When Pat Hollingsworth decides she wants to start fostering, she faces a hostile response from her family, particularly from husband Tom, who was looking forward to enjoying a peaceful middle age, pursuing his lifelong obsession with old Hollywood musicals.

Tom feels he's losing his grip now that the foster children are firmly in residence. "Smurf" is falling out with Simon, Kathy is eating everything except food, and baby Colin likes unravelling Tom's favourite cassette. Their dogs are giving Pat asthma, and the children all wet the bed every night.

Tom and Pat are both worried that their in-depth interview will reveal secrets from their past.

The arrival of adorable toddler Abigail causes heartache, and Mark's first love affair causes headaches.

The Hollingsworths hear some distressing news about Abigail's mother; Tom discovers that his real father is alive; and Pat finds she has an ally in her attractive boss Andy.

The Hollingsworths are fazed by the arrival of Mercedes, a sophisticated 11-year-old.

Pat never wanted to foster a teenager and when Tom agrees to take on 13-year-old Jason, her worst fears are confirmed.

Tom's enthusiasm for the school fun-run is not shared by Pat and the children.

Pat is worried about how much Andy is confiding in her. Jason's mother turns up saying she wants him back.

On their romantic weekend, Pat and Tom become close again.