60 minSeason 4 • Episode 6
LatestLauren'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 attend. She's got a fabulous frock and a man willing to sacrifice for her... Can she get her happy ending?
Fat Friends is an ITV drama created by Kay Mellor, broadcast from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. It follows a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. It examines people and how they relate to one another and use body weight as an excuse for all sorts of failings in their relationships, or not living their lives to the full. Four cast members—Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman—went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Writing
Kay Mellor's ear for working-class dialogue is unmatched.
Acting
Ruth Jones and Sheridan Smith before they were massive.
Production
Leeds locations that feel lived-in, not prettied-up.
Creator
Kay Mellor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Kay Mellor specifically cast larger actors after struggling with her own weight, refusing to put thin actors in fat suits. This was radical for 2000 British TV.
Ruth Jones and James Corden met on this set, later creating Gavin & Stacey together. Their chemistry as Kelly and Jamie? That's the origin story of Nessa and Smithy right there.
GB
