George picked Simon up from school and on the way home they popped into the shopping precinct to see Santa aka Ken. With tensions as they were between Ken and George, this was the worst thing they could possibly have done. A war of words broke out between the two grandparents about the meaning of Christmas and Ken tugged at his beard in fury. Simon was shocked to see his grandad’s face beneath all the white hair. “Why is grandad pretending to be Father Christmas?” he asked, upset. Fuming George grabbed Simon by the hand and led him home. Elsewhere, after much persuasion, Liz agreed to let Becky and Claire stage their panto in the Rovers. Then with John’s offer of a script they were rearing to go. At least some people were getting into the Christmas. spirit in Coronation Street. Meanwhile, back at the Grotto, the store manager had overheard Ken and George’s heated exchange and Ken was out on his ear. He could only apologise as he was sacked and told never to return.