Shelley and Fran have decided to celebrate several days early, before they are overwhelmed by parentage. After a big dinner, they ( along with Mrs.H ) sit around a table, looking thoroughly bloated and miserable. Shelley is alarmed because he put ten sixpences in the Xmas pudding and so far they have only accounted for eight.

Shelley and Fran are spending the night in their new house, which is undergoing renovation. Fran hears something scuttling inside in a bin liner. Shelley admits he forgot to throw the bag out. Their debate on whether to dispose of the rodent mutates into a heated discussion on his job.

Shelley is dragged back to reality as he endures a painful visit to the labour exchange to sign back on. He's prepared himself well though for the rocky road that lies ahead - but will his attempts to talk his way out of an honest day's work fall on deaf ears?

Shelley's efforts at DIY at the new house are starting to take shape - well, he's managed to put up a shelf in the kitchen at least. All this hard graft though gets interrupted when his friend Paul comes to call - as usual, in a spot of bother. When the police later come calling, it seems they are also looking to nail something (or somebody) in the line of duty...

Shelley is still gainfully unemployed - and his honest approach at interviews isn't exactly improving his job prospects. When an opportunity arises for a plum job at the foreign office, Fran and Mrs H feel a slightly different approach might see him going places...

With Fran busy at her ante-natal class, Shelley seeks solace in a cafe. His peace is short-lived though, when he seems to attract the attentions of the local nutter...

Shelley is busy rewiring the kitchen and installing spotlights - though he seems to be getting into a bit of a tangle. Worse still, there appears to be a serious case of dry rot under the stairs. Will some expert help enlighten him - or leave him left with his wires all crossed?

The day has finally arrived, and Fran is about to give birth. Things move fast, and Shelley needs to rush to the hospital to be at her side - leaving Fran not only having to deal with childbirth, but also with Shelley's incessant banter!