Seasons & episodes

Deirdre is dismayed when Linda returns to Underworld. Spider goes for a job at the DSS. Maxine refuses to provide an alibi to Melanie.

Sharon is happy to have Ian back in her bed. Roy and Hayley look for an emergency situation to put their medical knowledge into practice.

The bar staff tiptoe around Natalie on her first wedding anniversary. Spider starts work at the DSS. Maud warns Emily that she could push Spider away if she's not careful.

Rita is disgusted when Sharon feigns illness so she can be with Ian. Spider is amazed to discover Les has been claiming benefits for years. Tyrone names his greyhound Monica.

Ashley is frustrated when Maxine won't sleep with him because her mother's in the house. Jack tells Tyrone to get rid of the greyhound before Vera finds out.

Vera is annoyed when the greyhounds howls through the night. Ashley is desperate for Doreen to leave so he can be with Maxine.

Nita takes holiday from Freshco to run the shop for Ravi. Les is sickened to get a letter from the DSS, asking him for an interview.

The Duckworths tell Tyrone he must find Monica's rightful owner. Rita is stunned when Sharon tells her she's married Ian. Les is interviewed by Spider at the DSS.

Vita tells Nita he's going to Birmingham to see cousin Dev. Sharon is furous when Rita keeps sniping at her. Curly and Ken organise the Freshco sponsored firework display.

Sharon warns Rita that if she cannot accept Ian, she will have to stop working at the Kabin. Toyah forces Les to promise Janice to take her away on holiday.

Sharon feels she cannot sell the Kabin as it would hurt Rita too much. Jim is upset when Liz writes to tell him she is marrying Michael.

Nita phones cousin Dev in Birmingham and discovers Vik is not visiting him. Sharon is taken by surprise when Rita offers to entertain her and Ian.

Sharon is shame-faced when Fred tells her she means the world to Rita. Gail is annoyed when Nita tells her Sarah-Louise tried to buy cigarettes from the shop.

Rita feels she has made a fool of herself, giving Sharon the shop in the first place. Mike is thrilled when Mark arrives to stay for a while.

Janice is scared that Les will go to prison. Jack tells Tyrone that some of the lads want to form a syndicate to race Monica.

Emily is pleased when Gary apologises to her for his behaviour. Spider steals Les's file from Miss Finch's office.

Gail tries to get all her family together for a proper meal. Linda tells Mike she does not like having Mark around. Vinny offers to help Tyrone train Monica.

Gail is annoyed when Martin doesn't back her up in an argument with Sarah. Fred looks forward to the Freshco weekend.

Gail is furious to discover Sarah Louise has got a paper round. C&E write to Steve, telling him he will have to pay 600 pounds to get his van back.

Kevin buys Steve's van after realising he is desperate for the money. Leanne decides not to bother with Vik anymore and flirts with Mark.

Curly, Ken, Fred, Nita, Alma and Ashley arrive for their Freshco weekend but their trip away does not go as planned. Meanwhile, Les asks Emily for a character reference.

Mike is kept in a police cell all night while the Freshco team stumble around on the moors. Meanwhile, Blanche offers her services to Rita as an assistant.

Nita enjoys the course but the others want to return home. Blanche starts at the Kabin and completely takes over the shop. Mike tells Mark he can be his driver.

Blanche drafts a threatening letter to send to bad debtors but Rita refuses to send it. Les starts his ten-hour sponsored silence.