Brookside - Season 7 / Year 1988

Laura's life-support machine is turned off. Ralph finds out that Harry is going to be on the panel interviewing him for membership of the Commonwealth and Empire Club.

Bobby resents Sheila's studying. Jonathan has to face the inquest into Laura's death and decides to lie in order to prevent he parents from discovering the truth.

Paul feels that Chris has overstayed his welcome. Terry and Annabelle are surprised by the way Jonathan is behaving following Laura's cremation.

Jonathan invites Terry to go on a holiday with him and Growler drives everyone up the wall. Annabelle has an embarrassing experience involving a man in a rusty old car and Harry's economy drive backfires.

Terry tests the power and effectiveness of Jonathan's cordless telephone and invites Sue to help him fill out his taxi license application form. Gordon is jealous that Chris is getting a free trip to St Moritz.

Annabelle receives a letter from Mona asking for help. Frank's chances of getting a new job take a turn for the worse and Gordon feels that Paul will never understand him.

Bobby thinks he has done a good turn, but Sheila doesn't react in the way he expects. Paul is surprised to find that Annabelle is willing to give Terry a reference. Growler and Bumper accidentally cause some people's plans to go up in smoke.

Annabelle is disappointed with Paul's attitude toward the new neighbours, and he fails to prevent her from giving Terry another reference. Bobby can not seem to put a foot right with Sheila. Sue wants to keep her business and private life separate.

Paul does not let Gordon watch `The Magic Rabbits' and Chrissy receives a letter from the school about Sammy's coat. Brian comes to Annabelle's aid when her car breaks down. Growler and Bumper retaliate when their football is confiscated.

Billy is on the spot when Tracy wants to know all about Doreen and his involvement in crime. When Jamie needs money, he finds a surprisingly easy way of earning it on the close. A household loses two of its members.

Bobby appears in court on the drink-driving charge, and is fined £150. He and Barry go for a drink together, and forget to bring something home...Annabelle receives another strange letter from her mother

Chrissy confronts Sammy's headmistress, and is determined to make Frank's company keep to their word. The Corkhills' becomes a haven for waifs and strays

Gordon makes an unexpected return to the Close - in an ambulance. Jamie is a victim of Rod's dedication to his police work, and when Jimmy is left to handle the food supply at number 10, it's best not to question where it came from

All of a sudden, both Paul and Annabelle are keen to visit Mona. Harry realises that he has to take action now that there is a vacant committee post

Jimmy's mistress, Kathy, arrives at the Corkhills'. Harry and Ralph are both urgently seeking sponsors. Paul refuses to ring Chris on Gordon's behalf

Mr McGrath brings news about Debbie to the Grants, and ends up being thrown out of the house. Chris is amused to find Gordon looking like something out of Doctor Who. Mona turns up late at night, claiming that she is being beaten at the home

Harry employs below-the-belt tactics in his bid to be elected to the committee after his sponsor realises he has been conned. Jamie tries to convince Billy to allow him to move in indefinitely

There is an unexpected setback for Harry during his inaugural anti-women speech at the Commonwealth and Empire Club. Mona is in a bad way. Jimmy has an ingenious solution to the Corkhills' overcrowding problem

Bobby has bad news for Sheila. Ralph decides to build a model of the Close. Jamie is woken up by the sound of holes being drilled all around him

Bobby throws some hurtful allegations at Sheila, and they both seek solace in their own way. Terry makes a rash decision when he hears of Sue's resignation. Tracy and Jamie move out

Ralph's entertainment for Commonwealth Day at the Commonwealth and Empire Club doesn't quite fit the bill, but there's somebody around to save the day

Betty has an issue that she wants Harry to bring up at his first committee meeting. Terry is dubious about Barry's latest proposition. Chris and Gordon kidnap Mona.

Terry makes a friend on holiday, while Jonathan finds it harder to cope. Paul receives unexpected assistance in his investigation of the care home. Billy discovers that Tracy has gone to London.

Billy finds Jimmy's stolen loot. Jonathan feels that his spirits are too low for a holiday. Terry takes his chances on the piste. Harry and Ralph try to raise the possibility of admitting women at the committee meeting.

Barry is caught in the act, and Sheila tears a strip off Billy. Terry finds that ice-skating is just as difficult as skiing, and while he and Donna watch a dancing display, Jonathan and Cheryl play backgammon. Jamie comes back from London.

Rod goes to London to search for Tracy. Donna drops a bombshell. Billy wonders whether his children would prefer to be with their mother. There's a surprise awaiting Kathy when she goes out looking for a fight.

The trail for Tracy goes dead for Rod and Jamie. Billy discovers he can't even count on Jimmy to be dishonest. Chrissy wonders where Growler got his football.

Rod returns from London, but his news isn't good. Bobby receives a tip-off about the effects of automation. Sue's nose is out of joint when she finds out how popular Terry is with the ladies.

Barry and Sinbad show Cheryl and Donna the sights of Liverpool. Tracy returns from London, and Billy is all set to have a go at her. Frank gets a shock when he discovers he has lost something.

Following the theft of Frank's articulated lorry, he is interrogated by the police, and his home is thoroughly searched. Growler fears that the stolen football will be found.

Frank's story is not believed, Sheila seeks spiritual guidance, Bobby agrees to contribute his wages to the strike fund, and Barry receives a tip-off about his trees.

Bobby has a big decision to make as a strike seems possible at a factory. Sheila visits a marriage guidance counsellor.

Things look bad for Frank as he faces a disciplinary hearing. There are revelations in the post for Bobby, an awkward customer for Sinbad, and an unexpected question for Sue...about wallpaper.

Both Bobby and Sheila realise that they have been somewhat economical with the truth. Terry delegates the choice of Jonathan's wallpaper to Sue, and the decorating itself to Sinbad...

Kathy doesn't make Jimmy welcome when he returns to the Close, and she and Sheila decide to go out to a nightclub. When Tracy isn't available, Billy has to look after Claire.

Sheila and Kathy's night out has an unpleasant ending, and Paul also gets a shock.

Barry replaces the broken glass in Billy's door, then Bobby smashes it again. Paul wants to confront Gordon and Chris, but he has forgotten that it is Annabelle's birthday.

Gordon and Chris consider buying a home together, and Chris has an idea about where the deposit might come from. Jonathan tries to find out who planted a rain forest in his back garden.

Barry offers financial help to his parents, but Sheila wonders where he is getting the money from. Tracy is behaving very mysteriously. Harry is annoyed to discover that Ralph has disposed of two of his gnomes.

There's a crisis in the factory, and Bobby is nowhere to be found, so Sheila has to cover up. Gordon and Chris receive a letter from the building society.

Harry's gnomes are disappearing again. Bobby's whereabouts are still a mystery to George. Jonathan's boss has a few stern words with him.

Paul is in a panic over Mona and her money. Jonathan needs to find a missing paragraph. Harry catches the gnome-napper red-handed.

The Grants' house goes up for sale. The Collins' glass door is the next to be smashed to pieces, and Jamie is caught with his trousers down.

Jonathan takes a chance to dig deeper in search of the missing paragraph, and Paul prepares his speech. Chrissy is keen to see the model Growler claims to have made.

Growler deceives Chrissy. Despite Betty's protests, Paul goes ahead with his D-Day speech. Gordon and Chris enjoy a night out, but the aftermath is not as pleasant.

Gordon and Chris are charged. Sue and Terry's quiet night is interrupted. Sizzler explains what he requires Barry to do.

Jonathan makes yet another attempt to prove that the missing paragraph was not his fault.

Jonathan tries to write a letter of apology, until Terry convinces him that he shouldn't bother. On the morning of Jamie's interview, he finds himself asleep on the lawn. Sue repays the money that Terry owes Barry.

Sue joins Jonathan in his detective work. Jimmy's gift of a carpet is not appreciated. Kirsty is furious when a set of cufflinks mysteriously turns into something else.

Growler and Bumper get themselves into deeper trouble when they show Ralph's model to their teacher. The mystery of the packet found in Rod's jacket continues.

Ralph gets a surprise when he takes a look at the local newspaper. Jonathan asks Terry to help arrange a barbecue, and Matty plays host to an annoying potential housebuyer.

Barry takes Penny to a hotel, but their passion doesn't go unrecorded. Bumper and Growler retrieve the model but leave behind some incriminating evidence. Jonathan gives a barbecue party, but one of the guests has to be asked to leave.

Sheila returns from Basingstoke with news for Barry. Sammy is feeling off-colour, and Chrissy suspects that something may be really wrong.

Chrissy discovers an article on teenage pregnancy Sammy has been reading and becomes more worried. Things may be about to hot up between Billy and Kathy.

The relationship between Billy and Kathy is much talked-about. When a scarf is shown around the school, some people recognise it.

Jimmy apologises for casting aspersions while under the influence, but Kathy is not impressed. Growler's absence is causing concern. Penny insists that Barry retrieve the videotape from Sizzler.

The police shock Chrissy and Frank. Sue wants Barry to return the money she gave him.

Frank and Chrissy steel themselves to expect the worst. Terry has a nightmare experience at the wheel of his taxi.

Growler's disappearance brings back memories of Damon for Sheila, while Frank and Chrissy are blaming each other. Terry continues to have a hard time, and a wanderer returns.

The Rogers' holiday doesn't start off very well. Jamie has an unfortunate encounter. Sheila is beginning to have doubts about her course; can she regain the confidence she needs?

The Collins family are receiving some frightening phonecalls, then things turn violent. Annabelle makes it clear just how far she is prepared to go with Brian.

Sue tells Terry what she has done for him, but will his male pride be able to accept it? Paul and Annabelle settle Mona in her new home – but while they are away, the mysterious white car turns up again...

Penny fears for Barry's life if he insists on playing the tough guy. Paul doesn't know what he is letting himself in for when he tries to provoke a reaction from the thugs. As Rod and Kirsty plan to celebrate good news, there is an unexpected arrival…

The burnt-out car is still on the Close, and the callers are on the line again. Harry, however, has some good news to celebrate.

Paul tries to enlist help from his neighbours when the thugs threaten to return, but no-one seems to be willing, and there are ugly scenes when they turn up. Jonathan and Sarah fly off to Calgary.

The solidarity of the Close sees off the queer-bashers, but there's a price to pay. Jonathan reveals to Sarah that his next destination is not Liverpool.

Rod becomes involved in an allegation of police brutality. When the Corkhills don't confer with Jamie on what to get Tracy for her birthday, the results are obvious. Annabelle is surprised to discover who Paul has asked to remove the car, but there's a bigger shock for Jonathan in Vancouver.

Sheila leaves the Close, declining a farewell drink with Kathy. Sizzler has a job for Barry to do in return for the tape. It is Tracy's 18th birthday, but there is no card from Doreen.

All Jamie's endeavours at the Job Club come to nothing. Annabelle refuses to go out with Paul because she has other plans. Jonathan is put in a difficult position, in more ways than one.

It's rehearsal time for Cheryl's wedding, but there is a surprise in store for her. Chrissy blames Growler for leaving the bath in a mess – until the true culprit arrives, wanting to use it again.

Sizzler has another job for Barry, but this one involves something gruesome. Annabelle has some secret plans for a weekend away. There are a few problems for the Rogers family on the first day of term.

Barry has to decide whether to follow Sizzler's instructions and kill Ma Johnson's dog. Frank decides that it is time to take some direct action, as Growler has been bunking off again. Jonathan unwisely offers to shake hands with Deburau while standing on the riverside.

Paul is surprised at Annabelle's decision to go to the conference. Barry tries to make Ma Johnson see sense. Harry aims to maximise his chances of victory. Someone breaks into a house on the Close.

Annabelle's liaisons with Brian get noticed, Sammy and Growler have medical appointments, Jonathan reunites with Cheryl, and Barry and Penny are appalled to see Sizzler's tape.

Sheila returns to the Close and finds Barry trying to recover from his break-up with Penny. The second part of Operation Hickory does not go as planned for Rod. What went wrong?

Frank has a series of confrontations, some more successful than others. Harry must consult someone before making a significant decision. Cheryl is too nervous to tell Jonathan about her interview.

An unwelcome guest interrupts Harry's romantic tea with Betty. Who is it? Kathy visits Sheila and comes across something unbelievable. What is it?

Harry has an offer on the house, while Sammy starts her new job. Also, Tracy's work situation does not improve, but there is a comforting arm close at hand.

Cheryl settles into her new home, but Sue is worried about Terry's feelings. The contracts are exchanged on the Grants' house, leaving Barry homeless.

As Jonathan is about to head out for a night on the town with Cheryl, he drops his car keys down a drain. There is a birthday surprise for Billy.

Sheila insists on paying for her keep, but for Billy there's no smoke without fire. Frank tries to find somewhere to hide a bicycle, while Rod's forgetfulness could have serious repercussions……

Rod's sergeant initiates a search for the purse that was handed in, so he needs to decide whether to confess. Gerrard is making life difficult for Tracy, and there is some devastating news for Chrissy and Frank.

Ralph employs undercover tactics to find out what Chrissy is up to. When Jimmy has an accident while cleaning the Collins' windows, he needs to lay his hands on a bathroom suite at short notice…

Frank decides that he is not going to stand for the post of shop steward, despite the protests. Barry turns the water back on at the Grants', with disastrous consequences.

A chance comment made by Chrissy gets back to Ralph and causes offence. Paul and Annabelle are surprised when they see their new bathroom suite.

Paul becomes suspicious as to Annabelle's whereabouts and quizzes her when she returns. Kathy, meanwhile, wants to know where Linda is.

Jimmy has to extricate himself from the Grants', while Tracy is persuaded to meet up with Gerrard. Annabelle finds that she will have to go on her weekend away with Paul instead of Brian, whose carelessness results in Sheila discovering her affair.

Katie finds out that in the nativity play she will be playing a sheaf of corn instead of the Virgin Mary. Frank decides that it is time for new tactics over the toilets, and blocks them. Terry proposes to Sue.

Gordon is worried about his health as he begins to show the early warning symptoms of AIDS. Sheila discovers that Bobby has gone to Poland, and worries about her financial situation.

Tracy is bonding with Nikki as a result of their mutual hatred of Gerrard. Sheila is bonding with Billy over money, but Kathy is stood up on a dinner date when he gets a better offer.

Gordon receives good news and resolves to turn over a new leaf. Kathy hopes that a new dress will help to lure Billy away from Linda.

Rod faces a police enquiry, Kathy adopts a new ploy to win Billy, Gordon reads a disturbing rumour on his first day at work, and no-one mentions the war.

Sue has to explain her reaction to Martin, and Terry doesn't find her explanation entirely convincing. Sheila has to face the anniversary of Damon's death alone.

Gordon confronts Brian over what he is up to with Annabelle and is surprised by his reaction. Kathy enlists Julia's help to get rid of Linda.

Kathy and Julia's cunning plan turns out not to be cunning enough. Gerrard returns from his holiday, determined to convince Tracy to go out with him. Katie is upset because Growler makes her believe she was adopted.

Harry is expecting a family of Arabian brain surgeons to move into his house, but he is about to be disappointed. Meanwhile, Julia causes conflict.

The furniture gets on top of Harry, and Gerrard gets Tracy down. Terry looks for a partnership, while Sheila looks for somewhere else to live.

Brian thinks that Gordon lacks motivation. As they await Doreen's return, Billy and Rod argue. Tracy confides in Sheila, and Terry receives an offer.

Tracy tells Gerrard to back off, and there is bad news for Billy as Julia confesses to telling a lie. Rod's superintendent tries to persuade him to reveal more about Operation Hickory.

Gordon learns a few tricks and makes a sale. Brian and Annabelle get their cover-stories mixed up, and Rod is confronted about his lost trousers.

Barry and Sinbad enter a Christmas venture together, but it gets off to a slow start. Billy receives a card and a note from Doreen. Sheila and Julia argue.

Terry sees something disturbing at a wine-bar, and Tracy gets the sack. Paul discovers Brian's Christmas present to Annabelle. When Ralph receives some bad news, Barry and Sinbad need to act quickly.

It is a rowdy Christmas Day at the Corkhills', and there is a surprise arrival. Chrissy has a theory about Growler's problem, while Frank is called work.convince Terry that he was mistaken, and Paul confronts Annabelle and Brian about their affair.

As Christmas Day continues, Billy dishes out the rosaries, and makes a major admission about Doreen. Sinbad and Barry are breaking and entering, while Paul is a broken man.

Tracy seeks help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, while Sheila consults a priest. Gordon tries to help Paul and Annabelle reconcile. Terry emerges as a hero when a dramatic rescue is required.

Jonathan wants to pay his dues, and Sheila is saying her goodbyes, as Sinbad and Barry continue to hunt for the missing seals.

It's New Year on the Close, and a particularly subdued one for the Collins'. Sinbad has something for Ralph, and Barry's scheming causes Kirsty and Rod to be apart as 1989 arrives.