Template:22 May

22nd May 2005: Conman Lionel Hipkis, using the name of author Mel Hutchwright, prepares to leave Weatherfield having charmed the members of Roy Cropper's Book Club enough to persuade them to invest in his latest novel, The Canary's Last Song. Little do the club members realise that no such novel exists and Mel/Lionel is robbing them, having made a living from using the scheme on people for years. This time, his luck seems to be over when Ken Barlow apprehends him before he can leave and unmasks his true identity in front of the Book Club members. Mel/Lionel talks his way out of being reported to the police, warning the club about the negative publicity it will attract them. A triumphant but grim-faced Lionel leaves Coronation Street without looking back.
 * For more information see Episode 6032 (22nd May 2005).