Episode 5220 (25th February 2002)

Plot
Blanche and Deirdre fret over Ken's first day at school. Vera has a go at Eileen regarding Jason's behaviour towards Maria. Blanche, Rita, Betty and Emily set off for their quiet day in the country. They get lost and encounter Johnny James who is on the run from the police. Sally is angry with Jason after her and Shelley find him sleeping rough in the Hardware shop. Vik tells Hazel that he's dumped Bobbi and that she makes him happy. Eileen threatens Jason with drastic action if he doesn't return home. Johnny reveals a gun and when the car stops with the police in pursuit, Rita attacks him and Blanche pours her hot flask of tea on his groin. He is arrested and the ladies go to the police station to give statements. Todd is still angry at Jason but Eileen helps ease the pain. Ken is exhausted after the day's teaching. After hearing all about the heroine's day out, Norris toasts Rita on her seventieth birthday.

Regular cast

 * Emily Bishop - Eileen Derbyshire
 * Deirdre Rachid - Anne Kirkbride
 * Ken Barlow - William Roache
 * Blanche Hunt - Maggie Jones
 * Vera Duckworth - Elizabeth Dawn
 * Eileen Grimshaw - Sue Cleaver
 * Vikram Desai - Chris Bisson
 * Norris Cole - Malcolm Hebden
 * Rita Sullivan - Barbara Knox
 * Betty Williams - Betty Driver
 * Sally Webster - Sally Whittaker
 * Shelley Unwin - Sally Lindsay
 * Jason Grimshaw - Ryan Thomas
 * Todd Grimshaw - Bruno Langley

Guest cast

 * Hazel Wilding - Kazia Pelka
 * Johnny James - William Ash
 * DS Downing - James Mair