Ernest had been educated at Weatherfield Grammar School, and, despite being very academically inclined, he refused a place at Manchester Victoria University, in order to run his own photographic business.
Ernest was able to make some spare money by playing the piano in pubs and night clubs —he was accompanist for Rita Littlewood (Barbara Knox) at the Gatsby Club—but, despite being grateful for the money, Emily drew the line when Ernie played the piano for a stripper, who came round to their house to practice her act.
One day in January 1978, when drawing up the workers' wage packets, two young men, one—Tommo—armed with a shotgun, burst into the office and demanded Ernest hand over the money.
They became friends and bonded over their strong religious faith until Ed revealed his real name to be Thomas Jackson, the man who killed Ernest.
Jackson claimed he had served his sentence and become a born-again Christian and wanted forgiveness from Emily for Ernest's murder.
Lucille asks Dennis Tanner (Philip Lowrie) to throw a New Year's party at 11 Coronation Street and Robert and the hippies come along.
Eventually Annie Walker (Doris Speed) reports the hippies to the landlord, who demands their removal and Robert decides that it is time for them to leave.