Feeling uncomfortable about her fortieth birthday, Val hasn't told Carl and settles for a night in. She is surprised when Alan turns up and takes her out with her slimming friends. Val is upset when she sees Carl with a client in the restaurant.

Alan finds out that his wife is divorcing him and he's devastated as he was hoping for reconciliation. When he thinks things can't get any worse, his daughter collapses. Alan returns to the slimming club after making a pact with his daughter.

After being bullied over his weight Jamie took an overdose. His loneliness continues when he finds he has only his divorced parents and elderly relatives for company on his 17th birthday. Things improve when he is befriended by Craig, a car dealer.