Diane, Martin and Kath go to extreme lengths to get themselves out of trouble, hoping that crime will pay. The strain on relationships is starting to show and Kath is tested further when some shock news makes her revaluate her life.

It's the day of Alison's 18th, Diane is stressing but finds a welcome distraction. Martin lets Mic down gently, and Kath is questioning her life choices when Ash visits Oakvista. Everyone is pointing the finger and no one knows who to trust, but all these thoughts are scuppered when an unexpected guest turns up at the party.

Kath, Diane and Martin need to keep their heads down and not draw attention to themselves. However, Kath has a run in with the police and gets a lift home from an old friend, Diane makes love on the dancefloor and Martin makes a late-night visit to Parkers.

Kath wakes up in Sandy's hotel room and tries to convince him to give Martin a job. Martin and Diane both rush to Kath's aid but things don't go to plan and they know they're all in deep trouble.

It's the morning after the night before, and Kath wakes up regretting her actions, Martin has an unexpected job opportunity from Mic, and Diane takes the bull by the horns and arranges a date. Kath vows to put things right and does everything she can to get the attention of Sandy Cooper.

It's 1992 and the queen isn't the only one having an annus horribilis. In Stockport, Kath, Martin and Diane are all trying to get along. Martin is down on his luck, Kath is doing her best to play happy families, and Diane is now running Parker's electrical store with Sandy Copper. Tonight is the most prestigious night of the year, the Stockport Trade Awards, and Parker's is up for the night's big award. Diane is a bag of nerves, so Kath tags along to support her sister. Martin has to swallow his pride and get a manual job. Nobody's night turns out the way they hoped.