Episode 5725 (31st March 2004)

Plot
Claire doesn't turn up for work the next day. Todd's uneasy with Karl's close proximity in the flat. Claire's spent the night at Fiz's flat - she resolves that she won't be walked over any more. Cilla is taken on by landlord Ted Armley as senior part-time barmaid at the Turk's Head. She buys a load of new clothes to celebrate. Ashley goes to see Claire at Fiz's flat. She accuses him of being scared of his feelings. He strongly denies it and they kiss - they finally go to bed. Katy goes with Karl to get his stuff from Robbie Winch's flat - she's ready for confrontation, but Robbie wasn't in. Bev and Charlie snipe at each other in the bar - despite herself, Bev is rattled. Fred goes off to an offal-traders dinner dance, insisting that an embarrassed Penny keeps Mike company in the Rovers. Todd's horrified to hear that Sarah has been having a long chat with Karl. His heart's in his mouth, but she ask if he minds if Karl stays a bit longer. He can't refuse. After overhearing Mike and Penny outside the Rovers making arrangements to meet later, Claire accuses Penny of laughing at Fred behind his back. Penny threatens Claire with losing her job if she continues to make accusations. Claire is coldly furious as she assures Penny that it won't be her that tells Fred the truth, it'll be Penny.

Regular cast

 * Fred Elliott - John Savident
 * Ashley Peacock - Steven Arnold
 * Sarah Platt - Tina O’Brien
 * Todd Grimshaw - Bruno Langley
 * Bethany Platt - Amy and Emily Walton
 * Claire Casey - Julia Haworth
 * Fiz Brown - Jennie McAlpine
 * Penny King - Pauline Fleming
 * Vera Duckworth - Elizabeth Dawn
 * Katy Harris - Lucy-Jo Hudson
 * Les Battersby - Bruce Jones
 * Chesney Brown - Sam Aston
 * Cilla Brown - Wendi Peters
 * Charlie Stubbs - Bill Ward
 * Bev Unwin - Susie Blake
 * Mike Baldwin - Johnny Briggs

Guest cast

 * Karl Foster - Chris Finch