Season 8

01 Episode 648 - Relationships Episode 12nd January 1989 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. 02 Episode 649 - Victory Episode 27th January 1989 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. 03 Episode 650 - Getting A Bit Silly Episode 39th January 1989 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. 04 Episode 651 - Not Fair Episode 414th January 1989 Rod tells Kirsty about his suspicions. Gordon tells Paul about his last day at work, and Tracy has an interview at Head Office. 05 Episode 652 - Lost Chances Episode 516th January 1989 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. 06 Episode 653 - Quick Off The Mark Episode 618th January 1989 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. 07 Episode 654 - Starting Episode 723rd January 1989 After a lot of soul-searching, Sheila makes a major decision. Rod makes a horrifying discovery. 08 Episode 655 - Love Episode 825th January 1989 Billy and Sheila are alone together at last.......until Barry walks in on them. Sammy and her friends make plans. 09 Episode 656 - A Bad Start Episode 930th January 1989 Sheila is relieved that Barry won't be telling Bobby what he has discovered. Growler's first day at the remedial class goes badly. 10 Episode 657 - Not All That Happy Episode 101st February 1989 Sheila moves furniture and comes clean. Sammy does her best to convince Nisha's parents to let them stay overnight at Ronnie's. 11 Episode 658 - Tests Episode 116th February 1989 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. 12 Episode 659 - Breaking The Rules Episode 128th February 1989 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. 13 Episode 660 - Down Episode 1313th February 1989 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. 14 Episode 661 - Loving Care Episode 1415th February 1989 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. 15 Episode 662 - Special Attention Episode 1520th February 1989 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. 16 Episode 663 - Selfishness Episode 1623rd February 1989 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. 17 Episode 664 - Hawaiian Magenta Episode 1727th February 1989 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. 18 Episode 665 - Hooked Episode 181st March 1989 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. 19 Episode 666 - No End In Sight Episode 196th March 1989 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. 20 Episode 667 - Ructions Episode 208th March 1989 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. 21 Episode 668 - Desperate Measures Episode 2113th March 1989 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. 22 Episode 669 - A Propensity To Act Episode 2215th March 1989 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. 23 Episode 670 - Possibilities Episode 2320th March 1989 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. 24 Episode 671 - Tension Episode 2422nd March 1989 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. 25 Episode 672 - Talking Of Weddings Episode 2527th March 1989 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. 26 Episode 673 - Violence Episode 2629th March 1989 Sheila confides in Kathy and seeks her advice. Annabelle has to make a tough decision in court. 27 Episode 674 - Fish Episode 273rd April 1989 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. 28 Episode 675 - Glasses Episode 285th April 1989 A dinner guest of Paul and Annabelle's insults Gordon. Rod has a sobering experience when he attends a road accident. 29 Episode 676 - Still Hurting Episode 2910th April 1989 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. 30 Episode 677 - Till Death Us Do Part Episode 3012th April 1989 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. 31 Episode 678 - Pusilanimous Episode 3117th April 1989 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. 32 Episode 679 - Awkwardness Episode 3219th April 1989 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. 33 Episode 680 - Howdy! Episode 3324th April 1989 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. 34 Episode 681 - Causes Episode 3426th April 1989 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. 35 Episode 682 - China Tea Episode 351st May 1989 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. 36 Episode 683 - Dry Rot Episode 363rd May 1989 The Collins' barbecue causes animosity, as Ralph loses part of his fence. Frank makes a discovery which dampens Chrissy's spirits. 37 Episode 684 - Appeal Episode 378th May 1989 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. 38 Episode 685 - To Annabelle Episode 3810th May 1989 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. 39 Episode 686 - Milk Episode 3915th May 1989 Growler receives good news, and Paul is visited by a stranger who wants him to meet someone from his past. 40 Episode 687 - Apple Juice Episode 4017th May 1989 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. 41 Episode 688 - Too Small Episode 4122nd May 1989 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? 42 Episode 689 - Betrayed Episode 4224th May 1989 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. 43 Episode 690 - Chips And Mash? Episode 4329th May 1989 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. 44 Episode 691 - I Am Not Gerrard! Episode 4431st May 1989 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. 45 Episode 692 - Call Me Coral Episode 455th June 1989 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. 46 Episode 693 - Degsy Episode 467th June 1989 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. 47 Episode 694 - I Need You Episode 4712th June 1989 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. 48 Episode 695 - Dog Muck Episode 4814th June 1989 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. 49 Episode 696 - Horse Muck Episode 4921st June 1989 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. 50 Episode 697 - Small Doses Episode 5026th June 1989 Sue is rushed to hospital, and it looks as if something may be wrong with the baby. Michael and Alison share a romantic moment. 51 Episode 698 - Separated Episode 5128th June 1989 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. 52 Episode 699 - Children Episode 523rd July 1989 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. 53 Episode 700 - You Did What? Episode 535th July 1989 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. 54 Episode 701 - Into Proportion Episode 5410th July 1989 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. 55 Episode 702 - She's Coming Back Episode 5512th July 1989 Everyone in the Corkhill household is feeling apprehensive as they await Doreen's return. Harry is looking for signatures for his petition. 56 Episode 703 - She's Staying Episode 5617th July 1989 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'. 57 Episode 704 - Old Habits Die Hard Episode 5719th July 1989 Tracy is determined that Sheila will not separate Billy from Doreen. Annabelle's dressmaker admits defeat - but Louise doesn't. 58 Episode 705 - I'm Your Wife Episode 5824th July 1989 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. 59 Episode 706 - Has It All Gone? Episode 5926th July 1989 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. 60 Episode 707 - Bed Rest Episode 6031st July 1989 Barry is back on the Close for Terry's wedding, but Louise runs away. Harry receives a letter from the Queen. 61 Episode 708 - Sue and Terry Episode 612nd August 1989 Terry and Sue's wedding day arrives, and Sheila returns, forcing Billy to make a final decision as to which woman he wants. 62 Episode 709 - Lumbered Episode 627th August 1989 Doreen changes all the locks. Another visitor arrives at the Collins', but Paul finds the solution in a book of raffle tickets. 63 Episode 710 - She Has To Go Episode 639th August 1989 Harry is not well, and an unexpected arrival doesn't improve his mood. 64 Episode 711 - Pizzas Episode 6414th August 1989 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. 65 Episode 712 - All Fixed Episode 6516th August 1989 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. 66 Episode 713 - Hospitality Episode 6621st August 1989 Alison meets a rival, and gives Michael an ultimatum. The continued presence of Lana causes arguments between Harry and Ralph. 67 Episode 714 - Expectation Episode 6723rd August 1989 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. 68 Episode 715 - British Culture Episode 6828th August 1989 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. 69 Episode 716 - Never Easy Episode 6930th August 1989 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. 70 Episode 717 - Mutual Support Episode 704th September 1989 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. 71 Episode 718 - Mummy Doll Episode 716th September 1989 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. 72 Episode 719 - We All Need Help Episode 7211th September 1989 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. 73 Episode 720 - L-Plates Episode 7313th September 1989 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. 74 Episode 721 - Smartening Episode 7418th September 1989 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. 75 Episode 722 - A Good Catch Episode 7520th September 1989 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. 76 Episode 723 - Trust Episode 7625th September 1989 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. 77 Episode 724 - Harpooned Episode 7727th September 1989 Rod finds his CID work rather dull, Frank receives the bill for the clearance of his dry rot, and Ralph proposes to Lana. 78 Episode 725 - Staples Episode 782nd October 1989 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. 79 Episode 726 - Loyalties Episode 794th October 1989 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". 80 Episode 727 - Too Fast Episode 809th October 1989 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. 81 Episode 728 - Killed? Episode 8111th October 1989 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. 82 Episode 729 - Kids In Love Episode 8216th October 1989 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. 83 Episode 730 - Curry Episode 8318th October 1989 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. 84 Episode 731 - Mars Bar Episode 8423rd October 1989 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. 85 Episode 732 - Bad Taste Episode 8525th October 1989 Frank suspects that he is being set up by management. Rod gatecrashes Kirsty's first date with Tommo. 86 Episode 733 - Give Me A Chance Episode 8630th October 1989 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. 87 Episode 734 - Natural Wastage Episode 871st November 1989 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. 88 Episode 735 - Sorry Episode 886th November 1989 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. 89 Episode 736 - Coppers Episode 898th November 1989 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. 90 Episode 737 - Pitch And Toss Episode 9013th November 1989 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. 91 Episode 738 - Rough Episode 9115th November 1989 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. 92 Episode 739 - Smart Earrings Episode 9220th November 1989 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. 93 Episode 740 - Panicking Episode 9322nd November 1989 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. 94 Episode 741 - Your Money Or Your Door Episode 9427th November 1989 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. 95 Episode 742 - It's Your Fault Episode 9529th November 1989 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. 96 Episode 743 - Drunk Episode 964th December 1989 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. 97 Episode 744 - Lone Ranger Episode 976th December 1989 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. 98 Episode 745 - Proposal Episode 9811th December 1989 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....... 99 Episode 746 - The Right To Know Episode 9913th December 1989 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. 100 Episode 747 - Eyes Episode 10018th December 1989 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. 101 Episode 748 - Nothing But Trouble Episode 10120th December 1989 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? 102 Episode 749 - Tree Episode 10225th December 1989 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. 103 Episode 750 - Badly in The Wrong Episode 10327th December 1989 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. 104 Episode 751 - No Episode 10429th December 1989 When Michael and Stephen are reconciled, Alison feels isolated. Katie tells her mother about the bullying. The Christmas tree has to be returned.