Episode 7128 (27th July 2009)

Plot
As Joe makes plans to clear out his lockup, both he and Gail are surprised when David offers to help in case Joe's back starts giving him grief. Although Joe accepts the offer, he insists that his back is better and he's off the painkillers. Knowing this to be untrue, David surreptitiously puts the tablets into his pocket, before throwing the bottle onto the bonfire as they clear out the rubbish.

Later, a stressed Joe snaps at Gail before seeking out Graeme to ask if he can get him some more pills. Graeme, however, refuses. David acts sympathetic and suggests that Joe needs to stay on his medication for longer. Joe concedes but knows that he can't get any from the doctor. David offers to try to obtain some from a contact he met in prison as long as Gail doesn't find out. Joe warily agrees.

Becky receives a call from Slug and agrees to meet up with him. She buys him breakfast at the café but Becky's baffled when he tells her to be careful and watch her back.

Lloyd informs Steve about Becky's meeting with Slug, prompting Steve to turn down a vacancy at the register office due to such short notice. He tackles Becky about Slug and she admits to buying him breakfast, while she forces Steve to call and book the vacant slot for their wedding.

Meanwhile, Audrey brings Helen to the salon and is still trying to calm her fears about Tony. But Natasha is only too delighted to hear the gossip and offers to share her own experiences of the local businessman. Audrey visits Maria and questions her about Tony's motives. Maria's defensive and asks if there has to be a reason for him to care about her.

Elsewhere, It's Chesney's birthday and he's slept in, accidentally missing his paper round. Fiz gives him some trainers as a present but he's unimpressed that they're the wrong size. Feeling guilty, Fiz asks Sian and Sophie to cheer Chesney up. The call to invite him bowling which has the desired effect but he's still angry about Fiz's obsession with John.

Regular cast

 * Joe McIntyre - Reece Dinsdale
 * Gail Platt - Helen Worth
 * David Platt - Jack P. Shepherd
 * Steve McDonald - Simon Gregson
 * Becky Granger - Katherine Kelly
 * Graeme Proctor - Craig Gazey
 * Tony Gordon - Gray O'Brien
 * Maria Connor - Samia Smith
 * Audrey Roberts - Sue Nicholls
 * Natasha Blakeman - Rachel Leskovac
 * Lloyd Mullaney - Craig Charles
 * Kirk Sutherland - Andrew Whyment
 * Fiz Brown - Jennie McAlpine
 * Chesney Battersby-Brown - Sam Aston
 * Sian Powers - Sacha Parkinson
 * Sophie Webster - Brooke Vincent
 * Jason Grimshaw - Ryan Thomas
 * Tina McIntyre - Michelle Keegan

Guest cast

 * Slug - Marshall Lancaster
 * Helen Connor - Dearbhla Molloy