Alec Saunders is drinking with Marian Wilks in The Woolpack when Jack Sugden decides to join them. When Jack quizzes Alec on his "pedigree", he and Marian leave their drinks behind as Alec claims he's "particular about who he drinks with." It's implied that Alec has known Marian for quite some time and he is mentioned at various times by Marian through 1972, including when Wilks is about to leave hospital following his car accident, Marian has Alec help to bring a tv downstairs for him.