Fat Friends is an ITV drama created by Kay Mellor, broadcast from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. It follows a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. It examines 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 cast members—Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman—went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Enough to Go Around (Episode 1)
Writer: Kay Mellor
Air date: 2005-02-17
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The group return from the Spanish vacation they won from Trisha. Betty can't wait to get home to see her long-lost son Simon, and Kelly struggles between raising her baby and helping Kevin run the fish and chip shop.
Second Helpings (Episode 2)
Writer: Gaynor Faye
Air date: 2005-02-24
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Feeling abandoned by her mum and with her marriage on the rocks, Kelly flees the shop and leaves Kevin alone with the baby. With Max's influence, she decides to take extra aerobic courses, all while trying to resist his charming temptations. Meanwhile, Kevin gets unexpected help from a pretty bystander in the chip shop, adding to Kelly's temperament.
Angel's Delight (Episode 3)
Writer: Ruth Jones
Air date: 2005-03-03
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Norma throws herself into pensioner speed-dating and, after two glasses of wine, decides to advertise herself on the local radio lonely hearts phone-in. It's not long before a queue of eligible men forms around the block but it's dashing Eddie who captures her heart. Bowling, dancing, and romancing ensue—and soon a weekend in Filey is on the cards. But is Eddie all he seems?
Get Out of the Kitchen (Episode 4)
Writer: Gaynor Faye
Air date: 2005-03-10
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Claire and her little girl have moved in with Jamie, but are her feelings of sickness more than just a dodgy curry? The barmaid at Woody's seems to know the answer and so much more, as she doesn't even know Claire by that name. Rebecca suspects the truth, but keeps her mouth shut until it's too late.
Healthy Options (Episode 5)
Writer: Debbie Oates
Air date: 2005-03-17
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The friends head off for a free health spa weekend. Carol has done a dodgy deal as all of a sudden the group are booked for a sketchy photo shoot. Max and Carol flirt what ends up a bit more then both suspected. Carol learns about Max's past and decides not to go with him. Lauren has decided that this is her chance to get beautified before the wedding, and Norma seems more intent on eating the fruit then wearing it.
Icing on the Cake (Episode 6)
Writer: Kay Mellor
Air date: 2005-03-24
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Lauren's wedding day approaches; she's always been the skinniest of the bunch but not without problems. Having found her dream man in vicar Paul, she also gets a shot at fame as a weathergirl. Only Paul seems jealous of her success, while her parents refuse to attend. She's got a fabulous frock and a man willing to sacrifice for her... Can she get her happy ending?
