Wow! I thought Coronation Street was dying, but last night's episode was terific - thanks largely to acting by Becky, the ex-jailbird who's been hold the Kabin together whilst transvestite Hayley was helping out in Africa. I've thought she was the best thing in it for a while, but all the business of whether or not would Steve make it to the court to testify for her - twice - was very clever,cutting between the court and the party at The Rovers. The wonderful irony of Steve's sudden attraction, too, and Becky not noticing. The scene where she jumped on him in the bedroom and said 'I've never done this sober' was the best bit. My only worry is that Steve may not be up to the acting required- although his love-sick puppy glances when Becky breezed into The Rovers looked authentic enough. Maybe they are getting it together offstage Having said that, he has a history of falling for nutters and playing the victim. All he has to do is roll his eyes and look vague.

The rat-boy and Gale subplot with the vengeful kitchen installers is really tedious. Gale didn't even turn a hair when she came back from holiday and found her kitchen was missing. I hope that dull new partner turns out to be a maniac, but it doesn't look like it.

The Norris's competition-addict girl-friend story is also funny, especially with the remarks about did she have a white stick, etc, before we saw her, but she does look surprisingly good-looking.

Lots of potential fun.

Sheila

Sheila, I agree - I thought last night's episode was brilliant. Becky is a brilliant actress - can't think why she didn't win the award the other week and lost out to some Emmerdale person. She stands head and shoulders over the rest of the cast and only Roy and Hayley can match her remotely IMO. The scenes between the three of them are excellent. I agree Steve isn't tat good. His facial expressions are just weird. Have you ever seen anyone express their emotions in the way he does in real life? Me no. I also like the dark-haired girl on Corrie - David Platt's girlfriend - she has some good lines. What I like about Corrie is that they always have young 'uns coming up. I think he is potentially a very good actor too and the part has real potential - David's cell mate I mean.

More double Corries like last night's please!

Yes, I really like David's cell mate too - he's a very good actor. I think I went through a phase of not watching when he was in jail, so missed the introduction. Gail doesn't seem to mind what happens - is she on Prozac?

I loved it too, when Steve told Blanche 'That'll be £5.20' when she ordered the drinks and she replied, ' Just look at who you're talking to when you say that' and he said 'Oh, on the house' I think she'll be on free drinks for life now -well until Steve's girlfriend finds out. That can't be long if he keeps up the soppy looks every time he catches sight of Becky. I wonder if he'll take to hanging round Roy's Rolls (not the Kabin) for a sight of her?

Sheila

I think David's girl-friend is good too - just can't believe she'd hang about with such a weaselly, evil-natured, bone-idle smirker. He has got nothing at all going for him. Why does he keep landing on his feet, after all the stunts he's pulled?