IN Coronation Street, nurse Martin Platt appears to have taken over Ken Barlow's mantle as Weatherfield's token idealist. These days, Ken doesn't do much other than turn up in t' Rovers modelling a succession of Val Doonican-style jumpers.

But if Ken's got the woolly-pullies, Martin's the man with the woolly thoughts. Ever since Battersby tried to stitch him up, we've been seeing evidence of Martin's ethics and scruples.

In its own way, this is quite refreshing - whereas the likes of Les Battersby think that 'ethics' is a place north-east of London and that 'scruples' are Russian money, the Martin Platts of Soapland Believe In Things. Last night, Martin believed in Going To The Press after an old boy he had tried to help died alone in his room at the nursing home where Martin is currently employed.

The home - presumably called 'Dunliving' - seems to be run along the lines of a concentration camp on a strict budget. This means the place is understaffed and that the manager grumbles fiercely when any of the old people fail to devour every scrap and crumb of their breakfast toast.

To Martin, This Is A Disgrace. "I'm going to the Gazette," he told his missus, ET-lookalike Gail. She was less than thrilled with the news that Martin's Principles had raised their altruistic head again.

That's the trouble with idealists - they mean well but they make life hell for their immediate family.

Gail told Martin as much, but he won't listen, will he? For Platt, read Pratt.

Meanwhile, the horrible Battersby has decided to pursue a career as a DJ, specialising in music from the Seventies. With Battersby, it's never a question of if things will go wrong - it's always a matter of when.

With a bit of luck, he'll electrocute himself to the sounds of Status Quo.

Down at the corner shop, Fred has finally managed to flog the business - I SAY FRED HAS FINALLY MANAGE

Story date: Monday 08 February

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