Season 23

E1. Mon Jan 4 1982

Jan 4, 1982 · 24m

The factory girls grill Elsie about her night out. She swears nothing happened between Wilf Stockwell and her. Vera wants to tell Frankie that Sylvie went out with Mike but Elsie warns her off. Frankie tells Mike the taxman wants £500 off him. Mike refuses to give him any money. Frankie hears that Mike and Sylvie spent the evening together. He is upset that they didn't tell him. They assure him it was an innocent evening. Deirdre urges Emily to spend the money and forget it. Ken tells her that he needs a trampoline for the kids at the Community Centre. She thinks it's a brilliant idea. Wilf takes Elsie to the Rovers. Mike tells her to keep away from Wilf as his wife could cause trouble but Elsie refuses to listen - she likes Wilf.

E2. Episode 2167 (6th January 1982)

Jan 6, 1982 · 25m

Fred tries to forget all about Eunice. Wilf Stockwell gives Mike the order. Frankie feels sure Sylvie and Mike spent the night together. Mike rings him and tells him that he's being stupid. Elsie cooks Wilf lunch at No.11. She tells him that his wife is checking up on him. Emily gives Ken a cheque for £1,200 for a trampoline. She wants to use the other £800 to buy a bed at the hospital in Ernie's name. Mike gives Sylvie a cheque for £500 for Frankie to clear his debts. Gordon Clegg rings Betty, saying he's coming to visit her.

E3. Episode 2168 (11th January 1982)

Jan 11, 1982 · 25m

Travelling electrician Alec Hobson advertises for business in the Street, camping out in his van. Bert gets a job interview as warehouse man, but the job has been filled when he gets there. Gordon turns up to see Betty. He tells her that he's getting married. Len tells Bert that Longshaw's Foundry are taking on fitters. Betty takes a shine to Gordon's fiancée Caroline Wilson. Bert is taken on at Longshaws - he can't believe it. He then discovers that his first day at work clashes with his court appearance.

E4. Episode 2169 (13th January 1982)

Jan 13, 1982 · 25m

Ivy feels that Bert should tell Longshaw's Foundry that he has to attend a funeral but Bert wants to tell the truth. Annie calls the police when Alec Hobson disappears with her teasmade and toaster, but she feels awful when Alec returns with the repaired items and has to cancel her complaint. Ivy is furious that Bert is going to risk his job by telling the truth about the court case. Gordon tells Betty that she can bring Annie to the wedding, Betty tells him she will if Caroline agrees. Bert tells Mr. Swift, the works manager at Longshaw's, about his court case. He tells him that if they'd known about the case they wouldn't have employed him. Caroline tells Betty she must bring Annie. She snootily tells Gordon she's surprised the Rovers aren't bringing a charabanc. Longshaws admire Bert's honesty and keep him on. Gordon and Caroline return to London. Betty worries that he's making a mistake marrying Caroline.

E5. Episode 2170 (18th January 1982)

Jan 18, 1982 · 25m

Annie is invited to the 200th anniversary banquet of Newton & Ridley. Alec's van breaks down. Margaret Swain calls on Emily and she tells Emily how Arnold ran out on her after their honeymoon. Emily is appalled that all Arnold told her about his unhappy marriage was lies and that he took her on honeymoon to the same hotel where he took Margaret. Annie has difficulty in finding an escort to the party. Margaret Swain tells Emily that Arnold left her nothing in his will and thinks it unfair that Emily inherited £2,000. Emily feels sorry for her. Betty takes pity on Alec and takes him in as a lodger.

E6. Episode 2171 (20th January 1982)

Jan 20, 1982 · 25m

Betty enjoys looking after Alec but begins to wonder if he's taking her for granted when he repairs his van on her drive. Annie and Betty go to Altrincham to buy outfits for Gordon's wedding. Emily still decides to buy the hospital bed and tells Margaret Swain that she deserves the £2,000. Emily gives her a cheque. Mike asks Alec to do some industrial repairs at the factory. Betty receives a telegram from Gordon informing her that he and Caroline Wilson are already married, having booked a last-minute register office ceremony. She is upset. Fred decides that he should escort Annie to the brewery banquet, with the hope that he can chat up Sarah Ridley.

E7. Episode 2172 (25th January 1982)

Jan 25, 1982 · 25m

Bert goes to court for non-declaration of earnings. He pleads guilty. Alec works at the factory, repairing the sewing machines. Annie buys an expensive tea-service for Gordon. She is stunned to hear that he has already married. Bert is given £90 in fines and has to repay £200 dole. Ron Sykes tells Brian that he's having to sell the garage and sack him. He's landed a contract in Qatar in the Gulf States to service the government department's motor fleet. He offers Brian a job, telling him that the money will be very good. Annie is stunned when Fred offers his services as escort to her. She tells him that she has someone else lined up. Brian tells Gail that he's going to lose his job and wants to go to Qatar for six months. She is stunned.

E8. Episode 2173 (27th January 1982)

Jan 27, 1982 · 25m

Bert starts work at Longshaw's Foundry. Chairman of the Licenced Victuallers, Gerald Bannister, agrees to escort Annie to the banquet. Ron Sykes tells Brian that he needs his decision on Qatar as soon as possible. Brian is keen but needs to convince Gail. Annie orders Fred to chauffeur Bannister and her to the banquet. Vera gets an electric shock from her sewing machine after Alec has mended it. Mike takes her to hospital for a check-up. Mike tells Alec that he's not paying for his work and won't employ him again. The hospital clears Vera. She considers suing Mike. Bannister backs out of the banquet at the last minute. Fred borrows Alf's dinner suit and Annie is forced to take him with her. Gail realises that Brian will have to go to Qatar and puts a brave face on the situation.

E9. Episode 2174 (1st February 1982)

Feb 1, 1982 · 25m

Fred enjoyed his evening, dancing with Sarah Ridley. He can't remember where he left the Rover though. Betty thinks it's a shame that Alec has to move on. Brian leaves for Qatar. Annie is furious about Fred's exhibition at the brewery dance. Gail refuses to sit around moping whilst Brian is away. Fred finds the Rover where he left it at the hotel. A space invader machine is delivered to the Rovers, ordered by Fred at the dance - Annie is livid. Fred can't remember ordering the machine. Alec can't afford the repairs for the van. The mechanic refuses to release the van until he's paid. Annie insists the space invader is removed. Fred discovers that he's also ordered a Rover Limo.

E10. Episode 2175 (3rd February 1982)

Feb 3, 1982 · 25m

Gail is flattered when Alec flirts with her. Hilda gives Stan money to buy her a birthday present and give it to her in the Rovers in front of everyone. Fred goes for a test drive in a Rover Limo, witnessed by Annie. He tells the car salesman that he'll be in touch. Alec needs another £40 to get his van back. Betty lends him the money. Gail gets fed up with Ivy calling all the time, bossing her about. Fred returns Alf's dinner suit in a terrible state. Alf insists that he cleans it. Deirdre wants another child but fears Ken doesn't want one.

E11. Episode 2176 (8th February 1982)

Feb 8, 1982 · 25m

Fred dry cleans Alf's suit. Elsie worries that Wilf is taking her for granted as his "Manchester tart". Betty misses Alec. Fred is shocked when a barmaid, Phyllis Lomax, turns up saying that he offered her a job at the dance working as a waitress at "his restaurant". Ken is put out when Deirdre tells him that she wants a baby. He refuses to discuss the matter. Deirdre grows frustrated. Wilf takes Elsie out to dinner and tells her that he's very fond of her and misses her when he doesn't see her. She is pleased.

E12. Episode 2177 (10th February 1982)

Feb 10, 1982 · 25m

Ken tells Deirdre it wouldn't be practical for them to have a baby. When she pursues the subject, Ken stuns Deirdre by telling her that he doesn't want another child. Stan feels guilty for not remembering Hilda's birthday and buys her a Valentine. Deirdre accuses Ken of marrying her under false pretences, as he'd agreed to have a child before they married. He feels he's too old to be a father again. She tells him that she feels cheated. Stan gets Alf to write the Valentine and asks him to post it through the door on the day, so Hilda won't know its from him. Wilf tells Elsie that he wants to leave his wife.

E13. Episode 2178 (15th February 1982)

Feb 15, 1982 · 25m

Alf finds the card and realises he forgot to post it. He pushes it through No.13's door. Eddie starts to use a CB radio with the callsign of "Slim Jim" and he contacts a woman calling herself "Stardust Lil". Hilda finds her Valentine and hides it from Stan. Deirdre is cool towards Ken. Hilda thinks she's got a secret admirer, Stan says he sent it but she refuses to believe him as he's never sent her one before. Eddie spends the day talking to Stardust Lil. He tells her he's a business man. She is impressed by him. He asks her for a date and she agrees. Hilda dresses up in case her admirer makes himself known to her. Wilf turns up to see Elsie. She worries that he's left home. He tells her that he would never leave Dot for her. She feels better when he tells her his marriage has been wrecked for a long time, now he wants a bit of happiness. Eddie decides he'll nick Hilda's keys to Mike's flat to entertain Lil.

E14. Episode 2179 (17th February 1982)

Feb 17, 1982 · 25m

Eddie meets up with "Stardust Lil" at St. Paul's Gardens - she is a young woman called Marion Willis. Wilf Stockwell confirms that he has left his wife. Hilda thinks that Alf has given her the card - but then is corrected by Alf. Deirdre confirms her wishes to have a baby.

E15. Feb 22, 1982

Feb 22, 1982 · 25m

Gail meets neighbour Jackie Moffatt who has just moved in next door. Hilda calls herself "Shady Lady" and uses Eddie's CB. She finds it fascinating. She contacts "Tricky Mickey" who tells her that he wants an eyeball. Mike receives an answerphone message from "Stardust Lil", who got his number when she was at the flat. Gail enjoys being with Jackie. Mike tells Hilda about Stardust. She realises that Eddie has been meddling with her keys. Wilf Stockwell wants to see Elsie but she tells him to stay away for a few days. Len warns him not to hurt Elsie. Hilda tells Eddie to stay away from Mike's flat. Eddie has copies made of the keys to Mike's flat. Dot Stockwell calls on Mike and tells him that she wants to know the name of Wilf's mistress.

E16. Feb. 24, 1982

Feb 24, 1982 · 25m

Mike warns Elsie that Dot Stockwell is on the warpath. Dot goes into the factory, stops production and asks Ivy who Wilf has been sleeping with. Elsie owns up and Dot tells her to stay away from Wilf. Elsie refuses to listen to Dot's threats and tells her that it's clear why he left her. Dot feels sure Wilf will return to her if Elsie finishes with him. Jackie Moffatt persuades Gail to come out with her and the girls. Eddie entertains Marion at Mike's flat again, drinking all of Mike's brandy. Marion tells Eddie that she'd like to stay the night with him. Elsie tells Wilf to sort Dot out. He doesn't mind facing a big divorce settlement if he can have happiness with Elsie.

E17. Episode 2182 (1st March 1982)

Mar 1, 1982 · 25m

Mike finds a letter to Eddie amongst his mail. He realises that Eddie has been using his flat as a love nest. He tackles Hilda but she swears she hasn't helped Eddie. Don Worthington asks Rita to take in a sixteen-year old girl for a few days. She agrees as it's an emergency and Sharon Gaskell moves in. Mike tackles Eddie and he tells Mike about his copied key. Mike threatens to bring the police in. Eddie tells him that he's got nothing to offer a woman and used the flat to impress Marion. Mike agrees not to tell the police, feeling sorry for him. Eddie asks Mike if he could tell Marion the truth in the flat, Mike admires his cheek and agrees. Jackie Moffatt and Gail go out for the evening while Jackie's husband Geoff babysits. Len finds Sharon at No.9 who introduces herself as his new foster daughter. Sharon enjoys having a room of her own; Len enjoys Sharon's spirit. Ivy calls on Gail to find Geoff babysitting. She is put out that Gail is on the town.

E18. Episode 2183 (3rd March 1982)

Mar 3, 1982 · 25m

Eddie fears that Marion will drop him when he tells her the truth. Sharon spends the day organising the records at The Kabin and is thoroughly bored. Eddie entertains Marion to a meal at the flat and tells her that she means a lot to him. She tells him that she doesn't want to see him again as he's too rich for her and the flat makes her feel uncomfortable. Eddie thinks it's hysterical and tells her the truth about his life. Marion tells him that she'll still go out with him if he's telling her the truth. Gail buys a new dress with some of the money Brian has sent home, Ivy isn't impressed. Sharon goes out with a girlfriend but refuses to tell the Faircloughs where she's going. Rita wins her round by doing her make-up to make her look less tarty. Eddie gets Fred to insult him to prove to Marion that he's only a grotty binman. She is delighted. Elsie refuses to commit herself with Wilf.

E19. Episode 2184 (8th March 1982)

Mar 8, 1982 · 25m

Sharon refuses to work at The Kabin again and persuades Len to take her on at the yard. Ivy is put out that Brian has written to Gail but not her. Betty finds Fred unconscious at the bottom of the cellar steps. Eddie and Mike carry him up. He regains consciousness but suffers back pains as he fell down the stairs. Betty calls for an ambulance. Sharon surprises Len with her carpentry skills. Webster's cancel their order with Mike. He realises that Dot Stockwell has put the boot in and is using her influence to damage Mike and Elsie. He lays into Elsie but she tells him to get off her back. Fred is taken to hospital for an X-ray. He is signed off work with a bad back and is told to go to bed until it's better. Mike tells the girls they could be on a three-day week soon because Webster's have cancelled the order. Ivy realises Elsie has caused trouble.

E20. Episode 2185 (10th March 1982)

Mar 10, 1982 · 25m

Fred's back is better but he decides to make the most of the attention he's getting and stays in bed. Ivy and the girls feel sure that Dot Stockwell had the Webster's order cancelled. Mike puts them all back on a three-day week. Vera tells Elsie she's to blame but Elsie tells the girls that she doesn't care what they think. Eddie helps out behind the bar as Bet and Betty can't cope with the cellar. Sharon has a great time with Len pulling out a boiler. Len finds that she's too much for him and can't wait for her to be taken home. Eddie tells Fred that he could claim compensation for falling down the steps. Vera tells Ivy they should send Elsie to Coventry.

E21. Episode 2186 (15th March 1982)

Mar 15, 1982 · 25m

Ivy and the girls decide not to speak to Elsie and they bully a new starter, Kathy Barrett, into joining them. Elsie is amused that the girls are playing childish games. She carries on talking as usual, telling them about her date with Wilf and singing at the top of her voice, driving the other women mad. Eddie finds out for Fred that he can claim on Annie's insurance. Mike is furious to discover that Elsie has been sent to Coventry and he tells the girls it has to stop but they refuse. Elsie tells Mike she doesn't care - she can cope. Annie returns home to find Fred in bed and Eddie working as pot man. Fred tells her that the cellar steps are in bad repair and he could sue. Annie determines to find out if he's really ill or not, she calls in the Rugby Club's back specialist. Bet tells Fred that Annie has arranged for him to have a Swedish massage. Wilf refuses to let Elsie carry the blame for his mistake and says that he'll see Webster about getting the order back.

E22. Episode 2187 (17th March 1982)

Mar 17, 1982 · 25m

Fred tarts himself up for his massage. Elsie uses her state of Coventry to insult the other girls as they can't reply. Annie thinks it's wonderful that Fred is expecting a Swedish massage. Bet and Annie try not to laugh as Nipper Harris sets upon Fred. Wilf threatens to resign unless the order is reinstated. Nipper tells Annie there's nothing wrong with Fred after he's pulled him all over the bed. Elsie tricks Vera into speaking to her. The mood is broken to everyone's delight. Fred tells Annie that Nipper has put him back weeks. Annie tells him that he'd have to give up the Rovers if he's got a suspect back. Websters calls Wilf's bluff and accepts his resignation. He plans to make a new start and asks Elsie to take him in, she refuses; she can't make a big commitment to him. Fred returns to work.

E23. Episode 2188 (22nd March 1982)

Mar 22, 1982 · 25m

Rita and Len decide to throw a party for Sharon's seventeenth birthday as she's never had a party before. Gail is upset that she hasn't heard from Brian for a while. Ron Sykes returns home on leave. Alec also returns and Betty is thrilled to see him. He gives Betty her £40 back. Elsie is sad that she's finished with Wilf. Betty hopes Alec will move back in with her but he wants to live in his van. Sharon is thrilled that she can have a party for her friends. Len has misgivings. Ivy hears that Ron is back. She and Gail are upset that Brian didn't return with him.

E24. Episode 2189 (24th March 1982)

Mar 24, 1982 · 25m

The Faircloughs buy Sharon some earrings and a tool kit for her birthday. The wheels are nicked off Alec's van whilst he sleeps in it. Ron Sykes reveals Brian is homesick and didn't want to come home as he's getting settled and doesn't want to be disturbed again. Gail has a phone installed at the house. Len and Rita spoil Sharon's party by their presence. Sharon convinces them to leave them to it. Ron tells Gail that Brian is missing her but couldn't get leave. At the party Sharon is pleased when Steve Dunthorne tells her he fancies her. She is annoyed when her brother Wayne Gaskell turns up and starts causing trouble. Betty offers Alec the £40 back so he can get some new wheels and he accepts. When Wayne starts a fight with Steve, Sharon gets Len to return and sort Wayne out. Alec agrees to stay with Betty until his van is repaired. When all the guests are gone, Steve tries to get Sharon upstairs. Len throws him out, upsetting Sharon. Gail phones Brian and discovers he's in Cairo on leave.

E25. Episode 2190 (29th March 1982)

Mar 29, 1982 · 25m

Sharon convinces Len she wasn't getting up to anything at the party. He tells her that he thinks Steve Dunthorne is too old for her. Hilda doesn't like Eddie staying out late at night with Marion. Eddie thinks he's in love. Gail is upset that Brian preferred to be in Cairo than with her. She gets upset when Ivy goes on about how wonderful Brian is and Gail tells her about Brian living it up in Cairo. Eddie tells Hilda that his relationship is suffering as he hasn't got a place to court Marion. She tells him that he can court at No.13. Len doesn't trust Steve and is amazed when Sharon considers going on the pill. She asks Len to trust her; she knows what Steve wants from her. Hilda decides she wants to get to know Marion better and invites her for Sunday tea. Eddie is horrified.

E26. Episode 2191 (31st March 1982)

Mar 31, 1982 · 25m

Len refuses to let Sharon take Steve Dunthorne up to her bedroom. Sharon accuses him of spoiling all her fun. Len throws Steve out, telling him that she can't see him again. Hilda makes Stan wear a suit when Marion comes to tea. Don Worthington finds a more permanent home for Sharon who thinks the Faircloughs don't want her any more because of Steve. Gail goes out on the town; if Brian can, so can she.

E27. Episode 2192 (5th April 1982)

Apr 5, 1982 · 25m

Len takes Audrey on at The Kabin as Rita is visiting Sam Littlewood in Blackpool. Derek is promoted and sends Mavis his love via one of his salesmen, Tommy Gregg. Len is sad that Sharon has been re-placed. The police tell Alec to move his van or be fined £25. He can't move it as he still hasn't any wheels. Eddie offers to sort out some wheels for Alec. He buys some for £36. Bert babysits so Jackie Moffatt and Gail can go to a disco. Mavis knits a jumper for Princess Diana's baby. Brian phones home and Bert tells him that Gail is out. Eddie offers Alec the wheels for £50.

E28. Episode 2193 (7th April 1982)

Apr 7, 1982 · 25m

Mavis celebrates her forty-fifth birthday. The Faircloughs give her an expensive watch. Gail is thrilled when Brian phones up. She asks him why he went to Cairo instead of coming home. He tells her how much it would have cost him to come home and she understands. Alec recognises the wheels as his old ones that were stolen and refuses to pay for them, threatening to bring the police in. Eddie threatens him but Alec kids on he's a Judo expert. Derek turns up with flowers for Mavis and invites her out for a drink. She refuses and tells him to give her regards to his mother. She feels awful when he tells her that his mother died last year. The scrap man refuses to give Eddie his £36 back and thumps him. Alec sets off to the Lake District. Betty is sad to see him go. Gail considers getting a job.

E29. Episode 2194 (12th April 1982)

Apr 12, 1982 · 25m

Gail asks Mike if he can help her find an office job. Rita tricks Mavis into talking to Derek on the phone. She apologises to him about his mother and agrees to go for a drink with him. Jack surprises Bet by telling her that he fancies her. Derek is looking forward to moving in with his sister. Bet cooks lunch for Jack and realises he's after refuge from Vera. Ivy is annoyed to hear that Gail is job-hunting. Bert tells Ivy not to interfere. Derek asks Mavis to look at some cruise brochures with him. Jackie Moffatt types Gail an interview letter for a job as her typing is better than Gail's. Gail is determined to get a job.

E30. Episode 2195 (14th April 1982)

Apr 14, 1982 · 25m

Mavis dreams of going on a cruise with Derek. Gail lands a job interview on her birthday. Jack pesters Bet but she's too tired to see him off. Gail has to type a test letter. The interviewer, Mrs. Rigby, tells her that she is very impressed with her letter of application however Gail's test letter is awful and she admits that a friend typed the application letter. The interviewer accuses her of wasting her time. Jack tries to get Bet into bed. She's put off because he's married. He tells her that they'll be good together and she gives in to his advances. Gail tries to explain to Ivy why she needs to get out of the house but Ivy tells her that she ought to put Nicky first. Gail tells her it's none of her business. Mavis tells Derek she's delighted about the cruise but she is horrified when he tells her that it's his sister he's taking. He gave her the brochures as he valued her opinion. She throws the brochures at him. Vera tells Bet that she's going out with her fancy man, Vic.