Sally and Tim Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor and Joe Duttine) in Coronation Street were recently asked to look after Joanie and Shanice, Lou Michaelis’ (Farrel Hegarty) daughters.

Lou wanted to go to the BBQ at the Platt house, but needed someone to pick the girls up from school. With son Brody (Ryan Mulvey) refusing to do so, Lou asked Tim.

The character was reluctant to at first, not wanting to be taken advantage of, but then said yes when Lou pointed out that it would be good practice for Tim and Sal, who are hoping to become foster parents.

Shanice and Joanie were fairly quiet and didn’t cause a lot of bother, but their behaviour changed when Tim and Sally got into an argument. It was a minor disagreement and it didn’t mean a great deal but to the girls, it terrified them.

Sally and Tim realised what was going on and reassured Shanice and Joanie, explaining that married couples have arguments, but they still love each other very much. On their own though, the couple realised that Shanice and Joanie’s reaction was a sign that Lou and Mick (Joe Layton) argued a lot at home.

Lou then called Tim and asked if the girls could stay the night, due to the fact she was in A&E. Again, there was reluctancy, but Tim and Sally allowed them to sleepover to keep the girls safe, rather than help Lou out.

In tonight’s episode, Sally and Tim fixed Shanice and Joanie some breakfast and were picked up by Lou. With them out the way, it gave the couple space to discuss the Michaelis’ home life and how worried they are about the girls.

Sally and Tim concluded that they should make a report to social services, and it didn’t take long for them to do something about it.

Lou marched over to their house and asserted that Tim and Sally have no idea what her life is like, and she always does her best to make sure Shanice and Joanie are safe.

She said that she would never hurt them, but Sally pointed out that neglect doesn’t always mean physically putting someone in danger.