A Thing Called Love

Gary Scant, the ultimate romantic, is completely devoted to his childhood sweetheart, Mel - until he ends up sleeping with someone else after a boozy night out on the town. Gary's best mate, Kelvin, insists infidelity needn't change things - he's happily married but never misses the chance to play away - but can Gary really carry on as though nothing has changed?Appalled by what he did, Gary decides that the incident was a wake-up call, a reminder that he's been taking Mel for granted. With a little help from his friends, he sets about preparing the perfect Valentine's date for her. As the evening spirals out of control, Gary has to confront the painful truth about his feelings for Mel. Shellshocked by the Valentine's Day from hell, he makes a pact with recently dumped friend Paula never to compromise on love.

Gary moves into Paula's flat and they attempt to adapt to life as singletons. Gary is determined to resist the lures of the flesh and be single-minded in his pursuit of true love. Paula would just like some attention from any direction.Meanwhile, Gary's younger brother, Michael, is determined to lose his virginity on his eighteenth birthday, and he isn't going to be hampered by the fact that he's disabled. At first, Gary is outraged to learn that Michael has a hot date with wheelchair user Natassha, a girl he met on the internet, but impressed by Michael's resolve, Gary does all he can to enable Michael and Natassha to get it together under the disapproving glare of their over-protective parents.

Gary and Paula attend the christening of Floyd and Chantelle's baby, and are seduced by the idea of parenthood. But little do they realise that being a new dad is proving a real challenge for Floyd.Chantelle is wrapped up in baby Sonny, and Floyd's well-earned promotion at work is barely noticed. As Floyd's sense of exclusion and isolation builds, he starts to lose control of himself and takes a drastic step. Gary and Paula are drafted in to try to help Floyd come to terms with his new role in life.

Harold, the manager of the local sports club, has developed a 'friendship' with the dynamic Mrs Hopewell, but her misguided attempts to take things to another level backfire.Meanwhile, Paula is also trying - and failing - to arouse Gary's interest in her. While all of Gary's romantic impulses rise to the fore when he enlists her in a mission to bring the older couple together, he fails to realise love is in the air for him, too. Will he grab his chance with Paula before it's too late? And can Harold move on from a sordid betrayal in his past and get another chance in love?

Gary's blown it: Paula's budding romance with builder Tony is going from strength to strength.Kelvin's prospects are equally bleak as his pursuit of the ultimate shag takes him into previously uncharted and dangerous territory. As Kelvin is forced to question himself and his impulses for the first time in years, his increasingly erratic behaviour alarms Gary and their gang. How far will Kelvin go before enough really is enough? And what will his wife Liz do when she is confronted with the shocking truth about Kelvin and his infidelities?

Kelvin is a broken man, denied access to Liz and their kids. Bunkered up with Gary in Paula's tiny flat, tensions are high. Gary's doing his best to take care of his shattered friend, but Paula has needs, too, and his loyalties are sorely tested.In his manic state, Kelvin dreams up a bizarre plan to win back his family but when Gary and Michael try to intervene, the results are tragic. As Gary faces his toughest challenge yet, can he keep hold of his belief that love conquers all?