Brookside - Season 8

Tracy is grilled by her lawyer. Gordon plans to leave Brian's employment, but is persuaded to stay on. The workforce want Frank to call a strike, and Paul forbids Annabelle to use his car.

Sheila asks for forgiveness, and Frank has some explaining to do. Paul has a few suggestions for Annabelle, Debbie has advice for Barry, and Gordon gets his revenge on Brian.

When Jonathan and Cheryl return from their holiday, they discover that the decorating hasn't been done yet. Harry prepares his proposal to Betty. Rod needs to come up with some good explanations for not wanting Kirsty to iron his shirt.

Rod tells Kirsty about his suspicions. Gordon tells Paul about his last day at work, and Tracy has an interview at Head Office.

Mona advises Annabelle to make up or break up. Billy is missing Sheila. Emma convinces Rod to do some overtime, and Frank realises he has been conned by the management.

It is a big day for Harry, but should he have listened to Ralph? Chrissy is visited by the mother of another child with dyslexia. Gordon makes a promising start towards his target.

After a lot of soul-searching, Sheila makes a major decision. Rod makes a horrifying discovery.

Billy and Sheila are alone together at last.......until Barry walks in on them. Sammy and her friends make plans.

Sheila is relieved that Barry won't be telling Bobby what he has discovered. Growler's first day at the remedial class goes badly.

Sheila moves furniture and comes clean. Sammy does her best to convince Nisha's parents to let them stay overnight at Ronnie's.

Betty is less than impressed with Paul when she thinks she is being used to prove a point. An important conclusion is reached about Growler.

Sheila's religious convictions are still troubling her, to Billy's annoyance. Gordon's dodgy deals start to get even more dodgy. Mona announces her engagement, and Sammy and her friends have a night out.

Gordon takes further chances in his bid to meet his target. Harry receives another disappointment, as Kevin is unwilling to change or extend his grandson's name.

Gordon tries to make Paul and Annabelle realise that they need each other, and things come to a head for them. Chrissy reaches the end of her tether, and makes a decision about Growler's schooling.

Annabelle cooks a special breakfast, but Paul still isn't happy. Tracy's solicitor tries to convince her to go ahead with her action. Growler finds that Chrissy is a much stricter teacher than he expected.

Annabelle is impressed with Paul's handling of her brother, but Emma is not as impressed with Rod's handling of a domestic incident. Growler finds it difficult to concentrate on studying, and Tracy tries to persuade Nikki to speak up.

Sammy is confronted by a young man bringing something from Ronnie. Tired of talking about his upcoming wedding, Rod seeks comfort elsewhere. Sue discovers she is pregnant.

Owen comes clean about his true motives, and Sammy is suitably intrigued. Cheryl tries to help Sue with a major dilemma. An educational welfare officer arrives to check on Chrissy's teaching of Growler at home, but Growler has gone AWOL.

Gerrard resorts to a variety of tricks to try to persuade Tracy to drop her case against him, and Rod is annoyed to find out about it from a newspaper. More than one member of the Rogers family is convinced that they are going to look foolish.

It is Growler's first day back at school, and Chrissy is depressed about her future. Rod and Tommo have conflicting views on the article about Tracy. Sue goes to have an abortion, but changes her mind.

Gordon is determined to prove that he is not a loser, and stakes everything on a winner. Cheryl discovers Sue with her head in the oven. Frank tries to reassure Growler that he is still proud of him.

Gordon finds himself the worse for wear, and well out of pocket. Sue tells Terry that she is pregnant, but misses out one small detail. Unexpected revelations have a major effect on the final outcome of Tracy's industrial tribunal.

Sue is not happy about the accuracy of Jonathan's guesswork. Tracy has to decide whether she wants her old job back. Jonathan is advised to move on sooner rather than later.

Cheryl is finding it difficult knowing Sue's secret. Tracy wonders why Doreen has not been in touch. Jimmy finds Kathy's son Sean loitering near her home, and brings him to the Close.

Terry has one disappointment after another. The Collins family make preparations for Mona's wedding. Matty is disappointed to find out about Sheila and Billy.

Sheila confides in Kathy and seeks her advice. Annabelle has to make a tough decision in court.

Tracy's first day back at work turns out to be disastrous. Terry has to cope with some more difficult fares. Cheryl finds the pressure too great, and gives Jonathan an ultimatum.

A dinner guest of Paul and Annabelle's insults Gordon. Rod has a sobering experience when he attends a road accident.

The past comes back to haunt Sheila as Tommo arrives to visit Rod, then Matty brings bad news about Bobby. Kevin is not impressed by Harry's attempts to blackmail him and Sally into changing Tim's name.

It's Billy's 22nd wedding anniversary, and Mona and Gerald's wedding day, but who will end up in the honeymoon suite? Terry's first day in a new job is not quite as he expected.

Some remarks from Sheila cause an argument in the Collins household. Jonathan impresses a new client, but is not pleased when Cheryl promises that he will represent a friend of Billy's.

Owen and Sammy resolve their differences. Gordon reveals where he has been for the last two nights. Bumper is in two minds about Chrissy's plans for Growler. Sheila reassures Paul that she has told no-one about Annabelle's affair.

Mona and Gerald return from Las Vegas, bearing gifts that some recipients find difficult to appreciate. The Rogers family prepare to make a move, and Harry is concerned about who will be replacing them. There are teething troubles at Davies-Townes, and for Sammy.

Mona is feeling paranoid, and says some cruel and insensitive things. Sammy pushes things too far by staying out too late. The mystery of the missing money is solved, but it creates tension between Jonathan, Cheryl and Sarah.

Katie goes missing with the new girl on the Close. Harry decides he needs to have a high fence built to protect him, but soon changes his mind.

The Collins' barbecue causes animosity, as Ralph loses part of his fence. Frank makes a discovery which dampens Chrissy's spirits.

Sheila feels sad as she sees her former home bustling with family life again. Sammy is annoyed by Owen's behaviour at her decorating party. Growler is discussed in depth.

It is party time, but have Paul and Annabelle finally put their differences behind them? A chance meeting stirs unwelcome memories for Billy, but there is a more promising encounter for Gordon. The reason for the absence of Michael's wife is revealed.

Growler receives good news, and Paul is visited by a stranger who wants him to meet someone from his past.

Growler asks Chrissy to wait for the phone-call he is expecting, but she goes out and misses it. Billy asks Tracy how she feels about Sheila moving into his room. Paul's visitor has a confession to make about an egg he ate in the summer of 1943.

Kirsty isn't able to go to Blackpool with Rod, but he isn't too disappointed. Frank, however, is disappointed when Growler is unsuccessful. Jimmy enlists Sinbad's help to deliver a mattress to Billy - but are there strings attached?

Michael and Caroline disagree on priorities, while Kirsty's surprise appearance on the coach to Blackpool turns the trip into a nightmare for all concerned.

Cheryl suspects that Jonathan is avoiding looking for a new flat and believes he is taking her for granted. Caroline asks Chrissy to look after Jessica, but this leads to an almighty row.

Kirsty decides that she's had enough of Rod, and announces it in style. Preparations are underway for the summer fayre. Katie has romantic intentions towards Bumper, and Anthony tries to assure Tracy that not all bosses are the same.

Jonathan doesn't approve of Coral's accent. Tracy takes part in a hairdressing competition. There is a willing volunteer to retrieve Bumper's football when he knocks over Cheryl's glass.

Sue and Terry discuss names for the baby, and Terry is convinced that he knows one that would be perfect. After her moment of glory, Tracy returns to the Close. Cheryl is at the end of her tether.

For Sinbad, to be nearly hit by one lawyer's car seems unlucky, but when he is nearly hit by two of them it begins to look like carelessness. Then his day brightens up when a naked lady steps out of the shower while he is cleaning her windows.

Jonathan's distress over Cheryl is making him dangerous to be around. Chrissy decides to stand for school governor, without considering how the rest of the family will ever live it down.

Alison realises that she needs to apologise to Michael. Harry is waiting for a visit from his grandson. Chrissy discovers Katie making jewellery, and immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Sue is rushed to hospital, and it looks as if something may be wrong with the baby. Michael and Alison share a romantic moment.

Jonathan tracks down Cheryl and forces her into a decision she isn't ready to make. Sinbad has to do some grovelling to get back into Caroline's good books. Harry makes a distressing discovery at the cemetery.

A soldier's runaway wife is causing a few headaches for Paul, Terry cuts Sue's toenails, and Sinbad saves the day at Jessica's party.

Michael and Alison get their dates mixed up, Paul is out of his depth, and Harry is getting no support in his battle against a grave robber.

Harry decides that a sandwich board is an appropriate way of making his feelings known. A sudden phone call gives Billy and Sheila a lot to think about.

Everyone in the Corkhill household is feeling apprehensive as they await Doreen's return. Harry is looking for signatures for his petition.

Doreen receives some support in her bid to move back into number 10, but faces opposition too. There is also a new arrival at the Collins'.

Tracy is determined that Sheila will not separate Billy from Doreen. Annabelle's dressmaker admits defeat - but Louise doesn't.

Sue is not impressed with Jonathan's definition of "furnished". Doreen offers to scrub Billy's back for him. Paul cuts himself shaving, and Rod and Tommo are attacked by a particularly rare breed of dog.

Paul is annoyed that Louise has eaten his bacon. Cheryl finds out that Jonathan has his own method for hanging pictures. Doreen tries to convince Billy to try again.

Barry is back on the Close for Terry's wedding, but Louise runs away. Harry receives a letter from the Queen.

Terry and Sue's wedding day arrives, and Sheila returns, forcing Billy to make a final decision as to which woman he wants.

Doreen changes all the locks. Another visitor arrives at the Collins', but Paul finds the solution in a book of raffle tickets.

Harry is not well, and an unexpected arrival doesn't improve his mood.

Louise stumbles across some of Annabelle's private things. Tracy disagrees with Julia about what Doreen should do. Harry is irritated by the amount of time Lana is spending on his telephone.

Louise promises not to tell anybody else about the contents of Annabelle's letters, but can she keep a secret? Michael takes Alison for a meal at his father's restaurant.

Alison meets a rival, and gives Michael an ultimatum. The continued presence of Lana causes arguments between Harry and Ralph.

Louise has some disturbing facts to reveal. Caroline tells Alison that Michael's family won't let her take their only grandchild away from them.

Annabelle cannot convince Louise to name the guilty party. Just back from the Emerald Isle, Sheila is not so green about Bobby once Doreen has had her say.

Sue wants to make sure that she will be able to hear her new baby puke from anywhere in the house. Harry acquires a new lodger, and assures him that it's the colour of his money that he is interested in. Doreen admits defeat and leaves again.

Stephen quizzes Caroline about how Michael got on with Amy. Chrissy wants Frank to call a proper builder rather than let Lenny attempt to put right the damage he caused. Sheila tries to convince Billy that he shouldn't dwell on the past.

When Louise gives her a clue, Annabelle arrives at a dreadful realisation. Katie tries her hand at bereavement therapy, but isn't very successful. Sue gives birth to a baby boy.

Louise wants to speak about what her brother has done, but is frightened of the consequences. Chrissy has some ingenious ideas about where she can find some money. Harry reacts strangely when Mick plans to leave.

Annabelle stands firm when Louise's father comes to take her away. It's Rod's first day at CID, and he is given a rough ride. So is Mick when he agrees to give Harry a driving lesson, and so is Jonathan when he buys Cheryl a car with child safety harnesses in the back seat.

Jessica brings Alison and Michael together. When Ralph returns from his holiday, he finds a hearse parked outside the bungalow, and fears the worst. Gary and Louise have a chance to talk through their problems.

Mick has a sleepless night thanks to Ralph's weak bladder. Mrs Mackay seeks Annabelle's help with Louise, but Annabelle is cautious. Hattie discovers that Alison is sleeping with Michael. Rod has his first success in CID, and Harry has a few words with Lana.

Jessica walks in on Michael and Alison. There is trouble for Paul when he finds Louise is still at the house, and for Sammy when Owen sees her holiday photos.

Rod finds his CID work rather dull, Frank receives the bill for the clearance of his dry rot, and Ralph proposes to Lana.

Rod and Tommo discover that it's not a good idea to talk about the woman they have shared while on a stake-out. Paul is annoyed to find that Louise has used all his staples, and takes drastic action.

Stephen is convinced that Michael should be looking for a Chinese wife instead of going out with Alison. Rod and Kirsty consider whether they can really be "just good friends".

Lana plans a honeymoon in the West Indies, but Ralph is terrified of flying. Michael reveals that he may be able to move to the USA with Alison. Sammy and Owen plan a trip to Wigan, but their journey has tragic consequences.

Sammy and Owen are in a critical condition after the car crash, and the bad news has to be broken to Frank and Chrissy. Harry overhears something he wishes he hadn't. Paul discovers that Louise has run away to Kendal.

Lana and Ralph prepare to leave, but there's a huge rift which looks as if it will not be healed. Sammy waits by Owen's bedside, but there appears to be no hope.

The police interview Sammy again when there is a discrepancy in the joyriders' statements. Rod is finding it hard to be "just friends" with Kirsty. Michael makes a decision. Paul talks to Louise about curry, and Harry needs Mick's help when he has a puncture.

Sammy is blaming herself for what happened to Owen, but things take a turn for the better. Caroline returns from Hong Kong, and is not pleased with what she finds at home.

Frank suspects that he is being set up by management. Rod gatecrashes Kirsty's first date with Tommo.

When Louise's father calls, she runs and hides, and Paul makes a decision. Rod's obsession with Kirsty continues. Sue tells Cheryl she wants to have another baby.

Frank's suspicions that he is being set up by management prove to be correct. Paul discusses the possibility of fostering Louise with Mrs Mackay.

Cheryl confronts Jonathan, Caroline unblocks a sink, and there is an unexpected arrival at the Corkhills'. Feeling guilty over Owen, Sammy turns to drink. Paul discovers that Louise has stolen a wallet to give him as a birthday present, and arranges for her to have a severe talking to by the manager of the shop.......after which she runs away again.

Sheila receives a letter from the girl she met at the deaf school, but Billy receives a letter from Doreen's solicitor which adds to his financial worries. After her latest theft, Paul begins to have second thoughts about fostering Louise.

Lenny encourages Frank to join a group of workers tendering for the maintenance contract. Paul is even more uncertain about Louise. Chrissy notices that Katie is stealing money, and is keen to find out why.

Chrissy is worried that Frank may become too involved with Lenny's tender. Sheila has a job interview at the school for the deaf. Gordon confirms Judith's suspicions about the quality of a new wine.

There is friction in the Rogers home, as Sammy doesn't want to go to see Owen. Gary tries to turn Louise against Annabelle. Gordon investigates the bottling plant.

Paul decides to go to the Lake District for a few days. Sheila wants to get a part-time job at the pub, but Billy isn't keen. Judith is scared she will lose her job, and Katie is seen giving in to temptation.

Jimmy adopts a few strong-arm tactics to prove that Billy is being too soft on Mr Trevor. Michael doesn't like the idea of freebies for favours. Paul tells Louise that Annabelle is going to stay with Lucy in France, which only makes her feel worse. Katie feels that everyone is against her.

Billy finds that all the doors of his car have been removed. Growler and Bumper take matters into their own hands to try to help Katie, and blame Sammy when things go wrong. Caroline has an unexpected visitor bringing lights and a boomerang.

Annabelle reassures Louise that she and Paul still want to foster her, and that she won't forget her while visiting Lucy in France. Gordon's idea lands him in police custody. Sammy finally goes to see Owen, but only after getting herself drunk.

Gordon is questioned at the police station, and has to think fast to explain his presence at the bottling plant. Chrissy confronts Katie about the money she has been taking. Billy is annoyed when Jimmy's visit to the wool shop causes more retaliation involving the windows of number 10, but is talked into taking further action against the Trevors.

Written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce - Jonathan proposes to Cheryl, but what will her answer be? James wants to take Caroline for breakfast in Amsterdam - but what are his true intentions? Judith makes a discovery about Gordon, and the wool shop war escalates further, as a bulldozer arrives on the Close.......

Written by Frank Cotterell-Boyce - As one vendetta comes to an end, it looks as if another war may be about to begin. Michael has more conflicts at work, and doesn't show very good judgement when selecting a babysitter for Jessica.

After her run-in with Alison, Sammy hits back. Coral attempts some Christmas matchmaking. Growler forces Katie to tell Mr Jenkins that she is being bullied, and Bagga is suspended.

Alison is annoyed with Sammy, and Barry is furious when he finds out what has happened to his money. After angling for an invite all around the Close, will Harry get his Christmas cheer?

It is Christmas Day on the Close, and Terry and Sue end up with more dinner guests than they are expecting. Tracy invites Barry to a party, and Jimmy and Sinbad's present for Billy results in a cold, dark Christmas for Katie.

Michael tries to explain to his father the contradictions involved in being a Scouse Chinese. Harry finds out the truth about Billy's Christmas present. Jimmy and Sinbad become lumberjacks.

When Michael and Stephen are reconciled, Alison feels isolated. Katie tells her mother about the bullying. The Christmas tree has to be returned.