Coronation Street Episode Review Friday 7 September 8.30pm

Previously published on the Coronation Street Blog

And we’re back in the Rovers where it’s fair to say that Jim is about as welcome as a hedgehog in a condom factory. Peter tries to attack him for the dodgy alcohol he gave him in prison and Steve storms out of the Rovers telling his dad that he’s nobody to him.

Finally, Liz takes him to the backroom, but not before Jim has clocked the sexual tension between her and Johnny. He can read Elizabeth like a book, so he can. He wants to know why Liz’s name isn’t still above the door of the Rovers, why Steve is marrying the Antichrist and a stiff drink…not necessarily in that order. Liz dully fills him in on all the news, including that he has a grandson, but he only gets a cup of tea. Sure, that’ll not quench a man’s brave first.

Back at the hospital Bethany is still ranting at Billy who argues that everybody deserves a chance at redemption. Bethany is having none of it and returns to Coronation Street to tell David. She’s stopped in her tracks when Shona tells her what a good place David is in now. She tells Billy that she’ll keep his secret providing he stays away from Josh. That’s not even the most exciting thing to happen at number 8 as David and Shona have invited Audrey and Lewis around for tea. Gail is understandably rather put out at the silver fox crossing her threshold, but unfortunately it’s only vampires who need an invitation to enter, not suave conmen with a penchant for naval wear. She issues one of her trademark ‘either they go, or I do’ ultimatums. Oh dear Gail. Shut the door on your way out.

Elsewhere Paula invents at least three hastily fabricated reasons to see Sophie. She seems to be a rather accomplished liar does Paula, although on the other hand Sally is very easily fooled. Having completely misread the situation she decides to set Paula up on a date with Kevin, which to Sophie’s chagrin she agrees to as a way to get Sally off her back.  Carla is also up for a bit of matchmaking, thinking that she might be able to push Peter back into Toyah’s floral clad arms. Not out of any sort of altruism of course, just as a way of removing the irresistible Barlow-shaped temptation from her own life.

Back at the Rovers Jim is on his way. He gives Peter a heartfelt apology, asks Liz to intercede with Steve and walks out the door and into a car containing a mysterious young woman.

‘Did you tell them?’ she asks.

‘All in good time’ says Jim.

Right that’s it from me. I’m off to practice my Jim McDonald accent so I am. Until next Friday…

By Kelly on twitter @MsKelstar