Episode 5710 (10th March 2004)

Plot
Mike refuses Fred's offer of a loan to bridge the gap until the insurance money arrives. Karen is horrified as the wedding bills arrive, particularly now she's out of a job. Mike visits Nick in hospital. Nick denies knowing what started the fire. Sonia tells the girls that the football kits all went up in smoke. Nick promises Maria that they'll look for somewhere to live immediately. Mike tells the anxious factory girls that until the insurance company pays him, he can't pay them, or start to re-build the factory. Janice thanks Nick for saving her life. She admits that her cigarette started the fire. Harry relates the story of the fire, assuming that Mike knew that Nick wasn't there. Mike orders Janice to keep quiet about her part in the fire, as his insurance would be void if it emerged that the fire was caused by somebody smoking. Liz makes her peace with Tracy for the sake of seeing her granddaughter. Gail isn't pleased to hear that Nick is back with Maria. Nick receives a hero's welcome when he goes to the Rovers for a drink with Maria. Charlie gets short shrift from Fred when he asks if Mike had anyone in mind for rebuilding the factory. Shelley and Blanche persuade Tracy to christen Amy. Mike is furious with Nick for leaving the factory unattended and blames him for the fire. He sacks him.

Regular cast

 * Mike Baldwin - Johnny Briggs
 * Fred Elliott - John Savident
 * Steve McDonald - Simon Gregson
 * Karen McDonald - Suranne Jones
 * Maria Sutherland - Samie Ghadie
 * Nick Tilsley - Adam Rickett
 * Janice Battersby - Vicky Entwistle
 * Hayley Cropper - Julie Hesmondhalgh
 * Fiz Brown - Jennie McAlpine
 * Angela Harris - Kathryn Hunt
 * Sonia Marshall - Tina Gambe
 * Shelley Unwin - Sally Lindsay
 * Harry Flagg - Iain Rogerson
 * Blanche Hunt - Maggie Jones
 * Tracy Barlow - Kate Ford
 * Penny King - Pauline Fleming
 * Liz McDonald - Beverley Callard
 * Ashley Peacock - Steven Arnold
 * Claire Casey - Julia Haworth
 * Charlie Stubbs - Bill Ward
 * Roy Cropper - David Neilson
 * Gail Platt - Helen Worth

Guest cast
None