7.30pm: Carla insists it's business as usual and sets off to a client meeting. Carla's happy - but as she arrives back at Underworld, she's floored by a nasty surprise.
At the same time, Peter is faced with problems of his own - Simon's in trouble at school.

Meanwhile, Jason and Rosie's mishap in Owen's van has made the papers, Jason's desperate to hide it from Owen. But Owen sees it and fires Jason on the spot. Jason turns to Rosie for sympathy, but she has been axed from the road safety campaign due to bad publicity!

Tracy starts blasting music out of her flat as she continues her fight over the house with Steve, an exhausted Katy flies off the handle when Chesney suggests taking an evening job to bolster their income, while Sylvia's enthusiastic when Milton offers Roy a loan to help expand his business - but will Roy tell him it's not what he wants?

8.30pm: Carla is left reeling following a confrontation at the factory.

Seeing her upset, and fed up of people sticking their noses into his affairs, Peter suggests they should sell up and move away. Seeing his logic, Carla's torn - but is she prepared to give up just yet?

Meanwhile, Rosie's feeling sorry for herself after being sacked from the road safety campaign. But when her agent calls and says she's been seen in the Gazette, and has been offered a screen test for a new reality TV show, she's ecstatic.

Elsewhere, there's tension between Chesney and Katy as they struggle to keep on top of things, Tracy turns the heating down to zero after Steve turns off her electricity, while Sylvia's horrified when Milton suggests that - having overstepped the mark with Roy - he should return to the States.

7.30pm: As Peter comes to terms with his life-changing decision, Carla heads back to court to endure the rest of Frank's trial. Peter arrives, but has he got the news for her that she so badly desires?

Later, as Frank gives his evidence, he lies through his teeth - painting himself as the victim. The judge ends his summing up by reminding the jury that they can only convict if they are sure of Carla's evidence. As they await the verdict, Carla's anxious. Emotions run high when the verdict is finally delivered.

When Steve gives Tracy some cash to go shopping, she thinks he's thawing. However, with Tracy out of the way, he ushers Owen into Number 13 to carry out his work. Arriving home, Tracy is horrified to see that Steve has had the house converted into two self-contained flats. Steve's delighted as he puts his cunning plan into action.

Elsewhere, Jason sneaks Rosie into the work's van to drive her to an urgent work meeting, a worried Brian tells Julie that he's got three months to improve school results or he's out on his ear, while Milton suggests turning Roy's Rolls into a railway themed restaurant and opening a chain across the globe.

8.30pm: As the courtroom reacts to the verdict, Carla just wants to get away. Back on the street, Stella's still reeling from the news that it was Carla who ran her over, not Frank. Confronting Carla about how much she's hurt Leanne, Stella tells her that she also knows she lied about the crash and no longer believes her about the rape. Carla is left shaken.

Meanwhile, Tracy is furious about her new living arrangements and complains about the lack of kitchen upstairs. Steve promises her a microwave, but a furious Tracy threatens to report him to the council as he never obtained planning permission to turn Number 13 into flats. Will Steve back down?

Elsewhere, as Rosie and Jason kiss passionately in the van, the hand brake slips, the vehicle rolls forward and smashes into the car in front. Jason lies to Owen about the dented van, blaming another driver. But when Rosie gleefully tells him that the Gazette is going to run an article about their crash, calling her a 'randy road safety model', Jason panics.

Anne, Sally and Frank head off for a drink, convinced that the jury will take Frank's side now they've exposed Carla and Peter's lies.

Meanwhile, a devastated Leanne pours her heart out to Stella. And she tell's that it was a drunken Carla who ran her over - not Frank - Stella's is really shocked.

Later, Peter finally tracks Leanne down and tells her he is sorry for everything. Leanne's in bits as it dawns on her how many times Peter has lied to her about meeting his alcohol counsellor when really he was with Carla. But as she calms down, Leanne starts to wonder if they can salvage their marriage. Thinking how Peter forgave her for her affair with Nick, she suggests in time perhaps she can forgive him in return.

Peter insists that he does love Leanne, but he's in love with Carla and what they have is different. However, with the future of his family at stake and a devastated Simon to think of, will Peter accept Leanne's forgiveness or is this the end of the line?

7.30pm: As Peter and Carla plan a secret rendezvous at a hotel in Chester, Peter feeds Leanne a pack of lies about how he enjoyed his night at the dogs so much that he's going to Sunderland for the night to look into buying a greyhound.

Back on the case, Frank's private investigator Trish overhears this and reports back to Frank, who instructs her to follow Peter. Will she get the dirt Frank so badly wants?

Meanwhile, as Tracy tries to explain what's going on to Amy, Ken walks in and observes her upset. Revealing that he can't forgive Tracy for what she's done, he tells her that he wants her out of Number 1.

Elsewhere, Eileen announces that she and Paul are now an item but it's obvious her friends don't approve, Kylie sends Max to school with a healthy packed lunch but he returns with it untouched, Gail is tearful as Nick moves into his Victoria Court flat, while Sylvia is overjoyed when Milton turns up just in time for the music contest.

8.30pm: When Stella finds out that both Peter and Carla are away for the night, she's immediately suspicious. However, when Stella gently probes Leanne, she's insists that she trusts him.

At the hotel, Peter and Carla plan their life together after the trial, while back in Weatherfield, Trish meets with Frank, Anne and Sally - has she got the proof they desire?

Meanwhile, Deirdre is caught in the middle as Ken and Tracy continue to row. In danger of losing Ken, will Deirdre continue to side with her daughter, or is it time to make a stand?

Elsewhere, Sylvia proudly introduces Milton to the assembled crowd as Norris tries to duck out of the contest, while Eileen is upset with Paul for doing a runner when Julie was having a go about their relationship.

Peter lies to Leanne that he's meeting some mates at the dog track, before heading off to a restaurant to see Carla. However, when Carla bumps into an old factory client, who says he's meeting Frank there, she makes her excuses and rushes off.

Outside, Carla finds Peter parking his car and quickly jumps in, explaining their near-miss. But have they got away with it?

Meanwhile, as Tracy wallows in self-pity, Deirdre regrets getting dragged into her web of deceit - which has disgusted Ken. Tracy begs Steve to give her another chance, claiming that she loves him and they can work through this. Will Steve relent?

Elsewhere, Brian lectures Kylie and David about the importance of a healthy diet for Max at parents' evening, Rita and Dennis discover Norris's sham piano playing, Jason learns that Paul stayed the night with Eileen, while Frank tells his mum that it's time she moved out when she snipes at Sally one time too often.

As Tracy excitedly prepares to get married, she thanks Deirdre for keeping her secret. On the street, Steve bumps into Becky, who has one last go at convincing him that she's innocent. Becky begs him to look her in the eye and see that she's genuine, but Steve's mind is made up - he believes Tracy and his future is with her.

Later, at the church, both Steve and Tracy are shocked to see Becky and Kylie there, but are prevented from going over as the service begins. With the wedding under way, Kylie wonders when Becky will drop her bombshell. As the vicar asks if anyone knows of any lawful impediment, Becky stands up. Is this her moment for revenge?

You can watch exclusive behind the scenes footage featuring Tracy and Becky via ITV's website here.

Having taken her revenge, Becky prepares to leave the street with her head held high. Saying goodbye to those she loves - the Croppers, Kylie and Max - she bids her final farewell and heads to the airport. Tracy is an emotional wreck, but as Steve absorbs what's happened, he races to the airport searching for Becky.

Catching Becky, Steve admits that he made the biggest mistake of his life in believing Tracy and begs her to take him back. Becky's torn, but as Danny and Billy approach, she's forced to make a choice. Will Becky leave with Danny, or is her love for Steve so strong that she walks away alone to pick up the pieces?

Gail provides Becky and Kylie with all the details they need to access the medical centre computer system and find Tracy's records. Inside the waiting room, Kylie feigns a massive panic attack and as Dr Carter rushes to her aid, Becky hacks into his computer. Will she find the proof she needs before Dr Matt becomes suspicious?

Later, Danny stuns Becky with a proposition - he wants her to emigrate to Barbados with him. As Danny hands her a plane ticket, how will a stunned Becky respond?

Meanwhile, Izzy makes Owen see that he was wrong to hit Faye. She also warns Owen not to make Anna choose between him and Faye because he'll lose. Apologising to Anna, Owen admits that he shouldn't have lashed out at Faye - but can Anna forgive and forget?

Elsewhere, Paul is shocked to see the damage that Lesley has caused at Number 11, Tracy shows Amy around their new home and promises they'll be a proper family from now on, while Kevin orders Sophie to stay away from Frank.

As Steve and Tracy discuss their wedding vows, Deirdre pointedly tells Tracy that honesty is the most important thing. However, Tracy is saying nothing, especially when Steve shows her around Number 13 - their new home.

At the same time, Kylie and Becky tell Gail how Tracy has wrongly accused Becky of killing her babies. As they beg Gail to help them gain access to Tracy's medical records so they can clear Becky's name, Nick warns Gail to stay out of it. But remembering how Tracy tried to set Gail up in prison, David reckons this is her chance for revenge. Will Gail agree to help Becky?

Meanwhile, Jason is furious to find Eileen looking after Lesley for the day and accuses Paul of abusing her generosity. Eileen insists she's fine, but when a confused Lesley becomes violent, will Eileen cope?

Elsewhere, Anna struggles to deal with the fallout of Owen and Faye's dispute, while Kevin's not happy when he hears that Frank is giving Sophie driving lessons.

Becky tells Kylie that she now knows Tracy had her miscarriage the day before she fell down the stairs - but without seeing her medical records, she can't prove it. When she then reveals that she plans to break into the medical centre and find Tracy's records, Kylie warns her that it's a bad idea, but Becky refuses to listen.

As Becky smashes her way in, the alarm sounds. Kylie enlists Roy's help and tries to drag Becky away before any damage is done. But as Deirdre arrives with a police officer, is it too late?

Meanwhile, Faye has locked herself in her bedroom following Owen's slap and is refusing to come out. Owen is at his wit's end, and when Anna arrives home, he tells her how Faye was responsible for killing the fish. Angry, Anna confronts Faye over the fish, but she reveals how Owen hit her. How will Anna react?

Elsewhere, Eileen struggles to cope with Lesley after offering to look after her while Paul attends a meeting with her care people, while Kirsty is thrilled to discover that Tina has changed her statement and suggests they could start afresh.

7.30pm: Becky has stayed the night at Danny's, and the businessman is impressed as she gets along well with Billy. Back on the street, Steve offers Becky another cheque for her half of Streetcars, saying that she has Deirdre to thank. Becky is hopeful that Steve now knows she had nothing to do with Tracy's miscarriage, but it's clear that Steve still believes Tracy.

Later, as Tracy enjoys her hen party in The Rovers, Becky gets thinking about why Deirdre convinced Steve to give her the cheque. Confronting Deirdre outside the pub, she demands answers.

Meanwhile, Kirsty is worried to hear that she's been suspended from work while Tina's complaint is investigated. Pushed out of her home by Kirsty, Tina is adamant that she won't drop it. But when Rita urges her to see things from Tyrone's point of view, claiming the baby changes everything, will Tina re-think her position?

Elsewhere, Kevin and Tyrone's friendship could be on the mend as they share their woes, Anne makes her disapproval of Sally obvious to Frank, while Owen volunteers to look after an unimpressed Faye for the night after Anna hears that her brother has had an accident and has to rush out.

8.30pm: As Becky asks questions about Tracy's miscarriage, Deirdre refuses to betray her daughter - adamant that she doesn't know what Becky's talking about. Becky knows she's onto something but is forced to leave it. Later, on her date with Danny, Becky's spirits lift. But when Danny breaks the news that the hotel chain he works for is moving him abroad, Becky's gutted.

Back on the street, the pair sadly kiss goodbye, but when Danny spots Tracy he recalls how she collapsed at the hotel and had to be carted off in an ambulance the night she and Steve were there for their business meeting. Is this the proof Becky needs?

Meanwhile, with Anna away, Faye does her best to play Owen up. He tries not to rise to the bait, but when he discovers creosote on her jumper, he confronts her about the dead fish. Faye confirms that she was responsible and Owen loses his rag, slapping her on the back of the legs. How will Faye react?

Elsewhere, Sally is annoyed when Rita and Gail try to warn her off Frank, Eileen is depressed when Paul reveals that Lesley's carer is moving away, knowing it will mean he has less time to see her, while Dev is unimpressed to find Sunita working behind the Rovers bar and urges her to come home.

7.30pm: As Tyrone and Tina recover at home, Tyrone rings the hospital to check on Kirsty. The police arrive and Tina makes an official complaint about Kirsty harassing her.

Torn over his feelings for Kirsty, Tyrone decides to visit her. He's upset to see her bruised and bloodied face, but when she tells him that he brought it on himself by choosing Tina, he makes to leave. However, he's stopped by a doctor who arrives with Kirsty's test results and the unexpected news that Kirsty's pregnancy is fine! Tyrone is floored.

Meanwhile, as Owen creosotes the fence at Number 6, Kylie and David mock him. But Kylie's not laughing after a hoax call sends her to Oldham and back on a non-existent job. Trying to smooth over the feud, Anna orders Owen to pay half the cab fare run up by the hoax. Owen agrees, but when he discovers creosote in his pond and dead fish floating on the top, he rages.

Elsewhere, Becky stands up to Steve by carrying on working at Streetcars, while Anne's not happy to see that Sally has stayed the night with Frank.

8.30pm: Tina thinks Kirsty is lying about being pregnant and hopes Tyrone won't fall for it again. However, Tyrone is in turmoil and returns to the hospital.

Kirsty is hopeful they can work things out and promises to change, explaining that she was jealous but would never be unfaithful. As she hands him the scan photo of their baby, Tyrone is overwhelmed. Will Tyrone take Kirsty back?

Meanwhile, in need of some cheering up following another argument with Steve, Becky turns up at Danny's unannounced. However, when she spots him with another woman and a little boy who calls him 'daddy', she quickly walks away. Going after her, Danny explains that the woman is his sister and the boy is his son Billy. He adds that he's widowed and hadn't wanted to tell her about Billy in case it scared her off. How will Becky react?

Tina and Kirsty's feud has disastrous consequences. Frank hires a private investigator to catch Carla out. And The Rovers gets a new barmaid when Dev pushes his luck!

7.30pm: Stella wants to tell Leanne about Carla's necklace, but Karl urges her to stay out of it. However, when a trusting Leanne enthuses about how Peter's counselling sessions seem to fill him with the joys of spring, Stella feels torn.

At the same time, Carla is shaken when Michelle reveals that Frank and Sally are an item. Knowing how this will appear to a jury, Carla has a wobble in the pub and Peter instinctively reaches out to her. Carla pulls away quickly, but Stella has seen it all. Asking Peter through to the back, she demands to know what's going on between him and Carla!

Meanwhile, Tina confronts Kirsty about Rita's speeding ticket. After a trip to the station, Kirsty reveals that it was a misunderstanding and she's sorted it all out for Rita. Annoyed, Tina tells Tyrone her theories that Kirsty is out to get her. Will Tommy back her up and will Tyrone believe her?

Elsewhere, Becky clashes with Steve over Danny, Sally comforts Frank over the death of his father, while the Alahans celebrate Amber's 21st birthday.

8.30pm: Trying to front it out, Peter tells Stella that he'd bought Leanne a necklace but took it back to the shop after seeing Carla wearing the same one. Will an unconvinced Stella accept his story?

At the same time, Anne tells Frank and Sally that it was Carla's lies that killed her husband. With her emotions boiling over, Anne heads to the factory to tell Carla what she thinks of her. She's followed in by Sally just as Carla is telling Peter that she's running on his love. Anne says her piece and as Sally leads her out, Carla reels. How much has Anne heard?

Meanwhile, Rita encourages Tina to review her opinion of Kirsty, but Tina's not ready to back off. Annoyed at how everyone's been taken in by Kirsty, she leaves - noticed only by Tyrone who follows. Back at the house, Kirsty is threatening Tina with more aggro if she doesn't keep out of her way when Tyrone walks in. She goes into damage limitation mode, but has Tyrone heard enough?

Elsewhere, romance is on the cards for Becky as Danny asks her out on a date, Sunita is fed up of being taken for granted by Dev and tells him she's having the night off, while Faye's annoyed when her DVD night with Anna is gatecrashed by Owen, Katy and Joseph.

7.30pm: When Frank checks that Sally doesn't regret their kiss last night, she admits that she's glad he made a move as her feelings for him have grown. However, Sally wants to keep things quiet until she has got used to the idea. Agreeing, Frank seals it with a secret kiss in the office, but unbeknown to them, Eileen and Beth are watching.

Later, in The Rovers, Steve is mortified that Beth has shown up again. When Kevin takes the mickey, an affronted Beth takes pleasure in telling him that they've just seen Sally in a clinch with Frank. How will Kevin react?

Elsewhere, Carla suggests that she should rent a flat where she and Peter can meet up, while Paul thanks Eileen for her honesty and offers to take her out.

8.30pm: Kevin tracks down Sally and tells her that she's mad to go out with Frank. But Sally defends him and insists it has nothing to do with Kevin.

Refusing to accept this, Kevin storms round to Frank's house spoiling for a fight. However, Sally takes the wind out of his sails by revealing that Frank's just been told his father has died. Fed up with his interfering, Sally then stuns Kevin with news of her own.

Meanwhile, Tina accompanies Rita to the police station, where she hands over her driving licence. Rita is soon told that she has been driving illegally, as when you're over 70 you must reapply for your licence. Rita is mortified to hear she's looking at a hefty fine and possible ban. Incensed, Tina blames Kirsty for the whole thing.

Elsewhere, Stella recognises Carla's necklace as the one she thought Peter had bought Leanne at Christmas; Kirsty scuppers Tyrone's lads' night out and he dutifully heads home; while Paul and Eileen enjoy a meal at the Bistro, but it's cut short when Lesley's carer phones to say Lesley is asking where he is.

Wow. Doesn't she look different? I don't know what to make of this new look, but Katherine Kelly certainly looks different - maybe a little more classy - in this picture from ITV1's This Morning.

Her character, Becky McDonald will be leaving Weatherfield at the end of this month after she was accused of causing Tracy Barlow to have a miscarriage. But Katherine, 32, feels sorry for her character and hopes she can clear her name before her soap exit.

She told ITV1's This Morning yesterday: "Becky's got to clear her name now, that's the thing.

"She's worked really hard, it's been this lovely redemption story and the Croppers have sort of trained her to become a good woman and now, not only has she lost the love of her life, but now it looks like she may lose her good name.

"It's a shame because she's worked so hard to achieve that. It's for Becky to prove she's not the evil person Tracy has made her out to be."

And here's a reminder of what she used to look like before the new look:

Via Daily Mirror

Frank apologises to Sally for trying to kiss her, but she tells him there's no need - she was just a bit shocked. Back to business, she suggests that Frank should set about winning his clients back - starting with Leydon.

Still furious with Anne for trying to bribe Carla, Frank insists that she stays away from the factory for a few weeks and asks Sally to help schmooze Leydon instead. It's a success as they manage to convince him that Frank's an innocent victim of Carla's treachery. But how will the night end?

Meanwhile, both Tommy and Maria berate Tyrone for his treatment of Fiz, asking why he's avoiding one of his oldest mates. Feeling guilty, Tyrone suggests to Kirsty that he needs to spend time with his friends, including Fiz. How will she react?

Elsewhere, Eileen tells Paul that she can't live without him and suggests they should have an affair; Tommy accuses Tina of kicking the whole thing off with Kirsty; Rosie's horrified to see her road safety campaign photos in the Gazette; Peter lies to Leanne that he's got a new sponsor at AA and will be meeting him twice a week for one-to-one sessions; while Beth starts work at Frank's factory.

Following 2010's 50th Anniversary celebrations, keeping up the momentum in 2011 was always going to be a tall order but how did Corrie do this year?

The year in Corrie has been dominated by comings, goings, rushed storylines and offscreen events. The previous year's Golden anniversary celebrations seems to have left everyone - actors, writers, producers - with an almighty hangover, one which contributed to a muddled and ultimately unsatisfactory year in Weatherfield.

With Vicky Entwistle, Beverley Callard, Helen Flanagan, Craig Gazey, Keith Duffy, Sacha Parkinson and Craig Charles all deciding to leave the show for various reasons and Steve Huison, Holly Quin-Ankrah, Will Thorp, Peter Armitage and Graeme Hawley all being given the push it seemed as if the writers were spending all of their time dreaming up ways for characters to leave Weatherfield instead of giving them interesting things to do while they were still there.

Some - Janice Battersby, Eddie Windass and Bill Webster - went with a whimper (can anyone actually even remember why Janice left?). Some were reintroduced just so they could leave (Ciaran) or had someone re-introduced to facilitate their departure - Jim McDonald comes back to rob a bank so Liz can leave. Others were given poor, ill thought-through storylines which appeared to have been hurriedly designed to play out before the expiration of the actor's contract. The Graeme Proctor/ Xin fake marriage was an appalling way to write out a much-liked character, as was the recent Sophie/ Amber non-affair non-plot, which saw the departure of Sian.

More welcome disappearances were those of John Stape and Cheryl and Chris Grey. Stape had long since become a woefully farcical figure, painted so irrecoverably into a corner that everyone who cares about the soap wanted to see him dead. After several years of increasingly stupid plotlines we only had to suffer one final year of kidnap, evasion, hiding, imitation and theft (not to mention a dull Fiz-in-prison plot) before Stape finally, mercifully pegged it. Adios, John it's been a pain.

When Craig Charles asked producers for time off to return to Red Dwarf they seized the opportunity to get rid of the street's most aggravating couple. Estranged husband and wife Chris and Cheryl Grey were always sketchily-written but as their parts grew it became apparent they were portrayed by actors with limited ability. Between them Holly Quin-Ankrah and Will Thorp only had 6 available acting traits (Her: sad, or happy with undertones of sad. Him: angry, evil or the same again with a shaved head) and these quickly became repetitive and wearisome. The cancer storyline that marked their departure's was equally dull, enlivened only by some surprisingly solid acting by Craig Charles - it'll be good to have him back.

Perhaps the most significant and deeply felt loss this year (aside from the sad passing of Betty Driver, obviously) is that of Katherine Kelly, not only because she is a fantastic actress and Becky was a great character but because her departure has been poorly handled. Having her lose Steve to Tracy Barlow was the right way to go but Katherine announced her decision to leave the cobbles so long ago that she seems to have been hanging round the street with nothing to do for months now. Barely a week goes by where she doesn't find another way to try and get back into Steve's life, cock it up and then make a dramatically epiphanous decision to leave Weatherfield forever before finding yet another reason to get back into Steve's life and begin the cycle again. We've seen a potentially explosive storyline smeared out into a dull one.

Conversely, some of 2011's other storylines appear to have been introduced and dropped with indecent haste. Audrey's cross-dressing fella Marc/ Marcia appeared, put on a frock and disappeared again before he had chance to get his lippy smudged. William Roache's son James arrived, opened a soup kitchen and then vanished with Kevin's scratch card dosh in a matter of minutes and Eileen found and lost a new man in less time than it took for him to free her head from the factory railings. Fireman Paul and his social-concern-of-the-week wife's introduction are typical of the policy for new character integration: bring them in, hook them up with a cast regular and immediately give them a personal issue to deal with. This happened with Audrey, Eileen and Tyrone, who's new squeeze Kirsty seems to be going from over-earnest copper to hurricane-scale bunny boiler pretty much overnight.

This haste to give new characters something to do becomes more pronounced when compared to arrivals that are allowed to successfully bed-in slowly. 2011 saw the smooth introduction of Roy's mum Sylvia (who's getting good after a shaky start), Stella, Karl and Eva in the Rovers (one terrible accent aside, all good new additions) and, perhaps the strangest 'new' cast member ever, Philip Lowrie as Dennis Tanner. Why he was brought back to the street after a 43 year absence is anyone's guess but he's gradually ingratiating himself into Rita's affections so at least she will have something more to do in the future.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of street life this year has been the ongoing attempts by ITV to make as much money as possible from its most successful brand. The sight of a Nationwide cash point in Dev's shop marked the arrival of product placement in Weatherfield, although it seems utterly pointless. It would appear extremely unlikely that any viewer would suddenly want to open a building society account because they spotted a logo in the background of a scene; you can clearly see the logos on the fags and bog roll in Dev's shop already without them paying for the honour.

Much worse is the determination of ITV to force viewers to migrate from watching Corrie on the TV to viewing it online. 2011 saw a series of net-only 'webisodes' created in an attempt to convert loyal viewers into advertiser-friendly website hits. Heaven knows if it's working but there's no doubt of the negative affect this policy is having on the soap. Events are referred to in the main episodes which make no sense unless you watch the online content, this is simply annoying but more damaging is the apparent detrimental affect the extra workload is having on the writers and cast. Helen Flanagan is the first high profile casualty of the web push. Upon presenting herself for work after an extended sabbatical she was faced with an over-stuffed schedule consisting entirely of her taking her clothes off and appearing in terrible video diaries. She 'coincidentally' suffered a series of panic attacks which lead to her jumping ship almost within weeks of returning to our screens. The writers, too, appear over-worked, with the web episodes being extremely shoddily-written and the quality of the main programme consequently suffering. This isn't the writers' fault; it's the fault of the producers and ITV. Let's hope the channel leave Corrie alone in the New Year or they risk ruining their cash cow in the search for more money.

It's not all been bad, though. Roy, Hayley, Rita, Steve, Ken, Deidre, Eileen, Norris, Mary, Lloyd, Tina, Tyrone and new boy Tommy have all been good value. Julie and Brian are a terrific pairing and Sylvia Cropper is finally looking like she may well be a worthy replacement for Blanche. The Peter/ Carla/ Leanne story is settling into a solid long term plot and Dev has managed to go another year without doing anything, both of which are good things.

There have been good episodes as well, with Peter's single day/ full episode return to the booze being a particular stand-out and the two episodes featuring Norris locked in the toilets at Roy's Rolls were as funny as Corrie has ever been. Of the writers, Carmel Morgan and Jonathan Harvey deserve special recognition for supplying many of the year's best one-liners and the whole team deserve recognition for doing their best with the dodgy plots with which they are presented.

With a programme as long-running and beloved as Coronation Street an off year should merely be a minor blip, but so much of 2011 has felt like a sloppily-produced transitory period for Corrie that it seriously needs a year of consolidation to ensure it remains on-track. Two under-par years on the bounce could lead to panicky decisions and that's the last thing the show needs. Let's hope 2012 brings the show a bit more calm and a lot less frantic to-ing and fro-ing, for all our sakes.

Dave Lee

PS I know I've not mentioned Frank and rape once. Least said, soonest mended, I reckon.

As Sophie prepares for her wedding, Kevin takes her to one side to ask if she's having second thoughts, but Sophie assures him that she's doing the right thing. With the service under way, Sally and Janet look proudly at their daughters, but Kevin secretly fears that Sophie's making a mistake.

Sian reads out her wedding vows but when it comes to Sophie's turn, she's overcome with emotion and stumbles. It's not doubts, just nerves - but as Kevin watches his daughter struggle for words, his need to protect her is overwhelming. Will Kevin ruin Sophie's big day?

Meanwhile, when Stella receives some money from a great aunt, Karl is faced with temptation. Will he steal the cash to fund his growing gambling habit?

Elsewhere, Norris reluctantly agrees when Sylvia declares that musical D-day is in two weeks' time, Gail and Eva disagree as Nick looks at flats, while Becky is determined to pick herself up and carry on as Steve and Tracy plan their wedding.

At the Barlow house, Tracy fears this may be her last Christmas with Steve, but he assures her that he loves her and the only person he blames for the loss of their babies is Becky. After telling Stella that he's putting The Rovers up for sale and giving her first refusal, Steve delights Tracy by revealing that he has bought Lloyd's house so they can live together as a family. Pulling out an engagement ring, Steve proposes to Tracy.

In contrast, Becky is alone in her flat and turns down the chance to spend Christmas with Kylie at the Platt house. Outside, Becky bumps into Steve and is devastated to hear that he has asked Tracy to marry him. Later, Becky drinks destructively while burning photos of her and Steve at the flat. Falling asleep drunk, she has no idea the embers are still alight and as the fire takes hold, Nick sees smoke coming from the flat. He kicks the door down as an ambulance is called, but will Nick reach Becky in time?

Meanwhile, Carla is thrilled when she opens the necklace from Peter. At the same time, Leanne shows off the new mobile Peter has bought her, leaving Stella perturbed after she assumed the necklace was for Leanne. Unaware he's under suspicion, Peter sneaks off to the factory to see Carla, where he gets more than a kiss under the mistletoe!

Elsewhere, Kylie's perfect family Christmas is ruined when she hears that Becky's flat is on fire; Chesney and Katy are smitten as they bring Joseph home; Izzy turns down Will when he asks to move their relationship to the next stage, leaving Gary with a cue to win Izzy back; Paul invites Eileen to the pub with him and Lesley; while Sylvia arrives back from her cruise on a high after a holiday romance.

As the hall clears and an ambulance is called, a terrified Katy goes into full labour.

Anna takes charge as a desperate Chesney and Gary find a couple of bikes and start pedalling furiously. Will they arrive in time as Katy gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, Joseph Peter?

Meanwhile, drunk and depressed, Becky throws her belongings in a bag, intent on leaving Weatherfield. But when Roy and Hayley see her going, they persuade her into the café. They try to talk her round, but when Becky overhears Hayley admitting to Roy that she doesn't know whether to believe Becky or Tracy's version of events, Becky feels totally betrayed and storms out.

Elsewhere, Sian asks an uncomfortable Amber to be a bridesmaid at the wedding, Tina is stunned when Kirsty surprises her housemates with a beautiful Christmas tree, complete with presents for each of them underneath, while Eileen is disappointed when Paul phones and cancels Christmas dinner.

7.30pm: It's the day of the nativity and Katy helps Faye with her lines as Mary. Katy gets her word perfect, but as Faye prepares to go on stage, she is suddenly hit with stage fright. At the last minute, Katy is forced to take her place. Having finished a day working at the garden centre with Gary, Chesney is rushing back to see the play - with both dressed as elves. However, when Gary's van fails to start, it looks like they won't make it.

On stage, the play is going brilliantly and as Katy relives the birth, the audience gasp at her realistic portrayal of labour. What they don't realise is that her 'performance' is real, and as they applaud, she cries out for an ambulance! Pandemonium ensues and as Chesney gets the call to get there quick, the elves are forced to make a run for it.

Meanwhile, Sian is determined to give Sophie her dream wedding and introduces her to Father Douglas, who has agreed to give a service of celebration of their wedding in his church. Sian has cancelled the other venue as she knows what Sophie really wants is a church wedding. But as Father Douglas talks to the girls about commitment, will a guilty Sophie crack?

Elsewhere, Becky begs Tracy to tell the truth when she sees her at the nativity, while a jealous Kirsty tells Tyrone that she wants him to keep his distance from Fiz - claiming that as a copper she can't associate with criminals.

8.30pm: Deirdre is outraged after Tracy lets Steve believe that Becky pushed her down the stairs, but Tracy insists it's the only way she can hang onto him now. Steve is a broken man as he accuses a stunned Becky of causing Tracy to lose the babies. Insisting it was an accident, Becky confronts Tracy, demanding to know why she's lying.

As Steve accuses Becky of murdering his unborn children, Deirdre is horrified and remonstrates with Tracy for her lie. Faced with a terrible dilemma, will Deirdre continue to lie for Tracy?

Meanwhile, when Peter goes out Christmas shopping, he leaves a jeweller's bag in Karl's taxi. Presuming it's a gift for Leanne, Stella has a sneaky peek at the necklace inside, before asking Karl to return it to Peter. Peter is relieved, unaware that Stella has looked through the bag.

Elsewhere, Anna's house is plunged into darkness when David uses the outside plug socket at Number 6 to supply the electric for the make-shift salon, while the Websters throw themselves into wedding preparations.

7.30pm: Convinced Tracy is on the warpath, Steve has worked all night to keep out of her way and is unaware she has miscarried. Tracy soon storms round to Becky's flat, demanding to know where Steve is. Becky insists that he isn't there, but as all of Tracy's anguish erupts, she showers Becky with abuse. Admitting that she tried to seduce Steve but he turned her down, Becky assures Tracy that Steve is committed to her and the twins.

As an emotional Tracy is leaving, she trips and falls down the stairs. Seeing she's unconscious, Becky calls an ambulance. Hearing the news, Steve rushes to hospital, where Tracy reveals that she has lost the twins. A devastated Steve asks if it's a result of the fall. Tracy is about to set him straight, but sensing a chance to get Becky out of their lives for good, will she tell the truth?

Meanwhile, Audrey and David discover there is no water at the salon and they can't get a plumber before Christmas, so they're forced to relocate to the Platt house. David accuses Owen of sabotage, but he feigns innocence, offering to look at the plumbing for them. Will he fix the problem?

7.30pm: When Steve receives a letter from the tax office saying that Streetcars has been charged back-tax, he admits the business could be in jeopardy. Given food for thought, Becky sets up a meeting with a hotel manager about a possible account. Steve's thrilled, assuming he'll go to the dinner, but Becky counters that this is her deal and she's determined to prove she can be professional.

Becky does a great job with the flirty hotel manager, but refusing to let it go, Steve heads down there - instructing Karl not to tell Tracy. Despite the tension, they work well as a team. However, when Tracy forces the truth about Steve's whereabouts out of Karl and demands he takes her to the hotel, it looks like there's about to be fireworks!

Meanwhile, as Carla and Peter struggle to find time alone, it's clear that being together is like a drug and they agree to try to meet later. Carla then heads off to see her solicitor about the trial. Frank is alleging she was unfaithful while she was with him and the solicitor advises that if there's anything he can use to taint her character, she needs to speak up now. Will she confess to her affair with Peter?

8.30pm: As Becky and Steve work well together to reel Danny in, they eventually get him to agree to the contract. On a high, Becky jokily suggests they should book a room to celebrate. The sexual tension between them has been re-awakened but, mindful of his unborn children, Steve resists and they return to the street.

Meanwhile a paranoid Tracy has arrived at the hotel. She can't get anything out of the receptionist and, fearing the worst, she runs for the lifts. As she frantically scours the rooms, security are called and order her to leave. But Tracy's suddenly overtaken by an immense pain and begs them to call an ambulance. Calling Deirdre, Tracy's rushed to hospital. Has she lost the twins?

Meanwhile, as Carla meets Peter at the flat, she tells him what her solicitor said. Both know they now need to keep their affair secret and can't put a foot wrong, but as they kiss they're interrupted by Michelle arriving home. Will they be caught in the act?