Starlings Episode Rating Graph

Bell and Reuben prepare for their big day, while Gravy makes a life-changing decision.

It has been two weeks since Terry had his heart attack and, acting distant and moody, everyone is understandably worried about him, especially Jan. The Starlings patriarch is soon jolted back to life, though, almost manically so, when Stephen sneaks by the house to drop off a book of poetry it leads to a confrontation... Away from the nest, things get serious between Grandad and Molly after she asks him to move in with her, while Reuben and Bell's run in the park leads to an awkward encounter with one of new episode Reuben's old friends. Plus, Loz owes Fergie when he asks him to spend some alone time with the increasingly obsessive Judith to better his chances of securing a permanent job at the school.

Fergie finds himself behind bars and a panicked Jan prepares for book club. Meanwhile, Grandad gets ready and sets off for a very important date.

Jan heads off on another class outing, this time an overnight stay at a picturesque hotel, tasked to "either write something worth reading or do something worth writing". The assignment is the last thing on her mind, though. Feeling increasingly singled out, Jan asks tutor Stephen why he showers her with so much attention, and is blindsided by his reply. None the wiser, husband Terry gets suited and booted for the opening of Rodney's Bistro, despite feeling poorly. The world of online dating isn't for everyone, including Grandad, who decides to log off after a disastrous date - denture talk is a big no, no. Things look up, however, when he bumps into the delightful Molly on the bus (played by Una Stubbs). Meanwhile, Gravy and Coggie gather evidence to prove they're a couple, and Loz starts to feel increasingly uncomfortable about Fergie and Judith's history together.

Normally considered a quiet, relaxing pursuit, Terry, Grandad and Loz's fishing trip turns out to be anything but.

The Starlings are a normal brood getting on with life in Matlock, Derbyshire, tackling obstacles as and when they come, and they've got a fair few in this first episode. Terry and Jan have just moved Grandad into their already-crammed home - following an unspecified incident at the retirement home - to share with none-too-pleased teen Charlie, and now they're preparing for one more arrival. It's only small and due any minute as daughter Bell goes into labour via a birthing pool in the living room. Then there's Grandad's illegitimate son and, erm, interesting artist Loz, Jan's nephew and returning traveller Fergi out in the caravan and Bell's ex-boyfriend Reuben, who's determined to make things right and get Bell back. Throw in Terry's suspicious phone calls and oddball son Gravy losing one of his friends of the "four-legged and four-armed" variety, and it's fair to say that our weekly visits to the Starlings nest are going to be pretty eventful.

Jan takes a brief reprieve from the chaos of domesticity to embrace her inner author for a short story competition in Derbyshire Life. However, Grandad is acting more strangely than usual.

Fergie starts a new business venture. Bell spends some time with the in-laws. Grandad's day out with a friend does not go to plan.

Jan reminds Terry of a promise he made years ago about getting the "snippity-snip" once the kids were older, and, though normally a man of his word, this is one deal he might want to back out of.

The Starlings nest is well and truly rocked this week, first nudged by the unexpected arrival of Sandra, Jan's sister and Fergie's estranged mum (Deborah Findlay). To say that mother and son have some issues to iron out is a huge understatement. Grandad, meanwhile, turns down a dancing date with Molly, and Reuben fails to make the most of his alone time with Bell. No-one likes to receive the silent treatment and Jan is an absolute pro at administering it, shunning Gravy over his impromptu engagement, and giving young Charlie a dose because of her newfound interest in motorbikes. Jan's mood further tumbles when Terry tries to persuade her to consider the move to Majorca, a heated conversation that leaves the pair at loggerheads. The closing scene, however, puts everything on hold.