Changing Ends

It's 1989 and Alan has been bitten by the love bug - while trying to keep his head above water, he has a chance encounter and must choose to sink or swim.

London is calling for the Carrs - that can only mean one thing, quality time with Auntie Terri, but Alan feels obliged to serve up some home truths.

Alan gets a shock regarding his future, and Christine gives an ill-judged interview in the local paper that causes friction on the close.

A heatwave looms as Alan tries to write about the man of his dreams, something that proves rather tricky given that they're in the same class at school.

An away game feels like the perfect opportunity for a father and son bonding session, and a Tupperware party hosted by Christine takes a raucous turn.

ITV's telethon has gripped the nation and while some are willing to give, others are on the take. Meanwhile, Alan gets some unexpected attention.

Peer pressure forces Alan to accept a challenge that leads him into the murky world of fake IDs.

Graham gets a rude awakening when he receives his 'free' company car, but that's not the only thing that's rude as knickers are going missing and windows are being peeped through.

A vicious stray Alsatian in the close forces the Carrs to have some unexpected quality time together, but the front room starts to resemble a pressure cooker.

A sex education lesson strikes fear into Alan's heart while an impending testosterone-fuelled school disco gets him all hot and bothered - and not in a good way.

With the stress of the Cobblers trying to stay top of the league taking its toll, Christine strong-arms Graham into having a caravan mini-break in Great Yarmouth.

It's the day of reckoning - Northampton Town are all abuzz and anticipation of a promotion to the Third Division is in the air, but Alan is completely miserable.

Between a Dad managing a 4th Division football club and friends ditching him for being camp, Alan wants to change. Should he go against his instincts and become a footballer?

Christine is desperate for Graham to take her on a night out. At school Alan is struggling to hide who his dad is from bullies - and there's the dread of communal showers looming.

Graham's woes extend off the pitch and Alan gets the acting bug, but Christine is worried when he comes home from school with a black eye. How did he get it and from whom?

A brilliant but troubled striker gives the Cobblers a lifeline, while keen birdwatcher Alan becomes eagle-eyed at news of a loose pelican. Then Sue's book club gets out of hand...

It's BCG day at school and he decides to pull a sickie. With Christine otherwise disposed it's up to a begrudging Graham to play nursemaid. Can Alan's acting skills last the day?

Things are looking up for The Carrs - the Cobblers are in the quarter finals of the Milk Cup, Alan's got a part in the school play and Angela's marriage has taken a nose dive.