Brookside Guide.....Season Fifty Six.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FIFTY-SIX (32 episodes)
[Episodes 2284-2315]

The episodes:

Episode 2284 (T 26-10-99 "Sordid Details") Written by Barry Woodward - Susannah fears for her life when Margi, furious that Nikki didn't tell her about Greg's affair, confronts her in her bedroom. But for once she is grateful for Max returning home and rescuing her.

Episode 2285 (W 27-10-99 "Performance") Written by John Fay - While they move into number 9, Nathan and Darren are entertained by the goings-on outside, as Jessie tries to convince Margi that having Greg's underpants strewn all over the Close isn't really going to help matters.

Episode 2286 (F 29-10-99 "Worst Nightmare") Written by Richard Burke - Jacqui discovers that Deborah is moving in with Nathan and Darren. Ryan tells Luke that he accidentally slept with Abby again while visiting her. Mark irritates Victoria by going on and on about his incurable disease at a dinner party, and troublemaker Josh returns to the Close.......

Episode 2287 (T 02-11-99 "Futile") Written by Maurice Bessman - Emily tells Margi that she doesn't want to go to Belgium because she won't be able to watch "Dawson's Creek" any more. Tim gets a new job, but there's a snag. Mick and Leo can't believe Jerome's casual approach to what happened to Josh. Lindsey wants to be honest with Shelley, but Shelley isn't prepared for what she hears.

Episode 2288 (W 03-11-99 "Leaves") Written by Roy Boulter - Alec puts his back out while clearing up some leaves. Darren tries unsuccessfully to persuade Victoria to reconsider her decision to go back to Mark when he slips on the leaves. And, looking forward to her new job in Brussels, Margi.......leaves.

Episode 2289 (F 05-11-99 "First Proper Date") Written by Roy Boulter - When Ryan has to go back to Scotland, Luke fills in for him on a dinner date with Katie at "The Shelf", where Susannah's first night back at work is ruined by an outburst from a drunken Nikki. Leo and Kelly go out on a first proper date, but Charlotte tells Darren they should cool things between them for a while.

Episode 2290 (T 09-11-99 "Capable Of Much More") Written by Roy Boulter - Alec is determined to prove he still has a lot to offer, and to take steps to improve his appearance. Nikki is alarmed to receive a gift from Harvey, and is fearful of what he will do next. Mr Moore brings Sinbad a construction kit, and encourages him to learn sign-language and to find a suitable job.

Episode 2291 (W 10-11-99 "Stories") Written by Barry Woodward - Jessie is not impressed to hear that Tim is Emily's new boyfriend. Jackie is amazed when she is promoted to manageress of the petrol station. Lindsey and Shelley's relationship looks shaky, and Jacqui isn't much help when Katie becomes fed up with Ryan.

Episode 2292 (F 12-11-99 "Wig") Written by Shaun Duggan - When Jessie finds Nikki and Jerome in bed together and interrupts Emily kissing Tim, she feels that her granddaughters' moral standards are slipping, and decides to move in to the bungalow with them. Alec receives something in the post that causes more hilarity than he anticipated.

Episode 2293 (T 16-11-99 "Short Cut") Written by Debbie Oates - Nikki and Bernie confront Harvey about his obsession. Jacqui walks in on Deborah and Nathan, and gives him an ultimatum. Katie persuades Luke to tell her what he knows about Ryan.

Episode 2294 (W 17-11-99 "Detached") Written by Richard Burke - Mick worries about Leo's prospects. and Mike is concerned when he realises that Rachel will be working right up until the baby's birth. Deborah plans to break up Nathan and Jacqui, and Ryan discovers that Luke has revealed something he didn't want anybody to know.

Episode 2295 (F 19-11-99 "Disabled") Written by John Fay - Sinbad and Niamh both have interviews at EasyLec, but at least one of them is going to be disappointed. Nikki drunkenly stumbles into a taxi without realising who is at the wheel.......

Episode 2296 (T 23-11-99 "Freaked Out") Written by John Fay - Harvey is arrested for abduction. Ryan is not impressed when Katie reveals the identity of her new boyfriend. Max becomes Susannah's knight in shining armour, and time is running out for Lindsey as Rose's deadline approaches.

Episode 2297 (W 24-11-99 "Prices") Written by David Young - Jessie is unconvinced when Nikki remains sure that Luke was her rapist, despite the evidence now pointing to Harvey. Leo finds it hard to deal with the responsibilities of adult life, Max shows interest in Niamh, and Mike has something to say to Rachel.

Episode 2298 (F 26-11-99 "New Regime") Written by Richard Burke - Sinbad makes a decision, Jerome confronts Ryan when Nikki gets drunk again, Nathan has a surprise for Jacqui, Jimmy turns over a new leaf, and Max has some news for Susannah.

Episode 2299 (W 01-12-99 "Not Enough") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick is surprised when Leo goes out early, and even more so when he finds that it was to get a job. Darren wonders why Jimmy is building a shed that doesn't look like a shed. Jerome asks Jessie if he can move in with Nikki, and Lindsey steals money from the safe at "Bar Brookie" in an attempt to get closer to repaying her debt to Rose.

Episode 2300 (W 01-12-99 "Another Way") Written by Barry Woodward - Mike tries to convince Rachel that they can afford to buy a car. Alasdair is furious when Lindsey cannot repay her debt to Rose in full, and comes up with an offer she cannot refuse. Max spoils the mood at a dinner with Susannah by reflecting on his past misdemeanours. Jessie insists that Nikki, Emily and Jerome join her when Ray comes to tea - and he brings wine.......

Episode 2301 (F 03-12-99 "Excess Baggage") Written by Barry Woodward - Nikki is convinced that Harvey doesn't deserve to go to prison, and tells the police that she wants to drop the charges against him. Niamh flirts with Max, Lindsey's trouble worsens, Leo is suspended from work when he falls asleep on the job, and Mike buys a car.

Episode 2302 (T 07-12-99 "The Start Of Something Big") Written by Maurice Bessman - Lindsey is not pleased about Dave's plans, and can't believe it when Jimmy suggests she goes to the police. Nathan has a tempting offer for Jacqui, and Jessie is shocked by Ray's revelations about his marriage.

Episode 2303 (W 08-12-99 "Instant Cash") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jacqui finds the safe is empty, and dissolves her partnership with Lindsey. Tim and Emily work out how to get their hands on some cash. Jerome offers Nikki his full support, as she resolves to put the past behind her, and Leo despairs when Mick and Sinbad abandon their attempts at decorating and return to the comfort of their couch.

Episode 2304 (F 10-12-99 "Adaptability") Written by Maurice Bessman - As her week goes from bad to worse, Lindsey worries that she has wrecked her friendship with Shelley, and fears that Jacqui will go to the police if she doesn't replace the money she took. Joey strains Jackie's patience, and Nikki spends the day in Bar Brookie instead of going to her lectures.

Episode 2305 (T 14-12-99 "Natural") Written by David Young - Mark sees what the future is likely to hold for him in his mother. Mike proposes to Rachel, and she turns him down. Max kisses Niamh, and Shelley must decide how to respond to Lindsey's advances.

Episode 2306 (W 15-12-99 "A Wee Bit Loose") Written by Peter Cox - Nathan makes his mind up about Jacqui. Nikki risks losing Jerome by going on drinking. Rachel and Mike's new car is stolen, and Ron forgets to tell Anthea that he has invited them to stay over Christmas. Niamh and Max have a decision to make.

Episode 2307 (F 17-12-99 "A Christmas Surprise") Written by Peter Cox - Nathan's proposal makes Ron and Mike suspect that he is to blame for Jacqui's decision to sell up. Ryan introduces Niamh and Joey to the granddaughter they never knew they had. Jerome walks out on Nikki as she tries to remember what she did at a party the previous night.

Episode 2308 (T 21-12-99 "Shout It From The Rooftops") Written by John Fay - In a special 77-minute episode, Ron's disapproval may spoil a double celebration in the Dixon household, the Musgroves are in for a major shock, and Nikki finally discovers the identity of her rapist.

Episode 2309 (W 22-12-99 "Terminal Illness") Written by Sue Mooney - The death of Mark's mother makes Victoria reconsider her future with him. Mick is told that Gemma is being sent home from her holiday in Barbados for smoking pot. Nikki starts to rebuild her life, but will Jerome stand by her?

Episode 2310 (F 24-12-99 "Chicken") Written by Carmel Morgan - Rachel shows off her engagement ring, Gemma has some explaining to do when she returns home, and an unusual Christmas party takes place at Mick and Sinbad's, as Max, Jimmy and Ray help them with their decorating.

Episode 2311 (W 29-12-99 "Sprouts") Written by Roy Boulter - A confession devastates Joey, Katie turns to Rachel for comfort, and Jackie finds herself warming to Shelley when she is left alone with her after Christmas dinner at the Corkhills'.

Episode 2312 (Th 30-12-99 "Please, Thank You, Goodbye") Written by Roy Boulter - Joey is determined that one member of his family is no longer welcome. Ray is delighted when Jessie returns from her holiday early to be with him. Jacqui is eager to tell everyone about her wonderful Christmas at Cuddington Hall, but Victoria and Mark's party ends in tragedy.

Episode 2313 (F 31-12-99 "Unveiling") Written by Roy Boulter - Jimmy and Ray work around the clock to finish their millennium arch so that it can be unveiled in time. Gemma makes a disastrous purchase from Dave, there is a nasty New Year surprise for Niamh, and Mike and Rachel celebrate a very special arrival.

Episode 2314 (T 04-01-00 "Someone's Child") Written by Roy Boulter - Mick is distraught when Gemma is rushed to hospital, and blames Leo. Jackie watches in amazement as Jimmy loses his temper and slaps Lindsey, and Niamh struggles to keep what remains of her family together.

Episode 2315 (W 05-01-00 "Just What We All Wanted") Written by Peter Cox - Jackie is furious that Lindsey is involved with drugs and orders her to leave. Victoria tries to drown her sorrows by drinking. Jessie prays for forgiveness, and the Musgroves disappear forever from the Close in the middle of the night.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (2290-2294, 2296, 2298, 2304, 2306, 2311, 2313-2315)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (2285, 2293, 2294, 2296, 2298, 2299, 2301, 2302, 2304, 2306, 2310, 2311, 2313-2315)
William Corkhill - MATTHEW and JACK FORAN, LEWIS DAVIES (2301, 2304, 2311)
Nathan Cuddington - MARCUS HUTTON (2285, 2286, 2288, 2289, 2293-2295, 2298, 2300, 2302-2304, 2306-2308, 2312, 2315)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (2307-2309, 2313, 2314)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (2286, 2287, 2290, 2291, 2293-2295, 2298, 2300, 2302-2305, 2307-2310, 2312, 2313, 2315)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (2295, 2297-2301, 2305-2308, 2310, 2311, 2313, 2314)
Beth Dixon (2313, 2314)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (2284, 2285, 2287, 2296, 2297, 2300, 2301, 2306, 2310, 2313)
Harry Farnham (2287, 2296, 2299, 2301, 2310)
Emma Farnham (2287, 2296, 2299, 2301, 2310)
Ray Hilton - KENNETH COPE (2294, 2298, 2300-2302, 2304, 2305, 2309, 2310, 2312-2314)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (2286, 2287, 2290, 2293, 2294, 2297, 2299, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2308-2310, 2313-2315)
Leo Johnson - STEVEN COLE (2286-2289, 2293, 2294, 2297, 2299, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2309, 2313, 2314)
Gemma Johnson - CARLA JARRATT (2294, 2310, 2313, 2314)
Jerome Johnson - LEON LOPEZ (2286, 2287, 2289, 2291, 2292, 2297-2304, 2306, 2307, 2309, 2310)
Deborah Lawson - DEBRA BEAUMONT (2286, 2293, 2294, 2300, 2302)
Susannah Morrisey, formerly Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (2286, 2288, 2289, 2308, 2311, 2314, 2315)
Joey Musgrove - DAN MULLANE (2289, 2293, 2294, 2296-2298, 2304-2308, 2310-2315)
Niamh Musgrove (nee O'Brien) - BARBARA DRENNAN (2285, 2289, 2293, 2295-2297, 2301, 2305-2308, 2310-2315)
Luke Musgrove - JASON KAVANAGH (2286, 2289, 2292-2298, 2305, 2307-2315)
Ryan Musgrove - SAMUEL JAMES HUDSON (2286, 2289, 2291, 2294-2298, 2307, 2308, 2310-2314)
Matt Musgrove - KRISTIAN EALEY (2308, 2311, 2314, 2315)
Kelly Musgrove - NATALIE EARL (2286, 2288, 2289, 2308, 2311, 2314, 2315)
Alec O'Brien - AL T. KOSSY (2285, 2288, 2290-2292, 2308, 2314, 2315)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (2285, 2287, 2289, 2291-2293, 2295, 2303, 2304, 2313, 2314)
Lindsey Phelan, formerly Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (2287, 2288, 2290-2292, 2294-2296, 2298-2306, 2311, 2313-2315)
Dr Darren Roebuck - TIMOTHY DEENIHAN (2285, 2286, 2288-2290, 2299, 2306, 2312, 2313, 2315)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (2285-2287, 2289-2296, 2303, 2305, 2307-2312)
Jessie Shadwick - MARJI CAMPI (2285, 2288, 2291-2294, 2296-2302, 2304, 2305, 2309, 2312-2315)
Margi Shadwick (nee Benson) - BERNADETTE FOLEY (2284, 2285, 2287, 2288)
Nikki Shadwick - SUZANNE COLLINS (2284, 2285, 2287-2304, 2306-2309)
Emily Shadwick - JENNIFER ELLISON (2285, 2287-2289, 2291, 2292, 2294, 2300, 2303, 2304, 2309)
Kylie Stanlow - HANNAH DOWD (2285, 2299, 2303, 2306, 2311)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (2285, 2287, 2290, 2293-2295, 2297, 2298, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2308, 2310, 2313-2315)
Mark Wilcox - DUGALD BRUCE LOCKHART (2286, 2288, 2305, 2309, 2312)
Victoria Wilcox (nee Seagram) - PATRICIA POTTER (2286, 2288, 2303, 2305, 2309, 2312, 2313, 2315)
Rachel Wright (nee Jordache) - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (2295, 2297, 2299-2301, 2305, 2306, 2308, 2310, 2311, 2313)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Charlotte Andersen - EMMA FERGUSON (2286, 2288-2290, 2312)
Shelley Bowers - ALEXANDRA WESCOURT (2287, 2288, 2291, 2292, 2295, 2303-2305, 2311)
Josh Carter - PAUL BARNHILL (2286)
Bernie Connor - CLAIRE DAHLING (2290, 2293, 2295, 2296)
Lady Hilary Cuddington - ANGELA DOUGLAS (2302)
Lord Robin Cuddington - FRANCIS MATTHEWS (2302)
Anthea Dixon, formerly Brindley (nee Russell) - BARBARA HATWELL (2306, 2308)
Katrina Evans - ANN MARIE DAVIES (2291, 2297)
Harvey Fairhurst - EDWARD WISEMAN (2293, 2295, 2296)
Alasdair Finnegan - FREDDIE BOARDLEY (2300)
Rose Finnegan - AMANDA NOAR (2300)
Lia - MEGAN MUNRO (2307, 2308, 2310)
Mr C. B. Moore - ERIC POTTS (2290, 2298)
F.S.O. Diane Nichols - LINDA ARMSTRONG (2301)

NEW CHARACTERS:
Dave Burns - SIMON CHADWICK (2302, 2314, 2315)
Ian Leigh - MARK ADAMS (2291, 2297)
Louise Whelan - AMANDA WHITEHEAD (2298)
Mr Frith - DAVID FARNWORTH (2295)
James - MICHAEL GREEN (2307)
Man - NICK HALE (2308)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Mr Brodie, a patient of Charlotte (2288)
Mrs Maureen Kelly, a cleaner (2290)
Kerry, a television soap character (2303)
Professor Lowe, a law lecturer (2302)
Mrs Lowe, a law lecturer's wife (2303)
Nathan, a pupil (2298)
Paul, a quiet barman (2295, 2301, 2307, 2308)
Sarah, a breakfast television presenter (2290)
Tracy, a barmaid (2287)
Mrs Wilcox, Mark's mother (2305)

From this season onwards, commercially-released music is frequently audible in the background - occasionally on characters' radios, but mostly during scenes set in the bar. The first tracks to be heard are Another Level's "From The Heart" (in episode 2297) and the Spice Girls' "Spice Up Your Life", Maria Nayler's "Naked and Sacred" and Robert Miles' "Fable" (all in episode 2298).

For scheduling reasons, episodes 2299 and 2300 were originally broadcast on Channel Four edited into a double-length omnibus in a 60-minute time-slot.

The "Magic Rabbits" are briefly seen again, watched by Kylie, in episode 2311.

The cast and production credits of episode 2313 are replaced with an alphabetical list of who "Through the year 'Brookside' was brought to you by"....., and the "NEXT....." frame is replaced with images of many of those people waving from the "Millennium Club", which quickly expand to fill the whole screen.

The storylines:

While their flats are renovated, Nathan and Darren move to the Close, and Rachel and Mike move in with Anthea and Ron, become the proud parents of a Millennium baby, and announce their engagement just minutes after Jacqui announces hers. Tim and Leo get new jobs, Jackie gets a promotion, and Jimmy builds a "Millennium Arch"; while Susannah grudgingly lets Max move back in, mainly to look after the children; Katie's relationships with Ryan, then Luke, don't bring her much joy; and Mark repays Victoria's dedication by killing himself. After the racial tension on the Close diffuses with the horrific death of Josh, and Sinbad's hearing doesn't improve as much as he hoped, he and Mick turn into couch potatoes, blissfully unaware that the identity of Nikki's rapist is finally revealed, and she may now be able to start rebuilding her life - with or without Jerome. Emily gets a new boyfriend, and Jessie moves in with her granddaughters, often visited by the recently-widowed Ray, as Margi leaves for a new job in Brussels. The Musgrove family also leave the Close, going to.......well, who cares? Let's just be thankful they've gone! And Lindsey begins to struggle with her feelings for new friend Shelley, has to agree to work with the dodgy Dave at the "Millennium Club" when she is not able to repay her debt to the Finnegans even by thieving from her business partners, and will not be easily forgiven when Gemma collapses after taking some of his drugs.......

The dates:

Based on dialogue in episode 2285, in which it is Saturday, it was Friday in episode 2284 and it is Monday in episode 2287; it is Friday in episode 2286; and based on dialogue in episodes 2188 and 2191, it is Friday in episode 2289. It is Friday again in episode 2292; based on dialogue in episode 2294, it is Friday again in episode 2295; and, based on dialogue in episode 2296, in which it is "six weeks to the Millennium" and "the middle of November", it was Tuesday in episode 2293. It is November in episode 2298, in which the date written on a blackboard is Friday 26th November; it is December 1st 1999 in episodes 2299 and 2300; and, based on dialogue in episode 2300, it is Tuesday in episode 2302. It is Friday in episode 2301; there is a 1999 calendar on display at the petrol station in episode 2304, when it is "three weeks till the Millennium"; and, unusually, episodes 2306, 2307 and the extended episode 2308 are all set on the same (unspecified) day. It is Christmas Eve in episode 2310; it is Christmas Day in episode 2311; and it is Millennium Eve in episode 2313 - until the last few minutes, when it is New Year's Day. It is still New Year's Day in episode 2314, and in episode 2315, when it is also Saturday.

Name-checks:

Queen Victoria (2285); Van Gogh / Vincent Van Gogh (2285 / 2310); the Earl of Beaconsfield (2285); Winston Churchill (2285); "Captain Birdseye" (2285); "Eliza Doolittle" (2286); "Waynetta" (2286); "Dawson's Creek" (2287); Sean Connery (2288); Clint Eastwood (2288); Robert Redford (2288); "Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman" (2288); "Cinderella" (2289); "Benny" from "Crossroads" (2290); "Home And Away" (2290); "Sunset Beach" (2290); "Johnny Giles" [rhyming slang?] (2290); "Walter Mitty" (2291); Paul Daniels (2292); "Richard and Judy", and their "agony aunt" Denise (2292); "Casanova" (2294); Chairman Mao (2294); "Lady Godiva" (2294); "Lord Snooty" (2295, 2305); Robert de Niro (2295); "Noddy" (2295); "Kilroy" (2295); "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" (2297); Tom Cruise (2300); Joan Collins (2301); "Rip van Winkle" (2301); Abbott and Costello (2303); "Mastermind" (2303); "The Three Stooges" (2303); "Cruella" (2303, 2315); "The Great Escape" (2303); William the Conqueror (2303); Pythagoras (2304); "Armageddon" [film] (2304); Mary and [flippin'] Joseph (2305); Robbie Williams (2305); Robbie Fowler (2305); Judas (2305); Florence Nightingale (2306); "Speedy Gonzales" (2306); Henry Kissenger (2308); "Jaws" (2308); "Woody Woodpecker" (2308); Harrison Ford (2308): Tony Blair (2308); Billy Connolly (2308); Fanny Cradock (2309); "Dr Jekyll" and "Mr Hyde" (2310); "It's A Wonderful Life" and one of the characters therein, "Clarence" (2310); Rolf Harris (2310); Bob Monkhouse (2310); and "Leonardo" [da Vinci] (2310).

Locations:

Virtually all of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, the only exceptions being a number of scenes in episode 2302, which are set in Cuddington Hall, Cheshire, and scenes set in Didsbury, Manchester in episodes 2312 and 2315 (Mark and Victoria's house in both, and a local pub in the former).

Births:

One - Rachel, who has "five weeks to go" in episode 2295, "24 days to go" in episode 2299 [see "Moments" below] and is "nine months" pregnant / gone in episodes 2308 / 2309, gives birth to Beth just as the Millennium arrives in episode 2313. She is "due two days before Christmas" in episodes 2297 and 2299, "due two days before Ron's birthday" in episode 2298, "due this week" in episode 2307, and "due in 2 days" in episode 2308. Mike refers to the "family tradition" of Christmas Day births in episodes 2297 and 2305, as does Ron in episode 2308.

It is Emily's 16th birthday in episode 2285, and she is still 16 in episodes 2289, 2290, 2294 and 2300. Nathan is "not yet 30" in episode 2286 - but it is his birthday soon in episode 2305, and his 30th birthday arrives in episodes 2306 to 2308. We are reminded that Luke's 21st birthday was during the six months he spent in prison (2309), and we are told that Leo is 18 (2286, 2293, 2297); Kelly is 16 (2289); Gemma is 13 (2297); Lia is 3 (2308); Nathan's parents are in their late 60's (2309); Sinbad was 10 in 1966 (2310). Katie indicates that her star sign is "Aquarius" in episode 2289; Alec claims that he "can pass for 55" in episode 2290; and we are told that Ray and the late Renee have no children in episode 2298.

Marriages:

None. We are told Margi and Greg were married for 23 years in February (2284) [but see "Goofs" below"] and that Niamh and Joey have been married for 20 years (20). Jessie seems to be guessing/implying that Ray was married to the unseen Renee for at least 30 years in episode 2302, although he doesn't confirm how accurate she is at this point.

Deaths:

Three - Josh Carter fatally sets himself on fire for Hallowe'en in episode 2286, Mrs Wilcox dies of a terminal illness in episode 2309, and Mark Wilcox falls down the stairs to his death in episode 2312, not necessarily due either to his motor neurone disease or suicidal intentions. Ray's unseen wife Renee, also mentioned in episodes 2294 and 2300, dies in episode 2297, keeling over with a heart attack just after calling "House" to win the jackpot at bingo; and her funeral, which is "next Wednesday" (2298), will be the fifth Jessie has been to this year (2299). Other unseen dead characters who are mentioned are: Jerome's father (2286); Victoria's grandfather (2286); Tim's father (2287, 2303); Jackie's father (2298); Nathan's grandmother (2302); Shelley's father, George Bowers (2303), who died shortly after he retired (2311); Ray's father (2310); Jimmy's mother (2310); and Jimmy's brother Franky (2310).

Toilet visits:

In her last month of pregnancy, Rachel is "sick of wanting to go to the toilet" in episode 2295, goes in episode 2306 (asking Mike "How many times have I been to the loo today?" - but he hasn't been counting!) and goes again in episode 2310. So do Matt (2290 and 2308), Jerome (2298 and 2301), Luke (2308), an unnamed man (2308), Gemma (2310), Charlotte (2312), and Darren (2312); and Emma has filled her nappy in episode 2287.

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

Susannah's mother (2287, 2289); Ray's brother in Bournemouth (2305), Bernard (2310); Nathan's older brother (2309); and Paula, Shelley's ex-lover (2311).

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

Greg Shadwick / Greg (2284, 2286 / 2285, 2287, 2289, 2298, 2300, 2313); Matthew (2284); Emily [Farnham] (2284); Jason (2284, 2289, 2292, 2293); Faye (2284, 2300); Abby (2286, 2289, 2291, 2292, 2293, 2294, 2295, 2296, 2297, 2298, 2308, 2310, 2312, 2314); Jerome's mother (2286, 2288, 2299, 2302, 2309, 2310); Callum Finnegan / Callum (2287, 2288, 2291 / 2299, 2300) Barry (2288); Cassie (2289, 2290, 2291, 2294); Sian (2289, 2291); David Crosbie / "Bing" (2290); Gary (2291); Mr Carlton (2292); Val (2294, 2298); Josh [McLoughlin] (2297, 2299); Bev (2297); Victor (2299); Chloe (2300); Josie (2301); [Little] Jimmy (2301); Elaine (2303); Christian (2305, 2308); Megan (2306, 2308); Billy (2310); Rose [Gannon] (2310); Susan Clarke (2311); and Bosko (2311, 2315).

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

Debbie, a mate of Margi (2284); Big Stevie in the "Swan", a hearing-impaired ex-army mate of Jimmy (2285); Charlotte's uncle, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (2286); Sarah, Nathan's ex-wife (2286, 2283, 2302, 2306, 2307, 2308); Deborah's parents (2286); Jane, Charlotte's friend in Hoylake (2288); Lia's grandad (2291); Anthony, Deborah's latest "ex" (2293); Professor Short, one of Nikki and Bernie's psychology lecturers (2293); Renee (2294) [see "Deaths" above] and her sisters (2294, 2299), who live in Wakefield (2299); Caroline (2294, 2301, 2309, 2310), Gemma's best mate (2294) and fashion advisor (2301); and Caroline's father (2309, 2310) and mother (2310); Thea (2294), Pippa (2294), Paula (2301) and Ashley (2313), other friends of Gemma; Ian Tunnicliffe, a BT engineer Shelley knows and offers to introduce to Lindsey (2295); Harvey's mother (2296); Victoria's mother (2298); Angie, a "Bar Brookie" employee (2299); Brian, Rachel's stepfather (2300, 2301); Max's father, who pushed him into surveying (2300); Bert, Leo's foreman (2301); Robert Beech, who telephones Nathan about his bail hearing (2303); Shelley's mother (2303, 2306) and aunts / aunt (2303 / 2311); Vanda Beresford, a curtain-alterer (2304); Elaine, a "Bar Brookie" worker (2310); Abby's mother and father (2310); Susan Clarke's father (2311); Paul, Niamh's brother (2311, 2314, 2315); Julie Davis, who was at school with Shelley (2311); "Linda the Les", who was at school with Jackie (2311); Anthea's sister (2313); and Victoria's sister (2315).

Goofs:

Margi says that she and Greg were married for 23 years in February in episode 2284, contradicting the previous mention of their wedding anniversary in episode 2205, when it was June!

Jackie mispronounces Mick's surname as "JohnsTon" at one point in episode 2292; Jessie uses the singular when she means the plural in episode 2294: "This is Emily, the younger of my granddaughter."; and Jacqui mispronounces the first word of a phrase of French origin, "Chez Ron", as if it rhymes with "fez", in episode 2305.

In episode 2309, in revealing that she has decided to join her family on holiday to Madeira, Nikki misleadingly adds an extra "here" after "Crimbo": "I'd rather spend Crimbo here with you, me mum and our brat, than here with Ray and a turkey leg."; and in episode 2314, what should be Alec's second word doesn't arrive until after his third and fourth words: "It's what you just deserved.".

Trivia:

Shelley's business card, seen up close in Lindsey's hand in episode 2291, reads: SHELLEY BOWERS, Interior Design, 4 Langham Lane, Manor Park, Liverpool L43 8ZB. Tel./Fax 0151 692 5941. The "F" page of Lindsey's personal telephone book, seen in episode 2299, lists Rose Finnegan's home number as (0151) 496 0009, and the number of the unseen "Sam Fletcher" as (0151) 429 0142. Shelley went to grammar school and elocution lessons, her mother is a shop assistant (2303), and her father was a council clerk (2303, 2311) in the rates department (2311). Her Christmas present to Jimmy, who once built a multi-purpose TV, hifi and album unit when he and Jackie lived in a flat in Station Road (2293), is the "Book of Millennium Records" (2311).

Mark is [and was!] an accountant (2309), and an only child (2310). He is rung by "St Mary's" with the news that his mother has had a stroke (2305), there is art by Richard Diebenkorn on display in his home (2315), and he honeymooned in Mexico (2288) with Victoria, who once gave an assembly in front of the whole school with her skirt tucked into her knickers (2286). Charlotte is from Croydon, comes from a family of railway workers, and is a physiotherapist working at Darren's practice a couple of days a week (2286); and Deborah used to be a leading light in the church choir (2300). Nathan has inherited a house in Holland Park, London, from his grandmother (2302); and Louise is a teacher of deaf children at the Knotty Ash County Primary School, which Mr Moore visits with Sinbad (2298).

Margi discovers Susannah's number appearing seventy-four times on Greg's last telephone bill in episode 2284 - and it must be 0151 692 6145, based on the page we see, on which just three other numbers (0186 984 983, 0547 384 270 and 0798 143 746) each appear once only. Jessie has been shopping at Asda (2300), and Ray's hobby is making sculptured wind-driven garden ornaments (2300, 2304). Tim has a "Beatles" poster on the wall of his bedroom/garage (2289), and Nikki has posters of George Clooney (2297, 2298), Peter Andre (2298), "Five" (2298), and "All Saints" (2298) on her bedroom wall. Following her abduction, the headline of a "Daily Post" article seen briefly on-screen a few times in episode 2297 is "Student charged over kidnapping".

Mick has worked for 25 years (2294), and Leo is earning the minimum wage of £3.60 per hour (2301). Katie says her sister [Sammy!] is now living in Burton-upon-Trent (2307), and asks a taxi-driver to take her and Luke to a pub in Hartley Road (2308). Mike - "Michael Dixon" - is named as the licensee on the new sign installed outside "Bar Brookie" (2295), he is seen reading the book "All You Ever Needed To Know About Being A Dad" by Dr Matthew Wilson (2297), and gains a daughter weighing 7lb 11 oz at birth (2314). The "Goldline Taxis" logo and the telephone number 0151-269-9696 are seen again on Ryan's taxi in episodes 2294 and 2295; Jacqui (2287, 2303), Charlotte (2288), Jackie (2293, 2304), Joey (2294, 2305), Sinbad (2298), Jessie (2304), Tim (2304), Niamh (2305, 2315), and Luke (2310) are all right-handed; and Jimmy is left-handed (2296, 2298, 2299).

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

In episode 2299, on December 1st, there is a subtle indication of Rachel's arithmetical ability, as she calculates how long it is until the baby is due, as Mike reminds her, "two days before Christmas" - "I've got 24 days to go yet.".

Episode 2308 is one of very few in which the barman later known as "Quiet Paul" is heard (quietly!) speaking. His words are "Where's Mike?".

In episode 2309, Jerome is briefly seen looking at page 430 of Channel Four teletext, the rugby index (in which the main headlines are "IRISH JOIN THE RACE TO CAPTURE LOMU", "Aussie Star Kearns slams Cup Chiefs", "Cardiff supremo targets Horan Group", and "WAKEFIELD STILL HOPING TO NET JONAH"), before switching to page 450, the cricket headlines.......and carefully-placed Christmas tinsel makes it impossible to see the date displayed on the top line of the screen, which would no doubt have been the day the scene was recorded rather than that on which it was set!

There is a marvellous revelation that Jacqui practises what she preaches in episode 2315 - while she is trying to reach Lindsey, it is very briefly possible to see that the display on her mobile phone says she is calling "CRUELLA".

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

As the Musgroves' van drives away out of the Close, Lindsey arrives home and unlocks the door. But Jackie takes her keys from her, and says she won't be using them again - she can get into the gutter where she belongs. Lindsey tries to justify her actions, and appeals to Jimmy for help - but his only reaction is annoyance when Jackie blemishes his "Millennium Arch" with some of Lindsey's blood, when she viciously shoves her against it! She reminds Lindsey of the effects drugs have had on their family, including the death of Little Jimmy, and can't believe that she has allowed their sale in the nightclub, leading to Gemma becoming seriously ill. "Go on, Lindsey - get out of my sight!".

Season Fifty Seven.......