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Fat Friends
Fat Friends
Fat Friends
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Fat Friends
GenreDrama
Created byKay Mellor
Written by
Starring
Opening theme"Perfect 10", performed by The Beautiful South
ComposerMark Russell
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series4
No. of episodes25
Production
Running time60 minutes (per episode)
Production companies
Original release
NetworkITV
Release12 October 2000 (2000-10-12) –
24 March 2005 (2005-03-24)
Midgley's fish and chip shop in Moor Grange, Leeds, featured as "Big and Battered".

Fat Friends is a British drama that aired on ITV from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005, consisting of 25 episodes over four series. Set in Leeds, the series explores the lives of several slimming club members, with a focus on the various ways their weight has impacted upon them.

The series was created by Kay Mellor and made by Rollem Productions in association with Tiger Aspect Productions and Yorkshire Television. Three of the cast – Ruth Jones, James Corden and Alison Steadman – went on to appear in the sitcom Gavin & Stacey. Jonathan Ryland, who played Kevin, the husband to Ruth Jones' character, also appeared in Gavin & Stacey as the celebrant who presided when Pete and Dawn renewed their wedding vows.

Premise

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Fat Friends is set around a slimming club in the Headingley district of Leeds. The club is run by the formidable Carol (Janet Dibley), who fruitlessly tries to persuade the members of the group to follow the "Super Slimmers" diet. The characters who attend the club are from various backgrounds and of various weights. While some plots continue throughout all four series, each episode focuses on one particular character.

Cast and characters

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Episodes

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Series overview

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1612 October 2000 (2000-10-12)16 November 2000 (2000-11-16)
275 September 2002 (2002-09-05)17 October 2002 (2002-10-17)
361 January 2004 (2004-01-01)4 February 2004 (2004-02-04)
4617 February 2005 (2005-02-17)24 March 2005 (2005-03-24)

Series 1 (2000)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Love Me Slender"David WheatleyKay Mellor12 October 2000 (2000-10-12)
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.
22"Fat Chance"David WheatleyKay Mellor19 October 2000 (2000-10-19)
Alan Ashburn is losing weight for his 20th wedding anniversary celebrations, but a romantic meal out with his wife ends in their relationship falling apart.
33"Fat Free"David WheatleyKay Mellor26 October 2000 (2000-10-26)
Actress Lauren Harris has won herself a part in a soap. She is convinced that losing five pounds would make her a better actress. She is also having problems with her mum, who is convinced that she is anorexic, and her boyfriend, Gareth, whose nickname for her is "pudding".
44"Growing Pains"Audrey CookeKay Mellor2 November 2000 (2000-11-02)
15-year-old member of Superslimmers Jamie reveals the reasons for his depressed state – his mother is battling depression and he is being teased at school. He eventually decides that he can't cope with the pressure of it all and contemplates suicide.
55"Face the Fat"Audrey CookeKay Mellor9 November 2000 (2000-11-09)
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.
66"When the Fat Lady Sings"Audrey CookeKay Mellor16 November 2000 (2000-11-16)
Kelly spends the night at a 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. There's shocking news for Betty when she tries to collect a prescription.

Series 2 (2002)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
71"Full Belly"Audrey CookeKay Mellor5 September 2002 (2002-09-05)
Carol faces her own problems when her husband leaves her, leaving her alone with her son. Things then take a horrible turn when Carol decides to go on a diet.
82"Peaches and Dreams"Audrey CookeKay Mellor12 September 2002 (2002-09-12)
Lauren's lingerie party turns awkward when her father shows up.
93"Forty and In-fat-urated"Tania DíezJayne Daniel & Kay Mellor19 September 2002 (2002-09-19)
Birthday blues are the least of Val's problems. Mistrust, jealousy and insecurity turn her world upside down after she confronts her male escort lover about what he gets up to with his clients.
104"Sweet and Sour"Dan ZeffKay Mellor26 September 2002 (2002-09-26)
The arrival of divorce papers sends bus driver Alan's blood pressure rocketing, with the result that he fails a medical and loses his job.
115"Sticky Fingers"Dan ZeffGaynor Faye & Kay Mellor3 October 2002 (2002-10-03)
Lonely teenager Jamie thinks that his fortunes have changed when he makes the acquaintance of second-hand car dealer Craig. He spends his 17th-birthday money on flash clothes and a mobile phone in a desperate bid to fit in with Craig's crowd, but soon realises his new friend is a shady operator with a criminal past. Can his policeman father help him cut his ties with the villain?
126"In Full Bloom"Tania DíezLisa Holdsworth & Kay Mellor10 October 2002 (2002-10-10)
Despite being overweight, Rebecca Patterson is generally content with life – particularly as her job as the assistant manager at a garden centre allows her to work alongside the man she secretly adores. However, the shy and retiring twenty-something's cosy world is shattered by the return of a figure from her past, who proceeds to subject her to cruel psychological tortures.
137"Hunger Pangs"Audrey CookeKay Mellor17 October 2002 (2002-10-17)
Betty Simpson's already stressful life takes another twist when her childhood sweetheart joins the slimming club, prompting the return of long-suppressed feelings and revelations about a dark secret from her past.

Series 3 (2004)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
141"Eat Your Heart Out"John DeeryKay Mellor1 January 2004 (2004-01-01)
It's Christmas Eve, and the Count with Carol gang are appearing live on Trisha to debate the pros and cons of dieting, but the talk turns to something altogether more interesting when Betty inadvertently blurts out to the entire viewing nation that she has a secret son. To add to her problems, she also discovers that husband Douglas hasn't been entirely honest about the family's income. Little does she know, however, that her TV appearance will bring her an unexpected gift – one that she's been waiting for most of her life.
152"Leggs Over Easy"John AndersonGaynor Faye & Kay Mellor7 January 2004 (2004-01-07)
Things go from bad to worse for Kelly. Still trying to deal with the news of her mum's past, problems start to occur in her marriage, resulting in her sleeping with her husband Kevin's gay brother. When all is revealed, things get even worse for Kelly, especially when she finds out that she's pregnant, but who is the father?
163"Food for Thought"John AndersonGaynor Faye & Kay Mellor14 January 2004 (2004-01-14)
Carol faces problems this week when she realises she has fallen for fitness instructor Max, which ends up causing problems with her teenage son.
174"Bacon, Bagels and the Bishop"Lance KneeshawKatie Baxendale & Kay Mellor21 January 2004 (2004-01-21)
Lauren has the chance to make all her acting dreams come true, but at the price of losing everything and everybody that matters. Can she get back her friends when she needs them most?
185"Afters"Lance KneeshawKay Mellor & Debbie Oates28 January 2004 (2004-01-28)
Rebecca decides it's time to leave home. Her boyfriend, Sean, is keen to help with the move, but her break for independence is short-lived when tragedy strikes and Norma needs support.
196"Food of Love"Lance KneeshawKatie Baxendale & Kay Mellor4 February 2004 (2004-02-04)
Jamie's love life picks up when he falls for a beautiful woman who falls for him, too, but when things get in the way, such as her having a daughter and an ex-prisoner ex-boyfriend, will things turn out for the best for Jamie? The gang also head back to Trisha for their final weigh-in. While Jamie provides the food, Kelly gives birth to a baby boy. Note: this episode sees the guest appearance of Trisha Goddard.

Series 4 (2005)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
201"Enough to Go Around"John DeeryKay Mellor17 February 2005 (2005-02-17)
The group struggles back from a Spanish hotel stay that they won from their appearance on Trisha. Betty can't wait to get home, so intent is she on seeing her son Simon.
212"Second Helpings"Lance KneeshawGaynor Faye & Kay Mellor24 February 2005 (2005-02-24)
Kelly starts to moan about Betty's friendship with her long-lost son, and she starts to mistreat Kev. She is then tempted by Max as Kev gets a new assistant in the chip shop. Will Kelly be able to hold it together with her new fitness coach?
223"Angel's Delight"Lance KneeshawRuth Jones & Kay Mellor3 March 2005 (2005-03-03)
Norma throws herself into pensioner speed-dating and, after two glasses of wine, decides to advertise herself on the local radio lonely hearts phone-in. It's not long before a queue of eligible men has formed around the block, but it's the dashing Eddie who captures her heart. Bowling, dancing and romancing ensue, and soon a weekend in Filey is on the cards. Is Eddie all he seems, though?
234"Get Out of the Kitchen"Lance KneeshawGaynor Faye & Kay Mellor10 March 2005 (2005-03-10)
Claire and her little girl have moved in with Jamie, but are her feelings of sickness more than just a dodgy curry? The barmaid at Woody's seems to know the answer and so much more, as she doesn't even know Claire by that name. Rebecca suspects the truth, but keeps her mouth shut until it's too late. Claire is then hit by a car resulting in her death, and Jamie decides to fight for custody of Claire's daughter.
245"Healthy Options"John AndersonKay Mellor & Debbie Oates17 March 2005 (2005-03-17)
The friends head off for a free weekend at a health spa. Carol has done a dodgy deal, as, all of a sudden, the friends are booked for a photo-shoot. Some parts are OK, yet others are a little bit revealing. Max and Carol flirt with each other, which ends up a little bit more than they both suspected. Carol then finds out about Max's past and decides not to go with him. They end up together at the end of the episode, while Lauren has decided that this is her perfect chance to get beautified before the wedding, and Norma seems more intent on eating the fruit than wearing it.
256"Icing on the Cake"John AndersonKay Mellor & Debbie Oates24 March 2005 (2005-03-24)
Lauren's wedding day approaches. She's always been the skinniest of the bunch, but not without problems. Having found her dream man in vicar Paul, she also gets a shot at fame as a weathergirl. Only Paul seems jealous of her success, while her parents refuse to come to the wedding. She's got a fabulous frock and a man willing to make a sacrifice for her, but will there be a happy ending?

Ratings

[edit]
Series 1
Episode No. Airdate Total Viewers[1] ITV Weekly Rank[1]
1.1 12 October 2000 10,370,000 13
1.2 19 October 2000 8,660,000 16
1.3 26 October 2000 9,190,000 16
1.4 2 November 2000 9,140,000 15
1.5 9 November 2000 8,790,000 16
1.6 16 November 2000 9,610,000 16
Series 2
Episode No. Airdate Total Viewers[1] ITV Weekly Rank[1]
2.1 5 September 2002 7,810,000 16
2.2 12 September 2002 7,260,000 14
2.3 19 September 2002 7,280,000 12
2.4 26 September 2002 6,610,000 16
2.5 3 October 2002 6,450,000 18
2.6 10 October 2002 6,990,000 15
2.7 17 October 2002 7,020,000 16
Series 3
Episode No. Airdate Total Viewers[1] ITV Weekly Rank[1]
3.1 1 January 2004 6,470,000 23
3.2 7 January 2004 7,360,000 19
3.3 14 January 2004 7,470,000 18
3.4 21 January 2004 7,540,000 17
3.5 28 January 2004 8,690,000 22
3.6 4 February 2004 7,240,000 22
Series 4
Episode No. Airdate Total Viewers[1] ITV Weekly Rank[1]
4.1 17 February 2005 6,560,000 18
4.2 24 February 2005 7,510,000 15
4.3 3 March 2005 7,030,000 19
4.4 10 March 2005 5,600,000 20
4.5 17 March 2005 6,050,000 20
4.6 24 March 2005 5,790,000 19

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Home media

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Fat Friends was originally released on VHS for its first series, and was the only series to be released in the format. This was followed by a DVD release of the first series, as well as box set comprising the first three series, in March 2005, while the second and third series were made available individually in April 2005. Distribution rights were held by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in the UK, however all DVD releases are now out-of-print. The fourth series has never been released on DVD.

The first series was also released in Australia in 2005, via Shock Records, and in the United States, from Alchemy / Millennium in 2007.

Series Release date No. of
discs 		Rating
VHS (UK) Region 1 DVD Region 2 DVD Region 4 DVD BBFC ACB
Series 1 24 June 2002 13 February 2007[2] 21 March 2005[3] 19 September 2005[4] 2 15[5] MA15+[6]
Series 2 — — 18 April 2005[7] — 2 15[5] —
Series 3 — — 18 April 2005[8] — 2 15[5] —
Series 1, 2 & 3 — — 21 March 2005[9] — 6 15[5] —

Stage musical adaptation

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Grand Theatre, Leeds, decorated for Fat Friends the Musical

A stage musical adaptation of the series directed and written by original creator, Kay Mellor, with music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber made its world premiere at the Grand Theatre in Leeds on 7 November 2017 before embarking on a UK tour, starring Jodie Prenger as Kelly Stevenson.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fat Friends

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fat Friends is a British comedy-drama television series created and written by that aired on ITV from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005, consisting of 25 episodes across four series. The show is set in and centres on the personal struggles, relationships, and humorous endeavours of a diverse group of overweight individuals attending a local slimming club called Weigh to Go, where they support each other amid societal pressures and dieting challenges. The series explores themes of , friendship, and resilience, blending heartfelt drama with light-hearted comedy to portray the realities of in a relatable and non-judgmental manner. Produced by Rollem Productions, Fat Friends was notable for its ensemble cast, including rising stars as the aspiring actor Jamie Rymer and as the resilient Kelly Chadwick, alongside veteran actors like as Betty Simpson, as the club's leader Carol McGary, as Lauren, and as Norma Patterson. The programme received praise for its authentic depiction of northern English life and contributed to the early career breakthroughs of Corden and Jones, who would later collaborate on the hit series . Critically, Fat Friends achieved an rating of 7.4/10 and has been revisited in recent years for its commentary on 2000s body-shaming culture, particularly as it became available on streaming platforms like and . While some modern viewers note its dated attitudes toward , the series remains influential for humanising its characters' journeys and highlighting the emotional complexities of .

Production

Development

Fat Friends was created by , who drew inspiration from her research into real-life slimming clubs in , where she attended sessions to observe the social dynamics and personal struggles of members. During this process, Mellor herself became fixated on after the group leader informed her that she was two stone overweight, an experience that deeply influenced the series' portrayal of and dieting pressures. She was motivated by broader societal obsessions with weight and , aiming to blend humor and in depicting these themes. The series was produced by Mellor's company, Rollem Productions, in association with Tiger Aspect Productions and Yorkshire Television for ITV. It premiered on 12 October 2000 and ran for four series until 24 March 2005, comprising 25 episodes in total, with most seasons featuring 6 or 7 hour-long installments and later ones including 90-minute specials. Mellor wrote the majority of the episodes, ensuring the narrative evolved from its initial comedy-drama roots to incorporate deeper dramatic explorations of personal and social issues across the seasons.

Casting and crew

The casting for Fat Friends emphasized authentic representation of working-class Leeds life, with creator selecting actors who embodied the show's body-positive themes and regional identity. For the 2000 debut series, Mellor cast as the resilient Kelly Chadwick, as the young Jamie Rymer, and her daughter as the aspiring actress , drawing on their natural Northern English accents to ground the slimming club narrative in local authenticity. Key production staff included Mellor herself as and across all four series, alongside Greg Brenman for the full run of 25 episodes. Directing duties were shared among talents such as David Wheatley for three episodes and Audrey Cooke for six, with David Reynolds. These choices reflected Mellor's hands-on approach to assembling a team capable of blending humor and on weight and . Subsequent series introduced recurring roles to expand the ensemble, notably as the vulnerable Sharon Wormersley starting in series 2 (2002), adding depth to the group's dynamics while maintaining the focus on diverse body types and unfiltered dialects. Casting changes occurred over time, including the departure of after two series, with some characters phased out following series 3 to refresh storylines amid the show's evolving premise of personal growth in a supportive community. This approach prioritized genuine portrayals over conventional beauty standards, aligning with the series' emphasis on body-positive narratives.

Premise and characters

Setting and themes

Fat Friends is primarily set in , , , centering on the weekly meetings of a local slimming club where members support each other in their weight loss efforts. Additional scenes unfold in the characters' everyday environments, including their homes, pubs, and workplaces across the city, grounding the narrative in authentic northern English working-class life. The series delves into key themes of and the pervasive stigma surrounding , portraying the psychological toll of societal expectations on individuals. It examines as a common response to stress and trauma, while underscoring the power of supportive friendships within the group to foster resilience and mutual encouragement. Broader motifs include class dynamics and the intricacies of personal relationships, illustrating how weight intersects with socioeconomic and interpersonal challenges. The tone strikes a balance between humor and , using lighthearted banter during club sessions to offset deeper explorations of vulnerability and . This approach draws from the real-world dynamics of British slimming clubs, akin to Weight Watchers-style groups, where camaraderie mixes with the frustrations of . Structured as 50-minute episodes across four series from 2000 to 2005, the show employs a semi-serialized format, with interconnected storylines progressing through recurring weigh-ins that serve as pivotal emotional anchors. In its cultural context, Fat Friends mirrors early UK preoccupations with and dieting, capturing a era when public discourse on emphasized personal responsibility amid growing awareness of fatphobia and .

Cast and characters

The slimming club in Fat Friends is led by Carol McGary, portrayed by , who serves as the authoritative yet sceptical coach overseeing the weekly weigh-ins and group sessions. Carol maintains order among the members, often providing while grappling with her own professional and personal challenges within the Leeds-based group. Among the core members is Kelly Chadwick, played by Ruth Jones, a warm but chaotic fish-and-chip shop worker whose impulsive nature frequently disrupts the club's routines. As the daughter of fellow member Betty Simpson (Alison Steadman), Kelly's family ties add layers to her storylines, including marital strains with her husband Kevin (Jonathan Ryland) and emotional support from her overbearing yet caring mother, who embodies a maternal figure in the club. Betty, in turn, offers comic relief through her nosy and protective personality, frequently meddling in others' lives during meetings. Jamie Rymer, enacted by , represents the younger generation as a teenager struggling with weight-related and issues, bringing youthful energy and vulnerability to the group. His arcs often highlight and family dynamics, contrasting with the adults' experiences and fostering mentorship bonds within the club, such as guidance from Carol or Betty. Supporting characters enrich the club's ensemble, including (Gaynor Faye), an ambitious aspiring actress motivated by her desire to slim down for career opportunities, and Sharon Wormersley (Sheridan Smith), the optimistic newcomer whose enthusiasm injects positivity into the weigh-ins despite her inexperience. Other recurring figures like Rebecca Patterson (Lisa Riley), a lively addition from series two, and Alan Ashburn (Richard Ridings) provide practical and humorous support, often handling club logistics or light-hearted subplots. The characters' relationships revolve around the slimming club's communal weigh-ins, where candid discussions reveal personal vulnerabilities, from Kelly's familial tensions to Jamie's schoolyard taunts, creating a supportive network amid shared struggles. This dynamic emphasizes mutual encouragement, with conflicts arising from individual setbacks but resolved through collective empathy. The portrayal of diversity in the club spans ages from teenagers like to seniors like Norma Patterson (), includes both genders with male perspectives from and Alan, and incorporates varied backgrounds, such as Aysha Kapoor () and Max Robertson (), reflecting multicultural life.

Episodes

Series overview

Fat Friends is a British comedy-drama series that aired on ITV, comprising 25 episodes across four series from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. The show follows the lives of members of a Leeds-based slimming club as they navigate weight loss challenges, personal relationships, and everyday struggles. The series structure includes: Series 1 with 6 episodes broadcast from 12 October to 16 November 2000; Series 2 with 7 episodes from 5 September to 17 October 2002; Series 3 with 6 episodes from 1 January to 4 February 2004; and Series 4 with 6 episodes from 17 February to 24 March 2005. Airing intervals between seasons reflected the production schedule amid creator Kay Mellor's commitments to other television projects, such as Playing the Field and Between the Sheets. Narratively, the first series introduces the slimming club and its core members, establishing their dynamics and initial weight-loss journeys. Subsequent series deepen explorations of individual backstories, including family issues and romantic entanglements, building toward resolutions and subtle nods to potential future developments in the final season. Consistent across all episodes, the format revolves around weekly weigh-in meetings at the club, punctuated by character-driven subplots that highlight themes of and community support. Key characters such as Carol McGary, the club's resilient leader, and members like Kelly Simpson provide continuity, with their evolving stories anchoring the overarching arcs.

Series 1 (2000)

Series 1 of Fat Friends introduces the core members of the Weigh to Go slimming club in , including organizer Carol, who supports the group through their journeys amid personal challenges. The six-episode run establishes the club's dynamics, with weekly weigh-ins serving as a backdrop for building friendships and revealing backstories, such as bride-to-be Kelly's frantic dieting for her upcoming to Kevin and bus driver Alan's efforts to slim down for his anniversary. The series aired on ITV from 12 to 16 November , with episodes focusing on individual motivations and humorous mishaps in the pursuit of .

Episode List

  • Episode 1: "Love Me Slender" (12 )
    , having lost over five stone, competes in the Super Slimmers regional finals, but her success strains her marriage as her husband struggles with her transformation; meanwhile, Kelly begins intensely for her , highlighting the club's supportive yet chaotic atmosphere.
  • Episode 2: "Fat Chance" (19 October 2000)
    Alan attempts to diet for his 20th with wife , planning a romantic meal that disastrously ends with her announcing their marriage is over, underscoring the personal toll of weight-related insecurities.
  • Episode 3: "Fat Free" (26 October 2000)
    Aspiring actress aims to shed five pounds for a audition and goes on a crash , introducing themes of unhealthy dieting pressures within the group.
  • Episode 4: "" (2 November 2000)
    Fifteen-year-old Jamie joins the club to support his depressed mother and escape school bullies, marking the introduction of younger perspectives on and family dynamics in the slimming club.
  • Episode 5: "Face the Fat" (9 November 2000)
    Val, facing her ex-husband Richard at a product launch for her new supplement, hires an escort named Carl who impresses the guests but later suggests unconventional theories that clash with her views, adding comedic subplots around club members' social facades.
  • Episode 6: "When the Fat Lady Sings" (16 November 2000)
    At her hen party, Kelly combines diet pills with alcohol and skipped meals, leading to a loss of inhibitions and chaotic night out; questions his exclusion from the event, revealing underlying tensions in their relationship.
Key arcs in the series center on the formation of group bonds during initial weigh-ins and meetings, where members like Kelly and Alan share vulnerabilities, such as Kelly's stress and Alan's crumbling , fostering mutual encouragement. Subplots emphasize humor from failed diets, including Betty's post-weight-loss conflicts and Lauren's audition woes, alongside club antics like Jamie's youthful integration and Val's escort mishap, which highlight the blend of comedy and emotional support. The finale , with Kelly's reckless behavior exposing relational strains with , teases deeper emotional explorations in subsequent series.

Series 2 (2002)

The second series of Fat Friends, airing on ITV in 2002, builds on the established dynamics of the slimming club by introducing escalating personal conflicts and new relationships among the members. Set against the backdrop of everyday struggles in , the delves deeper into themes of , marital discord, and the temptations of comfort eating, while the group faces external pressures like competitive events. New character Sharon Wormersley (played by ) joins in the finale, bringing a subplot of workplace tension and budding romance that highlights ongoing issues within the community. The series consists of seven episodes, each focusing on individual character arcs while advancing the collective narrative of the club's efforts to support one another. Airing weekly from early September to mid-October, the episodes emphasize relational growth and the challenges of sustaining weight loss amid life stressors.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1Full Belly5 September 2002Carol returns to the club single and launches a new slimming initiative, but faces resistance from members; Betty juggles the chaos of her newborn son and the family fish-and-chip shop, while newlywed Kelly grapples with dissatisfaction in her marriage to Kevin.
2Peaches and Dreams12 September 2002Lauren obsesses over her weight and life choices, complicated by her parents' expectations, her sister's hospitalization for pregnancy complications, and an awkward date with vicar Paul; meanwhile, Carol pushes the group toward healthier habits with limited buy-in.
3Forty and In-Fatuated19 September 2002Val marks her 40th birthday alone after preparing a surprise celebration that her absent husband ignores, leading to reflections on her unfulfilling marriage and insecurities about aging and attractiveness.
4Sweet and Sour26 September 2002Alan's high blood pressure spikes upon receiving divorce papers from his wife, straining his participation in the club; the group rallies for a national slimming competition, testing their unity and commitment under pressure.
5Sticky Fingers3 October 2002Teenager Jamie, facing isolation as an overweight youth, befriends shady second-hand car dealer Craig and splurges his birthday money on clothes and a unreliable vehicle, resulting in a painful lesson about misplaced trust and peer influence.
6In Full Bloom10 October 2002Rebecca thrives at her garden centre job until a new colleague resurfaces her troubled past, forcing her to confront unresolved emotional baggage; Sharon Wormersley is introduced as a club member dealing with bullying and an emerging romantic interest.
7Hunger Pangs17 October 2002Postpartum Betty feels increasingly isolated and battles weight gain, only to be rattled by the arrival of her childhood sweetheart at the club, stirring suppressed emotions and testing her loyalty to her strained marriage.
Key story arcs in the series deepen the exploration of as a mechanism for emotional voids, particularly through Betty's pressures and Val's marital , illustrating how personal setbacks undermine group progress. strains intensify across multiple households, from Kelly and Kevin's early marital woes to Alan's impending , underscoring the ripple effects of weight-related insecurities on relationships. The slimming club's involvement in competitions, as seen in the national event preparations, heightens tensions and fosters camaraderie but also exposes leadership challenges for Carol in motivating a fractious group. Notable events include Jamie's ill-fated foray into risky friendships, which mirrors broader adolescent struggles with and belonging in a school environment, and the introduction of romantic subplots like Sharon's, which add layers of to the club's . Carol's efforts to assert authority face pushback, testing her role as the group's anchor amid rising personal dramas. These elements subtly echo Kay Mellor's recurring Leeds-centric themes of working-class resilience and interpersonal bonds, seen in her other productions.

Series 3 (2004)

The third series of Fat Friends aired on ITV from 1 to 4 February 2004, following a two-year production gap after the second series concluded in 2002, which allowed the creative team to develop deeper personal narratives amid evolving cast commitments. This installment heightened the emotional stakes through health-related challenges and personal revelations, emphasizing themes of secrets, romantic entanglements, and the supportive dynamics of the slimming club group. Character evolutions were prominent, with members confronting betrayals, pregnancies, and tragedies that tested their resilience and solidarity against societal judgments on body image and lifestyle choices. Key arcs in the series revolved around intensified health-focused plots, such as Kelly's marital leading to an unexpected , which underscored the intersections of emotional stress and physical in the group's weigh-in routines. Betty's reflection on her past decision brought long-buried trauma to the forefront, fostering group discussions on and identity amid weight loss milestones. Carol's budding romance with fitness instructor Max introduced tensions with her son, highlighting conflicts between personal desires and parental responsibilities in a body-positive context. Meanwhile, Lauren's pursuit of an acting risked her stability but drew crucial support from friends, illustrating the club's in combating external prejudices. Rebecca's move toward ended in , requiring Norma's intervention and reinforcing themes of recovery and communal care. Jamie's romance faced obstacles from his partner's dynamics, culminating in a collective final weigh-in that celebrated incremental progress without exhaustive metrics. These developments amplified betrayals, like Kelly's affair with her brother-in-law, and joyful milestones, such as her eventual , while avoiding broader resolutions. The series comprised six episodes, each exploring these arcs through interconnected storylines centered on illness, recovery, and group cohesion:
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
3x01Eat Your Heart Out1 January 2004On Christmas Eve, Betty grapples with the emotional aftermath of reuniting with the son she gave up for adoption years earlier, prompting reflections on loss and reconciliation within the slimming club.
3x02Leggs Over Easy7 January 2004Kelly's marriage crumbles under pressure, leading to a betrayal as she sleeps with her husband Kevin's gay brother; the episode closes with her discovering a pregnancy, intertwining personal turmoil with health implications.
3x03Food for Thought14 January 2004Carol develops feelings for fitness instructor Max, sparking conflicts with her teenage son and raising questions about self-image and romantic viability in the context of the group's ongoing weight management efforts.
3x04Bacon, Bagels and the Bishop21 January 2004Lauren gambles her security on a promising acting audition but turns to her friends for encouragement, demonstrating the slimming club's solidarity against professional and societal barriers tied to appearance.
3x05Afters28 January 2004As Rebecca attempts to assert independence by moving out, a sudden tragedy strikes, compelling Norma to provide vital support and highlighting the emotional and health recovery processes within the group.
3x06Food of Love (Finale)4 February 2004Jamie's emerging romance is complicated by his love interest's daughter and ex-husband; the group unites for a climactic weigh-in, while Kelly goes into labor, marking a milestone of transformation and birth amid collective cheers.

Series 4 (2005)

Series 4 of Fat Friends, the final season of the ITV comedy-drama, aired from 17 February to 24 March 2005, consisting of six episodes that provided closure to the characters' ongoing journeys within the Leeds-based slimming club. This series shifted focus toward resolutions in personal relationships and changes, building on prior tensions such as conflicts and romantic developments introduced in earlier seasons. The narrative emphasized themes of and support among the group, culminating in emotional farewells and reflections on their collective progress. The episodes are as follows:
  • Episode 1: "Enough to Go Round" (17 February 2005)
    The group returns sun-tanned and relaxed from a in the , won as Slimmers of the Year on the show. Betty eagerly anticipates reuniting with her son Simon, while Kelly grapples with balancing motherhood and assisting at the .
  • Episode 2: "Second Helpings" (24 February 2005)
    Kelly resolves to overcome her rift with her mother by committing fully to the slimming club under Carol's guidance, aiming to lose weight amid personal turmoil. She joins aerobic classes with Max but resists his advances, as receives unexpected assistance at the shop that impacts her emotionally.
  • Episode 3: "Angel's Delight" (3 March 2005)
    Rebecca's romance with thrives, prompting Norma Patterson to confront her and seek companionship through and a radio lonely hearts segment, much to Rebecca's dismay. The episode explores Norma's desire to feel needed in her later years.
  • Episode 4: "Get Out of the Kitchen" (10 March 2005)
    Jamie experiences upward momentum in his life with a new job and relationship with Claire, who moves back in with him and their daughter. However, his friends' unkind remarks about Claire force Jamie to question whether to heed their opinions or ignore them.
  • Episode 5: "Healthy Options" (17 March 2005)
    The group attends a health spa weekend arranged by Carol, where flirtations between Max and Carol heat up in the steam room. Carol's scheme unravels into a deceptive photo shoot, turning the trip into a crisis; the friends must decide whether to expose her or preserve their trust.
  • Episode 6: "Icing on the Cake" (24 March 2005)
    As Lauren prepares for her wedding, the episode delves into family strains versus the reliability of friendships, highlighting whether the group can provide the support her relatives fail to offer on what should be her happiest day. This series finale resolves major arcs, including Lauren's marital milestone and the club's enduring bonds.
Key story arcs in Series 4 centered on long-term character growth, such as Kelly's determination to reclaim post-motherhood and Jamie's navigation of relationship doubts, reflecting the group's evolution from initial weight-loss struggles to deeper emotional resilience. Notable events included the disastrous yet bonding spa getaway, which tested loyalties, and the celebratory wedding finale, offering poignant reflections on chosen family over blood ties. No major character departures occurred, but the season wrapped up loose ends like Norma's quest for companionship and Rebecca's stabilizing romance, providing a of completion. Production on Fat Friends concluded after Series 4, with creator opting to shift her focus to new projects, including the 2006 ITV series Girlfriends, allowing the slimming club narrative to end on a resolved note rather than extend indefinitely. This decision aligned with Mellor's pattern of concluding successful runs to explore fresh themes in her writing.

Reception

Viewership ratings

The first series of Fat Friends achieved strong viewership, averaging 9.3 million viewers across its six episodes, with the drawing 9.7 million (41% audience share) and the show reaching peaks of around 10 million at its height. Subsequent series saw a decline in ratings, with series 2 episodes attracting around 6.7 million viewers and series 4 falling to 5.2–6.6 million, a trend attributed to intensifying competition from dramas during the mid-2000s.

Critical response

Upon its debut in 2000, Fat Friends received praise from critics for its blend of humor and relatable depiction of everyday struggles with weight. reported the series' first episode as a successful outing, crediting Kay Mellor's script for engaging viewers with its ensemble cast and light-hearted approach to a sensitive topic. However, the show faced criticisms for potentially stereotyping and reinforcing societal pressures around . A retrospective analysis in highlighted how the program's overt emphasis on and gain contributed to the era's fatphobia, describing it as and lacking progression in its portrayal of characters. Later seasons were lauded for adding emotional depth to the characters' stories, with Television Heaven noting in that the series "treads a line between and exceptionally well," balancing laughs with poignant insights into personal insecurities. Kay Mellor's writing earned particular acclaim for its authentic dialogue and humanity, as Zoe Williams observed in a 2022 Guardian tribute, praising how Fat Friends infused the weight-loss group narrative with wit that humanized its participants and launched careers like those of Ruth Jones and James Corden. In 2024 reappraisals following the show's streaming availability on Netflix, outlets like the BBC reflected on its enduring influence, with contributors suggesting it paved the way for later works on similar themes, though some viewed it as reflective of outdated attitudes toward body positivity. The 2024 Netflix release also sparked renewed interest, with fans praising the show's humor and cast, leading to discussions of its role in launching Gavin & Stacey. Coverage remained largely confined to UK press, with minimal international reviews noted.

Awards and nominations

Fat Friends received two awards and five nominations during its run.

British Academy Television Awards

2001

Television and Radio Industries Club Awards

2001
  • TV Drama Programme of the Year: Won

TV Quick Awards

2001
  • Best New Drama: Won

Royal Television Society Programme Awards

2001
  • Network Newcomer – On Screen (James Corden): Nominated

Adaptations and legacy

Stage musical adaptation

Fat Friends The Musical is a stage adaptation of the British television series, with book and lyrics by and music and lyrics by . The production premiered at the Grand Theatre from 7 November to 2 December 2017, directed by Mellor. The musical condenses multiple storylines from the original series into a single narrative centered on the slimming club members' efforts to lose weight ahead of Kelly's to Kevin, incorporating songs that explore themes of , struggles, and group weigh-ins. Unlike the episodic TV format, the stage version focuses on interpersonal dynamics and humorous mishaps within the club, such as temptations from food and supportive camaraderie, while integrating musical numbers like those depicting the ritualistic "weigh in" process. The cast featured performers different from the television series, including Jodie Prenger as Kelly Chadwick (originally played by Ruth Jones), Samantha Womack as Angie (TV: Janet Dibley), and Judith Barker reprising her role as Janice Bell from the series. Other notable cast members included Neil Hurst as Kevin Chadwick and Natalie McQueen as Carol McGary. Following its premiere, the production embarked on a UK tour in 2018, visiting venues such as the and , with guest appearances by celebrities like "Freddie" Flintoff as Wesley. A revival tour launched in January 2022 across the and , starring as Kevin, as Kelly, and as Betty, after a postponement due to the . Critics praised the musical's high energy, relatable humor, and strong ensemble performances, particularly in scenes capturing the camaraderie of the slimming club, though some noted the score as serviceable but lacking memorable tunes. The production achieved commercial success, described as a "" in regional theaters, drawing strong audiences with its accessible themes and Northern wit.

Cultural impact and recent availability

Fat Friends played a significant role in early 2000s British television by addressing and through a comedic yet empathetic lens, focusing on the lives of characters in a slimming club. The series highlighted the social and emotional aspects of dieting, challenging the era's prevalent fatphobia and body-shaming narratives that often reduced fat characters to punchlines. This approach contributed to broader discussions on in media, influencing later programs that explored and , such as reality series examining personal journeys. Following the death of creator in May 2022 at age 71, tributes from actors and industry figures underscored Fat Friends as a cornerstone of her legacy, praising its portrayal of working-class stories and strong female characters. Colleagues like and described Mellor as a "warrior woman" whose Bafta-nominated drama brought authenticity to underrepresented voices, with no announcements for new episodes or revivals in the wake of her passing. , who played Jamie Rymer, credited the series with transforming his career, noting it as his first lead role at age 22 and earning him a Award nomination. The passing of cast member , who played , in March 2022 at age 82 further marked a poignant moment for the show's ensemble. Since 2024, Fat Friends has experienced a resurgence in availability, becoming streamable on and in the UK, with ITVX confirming its addition as of July 2025. This has prompted renewed interest and features in media outlets, including a article in 2024 and 2025 coverage in , Express, and Hello! revisiting the cast's trajectories and the show's relevance amid evolving conversations on culture. The series continues to be referenced in discussions of weight stigma, serving as a cultural touchstone for examining the absurdities and emotional toll of body image pressures in modern media.

Home media

In the United Kingdom, the first three series of Fat Friends were released on DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Series 1, 2, and 3 were issued individually, with a complete box set for these series released on 21 March 2005. Series 4 was not released on DVD. No Blu-ray editions have been produced. As of November 2025, all four series are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the US and UK, ITVX in the UK, The Roku Channel (free with ads), and Tubi.

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