Frank takes a call at Kev and Veronica's house during their anniversary party, but only much later does he pass on the message: Social Services are coming tomorrow to discuss fostering. Kev and Veronica are shocked when they receive a child, Eric, for a trial week of foster care. Kev discovers Eric is being bullied by girls and, with Frank's assistance, he accidentally makes the situation a lot worse. Desperate to be a "good dad", Kev toughens Eric up with a series of boxing lessons - an act he may live to regret. Meanwhile, Steve makes the mistake of stealing the car of a police inspector, and it falls on Tony to get him out of trouble. Carol's latest romance with a Spanish toyboy leaves Marty on the warpath, leaving Fiona fearful that he will return to his old ways and endanger all their lives.

Preparations for Fiona and Steve's wedding are underway in the Gallagher household. In the days leading up to the wedding, Steve falls in with a group of ruthless criminals, convinced that this job will set him and the rest of the Gallaghers up for life. Things turn nasty when a vengeful Tony begins operating against Steve, and a deadly showdown at a warehouse sparks off a chain of events that changes life for the Gallaghers forever. Meanwhile, Ian recruits Mandy to be his "fake girlfriend" after Frank nearly rumbles his big secret. Carol goes on a cruise, leaving Marty in charge of her beloved dog.