Comedy drama by Jim Poyser and Damian Lanigan following the lives of the Conroys, a family living in Stockport.
Writers Damian Lanigan and Jim Poyser used their own experience of growing up around the titular town south of Manchester as the basis for this relatively fresh and original sitcom series. The unusual setting in a distinct real-life location apparently attracted some attention in the local press, and a sense of place was lovingly established via continual "County" and "Robbies' Mild" references, plus liberal use of the northwestern rhyming-slang pejorative "bobbins". Each episode centred on the doings of one or more of the Conroy family: Maureen (Beverley Callard) and husband Eddie (John McArdle), a cab driver and aspiring champion organist, were parents to Michael (Jason Done), lead singer of the scout-hut-conquering Sweater Girls; Karen (Jo-Anne Knowles), who returned home trailing an unsuitable Southern boyfriend; and the 15-year-old narrator, Jason (Dominic Monaghan), a worldly-wise youth embittered by his girlfriend's decision to dump him for a "spoon" of an Italian exchange student. Also present was idiot brother-in-law Dave (Stefan Escreet), a besuited young professional and proud owner of a "Ford Foccus". Regular support, in various roles, was provided by Chris Pavlo and Emma Clarke; Lanigan and Poyser themselves also made appearances. Radiohaha.
Series 1
01. Barbie. Stand by to be dragged kicking and screaming into the lives of the Conroy family. Jack has flu, Faked school reports, awkward band rehearsals, new eating experiences - all in Stockport!
02. The Agony And The Ecstasy. Jason finds that the cultural exchange isn't exactly what it's supposed to be. Gran is losing her legs, and Eddie is trying not to lose his patience...or his fare to Gay Pride.
03. Dib Dib Dib. Jason Conroy takes us into his lovelorn world of odd scoutmasters and errant girlfriends. Gian-Paolo the exchange student is making his presence unwelcome. First, he steals Jason's girlfriend, then his penguin bar.
04. Lights. Jason has a meeting with his ex-girlfriend and is reminded by his brother that cool is a state of mind. Gormless in-law Dave, meanwhile, ruins an important bet. Or at least trying to. Eddie scores tickets to Stockport County's biggest match ever. An even greater challenge faces his son-in-law Dave.
05. Focus. Jason reckons his ex-girlfriend Debbie is after him again, but he can't forgive her for copping off with an Italian. Dave gets his new company car and Karen brings home a potential new member of the family.
06. Organathon. Eddie Conroy attempts the non-stop organ playing record and Jason receives a letter from a secret admirer.
Series 2
01. Mint. Jason and Michael stake their claim in cyberspace. Meanwhile, the Conroys become the subject of an academic study.
02. Claudine. Jason learns to drive and Michael finds a job. But are there strings attached?
03. Roddy. Eddie and Maureen join a book club, and Michael goes to the airport.
04. Siege. Michael accepts the hardest night shift in Manchester. Will Jason's evenings be any easier?
05. Reunion. A visitor brings new branches to the Conroy family tree.
06. Spears. T.V chef Ainsley Harriot has depressed Eddie.
