Season 45

E1. Thu Jan 1 2004

Jan 1, 2004 · 24m

Deirdre and Blanche continue to row. Blanche accuses Deirdre of not doing enough to encourage Tracy to keep the baby. Deirdre shouts at Blanche for blowing all her money on a house for Tracy - the money Deirdre would have inherited. Sunita decides to get away for a few weeks as she feels her life is a mess. Tracy moves into No.7 where Emily is her first visitor. Betty feels very down. Her son doesn't want her and she feels in the way at the Rovers. The Promise Auction takes place in the Rovers: Janice bids for Les to be her slave for the day, although she only does it to wind up Cilla. Candice bids for a night out with Jason. Rita bids for Norris's address book/card system, but out of pity. Karen bids for Steve's taxi services for an evening. Blanche bids for Harry's cleaning services.

E2. Fri 2 Jan, 2004

Jan 2, 2004 · 25m

Roy panics when he discovers that the virtual baby has stopped breathing until Hayley points out that it was only programmed for a week and it's switched itself off. Norris flips through Rita's address book and comments that it's full of men but few women. Janice and Cilla have a catfight over Les. Cilla thinks Janice still fancies him. Janice enjoys winding her up. Deirdre feels guilty when she finds Blanche's suitcases in the hall until she discovers that they're empty and Blanche was trying to make her feel guilty. They have a huge row and Deirdre insists she moves out immediately. Ashley visits Maxine's grave and sees Bethany in the cemetery.

E3. Sun 4 Jan, 2004

Jan 4, 2004 · 25m

Tracy is miffed that she now has Blanche living with her - especially as they had to share a bed! Janice claims her prize of Les being her slave for the day. She subcontracts him out to the factory girls. Tracy wants rid of Blanche so tries to act as peacemaker between Blanche and Deirdre but to no avail. Cilla tells Kirk that Fiz is having an affair with Tyrone. Kirk is gutted. Sarah and Todd tell Brenda that she is barred from seeing Bethany. Brenda tells them they'll regret it and leaves. Sarah and Todd feel unnerved. Tracy tries to persuade Blanche to move back to No.1. Tracy explains that she might want to sell No.7. Blanche shocks Tracy when she tells her that she owns the house and that she is leaving it to Tracy and the baby in her will.

E4. Mon 5 Jan, 2004 [Episode 1]

Jan 5, 2004 · 25m

Sarah is still feeling unnerved after the confrontation with Brenda. She then turns up at Sarah's flat hoping to see Bethany. Sarah is outraged and vows never let Brenda see Bethany again. Emily sees an upset Brenda and comforts her. Deirdre is jittery as she gets ready for her first day at her new job. Ken is pleased when he manages to calm her down. Roy later suggests to Ken that he should also cook her a meal to welcome her home from work. Maria finds Fiz upset and Fiz tells her that Kirk has dumped her. Maria says that she will sort Kirk out but finds out that Fiz spent the night at No.9 and is angry at Fiz. In the cafe, Brenda tells Emily that Sarah is leading Bethany into "a life of sin and shame". Emily tries to talk to Sarah but Sarah tells Emily that Brenda is mad. Charlie quotes Jack £2,000 for the extension work. Jack can't afford it so tries to sell the fridge to Roy and Ken but is ridiculed instead.

E5. Mon 5 Jan, 2004 [Episode 2]

Jan 5, 2004 · 25m

Cilla and Les encourage Kirk to beat up Tyrone. Vera returns from Blackpool and discovers that Charlie has stitched them up over the cost of the work. Todd and Sarah go to Brenda Fearns's house to find Bethany. They break in and are disturbed when they find photos of Bethany in Neil's room. Ken spots Charlie disposing some asbestos in the builder's yard in a none-too careful manner. Brenda leads Bethany to the tower of St. Saviour's Church. She tells Bethany that Sarah will no longer want her when the new baby arrives. Sarah and Todd borrow money from Norris for the bus and head to the cemetery. Norris tells Emily what has happened and they too go to look for Brenda. In the Rovers, Les and Cilla argue with Jack and Vera over Kirk and Tyrone. Jack drags Vera and Tyrone out of the pub before someone gets hurt.

E6. Wed 7 Jan, 2004

Jan 7, 2004 · 25m

Norris meets Sarah and Todd at the cemetery and tells them that Emily thinks Brenda has gone to St. Saviour's Church. They ring the police and set off. Meanwhile, Emily joins Brenda and Bethany inside the church tower and tries to persuade Brenda to come down. Chesney and his mates cause trouble for Rita in The Kabin. While Les still goads Kirk about beating up Tyrone, Cilla has a change of heart and tells Kirk that she may have got what she saw wrong and tells him to speak to Fiz. In the church tower, Brenda panics when she sees the police and gets ready to jump. Ken finds Deirdre in the Rovers and marches her home for an overcooked dinner. Sarah, Todd and Norris arrive at the church. Sarah sees Bethany in the tower and is distraught.

E7. Fri 9 Jan, 2004

Jan 9, 2004 · 25m

Sarah has had a restless night worrying about Bethany. She plans to quit her job at the cafe and spend more time with her daughter. Deirdre cooks Ken breakfast to make up for the night before. She agrees to speak to someone about the asbestos sheeting in Charlie's yard. Blanche thinks that Deirdre is neglecting Ken by going out to work so she takes it upon herself to keep him company, much to the displeasure of Ken himself. Chesney and Bradley Diggins steal felt pens from The Kabin. Deirdre finds Charlie in the Rovers to have a quiet word about his asbestos problem. She warns him to not get on the wrong side of Ken. Gail overhears Norris talking about Bethany. She demands to know what happened and goes straight round to Sarah's flat. While there, Sarah admits that she is a hopeless mother and breaks down. Gail comforts her and they make up. Chesney and Bradley return to The Kabin.

E8. Sun 11 Jan, 2004

Jan 11, 2004 · 25m

Norris tries to solve the problem with the boys by making an "only two children allowed in at once" sign for The Kabin but Rita reminds him that it's a sweet shop. Sarah gets Todd to propose again on one knee and she accepts. Sarah tells Martin about the engagement. She is relieved that he is happy for her. Rita catches Chesney stealing sweets from The Kabin and throws him out. Bev drools over Charlie in the Rovers. Charlie plays up to her. Sarah and Todd invite their mothers round to tell them about the engagement. Gail is pleased for Sarah. She warns her that it will be difficult but promises to be there for her. Eileen, however, storms off and refuses to give her blessing.

E9. Mon 12 Jan, 2004 [Episode 1]

Jan 12, 2004 · 25m

Cilla comes into The Kabin looking for a fight but her attitude changes when Rita tells her that she does not need to pay for the broken window. Norris implements his "only two children in The Kabin at once" policy. However, it does not stop Bradley Diggins and Chesney coming in to give him cheek. Eileen is in a bad mood at work as she is still recovering from Todd's wedding bombshell. Chesney gets caught nicking sweets from The Kabin by Rita. She clips his ear and he drops the sweets. On his way out, he trips and bangs his head. Jason gets dumped by Candice after Charlie's advice about women backfires on him. Nick goes round to talk Sarah out of marrying Todd but he realises he can't do anything to change her mind. Rita is feeling guilty about Chesney so goes round to check he's okay.

E10. Mon 12 Jan, 2004 [Episode 2]

Jan 12, 2004 · 25m

Cilla and Les take Chesney to Weatherfield General to get his "injuries" checked out. Todd won't listen when Eileen tells him that he'll live to regret getting married. Dev persuades Maya that she can't afford to buy an expensive vase in Elevation. He's stunned when she later produces it and says she stole it from the shop. Rita decides to take Chesney some comics to smooth the waters. Directed by Cilla, Chesney gives an award winning performance in A & E. Gail tells Eileen that she's not happy about the wedding either, but she doesn't want to risk her relationship with Sarah by saying anything. Maya is initially blasé about stealing the vase, but flips out completely when Dev refuses to let the matter go. Dev wonders what sort of woman she really is. Chesney's x-ray results show that he's fine, apart from superficial cuts and bruises but the doctor warns Cilla that head injuries are unpredictable.

E11. Wed 14 Jan, 2004

Jan 14, 2004 · 25m

Shelley teases Bev, asking if she's sure that Charlie's not going to cancel again. Chesney pretends to come over all faint at the police station as Cilla lodges her complaint. Dev and Maya make up and Maya gives Todd the stolen vase as a wedding present. Rita is taken from The Kabin by the police. She is driven away to the police station, watched by a jubilant Cilla and an unconvinced Les. Bev and Charlie go back to Charlie's house and sleep together after a successful date. Dev realises that Maya's unpredictability makes her even more attractive to him. Les is worried about going to court if their case against Rita goes ahead, but Cilla assures him that Rita will definitely settle out of court. Rita is formally interviewed. She admits hitting Chesney, but only because he was robbing her. The police point out that there were no witnesses, and the only evidence available is that he did attend hospital and they have a doctor's report.

E12. Fri 16 Jan, 2004

Jan 16, 2004 · 25m

Rita plans to enlighten the magistrates that Cilla's real aim is to extort money. Chesney confirms her suspicions when she overhears him telling his mates that he's off to Florida. Shelley receives a letter officially annulling her marriage to Peter. Fiz is still ignoring Kirk. He asks Tyrone to talk to her on his behalf. Cilla is gutted when her solicitor, Chris Baxter, tells her that she'll probably only get somewhere between £500 and £1,000. Rita returns from the Magistrates Court. She's frustrated that she could only give her name and address and enter her plea. Tyrone and Fiz bond over stories of their bad mothers. Tyrone realises how much he likes Fiz and lies to Kirk by telling him that Fiz won't forgive him and to give up. Tyrone gives Vera back her ring from the pawnbrokers and reveals that he's got a loan to pay the builders. Jason revels in the gossip about Charlie and Bev.

E13. Sun 18 Jan, 2004

Jan 18, 2004 · 25m

Rita tells Norris that she'd rather go to jail than pay a penny to Cilla. Kevin thinks about taking Tommy back on at the garage. Rita warns Chesney that when the truth comes out, it won't be Florida that he's going to. Cilla interprets this as intimidation and is pleased to see her case building. Fiz admits that she fancies both Kirk and Tyrone and can't choose between them. Rita overhears Kevin gossiping that she was out of control, shouting at the kids on the street, and furiously storms out of the Rovers. Bev persuades Charlie that she's just after a bit of discreet fun, and things are seemingly back on between them. The strain tells on Rita as she rails against the injustice of everything. Ken worries that her anger and her admittance of hitting Chesney will stand against her. Tyrone feels guilty when he sees what a state Kirk is in.

E14. Mon 19 Jan, 2004 [Episode 1]

Jan 19, 2004 · 25m

Norris opens up The Kabin, as Rita hasn't been seen for two days. A worried Emily tries to trace her. Kevin gives Tommy his job back at the garage on the condition he stays sober and keeps his temper in check. Rita arrives at the shop in a complete state, woozy from taking a sleeping tablet. Norris locks the shop and stalls Emily when she comes in search of Rita. Rita has spent all weekend hiding from the world. A worried Norris listens as she tells him that she has no fight left, and never wants to work in the shop again. Tyrone goes to see Fiz and seduces her with a takeaway. He tells her that he loves her and they have a passionate clinch. Katy gets a phone call to go to the police station to discuss the investigation.

E15. Mon 19 Jan, 2004 [Episode 2]

Jan 19, 2004 · 25m

Fiz promises to be gentle with Tyrone as she hurls him into the bedroom. Penny asks Mike to join her on a fortnight's holiday. He's not keen, and puts her off. Fred asks Maxine's parents to look after Joshua for a week and arranges a trip to Umbria for himself at the same time, leaving Ashley alone at No.4 with Claire. Audrey goes to see Rita to talk some sense into her. She insists that Rita snaps out of it and to join her at the Rovers to show the world what she's made of. Tommy reluctantly thanks Martin when Martin and Katy tell Craig that he's off the hook, as the police couldn't find any evidence of brake-tampering. Armed with a few bunches of Dev's leftover flowers, Kirk proposes to Fiz outside her window, whilst singing "their" song "The Real Slim Shady". Tyrone and Fiz listen in her bedroom until a jealous Tyrone shows himself and tells Kirk that Fiz belongs to him now. Fiz is furious with him, whilst Kirk is left bereft.

E16. Wed 21 Jan, 2004

Jan 21, 2004 · 25m

Maria is furious with Fiz for the way she's treated Kirk. Les advises Kirk to move on. Kirk agrees, but he's going to kill Tyrone first. He finds Tyrone at the garage, where they have a fracas over Fiz. Rita is back behind the counter at The Kabin, despite Norris's reservations. Tyrone proposes to Fiz in an attempt to win her, but she's not impressed and tells him that Kirk's proposal was much better. Fiz tries to explain herself to Kirk, pointing out that if he'd trusted her in the first place, she wouldn't have slept with Tyrone. She assures him that she's not seeing Tyrone. Tyrone hires Mr Newhouse's horse, with the idea of proposing to Fiz on horseback. Instead, the horse carries on past the factory, gathering speed, with Tyrone unable to control it. He ends up with his arm in a sling after falling off in Tile Street. Martin lends his medical books to Karl Foster, who's studying for his nursing exams.

E17. Fri 23 Jan, 2004

Jan 23, 2004 · 25m

Fiz asks Tyrone and Kirk to think of the three things they like best about her. The one with the best answer will help her decide who she's most compatible with. Tracy is disinterested when Roy and Hayley show her the yellow wallpaper they plan to decorate the nursery with. Steve takes Tracy to buy a dining table and chairs. Steve gets out of going to a wedding fayre with Karen by telling her that he's already got a booking to pick up some furniture. Ashley is missing Claire whilst she's in Altrincham. Tyrone gives his answer to Fiz on her best three attributes. He does well, but Kirk's answer leaves her overcome with emotion. She needs time to think. Steve and Karen row when he tells her that he's going to assemble Tracy's flat-pack furniture. Tracy is pleased to have Steve alone in her house. She talks to him about how weird it will be to watch their baby being brought up by the Croppers.

E18. Sun 25 Jan, 2004

Jan 25, 2004 · 25m

The next morning, Steve makes it clear to Tracy that he doesn't love her and is marrying Karen. Hayley quizzes Ciaran about Tracy's furniture-buying, trying to work out if Tracy is nest-building. Karen suggests to Steve that they stay celibate until their wedding night. Martin tells Ciaran that he doesn't see Karl as a threat regarding Katy. Maria and Nick decide to get a place of their own together. Blanche is determined that Tracy has a birthday party. She invites several people, including Karen and Steve, but the general response is less than enthusiastic. Sonia suggests entering a charity five-a-side football competition. Steve persuades Karen to break their celibacy vow to get out of going to the party. He goes to see Tracy to tell her again to leave things alone, and gives her notice from Street Cars. Les and Kirk tag along with Ciaran, hoping to join Tracy's party.

E19. Mon 26 Jan, 2004 [Episode 1]

Jan 26, 2004 · 25m

Tracy stuns Ciaran by telling him that Steve is the father of her baby. Ciaran advises her to keep quiet about it. Karen's delighted when Steve is very loving towards her. Dev wants to take Maya to Morocco but she's irritated that they can't go until Sunita gets back. Fiz is still in a dilemma. Karen tells her to choose the one who spends the most money on her. Karl calls round and stays to help Katy with her essay. Alarm bells start to ring for Martin when he hears that Karl has been with Katy for hours. Jack wants Tyrone to make amends with Kirk. They make friends, until Fiz announces that she'd say yes to whoever got her an engagement ring. Dev has four freebie tickets to see Badly Drawn Boy. Not impressed, Maya immediately gives them to Todd.

E20. Mon 26 Jan, 2004 [Episode 2]

Jan 26, 2004 · 25m

Steve veers from threats to pleas as he tries to get Tracy not to tell Karen about the baby. Nick and Maria are disheartened at the high price of renting flats. Bev invites Charlie out for a meal. Karen gets agitated as she wonders where Steve has got to. Pushed by Todd, Sarah asks Martin and Katy to come to the Badly Drawn Boy concert next week. Steve tells Tracy that if she breaks he and Karen up, he'll hold it against her for the rest of his life. Steve's convinced Tracy is about to blab, but she confides in Ciaran that she's got too much to lose and is planning something much more subtle. Drayman Bert Winstanley tells Shelley that his workmate, Eric, fancies her. Bev pushes her to go on a date with him. Tyrone presents Fiz with a "diamonade" engagement ring.

E21. Wed 28 Jan, 2004

Jan 28, 2004 · 25m

Kirk can't afford to buy a ring. In desperation, he steals one from Wilde & Fraser jewellers on Victoria Parade. Tracy and Steve are reconciled as she tells him that she's sorry for all the trouble she's caused. Nick marks Janice's card as she winds him up at Underworld. Eileen tells Jason that he'll have to apologise to Candice if he wants her back. Jason gives Charlie stick over his date with Bev. After the meal, Charlie makes his excuses and sends Bev home in a taxi. Tracy pumps Karen for information about her florists. She later calls and cancels the flowers, again pretending to be Karen. Fiz nearly chokes as Kirk puts the engagement ring into her drink. Harry performs the Heimlich manoeuvre on her and she excitedly accepts the proposal. Martin can't make the Badly Drawn Boy concert ash he's been scheduled in for training, but he's concerned when Katy invites Karl in his place.

E22. Fri 30 Jan, 2004

Jan 30, 2004 · 25m

Cilla accuses Norris of ogling her when he tries to collect a £25 outstanding paper bill from Les. Mike is going on a fortnight's holiday to Spain, leaving Nick in charge. Nick warns Janice that he'll fire her as soon as he gets the chance. Fiz's ring is incredibly tight. She tells Kirk that they can take it back to the jewellers later. Tyrone tells Kirk that he saw him on TV, and that he's considering grassing him up. Nick plants an almost empty half-bottle of vodka in Janice's handbag and sacks her for gross misconduct. Candice is pleased that Eileen is so enthusiastic about she and Jason being back together. Tyrone tells a horrified Fiz about Kirk stealing the ring. Jack persuades him not to go to the police to turn Kirk in.

E23. Fri 30 Jan, 2004 [Episode 2]

Jan 30, 2004 · 22m

Fiz learns that Tyrone didn't grass Kirk up, so he's on the run for nothing. Eric Gartside takes Shelley to a posh restaurant. He is obviously devoted to her and she has a nice time. Tyrone agrees to help Fiz get Kirk off the hook. They go to the jewellers in disguise and slip the ring back into its display case whilst the shop assistant isn't looking. Shelley agrees to go back to Eric's house for a cup of tea. His overbearing mother, Dolly lives there and greets them in her dressing gown. Eric and his mother are inseparable. Shelley beats a hasty retreat, refusing Eric's offer of another date. She advises him to cut the apron strings before he asks another girl out. Cilla turns the heat up on Rita and phones up the Gazette with her story. Candice has put a lonely hearts ad in the Gazette on Eileen's behalf. Eileen is livid. Fiz fails to get hold of Kirk to tell him the police aren't after him.

E24. Sun 1 Feb, 2004

Feb 1, 2004 · 25m

Norris finds a small article in the newspaper about Rita's charges. Cilla ouhes Rita even further into the ground when she demands the money off Rita. Kirk decides that he's not going on the run. Therefore him and Fiz go to the police station and tell the police officers in charge of the case that the ring has been returned. Kirk is hoping that there will no longer be a crime that needs to be solved. Candice places an advertisement for Eileen in the 'lonely hearts' section of the newspaper, without Eileen knowing.

E25. Mon 2 Feb, 2004 [Episode 1]

Feb 2, 2004 · 25m

Rita refuses to let Norris come to court with her, asking him to run The Kabin instead. Emily, Audrey and Blanche go with Rita to offer their support. Candice tells Jason that nobody replied to the lonely hearts ad. Jason pretends to Eileen that he's vetting the replies before showing them to her. Sunita returns from Scotland, ready to get on with her life. Rita is grateful when Norris turns up at the court. Chesney gives his evidence via video link and tells the court that Rita hit him and slammed him against the shelves. Cilla gives evidence that Chesney has wet the bed since his ordeal. She does such a good job that Rita's defence lawyer, Leah Mirrelson, doesn't cross examine her. Candice goes to the factory to ask Janice's advice on middle-aged men.

E26. Mon 2 Feb, 2004 [Episode 2]

Feb 2, 2004 · 25m

Harry admits to Eileen that Candice roped him into their date. They enjoy each other's company, although Harry is reluctant to talk about himself. Sunita is peeved when Ciaran takes seeing her again in his stride. Rita is found guilty and is ordered to pay a fine of £500, and a further £500 compensation to Chesney. Rita gives the magistrates a piece of her mind. Norris backs her up, and they're both held in contempt of court and ordered to be taken down. Maya is thrilled to hear that Dev is taking her to Morocco on holiday. Rita and Norris agree to apologise to the magistrates to avoid being locked up. Norris duly apologises, however Rita cracks and tells the magistrates that they're a bunch of numbskulls for believing an obvious put-up job.

E27. Wed 4 Feb, 2004

Feb 4, 2004 · 25m

Norris puts up a sign "Closed due to Miscarriage of Justice" on The Kabin door. Janice distances herself from Les and offers her support to Rita. Fiz is frustrated at getting tarred with the same brush as Cilla. Ashley admits to Nick that he misses Claire. Jason is horrified when Eileen pretends that she stayed out all night with Harry. Rita is released after apologising to the magistrates. Harry hasn't turned up for work, so a concerned Janice goes to his house to see him. Harry confides in her that today would have been the twenty-first birthday of his daughter Catherine, but she died from leukaemia. They bond as Janice tells him about losing Dennis. Gordon Clegg turns up with a bunch of flowers for Betty's birthday. She moves back home telling Gordon that she knows the real reason he came to help her was to make sure for Caroline's sake that she wouldn't be moving down to Wimbledon.

E28. Fri 6 Feb, 2004

Feb 6, 2004 · 25m

Karen asks Steve to drop the wedding seating plan off at Doveridge Hall. Janice tells the factory girls about Harry losing his eighteen-year-old daughter to leukaemia. Norris makes Rita an offer for The Kabin. He's gutted when she tells him that it's in the hands of the estate agents and she can't give him first refusal. Fred returns from Umbria and is disappointed to hear that Claire is temporarily working for someone else. Harry berates Janice for blabbing his personal business. He's genuinely hurt, and she's left shame-faced. Chesney reveals Cilla's real game to Fiz. The girls put on a fashion show with their bridesmaids' dresses for Karen. She's moved to tears at having such a great bunch of mates.

E29. Sun 8 Feb, 2004

Feb 8, 2004 · 25m

Sarah's intrigued to hear that Karl is going to the Badly Drawn Boy concert in place of Martin. Gail is delighted to be asked to babysit Bethany. Steve desperately tries to find another wedding venue at such short notice. Fiz tricks Les into admitting that there's nothing wrong with Chesney. Fiz threatens to tell everyone how Cilla tried the same trick to get money out of a shopkeeper when Fiz was nine. Steve manages to book Walcot Manor, Karen's original choice of venue. He'd refused as it was too expensive, but now tells a delighted Karen that he's changed their plans as she deserves nothing but the best. Todd is reluctant to discuss Karl when Sarah quizzes him.

E30. Mon 9 Feb, 2004 [Episode 1]

Feb 9, 2004 · 25m

Steve drives Tracy to the hospital. Roy insists on accompanying her, much to her irritation. Cilla sourly confirms to Fiz that she's going to give Rita back all her money, including costs. Blanche tries to dissuade Hayley from coming to the hospital with the Barlows, but Hayley is determined to be a part of the event. Rita considers selling The Kabin to Foxes, a chain of newsagents. Tracy pleads with Steve to tell Roy the truth and to be with her at their child's birth. Steve stands by as Roy pushes Tracy into the hospital. He comes to a decision and drives off. Gail invites Maria to stay at No.8 with Nick, as she'll be away at Audrey's for the night. Deirdre and Blanche are resentful that Roy is with Tracy for the birth. They are stunned when Hayley blurts out that as Tracy's husband he has every right to be there.