Season Sixty Two Episode Guide

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.

Notes:

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:

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:

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:

“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 Wigan – from which Adele is briefly seen telephoning home in a nightclub in episode 2568.

Births:

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:

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:

None. 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).

Toilet visits:

Katie (2530); Mike (2530); Jimmy (2533); Steve (2533 and 2538); Nisha (2533); Adele (2533 – for a pregnancy test, and 2546); Cheryl (2533); Jacqui (2539); Nikki (2541); Darren (2544); Jerome (2558); Nikki (2564); and Leanne (2566). In episode 2533, a drunken Katie is willing to pay someone to go to the toilet for her.

Mentioned, so far unseen, but bound to turn up later:

Jan, Marty’s first wife (2536).

Gone but not forgotten – seen previously and still mentioned occasionally, but not reappearing in this season:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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?”.