Fat Friends was an ITV drama, following a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. The drama looks at people and how they relate to one another and use body weight as an excuse for all sorts of failings in their relationships, or not living their lives to the full. Four of the cast, Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman, went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Eat Your Heart Out (Episode 1)
Writer: Kay Mellor
Air date: 2004-01-01
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: It's Christmas Eve, but the Simpson household isn't filled with joy. Betty can't stop thinking about meeting the son she gave up for adoption when she was just 15.
Leggs Over Easy (Episode 2)
Writer: Gaynor Faye
Air date: 2004-01-07
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Still coping with the revelations of her mum's past, problems arise in Kelly's marriage—resulting in her sleeping with her husband Kevin's gay brother. When all is revealed, things worsen, especially as Kelly learns she's pregnant! But who is the father?
Food for Thought (Episode 3)
Writer: Gaynor Faye
Air date: 2004-01-14
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Carol faces problems when she realises she has fallen for fitness instructor Max, which raises new troubles with her teenage son.
Bacon, Bagels and the Bishop (Episode 4)
Writer: Katie Baxendale
Air date: 2004-01-21
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Lauren has the chance to make all her acting dreams come true — but at the price of losing everything and everybody that matters. Can she get back her friends when she needs them most?
Afters (Episode 5)
Writer: Debbie Oates
Air date: 2004-01-28
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Rebecca decides it is time to leave home. Her boyfriend Sean is keen to help with the move, but her break for independence is short-lived when tragedy strikes and Norma needs support.
Food of Love (Episode 6)
Writer: Katie Baxendale
Air date: 2004-02-04
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Jamie's love life picks up when his feelings for a beautiful woman are returned. However, obstacles fall into place, including her daughter and she's got an ex-con ex-boyfriend. The gang head back to Trisha for their final weigh-in. While Jamie provides the catering, Kelly gives birth to a baby boy.