Season Thirteen Episode Guide

Episode 501 (M 17-08-87 “Stabbed”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

The robbery attempt goes disastrously wrong for Billy. Bobby finally plucks up the courage to tell Sheila what he has done.

Episode 502 (T 18-08-87 “Token Gestures”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Bobby and Sheila have a tense lunch with Stan and Mrs Higgins. Billy tried to find out the condition of the stabbed supermarket manager. When Harry finds his tomatoes all over the Close, he decides to set up an action group. There is not much harmony among the members of the band.

Episode 503 (M 24-08-87 “A Quiet Close”) Written by Kathleen Potter

Harry wants to show potential housebuyer Alison what a quiet close she would be moving to, but Tracy returns home in tears after being attacked, and Mona starts throwing crockery out of the bedroom window, accusing Paul and Annabelle of attempted murder.

Episode 504 (T 25-08-87 “Easier Said Than Done”) Written by Kathleen Potter

Harry’s meeting is not very well attended. Gene comes to the Close to confront Billy and threaten Tracy. Paul and Annabelle are disappointed when Mona’s doctor refuses to sign her committal forms.

Episode 505 (M 31-08-87 “We Don’t Need Them”) Written by Valerie Windsor

Both factions of the band plan to dump the other after the gig. Tracy sees Billy in town talking to the man who attacked her. Paul finds it hard to keep the pace when he unexpectedly meets someone else who is training for the Marathon.

Episode 506 (T 01-09-87 “Double Crossing”) Written by Valerie Windsor

Paul and Annabelle receive an unexpected visit from a social worker. Pat leave the Close for Dubai, but not before double-crossing Harry.

Episode 507 (M 07-09-87 “Forward Planning”) Written by Barry Woodward

The honeymooners return, and Jonathan finds out that Laura has been applying for a new job. Harry places a bet on the results of the Mersey Marathon. Mona decides to change her will to leave her home to Gordon.

Episode 508 (T 08-09-87 “Doubters”) Written by Barry Woodward

Both Jonathan and Harry take the credit when there is a flurry of activity around the hole in the Close. Laura has second thoughts about her job offer, but so does Jonathan. Harry is determined to sell his house, but is unaware that there is a conspiracy against him.

Episode 509 (M 14-09-87 “Exposing”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Gene spills the wrong beans when he is arrested. Mona sees more than she bargained for when she turns up unexpectedly at Harry’s, and reports him to the police for indecent exposure and possession of chocolate. Ralph fails to heed Paul’s warnings about the dangers of trowels.

Episode 510 (T 15-09-87 “Disturbing The Peace”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Annabelle draws the line at Paul’s ideas about repelling ants. Doreen decides to leave Billy. Laura tells Jonathan where he can stick his new CD system.

Episode 511 (M 21-09-87 “Making A Will”) Written by Allan Swift

Harry decides that he and Ralph should prepare their wills, leading Ralph to wonder of he has any living relatives. Mona readily accepts Gordon’s suggested solution to Paul and Annabelle’s problems. Billy is convinced that he is about to be arrested, but he gets a bigger shock when he goes into Tracy’s bedroom.

Episode 512 (T 22-09-87 “Tiles”) Written by Helen J. Wilson

Annabelle is concerned when she can’t get any answer when ringing Kendal. Doreen is concerned when Billy is taken away for questioning by the police. Sinbad’s roof-tiling money-making scheme is not one of his greatest successes.

Episode 513 (M 28-09-87 “Line-up”) Written by Peter Cox

Rod is sent home while Billy is questioned, and Doreen’s panic increases when she hears that there is to be an identity parade. Harry cannot agree with Alison on what is to happen to his furniture. Ralph discovers that his advert is open to misinterpretation.

Episode 514 (T 29-09-87 “Burgers”) Written by Peter Cox

Billy cannot understand why Riordan failed to recognise him at the identity parade. Jonathan attempts to demonstrate his barbecuing skills. Paul brings Mona back from Kendal, but it is clear that she still needs help.

Episode 515 (M 05-10-87 “Barbecues”) Written by Valerie Windsor

Laura takes her ring off, but when she goes to put it back on she can’t find it. Jamie needs somewhere to stay, but discovers that Julia is looking after Rod and Tracy.

Episode 516 (T 06-10-87 “Looking”) Written by Valerie Windsor

Ralph decides to go to the cemetery in search of clues about his ancestors. Julia is not amused when she finds out that Jamie has been staying in the Corkhills’ garage, Laura spends the whole day searching for her ring.

Episode 517 (M 12-10-87 “Cracks”) Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce

There is a happy reunion for Damon and Debbie, but there have been one or two changes while they have been apart. Ralph tries to find out who is putting flowers on Jean’s grave.

Episode 518 (T 13-10-87 “Mockery”) Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Damon puts his foot in it in a big way with Debbie. Ralph finds himself following a treasure hunt.

Episode 519 (M 19-10-87 “24 Today”) Written by Andy Lynch

Annabelle is not convinced that Paul should be running the Mersey Marathon, or that he should be allowing Matty to use their shower. It’s Laura’s 24th birthday, but she is totally unprepared for the shock which awaits her…….

Episode 520 (T 20-10-87 “Alive, Just….”) Written by Andy Lynch

Damon wants Debbie to come and stay, but Bobby and Sheila have other ideas. Paul and Annabelle hear that someone they know has died. Jonathan is not prepared for what he finds when he returns home to look for Laura.

Episode 521 (M 26-10-87 “Exhibits”) Written by Susan Pleat

Billy discovers that he is going to have to pay a price for his freedom. Paul runs the Marathon, but will he finish it?

Episode 522 (T 27-10-87 “And Then There Was One”) Written by Jim Hitchmough

Geoff becomes less optimistic about Laura’s chances of recovery, and tries to find out how the accident could have happened. Annabelle is concerned by Paul’s twinges before and during the Marathon, but Matty reassures her. Doreen pleads with Billy not to go along with Riordan’s plan. Damon and Debbie leave, and Sheila feels that she and Bobby have let them down.

The spin-off Damon and Debbie is set after this episode and before episode 529.

Episode 523 (M 02-11-87 “Bathrobe”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Barry tries to convince both his new girlfriend Ursula and Terry that he has turned over a new leaf and branched out into the tree business, but then he has to made a quick getaway minus his underpants from the home of a gangster with a sh-sh-sh-shotgun.

Episode 524 (T 03-11-87 “s-s-Sullied”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Sizzler turns up on the Close in search of his missing bathrobe. Jonathan receives bad news about Laura. Billy has to choose between Doreen and Riordan.

Episode 525 (M 09-11-87 “Not Today, Santa”) Written by Alan McDonald

Sinbad makes a series of bad moves, and there is bad news for Terry. Harry is offered the post of Part Time Joint Membership Co-ordinator of the Commonwealth and Empire Club, whose responsibilities sound suspiciously similar to those of a doorman…

Episode 526 (T 10-11-87 “Community Service”) Written by Alan McDonald

Bobby is concerned when Barry gets Sheila a video recorder, and annoyed when he finds out why. Terry moves in with Jonathan, who helps him to reach an amicable settlement with Harry. Billy and Jimmy confront Riordan, and Sizzler outlines his community s-s-s-service requirements.

Episode 527 (M 16-11-87 “That’s It”) Written by Kathleen Potter

Barry puts two and two together, and Jonathan discovers what – and who – caused Laura’s accident. Doreen has to decide whether she will go back to Billy. Now that Harry is the Commonwealth and Empire Club doorman, Ralph has no chance of meeting the entrance requirements.

Episode 528 (T 17-11-87 “Non-active Status”) Written by Helen J. Wilson

Laura’s parents are concerned to find that Terry has moved in with Jonathan, and refuse to prepare for the worst. Billy’s hopes of a reconciliation with Doreen are dashed. Ralph finally gains entry to the Commonwealth and Empire Club, only to discover that he isn’t actually allowed to do anything there…

Episode 529 (M 23-11-87 “Complications”) Written by John Oakden

Harry is still taking his role at the Commonwealth and Empire Club seriously. Barry and Sinbad return some stolen property. Bobby and Sheila prepare for a night out, unaware that some terrible news is about to be brought to them…

Episode 530 (T 24-11-87 “Our Fault”) Written by John Oakden

Bobby and Sheila go to identify Damon’s body, leaving Billy to break the news to Barry. Sheila blames herself, while Bobby blames Debbie……. A visitor to Jonathan’s makes Terry wonder what the new year will bring.

Episode 531 (M 30-11-87 “Vigil”) Written by Barry Woodward

Damon’s body is brought home, and Sheila prepares for an all-night vigil. There are other unexpected arrivals.

Episode 532 (T 01-12-87 “A Special Fella”) Written by Barry Woodward

At Damon’s final farewell, Barry decides to set the record straight. New residents arrive on the Close.

Episode 533 (M 07-12-87 “Tolerance”) Written by Andy Lynch

Harry makes an effort to be nice to his new tenants, the Rogers family, but starts to regret it. Rod becomes romantic with Kirsty. Paul and Annabelle agree to let Chris stay with them for a while.

Episode 534 (T 08-12-87 “Snakes”) Written by Andy Lynch

Harry finds that he has to seek reassurances that his new tenants have no mad dogs, pet snakes or grass growing in their living room. Paul and Sammy are both aware that “Growler” is playing truant, but will either of them tell his parents?

Episode 535 (M 14-12-87 “Fairy Lights”) Written by Jim Hitchmough

Terry is full of Christmas cheer, until he is stranded with nowhere to go. Billy receives a letter from Doreen.

Episode 536 (T 15-12-87 “Presents”) Written by Allan Swift

Sitting in for his father as Santa, Terry decides to try to impress Sue by leaving the present she asks for at her office, but she thinks she is being stalked and gets Jonathan to lodge a complaint with the store. As Christmas approaches, Billy hopes that his luck is changing.

Episode 537 (M 21-12-87 “A Quiet Christmas”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

The Grants are about to go away for Christmas, but something is holding them back. Gordon makes a confession, and so does Terry. When Chrissy asks Frank to invite a couple of the neighbours for a drink on her behalf, the ones that arrive aren’t who she is expecting..

Episode 538 (T 22-12-87 “Christmas Dinner”) Written by Jimmy McGovern

Laura’s parents disapprove of Jonathan’s plans for Christmas and the future. There is conflict in the Rogers household on Christmas Day, while the Collins family find Mona’s allegations difficult to believe.

The Cast

Annabelle Collins (nee Harvey) – DOREEN SLOANE (503-512, 514-516, 519, 521, 522, 533, 534, 537, 538)
Paul Collins – JIM WIGGINS (503-512, 514-516, 519, 521, 522, 533, 534, 537, 538)
Gordon Collins – MARK BURGESS (507, 511, 514, 533, 534, 537, 538)
Billy Corkhill – JOHN McARDLE (501-506, 508-514, 521-530, 533-536)
Doreen Corkhill (nee Brogan) – KATE FITZGERALD (501-506, 508-514, 521-524)
Rod Corkhill – JASON HOPE (503-505, 508-510, 512-516, 525-530, 533-535)
Tracy Corkhill – JUSTINE KERRIGAN (503-505, 509, 511-516, 527-530, 533-536)
Harold Cross – BILL DEAN (502-504, 506-509, 511, 513, 516-518, 525-529, 532-534)
Jonathan Gordon-Davies – STEVEN PINNER (507, 508, 510-528, 532, 536, 538)
Laura Gordon-Davies (nee Wright) – JANE CUNLIFFE (507, 508, 510-523, 538)
Bobby Grant – RICKY TOMLINSON (501, 502, 504, 517-520, 522, 524, 526, 529-532, 537)
Sheila Grant – SUE JOHNSTON (501, 502, 504, 517-524, 526, 529-532, 537)
Barry Grant – PAUL USHER (522-524, 526-532, 537)
Damon Grant – SIMON O’BRIEN (517-522, 530 stand-in, 532)
Claire Grant – AMY LYNCH (501, 502, 517, 519, 522, 524, 526, 529, 531, 532, 537)
Pat Hancock – DAVID EASTER (501-506)
Ralph Hardwick – RAY DUNBOBBIN (502-504, 506, 508, 509, 511, 513, 516-518, 525, 527-529, 532-534)
Chrissy Rogers (nee Morgan) – EITHNE BROWNE (532-538) [ Previously Lindsey Mulholland (398) ]
Frank Rogers – PETER CHRISTIAN (532-538) [ Previously Frank Blackburn (6, 7, 17, 29, 35, 36) ]
Geoff “Growler” Rogers – KEVIN CARSON (533-538)
Katie Rogers – DEBBIE REYNOLDS (533, 534, 536-538)
Sammy Rogers – RACHAEL LINDSAY (533, 534, 536-538)
Terry Sullivan – BRIAN REGAN (503, 504, 506, 508, 523-528, 530, 535-538)

Ellie Blackshaw – GEDREN HELLER (502, 505, 506)
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) – GLADYS AMBROSE (515, 516, 521, 527, 537)
Donald “Ducksie” Brown – MARK BIRCH (532)
Kirsty Brown – JOANNA BLACK (510, 512, 527, 533, 534)
Mark Callaghan – DEAN WILLIAMS (532)
Jimmy Corkhill – DEAN SULLIVAN (501, 511, 521, 525, 526)
Trish Cosgrove – MAJELLA REYNOLDS (502, 504, 505)
Father Daley – HENRY MOXON (531, 532)
Christopher Duncan – STIFYN PARRI (507, 533, 534, 537)
Alison Fernie – ELLIE DARVILLE (503, 508, 513, 523-525)
Mr Fernie (525)
Mona Harvey – MARGARET CLIFTON (503, 504, 506-509, 511, 514, 516, 538)
Gizzmo Hawkins – ROBERT T CULLEN (531, 532)
Jamie Henderson – SEAN McKEE (505, 514-516, 527-530, 533, 536)
Mrs Angela Higgins – DEBORAH FAIRFAX (502)
Margaret Jefferson – BARBARA MARTEN (531, 532)
Tony Jefferson – RICHARD WALKER (531, 532)
Debbie McGrath – GILLIAN KEARNEY (517-522, 530-532)
Mr Tom McGrath – NICK MALONEY (518, 521)
Stan McHugh – IAN BLEASDALE (502, 504)
Matty Nolan – TONY SCOGGO (505, 507, 519, 521, 531, 532)
Fran Pearson – BERNADETTE FOLEY (501, 502, 505)
Dr Rebecca Smith – MIA SOTERIOU (515)
Jack Sullivan – WILLIAM MAXWELL (535-537)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) – MICHAEL STARKE (511, 512, 525, 527-530)
Michael “Tommo” Tomlinson – JOHN O’GORMAN (529)
Neil Wilson – FRANCIS IVEDIEBO (532)
Dorothy Wright – JACQUELINE MORGAN (512, 522, 523, 528, 536, 538)
Geoff Wright – ARTHUR KELLY (501, 512, 517, 522, 523, 528, 536, 538)
Joanne Wright – CARLEEN LUMDON (519, 522)
Gene – ALAN IGBON (501, 504, 505, 509)

Keith Riordan, Shop Manager – PAUL KELLY (501, 513, 521, 526) [Previously Gary Watson (19)]
Patti – SAFKA GREEN (515) [Previously Travel Agent Assistant (419)]

Andy Fielding – IAN CROSS (506)
Sue Harper – ANNIE MILES (530, 536, 537)
Dave Holland – MICHAEL GARNER (505)
Brian “Bumper” Humphreys – JAMES MAWDSLEY (535)
Arthur Parkinson – EDWARD CLAYTON (525, 527)

Alex – NICHOLAS FRY (515)
Barmaid – KATHRYN GEORGE (519)
Detective Inspector Balfour – JOHN ASHTON (509, 512, 513)
Doctor Khan – TARIQ ALIBAI (520, 523, 524)
Dr Goddard – ELIZABETH McKECHNIE (504)
Lou – HELEN BLAKEMAN (536)
Mrs Miller – CHRISTINE DAWE (513)
Radio voice – BILL DEAN (518 OOV)
Robber – TIM DANTAY (525)
Sizzler – RENNY KRUPINSKI (523, 524, 526, 529)
Snout – FRANK CULLEN (527)
Tim – MALCOLM SCATES (515)
Ursula – ELIZABETH NORTON (523)
Vicar’s Wife – DELIA CORRIE (528)

Carol and Michelle, Sue’s nieces (536)
Charlie, a Santa (535)
David, a boy (536)
Jerry, a robber (501)
Inspector Maddox (513)
Peter, Keith’s assistant (501)
Tom, a robber (501)

There is no cast list at all on the closing credits of episodes 537 and 538, in which the normal closing image of the Close quickly fades to the waving cast and crew, over which an alphabetical list of the whole year’s team is rolled, followed by the message “Brookside Wishes You A Happy Christmas”.

Trivia

The storylines:

As Christmas approaches, life changes for the residents, and mostly not for the better. The Grants discover that Damon has died, Laura has a tragic accident from which she also looks unlikely to recover, and Billy’s attempts to rid the Corkhills of their money worries only lead to Doreen leaving him. Paul and Annabelle briefly gain a spare room, as Mona is sent to a nursing home, but soon Gordon’s friend Chris has moved in with them. Terry also has to find somewhere else to live, after Pat leaves for a musical career overseas, but his luck with women doesn’t seem to be improving yet. Harry and Ralph pursue some new interests, and new tenants move in, two of whom would still be around nearly sixteen years later…….

The dates:

Episode 501 begins just 10 minutes after episode 500 ends – it is still Saturday, 15th August, which, in episode 509, is three weeks ago. The date on the cheque Harry signs in episode 506 is 1/9/87. It is September 1987 in episode 509, and the war has been over for 42 years. In episode 513, 5th October 1987 is suggested as the date for the barbecue, and it takes place in episode 515. It is Sunday in episode 516, and again in episode 521. It is “Bonnie Night” in episode 524, which is tomorrow in episode 523; and last Sunday was Remembrance Sunday in episode 525. In episode 527 it is Monday afternoon, and in episode 530 it will soon be 1988. In episode 532 it is the first day of December, and in episode 533 it is a year this yeek since Tracy started working at the salon. It is Monday in episode 536, Christmas Eve in episode 537 and Christmas Day in episode 538. A 1987 “Home Planner”, covering the second half of the year, can be seen on Jonathan and Laura’s wall in episode 513.

Name-checks:

Al Capone (501); Lady Di (501); Mrs Thatcher / Maggie (507, 508, 526); Hitler (509); James Bond (511, 536); Inspector Taggart (511); Ronnie Biggs (518); “The Archers” (521); John Travolta (523); s-s-s-Cinderella (523); Meryl Streep (525); Mike Tyson (525); Geoff Hurst, as rhyming slang (528); George Formby (528); Steve Davis (528); “Barnesy”, footballer (529); “Mr Angry”, “Mr Nosey” and “Mr Busybody” (534); Florence Nightingale (535); “Scrooge” (537) and Graham Souness (537).

Locations:

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

Births:

None. The radio description of Billy says he is “about 40” (502). Laura is (nearly?) 24 in episode 518, and it is her 24th (and last!) birthday in episode 519, in which Bobby is 50, and Sheila is 47 tomorrow. It is Jack’s birthday yesterday in episode 535. We are also told that Mona is now 74 (503); Paul is 65 (520), Debbie is 17 (522); Damon is, or was, 20 (531); Sammy is 14 (534, 537); Geoff is 12 (537) and Katie is 10 (537).

Marriages:

None. In episode 509, we are told that Doreen and Billy have been married 20 years.

Deaths:

One – it is revealed in episode 529 that Damon Grant has died, aged 20 (531); of a stab wound in York. Annabelle’s late father is mentioned again (504), and we are also reminded that Billy’s late brother Franky was stabbed years ago (513, 530). Ralph wisits the grave of his late mother, Eleanor, whose age was 63 when she died on September 5th, and his late father (516), and he also discovers that his cousin Jean (511, 516) died on 8th May 1978 aged 80, and is buried in the same cemetery (516). Paul and Annabelle hear that James/Jimmy Lincoln of the golf club, whose brother is a chemist in Hoylake, has died of a heart attack and was buried last Wednesday, aged 65 (520). Someone called “Peter Owen” has been “seen to” by Sizzler (523) – it is his funeral in episode 524. Arthur tells Harry that the former membership secretary, Freddie Penrose, and the former part time joint membership co-ordinator, “Young” Johnny McCarthy, 83, both died two months ago (525). Harry remembers Johnny Watkins, a mate who was killed in the war, and learns that Cecil, a committee member, has died much more recently (527). Sheila remembers that her mum and dad were still alive when Damon was christened, so presumably they aren’t now (531). Harry recalls that little Harriet was buried twelve months ago tomorrow (532), and Julia reminds Tracy of her late husband, Tracy’s grandad, who was bald (537).

Toilet visits:

Seldom have so many “gone” in such a variety of locations – Billy, at the police station (504); Mona, on Harry’s settee (509); Patti, arousing suspicion (515); everyone else at the barbecue, according to Jonathan (515); Paul, unless he was just keeping his promise to clean the shower after Matty used it (519); Jimmy, after fair warning (521); Sinbad, in the woods (525); Jamie, much less embarrassingly than the last time (533); Jack, conveniently (535); Billy, inconveniently (535); and “Growler”, under strict instructions to “aim straight” – although he claims his father is responsible for the pools on the floor (537).

Characters not seen yet, but there’s just a chance that they may be coming along later:

Teddy (503. 504, 506, 507, 508, 509, 516); Mrs McGrath (532); and Tommy “Tosca” Scanlon, a mate of “Growler” (535, 536).

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

Shelley (503, 505); Mr Howman (504, 510, 511); Peter Montague (505, 509, 516); Mike (506); Lucy (507, 533, 534); Teresa (507); Mr Henty (508); Heather Black (511); Grace (511); Kevin (511, 516, 517); Madge (516, 517); Mrs Bailey (517); Sally (517, 518); Edna Cross (518, 525, 533); Karen (518, 526, 531, 532); Father Gibbons (518); Tommy McArdle (523, 527); Vicki (523); Michelle (523); George [Williams] (526); and “Flubby” (532).

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

Steve Tunstall, a contact of Jonathan’s (507, 508); Keith’s four children (510); 21 other Mr Hardwicks (511); Mrs Miller’s children, to whom the late Mr Hardwick had apparently promised so much (513); Mr Collingwood, a bum-pincher in Accounts (515); Mortimer, a Law Dinner contact (515); Reginald Thomas Hardwick (516); Aunt Mary (516); Debbie’s friend Cheryl (517); Murdoch, who Jonathan needs to impress (517); Matthew, another colleague of Jon (517); Debbie’s auntie in Hyton (519); Margery, James Lincoln’s widow, and his brother (520); Jimmy’s mother-in-law (521); Lawrence, Jonathan’s friend and team skipper (522); Mrs Thompson on Dorothy’s road (523); Mary, an old schoolfriend of Ursula (523); Paula and Pamela, Sizzler’s daughters (524); Charlie Dimmock, Chairman of the Commonwealth and Empire Club, who still runs Dimmock’s Sports and Leisure Wear and is still going strong considering all his operations (525); Arthur’s son (525); Felipo, a Nicaraguan speaking no English (526); Matty’s nieces (531); Mr Samuels, estate agent (532); Mary, a relative of Matty (532); Sharon, Kirsty’s cousin (534); Chrissy’s mother and Pat, another relative (535); Mr Lawson, Frank’s boss (535); Mr Spencer, fairy lights customer (535); Macca, a truant (535); Crabb, a teacher (535), Mr “Mucko” Murchison, geography teacher (535); Tosca’s cousin (535); David Roxburgh from Coopers, a friend of Jonathan (536); Mr Adams, another customer for Billy (536); Pete, a divvy Growler knew at the Rogers’ old address (538)

Goofs:

Mona’s ageing is possibly the strangest of the whole series – she was 82 when first mentioned at the beginning of 1983, but now, nearly five years later, instead of being 87, she is 74 (503).

Annabelle’s third and fourth words seem to be in the wrong order in episode 508: “She never sleeps usually to this time”.

Mona’s trowel hits Ralph a few inches above his right eye in episode 509, but later in the episode he is seen with a plaster a few inches above his left eye !!!

The number “8” on the Collins’ front door appears to be upside down in episode 516.

Annabelle uses a word too many in episode 521: “I’ll get you a drink for you”.

Trivia:

Ten years ago, Paul finished 12th out of 12 when he partnered Jimmy Lincoln in a golfing competition (520). Mona moves into Rosemount (515) Private Nursing Home (516). Gordon, who has known about Chris’s 55-year-old friend for a couple of weeks (537), gets an A in French, a C in Economics and a C in Computer Studies in his “A” levels (507). Paul was promoted from a Lieutenant to a Captain when he was 24, at which time Annabelle was still at school (519). He runs the Mersey Marathon in just under 5 hours 20 minutes. Matty finishes in 3 hours 40 minutes (521), having run it four times previously (505, 520) – his best time is 2 hours 53 minutes (505). Matty’s gran lived with his family “when we were kids” (519). The social worker who visits Paul and Annabelle wears a CND badge (506).

The police station at which Billy is questioned is in City Road (512). He now reads the Daily Star (523). Rod knew about Father Christmas before he was 8 (535). Harry banks with Barclays – his sort code is 20-99-93, and his account number is the easy-to-remember 01345678 (506). The book “Family Life In Focus” by Don Steel and Laurence Taylor is on the table Ralph is working at (516). He is formerly from the St Domingo Road, Everton Valley area (511). It is 15 years since Stan has seen Sheila (502). “Flubby” apparently taught English (532), as well as domestic science!

Jonathan and Laura’s phone number is 2599004 (507). They honeymoon in Turkey (503) for three weeks (507). At “Livsey’s”, where Laura works, two of the fourteen partners are women (507). Laura is Geoff’s eldest daughter (501), and loved teddy bears when she was little (536). Her favourite carol was “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (538). After her accident, she is taken to the North West General Hospital (520). Although Rebecca and Alex are married, she kept her original surname instead of taking his – whatever it is (515). Patti is a make-up artist at Lewis’s (515). Terry makes £80 in a good week (523). He gives Jonathan a Terence Trent D’Arby LP, which he originally planned to give Alison, for Christmas (525). Sue lives at 16 Midland Road (537).

The Rogers family previously lived in a flat (532) in a terrace block (534). They play “Connect 4” at their new home (537), where their new telephone number is 2599645 (535). Geoff is in the second year at school (536). He has missed 28 half-days of school, including one they didn’t find out about (535). Sinbad claims that he used to do impressions on hospital radio (511).

Flashbacks:

Images of Damon, including Claire as a baby, from two earlier episodes are repeated in episode 532, as Sheila remembers her younger son when he was alive.

“Blink-and-you-miss-it” moment:

There would seem to be some subliminal advertising in episode 512. Paul has a lengthy conversation with Annabelle, and during the couple of seconds in which he says “Well, maybe they’ve gone for a stroll”, a cornflakes packet on the shelf behind him moves to a different position, in which the brand and product name can be clearly seen. Moments later, it returns to the way it has been throughout the rest of the scene!

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

After Chrissy has seen what a mess they have made of trying to cook the Christmas turkey, and Frank discovers they have broken his collectors’ item 78 rpm record, “Baby I’m Gonna Miss You When I’m Gone”, Growler, Katie and Sammy all run upstairs and lock themselves in the bathroom out of harm’s way. Frank waits outside the bathroom door, and observes that they’ll have to come out of there some time…