Template:30 March

30th March 2009: Peter Barlow's alcoholism got him into several scrapes but none so dangerous the one which almost caused the death of himself and his son Simon. Peter had only recently returned from a supposed period in rehab but had instead spent his time drinking and having an affair. Girlfriend Leanne Battersby had duly left him and stepmother Deirdre worried about him being alone in his flat in his condition. Her fears came true as Peter, in a drunken stupor, dropped a burning cigarette on the carpet, setting the place on fire. Five-year old Simon rang his grandparents - the only number knew - for his own address so that he could give it to the firemen. Alerted, Deirdre called for help and it was Tony Gordon and Luke Strong who rescued the pair, plus Simon's adored rabbit Leanne. Shocked by his actions, Peter vowed to give up the bottle...
 * For more information see Episode 7044 (30th March 2009).