Shelley is (still) separated from Fran, and lives on his own, doing his best to avoid obtaining gainful employment.
The series begins with Shelley returning to the UK from Kuwait after teaching English for several years, only to find that his calls to his old friends are now screened by answering machines and that yuppieness has taken root in his old neighbourhood.
After nearly five years away teaching in the Middle-East, Shelley flies back into the UK.
He's shocked to find a new world of high rent, yuppies and wine bars but seems to have inadvertently parted company with his luggage.
Shelley is settling back into life in the UK and turns up for his first day for a new role at the local gym.
After running into a vicar dressed as a chicken on the treadmill, his faith becomes severely tested.
After being mugged and having his wallet stolen, Shelley finds himself nursing his sore head in the local hospital ward.
His brain doesn't appear to have sustained too much damage thankfully, although it seems the NHS may have further indignities to confound his pain.
It's Shelley's birthday but he's feeling a bit neglected, despite a solitary birthday card from Fran.
During a visit to the local wine bar with Carol and Graham, a chance meeting gives him just the opportunity he needs to feel more in the 'party' mood.
When Shelley starts receiving hate-mail and threats, he starts to wonder whom he could have possibly upset and calls in the police.
Meanwhile Carol thinks his time could be better spent repainting his flat, although her rates of hourly pay for services rendered seem to be criminal too.
When Graham becomes overwhelmed with stress at work, he finds some solace in the wisdom of Shelley.