Season Sixty Three Episode Guide

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.

Episode 2576 (T 04-09-01 “Serious Reservations”) Written by Peter Cox

Leanne discovers that Lance has agreed to be Max’s best man, and Christy tries to turn her against her brother. Ron receives confirmation of his court date. After a bitter confrontation with Robbie, Jacqui and Max discover that Harry has gone missing…….

Episode 2577 (W 05-09-01 “A Child In Danger”) Written by David Young

In a special double-length episode, a group of vigilantes set off in search of Robbie and the missing Harry. Tim discovers that Mike once went out with Lindsey, and wonders if that was what made her become a lesbian. Max and Jacqui anxiously await news, and he comes close to revealing a terrible secret to her.

Episode 2578 (F 07-09-01 “Blessing”) Written by Peter Cox

Jimmy bruises his head while restraining Robbie, Tim collects his own reward by nicking Robbie’s wallet, and Lindsey earns a wedding invitation by rescuing Harry. After seeing Max and Jacqui’s closeness in a crisis, Ron gives them his blessing. But Max is having second thoughts about the wedding.

Episode 2579 (T 11-09-01 “Cancelling”) Written by John Fay

The police are forced to release Robbie without charge. On Harry’s birthday, Jacqui is even more sure that she needs Max to marry her, and insists that he fully explains his reasons for wanting to cancel the wedding, confident that they will not make her change her mind…

Episode 2580 (W 12-09-01 “Confessing”) Written by John Fay

Tim tells Emily his dream, but she is not keen on the ways in which he plans to achieve it. Jacqui tries to convince Max that he is blaming himself for an accident, explains that she too could easily have been facing the same feelings of guilt, and is determined to stop him from turning himself in to the police.

Episode 2581 (F 14-09-01 “Wedding”) Written by Carmel Morgan

Jacqui and Max get married in style, while a miserable, drunk and lonely Katie is visited by Robbie. Clint is on Robbie’s mind as he comforts her in the way his brother might have done – and also on Ron’s as he makes his “father-of-the-bride” speech.

Episode 2582 (T 18-09-01 “Struggling”) Written by Roy Boulter

After they read their letters from the Court Welfare Officer, Jackie asks Jimmy if she can move back in with him. Tim is determined to raise the money to pay for Emily to go and visit her mother. Jacqui wakes up on the morning after her wedding and finds that Max has gone out – but she knows where to find him.

Episode 2583 (W 19-09-01 “Blurring The Boundaries”) Written by Carmel Morgan

Jimmy lets Jackie know what he has decided. After receiving flowers from Robbie and unwelcome advances from Christy, Katie turns to drink. Nikki notices that Jessie has done Neil’s ironing, but not Ray’s.

Episode 2584 (F 21-09-01 “Smoochies”) Written by Tom Higgins

Marty and Diane are enraged when they come home and find Adele and Michelle in the bedroom with new boyfriends – and while they read them the riot act upstairs, the lads are thieving from downstairs. Lance tells Leanne what Christy has been up to – but he talks his way out of it. Jimmy soon discovers that it was a mistake to try again with Jackie.

Episode 2585 (T 25-09-01 “No Big Deal”) Written by Sue Mooney

Ron causes a scene when Katie refuses to let him see a doctor at the walk-in centre. Marty discovers that the insurance company will not entertain their claim because the thieves were “invited guests”. Tim double-crosses Christy, and Nikki agrees to see Jerome again at the bar, but finds that he can’t stop watching Nisha snogging Steve.

Episode 2586 (W 26-09-01 “Cramping”) Written by Sue Mooney

Christy has a plan to enable the Murrays to make a valid claim from the insurance company. Tim and Mike go for job interviews – but will Tim’s honesty about his past pay off? Jessie is not pleased when Nikki seems to be becoming closer with Neil, and Diane considers postponing her next IVF treatment.

Episode 2587 (F 28-09-01 “Bowling”) Written by Gareth Roberts

Ray’s ideas for a day out makes Jessie feel old. The break-in at the Murrays’ doesn’t go entirely as planned. After Steve finds her collapsed in the flat, Katie feels more and more depressed, and sees a way out of her misery in a bottle of vodka and a handful of pills.

Episode 2588 (T 02-10-01 “Pain”) Written by Peter Cox

Jimmy revives Tim, who feels as if he has been kicked by a donkey, and prints out some advice for him. Nisha revives Katie, and spents an all-night vigil at her bedside to make sure she survives until the morning. Diane and Marty try to figure out why their burglar called the police twice before they did.

Episode 2589 (W 03-10-01 “Thoughts”) Written by Peter Cox

Ron attends his pre-trial hearing. Marty has some explaining to do, but believes a profit can still be made from their insurance claim. After pouring her heart out to Nisha, Katie decides to visit Sammy. Nikki and Neil go out – but just as mates – and Jimmy collects his thoughts as he produces an internet home-page.

Episode 2590 (F 05-10-01 “Contesting”) Written by Maurice Bessman

Jimmy tells Jackie that he intends to contest the Court Welfare Officer’s decision and fight for custody of Wills. Diane is surprised that Brigid approves of Marty bumping up their insurance claim. Steve forces Christy to pay Tim what he owes him, and has a heated argument about the IVF treatment. Jessie goes out shopping, leaving Ray to play with a power-tool.

Episode 2591 (T 09-10-01 “Implantation”) Written by Maurice Bessman

Lindsey is concerned at Jimmy’s state of mind after he stops taking his medication again, and tells Jackie that she is the only one who can help him. Tim helps Steve gain revenge on Jeff, and encourages him to consider a career in larceny. Nikki encourages Rachel to confess what she has done to Mike, but she can’t bring herself to tell him.

Episode 2592 (W 10-10-01 “Views”) Written by Maurice Bessman

Diane invites Nisha to tea at the Murrays’, but Steve is called away to help the police with their enquiries, leaving her at the mercy of Brigid, who makes her feelings on the health service and loose morals clear. Emily comes home early from Brussels to attempt a sex endurance record with Tim, and Jackie assures Jimmy that she won’t see him out on the street.

Episode 2593 (F 12-10-01 “Discrepancies”) Written by Roy Boulter

Diane and Marty are visited by the insurance assessor and try to remain calm, but he senses their uneasiness. Rachel breaks down as her financial problems become too much – but can Christy help her? Anthony discovers that Imelda and Paige have transferred to his new school, and his previous ordeals look set to begin all over again.

Episode 2594 (T 16-10-01 “KB’d”) Written by Roy Boulter

Christy’s lies convince Leanne to sack Lance. Diane and Marty hope that their pregnancy test will be positive, but discover that the insurance company has rejected their claim. Steve visits the bank in the hope of getting a loan to start a business, but is turned down. Anthony desperately tries to avoid the bullies, but finds himself on the receiving end of a brutal beating.

Episode 2595 (W 17-10-01 “Out Of Money”) Written by Barry Woodward

Diane ignores Marty’s reminders of their desperate financial position, and remains determined to have further IVF treatment. Rachel can only find one source of money to pay her loan instalment – Beth’s account. Tim concludes that the only way he will be able to make a living is through crime – so Jimmy gives him some advice. Anthony has no money to give Imelda – but Paige makes him hopeful that they are not going to bully him any more.

Episode 2596 (F 19-10-01 “Beliefs”) Written by Barry Woodward

Adele catches Imelda and Paige beating Anthony up again, and tells Marty. He has other problems, however, as Diane’s obsession with having a baby drives the family apart – but when she tells Steve what has made her feel this way, he agrees to do all he can to help. When Christy refuses to let him in on a scam, Tim plots revenge.

Episode 2597 (T 23-10-01 “No Way”) Written by John Fay

Marty encourages Anthony to fight back against the bullies, and when he can’t bring himself to, he hits Anthony as well. He also insists to Diane that they cannot afford more IVF treatment. Steve tries to borrow money from Christy to pay for it – but he refuses, and a punch-up ensues when he tells Steve that Marty was better off with Jan. Tim encourages Steve to join him in getting revenge.

Episode 2598 (W 24-10-01 “Underestimating”) Written by Carmel Morgan

In a special double-length episode, the strain of her abortion finally overcomes Adele, Diane refuses to accept Marty’s decision, even though Brigid supports it, and Tim, with Steve’s help, manages to steal Christy’s recently-stocked van. But can Christy turn the tables on him?

Episode 2599 (F 26-10-01 “Something Practical”) Written by Patrea Smallacombe

Marty wakens in the morning to discover that Diane has gone out, and it emerges that she is even more determined to have a baby despite the family’s mounting debts. Steve attempts to console Anthony, and Tim is depressed on Emily’s birthday because he has been unable to get her the present he promised her.

Episode 2600 (W 31-10-01 “Painting”) Written by Patrea Smallacombe

Jacqui and Max return from their honeymoon, and tell Rachel and Mike that they have decided that she will be a full-time mother. When she hears, Lindsey optimistically asks to be considered for the position of health club manager. Mike discovers that Beth’s savings account is empty, Marty injures Imelda when he finds her humiliating Anthony, and Jimmy enlists Ray’s help with a scheme to deter potential buyers of number 10.

Episode 2601 (W 31-10-01 “Part Of The Past”) Written by Tom Higgins

Jimmy produces a history of number 10, displays newspaper cuttings obtained from the internet, and, using Ray as a template, draws the outline of a body on the patio. Jacqui’s furniture arrives at Max’s – including her bed, which she insists must replace Susannah’s. Marty fears that he will either be suspended or be taken to court, but Diane promises to stand by him and abandon the IVF treatment. Mike and Rachel face financial ruin.

Episode 2602 (F 02-11-01 “Shoe”) Written by Maurice Bessman

Rachel is distraught when she discovers what Jimmy has drawn on the patio. Jacqui wants to get rid of Susannah’s linen. Emily discovers that her present from Jessie and Ray is something she could never have guessed…or wanted. Jimmy offers to help Nikki with her psychology project, and something sinister is left on Ron’s doorstep.

Episode 2603 (T 06-11-01 “This Time Last Year…”) Written by Maurice Bessman

Jacqui insists on taking Max to a fireworks display to take his mind off the anniversary of the death of Susannah. Marty and Diane’s minds are also on their discovery that they were set to become parents twelve months ago. Lindsey tells Tim and Emily that their rent is trebled, and Ron and Anthea discover that Robbie has planted something in their bedroom.

Episode 2604 (W 07-11-01 “Mind Games”) Written by Carmel Morgan

Max and Jacqui throw a dinner party, and a guest gives Max an idea for a new part-time vocation. Jimmy feels that the spirit of Jackie is living on in Lindsey. Tim convinces Christy to give him a job, and Anthea doesn’t think she can cope with many more of Robbie’s threats as the court case approaches.

Episode 2605 (F 09-11-01 “Reality Check”) Written by Carmel Morgan

Nikki offers Jerome a second chance, but he thinks it may be too soon for him to move back in. Ray is not convinced either, until Nikki makes him realise that this could be his opportunity to get Neil to move out. Lindsey has a job offer – but it may mean moving away. Diane’s boss visits the salon, but her priorities are elsewhere. Anthea can’t be sure that she is still willing to lie for Ron.

Episode 2606 (W 14-11-01 “Intimidating”) Written by John Fay

Robbie corners a frightened Anthea and makes her realise that he was present in the house when Ron shot Clint dead. Jessie is furious to hear that Ray wants Neil to move out, and locks herself in the bathroom. But Ray finds a way of coaxing her out. Jimmy gets his decree absolute, and decides to frame it. Steve discovers that Nisha is going on holiday with a group of her mates.

Episode 2607 (W 14-11-01 “Frightened”) Written by John Fay

Anthea fears that Robbie will make a statement to the police, and wants to tell Katie what she has found out about Clint. Only eight people turn up to Jimmy’s fiftieth birthday, but he is pleased that they include one of his long-lost relatives – and he looks forward to the next fifty years, as Jackie leaves for good. Ray struggles to avoid looking pleased with himself as Neil moves out – and not only does he obtain a cheque from Max, but he gets to keep his tiles.

Episode 2608 (F 16-11-01 “Betrayal”) Written by John Fay

Diane and Marty speak to Anthony’s headmistress, and receive a lengthy insight into the school’s procedures and paperwork. Anthea is told by Neil that she appears to be starting the menopause, and slaps Ron when he attributes her recent behaviour to this. Then she returns to the health centre and reduces Katie to tears with the news that Clint was an innocent victim.

Episode 2609 (T 20-11-01 “Stigmatisation”) Written by Peter Cox

Jimmy spends a lot of time being interviewed by Nikki for her psychology project instead of repainting the shutters, as they both reflect on the occasions on which they nearly stepped off roofs. As Ron’s trial for murder begins, Anthea is confronted outside the court by Robbie, who warns her to reconsider the evidence she is going to give.

Episode 2610 (W 21-11-01 “Admission”) Written by Peter Cox

Robbie is determined to see Ron sent down, even though this means incriminating himself. After hearing his testimony, Katie attacks him – and is mortified when he reveals to Jacqui that they slept together.

Episode 2611 (F 23-11-01 “Clarification”) Written by Peter Cox

When Katie turns to drink, Nisha realises that there is someone that she must call. Jimmy won’t let Lindsey turn down the job she has been offered in Newcastle. After Ron and Anthea’s testimonies are subjected to severe scrutiny, Mike is horrified to discover that his father has apparently done a runner rather than await the verdict.

Episode 2612 (W 28-11-01 “Thinking”) Written by Barry Woodward

Rachel worries that Ron may be about to do something stupid, but Mike doesn’t want to call the police. Finally Ron rings, wanting to see Jacqui and Mike – but not Anthea. At the docks, he reveals the plans he has considered which involve not returning to court – but can they convince him to think again? Lindsey packs to leave for Newcastle, and reflects on her life on the Close.

Episode 2613 (W 28-11-01 “Releasing”) Written by Barry Woodward

Lindsey and Kylie tearfully say goodbye to Jimmy as they leave for a new life in Newcastle. As Ron and his family prepare to leave for court, the loan company visit to sequester goods to the value of Rachel and Mike’s unpaid loan. Mike resents Max’s success in sending them packing because they have not obtained the necessary warrants. During the prosecution’s summing-up, Ron collapses in the dock, and an ambulance has to be called.

Episode 2614 (F 30-11-01 “Deserting”) Written by Barry Woodward

A former resident of the Close reappears after a long absence. Mike makes some slight progress with the Dixons’ debt problem. While Anthea packs her bags and leaves the Close forever, the prosecution, defence and judge sum up the case of the Crown versus Ron Dixon, and the jury reaches verdicts which are bound to provoke diverse reactions. Will Ron be jailed?

Notes:

Although, for scheduling reasons, six episodes (2600/2601, 2606/2607 and 2612/2613) were originally broadcast in three 60-minute Wednesday timeslots, all were shown in their entirety, with complete opening and closing credits, instead of being edited into artificial double-length omnibus editions as had occurred many times previously.

The Cast

Nisha Batra – SUNETRA SARKER (2582, 2583, 2585-2590, 2592-2596, 2606, 2611, 2614)
Rod Corkhill – JASON HOPE (2607)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) – SUE JENKINS (2582-2584, 2590-2592, 2594, 2601, 2602, 2606, 2607)
Jimmy Corkhill – DEAN SULLIVAN (2575-2579, 2581-2586, 2588-2592, 2594, 2595, 2597-2604, 2606, 2607, 2609-2613)
William Corkhill – JACK MYTHEN (2582, 2583, 2607)
Anthea Dixon, formerly Brindley (nee Russell) – BARBARA HATWELL (2573-2579, 2581, 2583-2585, 2587, 2589, 2603-2614)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O’Farrell) – IRENE MAROT (2581)
Ron Dixon – VINCE EARL (2572-2579, 2581, 2585-2587, 2589, 2602-2614)
Mike Dixon – PAUL BYATT (2573, 2577-2579, 2581, 2586, 2591, 2592, 2595, 2600-2605, 2607-2614)
Rachel Dixon, formerly Wright (nee Jordache) – TIFFANY CHAPMAN (2573, 2574, 2578, 2579, 2581, 2582, 2591-2593, 2595, 2600-2602, 2604, 2605, 2607, 2609-2614)
Beth Dixon (2572, 2578, 2579, 2591, 2603, 2604)
Jacqui Dixon-Farnham (nee Dixon) – ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (2572-2575, 2577-2583, 2600-2605, 2607-2614)
Max Farnham – STEVEN PINDER (2572-2583, 2600-2604, 2607-2611, 2613, 2614)
Harry Farnham (2576-2579, 2581-2583, 2600-2603)
Emma Farnham (2576-2579, 2581, 2582, 2600-2603)
Jessie Hilton, formerly Shadwick – MARJI CAMPI (2582-2592, 2599, 2601, 2602, 2607)
Ray Hilton – KENNETH COPE (2577, 2581, 2582, 2586-2591, 2600-2602, 2605-2607, 2610, 2611)
Jerome Johnson – LEON LOPEZ (2582, 2584, 2585, 2601, 2602, 2605, 2607, 2610)
Brigid McKenna – MEG JOHNSON (2573-2575, 2586, 2589-2595, 2598, 2599)
Clint Moffat – GREG PATERAS (2587)
Robbie Moffat – NEIL DAVIES (2575-2577, 2579, 2581, 2582, 2602 stand-in, 2603, 2606, 2609, 2610)
Diane Murray (nee McKenna) – BERNIE NOLAN (2572-2575, 2584-2601, 2603, 2605, 2608, 2609, 2611)
Marty Murray – NEIL CAPLE (2572-2575, 2584-2601, 2603, 2608-2611)
Steve Murray – STEVEN FLETCHER (2585-2599, 2602, 2603, 2606)
Adele Murray – KATY LAMONT (2572-2575, 2583, 2584, 2591-2593, 2595, 2596, 2598, 2599, 2601)
Anthony Murray – RAYMOND QUINN (2574, 2575, 2586, 2593-2601, 2605, 2609-2611)
Christy Murray – GLYN PRITCHARD (2573, 2576, 2583-2588, 2590, 2593-2598, 2604)
Emily O’Leary (nee Shadwick) – JENNIFER ELLISON (2572, 2573, 2575, 2578-2582, 2585, 2592, 2593, 2595-2599, 2601-2605, 2607)
Tim “Tinhead” O’Leary – PHILIP OLIVIER (2572, 2573, 2577-2599, 2601-2604, 2607)
Lindsey Phelan, formerly Stanlow (nee Corkhill) – CLAIRE SWEENEY (2574-2578, 2583, 2589-2591, 2594, 2599-2606, 2609-2613)
Lance Powell – MICKEY POPPINS (2576, 2581, 2583, 2584, 2590, 2593, 2594, 2598)
Leanne Powell – VICKIE GATES (2573, 2576, 2584, 2593-2595)
Katie Rogers – DIANE BURKE (2572, 2574-2578, 2581-2583, 2585-2589, 2608-2611, 2613, 2614)
Sammy Rogers, formerly Daniels (nee Rogers) – RACHAEL LINDSAY (2614)
Nikki Shadwick – SUZANNE COLLINS (2573, 2574, 2577, 2582, 2583, 2585, 2586, 2589-2592, 2595, 2598, 2600-2602, 2605-2607, 2609)
Kylie Stanlow – HANNAH DOWD (2584, 2607, 2612, 2613)

Imelda Clough – BILLIE CLEMENTS (2593, 2594, 2596, 2597, 2600, 2601)
Detective Inspector Holden – RAY BURNSIDE (2579)
Paige Howard – CHELSEA FARRELL (2593-2597, 2600)
Dr Neil Kelly – GUY PARRY (2577, 2582, 2583, 2586, 2589, 2600, 2604, 2607, 2608)
Shirley Moffat – ESTHER WILSON (2574, 2577)
Lisa Morrisey – NINA MARC (2575-2577)
Lloyd Palmer – GERARD HUNTER (2583, 2584)
Michelle Tan – STACEY LIU (2583, 2584)
Joey Weller – SCOTT BURKERT (2583, 2584)
“Quiet Paul”, barman (2585)

Janet Eccles, Registrar – KATE DOHERTY (2581) [ Nurse Wright (1815) ]
George West – MARK FLETCHER (2604) [ Colin Baker (1640) / Jonathan Broadbent (2061) ]
Detective Sergeant Priestley – ROBERT CALVERT (2592) [ Policeman (1584) ]
Clerk of the Court – DARRYL FISHWICK (2614) [ Michelle Burton (1624, 1706, 1714) ]

Sol Bennett – DANNY LAWRENCE (2603, 2604)
Joanne Burrows – LINDA-JANE HOLMES (2605)
Richard Dobson, Defence Barrister – JOHN DUTTINE (2609-2611, 2613, 2614)
David Dunn – PAUL DUCKWORTH (2586)
Becky Lewis – JENNY SCOTT (2602)
Mrs Jill Plummer – CAROLYN PICKLES (2608)
Julia West – JOY BLAKEMAN (2604)
Nigel Westbrook, Prosecution Barrister – MALCOLM STODDARD (2609-2611, 2613, 2614)

Mr Neville – MALCOLM JAMES (2593)
Roger – NICK LEECH (2591)
WPC Williams – VICTORIA BYRNE (2577)
Judge – KAREN ARCHER (2609-2611, 2613, 2614)
Loan Man – JONATHAN ROBY (2613)

Dan Connolly, a successful applicant (2586)
Cooper, a pupil (2597)

There is a short sequence in episode 2577 in which the journey of Lindsey, Jimmy and Tim along a pavement in pursuit of Robbie is shown as a series of fades – and, later in that episode, there is a rapid camera pan from Shirley Moffat to WPC Williams, at a completely different location, holding a shoe in a bag.

Episode 2581 is the first since episode 750 whose part one does not end with one of the standard “End of Part One” caption slides of the Close. Instead, these words are superimposed over the last images of the action in that instalment – Max and Jacqui kissing on the ferry on which they have just been married.

The appearances of Clint Moffat in episode 2587 are only in very brief flashbacks of three scenes with Katie Rogers from earlier episodes.

In episode 2614, we see Anthea at home, packing, preparing to leave, and leaving, while we hear various officials speaking in the courtroom.

The performers portraying the clerk of the court and both of the barristers in the trial of Ron Dixon would all appear in similar roles, sometimes in the same episodes, in the 2004 Mersey Television daytime drama series “The Courtroom” !

Trivia

The storylines:

There are money troubles all around the Close, as Diane and Marty are forced to abandon their IVF treatment after achieving more strife than pregnancy, Steve can’t find another job, Rachel and Mike’s loan becomes fully repayable on demand after they default on the instalments, and Tim plans a return to crime in the hope of improving his and Emily’s lifestyle. Meanwhile, Ray curbs the temptation facing Jessie in young doctor Neil, and Christy drives a wedge between Lance and Leanne – but Nikki gives Jerome another chance, and Jacqui marries Max. Imelda and Paige return to bully Anthony again, Jimmy and Jackie are divorced, and Lindsey also leaves Jimmy when she gets a new job in Newcastle. But Rod makes a brief return, and Nisha also persuades Sammy to come back to support Katie, who is still not handling the loss of Clint at all well in the weeks leading up the trial of Ron for his murder. Robbie isn’t exactly helping, determined to make the Dixons’ lives as difficult as possible – even if he has to confess to burglary in court to clear Clint’s name and discredit Ron’s evidence. And Anthea’s failure to convincingly lie under oath spells the end of her marriage – but is Ron going to lose his freedom forever?

The dates:

Based on dialogue in episode 2572, it is Friday in episode 2575; and, based on dialogue in episodes 2574, 2575, 2577, 2578, 2579 and 2582, it is Wednesday 12th September in episodes 2577 and 2578, it is Thursday 13th September in episode 2579, and it is Friday 14th September in episode 2581. Based on dialogue in episodes 2583 and 2585, it is/was Friday in episode 2584; and, based on dialogue in episode 2584, it is Tuesday in episode 2585. It is Friday in episode 2587; and, based on a letter seen in episode 2576 and dialogue in episode 2589, it is 1st October 2001 in episodes 2587 and 2588 and it is 2nd October 2001 in episode 2589. It is 2001 in episode 2595; and, based on dialogue in episodes 2597 and 2598, it is the same Wednesday in both of these episodes, and it was Tuesday in episode 2596. It is Hallowe’en in episode 2601; it is Bonfire Night [or 3rd November – see “Goofs” below] in episode 2603; and Christmas is in “a few weeks’ time” in episode 2605. Based on dialogue in episode 2606, in which it is November, and episode 2607, it is Friday in episode 2608; and, based on dialogue in episode 2608, it was Wednesday in episode 2606 and Thursday in episode 2607. It is Monday, then Tuesday in episode 2611; and it is still Tuesday in episode 2612. In episode 2573, Marty tells Adele that it will take her until the year 2010 to pay for contact lenses; and, in episode 2601, Jimmy recalls that Trevor Jordache was killed and buried under the patio in 1993.

Name-checks:

Olga Korbut (2573); “Lord Snooty” (2573); Rocky Marciano (2573); Hugh Hefner (2573); Gandhi (2574); Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones / “Kirk Douglas’s lad and that Welsh girl” (2575 / 2606); “The ‘A’ Team” (2577); “The Tweenies” (2577); “Jekyll and Hyde” (2578, 2594); “Bullet” [film] (2580); Rivaldo [footballer] (2582); “Countdown” (2583, 2605); “Midas” (2583); “Pinnocchio” (2583); “Bonnie and Clyde” (2584); Brad Pitt (2584); Jeremy Paxman (2587); Russell Crowe (2587); King Solomon (2590); “Full Monty” (2591); “Casanova” (2592); “Village People” (2593); Tyson (2594); “Heart and Soul” by Cilla and Dusty (2594); Kate Bush (2596, 2598); Al Capone (2596); “Bill Sikes” (2598); “The Artful Dodger” (2598); Timmy Mallett (2598); “Rugrats” (2598); “Miss Clampett” (2600); “Willy Wonka” (2601); Madonna (2602); Erving Goffman, psychologist (2602); “Smurf” (2602); Tony Blair / Blair (2602 / 2604); “Dick Dastardly” (2603); “The Sopranos” (2603); “Through The Keyhole” (2604); Rolf Harris (2604); “Ena Sharples” (2606); “Jack Robinson” [expression] (2612); and “Bambi” (2612).

Locations:

All of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool.

Births:

None. In episode 2607 Diane recalls that she lost a baby “last New Year”, and in episode 2605 Adele recalls that she had an abortion when she was 15. It is her 16th birthday in episode 2575, which she says is both “next month” and “on Friday” in episode 2572. But she is 15 again in episode 2583 [see “Goofs” below]. It is Harry’s birthday in episode 2579 – although Lindsey implies that he is already three years old in episode 2577 [not that she would necessarily know!]; it is Emily’s 18th birthday – being prepared for in episode 2597 – in episode 2599, and it is Jimmy’s 50th birthday, which is “tomorrow” in episode 2606, in episode 2607. Katie’s lad / Clint was 23 (2573 / 2585); Diane is 37 (2574, 2596); Max is 44 (2575) – although he is “nearly twice Jacqui’s age” and “in his late forties” according to an exaggerating Ron (2573); Lindsey is 29 (2575); Anthony is 11 – according to Steve, who is rounding up by a few months (2596); Jacqui is 25 (2604); Jessie is “60-something”, according to Neil (2604) / 62, according to Emily (2605), and Neil is half her age (2606); Ron is 53 (2607) / 50 (2612) [see “Goofs” below]; Jerome is 22 next week (2610); and Ray was 22 in 1956 (2612).

Marriages:

One – Max Farnham marries Jacqui Dixon in episode 2581, on 14th September (2574), which is “two weeks on Friday” (2575) / “tomorrow” (2579) / “yesterday” (2582) / “in summer” (2614). Jackie and Jimmy have been married “nearly 30 years” according to Anthea (2583) / “30 years” (2601) / “29 years” (2604); their decree nisi indicates that they were married on 2nd December 1971 at St Christopher’s Church, Manor Park, Liverpool (2589); and the decree absolute brings their marriage to an end in episode 2606. We are also reminded that Diane and Marty have been married for seven years (2596); and we are told that Billy and Sheila [Corkhill] are “still together, still happy” (2599).

Deaths:

None. We are reminded that Susannah died “a few months ago” (2572) / “on Bonfire Night” (2580) / “a year ago to the day” (2603) [see “Goofs” below], and her gravestone indicates that she died in 2000 (2581, 2582); it is two years ago tomorrow / today that Emily’s father and brother died (2572 / 2573); Clint was 23 when he died (2573, 2585); and Ron’s father died on a New Year’s Eve (2605). Unseen characters who are no longer alive but mentioned are Ray’s uncle Ernie, a cartoonist who died during the war as a prisoner-of-war in Burma (2605); Renee, Ray’s first wife (2605, 2611), the second anniversary of whose death it is in episode 2611; and Geoff, Anthea’s first husband (2613).

Toilet visits:

Robbie (2581); Diane (2584 and 2588); Katie (2589); Emily (2592); Steve (2593 – flushing after 23 seconds, returning after 33 seconds); Christy (2598 – against a wall); Adele (2599); Tim (2601); Rachel (2602); and Ron (2609). When Diane goes in episode 2588, Christy asks her to have one for him too.

Characters mentioned, so far unseen, but who will be appearing later:

Jan, Marty’s first wife (2591, 2597, 2598); Lyn, Sol’s wife (2604); and [one of] Imelda Clough’s parents (2608).

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

Leo Johnson (2572, 2585); Sotto (2572, 2573, 2574, 2583, 2595); Susannah Morrisey / Susannah (2572 / 2575, 2576, 2577, 2580, 2601, 2603, 2605, 2607, 2608); Jason (2573); Bev (2573, 2576, 2581, 2583, 2585, 2590, 2593, 2595, 2597, 2598, 2613); Katrina / Trina / Katrina Evans (2573, 2590, 2591, 2594 / 2576, 2587 / 2586); Nathan (2573, 2575, 2579, 2581, 2600); Clint / Clint Moffat / Clinton Moffat / Clinton David Moffat (2574, 2576, 2578, 2581, 2583, 2585, 2588, 2589 / 2577 / 2609, 2611, 2614 / 2610); Father Pat (2574, 2575); Patricia (2575, 2580); Peter [Phelan] (2576); Val (2577, 2582, 2583, 2584, 2590, 2592, 2594, 2600, 2602); Little Jimmy / Jimmy (2578 / 2612 ); Darren / Dr Roebuck (2579 / 2608); Vic [toria] (2579); Faye (2580); Greg (2582, 2588); Simon (2589); Jeff Evans / Katrina’s father (2590, 2591, 2592, 2593 / 2594); Cheryl Smith (2594); Nisha’s mother (2594, 2596, 2606) and father (2606); Frederico (2598); Sheila Grant / Sheila (2599 / 2607); Billy (2599, 2607); Margi (2599); Sinbad (2601); Mandy Jordache (2601); Beth [Jordache] (2601, 2602, 2605, 2608); Trevor Jordache / Trevor (2601 / 2604); Ian Leigh (2602); Loyd Grossman (2604); Bernie [Connor] (2605); Ron’s father (2605); Ollie Simpson (2605); Tracy [Corkhill] (2607); Mick “Johnno” (2607); Gary (2609); Kitty Hilton (2611); Tony (2612); the Finnegans (2612); and Megan (2613).

And those that are also mentioned, but are destined to remain unseen forever:

Mr Jones, a teacher (2573); Billy, a member of the bar staff (2573); Jessica Dealy, a classmate of Adele who has contact lenses (2573); Mr Lloyd, Lisa’s solicitor (2576); Michelle’s mother (2584); Mrs Carter, Katie and Nisha’s supervisor (2585); Mr Donnelly of Donnelly’s Garage, to whom Steve has applied for a job (2590); Chantale, assistant at the shop “Ganders” at which Jessie has shopped (2590); Dr Romani at the fertility clinic, who Diane telephones (2591); Robert, a friend of Anthony, and his mother (2593); Imelda’s sister (2595); Father O’Brien, who walked in on Diane the first time she was having sex (2596); Mr Frazer, [Rodney Bennett] headmaster (2598); Bullseye, Leanne and Lance’s dog when they were younger (2598); Dexter, who lives next-door-but-one to Brigid (2598); Stephanie, a friend of Kylie (2601); Shireen, a mate of Becky (2602); Sheila, in the Health Club office (2603); Sol’s sister-in-law (2604); Neil’s mother (2604); Eve, Sol’s daughter (2604); Hazel from the “Old Swan” salon (2605); Rose McGuinness, an old flame of Ray’s (2605); Tixie and Addock from Runcorn, Ray’s wartime mates (2605); Lorraine Nelson, a bully who tried to make Nisha sing “Onward Christian Soldiers” (2606); Paul O’Brien, Anthony’s year head (2608); one of Imelda Clough’s parents (2608); and Mrs Carroll, Kylie’s teacher (2613).

Goofs:

In episode 2573, Brigid’s fifth word should probably have been in the possessive rather than the second: “Your appointment’s with the specialist tomorrow, isn’t it?”; and in episode 2574, Max’s third word, “to”, goes missing: “Just seeing a bit of business, you know.”.

It is erroneously implied by Max in episode 2580 that Susannah died on Bonfire Night, rather than 3rd November. Not only is he still of this opinion, but Jacqui is also similarly convinced, in episode 2603.

Eight episodes after Adele celebrates her sixteenth birthday in episode 2575, the following dialogue from episode 2583 is a rare example of sheer carelessness:

Quote:

LANCE: I know for a fact you’re only 15.
ADELE: Yeah, but I look older.

As an official document, Jimmy’s decree absolute, seen in episode 2606, should surely mention the full and proper names of the parties involved – and, although the ex-wife is “Mrs Jacqueline Corkhill”, the ex-husband is “Mr Jimmy Corkhill”.

Ron is knocking a few years off for no apparent reason in episode 2612 – “I’m 50 years of age.” – and Anthea’s declaration in episode 2613 that she has known Ron for 20 years, but didn’t see him for 17 of them, contradicts dialogue in episodes 2114 and 2551 regarding when they met (when they were about 9 / nearly 31 years ago). As time has moved on, it seems that she has known him for progressively less and less of it…

In episode 2613, both the loan man and Mike refer to the loan company inconsistently with the name on the letter that was seen in episode 2591 – “North Mersey Securities Ltd”. According to the loan man, he is from “North Merseyside Securities”, and, according to Mike, it’s “North West Securities”. But in episode 2614, Mike calls the company “North Merseyside Securities” as well!

Trivia:

Kylie has a cuddly toy tiger called “Mr Stripes”, which she leaves with Jimmy (2613); and Beth has a “Special Saver Account” – number 367848920009 with the Merseyside and Widnes Building Society, which has a balance of £300.00 in episode 2595, but a balance of zero in episode 2600, because Rachel has withdrawn £312.55, including £12.55 interest earned since the original deposit, to repay an instalment of their loan, which totals at £5,230 by episode 2613. In episode 2591 she receives a final demand dated Monday 8th October 2001 from the lender – North Mersey Securities Ltd, Longhume House, 100-102 Fleetham Street Liverpool L1 1LM, whose telephone number is 0151 496 4960, whose fax number is the [strangely familiar…….] 0151 692 6149, and whose reference number is 86902 DIXM; and in episode 2576, Ron also receives a letter, dated September 2001, from his solicitor, David Mowrem, whose telephone number appears to be 0151 228 0168. It advises him to attend his pre-trial hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 2nd October 2001 at 11.30 am. Both letters are correctly addressed to 8 Brookside Close, Manor Park, Liverpool L43 6TZ. Although he has previously quoted a higher figure, Ron is now of the fairly accurate view that he has lived next door to Max for ten years (2573). His mobile phone displays the number of “Jacq” as 07960381286 (2612), his trial takes place in Court 3 (2613, 2614), and the headline of a newspaper report about it reads “Manor Park Gun Trial Begins” (2609).

Jimmy reveals that Sheila and Billy are still together, and still happy (2599); and Rod reveals that Sheila now has two flower shops, and Billy now weighs 18 stone and is as grey as a badger (2607). Jimmy’s pills bottle indicates that he got them from MANOR PARK PHARMACY, MANOR PARK AVENUE, MANOR PARK, LIVERPOOL (2590). The maxims on his computer screen are LESSON 3: BEWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES NB FORGET THE CONSEQUENCES LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (2590); RULE FOUR: LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES! (2592); and YEAR ZERO, DAY 2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FREE (2608); he is seen consulting a book entitled “Indispensable Internet” (2594); and he sends an electronic greetings card “To Jacqui and Max – Congratulations on your very special day. Love, Jimmy.” (2576). The newlyweds honeymoon in Barbados (2583, 2600) – and Rachel and Mike remind them thay they had their honeymoon there too, although that one was also meant to be Jacqui’s! (2600). The schools Lisa wants Max to consider for Harry and Emma, costing £1,000 a term, include Wenton Hall Primary School (2575). Jacqui, whose health club is called “Brookside Place Health Club” (2603), reminds him that Lindsey once stole £11,000 from her (2601); and, after she promises to pay him, but fails to, Max pays Ray £257.76 for 144 tiles he obtained for Susannah’s kitchen (2605, 2607). Ray, who has a hiatus hernia (2583) and did his national service in Malaya (2605, 2610), takes Ron, Anthea and Jessie – who is seen looking at Neil’s October 2001 issue of “BLAST” magazine (2588) – to the Elmwood Bowling Club (2587). Neil is seen reading an article entitled “Hand Analysis and Sexuality” (2590), and discusses it with Nikki, who reveals that her old mate Bernie has dropped out of her course at university, with £3,000 of debt (2605).

Adele gets three A’s and five 5’s in her GCSEs (2572); Jan left Marty ten years ago (2597); Diane won a talent contest in Llandudno in 1995 against a six-year-old from Wigan and a half-dead septagenarian (2595); the junior school which Anthony, Imelda and Paige went to was “Blessed Rodney Bennett” (2593, 2608); and Christy, who is seen reading – well, looking at – a magazine called “PHWOAR!” (2590) – was in Borstal for six months as a kid (2597). In episode 2576, an e-mail he discovers Leanne has written to Bev reads as follows:

Bev, things are getting worse. The police want to make an example of you and you’ve been on the front page of the Echo as a wanted woman and the telly’s been here filming the bar. Don’t worry, I told them where to go. If I was you I’d stay as far away as poss. Love Leanne xxxx

Leanne sings – if it can be called that – “It’s A Heartache” and “Congratulations” (2584). She and Lance had a dog called “Bullseye” when they were young (2598), and he confirms DD’s suspicions that [unlike her own children!] he went to Manor Park Comprehensive (2581). Tim claims, dubiously, that he once played the Artful Dodger in a school play (2598). He and Steve visit J. EVANS CAR SALES, leaving it with a somewhat smashed showroom window, in episode 2591.

Newspaper articles with headlines “GUILTY! Body under patio pair sentenced”, “POLICE IDENTIFY BODY UNDER PATIO”, “BODY UNDER PATIO: POLICE SEEK WOMAN” and “WANTED: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS FAMILY?” are seen on Jimmy’s walls in episode 2601. He prints signs reading “DON’T GET CAUGHT” and “IF YOU DO GET CAUGHT, DON’T WHINGE!” in episode 2588, puts them up on Tim’s wall in episode 2589, and they are still there in episodes 2592 and 2593. Clint’s previous address, to which Katie sent him love letters, was Hostel San Miguel, Calle Roldan, Alicante, Spain (2574). There is a “Fletcher’s” for sale sign, similar to those seen previously, on “Trina’s Tots” in episodes 2592 and 2594; there are posters of Britney Spears, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton on Emily’s bedroom wall in episode 2580; there is a poster of the “Chemical Brothers” on Anthony’s bedroom wall in episode 2598, and there are posters of Kate Bush on Adele’s bedroom wall in the same episode, in which she listens to music by that artist. Brigid (2573), Jacqui (2575), Nikki (2582, 2586, 2609), Tim (2586), Nisha (2586), Marty (2590), Mr Neville (2593), Ron (2602), Jackie (2606), the judge (2609, 2614), Lindsey (2611), and Anthea (2614) are all right-handed, whereas Mike (2586, 2601), and Diane (2595) are left-handed.

“Blink-and-you-miss it” moments:

In episode 2587, just after he has delivered his bowl, and having made sure that Ray is not able to see him, Ron shoves the mat a few yards backwards with his foot, so that his opponent needs to bowl a longer distance to reach the jack!

In episode 2594, Christy brings in rain-mates that he plans to sell in the bar – and for just 15 seconds in one of their scenes in the bar later on in that episode, Tim and Steve are each wearing one while they chat over a drink!

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Max assures a reluctant Mike that, as Ron wanted, he and Jacqui can look after “Great Grannies” in his absence. He prepares to set off for home with Jacqui, who has just returned from an emotional few minutes visiting Ron in his cell, and assuring him that everybody will help him to get through the nine-month sentence he has just received for illegally obtaining and possessing a firearm. But Katie sees them, and attacks her former friend both verbally and physically, insisting that she will demand a re-trial. Jacqui protests that Ron has been acquitted of the murder and manslaughter of Clint, and Katie will have to learn to let go and move on. But she storms off, declaring that it’s not over for her – she is not being cheated of justice…