Consultant (Andrea Hart)

The Consultant at the Oakhaven Fertility Clinic in Manchester had an appointment to see Peter Barlow and Toyah Battersby for a 4.00pm appointment that cost £200, borrowed from Ken Barlow. Toyah was desperate for a baby and despite them being together for a year, she hadn't been able to conceive, nor had she during her marriage to Toby Chapman. Peter arrived on time but Toyah failed to do so, as she was trapped in a life in Victoria Court during a power cut with her sister, Leanne Batterbsy who, ironically, had gone into labour.

Not knowing the circumstances, Peter told the consultant that they might as well make a start while they waited for Toyah. She looked over the records and noted that it was Toyah's sixth attempt at IVF, wondering if she had changed her mind about coming along. Peter said he would call her but the consultant suggested they cancel as she needed to know the medical history for both of them and sign the requisite forms. Having seen him empty his pockets as he searched for his mobile and pull out a packet of cigarettes, she did offer him the free advice to give up smoking if he was serious about conceiving.