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Ben Harper, a misanthropic dentist, has little time for most people, including his wife Susan, and their children Nick, Janey, and Michael.

The daily lives of Jimmy, his two kids and his mother in law whilst his wife is in Africa.

Welcome to the life of Bex Atwell.

Susan sends Janey in her place to visit her mother, where Janey finds out a family secret. Meanwhile, Michael stands in his school elections and Ben is on a quest to find excitement in his family tree.

Ben hates Christmas at the best of times but this year mother-in-law Grace is staying, Nick's hippy friend Alfie turns up from Wales and Susan insists on booking an expensive clown, Shingles, for Kenzo's birthday on Christmas Eve. To save money Ben asks Roger to play the clown but he gets drunk so Ben has to save the day. Finding an expensive ring Ben thinks it is a present from Susan - but it turns out to be from Grace for her lover - so he buys her a first edition of a Virginia Woolf novel at a grand plus.

It's Ben's birthday, and Janey comes for a visit with a friend.

Susan and Janey agree to switch lives for a week. Roger embraces the "cowboy way".

Janey goes to university in Manchester, and an all out battle ensues over her room.

Susan is disapproving of Nick's new girlfriend, Amanda, and invites her to dinner to express her feelings on the matter. Things become heated, however, when Susan realizes that she's married! Meanwhile, Michael has a new computer, and Janey feels neglected.

Nick needs a job and Susan volunteers to hire him to work with her. Meanwhile Ben inadvertently calls Janey a prostitute as the two discuss her boyfriends.

Michael's on his first date and asks Nick for the facts of life. Meanwhile, Nick breaks his father's chair and Janey has her eye on a £98 pair of jeans.

When Ben meets one of his old school-friends, he considers the idea of investing some money, and asks him for advice. Meanwhile, Nick tries to sell his body parts on eBay.

Susan becomes temporarily blind after a discovery at home. Ben has jury duty.

Nick's decision to form a Motorcycle Stunt Display Team leads to him winding up in hospital with numerous injuries. However, he soon enjoys being able to call a nurse at the press of a button! Meanwhile Susan decides that Ben needs to tell Nick that he loves him.

Ben loses his luggage on a free holiday to Lanzarote, Spain. A new camera causes complications.

A particularly fearsome thunder-storm results in the family taking refuge in the master bedroom. However they are joined by a host of well-known faces including actors and television presenters, thanks to Nick, who is now a party reviewer and has decided to bring them home to meet the family.

As one of Susan's tour group dies unexpectedly, she decides that the family needs life insurance. Nick agrees, but only in order to win favour with his new girlfriend - a life insurance salesperson!

When Aunt Margaret dies, Ben has to travel to Leeds for the funeral with Nick. However, things descend into chaos as the two have to share a bed in a hotel! Worse still, Susan has acquired some "flu medicine" from one of Janey's friends.

Susan insists on traveling to Manchester for the birth of Janey's baby, and the journey triggers flashbacks of Nick's birth.

One of Britain's best loved heartthrobs visits Ben's surgery. Susan is fired.

It's Christmas at the Harpers, Janey comes home with a gift for the holidays, and Nick has an idea for a holiday business.

Ben feuds with his neighbor, Mr Casey, and the two become involved in a lengthy battle for moral supremacy. Meanwhile, Janey has her driving test but cannot find a responsible adult to practice with.

Ben learns a patient's son is making advances toward his daughter. Susan has tickets to the opera.

Susan wants a burglar alarm. Nick wants to become a stripper.

Susan decides to run for the council. Ben enters a crossword contest. Michael gets a pet.