Episode 5707 (7th March 2004)

Plot
Fred waits nervously for Penny's answer all day. Ashley expects it all to end in tears, as usual. Karen and Steve return from honeymoon. Penny confides in Mike that she can't marry Fred, but she hasn't the heart to tell him. Steve admits to Liz that despite his determination that nothing will come between him and Karen, he's scared of what the future holds. Nick and Maria make up and Nick takes her out for a drive in the new car. Gail admits to Audrey that she thinks that Maria isn't good enough for Nick. Audrey warns her that she'll lose her son if she continues to come between him and Maria. Fred cracks and calls Penny for her answer. She's with Mike, and puts Fred off. Maria is furious to hear that the car was Gail's idea. She accuses Gail of interfering and packs her bags. Nick refuses to leave with her, and Gail delights in comforting him. Karen and Janice have a heart to heart. Karen worries that Tracy will always be there, manipulating Steve with their baby. Penny talks to Mike about their past liaison. She invites Mike home, and they kiss.

Regular cast

 * Nick Tilsley - Adam Rickitt
 * Maria Sutherland - Samia Ghadie
 * David Platt - Jack P. Shepherd
 * Gail Platt - Helen Worth
 * Ashley Peacock - Steven Arnold
 * Fred Elliott - John Savident
 * Claire Casey - Julia Haworth
 * Mike Baldwin - Johnny Briggs
 * Les Battersby - Bruce Jones
 * Cilla Brown - Wendi Peters
 * Dev Alahan - Jimmi Harkishin
 * Steve McDonald - Simon Gregson
 * Karen McDonald - Suranne Jones
 * Audrey Roberts - Sue Nicholls
 * Liz McDonald - Beverley Callard
 * Penny King - Pauline Fleming
 * Janice Battersby - Vicky Entwistle

Guest cast
None