Coronation Street (1960)
Coronation Street (1960)
The residents of Coronation Street are ordinary, working-class people, and the show follows them through regular social and family interactions at home, in the workplace, and in their local pub, the Rovers Return Inn. Britain's longest-running soap.

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17x01 Episode 1562 (5th January 1976)

05 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Tricia thinks she's destined for fame. The Marshes are due in court on a charge of breaking and entering. They escape being charged with starting the fire. Alf brands them vicious yobs. Ernie misplaces a £5 postal order for the scouts' fund. Albert finds he has no money to live on and asks Emily for a rise. Not knowing he's hard up, she turns him down. Tricia spreads a rumour that Ernie has been embezzling, after hearing it at the post office. Ernie assures Emily that nobody knows about the missing money except his colleague Mrs Fairhurst. Douglas Marsh asks Ken to give a character reference for the lads in court. Ken tells him they were better behaved when he taught them but agrees to consider his request.

17x02 Episode 1563 (7th January 1976)

07 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Everyone advises Ken not to talk well of the Marshes. Tricia is tired of being unemployed. The Bishops worry about their reputation. They search for the postal order. Ken tells Douglas Marsh he can't speak up for the lads. Marsh begs him; the lads need a friend, so Ken agrees. Blanche puts Albert off the idea of a lodger. Ernie is asked to resign from his role as scout secretary. Tricia refuses to serve Ken at the shop. Ernie finds the postal order in an exercise book. The Marshes get three months in a detention centre. In court, Ken blames the parents for showing a "couldn't care less" attitude.

17x03 Episode 1564 (12th January 1976)

12 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Deirdre is shocked that Blanche is selling her dressmaking business. Blanche says it's too much for her while she's running the shop. Ray advertises for a joiner. Ethel Needham is interested in the business but Blanche doesn't know how much to ask for. They agree on £300. Jill Marriott applies to be a joiner at the yard. Ray doesn't think it's a job for a girl and tells Deirdre to get shot of her. Deirdre realises Jill is talented and decides to fight her corner.

17x04 Episode 1565 (14th January 1976)

14 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Blanche waits anxiously for news about the shop. Jill starts working for Fairclough and Langton. Albert is ready to criticise her work when she repairs a leaky window frame at No.1 but he has no complaints. Deirdre suggests Blanche go back on her deal with Mrs Needham. Blanche comes round to the idea but when the moment comes she doesn't have the heart to tell her. Ray is pleased with Jill's work. Betty tells Blanche that Gordon isn't sure about selling the shop at the moment. Blanche doesn't know what to do with her corsetry business sold and her other job finishing should Gordon make up his mind to sell the shop.

17x05 Episode 1566 (19th January 1976)

19 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Gail is bothered by anonymous phone calls. She worries about their dole being stopped because they keep refusing jobs. Dave Smith returns to the street. Annie wonders what he's up to. John Lane continues to phone Gail. Brenda Holden borrows Rita's flat whilst she's singing at a club in Northampton. Ernie is pleased with his new sports jacket. Bet flirts with Dave and is annoyed when he goes after Brenda instead, having heard of Rita through Benny Lewis.

17x06 Episode 1567 (21st January 1976)

21 January, 1976 8:00 pm
John Lane tells Gail he has to monitor her calls. She begins to be suspicious when he knows her name. Ernie calls on Gail. She introduces him to Lane. Gail worries when Lane shows no signs of leaving at 11.00pm. He tells her to get into bed. Emily is suspicious about Lane and calls the police. John breaks down once the police arrive. He is arrested. The news reaches Stan that Polly Ogden has had an eight and a half pound baby girl. He buys drinks all round. The residents think that Dave Smith is planning to open a club on the warehouse site. Dave is shocked to find Blanche, an old friend, in the Street and dumps Brenda Holden for her.

17x07 Episode 1568 (26th January 1976)

26 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Emily starts a petition against the nightclub. Deirdre isn't impressed by her "Uncle Dave". He is shocked to find she is married to Ray. Blanche tells Dave she might be unemployed soon. Ernie refuses to help Emily with her campaign as the club is just a rumour. The residents get suspicious when they see Dave talking to Alf. Hilda returns from Chesterfield to find the house suspiciously clean. Hearing from Annie that Stan hasn't been in the Rovers much lately, she thinks he's been spending his time with Clara Regan. Deirdre thinks Dave is too smarmy.

17x08 Episode 1569 (28th January 1976)

28 January, 1976 8:00 pm
Deirdre tells Blanche that everyone calls Dave a villain. Bet kids Hilda into buying a magazine that gives tips as to how a woman can keep her man. Hilda buys it and tarts herself up to make Stan more interested in her. Emily and Ernie grow nervous at the amount of time that Alf is spending with Dave. Alf tells Dave he has a 50% chance of getting the cash and carry through. Hilda is cross when Stan has to be pushed into making nice comments about her appearance. Deirdre asks Blanche not to go off with Dave as she fears he'll meet someone else and cast her aside. Blanche tells her she wants to marry him. Stan convinces Hilda he loves her.

17x09 Episode 1570 (2nd February 1976)

02 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Tricia and Gail take over the running of the shop, with Betty overseeing and looking after Gordon's interests. They're eager for her to go and leave them to it. Tricia starts skiving immediately. Ray and Ernie tell Rita that council men are inspecting the warehouse site for Dave Smith's new cash and carry. Ken tackles Alf about having an adventure playground on the site but is told that the land is too valuable. Ken starts art classes at the community centre and Hilda and Mavis enrol. With Annie and Bet ill, Betty advertises for temporary staff at the Rovers. Hilda spreads gossip that Alf is involved in pushing Dave Smith's plan through, for his own advantage. Emily thinks she has a point. The girls show an interest in Terry Bradshaw who returns to his childhood haunts.

17x10 Episode 1571 (4th February 1976)

04 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Alf acts out of character, spending more and more money and thinks of taking a winter break. Hilda spreads gossip about him being in cahoots with Dave Smith. Mavis worries about the male model at the art class, preferring to draw a bowl of fruit. Alderman Chapman tells Alf that the council have had an anonymous letter, accusing him of taking a bribe from Dave Smith. The women rush to the art class to see the male model. They are shocked when a fully-clothed Albert turns out to be the model. Alf asks Mavis whether she and Rita have heard what everyone is saying about him. Gail draws Albert nude. Betty tells Alf what people have been saying about him spending money.

17x11 Episode 1572 (9th February 1976)

09 February, 1976 8:00 pm
A TV detector van roams the area. Len and Rita have a date at the Gatsby. A reluctant Stan poses for Hilda as part of her art classes. Rita is furious when Len spends their date chatting to a woman her recognises there - Donna Parker. He arranges to see her again. Fearing that they haven't a licence Stan tries to hide the TV but drops it. Hilda then reveals that she's just bought a licence. Len explains to Rita who Donna is and tells her that he intends to get £500 out of Donna for what she did to Alf. The Ogdens TV is bust. Annie offers Terry Bradshaw a permanent job but he wants to return to being a chippie. She is caught with an out-of-date TV licence by Brian Howe of the detection agency.

17x12 Episode 1573 (11th February 1976)

11 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Annie pays for a new TV licence but is made to feel guilty. Rita feels that Len might fall for Donna Parker. Donna asks Len to give her an estimate for extending her salon. Len begins to fancy Donna. Annie doesn't like Betty disappearing to help at the shop all the time and is sharp with her. Donna tells Len she's going to look for another shop to add to her empire but needs more money. Ray puts the Ogdens on to an electronics genius called Vic Nelson who will mend the TV for £40. Not being able to afford this, Hilda tells Stan to go to the rental shop and come clean. Ray offers Terry a job at the yard.

17x13 Episode 1574 (16th February 1976)

16 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Terry settles into working at the yard. Len talks Rita into showing Donna Parker the flat above The Kabin as premises for her salon but it is a ruse to get a £500 deposit off her so they can return it to Alf. Ray meets Donna. When she tells him about her plans he considers getting Blanche to sell her the house. Sid Wilson, the TV repair man, realises the TV was dropped by the Ogdens and refuses to touch it. Donna tells Len about the Langtons' plan. Betty tells Stan about a friend whose TV caught fire and was replaced by the rental people. Rita tells Donna she wants £3,500 for her flat. Stan sets light to the TV with lighter fuel but goes too far.

17x14 Episode 1575 (18th February 1976)

18 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Stan informs the rental shop that the TV burst into flames. Len tries to convince Donna Parker to rent Rita's flat not Blanche's house. Sid Wilson, the TV man, realises what's happened and tells Stan he owes them £75 to replace the set. Rita tells Donna she'll accept £3,000 - £500 on it in advance. Donna agrees. Terry flaunts his fitness at Ray. Donna gives Rita £500. Alf is called to The Kabin and Len gives him the money in front of Donna. Alf tells them Donna paid back the money a few weeks ago and gave him the digital watch he was showing off as a thank-you present. Donna and Alf storm out and Len and Rita feel guilty.

17x15 Episode 1576 (23rd February 1976)

23 February, 1976 8:00 pm
Apprentices Brian Jones and Pete Dawson hang round the corner shop and Tricia and Gail. Annie doesn't like the way they run the shop with the radio blaring. Stan tries to fix Ena's radio after he's dropped it. Ena returns for it but the Ogdens manage to put off returning it until later in the day. Ken tries to interest Mavis in returning to the community centre's art classes but she refuses. Bet returns to work after being off sick with flu for a couple of weeks. Len agrees to mend the radio for the Ogdens. Annie tells Betty about the girls, the lads and the radio in the shop. Betty checks up on them and warns them about not giving out credit. She is shocked when the girls admit they are still drawing the dole as well as working in the shop, albeit for free food and board and not for wages. After reading in the paper about a man's success in winning various competitions, Hilda decides to enter them herself.

17x16 Episode 1577 (25th February 1976)

25 February, 1976 8:00 pm
It is Rita's 43rd birthday and she's depressed at the thought but likes Mavis's present of a mirror. Derek Wilton calls at The Kabin again. The boys ask for barm cakes on tick from the corner shop and kid the girls that they get a monthly bonus on Friday for trips out. Tricia and Gail take this as a sign that their debts will be paid off. Hilda skives off work to enter more competitions, much to Stan's derision. Bet isn't pleased to have to complete her Rovers' cleaning in her absence, and under Annie's close supervision. Len and Ken are amused at the thought of Stan joining the Masons. Derek calls into The Kabin again and invites Mavis to lunch at The Crusty Loaf. She is flattered. Gail and Tricia entertain the boys in the back room during their lunch. Tricia is insistent that the tick has to end on Friday and the boys' debts settled. Derek and Mavis enjoy themselves and arrange a date for Saturday night.

17x17 Episode 1578 (1st March 1976)

01 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Gordon arrives to stay with Betty. She questions him about his life in London. He tells her the reason he's here is to audit the shop as it's the end of the financial year. Betty tells him it's doing well but she won't tell the girls he's coming. Tricia pushes Keith to pay some of the money he owes. Hilda buys dog food to enter a competition to win a washing machine. She overhears that the girls have given tick. Rita discovers that Derek isn't married. The front of shop is a mess as the boys are entertained at lunch again in the back room. Derek and Mavis realise they have a lot in common. Keith avoids discussing money. Pete Dawson tells a puzzled Gordon the shop is shut for dinner and closes the door on him. Gordon bangs to be let in and Tricia realises what's going on.

17x18 Episode 1579 (3rd March 1976)

03 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Gordon does the books and sees that the corner shop is doing badly. He decides to get rid of the girls. Tricia and Gail beg the boys for the money they owe but get short shrift. Gordon plans to buy the shop off Maggie and give it to Betty. She is overcome. Hilda buys four packets of peanuts for the world cruise competition. Mavis can't give Derek an answer about the Lake District trip, saying it's complicated. Rita is exasperated with her. Emily is livid when the heel on a new pair of shoes she's bought comes off. Gordon overhears the girls arguing with Ken and thinks they're losing him trade. He deducts rent, food and the slate from the girls' wages for three weeks and advises them to return their dole. They tell him they've spent it all.

17x19 Episode 1580 (8th March 1976)

08 March, 1976 8:00 pm
The brewery run a promotion for "Yokohama" tropical fruit drink. Deirdre and Rita wonder where Mavis has got to. Rita thinks Betty should have accepted the corner shop gift. The Ogdens don't know what a delicatessen is. Stan thinks it means "delicate grub". Gail gives Hilda running shoes to wear on the dash. Wendy Nightingale calls on them, doing a survey in the area on people's reading habits. They have very little information to give her. Alf tells Len there's no hard feelings over Donna Parker. Mavis returns late from Kendal, the bus back having broken down. Her mood ring is green for contentment but won't give any details about what happened. Hilda can't do a proper practice run. Gail offers her a few goes in the corner shop. Wendy is relieved to find Ken reads books as no one else does.

17x20 Episode 1581 (10th March 1976)

10 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Annie tells Stan that she thinks trolley dashes are distasteful displays of greed. Ken tries to drum up attendance at the Literary Appreciation Course but only Annie and Alf agree to go. Rita annoys Mavis when she teases her about Derek. Delicatessen owner Mike Nikopolos won't let Hilda into his shop ahead of the dash to work out the layout of the shelves. Gail and Albert get annoyed when they can't find a can of sardines in the corner shop after the chaos that the Ogdens caused. Deirdre gives Hilda a diagram of the shop that the yard obtained for alterations. Because Hilda has taken all the wrappers off the tins for the competition entry forms, Stan eats dog food by mistake. His back goes suddenly. Hilda rings the shop who agree that Deirdre can stand in for him after she volunteers her services. Reporter Eddie Royle takes pictures of Deirdre posing before the dash begins. Hilda picks a lot of frozen foods but hasn't got a freezer.

17x21 Episode 1582 (15th March 1976)

15 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Wendy calls on Ken for a book on First World War poetry for her opening lecture. Albert is there and butts into the conversation with his own knowledge of verse from the period, annoying Ken. The Ogdens eat caviar and chips. Stan prefers the chips. They realise the jars cost £8 each and decide to sell one of them. Wendy is taken with Albert's war stories and his medals, boring Ken. Annie and Bet refuse to buy the caviar for £6. Bet, Betty and Len gossip about Ken seeing a married woman. Albert invites himself along to join Ken and Wendy in the Rovers. Emily confesses to Ernie that she's bought a new bed for £130 on HP for their redecorated front bedroom. The Langtons also refuse the caviar. Annie avoids the lecture when she finds out that Albert is taking part. He takes it over and makes it a success with even Ena congratulating him.

17x22 Episode 1583 (17th March 1976)

17 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Hilda bangs on the doors of the Rovers wanting to know where Stan is while the man himself waits with Albert in the cellar for the all-clear so they can start drinking. After Annie sends Hilda on her way, they decide to drink from the barrels so as to avoid leaving empty bottles but there's only one glass between them. The Bishops can't sleep well in their squeaky bed. Stan drinks more than Albert who starts to need the toilet. As television closes down for the night, Hilda puts Stan's dinner in the bin. Hearing Len with Ken in No.11, she asks if they've seen him. She checks with Betty who suggests she checks if he's with Clara Regan. She calls round to 19 Inkerman Street but is sent on her way by Barney Moss, Clara's boyfriend. A drunk Stan and Albert start to sing, but different songs at the same time and then compare war experiences before another song.

17x23 Episode 1584 (22nd March 1976)

22 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Bet avoids going into work on time to avoid having to clean up the cellar after Albert and Stan, wanting Hilda to do the job as promised. Fred Gee looks for Len. Ena reminds Rita that he's Edna's widower. Bet ends up having to clean the cellar when Hilda fails to come in and do the task herself. She's livid. Rita tells Fred to try the Rovers and see if Len is there. He has been made redundant from his job as a storeman at the foundry and is looking for work. Hilda claims Stan hasn't slept all night due to his experiences. Albert scurries out of the pub before Annie sees him. Douglas Cresswell's son, Richard Cresswell of the brewery sends for Annie. Whilst Roger Nightingale is away, Ken waits for Wendy outside her office and asks her for a meal. She tells him she's going out with her girlfriends. Cresswell tells Annie they are worried that she is on her own now Billy has left and they want her to take on a resident potman but she isn't keen.

17x24 Episode 1585 (24th March 1976)

24 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Wendy Nightingale cooks Ken breakfast. She feels guilty as she's never been unfaithful before. She wonders what Hilda will say about her car being outside all night. Deirdre calls into The Kabin for aspirin, feeling off. Fred plans his move into the Rovers, feeling lucky as he's the only one of his twenty-seven work colleagues to find work after being made redundant. Betty tells Bet to keep her hands off Fred but she makes it clear she's not interested. They agree to pool their tips as they feel Fred will get more than they do. The brewery summons Fred but tell him not to tell Annie. Hilda spreads the news in the pub that Wendy's car was parked outside No.11 all night. Annie, Bet, Betty and Hilda sit down to a coffee to gossip about the implications. Ken tells Wendy he's not bothered about any gossip as she leaves.

17x25 Episode 1586 (29th March 1976)

29 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Deirdre is off with Rita when she calls into The Kabin. Rita asks Len for a chat that night in her flat and asks him round for 7.00pm. Deirdre won't let Ray touch her. She confesses to a headache and he tells her to call in sick at the yard but otherwise can't get through to her. Bet calls but she refuses to go out with her to town. Once she's gone though, she nips out herself. Rita speaks to someone on the phone who's eager for her to do something quickly. Bet knocks at Carlos's flat and finds a new occupant - Tom Russell, who's got the room as Carlos has gone back to Spain. Ray comes home for his dinner and finds Deirdre gone. Len calls and sees that something is wrong with him.

17x26 Episode 1587 (31st March 1976)

31 March, 1976 8:00 pm
Bet leaves her flat and goes out. She calls at The Kabin but Mavis, in the middle of doing the VAT return, tells her that Rita isn't available as she is with Len. Bet has no option but to return home. Deirdre has calmed down and can't contact the doctor to find out if her test is definitely positive. She and Ray look forward to being parents but he insists that she gives up work and that they need a bigger place to live in. He's calm but happy at the prospect and she admits that she's chuffed too. Rita tells Len that her proposal comes from Harry Bates. He's got a divorce and fancies marrying her and she fancies him too. Len tells her he can't advise her as it's a personal matter to her. Harry is now a site foreman and marriage will give Terry a settled home.

17x27 Episode 1588 (5th April 1976)

05 April, 1976 8:00 pm
The word spreads that Deirdre is pregnant. She puts the gossipers right. Len gets a phone call to say that someone is coming to stay and gets Hilda to tidy the house in readiness but he won't say who his guest is. Ray enjoys everyone buying him drinks before Rita tells them he's not going to be a father. Rita thinks Len is making the house tidy for her but it is Elsie Howard who arrives at Len's, suitcase in hand.

17x28 Episode 1589 (7th April 1976)

07 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie feels at home, back in the street. She tells Len she's having a trial separation from Alan; she didn't like looking after him. Deirdre tells Ray she wants a cheque book. Len enjoys watching Rita and Elsie weigh each other up. The residents react as Elsie and Len drink in the Rovers. Elsie tells Ken she's looking for a job. Rita is jealous of her friendship with Len.

17x29 Episode 1590 (12th April 1976)

12 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie searches for a job. Ena sees that Elsie is back and tells her that she's showing her age. Ena advises Elsie to move out of No.9; she's still a married woman. Wendy Nightingale's friend Sheila Flynn warns Roger that she is seeing someone else. Ken phones Roger not knowing he suspects him. Elsie tells Ken she wants No.11 back. Ken refuses to leave. Betty offers Elsie the living accommodation at the Corner Shop. Wendy feels torn between Ken and Roger. She feels that she can't give Ken up. Rita is pleased Elsie is moving into the shop's accommodation. She shows her a job advert; she's worried that Len will give Elsie The Kabin. Ken tells Wendy to leave Roger and move in with him. Roger arrives, punches Ken to the floor and forcibly takes Wendy out of the house. Ken is left behind unconscious.

17x30 Episode 1591 (14th April 1976)

14 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Gail finds Ken bleeding in No.11. He tells the neighbours that he slipped and hit his face. Len realises what happened. Elsie goes for an interview at Sylvia Matthews' lingerie shop - Sylvia's Separates. Wendy Nightingale arrives at Ken's and tells him she's left Roger. Elsie proves to be a match for Sylvia and gets the post of manageress on £40 a week. Wendy refuses to move in with Ken. He accuses her of using him as an excuse to leave Roger. She tells him she needs some peace. Elsie discovers the sales assistant Kim Wilson is leaving at the end of the week. Roger blames Ken for the marriage break up. Betty, Rita and the girls clear up the shop room for Elsie. Ken tells Roger he loves Wendy. Roger tells him he wants her back.

17x31 Episode 1592 (19th April 1976)

19 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Auntie Edie goes away for a few days and Mavis doesn't want to sleep in an empty house. Emily invites her to stay at No.3. Ernie is annoyed as it's their fourth wedding anniversary. Ray tells Deirdre he's doing a foreigner but really goes to a charity stag night at the Gatsby Club with Alf. Ernie agrees to join them. Annie considers putting on a Street mastermind competition. Ernie gets drunk and is used as a prop by a stripper. The brewery promise a prize to Annie. Deirdre feels sorry for Ray working not knowing he is catching strippers' bras. The Gatsby is raided by the police.

17x32 Episode 1593 (21st April 1976)

21 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Ernie and Ray return after questioning. The Gazette runs a picture of Alf with a report on the raid, including Ernie and Ray's names. Emily refuses to talk to Ernie. He blames her for driving him out by inviting Mavis to stay. Ray sports a bruised face where Deirdre threw something at him. Annie holds the first round of the Rovers' Superbrain. She reads the questions. George Benton answers questions on pigeons while Stan answers on Manchester United and wins with seventeen points. Deirdre and Bet hit the town together to get back at Ray. Emily locks Ernie out.

17x33 Episode 1594 (26th April 1976)

26 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Ernie spends the night with Len at No.9. Elsie grows tired of having to flatter merchandising manager Roy Thornley. Stan picks 'The Western Desert' for his next round in the Superbrain contest. The council raps Alf for being at the Gatsby Club. Ena advises Emily to stick by Ernie. Tricia and Gail both ask Elsie for the assistant's job at Sylvia's Separates. Emily dumps Ernie's clothes at Len's. Ernie apologises to Emily and asks if they can start again. She agrees. Elsie decides to take Tricia on but the girls toss a coin and Gail wins.

17x34 Episode 1595 (28th April 1976)

28 April, 1976 8:00 pm
Ernie is depressed that the Mission circuit superintendent, Ivor Mortlake, is going to call on him. Ena tells him to say he was at the Gatsby Club to study filth and obscenity. Gail starts work with Elsie. Ernie tells Mortlake he went to the Gatsby out of a sense of duty. Stan doesn't know as much about the Western Desert as he thought. The regulars decide to nobble him and send Bet instead to answer on detective novels for the next round of the Superbrain contest. Ernie agrees to deliver a sermon on his experience. Len gets Stan drunk and sends him to the wrong pub in a taxi, whilst Bet gets through to the semi-finals.

17x35 Episode 1596 (3rd May 1976)

03 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Sylvia's Separates holds a sale and Hilda buys a hideously ill-suited teenager's smock top. Ray feels there isn't enough work for Terry. Everyone is too embarrassed to tell Hilda she looks a fool so Tricia plucks up courage and tells her that she looks like mutton dressed as lamb. Terry agrees to work part-time at the yard. Alf is told to train a lad in his job at the Post Office but he feels he's getting too old to work. Elsie tells Stan he ended up at the wrong pub on purpose. Gail refuses to take the top back. Hilda says she'll force Elsie to give her the money back.

17x36 Episode 1597 (5th May 1976)

05 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie refuses to take the top back as Hilda has worn it, ironed it and scorched it. Sylvia Matthews also refuses to exchange Hilda's top. In revenge, Hilda tells her that she's employing someone who has been accused of shoplifting. Alf fears he's going to be made redundant. Terry worries that his sister Renee Bradshaw is coming to see him. Not knowing that Hilda meant Elsie, Sylvia asks Gail if she's ever been in trouble with the police. The Superbrain quiz semi-finals take place at the Rovers. Emily tells Elsie what Hilda told Sylvia. Bet loses the quiz to Herbert Siddall but goes out with the quiz master, Philip Lightfoot.

17x37 Episode 1598 (10th May 1976)

10 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Renee Bradshaw looks around the Corner Shop. Gail worries that Sylvia Matthews thinks she's a thief. She decides to resign. Ken contacts Wendy Nightingale at Diana Kenton's address. She tells him that she's missed him. Di thinks she's mad. Ken invites Wendy to move in with him. Diana accuses him of breaking up the Nightingale home. Elsie tells Sylvia that she was up in court and resigns. Fred has to have four stitches in his hand from a glass wound. Wendy moves into No.11.

17x38 Episode 1599 (12th May 1976)

12 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Betty shows Renee round the shop. Len tells Gail that someone else stole the dresses and Gail tells Sylvia Matthews. Rita is embarrassed by Fred's attention. Elsie goes for Hilda in the Rovers but is stopped by Fred. Diana Kenton tells Wendy Nightingale that Roger wants her back but she's not interested. Renee secures a loan from the bank to buy the shop and she also plans to make a good home for Terry but he isn't keen. Sylvia asks Gail to give Elsie her cards but Gail tells Elsie that Sylvia wants to apologise. Elsie arrives and she and Sylvia apologise to each other. Elsie returns to work at the shop. Hilda tells Albert that Wendy has moved in with Ken. Renee tells Betty that she'll make Gordon an offer and in the meantime she'll work in the shop with Tricia. Albert tells Ken he's disgusted with him. He says that he's finished with him.

17x39 Episode 1600 (17th May 1976)

17 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Alf considers resigning before he's sacked. Rita gives Fred tickets for the Gatsby Club. Ken shows Wendy off in the Rovers. Tricia realises she, Gail and Elsie will be evicted when Renee buys the shop. Alf takes a shine to Renee. Fred tries to build up courage to ask Rita out.

17x40 Episode 1601 (19th May 1976)

19 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie advises Tricia to try to please Renee in order to keep her job. Wendy worries that her happiness won't last. Fred enjoys himself at the Gatsby Club. Mavis discovers that he danced with Rita. Alf writes his letter of resignation when a lad he trained is put over him. Rita kicks Mavis when she taunts her over Fred. Renee assures Elsie that Tricia can stay at the flat, although she'll lose her job. She tells Elsie that she'll want to live in the shop, so Elsie will have to move out. Ernie plans a camping holiday but Emily wants to go to Italy. Rita wonders how she can put Fred off. Len is amused at Fred's infatuation with Rita. Fred gives Rita a single red rose. Alf chickens out of resigning. Ken tells Wendy he's sure they will marry. Len and Alf tell Bet and Elsie that Ken could lose his job due to him 'living over the brush' with Wendy.

17x41 Episode 1602 (24th May 1976)

24 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Ken organises a Bank Holiday Street party, in aid of the deprived. Bet and Betty persuade Fred to donate a bottle of sherry to the tombola in Annie's absence. Ken tries to get the Community Centre committee enthusiastic about the party. Alderman Chapman and Mrs Rankin of the committee tell Ken they've had complaints about his living in sin. They spell it out that he has to give up either his job or Wendy. Ken is angry that Ernie didn't tip him off about the ultimatum. He calls them both hypocrites over the Gatsby Club raid. Elsie asks Len if she can lodge at No.9. He refuses as he's a councillor and he would start to fancy her again. Renee agrees to buy the shop on the condition that the whole shop and flat is vacant. Renee tells Betty that she'll have to tell Elsie and the girls. Emily thinks Wendy knows about the meeting and asks her not to hold it against them. Wendy forces her to tell her about the ultimatum.

17x42 Episode 1603 (26th May 1976)

26 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Fred starts putting sandwiches on at lunchtimes. Bet and Betty decide he's after his own empire. Ena accuses Renee of leading the residents into temptation by opening the Corner Shop on Sundays - but still buys a loaf of bread for herself. Ken's temper cools and he tells Alf that he doesn't really blame him or Ernie as Chapman's had it in for him ever since he got the job over his nephew. As senior barmaid, Betty is annoyed as Fred acts like landlord. Ken accuses Emily of meddling in his affairs when she tells him she told Wendy. He is surprised as Wendy hasn't mentioned it. Wendy offers to move out but Ken refuses to let her. She knows she can't support him on her wages. No one wants the sandwiches. Ken and Wendy decide to stand against the committee. Her friend Diana Kenton calls with her mail that's been delivered to her old home. She is touched when she discovers Roger has paid her car insurance. The residents prepare for the party with tressle tables and bunting.

17x43 Episode 1604 (31st May 1976)

31 May, 1976 8:00 pm
Stan's friend Wally Fisher arrives to be the escapologist at the party. Wendy doesn't feel part of the Street's oneness. The Street celebrates with clog dancers, a barrel organ and Punch and Judy. Ken takes care of special guest M.P. Geoffrey Hardcastle. Wally proves a success. He offers five pounds to anyone who will try to escape from the sack and chains. Stan volunteers. Wendy leaves the party to meet Diana Kenton. Stan is let out of the sack when he can't breathe. He can't get out of the chains and Wally disappears. Wendy meets Roger.

17x44 Episode 1605 (2nd June 1976)

02 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Stan tries to get out of his chains and Len refuses to saw him out. Hilda enjoys having Stan chained up. Roger meets Wendy at a restaurant where he tells her that he needs and wants her. He tells her she doesn't belong living in a slum with Ken. He gives her his front door key and asks her to return. Ena wins a glass goblet in the raffle. Renee finds Wally Fisher trapped in the ladies' toilet at the Rovers, drunk. He gives Len the keys to free Stan. Betty tells the girls to vacate the flat in a fortnight. Len advises Elsie to get Ken out of No.11. Wendy tells Ken she's returning to Roger; she doesn't feel right with him. She leaves.

17x45 Episode 1606 (7th June 1976)

07 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Ken is surprised when Albert shows him compassion. Albert tells him he still cares what happens to him. Derek Wilton returns. Mavis is annoyed as he hasn't kept in touch but forgives him. They arrange a meal. Ken is angry and bitter as he loved Wendy Nightingale. He tells Elsie she can have No.11 back. Fred asks Rita out. She tells him that she's going out with someone else although she isn't. He gives her a pot plant. Derek has to work and cancels the meal. When Fred arrives to see if Rita's date's turned up, she pounces on Derek and passes him off as her boyfriend. Fred admits defeat.

17x46 Episode 1607 (9th June 1976)

09 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Derek is scared of Rita even after she has explained her actions. When Fred tells the regulars in the Rovers about Rita's boyfriend, Mavis realises he is talking about Derek. Mavis accuses Rita of being man-mad. Ken assures the committee that his private life is now beyond reproach. He tells them he has no confidence in them and is taking two weeks' holiday to think about whether or not he wants to remain in the job. Renee is furious when Tricia drinks in the Rovers instead of delivering an order. Albert invites Ken to move in with him and Ken agrees. Tricia tells Renee she's sick of her - she can have the job and the flat; she's leaving. Rita convinces Mavis that there is nothing between her and Derek. She phones Derek to apologise on Mavis's behalf. Tricia leaves the Street and returns to her mother. Gail is upset. Fred realises Derek is Mavis's boyfriend and gets the picture. Tricia leaves as Ken leaves for his holiday.

17x47 Episode 1608 (14th June 1976)

14 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Renee thinks of opening an off-licence in the shop. Elsie moves back into No.11. Surveyors look at the warehouse. Annie is furious to discover Renee will be in opposition to the Rovers. Rita lets Mavis use The Kabin flat to cook Derek a meal. Albert enters No.11 and takes Ken's things from under Elsie's nose. Terry and Ray plan a fishing weekend but Renee wants Terry to do some jobs at the shop. Mavis and Derek are both nervous as she entertains him. Bet invites Rita to stay with her for the night to give Mavis and Derek a boost.

17x48 Episode 1609 (16th June 1976)

16 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Deirdre wonders who Len has taken out when Elsie, Rita and Bet are all in the Rovers. Annie gives Elsie a letter from Newcastle for her via the Rovers. Derek and Mavis have a romantic time together. Terry agrees to move into the Corner Shop flat so long as he keeps his independence. Rita, Bet and Elsie hit the town together. Rita phones Mavis and asks her to stay the night and do the morning papers. The women pick up a couple of reps - Neville Radd and George MacDonald. They take them back to No.11. Elsie reads the girls Alan's letter; he wants to know if they have a future together. To Mavis's delight Derek kisses her and refuses to apologise. He leaves the car with her, shakes her hand and takes a taxi home. She cries as she wanted him to stay the night with her.

17x49 Episode 1610 (21st June 1976)

21 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Terry paints over the "Clegg"'s sign. The day arrives for Gail to vacate the flat but she has nowhere else to go. Renee tells her that she to go as it's a condition of her bank loan that the flat is vacant. Mavis is furious to discover Rita set her and Derek up. Renee becomes the legal owner of the shop. Eddie Yeats returns to area with his friend Monkey Gibbons from Walton Jail. No one is happy to see him. The new shop sign reads "Renee Bradshaw". Elsie takes Gail in as a lodger despite her better judgement. As Minnie is away at Handel Gartside's, Eddie is homeless. Ray tells him Ken is away and No.11 is empty. He and Monkey break in whilst Elsie and Gail are at the pictures seeing Jaws. They return home to find Eddie and Monkey in Elsie's bed.

17x50 Episode 1611 (23rd June 1976)

23 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie asks Ray to put new locks on the windows. Bet tells Elsie it was Ray who set Eddie up. Renee refuses Hilda credit. Hilda threatens to take her custom elsewhere. Elsie lets Ray off the hook until he tells her that he thought she'd be desperate for two fellas. She puts a glass ashtray in her handbag. The regulars try to stop her but she belts him with the bag. Annie throws Ray out of the Rovers. Mavis doesn't understand what she can do to show Derek she wants him. Rita asks Derek to take a liberty with Mavis. Annie threatens Elsie with legal action if she lets rip again. Fred gets a job as a storeman in the afternoons and plans to work evenings at the Rovers. James Buckley, an inspector, calls on Renee and tells her she has been reported for opening after 9.30pm, selling tobacco after 8.00pm and selling non-perishable goods on Sundays.

17x51 Episode 1612 (28th June 1976)

28 June, 1976 8:00 pm
Ken returns from holiday. Renee suspects the customers of reporting her. Ken tells Albert he's decided to leave Weatherfield. Tricia writes to Gail, telling her that she's making humbugs at Bailey's. Ray plans a party for Deirdre's twenty-first birthday and their first wedding anniversary. Ken gives the committee his resignation. He tells them he's tired of failure, he wants a new start. He gets digs in Fairview Road as he doesn't want to stay in the Street whilst he serves his notice. Albert tells Ken his electricity was cut off a fortnight ago.

17x52 Episode 1613 (30th June 1976)

30 June, 1976 8:00 pm
The residents tell Ken that Albert doesn't encourage them to take an interest in his affairs so they don't. Albert goes off and Ken searches for him. Ken finds Albert at the allotment. Albert tells him the council are taking it off him because he's too old to look after it. Renee accuses Emily of reporting her as she's religious. Ken pays Albert's electricity bill. Albert tells him people don't give a toss about old folk. Ken tells Alf he's changed his mind - he wants to stay on. Gail tells Renee it was Tricia who reported her. Renee apologises to Emily. She tells Emily she only wants to make friends with everyone. Emily gives her advice on running a shop. Ken asks the men to help Albert on his allotment. Ray gives Annie a £25 deposit for the party. Deirdre finds out and is furious and tells him to get the money back.

17x53 Episode 1614 (5th July 1976)

05 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Eddie decides to seek his fortune in London when he can't find work locally. Ray refuses to asks Annie for the deposit back. Hilda decides she wants the living room decorated. Eddie promises to get Stan half-price wallpaper from a mate. Hilda is suspicious until she sees the wallpaper. Deirdre refuses to go to the party so Ray turns it into a stag night. Behind his back, Deirdre asks for the deposit back. Betty gives it to her in Annie's absence. Eddie offers to help the Ogdens decorate. In return Hilda takes him in as a lodger. Blanche phones and tells Deirdre that she'll pay for the party and they can have it in her part of the house. Hilda discovers half the paper is faded and they can't get any more.

17x54 Episode 1615 (7th July 1976)

07 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Only three walls are papered in No.13's living room. Eddie offers Hilda different paper for the fourth wall but she refuses it. Ray refuses to invite Eddie to the party but has to let him in when he brings the pies from Renee. The party is a success. Terry tries to get off with Gail but Renee watches him like a hawk. She warns Gail off him. Eddie's pal gives him special wallpaper which creates a mural. Hilda loves it. Ken and Rita get together at the party, she invites him back for a nightcap. Deirdre tells Ray she's pregnant. He announces it at the party.

17x55 Episode 1616 (12th July 1976)

12 July, 1976 8:00 pm
The Ogdens put the Canadian Rockies mural up, or the "muriel" as Hilda calls it. The lease on Ernie's shop is trebled. His accountant, Arnold Pettifer advises him to close the shop. Con men Frank Holmes and Jim Pitts pretend to be from the Welfare and try to sell Ena a shower for £60. Frank tells her he's sold one to Hettie Boothroyd. She says she'll have the £20 deposit on Monday.

17x56 Episode 1617 (14th July 1976)

14 July, 1976 8:00 pm
The Bishops feel it's unfair that they should have to close the shop whilst the Ogdens just sail through life. Ena tells Len and Eddie about Frank Holmes. They hide as she talks to Holmes. She realises he is a con-man. Ernie goes to the bank to ask for a loan. Len and Eddie stop Holmes from leaving. Eddie nearly throttles him. Len takes him to the police station. Albert supervises the residents to sort out his allotment. Eddie is embarrassed about making a citizen's arrest. Ena tells Len she twigged Holmes because Hettie Boothroyd has been dead for five months. Hilda shows the "muriel" off. Annie is horrified that the other wallpaper is the same as her bedroom paper. Ray carves "Albert Rules OK" on Albert's prize marrow. Ernie is refused a bank loan and goes into liquidation.

17x57 Episode 1618 (19th July 1976)

19 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Albert mourns his vandalised marrow. The Gazette refuses to take Ernie on the staff as he's not in the National Union of Journalists. Hilda spreads the news round that Ernie has gone bust. Albert accuses Ray of vandalising his marrow. Ernie goes to the job centre. Ray apologises to Albert and gives him £2 compensation. Ernie doesn't qualify to go on the Executive Register and has to claim supplementary benefit. Edna Gee's friend, Vera Duckworth, calls on Fred. Albert goes to bingo and meets Bertha Lumley. They go halves and win the £100 jackpot.

17x58 Episode 1619 (21st July 1976)

21 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Bertha Lumley doesn't let Albert forget £50 of the winnings is hers. Vera tries to get Fred to skive off work. He refuses but agrees to see her for the night. Annie agrees to him entertaining her for a meal and promises to be discreet. Ernie receives £17.50 a week social, plus the interest on his mortgage. He discovers he owes £100 VAT. He and Emily clear out and close the Camera Shop. Eddie chats Vera up. She lets him buy her four gins before getting ready for her date with Fred. Albert plans to go to Glasgow and treat Peter and Susan. He is worried that Bertha is after him. Annie is horrified that Fred's lady friend is the common Vera. She decides to play gooseberry. Bertha's daughter, Freda Todd, tells Albert she's always getting off with men at bingo and her dad has threatened to kill the next one.

17x59 Episode 1620 (26th July 1976)

26 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Emily goes in search of a job, Ernie doesn't like the idea of her working if he isn't. Fred is annoyed as Annie spoilt his evening with Vera. Roy Thornley takes Gail out for lunch, to her surprise. Bertha Lumley thinks Albert's lucky and refuses to leave him alone. Elsie advises Gail to watch herself with Roy. Renee tells Ernie she'll let them have credit if they want it. Mavis looks for clothes for her holidays and gets on Rita's nerves. Nathaniel Lumley looks for Albert. Roy takes Gail out for the night.

17x60 Episode 1621 (28th July 1976)

28 July, 1976 8:00 pm
Len asks Rita if she wants a break in the Lake District with him. She turns him down as she's singing. Elsie makes Gail stay in the shop for her lunch so Roy Thornley joins her. The Inland Revenue demand £300 from Ernie but he hasn't got it. Nat Lumley catches up with Albert but asks him to keep taking Bertha Lumley to bingo for his sake as she's happy when she keeps winning. Gail is nervous as Roy comes on strong. Ernie decides to sell his cameras. Emily is horrified. Albert agrees to take Bertha to bingo twice a week if Nat covers all his expenses. Elsie discovers Gail and Roy have closed the shop for lunch and that Gail is drunk. Albert and Bertha win £20 at bingo. She refuses to share it with him. Emily sells her engagement ring.

17x61 Episode 1622 (2nd August 1976)

02 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie worries that Roy Thornley will hurt Gail. Ernie is horrified that Emily has sold her ring for £100. She makes him see that they are not beggars. Nellie Harvey shows off her new Mini and shocks Annie by telling her she's passed her test. Albert demands money from Bertha Lumley but she refuses to give him any. Emily gets a job as an orderly at the hospital. She tells Ernie that they also need a porter but he refuses to apply.

17x62 Episode 1623 (4th August 1976)

04 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Terry misses the army. Bertha apologises to Albert and gives him £10. Annie discovers Nellie Harvey had to have eighty-six lessons to pass her test. Albert is horrified when Bertha kisses him. Elsie is upset when Gail loses one of her earrings whilst out with Roy Thornley. Nat Lumley threatens to thump Albert when he hears about the kiss but Ena intervenes and separates the two men. Elsie finds the lost earring in the stockroom. Len makes her realise that Roy must be married when he points out that he has to entertain Gail at the shop. Nellie challenges Annie to learn to drive in less than eighty-six lessons when she goads her.

17x63 Episode 1624 (9th August 1976)

09 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Annie decides to learn to drive. Gail is angry at Elsie's interference in her life. She accuses her of being jealous of her youth. Gail walks out of the shop. Annie is annoyed when the regulars hint she's too old to drive. Elsie threatens to tell Sylvia Matthews about the affair if he doesn't stop it. Deirdre agrees to talk to Gail for Elsie but Gail tells her she's only jealous. Roy Thornley's wife phones and tells Elsie she and the children will be returning from London in the morning. Gail tells Roy she loves him.

17x64 Episode 1625 (11th August 1976)

11 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie doesn't know if she should tell Gail that Roy Thornley is married. Emily finds the hospital exhausting. Elsie tells Gail about Roy's family but she doesn't believe her. Annie is annoyed when Hilda broadcasts the fact that it's her birthday. Elsie gives Roy the message from his wife in front of Gail. He tells Gail it was only a game - what did she expect? She gives him back his bracelet but he tells her he can't give her back her virginity. A young man arrives at the Rovers, wears thick spectacles and drinks several pints before saying that he is there to take Annie on her first driving lesson. It then transpires that he is a friend of Eddie's called Cliff Humphries who he called in in an attempt to set up an unamused Annie. Eddie does a paper round at The Kabin. Instructor Don Grady gives Annie her first proper lesson, to the residents' amusement.

17x65 Episode 1626 (16th August 1976)

16 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Rita gets Ernie a job at the Gatsby Club, two nights a week, but one of them is a stag night. Len, Ray and Terry do contract work on a building site, with Terry working full-time. Hilda tells Emily that Ernie will be playing at stag nights. Annie goes to see Joan, the residents wonder why. Ernie tells Emily he needs to feel that he's earning money. Builder Jack Barker taunts the yard men just for the sake of it. News reaches the Rovers that Annie's driving lesson ended with her crashing the car into a lamp post. To Emily's disgust, Ernie agrees to play at the Gatsby.

17x66 Episode 1627 (18th August 1976)

18 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Ray discovers a load of plumbing stock has been stolen from the site. Len tells the contractor. Stripper, Josie Steel, goes through her routine with Ernie at No.3. Emily walks in half way through. She accuses Ernie of thinking more of letting Rita down than her. Rita throws Emily out of The Kabin when she groups her in the same category as the strippers at the Gatsby. Jack Barker and Doug West steal tiles from the site. The Bishops apologise to each other. He tells her he'll give the job up. Len and Ray suspect Barker of being the thief.

17x67 Episode 1628 (23rd August 1976)

23 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Derek Wilton tells Mavis he's taking her to see his mother. She is terrified at what might happen. Annie returns. Bet and Betty can't bring themselves to ask about the crash. Len prompts an investigation at the site and Jack Barker is reprimanded by the unionist Joe Stark. Mrs. Wilton gives Mavis the third degree.

17x68 Episode 1629 (25th August 1976)

25 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Jack Barker rigs some scaffolding. Amy Wilton thinks there's something wrong with Mavis for not marrying before. Ray falls from the scaffolding and is rushed to the infirmary. Mrs Wilton doesn't like Mavis and tells Derek that she won't do; she and Derek are too alike, he needs someone with spirit. Len realises Barker rigged the scaffolding and fights him. Annie learns how the car was crashed by the vicar. Gail discovers Doreen Thornley is citing her in her divorce case when she gets a court petition.

17x69 Episode 1630 (30th August 1976)

30 August, 1976 8:00 pm
Ray stays in hospital for observation. The Haggerty boys, Kevin and Jimmy, run amok in the Street. Roy Thornley doesn't know Doreen is divorcing him or that she is citing Gail. Elsie asks him not to defend the divorce. Hilda's washing is stolen, she thinks the Haggerty boys took it. Ray discharges himself from hospital, his arm in a sling. Roy apologises to Gail. She tells him she hates him; her reputation will be ruined. Stan steals the Haggertys' washing. Gail breaks down when Roy decides to defend the divorce. Renee returns the Ogdens' washing; she took it in when it was raining and put it in her machine. Stan is worried about taking the Haggertys' washing back, having heard about the size of Mr Haggerty.

17x70 Episode 1631 (1st September 1976)

01 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Roy Thornley asks Gail to brazen it out and lie in court - she refuses. Stan returns the washing when he hears Jim Haggerty, the father of the boys, is in prison. Elsie decides to see Doreen Thornley when Gail says she can't. Stan runs into newly released Jim when he returns the washing. Doreen tells Elsie she had Gail and Roy followed; they spent two hours in the shop after midnight together. Jim gives Stan a black eye. Doreen refuses to believe Gail was the innocent party. Elsie asks her if she could name someone else. When Doreen thinks Gail is a trollop, Gail appears and breaks down. Doreen refuses to believe she isn't a homewrecker.

17x71 Episode 1632 (6th September 1976)

06 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Gail runs away. She thinks of going to London but Rita puts her off and lets her catch up on some sleep in The Kabin flat. When she feels better she returns to work. Fred, Alf and Terry go to the dogs for the night. Eddie and Stan start selling Albert's vegetables off Stan's cart. Albert stops them when Ena suggests he sells them direct to the Darby and Joan club. Sylvia Matthews tackles Gail over her affair with Roy Thornley and sacks her.

17x72 Episode 1633 (8th September 1976)

08 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Gail refuses to work her notice. Fred, Terry and Alf plan another night with the dogs as the track wasn't open the night before. Albert is in profit as he sells his vegetables to the old folk. Elsie forces Gail to work at the shop. Ray buys a second-hand pram. Deirdre thinks Gail could take Sylvia Matthews to the industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal. Elsie threatens to take Sylvia to a tribunal on Gail's behalf. Fred, Alf and Terry buy a greyhound, Fred's Folly from Joe Mooney.

17x73 Episode 1634 (13th September 1976)

13 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Fred keeps the greyhound in the Rovers' cellar. He, Alf and Terry can't believe they spent £30 when drunk on the dog. Fred tries to keep Annie away from the cellar. Ray does the pram up in the yard as a surprise for Deirdre. Annie finds the dog in the cellar and releases it, thinking it fell through the trap door. The dog runs away. Deirdre gives the pram to young Darren Briscoe to carry round his bonfire wood in. Terry is so hung-over he can't remember buying the dog. Renee puts up official notices that she is applying for a drinks licence. Sylvia Matthews rings Gail and tells her that she's reconsidered her sacking and that she can keep her job. Ray is furious that Deirdre gave the pram away while she is furious that he wanted it for their child. Albert buys dog food from Renee who worries that he's hard up.

17x74 Episode 1635 (15th September 1976)

15 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Fred, Alf and Terry search for the dog. Albert has taken Fred's Folly in. Renee starts a petition in favour of the off-licence as it will help in court. Hilda signs it "Crabtree" so as not to offend Annie. Deirdre agrees to Ray's pram when he says he'll change the baby's nappies. Annie starts a petition against the off-licence. Albert discovers who owns the dog and suggests that Fred and Alf offer a reward. He then returns the dog for the £3 reward. Alf takes the dog to his house but it escapes again and returns to Albert. Ray can't have the pram back as the lad has turned it into a trolley. Annie bans Renee from the Rovers. In retaliation Renee tells her she won't be served in the shop.

17x75 Episode 1636 (20th September 1976)

20 September, 1976 8:00 pm
The doctor tells Deirdre to stop riding her bike. Betty is forced to do Annie's shopping at the Corner Shop. Renee calls Terry "Judas" for drinking in the Rovers. When the Community Centre's nursery leader is ill, Eddie gives Ken a hand with the children. Albert charges Fred and Alf for keeping the dog at his house. Ken is impressed by Eddie's handling of children. He wants to build an adventure playground at the back of the centre. Eddie agrees to help the kids organise themselves. Mavis agrees to buy Deirdre's bike for £5 but Ray and Len turn it into an exercise machine for Fred's Folly but the dog isn't interested.

17x76 Episode 1637 (22nd September 1976)

22 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Deirdre tells Ray she wants her bike back - as a bike. Albert enjoys looking after Fred's Folly. Eddie stores playground equipment at the Community Centre. Len agrees to take Elsie to a council dinner, entertaining a delegation of French men. Stan lends Eddie his cart to move some of the playground stuff. Walter Jenkins, from the Weatherfield Anti-Drink League petitions people outside the shop. He swears to oppose Renee at the court. Alf is tricked into giving Annie a driving lesson. Terry gives the bike to Eddie for the playground. Eddie and the kids start to build the playground. Ken offers to testify to Renee's good character in court. Annie swerves to avoid the dog in the Street and hits Stan's cart.

17x77 Episode 1638 (27th September 1976)

27 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Annie and Alf are stunned after their crash. Alf blames Annie, she blames Terry and he blames Albert who has disappeared. Hilda lays into Alf when she finds the cart under his car. Eddie disciplines the kids by tickling them. He gets an old car for the playground. Fred searches for the dog after the crash. Hilda claims £50 damages from Annie and Fred. Albert goes to Glasgow when Hilda threatens to sue him for letting the dog loose. Ken decides that Eddie should be paid for his work. Len organises a meeting to sort out Hilda's claims. The parents tell Ken they don't want Eddie being near their children because of his criminal record and threaten to go over his head.

17x78 Episode 1639 (29th September 1976)

29 September, 1976 8:00 pm
Fred and Terry fear legally they were responsible for the crash as the dog owners. Alf's car repairs are £60. Len chairs as Annie, Alf, the Ogdens, Fred and Terry meet to sort out responsibility. The parents refuse to give Eddie the benefit of the doubt. Eddie is hurt that he can't look after the kids any more. Hilda demands compensation and loss of earnings. Len reminds the Ogdens that Alan gave Stan the cart for free and Ray sold him the ladders for £2. Alf reveals he can't claim on his insurance because it'll cost him more than the £60 repairs; he'll lose his no-claims bonus. Terry and Fred say they're the injured party as their £30 dog has run off. Annie refuses to pay anyone. Bet advises Annie to set a good example. Annie agrees to pay half the cost of the car repairs and suggests that she, Alf, Fred and Terry all pay £2.50 compensation to Stan. Stan agrees but Hilda is disappointed. Renee decides to sell the shop if she doesn't get the licence.

17x79 Episode 1640 (4th October 1976)

04 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Ernie looks after the shop whilst Renee goes to court. Stan spends £4 of the compensation on drink. Bet goes to court with Annie whilst Ken goes with Renee. The magistrates hear their case. Ernie gets a job interview and worries that Renee won't be back in time. Renee has 276 signatures on her petition and she feels that the area needs an off-licence. Annie's solicitor, Peter Smith, brings up the fact that Renee has been reported for opening on Sundays. He accuses her of just being after the profits. Ken tells the magistrates that an off-licence would be convenient. Annie tells the court that she believes the Rovers fulfills all the neighbours' needs.

17x80 Episode 1641 (6th October 1976)

06 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Stan enjoys not being able to work. Bet puts her foot in it when she lets slip that they send out for wine when it's needed. Hilda is depressed because Stan spends all day in the Rovers, Len decides to build Stan a cart for her sake. Ernie hands the shop over to Terry. Annie puts her hopes on Walter Jenkins but he launches into an attack on pubs. The magistrates grant the application and Renee gets her licence. Renee offers Annie the hand of friendship but she doesn't want it. Bet is angry when Annie blames her. She tells Annie that everyone knew she wasn't going to win, she was just fighting it out of spite. Annie offers Renee an olive branch and offers her any help she might need about selling alcohol. Hilda finds the new cart outside No.13 and guesses who made it. To their mock horror, she kisses Len, Ray and Terry but also buys them drinks as a thank-you. Ernie gets an interview at the rebuilt warehouse.

17x81 Episode 1642 (11th October 1976)

11 October, 1976 8:00 pm
The Warehouse is opened up again as Baldwin's Casuals. Elsie challenges Len to take her out for the night to prove he can still show a girl a good time. Londoner Mike Baldwin arrives in Weatherfield to supervise his new factory. As the office isn't finished he interviews Ernie at No.3, catching him unaware. He tells him he's opening a denim factory and is after a wages clerk. Rita gives Len two free tickets for the Gatsby. He says he'll take Ken. Rita is annoyed when Len takes Elsie there instead while Elsie is annoyed that Len didn't pay for the tickets. Len grows jealous of Rita's agent. He tells her she can't have a week off to sing in Torquay. She is adamant that she's going so he threatens her with the sack. Rita hits him and he falls to the floor, hitting his head.

17x82 Episode 1643 (13th October 1976)

13 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Len comes to. Elsie rows with Rita for hitting him. Mavis entertains the customers in the Rovers with her comic songs and has too much to drink. Bet makes her stay at the Rovers for the night as Annie is in Jersey. Dr. Brooks gives Len the all clear but advises him to take it easy. Rita apologises to him. Mike Baldwin gives Ernie the wages clerk job for £45. Doreen Thornley rings Elsie and tells her that Roy has moved in with Sylvia Matthews so she's citing her now and not Gail. She also tells her Roy and Sylvia are moving on and giving the shop up. The Bishops celebrate with an Italian meal. Bet, Rita and Elsie fuss round Len: he enjoys it. He tells them that if he doesn't rest he'll end up in hospital.

17x83 Episode 1644 (18th October 1976)

18 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Rita runs herself down, doing the papers and looking after Len. The regulars tease Alf for helping Renee put some shelves up at the shop. Renee's fiancé Harry McClean arrives on leave. She introduces him to Terry. Rita finds it hard to cope at No.9. Her agent demands to know what she's going to do about Torquay. Len tells her to take the job if she wants it but she declines it as she feels Len needs her. Ray has a check up at the doctor's and learns the doctor signed Len off the sick two days ago.

17x84 Episode 1645 (20th October 1976)

20 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Rita and Elsie don't enjoy running around after Len and clash. Ena is the first off-licence customer and gets her two stouts free. Ray tells Rita that Len is putting it on. She pours a pint over Len's head in her fury. She throws all the washing she has done out of a window. Terry tells Harry McClean that Renee wants to settle down. Ena worries as she hasn't heard from Minnie in ages. Renee tells Harry she'll wait to marry him and assures him she didn't buy the shop in the hope he'd settle down. He tells her he can't see their marriage working out and returns to sea, their engagement broken.

17x85 Episode 1646 (25th October 1976)

25 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Hilda grows tired of working at both the Rovers and the Community Centre. Ernie doesn't enjoy interviewing machinists for jobs. Emily decides to stay on at the hospital even though Ernie has a job. Albert is horrified as the landlord puts Minnie's house up for sale. Ray wants to buy No.5 but Deirdre isn't keen - she wants somewhere with a garden. Hilda's mac disappears. Ena determines to find out why Minnie's house is for sale. Hilda is hurt when her mac turns up - on a bonfire Guy which is paraded round the Rovers by two lads, Nigel Johnson and Gary Pearce, much to the amusement of the regulars who donate generously to the boys.

17x86 Episode 1647 (27th October 1976)

27 October, 1976 8:00 pm
Handel Gartside arrives in the Street and tells Ena that Minnie isn't returning from his home in Whaley Bridge. Ray arranges to look round No.5, thinking he can buy it cheap and do it up. Deirdre refuses to live in Coronation Street. Stan buys the mac back for 10p but to his surprise Hilda refuses to have it back. Handel tells Ena he's fond of Minnie and will take care of her. Hilda plans to buy a new mac out of Christmas money but discovers Stan has taken half of it. She is furious and calls him a liar and a thief. She tells him she hates him and their rotten lives. She tells him tells him to go away from her and he does. Handel oversees Minnie's things being taken away. The Langtons view No.5. Ernie finds out the address of the woman who bought Emily's engagement ring. He tries to buy it back but she's emigrated to Australia. Emily says she's glad as she's got her eye on another ring. Hilda wonders where Stan is when he stays out all evening.

17x87 Episode 1648 (1st November 1976)

01 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Ernie has begun his new job and is slightly unnerved when he has to interview girls for jobs in the factory, particularly when Bet appears as an applicant. Annie has decided she can't keep on Bet and Betty in the Rovers unless they will take a salary cut, so they both apply for jobs in the factory. Hilda is worried about Stan who has been missing from home for some days.

17x88 Episode 1649 (3rd November 1976)

03 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Hilda is still worried about Stan and finally breaks down when everyone is sending her up about his absence in the Rovers; Hilda confides in Annie who rises to the occasion by comforting her and ringing the police. Bet and Betty are shattered when they are told they won't get the factory jobs and Annie has started to make alternative staffing arrangements.

17x89 Episode 1650 (8th November 1976)

08 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Annie tells Hilda she won't tell anyone about Stan's disappearance. Bet refuses to crawl to Annie to secure her job. Betty fears she'll never work again. Stan arrives at Norman Crabtree's chip shop in Oakhill. Annie refuses to take Betty and Bet back. Hilda contacts the Salvation Army. Stan tells Norman and assistant Edie Blundell he's been hitching all over the country. Edie feels sorry for him. He asks Norman if he can stay with him. Eddie returns to No.13 from staying in Liverpool. Hilda tells him he can't stay with her as Stan is away. Gail starts work at the Rovers. Bet and Betty, as customers, give her the runaround, ordering cocktails which Annie has to instruct her on how to make up. Norman resents the way Stan lounges around the shop, eating the profits and entertaining Edie to a drink. Stan phones the Rovers to tell Hilda he's alright. The residents begin to realise Stan has left her.

17x90 Episode 1651 (10th November 1976)

10 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Mavis considers taking driving lessons. Hilda fills out a form for the Salvation Army in order to trace Stan who meanwhile enjoys being looked after by Edie Blundell. Norman Crabtree calls on Hilda and tells her Stan is with him. She is furious that he didn't tell her sooner. Hilda refuses to beg Stan to return. Nellie refuses to give any of Annie's "cast-offs" a job. Fred tells Bet and Betty that Annie wants to see them, when she really only wanted to see Betty. Stan plans a night watching Edie's colour TV and isn't happy with the prospect of being reunited with Hilda. Eddie decides he'll reconcile the Ogdens so he can return to being their lodger. Annie offers Bet and Betty their jobs back without the £2 cut, they return to work and Gail gets the push. Stan decides to return home until Eddie tells him that Hilda wants an apology from him.

17x91 Episode 1652 (15th November 1976)

15 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Ray completes his plans for modernising No.5 but Deirdre doesn't want the house. He thinks it's a snip at £2,500 but she refuses to look at the plans. Rita takes a fancy to Mike Baldwin and flirts with him. Norman Crabtree threatens to throw Stan out unless Hilda takes him back. She agrees to take him back without an apology. Stan refuses to return until she has apologised to him. Mike asks Bet out, telling her that he has a wife in London but is in the North during the week. The residents advise Deirdre to take No.5. She looks at the plans and likes them. She agrees to buying the house. Ray is delighted. Stan asks Eddie to get some of his clothes for him. Hilda dresses up for Stan's return and is upset when Eddie tells her he's not coming back; he's being looked after by Edie. Ray is horrified to find someone else has beat him to it and bought No.5.

17x92 Episode 1653 (17th November 1976)

17 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Edie throws herself at Stan. Ken organises the Old Folk's Christmas Party. Eddie is forced to sleep at Monkey Gibbons' but wants to return to No.13. Mike asks Len and Ray to do a conversion job on his new house - No.5 for which he is the mystery buyer. Ray is furious. Hilda is horrified that Edie washes Stan's underwear. She goes to the chippie and has a slanging match with Edie. Edie gets Norman to defend her, causing Stan to stick up for Hilda. Norman throws them both out. The Ogdens are reconciled. Hilda tells Eddie they want to live alone - he can't move back. Mike takes Bet out. Rita is horrified; she wanted him.

17x93 Episode 1654 (22nd November 1976)

22 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Rita takes Mavis' manuscript from her bag and starts to read it. Eddie takes Ena to see "Gone with the Wind" for her 77th birthday treat. Len offers Mike a new estimate, down 20% but Mike refuses it. Bet asks Mike to take Len's estimate as a favour and he agrees. Rita tells Deirdre about "Song of a Scarlet Summer" and how Mavis has written about them all, changing their names: 'Rosalind Lane' is Rita, 'Lionel Forrest' is Len, 'Lady Annabel Ryder' is Annie. The book is very steamy: "...she glided on to the shadowy balcony and into the waiting arms of Lionel. Her white throat gleamed in the moonlight as she raised her face to his. She tossed back her chestnut curls and unable to contain his passion Lionel bent his strong mouth to her waiting rosebud lips..."

17x94 Episode 1655 (24th November 1976)

24 November, 1976 8:00 pm
Mavis is horrified that Rita has read her book. Rita tells her she liked it. Mike gives Len the job to renovate No.5. Eddie tries to sell Christmas trees. Bet enjoys herself with Mike. Mavis sends her book off to the publishers. Emily warns her that she could be sued if anyone recognises themselves in the book. Annie lays on a party for Ena's 77th birthday. She is touched. Having a touch of last-minute nerves, Mavis tries to retrieve her parcel but the postman refuses to give it to her. Mike invites Bet to move into No.5 with him.

17x95 Episode 1656 (29th November 1976)

29 November, 1976 8:00 pm
To show Mavis she won't be sued, Rita reads a bit of the novel to Stan, about 'Santos Olivier' and Stan doesn't recognise himself. Bet doesn't know whether or not to live with Mike. He shows Bet round No.5 to Len and Ray's amazement. Mavis asks Ken to read the book to see if any of it is libellous. Rita and Elsie try to dissuade Bet from moving into No.5. Ken doesn't think the book is libellous but he doesn't like it. Bet tells Mike she'll move in with him.

17x96 Episode 1657 (1st December 1976)

01 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Ena is upset to discover Bet and Mike will be living together in Minnie's old house. Eager to write about real life, Mavis asks Terry about army life. Annie tells Bet to stop the gossip in the bar over her living arrangements and tell everyone she is Mike's housekeeper. Mavis is shocked by Terry's tales and decides to give up writing. Elsie reveals Sylvia's Separates is closing.

17x97 Episode 1658 (6th December 1976)

06 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Bet makes plans for No.5. Sylvia's Separates holds a clearance sale. Sylvia Matthews tells Elsie that she and Gail go with the shop. Hilda doesn't think it's fair that Bet should be treated by Mike and his big wallet, especially when he buys Bet a new mac. She refuses to do any housework until Stan has bought her a mac. Elsie tells Mike that Sylvia's would make a good outlet shop for him. Mike looks around the shop and tells Gail he likes it but wouldn't want to employ Elsie; she's too old.

17x98 Episode 1659 (8th December 1976)

08 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie is furious that Mike would fire her from the shop. She thinks he's going to replace her with Bet. Eddie gets a mac for Hilda. He tells her it's exclusive and is only £10. Gail tells her it's a bargain. Elsie tackles Bet about Sylvia's. Bet denies all knowledge of it. She confronts Mike about his plans to get rid of her and is speechless when he tells her she's past it. Hilda shows her mac off in the Rovers and sees a woman wearing an identical mac. Mike apologises to Elsie and offers her the job of sewing room supervisor at Baldwin's Casuals. She is pleased.

17x99 Episode 1660 (13th December 1976)

13 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Elsie starts work at Baldwin's Casuals. Ivy Tilsley, Vera Duckworth and Marie Stanton work under her. Terry grows tired of being treated like a lad at the Yard as he considers himself a tradesman. Annie's driving test comes through for the next day. Her instructor doesn't think she's ready. The factory girls want to be paid on a different day and Mike tells Ernie to sort it out. Terry tackles Len about the boring jobs he gets given. Len agrees with him and gives a week's notice; there's not enough work for three. Ernie refuses to change the pay day from Friday to Thursday for just the sewing room girls. Eddie runs a book on Annie's driving test. Annie puts £1 on herself to pass. Elsie rows with Ernie - the girls are going to hold a strike meeting.

17x100 Episode 1661 (15th December 1976)

15 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Ivy tells Elsie the girls will strike if they're not paid on Thursdays. Renee pushes Terry to find work. Ernie refuses to give way to the girls and he is certain he has Mike's backing. Annie is nervous about her driving test. The factory girls strike. Mike tells Ernie he hopes for his sake that they're soon back at work. The girls don't believe Elsie when she tells them she's on their side. She convinces them that their argument is with Ernie not Mike. She offers to put their case to Mike. Terry tells Renee he doesn't fit in in the Street and he's returning to the army. Ivy wants a fight but the other girls want to return to work. Elsie tells Mike their request and he agrees. Ernie is humiliated. Annie passes her driving test. As a result of their bets on the outcome, Fred wins £20, Terry £5, Annie £10 and Betty £1. Eddie is horrified at the pay-outs he has to make. Ken advises him to find a car for Annie and pay his debts out of the commission.

17x101 Episode 1662 (20th December 1976)

20 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Marie Stanton hangs mistletoe over her sewing machine and kisses Mike. Eddie tells his debtors he'll pay half-odds as any bet made on licenced premises is illegal and therefore invalid. Mike throws a party for his workers and gets the drink from Renee for which she is delighted. Bet is angry as she isn't going to the party and she knows the machinists are after Mike. Vera and Marie throw themselves at Mike at the factory party. Ivy has her eye on Tom Pickup and sends Gail out to get more men for the girls. Eddie sets his pal, Lanky Potts, up to sell Annie a Rover 2000. Terry tells Gail he fancies her - she is pleased. Len and Marie break off from the crowd and lock themselves in an office. Ernie tries to give a speech to the girls but they grab him and remove his trousers.

17x102 Episode 1663 (22nd December 1976)

22 December, 1976 8:00 pm
The girls continue to undress Ernie. Vera pulls his shirt off and he runs away in his string vest and underpants. Gail gets drunk and kisses Terry. He reads more into it, especially when she tells him she doesn't want him to leave the area. Annie refuses to lend glasses for the party as they got the drink from Renee. Terry asks Gail to go out with him as he'd like to settle down. She laughs at him and says she's only with him as there's no one else. He calls her a tart and slaps her face. Len is angry when Marie Stanton dumps him for Mike. Ernie's clothes can't be found so he has to wear denims. Annie test-drives the Rover 2000. Terry leaves for Lancaster, planning to join up again. Renee is upset at being on her own. Bet goes to the party fearing Vera has her claws into Mike but finds him on his own. He gives her the key to No.5 as a Christmas present.

17x103 Episode 1664 (27th December 1976)

27 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Mike and Bet move into No.5 but he immediately returns to London. Annie gets one over on Kitty Stonely by offering to take her to a Licenced Victuallers lunch in her Rover 2000. She quickly buys the car off Lanky Potts and he gives Eddie commission on the sale. Bet's wall units are delivered but she has to assemble them. She lures the men round with a bottle of whisky to do the job for her. Renee accuses Gail of being responsible for Terry's leaving and calls her a tart. Annie is stopped by the police after the lunch, doing a three-point turn in the Street. She is breathalysed. The crystals turn green.

17x104 Episode 1665 (29th December 1976)

29 December, 1976 8:00 pm
Gail is depressed as she's not doing anything with her life and people think she's a tart. Annie had to provide a blood sample in the police station. Annie discovers her car insurance is £200. She is annoyed as Kitty Stonely spreads the word round the Lady Victuallers about the breathalyser. Bet holds a housewarming. The residents are jealous of the modern house. Annie's blood sample proves she was below the limit. Mike arrives halfway through the party but doesn't mind. Len gets a letter from his son Stanley Fairclough saying he's coming up to visit with his fiancée.

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