Audrey prepares No.3 for Ray's homecoming from the Buxton Recuperation Centre. She and Dickie are sharp with each other. Minnie expects Ray to live with her and not with the Flemings. She is disappointed when Audrey puts her right. Ken and Val look forward to taking over the salon. Albert suggests that Ken get his long-haired students to patronise the establishment in return for good exam results. Val worries about telling Elsie that she's her new boss. Subsequently, Elsie is shocked when Val breaks the news to her. Dave Smith returns to the area after a holiday in Bermuda and makes straight for the salon and Elsie. Dickie tries to pawn Ray off onto Len but he refuses to have him. Bernard gets annoyed when Val flexes her management muscles. Len tells Maggie that he's not sure that the Barlows are the new owners. Dave takes Elsie for a drink and offers her a job. He is, for once, stuck for words when Ray walks into the Rovers, unaided.