About this season
Fat Friends is an ITV drama created by Kay Mellor, broadcast from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. It follows a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. It examines people and how they relate to one another and use body weight as an excuse for all sorts of failings in their relationships, or not living their lives to the full. Four cast members—Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman—went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Episodes (6)
1. Love Me Slender
Aired 12 October 2000 • 60 min
Kelly Simpson is determined to get in her two-sizes-too-small wedding dress in time for her big day. Meanwhile, at the slimming club, her mum, Betty, has won through to the regional finals of Superslimmers 2000, even though her husband isn't that happy about her losing weight.
2. Fat Chance
Aired 19 October 2000 • 60 min
Alan Ashburn is losing weight for his 20th wedding anniversary celebrations but a romantic meal out with his wife ends in their relationship crumbling.
3. Fat Free
Aired 26 October 2000 • 60 min
Lauren Harris has won a role in a soap she's convinced that losing five pounds would make her a better actress. However, problems arise with not only her mum, who is convinced she's anorexic, but also her boyfriend Gareth, whose nickname for her is "Pudding".
4. Growing Pains
Aired 2 November 2000 • 60 min
Teenage Superslimmer Jamie reveals the reasons for his depressed state: his mother is battling depression and he's being bullied at school. Eventually, Jamie decides he can't cope with the pressure and contemplates suicide.
5. Face the Fat
Aired 9 November 2000 • 60 min
Val prepares to launch her new magazine, but the quest for something trendy to wear and a call to an escort agency for a partner to attend the bash produce further revelations about the slimming world – and herself.
6. When the Fat Lady Sings
Aired 16 November 2000 • 60 min
Kelly spends the night at the club, but the slimming pills and alcohol make her lose all inhibitions. Kevin tries to find out why he was kept in the dark about the photo session. Meanwhile, there's shocking news for Betty when she tries to collect a prescription.