 too quiet. Ivy gets rid of Vera for ten minutes by getting Bert, under protest, to take Vera to the Rovers. Sugar refuses to leave without her £15 payment so Eddie is forced to pay her. Deirdre and Ken wonder how to tell Albert they won't be living with him once they're married. Eddie is jealous when Fred drives Sugar back home to Patricroft. Eunice phones the Rovers and Eddie tells her that Fred has taken the stripper home.
Wed, May 13, 1981
Eunice doesn't care about the stripper - just that Fred took her home. Fred's bed hasn't been slept in. Bert and Ivy start bickering at each other over Vera. Eunice searches for Fred. He turns up half an hour before the service, having spent the night on floor at Sugar's house. Ivy phones Jack and tells him that Vera is with her and wants to return to him. She begs him to make the first move. Fred tells Eunice that he saw Sugar off to protect their chances of getting a pub of their own. She thinks he did the right thing. Ken finds it difficult to tell Albert that he and Deirdre won't be living with him. Fred and Eunice are married at Weatherfield Register Office. Sid Clarke - Eunice's father, Alf and Debbie Nuttall - Eunice's daughter - are witnesses. Jack dumps all of Vera's clothes in the backyard at No.5. After the wedding, the wedding party stop at three pubs before arriving at the Rovers. Annie lays on a wedding breakfast for the guests. Sid's crudeness upsets Annie. Fred and Eunice leave for Rhyl. Albert is looking forward to having a child around the house. He is upset when Ken tells him that they won't be living with him.
Mon, May 18, 1981
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 Jack to see Vera and tell her she must apologise or never return home.
Wed, May 20, 1981
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 company in the evenings whilst Brian is working.
Mon, May 25, 1981
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 take over the Rovers and Annie doesn't like it. Beattie accuses Ken of abandoning Albert. He suggests she takes him in but she says she hasn't the room. Knowing Brian is at work, Colin calls on Gail. He makes a pass at her, telling her he fancies her. She says she doesn't fancy him and slaps his face when he comes on strong.
Mon, Jun 1, 1981
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 child. Albert tells Ken that he might as well shut him away in a home. Deirdre finds him collapsed in the street.
Wed, Jun 3, 1981
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 that he and Deirdre will be living with him when they marry. Len tells Rita that he was a bad father and wouldn't be any good. He tells her that no one will let her adopt a baby and asks her to forget all about it.
Mon, Jun 8, 1981
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.
Wed, Jun 10, 1981
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 the Faircloughs that they are too old to adopt. Rita breaks down saying she wants a child. They are refused adoption despite Rita's pleas. Stan and Eddie go to the Social Club. Deirdre tells Ken that she wants a church wedding with Tracy as bridesmaid. They set the date for 27th July. Rita refuses to believe she's too old to be a mother. She refuses to give up. Len tells her that he can't face going through it all again. Eddie and Stan are still out at 2.00am. Hilda fumes.
Mon, Jun 15, 1981
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 Ernie asking after Stan's wife, "Freda" and grows suspicious. She discovers the new barmaid at the Legion is called Freda. George Newton recognises Eunice by her maiden name. Eddie swears to Hilda that they went to the Sports and Social Club when she accuses Stan of spending the night with Freda from the Legion. Rita visits Mrs Turnbull and tells her she'll take Sandra's baby when it's born. Len tells her that she must be mad.
Wed, Jun 17, 1981
Eddie and Stan tell Hilda all about the strippers at the Sports and Social Club but Hilda is adamant that Stan spent the night with Freda Woods at the Legion. Hilda washes her hands of Stan and tells him she's not feeding him any more. Fred gets a letter from the brewery saying he can't have a pub. Hilda goes to the Legion to see Freda and accuses her of having an affair with Stan. Freda doesn't remember who walked her home on the night in question. Gladys Turnbull tells Rita that she and her husband have decided to take the baby on themselves. Rita wishes her well. Hilda tells Stan he's a fool to see other women. She realises he's weak. He promises not to be weak again. Elsie searches for a job. Bert's dole is cut as he's been claiming for over six months. Eddie takes Freda to the Rovers. She doesn't recognise Stan and upsets Hilda by saying she'd have to be desperate to spend the night with him. Fred swears to Eunice he'll find out why they've been turned down. Len tells Rita they should look into fostering. She agrees.
Mon, Jun 22, 1981
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 cafe single-handed. 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 prospective new potman. Elsie asks Alma for a job at the cafe. Alma agrees to take her on - as her assistant, and for less money than before. Annie arranges with Pritchard to move in as soon as the Gees leave. The Gees are forced to tell her about their rejection. Annie tells them that she'll get to the bottom of the matter with the brewery.
Wed, Jun 24, 1981
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 the 27th 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 rejection.