Template:16 August

16th August 1989: Six months had passed and since Brian Tilsley had been murdered in a stabbing and his and Gail's loveless marriage had come to an end. She had had to endure bitter recriminations from mother-in-law Ivy and struggled to raise children Nick and Sarah Louise by herself. Part of her support network were her friends at Jim's Cafe - Alma Sedgewick, Phyllis Pearce and twenty-one year old Martin Platt. He especially developed a bond with Nicky and acted as a sort of father figure to him while becoming friendlier with his mother. One evening, the young boy was being especially troublesome and Martin agreed to come round and settle him down for the night. Job duly done, the two adults settled down on the sofa and Gail poured out her woes to her friend. He responded with a kiss of comfort which was followed up a moment later by one that was somewhat more passionate...
 * For more information see Episode 2962 (16th August 1989).