Episode 2478 (31st December 1984)

Plot
Bet prepares for her interview with Sarah Ridley but feels she really hasn't got a chance. Nicky celebrates his fourth birthday. Elaine returns from Southampton. Bill is delighted to see her. Gordon Lewis and Bet go to the brewery to be interviewed by Sarah. Bet tells Sarah that she knows she can do the job. She says she was happy being a barmaid under Annie Walker but she knows she can do the job as well as any of the male managers. She has no experience of accounts but is willing to learn. She tells Sarah she wouldn't change the Rovers' image; the customers like it the way it is. She is surprised when Sarah shows her the regular's petition. Gordon tries to impress Sarah with his ideas about transforming the Rovers by having a main entrance on Rosamund Street to turn it into a main road pub. Sarah is interested in his plans. Kevin accuses Bill of being under Elaine's thumb. Elaine is upset that Kevin isn't coming to Southampton. Hilda contemplates taking in a lodger.

Guest cast

 * Gordon Lewis - David Daker
 * Sarah Ridley - Carole Nimmons
 * Elaine Prior - Judy Gridley

Notable dialogue
Bet Lynch: "I was pulling pints before I was legally old enough to drink 'em. And I've been doing it ever since. I've given meself body and soul to the public house trade. There's not a lot I don't know about pubs. And even less I don't know about customers."

--

Bet Lynch: "Me behind a bar, I'm in me element. It's like Santa Claus in his grotto."