Bugsy Mullen is a milkman with a scar on his lip; he is shy, but he has a good heart. Bugsy has a regular morning ritual with a couple of local kids, Dylan and Josh, who jump on the back of the float for a ride. Bugsy shouts at them because that's expected, but he doesn't actually mind. He even swerves in the street a little to increase the thrill for them. But this time Dylan falls off and bangs his head - there's a brief moment of dizziness, and then Dylan gets up and runs off laughing.
Caroline is an army wife, recently moved to barracks with a new baby. Her husband Tom is on his first tour away, and Carolins finds it hard to adjust to life alone. They keep in touch as much as they can, but it's hard work - the baby's had colic and won't stop screaming. The wives' network is strong, but Caroline's struggling to fit in. All the other women seem strong and calm, neat and tidy - why is she such a mess?
Hapless plumber Billy has always struggled with gambling - he claims it's under control, but with bills and repossession notices piling up, his wife Michelle is close to breaking point. Billy has had to sell his van to pay off debts, and is getting by on small plumbing jobs. Even then Billy can't help himself - he gambles the money a customer gave him for parts, and ends up having to steal a pair of taps from the betting shop toilets to complete the job. Even his mate Dave won't lend him any money - he's on the ropes.
Christina has always been the life and soul of the party, but as she approaches forty it seems as if all her friends would rather change nappies than go clubbing - and even her own biological clock is starting to tick. She's been with Andy for over two years, but there's still no stork on the horizon.
Kieran struggles with depression after leaving home to attend university, but when his girlfriend discovers he has taken an overdose, he is forced to admit his problem to his parents. His mother and father learn the path to recovery is going to be difficult, especially after their son refuses to take anti-depressants, although they soon bond over the experience.