What Katy did next was hit her father with a wrench in the garage.

We all saw it coming even if terrible Tommy Harris didn't - because ITV1's been trailing the violent event for ages.

Those who believe that Coronation Street is becoming more like a Greek tragedy had their fears confirmed.

This was truly Father's Day as another Weatherfield resident, Tracy Barlow, came face-to-face with Ray Langton, the father who deserted her as a baby 26 years ago.

"You're just a stranger in a tragic jumper," spat Tracy, showing that she'd lost none of her caring side.

But the main focus was on the wench with the wrench.

Poor Katy Harris has been to hell and back since she took up with a man twice her age.

She was horrified to discover that parents Tommy and Angela had lied about lover Martin having an affair, leading her to have an abortion.

"I've made a terrible mistake," she told Martin in a masterful piece of understatement.

Then she was off to the garage where mechanic Tommy was working, an unusual sight as he spends most of his waking hours beating up Martin, whom he affectionately calls "pervert".

"I hate you. You've destroyed my life," Katy screamed at her unrepentant father. This didn't seem an unreasonable point to make in the circumstances.

And then, ironically, not to mention foolishly, Tommy handed her the wrench he'd been using.

This was the worst idea he's ever had or ever likely to have, as Katy decided to part his hair with the heavy metal object. Thwack!

Not since serial killer Richard Hillman ran amok with an iron bar and brained Maxine - which took some doing as she wasn't the brightest bulb in the chandelier - have the Weatherfield cobbles run with so much blood.

But for ITV, crime does pay - in high ratings.

They'll be hoping to top the 19m viewers who witnessed Tricky Dicky's killing spree.

Published: 05/03/2005