2001 Episode Guide
May - August
Episode 2522 (W 02-05-01 “Pain And Upset”) Written by Marianne Colbran
Tim goes round to apologise to Mike, but Mike accepts that he is just as much to blame himself for becoming wheelchair-bound. Ron discovers that Robbie has hit Jacqui, who assures Katie that she is not going to give him another chance. Frustrated that Jimmy won’t respond to her, Jackie knocks over his computer monitor.
Episode 2523 (W 02-05-01 “Home Protection”) Written by David Young
Jacqui puts on a brave – albeit cut – face, confides in Max about what has happened to her, and apologises to everyone for not believing them. Robbie says she is making a big mistake. Although Anthea feels that violence won’t solve anything, Tim gets Ron a gun. Lindsey thinks Jackie is trying to force Jimmy out of the house, and tells her to leave him alone. Jessie receives a letter addressed to Margi, but can’t contact her.
Episode 2524 (F 04-05-01 “Concealer”) Written by Jan McVerry
Ray and Jessie discover at a very late stage that Emily and Tim are secretly getting married, and unsuccessfully attempt to prevent them, as Victoria gives Emily a lift and acts as a witness for her. Robbie goes round to confront Jacqui again, and is given a stern warning by the police. Ron tries to make sure no-one discovers that he has a gun, and Jackie decides that it is time to make a move.
Episode 2525 (T 08-05-01 “Shutting Doors”) Written by Gareth Roberts
Jessie refuses to let Tim move into the bungalow, but Ray convinces her to offer the newly-weds the use of his caravan. However, they have already found temporary accommodation next door at Mick’s. Ron tries desperately to get Tim to take the gun back. Katie wonders why Jacqui is not at her leaving do at “Bev’s Bar” – and it is because Robbie is confronting her again, wanting her to reconsider. But she is determined that she is not going to become another Mandy Jordache.
Episode 2526 (W 09-05-01 “Bang Out Of Order”) Written by Maurice Bessman
In a special double-length episode, Tim and Emily throw a party at Mick’s which is gate-crashed by Sotto and a crowd of his mates. Sotto discovers that his expensive shirt is not water-proof, and that Tim was responsible for a beating he took in prison. Jimmy has his own way of convincing the partygoers to stop disturbing him, and Nikki turns to drink again after discovering that Bev also knows that Jerome is cheating on her. And when they have yet another intruder, Anthea is horrified by Ron’s reaction…….
Episode 2527 (F 11-05-01 “He’s Dead, Isn’t He?”) Written by Marianne Colbran
Anthea discovers who Ron has shot and killed. As Ron comes to terms with the consequences of his actions, he suffers an angina attack. Jimmy joins the Dixons as they await the arrival of the police, and there are others who also need to be told…
Episode 2528 (T 15-05-01 “What Have I Done?”) Written by Sue Mooney
When Ron is told he can go home from hospital, the police arrest him. Mike urges Anthea to lie to them so that he is more likely to face a lesser charge. Tim is horrified to learn what Ron has done, while Mick is furious that his television is broken.
Episode 2529 (W 16-05-01 “We’re Talking Years”) Written by Tom Higgins
Jimmy unveils his latest weapon in his battle with Jackie. Tim fears that if it is discovered that he supplied a murder weapon, he will face a long spell in prison. Ron is charged with murder, but Jacqui briefly experiences an unexpected moment of joy.
Episode 2530 (F 18-05-01 “It’s Not Right”) Written by Barry Woodward
Jacqui and Katie’s friendship disintegrates. Jimmy refuses to let Jackie into the kitchen to do her washing. Anthea is shocked when Ron is refused bail, Mike and Tim plan revenge, and the start of Diane and Marty’s IVF treatment is interrupted when Anthony is caught stealing.
Episode 2531 (T 22-05-01 “Fighting Back”) Written by Barry Woodward
Bev tells Nisha that Nikki was raped. Jackie locks up the airing cupboard to deny Jimmy access. Marty and Diane are not impressed by the influence Jeff is having on Steve. Tim and Mike take the law into their own hands.
Episode 2532 (W 23-05-01 “Rewriting History”) Written by Jan McVerry
Jacqui and Katie recall the past, and the recent events that have driven them apart. Although Jacqui doesn’t want to lose their friendship of more than ten years, Katie tells her that things aren’t the same any more, and it is all over.
Episode 2533 (F 25-05-01 “Schmoozing”) Written by Carmel Morgan
Max comforts Jacqui after Katie rejects her. Adele discovers that she is pregnant. Jackie can only listen in disbelief as Jimmy cavorts with Cheryl. Nisha expresses her opinion of Jerome’s behaviour by throwing a drink over him.
Episode 2534 (T 29-05-01 “Grieving”) Written by John Fay
Although Lance has often said he would do anything for Max, he’s not sure that it includes breaking into the cemetery at night and replacing Susannah’s gravestone. The newspapers hail Ron as a hero. Jackie belatedly convinces Lindsey that she didn’t sleep with Shelley, but admits defeat where Jimmy is concerned.
Episode 2535 (W 30-05-01 “Perfect Couple”) Written by John Fay
When Steve has something he finds hard to say to Katrina, she thinks and hopes that he is going to ask her to marry him. Nikki is convinced that Jerome is about to dump her, and asks him to marry her. And Max makes an admission to Jacqui about Susannah, tells her how grateful he is for all her help and support, and…no, not yet!!
Episode 2536 (F 31-05-01 “Affecting”) Written by Heather Robson
Steve breaks the news to Katrina that he won’t marry her. Nikki tells Jerome that he had better agree to marry her, or there is no future for their relationship. Jacqui’s plans for an evening in with Max are frustrated when he is called to “The Shelf”. Mike tells Rachel she is no longer to be a friend to Katie.
Episode 2537 (T 05-06-01 “Appreciation”) Written by Sue Mooney
Jerome tells Nikki what she wants to hear. Brigid and Bev are mystified about what Marty and Diane are doing in a cupboard at the salon. Steve tells Jeff that he doesn’t want to get engaged until he’s able to look after her properly – but how will Jeff react. Jacqui asks Max to do something very specific to demonstrate how much he appreciates her.
Episode 2538 (W 06-06-01 “Engaging”) Written by Barry Woodward
Jacqui tells Anthea she has finally found someone she wants to share her life with, but Anthea has her doubts and advises her to be careful. Nikki reveals her good news to a delighted Jessie and Ray. Steve feels that he is being bought, and intends to give Jeff back his cheque.
Episode 2539 (F 08-06-01 “Serious Thinking”) Written by Barry Woodward
Ron is granted bail, and returns to the Close, only to break down in tears. Tim and Emily are given an ultimatum. Steve tells Marty he is moving in with Katrina. Nikki plans an engagement party, and Jacqui tells Max she is even more sure of her feelings for him.
Episode 2540 (T 12-06-01 “Afraid”) Written by David Young
Ron fears for his family’s safety again when he receives an anonymous threatening phonecall. Tim is furious when Emily tells Vonnie the truth about Mick’s missing credit card. Ray discovers that Kitty has collapsed in her bedroom, and Jessie suspects that she has had another stroke. Max fears that he could never really love another woman after Susannah.
Episode 2541 (W 13-06-01 “I Don’t Want You”) Written by Maurice Bessman
After overhearing Jerome offering to break off his engagement to her for Nisha, Nikki breaks off from a karaoke duet to reveal their treachery. After an argument with Max, Jacqui refuses to look after the children for him. Mike asks Tim to keep an eye on Anthea, and he finds that he has to rescue her from a hit-and-run driver…
Episode 2542 (F 15-06-01 “All Wound Up”) Written by Roy Boulter
Anthea learns that Ron already knew that threats had been made against his family. Jerome pleads unsuccessfully with Nikki for another chance – and when Emily finds out what she has done, Nisha finds herself bruised and lucky to have any hair left.
Episode 2543 (T 19-06-01 “Body Language”) Written by John Fay
Diane and Marty embark on the serious business of fertilisation. Adele reaches an agonising decision. Bev and Fred are not as convincing as they hoped they would be when interviewed at the Immigration office. Jerome discovers from Ray that Nikki has gone to stay with her mother in Brussels, and Ron realises that not all of the household are on his side.
Episode 2544 (W 20-06-01 “Unwrapping”) Written by John Fay
Darren celebrates his 30th birthday, receiving a pipe, slippers and incontinence pants from Victoria; and an encounter with Leanne in the toilet makes him consider moving away from Liverpool. Jackie is frantic with worry when Wills goes missing in town. Adele summons up the courage to reveal her secret, and Anthea assures Ron she will do everything she has to to keep him out of prison.
Episode 2545 (F 22-06-01 “I Only Did It The Once”) Written by Jan McVerry
Diane calls Marty home from school, and he discovers that Adele has locked herself in the bathroom and is threatening to take an overdose of pills, after Diane reacts to her news by slapping her. Marty wants to know who is the father of her unborn baby – but tells her that if she doesn’t want to keep it she can have an abortion.
Episode 2546 (T 26-06-01 “Clutching”) Written by Carmel Morgan
The Murrays agonise over the implications of the decision facing Adele. Bev tells Lance that she can’t go through with having a baby with Fred. Mike walks – well, hobbles – out on Rachel after an argument, but Max and Jacqui kiss and make up again.
Episode 2547 (W 27-06-01 “Courting”) Written by Carmel Morgan
Brigid is appalled to hear that Adele plans not to keep her baby. Mick discovers that Adele is pregnant, and that Marty has plans for whoever is responsible! Max thinks it is too early for him and Jacqui to make their relationship public – it is time for a bit of old-fashioned courting.
Episode 2548 (F 29-06-01 “Next Step”) Written by Heather Robson
Brigid suggests that Diane should bring up Adele’s baby as if it is her own. Adele reveals something that may make this a less believable prospect, and Marty storms out. Fred is told that he is being deported, but Lance discovers that he has been sleeping around. Max can’t bring himself to make love to Jacqui in Susannah’s bed.
Episode 2549 (T 03-07-01 “Drastic Decisions”) Written by Barry Woodward
Marty confronts Mick, and when he discovers Vonnie also knew that Leo slept with Adele, a brawl breaks out. Adele decides to have an abortion, but Steve and Marty are concerned that Diane and Brigid will talk her out of it. Lance refuses to give Fred another chance, and tells Bev he is going to look for another job.
Episode 2550 (W 04-07-01 “Nearly Over”) Written by Sue Mooney
Diane and Brigid convince Adele not to have an abortion. Jimmy and Jackie have a civilised chat, and he suggests that they can be mates as long as he doesn’t see her much. Max is worried that a fling with Jacqui might spoil a fantastic friendship. But they end up in bed together – and Victoria, home earlier than expected, walks in on them…
Episode 2551 (F 06-07-01 “What Am I Gonna Do?”) Written by Sue Mooney
Adele is still unsure of the best way forward, but realises that she must make a decision. When the police arrive at the bar, Bev is worried that she will go to prison – but Leanne has a cunning plan. Rachel tells Anthea that she and Mike are living beyond their means – but Anthea agrees to help them out. Max is relieved that Victoria will keep his relationship with Jacqui a secret.
Episode 2552 (T 10-07-01 “It’s Done”) Written by John Fay
Mick calls at the Murrays’ with the news that Leo wants to come home to discuss the future of his baby. But Diane reveals that Adele is out with Marty having an abortion. Anthony wonders how Diane can forgive Adele for killing a baby, but it is Marty who she won’t forgive. Mike and Rachel take advantage of Anthea’s good nature, and Leanne claims that Bev has gone on a world cruise and left her in charge of the bar.
Episode 2553 (W 11-07-01 “Old Habits”) Written by Carmel Morgan
The Murrays have planned a birthday party for Brigid, but she brings Father Pat round to talk to Adele. Adele suspects that he, like some of her family, regard her as a murderer – and Marty sends him packing. Lindsey still cannot believe that Jackie and Jimmy have split up.
Episode 2554 (F 13-07-01 “Outnumbered”) Written by Carmel Morgan
Mick has a proposal for Vonnie. Anthony listens in as Brigid and Marty have a furious argument. After hearing that Leanne is the new bar manager, Christy brings her flowers and tells her how much he has missed her. Diane refuses to let Marty come with her to the hospital, and when she discovers the IVF treatment has been unsuccessful, she tells him she is glad she is not carrying his baby.
Episode 2555 (T 17-07-01 “Happening Too Fast”) Written by Barry Woodward
Diane is shocked when Jeff offers her more than just a shoulder to cry on. Emily persuades Vonnie to get engaged to Mick, even though she is not convinced that she wants to marry him. But Mick is keen for them to marry as soon as possible. Max invites Jacqui to spend her birthday with him. Nisha and Katie discovers that Leanne has been illegally claiming housing benefit.
Episode 2556 (W 18-07-01 “Going”) Written by Roy Boulter
Diane gives Emily her wages in advance so that she can pay Mick his rent, but Anthony steals her purse. Marty wants to give Jeff a good hiding, but Diane persuades him not to. Lisa interrupts Max and Jacqui playing…with the children on her birthday, and he reluctantly agrees to go with Lisa, Harry and Emma on a trip to France. Rachel agrees to do a big favour for Katie.
Episode 2557 (F 20-07-01 “Pack It In”) Written by Roy Boulter
Mick wants to marry Vonnie as soon as possible, but she tells Jerome that she is wondering if she will ever be ready to. Diane is horrified when Steve believes Jeff’s version of events rather than hers. Jacqui helps Max to pack his cases, and tells Lisa that she has no romantic intentions towards him – only to discover that Lisa plans to match-make him with an old flame on their holiday.
Episode 2558 (W 25-07-01 “Is This It Then?”) Written by Peter Cox
Mick wants to surprise Vonnie with a special meal and an engagement ring, but discovers that she has packed her bags and is leaving him. Unable to agree on whether to believe Jeff or Diane, Katrina and Steve break up. Mike tells Rachel that if she goes to Clint’s funeral, she might as well not bother coming back.
Episode 2559 (W 25-07-01 “I Shouldn’t Have Come”) Written by Peter Cox
Anthea is visited by Clint’s mother, and Mike is appalled when she makes her welcome. Mick blames Jerome for turning Vonnie against him, and his violent reaction makes her all the more sure that he is someone she doesn’t want to be with. Steve has to look for a new job as well as a new girlfriend.
Episode 2560 (Th 26-07-01 “Rowing”) Written by David Young
Diane and Marty realise that they will have to find some new ways of raising money if they are to attempt the IVF treatment again. Tim advises Emily to keep out of Mick’s way, but he catches her with some of his food, and decides that his days of being a mug are over. When a wreath arrives bearing the inscription “RON DIXON R.I.P.”, Mike admits that Anthea and Katie have gone to Clint’s funeral, and Ron fears for their safety…
Episode 2561 (T 31-07-01 “Take Me On”) Written by Maurice Bessman
Rachel calls the police, and Ron is blamed for the disturbance at the funeral. He is also much less confident that Anthea will be willing or able to lie for him in court. Jessie goes out in search of treatment for a headache, and comes back with a new lodger. Jimmy comes to the rescue of Tim and Emily, inviting them to move out of Mick’s and in with him.
Episode 2562 (W 01-08-01 “Still Not Happy”) Written by Tom Higgins
Ron is following Anthea around, so she goes out for a walk, then calls in on Jimmy. Lindsey is not exactly overjoyed at the prospect of sharing her home with an ex-jailbird and a bimbo. Before leaving Mick’s, Tim tells him a few home truths about the way he has let so many people down in the recent past.
Episode 2563 (Th 02-08-01 “Caught”) Written by Gareth Roberts
Marty sells his car, and soon finds a willing buyer for his season ticket. Ron feels that Anthea is betraying him by having a drink with Katie. Adele returns home from Shropshire, but Anthony doesn’t make her welcome. Emily is concerned that Lindsey might fancy her. Max returns home after a terrible holiday without Jacqui, and someone sees him passionately kissing her…
Episode 2564 (T 07-08-01 “Wobbling”) Written by Barry Woodward
Nikki comes home from Belgium, and walks in on a naked man having a shower in the bungalow. Leanne doesn’t want to give her her job back, but Christy feels that there are a couple of reasons why she should. Jimmy makes Ron realise the predicament he will face regarding Tim’s gun, and Jacqui discovers that Anthea has been told about her relationship with Max.
Episode 2565 (W 08-08-01 “It’s All Wrong”) Written by Barry Woodward
Jerome begs Nikki to give him a second chance, but her reaction gives him the impression that she is not willing to. Emily is sick of having no money for food and clothes – but Tim quits his job, and fears that things can only get worse, as Mike tries to persuade Ron to tell the police who gave him the gun. Then Anthea is reluctantly forced to tell him who Jacqui is seeing…
Episode 2566 (Th 09-08-01 “Cathartic”) Written by Carmel Morgan
Anthea tells Ron he can’t control other people’s lives, but he tells Jacqui that she is humiliating the family and trying to put him in an early grave – and if she goes on seeing Max he will have nothing more to do with her. Max sacks Mick, and assures him that it is entirely personal. Lance tries to persuade Leanne that she is taking risks by storing Christy’s gear at the bar and only accepting cash, and Brigid and Jessie agree to disagree regarding abortion.
Episode 2567 (T 14-08-01 “Capable Hands”) Written by Roy Boulter
Mike tells Jacqui he will support her in her relationship with Max, but Ron threatens to get another gun to keep him away from her. Jimmy has a plan to keep Tim out of prison, Leanne sends an e-mail to Bev warning her to stay away from the bar, Nisha and Emily fight, and Mick has a new theory about who was responsible for Susannah’s death – Jacqui.
Episode 2568 (W 15-08-01 “Compromises”) Written by David Young
Steve has a date with Nisha, and Marty wonders if she will recognise him camouflaged as a deckchair. But he is called away to collect a stranded Adele, and Nisha goes on into town anyway. Jacqui resolves that she will go on seeing Max, and Tim is relieved when Ron agrees to tell the police that the gun came from Sotto.
Episode 2569 (F 17-08-01 “Close To The Truth”) Written by Peter Cox
Ron’s version of where he obtained the gun looks likely to be accepted when more guns are found at Sotto’s. Mick becomes convinced that it was Max rather than Jacqui who killed Susannah, and tries to beat the truth out of him. But Jacqui comes home in time to rescue him, and tells Mick he is just a sad man who has been dumped by all his family and friends.
Episode 2570 (T 21-08-01 “Memories”) Written by Peter Cox
Mick reflects on all that he has done and endured during his time on the Close. He feels that he has let his children and his family down, and everyone hates the way he lets his temper get to him. When Jimmy reflects on how he felt when he was prepared to end it all, and reveals that he is getting better now that he has learned to accept who he is, Mick decides what he must do.
Episode 2571 (W 22-08-01 “Look After Your Lady”) Written by Peter Cox
Mick apologises to Max and Jacqui, and makes his peace with Tim, offering him some good advice, before leaving the Close forever. Max assures Jacqui that he really, really wants her to move in with him – and he has something else to ask her too.
Episode 2572 (F 24-08-01 “The Big Announcement”) Written by Sue Mooney
Adele gets her GCSE results, and tells Emily about her abortion. Jacqui confides in Rachel that she is going to marry Max – and Rachel doesn’t take long to spread the news. Katie reacts angrily, and Ron can’t believe it.
Episode 2573 (T 28-08-01 “Prejudices”) Written by Sue Mooney
Ron says he will refuse to go to Jacqui’s wedding. Adele breaks her glasses in an attempt to convince Diane and Marty to allow her to get contact lenses – but they are spending all their money trying for a baby. Nikki visits Tim and Emily, and ends up exchanging a few slaps. Christy discovers Leanne’s secret.
Episode 2574 (W 29-08-01 “Committed”) Written by Heather Robson
Anthea and Rachel are not pleased when they discover that Ron and Mike have been deceiving them. Max arranges a wedding date at a mystery venue, but Lindsey seems to be the only willing guest. Shirley returns to Katie the love-letters she wrote to Clint.
Episode 2575 (F 31-08-01 “Misgivings”) Written by Marianne Colbran
Robbie visits Katie, and vows to put an end to Jacqui’s happiness. Anthea is not as convinced that she can perjure herself for Ron. Lindsey feels that she hasn’t anything to look forward to, and Diane spoils Adele’s birthday after discovering she has told Emily about her abortion.
Notes:
The Magic Rabbits are seen again in episode 2486 (watched by Kylie and Wills) and in episode 2510 (watched by Anthony).
A number of images of Bev and Fred in different outfits are rapidly flashed on-screen in episode 2496, to reflect their being photographed, purportedly over the course of several past years, by Lance; images of Diane are seen while Brigid is heard confessing to her priest in episode 2502; and Anthea is briefly seen in slow-motion towards the end of episode 2526, with her line, “Ron!”, echoing.
For scheduling reasons, eighteen episodes (2492/2493, 2496/2497, 2502/2503, 2505/2506, 2511/2512, 2513/2514, 2516/2517, 2519/2520, 2522/2523) were originally broadcast on Channel Four edited into nine double-length omnibuses, each in a 60-minute time-slot.
For scheduling reasons, episodes 2558 and 2559 were originally broadcast on Channel Four edited into a double-length omnibus in a 60-minute time-slot.
Episodes 2527 and 2542 each begin with some repeated material from the preceding episode (Ron’s encounter with an intruder, and Anthea’s encounter with a fast-moving car).
Episode 2560 ends with a freeze-frame of Anthea, threatened by Robbie at Clint’s funeral.
The Cast
Nisha Batra – SUNETRA SARKER (2529-2531, 2533, 2534, 2536-2538, 2541, 2542, 2544, 2555, 2567-2569)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) – SUE JENKINS (2529-2531, 2533, 2534, 2544, 2547, 2548, 2550, 2553)
Jimmy Corkhill – DEAN SULLIVAN (2527, 2529-2531, 2533, 2534, 2544, 2547, 2548, 2550, 2560-2571)
William Corkhill – JACK MYTHEN (2531, 2534, 2544, 2547, 2548, 2553) [ Previously played by MATTHEW and JACK FORAN, LEWIS DAVIES ]
Anthea Dixon, formerly Brindley (nee Russell) – BARBARA HATWELL (2527-2530, 2535, 2536, 2538-2544, 2546, 2551-2553, 2558-2564, 2566)
Ron Dixon – VINCE EARL (2527-2530, 2535, 2536, 2539-2544, 2551, 2560-2569)
Jacqui Dixon – ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (2527-2533, 2535-2541, 2544, 2546-2551, 2555-2557, 2563-2569, 2571)
Mike Dixon – PAUL BYATT (2527-2531, 2536, 2539, 2541-2544, 2546, 2550-2552, 2557-2561, 2565, 2567-2569)
Rachel Dixon, formerly Wright (nee Jordache) – TIFFANY CHAPMAN (2527-2530, 2536, 2537, 2543, 2544, 2546, 2550-2552, 2556-2561, 2565)
Beth Dixon (2527, 2529, 2536, 2537, 2543, 2552, 2559)
Katrina “Trona” Evans – ANN MARIE DAVIES (2534-2539, 2555, 2557, 2558)
Max Farnham – STEVEN PINDER (2529, 2533-2541, 2546-2551, 2555-2557, 2563-2569, 2571)
Harry Farnham (2536, 2538-2540, 2556, 2557, 2563, 2565)
Emma Farnham (2536, 2538-2540, 2556, 2557, 2563, 2565)
Jessie Hilton, formerly Shadwick – MARJI CAMPI (2534, 2535, 2538, 2540-2542, 2553, 2557, 2559, 2564-2566, 2568)
Kitty Hilton – JEAN HEYWOOD (2540 – stand-in hand only)
Ray Hilton – KENNETH COPE (2538, 2540, 2543, 2564, 2568)
Mick Johnson – LOUIS EMERICK (2528, 2537, 2539, 2541, 2542, 2547, 2549, 2552, 2554, 2555, 2557-2560, 2562-2571)
Jerome Johnson – LEON LOPEZ (2528, 2533, 2536-2539, 2541-2543, 2557-2559, 2565)
Brigid McKenna – MEG JOHNSON (2537, 2547-2551, 2553, 2554, 2565, 2566)
Bev McLoughlin-Gonzales (nee McLoughlin) – SARAH WHITE (2530, 2531, 2533, 2535-2538, 2541-2544, 2546-2552)
Josh McLoughlin – ADAM McCOY (2544, 2551)
Clint Moffat – GREG PATERAS (2527, 2532 OOV)
Robbie Moffat – NEIL DAVIES (2527-2531, 2560, 2561)
Diane Murray (nee McKenna) – BERNIE NOLAN (2530, 2531, 2533-2535, 2537-2539, 2543-2557, 2559, 2560, 2563, 2568, 2569)
Marty Murray – NEIL CAPLE (2530, 2531, 2533-2539, 2543, 2545-2560, 2562, 2563, 2568)
Steve Murray – STEVEN FLETCHER (2531, 2533, 2534, 2536-2539, 2546, 2549-2552, 2555-2559, 2567, 2569, 2571)
Adele Murray – KATY LAMONT (2533, 2534, 2543-2554, 2563, 2569, 2571)
Anthony Murray – RAYMOND QUINN (2530, 2539, 2546, 2547, 2549, 2551-2554, 2556, 2563)
Christy Murray – GLYN PRITCHARD (2529, 2554, 2564, 2566, 2567)
Emily O’Leary (nee Shadwick) – JENNIFER ELLISON (2528, 2529, 2534, 2538-2542, 2555, 2556, 2558, 2560-2565, 2567)
Tim “Tinhead” O’Leary – PHILIP OLIVIER (2528-2531, 2534, 2539-2542, 2555-2558, 2560-2569, 2571)
Lindsey Phelan, formerly Stanlow (nee Corkhill) – CLAIRE SWEENEY (2530, 2531, 2533, 2553, 2562)
Lance Powell – MICKEY POPPINS (2534, 2535, 2542-2544, 2546-2554, 2565, 2566)
Leanne Powell – VICKIE GATES (2543, 2544, 2547-2555, 2564-2567)
Dr Darren Roebuck – TIMOTHY DEENIHAN (2528, 2543, 2544, 2548, 2551, 2556)
Katie Rogers – DIANE BURKE (2527-2536, 2540-2542, 2555-2557, 2559-2561, 2563, 2566, 2567)
Nikki Shadwick – SUZANNE COLLINS (2528, 2530, 2533, 2535-2539, 2541, 2542, 2564, 2565)
Kylie Stanlow – HANNAH DOWD (2530, 2531, 2534, 2547)
Victoria Wilcox (nee Seagram) – PATRICIA POTTER (2528, 2531, 2544, 2548, 2551, 2553, 2556)
Imelda Clough – BILLIE CLEMENTS (2556)
Jeff Evans – LES DENNIS (2531, 2537, 2538, 2555, 2557)
Fred Gonzales – RICHARD CALKIN (2543, 2544, 2548, 2549)
Paige Howard – CHELSEA FARRELL (2556)
Vonnie Johnson – SUZETTE LLEWELLYN (2528, 2540-2542, 2548-2550, 2552, 2554, 2557-2559)
Lisa Morrisey – NINA MARC (2556, 2557)
Father Pat – TOM LLOYD ROBERTS (2553)
Cheryl Smith – SHERRIL PARSONS (2533)
Michelle Tan – STACEY LIU (2533, 2534, 2543, 2544, 2546)
Magistrate – CHARLES FOSTER (2530)
“Quiet Paul”, barman (2541, 2550, 2551, 2567, 2568)
Rubie, dog (2563)
Shirley Moffat – ESTHER WILSON (2530, 2557, 2559-2561) [ Registrar (2493) ]
Interviewer – GLENN CUNNINGHAM (2543) [ Customs Officer (775) ]
Specialist – SALLY SHERIDAN (2554) [ Hospital Sister (1596) ]
Dr Neil Kelly – GUY PARRY (2561, 2563, 2564, 2568)
Cal Lavelle – MARGARET CORNELL (2547)
Mr Nicholson – PETER LAWTON (2530)
Detective Inspector Walters – RICHARD HEAP (2528)
Nurse – AMELIA STEPHENS (2552)
Chloe, a waitress at “The Shelf” (2567)
Mr Lawson, a barrister (2530)
“Margaret”, a television character (2552 OOV)
Mrs Perkins, a salon customer (2539)
Our Teresa and Their Kelly, relatives of Clint (2557)
This season features three of the episodes with the smallest ever credited casts – episodes 2532 (Jacqui and Katie), 2545 (Diane, Marty and Adele) and 2570 (Jimmy and Mick). Although there are brief appearances of other uncredited characters in the first two of these, the third is unique in involving two characters only, with no others at all – although several photographs of Mick’s family and friends are seen, and on two occasions photos in an album are seen sequentially, as a page of the album turns to reveal the next one, accompanied by a strange sound-effect.
The “Magic Rabbits” music is heard again in episode 2566, but dialogue is also heard – either Anthony is watching them while other family members are listening to the radio, or the music is being used in another programme.
Trivia
The storylines:
After serving time for her, Tim marries Emily; and, after it seems like a good idea at the time, Bev marries Lance’s boyfriend Fred, hoping to help him to be able to stay in the country. Vonnie moves in with Mick, and Leo leaves for London, after having sex with 15-year-old Adele. Diane and Marty decide to have IVF treatment to improve their chances of conceiving, Anthony is forced to steal by two girls at school, and Steve gets a job at Katrina’s father’s garage. Jimmy and Jackie are heading towards divorce, and Jerome is frequently heading towards Nisha, although Nikki can’t bring herself to confront them. Relationships with the brothers Moffat cause more conflict between Katie, who prepares to leave the Close for a new life with Clint, and Jacqui, who eventually discovers that Robbie is dangerously and obsessively violent, and partly responsible for Ron, Anthea, Jessie, Ray, Kitty and Mike being subjected to frightening ordeals in the Dixon home. And while most of them are gradually able to put these terrible times behind them, Kitty may never be the same again, and Ron’s plans to guard the future safety of his family include getting himself a gun. And he’s prepared to use it…
This is a season of break-ups. Nikki can no longer bear Jerome’s two-timing with Nisha, and publically humiliates them. Steve and Katrina cannot agree on whether her father made a pass at Diane, and part company. Lance and Fred realise that they have different views on fidelity, and split up. And Clint is taken away from Katie forever, when Ron accidentally shoots him dead.
It is also a season of departures. Mick leaves for pastures new, when Vonnie becomes the latest woman to walk out on him after he plans to rush into marrying her – he will be missed. Leanne convinces Bev to go on the run, rather than face a possible prison sentence for entering a sham marriage – she will be missed. Darren leaves the medical practice, to do voluntary work overseas – he will be missed. And Victoria goes with him – .
Meanwhile, IVF treatment is unsuccessful for the Murrays – but Adele discovers Leo has got her pregnant, and has an abortion. Anthony is bullied into stealing, Ray tries to find a nursing home for Kitty, and Jessie takes in a new lodger. Tim tries to avoid going back to jail, and he and Emily move in with Jimmy – after he persuades Jackie to leave by locking her out of the downstairs rooms and installing a portable toilet in the garden.
And, after Jacqui falls in love with Max, it doesn’t take long for Max to fall in love with Jacqui. Is she about to become the third – or fifth – Mrs Farnham?
The dates:
It is Friday in episode 2488, and it is still the same day in episode 2489; it is Valentine’s Day, and 2001 (as the 1990’s were 14 months ago) in episode 2490 [but see “Goofs” below]; and it is February in episode 2496. Based on dialogue in episode 2500, it is “the end of March” in episode 2511; based on dialogue in episode 2503, it is 15th March in episode 2502 and 16th March in episode 2503; and it is 2001 in episode 2505. It is Wednesday in episode 2508; based on dialogue in episodes 2508 and 2509, it is Tuesday in episode 2507 and Friday in episode 2509: and it is Sunday in part one, then the day after, Monday, in part two, of episode 2510. Based on dialogue in episode 2510, it is Tuesday in episode 2511; and it is Good Friday in episode 2515. Based on dialogue in episodes 2522, 2523, 2524, 2525 and 2526 and a letter seen in episode 2524, it is Monday 30th April 2001 in episode 2521, it is Wednesday 2nd May 2001 in episode 2522, it is still Wednesday 2nd May 2001, then Thursday 3rd May 2001, in episode 2523, it is Friday 4th May 2001 in episode 2524, and it is Saturday 5th May 2001 in episodes 2525 and 2526. According to a poster being erected in episode 2526, it is the F.A. Cup Final on Saturday.
Based on dialogue in episode 2530, the events of episodes 2526 and 2527 took place on 9th May 2001 [but see “Goofs” below]; and, based on the revelation that it is the 68th birthday of Joan Collins and the 73rd birthday of Rosemary Clooney, it is 23rd May 2001 in episode 2533. Based on a cheque dated by Jeff, it is 5/6/01 in episode 2537; and, based on other dialogue, and the revelation that the [General] Election is “tomorrow” in episode 2538, it is Tuesday 6th June later in episode 2537, Wednesday 7th June in episode 2538, and Thursday 8th June in episode 2539. Based on dialogue in episodes 2539 and 2542, it is the same Friday in episodes 2541 and 2542; it is the middle of June in episode 2543, and there are conflicting indications that this episode takes place on the Saturday and on the Monday following that Friday [see “Goofs” below]. Based on dialogue in episode 2543, episode 2493 was set on 21st February; and, based on dialogue in episodes 2552, 2553 and 2554 and a calendar seen in episode 2552, it is 10th July, 11th July and 12th July respectively in these episodes. However, based on earlier dialogue from episode 2463, these dates would instead be 5th July, 6th July and 7th July [see “Goofs” below]. It is summer in episodes 2553 and 2556; it is July in episode 2554; based on dialogue in episode 2556, it is Friday in episode 2557; and there is an August calendar on the wall of Neil’s bedroom in episode 2568.
Name-checks:
Chi Chi, celibate panda (2486); Lynsey de Paul (2486); Madonna (2486); Debbie Harry (2486); “Top Cat” (2487); Sophia Loren (2487); “The Waltons” / “John-Boy” (2487); Joan Crawford (2487); Ken Dodd (2488); the “Beatles” (2488, 2526); Lulu (2488); Saddam Hussein (2491); “Basil Fawlty” (2491) / “Manuel” (2492); Robbie [Williams] / “Take That” (2495); Shelley Winters (2495); “The Poseidon Adventure” (2495); “Rita, Sue And Bob Too” (2495); Paul Young [“……lay my hat” musician] (2497); “Casanova” (2497); Rip van Winkle (2497); “Mr and Mrs” (2498) / Derek Batey (2498, 2499); Florence Nightingale (2501); Johnny Cash (2501); “Butch and Sundance” (2501); “Emmerdale Farm” (2502); “Frankenstein” (2502); Jacques Cousteau (2503); [Inspector] Clouseau (2503); “Colditz” (2504); Tom Cruise (2504); “Nora Batty” (2504); “Muriel’s Wedding” character “Muriel” and performer David Van Arkle (2506); “Charlie and Di” [Prince and Princess] (2506); “Romeo” (2506); “Prince Charming” (2506); “Ready, Steady, Cook” (2507); “The Golden Girls” (2508); Adam [biblical] (2508); Julia Roberts (2510); Sandra Bullock (2510); “Cupid” (2511); Mussolini (2512); Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran, boxers (2514); Howard Hughes, the Rockefellers, and Bill Gates, businessmen (2514); “The Bill” (2515); Jennifer Lopez (2515); “Top Of The Pops” (2515); Emil Heskey, footballer (2516); Hitler (2516); Tatjana [Croatian model?] (2516); “The Tomorrow People” (2516); Freud (2521); Joan of Arc (2523); Barbra Streisand (2524); “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” (2524); Elvis [Presley] (2525); Bobby Moore (2526); “Frankenstein” (2526); “Posh and Becks” (2526); George Formby (2526); Vera Lynn (2526); and Gracie Fields (2526). “It’s A Knockout” (2529); the Queen (2531); “Bambi” (2532); “Hannibal [flamin’] Lecter” (2532); “The X Files” (2532); “Daddy” Warbucks (2533): Joan Collins (2533); Rosemary Clooney (2533); “Posh” and “Becks” (2536); Doris Day (2536); “Casanova” (2537); Charles Bronson (2540); Anne Robinson (2543); Kevin Costner (2543); Peter Tatchell (2544); Roger Bannister (2546): Geoff Capes (2546); Paul McCartney (2547); Heather Mills (2547); Michael Douglas (2547, 2568); “Fools Rush In” / Matthew Perry / “Friends” (2550); “The Big Lebowski” / the Cohen brothers (2550); Barbra [Streisand] (2550); “The Witches of [bloody] Eastwick (2550); “Lord of the Flies” (2552); King Herod / Herod (2552 / 2553); “The Thorn Birds” (2553); Ann Widdicombe (2553); the Duchess of Kent (2553); John Wayne (2553); Spencer Tracy (2553); “Groundhog Day” (2553); Kate Bush (2554); Jackie Collins (2554); Charlie Rich (2554); “Tilly Mint” (2554); Michael Owen (2555); “Dr Kildare” (2556); “Oasis” (2558); Einstein (2560); Mantovani (2563); “Hair Bear Bunch” (2563); Alan Tit[ch]marsh (2565); Svengali (2565); John and Yoko (2567); “Cupid” (2567); “Shallow Grave” (2569); Karl Marx (2571); “Clampetts” (2571) and “Lord Snooty” (2571).
Locations:
All of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, with the furthest afield that any character is seen being Southport, in episodes 2496 and 2497 and Wigan – from which Adele is briefly seen telephoning home in a nightclub in episode 2568.
Births:
None, although we are told in episode 2510 that the unseen Becky Watkins got pregnant by an equally unseen Spaniard, and we are told in episode 2525 that Vonnie’s unseen friend Lauren in Bradford has recently given birth to an equally unseen baby! It is Katie’s 25th birthday in episode 2492; it is Mick’s 42nd birthday in episode 2501; it is Rachel’s birthday in episode 2504; and it is Diane’s 37th birthday – which is “in a couple of weeks” in episode 2501, and “this Friday” in episode 2508 – in episode 2509. We are also told that Emily is 17 (2493, 2515), and 18 in a few months (2525); Clint is 23 (2500); Adele is 15 (2503, 2508, 2510, 2513), and 16 in September (2512); Anthea is 47 (2508); Robbie is 25 (2519); Craig is 19 (2526); Beth is 14 months old (2497) / 18 months old, according to Jimmy (2499); Jackie is “well into her forties” according to Diane (2505); and the war was over by the time Ron was born (2526). Susannah’s gravestone, seen in episode 2508, indicates that she was born in 1960.
It is Steve’s 21st birthday in episode 2534, and he has “only just turned 21” in episode 2536. It is Darren’s 30th birthday, which is “tomorrow” in episode 2543, in episode 2544; it is William’s 4th birthday on Sunday in episode 2550; and it is Brigid’s birthday in episode 2553. It is the 25th birthday of Jacqui, who is “20-odd” (2537), in a few weeks (2549); she is “25 tomorrow” (2555); and it is her birthday in episode 2556. Max is 44 (2549), and will be 55 in 10 years’ time (2550). Approximating, he and Anthea both say he is twice Jacqui’s age (2537 / 2538) and old enough to be her father (2547 / 2565); and Jacqui says the age difference is twenty years (2564). More specifically, Clint was 23 (2532, 2559, 2560) when he died; Beth is 15 months old (2537) / 18 months old (2551); Jeff says that 24 years ago he was younger than Katrina is now (2538); Jerome is 21 (2541); Adele is nearly 16 (2543) / 15 (2546, 2547, 2549, 2551, 2552, 2553, 2554, 2568, 2569); Diane is 37 (2555); and Megan is 22 (2559).
Adele discovers that she is pregnant in episode 2533; she is 12 weeks pregnant in episode 2545; she is 13 weeks pregnant in episodes 2547 and 2548; we are told that her baby would be due in December in episode 2551; and she has an abortion in episode 2552. We are reminded that Katrina, “a couple of years ago” (2555), and Jessie (2566), have both previously done likewise. It is seven months / six months and 9 days since Diane lost a baby (2553), when she was 11 weeks pregnant (2545, 2546); and 40 years since Brigid lost one (2548). Diane’s baby was originally due to be born on the same day that Adele had her abortion (2552, 2553).
Marriages:
Two. The twentieth “Brookside” wedding, albeit not necessarily the most genuine, takes place in episode 2493, as Bev McLoughlin marries Fred Gonzales; and the twenty-first takes place in episode 2524, as Timothy O’Leary marries Emily Margaret Shadwick at Merseyside Register Office (2524) on Friday (2523, 2524) 4th May 2001 (2524). We are also told that Brigid attended the wedding of Steve’s auntie Moira (2487); Jackie and Jimmy have been married for 27 years (2493, 2496, 2521); Christy was married for six months (2497), and is now divorced (2503); Diane and Marty have been married for seven years (2504); and Vonnie was married to the unseen Frank for nearly 22 years (2506). A frustrated Max over-states his involvement with Susannah as “20 years of marriage” (2508); and Jeff would be coming up to his silver wedding, if his wife hadn’t just left him (2511).
None, although it is Ron and Anthea’s second wedding anniversary in episode 2551. Vonnie gets engaged to Mick in episode 2555, but reverses her decision in episode 2558; and we are told that Julie is divorcing Jeff (2531), who married her 24 years ago (2538); we are reminded that Jackie and Jimmy have been married for 27 years (2533); and we learn that Bev and Fred were married on 21st February (2543).
Deaths:
One, at the end of episode 2526, in Ron’s house – but who is it? The answer will be revealed at the beginning of the next season……. Susannah’s gravestone, seen in episode 2508, indicates that she died in 2000. Unseen characters who are no longer alive but are mentioned are Franky (2488) / Jimmy’s big brother, who died 20-odd years ago (2499); and Frank (2495) / Jerome’s father (2505). Jacqui claims it is three years ago that Matthew and Emily died in episode 2514 – but see “Goofs” below!
In episode 2527, it is revealed that it is Clint Moffat who was shot dead, at the age of 23 (2532, 2559, 2560), while not burgling Ron’s house at the end of episode 2526. We are reminded that it is six months / barely eight months / nine months since Susannah died (2534 / 2555 / 2564) on Bonfire Night (2569) [see “Goofs” below], and it is six years ago this week that Rachel’s sister [Beth] died (2558). The only unseen characters who are no longer alive but mentioned are Marty’s father (2531) and Jerome’s father / Vonnie’s husband (2557, 2558 / 2559).
Mentioned, so far unseen, but bound to turn up later:
Jan, Marty’s first wife (2504, 2536) and Clint and Robbie’s mother (2512, 2513, 2515, 2524, 2526).
Gone but not forgotten – seen previously and still mentioned occasionally, but not reappearing in this season:
Shelley (2486, 2493, 2494, 2495, 2496, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2521); Dave / Dave Burns (2486, 2493, 2498, 2513, 2526 / 2491, 2492, 2508, 2525); Lance’s father (2486); DD (2488); Billy (2488); Susannah / Susannah Morrisey (2489, 2491, 2492, 2493, 2495, 2500, 2513, 2515, 2520, 2525 / 2495); Luke Musgrove / Luke (2492, 2511, 2513 / 2507, 2510), Ryan Musgrove / Ryan (2507, 2511 / 2510), the Musgrove brothers (2510); Kathy (2494); Nathan (2500, 2512, 2515, 2517, 2518, 2520, 2521, 2522); Val (2506, 2508, 2516, 2517, 2519, 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524); Lisa’s mother (2508); Ian Leigh (2508); Sammy (2511); Geoff (2511); Bernard (2511) / Ray’s brother (2518); Bernie (2512); Sinbad (2513, 2521); Katrina’s mother / Julie (2511, 2513 / 2514); Matthew and Emily (2514); Jason (2514); Kiev (2517); Victoria’s mother-in-law (2524); Mandy (2525); Trevor Jordache (2525); Bev’s mother (2526); and Ron’s father (2526). Sotto (2528, 2563, 2567, 2568, 2569); Luke Musgrove (2528, 2530, 2542); Mark (2528, 2531, 2556); Craig (2528, 2534); Susannah / Susannah Morrisey (2529, 2534, 2536, 2540, 2541, 2554, 2556, 2557, 2559, 2563, 2564, 2566, 2567, 2568, 2569, 2570, 2571 / 2535); Beth [Jordache] (2529, 2546, 2557, 2559, 2560); Julie / Katrina’s mother / Jeff’s wife (2531 / 2538 / 2556); Sammy (2532, 2537, 2559); Tony / Tony Dixon (2532, 2564, 2566, 2567 / 2562); Val / Jackie’s sister (2534, 2548 / 2547); Shelley (2534, 2553); Matthew (2535); Emily [Farnham] (2535); Jason (2535, 2538); Nathan (2537, 2567, 2568, 2571); Bernard (2538); Leo / Leo Johnson (2541, 2551, 2562, 2563, 2570, 2571 / 2548, 2549, 2554); Josie (2541); Lyn (2543); Gemma (2552, 2554, 2562, 2570, 2571); the Pope (2553); Lorraine Kelly (2554); Ian Leigh (2555); Sinbad (2557, 2562, 2570, 2571); Megan (2559); Carl (2561); Little Jimmy / Jimmy (2562, 2570 / 2565); Brian [Tunford] (2563); Patricia (2566, 2571); Faye (2566); Dave Burns (2570); and Jenny (2571). When Katie refers to “Lord Cuddington” in episode 2632, she is meaning Nathan.
And those that are also mentioned, but are destined to remain unseen forever:
Miss Bowcock, Josh’s teacher (2486); Trisha, a sick pump attendant (2486); Gary Russell, a weird friend of Josh (2486); Clayton, a mate of Lance (2486); Mark Woods, a school-mate of Bev (2486); Lance’s nan (2487); Steve’s auntie Moira (2487); Tony, Amber’s husband (2488); Tommy, Cheryl’s husband (2488, 2489); Gerald Curran, Declan Goody, Tim Crane and Neil Marland, boys that Diane wanted to go out with (2489); Peter Lamont, who Adele fancies (2489); Mr Medway and Mr Jones, prison officers (2490); Mrs Sedgewick at school (2491); Fred’s mother (2495); Debbie at the petrol station (2497); Mrs Denby, a “Great Grannies” client (2498); Keith Hyam, who Robbie glassed (2501); Father Mike, a less easy-going priest than Father Pat (2503); an uncle of Diane who had a breakdown (2503); Vinny, Marty’s mate who had an affair with his first wife (2504); Stella, Vonnie’s friend (2505); Brigid’s husband (2508); Vinnie, a mate of Robbie in Benidorm (2508); Becky Watkins, a school-mate of Adele and Michelle who a Spaniard got pregnant (2510); Kirsty, Andrew, Grant and Betty, referred to in a radio broadcast (2510); Frank Fielder, the gaffer mechanic at Rock Ferry (2511); Katrina’s auntie Pam (2511); Bernard’s wife [Jean] (2511); Robbie and Clint’s father (2512, 2513); Craig’s mother (2513, 2524) and father (2524); Vonnie’s sister in Bromley-by-Bow (2513); Miss Brown (2514) and Miss Phelan (2520), Anthony’s teachers; Barney, Clint and Robbie’s site foreman (2514); Amy Devereaux, a possibly invented friend of Emily, and her older brother (2515); Ben Connolly, a potential boyfriend for Michelle (2515); Mrs Davies and Mrs Kane, “Great Grannies” customers (2518); Pete, who will arrange a car for Steve (2520); salon employee Linda’s kids (2524); Victoria’s mother (2524); Lauren, a friend of Vonnie, and her recently-born baby (2525). Sian Jones, a friend of Kylie who has to wear a brace (2530); Mr Frazer / “Frazer”, Anthony’s headmaster (2530, 2531, 2539 / 2533); Keith Hyam, who Robbie glassed (2531); Harry Frankham, who won’t go out with Michelle (2533); Michelle’s father (2533, 2534), Fred’s eight brothers and sisters (2543); old Mrs Donna Jones / Mrs Jones, a teacher (2543 / 2545); Mrs Tan / Michelle’s mother / Amy (2544, 2568 / 2545, 2553 / 2554); Jade Ashton, a mate of Adele who didn’t get pregnant despite sleeping with half the bus drivers in Liverpool (2545); Abigail, a poor substitute for Jacqui with whom Max has drinks (2546); Ann Crane, a friend of Brigid who swears by glucose tablets (2547); Sister Margaret, who has told Anthony that having an abortion is a sin (2549); Frances Connolly, an abortion clinic patient (2550); Mrs Lewis, a teacher (2550); Quiet Paul’s mother (2553); Father Pat’s mother (2553); Dr Jay, clinic doctor (2554); Danny Hogan, a boyfriend of Jacqui when she was 14 (2555); Margaret from the Trust, one of Darren’s bosses (2556); “Kirsty” and “Andrew”, television characters (2556); Mrs Kelly, a salon customer who is having a tint (2556); Sammy’s husband (2559); Billy, who Tim met inside (2561); Jed, a contact of Christy (2564); Renee Knutt, a friend of Brigid, and her gay son (2566).
Goofs:
A mention in episode 2490 that events seen in episode 2489 took place “last night” contradicts all other indications that episode 2489 takes place on Friday, and episode 2490 on Valentine’s Day (Wednesday).
Brigid’s instruction to Marty in episode 2509 doesn’t sound quite right: “Don’t you go GETTING her indigestion!”.
In episode 2514, Jacqui says that it was three years ago that Matthew and Emily died – but their deaths were actually four years earlier, in 1997.
The dates of the calls on the recent telephone bill that Jackie studies in episode 2522 are from over a year earlier: 01.04.00, 02.04.00 and 03.04.00.
Although it is still the same day in episode 2527 as it was in episode 2526, dialogue in episode 2530 contradicts earlier revelations that this was Saturday 5th May 2001, giving the date of the shooting as 9th May 2001.
The envelope containing a letter from the Immigration Office which Bev receives in episode 2541, but can’t bring herself to open until episode 2542, incorrectly shows her postcode as L43 87J.
Anthea’s recollection that her close encounter with a car was “last night” in episode 2543 is the clearest of several indications that this episode takes place the day after episode 2542, already revealed to be set on a Friday. However, Bev and Fred are also seen preparing for, and undergoing, their interviews at the Immigration Office in that episode, and the letter seen on-screen in episode 2542 stated that they were required to attend on Monday 18th June.
Anthea’s recollection in episode 2551 that it will be 31 years ago in September that she and Ron first met contradicts the earlier revelation in episode 2114 that she was the first girl he ever kissed, when they were both about nine years old.
The date circled on the Murrays’ calendar to denote that Diane was expecting a baby to be born then is 10th July in episode 2552. However, that date had been 5th July in episode 2463.
Ron exaggerates slightly regarding Max in episode 2566: “I’ve lived next door to him for twelve years”. It has actually been less than eleven years – although maybe it seems longer!
In episode 2567, what should have been Max’s third word arrives a couple of words late – “Do you think she’d honestly get involved with me unless she thought I’d changed?” – and, in the same episode, one of the lines Leanne reads from the e-mail she is sending to Bev – “The police are crawling all over the bar.” differs slightly from what can be seen on her computer screen: “The bar is crawling with police. “.
In episode 2569, Mick recalls that Susannah’s death was “on Bonfire Night” – however, at the time it was clear that she actually died on Friday 3rd November.
Trivia:
Victoria says she bought one of her outfits at a shop in Matthew Street (2507); and Anthea, Jessie and Brigid plan to go to a big discount store in Lord Street which is closing down (2508). On 4th July 1986, Bev and her fellow school-leavers went to Southport – where she kissed Mark Woods, then puked (2486). The Southport pub at which the day-trippers meet in episode 2496 is the “Cock A Hoop”. Christy’s local is “The Swan” (2499, 2503), and he is now self-employed (2504). Robbie recalls the Dublin pub “Lily Bordelo’s”, at which he had a good night out a few years ago (2507), and “Churchill’s”, a posh bar in Benidorm run by a Scouser mate, Vinnie (2508). According to Cheryl, she and Amber have been drinking at the “Penny-Farthing” (2509). Amber is Cheryl’s half-sister, and Jackie’s cousin (2488). She has lost four and a half stone – or nineteen and a half stone, including her husband (2488). She claims that Jackie still owes her all but the first three of a year’s weekly instalments of £1.55 on a dusky-pink satin camisole bought from her catalogue in 1979 (2488).
Jackie recalls that Jimmy first told her he loved her outside the “She” club on a wet Tuesday night, and their first home together was a flat above a fruit and veg shop (2506). Along with single calls to 0151 692 6974, 0151 692 6149, 0151 269 5341 and 0117 496 8496, she discovers the recurring number 0845 656 5980 on the Corkhills’ telephone bill in episode 2522. Adele explains that this is the number Jimmy has to dial whenever he is connected to the internet (2522). He is seen with books “A Beginner’s Guide To The PC” (2493) and “Complete Idiot’s Guide – Internet – UK & Eire 2001” (2516), he uses the internet search engine “Sniffer Dog” to find 3,380 sites of “new york museums” (2518), and is looking at the website “Litherland Picture Post” when Jackie destroys his monitor (2522). Leanne claims that her spiritual awakening came from reading a book called “The Road Less Travelled” (2516), and recalls that Lance once had a dart stuck in his head, as her nan was a terrible shot (2487). Lance recalls that his father used to be in the army (2486).
The Murrays used to live in Meadowbank Road (2510), in Huyton (2488). Anthony was 4 years old when Diane first met him (2502); Diane’s binmen come on Thursdays (2488); and Jerome’s height is 6’1″, according to Mick (2489). Katrina has no sisters (2515); Katie says that she has lived around here for twelve/thirteen years (2525); and Susannah’s will was written in November 1998 (2500). Her sister’s full name is Lisa Christine Morrisey (2515), and Emily’s mother’s full name is Margaret Marie Shadwick (2521). The document Emily uses to practise forging her mother’s signature in episode 2521 shows a “Date of Registration” of 4th September 1999 [it is possibly her father’s death certificate, which she and Tim realised earlier that they needed to find]. The prison at which Tim serves his sentence is H.M. Y.O.I. Longley (2517, 2521). His cell-mate Craig’s mother plays whist on Fridays, and his father was the captain of a bowls team (2524). A letter to Margi seen in episode 2524 is from “Mr A. Byron, Chief Registrar” of the “Register for Births, Marriages and Deaths”. Carl’s business card describes him as a “Talent Scout” with “Technique Models”, and shows the telephone number 0151 496 0003 and the mobile number 07700 900003 (2490).
Ron plays the track “Frigid Air Fanny” by George Formby, which he recalls was one of his father’s favourites (2526). An invitation seen in episode 2500 reads “RESIDENTS MEETING TONIGHT AT 8 BROOKSIDE CLOSE, 8 PM – Unite in the fight against crime. Stop innocent people being terrorised in their own homes”. The address IONA AVENUE, LIVERPOOL L70 4UQ and the telephone number 0151 496 0006 are seen again on the back of “Mersey Mover” buses in episodes 2502 and 2516; and the telephone number of Merseytravel, 0151-236 7676, is seen again on the bus shelter in episode 2511. There is still art by Robert Delaunay at Susannah’s (2500), art by Mark Rothko (2487, 2500, 2511, 2521, 2522) and Richard Diebenkorn (2488, 2521, 2522, 2526) in Victoria’s flat, and posters of Kate Bush in Adele’s bedroom (2489, 2515). Leanne (2488), Fred (2495), Bev (2502, 2514) and Diane (2503), are left-handed; while Jerome (2495, 2520), Anthony (2498), Ron (2500, 2517), a CAMRA man (2503), Marty (2504), Anthea (2517), Robbie (2520) and Clint (2526) are all right-handed.
Anthea, who once saw the Pope in Aigburth Road (2553), thinks her telephone number begins with the digits 7 and 2 in episode 2527 – although the balance of her mind is disturbed at the time, as Ronald William Dixon (2528, 2530) has just shot Clint David Moffat / Clinton David Moffat (2528 / 2530), which leads to him being sent to Risley Remand Centre (2530), accused of murder and of illegally obtaining a gun “between 2nd May and 9th May of this year” (2530). After he is released, an anonymous caller rings him from a phone box in Old Swan (2543). A headline in the “Liverpool Echo”, seen in episodes 2529 and 2531, reads “‘HAVE A GO HERO’ IN COURT – Man charged with murder over shooting”, and a newspaper telephone poll has revealed 72% support for Ron (2536). Clint’s funeral is at St Peter’s Church (2558).
Katrina has just bought her 39th pair of shoes (2537). Jeff’s wife Julie was his receptionist for two years (2531). His cheque is drawn on account number 4376 5126 32 with the Greenfields Building Society (2538). The account number on the Murrays’ £187 electricity bill from Manweb is 214 87 612 000 (2538), and their bank statement shows an overdrawn balance of £619.14, on which they are paying interest at 18.5% (2539). As Marty says they are £119 over his overdraft limit (2539), that limit must be £500. He passed three exams, whereas Steve only passed two (2543). Adele sits a GCSE in episode 2543, “Statistics and Probability” is her exam today in episode 2544, History was yesterday’s paper in episode 2545, and she has also now sat her French exam in episode 2548. She is seen with a packet of “Sylph Ultra Regular With Wings” sanitary towels (2545), whereas Fred claims that Bev uses “Extra Super Plus With Wings” (2543). He was supposedly studying mechanical engineering when he supposedly met Bev in “The Casa” in 1991 (2543).
Jimmy is seen with two cards bearing maxims presumably intended to aid his recovery in episode 2534 – they read “ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS” and “DEVELOP A SURVIVAL MENTALITY”; Emily is seen putting up a poster of Natalie Imbruglia (2529); and the first CD Tim ever bought was by “Oasis” (2558). Jessie’s blood pressure reading is 140 / 85 (2561); and one of the nursing homes Ray rejects for Kitty, who is in the “General” [hospital] (2541) and has savings of £2,000 (2568), is “Firsbrook House” – which would cost £380 per week (2564). When he plans to leave “Bev’s Bar”, Lance tells Leanne that if there is a collection for him, he would like “My Name Is Barbra” on vinyl [an album by Barbra Streisand] (2550); and Rachel and Katie are seen returning to the Parade in a taxi bearing the name “Manor Car Line” and the telephone number 269 6699 (2557).
The address IONA AVENUE, LIVERPOOL L70 4UQ and the telephone number 0151 496 0006 are seen again on the back of “Mersey Mover” buses in episodes 2544 and 2554; and the telephone number of Merseytravel, 0151-236 7676, is seen again on the bus shelter in episode 2544. There is still art by Robert Delaunay at Max’s (2535, 2536), art by Mark Rothko (2527, 2532, 2550) and Richard Diebenkorn (2527, 2529, 2531, 2532, 2533, 2550) in Victoria’s flat, and posters of Kate Bush in Adele’s bedroom (2533, 2547). Adele plays a Kate Bush tape in episode 2544. Bev (2530, 2550), Mike (2550) and Diane (2560) are left-handed; and Jackie (2530), Adele (2534), Nisha (2537), Jeff (2537), Anthea (2538, 2553, 2564), Nikki (2539), Cal (2547), Vonnie (2549), Victoria (2553), Anthony (2553), Rachel (2558), Neil (2563), Jacqui (2564), Max (2564, 2566) and Ron (2568) are all right-handed.
“Blink-and-you-miss it” moments:
Two more of Gareth Roberts’ scripts include subtle “Doctor Who” references – an unseen friend of Josh has the same name as a writer of the same range of “Doctor Who” books – Gary Russell – in episode 2486, and the dialogue of episode 2516 includes a “Doctor Who” story title, “The Creature From The Pit”.
As the Yorkshire-based soap-opera formerly known as “Emmerdale Farm”, but latterly renamed “Emmerdale”, had featured a similar storyline just a few months earlier, Rachel’s response in episode 2502, when Bev tells her that she has only married Fred to help to keep him in the country, surely belongs in the file marked “only ‘Brookside’ would ever dare to do this!”:
Quote:
RACHEL: Did you get the idea off “Emmerdale Farm”?
BEV: No!
Robbie’s words in the original broadcast of episode 2510, “She was seeing Ryan, and screwing Luke, at the same time.”, are changed in the Saturday teatime omnibus repeat, in which a different recording of the same scene is used: “She was seeing Ryan, and doing Luke, at the same time.”.
The letter addressed to Ms Jacqueline Dixon, Flat 3 Brookside Parade, Manor Park, Liverpool L43 6TZ, which Robbie opens in episode 2520, mis-spells Susannah’s surname throughout. Briefly flashed on-screen, it reads as follows:
Dear Ms Dixon,
I have been instructed to contact you by Plumbwood Mowrem Solicitors, executors on behalf of Ms Susannah Morrissey. Ms Morrissey stated in her last will and testament that you, Miss Jacqui Dixon, should be made responsible for the financial undertakings of her children, Mr Harry Farnham and Miss Emma Farnham.
Ms Morrissey has opened several accounts at Royal Northern Bank on behalf of her children, and therefore we would request you to come and finalise the relevant details regarding the guardianship of the accounts. Please could you contact us as soon as possible and arrange an appointment with us.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Gerald Jones
Branch Manager
Lance and Nikki (2535), Rachel and Mike (2536), and Ray and Jessie (2538) all do something that rarely happens in soap operas – they talk about the imminent General Election.
When Jessie is briefly seen playing “patience” in episode 2538, the top card of the three she deals herself is no good to her – so she uses the second one instead.
The performer Sarah White was visibly pregnant while recording her scenes as Bev McLoughlin-Gonzales in this season – but careful camera angles and strategically-placed props ensure that this is never apparent, with the possible exception of a scene in episode 2552 in which Bev is seen getting into a sports car to go on the run.
The end-of-season cliffhanger:
Anthea, in a state of disbelief, follows Ron as he sets off down the stairs carrying a sawn-off shotgun, and tries to persuade him to come back up. She wants to call the police – but the telephone is downstairs. He tells her to stay back, and slowly enters the living room. Anthea shouts out to Ron, as a shadowy figure approaches him. Ron calls out “Get out, or I’ll shoot!”. And the gun fires. As it recoils, Ron drops it and falls to the floor. So does whoever he has hit…
This moment has looked increasingly certain to happen throughout the season – perhaps for much longer – and now it finally arrives. As they sit at the table in the back garden, Max tells Jacqui that she is so beautiful, and he wants her. She assures him that she is convinced he has changed – and he is glad. “Well, I want you to trust me. Because I want to always be there for you. Because I desperately want you to be always there for me. I don’t want us to just keep seeing each other, or just to live together. Jacqui, will you make me the proudest, happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?”.