But will all her 'daughters' get on?
In the Kabin, Brian takes a call claiming that Rita’s been nominated for a Golden Heart
Award. He assumes it’s a hoax, cooked up by one of Cathy’s trolls.
As Gemma and Rita chat in the Kabin, they are interrupted by the arrival of Sharon Bentley, leaving Rita stunned to see the girl she once fostered. Sharon reveals that she nominated Rita for the Golden Heart Award for her fostering skills and to prove how sorry she is for the way she treated her all those years ago.
In the Rovers, Rita and Gemma listen as Sharon reveals that she had cancer and Ian ran off with a woman he met on the internet. When Rita introduces Sharon to Jenny, she explains that she fostered Jenny too. Will Jenny welcome another ‘sister’?
Apparently not. Jenny convinces Gemma that Sharon can’t be trusted and clearly intends to fleece Rita. And when Sharon informs Jenny and Gemma that Rita missed out on the award, they make it clear that they won’t let her hurt Rita and she must sling her hook.
Rita asserts that she’s well aware of Sharon’s shortcomings, but everyone deserves a second chance, leaving Jenny and Gemma suitably chastened.
At Rita’s insistence, Sharon, Jenny and Gemma gather in the bistro for peace talks. Agreeing they all feel like Rita’s daughters, the trio decides to bury the hatchet and try to get along.
Their meal at an end, Sharon tearfully reveals that her brother Wayne died and she’s terribly lonely. Sharon is thrilled when Rita suggests she moves in with her for a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Calling at No.6, Brian asks Cathy to come home, telling her that the trolls appear to have given up, as it turns out that Rita’s Golden Heart Award is genuine.
But Cathy tells Yasmeen and Elaine that although she and Brian have made up, she’s not ready to return home yet.
Rooting through her many boxes, Cathy pulls out three matching dressing gowns and likens them to the Golden Girls. Yasmeen and Elaine suppress a look of horror.
Corrie continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV