Annie's old friend Joyce Lomax comes to stay at the Rovers. Craig skives off school. When Phyllis catches him out he pretends that he has stomach ache. Phyllis accuses Chalkie of drinking whilst Craig needs him. Fred throws himself at Joyce when he discovers that she's a wealthy widow. Sharon can't understand what Brian sees in Gail. Craig wants a pet and talks Chalkie into getting some pigeons like they used to have. Phyllis disapproves, finding them dirty. Annie introduces Joyce to Alf hoping that romance will blossom. Sharon overhears Brian looking for a babysitter.