Having left their partners Josie and Matthew try to make a go of their new relationship but Matthew is having trouble with his three kids thanks to the machinations of his ex-wife.

When christmas comes around Nadine is determined to have her children with her but soon realises life as a single parent is none too easy. dale, meanwhile, doesn't like her father Tom may be heading towards marriage with Elizabeth.

Tom announces that he is to remarry, dale is determined the wedding won't take place. Becky, matthews daughter, is making life difficult for him and Josie, she then decides to run away from home.

Increasingly concerned for the welfare of the missing becky, josie and matthew find their marriage coming under strain; Elisabeth is getting wise to the machinations of dale and gives Tom a choice - her or his daughter.