Brookside Guide.....Season Fifty Four.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FIFTY-FOUR (45 episodes)
[Episodes 2188-2232]

The episodes:

Episode 2188 (T 16-03-99 "Not My Fault") Written by Peter Cox - Margi confronts Mr Thornton about her altercation with Emily's athletics coach. Nikki visits her counsellor for further advice. Jacqui insists that she is doing her best to ensure that the building work continues.

Episode 2189 (W 17-03-99 "Bad To Worse") Written by Roy Boulter - Jacqui makes a worrying discovery about the building work. Jimmy is caught on camera defending Emily, which may have unforeseen consequences. Ryan is warned to stay away from Nikki.

Episode 2190 (F 19-03-99 "Cross") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jackie is annoyed when a reporter turns up to see her and won't go away, Lindsey is furious when she discovers the building work has been sabotaged, and Greg is angry when an old man shocks Nikki by wandering into the bungalow and claiming that he lives there.......

Episode 2191 (T 23-03-99 "Past") Written by Richard Burke - Rachel becomes distressed when she gets locked in the bathroom. Jimmy is determined not to give up his job even though his colleagues now know about his past. Lindsey arranges to meet Rose Finnegan, and Tim realises he has more in common with Sinbad's guest than his own family.

Episode 2192 (W 24-03-99 "Scruples") Written by Sue Mooney - Greg is not impressed to find Jessie talking to Alec. Mick and Sinbad bid farewell to their unexpected house-guest when his son Kevin turns up. Rose makes Lindsey an offer she may not be able to refuse.

Episode 2193 (F 26-03-99 "Bad Blood") Written by Maurice Bessman - Greg feels guilty about betraying his wife and family. Ron grudgingly gives jobs to Leo and Jerome. Margi wants to know what action Mr Thornton will take about Abbott. Lindsey must decide whether to tell Jacqui and Susannah what Rose has said.

Episode 2194 (T 30-03-99 "Unrealistic Expectations") Written by Julie Jones - Nikki feels that Diane has betrayed her by not revealing that there is another person the police now suspect of committing the rape. The Musgroves receive more bad news, and Jimmy fears that it will soon be discovered that his degree certificates are forgeries.

Episode 2195 (W 31-03-99 "Doubts") Written by Gary Brown - Nikki has to try to pick out a man who was at the party from an identity parade. Susannah receives a final demand from a food supplier which she can't pay. Jackie tells Jimmy that she can't take any more lies, and Sinbad and Tim have hamster trouble.

Episode 2196 (F 02-04-99 "A Day Out") Written by Sue Mooney - Emily and Kelly conspire to ensure that Jessie can spend some time with Alec, but he ends up losing his teeth. Jacqui becomes more confused about her feelings towards Harry, as Susannah mourns on the second anniversary of the death of Matthew.

Episode 2197 (T 06-04-99 "Weed") Written by Peter Cox - Niamh and Joey confront Matt over the allegations that he grew cannabis above Ron's shop and at their previous home. Jason and Katrina look forward to better times. Lindsey takes Jackie and the children swimming, and finds that one of them has done something they shouldn't have in the pool.

Episode 2198 (W 07-04-99 "Pathways") Written by Jane Pritchard - The Corkhills comtemplate the future, as Jackie realises that each of her options has a major downside. Lindsey wonders what lies in store for her with the Finnegans, and Jimmy needs to decide whether to tell the truth.

Episode 2199 (F 09-04-99 "Dead-End Job") Written by Peter Cox - Lindsey comes face-to-face with someone she believed was dead. Alec asks Jessie out on a date. Susannah mourns Emily alone, Joey is concerned about his missing son, and Jackie is determined to succeed on merit.

Episode 2200 (T 13-04-99 "Living Dangerously") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy much decide whether, and how, to help Lindsey out of her latest problem. Greg realises that he is playing away too close to home. Ron is shocked by the demands of one of the customers of "Great Grannies".

Episode 2201 (W 14-04-99 "Squatters") Written by Julie Jones - Sinbad is faced with a problem when the Musgroves tell him they are going to refuse to move. After chatting with Greg, Jason wonders about the state of his parents' marriage. Jerome and Leo leave home.

Episode 2202 (F 16-04-99 "Guilty By Association") Written by Chris Webb - Alec and Jessie's friendship grows, but Greg and Susannah's is looking less close. Lindsey makes her escape - but did Callum see who was driving the car?

Episode 2203 (T 20-04-99 "Consequences") Written by Shaun Duggan - Callum tries to solve the mystery. Katrina must decide whether to say yes to Jason's proposal. Greg and Susannah try to cope with being just good friends.

Episode 2204 (W 21-04-99 "Dangerous Pursuits") Written by Shaun Duggan - The victim of a mugging finds himself being taken into custody. Jerome is convinced that Ron is a racist. Nikki develops an interest in dangerous pursuits, and Lindsey may not realise what she has got herself into.

Episode 2205 (F 23-04-99 "False Hopes") Written by Shaun Duggan - Lindsey convinces the Finnegans to leave her alone, but Jacqui and Susannah are not impressed by her methods. Jason's secret is revealed, the date of Luke's trial is set, Greg is desperate to try to make his marriage work, and Matt thinks about ways of improving his fortunes.

Episode 2206 (T 27-04-99 "Money Worries") Written by Maurice Bessman - Joey may be about to confess to raping Nikki. Rose gives Lindsey an ultimatum. Susannah reaches a decision about the "Millennium Club", and Matt's run-in with Katrina leaves him feeling somewhat downhearted.

Episode 2207 (W 28-04-99 "Albatrosses") Written by Roy Boulter - Matt tries to earn enough money to be able to put his problems behing him. Jacqui makes a devastating discovery, as the ownership of the "Millennium Club" is revealed, and Katie and Ryan consider what lies ahead for them.

Episode 2208 (F 30-04-99 "A Desperate Woman") Written by Sue Mooney - Niamh needs help when the car breaks down, a nasty surprise leaves Lindsey shaking with fear, Katrina is not at all impressed by Katie's taste in men, and Jayne unnerves Jason when she urgently needs to go to the toilet.

Episode 2209 (T 04-05-99 "Life's Rich Tapestry") Written by Richard Burke - A confrontation with Susannah leaves Katrina seething and thinking about resigning. Nathan flirts with Jacqui, but will he remain loyal to Lindsey? Jessie acts on an omen, and Callum may be dropped right in it.

Episode 2210 (W 05-05-99 "Pressured") Written by Maurice Bessman - Matt finds a passport to wealth and older women. Jacqui might have found a way of winning. Callum pushes his luck, and Leo wants to spread his wings, but will Mick let him?

Episode 2211 (F 07-05-99 "Precancerous Cells") Written by Sue Mooney - Luke feels that he cannot take being imprisoned for very much longer. Jimmy clashes with Abbott again, Mick is worried by a telephone call, and Anthea receives a diagnosis which shocks Ron.

Episode 2212 (T 11-05-99 "Scars") Written by Gary Brown - Lindsey has had enough of her mother and father. Sinbad receives some distressing news. Matt looks forward to a hopefully lucrative future, and Jacqui's blackmail may finally pay off.

Episode 2213 (W 12-05-99 "The Stones Of Shad") Written by Roy Boulter - Sinbad fears that he has lost Mandy for good. Lindsey considers moving out. Joey finds Luke in hospital - bruised, battered and handcuffed to his bed - and the Stones of Shad are born.

Episode 2214 (F 14-05-99 "Scared Witless") Written by Roy Boulter - Tim calls an ambulance when he thinks Sinbad has committed suicide. Alec gives Jessie a driving lesson. Jimmy doesn't notice that Lindsey and Kylie have moved out.

Episode 2215 (T 18-05-99 "Too Close") Written by Julie Jones - Margi fears for Nikki's safety. Niamh is thrown into emotional turmoil by Luke. Mick lends an ear to an old friend, and Nathan catches a couple in a compromising position.

Episode 2216 (W 19-05-99 "Staff") Written by Julie Jones - A shock awaits Margi and Greg in Harvey's flat. Tim's appetite for business is whetted by the promise of naked women. Susannah may have left it too late to make up with Katrina.

Episode 2217 (F 21-05-99 "Made For Each Other") Written by Chris Webb - Niamh is less worried about Luke, but wonders where they go from here. Nikki doubts that she will ever be able to enjoy the pleasures of a relationship. Anthea discovers that Ron has deliberately defied her, and corks pop when Jacqui and Nathan get together.

Episode 2218 (T 25-05-99 "Smooth And Efficient") Written by Chris Webb - Luke wonders why his natural parents had him adopted. Leo and Jerome try to bring some normality into Nikki's life. Anthea is sick of Ron interfering in her private affairs, and for Jacqui and Nathan, it's the morning after the night before.......

Episode 2219 (W 26-05-99 "Difficult To Find") Written by Sue Mooney - Susannah is annoyed when she finds out that Katrina has given Emma a bottle. Rachel is relieved when Sinbad appears to be coming to terms with Mandy's forthcoming marriage. Joey explains his decision to give Luke to Rose.

Episode 2220 (F 28-05-99 "Root Cause") Written by Shaun Duggan - Mick fears that Leo and Jerome are working in a dangerous trade when Jerome turns up in a new car. Greg believes he has found some vital evidence for Nikki's rape case. Ron receives a warning.

Episode 2221 (T 01-06-99 "Caught Out") Written by Peter Cox - Jacqui wonders what her evening with Nathan is likely to lead to. Greg worries that his affair with Susannah is about to be revealed. The strain of recent events starts to affect Niamh and Joey's relationship, and Mick is concerned about Leo.

Episode 2222 (W 02-06-99 "Unprofessional") Written by Peter Cox - The Corkhills are due to set off on holiday, but Jimmy has too many drinks to calm his nerves, and isn't allowed on the plane. Katie is embarrassed when she finds out Jacqui is seeing Nathan, and Susannah believes she knows who is to blame for the accident involving Harry.

Episode 2223 (F 04-06-99 "Shared Heritage") Written by Barry Woodward - Jessie is worried that Katrina can't cope with looking after two babies. Jimmy has no choice but to return home when Jackie goes on holiday without him. Rachel tells Katie that she is pregnant and doesn't know what to do, and Darren, Nathan and Victoria move in.

Episode 2224 (T 08-06-99 "Muscling In") Written by Barry Woodward - Katrina resents Jessie's interference. Rachel is not pleased that Jacqui has told Katie her news. Ryan decides to take matters into his own hands when he finds out that Harvey has refused to give a DNA sample.

Episode 2225 (W 09-06-99 "Retracting") Written by Sue Mooney - Jacqui believes that Mike ought to find out the truth about Rachel. Greg is pleased to discover that Margi is going to be away for a night. DS Rose gives Ryan a firm talking to when Harvey retracts his confession, and Joey visits Luke again.

Episode 2226 (F 11-06-99 "Coming Back") Written by Sue Mooney - When Jackie returns to the Close, she tells Jimmy that she is going to move in with Lindsey. Susannah is horrified to find that Lindsey knows about her affair with Greg. Ron steps in when he doesn't like the way Katrina is treating Harry, and Sinbad is disappointed that Ruth hardly recognises him.

Episode 2227 (T 15-06-99 "Family Ties") Written by Peter Cox - Mike finds out that Rachel is pregnant, and Ron and Anthea set another wedding date. Jason looks forward to his liaison with Jayne. Matt and Bosko are looking for new investors in "The Stones of Shad", and Sinbad feels all alone in the world.

Episode 2228 (W 16-06-99 "Offering") Written by Richard Burke - The druids plan to sacrifice Fudge the hamster in the stone circle of Shad. Harvey's reason for lying to the police is revealed. Sinbad discovers Rachel's news from Ron, and Jimmy and Jackie's marriage may be over for good.

Episode 2229 (F 18-06-99 "Mesmerised") Written by Roy Boulter - Greg celebrates Father's Day in an inappropriate way. Ron's cost-cutting leads to Ruth having to be rushed to hospital, and a violent confrontation with Sinbad.

Episode 2230 (T 22-06-99 "Grudge") Written by Roy Boulter - Margi returns from London, and is annoyed to find there has been no progress on the extension. Matt and Bosko hope that their luck will change at Glastonbury. Ron and Sinbad are not willing to forgive each other.

Episode 2231 (W 23-06-99 "Hatred") Written by Chris Webb - Nikki fears that she may not be believed in court. Luke wishes that he could share Ryan's optimism. Katrina gets her first modelling assignment. Rachel tries to help Sinbad come to terms with his loneliness, and suggests that he sees a doctor.

Episode 2232 (F 25-06-99 "Luring") Written by Chris Webb - While Jimmy cooks lunch for Jackie in the hope of getting back on speaking terms with her, William falls into the pond in the garden. There is a rude awakening for the lads at Glastonbury, and the tension rises on the Close as Luke's trial approaches.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (2190, 2194-2199, 2201, 2202, 2204, 2210, 2212, 2213, 2221, 2222, 2226-2228, 2231, 2232)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (2189-2203, 2206, 2209-2212, 2216, 2222-2224, 2226, 2228, 2231, 2232)
William Corkhill - MATTHEW and JACK FORAN, LEWIS DAVIES (2196-2198, 2201, 2206, 2210, 2222, 2226, 2228, 2231, 2232)
Harold Cross - BILL DEAN (2190-2192)
Nathan Cuddington - MARCUS HUTTON (2207, 2209, 2215, 2217, 2218, 2221-2224, 2226, 2232)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (2189, 2193, 2199-2201, 2204, 2207, 2211, 2217, 2218, 2220, 2226, 2227, 2229, 2230)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (2189-2191, 2193, 2195, 2196, 2200, 2201, 2203-2212, 2217-2228, 2231, 2232)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (2191, 2192, 2207, 2211, 2212, 2223-2230)
Harry Farnham (2188, 2196, 2197, 2203, 2206, 2208, 2209 OOV, 2210, 2219, 2222, 2223, 2225, 2226, 2232)
Emma Farnham (2188, 2190, 2197, 2206, 2209, 2210, 2219, 2222, 2224, 2225, 2232)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (2192, 2201, 2202, 2204, 2208, 2210, 2211, 2213-2215, 2218, 2220, 2221, 2223)
Gemma Johnson - CARLA JARRATT (2201, 2220, 2227)
Leo Johnson - STEVEN COLE (2193, 2201, 2204, 2208, 2210, 2211, 2215, 2218, 2220, 2221, 2223, 2227-2232)
Susannah Morrisey, formerly Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (2188-2190, 2192, 2193, 2195-2197, 2199, 2200, 2202, 2203, 2205, 2206, 2209, 2210, 2212, 2213, 2216, 2217, 2219, 2221, 2222, 2225, 2226, 2228-2230)
Joey Musgrove - DAN MULLANE (2188, 2193, 2194, 2197, 2199-2201, 2204-2207, 2211, 2213, 2218-2221, 2225, 2228, 2232)
Niamh Musgrove (nee O'Brien) - BARBARA DRENNAN (2188-2190, 2194, 2197, 2200, 2201, 2205, 2206, 2208, 2215, 2217-2221, 2223, 2232)
Luke Musgrove - JASON KAVANAGH (2194, 2211, 2213, 2217-2220, 2222, 2225, 2231)
Ryan Musgrove - SAMUEL JAMES HUDSON (2189, 2194, 2204, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2214, 2215, 2217, 2222-2225, 2228, 2231)
Matt Musgrove - KRISTIAN EALEY (2193, 2197, 2200, 2201, 2205, 2207, 2208, 2210, 2212, 2212, 2215, 2216, 2227, 2222, 2227-2232)
Kelly Musgrove - NATALIE EARL (2190, 2191, 2194, 2196, 2201, 2202, 2212, 2214)
Alec O'Brien - AL T. KOSSY (2189, 2191-2194, 2196, 2199, 2202, 2208, 2209, 2212, 2214, 2215, 2219)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (2191, 2195, 2214, 2216, 2227-2232)
Lindsey Phelan, formerly Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (2188, 2190-2193, 2197-2206, 2208-2210, 2212, 2213, 2216, 2222, 2226, 2228)
Dr Darren Roebuck - TIMOTHY DEENIHAN (2221, 2223, 2224, 2226, 2229, 2231, 2232)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (2194, 2201, 2207-2209, 2211, 2215, 2217, 2222-2226)
Victoria Seagram, formerly Wilcox - PATRICIA POTTER (2223-2226, 2231, 2232)
Jessie Shadwick - MARJI CAMPI (2189, 2191-2194, 2196, 2199, 2202, 2204, 2209, 2212, 2214, 2215, 2223, 2224, 2226)
Greg Shadwick - MARK MORAGHAN (2190, 2192, 2193, 2195, 2197, 2199-2203, 2205, 2209, 2213, 2215, 2216, 2218, 2219-2222, 2225, 2229, 2230, 2232)
Margi Shadwick (nee Benson) - BERNADETTE FOLEY (2188, 2189, 2193-2195, 2203, 2213-2216, 2221, 2222, 2225, 2230)
Jason Shadwick - VINCENT PRICE (2197, 2200, 2201, 2203, 2205, 2208, 2209, 2211, 2213, 2217, 2223, 2224, 2227, 2228)
Nikki Shadwick - SUZANNE COLLINS (2188-2190, 2194, 2195, 2204-2206, 2214-2218, 2225, 2230-2232)
Emily Shadwick - JENNIFER ELLISON (2189, 2191, 2194, 2196, 2202, 2205, 2209, 2214)
Kylie Stanlow - HANNAH DOWD (2191, 2197, 2198, 2204, 2206, 2210, 2222, 2226, 2228)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (2189-2192, 2195, 2201, 2202, 2204, 2206, 2207, 2210, 2212-2215, 2217, 2219, 2221-2224, 2227-2232)
Mark Wilcox - DUGALD BRUCE LOCKHART (2224, 2226, 2232)
Christian Wright - PHILLIP DOWD (2191)
Rachel Wright (nee Jordache) - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (2191, 2192, 2211-2213, 2217, 2219, 2223, 2224, 2226-2231)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Roger Abbott - ANDY WILLIAMS (2189, 2191, 2211)
Bosko (Christopher Boscombe) - MATTHEW CITRINE (2205-2208, 2210, 2213, 2216, 2221, 2222, 2227-2232)
Helen Brennan - JOANNE SHERRYDEN (2188)
Anthea Brindley (nee Russell) - BARBARA HATWELL (2193, 2200, 2207, 2211, 2217, 2218, 2220, 2227)
Megan Brindley - CHERYL MACKIE (2220, 2222, 2225-2227)
Mr Chris Carlton - ANDY HENDERSON (2194)
Bernie Connor - CLAIRE DAHLING (2215)
Kevin Cross - STUART ORGAN (2192)
Tina Curtis - CAITLIN GREY (2189)
Karen Dalton - AMANDA HUMPHREY (2191, 2194, 2211)
Katrina Evans - ANN MARIE DAVIES (2197, 2200, 2203, 2206, 2208-2210, 2213-2217, 2219, 2222-2224, 2226, 2228, 2231, 2232)
Harvey Fairhurst - EDWARD WISEMAN (2216, 2224, 2225)
Alasdair Finnegan - FREDDIE BOARDLEY (2203, 2205, 2206, 2209)
Callum Finnegan - GERARD KELLY (2199, 2201-2205, 2208-2210)
Rose Finnegan - AMANDA NOAR (2192, 2199, 2203, 2205, 2206, 2209)
Fudge, hamster (2195)
Jerome Johnson aka "Bezzo" - LEON LOPEZ (2193, 2201, 2204, 2208, 2210, 2218, 2220, 2223, 2227-2232)
Kirsty, "Bar Brookie" waitress (2210)
Kevin Lewis - GARY CARGILL (2189)
F.S.O. Diane Nichols - LINDA ARMSTRONG (2189, 2194, 2195)
Detective Sergeant Rose - ANDREW DUNN (2216, 2221, 2225)
Ruth Sweeney - RHIANNON WRIGHT (2224, 2226, 2229, 2230)
Mr Dick Thornton - GRAHAM SEED (2188, 2191, 2193)

NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Austin Lowes - BILL SPEED (2192) [ Detective Inspector Long (1869) ]
Christine Taylor - LESLEY STAPLES (2188) [ Mrs Grove, Educational Welfare Officer (224) ]
Magistrate - GEOFFREY WILKINSON (2194) [ Herbert Travis (207) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Frank Bradley - SCOTT ROWAN (2189, 2190)
Jayne Ferris - HELEN LATHAM (2208, 2211, 2224)
Chloe Finnegan (2192, 2203, 2206, 2209)
Don Gannon - SEAMUS NEWHAM (2219, 2220)
Rose Gannon (nee Musgrove) - NUALA WALSH (2219, 2220)
Mr John Howard - MICHAEL LUMSDEN (2203, 2206)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Eva - JOANNE ROSENFIELD (2232)
Hilary - LINDA GEORGESON (2200)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Billy, who delivers supplies to Greg (2213)
Clarky, a pupil (2191)
Cody, a pupil (2189)
Debbie, a beauty salon manager applicant (2204)
Hana, a thieving little tart (2232)
Mrs Howe, an elderly client of Nathan (2207)
Mrs Lee, a "Great Grannies" applicant (2193)
Mr Turner, a builder (2190)

Christian's appearances in episode 2191 are only in flashbacks from episodes 1960 and 1962, which also feature Rachel, Jacqui and Mike.

The Channel Four broadcasts of episodes 2188, 2189, 2190, 2194, 2197 and 2200 were followed by trailers for "Brookie Basics", and the closing music is significantly shorter than usual in these episodes, with the cast and production credits presented in two columns in a much smaller font size. Unusually, in the last of these the closing music fades out rather than reaching its final note.

Scenes at the end of episode 2229 and at the end of part one of episode 2232 are shown in slow-motion.

From the beginning of this season onwards, "Brookside" is shown in a widescreen format.

The storylines:

Jimmy somehow manages to keep his teaching job - but when he misses a holiday abroad by getting drunk, Jackie leaves him again and moves in next door with Lindsey, who manages to overcome threats to the success of the "Millennium Club" from the Finnegans, including the not-quite-as-dead-as-she-thought Callum. Anthea overcomes a health scare and agrees to marry Ron, and Mike overcomes Rachel's fear of relationships enough to get her pregnant. Doctor Darren, website designer Victoria, and solictor Nathan - a despised boss for Katie, but a new lover for Jacqui - move into a flat on the parade, and Harry Cross briefly makes a surprise return to the Close. A visit from his daughter Ruth doesn't do as much to relieve Sinbad's depression as he might have hoped, Mick worries about Jerome's influence over Leo, and Katrina finds it a strain to cope with looking after Susannah's two babies. Kelly and Emily remain friends, Alec and Jessie become closer, and the fists of both Greg and Ryan briefly make contact with the other main suspect, Harvey - but the Shadwicks and Musgroves hope for very different outcomes as further evidence is gathered, and Luke's trial for the drug-rape of Nikki draws near.......

The dates:

It is St Patrick's Day in episode 2189; based on dialogue in episode 2190, it is Monday in episode 2191; and it is Easter Sunday in episode 2196. An advertisement for a receptionist's job seen on the wall in episode 2197 requires applications by 9th April; based on dialogue in episode 2203, it was Friday in episode 2202; and it is the Queen's 73rd birthday in episode 2204. In episode 2205 it is 1999, and it is revealed that Luke's trial will begin in the week commencing 28th June, which is not for "two months"; in episode 2206 Lindsey is told that she must make repayment by 1st December; and in episode 2207 there is an April calendar on the wall of Katie's office. It is Friday in episode 2211; it will be four years on Tuesday since Mandy and Beth were found guilty of murder in episode 2213; and Friday 4th June is "not for another two weeks" in episodes 2217 and 2218. Based on documents seen in episode 2217, it is Tuesday 25th May in episode 2218 and Friday 4th June 1999 in episode 2223; based on dialogue in episode 2224, it is Wednesday in episode 2227; and based on dialogue in episode 2225, it is Friday in episode 2226. Based on dialogue in episodes 2228 and 2229, it is Saturday in the former and Sunday / Father's Day in the latter. A banner reading "Glastonbury Festival - June 25th 26th 27th" seen in episode 2231 would suggest, albeit not conclusively, that this episode is set on or before these dates.

Name-checks:

"Popeye" (2190); "Raffles" (2191); Houdini (2191); "Romeo" (2191); "Rip van Winkle" (2192); "Compo" ["Last of the Summer Wine" character] (2192); Oswald Mosley (2193); Dick Turpin (2202); "Rapunzel" (2109); Michael Collins (2190); Michael Owen, footballer (2191); "James Bond" (2192); "Z-Cars" (2192); "Mickey Mouse" / "Mickey" (2193, 2195 / 2197, 2198, 2199); Michael Flatley (2194); "Hammy Hamster" (2195); "Lassie" (2195); "B*Witched" (2196); the "Beatles" (2196); Robbie Williams (2196); "Worzel Gummidge" (2196); "Chip 'n' Dale" (2197); "Goofy" (2199); Blunkett, politician (2200); Noel Edmunds (2200); "Lady Godiva" (2200); Degas and Whistler, artists (2202); the Queen and her mother (2204); "Charlie's Angels" (2205); Cilla Black (2207); "Friends" (2208, 2215) and characters "Ross" and "Rachel" (2232); "Miss World" (2208); Saddam Hussein (2208, 2225); Richard Branson (2208); George Clooney (2209); "Mulder" and "Scully" (2209); Arnold Schwarzenegger (2210); "Tarby" (2210); Noah [biblical] (2212); Mother Teresa (2212); Quentin Tarantino (2212); "Mrs Merton" (2213); "Diddymen" (2216); Ronnie Biggs (2219); "Lord Snooty" (2219); Steve McQueen (2219); "The Great Escape" (2219); Judith Chalmers (2221); "Batman" and "Robin" (2224); "Tweedledum" and "Tweedledee" (2224); Lord Irvine (2225); Mike Tyson (2225); "Ben and Jerry" (2227); "Tom and Jerry" (2227); "Shirley Valentine" (2228); "EastEnders" (2230); "Charlatans" [band] (2230); Beryl Bainbridge (2230); Picasso (2231); Bruce Willis (2231); and Gary Rhodes (2232).

Locations:

While the majority of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, Jessie and Alec are seen in Chester in episode 2209; Tim, Jerome, Leo, Matt and Bosko are seen somewhere near Stonehenge in episode 2230; and the latter quintet are in and around Glastonbury in episodes 2231 and 2232, joined briefly in the latter by Eva and Hana. However, only the last two of these episodes include scenes - for example, those outside the "Excalibur Cafe" - that are identifiably recorded at the location at which they are set.

Births:

None. It is Rachel's birthday in episode 2191, and she realises in episode 2223 that she is pregnant. She is nine weeks pregnant, and her baby is due on December 23rd, in episode 2228. We are also told that Rose Gannon had an abortion (2219, 2222, 2223) at the age of 15 (2219, 2222), and that Niamh was 17 when she gave birth to Luke (2118, 2119). Kevin is "about 55", according to Jimmy (2192); Danny Simpson is 14 (2195); Matt is 17 (2199); Leo is 17 (2204) / nearly 18 (2208, 2215) / 18 this year (2210); Harry is 8 months old (2209) / 9 months old (2226), and both he and Emma are less than a year old (2226); Nikki is 19, according to the "Echo" (2217); Kelly is 15 (2219); Ryan is "a couple of years" younger than Luke (2223); Rachel is 20 (2224) / "about 20", according to Megan (2225); Ruth is 4 (2225); the unseen Mr Princely is 74 (2224); and the unseen Derek is 75 (2228).

Marriages:

None. Jason and Katrina get engaged in episode 2203, Nathan celebrates becoming divorced from the unseen Sarah in episode 2217, and Anthea agrees to marry Ron at the registry office he has booked for July 7th in episode 2227. We are also told that Alec married Helen three months after meeting her (2196); Greg and Margi will have been married for 23 years in June (2205), having married when Greg was Jason's current age (2201); Mandy is getting married to the unseen Brian at the end of the month (2212), and Rachel returns from that wedding in episode 2224; Don met Rose when he was 16 (2220), and they have been married for 26 years (2220); Joey and Niamh have been together "20-odd" years (2221); Mark was married to Victoria for three years (2224, 2225); Jackie has been with Jimmy "nearly 30 years" (2227); and the unseen Derek has been married for 50 years (2228).

Deaths:

None. It is the anniversary of Matthew and Emily's deaths "this month" in episode 2188, and it is two years since Matthew died in episode 2196. The following unseen and never-to-be seen characters who are no longer alive are also mentioned: Helen, Alec's wife, who died of breast cancer in her early 30's / Niamh's mother (2196 / 2208); Tommy, Jessie's husband, who died ten years ago (2196); Jackie's father, who worked on the docks (2196); Lindsey's uncle Franky (2199); Callum's father (2209); Jerome's father (2201, 2218, 2220, 2223, 2229), who used to be in the building game before he went into community work (2218); the wife of old Mr Andrews, a client of Nathan (2215); Megan's "father" (2220, 2222); and Tim's father (2229). Callum also recalls the death of his mate Benny, who had been seen in the video-only episode "The Lost Weekend", but did not appear in any broadcasted episode (2203).

Toilet visits:

Harry Cross (2190 - and he has wet the bed in episode 2192); Rachel (2191 and 2223); Jessie (2193); Tim (2195); Kylie (2197); William, in the pool (2197); Harry (2197, 2223, 2225); Jayne (2208); and Emma (2210).

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

Katrina's mother (2196, 2203, 2206, 2208, 2209, 2213, 2214, 2229); Katrina's father (2203, 2206, 2208, 2209, 2213, 2214, 2225, 2229); Demi, a friend of Kylie (2206); and Devvo, a mate of Jerome (2210, 2228).

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

Rivers (2188, 2189); Peter (2188, 2190, 2191, 2194, 2198); Matthew (2188, 2196, 2197, 2199); Emily [Farnham] (2188, 2197, 2199); Max / Maxie (2188, 2196, 2197, 2199, 2225, 2226, 2229 / 2202); Barry Grant / Barry / Mr Grant (2188, 2190, 2193, 2197, 2200, 2203, 2204, 2206 / 2189, 2191, 2192, 2198, 2199, 2201, 2202, 2205, 2208, 2210 / 2207); Ralph (2190, 2191, 2192); Susan Clarke (2190, 2191, 2192, 2198, 2203); Damon (2191); Monty (2191); Edna (2191, 2192); Billy (2192); Cassie (2193); Jerome's mother / Vonnie (2193, 2218, 2229 / 2201, 2202, 2204, 2208, 2210, 2211, 2223); Danny Simpson (2194, 2195, 2198); Tony (2196, 2230); Val (2197, 2212); Ollie (2198, 2213); David Crosbie (2198); Patricia (2198); Jean Crosbie (2198); Little Jimmy (2198, 2199, 2200, 2221); Sheila Grant (2198); Brian Kennedy (2198); Lauren (2199); Ben (2202); Sian (2202); Ross (2202, 2221, 2222, 2225, 2230); Gary (2205); Bruno (2208); Mandy / Mandy Jordache (2212, 2213, 2215, 2222, 2231 / 2214); Beth (2213, 2224, 2227, 2231); Carmel (2214, 2215); Josie (2215); Dr Cohen (2221); and Susannah's sister (2228). And, in episode 2188, Lindsey is seen taking delivery of a parcel addressed to Peter Phelan.

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

Sean (2196) and Paul (2196, 2217), Niamh's brothers; Alan Brown, a scaffolder who lived in the same street as Jackie, and Paula McMahon, who once slept with him (2198); Rolf, Callum's faithful sniffer-dog (2199); Mark Jenkins, a friend of Matt (2200); Aggie, a "Great Granny" (2200); Mrs McKenna, a "Great Grannies" customer (2200); Melissa, a friend of Kelly (2200); Hilary's husband, who ran off with his 32-year-old P.A. (2200); Pippa, a friend of Gemma (2201, 2210); Mrs Taylor, a housing expert at Levy, Brown, Saundersen & Co. (2201); Kim, Fiona, Sarah and Tasha, friends of Kelly and Emily (2202); Pat from Margi's work, who lent her a catalogue (2203); Gozzy, a mate of Greg (2203); Mrs Cuddington (2207, 2215) / Sarah (2217, 2232), Nathan's wife (2207, 2209); Sergeant Glover, who Nathan telephones regarding Ryan (2207); Bosko's nan (2208); Smithy (2208), Hughie (2208), Billy Mac (2208), Billy (2210), and Jimmy Dempsey (2220), mates of Jerome; Mr Mottram (2209) and old Mr Andrews (2215), clients of Nathan (2209); Mrs Gidlab, Emily's teacher (2209); Brian, Mandy's fiance (2212, 2213, 2215, 2219, 2223); Mrs Arden, a customer of Greg (2215); Bosko's mother and father (2216); Fran Williams of the home economics department [at Brookside Comprehensive] (2216); Woody, a trucker mate of Luke (2218); Brenda, a relative of Anthea (2220); Megan's auntie Aggie (2220); Mr Princely, a 74-year-old who has surfed the internet for five years (2224); Trisha, a "Bar Brookie" employee (2226, 2228); Derek, a 75-year-old retired doctor from Brighton, and his wife (2228).

Goofs:

The "Great Grannies" flier briefly seen on-screen in episode 2193 includes one bad spelling mistake: "Grab yourself a Great Granny! First class service - Babysitting, Child Minding, Domestic Maintainence. Ring now on 0151 269 5341. Great Grannies Agency - there when you need them!"

A piece of hate-mail received by the Musgroves in episode 2194 has the same wording both times it is seen on-screen: "Your son is a RAPIST - If the court doesn't sort him today, I will." But when it first arrives, the words are spread across four lines; and when Kelly later rescues it from the bin, the words are only spread across three lines!

In episode 2202 we see a list Lindsey has made of the five clubs from which Callum is collecting his extortion money - "Rigby's", "Blue's". "Othello's", "Mallan's" and "Bevan's". However, after he is seen collecting from "Othello's", the next one he visits - his second last call - is actually "Barbed".

Katie pluralises "table" instead of "time" in episode 2209: "I've probably got a surprise test on my time tables coming up.".

In episode 2231, Matt shows Bosko the frontispiece of an old book he has found, showing only the title, author and publisher - "The Story of Shad", Dr M. Wilson, Groves - but doesn't turn the page before they both start to read out brief extracts from the text inside.

Trivia:

Joey once played bass in a band, but he damaged his hand jumping off a bridge when drunk, and originally met Niamh at the hospital where he was then treated (2206). Rose brought Luke up for 12 years (2218, 2219, 2225) in Dublin (2218). Harvey's room in the university halls of residence is number 20a, and the university gym in which Nikki, who has shopped at "Harrod's" while in London with Margi (2230), is found is in Aspen Street (2216). The headline in a Thursday edition of the "Echo" seen twice in episode 2217 is "Drug rape accused flees hospital bed", and the article begins: "A Liverpool man being held on remand charged with drugging and then raping a nineteen year old student has". Winning racehorses selected by Jessie, to the surprise of Alec, a reader of "Racing Post" (2199, 2209) are "Life's Rich Tapestry", "A Girl Called Jeff" (at 33/1) and "Slow Collier". Other tenants listed on the doorbells of Jayne's residence are Stu Priest, J. Laurence, D. Horace and Charlotte Bowman (2227).

Nathan, who is working on "the Jenkins case" (2223), Victoria, who is from Ellesmere Port (2231) and works for "World Wide Web Weavers" in Manchester (2223), and Darren were at university together (2221, 2223), Nathan and Victoria shared a house, and Darren joined them when he started at medical school (2223). The reference number on the letter dated 20th May 1999, which Anthea receives from Cancer Research Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L1 in episode 2217 is Dix/28GH. It states that her appointment is at 10.30 am on Friday 4th June 1999 - but Ron then makes an earlier one, according to his notes, on Tuesday 25th May at 2.30pm, with Dr Wallace at Willowbank Private Health Centre. The electricity bill Ron receives for his shop is for £399.00 (2189).

Susannah recalls scattering her children's ashes at Dove Point nearly two years ago in episode 2199. The wording on the card with the flowers she receives in episode 2196 is: "Susannah, I'm sorry about everything that's happened. Thinking of you today. If it's OK with you, can I see you Max xx". Lindsey hires a car from "Acute Car Hire", whose telephone number is 0151-692-6838 (2201), and goes to the Finnegans' in a "Maple Cars" taxi (2209); Ryan is seen driving the same "Goldline Taxis" Joey had previously driven, bearing the telephone number 0151-269-9696, although the taxi number is now 3024 (2204); and the Corkhills set off for the airport crammed into a ridiculously small taxi from Manor Car Line, bearing the telephone number 269 6699 (2222). Once there, Jimmy gets drunk at "The Viscount Bar" (2222). Jackie's first job after she left school was at Tate & Lyle (2196); Barry's company, owner of the "Millennium Club", is "Grant-Starr Holdings" (2207); and Kevin, Harry's son, lives in Maghull (2191).

The telephone number 0151 269 5941 is seen again on Greg's van in episodes 2201, 2202 and 2229, and supplies are brought to him on a van bearing the company name "Beesley & Fildes Ltd" in episode 2213. The telephone number on the "For Sale, One Owner" sign Alec attaches to his car in episode 2212 is 0151 672 5176; and Jimmy's forged certificate from Sheffield University, bearing the name "Martin James Corkhill", is seen again in episode 2194. Roger Abbott reads "The Daily Telegraph" (2211); and there is still a poster of George Clooney on the wall of Nikki's bedroom in episode 2195, and art by Ansel Adams (2207, 2209) and Claude Monet (2209, 2215) in the solicitors' office. Niamh (2190, 2205), Frank (2190), Jacqui (2208, 2211, 2217, 2218), Katie (2209), Mick (2210), Jayne (2211), Susannah (2213, 2216, 2217), Alec (2214), Margi (2215), Lindsey (2216), Nikki (2225), Rachel (2226), Katrina (2226), Kylie (2228) and Leo (2229) are right-handed, while Nathan (2207), Jimmy (2210, 2214), and Mike (2229) are left-handed.

"Blink-and-you-miss it" moment:

The somewhat typo-ridden letter Susannah receives from "Jones & Patterson - Exceptionally Fine Food Supplies" in episode 2195 suggests that they don't employ exceptionally fine typists. It reads as follows:

Dear
Miss S. Morrisey

Following our recent conversation concerning the matter of the outstanding bill of £1010.5

I regret to inform you that the bill has not been payed and if the matter is not resolved after 7 working days, legal action will be taken.

Yours
Faithfully

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Although the outcome of the drug-rape trial will not be known until the next season, perhaps it can be predicted from the closing cliffhanger of this one....... Nikki looks across the Close, watching Niamh washing her windows, and wishing that the trial was already finished. Greg assures her that he and her mother don't want her suffering any more than she already has, and reminds her that she will only have one opportunity to make sure the jury believe her. "It'll be all right, Nik' - they're going to lock him up and throw away the key. This time next week, it'll all be over, eh?"

Season Fifty Five.......